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Cyndicate #1

Sins of the Shadows

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In the dark world of Orbis, Pym was a name whispered with equal parts fear and awe. For twenty-six years, she embraced the darkness, traversing Orbis and leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. But just as she believed she had seen it all, an unexpected invitation arrived, unveiling a path she never anticipated. The invitation came from the hallowed halls of Hollyhock, an elite academic institution shrouded in mystery, and stepped in the art of assassination. Pym must confront her own past while navigating the murky waters of trust and betrayal. With her life and the lives of those she now holds dear hanging in the balance, she must unravel the mysteries that surround her and Hollyhock before they consume them all.

541 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2023

73 people are currently reading
464 people want to read

About the author

Arianna Isabella

11 books37 followers
Arianna Isabella is an author of gothic and whimsical dark fiction whose work explores the tangled roots of betrayal, identity, and survival.

Known for plot-driven narratives wrapped in poetic prose, her stories linger at the edge of the forbidden, where relationships unravel, power is never clean, and desire rarely comes without consequence.

Writing through a Black, queer, polyamorous, and AuDHD lens, Arianna crafts emotionally rich fiction that resonates with readers who crave depth, danger, and beautifully complicated characters. Inspired by her love of reading of visionaries of fiction, who shaped her belief that fantasy is political power, and that power must be personal

Her body of work includes the Cyndicate series, a cinematic dark academia thriller exploring institutional power and interpersonal fracture, and Neverwraith, a haunting fantasy reimaging that casts lost boyhood in shadow.

In addition to her work as a writer, Arianna is a junior lecturer and the force behind Ink & Rebellion, a dark fiction brand built on intellect and defiance. She lives in the UK, building worlds where the fantasy is lush, the danger is real, and the politics are never background noise.

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5 stars
31 (64%)
4 stars
7 (14%)
3 stars
7 (14%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy Booktalk.
310 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2024
This book was recommended to me and loved it from the first chapter. Now I am a big fan of Ariannas books. Just pick up one of her books and see why I will run to read anything this epic author writes!
Profile Image for SazziesWorld.
62 reviews46 followers
February 8, 2024
This is an intense read. Lots of characters from the get go. Lots of emotional turmoil.
Profile Image for Lizzy Bookish.
88 reviews117 followers
October 12, 2023
Arianna Isabella, writing is beautiful. This book was enjoyable beginning to end.
- dark academia
- why choose
- bad ass FMC
- amazing characters
-great world building
-suspenseful


It is an honor to be apart of an arc team of a book you absolutely love! & I can NOT wait for book number two.
Profile Image for Maxine.
373 reviews18 followers
January 15, 2024
If you like a book with suspense, twists, secrets and constantly wondering who your friends are and who are your foes then this is the book for you. This book does leave on a cliffhanger and is an ongoing series.

I will say for me that I did almost dnf this series. At the first part of the book before the academy when they are going through their first trials the way the world described and the way the characters interacted with one another was described in very grand descriptive language. In some ways it reminded me of some of the old classics and the writing was very beautiful it can be hard to consume for long periods at least for me. It was just hard for me to really sink into the story. But I really was curious where the story/plot was going so I stuck to it I feel the after the first part when they are in the academy it smooths out and I was able to sink more into the story and I did enjoy it a lot more.

I really enjoyed reading the Prym character who is the main FMC who is just trying to survive and really find her place in the world that makes her feel like she can't belong and that no one can be trusted. She has been forced to become strong due to her traumatic past and has become a fierce a$$asian. But she protects her heart and lets very few people. It was really amazing to read her taking every hit and coming out maybe damaged but not broken and filled with more fire towards her goal.

This is a why choose with her, 2 men and 1 woman and she gets into some spicy scenarios with them all.

There are a lot of characters in this book and group that it can be overwhelming at times. Even though we don't always get their point of views it can be a little hard trying to keep track of all the people and how they came to be a part of the group and what their part of the story is. But each person did add another layer to the story that made it compelling.

In the end this was a dark, thrilling tale with a heartbreaking twist at the end that makes me curious where the story is going to go.

In the Dark world of Orbis Pym is a name whisper in fear and admiration. It is with the bodies she has left that she draws the attention of Hollyhock an elite academy with a lot of secrets. Upon receiving an invitation starts off a set of trials where she must work with others on a list of targets to prove their worth to gain final entry. These trials form an unbreakable bond or so she thought because once she the people she started to believe in, and trust seem to have abandoned her once they made their way on to the school grounds after initiation. Seems they like the factions on campus no longer have use for her especially since she is unchosen. But that won't stop her from surviving and doing that by any means necessary even if it means uncovering all the secrets these halls have hidden.
Profile Image for Phyllica.
608 reviews30 followers
October 12, 2023
I am unwell.
I am gobsmacked.
I am at a loss for words and will not justify how much I loved this book in this review.
This book is easily a 5+ star read for me. From the very first page, I was hooked. I was thrown so deep into the words on the pages, I was dreaming about the characters between reading sessions. For starters, the FMC is the full embodiment of a fierce heroine, who may be stubborn at times, but never falters and never truly gives up. The MMC's are so dang enticing and say all of the right things. Even the side females are incredibly fierce and continue to fight no matter what.
This author did a phenomenal job creating this world and such an intricate underground of assassins. Layers upon layers of secrets, betrayals, and knowledge are written among the pages. It took me a few days to complete this book because around every corner was a twist and turn that threw my head for a spin. I did half figure out the ending, but I was NOT prepared for the last ~50 pages. My jaw was left wide open. There are a few lines towards the end that absolutely broke me.
IN-freaking- CREDIBLE! Easily added to my top reads for the 2023.
Arianna Isabella is an amazing author and I can't wait to see what she creates in future books.
Profile Image for Alli The Book Giraffe.
300 reviews43 followers
October 7, 2023
ARC review

This was such a great book! I loved all the characters, especially Pym. For the tropes, we have a why choose romance with a good amount of spice sprinkled throughout and the found family trope, which is always a good one. There is a badass FMC being Pym and the men have that possessive energy that most romance lovers cannot get enough of. Pym is someone who has never really had a true family and it was great to see her gain one by chance.

The writing is amazing. Some of the best I've read in my time being a reader. It's very fast paced with a lot of action and so immersive. One thing I didn't love is how long the chapters are toward the beginning, but it wasn't a huge deal.

I can't wait to read the next book when it comes out! That ending was such a good one and bit of a cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Kendra Dawn.
162 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2023
When I tell you that I am now OBSESSED!!!!
I was given the opportunity to ARC read Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadows and OMG, I was completely hooked by page one. Arianna Isabella does a fantastic job building the world of Orbis in a way that readers can easily envision and find themselves there. The characters were diverse and fully thought out. The FMC intense, deep, and a bad-ass. I truly appreciated the level of representation in this book series. I know this will be a multiple read for me as I will have to wait for book two to drop…but I also know that each read will be better and better as I find more and more easter eggs. If you’re looking for a dark academia book that is action packed, a thriller, SPICY, and keeps you on your toes…THIS IS YOUR BOOK!!!!
Profile Image for Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook.
752 reviews24 followers
February 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. For a while I did feel it was a bit chaotic, but overall it is a nice book. The book starts making more sense closer to the end of the book.

This Dark Academia is a action packed read. Due to the darker Nature of this book please check trigger warnings before reading.
The book has several spicy scenes between different characters throughout the story. There isn’t one specific couple that is followed.
The story follows a team of inductees. Each character has a unique personality, that adds a strength to their team.
The world building is extremely complex, and may be harder for those not use to books of this caliber to follow.
The book moves at a quick pace, with tons of tasks assigned to the team.
Profile Image for Perla Hernandez.
29 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2024
Omg this book was amazing. It took me a few days of slowly reading it to really get into it, but once I was a few chapters in I was hooked. I haven’t read a book in 3rd person in a while so it threw me for a loop but once I got used to the writing style it actually really nice to be able to see all the different characters perspectives.

I loved the super badass FMC, and the relationship she formed with not only the multiple love interests but also the other characters in her group.

This book had no many different twists and turns I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The multiple love interests/ why choose aspect was phenomenal. I fell in love with all of them from the first moment!!

This is a definite must read!!!
Profile Image for Kayla Miller.
169 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2023
Cyndicate- Sins of the Shadows by Arianna Isabella is jaw dropping, immersive and well written. I’ve been beyond excited to read this one and I was not disappointed one bit. I was pulled in right away, refusing to put it down until it was finished. The world building, suspense, and surprise I was hit with during this read easily puts this in one of my top reads of the year. She delivered us a fierce FMC, betrayal, found family, darkness, twists and more leaving you begging for it not to end. Arianna delivered everything and more I was hoping for, I can’t wait for future reads from her.
Profile Image for Veronica  Hernandez.
189 reviews7 followers
October 3, 2023
From the start this book had me and never once was I bored. Our main FMC is such a badass and there are several of them in this book. Love how these group of ppl stuck together and had each others backs especially Pym’s. Also this is a dark-romance book with gruesome murder scenes, but the author has been amazing about sharing the trigger warnings so please check those out. Tropes include- found family, who choose, spice. This was such a fun assassin thriller read.
Profile Image for BooklovingLou.
156 reviews13 followers
October 12, 2023
What a book!!!!!

What you will get when you read this book:

Well written
Fast paced
Action
Badass FMC
Good plot
So immersive I was lost in the story
Why Choose
One Bed Trope
Found Family

Pym, the FMC, is a badass who while is navigating confronting her past and dealing with the current events. She finds herself surrounded by a group of people who turn out to be like family.

This is such a fun thriller book. I can't wait to what for book 2.
Profile Image for Kristens_korner .
428 reviews24 followers
February 29, 2024
I am absolutely stunningly in love with the book. The intricate details. The tension and anticipation. Each character is unique and captivating. The fire and the passion and loyalty portrayed were absolutely amazing. The whole storyline had me constantly on the edge of my seat page after page. My heart trembled, and I laughed, and I cried, and I cheered, and I loved every single moment. Thank you to the author for this beautiful book!
Profile Image for Brittany.
94 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2023
I will start by saying I received an ARC copy of this book and promised to give an honest review!

I really loved this book! It's not in my normal genre, but it's so beautifully written and keeps you captivated the entire time. So sad that it ends on a cliffhanger, but it keeps you even more hooked! I absolutely recommend this book when it's released!
Profile Image for Brittney.
174 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2024
I started reading this book without reading the blurb or trigger warnings. I like to surprise myself so I went in blind. I will say that I am SO happy that I did! This book was intense, action packed, inclusive, spicy with a daunting journey of trust and betrayal. This is a must read for dark romance, why choose, multi-pov lovers! Looking forward to the continued journey in book two.
Profile Image for Michelle Taylor.
241 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2024
Wow… I’m not even sure what to say

I’m full of emotion right now. My heart hurts. I’m broken. I don’t know what to do with myself. Normal I want to rush to the next book. I’m obsessed with this book and this group of amazing people but my heart can’t handle more. This book is completely worth the heart break though.
4 reviews
August 12, 2025
A absolute must read! if you are into anything Spy things you have to read this, great cast of characters, I love the Houses at Hollyhock, Chimera are the best and I won't be told otherwise, the ending is heartbreaking and left me reeling for a couple days but I just can't wait to read the next. fantastic writing incredible lore building I thoroughly love this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
23 reviews
October 16, 2023
This book is one that kept my attention fully and I was amazed how the story progresses with how fast or slow some parts were.
I am looking forward to reading anything by this author cause this book sold me as a long time reader.
Profile Image for Cindy Crivellone.
138 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
This is a fast paced, at times pretty spicy, action packed, suspenseful well written book. I love the character development especially with Pym! I can’t wait for the next book! I don’t want to say too much in case I give anything away!
Profile Image for Alyssa Green.
Author 6 books64 followers
December 6, 2024
Pym is my kind of chaos. I never used to like why-choose, but the way the author chose to write this has made me see a new perspective (it's a good thing). If you like world-building, Dark Academia, and flowery prose, this is definitely for you!
Profile Image for Stephanie Stradtman.
215 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2025
I could never keep up with what was going on…

Pym was danced up and then she was getting mad fun of…

Pym was this badass assassin and then at school…?!?

Killian and Silas did want her but then acted like they couldn’t communicate…
Profile Image for Kay.
29 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2023
Beautifully written. This story will captivate you from beginning to end and will keep you wanting more! Ari’s brain is absolutely brilliant!
Profile Image for Lilylou426 .
529 reviews36 followers
February 16, 2024
A bit overwhelming at the beginning because a lot of characters in a new world are thrown at you. However, the storyline catches you in a stronghold and doesn't let go!
Profile Image for Katrina Sager.
40 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2024
So much suspense and mystery! Some extremely spicy scenes and such badass characters. There’s a lot going on in this book so hold on to your hats!
Profile Image for Felica Hunt.
88 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2023
There is nothing within the pages of this book that isn't absolutely breathtaking. The world building, immaculate. The characters and their development, brilliant. The hierarchy system that's created and the actual grounds of Hollyhock school is some of the best I've ever read. I can't wait to see where this story goes and will definitely be along for the whole journey. If you are looking for dark academia with a little bit of spice, you will definitely enjoy this.
67 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2023
Praise for Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadows!

A Dark Academia that drew me in and left me emotionally damaged! Arianna Isabella's spicy novel ascends and stands out amongst its genre. I was immersed in the modern yet gothic world building of Orbis and Hollyhock, which are filled with mysteries and laced with darkness. This book has it all! Diversity, a strong bi-sexual main female character, and an unforgettable plot with twists and turns, leaving you guessing and ready for more. For Pym and her alliances, they soon come to find out that Hollyhock changes you, and trust is a luxury when betrayal is everywhere. Arianna delivers in this action-packed story, and you are surely in for a wickedly good time!
Profile Image for Leila.
151 reviews
January 6, 2025
What the fuck...

Aren't they supposed to be grown up?? Why are they acting like 16 year olds in heat.
Pym, the main character, is the most annoying of the bunch. Switching her personality every chapter. One moment she's cold and doesn't feel things, the other she's falling for a stranger.

*
Pym hesitated for a split second, biting her lip. “Rook... I can’t promise one day to be yours, What I can say is with you I feel... safe.”

*
You've known him for two days, aren't you supposed to be a badass assassin who doesn't feel things?
The speaking manners? Bunch of weirdos.

More effort put into sex scenes than actual plot.

Reveal of the bad guy was disappointing and predictable. Wow a bad guy who never stays truly dead? Who could've predicted that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather.
135 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2024
"Orbis, a world where truth was a currency few could afford"

Thirteen assassins. Thirteen hits. Seven days to complete them. This is the price of admittance to Hollyhock; the prestigious academic institution of Obris' deadliest assassins. 
  
This book was phenomenal. I absolutely adore  Arianna's writing style. The imagery woven into the story is vivid and beautiful and really draws you into the world of Orbis and Hollyhock. There is an incredibly tense atmosphere, full of intrigue and mystery throughout the entire story making this a truly immersive read that I could not put down. 

Pym character is amazing and impossible to not fall in love with. She is a strong and fierce assassin. She is resilient, headstrong, and often infuriatingly independent and will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves. I loved Pym's dark and sinister inner voice of her traumatic past that she is in a constant battle with to keep at bay. 

I loved the relationships Pym has in this book and how readers get to see the different sides of her in each of those relationships. The why choose romance is steamy and passionate. The side characters of her found family are fiercely protective, unwaveringly loyal, and would move mountains to ensure her safety.

If you love dark and thrilling stories, morally grey characters, and spicy why choose romance this one needs to be on your TBR.

Thank you, Arianna, for providing me with an ARC copy of Cynadiate Sins of the Shadows in exchange for an honest review 
62 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2025
Look I loved this book. Pym is strong, independent, and so caring for her found family. How one finds a family in a school for assassins the world may never know, but she did. Gripping from start to finish.

Some quotes from Pym that give you a bit of an idea of who she is.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, but tonight, it will only get you a goodnight."

"I told you, we aren't friends. I am not here to help you. Just because I didn't want your death on my hands doesn't mean we are suddenly best friends. So f*ck off and figure it out on your own"

"If we're going to talk, you will respect my friends. And you'll remember that no one 'owns' me."

""Oh, don't worry. I wouldn't want to tarnish your image as the
perfect Unchosen"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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