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Rise of the Grisym
Bryony Avalon should be dead.
Wielders can only be from the light or the dark. Never both. To be both is to be a Grisym. To be a Grisym is a crime against wielding law.
The wielding world has been turned on its head this past year. Schools meant for those born of the light shut down without notice or cause, forcing a mix of students to attend dark institutions around the world.
Director Roman Avalon has sent his daughter to the oldest dark-wielding school in the country. A place where Bryony can remain safely hidden while gathering the whispered gossip from her classmates and professors to report back to him. A place where trusted wielders can help her maintain the secret of what she is.
But the more time Bryony spends at the Beauxgraton School of Wielding the more her secrets will become known. The truths she and her friends thought they knew are nothing more than twisted lies that will put them all in danger.
Bryony will have to choose. She can either fight behind the man she has called dad her entire life or join a cause that will bring her darkness into the light.
Wielders can only be from the light or the dark. Never both. To be both is to be a Grisym. To be a Grisym is a crime against wielding law.
The wielding world has been turned on its head this past year. Schools meant for those born of the light shut down without notice or cause, forcing a mix of students to attend dark institutions around the world.
Director Roman Avalon has sent his daughter to the oldest dark-wielding school in the country. A place where Bryony can remain safely hidden while gathering the whispered gossip from her classmates and professors to report back to him. A place where trusted wielders can help her maintain the secret of what she is.
But the more time Bryony spends at the Beauxgraton School of Wielding the more her secrets will become known. The truths she and her friends thought they knew are nothing more than twisted lies that will put them all in danger.
Bryony will have to choose. She can either fight behind the man she has called dad her entire life or join a cause that will bring her darkness into the light.
599 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2024
64 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 23, 2024
ARC Review - 4.5 ⭐️
This book was like Harry Potter on steroids!! It was INSANE and I loved it! 😅
Badass main female character - check ✅
Magic school, magic powers and magical creatures - check ✅
Reverse harem / ‘why choose?’ - check ✅ (x4 new fictional boyfriends for me - thank youuuu)!! 🌶️🥵
This book was full of tension, a mixture of emotions throughout, great story telling, incredible world building and a great selection of characters with someone that everyone can love and relate to 🫶🏻
The main characters growth and self discovery in this book was unmatched and I feel like a proud friend having read her journey! This was unlike anything I’ve ever read and I cannot wait for the next one ❤️
This book was like Harry Potter on steroids!! It was INSANE and I loved it! 😅
Badass main female character - check ✅
Magic school, magic powers and magical creatures - check ✅
Reverse harem / ‘why choose?’ - check ✅ (x4 new fictional boyfriends for me - thank youuuu)!! 🌶️🥵
This book was full of tension, a mixture of emotions throughout, great story telling, incredible world building and a great selection of characters with someone that everyone can love and relate to 🫶🏻
The main characters growth and self discovery in this book was unmatched and I feel like a proud friend having read her journey! This was unlike anything I’ve ever read and I cannot wait for the next one ❤️
May 3, 2024
Bookish Baddies & Ballers, your next read should be Rise of the Grisym by Britton Brinkley!
R+SR (Review and Star Rating): Book 1 of the Disavowed Birthright series has me OBSESSED!
Academia Reimagined: First off, kudos to Britton Brinkley for refreshing the academic setting by populating it with mature, adult students (and I don’t mean, oh, they just turned 21). This not only adds a unique twist but also infuses the narrative with moments that spice things up considerably.
Complex Relationships: The dynamics in Bryony’s WhyChoose are deliciously complex. The mix of slight jealousy and occasional discord among the characters adds layers to their interactions and is a total chef’s kiss.
Empowered Protagonist: Bryony, our FMC, is a brilliant, beautiful, and badass force who fully embraces her identity, intelligence, and intimacy without a hint of self-doubt. Her self-acceptance when she discovers her true identity is empowering and inspiring.
Character Development: The evolution of the MMCs is impressively portrayed, with developments that had me squealing with delight.
Pacing & Plot: I love my books thick, and Britton Brinkley delivers with flawless pacing. The narrative never stalls or overwhelms; instead, it propels you forward with a plot that keeps you eagerly flipping each page.
Arousal and Intrigue: Brinkley’s take on paranormal intimacy is bold and memorable, pushing the boundaries of typical fantasy encounters. I have never been so aroused reading Monster S3x than when I experienced the Red Moon with the Dark Wielders.
Eager Anticipation: The depth of the characters and the intriguing plot have left me desperate for book two. Bryony’s evolution and the unfolding mysteries promise even more thrilling adventures ahead.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re drawn to stories that blend magical education, complex relationships, and a protagonist who defies the norm, then Rise of the Grisym should definitely be on your Reading Menu.
Themes & Tropes | Adult Fiction, Dark Academia, Urban Fantasy, WhyChoose Romance, Magic Realism, Friends to Lovers, Rivals to Lovers, Chosen One, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Age Gap, Hidden Identity, Found Family, Professor/Student, Paranormal S3x, Magic School
Trigger & Content Warnings | extreme violence, death threats, assault between opposite sexes, explicit language, explicit s3xual content, s3x with non-human creatures, s3x with multiple partners, necromancy (mentioned), student-teacher relationship, betrayal by family, bullying, underage s3x (mentioned), drug use (mentioned), fatphobia/fatphobic commentary/body shaming, stalking, sl^t-shaming, su!c!de (mentioned), knife play, blood play, involuntary mind control
#RiseOfTheGrisym #BrittonBrinkley #DisavowedBirthright #BookOne #IndieAuthor #BeauxgratonSchoolOfWielding #AdultFiction #DarkAcademia #UrbanFantasy #WhyChooseRomance #MagicRealism #FriendsToLovers #RivalsToLovers #EnemiesToLovers #ChosenOne #ForbiddenRomance #ForcedProximity #AgeGap #HiddenIdentity #FoundFamily #ProfessorStudentRelationship #ParanormalIntimacy #MonsterS3x #MagicSchool #Necromancy #BloodPlay #KnifePlay #GhoulS3x #AzukeenGhoul #GrowingSOULFLOWERsLibrary #SOULFLOWERsLibrary #SoulflowerReads #ReadingMenu #BookishBaddies #BookishBallers #BookishBaddiesAndBallers #BookReview #FiveStarBookReview #RSR #SpicyBook #SpicyRomance
R+SR (Review and Star Rating): Book 1 of the Disavowed Birthright series has me OBSESSED!
Academia Reimagined: First off, kudos to Britton Brinkley for refreshing the academic setting by populating it with mature, adult students (and I don’t mean, oh, they just turned 21). This not only adds a unique twist but also infuses the narrative with moments that spice things up considerably.
Complex Relationships: The dynamics in Bryony’s WhyChoose are deliciously complex. The mix of slight jealousy and occasional discord among the characters adds layers to their interactions and is a total chef’s kiss.
Empowered Protagonist: Bryony, our FMC, is a brilliant, beautiful, and badass force who fully embraces her identity, intelligence, and intimacy without a hint of self-doubt. Her self-acceptance when she discovers her true identity is empowering and inspiring.
Character Development: The evolution of the MMCs is impressively portrayed, with developments that had me squealing with delight.
Pacing & Plot: I love my books thick, and Britton Brinkley delivers with flawless pacing. The narrative never stalls or overwhelms; instead, it propels you forward with a plot that keeps you eagerly flipping each page.
Arousal and Intrigue: Brinkley’s take on paranormal intimacy is bold and memorable, pushing the boundaries of typical fantasy encounters. I have never been so aroused reading Monster S3x than when I experienced the Red Moon with the Dark Wielders.
Eager Anticipation: The depth of the characters and the intriguing plot have left me desperate for book two. Bryony’s evolution and the unfolding mysteries promise even more thrilling adventures ahead.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re drawn to stories that blend magical education, complex relationships, and a protagonist who defies the norm, then Rise of the Grisym should definitely be on your Reading Menu.
Themes & Tropes | Adult Fiction, Dark Academia, Urban Fantasy, WhyChoose Romance, Magic Realism, Friends to Lovers, Rivals to Lovers, Chosen One, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity, Age Gap, Hidden Identity, Found Family, Professor/Student, Paranormal S3x, Magic School
Trigger & Content Warnings | extreme violence, death threats, assault between opposite sexes, explicit language, explicit s3xual content, s3x with non-human creatures, s3x with multiple partners, necromancy (mentioned), student-teacher relationship, betrayal by family, bullying, underage s3x (mentioned), drug use (mentioned), fatphobia/fatphobic commentary/body shaming, stalking, sl^t-shaming, su!c!de (mentioned), knife play, blood play, involuntary mind control
#RiseOfTheGrisym #BrittonBrinkley #DisavowedBirthright #BookOne #IndieAuthor #BeauxgratonSchoolOfWielding #AdultFiction #DarkAcademia #UrbanFantasy #WhyChooseRomance #MagicRealism #FriendsToLovers #RivalsToLovers #EnemiesToLovers #ChosenOne #ForbiddenRomance #ForcedProximity #AgeGap #HiddenIdentity #FoundFamily #ProfessorStudentRelationship #ParanormalIntimacy #MonsterS3x #MagicSchool #Necromancy #BloodPlay #KnifePlay #GhoulS3x #AzukeenGhoul #GrowingSOULFLOWERsLibrary #SOULFLOWERsLibrary #SoulflowerReads #ReadingMenu #BookishBaddies #BookishBallers #BookishBaddiesAndBallers #BookReview #FiveStarBookReview #RSR #SpicyBook #SpicyRomance
May 21, 2024
Overall Ratings:
5/5 🌟♾️
4.5/5 🔥
Read/Finished:
04/23/2024
When I read the summary for this book, I knew that I was going to fall in love with it. And I did 😂😂
We have our girl Bryony (Bry to her friends) and she has a kind of complicated history.
She is part of an affluent family. Her magical upbringing is kind of a secret. I guess you can say it’s complicated!
She gets sent to this prestigious academy/college to hone her powers. But also to make sure everything goes according to plan from her dad/family.
The guys that she meets & gets their attention (Valen, Pierce, Know & Graham). Each guy is so different but they all complement Bryony well + each other.
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP 😭😭
5/5 🌟♾️
4.5/5 🔥
Read/Finished:
04/23/2024
When I read the summary for this book, I knew that I was going to fall in love with it. And I did 😂😂
We have our girl Bryony (Bry to her friends) and she has a kind of complicated history.
She is part of an affluent family. Her magical upbringing is kind of a secret. I guess you can say it’s complicated!
She gets sent to this prestigious academy/college to hone her powers. But also to make sure everything goes according to plan from her dad/family.
The guys that she meets & gets their attention (Valen, Pierce, Know & Graham). Each guy is so different but they all complement Bryony well + each other.
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP 😭😭
July 11, 2025
📚 This is an author I love. I read this book a while ago and realized I hadn’t left a review.
🧙 I promise just the prequel will have you invested in this book.
🖤 The way Britton weaves the plot, just giving you enough information to keep you in suspense had me glued to the page. This is a big book, 600+ pages. It will take every last bit of patience to hold you back from rushing to the end of the book.
🖤 OMG that ending! WOW! I am so excited that book 2 will be released shortly. If u run and read this book right now you will be ready for part 2 Dimmer of The Light.
⭐️ This perfect 5 star book has Briyony (FMC and a huge secret shadowing her daily life) having to go to a school that used to be for only witches who practiced dark magic. As so many schools closed that focused on light witches the colleges have started being inclusive- meaning all witches may attend. regardless if you practice with dark magic or light magic.
⭐️ I am not sure if I should say this but Briyony has had to hide a deep, dark secret that only her immediate family know about. I am giggling because when this comes out you will be quite surprised. There’s a scene at the college when a certain 🤷♀️ 😉 nope not going to say. I think this chapter had me in goosebumps from head to toe. It makes you realize that poor Briyony is in deep trouble. How will this ever result in Briyony living?
⭐️ Briyony is looked down upon by all the dark witches because she is a light witch. Most of the other students are only her friend because the headmistress told them they had to.
💖 Absolutely recommend this exciting, rich, intense, thriller of a book.
🧙 I promise just the prequel will have you invested in this book.
🖤 The way Britton weaves the plot, just giving you enough information to keep you in suspense had me glued to the page. This is a big book, 600+ pages. It will take every last bit of patience to hold you back from rushing to the end of the book.
🖤 OMG that ending! WOW! I am so excited that book 2 will be released shortly. If u run and read this book right now you will be ready for part 2 Dimmer of The Light.
⭐️ This perfect 5 star book has Briyony (FMC and a huge secret shadowing her daily life) having to go to a school that used to be for only witches who practiced dark magic. As so many schools closed that focused on light witches the colleges have started being inclusive- meaning all witches may attend. regardless if you practice with dark magic or light magic.
⭐️ I am not sure if I should say this but Briyony has had to hide a deep, dark secret that only her immediate family know about. I am giggling because when this comes out you will be quite surprised. There’s a scene at the college when a certain 🤷♀️ 😉 nope not going to say. I think this chapter had me in goosebumps from head to toe. It makes you realize that poor Briyony is in deep trouble. How will this ever result in Briyony living?
⭐️ Briyony is looked down upon by all the dark witches because she is a light witch. Most of the other students are only her friend because the headmistress told them they had to.
💖 Absolutely recommend this exciting, rich, intense, thriller of a book.
April 26, 2024
Ms Britton has done it again! Another book to have me full blown obsessed over. I'm here for all of it. I do recommend checking your triggers.
First things first, this world has a different view on magic that what most of us are use too. They refer to themselves as wielders. You have light and dark. They can have relations, but no babies. It a baby does result from adult activities...it doesn't end well. What I loved about this world Britton created was that even though you start with zero knowledge of this world, she did not do a huge info dump. We learned bits and pieces at a time and honestly, I felt like I was able to retain and understand the world better because of it. One of the big things (not a spoiler) is that the wielders live in human world until the age of 25 when they come into their powers. Then they are sent to a special school to educate and help hone in on their abilities.
With all that said, Bryony has reached the age and is stepping in the academy with secrets she must keep close to her. It's hard to trust anyone for several reasons. But the secrets she has versus the truths that come to light are vastly different. Oh and there are four sexy men who's attention she has claimed. Valen, Pierce, Knox, and Graham. While it is not overly spicy, there are some fun scenes sprinkled. This is highly plot driven, but when I tell you I did not want to put this book down. I was mad when I had to adult.
Highly recommend this book!
Happy Reading Ya'll
First things first, this world has a different view on magic that what most of us are use too. They refer to themselves as wielders. You have light and dark. They can have relations, but no babies. It a baby does result from adult activities...it doesn't end well. What I loved about this world Britton created was that even though you start with zero knowledge of this world, she did not do a huge info dump. We learned bits and pieces at a time and honestly, I felt like I was able to retain and understand the world better because of it. One of the big things (not a spoiler) is that the wielders live in human world until the age of 25 when they come into their powers. Then they are sent to a special school to educate and help hone in on their abilities.
With all that said, Bryony has reached the age and is stepping in the academy with secrets she must keep close to her. It's hard to trust anyone for several reasons. But the secrets she has versus the truths that come to light are vastly different. Oh and there are four sexy men who's attention she has claimed. Valen, Pierce, Knox, and Graham. While it is not overly spicy, there are some fun scenes sprinkled. This is highly plot driven, but when I tell you I did not want to put this book down. I was mad when I had to adult.
Highly recommend this book!
Happy Reading Ya'll
April 20, 2024
Bryony Avalon is attending a school she never planned on attending. One where she struggles to hide her secret. In this fantasy world, one is either a light wielder or a dark wielder. Wielders who contain both light and dark magic are named Grisyms and are never supposed to escape infancy. In this world, light institutions are being closed without explanation and for the first time it's allowing dark and light wielders to learn and work together.
Bryony is an unapologetically talented and strong FMC, who loves her friends hard. This is a why-choose book and I love how all the characters embrace Bri's body and mind, including herself. She takes up space and doesn't apologize for it. She really grows into herself throughout the book and I love that journey for her.
There is some heavy world building in this book, it's a completely new concept that I have never read before and it was very interesting to learn about the world and the changes within it as the main characters do. It's got why choose, found family, emotionally charged moments and characters learning about themselves. Definitely worth a read!
I received an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Bryony is an unapologetically talented and strong FMC, who loves her friends hard. This is a why-choose book and I love how all the characters embrace Bri's body and mind, including herself. She takes up space and doesn't apologize for it. She really grows into herself throughout the book and I love that journey for her.
There is some heavy world building in this book, it's a completely new concept that I have never read before and it was very interesting to learn about the world and the changes within it as the main characters do. It's got why choose, found family, emotionally charged moments and characters learning about themselves. Definitely worth a read!
I received an advance copy of this book in return for my honest review.
September 7, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👀Tropes: Dark Academia Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Why Choose, Secret Identity, Unequal Social Status, Forbidden Love, Age Gap, Magic, Slow Burn/Fast Burn
☠️CW: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Death, Drug Use (Monster Magic sort of way), Emotional Abuse, Grief, Racism (For this World), Toxic Relationship, Violence, War
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook ARC
✨Initial Reaction: I don't normally read Academia books. I don't like the coming of age, mixed with smut. It's a fine line that doesn't sit well with me. I took the chance because of the description and that it's labeled Dark. Love dark romance.
✨Final Reaction: This book does NOT have that line. They are post college, in a special magic school as adults. There are SO many characters, so much plot, and so much reading that I absolutely had a hard time reading and keeping up with it all. I had to read it a second time to make sure I got all the details. I'm now DYING for the second book because it does end in a sort of cliffhanger and I need to know what happens!!
💖Quotes:
"I want to reach out and take hold of her hand, but I don’t. Bri is strong on her own. She doesn’t need mine. My. Girl. Is. Strong."
👀Tropes: Dark Academia Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Why Choose, Secret Identity, Unequal Social Status, Forbidden Love, Age Gap, Magic, Slow Burn/Fast Burn
☠️CW: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Classism, Cursing, Death, Drug Use (Monster Magic sort of way), Emotional Abuse, Grief, Racism (For this World), Toxic Relationship, Violence, War
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook ARC
✨Initial Reaction: I don't normally read Academia books. I don't like the coming of age, mixed with smut. It's a fine line that doesn't sit well with me. I took the chance because of the description and that it's labeled Dark. Love dark romance.
✨Final Reaction: This book does NOT have that line. They are post college, in a special magic school as adults. There are SO many characters, so much plot, and so much reading that I absolutely had a hard time reading and keeping up with it all. I had to read it a second time to make sure I got all the details. I'm now DYING for the second book because it does end in a sort of cliffhanger and I need to know what happens!!
💖Quotes:
"I want to reach out and take hold of her hand, but I don’t. Bri is strong on her own. She doesn’t need mine. My. Girl. Is. Strong."
May 11, 2024
If Harry Potter series had a spicy baby and the fmc had multiple love interests, ITS THIS BOOK! Magical creatures, Magical School, Magical and Bada$$ FMC! With her crew of sexy men! Bryony is that magical girl that everyone fantasizes about being because she doesn’t take sh!t from anyone or anything. Valen, Knox, Pierce, and Graham are my new boyfriends! They knew how to turn things up! This was my first romantasy book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This book was a magical rollercoaster ride of emotions and tension and sexy times. Boundaries were definitely pushed during sexy times but it was hot and left me wanting more! You really took a journey of personal growth and self discovery with reaching their full potential with their magic. I love academic settings and I love bursts of jealousy within a why choose. It keeps it entertaining! Honestly I’m obsessed with this book. I would love to see it on screen. It was long and evenly paced. Wasn’t too slow and definitely wasn’t too fast. In my opinion, it’s even better than Harry Potter. Ms.Britton has an undoubted talent for story telling and I can wait to read more!
April 26, 2024
So I went into this expecting the usual, and I was shook with how good this book was. Just wow. I need book 2 now though. This book is was so spicy! Good spice too! I honestly couldn’t put this book down!!!
This Paranormal Romance is an exciting, and salacious read. It is Book 1 in a new series.
The Romance in this book is a why choose. Due to this there is some fast burn, and some slow burn.
This book is very spicy. There are exquisitely descriptive spicy scenes throughout the book. The plot still remains in tact while the spice is spicen.
The book moves at a fairly quick pace following the FMC as she hides her true magical nature, all while uncovering secrets about herself and the world she lives in.
The characters are extraordinarily. They are all so different from one another with strong back stories. The book does offer multiple POVs letting us get to know each of the MCs more intimately.
The world building is not overly complicated, but still is full of complexity. The author really put a unique spin on some of the paranormal creatures we know, and love.
This Paranormal Romance is an exciting, and salacious read. It is Book 1 in a new series.
The Romance in this book is a why choose. Due to this there is some fast burn, and some slow burn.
This book is very spicy. There are exquisitely descriptive spicy scenes throughout the book. The plot still remains in tact while the spice is spicen.
The book moves at a fairly quick pace following the FMC as she hides her true magical nature, all while uncovering secrets about herself and the world she lives in.
The characters are extraordinarily. They are all so different from one another with strong back stories. The book does offer multiple POVs letting us get to know each of the MCs more intimately.
The world building is not overly complicated, but still is full of complexity. The author really put a unique spin on some of the paranormal creatures we know, and love.
May 10, 2024
2.5
I tried. I really did. I just couldn't get into this one. It had such an interesting premise and I really wanted to love it. But I made it to about 50% and this unfortunately ended up as a DNF for me.
It seems very dragged out and not much is happening plot-wise. The relationships the FMC has had so far with the MMCs came across as really random? We don't see much sustenance in them, beyond the physical attraction and insta-lust. Or the result of the essence similarities.. So far nothing has made me root for her relationship with any of the males.
One comes with insta-love
One comes with the student-teacher dynamic (which isnt my thing, personally)
One is just an asshole.
One is just....there? Idk. I didn't continue the story to see his reasoning for being part of this.
Someone else may really love this - but it just wasn't a match for me. But hey, give it a shot! You may love it!
I tried. I really did. I just couldn't get into this one. It had such an interesting premise and I really wanted to love it. But I made it to about 50% and this unfortunately ended up as a DNF for me.
It seems very dragged out and not much is happening plot-wise. The relationships the FMC has had so far with the MMCs came across as really random? We don't see much sustenance in them, beyond the physical attraction and insta-lust. Or the result of the essence similarities.. So far nothing has made me root for her relationship with any of the males.
One comes with insta-love
One comes with the student-teacher dynamic (which isnt my thing, personally)
One is just an asshole.
One is just....there? Idk. I didn't continue the story to see his reasoning for being part of this.
Someone else may really love this - but it just wasn't a match for me. But hey, give it a shot! You may love it!
April 22, 2024
What an page turning journey! I have never read anything like this book. You may think you have, but you haven't. I was hooked from the beginning. Getting to know Bri and her guys was the best part. I wanted to root for 1 person, but the way you are able to get to know all of them makes that impossible. You are literally pulling for ALL of them. I want them all to be the 'one'. I really hope there will be a 2nd book, a whole series would be even better. I want to know more background about Bri, Pierce, Val, Graham, Knox and Jordenn. This books sucks you into a whole new world.
April 23, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. It was a first from this author for me. I love Bry. I loved her men. I loved that there was just the right amount of angst between the men but that ultimately they all support her. I can’t wait for more. The end ends on a cliffhanger of sorts but not one that will leave you with a hangover. Loved loved loved this book. It was a great original story. Knox is probably my favorite though. I loved once he said I’m in that was it and he was end. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 28, 2024
This was a new author to me and I was pleasantly surprised! Loved this book. I love magical academies and this well written with good world building, plenty of twists, tensions and surprises. Love the gothic feels to this book too and some magical creatures I’ve not encountered in other books too. Slow burn in nature which suits the storyline well.
Bryony is a likeable character who can hold her own. Loved her interactions with Valen, Pierce, Knox & Graham. Ends on a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for book 2
Bryony is a likeable character who can hold her own. Loved her interactions with Valen, Pierce, Knox & Graham. Ends on a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for book 2
May 8, 2024
I liked the story but wish I liked it more! It felt a little long-winded and could've benefitted from another round of proofreading and editing (*keep in mind, I read an ARC copy so it's possible typos were caught before publishing*).
Overall, I wish I saw more from the relationship between Bryony and the boys. As an RH, it didn't focus as much on their relationship as I was expecting and hope that book two explores it more.
It is likely I will try and read book two when it comes out, but overall, this book was good but not great.
Overall, I wish I saw more from the relationship between Bryony and the boys. As an RH, it didn't focus as much on their relationship as I was expecting and hope that book two explores it more.
It is likely I will try and read book two when it comes out, but overall, this book was good but not great.
October 19, 2024
Had me on the edge of seat from start to finish
I enjoyed this book immensely. The character development, the world building and the plot line had me hooked from the very beginning. All though at times it felt a little bit drawn out I still think it was worth the read!
Pierson is definitely my favourite of the guys but Valens antics gets the heart racing for sure!
I love a strong FMC that stands up for herself and knows exactly what she wants! I’m not usually a big fan of why choose romance books but this one was 🔥🔥🔥
I enjoyed this book immensely. The character development, the world building and the plot line had me hooked from the very beginning. All though at times it felt a little bit drawn out I still think it was worth the read!
Pierson is definitely my favourite of the guys but Valens antics gets the heart racing for sure!
I love a strong FMC that stands up for herself and knows exactly what she wants! I’m not usually a big fan of why choose romance books but this one was 🔥🔥🔥
April 15, 2024
This book… this book is like
Nothing I’ve read before. The Author takes us on a journey to a new realm of supernaturals!.
If you love Fantasy, read this!. Who’s ever heard of a Grisym before? Me neither!. Bryony is our FMC. She is the light, she is the dark, she is the shadows that swollen us whole. From her inner turmoil to keep Her darkness at Bay, and only let the light shine.
The Prelude sucked me in. The ending spit me out!.
I couldn’t put this book down.
Nothing I’ve read before. The Author takes us on a journey to a new realm of supernaturals!.
If you love Fantasy, read this!. Who’s ever heard of a Grisym before? Me neither!. Bryony is our FMC. She is the light, she is the dark, she is the shadows that swollen us whole. From her inner turmoil to keep Her darkness at Bay, and only let the light shine.
The Prelude sucked me in. The ending spit me out!.
I couldn’t put this book down.
April 19, 2024
Rise of the Grisym by Britton Brinkley transports readers into the magical world of the wielders. The story follows Bryony, a woman who loves hard, never backs down from a challenge, and is discovering herself.
Brinkley has packed this book full of detail, tension, and emotions. There is a beautiful balance of plot and 'why choose' energy. For millennials who have always wanted a more grown-up version of Hogwarts, this one is for you!
Brinkley has packed this book full of detail, tension, and emotions. There is a beautiful balance of plot and 'why choose' energy. For millennials who have always wanted a more grown-up version of Hogwarts, this one is for you!
April 25, 2024
Arc Review
4.75 round up⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This book blew my mind! It has it all a complex, well written magic system that just never stops giving. The plot was 🔥🔥🔥 and I am 🤞🤞🤞🤞 that there will be a second book because I absolutely need to know what happens next. Please note that this is a why choose romance! Bri and her boys are adorable. I'm a little obsessed with this book and was so glad I read it!
4.75 round up⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
This book blew my mind! It has it all a complex, well written magic system that just never stops giving. The plot was 🔥🔥🔥 and I am 🤞🤞🤞🤞 that there will be a second book because I absolutely need to know what happens next. Please note that this is a why choose romance! Bri and her boys are adorable. I'm a little obsessed with this book and was so glad I read it!
May 24, 2024
So...there's this wrestler named Goldberg (bear with me). He's known for his catchphrase, "Who's next?" Now, let's get back to Rise of the Grisym. The Main Character, Bryony, is sleeping with her boyfriend, her professor, a freaking ghoul with an adjustable peen, and after every scene, I said, "Damn...who's next?"
There's magic, there's drama, and there's action! Overall, I enjoyed the story...but I read it for the 🌶🌶🌶.
There's magic, there's drama, and there's action! Overall, I enjoyed the story...but I read it for the 🌶🌶🌶.
April 23, 2024
Dark academia, with all the things romance. Yes please, this author did a wonderful job! Can’t wait to read more from them! It had all the themes I wanted and a few I didn’t know I needed. A+ for being able to put all of THAT into this.
May 16, 2024
If you love fantasy, or dark academia, or why choose, or all of the above, you're going to love this book. What I loved most is that it is definitely not predictable. I was able to be surprised and live in the moment while reading. I'm excited for the next book!
April 21, 2024
The author took me on such a journey! I’m new to the fantasy books but this has sent me searching for more! This book is nothing like I’ve read before.
The ending literally blew my mind 🤯
The ending literally blew my mind 🤯
April 24, 2024
Finally a dark academia RH that I don’t feel I’ve read before! 🤩 FMC is badass in the best way, the men are different and not too many, there are ghouls🤓 and I’m all for it! Just read it!
May 2, 2024
Absolutely amazing xxx you are sucked in from start to finish definitely recommend n can’t wait for book 2 xxx
August 27, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The dark academia vibes are absolute perfection!
September 11, 2024
I'm not generally a "creature" smut reader per say but WOW I loved this one! The character connections were HOT and the story line itself was amazing!
October 14, 2024
Technically I've dnf'd this for now but only because it's so long. I like the story, but I feel like the book should have ended after chapter 44 and picked up from there in the next one.
Read
May 6, 2025🟢 This is a reverse harem 🟢
May 19, 2024
Loved this dark academia RH story!!!
I really enjoyed the take on light and dark magic and how one either wields light magic OR dark magic, but should you be born with the potential of having both and light & dark magic, you are put to death. If you should escape notice of being a light & dark wielder and say grow up, well then you must pretend to be someone you are not, hiding from all the threats, while keeping your magic under control & all eyes off you! Now add in a demon realm and things get crazy!!!
Bryony happens to be a Grisym and is hiding as a light wielder, finally at school to learn control over her magic. Her entire world is flipped upside down and as she sifts through all the pieces she finds that she not only is tired of pretending, but she is no longer alone. Her strength and courage throughout is inspiring.
This was a unique way of using light and dark magic & mixing in demons and I loved every minute of the story!! I cannot wait to find out what happens next!!!
I really enjoyed the take on light and dark magic and how one either wields light magic OR dark magic, but should you be born with the potential of having both and light & dark magic, you are put to death. If you should escape notice of being a light & dark wielder and say grow up, well then you must pretend to be someone you are not, hiding from all the threats, while keeping your magic under control & all eyes off you! Now add in a demon realm and things get crazy!!!
Bryony happens to be a Grisym and is hiding as a light wielder, finally at school to learn control over her magic. Her entire world is flipped upside down and as she sifts through all the pieces she finds that she not only is tired of pretending, but she is no longer alone. Her strength and courage throughout is inspiring.
This was a unique way of using light and dark magic & mixing in demons and I loved every minute of the story!! I cannot wait to find out what happens next!!!
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