Whispers Most Deadly

by Emma MacDonald

ATTEND THE BIGGEST MAGICAL TOURNAMENT AND PRE-ORDER WHISPERS MOST DEADLY, THE SEQUAL TO THE MAGICALLY MYSTERIOUS WHISPERS MOST FOUL . . .

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After months honing her newfound magic, Rose’s new year at Dunhollow Academy promises to be her most spellbinding yet. The academy is hosting a prestigious, once-in-a-decade tournament against rival schools. It’s a dangerous game, that many would kill to win.

When Sylvie is selected to compete, Rose resolves to protect her with her life. She must ally with two of her rivals, a devilish mage and a surly healer, each with motives of their own and plenty of reasons to want her dead. But, delving into Dunhollow’s secrets and their own dark pasts, they find their hearts may prove the most dangerous opponents of all…

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Readers loved the previous

‘I wish I could give Whispers Most Foul 10 stars! This is one of the best books I’ve read this year’ ***** Reader Review

‘This book has me second guessing my ability to solve mysteries!’ ***** Reader Review

I was promised a gothic fantasy full of mystery, romance, magic and a dash of horror and it delivered! ***** Reader Review

‘The dark academia aesthetic and narrative was so captivating and immersive – you can tell that Emma was writing what she knew, because she captured it perfectly!’ ***** Reader Review

‘Atmospheric and full of gut-wrenching emotions’ ***** Reader Review

‘The novel balances everything out, with each chapter alternating between its academic world and its supernatural elements’ ***** Reader Review

Hardcover

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

Emma MacDonald currently resides outside of Washington, DC, living out her dreams as a witch in the woods.

When she’s not writing, she can be found gardening, brewing potions, or chasing after her small menagerie of pets. Emma loves to write fantasy with a big splash of magic and romance.

Her debut Adult Fantasy dark academia novel, WHISPERS MOST FOUL, was published by Penguin Michael Joseph in October 2024, with its sequel WHISPERS MOST DEADLY soon to follow in Fall of 2025.

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: 4/5

First of all I want to say thank you to Emma and to Netgalley for this ARC!

This was an amazing story that I got straight into! Dunhollow, a magic school that very much gives hogwarts vibes, sees FMC Rose exploring her new powers and juggling a love triangle. Rose and Sylvie reunited and being themselves was so nice to read. This whole book really did give me Goblet of Fire vibes with the trials and the two other schools.

Even though there was heavy similarities to another magic school series, i enjoyed Emma’s take on the story. Overall, if you like:

✅love triangles
✅ cool world and magic systems
✅ harry potter vibes?
✅ trials and tournaments
✅ emotional connection to characters

I say give it a go!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry Potter vibes and a love triangle? I'm listening!

This was a surprisingly good book. I didn't really have any expectations and hadn't really heard of this book much online but I actually really enjoyed it!

The story takes place in Dunhollow, which is a magic academy/school that gives Hogwarts vibes, and there are trials and tournaments, so think Goblet of Fire with a FMC who's exploring her powers and gets involved in a love triangle - a love TRIANGLE!!!

The characters are relatable, lovable and very well developed. It is a fast-paced story, easy to follow - a great read overall!

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispers Most Deadly is the second instalment set at Dunhollow Academy. The dark academia aesthetic remained strong and I was happy to be back. This time there is a magical tournament, enter in new characters and fresh peril. The sapphic romance is opened up into a love triangle situation that I didn’t expect but enjoyed. I love Rose and Sylvie together and they are still my faves. The plot is fast paced and the overall story enjoyable but I wanted it to be more unique like the first instalment. Thank by you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[Sapphyre Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 had quite a few reviews saying that it reminded them of Harry Potter, which I didn't get personally whilst reading.
This one, however, gave me major Goblet of Fire vibes with the trials between the 3 schools.
I did ultimately enjoy it, though, and like the first book, I didn't see the ending coming. The mystery stayed a mystery to me until it was revealed in the book, which I found refreshing. I'm usually pretty good at guessing these things, so this was a nice change.
I found the introduction of the other schools with their magic specialities to be really interesting and would have loved for this to be further explored.
100% would read more in this world.

[Tara B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I did not realise this was the 2nd instalment in a series, it did not deter from the enjoyment of reading.

Set in Dunhollow Academy, I loved the dark academia vibes and the whole magical tournament between schools, reminiscent of other well known books.

I enjoyed the pace, the characters, their relationships with each other and the romantic love triangle was ok.

I do think if I had read the 1st book I would have enjoyed more, so I will invest in starting from the beginning and re-read.

[afra · Rating 3 out of 5]

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This is an ARC review. I appreciate receiving this copy from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.