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Wickem Academy #1
Heir of Shadows
Ancient power. Three fated heirs. One woman who must claim her place among them... or watch their world burn.
When Marigold is ripped from her quiet life of anonymity and thrust into the ruthless halls of Wickem Academy, she uncovers a legacy steeped in secrets and magic—one tied to her father’s treason and a necromantic bloodline that marks her as both a threat and a target. To survive, she must navigate a world of cutthroat politics, ancient magic, and dangerous alliances.
Three dangerously compelling heirs—Cyrus, the fire-wielding warrior haunted by his mother's death; Elio, the illusionist prince masking pain behind perfect charm; and Keane, the quiet portal mage carrying shadows in his soul—stand between her and the answers she desperately seeks. Bound by ancient power and their own dark secrets, these heirs can't decide whether to protect, claim, or destroy her.
When Marigold is ripped from her quiet life of anonymity and thrust into the ruthless halls of Wickem Academy, she uncovers a legacy steeped in secrets and magic—one tied to her father’s treason and a necromantic bloodline that marks her as both a threat and a target. To survive, she must navigate a world of cutthroat politics, ancient magic, and dangerous alliances.
Three dangerously compelling heirs—Cyrus, the fire-wielding warrior haunted by his mother's death; Elio, the illusionist prince masking pain behind perfect charm; and Keane, the quiet portal mage carrying shadows in his soul—stand between her and the answers she desperately seeks. Bound by ancient power and their own dark secrets, these heirs can't decide whether to protect, claim, or destroy her.
As corruption spreads through Wickem's magic, Marigold must master her newfound abilities and uncover the truth about her father's death. Trust becomes her deadliest gamble—especially when her power may be the key to saving not just the heirs, but magic itself.
Welcome to Wickem, where bloodlines reign supreme, old magic stirs in the shadows, and the heart's pull can be the most dangerous magic of all.
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If you love steamy, why choose paranormal romance with enemies to lovers, fish out of water, forced proximity, and magic inheritances, you'll adore this new series by USA Today bestselling author Cali Mann.
- GenresFantasy
280 pages, ebook
Published May 13, 2025
7 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Cali Mann
47 books963 followersCali Mann is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Thornbriar Academy series. She writes paranormal romance, the sexy kind with why choose, hunky shifters, sexy vampires, and women who stand up for themselves. She learned romance by reading through her mother's entire Gothic romance collection in her teens so she and romance go way back. When she's not writing, she spends her time streaming shows, playing video games, and pestering her two tuxedo cats. Find out more at calimann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 9, 2025
Came here to give this book a try due to its similarities to zodiac academy (as a huge fan of the series!). This book definitely did deliver similar vibes…
an FMC who knows nothing of magic until she is thrust into a magical academy setting (think dark academia) and finds herself the object of negative attention coming from the male heirs (think bully / toxic turned romance).
I enjoyed the book for the vibes as a whole, I do think there is room for improvement in terms of world building, plot, dialogue and character development however i still had enjoyment reading as a whole. As this is book 1 in an on going series i am expecting overall improvements in the following books as the author takes us further into this magical setting.
Thank you for the gifted copy!
an FMC who knows nothing of magic until she is thrust into a magical academy setting (think dark academia) and finds herself the object of negative attention coming from the male heirs (think bully / toxic turned romance).
I enjoyed the book for the vibes as a whole, I do think there is room for improvement in terms of world building, plot, dialogue and character development however i still had enjoyment reading as a whole. As this is book 1 in an on going series i am expecting overall improvements in the following books as the author takes us further into this magical setting.
Thank you for the gifted copy!
June 5, 2025
Fantastic start to a promising series! I can't wait to see what happens next
May 24, 2025
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Gripping and suspenseful, this story really kept my attention as the plot unfolded. A young woman who knew nothing about her heritage suddenly becomes the central figure when the magic of an ancient wellspring calls her to step up and save the pure magic from corruption. Her fate is beautifully revealed as key players, three other heirs, come together. She arrives at the university as an outcast, shunned by all accept a few who have her skill. She is a necromancer, a powerful one, and the secrets of the dead start to reveal an evil plot of power. Can she change the damage the high council has done before it is too late? Teaming up and finally receiving respect from the other heirs opens doors to the heart where forbidden romance starts to bloom. Secrets kept hidden are revealed through old transcripts and now it is a race against time before the corruption takes its final hold. The ending is a cliffhanger that just makes you want to know more
June 1, 2025
This RH Academy romance bring darkness, magic, intrigue, and mystery together. The romance is a slow burn but doesn't impact the pace of the story. It has a fast and easy to follow pace. This was an excellent introduction to Marigold and I'm so excited for the nextbook.
May 25, 2025
Heir of Shadows was a great dark acedamia fantasy book! I loved all the twists and turns and the connection Marigold has with each of the other heirs! I would definitely recommend this book and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
December 21, 2025
I absolutely love the cover of this book - look at Scout and his little bow tie! This was a pretty quick read and I breezed through it in one sitting. It has a bit of everything; forced proximity, enemies to lovers, a long lost heir with a slow burn romance added in. I really liked the necromancy angle and the use of the dead things around the castle coming to Marigold's aid. I'd have loved more of the academy aspect in general and some extra world building as the magical elements were one of my favourite parts and seeing the world through Mari's exposure to it.
The bullying aspect wasn't as bad as it could have been given everyone thinks Mari's father is a traitor and they all can wield some sort of magic. I wondered how far the Heirs would push Marigold but as they seem to keep themselves apart from the student body most of the bullying comes in the form of snide remarks or run ins in their common room. I didn't really understand when the Heirs pulled the maid outfit illusion why Mari actually cleaned for them. Mari tells herself earlier in the scene that she won't earn their respect by lashing out but it just felt like an odd choice just to submit to them when she's largely stood up to them before.
I liked how the added tension that Heir's seem to tolerate each other rather than being a cohesive unit of lifelong friends. They may put on a combined front but Keane in particular is often separate with Cyrus and Elio having their own issues too. Mari certainly seems to have the potential to become the glue holding them together and as the book ends they are starting to realise not everyone may want them to become a stronger force. The last few chapters reveal things may not be as black and white as they all originally thought and I'm interested to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
The bullying aspect wasn't as bad as it could have been given everyone thinks Mari's father is a traitor and they all can wield some sort of magic. I wondered how far the Heirs would push Marigold but as they seem to keep themselves apart from the student body most of the bullying comes in the form of snide remarks or run ins in their common room. I didn't really understand when the Heirs pulled the maid outfit illusion why Mari actually cleaned for them. Mari tells herself earlier in the scene that she won't earn their respect by lashing out but it just felt like an odd choice just to submit to them when she's largely stood up to them before.
I liked how the added tension that Heir's seem to tolerate each other rather than being a cohesive unit of lifelong friends. They may put on a combined front but Keane in particular is often separate with Cyrus and Elio having their own issues too. Mari certainly seems to have the potential to become the glue holding them together and as the book ends they are starting to realise not everyone may want them to become a stronger force. The last few chapters reveal things may not be as black and white as they all originally thought and I'm interested to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
November 14, 2025
Heir of Shadows pulled me in from the very first chapter and never loosened its grip. As someone who devours YA fantasy and lives for that feeling of being completely transported, this book checked so many of my favorite boxes. I love when an author builds a world that feels layered and alive, and Cali Mann delivered a setting that I could picture with almost cinematic clarity. Wickem Academy is dark, intimidating, and full of secrets, and walking its halls through Marigold’s eyes was such a treat.
Marigold herself is a standout. I’m always drawn to characters with complicated pasts, and hers is tangled with treason, necromancy, and a legacy she never asked for. Watching her navigate a world that sees her as both a weapon and a warning had me rooting for her from the start. The political tension, the hidden agendas, the shifting alliances—everything felt rich without ever becoming confusing.
The romance is definitely a slow burn, but I appreciated that it never overshadowed the main storyline. Instead, it added a hint of tension that made the character dynamics even more compelling. And the pacing? Smooth and fast in a way that kept me turning pages without feeling rushed. Every reveal landed at the right moment, and by the time I reached the ending, I was already itching for the next book.
This feels like the beginning of something big. The magic system is intriguing, the character relationships are full of potential, and the plot sets the stage for what I hope becomes an even more powerful journey for Marigold. It’s a strong start to what looks like a gripping series, and I’m already excited to dive back into this world when the sequel arrives.
Marigold herself is a standout. I’m always drawn to characters with complicated pasts, and hers is tangled with treason, necromancy, and a legacy she never asked for. Watching her navigate a world that sees her as both a weapon and a warning had me rooting for her from the start. The political tension, the hidden agendas, the shifting alliances—everything felt rich without ever becoming confusing.
The romance is definitely a slow burn, but I appreciated that it never overshadowed the main storyline. Instead, it added a hint of tension that made the character dynamics even more compelling. And the pacing? Smooth and fast in a way that kept me turning pages without feeling rushed. Every reveal landed at the right moment, and by the time I reached the ending, I was already itching for the next book.
This feels like the beginning of something big. The magic system is intriguing, the character relationships are full of potential, and the plot sets the stage for what I hope becomes an even more powerful journey for Marigold. It’s a strong start to what looks like a gripping series, and I’m already excited to dive back into this world when the sequel arrives.
May 4, 2025
3.75 Stars!
Heir of Shadows is the kind of dark academia romantasy that sinks its fangs into you—full of secrets, politics, and an elite academy with enough danger and drama to make your head spin (in the best way).
Marigold’s journey from blue-collar maid to shadow heir of the magical council was reminiscent of Harry Potter, and fun to read. The world-building? Chef’s kiss. Between necromantic, fire building, illusionary, and portal building bloodlines, magical school trials, and deadly alliances the stakes never let up. I genuinely enjoyed the Rocky Mountain setting of Wickem Academy, the political maneuvering, and the overall lore—it’s fast-paced, and full of potential. When it comes to the romance though.... I was expecting the "why choose" trope to shine. The three heirs' dynamic with Marigold felt a little rushed and emotionally under developed....especially the latest entanglement. It came out of nowhere, and made zero sense to the storyline. It would have made more sense at the beginning of the book.
Also, on a personal note, if I never have to read the words "taint", "folds", or "honey blonde' in this series again, it’ll still be too soon. Just… no. 😂 And, "taint" wasn't even used in an anatomical or sexual context. It was nearly every other word (or so it seemed) in the final chapters.
All that said, I’m definitely invested in where this story goes next. With a little editing and proofing for book two, I can see this series being an absolute hit. It has all the right elements. They just need to come together a bit more harmoniously.
Heir of Shadows is the kind of dark academia romantasy that sinks its fangs into you—full of secrets, politics, and an elite academy with enough danger and drama to make your head spin (in the best way).
Marigold’s journey from blue-collar maid to shadow heir of the magical council was reminiscent of Harry Potter, and fun to read. The world-building? Chef’s kiss. Between necromantic, fire building, illusionary, and portal building bloodlines, magical school trials, and deadly alliances the stakes never let up. I genuinely enjoyed the Rocky Mountain setting of Wickem Academy, the political maneuvering, and the overall lore—it’s fast-paced, and full of potential. When it comes to the romance though.... I was expecting the "why choose" trope to shine. The three heirs' dynamic with Marigold felt a little rushed and emotionally under developed....especially the latest entanglement. It came out of nowhere, and made zero sense to the storyline. It would have made more sense at the beginning of the book.
Also, on a personal note, if I never have to read the words "taint", "folds", or "honey blonde' in this series again, it’ll still be too soon. Just… no. 😂 And, "taint" wasn't even used in an anatomical or sexual context. It was nearly every other word (or so it seemed) in the final chapters.
All that said, I’m definitely invested in where this story goes next. With a little editing and proofing for book two, I can see this series being an absolute hit. It has all the right elements. They just need to come together a bit more harmoniously.
May 13, 2025
Heir of Shadows by Cali Mann is perfect for readers who like magic, paranormal romance. The book also has enough spice for those who appreciate open door scenes. Another trope that will interest readers is why-choose with the FMMM setup.
Marigold is a magical heir hidden in the world of humans. She had no idea her father was a strong necromancer until she was attacked by vampires. Brought to Wickem Academy, Marigold meets the other heirs of the magical world - Keanne, Elio, and Cyrus. Though welcomed horribly, Marigold kept herself from surrendering and slowly earned the respect and attention of other heirs. They then need to work together to undo the corruption in the magical world that would control them and their magic.
World building of Heir of Shadows felt flat in some places. When the premise is good, I want to feel immersed in the world. Unfortunately, this book need some work in the world building. Some descriptions insufficient and did not pique my imagination.
I know that the focus of the story is Marigold and the three MMCs. However, I think there was too much work on the men hating Marigold that the development into a romantic plot was unbelievable. The betrayal in the end seemed forced as well. Some of the behaviors of the male characters were problematic that I was bothered by Marigold forgiving them easily.
Overall, this book was a quick read. I think the set up to the next book was done well. I may read the book just to see what happens to the characters.
Marigold is a magical heir hidden in the world of humans. She had no idea her father was a strong necromancer until she was attacked by vampires. Brought to Wickem Academy, Marigold meets the other heirs of the magical world - Keanne, Elio, and Cyrus. Though welcomed horribly, Marigold kept herself from surrendering and slowly earned the respect and attention of other heirs. They then need to work together to undo the corruption in the magical world that would control them and their magic.
World building of Heir of Shadows felt flat in some places. When the premise is good, I want to feel immersed in the world. Unfortunately, this book need some work in the world building. Some descriptions insufficient and did not pique my imagination.
I know that the focus of the story is Marigold and the three MMCs. However, I think there was too much work on the men hating Marigold that the development into a romantic plot was unbelievable. The betrayal in the end seemed forced as well. Some of the behaviors of the male characters were problematic that I was bothered by Marigold forgiving them easily.
Overall, this book was a quick read. I think the set up to the next book was done well. I may read the book just to see what happens to the characters.
November 25, 2025
This was actually a fantastic read, I was so hooked onto the story that I didn't even want to put the book down. I loved the fact that the main girl character could fight for herself and didn't succumb to the boys' bullying. The tension was everything between her and the boys, however I would have liked a lot more tension between them.
A little spoiler: I liked the chemistry portrayed between Keane and Marigold, but it made me question if this was actually a "why choose" reverse harem romance as it focused so much on these two. My personal favourite is Cyrus, so I was quite gutted that there weren't many scenes between him and Marigold. I also didn't like the fact that it felt rushed with Elio as there was no character building between him and Marigold compared to the whole chemistry Marigold had with Keane.
I did like the story a lot, but it would be even better if the scenes were shared equally amongst the three romantic interests. Cannot wait to read book 2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A little spoiler: I liked the chemistry portrayed between Keane and Marigold, but it made me question if this was actually a "why choose" reverse harem romance as it focused so much on these two. My personal favourite is Cyrus, so I was quite gutted that there weren't many scenes between him and Marigold. I also didn't like the fact that it felt rushed with Elio as there was no character building between him and Marigold compared to the whole chemistry Marigold had with Keane.
I did like the story a lot, but it would be even better if the scenes were shared equally amongst the three romantic interests. Cannot wait to read book 2!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2025
I know this review is very late as I received this book as an ARC before it was released but to be honest I struggled to finish this book. I had to put it down and restart it over and over. The world building and characters I struggled with but I’m going to assume that’s because it was a shorter book and not enough time to fully dive into all of it. There was also some inconsistencies. There was a lot of grammar issues, I had to reread several sentences over and over to try to figure out what the author was saying.
I also didn’t realize this was a why choose book (which is totally fine with me) but the forced hate to being in love just was hard to believe and one of the choices was kinda of just thrown in there and didn’t make sense.
It ends in a cliffhanger so I’m assuming there will more books and if there is I will probably check them out as I think there is potential in the story.
I also didn’t realize this was a why choose book (which is totally fine with me) but the forced hate to being in love just was hard to believe and one of the choices was kinda of just thrown in there and didn’t make sense.
It ends in a cliffhanger so I’m assuming there will more books and if there is I will probably check them out as I think there is potential in the story.
May 21, 2025
Marigold is so strong and determined. Though, she has a lot to figure out and there are plenty of people against her, I like how she found a familiar and a few good secondary characters so it wasn't just her against the world. Just her against the heirs, and expectations and magical theory class.
It was a good read, with good characters. There were some consistency issues and a few things that make little to no sense, and I could not for the life of me figure out the timeline. But Mari dragged me in so fully I could overlook the minor issues and just enjoy the story. I'm looking forward to more.
It was a good read, with good characters. There were some consistency issues and a few things that make little to no sense, and I could not for the life of me figure out the timeline. But Mari dragged me in so fully I could overlook the minor issues and just enjoy the story. I'm looking forward to more.
August 5, 2025
Heir of Shadows is a dark, fast‑paced dark academia fantasy full of danger and romance. I really enjoyed following Marigold as she’s thrown into a world of necromancy, politics, and power. The chemistry between her and the three heirs kept me hooked, and the tension built up so well toward that dramatic ending. I will always love a good cast of characters, and this book definitely delivered
My only complaints are that the world‑building felt a bit light at times, and I wished some of the relationships had more gradual development. Still, the story was exciting and addictive, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
My only complaints are that the world‑building felt a bit light at times, and I wished some of the relationships had more gradual development. Still, the story was exciting and addictive, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
December 11, 2025
This was an engaging series opener that takes a gal, Marigold, and introduces her to her hidden heritage. She's a necromancer and she's been called up to help fight corruption and save the pure magic. At first, she's shunned, but working with the other three heirs, a connection is starting to build. This is an RH romance, set in a fantasy world, and it's filled with mysterious characters, suspense, drama and heat as the slow burn romance unfolds. Of course, this is the first installment so we have a cliffy. I'm anxious to dive into the next book to see how things continue to unfold for Marigold and her fight against corruption. Good fun!
December 21, 2025
This is Book 1 of the Wickem Academy series and it starts things off with a bang! 'A steamy paranormal romance, with enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, and a tantalizing “why choose” dynamic.'
The world building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters were very well written and developed and complex and complicated. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. Cannot wait for more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters were very well written and developed and complex and complicated. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. Cannot wait for more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2025
We have Marigold, Cyrus, Keane, and Elio who are heirs. Marigold has been summoned to Wickem. What is going on? Cyrus and Elio treat her so bad and Keane is neutral. Why do they treat her this way? What really happened to her father? Why did she never know she had magic? Will she ever be able to control the dead or will they always react to her emotions? Cyrus and Elio don’t understand why the magic flows so will when Marigold is around, but they know it can’t. Keane knows that he has feelings for Marigold, ,but he don’t understand what is happening to his magic?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2025
The first in a brand new series, Wickem Academy, Heir of Shadows is a paranormal romance piping hot with an RH trope and magic. Marigold has arrived at Wickem Academy and landed on the heirs (Cyrus, Elio, and Keane) radar. She’s an outcast from day one, having the power of a necromancer.
The pacing is good, world development is constant and the characters are strong. The story is suspenseful, mysterious, full of magic, and a slow burn romance. A cliffhanger to end this book, but Blood Currents is out to continue the Wickem Academy series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pacing is good, world development is constant and the characters are strong. The story is suspenseful, mysterious, full of magic, and a slow burn romance. A cliffhanger to end this book, but Blood Currents is out to continue the Wickem Academy series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2025
This was my first book by Cali Mann, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Heir of Shadows gave me extremely strong Zodiac Academy vibes—with the magic, bullyish tendencies of heirs, academy setting, and broody love interests—which made it feel a little familiar, but in a okay way. While it wasn’t the most original story I’ve read, it was still incredibly entertaining, fast-paced, and kept me turning the pages. If you love magical schools with witches/ necromancers, secrets, and a touch of danger, this is definitely worth checking out!
May 8, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
3.5 stars
I struggled a bit with the world and character building but I'm attributing that to the shorter length (less than 300 pages). I didn't realize this was a why choose until the end when the second one came out seeimingly nowhere. I'd like to have seen that a bit more fleshed out. Also a bit a of a bully romance which is admittedly not something I enjoy.
I loved Scout though!
3.5 stars
I struggled a bit with the world and character building but I'm attributing that to the shorter length (less than 300 pages). I didn't realize this was a why choose until the end when the second one came out seeimingly nowhere. I'd like to have seen that a bit more fleshed out. Also a bit a of a bully romance which is admittedly not something I enjoy.
I loved Scout though!
June 4, 2025
Amazing story of finding out who you are really inside and what you are willing to risk for those you care about.
Marigold finds out she's different and is whisked away to lead a new life where others don't accept her and think she is below them. Some fear who she is and what she could do like her father tried to do.
You have some enemy to lovers going on here too. I am hnoping there will be more books as it does end in a cliffhanger of sorts. Time will tell I guess, but man I need to know if there is a HEA to Marigold's story.
The story will keep you engaged and dying for more.
Marigold finds out she's different and is whisked away to lead a new life where others don't accept her and think she is below them. Some fear who she is and what she could do like her father tried to do.
You have some enemy to lovers going on here too. I am hnoping there will be more books as it does end in a cliffhanger of sorts. Time will tell I guess, but man I need to know if there is a HEA to Marigold's story.
The story will keep you engaged and dying for more.
November 20, 2025
Okay, so I loved this. It was so freaking interesting. Mari is amazing. Cyrus is a turd, Elio is better and Keane is the best. There were parts that kind of confused me though, like it skipped around almost and didn’t flow right in some spots but it was still a super interesting story. I love that it ended on a cliffhanger just so I know there will be more. It’s really unique and the university is super magical.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2025
This is a reverse harem, academy romance. ! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. Well-developed story line and characters. The world building is detailed and imaginative. Great characters that make the story come alive. Pain and passion radiate from them. The plot draws you in so that you can’t put the book down because you need to know what will happen next. This review is based on an early review copy I was sent by the publisher, but this didn't affect the content of my review that I am voluntarily providing.
May 17, 2025
Heir of shadows is about a girl who spent her life not knowing about magic, so when she's suddenly thrust into a world of magic, vampires and three dark as sin heirs just like her it's hard not to feel out of place. Steamy, intense and out of this world, it sinks it's teeth into you, drawing you in for the read of your life. I truly can't wait to see where this series goes and if Marigold can master her necromancy powers and save the academy before it's too late.
December 18, 2025
DNFed after about 40%
The writing feels... juvenile? It's very repetitive and it really needed an editor to go through it. For example, I spotted a typo in like the second paragraph and the MC spends the second chapter saying "...what?" in every other sentence.
The story isn't very interesting. MC is the Specialest but comes from a Really Poor background and is now bullied at Fancy School by her, I assume, future love interests. Just... really boring.
The writing feels... juvenile? It's very repetitive and it really needed an editor to go through it. For example, I spotted a typo in like the second paragraph and the MC spends the second chapter saying "...what?" in every other sentence.
The story isn't very interesting. MC is the Specialest but comes from a Really Poor background and is now bullied at Fancy School by her, I assume, future love interests. Just... really boring.
May 13, 2025
It's always awesome to discover a new to me author that exemplifies excellence in their genre. This is the first Cali Mann book I've read but won't be the last. From the first page, this is intriguing with mysterious and well defined characters. The story is fast paced with a slow burn romantic element. Happily this is a first installment so I will be able to spend more time in this world.
June 8, 2025
I could not get enough of this book. The story was amazing. The characters were well written. The mmc’s Keane, Cyrus, Elio & the fmc Marigold. Did not disappoint in the drama, the angst, the romance, & the lol moments. This book has it all. I am so excited to see how the rest of this series turns out.
October 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book given its similar vibes to Zodiac Academy. Cali is one of my favorite authors and she once again delivers a compelling story. If you are a fan of magical worlds with a university setting this is definitely the book for you. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series given that cliffhanger Cali left us with!
December 7, 2025
Prima verhaal, maar slecht geschreven. Mis de ‘world-building’, mis uitleg, gaat te snel van 1 naar 100. Te kort door de bocht in sommige hoofdstukken. Romance slecht, voelde het niet. Toch ga ik wel door met boek 2 want benieuwd hoe het afloopt, dus toch een voldoende. Raad ik het aan? Mwah er zijn betere fantasy boeken, lees die eerst maar.
December 20, 2025
This was an interesting read.
A girl finds out that she has exceptional powers and a whole new world opens for her.
This is a great opening of the series and ends with a cliffhanger, this only arouses my curiosity concerning what will come next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A girl finds out that she has exceptional powers and a whole new world opens for her.
This is a great opening of the series and ends with a cliffhanger, this only arouses my curiosity concerning what will come next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2025
I loved this story very much, its a slow burn RH acedemy series. The book focuses on the plot but it does have some spicy scenes, Mari is an amazing FMC. I can't wait for the next book because it ends on a cliffhanger.
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