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Dead Poets Sorority
Pre-order the quirky and darkly funny gothic romance x dark academia story where How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days meets Ghosts.
He's handsome, funny, and a real Romantic. Unfortunately, he’s dead.
When intrepid student journalist Emma Reeves goes undercover to investigate the DEAD POETS SORORITY, she expects to find a group of bored college girls with Ouija boards. What she doesn't expect is to conjure her very own 19th century dead poet.
Tasked with infiltrating a sorority obsessed with long-dead poets like Byron and Shelley, Emma stumbles upon a bizarre a house filled with crystals, pentagrams, and girls devoted to bringing their literary idols back from the dead. Emma manages to suppress her eye rolls until one night, fuelled by curiosity and a couple of beers, she accidentally summons the spirit of never-quite-famous poet, Nathaniel Harker.
Now, Emma's got a brooding, enigmatic, love-struck 19th-century poet following her around. Torn between the allure of a (timeless) romance and writing the article of a lifetime, she finds herself at a crossroads.
As Emma grapples with her story and her heart, she'll have to decide if she can truly keep her poet a secret or if exposing the sorority will mean losing him forever…
He's handsome, funny, and a real Romantic. Unfortunately, he’s dead.
When intrepid student journalist Emma Reeves goes undercover to investigate the DEAD POETS SORORITY, she expects to find a group of bored college girls with Ouija boards. What she doesn't expect is to conjure her very own 19th century dead poet.
Tasked with infiltrating a sorority obsessed with long-dead poets like Byron and Shelley, Emma stumbles upon a bizarre a house filled with crystals, pentagrams, and girls devoted to bringing their literary idols back from the dead. Emma manages to suppress her eye rolls until one night, fuelled by curiosity and a couple of beers, she accidentally summons the spirit of never-quite-famous poet, Nathaniel Harker.
Now, Emma's got a brooding, enigmatic, love-struck 19th-century poet following her around. Torn between the allure of a (timeless) romance and writing the article of a lifetime, she finds herself at a crossroads.
As Emma grapples with her story and her heart, she'll have to decide if she can truly keep her poet a secret or if exposing the sorority will mean losing him forever…
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
43 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 8, 2025
I loved this one! It had fun, academic vibes with a secret society-like sorority full of mystery. You follow Emma, a young girl accidentally falling in love while trying to carry out more tasks than any college student should.
I loved the chapter number art.
I also enjoy how the author tied her love for graveyards into the book. It made the ending really sweet and heartfelt in a place usually reserved for loss and heartbreak. A place to start anew rather than a place of finality.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
I loved the chapter number art.
I also enjoy how the author tied her love for graveyards into the book. It made the ending really sweet and heartfelt in a place usually reserved for loss and heartbreak. A place to start anew rather than a place of finality.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC!
September 22, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the publishers.
Dead Poets Sorority is a fun and quirky book about a romance between a ghost and a student journalist and the dangers they've both been placed in.
Emma has gone undercover at the bequest of her newspaper editor to investigate the Dead Poets' sorority and never expected to conjure up her very own, very real, dead poet ghost from the 19th century no less.
As she tries to uncover the sororitys secrets and put together the much needed story her editor requires to take the sorority and its leader down, Emma is also tasked with trying to keep her dead poet hidden and out of danger within the very house he needs to run from.
This was a very different kind of read, and although I did enjoy it, the references to the desk cactus did get very annoying after being repeated so many times through the book. But apart from this is a crazy and fun read. The ending was interesting with hints to a possible sequel?
Dead Poets Sorority is a fun and quirky book about a romance between a ghost and a student journalist and the dangers they've both been placed in.
Emma has gone undercover at the bequest of her newspaper editor to investigate the Dead Poets' sorority and never expected to conjure up her very own, very real, dead poet ghost from the 19th century no less.
As she tries to uncover the sororitys secrets and put together the much needed story her editor requires to take the sorority and its leader down, Emma is also tasked with trying to keep her dead poet hidden and out of danger within the very house he needs to run from.
This was a very different kind of read, and although I did enjoy it, the references to the desk cactus did get very annoying after being repeated so many times through the book. But apart from this is a crazy and fun read. The ending was interesting with hints to a possible sequel?
July 22, 2025
Read for an unserious spooky read where the plot follows a group of sorority girls who use magic to bring their boyfriends to life.. enter paranormal romance. It’s cute it’s funny I enjoyed it!
I saw somebody recommending for fans of the book “Bunny” and I’d second that.
Please don’t go in expecting anything deep or serious, this book is unapologetically what it is and I enjoyed it for that.
If you like banter between love interests this book definitely offers plenty of that! There is a lot of chaos and weirdness at all times and that works for what it is (remember my previous note about expectations guys).
I’d recommend for a fun light read during spooky season 🧜🏼♀️
👻 Dark Academia
👻 Spooky season read
👻 Paranormal Romance
👻 Ghost boyfriend
👻 Dark humour
👻 Sorority sisters
👻 Gothic
Thank you to Avon publishing for the #netgalley #gifted copy!
Publishes: September 25th
I saw somebody recommending for fans of the book “Bunny” and I’d second that.
Please don’t go in expecting anything deep or serious, this book is unapologetically what it is and I enjoyed it for that.
If you like banter between love interests this book definitely offers plenty of that! There is a lot of chaos and weirdness at all times and that works for what it is (remember my previous note about expectations guys).
I’d recommend for a fun light read during spooky season 🧜🏼♀️
👻 Dark Academia
👻 Spooky season read
👻 Paranormal Romance
👻 Ghost boyfriend
👻 Dark humour
👻 Sorority sisters
👻 Gothic
Thank you to Avon publishing for the #netgalley #gifted copy!
Publishes: September 25th
November 21, 2025
Let me be very clear: the single star I have rated this book is for the cover, the premise, and the fact that I can’t figure out a way to leave a zero star review.
I impulse bought this on Kindle because it was 99p, and I had read the cover in a bookshop and thought it was a fun premise. One sentence in, I remembered why you ALWAYS DOWNLOAD THE SAMPLE.
Look. If you want to write a book about writers and writing, and set it in dark academia, I’m afraid *you need to be able to write*, and frankly I can’t see how this got past an initial query, let alone an actual HarperCollins editor. The sentences themselves are a mess. It’s frequently difficult to identify the subject because it changes mid-run-on. The author uses the word “that” CONSTANTLY in a really clunky way that had my teeth on edge by 5% of the way through. And the characters have no consistency at all. Does Emma hate and fear her editor, or are they best drinking buddies? Is Emma a hopeless pop-culture t-shirt wearing dweeb who can’t pitch a good article to save her life or a sexy seductress with mega writing skills? WE WILL NEVER KNOW. Well, except about the writing skills.
In conclusion, I very nearly made Amazon refund me my paltry 99p, but then decided getting to write this review was easily 99p worth of enjoyment, so they can keep it. How this book has such a high Goodreads score, I can’t even imagine - except that maybe the BookTok girlies are so repressed that they’ll put up with any level of bad writing to get to a couple of extremely poor ‘spicy’ scenes instead of just watching their filth on the internet (or, you know, reading a better book).
I impulse bought this on Kindle because it was 99p, and I had read the cover in a bookshop and thought it was a fun premise. One sentence in, I remembered why you ALWAYS DOWNLOAD THE SAMPLE.
Look. If you want to write a book about writers and writing, and set it in dark academia, I’m afraid *you need to be able to write*, and frankly I can’t see how this got past an initial query, let alone an actual HarperCollins editor. The sentences themselves are a mess. It’s frequently difficult to identify the subject because it changes mid-run-on. The author uses the word “that” CONSTANTLY in a really clunky way that had my teeth on edge by 5% of the way through. And the characters have no consistency at all. Does Emma hate and fear her editor, or are they best drinking buddies? Is Emma a hopeless pop-culture t-shirt wearing dweeb who can’t pitch a good article to save her life or a sexy seductress with mega writing skills? WE WILL NEVER KNOW. Well, except about the writing skills.
In conclusion, I very nearly made Amazon refund me my paltry 99p, but then decided getting to write this review was easily 99p worth of enjoyment, so they can keep it. How this book has such a high Goodreads score, I can’t even imagine - except that maybe the BookTok girlies are so repressed that they’ll put up with any level of bad writing to get to a couple of extremely poor ‘spicy’ scenes instead of just watching their filth on the internet (or, you know, reading a better book).
September 7, 2025
Dead Poets Sorority follows Emma, as she goes undercover for her college newspaper. She has to infiltrate the Dead Poets Sorority, and summon herself a dead poet….
This story is packed with so many witty, humorous moments. There’s a little romance and spice and I enjoyed following Emma as she and Nate figured things out… there were elements of the book that were just a little out there, but I loved it!
I did struggle a little with the chapter length… they were quite long… but the story overall was crazy and enjoyable. This book is a lot of fun and there’s an element of magical realism that I love.
Thank you so much to the author and Avon publisher for the advance copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.
This story is packed with so many witty, humorous moments. There’s a little romance and spice and I enjoyed following Emma as she and Nate figured things out… there were elements of the book that were just a little out there, but I loved it!
I did struggle a little with the chapter length… they were quite long… but the story overall was crazy and enjoyable. This book is a lot of fun and there’s an element of magical realism that I love.
Thank you so much to the author and Avon publisher for the advance copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.
August 5, 2025
Voicey, irreverent, and delightfully gothic, Dead Poet Sorority is the perfect spooky, autumnal read. Get ready to swoon over long-dead poets spouting sonnets in this outrageously funny paranormal romance!
August 23, 2025
I mean…there were words on a page.
Firstly the universe isn’t explained. Is this something where magic is known to be real, or is it a contemporary romance where she somehow summons a ghost? I still do not know, having completed the book. Why is he a non-corporeal ghost who can walk through walls at times, and then at other times a corporeal ghost who can fuck her? Or is it just his dick that’s corporeal?
Secondly the writing isn’t great unfortunately. There are grammar mistakes, long run on sentences, and if I never hear the phrase ‘taco slap’ again I can die happy.
This took me two and a half months to read. This kind of book normally takes me a few hours. The only reason I preserved is because it’s an ARC. What a weight that’s been lifted off my shoulders now it’s done.
This should have been a cute fantasy rom com. Instead it was just…nothing.
Firstly the universe isn’t explained. Is this something where magic is known to be real, or is it a contemporary romance where she somehow summons a ghost? I still do not know, having completed the book. Why is he a non-corporeal ghost who can walk through walls at times, and then at other times a corporeal ghost who can fuck her? Or is it just his dick that’s corporeal?
Secondly the writing isn’t great unfortunately. There are grammar mistakes, long run on sentences, and if I never hear the phrase ‘taco slap’ again I can die happy.
This took me two and a half months to read. This kind of book normally takes me a few hours. The only reason I preserved is because it’s an ARC. What a weight that’s been lifted off my shoulders now it’s done.
This should have been a cute fantasy rom com. Instead it was just…nothing.
Read
July 22, 2025DNF - couldn’t get on with the writing style at all.
June 12, 2025
4.5/5 Oh my goodness, this was so much fun!
This is like Bunny by Mona Awad but so much better! So I would highly recommend to the Bunny fans out there!
This takes place at a college (at a sorority to be specific) and follows a group (sorority) of girls who bring to life their boyfriends.
This was a super fun and easy read, I gobbled it up. I read most of it last night before bed and then absolutely zoomed through the rest of it this morning.
If you're looking for a fun and slightly spooky time, I would highly recommend. I loved this and will definitely be looking out for more books by this author! I really don't know what else to say about this book besides that, give it a read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This is like Bunny by Mona Awad but so much better! So I would highly recommend to the Bunny fans out there!
This takes place at a college (at a sorority to be specific) and follows a group (sorority) of girls who bring to life their boyfriends.
This was a super fun and easy read, I gobbled it up. I read most of it last night before bed and then absolutely zoomed through the rest of it this morning.
If you're looking for a fun and slightly spooky time, I would highly recommend. I loved this and will definitely be looking out for more books by this author! I really don't know what else to say about this book besides that, give it a read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 1, 2025
This was such a cute and fun read. It's the perfect book to curl up with at this time of year. I loved the story, it was easy to follow and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
July 16, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, and there were certainly elements that stood out—especially the relationship between the Emma and Nate. Their dynamic felt real and well-developed, and I found myself rooting for them as the story unfolded.
However, I did struggle with the overall plot. Some parts felt a bit disjointed or underexplained, which made it hard to stay fully invested. I often found myself questioning how certain events connected or what purpose certain scenes served. This made the pacing feel uneven at times.
Another challenge for me was that, apart from the central duo, the rest of the characters didn’t seem to have strong or memorable storylines. I would have loved to see more depth or purpose given to the supporting cast, as they sometimes felt more like background than part of the narrative.
That said, I know every reader brings their own perspective, and others might connect with the story differently. There’s definitely talent in the writing, and I’d be open to reading more from this author in the future.
However, I did struggle with the overall plot. Some parts felt a bit disjointed or underexplained, which made it hard to stay fully invested. I often found myself questioning how certain events connected or what purpose certain scenes served. This made the pacing feel uneven at times.
Another challenge for me was that, apart from the central duo, the rest of the characters didn’t seem to have strong or memorable storylines. I would have loved to see more depth or purpose given to the supporting cast, as they sometimes felt more like background than part of the narrative.
That said, I know every reader brings their own perspective, and others might connect with the story differently. There’s definitely talent in the writing, and I’d be open to reading more from this author in the future.
January 18, 2026
Bon, j’ai été hyper déçue, le résumé avait l’air fun, je pensais tomber sur une romance humoristique avec une petite enquête en prime car à la base la perso principale est quand même là pour s’infiltrer dans une sororité.
Au final, je suis tombée sur un world building catastrophique. J’ai cru que c’était moi qui ne comprenait pas car je l’ai lu en anglais mais en lisant les commentaires goodreads j’ai vu que les lecteurs anglophones se plaignaient des erreurs de syntaxes qui nous empêchaient de bien saisir le texte. J’ai pas du tout compris si c’était une fantasy ou si ça se passait dans notre ère (I mean le fantôme peut écrire des textos donc je suis perdue).
Ajoutez à ça les multiples scènes de smut (entre un fantôme et une meuf vivante, oui oui oui) qui sont plus détaillées les unes que les autres. Bref cata pour moi mais on a bien rigolé quand même.
Au final, je suis tombée sur un world building catastrophique. J’ai cru que c’était moi qui ne comprenait pas car je l’ai lu en anglais mais en lisant les commentaires goodreads j’ai vu que les lecteurs anglophones se plaignaient des erreurs de syntaxes qui nous empêchaient de bien saisir le texte. J’ai pas du tout compris si c’était une fantasy ou si ça se passait dans notre ère (I mean le fantôme peut écrire des textos donc je suis perdue).
Ajoutez à ça les multiples scènes de smut (entre un fantôme et une meuf vivante, oui oui oui) qui sont plus détaillées les unes que les autres. Bref cata pour moi mais on a bien rigolé quand même.
October 6, 2025
Although I’m giving Dead Poets Sorority just the three stars, I definitely didn’t hate this book. It just didn’t tick all the boxes for me.
Overall the story was pretty interesting, and I love a ghost boyf (did someone say BLACKWELL?! 😈) but the execution of the plot just missed the mark at times. I felt like there wasn’t much that really happened and some things weren’t explained fully, which made it hard to get invested in what happened next. I’m still pretty confused about the whole paranormal aspect in this one, but that might be because I read such high fantasy that I struggled with the flitting between the ‘real life’ setting and the fact Emma summoned a ghost. Like, on her first try, saying random words. Then there were no real other paranormal elements apart from random comments about stones, which weren’t ever explained.
From a romance side, although I loved Nate, I didn’t really get onboard with Emma at all, and felt like there was zero chemistry between them until towards the end of the book. Maybe it was the instalove, which just came out of nowhere 🤣, but I wasn’t convinced. I did have a bit of a giggle and the spice was well written, the relationship just didn’t sink its claws into me. My heart did almost break at the end but again, I didn’t actually care until about 80% of the book, which is a long time to wait.
Overall if you’re looking for a relatively light romance with paranormal elements and gothic themes, give this one a go. ‘Tis the season after all and I’d absolutely read more from Sofia as I did enjoy her writing. This just isn’t one of my faves of the year!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC of this one in exchange for a review 💜
Overall the story was pretty interesting, and I love a ghost boyf (did someone say BLACKWELL?! 😈) but the execution of the plot just missed the mark at times. I felt like there wasn’t much that really happened and some things weren’t explained fully, which made it hard to get invested in what happened next. I’m still pretty confused about the whole paranormal aspect in this one, but that might be because I read such high fantasy that I struggled with the flitting between the ‘real life’ setting and the fact Emma summoned a ghost. Like, on her first try, saying random words. Then there were no real other paranormal elements apart from random comments about stones, which weren’t ever explained.
From a romance side, although I loved Nate, I didn’t really get onboard with Emma at all, and felt like there was zero chemistry between them until towards the end of the book. Maybe it was the instalove, which just came out of nowhere 🤣, but I wasn’t convinced. I did have a bit of a giggle and the spice was well written, the relationship just didn’t sink its claws into me. My heart did almost break at the end but again, I didn’t actually care until about 80% of the book, which is a long time to wait.
Overall if you’re looking for a relatively light romance with paranormal elements and gothic themes, give this one a go. ‘Tis the season after all and I’d absolutely read more from Sofia as I did enjoy her writing. This just isn’t one of my faves of the year!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC of this one in exchange for a review 💜
August 10, 2025
Thanks to Avon and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I did enjoy how silly and fun this book was, I'm still left wandering what actually happened during large sections of it.
The premise is daft but I had a good time. Nate and Emma's relationship was very insta-love and pretty predictable but I knew what I was getting in for. The side characters were interesting but got zero development. I don't think they were introduced well either, as I got no real sense of her they were.
The chapters were fairly long (or at least they felt that way) and jumped about a fair bit, trying to fit a lot in. This meant that the only focus was the relationship and I got no real sense of who Emma was outside of that, which is a shame as it undermined the fact that she was meant to be a strong, independent woman.
A lot of the storyline felt quite superficial with a lot of filler, so I ended up not entirely sure how things had worked out the way they had. I also wanted to better understand the sorority and Kimberley, but that was all surface level too, which was a shame.
I also need to understand the rules of ghosts in this world. How could he have a reflection? How could he wear real clothes but disappear while wearing them? How could he have sex? So many questions.
If you don't overthink it, this book is good fun, but I just wanted a bit more depth so I didn't finish it and go "huh?"
While I did enjoy how silly and fun this book was, I'm still left wandering what actually happened during large sections of it.
The premise is daft but I had a good time. Nate and Emma's relationship was very insta-love and pretty predictable but I knew what I was getting in for. The side characters were interesting but got zero development. I don't think they were introduced well either, as I got no real sense of her they were.
The chapters were fairly long (or at least they felt that way) and jumped about a fair bit, trying to fit a lot in. This meant that the only focus was the relationship and I got no real sense of who Emma was outside of that, which is a shame as it undermined the fact that she was meant to be a strong, independent woman.
A lot of the storyline felt quite superficial with a lot of filler, so I ended up not entirely sure how things had worked out the way they had. I also wanted to better understand the sorority and Kimberley, but that was all surface level too, which was a shame.
I also need to understand the rules of ghosts in this world. How could he have a reflection? How could he wear real clothes but disappear while wearing them? How could he have sex? So many questions.
If you don't overthink it, this book is good fun, but I just wanted a bit more depth so I didn't finish it and go "huh?"
November 3, 2025
The premise of Dead Poets Sorority was so good, and I love paranormal romances and romcoms so this book definitely appealed to me. Unfortunately, I didn't love it. I think one of the main reasons was that I just didn't understand some of the sentences, so whether it used Australian slang or phrasing that's just not used in the UK, it was an issue that slipped through editing, or it was just a me-problem, I don't know. Other times, I just found it hard to understand exactly what was happening and why. It was like I was meant to know the reasoning behind something that was said or something that happened, and the author obviously thought it was obvious so didn't spell it out, but I just couldn't intuit the reasoning.
There were some repetitive jokes all the way through the book and the magic of the world is very vague. There are references to wards and witches, and obviously summoning ghosts is the main part of the story, but those things are only mentioned within the sorority, so it's not clear if these things are common knowledge in the world or not. I was so excited for this book, and the copy I have of it is beautiful but it felt like the world wasn't thought through, or at least explained to the reader.
There were some repetitive jokes all the way through the book and the magic of the world is very vague. There are references to wards and witches, and obviously summoning ghosts is the main part of the story, but those things are only mentioned within the sorority, so it's not clear if these things are common knowledge in the world or not. I was so excited for this book, and the copy I have of it is beautiful but it felt like the world wasn't thought through, or at least explained to the reader.
October 10, 2025
This could have been great.
I loved the idea behind this, but it needed to be either more Fantasy-leaning or just funnier. What we actually get here is a very slow and earnest Romance and a few stale jokes.
Leaning into the Fantasy aspects of this would have made for a great book. Sadly that’s really just the jumping off point for a tropey Romance, and a slow moving one at that.
There are a few cute jokes, but mostly what we get here is the typical “person from the past doesn’t understand smartphones!” or “person from the past doesn’t understand modern slang!” jokes. You’ve heard them all before.
I don’t necessarily expect a RomCom to be laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish, but I needed more humor than I got, or at least less shopworn laughs.
If you’re into earnest Romance, I’m sure you’ll like this more than I did. If you’re not, there just isn’t much here to hold interest.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved the idea behind this, but it needed to be either more Fantasy-leaning or just funnier. What we actually get here is a very slow and earnest Romance and a few stale jokes.
Leaning into the Fantasy aspects of this would have made for a great book. Sadly that’s really just the jumping off point for a tropey Romance, and a slow moving one at that.
There are a few cute jokes, but mostly what we get here is the typical “person from the past doesn’t understand smartphones!” or “person from the past doesn’t understand modern slang!” jokes. You’ve heard them all before.
I don’t necessarily expect a RomCom to be laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish, but I needed more humor than I got, or at least less shopworn laughs.
If you’re into earnest Romance, I’m sure you’ll like this more than I did. If you’re not, there just isn’t much here to hold interest.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
dnf
August 30, 2025So... Dead Poets Sorority wasn’t quite the right fit for me, and I ended up setting it aside around chapter 5. That said, I still really liked the concept, title, and cover because they’re so fun and creative! I’ll be keeping an eye out for what Sofia Shelley writes next.
This book is definitely different from what I usually read. The writing took a bit to get used to; it’s very wordy and has some run-on sentences. On the flip side, I did enjoy the playful Gen Z humor and slang (“shizz,” “unalive,” “newb”). As an elder Gen Z, it made me laugh.
Even though I wasn't quite the target audience for this, I think it will find its audience among readers who enjoy dark academia that's a little silly at the same time.
This book is definitely different from what I usually read. The writing took a bit to get used to; it’s very wordy and has some run-on sentences. On the flip side, I did enjoy the playful Gen Z humor and slang (“shizz,” “unalive,” “newb”). As an elder Gen Z, it made me laugh.
Even though I wasn't quite the target audience for this, I think it will find its audience among readers who enjoy dark academia that's a little silly at the same time.
August 20, 2025
Thanks to Netgally for the ARC!
It was a struggle to get through this book. The pacing was all over the place and there were a lot of run-on sentences that could've been shortened. The story also jumped around quite a bit and it was hard to follow at times. It was a cute romance, but I didn't feel a connection to anyone in the book sadly.
It was a struggle to get through this book. The pacing was all over the place and there were a lot of run-on sentences that could've been shortened. The story also jumped around quite a bit and it was hard to follow at times. It was a cute romance, but I didn't feel a connection to anyone in the book sadly.
October 6, 2025
This book probably could have benefitted from another round of edits/revisions before its release, and I wasn't super crazy about that epilogue, but I still had a great time reading this! It was very BBC Ghosts meets Lisa Frankenstein.
October 27, 2025
Perfectly adequate, the story itself wasn’t anything that special or memorable and it got a bit boring at times but I liked it well enough. Nate is such a cutie. I wish I had a ghost boyfriend
August 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️ (DNF at 20%)
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
I really wanted to love Dead Poets Sorority—the concept is original and has a certain unbothered charm. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into the writing style. I spent twenty days with this book and only made it to 20%. The prose often felt difficult for me to grasp; there were many sentences I couldn’t quite understand, which slowed me down a lot and kept me from sinking into the story.
I think this may be more about me than the book itself—I might just be in a bit of a reading slump. Still, I wanted to share my experience in case others feel the same. For now, I’ll set it aside, but I can absolutely see how this could resonate with the right reader.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
I really wanted to love Dead Poets Sorority—the concept is original and has a certain unbothered charm. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into the writing style. I spent twenty days with this book and only made it to 20%. The prose often felt difficult for me to grasp; there were many sentences I couldn’t quite understand, which slowed me down a lot and kept me from sinking into the story.
I think this may be more about me than the book itself—I might just be in a bit of a reading slump. Still, I wanted to share my experience in case others feel the same. For now, I’ll set it aside, but I can absolutely see how this could resonate with the right reader.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review! I unfortunately had to DNF this book at 10%, as I couldn't get past the writing style. There were parts that fit the ‘Dark academia vibe’ that I was expecting, but most parts were wordy and convoluted. This meant that details were hard to follow, and it didn’t allow me to get into the more enjoyable aspects of the story. I’m sure that this book hits the spot for some, but sadly it didn't whet my appetite like I was expecting.
August 12, 2025
This book just wasn’t for me. I felt the pacing was completely off, and it was all tell and no show. Ultimately, I couldn’t force myself to finish it unfortunately.
The story moved way too quickly. I needed more time to connect to the characters, and get a sense of Emma’s true motivation as the main character. We are told more about what she wants and why she wants it, then we are shown through her experience or actions. As a reader that is always a turn off for me.
I couldn’t get a grip on who any of the characters actually were. Emma, tells us about who all of the other characters are, but we really don’t get to know them in any significant way through their actions or individual voices. The male love interest, Nathaniel, appears suddenly with no tension. How can Emma, who hates sororities and doesn’t believe in anything she is seeing, suddenly bring a dead poet back to life? That’s a bridge too far. Why would she even try to bring back a dead poet? Does she even care about poetry? How does she know the spell to even start the process? She’s only seen one ceremony and she was distracted throughout it. Her motivations aren’t clear and neither is the narrative.
If you like your books to be pure fluff, and don’t care about accuracy (historical or contemporary) this book might work for you. The author certainly has the moody fall vibes down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story moved way too quickly. I needed more time to connect to the characters, and get a sense of Emma’s true motivation as the main character. We are told more about what she wants and why she wants it, then we are shown through her experience or actions. As a reader that is always a turn off for me.
I couldn’t get a grip on who any of the characters actually were. Emma, tells us about who all of the other characters are, but we really don’t get to know them in any significant way through their actions or individual voices. The male love interest, Nathaniel, appears suddenly with no tension. How can Emma, who hates sororities and doesn’t believe in anything she is seeing, suddenly bring a dead poet back to life? That’s a bridge too far. Why would she even try to bring back a dead poet? Does she even care about poetry? How does she know the spell to even start the process? She’s only seen one ceremony and she was distracted throughout it. Her motivations aren’t clear and neither is the narrative.
If you like your books to be pure fluff, and don’t care about accuracy (historical or contemporary) this book might work for you. The author certainly has the moody fall vibes down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2025
First of all thank you NetGalley for an arc if this. Unfortunately I really wanted to like this. The whole concept sounded amazing but the whole story fell flat. This read like a first draft instead of a published story.
Many parts felt choppy and shoved together which made it hard to follow what was going on. A lot of the characters were flat and I couldn’t really get a feel for them.
I am sad to say the this had a lot of potential that just was not there.
Many parts felt choppy and shoved together which made it hard to follow what was going on. A lot of the characters were flat and I couldn’t really get a feel for them.
I am sad to say the this had a lot of potential that just was not there.
February 8, 2026
This was a book that I have read, and that’s the most positive thing I can say about it really. This just felt so weirdly written and disconnected, and it had such a good premise it just really didn’t live up to it.
Considering Emma becomes obsessed with her newly summoned dead poet on page 40 there isn’t much space for this book to evolve. I didn’t feel any connection to their relationship because they were both just instantly obsessed with each other and it kind of just stayed at that level for the rest of the book. The plot with her ex boyfriend is also so unnecessary because he pops up for a few chapters and then vanishes again with no impact on the plot.
The world building in here was pretty weak, considering that Emma is sent to investigate this sorority because they think the summonings are being faked no one is particularly surprised when a ghost is just hanging around. Even the characters who are sceptics and don’t believe in this are happy to just go along with Nate’s existence.
I don’t usually say that a writer is the wrong person to right a story, but I think that you shouldn’t write a book set at a sorority if you don’t know how young people talk or act. This wasn’t just with Emma, but Nate trying to understand modern slang felt so weird, why would he assume that ‘deadline’ meant drawing lines on a dead person? No part of that means that, and it was just going for humour, he could have just said that he doesn’t understand that word, not make up a fake etymology, and this happens a few times when he is first summoned and then never happens again, despite Emma introducing new slang terms to him. I feel as though if they hadn’t been as attached to the title of this it could have worked with late twenties characters investigating a cult instead of a sorority and that it would have been more effective, and without reading what someone thinks college age people act like.
I will also say that there were a few continuity/editing errors in one chapter a character is called Benedict and in the next he is called Benjamin by the same character. It just felt sloppy considering these are only a few pages apart.
I have to end this with the fact that the epilogue is the most random part of this. It makes now sense. Why is she now a villain? Why would she ever have access to someone to do that? Is this setting up for a sequel? It just didn’t make any sense and considering where Emma and Nate had just got to this could have been a cute epilogue, not the creepy one we got where she is obsessed with this girl and talks about the psychoanalysing her while also being insane herself.
Considering Emma becomes obsessed with her newly summoned dead poet on page 40 there isn’t much space for this book to evolve. I didn’t feel any connection to their relationship because they were both just instantly obsessed with each other and it kind of just stayed at that level for the rest of the book. The plot with her ex boyfriend is also so unnecessary because he pops up for a few chapters and then vanishes again with no impact on the plot.
The world building in here was pretty weak, considering that Emma is sent to investigate this sorority because they think the summonings are being faked no one is particularly surprised when a ghost is just hanging around. Even the characters who are sceptics and don’t believe in this are happy to just go along with Nate’s existence.
I don’t usually say that a writer is the wrong person to right a story, but I think that you shouldn’t write a book set at a sorority if you don’t know how young people talk or act. This wasn’t just with Emma, but Nate trying to understand modern slang felt so weird, why would he assume that ‘deadline’ meant drawing lines on a dead person? No part of that means that, and it was just going for humour, he could have just said that he doesn’t understand that word, not make up a fake etymology, and this happens a few times when he is first summoned and then never happens again, despite Emma introducing new slang terms to him. I feel as though if they hadn’t been as attached to the title of this it could have worked with late twenties characters investigating a cult instead of a sorority and that it would have been more effective, and without reading what someone thinks college age people act like.
I will also say that there were a few continuity/editing errors in one chapter a character is called Benedict and in the next he is called Benjamin by the same character. It just felt sloppy considering these are only a few pages apart.
I have to end this with the fact that the epilogue is the most random part of this. It makes now sense. Why is she now a villain? Why would she ever have access to someone to do that? Is this setting up for a sequel? It just didn’t make any sense and considering where Emma and Nate had just got to this could have been a cute epilogue, not the creepy one we got where she is obsessed with this girl and talks about the psychoanalysing her while also being insane herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an ARC of Dead Poets Sorority by Sofia Shelley from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
So, this book was kind of a mess … but a fun mess, so I’m not sure I minded. The idea is solid: Emma, a student journalist, goes undercover in a spooky secret sorority, accidentally summons a dead poet, and things get wild. If you’re here for haunted houses, moody autumn vibes, romance with a ghost (and I’ve been here for ghost romances [ghomantasy?] ever since The Medium series), then it delivers on that Lisa Frankenstein dreamscape energy. But. There are so many BUTs.
BUT (see what I did there?) let’s start with the things I loved: Nathaniel, the ghost‑poet, is swoony and Romantic (yes with a Capital R). Although let’s be real, I may have been biased anyway because of the ghostness of it all. The setting and tone, with the Gothic architecture, secret rituals, flickering candles, and cold drafts was a perfect way to kick off spooky season, so 10/10 on the atmosphere.
Now, for the things I didn’t: The pacing, dear god the pacing! The pacing is all over. The story zooms ahead in key places, and then drags or glosses over in others. I never really had time to settle in, get familiar, or even feel emotionally invested in the characters or their motivations. Most characters seemed shoehorned into an archetype, and I’m sorry, but I’m so sick of the hot mess with coffee stains on her shirt (but make it q u i r k y) archetype that was like half of Emma’s personality. Also, I finished the book with more questions than answers, mostly because it felt like the author hadn’t fully thought things through, and figured handwaving things away would suffice.
Altogether, I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars. If you're here for historical accuracy, emotional depth, or characters with clear motivations, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re down to spend 300+ pages with a snarky college journalist who accidentally falls for a poet she summoned during a seance, while mostly ignoring her friends, grades, and journalistic ethics… then welcome to Phi Omega, sister.
Perfect for fans of: mood over mechanics, Netflix’s Wednesday, the word “spoopy”, Bama Rush but make it Tim Burton, and that one hyper-specific corner of TikTok that’s just velvet capes, moonlight, and voiceovers of sad poetry
So, this book was kind of a mess … but a fun mess, so I’m not sure I minded. The idea is solid: Emma, a student journalist, goes undercover in a spooky secret sorority, accidentally summons a dead poet, and things get wild. If you’re here for haunted houses, moody autumn vibes, romance with a ghost (and I’ve been here for ghost romances [ghomantasy?] ever since The Medium series), then it delivers on that Lisa Frankenstein dreamscape energy. But. There are so many BUTs.
BUT (see what I did there?) let’s start with the things I loved: Nathaniel, the ghost‑poet, is swoony and Romantic (yes with a Capital R). Although let’s be real, I may have been biased anyway because of the ghostness of it all. The setting and tone, with the Gothic architecture, secret rituals, flickering candles, and cold drafts was a perfect way to kick off spooky season, so 10/10 on the atmosphere.
Now, for the things I didn’t: The pacing, dear god the pacing! The pacing is all over. The story zooms ahead in key places, and then drags or glosses over in others. I never really had time to settle in, get familiar, or even feel emotionally invested in the characters or their motivations. Most characters seemed shoehorned into an archetype, and I’m sorry, but I’m so sick of the hot mess with coffee stains on her shirt (but make it q u i r k y) archetype that was like half of Emma’s personality. Also, I finished the book with more questions than answers, mostly because it felt like the author hadn’t fully thought things through, and figured handwaving things away would suffice.
Altogether, I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars. If you're here for historical accuracy, emotional depth, or characters with clear motivations, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re down to spend 300+ pages with a snarky college journalist who accidentally falls for a poet she summoned during a seance, while mostly ignoring her friends, grades, and journalistic ethics… then welcome to Phi Omega, sister.
Perfect for fans of: mood over mechanics, Netflix’s Wednesday, the word “spoopy”, Bama Rush but make it Tim Burton, and that one hyper-specific corner of TikTok that’s just velvet capes, moonlight, and voiceovers of sad poetry
September 27, 2025
Sofia Shelley's "Dead Poets Sorority" is an interesting and unique blend of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, which revolves around a secret society of college girls who are resurrecting long-dead literary poets. The protagonist, Emma Reeves, is an ambitious student journalist who accidentally summons the spirit of a never-quite-famous poet, Nathaniel Harker, during her undercover investigation of the sorority.
The novel's initial chapters are a bit slow-paced, as the author takes her time to set up the premise and introduce the characters. However, this slow start does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, as it allows readers to immerse themselves in the world that Shelley has created.
The true strength of "Dead Poets Sorority" lies in the relationship between Emma and Nathaniel. Their tender moments are beautifully written, and their connection transcends the boundaries of time and space. Shelley's portrayal of Nathaniel as a brooding, romantic figure from the 19th century is both charming and alluring, making it easy for readers to understand why Emma would be drawn to him.
As Emma and Nathaniel's relationship deepens, the suspense in the novel builds, with the sorority sisters becoming increasingly suspicious of Emma's involvement with the supernatural. This adds an element of danger to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder if Emma will be able to protect Nathaniel from the sorority's wrath.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Dead Poets Sorority" is its exploration of the themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Through Emma and Nathaniel's relationship, Shelley examines the idea that love can transcend even the most profound of barriers, including death itself. This poignant message resonates with readers, making the novel a touching and emotional read.
In conclusion, "Dead Poets Sorority" is a captivating and well written novel that explores the power of love, the allure of the supernatural, and the dangers of dabbling in the unknown. While the beginning may be slow, the tender moments between Emma and Nathaniel, as well as the suspenseful plot, make this book a must-read for fans of romance and the supernatural. Sofia Shelley has crafted a unique and memorable story that will stay with readers after they've turned the final page.
The novel's initial chapters are a bit slow-paced, as the author takes her time to set up the premise and introduce the characters. However, this slow start does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, as it allows readers to immerse themselves in the world that Shelley has created.
The true strength of "Dead Poets Sorority" lies in the relationship between Emma and Nathaniel. Their tender moments are beautifully written, and their connection transcends the boundaries of time and space. Shelley's portrayal of Nathaniel as a brooding, romantic figure from the 19th century is both charming and alluring, making it easy for readers to understand why Emma would be drawn to him.
As Emma and Nathaniel's relationship deepens, the suspense in the novel builds, with the sorority sisters becoming increasingly suspicious of Emma's involvement with the supernatural. This adds an element of danger to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder if Emma will be able to protect Nathaniel from the sorority's wrath.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Dead Poets Sorority" is its exploration of the themes of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Through Emma and Nathaniel's relationship, Shelley examines the idea that love can transcend even the most profound of barriers, including death itself. This poignant message resonates with readers, making the novel a touching and emotional read.
In conclusion, "Dead Poets Sorority" is a captivating and well written novel that explores the power of love, the allure of the supernatural, and the dangers of dabbling in the unknown. While the beginning may be slow, the tender moments between Emma and Nathaniel, as well as the suspenseful plot, make this book a must-read for fans of romance and the supernatural. Sofia Shelley has crafted a unique and memorable story that will stay with readers after they've turned the final page.
November 25, 2025
Soooooo... First of all, I did not hate this book. It was okay. But that´s it. And that makes me kinda sad, because I really hoped to love this book, because the plot was just so original and I got it from my Forbidden Wing subscription. This review could contain possible smaller spoilers, so beware.
Unfortunately this was one of those books where I just can´t with the writing style. It was hard to read. The best way to describe it, is reading words on a page than do not reach your brain. It felt like I did not understand what was going on most of the time, like trying to find your way through a thick fog. The plot felt a little messy, choppy and all over the place, like it didn´t have a clear or straight direction. There was no world building, confusing characters and conversations, like the author expected us readers to know what´s going on and where this was going. But I just didn´t understand what was happening 80% of the time. What are the motivations of the Dead Poets Sorority? It was never 100% clear, even though it was supposed to be bringing back dead poets and use their talent or whatever. But nothing more was really revealed and they obviously did not succeed. Who the hell is Kimberly and why is she so fucking weird? There was no befriending the other girls in the house and generally all the side characters, except maybe Vivian were all a little black and white and stayed in the background.
The thing that was well made was the romance, even though that wasn´t overly great. But it was sweet. Nathaniel was a likeable character but I never felt like I got to know him really. It felt like Emma never really got to know him on a deeper level or even tried to. A lot was left open. Why was he where he was after his death? Why was Emma able to summon him? What the hell is this house and what the actual hell are those talking stones? So many things happened out of the blue with absolutely no explanation, and if there was one, I didn´t get it.
The epilogue, out of Vivians POV, gives us a hint for a continuation of the story, but I can say that I won´t be interested in reading more. 2,75 stars. Only Nathaniel and some sweet moments between him and Emma saved this book for me.
Unfortunately this was one of those books where I just can´t with the writing style. It was hard to read. The best way to describe it, is reading words on a page than do not reach your brain. It felt like I did not understand what was going on most of the time, like trying to find your way through a thick fog. The plot felt a little messy, choppy and all over the place, like it didn´t have a clear or straight direction. There was no world building, confusing characters and conversations, like the author expected us readers to know what´s going on and where this was going. But I just didn´t understand what was happening 80% of the time. What are the motivations of the Dead Poets Sorority? It was never 100% clear, even though it was supposed to be bringing back dead poets and use their talent or whatever. But nothing more was really revealed and they obviously did not succeed. Who the hell is Kimberly and why is she so fucking weird? There was no befriending the other girls in the house and generally all the side characters, except maybe Vivian were all a little black and white and stayed in the background.
The thing that was well made was the romance, even though that wasn´t overly great. But it was sweet. Nathaniel was a likeable character but I never felt like I got to know him really. It felt like Emma never really got to know him on a deeper level or even tried to. A lot was left open. Why was he where he was after his death? Why was Emma able to summon him? What the hell is this house and what the actual hell are those talking stones? So many things happened out of the blue with absolutely no explanation, and if there was one, I didn´t get it.
The epilogue, out of Vivians POV, gives us a hint for a continuation of the story, but I can say that I won´t be interested in reading more. 2,75 stars. Only Nathaniel and some sweet moments between him and Emma saved this book for me.
June 26, 2025
The premise was cute, and I wanted to like this book more than I did. I had too many questions during the read. Some readers may like that, but I read for quick & easy entertainment, not to find deeper meaning. I kept thinking something random was "a clue" that would help me understand something later but then it didn't seem to lead anywhere. What's up with the cold drafts that aren't the MMC? What really are the stones? Does Kimberly really have magic? Does Emma really have magic? What's up with Minnie? What's up with the epilogue that doesn't seem to match the tone of the rest of the story - this is how Vivian ends up "saving our asses" and "taking care of that threat"? Emma seems to be clueless about Vivian's methods of helping, so why would she expect her friend to take care of things? I understand why Erin wants Emma to write the story, but they seem like actual friends, so why wouldn't she just communicate better. Did she think Emma could manifest something for real & if so, why would she put her friendship on the line like that? It just didn't seem to match her personality.
The Emma & Nate romance was sweet. I don't like how she ditched her schoolwork (that didn't seem like her character), her cherished reporter gig (I get she couldn't finish the story, but to go silent is totally different) & her seemingly only friend (who is trying to reach out & feed her at least) due to the sorority...and mainly Nate time. I understand that college is a time for young love & lots of caffeine, but dang. You are a human.
I think the whole ex-boyfriend storyline could have been scrapped. It seemed like it was going to lead to a big reveal & it was a huge disaster first love story, but I never really got to the meat as to why he was soooo bad/a "catastrophic dating attempt" & "nasty history" & not just a stereotypical college drunk frat guy.
I realize that maybe because it's a UK publisher that some things might hit differently overseas, but I don't understand the obsession/multiple references of Dewar drinkware & the desk cactus. Thank you for the opportunity, NetGalley & the publisher.
The Emma & Nate romance was sweet. I don't like how she ditched her schoolwork (that didn't seem like her character), her cherished reporter gig (I get she couldn't finish the story, but to go silent is totally different) & her seemingly only friend (who is trying to reach out & feed her at least) due to the sorority...and mainly Nate time. I understand that college is a time for young love & lots of caffeine, but dang. You are a human.
I think the whole ex-boyfriend storyline could have been scrapped. It seemed like it was going to lead to a big reveal & it was a huge disaster first love story, but I never really got to the meat as to why he was soooo bad/a "catastrophic dating attempt" & "nasty history" & not just a stereotypical college drunk frat guy.
I realize that maybe because it's a UK publisher that some things might hit differently overseas, but I don't understand the obsession/multiple references of Dewar drinkware & the desk cactus. Thank you for the opportunity, NetGalley & the publisher.
January 3, 2026
I read Dead Poets Sorority as part of my Advent Christmas countdown, which honestly made it such an easy win. At just 24 pages, it was perfect for those busy December days when you still want to squeeze a book in without committing your whole evening.
This was the October ’25 Halloween special edition from The Locked Library, and I have to say it straight away — the cover is stunning. One of those editions that makes you happy before you’ve even turned the first page.
The story follows Emma, who joins the Dead Poets Sorority undercover to write a newspaper article, which already feels like a slightly questionable life choice. Things get out of hand pretty quickly in a fun way, especially once a séance enters the mix. While trying to fit in, chase her big story, and keep her own “dead poet” firmly under wraps, Emma ends up juggling far more than she bargained for. I’ll leave it there though, because spoilers are absolutely not the vibe.
The book itself is lighthearted, playful, and full of energy. There are moments where that fun really shines, and I could totally see why it would work for a lot of readers. For me personally, some of the writing felt a little on the young side, and at times the chaos tipped into slightly cringe territory. Not awful — just not quite my vibe.
I also struggled a bit with the plot overall. There were moments where I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, and I found myself wanting a bit more clarity and structure. Towards the end, it felt like we were heading toward something genuinely exciting, but the conclusion didn’t quite land for me and ended up feeling a little flat compared to the build-up.
That said, there were still some really fun moments, and the upbeat, playful energy will absolutely work for the right reader. If you enjoy fast, chaotic reads that don’t take themselves too seriously, this could be right up your street.
As a debut, this feels like a really solid starting point. There’s a good foundation here, and I’d love to see how the author builds on it in future books with a little more structure and polish.
Thanks for reading! Wishing you a wonderful next chapter ✨
This was the October ’25 Halloween special edition from The Locked Library, and I have to say it straight away — the cover is stunning. One of those editions that makes you happy before you’ve even turned the first page.
The story follows Emma, who joins the Dead Poets Sorority undercover to write a newspaper article, which already feels like a slightly questionable life choice. Things get out of hand pretty quickly in a fun way, especially once a séance enters the mix. While trying to fit in, chase her big story, and keep her own “dead poet” firmly under wraps, Emma ends up juggling far more than she bargained for. I’ll leave it there though, because spoilers are absolutely not the vibe.
The book itself is lighthearted, playful, and full of energy. There are moments where that fun really shines, and I could totally see why it would work for a lot of readers. For me personally, some of the writing felt a little on the young side, and at times the chaos tipped into slightly cringe territory. Not awful — just not quite my vibe.
I also struggled a bit with the plot overall. There were moments where I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on, and I found myself wanting a bit more clarity and structure. Towards the end, it felt like we were heading toward something genuinely exciting, but the conclusion didn’t quite land for me and ended up feeling a little flat compared to the build-up.
That said, there were still some really fun moments, and the upbeat, playful energy will absolutely work for the right reader. If you enjoy fast, chaotic reads that don’t take themselves too seriously, this could be right up your street.
As a debut, this feels like a really solid starting point. There’s a good foundation here, and I’d love to see how the author builds on it in future books with a little more structure and polish.
Thanks for reading! Wishing you a wonderful next chapter ✨
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