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Foresyth Conservatory: A dark academia gothic murder mystery
Ninth House meets Mexican Gothic in a dark academia mystery where the cards are stacked against reason—and the price of knowledge is blood.
Dahlia Blackburne is a failing bookstore keeper and Tarot reader who relies on deductive reasoning—not magic—to cast her fortunes. When a stranger calling himself the Meister walks into her shop and offers three times her normal rate for a reading, curiosity—and her growing debts—compel her to accept.
But the reading reveals that the Meister has a far more dangerous proposition: infiltrate Foresyth Conservatory, an elite occult arts graduate school, and investigate the alleged suicide of brilliant but troubled student and puzzle maker, Julian Earhardt.
Desperate to care for her ailing mother after her father’s recent death, Dahlia agrees to investigate Julian’s death. But inside Foresyth’s rose-thorn-covered walls, Dahlia is thrust into the school’s ruthless academic Circle—including the alluring "Trees" Aspen and Sequoia who are obsessed with creating art that doesn’t merely imitate life, but transcends it.
As the line between performance and passion blurs, Dahlia must confront the truth about Julian, the Conservatory, and a dangerous form of magic that isn’t taught—but inherited.
The cards at Foresyth have already been dealt.
Now it’s time for Dahlia to play her hand . . . or be consumed by the game.
Dahlia Blackburne is a failing bookstore keeper and Tarot reader who relies on deductive reasoning—not magic—to cast her fortunes. When a stranger calling himself the Meister walks into her shop and offers three times her normal rate for a reading, curiosity—and her growing debts—compel her to accept.
But the reading reveals that the Meister has a far more dangerous proposition: infiltrate Foresyth Conservatory, an elite occult arts graduate school, and investigate the alleged suicide of brilliant but troubled student and puzzle maker, Julian Earhardt.
Desperate to care for her ailing mother after her father’s recent death, Dahlia agrees to investigate Julian’s death. But inside Foresyth’s rose-thorn-covered walls, Dahlia is thrust into the school’s ruthless academic Circle—including the alluring "Trees" Aspen and Sequoia who are obsessed with creating art that doesn’t merely imitate life, but transcends it.
As the line between performance and passion blurs, Dahlia must confront the truth about Julian, the Conservatory, and a dangerous form of magic that isn’t taught—but inherited.
The cards at Foresyth have already been dealt.
Now it’s time for Dahlia to play her hand . . . or be consumed by the game.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2025
69 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Sterling
1 book40 followersA.L. Sterling (she/her) writes dark tales for bright minds. She is the author of Foresyth Conservatory, a gothic mystery set in a 20th century occult graduate school, releasing October 2025. An award-winning scientist, she holds a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering and writes dark and sparkling takes where intellect meets intuition. Follow her on Instagram @a.l.sterling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! It’s brimming with atmosphere, mystery, and a touch of magic. Dahlia is such a strong character who completely holds her own, and I loved following her journey. The pacing wobbles here and there, but it never takes away from the story’s suspense. The characters have real depth, and the twists (some completely out of left field) still manage to work perfectly. You can tell the author put serious research into this, especially with the tarot elements, which I absolutely loved. Overall, it’s a haunting and magical read that’s definitely worth picking up.
September 30, 2025
Captivating, unique, mysterious, inspiring, couldn't put this book down. I loved each of the characters, really enjoyed the writing style, and got lost in the world that the author created.
"Because with enough conviction, even fiction could be dangerous."
"Because with enough conviction, even fiction could be dangerous."
January 27, 2026
Amazing gothic inspired novel that's able to add so much depth to it's magical world and to every character in only 370 pages. I really enjoyed the additional journal entries from Dahlia's father and Julian throughout the novel that served as flashbacks that tied everything together! The murder and mystery aspects really tied you in and left you on the edge of your seat!
September 14, 2025
This book was my introduction to dark academia and I’m officially hooked! I loved our girl Dahlia and her narration, as well as watching all of the relationships between the students grow and change throughout leaving me truly surprised at the end! Definitely recommend this to anyone, such an easy and captivating read!
December 20, 2025
A.L. Sterling's Foresyth Conservatory is a sublime work of occult mystery, undercover intrigue, scholarly investigation, and Gothic romance, set at a Scholomance-like dark-arts academy in the early 20th century. This is an imaginative, atmospheric, intelligent debut novel, with a compellingly savvy heroine who might be described as a cross between Eliza Scarlet (Miss Scarlet & the Duke) and Diana Bishop (A Discovery of Witches). One needn't be a cartomancer to foresee great things from this nascent dark-fiction series -- and its very promising author.
December 14, 2025
Im convinced most of these reviews are friends and family or bots.
The book wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. It's riddled with spelling and grammatical errors that pull you out of the story - I'm talking repeated phrases like "she said it would be it would be"
The plot itself also doesn't pick up till over halfway through and it's obvious who the villain will be pretty early on. Took me several weeks to get through this one
The book wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. It's riddled with spelling and grammatical errors that pull you out of the story - I'm talking repeated phrases like "she said it would be it would be"
The plot itself also doesn't pick up till over halfway through and it's obvious who the villain will be pretty early on. Took me several weeks to get through this one
October 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐ - Thank you to the author for the ARC! This is my honest review.
Oh my goodness. Oh. My. Goodness. This book shocked me in every single way. It was so delightfully gorgeous, from the prose, to the setting, and I really felt like I was experiencing the birth of a new classic. I loved loved loved the academic cult-like aspect of it, with the same solemn tone and setting of The Secret History but with magick and the occult being what the students specialise in. This is not a school btw, it's an arts conservatory, and I love how the dramatics that often follow artistic minds was highlighted here. Also the academic topics were SO COOL like "study of bardic incantation and their role in 1st-century BCE polytheistic culture" in accordance with "Cektic Druids" HELLO???? THAT IS SO INTERESTING AND I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT IT ENTAILS!!?!
It was genuinely so interesting to see how what the students specialise in are linked to magick, tarot and nature elements, and you can really tell how much research and effort was put into this book! I did think the plot was a bit convoluted and the pacing was a bit off and on, but the vibes were everything and that's all I need tbh.
Romance wise, this was 100% a proper love triangle. I'm talking PROPER triangle, where EVERYONE is the object of everyone's desires and I absolutely loved that. Tbh I'm not so set on one point of the triangle (I feel the chemistry is a bit lacking there) but I don't think it works very well in comparison to just having one love interest. DID I ALSO MENTION BI YEARNING BC THERE WAS SO MUCH BI YEARNING
I also thought while the twists were amazing, some of them felt like they needed a little more prep and foreshadowing. But tbh it was mind blowing and absolutely amazing and I NEED a sequel!!! I loved this so much and I admire the author's beautiful writing and magick systems🫶
"All scholarship comes from some form of self-obsession, don't you think? We look onto the world to see ourselves. Maybe it's the only thing we can do to make ourselves feel less lonely."
Oh my goodness. Oh. My. Goodness. This book shocked me in every single way. It was so delightfully gorgeous, from the prose, to the setting, and I really felt like I was experiencing the birth of a new classic. I loved loved loved the academic cult-like aspect of it, with the same solemn tone and setting of The Secret History but with magick and the occult being what the students specialise in. This is not a school btw, it's an arts conservatory, and I love how the dramatics that often follow artistic minds was highlighted here. Also the academic topics were SO COOL like "study of bardic incantation and their role in 1st-century BCE polytheistic culture" in accordance with "Cektic Druids" HELLO???? THAT IS SO INTERESTING AND I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT IT ENTAILS!!?!
It was genuinely so interesting to see how what the students specialise in are linked to magick, tarot and nature elements, and you can really tell how much research and effort was put into this book! I did think the plot was a bit convoluted and the pacing was a bit off and on, but the vibes were everything and that's all I need tbh.
Romance wise, this was 100% a proper love triangle. I'm talking PROPER triangle, where EVERYONE is the object of everyone's desires and I absolutely loved that. Tbh I'm not so set on one point of the triangle (I feel the chemistry is a bit lacking there) but I don't think it works very well in comparison to just having one love interest. DID I ALSO MENTION BI YEARNING BC THERE WAS SO MUCH BI YEARNING
I also thought while the twists were amazing, some of them felt like they needed a little more prep and foreshadowing. But tbh it was mind blowing and absolutely amazing and I NEED a sequel!!! I loved this so much and I admire the author's beautiful writing and magick systems🫶
October 26, 2025
4.7 ⭐️ and 0.5🌶️
For fans of One Dark Window, Gothikana, and Wednesday the TV Show - a Gothic Dark Academia book about a magic academy full of secrets- and a girl doing everything she can to figure them out.
🖤Gothic Dark Academia Fantasy
🖤Kissing and then fade to black
🖤Magic Academy/Grad School
🖤Family Secrets, deception
🖤LGBTQIA+ Rep- Bisexual/Pan/Poly
🖤Tons of Mystery
🖤Mental Health rep - Anxiety
🖤Found Family
🖤Unique magic systems
I loved this read, it had so many aspects u really enjoyed. It kept me on my toes and although I did guess one of the twists, I didn’t guess the majority of them and was constantly shocked and surprised. A roller coaster of gothic, dark academia fantasy magic madness that starts with a fake tarot reader and ends with a bow tied around it.
For fans of One Dark Window, Gothikana, and Wednesday the TV Show - a Gothic Dark Academia book about a magic academy full of secrets- and a girl doing everything she can to figure them out.
🖤Gothic Dark Academia Fantasy
🖤Kissing and then fade to black
🖤Magic Academy/Grad School
🖤Family Secrets, deception
🖤LGBTQIA+ Rep- Bisexual/Pan/Poly
🖤Tons of Mystery
🖤Mental Health rep - Anxiety
🖤Found Family
🖤Unique magic systems
I loved this read, it had so many aspects u really enjoyed. It kept me on my toes and although I did guess one of the twists, I didn’t guess the majority of them and was constantly shocked and surprised. A roller coaster of gothic, dark academia fantasy magic madness that starts with a fake tarot reader and ends with a bow tied around it.
May 10, 2025
How lucky I was to be a beta reader for Sterling’s debut novel—it shines brightly as a genre-defying piece of mysticism and mystery. It’s one of those rare books I wish I could experience for the first time again!
May 10, 2025
Blurring the lines between prose and poetry, Foresyth Academy gave me everything from butterflies to goosebumps. A compelling and captivating read-- I cannot recommend it enough!
August 28, 2025
tysm to the author for giving me an early access ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
unfortunately this one just didn’t do it for me.
what i liked:
✨genuine academia with in depth research, occult history, and more than just the occasional latin/shakespeare quote that some novels throw around and then claim to be dark academia lol
✨it’s a murder mystery where everyone seems to be a suspect!
✨unique and diverse cast of characters with their own passions, interests, characteristics, and suspicious activities. tbh would have loved to spend more time with some of them, like leone!
✨some gorgeously written snippets - moments of descriptive writing that i loved and felt so atmospheric. (unfortunately not as many of these moments as i wanted 😢)
what i didn’t like:
✨dialogue - it randomly switched between old-fashioned and modern language and there would be long paragraphs of a single character speaking which ended up unnatural-sounding and awkward. ultimately it didn’t feel natural/normal.
✨the main character - she constantly alternates between denial of the existence of magick and using magick to accomplish things, so i was very confused about what she actually believed and why she kept trying to find logical explanations for things instead of accepting magick. i got the central theme of instinct vs logic, but it felt kind of all over the place.
✨not an actual school - the students don’t attend classes, there are only five of them, no teachers, and the building is literally called the House. this is probably personal bias but i prefer having a more traditional school setting with classes, teachers, classrooms, etc.
✨the ending - the twists at the end didn’t make sense or hit that hard for me - it feels like they weren’t set up as well as they could have been.
unfortunately this one just didn’t do it for me.
what i liked:
✨genuine academia with in depth research, occult history, and more than just the occasional latin/shakespeare quote that some novels throw around and then claim to be dark academia lol
✨it’s a murder mystery where everyone seems to be a suspect!
✨unique and diverse cast of characters with their own passions, interests, characteristics, and suspicious activities. tbh would have loved to spend more time with some of them, like leone!
✨some gorgeously written snippets - moments of descriptive writing that i loved and felt so atmospheric. (unfortunately not as many of these moments as i wanted 😢)
what i didn’t like:
✨dialogue - it randomly switched between old-fashioned and modern language and there would be long paragraphs of a single character speaking which ended up unnatural-sounding and awkward. ultimately it didn’t feel natural/normal.
✨the main character - she constantly alternates between denial of the existence of magick and using magick to accomplish things, so i was very confused about what she actually believed and why she kept trying to find logical explanations for things instead of accepting magick. i got the central theme of instinct vs logic, but it felt kind of all over the place.
✨not an actual school - the students don’t attend classes, there are only five of them, no teachers, and the building is literally called the House. this is probably personal bias but i prefer having a more traditional school setting with classes, teachers, classrooms, etc.
✨the ending - the twists at the end didn’t make sense or hit that hard for me - it feels like they weren’t set up as well as they could have been.
September 21, 2025
A great Fall read, perfect for fans of magic and dark academia that fueled my witchy heart!
November 1, 2025
There’s just something irresistible about dark academia when it’s done with mystery at its core, especially when it flirts with the occult. Foresyth Conservatory opens with all the right ingredients: a skeptical tarot reader, a suspicious death at a secretive school, and a cast full of ambitious, morally gray academics. It’s moody, cerebral, and full of slow-burn tension that fits perfectly with fall.
I loved Dahlia’s perspective. She starts off as a skeptic, using psychology and intuition to “cold read” her clients during her tarot reading until she realizes that magic actually exists. The family drama woven into the main plot gives her character extra depth, and I appreciated how her motivations weren’t tied just to curiosity, but to survival and love for her struggling mother. I also enjoyed the academic moments and the commentary on academic ambition and what it expects from students. It can be quite harmful to individuals, and my own trauma is one of the reasons why I love dark academia as a subgenre.
That said, I did have a few critiques. The logic doesn’t always hold up for me. Dahlia is smart, but occasionally her decisions felt... well, silly. And while the atmosphere and dialogue are sharp, the story sometimes slides into very familiar dark academia territory. It's dark, but a bit toothless, and I don't think it hits as hard as many in the genre.
It’s been compared to Ninth House and Babel, which are huge titans in the genre, and I think those comparisons might oversell what this book is doing. A more fitting comp is The Atlas Six, though even that one bites harder. Foresyth Conservatory has the same academic intrigue and philosophical undercurrent, but it’s softer around the edges, which meant it didn't play with my emotions all that much.
Still, I had a great time with this. The tarot integration is fascinating, the writing has real intelligence behind it, and even when I questioned the plot, I was hooked on the mood. It’s one of those books that may not linger forever, but it’s an undeniably strong debut; fun and mysterious.
Perfect for readers who like their dark academia a little more approachable, with a side of eerie mysticism.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
I loved Dahlia’s perspective. She starts off as a skeptic, using psychology and intuition to “cold read” her clients during her tarot reading until she realizes that magic actually exists. The family drama woven into the main plot gives her character extra depth, and I appreciated how her motivations weren’t tied just to curiosity, but to survival and love for her struggling mother. I also enjoyed the academic moments and the commentary on academic ambition and what it expects from students. It can be quite harmful to individuals, and my own trauma is one of the reasons why I love dark academia as a subgenre.
That said, I did have a few critiques. The logic doesn’t always hold up for me. Dahlia is smart, but occasionally her decisions felt... well, silly. And while the atmosphere and dialogue are sharp, the story sometimes slides into very familiar dark academia territory. It's dark, but a bit toothless, and I don't think it hits as hard as many in the genre.
It’s been compared to Ninth House and Babel, which are huge titans in the genre, and I think those comparisons might oversell what this book is doing. A more fitting comp is The Atlas Six, though even that one bites harder. Foresyth Conservatory has the same academic intrigue and philosophical undercurrent, but it’s softer around the edges, which meant it didn't play with my emotions all that much.
Still, I had a great time with this. The tarot integration is fascinating, the writing has real intelligence behind it, and even when I questioned the plot, I was hooked on the mood. It’s one of those books that may not linger forever, but it’s an undeniably strong debut; fun and mysterious.
Perfect for readers who like their dark academia a little more approachable, with a side of eerie mysticism.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
One evening, working at her family’s bookstore, Dahlia is interrupted by a peculiar man wanting her to do a reading. She obliges, and none the sooner he tells her that he wants her to investigate the suspected murder of one of his students. Dahlia is therefore intertwined in Foresyth Conservatory’s machinations, wondering if she can trust her peers and if the school is indeed what it seems to be or if there’s something more sinister at play.
I love it so much when the very first chapter lulls me in. Either from there, it’s going up or down and I was gladly satisfied by the fact that indeed, Foresyth Conservatory went up and up. Dark academia and tarot based magick system? Also love. Dahlia is mainly a fact woman and seeing her struggle with the magical aspect that the Conservatory needs her to realize was satisfying. The intellect was at war with the magick, the students were spewing facts and building projects… on magick? Dahlia was perplexed. This isn’t what her father taught her at all, yet she’s on the verge of discovering many concerning truths including her own self. The untrustworthiness of the characters and the bizarre happenings, there was just something gripping and feverish about FC that drew me in like the tea they’re sometimes drinking.
It’s a peculiar Conservatory, cultish and very few in numbers, so if you’re looking for brimming corridors, you won’t find it here, but that doesn’t mean that the underground tunnels will be empty…
I was captivated, as I said, by the very first lines and that captivation never wavered, the author’s writing style effortlessly sucking me in. I want more.
Thank you so much to A.L Sterling for the arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Keywords: tarot based magick, circle of students, plot twist, trust issues, logic vs magick, dark academia, murder mystery, arcane, cultish, sentient conservatory, tension.
I love it so much when the very first chapter lulls me in. Either from there, it’s going up or down and I was gladly satisfied by the fact that indeed, Foresyth Conservatory went up and up. Dark academia and tarot based magick system? Also love. Dahlia is mainly a fact woman and seeing her struggle with the magical aspect that the Conservatory needs her to realize was satisfying. The intellect was at war with the magick, the students were spewing facts and building projects… on magick? Dahlia was perplexed. This isn’t what her father taught her at all, yet she’s on the verge of discovering many concerning truths including her own self. The untrustworthiness of the characters and the bizarre happenings, there was just something gripping and feverish about FC that drew me in like the tea they’re sometimes drinking.
It’s a peculiar Conservatory, cultish and very few in numbers, so if you’re looking for brimming corridors, you won’t find it here, but that doesn’t mean that the underground tunnels will be empty…
I was captivated, as I said, by the very first lines and that captivation never wavered, the author’s writing style effortlessly sucking me in. I want more.
Thank you so much to A.L Sterling for the arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Keywords: tarot based magick, circle of students, plot twist, trust issues, logic vs magick, dark academia, murder mystery, arcane, cultish, sentient conservatory, tension.
August 23, 2025
"De omnibus dubitandum. Be suspicious of everything."
Let me start off by saying that I am a part of the street team for this book (thank you A.L Sterling, you're a gem). That in no way shape or form affected this review, but that's up to you to decide if you believe me.
Here I am once again with another dark academia book. It took me a minute to write this review after reading since I wanted to make sure my thoughts were together and not just swept up in the plot. We follow Dahlia Blackburne, a (fake) tarot reader who is much more interested in science than anything supernatural. However, an invitation to a mysterious academy draws her into a world of lust, greed, and murder.
Dahlia was the absolute star of the book. I loved her character right from the beginning and that feeling never left. I also related a lot to her strong belief system, especially how committed she was to not believing in the supernatural despite constant evidence to the contrary. Her reasoning is very Sherlock-esque, with reliance on deductive skills and problem solving. Her growth over the story, thankfully not losing her insane stubbornness, worked in tandem with the reveals for the mystery which helped everything fit together.
The mystery itself is rooted in academia. I will say, books that make me feel like I'm actually in one of the classes really help with the tone and atmosphere of the genre so I was very excited when were started getting spiels from characters about tarot, magik, and the supernatural in general. As the story unfolds, we get more and more about this world that the Conservatory exists in, but not enough to become technical which I also appreciated. There was still a layer of mystery and 'otherness' to it all.
Reading a lot of books in one genre means you'll eventually pick up on many of the tropes, similarities etc and this book definitely stood out amongst the rest, as if Sterling knew when a reader could be like 'well, we all know where this is going' and completely flip it on its head. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark academia, gothic academia, and supernatural-based stories.
Let me start off by saying that I am a part of the street team for this book (thank you A.L Sterling, you're a gem). That in no way shape or form affected this review, but that's up to you to decide if you believe me.
Here I am once again with another dark academia book. It took me a minute to write this review after reading since I wanted to make sure my thoughts were together and not just swept up in the plot. We follow Dahlia Blackburne, a (fake) tarot reader who is much more interested in science than anything supernatural. However, an invitation to a mysterious academy draws her into a world of lust, greed, and murder.
Dahlia was the absolute star of the book. I loved her character right from the beginning and that feeling never left. I also related a lot to her strong belief system, especially how committed she was to not believing in the supernatural despite constant evidence to the contrary. Her reasoning is very Sherlock-esque, with reliance on deductive skills and problem solving. Her growth over the story, thankfully not losing her insane stubbornness, worked in tandem with the reveals for the mystery which helped everything fit together.
The mystery itself is rooted in academia. I will say, books that make me feel like I'm actually in one of the classes really help with the tone and atmosphere of the genre so I was very excited when were started getting spiels from characters about tarot, magik, and the supernatural in general. As the story unfolds, we get more and more about this world that the Conservatory exists in, but not enough to become technical which I also appreciated. There was still a layer of mystery and 'otherness' to it all.
Reading a lot of books in one genre means you'll eventually pick up on many of the tropes, similarities etc and this book definitely stood out amongst the rest, as if Sterling knew when a reader could be like 'well, we all know where this is going' and completely flip it on its head. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark academia, gothic academia, and supernatural-based stories.
September 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC.
I enjoyed this story overall, but I have a few things that I wasn't a fan of. I'll start with the good:
-The characters
-The setting, it felt like a real academic setting, like when people aren't teaching but instead just researching and studying.
-The magic system. The depth of the research the author did is clear in here.
-The overall plot. I was instantly hooked by the mystery and found it believable.
The things I didn't like:
-There were a lot of time where things conveniently happened just to move the plot along. Gabriel showing up randomly with just the right information? Catching characters at just the right second? I could deal with one or two incidents of that, but honestly, there were too many.
-The FMC is inconsistent with her logic. She doesn't believe in magic but yet she does? I get inconsistency in thoughts sometimes, but overall, I found it hard to understand when she would flip flop and why.
Overall, I did enjoy and would recommend this book, and I am excited to read more books by this author. I think this is a strong debut and I am excited to see what she does in the future.
I enjoyed this story overall, but I have a few things that I wasn't a fan of. I'll start with the good:
-The characters
-The setting, it felt like a real academic setting, like when people aren't teaching but instead just researching and studying.
-The magic system. The depth of the research the author did is clear in here.
-The overall plot. I was instantly hooked by the mystery and found it believable.
The things I didn't like:
-There were a lot of time where things conveniently happened just to move the plot along. Gabriel showing up randomly with just the right information? Catching characters at just the right second? I could deal with one or two incidents of that, but honestly, there were too many.
-The FMC is inconsistent with her logic. She doesn't believe in magic but yet she does? I get inconsistency in thoughts sometimes, but overall, I found it hard to understand when she would flip flop and why.
Overall, I did enjoy and would recommend this book, and I am excited to read more books by this author. I think this is a strong debut and I am excited to see what she does in the future.
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed this story overall, and the mystery had be hooked from the beginning. The characters were great, and I loved the setting. The magic system was detailed, clearly well researched, and uniquely tarot. It was not so overboard that someone like me, who doesn’t read a ton of magical/fantasy novels, couldn’t grasp it. That said, some moments felt a little too convenient, and I also found the Dahlia’s logic a bit inconsistent as she said she doesn’t belong in magic but she does at the same time. Still, I really enjoyed this one! It’s a strong debut with a unique premise, and I’m excited to see what this author does next.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy!
September 25, 2025
I am so glad I discovered this author in time for her debut, and I cannot wait to read more from her.
This BOOK. I had so much fun reading it, I didn’t want to put it down at any point. A L Sterling’s writing is ADDICTIVE. and this book lives up to the unreal standards and excitement I had before reading. I need more. Immediately.
Thank you to AL Sterling for my ARC! I loved this book so much.
This BOOK. I had so much fun reading it, I didn’t want to put it down at any point. A L Sterling’s writing is ADDICTIVE. and this book lives up to the unreal standards and excitement I had before reading. I need more. Immediately.
Thank you to AL Sterling for my ARC! I loved this book so much.
September 30, 2025
the prose and the setting are absolutely stunning. I do admit that my inclination tends to be towards romance and when I don't like the couple as much as I like the book and it's setting, it tends to fall apart a bit and remain not so memorable. something like that happened with this one but nonetheless, this is a splendid piece of work.
October 28, 2025
The idea behind this was solid and the synopsis was interesting and I was quite excited to start reading it.
I liked the protagonist and the setting grabbed me and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and information we got about the school and the supporting characters.
But it was really slow during some parts and I was confused about the ending.
I liked the protagonist and the setting grabbed me and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and information we got about the school and the supporting characters.
But it was really slow during some parts and I was confused about the ending.
November 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded down for Goodreads!
I really enjoyed this one! The magick system was unique and the dark academia aspects were on point. The main character had great development, the villain was believable, and the little splash of romance was a nice touch. My only (very minor) complaint would be that the plot twists were a bit predictable, but that didn’t take away from the overall story.
I really enjoyed this one! The magick system was unique and the dark academia aspects were on point. The main character had great development, the villain was believable, and the little splash of romance was a nice touch. My only (very minor) complaint would be that the plot twists were a bit predictable, but that didn’t take away from the overall story.
January 28, 2026
4.75
I have a very strict sleep schedule and this made me throw it out the window.
I have a very strict sleep schedule and this made me throw it out the window.
October 12, 2025
Actual Rating: 3.75
'I had always been like a lone seedling, desperate to sprout, but now I found myself in a new kind of garden. One full of strange, wicked growth beneath the surface. And yet, there were beautiful things here too, even if equally devasting.'
As soon as I saw the advertising campaign for 'Foresyth Conservatory' I knew that I had to read it. Tarot based magic, dark academia, a mysterious death and - perhaps most alluring of all - 'is this a cult?'. I'm not sure what it is about that last one but for some reason cults generally fascinate me - and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. Happily I can say that this one delivers on all of its promises, creating a rich atmospheric read with a setting that is sure to enchant - and unsettle - readers.
Dahlia is a main character that I found myself fascinated by right from the start. Although she reads tarot cards herself she's deeply sceptical of the idea of magic and leans into her ability to read people instead. Her mind is more scientifically driven than fuelled by a belief in the mystical but that hasn't stopped her from devouring a great wealth of occult tomes over the years, discovering all that she can. An unexpected delight, for me, was learning that her father was a great detective who'd passed on his interests to his daughter. He may not feature on the page - for reasons you'll discover if you pick this up - but following in the footsteps of the daughter of a detective that gave me major Sherlock vibes when mentioned fascinated me to no end.
Truthfully the entire cast of 'Foresyth Conservatory' is fleshed out and believable. Each student has their own focus of study and way of channeling their art. Each gave off reasons to be enthralled by them yet wary at the same time. Someone within the Conservatory had been murdered, after all, and you have reasons to find yourself hesitantly intrigued by everyone.
The Conservatory itself is a fascinating environment for the story to take place within. It's an opulent building that's fading for reasons that you'll discover over the course of the novel. It's rich in it's dark academia vibes with libraries, labs and eerie passages. Throw in the fact that it almost feels alive on occasion and you certainly have a setting to be hooked upon.
At times the dark academia vibes did leave me struggling slightly however. They are beautifully channeled and fit the story perfectly so I can't fault 'Foresyth Conservatory' on that. But I will admit that some of the students' conversations went slightly over my head. It works, given their scholarly nature, but is something you may want to be aware of going into this one. Similarly I'm not sure if I always fully understood the logistics of the magic involved (and am not convinced that one instance of Dahlia's usage fits) but I did appreciate how it was channeled.
Romance wise there's believable chemistry between several individuals, resulting in an unexpected dynamic that I found myself rooting for. Although I did find one of the characters a bit too 'sweet' to fully believe on occasion.
There were beautiful passages throughout this novel and I was also thrilled to find one of my favourite features gracing the pages - a story within a story. A previous students Foresyth experience is told throughout and I was delighted by this inclusion and the way that it was presented. Many of the chapters are prefaced with journal extracts and articles about the conservatory too which is another feature that I always fall for. These inclusions really help add depth to the setting and add to its believability.
So overall I certainly recommend checking 'Foresyth Conservatory' out. There were times that I felt slightly less connected than others but I was generally always eager to dive back into this book. It has a fascinating central character, a tarot based magic system, a cult like society, mysteries to unravel, a story within a story and so much more to uncover within its pages. Plus it left off in a way that's left me eager to discover more. I'll be watching out for what the author pens next.
'I had always been like a lone seedling, desperate to sprout, but now I found myself in a new kind of garden. One full of strange, wicked growth beneath the surface. And yet, there were beautiful things here too, even if equally devasting.'
As soon as I saw the advertising campaign for 'Foresyth Conservatory' I knew that I had to read it. Tarot based magic, dark academia, a mysterious death and - perhaps most alluring of all - 'is this a cult?'. I'm not sure what it is about that last one but for some reason cults generally fascinate me - and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. Happily I can say that this one delivers on all of its promises, creating a rich atmospheric read with a setting that is sure to enchant - and unsettle - readers.
Dahlia is a main character that I found myself fascinated by right from the start. Although she reads tarot cards herself she's deeply sceptical of the idea of magic and leans into her ability to read people instead. Her mind is more scientifically driven than fuelled by a belief in the mystical but that hasn't stopped her from devouring a great wealth of occult tomes over the years, discovering all that she can. An unexpected delight, for me, was learning that her father was a great detective who'd passed on his interests to his daughter. He may not feature on the page - for reasons you'll discover if you pick this up - but following in the footsteps of the daughter of a detective that gave me major Sherlock vibes when mentioned fascinated me to no end.
Truthfully the entire cast of 'Foresyth Conservatory' is fleshed out and believable. Each student has their own focus of study and way of channeling their art. Each gave off reasons to be enthralled by them yet wary at the same time. Someone within the Conservatory had been murdered, after all, and you have reasons to find yourself hesitantly intrigued by everyone.
The Conservatory itself is a fascinating environment for the story to take place within. It's an opulent building that's fading for reasons that you'll discover over the course of the novel. It's rich in it's dark academia vibes with libraries, labs and eerie passages. Throw in the fact that it almost feels alive on occasion and you certainly have a setting to be hooked upon.
At times the dark academia vibes did leave me struggling slightly however. They are beautifully channeled and fit the story perfectly so I can't fault 'Foresyth Conservatory' on that. But I will admit that some of the students' conversations went slightly over my head. It works, given their scholarly nature, but is something you may want to be aware of going into this one. Similarly I'm not sure if I always fully understood the logistics of the magic involved (and am not convinced that one instance of Dahlia's usage fits) but I did appreciate how it was channeled.
Romance wise there's believable chemistry between several individuals, resulting in an unexpected dynamic that I found myself rooting for. Although I did find one of the characters a bit too 'sweet' to fully believe on occasion.
There were beautiful passages throughout this novel and I was also thrilled to find one of my favourite features gracing the pages - a story within a story. A previous students Foresyth experience is told throughout and I was delighted by this inclusion and the way that it was presented. Many of the chapters are prefaced with journal extracts and articles about the conservatory too which is another feature that I always fall for. These inclusions really help add depth to the setting and add to its believability.
So overall I certainly recommend checking 'Foresyth Conservatory' out. There were times that I felt slightly less connected than others but I was generally always eager to dive back into this book. It has a fascinating central character, a tarot based magic system, a cult like society, mysteries to unravel, a story within a story and so much more to uncover within its pages. Plus it left off in a way that's left me eager to discover more. I'll be watching out for what the author pens next.
October 25, 2025
This was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review — thank you A.L. Sterling for the gifted eARC.
Book: Foresyth Conservatory
Series: Standalone
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5⭐️
5/5 Relationships
5/5 Characters
5/5 Plot
1🌶
*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆
What a mystical and immersive world A.L. Sterling has given us with Foresyth Conservatory. I picked up this book on the recommendation of a fellow ARC reader, and I’m so glad I did. I’ll admit — I don’t know much about Tarot, and I was a little nervous that my lack of knowledge would leave me lost, but that wasn’t the case at all. Quite the opposite, actually — it made me want to learn more. This was a beautifully written gothic mystery, and I’m so ready to dive into a deeper analysis.
This story takes place in our world (1919), but with the addition of arcane magic. Most of the book unfolds within the Foresyth Conservatory — a school of magic — and the author’s focus on this setting creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and richly detailed. The worldbuilding strikes a perfect balance: not too heavy, yet vivid enough to fully immerse you. The magic system, based on Tarot cards and their assigned powers, is cleverly crafted. It’s easy to follow even if you’ve never touched a deck, yet layered enough to intrigue readers who have. I especially loved how we got to witness actual readings and demonstrations of Taromancy — it made the magic feel real and tangible.
The plot follows Dahlia, our main character, as she investigates a suspicious death while uncovering truths about herself and the world around her. The investigation is compelling and full of twists — I found myself constantly questioning my own theories. I can usually guess a mystery’s resolution fairly early on, but this one kept me second-guessing and changing my mind multiple times, which is the mark of a well-written mystery. Dahlia’s personal growth — her growing confidence, intuition, and sense of belonging — adds emotional depth to the story and makes it more than just a whodunit.
My favorite part, though, was the characters and their relationships. I usually separate these categories in reviews, but here they’re so intertwined that it wouldn’t feel right to pull them apart. Every relationship — romantic, platonic, or antagonistic — reveals something vital about the characters. Even though we don’t get full backstories for everyone, the author manages to convey their essence through dialogue, emotion, and physical expression. I felt like I knew them, like I’d walked the halls of the Conservatory with them. Each interaction carries weight and contributes to character development, and by the end, I felt genuinely attached to them. Finishing the book left me with that familiar ache — the kind that only comes when you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to a story.
The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it does close with lingering questions — not in a frustrating way, but in a “will we ever return to this world?” sort of way. It’s satisfying yet leaves just enough mystery to keep your heart aching for more. The writing is fluid and atmospheric, with dialogue that fits the 1919 setting perfectly — authentic without being cumbersome. The pacing flows naturally, keeping you engaged from start to finish.
H
Overall, Foresyth Conservatory is a beautifully woven story about magic, mystery, and self-discovery. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves gothic atmospheres, dark academia vibes, and a touch of the arcane. Elegant, emotional, and utterly enchanting — I highly recommend it.
Book: Foresyth Conservatory
Series: Standalone
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5⭐️
5/5 Relationships
5/5 Characters
5/5 Plot
1🌶
*:✿˚⋆ SPOILER FREE REVIEW *:✿˚⋆
What a mystical and immersive world A.L. Sterling has given us with Foresyth Conservatory. I picked up this book on the recommendation of a fellow ARC reader, and I’m so glad I did. I’ll admit — I don’t know much about Tarot, and I was a little nervous that my lack of knowledge would leave me lost, but that wasn’t the case at all. Quite the opposite, actually — it made me want to learn more. This was a beautifully written gothic mystery, and I’m so ready to dive into a deeper analysis.
This story takes place in our world (1919), but with the addition of arcane magic. Most of the book unfolds within the Foresyth Conservatory — a school of magic — and the author’s focus on this setting creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and richly detailed. The worldbuilding strikes a perfect balance: not too heavy, yet vivid enough to fully immerse you. The magic system, based on Tarot cards and their assigned powers, is cleverly crafted. It’s easy to follow even if you’ve never touched a deck, yet layered enough to intrigue readers who have. I especially loved how we got to witness actual readings and demonstrations of Taromancy — it made the magic feel real and tangible.
The plot follows Dahlia, our main character, as she investigates a suspicious death while uncovering truths about herself and the world around her. The investigation is compelling and full of twists — I found myself constantly questioning my own theories. I can usually guess a mystery’s resolution fairly early on, but this one kept me second-guessing and changing my mind multiple times, which is the mark of a well-written mystery. Dahlia’s personal growth — her growing confidence, intuition, and sense of belonging — adds emotional depth to the story and makes it more than just a whodunit.
My favorite part, though, was the characters and their relationships. I usually separate these categories in reviews, but here they’re so intertwined that it wouldn’t feel right to pull them apart. Every relationship — romantic, platonic, or antagonistic — reveals something vital about the characters. Even though we don’t get full backstories for everyone, the author manages to convey their essence through dialogue, emotion, and physical expression. I felt like I knew them, like I’d walked the halls of the Conservatory with them. Each interaction carries weight and contributes to character development, and by the end, I felt genuinely attached to them. Finishing the book left me with that familiar ache — the kind that only comes when you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to a story.
The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but it does close with lingering questions — not in a frustrating way, but in a “will we ever return to this world?” sort of way. It’s satisfying yet leaves just enough mystery to keep your heart aching for more. The writing is fluid and atmospheric, with dialogue that fits the 1919 setting perfectly — authentic without being cumbersome. The pacing flows naturally, keeping you engaged from start to finish.
H
Overall, Foresyth Conservatory is a beautifully woven story about magic, mystery, and self-discovery. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves gothic atmospheres, dark academia vibes, and a touch of the arcane. Elegant, emotional, and utterly enchanting — I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2025
At Foresyth, art imitates life….until it devours it.🥀
Foresyth Conservatory- by A.L. Sterling
🕯️Blurb🕯️
Dahlia Blackburne is a failing bookstore keeper and Tarot reader who relies on deductive reasoning-not magic-to cast her fortunes. When a stranger calling himself the Meister walks into her shop and offers three times her normal rate for a reading, curiosity-and her growing debts-compel her to accept. But the reading reveals that the Meister has a far more dangerous proposition: infiltrate Foresyth Conservatory, an elite occult arts graduate school, and investigate the alleged suicide of brilliant but troubled student and puzzle maker, Julian Earhardt.
Desperate to care for her ailing mother after her father's recent death, Dahlia agrees to investigate Julian's death. But inside Foresyth's rose-thorn-covered walls, Dahlia is thrust into the school's ruthless academic Circle-including the alluring "Trees" Aspen and Sequoia who are obsessed with creating art that doesn't merely imitate life, but transcends it. As the line between performance and passion blurs, Dahlia must confront the truth about Julian, the Conservatory, and a dangerous form of magic that isn't taught-but inherited. The cards at Foresyth have already been dealt. Now it's time for Dahlia to play her hand... or be consumed by the game.
🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
Magic isn’t taught at Foresyth Conservatory. It’s inherited… and it’s hungry.
Dahlia, struggling tarot reader and bookstore owner is all but desperate when she meets a stranger who offers her triple her normal rate for a reading. But between her looming debt, and just plain curiosity, she accepts his offer. When it’s revealed that this man, who calls himself Meister, has a more dangerous proposition than just a normal reading, Dahlia is shocked to learn his intent is to get her to infiltrate the elite Occult arts graduate school, Foresyth Conservatory, to investigate the alleged suicide of a brilliant yet troubled student, Julian Earhardt. Distressed with the overwhelming need to care for her sick mother, after the death of her father, Dahlia reluctantly agrees. Once inside, Dahlia is forced with the task of confronting the truth behind the Conservatory, the dangerous magic at play and the truth about Julian while saving herself from the wicked games Foresyth plays.
Foresyth Conservatory is a haunting descent into the gothic halls of genius, grief, and inherited magic. An intoxicating blend of tarot, art, and madness where dark academia meets the occult and every page drips with beauty, danger, and deceit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for allowing me to ARC read this gem for you.
Foresyth Conservatory- by A.L. Sterling
🕯️Blurb🕯️
Dahlia Blackburne is a failing bookstore keeper and Tarot reader who relies on deductive reasoning-not magic-to cast her fortunes. When a stranger calling himself the Meister walks into her shop and offers three times her normal rate for a reading, curiosity-and her growing debts-compel her to accept. But the reading reveals that the Meister has a far more dangerous proposition: infiltrate Foresyth Conservatory, an elite occult arts graduate school, and investigate the alleged suicide of brilliant but troubled student and puzzle maker, Julian Earhardt.
Desperate to care for her ailing mother after her father's recent death, Dahlia agrees to investigate Julian's death. But inside Foresyth's rose-thorn-covered walls, Dahlia is thrust into the school's ruthless academic Circle-including the alluring "Trees" Aspen and Sequoia who are obsessed with creating art that doesn't merely imitate life, but transcends it. As the line between performance and passion blurs, Dahlia must confront the truth about Julian, the Conservatory, and a dangerous form of magic that isn't taught-but inherited. The cards at Foresyth have already been dealt. Now it's time for Dahlia to play her hand... or be consumed by the game.
🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
Magic isn’t taught at Foresyth Conservatory. It’s inherited… and it’s hungry.
Dahlia, struggling tarot reader and bookstore owner is all but desperate when she meets a stranger who offers her triple her normal rate for a reading. But between her looming debt, and just plain curiosity, she accepts his offer. When it’s revealed that this man, who calls himself Meister, has a more dangerous proposition than just a normal reading, Dahlia is shocked to learn his intent is to get her to infiltrate the elite Occult arts graduate school, Foresyth Conservatory, to investigate the alleged suicide of a brilliant yet troubled student, Julian Earhardt. Distressed with the overwhelming need to care for her sick mother, after the death of her father, Dahlia reluctantly agrees. Once inside, Dahlia is forced with the task of confronting the truth behind the Conservatory, the dangerous magic at play and the truth about Julian while saving herself from the wicked games Foresyth plays.
Foresyth Conservatory is a haunting descent into the gothic halls of genius, grief, and inherited magic. An intoxicating blend of tarot, art, and madness where dark academia meets the occult and every page drips with beauty, danger, and deceit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for allowing me to ARC read this gem for you.
September 3, 2025
Man what a read. My brain is still processing what I just read.
Foresyth Conservatory is not what it seems, beneath the magick and wonder hides monsters, secrets and a mystery to be unraveled. This book is about belief, science, experience the magick outside of science, friendship, family, going out of the “norm”, and embracing your true self.
A.L. Sterling wrote a phenomenal world that is so multilayered and the way she wrote the story we are given little peaks of the truth as the story unravels. This story doesn’t have an information dump, we are thrust in to this world as Dahlia is and we learn right along with her the secrets of Foresyth Conservatory.
Dahlia is a fake tarot reader who gets hired as a detective by the Mosier to go undercover as a student and investigate the death of a student, Julian. She meets her fellow classmates in an odd fashion where she is put the test, and the investigation begins.
Dahlia is a woman of science. She uses logic over belief, and finds the little details interesting. As we get to know her, I’m taken back by how human she is. The way she thinks is fascinating and reading along as she investigates and gets further in to the conservatory is like listening to a cold case podcast. I love her interactions and the slow burn between her and the trees. The Trees, Sequoia and Aspen, are amazingly written. I love Aspen and Sequoia just makes my heart bleed. If I go on a tangent about The Trees, I’ll end up spoiling it and I’m not going to give spoilers. This one you guys have to read yourselves because it’s just too good to be spoiled.
Favorite Quotes:
“You might find this hard to believe, Nina dear, but I’m actually here for the art. And what better way than to treat your whole life as a piece of art, crafting each day with a brushstroke?”
“Gods, I’ve never seen anything like it. You don’t take magick for granted, do you?” he asked before continuing, “Damn, you interrogate it.”
She’s confronted by magick - and tries to find answers in logic but when logic can’t be found? 👀.
Blurb:
Ninth House meets Mexican Gothic in a dark academia, gothic mystery where the cards are stacked against reason—and the price of knowledge is blood.
Dahlia Blackburne is a failing bookstore keeper and Tarot reader who relies on deductive reasoning—not magick—to cast her fortunes. When a stranger calling himself the Meister walks into her shop after closing and offers three times her normal rate for a reading, curiosity and her growing debts compel her to accept.
But the reading reveals that the Meister has a far more dangerous proposition: infiltrate Foresyth Conservatory, an elite occult arts graduate school, and investigate the alleged suicide of brilliant but troubled student, Julian Earhardt.
Desperate to care for her ailing mother after her father’s recent death, Dahlia agrees to investigate. But inside Foresyth’s rose-thorned walls, Dahlia is thrust into the school’s ruthless academic Circle, a cadre of students including the seductive “Trees,” Aspen and Sequoia, who are obsessed with creating art that doesn’t merely imitate life, but transcends it.
As the line between performance and passion blurs, Dahlia must confront the truth about Julian, her peers, and a dangerous form of magick that isn’t taught—but inherited.
The cards at Foresyth have already been dealt . . . Now it’s time for Dahlia to play her hand.
Foresyth Conservatory is not what it seems, beneath the magick and wonder hides monsters, secrets and a mystery to be unraveled. This book is about belief, science, experience the magick outside of science, friendship, family, going out of the “norm”, and embracing your true self.
A.L. Sterling wrote a phenomenal world that is so multilayered and the way she wrote the story we are given little peaks of the truth as the story unravels. This story doesn’t have an information dump, we are thrust in to this world as Dahlia is and we learn right along with her the secrets of Foresyth Conservatory.
Dahlia is a fake tarot reader who gets hired as a detective by the Mosier to go undercover as a student and investigate the death of a student, Julian. She meets her fellow classmates in an odd fashion where she is put the test, and the investigation begins.
Dahlia is a woman of science. She uses logic over belief, and finds the little details interesting. As we get to know her, I’m taken back by how human she is. The way she thinks is fascinating and reading along as she investigates and gets further in to the conservatory is like listening to a cold case podcast. I love her interactions and the slow burn between her and the trees. The Trees, Sequoia and Aspen, are amazingly written. I love Aspen and Sequoia just makes my heart bleed. If I go on a tangent about The Trees, I’ll end up spoiling it and I’m not going to give spoilers. This one you guys have to read yourselves because it’s just too good to be spoiled.
Favorite Quotes:
“You might find this hard to believe, Nina dear, but I’m actually here for the art. And what better way than to treat your whole life as a piece of art, crafting each day with a brushstroke?”
“Gods, I’ve never seen anything like it. You don’t take magick for granted, do you?” he asked before continuing, “Damn, you interrogate it.”
She’s confronted by magick - and tries to find answers in logic but when logic can’t be found? 👀.
Blurb:
Ninth House meets Mexican Gothic in a dark academia, gothic mystery where the cards are stacked against reason—and the price of knowledge is blood.
Dahlia Blackburne is a failing bookstore keeper and Tarot reader who relies on deductive reasoning—not magick—to cast her fortunes. When a stranger calling himself the Meister walks into her shop after closing and offers three times her normal rate for a reading, curiosity and her growing debts compel her to accept.
But the reading reveals that the Meister has a far more dangerous proposition: infiltrate Foresyth Conservatory, an elite occult arts graduate school, and investigate the alleged suicide of brilliant but troubled student, Julian Earhardt.
Desperate to care for her ailing mother after her father’s recent death, Dahlia agrees to investigate. But inside Foresyth’s rose-thorned walls, Dahlia is thrust into the school’s ruthless academic Circle, a cadre of students including the seductive “Trees,” Aspen and Sequoia, who are obsessed with creating art that doesn’t merely imitate life, but transcends it.
As the line between performance and passion blurs, Dahlia must confront the truth about Julian, her peers, and a dangerous form of magick that isn’t taught—but inherited.
The cards at Foresyth have already been dealt . . . Now it’s time for Dahlia to play her hand.
August 20, 2025
“Why did it feel like I’d already lost, even as he stepped willingly into my trap? I swallowed my pride, trying to ignore how naturally his fingers threaded with mine, like they had with Sequoia’s. I tried to ignore how the heat of his coarse palms flush against mine soothed the cold inside of me. I tried to ignore how his eyes, like burning embers, found mine equally transfixed to his. I really tried. But I still followed him, out of the dining room and down the hallway, as if I had no choice at all.”
First published: 25/10/25 (ARC)
Genre: Dark academia, gothic, murder mystery
Page count: 463
Series: N/A
Format read: 📱
Others read by this author: N/A
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5(⬆️)
Thankyou so much to A.L. Sterling for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tarot reader & bookshop owner Dahlia Blackburne is closing up for the day when she is interrupted by a mysterious visitor, who offers her a job as an undercover detective/student at his magic school, in order to discover the truth about former pupil Julian's suicide. As Dahlia forms relationships with the other students at Foresyth & attempts to determine whether Julian was murdered & by who, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew about herself, her past, & the logical world order she so desperately clings to in the face of the strange & inexplicable.
As part of Alex's street team, aka 'The Cultservatory', I've been hyping this book up for months on vibes alone so I was excited to finally get to read it! I knew Foresyth Conservatory wouldn't disappoint, but I wasn't prepared for the emotional rollercoaster I was about to embark upon! The plot is layered, with Foresyth's complex history & plenty of magical lore interwoven with Dahlia's detective work. Some of the twists I had an inkling of ahead of time, whereas others had me screaming at my Kindle in shock. I adored the characters, especially the Trees, Aspen & Sequoia, & the way Alex writes chemistry is perfect. If you like the idea of a beautifully written gothic mystery that mixes magic with science, keeps you guessing at every turn, & is filled with bisexual yearning, look no further than Foresyth Conservatory.
First published: 25/10/25 (ARC)
Genre: Dark academia, gothic, murder mystery
Page count: 463
Series: N/A
Format read: 📱
Others read by this author: N/A
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5(⬆️)
Thankyou so much to A.L. Sterling for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tarot reader & bookshop owner Dahlia Blackburne is closing up for the day when she is interrupted by a mysterious visitor, who offers her a job as an undercover detective/student at his magic school, in order to discover the truth about former pupil Julian's suicide. As Dahlia forms relationships with the other students at Foresyth & attempts to determine whether Julian was murdered & by who, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew about herself, her past, & the logical world order she so desperately clings to in the face of the strange & inexplicable.
As part of Alex's street team, aka 'The Cultservatory', I've been hyping this book up for months on vibes alone so I was excited to finally get to read it! I knew Foresyth Conservatory wouldn't disappoint, but I wasn't prepared for the emotional rollercoaster I was about to embark upon! The plot is layered, with Foresyth's complex history & plenty of magical lore interwoven with Dahlia's detective work. Some of the twists I had an inkling of ahead of time, whereas others had me screaming at my Kindle in shock. I adored the characters, especially the Trees, Aspen & Sequoia, & the way Alex writes chemistry is perfect. If you like the idea of a beautifully written gothic mystery that mixes magic with science, keeps you guessing at every turn, & is filled with bisexual yearning, look no further than Foresyth Conservatory.
October 24, 2025
I *just* finished reading this, and you can't just leave me off with "The Emperor." What a read!
First off, I love how this story isn't YA and how the characters are proper adults in their mid-20s. God knows how much I'm tired of reading the a-typical school setting with characters in their teens. No, but this is truly a proper adult academia age. And I love that!
The fact that the author wrote the characters having discussions and actually doing things like in a real academic setting is absolutely refreshing to read.
The characters are indeed otherworldly and fascinating as the world building. How magick was written, explored, and dissected. The dynamics, consequences, and how each character was woven alongside the case. Satisfying. It's very satisfying.
The foreshadowing in this novel is brilliant. I never guessed the characters' connections, save for two parts, which was the reason why I only rated this 4-stars instead of 5. I was intrigued by it all and thought the clues and foreshadowing were all clever, but then again, at some point in the middle, I was able to guess who was working with the villain and the connection between one of the deceased and one of the advisors.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading and solving this case alongside Dahlia and the characters. Dahlia's story is a beautiful one, and I love that she didn't have the a-typical romantic ending. No, she is her own person, and in a way, all throughout reading this novel, I related with Dahlia, far more than I expected. And like Dahlia, I, too, had gained some realization about my life and myself. You can say the author had indeed inspired me more.
But... I'm curious now... Is there more to this ending because Arcanum, the mention of The Emperor... Could there be more to it? Ah, I certainly hope so. If the author can read this, I hope, if there is a sequel, I would be offered the same choice that was given to me... I'd love to continue to be part of the "cult." I can't wait to read what happens for Dahlia.
Absolutely riveting. Inspiring. And otherworldly. It is a story that is worthy of a high star ranking and should be read and recommended for readers who long for and love adventure.
First off, I love how this story isn't YA and how the characters are proper adults in their mid-20s. God knows how much I'm tired of reading the a-typical school setting with characters in their teens. No, but this is truly a proper adult academia age. And I love that!
The fact that the author wrote the characters having discussions and actually doing things like in a real academic setting is absolutely refreshing to read.
The characters are indeed otherworldly and fascinating as the world building. How magick was written, explored, and dissected. The dynamics, consequences, and how each character was woven alongside the case. Satisfying. It's very satisfying.
The foreshadowing in this novel is brilliant. I never guessed the characters' connections, save for two parts, which was the reason why I only rated this 4-stars instead of 5. I was intrigued by it all and thought the clues and foreshadowing were all clever, but then again, at some point in the middle, I was able to guess who was working with the villain and the connection between one of the deceased and one of the advisors.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading and solving this case alongside Dahlia and the characters. Dahlia's story is a beautiful one, and I love that she didn't have the a-typical romantic ending. No, she is her own person, and in a way, all throughout reading this novel, I related with Dahlia, far more than I expected. And like Dahlia, I, too, had gained some realization about my life and myself. You can say the author had indeed inspired me more.
But... I'm curious now... Is there more to this ending because Arcanum, the mention of The Emperor... Could there be more to it? Ah, I certainly hope so. If the author can read this, I hope, if there is a sequel, I would be offered the same choice that was given to me... I'd love to continue to be part of the "cult." I can't wait to read what happens for Dahlia.
Absolutely riveting. Inspiring. And otherworldly. It is a story that is worthy of a high star ranking and should be read and recommended for readers who long for and love adventure.
October 28, 2025
Foresyth Conservatory is a dark, thrilling, unique murder mystery/academic magical tale. It follows Dahlia, a tarot reader and bookseller, who is invited to secretly solve murder while being enrolled in the magical academy of Foresyth Conservatory.
I enjoyed the academic banter in this book a lot. It is clear the author is both incredibly smart and passionate about a variety of subjects and it was really nice to see that bloom through her writing. I also enjoyed how unique the academic setting was with no ‘real’ classes and independent studies instead. The cast of characters are unique and fun to interact with. Their constant banter and subtle rivalry made every conversation 10x more interesting. I especially loved the trick Aspen played when she first arrived because it shows how everyone has hidden motives here.
Unfortunately, the magical aspect of this book was really confusing to me. Over 100 pages in, I still had no idea if magic was real or not (while at a magical conservatory). It was especially confusing since the main character seemed to constantly talk about how magic wasn’t real every chance she could get. Speaking of Dahlia - I didn’t like her. I understand that she was sent to Foresyth Conservatory to find a murderer and not to make friends with her fellow students, but I hated how every single interaction she debated how it would benefit her. If someone invited her into their room - would saying yes make them believe she was their friend? If they asked her for her opinion - which would be what they like the most to gain their trust? It would’ve been fine as a theme, but it was EVERY single interaction, even when people were being genuine with her. The small, enjoyable moments of life were a big question of ‘if I do this, how will it help me investigate X?’ which made her a petty protagonist in my opinion.
Overall, the plot and setting were super unique and well written. I would encourage you to give this book a try, but I don’t think it was specifically for me. I still enjoyed my time reading it, but I probably won’t re-read in the future.
I enjoyed the academic banter in this book a lot. It is clear the author is both incredibly smart and passionate about a variety of subjects and it was really nice to see that bloom through her writing. I also enjoyed how unique the academic setting was with no ‘real’ classes and independent studies instead. The cast of characters are unique and fun to interact with. Their constant banter and subtle rivalry made every conversation 10x more interesting. I especially loved the trick Aspen played when she first arrived because it shows how everyone has hidden motives here.
Unfortunately, the magical aspect of this book was really confusing to me. Over 100 pages in, I still had no idea if magic was real or not (while at a magical conservatory). It was especially confusing since the main character seemed to constantly talk about how magic wasn’t real every chance she could get. Speaking of Dahlia - I didn’t like her. I understand that she was sent to Foresyth Conservatory to find a murderer and not to make friends with her fellow students, but I hated how every single interaction she debated how it would benefit her. If someone invited her into their room - would saying yes make them believe she was their friend? If they asked her for her opinion - which would be what they like the most to gain their trust? It would’ve been fine as a theme, but it was EVERY single interaction, even when people were being genuine with her. The small, enjoyable moments of life were a big question of ‘if I do this, how will it help me investigate X?’ which made her a petty protagonist in my opinion.
Overall, the plot and setting were super unique and well written. I would encourage you to give this book a try, but I don’t think it was specifically for me. I still enjoyed my time reading it, but I probably won’t re-read in the future.
September 14, 2025
Foresyth Conservatory, A.L.Sterling (ARC)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
-Where magic meets mystery.
“There are two main reasons a person would choose the career of a detective. The first is that they are a man or woman of justice….The second is that the man, sees great darkness within himself and pursues vanquishing darkness in the world in an attempt to rid himself of it…”
I have no idea where to begin with this book before saying that this book goes in line with some of the best books I have ever read. Within this tale we follow Dahlia Blackburne, who is a fake tarot reader, using this a means to earn money and a living within her failing bookshop. Everything changes when the Meister comes to the store asking for a reading but when doing so, he gives her an invitation to join the academy Foresyth Conservatory, as a student but secretly a detective investigating the murder of Julian (a student there). Dahlia follows the footsteps of her passed away father’s profession, and uncovers dark secrets in her investigation.
The plot and world building of this is intimately complex and beautiful. I can tell Sterling went through great lengths of research to pull this piece together. I particularly enjoyed how we see the main protagonist Dahlia, go through her own unique growth in the process of putting the students (suspects) to the test. Yes she is in a magical school, but there is something very Sherlock Holmes about her- religiously grounded in logic, science and intuition. She is by far one of my favourite characters. As we are introduced to the rest- Nina, Aspen, Leone and Sequoia, you will question them all, right until the very end. It kept me on my toes the entire time- I LOVED IT! This was dark, mysterious and occult. I want to read it all over again ✨🤭
I am so honoured to have been selected to be a part of the ARC team, this was art and so deeply satisfying to read - thank you @a.l.sterling . You are a master at writing- I am eagerly waiting to read your next one, and of course purchase this on October 25th upon its release!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
-Where magic meets mystery.
“There are two main reasons a person would choose the career of a detective. The first is that they are a man or woman of justice….The second is that the man, sees great darkness within himself and pursues vanquishing darkness in the world in an attempt to rid himself of it…”
I have no idea where to begin with this book before saying that this book goes in line with some of the best books I have ever read. Within this tale we follow Dahlia Blackburne, who is a fake tarot reader, using this a means to earn money and a living within her failing bookshop. Everything changes when the Meister comes to the store asking for a reading but when doing so, he gives her an invitation to join the academy Foresyth Conservatory, as a student but secretly a detective investigating the murder of Julian (a student there). Dahlia follows the footsteps of her passed away father’s profession, and uncovers dark secrets in her investigation.
The plot and world building of this is intimately complex and beautiful. I can tell Sterling went through great lengths of research to pull this piece together. I particularly enjoyed how we see the main protagonist Dahlia, go through her own unique growth in the process of putting the students (suspects) to the test. Yes she is in a magical school, but there is something very Sherlock Holmes about her- religiously grounded in logic, science and intuition. She is by far one of my favourite characters. As we are introduced to the rest- Nina, Aspen, Leone and Sequoia, you will question them all, right until the very end. It kept me on my toes the entire time- I LOVED IT! This was dark, mysterious and occult. I want to read it all over again ✨🤭
I am so honoured to have been selected to be a part of the ARC team, this was art and so deeply satisfying to read - thank you @a.l.sterling . You are a master at writing- I am eagerly waiting to read your next one, and of course purchase this on October 25th upon its release!
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