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Darkbirch Academy
“Two predators now circle me in this den of enemies. One I came to hunt, and one I never saw coming.”
“FOURTH WING MEETS HOGWARTS with an addicting twist... If Voldemort had a 23-year-old daughter, you’d get Esme Salem... Dark, sexy and unique!”
– Best In Dark Fantasy Romance Reads ★★★★★
Dark mages don’t deal in warnings — only executions.
So when assassin-in-training Esme Salem is tasked with infiltrating a magical defense academy and eliminating Kieran Mazrov — a deadly mage with powers that could erase her kind from existence — it should be treacherous but simple. A poisonous jab to his throat. A garrote bracelet slit across his neck. No hesitation.
What she doesn’t expect is Professor Dayn.
Calculating. Controlled. Lethal in every line of his body — which emits literal heat when he enters a room. He’s supposed to be an academic, but nothing about him screams scholarly. And the more she tries to pursue her mission, the more dangerous he becomes...
She came to kill.
She might just end up undone — unless she can undo both predators first.
Prepared to enter the game? If you like your magic dark, your men dangerous, and your heroines delightfully unhinged — this one's for you.
This story is a slow-burn enemies to (hopefully) lovers. It contains a cast of predatory beings, including dragons, mages, vampires, dark fae, werewolves, and incubi. Enter at your own risk. And be warned: If you’re a fan of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter or Zodiac Academy, sleep might become your sacrifice. Welcome to Darkbirch. Your next obsession begins now.
***Beware of spoilers in the reviews that are without spoiler alerts***
“FOURTH WING MEETS HOGWARTS with an addicting twist... If Voldemort had a 23-year-old daughter, you’d get Esme Salem... Dark, sexy and unique!”
– Best In Dark Fantasy Romance Reads ★★★★★
Dark mages don’t deal in warnings — only executions.
So when assassin-in-training Esme Salem is tasked with infiltrating a magical defense academy and eliminating Kieran Mazrov — a deadly mage with powers that could erase her kind from existence — it should be treacherous but simple. A poisonous jab to his throat. A garrote bracelet slit across his neck. No hesitation.
What she doesn’t expect is Professor Dayn.
Calculating. Controlled. Lethal in every line of his body — which emits literal heat when he enters a room. He’s supposed to be an academic, but nothing about him screams scholarly. And the more she tries to pursue her mission, the more dangerous he becomes...
She came to kill.
She might just end up undone — unless she can undo both predators first.
Prepared to enter the game? If you like your magic dark, your men dangerous, and your heroines delightfully unhinged — this one's for you.
This story is a slow-burn enemies to (hopefully) lovers. It contains a cast of predatory beings, including dragons, mages, vampires, dark fae, werewolves, and incubi. Enter at your own risk. And be warned: If you’re a fan of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter or Zodiac Academy, sleep might become your sacrifice. Welcome to Darkbirch. Your next obsession begins now.
***Beware of spoilers in the reviews that are without spoiler alerts***
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2025
2361 people are currently reading
12967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 466 reviews
July 14, 2025
thank you so much Krista for sending me the early copy! <3
3.75 🌟
what a great debut novel!! dark academia romantasy?? absolutely yes. we had witches, blood magic, covens and an undercover operation. this was fun, fast paced and definitely had some great elements that kept me engaged in the story. i am super intrigued by the magic system/world and i really enjoyed the 'undercover spy' element where our morally grey 'Darkblood' FMC Esme Salem is sent to infiltrate the enemy 'Clearblood' academy to eliminate a threat to her coven's existence. of course she faces a bit of a challenge when the mysterious (& hot) professor Dayn gets in the way...👀👀
this has great potential and has set up the story really well, i would have like a bit more depth in places and more time spent at the academy in like a day-to-day sense but other than that, i enjoyed this!!
3.75 🌟
what a great debut novel!! dark academia romantasy?? absolutely yes. we had witches, blood magic, covens and an undercover operation. this was fun, fast paced and definitely had some great elements that kept me engaged in the story. i am super intrigued by the magic system/world and i really enjoyed the 'undercover spy' element where our morally grey 'Darkblood' FMC Esme Salem is sent to infiltrate the enemy 'Clearblood' academy to eliminate a threat to her coven's existence. of course she faces a bit of a challenge when the mysterious (& hot) professor Dayn gets in the way...👀👀
this has great potential and has set up the story really well, i would have like a bit more depth in places and more time spent at the academy in like a day-to-day sense but other than that, i enjoyed this!!
June 21, 2025
Dark academia perfection! This one’s for the Slytherins!
The tension and slow burn in this book is pure perfection! While this doesn’t really have any spice it’s not needed, but it’s setting up for book 2 I’m sure! Witches, dark blood magic, and a dragon! I devoured this book!
Esme Salem is such a badass, if there’s a dangerous mission she’s the girl for the job. She’s sent on an undercover mission to their rival academy to eliminate a threat that could take down her entire coven. Easy peasy..what she doesn’t plan for is the hot powerful professor who knows exactly who she is, and his kind shouldn’t exist anymore. When she tries to eliminate her target she ends up finding herself bound to him instead. Esme uses blood magic and has a visceral connection to her ancestors, she can also communicate with her dead grandmother…who may have some motivations of her own.
He gives her an ultimatum, he’ll help her eliminate her target, in exchange she’ll help him unbind himself to the school he’s trapped at and set him free. Only problem is they have a strange connection, and he’s keeping secrets. When her grandmother comes to her telling her she must drink his blood before the ritual she’s left wanting to obey despite Dayn, her hot professors, warnings that she doesn’t understand the consequences. When she’s trying to flee with a winged vampire from her coven, he’s not about to let her get away.
”Sorry, but I couldn’t let that bat fly off with what’s MINE.”
This was phenomenal, thank you so much to Krista Graves for sending this to me in exchange for my honest review, now I need book 2 immediately 😮💨
The tension and slow burn in this book is pure perfection! While this doesn’t really have any spice it’s not needed, but it’s setting up for book 2 I’m sure! Witches, dark blood magic, and a dragon! I devoured this book!
Esme Salem is such a badass, if there’s a dangerous mission she’s the girl for the job. She’s sent on an undercover mission to their rival academy to eliminate a threat that could take down her entire coven. Easy peasy..what she doesn’t plan for is the hot powerful professor who knows exactly who she is, and his kind shouldn’t exist anymore. When she tries to eliminate her target she ends up finding herself bound to him instead. Esme uses blood magic and has a visceral connection to her ancestors, she can also communicate with her dead grandmother…who may have some motivations of her own.
He gives her an ultimatum, he’ll help her eliminate her target, in exchange she’ll help him unbind himself to the school he’s trapped at and set him free. Only problem is they have a strange connection, and he’s keeping secrets. When her grandmother comes to her telling her she must drink his blood before the ritual she’s left wanting to obey despite Dayn, her hot professors, warnings that she doesn’t understand the consequences. When she’s trying to flee with a winged vampire from her coven, he’s not about to let her get away.
”Sorry, but I couldn’t let that bat fly off with what’s MINE.”
This was phenomenal, thank you so much to Krista Graves for sending this to me in exchange for my honest review, now I need book 2 immediately 😮💨
August 7, 2025
Nothing happened. A book written about nothing
November 30, 2025
First of all, I found this book on TikTok (people were comparing it to Fourth Wing and something else I don’t even remember). Spoiler alert: it’s nothing like that. Actually, even the title doesn’t really make sense. So, let’s get into the review.
Darkbirch tells the story of Esme Salem, a sort of darkblood witch who, after discovering a threat to her coven, gets sent to the Clearbloods’ academy to take it down. But something (or rather, someone) gets in the way.
In my opinion, the book had a great chance to develop a solid subplot (you know, that classic academy trope) while the main story played out. But honestly, the only “academy” thing about it is the title, because Esme didn’t attend a single class.
It’s also worth mentioning that the whole book takes place over the span of four days (no joke).
That being said, the plot itself is pretty interesting. At first, it feels a bit repetitive (both the action and the slow burn), like the same situations happening over and over again. But it’s still a fun read if you’re just looking to pass the time. The story really picks up in the last 50 pages, where everything basically goes off the rails (and that’s when I actually started to enjoy it a lot more). Still, it would’ve been way more interesting with an academy subplot in the mix, and maybe making the book a bit longer.
Now let’s talk about the FMC and MMC. Honestly, they were written pretty well. I really liked Esme (she’s strong, powerful, and doesn’t hold back). Dayn, on the other hand, is your typical fantasy MMC (mysterious, broody, and all that jazz).
The slow burn between them is actually really good (no spicy scenes or anything graphic, but there are plenty of tension-filled moments that totally make up for it).
The only real complaint I have is that, at the beginning, nothing makes sense. I read like four chapters without having a clue where I was or what anything meant. And near the end, a few characters suddenly show up and are treated like they’ve been super important the whole time (even though they were never mentioned before). That’s another reason why an academy subplot would’ve made the story flow so much better.
Darkbirch tells the story of Esme Salem, a sort of darkblood witch who, after discovering a threat to her coven, gets sent to the Clearbloods’ academy to take it down. But something (or rather, someone) gets in the way.
In my opinion, the book had a great chance to develop a solid subplot (you know, that classic academy trope) while the main story played out. But honestly, the only “academy” thing about it is the title, because Esme didn’t attend a single class.
It’s also worth mentioning that the whole book takes place over the span of four days (no joke).
That being said, the plot itself is pretty interesting. At first, it feels a bit repetitive (both the action and the slow burn), like the same situations happening over and over again. But it’s still a fun read if you’re just looking to pass the time. The story really picks up in the last 50 pages, where everything basically goes off the rails (and that’s when I actually started to enjoy it a lot more). Still, it would’ve been way more interesting with an academy subplot in the mix, and maybe making the book a bit longer.
Now let’s talk about the FMC and MMC. Honestly, they were written pretty well. I really liked Esme (she’s strong, powerful, and doesn’t hold back). Dayn, on the other hand, is your typical fantasy MMC (mysterious, broody, and all that jazz).
The slow burn between them is actually really good (no spicy scenes or anything graphic, but there are plenty of tension-filled moments that totally make up for it).
The only real complaint I have is that, at the beginning, nothing makes sense. I read like four chapters without having a clue where I was or what anything meant. And near the end, a few characters suddenly show up and are treated like they’ve been super important the whole time (even though they were never mentioned before). That’s another reason why an academy subplot would’ve made the story flow so much better.
June 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a fantastic debut novel! Krista Graves delivers a gripping, immersive fantasy that pulls you right into the world from the very first page. I love when a book drops you in with little warning. It makes me feel like I have to pay attention, and that kind of reading experience always hooks me deeper.
Esme is a total badass as an FMC. She’s fierce, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her people. You can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
Then comes Dayn, a professor with serious “smoking hot and mysterious” energy. Their dynamic was unexpected but it worked. I loved the push and pull between them and how they both held their ground while learning to work together. Dayn’s ability to command a room without overshadowing Esme made their partnership feel balanced and compelling.
This book had plenty of twists and turns, but the ending? Did not see that coming. I’m already eager for the next installment. There’s so much more I want to learn about this world and these characters.
If you’re into magical academies, powerful heroines, and slow-burn tension, you’ll want to pick this one up.
What a fantastic debut novel! Krista Graves delivers a gripping, immersive fantasy that pulls you right into the world from the very first page. I love when a book drops you in with little warning. It makes me feel like I have to pay attention, and that kind of reading experience always hooks me deeper.
Esme is a total badass as an FMC. She’s fierce, determined, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her people. You can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
Then comes Dayn, a professor with serious “smoking hot and mysterious” energy. Their dynamic was unexpected but it worked. I loved the push and pull between them and how they both held their ground while learning to work together. Dayn’s ability to command a room without overshadowing Esme made their partnership feel balanced and compelling.
This book had plenty of twists and turns, but the ending? Did not see that coming. I’m already eager for the next installment. There’s so much more I want to learn about this world and these characters.
If you’re into magical academies, powerful heroines, and slow-burn tension, you’ll want to pick this one up.
July 5, 2025
THIS IS FOR THE VIBES READERS!!!!!
This was extremely bingeable and fast paced!! The writing was very easy to digest and addictive.
Is it revolutionary? Absolutely not, but the vibes were vibing!!
You introduce me to a dragon shifting, HOT professor, and I’m SAT.
This is a true slow burn too, they don’t even kiss in this book, so expect tension filled moments with great banter!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it was so fun!
- Dark academia
- Assassin FMC
- Professor x student vibe
- Witches
- Dragons
- Vampires
- Hilarious banter
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
This was extremely bingeable and fast paced!! The writing was very easy to digest and addictive.
Is it revolutionary? Absolutely not, but the vibes were vibing!!
You introduce me to a dragon shifting, HOT professor, and I’m SAT.
This is a true slow burn too, they don’t even kiss in this book, so expect tension filled moments with great banter!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it was so fun!
- Dark academia
- Assassin FMC
- Professor x student vibe
- Witches
- Dragons
- Vampires
- Hilarious banter
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
June 7, 2025
ARC Review: Darkbirch Academy by Krista Graves
Release Date: One Week Away!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Darkbirch Academy my very first ARC! after the author, Krista Graves, kindly reached out to me. I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to dive into this dark and intriguing debut.
From the very first page, I was pulled into the eerie, gothic atmosphere. The writing is rich in description, and the tone immediately sets up a world that feels mysterious, dramatic, and promising. I loved the gothic vibes, the brooding characters, and the dark magic simmering beneath the surface. There's definitely something here a solid plot framework, compelling characters, and a haunting backstory but it feels like it needs just a bit more development to truly shine.
The main plot is fascinating, with a unique concept and a solid sense of mystery. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Esme and Dayn and the hints of a darker world beneath the surface. But as much as I liked the premise, I found myself wanting more world-building, more context, and especially more of the "Academy" side of this Dark Academia world.
Despite comparisons to Zodiac Academy, this book isn’t quite in that realm. We only get one real class scene (where we first meet the MMC), and from there the academic setting pretty much fades away. I was hoping for more school-life moments—Esme navigating lessons, professors, student interactions, or even just her trying to blend in. Instead, the story moves quickly into a series of quest-like chapters that lack connective tissue.
Once the quest arc begins, the pacing becomes repetitive. Each mission blends into the next without much character interaction or downtime in between. And if I’m being honest after the fourth time Esme and Dayn had to hide because someone almost caught them (cue him pushing her against a wall again), it started to feel a bit too formulaic. The stakes didn’t feel high enough, and without deeper character development or emotional beats, I struggled to fully invest in the journey.
Still, there are definite highlights. The twist toward the end genuinely surprised me and added excitement just when the pacing needed it most. And the epilogue introduces a new character that gave me hope for where the series could go next. I will absolutely pick up the sequel I think this world has a lot of promise, and I want to see it evolve.
As for Esme, I expected someone a little more morally gray especially since she’s described as the daughter of someone Voldemort-level dark. But she actually reads a bit lighter than expected. Not a flaw necessarily, but I was hoping for more inner conflict, darkness, or a sharp edge to her voice.
Overall, I did enjoy the read, even if it didn’t grip me as much as I’d hoped. The writing is beautiful sometimes maybe too descriptive but the craft is there. I just wanted more: more emotional beats, more immersive world-building, more time to connect with the characters. This could have been even stronger with more page time or a slower pace.
That said, it’s an impressive debut, and I’m excited to support this indie author. If you love dark fantasy, gothic vibes, and a fresh take on witches, Darkbirch Academy is worth checking out. Here’s hoping book two dives even deeper into the rich, mysterious world Krista Graves has begun to build.
Release Date: One Week Away!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Darkbirch Academy my very first ARC! after the author, Krista Graves, kindly reached out to me. I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to dive into this dark and intriguing debut.
From the very first page, I was pulled into the eerie, gothic atmosphere. The writing is rich in description, and the tone immediately sets up a world that feels mysterious, dramatic, and promising. I loved the gothic vibes, the brooding characters, and the dark magic simmering beneath the surface. There's definitely something here a solid plot framework, compelling characters, and a haunting backstory but it feels like it needs just a bit more development to truly shine.
The main plot is fascinating, with a unique concept and a solid sense of mystery. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Esme and Dayn and the hints of a darker world beneath the surface. But as much as I liked the premise, I found myself wanting more world-building, more context, and especially more of the "Academy" side of this Dark Academia world.
Despite comparisons to Zodiac Academy, this book isn’t quite in that realm. We only get one real class scene (where we first meet the MMC), and from there the academic setting pretty much fades away. I was hoping for more school-life moments—Esme navigating lessons, professors, student interactions, or even just her trying to blend in. Instead, the story moves quickly into a series of quest-like chapters that lack connective tissue.
Once the quest arc begins, the pacing becomes repetitive. Each mission blends into the next without much character interaction or downtime in between. And if I’m being honest after the fourth time Esme and Dayn had to hide because someone almost caught them (cue him pushing her against a wall again), it started to feel a bit too formulaic. The stakes didn’t feel high enough, and without deeper character development or emotional beats, I struggled to fully invest in the journey.
Still, there are definite highlights. The twist toward the end genuinely surprised me and added excitement just when the pacing needed it most. And the epilogue introduces a new character that gave me hope for where the series could go next. I will absolutely pick up the sequel I think this world has a lot of promise, and I want to see it evolve.
As for Esme, I expected someone a little more morally gray especially since she’s described as the daughter of someone Voldemort-level dark. But she actually reads a bit lighter than expected. Not a flaw necessarily, but I was hoping for more inner conflict, darkness, or a sharp edge to her voice.
Overall, I did enjoy the read, even if it didn’t grip me as much as I’d hoped. The writing is beautiful sometimes maybe too descriptive but the craft is there. I just wanted more: more emotional beats, more immersive world-building, more time to connect with the characters. This could have been even stronger with more page time or a slower pace.
That said, it’s an impressive debut, and I’m excited to support this indie author. If you love dark fantasy, gothic vibes, and a fresh take on witches, Darkbirch Academy is worth checking out. Here’s hoping book two dives even deeper into the rich, mysterious world Krista Graves has begun to build.
June 22, 2025
3.75 🌟
Witches, Dragons, and blood magic!
Im looking forward to reading book two after that cliffhanger, as this has such an intriguing, fast-paced plot. Possibly a little too fast in places as I'd have liked to learn more of the world or had more expansion on certain plot points, but it is a short enjoyable read.
Witches, Dragons, and blood magic!
Im looking forward to reading book two after that cliffhanger, as this has such an intriguing, fast-paced plot. Possibly a little too fast in places as I'd have liked to learn more of the world or had more expansion on certain plot points, but it is a short enjoyable read.
July 29, 2025
Forget Xaden, this is for the ones who want Tairn
May 25, 2025
This was my first taste of dark romantasy and I was so honoured to read this as an ARC. The FMC was everything I could have asked for and more!! Strong, confident, deliberate and sarcastic. The situation she finds herself in while infiltrating her enemies school grounds has me completely hooked. This was a very fast paced read with meaningful characters not too much fantastical jargon as to take away from the plot but enough to give it its own fantasy world which I am so in love with. There wasn’t much spice but I felt as though that was very purposeful as the plot definitely didn’t call for it and it was a very enemies to hopefully be lovers in a second or potentially third book👀. Esme is an amazing FMC and I hope she gets another story to explore more of her and Dayns relationship or friendship. I cannot wait for the second book to come out and strongly suggest this short book to any fantasy lovers!!
January 8, 2026
I’ll admit I’m kinda confused.
The beginning was promising and then everything seemed to happen in 20 pages.
I did like the dynamics between Esme and Dayn, but they never really clicked a 100%.
The epilogue did not make sense to me…
The beginning was promising and then everything seemed to happen in 20 pages.
I did like the dynamics between Esme and Dayn, but they never really clicked a 100%.
The epilogue did not make sense to me…
July 6, 2025
Firstly thank you Krista for reaching out and what a pleasure it was reading this debut...
Well this was a fun time and it is what it says... If voldermorrt had a daughter the fmc would be her...
Love me some dark academia especially when it gives me harry potter vibes, with a mystery, a brooding professor and a dragon shifter ;)
Loved the spying element to the story too.
Cannot wait to read the next book
Well this was a fun time and it is what it says... If voldermorrt had a daughter the fmc would be her...
Love me some dark academia especially when it gives me harry potter vibes, with a mystery, a brooding professor and a dragon shifter ;)
Loved the spying element to the story too.
Cannot wait to read the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
3.25⭐️ – I’m always a sucker for a professor x student trope in a magical military school setting 😂 Bonus points when one of them happens to be a dragon shifter 🤭
This one’s definitely more fast-paced on the plot side, which I can appreciate, and the romance leans heavy on tension and banter—with zero spice, in case that’s what you’re after. Dayne and Esme’s interactions were entertaining, but I did start to feel like I was caught in a loop with the whole “can I trust you?” conversation—mostly Esme questioning Dayne, over and over and over again. We get it, girl, you’re skeptical.
Also, the writing leaned hard on a few repeated phrases—“putting distance,” “radiating heat,” “unwanted shiver/feeling,” etc.—to the point where I started experiencing actual déjà vu.
I liked that Esme is a strong FMC, but her constant reminders about her elite Darkbirch Academy training every time she pulled off a “spy move” got a little old. Like yes, we know you graduated from Magical CIA Bootcamp, you don’t have to keep citing your resume.
Honestly, I was really hoping for a Dayne POV, because I found his character a lot more compelling and fun to follow.
Still, I did enjoy the overall plot and premise!
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending me an eARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This one’s definitely more fast-paced on the plot side, which I can appreciate, and the romance leans heavy on tension and banter—with zero spice, in case that’s what you’re after. Dayne and Esme’s interactions were entertaining, but I did start to feel like I was caught in a loop with the whole “can I trust you?” conversation—mostly Esme questioning Dayne, over and over and over again. We get it, girl, you’re skeptical.
Also, the writing leaned hard on a few repeated phrases—“putting distance,” “radiating heat,” “unwanted shiver/feeling,” etc.—to the point where I started experiencing actual déjà vu.
I liked that Esme is a strong FMC, but her constant reminders about her elite Darkbirch Academy training every time she pulled off a “spy move” got a little old. Like yes, we know you graduated from Magical CIA Bootcamp, you don’t have to keep citing your resume.
Honestly, I was really hoping for a Dayne POV, because I found his character a lot more compelling and fun to follow.
Still, I did enjoy the overall plot and premise!
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending me an eARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 15, 2025
I really liked this one! I love that Esme isn't necessarily the good guy. She is infiltrating another academy to find information for her coven, but one of her professors sees right through her disguise. Dayn is more than he appears though, and the slow burn between the two of them is just divine.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book because holy cow that ending was a major cliffhanger. More please!
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book because holy cow that ending was a major cliffhanger. More please!
July 11, 2025
From the first chapter this book is confusing and all over the place. Having characters with similar names as fourth wing is ridiculous . And the "fourth wing meets hogwarts" description on Amazon it's just so annoying . You can't create your own story and have to get inspiration in other author's success?! That is just lazy. The MMC name is Dayn. Like seriously? Be for real. I had to DNF after a few chapters . This book is not good and I don't recommend. Don't waste your time.
July 1, 2025
3.5 STARS
Overall, it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I do think it could have been fleshed out a little more. It was almost like everything was just thrown at us and then bam bam bam things were happening. I fear I got punched in the face and then whiplash.
But I did like the ending and I’m curious to see where the story goes from here in the next book.
Overall, it was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. I do think it could have been fleshed out a little more. It was almost like everything was just thrown at us and then bam bam bam things were happening. I fear I got punched in the face and then whiplash.
But I did like the ending and I’m curious to see where the story goes from here in the next book.
June 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ but has set up book 2 to be something realllllly good 👀 I’ll add more later once I’ve gathered my thoughts.
August 18, 2025
DNF
couldnt get past all the “I’s” that are used too often
couldnt get past all the “I’s” that are used too often
June 26, 2025
3.5 stars
“Every dragon has scales they don’t show, Esme,” he says, his voice low. “Just as every witch has spells she keeps unspoken.”
i walked into this book completely blind. i am so grateful to say that the author Krista Graves sent me a copy to review! What I did expect though was more romance which is why my review is a little lower.
The overall story is so interesting and I really do love both characters, this was a SLOW burn, the last chapter is where some sort of possession started. Throughout the book there was minor flirting but once again I just expected more romance.
Dayn is a dragon which is honestly so cool. I always love a dragon main character and Esme is a headstrong witchy girl who absolutely holds her ground. Together these two are insanely powerful and I’m so excited to see where this goes.
The last chapter as well as the epilogue left me on such a cliffhanger that I need the next book right now!!! If you’re looking for a fantasy book that has a gradual buildup I definitely recommend this!!
Once again a huge THANK YOU to Krista Graves for sending me a reviewer copy <3
June 25, 2025
First of all, thank you to the author for sending me an eARC for this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. With just under 300 pages, the book was quite short, but started off strong, and kept me entertained from start to finish. The typical academy vibes you may be expecting are lower because we immediately start into a sort of “quest,” but I say this in a GOOD WAY! Because this book felt new and unique and refreshing, and a lot of the plot points took me by surprise.
I really loved our FMC Esme and I am veryyyyyy excited to see where we go in book two, as I think we will dive deeper into the magic system, and learn a lot more about our mysterious MMC!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. With just under 300 pages, the book was quite short, but started off strong, and kept me entertained from start to finish. The typical academy vibes you may be expecting are lower because we immediately start into a sort of “quest,” but I say this in a GOOD WAY! Because this book felt new and unique and refreshing, and a lot of the plot points took me by surprise.
I really loved our FMC Esme and I am veryyyyyy excited to see where we go in book two, as I think we will dive deeper into the magic system, and learn a lot more about our mysterious MMC!
June 12, 2025
This book was so fun! I absolutely loved the concept and the characters and the magic elements of this world!
Esme and Dayn made for some really interesting characters and i loved the journey/mission we went on.
can’t wait to rest the next one!
Esme and Dayn made for some really interesting characters and i loved the journey/mission we went on.
can’t wait to rest the next one!
August 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc of this book and I absolutely flew through it. I loved the fast pace of the plot and the tension between Esme and Dayne. If you want a book with a confident, bad ass witchy heroine sent to infiltrate an enemy academy then this is a must read! I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I was lucky enough to receive an e-arc of this book and I absolutely flew through it. I loved the fast pace of the plot and the tension between Esme and Dayne. If you want a book with a confident, bad ass witchy heroine sent to infiltrate an enemy academy then this is a must read! I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
August 18, 2025
Krista, thank you so much for sending me an e-copy of your book!
Darkbirch Academy was such a great journey. The writing is beautiful, the world is intriguing and its characters are so fun to explore. I loved the whole vibe of this book.
I adore books with a darker vibe and Darkbirch Academy definitely has that. Although I missed the academic setting. There’s one classroom scene and that’s it.
The events happened a bit too fast, at times. I needed a bit more depth, especially with the dark- and clearbloods. I wanted to know more about their powers, their feud and their motives. I feel like I still don’t know everything. Perhaps this will be explained in the sequel.
I must say, the banter and tension between Dayn and Esme was great. It’s definitely very slow burn, but gosh, it keeps me on edge. I cannot wait to see how that unfolds.
Still, this was a very enjoyable read and Krista’s writing style is so captivating. I’m so excited for what’s to come, because that ending is illegal. I hope book two will dive deeper into the magic, the characters and the many aspects of its world.
3.5 stars.
Darkbirch Academy was such a great journey. The writing is beautiful, the world is intriguing and its characters are so fun to explore. I loved the whole vibe of this book.
I adore books with a darker vibe and Darkbirch Academy definitely has that. Although I missed the academic setting. There’s one classroom scene and that’s it.
The events happened a bit too fast, at times. I needed a bit more depth, especially with the dark- and clearbloods. I wanted to know more about their powers, their feud and their motives. I feel like I still don’t know everything. Perhaps this will be explained in the sequel.
I must say, the banter and tension between Dayn and Esme was great. It’s definitely very slow burn, but gosh, it keeps me on edge. I cannot wait to see how that unfolds.
Still, this was a very enjoyable read and Krista’s writing style is so captivating. I’m so excited for what’s to come, because that ending is illegal. I hope book two will dive deeper into the magic, the characters and the many aspects of its world.
3.5 stars.
October 2, 2025
2.5 stars.
This was simple and enjoyable at times, but I'm immediately going to forget everything I just read as it didn't leave an impression on me at all. It feels mostly like I wasted my time on it tbh.
Quotes:
"I've killed things more dangerous than you."
"No," he says simply. "You haven't."
This was simple and enjoyable at times, but I'm immediately going to forget everything I just read as it didn't leave an impression on me at all. It feels mostly like I wasted my time on it tbh.
Quotes:
"I've killed things more dangerous than you."
"No," he says simply. "You haven't."
September 11, 2025
A generous 2.4 ... I am glad the last 1/3 of this book saved anything to do with this story because I almost DNFd in the first 1/3 of the book.. hell in the first 2 chapters. Ill start with the good first, the plot has a lot of potential and the characters had intriguing and distinctive personalities. I liked the idea of the story, I just think it was executed poorly. The writing was mediocre at best and very disorganized and confusing. I'm still not really sure what the magic system is... because its like blood magic, mixed with witchy coven stuff, mixed with supernatural magic, mixed with modern elements, mixed with unknown ancient magic and none of it is very well explained or cohesive and it seems like the author couldn't just pick something and write it well. I'm also confused as to why this ancient and powerful dragon who was tethered by these imaginary and unknown figures for this big unknown plot just left him to his own devices with no guards or protection. The whole time they were just going about and came up against hardly any roadblocks to unleashing this powerful weapon... IDK. There was a lot of repetitive writing and poor descriptions ("his icy much-paler hands) and most times I was convinced that AI wrote it due to the over use of em dashes. Also, WTF does "ozone" smell like? There was not a lot of world building but I loved the physical imagery description of Darkbirch academy, it was the most vivid picture we got the whole book. and my final complaint is why TF did we open the story with this horny flying fae (so weird) and have the main characters edging us the whole story, to have not a single drop of spice.... its labeled as a romantasy and there was really no romance AT ALL, not even a kiss. Anyways... The last probably 100 pages got somewhat interesting and the writing seemed to get a bit better so i pushed through to kind of get an understanding of the picture the author is trying to draw but I just don't think there was any actual cohesiveness to any part of this story.
January 9, 2026
It took me so insanely long to get into this but I finished the last 50% in three days. This was advertised to me as “harry potter meets fourth wing” and that itself convinced me to read it. However, when I accepted this arc, I had no idea that this is actually considered dark fantasy. This was my first ever dark fantasy book! It had a subplot of romance but honestly I wish it would’ve had a little more. The tension was THEREEEEEEE but it didn’t give us anything. There was so much potential but I guess this is good encouragement to want to read the second book! Overall I had a pretty good time reading this. Even though it took me two and a half months, I would still recommend it very much!
Throughout this book you follow Esme. She is fearless and one of the more advanced and powerful people in her coven. She is a darkblood. This makes her a thread in the clear bloods eyes. When one day the clear bloods capture her brother, she is send on a rescue mission. During this she finds out that the clear blood academy has made a new weapon. When her coven finds out about this, Esme is once again send to eliminate the threat. During her time at the clear blood academy she finds out that eliminating this specific weapon, is not as easy as it sounds. She soon realizes she needs help from a certain professor. And lo and behold, he needs her help in return. Together they embark on a secret mission throughout the school. Will they be able to stick to their deal? And what secrets are they hiding from each other?
Thank you so much to the author of this book for reaching out to me to ask if I wanted to read this arc! I apologize for the delayed review but the book was amazing and I appreciate the opportunity!!!
Throughout this book you follow Esme. She is fearless and one of the more advanced and powerful people in her coven. She is a darkblood. This makes her a thread in the clear bloods eyes. When one day the clear bloods capture her brother, she is send on a rescue mission. During this she finds out that the clear blood academy has made a new weapon. When her coven finds out about this, Esme is once again send to eliminate the threat. During her time at the clear blood academy she finds out that eliminating this specific weapon, is not as easy as it sounds. She soon realizes she needs help from a certain professor. And lo and behold, he needs her help in return. Together they embark on a secret mission throughout the school. Will they be able to stick to their deal? And what secrets are they hiding from each other?
Thank you so much to the author of this book for reaching out to me to ask if I wanted to read this arc! I apologize for the delayed review but the book was amazing and I appreciate the opportunity!!!
November 25, 2025
Edit: I’m going through all of my 2025 ratings and changing some things. Pretty much nothing happened in this book and looking back the dialogue was meh. I was too nice lol. Changing my rating from 3 stars down to 2 and will not be continuing this series.
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Thank you Krista Graves for sending me this arc.
I love dark academia fantasies so I was very excited going into this. It was a little slow getting into it, but once the professor was introduced it picked up speed quite a bit.
My issues with this one stems from being someone that reads dark academia fantasies quite often. I was hoping for plot twists throughout the story to keep me hooked. For example, Esme kept getting caught where she shouldn't be, but each time it settled and everything turned out fine. I would have loved something intense to have happened instead! I also didn't get too connected to the characters because it was a short novel.
This was an okay read but there isn't anything about it that made it stand out compared to other books I've read that are similar to this, but I think my thoughts could change later into this series.
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Thank you Krista Graves for sending me this arc.
I love dark academia fantasies so I was very excited going into this. It was a little slow getting into it, but once the professor was introduced it picked up speed quite a bit.
My issues with this one stems from being someone that reads dark academia fantasies quite often. I was hoping for plot twists throughout the story to keep me hooked. For example, Esme kept getting caught where she shouldn't be, but each time it settled and everything turned out fine. I would have loved something intense to have happened instead! I also didn't get too connected to the characters because it was a short novel.
This was an okay read but there isn't anything about it that made it stand out compared to other books I've read that are similar to this, but I think my thoughts could change later into this series.
October 15, 2025
A solid 4 ⭐️. If I have to read the word ancient or primal one more time I'm going to LOSE IT. Story however, story really saved this book and I'm eager for the next one. The characters leave you asking and wanting SO much more and I hope my questions are answered in the next book. I think it has a lot of potential and reminds me of the writing in Fourth Wing (engaging and quick but repetitive with certain words that needs to be addressed 🙏🏻😭). Would I recommend, absolutely. I think size wise I'd recommend this over Fourth Wing to new fantasy readers since it's super quick and introduces you pretty well but I wouldn't recommend to a picky reader bc I do think there might be some plot holes and fantasy really just all jumbles together after reading so many
July 18, 2025
4 ⭐️ This was a fun and face paced read! It is absolutely binge worthy! I really enjoyed Krista Graves' writing style and descriptiveness. I thought that the characters were great and in the next book I'm hoping to see more development, depth and growth. Esme (FMC) is a total badass and I love her spunk and vibe. The slow burn and tension was on point and I'm excited to see how that all unfolds in the next book. The banter throughout the book and the inner dialogue of the FMC was good! I was hoping to get a little more world building, but that didn't quite hit the mark, so I'm hoping that it will be a bigger part of book two. The cliff hanger at the end was intriguing and will definitely set up book two with a great storyline/plot for sure!
Overall I enjoyed this one and it's a great start to a series. I'm looking forward to reading book two!
Tropes / Themes:
Dark Academia
Tension
Slow burn
Dragon Shifters
Vampires
Witches
Banter
Badass FMC
Secrets
Forced Proximity
Hidden Identity
Professor/Student
Overall I enjoyed this one and it's a great start to a series. I'm looking forward to reading book two!
Tropes / Themes:
Dark Academia
Tension
Slow burn
Dragon Shifters
Vampires
Witches
Banter
Badass FMC
Secrets
Forced Proximity
Hidden Identity
Professor/Student
June 20, 2025
WHATTTT????!!!!?!!! THIS WAS SO INSANELY GOOD.
i received this arc from the author a couple weeks ago and just got around to reading it and i’m so glad i did.
this is already published and on KU and i HIGHLYYYYYYY recommend this if you love a dark academia fantasy vibe with witches, dragons, & vampires!!!! AHHHH I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I’M SHOOK.
although it is marketed as a fantasy romance this is extremely slow burn enemies to (hopefully) lovers. the tiny crumbs of romance (and i mean tiny crumbs - there is just subtle flirting in this book and that’s it) are just a subplot but do not fret. THE TENSION. THE BANTER. THE FUCKING PLOT!!!!!!!!! this book was UNPUTDOWNABLE. i finished in less than 24 hours. I’M SO SAT.
i cannot wait for what’s next 🐉🖤
i received this arc from the author a couple weeks ago and just got around to reading it and i’m so glad i did.
this is already published and on KU and i HIGHLYYYYYYY recommend this if you love a dark academia fantasy vibe with witches, dragons, & vampires!!!! AHHHH I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH I’M SHOOK.
although it is marketed as a fantasy romance this is extremely slow burn enemies to (hopefully) lovers. the tiny crumbs of romance (and i mean tiny crumbs - there is just subtle flirting in this book and that’s it) are just a subplot but do not fret. THE TENSION. THE BANTER. THE FUCKING PLOT!!!!!!!!! this book was UNPUTDOWNABLE. i finished in less than 24 hours. I’M SO SAT.
i cannot wait for what’s next 🐉🖤
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