Wicked Onyx: A Dark Academia Romantasy

The Veritas Legacy #1

by Debbie Cassidy

In a ruthless magical academy where she's cursed and powerless, the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay.

You don't graduate Nightbridge Academy—you survive it.

Born into a sorcerer bloodline, cursed, and cut off from my power, I was accustomed to being an outcast. For generations, my bloodline carried the weight of a crime committed by our ancestor. But my mother’s death changed everything. She left a clue that could prove our an ancient text hidden deep beneath Nightsbridge Academy.

The Academy is a fortress of power, housing the most dangerous incantors and sorcerers, conscripted to keep Horrors and Echoes at bay. And as the last surviving Onyx, I’m owed admission.

My plan is simple—find the book and expose the Imperium as the liars they are.

But I didn’t plan for the whispers that haunt my dreams. Or the complication of feelings I shouldn’t be capable of—stirred by two men bound to the very institution I’ve come to destroy. One sees too much yet says too little. The other is steady, protective, and always in my corner.

I can’t have either.

Yet when I’m in their presence…my curse begins to crack.

If they discover my true purpose, I’m dead.

But some truths are worth dying for.

The Imperium cursed my bloodline. Stripped us of our magic. Branded us as traitors. And now they will pay.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dark Academia, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Adult

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads. For the fantasy author, see Debbie Cassidy

Reviews

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an ARC of this book - releasing in Feb 2026. A paranormal dark academia story about redemption, vengeance and learning who you truly are.

Anamaya comes from a cursed and disgraced bloodline. Her great aunt committed an act so heinous that their entire line was cursed and their magic stripped. After losing the last family she had, Ana decides to risk everything by going to the hunter school/training grounds where it all began and the truth lies hidden. But before she can search for the truth, she must first survive. Add in an eclectic cast of quirky friends, a charming werewolf, a vengeful vampire and a handsome teacher/mentor in the mix and this is a story that keeps giving.

My only cons - and this might be more of a me thing - I found it was too many ideas. I wish the author would have simplified. It's a world with monsters, werewolves, vampires, gods, witches, sorcerers, dragons, ghosts and so on. It's different clans and a lot of history - and it's presented in a way where you get presented the concept and then later it gets explained. And at times I found it confusing. However I did really enjoy the writing.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ Arc Review ✨️

A magical dark academia at Nightbridge Academy! Ana, the last Onyx in her sorcerer bloodline cursed and cut off from power! Searching for truth and family secrets hidden in the academy. Training to hunt and kill magical creatures to protect the world. This book is action-packed with a lot going on. You have witches,werewolves,vampires, and mythical creatures with characters you'll love! Lost a star because it was confusing at times, but overall, I enjoyed this book!

Thank you, Netgalley, and Debbie Cassidy for this ARC. This is my opinion.
Releases February 10, 2026

[Val~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this free advanced reader copy of Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy, to be published on February 10th, 2026.

It’s a good fantasy book. However it gets too predictable when the plot is similar to other fantasy works.

[Heathers_readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A paranormal academic book full of dark themes, unique magic system and blood curses.

I’ll say dark academia is really having a moment and I am here for it! This is my first book by this author, it was an enjoyable read overall, I’d be interested in continuing the series

[ReneeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm most definitely going to be the outlier here and say that this book was good but not great. It's entertaining, it's a bit dark and there is tension throughout (sexual and otherwise) but I just didn't find myself connected to the characters in the way I wanted to. I love books with dark academia and unique magic systems so I was sure this was going to be at least a 4 star read for me so I'm a bit bummed it wasn't. I know readers are going to absolutely love this one and it's already getting some great reviews, so take my review with a grain of salt. I will say that the last few pages were very intriguing and I will likely give the second book a try when it comes out.

Side note, the cover is gorgeous!

Thank you NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Page & Vine for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity!

Wicked Onyx is a paranormal, dark academia in which Ana is the last descendant of a bloodline that was cursed. She ventures to the academy that had cursed her family to discover what truly happened and to get her magic back.

The world building is really interesting. I would say this is like a twist of Hogwarts. There’s multiple bloodlines that enroll their heirs to attend this academy in order to learn their spells/magic to continue to keep the darkness at bay.

Ana, the last Onyx, is a fun character. She’s witty, ballsy, and seeks justice. There’s a lot more to learn about her in the next book because the ending revealed more to her and then ended on the cliffhanger. I had a good time while she uncovers who’s haunting her dreams. It was giving Moaning Myrtle vibes from Harry Potter.

There are a lot of side characters to get familiar with but I enjoyed all of them. There’s vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and more. It’s written very well to be immersive.

This story isn’t very complex but it was fun and I do recommend for anyone that loves a paranormal twist in a dark academia setting.

[Taylor.Rosellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just became one of my favorite books of the year. Goodness gracious.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Cassidy crafts a tale in Wicked Onyx, merging dark academia with high-stakes fantasy. Anamaya Onyx, the last heir of a cursed bloodline, enters Nightsbridge Academy, a brutal, fortress of a school where magic is as dangerous as the Horrors lurking outside. Stripped of her powers and burdened by a family legacy of betrayal, she embarks on a gripping journey to uncover ancient secrets and reclaim her birthright.

Cassidy’s world-building is detailed, weaving a lore with innovative magic systems and terrifying creatures. The setting feels alive, with Nightsbridge Academy’s oppressive halls and hidden vaults breathing lots of tension. Anamaya’s is snark and determined; she navigates danger and prejudice with a role model worthy fierce resilience, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for.

The emotional stakes are layered, like peeling an onion. Alongside the main quest of revealing the truth behind her ancestor’s downfall and the mysterious Libra Veritas; Anamaya grapples with unexpected budding romantic tension. Two academy men pull her heart in opposite directions, complicating her mission and slowly chipping away at her curse. The romance doesn’t overshadow the plot but adds emotional depth and character connection.

While the romantic subplot dips into some familiar tropes; occasional damsel-in-distress moments, it never derails Anamaya’s goals. She remains focused and determined to expose the corruption of the Arcanum Imperium.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC copy of Wicked Onyx in exchange for an honest review.

[BiblioSizzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much! It’s a school for magical people (vampires, werewolves, witches and sorcerers) to learn how to hunt and kill magical creatures to protect the rest of the world. It’s romantasy but with fun plot. Its rice stars not because it’s beautifully written but because it’s a ton of fun.

Dark Academia
Gothic
Witches
Werewolves
Vampires
Magical monsters
Politics
Games and trials
Enemies to lovers
Student teacher
Friend to lover
Awesome side characters
Why choose morally grey MMC

IT HAS EVERYTHING I LOVE!!! Don’t sleep on this one you guys. If you liked fourth wing, harry potter, nocticadia, wings of blood… this is your next obsession.

[Cassandra K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m completely obsessed with this book!

Anamaya belongs to a shunned bloodline. The actions of a past relative led to the Onyx family loosing their magic and placed a heavy curse upon each family members shoulders.

When Anamaya uncovers something that could finally shift her fate, she ends up at Nightsbridge Academy. There she’ll do whatever it takes to break the curse, clear her family name, and restore their lost power (but not without MANY obstacles)

This was a deeply enjoyable dark academia and paranormal romance. I absolutely loved the main female characters wit and ferocity. There are two potential love interests that make for an edge of your seat reading experience & lots of wild revelations that’ll have your mind turning. It had a Supernatural feel and I was longing to pick it back up every time I had to pause reading.

[Stephanie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was an enjoyable read with great characters and i can't wait for #2

[Caitlin Mcneely · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club received this book as an ARC and I absolutely ate it up!

If you’re looking for dark academia, supernatural beings, and magic, tied in with some murder mystery and sexy humor, this book is right up your alley. It was for sure a good spooky *Supernatural meets Charmed* vibe and perfect for October.

None of the characters fell flat. They all served their own purposes and completed the plot line. Even the ones who didn’t get much page time. I liked that there was multiple potential love interests, all from different backgrounds, but our FMC is an independent girl so of course she keeps them all chasing her 😎😜

This story has so many places and directions it can go and I can’t wait to continue this series and see what happens now that our girl is back with the Weave!!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.

This ticked a lot of boxes for me, it had an academic setting with a horror fantasy vibe going as the plot unfolded. I enjoyed the headstrong FMC who steered the story, and the side characters we get to know along the way do add to the dynamics of the plot.

As we unravel the past and why the Onyx bloodline is cursed we get new mysteries surface that have left me with some new questions, but I am looking forward to seeing the truth come to light about why Anamaya is at the heart of it all.

There’s some potential love interests I see on the horizon, but book 1 kept it plot focused and I enjoyed that.

[Emily Ellig · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This took a bit to get into, but the last 40% made it hard to put down. I appreciated that it was a bit more friendship focused vs romance. My only negative was that it seemed to have every fantasy concept/creature thrown in to it. which made it a bit overwhelming and more complicated than it needed to be. The perfect book if you enjoyed Spellcaster. Looking forward to the next one

what to expect:
-dark academia
-found family/strong friendships
-Vampires
-shifters
-games and trials
-student/teacher(s)
-politics
-love triangle

[Kaleigh Darby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book! I hate that I’ve been left with so many questions to ponder on, but that’s the result of an unfinished series! I loved Ana! She was quirky, direct, funny, and had a great dominance that wasn’t overpowering. The side characters gave me life. Seriously Ioved them all, even the ones I low-key hated due to their character. Cannot wait to read the next one!

[Lilibet Bombshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debbie Cassidy is one of my favorite why choose paranormal romance authors, and totally underhyped, in my opinion. I inhaled her Demons of Morningstar series in probably two days in winter 2024. I love the one-of-a-kind high that can only come from finding a new author who writes in your sweet spot and then bingeing everything they’ve written. It’s like finding a treasure hoard. This book, Wicked Onyx? It pings so many of my book buttons in just the right way. I just want the rest of the series right now.

I’m not someone who usually gets stuck in when it comes to slow burn romance–and let me tell you, this series is going to be a slow burn for sure because despite some red-hot sexual tension these characters are in the business of winding each other up. Don’t hold it against them. They’re kind of busy trying not to die almost constantly.

Deep, intriguing, darkly magical plots like the one that will carry us through The Veritas Legacy are the types of plots that allow me to let my disdain of slow burn evaporate for a book or two. I’ll never turn down a paranormal romance set in an academy, and this one also adds the dark academia story convention along with the vibes (which means you get the corruption and the castles). There’s a group of misfit besties, tons of action and magic, a FMC who’s a study in contradictions, and forbidden romances that are definitely going to break our hearts and (then hopefully) mend them. 4⭐️


I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Adult Fantasy/Fantasy Romance/Dark Academia/Paranormal Romance/Why Choose/Academy Romance/Slow Burn/Forbidden Romance

[Carola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Voctory Editing Netgallet Co-op and Page & Vine for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

First of all, look at these beautiful edges that the paperback will have, it is stunning.

In this book we follow a young woman Anamaya who comes from a cursed and disgraced bloodline. She will go to The Academy to find a book and with it, expose the Imperials as the liars they are. Throw a couple of love interests and you can read this book and find out what will happen.

This book was a fast read, the characters felt a bit flat, the story is a bit dark, but beside that, a quite standard romantasy book with a bit of sexual tension.

It’s an alright book if you want to read a romantasy book with a bit of sex and a bit of dark academy vibes.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anamaya comes from a cursed and disgraced bloodline. THe world that she lives in is brutal. Filled with monsters and people who don’t like her due to her cursed bloodline. Anamaya finds a clue to her past and is on a quest to discover the truth. But she quickly realizes, it’s not as easy as she thought and it’s a very deadly quest. I really enjoyed the world building and learning the magical elements and paranormals that are at Nightsbridge Academy. It can be a lot at times, but for me, it was easy to follow. I loved the academia vibes and the possible dangerous alliances that Anamaya was making.

Perfect for lovers of:

A paranormal dark academia
Redemption
Found family
High stakes
Cursed bloodline
Monsters
Vengeance

A very special thanks to Debbie Cassidy and Page and Vine books + Netgalley for the gifted copy.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5-4 ⭐️ Definitely reading the next one!!

[Cassie Nosko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon 👀

[Claire Caldarelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ an enjoyable read all in all. The plot kept me intrigued and I liked the world building & characters. I feel lucky to have obtained this special paperback copy before its release in February 2026 and will definitely look forward to the next book in this series when that is out.

[Annika Barve]

i have no idea how my friend lily got this book before its release date, but i’m so grateful she gave it to me!

this book was a solid three stars for me. i think the worldbuilding was very interesting but the plot was a bit shallow and felt generic. most of the characters fell flat for me, especially the two love interests. on that note, the whole love triangle thing felt a bit off and it ended strangely. also, the main characters “friends” offered no depth, and they were all overly supportive even when the main character didn’t do anything to earn their trust. additionally, some of the character backstories and motivations were introduced oddly. however, i did really like the main character and i thought that she was one of the only complicated characters. plot-wise, this is your standard YA romantasy, and setting-wise, it is very promising.

overall, this book was a little basic, but fun. i would love to read the next one.

[Danielle Carley]

Omg I immediately got approved for the ARC I am gassed to read this 🙌🏻

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, Page & Vine, for the digital advanced reader's copy! This title is set to release on February 10, 2026! :)

As beautiful as this book is on the outside, it is not as beautiful on the inside, I fear. Below are some minor plot spoilers, mostly discussing character intentions and qualities and smaller plot points. Please keep in mind, my review is based on the advanced reader's copy, so if anything has changed, take this review with a grain of salt, thanks!

Wicked Onyx follows Anamaya Onyx, a twenty-one-year-old sorcerer born into a cursed bloodline unable to access their magic, nor feel pleasure or pain. When her mother, and last living relative, passes, her mom leaves her a clue that perhaps their ancestor didn't do what everyone said they did, but the answer lies in an ancient text hidden in the elusive and deadly Nightbridge Academy. Ana's plan is simple: find the book, expose everyone for lying, and get out. It's easier said than done, but her dreams are filled with haunted whispers, she begins sleepwalking into deadly scenarios, and two men fill her heart despite both being so different, and Anamaya can't have either of them.

Say it with me, "I LOOOOOVEEE a book with an academy setting!" Academy settings are my buzzword, and rarely do they disappoint me; however, this book was horrid, I'm sorry! I wanted to love it, I mean, did you READ that synopsis? I could not stand the majority of this book. Inherently, it's really not that bad, I just cannot in good conscience give it a three-star because I cannot name ONE thing about this book I liked.

The writing itself lacks. Every scene goes by so quickly; we were doing too much in too few pages. This girl is CONSTANTLY in the infirmary, lol, and it felt like every chapter, she was getting into a fight that wouldn't really be discussed once that arc was over. I also felt the romance and friendships zoomed by too quickly. Immediately, Anamaya, a girl a part of the Onyx bloodline that is shunned by everyone, makes friends. Other students do condemn her because of her name, but it's not as serious as it was made to seem. I thought for sure she'd be more wary of making friends, especially since she suggests around the 30% mark that the only person she trusts is herself, yet the people she meets at the beginning of the book, she is already revealing so many secrets to at the end. Yay, for character development and for finding people she can trust, but that developed so fast.

The romance was also CRAZY, LMAO. She's between two different men, both of whom are her professors (for what reason) and OLD. One is Vitra, who is a naga shifter. He's been dating this other teacher for the past few years, but from Ana's research, it's an open relationship. They don't do anything, but she's so sexually attracted to him, and it's very obvious he also is. They were weird as HELL, because when he finds out about her curse, keep in mind he's already told her they can't be anything because it's against the code for teacher x student relationships, he immediately asks her about orgasms. ENOUGH.

The other love interest, Drayven, is protective and kind, and is a thrope (lycanthrope). He's also a professor, and they've actually spoken about their attraction towards one another, but he's made it clear because of a previous vow, he cannot have her even though he wants to. The previous vow is CRAZY, may I add. This man is OLD. ALL OF THE MEN ARE OLD. I know I read my fair share of romantasy where the girl is in her 20s and the man is like 500, but this book makes sure you know how ancient they are CONSTANTLY. WDYM SOME OF THE LOVE INTERESTS HAVE CHILDREN??? WDYM THEY'VE BEEN MATED BEFORE??? WDYM SOME OF THEM KNEW THE GREAT-GREAT-GRANDAUNT THAT CURSED HER ENTIRE BLOODLINE??? HELLO????

That being said, please do not hate me. I am not an author, and I commend people who can draft, write, and publish a book. It could never be me. I have a few other books from this author I am interested in, so perhaps I will check those out to see if this author is for me. Books and opinions are subjective, and while I didn't love it, there are plenty of reviewers who have. I urge you to check out those reviews if this book interests you. :)

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start with the cover 😍. The cover of Wicked Onyx is absolutely stunning. We don’t get designs like this in Portugal, and honestly, they’re way too expensive—I’d go broke just to have these beautiful books on my shelf! I read it on the NetGalley app, but now I need the physical copy in my hands.
But a book isn’t judged by its cover… so let’s talk about the story itself!

FIrst of all, I NEED to say how lucky I was to get an ARC of this book 😭💖. Wicked Onyx completely pulled me in and didn’t let go. Dark academia? Check. Dangerous magic? Check. A cursed heroine who’s actually relatable and messy? BIG check.

Anamaya Onyx is honestly such a powerhouse. She’s the last of a cursed bloodline, stripped of her magic, and thrown into Nightsbridge Academy, which is basically a fortress of secrets, danger, and maybe the occasional near-death experience 😅. But Ana? She doesn’t back down. She’s clever, stubborn, and completely committed to figuring out her family’s secrets—even if it means navigating terrifying creatures, school politics, and people who definitely should not be trusted.

The world-building here is insane. Nightsbridge feels alive, like the hallways themselves are judging you 👀. The magic system is clever, the monsters are terrifying, and there’s enough hidden lore to make you feel like you’re slowly peeling back layers of a giant, creepy onion 🧅✨. And yet, it never feels overwhelming—the tension and mystery keep you hooked.

Now the characters… whew. Ana is a total queen, but she’s surrounded by so many interesting people: quirky friends, a charming werewolf 🐺, a dangerously appealing vampire 🩸, and a mentor who has secrets you just know will blow up later. The relationships are layered, the romance is slow burn, and every interaction made me squeal or gasp at least once. Ana might be dealing with romance and danger at the same time, but she’s still focused on her mission—and that makes her feel real and inspiring.

The emotional stakes are HIGH. Ana’s journey is not just about uncovering the past—it’s about survival, trust, loyalty, and figuring out who she really is. Every choice has consequences, and you feel them with her, which makes the tension nearly unbearable at times 😭🔥.

Pacing-wise, the story knows what it’s doing. It eases you into the world, lets the tension simmer, and then hits you with action, suspense, and emotional punches when you least expect it. The slow-burn romance is perfectly timed, so when things finally click, it feels earned, not rushed.

In short… Wicked Onyx is a dark, twisty, thrilling ride that I absolutely devoured. The mix of dark academia, dangerous magic, and messy, relatable characters is EVERYTHING. I laughed, gasped, cheered, and maybe cried a little (okay, a lot). Can’t wait for the next book—I NEED to know what happens next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love dark academia with a dash of romance, morally complex characters, and a heroine who won’t quit… go grab this book NOW. Seriously.

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine if Hogwarts, Fourth Wing, and House of Night collided in a dark alley and decided to raise a feral, deadly academy baby. That baby is Wicked Onyx—and it does not come to play.

The story opens with chaos and heartbreak, anchored by Selina’s chilling last words: “I don’t want to die.” From that moment, the tone is set—this is a world where death is close, secrets are currency, and survival is never guaranteed.

We follow Anamaya Onyx, whose life shatters after her mother’s death. Her mother leaves behind more than grief: hidden truths about Anamaya’s bloodline, her abilities, and the dangerous world she’s being pushed into. With nothing left to hold her back, Anamaya heads to Nightsbridge Academy, a brutal training ground for hunters tasked with killing monsters and protecting humanity.

Nightsbridge wastes no time welcoming her—her journey there is interrupted by a violent attack that immediately proves two things: this world is lethal, and Anamaya is not normal. We learn she cannot feel pain or pleasure, a side effect of her mysterious nature that makes her terrifyingly effective in combat… and deeply broken on an emotional level. Watching her fight without flinching while others bleed is both impressive and unsettling.

At the academy, Anamaya is thrown into relentless training, dangerous assessments, and a social hierarchy built on power and fear. She expects hatred—and gets it—but she also stumbles into something she never thought she’d have: friends. Real ones. The kind who train with her, defend her, and refuse to let her stand alone even when she doesn’t know how to let people in. The found-family element here hits hard and adds real heart to the darkness.

Then there’s Mister Vitra—intimidating, enigmatic, and absolutely not someone you should trust… yet impossible to ignore. He becomes the one person who cracks Anamaya’s emotional armor, somehow allowing her to feel when no one else can. Their interactions are tense, layered, and charged with secrets, making every scene they share impossible to skim.

Wicked Onyx is fast-paced, brutal, and addictive, blending deadly trials, hidden identities, supernatural politics, and emotional damage in the best way. It keeps revealing just enough to hook you, then twists the knife when you think you understand what’s happening.

If you love dark academies, morally gray mentors, powerful heroines who don’t know their own worth yet, and stories that constantly whisper nothing is what it seems—this book will own you.

I received this book through NetGalley!

[Tiffany’s Tomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Debbie Cassidy and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and Review an ARC of Wicked Onyx. Available February 2026.

“Anamaya, Anamaya, what am I to do with you?”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️/5

This was such a fun and fast paced read! So much is happening that you won’t be able to put this one down!

We follow Anamaya as she ventures to Nightsbridge Academy, seeking redemption for her family and the return of her powers. Along the way she makes a few new friends, faces otherworldly horrors and throws out sass like its a second language!

This story hit a lot of important major areas like character development, world building while still having a unique feel to it!

We follow Anamaya to Nightsbridge Academy, a dark academy setting filled with various magical entities and beast. Debbie Cassidy does a wonderful job of setting the stage for this story. We see just enough world building to visualize the school, the beasts and the horrors without being distracted from the plot.

She’s also done a great job crafting the characters. We have a fun and lovable group of friends, enemies you love to hate, and a strong, kickass MFC. Anamaya is sassy, determined, intuitive, and bold. Is she mad that her family was wronged and doesn’t have access to their powers? Yes, but that’s not stopping her. She’s determined to make her way at Nightsbridge.

Along with that great characters, Anamaya has solid and steady character development. It’s subtle and gradually. She has to start on the bottom like everyone else and she’s fine with that. She faces each challenge with confidence and sass, never falling into the “am I good enough?” mentality. She knows her worth!

This is marketed as a dark academy romance and while there is interest, there’s no actual spice in this one. There is what is starting to look like a love triangle, that I’m hoping falls off as one of the characters pushes back. There’s a lot happening here that I feel a love triangle would overshadow some of the more unique plot points.

One of which being the Horrors. This is such a riveting concept that I’m hoping gets expanded on as the story continues. We get some lore for each of the creatures that we see and how they came to Nightsbridge, but it’s like a rabbit hole for this world. No one knows how deep and far it goes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am excited to see more of Anamaya’s tale unfold!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantasy book set in a magical world with a rich history and lore. The illustration at the front of the book is so eye catching and really drew me to the book. The protagonist, Anamaya, is feisty and has trust issues with her family appearing to be wronged by their society. Her focus is on clearing her families name and she feels she can do this by going to a magical academy. A lot of the people are …not very nice and there doesn’t appear to be a robust approach to safeguarding.
The beginning is so exciting and some of the best writing in the book and really pulled me in quickly, I’m not sure I breathed much through the intro!
Once we get to the academy she meets a group of people who become her tribe and I love their relationships. The relationships with some of the teachers are ones I find less enjoyable. I do think there are some tropes I dislike and the two teachers I’m thinking of embody this. I did feel they added an element of adult to the book. There is a description of sexual tension and some … interaction. It’s definitely not a book written for children. There was swearing, which made the book feel more contemporary and appropriate. There was a reference to attempted sexual assault that was only brief but could be triggering for some. There is lots of mention of bereavement and of violence which could be triggering, I didn’t find it distressing but some might.
I loved the world building and loved the detail, sometimes I did look up the odd term, only to find a healthy glossary at the back which I really appreciated. To me the book felt well written, well researched and once I got half way through I couldn’t put it down. I hated that there was a cliff hanger, it would have been fine if the next book was already out! The cliff hanger was so inciting and I hope the pay off is in the next book. I do however read quickly and love to find a new author who has written lots.
I’ve not given this a 5 star because I don’t think I would read it again but I would give the author a 5star and I will definitely read the next book as soon as it’s available. In the meanwhile I will probably read some of their previous books.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.

[Megan Tromposch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Wicked Onyx and I absolutely devoured this book. If you like magical academies, secret plots and slow slow burn, this one is for you!

After the death of her mother, Anamaya Onyx is the last of the Onyx sorcerer bloodline. Cursed over a century ago to have their magic bound for a crime committed by their ancestor, the Onyx name has lived in shame and scorn. When Anamaya discovers a journal suggesting her ancestor may be innocent, she uses a legal loophole to force the Imperium to grant her admission to the infamous Nightbridge Academy. Here, vampires, witches, werewolves and other magical beings are forced into service by an ancient pact. They defend the land from horrors and echoes, magical entities contained within a ward that are trying to get out and wreck havoc. Anamaya intends to use the information she finds here to clear her families name. She does not intend to get caught up in a series of mysteries that suggest there is more being covered up than she ever suspected. She also does not intend to find her eye drawn to two different men, as different and mysterious as the academy itself...

This series has a lot of potential and im so excited to see where it goes. The world building is off to a great start. The magical species present were extremely dynamic (not just vampires and werewolves, but named subspecies and half breeds). There's a lot of named characters, bloodlines and creatures so you'll probably want to reference the guide at the end/front, but this is gearing up to be a fantastic series. I smell a love triangle (or possibly why-choose) scenario coming up, and i haven't ruled out a love quadrangle. I did feel like we could have gotten to know our potential love interests better. The connection wasn't as strong as it could have been since they sort of just show up, help/brood, and pop off again. Hopefully something we see addressed in book 2. There was minimal spice in this book, but some great tension and I suspect there is lots of spice ahead. Definitely check this one out when it's released on February 10th!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶.5

[Erica • thebridgeto.fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always love a dark fantasy x academia & this one had me completely sucked in on page one. I stayed up quite a few nights reading well into the witching hours with this one. Each chapter ended and you absolutely could not put it down. An academy that boasts all of our favorites: Vampires, Witches, Werewolves & Sorcerers all fighting against the “Horrors” plaguing the world. While also fighting each other, due to bloodlines clashing and 99.9% of the people there have been mandatorily selected to join the Hunters. A conscription to replace the loss of Hunters to Horrors.
Anamaya, the very last of the cursed Onyx bloodline, decides a soon after her mother passes that she is going to join the Hunter Academy of her own free will to try and reverse a curse left upon her bloodline. A curse revolving around her whole bloodlines magic being removed/blocked by the other bloodlines. Fueled by a cryptic notebook left by her long since removed aunt, that insinuates that their bloodline isn’t as tainted as everyone is lead to believe, and pure female wrath .. she embarks on her journey to the academy.
But it’s not an easy place to get to, a train takes you straight through Horror woods. Typically the beasts and creatures leave the train alone. But the day Anamaya departs a massive storm, known to stir the Horrors up, is on the horizon. Leaving her alone in a box car, tutting into the storm and towards her new future.
What comes after is another 300 pages of pure chaos and magic. Plot twists, found family, banter, PININGGG from two males who cannot have her anyway, creatures that are described so well they feel like they could slither through the pages and get you too.
I cannot waaaaaait to see where this series goes!! The ending had me flipping through to make sure I didn’t miss anything because wow, just a fantastic story. One that will stick with me for a long while!

*WATCH THOSE TRIGGERS* This book boasts many dark themes.

Thank you to Page & Vine via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my thoughts! 💭