Campus of Shadows: A Psychic Battle for the Soul in a Supernatural Thriller

by Jo Loveday

Finalist -- American Best Book Awards (Cross-Genre Fiction)

When the mind breaks, who walks in?

Something dark has found Dave Everest at college. Something hungry.

A neurodivergent freshman craving independence, Dave steps onto the sun-baked campus of the University of Mann with high hopes and a shaky sense of self. But freedom quickly spirals into chaos when he’s drawn into the orbit of Zane Maddox, his dangerously charming, party-obsessed roommate.

While Dave chases acceptance in all the wrong places, his childhood friend Maria Vasquez warns of forces that go far beyond hangovers and heartbreak. She carries psychic insight and the burden of guilt, sensing something ancient and malevolent stalking him—like a vulture waiting for its moment.

Zane mocks her as a “crazy religious freak,” but his grudge isn’t spiritual—it’s personal. When Dave's loneliness deepens, he reaches out into the void and something answers. A whispering voice named Ivan slithers into his mind, awakening memories soaked in addiction and violence.

As family tensions erupt over Thanksgiving and Dave’s grip on reality slips, the boundary between madness and possession begins to blur. Ivan’s ghostly power grows. And the vulture circles closer.

Maria may be the only one who can help him. But will she reach Dave before the darkness does?

A psychological horror thriller set in dark academia pulsing with paranormal suspense and coming-of-age dread. From the award-winning author of Terminal Lucidity, this haunting tale is perfect for fans of Stephen King and Paul Tremblay.

Genres: Horror

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

Jo Loveday is the award-winning author of gripping psychological thrillers and chilling horror novels that will keep you up way past your bedtime—with just enough romance to make your heart race for more than one reason. Her stories delve into the shadowy edges of the human psyche, exploring morality, madness, and the eerie unknown that lurks beneath the surface of everyday life.
With a background as a registered nurse, Jo brings both compassion and clinical insight to her work, offering an authentic and unsettling look into the human condition. Whether it's a slow descent into madness, a supernatural presence worming its way in, or a moral dilemma that haunts the characters long after the story ends, Jo’s writing grips you by the soul and stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Born in the frosty tundra of Winnipeg, Canada, Jo eventually escaped the cold when a job offer in Florida lured her south. Now a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., she divides her time between Florida, Georgia, and frequent pilgrimages to Winnipeg. You can find her lurking online at JoLoveday.com.

Reviews

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAMPUS OF SHADOWS by Jo Loveday
PUB DAY: September 23, 2025 by Tall Leaf Press
4 STARS

I had every intention of snagging this one from Thriller Book Lovers – The Pulse, but my brain did that classic "oops, forgot" move. Enter BookSiren for swooping in with a second chance. Big thanks to all the lovely people I’ve tagged for letting me sneak an early peek at this one!

Normally, I steer clear of horror about possession, but "Campus of Shadows" hooked me anyway. Dave’s story is instantly intriguing. If I were more of a horror fan, this would easily be a five-star rave.

Jo Loveday takes all the classic college-freedom vibes and cranks up the weirdness with something way older, hungrier, and a lot more terrifying than your average keg-stand regret. The result is seriously creepy.

Dave is a freshman who just wants the usual: friends, fun, and a little freedom. Enter Zane, his new roommate, who’s basically a hurricane of charisma and chaos, powered by bad decisions. The more I read, the more I suspected there was something majorly off about Zane.

And then there’s Maria, Dave’s childhood BFF, who’s got a sixth sense and a knack for trying to haul Dave back from the edge. She’s my favorite. Zane calls her a "crazy religious freak," which just makes me want to root for her even more. Zane absolutely hates her, and his cruelty says a lot more about him than it does about her.

Loveday totally nails that feeling of being nineteen, where the floor could drop out at any moment and you’re not sure if you’re losing your mind or just really, really tired. The paranoia, the loneliness, the pull to make (questionable) choices.

This entire book is laced with the candle-lit, Gothic dark academia vibe, but instead of making campus life dreamy, Loveday turns it into a stage for paranoia and possession.
“Campus of Shadows” explores themes of addiction, rage, friendship, guilt, faith, and doubt. All the things you definitely don’t see on the college brochure. It’s about being young and wanting to belong so much that you might just pick the creepiest possible door to walk through. Who knew college could be this wild?

#CampusofShadows #JoLoveday #BookSiren #TallLeafPress #ThrillerBookLovers
The Pulse ~ Possession ~ College ~ Gothic Horror ~ Spooky Season Reads

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hot babes in bikinis lounging poolside are the first things Dave Everest sees when he arrives at the University of Mann. And yes, I do mean things because that’s what women are in this book. Unless they are the meddlesome Maria: kind of hot, but too intense and weird. Well, sometimes one needs a little bit of weird in one’s life. For Dave, she might be his only ally.

This is a book about addiction and violence in the form of demons. Like a vampire, these demons need to be invited in. Without your assistance, they have no agency. So, as Dave falls deeper into addiction and self-destructive acts, Dave’s demon—Ivan--gains power. The only way to beat the demon/addiction is to want it to be gone (and go through the DTs).

The last few chapters of the book were good; finally, I felt some tension and dread that the book had been lacking. To me, the story dragged. This may be the book for you—check out the mostly four to five star ratings. Don’t just take my word for it. I might have missed something.

I would like to thank Tall Leaf Press and LibraryThing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, this was creepy! The author did a wonderful job keeping this sense of tension and dread throughout the book. We meet Dave who is a college freshman. He is neurodivergent and excited to on his own…but things quickly take a turn and start to spiral when he meets his roommate Zane. Zane is all about partying and Dave gets caught up in it…but it is more than just your typical college experience? Is there something darker and more sinister at play? And why is there a vulture following him around?

Maria, his childhood friend definitely thinks there is something else going on…. I spent most of this book going back and forth trying to figure out if everything was in Dave’s head or not. He was really struggling and Maria was there for him…but is it enough?

There is an underlying theme of demons in this story…are they paranormal demons? Personal demons? Real demons? No spoilers, so you’ll have to read for yourself!

✨What To Expect:
🔥Dark Thriller
🩸Psychological Horror
🏫Dark Academia
😈Paranormal Suspense
🌪️Twists & Turns
◾️Addiction
🧮Dyscalculia Rep

[Jjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written - intriguing- filled with suspense - will hold your interest - a twist at the end but a good ending - if you like psychological horror, a good read.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you know, I tend to be drawn to books by their covers, often skipping the blurb entirely. However, after discovering some fantastic reads through The Pulse, I decided to give this one a shot. While it wasn't completely my usual style of read, I found it intriguing and quite creepy.

Dave Everest, a freshman at the University of Mann, seeks independence but becomes entangled with party-loving roommate Zane Maddox. His friend Maria Vasquez warns him of a dark force stalking him. As Dave grapples with loneliness and encounters a voice named Ivan tied to his troubled past, reality begins to fracture. With the influence of Ivan growing, Maria may be his last chance for salvation before the darkness takes hold.

Dave, the main character, didn’t really win me over at first. But when Ivan took over his body, he became even harder to stomach. He comes across as immature and in need of growth. I believe this was a deliberate choice by the author to help readers dive deep into Dave's wild journey. On the other hand, Maria is more relatable and seems poised to assist Dave in various ways. We indeed encounter certain people for reasons we may not understand right away, but eventually, everything falls into place. Just wait until you meet Zane, he's quite a character!

The author masterfully captures the essence of their lives at that time, making me feel as if I were transported back. The new environment, the unfamiliar school, and the overwhelming sense of isolation and rejection are experiences we can all relate to.

I was genuinely unnerved by the eerie, haunting atmosphere, with chills running down my spine on several occasions. This Gothic vibe is rich with madness and supernatural elements. This book might not resonate with everyone, but I encourage you to give it a shot and see for yourself. Even though this isn’t typically my go-to genre, I found it hard to put down. The writing is quick-paced and unique, making me curious about the audiobook format. I'm sure it would make for a great listen!

If you enjoy nostalgic college tales with a dark, Gothic horror twist and a dash of the supernatural, this book is right up your alley. The maddening characters will keep you engaged, and you may find yourself haunted by its pages long after you've finished. Don’t let the cover fool you. I wasn't a fan of it either, but the story itself was truly captivating!

Thank you, The Thriller Book Lovers - The Pulse, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hot Mess Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Campus Of Shadows" presents an intriguing premise filled with suspense that captured my interest right from the beginning. The portrayal of struggles faced by individuals with dyslexia and dyscalculia is commendable, shedding light on experiences that are often overlooked in literature.

However, while the plot held solid potential, the execution didn't quite meet my expectations. The main character's immaturity was relatable to some extent, but the writing felt somewhat rudimentary and lacked the depth I was hoping for. At times, this simplistic approach drew me away from the narrative, even though it remained engaging enough to hold my attention.

I found myself wishing for a more nuanced exploration of the themes, as there were moments where the storytelling felt surface-level. Overall, "Campus Of Shadows" has its merits, but there’s definitely room for improvement in writing and character development to enhance the story's impact.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something dark has followed Dave Everest to college, something hungry A freshman desperate for independence, Dave arrives at the University of Mann with high hopes and a shaky feeling. His new freedom quickly spirals into chaos when he’s drawn into the orbit of his dangerously magnetic, party obsessed roommate, Zane Maddox.
While Dave chase’s acceptance in the wrong places. His childhood friend Maria Vasquez warns of forces far beyond hangovers and heartbreak 💔 Gifted with psychic insights can carry a heavy burden of guilt. Maria senses something sinister is stalking Dave.
Zane mocks Maria as a freak but his grudge is personal. Dave’s loneliness deepens , he reaches into the void and something answers, a whispering voice named Van spikes into his con, awakening memories soaked in addiction, violence and rage
Thanks to NetGalley, Tall Leaf Press and Author Jo Loveday
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️📚

[Master Shrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW OF NEW AUDIOBOOK VERSION!

This audiobook is a total immersion experience with a narrator who does all the voices and provides audio effects that makes it feel like a radio play. Each character is done with different accents, temperaments and emotions, some quite intense. This is not just a straight narration, it is a powerful performance. We follow the harrowing descent into addiction and walk an ambiguous line between the idea of addiction as a form of "possession" as a metaphor and as a real occult phenomenon. I just wish that Maria would call 911 before suggesting an exorcism! This is what audiobooks are supposed to be--a double art form that's more than the sum of the parts of the author and the narrator!

[Angela Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave’s search for belonging and identity is a struggle, made worse by the dangerous influence of his magnetic roommate Zane and the unseen forces stalking him. It’s a stark reminder of how much the people you surround yourself with shape your choices, and sometimes your fate.

Jo Loveday blends personal and actual demons, capturing the intense pressures young people face from family, peers, and the shadows within. Campus of Shadows is a dark academia, psychological horror that keeps you guessing until the end.

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed! Couldn’t Put It Down


Wow, this book completely hooked me! Campus of Shadows has everything I love in a dark academia read—mystery, drama, secrets, and a main character I was rooting for the whole time. The campus setting was so vivid it felt like I was there, and every chapter just made me want to read “one more” (and then suddenly it was 2 a.m. 🙈).


The twists actually surprised me, which I love, and the story had that perfect mix of creepy and emotional. If you like books with secret societies, hidden motives, and a touch of danger, you NEED to read this one. I’m already excited for whatever Jo Loveday writes next!

[Master Shrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is a total immersion experience with a narrator who does all the voices and provides audio effects that makes it feel like a radio play. Each character is done with different accents, temperaments and emotions, some quite intense. This is not just a straight narration, it is a powerful performance. We follow the harrowing descent into addiction and walk an ambiguous line between the idea of addiction as a form of "possession" as a metaphor and as a real occult phenomenon. I just wish that Maria would call 911 before suggesting an exorcism! This is what audiobooks are supposed to be--a double art form that's more than the sum of the parts of the author and the narrator!

[Léa Lombard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campus of Shadows is an unsettling blend of dark academia and psychological horror, and it thrives on the tension between the ordinary stresses of freshman year and the creeping sense that something far more sinister is at play. Dave’s struggle to find belonging and build an identity while coping with his family’s expectations and the toxic influence of his roommate Zane makes for a compelling narrative. The story is raw and atmospheric, with college parties, moments of blackout, and eerie hints of possession that blur the line between psychological breakdown and supernatural intervention. I found myself hooked, constantly questioning whether Dave was losing his grip on reality or if darker forces were truly stalking him.

The book succeeds in maintaining suspense and keeping the reader engaged, but I found the writing style a little too simplistic at times, which occasionally undercut the darker tone. More significantly, I felt that the development of Dave’s character could have gone deeper. His struggles with dyslexia and dyscalculia are mentioned, but they remain surface-level details rather than being fully explored as part of his identity and his vulnerability. Given how central his search for belonging and self-worth is to the plot, these elements had the potential to enrich the story in a much more impactful way.

Even with these shortcomings, I still enjoyed the novel overall. It reads quickly, has an atmosphere that pulls you in, and blends the anxieties of youth with chilling supernatural overtones. Readers who enjoy psychological suspense layered with dark academia aesthetics will find plenty here to appreciate, and the story lingers after the last page thanks to its eerie ambiguity.

[Sherri]

I enjoyed reading this one along with the team at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse!

When Dave begins his freshman year at University of Mann, he has high hopes and a desire to fit in. However, when he meets his wild, party-obsessed roommate, Zane Maddox, his newfound freedom becomes risky and out of control. Realizing that Dave is going down the wrong path, his childhood friend, Maria Vasquez, warns him of forces that are at play and that she senses something ancient and dangerous could be stalking him…..like the vulture that seems to be following him. Meanwhile, a whispering voice named Ivan awakens memories in him of addiction and violence. As Ivan’s ghostly power grows and the vulture gets closer, Dave knows he is in over his head and that there are forces at play that are out of his control. Can Maria be the one person that can help him and stop this darkness from overpowering him?

I don’t typically read paranormal thrillers, but I enjoyed this one. I was rooting for Dave and hoping he would find his own identity and escape the toxic influence Zane had over him. Dave also struggled from dyscalculia, which makes it hard to do math. I appreciated this aspect of the book since it brought to light the additional struggles that some college students have to face, when it’s already difficult enough to fit into a new environment on their own.

This book is a combination of suspense, mystery, dark paranormal themes, and dark academia. The glimpse into college life makes it a great YA read, but anyone who loves a thriller with supernatural elements will enjoy it too!

Thank you to Jo Loveday for this advance reader copy!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting debut that blends psychological suspense with supernatural dread.

College is supposed to be a fresh start—but in Campus of Shadows, Jo Loveday turns that promise on its head with eerie precision. From the very first page, we’re pulled into a world where anxiety, isolation, and a creeping sense of doom blur the lines between reality and something far darker.

The protagonist’s descent—from stressed freshman to haunted vessel—is handled with a quiet intensity that’s both unsettling and deeply human. Loveday doesn’t rely on cheap scares; instead, she builds tension through vivid imagery (a black vulture that seems to stalk the soul), fractured dreams, and the slow unraveling of a mind under siege.

What makes this story shine is its emotional core. Beneath the horror lies a tale of friendship, loyalty, and the fight to hold onto someone slipping away. The writing is crisp yet lyrical, with just enough bite to keep you turning pages late into the night.

Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a paranormal twist, Campus of Shadows is a chilling reminder that sometimes the scariest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.

With thanks to Jo Loveday, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sharon Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campus of Shadows is a chilling psychological thriller about a college freshman whose first days on campus set him on a course of danger and darkness. Dave Everette is looking forward to his new found freedom as he sets off for college. However, his first encounter with his new roommate lands him in jail. Zane Maddox, Dave's roommate seems to have it made with his suave personality and tons of girls. The more Dave admires him, the more Dave dives deeper into drugs and alcohol. Dave's childhood friend Maria, tries to warn him of her insight into the supernatural that there is evil lurking that is driving Dave into unescapable madness.

Loveday creates a setting and characters that are full of madness, supernatural and fear which adds to the page-turning suspense. I also commend her on adding a neurodivergent character giving readers a twist on the main character. The only drawback was that the extra mentions of his disability feel a little forced at time.

So much worth the read! Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy for an honest review. This is her 2nd novel. Bravo!

[Becky • bookmarked by becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark academia meets psychological horror with a supernatural twist 👻 Campus of Shadows follows David, a neurodivergent freshman (dyscalculia rep!) navigating loneliness, loss, and something very sinister lurking in the shadows…

My thoughts:
✨Loved the eerie tone + the haunting themes of fractured identity
✨Intentionally unlikable characters = hard to connect, especially the toxic roommate
✨Bro culture + Gen Z slang felt a bit overdone and distracting
✨Slow start, but strong second half—the “lost souls” plot was creepy and cool = I wanted more!!

Final Verdict:
⭐ Unique concept
🖤 Dark & unsettling atmosphere
👀 Mixed feelings but major potential.

I can see it resonating with fans of dark academia horror layered with psychological and supernatural themes. Some elements didn’t quite land for me, but there’s a strong core here—and it’s getting a lot of positive buzz, so it might just be a “me” thing.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Something wicked this way comes".
What a fantastic, pulse pounding thriller with the right amount of horror and that extra creep factor to keep me glued to the storyline. When college student David Everest arrives at school, goes to parties with his deadbeat, party going and troublesome room mate and attends a bonfire, a dark entity enters his body and begins to change him and not for the better.
The overall possession of David Everest throughout the story along with the vultures outside his window added to the suspense of the plot and the setting was perfectly executed for this thriller.
In terms of characters I feel they all added to the story and the twist at the crux of the story was so unexpected and shocking that it made my skin crawl- and in a good way. A thoroughly immersive and unsettling yet enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley and the publisher for an arc of this amazing book.

[Jo Loveday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campus of Shadows is a gripping psychological horror/thriller that pulls you into a college experience shaped as much by unseen systems as by personal struggle. Dave Everest, a neurodivergent freshman, just wants to find his place, but instead, he slips into fear, isolation, and something far more dangerous. As pressure builds from both the expectations around him and the darkness within, the story blurs the line between mental health crisis and supernatural possession.

What makes this book stand out is how raw Dave feels. His confusion, loneliness, and need to belong reflect deeper questions about identity, control, and what happens when a person no longer trusts their own mind. The tension grows steadily, showing how easily someone can fall through the cracks when systems fail to see them clearly.

Campus of Shadows is both emotional and chilling. It's a psychological ride that explores existential mental health and the terrifying cost of losing yourself.

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an Early Reviewer.

Dave comes to campus at the last minute, a change of plans when he can no longer play football. Immediately, he meets his roommate Zane, who loves to party. Dave gets sucked into the party scene and there's something darker underneath...

I appreciated the representation of Dave's learning disability and representation of myasthenia (most of us only know that term from commercials for lawyers). The supernatural part of the story is not quite as much of the novel as I'd hoped. It's more about drug and alcohol use and how this could open a person up to things they wouldn't otherwise experience. The characters feel a little wooden, not quite as developed as they could be. The action of the novel really takes place in the last couple chapters, which left me feeling like the ending was rushed.

[Racheal Chitondwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campus Shadows is about a young man named David Everest.He is going off to college to the U of Mann to pursue a possible career in medicine.He hopes to become a doctor so he can save his ailing mother. An injured athlete, his only hope of getting good connections is getting into his father’s old fraternity to which he meets stiff resistance and doesn’t get in.He settles in with one of the campus ‘’bad boys’’ who as fate would have it is more than a bad influence.It leads to him going to jail on the first day he gets there which sets the tone for what will soon follow.Campus Shadows runs on themes like possession, addiction, mental health, disabilities and loneliness. I enjoyed reading this book as it brings awareness to some mental health issues that I did not know exist or I don't have a name for.

[Chris Alden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a remote arts college, Campus of Shadows kicks off with a solid premise — secret histories, academic drama, and a cursed production that’s clearly not going to end well.

It’s interesting, and the inclusion of characters dealing with dyslexia and dyscalculia is a nice touch — something you don’t see often.

The main character’s immaturity is relatable, sure, but the writing feels pretty basic. Dialogue’s clunky, and the depth just isn’t there. You keep waiting for it to dig into the themes properly, but it never quite gets there.

There are moments that work — a few suspenseful scenes and some decent atmosphere!!

[Mark Nadon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A character driven story you might have a hard time putting down.

I really enjoyed this book, from the gut-wrenching moments that made Dave come to life to the easy-going, suave nature of Zane, his party-animal roommate who gets him into a lot of trouble but is really just being himself.

Dave’s family dynamic and his desire to live up to his brother’s perfect life, help find a cure for his mother’s illness, and come out of his father’s shadow all push the story toward his struggle with addiction.

The supernatural element adds to the horror and the downward spiral that makes this book so good. A dark, emotional read that blends realism and nightmare perfectly.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dave, a former high school athlete and A student, goes to college and the first thing that happens to him is that Zane, his housemate robs a liquor store and they are arrested. From there, Dave’s world seems to spiral downhill, with a lot of partying and little studying. His childhood friend, Maria, tries to help him and tells him he possessed.

With the supernatural aspect, this is like Goosebumps in college. Too much partying, sex and drugs for my liking. It is suspenseful at times, and slow at other times. The last quarter of the book picks up with more action and more freaky stuff.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campus of Shadows is a dark, twisty psychological thriller that pulls you straight into the chaos of freshman year gone terribly wrong. David Everest’s move to college should be the start of something great, but instead he finds himself tangled in nightmares, sinister forces, and a roommate who’s trouble from the start. What really hooked me was how real the stress and anxiety felt—mixed with the chilling creep of something much darker lurking around the edges. It kept me turning pages late into the night, and I honestly enjoyed every second of that uneasy, eerie ride.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hook me with college parties and creepy vultures, and I’m all in! Campus of Shadows takes the whole “freshman year stress” thing and cranks it up with blackouts, possession, and a roommate you wouldn’t trust to water your plants. I read it in one sitting because I had to know—was David losing it, or was something truly evil moving in? It’s fast, freaky, and so much fun to read. Trust me, this book will mess with your head in the best way possible. 🦉

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had that feel that I was looking for and was engaged with the psychological thriller element. The characters had that overall feel that I was looking for and was glad I got to read this, it left me wanting to read more. I was glad I got to read this from Jo Loveday and was invested in what was going on. I thought the supernatural horror element that I was wanting and thought it worked perfectly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campus Shadows is a dark academic, physcological suspense story that keeps you alert. Dave our protagonist is searching for belonging and his own identity and trying to become a doctor to cure his mother's illness. Dave's new roommate Zane is not the best influence and Dave is struggling with the voices in his head. I enjoyed how raw and honest the plot is and the campus setting drew me in.

[Jeffrey Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first haunting sentence, this book grips you with the quiet unraveling of a college freshman's mind and doesn't let go until the last unforgettable line. This book belongs on everyone's bookshelf.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I found this to be a story that quickly drew me in and kept me turning pages. I will be looking for more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spooky psychological thriller is a great read for this time of year. The atmosphere on campus with the dark academia angle is a great backdrop for the psychological torment Dave experiences. I loved the suspense and all the dark themes.