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Whispers of the Forgotten/Shadows of the Unseen
From the bestselling author of Dead Girls Don't Talk and The Last Days of Holly Hayes comes a new historical Dark Academia thriller. The reader can decide where to start reading, but both storylines will come together in the middle of the book.
New York, 1904
Within the dark and cold halls of Mortem Academy, Leonora Saint-Clair has spent her life preparing to inherit her father’s legacy as the academy’s next president. But when her mother dies under grotesque and unexplainable circumstances, Leonora is visited by the same tormenting Souls that have haunted her bloodline for centuries. In the shadow of her mother’s demise, she learns that her future does not only revolve around Mortem’s legacy, but around a curse set in motion centuries earlier.
Sebastian Gladstone, a senior student cloaked in privilege and shadow, is drawn to the scene of the tragedy by a force he cannot name, only to witness the gruesome death of Leonora’s mother. Terrified he’ll be accused of her murder, he buries the truth. But when he returns to his tyrannical father’s estate, Mortem’s shadows follow him home. They're hungry, relentless, and tied to a curse that includes his name and bloodline.
As Mortem Academy becomes the heart of darkness, the fates of Leonora and Sebastian entwine. What will prevail: love or power?
New York, 1904
Within the dark and cold halls of Mortem Academy, Leonora Saint-Clair has spent her life preparing to inherit her father’s legacy as the academy’s next president. But when her mother dies under grotesque and unexplainable circumstances, Leonora is visited by the same tormenting Souls that have haunted her bloodline for centuries. In the shadow of her mother’s demise, she learns that her future does not only revolve around Mortem’s legacy, but around a curse set in motion centuries earlier.
Sebastian Gladstone, a senior student cloaked in privilege and shadow, is drawn to the scene of the tragedy by a force he cannot name, only to witness the gruesome death of Leonora’s mother. Terrified he’ll be accused of her murder, he buries the truth. But when he returns to his tyrannical father’s estate, Mortem’s shadows follow him home. They're hungry, relentless, and tied to a curse that includes his name and bloodline.
As Mortem Academy becomes the heart of darkness, the fates of Leonora and Sebastian entwine. What will prevail: love or power?
- GenresAcademia
Hardcover
Published October 8, 2025
11 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Sandra J. Paul
98 books238 followersAuthor of various psychological thrillers, Young Adult, Middle Grade and Children's books. Several bookrights have been sold to various countries.
Laureaat van de Aspe Award 2015.
Also known as Joanne Carlton.
Laureaat van de Aspe Award 2015.
Also known as Joanne Carlton.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 8, 2025
This dark academia thriller was quite an experience! Like other books by Sandra J. Paul, this one is a flip book, meaning you can choose which part to start with. No matter which side you begin, both stories meet in the middle with a powerful, intertwined conclusion.
I started with Whispers of the Forgotten, which comes first in the e-book version, and I definitely don’t regret that choice. It follows the chronological order, which I always prefer. I think you’d miss some important background information if you start with the second part.
The story is set around 1900 in New York, at the eerie Mortem Academy, where the characters live and study. Normally, I find academic settings in books fascinating and even envy the students a little. But I'm not jealous this time haha. This place was downright creepy!
The story pulled me in immediately since you're thrown straight into the deep end. It's creepy, it's interesting, it's sweet. It's a lot.
The first part was a bit slow however, and I was a bit worried the second part would just repeat the first, but thankfully it doesn’t. Instead, it offers a deeper look into the romance and takes place a few years later.
I couldn’t read large chunks in one go, so I spread it out over several days. Because of that, I occasionally got a little confused. There are quite a lot things happening, and even though the writing style is smooth and engaging, it can get a bit complex at times.
I liked Sebastian more than Leonora; I didn’t always agree with her choices. I also really appreciated Samuel’s story, as it adds important context to the dark history of Mortem Academy. I also loved the maids!
As for the plot twist, I kind of saw it coming… but I also didn’t? It was one of those twists that keeps you second-guessing until the very end. The conclusion was very gripping, even though I might have liked to see it differently.
All in all, this is a dark, intriguing, and atmospheric story that left me with a few questions. The perfect spooky read to kick off October!
Just a heads-up: the book does touch on some dark themes, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Huge thanks to Hamley Books and Sandra J. Paul for the review copy!
I started with Whispers of the Forgotten, which comes first in the e-book version, and I definitely don’t regret that choice. It follows the chronological order, which I always prefer. I think you’d miss some important background information if you start with the second part.
The story is set around 1900 in New York, at the eerie Mortem Academy, where the characters live and study. Normally, I find academic settings in books fascinating and even envy the students a little. But I'm not jealous this time haha. This place was downright creepy!
The story pulled me in immediately since you're thrown straight into the deep end. It's creepy, it's interesting, it's sweet. It's a lot.
The first part was a bit slow however, and I was a bit worried the second part would just repeat the first, but thankfully it doesn’t. Instead, it offers a deeper look into the romance and takes place a few years later.
I couldn’t read large chunks in one go, so I spread it out over several days. Because of that, I occasionally got a little confused. There are quite a lot things happening, and even though the writing style is smooth and engaging, it can get a bit complex at times.
I liked Sebastian more than Leonora; I didn’t always agree with her choices. I also really appreciated Samuel’s story, as it adds important context to the dark history of Mortem Academy. I also loved the maids!
As for the plot twist, I kind of saw it coming… but I also didn’t? It was one of those twists that keeps you second-guessing until the very end. The conclusion was very gripping, even though I might have liked to see it differently.
All in all, this is a dark, intriguing, and atmospheric story that left me with a few questions. The perfect spooky read to kick off October!
Just a heads-up: the book does touch on some dark themes, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Huge thanks to Hamley Books and Sandra J. Paul for the review copy!
September 22, 2025
Ik mocht Whispers of the Forgotten van Sandra J. Paul lezen als ARC, en dit was meteen mijn allereerste flip-over-boek. Wat een unieke leeservaring! Ik begon met het deel Whispers of the Forgotten en werd direct in het verhaal meegezogen.
Dark academia is een genre waar ik nog nooit eerder iets van gelezen had, maar ik heb ervan genoten. Het verhaal is sterk opgebouwd en leest vlot, de personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en de plotwendingen bleven me telkens opnieuw verrassen.
Ik kijk ernaar uit om het boek, zodra het officieel gepubliceerd is, opnieuw te lezen—dit keer te beginnen met Shadows of the Unseen.
Dark academia is een genre waar ik nog nooit eerder iets van gelezen had, maar ik heb ervan genoten. Het verhaal is sterk opgebouwd en leest vlot, de personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en de plotwendingen bleven me telkens opnieuw verrassen.
Ik kijk ernaar uit om het boek, zodra het officieel gepubliceerd is, opnieuw te lezen—dit keer te beginnen met Shadows of the Unseen.
October 6, 2025
ARC review: Whispers of the Forgotten/Shadows of the Unseen 🍂🥀🏰
This was the first flipover book I’ve ever read, and I really liked the concept of it! I started with Whispers of the Forgotten.
The book is a Dark Academia Thriller about spirits and demons, which is definitely my cup of tea. From the beginning, I was intrigued to read and learn more about Leonora and the curse. I also liked the different POVs, it made the book quick to read. I had so many questions from the beginning, and when everything came to unfold, I was flabberghasted. I never saw the ending coming.
I wished the story would end differently (I love myself a good ‘happily ever after’), but the darker ending made the book more special.
The book is YA, which was most noticable in the decisions that Leonora made. She got on my nerves sometimes, and I kinda missed some depth to her character.
I rated the book 3,5 ⭐️ Would recommend to everyone who want’s to read a flipover book and loves a good Dark Academia vibe.
This was the first flipover book I’ve ever read, and I really liked the concept of it! I started with Whispers of the Forgotten.
The book is a Dark Academia Thriller about spirits and demons, which is definitely my cup of tea. From the beginning, I was intrigued to read and learn more about Leonora and the curse. I also liked the different POVs, it made the book quick to read. I had so many questions from the beginning, and when everything came to unfold, I was flabberghasted. I never saw the ending coming.
I wished the story would end differently (I love myself a good ‘happily ever after’), but the darker ending made the book more special.
The book is YA, which was most noticable in the decisions that Leonora made. She got on my nerves sometimes, and I kinda missed some depth to her character.
I rated the book 3,5 ⭐️ Would recommend to everyone who want’s to read a flipover book and loves a good Dark Academia vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
Ik mocht dit boek als ARC ontvangen en WAUW wat heb ik genoten van dit boek!
Je hebt deze keuze met welk gedeelte van het boek je begint, ik koos voor “whispers of the forgotten” en ik ben heel blij met deze keuze. Toch wil ik een keer een re-read gaan doen waarin ik wil beginnen met het andere gedeelte “shadows of the unseen”, puur om mee te maken hoe dit weg leest.
Ik het begin van het boek staat een aantal trigger warnings genoemd, kijk dus wel even of dit is iets wat je aan kan!
De personages zijn interessant en complex, waardoor je meer over ze te weten wil komen. Maar ook het verhaal zelf laat je door lezen. Elke keer wanneer ik dacht dat ik door had wat er ging gebeuren, werd ik weer verrast met een andere wending. Dit maakt een boek voor mij gewoon geweldig, aangezien ik vaak de wendingen goed kan voorspellen.
Leonora en Sebastian zijn beide personages waarvan je gaat houden, hoe complex ze soms ook zijn!
Ik ben oprecht mega enthousiast over dit boek en raad het dan ook echt iedereen aan om te lezen zodra het boek uit is! Gelukkig is dat bijna al zo ver
Je hebt deze keuze met welk gedeelte van het boek je begint, ik koos voor “whispers of the forgotten” en ik ben heel blij met deze keuze. Toch wil ik een keer een re-read gaan doen waarin ik wil beginnen met het andere gedeelte “shadows of the unseen”, puur om mee te maken hoe dit weg leest.
Ik het begin van het boek staat een aantal trigger warnings genoemd, kijk dus wel even of dit is iets wat je aan kan!
De personages zijn interessant en complex, waardoor je meer over ze te weten wil komen. Maar ook het verhaal zelf laat je door lezen. Elke keer wanneer ik dacht dat ik door had wat er ging gebeuren, werd ik weer verrast met een andere wending. Dit maakt een boek voor mij gewoon geweldig, aangezien ik vaak de wendingen goed kan voorspellen.
Leonora en Sebastian zijn beide personages waarvan je gaat houden, hoe complex ze soms ook zijn!
Ik ben oprecht mega enthousiast over dit boek en raad het dan ook echt iedereen aan om te lezen zodra het boek uit is! Gelukkig is dat bijna al zo ver
December 7, 2025
First of all, a huge thank you to Hamley Books for this beautiful review copy!
I picked up Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen without fully knowing what I was getting into, but wow this book completely surprised me in the best way. 🤩 It was my first dark academia historical fantasy thriller, and I honestly fell in love with the genre instantly.🖤
One of the coolest things?
You can read the book from two sides. One follows the haunting love story between Leonora Saint-Clair and Sebastian Gladstone. The other dives into the origin stories behind Leonora, Sebastian, and Samuel. And right in the middle, both timelines crash together in a twist that had me gasping. I absolutely loved this format.🤭
Set in New York in 1904, the atmosphere is everything you want from dark academia : eerie hallways, strict rules, shadows that move when you’re not watching. Leonora is preparing to take over Mortem Academy, but when her mother dies in a horrifying and mysterious way, the curse haunting her family awakens. Every woman in her bloodline dies the same way…🫣
Meanwhile Sebastian, a privileged, mysterious young men. He witnesses the death of Leonora’s mother and hides the truth, afraid he’ll be blamed. But the darkness of Mortem follows him home too, and he’s far more tied to it than he realizes.
The deeper Leonora and Sebastian sink into the academy’s secrets, the more their fates intertwine. Love or power, what will survive the curse?
I loved discovering the origins behind the curse, and Sandra J. Paul absolutely delivers. The worldbuilding is dark, immersive, and deliciously creepy. She also portrays the misogyny of the early 1900s so clearly, it fits the story perfectly and is listed in the trigger warnings.❤️🔥
And the writing? Addictive, atmospheric, and super easy to get lost in. The multiple POVs kept the pace flowing, and honestly… I devoured this book. Easily a 5-star read for me!! That ending had me sitting there with my mouth wide open, completely stunned.. 🤩
I picked up Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen without fully knowing what I was getting into, but wow this book completely surprised me in the best way. 🤩 It was my first dark academia historical fantasy thriller, and I honestly fell in love with the genre instantly.🖤
One of the coolest things?
You can read the book from two sides. One follows the haunting love story between Leonora Saint-Clair and Sebastian Gladstone. The other dives into the origin stories behind Leonora, Sebastian, and Samuel. And right in the middle, both timelines crash together in a twist that had me gasping. I absolutely loved this format.🤭
Set in New York in 1904, the atmosphere is everything you want from dark academia : eerie hallways, strict rules, shadows that move when you’re not watching. Leonora is preparing to take over Mortem Academy, but when her mother dies in a horrifying and mysterious way, the curse haunting her family awakens. Every woman in her bloodline dies the same way…🫣
Meanwhile Sebastian, a privileged, mysterious young men. He witnesses the death of Leonora’s mother and hides the truth, afraid he’ll be blamed. But the darkness of Mortem follows him home too, and he’s far more tied to it than he realizes.
The deeper Leonora and Sebastian sink into the academy’s secrets, the more their fates intertwine. Love or power, what will survive the curse?
I loved discovering the origins behind the curse, and Sandra J. Paul absolutely delivers. The worldbuilding is dark, immersive, and deliciously creepy. She also portrays the misogyny of the early 1900s so clearly, it fits the story perfectly and is listed in the trigger warnings.❤️🔥
And the writing? Addictive, atmospheric, and super easy to get lost in. The multiple POVs kept the pace flowing, and honestly… I devoured this book. Easily a 5-star read for me!! That ending had me sitting there with my mouth wide open, completely stunned.. 🤩
October 11, 2025
lets dive into the details of everything. The writing style was actually a very good read! I really enjoyed how it was written and because of that it was easy to read this whole book! I flew through it so fastly when i was fully into the book!
The plot was very interesting, a person who died because of witchcraft accusations, the real reason is much more cruel and to menkind! So he cursed the adults to their death and let the children live, believing they would be different than their parents! But Samuel quickly found out it was everything but that and went to curse the Saint-Claire family for generations to come for only 1 son to be born every generation who has to eventually chose their wife or money. Until there was born a girl as heir, surely everything will change now right?
Oh how this book had me in their grips from beginning to end! I thought it was really interesting on my end to read a book that was set in a whole different century where light and cars were just invented which i learned a few things from! At bits the story was confusing to me but i was glad i read on and didnt give up and the whole confusion disappeared as it got explained by the last chapters of the book!
I quickly got attached to Sebastian a nice gentleman who was there for Leonora just after her mother passed away because of the generational curse! Even though the confusion was there sometimes with how the story didnt really make sense (until explained later) Leonora really intrigued me to read how her mind worked, how she went through the grief
but oh gods that ending😭 it left me unsatisfied but on the other end i can see what the writer angled at and why she wrote the ending that way! But you will have to read it yourself to find out🤭
So go read this if you want to read a historical paranormal romance thriller! About souls, curses and demons😉
The plot was very interesting, a person who died because of witchcraft accusations, the real reason is much more cruel and to menkind! So he cursed the adults to their death and let the children live, believing they would be different than their parents! But Samuel quickly found out it was everything but that and went to curse the Saint-Claire family for generations to come for only 1 son to be born every generation who has to eventually chose their wife or money. Until there was born a girl as heir, surely everything will change now right?
Oh how this book had me in their grips from beginning to end! I thought it was really interesting on my end to read a book that was set in a whole different century where light and cars were just invented which i learned a few things from! At bits the story was confusing to me but i was glad i read on and didnt give up and the whole confusion disappeared as it got explained by the last chapters of the book!
I quickly got attached to Sebastian a nice gentleman who was there for Leonora just after her mother passed away because of the generational curse! Even though the confusion was there sometimes with how the story didnt really make sense (until explained later) Leonora really intrigued me to read how her mind worked, how she went through the grief
but oh gods that ending😭 it left me unsatisfied but on the other end i can see what the writer angled at and why she wrote the ending that way! But you will have to read it yourself to find out🤭
So go read this if you want to read a historical paranormal romance thriller! About souls, curses and demons😉
October 23, 2025
Ondanks dat ik het boek in het engels heb mogen lezen van Hamleybooks, schrijf ik mijn recensie in het Nederlands. Mijn eerste flip-over boek! En ondanks dat ik even in moest komen in het verhaal moet ik zeggen dat ik het concept heel erg leuk vind van een flip-over. Je kan als lezer namelijk zelf kiezen of je met Whispers of the Forgotten begint of met Shadows of the Unseen, om daarna te eindigen met het laatste slotstuk. Ik heb zelf de editie van het ebook aangehouden en heb dus eerst Whispers of the Forgotten gelezen om daarna door te gaan in de rest. Het verhaal speelt zich af rond 1900 en volgt 3 personages, Leonora, Sebastian en Samuel. Hoewel het grootste gedeelte vanuit Leonora en Sebastian geschreven is zijn de stukken van Samuel niet minder belangrijk.
De schrijfstijl past precies bij de sfeer van het boek, grimmig, duister en mysterieus. Hoewel je weet waar het verhaal naar toe loopt kwamer er toch steeds dingen op mijn pad die ik niet aan zag komen, wat ervoor zorgde dat ik weer door een paar hoofdstukken vloog. Wel moest ik echt mijn hoofd bij het boek houden waardoor het wat langer duurde voor ik hem uit had. Soms had ik namelijk het idee dat ik dingen miste, die later dan weer uitgeschreven waren. Hierdoor wil je als lezer wel gewoon doorgaan. Met deel 1 had ik het meest moeite, deze is wat grimmiger en duisterder dan deel 2. De schrijfster weet het verleden en het heden heel mooi naar elkaar toe te weven en door de 3 personages komt het verhaal mooi tot een geheel. De puzzelstukjes waar ik als lezer mee zat tijdens het lezen werden hoe meer ik las, steeds wat beter opgelost. Het laatste slotstuk vond ik een geweldig einde. Onverwacht en heel erg passend bij de vibes van het boek.
Hamleybooks heel erg bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar om te lezen en recenseren.
De schrijfstijl past precies bij de sfeer van het boek, grimmig, duister en mysterieus. Hoewel je weet waar het verhaal naar toe loopt kwamer er toch steeds dingen op mijn pad die ik niet aan zag komen, wat ervoor zorgde dat ik weer door een paar hoofdstukken vloog. Wel moest ik echt mijn hoofd bij het boek houden waardoor het wat langer duurde voor ik hem uit had. Soms had ik namelijk het idee dat ik dingen miste, die later dan weer uitgeschreven waren. Hierdoor wil je als lezer wel gewoon doorgaan. Met deel 1 had ik het meest moeite, deze is wat grimmiger en duisterder dan deel 2. De schrijfster weet het verleden en het heden heel mooi naar elkaar toe te weven en door de 3 personages komt het verhaal mooi tot een geheel. De puzzelstukjes waar ik als lezer mee zat tijdens het lezen werden hoe meer ik las, steeds wat beter opgelost. Het laatste slotstuk vond ik een geweldig einde. Onverwacht en heel erg passend bij de vibes van het boek.
Hamleybooks heel erg bedankt voor het recensie-exemplaar om te lezen en recenseren.
October 8, 2025
Mortem Academy is the kind of school where the air smells faintly of secrets and something might actually be watching you from the portraits. It’s 1904 New York, but make it dark academia; corsets, candlelight, and curses included.
Much like Dead Girls Don’t Talk, this isn’t your standard thriller. It’s a flip-over book, which means you choose how the story begins. Start with Whispers of the Forgotten for the origin story, or flip it over to Shadows of the Unseen if you’d rather dive straight into love, loss, and the kind of legacy that probably comes with a ghost attached. Either way, both paths lead you to the same chilling truth at the center of Mortem Academy.
Leonora Saint-Clair has spent her life preparing to inherit her father’s legacy, until her mother dies under circumstances so horrifying that even Edgar Allan Poe himself might’ve said, “Okay, that’s enough.” On the other side of the story is Sebastian Gladstone, who witnesses that tragedy and decides silence is safer. Spoiler: it’s not. The shadows at Mortem Academy don’t forget.
Sandra J. Paul’s writing can only be described as deliciously immersive. The writing in this book is elegant yet eerie, poetic but punchy, the kind that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave. She doesn’t just tell you a story; she pulls you into it, locks the door, and whispers, “Good luck finding your way out.”
What I adore about her flip-over books is how she makes the format essential to the experience. It’s not a gimmick! It’s the storytelling equivalent of a mirror : both sides reflecting the same truth from a different, darker angle. And by the time the two stories meet in the middle? Goosebumps. Everywhere.
Expect haunting atmospheres, cursed bloodlines, and an ending you’ll never see coming (although, do I ever??). It's the perfect kind of story to read with a blanket, a candle, and your infinite TBR glaring at you from across the room. Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen is haunting, heartbreaking, and hypnotically written, a perfect Spooktober read for anyone who loves their fiction beautifully tragic and maybe just a little bit possessed.
Huge thank you to HamleyBooks and Sandra J. Paul for providing me with an (e)ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Much like Dead Girls Don’t Talk, this isn’t your standard thriller. It’s a flip-over book, which means you choose how the story begins. Start with Whispers of the Forgotten for the origin story, or flip it over to Shadows of the Unseen if you’d rather dive straight into love, loss, and the kind of legacy that probably comes with a ghost attached. Either way, both paths lead you to the same chilling truth at the center of Mortem Academy.
Leonora Saint-Clair has spent her life preparing to inherit her father’s legacy, until her mother dies under circumstances so horrifying that even Edgar Allan Poe himself might’ve said, “Okay, that’s enough.” On the other side of the story is Sebastian Gladstone, who witnesses that tragedy and decides silence is safer. Spoiler: it’s not. The shadows at Mortem Academy don’t forget.
Sandra J. Paul’s writing can only be described as deliciously immersive. The writing in this book is elegant yet eerie, poetic but punchy, the kind that crawls under your skin and refuses to leave. She doesn’t just tell you a story; she pulls you into it, locks the door, and whispers, “Good luck finding your way out.”
What I adore about her flip-over books is how she makes the format essential to the experience. It’s not a gimmick! It’s the storytelling equivalent of a mirror : both sides reflecting the same truth from a different, darker angle. And by the time the two stories meet in the middle? Goosebumps. Everywhere.
Expect haunting atmospheres, cursed bloodlines, and an ending you’ll never see coming (although, do I ever??). It's the perfect kind of story to read with a blanket, a candle, and your infinite TBR glaring at you from across the room. Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen is haunting, heartbreaking, and hypnotically written, a perfect Spooktober read for anyone who loves their fiction beautifully tragic and maybe just a little bit possessed.
Huge thank you to HamleyBooks and Sandra J. Paul for providing me with an (e)ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 6, 2025
ARC review time: Whispers of the Forgotten 🥀🏰🖤
🇳🇱: Van de bestseller auteur Sandra J Paul van Dead Girls Don’t Talk is er een nieuw flipover boek, Whispers of the Forgotten. Een Dark Academia thriller die zich afspeelt in New York! Je kan zelf kiezen bij welk deel je begint. De twee verhalen komen in het midden van het boek samen.
Leonora is de erfgename van Mortem Academy. Van jongs af aan wordt ze hier al voor klaargemaakt. Maar wanneer haar moeder plotseling overlijd ontrafelen zich gruwelijke feiten over een vloek die over Mortem Academy waakt. Sebastian was getuige van het vreselijke overlijden. Maar was hij wel echt getuige of heeft hij er meer mee te maken? Leonora zal uiteindelijk zelf een moeilijke keuze moeten maken of ze kiest voor de liefde of de macht over Mortem Academy.
Ik gaf dit boek 3 sterren! Ik was gelijk getriggered door het verhaal en het plot vond ik uiteindelijk ook erg goed. De setting van het verhaal was ook erg mooi geschetst. Toch vond ik het iets langdradig in het eerste deel van het verhaal. Ik las het tweede deel heel snel en dit vond ik heel goed!
🇬🇧: From bestselling author Sandra J Paul of Dead Girls Don’t Talk comes a new flipchart book, Whispers of the Forgotten. A Dark Academia thriller set in New York! You can choose which chapter to begin with. The two stories converge in the middle of the book.
Leonora is the heiress of Mortem Academy. From a young age, she has been prepared for this. But when her mother suddenly dies, horrific facts about a curse that watches over Mortem Academy begin to unravel. Sebastian witnessed the horrific death. But was he truly a witness, or is he more involved? Leonora will ultimately have to make a difficult choice: love or power over Mortem Academy.
I gave this book 3 stars! I was immediately captivated by the story, and I ultimately found the plot very good. The setting was also beautifully depicted. However, I found the first part of the story a bit tedious. I read the second book very quickly and really enjoyed it!
🇳🇱: Van de bestseller auteur Sandra J Paul van Dead Girls Don’t Talk is er een nieuw flipover boek, Whispers of the Forgotten. Een Dark Academia thriller die zich afspeelt in New York! Je kan zelf kiezen bij welk deel je begint. De twee verhalen komen in het midden van het boek samen.
Leonora is de erfgename van Mortem Academy. Van jongs af aan wordt ze hier al voor klaargemaakt. Maar wanneer haar moeder plotseling overlijd ontrafelen zich gruwelijke feiten over een vloek die over Mortem Academy waakt. Sebastian was getuige van het vreselijke overlijden. Maar was hij wel echt getuige of heeft hij er meer mee te maken? Leonora zal uiteindelijk zelf een moeilijke keuze moeten maken of ze kiest voor de liefde of de macht over Mortem Academy.
Ik gaf dit boek 3 sterren! Ik was gelijk getriggered door het verhaal en het plot vond ik uiteindelijk ook erg goed. De setting van het verhaal was ook erg mooi geschetst. Toch vond ik het iets langdradig in het eerste deel van het verhaal. Ik las het tweede deel heel snel en dit vond ik heel goed!
🇬🇧: From bestselling author Sandra J Paul of Dead Girls Don’t Talk comes a new flipchart book, Whispers of the Forgotten. A Dark Academia thriller set in New York! You can choose which chapter to begin with. The two stories converge in the middle of the book.
Leonora is the heiress of Mortem Academy. From a young age, she has been prepared for this. But when her mother suddenly dies, horrific facts about a curse that watches over Mortem Academy begin to unravel. Sebastian witnessed the horrific death. But was he truly a witness, or is he more involved? Leonora will ultimately have to make a difficult choice: love or power over Mortem Academy.
I gave this book 3 stars! I was immediately captivated by the story, and I ultimately found the plot very good. The setting was also beautifully depicted. However, I found the first part of the story a bit tedious. I read the second book very quickly and really enjoyed it!
September 29, 2025
4⭐
Whispers of the Forgotten is the first flip book I’ve ever read! It has three parts:
✨Whispers of the Forgotten: the origin story
✨Shadows of the Unseen: the love story
✨The Power of the Demon
You can start with part 1 or 2, read the other one and then continue with The Power of the Demon for the conclusion of this eerie story.
𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 𝐼'𝓂 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 - 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓁𝑒- 𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒.
I’ve started with Whispers of the Forgotten which felt like the easiest way to read, especially since I read the ebook. I do want to read it again from the other side to see what difference that makes in terms of reading experience.
This book had me in its grip from page 1 till the very end. I really enjoyed the writing style. I also connected with Leonora, Sebastian and even Samuel. Which made the whole story that more intense I think. The different pov’s definitely helped to make you connect.
The historical part was done so well. The struggles Leonora faces are spot on for that time period and I admired her will to change her future.
I loved how the information wasn’t given at once. During the book, you get questions. And little by little, pieces of information start to form a puzzle. It made me so invested in Leonora’s fate.
But I never saw the ending coming. At all.
𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓋𝑜𝒾𝒸𝑒𝓈 𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁, 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓈𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈.
Add to your tbr if you love:
- dark academia
- Edgar Allan Poe vibes
- secluded domain
- dark magic
- ghosts
- murder and mayhem
- star-crossed lovers
- psychological thriller
- historical setting
Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen releases on October 8th! It’s the perfect spooky season read 😍👻
Thank you Hamley Books for the gifted eARC. Grateful to have discovered something out of my comfort zone.
Whispers of the Forgotten is the first flip book I’ve ever read! It has three parts:
✨Whispers of the Forgotten: the origin story
✨Shadows of the Unseen: the love story
✨The Power of the Demon
You can start with part 1 or 2, read the other one and then continue with The Power of the Demon for the conclusion of this eerie story.
𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 𝐼'𝓂 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 - 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓁𝑒- 𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓉𝑒.
I’ve started with Whispers of the Forgotten which felt like the easiest way to read, especially since I read the ebook. I do want to read it again from the other side to see what difference that makes in terms of reading experience.
This book had me in its grip from page 1 till the very end. I really enjoyed the writing style. I also connected with Leonora, Sebastian and even Samuel. Which made the whole story that more intense I think. The different pov’s definitely helped to make you connect.
The historical part was done so well. The struggles Leonora faces are spot on for that time period and I admired her will to change her future.
I loved how the information wasn’t given at once. During the book, you get questions. And little by little, pieces of information start to form a puzzle. It made me so invested in Leonora’s fate.
But I never saw the ending coming. At all.
𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓋𝑜𝒾𝒸𝑒𝓈 𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁, 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓈𝓌𝑒𝓇𝓈.
Add to your tbr if you love:
- dark academia
- Edgar Allan Poe vibes
- secluded domain
- dark magic
- ghosts
- murder and mayhem
- star-crossed lovers
- psychological thriller
- historical setting
Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen releases on October 8th! It’s the perfect spooky season read 😍👻
Thank you Hamley Books for the gifted eARC. Grateful to have discovered something out of my comfort zone.
December 8, 2025
⭐️ : 3,5
🇬🇧
Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen was such a unique read: a flipbook! I started with Whispers, but the author says the order doesn’t matter, which I actually loved.
The story follows several characters (with Leonora at the MC) and a family curse that reaches back generations. The early-1900s setting is written with so much detail that it truly feels like stepping into another era.
The suspense is mild, but the alternating perspectives keep it engaging. The main storyline is fairly predictable, and the bigger twists take their time to appear but the smaller surprises still kept me invested. If you’re looking for highly unpredictable fantasy, this isn’t the one, but it is atmospheric and wonderfully crafted.
My Scorecard:
⭐ Stars: 3.5/5
📈 Suspense meter: 2/5
🌶 Spice: 0/5
⸻
🇳🇱
Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen was een unieke leeservaring: een flipboek! Ik begon met Whispers, maar volgens de auteur maakt de volgorde niet uit, wat ik juist heel leuk vond.
Het verhaal volgt meerdere personages (waarvan Leonora de hoofdpersoon is) en een familie die al generaties lang worstelt met een oude vloek. De setting rond 1900 is zó gedetailleerd dat je echt een sprong terug in de tijd maakt.
De spanning is mild, maar door de afwisseling in perspectieven blijft het interessant. De hoofdlijn is redelijk voorspelbaar en de grotere plottwists laten even op zich wachten, maar de kleinere verrassingen hielden me toch nieuwsgierig. Zoek je pure onvoorspelbaarheid, dan is dit niet dé fantasy voor jou. Wel sfeervol, origineel en prachtig geschreven!
Mijn Scorekaart:
⭐ Sterren: 3,5/5
📈 Spanningsmeter: 2/5
🌶 Spice: 0/5
🇬🇧
Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen was such a unique read: a flipbook! I started with Whispers, but the author says the order doesn’t matter, which I actually loved.
The story follows several characters (with Leonora at the MC) and a family curse that reaches back generations. The early-1900s setting is written with so much detail that it truly feels like stepping into another era.
The suspense is mild, but the alternating perspectives keep it engaging. The main storyline is fairly predictable, and the bigger twists take their time to appear but the smaller surprises still kept me invested. If you’re looking for highly unpredictable fantasy, this isn’t the one, but it is atmospheric and wonderfully crafted.
My Scorecard:
⭐ Stars: 3.5/5
📈 Suspense meter: 2/5
🌶 Spice: 0/5
⸻
🇳🇱
Whispers of the Forgotten / Shadows of the Unseen was een unieke leeservaring: een flipboek! Ik begon met Whispers, maar volgens de auteur maakt de volgorde niet uit, wat ik juist heel leuk vond.
Het verhaal volgt meerdere personages (waarvan Leonora de hoofdpersoon is) en een familie die al generaties lang worstelt met een oude vloek. De setting rond 1900 is zó gedetailleerd dat je echt een sprong terug in de tijd maakt.
De spanning is mild, maar door de afwisseling in perspectieven blijft het interessant. De hoofdlijn is redelijk voorspelbaar en de grotere plottwists laten even op zich wachten, maar de kleinere verrassingen hielden me toch nieuwsgierig. Zoek je pure onvoorspelbaarheid, dan is dit niet dé fantasy voor jou. Wel sfeervol, origineel en prachtig geschreven!
Mijn Scorekaart:
⭐ Sterren: 3,5/5
📈 Spanningsmeter: 2/5
🌶 Spice: 0/5
October 8, 2025
3.5 stars - Thank you Hamley Books for this e-ARC!
I didn’t know what to expect with this book but that’s why I love diving in head first & I was pleasantly surprised! The format is unique and one of a kind. I like the aspect of the curse but also the narrative surrounding women being in high positions, and being questioned by everyone whether they are worthy/will be able to handle it.
However, the conversations felt a bit stiff and it didn’t flow easily. It’s easy to read tho. Maybe bcs the first half was a bit tedious imo bcs I read the second half faster than the first. But don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the story, the characters and especially the villain (bcs I sided with them LOL).
That is, until the ending. Ohh Leonora, they cannot make me hate you <3
I didn’t know what to expect with this book but that’s why I love diving in head first & I was pleasantly surprised! The format is unique and one of a kind. I like the aspect of the curse but also the narrative surrounding women being in high positions, and being questioned by everyone whether they are worthy/will be able to handle it.
However, the conversations felt a bit stiff and it didn’t flow easily. It’s easy to read tho. Maybe bcs the first half was a bit tedious imo bcs I read the second half faster than the first. But don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the story, the characters and especially the villain (bcs I sided with them LOL).
That is, until the ending. Ohh Leonora, they cannot make me hate you <3
November 9, 2025
Sandra J. Paul knows how to build a sense of creeping wrongness, and the opening chapters had me immediately curious. I also loved that the supernatural elements are not over-explained, the strange feels strange, and some scenes genuinely gave me goosebumps.
the mystery itself is compelling, the world is creatively eerie, and the ending lands. It’s a book that sticks in your mind after reading, especially because the tone and vibe are so distinctive. If you like dark speculative mystery with a European flavor and you don’t mind a slower middle, this is absolutely worth reading.
the mystery itself is compelling, the world is creatively eerie, and the ending lands. It’s a book that sticks in your mind after reading, especially because the tone and vibe are so distinctive. If you like dark speculative mystery with a European flavor and you don’t mind a slower middle, this is absolutely worth reading.
December 2, 2025
Een mooi en indrukwekkend verhaal van top auteur Sandra j Paul. Het verhaal over liefde en een eeuwenoude vloek weet je als lezer vanaf de eerste pagina te grijpen. Het verhaal zit goed in elkaar en klopt op ieder leven. Het zou bij toeval zijn dat dit boek een flip over boek is. Voor dit boek was het eigenlijk niet nodig geweest en voelt het toch een beetje Gimmick achtig, als het anders was gedaanhad het beter gepast. Bijvoorbeeld zoals eerder ieder boek uit een verschillendperspectief. Het neemt niet weg dat dit een boek is must read is.
October 16, 2025
I loved this story. Absolutely hated the ending. Oh my god the ending pisses me off so bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
the book didn't make sense to me
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews