Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies

Sisters of Light and Shadow #2

by Breanne Randall

Dark secrets. Deadly choices. A destiny that can’t be outrun. Welcome to Shadowcraft Academy.

Eléa Deniz has dreamed of her home in the French countryside for the last four years after nearly dying in the Forgotten Forest. But when she finally returns, she finds the estate has become host to the Shadowcraft Academy, an elite graduate school where a world of mysteries and power plays await. It’s there she discovers a secret about her magic that’s not just a threat to the established order, but a prophecy that could change everything. What’s worse, her father is the school’s enigmatic and ruthless headmaster with an agenda of his own—one that could tear their world apart if she can’t find a way to stop him.

As alliances shift and her power is tested, Eléa becomes torn between Alex, her stoic first love whose loyalties are as murky as his past, and the brash, irreverent Logan, who challenges her to see herself in new ways. Faced with her father’s schemes, a secret society, and the weight of her own magic, Eléa must decide: Will she embrace her fate, or fight to reclaim her power and forge her own path? Destiny is calling... and it demands a price.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches

384 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

Breanne lives in the sleepy foothills of Northern California with her husband, two daughters, and a slew of farm animals. When she’s not writing, you can find her wandering the property searching for fairy portals or serving elaborate stuffed animal tea parties.

As a journalist, her work has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Fit Pregnancy, Disney Family, Bustle, Brides, et. al. A seasoned traveler, she imbues her stories with the magic and culture collected from the over forty countries she’s visited.

Reviews

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars!!

I received this book from the publisher, Dell/Random House Publishing Group, via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book and made the decision to read this book because of the authors declaration that the MMC was written based on Dean Winchester. I have been an avid supernatural fan since I was 16 (I’m now 36)! So, I decided to give this book a chance.

I will also note that I did not read book one coming into this book. I was not confused in anyway. I did have questions about the magic system, but I will not fault the author for this because it could very much be my fault since I didn’t read book one. I made the decision to read book two without reading book one because I read that these were standalone’s in an interconnected series.

- ☝️standalone in an interconnected series
- witches 🧙 & wraiths
- 🪄magical academy in a magical house 🏡
- cursed 🤬
- ⭐️⭐️multicultural diversity (gender, race, languages, traditions, culture)
- ❤️‍🩹 trauma and healing
- finding oneself 💪🏻
- ❤️ emotionally mature MFC
- the men… one based on Dean Winchester from Supernatural 😜

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. There were several surprises and twists throughout the book that kept me hooked. Most of them I did not see coming, well done to the author!

Starting with the characters:

The MFC: The MFC had a childhood trauma history and the abusers were her grandfather and father. She also had a male best friend whom she was in love with, but one day he just disappeared. She was devastated by this and, when she turned 18 years old, she moved away to the United States to live with her brother and his fiancé since her childhood love was gone. Overall, this was a very well balanced, healthy, emotionally mature, and optimistic woman. I LOVED this MFC. FINALLY an emotionally mature MFC 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 She was thoughtful, usually did not make impulsive decisions, but did on occasion because she was a human, making her very realistic. She saw the good in people and challenged others to also see the good in people. I thought that the author created a very realistic dynamic with this MFC, particularly her thoughts and emotions about the two men in her life. Often, when we are attracted to and/or love someone, logic doesn’t play a big role. That’s what happened in this book with his MFC, and again, it was realistic to the human condition of emotions.

I’m about to go on a little bit of a rant, but overall, I loved this MFC. It was just this one piece that irritated me. One of my pet peeves is the word “abandoned” when that is not what happened. It’s actually an incredibly toxic word often used in relationships to manipulate and gaslight others. Specifically, people with equal status, power, and resources cannot abandon each other. They can leave, but not abandon. For example, parents can abandon children, a husband making the only money in the family can abandon his wife, and animal owners can abandon their pets, etc.. But, friends who have the same resources and status cannot abandon each other. There is a psychologist who does a lovely job talking about how toxic the word “abandonment” is in relationships and why it’s a super red flag, particularly for the person saying it.

Now, if someone leaves randomly without warning, I can see how that is devastating, but that’s still not abandonment. We need to get better at using language around when abandonment is actually happening. So, to see that the word abandonment was used in this book by the MFC in regards to her friend who was of equal status, power, etc., was disheartening for me as a reader. The MFC uses the word abandonment to weaponize her feelings towards Alex. She clearly had no idea why he left and she took it incredibly personal, fine she was a teenager, I get that. But, now she’s an adult and she’s still stuck in this toxic role of being the one who was abandoned because he left without telling her. 🙄

I go on this long point because, as a previously mentioned, this MFC was rather mature. The author established a very thoughtful and emotionally intelligent woman. So, to have her shift into this emotionally toxic word/place I was a little bummed. Again, this is just a pet peeve of mine. The MFC does move past this word and I was able to let it go. However, I did want to mention it in my review for those who also think the word abandonment is misused.

Moving on: The MFC was stuck between her attraction to Alex, her childhood best friend that she loved, and the new, intriguing American, Logan. She knew Alex had a mask on that was pushing her away so she pushed back. All while Logan was fun and fresh and didn’t hold her back; rather, he was always supporting her in her growth and independence. He had her back no matter what. Normally, I am not a big fan of love triangles because I find them done poorly. However, the author did an excellent job with this love triangle. I really loved both MMC‘s and could feel the MFC‘s emotions. There were so much depth written about her and her feelings, I really enjoyed this.

Logan: Now, the Dean Winchester from Supernatural coded character, Logan. American accent, skeptical, dry humor, “bad boy,” cynical, often used sexual banter, no shame, arrogant, presumptuous, loved pie, had a flask, and wore a necklace on a leather string. The MFC assumed he drove a vintage car and started bar fights; yep, the author got all that right! He jumped right into conspiring with the MFC and they had such fun banter. He said “son of a b*+*h,” classic statement of Dean’s. Loved all of it!! Logan’s humor, personality, sexual comments, and banter were exactly everything I wanted them to be, especially in serious situations he was still cracking jokes. Seriously, I LOVED this. Logan also mentioned his father taught him everything about hunting and his mother died young, which he saw happen. Then, some of the hints to Supernatural were lovely, like the comments about trapping in a salt circle, iron, and pentagrams, as well as hell hounds. I absolutely loved this character, I just had to say that again.

A warning/thought: the author did, however, copy Supernatural and I don’t know how to feel about that. Logan said “saving people, hunting things, that’s the family motto.” Changing “business” to “motto” was not enough. I wish she had been a little more creative when using the classic Supernatural statement.

Alex: Alex was the MFC’s childhood best friend and first love. He was incredibly mysterious, kept secrets, and wore a mask almost the whole book. Alex did not have a really big part in this book until the very end, even though his presence was really important to the plot and the MFC. The little parts of the story where he was present, they were tension filled and hot.

Relationships:

The MFC and Logan: These two were a great pair. I loved all the small moments between them. I especially loved when the MFC stood up for Logan when her brother‘s best friend, Malik, was being a jerk. I also loved how Logan used humor and satire to stand up for himself, not anger. I loved the moments between the MFC and Logan because Logan always believed in her and reminded her that her found family was unconditional and it did not matter what power any of them had or what they did, including doing bad things, because they would always have each other‘s backs no matter what (very Dean statement). She really needed someone like him to push her to grow and find herself. What made me sad was that, EVERY SINGLE TIME the MFC and Logan would have a moment together, she would think about Alex. I interpreted this as the author was foreshadowing who the MFC would choose. Also, I thought about how, if I broke down Dean’s character (again whom Logan was written after), Dean always chose his family over the girl. So, my guess while reading was that Logan’s character was needed to help push and support the MFC, as Dean does in Supernatural, but they would not end up together.

The MFC and Alex: Lets start from the point when the MFC meets up with Alex four years after they last saw each other. The MFC was so desperate to see and touch him again. I cringed a little bit, I wanted her to have more of a backbone and stand up for herself, not be this desperate “why did you leave me” person. The interactions between them after their first meeting continued to have the MFC using a more desperate approach with him to get him to open up because she just wanted him to love her again. We, as the readers, and the MFC, could see that he did want her, but he kept his big wall of cold feelings up. This created so much heat and tension between them when his mask would slip because we all knew he still loved her too. Alex was keeping secrets and wouldn’t budge a good chunk of the book for mysterious reasons. FINALLY the MFC grew (with support from her friends and Logan) and started focusing more on what Alex needed and less on her feelings. She started being a stable support person for him by verbally telling him that she knew him and loved him, no matter what he had done thus far in his life. I addition to her unconditional support of him, she started to stand up for herself and not put up with his crap, this made me so excited. Alex was being protective of her and shared nothing, as he believed it would keep her safe. She challenged him back by growing as a person, developing her magic, and overall being independent, no matter what he wanted. She finally believed in herself, showing Alex his need to protect her was not warranted nor wanted. Eventually, the dynamic shifted, and he finally opened up to her.

There was a shocking revelation about the men and I WILL NOT SHARE ANYTHING. But, let me tell you, you’re likely wrong, I was, which I am so happy about! Well played! EVERYTHING made sense when this twist was revealed. I was getting a little antsy with the MFC for dragging along two men, was starting to think I may lose respect for her. Nope, respect still intact. Again, it all made sense!

Friends: the friends were strong, supportive, and diverse. The banter and camaraderie with all of them was great. They added to the plot and were very critical to the MFC‘s growth. They had unconditional love and support for each other, well, they were also willing to call each other, all of which was beautiful.

The story:
- The author is quick to kill people off! I was shocked!!
- There was a twist at 40% I didn’t see that one coming. Then, it’s historic progress, there were several other twists that I did not see coming. Again, there is a surprise with the MMC‘s.
- Overall, the pacing was moderate throughout. It did slow down in the middle, which got a little boring. However, it picked back up and got intriguing again.
- this is a well rounded, heart filled story
- there are themes intertwined into the story that are important to think about in our real world, such as bigotry, discrimination, racism, and power going unchecked by one man. The message about how we need to come together to find the solution as a team was not missed by me.
- the characters are diverse in many ways, including one transgender character. I loved this! There are different cultures, languages, ethnicities, sexualities, and traditions represented.

The plot: the plot is about the MFC finding herself, healing from her trauma, and fighting for the future. The story had a great blend of plot, individual character development, relationship development, romance, and magic. Overall, each character finds themselves, fights the patriarchy, heals both physical and emotional wounds, and finds their place in a better world.

[Haley C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so thrilled and surprised to receive this arc! I was really excited to read it, as I’ve always been interested in reading her books! This one was marketed as an interconnected stand-alone that completes a duology.

Firstly, I understand that I was reading an uncorrected proof and many of the hang ups I had will probably be fixed before publication! That being said… I had no clue what was going on in the first few chapters. When I see a book is an “interconnected standalone”, i believe that means I can read it without reading the other books in the series. This one, however, started off heavily referencing the previous book, things that happened in the story and characters we apparently met then. That made it really hard for me to find my footing and get into a groove with the story.

Secondly, lots of things felt rushed and sudden. I think the set up was just a little rough for me and it made it hard for me to get into and enjoy the fun elements that the book does have. I love a witchy dark academia setting! This one just fell flat for me, as it stands currently!

Thank you for the opportunity and the arc!

[Jordan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combined so many of my favorite things into one. Witchcraft. Elite academia. Secret Societies. A spicy love triangle. Curses that must be broken and hierarchies that must be challenged. And, most importantly, a flannel wearing, pie loving, fluently sarcastic, Dean Winchester inspired male character. What more could you need?

Much like Breanne Randall’s previous two books, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I love when a book ends up having a plot twist that I don’t see coming. The sarcastic wit of some of the characters had me laughing out loud at several different points, and I just genuinely think this author knows how to write stories about witchcraft in such a unique way, to where it’s unlike any other witchy books I’ve read before (and I’ve read a lot). I loved the community and friendship, and I’m happy to say that Breanne has done it again with a great read.

Side note, there is something about Breanne’s books that make me immediately crave the things she writes about. In her first novel, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic, I baked the rum soaked peach muffins from the recipe and literally haven’t stopped thinking of them since. In her second book, Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things, I started craving tea so badly (and I’m a coffee girl.) This time, I was only a few chapters in when I read about croissants and immediately had to order a chocolate croissant. I think that speaks to the magic of her writing, even my stomach wants to be pulled into the stories 😂

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies was such a moody, magical ride. This book leans fully into secret society tension, old curses, and that quiet feeling that everyone knows more than they are saying. The atmosphere really shines. Think dusty archives, cryptic symbols, candlelight, and the constant sense that something is lurking just out of reach.

I loved how character driven the story felt beneath the mystery. The emotional weight of legacy, identity, and hidden truths gave the magic real stakes and made me care about what was unfolding. The slow unraveling of secrets kept me hooked, even when the pacing lingered a bit in places.

The MMC really did have strong Dean Winchester energy and I mean that as the highest compliment. Protective, a little haunted, sarcastic at the right moments, and impossible not to root for.

Overall this was witchy, atmospheric, and perfect for readers who love dark academia vibes mixed with emotional depth and secret society drama. Definitely one to curl up with when you want something cozy but layered with mystery.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I’m just a vibe reader but this book had so many twists I didn’t see coming. I loved the Dean Winchester vibes of the MMC and Elea is just a girl dealing with her trauma while trying to find herself. I loved learning more about the magic system!
Plot: 9/10
Spice level: 2/5
Magic system: 5/5

[Olivia Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review*

SPOILERS AHEAD

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies follows a young woman named Elea as she navigates her father's magic school and the dark threat that looms over her and the other students. What drew me to the story was the Dean Winchester-inspired MMC. I am a HUGE Supernatural fan, and a huge fan of Dean, so that selling point made me want to read it. I did have some problems with this, however, which I will get into after my other critiques.

First, the world. It was interesting, dark, and I did enjoy the setting. It gave off Hogwarts a bit too much at times, but that didn't bother me that much. I did feel as though a lot of the characters felt like they weren't as fleshed out as they could have been, and the writing at times was a bit disjointed. I would rather see more of a show, don't tell, instead of telling us everything in a huge, confusing twist at the end. I began to also see very quickly that a lot of the same words were used over and over again, and I just think perhaps that could be better for sure. The magic system was also very confusing to me, and I still am not 100% sure of how it all works. There were so many times I wanted to DNF this book, unfortunately, and I would have if I hadn't promised to read it for this review.

And that brings me to my biggest issue: Logan Carter.

When I think "Dean Winchester inspired", I think maybe he'll have a similar personality or some kind of small nod here and there to the character. But this just felt like a blatant copy-paste of Dean Winchester, so much so that it felt like I was reading Dean Winchester fanfiction and not an original character created by the author. I counted at least six instances of stolen quotes, one of which was used twice in just a few chapters. I'm not even sure how this can be legal to do, and it really made me feel icky. The look down to the amulet he wears (literally Sam's amulet), the pie and burgers obsession, saying "son of a b*tch", it's all way too exact to Dean's character.

Here are a few quotes I clocked:

Show quote: "My name is Dean Winchester. I'm an Aquarius. I enjoy sunsets, long walks on the beach, and frisky women. And I did not kill anyone."
Book version: "My name is Logan Carter. I'm an Aquarius. I enjoy sunsets, long walks on the beach, and powerful women."

Genuinely just fully stolen from the show, minus the last word and his name.

Show quote: "Saving people, hunting things. The family business."
Book version: "I mean, saving people, hunting things, that's my family motto."

Again, almost fully stolen and the most iconic line in the series.

Another one that was used twice over just a few chapters was one of Dean's iconic lines: "I think I'm adorable."

And last, maybe less egregious, but still a quote from the show that is very iconic:

Show quote: "I'll stay here, hook up with the posse. Because you know me, I'm a posse magnet. I mean, I love posse. Make that into a T-shirt."
Book version: "All hail queen of the craft, we should make that into a t-shirt."

At what point is this not just blatant plagiarism of a character? It really rubbed me the wrong way. I do feel like this book has a lot of potential to be a great book and a great character. Elea was a cool character, but again, she still seemed very flat for an FMC. This book was, unfortunately, just a major letdown for me, and I morally don't feel good about not listing these things out. I love Jensen Ackles and the SPN team way too much to see their work being stolen in this way. I do believe that if the SPN quotes were changed, maybe less copy-paste of Dean and more original character stuff happened, then it would definitely be a much better product.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies by Breanne Randall
Sisters of Light and Shadow Book 2

✨ Vibe check: Witchy academia chaos in the best way

This book felt like Breanne Randall looked directly into my brain, grabbed all my favorite things, and said yes actually let’s put them all in one story. Witchcraft. Elite magical academia. Secret societies. Prophecies. Curses. A morally questionable father. A love triangle that actually hurts. And a sarcastic, flannel wearing, pie loving man who absolutely gave Dean Winchester energy. I was locked in.

Eléa returns to her family estate in the French countryside only to find it transformed into Shadowcraft Academy, an elite magical graduate school run by her father who is very much not here to parent gently. From the jump, this story is layered with power plays, buried family secrets, and a prophecy tied to Eléa’s magic that threatens to upend everything. The tension never lets up and neither do the choices she’s forced to make.

What really stood out for me was how alive this world felt. The academy politics, the shifting alliances, the hierarchy begging to be dismantled, all of it felt intentional and immersive. Add in Breanne’s signature wit and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. She writes witchcraft in a way that feels fresh and grounded while still being genuinely magical, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.

And the romance? Deliciously messy. The pull between Alex and Logan felt earned, emotional, and complicated in a way that made sense for Eléa’s journey. No easy answers. No clean choices. Just vibes and consequences.

Also a personal note that must be shared: Breanne’s books make me hungry every single time. Rum soaked peach muffins. Endless tea cravings. And now chocolate croissants. The magic extends beyond the page apparently.

Why you should read it
🔮 Witchcraft with real stakes
🏛️ Elite magical academy drama
🗝️ Secret societies and hidden agendas
🔥 A spicy, emotionally charged love triangle
🌀 Plot twists I genuinely did not see coming

Perfect for readers who love
If you like dark academia with magic, found family vibes, sharp humor, and stories that challenge power structures while breaking your heart a little, this one belongs on your TBR immediately.

Breanne Randall truly does not miss.

#CursesKeysandSecretSocieties #BreanneRandall #DarkAcademia #WitchyReads #NetGalley #Ballentine #Dell

[Maverick U · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Honest Review from the ARC copy received on NetGalley from Ballantine Books.

What drew me in: Advertised with a “Dean Winchester” inspired Love interest and a Dark academia environment which got me GOOD. Two of my favorite things being wrapped together and that is pretty spot on.

Over, Under or Appropriately Hyped: UNDER why is only Breanne talking about it????? Could easily seeing this book becoming a hit when it hits shelves, I know I will be doing my part for damn sure!

Recommend: I have to literally everyone that asks for book recommendations. I really fell in love with this series, but specifically with this book. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and intrigue and found family that really rounds everything out and works for almost every reader. It helps with something familiar for most people too cause the love interest really gets the brows popping up.

Re-Read: I wouldn’t re-read this right away, but I would buy it to absolutely re-read in the future. It would be a comfort book for me when I need a little rush of that romance, and grounding Eléa brings.

Characters: THE DIVERSITY THOUGH!!!! I love Eléa as a main character! She’s reasonable, down to earth and girl I would also be acting a little crazy with those two around. She’s sweet and well rounded and reading the first book really made me love her more, since you get to see her story progress and how she got to where she was. It’s amazing. And LOGAN??? Don’t get me started bro I will be here all day. He is so refreshing as a MMC, funny and goofy while being nothing but supportive and damn those compliments made MY head swim. I loved him and he easily became my favorite, I would love to read more about him. The supporting characters are also amazing??? Well rounded motivations, the diversity in cast and representation that fits??? This is easily the second most amazing part of this book.

Plot: And this is the first. The way this book had me clutching my chest at some of the twists and turns. I DID NOT SEE SOME OF THESE COMING!!! I love it when a book does that to me!!! I was set up and I loved it, and the plot itself is really intriguing, well thought out, and nice to see how everything played into what’s going on behind the scenes.

Writing: Bro frickin chef’s kiss. Perfect balance of dialouge and description, like I was there in the scenes. Breanne’s books are always really well written but this one she just got so good at making it fun and interesting while keeping the imagery beautiful and ugh I am in love with it.

PLEASE read this book. If you are looking down in the reviews unsure, THIS IS YOUR SIGN OKAY??? If you believe in the ‘Craft’ or any magic, this is your universal sign to read it. Please and thank you.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies by Breanne Randall

This book immediately caught my attention because I’m a sucker for anything involving curses and secret societies. There is a trigger warning for this story, so definitely take note of that. The playlist attached to this book is very telling, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.

Elea has both fond and not so fond memories tied to her childhood home in France, but she’s heading back anyway. Her family and their home are deeply connected to magic, and Elea herself is a shadow crafter, able to draw from a powerful well of magic within her. Her return home is not at all what I expected. Instead of easing into something familiar, the story throws you straight into something darker and far less comforting.

I loved how this book instantly transported me from California to France. The author doesn’t waste time easing you in. The story jumps right into the action, and I appreciated that momentum right from the start.

Alex, Elea’s childhood friend and first love, clearly plays an important role, appearing in both the past and present. This is a layered, complex story, and I really enjoyed discovering things alongside Elea as she navigates it all. The wraiths, dark magic, academy setting, and secret societies are intriguing, even if they raise more questions than answers at first. And then there is that moment that is entirely unhelpful, throws Elea onto a path she never saw coming, and left me reeling.

Elea’s sweet romance with Logan is one of the highlights for me. His fierce loyalty and steady presence add a lot of heart to the story. I also really appreciated the cultural representation woven throughout the book, with French, Hawaiian, Turkish, and more included thoughtfully and naturally. It adds so much richness to the worldbuilding.

As Elea’s magic grows stronger, everything becomes more complicated. Her feelings for both Logan and Alex intensify, her powers evolve, and the revelations just keep coming. If the bedroll scenes don’t completely scramble your brain, the final fifteen percent of the book absolutely will. I genuinely needed time to process all the secrets revealed, the light versus dark battles, and how everything ultimately came together, including the satisfying ending.

This is a complicated, witchy, magic heavy story, but it’s also written with a lot of heart. It’s not a quick, forgettable paranormal romance. It pulls at emotions, challenges expectations, and plays with ideas of fate, power, and choice. I loved the cultural connections, Elea’s quiet strength, and the way the story allows her to choose who she becomes. She is not the heroine you expect, and that makes her all the more compelling.

I received this book as an arc and I am leaving an honest review.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫

This paranormal academia romance is the second book in the Sisters of Light and Shadow duology. I would not recommend reading it out of order. The magic system is complicated, and events from the first book directly affect this one.

FMC Eléa (Lucian’s sister from book 1) returns to France and her childhood home to be with her dying mother and finds that her father has set up their manor as a school for shadowcraft magic. Determined to focus on self-discovery and looking for answers, she decides to join. She finds her childhood best friend Alex there, but their reunion is not as warm as she would have hoped. She also reconnects with several friends and makes a new one, including “the American,” Logan. Together they try to learn about magic while also dealing with the wraith curse.

I’m not sure about this book. I would not say it was poorly written, but I did not really enjoy it. I had a lot of trouble getting into it. The first third felt like the characters were just asking questions and nobody was answering them. I was also confused by similar names and important events from book one that weren’t well recapped. The story does pick up, but I had issues with the tone. The first book was whimsical while still having darker elements. This one felt more like YA dark academia, even though the characters are supposed to be adults. Being in a school setting with school rules while everyone is in their 20s just felt strange. I also struggled with the love triangle elements, as it’s not my favorite trope, and it brushed up against cheating. I love romance and can forgive characters for giving into their feelings at inappropriate times, but in this book I kept thinking “why are you worried about that? You have much bigger problems.”

Overall, I think this book just wasn’t for me. I did receive an advanced copy, so there may be edits or changes before it releases. It could also simply be a matter of taste, someone who enjoys academia settings and some of the elements I struggled with may end up loving this book.

Spice: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 3.5/5

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

2.5/🌶️

I received an advanced copy of this book free from NetGalley, and am providing an honest review.

Breanne Randall has created a fantastical world of magic, light, dark, danger and mystery. I love the growth arc that the FMC, Eléa, has throughout the story which is supported by an intriguing and mysterious story and a diverse and endearing cast of characters.

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is perfect for anyone who likes magic, tension, mysteries, a shadowy MMC, a cocky/loyal MMC, second chances/first loves, danger and love.

I was hooked by the promise of a MMC who was Dean Winchester coded and I was all in by his first appearance.

--

Eléa receives word that her estranged mother is dying and makes the difficult decision to return to her childhood home,
Chateau d'Ancy, in France to say goodbye.

Eléa Deniz and her brother, Lucien, had escaped a fearful, neglectful, and almost deadly life at home four years prior to live in Golden Springs California.

When she arrives she is met by her father, Ahmed, and several shocking surprises; the most of all being her childhood best friend (and first love), Alexandre whom had vanished from her life without a trace.

The Dimenz family are a very powerful,and prominent family of Shadowcrafters, one of two forms of witches. Ahmed has been leading other Shadowcrafters towards breaking a curse put upon them after the magical community was split between Shadowcraft and Lightcraft witches.

But Eléa quickly learns he's gone even further in his quest and has turned their home into a school to teach Shadowcrafters how to hone their magic, defend themselves against the curse, and the Wraiths that spawn from it.

But is that all that Ahmed is doing? Or is there a darker secret, and how is Alex  involved? (And my own personal question: surely Alex isn't the Dean coded character, so who is??)

Also, the twist? Twists?? CRAZY

[Matt (Kaitlin) Kroeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book (thank you to the author and publisher). My review reflects my honest impressions and neither the author nor publisher solicited my review. Content and pacing may differ slightly from the final published version.

This book had me hooked from the start. The twists kept coming, but what truly stood out to me was the depth of the character arcs. Watching loyalties shift, secrets unravel, and relationships evolve made every chapter feel purposeful and layered. I closed the book feeling satisfied and impressed.

The writing style is light and easy to follow, which makes the complex magical politics and academy intrigue feel accessible rather than overwhelming. It’s immersive without being heavy, and I found myself flying through chapters because I needed to know what would happen next.

The story itself is deliciously twisty. Just when I thought I understood the dynamics at play, another revelation would shift the story. The academy setting adds tension and competition, while the looming threat woven through the narrative keeps the stakes high.

The characters are where this book truly shines. They feel multidimensional, flawed, and constantly growing. Their emotional journeys add real weight to the plot. I was deeply invested in their growth and the choices they were forced to make.

There’s also a satisfying romantic thread with undeniable chemistry. I’ve never seen a love triangle play out in this way, and I loved it! It enhances the emotional stakes without overpowering the story.

This is absolutely a book I would purchase and reread. It balances magic, tension, emotional growth, and romance beautifully. If you enjoy academy settings, layered family dynamics, morally gray tensions, and a twist-filled plot with compelling character development, this one is for you.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you NetGalley and Breanne for the ARC opportunity**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The moment I read “Dean Winchester MMC,” I stopped processing all other information and immediately added this to my TBR. And wow — the MMC was completely Dean-coded. The blending of Dean’s personality with the MMC was done so well, and it was genuinely fun catching familiar quotes woven into the story. Supernatural has always been a favorite of mine, and Breanne absolutely nailed the vibe.

And then there’s the château. The magical château. It felt like a warm, cozy hug straight out of Hogwarts. I loved that it was essentially its own living being — honestly, I found myself wishing I lived in a magical house that brought me tea and croissants on demand.

The food descriptions deserve their own moment. I had zero idea what some of the dishes were, so I found myself Googling recipes mid-read. A book has never made me this hungry before. The level of detail made everything sound incredible, and it really highlights how strong Breanne’s descriptive writing is overall. The imagery was so clear that I had no trouble seeing everything in my mind’s eye.

This book was a perfect blend of love, food, magic, found family, and just the right amount of spice. The plot kept me engaged, and I genuinely couldn’t predict what was coming next — which I loved.

The only reason this isn’t a full five stars is some word repetition that started to stand out to me. That’s very much a personal pet peeve, but it did pull me out of the story at times.

Overall, this was a cozy, magical, and wildly enjoyable read — and I’ll absolutely be picking up more from this author.

[Lesley Nolasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Curses Keys and Secret Societies is the second installment in The Sisters of Light and Shadow Series. I dare to say this is my favorite book by Breanne Randall yet! This book follows Eléa Deniz as she heals from the torment of her past. On a journey to discover who, and what she is, she joins the Shadow Craft Academy. While navigating her new found powers, she must survive not just the challenges of the Academy, but must also unlock secrets, and prophecies that shake everything she thought she knew about the war between light and shadow craft.

Eléa’s journey had me laughing, crying, and kicking my feet at all the Disney Easter eggs! The love triangle had me turning pages until, one more chapter turned into 2:00 am debates about being team Alex or Logan? While each MMC is enticing in their own way, Alex tall, overprotective, and brooding, Logan charming, flirtatious and always willing to let her take charge. It’s almost impossible to predict who will win Eléa’s heart. This was my most anticipated read of 2026 and Breanne did not disappoint. I always enjoy her diverse and inclusive casts of characters, with Alejandro quickly wedging his sassy self into my heart. What stood out most to me was the message of never allowing fear to become prejudice. More than ever I needed to hear this, and watching Eléa reclaim her power to dismantle bigotry, prejudice, fear, hate, generational trauma healed pieces of me that needed it most right now. I for one cannot wait to see what Breanne cooks up for us next, quite literally.

📖Dark Academia
✨Witches
💀Wraiths
❤️‍🔥Love triangle
🤫Family secrets
🖤Forced proximity
🏫 Sentient Chateau

[Nikkireads · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨3.5 Stars

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is the second book in the Sisters of Light and Shadow series, and for me, it was a noticeable step up from the first installment.

We follow Eléa Deniz, a witch returning to her family’s ancestral French estate after four years away only to find it transformed into the elite Shadowcraft Academy, now run by her ruthless father. What should feel like home quickly becomes a battleground as Eléa is forced to confront a dangerous prophecy, long buried family secrets, and a sentient chateau with a will of its own.

The dark academia setting was one of my favorite elements witches, secret societies, eerie halls, and magical politics all came together in a way that felt immersive and moody. The story also leans heavily into romance, featuring a love triangle between Eléa, her stoic first love Alex, and the charming, irreverent Logan. Love triangles aren’t my personal favorite, but I know plenty of readers live for that tension.

One thing to note: if you’re expecting anything cozy, this is not that book. The spice truly comes out of nowhere and when it does, it pops off. Like… unexpectedly and enthusiastically.

While I still had some pacing and character frustrations, this installment delivered more of what I was hoping for: stronger atmosphere, higher stakes, and a darker, more dramatic tone. If you love dark academia, witches, secret societies, and messy romantic tension, this one may hit better for you than book one did for me.

Thank you Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Doc Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many books out there that are fantasy. You know the type, Harry Potter meets Hunger Games...so why try this one? I went into this thinking that, generally, fantasy isn't my preferred genre, but as the world gets crazier, I find myself more drawn towards Fantasy and stories where good overcomes evil and women are both powerful and heard! So, I started reading this book...and was basically drawn in from the start! There were a few moments that felt a bit drawn-out, but they didn't last...The characters and the storyline were both interesting and insightful. The story is definitely an adult read (sex) and could be allegorical, if you are into looking at the parallels to the rest of the world, but if you aren't into what's going on right now, you won't see that, and it's perfectly fine. It's a good read. I don't give spoilers in my reviews, I hate reading the story before I read the story. A woman who is estranged from her family returns to visit her father after learning her mother is dying. Upon her return, she also reconnects with some long-lost friends, who she has missed terribly, and through this return home, she learns that much of what she thought about her family, her life, her memories, aren't necessarily as she remembered or believed. This eye-opening experience brings with it a growth, power, and independence she never expected, but that she admits she truly needed. This book is so worth the read and I know will be enjoyed by many. Don't miss it.
I did receive an ARC from Netgalley but the opinions are all mine.

[J 'Fey Enigma']

***Note: Read from the uncorrected proof copy from NetGalley.

Breanne Randall never fails to convey emotionally charged dynamics, adventure, and eloquent wordsmithing! Her delivery is direct without sacrificing detail or beauty — every word is a distinct, graceful, and expressive choice, and not a single one is wasted. I've been particularly enthralled with Breanne Randall for some time, so I apologize in advance for any fan-girling found within this review. I am so thrilled to see her novels and her dreams come to fruition. I, personally, loved the touch of the playlist in the opening pages, appreciated the author's note warning for possibly triggering content, and loved the included recipes that have become a staple in her work. And a Dean Winchester-coded character and love interest? Yes, please.

In Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies, we follow Eléa Deniz, younger sister to Lucien Deniz from Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, as she traverses her past, present, and future in her family's sentient Château d'Ancy-turned-Shadowcraft-Academy, where magic, mystery, and dark secrets unfold.

A fantastic tale is woven within these pages. Old friends reunite to share in the story, and new ones are emblazoned into memorable existence. Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is a stunning blend of suspense, enchantment, intrigue, spice, growth, and revelation.

Buckle up and settle in with some pie.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies offers a mix of cozy and witchy vibes. One of my favorite parts of this story is the enchanted chateau, known for providing comfort by making a much needed pastry appear out of thin air or by running a bath after a long day. The chateau is the childhood home of our main character, Eléa, and has been turned into a magic academy for Shadowcrafters by her father. Eléa has been away from home for four years and must face her father and her past while struggling to strengthen her shadow magic. She is joined by a cast of new and old friends, all of which are endearing in their own ways.

Overall this was a really nice read. It felt cozy while also having conflicts that added depth to the story and kept me invested. I liked most of the characters but some of them, particularly Logan and Alejandro, felt a bit over the top. I read this book without reading the first book in the series Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things. It holds up really well as a standalone and it made me want to go back and read the first book! After getting acquainted with the Petridi sisters, I found myself wanting to know more about them and I was glad to see they were featured in the first book.

A huge thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for sending me an eARC for review consideration!

[JoAnne Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Breanne Randall and NetGalley for an ARC of Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies. This is a fun and fast read. I contemplated what to rate this novel, but ultimately decided on 4 stars, simply because I enjoyed it. This is the sequel to Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, and takes place four years later, so I do suggest reading that before this one.
I enjoyed catching up with old characters and meeting the new characters. Alejandro, especially, is a gem and could have read a whole novella from his point of view. The twists were fun, but I did predict them all. However, I blame my ADHD brain for the predictions that always spoil books and movies for me.
This is a fast paced book, so I did find myself wanting more development. Logan was so clearly a Dean Winchester mold, the battle at the end had major vibes from another movie (I won’t mention as to not spoil), and major Harry Potter vibes emanated through the pages. I think Breanne’s greatest accomplishment in her writing, though, is her ability to describe the food. In every book of hers, I find myself cravings foods I’ve never eaten before.
As mentioned previously, I thought this was a fun read and emotions hit towards the end, which upped my rating. 4⭐️ 1🌶️

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The smallest seed of hope began to bloom in her heart, and if there was one thing Eléa knew to be true, it was that even the faintest light could grow into a force strong enough to change everything. It was how they’d won at the Dark Oak, it was how they would win this. How they could finally be free of this hatred and prejudice and bigotry once and for all."

~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

"Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies" is a Romantasy novel that follows Eléa's return to her childhood home, now a mysterious Shadowcraft Academy. As she navigates her complicated past and develops her magical abilities, Eléa reconnects with old friends, meets a charming stranger (who is giving Dean Winchester vibes), and uncovers a hidden prophecy that draws her into a secret society's fight against darkness.

I appreciated the subtle spice generously sprinkled throughout, the journey of self-discovery and acceptance, but also felt the pang of sadness, along with utter shock and frustration at times. The final chapters left me speechless – I wish I'd captured my reactions.

Expect sworn enemies, witches, slow burn romance, witty banter, suspense, and surprises. Fans of 'Supernatural' and 'Fourth Wing' will love this story!

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5/5
Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies by Breanne Randall

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies takes the series in a darker, bolder direction—and I had so much fun with it.

Eléa returns to her family’s French estate only to find it transformed into Shadowcraft Academy, a shadowy graduate school run by her ruthless father. What should feel like home becomes a battleground filled with prophecy, secret societies, political power plays, and a chateau that feels almost alive.

The dark academia atmosphere is immersive and moody—eerie halls, shifting alliances, and magic that comes with a dangerous cost. The romantic tension between her stoic first love Alex and the brash, Dean-Winchester-coded Logan adds messy, heated drama (definitely not a cozy read).

While the pacing isn’t perfect, the stakes are higher, the tone is darker, and the vibes are immaculate.

If you love witches, secret societies, morally gray love interests, and dramatic prophecy chaos—this one might even outshine book one. 🖤✨

✨ Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies comes out May 26, 2026. Huge thank you to Netgally and Ballantine | Dell for my advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Abbygaily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc review

3rd person

Right out of the gate there were some hurdles. For starters, this is a proclaimed interconnected standalone but it info dumps a lot of information that is relevant to the first book and references it throughout with an assumed understanding that you know what it’s talking about. I did not read the first book and felt very confused for a while, struggling to catch up with a story I felt like I should know. Not a great start..

And ….siiiighhh ….this book felt like an amalgam of other people’s works. It just felt TOO heavily influenced by shows/movies to the point of unoriginality. Senient house (STONG encanto vibes). The entire chateau with its magical pictures and the description of the space screamed Harry Potter. Obviously supernatural/Dean which is mentioned right in the blurb—- I know other referenced the Dean issue and I saw the author replied on the matter and I do expect that to be corrected but I couldn’t look past the uncanny similarities to other works.

I personally wasn’t hooked by the romance or the plot but I know others absolutely will be and the writing is not bad at all so while I would not recommend it to my past self based on what I know about me, I know others would greatly enjoy the journey.

[Mindi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Ballentine Books, Breanne Randall, and NetGalley for an advanced eArc of Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies for an honest review.

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is the kind of book that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. Taking place 4 years after Book 1, following Eléa Deniz heading back home to the French countryside to her father and the Shadowcraft Academy. Blending mystery, magic, and adventure, the story uncovers hidden secrets, ancient curses, and a world of secret societies operating just beneath the surface of ordinary life.

One of the most exciting parts of the book is how every chapter seems to reveal a new clue or twist. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, another secret appears, keeping the reader guessing and eager to turn the page. The magical elements, especially the mysterious keys and the powerful curses, add a thrilling layer that makes the story feel both dangerous and enchanting.

The characters are easy to root for. They are brave, curious, and sometimes a little reckless, which makes their journey feel real and exciting. As they work together to solve puzzles and uncover the truth, their friendships and courage become just as important as the magic around them.

What really makes Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies shine is the atmosphere. The story feels full of hidden passages, whispered secrets, and ancient mysteries waiting to be discovered. Readers who enjoy magical adventures, clever puzzles, and secret worlds will find this book impossible to put down.

Overall, this is a fantastic read that mixes suspense, imagination, and heart. If you love stories about hidden magic, mysterious organizations, and heroes brave enough to face powerful curses, Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is a book you won’t want to miss.

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is exactly the kind of magical adventure I’ve been craving — full of intrigue, danger, and secrets that will have you gasping on every page. Breanne Randall crafts a world where nothing is as it seems, every character has hidden layers, and every choice carries weight. It’s like mystery, fantasy, and a touch of rebellion all rolled into one addictive story.

The heroine is clever, brave, and totally relatable. She’s not just reacting to chaos — she’s strategizing, surviving, and uncovering secrets in ways that make you want to cheer and clutch your heart at the same time.

The romance is slow-burning, tension-filled, and completely swoon-worthy. The love interest is mysterious, layered, and full of moral ambiguity — just the right mix of danger and desire to keep your heart racing. Their chemistry? Electric. Every interaction is charged, teasing, and unforgettable.

The plot is packed with twists, puzzles, and secret societies that keep you guessing until the very end. There’s adventure, betrayal, and that perfect balance of humor and suspense that makes it impossible to put down.

[Amber Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thank you to NetGalley for sending me this e-arc.
I do want to say that I read this book without reading the first in the series. Normally I would not do that but it was said that it wasn’t necessary and I was so excited to get the arc. While I agree that this book does well on its own and you can follow the story just fine, they do reference the previous book and what happened in it. I’m fine with going back and reading the previous book but I know not everyone is.

That all being said if you are a fan of Supernatural and The Secret Coven you are going to love this book. I was hooked from the dedication page alone then when you add in 2 hunky MMC’s, magic, and found family, it’s just a recipe for a good book. I couldn't put it down. This is a great read for someone who is just starting to read fantasy or when you want something in the fantasy genre that is not too heavy or has insane world building. I laughed, I cried a little, I yelled at the characters. Such a good time. Im a vibes reader if you can make feel all the emotions I’m going to love your book.

4 stars
I would say 2 on spice level

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eléa Deniz returns home after receiving a call from her father, her mother is dying. Once there, her father regretfully informs her, her mother has since passed. Her childhood home is now being used as a Shadowcraft Academy, where a group of young crafters are being trained. But trained for what, what is Eléa's father up to? Why is her first love, Alex, a boy she knew as kind and wanting to become a chef, working with her father? Why is Alex warning her to go home and get as far away as possible? As Eléa catches up with old friends including the estate, who has powers as well, she finds herself in the middle of a war between light and dark, not sure who to trust, can she figure it out before everything goes wrong?

This was a well written story, for those who like some magical aspects in their stories, the story reminded me of Harry Potter with an enchanted estate where the tapestries watch you. I enjoyed the characters, especially the cheeky Logan. The story flows well, with each chapter building upon the next. If you enjoyed magic, friendship, a bit of a mystery, then you'll really like this story. Thanks to Net Galley and Ballantine.

[Kaylin Kapelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew instantly this was going to be about 5 star read for me. Breanne Randall just KNOWS how to write a cozy witchy novel.
Honestly it’s a crime it’s not being published until the end of May because everyone needs to get their hands on this!!

It made me smile, feel all the feels and cry. Pause for battle scenes and anxious actions. The interesting instant love/ triangle that was pulling Elea in two different directions: this instant connection with a not know of American and her child hood best friend whom she’s always felt more for: but with a cost of him disappearing all those years ago and being so guarded she didn’t want to have to wait around for him to change his mind about letting her in again.

Family history is unwoven, new societies and witch history- tying her life in gold springs to that of her home in the French countryside. Constant Little gifts from the chateau, writing and sketching in her notebook to calm her nerves.

I couldn’t get enough and I am so thankful to have received an early copy through netgalley.

[Yessenia Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies delivers a fun, fast-paced blend of mystery, magic, and intrigue that kept me turning pages. The premise is engaging right from the start, pulling readers into a world full of hidden organizations, ancient secrets, and puzzles waiting to be unraveled.

The strongest part of the story is its atmosphere—there’s a constant sense of discovery as clues fall into place and secrets slowly surface. The magic system and lore are interesting without feeling overwhelming, and the concept of secret societies adds an exciting layer of tension and curiosity.

The characters are likable and easy to root for, though a few could have used a bit more depth or development. At times, the pacing slows slightly in the middle, but the payoff toward the end makes it worth sticking with the story.

Overall, this is a solid, entertaining read for fans of magical mysteries and hidden-world adventures. While it didn’t quite reach five-star territory for me, it’s a book I’d happily recommend—and I’d definitely pick up the next installment to see where the story goes next. 📚✨

[Emily Hourihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I like the whismical and cozy vibes. I love Eléa Deniz as the main character. I also liked the mystery of her family and not knowing what happened to her dad and Elea's relationship at the end. There was strong character development. I also loved the witches in general.. I loved the baking in the book, and how the author included the recipes. I loved the writing and thought the pacing of the story was great. I thought that Breanne Randall writing grew a ton in this book compared to the last two that the author put out. I loved how this story connected to the first one. I do think you can read it apart from each other. I loved the magic in the book.. I think that readers who loves Jennifer Chipman Spookily Yours series will love this book or readers who loves The SpellShop by Sarah Beth Durst will also love this book. Overall, a great read. I. do hope the author writes more stories. I love how fun the stories are that Breanne Randall has written. I want to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for letting me read this book early.

[Ashira Mahrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest, this book just wasn't for me.

I like the premise, but the execution just didn't hit for me. It wasn't very Dark Academia, especially since it felt like the schooling aspect got glossed over a lot. I was also unsure of how long they were at the academy, or what Eléa actually learned while there.

Some of the twists genuinely surprised me, some of them I saw coming especially since I just finished reading the first book and they were very reminiscent of the twists there.

Eléa was one of my favorite characters in the first book, but in this one she fell a little flat. Logan was fine, their chemistry was good.
Some of the side characters felt a bit... stereotypical to me.

Spoilers Ahead

For me personally, the final forgiving of Eléa's parents was the worst part. This is just me, but forgiving the parents who were complicit in abuse or directly abusive, even if there was a deeper "meaning" for why they did it just rubs me the wrong way.

Like I said, this book just wasn't for me, but I'm sure there are many people who will enjoy it.