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, Romantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Romance, Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

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

[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!

[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.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean Winchester fans: this one’s for you. The follow up to Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, this story is everything you want from a dark academia romantic fantasy. Although you don’t have to read book one before reading this book, I found that it provided a lot of context as there was some overlap and background info that is necessary to understand the bigger plot.

Eléa gets her own story this time, and it’s all about reclaiming and stepping into your power. This book is told solely from her POV, and the progression is amazing. In this story you get not one, but two love interests: one of them is the essence of Dean Winchester from Supernatural, and the other is broody and tortured. So, you know: win-win. And the resolution is the only way I will accept a love triangle from now on (no spoilers).

One of my favorite aspects of this story was the chateau itself. It is enchanted to provide whatever the inhabitants need, and offers Eléa everything she should have (whether she wants it or not). I, too, would love to be given endless tea and croissants. Basically, this house is the most comforting sprinkle of magic in this story.

The rest of the book is fraught with dark magic, hidden machinations, and a gauntlet of dangerous school mandated activities. I really enjoyed trying to figure out what was really going on behind the scenes, and the reveals were done in a way that was shocking but made sense. Highly recommend this one, especially if you enjoyed the first book!

“You think you’re funny, don’t you?” she said, but her smile belied her words.
“Oh, I think I’m adorable,” he said with a wink.

Curses, Key, and Secret Societies releases on May 26, 2026. Thank you Dell (via Netgalley widget) for gifting me with an eARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

[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.

[Sarah Medeiros · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I wanted to read this one because there was heavy marketing on a Dean Winchester-inspired MMC and I will say, if you’re a fan of Supernatural and Dean, you’ll get a lot of little winks that are fun to find.

This is book 2 in a series of interconnected standalones. I haven’t read book 1, so I expected to be a little like a fish out of water at the start (and I was) but you can eventually infer all of the information that I assume you had as groundwork in book 1.

The magic system is cool and there’s a sentient castle- and I’m always a sucker for a sentient castle. There’s just something about thinking, I could use a snack and voilà, a croissant appears. Perfect.

Overall, the story had potential, but fell a bit flat for me. I like that we are experiencing the magical world that exists in our modern day world, but sometimes the pop culture references and slang pulled me out of the story.

I do think if you’re looking for whimsy in a dark academia setting with a few twists and turns that you’ll enjoy yourself. Particularly if you read and loved book 1.


Thank you to Dell for the early copy!

[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.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

This was fun! It was witchy, magical, cozy, had secret societies and their drama, and some fun characters. I am always down for some sassy and fun characters!

I think a lot of people will have a lot of fun with this book.

(And it is a part of an interconnected standalone series, so you can read these books in whatever order. I read this one first and I didn't feel like I was missing massive amounts of information. If anything, I felt like I needed more of an intro to some things, but I feel like I caught on pretty quick. I didn't feel like it took me out of the story or anything like that.)

Some moments and plot points did feel a bit rushed and forced. I think it had to do with the set up of those situations.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[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

[Meghan M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited to read and review an ARC of this bock via NetGalley and was incredibly excited to have been chosen!

Overall, Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is a witchy, academia book with dark vibes and plot twists while remaining emotionally grounded and meaningful. The entire cast of characters are strong and interesting and I loved getting to know them and going on this adventure with them, especially the main character. I enjoy reading stories where “strong female lead” doesn’t mean “unfeeling or rigid”. Elea expresses her emotions and understands they are her strength, and her friends and loved ones encourage her and each other to do the same. And how could I not love the Dean Winchester inspired MMC?

I will admit that pacing felt a bit off at times with some things feeling rather sudden or dragging on, but that didn’t deter me at any point or make me want to stop because the overall story and characters kept me engaged. It took me a bit to get into the story, but when it hit its stride, I was hooked and was racing to see what would happen next!

[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.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breanne Randall’s Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies did not gently invite me in—it grabbed me by the collar, whispered something ominous about destiny, and then shoved me headfirst into a world where nothing feels safe, not even your own magic. Ballantine | Dell, thank you for the gifted ARC via NetGalley, because this book didn’t just live rent-free in my head—it redecorated, lit candles, and started a secret society while it was there.

This is one of those stories that feels like stepping into a place that already knows you. Eléa Deniz returns to her family estate expecting ghosts of the past… and instead finds an entire magical academy pulsing with secrets, ambition, and the kind of tension that makes every conversation feel like a test you didn’t study for. Her father as the cold, calculating headmaster? Unsettling in the best way. The prophecy tied to her magic? Even worse—because it doesn’t just threaten the world, it threatens who she’s allowed to be.

And Eléa herself? She’s not your polished, all-powerful heroine. She’s layered, grieving, angry, hopeful—trying to piece herself back together while everyone around her seems determined to decide her fate for her. Watching her navigate this world felt deeply personal, like witnessing someone learn how to take up space again after being told they shouldn’t.

Now let’s talk about the emotional chaos agents: Alex and Logan. Alex is the quiet storm—the first love who never really left, wrapped in tension and secrets that feel just as dangerous as the magic surrounding them. And Logan? Oh, Logan is the reckless, sharp-tongued, unexpectedly soft place to land that you absolutely did not plan on needing. The push and pull between them isn’t just romantic—it mirrors Eléa’s internal battle between who she was and who she’s becoming. It’s messy. It’s complicated. It works.

“Some doors don’t open… they demand to be broken.”

Yeah. That line? I had to put the book down and stare at a wall for a second because it hit a little too hard.

The vibe here is immaculate—dark academia with a witchy edge, secret societies lurking behind every corner, a sentient-feeling estate that practically breathes alongside the characters. But what elevates this beyond aesthetic is the emotional core. This story digs into power—who gets to have it, who controls it, and what it costs to claim it for yourself. It’s about unlearning fear, challenging legacy, and realizing that destiny isn’t always something you accept… sometimes it’s something you rewrite.

And listen, if you’re here for plot twists? This book said “hold my potion.” Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, something shifted—alliances, motivations, truths—and suddenly I was questioning everything. It’s that delicious kind of tension where you don’t trust anyone, but you’re too invested to look away.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Five stars, easily. This is for the readers who crave magic with weight, romance with emotional consequences, and stories that feel like a slow unraveling of both secrets and self. If you love witchy dark academia, morally gray characters, found family, and a love triangle that actually makes you feel something instead of rolling your eyes… welcome to your next obsession.

So tell me—are you choosing the past with Alex, the spark with Logan… or burning the whole system down and choosing yourself like Eléa? 👀

#CursesKeysandSecretSocieties #BreanneRandall #DarkAcademia #WitchyReads #Romantasy #FantasyBooks #NetGalleyReads #BallantineBooks #BookReview #CozyFantasy #MagicAcademy #SecretSocietyVibes #BookstagramReads

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley & Dell/Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Genres, settings, categories, themes: dark academia, fantasy, romance (M/F), witches, magic, curse, wraiths, magical academy, found family, France

💗 Tropes: 💗
> Chosen One
> Forbidden Romance
> Forced Proximity
> Hurt/Comfort
> Love Triangle
> Shared Past / (Former) Friends to Lovers
> Two Person Love Triangle
all about tropes here

Series/Sequencing Style: 2nd in a duology–standalones set in the same world; can read as a standalone, but 1st book would provide more background

Format: ebook (e-ARC)

🔽🔽🔽

Overall ratings

Heat level: 🌶 3/5 spicy seduction 🌶
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)

~ Heroine/FMC (Eléa) ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Plot ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ Pacing ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 there were parts that felt rushed

~ Romance ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗

~ World building ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 The world building was a bit odd, because it did feel like I was missing a few things, especially around the 15-20% mark. But also, it's the 2nd book, where some of the world & background was established in the 1st book. They are different plots & different couples, so they're standalones in the same world, not a duology that *has* to be read in order, but perhaps the 1st gave better context.

~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 2.5
~ Diversity & representation: French-Turkish FMC, trans character, plenty of diverse characters
~ Angst level: 3/5
~ Sadness level: 2/5

🔽🔽🔽

📝 Review/Notes 📝

I had a lot of fun with this one! I think it would have helped to have read the first book, but that plot and couple didn’t appeal to me as much as this one. That meant there were a few bits I struggled with, primarily around 15% into the book, but I caught on with the rest as we went along.

There’s a great cast of characters, and I’ll probably read pretty much anything set in a magical academy. Some of the plot felt a little rushed, kind of like *Oh! Okay, we are moving right ahead there*, so it could have been built out a bit more in some places. But that being said, it was enjoyable and the love story is cute + longing + steamy.

I did have a feeling early on that Logan and Alex would end up being the same person, but I’m definitely okay with that, because I would have been possibly frustrated with the love triangle otherwise. Logan was so obviously great, but I kept being like *but wait, Alex, your first love, he’s still in there!* haha so I mean that worked out exactly how I wanted.

Personally, I liked how everything was so perfectly tied up with the HEA, but some readers might find it a little bit cheesy or overly convenient perhaps. But it’s what I want in my stories.

🔽🔽🔽

🤠 Recommended for: romantasy readers who like a magical academy setting and want everything neatly tied up in the end

[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.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets a 3.5 stars from me

I was reading some reviews and people were saying that they were confused with some parts and that you need to read the first book. While it would help to read the first book, it is not necessary as the important aspects repeat themselves in the book so that you are able to follow along.

This is the story of our MFC who has a tragic upbringing and a protective brother who tries to save her. She ends up going to her father's school to learn how to use her magic after being "saved" in book 1. She meets some new friends and joins old friends. As the story progresses, you learn more about the curse and who is working to try and end this curse vs who wants to keep it in order to have more power. There is some spicy spice but it isn't until later on in the book.

If you want more of a school setting with mystery and trying to break a curse, then this can be your book.

Here is the reason why I rated this as I did. Sometimes I felt like the book was written by different people as the 3rd person. At some points it will use She/He/They and then use names. At times it was confusing on which person was "talking"when using pronouns vs names. Some chapters are fantastic and kept me engaged while others I struggled to get through. I had originally started this book 2 times prior to just sitting down and reading it this time. The first few chapters were slow and then it started to get interesting. Around chapter 7 or 8 is where I believe the struggle with me started back up again with the 3rd person writing style. And it seemed like the book was switching to POV vs 3rd person and I think that was also part of the issue. Some other things that could have helped is with certain battles, it seemed to go fast while taking classes or doing things around the school took full chapters. I think the school aspect could have been streamlined and the battle scenes extended. Also when it came to the final battle, I didn't feel as invested in some of the characters as I felt could have been completed. For example, there was a death of a character, there could have been a lot more emotions leading up to this to make us emotional wrecked.

Overall, the last 20% had me engaged the most but there was a lot of times I was struggle bussing to finish. If you like the 3rd person where it jumps, then you will enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for selecting me to review this ARC.

[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

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies was an enjoyable improvement on the first installment! I loved exploring more of Eléa's life and personal journey going forward from Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things. I also loved Eléa's sketching abilities! The reveal of her being the key and potential healer to the Great Rift through light- and shadowcraft was intriguing! I appreciated how this book built on and addressed the divide between Light- and Shadowcrafters. I also continue to appreciate Breanne's intentional inclusivity in her writing. I really liked both Alex and Logan, and the descriptions of both their sexy moments with Eléa were better than the last book's between Calliope and Lucien.

I was reminded of multiple other stories while reading, such as ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, a little bit of Encanto (the château), and a little bit of Dune by the end ("your birth was orchestrated by me"). The references to SPN were highly amusing and greatly appreciated as well! Dean's obsession with pie ties in so well with Breanne Randall's delicious food descriptions and lovely recipes. One comparison that occurred to me in a surprising way was The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward, especially one character's experience with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), which in this book I fear was handled a little too lightly ("a trauma response" is the closest explanation we receive) and used primarily as a hinge for a final plot point. I just read The Last House on Needless Street before this book, so this condition was freshly on my mind, as well as concerns with how it is portrayed accurately and respectfully in media. I completely understand how this condition created the perfect Dean-like combination character out of a previous love triangle, but it did feel a little off-putting how shockingly it was introduced and then conveniently used directly after.

I'm still interested to read what comes next from Breanne Randall! Thank you so much to her and her team, Megan Whalen at Penguin Random House, Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and honestly review this eARC!

[April Haas · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨️ I received an ARC of this ebook from Netgalley ✨️

I have not read the first book in this series: Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things. (I love being able to dive into a series of interconnected stand-alones blind, in the middle, and to see whether they really do feel like they can stand on their own without having read the others.)

This one does. While the events of the first book are relevant to this story, they're explained well enough that I didn't feel confused or like I was missing necessary context. I also wouldn't say that the entire first book has been "spoiled" for me either, by what was referenced here.

I was drawn in by the premise, of Eléa entering her father's magical academy to uncover his secrets and to connect with her own power. Of a witchcraft that had once been whole, now split into light and shadow.

But then we met Logan Carter. For me, he was distracting because of how much he felt like a "copy + paste" of Dean Winchester rather than being "inspired by," the character. I don't even know SPN that well, and I felt like it was heavy-handed. (I did see the author respond to another reviewer who mentioned this, stating the draft sent out for ARCs has been changed since.)

I was more invested in the magical plot line than the romance, personally, and I felt they were both given appropriate page time in the story.

There's a reveal around chapter 30, about a connection between Alex, Eléa's childhood crush and one of her love interests, and Logan the American who is her other love interest. I think it's intended to feel like a resolution for her conflicted feelings toward the two of them. And for many readers, it may feel like just that. But I found it kind of...deflating, like it undercut the romance that had been built up rather than solidifying it. This is absolutely a subjective thing, where some readers will adore it.

Overall, I liked this but didn't love it like I was expecting I would.

[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.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something deliciously irresistible about a story that opens its doors with a shiver of prophecy and a girl returning to a home that no longer feels like hers. Curses, Keys and Secrets leans into that tension beautifully, weaving a tale that feels both intimate and sweeping, like stepping into a corridor where every shadow is watching and every choice hums with consequence.

Eléa is the kind of heroine I fall for quickly — wary, wounded, and quietly powerful, carrying a secret that could crack her world open. Her return to the French countryside should have been a homecoming, but instead she finds her family estate transformed into Shadowcraft Academy, a place where ambition, danger, and old magic coil tightly together. The atmosphere is wonderfully thick: secret societies, whispered prophecies, and a headmaster father whose motives are as sharp as they are unreadable.

The romantic tension is threaded with just the right amount of ache. Alex, the first love with storm‑cloud loyalties, and Logan, all irreverent charm and unexpected clarity, pull Eléa in different emotional directions — not just romantically, but in who she might become. It’s less a love triangle and more a crossroads, and that nuance gives the story a lovely emotional weight.

What I enjoyed most is how the book balances its darker edges with a sense of discovery. The magic feels lived‑in, the stakes feel personal, and Eléa’s journey toward claiming her power is paced with care. There’s a constant hum of “something is coming,” and the book never lets you forget that destiny isn’t always a gift — sometimes it’s a price.

Shadowcraft Academy is a world I’d happily wander again: secretive, dangerous, and full of the kind of slow‑burn intrigue that keeps you reading long after you meant to stop.

With thanks to Breanne Randall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Amelia Medeiros · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give a huge thank you to NetGalley, Dell/Random House Publishing Group, and Breanne Randall for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies is my favorite Breanne Randall book that I’ve read so far! I was immediately intrigued by the promise of a MMC with Dean Winchester vibes—and as a longtime fan of Supernatural, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

This was such a fun, magical ride. I loved the blend of elite academia, curses, witchcraft, and a touch of love triangle drama. The plot twists genuinely surprised me (which is rare!), and the slow unraveling of secrets kept me hooked throughout, even if the pacing lingered a bit in places.
The FMC was another highlight for me. As her magic unfolded, she remained grounded and rational, which made her growth feel natural and engaging. I really enjoyed getting to know her and watching her come into her own.

Where this one became a bit tricky for me was with the MMC, Logan. While he absolutely delivered on those Dean Winchester vibes, there were moments where it felt a little too on the nose. Some lines felt very reminiscent of things I’ve heard Dean say before, which pulled me out of the story at times and gave it a slightly fanfiction-like feel. Because of that, I found myself a bit conflicted about the romance—I enjoyed the chemistry and the spice, but something about it didn’t fully click for me.
There were also a couple of smaller moments (like a reference to “aura points”) that took me out of the story more than I would have liked.

Overall, this is a great pick if you love dark/elite academia with magic, found family, layered secrets, and a romance woven through it all. It had a lot of elements I really enjoy, and while I didn’t completely love it, it was a lot of fun and I can absolutely see it working for the right reader.

[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.

[Fiorella Bickish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was such a fun follow-up. It has all the elements I tend to gravitate toward, including witchy vibes, secret societies, layered relationships, and a cast of characters that each bring their own personality to the story. Jumping back into this world after the first book felt really easy and familiar in a good way.

The character dynamics and banter were definitely a highlight for me. There were quite a few moments that made me smile, and I enjoyed seeing how relationships continued to evolve. That said, I did find myself wanting just a bit more emotional depth in certain areas. Some relationships and key moments had a lot of potential, but a few felt slightly rushed, which made the impact a little softer than I expected.

The plot kept me engaged and had some interesting twists that added to the story. The pacing, however, felt a little uneven at times. Some important moments moved quickly, while others slowed things down more than necessary.

This was still a really enjoyable read, especially if you liked the first book. It did not fully hit the emotional depth or pacing I was hoping for, but I had a great time with it and would definitely continue the series.

Also I will always love when a book has recipes in the end. I will absolutely be making them!

Thank you to Dell/Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'll preface this review by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things after not really enjoying Breanne's first book (everyone is allowed a first pancake). So, I was excited to go back to this world, the characters I fell in love with and the small town charm.

The fact that this story didn't follow the sisters from SSaFT and wasn't set in the same town did throw me a little bit but I was glad to find out more about Elea. I also ended up loving that we got to meet new characters and found out more about the other brand of magic in the world.

Things get a little bit darker in this book as Elea has been through it and is still dealing with a lot. I did feel that too much time was given to her moping about than it was giving more information on the secret society and what they were up to, which was a shame and also made Elea seem younger than she should be.

However, I loved the twists and turns and genuinely didn't see them coming. I knew other things were going on but didn't expect the different reveals. It made them so much more impactful and emotional.

There is an element of instalove, which I typically hate, but this is explained so well and does genuinely work. It's also not creepy at all like it can be in so many books.

I really want more from all of these characters so I hope this isn't the end of stories from this world.