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Bones and Shadow #1
Malcroix Bones Academy
“You should be afraid of me, mongrel. I keep telling you that.”
Malcroix Bones Academy, hallowed university for elite Magicals, just enrolled its first hybrid student in its thousand-year history, Leda Shadow. The Bones family founders also send their male heir, entitled, spoiled, irritatingly competent, deadly in the magical sparring ring, and born to preside as virtual king over the university his family founded. He’s also best friend to the first Magical Leda meets when she first arrives in Magical London.
Of course, Caelum himself despises her on sight.
But when someone tries to kill her, he learns something strange about her magic, and together they make a pact. He’ll help her stay alive, and she’ll help him with his magical “problem,” and absolutely no one will know of their arrangement. But as the year unfolds, their already-volatile relationship gets increasingly complicated.
And Caelum’s got a rep as the biggest prick in school for a reason.
For fans
~ dark academy (with adult characters!)
~ enemies to lovers
~ “Who did this to you?”
~ Touch her and die
~ forbidden love
~ found family
~ slow burn, epic romance (with lots of action!)
~ dark and light magic
~ forced proximity
~ angsty, trapped, morally grey hero
~ secret identities
~ unique world and magical system
~ plot twists, complicated political world, and big character reveals!
~ lots of arguing :)
~ dark cults and hidden enemies
Malcroix Bones Academy is book one in a new romantic fantasy series, Bones and Shadow, which takes place in a dark (magical) academy setting with all adult characters in a brand new world, filled with deadly creatures, dark sorcerers, invisible cities, ancient myths, animal gods and spirits, strange magic, and cults obsessed with wiping out the human race.
Malcroix Bones Academy, hallowed university for elite Magicals, just enrolled its first hybrid student in its thousand-year history, Leda Shadow. The Bones family founders also send their male heir, entitled, spoiled, irritatingly competent, deadly in the magical sparring ring, and born to preside as virtual king over the university his family founded. He’s also best friend to the first Magical Leda meets when she first arrives in Magical London.
Of course, Caelum himself despises her on sight.
But when someone tries to kill her, he learns something strange about her magic, and together they make a pact. He’ll help her stay alive, and she’ll help him with his magical “problem,” and absolutely no one will know of their arrangement. But as the year unfolds, their already-volatile relationship gets increasingly complicated.
And Caelum’s got a rep as the biggest prick in school for a reason.
For fans
~ dark academy (with adult characters!)
~ enemies to lovers
~ “Who did this to you?”
~ Touch her and die
~ forbidden love
~ found family
~ slow burn, epic romance (with lots of action!)
~ dark and light magic
~ forced proximity
~ angsty, trapped, morally grey hero
~ secret identities
~ unique world and magical system
~ plot twists, complicated political world, and big character reveals!
~ lots of arguing :)
~ dark cults and hidden enemies
Malcroix Bones Academy is book one in a new romantic fantasy series, Bones and Shadow, which takes place in a dark (magical) academy setting with all adult characters in a brand new world, filled with deadly creatures, dark sorcerers, invisible cities, ancient myths, animal gods and spirits, strange magic, and cults obsessed with wiping out the human race.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
61 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Jules D'Or
3 books7 followersWriter of magic, dark and light heroes, strange races, and unusual fantasy worlds, often with lots of found family. When not hanging out with her imaginary friends, can be found drinking coffee at various shops, collecting odd trinkets, and wandering foreign lands with her laptop and a camera. Resides more regularly in California at the moment, although the urge to be elsewhere remains, so it's difficult to know how long that might last, particularly in these troubled times.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 12, 2025
Every once in a while, a book sneaks up on you looking all pretty and mysterious, whispering “just one chapter” — and before you know it, you’ve lost your weekend, your sanity, and possibly your skincare routine. Malcroix Bones Academy is exactly that kind of trap, and oh, what a delicious one it is.
I’d been meaning to dive into JC Andrijeski’s work for ages, and this new series opener from "Bones and Shadow" practically screamed my name from the shelf. I’ll admit it — I fell for the cover first (don’t we all?), expecting yet another magical academy full of overused tropes and recycled plotlines. But within a handful of lines, BAM! You’re hit by the narrative equivalent of a freight train — emotion, atmosphere, and sensory overload done right.
The writing is so vivid it practically breathes — you see the flicker of lights, smell the dust and danger in the air, and feel the pulse of every chaotic heartbeat alongside Leda, our whip-smart and delightfully sassy heroine. She’s not just the main character; she’s the kind of woman who could probably set the world on fire just to make a point (and we’d all hand her the matches).
Her ragtag group of friends are charmingly chaotic and deserve spin-offs of their own, and then there’s Caelum — our enigmatic, layered anti-hero who makes you want to psychoanalyze him and write him love letters. He’s complicated, dangerous, magnetic — in short, exactly the kind of man your therapist warned you about.
The plot? A rollercoaster of secrets, tension, and revelations that hit like emotional grenades. And just when you think you’ve pieced it all together — bam — a jaw-dropping WTF moment that flips everything upside down and leaves you gasping for air.
And the ending? Oh, the cliffhanger. That cruel, beautiful betrayal that makes you stare at the last page like it personally offended you. I closed the book somewhere between awe and despair, already calculating the days until the sequel drops.
Verdict:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Unputdownable, exquisitely written, and emotionally lethal.
If you like your fantasy dark, your romance dangerous, and your heart in shambles, welcome to Malcroix Bones Academy. Class is officially in session.
I’d been meaning to dive into JC Andrijeski’s work for ages, and this new series opener from "Bones and Shadow" practically screamed my name from the shelf. I’ll admit it — I fell for the cover first (don’t we all?), expecting yet another magical academy full of overused tropes and recycled plotlines. But within a handful of lines, BAM! You’re hit by the narrative equivalent of a freight train — emotion, atmosphere, and sensory overload done right.
The writing is so vivid it practically breathes — you see the flicker of lights, smell the dust and danger in the air, and feel the pulse of every chaotic heartbeat alongside Leda, our whip-smart and delightfully sassy heroine. She’s not just the main character; she’s the kind of woman who could probably set the world on fire just to make a point (and we’d all hand her the matches).
Her ragtag group of friends are charmingly chaotic and deserve spin-offs of their own, and then there’s Caelum — our enigmatic, layered anti-hero who makes you want to psychoanalyze him and write him love letters. He’s complicated, dangerous, magnetic — in short, exactly the kind of man your therapist warned you about.
The plot? A rollercoaster of secrets, tension, and revelations that hit like emotional grenades. And just when you think you’ve pieced it all together — bam — a jaw-dropping WTF moment that flips everything upside down and leaves you gasping for air.
And the ending? Oh, the cliffhanger. That cruel, beautiful betrayal that makes you stare at the last page like it personally offended you. I closed the book somewhere between awe and despair, already calculating the days until the sequel drops.
Verdict:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Unputdownable, exquisitely written, and emotionally lethal.
If you like your fantasy dark, your romance dangerous, and your heart in shambles, welcome to Malcroix Bones Academy. Class is officially in session.
November 2, 2025
Wow! A stunner of a new series from JCAndrijeski/ Jules D'Or (new pen name)
Malcroix Bones Academy: A Romantic Dark Magical Fantasy (Book 1) is a compelling introduction to a new series. It took me a while to start reading it after I downloaded it. Now I know why. Her books create such irresistible new worlds. The two main characters, Leda Shadow and Caelum Bones, draw you into the story. I want the next book now!
The world she creates seems like a grown up, scarier Harry Potter, but more intense. That's not a good enough description, but the best I could come up with that people could relate to. There's mystery, murder, magic, and friends.
Leda is pulled into this world at age 19 and begins to learn as much as she can. Caelum seems like an arrogant enemy, but she's drawn to him in a way she doesn't understand. She makes new friends, but isn't sure who she can trust.
Although the Amazon listing says 1st of 2 books in series, I could see this developing into a much longer series. And I CANNOT wait for the next book!
Malcroix Bones Academy: A Romantic Dark Magical Fantasy (Book 1) is a compelling introduction to a new series. It took me a while to start reading it after I downloaded it. Now I know why. Her books create such irresistible new worlds. The two main characters, Leda Shadow and Caelum Bones, draw you into the story. I want the next book now!
The world she creates seems like a grown up, scarier Harry Potter, but more intense. That's not a good enough description, but the best I could come up with that people could relate to. There's mystery, murder, magic, and friends.
Leda is pulled into this world at age 19 and begins to learn as much as she can. Caelum seems like an arrogant enemy, but she's drawn to him in a way she doesn't understand. She makes new friends, but isn't sure who she can trust.
Although the Amazon listing says 1st of 2 books in series, I could see this developing into a much longer series. And I CANNOT wait for the next book!
October 12, 2025
An intriguing start to getting to know a parallel world to the one we live in and think we know. But do we really? Some books can convince you that magic exists, that there's this mysteriously elusive veil hiding it from our mundane eyes. If it does, it could be everywhere, a hidden potential within ourselves that some know about, some find out - and many don't and never will.
I find it completely believable that such a world would be still shaped out like ours - full of prejudice, entitlement, rigid inherited bias and a balance between good and evil. Alas, some things are not always as they seem, and judging people by their image might be your own peril.
The writing is really evocative and poignant, the plot twists and turns at a fast pace and the characters are complex and interesting. I am really impatient to read the next book in the series!
I find it completely believable that such a world would be still shaped out like ours - full of prejudice, entitlement, rigid inherited bias and a balance between good and evil. Alas, some things are not always as they seem, and judging people by their image might be your own peril.
The writing is really evocative and poignant, the plot twists and turns at a fast pace and the characters are complex and interesting. I am really impatient to read the next book in the series!
October 13, 2025
This book is the first in a brand new series. It is a bit different for this author and I found myself so engrossed I couldn’t put it down. I love her other books under a different pen name and the Quentin Black has always been my favorite, until now. I think this series is going to give it a run for its money.
It’s the perfect take on a magic school, especially when you never knew magic existed. The world building is amazing and I loved all the characters, even the grumpy “hero”. Leda and the friends she made are fun and had a lot of character.
I’m looking forward to the developing relationship between Leda and the bad boy, who is from the family who owns the school, and finding out more about her parents death. I’m also curious about Leda’s brother and what will happen to him.
I voluntarily reviewed the book.
It’s the perfect take on a magic school, especially when you never knew magic existed. The world building is amazing and I loved all the characters, even the grumpy “hero”. Leda and the friends she made are fun and had a lot of character.
I’m looking forward to the developing relationship between Leda and the bad boy, who is from the family who owns the school, and finding out more about her parents death. I’m also curious about Leda’s brother and what will happen to him.
I voluntarily reviewed the book.
October 11, 2025
4.5 stars
Woooo I am SO excited for this.
I love JC’s writing. Love, love, love!
This one really feels more like a prologue, to set the context and the world building etc. But already the characters feel so real and familiar. I can’t wait to see how the relationship between Caelum (the name!!! IYKYK) and Leda develops.
I would also really love to see more of Leda’s brother. My heart really breaks for him… I can’t imagine waking up and your sister (who basically raised you) is suddenly gone. I hope Leda fights for him a bit more in the sequel. As an older sister, I know I would ;)
Otherwise, the set-up here was incredible and I’m really dying to continue.
Here’s to seeing bloodthirsty “my wife” Caelum (hopefully) next!!
***ARC Received in Exchange for Honest Review***
Woooo I am SO excited for this.
I love JC’s writing. Love, love, love!
This one really feels more like a prologue, to set the context and the world building etc. But already the characters feel so real and familiar. I can’t wait to see how the relationship between Caelum (the name!!! IYKYK) and Leda develops.
I would also really love to see more of Leda’s brother. My heart really breaks for him… I can’t imagine waking up and your sister (who basically raised you) is suddenly gone. I hope Leda fights for him a bit more in the sequel. As an older sister, I know I would ;)
Otherwise, the set-up here was incredible and I’m really dying to continue.
Here’s to seeing bloodthirsty “my wife” Caelum (hopefully) next!!
***ARC Received in Exchange for Honest Review***
October 16, 2025
The second book in this new series can not come out fast enough! Malcroix Bones Academy Is amazing! Great characters, lots of action, plenty of snarky dialogue, and a new world to explore. Oh, and romance, secrets a plenty, fights. Did I mention that I really liked this book? There is too much going on to even give a synopsis. And I don't do spoilers. You are just going to have to read this book yourself and then wait eagerly for book 2!
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
October 28, 2025
This was completely Unputdownable! First book in a new series with a fmc that’s strong and relatable as she finds herself forced into a world of magic, dark secrets and mystery. Leda Shadow is a half-Magical hybrid and is sent to Malcroix Bones Academy, a place brimming with both light and dark magic, power and wealth. Incredible world building draws you in and the intriguing storyline holds you captivated from start to finish. I cannot wait to read more.
November 29, 2025
Avid Reader
This book is one of the best I’ve read in a very long time and I read a lot! (Over 130 books per year). This author is very imaginative. The story hold your attention through to the end. I actually tried to slow down my reading speed so I could savor the story longer. It’s going to be hard wait for the next book in the series.
This book is one of the best I’ve read in a very long time and I read a lot! (Over 130 books per year). This author is very imaginative. The story hold your attention through to the end. I actually tried to slow down my reading speed so I could savor the story longer. It’s going to be hard wait for the next book in the series.
November 20, 2025
What an amazing story
Her life isn't really what she thought it was. And the death of her parents also started the process of making her whole world going sideways. Then people are not what she's like to have learned about either. Life took a left tun? Maybe alot of lefts..
Her life isn't really what she thought it was. And the death of her parents also started the process of making her whole world going sideways. Then people are not what she's like to have learned about either. Life took a left tun? Maybe alot of lefts..
December 25, 2025
Great story with a spicy slow burn
Loved this. Loved the plot and the characters and the story building. Normally not a fan of books that cliff hang but am very much looking forward to the next book.
Loved this. Loved the plot and the characters and the story building. Normally not a fan of books that cliff hang but am very much looking forward to the next book.
November 30, 2025
Absolutely fantastic beginning to a new series that I hope will continue for a long time to come. Loved the characters, and the magic. Congratulations to this outstanding author.
January 29, 2026
I loved this book and these characters. I thought the world building was great, character arcs were great, and the plot was exciting and gripping. I’m so invested in Bones and Shadow it’s embarrassing. 4 stars because I felt like the end was confusing and didn’t make as much sense as it could have.
January 8, 2026
This book was a absolute surprise. I walked into it blind and came out of it needing more. It’s a book that I continually think about it. I’ve had a kindle subscription for a couple of years and very very rarely finish a book on it. (I’m an audio girl) it’s got that mystique and political drama. Enemies to lovers and I’m excited to see how the series concludes. Top read for 2025
January 28, 2026
4.5
Omg that was so good! I loved it I’m so excited for book 2. The reason it’s 4.5 is only because I struggled to understand some things and it may have been just a me thing but overall that was so good and my god that ending! Jeez I’m dying here I need book 2 now!
Omg that was so good! I loved it I’m so excited for book 2. The reason it’s 4.5 is only because I struggled to understand some things and it may have been just a me thing but overall that was so good and my god that ending! Jeez I’m dying here I need book 2 now!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews