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Darkbirch Academy #3
Darkbirch Academy 3: Fire and Shadows
Esme escaped the dragon realm of Draethys with her life—barely. A king is dead. A usurper has taken the throne. And an army beneath the earth is preparing to rise.
But the worst thing Esme brings home isn’t the news.
It’s Dayn Draxion—an exiled dragon king with molten-gold eyes, a talent for making decisions for her, and a bond that won’t stop tightening around her...
But Esme was trained to be a weapon. Not a bride.
Darkbirch wants her to shoulder the cost of survival through the treacherous Ide Trials. Dayn wants to stop the war before it starts.
And the dead keep whispering the same thing:
Only you two together can prevent what’s coming.
Complete your union...
But the worst thing Esme brings home isn’t the news.
It’s Dayn Draxion—an exiled dragon king with molten-gold eyes, a talent for making decisions for her, and a bond that won’t stop tightening around her...
But Esme was trained to be a weapon. Not a bride.
Darkbirch wants her to shoulder the cost of survival through the treacherous Ide Trials. Dayn wants to stop the war before it starts.
And the dead keep whispering the same thing:
Only you two together can prevent what’s coming.
Complete your union...
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
294 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 18, 2026
This series had me in a chokehold. Absolutely loved it!
Fire and Shadows just took EVERYTHING I loved about this series and set it on fire—in the best way possible.
Esme is DONE playing nice. She’s survived dragons, betrayal, and literal death whispers… and now she’s walking straight into war like the weapon she was trained to be. And Dayn??? Don’t even get me started. That man went from morally gray to full-on “I would burn the world for you” energy.
Fire and Shadows just took EVERYTHING I loved about this series and set it on fire—in the best way possible.
Esme is DONE playing nice. She’s survived dragons, betrayal, and literal death whispers… and now she’s walking straight into war like the weapon she was trained to be. And Dayn??? Don’t even get me started. That man went from morally gray to full-on “I would burn the world for you” energy.
March 24, 2026
3.75✨ each book gets better. Is it a literary masterpiece? No, however it is a short, fun read.
January 18, 2026
I enjoyed this book. I would have loved to see a bit more interaction and depth between the main characters tho.
January 14, 2026
THESE BOOKS ARE TOO SHORT!!!
February 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finally. Book three delivers the enemies-to-lovers tension I’ve been waiting for between Esme and Dayn, and while it’s only a taste, it’s absolutely enough to hook you and leave you wanting more. The slow burn finally starts to spark, and the payoff feels earned without rushing what’s clearly meant to be a longer arc.
The story continues to dig into the core conflicts of the series, and what I really loved here is how unpredictable everything feels. Just when you think you understand the direction things are heading, the plot shifts in a way that keeps you guessing. There’s no hand-holding, and I genuinely couldn’t foresee what was coming next, which made this book hard to put down.
With the war finally reaching Darkbirch, the stakes feel higher than ever. There’s plenty of dragon action, tension, and momentum, and the pacing does not slow down for a second. That said, I did find myself wishing we spent more time developing some of the secondary characters, especially Brynn and Chad, whose stories still feel underexplored at this stage. I’m hopeful (and expecting) that future installments will give them more depth.
One small point of confusion for me was the limited focus on the Clearbloods in this book. While they’re present in key moments, their movements and involvement weren’t always clearly explained, which left me with a few questions.
Overall, Fire & Shadows is captivating, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. Book three proves there’s still so much story left to tell, and the series continues to build in a way that feels intentional and addictive. I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book, I need to see where this all goes.
Sonya
BookBound and Blushed
Finally. Book three delivers the enemies-to-lovers tension I’ve been waiting for between Esme and Dayn, and while it’s only a taste, it’s absolutely enough to hook you and leave you wanting more. The slow burn finally starts to spark, and the payoff feels earned without rushing what’s clearly meant to be a longer arc.
The story continues to dig into the core conflicts of the series, and what I really loved here is how unpredictable everything feels. Just when you think you understand the direction things are heading, the plot shifts in a way that keeps you guessing. There’s no hand-holding, and I genuinely couldn’t foresee what was coming next, which made this book hard to put down.
With the war finally reaching Darkbirch, the stakes feel higher than ever. There’s plenty of dragon action, tension, and momentum, and the pacing does not slow down for a second. That said, I did find myself wishing we spent more time developing some of the secondary characters, especially Brynn and Chad, whose stories still feel underexplored at this stage. I’m hopeful (and expecting) that future installments will give them more depth.
One small point of confusion for me was the limited focus on the Clearbloods in this book. While they’re present in key moments, their movements and involvement weren’t always clearly explained, which left me with a few questions.
Overall, Fire & Shadows is captivating, fast-paced, and emotionally charged. Book three proves there’s still so much story left to tell, and the series continues to build in a way that feels intentional and addictive. I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book, I need to see where this all goes.
Sonya
BookBound and Blushed
February 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️
THAT ENDING??? That’s where this book ends?? You’re lying! That is some Fourth Wing level cliffhanger and I love it!!! Book 4 releases June 30th and I already got a reminder set.
I am utterly captivated by this series. TRUE slow burn as it is now book 3 and very minimal spice. I absolutely love this buildup and explosive tension. I don’t even know where to start with this series when describing it because there is just so much jam packed in here. Dayn is absolutely breaking my heart because you can tell he craves more but Esme is a trained machine…she is feeling ✨things✨ for the first time. Everything she has been taught her entire life is going up in smoke and the lies are being brought to light. Can’t blame a girl for being a bit resistant to kisses and cuddles.
This is such a profound series because it truly shows how generational wars are so damaging. No one even knows why they’re fighting anymore but they just know they’re supposed to hate everyone. Brynn and Chad are excellent additions to this series and really add some comedic banter to this dark world. I am dying to continue this series, but I guess I’ll have to wait unfortunately and ride another high of an epic cliffhanger.
#darkbirchacademy #kristagraves #fantasyromance #darkfantasy
THAT ENDING??? That’s where this book ends?? You’re lying! That is some Fourth Wing level cliffhanger and I love it!!! Book 4 releases June 30th and I already got a reminder set.
I am utterly captivated by this series. TRUE slow burn as it is now book 3 and very minimal spice. I absolutely love this buildup and explosive tension. I don’t even know where to start with this series when describing it because there is just so much jam packed in here. Dayn is absolutely breaking my heart because you can tell he craves more but Esme is a trained machine…she is feeling ✨things✨ for the first time. Everything she has been taught her entire life is going up in smoke and the lies are being brought to light. Can’t blame a girl for being a bit resistant to kisses and cuddles.
This is such a profound series because it truly shows how generational wars are so damaging. No one even knows why they’re fighting anymore but they just know they’re supposed to hate everyone. Brynn and Chad are excellent additions to this series and really add some comedic banter to this dark world. I am dying to continue this series, but I guess I’ll have to wait unfortunately and ride another high of an epic cliffhanger.
#darkbirchacademy #kristagraves #fantasyromance #darkfantasy
February 21, 2026
These books!!!! The endings always come out of no where lol I swear they are too short!!!
Ahhhhh the enemies finally become lovers and yes I did do a happy dance in my kitchen!!!
Krista knows how to do a slow burn people!!!
I love how the multiple POVs helps keep the plot moving and shifting so you never slow down! This series is so unpredictable and I freaking love it! I am on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! Just when I think I have something figured out, something else happens to blow my mind!!
I was completely captivated throughout the entire book and once again this series proves to be a top contender!! I am forever obsessed!!!
Ahhhhh the enemies finally become lovers and yes I did do a happy dance in my kitchen!!!
Krista knows how to do a slow burn people!!!
I love how the multiple POVs helps keep the plot moving and shifting so you never slow down! This series is so unpredictable and I freaking love it! I am on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! Just when I think I have something figured out, something else happens to blow my mind!!
I was completely captivated throughout the entire book and once again this series proves to be a top contender!! I am forever obsessed!!!
Did Not Finish
February 2, 2026DNF
March 3, 2026
This gave me absolutely nothing. Eye roll
March 7, 2026
4.5 stars! Absolutely loving this series and I can’t wait for book 4!
March 7, 2026
I’ve never hated a grandma so bad in my life. June cannot get here any slower I need the next book now.
February 6, 2026
5⭐️ WHAT A BOOK WHAT A SERIESSS !!!! I don't know how I'm going to live with myself until JUNE 💔💔 I NEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE YESTERDAY 💔
March 9, 2026
3.5 Star... will round to 4 because of Dayn (85%) and Brynn and Chad.
There was a LOT of action here and even more truths coming to light, and more lies as well.
Esme…. No… I never warmed up to her and I never really liked her. There’s a limit to blindness because of your pride, in listening to everyone who is telling you what to do instead of thinking for yourself, instead of believing in people who are right y your side helping you, showing you love or vulnerability and trust. The “badass girl” attitude did not hit home with me in this character. I think she is submissive, infantile, and brainwashed to pride and loving being controlled. Sorry but not sorry. THE only thing that prevented me to give this series a 5 star was Esme.
ADORED DAYN even more in this book!! Words can’t say enough! He is absolutely incredible as a person and for everything he stands up for (regardless of how he had presented his truths, he was always been loyal). His character growth was so good and he has depth! I DORED HIM!!!
Brynn and Chad were great in this book (well, even greater, I would say!). I really loved them! They’ve become my favourite couple since I always feel like Dayn in trying to fight for his relationship alone.
Will be counting the days for book 4 to release.
There was a LOT of action here and even more truths coming to light, and more lies as well.
Esme…. No… I never warmed up to her and I never really liked her. There’s a limit to blindness because of your pride, in listening to everyone who is telling you what to do instead of thinking for yourself, instead of believing in people who are right y your side helping you, showing you love or vulnerability and trust. The “badass girl” attitude did not hit home with me in this character. I think she is submissive, infantile, and brainwashed to pride and loving being controlled. Sorry but not sorry. THE only thing that prevented me to give this series a 5 star was Esme.
ADORED DAYN even more in this book!! Words can’t say enough! He is absolutely incredible as a person and for everything he stands up for (regardless of how he had presented his truths, he was always been loyal). His character growth was so good and he has depth! I DORED HIM!!!
Brynn and Chad were great in this book (well, even greater, I would say!). I really loved them! They’ve become my favourite couple since I always feel like Dayn in trying to fight for his relationship alone.
Will be counting the days for book 4 to release.
February 19, 2026
Waiting for the last one 😭😭 feels like so much has happened in these past 3 books (it has) and also justice for Chad (defo has a douchey name but we love him)
January 14, 2026
This book was fast paced and nail biting! I barely managed to put it down. The third in the Darkbirch Academy series and the story hasn’t slowed down, it’s sped up and I need the fourth book now!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ If Darkbirch Academy was dangerous before… this is where everything burns. 🔥
This is book three in a four-book series, and the story has officially shifted from dark academia into high-stakes fantasy chaos, complete with dragons, witches, and ghosts.
What I loved:
• Fast-paced with nonstop tension and real emotional stakes
• Picks up seamlessly from the end of book two
• Super bingeable writing—easy to sink into and hard to put down
• The slow burn is finally catching fire 🔥 Just enough payoff without overdoing the spice
• That cave scene… yeah.
• We get more development for Brynne and Chad, and I’m invested
What didn’t quite work for me:
• The great-grandmother’s ghost meddling (still side-eyeing that)
• The ending—because I blinked, reminded myself to breathe… and it was over
Thankfully, the wait won’t be long. Book four (the finale!) comes out later this year, and I need answers.
If you love:
• Dark academia that evolves into full-scale fantasy war
• Slow-burn romance driven by tension, not spice
• A morally gray FMC finally stepping into her power
• Magic that always comes with a cost
Add this series to your TBR immediately.
Huge thanks to Krista for the chance to read early. I love this series!
This is book three in a four-book series, and the story has officially shifted from dark academia into high-stakes fantasy chaos, complete with dragons, witches, and ghosts.
What I loved:
• Fast-paced with nonstop tension and real emotional stakes
• Picks up seamlessly from the end of book two
• Super bingeable writing—easy to sink into and hard to put down
• The slow burn is finally catching fire 🔥 Just enough payoff without overdoing the spice
• That cave scene… yeah.
• We get more development for Brynne and Chad, and I’m invested
What didn’t quite work for me:
• The great-grandmother’s ghost meddling (still side-eyeing that)
• The ending—because I blinked, reminded myself to breathe… and it was over
Thankfully, the wait won’t be long. Book four (the finale!) comes out later this year, and I need answers.
If you love:
• Dark academia that evolves into full-scale fantasy war
• Slow-burn romance driven by tension, not spice
• A morally gray FMC finally stepping into her power
• Magic that always comes with a cost
Add this series to your TBR immediately.
Huge thanks to Krista for the chance to read early. I love this series!
January 30, 2026
Whoa, this book took a wild ride!
Since the last book, it's been a nonstop rollercoaster of action and suspense. Secrets spilled, mysteries unveiled—it's like a treasure chest of untold tales. And let's be real, I know this saga isn't wrapping up yet (not just because June 30th is circled on my calendar...).
The bond between Dayn and Esme? It's got me yearning for my own epic love story. I mean, seriously, my heart wants a destiny like theirs! They’re fictional, sure, but I've invested so much, I feel like I'm living their lives. If only I could be as cool as them in reality. Things finally happen... I’m keeping mum on the details, but if you've read it, you know the scoop!
This book cranked up the intensity meter, leaving us dangling off a cliffhanger. I'm practically begging for the next installment. My heart shattered when my Kindle teased me with the 4th book, only to leave me hanging. It’s a heartbreak, but hey, something to eagerly await!
With characters injured, lost, and sacrificing for love, I almost turned into a human burrito of feels. The emotional rollercoaster is off the charts. I devoured this book way faster than planned because I was glued to every page. Now, the unbearable wait begins, but luckily it's only a couple of months.
Hurry up, June!
Since the last book, it's been a nonstop rollercoaster of action and suspense. Secrets spilled, mysteries unveiled—it's like a treasure chest of untold tales. And let's be real, I know this saga isn't wrapping up yet (not just because June 30th is circled on my calendar...).
The bond between Dayn and Esme? It's got me yearning for my own epic love story. I mean, seriously, my heart wants a destiny like theirs! They’re fictional, sure, but I've invested so much, I feel like I'm living their lives. If only I could be as cool as them in reality. Things finally happen... I’m keeping mum on the details, but if you've read it, you know the scoop!
This book cranked up the intensity meter, leaving us dangling off a cliffhanger. I'm practically begging for the next installment. My heart shattered when my Kindle teased me with the 4th book, only to leave me hanging. It’s a heartbreak, but hey, something to eagerly await!
With characters injured, lost, and sacrificing for love, I almost turned into a human burrito of feels. The emotional rollercoaster is off the charts. I devoured this book way faster than planned because I was glued to every page. Now, the unbearable wait begins, but luckily it's only a couple of months.
Hurry up, June!
February 1, 2026
Binged all three books in 4 days!
I wouldn’t fully put this into a dark academia category purely because the academia aspect is really just a mask for military headquarters.
The FMC is strong, skilled, feisty, and possibly too stubborn for her own good. I would closely compare Esme to Seraphina from the Fire and Flesh.
The MMC, Dayn, is a bit like Dr. Bramwell from Nocticadia in the beginning; his goals are self-serving. However, change quite a bit by the end of book 1, and I’d say he’s a lot more like Cole from The Shadow Realm, or even Casstiel from Blood and Ash.
One of the things I really appreciate about the MMC is that Krista didn’t make him a weak man or one who he heavily relies on the FMC. In like, she didn’t make the FMC heavily dependent on the MMC at any point through the series. They both are equally capable standing on their own.
I think overall, the story does a really nice job creating balance between the two characters.
The cliffhanger on book 3 definitely has me marking my calendar for book 4’s release.
Great slow burn
Enjoyable banter
Likable support supporting cast
Overall inclusion of supernatural and mythical creatures that could easily allow for expansion of the universe
I wouldn’t fully put this into a dark academia category purely because the academia aspect is really just a mask for military headquarters.
The FMC is strong, skilled, feisty, and possibly too stubborn for her own good. I would closely compare Esme to Seraphina from the Fire and Flesh.
The MMC, Dayn, is a bit like Dr. Bramwell from Nocticadia in the beginning; his goals are self-serving. However, change quite a bit by the end of book 1, and I’d say he’s a lot more like Cole from The Shadow Realm, or even Casstiel from Blood and Ash.
One of the things I really appreciate about the MMC is that Krista didn’t make him a weak man or one who he heavily relies on the FMC. In like, she didn’t make the FMC heavily dependent on the MMC at any point through the series. They both are equally capable standing on their own.
I think overall, the story does a really nice job creating balance between the two characters.
The cliffhanger on book 3 definitely has me marking my calendar for book 4’s release.
Great slow burn
Enjoyable banter
Likable support supporting cast
Overall inclusion of supernatural and mythical creatures that could easily allow for expansion of the universe
February 17, 2026
'Before, I wanted Esme as my queen, a powerful, strategic match to secure my future and hers. Now I want the woman from the grotto. The ones who trembled in my arms and chose to burn with me. I will settle for nothing else.'
I started this series the back end of last year, and I'm still going strong for the love of this. I'll say again the addition of Brynn and Chad's POV was genius and so well thought of. It can be risky adding characters into a series where the main characters have all been established, but It absolutely wouldn’t be the book (and series) that this is without them.
This book starts as soon as the last one ends so it gets going pretty much straight away with a secret uncovered, dragons on the cusps of war, Esme and Dayn not knowing what to do with themselves and us as a reader yelling at the pages "get together already!" But in saying that, Esme's insecurities are written authentically, she has walls built up miles high and Dayn is brick by brick taking them down.
It makes for some great, and speedy reading. I smashed this in one afternoon!
Banter is still bantering between both sets of main characters, and I know there's more secrets to uncover, and I'm left with ANOTHER cliffhanger. Seriously can't wait until this series is finished, cause I reckon I'll go back and speed read through the whole series again without the torture of having to wait months for the next installment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
I started this series the back end of last year, and I'm still going strong for the love of this. I'll say again the addition of Brynn and Chad's POV was genius and so well thought of. It can be risky adding characters into a series where the main characters have all been established, but It absolutely wouldn’t be the book (and series) that this is without them.
This book starts as soon as the last one ends so it gets going pretty much straight away with a secret uncovered, dragons on the cusps of war, Esme and Dayn not knowing what to do with themselves and us as a reader yelling at the pages "get together already!" But in saying that, Esme's insecurities are written authentically, she has walls built up miles high and Dayn is brick by brick taking them down.
It makes for some great, and speedy reading. I smashed this in one afternoon!
Banter is still bantering between both sets of main characters, and I know there's more secrets to uncover, and I'm left with ANOTHER cliffhanger. Seriously can't wait until this series is finished, cause I reckon I'll go back and speed read through the whole series again without the torture of having to wait months for the next installment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
January 20, 2026
This is as my favorite book of the series so far. A lot of action, the battle at then end was really good. I am definitely enjoying whatever is going on between Chad and Brynn. I kind of hope maybe there might be a spin off with those two?? *HINT HINT* 🤣.
Esme did kind of get on my nerves quite a bit in this book. It wasn’t her stubbornness, I don’t mind a hard headed FMC but her pride crosses the line into stupidity and I don’t like stupid FMCs. But she’s a work in progress, even in this book there was small character development so we will see if that continues to trend up in the next book. My last complaint - there’s just not enough of Esme and Dayn and no I don’t just mean spice. It’s been 3 books and I feel like the romance is just stagnant, no progress. Yes, there was a thing in this book but then the other thing happened and then it didn’t matter.
These books are no literary masterpieces, but they’re a pretty good time. I don’t hate the characters, and the storyline is pretty good.
Esme did kind of get on my nerves quite a bit in this book. It wasn’t her stubbornness, I don’t mind a hard headed FMC but her pride crosses the line into stupidity and I don’t like stupid FMCs. But she’s a work in progress, even in this book there was small character development so we will see if that continues to trend up in the next book. My last complaint - there’s just not enough of Esme and Dayn and no I don’t just mean spice. It’s been 3 books and I feel like the romance is just stagnant, no progress. Yes, there was a thing in this book but then the other thing happened and then it didn’t matter.
These books are no literary masterpieces, but they’re a pretty good time. I don’t hate the characters, and the storyline is pretty good.
March 13, 2026
I have so many thoughts and feelings and I can’t even begin to comprehend them. First off, CLIFF HANGER ALERT, the next book is NOT out, how dare she.
Chad and Brynn’s relationship, her making him her “shadow” is such a fun troupe that I wish we had more of and hope we can dive into more in the next book. But it’s not looking so hot given that Chads extra demon extract was brought out.
My heart is breaking for all of the dragons who are dying in a battle they aren’t going to win because Anees ordered them to fight. The amount of times a dragon says that makes me want to cry for them, he’s so blinded by his greed that he isn’t putting his people first. Pissed about it.
Esme being semi-dead maybe the end sucks. I NEED her to be okay not only because she’s the badass FMC but because I need her and Dayn to work out their shit. The whole untold strings and consequences of the trials that they put Esme through at Darkbirch really paints that picture of untrustworthy leadership, it’s a little too familiar for my taste 💀👀.
Chad and Brynn’s relationship, her making him her “shadow” is such a fun troupe that I wish we had more of and hope we can dive into more in the next book. But it’s not looking so hot given that Chads extra demon extract was brought out.
My heart is breaking for all of the dragons who are dying in a battle they aren’t going to win because Anees ordered them to fight. The amount of times a dragon says that makes me want to cry for them, he’s so blinded by his greed that he isn’t putting his people first. Pissed about it.
Esme being semi-dead maybe the end sucks. I NEED her to be okay not only because she’s the badass FMC but because I need her and Dayn to work out their shit. The whole untold strings and consequences of the trials that they put Esme through at Darkbirch really paints that picture of untrustworthy leadership, it’s a little too familiar for my taste 💀👀.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
4.25⭐
Another book, another slay, and once again I am personally victimized by how short these books are. Why are they ending just as I’m getting comfortable??? I swear I pick one up thinking I’ll read a couple chapters and next thing I know I’ve finished the entire thing in one sitting. Blink and it’s over. Krista, I'm begging you, PLEASE 😭🙏🏻
That said, this series continues to eat every single time. The pacing is fast but never sloppy. Sure, at times I wish things were given more time but that only hit me after I already finished the book (hence not five stars). The plot is thickening in ways that have me stressed, and the stakes are higher than ever. Every book makes me fall harder for these characters and I need more of them.
The only thing keeping me sane is knowing the next book isn’t too far away, because the way I need to know what happens next?? Unacceptable.
Another book, another slay, and once again I am personally victimized by how short these books are. Why are they ending just as I’m getting comfortable??? I swear I pick one up thinking I’ll read a couple chapters and next thing I know I’ve finished the entire thing in one sitting. Blink and it’s over. Krista, I'm begging you, PLEASE 😭🙏🏻
That said, this series continues to eat every single time. The pacing is fast but never sloppy. Sure, at times I wish things were given more time but that only hit me after I already finished the book (hence not five stars). The plot is thickening in ways that have me stressed, and the stakes are higher than ever. Every book makes me fall harder for these characters and I need more of them.
The only thing keeping me sane is knowing the next book isn’t too far away, because the way I need to know what happens next?? Unacceptable.
March 26, 2026
Geralmente é a partir do terceiro livro que eu solto a mão do autor e jogo ele do penhasco. Não foi diferente. A história é legal e você já curte os personagens. Mas então a criatura vai inventando varias coisas e vários sub plots, plot twists ao mesmo tempo pra encher linguiça. Em função disso, uma hora o desenvolvimento fica comprometido e os plots e elementos passam a ter a profundidade de uma piscina de bolinha infantil. Sinceramente, considerando os dois primeiros livros esse foi grande lero lero. Como a escrita é simples, foi fácil e rápido de ler. Dá pra manter o processo dissociativo da fantasia. No final não sabia se ficava feliz por terminar num cliffhanger ignorável (da pra fingir que acaba ali), ou se agradecia por não ter lançado o 4 volume. Espero ter clima para ler o quarto depois de passar um tempo sem estar nesse universo.
March 28, 2026
You did not just do this to meeeee!!! In a book slump now brb…
Okkk to summarise - if you’ve already read the first 2 books then you’ll understand why I’m in a slump..
But if you’ve trying to get a gauge on the storyline, I hope this helps.
This book basically explains the reasons of why the MMC did what he did in Book 1 and is now stuck with a choice of 1. Choosing his people or 2. Choosing himself. Ultimately resulting in the FMC with the same choices.
Decisions are made that impact all the mystical beings, however some loyalties are tested and some show their true form.
Esther alr hate her with my heart and soul. She can rot and stay dead for all I care.If I could curse an imaginary dead witch character I so would bc just saying… 🧐
PSA I’m praying for Bryn and Chad to be total endgame ❤️
Okkk to summarise - if you’ve already read the first 2 books then you’ll understand why I’m in a slump..
But if you’ve trying to get a gauge on the storyline, I hope this helps.
This book basically explains the reasons of why the MMC did what he did in Book 1 and is now stuck with a choice of 1. Choosing his people or 2. Choosing himself. Ultimately resulting in the FMC with the same choices.
Decisions are made that impact all the mystical beings, however some loyalties are tested and some show their true form.
Esther alr hate her with my heart and soul. She can rot and stay dead for all I care.If I could curse an imaginary dead witch character I so would bc just saying… 🧐
PSA I’m praying for Bryn and Chad to be total endgame ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
I liked this one best so far! I still don't really get why Esme had to do trials. There isn't much of a competition because she has to complete them herself. Loved the character development for Dayn, especially how he was trying to be more considerate for Esme. Loved the multiple POV's. Chad's got it rough, I hope he'll be okay. Brynn is still awesome and funny as hell.
Dayn's ally brother (forgot his name) was a bit of a weird story line. He was there, all awesome and grumpy. Then he disappeared and we find out he was tortured and gave up all the secrets. I feel he deserved better.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to find out how it all comes together and how it will end!
Dayn's ally brother (forgot his name) was a bit of a weird story line. He was there, all awesome and grumpy. Then he disappeared and we find out he was tortured and gave up all the secrets. I feel he deserved better.
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to find out how it all comes together and how it will end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
This book is reminding me why I shouldn’t read incomplete series haha. That ending will live rent free until June, 2026.
What happens when a dragon, dark-blood, & ancestor walk into a library? A battle of wills, wants, & forbidden needs. Time is ticking & war approaches; will Esme become the coven’s savior? Or will she just be another inadequate coven weapon, one to be used & discarded?
I loved the multiple POV’s & inside scoop of Esme’s sister, Brynn. It add an extra layer of depth, excitement, & provides a well rounded story. I found myself looking forward to Brynn’s POV - the little librarian “lesser Salem” goes on her own adventure & proves to herself that she most definitely isn’t lesser.
What happens when a dragon, dark-blood, & ancestor walk into a library? A battle of wills, wants, & forbidden needs. Time is ticking & war approaches; will Esme become the coven’s savior? Or will she just be another inadequate coven weapon, one to be used & discarded?
I loved the multiple POV’s & inside scoop of Esme’s sister, Brynn. It add an extra layer of depth, excitement, & provides a well rounded story. I found myself looking forward to Brynn’s POV - the little librarian “lesser Salem” goes on her own adventure & proves to herself that she most definitely isn’t lesser.
February 19, 2026
Darkbirch Academy
What in the world did I just read.
Esme is such a stubborn witch, she should have done what Helena said and this nonsense that ended the book wouldn't be there.
I really do not like her spectral grandmother Esther. Like how in the world are you so mean to your own granddaughter because she has feelings. And now I have to wait until June to read the rest of this story and find out how it ends.
I really love this story even though it is an extreme slow Burn like glacial slow, but it was sooo good, and the best part is that it's not just with Esme with her dragon, but also her sister and the demon I am so excited for that, that I cannot wait for the final book.
What in the world did I just read.
Esme is such a stubborn witch, she should have done what Helena said and this nonsense that ended the book wouldn't be there.
I really do not like her spectral grandmother Esther. Like how in the world are you so mean to your own granddaughter because she has feelings. And now I have to wait until June to read the rest of this story and find out how it ends.
I really love this story even though it is an extreme slow Burn like glacial slow, but it was sooo good, and the best part is that it's not just with Esme with her dragon, but also her sister and the demon I am so excited for that, that I cannot wait for the final book.
January 15, 2026
ARC
Darkbirch Academy book 3
This picks up where we left off, but now everyone is all together ready for this epic battle, with trials and betrayals
Constant challenges arise and they keep having to pivot to keep up
As always the world building and the character development is great, but keeping the fast pace, high stakes vibe as we move through the story
The professor/student dynamic moves on a little but he certainly gives her a lesson, helping the slow burn finally spark hot 🔥
Tensions keep building and there is still so much more to the story cant wait for book 4
I also love the sneak peek of book 4s cover... stunning 😍
Darkbirch Academy book 3
This picks up where we left off, but now everyone is all together ready for this epic battle, with trials and betrayals
Constant challenges arise and they keep having to pivot to keep up
As always the world building and the character development is great, but keeping the fast pace, high stakes vibe as we move through the story
The professor/student dynamic moves on a little but he certainly gives her a lesson, helping the slow burn finally spark hot 🔥
Tensions keep building and there is still so much more to the story cant wait for book 4
I also love the sneak peek of book 4s cover... stunning 😍
January 18, 2026
perfect. i love it, definitely better than the last 2. i cant wait to read the next one. i literally read this in one sitting and thats like 4 hours. devoured this book completely
in this book, we finally get the romantasy genre. the book is so short and very fast paced. i can definitely feel the plot building up from the last 2 books and now its almost the finale. well, the characters are adding up, the betrayals and redemption is ugh so good. the villain changes throughout the series and i find myself always trying to guess the bad guy (haha impossible)
definitely recommend this series, ill read the 4th book and keep yall updated on how it went.
in this book, we finally get the romantasy genre. the book is so short and very fast paced. i can definitely feel the plot building up from the last 2 books and now its almost the finale. well, the characters are adding up, the betrayals and redemption is ugh so good. the villain changes throughout the series and i find myself always trying to guess the bad guy (haha impossible)
definitely recommend this series, ill read the 4th book and keep yall updated on how it went.
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