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518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2026

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169 people want to read

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K.C. Kean

45 books2,351 followers

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5 stars
108 (53%)
4 stars
64 (31%)
3 stars
25 (12%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jess McDaniel.
1,083 reviews68 followers
March 30, 2026
End of Elodie's story

Elodie's series was fantastic! I loved it and couldnt get enough of her and her men. Her family may have abandoned her in the way she wasn't expecting and grew up in a life that wasn't the best, but she has found her home in her found family. Found family that will always have her back and believe in her no matter what. I didn't want her story to end, but so glad that she was able to have everything she deserved in life.

While I hate to leave Institute Thirteen, I am excited for a new series coming soon!
Profile Image for ashlee ❤.
2,064 reviews110 followers
March 22, 2026
Elodie, Kael, Rion, + Thorne

-mfmm whychoose
-dark pnr institute
-vampire, wolf, shadow fae
-forbidden magic
-secrets
-final book

this got wrapped up all nicely for our crew! & we finally got a big ol orgy!! my favorite thing about rh hahah
Profile Image for SilentSpectra.
386 reviews14 followers
April 1, 2026
I tried, I really did...

The series is well written and the majority of characters are distinct and memorable. There wasn't a ton of world building because the series is focused mainly on the bubble of "The Vale," Jude's pocket world (re:castle), and very brief honourable mentions of select earth cities. There is also no real exploration of abilities/powers or any real education of any kind happening at "The Vale." They go to or talk about going to class but they're new run class. So, I think to say this is in any way an academy centred series would be borderline false advertisement.

There were plot points that made zero sense. For example, if Walker was the son of Elodie's birth mother's best friend, and ultimately on her side, why did he not kill Jude when he was given ample opportunity to so. It was never expressly conveyed if he was or wasn't under the same mind control that others were. If he was, great, explains why he couldn't kill him and acted as minions extraordinaire. If he wasn't, then WTF? Also, Kael's mother was too blasé about the atrocities committed by Jude to ever be trusted especially when it's made clear at the end of the book how she felt about scythes.

Lastly, Elodie is an absolute shit heroine. She's contrary just for the sake of it. Thinks it makes her look tough but actually makes her look stupid. She's also a raging coward that runs from every problem in any way possible which includes burying her head in the sand. She doesn't seek out to learn what she capable of, so she can actually mean it when she says she doesn't need a "babysitter" and can take care of herself, until the eleventh hour and even then does a half assed job of it. Honestly, she reminds me of Harry Potter a bit. Meaning, without her friends saving her over and over and over again while also making all the plans, she'd be dead and their world would be hopeless. But she gets the saviour credit for delivering the last blow— just like H.P. Only, at least Harry Potter had some courage and initiative. Elodie is all bluster with nothing backing it up but the dust she's trailing behind her as she runs away crying.

I wanted to like this series but Elodie was such a trash heroine and I couldn't get behind her as a character. I stuck around for the side characters and among them the real star of the show that encapsulates what an FMC that's going to save the world should be—Ocean. Loved her character to pieces.
Profile Image for The_Book_Brat.
983 reviews172 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
*Reverse Harem
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Prison/Academy
*’Thought she was human’
*Touch her and 💀
*Morally grey men
*Insta-Attraction
*Mixed supe harem
*Established harem (3)
*Fast Burn
*Book 4 / 4
Way to go Elodie 😍
There’s so much going on in this last book, it’s keeps you captivated and moving through the story quickly as you don’t want to put it down!
It starts of after that mega cliffhanger of the previous book and honestly just keeps rolling from there - there’s a lot of different family drama for each of the members of this harem ranging from heart-warming to heart-breaking, and downright vengeful against others 😡😡 the only thing that did confused me was how they actually ended/got rid of Jude at the end 😳 that might just be me
There is a bit of a quest almost in this book for Elodie to find out more about her magic and the role she has in bringing about her enemies downfall and there’s plenty of action along the way 🙈
The best thing was seeing how they came together as a unit - the boys all accepting each others ‘moments’ and how the accept Ocean into their unit is adorable 🥰 they also really ramp up the group scenes in this book 🔥🌶️
A satisfying HEA and epilogue to a unique series 😃
Profile Image for Caylee T..
1,061 reviews15 followers
March 29, 2026
Another amazing series!

I was so enthralled with this series from the very beginning & I was so anxious for this book to come out so I could see how they finally handled Jude & The Sanctum.

Elodie has had so much thrown at her from the very beginning of this story, sometimes it felt incredibly overwhelming.

And with all of this new information being thrown at her about her parents & Thorne’s, then having to cope with how Kael has played into all of this, she is understandably stressed & very worried.

But now with the prospect of seeing her parents again & having the power to overthrow Jude, hope is finally on the horizon.

But a Elodie still has to figure out how exactly to do all of this & that presets its own set of problems. But thankfully with the help of her men & Ocean, they all overcome it & reunite every one & take down the veil & the Sanctum, & Jude.

That epilogue was definitely very sweet & obviously a huge part of me would love to see more of their future but it was still the perfect ending.

Absolutely loved this book & this series so much. I am so excited for KC Kean’s next series!

Amazing job!
Profile Image for Catherine Leigh.
1,547 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2026
I absolutely loved this series, I honestly didn’t want it to end.
This last book in the series tied everything together for a utterly beautiful happy ending.
Families are reunited and found families are built, the forgiveness and closure was perfectly written.
The steamy group scenes in this book were 🙌🏼🥵🫦🔥
While Elodie and her men were phenomenal characters, each with their own darkness and issues, my fav character was Ocean. And in this book seeing how they all accept her into the group was adorable.
Their journey in this book we see Elodie seeking out more about her unique magical powers. The suspense and action kept me on the edge of my chair, I adore this writer’s creativity and writing style - the outside world fades away and I fall into the book world oh so easily.
While I’m sad this series is over, I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Profile Image for Scorcs Reads.
189 reviews8 followers
March 28, 2026
Another why choose series complete by KC Kean 👏🏻

Institute Thirteen is a dark academia why choose paranormal series of four books each packed with plot twists and the spice gets spicier as you go.

Books:
Wicked Dove
Broken Dove
Vengeful Dove
Crimson Dove

Elodie ends up going from one horrific reality to another only to end up trapped at the institute where she will be challenged every day whether it is by the villains haunting her every move, bullies trying to test her patience or three brooding men that are out to win over her heart.

She faces learning the secrets that have been hidden away about her past and has to make a decision to harness her powers and face her villains head on or make a run for it.

Tropes:
Vampires, Scythes, Shadow Fae, Wolves, Witches
Strong FMC
Obsessive MMCs
Found family
Dark academia
Spicy spice
Why choose
Profile Image for JJ Cornette.
268 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
This happily ever after was hard earned and won. So much happened in this final chapter of the Institute Thirteen series. Families were reunited, found family was appreciated, so many answers were revealed and a lot of action happened. I was a little sad to have Kael leave the group as a mole for his brother so soon, as I loved having Elodie, Rion, Thorne, Kael and Ocean all together. Their group was always fun to see and interact together. I love how the BFF status between Rion and Ocean was cemented, and true forgiveness and acceptance was given between Thorne and Kael with Elodie. There was a lot of action happening that kept the pace hopping for the final chapter, but I'm so happy we got the HEA that was deserved.
389 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2026
Hold on and buckle up!

Crimson Dove is the fourth and final book in the Institute Thirteen series. There's no going back and Elodie is ready to fight...for herself, her friend, and for the guys that have let her know that she's not alone.

Crazy plans will come together as Elodie, Rion, Kael, Thorne, and Ocean take the fight to Jude. One that puts one of them at great risk. I don't want to spoil anything for others so I won't give details, but be ready for an epic showdown.

Secrets are revealed, danger is everywhere, unknown enemies will be brought to light, and a history of the supernatural world will never be the same again.

An outstanding conclusion to this amazing series! I look forward to whatever this author brings next.
Profile Image for Naty's  Naughty Reads.
96 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2026
The finale was everything I hoped for and more

This final installment of the Institute 13 series did not disappoint. Elodie continued to discover who she really was and what that meant. As she discovered the truth about what being a scythe means she really came into her own and it was spectacular.

Ocean stood by her bestie along with Thorne, Rion and Kael. I loved their found family dynamic and how close they all became.

I loved every minute leading up to the showdown with Jude and also the one with The Sanctum. It was everything I hoped it would be. The ending was perfect.

Buckle up and enjoy Institute 13. It's everything and I highly recommend it. Join Elodie and her shadow fae, vampire and wolf shifter for a wild ride where very little is as it seems.
Profile Image for Tammy Manning.
450 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 27, 2026
I’ve been impatiently waiting for this book since I finished Vengeful Dove and it was everything I was hoping for and expecting it to be. This book is action packed, from learning new information, meeting new characters, getting to know other characters, along with some well deserved deaths. 😏 The character growth for all of our main characters, from the first book through to the end of this one, was astounding. They all changed and grew so much and really came into their own, and this book showcased that so well. Once you start reading this book, buckle up, because you’re not going to want to put it down until you finish.

I’m sad to leave this world and these characters but as always I’m excited to see what K.C. is going to give us next.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durant.
727 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2026
Crimson Dove is the fourth and final book in this series and it has been a hell of a ride!

Elodie, Kael, Rion and Thorne face more challenges in the fight against Jude and the Sanctum.

I really enjoyed this final book, it was action packed with moments of intimacy squeezed between. There were relationship developments, reveals and plenty of flashbacks that filled in the blanks of history.

This series has become one of my favourites by KC Kean and the ending satisfied all that I needed. My only complaint is to have a longer epilogue, only because I didn't want it to be the end of these characters.
Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,334 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
Seriously obsessed and in love with this dark and delicious series. @KC Kean you did it again! Elodie’s character arc is amazing and I love her bestie relationship with Ocean more with every book. But her relationship with the guys has me wishing WhyChoose was in real life! Thorne is so dang 🔥😈, Kael’s redemption is perfect, while Rion’s cinnamon roll with a side of crazy 🤪 makes my heart melt for him. This book gives so many great characters their chance to shine. I cannot recommend this series enough- if supernatural dark fantasy is your thing.
380 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
I am such a fan of this series. Elodie is such an interesting character and I love the guys so much. Even the side characters make me want to know more about them. From the first book, there have been many twists and turns and you're never quite sure what surprise will be revealed next and this final book is no different. This book kept the momentum going and was a great conclusion to the series!
Profile Image for Mindy.
267 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2026
I’ve been looking forward to this book, and it did not disappoint. That said, I’m never disappointed with K.C. Kean’s books. I’m having a hard time finding the right words to express how I feel about it without giving anything away. I’ll just say that I loved all the characters, especially the relationship between Elodie and Ocean. There’s so much going on and so many new things to discover. It was an amazing read I was completely drawn in, and you’re going to love it.
Profile Image for Sarah Louise.
48 reviews
March 27, 2026
I don't like to give anything away as I don't like spoilers myself. But I will say this KC you have smashed it again , I didn't want it to end this journey has been amazing I love Elodie an i always knew Thorne was my favourite but Rion and Kael come a very close second ! Ocean is a bestie everyone could do with the twists that came out in this book were the twists I wanted. Congratulations it was amazing didn't want it to end 🫶🫶
1 review
March 29, 2026
Amazing series from start to finish

I must say reading this description didn’t make me think I would have such a winner read. I was certainly intrigued by the description but didn’t expect the actual books’ content to be as wonderful as it was. I think the description doesn’t give this series justice. I was pleasantly surprised at every turn and each book just made me love the characters more. This is a good series from start to finish. Definite recommend.
538 reviews
March 27, 2026
The epic conclusion to a great series. This book was one truth bomb after another. There were lots of fights and plenty of death. Elodie is tested in different ways as she discovers the truth behind The Vale, Sanctum, and Jude’s plan. Jude really is the worst.

The found family was the highlight of the book. Being together really brought out the best of Elodie, Kael, Rion, Thorne, and even Ocean. The path was confusing at times but they got there in the end.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,890 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
Elodie, Kael, Rion & Thorne
Why Choose
Paranormal Romance
Vampire, Wolf, Shadow Fae
Secrets
Final book

This is the final book in the series and picks up right where the previous one ends.

It's full of twists that I did not see coming!

I love the connection & relationship between these characters 😍

What a great ending to the series!! ❤️
290 reviews
March 27, 2026
What a great ending to this fantasy why choose romance series. KC Kean really knows how to bring all the threads of the story together and weave together a world you don’t want to leave! I loved this series and the world she created at Institute 13.
Profile Image for Kayla Johnston.
335 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2026
Amazing ending!!

Loved the ending it wrapped up nicely!
Thorn is still my favourite, though . Hehe
Great characters and world building. I also loved the growth in the main characters.
Profile Image for book lover 2025.
216 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
What an send to an amazing series loved it as always KC Kean has a talent and really excelled in these kind of worlds. Institute 13 it’s been a wild ride!
81 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2026
beautiful

I was not disappointed with this series it was great!! So sad to see it end but I can’t wait for the next from this author
4 reviews
March 30, 2026
KC YOUVE DONE IT AGAIN!

Love all of KC’s books!
I find I have to be in the mood for it though because for me they aren’t too dark but aren’t completely light either.
365 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2026
Sorry it’s done

I really enjoyed every book in this series. It was a great read and I’m sorry it is at the end. Perfect ending to a really great series
206 reviews
March 31, 2026
Great Series!!

I love the way everything came together. I especially enjoyed how all the characters got the closure they deserved and the revenge they needed!!
492 reviews
March 31, 2026
Overall 2.5 kinda skimmed a bit to get through since I started to lose interest with the repetitive conflicts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews