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Bedlam
The Asylum of Saint Hallow promises healing to those born with magic that turned against them.
For Odessa Koa, it’s a last attempt to stay alive.
Her gift devours her from the inside out, a sickness without a name. She can take another’s pain and carry it in her own body, and after years of doing it, she's running out of room to endure. When she checks herself into Saint Hallow, she’s hoping to learn control, maybe even find a reason to keep breathing. The asylum greets her with white walls and gentle smiles, a sanctuary for the broken.
Then, before the week is over, a girl turns up dead.
What follows is a quiet unraveling of faith, sanity, and the thin line between suffering and desire. What begins as survival becomes obsession, and what she finds in Saint Hallow is not salvation, but a love willing to ruin her completely.
Some places don’t fix what’s broken. They make art out of the ruin.
For Odessa Koa, it’s a last attempt to stay alive.
Her gift devours her from the inside out, a sickness without a name. She can take another’s pain and carry it in her own body, and after years of doing it, she's running out of room to endure. When she checks herself into Saint Hallow, she’s hoping to learn control, maybe even find a reason to keep breathing. The asylum greets her with white walls and gentle smiles, a sanctuary for the broken.
Then, before the week is over, a girl turns up dead.
What follows is a quiet unraveling of faith, sanity, and the thin line between suffering and desire. What begins as survival becomes obsession, and what she finds in Saint Hallow is not salvation, but a love willing to ruin her completely.
Some places don’t fix what’s broken. They make art out of the ruin.
444 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 18, 2025
Absolutely superb, completely next level writing! This was the first time I have ever dipped my toes into Romantasy and I fear it may have ruined all others. Madi Dani’s descriptive narrative is an absolute playground for someone like me, for when I read, it’s like watching a movie in my head. The plot twist was unveiled so slowly and with absolute perfection, that I almost started to believe Odessa and I were both crazy. I will recommend this work of absolute art and poetry to anyone who will listen and even those who don’t. It’s one of the only times I have ever read the authors note at the end and if you make it to the end, glance at the page number, and chills will wiggle down your spine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
FIRST REVIEW AND LOGGED READ LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
I’ve never had someone I know write a book and have it on Goodreads so I’m SUPER excited!!
First off, the twist in chapter 29 had me S H O O K. I definitely wasn’t expecting that, but it fits so well!!
I think my favorite character in the whole book is Cassius. He seems so easygoing and fun and I especially love the sarcasm and flair for the dramatics!
I will say that the story seemed to take a long time to really get into it. However once the story really started rolling it
DID
NOT
STOP
Overall I thought it was pretty good, though there was one thing that personally I didn’t care for. But it was entertaining and the characters were so likeable!!
I can’t wait to see what she writes in the future!!!
3.75⭐️
I’ve never had someone I know write a book and have it on Goodreads so I’m SUPER excited!!
First off, the twist in chapter 29 had me S H O O K. I definitely wasn’t expecting that, but it fits so well!!
I think my favorite character in the whole book is Cassius. He seems so easygoing and fun and I especially love the sarcasm and flair for the dramatics!
I will say that the story seemed to take a long time to really get into it. However once the story really started rolling it
DID
NOT
STOP
Overall I thought it was pretty good, though there was one thing that personally I didn’t care for. But it was entertaining and the characters were so likeable!!
I can’t wait to see what she writes in the future!!!
3.75⭐️
January 16, 2026
I discovered this from Madi's TikTok account, and I am so glad that I did! Well done, my girl! I thought I was going as mad as Dessa was in this book until the plot fully twisted, and it all came together to absolutely destroy me (worth it). There were so many twists and turns thrown into this story, and it was so worth it in the end. Loved it!
January 15, 2026
I read Bedlam as an ARC so this will be a longer more detailed review. I am giving it 3.75 stars, rounded up. This book is incredibly atmospheric, and one of its strongest elements is the sheer amount of detail Dani pours into the world of Bedlam itself. The institute feels vivid, oppressive, and deeply unsettling in the best way. Every corridor, rule, and interaction adds to the sense that something is always slightly off. The setting truly feels alive, almost like a character of its own, and that immersive quality really stood out to me.
The time jumps were a little confusing at first, especially since they were not clearly marked, and it took me some time to find my footing. As the story progressed, I realized that this disorientation actually worked in the book’s favor. It heightened the darkness of the narrative and mirrored the characters emotional and mental states, making the reading experience feel intentionally unsettling rather than unclear.
I did not feel fully captivated until about the 100 page mark, which is why this was not quite a full five star read for me. That said, once the story picked up, it truly pulled me in and I found myself unable to put it down. I really enjoyed the slow burn romance and the raw emotion behind the Odessa and Adonis’ connection. Their bond felt earned and deeply emotional, though I personally would have liked a little more physical intimacy to balance the intensity.
Overall, Bedlam is a dark, immersive, and emotionally driven story with a strong atmosphere and compelling characters. While it took some time to fully hook me, the payoff was worth it, and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and review it as an ARC.
The time jumps were a little confusing at first, especially since they were not clearly marked, and it took me some time to find my footing. As the story progressed, I realized that this disorientation actually worked in the book’s favor. It heightened the darkness of the narrative and mirrored the characters emotional and mental states, making the reading experience feel intentionally unsettling rather than unclear.
I did not feel fully captivated until about the 100 page mark, which is why this was not quite a full five star read for me. That said, once the story picked up, it truly pulled me in and I found myself unable to put it down. I really enjoyed the slow burn romance and the raw emotion behind the Odessa and Adonis’ connection. Their bond felt earned and deeply emotional, though I personally would have liked a little more physical intimacy to balance the intensity.
Overall, Bedlam is a dark, immersive, and emotionally driven story with a strong atmosphere and compelling characters. While it took some time to fully hook me, the payoff was worth it, and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and review it as an ARC.
February 1, 2026
I am here, there are 444 reasons to read this book but I can’t find the words to describe how immaculate it is and how dire it is that everyone read this.
I read Bedlam once as an ARC and then immediately bought a copy so I could read it again. Because what do you mean this is a debut?
This book is a literal work of art. Gut-wrenchingly beautiful. Painstakingly raw. There is no universe where this feels like a first novel. Madi Dani writes with the confidence and emotional precision of a seasoned author. Every page felt intentional and every emotion was carved straight from the bone.
I’ve been deep in a reading slump and not in a great place mentally, and Bedlam absolutely destroyed me (in the best way). It ripped me apart and somehow put me back together again. I felt seen in ways I didn’t realize I needed, and that alone makes this book unforgettable.
The MMC and FMC would find each other in every lifetime, no matter who or what the cost. I genuinely had no idea where this story was going or how it would end, and I felt myself unraveling right alongside the FMC. The descent, the confusion, the madness… it was immersive and unsettling in a way that felt completely intentional and necessary.
And the ending? Did it give me exactly what I wanted? Yes. No. I don’t know.
Bedlam isn’t just a book you read. It’s a book you experience. And for a debut, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. This is a book that will stick with you long after the book ends.
I read Bedlam once as an ARC and then immediately bought a copy so I could read it again. Because what do you mean this is a debut?
This book is a literal work of art. Gut-wrenchingly beautiful. Painstakingly raw. There is no universe where this feels like a first novel. Madi Dani writes with the confidence and emotional precision of a seasoned author. Every page felt intentional and every emotion was carved straight from the bone.
I’ve been deep in a reading slump and not in a great place mentally, and Bedlam absolutely destroyed me (in the best way). It ripped me apart and somehow put me back together again. I felt seen in ways I didn’t realize I needed, and that alone makes this book unforgettable.
The MMC and FMC would find each other in every lifetime, no matter who or what the cost. I genuinely had no idea where this story was going or how it would end, and I felt myself unraveling right alongside the FMC. The descent, the confusion, the madness… it was immersive and unsettling in a way that felt completely intentional and necessary.
And the ending? Did it give me exactly what I wanted? Yes. No. I don’t know.
Bedlam isn’t just a book you read. It’s a book you experience. And for a debut, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. This is a book that will stick with you long after the book ends.
December 9, 2025
This book is not what it seems, it's even better! The storyline is different from what I usually read but it had me hooked from Chapter 1. The twists and turns and surprises had me shocked! Trying to put the pieces together through out the story (and then still being wrong!) was fun and kept me engaged in the story.
It was beautifully written and so creatively imaginative. I felt like I could walk the halls of Saint Hallows and understand what it looked, smelled, and felt like.
Odessa is a great representation of pain wrapped in a gorgeous bow. You can relate to her on so many levels. I absolutely adore Cassius and he reminds me of Ridoc from Fourth Wing. The crazy, funny, silly, good time best friend/side character.
The last few pages of this book are perfection. When the multiple twists happen, I was starting to question how this was going to end, and if I was going to like it. I struggle with book endings sometimes when the books are emotional or "struggle filled". Madi did this wonderfully. Ended exactly how it needed too!
It was beautifully written and so creatively imaginative. I felt like I could walk the halls of Saint Hallows and understand what it looked, smelled, and felt like.
Odessa is a great representation of pain wrapped in a gorgeous bow. You can relate to her on so many levels. I absolutely adore Cassius and he reminds me of Ridoc from Fourth Wing. The crazy, funny, silly, good time best friend/side character.
The last few pages of this book are perfection. When the multiple twists happen, I was starting to question how this was going to end, and if I was going to like it. I struggle with book endings sometimes when the books are emotional or "struggle filled". Madi did this wonderfully. Ended exactly how it needed too!
January 24, 2026
This book was amazing, confusing, deep and beautiful. I can’t believe this is Madi’s debut novel. The writing was done so exceptionally well that I had to remind myself this isn’t a seasoned author. I am positive that Madi will be absolutely successful in the author world and she’ll deserve all of the good things coming her way!
Now for the story: HOLY. PLOT. TWISTS! Yes… that’s multiple! I actually thought that Odessa was insane or that maybe I was! I was over halfway through without any clue as to what was happening but so invested in this story that I HAD to figure it out! I would love to say that it ended how I wanted but I really can’t even say how I would’ve wanted it to end, it was such a ride! But I will say now knowing the ending, it ended perfectly!
Madi, phenomenal job! Keep pushing this book out! Keep doing your TikTok’s to get notice! This book deserves all the love!
Now for the story: HOLY. PLOT. TWISTS! Yes… that’s multiple! I actually thought that Odessa was insane or that maybe I was! I was over halfway through without any clue as to what was happening but so invested in this story that I HAD to figure it out! I would love to say that it ended how I wanted but I really can’t even say how I would’ve wanted it to end, it was such a ride! But I will say now knowing the ending, it ended perfectly!
Madi, phenomenal job! Keep pushing this book out! Keep doing your TikTok’s to get notice! This book deserves all the love!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews