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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, Hardcover
Published December 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 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.
February 7, 2026
Bedlam-ARC read.
Bedlam had me intrigued from chapter 1 and I could tell the plot was going to be such fun to uncover as it carried out.
In the beginning you feel confused/curios and as the story goes deeper the more you realize you're watching this mystery unfold in front of you.
The characters are unique in their own way and create chaotic but perfect group when brought together.
The writing explored themes of true friendship, pain, grief and beautifully doomed devotion. It was written darkly and poetically with cinematic world building that allows the reader to visualize characters and spaces in great detail while also using their own imagination to make it their own.
It was clear that the author had first hand experience with situations and emotions that inspired this book and that truly makes it a special read. I felt seen and safe reading this book, and was always itching to get back into it.
I really enjoyed and appreciated the messages being told throughout the story and it was a lovely ode to those who have experienced deep and recurring pain of any kind although it may hit closer to home for some as it did me.
Although this was a very very impressive debut novel by Dani, there were some things I personally would like to see improve in her future writings.
I found some of the descriptive writing to be a bit repetitive. The use of similar descriptions but for different things/situations can sometimes read more YA. I think this is something that will just come with experience as the author becomes more seasoned and skilled.
Overall I truly loved this book and was so grateful to receive it as an ARC book and will continue to stay tuned for her next releases. Madi Dani could very well be on her way to becoming a best-selling author!!
I would recommend this book 444 times over 🩷
Bedlam had me intrigued from chapter 1 and I could tell the plot was going to be such fun to uncover as it carried out.
In the beginning you feel confused/curios and as the story goes deeper the more you realize you're watching this mystery unfold in front of you.
The characters are unique in their own way and create chaotic but perfect group when brought together.
The writing explored themes of true friendship, pain, grief and beautifully doomed devotion. It was written darkly and poetically with cinematic world building that allows the reader to visualize characters and spaces in great detail while also using their own imagination to make it their own.
It was clear that the author had first hand experience with situations and emotions that inspired this book and that truly makes it a special read. I felt seen and safe reading this book, and was always itching to get back into it.
I really enjoyed and appreciated the messages being told throughout the story and it was a lovely ode to those who have experienced deep and recurring pain of any kind although it may hit closer to home for some as it did me.
Although this was a very very impressive debut novel by Dani, there were some things I personally would like to see improve in her future writings.
I found some of the descriptive writing to be a bit repetitive. The use of similar descriptions but for different things/situations can sometimes read more YA. I think this is something that will just come with experience as the author becomes more seasoned and skilled.
Overall I truly loved this book and was so grateful to receive it as an ARC book and will continue to stay tuned for her next releases. Madi Dani could very well be on her way to becoming a best-selling author!!
I would recommend this book 444 times over 🩷
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!
April 24, 2026
3.9/5
Bedlam keeps you guessing until the end.
It follows Odessa, who has the power to take other people's pain and carry it in her own body. In an effort to learn how to control her power, she checks into Saint Hallow, an asylum for people with magical powers that teaches them how to harness their abilities. While this is her last hope, things turn sour when a girl turns up dead at the asylum.
Odessa is a really interesting character with a really unique gift, if you can call it that. She's in constant pain due to her ability and looking for any reprieve from the sadness and hardship that swallows up her whole life. Despite being in pain all the time, she's an empathetic, caring person who is really only in this situation DUE to her compassion for others. When the girl at the asylum dies, she jumps into investigating it and trying to remedy it because of her care for Adonis.
Adonis is a really complicated character. He's super quiet and reserved and honestly, not particularly likable. He can be kind of a jerk and the reveal towards the end of the book further complicates your feelings for him. He has an undeniable connection with Odessa, though, and he softens as time goes on.
The other characters in the book are probably the highlight of it. The group of friends Odessa makes, besides Marek, who sucks, are really funny and have a great rapport. I'd like to learn more about them and to even see how things may have played out in a different life.
The reveal towards the end of the book REALLY surprised me. I knew something was going on, but didn't predict it could have been THAT. I give major kudos to Madi Dani for pulling that off because it must have been really complicated trying to write that without plot holes.
I think my biggest criticism is that I have so many questions. Some of that may be me not understanding what was in front of me, but I also think some things were just left without details and I wish there had been more of a deep dive into Odessa's power and the powers of those around her. I wish I understood her power more and how much control she actually has over it. I also feel like I didn't entirely grasp the whole reveal, or at least the details of it. I'm not sure if that's my fault, which it totally could have been, or if the author just left things a little ambiguous. I didn't quite understand Adonis' power, is the main thing, I think.
This is definitely a slow burn and honestly it took me a while to get into, but once the first twists started slowly revealing themselves, I found myself really desperate to find out what was going on. However, I didn't feel entirely fulfilled because I had so many questions.
Be prepared for a slow start to the book, but then buckle up because this story will surprise you. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would like to read more from this author.
Bedlam keeps you guessing until the end.
It follows Odessa, who has the power to take other people's pain and carry it in her own body. In an effort to learn how to control her power, she checks into Saint Hallow, an asylum for people with magical powers that teaches them how to harness their abilities. While this is her last hope, things turn sour when a girl turns up dead at the asylum.
Odessa is a really interesting character with a really unique gift, if you can call it that. She's in constant pain due to her ability and looking for any reprieve from the sadness and hardship that swallows up her whole life. Despite being in pain all the time, she's an empathetic, caring person who is really only in this situation DUE to her compassion for others. When the girl at the asylum dies, she jumps into investigating it and trying to remedy it because of her care for Adonis.
Adonis is a really complicated character. He's super quiet and reserved and honestly, not particularly likable. He can be kind of a jerk and the reveal towards the end of the book further complicates your feelings for him. He has an undeniable connection with Odessa, though, and he softens as time goes on.
The other characters in the book are probably the highlight of it. The group of friends Odessa makes, besides Marek, who sucks, are really funny and have a great rapport. I'd like to learn more about them and to even see how things may have played out in a different life.
The reveal towards the end of the book REALLY surprised me. I knew something was going on, but didn't predict it could have been THAT. I give major kudos to Madi Dani for pulling that off because it must have been really complicated trying to write that without plot holes.
I think my biggest criticism is that I have so many questions. Some of that may be me not understanding what was in front of me, but I also think some things were just left without details and I wish there had been more of a deep dive into Odessa's power and the powers of those around her. I wish I understood her power more and how much control she actually has over it. I also feel like I didn't entirely grasp the whole reveal, or at least the details of it. I'm not sure if that's my fault, which it totally could have been, or if the author just left things a little ambiguous. I didn't quite understand Adonis' power, is the main thing, I think.
This is definitely a slow burn and honestly it took me a while to get into, but once the first twists started slowly revealing themselves, I found myself really desperate to find out what was going on. However, I didn't feel entirely fulfilled because I had so many questions.
Be prepared for a slow start to the book, but then buckle up because this story will surprise you. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would like to read more from this author.
August 23, 2026
3.75 !!
Being an indie author I know she doesn’t have as many resources as others but Madi has such a good foundation for a book that could be truly haunting and beautiful. The formatting of this book has the page count at 440 but honestly it’s more like 250 so my biggest gripe with this book is that is has all the meat of a good story but it needs more potatoes.
The writing style is very pretty and you get the atmosphere of the gothic romance she is trying to depict but it just needs more. More setting description, more character development and interactions etc.
We really don’t get a lot of detail about the actual asylum however she does a great job of describing how it is perceived through adonis’ eyes vs. odessa’s. But I feel if we had more scenes in different rooms or courtyards or other attendants you would really get that creepy feeling that most asylums give you.
Odessa goes here on her own to find a way to control her powers and other than the Control room(which never really gave instruction it was just demonstration) we don’t ever see how she is trying to grow and learn about her powers. On top of that, are having powers normal? Does everyone outside the asylum have a power? Or even inside not everyone’s power is described or you only see it once or twice. Liona pops up only twice in this book and I feel like more interactions with her in different lessons and mealtimes would help connect to her more. Same thing with Maali, we sort of understand her rage but I feel like we need more interactions with Adonis to really understand everything she is feeling and going through. And again with Ophelia I feel like if we got just a little
Bit more or her relationship w Odessa before she… then I would’ve cared more.
The romance also needed just a little more build, again with only about 250pages in the story everything moved really fast and while the pacing itself wasn’t bad, I just need more!!! It did come beautifully together when they were throwing their pain back and forth to each other and I feel like we needed more of that especially from his pov of just how much her presence effected him and his first reaction of her arriving at the asylum.
The fight scene towards to end was also kind of random? Like do they have fighting classes in school? If not then that should be in the curriculum. Something like, if you can’t magically defend yourself then you’ll learn to physically? And liona just randomly being there was out of place and again if we had more interactions with her throughout the book it probably would’ve meshed a little more.
The writing style is good, the plot line is good, you just need more potatoes!
Being an indie author I know she doesn’t have as many resources as others but Madi has such a good foundation for a book that could be truly haunting and beautiful. The formatting of this book has the page count at 440 but honestly it’s more like 250 so my biggest gripe with this book is that is has all the meat of a good story but it needs more potatoes.
The writing style is very pretty and you get the atmosphere of the gothic romance she is trying to depict but it just needs more. More setting description, more character development and interactions etc.
We really don’t get a lot of detail about the actual asylum however she does a great job of describing how it is perceived through adonis’ eyes vs. odessa’s. But I feel if we had more scenes in different rooms or courtyards or other attendants you would really get that creepy feeling that most asylums give you.
Odessa goes here on her own to find a way to control her powers and other than the Control room(which never really gave instruction it was just demonstration) we don’t ever see how she is trying to grow and learn about her powers. On top of that, are having powers normal? Does everyone outside the asylum have a power? Or even inside not everyone’s power is described or you only see it once or twice. Liona pops up only twice in this book and I feel like more interactions with her in different lessons and mealtimes would help connect to her more. Same thing with Maali, we sort of understand her rage but I feel like we need more interactions with Adonis to really understand everything she is feeling and going through. And again with Ophelia I feel like if we got just a little
Bit more or her relationship w Odessa before she… then I would’ve cared more.
The romance also needed just a little more build, again with only about 250pages in the story everything moved really fast and while the pacing itself wasn’t bad, I just need more!!! It did come beautifully together when they were throwing their pain back and forth to each other and I feel like we needed more of that especially from his pov of just how much her presence effected him and his first reaction of her arriving at the asylum.
The fight scene towards to end was also kind of random? Like do they have fighting classes in school? If not then that should be in the curriculum. Something like, if you can’t magically defend yourself then you’ll learn to physically? And liona just randomly being there was out of place and again if we had more interactions with her throughout the book it probably would’ve meshed a little more.
The writing style is good, the plot line is good, you just need more potatoes!
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!
March 5, 2026
Sooooo. Absolutely amazing. I don’t typically read about magic, but I love how it’s portrayed in this book. And can we talk about the slow burn relationship? Absolutely beautiful!!!
Read
January 15, 2026I 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.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews