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Shadebound: A Dark Academia, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy Series
Every killer needs a muse, and she happens to be his.
Jinx Draconis was sentenced to Mors Academy for a string of violent crimes she doesn’t regret.
Her only mistake? Not killing the right person.
Oh, and accidentally getting her magicless younger brother locked up with her.
Now she’s trapped in a brutal cliffside military prison disguised as a school.
Where magic is weaponized, students are wicked.
And each of them is being forged into a killer to fight the plague of monsters destroying their home world.
Jinx doesn’t want redemption. She doesn’t even care about surviving her sentence.
All she wants is revenge, and to protect the only sibling she has left.
And when students start turning up dead—murdered just like her twin sister—Jinx suspects the killer she meant to destroy might be trapped inside with her.
As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, some of the men haunting the halls come with baggage she swore she doesn't
like her childhood sweetheart who told her he loved her, then disappeared without a word,
or the enemy born of a centuries-old blood feud who would rather bleed than smile,
and the masked man who watches her from the shadows and leaves her wanting more.
The prophecy says shadebounds always fall. That their power twists and breaks until there's nothing left.
But Jinx doesn’t care. If anything, she enjoys the prospect of being evil.
Because if she has to destroy herself to find her sister’s killer,
then she’ll happily drag this whole cursed place down with her.
Shadebound is the first book in a series following a grumpy serial killer who has been sentenced to Mors Academy for her crimes. It follows her as she is trained, tortured, and turned into a soldier, so she can help fight against the magical plague that is ruining her homeland. Whilst at Mors, students start to get murdered by the same serial killer who slaughtered her twin. This story is gothic, hilarious, slow burn but then spicy, and thrilling. It follows Jinx as she seeks revenge, learns the secrets to her power, and deals with multiple emotionally damaged men who want to kill her, or love her (ew, feelings) that she will never have to choose between (groups builds over the story, this is a slow burn). Expect lots of fun tropes, in this Dark Academia, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy story.
For readers who love things like Ninth House, Zodiac Academy, Psycho Shifters, the brutal world of Dark Souls, a sprinkle of Helldivers monster slaying, and an FMC with the deadpan darkness of Wednesday Addams.
Her only mistake? Not killing the right person.
Oh, and accidentally getting her magicless younger brother locked up with her.
Now she’s trapped in a brutal cliffside military prison disguised as a school.
Where magic is weaponized, students are wicked.
And each of them is being forged into a killer to fight the plague of monsters destroying their home world.
Jinx doesn’t want redemption. She doesn’t even care about surviving her sentence.
All she wants is revenge, and to protect the only sibling she has left.
And when students start turning up dead—murdered just like her twin sister—Jinx suspects the killer she meant to destroy might be trapped inside with her.
As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, some of the men haunting the halls come with baggage she swore she doesn't
like her childhood sweetheart who told her he loved her, then disappeared without a word,
or the enemy born of a centuries-old blood feud who would rather bleed than smile,
and the masked man who watches her from the shadows and leaves her wanting more.
The prophecy says shadebounds always fall. That their power twists and breaks until there's nothing left.
But Jinx doesn’t care. If anything, she enjoys the prospect of being evil.
Because if she has to destroy herself to find her sister’s killer,
then she’ll happily drag this whole cursed place down with her.
Shadebound is the first book in a series following a grumpy serial killer who has been sentenced to Mors Academy for her crimes. It follows her as she is trained, tortured, and turned into a soldier, so she can help fight against the magical plague that is ruining her homeland. Whilst at Mors, students start to get murdered by the same serial killer who slaughtered her twin. This story is gothic, hilarious, slow burn but then spicy, and thrilling. It follows Jinx as she seeks revenge, learns the secrets to her power, and deals with multiple emotionally damaged men who want to kill her, or love her (ew, feelings) that she will never have to choose between (groups builds over the story, this is a slow burn). Expect lots of fun tropes, in this Dark Academia, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy story.
For readers who love things like Ninth House, Zodiac Academy, Psycho Shifters, the brutal world of Dark Souls, a sprinkle of Helldivers monster slaying, and an FMC with the deadpan darkness of Wednesday Addams.
389 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2026
145 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 25, 2025
4 Stars
🖤 Bookish Thoughts
I’m conflicted on how to rate this one. On one hand I was very entertained, and it had all the elements I love. A magical and paranormal academy setting, a stabby FMC, and a why choose romance. But something was missing.
Not to mention this will definitely be one of the slowest slow burns ever, especially given how it ended.
Still I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and the concept overall. I’ll go with 4 stars because I read it in one sitting and I’m absolutely picking up the next in the series.
✨ What to Expect
• Dark academia
• Fantasy academy
• Stabby FMC
• Why choose romance
• Murder mystery
• Shadows
• Slow burn
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4 stars
📅 Pub Date: September 3, 2025
📝 Thank you to Victory Editing, NetGalley, and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
🖤 Bookish Thoughts
I’m conflicted on how to rate this one. On one hand I was very entertained, and it had all the elements I love. A magical and paranormal academy setting, a stabby FMC, and a why choose romance. But something was missing.
Not to mention this will definitely be one of the slowest slow burns ever, especially given how it ended.
Still I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and the concept overall. I’ll go with 4 stars because I read it in one sitting and I’m absolutely picking up the next in the series.
✨ What to Expect
• Dark academia
• Fantasy academy
• Stabby FMC
• Why choose romance
• Murder mystery
• Shadows
• Slow burn
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4 stars
📅 Pub Date: September 3, 2025
📝 Thank you to Victory Editing, NetGalley, and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
September 19, 2025
This is the perfect blend between the TV series Wednesday and the series ruthless boys of the Zodiac.
The setting is a old Gothic prison/academy/training facility that is creating soldiers to aid in the fight against the destruction of the world.
It is a fascinating world with multiple paranormal characters and different magical abilities. This is a great starting for a series.
But it could have been at least another 100 pages of not more to really get the story going and on its way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC
The setting is a old Gothic prison/academy/training facility that is creating soldiers to aid in the fight against the destruction of the world.
It is a fascinating world with multiple paranormal characters and different magical abilities. This is a great starting for a series.
But it could have been at least another 100 pages of not more to really get the story going and on its way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC
September 9, 2025
All the dark academia girls are going to swoon for this. It’s a slow steady jog right off a cliff. The Wednesday vibes were really strong and made it more enjoyable, and it’s def a slow burn with great banter. There’s not much why choose yet but the groundwork is laid and the cliffhanger 🫠 Thanks to the author, netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy to read.
November 15, 2025
I received an arc of this book but due to personal life problems I’m a bit late to finishing it. The book itself was pretty good. Kept me entertained for sure. I loved the different types of characters/ monsters & the magical abilities each person had in a dark academy setting. Jinx is awesome & a badass. The relationship between the Jinx & her brother Draven is super sweet. I love that the author included a deaf & seemingly powerless character & didn’t make him seem like an inconvenience to others. He was a bit of a badass all on his own. I was hoping for more between Jinx & Zayden before the end of the story but I’m sure the next book will give that. There’s still so much to figure out & that ending! I can’t wait to find out what happens next & how everything comes together. I’ll be waiting for book 2! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
November 18, 2025
First, a big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I absolutely loved Shadebound! If you enjoy Dark Academia, an excruciatingly slow burn, and a massive cliffhanger (which the author clearly delights in), then you’re in for a treat.
I’m officially a Jinx (FMC) fan! she’s fiercely vengeful, wonderfully sharp, and her unique magic fits the gothic vibe of the story perfectly.
The only reason I didn’t give this a full five stars is the romance. While I enjoyed the dynamic between Jinx and Zayden, the romantic spark just didn’t fully land for me, and I found myself wanting a bit more.
That said, I’m definitely looking forward to book two!
I absolutely loved Shadebound! If you enjoy Dark Academia, an excruciatingly slow burn, and a massive cliffhanger (which the author clearly delights in), then you’re in for a treat.
I’m officially a Jinx (FMC) fan! she’s fiercely vengeful, wonderfully sharp, and her unique magic fits the gothic vibe of the story perfectly.
The only reason I didn’t give this a full five stars is the romance. While I enjoyed the dynamic between Jinx and Zayden, the romantic spark just didn’t fully land for me, and I found myself wanting a bit more.
That said, I’m definitely looking forward to book two!
January 2, 2026
Wednesday Adam’s x Hercules- Jasmine mas x fourth wing, but she’s a shadow mummy.
I’m obsessed! Now I have to wait until NOVEMBER FOR THE NEXT BOOK! ARGHHHHHH
I’m obsessed! Now I have to wait until NOVEMBER FOR THE NEXT BOOK! ARGHHHHHH
November 24, 2025
I started reading this dark academy book with certain expectations, since it was a retelling, but, to be honest, it wasn’t dull or boring. The FMC wants to pretend to be strong but she is very vulnerable due to loss and trauma, and this contrast has been nicely framed. There is some tension between the FMC and MMC(s?), but not to the point that it’s gaudy or plain smut. The FMC is not driven by dick, her time is not consumed thinking about the boys, she has some real aspirations and plans in motion😁 So it feels like the author teases us, saving the best for book 2.
PS: I really wish there was an update about book two lol🤩
PS: I really wish there was an update about book two lol🤩
October 18, 2025
Book Review: Shadebound
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)
I really enjoyed the start of Shadebound. It immediately drew me in with its unique take on dystopian fantasy, which felt fresh and intriguing. One of my favorite elements was the military school setting as there's something about a structured, high-stakes environment that really elevates the tension and stakes of the story.
Draven turned out to be a surprise favorite for me. I found myself far more invested in him than I expected, even more so than the central male love interest.
I also enjoyed the exploration of Jinx’s emotional and mental battles, especially dealing with the grief over her sister's death and the subsequent loss of her power, were some of the most compelling parts of the book.
That said, while the book started strong, I did find myself wishing for a bit more development in the overall storyline. By the halfway point, I felt like the plot hadn’t moved forward as much as I had hoped, and some of the narrative threads seemed to stall rather than build momentum.
By the end, I was left with a few lingering questions, especially around the chapters dedicated to her ghost sister, which didn’t seem to fully pay off in terms of the broader story. Similarly, the stalker subplot felt like it could have been explored in more depth, given its darker and more intense implications.
Still, there’s a lot of potential here. The worldbuilding and emotional depth of the protagonist were definite highlights, and I’d be curious to see where the series goes if there’s a follow-up. For me, Shadebound had a strong foundation but could have benefitted from a bit more narrative focus to fully deliver on its promising start.
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)
I really enjoyed the start of Shadebound. It immediately drew me in with its unique take on dystopian fantasy, which felt fresh and intriguing. One of my favorite elements was the military school setting as there's something about a structured, high-stakes environment that really elevates the tension and stakes of the story.
Draven turned out to be a surprise favorite for me. I found myself far more invested in him than I expected, even more so than the central male love interest.
I also enjoyed the exploration of Jinx’s emotional and mental battles, especially dealing with the grief over her sister's death and the subsequent loss of her power, were some of the most compelling parts of the book.
That said, while the book started strong, I did find myself wishing for a bit more development in the overall storyline. By the halfway point, I felt like the plot hadn’t moved forward as much as I had hoped, and some of the narrative threads seemed to stall rather than build momentum.
By the end, I was left with a few lingering questions, especially around the chapters dedicated to her ghost sister, which didn’t seem to fully pay off in terms of the broader story. Similarly, the stalker subplot felt like it could have been explored in more depth, given its darker and more intense implications.
Still, there’s a lot of potential here. The worldbuilding and emotional depth of the protagonist were definite highlights, and I’d be curious to see where the series goes if there’s a follow-up. For me, Shadebound had a strong foundation but could have benefitted from a bit more narrative focus to fully deliver on its promising start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
In Shadebound, every mission, every monster, and every masked whisper feels like it’s daring you to burn. Dark fantasy meets military academy with a heroine who would sooner exact revenge than cling to redemption—and you’ll want the fire. Our FMC is Jinx Draconis, and she is sentenced to Mors Academy for violent offenses she doesn’t regret. Grimy, sharp, and protective of the one person she has left (her magicless younger brother), she’s not here for saving souls—she’s here for vengeance. Then we have The Men Haunting the Halls: There’s her childhood sweetheart (vanished, then back), the centuries-old enemy who bleeds tradition and spite, and a masked guy lurking in shadows, leaving her heart stuck somewhere between loathing and longing. Jinx Draconis is shipped off to Mors Academy—cliffside, militarised, disguised as a school—after a spree of violent crimes, partly because she didn’t kill the right person, and partly because her younger brother ends up locked up alongside her. Mors Academy is brutal: magic is a weapon, monsters decimate her homeland, and students are being warped into killers under the guise of defence. Once at the academy, Jinx’s priorities are simple: find the one responsible for murdering her twin, and keep her brother safe. But Mors doesn’t make letting go of survival easy. As more students begin turning up dead, killed in ways that mimic her twin’s murder, Jinx is forced into investigations she didn’t sign up for. Her relationships complicate everything. The childhood sweetheart reappears, bringing emotional landmines. The ancient rival adds history and hurt. The masked shadow figure? He adds obsession—and distraction. Every man in her orbit holds secrets, grudges, or worse. When betrayal is everywhere, trust becomes a strategic liability. Meanwhile, Jinx’s own power—“Shadebound”—is prophesied to destroy its bearer. Her magic twists, her power burns, and she walks a tightrope between embracing the darkness and being consumed by it. Every revelation pushes her closer to breaking, or breaking something/someone else. By the end of Shadebound, Jinx is more than just a killer in training. She’s a calculated weapon, someone capable of wielding fear as well as vengeance. The academy, the murders, the betrayals—they don’t just test her strength; they force her to decide who she is willing to become, and what she’ll sacrifice to pull justice (or revenge) out of a place made to swallow souls. This one’s for readers who love dark, morally grey protagonists, horror-tinged fantasy, and leap-off-the-edge slow burns. The brutality, the betrayals, and the emotional roofs-too-close-to-fall make Shadebound a ride you’ll remember.
January 4, 2026
DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND READ THIS RIGHT NOW! 📣✨
First of all: This book is an amazing example of reading the reviews, not wanting to dive in right away because it is not EXACTLY your style… but still doing it because a small voice fortunately whispers in your ear:
"You need to get out of your comfort zone." 🌟👂
---
• THINGS I LIKED / THOUGHT WERE UNIQUE:
✅ The author's introductory speech at the beginning: explaining things in a really friendly way 💬🤝
✅ The character descriptions: extremely detailed, going beyond appearance, age, and name. They also included "special item," hobbies, weaknesses, and strengths. This gave me familiarity with the characters before starting! 🎭📄 It should be done more often!
✅ Funny modern touches here and there: a nice surprise 😄(WI-FI mentioned in hell!!😭)
---
• THE PLOT AND ROMANCE:
Coming from a girl who reads ROMANTASY 💘📖: romance is important to me, but I only like slow burn enemies to lovers.
Let me tell you: this book has an amazing RH that forms over time, across the books. The relationships are NOT rushed like we are used to! ⏳💞
To be exact (for those who care): plot takes 80% of the book, romance 20%. If I read that in a review, I would be a letdown… but trust me, it is totally worth it. ✅
We meet:
🐺 Zayden: the Alpha shifter, awesome, protective, but still supportive of Jinx
🕵️ Alessander-name probablly spelled wrong😭 (spark definitely felt ✨)
-the "unknown" POV
👁️ The Stalker
💀 Death (?)
🌑 The other Shadowbound (only seen at the end)
Their relationships will build up to a well deserved explosion. 💥❤️🔥
---
• NOW, ABOUT THE PLOT:
It is a murder mystery kind of book 🕵️♀️🔪… think Wednesday Addams vibes.
The dark academy (prison?) trope definitely delivers with its original trials and dynamics between the "students." 🏛️📜
---
• THE FMC — JINX:
Jinx is my favourite of all time. 🖤
She is gothic with a dark soul that still manages to love. A total badass with shadow powers, animal spirits as help (a spider 🕷️ and a cat 🐈⬛), and she can talk to Death. 💀🗣️
The trauma from her sister’s death is not overdone or dramatic: for the first time in a million books, it actually feels SAD… 💔
---
• SIDE CHARACTERS:
👦 Draven: Jinx’s little brother who loves her so much he came to "hell" just to give her a reason to fight and live… and still did not tell her. That sums him up.
👩❤️💔 Her sister’s ex-gf (Maya? I feel terrible forgetting her name 😭): a true friend who was there for Jinx, helped her through everything while grieving the same person.
🔮 The Seer (also forgot the name, sorry!): so shy and cute, but determined to learn how to see ghosts and visions. Blushed many times when Maya talked��� so I am shipping them. 🥰👭
👻 Jezebel: now a ghost, trying her best to warn Jinx about the killer after her by pushing things and having one-sided conversations with the cute blushing Seer (made me laugh out loud multiple times 😂).
---
• IN CONCLUSION:
That is about all. 📘✨
This book ends on a cliffhanger… keep that in mind! ⚠️📌
I cannot believe I have to wait until the end of this year to read Book 2… this is just cruel!!! 🥲⏳
Happy reading, guys! 📚💫🎉
First of all: This book is an amazing example of reading the reviews, not wanting to dive in right away because it is not EXACTLY your style… but still doing it because a small voice fortunately whispers in your ear:
"You need to get out of your comfort zone." 🌟👂
---
• THINGS I LIKED / THOUGHT WERE UNIQUE:
✅ The author's introductory speech at the beginning: explaining things in a really friendly way 💬🤝
✅ The character descriptions: extremely detailed, going beyond appearance, age, and name. They also included "special item," hobbies, weaknesses, and strengths. This gave me familiarity with the characters before starting! 🎭📄 It should be done more often!
✅ Funny modern touches here and there: a nice surprise 😄(WI-FI mentioned in hell!!😭)
---
• THE PLOT AND ROMANCE:
Coming from a girl who reads ROMANTASY 💘📖: romance is important to me, but I only like slow burn enemies to lovers.
Let me tell you: this book has an amazing RH that forms over time, across the books. The relationships are NOT rushed like we are used to! ⏳💞
To be exact (for those who care): plot takes 80% of the book, romance 20%. If I read that in a review, I would be a letdown… but trust me, it is totally worth it. ✅
We meet:
🐺 Zayden: the Alpha shifter, awesome, protective, but still supportive of Jinx
🕵️ Alessander-name probablly spelled wrong😭 (spark definitely felt ✨)
-the "unknown" POV
👁️ The Stalker
💀 Death (?)
🌑 The other Shadowbound (only seen at the end)
Their relationships will build up to a well deserved explosion. 💥❤️🔥
---
• NOW, ABOUT THE PLOT:
It is a murder mystery kind of book 🕵️♀️🔪… think Wednesday Addams vibes.
The dark academy (prison?) trope definitely delivers with its original trials and dynamics between the "students." 🏛️📜
---
• THE FMC — JINX:
Jinx is my favourite of all time. 🖤
She is gothic with a dark soul that still manages to love. A total badass with shadow powers, animal spirits as help (a spider 🕷️ and a cat 🐈⬛), and she can talk to Death. 💀🗣️
The trauma from her sister’s death is not overdone or dramatic: for the first time in a million books, it actually feels SAD… 💔
---
• SIDE CHARACTERS:
👦 Draven: Jinx’s little brother who loves her so much he came to "hell" just to give her a reason to fight and live… and still did not tell her. That sums him up.
👩❤️💔 Her sister’s ex-gf (Maya? I feel terrible forgetting her name 😭): a true friend who was there for Jinx, helped her through everything while grieving the same person.
🔮 The Seer (also forgot the name, sorry!): so shy and cute, but determined to learn how to see ghosts and visions. Blushed many times when Maya talked��� so I am shipping them. 🥰👭
👻 Jezebel: now a ghost, trying her best to warn Jinx about the killer after her by pushing things and having one-sided conversations with the cute blushing Seer (made me laugh out loud multiple times 😂).
---
• IN CONCLUSION:
That is about all. 📘✨
This book ends on a cliffhanger… keep that in mind! ⚠️📌
I cannot believe I have to wait until the end of this year to read Book 2… this is just cruel!!! 🥲⏳
Happy reading, guys! 📚💫🎉
September 9, 2025
Deliciously macabre in an emotionally charged husk of Death's chosen.
When I read gothic dark fantasy, I didn't expect the extent of how gothic it would get. But that's definitely the word of the day. Gothic .
It started off slow, but it doesn't disappoint. It handled death in such a poetically dark way that made my little dark heart enjoy reading every bit of it. Bringing about a new perspective to being chosen by death, being chosen through death, and finding comfort in death. I wonder how many times I can say death?
And not just that. This is a story of a person who had it all under control, somewhat. And she winds up being stripped of all her strength and finding herself torn open and bare for all to sneer at. Because she's simply made anew by something that plagued their lands.
I know what the cover says. But this is the slowest slow burn to the fullest. Only one (maybe two) has appeared to be a possible love interest, and even that found partial fulfillment (wow, so fancy) by the near end of the book. This is such a slow burn that you need the next few books for it (any romance or why choose aspect) to even show. And this is still the first book! I'm not complaining. I'm very much amused. But I'd call out the cover for something else.
When I read gothic dark fantasy, I didn't expect the extent of how gothic it would get. But that's definitely the word of the day. Gothic .
It started off slow, but it doesn't disappoint. It handled death in such a poetically dark way that made my little dark heart enjoy reading every bit of it. Bringing about a new perspective to being chosen by death, being chosen through death, and finding comfort in death. I wonder how many times I can say death?
And not just that. This is a story of a person who had it all under control, somewhat. And she winds up being stripped of all her strength and finding herself torn open and bare for all to sneer at. Because she's simply made anew by something that plagued their lands.
I know what the cover says. But this is the slowest slow burn to the fullest. Only one (maybe two) has appeared to be a possible love interest, and even that found partial fulfillment (wow, so fancy) by the near end of the book. This is such a slow burn that you need the next few books for it (any romance or why choose aspect) to even show. And this is still the first book! I'm not complaining. I'm very much amused. But I'd call out the cover for something else.
September 21, 2025
Series: Dark Fantasy
First Book: Shadebound
This is the first book of a series. (1 of ?)
INCOMPLETE Series
Original series (not a spin off/not same world as previous series)
Spice:1/5 (Glimpses and Kisses based on romance.io)
Available on Kindle Unlimited
I can’t wait for the next book! Storer warned us that she wanted to bring back yearning and she did not disappoint. Honestly, I needed more romance but I’m willing to wait if we’re setting up. This book gave me Zodiac Academy vibes and that’s my favorite series ever so I’m pretty excited. I rated it a 4 because the romance wasn’t there yet but I have a feeling this is setting us up for something awesome.
My rating: 4/5
I would definitely recommend this book/series!
Specifically for:
- dark academia fans!
- fans that love a slow burn build
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing and Tierney Storer for the amazing arc in exchange for an honest review! Cant wait for book 2!
First Book: Shadebound
This is the first book of a series. (1 of ?)
INCOMPLETE Series
Original series (not a spin off/not same world as previous series)
Spice:1/5 (Glimpses and Kisses based on romance.io)
Available on Kindle Unlimited
I can’t wait for the next book! Storer warned us that she wanted to bring back yearning and she did not disappoint. Honestly, I needed more romance but I’m willing to wait if we’re setting up. This book gave me Zodiac Academy vibes and that’s my favorite series ever so I’m pretty excited. I rated it a 4 because the romance wasn’t there yet but I have a feeling this is setting us up for something awesome.
My rating: 4/5
I would definitely recommend this book/series!
Specifically for:
- dark academia fans!
- fans that love a slow burn build
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing and Tierney Storer for the amazing arc in exchange for an honest review! Cant wait for book 2!
February 6, 2026
Finished 100% 4.8* KU Dark romantasy multi POV
This was a good read even with multiple pov. The other pov did not alter how I felt about the FMC or the MMC, they just expanded the mystery. The spice was almost non-existent sadly but there was a pinch of it. There was a strong FMC, a loveable side character, and a tender love interest. Make sure to read the tw, although they never bother me there are hints that may upset others. This book ended in a WICKED cliffhanger, so fair warning. I did knock down the rating for the first 7% of the book that were author ramblings and character profiles. There was also a large author's note at the end as well. I don't mind these but normally they don't take up such a large amount. I am also not a fan of the profiles, I would prefer that is all explained in the story itself, I skipped them and for the most part I was perfectly fine. The author did well enough to not really need that.
This was a good read even with multiple pov. The other pov did not alter how I felt about the FMC or the MMC, they just expanded the mystery. The spice was almost non-existent sadly but there was a pinch of it. There was a strong FMC, a loveable side character, and a tender love interest. Make sure to read the tw, although they never bother me there are hints that may upset others. This book ended in a WICKED cliffhanger, so fair warning. I did knock down the rating for the first 7% of the book that were author ramblings and character profiles. There was also a large author's note at the end as well. I don't mind these but normally they don't take up such a large amount. I am also not a fan of the profiles, I would prefer that is all explained in the story itself, I skipped them and for the most part I was perfectly fine. The author did well enough to not really need that.
September 28, 2025
Every killer needs to find their muse, and Jinx just happens to be his.
Jinx Draconis was sentenced to Mors Academy for the heinous string of violent crimes that she doesn't regret.
Her only mistake? Was not to kill the right person.
Oh, and to accidentally get her brother who has no magical ability locked up with her.
Now Jinx finds that she's trapped in this brutal cliffside military prison that's been disguised as a school, magic has been weaponized, and the students are just wicked.
And each one of the students are being forged into a killer to fight the plague of monsters that are destroying their home world.
Jinx is the exception, she doesn't want redemption. She really doesn't even care if she survives her sentence or not. The only things she wants are to find her revenge and to protect her brother, the only sibling that she has left.
And when the other students start turning up dead – murdered just like Jinx's twin sister – Jinx starts to suspect that the killer she meant to destroy might now be trapped inside with her.
And if Jinx didn't already have enough on her plate, some of the men who are haunting the halls of this so-called academy, come with baggage she swore she didn't.
There's her childhood sweetheart who told Jinx that he loved her, and then suddenly he disappeared without a word.
And then there's the enemy born of a centuries-old blood feud who would rather bleed than smile.
And finally, there's the masked man who watches Jinx from the shadows and for reasons Jinx can't understand this leaves her wanting more.
The prophecy says that Shadebounds will always fall. That their power twists and breaks until there is nothing left.
But Jinx doesn't care about the prophecy. If anything, she enjoys the prospect of being evil.
Because if Jinx destroys the entire world to find her sister's killer,
Then she'll be more than happy to drag this cursed place down with her.
Shadebound is the first book in a series following a grumpy serial killer who has been sentenced to Mors Academy for her crimes. It follows her as she is trained, tortured, and turned into a soldier, so she can help fight against the magical plague that is ruining her homeland. Whilst at Mors, students start to get murdered by the same serial killer who slaughtered her twin. This story is gothic, hilarious, slow burn but then spicy, and thrilling. It follows Jinx as she seeks revenge, learns the secrets to her power, and deals with multiple emotionally damaged men who want to kill her, or love her (ew, feelings) that she will never have to choose between. Expect lots of fun tropes, in this Dark Academia, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy story.
For readers who love Zodiac Academy, Psycho Shifters, the brutal world of Dark Souls, a sprinkle of Helldivers monster slaying, and an FMC with the deadpan darkness of Wednesday Addams.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Dark Academia, Reverse Harem/Why Choose, Morally Grey FMC, Antiheroine,
Dead Twin, Grief, Mind Games, Trust no one, Everyone’s got secrets, Enemies To Lovers, Tension, Betrayal, Masked Stranger, Forced Proximity, Villain Romance, Dark Pasts, Darker Intentions, Closed-Circle Mystery, Magical Training Gone Wrong, Pain, Power, Punishment, Slow Burn Romance, Revenge Quest, and Tragic Backstories.
Shadebound A Dark Academia, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy Series by Tierney Storer. I found this to be a beautifully written dark fantasy that immediately pulled me into this brutal world where if you want to survive it's going to take more than just strength – it's going to take cunning, control, and even some calculated cruelty.
Shadebound is set in the grim walls of Mors Academy, a place that was once a prison that has been turned into an assassin training ground for magical criminals.
Jinx Draconis, is our morally grey anti-heroine. She has this unapologetic thirst for obtaining her own vengeance and this is what will set the entire tone of this story. Be warned, Jinx is not here to be redeemed – Jinx is here to settle every score, and there is nothing, not any of the academy's deadly rules, that are going to stop her.
Jinx is a very special FMC, You can't just read her character, you have to live Jinx, you have to feel her down to your very soul to understand her character and her motivations. Jinx is a kind a raw darkness that has been distilled, she's raw and jagged, and she's been stitched together with contradictions. While she was born dead you find that she is more alive than you or me, she has built her walls strong like steel and she wears them like they are her armour and she wields her loyalty like it's a blade.
Jinx is by far not evil, but after everything she has survived for Jinx's survival is her personification. She can be cold when she has to but she can also be warm and tender. She's a walking contradiction and she's every contradiction that you've tried to hide inside yourself.
I really liked Zayden; he's delicious, dangerous, and oh so very addictive. He is the perfect storm that is the perfect match for Jinx. He's a werewolf with cracks in his own carefully laid walls, and through those cracks we get these small glimpses of a golden retriever energy. And while Jinx is purely barbed wire, Zayden is barbed wire wrapped up in velvet, he can still be sharp and cutting just a bit softer when it counts. And I adored the trust that Jinx puts in Zayden. And it's more than just romance. They form a bond that is forged in the fires of hell and the blood of the guilty. It's the kind of bond that scares you because it feels so very real.
In writing Shadebound Tierney has accomplished more than just writing the first book of a series. Here she's managed to craft a haunting symphony full of shadows, blood, and a yearning that just clings to you long after you have read the last word. Tierney's writing is not only sharp, it's also amazingly vivid and I felt as though I could feel the dragon fire scorch my skin, I could see the shadows hiding in the corners of my room, and I could hear all the growls of the monsters that may or may not have been only in my head. (It could have also been my cats, I'm not sure.) Tierney's words don't just weave a story, she has built her readers a world that will claw its way under everyone's skin and it will live rent-free in your head till you return to it in the 2nd book.
Shadebound is so much more than just a story or a book. This is a descent, a confession, it's a kiss that has been pressed to your pulse point in the pitch dark all while you have claws at your throat threatening to rip your jugular out. And I can honestly say that I can't wait to dive back in and get my next fix in the next book.
I highly recommend Shadebound and that you dive into this new addiction and find yourself waiting with me for your next fix.
Jinx Draconis was sentenced to Mors Academy for the heinous string of violent crimes that she doesn't regret.
Her only mistake? Was not to kill the right person.
Oh, and to accidentally get her brother who has no magical ability locked up with her.
Now Jinx finds that she's trapped in this brutal cliffside military prison that's been disguised as a school, magic has been weaponized, and the students are just wicked.
And each one of the students are being forged into a killer to fight the plague of monsters that are destroying their home world.
Jinx is the exception, she doesn't want redemption. She really doesn't even care if she survives her sentence or not. The only things she wants are to find her revenge and to protect her brother, the only sibling that she has left.
And when the other students start turning up dead – murdered just like Jinx's twin sister – Jinx starts to suspect that the killer she meant to destroy might now be trapped inside with her.
And if Jinx didn't already have enough on her plate, some of the men who are haunting the halls of this so-called academy, come with baggage she swore she didn't.
There's her childhood sweetheart who told Jinx that he loved her, and then suddenly he disappeared without a word.
And then there's the enemy born of a centuries-old blood feud who would rather bleed than smile.
And finally, there's the masked man who watches Jinx from the shadows and for reasons Jinx can't understand this leaves her wanting more.
The prophecy says that Shadebounds will always fall. That their power twists and breaks until there is nothing left.
But Jinx doesn't care about the prophecy. If anything, she enjoys the prospect of being evil.
Because if Jinx destroys the entire world to find her sister's killer,
Then she'll be more than happy to drag this cursed place down with her.
Shadebound is the first book in a series following a grumpy serial killer who has been sentenced to Mors Academy for her crimes. It follows her as she is trained, tortured, and turned into a soldier, so she can help fight against the magical plague that is ruining her homeland. Whilst at Mors, students start to get murdered by the same serial killer who slaughtered her twin. This story is gothic, hilarious, slow burn but then spicy, and thrilling. It follows Jinx as she seeks revenge, learns the secrets to her power, and deals with multiple emotionally damaged men who want to kill her, or love her (ew, feelings) that she will never have to choose between. Expect lots of fun tropes, in this Dark Academia, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy story.
For readers who love Zodiac Academy, Psycho Shifters, the brutal world of Dark Souls, a sprinkle of Helldivers monster slaying, and an FMC with the deadpan darkness of Wednesday Addams.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Dark Academia, Reverse Harem/Why Choose, Morally Grey FMC, Antiheroine,
Dead Twin, Grief, Mind Games, Trust no one, Everyone’s got secrets, Enemies To Lovers, Tension, Betrayal, Masked Stranger, Forced Proximity, Villain Romance, Dark Pasts, Darker Intentions, Closed-Circle Mystery, Magical Training Gone Wrong, Pain, Power, Punishment, Slow Burn Romance, Revenge Quest, and Tragic Backstories.
Shadebound A Dark Academia, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy Academy Series by Tierney Storer. I found this to be a beautifully written dark fantasy that immediately pulled me into this brutal world where if you want to survive it's going to take more than just strength – it's going to take cunning, control, and even some calculated cruelty.
Shadebound is set in the grim walls of Mors Academy, a place that was once a prison that has been turned into an assassin training ground for magical criminals.
Jinx Draconis, is our morally grey anti-heroine. She has this unapologetic thirst for obtaining her own vengeance and this is what will set the entire tone of this story. Be warned, Jinx is not here to be redeemed – Jinx is here to settle every score, and there is nothing, not any of the academy's deadly rules, that are going to stop her.
Jinx is a very special FMC, You can't just read her character, you have to live Jinx, you have to feel her down to your very soul to understand her character and her motivations. Jinx is a kind a raw darkness that has been distilled, she's raw and jagged, and she's been stitched together with contradictions. While she was born dead you find that she is more alive than you or me, she has built her walls strong like steel and she wears them like they are her armour and she wields her loyalty like it's a blade.
Jinx is by far not evil, but after everything she has survived for Jinx's survival is her personification. She can be cold when she has to but she can also be warm and tender. She's a walking contradiction and she's every contradiction that you've tried to hide inside yourself.
I really liked Zayden; he's delicious, dangerous, and oh so very addictive. He is the perfect storm that is the perfect match for Jinx. He's a werewolf with cracks in his own carefully laid walls, and through those cracks we get these small glimpses of a golden retriever energy. And while Jinx is purely barbed wire, Zayden is barbed wire wrapped up in velvet, he can still be sharp and cutting just a bit softer when it counts. And I adored the trust that Jinx puts in Zayden. And it's more than just romance. They form a bond that is forged in the fires of hell and the blood of the guilty. It's the kind of bond that scares you because it feels so very real.
In writing Shadebound Tierney has accomplished more than just writing the first book of a series. Here she's managed to craft a haunting symphony full of shadows, blood, and a yearning that just clings to you long after you have read the last word. Tierney's writing is not only sharp, it's also amazingly vivid and I felt as though I could feel the dragon fire scorch my skin, I could see the shadows hiding in the corners of my room, and I could hear all the growls of the monsters that may or may not have been only in my head. (It could have also been my cats, I'm not sure.) Tierney's words don't just weave a story, she has built her readers a world that will claw its way under everyone's skin and it will live rent-free in your head till you return to it in the 2nd book.
Shadebound is so much more than just a story or a book. This is a descent, a confession, it's a kiss that has been pressed to your pulse point in the pitch dark all while you have claws at your throat threatening to rip your jugular out. And I can honestly say that I can't wait to dive back in and get my next fix in the next book.
I highly recommend Shadebound and that you dive into this new addiction and find yourself waiting with me for your next fix.
September 11, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Tierney Storer for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shadebound is a masterfully written dark fantasy that immediately draws you into a brutal world where survival isn't just a matter of strength—it's a matter of cunning, control, and calculated cruelty. Set within the grim walls of Mors Academy, a prison-turned-assassin-training-ground for magical criminals, the novel introduces us to Jinx Draconis, a morally grey antiheroine whose unapologetic thirst for vengeance sets the tone for the entire story. She’s not here to be redeemed—she’s here to settle the score, and nothing, not even the academy’s deadly rules, will stop her.
What makes Shadebound shine is how effortlessly it blends genres—dark academia, fantasy, slow-burn reverse-harem romance, and psychological thriller—all without losing its emotional core. The magic system is haunting, the atmosphere oppressive in the best way, and the academy itself becomes a living, breathing entity filled with secrets, betrayals, and blood. Tierney Storer crafts an environment where danger lurks in every whispered spell and behind every closed door, and as a reader, you feel the tension like a knife pressed to your throat.
Jinx is a standout protagonist, not because she’s easy to love—but because she’s difficult to ignore. She’s fierce, sarcastic, and deeply wounded, yet refuses to play the victim. Her relationships with the male leads—each representing different facets of her past and potential future—are richly layered and never feel forced. From a mysterious masked stranger to a centuries-old nemesis, and a human willing to bleed for her, every connection feels raw, charged, and believable. The enemies-to-lovers and reverse-harem tropes are handled with surprising emotional depth, adding spice without sacrificing substance.
The plot itself is fast-paced and addictive. When murders start occurring within the academy that mirror her twin sister’s death, Jinx is thrown into a tangled mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. The stakes are personal, the pacing relentless, and the tension perfectly dialed. It’s a story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go—and you’ll love every minute of it.
Shadebound is everything a dark fantasy fan could ask for: complex characters, emotional stakes, dangerous magic, and a touch of the forbidden. It's sharp, seductive, and unapologetically dark. If you're a fan of dark academia, slow-burn romance, morally grey heroines, or just love a story that bites back, this is your next obsession.
🏫 Dark Academia – A brutal, gothic academy where failure = death.
🔥 Reverse Harem / Why-Choose Romance – One badass girl, multiple love interests, no need to pick.
💀 Morally Grey FMC – She's not here to be good. She's here for revenge.
🔪 Antiheroine – A killer, unapologetic and unrepentant.
💔 Dead Twin / Grief Plotline – Her sister is gone… but the truth isn't buried yet.
🧠 Mind Games & Manipulation – Trust no one. Everyone’s got secrets.
👀 Enemies to Lovers – Tension, betrayal, and sizzling hate-to-love heat.
🎭 Masked Stranger – Who is he, and why can’t she stop watching him?
🩸 Forced Proximity – Trapped in a deadly academy with zero escape.
😈 Villain Romance / Bad Boys Galore – Dark pasts, darker intentions.
🚪 Closed-Circle Mystery – A killer is inside the academy walls… and she might be next.
🧙♂️ Magical Training Gone Wrong – The curriculum? Pain, power, and punishment.
💘 Slow Burn Romance – Tension builds... and builds... and explodes.
🗡️ Revenge Quest – Justice isn't enough. She wants blood.
🕰️ Tragic Backstories – Everyone’s broken. Some just hide it better.
Thank you to the author Tierney Storer for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shadebound is a masterfully written dark fantasy that immediately draws you into a brutal world where survival isn't just a matter of strength—it's a matter of cunning, control, and calculated cruelty. Set within the grim walls of Mors Academy, a prison-turned-assassin-training-ground for magical criminals, the novel introduces us to Jinx Draconis, a morally grey antiheroine whose unapologetic thirst for vengeance sets the tone for the entire story. She’s not here to be redeemed—she’s here to settle the score, and nothing, not even the academy’s deadly rules, will stop her.
What makes Shadebound shine is how effortlessly it blends genres—dark academia, fantasy, slow-burn reverse-harem romance, and psychological thriller—all without losing its emotional core. The magic system is haunting, the atmosphere oppressive in the best way, and the academy itself becomes a living, breathing entity filled with secrets, betrayals, and blood. Tierney Storer crafts an environment where danger lurks in every whispered spell and behind every closed door, and as a reader, you feel the tension like a knife pressed to your throat.
Jinx is a standout protagonist, not because she’s easy to love—but because she’s difficult to ignore. She’s fierce, sarcastic, and deeply wounded, yet refuses to play the victim. Her relationships with the male leads—each representing different facets of her past and potential future—are richly layered and never feel forced. From a mysterious masked stranger to a centuries-old nemesis, and a human willing to bleed for her, every connection feels raw, charged, and believable. The enemies-to-lovers and reverse-harem tropes are handled with surprising emotional depth, adding spice without sacrificing substance.
The plot itself is fast-paced and addictive. When murders start occurring within the academy that mirror her twin sister’s death, Jinx is thrown into a tangled mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. The stakes are personal, the pacing relentless, and the tension perfectly dialed. It’s a story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go—and you’ll love every minute of it.
Shadebound is everything a dark fantasy fan could ask for: complex characters, emotional stakes, dangerous magic, and a touch of the forbidden. It's sharp, seductive, and unapologetically dark. If you're a fan of dark academia, slow-burn romance, morally grey heroines, or just love a story that bites back, this is your next obsession.
🏫 Dark Academia – A brutal, gothic academy where failure = death.
🔥 Reverse Harem / Why-Choose Romance – One badass girl, multiple love interests, no need to pick.
💀 Morally Grey FMC – She's not here to be good. She's here for revenge.
🔪 Antiheroine – A killer, unapologetic and unrepentant.
💔 Dead Twin / Grief Plotline – Her sister is gone… but the truth isn't buried yet.
🧠 Mind Games & Manipulation – Trust no one. Everyone’s got secrets.
👀 Enemies to Lovers – Tension, betrayal, and sizzling hate-to-love heat.
🎭 Masked Stranger – Who is he, and why can’t she stop watching him?
🩸 Forced Proximity – Trapped in a deadly academy with zero escape.
😈 Villain Romance / Bad Boys Galore – Dark pasts, darker intentions.
🚪 Closed-Circle Mystery – A killer is inside the academy walls… and she might be next.
🧙♂️ Magical Training Gone Wrong – The curriculum? Pain, power, and punishment.
💘 Slow Burn Romance – Tension builds... and builds... and explodes.
🗡️ Revenge Quest – Justice isn't enough. She wants blood.
🕰️ Tragic Backstories – Everyone’s broken. Some just hide it better.
December 23, 2025
Jinx is a Shadebound a creature of chaos and destruction. Still suffering from grief after her twin sister was murdered. Taking justice into her own hands, she is finally convicted of 13 cases of torture, kidnapping and murder leads her to 100 years of servitude to Mortavia’s protectors where she was transported to Mors Academy for training. Jinx was relegated to her fate until her younger magicless brother decides to tag along for the journey.
In an academy with various supernatural creatures: Sirens, Dragons, Werewolves, Pixies, Seers; Jinx fits right in; after all she takes pleasure in those things that cause other’s nightmares. Jinx is already public enemy #1 because everyone knows how powerful she is and sees her as a threat to be eliminated; factor in the fact that her only focus is protecting her brother, she’s in for a bumpy ride. Jinx doesn’t care what happens to her, but she will fight to the bitter end to protect her brother.
This story had all the makings of a dark academia storyline, you have bullying, violence, a serial unaliver stalking students, enemies to enemies and a second chance romance. Jinx I reunited with Zayden, the love she thought abandoned her during her time of need only to realize he too found himself arrested and sent to Mors Academy.
Jinx has a problem with feelings and emotions. She only understands death, torture, pain, and chaos. Throughout this book we see how she struggles to accept the bonds of friendship that are developing between her and her former lover, her sister’s ex-lover as well as a few other individuals that have befriended her and her brother Draven.
While I enjoyed the academy setting, the newly formed friendships and Jinx’s protection of her brother; the things I struggled with were why she was hated so much by the other species; namely the dragons? Also, I still didn’t understand the whole serial unaliver storyline. Why was her sister targeted? What was the purpose? Also, I couldn’t wrap my head around her relationship with Death. He was always lurking in the shadows, but he couldn’t tell her who the mystery unaliver was. Really? My guy: you seem kind of useless when it really matters.
A lot of things just didn’t connect or gel well together and the book leaves you with so many unanswered questions. As far as the future harem goes, I have my suspicions, and I’ll be curious to see if I’m right.
Things to Expect:
• Dark Academia
• Supernatural Academy
• Volatile & Stabby FMC
• Why Choose Romance (No Spice in this book)
• Who Done It Vibes
• Am I My Brother’s Keeper Vibes
• Second Chance Romance
In an academy with various supernatural creatures: Sirens, Dragons, Werewolves, Pixies, Seers; Jinx fits right in; after all she takes pleasure in those things that cause other’s nightmares. Jinx is already public enemy #1 because everyone knows how powerful she is and sees her as a threat to be eliminated; factor in the fact that her only focus is protecting her brother, she’s in for a bumpy ride. Jinx doesn’t care what happens to her, but she will fight to the bitter end to protect her brother.
This story had all the makings of a dark academia storyline, you have bullying, violence, a serial unaliver stalking students, enemies to enemies and a second chance romance. Jinx I reunited with Zayden, the love she thought abandoned her during her time of need only to realize he too found himself arrested and sent to Mors Academy.
Jinx has a problem with feelings and emotions. She only understands death, torture, pain, and chaos. Throughout this book we see how she struggles to accept the bonds of friendship that are developing between her and her former lover, her sister’s ex-lover as well as a few other individuals that have befriended her and her brother Draven.
While I enjoyed the academy setting, the newly formed friendships and Jinx’s protection of her brother; the things I struggled with were why she was hated so much by the other species; namely the dragons? Also, I still didn’t understand the whole serial unaliver storyline. Why was her sister targeted? What was the purpose? Also, I couldn’t wrap my head around her relationship with Death. He was always lurking in the shadows, but he couldn’t tell her who the mystery unaliver was. Really? My guy: you seem kind of useless when it really matters.
A lot of things just didn’t connect or gel well together and the book leaves you with so many unanswered questions. As far as the future harem goes, I have my suspicions, and I’ll be curious to see if I’m right.
Things to Expect:
• Dark Academia
• Supernatural Academy
• Volatile & Stabby FMC
• Why Choose Romance (No Spice in this book)
• Who Done It Vibes
• Am I My Brother’s Keeper Vibes
• Second Chance Romance
September 8, 2025
I fell headfirst into this book like a moth diving into candle flame, knowing it would burn me but unable to resist. Shadebound didn’t just pull me into its shadow laced pages, it swallowed me whole, chewed me up, and left me wandering in the dark, begging for more. I didn’t even notice I had reached the last page until my Kindle mocked me with emptiness, and now I’m spiraling into the post book abyss.
Someone send help. Or the sequel. Preferably both.
Jinx. Oh, Jinx. She is not the kind of heroine you simply read, she’s the kind you feel in the marrow of your bones. She is darkness distilled, raw and jagged, stitched together with contradictions. Born dead, and yet more alive than most, she wears her walls like armor but wields her loyalty like a blade. She’s not evil, she’s survival personified. Call her a female Dexter. She’s cold, she’s warm, she’s brutal, she’s tender. She is every contradiction you’ve ever tried to bury within yourself. And maybe that’s why I related to her so much because the little psychotic streak she carries whispered to the shadow inside me and said, “I see you.”
Then there’s Zayden; delicious, dangerous, maddeningly addictive Zayden. He’s the storm that doesn’t just match Jinx, he is her storm. A werewolf with cracks in his carefully laid walls, letting glimpses of golden retriever energy slip through the shadows when you least expect it. Where Jinx is barbed wire, he’s barbed wire with velvet wrapped around it, still sharp, still cutting, but softer when it counts. And the trust she places in him? That’s not just romance. That’s the kind of bond forged in fire and blood. The kind that terrifies you because it feels real.
Tierney Storer has done more than write a book here and she’s crafted a haunting symphony of shadows, blood, and yearning that clings to you long after the last word. Her writing is so sharp, so vivid, that I could feel the dragon fire scorch across my skin, see shadows flicker in the corners of my room, and hear the guttural growls of monsters that may or may not have been entirely in my head. (No promises.) Her words didn’t just tell a story, they built a world that clawed its way under my skin and refused to leave.
Shadebound isn’t just a book. It’s a descent. A confession. A kiss pressed to your pulse in the dark while claws linger at your throat. And I, willingly and without shame, am begging for the next taste.
Someone send help. Or the sequel. Preferably both.
Jinx. Oh, Jinx. She is not the kind of heroine you simply read, she’s the kind you feel in the marrow of your bones. She is darkness distilled, raw and jagged, stitched together with contradictions. Born dead, and yet more alive than most, she wears her walls like armor but wields her loyalty like a blade. She’s not evil, she’s survival personified. Call her a female Dexter. She’s cold, she’s warm, she’s brutal, she’s tender. She is every contradiction you’ve ever tried to bury within yourself. And maybe that’s why I related to her so much because the little psychotic streak she carries whispered to the shadow inside me and said, “I see you.”
Then there’s Zayden; delicious, dangerous, maddeningly addictive Zayden. He’s the storm that doesn’t just match Jinx, he is her storm. A werewolf with cracks in his carefully laid walls, letting glimpses of golden retriever energy slip through the shadows when you least expect it. Where Jinx is barbed wire, he’s barbed wire with velvet wrapped around it, still sharp, still cutting, but softer when it counts. And the trust she places in him? That’s not just romance. That’s the kind of bond forged in fire and blood. The kind that terrifies you because it feels real.
Tierney Storer has done more than write a book here and she’s crafted a haunting symphony of shadows, blood, and yearning that clings to you long after the last word. Her writing is so sharp, so vivid, that I could feel the dragon fire scorch across my skin, see shadows flicker in the corners of my room, and hear the guttural growls of monsters that may or may not have been entirely in my head. (No promises.) Her words didn’t just tell a story, they built a world that clawed its way under my skin and refused to leave.
Shadebound isn’t just a book. It’s a descent. A confession. A kiss pressed to your pulse in the dark while claws linger at your throat. And I, willingly and without shame, am begging for the next taste.
September 26, 2025
Jinx is shadebound, which makes her different. She's been touched by death. She's darker and more powerful than everyone else. Jinx pretends that she doesn't have any emotions when the truth is she feels everything a little too much. Very emo. She is a self-described little goth girl who just might be one of the deadliest things that's (sort of) alive. She reminds me of Wednesday Addams. Sees the beauty in the dark, smart, and determined. Plus, she gives as good as she gets. I liked her.
This is a slow-burning why-choose, and boy is it slow. I'm not a hundred percent sure who's in the harem. There's Zayden, who has the possibility of a friends-to-lovers trope. There is the stalker who protects her from the shadows. Another stalker who seems a bit obsessed and not in a good way. Finally, there is Fiore, who I hate with a thousand suns, and so does Jinx. However, they say it's a thin line between love and hate. I am dying to see how things develop. Okay. Hear me out.
The story starts off slow, and honestly, I was wondering if I should DNF the book, but for some reason, I stuck it out. I'm glad I did because there was a great turning point. Mors is a prison disguised as an academy. There is nothing but dark misery to be had. This is one of those killer schools where the students fight to survive, and not all do. There's also a killer on the loose, and I'm not talking about Jinx. The killer is after something dark, and they decided to play a game of cat and mouse with her. So good. I love the Draconis children. Jinx and her siblings are ride or die for each other and sometimes beyond. Jinx and Draven's care for each other was a highlight in this book.
If you're looking for a good Gothic read, then Shadebound is it. Dark vibes, full of mysteries, and has a powerful MFC. The story ended not only with a new POV but also on one heck of a cliffhanger. I need answers, people, and I'm looking forward to getting them in the next book.
This is a slow-burning why-choose, and boy is it slow. I'm not a hundred percent sure who's in the harem. There's Zayden, who has the possibility of a friends-to-lovers trope. There is the stalker who protects her from the shadows. Another stalker who seems a bit obsessed and not in a good way. Finally, there is Fiore, who I hate with a thousand suns, and so does Jinx. However, they say it's a thin line between love and hate. I am dying to see how things develop. Okay. Hear me out.
The story starts off slow, and honestly, I was wondering if I should DNF the book, but for some reason, I stuck it out. I'm glad I did because there was a great turning point. Mors is a prison disguised as an academy. There is nothing but dark misery to be had. This is one of those killer schools where the students fight to survive, and not all do. There's also a killer on the loose, and I'm not talking about Jinx. The killer is after something dark, and they decided to play a game of cat and mouse with her. So good. I love the Draconis children. Jinx and her siblings are ride or die for each other and sometimes beyond. Jinx and Draven's care for each other was a highlight in this book.
If you're looking for a good Gothic read, then Shadebound is it. Dark vibes, full of mysteries, and has a powerful MFC. The story ended not only with a new POV but also on one heck of a cliffhanger. I need answers, people, and I'm looking forward to getting them in the next book.
November 27, 2025
📖 Title: Shadebound-Dark Fantasy #1
✍🏾 Author: Tierney Storer-new to me author
📅Publication date: 9/3/25 | Read: 11/26/25
📃 Format: e-Book 354 pgs.
Genre:
*Romantasy
*New Adult
*Mystery/Suspense
Tropes:
*enemies to lovers
*in love w BFF
*found family/friendship
*gothic
*dark academia
*magic/witches/ shifters/vampires
*slow burn
*why choose
👆🏾POV: 1st person
⚠️TW: torture, murder, grief, death of loved one
🌎 Setting: Salem-Mors Academy Cliffside Military Prison (MA)
Summary: Jinx has been found guilty of murder in thirteen cases after the death of her twin sister Jezebel. Her sentence is one hundred years servitude at MA. When she's about to run, a death carriage takes her and her brother to MA. Draven touched the carriage wanting to go with Jinx. In the arena they are trained, tortured, and punished as a killer among killers is trapped in the school.
👩🏾 Heroine: Jinx Draconis-23, can manipulate shadows, communicate with Death, and has shadow creatures-a raven Korrax, a spider Silk
🎭 Other Characters:
*Jezebel Draconis-22, Jinx's twin, a nature witch w/ earth magic (deceased)
*Draven Draconis-15, Jinx's brother, non-magical, deaf
*Adriano and Marilyn Draconis-115 and 110 years old, Jinx's parents, father a vampire lawyer/ mother an earth witch
*Ai Hightower-Headmaster, an angel
*Zayden Balor-22, Jinx's BFF, Alpha of New Salem werewolf pack
*Saphira-20, panther shifter, honorary member of Zayden's pack
*Luna and Kalamity-part of Zayden's pack
🤔 My Thoughts: A dark gothic fantasy with all the supernatural creatures you could think. Jinx was the narrator using her own entries.
Draven was my MVP!
Rating: 4/5 ✨
🙏🏾Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Tierney Storer for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Tierney Storer-new to me author
📅Publication date: 9/3/25 | Read: 11/26/25
📃 Format: e-Book 354 pgs.
Genre:
*Romantasy
*New Adult
*Mystery/Suspense
Tropes:
*enemies to lovers
*in love w BFF
*found family/friendship
*gothic
*dark academia
*magic/witches/ shifters/vampires
*slow burn
*why choose
👆🏾POV: 1st person
⚠️TW: torture, murder, grief, death of loved one
🌎 Setting: Salem-Mors Academy Cliffside Military Prison (MA)
Summary: Jinx has been found guilty of murder in thirteen cases after the death of her twin sister Jezebel. Her sentence is one hundred years servitude at MA. When she's about to run, a death carriage takes her and her brother to MA. Draven touched the carriage wanting to go with Jinx. In the arena they are trained, tortured, and punished as a killer among killers is trapped in the school.
👩🏾 Heroine: Jinx Draconis-23, can manipulate shadows, communicate with Death, and has shadow creatures-a raven Korrax, a spider Silk
🎭 Other Characters:
*Jezebel Draconis-22, Jinx's twin, a nature witch w/ earth magic (deceased)
*Draven Draconis-15, Jinx's brother, non-magical, deaf
*Adriano and Marilyn Draconis-115 and 110 years old, Jinx's parents, father a vampire lawyer/ mother an earth witch
*Ai Hightower-Headmaster, an angel
*Zayden Balor-22, Jinx's BFF, Alpha of New Salem werewolf pack
*Saphira-20, panther shifter, honorary member of Zayden's pack
*Luna and Kalamity-part of Zayden's pack
🤔 My Thoughts: A dark gothic fantasy with all the supernatural creatures you could think. Jinx was the narrator using her own entries.
Draven was my MVP!
Rating: 4/5 ✨
🙏🏾Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Tierney Storer for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
September 11, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5 - rounding up
I saw 'Gothic Why Choose Fantasy Romance' and said yep let me try that and went into it as blind as possible. I'm glad I stumbled upon this read and it gave me almost all of those things. It's wickedly grotesque, and haunting. The descriptions of the world/atmosphere all if it gave me Addams family vibes and Jinx is for sure Wednesday coded - in all the best ways. I don't know how to describe how very gothic is was - Shadow-drenched? Graveyard Chic? All of the above and more tbh.
I really enjoyed Jinx as a character - she's complicated and full of vengeance with a grumpy persona. Love it. Death, is hilarious and amazing. I'm super intrigued with what is to come as book one was setting up a lot of different moving pieces, and I have so many questions and theories. Including where's the why choose/reverse harem?! The slow burn iss burrrnnnninnnnggg but we defiantly see one/two prospects, & potentially even a third on that front but more to come on that in book 2. I liked the way Tierney sprinkled in few different POV chapters throughout the book as well I thought it added to the story amazingly, and the cliffhanger.. eek.
This is like a gloriously gothic as heck whodunit with "I'll burn the whole world down to get answers/vengeance' energy. If book two leans into all the chaos, drama, relationships/romance we've just been primed with - with a bit more 'showing' than 'telling' this is going to easily be an emotionally dangerous, sleep-devouring obsession.
Thanks you so much to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and the author, for the eARC.
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinions.
#Shadebound #NetGalley
I saw 'Gothic Why Choose Fantasy Romance' and said yep let me try that and went into it as blind as possible. I'm glad I stumbled upon this read and it gave me almost all of those things. It's wickedly grotesque, and haunting. The descriptions of the world/atmosphere all if it gave me Addams family vibes and Jinx is for sure Wednesday coded - in all the best ways. I don't know how to describe how very gothic is was - Shadow-drenched? Graveyard Chic? All of the above and more tbh.
I really enjoyed Jinx as a character - she's complicated and full of vengeance with a grumpy persona. Love it. Death, is hilarious and amazing. I'm super intrigued with what is to come as book one was setting up a lot of different moving pieces, and I have so many questions and theories. Including where's the why choose/reverse harem?! The slow burn iss burrrnnnninnnnggg but we defiantly see one/two prospects, & potentially even a third on that front but more to come on that in book 2. I liked the way Tierney sprinkled in few different POV chapters throughout the book as well I thought it added to the story amazingly, and the cliffhanger.. eek.
This is like a gloriously gothic as heck whodunit with "I'll burn the whole world down to get answers/vengeance' energy. If book two leans into all the chaos, drama, relationships/romance we've just been primed with - with a bit more 'showing' than 'telling' this is going to easily be an emotionally dangerous, sleep-devouring obsession.
Thanks you so much to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and the author, for the eARC.
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinions.
#Shadebound #NetGalley
September 15, 2025
⭐ 4.5/5 stars
ARC Review: Shadebound
I received an ARC of Shadebound via #Netgalley, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it—this is my very first ARC review!
This book is a Gothic Academy story I never knew I needed. I’ll be honest: I started reading a bit skeptically because it’s a slow burn, and normally I’m not a fan of that. But Shadebound completely changed my mind. The writing keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. It’s tense, it’s thrilling, and you never quite know what’s lurking around the next corner.
What I especially loved is how surprising and fresh it feels. The worldbuilding is rich, immersive, and exactly the kind of fantasy setting I adore. The story doesn’t waste time with long introductions—you’re dropped straight into the life of the main character, who already carries scars from the past. Even though you slowly piece together the world and its secrets as the book goes on, there’s already a major event within the first few chapters that immediately hooks you in.
Another detail I really appreciated is how the characters are introduced at the beginning. You get a small insight into who they are before the story unfolds, which made it easier to connect with them early on.
While the pacing starts off on the slower side, it never feels dull—instead, it builds suspense. And once things pick up, you just can’t stop turning the pages. By the end, I was not only fully invested but also dying to know what the next book will bring.
Overall, Shadebound is gripping, atmospheric, and full of surprises. Perfect for fans of Dark Academia, cultic fantasy, and anyone who loves Wednesday Addams vibes.
I’m officially a fan.
ARC Review: Shadebound
I received an ARC of Shadebound via #Netgalley, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it—this is my very first ARC review!
This book is a Gothic Academy story I never knew I needed. I’ll be honest: I started reading a bit skeptically because it’s a slow burn, and normally I’m not a fan of that. But Shadebound completely changed my mind. The writing keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. It’s tense, it’s thrilling, and you never quite know what’s lurking around the next corner.
What I especially loved is how surprising and fresh it feels. The worldbuilding is rich, immersive, and exactly the kind of fantasy setting I adore. The story doesn’t waste time with long introductions—you’re dropped straight into the life of the main character, who already carries scars from the past. Even though you slowly piece together the world and its secrets as the book goes on, there’s already a major event within the first few chapters that immediately hooks you in.
Another detail I really appreciated is how the characters are introduced at the beginning. You get a small insight into who they are before the story unfolds, which made it easier to connect with them early on.
While the pacing starts off on the slower side, it never feels dull—instead, it builds suspense. And once things pick up, you just can’t stop turning the pages. By the end, I was not only fully invested but also dying to know what the next book will bring.
Overall, Shadebound is gripping, atmospheric, and full of surprises. Perfect for fans of Dark Academia, cultic fantasy, and anyone who loves Wednesday Addams vibes.
I’m officially a fan.
September 17, 2025
I seldom read the authors note because I simply dgaf.
As I was tapping on my kindle to get to the story I happened to notice the author ended the note with “Happy reading & have a mediocre day.”
I already love her. For now…
Ohh who is this unknown POV I’m getting. Jinx’s fated mate? In a why choose? 🤔 is this guy the serial killer?
I liked the over all scope of the story but there is way too much telling and not enough showing. Ok we get it, everything here is gOtHiC and mACaBrE. Very try hard.
The FMC was my least favorite character which is a pretty impressive accomplishment on the authors part.
This was the slowest slow burn of all time to the point it never even burned in this book. It was more like a glacial simmer.
Why choose? I guess that’s easy when there is literally nothing to choose.
Enemies to lovers? How when there are no lovers?!?!
How many books is this gonna drag out? I don’t mind slow burn but if I have to ride out 87 books for someone to kiss it’s not gonna be pretty. I do see the set up for the enemies to lovers being Alessandro and the why choose to pull in Zayden.
And now that I know the name of the unknown person and a tiny bit about him, I’ll admit that is intriguing. I feel like it’s being set up for him to be in the RH.
I did, indeed, have a mediocre day reading this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
As I was tapping on my kindle to get to the story I happened to notice the author ended the note with “Happy reading & have a mediocre day.”
I already love her. For now…
As of this moment, you are property of Mors Academy.
He looked gentle. Kind. Possibly the worst kind of threat. The sort who’d hold your hand as he ruined your life. And stab you in the heart and then blame you for bleeding.
Ohh who is this unknown POV I’m getting. Jinx’s fated mate? In a why choose? 🤔 is this guy the serial killer?
I liked the over all scope of the story but there is way too much telling and not enough showing. Ok we get it, everything here is gOtHiC and mACaBrE. Very try hard.
The FMC was my least favorite character which is a pretty impressive accomplishment on the authors part.
This was the slowest slow burn of all time to the point it never even burned in this book. It was more like a glacial simmer.
Why choose? I guess that’s easy when there is literally nothing to choose.
Enemies to lovers? How when there are no lovers?!?!
How many books is this gonna drag out? I don’t mind slow burn but if I have to ride out 87 books for someone to kiss it’s not gonna be pretty. I do see the set up for the enemies to lovers being Alessandro and the why choose to pull in Zayden.
And now that I know the name of the unknown person and a tiny bit about him, I’ll admit that is intriguing. I feel like it’s being set up for him to be in the RH.
I did, indeed, have a mediocre day reading this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 25, 2025
“That the worst monsters weren’t the ones locked away, but the ones given keys.”
“Shadebound,” by Tierney Storer
I liked the entire magic system of the shadebounds and whether they even exist in the world or are just rumors, can’t wait to learn more about that in book 2. I liked the world that was built and the plot was really good. I liked the dark atmosphere and the dark academia vibes. The characters relationships didn’t develop much in the book and the plot felt rushed at times. The ending has me hooked into reading the next book, I NEED ANSWERS!!! 4 out of 5 stars.
-Vampires, Witches, Shifters, Angels
-Dark Academia
-Enemies To Lovers
-Reverse Harem
-Military Academy
Thank you for the copy, Netgalley.
“It was like praying for death not to come when it was the only fate we were all guaranteed.”
“There was no grace in being pulled apart or in showing weakness. Just cold inevitability. Like being unmade strand by strand with no say in the matter. “
“But you didn’t get to choose your fate. You could only choose how much you hated it.”
“Loving a shadebound must feel like waiting for a door that never opens. Like pressing your hand to glass and pretending it’s the same as being held.”
“They don’t mean to hurt the ones who love them. But their grief sits too close. Their memories run too deep. And the more you reach for them, the further they seem to drift into the dark. Perhaps love was never meant to reach that far. Or if it was— perhaps it was never meant to come back whole.”
“Living made clutter; dying gave you all the time in the world to judge it.”
“Shadebound,” by Tierney Storer
I liked the entire magic system of the shadebounds and whether they even exist in the world or are just rumors, can’t wait to learn more about that in book 2. I liked the world that was built and the plot was really good. I liked the dark atmosphere and the dark academia vibes. The characters relationships didn’t develop much in the book and the plot felt rushed at times. The ending has me hooked into reading the next book, I NEED ANSWERS!!! 4 out of 5 stars.
-Vampires, Witches, Shifters, Angels
-Dark Academia
-Enemies To Lovers
-Reverse Harem
-Military Academy
Thank you for the copy, Netgalley.
“It was like praying for death not to come when it was the only fate we were all guaranteed.”
“There was no grace in being pulled apart or in showing weakness. Just cold inevitability. Like being unmade strand by strand with no say in the matter. “
“But you didn’t get to choose your fate. You could only choose how much you hated it.”
“Loving a shadebound must feel like waiting for a door that never opens. Like pressing your hand to glass and pretending it’s the same as being held.”
“They don’t mean to hurt the ones who love them. But their grief sits too close. Their memories run too deep. And the more you reach for them, the further they seem to drift into the dark. Perhaps love was never meant to reach that far. Or if it was— perhaps it was never meant to come back whole.”
“Living made clutter; dying gave you all the time in the world to judge it.”
January 21, 2026
This was a weird one for me. At first, the writing felt very descriptive in a way my brain just could not latch onto. I genuinely think timing played a huge role here, because when I picked it back up later and actually committed to finishing it, it was not as bad as my initial experience suggested.
The premise itself is interesting. There is a magical prison school situation, locked magic, a murdered twin sister, and a main character who is very closed off emotionally and physically. Jinx is a Shadebound, which gives her a unique and eerie connection to death and shadows, and there are some intriguing ideas around that. I just never felt fully grounded in the world or the cast, which made it hard to stay invested.
I will say that one character did briefly catch my attention much later in the book, and I wish that version of him had shown up sooner and more consistently. That moment made me realize how much I needed a bit more edge or contrast in the character dynamics overall.
My biggest issue was pacing and emotional payoff. It felt like a lot of internal monologuing and repeated suffering without enough forward movement to balance it out. The author has mentioned hints of a harem, but I did not feel any real romantic tension here at all. Personally, I need at least a hint of softness or emotional connection somewhere, and it just was not present in a way that worked for me.
By the end, I finished it but felt about as confused as I did when I started, which is never a great sign.
⭐️⭐️
The premise itself is interesting. There is a magical prison school situation, locked magic, a murdered twin sister, and a main character who is very closed off emotionally and physically. Jinx is a Shadebound, which gives her a unique and eerie connection to death and shadows, and there are some intriguing ideas around that. I just never felt fully grounded in the world or the cast, which made it hard to stay invested.
I will say that one character did briefly catch my attention much later in the book, and I wish that version of him had shown up sooner and more consistently. That moment made me realize how much I needed a bit more edge or contrast in the character dynamics overall.
My biggest issue was pacing and emotional payoff. It felt like a lot of internal monologuing and repeated suffering without enough forward movement to balance it out. The author has mentioned hints of a harem, but I did not feel any real romantic tension here at all. Personally, I need at least a hint of softness or emotional connection somewhere, and it just was not present in a way that worked for me.
By the end, I finished it but felt about as confused as I did when I started, which is never a great sign.
⭐️⭐️
September 2, 2025
Shadebound has the bones of a really solid fantasy series; a main character who’s basically powered by vengeance and emotional damage. Jinx is sharp, angry, and absolutely not here to play nice, which makes her super fun to root for.
The beginning, though? It’s a lot of telling. We’re told how messed up the academy is, how haunted Jinx feels, how dangerous everything is but we don’t really see it play out in scenes. I wanted to feel the tension, the cruelty, the heartbreak, not just get the summary version. Things do get interesting though. Students start turning up dead, and the murders eerily mirror the way Jinx’s twin sister was killed. (Or was she?)
That said, once the story finds its groove, the drama kicks in. The romance is slow-burn but intense, with just enough spice to keep things interesting without overshadowing the plot. There’s tension, banter, and that enemies-to-something-more vibe that fantasy readers eat up. If the next books lean harder into showing the chaos and letting the relationships breathe, this could turn into a seriously addictive series.
The romance is slow-burn as there really isn't a harem to speak of. There’s tension, banter, and that enemies-to-something-more vibe that fantasy readers eat up. If the next books lean harder into showing the chaos and letting the relationships breathe, this could turn into a seriously addictive series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The beginning, though? It’s a lot of telling. We’re told how messed up the academy is, how haunted Jinx feels, how dangerous everything is but we don’t really see it play out in scenes. I wanted to feel the tension, the cruelty, the heartbreak, not just get the summary version. Things do get interesting though. Students start turning up dead, and the murders eerily mirror the way Jinx’s twin sister was killed. (Or was she?)
That said, once the story finds its groove, the drama kicks in. The romance is slow-burn but intense, with just enough spice to keep things interesting without overshadowing the plot. There’s tension, banter, and that enemies-to-something-more vibe that fantasy readers eat up. If the next books lean harder into showing the chaos and letting the relationships breathe, this could turn into a seriously addictive series.
The romance is slow-burn as there really isn't a harem to speak of. There’s tension, banter, and that enemies-to-something-more vibe that fantasy readers eat up. If the next books lean harder into showing the chaos and letting the relationships breathe, this could turn into a seriously addictive series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2025
“Every killer needs a muse, and she happens to be his.”
Shadebound (book one in the Jinx series) by Tierney Storer is a gothic, dark academia fantasy that doesn’t hesitate to claw into your emotions and hold you there.
This is a why-choose, enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance (with spice eventually), but what struck me most right away was the tone. The humor is pitch-black, the FMC is wonderfully snarky, and the banter has real bite. It’s witty and cutting even when things are bleak (it seems like a coping mechanism to me!).
The FMC herself? She’s a grumpy, convicted serial killer who winds up in a military academy setting. There, she’s juggling survival with unraveling layers of mystery: a magical plague, secret powers, and the ever-present responsibility of keeping a sibling safe. The worldbuilding has that mix of menace and intrigue that makes every reveal feel loaded with consequences.
Tone-wise, this book is dark. The emotional punches are heavy, and the stakes stay sharp throughout. If you like your fantasy with teeth, I’d recommend this to fans of Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, or Ninth House.
This book is a wild ride: sharp, emotional, and unexpectedly funny. If you’re the kind of reader who thrives on morally grey character and layered mysteries, Shadebound is worth settling in with. Just be prepared: it will pounce on your emotions and not let go.
Shadebound (book one in the Jinx series) by Tierney Storer is a gothic, dark academia fantasy that doesn’t hesitate to claw into your emotions and hold you there.
This is a why-choose, enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance (with spice eventually), but what struck me most right away was the tone. The humor is pitch-black, the FMC is wonderfully snarky, and the banter has real bite. It’s witty and cutting even when things are bleak (it seems like a coping mechanism to me!).
The FMC herself? She’s a grumpy, convicted serial killer who winds up in a military academy setting. There, she’s juggling survival with unraveling layers of mystery: a magical plague, secret powers, and the ever-present responsibility of keeping a sibling safe. The worldbuilding has that mix of menace and intrigue that makes every reveal feel loaded with consequences.
Tone-wise, this book is dark. The emotional punches are heavy, and the stakes stay sharp throughout. If you like your fantasy with teeth, I’d recommend this to fans of Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac, or Ninth House.
This book is a wild ride: sharp, emotional, and unexpectedly funny. If you’re the kind of reader who thrives on morally grey character and layered mysteries, Shadebound is worth settling in with. Just be prepared: it will pounce on your emotions and not let go.
September 28, 2025
I really liked this story and the mystery. I was riveted and read it all in one sitting. I do love jinx and zayden but I was so excited to see who the nice stalker was. I was also interested in trying to determine whether Alessandro would maybe be a love interest but now it feels like he may just be a villain but the whole set up was incredibly exciting. I loved the storyline and I loved the worldbuilding. I can clearly picture Mors and all the chaos going on within it. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
Now things I didn’t love, 1) it was great how descriptive it was because of all the world building but sometimes it was too much and additionally there was too many moving pieces that made the storyline sometimes too messy and 2) I wish we would have learned about the individuals due to the story as opposed to having their information outlined initially. I just felt sometimes there were too many people and too much going on and generally, I prefer when something begins to be tied up because it gives some relief but keep the suspense.
However I can’t wait for the next book. Also, I don’t know that anything could be considered a slow burn. There’s really history already with Zayden but there’s just a lot of conflict waiting for there to be a HEA but that’s expected since it’s a series that will have multiple relationships. Regardless, I loved all the friendships and relationship building.
Thank you author and book sprout for the arc!
Now things I didn’t love, 1) it was great how descriptive it was because of all the world building but sometimes it was too much and additionally there was too many moving pieces that made the storyline sometimes too messy and 2) I wish we would have learned about the individuals due to the story as opposed to having their information outlined initially. I just felt sometimes there were too many people and too much going on and generally, I prefer when something begins to be tied up because it gives some relief but keep the suspense.
However I can’t wait for the next book. Also, I don’t know that anything could be considered a slow burn. There’s really history already with Zayden but there’s just a lot of conflict waiting for there to be a HEA but that’s expected since it’s a series that will have multiple relationships. Regardless, I loved all the friendships and relationship building.
Thank you author and book sprout for the arc!
September 29, 2025
This book is so deliciously gothic I should have changed my iPad to dark viewing to help set the mood.
First, as you are entering this adventure in Mors Academy, keep in mind that this is book 1 of a fantasy series. Ergo, the beginning moves slow. It is still very captivating, but there is necessary character and world building that the book starts off with that make the beginning drag a little. Most likely, everyone picking this book up to read will already know this because we are all fantasy lovers here. But don't worry, despite a slow start this book balances plot and world building VERY well and the pace picks up.
Second, I LOVE the character bios given. I read this on my ipad (kindle app) and highlighted each of the names so I could quickly bounce back and forth if I needed to revisit something or remember something. More fantasy authors should do this!
Third and finally, this book was wonderful. Anyone who loves dark fantasy academia books will love this book. This book really takes the "gothic" characterization and does it SO well. There is an aura of gloom that lingers as you're reading, but in a best way! It's just the vibes and Tierney nails it. You can feel the shadows and darkness in the characters, especially with Jinx!! She is a wonderful FMC and I cannot wait to see more of her story.
First, as you are entering this adventure in Mors Academy, keep in mind that this is book 1 of a fantasy series. Ergo, the beginning moves slow. It is still very captivating, but there is necessary character and world building that the book starts off with that make the beginning drag a little. Most likely, everyone picking this book up to read will already know this because we are all fantasy lovers here. But don't worry, despite a slow start this book balances plot and world building VERY well and the pace picks up.
Second, I LOVE the character bios given. I read this on my ipad (kindle app) and highlighted each of the names so I could quickly bounce back and forth if I needed to revisit something or remember something. More fantasy authors should do this!
Third and finally, this book was wonderful. Anyone who loves dark fantasy academia books will love this book. This book really takes the "gothic" characterization and does it SO well. There is an aura of gloom that lingers as you're reading, but in a best way! It's just the vibes and Tierney nails it. You can feel the shadows and darkness in the characters, especially with Jinx!! She is a wonderful FMC and I cannot wait to see more of her story.
September 5, 2025
Oh I loved this so much. SO MUCH.
The gothic vibes that oozed out of this writing just scratched an itch that I desperately needed.
Jinx is such an interesting character. Not only for her personality but because of what she is, a Shadebound. I absolutely loved this type of a character and how unique it was.
Also we need to talk about Death. I love him. I loooove a psychic connection of the mind. It just does something to me.
And the Unknown??? I am dying to hear more about this person. Absolutely parched and the only person who can quench my thirst is this unknown stalker.
Spice level is very minimal but not zero, and the why choose hasn’t really started why-choosing yet but it’s clear that’s where it’s headed.
In my opinion this was a PERFECT first book for a series. It doesn’t jump into anything too fast, it doesn’t give anything away in book 1, it feels you in like the fish you are and only tugs on the line at the very end. PERFECTION.
I can’t thank Tierney enough for this ARC. I’m obsessed. Now excuse me while I go buy my shelf trophy and find out when I can buy 87 special editions.
The gothic vibes that oozed out of this writing just scratched an itch that I desperately needed.
Jinx is such an interesting character. Not only for her personality but because of what she is, a Shadebound. I absolutely loved this type of a character and how unique it was.
Also we need to talk about Death. I love him. I loooove a psychic connection of the mind. It just does something to me.
And the Unknown??? I am dying to hear more about this person. Absolutely parched and the only person who can quench my thirst is this unknown stalker.
Spice level is very minimal but not zero, and the why choose hasn’t really started why-choosing yet but it’s clear that’s where it’s headed.
In my opinion this was a PERFECT first book for a series. It doesn’t jump into anything too fast, it doesn’t give anything away in book 1, it feels you in like the fish you are and only tugs on the line at the very end. PERFECTION.
I can’t thank Tierney enough for this ARC. I’m obsessed. Now excuse me while I go buy my shelf trophy and find out when I can buy 87 special editions.
September 7, 2025
So from the get go (the character descriptions) i could not drop this book. I started it and ended it in one sitting. Just like any Tierney Storer book, there was edge, humour in a dark and twisted way and a strong af fmc. The book ends on a cliff hanger and i have never been so angry at myself for choosing to read a book from a non finished series. I love and HATE that I can't figure out who all of Jinx's mates are going to be!! but if this is going in the direction I think it is.. There better be so MUCH GROVELLL!! Anyhoo, i especially love that we get POV's from non love interests as well which really makes this such a well rounded story that holds mystery and love. I can totally see the inspiration from Wednesday. Now, I am going to need the next book to have a lot of shadow creature interactions because the entire book I kept feeling such sorrow at the fact that these lifelong friends have been banished (i know not really but it felt like it) and that they would be sad without Jinx. So yeah 10/10 book you should definitely read it but this is a slow burn book and you will be screaming at yourself and Tierney for not having the second book already in hand.
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