What do you think?
Rate this book
Death in Verse
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26The first ferry of the new term arrives in six days. Let us hope it finds you alive and well.
When Bronte Cade’s mother vanishes, the only clue she leaves behind is an invitation to a retreat for magical poets. Determined to find answers, Bronte attends in her mother’s place by masquerading as the esteemed Dr. Sappho Cade.
But when Bronte arrives at the Radley School of Poetry, she finds the island abandoned—save for six other confused poets, one line of an unfinished poem, and an anonymous host who issues a chillingultimatum through an enchanted gramophone: complete the spell, and they may return home on the next ferry. Fail, and they die.
There’s another problem: Bronte isn’t magical.
With escape impossible, the body count rising, and her mother still missing, Bronte forms a wary alliance with the infuriating yet brilliant Marlowe Fang. Together, they race to unmask their host before Bronte is exposed—or worse, the next victim.
But beneath the host’s sinister scheme lies an even more insidious plot, one decades in the making. It bleeds beyond the shores of Radley like an ink stain, and no one’s hands are clean. Least of all the people Bronte trusts most.
When Bronte Cade’s mother vanishes, the only clue she leaves behind is an invitation to a retreat for magical poets. Determined to find answers, Bronte attends in her mother’s place by masquerading as the esteemed Dr. Sappho Cade.
But when Bronte arrives at the Radley School of Poetry, she finds the island abandoned—save for six other confused poets, one line of an unfinished poem, and an anonymous host who issues a chillingultimatum through an enchanted gramophone: complete the spell, and they may return home on the next ferry. Fail, and they die.
There’s another problem: Bronte isn’t magical.
With escape impossible, the body count rising, and her mother still missing, Bronte forms a wary alliance with the infuriating yet brilliant Marlowe Fang. Together, they race to unmask their host before Bronte is exposed—or worse, the next victim.
But beneath the host’s sinister scheme lies an even more insidious plot, one decades in the making. It bleeds beyond the shores of Radley like an ink stain, and no one’s hands are clean. Least of all the people Bronte trusts most.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Julie Lew
2 books10 followersJulie Lew loves all things fantasy and horror, the darker and queerer the better. They are the author of the adult gothic horror novel, THE WIVES OF HERRICK HALL, and the YA fantasy mystery, DEATH IN VERSE (out September 22nd, 2026). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, and when she’s not writing books about the magical and the monstrous, she’s likely playing endless games of fetch with her chihuahua-terrier mix pup Kody.
You can find Julie at julielew.com or on Instagram @_julielew_.
You can find Julie at julielew.com or on Instagram @_julielew_.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very dark mystery story with magical elements. In this alternate reality, poets possess magic powers. They've been used (or is that abused?) by The Consortium, their poetry harnessed to influence the outcome of WWI. Now in 1920, a group of poets has been lured out to an island, where the poetry school is located, but only the poets are there as it's between terms. They are tasked with finishing a poem, without knowing its purpose, and every day one of them is killed off in gruesome ways. A twisty mystery from start to finish.
I found the world-building to be a bit contrived, as if the author was trying too hard to find a way to make their idea seem logical and possible. Some interesting characters, but not really fleshed out adequately.
I found the world-building to be a bit contrived, as if the author was trying too hard to find a way to make their idea seem logical and possible. Some interesting characters, but not really fleshed out adequately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Two words: poetry magic! Death in Verse is both a historical fantasy and a mystery. I was sucked into Bronte’s world immediately. The prose is fantastic, and the story is gripping. I had to keep reading to learn who the mastermind behind everything was. I wasn’t expecting the ending to hit so hard but I don’t regret a thing! This book is perfect for readers who enjoy mystery novels with a pinch of magic.
February 2, 2026
As lyrical as it is brutal, "Death in Verse" is a haunting fantasy about language, power, and the violence of institutions that decide whose voices deserve to exist. Perfect for readers who love dark historical fantasy, politically charged magic systems, and stories where survival itself is an act of defiance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Death in Verse is deliciously dark and delightfully clever. It has beautifully flawed characters, unique magic, and a mystery that kept me guessing until the end (the final reveal left me SHOOK!). A captivating debut, and a must-read for fans of dark academia and locked room mysteries!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Beautifully atmospheric and intricately plotted, Death In Verse is one of the most unique books I've ever read: a fusion of fantasy, murder mystery, and a profound character study, where the reader is called to peel off each layer like the petals of a deadly flower. I devoured it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Honestly, I'm speechless. Just wow!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews