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A Bargain with the Darkseer
552 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2026
About the author
Alexandra E Parker
1 book16 followersAlexandra is a voracious reader of dark fantasy, romance, and fanfiction. An ex-academic turned indie author, Alexandra currently lives in Southern California but insists on maintaining every ounce of her east coast cynicism. When she’s not yapping about politics, she can be found knee-deep in the sea or cuddling with her anxious poodle. Follow her for unhinged bookish content on @ivoryandbonebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Keep telling me lies Farrow. We can pretend a little longer if you like.”
“And if I told you that in all my years roaming this earth, that I’ve never met anyone as stubborn and impossibly irresistible as you? Would you call me a liar then?”
✨✨✨
First off, thank you so much to Alexandra E. Parker for trusting me with an ARC of this book. Oh my god this book. The chokehold that this book has had on me for the last few days has been ridiculous, when I’ve not been reading it, I’ve been thinking about it. Where do I even start?
It’s filled with dark academia vibes, a really interesting and unique magic system where the FMC can taste lies and the MMC is a Daemon who is the only person immune to her gifts. There’s a slow burn, secret societies, blood bargains, top tier chemistry and banter, and yearning! I need book two in my hands pleeeeeease 🥹
Our FMC, Arden, is actually quite self-aware of her flaws and her need to be loved and wanted despite knowing the lies that come along with it. She’s a scholarship student at Ouverham College, an elitist school that has quite the dividing line between students thanks to secret societies and wealth. When her hidden relationship with August, one of the more favoured students comes to an end, she discovers he’s in danger thanks to the Bloodthorn Order - the very club he ended their relationship for. In her desperation to save him, believing it couldn’t be his fault, she makes a deal with Casimir, who has his own reasons for wanting the Bloodthorn Order gone and its leader forgotten.
Casimir has his own secrets though, and he’s immune to Arden’s gift of seeking out lies. She’s unsure if she can really trust him, and he’s doing all he can to protect her and still complete the task at hand. As an MMC he’s sarcastic, pushes her buttons because he likes to see her get mad, and he’s protective and possessive and he’s hiding a rather tragic backstory himself. But Arden is stubborn, and she won’t be led down a path just because he says so, she also won’t admit the one thing he knows is true.
There’s plot twists and turns that meant I couldn’t put this down, and the banter and chemistry between the two main characters is something I crave to see more of in book two and the ending has set up so well in my opinion for a new adventure in the second book and the open ended fate of some characters has me really intrigued to see how they come into play again later down the line.
And as a last note, the sassy Sprite that occupies an ancient tome and fancies Casimir was so funny to me. How do I get one of those to haunt my bookshelves?
✨✨✨
“I recalled the look in his eyes, that predatory, possessive gleam when they fell on my thigh, on the proof of our bargain. Onto his name.”
“Close your eyes and you won’t see me looking at you like this.”
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
“And if I told you that in all my years roaming this earth, that I’ve never met anyone as stubborn and impossibly irresistible as you? Would you call me a liar then?”
✨✨✨
First off, thank you so much to Alexandra E. Parker for trusting me with an ARC of this book. Oh my god this book. The chokehold that this book has had on me for the last few days has been ridiculous, when I’ve not been reading it, I’ve been thinking about it. Where do I even start?
It’s filled with dark academia vibes, a really interesting and unique magic system where the FMC can taste lies and the MMC is a Daemon who is the only person immune to her gifts. There’s a slow burn, secret societies, blood bargains, top tier chemistry and banter, and yearning! I need book two in my hands pleeeeeease 🥹
Our FMC, Arden, is actually quite self-aware of her flaws and her need to be loved and wanted despite knowing the lies that come along with it. She’s a scholarship student at Ouverham College, an elitist school that has quite the dividing line between students thanks to secret societies and wealth. When her hidden relationship with August, one of the more favoured students comes to an end, she discovers he’s in danger thanks to the Bloodthorn Order - the very club he ended their relationship for. In her desperation to save him, believing it couldn’t be his fault, she makes a deal with Casimir, who has his own reasons for wanting the Bloodthorn Order gone and its leader forgotten.
Casimir has his own secrets though, and he’s immune to Arden’s gift of seeking out lies. She’s unsure if she can really trust him, and he’s doing all he can to protect her and still complete the task at hand. As an MMC he’s sarcastic, pushes her buttons because he likes to see her get mad, and he’s protective and possessive and he’s hiding a rather tragic backstory himself. But Arden is stubborn, and she won’t be led down a path just because he says so, she also won’t admit the one thing he knows is true.
There’s plot twists and turns that meant I couldn’t put this down, and the banter and chemistry between the two main characters is something I crave to see more of in book two and the ending has set up so well in my opinion for a new adventure in the second book and the open ended fate of some characters has me really intrigued to see how they come into play again later down the line.
And as a last note, the sassy Sprite that occupies an ancient tome and fancies Casimir was so funny to me. How do I get one of those to haunt my bookshelves?
✨✨✨
“I recalled the look in his eyes, that predatory, possessive gleam when they fell on my thigh, on the proof of our bargain. Onto his name.”
“Close your eyes and you won’t see me looking at you like this.”
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
April 29, 2026
I know we aren't supposed to immediately judge books by the cover, but I did. 🤣 I have no regrets. I ended up loving this one.
This book has banter, secrets, betrayal, mystery, and more. It is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers done well. Our MFC starts with getting her heart broken in the beginning of the book and knows he is lying about it. This is because she has a super power she dares not tell anyone. She can taste lies. Our MMC becomes tangled up with her after discovering a few secrets that were not meant for mortals to know. Together, they make a bargain in order to do everything they can to stop what seems like the world from ending. Only one problem. She can't taste his lies like she can everyone else.
This book had quite a few twists and turns and lots of good plot points. Magic, demons, and family secrets would be the best way to describe this book. There is some well-built-in spice too. Overall this was a fun read, and a good start to a series.
This book does contain triggers so please protect your mental health and read those before grabbing this one.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
This book has banter, secrets, betrayal, mystery, and more. It is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers done well. Our MFC starts with getting her heart broken in the beginning of the book and knows he is lying about it. This is because she has a super power she dares not tell anyone. She can taste lies. Our MMC becomes tangled up with her after discovering a few secrets that were not meant for mortals to know. Together, they make a bargain in order to do everything they can to stop what seems like the world from ending. Only one problem. She can't taste his lies like she can everyone else.
This book had quite a few twists and turns and lots of good plot points. Magic, demons, and family secrets would be the best way to describe this book. There is some well-built-in spice too. Overall this was a fun read, and a good start to a series.
This book does contain triggers so please protect your mental health and read those before grabbing this one.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 28, 2026
*arc review*
Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
A visceral, atmospheric dive into the dark side of academia.
A Bargain with the Darkseer is a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes secret societies and "enemies-to-lovers" tension. Arden is a fantastic protagonist—her ability to "taste lies" provides a unique, sensory layer to the mystery, which I absolutely loved!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this read.
A visceral, atmospheric dive into the dark side of academia.
A Bargain with the Darkseer is a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes secret societies and "enemies-to-lovers" tension. Arden is a fantastic protagonist—her ability to "taste lies" provides a unique, sensory layer to the mystery, which I absolutely loved!!
April 26, 2026
4.25 stars
April 9, 2026
ARC REVIEW
with some spoilers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Instantly hooked!
The aesthetic is dark academia. Mortals VS demons. Interesting magic system (FMC can taste lies & is immune to certain glamours // MC is a darkseer, can see and manipulate memories). FMC has an unknown past until the end reveal. MC has a tragic backstory. Their chemistry is top notch. (What if he’s written “mine” on my upper thigh 🎶 iykyk)
The plot kept me so intrigued! I definitely look forward to the next book. 🤓
with some spoilers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Instantly hooked!
The aesthetic is dark academia. Mortals VS demons. Interesting magic system (FMC can taste lies & is immune to certain glamours // MC is a darkseer, can see and manipulate memories). FMC has an unknown past until the end reveal. MC has a tragic backstory. Their chemistry is top notch. (What if he’s written “mine” on my upper thigh 🎶 iykyk)
The plot kept me so intrigued! I definitely look forward to the next book. 🤓
April 27, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
I'd like to start out by saying that I am so so so incredibly proud of my dear friend Alex for this amazing work. Everything she writes is so beautifully descriptive and enthralling, you can't help but be bewitched. You have inspired me to be a better writer myself, and to never give up on my dreams. I'm so honoured to call you a friend and to watch this journey. Congrats, you've done something truly magical here. Love you.
Now that the sappy things are out of the way, I can scream about this book.
A Bargain With The Darkseer is a perfect blend of fantasy and realism. I say that because while in a magical, fantastical, and fictional world, the author manages to truly write characters that react like humans, dive into complex emotions, and bring a sense of learning to the storyline, instead of just throwing you in the deep end which so many other fantasy novels do. I loved how we got to learn about the world along with Arden, and how every plot twist and turn was so well thought out.
Spoilers Below
I'd like to start out by saying that I am so so so incredibly proud of my dear friend Alex for this amazing work. Everything she writes is so beautifully descriptive and enthralling, you can't help but be bewitched. You have inspired me to be a better writer myself, and to never give up on my dreams. I'm so honoured to call you a friend and to watch this journey. Congrats, you've done something truly magical here. Love you.
Now that the sappy things are out of the way, I can scream about this book.
A Bargain With The Darkseer is a perfect blend of fantasy and realism. I say that because while in a magical, fantastical, and fictional world, the author manages to truly write characters that react like humans, dive into complex emotions, and bring a sense of learning to the storyline, instead of just throwing you in the deep end which so many other fantasy novels do. I loved how we got to learn about the world along with Arden, and how every plot twist and turn was so well thought out.
Spoilers Below
March 18, 2026
I received this as an arc - thank you for letting me read it early 🫶🏻
I saw an ad on instagram for this and I immediately signed up for the arc list because it seemed right up my alley. I love dark academia romantasy, and this fit the description. As someone who has read quite a bit in those genres, I feel like I’ve seen a lot, and often things get recycled again and again. The FMC can actually taste lies, and I thought that was such a unique trait that I haven’t seen before. I was immediately enthralled from the get go and couldn’t wait to read it again when I had to put it down. This was a book I stayed up until 2 am to finish because I just had to see it through. I really hope that there are more books coming after this!
I saw an ad on instagram for this and I immediately signed up for the arc list because it seemed right up my alley. I love dark academia romantasy, and this fit the description. As someone who has read quite a bit in those genres, I feel like I’ve seen a lot, and often things get recycled again and again. The FMC can actually taste lies, and I thought that was such a unique trait that I haven’t seen before. I was immediately enthralled from the get go and couldn’t wait to read it again when I had to put it down. This was a book I stayed up until 2 am to finish because I just had to see it through. I really hope that there are more books coming after this!
April 27, 2026
This was Alexandra E. Parker’s debut novel and I can’t wait to read more of her future books!
I enjoyed the dark academia/university setting of the story. I love a dark fantasy setting, especially if there is a mysterious bad boy like Casimir 😉 Further, I really enjoyed the lore and stories around their location and daemons. Having grown up with her father, Arden was very well versed in the lore, so I loved watching some of it come into play!
I appreciated that Arden was a “scholarship kid” among the kids of the elite at her university. I’m a big supporter of underdogs and this immediately made me want to like her. I further found it interesting that for being a human, she did have a special ability, and one that I’ve never read before: she could taste lies. I loved watching her go through her interactions with everyone (well, except Casimir) and just know when they were lying to her. I’ve always said I would love the ability to read people’s minds, but honestly, I wanted that so I could detect lies; this is the skill I would want!
Then there was Casimir. There isn’t a lot I wouldn’t do for a charming, but mysterious bad boy, especially if he’s not human 😉 I loved watching him be a charming rogue, but also incredibly practical throughout the entire story. This guy literally got over Arden’s mistakes (*ahem* betrayals *ahem*) so easily and didn’t let them weight him down or make him stop working with her. He ultimately understood where she was coming from easily, and he knew the main chessboard in play didn’t show her as an enemy. And can we talk about how he temporarily tattooed his name on her THIGH?!?! Part of me really wanted it to be permanent or come back or something because that was hot AF!
Finally, I really like the structure built into this book of the bad group at school, but an even worse enemy they may unite against together in the end! While we don’t like the bad group at school (like, really, we don’t at all!), I have a feeling we are going to see them having to work together in the second part of this Duology to usurp the ultimate baddie. I guess we’ll see!!
Overall, I think this is a good romantasy book for anyone starting to dip their toes into the genre.
Thank you so much to Alexandra E. Parker for the eARC!
3.75 stars!
I enjoyed the dark academia/university setting of the story. I love a dark fantasy setting, especially if there is a mysterious bad boy like Casimir 😉 Further, I really enjoyed the lore and stories around their location and daemons. Having grown up with her father, Arden was very well versed in the lore, so I loved watching some of it come into play!
I appreciated that Arden was a “scholarship kid” among the kids of the elite at her university. I’m a big supporter of underdogs and this immediately made me want to like her. I further found it interesting that for being a human, she did have a special ability, and one that I’ve never read before: she could taste lies. I loved watching her go through her interactions with everyone (well, except Casimir) and just know when they were lying to her. I’ve always said I would love the ability to read people’s minds, but honestly, I wanted that so I could detect lies; this is the skill I would want!
Then there was Casimir. There isn’t a lot I wouldn’t do for a charming, but mysterious bad boy, especially if he’s not human 😉 I loved watching him be a charming rogue, but also incredibly practical throughout the entire story. This guy literally got over Arden’s mistakes (*ahem* betrayals *ahem*) so easily and didn’t let them weight him down or make him stop working with her. He ultimately understood where she was coming from easily, and he knew the main chessboard in play didn’t show her as an enemy. And can we talk about how he temporarily tattooed his name on her THIGH?!?! Part of me really wanted it to be permanent or come back or something because that was hot AF!
Finally, I really like the structure built into this book of the bad group at school, but an even worse enemy they may unite against together in the end! While we don’t like the bad group at school (like, really, we don’t at all!), I have a feeling we are going to see them having to work together in the second part of this Duology to usurp the ultimate baddie. I guess we’ll see!!
Overall, I think this is a good romantasy book for anyone starting to dip their toes into the genre.
Thank you so much to Alexandra E. Parker for the eARC!
3.75 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 15, 2026An interesting start to a new dark academia series. I haven’t read a lot from this genre but I enjoyed the vibes. It started off strong and then I feel like it didn’t quite come together well at the end. I understand leaving things open for the next book but I was left with more questions than answers. I didn’t love Arden and found her a bit hard to connect with. Her personality seemed to flip flop, where she would get mad at Casimir for something and then do or suggest the same thing, or be mad at him for something for like 2 seconds and then be fine. There were a few things that didn’t make much sense to me regarding the magic/bargains.
(Spoiler: like her not using her real name for the blood bargain was supposed to cancel it out, but she still ended up being compelled to fulfill it anyways, or the necklace that was supposed to protect her from glamours but only seemed to work some of the time?)
It felt like the rules of the magic system just changed constantly. I also didn’t love how….useless Arden was in basically the whole book.
(More spoilers: She spent 75% of it searching for the Keepers Heir, and was eventually just told directly. I knew it was her immediately so her constantly reading the riddles and going “hmmmm what could this mean” was so annoying because she was supposed to be “smart”. Then her entire goal was to stop the ritual and save August. I feel like the ritual would have been stopped by Casimir and Veronika on their own, and August might not have died so early if it weren’t for Arden’s actions earlier)
She just seemed to make everything worse and not really accomplish anything. It felt like the entire plot could have happened easily without her. I think this book set things up nicely for the next one, and I am still interested enough to continue the series, but I do feel like the worldbuilding/magic system needs some work.
(Spoiler: like her not using her real name for the blood bargain was supposed to cancel it out, but she still ended up being compelled to fulfill it anyways, or the necklace that was supposed to protect her from glamours but only seemed to work some of the time?)
It felt like the rules of the magic system just changed constantly. I also didn’t love how….useless Arden was in basically the whole book.
(More spoilers: She spent 75% of it searching for the Keepers Heir, and was eventually just told directly. I knew it was her immediately so her constantly reading the riddles and going “hmmmm what could this mean” was so annoying because she was supposed to be “smart”. Then her entire goal was to stop the ritual and save August. I feel like the ritual would have been stopped by Casimir and Veronika on their own, and August might not have died so early if it weren’t for Arden’s actions earlier)
She just seemed to make everything worse and not really accomplish anything. It felt like the entire plot could have happened easily without her. I think this book set things up nicely for the next one, and I am still interested enough to continue the series, but I do feel like the worldbuilding/magic system needs some work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2026
What a debut!
I’m a sucker for dark academia and this filled my mind, soul and heart. Everything.
Hooked from first chapter itself, this was so clever.
Twists. Turns. Great FMC, morally grey MMC.
magic system that I really haven’t read any other books (p.s. I don’t read a lot of fantasy), and the slow-burn tension between the leads is delicious torture!
Also need book two right now, thank you.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
I’m a sucker for dark academia and this filled my mind, soul and heart. Everything.
Hooked from first chapter itself, this was so clever.
Twists. Turns. Great FMC, morally grey MMC.
magic system that I really haven’t read any other books (p.s. I don’t read a lot of fantasy), and the slow-burn tension between the leads is delicious torture!
Also need book two right now, thank you.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
April 28, 2026
ARC Review ♡
I want to start off my saying a huge THANK YOU to Alexandra E. Parker for trusting me with an ARC of A Bargain with a Darkseer. Let’s start with a spoiler free review.
I had so much fun reading this one, oh my goodness! The story starts with our FMC Arden who has the unique ability to taste the lies of others, as well as our MMC Casimir who is the only one unaffected by her abilities. We follow these two characters as they learn to hate and love each other, then hate each other again, and continue to go back and forth as they discover many secrets. Secret societies, blood bargains, Daemons, and a whole other world to discover, these characters explore them all.
This book truly is such a fun time, I highly recommend to anyone who likes an academic setting, magical abilities, chemistry and banter, mystery, and family secrets.
In depth with some SPOILERS ౨ৎ‧˚
I want to start off my saying a huge THANK YOU to Alexandra E. Parker for trusting me with an ARC of A Bargain with a Darkseer. Let’s start with a spoiler free review.
I had so much fun reading this one, oh my goodness! The story starts with our FMC Arden who has the unique ability to taste the lies of others, as well as our MMC Casimir who is the only one unaffected by her abilities. We follow these two characters as they learn to hate and love each other, then hate each other again, and continue to go back and forth as they discover many secrets. Secret societies, blood bargains, Daemons, and a whole other world to discover, these characters explore them all.
This book truly is such a fun time, I highly recommend to anyone who likes an academic setting, magical abilities, chemistry and banter, mystery, and family secrets.
In depth with some SPOILERS ౨ৎ‧˚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the Advance Reader Copy. All thoughts are my own.
A cosy dark academia romantasy that delivers on atmosphere, but not on surprises.
What’s the difference between demons and daemons? Well, I googled it.
Demons are evil. Daemons get to be morally grey.
That’s very much the flavour of A Bargain with a Darkseer, a dark academia romantasy debut by Alexandra E. Parker.
The setting is exactly what you want from the genre: wood, books, leather, reading, and smarmy bastards in knitwear casually smoking because, apparently, that’s acceptable if you’re rich and studying. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to brew a vanilla chai and settle into a comfy chair.
The story follows Arden, a scholarship student at a prestigious New England college, who discovers a covert cult of daemons operating on campus. Already positioned as an outsider among blue bloods, she’s freshly dumped by a boy who kept their relationship secret and quickly finds herself working alongside the unreasonably handsome, morally grey (but ultimately green flag) Casimir Wrayburn.
There are daemons. There is danger. There are stakes.
Artwork of A Bargain with a Darkseer from Author Alexandra Parker's website. Click for link
Where A Bargain with a Darkseer struggles is in its lack of real mystery. This is not a twist-heavy, keep-you-guessing kind of story. It’s predictable. To be fair, that predictability comes from how clearly each plot point is set up. I could see where things were going, and I was usually right. But that lack of subtlety might frustrate readers looking for something more complex.
That said, the predictability also makes it incredibly easy to read. This is a low-effort, pick-up-and-put-down kind of book. It fits around real life. Five minutes here, ten minutes there, and you’re still enjoying yourself without needing to reorient. That’s not a weakness. It’s just a different kind of reading experience and one that worked for me around kids, house and general life.
The pacing helps a lot. Unlike some romantasy that gets stuck in its own feelings, this one keeps moving. Arden gets her moments of rage, but the plot doesn’t stall. The opening especially works well. Within the first 5%, she’s dumped and meets the romantic lead. No waiting, no faff.
Arden herself isn’t entirely likeable, but she is understandable. She complains about people lying to her, equates not being told things with being lied to, and constantly throws insults at Casimir despite clearly wanting to be around him.
The best way I can describe her is this: I was deadlifting at the gym (casual flex) listening to Ashnikko, and “Tantrum” came on. That’s Arden. Anger, self-assuredness, a strong “I’ll do what I want” energy, mixed with a level of immaturity and not quite knowing what she’s doing. It could be irritating, but it didn’t bother me as much as I expected. That’s how people act when they’re young and in love. A bit pigheaded. A bit bratty. (Been there!)
The romance is a slow burn, and the pacing works in its favour again. While the characters start off as bickering enemies, there’s a strong emphasis on consent and trust, which makes their dynamic feel satisfying. It leans more towards tension and build-up for most of the book, with more explicit moments coming later on.
There’s also violence and blood, but it never feels excessive. It fits the tone of A Bargain with a Darkseer: controlled, purposeful, and again, a little predictable.
Overall, this is a solid 3-star read. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, and it won’t surprise you, but it’s enjoyable, well-paced, and easy to sink into.
I’d be so bold as to suggest it would make for a good gateway to the genre, a good starter for someone looking to try on romantasy but wants a bit of plot as well.
A cosy dark academia romantasy that delivers on atmosphere, but not on surprises.
What’s the difference between demons and daemons? Well, I googled it.
Demons are evil. Daemons get to be morally grey.
That’s very much the flavour of A Bargain with a Darkseer, a dark academia romantasy debut by Alexandra E. Parker.
The setting is exactly what you want from the genre: wood, books, leather, reading, and smarmy bastards in knitwear casually smoking because, apparently, that’s acceptable if you’re rich and studying. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to brew a vanilla chai and settle into a comfy chair.
The story follows Arden, a scholarship student at a prestigious New England college, who discovers a covert cult of daemons operating on campus. Already positioned as an outsider among blue bloods, she’s freshly dumped by a boy who kept their relationship secret and quickly finds herself working alongside the unreasonably handsome, morally grey (but ultimately green flag) Casimir Wrayburn.
There are daemons. There is danger. There are stakes.
Artwork of A Bargain with a Darkseer from Author Alexandra Parker's website. Click for link
Where A Bargain with a Darkseer struggles is in its lack of real mystery. This is not a twist-heavy, keep-you-guessing kind of story. It’s predictable. To be fair, that predictability comes from how clearly each plot point is set up. I could see where things were going, and I was usually right. But that lack of subtlety might frustrate readers looking for something more complex.
That said, the predictability also makes it incredibly easy to read. This is a low-effort, pick-up-and-put-down kind of book. It fits around real life. Five minutes here, ten minutes there, and you’re still enjoying yourself without needing to reorient. That’s not a weakness. It’s just a different kind of reading experience and one that worked for me around kids, house and general life.
The pacing helps a lot. Unlike some romantasy that gets stuck in its own feelings, this one keeps moving. Arden gets her moments of rage, but the plot doesn’t stall. The opening especially works well. Within the first 5%, she’s dumped and meets the romantic lead. No waiting, no faff.
Arden herself isn’t entirely likeable, but she is understandable. She complains about people lying to her, equates not being told things with being lied to, and constantly throws insults at Casimir despite clearly wanting to be around him.
The best way I can describe her is this: I was deadlifting at the gym (casual flex) listening to Ashnikko, and “Tantrum” came on. That’s Arden. Anger, self-assuredness, a strong “I’ll do what I want” energy, mixed with a level of immaturity and not quite knowing what she’s doing. It could be irritating, but it didn’t bother me as much as I expected. That’s how people act when they’re young and in love. A bit pigheaded. A bit bratty. (Been there!)
The romance is a slow burn, and the pacing works in its favour again. While the characters start off as bickering enemies, there’s a strong emphasis on consent and trust, which makes their dynamic feel satisfying. It leans more towards tension and build-up for most of the book, with more explicit moments coming later on.
There’s also violence and blood, but it never feels excessive. It fits the tone of A Bargain with a Darkseer: controlled, purposeful, and again, a little predictable.
Overall, this is a solid 3-star read. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, and it won’t surprise you, but it’s enjoyable, well-paced, and easy to sink into.
I’d be so bold as to suggest it would make for a good gateway to the genre, a good starter for someone looking to try on romantasy but wants a bit of plot as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story follows Arden, a scholarship student navigating life among the wealthy and elite students at Ouverham college. When her secret affair comes to an abrupt end, Arden is inadvertently drawn into a world of magical beings she never believed existed. Determined to save her now ex-lover from the clutches of a cruel and deadly society, she enters into a bargain with Casimir. Together, they work to try to uncover the mystery of the unknown heir who could be the end to the Bloodthorn Order's bloodritual.
Points of interest:
Blood bargains
Daemons
Dark academia
Unique magic
Secret societies
He falls first
LGBTQ+ rep
My thoughts:
This really didn't do much for me. I really enjoy dark academia with suspense and magic but this just fell a bit flat. I don't understand the motive of the fmc to constantly push to save August. He wasn't a likeable character that really deserved the devotion that Arden seemed to give him. She also just seemed a bit dense in how she handled things. Saying she has trust issues so she can't open up to Casimir feels a little ridiculous given that the shame and ridicule she felt so often came from her own choices of being the dirty secret lover to August. Despite how much Casimir warns her, she ignores him and enters into binding bargains that didn't need to happen if she would have just communicated openly. The book literally went "ok, no more secrets" and then "but what he doesn't know won't be an issue." Like.. please we are deep enough into the book that we should be past this. It also felt like the character couldn't decide if she wanted to be righteous or morally grey, as she was deeply offended by Casimir's invasive abilities and consistently berated him about using them on her, then would turn around and demand he use them on other people.
Casimir, on the other hand, was also pretty meh. I don't feel like his character really offered much beyond just providing lore and romantic tension. The most urgent thing he did was steal a necklace that didn't actually have anything to do with stopping the impending bloodritual. I just didn't feel any sense of urgency from him despite his obvious history and animosity with the society.
The magic was interesting but there wasn't much of an explanation as to why some abilities work on people while others don't. I'm wondering if that will be explored in the next book, as this did end in a way that indicates at least a duology from this author.
Points of interest:
Blood bargains
Daemons
Dark academia
Unique magic
Secret societies
He falls first
LGBTQ+ rep
My thoughts:
This really didn't do much for me. I really enjoy dark academia with suspense and magic but this just fell a bit flat. I don't understand the motive of the fmc to constantly push to save August. He wasn't a likeable character that really deserved the devotion that Arden seemed to give him. She also just seemed a bit dense in how she handled things. Saying she has trust issues so she can't open up to Casimir feels a little ridiculous given that the shame and ridicule she felt so often came from her own choices of being the dirty secret lover to August. Despite how much Casimir warns her, she ignores him and enters into binding bargains that didn't need to happen if she would have just communicated openly. The book literally went "ok, no more secrets" and then "but what he doesn't know won't be an issue." Like.. please we are deep enough into the book that we should be past this. It also felt like the character couldn't decide if she wanted to be righteous or morally grey, as she was deeply offended by Casimir's invasive abilities and consistently berated him about using them on her, then would turn around and demand he use them on other people.
Casimir, on the other hand, was also pretty meh. I don't feel like his character really offered much beyond just providing lore and romantic tension. The most urgent thing he did was steal a necklace that didn't actually have anything to do with stopping the impending bloodritual. I just didn't feel any sense of urgency from him despite his obvious history and animosity with the society.
The magic was interesting but there wasn't much of an explanation as to why some abilities work on people while others don't. I'm wondering if that will be explored in the next book, as this did end in a way that indicates at least a duology from this author.
April 26, 2026
I’m grateful to have received an ARC of A Bargain with the Darkseer by Alexandra E. Parker in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story that immediately drew me in with its premise—dark academia, secret societies, daemons, and a heroine who can taste lies. There’s something undeniably compelling about that combination, and the opening does a great job of setting the tone. The pacing, especially early on, is strong. It moves quickly, introduces the central conflict without delay, and makes this an easy book to slip into in short bursts.
Arden is an interesting protagonist, though not always an easy one to connect with. Her reactions and choices feel grounded in her insecurities, but at times her decision-making became frustrating—particularly when it came to communication and trust. There’s a push and pull in her dynamic with Casimir that had potential, but didn’t always feel fully realised. Casimir himself has the makings of a compelling morally grey character, though I found myself wanting more depth from him beyond the role he plays in the plot and romance.
Where the book struggled for me was in its sense of mystery. While the stakes are present and the world hints at something darker beneath the surface, the plot unfolds in a fairly predictable way. Many of the twists felt clearly signposted, which took away some of the tension and intrigue I was hoping for from a story rooted in secrecy and hidden societies.
That said, the readability of this book is one of its strengths. The straightforward structure and clear progression make it a low-effort, engaging read that fits easily into everyday life. It’s the kind of story you can pick up for a few minutes and fall right back into without feeling lost.
The magic system and lore are intriguing, particularly the idea of selective abilities and the broader daemon mythology, though I would have loved a deeper exploration of how and why these elements work the way they do. It feels like there’s more to uncover here, and I’m curious to see how this develops in future instalments.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong concept and solid pacing, even if it didn’t fully deliver on the depth and unpredictability I was hoping for. There’s definitely potential in this world, and I’d be interested to see where the story goes next.
This is a story that immediately drew me in with its premise—dark academia, secret societies, daemons, and a heroine who can taste lies. There’s something undeniably compelling about that combination, and the opening does a great job of setting the tone. The pacing, especially early on, is strong. It moves quickly, introduces the central conflict without delay, and makes this an easy book to slip into in short bursts.
Arden is an interesting protagonist, though not always an easy one to connect with. Her reactions and choices feel grounded in her insecurities, but at times her decision-making became frustrating—particularly when it came to communication and trust. There’s a push and pull in her dynamic with Casimir that had potential, but didn’t always feel fully realised. Casimir himself has the makings of a compelling morally grey character, though I found myself wanting more depth from him beyond the role he plays in the plot and romance.
Where the book struggled for me was in its sense of mystery. While the stakes are present and the world hints at something darker beneath the surface, the plot unfolds in a fairly predictable way. Many of the twists felt clearly signposted, which took away some of the tension and intrigue I was hoping for from a story rooted in secrecy and hidden societies.
That said, the readability of this book is one of its strengths. The straightforward structure and clear progression make it a low-effort, engaging read that fits easily into everyday life. It’s the kind of story you can pick up for a few minutes and fall right back into without feeling lost.
The magic system and lore are intriguing, particularly the idea of selective abilities and the broader daemon mythology, though I would have loved a deeper exploration of how and why these elements work the way they do. It feels like there’s more to uncover here, and I’m curious to see how this develops in future instalments.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong concept and solid pacing, even if it didn’t fully deliver on the depth and unpredictability I was hoping for. There’s definitely potential in this world, and I’d be interested to see where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
"I don't ever want to be unbound from you"
I just finished Alexandra Parker’s debut book, A Bargain with the Darkseer, and I’m absolutely obsessed. This book is a dark romantasy taking place in an academia setting, and let me start off by saying her worldbuilding is insane. From the very first chapter I was hooked, and this world is so unique and refreshing because of how different it is from other fantasy settings. With every chapter you can feel the time and energy she poured into this story, and it was a beautiful thing to go through this book alongside the characters.
That being said, let me start off with our tropes and characters. If you are a fan of forced proximity, slow burns, dark academia, and hilarious banter, read this RIGHT NOW. I can say that even if you aren’t, I believe every romantasy reader can feel some connection to this book and I recommend it anyway. Arden, our FMC, is one of the most stubborn yet persevering main characters I have encountered. She is utterly fascinating throughout the whole book, especially taking into account her past and secret gift (she can literally TASTE LIES!). Casimir, our MMC, is the one person her ability does not work on, and their relationship will keep you turning the page until 3 AM (guilty!). If you like a morally grey MMC, “touch her and you die” vibes, and a man just as quick witted as her, you will love him.
The plot twists at every turn, the relationships, and heartbreak made this book genuinely amazing to read. This book is written with so much love, intent, and precision, that you would never be able to guess it is a debut novel. Alexandra Parker is insanely talented, and I am so excited to watch this story continue to unfold. Rest assured, I will be WAITING for book two…especially after that ending.
Thank you so much Alexandra Parker for the privilege of receiving an ARC. Your writing is inspiring and I am so grateful to continue to watch your journey as a writer unfold.
"I don't ever want to be unbound from you"
I just finished Alexandra Parker’s debut book, A Bargain with the Darkseer, and I’m absolutely obsessed. This book is a dark romantasy taking place in an academia setting, and let me start off by saying her worldbuilding is insane. From the very first chapter I was hooked, and this world is so unique and refreshing because of how different it is from other fantasy settings. With every chapter you can feel the time and energy she poured into this story, and it was a beautiful thing to go through this book alongside the characters.
That being said, let me start off with our tropes and characters. If you are a fan of forced proximity, slow burns, dark academia, and hilarious banter, read this RIGHT NOW. I can say that even if you aren’t, I believe every romantasy reader can feel some connection to this book and I recommend it anyway. Arden, our FMC, is one of the most stubborn yet persevering main characters I have encountered. She is utterly fascinating throughout the whole book, especially taking into account her past and secret gift (she can literally TASTE LIES!). Casimir, our MMC, is the one person her ability does not work on, and their relationship will keep you turning the page until 3 AM (guilty!). If you like a morally grey MMC, “touch her and you die” vibes, and a man just as quick witted as her, you will love him.
The plot twists at every turn, the relationships, and heartbreak made this book genuinely amazing to read. This book is written with so much love, intent, and precision, that you would never be able to guess it is a debut novel. Alexandra Parker is insanely talented, and I am so excited to watch this story continue to unfold. Rest assured, I will be WAITING for book two…especially after that ending.
Thank you so much Alexandra Parker for the privilege of receiving an ARC. Your writing is inspiring and I am so grateful to continue to watch your journey as a writer unfold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐄. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫
There’s something immediately immersive about, this book it pulls you into its world of Dark academia, secret societies, and Bargains that had me so excited for the outcome.
Arden’s perspective, her insecurities, and her need for control in a world where she has very little of it, she is still a strong stubborn character that I found compelling, I was rooting for her, there were moments she and I disagreed but that is the fun in reading a stunning story.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★ ★ ★ ★ .𝟓 /𝟓
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: ♥︎ ♥︎ /𝟓
Casimir carried this story for me, I was intoxicated he is everything you want in a dark, broody love interest controlled, dangerous, a little smug, and always one step ahead. it lays the groundwork for a relationship built on tension, mistrust, and undeniable pull.
The dynamic between Arden and Casimir is the heart of the story, you can feel there’s something darker beneath the surface, something not fully unleashed yet, and it creates this constant sense of anticipation. THE BANTER, THE TATTOO, just yes!!
What really stands out is the magic system. The concept of bargains, the Daemons everything makes me excited to dive deeper. While some elements may feel predictable or loosely defined at times, the overall experience is incredibly engaging,
And that ending? Not a cliffhanger, but a promise!
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
Forced Proximity
Daemon X Human
Dark Academia Fantasy
Slow Burn, High Tension
Secret society, Unique Magic
Thank you to 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐄. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 for this opportunity.
“I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.”
𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐄. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫
There’s something immediately immersive about, this book it pulls you into its world of Dark academia, secret societies, and Bargains that had me so excited for the outcome.
Arden’s perspective, her insecurities, and her need for control in a world where she has very little of it, she is still a strong stubborn character that I found compelling, I was rooting for her, there were moments she and I disagreed but that is the fun in reading a stunning story.
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★ ★ ★ ★ .𝟓 /𝟓
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: ♥︎ ♥︎ /𝟓
Casimir carried this story for me, I was intoxicated he is everything you want in a dark, broody love interest controlled, dangerous, a little smug, and always one step ahead. it lays the groundwork for a relationship built on tension, mistrust, and undeniable pull.
The dynamic between Arden and Casimir is the heart of the story, you can feel there’s something darker beneath the surface, something not fully unleashed yet, and it creates this constant sense of anticipation. THE BANTER, THE TATTOO, just yes!!
What really stands out is the magic system. The concept of bargains, the Daemons everything makes me excited to dive deeper. While some elements may feel predictable or loosely defined at times, the overall experience is incredibly engaging,
And that ending? Not a cliffhanger, but a promise!
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
Forced Proximity
Daemon X Human
Dark Academia Fantasy
Slow Burn, High Tension
Secret society, Unique Magic
Thank you to 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐄. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 for this opportunity.
“I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
generous 3
this needed a heavier editing pass. dialogue was snappy in spots but the lines of exposition really dragged.
the intro did nothing to endear me to the characters, and i was already rolling my eyes at august upon first meeting. it reads like YA, with a disjointed register that can't always decide whether it's portraying someone formal or a regular college student.
the writing didn't allow me as a reader to form my own conclusions, opting to over-explain everything... multiple times. yes she's upset. yes she doesn't trust him. alright i get it, but can we move on please?
some of the details provided in the narration didn't totally make sense to me (like it was hard for her not to like her roommate because she... was a good student? what??).
and certain things were too opaque for my taste.
the setup for the next book is kind of cool, but it definitely feels like it only just started to get interesting... and i don't have the patience to stick around that long, unfortunately.
this book was a fast read once it got started but it was a little insufferable to me. good potential, questionable execution.
this needed a heavier editing pass. dialogue was snappy in spots but the lines of exposition really dragged.
the intro did nothing to endear me to the characters, and i was already rolling my eyes at august upon first meeting. it reads like YA, with a disjointed register that can't always decide whether it's portraying someone formal or a regular college student.
the writing didn't allow me as a reader to form my own conclusions, opting to over-explain everything... multiple times. yes she's upset. yes she doesn't trust him. alright i get it, but can we move on please?
some of the details provided in the narration didn't totally make sense to me (like it was hard for her not to like her roommate because she... was a good student? what??).
and certain things were too opaque for my taste.
the setup for the next book is kind of cool, but it definitely feels like it only just started to get interesting... and i don't have the patience to stick around that long, unfortunately.
this book was a fast read once it got started but it was a little insufferable to me. good potential, questionable execution.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thank you so much to Alexandra for the ARC. I am leaving this review for free and it is completely of my own opinion and thoughts on the book.
I loved this book. I was hooked in from page one and obsessed with the relationship and banter between the two main characters, Arden and Casimir. That, tied with the dark academia vibes and the mystery of the book, had me desperate to see where the story was going and delighted when I guessed things correctly.
Arden was such a great FMC. She was so self aware of her flaws and it turned them into a benefit for her at times throughout the book. I liked how sacrificial she could be as well, even for someone who had hurt her, she didn't want to give up on them. It showed a great depth of character to her.
Casimir was a sarcastic little shit and I loved him. His back and forth banter with Arden throughout the book was amazing and his secretive nature made him so compelling because you wanted to peel back his layers and see what made him tick.
I am facinated to see where this story goes in book two because it's going to open up a whole new level of depth to the magic system in this book and hopefully give us an even more detailed look into the daemons hierarchy and world structure.
Overall, a super strong start to a new dark academia fantasy series.
I loved this book. I was hooked in from page one and obsessed with the relationship and banter between the two main characters, Arden and Casimir. That, tied with the dark academia vibes and the mystery of the book, had me desperate to see where the story was going and delighted when I guessed things correctly.
Arden was such a great FMC. She was so self aware of her flaws and it turned them into a benefit for her at times throughout the book. I liked how sacrificial she could be as well, even for someone who had hurt her, she didn't want to give up on them. It showed a great depth of character to her.
Casimir was a sarcastic little shit and I loved him. His back and forth banter with Arden throughout the book was amazing and his secretive nature made him so compelling because you wanted to peel back his layers and see what made him tick.
I am facinated to see where this story goes in book two because it's going to open up a whole new level of depth to the magic system in this book and hopefully give us an even more detailed look into the daemons hierarchy and world structure.
Overall, a super strong start to a new dark academia fantasy series.
May 1, 2026
I appreciate the author for generously giving me an opportunity to read this book early. 🩷
I went into this one really excited. The synopsis had me completely hooked, and I was so ready to fall in love with the story. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite land the way I’d hoped.
While the overall premise is genuinely interesting, I found myself struggling to connect on an emotional level. The characters, particularly the FMC, made choices that often felt confusing or a little frustrating, which made it harder to stay fully invested in her journey. That said, I did enjoy the MMC and found him to be one of the more engaging parts of the story.
There were definitely moments where the plot showed real promise, but some of those key scenes felt like they were introduced with importance and then not fully followed through. Because of that, the story didn’t always feel as cohesive as it could have. The pacing towards the end also felt quite rushed, which was a shame given the build-up earlier on.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, just one that didn’t quite click for me. I think a big part of that comes down to not feeling emotionally connected to the characters, which made it harder for the stakes to really hit.
I’m honestly a bit disappointed I didn’t love this more, especially because the concept had so much potential.
I went into this one really excited. The synopsis had me completely hooked, and I was so ready to fall in love with the story. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite land the way I’d hoped.
While the overall premise is genuinely interesting, I found myself struggling to connect on an emotional level. The characters, particularly the FMC, made choices that often felt confusing or a little frustrating, which made it harder to stay fully invested in her journey. That said, I did enjoy the MMC and found him to be one of the more engaging parts of the story.
There were definitely moments where the plot showed real promise, but some of those key scenes felt like they were introduced with importance and then not fully followed through. Because of that, the story didn’t always feel as cohesive as it could have. The pacing towards the end also felt quite rushed, which was a shame given the build-up earlier on.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, just one that didn’t quite click for me. I think a big part of that comes down to not feeling emotionally connected to the characters, which made it harder for the stakes to really hit.
I’m honestly a bit disappointed I didn’t love this more, especially because the concept had so much potential.
May 7, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. A Bargain with the Darkseer completely drew me in with its dark atmosphere, layered magic, and emotionally charged romance. From the very beginning, the story carried this haunting tension that made it impossible to stop reading.
The relationship at the center of the story was definitely the highlight for me. The chemistry between the characters felt intense and complicated, filled with secrets, power struggles, and that addictive slow-burn tension that keeps you glued to the page. The Darkseer himself was such a compelling character — mysterious, dangerous, and emotionally guarded in all the best ways. 🌙🖤
I really loved the darker fantasy elements woven throughout the story. Alexandra E. Parker created a world that felt immersive and rich without becoming overwhelming, and the emotional stakes stayed strong the entire time. The romance balanced vulnerability and tension beautifully, giving the story both heart and heat.
I’m giving this four stars because there were a few moments where I wanted the pacing to slow down a little more to fully explore certain plot points and character backstories. Still, this was such an engaging fantasy romance, and I’m already excited to see where the series goes next.
The relationship at the center of the story was definitely the highlight for me. The chemistry between the characters felt intense and complicated, filled with secrets, power struggles, and that addictive slow-burn tension that keeps you glued to the page. The Darkseer himself was such a compelling character — mysterious, dangerous, and emotionally guarded in all the best ways. 🌙🖤
I really loved the darker fantasy elements woven throughout the story. Alexandra E. Parker created a world that felt immersive and rich without becoming overwhelming, and the emotional stakes stayed strong the entire time. The romance balanced vulnerability and tension beautifully, giving the story both heart and heat.
I’m giving this four stars because there were a few moments where I wanted the pacing to slow down a little more to fully explore certain plot points and character backstories. Still, this was such an engaging fantasy romance, and I’m already excited to see where the series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Bargain with the Darkseer
This book was provided to me as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILER FREE REVIEW: This book had me hooked! I literally could not stop reading it. The PERFECT palette cleanser/romantasy/fun time. Is “Popcorn Romantasy” a term? If not, I present to you Exhibit A: A Bargain with the Darkseer. I devoured this book, like a bucket of popcorn, and when it ended, I was scraping the bottom, looking for more. The FMC is the DEFINITION of a loose cannon, and I found her endearing even while she acted wildly impulsive. The banter between her and the MMC had me laughing and grinning into the pages. The story does have some dark parts, but I personally never found it too heavy. Even though there is some spice, and they are in college, the characters felt younger in their reasoning and actions. I think this is why the story felt lighter and fun. The ending is a WILD ride, and I’m hoping there is a sequel! I don’t know what spell I was under or what was sprinkled in between the pages of this book, but the story was addictive. I would definitely recommend, especially if you’re trying to get out of a reading slump and not looking for something too heavy.
This book was provided to me as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
SPOILER FREE REVIEW: This book had me hooked! I literally could not stop reading it. The PERFECT palette cleanser/romantasy/fun time. Is “Popcorn Romantasy” a term? If not, I present to you Exhibit A: A Bargain with the Darkseer. I devoured this book, like a bucket of popcorn, and when it ended, I was scraping the bottom, looking for more. The FMC is the DEFINITION of a loose cannon, and I found her endearing even while she acted wildly impulsive. The banter between her and the MMC had me laughing and grinning into the pages. The story does have some dark parts, but I personally never found it too heavy. Even though there is some spice, and they are in college, the characters felt younger in their reasoning and actions. I think this is why the story felt lighter and fun. The ending is a WILD ride, and I’m hoping there is a sequel! I don’t know what spell I was under or what was sprinkled in between the pages of this book, but the story was addictive. I would definitely recommend, especially if you’re trying to get out of a reading slump and not looking for something too heavy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Alexandra E. Parker for the privilege of receiving an ARC from you. I am truly so grateful.
I loved this book. I am not a huge fan of academia books but this one really sucked me in. Our FMC, Arden, has a strange ability to taste lies when spoken. Which I thought was pretty cool. She's probably one of the most stubborn FMCs i have ever encountered. She also has a sweet and kind heart but also venomous if crossed.
We meet our MMC, Casimir, who let's just say is a bad boy to say the least. The banter between the two is not only hilarious but too notch.
They plan to work together to solve a mystery and prevent murder but they come across many obstacles. Not just between the two of them but with everything happening around them. The twists and turns in this book had me hooked. The plot plots, the characters are unique in their abilities, and the world building was like watching a movie unfold in my head. The slow burn is slllooooowwww, but incredibly worth it. I definitely found myself a new book boyfriend. 😅
Anyway, Will their secrets prevent them from trusting each other or will they overcome their fear and learn to trust each other? You should read it for yourself to find out. (;
I loved this book. I am not a huge fan of academia books but this one really sucked me in. Our FMC, Arden, has a strange ability to taste lies when spoken. Which I thought was pretty cool. She's probably one of the most stubborn FMCs i have ever encountered. She also has a sweet and kind heart but also venomous if crossed.
We meet our MMC, Casimir, who let's just say is a bad boy to say the least. The banter between the two is not only hilarious but too notch.
They plan to work together to solve a mystery and prevent murder but they come across many obstacles. Not just between the two of them but with everything happening around them. The twists and turns in this book had me hooked. The plot plots, the characters are unique in their abilities, and the world building was like watching a movie unfold in my head. The slow burn is slllooooowwww, but incredibly worth it. I definitely found myself a new book boyfriend. 😅
Anyway, Will their secrets prevent them from trusting each other or will they overcome their fear and learn to trust each other? You should read it for yourself to find out. (;
April 10, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
A Bargain with a Darkseer was so good!
Arden finds herself being dumped by August, her boyfriend, who is cutting ties to better fit in with “the Order,” an elite secret society at Ouverham College. To make things more awkward, this scene is witnessed by Casimir, the mysterious new student, who promises not to tell what he overheard.
Arden soon realizes her ex boyfriend may be way over his head when she discovers that the Order is a group of daemons with dark intent. She keeps crossing paths with Casimir, who reveals he’s a Darkseer (a daemon who can see your memories and manipulate them). To protect her ex, she enters into a bargain with Casimir to save August’s life in exchange for her help dismantling the Order. Their bargain is sealed with his name branded on her thigh 🥵😏
Their quest dives into the underworld of daemons (who have a variety of powers), blood magic rituals, and growing tension. I really liked that Arden was no pushover, even with the Order being savage killers. Lines blur between who to trust and growing lust. And yes… there was begging 🔥
This is a must add to your TBR!
Spice level~ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
A Bargain with a Darkseer was so good!
Arden finds herself being dumped by August, her boyfriend, who is cutting ties to better fit in with “the Order,” an elite secret society at Ouverham College. To make things more awkward, this scene is witnessed by Casimir, the mysterious new student, who promises not to tell what he overheard.
Arden soon realizes her ex boyfriend may be way over his head when she discovers that the Order is a group of daemons with dark intent. She keeps crossing paths with Casimir, who reveals he’s a Darkseer (a daemon who can see your memories and manipulate them). To protect her ex, she enters into a bargain with Casimir to save August’s life in exchange for her help dismantling the Order. Their bargain is sealed with his name branded on her thigh 🥵😏
Their quest dives into the underworld of daemons (who have a variety of powers), blood magic rituals, and growing tension. I really liked that Arden was no pushover, even with the Order being savage killers. Lines blur between who to trust and growing lust. And yes… there was begging 🔥
This is a must add to your TBR!
Spice level~ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Wow this one was good, I finished in less than a day!
I loved the main characters! For some reason their relationship gave grown up Ever and Damen from The Immortals series by Alyson Noël. Arden is so sassy and doesn't take anyone's shit, especially Casimir's. Casimir loves to give everyone shit, especially Arden 💀. We get a true slow burn with them instead of just an MMC that's mean the whole book and then there's somehow chemistry and angst??? He's just an annoyingly charming little bastard, and that's why you gotta love him. I really enjoyed the plot, even if the twists were a little predictable (we're turning our brains off and becoming willfully ignorant to not spoil the ending). The antagonists really gave off Draco Malfoy vibes in the most diabolical way possible. He's weasely and his little minions are so big and bad until they're not. Even though this story isn't finished and the book ends where we're clearly getting a sequel, I appreciate not being left on a cliffhanger that's going to eat away at me until I can get my little paws on the next one!
🌶️🌶️/5
Wow this one was good, I finished in less than a day!
I loved the main characters! For some reason their relationship gave grown up Ever and Damen from The Immortals series by Alyson Noël. Arden is so sassy and doesn't take anyone's shit, especially Casimir's. Casimir loves to give everyone shit, especially Arden 💀. We get a true slow burn with them instead of just an MMC that's mean the whole book and then there's somehow chemistry and angst??? He's just an annoyingly charming little bastard, and that's why you gotta love him. I really enjoyed the plot, even if the twists were a little predictable (we're turning our brains off and becoming willfully ignorant to not spoil the ending). The antagonists really gave off Draco Malfoy vibes in the most diabolical way possible. He's weasely and his little minions are so big and bad until they're not. Even though this story isn't finished and the book ends where we're clearly getting a sequel, I appreciate not being left on a cliffhanger that's going to eat away at me until I can get my little paws on the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc read
Chilli rating 🌶️🌶️
Plot - 4.5
Rating- 5⭐
Expect
📖 Dark academia
📖 She can taste lies (just not his)
📖 Slow burn
📖 Blood magic and bargains
📖 Daemons and folklore
📖 Secret societies
"And if I told you that in all my years roaming this earth, I've never met anyone as stubborn and impossibly irresistible as you, would you call me a liar than?"
thank you to Alexandra E Parker for letting me read the A bargain with the darkseer
My thoughts of the book 💭
so glad I stumbled on this on Instagram.
I loved the banter between Casimir and Arden, it was just chefs kiss 😘 and she can taste everyone's lies but his!! I quite liked that take on her being able to taste lies Found that so intriguing.
Loved the dark academia setting, with all the secrets and lies.
This book had me hooked and couldn't put it down.. it was full of twists and turns, and I guessed a few but I still ate it up. I literally couldn't put it down and it made me giddy.
I need book 2 just for more of Casimir please!
Chilli rating 🌶️🌶️
Plot - 4.5
Rating- 5⭐
Expect
📖 Dark academia
📖 She can taste lies (just not his)
📖 Slow burn
📖 Blood magic and bargains
📖 Daemons and folklore
📖 Secret societies
"And if I told you that in all my years roaming this earth, I've never met anyone as stubborn and impossibly irresistible as you, would you call me a liar than?"
thank you to Alexandra E Parker for letting me read the A bargain with the darkseer
My thoughts of the book 💭
so glad I stumbled on this on Instagram.
I loved the banter between Casimir and Arden, it was just chefs kiss 😘 and she can taste everyone's lies but his!! I quite liked that take on her being able to taste lies Found that so intriguing.
Loved the dark academia setting, with all the secrets and lies.
This book had me hooked and couldn't put it down.. it was full of twists and turns, and I guessed a few but I still ate it up. I literally couldn't put it down and it made me giddy.
I need book 2 just for more of Casimir please!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Read
Thank yo to Alexandra E. Parker for the privlege reading this book before its release.
Spice 1.5
Tropes: Bargain marks, academic setting, demon wine
Book 1
Quote “Is absolving men of all accountability a habit of yours? Or is it just personal preference?”
Highlights: This is a compelling low-fantasy novel set within a prestigious academic backdrop. The author’s background in literature comes through in the prose; the classic literature references serve as clever foreshadowing. Our FMCis a "scholarship student" navigating an elite university of the ultra-wealthy. She never feels flighty; instead, she is written as genuinely bright, cunning, and quick-witted. The romance and plot arcs take refreshing, unique turns that kept me hooked.
Drawbacks: The main source of friction is the miscommunication trope. Much of the conflict hinges on the FMC withholding vital information from the MMC, even when the consequences of her silence are clear. Additionally, the magic system involves various "types" of bargains. Keeping track of the specific rules and consequences for each contract became a bit of a mental juggle that occasionally slowed the story's momentum.
Final Verdict Despite some minor frustrations with the communication gaps, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a fun, intriguing read that I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a smart, academic low-fantasy series.
Thank yo to Alexandra E. Parker for the privlege reading this book before its release.
Spice 1.5
Tropes: Bargain marks, academic setting, demon wine
Book 1
Quote “Is absolving men of all accountability a habit of yours? Or is it just personal preference?”
Highlights: This is a compelling low-fantasy novel set within a prestigious academic backdrop. The author’s background in literature comes through in the prose; the classic literature references serve as clever foreshadowing. Our FMCis a "scholarship student" navigating an elite university of the ultra-wealthy. She never feels flighty; instead, she is written as genuinely bright, cunning, and quick-witted. The romance and plot arcs take refreshing, unique turns that kept me hooked.
Drawbacks: The main source of friction is the miscommunication trope. Much of the conflict hinges on the FMC withholding vital information from the MMC, even when the consequences of her silence are clear. Additionally, the magic system involves various "types" of bargains. Keeping track of the specific rules and consequences for each contract became a bit of a mental juggle that occasionally slowed the story's momentum.
Final Verdict Despite some minor frustrations with the communication gaps, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a fun, intriguing read that I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a smart, academic low-fantasy series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book and cannot thank author Alexandra. E. Parker enough for letting me in on this story!
Arden is not your typical fmc, she’s a scholarship student at an elite institute where her father used to teach and she has the power to taste lies.
When her secret affair ends badly she’s thrust into a world of magical bargains, secret societies, a quest for a magical object and a long lost heir. Meanwhile she’s stuck with a daemon she hadn’t known existed before and she can’t seem to stay away despite his devious nature.
I love Arden she just is what she is and it’s funny. Once her and Casimir get stuck together the tension and the banter just get better. The magic in the story is intriguing as everyone has their own abilities and there’s no way of knowing what they are unless they are used against you, which I’m hoping will be explained a bit more in the next book. The backstory just adds more mystery and sets us up for a whole new world of mischief for Arden and Casimir to get into.
This book gets under your skin in a frustratingly good way, I can’t wait to see what happens when they return for book 2 🖤
Arden is not your typical fmc, she’s a scholarship student at an elite institute where her father used to teach and she has the power to taste lies.
When her secret affair ends badly she’s thrust into a world of magical bargains, secret societies, a quest for a magical object and a long lost heir. Meanwhile she’s stuck with a daemon she hadn’t known existed before and she can’t seem to stay away despite his devious nature.
I love Arden she just is what she is and it’s funny. Once her and Casimir get stuck together the tension and the banter just get better. The magic in the story is intriguing as everyone has their own abilities and there’s no way of knowing what they are unless they are used against you, which I’m hoping will be explained a bit more in the next book. The backstory just adds more mystery and sets us up for a whole new world of mischief for Arden and Casimir to get into.
This book gets under your skin in a frustratingly good way, I can’t wait to see what happens when they return for book 2 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this expecting a good fantasy romance… but it ended up being one of those can’t-put-it-down reads 😍
You know how longer books sometimes have that slow lull where you’re just pushing through? Yeah—not here. Every single part kept me hooked.
Arden’s growth was EVERYTHING 👏 She starts off unsure of herself, content to be some little secret, feeling like she’s not enough—but watching her realize she is so much more? So satisfying. She’s that girl, whether she realizes it or not.
And Casimir… 🫠 I lived for every scene with him. The smirks? The tension? The banter?? Top tier. Their back-and-forth had me laughing one minute and internally screaming “JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY” the next 😂
The storyline and the whole school setting added such a cool, slightly dark edge too. Some of these characters are genuinely intimidating, and the stakes feel real.
If you love fantasy romance with a touch of spice, strong character growth, and addictive tension—this is definitely a must-read 🔥
Huge thank you to the author for this amazing story—I cannot wait for the next one!!
You know how longer books sometimes have that slow lull where you’re just pushing through? Yeah—not here. Every single part kept me hooked.
Arden’s growth was EVERYTHING 👏 She starts off unsure of herself, content to be some little secret, feeling like she’s not enough—but watching her realize she is so much more? So satisfying. She’s that girl, whether she realizes it or not.
And Casimir… 🫠 I lived for every scene with him. The smirks? The tension? The banter?? Top tier. Their back-and-forth had me laughing one minute and internally screaming “JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY” the next 😂
The storyline and the whole school setting added such a cool, slightly dark edge too. Some of these characters are genuinely intimidating, and the stakes feel real.
If you love fantasy romance with a touch of spice, strong character growth, and addictive tension—this is definitely a must-read 🔥
Huge thank you to the author for this amazing story—I cannot wait for the next one!!
April 30, 2026
IM OBSESSED! Let me start by saying I saw a post for ARCs on my IG feed, read the tropes and signed up on a whim and I AM SO HAPPY I DID!
Arden has a short temper, sharp tongue and a special gift! How could I not immediately love her? She’s doing the best with what she has and honestly just wants to feel seen and like she belongs(don’t we all?) I loved how loyal she stayed to her best friend and that even when she made questionable decisions it was with the right intentions!
Now for my newest book boyfriend, CASIMIR! Oh how I love my beautiful, dark hair daemon man! This man was so fully devoted while still maintaining that playful banter by being an insufferable ass! EVERY. CHOICE. WAS. FOR. HER! Ugh I love him so much!
I absolutely love how the plot progressed. There were so many secrets and deceptions! And the slow burn?! Done so insanely well I was literally kicking my feet!
I need book 2 immediately. I don’t know if I’ll survive without it! I’ll make a bargain for it if needed!
Arden has a short temper, sharp tongue and a special gift! How could I not immediately love her? She’s doing the best with what she has and honestly just wants to feel seen and like she belongs(don’t we all?) I loved how loyal she stayed to her best friend and that even when she made questionable decisions it was with the right intentions!
Now for my newest book boyfriend, CASIMIR! Oh how I love my beautiful, dark hair daemon man! This man was so fully devoted while still maintaining that playful banter by being an insufferable ass! EVERY. CHOICE. WAS. FOR. HER! Ugh I love him so much!
I absolutely love how the plot progressed. There were so many secrets and deceptions! And the slow burn?! Done so insanely well I was literally kicking my feet!
I need book 2 immediately. I don’t know if I’ll survive without it! I’ll make a bargain for it if needed!
May 3, 2026
Firstly, thank you to Alexandra Parker for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the dark academy atmosphere and the gothic vibes. I liked the characters, Casimir more than Arden. The world building was interesting and the magic was unique. Plus I'm always down for Daemons!
I liked that Arden was the underdog, a scholarship student who doesn't exactly fit in. One slightly frustrating thing about her was that she flipped through emotions very quickly. In the span of one conversation she'd flip flop and I couldn't quite figure out what triggered the change so quickly. Otherwise she was a fun character and I liked how she was willing to step up when need be.
I really liked Casimir! He was devious and had just the right amount of cocky energy. I loved how much he cared about Arden and how protective he was.
This was an interesting story. It had some parts in the middle that got a little slow but overall it was an engaging story and I really liked it. I would recommend it!!
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the dark academy atmosphere and the gothic vibes. I liked the characters, Casimir more than Arden. The world building was interesting and the magic was unique. Plus I'm always down for Daemons!
I liked that Arden was the underdog, a scholarship student who doesn't exactly fit in. One slightly frustrating thing about her was that she flipped through emotions very quickly. In the span of one conversation she'd flip flop and I couldn't quite figure out what triggered the change so quickly. Otherwise she was a fun character and I liked how she was willing to step up when need be.
I really liked Casimir! He was devious and had just the right amount of cocky energy. I loved how much he cared about Arden and how protective he was.
This was an interesting story. It had some parts in the middle that got a little slow but overall it was an engaging story and I really liked it. I would recommend it!!
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