Darkness Rising

by Elishevah Monrad

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a fantastic book. It was definitely one I could not put down. No matter how much I tired being, it frustrated me the tension that went on between Laykin and Quinn . I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Michael Albergo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness Rising: Magic, Mean Girls, and Ripped Boys

Elishevah Monrad’s new YA series takes place at Shadowflame Academy, a high school utterly unlike the one you attended, yet eerily familiar. Mean girls? Yes, in spades. Handsome guys with washboard abs? Yes, those, too. And you’ll find many of the teen delights and dilemmas that often accompany high school. But here, classes teach magic, myth, and mortal combat, in a citadel that, through Monrad’s able descriptions, makes Edinburgh Castle look like an outhouse.

Book 1 of the Shadowflame Academy series, Darkness Rising, is told by Quinn Reid, whose inexplicable flame magic and inability to control it may be the least of her problems when she is brought to the Academy for her final year of high school. There is a mystery here that needs solving—one at the core of an imaginative system of magic based on druidic myth and Arthurian legend. The magic is beautifully described in terms both physical and emotional; it is the lifeblood of this novel, balancing it on a knife edge between shadow and flame. It feels real.

Quinn encounters a panoply of characters that echo this dichotomy: some become fast friends—the kind of lifelong friends you can only make in high school or college—and some become enemies. The relationships, banter, clothing, antics, and pursuits of these students might be found at any real high school, grounding the novel in terrain familiar to most young adults. Indeed, the teen vernacular and texting abbreviations might prove vexing to older adults—those of us, say, 50 years or more out of high school; but the pains and pangs of youth we will certainly recall.

The real problem for Quinn—at least the problem that feels more immediate—is her need to choose between two young Adonises for her affections: one jovial, bright, and green-eyed, the other dark, brooding, and gray. Monrad tortures us by parsing out these affections ever so carefully, two steps forward and one step back; but I suspect it is a torture most young adults (and many not so young) will greatly enjoy.

Darkness Rising is a wonderful first installment of what is certain to be an outstanding YA dark academia series. Don’t expect all secrets to be revealed here, but four stars for this engaging, magical romp; add a star if you’re a teen at heart.

Note: The publisher provided an advance reader copy to this reviewer.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me read the arc before the book's release.

I do spoiler free reviews, so won't be sharing any proper details of the book.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book, and all the characters in their own right.

I particularly liked one of the MMC. let's just say I have a soft spot for the dark haired man. haha.

The writing style is most definitely aimed at a younger audience, which is more common in YA Novels. so going into it knowing that, helps a wee bit with the overall vibes of the book.

Very cute lil Romantasy - love a bit of shadow & a love a bit of flame 🔥

The only negative for me personally is that there a bit of repetition/use of the same sentences a few times.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A massive thank you to Elishevah for the opportunity to read an ARC of this captivating new release!

I’m a sucker for an academia setting, and this story delivered exactly the kind of atmosphere I love. We follow the MFC who is suddenly uprooted and thrust into an elite magical high school. Watching her navigate newfound powers, unfamiliar social circles, and a compelling love triangle kept me turning the pages.
The momentum picks up about 1/2 way and once the stakes were raised, I couldn't put it down! If you’re looking for an easy read young adult, 'modern world' fantasy that balances magical discovery with high-stakes romance, this is a must-read."

4⭐️ From me!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of Shadowflame Academy. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'As she battles between her desire to embrace her flame and fear of losing control, it’s overshadowed by her growing feelings for both Maxon and Layken. But the unspoken rules are clear:
Shadows and Flames don’t mix.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and complex and complicated and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend


Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author but can't wait to read more. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of each character and the growth of the FMC. Quinn is the perfect protagonist of this YA book. She is feisty, brave and so likeable. The two MCs are awesome, each in his own way. There is danger and death involved in this book. Who is hurting the students and will they find them in time to stop more death? This book leaves on a cliff hanger but it makes you want to get your hands on the next book fast. I highly recommend this book to all YA enthusiasts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I thought the writing was superb and I enjoyed the banter between the main characters and secondary characters more than I usually do. The world building could have been slightly more descriptive, and there were a few continuity issues that I had to flip back a page to understand fully, but overall, I’d say this was a VERY enjoyable read and I’ll be anxiously waiting for the next one! If you like YA with a twist and sweet but intriguing love triangle, you’ll love this one!

[Lizel Beyleveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this amazing book and I’m honestly so impressed.

It has such a magical, immersive feel—giving me those nostalgic Harry Potter vibes, but with its own unique twist. The world of Shadowflame Academy is so vivid and exciting, and the teen romance woven through it is just chef’s kiss—sweet, emotional, and completely addictive.

You can really feel the creativity and heart that’s gone into every page.

I’m already hoping for more from this world… highly recommend giving it a read.

[Maryam Abdulhakeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love they way quinn find people who like her just the way she is even a lot more open with layken than I expected I would love more of the love triangle and unholy trinity. I hope she harnesses her flames soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a story from this author and I liked it. YA, Magic, weapons, mean girls, love triangle, romance. I liked the characters and the storyline. This is Book 1 of ShadowFlame Academy and I can’t wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being able to read an ARC of this book. I’m loving the tension building between the characters. I’m already so ready for book 2 to come out so I can learn more about what’s going on and what’s going to happen! The suspense is building, and it’s great.

[Tishy77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Elishevah for the amazing opportunity to read an ARC of these release!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the tension was out of this world! A 5 star from me. 💖💖

[Myrddin Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sharp and contemporary magical tale.
What a journey!
Feel like I have lived and breathed every twist and turn of the Shadowflame Academy!
A fun page turner that hooks you and draws you in with every gorgeous character you meet.
Shadows or flames? You'll have to read it to choose.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good YA fantasy book, the vibe, the characters and the storyline are so well thought out and cannot wait for the next in the series!! 😍 who doesn’t love a good love triangle and some magic powers.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story from beginning to end, this book captured my imagination as the story played out. The characters were equally fascinating. The storyline was mesmerizing. The drama compelling. Great start to the series.

[Lisa Saxby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not see it coming. You have to read it.