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SOUL DORM: An Afterlife Academy Romance
- GenresRomance
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
About the author
Ezgi ERO
5 books31 followersEzgi Ero (formerly published as Ezgi Çağlar) builds unhinged fantasy worlds—and then lets love ruin them.
An award-winning author in Turkey, she has written 12 online novels and has 2 traditionally published books, earning multiple Wattpad accolades, including multiple Watty Awards and shortlist placements, with over 2 million reads.
Now writing in English, she is the creator of Soul Dorm and several upcoming fantasy projects where fate is inconvenient, death is rarely permanent, and romance is never safe.
An award-winning author in Turkey, she has written 12 online novels and has 2 traditionally published books, earning multiple Wattpad accolades, including multiple Watty Awards and shortlist placements, with over 2 million reads.
Now writing in English, she is the creator of Soul Dorm and several upcoming fantasy projects where fate is inconvenient, death is rarely permanent, and romance is never safe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 31, 2026
“You died. Not ideal.”
Honestly, what an opening. 😂
Imagine having your entire life planned out perfectly, only to die and wake up in an afterlife academy where you’re assigned a soulmate. That’s exactly what happens to Olive—and unfortunately for her, her soulmate is Mars.
Mars is everything Olive probably doesn’t want: a resident bad boy, rockstar, serial heartbreaker, and someone who has absolutely no interest in fate, feelings, or the possibility of returning to life.
Olive, meanwhile, just wants one thing: to get out.
But The Dorm has other plans.
What makes this premise so much fun is the combination of afterlife academy vibes, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a mandatory soulmate bond. Olive and Mars have the kind of dynamic that practically guarantees sparks, arguments, denial, and plenty of moments where you’re wondering who is going to fall first.
I particularly love the contrast between Olive’s determination to escape and Mars’ complete lack of interest in playing by the rules. Their relationship has all the ingredients for a deliciously slow burn, while the academy itself adds another layer of mystery and intrigue.
And then there’s the found-family element, which gives the story some heart beneath all the supernatural chaos. Watching characters who are literally stuck in the afterlife find connection, friendship, and perhaps a reason to keep going makes the concept even more appealing.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, forced soulmate bonds, slow-burn romance, bad-boy rockstars, supernatural academies, and found-family drama, this sounds like a seriously fun read.
Sometimes dying really is just the beginning. 💀❤️
Honestly, what an opening. 😂
Imagine having your entire life planned out perfectly, only to die and wake up in an afterlife academy where you’re assigned a soulmate. That’s exactly what happens to Olive—and unfortunately for her, her soulmate is Mars.
Mars is everything Olive probably doesn’t want: a resident bad boy, rockstar, serial heartbreaker, and someone who has absolutely no interest in fate, feelings, or the possibility of returning to life.
Olive, meanwhile, just wants one thing: to get out.
But The Dorm has other plans.
What makes this premise so much fun is the combination of afterlife academy vibes, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a mandatory soulmate bond. Olive and Mars have the kind of dynamic that practically guarantees sparks, arguments, denial, and plenty of moments where you’re wondering who is going to fall first.
I particularly love the contrast between Olive’s determination to escape and Mars’ complete lack of interest in playing by the rules. Their relationship has all the ingredients for a deliciously slow burn, while the academy itself adds another layer of mystery and intrigue.
And then there’s the found-family element, which gives the story some heart beneath all the supernatural chaos. Watching characters who are literally stuck in the afterlife find connection, friendship, and perhaps a reason to keep going makes the concept even more appealing.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, forced soulmate bonds, slow-burn romance, bad-boy rockstars, supernatural academies, and found-family drama, this sounds like a seriously fun read.
Sometimes dying really is just the beginning. 💀❤️
May 10, 2026
I got the chance to be an ARC reader for this and I could not be more thankful 💜
As someone who tends to mostly read dark romance with a lot of spice, I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel about this book going in. But all it took was the first 4 chapters and I was hooked.
This book has enemies to lovers, forced soulmates and found family. But on top of that it focuses on the fact that we can plan our life as much as we want, because there’s no guarantee that will happen so what we need to do is learn to enjoy every day.
I also got lucky to have the visiual companion for the book, which has made the reading experience much better as I’m one of the readers that can imagine places but not people.
This is a 5⭐️ book for me
As someone who tends to mostly read dark romance with a lot of spice, I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel about this book going in. But all it took was the first 4 chapters and I was hooked.
This book has enemies to lovers, forced soulmates and found family. But on top of that it focuses on the fact that we can plan our life as much as we want, because there’s no guarantee that will happen so what we need to do is learn to enjoy every day.
I also got lucky to have the visiual companion for the book, which has made the reading experience much better as I’m one of the readers that can imagine places but not people.
This is a 5⭐️ book for me
August 6, 2026
I have been lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader for this book!
I was hooked right off the bat. From a young age who experience death in her family I have always imagined souls go somewhere up in the fluffy cloud and this book bought all that to life for me.
This follows Olive on her travels through the afterlife. Discovering things about herself she wouldn’t have in the real world. Making friendships she never knew she needed but whom quickly added so much to her development and growth. All their spirit animal companions were sweet.
This afterlife school hit on all the dramas any school on the real world would . There is tension, angst and mean girl attitudes.
Each new comer to the afterlife school gets allocated a soulmate and poor Olive didn’t get it easy with hers… Mars, a broody rock star rich kid who only thinks about himself, well that’s the mask he wants everyone to see.
The tension and banter between him and Olive is delicious and I can’t wait to see who will crack first in book 2.
I highly recommended this book you will get lost in the pages and have a great time, there isn’t anything I would change 🫶
Thank you Ezgi Ero for sharing this with me 💜🦄💗🌈
I was hooked right off the bat. From a young age who experience death in her family I have always imagined souls go somewhere up in the fluffy cloud and this book bought all that to life for me.
This follows Olive on her travels through the afterlife. Discovering things about herself she wouldn’t have in the real world. Making friendships she never knew she needed but whom quickly added so much to her development and growth. All their spirit animal companions were sweet.
This afterlife school hit on all the dramas any school on the real world would . There is tension, angst and mean girl attitudes.
Each new comer to the afterlife school gets allocated a soulmate and poor Olive didn’t get it easy with hers… Mars, a broody rock star rich kid who only thinks about himself, well that’s the mask he wants everyone to see.
The tension and banter between him and Olive is delicious and I can’t wait to see who will crack first in book 2.
I highly recommended this book you will get lost in the pages and have a great time, there isn’t anything I would change 🫶
Thank you Ezgi Ero for sharing this with me 💜🦄💗🌈
August 24, 2026
I abolutely devoured this book!
An afterlife academy setting with an enemy as soulmate, an animal companion and the hope to get back to the land of the living. Of course I want to read that!
This book did not disappoint.
What I really appreciated was that Olive always stayed hopeful. Yes, Mars was being a huge pain in her ***, but she still found ways to stay positive and think about how she could finally get back.
The dynamic between Mars and Olive was everything I hoped for and more! Also the relationships Olive built with her friends at the academy was beautiful to read.
An afterlife academy setting with an enemy as soulmate, an animal companion and the hope to get back to the land of the living. Of course I want to read that!
This book did not disappoint.
What I really appreciated was that Olive always stayed hopeful. Yes, Mars was being a huge pain in her ***, but she still found ways to stay positive and think about how she could finally get back.
The dynamic between Mars and Olive was everything I hoped for and more! Also the relationships Olive built with her friends at the academy was beautiful to read.
September 25, 2026
If your looking for a fun twist an the academia genre, then this is the book for you.
You follow Olive (MFC) as her perfectly planned life comes to an abrupt end & she finds herself arriving at the Soul Dorm which is an afterlife academy where students are in limbo & can learn & develop, which will result in them returning back to their 'life' or they remain as souls wandering the corridors of the college. She wants to get back to her 'life' but when she arrives she's paired with her 'soul mate' who happens to be the rebellious one, the student that never goes to class, the gorgeous rockstar & THE person that rubs her up the wrong way & is no help at all - Mars (MMC).
I loved the fact that everyone & everything was surrounded by a pink, purple glow/colour scheme, in my minds eye it just gave everything a more celestial glow added to the ambiance of the whole afterlife vibe. The plotline has a delicious slow burn, a mysterious flavour created by the more sentient actions of the Dorm, & fantastic supporting cast members giving additional layers to this fun storyline, that also create tension & intrigue that will keep you turning those pages.
Overall, I really enjoyed the light façade of this book, as it lulls you into a false sense of security as it covers some darker/more sensitive subjects. Although this is YA, I would say it would appeal to older ages as well - I've really had a fun time reading this & will 100% be jumping straight in book 2
** Thank you to Ezgo Ero for giving my this free e-ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily **
You follow Olive (MFC) as her perfectly planned life comes to an abrupt end & she finds herself arriving at the Soul Dorm which is an afterlife academy where students are in limbo & can learn & develop, which will result in them returning back to their 'life' or they remain as souls wandering the corridors of the college. She wants to get back to her 'life' but when she arrives she's paired with her 'soul mate' who happens to be the rebellious one, the student that never goes to class, the gorgeous rockstar & THE person that rubs her up the wrong way & is no help at all - Mars (MMC).
I loved the fact that everyone & everything was surrounded by a pink, purple glow/colour scheme, in my minds eye it just gave everything a more celestial glow added to the ambiance of the whole afterlife vibe. The plotline has a delicious slow burn, a mysterious flavour created by the more sentient actions of the Dorm, & fantastic supporting cast members giving additional layers to this fun storyline, that also create tension & intrigue that will keep you turning those pages.
Overall, I really enjoyed the light façade of this book, as it lulls you into a false sense of security as it covers some darker/more sensitive subjects. Although this is YA, I would say it would appeal to older ages as well - I've really had a fun time reading this & will 100% be jumping straight in book 2
** Thank you to Ezgo Ero for giving my this free e-ARC, I am leaving this review voluntarily **
August 13, 2026
Got this one as an ARC, loved it. Now further with part 2
🇬🇧 English
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m absolutely obsessed with this story! ✨ The characters, the mystery and all the twists kept me hooked from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down!
🇳🇱 Nederlands
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ik ben echt obsessed met dit verhaal! ✨ De personages, het mysterie en alle twists hielden me van begin tot eind geboeid. Ik kon het boek niet wegleggen!
🇬🇧 English
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m absolutely obsessed with this story! ✨ The characters, the mystery and all the twists kept me hooked from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down!
🇳🇱 Nederlands
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ik ben echt obsessed met dit verhaal! ✨ De personages, het mysterie en alle twists hielden me van begin tot eind geboeid. Ik kon het boek niet wegleggen!
August 31, 2026
This book is amazing! The friendships, the drama and the character building i loved it all so exicted that i csn dive in book 2 right away!
August 14, 2026
It took me a little while to see where this was going, I was thinking here we go again. The girl falls for the douche, when the nice guy is left behind.
The more I read the more I realised there was more to Mars than you initially think.
Olive, well she’s certainly something. Determined is definitely one of the best ways to describe her.
I liked how this was based round the 2 MC, but you also got more. You learnt quite a bit about each of the members friend group and they all played a pivotal roles in this book.
I was initially sent the 2 books as an ARC reader, but saw they was both on KU. So I opted to download and read them that way.
The more I read the more I realised there was more to Mars than you initially think.
Olive, well she’s certainly something. Determined is definitely one of the best ways to describe her.
I liked how this was based round the 2 MC, but you also got more. You learnt quite a bit about each of the members friend group and they all played a pivotal roles in this book.
I was initially sent the 2 books as an ARC reader, but saw they was both on KU. So I opted to download and read them that way.
March 2, 2026
Five stars because I wrote it :)
But also because I wanted an afterlife academy that felt inconvenient, emotional, and slightly unhinged.
Soul Dorm is about second chances you don’t want, soulmates you didn’t ask for, and systems that underestimate stubborn girls.
If that’s your thing, welcome to the Dorm ;)
But also because I wanted an afterlife academy that felt inconvenient, emotional, and slightly unhinged.
Soul Dorm is about second chances you don’t want, soulmates you didn’t ask for, and systems that underestimate stubborn girls.
If that’s your thing, welcome to the Dorm ;)
August 2, 2026
“A true soulmate complements you. They challenge you. They fill in your gaps, push your buttons, and help you grow.”
General thoughts:
This was a really fun read. It’d been a little while since I last read a YA book, so I was a little apprehensive. But I didn’t need to be. This book was fantastic. I was hooked by the second chapter and, despite trying, I could not put it down. The imagery was so beautiful, and I quite frankly loved everything about it. It gave me so many emotions that I didn’t quite know what to do with it. It’s also been a while since I’ve read anything with a strong love triangle, and this REALLY had it. How is anyone, especially Olive, meant to ‘live’ with that? The pink and purple also just fit this book PERFECTLY. I don’t know how to explain it, but it really is the two colours I would automatically assign to this book even if they didn’t automatically feature in the dorm.
TLDR:
The perfect sugary sweet and emotional hurricane of a YA story.
What I liked:
🥛The whole concept is something I haven’t seen before and is just so fun.
🥛I don’t know if everyone automatically sees them, but the visual companion is amazing!
🥛The characters are fantastic, they have a lot of depth.
🥛I loved the companions. They’re all so fun, and I want to see them more.
🥛The way that Olive’s emotions and confusion feels so honest is lovely.
What I struggled with/didn’t really like:
🥛The entire thing was perfect for me so I have nothing to write here.
Favourite character/s:
Olive, basically all of Olive’s friends but especially Diego and Ursa, and Blue.
Who this is for/recommendations:
💖Anyone who wants a really fun YA series to get into (Book 2 comes out this month I think, but it might already be out so maybe double-check!!)
💖Anyone who wants the emotional torment of young adults but softened with the prettiest colours.
💖Anyone who would immediately want to scream if they were told they had to live in a dorm full of their peers when they were at school.
💖Anyone who wants a FMC who doesn’t always know what she wants, but she will fight for it anyway.
Minority/inclusion:
BIPOC characters, lots of diverse side characters.
I read an e-arc of this book (and am about to start book 2 as soon as I finish writing this). I’m super thankful to the author because I may not have seen this without their social media posts and I’ve enjoyed book 1 so much. All opinions are very honest and very much my own:)
General thoughts:
This was a really fun read. It’d been a little while since I last read a YA book, so I was a little apprehensive. But I didn’t need to be. This book was fantastic. I was hooked by the second chapter and, despite trying, I could not put it down. The imagery was so beautiful, and I quite frankly loved everything about it. It gave me so many emotions that I didn’t quite know what to do with it. It’s also been a while since I’ve read anything with a strong love triangle, and this REALLY had it. How is anyone, especially Olive, meant to ‘live’ with that? The pink and purple also just fit this book PERFECTLY. I don’t know how to explain it, but it really is the two colours I would automatically assign to this book even if they didn’t automatically feature in the dorm.
TLDR:
The perfect sugary sweet and emotional hurricane of a YA story.
What I liked:
🥛The whole concept is something I haven’t seen before and is just so fun.
🥛I don’t know if everyone automatically sees them, but the visual companion is amazing!
🥛The characters are fantastic, they have a lot of depth.
🥛I loved the companions. They’re all so fun, and I want to see them more.
🥛The way that Olive’s emotions and confusion feels so honest is lovely.
What I struggled with/didn’t really like:
🥛The entire thing was perfect for me so I have nothing to write here.
Favourite character/s:
Olive, basically all of Olive’s friends but especially Diego and Ursa, and Blue.
Who this is for/recommendations:
💖Anyone who wants a really fun YA series to get into (Book 2 comes out this month I think, but it might already be out so maybe double-check!!)
💖Anyone who wants the emotional torment of young adults but softened with the prettiest colours.
💖Anyone who would immediately want to scream if they were told they had to live in a dorm full of their peers when they were at school.
💖Anyone who wants a FMC who doesn’t always know what she wants, but she will fight for it anyway.
Minority/inclusion:
BIPOC characters, lots of diverse side characters.
I read an e-arc of this book (and am about to start book 2 as soon as I finish writing this). I’m super thankful to the author because I may not have seen this without their social media posts and I’ve enjoyed book 1 so much. All opinions are very honest and very much my own:)
August 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received ARC copies of Soul Dorm 1 & 2, which apparently meant I was supposed to read them calmly, form some sensible opinions and write a thoughtful review.
Instead, I INHALED THEM.
You know when you start a book thinking, “I’ll just read a couple of chapters…” and suddenly your responsibilities no longer exist, your family have been abandoned, and you’re emotionally invested in the lives of people who AREN’T EVEN REAL?
Yeah. That.
The world in Soul Dorm is absolutely stunning. It’s imaginative, immersive and so easy to disappear into, but it was the characters that completely got me. They’re flawed, relatable, funny, frustrating and so wonderfully human that I didn’t just read about them — I cared about them.
And that is where I have a complaint.
Because now I’ve finished both books and apparently I’m just expected to… carry on with my life???
Rude.
There’s something particularly special about reading an ARC from a new indie author and realising you might be witnessing the beginning of something brilliant. These books didn’t feel like a hesitant first step into publishing. The storytelling pulled me in, the world felt alive, and before I knew it, Soul Dorm had become one of those places I genuinely didn’t want to leave.
I laughed. I got emotional. I became far too attached. I told myself “one more chapter” approximately 47 times.
And when I finally finished?
That weird combination of “THAT WAS AMAZING” and “well… what am I supposed to do with myself now?”
To the author: please be ridiculously proud of what you’ve created. You took something that once existed only inside your imagination and turned it into a world that complete strangers can now fall in love with.
And this stranger absolutely did. ❤️
Five stars. No notes.
Except perhaps one:
Please keep writing. I live here now.
I received ARC copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions — and emotional damage — are entirely my own.
I received ARC copies of Soul Dorm 1 & 2, which apparently meant I was supposed to read them calmly, form some sensible opinions and write a thoughtful review.
Instead, I INHALED THEM.
You know when you start a book thinking, “I’ll just read a couple of chapters…” and suddenly your responsibilities no longer exist, your family have been abandoned, and you’re emotionally invested in the lives of people who AREN’T EVEN REAL?
Yeah. That.
The world in Soul Dorm is absolutely stunning. It’s imaginative, immersive and so easy to disappear into, but it was the characters that completely got me. They’re flawed, relatable, funny, frustrating and so wonderfully human that I didn’t just read about them — I cared about them.
And that is where I have a complaint.
Because now I’ve finished both books and apparently I’m just expected to… carry on with my life???
Rude.
There’s something particularly special about reading an ARC from a new indie author and realising you might be witnessing the beginning of something brilliant. These books didn’t feel like a hesitant first step into publishing. The storytelling pulled me in, the world felt alive, and before I knew it, Soul Dorm had become one of those places I genuinely didn’t want to leave.
I laughed. I got emotional. I became far too attached. I told myself “one more chapter” approximately 47 times.
And when I finally finished?
That weird combination of “THAT WAS AMAZING” and “well… what am I supposed to do with myself now?”
To the author: please be ridiculously proud of what you’ve created. You took something that once existed only inside your imagination and turned it into a world that complete strangers can now fall in love with.
And this stranger absolutely did. ❤️
Five stars. No notes.
Except perhaps one:
Please keep writing. I live here now.
I received ARC copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions — and emotional damage — are entirely my own.
August 29, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure of reading Soul Dorm as an ARC reader, and I wasn’t supposed to love this book this much.
I’m usually a dark romance reader. Give me morally questionable men, obsession, chaos and spice, and I’m happy.
Soul Dorm gave me basically none of that.
And somehow, I couldn’t put it down.
I went into this book almost completely blind, and I think that’s exactly how it should be experienced.
One of the first things that completely pulled me in was Ezgi’s writing. It’s so immersive and visually descriptive that you don’t just read about this world … you actually see it. The colors, the places, the atmosphere… everything felt incredibly vivid in my head, almost like watching a movie rather than reading a book.
But somewhere along the way, Soul Dorm stopped being simply an interesting story and became something I was actually feeling.
There are beautiful reflections about life, fear, friendship, things we can’t control, the people we meet and the ways they can change us. Some of them found me at exactly the right moment in my life, and I wasn’t prepared for how deeply they would affect me.
I laughed. I got emotional. I created theories. I changed my mind about characters more times than I’d like to admit. I got ridiculously attached.
And that slow burn? Ezgi, you tested my patience in ways I will not forgive. 😂
Then I reached the final pages.
Excuse me???
I finished this book genuinely staring at my screen in disbelief.
I had absolutely NO intention of immediately reading Book 2.
That plan is now dead.
The funniest part is that Soul Dorm is nothing like what I normally reach for, and yet it kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
Sometimes a book finds you at exactly the moment you need it.
I think this one found me.
I’m usually a dark romance reader. Give me morally questionable men, obsession, chaos and spice, and I’m happy.
Soul Dorm gave me basically none of that.
And somehow, I couldn’t put it down.
I went into this book almost completely blind, and I think that’s exactly how it should be experienced.
One of the first things that completely pulled me in was Ezgi’s writing. It’s so immersive and visually descriptive that you don’t just read about this world … you actually see it. The colors, the places, the atmosphere… everything felt incredibly vivid in my head, almost like watching a movie rather than reading a book.
But somewhere along the way, Soul Dorm stopped being simply an interesting story and became something I was actually feeling.
There are beautiful reflections about life, fear, friendship, things we can’t control, the people we meet and the ways they can change us. Some of them found me at exactly the right moment in my life, and I wasn’t prepared for how deeply they would affect me.
I laughed. I got emotional. I created theories. I changed my mind about characters more times than I’d like to admit. I got ridiculously attached.
And that slow burn? Ezgi, you tested my patience in ways I will not forgive. 😂
Then I reached the final pages.
Excuse me???
I finished this book genuinely staring at my screen in disbelief.
I had absolutely NO intention of immediately reading Book 2.
That plan is now dead.
The funniest part is that Soul Dorm is nothing like what I normally reach for, and yet it kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
Sometimes a book finds you at exactly the moment you need it.
I think this one found me.
July 31, 2026
I was chosen to be an ARC reader for this duology and I’m so pleased that I was. Soul Dorm 1 is an amazing story about young people who weren’t quite ready to move on from life and they ended up in an afterlife that was so Barbie coded and fantastic. Everything was pink and purple, smelled like bubblegum- a dream world in my opinion! I originally rated the first book 4⭐️ and when I went to write a review I realised that there wasn’t a single part of this book that I didn’t like. It was perfect and totally earned 5⭐️.
I grew so attached to the characters and their animal companions. The friend group was so realistic and its the kind of friends that everyone wished they had in real life. This book reminds you of what it’s like to be young- school life, first love, bullying etc. The emotional aspect was so powerful. The characters felt longing, embarrassment, happiness, sadness and everything in between, and you as the reader went through the motions with them. I couldn’t put this book down. I was absolutely gripped from the first chapter. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself “I’ll read for 10 more minutes” and next thing you know it’s 2 hours later and way past your bedtime.
My favourite character had to be Olive. She was just so determined and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Mars is definitely growing on me but I’m still not at the point where he’s a favourite. Bong and Pam on the other hand are the absolute worst. Like babes, I think the void is calling you ☎️
Thank you so much to Ezgi ERO for allowing me to experience this book early. I can’t wait to jump straight into book 2 and find out more about these amazing characters.
I grew so attached to the characters and their animal companions. The friend group was so realistic and its the kind of friends that everyone wished they had in real life. This book reminds you of what it’s like to be young- school life, first love, bullying etc. The emotional aspect was so powerful. The characters felt longing, embarrassment, happiness, sadness and everything in between, and you as the reader went through the motions with them. I couldn’t put this book down. I was absolutely gripped from the first chapter. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself “I’ll read for 10 more minutes” and next thing you know it’s 2 hours later and way past your bedtime.
My favourite character had to be Olive. She was just so determined and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Mars is definitely growing on me but I’m still not at the point where he’s a favourite. Bong and Pam on the other hand are the absolute worst. Like babes, I think the void is calling you ☎️
Thank you so much to Ezgi ERO for allowing me to experience this book early. I can’t wait to jump straight into book 2 and find out more about these amazing characters.
August 15, 2026
This was such an easy 5 star read for me. It was so 90s/00s coded and i loved every minute of it, felt like i was living my childhood all over again!
The author had sent a visual companion with the book and all i can say is it made the experience so much more immersive and fun! I really feel like this book would be an amazing graphic novel/comic with the art style and feeling it gives.
I loved the different array of characters and personalities and how they all interacted with each other. Diego is such a sweetheart and i loved him, im also such a big fan of strong female friendships so ofc i adored Ursa.
I loved the concept of the story and have never read anything like this before, i could see and feel the colours and characters with how the author described everything, also being a big fan of the colour pink and 00s vibe, i was in heaven...literally....kinda, i couldn't put this down! I will say the tamagotchi part had me missing my tamagotchi when i was younger and wish it was the same as the one in this book haha.
Going straight onto the next book, i need to know what happens after that ending!
**Thank you to the author for letting me be apart of the arc team and my review is 100% unbiased and all my own thoughts**
The author had sent a visual companion with the book and all i can say is it made the experience so much more immersive and fun! I really feel like this book would be an amazing graphic novel/comic with the art style and feeling it gives.
I loved the different array of characters and personalities and how they all interacted with each other. Diego is such a sweetheart and i loved him, im also such a big fan of strong female friendships so ofc i adored Ursa.
I loved the concept of the story and have never read anything like this before, i could see and feel the colours and characters with how the author described everything, also being a big fan of the colour pink and 00s vibe, i was in heaven...literally....kinda, i couldn't put this down! I will say the tamagotchi part had me missing my tamagotchi when i was younger and wish it was the same as the one in this book haha.
Going straight onto the next book, i need to know what happens after that ending!
**Thank you to the author for letting me be apart of the arc team and my review is 100% unbiased and all my own thoughts**
September 21, 2026
Soul Dorm I was such an imaginative beginning to the series and it became one of my favorite reads!
An afterlife school, magical animal companions, secrets, complicated soulmates, friendships, music, flowers and a mysterious connection between Olive and Mars. This story had so many unique details and I loved discovering them all.
Mars and Olive were my favorite characters, but I also adored their wonderful group of friends. They brought so much humor and heart to the story while giving Olive the kind of support she never realized she needed.
Olive’s journey became more emotional than I expected. I loved watching her come out of her shell, build real friendships and begin questioning the life she was so determined to return to. Mars was frustrating, mysterious, complicated and impossible not to care about. Their arguments, competitions and banter made their connection so much fun to follow.
The Tamagotchi-style companion added the perfect touch of 90s nostalgia, especially when the adorable cat named Trouble appeared. He might secretly be my true favorite character!
And that ending? Cruel! Cliffhangers like that drive me crazy, especially when I’m already this invested. Thankfully, Book 2 picks up right where this one ends, so I didn’t have to wait long for answers!
Thank you to Ezgi Ero for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
An afterlife school, magical animal companions, secrets, complicated soulmates, friendships, music, flowers and a mysterious connection between Olive and Mars. This story had so many unique details and I loved discovering them all.
Mars and Olive were my favorite characters, but I also adored their wonderful group of friends. They brought so much humor and heart to the story while giving Olive the kind of support she never realized she needed.
Olive’s journey became more emotional than I expected. I loved watching her come out of her shell, build real friendships and begin questioning the life she was so determined to return to. Mars was frustrating, mysterious, complicated and impossible not to care about. Their arguments, competitions and banter made their connection so much fun to follow.
The Tamagotchi-style companion added the perfect touch of 90s nostalgia, especially when the adorable cat named Trouble appeared. He might secretly be my true favorite character!
And that ending? Cruel! Cliffhangers like that drive me crazy, especially when I’m already this invested. Thankfully, Book 2 picks up right where this one ends, so I didn’t have to wait long for answers!
Thank you to Ezgi Ero for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 1, 2026
Don’t let the initial YA tropes fool you—this book carries a surprisingly powerful message.
When I first opened Soul Dorm, I was almost ready to set it down. It initially felt far too young, girlie, and centered around high school drama, making me think I was well outside the intended demographic. But I am so glad I pushed past that initial impression, because the story evolves into something far deeper than it first appears.
Beneath the surface-level plot, the author weaves in profound hidden messages about identity, personal growth, and societal conditioning. It forces you to stop and ask yourself some heavy, existential questions: Who do you truly want to be when no one is watching? If you were given a real second chance, what would you actually do differently?
Are the things you believe to be true actually your own beliefs, or have you just been influenced by the world around you?
At its core, Soul Dorm is a reflection on finding your authentic self in a world completely saturated with noise and distraction. If you read it purely as a surface-level story, you might miss the point entirely.
But if you take the time to dig into the themes and look for the deeper meaning, it rewards you with a genuinely thought-provoking experience.
A solid 4 stars. It completely turned my expectations upside down.
When I first opened Soul Dorm, I was almost ready to set it down. It initially felt far too young, girlie, and centered around high school drama, making me think I was well outside the intended demographic. But I am so glad I pushed past that initial impression, because the story evolves into something far deeper than it first appears.
Beneath the surface-level plot, the author weaves in profound hidden messages about identity, personal growth, and societal conditioning. It forces you to stop and ask yourself some heavy, existential questions: Who do you truly want to be when no one is watching? If you were given a real second chance, what would you actually do differently?
Are the things you believe to be true actually your own beliefs, or have you just been influenced by the world around you?
At its core, Soul Dorm is a reflection on finding your authentic self in a world completely saturated with noise and distraction. If you read it purely as a surface-level story, you might miss the point entirely.
But if you take the time to dig into the themes and look for the deeper meaning, it rewards you with a genuinely thought-provoking experience.
A solid 4 stars. It completely turned my expectations upside down.
September 6, 2026
A massive thank you to Ezgi ero for the arc copy of soul dorm part 1 in exchange for an honest review. This story so far is everything I needed it to be and more!
4.5⭐
Soul dorm is an afterlife academy that follows Olive who after she dies ends up in a bubblegum smelling, candyfloss, glitter and purple dorm for lost souls. We have lots of 90's nostalgia with tamagotchi pets and bubblegum rolls included. This story is full of drama, friendship, emotions and love. Every soul has their own story and you find yourself fully immersed in the characters and truly falling in love with each personality and quirk. The world building is phenomenal! I couldn't put this book down. We're left on a cliff hanger that shook me to the core in a what the hell kinda way! I'm excited to dive into part 2 and see what happens next with olive and the gang!
4.5⭐
Soul dorm is an afterlife academy that follows Olive who after she dies ends up in a bubblegum smelling, candyfloss, glitter and purple dorm for lost souls. We have lots of 90's nostalgia with tamagotchi pets and bubblegum rolls included. This story is full of drama, friendship, emotions and love. Every soul has their own story and you find yourself fully immersed in the characters and truly falling in love with each personality and quirk. The world building is phenomenal! I couldn't put this book down. We're left on a cliff hanger that shook me to the core in a what the hell kinda way! I'm excited to dive into part 2 and see what happens next with olive and the gang!
September 24, 2026
✨💜Arc review💜✨
I wasn’t expecting this book to be sooooo freaking good
This book has everything for me and more.
First the cozy vibes this book I take it so close to the heart because the academic environment and the fantasy elements of the afterlife made me feel like I was inside the dorm and seeing olive making friends and sharing experiences made me feel like it was my own home.
Also it reminded me of a series I used to love as a kid so that also gave me some nostalgia.
Second art and characters
I never had a book where an author would give me an art for each chapter and it made my experience so much better that I can’t imagine reading this book without it and the fact that the author made the arts all by herself is everything and I know it’s accurate.
This whole book was such a great experience that I’m already staring book two because no one can survive that ending
I wasn’t expecting this book to be sooooo freaking good
This book has everything for me and more.
First the cozy vibes this book I take it so close to the heart because the academic environment and the fantasy elements of the afterlife made me feel like I was inside the dorm and seeing olive making friends and sharing experiences made me feel like it was my own home.
Also it reminded me of a series I used to love as a kid so that also gave me some nostalgia.
Second art and characters
I never had a book where an author would give me an art for each chapter and it made my experience so much better that I can’t imagine reading this book without it and the fact that the author made the arts all by herself is everything and I know it’s accurate.
This whole book was such a great experience that I’m already staring book two because no one can survive that ending
August 2, 2026
I am totally hooked!
This book was so enjoyable to read. I couldn't imagine a better afterlife. The world the author created is just beautiful and magical. I loved every single thing.
AMAZING characters!! I absolutely adore all these fun and cool characters. I loved following Olive's journey. Tarben and Mars are my favorites. The interactions between them was so fun!
I feel like I have lost my words, I just loved it so much and don't know how to describe my feelings. I think its a very interesting plot and it is written very well. I have no complaints.
I can not wait to dive into book 2!!
Oh and guys, this came with a visual guide with artwork for every chapter. What a beautiful reading experience it was!!
This book was so enjoyable to read. I couldn't imagine a better afterlife. The world the author created is just beautiful and magical. I loved every single thing.
AMAZING characters!! I absolutely adore all these fun and cool characters. I loved following Olive's journey. Tarben and Mars are my favorites. The interactions between them was so fun!
I feel like I have lost my words, I just loved it so much and don't know how to describe my feelings. I think its a very interesting plot and it is written very well. I have no complaints.
I can not wait to dive into book 2!!
Oh and guys, this came with a visual guide with artwork for every chapter. What a beautiful reading experience it was!!
September 4, 2026
📚 ARC Review — Soul Dorm 1 by Ezgi Ero
Well… I finished it 🤣 I started this thinking I’d take my time, and apparently that was never going to happen. I flew through the whole book because every time I tried to put it down, I wanted to know what happened next.
This is definitely a slow burn, so if that’s your thing, this is one for you. It takes its time building the story, the characters and the mystery, but I never felt bored waiting for things to happen. There was always something keeping me curious.
The further I got, the harder it became to stop reading, and before I knew it I’d finished the whole thing in basically a day 🤣
And THAT CLIFFHANGER?! 😭 I genuinely sat there thinking, you cannot just leave it THERE!
Thankfully Soul Dorm 2 is already out because there is absolutely no way I’m waiting after that ending 🤣 I’ll be starting it straight away — I need answers!
ARC copy received for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well… I finished it 🤣 I started this thinking I’d take my time, and apparently that was never going to happen. I flew through the whole book because every time I tried to put it down, I wanted to know what happened next.
This is definitely a slow burn, so if that’s your thing, this is one for you. It takes its time building the story, the characters and the mystery, but I never felt bored waiting for things to happen. There was always something keeping me curious.
The further I got, the harder it became to stop reading, and before I knew it I’d finished the whole thing in basically a day 🤣
And THAT CLIFFHANGER?! 😭 I genuinely sat there thinking, you cannot just leave it THERE!
Thankfully Soul Dorm 2 is already out because there is absolutely no way I’m waiting after that ending 🤣 I’ll be starting it straight away — I need answers!
ARC copy received for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2026
a masterpiece of slow burn afterlife romance.
I received this book as an arc and this review is based on my own opinion.
I was a bit hesitant at first to sign up for the arc because fantasy is not my genre but the plot and tropes were really speaking to me and I am sooo glad I decided to sign up because this book was magical.
I really liked the concept of the afterlife academy.
The enemies to lovers(maybe in part two 😂) chemistry between Olive and Mars is to die for (hehehe see what I did there) and I love the concept how everyone gets their soulmate but they still have other crushes and relationships.
The perk of signing up for this arc is that I also received the arc for Soul Dorm 2 and I can't wait to start it right away.
I received this book as an arc and this review is based on my own opinion.
I was a bit hesitant at first to sign up for the arc because fantasy is not my genre but the plot and tropes were really speaking to me and I am sooo glad I decided to sign up because this book was magical.
I really liked the concept of the afterlife academy.
The enemies to lovers(maybe in part two 😂) chemistry between Olive and Mars is to die for (hehehe see what I did there) and I love the concept how everyone gets their soulmate but they still have other crushes and relationships.
The perk of signing up for this arc is that I also received the arc for Soul Dorm 2 and I can't wait to start it right away.
July 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 4/5 stars
Soul Dorm I is a wonderfully imaginative and emotional read. The premise immediately drew me in: Olive wakes up after a tragic accident to find herself at a colorful, surreal dormitory for souls who are caught between life and death. The blend of grief, second chances, school-life drama, and an almost dreamlike afterlife setting made the story feel unique and full of potential.
I especially loved the heart of the story. Olive’s situation is genuinely painful, and seeing her try to understand what happened to her while holding on to the life she may have lost made her easy to sympathize with. The Dorm itself is such a fun concept, strange, whimsical, and a little unsettling beneath all the pink, purple, and bubblegum sweetness. The other characters and the promise of secrets, friendships, and drama kept me interested and made me want to continue with the series.
That said, the pacing felt slow at times. Because the story takes its time introducing the Dorm, its rules, and the characters, some sections felt longer than they needed to be. The structure also threw me off a little; with the slower pace, I occasionally found it hard to see where the story was heading or how certain moments connected to the bigger plot.
Still, I really enjoyed the overall story and its emotional core. This is a creative, heartfelt beginning to a series, and I’m curious to see where Olive’s journey goes next.
Soul Dorm I is a wonderfully imaginative and emotional read. The premise immediately drew me in: Olive wakes up after a tragic accident to find herself at a colorful, surreal dormitory for souls who are caught between life and death. The blend of grief, second chances, school-life drama, and an almost dreamlike afterlife setting made the story feel unique and full of potential.
I especially loved the heart of the story. Olive’s situation is genuinely painful, and seeing her try to understand what happened to her while holding on to the life she may have lost made her easy to sympathize with. The Dorm itself is such a fun concept, strange, whimsical, and a little unsettling beneath all the pink, purple, and bubblegum sweetness. The other characters and the promise of secrets, friendships, and drama kept me interested and made me want to continue with the series.
That said, the pacing felt slow at times. Because the story takes its time introducing the Dorm, its rules, and the characters, some sections felt longer than they needed to be. The structure also threw me off a little; with the slower pace, I occasionally found it hard to see where the story was heading or how certain moments connected to the bigger plot.
Still, I really enjoyed the overall story and its emotional core. This is a creative, heartfelt beginning to a series, and I’m curious to see where Olive’s journey goes next.
September 22, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC. At first I didn't know what to expect, but like any great book, this book took me through all the emotions. The characters and the world are really well developed, not to mention that the Soul Dorm Visual Companion really adds to the book; all the incredible art in it helped me imagine the characters and world as I was reading. It's a slow burn with enemies to lovers, but it also depicts wonderful friendships. There is an instance of SA that may trigger some people. But other than this scene, I would say this book is a great read for anyone who loves to read romantasy, YA, and romance. If you choose to purchase this book, I would say go ahead and purchase both the first and second! Trust me, you'll want to get started immediately on the second! This book is so astonishing that I could see it becoming a Netflix or Amazon Prime show!
September 23, 2026
The dorm is a must read for Young adult readers who love fantasy worlds in a academia setting and no spice.
Imagine waking up on a train, no idea how you got there and being told you are heading towards the Dorm. A school somewhere between life and the afterlife.
The school feels like entering a bubblegum fever dream, but in a good way. We follow Olive who is trying to find out how to get back to her normal life, but she comes across many challenges, deals with her own feelings and some teenage boys 😉
The worldbuilding is amazing, I'm impressed with how extensive the life and classes on the school are written. Also loved her friends at the school, who had her back. The story is a bit slowpaced for me, but i absolutely recommend reading it.
Imagine waking up on a train, no idea how you got there and being told you are heading towards the Dorm. A school somewhere between life and the afterlife.
The school feels like entering a bubblegum fever dream, but in a good way. We follow Olive who is trying to find out how to get back to her normal life, but she comes across many challenges, deals with her own feelings and some teenage boys 😉
The worldbuilding is amazing, I'm impressed with how extensive the life and classes on the school are written. Also loved her friends at the school, who had her back. The story is a bit slowpaced for me, but i absolutely recommend reading it.
May 15, 2026
I absolutely devoured Soul Dorm. From the first pages, it completely pulled me in and refused to let go. The atmosphere, the tension, the emotional depth… everything just worked. It’s one of those books where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2AM.
Ezgi created characters that felt raw and real, and the story balanced darkness, vulnerability, and intensity so well. I couldn’t put it away for a second and finished it far too quickly. Definitely one of those reads that lingers in your head long after the last page. Looking forward to book II 🫶🏻
Ezgi created characters that felt raw and real, and the story balanced darkness, vulnerability, and intensity so well. I couldn’t put it away for a second and finished it far too quickly. Definitely one of those reads that lingers in your head long after the last page. Looking forward to book II 🫶🏻
August 10, 2026
This is such an interesting concept!
Where does your soul go if you are in a coma - in this story you go to the dorm. Teenagers have to attend classes and eventually get an area for their hobbies - the fmc gets a garden
Everyone has a soulmate who has to help them in classes, and she’s paired with a musician who doesn’t want to attend.
The world is very magical, all pink and purple and I liked the characters.
Overall it was a cute story but I felt like it lacked something. Nothing really happened so it made the story a little flat for me.
I’m moving straight on to the second book, I’m hoping since we’ve had all the world building and meeting the characters there will be more too this one
Where does your soul go if you are in a coma - in this story you go to the dorm. Teenagers have to attend classes and eventually get an area for their hobbies - the fmc gets a garden
Everyone has a soulmate who has to help them in classes, and she’s paired with a musician who doesn’t want to attend.
The world is very magical, all pink and purple and I liked the characters.
Overall it was a cute story but I felt like it lacked something. Nothing really happened so it made the story a little flat for me.
I’m moving straight on to the second book, I’m hoping since we’ve had all the world building and meeting the characters there will be more too this one
August 9, 2026
Very well written, I give it a 5/5.
I love how she finds friends/family, even though I was very irritated by Mars at the beginning, but slowly you do develop a soft spot for him.
I love how her friends stand behind her and want to help her right away. I think the story is good that she finds happiness in doing things and isn't alone.
I find her feelings and how she acts real, and you delve into it; she is in an in-between world of life and death, and you see that she struggles with that, and that makes it possible to really empathize.
You just really feel and live along with all the characters: happy, angry, sad, shame—you feel it.
This book is really very well written, only the ending... I could have twisted someone's neck.
I love how she finds friends/family, even though I was very irritated by Mars at the beginning, but slowly you do develop a soft spot for him.
I love how her friends stand behind her and want to help her right away. I think the story is good that she finds happiness in doing things and isn't alone.
I find her feelings and how she acts real, and you delve into it; she is in an in-between world of life and death, and you see that she struggles with that, and that makes it possible to really empathize.
You just really feel and live along with all the characters: happy, angry, sad, shame—you feel it.
This book is really very well written, only the ending... I could have twisted someone's neck.
August 12, 2026
ARC reader for Soul Dorm1 and 2
Where do I start?
First of all. I LOVED THIS BOOK.
My heart is broken for Olive (FMC).
In my eyes it is a must read.
You will be swallowed by the purple dorm. The book is so easy to read.
A story about a world between actual life and after life. And I have to say in some cases an eye opener for real life.
I am curious for part 2. As I read from other ARC readers. It will crush my heart even more.
Where do I start?
First of all. I LOVED THIS BOOK.
My heart is broken for Olive (FMC).
In my eyes it is a must read.
You will be swallowed by the purple dorm. The book is so easy to read.
A story about a world between actual life and after life. And I have to say in some cases an eye opener for real life.
I am curious for part 2. As I read from other ARC readers. It will crush my heart even more.
August 18, 2026
I was lucky enough to ARC this book and so glad I did. This book was just such and easy read. From the start o was hooked. The detailing to the scene around you makes you feel like you are actually there. The main character is great and her emotions are felt. The friendships are lovely too. The will they, won’t they is also a big part of this book and makes you keep reading. I cannot wait to read this book and I am now passing on to my 15 year old as I think she’s gonna love it to.
August 18, 2026
Oh my god this book had me absolutely hooked!
The world building and characters were perfect and I could see it all so clearly as I was reading.
This has everything you could ever want from a fantasy book, a whole new world, friendship, love, angst, it is honestly one of my favourite books I have read this year!
The world building and characters were perfect and I could see it all so clearly as I was reading.
This has everything you could ever want from a fantasy book, a whole new world, friendship, love, angst, it is honestly one of my favourite books I have read this year!
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