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The Seals of Solomon

Host the demon.
Harness the power.
Pay the price.

Nathan Cross is your typical eighteen-year-old smart, sarcastic, socially awkward—and possessed by a demon who wants to turn people into blood art. Okay, maybe not so typical.

When his grandfather dies, Nate isn’t left money or a vintage watch. He inherits Astaroth, a Grand Duke of Hell. Ripped from his normal life and thrown into St. Michael’s Academy—a Catholic institution where the students are more dangerous than the curriculum—Nate is an outcast struggling with an immense power he can’t control.
But his deadliest enemies are not in the classroom. A shadowy cult known as the Sect wants the demon inside him, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. To protect those he loves, Nate must embrace his dark companion, master its power, and risk what’s left of his soul.

Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, magic schools, morally grey heroes, and power systems with teeth, The Seals of Solomon begins a series where salvation and damnation wear the same face.

Welcome to Hell School. Try not to break too quickly.

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2026

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About the author

J.D. Miles

2 books34 followers

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5 stars
116 (81%)
4 stars
17 (11%)
3 stars
6 (4%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Nicola Clements.
78 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 12, 2026
This book was a much anticipated ARC read!
When I tell you it was full on, it was full on.

I knew when I started reading it, I would be pulled right into the fantastic journey that Nate was starting on.

The story has some unforgettable characters, from Nates Uncle to his sworn enemy, Sebastian, it never stops.

I am in awe at the amount of research that the author has done, it's absolutely amazing.

The introduction of so many blended characters gives this book a huge huge thumbs up.

Originally meant to be one book but the story has kept getting bigger and developing more, so the author has split it into 2 books, which I loveeeee!!!!!!

This book has everything that I love in a fantasy book.
Demons, Magic, friendships, sigils, new fears etc ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

CONGRATULATIONS J.D.......You done it😍😍😍📚📚📚📚📚📚🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊🎊
Profile Image for Alex Put-Versteeg.
11 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 13, 2026
My thoughts.


The story starts strong with a chase.
It grabs the attention and the fast build-up from weary to all out panic is breathtaking.
I was hooked from the get go.

I am all for shock effect, so the jarring tilt from the old man's pov to the young man's physical  reaction was, dare I say it, quite satisfying.


I love how I was kept on my toes.
Many situations going quite  a different direction than expected.


The descriptions of the characters were so well written out, that I could picture them in my mind and had certain positive or negative reactions to their personalities.


The mentions of certain activities, titles and well-known phrases ties it all together.


Favorite quote:
"Maybe life as a turnip wouldn't be so bad"
Fatalism at its finest. I am still laughing.
Profile Image for Leigh-ann.
31 reviews
March 13, 2026
5 Stars – Utterly Gripping, Deliciously Dark, and Absolutely Addictive!

As my very first ARC review, The Seal of Solomon set the bar incredibly high. It grabbed me from the very first line and refused to let go.

The world‑building is so vivid and atmospheric that I could see every shadow‑soaked corridor of St Michael’s Academy and feel every spine‑tingling moment right alongside Nathan. It’s the kind of immersive storytelling that makes you forget you’re reading at all.

Nate’s character journey is nothing short of phenomenal. Watching this awkward, bookish teen transform into someone wrestling with immense and dangerous power was emotional, exhilarating, and completely believable. J.D. Miles writes Nate with such care and depth that I was cheering for them every step of the way.

And the plot? Absolutely sensational. Every time I thought I’d cracked the mystery, the story spun off in a new direction that was clever, bold, and perfectly executed. It’s dark, twisty, atmospheric, and the definition of unputdownable.

This is a book I’ll definitely be rereading. It’s rich, layered, and rewards you each time you dive back in. If you love dark fantasy, morally murky characters, and magic‑school vibes with real teeth, this is an absolute must‑read.
Profile Image for Kim.
138 reviews
March 23, 2026
Forget my letter to Hogwarts, I’ll be attending St.Michael’s! An academy for humans who hold demons inside,literally.
I just knew this book was going to be something special from the first few chapters.
First off the characters are immaculately written and I already have my favourites (Cody, Nate and of course uncle Brandon).
Nate as an MMC is so relatable and witty. He may not be ‘popular’ at school but he definitely has the kind of banter that makes him stand out and you will want to be one of his friends.
The world building is done beautifully and I found myself fully immersed. Going from laughing at the sarcastic flirting style of Nates charm to that ominous feeling of what’s coming next in the plot has me hooked.
It’s dark academia at its finest that has left me thirsty to read the next instalment in this series. Give me more! 😂
I feel extremely lucky in getting to read an ARC of this book and cannot wait to get the physical copy for my shelf as the cover is beautiful. Cannot wait to see what J.D Miles has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Emily Leggat.
52 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2026
This book is INCREDIBLE! The world building for me is on another level. I am living for the dark academia setting, I wish I was inside the book myself! The way the characters are written with so much depth to them is phenomenal. I had such a dislike for one of the characters and then at a point in the book he had a slightly redeemable moment which had me second guessing all my feelings about him. The story had me hooked the ENTIRE time, and I couldn’t put it down as I needed to know what was going to happen next.

This book has everything I love in it: dark academia, supernatural fantasy vibes and demons. I loved following Nate’s journey from start to finish and that ending has me like 😱 you can already tell book 2 is going to be AMAZING and take a hold of your life just as much as book 1 has done for me.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read for you, this has genuinely been one of my favourite reads of 2026 and it is a book that will not leave my mind for a long time! 😁
Profile Image for ValerieK.
98 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 12, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Seals of Solomon by J. D. Miles Author

This book contains supernatural chaos, magic, demonic possession, and a “gifted” academy that felt incredibly real. With murder, revenge, and a cast of vampires, werewolves, wardens, and hellhounds, I was hooked the entire time. I devoured this book as I loved every page.

This book takes you to a whole new realm of reality you didn’t even know existed! I wasn’t prepared for the adventure it took me on and I’m ready to go again. J.D Miles has created a magic world that he describes in detail so well you can clearly picture it. You actually want to be there.

Meet Nate.
Nate is an 18 year old young man who received a gift from his late grandfather. A gift that he needs to learn how to control in order to live without putting others at jeopardy.

He is doing this all while navigating a new school, understanding his new powers and trying to figure out who he is he. Along the way he battles bullies, kids with chips on their shoulders, pranks that make a person cringe and demons that want what he has. He meets two young men, Cody and Gerry. They help him navigate his way around school, teachers, bullies and power/magic.

As he embraces his power he uses it to summon an imp named Zeph who gives constant unwanted commentary during the day.

This book has so many good lines from great characters. I could pull quotes all day! It’s that good.

“History ignored is often history repeated, particularly in demonic matters.” Professor Woodward
Profile Image for BookishRachael.
44 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2026
ARC review:

I don’t even know where to begin in describing why this book is a 5 ⭐ and MORE 🤭
From the very beginning it was packed full of action, twists and turns. This book was the best rollercoaster of emotions ever! I loved the characters, the magic system, the academia, the plot.. I basically loved everything.

Nate is enrolled into St Michael’s school after inheriting a demon and has to learn this whole new way of life. It gave zodiac academy in a whole new way - with the rivals, the bullying & pranks but also the friendship.

There were some points where I got myself a little confused but all I had to do was go back and read the chapter again, but that was me and not the book itself.

This book was one of my most anticipated ARC reads for the year and it did not disappoint… so now I’m just going to patiently wait for book 2 👀
Profile Image for Maria J Castro.
40 reviews
April 21, 2026
When I finished this book, I just stared at the ceiling for a while… feeling that familiar emptiness that hits when a story you loved is over and you genuinely don’t know what to do with your life next 🤣📚

What can I say? This book was SUCH a surprise and honestly one of the most entertaining things I’ve read in a while 🔥😈

Yes, it touches themes we all recognise, like demonic possession and religious lore, but the author gives it such a UNIQUE twist that it feels completely fresh. The dark academic setup was one of my favourite things. I loved the lore around the demons, their history, and how the author weaves that into Catholic ideology and occult tradition in a way that feels fascinating rather than overdone. And all the magical training, all the classes inside the academy… it felt so original, even though the concept itself isn’t completely new. The author gives it a fresh twist that made it feel unique.

And can we talk about how CINEMATIC this book is?! Honestly, it felt like Harry Potter meets Supernatural and Constantine… but the students are bound to demons instead of wands, with a bit of Stranger Things energy too. And somehow, even with those vibes, it still feels completely its own thing.

I also loved all the references the author weaves in to films, TV shows, and songs throughout the story. Those little details added so much personality and made the world feel even more alive.

Despite some heavy themes, there is so much wit here. I laughed a lot, especially in the later chapters (Pandemonium)

One of my favourite things was Nate himself. I loved the contrast between who he is at his core, a genuinely good-hearted boy, and the constant internal struggle of resisting Astaroth’s impulsive and intrusive desires. Watching him grow from someone insecure into someone who begins to step into his real strength, while learning to control a Grade One demon with immense power, was SO satisfying.

There were moments that genuinely got me emotionally too, so I don’t want to reduce this to just “fun”, because some scenes did hit a nerve. But I also need to say… that ending DEVASTATED me.

The final chapters felt like an emotional rollercoaster. I went from laughing and having such a good time… to suddenly being pulled into this intense spiral of shock and emotional whiplash. That cliffhanger hit HARD.

Why did it end?! WHY LIKE THAT?! And now how am I supposed to wait for book two? It’s already written, THANK GOD 😭 but there are still months to go and I am still in shock.

My only note for readers would be to check the trigger warnings, because the book does touch strong themes, but the author lays those out very clearly. If those themes don’t affect you, I think you are in for SUCH a ride.

This was clever, addictive, atmospheric, funny, dark, emotionally brutal at times, and SO original. I had an absolute blast with it… and then the ending came for my soul.

And yes… I really hope this becomes a TV series. Because it would be INCREDIBLE.

Thanks to the author and Insta Book Tours for sending me a paperback copy of this book for a readalong that was so much fun!

6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Emily.
294 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2026
Title: The Seals of Solomon
Authors: J.D. Miles @j.d.miles_author
Pages: 377
UK publish date: available now
Indie author

⚠️ Protect yourself. Check any trigger warnings before reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading JD Miles The Seals of Solomon.

Nate inherits a demon from his late Grandad and is sent to "hell school"

I was hooked from the first page. The depth of characters showed so much of that teenage angst. The loneliness of not fitting in or finding your people. As well as the hazing and bullying from being the new kid at a school (but they're trying to kill you instead)

The world building and magic systems were detailed but easy to follow. I loved the complexity of the friendship groups and rivalries. Not just in the pupils but the teachers as well.

The writing was well thought out and a great introduction to the first book of the hellbound series. I cannot wait to see where book 2 leads us.

The author is incredible. He's engaging with his fans and the dedication to his wife was just the sweetest!

You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;

📚 Magical school/Dark academia
🌍 Dark fantasy
✨ Magical systems and world building
👻 Supernatural creatures
👹 Demon possession
💖 Found family
👤 Real, dark, young adult issues
✍🏻 Supporting indie authors

Will you be reading this? Let me know your thoughts in the comments
👇🏻👇🏻
Profile Image for Phil Smart.
2 reviews
March 31, 2026
It gets my Seal of approval – advance reader copy review from author

Being mainly a Thriller / Crime Fiction reader and being selected to be an ARC reader I went into this with an open mind not really expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

The story essentially follows Nate Cross, your typical 18 year old moody / sarcastic teenager, who, once his grandfather passes, obtains a demon (he must master) as well as all the life changes that go along with it and you go along for the ride.

The story progresses smoothly and quickly, you never feel stuck in a chapter and it’s very rare where nothing happens or you don’t learn a little bit more of the life going on at St. Michael’s. There are twists, turns, unique situations that never feel out of place and get resolved in a sensible conclusion that fits the story. The story is unique, engaging and fun with places created with top class imagination.  

The characters are great and is a test of a good author to create a set of unique characters. They fit in well alongside the story and are written where you actually care about them (or hate them in some instances). I can see that J.D Miles has thought about these characters and describes them perfectly, again, they don’t feel out of place and add to the story and I am interested in how they develop.

What seals (no pun intended this time) the 5 * review for me however, is the writing and world building. J.D. Miles manages to write a story and create a world where I would be reluctant to put the book down. I craved to finish the story once I started and this shows the mark of a talented writer and it’s fantastic to see.

Overall, it’s an absolute must read for fans of this genre, and I hungrily look forward to the next book in the story and any further works by this author.

If you love supernatural fantasy / dark humour reads – Read / Buy this book.

If you don’t love supernatural fantasy / dark humour reads – Read / Buy this book.

5*
Profile Image for Christopher.
51 reviews9 followers
March 29, 2026
As one of the very lucky ARC readers, I’ve gotta say this was fantastic. It was enjoyable the whole way through and the worldbuilding was solid. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. This universe, however potentially brutal, scratches the modern fantasy itch quite well. Demons are a surprisingly good addition here. If you like the idea of a more mature Harry Potter series, or perhaps more similar to Naomi Novik’s Scholomance trilogy and The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig, this is a perfect fit.
137 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2026
This book is absolutely deliciously dark. If you like academia, this is just perfect. I read as a readalong but loved it so much I broke and read it all instead of stopping.

Fantastic characters, I'd class it as Harry Potter meets Underworld. It's got a fantastic plot that builds with tension as it goes on. It's such an original story but one that's cleverly written and will have you absolutely gripped.

I can't wait for the other books in the series. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Petronela Roseanna.
5 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 26, 2026
I had the misfortune of reading this arc. Misfortune.... Because now I have to wait for book two. The suspense may kill me! This was an absolutely fantastic read that I will be recommending to everybody, whether they have asked for recommendations or not. The story follows Nate as he comes to terms with a life changing secret that his family have been keeping. His whole life turns upside down and he finds himself leaving his one friend and his school behind him. What follows is the start of a crazy adventure at a school like no others. For fans of dark academia books, Supernatural and Harry Potter. If you like all three, then this might just be you're new favourite book!
Profile Image for Lottie .
155 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I AM NOT OKAY AFTER THIS BOOK.
Seals of Solomon by J.D. Miles absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
Imagine Harry Potter for adults, but darker, funnier, more chaotic, and with enough emotional damage to leave you questioning your life choices at 2 a.m. because you had to keep reading just one more chapter. That's this book.
The world-building is phenomenal, the magic feels dangerous and unpredictable, and the dark fantasy atmosphere pulls you in completely. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it laughed in my face and sprinted off in another direction.
But can we talk about the humour? Because I was not prepared. The banter is top-tier. The characters bounce off each other so perfectly that I found myself grinning like an idiot one minute and then clutching the book in horror the next. The comedy never feels forced, it just makes the characters feel real, and it gives you a false sense of security before the story decides to emotionally body-slam you.
And the characters? Obsessed. Every single one of them. I would happily follow them into battle, into disaster, or into whatever terrible decision they were inevitably about to make.
Then there's the ending.
THE ENDING.
I genuinely don't know how to discuss it without spoilers, but what I can say is that my jaw hit the floor and stayed there. I sat staring into space for a solid ten minutes afterwards trying to process what had just happened. It was shocking, heartbreaking, brilliant, and completely unforgettable.
This book grabbed me by the throat from page one and refused to let go. Dark fantasy fans, magical fantasy fans, lovers of witty dialogue, morally questionable decisions, and stories that leave permanent emotional scars—this one is for you.
Now excuse me while I desperately wait for the next book and try to recover from that ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An absolute masterpiece of dark fantasy chaos
Profile Image for Tj Elizabeth .
32 reviews
April 27, 2026
Okay… WOW.

Without a doubt this is the BEST book I’ve read in 2026 so far and I already know this one is going to live in my head rent free for a very long time.

I’ll do my best to keep this spoiler free but just know this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, ran me over with it, then reversed back over me for good measure.

This is 1000% a 5⭐ read in my opinion, but honestly it deserves way more because 5 stars feels far too low!

This story had EVERYTHING I love — demons, academy setting (which by the way..sign me up immediately please and I am never leaving), werewolves, vampires, magic, secrets, mystery, chaos, twists and a touch of romance/spice… literally all the fabulous fantasy goodness packed into one book.

And it being set in one of my favourite places in real life?? Immediate obsession.

The world building was amazing, the writing was so immersive and detailed without ever feeling too much, and I was hooked from page one. Real life genuinely became an inconvenience while reading this.

The humour in this book?? Elite. I laughed out loud so many times. I love a book that can make me giggle, kick my feet, get stressed, become emotionally unstable and question my sanity by the end of the story..

The texting, banter, friendships, feelings — everything felt so modern and relatable which made me connect to the characters even more.
Loved the Nate the MMC, loved the whole cast honestly, but Cody and Zeph own my heart now and that is simply non negotiable.

This journey had me suspicious, emotional, smiling, stressed, screaming internally and externally… J.D. Miles really woke up and chose violence against my feelings.

I am OBSESSED. Absolutely loved this book and now need the next one immediately because this level of waiting feels deeply personal.

I cannot recommend this enough to everyone!!

Side note — J.D. Miles is amazing and Author Wifey is fabulous. I found them on TikTok, loved them instantly, and I am so happy I stumbled across this absolute gem.
Also thank you again for my signed copy — my first ever signed book which makes this even more special 🥹

Anyway… I will now be impatiently waiting for the 2nd installment 😅
Profile Image for VI 📚🖋️.
28 reviews
April 18, 2026
From where to start, I don't know, but I will open this review with favorite quotes from another book (the end of The Seals of Solomon made me think of them).
"Farewel happy Fields Where Joy for ever dwells: Hail horrours, hail Infernal world, and thou profoundest Hell Receive thy new Possessor"
"The mind is its own place, and in it self Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n."
"Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n."
John Milton, Paradise Lost
The Seals of Solomon is an YA (young adult) urban fantasy, at least for me (my opinion). I hotly recommend the book to the fans of "The Mortal Instruments" series by Cassandra Clare, "The Harbinger" series by Jennifer L.Armentrout, fans of shows like "Supernatural", "Smallville" (yeah, yeah, I know, but you read that right - If someone feels nostalgic about what loser Clark Kent became around his kryptonite - Lana Lang (if you know - you know), let me introduce you to Nate).

Well written debut novel, that will keep you curious all the way through, with humor, dark academia vibes, and bullies with super powers. Grab your copy and enjoy the ride...
The ending will turn you into a stalker (we all need the next book), and I promise you - you will easily forgive the author for that finale.
Did I mention there is a cult? Yes, a dark cult... I will let you figure that one out yourself...
72 reviews
August 27, 2026
What an absolute banger of a book!

This book came to me via an ad.
Like most, I dont like ads.
But the cover looked intresting.. there was a bit of writing above the picture of the cover..
I read it, then thought hmm intresting.
I greedily clicked more.. I devoured the the first chapter of the book. About Nates grandfather's demise. I was HOOKED. I quickly raced to the kindle app found the book. I never hit download so fast!

Since then I havent so much as devoured the book, the book has devoured me!

Every spare moment, I have been reading it. Not being able to tear myself away.. I just had to keep going. I needed to find out what happened next.

I craved it like a drug addict craves their next fix.
Lol

I havent felt like this in a long time, and I read a hell ( pun intended)of alot.

For fantasy lovers this book is like nirvana. It is so well written that, you are not just simply reading a book. Your living the life of the characters right along side them. It puts a fresh spin on a popular genre. Making it quite unique.

But Mr Miles that cliffhanger... how utterly cruel of you lol. Don't worry though, I will wait on baited breath not so patiently for the next installment.

I cant believe this is your first book. You have serious talent Mr Miles. I can't wait to read what your amazingly creative brain comes up with next.

Im sure with talent like yours, your dream of becoming a full time author, will be yours before you know it.

This book is hellish good and comes highly recommend.

P.s Poor Elvis.. rip.
8 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2026
If you like Supernatural, with a bit of a “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (definitely NOT Sabrina the Teenage Witch) vibe, and a vaguely Hogwarts setting, you will love this!

Hell School sounds both terrifying and amazing. Which is basically most school experiences so I’d say that’s fairly accurate. If I’m being honest though, I’m with Nate, hanging out with baby goats sounds like a fantastic punishment and I’d rather be doing that too!

Nathan Cross is presented to you as a character you just can’t help but adore. He’s sweet, awkward, nerdy and frankly a bit odd, it’s so hard not to get extremely attached to him. The other characters you meet along the way give a similar vibe, except for the bullies of course, absolutely not a fan and I’m fairly certain minus the demonic aspects I’ve encountered most of them at some point or another!

Aside from the demons, the characters felt so relatable and normal, none of the cringe overly adult experiences being thrust upon teens, just dumb kids doing dumb kid stuff and figuring it out along the way - a perfect balance of young adult and wildly awkward.

I couldn’t put this down, honestly, and I’m itching to read the next. The story is so gripping and different to other books of this nature, if it wasn’t for my job this would have been finished in day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for RoguePagesAndPixels.
15 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2026
⭐ 4.5 stars

The Seals of Solomon completely pulled me in.

The worldbuilding and lore were easily some of my favourite parts of this book. There’s so much detail surrounding the demons, possession, the seals themselves and the history behind everything, but it never felt like I was being buried under information. Instead, I just kept wanting to know more.

I became really invested in Nathan, Raine and Cody, and I loved that each of them brought something different to the story. The supernatural elements were fascinating, particularly the way demon possession and the wider mythology worked, and the whole book had this dark, almost spellbinding atmosphere that kept me reading.

There were so many little pieces of lore and worldbuilding that made the story feel much bigger than just the events happening on the page, and by the end I was already thinking about going back and rereading it to pick up on everything I might have missed the first time.

This was such an engrossing read and one that has definitely stuck with me. With Knights of Solomon coming next, I’m very ready to dive back into this world.

A brilliant dark supernatural fantasy full of demons, mystery, lore and characters I genuinely cared about. 🖤
Profile Image for C.S. Veranos.
16 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
Hogwarts meets Supernatural

I started reading this yesterday evening and basically did nothing else today so I could finish it. I regret nothing!!

This book had me completely invested, and the characters were a huge part of that. Cody’s snark had me laughing constantly, Zeph is an absolute menace, Professor Woodward was a delight, and there were more than a few characters who had me yelling at the book.

And the emotional whiplash?? One minute I was laughing at some witty line from Nate, and the next I was staring at the page thinking, “I knew it was too good to be true.” There were betrayals, twists, and moments that genuinely hurt, but it was all worth it.

The world-building was fantastic and paced incredibly well. There was never a moment where I felt overwhelmed by how much I was learning about the world or its rules. Everything was introduced naturally, which made it incredibly easy to get immersed in the story.

I now have approximately nine favorite lines because I was too busy devouring the book to take proper notes and write more of them down. Something I will absolutely be fixing during my second read while I wait for Book Two!

If you enjoy supernatural stories with memorable characters, dark moments, plenty of snark, and a healthy dose of chaos, definitely add this one to your TBR.
Profile Image for Stacy Grierson.
93 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2026
I found J.D. Miles on TikTok, but missed out on ARC reading this book. I was however given a sneak peak at the first few chapters & by the end of the prologue, I'd pre-ordered it. I found it hard to put into words why this was a 5⭐ read for me, there is so much I loved about it. A dark supernatural academia fantasy which pulls you in & doesn't let you go. Nate has no idea what's about to happen to him, what secrets his family have kept from him. The death of his grandfather was his awakening, which was cleverly done as the prologue transitioned to chapter one. A lot of research went into creating this book, from theology to mind prisms & everything in-between including the card game with its rules & instructions that I would be terrible at. Nate's journey isn't straightforward, he's disadvantaged, naive in some ways, with a nice touch of social awkwardness but he doesn't give up, he's determined to prove he belongs. I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Claire Cobb.
837 reviews
April 19, 2026
Absolutely devoured this book. It took me on such a rollercoaster. Nates character was down to earth and in my opinion really calm considering his life suddenly explodes overnight when his grandfather dies and he inherits Astaroth, who is a Grand Duke of Hell! We see how Nate handles the upheaval of his life to go to St. Michael's where he learns about all things demonic and how to control his new inhabitant. I found this really interesting and I felt as if I was experiencing the new world with Nate. I loved how he made friends with Gerry, Cody and Jin and how they accepted Nate into their friendship group and how they all looked after each other. I like how it was written as as it was very easy to follow. I hated chapter 19! As other fans of this book have said #JusticeForElvis
Profile Image for Chiara Cooper.
609 reviews36 followers
April 21, 2026
I chose to read this book because I want to read more dark fantasy. As a horror reader, the synopsis had all the dark elements I love. I can definitely say that it exceeded my expectations as a dark fantasy! It has dark academia elements but make it horror and I was here for it.

The story is complex, with a main plot and other threads germinating from it, keeping the reader glued to the pages at all times! There is a lot of humour throughout, enhancing the book and not dampening the darker vibes at all.
I was hesitant at first about the catholic school, given the obvious parallels with a more famous magic school (which I don’t love), but I’m glad to say that this one is a million times better, with a lot of action, twists galore and some very surprising extradimensional gatherings (lol).
I mentioned the gore, this is the part that I didn’t expect but that I appreciated immensely, given my mentioned love for horror.

There is a lot of testosterone in this book, given the protagonists, but I’m also happy to see trans representation, and they are cool af as well! There are some female badasses too, which I’m rooting for.
The world building is truly entertaining, the storyline is gripping and the protagonist’s arc is very dynamic, reflecting all that’s happening inside and outside of him, literally!

Just a trigger warning for those that hate animal cruelty like me. There is a scene which is unsettling involving an animal, but it’s short. I also wanted to point out something that annoyed me as a vegan: the fact that the main protagonist is disturbed by this occurrence, but then eats animals without a thought. This is my personal opinion though.

I don’t want to add any more other than to recommend this book! Also, toward the end, when I thought all was said and done, the author pulled a biggie and I’m still reeling. The cliffhanger is real, and I can’t wait for the next book.

Thanks to the author and Insta Book Tours for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Natalie Hawthorn.
9 reviews
June 23, 2026
Wow, I was sold on this book hearing, Dean winchester taking over a school like hogwarts. Boy, I wasn't disappointed it had me hooked, never wanting to leave St Michael's to join the real world. Nate's world changes quickly but he keeps his witty, kind,sarcastic humour, while facing demons lurking everywhere. Learning a very different kind of curriculum. He faces many new challenges and some is making new friends but boy are those friends great (I may have a favourite). There is a wild night out, in the best club I think I have ever read about.
The end well had me crying, laughing and wanting more.
If you like supernatural, dark academia, sarcasm, mysteries and morally grey heros, then I think you may love this book.
Profile Image for Amy Nolan.
63 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2026
I just want to thank J.D Miles for letting me ARC read this amazing book. I started reading it as my third, as I normally read a few at a time. I then realised it deserved far more of my attention than that.

I ended up reading it in 2 evenings.

I absolutely devoured this book. My brain could not keep up with my eyes.


If you like Harry Potter, but more grown up, or Zodiac Academy with less spice, you are almost there. There are so many dark academia-style books that would put you in the mood for this.

It is funny, it has magic and intrigue. It introduces you to a world you feel you could easily step into.

I loved all the characters, even the bad guys lol.

I loved how grown-up it was. It wasn't just silly wand-waving or incantations in this class; it was "draw this Sigel correctly or die."


JD really brings you into a universe that is well written, well thought out and well balanced. There is nothing to hate.

I will be waiting with bated breath for the next instalment.
Profile Image for Kate.
5 reviews
April 14, 2026
Gripping and emotionally devastating from the very first page. When I received this ARC, I knew from the synopsis that it was going to be a story I would enjoy. This book took all my expectations and blew them out of the water. This went from a highly anticipated ARC read, to a story that dug deep into my heart and has since refused to let go. Sharp, witty and engaging all throughout. The plot forever kept me guessing and the pace of the story was perfect. The characters felt real and relatable. The ending destroyed me and left me on the edge of my seat at the same time. I cannot wait for Book 2.

J. D. Miles, thank you so much. As I delve into other reads this year, your book is the one to beat.
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,519 reviews82 followers
April 24, 2026
This is exactly my kind of book, with epic supernatural themes, dark humour and sarcasm, and characters I was invested in.
It's a dark and bold story using the good v evil conflict and demonic lore in a refreshing new way, where demons are inherited and bound, and safeguarded by protectors through the generations.
I was immersed immediately and absorbed by the vivid and gritty dark academia world, and all the challenges Nate faces.
He has his life dramatically flipped overnight, going from normal student, to hosting of a duke of hell and discovering his ancestors dark secrets. Now he's at a new school specialising in supernatural control, gaining rivals and enemies by the day, tackling his new powers, and uncovering shadowy threats.
It's a high stakes journey that grips you and doesn't let go, full of trauma, danger, and a dark atmosphere with plenty of morally grey characters.
Nate is witty, protective, powerful yet often naive, but he's discovering his abilities, facing internal conflicts, and I can't wait to see how he develops in the series.
Zeph is the witty demonic sidekick I never knew I needed, and there are so many characters I want to learn more about.
This book is full of personality and very addictive, and I can't wait for the next!
12 reviews
April 29, 2026
This book has become my whole personality. From the moment the grandfather dies in the forward it had my heart. Nate the main male character is so relatable as the fish out of water. The school is giving Wednesday Addams Nethermore and the action is giving Supernatural. Nate quickly finds himself inheriting a demon when his grandfather dies. This changes his life as he has to get used to a new school and the idea that all the things that go bump in the night are real. Even becoming best friends with a vampire and having a demon as a professor teaching him. The stakes are high the ation fast paced and the characters are relatable. This book has humour and heart and I can tell that a lot of love went into writing it. All in all this dark acedemia story is well worth a 5 star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vicki (chaptersofvicki).
744 reviews17 followers
April 30, 2026
I was completely hooked by The Seals of Solomon from the very first page, I honestly couldn’t put it down!

I loved Nate, he was so chill. He took everything in his stride considering what happened to him was completely out the blue to him.

The friendship and between Nate and his group was everything, they all looked after each other. Although not everyone at the school was so welcoming.

The world building was fantastic. The authors writing style is so vivid and creative.

After that ending I’m so excited to read book 2.

Thank to Instabooktours for having me on the read along and tour and to the author for sending me a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Kez Pie.
205 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2026
What in the Holy Hellhounds?!!
WOW!! This is a freakin debut... what the hell 😄.
I was gripped from the start. I gelled with Nate, he kind of reminded me, of my younger self.
We follow Nate on his journey of exploration, after inheriting Astoroth, a Grand Duke of hell, from his Grandfather. Nate had no idea of his family's lineage, and was thrown in at the deep end.
Packed off to an unconventional school, shall we say. Meeting new friends and discovering a world masked from our own.
I loved the world building, the character development of the main gang, and the side characters we meet along the way... not a dull moment, I might add.
The ending had my stomach in knots. I wait in anticipation for book number 2!!
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