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Belladonna
Avarium: A Belladonna Novella
Cal Avarium eats alone.
Cal Avarium is always on time.
Cal Avarium can run a five-minute mile.
On paper, she’s the perfect trainee—except she murdered a boy and got away with it.
When sabotage hits her military boarding school, innocent students are kicked off the program. Each incident gets worse, and everyone blames the obvious.
But the more Evaris watches her roommate, the less it makes sense. If Avarium isn’t the culprit, someone even more ruthless is setting her up.
And Evaris might be onto them.
Cal Avarium is always on time.
Cal Avarium can run a five-minute mile.
On paper, she’s the perfect trainee—except she murdered a boy and got away with it.
When sabotage hits her military boarding school, innocent students are kicked off the program. Each incident gets worse, and everyone blames the obvious.
But the more Evaris watches her roommate, the less it makes sense. If Avarium isn’t the culprit, someone even more ruthless is setting her up.
And Evaris might be onto them.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2026
About the author
Mel Torrefranca
7 books496 followersMel Torrefranca is an award-winning author from the San Francisco Bay Area, now residing in the jungly mountains of Northern Thailand. Her books feature morally gray characters, bold endings, and a pinch of awkward humor. Mel discovered her passion for writing at the age of seven and published her debut novel Leaving Wishville before graduating from high school. She also drinks way too many lattes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
(I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review).
As someone who read Nightshade Academy (the first book of the main trilogy) and that being my sole encounter with this world, I went back to it because the premise of Avarium sounded promising—leaning into the mystery aspect was my cup of tea. When I finished, this book made me want to continue reading the others in this series. I spent one day with Avarium, most of it on a plane, and although I usually like glossing through different books when I’m travelling, this one was so short and sweet that I didn’t end up putting it down.
The protagonist comes from a higher class, more privileged background so she’s not who one would expect to be in a selective guardian-training academy with kids who had it rougher in life. That resulted in an interesting dynamic between her and the others because she was an underdog. Now this is a slight qualm I have with the story. Everyone loves an underdog story, but in this case Evarice is not one because of her background (quite the opposite, actually), but because of her lack of skills.
She’s weaker than all the other characters (even the only other girl, and the gap isn’t even close) and she’s not too determined to close that gap. Her only goal is to make it to the top five regardless of what position she’d get as a guardian, so it didn’t give me much to root for, but that’s okay with me because you don’t necessarily need a rootable protagonist to make a story worth reading. Still, the ambition that got of Evarice in that highly selective academy in the first place just didn’t translate to her actual actions during the book, but to be fair, her competitors didn’t set the bar that high.
Candidates kept getting eliminated almost too conveniently for our girl, usually for emotional reasons (they saw something traumatizing or got too scared and left) which doesn’t always add up given that they all fought tooth and nail to be there; the pool of competitors just kept dwindling like plot armor for the main character. The stakes could’ve been much, much higher. Every time a character got eliminated they forgot about it almost immediately; the story moves on even if it was a previously important side character. Also, it was by utter luck that for all the classes Evarice missed because of her reactions to the poison, there weren’t any elimination rounds in which she would’ve been cut out by default. If you don’t have any context from the previous books, her relationship with Doctor Blimmery is just vague and doesn’t go anywhere.
Now, regarding the poison, the fact that the others would even save her when they were technically competing is, I suppose, a strength in Evarice’s character—the ability to get others to care for you and find friends who would save you, and in many scenes she did show acts of kindness or companionship to the other guys that would result in this, so in that sense she earned it. Other than that, there was little else she actually deserved.
Anyway, on to the other elements. This novella had compelling themes—like how Evarice felt the need to distance herself from Avarium so they wouldn’t be labelled as “the girls”, but in the end she was weaker between the two anyway. I like the natural progression of their friendship and found it endearing. The pacing felt just right—unravelling Avarium’s backstory didn’t strike me as too slow nor information overload. The resolution had a great buildup and my favorites were the last few chapters where the protagonist took more agency. Overall, it was a fun read that had a lot of potential, and I’d definitely recommend it to those who want a taste test before the Belladonna series or those who already read it and want more.
As someone who read Nightshade Academy (the first book of the main trilogy) and that being my sole encounter with this world, I went back to it because the premise of Avarium sounded promising—leaning into the mystery aspect was my cup of tea. When I finished, this book made me want to continue reading the others in this series. I spent one day with Avarium, most of it on a plane, and although I usually like glossing through different books when I’m travelling, this one was so short and sweet that I didn’t end up putting it down.
The protagonist comes from a higher class, more privileged background so she’s not who one would expect to be in a selective guardian-training academy with kids who had it rougher in life. That resulted in an interesting dynamic between her and the others because she was an underdog. Now this is a slight qualm I have with the story. Everyone loves an underdog story, but in this case Evarice is not one because of her background (quite the opposite, actually), but because of her lack of skills.
She’s weaker than all the other characters (even the only other girl, and the gap isn’t even close) and she’s not too determined to close that gap. Her only goal is to make it to the top five regardless of what position she’d get as a guardian, so it didn’t give me much to root for, but that’s okay with me because you don’t necessarily need a rootable protagonist to make a story worth reading. Still, the ambition that got of Evarice in that highly selective academy in the first place just didn’t translate to her actual actions during the book, but to be fair, her competitors didn’t set the bar that high.
Candidates kept getting eliminated almost too conveniently for our girl, usually for emotional reasons (they saw something traumatizing or got too scared and left) which doesn’t always add up given that they all fought tooth and nail to be there; the pool of competitors just kept dwindling like plot armor for the main character. The stakes could’ve been much, much higher. Every time a character got eliminated they forgot about it almost immediately; the story moves on even if it was a previously important side character. Also, it was by utter luck that for all the classes Evarice missed because of her reactions to the poison, there weren’t any elimination rounds in which she would’ve been cut out by default. If you don’t have any context from the previous books, her relationship with Doctor Blimmery is just vague and doesn’t go anywhere.
Now, regarding the poison, the fact that the others would even save her when they were technically competing is, I suppose, a strength in Evarice’s character—the ability to get others to care for you and find friends who would save you, and in many scenes she did show acts of kindness or companionship to the other guys that would result in this, so in that sense she earned it. Other than that, there was little else she actually deserved.
Anyway, on to the other elements. This novella had compelling themes—like how Evarice felt the need to distance herself from Avarium so they wouldn’t be labelled as “the girls”, but in the end she was weaker between the two anyway. I like the natural progression of their friendship and found it endearing. The pacing felt just right—unravelling Avarium’s backstory didn’t strike me as too slow nor information overload. The resolution had a great buildup and my favorites were the last few chapters where the protagonist took more agency. Overall, it was a fun read that had a lot of potential, and I’d definitely recommend it to those who want a taste test before the Belladonna series or those who already read it and want more.
May 12, 2026
Thank you, author Mel Torrefranca, and Lost Island Press, for the opportunity to read this book. This book genuinely consumed my brain.
What started as a brutal academy survival story slowly turned into something so much deeper: A story about morality, trust, survival, and what happens when people are pushed past the point of being human. By the end, I was emotionally exhausted in the best possible way.
The academy itself felt terrifyingly immersive. From the very beginning, the trainees are constantly being tested, manipulated, starved, sleep-deprived, and psychologically broken down until only a few remain. The “filtration” process was honestly one of the most intense survival systems I’ve read in a fantasy book in a while because it didn’t just test strength, it tested humanity.
And the characters??? Obsessed.
Cal Avarium especially ended up becoming one of my favorite characters. At first, she comes across cold, clinical, almost frightening, someone the others call “Avarium” instead of Cal because she feels more like an experiment than a person. Rumors follow her everywhere, including whispers that she’s a murderer. But underneath all of that, there’s someone fiercely loyal, deeply protective, and honestly heartbreaking. Watching the group slowly understand her instead of fearing her was one of the strongest parts of the book for me.
The dynamics between Evaris, Cal, Silver, Boa, Nash, Gup, and even Krevall carried the story. Nobody felt flat. Everyone reacted differently to fear and survival:
*Silver used humor and chaos to cope
*Boa overthought everything and panicked
*Nash stayed morally gray until the very end
*Cal acted like a weapon because the world forced her to become one
*Evaris tried desperately to hold onto doing the “right thing” even when survival kept demanding otherwise
And Krevall… genuinely terrifying. Not in an overpowered villain way, but in a calculated, manipulative, realistic way. The final confrontation had me STRESSED. The toxic fumes, the balcony setup, the psychological chess match, Nash’s arrow, and then the sheer brutality afterward when they kept stabbing Krevall even after he was already dying… it felt raw and ugly and human. You could literally feel how survival had changed them.
What hit hardest for me was the aftermath.
Chapter Fifteen wasn’t loud or action-heavy, but emotionally it might’ve been my favorite. The survivors burying Krevall while Nash cried, the flowers placed on the graves, the silent understanding between the final five, the guardians casually returning after all the trauma like this was normal… it was haunting. There’s this unsettling feeling throughout the ending that the academy wanted them to become this version of themselves all along.
I also loved the smaller emotional moments:
*Silver raised his glass, “To the final five.”
*Cal is finally allowing herself to be part of the group
*Evaris is promising not to stop doing the right thing, even if it costs her
*The weirdly unsettling breakfast of chocolate cake and cranberry juice after absolute carnage 😭
The atmosphere stayed tense the entire time. Even quieter scenes felt heavy with paranoia, grief, or exhaustion. And despite how dark the story gets, there were still moments of awkward humor and warmth that made the characters feel real.
If you love:
1. Deadly Academy Settings
2. Morally gray characters
3. Found family formed through trauma
4. Survival games with psychological tension
5. Fantasy worlds that feel brutal and oppressive
6. Slow-burn trust between damaged characters
…this book absolutely delivers.📖
My Perspective:
By the end, these characters didn’t feel like fictional people anymore. They felt like survivors. And honestly? I already miss them.
What started as a brutal academy survival story slowly turned into something so much deeper: A story about morality, trust, survival, and what happens when people are pushed past the point of being human. By the end, I was emotionally exhausted in the best possible way.
The academy itself felt terrifyingly immersive. From the very beginning, the trainees are constantly being tested, manipulated, starved, sleep-deprived, and psychologically broken down until only a few remain. The “filtration” process was honestly one of the most intense survival systems I’ve read in a fantasy book in a while because it didn’t just test strength, it tested humanity.
And the characters??? Obsessed.
Cal Avarium especially ended up becoming one of my favorite characters. At first, she comes across cold, clinical, almost frightening, someone the others call “Avarium” instead of Cal because she feels more like an experiment than a person. Rumors follow her everywhere, including whispers that she’s a murderer. But underneath all of that, there’s someone fiercely loyal, deeply protective, and honestly heartbreaking. Watching the group slowly understand her instead of fearing her was one of the strongest parts of the book for me.
The dynamics between Evaris, Cal, Silver, Boa, Nash, Gup, and even Krevall carried the story. Nobody felt flat. Everyone reacted differently to fear and survival:
*Silver used humor and chaos to cope
*Boa overthought everything and panicked
*Nash stayed morally gray until the very end
*Cal acted like a weapon because the world forced her to become one
*Evaris tried desperately to hold onto doing the “right thing” even when survival kept demanding otherwise
And Krevall… genuinely terrifying. Not in an overpowered villain way, but in a calculated, manipulative, realistic way. The final confrontation had me STRESSED. The toxic fumes, the balcony setup, the psychological chess match, Nash’s arrow, and then the sheer brutality afterward when they kept stabbing Krevall even after he was already dying… it felt raw and ugly and human. You could literally feel how survival had changed them.
What hit hardest for me was the aftermath.
Chapter Fifteen wasn’t loud or action-heavy, but emotionally it might’ve been my favorite. The survivors burying Krevall while Nash cried, the flowers placed on the graves, the silent understanding between the final five, the guardians casually returning after all the trauma like this was normal… it was haunting. There’s this unsettling feeling throughout the ending that the academy wanted them to become this version of themselves all along.
I also loved the smaller emotional moments:
*Silver raised his glass, “To the final five.”
*Cal is finally allowing herself to be part of the group
*Evaris is promising not to stop doing the right thing, even if it costs her
*The weirdly unsettling breakfast of chocolate cake and cranberry juice after absolute carnage 😭
The atmosphere stayed tense the entire time. Even quieter scenes felt heavy with paranoia, grief, or exhaustion. And despite how dark the story gets, there were still moments of awkward humor and warmth that made the characters feel real.
If you love:
1. Deadly Academy Settings
2. Morally gray characters
3. Found family formed through trauma
4. Survival games with psychological tension
5. Fantasy worlds that feel brutal and oppressive
6. Slow-burn trust between damaged characters
…this book absolutely delivers.📖
My Perspective:
By the end, these characters didn’t feel like fictional people anymore. They felt like survivors. And honestly? I already miss them.
April 17, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Avarium from Lost Island Press, and as a long-time follower of Mel Torrefranca’s work, I was eager to dive back into the Belladona Series world.
Summary:
Avarium is a YA dystopian "whodunnit" mystery set within the high-stakes environment of a military boarding school. While it functions as a standalone, it offers a deep dive into the program designed to forge the next generation of Guardians. The story is told from the perspective of Evaris, a trainee navigating the intense pressures of the academy.
When a series of calculated sabotages begins to derail the careers of innocent trainees—resulting in several boys being expelled—suspicion immediately falls on the school’s most notorious student: Cal Avarium. Rumors of a murder in her past make her an easy scapegoat, but Evaris, her roommate, begins to suspect that the truth is far more complicated than the school gossip suggests.
My Thoughts:
Technically slotted as book 2.5 in the Belladona Series, Avarium can certainly be enjoyed on its own. However, having read the previous installments, I found that the added context significantly enriched the experience. The first book in the series goes into great detail about the grueling selection process for the Guardian program, which helped me truly grasp the weight of what is at stake for these characters. Since we already know from the main series that Cal committed a murder and was given a "second chance" at the academy, this novella feels like a vital prequel that humanizes her backstory.
I’ve read all of Torrefranca’s published work, and she has a particular gift for creating complex, morally gray characters that demand your attention. This novella is no exception. It was a treat to spend more time with Cal and Evaris—both of whom are minor characters in the main series—and see them fleshed out so thoroughly. The supporting cast of boys (Gup, Boa, Silver, Nash and Krevall) were equally engaging; getting to know them was a highlight, even for the one I eventually grew to dislike.
Beyond the central mystery of "who is the saboteur?", the story leans heavily into classic dystopian themes. It’s a biting look at the desperate need to fit in, the toxic drive to win at all costs, and the way power inevitably changes those who seek it.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is that I still felt a slight distance from Cal. Because the story is told in the first person from Evaris’s POV, I left the book with a profound understanding of Evaris, but still felt I was looking at Cal through a window. I found myself wanting just a bit more of Cal's internal world to fully satisfy the questions raised in the main series.
Final Verdict:
This is a quick, interesting, and incredibly solid read. Whether you are a fan of the Belladona Series or looking for a sharp dystopian mystery, I highly recommend picking this up.
Summary:
Avarium is a YA dystopian "whodunnit" mystery set within the high-stakes environment of a military boarding school. While it functions as a standalone, it offers a deep dive into the program designed to forge the next generation of Guardians. The story is told from the perspective of Evaris, a trainee navigating the intense pressures of the academy.
When a series of calculated sabotages begins to derail the careers of innocent trainees—resulting in several boys being expelled—suspicion immediately falls on the school’s most notorious student: Cal Avarium. Rumors of a murder in her past make her an easy scapegoat, but Evaris, her roommate, begins to suspect that the truth is far more complicated than the school gossip suggests.
My Thoughts:
Technically slotted as book 2.5 in the Belladona Series, Avarium can certainly be enjoyed on its own. However, having read the previous installments, I found that the added context significantly enriched the experience. The first book in the series goes into great detail about the grueling selection process for the Guardian program, which helped me truly grasp the weight of what is at stake for these characters. Since we already know from the main series that Cal committed a murder and was given a "second chance" at the academy, this novella feels like a vital prequel that humanizes her backstory.
I’ve read all of Torrefranca’s published work, and she has a particular gift for creating complex, morally gray characters that demand your attention. This novella is no exception. It was a treat to spend more time with Cal and Evaris—both of whom are minor characters in the main series—and see them fleshed out so thoroughly. The supporting cast of boys (Gup, Boa, Silver, Nash and Krevall) were equally engaging; getting to know them was a highlight, even for the one I eventually grew to dislike.
Beyond the central mystery of "who is the saboteur?", the story leans heavily into classic dystopian themes. It’s a biting look at the desperate need to fit in, the toxic drive to win at all costs, and the way power inevitably changes those who seek it.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is that I still felt a slight distance from Cal. Because the story is told in the first person from Evaris’s POV, I left the book with a profound understanding of Evaris, but still felt I was looking at Cal through a window. I found myself wanting just a bit more of Cal's internal world to fully satisfy the questions raised in the main series.
Final Verdict:
This is a quick, interesting, and incredibly solid read. Whether you are a fan of the Belladona Series or looking for a sharp dystopian mystery, I highly recommend picking this up.
May 8, 2026
So… I hate to say this but this might be Mel Torrefranca’s weakest book yet.
But before that, Thank you Lost Island Press for the ARC copy, and I am going to do my due diligence here.
You came for an honest review, you are going to get an honest review.
I want to start by saying
I have read a fair share of Lost Island Press books, mainly Mel’s books. Been around here since her, and the press’ first book, ‘Leaving Wishville”.
And I have LOVED them. LIP’s books are in the realm of an uncanny and serenity in-between meets modernity. I love it.
You came for an honest review, you are going to get an honest review.
Avarium is a novella and part of the ongoing Belladona Series, where 20 students are selected to a prestigious programme, and only 5 succeed. That is the basic premise
You don’t need to read the other books in the series to understand Avarium.
With that, I have read the first book in the series, Nightshade Academy, which is a full length novel and loved it. So instead of this, PLEASE check that one out. I still have to read and review the 2nd book in the trilogy.
Avarium, and this is my personal opinion is just not it. The pacing is slow. There are no high stakes. I am still trying to grasp what the inciting incident was. And the main character, I should say she lacked depth (from what I have read 48% in)
I was bombarded with a lot of names at once, and always needed to keep track of them.
The only catch to this book was Cal. But she too only had a severe role after the halfway point.
So yea… this is a DNF for me at 48%
(The book is divided into 2 sections and tbh, the last chapter in the first section was the only one that excited me)
I have always finished my ARCs in time but this just felt like a chore
I flipped to the ending… it was okay. I mean I read I skimming through the last 3 chapters.
This could also be mainly because I have read the whole academy process once. (If I am not mistaken the other novella? in the series called Maelin which ALSO takes place in the academy. I will be reading that, but at this point I am tired of the academy and want more of the world building)
From following Mel on socials, I know that she has an incredible passion for this series. Hence why the 2 extra and totally unplanned novellas.
Once again, anyone reading this, do not be put off by just this review. As I said, I love most of the books from this press
As for this series, begin with the first book
Nightshade Academy. Waayyy more interesting.
But before that, Thank you Lost Island Press for the ARC copy, and I am going to do my due diligence here.
You came for an honest review, you are going to get an honest review.
I want to start by saying
I have read a fair share of Lost Island Press books, mainly Mel’s books. Been around here since her, and the press’ first book, ‘Leaving Wishville”.
And I have LOVED them. LIP’s books are in the realm of an uncanny and serenity in-between meets modernity. I love it.
You came for an honest review, you are going to get an honest review.
Avarium is a novella and part of the ongoing Belladona Series, where 20 students are selected to a prestigious programme, and only 5 succeed. That is the basic premise
You don’t need to read the other books in the series to understand Avarium.
With that, I have read the first book in the series, Nightshade Academy, which is a full length novel and loved it. So instead of this, PLEASE check that one out. I still have to read and review the 2nd book in the trilogy.
Avarium, and this is my personal opinion is just not it. The pacing is slow. There are no high stakes. I am still trying to grasp what the inciting incident was. And the main character, I should say she lacked depth (from what I have read 48% in)
I was bombarded with a lot of names at once, and always needed to keep track of them.
The only catch to this book was Cal. But she too only had a severe role after the halfway point.
So yea… this is a DNF for me at 48%
(The book is divided into 2 sections and tbh, the last chapter in the first section was the only one that excited me)
I have always finished my ARCs in time but this just felt like a chore
I flipped to the ending… it was okay. I mean I read I skimming through the last 3 chapters.
This could also be mainly because I have read the whole academy process once. (If I am not mistaken the other novella? in the series called Maelin which ALSO takes place in the academy. I will be reading that, but at this point I am tired of the academy and want more of the world building)
From following Mel on socials, I know that she has an incredible passion for this series. Hence why the 2 extra and totally unplanned novellas.
Once again, anyone reading this, do not be put off by just this review. As I said, I love most of the books from this press
As for this series, begin with the first book
Nightshade Academy. Waayyy more interesting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cal Avarium eats alone.
Evaris doesn’t want to sit next to the only other girl in the academy, it would immediately alienate them both completely from the group from the very first day. Evaris is already struggling to fit in because of her posh family. And everyone knows Cal is a murderer.
Cal Avarium is at the top of the class.
When someone starts sabotaging students, only one person’s name is on everyone’s mind.
Cal Avarium is an outsider.
Evaris quickly comes to the obvious conclusion.
Cal Avarium is the perfect scapegoat.
This book features Quax’s older sister, Cal. If you remember the first book of the Belladonna series, it all started with Cal standing up to a bully and going too far. The powers that be didn’t punish her, but instead gave her the chance to prove herself at the Belladona Guardian Academy. This novella takes a closer look at what happened to her after that. It is a prequel about Cal’s experience as a trainee at the academy. While it is a story that can be read as a standalone, it’s just a more satisfying reading experience if you’ve already read at least the first book in the series.
It’s a light mystery story basically. Well, light in terms of the mystery plot. The themes this novella tackles are definitely not light. Like how it feels normal to blame or even frame the outsider. The pressure of needing to fit in. The cost of ambition. How external validation can affect your identity if you allow it. Or even how power and privilege can shape perception.
Writing strong characters is one of Mel Torrefranca’s biggest strengths. She clearly has a strong grasp on human psychology. And this is quite a character-driven story. Evaris the point of view character and the titular Cal Avarium really shine here. While I had a feeling of where this story was going, their intertwined character arcs still kept my eyes glued to the pages.
It’s a solid story with a little bit of mystery at its core, but it’s the characters who stand out the most here. The journey of Evaris and Cal is unique, and yet the academy setting and the tests they endure make it feel warmly familiar. It is at its heart an entertaining side story. And it delivers in that regard. It does a great job of fleshing out some of the characters who are not at the center of the story in the main series.
Evaris doesn’t want to sit next to the only other girl in the academy, it would immediately alienate them both completely from the group from the very first day. Evaris is already struggling to fit in because of her posh family. And everyone knows Cal is a murderer.
Cal Avarium is at the top of the class.
When someone starts sabotaging students, only one person’s name is on everyone’s mind.
Cal Avarium is an outsider.
Evaris quickly comes to the obvious conclusion.
Cal Avarium is the perfect scapegoat.
This book features Quax’s older sister, Cal. If you remember the first book of the Belladonna series, it all started with Cal standing up to a bully and going too far. The powers that be didn’t punish her, but instead gave her the chance to prove herself at the Belladona Guardian Academy. This novella takes a closer look at what happened to her after that. It is a prequel about Cal’s experience as a trainee at the academy. While it is a story that can be read as a standalone, it’s just a more satisfying reading experience if you’ve already read at least the first book in the series.
It’s a light mystery story basically. Well, light in terms of the mystery plot. The themes this novella tackles are definitely not light. Like how it feels normal to blame or even frame the outsider. The pressure of needing to fit in. The cost of ambition. How external validation can affect your identity if you allow it. Or even how power and privilege can shape perception.
Writing strong characters is one of Mel Torrefranca’s biggest strengths. She clearly has a strong grasp on human psychology. And this is quite a character-driven story. Evaris the point of view character and the titular Cal Avarium really shine here. While I had a feeling of where this story was going, their intertwined character arcs still kept my eyes glued to the pages.
It’s a solid story with a little bit of mystery at its core, but it’s the characters who stand out the most here. The journey of Evaris and Cal is unique, and yet the academy setting and the tests they endure make it feel warmly familiar. It is at its heart an entertaining side story. And it delivers in that regard. It does a great job of fleshing out some of the characters who are not at the center of the story in the main series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the very first page, I knew I was going to like it. I was so immersed in this book that I didn't realise I had skipped lunch. Even after the ending, I wanted the story to continue and was genuinely disappointed that Avarium was a fast read.
It has been a while since I read a dystopian YA, and I have to stress that this book is way better than the many I have read. One rarely comes across a YA book without romance, and I loved this aspect. But some part of me wanted to know if Silver actually liked Evaris.
I later realised that Avarium is part of a series, Belladonna, which I haven't read. But after reading Avarium, I know I will be reading Nightshade Academy. Avarium can also be read as a standalone. As someone who didn't read the previous books, I found it easy to follow. I am surprised why I haven't yet got this series in my Goodreads recommendations.
So what is the story about?
Evaris Starfall comes from a renowned designer family and is selected as one of 20 candidates training to become a Guardian. Out of these 20, only 5 will ultimately be chosen. Among the candidates is Cal Avarium, surrounded by rumours of having killed someone. As the training progresses, it becomes clear that someone is willing to sabotage others to secure a spot in the final five. Can Evaris find who it is, and how far are they willing to go?
To conclude, I loved this book- the world-building, writing style, and how the story played out. I will definitely be reading Nightshade Academy!
Thank you, Author, for giving me a chance to read this wonderful book!
It has been a while since I read a dystopian YA, and I have to stress that this book is way better than the many I have read. One rarely comes across a YA book without romance, and I loved this aspect. But some part of me wanted to know if Silver actually liked Evaris.
I later realised that Avarium is part of a series, Belladonna, which I haven't read. But after reading Avarium, I know I will be reading Nightshade Academy. Avarium can also be read as a standalone. As someone who didn't read the previous books, I found it easy to follow. I am surprised why I haven't yet got this series in my Goodreads recommendations.
So what is the story about?
Evaris Starfall comes from a renowned designer family and is selected as one of 20 candidates training to become a Guardian. Out of these 20, only 5 will ultimately be chosen. Among the candidates is Cal Avarium, surrounded by rumours of having killed someone. As the training progresses, it becomes clear that someone is willing to sabotage others to secure a spot in the final five. Can Evaris find who it is, and how far are they willing to go?
To conclude, I loved this book- the world-building, writing style, and how the story played out. I will definitely be reading Nightshade Academy!
Thank you, Author, for giving me a chance to read this wonderful book!
May 9, 2026
Cal Avarium has been given a second chance.
Before she became the Belladonna Savior, Cal was chosen to be a Nightshade Academy trainee. The only thing her roommate, Evaris Starfall, and the rest of the trainees knew about her was that she had killed a boy.
Evaris keeps her distance from Cal, though it isn't hard. Cal is aloof and not eager to talk to anyone in the program. She eats her meals alone, while Evaris tries to find trainees to befriend. When someone starts sabotaging the other trainees, every eye turns to the obvious spot. Cal isn't doing anything to defend herself against the accusations either.
Evaris spends her nights worried that she's next. If her roommate can't be trusted, then how can Evaris be expected to sleep in the same room? Everyone is on high alert, and Evaris starts to realize that while every finger may be pointing at Cal, not all of the evidence is.
If she wants to make it as a Guardian - or out of her graduating class alive - Evaris is going to have to find the right people to trust.
Mel Torrefranca, in her second novella in her Belladonna series, offers us yet another unique look at the lives of trainees who have gone through the program, and their journey to become Nightshades. While making us eager for the third book of the series to come out, she also gives us a broader look at the world she's built, and brings us back to cherished characters.
Always a Lost Island reader, the Belladonna series was my introduction, and I'm loving every book that has come out in the series since. Thank you for letting me be a VIP arc reviewer, because I will forever want first glimpses at these stories!
Before she became the Belladonna Savior, Cal was chosen to be a Nightshade Academy trainee. The only thing her roommate, Evaris Starfall, and the rest of the trainees knew about her was that she had killed a boy.
Evaris keeps her distance from Cal, though it isn't hard. Cal is aloof and not eager to talk to anyone in the program. She eats her meals alone, while Evaris tries to find trainees to befriend. When someone starts sabotaging the other trainees, every eye turns to the obvious spot. Cal isn't doing anything to defend herself against the accusations either.
Evaris spends her nights worried that she's next. If her roommate can't be trusted, then how can Evaris be expected to sleep in the same room? Everyone is on high alert, and Evaris starts to realize that while every finger may be pointing at Cal, not all of the evidence is.
If she wants to make it as a Guardian - or out of her graduating class alive - Evaris is going to have to find the right people to trust.
Mel Torrefranca, in her second novella in her Belladonna series, offers us yet another unique look at the lives of trainees who have gone through the program, and their journey to become Nightshades. While making us eager for the third book of the series to come out, she also gives us a broader look at the world she's built, and brings us back to cherished characters.
Always a Lost Island reader, the Belladonna series was my introduction, and I'm loving every book that has come out in the series since. Thank you for letting me be a VIP arc reviewer, because I will forever want first glimpses at these stories!
Review of advance copy
Guys, we got an Evaris spinoff!!
Evaris is one of my favorite characters from the main trilogy, so it was great getting to read about her time at the Academy. This book's mystery plot was a wild rollercoaster to go on. The cast was very strong and dynamic (I loved Silver and Boa), and I really enjoyed seeing Evaris develop her friendships with each of the trainees.
The unraveling of Cal Avarium's character was super interesting to watch. Her and Evaris's friendship was somewhat bittersweet and left you wanting more. The book makes you reflect on how you see Cal in the main trilogy—and everything that was and could've been. All in all, I'm looking forward to seeing how Torrefranca wraps up her character arc in Poisonous Remedy.
My absolute favorite part of this book was Dead Week. The story already had a light horror vibe, but then everything shifts into this full on "locked-room" thriller finale where all lives are on the line. It was perfection.
Picking up on the Underground Royalty references was also so fun, and there were quite a few woven throughout. I will mention that although I loved witnessing the birth of Evaris's tic-tac-toe habit, I personally found that its execution didn't quite add up with her arc and the book's overall theme. I'm still mulling this over, so maybe I haven't fit all the pieces together. But either way, it made great food for thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed Avarium and I'm excited to have another Belladonna story on my bookshelf! The book was very thought-provoking and intense. As always, Torrefranca's characters were on point, and I loved getting this deeper glimpse into Evaris and Cal during their time at the Academy.
Now I can't wait for the series' final installment. (I'm not ready.)
Evaris is one of my favorite characters from the main trilogy, so it was great getting to read about her time at the Academy. This book's mystery plot was a wild rollercoaster to go on. The cast was very strong and dynamic (I loved Silver and Boa), and I really enjoyed seeing Evaris develop her friendships with each of the trainees.
The unraveling of Cal Avarium's character was super interesting to watch. Her and Evaris's friendship was somewhat bittersweet and left you wanting more. The book makes you reflect on how you see Cal in the main trilogy—and everything that was and could've been. All in all, I'm looking forward to seeing how Torrefranca wraps up her character arc in Poisonous Remedy.
My absolute favorite part of this book was Dead Week. The story already had a light horror vibe, but then everything shifts into this full on "locked-room" thriller finale where all lives are on the line. It was perfection.
Picking up on the Underground Royalty references was also so fun, and there were quite a few woven throughout. I will mention that although I loved witnessing the birth of Evaris's tic-tac-toe habit, I personally found that its execution didn't quite add up with her arc and the book's overall theme. I'm still mulling this over, so maybe I haven't fit all the pieces together. But either way, it made great food for thought.
Overall, I really enjoyed Avarium and I'm excited to have another Belladonna story on my bookshelf! The book was very thought-provoking and intense. As always, Torrefranca's characters were on point, and I loved getting this deeper glimpse into Evaris and Cal during their time at the Academy.
Now I can't wait for the series' final installment. (I'm not ready.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, that was a journey.
I went in thinking this would be a mild whodunnit. (Big mistake. Huge.) It was a good variant of a whodunnit, though, because although the culprit is revealed a good while before the end, the suspense just…stays. Throughout the book there’s a sense of the stakes rising, and they only rise further.
It’s beautifully written. Having already met the title character in a different book in the series, I’m glad that this is written in a different point of view. Evaris isn’t perfect either; I didn’t always sympathize with her, and sometimes I wanted to kick her, but I understood some of her actions. Again, the author does well fleshing out a believable, annoying world. The Academy’s back, still ruthless, unfeeling, brutal. We meet old characters and new ones, and while I loved some of the new ones, you’ll be pleased (or not) to know (spoiler alert), that Professor Embre still sucks.
I enjoyed the friendships and alliances. The topics were heavy, particularly pronounced since these were still kids, pretty much. Dark as it was, there was a good amount of wry humour, and good flashback segues to keep me from getting too uncomfortable. The resolution was…different. I mean, the events leading up to it implied it would go that way, but I just held out hope that it wouldn’t. It’ll haunt me for awhile, I know.
Overall, great writing. Perfect for fans of dark academia and dystopian realities.
I went in thinking this would be a mild whodunnit. (Big mistake. Huge.) It was a good variant of a whodunnit, though, because although the culprit is revealed a good while before the end, the suspense just…stays. Throughout the book there’s a sense of the stakes rising, and they only rise further.
It’s beautifully written. Having already met the title character in a different book in the series, I’m glad that this is written in a different point of view. Evaris isn’t perfect either; I didn’t always sympathize with her, and sometimes I wanted to kick her, but I understood some of her actions. Again, the author does well fleshing out a believable, annoying world. The Academy’s back, still ruthless, unfeeling, brutal. We meet old characters and new ones, and while I loved some of the new ones, you’ll be pleased (or not) to know (spoiler alert), that Professor Embre still sucks.
I enjoyed the friendships and alliances. The topics were heavy, particularly pronounced since these were still kids, pretty much. Dark as it was, there was a good amount of wry humour, and good flashback segues to keep me from getting too uncomfortable. The resolution was…different. I mean, the events leading up to it implied it would go that way, but I just held out hope that it wouldn’t. It’ll haunt me for awhile, I know.
Overall, great writing. Perfect for fans of dark academia and dystopian realities.
April 19, 2026
Thank you Netgally for the e-arc!
I did not know before going into this that is a standalone novella that is in the same universe as a series from the same author. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I know this and read the series first? Not sure.
The writing in this book is okay. It was easy to read and I did not struggel to read it. Sadly I did not enjoy this very much. The consept of the story was okay, but it could have been executed a little better I feel like. One of the characters (Avarium) is described as very mysterious, and she is known for having killed someone. At first I thought the mystery in this book was going to be about her, since I felt that was the way the story was going. Then suddenly at this academy a series of calculated sabotages beging to affect some of the students, resulting in students getting expelled. So the mystery was about who was doing the sabotaging.
I did not feel very interested in this mystery, and I thought it was obvious who was the culprit from early on, and the writer did little to stear the reader another way.
All in all the story was okay, the characters were okay to follow, but the mystery had me a little bored. It is a short novella so maybe I had a little to high expectations? And as mentioned I should have figured out it is in the universe of another series before requesting!
TW: animal death
I did not know before going into this that is a standalone novella that is in the same universe as a series from the same author. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I know this and read the series first? Not sure.
The writing in this book is okay. It was easy to read and I did not struggel to read it. Sadly I did not enjoy this very much. The consept of the story was okay, but it could have been executed a little better I feel like. One of the characters (Avarium) is described as very mysterious, and she is known for having killed someone. At first I thought the mystery in this book was going to be about her, since I felt that was the way the story was going. Then suddenly at this academy a series of calculated sabotages beging to affect some of the students, resulting in students getting expelled. So the mystery was about who was doing the sabotaging.
I did not feel very interested in this mystery, and I thought it was obvious who was the culprit from early on, and the writer did little to stear the reader another way.
All in all the story was okay, the characters were okay to follow, but the mystery had me a little bored. It is a short novella so maybe I had a little to high expectations? And as mentioned I should have figured out it is in the universe of another series before requesting!
TW: animal death
May 14, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Avarium is a vivid, imaginative story that immediately stands out for its atmosphere and emotional depth. Mel Torrefranca creates a world that feels layered and immersive, blending mystery, danger, and character-driven storytelling into a book that was very easy to get lost in.
One of the strongest parts of this book was the setting itself. There’s a distinct atmosphere woven through every chapter, and the world-building feels thoughtful without ever overwhelming the story. It has that kind of immersive quality where the setting shapes everything around it, making the stakes feel even more real. This book is 2.5 in the Belladona series, but it can be read as a standalone. I loved that I was able to dive right back into this world and get to know more about Cal and about Evaris characters in this book.
The characters were another major highlight. They’re written with enough depth that their fears, motivations, and emotional struggles all feel believable. I really enjoyed seeing how they were challenged by the world around them and by the choices they had to make. The relationships between them also added so much to the story, especially as trust, loyalty, and hidden truths began to shift.
The pacing worked well for me overall. It took time to build the story and the emotional stakes, but once everything started unfolding, I was completely invested. There were moments of tension that kept me turning pages, balanced with quieter scenes that gave the characters room to grow.
I would like to thank Lost Island Press for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
Avarium is a vivid, imaginative story that immediately stands out for its atmosphere and emotional depth. Mel Torrefranca creates a world that feels layered and immersive, blending mystery, danger, and character-driven storytelling into a book that was very easy to get lost in.
One of the strongest parts of this book was the setting itself. There’s a distinct atmosphere woven through every chapter, and the world-building feels thoughtful without ever overwhelming the story. It has that kind of immersive quality where the setting shapes everything around it, making the stakes feel even more real. This book is 2.5 in the Belladona series, but it can be read as a standalone. I loved that I was able to dive right back into this world and get to know more about Cal and about Evaris characters in this book.
The characters were another major highlight. They’re written with enough depth that their fears, motivations, and emotional struggles all feel believable. I really enjoyed seeing how they were challenged by the world around them and by the choices they had to make. The relationships between them also added so much to the story, especially as trust, loyalty, and hidden truths began to shift.
The pacing worked well for me overall. It took time to build the story and the emotional stakes, but once everything started unfolding, I was completely invested. There were moments of tension that kept me turning pages, balanced with quieter scenes that gave the characters room to grow.
I would like to thank Lost Island Press for the opportunity to review this book.
April 21, 2026
This is my third Mel Torrefranca book this year, I was super excited to receive my pre order of this and as usual she’s entertained me again.
I will never stop praising her character writing skills, every character is so likeable even when theyre unlikeable they all just play their roles so well. Again with the dialogue (I’ve mentioned this in every review I’ve made of her books) why is the dialogue so good?! It’s so natural, funny, intimidating, whatever it needs to be, it is. I could genuinely just read a book about a long conversation from her and I’d be thoroughly satisfied.
The story was super interesting, I loved that we got more information about cal, and why she feels they way she feels about the force. It makes her feel human without completely ripping away the sense of uneasiness she brings to each scene. And all the new characters were fun to read! I loved the “villain” villain as that’s something new in this series and it surprised me! (Ik that’s super vague but I don’t want to spoil anything so go read it yourself!!!)
I also think it’s interesting to see the force from so many different lenses (perspectives) depending on the book, first with yahshi’s, dr blims, pinto’s and now evaris’. It’s got me really excited for the final book of the series.
I will never stop praising her character writing skills, every character is so likeable even when theyre unlikeable they all just play their roles so well. Again with the dialogue (I’ve mentioned this in every review I’ve made of her books) why is the dialogue so good?! It’s so natural, funny, intimidating, whatever it needs to be, it is. I could genuinely just read a book about a long conversation from her and I’d be thoroughly satisfied.
The story was super interesting, I loved that we got more information about cal, and why she feels they way she feels about the force. It makes her feel human without completely ripping away the sense of uneasiness she brings to each scene. And all the new characters were fun to read! I loved the “villain” villain as that’s something new in this series and it surprised me! (Ik that’s super vague but I don’t want to spoil anything so go read it yourself!!!)
I also think it’s interesting to see the force from so many different lenses (perspectives) depending on the book, first with yahshi’s, dr blims, pinto’s and now evaris’. It’s got me really excited for the final book of the series.
May 3, 2026
Big thanks to Lost Island Press for the ARC of this novella!
I’m a huge fan of Mel Torrefranca’s work, and the Belladonna series has quickly become one of my favourite and adding Avarium to this series has only strengthened that. The story proves that Torrefranca is excellent at writing characters, I loved heading back into the academy again, learning about these characters and their motivations, there’s so much meat in there for such a short tale.
I liked the mystery aspect of this too, this was done excellently in Maelin and once again worked really well this format. Evaris was a compelling character and I really enjoyed learning more and more about Cal Avarium as the plot developed. I think going back the academy was a great idea, it’s such an intriguing aspect of this world and I liked seeing it work again, especially with the cast of characters that we already know from the series.
The way the bonds between the characters form is done so wonderfully, in such a short time, I’m convinced that these characters care about each other or loathe each other. The twist was done so well I didn’t see it coming and I really enjoyed the way the story concluded.
Overall a strong entry into the Belladonna series, excited as always to read whatever comes next!
I’m a huge fan of Mel Torrefranca’s work, and the Belladonna series has quickly become one of my favourite and adding Avarium to this series has only strengthened that. The story proves that Torrefranca is excellent at writing characters, I loved heading back into the academy again, learning about these characters and their motivations, there’s so much meat in there for such a short tale.
I liked the mystery aspect of this too, this was done excellently in Maelin and once again worked really well this format. Evaris was a compelling character and I really enjoyed learning more and more about Cal Avarium as the plot developed. I think going back the academy was a great idea, it’s such an intriguing aspect of this world and I liked seeing it work again, especially with the cast of characters that we already know from the series.
The way the bonds between the characters form is done so wonderfully, in such a short time, I’m convinced that these characters care about each other or loathe each other. The twist was done so well I didn’t see it coming and I really enjoyed the way the story concluded.
Overall a strong entry into the Belladonna series, excited as always to read whatever comes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25☆!
⤿ thank you to Netgalley and Lost Island Press for providing me with a digital arc!
ೃ⁀➷ “Belladonna Guardian Academy wanted us divided from the start."
plot: At Belladonna Gaurdian Academy, Cal Avarium is the perfect trainee. She is fast, independent and ruthless. In fact, so ruthless that she murdered a boy and got away with it. So when the other trainees begin to get sabotaged and innocent people are eliminated from the program, it seems obvious who the culprit is. Right? But as Evaris Starfall begins to investigate further, she finds that maybe the answer isnt so simple.
thoughts: I love how perfectly paced and short this book was. The novella format of Avarium made this read an eerie yet very enjoyable one. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next, and wanted to figure out the mystery before Evaris did - spoiler: I didn't. I loved watching these characters develop from how they were at the beginning to what they became at the end. Mel Torrefranca is incredibly talented and I cannot wait to dive into more of her works - specifically the main Belladonna series!
⤿ thank you to Netgalley and Lost Island Press for providing me with a digital arc!
ೃ⁀➷ “Belladonna Guardian Academy wanted us divided from the start."
plot: At Belladonna Gaurdian Academy, Cal Avarium is the perfect trainee. She is fast, independent and ruthless. In fact, so ruthless that she murdered a boy and got away with it. So when the other trainees begin to get sabotaged and innocent people are eliminated from the program, it seems obvious who the culprit is. Right? But as Evaris Starfall begins to investigate further, she finds that maybe the answer isnt so simple.
thoughts: I love how perfectly paced and short this book was. The novella format of Avarium made this read an eerie yet very enjoyable one. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next, and wanted to figure out the mystery before Evaris did - spoiler: I didn't. I loved watching these characters develop from how they were at the beginning to what they became at the end. Mel Torrefranca is incredibly talented and I cannot wait to dive into more of her works - specifically the main Belladonna series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
avarium is one of two published novellas from the belladonna series. not having read the series won’t take the enjoyment out of reading the novella first, though it may leave you wanting to learn more about the context and world-building.
it’s a fast-paced story set in a military boarding school where only 5 students “graduate” every year. filled with mystery, action, and intrigue, you’ll find yourself invested in the day-to-day events, waiting for the next scheme to unfold.
another reason it may be able to capture interest is because it covers a lot of relatable themes; ensuring the readers that there will be a lot to unpack despite its short length. there’s themes about the internal debate over self-preservation, moral hypocrisy, a teenager’s strive for belongingness, and the drive to forge your own path to prove your worth.
overall, this was an enjoyable read! it made me want to continue on with the series and explore more of this world. i recommend this for readers who are a fans of the “survival of the fittest” tropes, bonus if you like stories within an academic setting.
thank you Netgalley and Lost Island Press for the eARC!
it’s a fast-paced story set in a military boarding school where only 5 students “graduate” every year. filled with mystery, action, and intrigue, you’ll find yourself invested in the day-to-day events, waiting for the next scheme to unfold.
another reason it may be able to capture interest is because it covers a lot of relatable themes; ensuring the readers that there will be a lot to unpack despite its short length. there’s themes about the internal debate over self-preservation, moral hypocrisy, a teenager’s strive for belongingness, and the drive to forge your own path to prove your worth.
overall, this was an enjoyable read! it made me want to continue on with the series and explore more of this world. i recommend this for readers who are a fans of the “survival of the fittest” tropes, bonus if you like stories within an academic setting.
thank you Netgalley and Lost Island Press for the eARC!
May 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and it was a great introduction into the Belladonna series. Since it is quite short (novella length) I managed to read it over 2 days and it was fast paced which kept the pages turning.
The process of Academy selection was interesting and the overall atmosphere was tense with a hint of spookiness. The main character Evaris was flawed in ways that felt realistic to her backstory and the title character Cal Avarium remained mysterious until she got to know her better.
The fighting and training scenes were well-written, I could tell research had gone into it. It was also fun to spot some scenes which I had heard mentioned on Mel's YouTube in her plotting video from last year.
Overall: I would rate it 7.5/10 - would've just loved it to be a little longer to flesh out some of the side characters and get a little more info on the world and academy.
Thank you to Lost Island Press for the ARC - it was great to read a book I had seen plotted and was intrigued to know more about.
The process of Academy selection was interesting and the overall atmosphere was tense with a hint of spookiness. The main character Evaris was flawed in ways that felt realistic to her backstory and the title character Cal Avarium remained mysterious until she got to know her better.
The fighting and training scenes were well-written, I could tell research had gone into it. It was also fun to spot some scenes which I had heard mentioned on Mel's YouTube in her plotting video from last year.
Overall: I would rate it 7.5/10 - would've just loved it to be a little longer to flesh out some of the side characters and get a little more info on the world and academy.
Thank you to Lost Island Press for the ARC - it was great to read a book I had seen plotted and was intrigued to know more about.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn't realise this was part of a different Belladonna series to the one I thought but when I updated here, I realised it was part of a series I have started. I had previously read Maelin and loved it although I don't remember the same characters being in both.
I really liked Evaris and Avarium in this, two girls in a group of guys, to stick together or not? Time will tell. They are both brilliant individuals in their own rights, rumours following Avarium around means she's avoided by the guys and Evaris is trying to decide what's the best way to go about the group. Solo or is a partner or team better?
I like how it's a bit Hunger Games mixed with Fourth Wing, not dragons but tasks to complete, competing against the others and out of 20, only 5 will finish.
I also like how the guardians are split into teams: Medical, Research and Defense, all specific in their own rights but all help each other in one way or another.
Will keep an eye out for more!
I really liked Evaris and Avarium in this, two girls in a group of guys, to stick together or not? Time will tell. They are both brilliant individuals in their own rights, rumours following Avarium around means she's avoided by the guys and Evaris is trying to decide what's the best way to go about the group. Solo or is a partner or team better?
I like how it's a bit Hunger Games mixed with Fourth Wing, not dragons but tasks to complete, competing against the others and out of 20, only 5 will finish.
I also like how the guardians are split into teams: Medical, Research and Defense, all specific in their own rights but all help each other in one way or another.
Will keep an eye out for more!
May 9, 2026
I need more of these characters!!
If you're looking for a book that will captivate you from the first page to the last, I can honestly say that Avarium is what you're looking for. This is a quick read, but don't let that stop you. The mystery and the suspense, paired with characters that you get so invested in that you can't think about anything else - this is what a five-star book looks like!
Avarium is a murder mystery set at a military boarding school where only 5 students can graduate, and the filtration rounds get harder every time. From drinking po1son to build up a tolerance, to sabotage and even paranoia. I loved the moments where the characters played chess, but most of all, how the author included different themes and how the characters dealt with it, especially Avarium and Starfall.
If you liked movies such as Divergent, then this is perfect for you!
Many thanks to Lost Island Press and the author for a gifted eARC.
If you're looking for a book that will captivate you from the first page to the last, I can honestly say that Avarium is what you're looking for. This is a quick read, but don't let that stop you. The mystery and the suspense, paired with characters that you get so invested in that you can't think about anything else - this is what a five-star book looks like!
Avarium is a murder mystery set at a military boarding school where only 5 students can graduate, and the filtration rounds get harder every time. From drinking po1son to build up a tolerance, to sabotage and even paranoia. I loved the moments where the characters played chess, but most of all, how the author included different themes and how the characters dealt with it, especially Avarium and Starfall.
If you liked movies such as Divergent, then this is perfect for you!
Many thanks to Lost Island Press and the author for a gifted eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
At the Guardians’ Academy, the competition within this group is so fierce that it drives them to sabotage their rivals. Everyone is convinced of Cal Avarium’s guilt because she has killed before. However, her roommate Evaris believes she is innocent and will try to uncover the culprit before it is too late.
In this book, Mel Torrefranca proves she is capable of writing in any genre she sets her mind to, and this time we have a gripping whodunit.
Her strength remains in the characters, whom she manages to bring to life with just a few words.
If you haven’t read any of the Belladona books, this one will serve as an introduction and you’ll have to read the rest. If you have read them, you’re already a fan and this one is a must-read.
In this book, Mel Torrefranca proves she is capable of writing in any genre she sets her mind to, and this time we have a gripping whodunit.
Her strength remains in the characters, whom she manages to bring to life with just a few words.
If you haven’t read any of the Belladona books, this one will serve as an introduction and you’ll have to read the rest. If you have read them, you’re already a fan and this one is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into Avarium without reading the Belladonna trilogy. This is a short, perfectly paced novella and serves as a gripping introduction into this world.
Evaris is an interesting main character to follow through this story. She’s not the best at the academy and seems to genuinely struggle, but she is likeable. All the other characters are pretty likeable as well, which I was not expecting. Especially when the feeling of paranoia was so potent.
The anticipation of what would happen next kept me turning pages quickly and I was not able to stop until I reached the end. Also, that full circle moment was perfection.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lost Island Press and Mel Torrefranca for this eARC.
Evaris is an interesting main character to follow through this story. She’s not the best at the academy and seems to genuinely struggle, but she is likeable. All the other characters are pretty likeable as well, which I was not expecting. Especially when the feeling of paranoia was so potent.
The anticipation of what would happen next kept me turning pages quickly and I was not able to stop until I reached the end. Also, that full circle moment was perfection.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lost Island Press and Mel Torrefranca for this eARC.
May 15, 2026
AVARIUM
How would it feel when you come to know that one if your batchmates killed a person, and the same person is going to be your roommate 👀?? That exactly what happens in 'Avarium'.
Avarium is a novella. Throughout the story, Cal Avarium plays a significant role, but the story si told from the perspective of another girl, Evaris.The different behaviors of people, their learning, struggles during those days, sabotage and much more are included here.. It's not just about the murder done by Avarium in her past, but also about finding the person who is responsible for the things happening there.
The bond between Eva and Cal sprouting slowly and its nicely to read.
Thankyou, LostIslandPress🤍
How would it feel when you come to know that one if your batchmates killed a person, and the same person is going to be your roommate 👀?? That exactly what happens in 'Avarium'.
Avarium is a novella. Throughout the story, Cal Avarium plays a significant role, but the story si told from the perspective of another girl, Evaris.The different behaviors of people, their learning, struggles during those days, sabotage and much more are included here.. It's not just about the murder done by Avarium in her past, but also about finding the person who is responsible for the things happening there.
The bond between Eva and Cal sprouting slowly and its nicely to read.
Thankyou, LostIslandPress🤍
May 28, 2026
Avarium Stole the Show. Evaris Just Liveblogged It.
I was grabbed by the cover, hooked by the atmosphere, and utterly mesmerised by Avarium! The magnetic force the whole book is named after. The writing? Flawless. The academia-meets-Hunger-Games mystery? Deliciously tense. The problem? I saw Avarium only through Evaris’s eyes whose POV made me feel like a spectator with a really good seat, not a player in the game. I kept wishing Avarium would snatch the mic and tell her own story. Four stars for the world-building and prose, but honestly, this book was one POV shift or addition away from being an obsession.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to enjoy reading the eARC of this amazing Novella.
I was grabbed by the cover, hooked by the atmosphere, and utterly mesmerised by Avarium! The magnetic force the whole book is named after. The writing? Flawless. The academia-meets-Hunger-Games mystery? Deliciously tense. The problem? I saw Avarium only through Evaris’s eyes whose POV made me feel like a spectator with a really good seat, not a player in the game. I kept wishing Avarium would snatch the mic and tell her own story. Four stars for the world-building and prose, but honestly, this book was one POV shift or addition away from being an obsession.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to enjoy reading the eARC of this amazing Novella.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Lost Island Press. It was such a nice ride with Avarium.
I honestly thought when I read the first few pages, I questioned myself because it says that it is part of the Belladonna series, but not the Belladonna series I knew. It was another Belladonna series, that is a dystopian genre. And I was curious about the series so they are now in my long listed TBR.
The story basically revolves around Avarium and the rumors that she murdered a boy and got away with it. But somewhere along the story, we'd really know what happened, who killed the boy and if Avarium really was innocent. It's an addictive read and I just couldn't put it down.
I honestly thought when I read the first few pages, I questioned myself because it says that it is part of the Belladonna series, but not the Belladonna series I knew. It was another Belladonna series, that is a dystopian genre. And I was curious about the series so they are now in my long listed TBR.
The story basically revolves around Avarium and the rumors that she murdered a boy and got away with it. But somewhere along the story, we'd really know what happened, who killed the boy and if Avarium really was innocent. It's an addictive read and I just couldn't put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Avarium is a book I wanted to read when it was in its developing stages but I missed out as I don't check my email enough, so when I got asked for a chance to read an E-Arc of the version before publishing I jumped at the chance.
The story can be read as a standalone but is a part of the Belladonna Academy series. This like the previous standalone novella Maelin can be read outside of the 1st 2 books as they happen timeline wise before the main story.
This story is of Cal Avariums time in the academy with Evaris Starfall. Evaris Starfall's perspective tells the story of their time from the start to the end of the academy training to reach the final 5 and become a part of the guardian's force for Vakoi empire.
I loved getting more in depth background to the main story through the characters first mentioned in the main story and learning the roots of where these characters started from.
The story can be read as a standalone but is a part of the Belladonna Academy series. This like the previous standalone novella Maelin can be read outside of the 1st 2 books as they happen timeline wise before the main story.
This story is of Cal Avariums time in the academy with Evaris Starfall. Evaris Starfall's perspective tells the story of their time from the start to the end of the academy training to reach the final 5 and become a part of the guardian's force for Vakoi empire.
I loved getting more in depth background to the main story through the characters first mentioned in the main story and learning the roots of where these characters started from.
May 13, 2026
The story was great. It followed a girl named Evaris and I wish I was more like her. I love her determination to prove herself. She doesn't give up which is kinda opposite from how I am. She's an inspiration to many young females. The other thing I liked about the story is how Cal opened up to Evaris. I mean some people are always guarded but they come around if you stick with them. I also loved how their friendship blossomed through the story and the unfiltered actions and emotions of other people throughout it. I finished it in 2 hours, reading non-stop. It really hooked me on, especially the relatable yet unfiltered characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
Thank you to Lost Island Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Avarium is a fast paced read that kept me on my toes, constantly wondering what would happen next. The idea of a military boarding school where only a limited number make it through was a very interesting read. I would have never guessed the ending, but was glad with how the story turned out. I do wish there was more time to know the characters and see how their relationships evolved over time. Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
Avarium is a fast paced read that kept me on my toes, constantly wondering what would happen next. The idea of a military boarding school where only a limited number make it through was a very interesting read. I would have never guessed the ending, but was glad with how the story turned out. I do wish there was more time to know the characters and see how their relationships evolved over time. Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
May 9, 2026
This was my introduction to the Belladonna series and it definitely left me wanting to read the main series and learn more about this world! Avarium was a fun bite-sized way to dive into the Academy. I enjoyed the characters and the growing sense of dread surrounding the mystery as it slowly unraveled. My biggest complaint about the book is that I wish it was longer! I’m excited to read the rest of the series in the near future.
Thank you to Lost Island Press for the ARC!
Thank you to Lost Island Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Quite entertaining. And it does stand alone outside of the author's related series, 'cause I never felt like I was missing something. A nice, short and intense read for a free afternoon; because it was exactly that for me LOL But, really, worth a chance, I had fun trying to figure out who was sabotaging their peers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
thankyou to Lost Island Press for giving me a chance to beta read Avarium. Absolutely enjoyed every second of it!!
May 19, 2026
prior to this book, I had only read the first book in the series a couple of years ago. what impressed me though is how well the story was formatted for beginners and veterans of the series alike. And I absolutely loved the mystery aspect, and how we can see an entire change in perspective in under 200 pages. well done!
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