Shadowmire: A Dark Academia Romantasy

by Reaghan Quinn

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 1, 2026

About the author

Reaghan Quinn fell in love with magick at a very young age.
Drawn to stories where power comes at a cost and love refuses to stay simple, she loves to enter worlds where characters are forced to choose between what’s right… and what will ruin them.
Her debut novel, Shadowmire, is a dark academia romantasy woven with elemental magick, hidden agendas, and a love triangle that refuses to follow the rules. It’s for readers who crave slow-burn tension but want fast-burn devotion, and the kind of chemistry that feels like it might combust at any moment.
When she’s not writing, Reaghan can usually be found chasing inspiration under stormy skies, at quiet beaches, or anywhere that feels like it might be hiding a secret.
She believes that the best stories always leave a mark—that they make you ache a little, haunt a little, and make you wonder what you would have chosen if the magick called to you.
And if it did…
Would you answer?

Reviews

[Kelsey Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and it was fabulous! I don’t normally seek out a love triangle but this one somehow just works! It fulfills both the yearning and slow burn trope while also giving spice! The “magick” system is cool! The mystery and abundance of characters with questionable motivations is an added layer of suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed Shadowmire and can’t wait to read the next book!!

[MyKenzie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start!! This was such an amazing book. The plot and spice were very well balanced. I wish I got more on Gavrail and Celestes relationship but let’s be honest, I was loving Noa and Celeste as well!! This book got me out of a slump just to put me right back into one! I can’t wait for the second book to come out!!

[Suzanne Boston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy of this amazing book!
Shadowmire has all the best vibes - dark academia/war college, elemental magic 💧 🔥 🌎 , so many secrets that unravel throughout the story, a love triangle done perfectly. Slow burn/yearning 🔥

Listen, ever since the Hunger Games I have not been a fan of love triangles, but this one? THIS ONE!? This is done respectfully and in a way that you literally want her to choose BOTH of them and I want to choose both of them too (pleeeease let us get a why choose in future books!). I loved the FMC. Celeste is developed, smart, emotionally intelligent, and just a badass all around. She isn’t whiney like I feel a lot of FMC’s are.
Noa and Gavrail are just *chef’s kiss*. They are protective but not in an overbearing way and they both come to mutually respect each other which is how it should be.

I’ll admit I haven’t read a ton of elemental magic books but the magic wielding was powerful in so many different ways. The way each element is wielded felt very unique to me.
And let’s talk about the SECRETS. Omg so many secrets and some you don’t even know are secrets until they are revealed and then you’re like 🤯🤯

I loved the way the book ended and set up future books which I cannot wait to read!!

Now for a very few dislikes…first there wasn’t a ton of world building/history in the beginning but it does get some later in the book.
The descriptions I thought also were sometimes a bit over the top and there were almost too many? Like the author was trying too hard with flowery language.
Other than that I loved it and can’t wait for the next book already 🤩🤩

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. As an ARC reader, Shadowmire by @reaghanquinn is a great adult dark academia romantasy. It has the vibes of #fourthwing, but with a female main character who is not only discovering her powers, but who she is. As a new student at the academy, Celeste, needs to learn how to hone her elemental magical skills in preparation for the Service, with some unlikely mentors and spicy tension. Her perseverance and discipline to train herself echo the self-motivation that I have felt throughout my academic career. Celeste is confronted with someone from her past, after seven years (same time frame as my personal love story) whose appearance shakes her foundation she has built since his abandonment. Her strength to unravel the truths behind her family’s history as well as the entanglement with current and past loves, kept me glued to the pages. I would give this book 4.9/5 stars, only because I felt it was shorter than I would like (<500 pages) - but the author does think it will be a 3-4 book series. Spice level 🌶️. The tension between the FMC and the two, opposing MMCs is there - making me have a “why choose” moment - I cannot wait to see where these characters end up and who will be the last man standing. I feel that fans of #fourthwing & #zodiacacademy would appreciate the storyline that #shadowmire brings to life. Overall impressed with the not run-of-the-mill storyline, which is very refreshing.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed my attention almost immediately. The academy atmosphere, the magic, and the overall world felt so detailed and addictive. A lot of fantasy books can start to feel repetitive after a while, but this one had its own vibe that made it stand out from the rest.

Celeste was such an enjoyable main character to follow. She’s thrown into an unfamiliar world, and figuring everything out alongside her made the experience even better. I also really loved the dynamic between the three main characters. Gavrail is delicious and dark, Noa and Celeste are so good together.Their relationships felt meaningful and well-developed. One minute I was rooting for Noa and Celeste the next I wanted her with Gavrail, and the next I had completely changed my mind.

If you love magical schools, complicated romance, unique fantasy worlds, and a bit of spice, you’ll probably eat this up. The magic system was interesting, the tension was so good, and the characters completely pulled me in. I already know I’m going to be desperate for book two because I’m nowhere near ready to leave this world behind. And the twist!! Cliffhanger! The only downside is now I’ve read the ARC gonna have to wait ages for book 2! But can’t wait :)

[Emily Drees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought that I'd be upset about reading an ARC, but now I have to wait until this book actually gets released and then wait even longer for the second book and I have no patience!

This book sucked me in from the very beginning. The characters, The school, The magic system, everything was so fascinating to read about. I felt that the story was really unique after reading so many similar books I felt that this one was set apart.

I really loved the main three characters. Celeste, our FMC is entering a world that she knows nothing about and I loved learning about it through her eyes and how she handled everything. I typically do not love a love triangle but the story really did their separate friendships and relationships with each other justice. Felt like I was in a ping pong match going back and forth on who my heart felt drawn to.

If you like fantasy academia, If you like really interesting, spicy scenes and different magic structures, and if you like shadow daddies or even fire daddies this book is absolutely for you. I'll be counting down the days until the second book comes out because I fell in love with this world.

[Denim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Shadowmire by Reaghan Quinn... and I’m honestly still trying to gather the pieces of my heart.
This book gave me everything I love in a dark academia romantasy... layered characters, dangerous chemistry, haunting magic, tension that coils tighter with every chapter, and emotions I never saw coming. One moment I was smiling, the next I was staring at the wall wondering how words on a page could hit this hard.
She is the wind. He is fire. And somewhere in the shadows, something waits...
This story doesn’t just pull you in, it wraps around your ribs and stays there. The worldbuilding, the mystery, the passion, the ache... every page felt like walking deeper into beautiful chaos.
And that ending...
I am emotionally wrecked, completely obsessed, and already desperate for book two.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love dark academia, elemental magic, dangerous romance, and stories that leave marks... add this to your TBR immediately

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHADOWMIRE BY Reaghan Quinn
5/5 stars

I WAS ABSOLUTELY obsessed with this book from start to finish with how captivating this book was. The writing and plot lines flowed so well together it left me needing to know what the next chapter was every single time!

Talk about a love triangle like damn but it’s one where you have no idea how it’s gonna play out yet it gives you the hope that it’ll become a why choose…. Or at least that’s my wishes because I ship Noa and Celeste but also Gavrail.. that man ugh, you can’t make me choose I won’t! I will be chanting REVERSE HARAM FOREVER!

Academic setting, love triangle (or is it), girl power, hidden past, found family… what else do I need to say to get you interested? Because if you aren’t already then damn! This in my opinion is a MUST read! I cannot wait for the next book cause the cliffhanger on this one left me speechless ….

[Ceara P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged enough to receive an ARC from the author and I am so happy I did. I could not put this book down from the moment I started! The world building is incredible, the characters are multi-dimensional, and the romance is hot from the start. I’m not usually a huge fan of love triangles, but this one was done right and left me wanting more. This book is great for readers new to the romantasy genre, or for those who have read them all, as it has familiar tropes while remaining unique all on its own. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to follow along for the rest of Celeste’s story!

[Megan Pursifull-Dettone · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

I devoured this book in two days, could not put it down.

It has everything I love: a dark academy/war college setting, a mysterious FMC (Celeste) with a hidden power she’s been warned never to reveal, and layers of family secrets and rivalries that keep unfolding. The romance is a slow burn that builds into pure yearning, and when it finally hits…let’s just say the tension pays off.

The dual POV adds so much depth, and the twists genuinely kept me guessing.

I’m already counting down to book two because I need to know what happens next.

If you loved Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, or The Mortal Instruments vibes, you’ll absolutely want to pick this up.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in advance from the author. I was super excited to read this one. It had me enthralled from the start. Great character building. Great world building. Spice level 🌶️ Great for 17+. The MFC Celeste is fierce, she wields water 🌊 (I'm a cancer and water is also my element) and then we have our first MMC Noa our fire daddy 🔥 and then enters our second MMC Gavrail our shadow daddy ♠️. Fell in love with both of these men who are both amazing for our girl just in different ways. Cannot wait for the next book in this series! Also this book has some great side characters who I hope will continue to make appearances in the series.

[Caroline Iglehart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing!!! It did take me a bit to get into it just because there isn't much world building, it kinda just throws you into the story and says: here, survive.

But the story was great!! I am so interested in what she at Gavrail are going to find out in book 2 and IDK why but I kept getting a wary feeling towards Noa. Don't get me wrong, he's great. But I have a feeling something might happen in book 2 that going to turn the world upside down.

The way this book ended too- should have expected it, but no.. The spice level was great, did want to see more about Gavrail and Celeste's relationship, but im expecting that in the next one.

[Emily Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning! It is well-paced and well-written with mature characters that will surprise you. You won’t find a whiny, immature FMC who makes you cringe here. You don’t have to wait 3 books for the spice (it starts in the first third of the book); but also have an aching, tension-filled slow burn. This is a love triangle done differently. I would take Noa OR Gavrail any day. I’m not sure how Celeste is supposed to choose. In addition to the romance, there is a solid storyline with unique magic and a “found family” of friends. One of my new favorite romantacies!

[Tracy Jewell Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think adult Harry Potter crossed with Fourth wing. Great slow burn fantasy romance.
The book follows Celeste’s first year at Whittaker school for magick after her father’s death. A world she never knew existed until now. She learns secrets of herself, her family and how power is what everyone desires while learning to navigate her new world as an elemental magick student A love triangle of course gives you the slow burn you crave. Quinn’s character building and world building makes you feel you were in the story. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great lead into romantasy for those who may not be ready for high fantasy as it is set in a familiar world, but equally enjoyable for experienced fantasy/romantasy readers with some new takes on familiar tropes as well as unique world-building and good twists. It has the feel of an adult Harry Potter, and I enjoyed the magic system and characters in general. Celeste is a main character I enjoyed following, who felt real and identifiable and who I genuinely want to succeed. The end definitely leaves me looking forward to the next in the series!

[Kristie Conaughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest ARC review.
Oh my freaking god! This book…. I freaking ATE IT UP! Like breakfast, lunch and dinner ate it up! I couldn’t put it down! I love love loved it! It’s kind of a mix between 4th wing, acotar and Harry Potter. It gives dark academia, magic systems, lost family lines and a delicious love triangle. I can’t choose between the two MMC’s and secretly hope she doesn’t have to either. The spice is well placed and the story had me hooked from start to finish. This book is easily one of my favorites and I really hope book 2 isn’t too far away from release!

[Courtney Wiese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to get an ARC for this book and I absolutely loved it. The FMC, Celeste, is strong, smart, and well developed. I loved getting to see her grow into her power. Both MMCs are fantastic - they don’t just love her for her beauty but for her strengths, weaknesses, and brilliance. The magic (or magick as it’s written in the book) system is fascinating, the academy seems pretty awesome, and the storyline just keeps ahold of you from start to finish. I am eagerly awaiting the second book now!

[Carrie Varvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the start; I couldn’t put it down. The setting descriptions are so vivid, you feel like you are right there with them. The love triangle – new love vs old love – how is she supposed to choose. There was a nice amount of spice throughout, loved the magic elements from each character. Celeste unquestionably has the most dangerous and interesting form of magic, but is it dangerous to her or everyone else? If you loved Fourth Wing and Harry Potter, this book is a must read. It definitely leaves you curious with what is going to happen next.

[Kaimana Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most incredible romantasy books I’ve read in YEARS. I couldn’t put it down. It has plot, it has SPICE, it has world building, and it has action. The shadow daddies don’t disappoint. Of course the main character is a baddie and embodies strength, intelligence, and courage. No wonder these men are losing their minds over her. If you need escapism, this is your series. Recommend 100000/10.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! I fell in love with the images of the school. I want to go there! The suspense, the characters, the storyline, the tension…all of it is so well done, pulling you in further and further. I was so lucky to be shared an ARC. I will 💯 be buying this when it comes out. Can not wait for the next book in the series. This book will stand up to others in the Romantasy genre and take the lead!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited to be an ARC reader for this! Admittedly it started out feeling very cookie-cutter-romantasy for me, but the magic system and evolving mystery were intriguing enough to keep me interested. The book/text quotes at the start of each chapter felt a little too similar to a popular dragon series. I thought I saw the direction of the romance from a mile away, and was glad to be wrong about it! The last 20% was really interesting and I will definitely continue with the series.

[Diane Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up late to finish this one. I was so enraptured by the characters. I had to know what happened to them. ✅love triangle ✅FMC with unanswered questions from the past ✅powerful, possessive MMCs ✅full cast of various other characters with their own strengths and flaws ✅edge-of-your-seat danger & spice ✅action-packed pacing ✅magic ✅beautiful campus descriptions ✅cliffhanger twist that has me wanting MORE

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and absolutely loved it! I read this book in about 24 hours and couldn't put it down! The characters, storyline and world building were amazing. This is a book I want all of my friends to read and cannot wait to see where this series goes. A must read for any Romantasy lover!!! Already wanting book 2 before book 1 is even published!

[Heather Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. It was so good I read it in 3 days (with a full time job and as a parent). The character building was amazing. It’s a tiny bit slow burn, but still has lots of spice. I cannot wait to see what happens next. There is a cliffhanger, but it doesn’t leave you wanting to throw the book across the room. IYKYK
Overall, highly recommend!

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Reaghan Quinn, pulls us into the world of Whittaker Academy, an elite institution for training the best and brightest Magick users.

We follow the journey of Celeste, a young woman grieving her father and who has applied to Whittaker to find answers as to who she really is.

Alongside Celeste, we meet Noa and Gavrail. Both have a past with her—who will she choose? And who will aid her to meet her full potential?

This book is the epitome of love and loss—letting the one you love go to protect them.

A little predictable in some places but a great read full of academia, elemental magic, love, loss, yearning and awakening.

✨️ Hidden past
✨️ Love triangle (i wouldn't kick either of them out of bed 😉)
✨️ Self awakening
✨️ Politics, mystery, intrigue
✨️ Magick

[Thomas Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling drawn and connected to water myself, this main character hits home. Aspects of magic, mystery, and of course romance that we all need in today's world. I can't wait to read more! 4 stars only because I did not get into it as much as I have some other Romantasy series. However, I tend to take at least 2 books to really connect and I still read this one in 1 week so that's a compliment!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

****ARC Review****

Elemental magic 🪄
Love triangle ♥️
Shadows 🌚, fire 🔥 , water 🧜‍♀️
Secrets, mystery, and discovering herself.
All in an academia setting.
🧑‍🍳 💋

I think I’m going to like the next book even more than the first. I need more of this world and to learn more of these mysteries. Definitely might have shed some tears along the way.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review- I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but it surprised me how much I loved it! It reminds me of an adult Harry Potter including a magic school, duels, and potions class. I don’t usually like love triangles but the way the author wrote this was so good!

[Leslie Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got immediately sucked in! I opened the link and started reading on my lunch break, never mind the fact that I was already reading another book. I can’t wait for the next books to be written!

[Ashley Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this! Initially had Zodiac Acadamy vibes, which I did not enjoy, but then really sucked me in. Fantastic love triangle and I have chosen my team. Ready for more please!