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Starweaver #1
Shadowmire
A Dark Academia Romantasy
She was never meant to be here.
Whittaker School of Magick, an elite academy where elemental wielders are forged into weapons for the ruling Service, where power isn’t just a gift—it’s something to be controlled, contained… or taken.
And Celeste Farris is hiding something they would kill to own.
She tries to stay invisible. To bury the magick rising beneath her skin.
But power like hers doesn’t stay hidden.
Not from Noa Gallagher—the fire-wielder who burns too bright, too hot, and looks at her like she’s something worth destroying the world for.
And not from Gavrail Kamenov—the shadow-bound rival with silver eyes that sees too much, knows too much… and pulls her closer with every dangerous step.
As ancient bloodlines begin to wake and the balance of power starts to fracture, Celeste realizes the truth:
She isn’t just part of the game.
She’s the reason it’s being played in the first place.
She was never meant to be here.
Whittaker School of Magick, an elite academy where elemental wielders are forged into weapons for the ruling Service, where power isn’t just a gift—it’s something to be controlled, contained… or taken.
And Celeste Farris is hiding something they would kill to own.
She tries to stay invisible. To bury the magick rising beneath her skin.
But power like hers doesn’t stay hidden.
Not from Noa Gallagher—the fire-wielder who burns too bright, too hot, and looks at her like she’s something worth destroying the world for.
And not from Gavrail Kamenov—the shadow-bound rival with silver eyes that sees too much, knows too much… and pulls her closer with every dangerous step.
As ancient bloodlines begin to wake and the balance of power starts to fracture, Celeste realizes the truth:
She isn’t just part of the game.
She’s the reason it’s being played in the first place.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2026
About the author
Reaghan Quinn
1 book54 followersReaghan 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?
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?
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August 11, 2026WOW. I absolutely devoured this book!! Finished it in less than 3 days because I could not put it down.
If you love an academy setting, elemental magic, high stakes, and emotionally complicated relationships, this one delivers. The excerpts from textbooks at the start of chapters immediately gave me major Fourth Wing vibes, and the elemental magic system and character dynamics reminded me of Zodiac Academy, two of my all-time favorite series. With those as inspirations, the author did an amazing job of making this world still feel original and captivating.
The characters completely pulled me in. You get a fiery, passionate MMC with a temper to match and a shadowy, deeply devoted MMC carrying the weight of his past… and I was invested in every second of it. The emotional tension? Top tier. ❤️🔥 or 🖤?!
What really made this book stand out for me, though, was the emotional depth. The found family dynamic with Celeste’s housemates, the way she slowly grows into herself and her power, and her journey toward confidence felt so rewarding to watch. I loved seeing her evolve through her choices, strength, and self-belief.
The lore surrounding her family history and lineage was fascinating, and every reveal made me want to know more. Add in plot twists that genuinely had me reeling, emotional damage I was not prepared for, and an ending that left my jaw on the floor… this book completely hooked me.
If you love elemental magic, academy settings, found family, devotion filled romance, and endings that make you immediately need the next book — add this to your TBR.
If you love an academy setting, elemental magic, high stakes, and emotionally complicated relationships, this one delivers. The excerpts from textbooks at the start of chapters immediately gave me major Fourth Wing vibes, and the elemental magic system and character dynamics reminded me of Zodiac Academy, two of my all-time favorite series. With those as inspirations, the author did an amazing job of making this world still feel original and captivating.
The characters completely pulled me in. You get a fiery, passionate MMC with a temper to match and a shadowy, deeply devoted MMC carrying the weight of his past… and I was invested in every second of it. The emotional tension? Top tier. ❤️🔥 or 🖤?!
What really made this book stand out for me, though, was the emotional depth. The found family dynamic with Celeste’s housemates, the way she slowly grows into herself and her power, and her journey toward confidence felt so rewarding to watch. I loved seeing her evolve through her choices, strength, and self-belief.
The lore surrounding her family history and lineage was fascinating, and every reveal made me want to know more. Add in plot twists that genuinely had me reeling, emotional damage I was not prepared for, and an ending that left my jaw on the floor… this book completely hooked me.
If you love elemental magic, academy settings, found family, devotion filled romance, and endings that make you immediately need the next book — add this to your TBR.
May 29, 2026
oh em gee. I had NO idea what I
was getting myself into with this book.
I loved the like post grad war college setting,
especially in New England (as a New England
girlie). Reaghan’s imagery throughout the story is
beautiful, it made me feel like I was attending
Whittaker. Now getting to the good stuff… the
chemistry. Celeste’s dynamic with Noa and Gavrail
was HOT. I don’t normally read love triangles, but
this was so well done, and I need more. The spice
was spicing, and kept me hanging onto the pages.
I am obsessed with BOTH of the MMC’s. And I
love Celeste’s friend group, they are all girl’s
girls! Vibes are Fourth Wing (but make it post
grad, set in New England), Harry Potter
(fun classes) and Avatar (most Magicke control
elements). Now I need book 2 please!
was getting myself into with this book.
I loved the like post grad war college setting,
especially in New England (as a New England
girlie). Reaghan’s imagery throughout the story is
beautiful, it made me feel like I was attending
Whittaker. Now getting to the good stuff… the
chemistry. Celeste’s dynamic with Noa and Gavrail
was HOT. I don’t normally read love triangles, but
this was so well done, and I need more. The spice
was spicing, and kept me hanging onto the pages.
I am obsessed with BOTH of the MMC’s. And I
love Celeste’s friend group, they are all girl’s
girls! Vibes are Fourth Wing (but make it post
grad, set in New England), Harry Potter
(fun classes) and Avatar (most Magicke control
elements). Now I need book 2 please!
July 1, 2026
Speechless. I am utterly speechless.
I don’t have the words to classify this. Epic feels too small. Sweeping feels too contained for what this book did to me. It came in quiet. Unassuming. From there it began to build. Creeping towards the inevitable edge and backing away shyly. Each step, each time just a bit closer. Matchstick by matchstick it grew. Towering. Bold. Overwhelming. Obliterating.
And then…
Reaghan Quinn threw a match. And the fire. It’s all-consuming. It’s breathless. It’s…everything.
Friends. Do NOT sleep on this book. Get it in every damn format you can. This one? This one is going to shake worlds. It’s going to break foundations. It’s going to reshape everything you thought you knew. And I can’t wait to watch.
Infinity stars. Infinity.
I don’t have the words to classify this. Epic feels too small. Sweeping feels too contained for what this book did to me. It came in quiet. Unassuming. From there it began to build. Creeping towards the inevitable edge and backing away shyly. Each step, each time just a bit closer. Matchstick by matchstick it grew. Towering. Bold. Overwhelming. Obliterating.
And then…
Reaghan Quinn threw a match. And the fire. It’s all-consuming. It’s breathless. It’s…everything.
Friends. Do NOT sleep on this book. Get it in every damn format you can. This one? This one is going to shake worlds. It’s going to break foundations. It’s going to reshape everything you thought you knew. And I can’t wait to watch.
Infinity stars. Infinity.
April 29, 2026
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!!
May 8, 2026
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 🤩🤩
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 🤩🤩
May 20, 2026
Fourth Wing meets Hogwarts. Familiar enough to feel like home, layered enough to keep you turning pages.
At an elite school where elemental wielders are forged into weapons, power isn’t a gift. It’s something to be controlled, contained or taken.
Celeste Farris was never meant to be at Whittaker Academy. And Celeste is hiding something they would kill to own.
Celeste is not the innocent ingenue you expect at the beginning. Whittaker quickly becomes dark and dangerous with death and machinations. You begin thinking you’ve already clocked it but Quinn surprises with characters being complex and not all that they seem.
The elemental magic system is wonderfully explored and evolves throughout. The found family fits like old slippers. The love triangle is genuinely agonising. As a self aware shadow girlie I’m all in with Team Gavrail. And with three POVs across the triangle seeing Celeste through their eyes adds another layer entirely.
Reveal after reveal keeps it pacy. You’ll work some out before they arrive but that’s Quinn’s craft not her failure. The foreshadowing is careful and deliberate and the cliffhanger ending has me desperate for book two.
Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At an elite school where elemental wielders are forged into weapons, power isn’t a gift. It’s something to be controlled, contained or taken.
Celeste Farris was never meant to be at Whittaker Academy. And Celeste is hiding something they would kill to own.
Celeste is not the innocent ingenue you expect at the beginning. Whittaker quickly becomes dark and dangerous with death and machinations. You begin thinking you’ve already clocked it but Quinn surprises with characters being complex and not all that they seem.
The elemental magic system is wonderfully explored and evolves throughout. The found family fits like old slippers. The love triangle is genuinely agonising. As a self aware shadow girlie I’m all in with Team Gavrail. And with three POVs across the triangle seeing Celeste through their eyes adds another layer entirely.
Reveal after reveal keeps it pacy. You’ll work some out before they arrive but that’s Quinn’s craft not her failure. The foreshadowing is careful and deliberate and the cliffhanger ending has me desperate for book two.
Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
Shadowmire is Reaghan Quinn's debut novel, and it's a fun one! It's a romantasy about Celeste who is accepted into the Whittaker School of Magic following the death of her father. Celeste's father always tried to shield Celeste from her water powers growing up so she applied to Whittaker to learn how to use and control her magic. Secret's from Celeste's past begin to emerge that put her in the danger, and her strengthening powers are catching unwanted attention. And what's more, she finds herself in a love triangle with her current boyfriend, the school's most prestigious fire wielder, and her childhood best friend, a rare shadow wielder. The trio of unlikely friends have to learn to work together in order to keep Celeste safe from her powers - and those who wish to control them.
My rating for Shadowmire is 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4). I enjoyed learning about elemental fusion and getting to see how it has shaped Celeste's life. The love triangle was fun too! (I'm team shadow daddy, though I'm not sure that term is appropriate since he's only a few years older than Celeste.) It's not a trope that I typically encounter and I felt that it worked well within the main plot of the story. The dark academia vibes were also well done. It didn't take long before I felt a little Hogwarts nostalgia. Elemental powers in this world don't manifest until early adulthood, so I pictured more of a magical grad school. The story is reminiscent of a YA high school setting though, so it's sure to be enjoyable by many.
One thing I wished there was more of was deeper moments of growth for Celeste. A lot of her training, learning, scheming, etc. is done away from the reader. You'll get many moments where Celeste lists off all the things she's done to get to the present, so when she's suddenly really strong and more in control of her powers it feels a little out of place. This also made the pacing feel inconsistent at times.
That being said, this book ends on a cliff hanger and book two seems like it's going to start out strong! I am invested to see what comes next. Thank you to the author and her team for providing me with an early copy.
My rating for Shadowmire is 3.5 stars (rounding up to 4). I enjoyed learning about elemental fusion and getting to see how it has shaped Celeste's life. The love triangle was fun too! (I'm team shadow daddy, though I'm not sure that term is appropriate since he's only a few years older than Celeste.) It's not a trope that I typically encounter and I felt that it worked well within the main plot of the story. The dark academia vibes were also well done. It didn't take long before I felt a little Hogwarts nostalgia. Elemental powers in this world don't manifest until early adulthood, so I pictured more of a magical grad school. The story is reminiscent of a YA high school setting though, so it's sure to be enjoyable by many.
One thing I wished there was more of was deeper moments of growth for Celeste. A lot of her training, learning, scheming, etc. is done away from the reader. You'll get many moments where Celeste lists off all the things she's done to get to the present, so when she's suddenly really strong and more in control of her powers it feels a little out of place. This also made the pacing feel inconsistent at times.
That being said, this book ends on a cliff hanger and book two seems like it's going to start out strong! I am invested to see what comes next. Thank you to the author and her team for providing me with an early copy.
June 11, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy Received from Author
Woah, talk about bingeable! I finished this book so fast (and I really wish I hadn’t because I want more) 🫠
This one is so fun! Honestly, just a really good time. Now, I’m not saying it’s without depth or heartache, there is plenty of that as well BUT this book is just SUCH A VIBE. So obsessed 😍 Thank you @reaghanquinn for letting me be on your ARC team, I will be impatiently waiting on the next!
We have a badass (if a somewhat untrained FMC) and two swoon-worthy MMCs. There is so much yearning and unrequited (or is there?) feelings, misinformation, hidden identity and a whole lot of stubbornness to go around. Throw in a magical school (I’m a sucker for academic setting) and obviously, I ate it up.
Just trust me and put it on your TBR, you won’t regret it!
June 25, 2026
I received an ARC of Shadowmire from the author and here are my thoughts:
If this book doesn’t become the next big viral book I will fall on my sword. This book is a FORCE. I was hooked from page 1. I truly can’t believe it was the author’s debut novel because it was exceptional from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and Direbound, you absolutely need to read this book. It takes all the parts of those series that I loved and turns it into something new and exciting. A magical grad school with elemental magic and a government service system? Sign me up. Potions classes? Yes. Impeccable spicy scenes? Absolutely. I love spicy scenes in books but let me tell you I wasn’t even LOOKING FOR THEM. The magic! The characters! The MYSTERYYYYY!!! This story is INCREDIBLE and I want to scream it from the rooftops. INFINITY DAMN STARS.
If this book doesn’t become the next big viral book I will fall on my sword. This book is a FORCE. I was hooked from page 1. I truly can’t believe it was the author’s debut novel because it was exceptional from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and Direbound, you absolutely need to read this book. It takes all the parts of those series that I loved and turns it into something new and exciting. A magical grad school with elemental magic and a government service system? Sign me up. Potions classes? Yes. Impeccable spicy scenes? Absolutely. I love spicy scenes in books but let me tell you I wasn’t even LOOKING FOR THEM. The magic! The characters! The MYSTERYYYYY!!! This story is INCREDIBLE and I want to scream it from the rooftops. INFINITY DAMN STARS.
May 18, 2026
Harry Potter meets Zodiac Academy and Fourth Wing
“She tries to stay invisible. To bury the magick rising beneath her skin. But power like hers doesn’t stay hidden”
I absolutely loved this one. The characters. The plot. The unique magic. The twists at the end. I could not wait to see what happened next. And the end makes you excited to see where the series will go next.
Academy setting
Love triangle
Found family
Secrets revealed
Definitely add this to your TBR!
“She tries to stay invisible. To bury the magick rising beneath her skin. But power like hers doesn’t stay hidden”
I absolutely loved this one. The characters. The plot. The unique magic. The twists at the end. I could not wait to see what happened next. And the end makes you excited to see where the series will go next.
Academy setting
Love triangle
Found family
Secrets revealed
Definitely add this to your TBR!
July 10, 2026
This ARC was gifted to me by the author: all opinions are my own
I NEED BOOK TWO NOW 😡
🔥 Elemental Magic
✒️ Dark Acadamia
🌊 Power discovery
💗 Love triangle
Even if this book follows quite popular tropes, the story in unlike anything I have read. The magic system is well established and interesting. The founding families storyline added a bit of a "political" aspect and mystery. I could hardly put the book down!
Reaghan is a very descriptive author but doesn't overdue it: the worldbuilding is great. It's just enough to discover her universe without feeling lost. I feel like the story is more focused on the progression of the plot rather than twists: I saw a lot of them coming (THAT LAST PAGE 😧)
Noa is a fun, flirty and supportive boyfriend. Gavrail is mysterious, dangerous and has some deep history with her. I'm leaning toward team Gavrail for the romance aspect but I want to see more .
I appreciated the absence of petty drama and that the MMC were not that jealous.
I will absolutely read the next book! I can't wait for . Do we think the next book will be called Maelflare?? If not, please ignore my guess 🤣
I NEED BOOK TWO NOW 😡
🔥 Elemental Magic
✒️ Dark Acadamia
🌊 Power discovery
💗 Love triangle
Even if this book follows quite popular tropes, the story in unlike anything I have read. The magic system is well established and interesting. The founding families storyline added a bit of a "political" aspect and mystery. I could hardly put the book down!
Reaghan is a very descriptive author but doesn't overdue it: the worldbuilding is great. It's just enough to discover her universe without feeling lost. I feel like the story is more focused on the progression of the plot rather than twists: I saw a lot of them coming (THAT LAST PAGE 😧)
Noa is a fun, flirty and supportive boyfriend. Gavrail is mysterious, dangerous and has some deep history with her. I'm leaning toward team Gavrail for the romance aspect but I want to see more .
I appreciated the absence of petty drama and that the MMC were not that jealous.
I will absolutely read the next book! I can't wait for . Do we think the next book will be called Maelflare?? If not, please ignore my guess 🤣
May 10, 2026
****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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
I absolutely loved this Dark Academia Romantasy! It gave us everything you could ask for from love triangles and elemental magic to rival schools and the spice🌶️ I loved the world building by Reaghan Quinn and the characters she created pulled me in from the start! I loved Celeste’s journey and watching her grow into her power! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for book two to find out what happens next! I highly recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of Dark Academia Romantasy! 5/5⭐️
June 19, 2026
Omggggggggg 😩😩😩😩😩 I NEED BOOK TWO LIKE YESTERDAYYYY!! This was an ARC from book sirens and To say this was a masterpiece would be an insult! I am obsessed this had fourth wing vibes mixed with zodiac academy vibes mixed with Harry Potter and throw in a love triangle that has you falling in love with both MMCs! I think this is my number one fantasy read of 2026 I don’t see how anything can top it.
If you love a magic academy, a love triangle where one is her first love who she thought might be dead and the other is her second love, you love elemental magic, and so much plot with a dash of good spice this is the book!
I am going to be recommending this to all my book besties! I’m not gonna get over this I need book 2, please Reaghan get us book two ASAP! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
If you love a magic academy, a love triangle where one is her first love who she thought might be dead and the other is her second love, you love elemental magic, and so much plot with a dash of good spice this is the book!
I am going to be recommending this to all my book besties! I’m not gonna get over this I need book 2, please Reaghan get us book two ASAP! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
July 1, 2026
I absolutely love the world building/academy setting for this book and i was sucked in immediately with how well the story was written and characters described.
For me the personally the best Romantasy/fantasy books are easy to read and this falls into that category.
I enjoyed the descriptive writing style from this author, made every scene easily imagined and vivid in my mind plus the little excerpts from Old Magick books at the start of each chapter giving a glimpse into whats to come was a fun touch.
I devoured this book, The FMC is coming into her own, finally using her powers plus i was waiting impatiently for Gavrail to appear again and the entrance did not disappoint (chapter 22? 😩).
The twists and turns in this amazing book were the best I’ve read in a long time, I also love both men in the love triangle so its no wonder our fmc did 😬 i’m desperate to read more,Please tell me book 2 is imminent? This author ate and left no crumbs 😍
For me the personally the best Romantasy/fantasy books are easy to read and this falls into that category.
I enjoyed the descriptive writing style from this author, made every scene easily imagined and vivid in my mind plus the little excerpts from Old Magick books at the start of each chapter giving a glimpse into whats to come was a fun touch.
I devoured this book, The FMC is coming into her own, finally using her powers plus i was waiting impatiently for Gavrail to appear again and the entrance did not disappoint (chapter 22? 😩).
The twists and turns in this amazing book were the best I’ve read in a long time, I also love both men in the love triangle so its no wonder our fmc did 😬 i’m desperate to read more,Please tell me book 2 is imminent? This author ate and left no crumbs 😍
April 26, 2026
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!!
July 3, 2026
6-Star Read!!
This book is officially my new obsession! And can we talk about this love triangle? Hands down my favourite one to date. Give me Noa, give me Gavriel, throw in our FMC Celeste, and you've got the perfect combination.
This somehow delivers both a fast burn and a slow burn, and it works so well. I absolutely loved the childhood friends to more romance, paired with the unexpected summer romance involving her best friend's brother. It was the perfect balance of comfort, tension, and longing.
One of my favourite settings is academia, so this book was already speaking my language. Set at an elemental magic academy, students learn to master the element they've been born with, all while unknowingly being trained as potential weapons for a war that may be on the horizon. It adds such an intriguing layer to the story and kept me completely invested.
The concept of elemental fusion honestly made my heart flutter. I loved that both Gavriel and Celeste's fusion and Noa and Celeste's fusion each have their own unique names. It made their connections feel so special and unforgettable. Watching them create something so incredibly rare, something that should almost be impossible, felt magical. Yet for them, it comes so naturally because it's built on complete trust, understanding, and an undeniable bond.
I'm completely obsessed with these characters and this world. I already need more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
July 5, 2026Started out amazing but unfortunately the romantic element of this was so rushed that there was no time for build up, spice in chapter 6. It was like I blinked and bam they were together.
It is a very cool world and the elemental magic is very well thought out. Normally I would try to push through but since the romance is more front and center I could not stand the set up and what the love triangle be like near the end.
It is a very cool world and the elemental magic is very well thought out. Normally I would try to push through but since the romance is more front and center I could not stand the set up and what the love triangle be like near the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an advanced copy for honest review
Holy sh@t... what did I just read?! This has got to be one of the best ARCs I've read this year. It was dark, exciting, addictive, and I could not get enough. It had great pace, fantastic emotional depth, and perfect character development.
Excuse me, that love triangle!!!! | thought I was going to pass out. If you love dark academia, elemental magic, why-choose romance, found family, and a fierce FMC and an MMC with enough emotional baggage to sink the Titanic, then you need to pick this up immediately!! Like today.
Reaghan... what have you done to me?!
I'm going to need book two like yesterday because I am absolutely not okay after that ending!
Holy sh@t... what did I just read?! This has got to be one of the best ARCs I've read this year. It was dark, exciting, addictive, and I could not get enough. It had great pace, fantastic emotional depth, and perfect character development.
Excuse me, that love triangle!!!! | thought I was going to pass out. If you love dark academia, elemental magic, why-choose romance, found family, and a fierce FMC and an MMC with enough emotional baggage to sink the Titanic, then you need to pick this up immediately!! Like today.
Reaghan... what have you done to me?!
I'm going to need book two like yesterday because I am absolutely not okay after that ending!
June 23, 2026
5⭐️ Thank you Books & Bloom PR & the Author for my ARC. The opinions below are my own.
This one’s for all us first generation Harry Potter fans that always wished we could enroll in a Magick university but make it darker & sexier! I love the author’s choice to make the characters in their mid 20s - immediately made the book more relatable. This is a love triangle done right between Celeste, Noa and Garvail. I love that the school centered on student with unique gifts wielding elements of water, wind, fire and earth. I really enjoyed the duels and how the author took us through a full year at the university. The realistic details of each season @ the university.. that special care to the little details really stuck out to me. I knew there was going to be some betrayal & some villain but the epilogue surprised me. Gosh I need Book 2 right now!!! This book is going to do so well I can’t wait to see all the positive reviews! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This one’s for all us first generation Harry Potter fans that always wished we could enroll in a Magick university but make it darker & sexier! I love the author’s choice to make the characters in their mid 20s - immediately made the book more relatable. This is a love triangle done right between Celeste, Noa and Garvail. I love that the school centered on student with unique gifts wielding elements of water, wind, fire and earth. I really enjoyed the duels and how the author took us through a full year at the university. The realistic details of each season @ the university.. that special care to the little details really stuck out to me. I knew there was going to be some betrayal & some villain but the epilogue surprised me. Gosh I need Book 2 right now!!! This book is going to do so well I can’t wait to see all the positive reviews! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
August 10, 2026
A must read dark romantasy with HP vibes
I am blown away by this debut. Growing up obsessed with Harry Potter made reading this dark academia romantasy feel so nostalgic, but also fresh and exciting with the different magic system.
I loved the intense cross-academy duels, the depth that went into making the classes really come to life and immerse you in their world, the love triangle that makes you question everything at all times, and the way the characters hook you.
The way this delivers the longing and yearning, will they/won’t they, tension of a slow burn mixed with the intensity and spice that usually comes later was so fun. It really was the best of both worlds. At one point I was wholeheartedly hoping the love triangle would just become a throuple😅 I couldn’t tell which of the MMCs I was rooting for anymore, so I was like… can this be a why choose moment?! I loved them both, and I feel like that’s a testament to the skill of the author. It is such a great read!
I was honestly shocked by how emotional I got over the ending for what actually happened 😂 I don’t often cry when reading books, but Shadowmire snuck in and squeezed my heart. I grew really attached to the FMC and both MMCs, so my heart ached for them all and everything they’ve gone through… and will go through, based on what that epilogue hinted toward for book two. I already can’t wait to read it!
I am blown away by this debut. Growing up obsessed with Harry Potter made reading this dark academia romantasy feel so nostalgic, but also fresh and exciting with the different magic system.
I loved the intense cross-academy duels, the depth that went into making the classes really come to life and immerse you in their world, the love triangle that makes you question everything at all times, and the way the characters hook you.
The way this delivers the longing and yearning, will they/won’t they, tension of a slow burn mixed with the intensity and spice that usually comes later was so fun. It really was the best of both worlds. At one point I was wholeheartedly hoping the love triangle would just become a throuple😅 I couldn’t tell which of the MMCs I was rooting for anymore, so I was like… can this be a why choose moment?! I loved them both, and I feel like that’s a testament to the skill of the author. It is such a great read!
I was honestly shocked by how emotional I got over the ending for what actually happened 😂 I don’t often cry when reading books, but Shadowmire snuck in and squeezed my heart. I grew really attached to the FMC and both MMCs, so my heart ached for them all and everything they’ve gone through… and will go through, based on what that epilogue hinted toward for book two. I already can’t wait to read it!
August 12, 2026
Gripping, agonizing, enjoyable adventure
5 stars plus!
I wasn’t supposed to read this book today. I was going to wait for the audiobook, happened to see that it was available in Kindle Unlimited, and decided to give two or three chapters a try.
24 hours later, I am done with the entire book and I am absolutely obsessed with this book and what is to come.
The plot is extremely well crafted, the story perfectly executed. Reaghan Quinn had me by the throat within the first page. Each of the subplots - who/what is Celeste, the love triangle, and the death mystery had me by the throat the entire time.
There’s writing is poetic without being heavy, the language is conversational and easily consumed, and the magic system is fascinating enough to draw you in but not trying to do too much so as to overwhelm you with overwrought mechanics.
There is a good amount of spice, a slow burn, the most gripping intrigue and mystery, and plot twists! I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone who is looking for a very fun, high-octane read.
Anxiously awaiting the audiobook and the sequel!
5 stars plus!
I wasn’t supposed to read this book today. I was going to wait for the audiobook, happened to see that it was available in Kindle Unlimited, and decided to give two or three chapters a try.
24 hours later, I am done with the entire book and I am absolutely obsessed with this book and what is to come.
The plot is extremely well crafted, the story perfectly executed. Reaghan Quinn had me by the throat within the first page. Each of the subplots - who/what is Celeste, the love triangle, and the death mystery had me by the throat the entire time.
There’s writing is poetic without being heavy, the language is conversational and easily consumed, and the magic system is fascinating enough to draw you in but not trying to do too much so as to overwhelm you with overwrought mechanics.
There is a good amount of spice, a slow burn, the most gripping intrigue and mystery, and plot twists! I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone who is looking for a very fun, high-octane read.
Anxiously awaiting the audiobook and the sequel!
June 28, 2026
“Because how do I explain that I don’t even know what I truly am? That magick isn’t just a secret—it’s a fracture line inside me.”
✨ Dark academia
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Magic academy
✨ Love triangle
✨ Legacy & secrets
I really enjoyed this one. I love a dark academia setting, and this ticked a lot of the boxes for me. Between the academy, elemental magic, and the mystery surrounding Celeste’s past, I found it really easy to settle into the world.
One of my favourite parts was watching Celeste learn about her abilities and slowly uncover the truth about who she is. Her journey felt like the heart of the story, and I was far more invested in her growth than anything else.
“How do you trust the thing you’ve always been warned might destroy you?”
The magic system was a standout for me. I loved the elemental powers, the training, and seeing Celeste slowly become more confident in her own strength as the story progressed.
The romance didn’t land quite as strongly for me. While the love triangle is a big part of the story, I found myself much more invested in the academy, the magic, and the mystery surrounding Celeste’s bloodline.
“But the thing about hope is—it hurts just as much as heartbreak when you’ve been holding it too long.”
The world has plenty of secrets to uncover, and each new revelation kept me wanting to know more about the history behind the different bloodlines and where the series is heading next.
I did think the main conflict wrapped up a little quicker than I expected, but it very much feels like the beginning of something much bigger rather than the end of the story.
“I turn the thought over and over, torn between truth and safety and protection, hope and trust, and something deeper, something I can’t name but feels ingrained into my very bones. Because secrets are heavy. They cost you. And once spoken, they can’t be unspoken.”
Overall, this was a fun start to the series, especially if you enjoy dark academia, elemental magic, hidden identities, and watching a character grow into powers they don’t yet understand.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
✨ Dark academia
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Magic academy
✨ Love triangle
✨ Legacy & secrets
I really enjoyed this one. I love a dark academia setting, and this ticked a lot of the boxes for me. Between the academy, elemental magic, and the mystery surrounding Celeste’s past, I found it really easy to settle into the world.
One of my favourite parts was watching Celeste learn about her abilities and slowly uncover the truth about who she is. Her journey felt like the heart of the story, and I was far more invested in her growth than anything else.
“How do you trust the thing you’ve always been warned might destroy you?”
The magic system was a standout for me. I loved the elemental powers, the training, and seeing Celeste slowly become more confident in her own strength as the story progressed.
The romance didn’t land quite as strongly for me. While the love triangle is a big part of the story, I found myself much more invested in the academy, the magic, and the mystery surrounding Celeste’s bloodline.
“But the thing about hope is—it hurts just as much as heartbreak when you’ve been holding it too long.”
The world has plenty of secrets to uncover, and each new revelation kept me wanting to know more about the history behind the different bloodlines and where the series is heading next.
I did think the main conflict wrapped up a little quicker than I expected, but it very much feels like the beginning of something much bigger rather than the end of the story.
“I turn the thought over and over, torn between truth and safety and protection, hope and trust, and something deeper, something I can’t name but feels ingrained into my very bones. Because secrets are heavy. They cost you. And once spoken, they can’t be unspoken.”
Overall, this was a fun start to the series, especially if you enjoy dark academia, elemental magic, hidden identities, and watching a character grow into powers they don’t yet understand.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
July 1, 2026
4.5⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
I absolutely devoured this book!!
Fire Daddy and a Shadow Daddy?? Don't make me choose because I can't.
The dark academia setting, unique elemental magic, hidden powers, family secrets, and found family completely hooked me. Not to mention the banter & tension.
This follows Celeste as she navigates her first year at Whittaker School of Magick. Watching her slowly uncover the truth about her family, grow into her powers, and gain confidence in herself was incredibly satisfying. The lore surrounding her family and the mysteries throughout kept me from putting this down.
And the love triangle? One of the best I've read. Noa is our emotionally mature Fire Daddy, who is communicative and knows exactly what he wants. Then we have Gavrail, the protective, brooding Shadow Daddy and her first love. For once, there isn't an obvious choice—and I genuinely have no idea who I'm rooting for.
This was face paced, the world-building was immersive, the twists shocked me, the emotional damage was real, and that ending left me desperate for the next book.
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Book 1 / Romantasy Series
➳❥ Dark Academia
➳❥ Love Triangle
➳❥ Elemental Magic
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Hidden Powers
➳❥ Fire Daddy & Shadow Daddy
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽t𝓮𝓼
“His magick is as deadly as his looks are sinful.”
“Even if this life keeps us apart, then let the next one bring us back together. Because you are the ending to every story I know.”
“Beneath the smile is something far more dangerous. Something burning. And damn if I don't want to burn right along with him.”
“His eyes are still on me-part predator, part promise, one hundred percent lethal.”
“If you wanted me on my knees, Celeste, you could have just asked. You and I both know I'm perfectly comfortable in that position when it comes to you.”
“You could drown the stars and wipe the sky clean... and I'd still find you. Still love you. Even in the dark.”
“Wanting her has always been the most dangerous thing about me.”
July 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author
Okay, so here’s the thing. Magical academies are kind of my weakness. Zodiac Academy, Blood and Betrayals, Nocticadia- ate them all right up. Now this means that I’m a little bit picky when it comes to a book being set in a magical academy… and when I tell you Whittaker was so well written that I felt like I was a student there myself, I’m not exaggerating even a little.
The elemental magic in this book was perfection! It was a unique system in the sense that there are eight elements including wood and metal. I’ve heard from a little birdie that these elements come into even bigger play in books two and three.
And finally, the love triangle…. Why this couldn’t be a why choose is beyond me, because I literally can’t choose. The thought of having to choose between Noa and Gavrial is pure torture. But I completely trust Reaghan to make the right choice for both Celeste and for us readers.
I’ll wrap this up by saying that I’ll be over here, sitting on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next book in this series that has worked its way deep into my heart.
Okay, so here’s the thing. Magical academies are kind of my weakness. Zodiac Academy, Blood and Betrayals, Nocticadia- ate them all right up. Now this means that I’m a little bit picky when it comes to a book being set in a magical academy… and when I tell you Whittaker was so well written that I felt like I was a student there myself, I’m not exaggerating even a little.
The elemental magic in this book was perfection! It was a unique system in the sense that there are eight elements including wood and metal. I’ve heard from a little birdie that these elements come into even bigger play in books two and three.
And finally, the love triangle…. Why this couldn’t be a why choose is beyond me, because I literally can’t choose. The thought of having to choose between Noa and Gavrial is pure torture. But I completely trust Reaghan to make the right choice for both Celeste and for us readers.
I’ll wrap this up by saying that I’ll be over here, sitting on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next book in this series that has worked its way deep into my heart.
July 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Wow this is definitely in my top three books of the year!!! We're kind of thrust into this magical world alongside our FMC, Celeste, so we learn with her about the politics and magic system of the world together. I'm usually love triangle avoidant and stick with why choose, but dear Lord these boys have me on the edge of my seat. Noa is charming, handsome, and the golden boy of the school (very star quarterback vibes lol). Gavrail is dark, mysterious, powerful, and also has a history with Celeste. I would usually just say porque no los dos but I definitely have a favorite that I want her to end up with . While the romance is important to the story, the overall plot was super interesting. I loved the dark academia setting of this story, while also getting the outside political world building through the lenses of students from different schools being educated by institutions overseen by their respective governments/militaries. The cliffhanger in this book is insane and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Wow this is definitely in my top three books of the year!!! We're kind of thrust into this magical world alongside our FMC, Celeste, so we learn with her about the politics and magic system of the world together. I'm usually love triangle avoidant and stick with why choose, but dear Lord these boys have me on the edge of my seat. Noa is charming, handsome, and the golden boy of the school (very star quarterback vibes lol). Gavrail is dark, mysterious, powerful, and also has a history with Celeste. I would usually just say porque no los dos but I definitely have a favorite that I want her to end up with . While the romance is important to the story, the overall plot was super interesting. I loved the dark academia setting of this story, while also getting the outside political world building through the lenses of students from different schools being educated by institutions overseen by their respective governments/militaries. The cliffhanger in this book is insane and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!!
June 24, 2026
I’m actually obsessed.
Shadowmire is a dark academia romantasy that follows Celeste Farris. After her father passes, she is accepted into Whittaker School of Magick to learn to wield her elemental abilities, but as she spends more time learning, the more she realizes everything is not as it seems.
I absolutely devoured all 438 pages of this book. Reaghan Quinn’s world building was phenomenal and the characters were so relatable and enticing (Gavriel was definitely my favorite though). I need the second book immediately!!!!
Shadowmire is a dark academia romantasy that follows Celeste Farris. After her father passes, she is accepted into Whittaker School of Magick to learn to wield her elemental abilities, but as she spends more time learning, the more she realizes everything is not as it seems.
I absolutely devoured all 438 pages of this book. Reaghan Quinn’s world building was phenomenal and the characters were so relatable and enticing (Gavriel was definitely my favorite though). I need the second book immediately!!!!
July 1, 2026
I can't recommend this highly enough!
Whatever that indecipherable something which turns a really good book into a great one is evident in Shadowmire from the first chapter. With the final page I feel as I did finishing the first Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. This has the same excellence of both story and craft. I would love to see this become a film. The world building lets you feel as if you are there alongside the characters. I can't recommend this highly enough!
Whatever that indecipherable something which turns a really good book into a great one is evident in Shadowmire from the first chapter. With the final page I feel as I did finishing the first Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. This has the same excellence of both story and craft. I would love to see this become a film. The world building lets you feel as if you are there alongside the characters. I can't recommend this highly enough!
August 10, 2026
Rating: 4.75 ⭐
✨THE SPOILER-FREE PORTION ✨
Oh my goodness, this was such a FUN read.
Full origin story: I only heard about this because someone I follow on Instagram was on the street team for the release and would NOT stop raving about it. And listen, I am currently deep in a dark academia obsession, mostly as a coping mechanism while I slowly melt in the summer heat and beg the universe to fast-forward to autumn. So this landed at the perfect moment. I devoured it. Read the whole thing in a single day this weekend. No regrets, minor sleep debt.
On paper, I'll be honest, it can sound a little copy-paste: elemental magic, a hidden/secret identity, a suspicious death nobody's asking the right questions about, an academy for magic. But it is anything BUT. Reaghan Quinn takes these fairly standard tropes and weaves them together so masterfully that the whole thing feels fresh and genuinely engaging. And as a lifelong Harry Potter nerd, I was delighted by how many little references made it clear she's a potterhead from way back, hello Goblet of Fire, hello Hogsmeade. It scratched an itch I didn't know still needed scratching.
I'll also admit: I got nervous when I realized it was a love triangle. I usually claim I'm not a fan, though honestly, authors have been writing them so much better lately that I may need to retire that whole stance. Because Quinn balances this one beautifully. It's genuinely agonizing in the best way, the kind where you find yourself wanting her to just... pick both of them (a girl can manifest a why-choose future, okay).
The magic system is really cool too, I loved how creatively she plays with the qualities of each element and lets the wielding evolve. And, good sir, the SPICE was spicin'. Consider yourself informed.
Overall? I had an absolute blast, loved every second, and I am now sitting here waiting for book two. Patiently. I SWEAR. (We do not harass authors in this house.) Although, Reaghan, purely hypothetically, if you happened to want to send me your draft of book two, I would be more than happy to get started on it. Completely selfless offer. Just doing my part.
⋆✨SPOILER ZONE — TURN BACK IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED ✨
❗ Seriously. Leave if you haven't finished. ❗
The corkboard is up and the string is EVERYWHERE. Let's go.
That epilogue? I CALLED IT. The way the general looked at her during that fancy dinner, sir, that is not a normal dinner-guest look. That is a big-bad-in-waiting look. I clocked it immediately and the epilogue vindicated me. (Vindication tastes incredible, thank you for asking.)
I'm genuinely nervous for Noa next book. Specifically because of General Vaylor, that whole situation has me on edge, and my gut is rarely wrong about these things. Protect him.
Gavrail and his father. Here's the dark one: is Gavrail going to have to KILL his own father to protect her? Because the setup is pointing that way and, eek. Ouch. That's the kind of impossible-choice devastation this series seems fully willing to inflict.
Speaking of his family, that mysterious mother. I NEED to know more about her. And Madame Romari, is she some kind of prophecy figure? Because it is driving me up a wall that Celeste isn't grilling this woman for information. Ma'am. She KNOWS THINGS. Sit her down. Take notes. Do not let her leave the room.
Random paranoid theory: is Barrows bad? I get deeply suspicious whenever a professor is described as kind, that's usually the setup for a betrayal. OR, plot twist, maybe it's the opposite and he KNOWS things and is going to help them, possibly even sacrifice himself for them. Either way, my spidey senses are tingling about that man. Something is cooking with Barrows, mark my words.
And the big one, real talk: who does she end up with? Here's my read, with all those gravity references sprinkled throughout, I think it's Gavrail in the end. That said, I wouldn't be shocked if book two leans into Gavrail and explores that fully, and THEN leaves her needing to choose. Unless... could we get a why-choose? And listen. I'm not saying I'd be opposed to that outcome. I'm just saying I would not be mad about it. Just putting it out into the universe. No pressure, Reaghan. (Some pressure.)
✨THE SPOILER-FREE PORTION ✨
Oh my goodness, this was such a FUN read.
Full origin story: I only heard about this because someone I follow on Instagram was on the street team for the release and would NOT stop raving about it. And listen, I am currently deep in a dark academia obsession, mostly as a coping mechanism while I slowly melt in the summer heat and beg the universe to fast-forward to autumn. So this landed at the perfect moment. I devoured it. Read the whole thing in a single day this weekend. No regrets, minor sleep debt.
On paper, I'll be honest, it can sound a little copy-paste: elemental magic, a hidden/secret identity, a suspicious death nobody's asking the right questions about, an academy for magic. But it is anything BUT. Reaghan Quinn takes these fairly standard tropes and weaves them together so masterfully that the whole thing feels fresh and genuinely engaging. And as a lifelong Harry Potter nerd, I was delighted by how many little references made it clear she's a potterhead from way back, hello Goblet of Fire, hello Hogsmeade. It scratched an itch I didn't know still needed scratching.
I'll also admit: I got nervous when I realized it was a love triangle. I usually claim I'm not a fan, though honestly, authors have been writing them so much better lately that I may need to retire that whole stance. Because Quinn balances this one beautifully. It's genuinely agonizing in the best way, the kind where you find yourself wanting her to just... pick both of them (a girl can manifest a why-choose future, okay).
The magic system is really cool too, I loved how creatively she plays with the qualities of each element and lets the wielding evolve. And, good sir, the SPICE was spicin'. Consider yourself informed.
Overall? I had an absolute blast, loved every second, and I am now sitting here waiting for book two. Patiently. I SWEAR. (We do not harass authors in this house.) Although, Reaghan, purely hypothetically, if you happened to want to send me your draft of book two, I would be more than happy to get started on it. Completely selfless offer. Just doing my part.
⋆✨SPOILER ZONE — TURN BACK IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED ✨
❗ Seriously. Leave if you haven't finished. ❗
The corkboard is up and the string is EVERYWHERE. Let's go.
That epilogue? I CALLED IT. The way the general looked at her during that fancy dinner, sir, that is not a normal dinner-guest look. That is a big-bad-in-waiting look. I clocked it immediately and the epilogue vindicated me. (Vindication tastes incredible, thank you for asking.)
I'm genuinely nervous for Noa next book. Specifically because of General Vaylor, that whole situation has me on edge, and my gut is rarely wrong about these things. Protect him.
Gavrail and his father. Here's the dark one: is Gavrail going to have to KILL his own father to protect her? Because the setup is pointing that way and, eek. Ouch. That's the kind of impossible-choice devastation this series seems fully willing to inflict.
Speaking of his family, that mysterious mother. I NEED to know more about her. And Madame Romari, is she some kind of prophecy figure? Because it is driving me up a wall that Celeste isn't grilling this woman for information. Ma'am. She KNOWS THINGS. Sit her down. Take notes. Do not let her leave the room.
Random paranoid theory: is Barrows bad? I get deeply suspicious whenever a professor is described as kind, that's usually the setup for a betrayal. OR, plot twist, maybe it's the opposite and he KNOWS things and is going to help them, possibly even sacrifice himself for them. Either way, my spidey senses are tingling about that man. Something is cooking with Barrows, mark my words.
And the big one, real talk: who does she end up with? Here's my read, with all those gravity references sprinkled throughout, I think it's Gavrail in the end. That said, I wouldn't be shocked if book two leans into Gavrail and explores that fully, and THEN leaves her needing to choose. Unless... could we get a why-choose? And listen. I'm not saying I'd be opposed to that outcome. I'm just saying I would not be mad about it. Just putting it out into the universe. No pressure, Reaghan. (Some pressure.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2026
I don’t know how I came across this hidden treasure, but I’ll send my thanks out to the universe! I’m sure the words “academy book setting” are what hooked me in. The author’s enticing words kept me dangling on the line, and I’m “praying” she doesn’t gut me at the end of the series.
It’s a real possibility because not only is this a magical book, but we have a love triangle!!! The triangle isn’t even normal to an old lady like me. Hello, I’m from the Team Edward/Team Jacob era. I didn’t even know we were allowed to want both love interests! Is this legal in writing? I literally love them both, and I hope Celeste doesn’t have to choose between them! Are you listening to me, Raegan?
Noa’s words and actions will make you look cross-eyed at your significant other. Like, why aren’t you saying that kind of shit to me? 😂 Then you have Gavrail. We are literally talking night and day. Gavrail is the darkness that protects you from your worst fears. He might not be the sunshine Noa is, but he’s the stars in a storm. Both men can fight over me any day (just don’t tell my husband).
Now, let’s get to our FMC. I won’t lie, at first I thought, “Here we go again.” I assumed Celeste would be another whiny FMC or the too-perfect-and-powerful one. I’m happy to report she was neither. Don’t get me wrong, she is a badass, but she’s more like an everyday version of the reader. She knows things but was told to put that knowledge away. Now, she’s trying to rediscover who she really is.
My only complaint about this book is that I have a major book hangover, and the only cure is Book 2. The ending was definitely one of those, “WTF” moments! The kind where you’re turning pages looking for more, shaking your tablet (like that ever helped), and then you go to download the second book and realize Amazon is trying to be funny.
Like, what do you mean the second book isn’t out yet!!!
Don’t fret, my friends. The author has reassured me that Book 2 is done but is going through all the fun rounds of editing!
In the most long-winded way possible, I suggest you pick this book up!! I really loved it!
It’s a real possibility because not only is this a magical book, but we have a love triangle!!! The triangle isn’t even normal to an old lady like me. Hello, I’m from the Team Edward/Team Jacob era. I didn’t even know we were allowed to want both love interests! Is this legal in writing? I literally love them both, and I hope Celeste doesn’t have to choose between them! Are you listening to me, Raegan?
Noa’s words and actions will make you look cross-eyed at your significant other. Like, why aren’t you saying that kind of shit to me? 😂 Then you have Gavrail. We are literally talking night and day. Gavrail is the darkness that protects you from your worst fears. He might not be the sunshine Noa is, but he’s the stars in a storm. Both men can fight over me any day (just don’t tell my husband).
Now, let’s get to our FMC. I won’t lie, at first I thought, “Here we go again.” I assumed Celeste would be another whiny FMC or the too-perfect-and-powerful one. I’m happy to report she was neither. Don’t get me wrong, she is a badass, but she’s more like an everyday version of the reader. She knows things but was told to put that knowledge away. Now, she’s trying to rediscover who she really is.
My only complaint about this book is that I have a major book hangover, and the only cure is Book 2. The ending was definitely one of those, “WTF” moments! The kind where you’re turning pages looking for more, shaking your tablet (like that ever helped), and then you go to download the second book and realize Amazon is trying to be funny.
Like, what do you mean the second book isn’t out yet!!!
Don’t fret, my friends. The author has reassured me that Book 2 is done but is going through all the fun rounds of editing!
In the most long-winded way possible, I suggest you pick this book up!! I really loved it!
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