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CYNDICATE : SINS OF THE SHADOWS
595 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2026
About the author
Arianna Isabella
11 books41 followersArianna Isabella is an author of gothic and whimsical dark fiction whose work explores the tangled roots of betrayal, identity, and survival. Known for plot-driven narratives wrapped in gothic prose, her stories linger at the edge of the forbidden, where relationships unravel, power is never clean, and desire rarely comes without consequence.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 5, 2026
4.75
Full disclosure I am the author's PA and she is a dear friend, but I am always honest. I also received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now this book is for the readers who love an epic story filled with suspense, twists, secrets and constantly wondering who is friend or foe. It is for the readers who love detailed and lyrical passages that bring a dark atmosphere and setting to life. It won't be for everyone but those who stick it out will consume you.
Now this story is centered around Pym our FMC who is just trying to survive and really find her place in the world that makes her feel like she can't belong and that no one can be trusted and that was before she entered Hollyhock and she became an Unchosen. Once she entered Hollyhock she then had to content with being abandoned by the people closest to her that she was starting to trust in and become a target for everyone else in the school. Due to her past trauma and having to always protect her heart and fight for her survival she is a very strong FMC, and I really enjoyed her complexity. It was really amazing to read her taking every hit and coming out maybe damaged but not broken and filled with more fire towards her goal.
Now this book has some steam with Pym having not just 1 encounter but several encounters with both men and women but this is not a romance or even a love story. So don't expect a HAE because remember sometimes it the people closest to you that hurt and betray you the most.
There are a lot of characters in this book and group that it can be overwhelming at times. Even though we don't always get their point of views it can be a little hard trying to keep track of all the people and how they came to be a part of the group and what their part of the story is. But each person did add another layer to the story that made it compelling.
In the end this was a dark, thrilling tale with a heartbreaking twist at the end that makes me curious where the story is going to go.
-----
In the Dark world of Orbis Pym is a name whisper in fear and admiration. It is with the bodies she has left that she draws the attention of Hollyhock an elite academy with a lot of secrets. Upon receiving an invitation starts off a set of trials where she must work with others on a list of targets to prove their worth to gain final entry. These trials form an unbreakable bond or so she thought because once she the people she started to believe in, and trust seem to have abandoned her once they made their way on to the school grounds after initiation. Seems they like the factions on campus no longer have use for her especially since she is unchosen. But that won't stop her from surviving and doing that by any means necessary even if it means uncovering all the secrets these halls have hidden.
Full disclosure I am the author's PA and she is a dear friend, but I am always honest. I also received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now this book is for the readers who love an epic story filled with suspense, twists, secrets and constantly wondering who is friend or foe. It is for the readers who love detailed and lyrical passages that bring a dark atmosphere and setting to life. It won't be for everyone but those who stick it out will consume you.
Now this story is centered around Pym our FMC who is just trying to survive and really find her place in the world that makes her feel like she can't belong and that no one can be trusted and that was before she entered Hollyhock and she became an Unchosen. Once she entered Hollyhock she then had to content with being abandoned by the people closest to her that she was starting to trust in and become a target for everyone else in the school. Due to her past trauma and having to always protect her heart and fight for her survival she is a very strong FMC, and I really enjoyed her complexity. It was really amazing to read her taking every hit and coming out maybe damaged but not broken and filled with more fire towards her goal.
Now this book has some steam with Pym having not just 1 encounter but several encounters with both men and women but this is not a romance or even a love story. So don't expect a HAE because remember sometimes it the people closest to you that hurt and betray you the most.
There are a lot of characters in this book and group that it can be overwhelming at times. Even though we don't always get their point of views it can be a little hard trying to keep track of all the people and how they came to be a part of the group and what their part of the story is. But each person did add another layer to the story that made it compelling.
In the end this was a dark, thrilling tale with a heartbreaking twist at the end that makes me curious where the story is going to go.
-----
In the Dark world of Orbis Pym is a name whisper in fear and admiration. It is with the bodies she has left that she draws the attention of Hollyhock an elite academy with a lot of secrets. Upon receiving an invitation starts off a set of trials where she must work with others on a list of targets to prove their worth to gain final entry. These trials form an unbreakable bond or so she thought because once she the people she started to believe in, and trust seem to have abandoned her once they made their way on to the school grounds after initiation. Seems they like the factions on campus no longer have use for her especially since she is unchosen. But that won't stop her from surviving and doing that by any means necessary even if it means uncovering all the secrets these halls have hidden.
Review of advance copy
CYNDICATE: Sins of the Shadows is a stunning debut from Arianna Isabella that delivers a dark, ruthless, and addictive dystopian world where survival comes at a cost and morality is a luxury few can afford.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Orbis—a society built on corruption, corporate control, and violence disguised as order. The worldbuilding is immersive and chilling, creating a setting where power is everything and humanity is often treated as expendable. Every page feels heavy with tension, secrets, and the constant threat of betrayal.
What truly sets this novel apart is Pym. She is not your typical heroine. She is sharp, dangerous, emotionally complex, and shaped by a past that refuses to stay buried. Watching her navigate Hollyhock University's deadly initiation process was both fascinating and heartbreaking. Pym is the kind of character who commands attention every time she appears on the page, balancing vulnerability with a darkness that makes her impossible to predict.
The atmosphere throughout the novel is intoxicating. Hollyhock University feels less like a school and more like a machine designed to create killers. The covert trials, blood-soaked challenges, and political maneuvering kept me constantly questioning who could be trusted. The stakes never stop escalating, and every revelation feels earned.
One of my favorite aspects of CYNDICATE is its exploration of power and identity. The story asks difficult questions about what happens when institutions weaponize people, and whether someone forged by violence can ever truly escape it. Pym's journey is brutal, compelling, and deeply emotional.
For a debut novel, Arianna Isabella demonstrates remarkable confidence in both her storytelling and worldbuilding. Fans of dark academia, dystopian fiction, morally gray characters, deadly trials, secret societies, and female protagonists who refuse to remain victims will absolutely devour this book.
CYNDICATE is dark, intelligent, and impossible to put down. Arianna Isabella has created a world that is as beautiful as it is terrifying, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
A must-read for fans of ruthless dystopian worlds, deadly institutions, and heroines who become monsters to survive.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Orbis—a society built on corruption, corporate control, and violence disguised as order. The worldbuilding is immersive and chilling, creating a setting where power is everything and humanity is often treated as expendable. Every page feels heavy with tension, secrets, and the constant threat of betrayal.
What truly sets this novel apart is Pym. She is not your typical heroine. She is sharp, dangerous, emotionally complex, and shaped by a past that refuses to stay buried. Watching her navigate Hollyhock University's deadly initiation process was both fascinating and heartbreaking. Pym is the kind of character who commands attention every time she appears on the page, balancing vulnerability with a darkness that makes her impossible to predict.
The atmosphere throughout the novel is intoxicating. Hollyhock University feels less like a school and more like a machine designed to create killers. The covert trials, blood-soaked challenges, and political maneuvering kept me constantly questioning who could be trusted. The stakes never stop escalating, and every revelation feels earned.
One of my favorite aspects of CYNDICATE is its exploration of power and identity. The story asks difficult questions about what happens when institutions weaponize people, and whether someone forged by violence can ever truly escape it. Pym's journey is brutal, compelling, and deeply emotional.
For a debut novel, Arianna Isabella demonstrates remarkable confidence in both her storytelling and worldbuilding. Fans of dark academia, dystopian fiction, morally gray characters, deadly trials, secret societies, and female protagonists who refuse to remain victims will absolutely devour this book.
CYNDICATE is dark, intelligent, and impossible to put down. Arianna Isabella has created a world that is as beautiful as it is terrifying, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
A must-read for fans of ruthless dystopian worlds, deadly institutions, and heroines who become monsters to survive.
June 27, 2026
Y'all... this book is not for the weak. 😮💨
Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadows is the type of story that demands your attention from the very first page. You're dropped into a world where power is everything, nobody is safe, and every chapter feels like someone is either lying, plotting, or preparing to spill blood. If you blink, you'll probably miss something.
The standout for me was easily Pym. She's not the kind of FMC who needs saving—she walks into a room already feeling like the biggest threat in it. Watching her maneuver through Hollyhock while carrying the weight of her own past had me constantly wondering what she was going to do next.
I also loved that the relationships weren't simple. Nobody fits neatly into "good" or "bad," and every interaction had me questioning motives. The romance doesn't rush itself either. It builds... and builds... and when those little moments finally hit, they actually feel earned.
Now, I will say this isn't a quick binge read. The writing is very descriptive and layered, so I found myself reading slower than I normally do. I usually fly through books, but this one made me take my time. That's not necessarily a bad thing—it just wasn't my usual reading style.
Even though I wasn't able to finish before release day, I'm still intrigued by what I read. Between the assassin training, secret societies, betrayals, political games, and twists that keep you second-guessing everyone, I can definitely see why people are falling in love with this world.
If you like books that make you work for the payoff and enjoy piecing together every clue along the way, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadows is the type of story that demands your attention from the very first page. You're dropped into a world where power is everything, nobody is safe, and every chapter feels like someone is either lying, plotting, or preparing to spill blood. If you blink, you'll probably miss something.
The standout for me was easily Pym. She's not the kind of FMC who needs saving—she walks into a room already feeling like the biggest threat in it. Watching her maneuver through Hollyhock while carrying the weight of her own past had me constantly wondering what she was going to do next.
I also loved that the relationships weren't simple. Nobody fits neatly into "good" or "bad," and every interaction had me questioning motives. The romance doesn't rush itself either. It builds... and builds... and when those little moments finally hit, they actually feel earned.
Now, I will say this isn't a quick binge read. The writing is very descriptive and layered, so I found myself reading slower than I normally do. I usually fly through books, but this one made me take my time. That's not necessarily a bad thing—it just wasn't my usual reading style.
Even though I wasn't able to finish before release day, I'm still intrigued by what I read. Between the assassin training, secret societies, betrayals, political games, and twists that keep you second-guessing everyone, I can definitely see why people are falling in love with this world.
If you like books that make you work for the payoff and enjoy piecing together every clue along the way, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadow is the first book in the series, and if you love dark academia, why choose romance, and deadly assassin training, this one is worth checking out. There was a lot of world-building and setup in the beginning, but it did a great job laying the foundation for the story.
The FMC is an absolute badass mentally, emotionally, and physically. I loved that every relationship felt different, with unique dynamics between the characters that made the romance feel even more complicated. The aftercare moments were some of my favorites because they added depth and emotion to the relationships beyond the attraction.
The drama is messy, the betrayals hurt, the allies are often the people you least expect, and the romance is VERY complicated. Between the ancient secrets surrounding the institution, the nonstop action, mystery, and spice, I was constantly trying to figure out what was coming next. The twists kept me guessing the entire time. While it doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, it definitely isn’t a HEA either, and it leaves plenty of room for revenge, answers, and chaos in the next book.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this book before the official release date!!
The FMC is an absolute badass mentally, emotionally, and physically. I loved that every relationship felt different, with unique dynamics between the characters that made the romance feel even more complicated. The aftercare moments were some of my favorites because they added depth and emotion to the relationships beyond the attraction.
The drama is messy, the betrayals hurt, the allies are often the people you least expect, and the romance is VERY complicated. Between the ancient secrets surrounding the institution, the nonstop action, mystery, and spice, I was constantly trying to figure out what was coming next. The twists kept me guessing the entire time. While it doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, it definitely isn’t a HEA either, and it leaves plenty of room for revenge, answers, and chaos in the next book.
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to read this book before the official release date!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a dark academia fantasy!!!! Pym is THAT girl!!! The plot kept me engaged, the spice and slow burn tension was 🌶️🌶️🌶️, and I was invested enough to finish the book because I genuinely wanted to see how the story unfolded.
However, for me, the writing style was the biggest challenge. The prose is very ornate, almost purple, and layered with metaphors and imagery, which often made me focus on deciphering the language rather than becoming immersed in the story. Where I can normally devour a book in a day or two, this one took me two weeks because I couldn’t stay engaged. Again, this is a ME issue as I personally prefer prose that disappears into the background and lets the characters and plot take center stage.
Don’t get me wrong, the metaphors and imagery were beautifully written and readers who enjoy lush, atmospheric writing may appreciate this style much more than I did.
That said, it is a good read and I would certainly recommend to those enjoy that style of writing. My ⭐️⭐️⭐️ may be someone else’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
I received this book in advance from the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
However, for me, the writing style was the biggest challenge. The prose is very ornate, almost purple, and layered with metaphors and imagery, which often made me focus on deciphering the language rather than becoming immersed in the story. Where I can normally devour a book in a day or two, this one took me two weeks because I couldn’t stay engaged. Again, this is a ME issue as I personally prefer prose that disappears into the background and lets the characters and plot take center stage.
Don’t get me wrong, the metaphors and imagery were beautifully written and readers who enjoy lush, atmospheric writing may appreciate this style much more than I did.
That said, it is a good read and I would certainly recommend to those enjoy that style of writing. My ⭐️⭐️⭐️ may be someone else’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
I received this book in advance from the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 6, 2026
When I read the first version of this book, I thought wow, this couldn’t get better. But this version is even BETTER.
An assassin academy, why choose, gothic writing, lyrical atmospheric prose…. But the flow and the pacing is chefs kiss as well.
I KNEW THE ENDING & STILl cried AGAIN.
The author writing style just grips you.
& there is a bunch of characters but they are so different and fleshed out that it’s easy to keep up with!
Killian will always be one of my favorite book boyfriends ever.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
An assassin academy, why choose, gothic writing, lyrical atmospheric prose…. But the flow and the pacing is chefs kiss as well.
I KNEW THE ENDING & STILl cried AGAIN.
The author writing style just grips you.
& there is a bunch of characters but they are so different and fleshed out that it’s easy to keep up with!
Killian will always be one of my favorite book boyfriends ever.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Review of advance copy
I received Cyndicate: Sins Of The Shadows as an ARC read. It was written for the ones who love dark academia/dystopia worlds. I enjoyed the ride Author Arianna Isabella took me on as I read this book. Beautifully written, you won't want to put it down (I didnt!!!). My rating shows 4 stars only because I can't choose 4.5 stars.
June 27, 2026
I was engaged with the storyline and was hooked from page one till the very end. This was beautifully written and was a great read. I loved spice and tension in this book. I had a great time reading this.
July 3, 2026
A gripping debut with immersive dystopian worldbuilding, deadly trials, and a fierce, morally gray heroine. Pym is unforgettable, the twists kept me hooked, and the complicated relationships added real emotional depth. Dark, brutal, and packed with secrets, this leaves you eager for the next book.
Review of advance copy
Cyndicate: Sins of the Shadows By: Arianna Isabella. Wow this was a very good read , it immediately took me into story. I enjoyed it
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was very gripping! The world building was really engaging and mode I’m invested in Pym and the whole crew. Love them all.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews