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The Halls of the Vanished
A witch sealed her fate with blood, only to find two men determined to make her pay the cost.
Everyone thought Ivy Heartwell had gone mad when she refused to believe her best friend died last year at Arcania Academy. Despite irrefutable evidence found at the magical graduate school, one detail was overlooked: a scar from a reckless ritual, tying them to a dark secret.
When Ivy receives confirmation that her best friend’s alive within her own acceptance letter, she’s thrust into a world of mysterious magic and stalked around every corner. And worse? She’s caught at the scene of another crime with Ezra Thaler, the most arrogant yet handsome man she’s ever had the displeasure of meeting.
Ezra hates that he’s forced to do one last favor to secure his freedom, but he’ll do anything to escape his father. Even if that means keeping what happened to Ivy’s friend last year hidden. Except his ex-boyfriend, Silas Craine, is watching his every move while taking a dark interest in Ezra’s new relationship.
But when the dangerous power beneath the school is discovered, will their lies and secrets allow it to creep from the shadows?
Everyone thought Ivy Heartwell had gone mad when she refused to believe her best friend died last year at Arcania Academy. Despite irrefutable evidence found at the magical graduate school, one detail was overlooked: a scar from a reckless ritual, tying them to a dark secret.
When Ivy receives confirmation that her best friend’s alive within her own acceptance letter, she’s thrust into a world of mysterious magic and stalked around every corner. And worse? She’s caught at the scene of another crime with Ezra Thaler, the most arrogant yet handsome man she’s ever had the displeasure of meeting.
Ezra hates that he’s forced to do one last favor to secure his freedom, but he’ll do anything to escape his father. Even if that means keeping what happened to Ivy’s friend last year hidden. Except his ex-boyfriend, Silas Craine, is watching his every move while taking a dark interest in Ezra’s new relationship.
But when the dangerous power beneath the school is discovered, will their lies and secrets allow it to creep from the shadows?
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
Emilia D'Arcy
1 book17 followersEmilia D’Arcy is the author of one adult fantasy romance novel, The Halls of the Vanished, the first in a four book series. She fell in love with writing as a child when she couldn’t stop daydreaming of fantasy worlds and characters defying the odds. Outside of writing, Emilia can be found in New England, spending time with her loved ones and cats, reading, playing video games, and attempting to tend to her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 11, 2026
Reviewing advanced copy which I received from BookSirens (thank you!)
I really enjoyed this and loved the characters and their histories. The world building was a little confusing at times, so I would love to see that built on. There is a lot going on with multiple goals and storylines to resolve which kept me eagerly reading.
Overall I liked it; sign me up for the rest of the series!
I really enjoyed this and loved the characters and their histories. The world building was a little confusing at times, so I would love to see that built on. There is a lot going on with multiple goals and storylines to resolve which kept me eagerly reading.
Overall I liked it; sign me up for the rest of the series!
September 22, 2026
I am hooked on this this world. I really liked Ivy and those she gravitated to upon her arrival at Arcania Academy. She was such a devoted friend and was willing to risk everything to find out what happened to her best friend the previous year. She was dealt such a rough hand in life that I wished she could have attended as a regular student and enjoyed the experience she worked so hard to earn. Ezra was complicated and messy and absolutely everything. I found myself rooting for them despite knowing the crushing weight of those secrets between them made it seem impossible. I am still processing all that was uncovered at the end, and I am so excited to see where the story goes from here. I am ready to be back in this world.
September 14, 2026
Thank you author Emilia for this ARC!! I really enjoyed it! The story was easy to follow and it kept my attention with each discovery Ivy makes. I also enjoyed the depth the author gave Ivy and Ezra. We get to see beyond their actions and into their thoughts, fears, and motivations.
You should read this book if you like dark academia with slow burn romance and a sprinkle of magic. This story gave me a little zodiac academy and the tv show pretty little liars vibes.
I am looking forward to book 2 and hoping there will be a little more explanation of the magic system and world.
You should read this book if you like dark academia with slow burn romance and a sprinkle of magic. This story gave me a little zodiac academy and the tv show pretty little liars vibes.
I am looking forward to book 2 and hoping there will be a little more explanation of the magic system and world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
Review of advanced copy received from author. All views are entirely my own and have not been influenced by others.
Tropes:
Academy setting
Mystery/ disappearances
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Magical bond
Dual POV- FMC/MMC
The story starts some years in the past with a blood pact between two teenage friends. Fast forward 12 years and our FMC, Ivy, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her best friend and the rejection from her favoured college a year previously. Luckily she is finally accepted to Arcania Academy where she is determined to find out what happened to her friend, return her parents’ magic and try to ignore the lure of our MMC Ezra. Ezra is struggling to come to terms with his role in his family’s empire and the fall out following his botched attempt at “disappearing” someone a few months previously. He is sent to Arcania Academy by his father to follow his orders under the condition that this is his last job for him and then he is free. Once there it becomes obvious that this will be no simple task as both his conscience and undeniable attraction to Ivy threaten everything.
Both the main characters are complex and likeable. Ivy is strong, honest and selfless. Throughout the story she is driven by her desire to find her best friend and to try to find a cure for her parents who “lost” their magic some twenty years previously. I honestly enjoyed being in her head and did not get bored or annoyed by her. Ezra is a tortured soul with a lot of self loathing who just wants to be loved. He hates the things he’s been made to do and is desperate for a way out.
The secondary characters have satisfactory supportive roles throughout the story. Maeve is your average smart, over achiever and Liam is a reliable friend but I hope he has more input in the next book. And then there is Silas. Ezra and Silas have known each other for years and had a secret romantic relationship until Ezra betrayed him. He comes to Arcania academy with his own agenda and to provide more romantic tension. I will readily admit that I am not a fan of “why choose tropes” but if it adds to the story then I am happy to follow the progression. Again I’m hoping we get to know him a bit more in subsequent books.
Arcania academy is as much a supporting character as the people in it and I enjoyed exploring it through Ivy and Ezra’s eyes. I could place myself there walking the halls very easily. I also loved the 90s time setting and the fact that they’re all in their mid to late 20s- it was refreshing. It’s also a great setting for the mystery and tension that underpins the story.
I would have loved more background to the world and the magic system. All we know is some people have magic and some do not. Some people can loose their magic and when they do it is a slow death sentence. Some people seem to be particularly gifted in certain areas but what was not clear to me was whether there are core magical abilities that they all share. It very much felt like your average academy setting with a sprinkle of magic and as such would suit people new to the fantasy genre.
I believe the author has some great ideas and plans for this series which is meant to total four books. I loved the mystery within the academic setting however everything was such a slow burn. At 500 pages long everything took a long time to get anywhere. I found it a struggle to push through at times but at about 80% in it started getting interesting and it has definitely left me intrigued. I will definitely give book 2 a read when it comes out as I’m hopeful it will expand on the world and we’ll get some answers to our burning questions.
Review of advanced copy received from author. All views are entirely my own and have not been influenced by others.
Tropes:
Academy setting
Mystery/ disappearances
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Magical bond
Dual POV- FMC/MMC
The story starts some years in the past with a blood pact between two teenage friends. Fast forward 12 years and our FMC, Ivy, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her best friend and the rejection from her favoured college a year previously. Luckily she is finally accepted to Arcania Academy where she is determined to find out what happened to her friend, return her parents’ magic and try to ignore the lure of our MMC Ezra. Ezra is struggling to come to terms with his role in his family’s empire and the fall out following his botched attempt at “disappearing” someone a few months previously. He is sent to Arcania Academy by his father to follow his orders under the condition that this is his last job for him and then he is free. Once there it becomes obvious that this will be no simple task as both his conscience and undeniable attraction to Ivy threaten everything.
Both the main characters are complex and likeable. Ivy is strong, honest and selfless. Throughout the story she is driven by her desire to find her best friend and to try to find a cure for her parents who “lost” their magic some twenty years previously. I honestly enjoyed being in her head and did not get bored or annoyed by her. Ezra is a tortured soul with a lot of self loathing who just wants to be loved. He hates the things he’s been made to do and is desperate for a way out.
The secondary characters have satisfactory supportive roles throughout the story. Maeve is your average smart, over achiever and Liam is a reliable friend but I hope he has more input in the next book. And then there is Silas. Ezra and Silas have known each other for years and had a secret romantic relationship until Ezra betrayed him. He comes to Arcania academy with his own agenda and to provide more romantic tension. I will readily admit that I am not a fan of “why choose tropes” but if it adds to the story then I am happy to follow the progression. Again I’m hoping we get to know him a bit more in subsequent books.
Arcania academy is as much a supporting character as the people in it and I enjoyed exploring it through Ivy and Ezra’s eyes. I could place myself there walking the halls very easily. I also loved the 90s time setting and the fact that they’re all in their mid to late 20s- it was refreshing. It’s also a great setting for the mystery and tension that underpins the story.
I would have loved more background to the world and the magic system. All we know is some people have magic and some do not. Some people can loose their magic and when they do it is a slow death sentence. Some people seem to be particularly gifted in certain areas but what was not clear to me was whether there are core magical abilities that they all share. It very much felt like your average academy setting with a sprinkle of magic and as such would suit people new to the fantasy genre.
I believe the author has some great ideas and plans for this series which is meant to total four books. I loved the mystery within the academic setting however everything was such a slow burn. At 500 pages long everything took a long time to get anywhere. I found it a struggle to push through at times but at about 80% in it started getting interesting and it has definitely left me intrigued. I will definitely give book 2 a read when it comes out as I’m hopeful it will expand on the world and we’ll get some answers to our burning questions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have FINALLY finished a book before it comes out after my issues with Kindle. If you've seen my other reviews you know I've been struggling with it
I'm part of the ARC team. A big thank you to Emilia D'Acry for giving me this opportunity.
That being said holy cow this was a ride and a half with a cliffhanger!! If you don't like cliffhangers or not a HEA ending... I dunno what to say but I'm sorry?
The story takes place at a school of magic (no wands or flying brooms here) in the 1990s, specifically 1997-1998. (Let me tell you, I was on chapter 38 when I saw under chapter it said the month and year lol I was just hooked to the story!) A girl named Ivy, our FMC, has been wanting to get into the school for a long time and when the acceptance letters show up for her and her best friend, Briar, she's heartbroken to realise she was put on a wait list.
Briar on the other is accepted and goes off to begin her adventure. Ivy keeps in touch with her best friend until Briar disappears and it isn't until much later that she's pronounced dead. But Ivy doesn't believe it and she's made to feel like she's crazy for having hope that her best friend is still alive.
She receives an acceptance letter from the school that she starts at the beginning of term and obviously she's excited.
On the day she has to take the train because it's far from where she lives and she meets... well crashes into Ezra (MMC) who is obviously handsome and meets her first friend at the school Maeve.
Ezra and Ivy can't seem to escape each other even though the campus is huge. They're drawn to each other and at first they don't know why. But once they're assigned as team mates for exams including Maeve and another guy who becomes a friend of theirs, Liam, they can't seem to keep away from each other.
As the school year continues students begin going missing left and right, causing Ivy to question the Dean of the school, the campus security, students, teachers and the police. At this point it kinda reminds me of the book The Woman in Cabin 10. Where the female lead sees something but no one believes her because people have been covering it up.
Her relationship with Ezra grows but honestly its a slowburn and angsty relationship, which we love! Ezra yearns for her! Honestly he's been added to the list of book boyfriends I like and let me tell its a very short list.
The group (Ezra, Liam, Ivy and Maeve) continue to find clues and leads to find out whats going, why are people disappearing and if Briar is actually alive or not. They're basically the Scrooby gang.
But do they find out? Do Ezra and Ivy eng up together? Is Briar alive? Why are snapdragons so moody when theres no light? Do they offer these pumpkin pastries year round?! These are questions you'll be able to answer when you read the book!
I'm part of the ARC team. A big thank you to Emilia D'Acry for giving me this opportunity.
That being said holy cow this was a ride and a half with a cliffhanger!! If you don't like cliffhangers or not a HEA ending... I dunno what to say but I'm sorry?
The story takes place at a school of magic (no wands or flying brooms here) in the 1990s, specifically 1997-1998. (Let me tell you, I was on chapter 38 when I saw under chapter it said the month and year lol I was just hooked to the story!) A girl named Ivy, our FMC, has been wanting to get into the school for a long time and when the acceptance letters show up for her and her best friend, Briar, she's heartbroken to realise she was put on a wait list.
Briar on the other is accepted and goes off to begin her adventure. Ivy keeps in touch with her best friend until Briar disappears and it isn't until much later that she's pronounced dead. But Ivy doesn't believe it and she's made to feel like she's crazy for having hope that her best friend is still alive.
She receives an acceptance letter from the school that she starts at the beginning of term and obviously she's excited.
On the day she has to take the train because it's far from where she lives and she meets... well crashes into Ezra (MMC) who is obviously handsome and meets her first friend at the school Maeve.
Ezra and Ivy can't seem to escape each other even though the campus is huge. They're drawn to each other and at first they don't know why. But once they're assigned as team mates for exams including Maeve and another guy who becomes a friend of theirs, Liam, they can't seem to keep away from each other.
As the school year continues students begin going missing left and right, causing Ivy to question the Dean of the school, the campus security, students, teachers and the police. At this point it kinda reminds me of the book The Woman in Cabin 10. Where the female lead sees something but no one believes her because people have been covering it up.
Her relationship with Ezra grows but honestly its a slowburn and angsty relationship, which we love! Ezra yearns for her! Honestly he's been added to the list of book boyfriends I like and let me tell its a very short list.
The group (Ezra, Liam, Ivy and Maeve) continue to find clues and leads to find out whats going, why are people disappearing and if Briar is actually alive or not. They're basically the Scrooby gang.
But do they find out? Do Ezra and Ivy eng up together? Is Briar alive? Why are snapdragons so moody when theres no light? Do they offer these pumpkin pastries year round?! These are questions you'll be able to answer when you read the book!
September 23, 2026
ARC Review- Wow, this book was seriously such a fun ride. The characters were loveable, even the side characters, the plot was intriguing, the slow burn had me giggling, the spice had me giddy, and the atmosphere was perfect!
I applied for this arc for multiple reasons. The blurb was interesting and it lived up to the expectations! It's also a why choose romance and I NEED the next book, it's a slowww burn as stated so I seriously need the next one for more romance 🥹 The romance and the plot do affect each other which is why im mentioning them both here. It is dual pov of Ivy and Ezra, and seeing their relationship devolp felt so natural. And seeing Ezra conflicted about this relationship vs his involvement in the crimes going on was done well. Both Ezra and Ivy captured my heart, i feel there is an abundance of brooding morally gray characters that are stoic and fall a bit flat at times to fit that stereotype, so these two were a breath of fresh air. I love when characters have a personality! Emotions! They cry, they love, and it just makes it more believable in my opinion. Then there's Silas, so so mysterious and i need to find out more after that last chapter! The side characters as well, no spoilers here but the scene where secrets have to be spilled really made them all feel fleshed out!
Now some of the plot was a bit predictable, but maybe because I do love to guess and look for clues that are left around in the story! Either way predictable isn't bad and it was still satisfying and I'm happy to say there were some tings that surprised me when revealed. This story kept going deeper and deeper and I'm so excited to see just how far it goes because I was hooked! I won't say too much because the blurb does an excellent job at leaving just enough mystery.
Lastly I have to talk about the setting and atmosphere. This was a perfect read to kick of fall. No notes, seriously. I am a sucker for old, dark academia school aesthetics and Emilia nailed it here. It was so vivid and very easy to imagine and picture. I never have too much trouble picturing books like movies but this was such a beautiful one! I believe it's set in the 90s which is also fun! Im not sure of it affected the plot too much, so it may just be an aesthetic choice unless I overlooked something. Or maybe it will be more prominent in the future books! Either way the atmosphere for this book was by far one of my favorite things and I can't recommend this book enough!
Side note I need to add here, I LIVE for angst, and this book really hit the spot there, so you have been warned 😭
I applied for this arc for multiple reasons. The blurb was interesting and it lived up to the expectations! It's also a why choose romance and I NEED the next book, it's a slowww burn as stated so I seriously need the next one for more romance 🥹 The romance and the plot do affect each other which is why im mentioning them both here. It is dual pov of Ivy and Ezra, and seeing their relationship devolp felt so natural. And seeing Ezra conflicted about this relationship vs his involvement in the crimes going on was done well. Both Ezra and Ivy captured my heart, i feel there is an abundance of brooding morally gray characters that are stoic and fall a bit flat at times to fit that stereotype, so these two were a breath of fresh air. I love when characters have a personality! Emotions! They cry, they love, and it just makes it more believable in my opinion. Then there's Silas, so so mysterious and i need to find out more after that last chapter! The side characters as well, no spoilers here but the scene where secrets have to be spilled really made them all feel fleshed out!
Now some of the plot was a bit predictable, but maybe because I do love to guess and look for clues that are left around in the story! Either way predictable isn't bad and it was still satisfying and I'm happy to say there were some tings that surprised me when revealed. This story kept going deeper and deeper and I'm so excited to see just how far it goes because I was hooked! I won't say too much because the blurb does an excellent job at leaving just enough mystery.
Lastly I have to talk about the setting and atmosphere. This was a perfect read to kick of fall. No notes, seriously. I am a sucker for old, dark academia school aesthetics and Emilia nailed it here. It was so vivid and very easy to imagine and picture. I never have too much trouble picturing books like movies but this was such a beautiful one! I believe it's set in the 90s which is also fun! Im not sure of it affected the plot too much, so it may just be an aesthetic choice unless I overlooked something. Or maybe it will be more prominent in the future books! Either way the atmosphere for this book was by far one of my favorite things and I can't recommend this book enough!
Side note I need to add here, I LIVE for angst, and this book really hit the spot there, so you have been warned 😭
August 24, 2026
Thank you to the author for this free ARC! All opinions are honestly and my own!
"Everyone deserves to be who they truly are."
Releasing September 22, The Halls of the Vanished by Emilia D'Arcy is a slow burn MMF why choose between fated mated at a deadly magical academy.
We follow Ivy Heartwell, a loyal-to-a-fault witch. As she ventures to Arcania Academy with plans to save her best friend and help her parents. Along the way, she meets Ezra Thaler (sensitive cutie) and Silas Craine (mysterious shadow daddy), brooding exes with their own secrets.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a dark and twisty ride and I loved every second
of it! When I tell y’all I’m in love with Ezra… 😍😩 the
angst! He might be my newest book boyfriend lol This book is everything I love about a slow burn. There was so much yearning and I loved how the MCs had to
work for it. This story was captivating for me and
kept me intrigued. I felt like I was a part of the friend group and I really appreciated the diversity of the side characters. I was invested in Ivy and Ezra both fighting their own personal demons and getting to know Silas a little bit. The spice level was on point for me and tastefully done. I loved the cliffhanger ending and the set up for the next book!
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love everything about stories set at magical schools and this one surely raises the bar. It was SO eerie at parts! The description of the campus made me feel like I was actually there. The magic system added to the depth of the setting and I feel as though it was unique. I adored all of the references to plants too!
Readability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m truly a sucker for slowww burns so the pacing was perfect for me. I love how the story didn’t feel rushed and that the author lets the story unfold instead of spelling it all out for the reader! The little glimpses into the lives of all of the characters helped to foster a personal attachment to them. Everything flowed nicely and the length of the chapters was digestible when I had limited reading time.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of spicy, dark academia! You’ll find yourselves just as attached to these characters as I am. Also, LOUUUUUUU ILY! (Iykyk)
"Everyone deserves to be who they truly are."
Releasing September 22, The Halls of the Vanished by Emilia D'Arcy is a slow burn MMF why choose between fated mated at a deadly magical academy.
We follow Ivy Heartwell, a loyal-to-a-fault witch. As she ventures to Arcania Academy with plans to save her best friend and help her parents. Along the way, she meets Ezra Thaler (sensitive cutie) and Silas Craine (mysterious shadow daddy), brooding exes with their own secrets.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a dark and twisty ride and I loved every second
of it! When I tell y’all I’m in love with Ezra… 😍😩 the
angst! He might be my newest book boyfriend lol This book is everything I love about a slow burn. There was so much yearning and I loved how the MCs had to
work for it. This story was captivating for me and
kept me intrigued. I felt like I was a part of the friend group and I really appreciated the diversity of the side characters. I was invested in Ivy and Ezra both fighting their own personal demons and getting to know Silas a little bit. The spice level was on point for me and tastefully done. I loved the cliffhanger ending and the set up for the next book!
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love everything about stories set at magical schools and this one surely raises the bar. It was SO eerie at parts! The description of the campus made me feel like I was actually there. The magic system added to the depth of the setting and I feel as though it was unique. I adored all of the references to plants too!
Readability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m truly a sucker for slowww burns so the pacing was perfect for me. I love how the story didn’t feel rushed and that the author lets the story unfold instead of spelling it all out for the reader! The little glimpses into the lives of all of the characters helped to foster a personal attachment to them. Everything flowed nicely and the length of the chapters was digestible when I had limited reading time.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of spicy, dark academia! You’ll find yourselves just as attached to these characters as I am. Also, LOUUUUUUU ILY! (Iykyk)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I had a hard time getting into this book. The writing didn't resonate, I was confused by the world-building and magic system, and a little overwhelmed by the number of mysteries surrounding our FMC. I almost DNF'd, but I'm glad I stuck with it because in the end I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The Halls of the Vanished tells the story of Ivy Heartwell and her first year at Arcania Academy, a magical graduate school she enrolls in one year after her best friend disappeared and was believed to have been murdered there. Ivy believes her friend is alive and wants to find her. She gets help from, among others, Ezra, a hot guy with a tortured past who, unbeknownst to Ivy, actually helped cover up her friend's disappearance at the behest of his evil father.
What I loved about this book was the characters and their relationships. I love a three-way love story and this book gave us the beginnings of one that was fairly unique in the way it really centered on Ezra still being hung up on his ex, Silas, while falling for Ivy. I really loved Ezra and Ivy's romance, and the way they went from adversaries to friends to eventually lovers. I also enjoyed Ivy's friendships with the secondary characters Maeve, Liam, and Rhea and their back stories, and her complicated relationship with her missing friend Briar.
I also liked the way the complicated plot (mostly) came together in the end. That said, there were some decisions I didn't understand, like why the story is set in the 90s, but maybe that was just for fun. Or maybe it will be made clear in future books. I'd also like to see more about how the magical world of Arcania Academy and its students interacts with the non-magical world.
Overall, I think this was a solid debut from Emilia D'Arcy. I've read better books but I've read plenty that were worse. It should appeal to adult fans of Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and slow-burn why choose romance. Ultimately, it left me wanting more, which is the best a series opener can do.
The Halls of the Vanished tells the story of Ivy Heartwell and her first year at Arcania Academy, a magical graduate school she enrolls in one year after her best friend disappeared and was believed to have been murdered there. Ivy believes her friend is alive and wants to find her. She gets help from, among others, Ezra, a hot guy with a tortured past who, unbeknownst to Ivy, actually helped cover up her friend's disappearance at the behest of his evil father.
What I loved about this book was the characters and their relationships. I love a three-way love story and this book gave us the beginnings of one that was fairly unique in the way it really centered on Ezra still being hung up on his ex, Silas, while falling for Ivy. I really loved Ezra and Ivy's romance, and the way they went from adversaries to friends to eventually lovers. I also enjoyed Ivy's friendships with the secondary characters Maeve, Liam, and Rhea and their back stories, and her complicated relationship with her missing friend Briar.
I also liked the way the complicated plot (mostly) came together in the end. That said, there were some decisions I didn't understand, like why the story is set in the 90s, but maybe that was just for fun. Or maybe it will be made clear in future books. I'd also like to see more about how the magical world of Arcania Academy and its students interacts with the non-magical world.
Overall, I think this was a solid debut from Emilia D'Arcy. I've read better books but I've read plenty that were worse. It should appeal to adult fans of Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and slow-burn why choose romance. Ultimately, it left me wanting more, which is the best a series opener can do.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Arc review
WOW WOW WOW
This story had me hooked from the get go. The perfect cozy fall read. A magical school, an intriguing mystery, coffee dates and close friendships and even a bit of why choose. LOVED THIS BOOK
Okay so let’s talk characters.
Ivy is so determined and stubborn. Her knack for finding trouble in search of her answers is unmatched. She’s got such a huge heart and cares more for those around her than herself. Ezra is an interesting character for sure. His conflicting actions and emotions make him feel a million times more real but it’s very clear where his soft spots are. Also we love a man who can show his feelings. Maeve.. girly pop that was not a small secret but I forgive you. She is everything a college student could ever want in a roommate, she’s the type to get you out of your comfort zone or have a cosy night in. She’s a cheerleader for her friends in every way possible and she also has a huge heart. Liam… I like him well enough but I feel like I don’t know enough about him to have a big opinion. And then there’s Silas. There’s not a lot I have to say on him that wouldn’t be a spoiler but mostly I just need him to get it together and I’ll leave it at that.
Okay so plot… holy man there’s so much going on. Secrets and cyphers and mysteries and a magical school that does cool things and flowers that turn into dragons… wow. Just wow. I was absolutely amazed and enthralled throughout the entire book and I cannot wait to see what comes next. This book truly deserves to become ridiculously popular. (Hey yall remember that one magical academia younger series we all loved in the early 2000s and then realized how horrible the author is as a person… yeah that’s how big I’m talking. Like we could fully be rid of her and just have this book instead. It’s better anyway)
It is also a slow burn, super angsty for sure and does have a little bit of spice though I’ll be honest, as good as the spice was I feel like I did not need the spicy scenes to continue the story or keep me entertained.
But overall it was a 10/10 read and I will 100% be recommending this book to literally everyone I know.
WOW WOW WOW
This story had me hooked from the get go. The perfect cozy fall read. A magical school, an intriguing mystery, coffee dates and close friendships and even a bit of why choose. LOVED THIS BOOK
Okay so let’s talk characters.
Ivy is so determined and stubborn. Her knack for finding trouble in search of her answers is unmatched. She’s got such a huge heart and cares more for those around her than herself. Ezra is an interesting character for sure. His conflicting actions and emotions make him feel a million times more real but it’s very clear where his soft spots are. Also we love a man who can show his feelings. Maeve.. girly pop that was not a small secret but I forgive you. She is everything a college student could ever want in a roommate, she’s the type to get you out of your comfort zone or have a cosy night in. She’s a cheerleader for her friends in every way possible and she also has a huge heart. Liam… I like him well enough but I feel like I don’t know enough about him to have a big opinion. And then there’s Silas. There’s not a lot I have to say on him that wouldn’t be a spoiler but mostly I just need him to get it together and I’ll leave it at that.
Okay so plot… holy man there’s so much going on. Secrets and cyphers and mysteries and a magical school that does cool things and flowers that turn into dragons… wow. Just wow. I was absolutely amazed and enthralled throughout the entire book and I cannot wait to see what comes next. This book truly deserves to become ridiculously popular. (Hey yall remember that one magical academia younger series we all loved in the early 2000s and then realized how horrible the author is as a person… yeah that’s how big I’m talking. Like we could fully be rid of her and just have this book instead. It’s better anyway)
It is also a slow burn, super angsty for sure and does have a little bit of spice though I’ll be honest, as good as the spice was I feel like I did not need the spicy scenes to continue the story or keep me entertained.
But overall it was a 10/10 read and I will 100% be recommending this book to literally everyone I know.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok so,
Let’s say, your best friend suddenly disappeared from the most exclusive university in your world. Just two months later the police declare her dead, but you simply refuse to believe that.
What would you do?
Well, of course you make your way to the University and try to solve her disappearance yourself.
This is how “the halls of the vanished” starts, and the mysteries don’t stop there. I have to admit, I am not usually a big fan of spooky and mysterious stuff, but I will gladly make an exception for anything Emilia writes in the future. The rich atmosphere, mixed with some lighthearted moments (and incredible chemistry, but we will get to that in a minute) was just incredible, and I was hooked from the very first page.
Now, onto the characters. All of them are deliciously complex. I honestly don’t think a single one of them felt flat to me. Ivy I especially related to; our girl goes through so much shit, and she simply cannot catch a break (but that’s just how I like my characters, so I was delighted lol). Ezra was simply the sweetest, and if you like your heroes tortured, with a hint of moral ambiguity, he’s the one for you.
The relationship these two have is very wholesome and when I say slow burn, I actually mean it. The tension between them could probably be cut with a knife. I definitely know how Meave felt, having to witness these two idiots refuse to acknowledge the sparks between them. However, they do have some things to overcome… (spoiler, it’s more secrets hehe)
And then there’s Silas… he does spend most of the book in the wings, so to say, but when he’s there… let’s just say I cannot wait for book two and to get to know him better, because that man has secrets galore.
Speaking of secrets. This whole book felt like watching a carefully crafted house of cards crumbling. Every chapter there was a new revelation that just left me thinking, well… this is it friends, we aren’t making it out in one piece. And I can just tell that the revelations will keep coming, we have just tipped our toes into the depth and enigmas of this world
Let’s say, your best friend suddenly disappeared from the most exclusive university in your world. Just two months later the police declare her dead, but you simply refuse to believe that.
What would you do?
Well, of course you make your way to the University and try to solve her disappearance yourself.
This is how “the halls of the vanished” starts, and the mysteries don’t stop there. I have to admit, I am not usually a big fan of spooky and mysterious stuff, but I will gladly make an exception for anything Emilia writes in the future. The rich atmosphere, mixed with some lighthearted moments (and incredible chemistry, but we will get to that in a minute) was just incredible, and I was hooked from the very first page.
Now, onto the characters. All of them are deliciously complex. I honestly don’t think a single one of them felt flat to me. Ivy I especially related to; our girl goes through so much shit, and she simply cannot catch a break (but that’s just how I like my characters, so I was delighted lol). Ezra was simply the sweetest, and if you like your heroes tortured, with a hint of moral ambiguity, he’s the one for you.
The relationship these two have is very wholesome and when I say slow burn, I actually mean it. The tension between them could probably be cut with a knife. I definitely know how Meave felt, having to witness these two idiots refuse to acknowledge the sparks between them. However, they do have some things to overcome… (spoiler, it’s more secrets hehe)
And then there’s Silas… he does spend most of the book in the wings, so to say, but when he’s there… let’s just say I cannot wait for book two and to get to know him better, because that man has secrets galore.
Speaking of secrets. This whole book felt like watching a carefully crafted house of cards crumbling. Every chapter there was a new revelation that just left me thinking, well… this is it friends, we aren’t making it out in one piece. And I can just tell that the revelations will keep coming, we have just tipped our toes into the depth and enigmas of this world
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have received an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.
"I'm so tired of being lied to", she sobbed. - "Then find the truth", he told her. "Even if it's hard to hear."
I went into The Halls of the Vanished thinking it will be just another cute romantasy, just a 'Why Choose' one, in an academia setting in the 90's.
Boy was I wrong! Its a romantasy in the 90's in an academia setting, yes, but its not just cute, its dark, its a mystery and it has a huge plot and the romance is there, but that is a side plot overall. And the mystery, oh lord, its a whole conspiracy in that world. Its confusing and dangerous and thrilling to read.
Ivy, our FMC, wants to go to Arcania Academy, the best magical college, for two reasons:
- to find out what happened to her best friend Briar, who went there last year and is now presumed dead.
- And to find a cure for her parents who lost their magic and thus a part of their soul.
The worldbuilding and magic-system alone is something so simple and yet really unique. It has Harry Potter vibes in the way the non-human and human world is split into arcane and mundane and those two dont cross at all.
Magic itself also is not used for everything but rather rarely in day to day life, as its draining on ones energy.
At Arcania Academy are a lot of mysterys to unpack, students go missing, some come back some dont, and Briar is the only one who died on campus. The uncovering of all of these and the connections, is something that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Especially paired with characters like Ezra, our MMC and her friends Maeve, Liam and Rhea. I love them all as a group, the dynamic is so perfect. And Ezra and Ivy together is absolutley swoon worthy.
The book has also very good spicy scenes sprinkled in, so its an amazing package of romance, spice and mystery.
Its ending with a cliff-hanger and we have not uncovered all the questions by a long shot. I cannot wait to see what will happen in book two.
This is an amazing debut for the author 5/5 stars!
"I'm so tired of being lied to", she sobbed. - "Then find the truth", he told her. "Even if it's hard to hear."
I went into The Halls of the Vanished thinking it will be just another cute romantasy, just a 'Why Choose' one, in an academia setting in the 90's.
Boy was I wrong! Its a romantasy in the 90's in an academia setting, yes, but its not just cute, its dark, its a mystery and it has a huge plot and the romance is there, but that is a side plot overall. And the mystery, oh lord, its a whole conspiracy in that world. Its confusing and dangerous and thrilling to read.
Ivy, our FMC, wants to go to Arcania Academy, the best magical college, for two reasons:
- to find out what happened to her best friend Briar, who went there last year and is now presumed dead.
- And to find a cure for her parents who lost their magic and thus a part of their soul.
The worldbuilding and magic-system alone is something so simple and yet really unique. It has Harry Potter vibes in the way the non-human and human world is split into arcane and mundane and those two dont cross at all.
Magic itself also is not used for everything but rather rarely in day to day life, as its draining on ones energy.
At Arcania Academy are a lot of mysterys to unpack, students go missing, some come back some dont, and Briar is the only one who died on campus. The uncovering of all of these and the connections, is something that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Especially paired with characters like Ezra, our MMC and her friends Maeve, Liam and Rhea. I love them all as a group, the dynamic is so perfect. And Ezra and Ivy together is absolutley swoon worthy.
The book has also very good spicy scenes sprinkled in, so its an amazing package of romance, spice and mystery.
Its ending with a cliff-hanger and we have not uncovered all the questions by a long shot. I cannot wait to see what will happen in book two.
This is an amazing debut for the author 5/5 stars!
September 17, 2026
Okay, you had me at “Vanished.” Add mysterious halls to the equation and apparently my horror-loving brain immediately decided, “Yep, let's go investigate the place where people disappear.” 😂🖤
The Halls of the Vanished had that deliciously unsettling atmosphere that made me want to keep reading even while a small part of my brain was screaming, “THIS IS CLEARLY A TERRIBLE IDEA.” 👀🕯️
I really enjoyed the mysterious and eerie feel of this story. There’s something about abandoned or ominous spaces in books that gets me every time, especially when you know there are secrets hiding behind every door. And with a title like this, I was absolutely ready for things to get creepy.
The atmosphere was definitely one of my favourite parts. It has that dark, gothic, slightly claustrophobic energy that makes you feel like the walls themselves might know something you don't. 🖤🏚️
I also loved the sense of mystery and uncertainty. That feeling of not quite knowing what happened, who can be trusted, or what might be waiting around the next corner kept me curious and turning the pages.
There were a few areas where I wanted a little more depth and development, which is what kept me at four stars, but overall I had a great time getting lost in this eerie and mysterious world.
If you love gothic mysteries, creepy settings, disappearances, dark secrets, eerie atmosphere, and stories that make you question whether you should REALLY open that door, definitely add this one to your TBR. 🕯️🖤
Would I investigate a mysterious hallway where people have vanished?
Absolutely not.
Would fictional me do it anyway?
Unfortunately, yes. 😂
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! 📖🖤
🕯️🖤 Tropes & Vibes
🏚️ Gothic Setting
👻 Eerie Atmosphere
🕯️ Dark & Atmospheric
🔍 Mystery & Intrigue
👀 Vanishings & Secrets
🚪 Sinister Halls
🌑 Unsettling Energy
🤫 Hidden Secrets
😱 Psychological Unease
🖤 Gothic Horror Vibes
🔮 Mysterious Encounters
⚠️ Danger & Suspense
🥀 Dark Academia Energy
🕸️ Creepy Atmosphere
The Halls of the Vanished had that deliciously unsettling atmosphere that made me want to keep reading even while a small part of my brain was screaming, “THIS IS CLEARLY A TERRIBLE IDEA.” 👀🕯️
I really enjoyed the mysterious and eerie feel of this story. There’s something about abandoned or ominous spaces in books that gets me every time, especially when you know there are secrets hiding behind every door. And with a title like this, I was absolutely ready for things to get creepy.
The atmosphere was definitely one of my favourite parts. It has that dark, gothic, slightly claustrophobic energy that makes you feel like the walls themselves might know something you don't. 🖤🏚️
I also loved the sense of mystery and uncertainty. That feeling of not quite knowing what happened, who can be trusted, or what might be waiting around the next corner kept me curious and turning the pages.
There were a few areas where I wanted a little more depth and development, which is what kept me at four stars, but overall I had a great time getting lost in this eerie and mysterious world.
If you love gothic mysteries, creepy settings, disappearances, dark secrets, eerie atmosphere, and stories that make you question whether you should REALLY open that door, definitely add this one to your TBR. 🕯️🖤
Would I investigate a mysterious hallway where people have vanished?
Absolutely not.
Would fictional me do it anyway?
Unfortunately, yes. 😂
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! 📖🖤
🕯️🖤 Tropes & Vibes
🏚️ Gothic Setting
👻 Eerie Atmosphere
🕯️ Dark & Atmospheric
🔍 Mystery & Intrigue
👀 Vanishings & Secrets
🚪 Sinister Halls
🌑 Unsettling Energy
🤫 Hidden Secrets
😱 Psychological Unease
🖤 Gothic Horror Vibes
🔮 Mysterious Encounters
⚠️ Danger & Suspense
🥀 Dark Academia Energy
🕸️ Creepy Atmosphere
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve had this book for awhile but I just finally found the time to finish it. Tbh, I was forgot about the MMF and Why Choose tropes mentioned on the ARC application, which completely surprised me in the midst of reading it, haha. It doesn’t mean bad… I just forget… and I think everyone who loves MMF, Why Choose, dark academia and scavenger hunt tropes will love this book.
And now for the real review…
I will review this book based on how I felt at different percentage marks.
The first 20% – I think the character introduction and the main conflict are well-written. How Ivy met Ezra and their encounters at the academy is really good and engaging. I highly enjoyed the banter and enemies-to-lovers tension.
30 - 60%-ish – This part is dragged a little bit for me…
The last third– I think this is the best part of the book! The pacing picks up and the book become a total page-turner. I even read it in one sitting. Everything that was left vague in the first half is revealed at the end, and the cliffhanger is the absolutely worth it!
Overall, for the first installment, this is is really good book. The world building is clearer, the pacing is okay, and the characters are well developed. The cliffhanger is so worth it, and the MMF dynamic is something that I can’t wait to read more of in the second book.
And now for the real review…
I will review this book based on how I felt at different percentage marks.
The first 20% – I think the character introduction and the main conflict are well-written. How Ivy met Ezra and their encounters at the academy is really good and engaging. I highly enjoyed the banter and enemies-to-lovers tension.
30 - 60%-ish – This part is dragged a little bit for me…
The last third– I think this is the best part of the book! The pacing picks up and the book become a total page-turner. I even read it in one sitting. Everything that was left vague in the first half is revealed at the end, and the cliffhanger is the absolutely worth it!
Overall, for the first installment, this is is really good book. The world building is clearer, the pacing is okay, and the characters are well developed. The cliffhanger is so worth it, and the MMF dynamic is something that I can’t wait to read more of in the second book.
September 4, 2026
A murder or at least disappearance mystery set at a magical school where the FMCs best friend went missing a year prior and anyone could be next!
You follow the FMC Ivy, who spent her childhood mostly on the outskirts of society until a transfer student took her under her wing and made her popular just by association and became her best friend. They made a blood pact as children so when over a decade of friendship later, Briar goes missing while attending the school they both dreamed of going to, ivy stuck back at home refused to believe she’s dead even after everyone else gives up on her. The year after Briars disappearance, she’s finally accepted to start at Arcania Academy and she jumps on the chance to finally get the magical degree she’s always wanted, help solve her parents magic issues and maybe find out what happened to her best friend. Only things at this school aren’t what they seem, and more people start disappearing and she must gain the help of the MMC and some other new friends to find out what is really going on in the dark depths of this school.
I always enjoyed dual POV, especially when one character is keeping secrets from the other and you can get a peak inside them struggling to keep those secrets. I felt very drawn to both the main characters with their complicated and difficult upbringing and their relationship struggles with their parents and relate to why they are each desperate to either prove themselves or save them. I really enjoyed the slow unraveling of what was going on at the school and almost treating it like a murder mystery with clues written in code and sneaking into places at night to snoop. It all had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what nefarious plot was hiding at the end of this, and with that little twist and reveal at the very end, I think there’s even more excitement to come that I can’t wait to read! Overall my rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the FMC Ivy, who spent her childhood mostly on the outskirts of society until a transfer student took her under her wing and made her popular just by association and became her best friend. They made a blood pact as children so when over a decade of friendship later, Briar goes missing while attending the school they both dreamed of going to, ivy stuck back at home refused to believe she’s dead even after everyone else gives up on her. The year after Briars disappearance, she’s finally accepted to start at Arcania Academy and she jumps on the chance to finally get the magical degree she’s always wanted, help solve her parents magic issues and maybe find out what happened to her best friend. Only things at this school aren’t what they seem, and more people start disappearing and she must gain the help of the MMC and some other new friends to find out what is really going on in the dark depths of this school.
I always enjoyed dual POV, especially when one character is keeping secrets from the other and you can get a peak inside them struggling to keep those secrets. I felt very drawn to both the main characters with their complicated and difficult upbringing and their relationship struggles with their parents and relate to why they are each desperate to either prove themselves or save them. I really enjoyed the slow unraveling of what was going on at the school and almost treating it like a murder mystery with clues written in code and sneaking into places at night to snoop. It all had me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what nefarious plot was hiding at the end of this, and with that little twist and reveal at the very end, I think there’s even more excitement to come that I can’t wait to read! Overall my rating 4.3/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
September 19, 2026
Review of ARC received from author
I enjoyed this book, and I think the series has a lot of potential.
The story is well written, and the mistery does keep the reader engaged throughout.
The characters are well rounded.
I did find the FMC a bit socially naive for her age, but I also do appreciate her upbringing, and how her parents “fading” would have affected that.
The MMC is also interesting - the relationship with his family has a massive impact on his character, bringing him to doing things he truly doesn’t believe in, with his guilt around this coming through page after page.
If I have to be honest I imagine both characters younger than the age portrayed in the book, I think the academic setting and “where they are in life” made me relate them more to a 20yo than 26yo.
Still, this didn’t take enjoyment out of the book at all.
There’s just a couple of points that I would want to raise.
As the series develops I’m hoping to have some more world building as I feel some aspects have not been fully explained yet. I didn’t really understand the Nether, and I wish we had more info to fully grasp what releasing it would mean, and why it is so bad etc.
Also I would like to understand more about the different type of magics, and how affinity works..clearly some people are better with some elements than others and I would just like to get into that more..how do you find out? Is it just about spell casting, or is it about your relation with nature etc?
Overall is a great start to the series, and I would like to know more about the story.
If I had to do a comparison, the feeling reminded me a bit of the series Locke and Key, which I did really enjoy! 😊
I enjoyed this book, and I think the series has a lot of potential.
The story is well written, and the mistery does keep the reader engaged throughout.
The characters are well rounded.
I did find the FMC a bit socially naive for her age, but I also do appreciate her upbringing, and how her parents “fading” would have affected that.
The MMC is also interesting - the relationship with his family has a massive impact on his character, bringing him to doing things he truly doesn’t believe in, with his guilt around this coming through page after page.
If I have to be honest I imagine both characters younger than the age portrayed in the book, I think the academic setting and “where they are in life” made me relate them more to a 20yo than 26yo.
Still, this didn’t take enjoyment out of the book at all.
There’s just a couple of points that I would want to raise.
As the series develops I’m hoping to have some more world building as I feel some aspects have not been fully explained yet. I didn’t really understand the Nether, and I wish we had more info to fully grasp what releasing it would mean, and why it is so bad etc.
Also I would like to understand more about the different type of magics, and how affinity works..clearly some people are better with some elements than others and I would just like to get into that more..how do you find out? Is it just about spell casting, or is it about your relation with nature etc?
Overall is a great start to the series, and I would like to know more about the story.
If I had to do a comparison, the feeling reminded me a bit of the series Locke and Key, which I did really enjoy! 😊
September 22, 2026
For fans of dark academia, college romance and young mages at university this might be for you. When Ivy is accepted into the same arcane academy that her friend died at she has an unexpected chance to learn what really happened. With the help of her exam mates and one really annoying guy with the most dreamy ( I mean obnoxious 😉) face she tries to dig through the layers of lies and intrigue surround and academy and what is really happening with the disappearing students. Ezra is hiding a dangerous secret, forced into the middle of the controversy my his abusive and controlling father, this is meant to be one last job for the price of freedom, but he is falling for Ivy more every day. Every month seems to turn up the heat more with mysterious letters slipped under the door, students vanishing without anyone seeming to care, and spies lurking in the middle of the group. With every round of exams bringing the chance of themselves getting snatched closer and being forced to strip bare past shame and trauma to proceed, the group is chasing the trail of a girl who died a year ago towards the secret hidden under the academy. The action doesn't stop until the end and secrets and lose lead to some bitter heartbreak, and the game is only starting to be afoot with the book ending in a somewhat gentle cliffhanger. If you like your magic academys with intrigue and secret passages, , your action to be filled with midnight chases, your enemies to lovers to have the sweetest slow burn which ignites to ghost pepper spice later on, with just the hint of a possible MMF relationship in the future with the appearance of Silas the old love of Ezra then this book might be for you.
September 22, 2026
Thank you for the ARC.🖤 My feelings are all over the place with exactly how to rate this. I think I got my hopes up too high from the advertisements.
At the beginning, I did really enjoy the cosy, gothic atmosphere of the book. The prose painted a picture like a movie. I felt like I was attending Arcania Academy myself and gave me a sense of enchanting nostalgia.
Both MMCs gripped me right away too.
But honestly, it became dull quite quickly. There were parts that would pick up and become exciting again, but it was up and down so I struggled to get through it. I think this was partially because the side characters were dull to me, which was a problem considering the large part they played in the book.
Here are my main problems (minor spoilers):
-This was advertised as a ‘why choose,’ romance, which is true however, we barely saw anything of Silas. This was Ezra’s and Ivy’s love story with Silas on the side. It wasn’t enough considering how both MMCs were advertised equally.
I was begging to see even a hint of romance with Silas and honestly as the book became closer and closer to the end, I felt like I was losing my mind. I do not think the ‘why choose’ aspect was done properly at all.
-The amount of times Ezra and Ivy’s first kiss was disrupted was RIDICULOUS! I almost lost complete interest in them.
Almost… because the scene with Ezra’s thigh drew me back in.
I am thankful that the ending of the book explained Silas’ behaviour and I can see how there’s good pretence set for the second book to hopefully finally play out romance between the three of them, like I was promised.
At the beginning, I did really enjoy the cosy, gothic atmosphere of the book. The prose painted a picture like a movie. I felt like I was attending Arcania Academy myself and gave me a sense of enchanting nostalgia.
Both MMCs gripped me right away too.
But honestly, it became dull quite quickly. There were parts that would pick up and become exciting again, but it was up and down so I struggled to get through it. I think this was partially because the side characters were dull to me, which was a problem considering the large part they played in the book.
Here are my main problems (minor spoilers):
-This was advertised as a ‘why choose,’ romance, which is true however, we barely saw anything of Silas. This was Ezra’s and Ivy’s love story with Silas on the side. It wasn’t enough considering how both MMCs were advertised equally.
I was begging to see even a hint of romance with Silas and honestly as the book became closer and closer to the end, I felt like I was losing my mind. I do not think the ‘why choose’ aspect was done properly at all.
-The amount of times Ezra and Ivy’s first kiss was disrupted was RIDICULOUS! I almost lost complete interest in them.
Almost… because the scene with Ezra’s thigh drew me back in.
I am thankful that the ending of the book explained Silas’ behaviour and I can see how there’s good pretence set for the second book to hopefully finally play out romance between the three of them, like I was promised.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I genuinely cannot believe The Halls of the Vanished is Emily D’Arcy’s debut because this was EVERYTHING I could want from a romantasy and then some.
Imagine Harry Potter… but make it adult, darker, queer and full of the most delicious tension 👀
I was completely immersed in this world where the Arcane (people born with magic) live hidden among the ordinary world, keeping their existence a closely guarded secret.
Then there’s Ivy, Ezra and, of course, Silas, all brought together at Arcania Academy for reasons that are definitely more complicated than simply going to a magic school.
And when I say there are SECRETS… there are SECRETS!
Twists. Trials. Lies. A murder mystery. A magic system that is intricate without being impossible to follow. Why choose. And enough yearning to keep me suffering for approximately the entire book 🫠
And the banter between Ivy and Ezra?!? I was kicking my feet. I was screaming. I was staring at the page like PLEASE JUST DO SOMETHING ALREADY. The slow build between them was genuinely exquisite. Every time I thought surely THIS is the moment… I was left waiting AGAIN.
And honestly? I loved every second of it because your girl loves tension 🙂↕️
If you're looking for a romantasy with a magical academy, queer characters, murder mystery, trials, incredible tension and YEARING™, please put this book on your TBR. And to Emily D’Arcy - if THIS is what your debut looks like, I am very excited to see what you do next ✨ And I cannot wait to see what is to come in the second book!
Imagine Harry Potter… but make it adult, darker, queer and full of the most delicious tension 👀
I was completely immersed in this world where the Arcane (people born with magic) live hidden among the ordinary world, keeping their existence a closely guarded secret.
Then there’s Ivy, Ezra and, of course, Silas, all brought together at Arcania Academy for reasons that are definitely more complicated than simply going to a magic school.
And when I say there are SECRETS… there are SECRETS!
Twists. Trials. Lies. A murder mystery. A magic system that is intricate without being impossible to follow. Why choose. And enough yearning to keep me suffering for approximately the entire book 🫠
And the banter between Ivy and Ezra?!? I was kicking my feet. I was screaming. I was staring at the page like PLEASE JUST DO SOMETHING ALREADY. The slow build between them was genuinely exquisite. Every time I thought surely THIS is the moment… I was left waiting AGAIN.
And honestly? I loved every second of it because your girl loves tension 🙂↕️
If you're looking for a romantasy with a magical academy, queer characters, murder mystery, trials, incredible tension and YEARING™, please put this book on your TBR. And to Emily D’Arcy - if THIS is what your debut looks like, I am very excited to see what you do next ✨ And I cannot wait to see what is to come in the second book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best friends Ivy and Briar both apply to attend Arcana Academy, only Briar gets accepted.. One year later, Briar is missing, presumed dead and Ivy is preparing to start her first year at Arcana having now been accepted, with every intention of finding out exactly what happened to Briar, and also hopefully find a cure for her ailing parents ..
This book is such a good read with new developments and revelations continuously unfolding throughout the story, successfully keeping me completely locked into the story from beginning to end... There was one point nearing the end where I was literally thinking "noooo, you're kidding me!!"
And we have to mention the Academy itself filled with an excess of arcane energy and the incredible world building that went into creating the settings for the exams each month, truly unique!
All of the characters from the FMC and MMC to even the side characters have so much depth to them, that they felt more like acquaintances than characters in a book by the end, and my heart aches for both Ivy and our MMC Ezra. Both have been through so much hardship for such a young age and I'm hoping with all fingers and toes crossed that they get the ending they deserve.. Of course to find out, we're going to have to read book 2!
If dark academia , a magical academy, found family and a mysteriously disappearing students sounds good to you, you're going to want to give this one a read!
Thank you so much to Emilia D'Arcy for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance.
This book is such a good read with new developments and revelations continuously unfolding throughout the story, successfully keeping me completely locked into the story from beginning to end... There was one point nearing the end where I was literally thinking "noooo, you're kidding me!!"
And we have to mention the Academy itself filled with an excess of arcane energy and the incredible world building that went into creating the settings for the exams each month, truly unique!
All of the characters from the FMC and MMC to even the side characters have so much depth to them, that they felt more like acquaintances than characters in a book by the end, and my heart aches for both Ivy and our MMC Ezra. Both have been through so much hardship for such a young age and I'm hoping with all fingers and toes crossed that they get the ending they deserve.. Of course to find out, we're going to have to read book 2!
If dark academia , a magical academy, found family and a mysteriously disappearing students sounds good to you, you're going to want to give this one a read!
Thank you so much to Emilia D'Arcy for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Emilia D'Arcy for this ARC copy 🤗
The short: Loved it!
The long:
This book takes place in 1997-98 (loved being back in the 90s, and loved Ivy's wardrobe of almost exclusive skirts!) It is set in a hidden magical realm at an academy that Ivy attends hoping to find some answers to help her parents, and to find her missing best friend (who is declared dead, but Ivy didn't believe it).
There are so many secrets between the characters, their backstories, Ivy's family, even the school had secrets. At 80% in I still didn't know who to trust. At 90%, still wavering. Even given their secrets I liked most the characters and seeing their friendships grow. Ivy would make a really good friend in real life! Maeve too!
I love academia romantasy and this was a nice change to the genre as it wasn't focused on war. The exams they completed at the school were interesting and their side-quest investigations led to things I wasn't expecting!
This is a slow burn MMF why choose, but I wouldn't say it's a reverse harem. The petnames for the love interests were adorable 🥰
There were a few fav lines for me, definitely the top one was "Eyes on me, I've got you" *swoon*
The FMC is resilient to everything that gets thrown at her, the MMC is definitely on the soft side.
Loved the cover and character art, a red headed hazel-eyed FMC, yes please! It's the first book in her Arcania Academy series and I am looking forward to year 2!
The short: Loved it!
The long:
This book takes place in 1997-98 (loved being back in the 90s, and loved Ivy's wardrobe of almost exclusive skirts!) It is set in a hidden magical realm at an academy that Ivy attends hoping to find some answers to help her parents, and to find her missing best friend (who is declared dead, but Ivy didn't believe it).
There are so many secrets between the characters, their backstories, Ivy's family, even the school had secrets. At 80% in I still didn't know who to trust. At 90%, still wavering. Even given their secrets I liked most the characters and seeing their friendships grow. Ivy would make a really good friend in real life! Maeve too!
I love academia romantasy and this was a nice change to the genre as it wasn't focused on war. The exams they completed at the school were interesting and their side-quest investigations led to things I wasn't expecting!
This is a slow burn MMF why choose, but I wouldn't say it's a reverse harem. The petnames for the love interests were adorable 🥰
There were a few fav lines for me, definitely the top one was "Eyes on me, I've got you" *swoon*
The FMC is resilient to everything that gets thrown at her, the MMC is definitely on the soft side.
Loved the cover and character art, a red headed hazel-eyed FMC, yes please! It's the first book in her Arcania Academy series and I am looking forward to year 2!
August 14, 2026
ARC REVIEW
this was such a good read, dark academia vibes, we have people going missing and a mystery to solve, fated mates but with a twist, trials, secret societies, a slow burn, just so many good elements that really worked well when brought together
the plot was very intriguing, this is a long book but it was very captivating and it didn’t feel like it was dragging on, everything that was included felt necessary to the story
i loved the build up of ivy and ezra’s relationship, it was a slow burn but it felt very realistic and seeing them form their friendship first was everything to me. i can’t wait for the grovelling that ezra is gonna have to do in the next book
and then there’s the silas of it all…i am so intrigued by him and his involvement in everything, he’s like a puzzle that i really want to solve and figure out how he fits into ivy and ezra
where this book was slightly underwhelming for me was the explanations near the end. i kind of put together certain things before they happened, but after hearing the characters explain it, i was still left with unanswered questions (which could be answered in future books) or simply confusion on the why of it all. now obviously, this is book 1, so there is plenty of time for things to be explained, but i would’ve liked slightly more
overall, i would def recommend this book and i’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
this was such a good read, dark academia vibes, we have people going missing and a mystery to solve, fated mates but with a twist, trials, secret societies, a slow burn, just so many good elements that really worked well when brought together
the plot was very intriguing, this is a long book but it was very captivating and it didn’t feel like it was dragging on, everything that was included felt necessary to the story
i loved the build up of ivy and ezra’s relationship, it was a slow burn but it felt very realistic and seeing them form their friendship first was everything to me. i can’t wait for the grovelling that ezra is gonna have to do in the next book
and then there’s the silas of it all…i am so intrigued by him and his involvement in everything, he’s like a puzzle that i really want to solve and figure out how he fits into ivy and ezra
where this book was slightly underwhelming for me was the explanations near the end. i kind of put together certain things before they happened, but after hearing the characters explain it, i was still left with unanswered questions (which could be answered in future books) or simply confusion on the why of it all. now obviously, this is book 1, so there is plenty of time for things to be explained, but i would’ve liked slightly more
overall, i would def recommend this book and i’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I should begin by saying this is my first encounter with this author's work, and it did not disappoint. She weaves a world of magic and chaos. I love reading about dark academia, especially if it involves magic and why choose. Something I loved about this story is that Ivy is learning more about magic, wanting to heal her parents, while also trying to figure out what happened to her best friend.
Ivy has a strong character, especially with her goals and morals. She is the only one who has not given up on finding out what happened to her parents, even when everyone around her keeps telling her it's futile. I really admire that about her.
Then comes our sweetheart Ezra, who unfortunately is under the thumb of his father, and nothing he can do will grant him freedom. He has a good heart and hesitates when doing a mission for his father, but at the end of the day, he also wants to survive.
They are the yin and yang to each other. They balance each other well and give each other space to be themselves. Ezra truly wants to protect Ivy, and he will do anything, even though the entire time you are screaming at the book for him to tell Ivy the truth.
There is another character you will encounter, but I don’t want to give a lot of spoilers, and I feel that we will see more of him in the second book, hopefully. That ending was killer. I want more like yesterday.
Ivy has a strong character, especially with her goals and morals. She is the only one who has not given up on finding out what happened to her parents, even when everyone around her keeps telling her it's futile. I really admire that about her.
Then comes our sweetheart Ezra, who unfortunately is under the thumb of his father, and nothing he can do will grant him freedom. He has a good heart and hesitates when doing a mission for his father, but at the end of the day, he also wants to survive.
They are the yin and yang to each other. They balance each other well and give each other space to be themselves. Ezra truly wants to protect Ivy, and he will do anything, even though the entire time you are screaming at the book for him to tell Ivy the truth.
There is another character you will encounter, but I don’t want to give a lot of spoilers, and I feel that we will see more of him in the second book, hopefully. That ending was killer. I want more like yesterday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ivy’s best friend Briar disappeared a few months ago, after enrolling at Arcania Academy, and is presumed dead. But because of a bonding ritual they did as kids, Ivy knows there is a possibility that she is still alive.
When she finally gets her acceptance letter to Arcania Academy, she is determined to figure out what happened to Briar. As the semester progresses, Ivy comes to realise that there are more mysterious disapearances occurring at the academy. While she navigates between clues, she also is trying to fight the attraction she has with Ezra, which seems to get on her nerves most of the time. She also can feel a magical connection to him that she just can’t explain.
As the book progresses, we get more clues as to what is going on with Briar and the disappearances on campus. Because this book uses a dual POV, the yearning between the characters is intensified. The tension in this book is toe curling.
There are also a lot of mysteries surrounding the characters and their potential involvements in what’s happening. This book is full of enigmas revolving around the disappearances on campus and keeps us on our toes. I always love a book set in an academic context, and this one was an emotional roller coaster. It was just excellent, and I can’t wait to find out how this will turn out in the next book.
Thank you Emilia D’Arcy for this ARC 🧡
When she finally gets her acceptance letter to Arcania Academy, she is determined to figure out what happened to Briar. As the semester progresses, Ivy comes to realise that there are more mysterious disapearances occurring at the academy. While she navigates between clues, she also is trying to fight the attraction she has with Ezra, which seems to get on her nerves most of the time. She also can feel a magical connection to him that she just can’t explain.
As the book progresses, we get more clues as to what is going on with Briar and the disappearances on campus. Because this book uses a dual POV, the yearning between the characters is intensified. The tension in this book is toe curling.
There are also a lot of mysteries surrounding the characters and their potential involvements in what’s happening. This book is full of enigmas revolving around the disappearances on campus and keeps us on our toes. I always love a book set in an academic context, and this one was an emotional roller coaster. It was just excellent, and I can’t wait to find out how this will turn out in the next book.
Thank you Emilia D’Arcy for this ARC 🧡
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5⭐️ Advanced copy received by author.
This book made me wish for it to be fall already and I'm planning many Ivy‐inspired outfits.
I enjoyed both the story and the characters. The core four characters are interesting and likeable (though it might take time *cough, cough*) albeit a bit cliché in some aspects. We get a lot of back-story on Ivy and Ezra, and a bit on Maeve, but I wish we had more info on Liam. I found him to be less developed than the other three even though he is a part of the group. Secondary characters also have good development and depth to their decision-making even if they show up less in the story.
The plot seemed very straight to the point in the beginning tbh and a bit obvious. I enjoy trying to guess how things are gonna turn out and I thought I hit the nail on the head from the very beginning but I actually hit my hand with the hammer. I do hope for more world-building in the future as I have a lot of questions on campus housing and how it's assigned. Is it random? Is it faculty related? Is it related to magical abilities? On that note, I also would like to get more on the characters' magical niches and how they get them. I know everyone can technically do everything but, is it a choice? Is it inherited? Is it random?
This book made me wish for it to be fall already and I'm planning many Ivy‐inspired outfits.
I enjoyed both the story and the characters. The core four characters are interesting and likeable (though it might take time *cough, cough*) albeit a bit cliché in some aspects. We get a lot of back-story on Ivy and Ezra, and a bit on Maeve, but I wish we had more info on Liam. I found him to be less developed than the other three even though he is a part of the group. Secondary characters also have good development and depth to their decision-making even if they show up less in the story.
The plot seemed very straight to the point in the beginning tbh and a bit obvious. I enjoy trying to guess how things are gonna turn out and I thought I hit the nail on the head from the very beginning but I actually hit my hand with the hammer. I do hope for more world-building in the future as I have a lot of questions on campus housing and how it's assigned. Is it random? Is it faculty related? Is it related to magical abilities? On that note, I also would like to get more on the characters' magical niches and how they get them. I know everyone can technically do everything but, is it a choice? Is it inherited? Is it random?
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love your dark academia with an emphasis on the dark, this one delivers. D'Arcy builds a genuinely messed-up academic setting where nearly every character carries a tragic backstory - and somehow it works, layering into the atmosphere instead of feeling excessive.
The secrets in this book are just one of many places where this story shines. Watching the main cast of five unravel each one by one made it nearly impossible to know who to root for and who to distrust, and that tension kept me glued to the pages.
Ivy and Ezra's romance is a highlight - two characters who start out guarding their hearts fiercely and slowly (mostly) let each other in. It's the kind of emotional payoff that makes slow burn worth the wait. And then there's Silas. I'll admit I went in without knowing he'd factor in as a third fated mate, and I'm so glad I did. Piecing together all the moments Ivy felt his icy magic in hindsight made the reveal hit so much harder.
This is very much a book that sets up more story to come, and I'm already anticipating book two - especially with Ivy's brother Gabriel poised to play a bigger role. Highly recommend for fans of morally gray casts and slow-burn tension with high stakes.
The secrets in this book are just one of many places where this story shines. Watching the main cast of five unravel each one by one made it nearly impossible to know who to root for and who to distrust, and that tension kept me glued to the pages.
Ivy and Ezra's romance is a highlight - two characters who start out guarding their hearts fiercely and slowly (mostly) let each other in. It's the kind of emotional payoff that makes slow burn worth the wait. And then there's Silas. I'll admit I went in without knowing he'd factor in as a third fated mate, and I'm so glad I did. Piecing together all the moments Ivy felt his icy magic in hindsight made the reveal hit so much harder.
This is very much a book that sets up more story to come, and I'm already anticipating book two - especially with Ivy's brother Gabriel poised to play a bigger role. Highly recommend for fans of morally gray casts and slow-burn tension with high stakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC of The Halls of the Vanished. I was excited to dive in. The premise of the story as well as the “dark” academic theme drew me in.
It took a minute to get comfortable with the third-person POV within the specific character chapters. First book I’ve read that did that. I instantly felt drawn in and reminded of Harry Potter vibes. The academic setting reminded me of Zodiac Academy.
However, it didn’t come together how I hoped. I felt as if there was too much jumping of the plot with too many twists never written fully through. The magic system was confusing. There’s magic but different people have different types of magic?
The FMC, Ivy, was written as timid but strong minded & able to see through people, except Ezra, the MMC. Which felt like it disrupted the character development & made her confusing. Her having a dream of the three way came out of left field. She met Silas like twice prior to that.
The MMC, Ezra, acted like a child. He was whiny & the opposite of masculine in my book. The tears, crying & pinked cheeks… absolutely not sexy. The most annoying thing was the 1 million chances of kissing & nothing. 😑 Even with being friends first….sleeping in the same bed….walking together in between classes….nothing. Ezra being hung up on his ex left me annoyed as well. I’ve read many threesome/ Why Choose tropes & this was not done well.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series. I wanted to love this but it just fell short in my expectations unfortunately.
It took a minute to get comfortable with the third-person POV within the specific character chapters. First book I’ve read that did that. I instantly felt drawn in and reminded of Harry Potter vibes. The academic setting reminded me of Zodiac Academy.
However, it didn’t come together how I hoped. I felt as if there was too much jumping of the plot with too many twists never written fully through. The magic system was confusing. There’s magic but different people have different types of magic?
The FMC, Ivy, was written as timid but strong minded & able to see through people, except Ezra, the MMC. Which felt like it disrupted the character development & made her confusing. Her having a dream of the three way came out of left field. She met Silas like twice prior to that.
The MMC, Ezra, acted like a child. He was whiny & the opposite of masculine in my book. The tears, crying & pinked cheeks… absolutely not sexy. The most annoying thing was the 1 million chances of kissing & nothing. 😑 Even with being friends first….sleeping in the same bed….walking together in between classes….nothing. Ezra being hung up on his ex left me annoyed as well. I’ve read many threesome/ Why Choose tropes & this was not done well.
I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series. I wanted to love this but it just fell short in my expectations unfortunately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
She finally gets accepted into arcania academy. The school holds lots of mysteries and secrets. With the help of her friends, they start to uncover them. Along the way the her and her friends secrets and lies come to light.
The FMC Ivy is strong willed and selfless. Her best friend goes to Arcania academy and is believed to be dead. She now has to figure out how to prove her friend isn't dead and help her parents. Once she gets accepted into arcania academy more mysteries unfold like the scar on her hand and the missing students.
The MMC Ezra has a lot of self doubt, and just wants to be loved. He's forced to do one last thing for his freedom. He keeps secrets from ivy at first. But along the way, he develops feelings for her. Soon he is trying to protect her from his ex silas as he takes an interest in her.
The world building in this book is done beautifully for a 4 books series. This is a slow burn series with a lot of tension and yearning between Ivy and Ezra. There are many moments of will they, or won't they. This book does have a cliffhanger and I honestly need book 2, because I want to know what happens next.
I received this arc from the author and this is my honest voluntary review
The FMC Ivy is strong willed and selfless. Her best friend goes to Arcania academy and is believed to be dead. She now has to figure out how to prove her friend isn't dead and help her parents. Once she gets accepted into arcania academy more mysteries unfold like the scar on her hand and the missing students.
The MMC Ezra has a lot of self doubt, and just wants to be loved. He's forced to do one last thing for his freedom. He keeps secrets from ivy at first. But along the way, he develops feelings for her. Soon he is trying to protect her from his ex silas as he takes an interest in her.
The world building in this book is done beautifully for a 4 books series. This is a slow burn series with a lot of tension and yearning between Ivy and Ezra. There are many moments of will they, or won't they. This book does have a cliffhanger and I honestly need book 2, because I want to know what happens next.
I received this arc from the author and this is my honest voluntary review
September 17, 2026
This book. It is a why choose book but it will build up to it. It is a slow burn in all accounts and it does not instantly become a Why choose. I love that this book is a slow burn. that the author built up to the points she wanted and took her time about it. The way the story flowed through the world, through all of it was brilliant. It was hard to put it down when I had to go about my life but always easy to pick it up again.
I really enjoyed the Harry Potter vibes throughout the book, it made me smile at times but it was completely its own story. I throughly love academia vibed books and this one had it in spades. Everything about this book, about this world was new. I loved the different twists on it and the mystery of it all.
Did I cry? yes, yes I did and do not regret it.
The characters of this book were all good! I loved everyone including the side characters they all just worked so well together.
I adored Ivy, i loved that she wasn't the normal main character vibe but was willing to go after what she wanted.
Ezra, was everything i loved, his story, his past, his tortured soul. I cant wait to see how the next book starts and how it just becomes better. There is so much more waiting to happen. Silas... oh Silas.... he was hardly on the pages but oh do I love me a villain. How could I not? I am anxiously waiting to learn more about him!
If you love mystery, why choose, academia and trials, broody men, a girl willing to rescue those who she loves. Entering into a world where the school itself is the mystery then this book is for you!
Thank you Emilia D'Arcy and her team for allowing me to read this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the Harry Potter vibes throughout the book, it made me smile at times but it was completely its own story. I throughly love academia vibed books and this one had it in spades. Everything about this book, about this world was new. I loved the different twists on it and the mystery of it all.
Did I cry? yes, yes I did and do not regret it.
The characters of this book were all good! I loved everyone including the side characters they all just worked so well together.
I adored Ivy, i loved that she wasn't the normal main character vibe but was willing to go after what she wanted.
Ezra, was everything i loved, his story, his past, his tortured soul. I cant wait to see how the next book starts and how it just becomes better. There is so much more waiting to happen. Silas... oh Silas.... he was hardly on the pages but oh do I love me a villain. How could I not? I am anxiously waiting to learn more about him!
If you love mystery, why choose, academia and trials, broody men, a girl willing to rescue those who she loves. Entering into a world where the school itself is the mystery then this book is for you!
Thank you Emilia D'Arcy and her team for allowing me to read this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advance Copy Received from the Author.
The world-building in this story is phenomenal, creating a dark, creepy, and mysterious campus atmosphere that feels completely immersive. Set in a magical school that intentionally avoids classic tropes like wands or flying brooms, the unique magic system adds incredible depth to both the setting and the plot. The eerie feeling, dark secrets, and looming disappearances build a tense, suspenseful environment where you constantly question what is lurking behind the next door.
The pacing flows effortlessly, paired with comfortable chapter lengths that keep the reading experience engaging without feeling overwhelming. At the heart of the story are deeply compelling characters with rich backstories and relatable glimpses into their lives. The female and male leads are wonderfully complex, both fighting their own intense inner demons while navigating a brilliant slow-burn romance. Supported by a close-knit friend group featuring a fantastic diversity of side characters, the narrative delivers a captivating journey that culminates in a high-stakes cliffhanger ending, serving as the perfect setup for the next installment.
This is a highly recommended read for anyone who loves spicy dark academia.
The world-building in this story is phenomenal, creating a dark, creepy, and mysterious campus atmosphere that feels completely immersive. Set in a magical school that intentionally avoids classic tropes like wands or flying brooms, the unique magic system adds incredible depth to both the setting and the plot. The eerie feeling, dark secrets, and looming disappearances build a tense, suspenseful environment where you constantly question what is lurking behind the next door.
The pacing flows effortlessly, paired with comfortable chapter lengths that keep the reading experience engaging without feeling overwhelming. At the heart of the story are deeply compelling characters with rich backstories and relatable glimpses into their lives. The female and male leads are wonderfully complex, both fighting their own intense inner demons while navigating a brilliant slow-burn romance. Supported by a close-knit friend group featuring a fantastic diversity of side characters, the narrative delivers a captivating journey that culminates in a high-stakes cliffhanger ending, serving as the perfect setup for the next installment.
This is a highly recommended read for anyone who loves spicy dark academia.
Review of advance copy
I had such a blast reading this, we get trials in the form of exams, we have a murder investigation, a potential polyamorous relationship and a cult. I actually could have made that even longer but their are word limits.
Now for the characters:
Ezra is so naive and I get it from the point that he wants to protect Ivy but in keeping the truth from her it's making it drastically harder. Also, he clearly loves Silas (the ex) whilst pining for Ivy so mixed feelings there.
Ivy is the sweetest most caring protagonist who deserves the world and my goodness do people make it hard for her whether it's her own best friend or her partner.
Silas is cold, almost to the point of unfeeling and yet he wants Ivy and Ezra. Without giving too much away, I see a redemption arc in the next book potentially.
I wish we had more background info on the magic system. I have a feeling this will be explained in the books to come, but I want to know how people lose their magic, is magic elemental or just an internal blood thing? If humans can't see those with magic does that mean they operate on a different plane? Oh side note, when the antidote disappeared why on earth did Ivy take the poisoned drink?
Now for the characters:
Ezra is so naive and I get it from the point that he wants to protect Ivy but in keeping the truth from her it's making it drastically harder. Also, he clearly loves Silas (the ex) whilst pining for Ivy so mixed feelings there.
Ivy is the sweetest most caring protagonist who deserves the world and my goodness do people make it hard for her whether it's her own best friend or her partner.
Silas is cold, almost to the point of unfeeling and yet he wants Ivy and Ezra. Without giving too much away, I see a redemption arc in the next book potentially.
I wish we had more background info on the magic system. I have a feeling this will be explained in the books to come, but I want to know how people lose their magic, is magic elemental or just an internal blood thing? If humans can't see those with magic does that mean they operate on a different plane? Oh side note, when the antidote disappeared why on earth did Ivy take the poisoned drink?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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