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Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex
Not yet published
Expected 1 Nov 26What if magic is real—and you’ve been quietly training for it your whole life?
Eighteen-year-old Liam Russo planned to become a doctor, healing one patient at a time. Then, a mysterious surgeon offers him a place at Dawnspire Academy, a hidden school nestled in the jagged Rocky Mountains of Banff. Here, students from cultures across Canada learn to awaken the magical spark nurtured by their earthly passions. For Liam, it’s a chance to save his dying grandfather and heal on a scale no ordinary physician could dream of.
But power always comes with questions. Who should wield it? And how much is safe for one person to hold?
Inside the academy walls, Liam finds sanctuary in a tender romance, forms a fierce found family, and stumbles into the crosshairs of a rebellion among elitist, legacy mageborne students. But as tensions boil within the school, an ancient pestilence deity awakens outside it—threatening a sweeping epidemic that neither magic nor medicine can stop.
Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Legendborn, and Legends & Lattes, this cozy-yet-tender fantasy academia debut blends healing magic and found family with the heavy cost of power.
Eighteen-year-old Liam Russo planned to become a doctor, healing one patient at a time. Then, a mysterious surgeon offers him a place at Dawnspire Academy, a hidden school nestled in the jagged Rocky Mountains of Banff. Here, students from cultures across Canada learn to awaken the magical spark nurtured by their earthly passions. For Liam, it’s a chance to save his dying grandfather and heal on a scale no ordinary physician could dream of.
But power always comes with questions. Who should wield it? And how much is safe for one person to hold?
Inside the academy walls, Liam finds sanctuary in a tender romance, forms a fierce found family, and stumbles into the crosshairs of a rebellion among elitist, legacy mageborne students. But as tensions boil within the school, an ancient pestilence deity awakens outside it—threatening a sweeping epidemic that neither magic nor medicine can stop.
Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Legendborn, and Legends & Lattes, this cozy-yet-tender fantasy academia debut blends healing magic and found family with the heavy cost of power.
511 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 1, 2026
About the author
Anthony Sudano
2 books16 followersAnthony Sudano is a pharmacist by day and fantasy author by night. Growing up on video games, fantasy novels, and stories of unlikely heroes, he developed a passion for writing worlds where magic can be learned and anyone willing to put in the work can achieve the extraordinary. His novels feature diverse, queernormative casts, intricate magic systems, and character-driven adventures that blend heart, wonder, and discovery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from the Author.
There were many good elements to this book that worked well. The characters were well developed, their motives were defined, and the magic system was incredibly thoughtful. I loved reading a book that was magical and took place in Canada because it's where I'm from.
I did feel that the beginning of the book had so much world building that I almost lost touch with where the story was going. It was a bit slow for me there, and getting to the actual magic took longer than expected. It's an interesting magic system. I have heard it described as having Harry Potter vibes, and I definitely felt that. One major difference between the two is that magic isn't something that the characters have, it is something they are selected to obtain. For me, though, I think that aspect made it a little harder for me to connect with.
I think if you really love YA books with unique magic systems and books with heavy STEM themes, this book could really work for you!
You can really see how much love and thought went into writing this book. And, it was very well developed. I respect the author and can see what they were trying to do, but the book personally didn't click with me the way I would have hoped.
⭐⭐⭐
There were many good elements to this book that worked well. The characters were well developed, their motives were defined, and the magic system was incredibly thoughtful. I loved reading a book that was magical and took place in Canada because it's where I'm from.
I did feel that the beginning of the book had so much world building that I almost lost touch with where the story was going. It was a bit slow for me there, and getting to the actual magic took longer than expected. It's an interesting magic system. I have heard it described as having Harry Potter vibes, and I definitely felt that. One major difference between the two is that magic isn't something that the characters have, it is something they are selected to obtain. For me, though, I think that aspect made it a little harder for me to connect with.
I think if you really love YA books with unique magic systems and books with heavy STEM themes, this book could really work for you!
You can really see how much love and thought went into writing this book. And, it was very well developed. I respect the author and can see what they were trying to do, but the book personally didn't click with me the way I would have hoped.
⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a lovely debut novel by Anthony Sudano! I'd like to thank the author for this free copy of his novel in exchange for my honest review.
Liam is an 18 year old who was accepted into two highly rated Canadian Universities is deciding which one to attend. But one more option is presented to him; the opportunity to attend a secret academy for magical training. Faced with the fact his grandfather's health is declining and wanting to find a cure, Liam decides to attend the academy nestled in the Canadian Rockies.
The academy introduces us to a plethora of characters who bring something unique to the story. I especially loved watching the friendships and their magic unfold as the story continued.
With hidden magic, found family and a little chaos all at the academy I found myself invested in the story. This is due to the writing; engaging but not overly complex which allowed me to continue turning the page.
If you love magical worlds, and Harry Potter vibes this book is for you!! I can't wait for the next book and to continue on the journey with Liam and friends.
"Magic is powerful,beautiful.. but some wield it against us. We owe it to ourselves to be ready"
Liam is an 18 year old who was accepted into two highly rated Canadian Universities is deciding which one to attend. But one more option is presented to him; the opportunity to attend a secret academy for magical training. Faced with the fact his grandfather's health is declining and wanting to find a cure, Liam decides to attend the academy nestled in the Canadian Rockies.
The academy introduces us to a plethora of characters who bring something unique to the story. I especially loved watching the friendships and their magic unfold as the story continued.
With hidden magic, found family and a little chaos all at the academy I found myself invested in the story. This is due to the writing; engaging but not overly complex which allowed me to continue turning the page.
If you love magical worlds, and Harry Potter vibes this book is for you!! I can't wait for the next book and to continue on the journey with Liam and friends.
"Magic is powerful,beautiful.. but some wield it against us. We owe it to ourselves to be ready"
July 21, 2026
Earth… Water… Air… FIVE STARS!
I truly believe that reading a book at the right time is so important and ‘Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex’ was the PERFECT read for me at this time.
Magic. Coffee. Love. Friendship… WHIMSY.
If you need a nice escape from reality, give this a read. It’s perfect for fall or winter, and a steaming cup of coffee.
This feel good read will be a staple for your upcoming season!
I truly believe that reading a book at the right time is so important and ‘Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex’ was the PERFECT read for me at this time.
Magic. Coffee. Love. Friendship… WHIMSY.
If you need a nice escape from reality, give this a read. It’s perfect for fall or winter, and a steaming cup of coffee.
This feel good read will be a staple for your upcoming season!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️Audiobook Review✨️
Anthony narrated his own creation beautifully! I am absolutely amazed by how well he carefully curated each and every voice as well as many different accents and foreign languages. This audio is so brilliant and so passionately spoken that it brings the book to life in a way simply reading words never could. I really enjoyed hearing Anthony bring his language skills and personal background to these characters. Hearing different pronunciations of words was also a highlight for me.
✨️Read below for more on the book itself. If you get a chance to immersive read this book and upcoming series, I highly recommend that you do.
The first book in what is proving to be a fantasy series of epic proportions. @sudanowrites starts our journey off strong as we enter Dawnspire Academy, a university for teaching plainfolk and worthy students the way of the magical arts. Here we are introduced to a diverse mix of characters, a complex world as well as a complex magic system.
"Magic is powerful, beautiful...but some wield it against us. We owe it to ourselves to be ready."
Anthony creates his world, builds his characters and crafts the magic incredibly well. Each character is unique and well developed. They each bring his or her own talent and magical ability to the academy and support eachother brilliantly. You will develop favorites and you will get attached to his characters.
"I want to be someone worth keeping around."
This is a fantasy centered around finding a way to end a rapidly spreading virus and rebuilding trust after centuries of betrayal. There are wonderful side stories filled with low spice romance, friendships and family committment. I laughed, I cried. There is so much packed into the story and I'm excited to see how everything unfolds in subsequent books.
I recommend this book to every fantasy lover and specifically those who lean more towards young adult where the spice is intentionally low and the complex world and character building really shines.
Thank you @sudanowrites for the advanced copy of this book. Now available for pre-order at www.liamrusso.com along with additional swag items to enhance your journey at Dawnspire Academy.
#liamrussoandthepestilencecodex #youngadult #fantasy #academia #tbr
Anthony narrated his own creation beautifully! I am absolutely amazed by how well he carefully curated each and every voice as well as many different accents and foreign languages. This audio is so brilliant and so passionately spoken that it brings the book to life in a way simply reading words never could. I really enjoyed hearing Anthony bring his language skills and personal background to these characters. Hearing different pronunciations of words was also a highlight for me.
✨️Read below for more on the book itself. If you get a chance to immersive read this book and upcoming series, I highly recommend that you do.
The first book in what is proving to be a fantasy series of epic proportions. @sudanowrites starts our journey off strong as we enter Dawnspire Academy, a university for teaching plainfolk and worthy students the way of the magical arts. Here we are introduced to a diverse mix of characters, a complex world as well as a complex magic system.
"Magic is powerful, beautiful...but some wield it against us. We owe it to ourselves to be ready."
Anthony creates his world, builds his characters and crafts the magic incredibly well. Each character is unique and well developed. They each bring his or her own talent and magical ability to the academy and support eachother brilliantly. You will develop favorites and you will get attached to his characters.
"I want to be someone worth keeping around."
This is a fantasy centered around finding a way to end a rapidly spreading virus and rebuilding trust after centuries of betrayal. There are wonderful side stories filled with low spice romance, friendships and family committment. I laughed, I cried. There is so much packed into the story and I'm excited to see how everything unfolds in subsequent books.
I recommend this book to every fantasy lover and specifically those who lean more towards young adult where the spice is intentionally low and the complex world and character building really shines.
Thank you @sudanowrites for the advanced copy of this book. Now available for pre-order at www.liamrusso.com along with additional swag items to enhance your journey at Dawnspire Academy.
#liamrussoandthepestilencecodex #youngadult #fantasy #academia #tbr
September 14, 2026
I absolutely loved Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex by Anthony Sudano!
Eighteen year old Liam Russo plans to attend one of two outstanding Canadian universities. However, while weighing his options he is offered a place in a secret academy for magical training. Liam’s desire to find a cure for his grandfather’s deteriorating health motivates him to accept the offer.
Of course, while at the academy Liam makes wonderful friends, engages in a number of shenanigans and meets the girl of his dreams. This book filled with all of the fun we would expect in a fantasy but it also fleshes out important questions such as how far would any of us go to save someone we love.
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex is a very well written, highly engaging story filled with lovable heroes and scary villains. I could not put it down and cannot wait to read book two!
Eighteen year old Liam Russo plans to attend one of two outstanding Canadian universities. However, while weighing his options he is offered a place in a secret academy for magical training. Liam’s desire to find a cure for his grandfather’s deteriorating health motivates him to accept the offer.
Of course, while at the academy Liam makes wonderful friends, engages in a number of shenanigans and meets the girl of his dreams. This book filled with all of the fun we would expect in a fantasy but it also fleshes out important questions such as how far would any of us go to save someone we love.
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex is a very well written, highly engaging story filled with lovable heroes and scary villains. I could not put it down and cannot wait to read book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Mosquitos are the deadliest creatures in the world.” Did you know that? I didn’t. But it’s true. This is just one of the pearls of wisdom that are dropped in Anthony Sudano’s debut novel, Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex. This book is a love letter to the power of knowledge, the importance of learning, and the responsibility to apply this for the greater good.
I will admit it took me a while to get invested in this story. I don’t believe I am the target demographic for this book. Readers who are a bit younger, play games like Magic the Gathering and Skyrim, and speak fluent Gen Z are going to catch on more quickly than I did. There is an intricate magic system here that runs unseen and parallel to the plainfolk world. There is also a very cozy vibe that spans several cultures and an extreme coffee obsession. Sudano also introduces a wide cast of diverse characters; Dawnspire’s faculty and students, shop owners at the Banff Bazaar, friends and family. All of this takes time and pages. It’s as if we’re having the stage set for a huge series. What? 9 more books are coming? Oh, that is big.
From my vantage point as a Gen X retired youth librarian, I can tell you this. If someone came to me, and said, “I’m looking for a book for my grandkid. They like fantasy, academia, and they’re into gaming. I want to feel good about them reading it. You know, something with an uplifting message. There can be a little romance but nothing that would make it hard for us to look each other in the eye later. Oh and they are really, really, into coffee. What do you recommend?” I would hand them Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex.
I will admit it took me a while to get invested in this story. I don’t believe I am the target demographic for this book. Readers who are a bit younger, play games like Magic the Gathering and Skyrim, and speak fluent Gen Z are going to catch on more quickly than I did. There is an intricate magic system here that runs unseen and parallel to the plainfolk world. There is also a very cozy vibe that spans several cultures and an extreme coffee obsession. Sudano also introduces a wide cast of diverse characters; Dawnspire’s faculty and students, shop owners at the Banff Bazaar, friends and family. All of this takes time and pages. It’s as if we’re having the stage set for a huge series. What? 9 more books are coming? Oh, that is big.
From my vantage point as a Gen X retired youth librarian, I can tell you this. If someone came to me, and said, “I’m looking for a book for my grandkid. They like fantasy, academia, and they’re into gaming. I want to feel good about them reading it. You know, something with an uplifting message. There can be a little romance but nothing that would make it hard for us to look each other in the eye later. Oh and they are really, really, into coffee. What do you recommend?” I would hand them Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adored this charming, immersive YA fantasy. Every time I picked it up, I was whisked away into Liam's world and the beautiful Dawnspire Academy. It was an easy page turner and I think one of my favourite YA books already. It is such a great read for fall/winter and it had me feeling festive.
The descriptions were vivid and rich, and it felt like I was right there alongside Liam, getting to experience the foods, classes, trials and tribulations he did. All the characters brought something unique to the story, and I enjoyed how distinct they all felt. I was very intrigued by the twins, and I'm eager (and apprehensive) to see what happens next with them. Liamanda was so endearing. I was laughing out loud when he nearly got busted by his dad after being with Amanda (nice save, Liam). Jordan was hilarious, but I also loved his nuance, at times he's jealous, impulsive, and hot tempered. It made him feel really authentic. A lot of the characters shared this depth, and I loved uncovering each of their backstories like Abed and Jonathan. There were some twists and turns that had me utterly shocked (and devastated...), and I'm excited to see where it heads next. #HouseNaturae for me!
A beautiful debut, and I can't wait for the next instalment. If you love magic, coffee, multicultural found family and the best cosy vibes, give it a read.
The descriptions were vivid and rich, and it felt like I was right there alongside Liam, getting to experience the foods, classes, trials and tribulations he did. All the characters brought something unique to the story, and I enjoyed how distinct they all felt. I was very intrigued by the twins, and I'm eager (and apprehensive) to see what happens next with them. Liamanda was so endearing. I was laughing out loud when he nearly got busted by his dad after being with Amanda (nice save, Liam). Jordan was hilarious, but I also loved his nuance, at times he's jealous, impulsive, and hot tempered. It made him feel really authentic. A lot of the characters shared this depth, and I loved uncovering each of their backstories like Abed and Jonathan. There were some twists and turns that had me utterly shocked (and devastated...), and I'm excited to see where it heads next. #HouseNaturae for me!
A beautiful debut, and I can't wait for the next instalment. If you love magic, coffee, multicultural found family and the best cosy vibes, give it a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Move over, Harry Potter, there’s a new magical academy in town!
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Code is packed with incredibly descriptive writing, and a magical academy that completely pulled me in. Liam’s plans to become a doctor take an unexpected turn after a mysterious man makes him an offer he can’t refuse, I was hooked.
And Liam? A man after my own heart! Anyone who loves coffee as much as he does is automatically someone I’m rooting for.
Dawnspire Academy introduces Liam to a whole new world, along with new friends, unexpected adventures, and, of course, a little romance. I especially loved watching Liam and Amanda’s relationship unfold. Their story added another layer to an already captivating adventure, and I found myself invested in their journey right alongside the magic and mystery.
The world building is definitely one of the highlights for me. The author does a fantastic job creating a world that feels detailed, imaginative, and easy to get lost in.
If you love magical academies, immersive worlds, mystery, friendship, and a little romance mixed into your fantasy adventures, Liam Russo and the Pestilence Code is definitely one to add to your kindle.
And seriously, the coffee loving main character had me from the start.
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Code is packed with incredibly descriptive writing, and a magical academy that completely pulled me in. Liam’s plans to become a doctor take an unexpected turn after a mysterious man makes him an offer he can’t refuse, I was hooked.
And Liam? A man after my own heart! Anyone who loves coffee as much as he does is automatically someone I’m rooting for.
Dawnspire Academy introduces Liam to a whole new world, along with new friends, unexpected adventures, and, of course, a little romance. I especially loved watching Liam and Amanda’s relationship unfold. Their story added another layer to an already captivating adventure, and I found myself invested in their journey right alongside the magic and mystery.
The world building is definitely one of the highlights for me. The author does a fantastic job creating a world that feels detailed, imaginative, and easy to get lost in.
If you love magical academies, immersive worlds, mystery, friendship, and a little romance mixed into your fantasy adventures, Liam Russo and the Pestilence Code is definitely one to add to your kindle.
And seriously, the coffee loving main character had me from the start.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advance copy received from the author.
I enjoyed Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex! It’s well written, engaging, and gave me Harry Potter vibes that are perfect for the “-ber” months. Some of the newer-gen phrases took me a little while to understand (suddenly feeling very millennial 😅), but the story kept me invested.
Mild spoilers:
Liam’s coffee obsession made me laugh, Jordan was definitely a little over the top, and I was really starting to enjoy Jayce with his dark, almost Draco-like energy... 😭 I’m still invested, though. 🫣 Curious to see where Jana’s story goes.
My favourite, though, was Lisa. A girl who travels the world, makes friends everywhere, and plays an amazing violin? She seemed to be having the time of her life.
This magical-academy adventure is set in Canada—it made me enjoy it just a little more. For a moment, I got to relive those childhood dreams of being enrolled in a magical university.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
I enjoyed Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex! It’s well written, engaging, and gave me Harry Potter vibes that are perfect for the “-ber” months. Some of the newer-gen phrases took me a little while to understand (suddenly feeling very millennial 😅), but the story kept me invested.
Mild spoilers:
Liam’s coffee obsession made me laugh, Jordan was definitely a little over the top, and I was really starting to enjoy Jayce with his dark, almost Draco-like energy... 😭 I’m still invested, though. 🫣 Curious to see where Jana’s story goes.
My favourite, though, was Lisa. A girl who travels the world, makes friends everywhere, and plays an amazing violin? She seemed to be having the time of her life.
This magical-academy adventure is set in Canada—it made me enjoy it just a little more. For a moment, I got to relive those childhood dreams of being enrolled in a magical university.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advanced reader copy from the author.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of Anthony Sudano's debut, and I'm so glad I did. This is an immersive, easy-to-read YA fantasy. Liam's story pulled me in quickly, and I was hooked on the friendships, the found family, and the world of Dawnspire Academy. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the characters each felt distinct enough that I was invested in them, not just the plot.
I especially loved that the story takes place in Canada. It's a refreshing change from the usual settings and gives the book its own identity among magic-school stories.
For a first novel, it's confident and entertaining. If you grew up on Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, or you just love a good story about young people discovering their magic, this one is worth picking up. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of Anthony Sudano's debut, and I'm so glad I did. This is an immersive, easy-to-read YA fantasy. Liam's story pulled me in quickly, and I was hooked on the friendships, the found family, and the world of Dawnspire Academy. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the characters each felt distinct enough that I was invested in them, not just the plot.
I especially loved that the story takes place in Canada. It's a refreshing change from the usual settings and gives the book its own identity among magic-school stories.
For a first novel, it's confident and entertaining. If you grew up on Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, or you just love a good story about young people discovering their magic, this one is worth picking up. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author. I really enjoyed reading it! It is a magical fantasy book. The characters grew a lot throughout the book and the plot was good. Overall, it was pretty easy to understand though there were a few pages were it got a little
Confusing because of how it was written (a couple of the “recipe” combinations for some of the spells and stuff) but not enough to make me want to stop reading it. If there is a sequel I want to read it. I would recommend this to those who like magical fictional worlds.
Confusing because of how it was written (a couple of the “recipe” combinations for some of the spells and stuff) but not enough to make me want to stop reading it. If there is a sequel I want to read it. I would recommend this to those who like magical fictional worlds.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Dawnspire Academy is a university for teaching worthy students the ways of the magical arts. The school was inspired by a unique discovery allowing magic to be shared with plainfolk, which was previously impossible… Magic is a powerful tool—arguably the most powerful tool of all. But wielding it without morality is a recipe for disaster, as our community has witnessed many times throughout the ages…”
•
Endless thanks to Anthony for accepting me onto your ARC Team for LRPC! It was a fun and cozy read reminiscent of my first time experiencing Harry Potter… as well as COVID-19 😬 It’s a nostalgic, and somewhat polarizing, novel, and I’m grateful to have been privileged enough to experience it early.
Necessary add: Codex is Book 1 in a fairly large series. I had to remind myself of that when I finished the last page. THERE WILL BE MORE TO COME.
PS.) Thanks a lot, Anthony, for rekindling my envy of fictional people who get to attend magic-focused schools. 😒😂
•
Endless thanks to Anthony for accepting me onto your ARC Team for LRPC! It was a fun and cozy read reminiscent of my first time experiencing Harry Potter… as well as COVID-19 😬 It’s a nostalgic, and somewhat polarizing, novel, and I’m grateful to have been privileged enough to experience it early.
Necessary add: Codex is Book 1 in a fairly large series. I had to remind myself of that when I finished the last page. THERE WILL BE MORE TO COME.
PS.) Thanks a lot, Anthony, for rekindling my envy of fictional people who get to attend magic-focused schools. 😒😂
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 Stars
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex by A. Sudano
First thing, a HUGE thank you to A. Sudano for choosing me to be on his Street Team and for the physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Now, on to the review:
This book grabbed my inner Harry Potter child by the shoulders, shook her violently, and said, “We’re doing magical chaos in Canada now.”
Right from the beginning, I was getting serious Hogwarts vibes, and I mean that as the highest compliment. I remember disappearing completely into those books as a kid, and Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex gave me that same magical, adventurous feeling. My inner child was thriving. My adult responsibilities were being ignored. Balance.
The fact that this story is set in Banff made it even better. Banff is only about a six and a half hour drive from me, so naturally, I was reading this like, “Yes, this is basically happening in my backyard.” The descriptions of the Banff Bazaar were so vivid that I could picture actual locations in Banff while reading. A. Sudano’s world building is incredibly detailed, immersive, and easy to visualize. I was not simply reading about this magical world. Mentally, I had moved in and started paying rent.
The magic system was one of my favourite parts, especially the ability to transform into animals. Why walk around as a regular human when you could become something with claws and significantly fewer responsibilities?
Now, Jayce and Jana were giving villain energy immediately. Not subtle villain energy, either. I am talking matching outfits, suspicious mind-linking, probably have an evil lair villain energy. The further I read, the more nervous I became about what the Talbot twins were planning. You could feel that something colossal was building in the background, and the anticipation had me flipping pages like the answers personally owed me money.
Also, how did their creepy little army battle not cause significantly more concern? Excuse me? That was not a small warning sign. That was a giant red flag being launched directly into the sky with fireworks attached.
The part about not blowing up a bird absolutely took me out because I would have failed that assignment immediately. There would be feathers everywhere, and I would be standing there pretending it was part of the spell.
The little hint about Oakheart possibly working at Hogwarts in the past also made me ridiculously happy. I see what you did there, and my inner child appreciates your service.
Now, I fully understand this is not a romance book, and Liam and Amanda did give us some adorable hand holding and kissing moments. The cutesy romance was absolutely there. I just needed it spiced up a tiny bit more. Not actual spice, necessarily, but more tension, more butterflies, more lingering glances, and maybe a few extra kisses for emotional support. Their sweet, innocent chemistry had me kicking my feet, but I was still standing there with my little bowl begging, “Please, sir, may I have some more?” 🫣
Spoilers ahead!
Lina’s death absolutely destroyed me. She was not even my favourite character, but she did not deserve that. I was sitting there stunned, offended, and emotionally filing a formal complaint.
Her death also showed us a side of Jayce that I genuinely did not expect. For approximately five minutes, I wondered whether he might not be completely evil. Maybe there was still hope. Maybe he had layers.
Nope.
It is confirmed. Jayce has officially reached 100% evil villain status. Whatever small amount of emotional stability he had left packed a bag and fled the country.
And since we are being honest, I do not like Jordan. There, I said it. Not only is he incredibly whiny, but every time his friends do not tell him something, he pouts and makes them feel guilty for keeping it from him, even when it is someone else’s secret and was never theirs to share in the first place. Sir, you are not entitled to everyone’s private information simply because you are part of the friend group. The guilt trips, the sulking, the audacity? Major ick.
Overall, I gave Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex 4.5 stars. I only deducted half a star because I wanted a little more romance between Liam and Amanda. Just a smidge. A sprinkle. A slightly larger serving of kisses and romantic chaos.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy expansive magic systems, incredibly descriptive world building, Canadian settings, animal transformations, suspicious magical twins, low romance, no spice, and nostalgic Harry Potter inspired vibes.
Basically, come for the magic and stay for a wildly chaotic crew trying to save the world while Liam makes the kind of massive sacrifice that could have ended horribly for him. Sir, my emotional stability was not prepared.
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex by A. Sudano
First thing, a HUGE thank you to A. Sudano for choosing me to be on his Street Team and for the physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Now, on to the review:
This book grabbed my inner Harry Potter child by the shoulders, shook her violently, and said, “We’re doing magical chaos in Canada now.”
Right from the beginning, I was getting serious Hogwarts vibes, and I mean that as the highest compliment. I remember disappearing completely into those books as a kid, and Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex gave me that same magical, adventurous feeling. My inner child was thriving. My adult responsibilities were being ignored. Balance.
The fact that this story is set in Banff made it even better. Banff is only about a six and a half hour drive from me, so naturally, I was reading this like, “Yes, this is basically happening in my backyard.” The descriptions of the Banff Bazaar were so vivid that I could picture actual locations in Banff while reading. A. Sudano’s world building is incredibly detailed, immersive, and easy to visualize. I was not simply reading about this magical world. Mentally, I had moved in and started paying rent.
The magic system was one of my favourite parts, especially the ability to transform into animals. Why walk around as a regular human when you could become something with claws and significantly fewer responsibilities?
Now, Jayce and Jana were giving villain energy immediately. Not subtle villain energy, either. I am talking matching outfits, suspicious mind-linking, probably have an evil lair villain energy. The further I read, the more nervous I became about what the Talbot twins were planning. You could feel that something colossal was building in the background, and the anticipation had me flipping pages like the answers personally owed me money.
Also, how did their creepy little army battle not cause significantly more concern? Excuse me? That was not a small warning sign. That was a giant red flag being launched directly into the sky with fireworks attached.
The part about not blowing up a bird absolutely took me out because I would have failed that assignment immediately. There would be feathers everywhere, and I would be standing there pretending it was part of the spell.
The little hint about Oakheart possibly working at Hogwarts in the past also made me ridiculously happy. I see what you did there, and my inner child appreciates your service.
Now, I fully understand this is not a romance book, and Liam and Amanda did give us some adorable hand holding and kissing moments. The cutesy romance was absolutely there. I just needed it spiced up a tiny bit more. Not actual spice, necessarily, but more tension, more butterflies, more lingering glances, and maybe a few extra kisses for emotional support. Their sweet, innocent chemistry had me kicking my feet, but I was still standing there with my little bowl begging, “Please, sir, may I have some more?” 🫣
Spoilers ahead!
Lina’s death absolutely destroyed me. She was not even my favourite character, but she did not deserve that. I was sitting there stunned, offended, and emotionally filing a formal complaint.
Her death also showed us a side of Jayce that I genuinely did not expect. For approximately five minutes, I wondered whether he might not be completely evil. Maybe there was still hope. Maybe he had layers.
Nope.
It is confirmed. Jayce has officially reached 100% evil villain status. Whatever small amount of emotional stability he had left packed a bag and fled the country.
And since we are being honest, I do not like Jordan. There, I said it. Not only is he incredibly whiny, but every time his friends do not tell him something, he pouts and makes them feel guilty for keeping it from him, even when it is someone else’s secret and was never theirs to share in the first place. Sir, you are not entitled to everyone’s private information simply because you are part of the friend group. The guilt trips, the sulking, the audacity? Major ick.
Overall, I gave Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex 4.5 stars. I only deducted half a star because I wanted a little more romance between Liam and Amanda. Just a smidge. A sprinkle. A slightly larger serving of kisses and romantic chaos.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy expansive magic systems, incredibly descriptive world building, Canadian settings, animal transformations, suspicious magical twins, low romance, no spice, and nostalgic Harry Potter inspired vibes.
Basically, come for the magic and stay for a wildly chaotic crew trying to save the world while Liam makes the kind of massive sacrifice that could have ended horribly for him. Sir, my emotional stability was not prepared.
July 28, 2026
"Magic is real...and it wants me"
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex is an immersive YA fantasy about a group of ordinary teens who attend Dawnspire Academy, a one of a kind school dedicated to teaching magic to normal people. There's just one catch, you are hand selected after unknowingly proving you are a good person, but you must keep your magic a secret forever.
"Magic is a powerful tool- arguably the most powerful tool of all. But wielding it without morality is a recipe for disaster."
The students spend most of the year learning, growing, and excelling in their houses, but the stakes suddenly get higher when a global pandemic engineered by dark magic begins to spread. As Amanda would say....
"So the monster's dead, the virus is loose, and our only hope rests on conjuring a magical storm big enough to cover the earth's surface?"
This book was very complex (in a good way). In order to provide you with my honest thoughts without any spoilers, I felt it was best to break it down into a few areas that really stood out to me.
The Houses
The school is divided into 3 houses:
House Naturae- Think healing and nature and plant medicine.
House Melodia- Think arts and music.
House Artifactum- Think magical objects and artifacts.
I found myself gravitating towards house naturae,and I honestly felt so immersed during all of the class sessions. I couldn't get enough! The teas, the potions, the shapeshifting, I loved it all.
I should also take a moment to talk about all of the food. I mean, it was honestly impossible to read this book without a snack or a coffee in hand. I want to attend Dawnspire simply so I can learn to conjure dinner for the family!
Characters
There are a LOT of characters, and to be honest, between the teachers and all the students, I found myself having to go back to reference things in order to keep up. I do understand this is a series, so the characters will be here for the long haul. After finishing the first book, these are the characters that stood out to me the most.
Jordan- very funny in the beginning, and I loved him. But as the characters developed, I found myself leaning more towards some of the others. I felt like he could be a bit childish, and I know this is a YA novel and I am, in fact, very much an adult, but he really started to irritate me with all the fits he would throw.
Liam- our pre-med turned pre-magic MC. Liam loves coffee, Magic: The Gathering, and he is a HUGE family guy. He is just so wholesome and genuine that you just can't really help but to love him. Plus, he makes a mean cappuccino.
Amanda- This is our MC's main squeeze, and honestly, she is cute as a button. She is super sweet with a sarcastic edge that I just love about her.
Lisa- This girl is who I want to be in another life. She is a free spirit and because she has been blessed with the gift of magic, is able to travel anywhere at any time. I mean, how cool is that? Truthfully, they all have that ability, but she takes full advantage of the opportunities before her and I love that about her.
The World Building
There are A LOT of characters, and I found myself having to go back and figure out who was who. To be fair, I am a newbie to the fantasy genre, and I have small children, which can make it extremely hard to focus sometimes. This book has very complex settings and world buildings. I think it is a book you could go back and read again and discover so many new things. When the audio book comes out, I am definitely going to give it a listen.
The Romance
My only complaint would be that I would have liked to see more chemistry built between Liam and Amanda. I know this is a YA novel and not a romance, but I was hoping for more butterflies. The relationship between the two seemed a little rushed to me.
That being said, I am excited to see what happens with Jordan and Sarah in the next book though, because I felt like the Author did an amazing job building some heat between these two!
Overall, Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex was an incredibly imaginative and detailed introduction to the world of Dawnspire Academy. As someone who doesn't typically read a lot of fantasy, I really enjoyed getting lost in this magical world, and I am excited to see where the story takes us next.
Thank you Anthony, for the ARC, and the jaw dropping PR box. I am so thankful to be an early reader and I can not wait to read the next one!
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex is an immersive YA fantasy about a group of ordinary teens who attend Dawnspire Academy, a one of a kind school dedicated to teaching magic to normal people. There's just one catch, you are hand selected after unknowingly proving you are a good person, but you must keep your magic a secret forever.
"Magic is a powerful tool- arguably the most powerful tool of all. But wielding it without morality is a recipe for disaster."
The students spend most of the year learning, growing, and excelling in their houses, but the stakes suddenly get higher when a global pandemic engineered by dark magic begins to spread. As Amanda would say....
"So the monster's dead, the virus is loose, and our only hope rests on conjuring a magical storm big enough to cover the earth's surface?"
This book was very complex (in a good way). In order to provide you with my honest thoughts without any spoilers, I felt it was best to break it down into a few areas that really stood out to me.
The Houses
The school is divided into 3 houses:
House Naturae- Think healing and nature and plant medicine.
House Melodia- Think arts and music.
House Artifactum- Think magical objects and artifacts.
I found myself gravitating towards house naturae,and I honestly felt so immersed during all of the class sessions. I couldn't get enough! The teas, the potions, the shapeshifting, I loved it all.
I should also take a moment to talk about all of the food. I mean, it was honestly impossible to read this book without a snack or a coffee in hand. I want to attend Dawnspire simply so I can learn to conjure dinner for the family!
Characters
There are a LOT of characters, and to be honest, between the teachers and all the students, I found myself having to go back to reference things in order to keep up. I do understand this is a series, so the characters will be here for the long haul. After finishing the first book, these are the characters that stood out to me the most.
Jordan- very funny in the beginning, and I loved him. But as the characters developed, I found myself leaning more towards some of the others. I felt like he could be a bit childish, and I know this is a YA novel and I am, in fact, very much an adult, but he really started to irritate me with all the fits he would throw.
Liam- our pre-med turned pre-magic MC. Liam loves coffee, Magic: The Gathering, and he is a HUGE family guy. He is just so wholesome and genuine that you just can't really help but to love him. Plus, he makes a mean cappuccino.
Amanda- This is our MC's main squeeze, and honestly, she is cute as a button. She is super sweet with a sarcastic edge that I just love about her.
Lisa- This girl is who I want to be in another life. She is a free spirit and because she has been blessed with the gift of magic, is able to travel anywhere at any time. I mean, how cool is that? Truthfully, they all have that ability, but she takes full advantage of the opportunities before her and I love that about her.
The World Building
There are A LOT of characters, and I found myself having to go back and figure out who was who. To be fair, I am a newbie to the fantasy genre, and I have small children, which can make it extremely hard to focus sometimes. This book has very complex settings and world buildings. I think it is a book you could go back and read again and discover so many new things. When the audio book comes out, I am definitely going to give it a listen.
The Romance
My only complaint would be that I would have liked to see more chemistry built between Liam and Amanda. I know this is a YA novel and not a romance, but I was hoping for more butterflies. The relationship between the two seemed a little rushed to me.
That being said, I am excited to see what happens with Jordan and Sarah in the next book though, because I felt like the Author did an amazing job building some heat between these two!
Overall, Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex was an incredibly imaginative and detailed introduction to the world of Dawnspire Academy. As someone who doesn't typically read a lot of fantasy, I really enjoyed getting lost in this magical world, and I am excited to see where the story takes us next.
Thank you Anthony, for the ARC, and the jaw dropping PR box. I am so thankful to be an early reader and I can not wait to read the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of reading this debut YA novel as an ARC (thank you Anthony!) I don't typically reach for YA but was pleasantly surprised with my experience.
Vibes: While the book is described as being Hogwarts in Canada, I found it to be way more satisfying with the added elements of artifact building (more runes to level up the item), charms/ spells, magically imbued items with music or conjured up edible creations. Immediately I wanted to jump in and explore for myself.
There are a plethora of characters, which at times was difficult to track who was who but I do think the more we get to see them in future books and learn more about them, the easier that will be. Even though we explore so many characters, I am excited to see how they will develop over future books, particularly the set up of a love triangle, and future enemies to lovers??? (side eye)
Pacing: I found the beginning to be a touch slow for my preference with some heavier world building chapters but after the 1/3 mark I couldn't put the book down. Definitely let it cook, I went in relatively blind and was shocked (good) at the direction the story went. While it is a coming of age story for 18 year olds with their first time at college, they also explore deeper topics that satisfied my non-YA brain.
Romance Subplot: There were some really cute moments where I AWWWWWWed outloud. I really appreciated the awkward yearning, shy playful banter and wish we could've seen that spread out through more of the first book versus showcasing the more settled/ established relationship that it quickly became.
TLDR: 18 year old boy gets scouted for magical school with the desire to fix his grandpa's terminal illness. He meets a found family, discovers super cool magic and skills. Some believe in magic for all, some believe it needs to be earned. Evil stirs with the discovery of an ancient artifact (Pestilence Codex) and ulterior motives are developed as a pandemic is surfacing around the world. Will Evil rise?
Add to your TBR if you like:
- magical academy
- multicultural found family (lots of words in dif languages, accents reflected in typed words)
- secrets and trials (duals, best builder-athon, potions, ancient relics)
- shapeshifting (transfiguration)
- queer normative society
- earned power (level up with experience)
- no spice (kissing on page)
CW: Discussions of an active pandemic in modern day society, mention of implied SA (off page), descriptions of rough childhood (implied abuse scars), mention of murder (off page), discussions of chronic illness, death (on page).
Vibes: While the book is described as being Hogwarts in Canada, I found it to be way more satisfying with the added elements of artifact building (more runes to level up the item), charms/ spells, magically imbued items with music or conjured up edible creations. Immediately I wanted to jump in and explore for myself.
There are a plethora of characters, which at times was difficult to track who was who but I do think the more we get to see them in future books and learn more about them, the easier that will be. Even though we explore so many characters, I am excited to see how they will develop over future books, particularly the set up of a love triangle, and future enemies to lovers??? (side eye)
Pacing: I found the beginning to be a touch slow for my preference with some heavier world building chapters but after the 1/3 mark I couldn't put the book down. Definitely let it cook, I went in relatively blind and was shocked (good) at the direction the story went. While it is a coming of age story for 18 year olds with their first time at college, they also explore deeper topics that satisfied my non-YA brain.
Romance Subplot: There were some really cute moments where I AWWWWWWed outloud. I really appreciated the awkward yearning, shy playful banter and wish we could've seen that spread out through more of the first book versus showcasing the more settled/ established relationship that it quickly became.
TLDR: 18 year old boy gets scouted for magical school with the desire to fix his grandpa's terminal illness. He meets a found family, discovers super cool magic and skills. Some believe in magic for all, some believe it needs to be earned. Evil stirs with the discovery of an ancient artifact (Pestilence Codex) and ulterior motives are developed as a pandemic is surfacing around the world. Will Evil rise?
Add to your TBR if you like:
- magical academy
- multicultural found family (lots of words in dif languages, accents reflected in typed words)
- secrets and trials (duals, best builder-athon, potions, ancient relics)
- shapeshifting (transfiguration)
- queer normative society
- earned power (level up with experience)
- no spice (kissing on page)
CW: Discussions of an active pandemic in modern day society, mention of implied SA (off page), descriptions of rough childhood (implied abuse scars), mention of murder (off page), discussions of chronic illness, death (on page).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex was such a fun surprise for me. There’s something about a magical academy, hidden magic, found family, and a little bit of chaos that just works—and this book pulled me in pretty quickly.
One of my favorite things was the writing. It was engaging without feeling like it was trying too hard to be overly complicated, and I found myself genuinely invested in what was happening. The world-building gave me enough to sink into without drowning me in information, and I really enjoyed discovering the magic and the rules of this world alongside Liam.
I also really appreciated the maps and artwork included throughout the book. I’m a very visual person, so having those little visual references made such a difference for me. When the author described a location or something within the world, I could actually look at the artwork or map and better picture what they were talking about. It made the world feel more tangible and helped me feel even more immersed in the story.
But the characters were definitely a highlight for me. They each felt like they had their own personalities and voices rather than blending together, and I appreciated that. The relationships, friendships, and dynamics between them gave the story a lot of heart. Liam especially was easy to root for, and I liked watching him figure out where he fit into this strange new world.
I also really enjoyed the combination of magic and medicine. It gave the story something a little different and made Liam's journey feel like more than just your typical "ordinary person discovers magic" storyline. There are questions about power, responsibility, identity, and just how far someone should go when they're desperate to save the people they love.
And then, of course, there's the pestilence.
Because apparently attending a magical academy wasn't enough.
The story manages to balance the lighter, more character-driven moments with a much darker threat hanging over everything, and I liked that contrast. It gave the book a cozy feeling in some places while still reminding you that there are very real stakes underneath it all.
Was it perfect? No, which is why I'm sitting at 4.5 stars rather than a full five. There were a few moments where I wanted a little more from the pacing and certain parts of the story, but overall, I had a genuinely good time with this one.
If you're a fan of magical academies, found family, character-driven fantasy, magic, and a story that mixes cozy moments with some darker undertones, I'd definitely recommend giving Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex a chance.
I'm absolutely curious to see where this world goes next.
One of my favorite things was the writing. It was engaging without feeling like it was trying too hard to be overly complicated, and I found myself genuinely invested in what was happening. The world-building gave me enough to sink into without drowning me in information, and I really enjoyed discovering the magic and the rules of this world alongside Liam.
I also really appreciated the maps and artwork included throughout the book. I’m a very visual person, so having those little visual references made such a difference for me. When the author described a location or something within the world, I could actually look at the artwork or map and better picture what they were talking about. It made the world feel more tangible and helped me feel even more immersed in the story.
But the characters were definitely a highlight for me. They each felt like they had their own personalities and voices rather than blending together, and I appreciated that. The relationships, friendships, and dynamics between them gave the story a lot of heart. Liam especially was easy to root for, and I liked watching him figure out where he fit into this strange new world.
I also really enjoyed the combination of magic and medicine. It gave the story something a little different and made Liam's journey feel like more than just your typical "ordinary person discovers magic" storyline. There are questions about power, responsibility, identity, and just how far someone should go when they're desperate to save the people they love.
And then, of course, there's the pestilence.
Because apparently attending a magical academy wasn't enough.
The story manages to balance the lighter, more character-driven moments with a much darker threat hanging over everything, and I liked that contrast. It gave the book a cozy feeling in some places while still reminding you that there are very real stakes underneath it all.
Was it perfect? No, which is why I'm sitting at 4.5 stars rather than a full five. There were a few moments where I wanted a little more from the pacing and certain parts of the story, but overall, I had a genuinely good time with this one.
If you're a fan of magical academies, found family, character-driven fantasy, magic, and a story that mixes cozy moments with some darker undertones, I'd definitely recommend giving Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex a chance.
I'm absolutely curious to see where this world goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thoughts:
If you're into:
✅Harry Potter
✅Cozy Fantasy/Low Stakes Books
✅Coffee
Then I think this book is for you! 🤭
💕Characters:
•I really loved the characters, but one issue I had was that I couldn't fully connect with them. By the halfway point, it felt like the story focused more on the "villains" than on the main character, Liam. I assume that was intentional so readers could understand and sympathize with them once something happened later in the book. Maybe it's just my soft spot for troubled and morally complicated characters (flashbacks to my Draco Malfoy phase). Another fact is that the book has about 5 characters that start with the letter J, I did get the hang of who in the world was who because it made me smile somehow whenever one of them would pop up on the page. One duo I genuinely enjoyed was Liam and Jordan's friendship. They gave me HUGE Harry and Ron vibes, and I found their interactions fun to read.
👀Pacing:
•The pacing wasn't bad, but it was a little too fast for my taste. I don't mind fast-paced books in fact, I usually prefer them over slow burns but this one moved so quickly that it felt like: "Oh, he's at the academy... now it's Halloween? Wait, it's Christmas already? Hold on... they're together now?!" That was genuinely my reaction while reading.
•Because everything happened so quickly, I felt like the relationships between the characters weren't given enough time to develop. They weren't bad by any means, but I wanted to see more moments between them that naturally deepened their bonds instead of jumping from meeting each other to suddenly having strong feelings.
•The first half also felt overloaded with information. You're still trying to understand the magic system, the world building, the character dynamics, and everyone's personalities, but then you're hit with a huge amount of information all at once. It felt a bit overwhelming at times. In comparison, the second half felt much calmer.
✨Ending:
•I really liked the ending, although I still thought it was slightly rushed. Overall, I had a great time with the book.
One of my favorite moments was when the teacher explained that the houses were meant to work together rather than compete against one another. Unlike in Harry Potter, where the houses are constantly encouraged to rival each other, this book emphasizes that everyone has different strengths and that true success comes from working together. I always appreciate seeing that idea explored, especially in academy based fantasy stories, because it's a refreshing take on a trope that's often handled the other way.
•For a little warning to those who aren't really into romance or physical affection there IS kissing but it's not detailed at all.
If you're into:
✅Harry Potter
✅Cozy Fantasy/Low Stakes Books
✅Coffee
Then I think this book is for you! 🤭
💕Characters:
•I really loved the characters, but one issue I had was that I couldn't fully connect with them. By the halfway point, it felt like the story focused more on the "villains" than on the main character, Liam. I assume that was intentional so readers could understand and sympathize with them once something happened later in the book. Maybe it's just my soft spot for troubled and morally complicated characters (flashbacks to my Draco Malfoy phase). Another fact is that the book has about 5 characters that start with the letter J, I did get the hang of who in the world was who because it made me smile somehow whenever one of them would pop up on the page. One duo I genuinely enjoyed was Liam and Jordan's friendship. They gave me HUGE Harry and Ron vibes, and I found their interactions fun to read.
👀Pacing:
•The pacing wasn't bad, but it was a little too fast for my taste. I don't mind fast-paced books in fact, I usually prefer them over slow burns but this one moved so quickly that it felt like: "Oh, he's at the academy... now it's Halloween? Wait, it's Christmas already? Hold on... they're together now?!" That was genuinely my reaction while reading.
•Because everything happened so quickly, I felt like the relationships between the characters weren't given enough time to develop. They weren't bad by any means, but I wanted to see more moments between them that naturally deepened their bonds instead of jumping from meeting each other to suddenly having strong feelings.
•The first half also felt overloaded with information. You're still trying to understand the magic system, the world building, the character dynamics, and everyone's personalities, but then you're hit with a huge amount of information all at once. It felt a bit overwhelming at times. In comparison, the second half felt much calmer.
✨Ending:
•I really liked the ending, although I still thought it was slightly rushed. Overall, I had a great time with the book.
One of my favorite moments was when the teacher explained that the houses were meant to work together rather than compete against one another. Unlike in Harry Potter, where the houses are constantly encouraged to rival each other, this book emphasizes that everyone has different strengths and that true success comes from working together. I always appreciate seeing that idea explored, especially in academy based fantasy stories, because it's a refreshing take on a trope that's often handled the other way.
•For a little warning to those who aren't really into romance or physical affection there IS kissing but it's not detailed at all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💚 Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex 💚
You know that feeling when you open a YA fantasy expecting a fun adventure... and suddenly you're knee-deep in magical lessons, found family, emotional damage, and a cast you would absolutely risk it all for? Yeah. That was this book.
I am blown away. I knew this was going to be amazing, but... wow.
Dawnspire Academy completely pulled me into its world. The magic system has so much depth without ever feeling overwhelming, and the academy setting scratched every magical school itch I didn't know I still had... okay, that's a blatant lie. I'm still waiting for my acceptance letter to Hogwarts. 😭 But Anthony Sudano made my dreams come true because I literally received my acceptance letter to Dawnspire Academy in the mail! Proud member of House Melodia over here. 💙
I loved discovering new abilities alongside the characters and slowly piecing together how this world works. And can we talk about the artwork? As someone who struggles to visualize scenes while reading, the illustrations were everything. They brought the world to life in such a beautiful way.
What really stole my heart, though, was the cast. Every character brings something unique to the story, and watching their friendships grow was just as rewarding as following the main plot. Naturally, I adopted several side characters because apparently that's just who I am. I love my side characters. 🤍
The story balances high stakes with quieter, heartfelt moments. At its core, it's about hope, trust, healing old wounds, and finding a way forward when the world feels broken. Throw in a sweet romance that never overshadows the adventure, plenty of humor, and a few moments that genuinely punched me right in the feels, and I was completely hooked.
If you're looking for a fantasy with rich world-building, memorable characters, magical academia, and very little spice (okay, Anthony... you're converting me here. 😍🤣), where the adventure takes center stage, I'd absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Thank you, Anthony, for the beautiful physical ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to return to Dawnspire Academy and see where this journey takes us next.
And on a personal note... thank you, my friend, for letting me be part of this magical journey. Watching this dream become a reality has been so special, and I am incredibly proud of you. ❤️
You know that feeling when you open a YA fantasy expecting a fun adventure... and suddenly you're knee-deep in magical lessons, found family, emotional damage, and a cast you would absolutely risk it all for? Yeah. That was this book.
I am blown away. I knew this was going to be amazing, but... wow.
Dawnspire Academy completely pulled me into its world. The magic system has so much depth without ever feeling overwhelming, and the academy setting scratched every magical school itch I didn't know I still had... okay, that's a blatant lie. I'm still waiting for my acceptance letter to Hogwarts. 😭 But Anthony Sudano made my dreams come true because I literally received my acceptance letter to Dawnspire Academy in the mail! Proud member of House Melodia over here. 💙
I loved discovering new abilities alongside the characters and slowly piecing together how this world works. And can we talk about the artwork? As someone who struggles to visualize scenes while reading, the illustrations were everything. They brought the world to life in such a beautiful way.
What really stole my heart, though, was the cast. Every character brings something unique to the story, and watching their friendships grow was just as rewarding as following the main plot. Naturally, I adopted several side characters because apparently that's just who I am. I love my side characters. 🤍
The story balances high stakes with quieter, heartfelt moments. At its core, it's about hope, trust, healing old wounds, and finding a way forward when the world feels broken. Throw in a sweet romance that never overshadows the adventure, plenty of humor, and a few moments that genuinely punched me right in the feels, and I was completely hooked.
If you're looking for a fantasy with rich world-building, memorable characters, magical academia, and very little spice (okay, Anthony... you're converting me here. 😍🤣), where the adventure takes center stage, I'd absolutely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Thank you, Anthony, for the beautiful physical ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to return to Dawnspire Academy and see where this journey takes us next.
And on a personal note... thank you, my friend, for letting me be part of this magical journey. Watching this dream become a reality has been so special, and I am incredibly proud of you. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhh this was great. All the fun parts of Harry Potter, but in a modernized setting (not just straight white people) and with an older cast. The author reported this is a nine book series on socials and I honestly can't wait to see what comes next as he did a really great job of setting up a bunch of different character ARCs that I'd love to see pan out in the endgame.
This gives HP magical wonder + Smallville cozy family vibes; MC is proactive and makes his own decisions & mistakes, found family, and an interesting background threat on the rise with the whole legacy mage rebellion thing. The Talbot twins had me flipping pages eager to see their next observations/lines. Really cool dynamics going on here and the magic system brings me back to my WoW/Diablo video game days which gets me in all the nostalgia feels (author is a millenial, as am I).
Also, without giving up any spoilers, I just want to add that I really liked how the author showed the stakes were real. There's a particular chapter that is well foreshadowed, but still had me doubting it would happen; when it finally happened, it solidified the stakes and I tip my hat to the writer for going through with this decision/scene.
The romance was on the lighter side, but it is advertized as such so I couldn't complain there. That being said, I think all of us will agree that we want to see more of it in book 2!
All in all, a very good series debut and I have officially put this guy on my auto-purchase list.
This gives HP magical wonder + Smallville cozy family vibes; MC is proactive and makes his own decisions & mistakes, found family, and an interesting background threat on the rise with the whole legacy mage rebellion thing. The Talbot twins had me flipping pages eager to see their next observations/lines. Really cool dynamics going on here and the magic system brings me back to my WoW/Diablo video game days which gets me in all the nostalgia feels (author is a millenial, as am I).
Also, without giving up any spoilers, I just want to add that I really liked how the author showed the stakes were real. There's a particular chapter that is well foreshadowed, but still had me doubting it would happen; when it finally happened, it solidified the stakes and I tip my hat to the writer for going through with this decision/scene.
The romance was on the lighter side, but it is advertized as such so I couldn't complain there. That being said, I think all of us will agree that we want to see more of it in book 2!
All in all, a very good series debut and I have officially put this guy on my auto-purchase list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC book from the author. This is a win for young adult Fantasy Academia lovers, this is such an amazing Book 1 by indie author Anthony Sudano. It has a traditional magic school setting with houses for specific skills: House Naturae, House Artificium and House Melodia. Students learn how to perform magic in all three areas. The story has magic application, student competitions , rivalries, friendships and romance. I loved the characters strengths and flaws. And I really thought the story and progression of their magic skills and having to fight dark magic was creative and well written.
Here’s what you need to know: Liam Russo is a young man studying to get into medical school. He is driven by helping to cure his grandfather’s illness. An unexpected encounter with Dr and Professor at Dawnspire Academy opens his eyes to new possibilities other than traditional college. But Liam cannot tell his family anything about the school and that he will be training in magic.
You get the vibe of a normal college setting with kids having fun. I love that they are always drinking espresso or coffee. It’s just a cute addition. All of the students embrace their learning and house specialization but they also grow new friendships. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to magic and not all the students have good intentions. The good students will have to help others by using their magical knowledge to help save others.
Here’s what you need to know: Liam Russo is a young man studying to get into medical school. He is driven by helping to cure his grandfather’s illness. An unexpected encounter with Dr and Professor at Dawnspire Academy opens his eyes to new possibilities other than traditional college. But Liam cannot tell his family anything about the school and that he will be training in magic.
You get the vibe of a normal college setting with kids having fun. I love that they are always drinking espresso or coffee. It’s just a cute addition. All of the students embrace their learning and house specialization but they also grow new friendships. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to magic and not all the students have good intentions. The good students will have to help others by using their magical knowledge to help save others.
September 28, 2026
A brilliant debut from Anthony, congratulations 🥳
This book is perfect for YA fantasy fans that love a deeply thought out magical system which is very light on the romance much heavier on the plot, with a good balance of fun relevant to the characters ages.
Anthony has developed a truly unique magical system where students are selected to receive their magic which is channeled through a ring crafted specifically for them.
At their first year un Dawnspire the students learn all the elemental magic systems and then decide later if they were put into the correct house, or if they would like to change what they decide to master.
Liam is initially torn between continuing his chosen career path or accepting the temptation of learning magic. But the possibility of being able to cure his ill Nono wins and off he goes on his magical adventure.
Anthony has managed to pack in an incredible found family, dark magicians that need timing as well as sub plot involving dark, brooding twins - there has to be more going on with these two and I can't wait for book two to find out more.
My absolute favourite part has to be the travel system! The creation of telekeys which let you "programme" a key to any door you chose and it will always ten you there - amazing!
Perfect for Fans of Harry Potter (only make them 18 not 11) definitely check it out.
To add, I also had a copy of the audio book, which Anthony narrated himself and did a brilliant job. It really brought the book to life.
This book is perfect for YA fantasy fans that love a deeply thought out magical system which is very light on the romance much heavier on the plot, with a good balance of fun relevant to the characters ages.
Anthony has developed a truly unique magical system where students are selected to receive their magic which is channeled through a ring crafted specifically for them.
At their first year un Dawnspire the students learn all the elemental magic systems and then decide later if they were put into the correct house, or if they would like to change what they decide to master.
Liam is initially torn between continuing his chosen career path or accepting the temptation of learning magic. But the possibility of being able to cure his ill Nono wins and off he goes on his magical adventure.
Anthony has managed to pack in an incredible found family, dark magicians that need timing as well as sub plot involving dark, brooding twins - there has to be more going on with these two and I can't wait for book two to find out more.
My absolute favourite part has to be the travel system! The creation of telekeys which let you "programme" a key to any door you chose and it will always ten you there - amazing!
Perfect for Fans of Harry Potter (only make them 18 not 11) definitely check it out.
To add, I also had a copy of the audio book, which Anthony narrated himself and did a brilliant job. It really brought the book to life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex by Anthony Sudano ✨
📖 *Dawnspire Academy *book 1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just finished this wonderful book and honestly… I really really enjoyed it! 🥰
This is not my usual read, but after seeing Anthony discussing his book I was intrigued. Thankyou so much for the ARC opportunity Anthony ♥️
Liam is such an easy character to get behind. I loved watching him discover his abilities, grow in confidence and find his place at Dawnspire Academy.
The magical academy setting, healing magic, friendships and the whole pestilence storyline kept me hooked, and I really loved the found-family feel of it all. ❤️
This book had a bit of everything from magic, adventure, friendship, romance and plenty to keep me turning the pages.
Definitely one I’d recommend if you enjoy magical academy stories with characters you can actually get invested in.
A big shout out to Barbara Lynne (artsbybarbara_) for the fabulous character art she did for the book.
Release date November 1st. Get your preorders in. This would be a perfect stocking filler for teenagers to adults who love a good fantasy book. Looking forward to the next book in the series ♥️
📖 *Dawnspire Academy *book 1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just finished this wonderful book and honestly… I really really enjoyed it! 🥰
This is not my usual read, but after seeing Anthony discussing his book I was intrigued. Thankyou so much for the ARC opportunity Anthony ♥️
Liam is such an easy character to get behind. I loved watching him discover his abilities, grow in confidence and find his place at Dawnspire Academy.
The magical academy setting, healing magic, friendships and the whole pestilence storyline kept me hooked, and I really loved the found-family feel of it all. ❤️
This book had a bit of everything from magic, adventure, friendship, romance and plenty to keep me turning the pages.
Definitely one I’d recommend if you enjoy magical academy stories with characters you can actually get invested in.
A big shout out to Barbara Lynne (artsbybarbara_) for the fabulous character art she did for the book.
Release date November 1st. Get your preorders in. This would be a perfect stocking filler for teenagers to adults who love a good fantasy book. Looking forward to the next book in the series ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I came to Dawnspire for the Harry Potter vibes, but stayed for a unique fantasy story that pulled at my heartstrings and absolutely enchanted me.
I was so very excited and grateful to be an ARC reader for Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex. This book was a perfect blend of magic, whimsy, and delicious coffee drinks.
Suando did an amazing job making the reader feel as if they were actually inside this story. I felt like I was taking classes alongside Liam, learning about this new, fascinating world right with him.
I really fell for our main character Liam. There are a lot of fantastic characters in this book, but Liam truly stood out for his dedication to family and pure heart.
Side note: this book will make you hungry for the most delicious sounding food! I suggest having yummy snacks nearby while you read 😊
This book was magical, full of found family vibes, and definitely a fresh take on a fantasy academia setting. I can't wait to continue the series!
I was so very excited and grateful to be an ARC reader for Liam Russo and the Pestilence Codex. This book was a perfect blend of magic, whimsy, and delicious coffee drinks.
Suando did an amazing job making the reader feel as if they were actually inside this story. I felt like I was taking classes alongside Liam, learning about this new, fascinating world right with him.
I really fell for our main character Liam. There are a lot of fantastic characters in this book, but Liam truly stood out for his dedication to family and pure heart.
Side note: this book will make you hungry for the most delicious sounding food! I suggest having yummy snacks nearby while you read 😊
This book was magical, full of found family vibes, and definitely a fresh take on a fantasy academia setting. I can't wait to continue the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As someone who hasn't read much since high school, this book gave me a great sense of nostalgia and familiarity. It immediately drew me in with its vivid storytelling, relatable characters, and familiar settings. You can really tell how much the author drew from their own experiences, passions, and interests and poured it into this story. From large scale details about the in world power systems, immersive environments, and even little touches like the description of a perfect cup of coffee.
I am excited to see what else is in store in the series and glad I had the chance to read this as it has reopened my eyes to reading again. It almost feels like I rediscovered the first time I read Harry Potter.
I am excited to see what else is in store in the series and glad I had the chance to read this as it has reopened my eyes to reading again. It almost feels like I rediscovered the first time I read Harry Potter.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Dawn is the promise of what we might become. Dusk is the reckoning of what we have made of ourselves."
This was such a sweet and cozy, young adult fantasy.
It was in third person, with no specific character POV, so it made me feel like I was a character in the story too.
We join Liam Russo at Dawnspire Academy located in Canada as we learn about the numerous different types of magic. The professors are fantastic and lead classes and officiate class competitions.
There is even a professor who transforms into a literal golden retriever! 🐕
Friendship quickly turns into a found family as they navigate their first year. ❤️ The characters are diverse. I love them all. 🥹
This was such a sweet and cozy, young adult fantasy.
It was in third person, with no specific character POV, so it made me feel like I was a character in the story too.
We join Liam Russo at Dawnspire Academy located in Canada as we learn about the numerous different types of magic. The professors are fantastic and lead classes and officiate class competitions.
There is even a professor who transforms into a literal golden retriever! 🐕
Friendship quickly turns into a found family as they navigate their first year. ❤️ The characters are diverse. I love them all. 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great novel, it carries the charm and wonder of Harry Potter, but with a more mature cast and a contemporary voice that feels fresh and relevant. The story moves through a variety of real‑world locations, giving the magical elements a grounded, globe‑spanning authenticity. With relatable characters and a plot that pulls you in from the first chapter, this young author is clearly on the rise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great book! Imagine Harry Potter with a grown-up cast, modern humor, and a storyline that travels across multiple countries and vivid locations. Smart, engaging and full of heart. A strong debut from an author to watch.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book! The story was engaging, and I loved getting to know the characters and following their journey. I especially liked how it ended—it felt like the beginning of a much bigger adventure and definitely left me wanting to know what happens next. Such a fun and enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incredibly fun read. A lovely blend of cozy school life, exciting and clever fights with a novel magic system, and human motivations. Can’t wait to read the sequels.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️Audiobook Review✨️
Anthony narrated his own creation beautifully! I am absolutely amazed by how well he carefully curated each and every voice as well as many different accents and foreign languages. This audio is so brilliant and so passionately spoken that it brings the book to life in a way simply reading words never could. I really enjoyed hearing bring his language skills and personal background to these characters. Hearing different pronunciations of words was also a highlight for me.
✨️Read below for more on the book itself. If you get a chance to immersive read this book and upcoming series, I highly recommend that you do.
The first book in what is proving to be a fantasy series of epic proportions. @sudanowrites starts our journey off strong as we enter Dawnspire Academy, a university for teaching plainfolk and worthy students the way of the magical arts. Here we are introduced to a diverse mix of characters, a complex world as well as a complex magic system.
"Magic is powerful, beautiful...but some wield it against us. We owe it to ourselves to be ready."
Anthony creates his world, builds his characters and crafts the magic incredibly well. Each character is unique and well developed. They each bring his or her own talent and magical ability to the academy and support eachother brilliantly. You will develop favorites and you will get attached to his characters.
"I want to be someone worth keeping around."
This is a fantasy centered around finding a way to end a rapidly spreading virus and rebuilding trust after centuries of betrayal. There are wonderful side stories filled with low spice romance, friendships and family committment. I laughed, I cried. There is so much packed into the story and I'm excited to see how everything unfolds in subsequent books.
I recommend this book to every fantasy lover and specifically those who lean more towards young adult where the spice is intentionally low and the complex world and character building really shines.
Thank you @sudanowrites for the advanced copy of this book. Now available for pre-order at www.liamrusso.com along with additional swag items to enhance your journey at Dawnspire Academy.
#liamrussoandthepestilencecodex #youngadult #fantasy #academia #tbr
Anthony narrated his own creation beautifully! I am absolutely amazed by how well he carefully curated each and every voice as well as many different accents and foreign languages. This audio is so brilliant and so passionately spoken that it brings the book to life in a way simply reading words never could. I really enjoyed hearing bring his language skills and personal background to these characters. Hearing different pronunciations of words was also a highlight for me.
✨️Read below for more on the book itself. If you get a chance to immersive read this book and upcoming series, I highly recommend that you do.
The first book in what is proving to be a fantasy series of epic proportions. @sudanowrites starts our journey off strong as we enter Dawnspire Academy, a university for teaching plainfolk and worthy students the way of the magical arts. Here we are introduced to a diverse mix of characters, a complex world as well as a complex magic system.
"Magic is powerful, beautiful...but some wield it against us. We owe it to ourselves to be ready."
Anthony creates his world, builds his characters and crafts the magic incredibly well. Each character is unique and well developed. They each bring his or her own talent and magical ability to the academy and support eachother brilliantly. You will develop favorites and you will get attached to his characters.
"I want to be someone worth keeping around."
This is a fantasy centered around finding a way to end a rapidly spreading virus and rebuilding trust after centuries of betrayal. There are wonderful side stories filled with low spice romance, friendships and family committment. I laughed, I cried. There is so much packed into the story and I'm excited to see how everything unfolds in subsequent books.
I recommend this book to every fantasy lover and specifically those who lean more towards young adult where the spice is intentionally low and the complex world and character building really shines.
Thank you @sudanowrites for the advanced copy of this book. Now available for pre-order at www.liamrusso.com along with additional swag items to enhance your journey at Dawnspire Academy.
#liamrussoandthepestilencecodex #youngadult #fantasy #academia #tbr
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