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Corviticus University #5
The Scarlet Dagger
A killer warlock on the loose. A hunt for a mysterious weapon. A hidden power within.
My head is spinning with everything that keeps getting hurled our way. My brush with death should have me more freaked, but instead I’m worrying over a warning given to me by my dead mother.
A harrowing message to find a mysterious weapon and use it.
And a hidden power we must unveil.
When will my life ever be normal?
Can my mates and I find this weapon and put a stop to the killer warlock? Can we awaken this hidden power? Or will this crazed killer be our undoing?
My head is spinning with everything that keeps getting hurled our way. My brush with death should have me more freaked, but instead I’m worrying over a warning given to me by my dead mother.
A harrowing message to find a mysterious weapon and use it.
And a hidden power we must unveil.
When will my life ever be normal?
Can my mates and I find this weapon and put a stop to the killer warlock? Can we awaken this hidden power? Or will this crazed killer be our undoing?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2021
135 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Cluney
101 books292 followersJ.E. Cluney is a full-time author who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. She spends her days writing, binging on TV shows, and reading. With a slight addiction to chocolate to fuel her midnight writing.
J.E. Cluney has many projects lined up in the reverse harem genre, and her best-selling series, 'Corviticus University' is only one of many.
J.E. Cluney has many projects lined up in the reverse harem genre, and her best-selling series, 'Corviticus University' is only one of many.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 14, 2021
I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as 3.
Im currently reading the 6 Book Boxset, and I’m currently reviewing each book individually as I read.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes
Relationship Type: RH> Reverse Harem: MMMFM
*I wish Lucy had more time in this series, and not just for heat scenes.
M/M(?): Yes, but to me it’s still Lite. Also in a way it does feel a bit forced, cause the scenes are written very fast and short and it’s almost like your trying to focus binoculars, the scenes feel blurry at times.
F/F(?): No.
Heat: 3.5-4/5, The heat scenes read fast, and at some points you have to read it twice just to make sure you understand the scene, cause time passes/flies by during some scenes so if you accidentally miss a sentence or misread a sentence, you can end up very very very confused in a matter of seconds.
*I do feel like Skip & Marcus come across as present but background(?) main characters.
Romance: 3.5/5, it still feels insta-y, but it’s getting better.
Pacing: this one has a more Mid-Mid Fast pacing. Plot wise it definitely picks up in speed, but it feels like a lot in this particular one because some things feel all over the place, and but it also ended quickly.
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 4/5
Im currently reading the 6 Book Boxset, and I’m currently reviewing each book individually as I read.
Cliffhanger(?): Yes
Relationship Type: RH> Reverse Harem: MMMFM
*I wish Lucy had more time in this series, and not just for heat scenes.
M/M(?): Yes, but to me it’s still Lite. Also in a way it does feel a bit forced, cause the scenes are written very fast and short and it’s almost like your trying to focus binoculars, the scenes feel blurry at times.
F/F(?): No.
Heat: 3.5-4/5, The heat scenes read fast, and at some points you have to read it twice just to make sure you understand the scene, cause time passes/flies by during some scenes so if you accidentally miss a sentence or misread a sentence, you can end up very very very confused in a matter of seconds.
*I do feel like Skip & Marcus come across as present but background(?) main characters.
Romance: 3.5/5, it still feels insta-y, but it’s getting better.
Pacing: this one has a more Mid-Mid Fast pacing. Plot wise it definitely picks up in speed, but it feels like a lot in this particular one because some things feel all over the place, and but it also ended quickly.
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 4/5
October 21, 2025
There's some interesting stuff going on in this book. A ghost has taken residence in our FMC's head who is trying to help them solve the mystery of the scarlet dagger - a weapon that is apparently the only way to end Joseph Walker, a warlock from centuries ago who wants to take power from other supes at the cost of their lives. The only one that can find it somehow is Ollie with some unknown hidden power. Eventually, this power comes to light. He just needs to practice a bit and figure it out. On top of everything else, something could be wrong with someone important to the group, but they aren't sure what.
There's some laughs in the book, such as Ally's grandmother and cousin staying with her and the guys for a while. They get up to some drunken shenanigans (and of course, a little mischief magic happens, too).
It's still an enjoyable series, and I appreciate that the plot is thickening a bit. The author still adds spice, but I have just skimmed over that a bit, truthfully, to get on with the story.
Just one more book to go!
There's some laughs in the book, such as Ally's grandmother and cousin staying with her and the guys for a while. They get up to some drunken shenanigans (and of course, a little mischief magic happens, too).
It's still an enjoyable series, and I appreciate that the plot is thickening a bit. The author still adds spice, but I have just skimmed over that a bit, truthfully, to get on with the story.
Just one more book to go!
January 31, 2021
Corviticus University - The Scarlett Dagger picks up where the last book left off. Allison (FMC) and the guys - Lucas, Skip, Marcus and Ollie have Joseph to contend with. Which is what they need the Scarlett Dagger for. Finding that proves difficult through. Ollie becomes more important in this book. There was loads of laughs mixed into the serious story lines with Trish bring her own brand of comedy gold. Which literally had me dying from laughing so much. Add to that Hayley's banter and sheer embarrassment from her gran it was just hilarious. Plenty of steam as usual. Some of which was very hot!! It's a cracking read as all the books in this series. I just loved it
February 8, 2021
Starts straight after the previous book and is full of action, twists and turns through out.
Allison and her guys never seem to be able to relax and take a breath as one thing after another through out the series keeps them on their toes.
such a well written storey with some steamy moments - plenty of twists and turns and a sprinkling of humor
Gotta love Tish who almost stole the show in this book
Cant wait to see the conclusion but at the same time will be sad to see this series end.
Allison and her guys never seem to be able to relax and take a breath as one thing after another through out the series keeps them on their toes.
such a well written storey with some steamy moments - plenty of twists and turns and a sprinkling of humor
Gotta love Tish who almost stole the show in this book
Cant wait to see the conclusion but at the same time will be sad to see this series end.
July 24, 2024
The story is starting to get more interesting I am loving the mystery around Joseph and the Scarlett dagger. I love the comedic relief of Trish and skip but I dedibayelr don’t trust George at all
Overall I am loving the pace of the story and that each book in the series something does resolve I do think it didn’t need to be this many books but overall worth a read
Overall I am loving the pace of the story and that each book in the series something does resolve I do think it didn’t need to be this many books but overall worth a read
February 10, 2021
Good
I feel like these books could be condensed into fewer books with more story in each, but I’m definitely interested in finding out the conclusion of the series.
I feel like these books could be condensed into fewer books with more story in each, but I’m definitely interested in finding out the conclusion of the series.
January 20, 2021
Another great book in the Corviticus University world! The characters are just as real and sweet as ever and boy oh boy are those sexy scenes just top notch; the only thing missing was some sexy times with Marcus. Sweet little Ollie has gotten a major upgrade and I can’t wait to dive into that a little more in the next book! Woohoo!!! Oh and I haven’t laughed as much as I laughed over that ‘Never have I ever’ scene in a LONG time. Funniest thing ever. I don’t want to have to wait for the next installment of this story; I need more Corviticus NOW (hehe)!!!
February 3, 2021
I am an ARC reader, and became one because I love Josie's writings, she has a great imagination, and flair for storytelling, if you have not yet read J E Cluney's other works, I recommend. I particularly love this series, the characters and storyline works really well, everything just fits.... so much so, that even though I am a ARC reader, I buy these books on Kindle, so I can re-read them. I do not like to add spoilers, but, I do recommend reading from book 1, where this story begins, it is about Alison starting university and moving into a house, she finds out that her housemates are her soulmates, and she finds out a lot about herself, and her past, and her emerging powers. The earlier books also are how they all bond and pull together against a Wendigo who has been waiting and watching.... Book 4 is the start of a new chapter in their lives, but they find that the problem with the Wendigo has not finished, he was just a puppet for something else. Book 5 covers how they find out about the person who was pulling the strings so to speak, more discoveries about themselves and how much stronger they are working together, and how to defeat him.
I am a bit conflicted, as I loved this book, and cannot wait for book 6 which will be the conclusion, but that will mean saying goodbye to this group. This is one series I wish would continue because there is so much material there, but on the flip side, I have heard that Josie may do a spin off from this series in a year or so, so maybe Alison and her boys may make an appearance? I am looking forward to this.
If you have not read Josie's work before, take a look at her other writings, she also is one of the authors on the Silver Springs books, which again I recommend if you like paranormal romance, this series has a number of authors, which you can discover, and if you have kindle unlimited is available.
I am a bit conflicted, as I loved this book, and cannot wait for book 6 which will be the conclusion, but that will mean saying goodbye to this group. This is one series I wish would continue because there is so much material there, but on the flip side, I have heard that Josie may do a spin off from this series in a year or so, so maybe Alison and her boys may make an appearance? I am looking forward to this.
If you have not read Josie's work before, take a look at her other writings, she also is one of the authors on the Silver Springs books, which again I recommend if you like paranormal romance, this series has a number of authors, which you can discover, and if you have kindle unlimited is available.
January 31, 2021
A favourite of mine!
So this was a good addition to the series quite a bit of information too. I must say though it was brilliant having so much of hayley and Trish in this book. Trish is so much like my nanna so every time I read a scene she was in I couldn't help but smile. My nan though in her 80s now 20 years ago you would go on a night out and she would get kicked out for pinching bouncers bums. One of my favourite memories of my nan is her back packing round Europe and dancing on the tables in Venice with the young ones. So reading about trish's toyboy and her lack of filter instantly takes me to thoughts of my nan. This book made me smile and laugh and worry........ man am I worried about the guys. I can't wait to read the final book in the series.
So this was a good addition to the series quite a bit of information too. I must say though it was brilliant having so much of hayley and Trish in this book. Trish is so much like my nanna so every time I read a scene she was in I couldn't help but smile. My nan though in her 80s now 20 years ago you would go on a night out and she would get kicked out for pinching bouncers bums. One of my favourite memories of my nan is her back packing round Europe and dancing on the tables in Venice with the young ones. So reading about trish's toyboy and her lack of filter instantly takes me to thoughts of my nan. This book made me smile and laugh and worry........ man am I worried about the guys. I can't wait to read the final book in the series.
January 31, 2021
We're closer to unraveling all of the mysteries
Allison and her mates are once again in danger and on a clock. Turns out though that Ollie is the key this time to helping them out. At this point the relationship with Ally and her guys is solid and so sweet honestly. They're all still growing and Ally still has a lot to learn but she has more people in her corner and she's smart enough to ask for help.
I like the overall story and hope it will all work out for them. They all need each other and I love how they've all become this tight knit family. Really enjoying this series.
Allison and her mates are once again in danger and on a clock. Turns out though that Ollie is the key this time to helping them out. At this point the relationship with Ally and her guys is solid and so sweet honestly. They're all still growing and Ally still has a lot to learn but she has more people in her corner and she's smart enough to ask for help.
I like the overall story and hope it will all work out for them. They all need each other and I love how they've all become this tight knit family. Really enjoying this series.
February 11, 2021
Will Allison get the chance to be a uni student and enjoy life with her mates? The answer is a bit up in the air seeing as how now it’s up to her to find the Scarlett dagger that will end Joseph Murphy and his nefarious plans. Ollie’s tied to everything but no can figure out how.
As the gang struggles to recover after Claire’s attempts to shoot them, worry sets in and tensions build. Good thing Allison’s grandmother comes to visit because that she-wolf keeps everyone on their toes.
Things are coming to head and as Ollie discovers a secret held deep within his family’s lineage, it looks like maybe Allison will get her wish if they can end Murphy.
As the gang struggles to recover after Claire’s attempts to shoot them, worry sets in and tensions build. Good thing Allison’s grandmother comes to visit because that she-wolf keeps everyone on their toes.
Things are coming to head and as Ollie discovers a secret held deep within his family’s lineage, it looks like maybe Allison will get her wish if they can end Murphy.
January 29, 2021
JE Cluney continues to draw us into the supernatural world of Allison and her mates, in Corviticus University: The Scarlet Dagger. Book 5 in her University series does not disappoint in mystery, friendship, crazy family and sexy times!
We follow the destruction left from book 4, and see magic used in a multitude of ways-serious, funny, and fantastical. Allison continues to find herself a pivotal player in unexpected deaths on the Uni campus, while Ollie seems to be a key of some sort.
Throw in a libido draining grandmother in Trish, and nothing is sacred in this group!
We follow the destruction left from book 4, and see magic used in a multitude of ways-serious, funny, and fantastical. Allison continues to find herself a pivotal player in unexpected deaths on the Uni campus, while Ollie seems to be a key of some sort.
Throw in a libido draining grandmother in Trish, and nothing is sacred in this group!
January 30, 2021
This book starts off right where the last one finished which is great as it really helps to keep the reader invested in the story and the characters. There continues to be character development with each book and more connection between all the MCs. Loved that there was not cliffhanger in this book, but what there was was a lot of laugh out loud moment, steamy steamy scenes and great characters! This was not as actioned packed as I thought it would be but that is ok as we get to see more of the characters. Interested to see what happens next.
January 31, 2021
This series has continued to astonish me page after page. The character development continues to surprise and delight. The plot had twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The Scarlet Dagger had some pretty awesome revelations to it that I didnt see coming. I love that there is more substance to the mysteries surrounding our crew. Theres still some pretty steamy scenes but this book had alot more to give us emotionally. And there was certainly alot of humo re this go round too, with Trish and Tinder lol. I absolutely love this series. I cant wait to being it all home with book 6!
February 10, 2021
Awesome grandma's and ollie's family
This book picks up right where book 4 ended and with that the mystery continues of the scarlet dagger. In this book we get to see more of Ollie...Yay! I have really like this character since the first book and he has had a rough go of it with his family and his shifting. We get to see and learn more about his family in this book along with his shifting.
Trish is officially my favorite grandma....no one can stop her from living her best life. She was thoroughly enjoyable and I enjoyed every minute of her shenanigans
This book picks up right where book 4 ended and with that the mystery continues of the scarlet dagger. In this book we get to see more of Ollie...Yay! I have really like this character since the first book and he has had a rough go of it with his family and his shifting. We get to see and learn more about his family in this book along with his shifting.
Trish is officially my favorite grandma....no one can stop her from living her best life. She was thoroughly enjoyable and I enjoyed every minute of her shenanigans
July 27, 2021
More similar to the second book in terms of plot to filler ratio tho in this book the plot is far more interesting and although the pacing is still slow, I feel as though the author condensed the action a bit more to thought he pacing to glow at a more natural rate so not to disturb the stakes.
But the filler with the gran at the strict club
...
And the one where they are talking about sex with her....
I just cringed and put the book down at those points, honestly I had to skip through them as they were quite off-putting.
But the filler with the gran at the strict club
...
And the one where they are talking about sex with her....
I just cringed and put the book down at those points, honestly I had to skip through them as they were quite off-putting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
Definitely a good idea to do a re-read of the first 4 books first as this gets straight into things from where book 4 left off. This book had me on the edge of my seat reading it, anticipating what the next curveball would be. Without giving too much away, enjoy supe strip club with Trish, lots of action in the bedroom (and out) with Alison and her men, some answers on what is coming and a cliffhanger to leave you wanting the 6th book!
January 22, 2021
I absolutely love this series. Trish has become my favorite grandma and I absolutely loved her scenes in this book. I laughed so hard, but for Allie and the guys not everything is fun and games, though they had epic hot bedroom scenes for sure. They face a new danger and threat and Ollie is the key to getting what they need. That ending left me so ready for the next book and to see if my theories are true.
January 22, 2021
This one picks up where the last one left off and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but a nice little hook for the next book. Great for those people who dislike those pesky cliffhangers. The storyline and plot are excellent, the flow is a bit slow on action, but it has loads of steamy hot scenes. The characters are well developed and so are the relationships. Overall it was really well done and I quite enjoyed it.
January 30, 2021
This book must be read after the four Corviticus Universitybooks as this is a continuation. I really enjoyed the thriller and anticipated moments in this book. There's new threats and adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As well as some exciting drama, there are some very steamy scenes that will have you fanning yourself. I found the balance of steam and story excellent and kept the flow of the plot as well as character developments. It was one very enjoyable read.
January 31, 2021
Things just keep getting better.
Poor Ollie is having a rough time and he learns a huge secret about himself and his heritage.
Grandma is a hoot and I enjoyed the interactions between the guys and grandma :P
Despite the fun and the rather hot times, there is a killer to find and magick to break through.
So once again we are left hanging and waiting for the next book and I personally hope the wait isn't to long.
Poor Ollie is having a rough time and he learns a huge secret about himself and his heritage.
Grandma is a hoot and I enjoyed the interactions between the guys and grandma :P
Despite the fun and the rather hot times, there is a killer to find and magick to break through.
So once again we are left hanging and waiting for the next book and I personally hope the wait isn't to long.
February 2, 2021
Yet again, I have been drawn back into this incredible world J.E. Cluney has created at Corviticus University! Allison and her mates cannot catch a break. It is truly one thing after another for them, but luckily they have each other to lean on. So many wonderful moments for these characters even through the hard times. This series does need to be read in order, so please ensure you have read book 1-4 first. I cannot WAIT for book 6!
February 5, 2021
This next book in the series following Allison and her harem picks up right where the last one finished. Its filled with laughs, funny Aussie anecdotes and sexy times that include some delicious m/m action. Loved that the book didn’t end in a cliff-hanger, just with some more mysteries need to be solved. With the next book in the series being the last, its going to be a bitter sweet goodbye to these endearing characters.
February 6, 2021
Hot and steamy, with lots of action
Allison and her guys get to know her long lost family a bit more here. And Lord do I wish I had a granny like Allison's lmao! A crazy, dangerous Warlock is on the loose and it's up to Allison and her guys to help catch him. It seems as though nobody is safe, but that doesn't stop the gang from having some fun. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Allison and her guys get to know her long lost family a bit more here. And Lord do I wish I had a granny like Allison's lmao! A crazy, dangerous Warlock is on the loose and it's up to Allison and her guys to help catch him. It seems as though nobody is safe, but that doesn't stop the gang from having some fun. I can't wait to see what happens next!
February 9, 2021
“It’s insane how much I’m I love with this book. It was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t have asked for a different ending to Allison and her mates. The relationship between them was sweet and hard as a rock which was awesome to see alongside the danger plot. JE Cluney has a unique writing style and you easily get lost in the pages. A mix of adventure, danger, romance and LOL situations. Highly recommended!”
May 16, 2022
Super fun, steamy & exciting
Wow, J.E. Cluney is just a master of the cliffhanger! Allison and her guys still can’t catch a break. It’s amazing the short amount of time this has all happened in. So it isn’t just Allison, Marcus and Lucas who are special, but now Oliver has a wondrous secret too. But there’s obviously something happening with Emma and Claire has just made everything so much more intense. Can’t wait for the next book!
Wow, J.E. Cluney is just a master of the cliffhanger! Allison and her guys still can’t catch a break. It’s amazing the short amount of time this has all happened in. So it isn’t just Allison, Marcus and Lucas who are special, but now Oliver has a wondrous secret too. But there’s obviously something happening with Emma and Claire has just made everything so much more intense. Can’t wait for the next book!
January 23, 2021
Wow wow wow, this book was amazing and I could not put it down. It moves along at a great pace making for an easy read. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you know them and no matter what you want to be there for them and the story will grab you and keep you reading till the end no doubt about it. this needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.
February 2, 2021
I wwas so happy that I got to read more from the Corviticus University. Absolutely love this series. JE Cluney has always been a favorite author of mine. Her stories are so good. This one is just as good. Definitely a must read. I cannot get enough of these stories!!! Looking forward to the next one!!!
February 3, 2021
Allison and her mates are facing danger yet again. I love that the relationship between Allison and the guys is solid and sweet. I enjoyed the style of writing by JE Cluney. The key is Ollie and I love that Ally isn't afraid to ask help and knows she is backed up by several people who support her. Can't wait for more books.
June 24, 2021
Loved it
And I was right! Book four kind of dragged and was a day in the life, but this one plunged full steam ahead with lots of twists and turns and excitement. Definitely worth slogging through the previous one in the series. Off to read book 6 and find out how the story concludes.
And I was right! Book four kind of dragged and was a day in the life, but this one plunged full steam ahead with lots of twists and turns and excitement. Definitely worth slogging through the previous one in the series. Off to read book 6 and find out how the story concludes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews