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Endymion College #2
A Study in Survival
She survived the spirit. She survived the demon. She survived term one.
Winter at Endymion College should mean only good things for Anna James: books, best friends, and studying Gothic Literature under the most handsome professor Anna has ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, just as she prepares to relax and enjoy her very hard-earned place at this coveted university, an impossibly dashing stranger arrives to turn everything upside down.
Suddenly, Anna finds herself caught in a life or death struggle against a fiendish new supernatural assailant, and with explosive revelations and closely held secrets forced out into the open, a tragic history comes back to haunt Anna and her friends.
Knife skills and friendships will be put to the test as enemies, both human and paranormal, work to destroy everything Anna has fought to build.
Can Anna get to the bottom of her haunted apartment mystery and resist the eerily familiar charms of a gorgeous new interloper, all while trying to keep herself and her friends alive? Or will she and those she holds dearest be torn apart by a new kind of evil?
Just as gothic, equally romantic, even more dangerous, packed full of ghost stuff and demon stuff, Endymion College 2: A Study in Survival is the inappropriately amusing, cosy-horror sequel you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to enrol.
Winter at Endymion College should mean only good things for Anna James: books, best friends, and studying Gothic Literature under the most handsome professor Anna has ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, just as she prepares to relax and enjoy her very hard-earned place at this coveted university, an impossibly dashing stranger arrives to turn everything upside down.
Suddenly, Anna finds herself caught in a life or death struggle against a fiendish new supernatural assailant, and with explosive revelations and closely held secrets forced out into the open, a tragic history comes back to haunt Anna and her friends.
Knife skills and friendships will be put to the test as enemies, both human and paranormal, work to destroy everything Anna has fought to build.
Can Anna get to the bottom of her haunted apartment mystery and resist the eerily familiar charms of a gorgeous new interloper, all while trying to keep herself and her friends alive? Or will she and those she holds dearest be torn apart by a new kind of evil?
Just as gothic, equally romantic, even more dangerous, packed full of ghost stuff and demon stuff, Endymion College 2: A Study in Survival is the inappropriately amusing, cosy-horror sequel you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to enrol.
- GenresDark Academia
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2022
8 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
W.H. Lockwood
16 books153 followersAuthor of the Endymion College series, W. H. Lockwood writes gothic romance, MM action-romance, historical fiction, dark academia and cosy horror.
Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.
Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.
These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.
Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.
Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.
These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 25, 2022
"Women like you," Lady Adeline laughed derisively, breathing out a long plume of smoke into the languid sunlight, "you come in here and act like we didn't open the door for you. You act as though no woman ever needed to sell her soul to the devil himself to get you where you are today. Your freedom is built on the broken and battered bodies of the sisterhood you purport to love so much. Show some respect."⠀
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W. H. Lockwood, A Study in Survival ⠀
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💀 A Study in Survival (Endymion College #2) by W. H. Lockwood is a Cozy Horror Romance/ Dark Academia book releasing this week. The book opens with an apology from the author so I immediately knew it was going to be a wild ride. Anna, Eve, and Candide are back to continue unraveling the mystery of the ghost who haunts Endymion College. Things escalate quickly with the addition of several sexy new characters and a reappearance of an old favorite. This story captivated me from the first line to the last author quip. "What the hell was that?" indeed! I love this series and recommend it to all my bibliophile friends. It's full of dark academic, tortured artist vibes and has a lovely balance of witty banter and creepy occult references, mixed in with stunning classical literature excerpts. If I could live in a book, hopefully without becoming a demons next victim, I'd want to stay at Endymion College!
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W. H. Lockwood, A Study in Survival ⠀
⠀
⠀
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💀 A Study in Survival (Endymion College #2) by W. H. Lockwood is a Cozy Horror Romance/ Dark Academia book releasing this week. The book opens with an apology from the author so I immediately knew it was going to be a wild ride. Anna, Eve, and Candide are back to continue unraveling the mystery of the ghost who haunts Endymion College. Things escalate quickly with the addition of several sexy new characters and a reappearance of an old favorite. This story captivated me from the first line to the last author quip. "What the hell was that?" indeed! I love this series and recommend it to all my bibliophile friends. It's full of dark academic, tortured artist vibes and has a lovely balance of witty banter and creepy occult references, mixed in with stunning classical literature excerpts. If I could live in a book, hopefully without becoming a demons next victim, I'd want to stay at Endymion College!
October 20, 2022
Wow this series just keeps getting better and more addictive. Loved learning about Anna's background which was worse than I thought it would be. Also love Percy, he was a great new addition and he also has a sad backstory like Anna.
October 1, 2023
I enjoyed reading book two, in the endymion college series. this book was good but not that good as book one, (that is still my favorite). I would have loved to see more academic setting in this book and hopefull book three has that? the plottwist at the end was really crazy did love that
October 15, 2022
That was one hell of a ride and the apology at the beginning played out as I generally suspected, but still threw me when it actually came!
I enjoyed the plot and getting more background on Anna, as well as the new and returning characters. Well, most of those returning. The only reason I didn’t give five stars was the OTT attachment of Anna with Eve. It was too much and too silly at times. Otherwise, I enjoyed it and definitely need to read the next book as this is not where you want to be left hanging!!!!
I enjoyed the plot and getting more background on Anna, as well as the new and returning characters. Well, most of those returning. The only reason I didn’t give five stars was the OTT attachment of Anna with Eve. It was too much and too silly at times. Otherwise, I enjoyed it and definitely need to read the next book as this is not where you want to be left hanging!!!!
Read
August 8, 2023what?!?!
November 2, 2022
Eve, Ana and Candy are back at it in the paranormal playground that is Endymion College. The 3 musketeers have forgotten the trauma and mission of Book 1. They also have two new frienemies Percy and Aubrey that joins them on their renew mission. Percy has an unlikely connection to the 3; while offering up glimpses into the past and for Ana’s presence at Endymion. Aubrey is a unlikely companion to Candy and the only person that sees Eve and Ana’s relationship for what it is. I did ofcourse love the story line and how they are basically their own worst enemies. They are also fighting paranormal ethnic entities with random everyday items. I.e Ana running something over with a car. I was not a fan of the pages dedicated for Ana’s swooning. Mostly because Eve sounded average at best and Ana is suffering from first love sight. I think both Aubrey and Eves mom see that relationship clearly. I only regret that Aubrey backtracks because peer pressure. I would recommend this to anyone honestly.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2022
Thank you to W.H.Lockwood for the E-ARC, my review is based on my own honest opinion
A Study in Survival picks up from where the last novel finished. Anna been at the college for 3 months and everything is hunky dory (albeit jealous and paranoid that everyone wants Eve) Until Percy comes into the picture and then Anna remembers everything.
I really enjoyed A Study in Survival and to be honest I enjoyed it more than A Lesson in Love(book 1)
As with book 1 I found the storyline lured you in with a slow burn then as soon as you know it, I was devouring the chapters. It's a novel that keeps you gripped from the first page and thinking what the hell and oh.my.gosh!!
I liked that it introduces new characters and the twists it brought was great. Oh and the ghost that was mentioned in the first book, we find out who he is! 😲
I can't wait for book 3
A Study in Survival picks up from where the last novel finished. Anna been at the college for 3 months and everything is hunky dory (albeit jealous and paranoid that everyone wants Eve) Until Percy comes into the picture and then Anna remembers everything.
I really enjoyed A Study in Survival and to be honest I enjoyed it more than A Lesson in Love(book 1)
As with book 1 I found the storyline lured you in with a slow burn then as soon as you know it, I was devouring the chapters. It's a novel that keeps you gripped from the first page and thinking what the hell and oh.my.gosh!!
I liked that it introduces new characters and the twists it brought was great. Oh and the ghost that was mentioned in the first book, we find out who he is! 😲
I can't wait for book 3
October 28, 2022
W.H Lockwood has done it again with the second book in the Endymion College series.
This spine-chilling, dark academia thriller does not disappoint with new characters, the usual crew, more family secrets and of course demons. The descriptive writing puts you in the book right aside the characters and the necromancy is both hair-raising and unearthly.
The dialogue between characters flows well and is engaging. And Eve is still the swoon worthy professor we all wish we had in college.
TW: blood, inferred child abuse, violence and descriptive hard drug use.
This spine-chilling, dark academia thriller does not disappoint with new characters, the usual crew, more family secrets and of course demons. The descriptive writing puts you in the book right aside the characters and the necromancy is both hair-raising and unearthly.
The dialogue between characters flows well and is engaging. And Eve is still the swoon worthy professor we all wish we had in college.
TW: blood, inferred child abuse, violence and descriptive hard drug use.
October 28, 2022
I really enjoyed the first one! It drew me in and I literally couldn't stop reading so I was so excited for the 2nd one! I loved the 2nd book as much as I loved the first! I definitely have a soft spot for Eve and Candide. Anna is okay to me, maybe line #4 in my top 5 😂 I love Percy too! His character makes me laugh so much! The ending had me so stressed out and I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out! If you haven't read these yet go check them out! The first book in the series is A lesson in Love and Death.
October 20, 2022
This is the second book in this trilogy and I have to admit I loved Percy's addition to the team.
Even though I do love the plot, I think it was way slower pace than the first book, at least for my taste, I was expecting more action and less talking.
Overall it's a very interesting series, I love the mystery and the suspense and I'm looking forward to the last book in this series!
3.5 stars
Even though I do love the plot, I think it was way slower pace than the first book, at least for my taste, I was expecting more action and less talking.
Overall it's a very interesting series, I love the mystery and the suspense and I'm looking forward to the last book in this series!
3.5 stars
October 25, 2022
Ugh how frustrating was that ending?!?! So I really enjoyed this book. Also the cover is gorgeous. I didn't care for their continued use of names even though we knew who was talking to whom. Also didn't care for the way Anna did meth a few times like it's not one of the worst addicting drugs out there. Overall though I enjoyed this one!
September 6, 2023
what the fuck did i just read? what. the FUCK. did i just read?? i get the apology now, but never in my life did i think THATS where it was coming from. oh my god. i have actually no idea what just happened or how we almost ended romeo and juliet style but you better BELIEVE im reading the third book. i cant wait.
October 27, 2022
This is the second book in the series and is just as dark as the first. The adventure continues, with the some new faces and keeps you in suspense until the end! It is an atmospheric, mysterious and dark book that all fans of the genre should read!
October 31, 2022
I thought the first book was good- this one is even better!
Suspense, romance, humour and supernatural goings on, what more could we ask for?!
Suspense, romance, humour and supernatural goings on, what more could we ask for?!
February 16, 2023
This was an INTENSE and beautiful book, which immediately made me run to read the third. WH Lockwood just keeps getting better with each book she writes. I’m in love with this author and her work!
October 7, 2022
Boy, oh boy, this book.
For the faints of heart, please, take a look at the Trigger Warnings.
Wait, let me say that again. READ THE TWs.
WH Lockwood never disappoints. After her first book in the series, I was expecting great things for book number two. I was NOT expecting this. This was a wild, crazy, insane ride that almost put to shame book 1. If you think you've seen all there is to see at Endymion College, you're about to be wildly surprised.
New characters, new friendships, new conflicts, new demons.... and some old foes too. Together with that, we get the same amazing gothic environment at Endymion College, the same love for literature, the same unpredictable twists and quirky style. The same feeling of comradery and love.
This was the PERFECT continuation to book 1.
Alright, now, the story. I'll be very generic, very vague, no spoilers. Anna, Candide and Eve seem to be in a good place, except something's missing from their narrative. And when they figure out what that is and a new, unexpected character shows up, things get bizarre. And then they get more bizarre as they all try to fix the mess they got themselves into. And then... then they get tragic as shit.
I loved learning more about the characters' past, and Anna was the usual unbalanced delight to be around. Though I realize she's a character some people might not empathize with too much, I do think there's a starvation for survival (nope, the title isn't by chance) in her that's perfectly understandable and shines through even more in book 2. We also get answers about how she got to Endymion College exactly and why. And, WOAH. Did not see that coming. More about the hanging door and the key too! Yay!
I also adored seeing her with Eve. The whole speech he gave her was *chef's kiss* and—with more than a little self-hatred—I must admit I loved the new... ahem... friend/enemy/slightly-psychotic-freak who joined the group. Especially his interactions with Eve. Yes, you read that right. Not his interactions with Anna, which were golden too, but those with Eve.
"I hate you." "I hate you too." I might get that tattooed. HILARIOUS.
On another note, if you think book 1 was begging to be followed by book 2, let me laugh out loud for a minute. This baby right here ends with a CLIFFHANGER. Nah, the cliffhanger ends with the book. Wait, that makes no sense. My point is—SERIOUSLY, you'll wish you had book 3 or WH Lockwood right next to you, so you could use your fencing glove or gauntlet to smack them and challenge them to a duel.
So, book 3? It's coming soon, I imagine. Book 1 and 2 came within a month or two between one another, so it's safe—and HOPEFUL—to say we'll get book 3 soon enough. Thank. God.
Wanna know where I'm at? I think about the ending of this book... maybe once a week. Maybe twice. Often in bed, when I can't sleep, and it's dark, and I'm sad and anxious.
So, really, read the trigger warnings. I'm not talking about fear—though I guess for some people that could also be scary—I'm talking about feeling all the feels. Sadness, agony, desperation. If you're really emotional and empathetic like me, you'll want to read this book, but then you'll NEED to read book 3.
Closing note: heavy drugs occasional use, violence, mentioning of childhood trauma, death, violence. You get it, it's a horror romance.
For the faints of heart, please, take a look at the Trigger Warnings.
Wait, let me say that again. READ THE TWs.
WH Lockwood never disappoints. After her first book in the series, I was expecting great things for book number two. I was NOT expecting this. This was a wild, crazy, insane ride that almost put to shame book 1. If you think you've seen all there is to see at Endymion College, you're about to be wildly surprised.
New characters, new friendships, new conflicts, new demons.... and some old foes too. Together with that, we get the same amazing gothic environment at Endymion College, the same love for literature, the same unpredictable twists and quirky style. The same feeling of comradery and love.
This was the PERFECT continuation to book 1.
Alright, now, the story. I'll be very generic, very vague, no spoilers. Anna, Candide and Eve seem to be in a good place, except something's missing from their narrative. And when they figure out what that is and a new, unexpected character shows up, things get bizarre. And then they get more bizarre as they all try to fix the mess they got themselves into. And then... then they get tragic as shit.
I loved learning more about the characters' past, and Anna was the usual unbalanced delight to be around. Though I realize she's a character some people might not empathize with too much, I do think there's a starvation for survival (nope, the title isn't by chance) in her that's perfectly understandable and shines through even more in book 2. We also get answers about how she got to Endymion College exactly and why. And, WOAH. Did not see that coming. More about the hanging door and the key too! Yay!
I also adored seeing her with Eve. The whole speech he gave her was *chef's kiss* and—with more than a little self-hatred—I must admit I loved the new... ahem... friend/enemy/slightly-psychotic-freak who joined the group. Especially his interactions with Eve. Yes, you read that right. Not his interactions with Anna, which were golden too, but those with Eve.
"I hate you." "I hate you too." I might get that tattooed. HILARIOUS.
On another note, if you think book 1 was begging to be followed by book 2, let me laugh out loud for a minute. This baby right here ends with a CLIFFHANGER. Nah, the cliffhanger ends with the book. Wait, that makes no sense. My point is—SERIOUSLY, you'll wish you had book 3 or WH Lockwood right next to you, so you could use your fencing glove or gauntlet to smack them and challenge them to a duel.
So, book 3? It's coming soon, I imagine. Book 1 and 2 came within a month or two between one another, so it's safe—and HOPEFUL—to say we'll get book 3 soon enough. Thank. God.
Wanna know where I'm at? I think about the ending of this book... maybe once a week. Maybe twice. Often in bed, when I can't sleep, and it's dark, and I'm sad and anxious.
So, really, read the trigger warnings. I'm not talking about fear—though I guess for some people that could also be scary—I'm talking about feeling all the feels. Sadness, agony, desperation. If you're really emotional and empathetic like me, you'll want to read this book, but then you'll NEED to read book 3.
Closing note: heavy drugs occasional use, violence, mentioning of childhood trauma, death, violence. You get it, it's a horror romance.
October 26, 2022
"I apologise in advance for the trauma we are all about to experience together. Characters you love are going to suffer; characters you hate will triumph; you will grasp hold of one last shred of hope, only to have it pulled away from you at the last."
Anna survived the spirit, the demon and term one. Winter at Endymion College should mean only good things for Anna: books, friends and studying Gothic literature under the hot professor, who also happens to be her boyfriend. Unfortunately, just as she begins to relax and enjoy her place at the university, a dashing stranger arrives to turn it all upside down. Anna finds herself in a life and death struggle yet again with a new supernatural assailant. In addition explosive revelations and deep secrets are forced into the open as a tragic history comes back to haunt our group of friends. Friendships are put to the test as enemies, human and paranormal, threaten to destroy everything Anna has built. Will Anna get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her haunted apartment? Can she resist the familiar charms of the dashing stranger? And keep her friends and herself alive?
A Study in Survival is described by the author as equally as Gothic, just as romantic, even more dangerous and packed with more ghost and demon stuff. I have to admit that this one really excelled with the ghost and demon stuff. I got a little nervous reading it at night at one point (haha). The book starts with a very Lemony Snicket type dedication from the author and continued to give off that vibe throughout. After describing how happy Anna was we start to get vibes from the author's writing story that this is not going to be a happy story at all.
This book has some insane reveals that I won't discuss here because I don't want to ruin the plot, but our ghost from book one was more important than we ever knew. I loved the elements of the story that developed and the background we got on the ghost. It felt like a lot of questions were finally answered, while presenting a whole new set of questions and problems. I am still reluctant to give this series four stars simply because Anna's character at times drives me up the wall. I mean you are being haunted and your friends getting possessed but all you care about is your boyfriend?
All I can say is thank god for Aubrey, at least for a bit, she has no issue calling them out! I loved how some of the creepy elements from book one were brought back up and given an insane importance. The revelations in this book, I must admit I didn't always see coming. Which was a nice change of pace. I loved the introduction of a few new characters, and the bringing back of a few others. I do think that this one does an amazing job of focusing on the paranormal aspect of the story which is what I craved from the first one.
Also I know I'm not supposed to like her but Eve's mom is a total boss. I loved how she casually told Anna "you never reproach a woman for doing what she had to do to survive." Granted the things she did weren't really that great and made her a terrible person. I could have done without the love triangle vibe I got from the book, mostly because Eve and Anna's obsession with each other is annoying. The book has some seriously dark and icky moments that I am here for 100%. Most importantly though, why with that ending??? Just know once again this ending leaves you with soooo many questions...
Anna survived the spirit, the demon and term one. Winter at Endymion College should mean only good things for Anna: books, friends and studying Gothic literature under the hot professor, who also happens to be her boyfriend. Unfortunately, just as she begins to relax and enjoy her place at the university, a dashing stranger arrives to turn it all upside down. Anna finds herself in a life and death struggle yet again with a new supernatural assailant. In addition explosive revelations and deep secrets are forced into the open as a tragic history comes back to haunt our group of friends. Friendships are put to the test as enemies, human and paranormal, threaten to destroy everything Anna has built. Will Anna get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her haunted apartment? Can she resist the familiar charms of the dashing stranger? And keep her friends and herself alive?
A Study in Survival is described by the author as equally as Gothic, just as romantic, even more dangerous and packed with more ghost and demon stuff. I have to admit that this one really excelled with the ghost and demon stuff. I got a little nervous reading it at night at one point (haha). The book starts with a very Lemony Snicket type dedication from the author and continued to give off that vibe throughout. After describing how happy Anna was we start to get vibes from the author's writing story that this is not going to be a happy story at all.
This book has some insane reveals that I won't discuss here because I don't want to ruin the plot, but our ghost from book one was more important than we ever knew. I loved the elements of the story that developed and the background we got on the ghost. It felt like a lot of questions were finally answered, while presenting a whole new set of questions and problems. I am still reluctant to give this series four stars simply because Anna's character at times drives me up the wall. I mean you are being haunted and your friends getting possessed but all you care about is your boyfriend?
All I can say is thank god for Aubrey, at least for a bit, she has no issue calling them out! I loved how some of the creepy elements from book one were brought back up and given an insane importance. The revelations in this book, I must admit I didn't always see coming. Which was a nice change of pace. I loved the introduction of a few new characters, and the bringing back of a few others. I do think that this one does an amazing job of focusing on the paranormal aspect of the story which is what I craved from the first one.
Also I know I'm not supposed to like her but Eve's mom is a total boss. I loved how she casually told Anna "you never reproach a woman for doing what she had to do to survive." Granted the things she did weren't really that great and made her a terrible person. I could have done without the love triangle vibe I got from the book, mostly because Eve and Anna's obsession with each other is annoying. The book has some seriously dark and icky moments that I am here for 100%. Most importantly though, why with that ending??? Just know once again this ending leaves you with soooo many questions...
September 27, 2024
Somehow, Book 2 is longer than Book 1 but I flew through it much faster. Maybe that's because I came into it knowing the score - the flaws, Anna, and what to look forward to - or maybe the story just gets to the point quicker, I can't tell.
What I can say with absolute certainty is that Percy is one of the best things about this book. Then Eve and Joe. Seeing Percy and Joe together on page makes me excited to read their book. And I'm glad I read this series first, because they have a really big presence - Joe featuring heavily in Book 1, both in Book 2, and according to my search of Book 3 for both names, they appear (or are at least mentioned) frequently there too.
At this moment, having not read their solo spin-off yet, I'd say that you'd need to read this trilogy to understand their history with each other, but I'll hold judgement on that until I've finished Book 3 and Sinful Crimes.
~
Honestly, I don't even know where to start with this review.
You really have to suspend your beliefs with this series, not because of the ghosts and demons but because everything that happens is so unbelievable.
We have the same pov split, except we only see Eve's pov maybe once or twice, while the rest of the book is 99.5% Anna and the rest omnipresent.
There are new characters but the same old demon. Older secrets and new drastic decisions made.
Really, the less said about this the better. Aubrey is a judgemental asshole. I hate her more every time she opens her mouth. An egoist, selfish and opinionated bitch, she really rivals Anna for more hated character.
Anna is just as sickening as ever. There's now a whole new Vampire Diaries shtick now that Eve's half brother Percy - the mysterious hander of the skeleton key - appears.
This weird "lovely shoulder", "his luscious collar bone" and "beautifully sculpted biceps" sexist writing is back in full force, for both sexes.
Percy is new but awesome. He's an ass but I love him. Same with Joe, who is firmly back in control of his own body.
I love the chemistry between Percy and Joe. It's easy to see how much I'd enjoy their book, when I get to it. As long as Anna isn't anywhere to be seen.
Some of the unanswered questions from Book 1 remain unanswered but a few were tackled head-on.
I'm a bit thrown by that awful, twisted, quite revolting ending. My heart aches for my poor Eve, but let's head straight into Book 3 so we can say goodbye to Anna and hello to Percy and Joe.
What I can say with absolute certainty is that Percy is one of the best things about this book. Then Eve and Joe. Seeing Percy and Joe together on page makes me excited to read their book. And I'm glad I read this series first, because they have a really big presence - Joe featuring heavily in Book 1, both in Book 2, and according to my search of Book 3 for both names, they appear (or are at least mentioned) frequently there too.
At this moment, having not read their solo spin-off yet, I'd say that you'd need to read this trilogy to understand their history with each other, but I'll hold judgement on that until I've finished Book 3 and Sinful Crimes.
~
Honestly, I don't even know where to start with this review.
You really have to suspend your beliefs with this series, not because of the ghosts and demons but because everything that happens is so unbelievable.
We have the same pov split, except we only see Eve's pov maybe once or twice, while the rest of the book is 99.5% Anna and the rest omnipresent.
There are new characters but the same old demon. Older secrets and new drastic decisions made.
Really, the less said about this the better. Aubrey is a judgemental asshole. I hate her more every time she opens her mouth. An egoist, selfish and opinionated bitch, she really rivals Anna for more hated character.
Anna is just as sickening as ever. There's now a whole new Vampire Diaries shtick now that Eve's half brother Percy - the mysterious hander of the skeleton key - appears.
This weird "lovely shoulder", "his luscious collar bone" and "beautifully sculpted biceps" sexist writing is back in full force, for both sexes.
Percy is new but awesome. He's an ass but I love him. Same with Joe, who is firmly back in control of his own body.
I love the chemistry between Percy and Joe. It's easy to see how much I'd enjoy their book, when I get to it. As long as Anna isn't anywhere to be seen.
Some of the unanswered questions from Book 1 remain unanswered but a few were tackled head-on.
I'm a bit thrown by that awful, twisted, quite revolting ending. My heart aches for my poor Eve, but let's head straight into Book 3 so we can say goodbye to Anna and hello to Percy and Joe.
March 8, 2023
Good God - who at this stage, is pretty much WH Lockwood, I think . . . actually scratch that - did you READ that ending?! She's definitely the devil - ANYWAY, I cannot deal with the feelings I had reading this book.
It destroyed me.
I felt things in ways I've never felt before bahaha. So I was obsessed with Eve in book 1 and book 2 just made me adore him even more. He is a beautiful, anxious, feminist, supportive, gorgeous, sexy dream and I need him to be in my life forever. Eve is not a book boyfriend, he's a book husband.
AND THEN WE GET PERCY!!
Just WHAT?! How do we get this lucky? TWO insanely gorgeous, intelligent men? Percy . . . is not like Eve haha. He's a chaotic, devilish whirlwind and I am OBSESSED with him. These moments of vulnerability, and then he's just got this maddening, intoxicating charm.
The banter in this book killed me dead. Percy and Candi OH! AND AUBREY?! HELLO?! CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW AMAZING AUBREY IS? And Joe!? The whole cast is just *chef's kiss* - there is literally no weak link. Anna is still one of my favourite FMCs I have ever read.
The plot is a glorious, wild ride and it SENT me. The serious moments were handled with perfection - I sobbed like a damn baby - and the humour was just as witty and on point as book 1, and in book 2 we get this fantastic deepening of all of the characters' relationships, the nuances, backstory, and it ALL comes into play here.
And to top it off . . . that ending.
I will NEVER EVER forgive the author for that ending. I'm already halfway through book 3 because I NEEDED to know what was happening next, but I had to take a real minute because that ending was one of the most emotional, intense things ever. Don't get a box of tissues ready, BUY OUT THE WHOLE DAMN SUPERMARKET.
It destroyed me.
I felt things in ways I've never felt before bahaha. So I was obsessed with Eve in book 1 and book 2 just made me adore him even more. He is a beautiful, anxious, feminist, supportive, gorgeous, sexy dream and I need him to be in my life forever. Eve is not a book boyfriend, he's a book husband.
AND THEN WE GET PERCY!!
Just WHAT?! How do we get this lucky? TWO insanely gorgeous, intelligent men? Percy . . . is not like Eve haha. He's a chaotic, devilish whirlwind and I am OBSESSED with him. These moments of vulnerability, and then he's just got this maddening, intoxicating charm.
The banter in this book killed me dead. Percy and Candi OH! AND AUBREY?! HELLO?! CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW AMAZING AUBREY IS? And Joe!? The whole cast is just *chef's kiss* - there is literally no weak link. Anna is still one of my favourite FMCs I have ever read.
The plot is a glorious, wild ride and it SENT me. The serious moments were handled with perfection - I sobbed like a damn baby - and the humour was just as witty and on point as book 1, and in book 2 we get this fantastic deepening of all of the characters' relationships, the nuances, backstory, and it ALL comes into play here.
And to top it off . . . that ending.
I will NEVER EVER forgive the author for that ending. I'm already halfway through book 3 because I NEEDED to know what was happening next, but I had to take a real minute because that ending was one of the most emotional, intense things ever. Don't get a box of tissues ready, BUY OUT THE WHOLE DAMN SUPERMARKET.
February 21, 2024
I enjoyed this novel a lot just like the first book and the thing that gets me is that I still get left with a "what has just happened" vibe. It's brilliant!
Our characters, Candide, Anna and Eve start off with not remembering anything from the first book. A new character arrives on the scene in the shape of Percy the mysterious guy that knows a lot more than he's letting on. Old characters mingle with new and there's a new mystery to solve.
Without giving too much of the plot away, this is full of mystery, adventure (the life in danger sort) and pure gruesome horror (not the scary kind).
Even though I felt a vibe of wtf throughout this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the feeling of not knowing what was coming next.
I love the way the author has written this novel, it keeps you guessing, the descriptions and the setting of the world they find themselves in is rich and evolving, I can't wait to see what happens next especially after that ending.
Our characters, Candide, Anna and Eve start off with not remembering anything from the first book. A new character arrives on the scene in the shape of Percy the mysterious guy that knows a lot more than he's letting on. Old characters mingle with new and there's a new mystery to solve.
Without giving too much of the plot away, this is full of mystery, adventure (the life in danger sort) and pure gruesome horror (not the scary kind).
Even though I felt a vibe of wtf throughout this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the feeling of not knowing what was coming next.
I love the way the author has written this novel, it keeps you guessing, the descriptions and the setting of the world they find themselves in is rich and evolving, I can't wait to see what happens next especially after that ending.
March 21, 2024
If possible this book was even more unhinged and insane as book one.....and just as enjoyable 🤣
Mostly it was more of the same, and followed a very similar, non sensical pattern as the first installment, but somehow it just works. I laughed for a good 10 minutes at the Japanese ghost that haunts the 4th stall of the toilet and kills you with toilet paper. Honestly these books are mad.
I knocked off 1 ⭐ purely because I fucking hate Aubrey and can't understand how introducing a character whose sole purpose seemed to be hating on Eve was a good choice? At this point the reader should love him and it all felt a bit unnecessary. Also Percy made no sense but sure look, that's nothing new. Joe having a cold shower and Anna getting railed in the kitchen were some personal highlights. The demon child was also fucking terrifying!!
HORRIFIED by the ending, absolutely going to ingest book 3 immediately.
Mostly it was more of the same, and followed a very similar, non sensical pattern as the first installment, but somehow it just works. I laughed for a good 10 minutes at the Japanese ghost that haunts the 4th stall of the toilet and kills you with toilet paper. Honestly these books are mad.
I knocked off 1 ⭐ purely because I fucking hate Aubrey and can't understand how introducing a character whose sole purpose seemed to be hating on Eve was a good choice? At this point the reader should love him and it all felt a bit unnecessary. Also Percy made no sense but sure look, that's nothing new. Joe having a cold shower and Anna getting railed in the kitchen were some personal highlights. The demon child was also fucking terrifying!!
HORRIFIED by the ending, absolutely going to ingest book 3 immediately.
January 24, 2023
Now, I know you’re thinking, what is a cozy horror? It’s this book. It has horror elements, but it’s not so over the top that you are looking in every corner for a ghost that’s going to attack you. No, it gives the nostalgia of younger years when you would tell you’re one and only ghost story to your group of friends and then you’d need to go to bed with the lights on. Or you’d make sure every limb was tucked safely under the blanket.
Anna and the whole cast have a long journey ahead of them in this book, and it ends in a truly horrifying spot that makes you crave what’s coming next.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves scary stories, the winding prose of gothic lit, but who also enjoy understanding those winding sentences. Lockwood has a wonderful series and I can’t wait for more.
Anna and the whole cast have a long journey ahead of them in this book, and it ends in a truly horrifying spot that makes you crave what’s coming next.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves scary stories, the winding prose of gothic lit, but who also enjoy understanding those winding sentences. Lockwood has a wonderful series and I can’t wait for more.
October 24, 2022
A Study in Survival the second book of the Endymion College series brings another fascinating story to life as the supernatural returns again to the lives of Anna and those she cares for. One has to wonder, did it ever leave? Time will tell.
An engaging read filled with thrills, mesmerizing characters and stunning revelations this atmospheric new adventure will keep the reader immersed as the persistently riveting narrative unfolds.
I was totally stunned by the ending which was a real OMG moment and can’t wait to find out where book #3 takes this new development.
Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An engaging read filled with thrills, mesmerizing characters and stunning revelations this atmospheric new adventure will keep the reader immersed as the persistently riveting narrative unfolds.
I was totally stunned by the ending which was a real OMG moment and can’t wait to find out where book #3 takes this new development.
Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Currently reading
November 3, 2024An academy gothic horror romance written by author W.H. Lockwood which sounds eerily familiar to someone preparing for an exam on Wuthering Heights in <3 days, having just practised an analytical essay for the character Lockwood? Excuse me, this seems way too coincidental?!
Instant 'to read' checked. Plus a hastily done review that virtually says nothing about the book, just because.
Yours truly,
A vessel of nervous energy waiting to be released by a story of primal, visceral and excessive love
RTC
Instant 'to read' checked. Plus a hastily done review that virtually says nothing about the book, just because.
Yours truly,
A vessel of nervous energy waiting to be released by a story of primal, visceral and excessive love
RTC
July 10, 2024
This book has twist and turns throughout the entire book. The characters and the atmosphere descriptions were excellent. I cannot wait for the 3rd book to come out because at the end of this one, I was shocked and wanted more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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