I absolutely TRIED to complete the book with a different overall feeling of it than I had throughout; but I just couldn't.
I love the idea of where the story line was going, a sorority, a scandal and raising ghosts but I found it very difficult to get through and understand areas of the story. Typically when I'm reading, I can imagine the book playing like a film in my head, the writing style of this author was too choppy and didn't flow as I'd have liked it to.
The characters were OK. I think Nathaniel was the better of the MC's. I found Emma to be too whiny but I also didn't like how she treated Nate. She kept saying "dead poet" or "dead this", "dead that" - like, why? It felt like she was berating him for being dead. There were also several repetitions which weren't required. His purple eyes with golden halo's do not need to be described when Emma looks into them every time. I did enjoy the witty banter that Emma came with though.
The book definitely has a young audience in mind as its a slow-burn romantasy.
Definitely a spooky-season vibe as its set in Gothic architecture with gargoyles and a graveyard.
Without some work being done on the writing style, I don't think I'd read another of the author's books again but I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to do so.

I wasn’t sure on this book at first but was intrigued so requested the arc

Definitely a book suitable for spooky season.

I wasn’t sure about the plot when I read the premise but it was actually really fun to read and a brilliant take on a different kind of romance read

This book wasn’t for me but I was so grateful to have the opportunity to read and get to know the characters within but unfortunately I couldn’t connect with them I would love to be able to read more from this author

This was really fun! As I read in another review, it's very similar to Bunny by Mona Awad, which is true. I really liked the humor in this book, as well.

I just didn't enjoy this book at all and stumbled throughout with the writing style. I suppose it didn't really help when I had to look up the meaning of sorority! It wasn't the only word I struggled with being written in American English whereas I am English. Quite Gothic and aimed at a younger reader than myself I think. I didn't take to the female character, Emma, but did enjoy the quirkiness of Nathaniel who reminded me of the ghost poet character in the British sitcom Ghosts. Quite lighthearted and many funny, somewhat ridiculous moments.

My husband tells me that I am stubborn; I prefer to use the term dedicated. I sooo wanted to enjoy this book more than I did, and early on found it to be a bit of a chore to get into the story and flow with the author’s writing style, as well as the setting. But I was DEDICATED. It was a bit of a strange premise, and one that I thought was unique enough that this could easily become be one of my favourites, and as a lover of gothic literature, I was hanging in there for this one to be good. There were times when I couldn’t quite follow the storyline, and the insta-love between the MMC and FMC was a bit…strange, but still, we continued. There were times when I wanted the story to be more than it was, but other moments that just hooked me in completely and made me forget that I had real-world obligations.
It’s a great quirky take on the genre that overall, I did enjoy and would consider reading more from this author.
Thank you to Sofia Shelley, Avon Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Entertaining and light, undercover at the sorority to uncover what they are up to, or what they are trying to rise up. A bit different and definitely fast moving.

🖤 dark academia | paranormal romance | gothic vibes | dark humor | steamy ghost boyfriend 👻🔥

Okay, so… this book? Wild in concept, fun in execution, but not without a few bumps along the way.

Emma is a witty and determined student journalist who goes undercover in a spooky secret sorority, only to accidentally summon a very charming dead poet named Nathaniel. He’s old school romantic, a little lost, and definitely a scene stealer. I loved their chemistry! The banter is on point and the spicy moments were surprisingly bold for a ghost story. 👀🌶️

Emma herself was a pretty good character. Funny, curious, and relatable, though sometimes her narration leaned a little too quirky. Nathaniel is total book boyfriend material, if you’re into tortured 19th century poets (and honestly, who isn’t?). That said, I wish we got more emotional depth from him. He felt a bit one note at times, and in some ways, this affected how I felt about him and Emma together because of that.

The plot is off the wall bonkers, which was kind of the appeal. But it leaned into chaos a little too hard, and I found myself wanting a bit more structure, especially in the third act. The worldbuilding is fun (ghost cats! cursed sororities! haunted frat energy!) but not super fleshed out. And while I appreciated the dark humor, it sometimes undercut the more serious or romantic beats. I think my biggest issue is that I left with more questions than answers and that is not why I read for fun.

💀 3/5 stars for entertainment and a bit of lack of execution
🖤 Perfect for spooky season, but not if you want something deeply grounded
👻 Best if you enjoy quirky chaos, soft ghosts, and dark academia with a wink
🪦 Could’ve used more emotional depth, but I still enjoyed reading it

Dead Poets Sorority is a wacky, whimsical, ghostly romance romp. It’s not perfect, but it is weirdly delightful, and I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Sofia Shelley writes next. 🖤

Adored this book! Cosy, gothic and a ton of fun! The characters were great, I hope we get more in this universe, I think these are perfect for an autumn/spooky season read!

This was fun and easy to read. I liked our heroine Emma, she was easy to connect with and I found her charming and funny, while the dead hero Nathaniel was sweet. But I found I wasn’t overly engaged with the story, I wasn’t particularly attached to the characters despite liking them on a generic level. It was a fun book to pass the time but I won’t really remember if after a few days.

A fun, gothic, romantic read, Emma and Nathaniel are great characters, I hope there’s more in this universe.. Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

The premise was cute, and I wanted to like this book more than I did. I had too many questions during the read. Some readers may like that, but I read for quick & easy entertainment, not to find deeper meaning. I kept thinking something random was "a clue" that would help me understand something later but then it didn't seem to lead anywhere. What's up with the cold drafts that aren't the MMC? What really are the stones? Does Kimberly really have magic? Does Emma really have magic? What's up with Minnie? What's up with the epilogue that doesn't seem to match the tone of the rest of the story - this is how Vivian ends up "saving our asses" and "taking care of that threat"? Emma seems to be clueless about Vivian's methods of helping, so why would she expect her friend to take care of things? I understand why Erin wants Emma to write the story, but they seem like actual friends, so why wouldn't she just communicate better. Did she think Emma could manifest something for real & if so, why would she put her friendship on the line like that? It just didn't seem to match her personality.

The Emma & Nate romance was sweet. I don't like how she ditched her schoolwork (that didn't seem like her character), her cherished reporter gig (I get she couldn't finish the story, but to go silent is totally different) & her seemingly only friend (who is trying to reach out & feed her at least) due to the sorority...and mainly Nate time. I understand that college is a time for young love & lots of caffeine, but dang. You are a human.

I think the whole ex-boyfriend storyline could have been scrapped. It seemed like it was going to lead to a big reveal & it was a huge disaster first love story, but I never really got to the meat as to why he was soooo bad/a "catastrophic dating attempt" & "nasty history" & not just a stereotypical college drunk frat guy.

I realize that maybe because it's a UK publisher that some things might hit differently overseas, but I don't understand the obsession/multiple references of Dewar drinkware & the desk cactus. Thank you for the ARC opportunity, NetGalley & the publisher.

Dead Poets Sorority is a quirky, humorous read that combines mystery with supernatural romance and a lot of heart. This book felt like it was written more for the YA folks so it wasn't quite my style but I enjoyed it anyway.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Thank you to Avon Books UK for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley.

Dead Poets Sorority is a dark academia romance that delivers a delightful blend of humor, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. From start to finish, this story keeps you hooked with its quirky premise and engaging writing style. If you're a fan of romantic comedies with a ghostly twist, this book will be right up your alley. The witty and clever dialogue adds charm and sparkle to every character interaction, while the overall tone balances the eerie with the entertaining. It’s a truly fun read that combines supernatural elements with romance in a fresh, creative way. Weird in the best possible sense, the storyline is unique and utterly enjoyable—I was all in.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This quirky, gothic, dark academia romance is a delightful blend of humor, mystery, and romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you love stories that mix the supernatural with a touch of classic romance, this book is a must-read.

Plot and Characters: The story follows Emma Reeves, a student journalist who stumbles upon a secret society and accidentally summons the spirit of Nathaniel Harker, a 19th-century poet. The dynamic between Emma and Nathaniel is both charming and intriguing. Emma's modern sensibilities clash hilariously with Nathaniel's old-fashioned manners, creating a unique and engaging relationship.

Humor and Writing Style: The writing is witty and engaging, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the comedic elements with the more serious, romantic undertones. The dialogue is sharp and clever, making the characters' interactions a joy to read.

Themes: The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. Emma's journey from skeptic to believer is both touching and relatable, and her relationship with Nathaniel adds a layer of depth to the story.

Conclusion: Overall, this book is a fun, heartwarming read that combines the best elements of romantic comedies and ghost stories. It's perfect for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet emotionally satisfying read. Whether you're a fan of dark academia or just love a good romance, this book is sure to delight.

Happy reading! 📚👻💖

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Emma goes undercover for her student journalist piece, trying to get the scoop on the Dead Poets Sorority - only to learn that the organization is centered around long dead poets and bringing them back to life. During a night lacking sobriety, Emma winds up bringing up the spirit of a poet who did not quite gain fame, Nathaniel Harker. He instantly latches onto Emma, and she must decide on a love that transcends time or following through with her article and career.

This was a really bizarre and fun premise for a book, and I for one loved the storyline. It had some spooky vibes, but also was just really crazy and I found myself reading through this quickly!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved the premise of this book. Emma and Nathaniel were engaging main characters, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop—especially how Emma introduced Nate to modern life while he, in turn, shared his love of poetry.

However, the humour didn’t quite land for me, and I found the writing somewhat clunky, as though it could’ve used another round of editing. I also wanted to see more of Emma’s other relationships; it felt like she dropped everyone for her new romantic interest. While I understand she was going undercover, she didn’t come across as a very good friend.

Would I read it again? Maybe, if it were revised. But would I read more from this author? Definitely. The story was full of potential and imaginative ideas that just needed a bit more refinement.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

She used unalived unironically in a published book. 

I'm too old for this shit.

I absolutely loved this! Great play on words. If you're a millennial or older I know you got a cackle out of the title. Also, as someone who suffered in a sorority this book was absolutely perfection in displaying the true psychopaths/mean girl behavior.