While attending Adraredon Academy, Veaer witnesses the headmaster’s daughter, Elise, murder another student and grapples with bringing the truth of her peer’s murder to light, and her attraction to Elise.

This book was all over the place and left my head spinning (not in a good way). The concept was compelling—I loved the idea of Veaer being torn between doing the right thing and finding the answers—but while reading the story I was confused about Veaer’s motivations. Although Veaer had friends at Adraredon it didn’t feel like she had personal connections with any of them—she lacked any personality at all. I didn’t know why Veaer was obsessed with Elise in the first place, even before she witnessed the murder. Veaer seemed to just follow Elise around and not make any choices for herself for the entire book.

The plot seemed to happen TO the characters and the stakes were non-existent and made the entire story feel flat. A lot was happening while also feeling like nothing was going on at the exact same time. Additionally, I found the prose wordy and confusing. The book was a slog to get through because I constantly found myself re-reading pages trying to understand what was happening. It reads as a first draft and lacked the dark-academia aesthetic that was talked about in the blurb.

Despite this being pitched as dark academia, I felt like the school only existed as a backdrop for the world within the story. I also have no idea what the difference is between a Caemi and a Senti, but I think Caemi have animal-like features? A Senti? I have no idea and the book never stopped long enough to clue me in which I found frustrating. It would be brought up occasionally, but had no impact on the plot/the characters? I truly, honestly don’t know.

I wish I liked this book. This appeared to have everything I enjoy in a book, the ending was dramatic and would have been heartbreaking if I cared about the characters. Ultimately, it lacked the depth and intrigue that would have made this a complex, compelling story.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Quinton Li's "Chrysalis and Requiem" offers a mesmerizing plunge into the shadowy corridors of Adraredon Academy, where gothic allure meets a modern tale of passion, mystery, and forbidden desires. Li's novel is a bold exploration of the tumultuous inner lives of its protagonists, set against the backdrop of a prestigious institution steeped in history and secrets.

The narrative centers around Veaer Rosell, whose serene pursuit of beauty and knowledge is violently disrupted in her senior year. Witnessing a murder committed by the headmaster's daughter propels Veaer into a whirlwind of moral ambiguity and emotional turmoil. The story excels in its portrayal of Veaer's inner conflict, caught between the pursuit of justice and the weight of silence. Li navigates this moral maze with a deft hand, offering a nuanced exploration of themes such as obsession, grief, and the elusive nature of truth.

The relationship that develops between Veaer and the headmaster's daughter is one of the novel's most compelling elements, characterized by a blend of attraction and repulsion, intimacy and distance. This complex dynamic serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative, mirroring the intricate and often unsettling dance between truth and deception. Li's writing shines in its ability to portray these layered relationships, blending the thrill of a murder mystery with the depth of a psychological drama.

However, the novel occasionally struggles under the weight of its own ambition. The intricate plot, while intellectually engaging, can at times feel convoluted, leaving the reader yearning for moments of clarity amidst the narrative's complexity. Additionally, while the exploration of LGBTQIAP+ themes is commendable for its depth and sensitivity, it sometimes overshadows other aspects of the story.

In conclusion, "Chrysalis and Requiem" is a novel that defies easy categorization, blending elements of a thriller, a romantic drama, and a gothic novel. Quinton Li has crafted a story that is as haunting as it is beautiful, capturing the reader's imagination with its rich atmosphere and complex characters. This book will appeal to those who appreciate a narrative that challenges as much as it entertains, offering a fresh perspective on the intersections of love, morality, and identity.

I was lucky enough to read an arc of this book on netgalley. Honestly, I really enjoyed it. The premise was really interesting, the execution was quite good and it held my interest really well. The descriptions of everything were pretty amazing but sometimes overly dense/thick. The ending was unexpected but in a good way, I really enjoyed how it all came to a head.
I think the book as a whole was very descriptive in a good way but I think the last 80-100 pages went further away from descriptive and more towards too wordy? Like I feel like the amount of description could've been simplified, I found myself getting bored of/wanting to skim more than read the last 80-100 pages because of how packed and full it was.
Overall, great book and would 100% love to read more from the author in the future.

3.5 ⭐️.
I found this an enjoyable book to read.

I don’t have much critique about this book other than feeling heartbroken, but it was a lovely journey to experience with the characters.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Even thoughh I'm probably not in the age range for Dark academia, it was my jam for a good portion of the year. This book was no exception. I little slow at times but came around at the end. Enjoyable read.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.