I’m usually not the biggest fan of dark academia but this was a really fun read!

Ophelia Winters is attending the gothic and mysterious Sorrowsong University to uncover the truth behind her parents death. While arriving at the university she meets Alex Corbeau-Green - the son of the man responsible for her parents deaths. Cue: dark academia, mystery, enemies to lovers CHAOS.

There is A LOT going on in this book, and while I refer to it as “dark academia” it’s definitely more of a “Wednesday / Nevermore Academy” vibe than something like The Atlas Six.
It is somewhat predictable but in a fun way, and the last 30% had me gripped. There’s tension, a lot of twists and turns and some emotional heartache thrown in for good measure.

I will definitely be picking up the next book!

I need book two immediately! Nightshade is an emotionally intense, university-set novel where every character's pain and pleasure feels deeply real.

The gripping storyline pulls you in, packed with intricate character dynamics that keep you hooked from start to finish. Every interaction, every revelation, adds layers to the storyline.

Expect an overly protective, morally grey MMC who will do anything to shield what’s his, and an FMC relentless in her pursuit of the truth about her parents’ fate. Their journey is filled with tension, secrets, and undeniable chemistry.

If you loved The After Series, prepare to be completely consumed by this book.

I devoured this book. It consumed me in the best possible way—I’m fully obsessed.

The story starts with Ophelia, whose parents were murdered under mysterious circumstances. She enrolls at the university they once worked at—Sorrowsong—determined to uncover the truth behind their deaths. But things get complicated when she discovers that the son of the man she suspects attends the same school.

Ophelia and Alex are two broken hearts, both carrying more than they should have to.
Ophelia’s lost in grief.
Alex is trying to take control of his father’s corrupt company, while also looking after his sick mother and raising six younger sisters.
Somehow, they find each other—and start exchanging secret messages through crossword puzzles. I loved this detail so much.

This is exactly how you write a dark academia romance. The atmosphere? Perfect. The characters? Deep and messy and real. The plot? Full of mystery, emotion, and twists I didn’t see coming. And that cliffhanger? Brutal—in the best way.

Thank you NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and Autumn Woods for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 ⭐

I'd like to thank Pan Macmillan for the e-ARC of Nightshade. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow, wow, wow. I had forgotten how much I love dark academia. Paired with romantic suspense, I couldn't put this down. The tension and murder mystery were so well done, and my heart absolutely broke for Ophelia. It broke repeatedly— from the loss of her parents to the burdens she had to carry. She's such a complex and reserved individual, and understandably so, given all she’s been through. I just wanted to give her the biggest hug.

Alex is equally multifaceted, dealing with his own challenges: caring for a sick mother, raising six sisters, and living with a toxic, mostly absent father. I was really rooting for both of them, individually and together. Alex’s obsession with Ophelia was intense, though it took me a while to catch on to his feelings. I was glad we got his POV, because I’m not sure I would have picked up on it otherwise.

I really liked the plot and the characters, and it kept me engaged right until the last page. That said, some parts felt a bit choppy, particularly in how certain relationships developed, which felt rushed. The cliffhanger especially could have used a bit more build-up. Despite that, I had a great time with this book, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next instalment, especially finding out who’s been stalking Ophelia and who leaked the articles and so much more.

If I could slap a 6-star rating on this book, I absolutely would.✨

The writing? A solid 10/10—emotional, vivid, and totally immersive. From page one, I was hooked and instantly obsessed with Ophelia and Alex. Watching the friendships and romance unfold felt like pure magic.

I’m usually not a slow burn fan, but Alex and Ophelia? WORTH. THE. WAIT.
Ophelia's sarcasm, strength, and grumpy brilliance? Iconic. And Alex? That brainy, broody, grumpy man had me screaming when he first uttered “baby.”

I ordered a signed copy the moment I finished and I'm already ready to reread. Book 2, hurry up already!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.