This was my first immersive buddy read with my daughter and my first dark academia experience, and I didn’t know what to expect. I just kept seeing dope visuals and reviews on social media. I tiptoed in like, “Okay, so what’s the hype?” Baby. This book didn’t whisper—it snatched me by the collar and dragged me straight into the shadows with no warning. And I went willingly.

This story was haunting. Stunning. Deep. It gave everything—twists that had me gasping, tension so thick I could slice it with a knife, and a mystery laced with culture, grief, power, and Blackness so rich and alive I felt every single word in my chest. I wanted to highlight entire chapters. I wanted to live in the atmosphere this author created.

And don’t even get me started on Kidan and Susenyos. BABY. That wasn’t your cutesy little “oops we don’t get along” situation. No, that was real enemies to lovers. Blood, betrayal, chaos—and somehow still so much tenderness it broke me. Their dynamic was violent, tender, dangerous, sexy. I was locked in.

The characters? Flawless. Layered. Full of soul. The type of cast that stays with you long after you close the book. Every moment felt intentional. Every line, soaked in meaning. And the Blackness? Woven through every page like a spell. Powerful. Rooted. Beautiful.

Let me make this real clear—I’m OBSESSED. OBSESSED. Who wouldn’t be? Black vampires, layered worldbuilding, messy emotions, sharp teeth, and even sharper writing? Yeah. Give this book ALL its flowers. I can't wait for book two!