Book Review: Twisted Vows: An Immortal Consequences Story

Twisted Vows: An Immortal Consequences Story by I.V. Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There’s nothing quite like the chilling coziness of sinking into a good Dark Academia story. Author I.V. Marie proved her dark writing chops to me with Immortal Consequences, a novel that couldn’t get much closer to perfection. When I realized she’d written a prequel novella set eighteen years earlier, I wasted no time in finding Twisted Vows.

Wren’s the new girl in school, freshly demised and not sure how to cope with that. August is the literal old boy in school, and even though Wren’s heard about his reputation as “The Demon of Blackwood”, he’s quick to offer assistance in settling in. In fact, he’s SO quick about it, you’d think he might have ulterior motives… and you’d be right.

The two team up for a class project, a jewel hunt that has them chasing clues through various buildings on campus. Using magical skill is necessary to find the gems, and Wren’s still a newbie at that. But at August’s insistence, she starts to learn more about her powers.

The hunt is a good backdrop for the duo, giving them a reason to spend time together without overshadowing the main event, which is the battle of wits between Wren and August. Readers will recognize what they mean to each other long before they figure it out. And even at that, don’t expect a happily ever after ending. This isn’t that sort of book.

Being a novella, it’s a short read. I finished it over two evenings, as I didn’t want to rush. I do need to read Ruinous Ends soon, as I really don’t want to pass up any opportunity to visit Blackwood Academy.

My thanks to I. V. Marie, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.