This book was such an emotional rollercoaster.

This dark academia story was an absolute good time. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of a Filipino immigrant. The way that Elisa wrote that bit of information into the story, and the struggle for, and fear of, those seeking gender acceptance and those dealing with neurodivergence. Each side character had a purpose and very distinctive personalities that made them feel like real people.

The progression of Faith was so satisfying, I found myself shouting a few " YOU GO GIRL" every now and again. What a lesson in the ramifications of lying and thinking you have gotten away with it, and the possibility of people who were not born during the time of the deceitful behavior having to pay the price. As well as having to accept responsibility for your bad choices and forgiving those who left you to deal with your bad decisions for self-preservation purposes.

This book was a good time for me.

Thank you, Netgalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends, and Elisa A. Bonnin for the ARC of Lovely Dark and Deep.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

I have read so many dark academia books that include magic that it takes a lot for me to be impressed. That is to say, Lovely Dark and Deep completely blew me away!

This is probably one of the most found family-focused stories I have ever read and it's delightful. Every step of the way, the main character Faith gets closer to these people she never would have before thought to befriend, and they fold her into their group without hesitation. It brought me a lot of joy to see her find some sort of peace and belonging in herself on this journey. And while it is not necessarily the core plot of the story, it is still an essential part that brings the story together.
The core plot itself, of Faith being exiled from the student body proper and investigating the events that led to it, of something being taken from you that was never yours to give, is layered over itself and revisited in ways that will keep you thinking about the intricacy of it long after you're finished reading. This story is about being betrayed, abandoned, left behind. Who hasn't felt that way at some point in their life?
Those two points alone are enough to make this an amazing book, but then we move on to the characters. As an autistic individual myself, Alex has to be my favorite . Everything in the world is too loud and they're scared but they fight against it to be brave anyway. It hurts to do, but their friends are worth it, even the new one who doesn't yet understand what it means to be Red Striped. This entire crew is ride-or-die and cares so deeply. But then, on an entirely flipped note, there is Rose. She is not a likeable character, more of a mean girl than anything, but learning the depths and intricacies of her as a character over the span of the book makes her just as fascinating as the others (however I won't expand on this point to avoid spoilers).
TLDR: It's a great book and you should read it. 10/10 will read again.

I enjoyed reading this dark academia genre book! It had all of the good touches for feels, an interesting magic system, outcasts (due to having powers that are deemed to dangerous or by misusing them) and a bonding together as they delve deep into the history of their school to figure out why it has become such a dangerous place. The outcasts aka Red Stripes were a wonderfully diverse group but also willing to help each other out as they did not have anyone looking out for them (except Ms. Birch). The parts where they interacted with each other, respecting weaknesses without belittling and being willing to use their powers to solve the mystery of the forest and disappearances of the students were so much fun to read. And there was enough continuous action that it was easy to get lost in the story. I enjoyed it a lot and though it wraps up well, I wouldn't mind reading more stories set in this world, especially to see what happens to the school and forest, or what Faith and the others end up doing after graduation.

This was a fun book with a cool cover and good story!

Will Faith and her friends find out what is at work in the forest and finally put an end to it?

Maria Faith Castillo, known as Faith, is a Filipino fire Naturalist— a type of mage capable of controlling elements—who is beginning her senior year at Ellery West. She is classified as a Red-Stripe student, which means she is on probation due to an incident involving dark magic that resulted in the death of her best friend, Sydney Price. As Faith tries to settle into her final year, sinister events begin to unfold, all linked to the forest. What do these occurrences mean for Faith, and will she and her friends be able to stop them?

This book is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing my attention from the very first page. The intricate development of both the characters and the plot makes for a compelling read that I found difficult to put down. I truly appreciated the many unexpected plot twists that kept me on my toes, adding an element of suspense that I thoroughly enjoy. The seamless transitions between the present and Faith's earlier years as Ellery West added depth to the narrative, allowing me to understand her character's evolution in a richer context.

Faith is a relatable and captivating protagonist. Her struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, making her journey feel authentic. I find her name beautiful, and it perfectly encapsulates her character—full of hope and resilience. Nicholas, with his kindness, serves as a grounding force, while Cari’s loyalty and spunky spirit bring vibrant energy to the story. Yvonne stands out with her nonchalant demeanor, providing moments of levity and intrigue. Alex, who shares my experience of being autistic, adds another layer of representation, making her character incredibly relatable. Her charm and unique perspective are wonderfully woven into the narrative.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the dark academia genre and is looking for a story filled with twists and turns. Whether you're an avid reader or someone looking for a new favorite, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

Thank you to @macmillanusa and @tbrbeyondtours for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Length: 400p
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: March 25, 2025

A true ya fantasy with a dash of romance. This book is heavy on emotional reactions and found family dynamics and I really enjoyed those aspects.

The magic system was fun, BUT I wish we had gotten just a little bit more. I feel like the story was heavier on relationships and inner struggles versus action scenes and plot points and that’s okay!

Faith was a wonderfully flawed main character and despite all the negative things she endures, she comes out stronger in the end and I love it!

♡ ya dark academia
♥ unique magic system
♡ found family
♥ quick-paced
♡ more fantasy, less romance
♥ filipino folklore and culture

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own. Any quote mentioned is subject to change.}

Faith is a very intriguing main character. I loved her from our first meeting, and once we met her fellow red-stripers, I loved them too.
The magic system is unique, and I loved the setting of the school on an island surrounded by a dangerous forest, of which Faith has firsthand account of exactly how dangerous it can be. The reason she became a red strip. I thought this was fast-paced, a bit dark, and I loved the sense of family Faith finds in Desdemona Hall.

I was sucked into this story from page one and could. not. Put it down. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author.

This was a gripping YA dark academia novel with a fun magic system. I tore through this in one sitting, unable to stop once I picked it up!

I really enjoyed Faith as a main character, and the supporting characters were diverse and held their own on the page. I appreciated the way the book tackled issues of discrimination and identity in a way that was accessible for younger readers without dumbing down the discussions of prejudice. The book tackles colonialist ideas, racism, homophobia, and classism in nuanced ways, and the characters each grapple with the issues in ways true to their own identities and characterizations.

Overall, this is exactly the kind of YA book I would've been *obsessed* with as a teen. Absolutely worth the read!! Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

With Lovely Dark and Deep, Elisa A. Bonnin delivers an enchanting, emotionally layered fantasy that grips from the first page and doesn’t let go. Set on a hidden island wreathed in mist and mystery, this atmospheric novel introduces readers to Ellery West—an elite school of magic where secrets are buried as deep as the magic that sustains it.

At the heart of the story is Faith, a girl caught between worlds: born abroad, shaped by the challenges of immigration, and anchored only by the strange sanctuary of Ellery West. But when a fateful walk into the forest ends with one student missing and only Faith returning, everything changes. Suddenly branded a threat, she is cast out socially and marked with the dreaded Red Stripe—a symbol of danger and disgrace.

Faith’s fall from grace is powerfully portrayed, and Bonnin handles her inner turmoil with emotional precision. The stakes are intensely personal—fail out of Ellery West, and you lose your magic forever. And for Faith, whose magic feels inextricably tied to her identity, that’s not an option.

What follows is a slow-burning unraveling of both magical and psychological mystery. As disturbing incidents ripple through the school and the shadow of the forest’s dark magic spreads, Faith finds herself unlikely allies in the other Red Stripes—fellow students on the edge of exile. Their tentative, reluctant bond becomes one of the novel’s great strengths, weaving together themes of chosen family, trust, and redemption.

Bonnin’s prose is elegant, immersive, and haunting, perfectly mirroring the misty, moody landscape of Ellery West. She deftly balances internal conflict with external threat, blending coming-of-age struggles with otherworldly danger. Fans of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo or A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik will appreciate the dark academia vibe, but Lovely Dark and Deep distinguishes itself with a uniquely vulnerable, introspective voice and a deeply human core.

The plot unfolds with precision, building dread and suspense while steadily drawing readers deeper into the mystery of the forest and the secrets of Ellery. Faith’s journey is not just about saving others or solving a magical puzzle—it’s about reclaiming agency in a world that seeks to define her by fear and failure.

Verdict:
Lovely Dark and Deep is a gorgeously written, emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of belonging, the pain of isolation, and the courage it takes to face the unknown—both outside and within. It’s a standout in the YA fantasy space: dark, thoughtful, and utterly spellbinding.

A strong dark academia novel featuring an immigrant Pilipino young woman struggling with the guilt of the disappearance of her best friend the year before and for magic she has that inspired her parents to move the family from the Philippines to escape the prejudice she was facing. Now accused of dark magic that resulted in the death of her best friend, she must spend her final year as a Red Stripe, one of the outcasts that are one step away from having their magic stripped from them if they step out of line. But the dark magic that took her friend has stopped and other students are at risk. Faith must overcome her preconceived notion of the Red Stripes and join with them to stop the danger, even if it means expulsion.

I really liked the Red Stripe characters. They were a diverse group of different races, gender identification, sexual preferences and autism. They really become a found family though they gelled a little too quickly for me to totally believe it because there are definitely trust issues to be overcome. This book is about coming to terms with yourself, acceptance, and always question. Just because you are told a group are dangerous or deserve to be social pariahs doesn't mean it is true. Just because you are told about the great things the founders did doesn't mean it is true, or at least their values do not necessary reflect the values of you. And even question your own feelings about someone. People can change and being stuck in old resentments can mean you are missing out on new possibilities.

Magic, action, friendship, a hint of romance, and deeper themes make a very good story. I could see that this could become a series. There is a lot of areas that could be explored further, including the wider world and a deeper look at how the magic works.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

I really enjoyed the story. It drew me in and left me with questions that I had to keep reading to find the answers to and I enjoyed the ending, too. The writing was a bit long winded for me though. There were a lot of things that I felt like could be parsed down and said in a different, easier way. And there were things that I felt like didn't really need to be there. Some things were repeated a lot. The story was really good, but it felt a bit too drawn out. 3.5 stars

Hidden off the coast of Washington, veiled in mist, there is an island that does not appear on any map.. The acclaimed school for magic has always been home for Faith. That is, until Faith and another student (her best friend, Sydney) walk into the forest, and only Faith walks out. What happened in the forest to Sydney? Marked with the Red Stripe across her uniform that designates all students deemed too dangerous to attend regular classes, Faith becomes a social pariah. But all she has to do is keep her head down for one more year so she can graduate, and get to keep her magic. Because when students fail out, they have their magic taken away. Forever. And Faith can't let that happen. Will she graduate? Faith investigates the dangerous forces at work while trying not to get expelled. While dark academia at its core, this thrilling contemporary fantasy balances the darkness with a charming group of misfits who form a found family. Flashbacks from Faith and Sydney’s friendship provide further context about their relationship, the fatal incident, and Faith’s emotion.

The author has written a strong entry point into dark academia fantasy.. it is a story of self-discovery,, healing and confronting the past. It is a magnificent novel to read.






Except terrifying things are happening to students, and the dark magic that was unleashed in the forest still seems to be at work. To stop it, Faith and the other Red Stripes will have to work together, risking expulsion from the magical world altogether.

I'm always a sucker for magical boarding schools! And Bonnin incorporated so many great elements that really made this stand out to me.
I love the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and autism rep, I feel like those were handled really well. While the magic element is less prominent than the mystery, I still had a good time with this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Elisa A. Bonnin for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Lovely Dark and Deep coming out March 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it was an interesting story. I think the rules of the magic could’ve been explained a little more. I enjoyed the characters. I think the last part of the book lost me a little. I was hoping for something a little spookier. I would check out other books by this author!

Oh no….I was so excited for this one and I hate giving critical reviews ☹ Despite it being well written from a grammar and mechanics standpoint, I DNF’d it at around the 80% mark.

I think this book had a lot of potential. I was very interested in the group of misfits, aka the Red Stripes, and I loved the mysterious forest and all of the background we got on broken promises and malicious deals between the founder of the university and the forest. However, I felt the characters were lacking a lot of depth. All of the characters had so much potential to be these incredible characters (hello! They had different magics and they couldn’t have been any different from one another), but I ultimately felt that everyone just fell short. I wish the story would have had a deeper focused lens on the characters themselves. For example, if there would have been more time focused on them actually getting to be friends so their personalities could shine, I feel that would have helped me connect more with them.

Thank you to NetGalley, Feiwel & Friends, and Elisa A. Bonnin for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

Content Warning: some horror

+ Ellery West is a boarding school for magic users and Faith has been there awhile, but something happened and she gets blamed for the death of her friend, Sydney. Now she’s back but she’s an outcast and lives with the other outcasts. They call themselves the Red Stripes and I did enjoy the found family that they created.

+ Faith is Filipino which is awesome (representation) and she’s going through some things with school and not wanting to disappoint her family again. She’s haunted by what happened in the forest that time she and Sydney went in but is someone now trying to send her a message? She’s having nightmares, and thinks someone is watching her. I love the diverse characters of the Red Stripes and how they welcome Faith as one of their own. They help her try to figure what is going on and has her back.

+ The setting of the school Ellery West is perfect for dark academia. There is a forest at the school where something is not right. The magic system is cool – students have magical powers with different affinities.

~ There are flashbacks in this story that didn’t always work for me. I kind of wish we got a book before this one that explored this friendship that Faith had with Sydney and what happened in the woods.

~ I wanted it darker. But that’s just my preference – I actually think young adult and teens are the perfect audience for this book.

Final Thoughts:

This story has magic, some light horror, mystery, diversity and a found family. For me I wanted it to be a bit darker and it might have been a bit too young for me but I think fans of YA Dark Academia will enjoy this one a lot. It is definitely more for teens and younger young adults.

Dark academia? I am sat! I absolutely loved reading this book! You will be sucked in by the magical atmospheric draw! This fantasy will have you on a roller coaster ride of finding ones person identity to fantasy themes. You see themes of trust, friendship, growth, and more. You will truly feel the love through the book!

This book is back and forth with past and present and very quickly paced! If you need a page turner then this one is for you! You will absolutely love this dark academia book and its focus on the students lives and experiences!

4 Stars!

I really enjoyed this but what's not to love about a story featuring a magical island and a group of misfits. There was a touch of a lull in the middle but nothing too terrible. I loved how diverse the cast was and the found family aspect to it. It was mysterious and kept me engaged.

I loved this magical, slightly creepy dark academia story. The diversity was well done (BIPOC rep, LGBTQ+ rep, and autistic rep), the found family was so wholesome, and the world building was outstanding. Faith was very relatable, but it was Alex who stole my heart. And Yvonne had one of the coolest powers I’ve ever seen (the ability to turn back time on objects). Fair warning that this was light on the romance (a couple of crushes for Faith and one couple in the supporting cast), so don’t pick this up expecting romantasy.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves magical boarding schools.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

This was a great YA fantasy academia book. The plot was interesting and the book was fast paced. The characters were very introspective for high schoolers, but it was refreshing to see them work through their teenage angst. I really appreciated the queer and autism rep. The way the characters grappled with and accepted their own queerness felt very authentic. The magic system was fun and new- magic is divided into three categories based on internal magic manifested as the elements, magic that controls the elements around us, and mental/empathetic magic.

Two things brought this book down to a 4 star. I would have really liked to see more character development between Faith and Sydney. The explanation of their relationship in the past was very surface level with a ton of potential. The ending was nice but the blooming relationship felt like a last minute addition, again, with a lot of potential that wasn’t explored.

Thank you Feiwel and Friends and NetGalley for the advanced egalley.