When I first picked up Enigma, I knew I was on the precipice of venturing into the unknown, with an atmosphere that stows away sinister secrets and twisted truths. From the very first page, the setting was bone-chilling, and I became immediately invested in the murder mystery, dark academia plot. I had about a million questions while trying to piece everything together. Although Caz has his POVs, someone who knows far more about the secret societies and mysterious deaths than Salem does, Ru only reveals slivers of the truth in them. It’s just enough to give the reader further insight into the horrid happenings at Mortimer University and a new attempt at figuring out what they have in common. My only critique is that for the build-up that was so tantalizing, the conflict wrapped up abruptly. I would have liked to be eased into the big reveal.

One of the things I love most about Ru’s stories is the romance. With Salem and Caz, love is too plain a word. It transcends the mundane and matures into something that reaches beyond the soul and shines so bright that the stars themselves are envious. They understand each other on a quintessence level, and yes, their feelings and emotions are new. But, at the same time, their relationship is similar to a homecoming, like they shared a connection long before meeting one other. It’s in the way their bodies react and how they see right through each other, even when no words are said. The silence they share screams in raw emotion.

Caz’s nickname for Salem was so endearing. Aside from being a simple word, the way nothing between them is ever simple, it’s a testament to how entwined their lives are. Caz sees all of her, the quiet, hidden parts of her, and accepts her as she is. Salem is a different person at the end of the book compared to her earlier self, but it doesn’t mean she’s adopted new qualities. Instead of changing into someone new, Caz brings out a side of her that she always had within herself. His character is a catalyst for who Salem is meant to be.

After years of reading Ru’s books, I’ve grown to recognize her writing, and I find that sense of familiarity so special. Her prose is achingly beautiful in a way that catches fire. I consider myself lucky to live in the same lifetime as her, experiencing her releases in real time. I love how they’re all set in the same universe, one so many readers have found a home in. Her ability to capture sensations such as touch and sound has always amazed me. It’s impossible to shake off the remnants of her stories, even long after finishing them, because of it. To me, Enigma will always feel like a blood-painted canvas, pencil tracing skin, the thought of a strong sea, and shrouding smoke. It’s a reminder to live.

Thank you to Tor and Bramble for an e-arc of this book. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to read this early.

There is something special about the way RuNyx spins a story that just sweeps you along with it. I'm not one who typically enjoys dark academia regardless of the themes within it. It's just been a genre that hasn't really appealed to me. I say that, and now I need to tell you that this book seemed to transcend any preconceived ideas that I had about dark academia in general.

Yes, the setting is a very gothic castle that houses a college. Yes, it was angsty and dark and suspenseful, and because of that, I was absolutely, irrevocably enthralled with the story. The cast of characters alone were so vibrant that they shined with the dark background. Salem and Caz were so wonderfully unique as characters. Neither one was a picture of perfect and while they both had flaws and weaknesses, only the other saw them. The chemistry between the two was so well done, the banter alone was perfect. But even with two great mains, we still had side characters that were just as stand out. And man, did RuNyx make it hard to trust anyone.

Aside from the characters, the pacing and world building were great. I didn't feel like I was left with questions unanswered at the end of the book. The suspense kept me in suspense, truly. I knew there was going to be a twist or an upset, but I honestly did not predict it (that may just indicate that I'm not very smart, but whatever.) Regardless, this was fantastic, a true testament to RuNyx's storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book from author and was very VERY pleasantly surprised with how much I love this Enigma. The dark academia/secret society/gothic romance vibes were done very well. I found myself sympathizing with the FMC on page one and couldn’t help but see a bit of myself within her character. Very well done!

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 5/5⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 4/5🌶️

Enigma by RuNyx is a dark academia romance filled with mystery, suspense, and secrets. Salem has finally made it to Mortimer University despite being the black-sheep of her family and the scandal her family has undergone. She is there for one purpose only to figure out what happened to her sister. Cazimir has a dark past and she knows he is hiding something from her but she feels so drawn to him.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the very first chapter I knew I was sucked in. You could palpably feel the tension between the main characters. I loved how Salem grew and was able to open up during her time at Mortimer.

This definitely has a dark academia and gothic vibe. It is spicy! Make sure to read the trigger warnings! I do not want to give to much away but highly recommend for those who like dark academia, suspenseful mysteries, “touch her and you die” romance, and found family feels.

This really had it all for me! DEVOURED IT! Absolutely will be reading more from this author.

Pub Date April 29, 2025! PREORDER THIS!

Thank you NetGalley, TOR Publishing Group, and the author for the ARC!

My first ARC by Runyx and I loved it! I eat up her writing so much and Enigma was just another proof of how amazing she is.

This was the first book she wrote after her mother’s death and you can really see the pain of losing a loved one in the text. Especially those to whom you weren’t able to say a proper goodbye.

I enjoyed reading this story. The plot. The mystery of the secrets. The thrill of finding new clues with Salem. The dark academia world that was playing so vividly in my head, like I was actually walking through the campus. The characters, main and sides, were so special. I wish this was a series, cause I want to know more about Aditi & Baron and Melissa & Jacob.

Salem and Caz found each other through all the darkness and loneliness that led them to grow together.
Caz’s attentiveness, possessiveness, assurance, patience and just him… yeah NEED THAT.

I did wish the ending didn’t feel as rushed as it did. I felt that the build-up was so good, and the suspense and the unanswered questions for it all went down and were revealed so fast at the end.

Enigma is an amazing journey about loneliness, acceptance, and partly understanding of the end. I couldn’t put that book down for two days straight, it captivated me and hold me in tension and suspense till the end.
The unfolding story of Salem and Caz is heartwarming beyond words.
I was enamored by Caz from the first introduction because the Psycho Painter, tortured artist with so many secrets and ambiance of the unknown, disturbed, scary and super hot? Yes, please. As an artistic soul myself I was so tuned with his NEED TO SKETCH the moment! He was holding me from the very first scene with his pencil.

But Salem? I’m very rarely praise the FMC but, oh god, Salem is the role model for a woman. The way she treated Caz it must be taught in school so every girl can have this approach. She’s not riding this carousel or going in circles. I’m soo inspired by her! She isn’t a black cat, she’s in league of her own.

And I even won’t start with the write style of Runyx! The descriptions was so poetic, you just can’t close the book! The pictures that she paints for us! You truly strolling the campus of Mortimera, inhaling the salty sea air and are so not ease with everything.

Enigma is perfection, I absolutely love it!
It’s five star, no questions at all. I can’t wait for a spooky season to get there once more.

“Because they don’t own your mind, not like I do.”

From the beginning, there is this undeniable connection, a spark that ignites a strong flame that never wavers, not even with the howling wind of mystery surrounder Mortimer and their first meeting. Caz’s first reaction to Salem? SWOON. I’m not sure another mmc will ever live up to this.

I want to say that Enigma is so fucking Salem and Caz coded because nothing else can compare to them and how quintessentially them this novel is. They set the standard. They are the standard. This is something so clear, and you’ll realise the depth to this once you read Enigma.

Enigma is so unique. There is no story like this, and I think that’s a true testament to Ru’s skill as an author in creating a complex story that draws you in and leaves such a lasting impression on you. Not only has she developed these intricate characters who feel so damn real, but the layers upon layers of world they live in. The history. The lore. The rituals. Reading Enigma was immersive. The depth and complexities of the worlds that Ru creates is unparalleled. I was drawn in to Mortimer University alongside Salem and Caz, sneakily following along as they explored their own secret agendas and paths, and I never want to leave.

The eerie atmosphere in the opening chapter set the mood for the rest of the novel as we slowly learn more about what has lead Salem and Caz to Mortimer University. Some are revealed slowly, but some are hidden from us, luring us in to the mystery of the narrative. I wanted a dark academia romance, and Enigma is so much better, so much more detailed, so much more real. Legit, I can’t even find the words. Reading Enigma felt so right and so natural and like home. It was something that I immediately had a connection with, it called to me. You know that feeling when you read something and it wraps around you like a comforting blanket and you’re just like: yes, this is it. That feeling is Enigma.

Salem. Oh my poor girl Salem. The evolution of Salem as a character was gorgeous. Like a root finally being nourished by those around her, she grows and flourishes in a way like no other. There is no limit. I really loved how Ru developed Salem and her backstory, having crafted it so beautifully and seamlessly. I was able to really understand Salem, connect with her and empathise with her. She felt like a sister I wanted to hug and never let go. A sister I wanted to be there for. I think in another life, we would have been good friends. As Salem falls into the routine of university life, she is surrounded by so many people who are good for her, even if she doesn’t realise it. They break down the walls she’s built around herself, that once protected her. But, she no longer needs those walls as she grows into herself and her new confidence as she develops her strong sense of identity and finding a place a group where she finally belongs. She was lost and lonely, but as Caz forces his way into her sphere, she feels love and alive.

Caz. Caz, who I am pretty sure I am in love with. His fucking unhinged self. Passionate. Powerful. Possessive. Caz is THE enigma. Such a wild man, who finally steps out from the shadows as the right time and firmly plants himself alongside Salem, even if it isn’t physically—I don’t think there’s much of a time that Caz and Salem are somehow connected, even just in their thoughts. In mind, body and spirit. The connection I mentioned, truly, this is next level. When I talk about characters who make sense together? Yeah, we get it. But Salem and Caz?? His intensity. Her introversion. Together? Offft, they complement the other in a way I’ve not seen before. They bring out the best of each other. Caz with his artistry, Salem with her passion.

There is this seemingly contradictory nature of the intensity and a deep tenderness between them that nothing I say can truly explain, my god. These moments of savagery and sentimentality are a representation of the duality of Caz and Salem and the symbiosis of their relationship. What would usually be contradictory simply fits for them. Furthermore, their intelligence is so fucking hot and the way they communicate is so many different ways and on an intellectual level? Gah.

I sat here reading and simply thinking how much of an enigma, a juxtaposition, Caz is, that while he is intense and aloof for everyone else in the world, it’s only Salem that truly knows him, that he lets see him even in his most vulnerable states. Caz is this soft little unhinged psycho painter for his muse 🫠 He’s obsessed with her in the way she deserves to be obsessed over. He understands her, challenges her, loves her, breathes her like no other (not that he’d let anyone get close to her without threatening violence #justcazthings).

While Caz was once seeking damnation, he found salvation in Salem. Caz helps Salem grow, to thrive, to live. Salem helps Caz be grounded, to calm, to create. His muse, his little asp. How do I even describe how Caz feels about Salem?? She’s ensared him, captivated him. She is his obsession, his muse, his. They have this acute and intense and palpable awareness of each other that never seems to diminish. Their chemistry? 🔥🔥 Salem senses Caz’s gaze on her as if it were a caress she never wants to stop.

Interwoven between the prose, the plot, the characters and the setting is this beautiful theme of living, of thriving, of second chances. In that way, Salem and Caz are two souls meant to find their way to each other, to build upon each other and grow as one. Each scorned by their pasts, they both seek redemption and revenge in different ways, but they’re more alike than at first glance, a connection that only grows stronger once they’ve taken root in each other. And as they grow, as they learn, as they heal, their perceptions of things change so greatly and for the better.

Enigma is the iconic poetic prose RuNyx is known for, interweaving elements of dark academia, mystery, tension and chemistry between the pages, between Caz and Salem. There is suffering. There is healing. There is growth. Where once there was uncertainty and death, now there is a constant, a beautiful reminder to live—memento vivere. Enigma is the embodiment of dark academia shrouded in chemistry and mystery, a story that beckons you to read and immerse yourself in its pages.

As my most anticipated read of 2025, I can say with great certainty that Enigma has exceeded every single expectation and more. I never could have imagined how brilliant this would be. And that’s the great thing about Ru, her tendency to surprise you in all the best ways possible.

And for Ru, after such a long hiatus, after grief, after healing, after time away, Enigma is the most perfect, the most brilliant standalone comeback I could have ever imagined, and I’m so deeply proud of her. Stories are within her, writing is in her blood—in essence, Enigma is the epitome of a phoenix rising from its ashes.

✔️ dark academia
✔️ secret society
✔️ mystery
✔️ passion and tension
✔️ morally grey mmc
✔️clandestine meetings in tunnels
✔️ scorching kiss under the cover of darkness
✔️ La Petite Mort

Tropes:
Dark academia
Secret societies


No one can do atmospheric like RuNyx. The way that secrets and mystery are combined with romance and tension make this story not only unique but addictive. I don’t know how she can put into words the complex emotions she creates in her characters. There is so much depth and meaning to her writing, it’s mournful yet full of hope. You have to read it to understand.

I took one star away because I feel like the climax was somewhat anticlimactic after the whole book worked me up to it. It was over and moved on so fast. Nonetheless, Salem and Caz hold a place in my heart.

LOVED. I read this when I was in a slump and it pulled me right out. These characters live rent free in my noggin. Will be reading anything written by this author!

3.5/5

This book is an absolute thrill ride—dark academia at its finest. If you love secrets, a fearless heroine, and a dangerously captivating love interest, you need this one in your life.

Salem Salazar is a rebellious young woman with a troubled past, determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance from Mortimer University. Enter Cazimir van der Waal—mysterious, brooding, and hiding a dark past. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their slow-burn romance is filled with tension and danger. Will he destroy her or become her only salvation?

The atmosphere is perfect, with candlelit corridors, whispers in the dark, and a university teeming with secrets. RuNyx nails the dark academia vibe, keeping you hooked with every page. Salem’s character is complex and determined, while Cazimir’s slow reveal keeps you intrigued. Their romance doesn’t overpower the story but is still sizzling with intensity.

If you’re into Gothikana or love a story filled with mystery, tension, and morally gray characters, this book is a must-read. It's haunting, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. Once you're in, you won't want to leave Mortimer University.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

Enigma - RuNyx
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (♾️)
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Tropes :
💙 rivals to lovers
💙 secret societies
💙 dark academic
💙 gothic setting
💙 epic romance
💙 artist mmc x forensic scientist fmc

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Review :
I’m not even sure I can accurately put into words how phenomenal I thought this book was, but I’ll try. First off, let’s start with the setting. The way that RuNyx paints the image of this gothic castle and creepy mysterious island town stroke for stroke with each line is nothing short of masterful. I could feel the sea mist on my face, hear the sound of footsteps on cobblestone while Salem walked to the coffee shop, I could smell the scent of paint and petrichor every time that Caz invaded her space. Her writing is so beautiful and provocative that you truly feel like you are walking through the walls of Mortimer University. Secondly the plot, this was such a perfectly paced and intriguing plot that I was hooked from the first chapter. It was cryptic and perplexing and it felt like we were puzzling all the mysteries together with Salem as she uncovered the truth that she was searching for. I wasn’t sure who to trust within the cast of characters and the twists and turns that occurred were fantastic. Next let’s talk about the characters. You can viscerally feel the connections that RuNyx felt within these character profiles. The exploration of feelings of loneliness and grief were at the forefront of this story and she did a beautiful job representing them through both Caz and Salem in very different ways. The themes of finding yourself and coming into your own power, as found family are always central themes in RuNyx’s writing and that remains true for this book. I loved Salem’s character so much and I related to her in so many ways. I love her character growth in this story and it is really empowering to see such a strong female character. I don’t say this lightly, but Caz may be my favorite RuNyx MMC, and that is a big statement coming from me since I have read every book she has published at least twice. He is brutal yet tender, he’s kinda scary but also protective, and he’s unhinged but in all the best ways. She has this way of writing this enigmatic male characters that I fall in love with even when we barely get to peek inside their heads. Their attraction and love story is so natural as it unfolds and I loved watching every bit of it. Don’t let me end this without saying that the spicy scenes in this book were everything I could want and more. That alter scene? Altered my fucking brain chemistry. In short, if you love all things dark academia, mystery and suspense, strong relationships and a love written by the stars then I can’t recommend this book enough. Absolutely phenomenal

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Thank you to TOR/Bramble for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. I cannot be more grateful to you for choosing me to read this early!

I read Gothikana and I didn't like it but I wanted to give RuNyx another try because more often than not I can find a book I'll like even if I didn't like an authors other books. However I think I liked this one even less. The characters made me so angry at times and I really couldn't make myself care about the plot because I spent so much time getting mad at the characters words and action.
On top of that I saw the phrase "hunky chonk of man" and wanted to immediately remove my eyes because that's such a weird and icky feeling phrase to use.

I loved Ru Nyx’s previous stand alones so I was excited to get an eARC of Enigma. And while I don’t regret reading the book, I’m seriously questioning if I liked the previous standalones as much as I remember.

While they were parts of the FMC I deeply resonated with and appreciated, especially her not acting like what is societally expected of her. But at times it made her seem more like a “I’m not like other girls” type, and not in a good way. Especially the way the MMC would describe her.

There are also some glaring plot holes in my opinion, and honestly just weird writing. For example in one scene the FMC couldn’t talk because her turtle neck was covering her mouth? What? What on earth is that sweater made of to where you can’t speak if it’s covering your mouth.

And I really questioned if I was reading the same book after reading other ARC reviews that were glowing.

Also I’m not deducting any stars for this given it’s an ARC, but the book releases in two months and the amount of GLARING grammatical errors I found was alarming. I’m not talking forgotten punctuation, but it was words left it sentences that should have been taken out.

I also felt the ending was confusing and the motivations were murky and not very strong.

Where do I even start? That’s just how my brain reacts after every RuNyx book, and let me tell you, this one certainly didn’t disappoint. The moment RuNyx announced she had written a dark academia book, I knew I was done for. RuNyx’s writing, combined with some of my favorite tropes and genres, was a guaranteed 5-star read. Even with all of that and my high expectations, I wasn’t ready when I dove into this book because being back in RuNyx’s worlds is an unparalleled high.

The first thing you’d notice is the haunting, enigmatic, and intoxicating nature of this book and writing. We all know how captivating Ru’s writing is so you can imagine how good it was when paired with such incredible story. I’ve always loved watching movies with the same vibes of this book so genuinely speaking, reading it was such a heavenly experience. The vibes of Enigma were absolutely mesmerizing—I felt like I was living inside a cinematic masterpiece. The way RuNyx weaves words together is nothing short of spellbinding—her descriptions are so vivid, so hauntingly poetic, that it felt like I was breathing the same air as the characters, drowning in the atmosphere she created. Ru absolutely slayed in capturing the aesthetic, the mood, the very essence of this story. This book wasn’t just a story… it was an awesome experience, a whole dark and breathtaking world I never wanted to leave.

Now onto the storyline/plot—SMASH. GIMME MORE OF THAT. I truly LOVED the plot of this book. It was so much fun to read. I’m not the type of reader who guesses and overanalyzes while reading (it’s literally the only time I get to stop thinking, so I’ll take it). “I just sit back and observe”—yup, that’s me. And in this case, RuNyx SERVED.
I was never bored with a single part of this storyline. Every time a new detail was revealed, I was hooked, already anticipating the next bomb that was about to be thrown my way. The tension, the mystery, the sheer magnetism of it all—it was intoxicating and utterly unforgettable. Watching everything come together and finally make sense? Peak entertainment. I’m lowkey the type who never guesses anything while reading LOL, so you best believe this felt like lying in bed, watching my favorite crime shows unfold in real time. Ru truly worked wonders with this story, and I ate it up.

Now to the stars of the show: the characters. Stresses because I don’t even know where to start. I’ll just start yapping about the icon of this book—the FMC, Salem. WOW. To say I love this girl would be the understatement of the century. She is the walking definition of beauty with brains, and she was such an interesting, layered character to read about. I saw so much of myself in her, and at several points, I just wanted to walk into this book and give her the biggest hug. The things she went through and the impact they had on her were truly heartbreaking, and I felt so much for her. She is precious yet strong. So loving yet hesitant. A woman who has been through so much, she keeps her guards up at all times, doesn’t trust easily, and doubts everyone’s intentions. She is honestly one of my favorite FMCs. Her interest in criminology and her passion for it were absolutely mesmerizing. And her stubbornness in unfolding the mystery behind the place she was in? Inspiring. She stopped at nothing—not even when she was putting herself at risk—to get the answers she wanted, and I adore that about her. Her character was so amazingly put together that I couldn’t help but love every part of her. Her good and bad. Her sadness and joy. Her pain and passion. Watching her character development and growth was something else. I can’t even explain how much I adore her, and I cannot wait for everyone to read about this incredible woman.

Now onto the sexy-ass hottie MMC (he’s too slay to not introduce him that way). I knew I loved this man from the very moment Ru revealed his name. As someone who adores chem, that last name was calling to me. What better last name than one that represents the forces that grow stronger when close and weaker when apart? This man was UNHINGED. His actions—especially one—had me screaming and giggling like crazy. LIKE BOOMSHAKALAKA YES GAWD. He really said, “Let me show you how hot an MMC can be,” and he DID JUST THAT.
“I can do sexy a lot harder than you.”
I’ll leave it at that.
The dark allure and raw intensity of this man were so captivating, I was LIVING for it. His personality and the way he expressed himself through his art… yup, I love him. His art style spoke volumes about his personality and character. And I adore how he shows a completely different side of himself to Salem—like she’s the only one privy to all his secrets and vulnerabilities. The way Ru explored his character and brought out all the intense emotions in him was nothing short of perfection.

These two are honestly so perfect for each other. Their love is a powerful, electrifying force. It’s a story where two deeply complex and layered individuals find solace in each other’s presence despite their guarded hearts. Salem, with her strength, vulnerability, and passion for criminology, is drawn to him, and he, with his raw intensity and unfiltered emotions, sees in her someone who truly understands him. Their connection grows through shared vulnerability and trust, breaking down the walls they’ve spent so long building. It’s a love that is fiery and intense, marked by moments of tenderness, passion, and unspoken understanding, where they both push each other to confront their pasts and face their fears. They completed and healed each other in ways no one else could. Their love was phenomenal, and watching them evolve into the couple they became was everything to me. ( also his nickname for her is just so perfect)

I love everything RuNyx writes so I absolutely love this one already! Literally no notes. The dark academia and goth romance elements in this book make it top tier.

4.5 ⭐

I could hardly put this book down! If you love dark romance and dark academia, you will be hooked.

Everything from the setting, pacing, mysteries to solve, secret societies, banter, spice, emotional healing and found family was just perfection.

This is a really great and refreshing standalone by RuNYX. Definitely check the TWs before reading!

A captivating read for fans of dark academia romance, suspenseful mysteries, and steamy sensuality, who will be drawn into a world of secrets, intrigue, and forbidden love.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Actual rating 2.5 stars

The premise sounded amazing: dark academia, a mysterious university, secret societies, and a rivals-to-lovers arc between Salem Salazar and Cazimir van der Waal.

But honestly, it just didn’t hit for me.

It’s got all the gothic trappings: shadowy halls, eerie atmosphere, whispers of murder... but it felt like the story was trying too hard to be Gothikana 2.0 without the same magic. The mystery dragged, and I kept waiting for a big twist that never came. I remember sitting on my recliner, mountain dew in hand, flipping pages on my Kindle during an annoyingly warm January afternoon, thinking, “OMG, when’s this going to pick up?” It just...didn’t.

The romance was the biggest letdown. Salem and Caz had this icy-hot dynamic that sounded great on paper with her precision versus his chaos, but it stayed flat.

Overall, RuNyx’s writing is lush and atmospheric. But the plot meandered, and the characters didn’t grab me. Maybe my expectations were too high after the authors previous reads, but Enigma left me shrugging instead of utterly obsessed.

I am OBSESSED with Caz!!!!! He is so unhinged and possessive in the best way. I adore Salem and her twisty little mind. Runyx is excellent with her world building. I've always admired her work and I've read every single one of her books. The way she captures dark thoughts and these characters and their weird dark minds is truly spectacular.

Enigma is spine chillingly told in an eerie setting similar to Gothikana and yet very different. I loved the plot, the characters and the relationships. The only reason I took one star away is because of the plot towards the end. I felt like it was a bit predictable and there was potential to make it better than what is was. But in saying that, the story itself more than makes up for it. I couldn't put it down!