✨ARC Review✨

✅Mysterious deaths
✅Secret societies
✅Touch her and 💀
✅Dark pasts
✅Dual POV
✅He fell first
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Suspense. Mystery. Romance.

If you’re into these themes, then Enigma is the book for you. The first chapter hooked me right away. I am a huge fan of true crime documentaries. The premise of unsolved deaths in this books really sucked me in. RuNyx did a great job highlighting the mystery surrounding the victims especially the FMC’s sister.

When it comes to Salem and Caz, their relationship is intense. How they met was very unique. It was a little unsettling how possessive Caz was, but Salem was there to balance him out. The darkness in their lives because of similar and connected family trauma was interested to read.

If anything, I thought that the ending a little anti-climactic. The existence of the secret society was built up so much, but their conclusion felt rushed. I wished that the challenges Salem and Caz faced relating to the society was explored more.

This is the first novel by RuNyx that I read. If you are a fan of dark romance, then I recommend this book to you.

Runyx’s Enigma delivers an addictive mix of romance and suspense, pulling readers into the intense world of Caz and Salem. The chemistry between them is undoubtedly the highlight—what starts as an instant attraction evolves into something deeper and more compelling. Unlike typical insta-lust tropes that often feel rushed, Enigma takes the time to deconstruct and rebuild their relationship, making their connection feel earned and organic.

The tension and mystery woven throughout the story keep the pages turning, with dark undertones that add to the novel’s immersive atmosphere. However, while the buildup is gripping, the resolution leaves something to be desired. The ending feels abrupt, and the mystery elements—so carefully layered throughout—don’t quite get the satisfying payoff they deserve. A little more time spent on tying up loose ends would have made for a stronger conclusion.

Overall, Enigma is a captivating read with sizzling romance and a well-executed twist on the insta-love trope. Despite its rushed ending, it’s an engaging story that will leave readers eager for more from Runyx.

This was a good read. I liked the atmospheric and dark themes to it. This one followed the fmc, and when we meet her in the book, we see that she is kinda obsessed with all things related to death, and at times it was a bit triggering. This is a dark academia with secret societies, and I think one of the best things about this book was the way the author wrote the setting and world. It was descriptive and well done.

It did take me a while to get into, but once everything started flowing and the main characters met, it got better. The romance is enemies-to-lovers to lovers, and they are also rivals. It was cute, and I liked aspects of their relationship. The mmc is the tattooed grumpy grey mc we all love in dark romance. It's a slow burn and gets steamy. I liked the secret society plot and the mystery plot. Thanks to the Bramble for the arc for an honest review.

I don’t know what RuNyx put in this book but surely it must be crack! As a diehard Gothikana lover, Enigma was the perfect follow up to those beautifully dreary lovebirds. UGH I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!

3.75/5 stars

A bingeable steamy dark academia romance. <i>Enigma</i> is set at an elite cliffside university, with secret societies.

Salem comes to Mortimer University to uncover her sisters mysterious death, while navigating her own grief and loneliness. She is ultimately forced to work alongside Cazimir van der Waal, another mystery to unravel, to uncover the deadly truths.

I was instantly captivated by the plot and mystery of unraveling the murders. The suspense and wanting to be in the know kept you on the edge. The gothic atmosphere was enchanting and immersive. RuNyx's writing is easy to digest, but there is just something about it that I dislike. Maybe the wording and repetitiveness? I can't quite put my finger on it.

The romance was lust at first sight, but there was still something magnetic about it. The chemistry between them felt more stagnant in the beginning, but after being more open and learning of their shared commonalities that changed. All of which are important topics discussed, such as grief, abandonment, healing, and self-discovery.

The ending was where problems started to arise. There was so much build up for the mysteries surrounding the secret societies and murders, but the resolution felt so abrupt. Overall, the ending felt rushed and I wish more time was spent on the 'big' reveal.

I would pick this up if you enjoy dark academia, rivals to lovers romance, secret societies, found family, and mystery.

Thank you Bramble for an ARC.

Gothikana best selling author Runyx is back with a new dark academia romance. Salem Salazar is a legacy to the elite school of Mortimer University. She’s her scandal ridden family’s black sheep and no stranger to death. Since she can remember, all she’s wanted to do was crime scene forensics. When she tries to discover why there’s students that keep dying, she falls in her student TA, Cazimir van der Waal’s sights. He’s got a dark past, secrets, and is oh so hunky and delicious. She’s ready to risk it all for this bad boy as she tries to discover what’s really happening at Mortimer.

Gothikana was my absolute favorite read of 2024 and this one is just as fabulous. It’s full of suspense, hot hot flames, and so many secrets. It’ll have you gripping the edge of your seat between the romance and twists. You are not going to want to miss this one.

Thank you so much to #netgalley and @authorrunyx for allowing me the honor of early reading this fantastic story.

Secret society, suspense, mystery, and romance at Mortimer University! I loved Gothicana and this book was no exception! Salem Salazar is looking into her sister's death and uncovers that there have been more deaths than usual at this university. And then Salem comes across Cazimir van der Waal (Caz) who Salem is forced to work with because they are both at the wrong end of the secret society's path. This was atmospheric and action packed. I loved it!

Dark academia, secret societies, and an unraveling mystery? Yes, please.

Salem is determined to uncover the truth about her missing sister, but the deeper she digs, the more dangerous her hunt becomes. And then there’s Caz, he is intense, enigmatic, and utterly drawn to her, even as he harbors secrets of his own!

This book had everything. A moody atmosphere, slow burn, and a romance crackling with chemistry.

The writing completely immerses you!!

If you love dark academia then this one is definitely a must read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for allowing me to read an eARc of this book!

I have been a fan of RuNyx ever since reading Gothikana, so I was so excited to learn of this new book and to get my hands on a copy to read. It definitely did not disappoint!

Enigma follows Salem Salazaar as she enters Mortimer University. She is initially trying to solve the mystery of her older sister's mysterious death but then comes to realize there have been many more unexplained deaths. Continuing her dangerous search leads her to a secret society and a man named Cazimir (Caz). Salem doesn't know what do about him or with him, and he keeps getting in her way. But he has his own secrets and there is more to him than meets the eye. And they must find a way to work together.

Dark academia. Enemies to lovers. Steamy romance. Unexplained deaths. A secret society. Terrible secrets. Vivid setting and atmosphere. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. If you like any of those things need to read this book. Especially if you enjoyed Gothikana. Because RuNyx's flavor of dark academia and gothic romance are one of a kind. This one's a slow burn, but so, so worth it!

I will definitely be recommending this one!

One of my most anticipated reads of the year is HERE, and I'm beyond grateful I received an eARC from Tor publishing.

RuNyx writes some of my favorite gothic, dark academia romance, so when Enigma was announced, I knew it was going to be another thrilling, suspenseful, high stakes plot.

Caz and Salem's story is one shrouded in mystery, secrets, darkness, and as the title suggests, enigmas.
Salem is our overly curious and aloof FMC. She's fascinated with cold cases and has taken up studying forensics/criminology at Mortimer University - a prestigious institute for only the upper echelons of society. While at Mortimer, she meets ours dark and broody MMC, Caz. Caz is an artist, and quite the famous one at that. But Salem is a clever girl, and she sees that there is more to Caz than meets the eye.

I don't want to give too much away because Ru's stories are best read simply by going in blind. What I will say is this had so many of the elements I enjoy while reading Ru's books. We got secret societies, unsolved mysteries, hidden identities, betrayals, and the heavy gothic themes I love to immerse myself in.

And last but not least, I always love how obsessed and possessive RuNyx's MMCs are. Caz's "touch her and die" vibes along with his declarations of love were beautiful, and one of my favorite parts of the book.

Read if you like:
- dark academia
- rivals to lovers
- gothic themes
- secret societies
- hidden identities
- tortured MCs
- artist x muse
- open door spice



The reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me personally (I would rate 3.5 rounded up to 4) was the ending fell flat. It seemed to wrap up so quickly that I barely I had time to process what happened. And while I try not to compare books, it was difficult not to compare this to Gothikana, which is my Roman Empire book, and see that I much preferred that ending better. Additionally, this did seem to almost mimic exact elements of Gothikana, so the story line seemed less original and enthralling to me personally.
And last but not least, this is WHOLEHEARTEDLY my opinion - I wanted more spicy scenes from Caz and Salem. Their chemistry was so good, but I felt we didn't get as much of them being together as I would have liked.

Oh… where do I even begin? The more I think about Enigma, the more I want to declare it as my number one favorite RuNyx book so far. Buckle up, because this will be one of those extremely long, deeply analytical, 100% honest, and full of hype reviews of mine.

WRITING:

Everyone who’s been following me and my reviews already know that I very much love the penmanship of RuNyx. There’s just something about the way she plays with words and metaphors that sucks you in the world she creates in her novels. But more than that, what suprised me the most was that I find her writing in Enigma the best she has showed so far. I honestly don’t know where the time period of writing this story fits in between her other books, but truth be told, I found her prose more improved, more rich and even more matured in Enigma. The characters and the interactions between them, the setting, the pacing, the attention to the detail… everything was balanced so perfectly.

PLOT:

From the very first page I was very hooked in the storyline of Enigma. The mysterious vibes, cryptic scenes and dialogues, an unknown POV and all the eerie, secret society elements that was scattered out in this world were more than enough to me me invested in to see what will happen in the next page, in the next chapter. I geniuenly didn’t want to put it down, and it made me finish the book in just a little over than 24h. I love RuNyx’s plots, that’s always been a fact, but this one was actually a very fun read because of how smooth the story was crafted. And another thing I loved is the little criminology crumbs we got through our female protagonist Salem, a criminology student. As someone who absolutely loves anatomy and cadaver lab I have to say that I enjoyed seeing her analyze scientific stuff regarding to the human body with l logical, critical thinking, switching to a professional mood I must add haha. And her major playes an inportant role in the story too so, like I said, perfect balance.

RELATIONSHIPS

Oh I have so much to say when it comes to the character interactions! I always put all my bias aside when I write a review to a book no matter how much I love a specific author or a series, and honesty speaking, I was struggling to connect with Salem & Caz and more importantly their relationship at first. I felt like they had no chemistry and that the build-up of their dynamic was too fast due to the insta-lust/attraction and lack of actual communication they had going on. And I was actually scared that I was never going to enjoy the relationship aspect of the story. But then I hit the 45-50% mark…(This humble reader is apologizing on her knees for ever doubting you, RuNyx, my queen.) BECAUSE GOD DAMN DID I DO A 360 AFTER THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK. There was actually a specific scene in which Salem & Caz’s relationship had a turning point and that was what sealed the deal for me. And after that, I was obsessed with them. OBSESSED WITH THEM. Their intimacy, their communication, and their chemistry becomes so so much potent that it’s honestly impossible to say that they are not made for each other. And with each revelation, each pact of trust between them you start to see that they were always meant to meet each other. And afterwards I started to realize that the immediate attraction they felt at the begging of the book was there for a reason. Those two are like two sides of the same coin. They complement each other. They are each other’s salvation even. And if you’re wondering how much I actually love them at the moment, let’s just say that they’re at a tie with Tristan&Morana for me right now (crazy, I know). There’s just something I noticed while I was reading about their vulnerability towards each other that made me love them like I never did any of other RuNyx’s couples. Starting the book, you know that the cold, guarded Salem will slowly open up herself to others and make new memories and establish new relaionships. But Caz? Honestly? I think he might be my favorite RuNyx male character bc he surprised me a lot. His care and softness for Salem was not something I was expecting to see. Sure there’s hot scenes in this book, but what usually makes me love a bookish couple is always the vulnerability in the relationship and the pureness and uniqueness of their love. And there’rw genuinely so many wholesome, emotionally intimate scenes between Salem&Caz that made my jaw hit the floor bc 1) I was not expecting this manly man to be a softie in his heart and a joker and dare I say he is the most versatile RuNyx MMC so far2) I read my some of my favorite RuNyx scenes when it comes to wholesomeness in this book. Again, the second half of the book made me FALL in love with anything about this couple, and also as individuals since we start to see both of their walls crumble bit by bit and witness who they actually are in their core. And I must say that I enjoyed the progress of Salem’s friendships. Everything was so very natural about it. As for Caz and his interactions with others, well that man only dedicates his time to his girl so… (I loved his sarcastic and emotional scenes so much!) As for dialogues, I don’t think I can say much about this aspect because RuNyx sure as hell know how to write diaolgues, especially the romantic ones because I end up highlighting all of them. Moral of the story, never ever doubt RuNyx romantic couples since they are all very unique and remarkable.

CLIMAX/ENDING

I loved the way RuNyx wrapped everything up, I didn’t find anything out of the place or the plot rushed towards the end even though I predicted a lot off stuff (to even their details) right about the climax of the story. But to be honest, it took nothing from my enjoyment of the story. I found the ending perfect for the characters and their story arcs. And there’re also two epilogue scenes which I ADORED. I’m so happy that she decided to add those epilogues at the end because I think they complete the story even more perfectly and gave us an even more amazing closure.

OVERALL

If you love books with dark academia setting you’ll absolutely love this fast paced, incredibly written, overly swoon-worthy standalone book. In pure RuNyx fashion, it promises all the best when you open the forst page and gives you the most perfect reading memory when you turn the last one. I hope everyone loves this book as much as I did when it releases.

Happy Reading Everyone🖤

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!