this scratched the Atlas Six itch in me i didn’t realize i was having. such a unique concept and i loved all six of the characters we got to meet. ending was ??? also AugustWren are soooo NicoLibby-coded, miss them bad

i think the second book will really bring this together. i was left with a lot of questions but im pretty sure that was the point!

this was SOOO good i can’t lie 😭
the premise was super interesting and the blackwood school was an enthralling setting for the book. the concept of the story is also rlly unique and it’s finally sometime outside of the norm that’s been circulating 😭🙏
the world and premise of the school?? IMMACULATE

i LOVED the characters. i don’t think there was one of them that i didn’t like. my favorites probably were august and emilio, and their chapters were always really engaging.
however the rivals to lovers with wren and august was SO good and i was genuinely geeking out whenever they would interact 😭😭

i loved this book so much i WILL be buying it when it comes out even tho i read it 😫🤞 its quickly become one of my favorites that Ive read this year 😍 5 stars all the way 🌟🌟🌟

Immortal Consequences by debut author I.V. Marie surprised me in the best way. It’s outside my usual reading lane—I tend to gravitate toward heavier romance and New Adult titles with more mature themes—but this upper YA paranormal novel delivered an impressively layered, adult-feeling story that pulled me in from the first page.

Set in the haunting purgatory academy of Blackwood, the story follows six ghostly teens vying for the sole (until it’s not) spot in a decennial competition that quickly unravels into something far darker and more complex than they ever imagined. The atmosphere is rich, the stakes are high, and nothing is as it seems. I was captivated by the eerie tension and the slow-burn unraveling of secrets.

Marie handles themes of loss, identity, and the blurred line between life and death with surprising depth, making this feel like far more than just a YA ghost story. The twists kept me guessing, and the emotional weight lingered after I turned the last page.

A compelling and immersive debut—I’m already looking forward to book two. I will be thinking about this book for a while. Huge thanks to the publisher and author for the eARC!

What an interesting and unique book! In this story, an academy sits in the middle of purgatory and six students (all with their own POVs) compete in a series of four trials to either win and ascend status or lose and be forced to eventually lose all their memories and forever reap souls. The world building was pretty easy to understand despite being lengthy and overt in the beginning stages. But once the story progressed to the trials, the plot picked up and never slowed down! And the author really surprised me as there were a lot of plot points that I didn’t see coming at all!

This book also has an incredibly rich and diverse cast of characters. The six competitors, three girls and three boys, come from a variety of backgrounds, races, relationships, personalities, etc. I didn’t really enjoy August and Wren’s relationship as it felt like a bad case of words left unsaid and believing the other hates you based on zero evidence. Emilio and Olivier, on the other hand, I positively loved! They were my favorite POVs and appeared to be the only pairing that were really friends instead of rivals.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! I finished the whole thing in one day! The worst part is that I’ll have to wait so long for the second installment!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this advanced readers copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Not a Fantasy reader (perhaps until now), but the premise grabbed my attention AFTER I saw the beautiful pre-order edition. Absolutely stunning with the sprayed edge. I cannot wait to display it. I am so grateful to Random House Children's and I.V. Marie for the opportunity to read this advance copy. Story follows students at an Afterlife school that each have reasons for wanting to win the once-a-decade competition. Each student is very well developed, the storyline is super interesting without being "too fantasy", the flow works, there is plenty of mystery to keep you guessing and enough action to prompt "just one more chapter".

I truly enjoyed each minute reading this book. Can't wait for future installments. Keep the beautiful collectors editions coming. I freely offer my honest opinion.

4 stars

This book took me a bit to get through but it was really enjoyable. It follows 6 different students at Blackwood Academy, a school on the edge of the afterlife where inhabitants were killed in their previous lives. Throughout the book we get to know the characters their challenges and watch them compete in trials.

The writing, world building and pacing of the book was great, the only downside is how many POVs there are and that they are written i first person. It sometimes felt like it was difficult to truly know the characters in the book.

Let's talk about this book that lives rent free in my head. It was an honest masterpiece and had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

OK WOW!!!!
So official rating I give 4.75⭐️

Absolutely phenomenal. The beginning was a little slow, but to be expected getting to know everyone and figure out what’s up. I SWEAR TO GAWD I NEED BOOK 2 immediately. I need to know what the HELL IS GOING ON WITH AUGUST. THIS MMC IS SO SPECIAL AND NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AT ALL COST.

This book is so different bc there are so many emotional levels to it. Like things happen, betrayals occur, but nothing is malicious intent. Everyone is dealing with their own traumas and trying to survive (kind of tonic bc they are in purgatory).

WREN BABY GIRL. WHAT HAVE YOU GOTTEN YOURSELF INTO???

The only thing that irked me about this book is that everyone was too scared to own up to their own feelings and move past trauma to be real with one another. However that’s all part of the character building and kind of makes sense for the way the situation they are all in is. So more so I was frustrated but mainly bc the miscommunication trope kills my soul 😂😂 all in all, I loved this and I need more!!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an early copy of this in exchange for my honest review!

I was so excited to read this dark fantasy book about six student who go to Blackwood Academy which is a elite school at the edge of the afterlife where when competing in a competition to become one of the Ascended or be forced into purgatory. This story is told from the perceptive of each student and talks about their life now and before they died. It goes through what it’s like for the students on campus and how their experiments differ throughout the competition. This book was really exciting to read and ended on a huge cliffhanger! I cannot wait to read more books in this series when they come out!

Wow wow wow I crushed this book! We are being spoiled with dark academia books this year. It’s one of my favorite tropes so with the addition of rivals to lovers, high stakes trials, and slow burn romance I am all in!

From the start I was so invested! Immortal Consequences follows six students at Blackwood Academy, a school located in the afterlife (yes everyone is in fact dead), where they learn magic and how to reap souls. This was such a unique setting and the world building was beautifully done! I thought it was a refreshing and unique take to the afterlife. Especially as you get further in the book and start uncovering all the secrets of Blackwood Academy and The Demion Order!

Now I’m not usually a fan of lots of different pov’s but it worked perfectly in this book. We were able to learn and relate to all of the characters so I never felt like we were missing out on understanding the characters. For me personally there was never a pov I wasn’t looking forward to. Each character is so complex and different that I loved reading about all of them. But my favorite has to be Wren and August. Im pretty sure I highlighted almost all of their interactions. The slow burn cat and mouse game between them was amazing! I could go on and on about them but they have easily become one of my favorite book couples!

The writing and pacing was excellent! This is a very enjoyable and bingeable read. The magic system is interesting to read about and I loved the different houses the students are split into. I loved the twists and turns and after that ending I need the next book! I’m so excited to learn more about this world and its characters!

Never thought the after-life would be so wild, dangerous and cool. Such an interesting premise, keeping you engaged throughout, with bodiless magic in a fantastical world. I thought I would get tired of toggling between the several characters, but I.V. Marie did such a beautiful job developing them to be flawed, still likable, and worthy of being rooted for - every single one. I would absolutely recommend this to any YA fantasy reader and above.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for the ARC!

Some favorite words:
"Grief isn't the villain. It just wants to help you remember that despite losing someone, despite the sadness and heartache and pain... there was also once love."

I got a chance to read this before the publication date, and I really enjoyed it. It gave a fresh twist to the academia genres.
Its essentially a school for reapers, young adults who died and were chosen to help reap souls in the afterlife. They learn to use their magic to help them reap souls from the ether along with a battle royal/competition taking up 2/3rds of the book.
Its multiple perspectives and there are many twists and turns that will continually keep you guessing what will happen next.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series to see what happens.

This was a wonderful book! I loved the idea of the story from the very start, and it lived up to all my expectations. I didn’t expect it to be told from 6 different points of view, but I really liked that it was. There were a lot of characters, but it was easy to keep track of them, and so easy to want to know more about all of them. I found myself wanting the POV of a few of the other characters as well, especially once the trials started.

I loved the world the author created, and I’m excited to read more!

This book definitely exceeded my expectations. Let me just say I went into this thinking it was a standalone. HAHA was I wrong but so happy to find out it’s a duology. This is my new favorite Dark Academia / Rivals to Lovers and everyone I know is about to be sick of me recommending this to them.

An incredible magical interpretation of the afterlife. Had my eyes locked in with SIX POVS ! The author managed to have me caring for all the main characters. I love them all. This group of “unfortunate acquaintances“ all witnessed something together, are students because they each have something in common, and compete in trials against each other to be relieved of what haunts them the most.

The twists had me realization hollering ! The mystery unfolding had me questioning everything but I was too entertained to theorize I just enjoyed the ride. The ending has me NEEDING more. Incredible debut. I can’t wait for book 2 !

I was so excited to receive an ARC of Immortal Consequences! This book is a fresh spin on dark academia style fantasy. Set at Blackwood Academy, a school set in purgatory where pupils train to help others pass on. Caveat is that once pupils enter Blackwood, they are stuck - with one exception. Every 10 years there is a competition where one chosen student is able to win their freedom from Blackwood either as an Ascended, or passing on the Other Side. This year however, things seem to be different. This book follows the POV of six unfortunate acquaintances as they progress through perilous trials, navigate their interpersonal relationships, and unravel secrets. I loved each of the six main characters, but I think August and Wren are my favorites. I love a tortured soul MMC and their tension is 10/10. The ending of this book had me shocked and it is set up so well for the sequel. I can't wait to see how the series progresses! Thank you to Delacorte Press for gifting me the opportunity to read and review this book early!

Debut author I.V. Marie’s novel has cover and page edge art that brought my tomescrolling (that’s doomscrolling for bookworms, I made it up, you’re welcome) to a screeching halt. So pretty! I wondered about the interior content, since that much care has been put into the outer decor. So, I read the synopsis.

This bit perked me right up: “Welcome to Blackwood Academy: the legendary school located on the fringes of the afterlife. Once a pupil enters the academy’s arched gates, there is no way out . . . except for the Decennial, a once-in-a-decade celebration in which a single, worthy student is tested and given a choice: Graduate and join Blackwood’s magical elite, or cross over to the mysterious Other Side.”

I love the Dark Academia aesthetic. It’s the opposite of my own academic experience, which I’ll admit was rather terrible from kindergarten all the way through college. Dark Academia is a do-over for this slightly cynical yet wistful, grown-up former student. I cracked into it, hoping for a good experience. I just wanted to read a few pages before bedtime to get a feel for the story.

Two hours later, I’d completely forgotten about getting a good night’s sleep. Oh well, why bother stopping now if I’d already gone too far? I read for another hour before grudgingly putting down my Kindle and getting a few hours rest.

This review was first published at SciFi.Radio.

The author’s writing style is instantly engaging. She’s got a gift for storytelling that doesn’t flatten out after a chapter or two. If anything, her style just gets better as we learn more about the six students that this story revolves around. Chapters are titled with the name of the student to be highlighted in that chapter. Chapter one is simply “Wren”. Once you get to know each of the students, you’ll go into each chapter eagerly, wanting to know more about their continuing part in the adventure.

And this is definitely an adventure! An unpredictable one—just as you start to get a handle on what’s going on, someone adds a twist that changes everything. Some of those twists feel like they’ve made the situation impossible. You won’t be able to predict what happens next, but you will be compelled to read on and find out. Say farewell to the concept of getting a good night’s sleep until you reach the last page in the book. That’s assuming you can sleep with your brain still buzzing. To call this book “immersive” is like calling the Atlantic ocean “moist”.

If you love dark, brooding, beautiful decay, this book is for you. If you feel that Harry Potter was a decent start but didn’t go nearly far enough, this book is for you. If you identify with young adults trying to find their way in the world, this book is for you. It also qualifies as a romantasy but not anything like you’d expect. While technically correct, that feels like an overly simplified label.

It’s good. Addictive, gasping out loud, turn another page and sleep be damned, good. You know you want to read it. Run, don’t walk, to Amazon and pre-order your copy. Then, go get a good night’s sleep, while you still can.

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.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, I.V. Marie, and Random House Kids for the opportunity to read this incredible ARC—an absolute five-star read! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Set in the afterlife at Blackwood Academy, located in Purgatory, this story is unlike anything I’ve read before. Told through multiple POVs, we’re introduced to a cast of unforgettable characters—Wren, August, Irene, Masika, Emilio, Olivier—each with their own unique depth and purpose. From the beginning, it’s clear that not everything at Blackwood is as it seems, but by the time the truth begins to unravel, it’s far too late to turn back. The stakes are intense, the risks are real, and each character has something personal driving them forward. This gripping tale is packed with love, secrets, betrayal, heartbreak, and loss. I was completely immersed and didn’t want it to end—I need to know what happens next!

I can’t believe this is a debut. 6 POVs, an intricate plot, insanely detailed world building, and some of the best yearning and romance I’ve read in forever. I.V. Marie is a powerhouse. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie is a haunting and atmospheric read that pulled me in from the very beginning. One of the things I appreciated most was the use of multiple points of view. Each perspective added a new layer of depth and helped me connect more intimately with the characters and their individual journeys.

Just when I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, the author would throw in a new twist or detail that shifted everything in an unexpected way. It kept the tension high and the plot moving, and I was always eager to see what would happen next. I.V. Marie does an excellent job of balancing character development with an evolving plot, and the world she’s built is both eerie and captivating.

This book felt fresh and full of surprises, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

honestly wow, can’t wait to have in my hands
this book was one of the best things i’ve so far this year, the characters are so well constructed, each of them is so unique. Also the plot WHAT WAS THAT once i started reading i couldn’t stop because i needed to know what was going to happen, and don’t get me started on the tension between the love interests OMG
amazing work honestly, such and interesting and refreshing story and so well written, wow just wow