Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collin’s for an early eARC! This book really surprised me! The twists- the dark academia, the lives of the six students! This book was fantastic! Had me on the edge of my seat and I never knew where it was going to take me- great job to the author more creating such a unique story and experience for her readers.

This story is an interesting, unique take on the afterlife. I was intrigued by the mystery , the competition, and the betrayal. However, I had some difficulty connecting with any of the characters. I needed more background on each and wasn't satisfied with the little bits that were revealed about their past lives and prior deaths.

Thank you so much to Delacorte Press and Toppling Tours for the early copy for review, all opinions below are my own!

I have been excited about this book for a while now and I am happy to report that it lived up to expectations!

Both the school setting and the trials aspect were done in a way that felt new and fresh. I loved the concept of being in purgatory - some continue on here in perpetuity learning and helping others, some moving on, and some succumbing to the forgetting. But, for those who stay on forever they must be chosen to pass a personal trial - but is it really as it seems?

Our main cast of 6 is interesting and we explore their various pasts and presents, learning what makes them tick and why they want to be chosen and compete in their trial. I like how the book explores the way they are all navigating their time in purgatory and their desire to be the best at the academy - both in knowledge and use of magic. This is definitely a more character driven story, I think if you don’t enjoy a character driven story that it might not appeal to you as much.

All of the relationships felt natural and understandable, I like too that there was an acknowledgment of these rivals also becoming friends and how that complicated their own goals. I like too that we can see some evolution of their relationships and even the uncomfortable need at times to define your feelings when you don’t know if they’re reciprocated.

That twist at the end too!! I don’t think I was really expecting where we went but it’s got me so excited for book 2! I highly recommend this one!

A dark academia magical school set in the afterlife??? Yes please. The setting of this book was everything. I loved learning all about Blackwood and the different locations around it like the Ether and a little of Purgatory. This setting was much more complex than I was expecting and I loved that.

Now for the characters. Don’t even get me started on Wren and August and Emilio and Olivier. I was obsessed with them! The tension. The yearning. Incredible. I couldn’t have asked for more. It made it even better that they’ve known each other for decades if not hundreds of years and they are still yearning. Individually I loved each of our main characters. They were all so complex and carried baggage either from their life or things that have happened to them since being in the afterlife. I enjoyed getting to see how that affected their dynamics and how they reacted in situations.

I loved the way the story progressed. It felt very natural and not rushed. Learning about the magic system was woven into the story well and didn’t ever feel like an info dump to me. Same with the different settings and how they worked.

The ending of the book was just great! There were a few reveals I did not expect at all. While I am very nervous for all the characters and where they ended up, I think it set the next book up for a great story.

The only bad thing about reading this book early is that I have to wait even longer for the second one.

this was such a refreshing story to read. it has been a long time since i read a book with lots of povs. i am a sucker for found family, so it was so fun reading the characters get closer to each other! however, one thing i don't particularly like about the multiple povs is how i always manage to favor characters over others which makes it harder for me to read certain povs. that's just a me problem, though! this book is fun because we get so many different relationship dynamics. it was refreshing to read each pov because every single character offered different vibes. tension, friendship, and growth!

i was a bit skeptical seeing another competition in the main plot because i feel like it's so overused, but after finishing, i think it was necessary and a genius move. the competition is the main motive for the characters to strive for success, but because of that, they uncover hidden secrets of a world they thought they knew the truth to. and suddenly, winning doesn't seem so simple!

what i really loved about this book was the world building. i've had my fair share of afterlife-esque stories, but this one really tickled my brain a certain way. i think the author does a great job slowly uncovering the dynamics of the world in different povs. i love academia settings and adding magical aspects is always so fun to read. there's still so many details we don't know about the world and i'm excited to see where the next book takes us :)

i'm very lucky and thankful i got to read this as an arc! so thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's + Delacorte Press!

‘Immortal Consequences’ is like no other book or story I have read. It is finding humanity, keeping humanity even in the afterlife but also the contrast,
—losing yourself, humanity in a slow, heartbreaking manner. It is a story about friendship and the lengths one will go to love someone, to keep someone.

The found family in this novel was so beautiful and heartbreaking. The characters all had their own personalities, stories, and hearts. It was such a refreshing read seeing all these characters and their differences, yet they still found comfort in each other. These characters have my ENTIRE heart. Seeing them in their respected duos was everything 😭 (and extremely heartbreaking) The interactions when they all get together -especially in the beginning of the book- was so so so much fun to read about!!!

This is easily one of my favorite stories ever, one of my favorite books ever, and these characters!!!! I love them, I love them, I love them!!!!!!!!!!!

Now!!!! This story/plot?!? Hello, it was everything!!! I could go on and on about this book. The school with the afterlife!!!! How this school system worked was so so fascinating and don’t get me wrong, heartbreaking😭 The idea of not crossing fully when you pass away was such an interesting topic to read about and I just kept imaging myself in these characters shoes and wondering if I would make the same choices as some them. This book was truly so so special!!!!!

I connected to the six characters we follow on such a deep level. Each one is struggling with their own self, their own story, and being put in each of their shoes, their stories were so impactful and so beautifully well done by I.V. Marie!!!!

I would like to note that the !!!!tension!!!! in this book…it was so good😩 (August, I’m looking at you)

Please please please !!!! Go read this book !!!!!

I had a great time with this book. Such an original premise and world. Who doesn't love dead teenagers in a Purgatory academy? I thought all of the characters were top notch while being so distinct with very clear motives. I do wish we got a slightly earlier glimpse or some flashbacks into the formation of the preexisting relationships.

The games and trials really delivered and felt very high stakes. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here! Thank you!

This unique story had me intrigued by the blurb with the school in the afterlife to teach others to reap. The multiple POVs (6) were a little bit of a miss for me. I understand why she had them but there were some that to me were filler POV in this book and they would just be read to create more personality for them and nothing for the story line. The diverse assortment of character POV was a great addition. it gave rivals to.... to shy friends to more relationship. also with them being dead it showed how they cope with their trauma that they left when alive. This very much embodies the found family trope with their group.
The world building and understanding of how their magic works is well explained as well as why they are there. It's kind of cliché but at the same time different. The mysterious trials and the bad group that lives out in the wild keeps the plot going and I devoured this book in a day.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read this book!

This review may contain mild spoilers. Proceed with caution if you prefer going in blind.
Initial Impressions
I first came across Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie on BookTok, where it kept popping up in anticipated YA fantasy release lists. When a book consistently shows up from different content creators, I get curious and check it out on Kindle or Goodreads. I was especially intrigued by the synopsis hinting at an academic rivals-to-lovers trope, a shy-popular dynamic, and an elite magical competition among six students. The fact that it was one of the most requested ARCs on NetGalley sealed the deal for me.

Right from the opening chapter, I was hooked. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, rotating between six main characters. The book opens with Wren, one half of the tension-filled rivals-to-lovers relationship. Right off the bat, you can already feel the tension between her and August.

Atmosphere & Setting
Set in a supernatural boarding school located in purgatory, the atmosphere in Immortal Consequences is ethereal, cold, and steeped in mystery. There’s no sun or moon, just a silvery glow that veils everything. The school operates under the guise of balance, with signs of both life and death lingering in every corner.

New students are rare, appearing only once every few decades. They are trained to become soul reapers – eternally bound to harvest lost souls – unless they’re selected for the Decennial. Those who are chosen must survive four deadly trials for a chance at a different fate.

Although the academy is built on routine and tradition, mysterious events have started disrupting the norm, setting the tone for an unfolding conflict.

Plot & Pacing
The plot was engaging and easy to follow. The pacing was steady. The world-building was introduced gradually throughout the chapters and wasn’t info-dumped on the reader. Bits and pieces of the lore are revealed as the story unfolds, which keeps the reader curious without becoming confusing.

There’s a constant undercurrent of mystery surrounding the strange occurrences at the academy. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, you get another plot twist especially in the last few chapters. I appreciated how the story kept its momentum throughout and how the multiple POVs added depth rather than distraction.

Characters & Development
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its ensemble cast. Although it’s technically a competition, I found myself rooting for all six characters, even the morally gray ones. Their motivations felt personal and relatable, and each of them had clear emotional arcs.

I loved the variety of character dynamics in this book – from unlikely friendships (or “unfortunate acquaintances,” as they would say), to rivalries and romance. I particularly loved the subtle moments of camaraderie that emerged despite the high stakes. And yes, there’s diverse representation, which is always a plus.

Themes & Symbolism
A standout element in Immortal Consequences is its emotional core – a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human. The trials the characters face don’t just test their skills but it also expose their fears, values, and desires.

The novel highlights how people deal with trauma, guilt, and the desire for redemption. It’s about accepting who you are, finding purpose, and cherishing the relationships that make life more bearable and fulfilling.

World-building & Fantasy Elements
The magic in the book is subtle but impactful, tied closely to the students’ identities and the roles they’re expected to fulfill. Each character has a natural magical affinity, which also determines their assigned house within the school.

While the magic system isn’t overly detailed, it works well in context. The soul-reaping theme blends seamlessly into the lore. That said, I suspect there’s much more to explore especially with the revelations in the final chapters, which introduces more of the "evil group" called the Demien Order. This is definitely something to look forward to in the next book

Target Audience Fit
If you're a fan of YA dark academia, morally ambiguous characters, slow-burn romance, and deadly magical trials, this one’s for you. While the themes can be intense, the tone remains appropriate for a young adult audience. It's more introspective and eerie than overtly dark.

Overall Thoughts
Chapter 56 was my favorite – finally! I waited so long for these two characters to acknowledge their feelings for each other. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the other romances – they were just as adorable and heartwarming.

But beyond the romance, I loved the rich character dynamics, the tension, and the way the story invited me to reflect on personal growth and second chances.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Would I recommend it? Definitely! Especially if you love ensemble casts, magical trials, and emotional storytelling.

Kudos to I.V. Marie on a fantastic debut! I can’t wait to read the next installment in The Souls of Blackwood Academy series!

This was a great debut!

So, im normally a fan of multiple POVs but I think in this case they just split the focus too much (especially since we are talking about 6 of them). Maybe if they weren't introduced right from the start but gradually later on it'd have been better. I think that's the reason why IC wasn't a 5 star read. I wanted more of Wren's and August's POVs and it'd have made sense if the story focused on them the most given what we find out by the end of it. With that being said, I do think that all of the main characters were important and I became more invested in their arcs later on . I V Marie did a great job making each character sound distinctive and recognizable, at no point was I confused about who was talking or whose POV I was reading.

As I already mentioned, Wren and August were my fav but Olivier and Emilio were right there behind them. Irene and Masika had an interesting dynamic and I'm pretty intrigued to see if their friendship can survive after the events at the end of the book.

To go back to Wren, she was my fav and the character I related the most to. Also, the tension and yearning between her and August.. my gods! I have no words 🥵
They were the perfect academic rivals-to-lovers , I'm obsessed with them and their whole dynamic—from dagger to the throat to I'll break apart the underworld to get to you *SIGH* chills!! Literal chills!! I love them so much.

And August, our tortured boy, ugh he's exactly the type of MMC i adore—witty, arrogant, smart. There's SO much I can say about his dynamic with Wren but I really dont wanna spoil since there were a few things that totally took me by surprise and I'm obsessed, that's all I'm gonna say 😆 I absolutely cannot wait to see what's gonna happen with them after that crazy ending, I simply wont know peace.

IC was fast paced with a dark atmospheric setting and flawed, compelling characters.
I'm very excited to see where IV Marie is gonna take the story in the sequel.

Eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

THE YEARNING!

This was an excellent YA book. It was dark academia, but in a sort of purgatory. No one knows how they end up there but they're all competing to get out.

I thought it was a really unique premise and it had all my favorites: longing, tension, betrayals... I'm very much looking forward to the next book.

Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie was a dark, suspenseful book that I was addicted to from the start. One thing that I really liked was the multiple POVs. They were all unique perspectives of what was occurring and allowed me to be more engaged in the characters and their own storyline.

I liked how that I would attempt to figure out where the book was going and the author would simply just go on and create some action or piece of information and take the whole scene into an entirely new direction. It kept me in suspense and the book went on and I was constantly speeding along to figure out what happened next. I.V. Marie does an excellent job of balancing character development and a shifting plot, and the world she's created is suspenseful as well as engrossing.

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

You might want to crawl into the dark with this one if you like academic rivals to lovers, dangerous trials, dark academia vibes, lies and betrayal, multiple POVs, magical academy in the afterlife

Okay okay okay, when I read magical academy in the afterlife, how could I say no? I’m an utter sucker for anything dark academia and the concept of this one was calling me. I loved the multiple POVs in this, and getting to see so many different dynamics and relationships. Truthfully I was guessing what I would find within these pages and it ended up being nothing what I thought it would be, not that it ended up being a bad thing in any sense. I loved the characters, my favourites being Emilio and Olivier - I’m wildly attached to the two of them thank you.

BUT, why did I not realize that this was not a stand alone? Yes, I suppose the fact that it said The Souls of Blackwood Academy Book 1 on Goodreads should have been an indicator but clearly I was not paying attention that day because now I’m over here distraught over the fact that book one is over and I need to wait for book two?

This book was full of characters with questionable morals and tons of secrets. I loved the idea of a school in the afterlife and all of the rules associated. The magic system was very interesting. I liked that it wasn’t a limitless source of power. I loved all of the characters. Yes, even mean Irene. I want to know so much more about them. It feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of their stories. Not to mention what the actual heck is going on behind the scenes in Blackwood? The ending left me looking in all directions. The next book is going to be a wild ride for sure. I recommend this book to those who enjoy stories about a mysterious school, deadly competitions, and unlikely friendships.

2.8/5 - A book that makes several promises and fulfills none. I can clearly see where the author takes inspiration from (Shadow Daddy tropes, touch-her-and-you-die tropes, Cassandra Clare's Matthew character, and Harry Potter galore), but fails to execute her vision despite her unique premise. I believe the main downfall of this book is the six perspectives that we are following. Six perspectives should be for high or epic fantasy, not a basic romantasy plot. Most of the characters are not fleshed out, and the setting (again, very Harry Potter-esque) tends to fall flat because we are constantly switching back and forth. The author doesn't do a good job of creating narration styles for each character either. Characters that were born in the 1600s and 1800s have the same mannerisms, jokes, and talking style as a modern teenager. Make that make sense.

I also find that there is no point to a lot of the things in this story. So the students have to gather souls in the Ether...but what is the point of teaching them combative magic spells??? The souls cannot fight? And they cannot fight the Ether with corporeal magic either...so why give the students the knowledge that can potentially destroy them?

Also, a final note, the diversity in this book is honestly laughable. One black girl and one black boy (that is a side-side character), and another character is half-Korean. There are more blonde people than POC in this book, which is surprising to say the least. We get dirty blonde, ice blonde, and tawny. The whole blonde spectrum, hooray!

This felt pretty original while still being a familiar type of story. There were too many POVs in my opinion, it felt like we were constantly jumping. I also was a little surprised this was YA as it felt more adult, so maybe an older YA.

This was an impeccable read! If you’ve been looking for more romantasy YA books this one is for you! The author pulls out all the stops in creating a unique fun and heartbreaking group. Found families as well as dark academia lovers will devour this just like I did.


Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children for the ARC!

Immortal Consequences is a stunning dark academia novel that masterfully blends competition, ambition, and the supernatural. Told through the alternating perspectives of six distinct characters, the story dives deep into the minds of students competing in a high-stakes contest to become an Ascended—a position of greater power

The multiple POVs added incredible depth, allowing me to connect (and sometimes question) each character’s motives. Every chapter peeled back new layers of secrets, rivalries, and inner turmoil. The setting is eerie and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the elitist, secretive vibe of a dark academia world where nothing is ever as it seems.

The pacing is strong after all the characters have been introduced, and the emotional tension never lets up. My only minor critique is that with so many perspectives, a few transitions felt slightly abrupt—but overall, this book had me hooked. If you’re a fan of dark academia, twisted competitions, and richly layered storytelling, Immortal Consequences is an absolute must-read.

Rate 4.5

DNFd at 65%

there was SO many characters that it was hard to know who was who. they didn't really have their own personality either, which didn't help. of all the 6 POVs we had, they were all super defensive, whinny and closed off to their emotions.

the world building was not really explained, it was a tad confusing to follow and i just felt like characters (even if stuck in their teens) that have died for over 100 years and more should not act as immaturely as they did.

the writing was actually pretty good tho!

Immortal Consequences is a dark, fast-paced fantasy with major dark academia vibes and a character-driven core. I was hooked on the concept - six souls in purgatory competing in deadly trials - and the multiple POVs worked really well. I especially loved the tension and shifting dynamics between the different characters and couples, and this book is full of swoony lines!

Some of the worldbuilding felt a little underdeveloped, but the atmosphere more than made up for it. The stakes are high, the twists kept me guessing, and that ending definitely left me needing the next book. If you’re into morally gray characters, secret agendas, and eerie school settings, this one’s worth picking up!