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

6 point of views in one book would seem hard to follow but it was so easy and done flawlessly!
the magic system and academy were set up in a pretty realistic that I was able to believe it (as much as magic can be)

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for providing me with the ARC of Immortal Consequences

4.25 stars!

If you are looking for a dark academia YA book that scratches the itch for yearning, magic, and moral ambiguity then this book is perfect for you!

I found the setting of Blackwood Academy beautiful in a lush, gothic way. This book takes place at an academy where students go in the afterlife, the setting truly reflects that premise. I could see the classrooms and dorms so clearly and I truly felt enraptured in the story when I was reading it.

We get 6 different point of views throughout the story, all from very different and raw characters. Every perspective has their own unique backstory and they all felt very real to me. While we learn more about some characters compared to others, I was excited to read every chapter, as I loved learning about each of them and seeing their different approaches to their circumstances.

Now let me tell you, this book is the definition of yearning. There are 2 relationships being developed throughout the story, and you could tell how down bad each pair was for the other. The slow burn throughout the book was impeccable, and I was genuinely giddy and over the moon when the characters so much as smiled at each other. I know fantasy romance readers will eat up these romances, so if you are looking for a slow burn, tension filled story with a great plot this book is perfect for you!

I was also so intrigued by the magic and the trials. For a debut novel, author I.V. Marie did a great job at forming a new and attention grabbing concept but still weaving elements in that readers know and love. The plot and magic truly hooked me in, and while I wish we got a little more explanation as to how everything in this world works, she set up a great foundation for the continuation of this series.

Overall, I loved my reading experience of this book. The setting fit the story perfectly, the magic and world was set up well, the characters felt real and complicated, and while the ending wrapped up a little too quick for me, it still set up for a great continuation for this series.

Mark your calendars for July 29th because you will not want to miss out on this book!

Dark academia, academic rivals and enemies to lovers what more could you want. Loved the magical academy and trials, Cliffhanger warning!

Thank you to NetGalley, I. V. Marie, and Random House Children's for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I’ve been highly anticipating this book since I saw a reel from I. V. Marie on Instagram. I feel blessed to have received the e-arc. I thought the book's concept was unique, and the characters were interesting. However, I felt like the world-building and characters were more surface-level than I thought they would be. While the characters' histories were revealed throughout the story, they weren’t in detail. I still found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. I look forward to seeing what I. V. Marie does with book 2. Hopefully, we will see a richer world and character depth.

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS A DEBUT. Holy crap this was absolutely captivating and I couldn’t put it down! I loved how unique it is, and I cannot wait for book 2!!

Rating 3.75 Rounded up.

Academic advancement in purgatory.

OMG. I will admit this book was a lot of information. There are a lot of POV’s to navigate. Six in fact. In a lot of cases so many POV’s becomes confusing and overwhelming but in my opinion this author did it successfully. I was able to easily keep up with the POV’s and their story lines. Let me be 100% upfront. This book may not become a YA fantasy classic like The Hunger Games but this was a fun read. Now I am not saying this shouldn’t be a YA Fantasy classic, because I did enjoy it. It was kind of like binge watching your favorite TV show and I did completely binge read this book in 2 days.

Over all a fun read if you are into dark academia vibes, enemies to lovers and trails.

Thank you Random House Children's for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to like this book so badly. Academy! Competition! Soul reaping!

But it all falls flat. There are supposed to be 6 main characters, but they all read basically the same. At most, I would say it's 2 personalities: the super hard working, smart one who isn't here to make friends and the charismatic rule-breaker. And then one of each type like each other, but won't admit it.

I also don't understand the set up of the academy. The Decennial happens every 10 years - why 10 years? And if it happens every decade, why are the MCs acting like it's such a big deal? Even worse, everybody has to stay here, indefinitely attending school? You're stuck as a 16-18 year old forever? A specific scene that bothered me was when the author used class time to break down the various magics for the reader. But instead of showing us how the magic is utilized, the characters raise their hands to answer questions and explain the magics. This is so basic, so elementary - the MCs have all been here for years already, it's ridiculous to go over it now.

Pretty much every aspect of the plot was way too easy to guess. Overall I wish there was more depth - to the characters and significance of things.

What. Did. I. Just. Read?! I.V. Marie, is "Immortal Consequences" truly your debut novel? Because you write with the skill and finesse of a seasoned author! This book isn't just good; it's a revelation. In a genre often filled with familiar tropes, "Immortal Consequences" bursts onto the scene as a truly unique and exhilarating breath of fresh air. Forget everything you think you know about afterlife narratives. Marie has crafted an utterly original world centered around Blackwood Academy, a training ground for Reapers. Here, the stakes are impossibly high: not only is there the once-in-a-decade opportunity to become one of the Ascended – the Academy's revered Staff – or a chance to finally cross over. Yes, there is an element of trials and a competitive edge, but trust me, these are unlike anything you've encountered before.
One of the most impressive feats of "Immortal Consequences" is Marie's masterful handling of six distinct protagonists. Not only does she give each a unique point of view, but she also intricately develops their individual personalities and physical characteristics, making them feel like fully realized individuals. What's more, the dialogue between these characters rings so true; you can absolutely hear real 18-year-olds talking to each other. And the world-building? Prepare to be completely immersed. Marie's descriptions are so vivid and detailed, you'll swear you can wander the halls of Blackwood Academy yourself.
Frankly, I am utterly blown away by this book. "Immortal Consequences" isn't just a promising debut; it feels like the arrival of a major new voice in fantasy. I wholeheartedly believe we have a #1 New York Times bestseller on our hands. I am absolutely buzzing to see the reaction to this incredible story upon its expected release on July 29, 2025, and the wait for the second book in The Souls of Blackwood Academy series already feels too long! If you're looking for something different, something dynamic, something truly unforgettable, look no further. I.V. Marie has delivered a knockout punch with "Immortal Consequences," and you absolutely need to experience it for yourself. 5⭐️

Thank you #I.V.Marie#Random HouseChildren’sBooks and #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

+++I was given a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review only+++

An absolute banger! Not only is the cover just gorgeous, but the story itself was so good!

It's an afterlife story with a dark academia setting. There's six main characters all with their own POV chapters! I loved that! They are Reapers, which are dead teenagers that help souls pass into the afterlife and they end up in a HIGH STAKES trial!! AH! Only one can win and the prize is moving on from the afterlife, but also no body knows what that entails. Y'all this was SO GOOD.

I loved that this had the dark academia feel to it but make it "afterlife" style. I am not always a big fan of YA books but this one was done really well. This was so unique and I actually really enjoyed the multi pov!

If you ever judge a book by its cover let it be this one! I LOVED THIS BOOK, I was caught off guard IN THE BEST WAY because I indeed needed it solely based on the beautiful cover.

This story takes place in an afterlife/ dark academia setting. The “boarding school” is the home to the Reapers (dead teenagers lol) who help souls pass to the afterlife. You have 6 main characters/povs and if you think you’re going to be overwhelmed by that, YOU WONT! Each one of their stories will have you hooked and I can shamelessly say, I have no favorite. I love them all….𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒅, 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕.. 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕 , 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑨𝑳𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝒃𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕

The main 6 characters wind up in the “Decennial” — a trial amongst a dozen where one can either ascend and become an afterlife elite or simply pass on to the afterlife, leaving the school behind… except nobody really knows what lies beyond. But these characters each have their own goal in mind and the ending was twisted!😵‍💫🫠. The trials were intense and remarkably high stakes. Even though they are already amongst the non-living — like the blurb says there are worse things than death.

I’m so happy I stumbled across this ARC. I am now proudly apart of this ‘Immortal Consequences’ fandom and can’t wait for book two! Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children's/Delacorte Press for allowing me to read and review this eArc.

Thank you for granting me an advanced copy of this! I was excited to read this. I like dark academia- and this book delivers on academic rivalry, angst, betrayal, brooding, gothic vibes, and sinister mysteries. We follow 6 students at Blackwood academy, a boarding school in the afterlife, as they compete to change their fate or wander in purgatory forever. At first I wasn’t sure about reading 6 different POVs, but they are all well written and complex characters. The romantic pining in this book is next level. Thoroughly enjoyed this!

In Immortal Consequences, we follow six characters, referring to themselves as "unfortunate acquaintances," whose afterlives are intertwined as they compete in four trials for the opportunity to become Ascended and remain at Blackwood Academy. Each has their secrets and their own reasons for competing. As they encounter unusual occurrences at Blackwood Academy and within the trials, they begin to investigate and come to understand the precariousness of their situation.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting and not something I've seen before. However, it did take some time to become invested in the characters and the plot. The first half of the book primarily focused on setting up the story and giving us an introduction to the characters. During this time, we get to see fragments of each of the 6 main characters and how they interact with each other, but as each has their secrets, we don't really get to know them well until later on in the story.

For me, after the 50% mark, this story took a turn for the better. I became much more invested as the 2nd trial began. At this point, the stakes were raised, we learn more about the characters' past lives, and we get more on-page scenes that showcase the characters' relationships with and feelings for each other.

By the end, I was invested in the story and rooting for the characters, and considering this book ends on a cliffhanger, I am intrigued as to what will happen next! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025, and I was not disappointed. I saw a few of the author’s posts back in early January and knew I had to get my hands on this book. Thankfully I received this arc (many thanks!!) and got to read it before everyone else.

I gave this a 4.5⭐️. The plot line was entertaining and had lots of plot twists and plenty of fun characters telling the story. However, the story being told from 6 povs was a bit much for me. It was a little hard to keep track of who was who, and who was doing what.

All that aside, this was sooooo fun and I cannot wait for book two and whatever else I. V. Marie writes!