This book is very interesting. It's about the afterlife for those that died and came back. it's a school where they all help the ones who haven't finished their mission to pass on. There is a ton of action. The school teaches the students how to use their powers and help others pass on. I can't wait to see what happens next. There are multiple perspectives, the relationships between the students is very interesting and totally relatable.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dark, dazzling, and devastating — Immortal Consequences is the gothic fantasy I didn’t know I was dying for.
🖤💀📚✨

I.V. Marie’s Immortal Consequences is one of the most immersive, emotionally charged, and intricately layered YA fantasies I’ve read in a long time. Set in the eerie, atmospheric halls of Blackwood Academy — a purgatorial school for the recently dead — this book grabs you from the very first page and never lets go 👻. It’s part dark academia 🕯️, part supernatural thriller ⚰️, part survival competition 🎯 — but at its heart, it’s a powerful exploration of grief, guilt, identity, and the eternal question: if given a second chance, what would you do to rewrite your fate? 🔄

The premise alone is breathtaking in its originality 💡. Six teens — all newly deceased — are thrust into the Decennial, a series of dangerous magical trials that will determine their afterlife fate ⚖️. Only one can win 🏆. The rest remain stuck in limbo… forever 😱. It’s an inherently brutal and high-stakes setup, but what makes this book stand out is how deeply personal it feels. The trials aren’t just about magic or skill — they’re about inner demons, emotional wounds, and impossible choices 🧠💔. Marie doesn’t just build a world — she builds a feeling, one that creeps under your skin and lingers like a ghost in your thoughts.

The cast of characters is phenomenally developed 👥. Wren, the protagonist, is quiet but powerful, burdened with guilt and shadowed by a mysterious past. Her emotional arc is heart-wrenching and cathartic 💔➡️💖. August? The brooding, scarred rival-slash-possible-love-interest had me absolutely feral 😩🔥. Their romance is a slow, smoldering burn — no insta-love here, just tension, vulnerability, and real connection 💘. The supporting characters — Olivier, Masika, Emilio, Irene — are complex, flawed, and unforgettable. You find yourself rooting for all of them, even when their goals collide. That’s rare. That’s special. 🌙

Marie’s writing is chef’s kiss 👩‍🍳💋. Her prose is poetic and cinematic 🎬, each sentence layered with atmosphere and emotion. She paints the cold stone halls of Blackwood with such eerie elegance, I could feel the fog and hear the echoing footsteps. Her pacing is masterful — every chapter raises the stakes, and the twists hit like a thunderclap ⚡. One moment you’re swooning, the next you’re gasping, then crying. I was fully in it.

The themes in this book are where it truly shines ✨. Immortal Consequences grapples with what it means to confront your past, face your failures, and try to make peace with the unchangeable. It explores the nature of regret, the hunger for redemption, and the fear of being stuck in who we used to be 🕳️. It asks: Can we change, even after death? Can we be forgiven, even if we can’t forgive ourselves? These are big, existential questions — and yet they’re handled with such raw humanity that they never feel abstract. They feel personal. Real. 🧠💭

As for the Decennial trials themselves? Jaw-dropping 🤯. Each one reveals more about the characters’ souls, not just their skills. There’s strategy, betrayal, pain, sacrifice — and beneath all that, a deep emotional truth. Every scene feels high-stakes, and by the time I reached the final challenge, my heart was racing 💓.

And the ending… I won’t spoil it, but just know: it will wreck you in the best way. It’s beautiful. Bittersweet. Surprising. Hopeful and haunting all at once 🌌💀. I closed the book and sat in stunned silence, needing the sequel like I needed air.

Final Verdict: 5/5 stars 🌟
💀 A gripping, gothic tale of second chances and self-discovery
🎓 For fans of Ninth House, All of Us Villains, The Raven Cycle, and The Atlas Six
💘 Features high-stakes trials, a slow-burn romance, and found family feels
🖤 A must-read if you love your fantasy emotionally rich, morally gray, and darkly poetic

Immortal Consequences didn’t just entertain me — it left an imprint on my soul. I’ll be thinking about Wren, August, and the haunted halls of Blackwood for a long time. And until book two arrives, I’ll be over here rereading my favorite scenes and nursing my emotional wounds 😭📖🕯️

I have been so excited to read this one as I already had the hardcover preordered before this was uploaded, so I was thrilled to be approved!
I appreciated the numerous POVs, as that always helps keep me more invested and interested throughout a story. Blackwood Academy is for the dead who still want to partake in magic, but if they are there too long, their soul is lost forever (no pressure, right?).
This was such an interesting premise, and I LOVE books with fierce or deadly, high-stakes competitions, which did not disappoint. The trials were action-packed and kept me turning pages to see what would happen to which character next. The world-building was solid overall and I REALLY appreciated the short chapters!
There were definitely times I felt like I was internally shouting at the characters to just communicate and save themselves the trouble lol but where would the fun be if they all knew how to be perfect? The overall writing was immersive enough to keep you feeling like you were watching the action unfold versus reading it which is a huge plus for any good fantasy.
I will post my review on Instagram @thatbookishteach closer to publication!

The plot of this book is so entertaining!! It was easy to get swept up in. I am usually not a fan of having as many pov’s (6 is a bit much) but I believe it works for this story. I really enjoyed falling in love with all the characters! The plot twist in this is pretty good as well. I can’t wait for book two.

Ok aesthetically pleasing Harry Potter, you were an entertaining read and a 4 stars book.

For a debut, this book is pretty solid. There's a plot, it hits all the beats and the prose was very easy to read. There were a lot of chapters given the amount of POVs, but I flew through them no matter the size and could get through a handful every time I got a moment to read. Setting was also well done, very moody, and there was enough worldbuilding without too much info-dumping.

The one thing I wish this book had developed better were the characters. They had immediate motivations concerning the main plot and mostly gave enough information for me to care, but I wish there was more backstory and a deeper dive into their feelings/wants beyond what concerned the competition, so I could get a better grasp at who they are.

I had so much fun reading this books. I loved getting to know the characters and the world that was created. I can genuinely say I've never read anything quite like this books, the concept is so unique. The way I. V. Marie was able to hook me in at each part was phenomenal, making me want to know more of what the plot had in store and what would happen with the characters. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House for letting me ready this early!

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I.V. Marie promised a tense enemies to lovers dark academia fantasy set in the underworld, and a fierce competition to change their fate or remain in purgatory for eternity. Blackwood Academy harbors those who died, and offers them a place to study magic. Only, if souls stay too long, they forget their past lives and are condemned to wander in the Ether. Top scholars are given the opportunity to join the ranks of the Ascended, and keep their memories and their place at Blackwood, or pass on. Only, this year the students will be competing for the coveted honor. Six of Blackwoods most talented and brightest are thrust into the competition, which has soul-destroying consequences.

Wren and August's enemies-to-lovers storyline was satisfying, but lost among the four other POV's in the story, I wanted more world building, more explanation of Blackwood and how it came to be in the afterlife. There was little explanation for why characters could do magic in the afterlife. Hoping these questions are answered in the sequel.

I really enjoyed Immortal Consequences . It has a nice blend of fantasy, philosophy, and action. It has many complex characters that are very well developed. I love how they envision the world of purgatory. I was also intrigued with the idea of having an academy in purgatory. There are many fantasy novels based with academia themes but this one was very unique. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered what it would truly mean to live ! Can’t wait for the next in the series! 4.5 rating

Immortal Consequences by I. V. Marie
The Souls of Blackwood Academy #1
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: min-
Format/Source: ebook from author and NetGalley
Genres/Tropes: fantasy, dark academia, gothic, Hunger games x The Maze Runner x Harry Potter
Audience: YA
Setting: Purgatory
Characters: Wren, Emilio, Maya, Irene, August, Olivier, Masika, Louise, Mateo, Josie, Silas
👍 short chapters, multi POV, different setting, "unfortunate acquaintances," trials, twists, world building
👎 skewed percentage of sexual orientation choices, using God’s Name in vain, secrets and non-communication between friends

Description:
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.
This time, though, the rules have changed. This Decennial isn’t a celebration—it’s a competition. And there can only be one victor.
Each of these six students has their own motivation to win...and their own secret to hide. But what none of them know? They aren’t the only ones playing Blackwood’s game. And if they lose. . . some fates are worse than death.

My opinion:
Marie pens an action packed dark academia fantasy with well-written characters (some you love and some you loathe) and some unexpected twists! I did, however, find the non-communication and secrets between the friends frustrating and a little immature. The short chapters and multiple POV made for an effortless, quick read. I loved that the setting (Purgatory-esque) of this novel was different than most fantasies I've perused. The world building was interspersed throughout the novel, and I found it to be very intriguing. The trials were a mix of Hunger Games x Harry Potter x Maze Runner - and I, of course, adore all three of those series. Personal preference - I didn't care for the characters using God’s Name in vain or the slanted percentage of different sexual orientation choices. Overall, I was entertained by this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys any type of fantasy novel.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #fantasybooks #booktok #netgalley

In a way, IMMORTAL CONSEQUENCES reminded me of a YA THE ATLAS SIX. In that regard, it was not my most favorite book, but that doesn't mean it's not without its merits. The prose was fantastic: enthralling and immersive, this was easily the best part of the book. Couple that with a hooky premise, and I think this book will go down well with most readers. Where it fell flat was the actual execution of the story--namely, the many POVs the author used to tell it. If I'm recalling correctly, there were a whopping six perspectives flattened into a 500 or so page book. A lot of this book felt disjointed, repetitive, and rushed as it raced through the story, and even the wonderful writing couldn't save it because of that. Overall, enjoyable--twisty, enchanting, intriguing--but bogged down with perspectives that should have been merged into two or three, max.

Thank you for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

YA
Dark academy but in the afterlife
Multi Pov

this one was so unique and I enjoyed it so much! This follows 6 different characters and I can honestly say I liked each of them, which in multi POVs is not always the case!

I loved that this took place in the afterlife! The storyline was so good, I literally had so many moments that my jaw dropped at some of the revelations! Iloved getting to know these characters and their relationships with each other!

I need that next book and this one isn’t even officially released yet 😭

I had so much fun reading this book. The ensemble of characters was everything I hoped - varied in their personalities and motivations kept the story rich and well paced as they interacted with each other.

There were definitely lots of moments that felt heavily inspired by other fantasy stories, but what I think made this book so spectacular was the setting. Blackwood Academy is a university in purgatory whose primary purpose is to support and maintain the afterlife. The descriptions were so rich, I never had any trouble picturing where I was and how places fit together, and the use of color made everything feel both gorgeous and mildly threatening - the perfect backdrop for a dark, magical twists and turns.

I wouldn’t really put this in the romantasy category, but there is such good use of tension and yearning between multiple characters. Emilio is a personal favorite - his POVs were so wrought with that uniquely adolescent self sabotage, being paralyzed by self doubt, ugh! Be still my heart!

I was absolutely gagged at the twist - I thought I had it figured out, but there was so much more to it that I didn’t put together. I love a story that builds on itself, just feeding you morsels to make you think you’ve seen the whole picture and then more keeps coming. I am so excited for what will come next - I think I.V. Marie is going to blow people away with this debut!

A dark academia book set in the afterlife with rivals to lovers and a deadly competition? SIGN ME UP! This was such a fun read that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Each character is well developed, and the author does a fantastic job balancing each of their arcs. I am so ready for book 2!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was freaking amazing!!!! I can’t give enough stars to explain how much I enjoyed this! You have the dark academia and the enemies to lovers with a dash of cat and mouse. It was a roller coaster of a read and I’m still riding the high from it!

I loved this book so much. It was a unique premise and I was hanging on to every single word written in this book. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to get their hands on this book. Beautifully done.

I loved this! Enemies to lovers meets dark academia, it flew by I'm sad I've finished it so quickly, the writing was lush and atmospheric, enjoyed the plot and character development was top notch, this will definitely be a best selling YA this year, if not THEE YA of the year

Enemies to lovers, dark academia vibes is everything to me. I was absolutely captivated by the world building in this book. The magic??? GORG. The

I absolutely loved Wren and August. They have amazing chemistry which helps keep my interest and pinning hehe. I LOVE cat & mouse feelings!!!!!!!

I really enjoyed the magic system. It was not overly complicated and it was easy to follow. The magic flows so well throughout the story and is such a natural release. THE END WILL HAVE YOU SCREAMING AND GRIPPING YOUR BOOK OR KINDLE.

I just finished Immortal Consequences by @ and I was amazed!

This book follows characters navigating Blackwood Academy and being stuck in the ether.

I was intimidated by their being six POVs but the author did a great job at distinguishing each characters individuality so it flowed seamlessly!

This book was atmospheric and captivating! Definitely go add this to your TBRs so you won’t miss out on what’s sure to be one of the best of the year!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Blackwood Academy is a prestigious boarding school located at the edge of the afterlife where students who have passed on, learn to reap souls from the Ether and guide the lost souls to the other side. The only way to graduate is to pass the Decennial, a trial that occurs every 10 years. One student is selected for the Decennial to complete four trials. If they are successful, they are given the option to be part of Blackwood's elite known as the Ascended or move on to the Other Side. However, things are changing at Blackwood Academy, and these Decennial rules have changed to be a competition. With only one winner, six students must fight for their chance to win.

I finished this book a couple of days ago and I cannot stop thinking about it. Even though we are only at the end of March, I can say for certain this book will be at the top of my list for favorite books in 2025. There are so many mysteries that lie beyond the gates of Blackwood Academy, and I was completely invested in these characters as they navigate the Decennial and their relationships with the rest of the "unfortunate acquaintances." This book is full of twists and turns, that I didn't want to stop reading to find out what happens next, and the cliffhanger had me throwing my kindle and trying to find out when book 2 will be coming out even though this book isn't even published yet. If you are a fan of Dark Academia, this book is a must add to your TBR.

Immortal Consequences comes out July 29th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to review Immortal Consequences. All thoughts and opinions are my own.