Hot, hot, hot! I'm ALL-IN for a great dark academia romance and this one checked all the boxes. I will admit to giggling and rolling my eyes a bit every time she said he "smelled like paint and petrichor" after about the fourth time. It was dark and sexy. A great read and I will be looking for more by this author.

Enigma has a fascinating premise—dark, twisted, and full of characters who are purposefully a little unhinged… but that’s kind of the charm. It gave me similar vibes to Nocticadia by Keri Lake (though without the deeply disturbing elements—no teacher/student dynamics or serial killer love interests here). The dark academia atmosphere was done well, and I was fully on board for that aesthetic.

That said, the pacing felt all over the place. With tighter structure and better timing, so many of the story’s elements could’ve hit harder. The romance especially would’ve benefited from a slower build—more time spent letting the main characters bond over their shared eccentricities and the mystery connecting them would’ve made it feel more earned. And the ending? Way too rushed.

This book had potential, and I wouldn’t call it bad by any means—but it definitely could’ve been better.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook!

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 Salazar 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 had the pleasure of being able to both read an eARC and listen to an audio copy, and I have to say the audiobook really brings the story to life! The mood and setting are well-conveyed, and the steamy, sexy scenes are well done but not over-the-top. A perfect amount of steamy spice. I really enjoyed the narrator and the pacing of the story. It was much easier (and more fun) to picture the characters while listening to the audiobook vs. just reading digital. This audiobook is *~CHEF'S KISS~*

I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone!