Salem and Caz was my favorite characters in this book and her founding out who killed her sister was crazy lot of dark

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I enjoyed the different voices for the two characters. The audiobook was nicely done and I will listen to it again. Thank you for the oppportunity to listen to this audio and I will recommend it to my friends.

This is the ultimate dark academia romance! Full of themes of death, secrets, and loss all tied into an undeniable attraction between two flawed characters. And THE SECRETS will drive you crazy in the best way. Aiden Snow and Jaclyn Kelso were flawless in their performances. If you're interested in this story I highly suggest listening to it. They took a gripping story and made it irresistible.

I absolutely loved this audio. I had such a fun time listening to this and absolutely adore this author in every way. I most definitely bought a physical copy because I had to get my hands on it

3 stars - I’ve struggled to put my thoughts into words for this review. There are a lot of great elements —Caz and Salem were compelling, and the blend of academic and gothic elements created a vibe I lived. The prose was well done, creating a rich narrative. Yet, despite these strengths, something felt a bit flat for me. The pacing was inconsistent, pulling me in at times but losing momentum in others, and the ending didn’t quite deliver the payoff I had hoped for.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review!

I really enjoyed this, it was very reminiscent of Gothikana, but if Gothikana was part of the Dark Verse series. The only thing that was jarring was the sudden switch to them as adults, it seemed like they were kind of soulless or had changed, it didn't feel like them really. Overall, I rated this 3.5 only because it's not quite the romance I enjoy, and I realize that now, but for fans of Runyx and dark romance like this, they will really enjoy. Especially for fans of mystery and secret societies.

Audiobook review. This was such an interesting read. I was captivated by Salem and Caz as well as the overarching mystery. Salem comes across as neurodivergent and I was absolutely living for the representation.

The tension was just 🤌🏼. The steam was very well done and had unique elements that made the scenes interesting. I told my husband I wanted to try something similar… for science 😂

Aiden Snow and Jaclyn Kelso did a phenomenal job of bringing the characters to life.

Ultimately, I didn’t really get the Hades and Persephone vibes from it but thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless.

Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.

This was such a gorgeous duel performance by Jaclyn Kelso & Aiden Snow not only an execution, but in delivery!

“ I was looked at, but was never seen.“

— Albert Camus
The misunderstanding

I have so much to say about this wonderful tome. I would first like to start up with my appreciation to MacMillan Audio, the author RuNyx, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for this honest review.

Before I begin, I just would like to advise you to check your trigger warnings before you start this journey. 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75

So many beautiful layers interwoven throughout this story between the multi layer complex characters and the interwoven prose from classics such as The Misunderstanding, Wuthering Heights, and both Emilys (Dickinson and Brontë) to name a few. That not only add depth to the story for the reader, but also provoke thought as the author draws you further into this world. 

Cazimir Van der Waal. A name born not merely of sound, but of science— of unseen forces that draw bodies closer than reason allows. Why does this matter? Because our MMC, christened with these names, embodies those same invisible tethers. The Casimir effect speaks of neutral objects in close proximity, their very presence warping the fabric of space between them until an irresistible force pulls them together. Van der Waals forces, though delicate, are profound whispers of attraction that transcend the strength of chemical bonds. They are ephemeral, yet inescapable. And so too is the gaze of our MMC; meticulous, consuming, and seeing the FMC not as the world has taught her to see herself, but as something elemental. Something worthy. Our FMC Salem Salazar is a soul long dismissed, overlooked, and worn thin by the weight of invisibility. She finds herself altered by his attention, transformed by his unwavering presence. Caz becomes the catalyst for her metamorphosis. And if this name, crafted with both purpose and poetry, does not embody his role in the story, then perhaps nothing ever could.

These two are not merely lovers, they are twin flames drawn together across a chasm of pain, both haunted by the ghosts of their pasts. Both seeking not just redemption or revenge… but resurrection. Their paths, though twisted and shrouded in shadow, were always meant to cross. And when they do, something ancient and undeniable blooms between them. It is more than desire. It is a bond forged in darkness, made luminous through love.

The tale unfolds with the air of a whispered curse. A gothic university veiled in secrets and sorrow sets the stage. Each revelation is delivered with precision; some slowly bled from the text like ink in water, others held until the author chooses to shatter us with them. This deliberate storytelling crafts an atmosphere heavy with mystery and suspense, enticing the reader ever deeper into its dark halls.

It would be easy to mistake this novel for another tale of dark academia romance. But to do so would be a disservice. This is no ordinary love story, it is a requiem, an ode, an incantation. A masterwork of storytelling that binds self discovery, sorrow, passion and purpose, into a world that breathes and bleeds. The author conjures characters so intricately wrought, so painfully real, they seem to step off the page. Their world, rich with lore and layered truths, feels lived in, haunted, and achingly familiar.

Through dual perspectives, we are drawn into the innermost sanctums of both our leads. We walk with them through betrayal, longing, and the slow-burning agony of becoming. Their inner conflicts echo like cathedral bells— resounding, sacred, and impossible to ignore. Their love is not soft, it is a tempest. It is survival. It is sacred alchemy.

Threaded throughout this tale are themes as sharp and aching as winter air: rebirth, resilience, and the fragile audacity of hope. The tension is suffocating in the best of ways, the chemistry electric and earned with every turn of the page.

On the surface, this may appear to be a romance. But it is something more. It is love sculpted from ruin. It is a call to rise when you’ve been broken. It is an echo of the truth that even in your most shattered state, you are not only lovable— you are worth saving.

Where once there was silence, now there is song. Where once there was death, now there is a heartbeat. Memento vivere. Remember to live. And remember this story, for it will linger like a ghost in your bones.

I will carry these characters, and the spellbinding ache of their love, for years to come.

Please note my Amazon review is currently pending [ UPDATE: Amazon review is now live!]

This book was fantastic! I love the atmosphere and the darkness it encompasses. It was equally gripping and mysterious. Definitely read this one soon! A delightful Fall read too!

4⭐️

I really enjoyed this! It was a fun, easy read that kept me entertained from start to finish. That said, it wasn’t exactly note-worthy—I can only really remember one standout moment off the top of my head: the coffee shop kiss. And honestly? That scene was everything. It was sweet, surprising, and had just the right amount of tension to make me swoon a little.

For some reason, I thought the MMC was much older than he actually was, which threw me off for a bit—but once I adjusted, I really liked their dynamic. The banter was light and playful, the chemistry was solid, and the pacing kept the story moving without dragging.

It wasn’t the most memorable book I’ve read, but it definitely gave me a good time while I was reading it. Sometimes, that’s all you really need.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

🎧Narration – Jaclyn Kelso & Aiden snow gave wonderful dual performances. I thought they both did an excellent job of bringing their characters to life, and truly pulling me into the pages. I was completely lost in the story, and I never wanted to stop listening. Which to me, is exactly what I look for in a well narrated audiobook. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

📖Story ~ This book was a complete vibe, and I loved every minute of it. It had all of the dark, broody feels that I’ve come to know and love from this author, with an unexpectedly sweet romance to boot.

I absolutely adored the FMC, Salem, who reminded me of more grown-up Wednesday Adams. She’s morbid and quirky, drawn to the macabre, and has never quite fit in. She enrolls in a prestigious university under the guise of studying forensic science… but she has deeper motivations for being there. Ones that involve solving a string of recent unexplained deaths, that have deeply impacted her family. Before she can even get her footing in her new environment, she’s thrust into the orbit of the insufferable Kaz… who’s as delicious as he is infuriating. Salem needs to navigate her investigation, while struggling to comprehend her all consuming, and immediate attraction the this mysterious man.

The story was filled with delectable dark academia vibes, secret societies, and copious amounts of murders to solve. All intertwined with an electric romance, where the he falls first trope hits HARD. The man was obsessed, and I was eating it up. The spice was hot and sweet, and well balanced with the story.
And you can’t forget about the heartwarming found family element that added a beautiful layer of emotional depths to the story. I absolutely loved watching all of the characters grow and develop, and find solace in one another. I did not expect to be moved by this book, but I truly was.

I really should've DNF'd this one...RuNyx just isn't for me, but I see the appeal and why people like her books. This was my first book by RuNyx and probably my last...you'll have to convince me otherwise, because her writing style? Not for me.

Before reading, I was HYPE. I was super excited for the tropes: gothic, dark academia vibes. murder mystery. secret society. possessive MMC. I'm a big fan of gothic romances and thought ooo maybe it's giving KL vibes. WRONG. The writing style was such a turnoff it was almost comical; so I had nothing and no one to root for. I felt 0 connection to the characters, romance was lacking, and her writing made their spice cringeworthy.

Ty NetGalley + Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book! The narrators for this audiobook were fantastic, but next time I'll listen to them narrate another book!

Enigma by RuNyx isn't a book you gently discover—it's a story that seizes your attention, blending dark academia, gothic mystery, and potent obsession. Set against the decaying grandeur of Mortimer University, the narrative follows Salem Salazar, a socially detached, death-curious student investigating her sister's disappearance. Her path collides explosively with Cazimir van der Waal, a charismatic, morally ambiguous artist and teaching assistant. Their relationship evolves from hostile curiosity into compelling psychological warfare, filled with dangerous intensity and raw attraction.

RuNyx excels at crafting vivid, atmospheric prose, immersing readers in Mortimer's shadowy corridors and secret rituals. The intricate depiction of Salem’s complexities—her intellectual armor, emotional scars, and defiant spirit—is handled thoughtfully, avoiding cliché. Likewise, Caz is captivatingly portrayed, his allure stemming from unpredictability and dark charm rather than traditional heroism.

However, the novel falters slightly with pacing issues in the middle sections, overly lush descriptions that sometimes slow momentum, and secondary characters that lack depth. Despite these minor shortcomings, Enigma remains an intense exploration of obsession, trauma, and hidden power structures.

Fans of RuNyx’s Gothikana, Bardugo’s Ninth House, and Hoover’s Verity will find much to admire here. Enigma is an unapologetically provocative journey into darkness, seduction, and psychological intrigue—perfect for readers who crave stories both beautifully written and boldly unsettling.

Thank you RuNyx,Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ALC. I really enjoyed Gothikana, so I've been foaming at the mouth for Enigma. I absolutely love a spooky vibe, and these books give the dark academia atmosphere. I was HOOKED in the beginning of this story... murder mystery? dark academia? secret societies that are kinda culty? Yes, please. But because of the placing, I lost interest overall. It normally takes me a couple days to finish an audiobook, and I've been picking up and putting back down Enigma over 3 weeks. I felt the relationship moved too quickly, and it was definitely not enemies to lovers (in my opinion). But the spice was spicing! The narrators here did a good job, I just think this one was a little slow for me.

I listened to the audiobook version. I enjoyed the narrator and she did a good job!

I went in with zero expectations but wanted a dark academia to read. The slow burn, secret societies and rivals to lovers was written decently. I really enjoyed this book!

Enigma was an intense and gripping read! From the very beginning, the mystery and suspense pulled me in and never let go. I loved trying to piece together all the secrets right alongside the characters. The story was full of twists, emotional depth, and just the right amount of tension to keep me on the edge of my seat. Every chapter left me wanting more. If you love a good mystery with complex characters and unexpected turns, Enigma is definitely one to pick up!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

So I thought the narrators were great but uh... I don't know what I was expecting but this was not it... On paper this was my kind of book but something about the execution just felt so lacking... It's a shame because the concept was so interesting and the prologue felt like it was setting up for something ominous and instead the plot just felt lacking.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Bramble Books and of course RuNyx for allowing me to experience the story of Salem, via ARC Audio! I was drawn right into this book and couldn’t stop listening! I was always eager to drive anywhere, just so I could continue on with what was happening! This had dark romance, dark academia and gothic vibes! I liked Salem as the MFC and was invested in her motivation. She was tragic, dark, and mysterious. I liked the development of Caz. He was broken, dangerous, mysterious – turned hot protector – MINE. I love MINE troupes. Like, who doesn’t want to be yearned for? But there were some instances where it felt possessive and toxic. For me toxicity love isn’t my thing, so I was a bit turned off. If you love secret societies, art-based characters, missing girls, romance and trauma backgrounds this is a good introduction. I was a bit let down with the big secret society and the events that occurred. I mostly loved being able to see the progress they made as a couple in the epilogues as I found it very sweet to see years down the road. Overall, I did enjoy this audio book, the narrators did an excellent job and I liked the MFC. This was a 3 star read for me.

I am a runyx Stan ! So of course I loved it . Enigma was a bit different from Gothikana. But loved it all the same. I am obsessed with the gothic vibe runyx writes. These characters were dark and deep and I ate it up.

The narrators for this audiobook were amazing also! It’s tough to find a good audio book and this was perfect!

This was my first Runyx book and holy hell I feel like I’ve been missing out!!! I got this as an ALC but I will definitely be eyeball reading this as well because it was so good!

Caz and Salem are the perfect dark couple!

The way he was always there to make sure she stayed safe ***Swoon***

Also the mystery and murders holy hell. The twist definitely twisted because I was not expecting that person to be a bad guy in here.

That cafeteria scene had me squealing and kicking my feet.