Vic has given up her dreams and her own life to take care of her brother for years, after her mother mysteriously dies. Her mother had instilled that she must no matter what keep her brother hidden but never really explained why!
Henry has known all this time but has been fine with hiding.
Until the day comes, when they are finally discovered by the “Order”!
Henry’s excited to go and learn. Yet Vic is resigned and suspicious.
This book had really great world builds and descriptive action sceens.

Everything is not what it seems.
Your friends are really your foes.
your foes may actually be your friend in the end.
Secret societies
And schools for magic users
The drama unfolds and the truth comes to light.
Unique and different magic systems.
Overall I liked this book but the romance really took a backseat, also wish there would have been more in-depth about some things in the book.

Thank you Netgalley & Ballantine for the ARC of this book!

This book was a solid dark/gothic fantasy with a premise we are all pretty used to. Vic is human but her brother has powers and they go to the creepy castle school where Vic doesn't fit in. She is very feisty to the point of being a little obnoxious, but that is how many female characters are these days. I enjoyed learning about the history of the Order and the magic system. The romance felt very surface level and felt kind of thrown in for the sake of being there. There was a LOT of fighting, so if that is your thing, you will LOVE this book.

Overall, it was fine. If you enjoy creatures, a basic fantasy storyline, and a creepy castle, you will enjoy this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story with a twist that the protagonist *isn't* the chosen one. A witch school where the witches would rather cast the reader out for being ordinary. I felt Vic's frustrations and failures, while cheering her on at the moments her own strengths kept her in the competition.

definitely had potential, just wasn't for me. felt repetitive and i was tired of hearing about XAN tbh. so many of these books just take them same path anymore, it's hard to find things that stand out.

This book did not disappoint. The main character, Vic, has a blunt personality which makes for some funny moments, especially in pairing with her friendships. Although she is human in a witch filled school, she proves her own and creates a very strong character for herself. The love interest, Xan, seems all too sudden and I wish they had developed that more before romanticizing their relationship. Their dynamic together is great, though, and I support it very much.
The plot of the antagonist and the Brotherhood is still quite mysterious which has me WAITING for the next book. I NEED to know what happens in the Brotherhood and what convinced its members to join. The second book better come out soon, because the ending of book one... well it threw me for a loop.
Overall, great book. I would definitely recommend it

This book is what would happen if Harry Potter and Fourth Wing had a baby. It was interesting to read the POV of a non-magical person going to a college for magic, where almost everyone hates non-magic wielding people and sees them as inferior.

The pacing in this book for me was slow. I had a hard time picking it back up, but once I was reading I was fully immersed. Vic is a very capable fighter but has no magic and she was pretty helpless and vulnerable throughout most of the book. It was hard watching the strong FMC struggle with her weaknesses for so much of the book.

The romance and other relationships in this book really took a backseat to the plot. The romance was very slow burn, which is good but it could have been slower IMO, to leave room for more interactions with others. I wish the author would have explored the relationships with her brother and new friends a bit more.

It was a very interesting book despite the slow movement. I loved the author’s creation and exploration of monsters, and the unique origins of magic in this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for the Advanced Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a lot of fun, but unfortunately a bit unpolished. From the initial opening in the bar, I couldn't quite understand the plot and became even more confused after the end of the first chapter. This continues as our FMC starts and ends her training and learns more about the magic system and world her brother is forced into. I will be reading the second novel when it releases, but if you are an enjoyer of academia books with mystery and magic, this is perfect! I hope the opening is tailored more to mirror the second half of the book, which was action-packed and fast!

3.5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE ... this is a strong 4.5. This is exactly what I looked for in a romantasy. It was edgy and light at the right moments and in perfect balance, while still having an engaging and clever plot and magic system. And of course, characters that I can't wait to get back to. The visual experience triggered by how descriptively Anderson writes about the magic system and its rune element was easily one of the best parts of reading this for me.

AND THAT LAST SENTENCE?! I don't know, but I did not see that coming at all.

From the beginning, I appreciated how direct and clear the worldbuilding was while remaining seamlessly incorporated into the actual story overall. If you like dark academia fantasy stories where the main character is learning along with you as the reader, then you will enjoy how it is written. Anderson was able to handle that style while not overexplaining.

The pacing also does not.let.up. It starts off strong, with Vic's first antagonistic interaction at the bar making me hold my breath. As an older sister who feels strong responsibility over my younger brother, I saw myself in Vic and why her complicated relationships and history cause her to sometimes not make the best decisions.

Like I said before, I really enjoyed the other characters, including Xan, who to me (as a love interest) was fine, but was not necessarily to write home about - however, as a character overall, he does a great job of amplifying Vic's strength which is honestly what I want to see. I definitely hope to get a little more on him in the next book. And of course, Sarah and May are everything to me, and if anything happens to them, I'll implode.

I'll definitely be getting the audio for this when it comes out and doing a reread. Can't wait to see where the series goes!

Okay, so first off, I loved the friendship between Vic, Sarah, and May; it felt authentic and helped flesh each of the characters out so that their personalities really shone through.

I’m not sold on the love interest, though. I find it kind of odd that this guy was Vic’s mother’s friend (and possibly more than that). I’m not sure that part was all that well thought out.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to its sequel.

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Per instructions in ebook, holding this review until publication date. After that date, will post the review below to Goodreads, Storygraph, Instagram.

Thank you to Ballentine Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A fun fantasy read with a badass heroine, that's being mis-categorized a little bit. The tagline for this is calling it a gothic dark academia fantasy. But after reading it, I would put it more into the urban fantasy genre. Yes, it mainly takes place at a training school for "witches", who in this case are entitled twenty-something magic users, and yes, the school is in a castle-like building in the woods in winter in upstate New York or something. However, it's just missing the vibes, the moodiness, the excessive time in the classroom and academic snarkiness that would really plant it in the gothic or dark academia genre (IMHO). And while much of the story doesn't take place in a city, it just has the vibes of urban fantasy. The main character is a badass lady who likes fighting and knives, there's plenty of monsters, and a big, broody, beefy love interest (of course), which all seems very urban fantasy to me.

I was a little worried at first, when this seemed to start out an awful lot like a typical "chosen one goes to magic school" story, but luckily it found its own way, and had some interesting twists and turns in the plot. Many story elements will seem familiar to long-time fans of the genre, but there are also plenty of original takes here as well. The main character, Vic, was a little frustrating at times in her single-mindedness, but was still sympathetic and interesting enough to hang out with for the length of the book. I would have liked to have spent more time learning about her friends, but maybe they will get more page time in the sequel?

Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book, and am interested in seeing what else this author will write. I'll definitely be continuing the series when possible.

Victoria has been on the run with her little brother, Henry, since her mother disappeared 10 years ago and told Henry to watch out for the bad men. While working at a restaurant, Vic has a run in with one of the "bad men" who happens to be a witch. She is told Henry is in danger if he doesn't come to their school and learn how to control his magic since he, Henry, is a witch too. Vic reluctantly takes Henry and is given the chance to try to learn magic herself, even if it is against the rules. Vic struggles with everything except the combat training where she excels while trying not to get on the handsome yet grumpy sentinel's bad side. After facing near death several times, Vic is certain someone wants her gone or elminated.

The story drew me in from the start and kept a great pace throughout. The tension between Vic and Xan is great and I hope there is a sequel. A great gothic, academia witchy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC. This book has a lot things that I love in a book -A secret order of witches and a magic school. The pacing was a little slow at first as the FMC goes through training and learns about the secret order and the magic system. There is a lot she has to learn which is good vehicle for the reader to learn the system. The second half of the book really picks up and there are a few events that were foreshadowed by what the FMC learned earlier. It does end of cliff hanger but I am intrigued enough to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Liza Anderson, and Ballantine Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.25 stars

This was such an interesting story. I was hooked from the beginning. I do love a magic school setting and a sinister plot. The world-building is explained somewhat throughout the book but at times I got lost in what was being revealed. I can see dark academia fans devouring this book. I didn’t feel this book had a strong gothic atmosphere. The characters were well developed. I hope we get more of their stories in the next book. I liked how Vic didn’t feel like a typical strong FMC. She actually felt like a real person. She has had to become the protector of her family which has shaped her into the person she is when arriving at the academy. I’m obsessed with a potential love interest. I can’t wait for book 2!

I was very pumped for this book, but wish it would have been a tad stronger. The premise is very cool...a school for people born with magical powers comes to claim a woman's younger brother...but not her! But she tags along anyway to protect him at his new school...and gets pulled into inter-magical faction drama along the way.

So far, so good.

Vic is a seriously awesome character, showing up at school able to spar like a bad ass. Even though she doesn't have "powers" she's got something special about her...something that no one's ever seen before. Her mother was a magician and she's feels left out of this world, but also feels at home in it.

The magic in this book is quite a bit less fantastical than Hogwarts. "Magic, then, was the organization of the world's natural tendency towards chaos." it's explained at one point. The school is reserved for people born into magic. And there are also those who are "made," and there are waring factions about if the "made" people count as being "magical." The conflict is easy to wrap your brain around.

Most of the "waring" comes down to releasing a wide assortment of battle monsters into the school/castle. These are really interesting characters that add genuine scare factor to the story.

What didn't I like then?

Well, the head security guy at the magic school is named Xan and OF COURSE Vic spends every single damn scene drooling over him. I get it. He's hot. But seriously I grew tired of endless discussion of his strapping body, towering height, tight back and thighs, dreamy eyes, luxurious hair, etc. Also, <spoiler> did they seriously dry hump until he orgasmed into his pants and then he immediately ran out to fight a monster? Did I read that right? If so...ew. That scene needed some tissues introduced. </spoiler>

Also, in nearly every damn scene from the beginning of the book, hottie Xan says to Jess, "don't walk around the school/castle by yourself alone at night." And folks...she does just that. Every. Single. Night. So much so that it's hard to have empathy for the adventures that ensure (which OF COURSE Xan often has to save her from). In these scenes, Vic seems like an air head with a crush, not a bad ass warrior. And quite frankly that made me sad. Why do that to such a great character?

Clearly, I have lots of feelings about this book. Overall I liked it, but I wanted it to be tighter and meaner (and for Vic to be smarter). Maybe I have to wait for book 2? Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for providing me with an eARC of Liza Anderson's novel, We Who Have No Gods.

In a world of witches, a human woman must hunt or be hunted in this explosive gothic dark academia fantasy filled with war-bent rivals, guarded secrets, and simmering chemistry.

This book is a solid urban fantasy read featuring witches, dark academia, monsters, and romance. While the story isn’t entirely unique, the author distinguishes their work with vivid descriptions of gruesome monsters, intense fight scenes, and a realistic romance. Many “romantasy” books either make the romance seem overly “insta-love” or so far removed from reality that readers struggle to connect. This book also delivers strong suspense, unlike many other fantasy books I have read. The care and protectiveness of the FMC (Vic) toward her brother (Henry) is heartfelt and believable. The MMC (Xan) is imposing, ruthless, and determined to ensure Vic leaves the academy whether she wants to or not. The power struggle between characters, the Order, and the world itself will make readers eager to see how it ends – and the plot twists will leave them with jaw-dropping surprises.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to review this book.


At first I thought I would be DNFing this book but I pushed through and ended up really enjoying it. There were parts that were lacking and needed to be expanded upon but hopefully the next book will give more insight. I did not expect the ending but looking back I should have. I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for providing me with this electronic review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.

Do you ever feel like you are supremely predictable? Like one of those people who are easy to shop for, wearing your interests on your sleeve. Reading this book made me feel as if I'm an archetype of a fantasy reader, drawn in by tropes and a classic magical school and identity mystery set-up. We Who Have No Gods treads territory that has been well explored before, but does so with enough twists and impeccable pacing and characterization that I could not look away. I will say, this is definitely not gothic nor dark academia, as some have proclaimed.

Vic is an outlier, a human in a castle of witches. She has been running all her life, training to protect her brother and closing her eyes to the mysteries surrounding her mother and upbringing. But avoidance only goes so far, and when she is given the choice of forcing her way into the world of magic despite endless adversity, or walking away and living a mundane life, the answer is obvious. And it has nothing to do with the supremely attractive and dangerous shadow-wielding man. Of course not.

Sound familiar? Like I said, nothing revolutionary. But I'm a changed person now, hanging up my review snob hat, and I don't think books need to be wholly innovative to be interesting. There's a reason tropes are popular! Vic is riding these tropes with strong will and emotional depth that easily bridges the gap from page to reader. This is a well paced and contained romantasy that traverses mystery and worldbuilding with ease. I'm excited to see more from this author.

A dark academia genre, this book pulls you into Avalon Castle, where secrets lurk in every corner and survival depends on power. Vic, a fiercely protective sister without magic of her own, fights to protect her brother while navigating rivalries, danger, and a dangerously compelling slow-burn with Xan. It ends with a cliffhanger, and I will be continuing this series.

Monsters. Witches. Romance. What more can we ask for in a book. A gripping tale from start to finish. Dark Academia done properly. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to what else Liza Anderson has in store for us. I didn't know what to expect when I went into it, but I am sure glad I had the opportunity to read it.

This book was such a gothic dark academia dream. It blended classic romantasy tropes with the chilling setting of a magic school and some truly terrifying creatures.

The story follows Vic, a human woman who has spent her life protecting her magical brother from the Acheron Order—witches who guard the boundary between the living and the dead. When her brother is accepted into the mysterious Avalon Castle, Vic must pose as a student to keep him safe, despite having no powers herself. Very quickly, she’s pulled into a deadly conflict among the witches, with her mother at the center of it all—while also clashing with Xan, the brooding head sentinel who wants her gone at any cost.

Vic is a strong-willed character determined to prove her worth. I loved her protective nature, but at times she felt a little too “hero coded”—always able to jump into the action, even without magic. She also tended to run headfirst into danger, which sometimes pulled me out of her otherwise cautious personality.

The worldbuilding, though, was my favorite part. The creatures were so vividly described that they gave me chills, and I loved how eerie and unsettling the setting felt. I do wish the magic system and the creatures’ lore had been fleshed out more—I found myself wanting more history and context to really ground everything.

As for the romance, Vic and Xan had plenty of tension, but their dynamic felt a bit rushed. Xan leaned toward the classic broody MMC archetype without much to make him stand apart, and their relationship lacked the slower build-up I usually enjoy.

Overall, though, I found this book entertaining and full of potential. The atmosphere and monsters really make it stand out, and I think readers who love series like The Mortal Instruments will enjoy diving into this world.

✨ Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!