Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Gothikana by RuNyx

55 reviews

ellerossi's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Maybe I’m being a bit harsh, but I didn’t enjoy this book. 

It was really hard to get into, mainly because the writing felt very basic. The descriptive language was juvenile, the storyline felt undeveloped, and the “spicy” scenes were way too cringe-worthy. I also had to keep going back and re-reading to see if I missed details, but most of them just weren’t there to begin with. 

It wasn’t the worst dark, borderline fantasy romance I’ve ever read, but I won’t be looking for anything else by this author again.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

calsivier's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is what you called a dark-romance tale. Probably not the best, but I can say it already affords dark and suspense element within every character and space atmosphere. I thought, magic is incorporated in this tale, but everything is done by human themselves. And I didn't expect that the romance relationship is super spicy *cry* even though I already read the author note.

Some character developments are lack. There so many secrets need to have further explanation, like Vad and Corvina past live, fake Jade true identity (her name) and motives (I need more), all the bones they found in woods and tunnel, also the main characters chemistry need to be more engaged not only by sexual transaction, but also by their deepest mind and heart toward each other. I don't have any complain about RuNyx writing style, I enjoy everything. I expect to read more of her books in future.

Lastly, I like the ending, how Vad actually really loves Corvina with all his heart. Him spending his time taking care Corvina on Institute, helping her to overcome her trauma by talking to her and moving on from Verenmore even though that place is everything for him, and still marrying her despite all her flaws.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

fantasygirliesilho's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Amazing, spicy and intriguing layer of mysteries and plot twists. Definitely a great dark academia sexy read!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

doodlebeanz's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

probably the worst book I've read. I was into it for the mystery element, but this book left me with more unanswered questions than answered ones. I don't even know what I read. So many plot holes. Characters were bland/one dimensional, the romance was cringey and unrealistic, and the writing was just all around bad. The only area this book redeemed itself enough to get a one star from me, was the spice. The spicy scenes were spicy. A+ in that department for the most part. but literally, this book answered NO questions. It just ended abruptly. don't read this book unless you want to be severely let down.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

selena74321's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This was my first dark academia romance book. Boy, did I have no idea what I was getting into. 

The story itself definitely felt like it had some plot holes (I mean, seriously, how did they not get caught while doing it in the library everyday??? How did none of Corvina’s friends not question her more for constantly disappearing??), but I was quite invested in Vad and Corvina’s relationship. I really enjoyed the overall emphasis on mental health, as well. It’s incredibly heartwarming seeing love prevail despite the potential onset of a serious mental illness. A lot of times, you hear stories about how one’s significant other runs for the hills as soon as mental illness begins to affect a relationship, but Vad held on tight and swore to protect his “little crow”.

Yes, Vad was a little possessive, but I am gonna blame that on the whole “dark” romance trope. At the end of the day, the passion between him and Corvina was to die for. Vad Deverell just became my favorite book bf 🥰


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

mirandahems's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.25


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

fabledandfantasy's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

RuNyx's *Gothikana* is an absolute gem! The moody, gothic, and witchy vibes had me hooked from the get-go. It’s like stepping into a dark, magical world that you just can't get enough of.

The male lead is everything I love in a character—mysterious and intense, just like the Phantom of the Opera. He brings so much depth and intrigue to the story, making it impossible to put down.

The plot is super well-paced, keeping the suspense alive throughout. Every twist and turn kept me on my toes, and the added spice was just perfect—not too much, but enough to add that extra zing.

Overall, *Gothikana* is a fantastic read that combines suspense, romance, and gothic charm effortlessly. If you're into dark, moody tales with a supernatural twist, you’re going to love this book. Highly recommend!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

asims723's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I liked this, but I also didn't. I told a friend at one point I hoped that the morally gray MMC fed the idiot protagonist to the lake ghosts, and I think that ending would have been much more interesting than what actually happened (what actually happened?)...I also wish Mo had been given more lines in this book. Or that it had been written from his perspective.
So what did I like? This book pairs nicely with a Pinot Noir. The atmosphere was dark and vibing. Ruins, woods, dungeons, towers, creepy shacks...those were all highlights.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kristanjenkins's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

austinisweird's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Review:
tbh I didn't care for the main character or the smut 
(there was no plot 😭)
___________________
Reread:

I mentally pronounce Corvina name "Corona"

Expand filter menu Content Warnings