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mwalsh97's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I actually enjoyed the plot to solve the murders way more than I thought I would. I had fairly low expectations for this book as far as plot goes. The spice was decent, I would've liked the book to be more plot heavy than spicy heavy.
The FMC is a bit of a "I'm not like other girls because I have dark hair and weird eyes." Maybe I'm just over that trope, I think it's been around for a while and shows up in YA books fairly often. I also couldn't tell when the book was set in? There was internet and cell phones but the FMC lived off grid and the town around the school seemed more akin to a old timey town than a modern one. Maybe that's just because of the lack of description in the time period department, it took away from the story a bit. Anytime the technology was brought up it seemed both more advanced and out of place than it should be. In my brain I settled on the time period being late '80s to '90s since it was never specified or made clear in the story itself.
RuNyx writes really good spooky paranormal mysteries and I think this story could have stood on its own without the explicit spice if the it was fleshed out more and tweaked a little. I would love to see a less spicy spooky paranormal mystery from them in the future.
The FMC is a bit of a "I'm not like other girls because I have dark hair and weird eyes." Maybe I'm just over that trope, I think it's been around for a while and shows up in YA books fairly often. I also couldn't tell when the book was set in? There was internet and cell phones but the FMC lived off grid and the town around the school seemed more akin to a old timey town than a modern one. Maybe that's just because of the lack of description in the time period department, it took away from the story a bit. Anytime the technology was brought up it seemed both more advanced and out of place than it should be. In my brain I settled on the time period being late '80s to '90s since it was never specified or made clear in the story itself.
RuNyx writes really good spooky paranormal mysteries and I think this story could have stood on its own without the explicit spice if the it was fleshed out more and tweaked a little. I would love to see a less spicy spooky paranormal mystery from them in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Suicide
Moderate: Murder and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
doodlebeanz's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Suicide, Blood, Death of parent, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
selena74321's review against another edition
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 🥰
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 🥰
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Death of parent
fabledandfantasy's review against another edition
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Death of parent, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
katiepreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This sat on my shelf for so long. I can't believe I waited so long to read this. It is like a Wednesday-esque themed, sort of murder or thriller mystery, Gothic and possibly paranormal romance. I absolutely loved it. And it is quite spicy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Dementia, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Injury/Injury detail
abegailev's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Every now and then, a book grabs me by the seat of my pants and will not let me put it down until I'm done. And then it continues to plague my thoughts and I just wish that it never ended-which inevitable leads me to hunting down fanfics of it. 😂 All to live and bask in the amazing world and characters that the author created.
What book am I talking about? None other than Gothikana by RuNyx. When I read the blurb about this book, I was intrigued: "the eternal romance of Beauty & the Beast meets the gothic suspense of Dracula." I mean, come on! Who wouldn't be interested?
It did not disappoint, Besties. Was it dark and mysterious? ✅ Did it have paranormal/supernatural undertones? ✅ Was the setting memorable? (I mean Castles?? Ruins?? Dark Lake??) ✅ Did it have imperfect characters that you can't help fall in love with? ✅ Was it spicy? ✅🌶️✅ Did it have memorable quotes? ✅
The pacing was on point. Nowhere in the story did I get bored/felt like it dragged or felt like things got rushed. RuNyx introduces us to this mysterious world and she weaves this magical story. I just want to know, "CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE PLEASE??"
I leave you with my favorite quote from the male character, Vad. The way he describes his devotion/commitment to Corvina..this is why they say, chose the Villain and not the Hero.
“This will last until the day the roses on my grave stop sharing roots with the roses on yours,” he declared. “I will have you even in death, little witch. I am your beast. I am your madness. And you, you’re my afterlife.”
What book am I talking about? None other than Gothikana by RuNyx. When I read the blurb about this book, I was intrigued: "the eternal romance of Beauty & the Beast meets the gothic suspense of Dracula." I mean, come on! Who wouldn't be interested?
It did not disappoint, Besties. Was it dark and mysterious? ✅ Did it have paranormal/supernatural undertones? ✅ Was the setting memorable? (I mean Castles?? Ruins?? Dark Lake??) ✅ Did it have imperfect characters that you can't help fall in love with? ✅ Was it spicy? ✅🌶️✅ Did it have memorable quotes? ✅
The pacing was on point. Nowhere in the story did I get bored/felt like it dragged or felt like things got rushed. RuNyx introduces us to this mysterious world and she weaves this magical story. I just want to know, "CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE PLEASE??"
I leave you with my favorite quote from the male character, Vad. The way he describes his devotion/commitment to Corvina..this is why they say, chose the Villain and not the Hero.
“This will last until the day the roses on my grave stop sharing roots with the roses on yours,” he declared. “I will have you even in death, little witch. I am your beast. I am your madness. And you, you’re my afterlife.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Suicide
Moderate: Mental illness and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
asims723's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Suicide, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Death of parent
kristanjenkins's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Body horror, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Medical content, Dementia, Stalking, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
lallabc's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, and Blood
Moderate: Dementia and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
austinisweird's review against another edition
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"
tbh I didn't care for the main character or the smut
(there was no plot 😭)
___________________
Reread:
I mentally pronounce Corvina name "Corona"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual content, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Incest, Suicide, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Cursing and Death of parent