Review of Immortal Consequences: A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick (The Souls of Blackwood Academy)
From the moment I stumbled upon Immortal Consequences, I knew I was in for a treat. The stunning cover, with its flower-patterned sprayed edges, immediately caught my eye, reminiscent of a love letter from the afterlife. I.V. Marie, a debut author, promises a dark academia experience that is not just about magic but explores the intricate, tangled web of human emotions, rivalry, and ambition. With Good Morning America endorsing it as a YA Book Club Pick, I couldn’t help but dive into this enchanted world of Blackwood Academy, a boarding school that straddles the lines between life and death.
The premise alone is exhilarating: six top students trapped in a purgatorial school, forced to compete in the treacherous Decennial, where only one victor can change their fate. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Among the competitors, we meet a compelling cast, each fighting their own demons and desires. From academic archrivals whose strange bond teeters between obsession and hate to a girl haunted by lost love, I found their stories captivating—and at times, painfully relatable. The language I.V. Marie employs is both vivid and engaging, making even the most complex emotions easily digestible.
As I turned page after page, I was enveloped in the beautifully depicted settings and intense emotional conflicts. I particularly appreciated the way Marie balanced multiple points of view, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives. While some readers found the six POVs overwhelming, I felt it added a dynamic depth to the storytelling; it allowed me to experience the emotions of each character intimately, including their hidden motivations and vulnerabilities.
One notable highlight was the depiction of love that transcends boundaries—between life and death, rivalry and camaraderie—and the profound secrets that intertwine these characters. A quote from Ava Reid, who describes the book as “a twisty and thrilling dark academia fantasy,” perfectly encapsulated the read: it kept me guessing and enthralled until the last page.
That said, the ambitious narrative can occasionally lead to pacing issues. Some scenes felt redundant as different characters experienced events from their specific angles, leading to a slight drag in the overarching plot. But these moments were minor blips in an otherwise enchanting journey.
For those who revel in dark academia, Immortal Consequences is undoubtedly a must-read. It explores themes of ambition, the complexity of relationships, and what it truly means to live or die. As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing for the sequel, eager to unravel more of Blackwood Academy’s mysteries. Whether you’re a newcomer to YA or a long-time fan of the genre, I think you’ll find yourself equally enchanted.
If you enjoy tales rich with intrigue, betrayal, and a hint of romance—where every character has a layered story to tell—then prepare to be swept away into the haunting halls of Blackwood. This journey through the afterlife might just change the way you view the ties that bind us, even when death seems imminent.