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INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES (LONDON) BESTSELLER
For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, ‘a slow-burn dark academia filled with delicious yearning, dripping with atmosphere, and a compelling mystery’ (Ellis Hunter, author of Blood Bound) about a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her that are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.
Everything about Sylas Archyr feels like a sin.
Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola’s magic killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn’t learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.
There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented, and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father’s death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he’s determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties—and his common sense.
As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail’s treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling conspiracy: someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can’t uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, ‘a slow-burn dark academia filled with delicious yearning, dripping with atmosphere, and a compelling mystery’ (Ellis Hunter, author of Blood Bound) about a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her that are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.
Everything about Sylas Archyr feels like a sin.
Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola’s magic killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn’t learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.
There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented, and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father’s death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he’s determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties—and his common sense.
As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail’s treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling conspiracy: someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can’t uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Praise for this book
"A deliciously atmospheric plunge into a rich world of murky alliances and creeping betrayal, where dead men tell tales and speak in riddles. Tagliareni skillfully spins a sweeping romance between two houses, alike in dignity, whose ancient grudges could unleash new horror and whose secrets have no intention of staying dead." - Shalini Abeysekara
"Deathbringer is an astonishing debut that left me equal parts breathless and desperate for more. The characters are well-fleshed out, the world-building is masterclass, and the setting is richly interwoven with darkness and magic. I am left reeling after the ending, and already I am counting down the days until the sequel is released." - Heba Al-Wasity
"A wickedly fresh dark academia sure to slither straight into your heart. Rival houses, haunted catacombs, layered mysteries, and a hate-to-love romance sharp enough to wound... Deathbringer is a must-read!" - Brittney Arena
"Deathbringer is a dark, decadent masterpiece. It brims with magic, systemic struggles, and epic love. Tagliareni's vibrant characters carry enough secrets to fill a crypt, and at its heart, it's an exploration of legacy; what we owe our families, and what we owe ourselves." - Mikayla Bridge
"A decadent new voice in romantic fantasy. With her debut, Deathbringer, Tagliareni weaves a masterful tale of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and betrayal. If you love dark academia, found family casts, and intricate world building, you won't want to miss this one." - Kate Dylan
"A spellbinding fever dream of a book that was impossible to put down. Deathbringer has everything I love about dark academia and romantic fantasy, paired with a tender, heart-wrenching exploration of grief and the ways it shapes us, and woven together in a way that is wholly unique and utterly gorgeous. Sonia Tagliareni had me gasping at the twists I never saw coming, kicking my feet at the simmering slow-burn tension, and at times outright sobbing - leaving me missing Sylas and Viola long after the last page, and already desperate for the sequel." - Bar Fridman-Tell
"A slow-burn dark academia filled with delicious yearning, dripping with atmosphere, and a compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages late into the night." - Ellis Hunter
"By turns thrilling, gothic, tender, and sexy - often all at once - Deathbringer is the dark academia romantasy I've been waiting for. With a brooding poison mage and a reluctant death mage forced to work together to solve a murder mystery, this masterfully crafted story is also a meditation on grief and belonging - with an ending that will leave you desperate to return to Gorhail." - Jennifer Mandula
"Tagliareni's novel is sure to be the top fantasy of the year, distinguishing itself in an overcrowded market. Viola is an unforgettable heroine, and her complex dynamic with Sylas will make readers root for them and cry with them. Dark, rich, and deeply felt from betrayals, this is a must-read for every fantasy lover." - Sarah Mughal Rana
"Deathbringer is utterly spellbinding, with immersive worldbuilding, intoxicating dark academia vibes, and a forbidden romance that simmers with tension. I came for the dangerous murder mystery, but stayed for Viola's raw emotional journey, which gripped me and never let go. Sonia Tagliareni's debut is a bold triumph-dark, elegant, and impossible to forget." - Rebecca Robinson
"Deathbringer is essential dark academia. Forbidden forests, ancient halls, and snakes that can heal or kill, it's an utterly original debut that expertly balances tension, adventure, grief, and a sizzling romance." - Annie Summerlee
"To say this rich and imaginative dark academia is impossible to put down is an understatement. A slow-burn murder mystery that grows to a scorching blaze of intrigue, danger, and romance. Tagliareni's debut is a new and welcome voice to make room for on your shelf." - Elle Tesch
"With an irresistible voice and a mystery that kept me second-guessing until the very end, Deathbringer is a captivating, must-read that made me feel every step of the way!" - J R Ward
"Sumptuous, decadent, and gripping, Deathbringer is a genre-bending feast of dark academia, murder mystery, and forbidden romance. Tagliareni bewitches with her richly-crafted world of necromancy and poison while masterfully layering in suspense. Gorhail ensnared me from the first page; this is one to be savored." - Amélie Wen Zhao
"Deathbringer is an astonishing debut that left me equal parts breathless and desperate for more. The characters are well-fleshed out, the world-building is masterclass, and the setting is richly interwoven with darkness and magic. I am left reeling after the ending, and already I am counting down the days until the sequel is released." - Heba Al-Wasity
"A wickedly fresh dark academia sure to slither straight into your heart. Rival houses, haunted catacombs, layered mysteries, and a hate-to-love romance sharp enough to wound... Deathbringer is a must-read!" - Brittney Arena
"Deathbringer is a dark, decadent masterpiece. It brims with magic, systemic struggles, and epic love. Tagliareni's vibrant characters carry enough secrets to fill a crypt, and at its heart, it's an exploration of legacy; what we owe our families, and what we owe ourselves." - Mikayla Bridge
"A decadent new voice in romantic fantasy. With her debut, Deathbringer, Tagliareni weaves a masterful tale of forbidden love, dangerous magic, and betrayal. If you love dark academia, found family casts, and intricate world building, you won't want to miss this one." - Kate Dylan
"A spellbinding fever dream of a book that was impossible to put down. Deathbringer has everything I love about dark academia and romantic fantasy, paired with a tender, heart-wrenching exploration of grief and the ways it shapes us, and woven together in a way that is wholly unique and utterly gorgeous. Sonia Tagliareni had me gasping at the twists I never saw coming, kicking my feet at the simmering slow-burn tension, and at times outright sobbing - leaving me missing Sylas and Viola long after the last page, and already desperate for the sequel." - Bar Fridman-Tell
"A slow-burn dark academia filled with delicious yearning, dripping with atmosphere, and a compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages late into the night." - Ellis Hunter
"By turns thrilling, gothic, tender, and sexy - often all at once - Deathbringer is the dark academia romantasy I've been waiting for. With a brooding poison mage and a reluctant death mage forced to work together to solve a murder mystery, this masterfully crafted story is also a meditation on grief and belonging - with an ending that will leave you desperate to return to Gorhail." - Jennifer Mandula
"Tagliareni's novel is sure to be the top fantasy of the year, distinguishing itself in an overcrowded market. Viola is an unforgettable heroine, and her complex dynamic with Sylas will make readers root for them and cry with them. Dark, rich, and deeply felt from betrayals, this is a must-read for every fantasy lover." - Sarah Mughal Rana
"Deathbringer is utterly spellbinding, with immersive worldbuilding, intoxicating dark academia vibes, and a forbidden romance that simmers with tension. I came for the dangerous murder mystery, but stayed for Viola's raw emotional journey, which gripped me and never let go. Sonia Tagliareni's debut is a bold triumph-dark, elegant, and impossible to forget." - Rebecca Robinson
"Deathbringer is essential dark academia. Forbidden forests, ancient halls, and snakes that can heal or kill, it's an utterly original debut that expertly balances tension, adventure, grief, and a sizzling romance." - Annie Summerlee
"To say this rich and imaginative dark academia is impossible to put down is an understatement. A slow-burn murder mystery that grows to a scorching blaze of intrigue, danger, and romance. Tagliareni's debut is a new and welcome voice to make room for on your shelf." - Elle Tesch
"With an irresistible voice and a mystery that kept me second-guessing until the very end, Deathbringer is a captivating, must-read that made me feel every step of the way!" - J R Ward
"Sumptuous, decadent, and gripping, Deathbringer is a genre-bending feast of dark academia, murder mystery, and forbidden romance. Tagliareni bewitches with her richly-crafted world of necromancy and poison while masterfully layering in suspense. Gorhail ensnared me from the first page; this is one to be savored." - Amélie Wen Zhao
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Used availability for Sonia Tagliareni's Deathbringer