Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Gothikana

Whilst I did have some niggles about this book. The emotions it caused made this a 5 star read without a doubt.

The story follows Corvina, an outcast and her teacher, Vad, and their forbidden romance. With some strange, seemingly paranormal activity.

It was my first gothic read, and it really did not disappoint. The spice was nice, but the plot twist was nicer and something I never saw coming.

I wish it was a series as I wasn't ready for it to end!!!

Content Warnings

tashieee's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Pretty good read! It was a bit slow in the beginning and I had to get myself to get through it initially until it starts to snowball closer to the end. I feel like the MMC could have had a bit more extra time to get fleshed out and the ending felt a tad rushed and out of no where for me but I mainly read it for the characters instead of the story! The atmosphere is super well done in the book and world building around the school felt fleshed out and alive!

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caffinatedslug's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious tense 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

4.0

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kaylak58's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-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

4.5

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brooksie03051's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.25

Corvina Clemm had lived her life as an outcast, never accepted by the people around her. After losing her mother to an insane asylum, she receives an admission letter from the mysterious University of Verenmore. Being alone now, she accepts it to try and start her life over again. The school however isn't what she expected. It is an ancient, secluded castle on top of a mountain that seems more like a prison filled with secrets, deceit, and death.

The only good thing she found was a friendly outgoing roommate who tried to include her in everything and invite her to join her and her friends in activities at school. Corvina didn't have any friends and found them to be genuine and fun to be around. That and her mysterious new teacher Mr. Vad Deverell who is not only a teacher at the school but also a student. A part-time professor working on his thesis, Vad has been around long enough to know the dangers the castle possesses. The moment he crosses paths with Corvina, he knows she is a danger to everything that he is. He stares at her like a panther and she is his next meal and she doesn't mind it one bit. He is young for a teacher and poetically handsome. When he looks at her, it's as if he is trying to read her soul.

"Your eyes have such hunger. Your soul is starved, and your flesh is famished. Tell me Miss Clemm, do you want relief?"

Their attraction is mutual, however they cannot be. Teacher-student relations are forbidden at the University, but they can't seem to stay away from each other. A century-old mystery pushes them closer together impossible for them to stay away. This University's dark past seems to haunt them both. For over a hundred years, people have disappeared every five years and the voices in Corvina's head are pushing her for clues to unravel it all, while Vad seems to be a part of it as he keeps a close eye on her.

"If this is madness", she whispered almost against his lips, "drown me in it."
If this is madness", he told her, echoing her words against her lips, "I've already descended too far."

A story about mysterious deaths in an eclectic school filled with rumors of horror and a young woman fighting her inner demons looking for the truth behind the voices that have plagued her entire life. The one thing that makes her feel safe is Vad, who seems to be keeping the truth behind the school's past from her and although may be dangerous, trusts him with all that she has.

"Your the mountain I build my castle on brick by brick. You stand, I soar. you crack, I crumble."

I've heard mixed reviews of this book, with some being negative. When I read a book I can't put down, it's a win for me. The story might not be perfect, and not for the masses, but I enjoyed it and do not regret reading it.

Content Warnings

marinajonesreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I got through it. Solid 2. The writing was at time pedantic and the plot lacked a lot of substance. I think we I saw “gothic romance” I was thinking along the lines of Adalyn Grace’s “Foxglove” — a slow burn, out of time, dark romance. This was dark. I will give it that. I would strongly advise one check the content warnings before reading. But the ending just lacked so much. It kind of was just there. I felt like we’d been building to something supernatural or even just unexpected. But we instead get a Scooby Do-esq storyline. And I was still left with so many questions. And not in a fun way. This felt, at times, like one big spicy book with words around it in the vague wispy form of a plot. Ironic, I know. Would I recommend? Probably not.

But I will say, the cover, binding and sprayed purple edges are beautiful. The purple and black is such a solid choice. Love the Verenmore gold foil.

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readbyash's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was so intense! The plot, the mystery, the tension, the twists, i was seriously gripped! The suspense, my gosh!!

I didn't want to turn the page as i wasn't sure what id be hit with, the more i read the more i wanted to solve the mystery of the castle, the mystery of Corvina while she discovered herself and the many secrets of Vad. I think i forgot how to breathe at some point! I was spooked.

A very strong plot, strong FMC / MMC and the most intense and gripping build up I've ever read with heaps of twists, especially towards the end. Just when i was figuring it out. I was thrown off. This was the first book i have read by this author and honestly what a solid start. This book is going to live in my head for a long time! Please, please, please tell me there's a second book!

“Build your castle, Corvina,” he told her quietly as they both watched the view outside. “I’m not moving anywhere. Build your castle as fucking high as you want.” ✨5/5 ✨

Content Warnings

rkidd130's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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