A review by ljamison01
Altair University: The Bleak Beginning by Amber Vant

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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? No

3.5

I’m an avid fan of dark romance, secret societies, family rivalries and sorts of things that will have cause tense interactions and loads of angst. This book fits that description to the T. This is also a bully romance. There were four founding fathers and one of the families betrayed the others and now the daughter of the “bad guy” is attending school with the three sons of the other families. Alex attends this school not sure of her reception but it is quickly evident that she is not welcomed. Yet Alex is determined to attend do her work, keep her head down and graduate. Alex is also interested in finding out the secrets of the university and her family. These three men Camden, Bishop, and Sly don’t want her there and they want to make her pay. This was a definite slow burn for me. The book is really intense with explaining the background and history and laying the groundwork for the next book. The story of Alex and these guys is interesting and I enjoyed the multiple point of views that give us some insight into what others are thinking and feeling. But, this book is very dark so please check the trigger warnings and it does end of a cliffhanger.