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dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enigma by Runyx opens with an intriguing premise: mysterious deaths, a secretive university, and an outsider protagonist born into high society. From the very beginning, I was pulled in by the dark academia setting and mysterious deaths. Salem, the main character, is socially withdrawn and doesn’t quite fit into the elite world she was born into, which made her both relatable and compelling.
The tension between Salem and the MMC was another early highlight. Their dynamic was intense and layered with an edge of danger, promising a slow-burn romance that matched the shadowy tone of the narrative. The mystery surrounding a secret society added to the suspense, and for much of the book, the buildup kept me engaged.
However, as the story progressed, the pacing started to falter. The buildup stretched longer than necessary, and when the resolution finally arrived, it lacked the twist or impact I was hoping for. The ending felt somewhat rushed and didn’t quite deliver the payoff the story seemed to be leading toward. Similarly, while the romance started off with great tension and complexity, it eventually veered into “insta-love” territory, which deliver the slow burn I expected with slow and dark/forbidden start.
That said, Runyx’s prose is immersive, and her character development, especially of Salem, was strong throughout. The writing style and overall aesthetic will definitely appeal to fans of dark academia and secret society tropes. While I was ultimately left wanting more from the plot’s resolution, Enigma is still a worthwhile read for those who enjoy moody, character-driven mysteries with gothic undertones.