I was recently sent a beautiful proof of Gothikana by RuNyx (due to be released March 16, 2023) from Solaris Books. This is a book I’d seen ‘doing the rounds’ on BookTok for many months with an alternative cover. I was curious as to why I was sent a shiny new proof of a book that already had a strong fanbase, however, I soon discovered that Gothikana had previously been self-published.
I noticed that reviews were very mixed, and I hate to admit, it made me apprehensive about starting this book. However, it soon became apparent that one of the main criticisms was the editing. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to edit your own work and I’m happy to say that the majority of errors reviewers had highlighted (keep in mind I received an unfinished proof) such as grammatical corrections and repetition no longer exist, so please don’t let this deter you.
“I’m in your head, in your blood, in your very veins. I’ve claimed you before anything else ever could. Your body, your heart, your mind, your fucking soul, it’s all mine…”
After losing her mother, Corvina receives an admission letter from the University of Verenmore. She’s lived most of her life as a recluse and yearns for just a touch of normality so sees this as an opportunity for a fresh start.
As she attempts to adjust to life in the haunting and secluded halls of the castle, she finds herself attracting the attention of Vad Deverell, a part-time professor working on his thesis.
As a series of horrifying events unfold, it soon becomes apparent that Verenmore is hiding a twisted past riddled with dark secrets. After students witness an apparent suicide within the castle grounds, a disturbing century-old mystery steeped in blood starts to unravel and Corvina and Vad find themselves inexplicably tethered to one another in the hope of uncovering the truth.
Gothikana is an atmospheric, dark academia romance that is incredibly sexy and addictive. The story was steeped in mystery and melancholy which I found unexpected and intriguing. I found myself craving a touch more depth in terms of the characterisation of our FMC. I definitely think that there was room to delve further into her relationship with her mother, the voices in her head and her past trauma. Vad is also a bit of an enigma but I feel that the air of mystery surrounding him works well in terms of the plot.
I really enjoyed the forbidden romance element and the spice was incredibly well-written; seductive and satisfying. Gothikana was a fast-paced read that I devoured in one night.
Gothikana by RuNyx will be released on March 16 and is available to pre-order HERE.
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