Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me, but I liked the idea of the plot. The way it was written was quite slow to start, and with ADHD I need a good pull into a book. Also, this is meant for someone much smarter than me as it used many words that are not in my vocabulary and I had to use the dictionary option in my kindle about 3 times a page - not a bad thing but it deterred me a bit.
I liked the start with the characters and plot idea but it wasn’t for me at this time, maybe I’ll try again later on.

2.75 rounded up.

This felt like a weird trip or something. I don't even know how to explain it because I don't even know what's going on. Maybe because there are magic mushrooms in this book so it's supposed to be like that? Maybe...I don't know, I'm grasping at straws here.

I was so confused the entire time reading this. I felt like I was thrown right into the middle of the story but usually when that happens, you get answers along the way to explain who the characters are and what's happening/has happened in the story. But no. None of that happens. Even after finishing the book, I did not know the point, what happened, who anybody was or why anything was happening.

Weirdly reminds me of a comic run I really like though, Home Sick Pilots. Same sort of tone and color palette in my mind.

I can see why people recommend it for fans of M. L. Rio.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

A group of pretentious students playing dress-up until reality hit them hard. I don't understand why the main character was drawn to them; they seemed like children playing dress up.

The group isn't particularly kind to him, and from their interactions, I don't sense a strong enough connection for him to be so attached to them or eager to help. Madri was the one who brought him into the group, but his relationship with her after that us virtually non-existent. His relationship with them felt superficial.

Madri barely speaks to him, Hope keeps him at arm's length, Laurie (or whatever his name is) doesn't interact with him, and Magnus is obsessed with drugs, using Finn as a test subject. I don't understand why Finn agreed to this. Magnus's interest in the berserker drug isn't clearly explained. It didn't seem like they believed in their cause, like they said they did. They just wanted to dress up, drink and play Viking. It also seemed like they were just doing it to piss up their parents.

They're supposed to replace the family he lost, but why does Finn share his suicide attempt with them when he barely knows anything about them? He doesn't even know where they live. They only call him when they need him and want him to participate In their dress — up drinking party. Yet, they're supposed to be a “clan” or family?

And I never really understood why they were all scared of Justus. I know he's a 49er, but the author failed to communicate why they deferred to him, why he held such special power. And the ending wasn't what I expected. It was a bit disappointing.

I liked the book, but it requires a more clear structure and depth. It feels like there are two different stories loosely connected, that the author is trying to make in to one. Pulling out names and history isn't enough, there needs to be chemistry with the characters. I felt no spark while reading this book. I'm not sure what story the author is trying to tell, but once they get it together, I am sure it will be an interesting story.

St Andrew’s University, Scotland in the 90’s is the atmospheric setting for this page turner.

Four students entice a fifth into their inner sanctum. Although it appears that the new recruit, Finn, has little in common with the others, their shared fascination of the history of Scotland brings them together, though it is the search for the elusive beserkers drug that binds them.

Mysterious and suspenseful, with a touch of magic and the supernatural, this is the dark side of academia.

Perfectly written, with excellent descriptive prose, this book was a joy. One or two words I had to Google, but hey, every day is a school day 😉

A good, tied up ending that rounded off a belter of a story.

4.5*

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus.

I enjoyed this book, an excellent dark academia novel set in the 90's England. It had great characters, and the suspense had fantastic pacing that kept me reading way past the time I should have gone to bed. I'm definitely going to read more books from this author!

I really liked this, especially the ending. There was a lot of interesting information on history and theology and even herbs which might have seemed incongruous, but somehow wasn’t. Despite the main cast of characters having little to make them in any way admirable, the author makes them work together as a fascinating group driving a twisty plot. It took me back to uni days and all the w*nkers who think they are special, and then took it further to a very dark place.

This was a good book! I love the touch of magic/supernatural elements there. It kept me entertained and seemed entertained and I liked the characters throughout this book, and how some of them have such dark pasts and histories. It was a great thriller with lots of mystery and suspense

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!