this debut novel was FANTASTIC. for lovers of multi-POV, high-stakes trials, and YA dark academia based in the afterlife. theres tension, theres magic, found family, second chances, betrayals, you name it. i enjoyed the world building and characters but my favorite was the trials.

the world building was giving like harry potter vibes with the school atmosphere(different houses based on characteristics/abilities). i’m hoping for more in the next book to learn more about the magic system. i cant wait for the next book after that cliffhanger.

Blackwood Academy, a school for learning magic in the afterlife. Is there really more that needs to be said? This was such an interesting read and I really enjoyed it. It has multiple povs and the character development was done well as I felt invested in each character and their story.

Overall I really enjoyed this dark academia, which is a genre that can be very hit or miss for me. This one definitely hit the mark!

3.5 stars! Wow, this was such a fun read! I genuinely think Immortal Consequences is going to blow up when it hits shelves. The story follows six characters living on the edge of the afterlife at Blackwood, where students spend their days reaping lost souls. Once every decade, one student is chosen to undergo a series of trials with the chance to either ascend into the ranks of the magical elite or peacefully cross over. But this time, something different happens—six students are selected: Wren, Augustine, Irene, Masika, Olivier, and Emilio. Only one can win.

I’ve been following I.V. Marie’s writing journey for a while now, so it was such a joy to see her vision come to life. I know a 3.5-star rating might not scream obsessed, but I devoured this book. The characters are all so compelling, and I wasn’t bored by a single POV. The yearning in this story? Off the charts.

That said, since we meet the characters after they’ve already established deep bonds, I did find myself wishing I’d seen more of those initial connections develop on-page. Still, the dynamics were strong—Olivier and Emilio might just have one of the sweetest relationships I’ve ever read. I also really enjoyed getting to know the rest of the cast.

This is just the beginning of a series, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get better from here. I’m excited to dive deeper into the characters’ backstories and the larger plot teased at the end of book one.

Overall, this was an absolute blast to read! I can’t wait to see more reviews roll in once it’s released, and you better believe I’m counting down the days until book two.

Immortal Consequences comes out on July 29th! Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC!

This book is marketed as "Six students at Blackwood Academy, an enigmatic boarding school located at the edge of the afterlife, must compete for the once-in-eternity chance to change their fate—or risk remaining stuck in purgatory forever. An unputdownable debut full of hairpin twists, shock betrayals and world-defying love, for fans of The Atlas Six."

I will say, maybe I just not a fan of dark academia but this book just felt flat to me. It was fine, the plot was fine, and the characters were fine. But nothing really grabbed me and none of the betrayals felt shocking. Which is disappointing because the description sounds so promising. The first tasks the students are required to complete felt like Harry Potter fan fiction and it completely broke whatever spell the book was trying to weave. It's hard to get pulled into a story when it feels like the world building doesn't feel completely fleshed out. I just didn't really get the point of the different houses the students lived in and what exactly it meant. Or even really why the students are stuck in purgatory and the need for them to shepherd lost souls. It could be much better but it was... fine.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I absolutely loved *Immortal Consequences*—it’s the kind of story that wraps around your brain and doesn’t let go. The narrative is layered and atmospheric, with this eerie, dreamlike quality that perfectly matches the idea of a school perched on the edge of the afterlife. The way the story unfolds—told through multiple POVs with interwoven secrets and emotional depth—kept me hooked the entire time. I loved how each character had such distinct motivations, and the slow revelation of their backstories made me constantly shift who I was rooting for. The tension between ambition, love, and survival was so well-balanced, and the writing had this almost poetic darkness that really pulled me in. It’s one of those books that leaves you thinking about the consequences of choice, fate, and who we become when everything is on the line.

Dark academia, enemies to lovers AND multiple POV’s? I was HOOKED and I’m so excited to have the world read this

I just finished reading Immortal Consequence and thought it was such a fun and interesting read. I love the idea of a school in purgatory and the games and trials aspect of the book. It felt kind of slow in the beginning, but it immediately picked up, and once it did, I couldn't put it down. I also love reading books with different characters' POVs and getting different sides to the story. I can't wait for the book to come out and for everyone else to enjoy it as much as I did.

This book was literally everything! I absolutely love a dark academia and enemies to lovers book but this one went over the top! I cannot wait for my physical copy to make its way to me because I’m obsessed and that’s an understatement.

This book is very interesting. It's about the afterlife for those that died and came back. it's a school where they all help the ones who haven't finished their mission to pass on. There is a ton of action. The school teaches the students how to use their powers and help others pass on. I can't wait to see what happens next. There are multiple perspectives, the relationships between the students is very interesting and totally relatable.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dark, dazzling, and devastating — Immortal Consequences is the gothic fantasy I didn’t know I was dying for.
🖤💀📚✨

I.V. Marie’s Immortal Consequences is one of the most immersive, emotionally charged, and intricately layered YA fantasies I’ve read in a long time. Set in the eerie, atmospheric halls of Blackwood Academy — a purgatorial school for the recently dead — this book grabs you from the very first page and never lets go 👻. It’s part dark academia 🕯️, part supernatural thriller ⚰️, part survival competition 🎯 — but at its heart, it’s a powerful exploration of grief, guilt, identity, and the eternal question: if given a second chance, what would you do to rewrite your fate? 🔄

The premise alone is breathtaking in its originality 💡. Six teens — all newly deceased — are thrust into the Decennial, a series of dangerous magical trials that will determine their afterlife fate ⚖️. Only one can win 🏆. The rest remain stuck in limbo… forever 😱. It’s an inherently brutal and high-stakes setup, but what makes this book stand out is how deeply personal it feels. The trials aren’t just about magic or skill — they’re about inner demons, emotional wounds, and impossible choices 🧠💔. Marie doesn’t just build a world — she builds a feeling, one that creeps under your skin and lingers like a ghost in your thoughts.

The cast of characters is phenomenally developed 👥. Wren, the protagonist, is quiet but powerful, burdened with guilt and shadowed by a mysterious past. Her emotional arc is heart-wrenching and cathartic 💔➡️💖. August? The brooding, scarred rival-slash-possible-love-interest had me absolutely feral 😩🔥. Their romance is a slow, smoldering burn — no insta-love here, just tension, vulnerability, and real connection 💘. The supporting characters — Olivier, Masika, Emilio, Irene — are complex, flawed, and unforgettable. You find yourself rooting for all of them, even when their goals collide. That’s rare. That’s special. 🌙

Marie’s writing is chef’s kiss 👩‍🍳💋. Her prose is poetic and cinematic 🎬, each sentence layered with atmosphere and emotion. She paints the cold stone halls of Blackwood with such eerie elegance, I could feel the fog and hear the echoing footsteps. Her pacing is masterful — every chapter raises the stakes, and the twists hit like a thunderclap ⚡. One moment you’re swooning, the next you’re gasping, then crying. I was fully in it.

The themes in this book are where it truly shines ✨. Immortal Consequences grapples with what it means to confront your past, face your failures, and try to make peace with the unchangeable. It explores the nature of regret, the hunger for redemption, and the fear of being stuck in who we used to be 🕳️. It asks: Can we change, even after death? Can we be forgiven, even if we can’t forgive ourselves? These are big, existential questions — and yet they’re handled with such raw humanity that they never feel abstract. They feel personal. Real. 🧠💭

As for the Decennial trials themselves? Jaw-dropping 🤯. Each one reveals more about the characters’ souls, not just their skills. There’s strategy, betrayal, pain, sacrifice — and beneath all that, a deep emotional truth. Every scene feels high-stakes, and by the time I reached the final challenge, my heart was racing 💓.

And the ending… I won’t spoil it, but just know: it will wreck you in the best way. It’s beautiful. Bittersweet. Surprising. Hopeful and haunting all at once 🌌💀. I closed the book and sat in stunned silence, needing the sequel like I needed air.

Final Verdict: 5/5 stars 🌟
💀 A gripping, gothic tale of second chances and self-discovery
🎓 For fans of Ninth House, All of Us Villains, The Raven Cycle, and The Atlas Six
💘 Features high-stakes trials, a slow-burn romance, and found family feels
🖤 A must-read if you love your fantasy emotionally rich, morally gray, and darkly poetic

Immortal Consequences didn’t just entertain me — it left an imprint on my soul. I’ll be thinking about Wren, August, and the haunted halls of Blackwood for a long time. And until book two arrives, I’ll be over here rereading my favorite scenes and nursing my emotional wounds 😭📖🕯️

I have been so excited to read this one as I already had the hardcover preordered before this was uploaded, so I was thrilled to be approved!
I appreciated the numerous POVs, as that always helps keep me more invested and interested throughout a story. Blackwood Academy is for the dead who still want to partake in magic, but if they are there too long, their soul is lost forever (no pressure, right?).
This was such an interesting premise, and I LOVE books with fierce or deadly, high-stakes competitions, which did not disappoint. The trials were action-packed and kept me turning pages to see what would happen to which character next. The world-building was solid overall and I REALLY appreciated the short chapters!
There were definitely times I felt like I was internally shouting at the characters to just communicate and save themselves the trouble lol but where would the fun be if they all knew how to be perfect? The overall writing was immersive enough to keep you feeling like you were watching the action unfold versus reading it which is a huge plus for any good fantasy.
I will post my review on Instagram @thatbookishteach closer to publication!

The plot of this book is so entertaining!! It was easy to get swept up in. I am usually not a fan of having as many pov’s (6 is a bit much) but I believe it works for this story. I really enjoyed falling in love with all the characters! The plot twist in this is pretty good as well. I can’t wait for book two.

Ok aesthetically pleasing Harry Potter, you were an entertaining read and a 4 stars book.

For a debut, this book is pretty solid. There's a plot, it hits all the beats and the prose was very easy to read. There were a lot of chapters given the amount of POVs, but I flew through them no matter the size and could get through a handful every time I got a moment to read. Setting was also well done, very moody, and there was enough worldbuilding without too much info-dumping.

The one thing I wish this book had developed better were the characters. They had immediate motivations concerning the main plot and mostly gave enough information for me to care, but I wish there was more backstory and a deeper dive into their feelings/wants beyond what concerned the competition, so I could get a better grasp at who they are.

I had so much fun reading this books. I loved getting to know the characters and the world that was created. I can genuinely say I've never read anything quite like this books, the concept is so unique. The way I. V. Marie was able to hook me in at each part was phenomenal, making me want to know more of what the plot had in store and what would happen with the characters. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House for letting me ready this early!

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I.V. Marie promised a tense enemies to lovers dark academia fantasy set in the underworld, and a fierce competition to change their fate or remain in purgatory for eternity. Blackwood Academy harbors those who died, and offers them a place to study magic. Only, if souls stay too long, they forget their past lives and are condemned to wander in the Ether. Top scholars are given the opportunity to join the ranks of the Ascended, and keep their memories and their place at Blackwood, or pass on. Only, this year the students will be competing for the coveted honor. Six of Blackwoods most talented and brightest are thrust into the competition, which has soul-destroying consequences.

Wren and August's enemies-to-lovers storyline was satisfying, but lost among the four other POV's in the story, I wanted more world building, more explanation of Blackwood and how it came to be in the afterlife. There was little explanation for why characters could do magic in the afterlife. Hoping these questions are answered in the sequel.

I really enjoyed Immortal Consequences . It has a nice blend of fantasy, philosophy, and action. It has many complex characters that are very well developed. I love how they envision the world of purgatory. I was also intrigued with the idea of having an academy in purgatory. There are many fantasy novels based with academia themes but this one was very unique. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered what it would truly mean to live ! Can’t wait for the next in the series! 4.5 rating

Immortal Consequences by I. V. Marie
The Souls of Blackwood Academy #1
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: min-
Format/Source: ebook from author and NetGalley
Genres/Tropes: fantasy, dark academia, gothic, Hunger games x The Maze Runner x Harry Potter
Audience: YA
Setting: Purgatory
Characters: Wren, Emilio, Maya, Irene, August, Olivier, Masika, Louise, Mateo, Josie, Silas
👍 short chapters, multi POV, different setting, "unfortunate acquaintances," trials, twists, world building
👎 skewed percentage of sexual orientation choices, using God’s Name in vain, secrets and non-communication between friends

Description:
Welcome to Blackwood Academy: the legendary school located on the fringes of the afterlife. Once a pupil enters the academy’s arched gates, there is no way out . . . except for the Decennial, a once-in-a-decade celebration in which a single, worthy student is tested and given a choice: Graduate and join Blackwood’s magical elite, or cross over to the mysterious Other Side.
This time, though, the rules have changed. This Decennial isn’t a celebration—it’s a competition. And there can only be one victor.
Each of these six students has their own motivation to win...and their own secret to hide. But what none of them know? They aren’t the only ones playing Blackwood’s game. And if they lose. . . some fates are worse than death.

My opinion:
Marie pens an action packed dark academia fantasy with well-written characters (some you love and some you loathe) and some unexpected twists! I did, however, find the non-communication and secrets between the friends frustrating and a little immature. The short chapters and multiple POV made for an effortless, quick read. I loved that the setting (Purgatory-esque) of this novel was different than most fantasies I've perused. The world building was interspersed throughout the novel, and I found it to be very intriguing. The trials were a mix of Hunger Games x Harry Potter x Maze Runner - and I, of course, adore all three of those series. Personal preference - I didn't care for the characters using God’s Name in vain or the slanted percentage of different sexual orientation choices. Overall, I was entertained by this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys any type of fantasy novel.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #fantasybooks #booktok #netgalley

In a way, IMMORTAL CONSEQUENCES reminded me of a YA THE ATLAS SIX. In that regard, it was not my most favorite book, but that doesn't mean it's not without its merits. The prose was fantastic: enthralling and immersive, this was easily the best part of the book. Couple that with a hooky premise, and I think this book will go down well with most readers. Where it fell flat was the actual execution of the story--namely, the many POVs the author used to tell it. If I'm recalling correctly, there were a whopping six perspectives flattened into a 500 or so page book. A lot of this book felt disjointed, repetitive, and rushed as it raced through the story, and even the wonderful writing couldn't save it because of that. Overall, enjoyable--twisty, enchanting, intriguing--but bogged down with perspectives that should have been merged into two or three, max.

Thank you for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

YA
Dark academy but in the afterlife
Multi Pov

this one was so unique and I enjoyed it so much! This follows 6 different characters and I can honestly say I liked each of them, which in multi POVs is not always the case!

I loved that this took place in the afterlife! The storyline was so good, I literally had so many moments that my jaw dropped at some of the revelations! Iloved getting to know these characters and their relationships with each other!

I need that next book and this one isn’t even officially released yet 😭

I had so much fun reading this book. The ensemble of characters was everything I hoped - varied in their personalities and motivations kept the story rich and well paced as they interacted with each other.

There were definitely lots of moments that felt heavily inspired by other fantasy stories, but what I think made this book so spectacular was the setting. Blackwood Academy is a university in purgatory whose primary purpose is to support and maintain the afterlife. The descriptions were so rich, I never had any trouble picturing where I was and how places fit together, and the use of color made everything feel both gorgeous and mildly threatening - the perfect backdrop for a dark, magical twists and turns.

I wouldn’t really put this in the romantasy category, but there is such good use of tension and yearning between multiple characters. Emilio is a personal favorite - his POVs were so wrought with that uniquely adolescent self sabotage, being paralyzed by self doubt, ugh! Be still my heart!

I was absolutely gagged at the twist - I thought I had it figured out, but there was so much more to it that I didn’t put together. I love a story that builds on itself, just feeding you morsels to make you think you’ve seen the whole picture and then more keeps coming. I am so excited for what will come next - I think I.V. Marie is going to blow people away with this debut!