Top 5 Reasons "Immortal Consequences" Is Your Next Dark Academia Obsession
- Kim Bartosch
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Looking for your next fix of magic, mystery, and morally gray characters? Let me introduce you to Immortal Consequences by IV Marie—a thrilling new entry into the dark academia genre that’s already making waves with early readers. Set in a ghostly boarding school on the edge of the afterlife, this book is not your average campus novel. It’s sharp, emotional, and soaked in the kind of high-stakes drama that will keep you turning the pages deep into the night.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and book tour host Toppling Stacks Tours for including me on this tour, a copy of the book, and my honest review.
Now, here are my Top 5 Reasons to Read Immortal Consequences (even if you haven’t technically left the mortal realm yet):
About the book:
Title: Immortal Consequences (The Souls of Blackwood Academy #1)
Author: IV Marie
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pub. Date: July 29, 2025
Synopsis:
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.
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.
Two academic archrivals, whose strange connection blurs the lines between obsession and hate.
One girl driven solely by ambition, and another plagued by memories of the love she lost.
And a charming playboy who never cared for anyone—until he met the academy’s newest student.
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 Top 5 Reasons to Read "Immortal Consequences" by I.V. Marie
1️⃣ The Setting Is Literally to Die For
Welcome to Blackwood Academy—a gothic, enchanted school located in purgatory. It’s moody, mysterious, and surrounded by dark magic. This isn’t your typical ivy-covered campus; it’s a liminal space between life and death, and the only way out is winning the Decennial, a dangerous magical competition. The worldbuilding is eerie and imaginative, giving classic dark academia vibes with a paranormal twist that makes it stand apart from books like The Secret History or A Deadly Education.
2️⃣ It’s Like The Hunger Games Meets Dark Academia
Six students. One magical death match. Only one will win their freedom. Immortal Consequences takes the familiar “magic school” trope and injects real consequences—like literal death and soul-level stakes. It’s got competition, alliances, betrayal, and a sense of danger that keeps things tense and thrilling throughout. Fans of books like Fourth Wing and All of Us Villains will feel right at home in the cutthroat atmosphere of Blackwood.
3️⃣ The Characters Will Own Your Heart (and Break It)
Readers and I are obsessed with the cast of characters in this book—and for good reason. From feuding academic rivals with dangerous chemistry, to a girl haunted by grief, to a charming heartbreaker who unexpectedly catches feelings, everyone is flawed, compelling, and impossible to forget. The slow-burn romance? Delicious. The enemies-to-lovers tension? Off the charts. Whether you’re in it for angst or swoon, there’s a relationship here that’ll hook you.
4️⃣ A Fresh Take on Dark Academia Tropes
Dark academia can sometimes feel repetitive, but IV Marie puts her own spin on the genre. Instead of focusing on real-world prestige or classical studies, she builds a fantasy world infused with afterlife politics and magic, while still keeping the aesthetic intact. Candlelit halls, whispered secrets, forbidden knowledge—it’s all there, but reimagined through a fantastical lens. It’s like stepping into a dream you’re not quite sure how to escape.
5️⃣ The Hype Is Real (and Deserved)
I'm not the only one who enjoyed this story. Readers have called Immortal Consequences “utterly atmospheric,” “emotionally gripping,” and “a total page-turner.” Many praise the writing for its intensity and depth, especially in how it weaves romance and rivalry with themes of grief, ambition, and destiny. It’s already being hailed as a standout debut—and with that stunning hardcover design (hello, sprayed edges and foil case!), it’s just as pretty as it is powerful.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you're a longtime lover of dark academia or looking for something on the darker side, Immortal Consequences is a must-read. With its emotionally rich characters, dangerous games, and gorgeous, ghostly setting, it’s one of those books that stays with you.
📚 Have you read Immortal Consequences? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Or let me know what your favorite dark academia reads are—I’m always looking for recs.
Meet the author:
I.V. Marie was born and raised in Miami to a Peruvian mother and Chilean father, where she acquired a penchant for afternoon cafecitos and developed an all-consuming obsession with books. Her writing ambitions began behind her grandparent’s computer, where she spent her childhood crafting spooky and fantastical short stories. When she is not writing, you can find her rock climbing or watching atmospheric YouTube videos with her dog, Mr. Darcy.
She is represented by Ariele Fredman and Gwen Beal at United Talent Agency. Her debut novel, Immortal Consequences, is coming from Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House in Summer 2025.