Reading Buddy 🤍 Update on Gothikana
Onyx turned 8 months old recently & over the past 6 months that we’ve had him, I’ve realized this puppy actually loves the smell of books lol. I know it sounds weird, but everytime I pull out a book, new or old, he immediately comes to sniff it. I love that sm lol 🥰
Puppy aside, I’ve been making my way through RuNyx’s Gothikana. I didn’t know anything about the author beforehand or any details of the plot. I just saw how gorgeous the book is (the detailed black and white photographs at the start of every chapter) and the dark purple page edges. So far, it is very interesting but oddly enough reminds me a lot of Wednesday the series. I literally checked to see if the book came out after the series but turns out it was published a year before!
Anyway, I’ve been thinking about the different literary conventions and writing tips I can gather from reading this book. If anyone else is reading it I’d love to hear what you think of the writing style, how it fits within the genre, and what else we can take away from this type of narrative.
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Since I last posted about diving into Gothikana by RuNyx, I've gotten so many questions about it, especially if it's a series and, of course, about the 'spicy' chapters! It’s been such a journey, and honestly, having Onyx, my fluffy puppy reading buddy, by my side (or rather, sniffing my books!) has made the experience even more memorable. Let's unpack some of those burning questions, shall we? First off, the big question: Is Gothikana a series? Well, technically, Gothikana itself is a standalone novel. It tells a complete story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, focusing on the central mystery and romance. However, for those who absolutely fall in love with RuNyx's dark and atmospheric writing (like I did!), she does have other books set in a similar dark romance style that fans of Gothikana might enjoy. Think of it as a shared universe of dark, captivating stories rather than a direct sequel to Gothikana. So, no need to wait for the next installment of this particular story, but plenty more to explore from the author if you crave that same vibe. Now, onto the second most asked question (and probably one of the main reasons many pick up a dark romance): how spicy is Gothikana? Oh, it definitely has its moments! If you're looking for a book with steamy scenes, Gothikana delivers. It’s not just sprinkled in; the spice is pretty integral to the characters' development and the intense, often tumultuous, relationship dynamics. I'd categorize it as a medium-to-high level of spice for dark romance. It's not gratuitous, but it's certainly explicit and contributes to the overall dark and obsessive atmosphere of the book. The tension builds beautifully, and when the spice happens, it feels earned within the narrative. Just be prepared for some intense scenes that push boundaries, typical of the dark romance genre. Speaking of dark, my initial thought that Gothikana reminded me a lot of 'Wednesday' actually still holds true in some ways! The dark academia setting, the mysterious university, the quirky characters, and the overarching sense of gothic intrigue really resonate with that 'Wednesday' aesthetic. RuNyx masterfully crafts an eerie and atmospheric environment that pulls you in. It’s gothic, it’s mysterious, and it has that unique blend of darkness and allure that makes you want to keep turning pages, even when Onyx is nudging my hand for attention! Overall, Gothikana has been quite an experience. It’s a book that sparks discussion, makes you think, and definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you're into dark academia, intense romance, and don't shy away from some serious spice, I highly recommend picking up Gothikana. And hey, maybe your puppy will love sniffing the pages too!
