What if you had the power to…

Hear the last words of the recently deceased?

For Viola, it was a curse to possess such power and it meant she’d have to attend Gorhail Institute of Magic. Knowing how much Viola hated her magic, her sister Olivia takes her place and is shipped off to study and hone the magic that doesn’t exist.

As the years go by Viola manages with insistent ringing in her ears to help those who’ve died complete their last words to move on. The last thing Viola expected though, was to figure out the mystery behind her own sister’s death and understand what her last words meant.

Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni is an immersive dark academia, with mystery, murder, with a touch of forbidden romance.

Not all is at it seems, and with the help of Sylas (who doesn’t trust Viola) the twists and turns are even more confusing than the staircase of death.

Deathbringer is available now in the UK via Solstice/Simon & Schuster UK

and releases May 19th in the US via Atria/Simon& Schuster.

If you’re looking for a book with a unique magic system, with a murder mystery tied in, I highly recommend adding Deathbringer to the top of your list!

For me, Deathbringer was an easy 10/5 🌟

#tbr #lemon8bookclub #reading📖 #bookreccomendation

5/7 Edited to

... Read moreHaving read 'Deathbringer,' I can say that the novel's intricate magic system stood out to me the most. Viola’s ability to hear the last words of the deceased adds a chilling and emotional layer to the story. It really amplified my reading experience because it’s not your typical magical power—it feels like a heavy burden, wrapped in mystery and sorrow. What truly engrossed me was how the story explores themes of trust and betrayal, especially through Viola’s complicated relationship with Sylas. Their dynamic feels authentic, filled with tension and unexpected twists, which kept me eagerly turning the pages. The dark academia setting enriched the atmosphere, perfectly matching the novel’s mood—moody, mysterious, and intellectually captivating. The references to the Gorhail Institute of Magic and the mysterious staircase of death created an immersive world that felt both familiar in its academic motifs and fresh due to the inventive magic and deep secrets tied to Viola’s family. This combination made me reflect on how power can be both a curse and a tool for healing. If you're a fan of murder mysteries infused with supernatural elements and complex character relationships, 'Deathbringer' is absolutely worth your time. The book’s balance of magic, mystery, and subtle romance offers something for every reader intrigued by dark academia and paranormal fiction. It resonated with me not just as entertainment but also as a story about coping with loss and uncovering painful truths. Definitely a top recommendation on my reading list!