Deathbringer - by Sonia Tagliareni (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love, and a twisty murder mystery about a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her that are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.

Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola's magic killed her sister, Olivia, and if she doesn't learn why, it will kill her too. Her only hope lies within the perilous walls of Gorhail Institute of Magic, where Olivia spent her final days.

There, Viola clashes with Sylas, a poison mage whose magic stems from three magical snakes. Immortal, tormented, and reckless, Sylas is tethered to a life he never asked for and haunted by guilt for his father's death. His hatred for death mages runs deep, and he's determined to keep Viola at a distance. But when an attack forces him to heal her, their fates become intertwined by a magical bond that threatens to upend his loyalties--and his common sense.

As more students start turning up dead, Viola and Sylas are drawn into an uneasy alliance that pulls them deeper into Gorhail's treacherous passageways, where secrets fester beneath the stone and the dead do not rest. And as enemy lines begin to blur and their undeniable attraction grows, Viola and Sylas uncover a chilling conspiracy: someone is hunting mages for their magical relics, and if they can't uncover the killer in time, Viola will be next.

Review Quotes

"Tagliareni's novel is sure to be the top fantasy of the year, distinguishing itself in an overcrowded market. Viola is an unforgettable heroine, and her complex dynamic with Sylas will make readers root for them and cry with them. Dark, rich, and deeply felt from betrayals, this is a must-read for every fantasy lover."--Sarah Mughal Rana, author of Dawn of the Firebird

"A slow-burn dark academia filled with delicious yearning, dripping with atmosphere, and a compelling mystery that kept me turning the pages late into the night"--Ellis Hunter, author of Blood Bound

"Sumptuous, decadent, and gripping, Deathbringer is a genre-bending feast of dark academia, murder mystery, and forbidden romance. Tagliareni bewitches with her richly-crafted world of necromancy and poison while masterfully layering in suspense. Gorhail ensnared me from the first page; this is one to be savored."--Amélie Wen Zhao, author of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

About the Author

Sonia Tagliareni is a fantasy author who's always looking for the next best cup of tea. The first story she wrote was a murder mystery for French class at thirteen, and rumor has it the murderer outsmarted her but also left her with a deep love of storytelling. Born and raised in Mauritius, she moved to the United States before deciding she prefers to hop around the world. If she's not glued to her laptop, you can find her dragging her husband and son to high tea. Visit SoniaTagliareni.com for more information.