RuNyx

This book started on such a high for me! I was in love with the plot, loving the setting, and so intrigued by the characters. Halfway through the book, I was already declaring this as a potential five star!

Vad had me so intrigued. You want to talk about dark and mysterious, this is it! I also really liked to see how Cor progressed over the story. Learning about her upbringing and what she has gone through to where she is was fantastic. Also, the tasteful way that mental illness was show more discussed in this book was very well done.

But this plot twist!!! What!?!? Did not see that coming! The way that snuck up on us! Brilliant!

So overall, I clearly had a good time and enjoyed this book. The reason I deducted a star was because I felt as though the ending was rushed and I was left with far too many questions. If this were to be made into a series, I could understand having these questions, but from my understanding, this is meant to be a standalone.

Still a fun time, especially heading into spooky season! show less

GOTHIKANA by RuNyx is a novel that received lots of attention in the online book world. At first, I was able to avoid the attention. After all, it has been my experience that books receiving that much attention from TikTokers tend to be disappointments. However, as the buzz increased in fever pitch, I found that the fuss piqued my interest. It wasn't long before I requested a review copy when one became available.

After almost twenty years of reviewing books, I really should stick with my show more gut about buzzy books. It isn't so much that GOTHIKANA is a bad book, but it is most definitely not worth the hype. While most of my concerns about GOTHIKANA revolve around the relationship between Corvina and Vad, I also have issues with the boarding school mystery. In general, I was so disappointed by RuNyx's story. And, once again, I wonder what I missed when others seem to love what I disliked.

My biggest issue with GOTHIKANA is Corvina's and Vad's relationship. It isn't an issue of age difference. Corvina is 22, and Vad is in his late 20s. There is no statutory rape occurring here. What made me uncomfortable was the student/teacher dynamic between them. It doesn't matter that they are of the same age or that there is an undeniable attraction between the two. One still holds power over the other due to their positions at the school. In this post-#metoo era, to promote a relationship in which the power is completely in one person's hands feels irresponsible.

I might feel differently had there been any sort form of tenderness between them. Instead, the entirety of their physical relationship is brutal and animalistic. There is no love-making here; there is bruising and discussions of ownership. Their coupling scenes read more like a dom/sub relationship, which only ties back to my concerns about the inherent power mismatch between them. The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth and an unclean feeling on my skin.

As this odd subgenre of Romantasy gains in popularity, of which GOTHIKANA firmly sits, you have to wonder if some readers love the genre simply because it contains explicit sex scenes. I feel that readers are confusing lust with like. After all, it wasn't so long ago when spice stayed firmly within the romance realm, and most fantasy bedroom scenes faded to black. The presence of spice does not equal good writing, and becoming horny because of a book does not mean it is a good story.

The one aspect of GOTHIKANA I did enjoy was the mystery. I wish there was more focus on that part of the story than on Corvina's potential madness or her relationship with Vad. Unfortunately, as I started to write down my thoughts, I realized how few answers we received about the mystery of Verenmore. Sure, we find out who was killing students in recent years. But we learn nothing about what happened in the past or anything surrounding the disappearances during every Black Ball. I understand that RuNyx plans to revisit Verenmore in a future book. Sadly, I don't believe there is enough like on my part to want to read more, even if that future book gives me the answers I want.

GOTHIKANA is a book I should have ignored but chose to let the hype sway me. Maybe it is because I just had to sit through my company's annual sexual harassment training but I cannot get over the discomfort I had with Corvina and Vad's relationship. While it was consensual, it was so brutal and the power difference so large that I struggled to see it as anything other than sexual assault. As for the mysterious happenings at Verenmore, there are too few answers and too many unanswered questions for closure. My overall impression of GOTHIKANA is one of a poorly-written manuscript with very little story and too much attention paid to an abusive relationship. Don't get me started on its portrayal of mental illness either. show less

This dark gothic romance is everything I could want from a secret society thriller wrapped in an intoxicating love story. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of a prestigious college harboring deadly secrets, this novel masterfully weaves together mystery, romance, and spine-tingling suspense that had me absolutely hooked from the first page.
Our protagonist finds herself drawn into a world far more dangerous and complex than she initially expected. What begins as a personal quest quickly show more evolves into something much larger, involving family secrets, hidden dangers, and a mysterious society operating in the shadows of the academic world. The dark academic setting provides the perfect gothic atmosphere that permeates every page, creating an immersive experience that kept me reading late into the night.
The real standout of this novel is Caz – and let me tell you, I was completely feral over this man! He's a tortured artist who embodies everything I want in a dark romance ML. He's possessive and mysterious in all the right ways, but what truly sets him apart is his genuine care for the protagonist. The way he helps her through difficult moments heartwarming and swoon-worthy. I literally melted at his tenderness. Their chemistry is electric, building from rivals-to-lovers tension into something truly special. The romantic scenes, particularly one unforgettable altar scene that will live rent-free in my head forever, are written with a perfect balance of heat and emotion.
The plot moves at a breakneck pace, blending murder mystery elements with the romance seamlessly. I genuinely couldn't put this book down once I picked it up. The secret society subplot adds layers of intrigue and danger that keep the stakes high throughout. The gothic atmosphere is maintained beautifully, creating that perfect dark and gloomy ambiance that I absolutely crave in this genre.
The book succeeds as a perfect "vibes read" – one of those novels that captivates you with its atmosphere and characters even if every plot point isn't perfectly executed.
Perfect for fans of: Dark academia, secret societies, gothic romance, rivals-to-lovers, possessive heroes, mystery thrillers
Content warnings: Violence, dark themes
This is definitely a "right book, right time" read that proves sometimes the perfect combination of atmosphere, chemistry, and pacing can overcome minor plot weaknesses. I highly recommend diving into this dark, delicious world – you won't regret it.
I was gifted this ALC from NetGalley. show less

This is an intense, atmospheric listen that completely pulled me in. The dark academia vibes, slow-burn tension, and eerie mystery around Mortimer University made it hard to stop. Salem’s obsession with uncovering her sister’s death, Caz’s broodiness, and dangerous energy created a magnetic, twisted romance. Their chemistry crackled, and the secret society elements added just the right touch of suspense. The narrators, Aiden Snow and Jaclyn Kelso, brought both characters to life so show more well, especially during the emotional and steamy moments. It’s more mystery than pure romance, but I loved the balance. This audiobook is worth the time if you’re into haunting settings, forbidden love, and morally gray characters. I’ll be thinking about Caz and Salem for a while. show less