A promising beginning to a new low fantasy series, Baneful Magick pulls readers into the mysterious world of Greywood Conservatory, a school for supernatural beings. Isla, a fiercely independent witch with a passion for poisons, is thrust into this new environment filled with shifters, vampires, high fae, incubi, and fellow witches. But Greywood is more than just a school—it’s a place of secrets, and when a body turns up, the stakes rise.
Isla is an easy-to-love FMC: snarky, tough, and fiercely loyal to her friends. Her sharp wit and resilience make her an engaging protagonist. The book features a diverse cast with well-integrated LGBTQ+ representation and hints at a "why choose" romance, as multiple love interests emerge.
The writing style is fast-paced, with enough description to provide a sense of the world without slowing the story down. This mirrors Isla’s character perfectly—she is hyper-focused on the present moment and the people she’s dealing with, while everything else becomes background noise. This approach keeps the narrative moving but also leaves many aspects of the world feeling disconnected. We know little about who attends Greywood, other than that its students are either outcasts or extremely dangerous. The discovery of bodies raises the stakes, but no real details are given—who they are, how they ended up there, or why they matter. Even the love interests seem to appear without much explanation, creating a whirlwind of possibilities without clear connections.
The best—and most frustrating—part of this book is the sheer number of characters, each with their own histories and motives. Isla’s potential love interests all have something in common: they’ve been cast out by their families and seek connection, particularly with her. This dynamic adds layers to the romance but also raises concerns about whether all these threads can be woven into a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, Baneful Magick is an addictive read, perfect for fans of academy settings, multiple POVs, and complex relationships. The fast pace and intriguing characters make it hard to put down, though the unanswered questions leave a lingering sense of uncertainty. The story has immense potential, opening up numerous paths for the series to explore, but it will require careful handling to bring everything together in a meaningful way. Will Suki Rose be able to tie together the mystery, the romance, and the many subplots? Only time will tell—but for now, I’m eagerly awaiting book two.
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