Darkbirch Academy: Darkbirch Academy, Book 1
by Krista GravesCategory
About this book
"Two predators now circle me in this den of enemies. One I came to hunt, and one I never saw coming." Dark mages don't deal in warnings—only executions. So when assassin-in-training Esme Salem is tasked with infiltrating a magical defense academy and eliminating Kieran Mazrov—a deadly mage with powers that could erase her kind from existence—it should be treacherous but simple. A poisonous jab to his throat. A garrote bracelet slit across his neck. No hesitation. What she doesn't expect is Professor Dayn. Calculating. Controlled. Lethal in every line of his body, which emits literal heat when he enters a room. He's supposed to be an academic, but nothing about him screams scholarly. And the more she tries to pursue her mission, the more dangerous he becomes... She came to kill. She might just end up undone—unless she can undo both predators first. Prepared to enter the game? If you like your magic dark, your men dangerous, and your heroines delightfully unhinged—this one's for you. This story is a slow-burn enemies to (hopefully) lovers. It contains a cast of predatory beings, including dragons, mages, vampires, dark fae, werewolves, and incubi. Enter at your own risk. And be warned: If you're a fan of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, or Zodiac Academy, sleep might become your sacrifice. Welcome to Darkbirch. Your next obsession begins now. Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website. Narrated in duet style.
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What readers are saying
Marina SohmaFun, sarcastic, magic items hunt, witch and dragon shifter!
"Solid 4.5 Star-rounding to 5 Star because I legit had a blast reading this! I would never had been able to tell that this was a debut work! It was absolutely GREAT!! Plot, pacing, characters, sarcasm, tension, EVERYTHING was top quality! Esme was a great MFC (I appreciate a character running at a healthy 150% sarcasm). She will have to deal with one heck of a plot twist in what she thought her coven was all about. Cannot wait to see what’s coming. Dayn was beyond fantastic , meeting Esme’s sarcasm at full level + intellect (my recipe for perfection). I so look forward to see what twists will come to his life because he knew what he was doing, so there’s much to unpack regarding his feelings and motivations towards that decision. Jumping into the next book! ["
March 7, 2026 Verified Purchase
Mariah MonroyA Strong Start with a Magical Academy Vibe... Yes Please
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 Stars. This book had such a fun, magical academy vibe, which is something I almost always love. The premise is engaging, and the world itself feels full of potential, especially with the different magical elements and the academy setting. While it took me a little bit to fully settle into the story, once things started unfolding, I found myself more invested in the characters and curious about where everything was going. The dynamics between the characters and the hints at a larger plot definitely kept me turning the pages. There were a few pacing moments that slowed things down for me, but overall, I really enjoyed the world the author is building and the direction the story seems to be heading. By the end, I was definitely intrigued enough to want to continue the series and see what happens next. Can't wait to start book 2! ["
March 11, 2026 Verified Purchase