Deathbringer (Deluxe Edition): A Novel
by Sonia TagliareniCategory
About this book
INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Order the deluxe limited edition of Deathbringer now—a stunning, collectible hardcover edition featuring stenciled edges, endpapers, and a foil-stamped case—only available on the first printing while supplies last! For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, “a slow-burn dark academia filled with delicious yearning, dripping with atmosphere, and a compelling mystery” (Ellis Hunter, author of Blood Bound) 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. Everything about Sylas Archyr feels like a sin. 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.
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What readers are saying
Mich (easy.vesey.reads)Dark Academia at its finest!
"“Your heart is my home. Without you my soul has no anchor.” ♥️ Deathbringer was an amazing debut and I can already tell that it is going to be the next big romantasy book! While it took me a little bit to get into because of the dense world building (but hey it’s a fantasy book so no surprise there!), once everything started to get going I ended up not being able to put the book down. I truly felt the dark and haunting nature of the book. Like this is what you call a dark academia book for real. The necromancy and murder mystery aspects were my favorite part and I also loved the magical elements! “Everything about Sylas Archyr feels like a sin.” I enjoyed Sylas and Viola’s enemies to lovers romance, even if it was fast-paced as opposed to a slow-burn! Sylas’s realization of his feelings was great and I loved that we got alternating chapters from each of their points-of-view! I did guess the plot twist, but I don’t think it was obvious at all! I truly just guessed well lol. But the cliffhanger ending killed me and I desperately need the next book! If you’re looking for a dark academia romantasy featuring enemies to lovers, forbidden love, necromancy, and murder mystery, then make sure to check out Deathbringer! Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for the advanced copy! ["
May 19, 2026 Verified Purchase
Michelle W.Fabulous dark academia debut!
"First off, I want to clarify an important detail here: I think the US publisher is doing this book a disservice by marketing it as a romantasy. It is NOT a romantasy. It is a fantasy romance, which the author herself has confirmed. It very much is plot-driven, with a romance subplot. So if you go into this book expecting lots of spice and romance... you will be a bit disappointed. However, if you go into this book with the correct expectations, it is a VERY enjoyable read. Sonia does a fantastic job in her debut novel of weaving together a plot that keeps you on your toes until the very end, and the writing is quite lovely. The story is a wonderful mix of fantasy with a murder mystery/thriller, a slow burn romance subplot that will make you swoon by the end, all wrapped up in dark academia & gothic vibes. I love the world that Sonia has built here, as well as the magic system, and everything put together just felt fresh and uniquely combined to make a story that feels like it stands apart a bit from others with similar vibes. The little snarky quips, the banter between Sylas and Viola, and all the wonderfully-written side characters (as well as some who I really didn't like, AS INTENDED by Sonia) really brought this book to life, and I had troubles putting it down when life tried to get in the way. You may walk away from this book with some trust issues, because Sonia does such a great job at making everyone seem suspicious in who she's written them, therefore keeping the reader from figuring out exactly what is going on and who's the villain truly is until she is ready to lay it all out for us at the end. The way this book ended took me COMPLETELY by surprise, and I can NOT wait to find out what happens in book 2! ["
May 19, 2026