Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
R.F. Kuang delivers a haunting Dark Academia twist on Dante’s Inferno. In Katabasis, two rival students descend into Hell to rescue a mentor—not for love, but for their academic futures. Using only chalk, runes, and their wits, they navigate a monotonous yet terrifying underworld. It’s a 4-star exploration of academic trauma and the lengths we go for validation. Perfect for high schoolers who loved Babel or Piranesi.
In The Scammer, Tiffany D. Jackson delivers a chilling look at psychological manipulation on a college campus. When an ex-convict brother moves into a freshman dorm at a D.C. HBCU, the “American Dream” turns into a web of secrets and missing persons. Sharp, suspenseful, and deeply relevant, this “New Adult” thriller explores the dangerous price of being a “good friend” and the resilience required to break free from a predator’s control.
This action packed fantasy sequel delivers nonstop twists, deep worldbuilding, and characters you cannot stop thinking about. Fans of intense, high stakes stories will be counting down to the next installment.
This lush romantasy blends witches, forbidden love, and a razor sharp look at power and belief. A gripping, character driven story that will keep readers hooked from the first page.