Keri Lake| 2023 | 682 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.5)
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Dark, Gothic, Mystery, College
SUMMARY
A dark, atmospheric tale of deadly secrets and forbidden love.
Mortui vivos docent.
The dead teach the living.
After watching my mother succumb to a mysterious illness, I promised myself two things. I’d find the cure for what ravaged her. And leave the godforsaken city where she abandoned me.
Four years later, I receive an acceptance letter from Dracadia University, one of the oldest, most prestigious schools in the country. Nestled on a secluded island off the coast of Maine, it’s rumored to be haunted by the souls of the mental patients exiled there centuries before. Those whose bones are said to make up the island’s white sandy shores.
And restless ghosts aren’t even its most daunting peculiarity.
Devryck Bramwell, known on campus as Doctor Death, is a brilliant pathologist in charge of the midnight lab. He’s also my devastatingly handsome professor, who seems to loathe tenacious first-years, like me. Except, his dark and enigmatic gaze tells me all the ways he’d devour me if given the chance, and his stolen kisses burn my lips with forbidden jealousy.
I crave his authority.
He aches for redemption.
Together, we’re toxic. Delicious fodder for the prying eyes hellbent on exhuming the rotted skeletons of our pasts.
For the dead have much to teach, and it’s only a matter of time before Dracadia’s most depraved secret is resurrected.
Nocticadia is a standalone dark academia gothic romance.
MY THOUGHTS & OVERVIEW
Plot:
The novel begins with Lilia, still grieving the loss of her mother to an unexplained illness, working hard to support her younger sister, Bee. She's balancing work and school, trying to make ends meet while also pursuing answers about her mother's death. After submitting a paper for a class on a "fictional" disease she believes to be real, Lilia is offered a scholarship to Dracadia University. Located on a remote island, Dracadia is filled with dark secrets and a shadowy history, which only fuels Lilia's determination to uncover the truth.
At Dracadia, Lilia's path intertwines with Professor Devryck Bramwell, a brilliant but emotionally distant pathologist known on campus as 'Doctor Death.' His research into death and disease captivates Lilia, but their connection goes beyond academic interest. As their relationship evolves, it becomes a complex mixture of tension and emotion. Along the way, Lilia uncovers the darker side of Dracadia, encountering characters like Gilchrist and the secretive society of the Rooks, whose actions become increasingly dangerous.
The novel's pacing is well-constructed throughout most of the book, allowing for careful character development and the gradual unraveling of the mystery surrounding Noctisoma. The slow-burn romance between Lilia and Devryck is balanced perfectly with the growing tension of the plot. However, the final 20% of the book is packed with rapid twists and turns that, while unexpected, feel a bit rushed. These revelations could have benefited from more exploration, especially given the deliberate pacing of the earlier chapters.
My Thoughts:
Nocticadia brilliantly captures the dark academia aesthetic, blending mystery, romance, and an eerie atmosphere into a gripping narrative. One of the novel's strongest aspects is the dynamic between Lilia and Devryck. Their slow-burn romance isn't just about physical attraction—it's built on intellectual connection, shared grief, and a desire for answers that draws them together. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what makes their relationship compelling is how well it evolves over time. Devryck's emotional detachment and possessive nature are balanced by Lilia's resilience and determination, making for a relationship that feels both dangerous and passionate.
The gothic setting of Dracadia University is another standout element. Keri Lake does an excellent job creating a world steeped in history and shadows, with the island's haunting legends and eerie atmosphere woven into every corner of the story. The campus itself feels alive with secrets, adding layers to the mystery of Noctisoma and the island's sinister past. This world-building is captivating, and I was completely immersed in the setting.
However, despite the well-paced first three-quarters of the book, the last 20% felt rushed. The story suddenly accelerates with twists and reveals, which, while surprising, could have been spaced out to allow for more depth and exploration. The sudden resolutions—especially with characters like Spencer and Mel—left me wanting more character development. The twist involving Caed's return was emotional, but his sudden shift into a new role felt jarring, lacking buildup and explanation.
While the subplots added complexity to the story, I sometimes felt there were too many villains and threads to follow. Characters like Gilchrist, Lippincott, and Angelo provided additional conflict, but their arcs sometimes felt disconnected from the central storyline. The secret society subplot, in particular, could have been more integrated with the main plot to feel more cohesive.
The inclusion of Lilia's sister, Bee, was a nice emotional touch. Bee serves as a constant motivator for Lilia. Given how central she is to Lilia's drive, I wish Bee had more direct involvement in the story. On the other hand, Angelo was a disturbing and compelling villain, especially in his violent encounters with Lilia. His presence added a sense of danger to the story, which heightened the stakes.
Overall, Nocticadia offers a rich, dark romance paired with mystery and suspense, keeping me hooked. Despite some rushed moments and a few underdeveloped subplots, the novel stands out in the dark academia genre. The chemistry between the characters, especially Lilia and Devryck, combined with the eerie setting of Dracadia, made this book difficult to put down.
Conclusion:
Nocticadia is a powerful, atmospheric gothic romance combining dark academia with a deeply emotional love story. The relationship between Lilia and Devryck is one of the novel's most compelling aspects, with their slow-burn tension building to a satisfying and intense conclusion. The novel's gothic setting and well-crafted mystery make it an engaging read, though some of the subplots and twists toward the end could have been more thoroughly explored.
Nocticadia is a story filled with layered character arcs and intertwining plot twists. The complex relationships, betrayals, and family secrets make for a gripping dark academia tale, even if some character arcs and resolutions feel rushed.
If you enjoy dark, immersive worlds with forbidden romance and intricate mysteries, Nocticadia is a must-read. Despite a few rushed moments, the novel delivers a rich and haunting narrative that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
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CHARACTERS
Devryck Bramwell (Doctor Death) is an enigmatic, morally gray character central to unraveling the mystery of Noctisoma, the disease that drives much of the plot. As a pathologist, his fascination with death and disease has earned him the nickname "Doctor Death" among students. His cold and distant demeanor serves as a defense mechanism, shaped by his guilt-ridden past and the loss of his father’s legacy. However, his relationship with Lilia gradually softens him, chipping away at his emotional barriers. Devryck’s arc is one of the most compelling in the novel, balancing his intellectual pursuits with a growing sense of protectiveness and possessiveness over Lilia. As his past and the betrayals that destroyed his father’s research are revealed, Devryck becomes the emotional core of the story.
Lilia Vespertine is a determined and resourceful protagonist whose life has been shaped by the mysterious death of her mother, which she believes is connected to Noctisoma. Her love for her younger sister, Bee, motivates her to push through difficult situations, and her intelligence shines as she navigates the academic challenges at Dracadia. Lilia’s relationship with Devryck begins with mutual respect and intellectual admiration, but it deepens as they work together to uncover the truth behind the sinister events at the university. Her arc masterfully balances her academic pursuit of the truth and her emotional journey of self-discovery, navigating her vulnerability and desire for answers. Lilia's quest to understand her mother’s death and her own identity takes her deeper into Dracadia’s dark history, showcasing the depth of her character.
Bee Vespertine is Lilia's younger sister, plays a key role in motivating Lilia throughout the novel. Although Bee doesn’t appear often, her presence is felt throughout the novel as Lilia’s primary motivation. Lilia’s determination to care for her sister and uncover the truth about their mother’s death drives much of the story, and their bond serves as an emotional anchor for Lilia.
Spencer is initially presented as a suspicious and antagonistic figure, with pushy behavior that makes both Lilia and the reader question his intentions. As the plot progresses, his role becomes more complex when it’s revealed that he is Devryck’s half-brother, the product of an affair between Bramwell Senior and Lippincott’s wife. Caught in a web of manipulation, Spencer drugs Mel to uncover the truth about Jenny’s death, but it becomes clear that he is merely a pawn in the larger schemes of Gilchrist and Lippincott. While Spencer's role is important, his arc ultimately feels anticlimactic, as he remains a victim of manipulation rather than a fully developed antagonist, leaving less of an impact on the overall narrative.
Mel is an antagonist whose jealousy and envy toward Lilia fuel much of the conflict in the story. Her affair with Lippincott ties her deeply into the novel’s larger conspiracy, and she is responsible for Jenny’s murder, though her motivations remain unclear. While Mel plays a significant role in some of the darker schemes involving characters like Gilchrist and Angelo, her character lacks depth, serving more as a plot device to create tension for Lilia. Ultimately, Mel is a pawn in Lippincott’s manipulations, helping to cover up his crimes but remaining a relatively shallow and spiteful force within the narrative.
Caedman Bramwell is Devryck's twin brother, plays a smaller but significant role in the story. After being kidnapped under Lippincott's orders, Caedmon reappears later in the novel, initially disguised in a plague mask and lurking around the university. His return adds emotional depth to Devryck’s character arc, particularly during their bittersweet reunion after years of separation. Caedmon’s kidnapping and manipulation tie directly to the darker aspects of their father’s ruined legacy, furthering the emotional stakes. However, some details surrounding his return, particularly his sudden role as an English professor, feel rushed and out of place in the narrative, leaving certain aspects of his involvement underdeveloped.
Angelo is one of the most sinister characters in the novel, playing a significant role in its darker moments. His violent actions, including the kidnapping of Caedmon and his attempt to kill Lilia under Lippincott’s orders, make him one of the more frightening antagonists. His physical attack on Lilia further cements his role as a menacing figure. Angelo’s motivations are primarily driven by his loyalty to Lippincott and his involvement with the secret society of the Rooks, which manipulates many events throughout the story. His eventual fate is a fitting end for the danger he presents to Lilia and Devryck.
Professor Gilchrist is a manipulative and corrupt professor at Dracadia. She blackmails Lilia, turning others against her, and sexually harasses Spencer in exchange for favors. Her involvement in the Rooks and her ability to cover for Spencer after he drugs Mel tie her deeply into the novel’s darker events. Gilchrist’s role adds significant tension, though her downfall feels somewhat rushed as her broader involvement in the conspiracy comes to light.
Professor Lippincott is the novel’s central villain, revealed to be Lilia’s biological father and the mastermind behind many of the book’s darkest events. His jealousy of Bramwell Senior led him to ruin his research by deliberately infecting test subjects, including Lilia’s mother. Lippincott’s affair with Mel, his manipulation of Angelo and Gilchrist, and his direct role in orchestrating Jenny’s murder make him a profoundly corrupt figure. His entitlement and belief that the research rightfully belonged to him drive his actions, ultimately leading to his desire to destroy both Lilia and Devryck. His manipulative actions tie together the major plot twists, as he uses everyone around him to ensure his control over the secrets of Noctisoma.
IF YOU ARE STILL HERE.... WELCOME TO THE PLOT TWISTS:
Jenny’s Death: Jenny, a key figure who worked with Bramwell Senior, is killed by Mel after stealing research papers that could have exposed Lippincott’s crimes. Her death is initially framed as Devryck’s fault, but the truth reveals that Mel killed her to protect Lippincott.
Spencer’s Manipulation: Spencer, Devryck’s half-brother, is manipulated by Gilchrist and Lippincott throughout the story. His arc shifts as he drugs Mel to uncover the truth about Jenny, but in the end, he is shown to be just another pawn in the larger conspiracy.
Lippincott’s Manipulation: Lippincott’s role as the mastermind of the novel’s events is revealed when it is discovered that he deliberately ruined Bramwell Senior’s research by infecting the test subjects, including Lilia’s mother. His deep jealousy and ambition to claim the research as his own lead to his orchestrating a series of crimes, including Caedmon’s kidnapping and Angelo’s attempt to kill Lilia.
Caedmon’s Return: Caedmon’s kidnapping by Angelo is part of Lippincott’s plan to sabotage Bramwell Senior’s research and control the secrets of Noctisoma. His return to the story adds emotional complexity to Devryck’s arc, though the rushed details surrounding his new role feel disconnected.
Lilia’s Paternity: The revelation that Lippincott is Lilia’s biological father adds a layer of betrayal to her quest for the truth. This twist ties her family directly to the dark secrets of Dracadia, as Lippincott’s actions were responsible for her mother’s death.
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