Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie

Title: Immortal Consequences

Author: I.V. Marie

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Souls of Blackwood Academy # 1

Publication: July 29, 2025, 512 pages

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. 

Pre-Order|AMAZON|BN|

Welcome to Blackwood Academy: the legendary school located at the fringes of the afterlife, where students are fated to spend the rest of eternity shepherding lost souls. Once a pupil enters the school’s arched gates, there is no way out…except for the Decennial, a once-in-a-decade celebration that rewards nominees who pass its trials with a choice: formally graduate and join Blackwood’s magical elite, or venture into the unknown and cross over to the mysterious Other Side.

Wren Loughty is certain that this Decennial, she has what it takes to earn the nomination—unless, that is, her academic archrival Augustine Hughes steals her spot.

Irene Manette Bamford has never cared about playing by the rules. She’s willing to break whatever (and whoever) stands between her and getting the hell out of Blackwood, including her best and only friend, Masika Sallow.

Olivier Dupont gave up on securing the nomination ages ago. But after he meets Blackwood’s newest student, Emilio Córdova, he’ll do anything to keep Emilio from leaving him and crossing over to the Other Side—even if it means claiming the victory for himself.

All of them are determined to be Blackwood’s chosen candidate–and all of them would do anything to win. But none of them are prepared for what’s to come. Because this Decennial will be different. This time, the Decennial isn’t a celebration…it’s a competition. And there can only be one victor.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been excited for Immortal Consequences ever since I first heard it was picked up by a publisher. A dark academia novel with a boarding school in the afterlife? I'm already sold.

Immortal Consequences is told from six different points of view, all students of Blackwood Academy. Every ten years, students are selected to participate in the Decennial; a trial in which one is chosen to join the next level and become an Ascended, an elite protector of the school. While the others face a different fate: join the ethers, tasked with reaping souls for all of eternity.

The story wastes no time, diving right into the action and quickly introducing the key players and the central mystery. I immediately adored Wren and August, Blackwood’s top students. I loved how quickly I connected with the characters and how distinct their personalities felt, even within just a few chapters. Each was well-written and easy to identify: Wren and August, the academic rivals fighting a growing attraction; Oliver and Emilio, the inseparable pair of opposites; and Masika and Irene, the classic grumpy-and-sunshine duo.

As a fan of dark academia, I thought the concept of a school in the afterlife was incredibly unique. Blackwood Academy isn’t the only force at play though, there’s also the Demien Order, made up of former students or faculty who gave up their humanity to wield shadow magic. And then there are other mysterious entities lurking in purgatory. The magical school, the looming threat, the house system, all reminded me of Harry Potter in the best way. The students are divided into houses, each specializing in a particular magical ability. I especially enjoyed the scenes where we saw them use their powers, whether it be elemental, spellcasting, or defensive magic.

I truly love Marie’s writing; it flows beautifully and made it easy to immerse myself in this world. Normally, I’m not a big fan of multiple points of view, but Marie made it work flawlessly. The chapters felt just the right length, and I appreciated how the book was segmented into parts, giving readers a sense of pacing and structure.

All in all, Immortal Consequences is an excellent start to a new series, full of compelling characters, action, and plenty of twists and turns. With the way it ended, I absolutely can’t wait to see what happens next. If you're a fan of all things supernatural or dark academia, I highly recommend making Immortal Consequences your next read!