ARC Review: Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni

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For fans of Naomi Novik and Kerri Maniscalco, a dark academia romantasy steeped in necromancy, forbidden love, and a twisty murder mystery set within the perilous halls of a magical institute, as a death mage who hates her magic and a poison mage who hates her are forced to work together to stop a killer before one of them is next.

Born with the ability to speak with the dead, Viola hates her magic. It 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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First line:
I was ten the first time I touched a corpse.
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Source:
eARC from Netgalley
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Publisher:
Atria
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Publication Date:
May 12, 2026
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Rating:
4 Aspiers out of 5
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Deathbringer is a great read! It has all the perfect tropes: dark academia, murder mystery, forced proximity. Sonia throws in so many twists I didn't see coming and it kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Sylas is such a grumpy softie and I love him so much. He is the epitome of "Looks like could kill you; is a cinnamon roll". Viola is self conscious but wicked smart. It was fun seeing her come into her confidence and I'm excited for her villain era next book.

Gorhail is a dark murky college where danger lurks around every corner. I love this magic system of the three houses and I can't wait to learn more about the history and myths in the next couple of books.

I think a lot of people will love this book and I'm an tearing at the seams to get the sequel after that ending!



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