HOUSE OF HEARTS

Fueled by a drive for vengeance against her best friend’s murderer, a girl becomes entangled in a society that harbors supernatural secrets.

Violet Harper enters the prestigious Hart Academy with one goal: to learn what happened to her late best friend and enact revenge. Last year, Emoree Hale was reported to have tragically fallen from a tower, but Violet knows she’d never have taken her own life. Not long before her death, Emoree admitted to having feelings for the headmistress’ son Percy Lockwell. Now Violet is sure Percy killed her friend—and that his mother is covering for him. But Percy has disappeared by the time Violet arrives on campus, so she pursues his siblings for information instead. Both Calvin and Sadie are members of the campus club known as the Cards, an exclusive group with great privileges and mysterious intentions. Calvin, in particular, becomes Violet’s target: He’s a notorious playboy who clearly knows more about Emoree’s death than he lets on. But even as Violet uncovers the truth, more questions arise, and ghosts and vicious curses come into play. She must battle an undeniable connection to Calvin and a host of supernatural horrors before she completes her mission. Calvin and Violet’s chemistry and the moody setting will propel readers despite the uneven pace and somewhat predictable lore of the curse. The lead characters are cued white, and there’s racial diversity in the supporting cast.

Solid dark academia that’s strongest in its spooky, enchanting atmosphere.