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What a fabulous, dark little blood-soaked jewel. I don‘t read a lot of horror but this is probably my favorite kind, even if the gore felt gratuitous.

Perfect for back to school, too 🤓

This book was insane but I loved it. It was kind of a monster version of Hunger Games. So the apocalypse has happened, and all the people (mostly kids) have these monsterous, world ending, anti-christ type powers. That includes Alessa, who, on her graduation day, barely escapes being eaten only to end up with seven other classmates and an edict that only one can live 👹
#Pantone2025 #crownblue @Lauredhel

I have listened to three of Khaw‘s earlier novels— she writes well & always has an intriguing premise. This latest is no exception, though despite the great performance, the cast size made me wish to have physically read this instead. There‘s plenty of action, but it‘s a bit light on explanations, making it hard to feel truly invested in the characters as they struggle to survive their own magical graduation. #AudioColoring

If you like dark academia with a little cosmic horror, 'The Library at Hellebore' might be right for you. Alessa Li was kidnapped and forced to attend Hellebore. Each student, whether recruited the traditional way, or facing forced enrollment, has certain monstrous gifts. Hellebore is labeled as a sanctuary for these students. However, it harbors a dark secret. The faculty don't expect the students to survive graduation.

I am SO excited for my hardcover copy to come in, but I just finished!!! If you‘re a fan of dark academia, horror, monster girls, and don‘t mind a little gore? Okay, a LOT of gore. 😅 But read this book! Cassandra Khaw‘s writing is so so so pretty, even when everything is slimy, gross, nasty. If you liked The Salt Grows Heavy and/or Someone You Can Build a Nest In, you‘ll like this book.

4 stars | #darkacadmemia #horror