One little letter turned my world upside down…

After spending half my life in exile, the last thing I expect to receive is an admittance letter from Heartstone Academy.

The brutal, elite college for witches and warlocks has one purpose: to birth the next generation of community leaders.

But when you’re a disgraced outcast harboring a dark secret, chances of surviving to graduation are slim.

If the deadly magic trials don’t finish me off, then the other students certainly will. They all hate me for who I am—especially Thorne Hudson, the most powerful and ruthless warlock in the third year.

To survive long enough to see my family’s reputation restored, I’ll need to stay away from Thorne at all costs. He hates me enough to kill me, and what’s worse…

He knows my dark secret.

But in a cutthroat world out for my blood, Thorne might be the only one who can keep me alive.

My Review

Winter has nightmares so vivid they feel real. She lives with her grandmother in a Victorian manor, and the atmosphere is beautifully described. The imagery in this book is incredible and really pulls you into the story. Winter is a witch, as is her grandmother, and I loved the extended opening that leads into her acceptance to the prestigious Heartstone Academy. The mention of magical trials immediately had my attention.

Despite a strong sense of foreboding, Winter is determined to attend the academy. She feels a deep responsibility to her family name and to witches who have been lost across the world. More than anything, she feels like she does not have a choice. Her motivation is less about desire and more about conviction, which makes her character really compelling.

From the start, she is warned to stay away from Thorne, which of course raises questions. There are hints of past tragedy and secrets that have not yet been fully revealed. The story leans into darker themes within the academic setting, so I would definitely recommend checking content warnings. The student body is harsh, and Winter faces both external challenges and her own internal struggles.

The dynamic between Winter and Thorne is intense. He clearly despises her, and their forced proximity creates constant tension. His elemental powers are impressive, and there is a strong morally grey presence to his character. At the same time, Winter is still dealing with survivor’s guilt, and we do not yet have the full picture of her past.

Their interactions are slow building but filled with tension. The enemies to lovers element is strong, with lines beginning to blur as the story progresses. There is a push and pull between innocence and darkness that adds to the emotional weight of their connection.

The Arcane Three add another interesting layer to the story. Their presence brings both intrigue and distraction, and I found myself wanting even more from those dynamics. The world itself feels complex, with a strong magical system and high stakes throughout.

As the story unfolds, the secrets, betrayal, and drama keep building. Just when it feels like things might settle, another twist pulls you back in. The ending especially leaves you needing the next book immediately.

I was fully immersed in Winter’s journey. Watching her grow from someone weighed down by her past into a stronger version of herself was really engaging. I do wish we had gotten Thorne’s point of view, especially with how their relationship develops, but Winter’s perspective carries the story well.

This is a darker academy read with emotional depth, strong tension, and a compelling world. Definitely check the author’s warnings if you are unsure about heavier themes, but if you enjoy morally grey characters, enemies to lovers, and magical academies, this one is worth diving into.

If you would like to read Dark Witch by Becky Moynihan this book will be available soon on Amazon.

If you liked this book you may also enjoy books with these tags and categories: Academy, Dark Themes and New Adult.

Author Q & A with Becky Moynihan

Other books I have reviewed by Becky Moynihan