Immortal Consequences- I.V. Marie by I.V. Marie
If you ever thought purgatory was just a quiet waiting room in the afterlife, Immortal Consequences by I. V. Marie is here to shock you. This young adult fantasy dives headfirst into a richly imagined world where death isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of another journey filled with magic, rivalry, betrayal and a whole lot of soul-searching.
The story is set in Blackwood Academy, a school in purgatory for souls who haven’t crossed over to the Other Side. But this is no ordinary school. At Blackwood, dead students train in magic, take reaping assignments to guide lost souls, and hope for a chance to earn the prestigious Ascended title during the Decennial Festival. If they don’t make it, they risk The Forgetting, which is a gradual, terrifying process of losing all memory of who they were before death.
Where Rivals Burn, Ghosts Yearn and Secrets Linger
The book follows several characters, but the heart of the story beats strongest with Wren Loughty, a fierce, no-nonsense student who’s been dead for 18 years, the same amount of time she lived. She’s determined to be chosen for the Decennial and become one of the elite.
Her main obstacle? Augustine Hughes, a frustratingly arrogant, sharp-tongued rival who also happens to have undeniable chemistry with her. Their love-hate dynamic brings fire to every scene they share. One minute you want to slap him, the next minute you’re secretly hoping they kiss. That kind of tension? Really sweet.
Other POVs include Emilio, the newly dead boy still trying to come to terms with his death; Olivier, his sassy, French-accented best friend who’s more than he seems; Irene, a sharp-edged rebel who will stop at nothing to get what she wants; and Masika, Irene’s calm and logical friend with secrets of her own. Each chapter shifts perspectives, painting a fuller picture of the emotional and magical chaos brewing beneath Blackwood’s pristine façade.
A Gothic Masterclass in Atmosphere, Voice, and Vision
I must say, the author’s writing style is elegant but sharp, like a sword dipped in poetry. I. V. Marie doesn’t just tell stories, she paints them. The language flows with intensity and grace, balancing humor and darkness in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Even the dialogue is so realistic that you feel like you’re eavesdropping on actual teenagers — dead ones, yes, but still teenagers with angst, sass and a whole lot of emotional baggage.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is the worldbuilding. Blackwood is more than a setting; it’s a character on its own. Everything from the gothic dormitories to the eerie woods and the politics of the Ascended feels real and layered. The idea of magic being tied to emotion, and how students use it at a cost to their energy, was a fresh take. It’s not just abracadabra here; every spell has weight.
A Genre-Defying Tale of Love, Loss, and Life After Death
Another thing I really appreciated was the way the author handled grief, identity and trauma. These are dead teenagers, some of whom died by suicide, overdose or violence. The book doesn’t shy away from their pain, but it also doesn’t romanticize it. It’s honest, raw and full of heart. You’ll find yourself rooting for every one of them, even when they make questionable choices.
Immortal Consequences blends genres in a way that’s quite bold. It has the emotional pull of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, the magical school vibes of Vampire Academy and the rich mythology of A Deadly Education. Still, it finds its own voice, a voice that is fierce, heartfelt and unforgettable.
If you’re looking for action, magic and a cast of flawed but lovable characters, this book delivers. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers tension that will have you screaming at the page, this one will give you plenty to chew on. If you’re someone who likes complex worldbuilding, emotional character arcs and high-stakes decisions about life after death, just carry your water and tissue. You’ll need it.
Magic That Moves You, Characters That Haunt You
I’d recommend this book to fans of Leigh Bardugo and Cassandra Clare, as well as anyone who enjoys dark academia, enemies-to-lovers romance and ensemble character storytelling. It’s perfect for teenagers, young adults and even older readers who still enjoy getting lost in a magical world with real emotional stakes.
Bottom line: Immortal Consequences is a deeply layered, beautifully written story that shows how even in death, life doesn’t stop. You’ll feel the weight of every decision, the thrill of every spell and the heartbreak of every goodbye.
About I.V. Marie:
I.V. Marie was born to a Peruvian mother and Chilean father in Miami, where she acquired a penchant for afternoon cafecitos and developed an all-consuming obsession with books. Her writing ambitions began behind her grandparents’ computer, where she spent her childhood crafting spooky and fantastical short stories. When she is not writing, you can find her rock climbing or watching atmospheric YouTube videos with her dog, Mr. Darcy. Immortal Consequences is her first novel.
