Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy
Set in a ruthless magical academy where survival is the only path to graduation, Wicked Onyx plunges readers into a world of cursed bloodlines, dangerous secrets and forbidden alliances. From the first page, Cassidy introduces a heroine burdened by a centuries-old family curse and determined to uncover the truth behind it. The result is a fast-paced, immersive story that balances high stakes with imaginative worldbuilding and compelling character dynamics.
A Cursed Legacy and a Bold Quest for Truth
Wicked Onyx follows Anamaya Onyx, the last heir of a once-powerful sorcerer family condemned by a dark history. Generations ago, an Onyx ancestor was accused of an unspeakable crime, prompting the Arcanum Imperium — the ruling magical authority — to strip the family of its powers and brand them as traitors. Growing up in hiding, cut off from the magical Weave, Anamaya carries the weight of a name she cannot publicly claim.
Her mother’s death from a treatable illness, worsened by the Imperium’s neglect of “cursed” families, sparks Anamaya’s quest for justice. A final letter hints that the Onyx disgrace might be built on lies. Armed with a cryptic message and a box of secret heirlooms, she leaves her quiet life behind, determined to reclaim her family’s magic and dignity.
Her journey leads to Nightsbridge Academy — the one place that might hold answers. As the sole surviving Onyx, she gains admission under an assumed identity, knowing exposure could be fatal. Cassidy establishes Anamaya’s motivations with precision: grief, fury at generations of injustice and fierce love for the family she’s lost. Her courage and resourcefulness make her impossible not to root for.
Nightsbridge Academy — Where Magic Meets Peril
Nightsbridge Academy is a dark, high-stakes school of magic. It is a fortified enclave for society’s most dangerous sorcerers, tasked with containing monstrous threats. Cassidy vividly depicts the treacherous halls: crackling portals, windswept stone courtyards and an ever-present sense of danger beyond the walls. Students aren’t just studying — they’re battling Horrors and Echoes, nightmarish creatures that stalk the world. Classmates must depend on each other in literal life-or-death trials, even as rivalries and secrets simmer beneath the surface.
Entering Nightsbridge forces Anamaya into the lion’s den. The Imperium’s influence permeates the school and discovery of her identity could be fatal. Cassidy sustains tension through heart-pounding action and suspenseful intrigue. Anamaya’s tactical mind and combat skills shine in deadly drills, monster attacks and daring explorations of the school’s catacombs and libraries. The pacing balances intense action with quieter investigative moments, keeping readers constantly engaged.
Characters with Depth and Electric Alliances
Anamaya is a compelling heroine: tough, witty, loyal and vulnerable in ways that feel real. Used to being an outcast, she initially pushes others away, but the academy forces her to form bonds. Her ragtag circle of allies brings warmth and humor to the grim setting. Students like the cheerful Dori and studious Benedict offer camaraderie, illustrating the story’s theme of found family.
Not all relationships are friendly. Cassidy layers intrigue and romance into Anamaya’s quest. Sterling Damascus, a brooding dhampir prince and Hunt Master, represents danger and mistrust. Their slow-burn relationship crackles with tension, trust and chemistry, developing naturally amid shared trials. Meanwhile, a steadfast friend offers kindness and support, providing a heartening contrast to Sterling’s intensity. Anamaya’s growing attachments add emotional complexity, heightening the stakes without overshadowing her mission.
Caught between vengeance and newfound bonds, Anamaya faces hard choices. Cassidy explores her fear that attachments bring only pain, a lingering effect of the family curse. Watching her navigate friendship, trust and romance is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Love and loyalty become additional challenges in her quest to expose the Imperium’s lies, amplifying stakes without derailing the main plot.
Immersive Worldbuilding and a Captivating Voice
Cassidy’s voice is vivid and accessible, guiding readers through a richly detailed world without slowing the story. Hierarchies of magic, the politics of the Imperium, cursed artifacts and shadowy institutions emerge organically. Scenes range from stormy port stations to mist-shrouded forests, cinematic in detail and pulse-pounding in action. Quiet, suspenseful sequences — deciphering coded messages or exploring hidden archives — showcase Cassidy’s skill at building tension.
Wicked Onyx balances dark, ominous tone with humor and heart. Moments of friendship and recollections of Anamaya’s mother temper the peril, reminding readers that the stakes extend beyond revenge. The prose is precise and cinematic: spells crackle, monsters shriek and every triumph feels earned. Setbacks only sharpen Anamaya’s resolve and a thread of hope runs through the darkness.
Above all, Wicked Onyx is a story about resilience, identity and legacy. Anamaya must define what it means to be an Onyx on her own terms, reclaiming power and dignity stripped from her family. By the end, many questions are answered, but tantalizing mysteries remain, perfectly setting the stage for the next installment of The Veritas Legacy.
For fans of dark academia fantasy and paranormal romance, Wicked Onyx is a gripping adventure filled with magic, mayhem, loyalty and love — anchored by a heroine whose courage and heart will keep readers eagerly turning pages.
About Debbie Cassidy
Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
