Welcome to Blackwood Academy: a boarding school located on the fringes of the afterlife.
No one knows why they end up at Blackwood; but when they enter the school's arched gates the only way out is to be chosen for the Decennial โ a series of magical trials held once a decade. The chosen pupil is offered a choice: graduate and join Blackwoodโs magical elite, or venture into the unknown and cross over to the Other Side.
Wren knows she has what it takes to winโunless, that is, her arch-rival (and subject of her tortured dreams) Augustine steals her spot.
Irene has never cared about playing by the rules and will break whatever (and whoever) stands in her way, including her only friend, Masika.
Olivier has given up securing the nomination. But heโll stop at nothing to keep Emilio, from crossing over to the Other Side.
All are determined to be Blackwoodโs chosen candidate. All are determined to win. But this Decennial will be unlike any before.
Six nominees.
Four trials.
One victor.
The competitors are about to learn that there are some fates worse than death.
I.V. Marie was born and raised in Miami to a Peruvian mother and Chilean father, where she acquired a penchant for afternoon cafecitos and developed an all-consuming obsession with books. Her writing ambitions began behind her grandparentโs 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.