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Lovely Dark and Deep
From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.
Hidden off the coast of Washington, veiled in mist, there is an island that does not appear on any map. And on that island is Ellery West.
Ellery West has always been home for Faith. After an international move and a childhood spent adjusting to a new culture and a new language, the acclaimed school for magic feels like the only place she can be herself. That is, until Faith and another student walk into the forest, and only Faith walks out.
Marked with the red stripe across her uniform that designates all students deemed too dangerous to attend regular classes, Faith becomes a social pariah, an exile of Ellery West. But all she has to do is keep her head down for one more year to graduate, and she gets to keep her magic. Because when students fail out of Ellery West, they have their magic taken away. Forever. And Faith can't let that happen.
Except terrifying things are still happening to students, and the dark magic that was unleashed in the forest still seems to be at work. To stop it, Faith and the other Red Stripes will have to work together, risking expulsion from the magical world altogether.
Hidden off the coast of Washington, veiled in mist, there is an island that does not appear on any map. And on that island is Ellery West.
Ellery West has always been home for Faith. After an international move and a childhood spent adjusting to a new culture and a new language, the acclaimed school for magic feels like the only place she can be herself. That is, until Faith and another student walk into the forest, and only Faith walks out.
Marked with the red stripe across her uniform that designates all students deemed too dangerous to attend regular classes, Faith becomes a social pariah, an exile of Ellery West. But all she has to do is keep her head down for one more year to graduate, and she gets to keep her magic. Because when students fail out of Ellery West, they have their magic taken away. Forever. And Faith can't let that happen.
Except terrifying things are still happening to students, and the dark magic that was unleashed in the forest still seems to be at work. To stop it, Faith and the other Red Stripes will have to work together, risking expulsion from the magical world altogether.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2025
21 people are currently reading
6,971 people want to read
About the author
Elisa A. Bonnin
8books144followersElisa A. Bonnin was born and raised in the Philippines, after which she moved to the United States to study chemistry and later oceanography. After completing her doctorate, she moved to Germany to work as a postdoctoral scientist. A lifelong learner, Elisa is always convinced that she should “maybe take a class in something� and as a result, has amassed an eclectic collection of hobbies. But writing will always be her true love. Publishing a book has been her dream since she was eight years old, and she is thrilled to finally be able to share her stories. She is the author of Dauntless and Stolen City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 8, 2025
Dark academia is one of my absolute favorite genres, and Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin delivers everything I crave—atmospheric magic, deep emotional struggles, and a compelling found family dynamic that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Faith’s journey is one that immediately tugs at the heartstrings. As an immigrant navigating both the mundane and magical worlds, she’s spent her life feeling like an outsider. Now, marked with the dreaded Red Stripe after a mysterious and tragic incident in the forest, she’s more alone than ever. But when strange occurrences begin to shake Ellery West, Faith and her fellow Red Stripes are forced into a reluctant alliance, uncovering secrets that could change everything.
What I absolutely adored about this book is how it weaves personal identity and belonging into a gripping fantasy. The relationships between the Red Stripe students are beautifully written, full of raw moments of trust and camaraderie that made my heart swell. Alex, in particular, is a standout—I wanted to reach through the pages and protect him at all costs! The magic system is also incredibly well-crafted, with each class of magic feeling distinct and purposeful. I only wish we got to see even more of the magical lessons because the glimpses we did get were fascinating.
The pacing is quick, and the mix of past and present storytelling keeps the mystery unraveling in a way that’s both satisfying and suspenseful. While romance is touched upon, I appreciated that the novel prioritizes friendships and self-discovery, proving that love comes in many different forms.
If you love dark academia that isn’t just about aesthetics but also dives deep into the complexities of academia itself—especially for students who don’t always feel welcome in those spaces—this book is a must-read. Lovely Dark and Deep is thrilling, thought-provoking, and full of heart. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for providing me with an ARC of this intriguing novel in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Faith’s journey is one that immediately tugs at the heartstrings. As an immigrant navigating both the mundane and magical worlds, she’s spent her life feeling like an outsider. Now, marked with the dreaded Red Stripe after a mysterious and tragic incident in the forest, she’s more alone than ever. But when strange occurrences begin to shake Ellery West, Faith and her fellow Red Stripes are forced into a reluctant alliance, uncovering secrets that could change everything.
What I absolutely adored about this book is how it weaves personal identity and belonging into a gripping fantasy. The relationships between the Red Stripe students are beautifully written, full of raw moments of trust and camaraderie that made my heart swell. Alex, in particular, is a standout—I wanted to reach through the pages and protect him at all costs! The magic system is also incredibly well-crafted, with each class of magic feeling distinct and purposeful. I only wish we got to see even more of the magical lessons because the glimpses we did get were fascinating.
The pacing is quick, and the mix of past and present storytelling keeps the mystery unraveling in a way that’s both satisfying and suspenseful. While romance is touched upon, I appreciated that the novel prioritizes friendships and self-discovery, proving that love comes in many different forms.
If you love dark academia that isn’t just about aesthetics but also dives deep into the complexities of academia itself—especially for students who don’t always feel welcome in those spaces—this book is a must-read. Lovely Dark and Deep is thrilling, thought-provoking, and full of heart. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for providing me with an ARC of this intriguing novel in exchange for my honest thoughts!
April 7, 2025
3.5⭐️Rounded up
"Lovely Dark and Deep" is a young adult dark academia book featuring a found family and an engaging magical system. It reminded of Harry Potter, and I enjoyed it from the start.
Faith finds herself at Ellery West, a magical school hidden away on an island invisible to outsiders. After a tragic incident, she is forced to join the Red Stripes, an ostracized group on the brink of losing their power. However, something in the woods continues to claim lives, and the Red Stripes risk losing their power to uncover the truth.
I enjoyed the storyline and the magic system, and I was intrigued by what was really happening at the school and in the woods. However, the pacing could have been better as it felt rushed and yet slow in parts. The friendship between Faith and Sydney could have been expanded upon prior to the incident, and the relationships with Red Stripes could have been more developed. This was a fun YA story with a lot of potential, but it felt like it fell a little flat. There were too many social issues included just to seem relevant, and a trans character thrown in unexpectedly. It seemed to detract from the story rather than enhancing it.
Thank, NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"Lovely Dark and Deep" is a young adult dark academia book featuring a found family and an engaging magical system. It reminded of Harry Potter, and I enjoyed it from the start.
Faith finds herself at Ellery West, a magical school hidden away on an island invisible to outsiders. After a tragic incident, she is forced to join the Red Stripes, an ostracized group on the brink of losing their power. However, something in the woods continues to claim lives, and the Red Stripes risk losing their power to uncover the truth.
I enjoyed the storyline and the magic system, and I was intrigued by what was really happening at the school and in the woods. However, the pacing could have been better as it felt rushed and yet slow in parts. The friendship between Faith and Sydney could have been expanded upon prior to the incident, and the relationships with Red Stripes could have been more developed. This was a fun YA story with a lot of potential, but it felt like it fell a little flat. There were too many social issues included just to seem relevant, and a trans character thrown in unexpectedly. It seemed to detract from the story rather than enhancing it.
Thank, NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 14, 2025
I’m so happy to be able to partake in the book tour hosted by Lonely Pages for Elisa A. Bonnin’s new, upcoming YA fantasy standalone! Thank you to Feiwel & Friends for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Out 03/25/2025!
I’ve had my eyes set on this book because not only is Elisa A. Bonnin is Filipino, but because the synopsis was so exciting. And it truly did not disappoint! Lovely Dark and Deep is a dark and action-filled novel down to its very last page, with a subtle hint of sapphic romance. It’s such a thrilling addition to the YA genre, with its unique elemental-based magic system that is also woven with Filipino folklore and culture, seeing as our FMC Maria Faith (very Filipino name actually) and her family are immigrants from Iloilo (yes, I’ve been there lots of times I live for four hours away from when I was in the Philippines). Not only that, but she discusses detachment and losing the language, which is honestly unspoken of around immigrant children, a great addition to this novel. Moreover, she is perfectly flawed, impulsive, and stubborn, but we see grow from a girl who still carries guilt from her best friend’s death to one who embraces her fears and moves forward. Furthermore, this book is extremely diverse with powerful people of color, has amazing queer representation, and the autism rep is spot on! Lastly, it has the endearing cliché of the tight-knit found family trope that made this book more engaging to me because of the charming banter. Perfect for fans of Don’t Let The Forest In and The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents!
I’ve had my eyes set on this book because not only is Elisa A. Bonnin is Filipino, but because the synopsis was so exciting. And it truly did not disappoint! Lovely Dark and Deep is a dark and action-filled novel down to its very last page, with a subtle hint of sapphic romance. It’s such a thrilling addition to the YA genre, with its unique elemental-based magic system that is also woven with Filipino folklore and culture, seeing as our FMC Maria Faith (very Filipino name actually) and her family are immigrants from Iloilo (yes, I’ve been there lots of times I live for four hours away from when I was in the Philippines). Not only that, but she discusses detachment and losing the language, which is honestly unspoken of around immigrant children, a great addition to this novel. Moreover, she is perfectly flawed, impulsive, and stubborn, but we see grow from a girl who still carries guilt from her best friend’s death to one who embraces her fears and moves forward. Furthermore, this book is extremely diverse with powerful people of color, has amazing queer representation, and the autism rep is spot on! Lastly, it has the endearing cliché of the tight-knit found family trope that made this book more engaging to me because of the charming banter. Perfect for fans of Don’t Let The Forest In and The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents!
September 30, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5
I received an eARC of this book through the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a bit of a rough start for me since there were some character moments that came too early and don't feel quite earned. There were also some emotional moments that felt spoonfed. However, upon finishing the book I found myself attached to the main cast of characters as a group because of how endearing they were individually and how much they unquestioningly cared for one another. I haven't read much dark academia before, but I did find myself wishing there was more world-building, particularly in terms of the school setting which seemed interesting but never really got the full exposure it could have had. I did like how everything wrapped together at the end though and how the themes this book was trying to tackle were explored. There's also some great autistic and queer rep here.
I received an eARC of this book through the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had a bit of a rough start for me since there were some character moments that came too early and don't feel quite earned. There were also some emotional moments that felt spoonfed. However, upon finishing the book I found myself attached to the main cast of characters as a group because of how endearing they were individually and how much they unquestioningly cared for one another. I haven't read much dark academia before, but I did find myself wishing there was more world-building, particularly in terms of the school setting which seemed interesting but never really got the full exposure it could have had. I did like how everything wrapped together at the end though and how the themes this book was trying to tackle were explored. There's also some great autistic and queer rep here.
October 30, 2024
this book was a lot better than I expected!! I wasn’t super psyched by the synopsis but ended up falling in love with every single side character. There’s a lgbtq+ and autistic character I really related to. If you like horror forest vibes, found family friend groups, diverse cast of characters, school setting and unique magic abilities, I’d recommend!
March 23, 2025
I like the magic set up a lot. The world was interesting. But there were things I didn’t like about this book.
This is a tale about finding yourself, friends, and family. And I do like the Red Stripes. But there was something in the narrative that was off putting with all the social issues that took away from the found family vibes.
This book has LQBTQ and autism representation. It’s mostly handled well. I say mostly because it could have done without the revelation at the end regarding Alex. Alex’s identity as an empath and being autistic and really making an effort to help her friends is already enough. She was a terrific character to until this big reveal. (She comes out as a boy and has a miraculous change.) It felt wrong. Coming out as trans will not fix your problems. It will not cure autism. It felt like such a slap in the face.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
This is a tale about finding yourself, friends, and family. And I do like the Red Stripes. But there was something in the narrative that was off putting with all the social issues that took away from the found family vibes.
This book has LQBTQ and autism representation. It’s mostly handled well. I say mostly because it could have done without the revelation at the end regarding Alex. Alex’s identity as an empath and being autistic and really making an effort to help her friends is already enough. She was a terrific character to until this big reveal. (She comes out as a boy and has a miraculous change.) It felt wrong. Coming out as trans will not fix your problems. It will not cure autism. It felt like such a slap in the face.
I received an ARC via NetGalley.
March 29, 2025
3.5/5 stars
A charming and atmospheric YA gothic contemporary fantasy that does the found family trope so incredibly well. With a beautifully eerie setting that practically breathes on its own, this book nails the dark academia aesthetic while still feeling unique and heartfelt.
One of my absolute favorite things about this book is its diverse and genuinely well-done representation. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+, autistic (nonverbal), and Filipino culture feels authentic, and I loved how it touched on cultural differences and the complexities of growing up between identities. While this is a gothic story filled with shadowy forests and whispered dangers, at its core, it’s a coming-of-age tale—one that celebrates differences rather than erasing them.
The found family aspect is fantastic—this is the kind of friend squad I desperately wanted as a teen. Their dynamic, their struggles, and the way they band together despite being branded as outcasts? Amazing. The mystery kept me engaged, the magic system was fun, and while the darker aspects could have been explored with more depth, I still adored the overall vibe of this book.
That said, this does read on the younger end of YA, so some of the more complex themes don’t get as much focus as I’d have liked. But honestly? That’s a small critique for what is ultimately an almost cozy gothic story. If you’re looking for a book that wraps you in a spooky, misty atmosphere while leaving you with a warm, satisfied feeling by the end, Lovely Dark and Deep can be that for you.
Thanks so much to TBR and Beyond Book Tours, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
A charming and atmospheric YA gothic contemporary fantasy that does the found family trope so incredibly well. With a beautifully eerie setting that practically breathes on its own, this book nails the dark academia aesthetic while still feeling unique and heartfelt.
One of my absolute favorite things about this book is its diverse and genuinely well-done representation. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+, autistic (nonverbal), and Filipino culture feels authentic, and I loved how it touched on cultural differences and the complexities of growing up between identities. While this is a gothic story filled with shadowy forests and whispered dangers, at its core, it’s a coming-of-age tale—one that celebrates differences rather than erasing them.
The found family aspect is fantastic—this is the kind of friend squad I desperately wanted as a teen. Their dynamic, their struggles, and the way they band together despite being branded as outcasts? Amazing. The mystery kept me engaged, the magic system was fun, and while the darker aspects could have been explored with more depth, I still adored the overall vibe of this book.
That said, this does read on the younger end of YA, so some of the more complex themes don’t get as much focus as I’d have liked. But honestly? That’s a small critique for what is ultimately an almost cozy gothic story. If you’re looking for a book that wraps you in a spooky, misty atmosphere while leaving you with a warm, satisfied feeling by the end, Lovely Dark and Deep can be that for you.
Thanks so much to TBR and Beyond Book Tours, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
March 12, 2025
ARC from the publisher
Faith, who comes from the mundane, was once a promising student at Ellery West—a hidden school of magic. Now, as she enters her senior year, she’s marked as a Red Stripe. Why? Because at the end of junior year, she and her friend Sydney ventured into the forest together� and only Faith walked out.
At Ellery West, students with red stripes on their uniforms are either rule-breakers or possess magic deemed too dangerous. If they break the rules three times, their magic can be taken away. Faith is determined to keep her magic and lay low until graduation. But whatever she and Sydney unleashed in the forest is now threatening the school, and it’s up to the Red Stripe students to solve the mystery even at the risk of getting expelled.
Lovely Dark and Deep is a YA dark academia novel with a mix of fantasy and mystery, but it also explores deeper themes. It highlights the struggles of immigrant families, the challenges of moving to an unfamiliar country, gender identity, and racial inequality. There’s something about Bonnin’s storytelling that really resonated with me, it made me feel and understand the characters' struggles even more.
I loved the magic system in this book as well. It’s cool, easy to understand, and really well thought out. That said, I wish we got more glimpses of how magic classes work. The little bits we did see were super interesting, and I wanted more! I also really liked how the book used flashbacks to build up to the accident. It gave us a deeper look at Faith and Sydney’s friendship and how it developed over the years.
The relationships among the Red Stripe students were another highlight. They always had each other’s backs, and refused to leave anyone behind.
Overall, Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa Bonnin is a great read and definitely one to add to your TBR if you love YA dark academia. Out on March 25, 2025!
Faith, who comes from the mundane, was once a promising student at Ellery West—a hidden school of magic. Now, as she enters her senior year, she’s marked as a Red Stripe. Why? Because at the end of junior year, she and her friend Sydney ventured into the forest together� and only Faith walked out.
At Ellery West, students with red stripes on their uniforms are either rule-breakers or possess magic deemed too dangerous. If they break the rules three times, their magic can be taken away. Faith is determined to keep her magic and lay low until graduation. But whatever she and Sydney unleashed in the forest is now threatening the school, and it’s up to the Red Stripe students to solve the mystery even at the risk of getting expelled.
Lovely Dark and Deep is a YA dark academia novel with a mix of fantasy and mystery, but it also explores deeper themes. It highlights the struggles of immigrant families, the challenges of moving to an unfamiliar country, gender identity, and racial inequality. There’s something about Bonnin’s storytelling that really resonated with me, it made me feel and understand the characters' struggles even more.
I loved the magic system in this book as well. It’s cool, easy to understand, and really well thought out. That said, I wish we got more glimpses of how magic classes work. The little bits we did see were super interesting, and I wanted more! I also really liked how the book used flashbacks to build up to the accident. It gave us a deeper look at Faith and Sydney’s friendship and how it developed over the years.
The relationships among the Red Stripe students were another highlight. They always had each other’s backs, and refused to leave anyone behind.
Overall, Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa Bonnin is a great read and definitely one to add to your TBR if you love YA dark academia. Out on March 25, 2025!
Want to read
June 4, 2024ohhhhh gimme gimme gimme
March 15, 2025
This book had a really interesting premise, I really liked the setting and the magic system. That being said I think there were some pacing issues, flash back chapters broke up the overall flow of the first half of the book which had me struggling to stay invested at times. It also felt like the book tried to tackle too many social issues and inclusions making some of them feel out of left field and a bit disingenuous toward the end.
April 2, 2025
Hidden off the coast of Washington, veiled in mist, there is an island that does not appear on any map. And on that island is Ellery West.
"We can't wait to help you grow your own unique brand of magic, which you'll use for the rest of your life in the magical world."
Thank you, Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends, for this ARC to review! <3
Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin
"She remembered her mother telling her, long ago, that the things that lived in the dark would come out if she invited them.�
What a fantastic and magical queer story! Elisa A. Bonnin just gets it. This is such an incredible fantasy novel - there is so much action, just enough air of romance and the magical elements are so refreshing and new. I was on my toes constantly, and was left thinking of the characters and story during my breaks (which, unfortunately, were long and plentiful) Readers will be left turning pages on the edge of their seats. You will feel immersed in this world of mysterious magic.
"The students of Ellery West feared the Red Stripe class. That was an unwritten rule. Red Stripe students were dangerous, unpredictable, a step away from expulsion. Who knew what they would be willing to do?"
“The forest was a place where magic had been allowed to grow stagnant. It had pooled in the heart of the woods, instead of flowing freely like it did in the rest of the world. Like water in a swamp, things grew in places where magic pooled. Heavier, darker, dangerous things.�
Bonnin builds the image of Ellery West with creative imagery. You are able to visualize the forest, see the dorms and imagine the horror. Creating a class of Red Stripes with an indicator on the uniforms akin to that of the Scarlet Letter is absolute genius. The beauty of the school, coupled with the eerie dark academia vibe, with a cast of inclusive characters that possess different degrees of magical inclination makes this a fully rounded story. I felt at home with the bisexual FMC and the overwhelmed empath. I am a huge, huge fan.
Lovely Dark and Deep also has other influences and vital points to reference:
- PTSD: Faith's trauma regarding losing a friend and the fear of it happening again.
- Grief: piggybacking off of Faith's PTSD and trauma, she feels an overwhelming sense of grief due to the loss of her friend and the thought of what could have been.
“She was a curse, and if letting the forest have her would break it, then maybe that was what she deserved.�
- Generational/Familial Trauma: both Faith and Alex having issues with self-esteem and self-worth due to the lack of support and abuse from their families.
“Who was she kidding? Magic or not, she would never live a normal life. She would always be the girl who played with fire until the world burned down.�
- Found Family: most likely the most important point to reference. The Red Stripes connection and comradery is one of the most heartwarming and crucial points of this story.
“Maybe belonging was a decision. Maybe it wasn’t simply being offered a place as it was taking that place. The other Red Stripes had offered Faith a place to belong, but none of that mattered if Faith didn’t actively try to be one of them.�
-Coming of Age: Multiple characters experience tremendous arcs and growth. Faith learning to navigate through her fear and anxieties and reclaiming her agency are things I'm walking away with, personally.
“She wasn’t the girl standing with the others in a dome of flames, she was the fire. This was her magic.�
"We can't wait to help you grow your own unique brand of magic, which you'll use for the rest of your life in the magical world."
Thank you, Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends, for this ARC to review! <3
Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin
"She remembered her mother telling her, long ago, that the things that lived in the dark would come out if she invited them.�
What a fantastic and magical queer story! Elisa A. Bonnin just gets it. This is such an incredible fantasy novel - there is so much action, just enough air of romance and the magical elements are so refreshing and new. I was on my toes constantly, and was left thinking of the characters and story during my breaks (which, unfortunately, were long and plentiful) Readers will be left turning pages on the edge of their seats. You will feel immersed in this world of mysterious magic.
"The students of Ellery West feared the Red Stripe class. That was an unwritten rule. Red Stripe students were dangerous, unpredictable, a step away from expulsion. Who knew what they would be willing to do?"
“The forest was a place where magic had been allowed to grow stagnant. It had pooled in the heart of the woods, instead of flowing freely like it did in the rest of the world. Like water in a swamp, things grew in places where magic pooled. Heavier, darker, dangerous things.�
Bonnin builds the image of Ellery West with creative imagery. You are able to visualize the forest, see the dorms and imagine the horror. Creating a class of Red Stripes with an indicator on the uniforms akin to that of the Scarlet Letter is absolute genius. The beauty of the school, coupled with the eerie dark academia vibe, with a cast of inclusive characters that possess different degrees of magical inclination makes this a fully rounded story. I felt at home with the bisexual FMC and the overwhelmed empath. I am a huge, huge fan.
Lovely Dark and Deep also has other influences and vital points to reference:
- PTSD: Faith's trauma regarding losing a friend and the fear of it happening again.
- Grief: piggybacking off of Faith's PTSD and trauma, she feels an overwhelming sense of grief due to the loss of her friend and the thought of what could have been.
“She was a curse, and if letting the forest have her would break it, then maybe that was what she deserved.�
- Generational/Familial Trauma: both Faith and Alex having issues with self-esteem and self-worth due to the lack of support and abuse from their families.
“Who was she kidding? Magic or not, she would never live a normal life. She would always be the girl who played with fire until the world burned down.�
- Found Family: most likely the most important point to reference. The Red Stripes connection and comradery is one of the most heartwarming and crucial points of this story.
“Maybe belonging was a decision. Maybe it wasn’t simply being offered a place as it was taking that place. The other Red Stripes had offered Faith a place to belong, but none of that mattered if Faith didn’t actively try to be one of them.�
-Coming of Age: Multiple characters experience tremendous arcs and growth. Faith learning to navigate through her fear and anxieties and reclaiming her agency are things I'm walking away with, personally.
“She wasn’t the girl standing with the others in a dome of flames, she was the fire. This was her magic.�
March 22, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin is a third person-POV YA dark academia fantasy. Faith has spent most of her life convincing her family to let her go to a magical school, even going so far as to move the whole family from the Philippines to Washington state. But when she and her best friend, Sydney, go into the woods behind their school and perform dark magic, it kills Sydney and leaves Faith traumatized and a social pariah. Faith is determined to graduate, but the woods aren’t done with her.
There is a subtle Queer subplot that builds throughout the plot that I could feel coming and was delighted to see come to fruition. Faith doesn’t put a label on herself because she’s still figuring it out. She knows that she has a crush on Sydney, but it was a crush that built on them being friends first and really captures that experience a lot of Sapphics have of a close female friendship becoming their first crush. Since Sydney was Faith’s first ever crush, it’s possible that Faith is Demi but it’s also possible she’s not. It’s very open to interpretation and given that a lot of 18-year-olds are still figuring it out, especially ones coming from Christian or traditional households like Faith is, I’m perfectly happy to have a lead who is still learning who she is by the end of the book. We also have trans rep and Bi rep, so no matter what happens, we know Faith is going to have a Queer family to support her and she will support them in return.
The magic system is very interesting and the worldbuilding felt thought out in terms of how magic schools interact with the real world. Instead of a secondary world, Ellery West is in the real world on Siren Island. The school disguises itself as a private school and hides the societies that have been part of the world since before any textbook can track down, but are essentially hiding in plain sight from mundanes (non-magical humans). Magic also diverges into three types and manifests differently in different people, which I also enjoy seeing.
There are a decent amount of flashback chapters inserted between the main storyline so the reader can learn how we got to Sydney and Faith performing dark magic. The rest of the book is fairly fast-paced, but I would say that the flashback chapters are well-chosen moments that allow for strong character-driven scenes that keep the reader invested. Faith does not have it easy but her determination is present in the main storyline and the flashback chapters, which help make her a compelling lead to follow.
Content warning for mentions of homophobia
I would recommend this to readers of YA who love dark academia and fans of YA fantasy who want a dark academia flare with no romance arc
Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin is a third person-POV YA dark academia fantasy. Faith has spent most of her life convincing her family to let her go to a magical school, even going so far as to move the whole family from the Philippines to Washington state. But when she and her best friend, Sydney, go into the woods behind their school and perform dark magic, it kills Sydney and leaves Faith traumatized and a social pariah. Faith is determined to graduate, but the woods aren’t done with her.
There is a subtle Queer subplot that builds throughout the plot that I could feel coming and was delighted to see come to fruition. Faith doesn’t put a label on herself because she’s still figuring it out. She knows that she has a crush on Sydney, but it was a crush that built on them being friends first and really captures that experience a lot of Sapphics have of a close female friendship becoming their first crush. Since Sydney was Faith’s first ever crush, it’s possible that Faith is Demi but it’s also possible she’s not. It’s very open to interpretation and given that a lot of 18-year-olds are still figuring it out, especially ones coming from Christian or traditional households like Faith is, I’m perfectly happy to have a lead who is still learning who she is by the end of the book. We also have trans rep and Bi rep, so no matter what happens, we know Faith is going to have a Queer family to support her and she will support them in return.
The magic system is very interesting and the worldbuilding felt thought out in terms of how magic schools interact with the real world. Instead of a secondary world, Ellery West is in the real world on Siren Island. The school disguises itself as a private school and hides the societies that have been part of the world since before any textbook can track down, but are essentially hiding in plain sight from mundanes (non-magical humans). Magic also diverges into three types and manifests differently in different people, which I also enjoy seeing.
There are a decent amount of flashback chapters inserted between the main storyline so the reader can learn how we got to Sydney and Faith performing dark magic. The rest of the book is fairly fast-paced, but I would say that the flashback chapters are well-chosen moments that allow for strong character-driven scenes that keep the reader invested. Faith does not have it easy but her determination is present in the main storyline and the flashback chapters, which help make her a compelling lead to follow.
Content warning for mentions of homophobia
I would recommend this to readers of YA who love dark academia and fans of YA fantasy who want a dark academia flare with no romance arc
March 25, 2025
Oh no�.I was so excited for this one and I hate giving critical reviews � Despite it being well written from a grammar and mechanics standpoint, I DNF’d it at around the 80% mark.
I think this book had a lot of potential. I was very interested in the group of misfits, aka the Red Stripes, and I loved the mysterious forest and all of the background we got on broken promises and malicious deals between the founder of the university and the forest. However, I felt the characters were lacking a lot of depth. All of the characters had so much potential to be these incredible characters (hello! They had different magics and they couldn’t have been any different from one another), but I ultimately felt that everyone just fell short. I wish the story would have had a deeper focused lens on the characters themselves. For example, if there would have been more time focused on them actually getting to be friends so their personalities could shine, I feel that would have helped me connect more with them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Feiwel & Friends, and Elisa A. Bonnin for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
I think this book had a lot of potential. I was very interested in the group of misfits, aka the Red Stripes, and I loved the mysterious forest and all of the background we got on broken promises and malicious deals between the founder of the university and the forest. However, I felt the characters were lacking a lot of depth. All of the characters had so much potential to be these incredible characters (hello! They had different magics and they couldn’t have been any different from one another), but I ultimately felt that everyone just fell short. I wish the story would have had a deeper focused lens on the characters themselves. For example, if there would have been more time focused on them actually getting to be friends so their personalities could shine, I feel that would have helped me connect more with them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Feiwel & Friends, and Elisa A. Bonnin for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
March 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Feiwel & Friends for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a thrilling book! This is a dark academia book mixed with thriller, mystery, and fantasy. The strange combination works so well!
I will say it's a pretty fast-paced YA book, the protagonist becomes fast friends with the found family of outcast misfits in 5 minutes but I didn't mind it too much because the side characters were very sweet. Especially Alex.
I loved the back-and-forth flashbacks that lead to the drama that led Faith to becoming ostracized from the magic school in the first place.
Though the book cover is really cool and all, but I feel like it doesn't fit very well. I would've gone with a drawing of the Red Stripe "dorm" with vines surrounding it. And Faith in front of the dorm with fire in her hands. I think that would have made it less generic and show that this is a thriller/fantasy book.
I was very satisfied with the ending, too.
What a thrilling book! This is a dark academia book mixed with thriller, mystery, and fantasy. The strange combination works so well!
I will say it's a pretty fast-paced YA book, the protagonist becomes fast friends with the found family of outcast misfits in 5 minutes but I didn't mind it too much because the side characters were very sweet. Especially Alex.
I loved the back-and-forth flashbacks that lead to the drama that led Faith to becoming ostracized from the magic school in the first place.
Though the book cover is really cool and all, but I feel like it doesn't fit very well. I would've gone with a drawing of the Red Stripe "dorm" with vines surrounding it. And Faith in front of the dorm with fire in her hands. I think that would have made it less generic and show that this is a thriller/fantasy book.
I was very satisfied with the ending, too.
March 21, 2025
Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for this eARC and here’s my honest review
Reading Lovely, Dark & Deep brought me back to the days of devouring Harry Potter and Percy Jackson—stories filled with magic, adventure, and, best of all, the journey of finding yourself and true friends.
At first glance, this might seem like a typical YA fantasy: a magical school, a heroine facing an overwhelming darkness, and a battle she somehow has to win despite the odds. And yes, Lovely, Dark & Deep has all of that—but what truly stood out to me was something different.
Faith, our main character, doesn’t blindly throw herself into sacrifice just because the world expects it of her. She stands her ground, knowing her worth and refusing to suffer for someone else’s mistakes. She doesn’t say “no� out of selfishness—she says it because she understands that there has to be another way. And I absolutely loved that. Good on our girl Faith!
Reading Lovely, Dark & Deep brought me back to the days of devouring Harry Potter and Percy Jackson—stories filled with magic, adventure, and, best of all, the journey of finding yourself and true friends.
At first glance, this might seem like a typical YA fantasy: a magical school, a heroine facing an overwhelming darkness, and a battle she somehow has to win despite the odds. And yes, Lovely, Dark & Deep has all of that—but what truly stood out to me was something different.
Faith, our main character, doesn’t blindly throw herself into sacrifice just because the world expects it of her. She stands her ground, knowing her worth and refusing to suffer for someone else’s mistakes. She doesn’t say “no� out of selfishness—she says it because she understands that there has to be another way. And I absolutely loved that. Good on our girl Faith!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher!
This book took me a little bit to get into but once I did I was hooked! The story itself was incredibly interesting to read about and see where everything was going. But the real star of this book was the characters. I was invested in every single one and didn’t have any that I didn’t really care about. I’m always a huge sucker for found family and this really hit the spot for me. There was quite a bit of representation within the friend circle with queer, trans, neurodivergent, bipoc, etc characters! One character in particular really stole my heart and that’s Alex. I would honestly LOVE a sequel to this focused on Alex!
Overall, I really thoroughly enjoyed this and would highly recommend!
This book took me a little bit to get into but once I did I was hooked! The story itself was incredibly interesting to read about and see where everything was going. But the real star of this book was the characters. I was invested in every single one and didn’t have any that I didn’t really care about. I’m always a huge sucker for found family and this really hit the spot for me. There was quite a bit of representation within the friend circle with queer, trans, neurodivergent, bipoc, etc characters! One character in particular really stole my heart and that’s Alex. I would honestly LOVE a sequel to this focused on Alex!
Overall, I really thoroughly enjoyed this and would highly recommend!
November 23, 2024
After allegedly murdering her best friend, Faith has been tagged as a Red Stripe—an outcast. For this school year, on top of mundane college applications, Faith has to uncover the truth about her best friend and, possibly, save the school and magical world while at it.
Magical school, forest setting, queer rep, diverse cast? I’ve been sat for this book since its announcement. The found family was adorable and so special. I honestly felt like there’s a bit of a struggle with balancing the character-driven and plot-driven aspects of the story as well as keeping up with the vibes and worldbuilding. Still, everyone’s character arc was done beautifully. Elisa’s strength truly lies in character building. The ending was especially satisfying and heartfelt as well.
Also, Maria Faith Castillo is such a Filipino name I love it so much � plus the Ilonggo and Hiligaynon rep? SLAY.
Thank you to Elisa Bonnin for the early copy! :>
Magical school, forest setting, queer rep, diverse cast? I’ve been sat for this book since its announcement. The found family was adorable and so special. I honestly felt like there’s a bit of a struggle with balancing the character-driven and plot-driven aspects of the story as well as keeping up with the vibes and worldbuilding. Still, everyone’s character arc was done beautifully. Elisa’s strength truly lies in character building. The ending was especially satisfying and heartfelt as well.
Also, Maria Faith Castillo is such a Filipino name I love it so much � plus the Ilonggo and Hiligaynon rep? SLAY.
Thank you to Elisa Bonnin for the early copy! :>
April 14, 2025
maybe the real magic was the friends we made along the way
March 5, 2025
** Actually 3.5 Stars Instead of 3 Stars
I managed to get an ARC copy of this book. I enjoyed the story, but I really feel like this should have been the second or third book in the series instead of the first.
The world building in the story I also felt was lacking a bit. I really felt like I wish I had more information and more backstory of the characters. I hope she writes a Novella that takes place in the years before so that you can really see and get a feel for the bond that Sydney and Faith had prior to this book. I don’t think there was enough shared about their friendship and dynamic.
I did think this book was an enjoyable read overall. I would recommend to those who enjoy reading YA Dark Academia.
I managed to get an ARC copy of this book. I enjoyed the story, but I really feel like this should have been the second or third book in the series instead of the first.
The world building in the story I also felt was lacking a bit. I really felt like I wish I had more information and more backstory of the characters. I hope she writes a Novella that takes place in the years before so that you can really see and get a feel for the bond that Sydney and Faith had prior to this book. I don’t think there was enough shared about their friendship and dynamic.
I did think this book was an enjoyable read overall. I would recommend to those who enjoy reading YA Dark Academia.
February 23, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the ARC. I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, it was not as dark academia as I expected. But I did like the mystery aspect of figuring out what was going on. However, the pacing was quite awkward with random parts slow and random parts fast. I wanted to like the friendship between the Red Stripes; maybe I'm too cynical, but it felt forced how quickly they bonded together.
2.5
2.5
July 3, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
In Lovely Dark and Deep, my favorite element has to be the found family. I am a sucker for a good story about friends which come together and support us. To witness how it feels when we find people who see us, who will support us, and listen to us. For Faith after being ostracized, she hasn't felt what it feels to have friends. To have people in our corner, who care where we sneak off to at night.
In Lovely Dark and Deep, my favorite element has to be the found family. I am a sucker for a good story about friends which come together and support us. To witness how it feels when we find people who see us, who will support us, and listen to us. For Faith after being ostracized, she hasn't felt what it feels to have friends. To have people in our corner, who care where we sneak off to at night.
Currently reading
November 20, 2023please hurry up Elisa I am waiting
March 8, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Elisa A Bonnin for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
WOW WOW WOW!!! I yearn for dark academia books that don't just have "the vibes" of dark academia but actually tackle the issues of academia itself. Issues like how BIPOC people are not always welcome in those spaces, especially it seems in this magical community. Rose finding out that Yvonne had been Red Striped from the get-go and realizing how unfair that was for someone who hadn't done anything wrong was a very meaningful scene because I hadn't even thought about that before Elisa brought it up in the story. I hadn't seen Yvonne's powers as dangerous myself so I didn't anticipate why the board of Ellery West might Red Stripe her for more than just her powers. Faith's own inner turmoil of being Red Striped and what that means for her future was especially poignant as the main character. The way she talked about her families reason for leaving the Philippines and how much weight she felt on her shoulders because of it was a very relatable concept. Although it's not something I've gone through, I'd experienced similar feelings before in other aspects of my life.
Faith herself was everything I could ask for in a main character. She was stubborn, funny, loyal, brave but most importantly, scared. Faith was constantly calling herself a coward for running away from Sydney, from the forest, but I wouldn't call that cowardice. I think anyone in that situation would have run away and I don't think that's a bad thing. The most important thing is that she went back, faced her fear, and something good came out of it.
The Red Stripes in general were also a great cast of characters. Cari and Nicholas' relationship was so damn cute I could just about die. The reason behind their Red Stripes made me unfathomably angry at the school but I also love that Nicholas cared so much about Cari that he underwent the punishment with her. I wasn't sure how much Yvonne and Alex would interact with Faith in the book, especially when they were both introduced but I was pleased to see that they were part of the main cast for this narrative and didn't just come into the story whenever Faith needed help. Each of the Red Stripes went with Faith into the forest or helped her with something dealing with the forest in one way or another. They all had a role in helping solve the problem and I was so happy to see that.
What I hadn't expected was Alex and Faith to form such a strong emotional connection. Faith is a senior and Alex was a freshman so while I expected them to interact and become friends I didn't anticipate how much they'd have in common and how they would bond over their feelings. So it was almost inevitable when Faith was the first person he came out too. That moment as well was such a heartwarming one, especially after all the turmoil of the forest.
Overall, I love, love, LOVED this story and I'm hoping there can be a future sequel for this characters! Hopefully with Nicholas and Faith (maybe even Rose and Sydney too) solving magical crimes! I think that's such an interesting concept and would be so fun to explore. Or if they were even all in mundane college together I think it'd be cool to see how they balance their magical lives with their ordinary ones.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
WOW WOW WOW!!! I yearn for dark academia books that don't just have "the vibes" of dark academia but actually tackle the issues of academia itself. Issues like how BIPOC people are not always welcome in those spaces, especially it seems in this magical community. Rose finding out that Yvonne had been Red Striped from the get-go and realizing how unfair that was for someone who hadn't done anything wrong was a very meaningful scene because I hadn't even thought about that before Elisa brought it up in the story. I hadn't seen Yvonne's powers as dangerous myself so I didn't anticipate why the board of Ellery West might Red Stripe her for more than just her powers. Faith's own inner turmoil of being Red Striped and what that means for her future was especially poignant as the main character. The way she talked about her families reason for leaving the Philippines and how much weight she felt on her shoulders because of it was a very relatable concept. Although it's not something I've gone through, I'd experienced similar feelings before in other aspects of my life.
Faith herself was everything I could ask for in a main character. She was stubborn, funny, loyal, brave but most importantly, scared. Faith was constantly calling herself a coward for running away from Sydney, from the forest, but I wouldn't call that cowardice. I think anyone in that situation would have run away and I don't think that's a bad thing. The most important thing is that she went back, faced her fear, and something good came out of it.
The Red Stripes in general were also a great cast of characters. Cari and Nicholas' relationship was so damn cute I could just about die. The reason behind their Red Stripes made me unfathomably angry at the school but I also love that Nicholas cared so much about Cari that he underwent the punishment with her. I wasn't sure how much Yvonne and Alex would interact with Faith in the book, especially when they were both introduced but I was pleased to see that they were part of the main cast for this narrative and didn't just come into the story whenever Faith needed help. Each of the Red Stripes went with Faith into the forest or helped her with something dealing with the forest in one way or another. They all had a role in helping solve the problem and I was so happy to see that.
What I hadn't expected was Alex and Faith to form such a strong emotional connection. Faith is a senior and Alex was a freshman so while I expected them to interact and become friends I didn't anticipate how much they'd have in common and how they would bond over their feelings. So it was almost inevitable when Faith was the first person he came out too. That moment as well was such a heartwarming one, especially after all the turmoil of the forest.
Overall, I love, love, LOVED this story and I'm hoping there can be a future sequel for this characters! Hopefully with Nicholas and Faith (maybe even Rose and Sydney too) solving magical crimes! I think that's such an interesting concept and would be so fun to explore. Or if they were even all in mundane college together I think it'd be cool to see how they balance their magical lives with their ordinary ones.
April 5, 2025
Lovely Dark And Deep is a dark academia novel, and I will admit I went into it with some trepidation as lately, I have found them to be fairly formulaic and predictable. However, I still love this type of novel and I am really glad I gave it a shot because I really enjoyed it. Yes, the exile and magic were fairly standard stuff, but for me, it was the relationships and the way the main character developed and evolved that I found intriguing and really made this book enjoyable for me.
Faith's journey is one that I resonated with as she grappled with trust issues, relationship problems, and always feeling like an outside, even with her own family. Upon returning to school as a senior, she is marked with the dreaded red stripe and has to deal with the whispers and suspicions as to what really happened in the forest the year before. What stood out for me within this fantasy story however, was the way the author developed the relationships Faith has with the other red stripe students. I thought they were quite well written and a lot of the scenes were very emotional and raw. One of the students is autistic and nonverbal and I absolutely loved her character; in fact, some of my favourite scenes involved her as they were so raw and vulnerable. I don't want to say any more about this character though, as I don't want to spoil anything and take away the emotional impact. The other characters were just as interesting and distinct and I enjoyed them all.
The story moved along rather quickly and I had a hard time putting down this book. The author did a great job mixing the fantasy/story line with the character development, with neither one overshadowing the other. The magic system was interesting and I liked how the author touched upon how difficult it would be for these students to grow up in the mundane world, how easily misunderstood they would be, which is some of the basis of Faith's difficulties with her family. We actually didn't get to see a lot of the classes, which suited me quite well, as that was not the focus of the story. And happily, while romance plays a small part of the story, it is only in the background and is included only as part of being a normal teenager. There were many themes worthy of discussion running through this story including found family, secrets, relationships, trust, faith, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, and a big one, misunderstanding.
Lovely Dark and Deep was an enjoyable YA novel, one that I practically devoured in one sitting. This one didn't necessarily focus on academia life itself, but went deeper into the intricacies and complexities of it without going too deep, something that I appreciated. But the real highlight for me was definitely the character development and the relationships between the characters. For those readers interested in a coming-of-age gothic fantasy that focuses just as much on cultural and personal differences as well as the dark academia, then this book might be for you.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Faith's journey is one that I resonated with as she grappled with trust issues, relationship problems, and always feeling like an outside, even with her own family. Upon returning to school as a senior, she is marked with the dreaded red stripe and has to deal with the whispers and suspicions as to what really happened in the forest the year before. What stood out for me within this fantasy story however, was the way the author developed the relationships Faith has with the other red stripe students. I thought they were quite well written and a lot of the scenes were very emotional and raw. One of the students is autistic and nonverbal and I absolutely loved her character; in fact, some of my favourite scenes involved her as they were so raw and vulnerable. I don't want to say any more about this character though, as I don't want to spoil anything and take away the emotional impact. The other characters were just as interesting and distinct and I enjoyed them all.
The story moved along rather quickly and I had a hard time putting down this book. The author did a great job mixing the fantasy/story line with the character development, with neither one overshadowing the other. The magic system was interesting and I liked how the author touched upon how difficult it would be for these students to grow up in the mundane world, how easily misunderstood they would be, which is some of the basis of Faith's difficulties with her family. We actually didn't get to see a lot of the classes, which suited me quite well, as that was not the focus of the story. And happily, while romance plays a small part of the story, it is only in the background and is included only as part of being a normal teenager. There were many themes worthy of discussion running through this story including found family, secrets, relationships, trust, faith, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, and a big one, misunderstanding.
Lovely Dark and Deep was an enjoyable YA novel, one that I practically devoured in one sitting. This one didn't necessarily focus on academia life itself, but went deeper into the intricacies and complexities of it without going too deep, something that I appreciated. But the real highlight for me was definitely the character development and the relationships between the characters. For those readers interested in a coming-of-age gothic fantasy that focuses just as much on cultural and personal differences as well as the dark academia, then this book might be for you.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 31, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Boarding school, Magic, Found Family, and so much more is included in this book.
Faith is going back to Ellery West. which is her magic school after having a rough junior year after her and her best friend Sydney went into the woods and only one of them came back. Now as a senior, she is friendless, and red-striped meaning she is now separated from the rest of the school and considered potentially dangerous. However, being red-striped might just be the best thing to ever happen to her. She makes new friends with the other red stripes of Yvonne, Nicholas, Cari, and Alex all who have different magic abilities and are red-striped for various reasons.
While Faith's fall from Ellery West society has been drastic, it is one that we continue to see the consequences of throughout the book. Everyone at the school thinks she did something to Sydney, but they couldn't be farther from the truth. We learn what really happened in the forest where two people went in, and only one came out throughout the book. With no one to tell what really happened, Faith tries to figure out how to save Sydney if she can even be saved. But her new friends aren't going to let her do it alone. The red stripes work together to figure out what is really going on with the forest, which seems to have a mind of its own now, and if it can be stopped before it's too late.
Overall, I loved this book! The re-stripes are such a good group of friends, and even though they all come from different walks of life and have different magical abilities, you can see how they complement each other. The flashbacks that we see throughout this story of what Faith went through last year were so well-placed and helped drive the story forward without making it confusing. We get to see what happened to Sydney that fateful night and how it has affected Faith. As the story goes on Faith tells the other red-stripes what happened and why she thinks the forest is doing what it is to the school. With time appearing to run out as the forest gets more and more power, and gets angrier and angrier, it is up to the group of red-stripes, who appear to be the only ones who actually know what is going on, to save everybody.
This group's ability to stay, fight, and protect each other is so nice to see and shows just how strong a found family can be. The ending of this book is so good! I loved seeing how they were able to figure out what the forest wanted and find a way to make it happen to some extent.
Highly recommend this book if you want a new magical world that is full of people from different backgrounds and abilities.
Boarding school, Magic, Found Family, and so much more is included in this book.
Faith is going back to Ellery West. which is her magic school after having a rough junior year after her and her best friend Sydney went into the woods and only one of them came back. Now as a senior, she is friendless, and red-striped meaning she is now separated from the rest of the school and considered potentially dangerous. However, being red-striped might just be the best thing to ever happen to her. She makes new friends with the other red stripes of Yvonne, Nicholas, Cari, and Alex all who have different magic abilities and are red-striped for various reasons.
While Faith's fall from Ellery West society has been drastic, it is one that we continue to see the consequences of throughout the book. Everyone at the school thinks she did something to Sydney, but they couldn't be farther from the truth. We learn what really happened in the forest where two people went in, and only one came out throughout the book. With no one to tell what really happened, Faith tries to figure out how to save Sydney if she can even be saved. But her new friends aren't going to let her do it alone. The red stripes work together to figure out what is really going on with the forest, which seems to have a mind of its own now, and if it can be stopped before it's too late.
Overall, I loved this book! The re-stripes are such a good group of friends, and even though they all come from different walks of life and have different magical abilities, you can see how they complement each other. The flashbacks that we see throughout this story of what Faith went through last year were so well-placed and helped drive the story forward without making it confusing. We get to see what happened to Sydney that fateful night and how it has affected Faith. As the story goes on Faith tells the other red-stripes what happened and why she thinks the forest is doing what it is to the school. With time appearing to run out as the forest gets more and more power, and gets angrier and angrier, it is up to the group of red-stripes, who appear to be the only ones who actually know what is going on, to save everybody.
This group's ability to stay, fight, and protect each other is so nice to see and shows just how strong a found family can be. The ending of this book is so good! I loved seeing how they were able to figure out what the forest wanted and find a way to make it happen to some extent.
Highly recommend this book if you want a new magical world that is full of people from different backgrounds and abilities.
November 7, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In “Lovely Dark and Deep,� Elisa A. Bonnin crafts a YA dark academia tale filled with mystery, magic, and the powerful bonds of found family. The story follows Faith, a student at Ellery West—a hidden school of magic shrouded in mist and secrets off the coast of Washington. After a tragic incident in the forest where she loses her friend Sydney, Faith is marked as a Red Stripe, a designation for students too dangerous for regular classes, and is shunned by her classmates. Facing the prospect of losing her magic forever if she fails to graduate, Faith must navigate her final year under the cloud of suspicion and loneliness.
The book’s strength lies in its diverse and endearing characters. Faith’s journey from isolation to finding a supportive group among the other Red Stripes is beautifully portrayed. The theme of found family shines as each character brings something unique to the table, offering support and friendship despite their shared outcast status. The members of the friend group are all very unique and engaging. Also within the friend group, there is a nonverbal, autistic character—a refreshing and well-handled addition to YA fantasy. The found family aspect was my favorite part of the book as Faith always had the support of her friends throughout the book even when it seemed like everyone else around her had abandoned her due to their own preconceptions.
Bonnin keeps the magic system straightforward, making the story accessible to younger readers. Though the world-building around Ellery West could have been expanded, particularly given the intriguing, eerie school setting, Bonnin focuses instead on emotional connections and themes of redemption and resilience. As the plot develops, the characters' bonds feel more organic, creating a story that’s both heartwarming and suspenseful. The mystery aspect of the book was well done as Ellery and her friends attempt to uncover a threat that is attacking the other students, which casts suspicion on the other Red Stripes. I enjoyed the mystery, though I did find it to be a bit boring and predictable at times. The unique aspects of the magic and the setting, however, kept me engaged throughout.
If you’re drawn to tales of dark forests, mysteries, and characters who find belonging in unexpected places, “Lovely Dark and Deep� offers a fresh perspective on the familiar magic-school trope. With a diverse cast, a touch of eerie magic, and an emphasis on friendship and loyalty, Bonnin’s novel is a satisfying addition to the world of YA dark academia.
In “Lovely Dark and Deep,� Elisa A. Bonnin crafts a YA dark academia tale filled with mystery, magic, and the powerful bonds of found family. The story follows Faith, a student at Ellery West—a hidden school of magic shrouded in mist and secrets off the coast of Washington. After a tragic incident in the forest where she loses her friend Sydney, Faith is marked as a Red Stripe, a designation for students too dangerous for regular classes, and is shunned by her classmates. Facing the prospect of losing her magic forever if she fails to graduate, Faith must navigate her final year under the cloud of suspicion and loneliness.
The book’s strength lies in its diverse and endearing characters. Faith’s journey from isolation to finding a supportive group among the other Red Stripes is beautifully portrayed. The theme of found family shines as each character brings something unique to the table, offering support and friendship despite their shared outcast status. The members of the friend group are all very unique and engaging. Also within the friend group, there is a nonverbal, autistic character—a refreshing and well-handled addition to YA fantasy. The found family aspect was my favorite part of the book as Faith always had the support of her friends throughout the book even when it seemed like everyone else around her had abandoned her due to their own preconceptions.
Bonnin keeps the magic system straightforward, making the story accessible to younger readers. Though the world-building around Ellery West could have been expanded, particularly given the intriguing, eerie school setting, Bonnin focuses instead on emotional connections and themes of redemption and resilience. As the plot develops, the characters' bonds feel more organic, creating a story that’s both heartwarming and suspenseful. The mystery aspect of the book was well done as Ellery and her friends attempt to uncover a threat that is attacking the other students, which casts suspicion on the other Red Stripes. I enjoyed the mystery, though I did find it to be a bit boring and predictable at times. The unique aspects of the magic and the setting, however, kept me engaged throughout.
If you’re drawn to tales of dark forests, mysteries, and characters who find belonging in unexpected places, “Lovely Dark and Deep� offers a fresh perspective on the familiar magic-school trope. With a diverse cast, a touch of eerie magic, and an emphasis on friendship and loyalty, Bonnin’s novel is a satisfying addition to the world of YA dark academia.
March 26, 2025
With Lovely Dark and Deep, Elisa A. Bonnin delivers an enchanting, emotionally layered fantasy that grips from the first page and doesn’t let go. Set on a hidden island wreathed in mist and mystery, this atmospheric novel introduces readers to Ellery West—an elite school of magic where secrets are buried as deep as the magic that sustains it.
At the heart of the story is Faith, a girl caught between worlds: born abroad, shaped by the challenges of immigration, and anchored only by the strange sanctuary of Ellery West. But when a fateful walk into the forest ends with one student missing and only Faith returning, everything changes. Suddenly branded a threat, she is cast out socially and marked with the dreaded Red Stripe—a symbol of danger and disgrace.
Faith’s fall from grace is powerfully portrayed, and Bonnin handles her inner turmoil with emotional precision. The stakes are intensely personal—fail out of Ellery West, and you lose your magic forever. And for Faith, whose magic feels inextricably tied to her identity, that’s not an option.
What follows is a slow-burning unraveling of both magical and psychological mystery. As disturbing incidents ripple through the school and the shadow of the forest’s dark magic spreads, Faith finds herself unlikely allies in the other Red Stripes—fellow students on the edge of exile. Their tentative, reluctant bond becomes one of the novel’s great strengths, weaving together themes of chosen family, trust, and redemption.
Bonnin’s prose is elegant, immersive, and haunting, perfectly mirroring the misty, moody landscape of Ellery West. She deftly balances internal conflict with external threat, blending coming-of-age struggles with otherworldly danger. Fans of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo or A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik will appreciate the dark academia vibe, but Lovely Dark and Deep distinguishes itself with a uniquely vulnerable, introspective voice and a deeply human core.
The plot unfolds with precision, building dread and suspense while steadily drawing readers deeper into the mystery of the forest and the secrets of Ellery. Faith’s journey is not just about saving others or solving a magical puzzle—it’s about reclaiming agency in a world that seeks to define her by fear and failure.
Verdict:
Lovely Dark and Deep is a gorgeously written, emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of belonging, the pain of isolation, and the courage it takes to face the unknown—both outside and within. It’s a standout in the YA fantasy space: dark, thoughtful, and utterly spellbinding.
At the heart of the story is Faith, a girl caught between worlds: born abroad, shaped by the challenges of immigration, and anchored only by the strange sanctuary of Ellery West. But when a fateful walk into the forest ends with one student missing and only Faith returning, everything changes. Suddenly branded a threat, she is cast out socially and marked with the dreaded Red Stripe—a symbol of danger and disgrace.
Faith’s fall from grace is powerfully portrayed, and Bonnin handles her inner turmoil with emotional precision. The stakes are intensely personal—fail out of Ellery West, and you lose your magic forever. And for Faith, whose magic feels inextricably tied to her identity, that’s not an option.
What follows is a slow-burning unraveling of both magical and psychological mystery. As disturbing incidents ripple through the school and the shadow of the forest’s dark magic spreads, Faith finds herself unlikely allies in the other Red Stripes—fellow students on the edge of exile. Their tentative, reluctant bond becomes one of the novel’s great strengths, weaving together themes of chosen family, trust, and redemption.
Bonnin’s prose is elegant, immersive, and haunting, perfectly mirroring the misty, moody landscape of Ellery West. She deftly balances internal conflict with external threat, blending coming-of-age struggles with otherworldly danger. Fans of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo or A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik will appreciate the dark academia vibe, but Lovely Dark and Deep distinguishes itself with a uniquely vulnerable, introspective voice and a deeply human core.
The plot unfolds with precision, building dread and suspense while steadily drawing readers deeper into the mystery of the forest and the secrets of Ellery. Faith’s journey is not just about saving others or solving a magical puzzle—it’s about reclaiming agency in a world that seeks to define her by fear and failure.
Verdict:
Lovely Dark and Deep is a gorgeously written, emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of belonging, the pain of isolation, and the courage it takes to face the unknown—both outside and within. It’s a standout in the YA fantasy space: dark, thoughtful, and utterly spellbinding.
March 17, 2025
you can read more of my reviews at teatimelit.com
This was such a beautiful story of self-discovery, healing and found family. I loved following Faith’s journey throughout the story; my heart really broke for her at the beginning of the book. Throughout Lovely Dark and Deep we hear about how isolated Faith felt for most of her life. First by her extended family in the Philippines, then the kids at her “mundane� school once they move to the states, and at Ellery West in the aftermath of what happened the year before in the forest with Sydney. So much of being a teenager is wanting to find a place to belong, and it can be so hard, especially when you’re a person of color and an immigrant. Understandably so, Faith had really guarded herself from everyone else and just retreated into herself and it was so wonderful to see her slowly start to trust the other members of the Red Stripes and to trust herself as the story goes on.
I think that this may be my favorite cast of characters that Bonnin has written so far. I LOVE the Red Stripes and felt such a connection to them from the very start. Honestly, I would protect them (especially Alex) with my life. I just adored them and the way that they welcomed Faith into the Red Stripes and always made sure to remind her and each other that they have one another’s backs. While there are discussions of romance and the discovery of sexuality, I do really love that the focus of this story is Faith’s journey (which does include the realization of her sexuality) and the secrets of Ellery West. There’s nothing wrong with romance, I love a good romance, but I think that platonic relationships are just as important and I liked that there was more of a focus on the platonic relationships over the romantic ones.
As always, Bonnin’s world building is fantastic. I loved the descriptions and explanations of the different magic classes � Naturalist, Artificer, and Luminaries � and how each person would have different abilities within their class. She posted a bunch of amazing info cards about the lore on her Instagram, which I highly recommend checking out. Reading them before reading the book was really cool as well since I felt like I was already immersed in the world because I understood the magic system � though I would’ve understood even without the lore cards because Bonnin’s writing is very detailed and specific. I love how alive the Ellery West campus felt; it made me feel like I was there and part of the school and environment.
If you’re looking for a great YA fantasy with dark academia, found family and great discussions of what it means to belong, then you must check out Lovely Dark and Deep!
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4.5 stars, review to come!
This was such a beautiful story of self-discovery, healing and found family. I loved following Faith’s journey throughout the story; my heart really broke for her at the beginning of the book. Throughout Lovely Dark and Deep we hear about how isolated Faith felt for most of her life. First by her extended family in the Philippines, then the kids at her “mundane� school once they move to the states, and at Ellery West in the aftermath of what happened the year before in the forest with Sydney. So much of being a teenager is wanting to find a place to belong, and it can be so hard, especially when you’re a person of color and an immigrant. Understandably so, Faith had really guarded herself from everyone else and just retreated into herself and it was so wonderful to see her slowly start to trust the other members of the Red Stripes and to trust herself as the story goes on.
I think that this may be my favorite cast of characters that Bonnin has written so far. I LOVE the Red Stripes and felt such a connection to them from the very start. Honestly, I would protect them (especially Alex) with my life. I just adored them and the way that they welcomed Faith into the Red Stripes and always made sure to remind her and each other that they have one another’s backs. While there are discussions of romance and the discovery of sexuality, I do really love that the focus of this story is Faith’s journey (which does include the realization of her sexuality) and the secrets of Ellery West. There’s nothing wrong with romance, I love a good romance, but I think that platonic relationships are just as important and I liked that there was more of a focus on the platonic relationships over the romantic ones.
As always, Bonnin’s world building is fantastic. I loved the descriptions and explanations of the different magic classes � Naturalist, Artificer, and Luminaries � and how each person would have different abilities within their class. She posted a bunch of amazing info cards about the lore on her Instagram, which I highly recommend checking out. Reading them before reading the book was really cool as well since I felt like I was already immersed in the world because I understood the magic system � though I would’ve understood even without the lore cards because Bonnin’s writing is very detailed and specific. I love how alive the Ellery West campus felt; it made me feel like I was there and part of the school and environment.
If you’re looking for a great YA fantasy with dark academia, found family and great discussions of what it means to belong, then you must check out Lovely Dark and Deep!
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4.5 stars, review to come!
March 28, 2025
Will Faith and her friends find out what is at work in the forest and finally put an end to it?
Maria Faith Castillo, known as Faith, is a Filipino fire Naturalist� a type of mage capable of controlling elements—who is beginning her senior year at Ellery West. She is classified as a Red-Stripe student, which means she is on probation due to an incident involving dark magic that resulted in the death of her best friend, Sydney Price. As Faith tries to settle into her final year, sinister events begin to unfold, all linked to the forest. What do these occurrences mean for Faith, and will she and her friends be able to stop them?
This book is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing my attention from the very first page. The intricate development of both the characters and the plot makes for a compelling read that I found difficult to put down. I truly appreciated the many unexpected plot twists that kept me on my toes, adding an element of suspense that I thoroughly enjoy. The seamless transitions between the present and Faith's earlier years as Ellery West added depth to the narrative, allowing me to understand her character's evolution in a richer context.
Faith is a relatable and captivating protagonist. Her struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, making her journey feel authentic. I find her name beautiful, and it perfectly encapsulates her character—full of hope and resilience. Nicholas, with his kindness, serves as a grounding force, while Cari’s loyalty and spunky spirit bring vibrant energy to the story. Yvonne stands out with her nonchalant demeanor, providing moments of levity and intrigue. Alex, who shares my experience of being autistic, adds another layer of representation, making her character incredibly relatable. Her charm and unique perspective are wonderfully woven into the narrative.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the dark academia genre and is looking for a story filled with twists and turns. Whether you're an avid reader or someone looking for a new favorite, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you to @macmillanusa and @tbrbeyondtours for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maria Faith Castillo, known as Faith, is a Filipino fire Naturalist� a type of mage capable of controlling elements—who is beginning her senior year at Ellery West. She is classified as a Red-Stripe student, which means she is on probation due to an incident involving dark magic that resulted in the death of her best friend, Sydney Price. As Faith tries to settle into her final year, sinister events begin to unfold, all linked to the forest. What do these occurrences mean for Faith, and will she and her friends be able to stop them?
This book is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing my attention from the very first page. The intricate development of both the characters and the plot makes for a compelling read that I found difficult to put down. I truly appreciated the many unexpected plot twists that kept me on my toes, adding an element of suspense that I thoroughly enjoy. The seamless transitions between the present and Faith's earlier years as Ellery West added depth to the narrative, allowing me to understand her character's evolution in a richer context.
Faith is a relatable and captivating protagonist. Her struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, making her journey feel authentic. I find her name beautiful, and it perfectly encapsulates her character—full of hope and resilience. Nicholas, with his kindness, serves as a grounding force, while Cari’s loyalty and spunky spirit bring vibrant energy to the story. Yvonne stands out with her nonchalant demeanor, providing moments of levity and intrigue. Alex, who shares my experience of being autistic, adds another layer of representation, making her character incredibly relatable. Her charm and unique perspective are wonderfully woven into the narrative.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the dark academia genre and is looking for a story filled with twists and turns. Whether you're an avid reader or someone looking for a new favorite, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you to @macmillanusa and @tbrbeyondtours for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 28, 2024
Thank you Feiwel & Friends and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book so much! Faith has magic, she’s what they call a Naturalist and has the ability to control and create fire. There are two other branches of magic Luminaries and Artificers. Though there are three branches each individual that belongs to a branch experiences magic in their own way. That’s why there are academies to help young people learn to control their magic and for the magical community to determine if an individual can be trusted with their magic or if it needs to be taken away. Ellery West is the academy that Faith attends on a remote Island that can’t be found on any map. Some students are legacies, magic runs in their family, others, like Faith, have non-magical families. Faith’s family moved to the United States from the Philippines because of her power and others fear of it. She was doing well in school up until last year, when her and her friend Sydney went into the forest, and only Faith came back. Students aren’t allowed in the forest and as punishment she is on probation becoming a Red Stripe, students who have broken rules and are considered dangerous or students who’s Magic is considered to dangerous to mix with the rest of the students. Red Stripes are one step away from losing their magic for good. Faith just has to complete her senior year. She can last one year right? Except the nightmares she’s having of Sydney and the forest are very vivid. And as other students become affected she’ll have no choice but to work with the other Red Stripes to find out what is going on. To make things more complicated Faith is trying to understand the complicated feelings she had for Sydney and what that could mean for her already confusing life. Will they be able to figure it out? Or is Faith about to lose her magic? Fast paced and so engrossing! I couldn’t put it down and I loved the magic system! Loved the idea of the magic societies as well and the investigative one Evan and Morgan are in sounds so intriguing! I loved the Red Stripes as a whole! Thrilling with plenty of cutesy found family moments and so queer! A stunning read!
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