AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER I.V. Marie’s thrilling dark academia debut set at a magical boarding school in purgatory where some fates are worse than death … For fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, Olivie Blake’s The Atlas Six and Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education.

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 – a series of magical trials held once a decade. The chosen pupil is offered a choice: graduate and join Blackwood’s magical elite, or venture into the unknown and cross over to the Other Side.

Wren knows she has what it takes to win–unless, 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 he’ll stop at nothing to keep Emilio, from crossing over to the Other Side.

All are determined to be Blackwood’s 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.