Episode 03: Nocticadia by Keri Lake
If you’re a fan of dark academia, obsessive characters, and plot twists that keep you guessing, Nocticadia by Keri Lake might just be your next favorite read. This gripping novel combines the allure of a gothic university setting with a story of forbidden love, medical intrigue, and secret societies. In this review, we’ll explore what makes this book a standout in the world of dark romance.
WHY NOCTICADIA IS A MUST-READ
The inspiration behind picking up Nocticadia came from a glowing review on Bookstagram. The promise of a “dark, twisted Hogwarts for adults” was too tempting to resist. True to its reputation, Nocticadia takes you deep into a mysterious, secluded university setting, where secrets are buried as deep as the island’s haunted past. The book is perfect for readers who enjoy an atmosphere filled with suspense, morally gray characters, and just the right amount of spice.
A BIT ABOUT THE PLOT
The story revolves around Lilia, a young woman driven by the mysterious death of her mother. Determined to uncover the truth, Lilia earns a scholarship to Dracadia University—an isolated institution shrouded in legend and ghostly whispers. Located on an island off the coast of Maine, the university is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of former mental patients.
Upon arriving, Lilia encounters Deverick Brainwell, infamously known as Dr. Death. The obsessive, brooding professor is both fascinated and haunted by Lilia’s presence. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but their relationship is complicated by dark secrets, forbidden desires, and the university’s chilling past.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Before diving into this book, be aware of the following triggers: graphic violence, explicit language, strong sexual content, child abuse, suicide, hallucinations, autopsies, and scenes involving parasites. This book isn’t for the faint of heart—if these themes are too intense for you, it might be best to skip this one.
MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK
- Atmospheric Setting with Gothic Vibes
The dark academia aesthetic is captured perfectly, with haunting descriptions of the university and its eerie surroundings. If you enjoy stories set in isolated, creepy locations, this one will keep you hooked.
- Complex Characters
Lilia is a strong, determined protagonist, fighting not only for herself but also for her younger sibling. Despite her struggles, she never loses her drive. Deverick, on the other hand, is the epitome of a morally gray character—obsessed, intense, and unpredictable.
- Medical Intrigue
The plot weaves in detailed medical jargon and explores parasitology, adding an extra layer of complexity. While this element may slow down the reading for some, fans of medical thrillers will appreciate the detail.
- Twisted Romance
The dynamic between Lilia and Dr. Death is both steamy and emotionally charged. Their forbidden, professor-student relationship is filled with tension, obsession, and dark desires, keeping you turning the pages.
SPICE FACTOR
For readers who enjoy some heat in their books but prefer it balanced with a strong plot, Nocticadia strikes the perfect balance. On our spice scale of 1 to 5, this book lands around a 2.5. It features voyeurism, delayed gratification, and intense, passionate moments. However, it’s not overly explicit, focusing more on character development and story progression.
WHAT WE LOVED
- The book’s multi-layered storytelling keeps you engaged, with plot twists that are smartly written and characters that are well-developed.
- The dark humor woven into the story lightens the otherwise intense atmosphere, making it more enjoyable.
- The obsessive nature of Deverick’s character is both thrilling and terrifying, creating a fascinating push-and-pull dynamic with Lilia.
TIDBITS WE CONSIDERED
- The ending felt rushed, with several revelations crammed into the last few chapters. The epilogue, in particular, left us feeling confused and unsatisfied.
- While the medical details added depth, they occasionally slowed down the pacing of the story, especially for readers who aren’t into medical jargon.
BOOK RATING
- Amber’s Rating: 4/5 stars. The layers of mystery, the dark humor, and Deverick’s obsessive nature made this book a solid favorite. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark romance with a gothic twist.
- Jen’s Rating: Initially a 4/5, but upon reflection, it’s closer to a 3. The rushed ending and confusing epilogue brought it down a notch for me. However, the story’s atmospheric setting and strong characters still make it a worthwhile read.
FINAL NOTES
Nocticadia is a twisted, dark academia novel that explores themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to for the ones we love. If you’re into morally gray characters, gothic settings, and complex plots, this book is definitely worth a read. Just be prepared for a wild ride full of dark twists and unexpected turns.
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Explore the dark academia world of Nocticadia by Keri Lake—a tale of obsession, forbidden love, and secret societies. Dive into our review of this gripping, twisted story filled with complex characters, medical intrigue, and dark humor. Perfect for fans of morally gray characters and dark academia vibes.
Until then, stay morally gray!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Snag your copy of Nocticadia by Keri Lake
- Join the Morally Gray Babes Chat >> HERE <<. Please note: You will need to have the Instagram app in order to join this complimentary discussion.
- Jen's Website: www.jenvazquez.com
- Amber's Website: www.amberlangleygill.com
- Follow the Morally Gray Babes on Instagram >> HERE <<
๐ Dark Academia Setting
๐ Secret Society
๐ Professor/Student Dynamic
๐ Touch Her + Unalive Vibes
๐ Medical Science/Parasitology
