Welcome to Bound & Bookmarked, where we dive into stories that weave love, power, danger, and chaos into unforgettable narratives. If you’re drawn to books that redefine the boundaries of romance, you’re in the right place. I’m Summer, and today I’m reviewing Venom by Eve Newton, the first book in the St. Sebastian’s at Cravenmoor Academy trilogy. This spoiler-free review will give you a taste of the thrilling ride ahead without revealing the twists that make this book a page-turner.

This review is now available on Spotify! Check out the podcast here!

As with nearly all dark romance novels, this book does have mature themes that may not be for everyone. If you are sensitive to certain triggers, please check the trigger warnings before reading.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

“Rule One: Control the heirs.
Rule Two: Keep Viper on a short leash
Rule Three: Survive.”
Venetia

“I will be the last thing you see at night when you close your pretty green eyes, Venetia, and the first thing you see when you open them in the morning. I won’t just be in your room, but I will be in your bed. My back doesn’t like sleeping on the floor.”
Viper

WHAT WORKED WELL

The plot is intricately crafted, with story elements weaving together seamlessly to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The constant question of “what happens next?” kept me turning pages, as the stakes escalated with every chapter.

The world building also worked really well, giving us access to a world of relationships, danger and intrigue that was easy to get into. The world came together easily, allowing us to focus on the developing relationships between Venetia, her love interests, and those who are out to destroy them.

“Locke can have his empire. I’ll take the queen, and I’ll have a hell of a lot more fun doing it.”
Rafferty

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER

While the fast-paced narrative keeps the momentum high, it sometimes sacrifices depth for speed. Key events, particularly those involving character and relationship development, often feel rushed, leading to moments that seem abrupt or awkward. This could be a personal, thing though; I’m not a fan of insta-love dynamics and definitely prefer slower burns.

Additionally, the character voices could be more distinct. Viper, hailing from a gritty gang background, speaks too similarly to Venetia and Rafferty, who share more privileged upbringings. Blake stands out with his measured, deliberate dialogue, but the others tend to blend together, which can make it harder to differentiate them in conversations.

In some instances, the story presents inconsistencies, such as contradictory details or characters making questionable tactical decisions that don’t align with their established intelligence or experience. These moments occasionally disrupt the narrative’s flow and credibility and left me conflicted.

“I’m selling my freedom for a year, but I’m buying an empire, and a princess to play with.”
Viper

FINAL THOUGHTS

LET’S TALK!

Have you read Venom? Share your spoiler-free thoughts in the comments below! What are your favorite academy romance tropes? If you’re new to Bound & Bookmarked, join our shadowy community for more dark romance reviews and discussions.