Book Review: Enigma by Runyx
From the moment I heard about Enigma, I was drawn in—not just by its dark academia aesthetic but by the skillful pen of Runyx, whose prose always feels like a warm, familiar hug. This latest offering brings a captivating blend of intrigue, emotion, and deep character exploration to the table, though it does stumble a bit toward the finish line.
Set against a backdrop that beautifully captures the essence of gothic academia, Enigma follows Salem Salazar, a brooding, death-obsessed protagonist navigating her way through the complexities of family and friendship. Right from the start, I was enchanted by Runyx’s signature writing style. It’s poetic and layered, almost as if her words breathe and linger long after you’ve turned the page. The significant chapter intro quotes further enriched the reading experience, sparking that familiar TBR itch—each felt intentional and powerful, resonating with the haunting vibes that permeate the story.
Salem and her artistic counterpart, Cazimir, are wonderfully fleshed out characters. Their inner struggles, relationships, and growth are intricately detailed, making their journeys feel real and relatable. I loved how Runyx peeled back their layers; it wasn’t just a superficial look at their lives. Their flaws and philosophies added depth, making me reflect on my own experiences. Particularly, Salem’s healing arc stood out. Watching her form genuine connections and evolve into a more open version of herself was heartwarming—it gave me all the feels.
Now, let’s talk about Baron Nathaniel Whitmore, or as I like to call him, my new literary obsession. He completely stole the show with his cryptic charm and undeniable allure. Baron is that character you can’t help but root for, operating in his own mysterious realm while spinning the web of secrets that keeps readers guessing. His skills as a hacker? Just the icing on the cake! I found myself laughing out loud at the banter between characters, proving that even amidst shadows, humor can shine bright.
However, as entrancing as the beginning was, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the ending rushed through crucial moments that deserved more depth. The plot elements were promising, but the pacing faltered in the final chapters, leaving some mysteries feeling a bit flat. What started strong turned into a frantic sprint, which was a tad disappointing. It felt like the book had endless potential that didn’t quite reach its peak.
Ultimately, Enigma is a gem for those who live and breathe dark academia. The atmosphere is immersive, the characters are relatable, and the writing is undeniably beautiful. While the pacing issues kept it from becoming an all-time favorite for me, I certainly believe readers drawn to emotional depth and rich, layered narratives will find much to love.
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for providing an advanced listening copy! I’ll be eagerly recommending this to anyone searching for a complex exploration of identity and relationships wrapped in an atmospheric, gothic package. All in all, it’s a book that leaves you wanting more—especially from the ever-charismatic Baron. Read it if you’re ready for a haunting, yet uplifting journey with characters you won’t soon forget!