Enigma

RuNyx

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4.2(2,829 Ratings)
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Clock64 Min Reading Time
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cover backgroundEnigma

About this book

DELUXE EDITION--a deluxe hardback edition, featuring gorgeous dark teal sprayed edges, a foil case stamp, beautiful endpapers, a detailed map, and deliciously moody art throughout. From New York Times bestselling author RuNyx comes Enigma , a twisted Hades and Persephone meets scorching dark academia romance―a tale of love and obsession between two rivals. There are secrets she must uncover. There are secrets he must keep. Salem Salazar is fascinated with death. The black sheep of her scandal-ridden, wealthy family, she arrives at Mortimer University as a legacy on the hunt for answers about what happened to her perfect, older sister. There, she discovers that her sister is far from the only girl to have gone missing at Mortimer. Salem will do anything to discover what dark forces are killing Mortimer's students...even if it means using herself as bait. And Cazimir van der Waal has caught her scent. The mysterious artist and teaching assistant has a dark past, a hidden agenda, and a ravenous appetite for a beautiful, golden-eyed girl who seems determined to risk her life. Where she is ice, he is fire. Where she is organization, he is chaos. Where she is precision, he is passion. Together they are explosive--their fates linked as secret societies and death stalk them both. Enigma is a sensual, epic love story for those who also crave the frightful, the puzzling, the suspenseful, the dangerous and the dark. Welcome to Mortimer. Enigma *Dark academia romance *Steamy suspense *Rivals to lovers *Secret societies *Forbidden love

Summary of Key Ideas

  • The Alluring Darkness of Mortimer University

    The haunting atmosphere of Mortimer University sets the stage for a dark academia romance, where secrets lurk beneath the surface. The university itself becomes a character, influencing the relationships and mysteries that unfold. This setting enhances the suspense and provides a backdrop for exploring themes of obsession, power, and hidden truths. The gothic architecture, shadowy corners, and secluded locations contribute to a sense of unease and anticipation, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. It also helps to build the tension and mystery surrounding the disappearances and the central romance.

  • A Twisted Hades and Persephone Romance

    At its core, "Enigma" explores the intricate dynamics of a 'Hades and Persephone' romance, twisted within the dark academia setting. This theme delves into the forbidden attraction between the main characters, highlighting elements of power, obsession, and inevitable connection. The retelling brings classic mythological elements into a modern, suspenseful narrative, enriching the storyline with layers of complexity and emotional depth. This central theme drives the narrative forward, influencing character motivations and the overarching plot as the two navigate the treacherous landscape of their feelings.

  • Unraveling the Mystery of Vanishing Girls

    The mysterious disappearances of girls at Mortimer University form a crucial part of the plot, driving the suspense and investigation forward. This central mystery propels the main character, delving into hidden societies and long-buried secrets. Each vanishing girl contributes to the overarching enigma, revealing more about the dark underbelly of the university and its inhabitants. This theme adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, as the protagonist seeks to uncover the truth behind these disappearances, facing danger and moral dilemmas along the way. The resolution of this mystery is pivotal to understanding the core conflict and the characters' ultimate fates.

  • Love as Obsession and Redemption

    "Enigma" delves into the complexities of love, portraying it as both a powerful and dangerous force. The novel questions the line between love and obsession, showing how passion can lead to destructive behaviors and moral compromises. It also explores the redemptive qualities of love, its ability to heal past wounds, and provide strength in the face of adversity. By examining these different facets of love, the novel enriches the characters' journeys, adding layers of emotional depth and complexity to their relationships. The theme serves as a lens through which characters confront their deepest fears and desires.

  • The Power of Found Family

    The novel emphasizes the importance of found family and the connections that can be forged in unexpected places. The characters often find solace and support in one another, creating bonds that transcend traditional familial ties. These relationships provide a sense of belonging and resilience, helping them navigate their personal struggles and the external dangers they face. The theme of found family enriches the narrative by showcasing the strength and healing that can be derived from unconventional relationships, highlighting the importance of trust and loyalty in overcoming adversity. It also contrasts with the isolation and secrets prevalent within the university setting.

  • The Scars of Trauma and Paths to Healing

    "Enigma" intricately examines the psychological effects of trauma on its characters. It explores how past experiences shape their present actions, relationships, and overall well-being. The novel delves into coping mechanisms, such as dissociation and silence, while also highlighting the potential for survivors to reclaim their voices and heal. By portraying these struggles with sensitivity and depth, RuNyx underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the long-lasting impacts of trauma. This theme serves as a foundation for character development, informing their motivations and adding layers of complexity to their interactions.

Chapter Recap

Part 1: DeathSalem, at twelve years old, finds herself at her grandfather’s funeral, reflecting on the inevitability of death and her fascination with it. Her dog, Junie, remains a constant source of comfort, a stark contrast to the strained dynamics within her own family. Her mother grieves delicately, while he
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About The Author

RuNyx

Main Quotes

"Because I was a man on the path to damnation and I saw salvation instead. Because being near you makes me feel something beyond rage. Because the chaos inside me quietens when I'm near you."

"Where she is ice, he is fire. Where she is organization, he is chaos. Where she is precision, he is passion. Together they are explosive."

"I am not whole. I am missing a vital part of who I am... because I am missing you."

"I would rather touch her hand if it were dead, than I would touch any other woman's living."

"He wasn’t darkness, not really. He was fire. And fire, when controlled, gave light."

"I was drowning in her, and she was drowning in me."

"You’re my peace, Anastasia. My calm. My home."

"Her eyes were so cold, but her lips…her lips were a promise of warmth."

"We were fire and ice, chaos and order, darkness and light. We were everything and nothing, all at once."

"Some things are worth risking everything for."

Who Should Read This Book

Readers of dark academia romance

Fans of Hades and Persephone retellings

Readers who enjoy morally grey characters

Readers interested in stories with secret societies and gothic themes

Readers who appreciate suspenseful and sensual stories

Readers of New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors

Readers aged 22 and up

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