Think twice if…
- Content warnings: Violence, Injury detail, Death, Blood, Coercive control, Mind control, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Torture, Murder, Animal abuse, Animal death, Bugs / insects, Body shaming, Eugenics themes
By the Orchid and the Owl
by Mariah Montoya
Book 1 in The Esholian Institute
The setup is familiar in the best way - magical institute, forbidden power, pretty boy with secrets - but the animal magic and council-control angle give it its own bite. Pick it up when you want academy romantasy that moves fast and leaves a hook in the door.
goodreads 4.18/5 4,203 ratings
storykind_community 4/5 1 rating
Quick fit
Is this story right for you?
A decision-first view of the reading experience.
Length422 pages
Series statusOngoing series
Spice3/5 · Slow seduction
PacingMedium
Story profile
What the story promises
The strongest reviewed signals about romance, fantasy, and the reading experience.
Romance promise
- Forbidden love
- Male/female pairing (M/F)
- Slow burn
- Medium
- Slow seduction
- Book hangover incoming
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- Scholar/intellectual
- Intellectual connection
- Tension / anticipation
- The swoon
- Mysterious stranger
- Mutual pining
- Sweet / tender
- Adrenaline rush
- Secretly soft
- Only one who understands them
- Emotional / vulnerable intimacy
- Longing glances
- Touch starvation
- Tension
Fantasy promise
- Romantasy
- Academy / school
- Academy / campus
- Humans only
- Coastal / island / beach
- High fantasy
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- Secret power
- Magic bond
- Training partners to lovers
Reading experience
- First person
- Magical
- Immersive
- Moderate
- Reluctant chosen one
- Romantic
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- Dramatic
- Survivor
- Mysterious
- Character-driven
- Bookworm/scholar
- Adventurous
- Fast-paced
- Tense
- Chosen one burden
- Binge read
- Cliffhanger warning
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Different because
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Magic bond · Academy / campus · Academy / school
Different because
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Book details
- Length
- 422 pages
- Publisher
- Metaphorosis Publishing
- Language
- English
- Format
- Book