corina gomez

A lost girl receives a call from Drayton University informing her of her admission. She is subjected to a series of questions and an unusual entrance exam that explores various emotions. At school, she befriends Blaine, navigates complicated relationships, and becomes drawn to her enigmatic professor, Dante, who keeps her at arm’s length. She is not the best student academically but possesses a natural ability that sets her apart from the others: the power to open portals, through space and, eventually, time. Under Dante’s guidance, she learns valuable lessons about the power of persuasion and control. The story focuses on themes of power, manipulation, and imposing one’s will on others rather than traditional notions of magic. Brown moths appear throughout the book as a recurring symbol of the need for life purification and the slow, unseen destruction of things. In many ways, the moth reflects all the characters, who are each seeking purification in their own way—whether through power, redemption, or control over their circumstances. As the protagonist hones her abilities, she discovers a darker agenda tied to the university, forcing her to confront challenges that test her strength and resolve. The story also raises compelling questions: Why are certain characters tied to mysterious figures at Dayton? How do past traumas shape their present choices? And what is the true cost of power and control? Ultimately, this was a captivating read—I couldn’t put it down. The book explores themes of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom, wrapped in a world of suspense, mystery, and hidden agendas. However, there were several instances where I felt the author could have heightened the emotional impact of certain moments, especially given the painstaking detail devoted to the gory scenes. For example, moments like finding Dante, Gregory’s heroic moment with Lennon, and Dante and Lennon’s intimate connection could have been explored more deeply. The book features several gruesome escapades that result in the untimely demise of various characters. The tone leans heavily into dark and twisted imagery, which may not appeal to all readers. Potential trigger warnings include: violence, death and grief, mental health struggles (including depression, self-harm, or suicide), animal testing and themes of war.