Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve — A Dark Academia Romantasy Review
Overall Rating: 4/5
Spice Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers • Slow burn • Dark academia • Magical college • Family feuds • Forced proximity • “Who hurt you?” energy
If you’ve ever wished Harry Potter grew up, leaned into morally gray magic, and added a whole lot more tension (and spice), Spellcaster might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Jaymin Eve kicks off her Weatherstone College series with a fast-paced, addictive romantasy that blends dark academia vibes, elemental magic, and a simmering enemies-to-lovers romance that absolutely delivers.
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Welcome to Weatherstone College
Paisley’s magic doesn’t bloom until she’s twenty-two and when it does, it lands her an acceptance letter to Weatherstone College, the most prestigious witch academy in existence. The catch? Her magic is wildly unpredictable, her family legacy comes with baggage, and the school itself is built on ancient blood magic that definitely feels like it’s watching her.
Paisley doesn’t yet know her magical affinity, which means she’s studying everything while waiting for her true power to reveal itself. That uncertainty makes her both fascinating and vulnerable, and it’s clear from the start that Weatherstone has plans for her whether she’s ready or not.
And then there’s Logan Kingston.
Enemies-to-Lovers Done Right
Logan is a third-year transfer, a prodigy spellcaster, and the son of Paisley’s father’s sworn enemy. Their families are bound by a blood oath, and while Paisley and Logan were once close as children, tragedy has turned them into enemies by default.
Except, the chemistry says otherwise.
The tension between them is steamy. It’s sharp, angry, and charged with unresolved history. Paisley is determined to stay away from Logan, while Logan seems incapable of doing the same. Add in fiery dreams, lingering glances, and a whole lot of emotional baggage, and you’ve got a slow burn that feels earned rather than rushed.
This is enemies-to-lovers that understands restraint, and when the spice hits, it hits.
Monsters, Secrets, and Dark Magic
As if navigating magic school and forbidden attraction weren’t enough, something sinister is stalking Weatherstone. Monsters begin appearing on campus, drawn unnervingly to Paisley, and every time she’s in danger, Logan is right there pulling her out of the fire.
Which raises a very important question: is Logan protecting her or causing the danger in the first place?
The mystery threaded throughout the book adds real stakes and keeps the pages turning. The school itself feels alive, ancient, and dangerous, and the sense that Paisley is at the center of something much bigger than she realizes is woven beautifully into the story.
Spice & Romance Notes
Let’s talk spice. This is a slow burn, but the payoff is worth the wait. There’s excellent tension, consent-forward moments (we love to see it), and a darker edge that fits the story’s tone. It’s spicy without overwhelming the plot. Romance readers who like their magic with heat will be very happy here.
About the Author
Jaymin Eve is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her sizzling romantic fantasy and paranormal series. With a flair for crafting emotionally charged enemies-to-lovers, complex magical worlds, and morally gray heroes, Jaymin has captured the hearts of readers who crave slow burn romance, high stakes fantasy, and sexy, character-driven stories.
Her books often blend action, magic, and heat with deeply felt emotional arcs, delivering worlds that stay with you long after the last page. Beyond Spellcaster and the Weatherstone College series, Jaymin is celebrated for her Shadow Beast Shifter series and other romantasy favorites, earning her a devoted fanbase and widespread acclaim in the fantasy romance community.
When she’s not weaving dark magic and forbidden love into her novels, Jaymin shares her passion for reading and storytelling with fans across social media and she frequently teases exciting new projects that keep her readers buzzing with anticipation.
If you love intense romance, richly built fantasy worlds, and characters with edge and heart, Jaymin Eve is an author you definitely want on your TBR.
Final Thoughts
Spellcaster was genuinely addictive, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I flew through the pages and never felt bored, which says a lot for a first-in-series setup. That said, I did find myself wishing certain parts of the story were a bit more fleshed out. Once everything really clicked into place, it felt like the book wrapped up a little too quickly.
Paisley was fun, entertaining, and easy to root for, especially as someone still discovering who she is and what her magic can become. And Logan? He is peak romantasy love interest. He’s tattooed, morally gray, mysterious, and walking that delicious line between protector and possible villain. Absolutely my type.
Between the dark academia atmosphere, the family feud tension, and the monsters circling ever closer, Spellcaster delivers a strong start to the Weatherstone College series. It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and I’m very much invested in where this story goes next.
Looking Ahead: Night Witch (Weatherstone College #2)
I’m already counting down to Book 2, Night Witch, releasing June 23, 2026. If the sneak peek is any indication, things are about to get darker, messier, and a whole lot more intense.
Returning for year two at Weatherstone College, Paisley is still reeling from everything that happened and from Logan Kingston himself. There’s a bond between them she can’t explain, secrets waiting to unravel, and a growing sense that trusting a spellcaster might be the most dangerous magic of all.
With promises of higher stakes, deeper secrets, and tropes like touch her and die, forbidden romance, he gives her his clothes, and plenty of dirty-talking tension, Night Witch is shaping up to be a must-read sequel for romantasy lovers.
Yes, I will absolutely be there for it.
Have you read Spellcaster yet? What did you think?
