Why Endless Anger by Sav R. Miller Is My New Dark Romance Obsession

Brittany C
Aug 18
12 min read

There are moments as a reader when you know a book is going to stick with you before you even finish the first chapter. That was my exact experience with Endless Anger by Sav R. Miller. From the second I opened the eARC, I felt that little electric buzz in my chest—the one that tells me, “oh, this is going to be special.” And let me tell you, I was right.

I was lucky enough to receive an early copy (huge thank you to the publisher and author for trusting me with this absolute gem), and I can confidently say this: Endless Anger is a five-star read through and through. There wasn’t a single moment that didn’t captivate me. It had the kind of hold on me where I’d glance at the clock and realize I’d just blown through hours of my day without even noticing. And honestly? I love when a book does that.

This one comes out August 19, 2025, and I can already tell it’s going to be one of the buzziest dark romance releases of the year. It’s atmospheric, it’s broody, it’s sharp, and it plays with themes and tropes that feel both familiar and brand new. If you’re into dark academia, friends-to-lovers tension, morally gray heroes, secret societies, and mythological undercurrents, you need this book on your TBR immediately.

For me, what set this story apart wasn’t just the tropes (though trust me, it’s got some of my absolute favorites). It was the execution. Every page drips with this heavy, delicious tension that doesn’t let up until the very end. The setting is immersive, the characters are layered and messy, and the romance—oh, the romance—is the kind that takes your breath away because of how raw and unflinching it feels.

Before I dive deep into the atmosphere, the characters, the tropes, and everything else that made Endless Anger a standout read, I want to make it clear: this is a book that deserves to be experienced with as little forewarning as possible. I’ll keep this first chunk of the review spoiler-free, saving the real juicy, specific gush for the spoiler section at the bottom. But even without spoilers, there’s so much to rave about here that I might not even come up for air.

So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s get into why Endless Anger completely stole my attention (and maybe a piece of my soul).

Atmosphere & Vibes

One of the first things that hit me when reading Endless Anger was the atmosphere. Dark academia isn’t just a backdrop here—it’s a character in itself. The campus, steeped in shadowed hallways, ivy-wrapped buildings, and the constant whisper of secrets, pulled me in immediately. You feel like you’re walking the grounds alongside Lucy and Asher, hearing the echoes of footsteps, sensing the undercurrent of tension, and knowing something just slightly sinister is lurking behind every door.

Sav R. Miller has a way of describing settings that makes them feel alive. The academic spaces feel claustrophobic and electric at the same time—the kind of environment where every glance, every hushed conversation, carries weight. Add in the mythological layers, with Greek-inspired references and subtle nods to ancient lore, and suddenly every stone, shadow, and ritual feels charged with history.

The pacing of the story also perfectly matches the atmosphere. There’s a slow burn tension, where the suspense simmers under every interaction, every secret revealed, every glance between characters. It isn’t rushed, but it never drags either. The pacing lulls you just enough to feel the weight of the setting, then bursts into moments of high-stakes danger that had me clinging to my Kindle.

There’s also a moody aesthetic throughout the prose that just makes you sink into the world. Nights feel heavy, days feel sharp, and there’s this constant undertone of something ancient and unsettling beneath the surface. The writing evokes smells, sounds, textures—you can almost feel the chill in the library, the warmth of candlelight, and the subtle tension in every hallway.

Even the emotional atmosphere mirrors the physical setting. Lucy’s anxiety, Asher’s brooding intensity, and the swirling web of secrets among the side characters all reinforce the dark, tense, and thrilling vibe of the story. By the time I reached the midpoint, I was not just reading a book—I was inhabiting it.

This is the kind of book that makes you linger over descriptions, reread lines just to soak in the tension, and put it down reluctantly only because you need air. If you love immersive worlds where the setting amplifies every emotion, Endless Anger delivers that in spades.

Characters

Lucy

Lucy is everything I love in a heroine who doesn’t just survive a story—she owns it. She’s smart, resourceful, and determined, but she’s not perfect, and that’s exactly what makes her relatable. Her internal struggle with anger, loyalty, and the unknown threats around her adds so much depth. She’s not just reacting to the world; she’s constantly questioning, strategizing, and learning. I loved seeing her navigate the pressures of the academy while dealing with the emotional chaos swirling around her.

What really stood out about Lucy is her resilience. She makes mistakes, she hesitates, and she doubts herself—but she keeps moving forward. And she’s not afraid to challenge authority or push back against people who try to control her. That kind of agency is rare, and it made me invested in her journey from page one.

Asher

Asher… oh boy. Broody, complicated, morally gray, and magnetic. He’s the kind of character that makes your heart rate spike just from being in the same scene. You never fully know what he’s thinking, which keeps you on edge, but every interaction with Lucy crackles with tension—anger, desire, fear, and admiration all rolled into one.

He’s not a flawless hero, and that’s the point. His flaws make him human, but his loyalty and moments of vulnerability make him irresistible. The slow burn between him and Lucy is perfection—the kind of enemies-to-lovers tension that makes your chest ache with anticipation. I was constantly guessing his next move, both in terms of plot and in terms of his feelings toward Lucy.

The Side Cast

The supporting characters aren’t just background—they add layers to the story, create additional tension, and enrich the world. From classmates to professors, each character has a purpose, whether it’s complicating the romance, intensifying the mystery, or deepening the mythology. The balance between them and the leads is seamless; no one feels wasted, and they all contribute to the stakes and suspense in meaningful ways.

The dynamics between the main and secondary characters also amplify the themes of power, secrecy, and trust. Friendships are tested, alliances are questioned, and every interaction leaves you wondering who will betray who next.

Character Chemistry

The chemistry between Lucy and Asher is electric but subtle in its early stages. Every glance, every word, every charged silence builds tension in a way that’s completely immersive. It’s the kind of slow burn that makes you physically feel their connection—and the frustration of not being able to act on it. The emotional weight between them is heightened by their personal flaws and secrets, which makes the eventual payoff so satisfying.

In short, the characters in Endless Anger are layered, flawed, intense, and compelling. They’re the kind of characters you think about long after you close the book, the ones who haunt you a little, and I can honestly say I would reread this book just to spend more time with them.

The Romance

If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers tension, Endless Anger will absolutely destroy you—in the best possible way. From the first few chapters, the push-and-pull between Lucy and Asher is palpable. They’re constantly testing each other, challenging each other, and just when you think you have them figured out, the author throws a curveball that leaves your chest tight and your brain spinning.

What I loved most is that the romance never feels forced. It grows organically alongside the story’s tension and stakes. Every look, every word, and every subtle gesture carries weight because both characters are complex and flawed. They aren’t just falling for each other because the plot says they should; their connection feels earned, messy, and very real.

The slow burn is masterfully done. There’s a constant undercurrent of desire and frustration, which makes the eventual romantic payoffs feel explosive. And the tension isn’t just sexual—it’s emotional, psychological, and even moral at times. Lucy and Asher’s relationship is fraught with danger, secrets, and conflicting loyalties, which adds so many layers to their dynamic.

I also loved the way Sav R. Miller balances intensity with quieter, more tender moments. In between the suspense, you get flashes of vulnerability and small gestures of care that make their romance believable and human. Those moments hit just as hard as the big, fiery scenes because you know both characters are risking so much—emotionally and physically—just to be near each other.

Another standout aspect is how the romance intertwines with the book’s broader themes. Anger, loyalty, secrecy, and power all feed into their relationship. It’s not just about two people falling in love; it’s about how their connection affects their choices, their growth, and the dangerous world around them. This is the kind of romance that makes you hold your breath, cheer, swoon, and sometimes yell at the characters all within the same chapter.

In short, the romance in Endless Anger is tense, passionate, morally complex, and utterly addictive. It’s the kind of story that keeps you awake at night thinking about what’s happening between Lucy and Asher, and that’s exactly the mark of a five-star romance in my book.

Themes & Tropes

One of the reasons Endless Anger works so well is how masterfully Sav R. Miller blends multiple themes and tropes without it ever feeling crowded or forced. The story has depth beyond the romance and suspense, which is part of why it stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.

Dark Academia & Secret Societies

The dark academia vibes are strong and immersive. The setting—a university steeped in history, tradition, and whispered secrets—creates the perfect backdrop for intrigue, mystery, and high-stakes drama. Every hallway, every lecture, and every ritual feels like it has weight. This isn’t just window dressing; it directly impacts the story and the choices the characters make.

The secret societies angle elevates the tension even further. There’s a sense of power lurking just below the surface, and every alliance, every whispered conversation, and every suspicious character adds to the suspense. These societies aren’t just plot devices—they shape the moral landscape of the story and keep both the characters and the reader guessing.

Friends-to-Lovers & Slow Burn Romance

The romance is a friends-to-lovers slow burn, and it’s absolutely delicious. Lucy and Asher’s deep-rooted friendship gives the romance so much emotional weight—the trust, history, and familiarity make every intimate moment feel earned. The tension is subtle but constant, building as the characters navigate their feelings, fears, and the dangerous world around them. Watching a bond evolve from friendship into something more while still retaining that core connection is one of the best parts of this book.

Morally Gray Characters & Personal Growth

Both Lucy and Asher (and even some side characters) are morally gray, which adds depth and unpredictability to the story. There are no simple “good guys” or “bad guys” here—everyone has motives, flaws, and secrets. Watching the characters navigate those gray areas, make difficult choices, and grow from their experiences adds layers of realism and tension.

Mythological Influences & Symbolism

The book is layered with subtle mythological references, particularly inspired by Greek mythology. The use of ancient motifs, like anger, vengeance, and the concept of fate, amplifies the stakes and adds an almost timeless quality to the story. These elements aren’t just background—they influence the plot, the characters’ decisions, and the emotional weight of key moments.

Anger, Loyalty, and Power

At its core, Endless Anger is also about human emotions and their consequences. Anger isn’t just a title—it’s a driving force. Characters wrestle with their anger, their loyalty to friends and family, and the power dynamics surrounding them. These themes make the story feel grounded even amidst the heightened suspense and romance.

Balance of Tropes

What impressed me most is how seamlessly the book balances all these tropes. You have the dark, immersive world, the slow burn friends-to-lovers romance, morally complex characters, and high-stakes mystery—all coexisting without ever overwhelming the reader. It’s a careful, skillful balancing act, and Sav R. Miller nails it.

In short, the themes and tropes in Endless Anger work together to create a layered, gripping story. They make the world feel lived-in, the characters feel real, and the stakes feel urgent and personal.

Why It Worked for Me

There are books that you enjoy, and then there are books that grab you by the chest and refuse to let go. Endless Anger is the latter. From the immersive dark academia setting to the friends-to-lovers romance, every element of this book worked together to create a reading experience that was unforgettable.

Emotional Investment

I was completely invested in Lucy and Asher from the beginning. Their friendship, layered with tension and unspoken feelings, made every interaction feel heavy with meaning. I found myself physically reacting to their moments—grinning at banter, holding my breath during suspenseful scenes, and feeling my chest tighten during emotionally charged moments. That level of emotional investment isn’t something every book achieves, and it’s a huge reason this one earned five stars from me.

Perfect Balance of Tropes and Themes

The way Sav R. Miller balances dark academia, secret societies, mythology, suspense, and romance is nothing short of masterful. None of these elements overshadow each other; they all complement one another to create a fully realized world. The book doesn’t just check boxes of popular tropes—it uses them to tell a story that feels fresh, engaging, and deeply satisfying.

Relatable, Complex Characters

Lucy and Asher are layered, flawed, and human. They make mistakes, wrestle with difficult emotions, and navigate a morally gray world. I found myself rooting for them, worrying about them, and celebrating their growth alongside them. The side characters aren’t just fillers either—they contribute to the stakes, deepen the story, and make the world feel lived-in and authentic.

Addictive Storytelling

From start to finish, the pacing and tension kept me hooked. The slow burn romance, intertwined with high-stakes suspense, creates a pull that makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. Even when I had to step away, I found myself thinking about plot twists, character choices, and the next scene. That kind of hold over a reader is rare and makes a book truly memorable.

Emotional & Intellectual Satisfaction

Finally, this book satisfies on multiple levels. It’s emotionally resonant, intellectually stimulating with its mythological and secret society elements, and just plain fun to read. It made me think, feel, and fangirl all at the same time. It’s rare to find a book that balances all of that while keeping the story tight, suspenseful, and impossible to put down—but Endless Anger absolutely pulls it off.

In short, Endless Anger worked for me because it hit all the right notes: immersive world, complex characters, slow burn friends-to-lovers tension, gripping suspense, and rich thematic depth. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after the last page, and it’s a five-star read without question.

Wrap-Up

So here’s the bottom line: Endless Anger by Sav R. Miller is a full 5-star read from start to finish. It’s immersive, emotionally gripping, and beautifully executed. From the moody dark academia setting to the slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance, morally gray characters, high-stakes suspense, and subtle mythological undertones, this book has it all—and it works. Every element complements the others, creating a story that keeps you hooked from the first page to the very last.

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you love slow-burn romance, layered friendships, high tension, morally complex characters, and a dash of mythology-infused intrigue, Endless Anger needs to be on your TBR yesterday. Even if suspenseful, atmospheric dark academia isn’t your usual go-to, the friendship, emotional depth, and romance alone make it worth the read.

And for those of you who can’t wait to get your hands on it: the book officially releases August 19, 2025. Mark your calendars, preorder if you can, and get ready to be completely absorbed in a world full of secrets, passion, and unforgettable characters.

In short: Endless Anger isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. It’s one of those stories that makes you feel, think, swoon, and stay up way too late reading. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to reread, recommend to everyone you know, and obsess over long after finishing.

Go grab it. You’ll thank me later.

Click the book cover and you can order your copy!!

SPOILERS AHEAD SPOILERS AHEAD

Okay, now that we’re in spoiler territory, let me just say… Endless Anger absolutely wrecked me in the best way.

Key Twists and Reveals

The moments when secrets about the academy and the societies were revealed? Pure chaos. I was literally gasping out loud multiple times. Miller does an incredible job of layering mystery with the character arcs, so every reveal feels earned. The tension ramps up perfectly—just when I thought I could predict what was happening, the author pulls a twist that leaves you reeling.

Lucy & Asher Moments

Seeing Lucy and Asher cross the line from friends to something more? Chef’s kiss. Every moment of tension, every quiet gesture, every whispered conversation had me swooning. There’s this one scene (you know the one 😏) where their history, trust, and attraction collide, and it’s everything. The slow burn finally pays off, and it’s electric—but not in a rushed or cheesy way. It’s raw, intimate, and completely satisfying.

Side Character Arcs

I loved seeing the side characters’ arcs play out, especially those who were ambiguous or morally gray. Their choices add so much weight to the story, and a few of their actions totally upended my expectations. It made the story feel alive, like the world exists beyond just the main plotline.

Emotional & High-Stakes Climax

The climax? Heart-stopping. The combination of personal stakes, danger from the secret societies, and emotional payoff between Lucy and Asher had me clutching my eARC like my life depended on it. I was simultaneously cheering, crying, and holding my breath. The pacing here is perfect, and the consequences of every choice feel huge without being overblown.

Ending

The ending is satisfying on every level—emotionally, romantically, and narratively. I love how Miller ties together the mythology, suspense, and romance threads. Lucy and Asher’s journey feels complete yet leaves room for reflection, and I honestly wouldn’t have changed a single thing. It left me with that perfect post-read glow—the kind where you can’t stop thinking about the book and immediately want to reread it.