Overall Rating: 2.5 / 5

Let me start by saying, I dove into “Gothikana” by RuNyx with high expectations, thanks to all the buzz it’s been getting on TikTok. I picked it up from Indigo’s Booth, drawn in by the hype, but I must admit, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment.

First, let’s address the positives: if you’re looking for a book with smut, “Gothikana” does deliver, albeit not spectacularly. The intimate scenes are there, but they aren’t enough to save the story.

Now, onto the core of the issue: the characters. The female lead lacks depth, making it hard to connect with her journey or care about her fate. The male lead, while described as aggressive and dominant, doesn’t translate well on paper. The chemistry between the characters felt forced and unconvincing. The supposed attraction boils down to eye contact and instant physical attraction, with no substantial dialogue or intriguing buildup to make their connection believable.

Here’s a bit of a spoiler: if you’re hoping for a story that will keep you glued to the pages, yearning for the next installment, “Gothikana” might not be the book for you. There are countless other novels out there that offer richer characters and more compelling narratives.

In conclusion, if you have nothing else on your reading list, “Gothikana” might be a decent filler. But if you’re looking for something that truly captivates and keeps you hooked, you might want to explore other options. This one, unfortunately, didn’t live up to the social media hype for me.

• Overall Rating: 2.5 / 5
• Chemistry: 2 / 5
• Story development: 3 / 5