Campus of Shadows
A Psychic Battle for the Soul in a
Supernatural Thriller
By
Jo Loveday
About
the Book:
Publication
Date: September
23, 2025
Genre: New Adult College Dark Academia
Supernatural Thriller - Psychological Horror.
Something
dark has followed Dave Everest to college—something hungry.
A neurodivergent freshman desperate for independence, Dave arrives at the
University of Mann with high hopes and a shaky sense of self. But his new
freedom quickly spirals into chaos when he's drawn into the orbit of his
dangerously magnetic, party-obsessed roommate, Zane Maddox.
While Dave chases acceptance in all the wrong places, his childhood friend
Maria Vasquez warns of forces far beyond hangovers and heartbreak. Gifted with
psychic insight—and carrying a heavy burden of guilt—Maria
senses something ancient and malevolent stalking him, like a vulture
waiting for its moment.
Zane mocks Maria as a "crazy religious freak," but his grudge is
personal, not spiritual. And as Dave's loneliness deepens, he reaches into
the void—and something answers. A whispering voice named Ivan slides into his
consciousness, awakening memories soaked in addiction, violence, and rage.
As family tensions boil over during Thanksgiving break and reality begins
to fracture, the line between madness and possession blurs. Ivan's grip
tightens. And the vulture circles closer.
Maria may be Dave's last chance at salvation. But will she reach him before the
darkness does?
A dark academia pyschological horror pulsing with paranormal suspense
and coming-of-age dread. Perfect for fans of Donna Tartt and Shirley Jackson.
It's The Shining meets The Exorcist.
Purchase Links:
Excerpt:
“You’re
not getting this car out anytime soon. Come on. I’m ready to spark one.” Zane
starts walking.
“Here?”
“Not
right here in plain view. I have a nicely landscaped courtyard over there.” He
does a sweeping motion to the right, then walks away with Ian in tow.
Thirty
feet from the car, Zane and Ian duck behind a tall hedge planted to hide a row
of air conditioners.
I
stop. “This is sketchy, dude. Campus PD will smell that shit a mile
away.”
Zane
steps back in view, hands on his hips. “I’ll stand out here and watch while you
and Ian take a rip, then you be lookout.”
“I
plan to chill right here by my car.”
“Whatever.
Just whistle if you see someone coming.” He disappears behind the bushes.
I
head back to my car and run my fingers over the huge gash in the paint,
thinking about how Dad is going to kill me.
A
minute later, they are both looking at the gouge close up.
“It’ll
cost at least four hundred dollars to fix it,” concludes Zane.
“I
hope not.”
“At
least your car doesn’t look like that.” Ian points to a dusty
beater with missing hubcaps.
“That
guy would not have the same problem.” I huff. “There is no paint left.”
“I
can see you driving that tank, Ian.” Zane laughs.
Ian
squats like he is behind a steering wheel. They both crack up.
“It’d
be going chug, chug.” He lurches forward and back. The
two of them find this hilarious.
“You
can always sell your sperm, Dave.” Zane laughs. “Lucy seems to find it
valuable.”
There’s
mad belly laughter.
“Very
funny.” I scan the road in hopes of finding someone walking this way, perhaps
the owner of the car blocking mine. My fingers go back to the scratch, feel its
depth. Another scar I have endured since I got here. A long sigh seeps
out. Go ahead, you will feel better echoes through my mind.
“Where is that pipe?”
“There’s
my man.” Zane thumps me on the back and looks over his shoulder. “Nobody’s
coming. We can all go.”
We
cram ourselves into the small hidden space, and I breathe out the last molecule
of oxygen before inhaling. I pray it fills every tiny air sac I have.
A
sick headrush hits me, followed by odd, rolling laughter.
I
peek through the bushes but see nothing.
Footsteps
on the road catch my attention while we emerge from the bushes. My heart
rockets when the profile appears.
“Hello,
Professor.”
Audio Excerpt:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/5grlkl2eyq
What
Readers Are Saying:
"Jo
Loveday blends personal and actual demons, capturing the intense pressures
young people face from family, peers, and the shadows
within." - Angela Douglas, Author of Every Fall
“Campus
Shadows is a dark academia, psychological suspense story that keeps
you alert. [ ] I enjoyed how raw and honest the plot is, and the
campus setting drew me in.” - Leanne Reads and Reviews
"From
the first haunting sentence, Campus of Shadows grips you with
the quiet unraveling of a college freshman’s mind and it doesn’t let go until
the last unforgettable line. I loved this book. It belongs on everyone’s
bookshelf.” — Jeffrey Phillips, author of The Past That Kills and
the Jesse Stoker Mystery Series.
“After
a football injury derails his plans, freshman Dave Everest transfers at the
last minute to his father’s old alma mater. But strange things start happening
from the moment he arrives—a priest recoils at his touch, a vulture appears to
stalk him, and his new roommate Zane immediately leads him into trouble. Campus
Shadows is a chilling paranormal tale that explores the grip of dark
possession, perfect for readers who enjoy eerie twists and sleepless nights.” -
Deborah Shlian, MD, MBA, award-winning author of Silent
Survivor and the Sammy Greene Thriller Series
About
the Author:
Jo
Loveday is the award-winning author of the thriller, Terminal
Lucidity, and soon to be released, Campus of Shadows. With
years of experience as a registered nurse, she brings uncanny insight into the
human condition—both its fragility and its resilience. A dual citizen of Canada
and the U.S., Jo splits her time between Florida, Georgia, and frequent
pilgrimages to Winnipeg.
Contact Links:
Website: https://www.joloveday.com
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Hosted By:
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