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The Arcanaeum #1
Liminal
In a world where knowledge is power, the library is the greatest weapon of them all.
My necromancy-practising murderers never expected me to rise again.
I was just the latest in a long line of gullible sacrifices to ensure their continued control over the Arcanaeum, so it shocked everyone when I woke up as a ghost and kicked them out.
For centuries now, I’ve faithfully carried out my self-appointed duties as the Librarian. I keep the vast halls of magical knowledge organised, fight the mad whims of the sentient—and interfering—building, and deal with the incessant demands of our patrons.
I have all the books and solitude I could ever want, the ability to redecorate whenever I get bored, and I can banish arcanists who refuse to follow my rules.
But the Arcanaeum has started acting out, especially when it comes to six particular patrons, all of whom want something from me.
Jasper and Dakari need my protection, but Pierce isn’t above threatening me ensure I give them both up. There’s no rule Galileo and North won’t break to get into the secret vault. And then there’s Lambert, who seems to exist for no reason other than to vex me with his smiles and... hugging.
Inconvenient, given that every time they touch me, my ghostly body cracks and breaks like glass.
To keep the Arcanaeum safe, I might just have to put my trust in all of them, but what if the cost of the building’s safety is my destruction?
Liminal is the first book in a new paranormal why choose/ reverse harem series intended for readers aged 18 years and over.
Inside the book you'll find:
A grumpy ghostly librarian
A meddling magical library
One golden retriever
Steamy slow-burn tension
My necromancy-practising murderers never expected me to rise again.
I was just the latest in a long line of gullible sacrifices to ensure their continued control over the Arcanaeum, so it shocked everyone when I woke up as a ghost and kicked them out.
For centuries now, I’ve faithfully carried out my self-appointed duties as the Librarian. I keep the vast halls of magical knowledge organised, fight the mad whims of the sentient—and interfering—building, and deal with the incessant demands of our patrons.
I have all the books and solitude I could ever want, the ability to redecorate whenever I get bored, and I can banish arcanists who refuse to follow my rules.
But the Arcanaeum has started acting out, especially when it comes to six particular patrons, all of whom want something from me.
Jasper and Dakari need my protection, but Pierce isn’t above threatening me ensure I give them both up. There’s no rule Galileo and North won’t break to get into the secret vault. And then there’s Lambert, who seems to exist for no reason other than to vex me with his smiles and... hugging.
Inconvenient, given that every time they touch me, my ghostly body cracks and breaks like glass.
To keep the Arcanaeum safe, I might just have to put my trust in all of them, but what if the cost of the building’s safety is my destruction?
Liminal is the first book in a new paranormal why choose/ reverse harem series intended for readers aged 18 years and over.
Inside the book you'll find:
A grumpy ghostly librarian
A meddling magical library
One golden retriever
Steamy slow-burn tension
408 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
651 people are currently reading
3734 people want to read
About the author
Marie Mistry
24 books1,035 followersMarie Mistry is a reality challenged reverse harem romance author whose books are full of pirates, magic, and spicy adventures. When she's not writing, you can usually find her curled up with a game or a book and a large cup of tea. She lives in a wonky cottage in Kent with her other half and a super sweet shepherd named Meg.
She'd love for you to join her Facebook reader group: Mistry’s Inc where she hangs out daily: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mistr...
Or check out her website: https://www.mariemistry.com
She'd love for you to join her Facebook reader group: Mistry’s Inc where she hangs out daily: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mistr...
Or check out her website: https://www.mariemistry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
November 29, 2024
I read this book in one sitting. I could NOT put it down; I was up until 5am. it literally drew me in from chapter one and then didn’t let me go until the last page. I was walking to and from the bathroom, to & from the fridge with my Kindle held up to my nose. it was obnoxious how much I loved this book. I mean, I was hooked from the premise— a ghost librarian with a sentient library? how could I NOT want to dive into that immediately?? and it blew me away, even when I was that excited and hyped up to read it.
it’s very rare when a book comes along that grabs me so fully as to make me not want to finish it. most of the time, even if I really like a book, I still want to finish so I can read the next one. not with this one. I never wanted to leave this world, the library, the guys, Eddy, or Kyrith. this world was very immersive, and even though it had high stakes and a lot of angst and all that, it had some cozy vibes that I was definitely here for. I will likely reread this multiple times before the next one comes out, just to revisit the world and the characters.
the FMC Kyrith was the absolute perfect mix of Boss Babe and feminine vulnerability. she was tough and no-nonsense without being obnoxious and overbearing. this is the second Marie Mistry series I’ve read with a FMC so well balanced like this, and I’m really loving it.
the MMCs (6 of them!!) are all so unique, well rounded, and fully fleshed, that they pop off the page seemingly effortlessly. I usually have to keep a list of the MMCs in a RH to keep track of who is who, and I didn’t have to with this one. they’re just all so real, flesh and blood, with all their own motivations, stories, and depths, I didn’t spend the whole book mixing them up with each other.
the plot was intriguing enough to keep me hooked, suspenseful enough to entertain, and tantalizing enough to leave me wanting more.
all in all, this was an absolutely perfect book for me. plot, characters, world building, emotional impact, all five stars. I cannot WAIT for the next one!
👻paranormal RH (FMMMMMM)
📚SENTIENT MAGIC LIBRARY. yep, you heard me. sentient. magic. library.
👻grumpy, introverted ghost librarian
📚dark academia
👻first person, multiple POVs
📚grumpy/sunshine
👻so, so relatable FMC
📚absolutely fascinating, well rounded magic system
👻slow burn
📚ghost smut 😌
👻dirty talk
📚Marie Mistry is officially the queen of flawed, well rounded, lovable characters that jump off the page 👑
👻cozy vibes somehow?
📚powerful, strong FMC
👻Lambert & Jasper are my faaavs🫶🥰😍
📚angsty & emotional in the very best of ways
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
it’s very rare when a book comes along that grabs me so fully as to make me not want to finish it. most of the time, even if I really like a book, I still want to finish so I can read the next one. not with this one. I never wanted to leave this world, the library, the guys, Eddy, or Kyrith. this world was very immersive, and even though it had high stakes and a lot of angst and all that, it had some cozy vibes that I was definitely here for. I will likely reread this multiple times before the next one comes out, just to revisit the world and the characters.
the FMC Kyrith was the absolute perfect mix of Boss Babe and feminine vulnerability. she was tough and no-nonsense without being obnoxious and overbearing. this is the second Marie Mistry series I’ve read with a FMC so well balanced like this, and I’m really loving it.
the MMCs (6 of them!!) are all so unique, well rounded, and fully fleshed, that they pop off the page seemingly effortlessly. I usually have to keep a list of the MMCs in a RH to keep track of who is who, and I didn’t have to with this one. they’re just all so real, flesh and blood, with all their own motivations, stories, and depths, I didn’t spend the whole book mixing them up with each other.
the plot was intriguing enough to keep me hooked, suspenseful enough to entertain, and tantalizing enough to leave me wanting more.
all in all, this was an absolutely perfect book for me. plot, characters, world building, emotional impact, all five stars. I cannot WAIT for the next one!
👻paranormal RH (FMMMMMM)
📚SENTIENT MAGIC LIBRARY. yep, you heard me. sentient. magic. library.
👻grumpy, introverted ghost librarian
📚dark academia
👻first person, multiple POVs
📚grumpy/sunshine
👻so, so relatable FMC
📚absolutely fascinating, well rounded magic system
👻slow burn
📚ghost smut 😌
👻dirty talk
📚Marie Mistry is officially the queen of flawed, well rounded, lovable characters that jump off the page 👑
👻cozy vibes somehow?
📚powerful, strong FMC
👻Lambert & Jasper are my faaavs🫶🥰😍
📚angsty & emotional in the very best of ways
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
4.8 ⭐️
I’m just gonna go huddle in the corner and try not to freak out until the next book comes out
I’m just gonna go huddle in the corner and try not to freak out until the next book comes out
Read
December 9, 2024The first in a new series. For a full list of triggers and content warnings, please check out my dedicated website page www.mariemistry.com/triggers
February 6, 2026
Are you kidding me with that cliffhanger!!!! And no one warned me! 😩🙈 November, please hurry and get here Stat. I need this sequel asap!💞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑
It's been a while since I enjoyed a reverse harem book, but wow, we are back! 💖This was so simple with a perfect amount of mystery, magic, and depth that it had me locked in all the way through!
Luckily, life was slow the last few days because I could not put this down. Everything about it felt really natural and realistic. The development of the characters was beautifully done. I loved how we got a friendship built between the group before the romance. All of the characters were very likable with a perfect amount of differences to make them all stand out. Our FMC was also different and unique with her individuality and dominance, which I thought was an interesting new take in the average RH books. The plot and tension built so smoothly that I didn't realize how invested I really was until the book ended, and I had a "No, it can't end there.... it was just getting soooo good!" moment.
Maybe wait until the sequel comes out, if you haven't read this yet, because you'll want to jump right into book 2 immediately! 🔥🥰😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑
It's been a while since I enjoyed a reverse harem book, but wow, we are back! 💖This was so simple with a perfect amount of mystery, magic, and depth that it had me locked in all the way through!
Luckily, life was slow the last few days because I could not put this down. Everything about it felt really natural and realistic. The development of the characters was beautifully done. I loved how we got a friendship built between the group before the romance. All of the characters were very likable with a perfect amount of differences to make them all stand out. Our FMC was also different and unique with her individuality and dominance, which I thought was an interesting new take in the average RH books. The plot and tension built so smoothly that I didn't realize how invested I really was until the book ended, and I had a "No, it can't end there.... it was just getting soooo good!" moment.
Maybe wait until the sequel comes out, if you haven't read this yet, because you'll want to jump right into book 2 immediately! 🔥🥰😉
January 4, 2025
fun, easy, very entertaining!! i love love loved our fmc - she had such a different (and refreshing!) personality to so many rh heroines, and i adored her prickly personality, and how SHE was the centuries-old character for once. all the guys were also so interesting, though some were definitely easier to obsess over than others. i need book 2 stat!
January 28, 2025
Will I ever learn?
Will I ever learn not to start reading an unfinished series?
Probably not...
I was so immersed in this book that I sat down to read and didn't get up again until I finished. I ate it up!
And that cliffhanger...🤯
Highly recommend this book for readers who love a slow burn RH, a Badass FMC and a compelling storyline.
Will I ever learn not to start reading an unfinished series?
Probably not...
I was so immersed in this book that I sat down to read and didn't get up again until I finished. I ate it up!
And that cliffhanger...🤯
Highly recommend this book for readers who love a slow burn RH, a Badass FMC and a compelling storyline.
October 1, 2025
This is actually an interesting premise, and it's decently well-written. However, it is just soooo slow and a bit long for a book this slow. Nothing really moved forward until the very end. It's a lot of set-up for future books. I'm curious if book 2 will continue to move at this glacial pace or if things will pick up now that the story is set.
August 6, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Annie Worthington
5 stars for Jameson Adams
Book: 5 stars
That cliffhanger what the fuck! Hahaha
This book, I couldn’t put it down! I think for an RH author, Marie Mistry is one of my go to’s! She picks stellar narrators, and the writing is just what I love!
I hope when book 2 is released that the audio isn’t far behind.
There is little romance/steam in here, but that didn’t detract from me wanting to see where this went. I loved how sassy Kyrith is, and how she knows what each guy needs from her. And the Arcanaeum can be its own sassy character too! Haha
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!
5 stars for Annie Worthington
5 stars for Jameson Adams
Book: 5 stars
That cliffhanger what the fuck! Hahaha
This book, I couldn’t put it down! I think for an RH author, Marie Mistry is one of my go to’s! She picks stellar narrators, and the writing is just what I love!
I hope when book 2 is released that the audio isn’t far behind.
There is little romance/steam in here, but that didn’t detract from me wanting to see where this went. I loved how sassy Kyrith is, and how she knows what each guy needs from her. And the Arcanaeum can be its own sassy character too! Haha
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us!
dnr-not-safe
September 17, 2025Self note:
One of the MMCs sleeps with OW after meeting the h. He only stops sleeping with OW after they are interested in each other😪
One of the MMCs sleeps with OW after meeting the h. He only stops sleeping with OW after they are interested in each other😪
September 3, 2025
Audiobook review:
With the next in the series coming out shortly, I wanted to reread this beforehand...but with my never-ending TBR and ARCS to get through I would have struggled to find the time. So I decided to listen to the audiobook whilst commuting, and I had so much fun listening to it! I loved the narrators selected for the characters. It just really worked for me, and made it easy for my imagination to come to life.
ARC review:
I LOVED this. I have read a few from the author, and I am always drawn in to the worlds created. I always find them so easy to imagine, and follow along.
The characters in this were some of my favourites! I really struggle to like a lot of FMCs in the genres I read, but Kyrith was so likeable and relatable, and her feelings and emotions felt so real. To be honest, all the characters were written in a way that all their thoughts and emotions felt so tangible and I felt like I could almost reach in a touch them.
I think what I loved about this was the overall concept of the FMC being a ghost (I know this isn't a niche genre but I loved how this one was written). It was really interesting, because the way I read is with an internal monologue almost narrating it all whilst my mind pictures the scene unfolding...so that combined with the FMC often being "invisible" and watching in on the characters, it just felt like I was connected and doing the same.
The plot had some twists, and there is still so much unknown that the mystery keeps you wanting to turn the next page.
And the CHEMISTRY...it may be slow burn but it is sizzling and really leaves you hanging for the next in the series too.
This does have a hefty cliffhanger, so would recommend waiting to read if you avoid them. If you don't mind them then 100% recommend to pick this up for a rollercoaster ride of laughs, heartache and magic.
With the next in the series coming out shortly, I wanted to reread this beforehand...but with my never-ending TBR and ARCS to get through I would have struggled to find the time. So I decided to listen to the audiobook whilst commuting, and I had so much fun listening to it! I loved the narrators selected for the characters. It just really worked for me, and made it easy for my imagination to come to life.
ARC review:
I LOVED this. I have read a few from the author, and I am always drawn in to the worlds created. I always find them so easy to imagine, and follow along.
The characters in this were some of my favourites! I really struggle to like a lot of FMCs in the genres I read, but Kyrith was so likeable and relatable, and her feelings and emotions felt so real. To be honest, all the characters were written in a way that all their thoughts and emotions felt so tangible and I felt like I could almost reach in a touch them.
I think what I loved about this was the overall concept of the FMC being a ghost (I know this isn't a niche genre but I loved how this one was written). It was really interesting, because the way I read is with an internal monologue almost narrating it all whilst my mind pictures the scene unfolding...so that combined with the FMC often being "invisible" and watching in on the characters, it just felt like I was connected and doing the same.
The plot had some twists, and there is still so much unknown that the mystery keeps you wanting to turn the next page.
And the CHEMISTRY...it may be slow burn but it is sizzling and really leaves you hanging for the next in the series too.
This does have a hefty cliffhanger, so would recommend waiting to read if you avoid them. If you don't mind them then 100% recommend to pick this up for a rollercoaster ride of laughs, heartache and magic.
December 14, 2024
The way I’ve been hanging out for a good Marie Mistry book after finishing every other in her series… this served its purpose. FIVE STARS. Great world building, great characters (I love Dakari), creative story. It’s everything I love. However it wouldn’t be a book from Marie Mistry without a cliffhanger… I’d like book two yesterday pls
January 21, 2025
Literally nothing happened?!?! Cool worldbuilding though
January 18, 2025
This was enjoyable but had issues. So much information was thrown at you like you were suppose to know what any of it meant. You're just suppose to piece it together the further along you go. This is a suuuperr slow burn. Like, hate-acquaintances-somewhat friends? I hate how she allows almost all of them to use her for their own gain. Especially Leo and North. And then they don't really apologize or apologize weeks later when they see shes still upset. I really wish she would make them grovel. I hope the next book will give us some more of that.
January 6, 2025
Worth the read
I was pleasantly surprised how good this book ended up being. From the blurb it sounded like it was going to be a version of many other stories out there. But its got a great deal of originality to it. The characters are refreshing. And for once the FMC ID older than the MMC's. Looking forward too next book impatiently.
I was pleasantly surprised how good this book ended up being. From the blurb it sounded like it was going to be a version of many other stories out there. But its got a great deal of originality to it. The characters are refreshing. And for once the FMC ID older than the MMC's. Looking forward too next book impatiently.
January 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thoroughly enjoyed this! The concept was fresh, the characters fleshed out, and the setting imaginative and warm. The cliff-hanger has me anxiously awaiting the sequel!
Thoroughly enjoyed this! The concept was fresh, the characters fleshed out, and the setting imaginative and warm. The cliff-hanger has me anxiously awaiting the sequel!
January 1, 2026
a little slow, but I really liked it 👏🏼 it has a super cool and unique magic system.
I have a feeling Lambert is gonna be my new favorite golden retriever mmc 🤭
- grumpy ghost fmc
- rh
- sentient library
- magic academia vibes
1/5 🌶️
I have a feeling Lambert is gonna be my new favorite golden retriever mmc 🤭
- grumpy ghost fmc
- rh
- sentient library
- magic academia vibes
1/5 🌶️
February 10, 2025
I feel like I always like book one of Marie Mistry's series.
This one was a bit... Different. I did enjoy the idea of it, the writing was as usual very well done. The world building was a bit confusing for me, with a lot of details of certain things that I felt were somewhat too info heavy and irrelevant, but hey, you can't please everyone.
I liked most of the guys, but I honestly hated Lambert's constant parade of women. I do not like OW drama, and there really wasn't technically any, since he wasn't in a relationship with the FMC technically, and none of the OW were important at all, but I found it actually made me dislike him when before he was just a cuddly golden retriever that was always happy to see the FMC.
Pierce was also a supremely annoying character. It's hard to accept an addition to the RH that is an asshole to her and is actually out to hurt her. This author does writes these types in her other books, so I know that eventually he'll come around, she'll come around... Maybe there will be a bit of grovelling even, but for right now, in this book, I hate him pretty good.
The others were alright. I had a hard time not comparing all of these matches with her 5th nivnevin series though I did try very hard.
My favorite character in his book is definately the librarian. She's super interesting, very fair to everyone and has a great backbone and a fun personality.
If book two was available right now I would definately be diving right into it.
This one was a bit... Different. I did enjoy the idea of it, the writing was as usual very well done. The world building was a bit confusing for me, with a lot of details of certain things that I felt were somewhat too info heavy and irrelevant, but hey, you can't please everyone.
I liked most of the guys, but I honestly hated Lambert's constant parade of women. I do not like OW drama, and there really wasn't technically any, since he wasn't in a relationship with the FMC technically, and none of the OW were important at all, but I found it actually made me dislike him when before he was just a cuddly golden retriever that was always happy to see the FMC.
Pierce was also a supremely annoying character. It's hard to accept an addition to the RH that is an asshole to her and is actually out to hurt her. This author does writes these types in her other books, so I know that eventually he'll come around, she'll come around... Maybe there will be a bit of grovelling even, but for right now, in this book, I hate him pretty good.
The others were alright. I had a hard time not comparing all of these matches with her 5th nivnevin series though I did try very hard.
My favorite character in his book is definately the librarian. She's super interesting, very fair to everyone and has a great backbone and a fun personality.
If book two was available right now I would definately be diving right into it.
December 23, 2024
I feel like this book’s pace is really slow, which is fine but the male leads this time feel a little immature and young (highschool feeling) for me. Not sure if I would continue the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
I am sacrificing my life for book 2
January 12, 2026
Como sempre, essa mulher arrasa!
The Arcanaeum é uma série nova sobre uma garota que foi sacrificada e agora serve a grande biblioteca que é o Arcanaeum, e ao mesmo tempo se tornou a responsável pelo lugar.
A relação entre elas e as seis casas é interessante, alguns ela simplesmente ama a presença, enquanto outros são seu pequeno inferno pessoal (dado ao passado). Mas rapidamente, ou lentamente pelo desenrolar da história, todos vão se aproximando e se tornando necessários na vida uns dos outros. E devo dizer que amei completamente a relação da Ky com cada um dos caras e como aos poucos eles se tornaram indispensáveis na vida dela.
É engraçado perceber que uma hora é NORMAL o Arcanaeum ser vazio, e depois que os caras se aproximam e ela os afasta é ESTRANHO que o lugar esteja tão vazio.
Enfim, pronta para o segundo livro!!!
The Arcanaeum é uma série nova sobre uma garota que foi sacrificada e agora serve a grande biblioteca que é o Arcanaeum, e ao mesmo tempo se tornou a responsável pelo lugar.
A relação entre elas e as seis casas é interessante, alguns ela simplesmente ama a presença, enquanto outros são seu pequeno inferno pessoal (dado ao passado). Mas rapidamente, ou lentamente pelo desenrolar da história, todos vão se aproximando e se tornando necessários na vida uns dos outros. E devo dizer que amei completamente a relação da Ky com cada um dos caras e como aos poucos eles se tornaram indispensáveis na vida dela.
É engraçado perceber que uma hora é NORMAL o Arcanaeum ser vazio, e depois que os caras se aproximam e ela os afasta é ESTRANHO que o lugar esteja tão vazio.
Enfim, pronta para o segundo livro!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
Absolutely amazing! I couldn't get enough of this book and am eagerly looking forward to book 2.
April 10, 2025
erm im glad that's done and over with nearly every single man there was ANNOYING and they only got worse...either way I'm just annoyed that I started this book and had to ginish.
December 15, 2024
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘈 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴."
The FMC, Kyrith, watches over a sentient library (yes, you read correctly). To the outside, she might look like the typical stern, disciplined librarian but inside, she has a golden heart and kind soul. Speaking of souls, did I forget to mention that she's a ghost? I was looking about more than a year for a book with a ghostly FMC and her harem and it's like Marie heard my prayers!
Now, let's introduce the MMCs: the mysterious Pierce (What does he want??? I want to know! Argh!), hibbly sunshine Lambert, quiet Galileo (or Leo), grumpy North, sweet Jasper and our very protective Dakari. I don't want to spoil too much but I can tell you this: some of them will drive you crazy while others will make you melt!
Next to a very detailed worldbuilding, one of the things I love most in Marie's book are the characters' depths. They all have their flaws and can make mistakes which makes them, in my opinion, much more realistic.
Well, at last, one thing I equally love AND hate are the cliffhangers - they're simply too frustratingly good! It's soul crushing to not have the next book available with some much-needed answers! I need them as a balm for my broken heart after [redacted]!!!
5++/5 stars
This is an honest, not influenced ARC review.
The FMC, Kyrith, watches over a sentient library (yes, you read correctly). To the outside, she might look like the typical stern, disciplined librarian but inside, she has a golden heart and kind soul. Speaking of souls, did I forget to mention that she's a ghost? I was looking about more than a year for a book with a ghostly FMC and her harem and it's like Marie heard my prayers!
Now, let's introduce the MMCs: the mysterious Pierce (What does he want??? I want to know! Argh!), hibbly sunshine Lambert, quiet Galileo (or Leo), grumpy North, sweet Jasper and our very protective Dakari. I don't want to spoil too much but I can tell you this: some of them will drive you crazy while others will make you melt!
Next to a very detailed worldbuilding, one of the things I love most in Marie's book are the characters' depths. They all have their flaws and can make mistakes which makes them, in my opinion, much more realistic.
Well, at last, one thing I equally love AND hate are the cliffhangers - they're simply too frustratingly good! It's soul crushing to not have the next book available with some much-needed answers! I need them as a balm for my broken heart after [redacted]!!!
5++/5 stars
This is an honest, not influenced ARC review.
January 9, 2026
Almost everything was perfect: interesting world building and original plot. I liked Kyrith as a Main character and the MMCs were carefully thought out and diverse. I actually would have liked to learn a bit more about them (except Lambert, he kinda annoyed me).
The only (and unfortunately quite important) thing that sucked for me was that I was BORED for the most part. The storyline could have had more action or things could have moved a bit quicker.
BUT I did finish. And I am almost proud that I did because from 40% onward I kept debating to DNF.
The only (and unfortunately quite important) thing that sucked for me was that I was BORED for the most part. The storyline could have had more action or things could have moved a bit quicker.
BUT I did finish. And I am almost proud that I did because from 40% onward I kept debating to DNF.
February 2, 2025
Woah. What a fascinating idea! Lovely characters and a beautiful environment. Excited for the next!
December 31, 2024
I love this author. She writes wonderful fantasy RH romances that have substantial plot, perfect slow burn romances and characters you get invested in. This is such a unique story, and I could not put it down.
December 24, 2024
i am UNWELL
that cliffhanger has left me feeling empty and i knew this was going to happen… and i still read this book anyway 😭😭😭
Marie Mistry is an auto-read author for me, and this book just highlights why even more. her world building made me so excited to learn more about this magical library and world. it was described in a way that wasn’t confusing for me and not an info dump of information.
Kyrith is a fmc i already love so much. she’s how i would imagine a 500 year old grumpy ghost librarian. but my heart also breaks for her bc of her death but also how much of a toll being a ghost for that long takes on someone. her relationship/dynamic with the Arcanaeum is just one interesting part to all the potential relationships with her men.
everything is so intertwined in this book and i know there will be layers of motives and stories that will continue to be discovered in this series.
this is definitely a slow burn filled with so much angst. i can’t wait to see all the different potential relationship dynamics. we already get glimpses of “good boy” and “yes mistress” that i am so excited to see more of. you can just feel the chemistry with her potential mates.
if you have never read anything by Marie before, this is a great book to start with to see how well she is able to build a fantasy world. this series potentially might be my favourite now.
why choose
multi POV
slow burn
strong/powerful fmc
potentially 6 mates
black cat fmc
golden retriever mmc
“good boy”
“aye mistress”
sentient meddling library
possible enemies to lovers
secrets, secrets, secrets
brutal cliffhanger
that cliffhanger has left me feeling empty and i knew this was going to happen… and i still read this book anyway 😭😭😭
Marie Mistry is an auto-read author for me, and this book just highlights why even more. her world building made me so excited to learn more about this magical library and world. it was described in a way that wasn’t confusing for me and not an info dump of information.
Kyrith is a fmc i already love so much. she’s how i would imagine a 500 year old grumpy ghost librarian. but my heart also breaks for her bc of her death but also how much of a toll being a ghost for that long takes on someone. her relationship/dynamic with the Arcanaeum is just one interesting part to all the potential relationships with her men.
everything is so intertwined in this book and i know there will be layers of motives and stories that will continue to be discovered in this series.
this is definitely a slow burn filled with so much angst. i can’t wait to see all the different potential relationship dynamics. we already get glimpses of “good boy” and “yes mistress” that i am so excited to see more of. you can just feel the chemistry with her potential mates.
if you have never read anything by Marie before, this is a great book to start with to see how well she is able to build a fantasy world. this series potentially might be my favourite now.
why choose
multi POV
slow burn
strong/powerful fmc
potentially 6 mates
black cat fmc
golden retriever mmc
“good boy”
“aye mistress”
sentient meddling library
possible enemies to lovers
secrets, secrets, secrets
brutal cliffhanger
July 21, 2025
Disappointing.
The idea of the female lead was exceptional but her victimization and uselessness was off the charts.
She had no autonomy, no dynamism, no authority and no support, was emotionally tortured every night, was having her ghost body and her crystallized body destroyed bit by bit by the men the library insisted on having around her and was under threat of being snuff out anyway if anyone leaked how she was created. The men were handed every advantage over her and she was not even allowed her dignity. If that is not enough, despite being hundreds of years old with an entire library's knowledge at her fingertips, she was easily manipulated and unable to think her way out of a paper bag. Oh, and emotionally weak. And easily cowed. So she went from being a really cool, unique character to being the usual reverse harem cliche.
And most of the men were the usual selfish users. Even the golden retriever put his desires above hers. And his pushing for hugs was just icky.
So why two stars instead of one? Because the storytelling was well done, it did keep my attention to the end and the submissive male was adorable.
The idea of the female lead was exceptional but her victimization and uselessness was off the charts.
She had no autonomy, no dynamism, no authority and no support, was emotionally tortured every night, was having her ghost body and her crystallized body destroyed bit by bit by the men the library insisted on having around her and was under threat of being snuff out anyway if anyone leaked how she was created. The men were handed every advantage over her and she was not even allowed her dignity. If that is not enough, despite being hundreds of years old with an entire library's knowledge at her fingertips, she was easily manipulated and unable to think her way out of a paper bag. Oh, and emotionally weak. And easily cowed. So she went from being a really cool, unique character to being the usual reverse harem cliche.
And most of the men were the usual selfish users. Even the golden retriever put his desires above hers. And his pushing for hugs was just icky.
So why two stars instead of one? Because the storytelling was well done, it did keep my attention to the end and the submissive male was adorable.
November 5, 2025
I'm changing my rating from 4 to 5 stars, and I'm finally posting a review.
This book had NO right being as good as it was. I truly only have one complaint, which I will get to at the end of the review.
The writing? Excellent.
The plot? Immersive, unique, and addictive.
The characters? Complex and incredibly interesting.
I loved Kyrith so much. Stern, cold librarian who takes no shit, but is also so kind.
Reading about a sentient library that defies its librarian was something I didn't know I needed until this book. My only complaint is I felt like information was sometimes thrown at you too fast, and I also didn't really like the last chapter. I guess that's two complaints, but oh well.
I am, however, still excited for the second book!
This book had NO right being as good as it was. I truly only have one complaint, which I will get to at the end of the review.
The writing? Excellent.
The plot? Immersive, unique, and addictive.
The characters? Complex and incredibly interesting.
I loved Kyrith so much. Stern, cold librarian who takes no shit, but is also so kind.
Reading about a sentient library that defies its librarian was something I didn't know I needed until this book. My only complaint is I felt like information was sometimes thrown at you too fast, and I also didn't really like the last chapter. I guess that's two complaints, but oh well.
I am, however, still excited for the second book!
December 20, 2024
This book was spooktacular!! 👻 because our FMC is a ghost, get it? No? I'll see myself out now 🤪
Okay that joke was truly terrible, but this book is not. In all seriousness, this book was 5/5 🌟 the world-building and magic system Marie has created for us, is unlike any other. From the first chapter i was hooked. This plot was a breath of fresh air! I loved the magic, the twists and turns, the betrayals, the budding romance, the angst, and the ending?! I knew it was coming, and I still sobbed uncontrollably for a few minutes. This will be one of my all time favorite series, I can feel it in my bones, ya know? The spice is building so this book only had a few spicy scenes within but I cannot wait to see these relationships grow in book two. 2/5 🌶 Honestly, I love all of Marie's stories but this may be her best one yet. Reqlly this book is amazing and if you need something fresh, with a whimsical setting, a spooky fmc who takes no bs, a wide variety of sexy magic toting boys who are all falling our girl, and a library who has a mind of its own? Look no further, you're in for an awesome time! So stop reading this silly review and open the dang book already or your eReader more like, enjoy 😉 📖 🥵 💜
Okay that joke was truly terrible, but this book is not. In all seriousness, this book was 5/5 🌟 the world-building and magic system Marie has created for us, is unlike any other. From the first chapter i was hooked. This plot was a breath of fresh air! I loved the magic, the twists and turns, the betrayals, the budding romance, the angst, and the ending?! I knew it was coming, and I still sobbed uncontrollably for a few minutes. This will be one of my all time favorite series, I can feel it in my bones, ya know? The spice is building so this book only had a few spicy scenes within but I cannot wait to see these relationships grow in book two. 2/5 🌶 Honestly, I love all of Marie's stories but this may be her best one yet. Reqlly this book is amazing and if you need something fresh, with a whimsical setting, a spooky fmc who takes no bs, a wide variety of sexy magic toting boys who are all falling our girl, and a library who has a mind of its own? Look no further, you're in for an awesome time! So stop reading this silly review and open the dang book already or your eReader more like, enjoy 😉 📖 🥵 💜
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