The Grimoire's Heir

The Grimoire's Legacy #1

by C.A. Davis

It's been over a decade since Rae Fairclough last saw her father, and she would have preferred to keep it that way. Except, he had to waltz back into her life while on his deathbed to transfer the Fairclough Grimoire. She's ready to let him rot, until he entices her with the one thing she can't tuition payments for The Argus College of Magic.

Of course there are several strings attached. The biggest comes in the form of the family's demonic Belfnir, who Rae's soul will be bound to upon her father's death. Unwilling to turn into the same monster that he was, Rae sets out to find a way to break the family's curse—even though generations of Faircloughs have failed.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

C.A. Davis is a New England native who now lives somewhere unbearably hot. She blames her obsession with vampires on her mother, and her bisexuality on Pirates of the Caribbean. When not writing, she can be found attempting a new craft project, or spending time with her husband and dog.

Reviews

[Cally Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me captivated from the second chapter. I could not put it down. I finished it in two days. I really enjoyed the unique take on this magic system. But not overly complex either. I really loved getting to know our fmc and can’t wait so see what happens in book two I have a feeling we are just starting to see what a bad ass she’s gonna be.

[Livy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh look it's one of my favorite books ever ever ever!!!!!

[S B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting off, I instantly got good vibes when a Spotify playlist is shared as well as maps and infographics kick off the book. It easily sunk me to a cosy place to absorb the introductory paragraphs that were heavily with aromatic and visual world building.
I was able to quickly ascertain the FMC would have to get a miracle to reach her life long goal of attending a magical institution. I was rooting for her instantly and couldn't wait for that to happen. . . Spoiler of course it happens! She gets there rather quickly but not without us being introduced to her father and his demon.
Once at the academy, it is a worldwind introduction to characters that keep guessing their relevance towards the FMCs mission. I caught myself several times annotating my predictions to be thwarted with lovely plot twists.
Before getting to the end, of course there was a bit of spice to be had then eventually enough to just endure getting to the next plot point. When I have to start wanted to skip over those parts, that definitely bumps up the spicy chilly to three or more. To each their own on this preference but I enjoy more plot instead of trying to decipher why a certain or extended sexcapade was necessary.
During the final showdown, sown do the longstanding questions were answered but then more were created until I was saying, 'What in Taranation!' Just happened. I was flying through pages at this point so I had to go back and see if I missed anything. Thankfully, C. A. Davis doesn't leave you hanging. Definitely ready for the next book in the series, The Grimoire's Curse!
Overall, the magic system and the characters have room to grow but it has solid foundation. If you are looking for the dark academia vibe with healthy doses of suspense and even heavier doses of spice, you will want to read this book when it comes out.

This advanced reader copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a book with twists and turns? This book is perfect for those wants and needs of a book. Need a book with event after event happening, this book has you covered. Want a book that takes you in a different place, this book has you covered.

From start to finish I wanted more and more of the book. Rae truly is a character that anyone and most can relate to. Toxic family, family secrets, an abusive past, finding one self, etc.

What I loved about this book was the adventures that took place of trying to save oneself. I loved the betrayal and I am hopeful that Rae can forgive and push forward with the characters in this book. Who knew that a demon would be a saving grace?

I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. I forgot to add that the book can and does get a bit spicy.

[Cas · Rating 5 out of 5]

** ARC review **

This book was truly *chef's kiss*. The plot was amazing, I never saw the big plotting coming. It was such a good build up to the actual reveal and didn't get boring one second.

The world building is also really good. The school sounds like fun, with interesting classes, and the idea behind the types of magic and the families is well thought out.

Rae is very interesting as a character. She grows from a woman running from her father to a woman who has a mission and will do her best to reach her goal.

Also. I loved Belfnir so much. he was such a tease and yet he seemed sweet at times.

And F you, Cass

I hope we get to read more about Rae and Belfnir.

[Valerie Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an early copy of The Grimoire’s Heir, and I was immediately drawn in by the very relatable FMC and her rollercoaster family dynamics.

Add magic, mystery, and family legacy = a tale that feels both classic and refreshing.

The FMC is—flawed, determined, and easy to root for—and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. Full transparency, there were a few times I definitely wanted to reach through the book and yell at her.... OPEN YOUR 👀!

This was a quick read with a magic system was easy to understand! Would recommend for fans of dark academia, magical inheritance, and quirky sidekick demons.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read you stay obsessed till the very end. Full of twists turns, life changing moments and tears.

[Caty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book honestly had me with its vibes instantly! Although I was a little suspicious and waiting for whatever the plot twist was going to be, I was still left reading with my mouth agape and my heart in my stomach as it unfolded. I felt it was decently paced and at parts made me giggle. Love a sassy demon! I was left ready and wanting the continuation of the story even at 3 am. Vibes took me back to reading the House of Night series years ago(which I loved!) but make it spicy, add different magic, and top it off with a sarcastic demon. I loved the mix of fantasy with the modern world as well!

The only thing that I wasn't a huge fan of was the repetition of certain character names. Nothing major but, I didn't need Cass' full name as often. As far as things I would personally change, that's it! I had a fantastic time reading this… even when I wanted to hit something haha.

I did receive an advance review copy of the book for free but this review is of my own volition with my own thoughts.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like…
-The Nightmare from One Dark Window
-dark academia vibes
-plot twists that make your jaw drop
-MCs with relatable baggage
-demons with charisma
… The Grimoire’s Heir is 100% for you.

I DEVOURED this book. I could not put it down.

The magic system is not overly complex to understand, but still unique. I usually am not one to review the maps/other context content at the beginning of a book, but the chart is helpful in breaking it all down.

The characters are imperfect and relatable. Can you say “daddy issues”?? The banter and snark had me cackling. The spice is spicy, and the balance of spice, plot, and comedic relief is *chef’s kiss*. I’m ready for the next book… I already miss these characters!

Don’t skip the little blurbs at the beginning of each chapter! There’s some useful information in them - especially the last one. ;)

5/5 can’t wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelf

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I adored this book. I loved the magic system, loved the characters, the storyline, all of it.
Rae was so easy to love but at the same time hate for some of her decisions.
I wouldn’t say this book was predictable but you could immediately pick up on the fact that things aren’t always as they seem. The twists were wonderful, enough to pull you in and make you guess without being too predictable.
I cannot wait to read more!!!
Found this ARC on BookSirens. Was a bit worried about the site but honestly it has been great so far to introduce me to some pretty rad authors ❤️

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss out on this one!!!
I went through so many emotions in those last 20% of the book😭

C.A. Davis special thank you for the House reference (for Belfnir really ❤️)cause the way I screamed...

[Raquel Velasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it, the magic system was good, I loved the concept of inheriting the grimoire to the firstborn, and the curse had me excited, honestly if I were tied to a demon I think that I wouldn't try to get rid of it, like Rae wanted to do, I mean belfnir was an ICON , I understand Rae's reasons but hey, everything happened for a reason and that reason is the plot 🙂‍↕️, I liked the writing, it wasn't rushed and it wasn't difficult to read either, the dialogues made me laugh sometimes and there's actually a belfnir highlight talking about ACOTAR 🤣🤣🤣I think that as a character Rae was naive but I understand it because she just wanted to have friends , she just wanted to be happy after all the trauma that poor girl received, and although ver new friends paid her badly, I repeat, it was for the good of the plot, it was a little predictable for me, Because I don't trust any of the characters, we always have to be alert for anything 🫨🫨 But in the end, it left me intrigued with Rae's next decisions. I can't wait to see what's in store for her 💋

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grimoire's Heir offers a great blend of college life and supernatural intrigue, following Rae as she navigates the already challenging waters of pursuing magic studies. The author skillfully weaves together the universal experience of the college scene—making new friends, romance, and late night study sessions —with Rae's unique demon problem. Belfnir, oh Belfnir. I loved getting a glimpse into how a demon might act in our current world. The theme of trust runs deep throughout the narrative, creating tension that keeps pages turning as Rae learns not everything is as it may seem. This take on the "magic school" genre feels grounded by its relatable portrayal of college life struggles while maintaining its mystical allure. While I tend to enjoy more world building, this would be a great introductory to the magic genre. Overall, this is a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with a magical twist.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Audrianna Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very captivating from the beginning. Do not let the length fool you into thinking it will be long and drawn out. The author fills the pages with a wonderfully dark academia vibe, filled with suspense, and plenty of spice to keep you hooked for those just one more chapter sessions!

The work building and magic system is semi-unique, but not overly complicated so easy to follow. Our FMC, Rae, is easy to fall in love with and bond as a friend. Other characters lead to hate them one moment, but later love them the next.

Overall, excellent novel for a good dark academy setting and wanting a bit more plot and substance! Can’t wait for book 2!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelbi Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark academia, spice, and a sassy demon —yes please.

The Grimoire’s Heir gave me everything I wanted: college-level Hogwarts vibes, a magic system that’s easy to follow but still fresh, and characters with just the right amount of emotional damage.

I don’t usually fly through dark academia, but I devoured this one. The pacing, the banter, and the tension between characters kept me fully locked in. The demon is an absolute scene-stealer. The chemistry was 🔥, and the balance between plot, spice, and humor was spot on.

The cast is messy in the best way, the world feels lived in, and I already miss these characters.

Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelliann Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark academia with suspense and definitely some spicy scenes. The magic system and world building is nicely set up so it’s interesting but not overwhelming. I LOVED the little notes before chapters because they clue you in on a little piece of info you will probably want later. There is a decent amount of suspense and twisty turns to keep you guessing. The conversations and text threads between some of the characters made me feel like I was part of the friend group. I’m very interested to see what the next book will be like because I have questions after that ending!!

* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grimoire's Heir

My heart felt everything Rae went through. Rae is a firstborn for her families Grimoire. Her mother divorced her father and left with Rae when she was young. She never reconnected with her father, one day she gets a letter from her dad. He sends her to the school she's been saving to get into, she learns a couple family secrets. He sends her off with a warning to "trust no one"
She befriends and trusts a few friends. Something she has lacked her whole life. Her father did experiments on her prior to her mother fleeing with her. At the School she learns how dangerous it is to trust.

[Cee Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grimoires Heir is a fun mystical fantasy/mystery keeping you questioning who to trust. Our FMC, Rae, left her home with her mom over a decade ago and her previous life has come to take its payment. Will she escape her fate? or will fate win?

** I enjoyed this story as it was easy to follow along, written emotions without drowning you in internal dialog and provided beautiful descriptions of the locations. I found it slightly predictable but enjoyed it all together! **

Read to find out! :)
Releases June 2025! :)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh this was delicious!! This dark academy romance has grown up (and unproblematic) Harry Potter vibes at times. It’s an open door PNR and is the first of a brand new series.

There’s secret tunnels, pinkie swears, traumatic history, group chats with constantly changing names, a demon with a streaming addiction, family curses and different schools of magic. I am so excited about what comes next in this story - add this to your TBR and see what I’m raving about!

[Reading.With.Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will have you hooked from the star you can expect some twist and turns. If you’re looking for a dark academia filled with suspense this is for you. Rae learns not everything is as it may seem in the academy. Rae comes from a toxic family and an abusive past. I loved the banter and the tension between characters. I’m interested to see what the next book will be like because I have questions after that ending!!

[Annamarie Starkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly really enjoyed it. Very different magic system than I’m used to and even though it took me a minute to understand it, it was refreshing.

This was definitely a great way to kick off a new series. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Natassja Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book that is a fun and very interesting read. There’s never a dull moment and the characters keep you well entertained.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing. Once I started reading it I could not stop. The details, twists, and turns were amazing. If you like spice, demons, and mysteries then you will love this book.

[Natasha Coburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly an amazing book, had me captivated from page one and that’s rare for me! It has it all the family drama, magic, found friends, betrayal, and spice. This is a book I would definitely read a second time 🖤

[J. Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Grimoire's Heir is such a fun and enchanting read! It's got a delightful gothic, witchy vibe that reminds me of "Beetlejuice," with a sprinkle of Holly Black. I loved the unique magic system, and the bond that forms among the main character and her friends is really heartwarming. The banter between Rae and Belfnir was absolutely hilarious and well-written. While I would have enjoyed a bit more focus on the academic side of things, the story is well-paced, and the big surprises at the end kept me on my toes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.