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The Arcanaeum #2
Arcanist
Death. Undeath. Life. The boundaries are beginning to blur.
For five hundred years I believed everyone involved in my murder, was dead.
I was wrong.
As the Librarian, I prided myself on remaining impartial in a world of quibbling arcanists, and watched wistfully as everyone around me got on with the business of living. I contented myself with living through my books, wishing I could remember what it felt like to be touched. To feel.
Then they came.
Six heirs who wouldn’t stay away. They dragged me from my solitude and brought joy back to the Arcanaeum.
I should’ve known that would come at a cost…
For five hundred years I believed everyone involved in my murder, was dead.
I was wrong.
As the Librarian, I prided myself on remaining impartial in a world of quibbling arcanists, and watched wistfully as everyone around me got on with the business of living. I contented myself with living through my books, wishing I could remember what it felt like to be touched. To feel.
Then they came.
Six heirs who wouldn’t stay away. They dragged me from my solitude and brought joy back to the Arcanaeum.
I should’ve known that would come at a cost…
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2025
317 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
Marie Mistry
23 books1,006 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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August 24, 2025The release date is now final - mark your calendars for 25th November 2025! Arcanist will be book 2 of 3 in the Arcanaeum series. Triggers are available on my website. For updates, follow me!
December 2, 2025
Dang, from book one being one of my favorite reads of the year to DNFing book 2 that was disappointing……🙁
⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️
DNF at 75%
Book one had everything I like in a romantasy! slow burn, tension, interesting characters, world building, mystery, plot, emotional depth, character development, yearning, and a sprinkle of spice! Unfortunately, in this book we lost all of that….the main problem for me was we got no detail in any aspect of this book.
* The plot was almost nonexistent. It was happening in the background with such little detail that it was hard for you to understand what was really going on.
* The romance didn’t feel romantic with any of the characters. Very little tension or yearning just immediately jumped into spice!
* The spice threw me a curveball that I didn’t see coming with Sub/Dom vibes. This seemed to be the main plot in the book. But again little detail and rushed interactions. If you’re gonna do this type of spice it has to be done with methodical detail and cannot be rushed in my opinion.
* The characters had very little development or depth, and almost seemed a little YA.
All around it just fell flat and seemed boring due to the lack of depth and detail in the plot/storyline. But this does seem to be an unpopular opinion, so as always please don’t let my thoughts keep you from giving it a try for yourself! ♥️
⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️🌶️
DNF at 75%
Book one had everything I like in a romantasy! slow burn, tension, interesting characters, world building, mystery, plot, emotional depth, character development, yearning, and a sprinkle of spice! Unfortunately, in this book we lost all of that….the main problem for me was we got no detail in any aspect of this book.
* The plot was almost nonexistent. It was happening in the background with such little detail that it was hard for you to understand what was really going on.
* The romance didn’t feel romantic with any of the characters. Very little tension or yearning just immediately jumped into spice!
* The spice threw me a curveball that I didn’t see coming with Sub/Dom vibes. This seemed to be the main plot in the book. But again little detail and rushed interactions. If you’re gonna do this type of spice it has to be done with methodical detail and cannot be rushed in my opinion.
* The characters had very little development or depth, and almost seemed a little YA.
All around it just fell flat and seemed boring due to the lack of depth and detail in the plot/storyline. But this does seem to be an unpopular opinion, so as always please don’t let my thoughts keep you from giving it a try for yourself! ♥️
December 1, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Similar sentiments to a couple other readers:
- Kyrith’s lack of action given the threats seemed uncharacteristic for a 500 librarian full of wisdom.
- The MMCs become love-stricken idiots and lose their personality/intrigue in the process. There was also zero relationship development. Instead, it jumps right into kink and sex, which also did not align with what we know of the characters (North is NOT a dom).
——
Not important:
Hope that the final installation is better; however, I fear that any grovel won’t be enough. Leo turned to the woman he love’s murderer (who wants to murder her again) for help, was stupid enough to believe he’d be able to dupe this centuries-old magister, and is getting her killed again. Deep betrayal, unforgivable betrayal. But he won’t be cut from the harem. He will be forgiven, and then he will ask for Kyrith to kneel on the floor beside him as he humiliates her sexually in his own form of sadism. I feel like this wasn’t thought through because dom/sub relationships require trust and respect, both of which are completely gone. I’d never let a man who did me completely wrong to degrade me in the bedroom. All I can hope for are role reversals with him on his knees begging her.
Similar sentiments to a couple other readers:
- Kyrith’s lack of action given the threats seemed uncharacteristic for a 500 librarian full of wisdom.
- The MMCs become love-stricken idiots and lose their personality/intrigue in the process. There was also zero relationship development. Instead, it jumps right into kink and sex, which also did not align with what we know of the characters (North is NOT a dom).
——
Not important:
Hope that the final installation is better; however, I fear that any grovel won’t be enough. Leo turned to the woman he love’s murderer (who wants to murder her again) for help, was stupid enough to believe he’d be able to dupe this centuries-old magister, and is getting her killed again. Deep betrayal, unforgivable betrayal. But he won’t be cut from the harem. He will be forgiven, and then he will ask for Kyrith to kneel on the floor beside him as he humiliates her sexually in his own form of sadism. I feel like this wasn’t thought through because dom/sub relationships require trust and respect, both of which are completely gone. I’d never let a man who did me completely wrong to degrade me in the bedroom. All I can hope for are role reversals with him on his knees begging her.
November 30, 2025
Absolutely love this series. I do wish this book was more plot focused than relationship focused, as the plot is so gooooood. Everything I absolutely LOVED from the first book was missing. The mystery, the yearning, the character development, the plot development, all evaporated. It jumped right into the spice and we lost all concepts of relationship development and plot.
We didn't really get much in the plot until the end. It's like the plot was an afterthought. Always appearing in the background until the big bad cliffhanger. The potential for the plot is insane and I wish it was focused more on it, instead the focus was a lot of droning on and on about the relationship contract and I just wasn't vibing. The contract itself took away from the relationship building as it went from centering on the people, to centering on a piece of paper. Just all around meh.
Another cliffhanger is annoying too, especially because the plot was FINALLY moving. Good read, and I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 3 because book 1 was just that good and there's so much potential for book 3. I'm not giving up on this series yet, but the first book was just leagues above this one. They aren't even in the same category. I'm shocked with the fall off. 😳
We didn't really get much in the plot until the end. It's like the plot was an afterthought. Always appearing in the background until the big bad cliffhanger. The potential for the plot is insane and I wish it was focused more on it, instead the focus was a lot of droning on and on about the relationship contract and I just wasn't vibing. The contract itself took away from the relationship building as it went from centering on the people, to centering on a piece of paper. Just all around meh.
Another cliffhanger is annoying too, especially because the plot was FINALLY moving. Good read, and I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 3 because book 1 was just that good and there's so much potential for book 3. I'm not giving up on this series yet, but the first book was just leagues above this one. They aren't even in the same category. I'm shocked with the fall off. 😳
November 28, 2025
I don't know how I feel about this one. It wasn't bad or anything - the plot was decent and the story is still unfolding, but this one felt weirdly focused on relationships in ways that didn't make sense to me.
Like, they should have been finding ways to shore up defenses with all of the enormous problems they have, but instead they're playing around with relationship contracts and having sex. I fully understood Leo's annoyance at her being off sucking dick rather than solving his curse because I was feeling that way about ALL of their problems being shoved aside for sex. I get that she hasn't gotten laid in 500 years, but come on! Priorities, people.
Also, I really don't buy North as a dom... he's got way too much of a "insecure teenager with a chip on his shoulder who has no idea what he's doing" vibe.
Like, they should have been finding ways to shore up defenses with all of the enormous problems they have, but instead they're playing around with relationship contracts and having sex. I fully understood Leo's annoyance at her being off sucking dick rather than solving his curse because I was feeling that way about ALL of their problems being shoved aside for sex. I get that she hasn't gotten laid in 500 years, but come on! Priorities, people.
Also, I really don't buy North as a dom... he's got way too much of a "insecure teenager with a chip on his shoulder who has no idea what he's doing" vibe.
November 30, 2025
DNF at 63%
- I'm still mixing up every single MMC every time
- plot?
- just unbelievable amount of sex in contrast to the first book that had a completely different pace and vibe
- no romance (as in... romantic stuff)
- all the sex and kink literally feels like ticking the boxes in a Whychoose Book Starter Pack™
- the FMC is a 500+ year old powerful magical being, why does she need any of the MMCs at all?? The justifications don't add up. She literally keeps doing everything by herself hahaha
- reads like a high school drama
The first book was solid. It's disappointing that the second book is nothing like it.
- I'm still mixing up every single MMC every time
- plot?
- just unbelievable amount of sex in contrast to the first book that had a completely different pace and vibe
- no romance (as in... romantic stuff)
- all the sex and kink literally feels like ticking the boxes in a Whychoose Book Starter Pack™
- the FMC is a 500+ year old powerful magical being, why does she need any of the MMCs at all?? The justifications don't add up. She literally keeps doing everything by herself hahaha
- reads like a high school drama
The first book was solid. It's disappointing that the second book is nothing like it.
November 30, 2025
This book was good. Not great.
The amount of time spent on sex-capades seemed off. Also the emphasis on Dom/sub and bdsm is not for me, so I skipped through that. Although I feel the amount of trust needed for her and North's scene was not there. They barely acknowledged a liking for each other. It just didn't fit.
Kyrie also seemed a bit weaker in this book, probably because of the sex scenes.
The ending brought the tension, so I'm still looking forward to the next book.
(see Beth M. and Shannon Farley's review. I agree with both of them)
The amount of time spent on sex-capades seemed off. Also the emphasis on Dom/sub and bdsm is not for me, so I skipped through that. Although I feel the amount of trust needed for her and North's scene was not there. They barely acknowledged a liking for each other. It just didn't fit.
Kyrie also seemed a bit weaker in this book, probably because of the sex scenes.
The ending brought the tension, so I'm still looking forward to the next book.
(see Beth M. and Shannon Farley's review. I agree with both of them)
November 28, 2025
Too many filler scenes, not really a character development, the main character doesn't act like someone who has all those years of knowledge. The characters made me so mad most of the time (yeah I'm speaking to you Leo & Pierce ).
Even though the history isn't how I imagined, Im hooked and I want Leo and Pierce yearning.
In conclusion is kinda trashy but it's entertaining.
Even though the history isn't how I imagined, Im hooked and I want Leo and Pierce yearning.
In conclusion is kinda trashy but it's entertaining.
December 9, 2025
I liked this more than book 1! It did take me a little while to remember all of the characters though - it would have been helpful to get some sort of recap.
November 26, 2025
Absolutely would have been a five star read, except…
Plots revolving around smartest people making the stupidest choices for the stupidest reasons is enraging. Also, “The big bad is coming! We need to prepare! Or! We could just bang instead, I guess?”
Yes, the plot must plot. Yes, there must be strife to overcome. We know this.
But.
Smarty smart people doing stupid stuff and choosing the stupidest choice every single time almost made me DNF. And I *love* this author and I *loved* book 1.
Plots revolving around smartest people making the stupidest choices for the stupidest reasons is enraging. Also, “The big bad is coming! We need to prepare! Or! We could just bang instead, I guess?”
Yes, the plot must plot. Yes, there must be strife to overcome. We know this.
But.
Smarty smart people doing stupid stuff and choosing the stupidest choice every single time almost made me DNF. And I *love* this author and I *loved* book 1.
November 24, 2025
once again, I AM UNWELL
full RTC after i’m done crying 😭
𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸:
“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬.”
Marie Mistry does it again with 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕, the second book in 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒎 series. this book starts out right where we left off in book one, and boy does this book take you on a ride of emotions. you get further development of Kyrith’s relationships with the different heirs. but while some relationships are developing and heating up, others are hitting road blocks that make you wonder how they’ll ever possibly work out.
and while Kyrith and the heirs figure out their relationships, they must figure out how to keep Kyrith and the Arcanaeum safe. but can they really when distrust runs deep within them all?
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐞.”
the spice definitely picks up in this book and i liked how Kyrith had a different relationship and dynamic with each guy, that still also worked in a MFM group scene.
Lambert still holds my heart as #1 of all the heirs, tho.
i love this series so much and if you haven’t started already, you really should.
i’m not sure if i should be thanking or cursing Marie Mistry for an e-ARC of 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕 bc of that cliffhanger 😭 but i cannot wait until the next book to see how everything works out.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MFMMMMM, 1st person multi-POV
grumpy ghost librarian, meddling sentient library, magic, relationship contracts, M/F and MFM scenes, “good boy”, “aye mistress”, switch fmc, dom/sub relationships with safe words, cock cage, cliffhanger, book 2 of 3
full RTC after i’m done crying 😭
𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸:
“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬.”
Marie Mistry does it again with 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕, the second book in 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒆𝒖𝒎 series. this book starts out right where we left off in book one, and boy does this book take you on a ride of emotions. you get further development of Kyrith’s relationships with the different heirs. but while some relationships are developing and heating up, others are hitting road blocks that make you wonder how they’ll ever possibly work out.
and while Kyrith and the heirs figure out their relationships, they must figure out how to keep Kyrith and the Arcanaeum safe. but can they really when distrust runs deep within them all?
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐞.”
the spice definitely picks up in this book and i liked how Kyrith had a different relationship and dynamic with each guy, that still also worked in a MFM group scene.
Lambert still holds my heart as #1 of all the heirs, tho.
i love this series so much and if you haven’t started already, you really should.
i’m not sure if i should be thanking or cursing Marie Mistry for an e-ARC of 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕 bc of that cliffhanger 😭 but i cannot wait until the next book to see how everything works out.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MFMMMMM, 1st person multi-POV
grumpy ghost librarian, meddling sentient library, magic, relationship contracts, M/F and MFM scenes, “good boy”, “aye mistress”, switch fmc, dom/sub relationships with safe words, cock cage, cliffhanger, book 2 of 3
December 5, 2025
this series brings me so much joy! book 2 did NOT let me down.
full of humour, crazy magic, my favourite grumpy centuries-old powerful heroine, a truly swoonworthy cast of mmcs, and a captivating plot line. what more could i ask for!! i flew through this and enjoyed every page, and i am dying for book 3 (criminal cliffhanger by the way).
so much fun to read and reread, highly recommend for my reverse harem girlies.
full of humour, crazy magic, my favourite grumpy centuries-old powerful heroine, a truly swoonworthy cast of mmcs, and a captivating plot line. what more could i ask for!! i flew through this and enjoyed every page, and i am dying for book 3 (criminal cliffhanger by the way).
so much fun to read and reread, highly recommend for my reverse harem girlies.
November 26, 2025
Holy mother of cliffhangers. This book was just as good as the first one if not BETTER. It made me cackle, it made me cry, it made me swoon, it made RAGE AND FEAR FOR MY BLOOD PRESSURE (Leo, looking at you).
Another 6⭐ before the end of the year. Another God tier series.
Although late, I received an e-ARC of Arcanist from the author's Ream but these are my honest opinions and feelings (so many of them).
Another 6⭐ before the end of the year. Another God tier series.
Although late, I received an e-ARC of Arcanist from the author's Ream but these are my honest opinions and feelings (so many of them).
dnf
November 29, 2025marie mistry's worldbuilding is always so interesting but there's just too much smut...
like... there are literally more important things to be doing than fucking all the time... + i just don't like the bdsm aspects. and all the guys just seem kind of childish compared to kyrith
like... there are literally more important things to be doing than fucking all the time... + i just don't like the bdsm aspects. and all the guys just seem kind of childish compared to kyrith
November 27, 2025
Really?! That was a doozy of a cliffhanger… To start off with, this is as well written as Liminal. It’s engaging and unique and I still really enjoy a few of the characters, especially the library 😆 I wasn’t as into this one as I was the first though. I came to dislike some of the mmcs even more than I already did and to be honest, some did unforgivable things in my book, which I’m not a fan of in the books I enjoy. I’m also not really into a lot of the kinks that were presented, which felt like it was trying to cover most things… It’s still well done, I’ll still pick up the next one, but this just wasn’t for me as much as I had been hoping.
December 28, 2025
4.5
Stupid ending made me cry. Poor Kyrith has been through enough. What about my bb Lambert? I'm worried about him.
Stupid ending made me cry. Poor Kyrith has been through enough. What about my bb Lambert? I'm worried about him.
December 11, 2025
I do agree with the general consensus from other reviews, I didn't love this as much as the first one. It felt right near the end it was sucking me in, but then I got hit with a cliffhanger (which was so good!)
I'm just not sure what to make of the first part of the book, we jumped pretty quickly into relationships after the first one was such a good slow burn with building chemistry. The plot was a little of a back burner because of that too.
With the MMCs making odd decisions, I wasn't against that as I like when characters make stupid mistakes...it means character growth, grovelling and eventually forgiveness (very much hoping we get that in the next book).
Probably agree with Leo, it felt like Kyrith wasn't focusing enough on his runeform and everything else. She was very much caught up in the other MMCs, and with so much of the plot happening behind the scenes, it just left me a bit in the dark and wanting to find out what was going on in other parts of the story.
But as usual, I love the authors writing, I loved the characters and I will 100% be picking up the next in the series.
I'm just not sure what to make of the first part of the book, we jumped pretty quickly into relationships after the first one was such a good slow burn with building chemistry. The plot was a little of a back burner because of that too.
With the MMCs making odd decisions, I wasn't against that as I like when characters make stupid mistakes...it means character growth, grovelling and eventually forgiveness (very much hoping we get that in the next book).
Probably agree with Leo, it felt like Kyrith wasn't focusing enough on his runeform and everything else. She was very much caught up in the other MMCs, and with so much of the plot happening behind the scenes, it just left me a bit in the dark and wanting to find out what was going on in other parts of the story.
But as usual, I love the authors writing, I loved the characters and I will 100% be picking up the next in the series.
December 3, 2025
This fell to the RH second book curse. It has happened to all the series that I’ve come across in the past couple of years, and it’s indirectly correlated with how good the first book was. The better book one is, the worse book 2 will be.
Off the top of my head, Virgin Sacrifice/Lady Killer by LM Ramirez is the only exception.
That’s really unfortunate because Liminal was one of my absolute favorites last year. I bought this literally 2 minutes after it was released. I actually pulled over on my drive home from work to do so. All this to emphasize my disappointment.
Spoilers
The main plot point/betrayal was just too obvious. I was irritated to death when it started up because who wants to waste time reading something they can predict? I’m a really dumb reader. I never even try to predict storylines. Something has to be really obvious (and therefore tedious) for me to see it coming. Just ugh.
This was such a unique concept and there were so many places this could’ve gone. In a realistic situation, no one would’ve set that issue (Leo’s curse) aside for even a moment. One MMC is in mortal danger and another is completely insane from a lifetime of this mind fuckery. It would be ridiculous to trust someone in his situation. What the fuck did you expect him to do??
My standards might be a bit too high because I typically love this author. But come on. You can’t give me a ghost and a sentient library in one book and then throw predicable bullshit at me in the next one.
And I don’t normally mind cliffhangers as long as they aren’t brutal. I like to support authors as they write the books in their series rather than waiting for it to be finished before starting. But this one (and the last one) are what I classify as brutal. I stopped this book at 70% because I knew it was coming. I’m already pissed off. I won’t add fuel to the fire. I can wait until the series is done.
Off the top of my head, Virgin Sacrifice/Lady Killer by LM Ramirez is the only exception.
That’s really unfortunate because Liminal was one of my absolute favorites last year. I bought this literally 2 minutes after it was released. I actually pulled over on my drive home from work to do so. All this to emphasize my disappointment.
Spoilers
The main plot point/betrayal was just too obvious. I was irritated to death when it started up because who wants to waste time reading something they can predict? I’m a really dumb reader. I never even try to predict storylines. Something has to be really obvious (and therefore tedious) for me to see it coming. Just ugh.
This was such a unique concept and there were so many places this could’ve gone. In a realistic situation, no one would’ve set that issue (Leo’s curse) aside for even a moment. One MMC is in mortal danger and another is completely insane from a lifetime of this mind fuckery. It would be ridiculous to trust someone in his situation. What the fuck did you expect him to do??
My standards might be a bit too high because I typically love this author. But come on. You can’t give me a ghost and a sentient library in one book and then throw predicable bullshit at me in the next one.
And I don’t normally mind cliffhangers as long as they aren’t brutal. I like to support authors as they write the books in their series rather than waiting for it to be finished before starting. But this one (and the last one) are what I classify as brutal. I stopped this book at 70% because I knew it was coming. I’m already pissed off. I won’t add fuel to the fire. I can wait until the series is done.
November 30, 2025
Was this even written by the same person? Where’s the plot? Where’s character development?
January 1, 2026
4.5⭐️ oooh I’m investeeeed! the pace is better in this one I would say 👏🏼 Lambert is seriously the top tier golden retriever mmc! <3
the cliffhanger was brutal - can't wait for the next book to come out!🥰
3/5 🌶️
the cliffhanger was brutal - can't wait for the next book to come out!🥰
3/5 🌶️
November 30, 2025
Might pick this up again but DNF for now
I think I’d have to be hornier to enjoy this and right now I need something with a little more substance (it feels very shallow)
I think I’d have to be hornier to enjoy this and right now I need something with a little more substance (it feels very shallow)
January 20, 2026
I picked this series up on a whim because it was in my KU recommendations. So I had zero expectations for this series. In fact, it is probably more honest to say I fully expected to DNF it based on my current issues with this genre lately. But I really enjoyed reading book one so much that I had start book two in the middle of the night because even though I knew what was happening, I had to know for sure. Sleep was not an option.
Somewhere along the way this book changed and ended up not being what I expected it to be and I'm not as in love with the series as I started out.
A part of me was entertained and so I want to rate this book like 4 stars for keeping me entertained even though it wasn't perfect. But another part of me is upset with how things unfolded and that's making me very hesitant for book three. Plus now I have to wait an unknown period of time leaving me plenty of unwanted time with my thoughts on these books.
In book one she is a badass. But she wasn't an insufferable ass. I didn't really care for all the guys being presented as her options but with 6 guys that's kind of expected. I don't think everyone was fully fleshed out but I've seen worse so it didn't bother me in an entertainment value sort of way. I thought we would get more them more fleshed out to deepen a connection in book two.
But book two? A lot of reviews mention smart people making stupid decisions and while it is true, I'm not sure that sums it up enough. It wasn't just they made stupid decisions but it was like the plot of this book was sex and how to toss that in there with all the guys and like "oh yeah, there is a big baddie too." Like can any of them take this seriously? There were only a couple times we seemed to be taking anything seriously and then Leo would run his mouth and
I am not surprised how the book ended. It would have been completely disbelieving if
But it is honestly the romance that got me and makes me the most hesitant for book three. For starters, where did some of that come from? And why? Is there some sort of kink check list nowadays? Like no judgment on people's likes but it just didn't feel like it was well handled. You have the puppy manwhore who likes being called good boy, the stoic protector who wants to take care of her, and even the whole "yes mistress" thing fits with how the charactershave behaved. But the others? North wants to boss his "slut" around and Leo pretty much wants a doll he can torture and fuck and I'm starting to think these guys need therapy for their obvious control issues masquerading as a Dom side. Speaking of, No amount of groveling can repair that trust to truly let someone be apart of the whole Dom/Sub thing and I'm honestly dreading how that's going to be handled in book three.
Also Pierce. Not totally unexpected but also why? At this I am not sure what I want to happen in book three.
Somewhere along the way this book changed and ended up not being what I expected it to be and I'm not as in love with the series as I started out.
A part of me was entertained and so I want to rate this book like 4 stars for keeping me entertained even though it wasn't perfect. But another part of me is upset with how things unfolded and that's making me very hesitant for book three. Plus now I have to wait an unknown period of time leaving me plenty of unwanted time with my thoughts on these books.
In book one she is a badass. But she wasn't an insufferable ass. I didn't really care for all the guys being presented as her options but with 6 guys that's kind of expected. I don't think everyone was fully fleshed out but I've seen worse so it didn't bother me in an entertainment value sort of way. I thought we would get more them more fleshed out to deepen a connection in book two.
But book two? A lot of reviews mention smart people making stupid decisions and while it is true, I'm not sure that sums it up enough. It wasn't just they made stupid decisions but it was like the plot of this book was sex and how to toss that in there with all the guys and like "oh yeah, there is a big baddie too." Like can any of them take this seriously? There were only a couple times we seemed to be taking anything seriously and then Leo would run his mouth and
I am not surprised how the book ended. It would have been completely disbelieving if
But it is honestly the romance that got me and makes me the most hesitant for book three. For starters, where did some of that come from? And why? Is there some sort of kink check list nowadays? Like no judgment on people's likes but it just didn't feel like it was well handled. You have the puppy manwhore who likes being called good boy, the stoic protector who wants to take care of her, and even the whole "yes mistress" thing fits with how the charactershave behaved. But the others? North wants to boss his "slut" around and Leo pretty much wants a doll he can torture and fuck and I'm starting to think these guys need therapy for their obvious control issues masquerading as a Dom side. Speaking of, No amount of groveling can repair that trust to truly let someone be apart of the whole Dom/Sub thing and I'm honestly dreading how that's going to be handled in book three.
Also Pierce. Not totally unexpected but also why? At this I am not sure what I want to happen in book three.
November 15, 2025
“There are precious few moments in life where you can be the architect of your own destiny. Most of the time, the only choice you get to make is how to do the best you can with what Fate has handed you.”
my ARC review of Arcanist, the second book in the Arcanaeum series by Marie Mistry.
stahp it, I loved this one so so much.
the first book, Liminal, was my first ever ARC book, & I’ll be forever grateful to the author for taking a chance on me. & this series is easily one of my favorites of all time. how can you possibly beat a grumpy ghost librarian who protects a sentient magical library & beats the crap out of people who piss her off with her vast knowledge of magic?
this one was so fun, with deeper dives into each of the characters, their motivations, & their pasts, more magic, more 🌶️👀 times, & lots more angst & drama.
I loved seeing more interactions between the guys, and getting to know the Library more too. I genuinely think my favorite character might be the Library.
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review. this one releases November 25th, & I HIGHLY recommend this series! the first is on KU, so you have plenty of time to read it before this one releases.
👻paranormal RH (FMMMMMM)
📚sentient, hilarious, very opinionated magical library
👻grumpy, introverted ghost librarian & the 6 heirs who are falling for her
📚dark academia
👻first person, multiple POVs
📚shenanigans
👻spicy; ALL the kinks
📚Hermione-coded FMC: unhinged in the best way, & WILL eff you up with her vast knowledge of magic because she DOES, in fact, know more than you
👻lovable, flawed, relatable, real characters
📚the world building is the best— I want to live in this world so, so much
👻Lambert & Jasper are still my faaavs🫶🥰😍
📚animal companions
👻corruption from the top
📚ragtag group of misfits
👻found family
my ARC review of Arcanist, the second book in the Arcanaeum series by Marie Mistry.
stahp it, I loved this one so so much.
the first book, Liminal, was my first ever ARC book, & I’ll be forever grateful to the author for taking a chance on me. & this series is easily one of my favorites of all time. how can you possibly beat a grumpy ghost librarian who protects a sentient magical library & beats the crap out of people who piss her off with her vast knowledge of magic?
this one was so fun, with deeper dives into each of the characters, their motivations, & their pasts, more magic, more 🌶️👀 times, & lots more angst & drama.
I loved seeing more interactions between the guys, and getting to know the Library more too. I genuinely think my favorite character might be the Library.
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review. this one releases November 25th, & I HIGHLY recommend this series! the first is on KU, so you have plenty of time to read it before this one releases.
👻paranormal RH (FMMMMMM)
📚sentient, hilarious, very opinionated magical library
👻grumpy, introverted ghost librarian & the 6 heirs who are falling for her
📚dark academia
👻first person, multiple POVs
📚shenanigans
👻spicy; ALL the kinks
📚Hermione-coded FMC: unhinged in the best way, & WILL eff you up with her vast knowledge of magic because she DOES, in fact, know more than you
👻lovable, flawed, relatable, real characters
📚the world building is the best— I want to live in this world so, so much
👻Lambert & Jasper are still my faaavs🫶🥰😍
📚animal companions
👻corruption from the top
📚ragtag group of misfits
👻found family
November 18, 2025
~ i’ve won an arc giveaway in marie’s group so hence the early review
i’ve had the time of my life reading this book 😩😭💐💓 thank you marie!!!
the writing is phenomenal and it makes you feel part of the story in every way! the pace was perfect — i didnt feel like it dragged or moved too fast and we got plot but also relationships development/growth in a very balanced and intricate way
something else i gotta mention, the world building is insane and the premise for this story is so unique that it deserves every praise and share and achievements.
i love that the library is letting her personality shine even more and she is so fucking funny — the perfect wingwoman for kyrith
i feel SO much for and with kyrith in this book: she has to navigate being corporeal again, deal with six men that make her knees go weak and try to fix what’s going wrong not only with the guys but with the library and the families. she is trying so hard being the best she can be for everyone.
her men = chef’s kiss. it’s been a while since i’ve liked every single mmc in the harem from the getgo and yet here we are, and i still love every single one of them, even if they are the biggest assholes and dickheads and dumb cunts there are. each of them has their own personality which clearly shines throughout the book with one on one scenes and group ones.
this book will give you great banter, funny and swoon worthy (cough dakari cough) moments but it will also sucker punch you many times. THE ANGST AND SADNESS IS FUCKING REAL and my girl kyrith is going through it.
there is still so many mysteries around the library and kyrith and the heirs and i cannot wait to read Librarian.
the cliffie is HARSH but honestly it was AMAZING and done beautifuly!!! i wanna punch something and scream 😀🙏🏼
i’ve had the time of my life reading this book 😩😭💐💓 thank you marie!!!
the writing is phenomenal and it makes you feel part of the story in every way! the pace was perfect — i didnt feel like it dragged or moved too fast and we got plot but also relationships development/growth in a very balanced and intricate way
something else i gotta mention, the world building is insane and the premise for this story is so unique that it deserves every praise and share and achievements.
i love that the library is letting her personality shine even more and she is so fucking funny — the perfect wingwoman for kyrith
i feel SO much for and with kyrith in this book: she has to navigate being corporeal again, deal with six men that make her knees go weak and try to fix what’s going wrong not only with the guys but with the library and the families. she is trying so hard being the best she can be for everyone.
her men = chef’s kiss. it’s been a while since i’ve liked every single mmc in the harem from the getgo and yet here we are, and i still love every single one of them, even if they are the biggest assholes and dickheads and dumb cunts there are. each of them has their own personality which clearly shines throughout the book with one on one scenes and group ones.
this book will give you great banter, funny and swoon worthy (cough dakari cough) moments but it will also sucker punch you many times. THE ANGST AND SADNESS IS FUCKING REAL and my girl kyrith is going through it.
there is still so many mysteries around the library and kyrith and the heirs and i cannot wait to read Librarian.
the cliffie is HARSH but honestly it was AMAZING and done beautifuly!!! i wanna punch something and scream 😀🙏🏼
December 22, 2025
It was everything and nothing at the same time—too much and yet not enough. The story felt overly focused on minor details while also trying too hard to tackle the bigger picture. That said, I would still recommend pushing through to the end. I’m hoping the third book brings back the spark from the first and answers the many lingering questions left by the second.
I also found that the wide variety of kinks, while realistic given how different people are, made the book difficult to read at times. That’s more a matter of personal preference than a true critique.
I have a love–hate relationship with Marie M.’s world-building and history lessons. I tend to skim or skip a lot of it because it feels draining, which means I know I’m missing important context. At this point, I almost wish authors would write a separate “history” companion book to reference, keeping the main story more streamlined and only explaining things vaguely when necessary.
I also found that the wide variety of kinks, while realistic given how different people are, made the book difficult to read at times. That’s more a matter of personal preference than a true critique.
I have a love–hate relationship with Marie M.’s world-building and history lessons. I tend to skim or skip a lot of it because it feels draining, which means I know I’m missing important context. At this point, I almost wish authors would write a separate “history” companion book to reference, keeping the main story more streamlined and only explaining things vaguely when necessary.
January 13, 2026
Honest review (I packed snacks for the journey and still starved)
Let’s be honest—this book is less a sequel and more an endurance challenge. Book two opens with our FMC being semi-alive, semi-functional, and fully committed to testing the limits of the reader’s patience. We are promised food, sex, and travel. Food appears. Sex and travel, however, apparently took a wrong turn somewhere near the library—because no, she can’t even leave it.
After the absolute nonsense of book one, I foolishly assumed we’d finally be rewarded with action. Silly, naïve me. The “action” eventually shows up halfway through the book, unapologetic, underwhelming, and acting like it deserves a standing ovation for arriving at all. By that point, excitement had been replaced by resentment and mild eye twitching.
Now let’s address the romantic chaos, because subtlety is clearly forbidden in this universe.
The men who actually work (and should have been enough):
Lambert – The only emotionally functional adult present. Sweet, loyal, genuine chemistry. Marry me, adopt all the strays, and please escape this narrative while you still can.
Jasper – Soft, submissive, kind, and—shockingly—capable of communication.
Dakari – Grumpy, confident, big D energy, believable attraction, no unnecessary emotional gymnastics. Refreshing. Logical. Rare.
This was the perfect stopping point. Close the roster. Everyone goes home happy.
But no. Because fairness, apparently.
The men nobody asked for but got anyway:
North – A supposed “dom” with the personality of expired milk. Zero chemistry, endless unresolved issues, and scenes that felt less like romance and more like community service.
Leo – A walking red flag wrapped in entitlement. Emotionally unstable and deeply offended that the FMC doesn’t devote her entire post-undead existence to fixing his curse. Sir. She. Was. Dead. For. 500. Years. Seek therapy, not devotion.
Pierce – An asshole from start to finish. Credit where it’s due: he never pretends otherwise. Consistency is rare and, in this case, oddly comforting.
And then there’s Kyrith, our FMC, who somehow manages to be arrogant, cowardly, and intellectually stagnant all at once. The world has advanced. Inventions exist. Society moved on. But no—let’s clutch our pearls and refuse to adapt. Watching her make decisions was like watching someone repeatedly touch a hot stove and then blame the stove.
By page 600 (counting both books), I wasn’t bored—I was offended. This is not a slow burn. This is narrative starvation. I like slow burns. I will wait. I will suffer. But there has to be a payoff. Here? Meh. By that point, I didn’t even want the spice anymore. I just wanted closure and a refund of my time.
Did I finish it? No.
Will I read book three? Absolutely not.
Do Lambert and the stray kitten deserve their own, better-written series? Without question.
This book isn’t terrible—it’s just aggressively poorly executed. Overstuffed cast, underdeveloped chemistry, and a plot that moves like it’s allergic to progress. Honest review? I tried. The book did not.
Let’s be honest—this book is less a sequel and more an endurance challenge. Book two opens with our FMC being semi-alive, semi-functional, and fully committed to testing the limits of the reader’s patience. We are promised food, sex, and travel. Food appears. Sex and travel, however, apparently took a wrong turn somewhere near the library—because no, she can’t even leave it.
After the absolute nonsense of book one, I foolishly assumed we’d finally be rewarded with action. Silly, naïve me. The “action” eventually shows up halfway through the book, unapologetic, underwhelming, and acting like it deserves a standing ovation for arriving at all. By that point, excitement had been replaced by resentment and mild eye twitching.
Now let’s address the romantic chaos, because subtlety is clearly forbidden in this universe.
The men who actually work (and should have been enough):
Lambert – The only emotionally functional adult present. Sweet, loyal, genuine chemistry. Marry me, adopt all the strays, and please escape this narrative while you still can.
Jasper – Soft, submissive, kind, and—shockingly—capable of communication.
Dakari – Grumpy, confident, big D energy, believable attraction, no unnecessary emotional gymnastics. Refreshing. Logical. Rare.
This was the perfect stopping point. Close the roster. Everyone goes home happy.
But no. Because fairness, apparently.
The men nobody asked for but got anyway:
North – A supposed “dom” with the personality of expired milk. Zero chemistry, endless unresolved issues, and scenes that felt less like romance and more like community service.
Leo – A walking red flag wrapped in entitlement. Emotionally unstable and deeply offended that the FMC doesn’t devote her entire post-undead existence to fixing his curse. Sir. She. Was. Dead. For. 500. Years. Seek therapy, not devotion.
Pierce – An asshole from start to finish. Credit where it’s due: he never pretends otherwise. Consistency is rare and, in this case, oddly comforting.
And then there’s Kyrith, our FMC, who somehow manages to be arrogant, cowardly, and intellectually stagnant all at once. The world has advanced. Inventions exist. Society moved on. But no—let’s clutch our pearls and refuse to adapt. Watching her make decisions was like watching someone repeatedly touch a hot stove and then blame the stove.
By page 600 (counting both books), I wasn’t bored—I was offended. This is not a slow burn. This is narrative starvation. I like slow burns. I will wait. I will suffer. But there has to be a payoff. Here? Meh. By that point, I didn’t even want the spice anymore. I just wanted closure and a refund of my time.
Did I finish it? No.
Will I read book three? Absolutely not.
Do Lambert and the stray kitten deserve their own, better-written series? Without question.
This book isn’t terrible—it’s just aggressively poorly executed. Overstuffed cast, underdeveloped chemistry, and a plot that moves like it’s allergic to progress. Honest review? I tried. The book did not.
January 4, 2026
Huge cliffhanger! It you hate them, you may want to hold off reading this one because it’s major and the 3rd book isn’t out yet.
As for book 2
- more kinky sex than I’d prefer, but that’s a me thing, not a bad writing thing. I’m past that phase. Still I will give the author credit that with 6 MMCs, it was another way to help differentiate the guys a bit.
- plot was good but world building took a back seat to relationship drama - which of course ramped up a lot with 6 guys.
- FMC - still likable but not as much growth/development as I would have hoped for.
Definitely will save a reminder to re-read this when then 3rd book comes out.
As for book 2
- more kinky sex than I’d prefer, but that’s a me thing, not a bad writing thing. I’m past that phase. Still I will give the author credit that with 6 MMCs, it was another way to help differentiate the guys a bit.
- plot was good but world building took a back seat to relationship drama - which of course ramped up a lot with 6 guys.
- FMC - still likable but not as much growth/development as I would have hoped for.
Definitely will save a reminder to re-read this when then 3rd book comes out.
November 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐️/3 🌶️—I was excited for the second book in the series and was not disappointed. The plot does not move terribly quickly, but it gives more space for characterization. The MCs are flawed and sometimes not terribly likable, but I actually think this is a strength of the storytelling. The romance with the main characters is heating up, as there was very little in the first book. This book, like the previous one, ends on a huge cliffhanger and I’m not looking forward to waiting for what (I assume) will be the final book, making this a trilogy.
November 30, 2025
Engrossing
Oh gosh. Where to start. First, that cliffhanger was brutal. I am going to be waiting not so patiently for book three to put me out my misery. I just love Kyrith. She is such a stoic and different fmc that she really catches your interest and holds her lead role despite strong well written mmcs and strong villains. I love the whole premise of this world. Five stars for being a fresh and new plot. Can't wait for book three!
Oh gosh. Where to start. First, that cliffhanger was brutal. I am going to be waiting not so patiently for book three to put me out my misery. I just love Kyrith. She is such a stoic and different fmc that she really catches your interest and holds her lead role despite strong well written mmcs and strong villains. I love the whole premise of this world. Five stars for being a fresh and new plot. Can't wait for book three!
December 29, 2025
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! I’m telling you, if you’re into cozy fantasy, badass fmc, thiccc plot (with mystery¿), kinky spice, READ IT. The spice is oh so tastefully done and fits into the plot so well. I love Kyrith. I AM Kyrith. Now I just have to wait a year for book 3 after reading a devastating cliff hanger. Fuck!
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