An Arcane Study of Stars

by Sydney J. Shields

From Sydney J. Shields, the breakout author of The Honey Witch, comes An Arcane Study of Stars, a historical dark academia fantasy filled with ancient secret societies, a swoon-worthy rivals-to-lovers romance, and dangerous deals made after dark. Perfect for fans of The Atlas Six and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

When Claudia Jolicoeur is rejected from Cygnus University, a devilish stranger named Dorian appears in her nightmares and offers her a he will get her into Cygnus if she learns how to free him from a prison of stars. He takes a bite of her soul to seal the deal, and Claudia wakes to a letter from the High Sage of Cygnus stating she will take the place of Odette Dufort, a Rhetoric student who passed away.

Her arrival raises suspicions, rumors that she had a hand in Odette's death spread like wildfire, and Cassius MacLeod, the High Sage’s apprentice and Claudia's fellow Rhetoric student, seems hellbent on humiliating her. Determined to clear her name, she searches for any evidence that could prove her innocence. When someone—or something—starts slipping her pieces of Odette’s diary, Claudia uncovers a horrifying over the last century, celestial witches at Cygnus have been murdered. Odette was one of them, and Claudia could be next. For her own protection, Claudia needs to free Dorian—and fast. 

By night, she studies the stars, slowly unraveling the mystery of Dorian's prison. By day, she and Cassius wage rhetorical war as debate partners in class. What begins as a fierce rivalry devolves into something deeper, darker, and dangerously sensual. As Claudia inches closer to the truth, she must would trusting Cassius be the last mistake she ever makes?

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Academia, Romance, Adult, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Sydney J. Shields is a swamp creature who evolved to hold a pen. She is a No. 1 Sunday Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestselling author. Her debut, The Honey Witch, is an Amazon Editors’ Choice for Best Fantasy and Best Romance, and a 2024 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee. When not writing, she enjoys playing chess in the park, keeping bees, and doing anything that an 87-year-old trapped in a gen-z body would enjoy. You can find her across social media @SydneyJShields, or her website, sydneyjshields.com.

Reviews

[Mai ༊*·˚]

I've been fiending for a good dark academia read!



__________

Thank you to Orbit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Izzi]

holy hell im so excited to see what comes from sydney next. the honey witch holds such a special place in my heart

[Amanda Blanche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very grateful to have received an e-arc of this book. Releasing April 2026

This is a gritty romantasy that combines magic, gods and the stars. It started off very strong for me, lots of promise. Good writing. But for me it slowly got cut down by slow pacing and over complicated plot. I think it falls into the too many ideas going on at the same time - for me I just found it a bit information overload. And I take issue with Cassius - the so called MMC, I think Claudia could have done better.

Claudia is from a disgraced family in a small nowhere kind of town. After her mother passed, her father gambled away all their fortune, and with it went their reputation. Now 23, Claudia lives for books and to keep her mother’s teaching of the stars alive. She finds a magical book that shows her the world and possibility of a magical college, only to have her application be rejected. But when her father plans to sell her hand in exchange for his debts (to a man 50 years her senior), she is desperate for escape. That is when a being from the stars reaches out in her dreams - brings her to his nightmare realm where he is trapped. This ethereal being Dorian offers her a chance to escape and go to the magical university, in exchange for her figuring out how to free him. She accepts - giving a piece of her soul in exchange. But little does she know she has just made a deal with the devil. Thus begins the mystery, the misadventure and the search for truth amongst the stars and the gods that will either take her life - or the lives of those she cares for. And with so much deceit and subterfuge, who can she trust.

[Mandy]

This started out so strong, then quickly took a nose dive. I hated the dialogue. Nobody talks like that…Also, who finds a random page out of a diary that’s so detailed-it even includes dialogue? WAY TOO CONVENIENT!!

[Heathers_readss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize when requesting this that it was the author of the honey witch so that was a fun surprise. I did find this book to be a lot different, the plot follows a 20 something year old (yay not a teen) who is trapped in a miserable existence with only books for an escape, she comes across a magical book that opens up her world and ends up with her attending a magical school and making a deal with a (hot) bad guy.

I thought this was a fun read! Id recommend giving it a go

[Callie Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of Addie LaRue and The Secret History. Chock full of romance, tension, profound discussions of philosophy, magic powered by pure desire, and so much heart—all packaged in Shields’s signature lush prose. Fans of The Honey Witch will NOT be disappointed!

[Kelly✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up!

Sydney and her writing have done it again! The Honey Witch is one of my all time favorite books, so An Arcane Study of Stars has been at the top of my anticipated reads list since it was announced! I’m so grateful to have gotten the chance to read it early (thank you Orbit and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy!!!) and can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on it.

I really enjoyed the dark academia aspects of this story. The school system was really exciting to read, and I loved getting to “sit it on” so many of their classes. Learning along with Claudia was so fun to me. The writing was really brilliant in this way. As for the romance - I was also HOOKED! I was kicking my feet and loving the enemies to lovers progression.

After 50% through, I could not get myself to put this down! I devoured the second half in one day and am sad it’s over! This will definitely be a reread for me. I will be recommending this book to all of my romantasy and dark academia loving friends once it releases!

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't go in expecting dark academia, they may as well be in a studious leaning apartment complex rather than a magical boarding school. Also? Everyone immediately acts on every single thought they have, which is exhausting.

[Lakshmi]

Got this book approved as an ARC on netgalley, hoping to read soon!

RTC

[Shannon Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed is an understatement for how I feel about An Arcane Study of Stars. I have to preface this review: I normally read with companion audio, so for a book to hold me so thoroughly with only my thoughts is impressive.

Overall while I was reading I could tell a lot of research and effort went in to crafting the magic systems and different disciplines. In the rhetoric discussions I honestly felt like I was back in my college philosophy class. I love when books really focus on the details.

I enjoyed Claudia a lot as a main character. I do think she was very hard on herself given her circumstances, especially as the book went on. I also loved Alis, I want to protect him at all costs. <3

Still a 5 star read for me because I loved the story as a whole so much, but the one thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the spice. Don’t get me wrong I love a spicy book, and I don’t consider even the little bit there was very spicy, but I just thought it was a bit disjointed. To me it felt like it was just thrown in there to make the book more adult. You could take it out and just keep the more PG romance and still have a great story.

There were some great twists. Tagged as spoilers but I still trying to be vague haha. There was a a good combo of things I saw coming (Triche man…) and ones I didn’t (anagrams for their names and Odette at the lake). I do wish Odette’s return was explained better, I understand the basics but I don’t think the concept of the celestial blood was really brought up before that to bring us to that happening and it being obvious. It may just be me forgetting though.

The ending I really enjoyed, but at the same time left me frustrated. It was the best Claudia could do to salvage everything she cared about, but it felt like a rock and a hard place situation to be in. I don’t know if there is any intention to return to this world and this storyline, but I could not see that being just the end for her in that bargain. The book didn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger either which I think is why it was good but also frustrating.

I had the pleasure to meet the author in Pittsburgh last May, and when getting my copy of The Honey Witch signed she mentioned this book I was very excited as the elements are very much what I like to read. I went in with high expectations, and while no book can be perfect, it did not disappoint. I was enraptured and looked forward to reading more every day. I would like to thank Orbit for allowing me the opportunity to access an advanced copy of this book to read and review.

[b · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was overall a strange experience. I'm not a romantasy girlie, which means I had some beef with things that were just conventions of the genre (aka Cassius and Claudia's entire relationship) but the premise of this book was interesting enough that I can't just write off the book as bad.

First, the good. Like I said, this book is really conceptually sound. I'm a sucker for magic schools and this is no different. I love the vibes of characters who haunt the narrative, so the moment Odette was introduced through the perspective of other characters I was seated and ready.

Add in the grief shown through Marcherie, Alistair, and Cassius? I'm a sucker for mourning, especially when it's messy and irrational so that dynamic was super fun. Lamour is another character who I liked against my will, though again show me a mentor with issues of their own and I'm in.

My wish for the book, not quite a critique but simply something that didn't mesh well with me is the shortened timeline. There is so much going on both plot wise and character dynamic wise and while the timeline isn't clear, it's definitely too short. I'm not saying I want a four book series with the appropriate build up and foreshadowing but everything felt too condensed to be meaningful. I wish things could linger and develop over time rather than being thrown at you and jumped around. Especially because it is in a school setting this would have been ripe to be spread out over years.

Now, for assorted complaints:
- every single nickname. someone take nicknames away from this book and it will get to three stars in my head. I could not take any of the characters seriously for the life of me.
- instant hatred. Claudia sees Cassius twice and suddenly he is the person she hates most in the world and I don't know man but that's like. A lot and not very believable. (now if it were spread out over semesters and this rivalry was given time to breathe--)
- the seduction plotline. It was such a dramatic tonal shift and I could not take it and by extension Cassius seriously

In regards to the twists, I called Dorian being Sidarphion from the blurb alone, but didn't expect Odette to be alive or Triche to be the villain. Then again if it were spread out and both could be foreshadowed to give the payoff more value--- (I am forcibly removed from the premises)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

[Kaylee M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

I really enjoyed this but it definitely has some issues.

First the good:

Loved Cygnus and the dark academia SETTING.
I liked Claudia for the most part. I liked that she was independent and feisty but didn’t give off “not like other girls” vibes. She was sure of herself and was realistic (for the first 2/3).
I liked the relationship between her and Cassius at the beginning. I enjoyed their rivalry.
The spicy parts were really good and well written. Tons of tension.
Good pacing and made for an easy enjoyable read.
Enough mystery and unanswered questions to keep me constantly engaged.
Claudia and Alistair are adorable

The bad:

Cygnus was only a setting (hence the emphasis)and not part of the plot. It felt a bit Harry Potter-esque and like it could have happened anywhere as opposed to Cygnus being essential to the story.
Claudia in the last third became insufferable.
She’s 23?!?! They’re all acting like horned up teenagers.
The world building was confusing. Claudia lives in Kulden (I’m assuming a London stand-in); her father is from France; it’s all regency tinted with corsets and promenades and arranged marriages but that’s almost instantly forgotten once she gets to Cygnus. Brought up twice only when directly referring to the women’s corsets. Claudia wears silky slips but also nightdresses.

The ugly:

I hate enemies to lovers. This felt super rushed and then was 50 shades of grey lite even though Claudia is apparently a repressed 23 year old. She shows zero hesitation to jump right in.
There was also a love triangle with a devil.
There is an enemies to besties situation.
No women talk to each other in meaningful ways or have meaningful relationships.
Claudia is the most special/unique and everything is because of or for her.
Insta-love
Way to much back and forth about Claudia’s decision.
So so many unanswered questions or just not fully fledged out (which is fun if this is the first in a series but I’m not sure if it is…)

Overalll I did like reading it and was fully engaged. It was quick and I think lots of people will love it. I just have a lot of issues and wish it would have been edited down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank NetGalley for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book.

This book started off very slow for me, I’m not going to lie. I considered DNF in the book at 37%. But I decided that I needed to push through and continue reading and I’m very glad I did. The book really picks up about the midway point and I think it actually turned into a really fun read. The enemies to lovers became evident, and there was a hint of Fifty Shades of Grey… If you know what I mean, but it never went down the path of being too spicy. I would say that this book is maybe a one chili pepper on the spicy scale. I will say that the magic system in this book is very different and can be a little difficult to understand. I think when looking at the different types of magic, some made more sense and some were a little pointless. My other big complaint about this book is, I felt like the diary entries to help solve the mystery were very unrealistic. There was some correspondence that was spelled out in the diary entries, which I feel like is not at all realistic to how diary entries are written, I do wish that the author would have figured out a better way to convey conversations without spelling out exactly, He said “xxxx” and she said “xxxxx”. overall, there were some fun pieces to it and some plot twist that I didn’t really expect but looking back could kind of see how they came to be. I think that if you are wanting to venture into a different world with different magic, this might be a fun read for you. I don’t know that I would say that this is a read. I would highly recommend anybody but an avid reader, who is looking for something just a little different might enjoy the creativity of the magic system.

[Kaitlyn Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deal made with the devil, a one-way ticket to a magical academy, a forbidden field of study, and a mysterious diary tied to a student’s tragic disappearance. 🌌

This setup had me immediately hooked. An Arcane Study of Stars kept me intrigued all the way through, even if it ultimately landed in the “solidly enjoyable, not quite obsession-inducing” category for me.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is its presentation. The layout is visually stunning, and the magic system is genuinely unique. Spells are literally woven into the text itself, which was such a cool reading experience. I also loved the found family dynamic (one of my favorite tropes), and Alister completely stole my heart as a character. Another highlight was getting a front-row seat to some of the FMC’s classes at Cygnus, especially the rhetoric ones. Sydney Shields packs those sections with sharp, witty quips that were an absolute delight. There’s plenty here to keep you turning pages!

That said, a few things didn’t fully hit for me. First, and this is entirely a me problem, there is a pet snake. Snake lovers, you’ll be fine. I, however, would personally prefer all fictional companions to be fluffy and non-slithery, thank you very much. 🐍

I also went in expecting more emphasis on secret societies based on the blurb. While that element exist, I would have devoured even more intrigue, and shadowy interplay with some of the other student groups / fields of study at Cygnus. Finally, I would’ve loved deeper character development for the “devil” himself. There’s clearly more there to unpack, and I’m hoping book two really digs into that.

Overall, this was a fun time with a lot to love. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit books for the arc copy! This book was marketed as dark academia, but unfortunately it didn’t quite deliver that atmosphere for me. While I was mostly engaged in the story and wanted to see how things unfolded, there were several elements that kept it from being more than a three-star read.

My biggest issue was the character development and relationship pacing. The two main characters would go from actively fighting or hating each other to suddenly being in love and making out, with very little buildup in between. It felt abrupt and happened multiple times, which made the romance hard to believe or emotionally invest in. A similar issue came up when one character literally tried to kill the main character, only for an apology to smooth everything over far too easily. These moments needed more tension, consequences, and development to feel earned.

That said, what truly kept me reading was the storyline surrounding the trapped god. That plotline was intriguing, darker, and far more compelling than the romance, and it felt like it had the depth and stakes I was hoping for from the start. It’s the strongest part of the book and the reason I stayed invested until the end.

Overall, this was an okay read with an interesting premise that needed stronger execution, especially in character dynamics and pacing. If there is a sequel, I’ll likely pick it up since I’m still curious to see if anything further happens with the trapped god and where that storyline leads.

[Lesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Orbit Books for the advanced copy of this book!

It's hard to even put into words how much I loved this book, but I'm going to try my best here. I fell in love with Sydney's writing in The Honey Witch, and this book has really solidified her as a favorite author for me. Her prose is just so lyrical and paints such beautiful imagery, and I can't get enough.

An Arcane Study of Stars was an absolute treat of dark academia that I wanted to both devour and savor at the same time. Our main character, Claudia, is stubborn, dramatic, messy, and I would follow her to the ends of the earth. I love an FMC who embraces her darkness a bit, and we really got to see this with both her desire for not only power, but also power play. The rivals/hate-to-lovers dynamics created such delicious tension that had me beggggiinnnggggg for more, if you know what I mean 😏

The magic system that Sydney created was also so unique and intriguing, and I really enjoyed learning it alongside Claudia. You can tell that so much research and creativity went into it, and I just had so much fun with it! I truly wish this was a series because I was just not ready to leave this world and these characters by the end.

This is definitely making it into the top reads of the year for me, and I will be recommending this one to EVERYONE who will listen!

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Arcane Study of Stars is a beautifully written, enemies-t0-lovers, dark-academia fantasy. Despite her natural inclination and her continued pleading, Claudia is ultimately rejected from Cygnus University - her only chance at freedom. Facing her worst nightmare, Claudia makes a deal with a demon, resulting in her acceptance to the University, as well as her debt to the demon. Upon entering Cygnus, Claudia is faced with more than she expected. Several students blame her for the death of a previous student (the one she so happens to be taking the place of), and they are determined to make her pay. Who is Claudia's ultimate enemy - the powerful demon trapped among the stars that she made a deal with or the amazingly good-looking, arrogant-as-hell fellow student who hates her? Either or both will be her undoing.

An Arcane Study of Stars is a truly atmospheric, gorgeously written romantasy. The world building is excellent, and the characters are well-developed. In particular, I absolutely loved Cassius. The book is full of hope, betrayal, drama, angst, and romance (so much going on!). It is fast-paced and can easily be read in one or two sittings. While I normally prefer series, An Arcane Study of Stars is a standalone; with that said, it is an epic standalone! I will definitely be recommending this book. Easy 5 stars!

[Diann Aguasviva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It kept me engaged in the plot, introduced characters seamlessly, and I enjoyed the FMC Claudia. She really was enjoyable because she’s a relatable character in her right. She’s independent, self aware, and kind with a very loud internal voice. Cassius, the MMC, was a great fit as well I enjoyed the descriptions of their relationship as it progressed naturally and how she felt about him, how she stated he challenged her and made her better. I enjoyed the second male love interest, Dorian, a little more than the main due to him being a more complex character. He helped progressed the story forward and gave Claudia much to think about towards the end.

I adored the dark academia background to the story and the way Cygnus came to life through the pages. I just wish we had more detail and backstory to the world and to the gods. It felt very brief and it wasn’t cohesive. There were two separate worlds and the distinction between them wasn’t well done.
Also I felt the timeline was all over the place, I did not know what season, what month, what day it was in the story. The pacing of the calendar was unclear.


Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m excited for everyone to meet these characters!

[bad.mad.wisreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I love the authors debut and had high hopes going into this.

What started off as a strong story with an interesting main character quickly became hard to read. While the author writes beautifully, the dialogue felt out of place on several occasions. You are in one world one second and a completely different one the next and not in a good way. There were too many ideas trying to take place and none of them were flushed out completely. It was a lot of jumping around from problem to problem, bad guy to bad guy.

I’m not sure if we are supposed to like Claudia- shes insufferable, bratty, full of herself. She threatens people to get what she wants simple because she wants it. She has no compassion or care about anyone else unless it aids her. Let’s not forget to mention her love hate relationship with Cassius. It’s a mess and has no real place. It honestly feels like another plot the author wanted to try to squeeze in.

The shining star was Dorian. He was the most interesting plot and character. His world should have been explored more instead of the insta lust wanna be plot.

I rated a 3 because it had potential to be good. The celestial magic was complex and interesting.

[Julianna Pakstis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!

The recital chapter inspired by Iphigenia with the poetry and intermingling of Cassius and Claudia’s story was perfection. Dolericym is said to use magic to make the audience feel whatever the goddess wants them to feel but, really, it was the author who did that!

The type of magic and religion used could get cheesy but I was enveloped in the world enough not to mind. This book also showcases some of the best infusion of into character actions of any of the romantasy genre that I’ve read. It’s unconcerned with propriety and long introductions where necessary and really demonstrates each main character’s desires.

Doesn’t shy away from weirdness and informal tone, which makes the book approachable against its heady academic setting. The ties to Classical references are sometimes tight, fresh, and imaginative; other times the world-building leaves gaps but the clever system overall outshines any minor perceived incompleteness.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun romantasy rollercoaster from start to finish. I absolutely loved the concept - it had all the ingredients I’m weak for: magic, found family, and romance.

The story moves at a fast pace and never really lets you get bored, which makes it an exciting read. That said, the magic system and worldbuilding felt a bit overwhelming at times. There was so much happening that many of the finer details were only briefly touched on, leaving me wishing certain elements had been explored more deeply.

While the plot definitely kept things moving, as someone who thrives on strong character development, I felt that aspect was a little lacking. I wanted more time inside the characters - more growth, more depth, more moments to really connect with them.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast-paced romantasy with a lot of heart and potential, especially for readers who love action-forward stories with found family vibes.

[amel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, the magical academia is a big fat yes from me. It reminds me of Ninth House and Babel, and there’s a great mix of the darkness, the mystery (which was just a littlee too obvious), and the magic system.

I was not a huge fan of the relationship between Cassius and Claudia. I think it was strong in some aspects but weak in others. I just feel like their development was inconsistent and very fast considering how they were for the majority of the book. But I think they’re sweet, and I’d be interested in seeing how their dynamic will go in the future.

I feel like the story was pretty strong throughout, but the ending felt rushed. I like how it ended, but the pacing just pushed us through moments we really should have had more time with (particularly for the characters to react to these crazy info drops??).

But I am very invested, and I can’t wait to read more from this universe in the future!

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

In a world where magic is intertwined with the study of the stars, Claudia is drawn into a dangerous mystery that challenges everything she knows. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, she must navigate a web of arcane knowledge and hidden motives to uncover who is truly pulling the strings.

I was completely hooked by the second chapter. An Arcane Study of Stars delivers magnificent world-building paired with an intriguing and well-thought-out magic system that feels fresh and immersive. Claudia is a standout FMC—strong, fierce, and compelling without losing her complexity. The mystery woven throughout the story kept me guessing until the end, constantly second-guessing who the true villain was. This book balances atmosphere, character, and intrigue beautifully, making it impossible to put down.

[Ariel Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📚 Obsessed doesn't even begin to cover it! 🌙

An Arcane Study of Stars is a dark academia masterpiece that I couldn't put down. The prose? Absolutely lyrical and intoxicating. 🥂

Meet Claudia: our perfectly messy, dramatic, and power-hungry FMC who fully embraces her dark side. I'm talking high stakes, power play, and a heroine I'd follow anywhere! 🖤

And the RIVALS-TO-LOVERS dynamics? The tension was delicious. Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat begging for more! 😉 The magic system Sydney built is so unique and intriguing—pure genius.

My only complaint is that it's NOT A SERIES! I was NOT ready to leave this world. Run, don't walk, to read this! 🏃‍♀️

Orbit, thank you SO much for the ARC read 😍😍😍

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The literal definition of hooked from the start!! But it was Sydney's gorgeous prose that captured me. Not only was the concept for the magic system so unique, I loved how the stars and constellations were used. Claudia is an interesting character who I loved most of the time and needed her to be a little more self-aware other times. Set at an occult university, the eerie and mysterious nature of Claudia's arrival deepened by curiosity. With great side characters, I couldn't stop reading this.

For lovers of dark academia, elements of the occult, an intriguing magic system, tension, then An Arcane Study of Stars is for you.

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced dark academia romantasy set in a magical land where the god of stars is trapped and only Claudia can save him. The concept was interesting, the characters relatable and Professor Olivier’s Secret History lessons kept me engaged.

Throughout the book, I wished the author would show more and tell less. Every feeling Claudia had would be relayed matter of factly one sentence later. It felt jarring and interrupted the flow of the book for me.

Overall, a super fun read with a steamy romance you’ll be rooting for.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An Arcane Study of Stars is a dark academic romance that is not only worth reading, but also worth reviewing. From the educational aspects of its university life, to its inventive magic system and remarkably well-written characters, everything about this book feels sensationally crafted and magical. Whether you’re a fan of lush worldbuilding, intellectual fantasy, or slow-burn romance with real stakes, this story delivers in spades, and the ending will have you begging for more.

[TheMoonBrewCozyGrimoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words for how incredibly amazing this book was . I stayed up all night reading . I pre ordered and have recommended this to every single person I know in addition to my entire book club .
The way shields was able to build life lessons into the magic system and leaving everything a mystery until the very end was unsettling in the best way possible . It’s by far my favourite read of 2025 out of 192 books I’ve read. I physically can not wait to see what else comes from the brilliant mind of shields and I hope so much there is more to this story ! 10/10

[indy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc!

Going to write a review closer to release but I loved this! I agree with some critiques but the plot and characters were just so compelling to me I was able to just ignore a lot of those issues. I do however not agree with some opinions that the story was great for the first __% and then went downhill because I felt the opposite. This book really got my attention when I hit about 30% and I have finished reading at almost 8 in the morning.

I recommend, especially given it’s a standalone!!!

[lindsay (taylor's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars rounded up to 5 stars. ARC received in exchange for an honest review. while this book was a bit slow to start and getting into the rhetoric bits was a bit of a slog, this was an amazing book. the academia vibe was done extremely well and i do love me a good rivals to lovers with tension right from the start. i usually find myself liking the "villain" more than the MMC (see: Luc in Addie LaRue) but i really loved Cassius over Dorian here. my only gripe was that i wish the book was longer!