The Arcane Arts: A Novel

by S.D. Coverly

In this thrilling and sensuous dark academia fantasy, an ambitious graduate student and her advisor dive into studying a taboo branch of magic, igniting a dangerous passion between them.

Tucked within an idyllic corner of New England, Newlyn University stands as a bastion for the academic elites. Inside its hallowed halls, students can pursue degrees in medicine, history, technology . . . or the Arcane Arts—the esoteric study of powerful magical forces. Enter Ellsbeth long determined to pursue a graduate degree in arcane mechanicals at Newlyn. Headstrong and driven, she convinces Thaddeus Rawlins, one of the field’s most celebrated professors, to take her on as a student. Against his better judgment, but invigorated by Ellsbeth’s ambition, Rawlins allows her to pursue a thesis on writ magic, the long-forbidden power to control and compel others.

While student and teacher both profess academic interest in the topic, each wants it for their own secret purpose. And they soon discover that Newlyn itself may be hiding the darkest secret of all . . .

As Rawlins and Ellsbeth undertake their clandestine research, their flirtation crosses into uncontrollable desire, which threatens to bloom into something even more love. But when their project begins to spin out of control, entangling them in a destructive web of lust and power, the question can two people who are masters of manipulation ever trust each other?

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

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Pseudonym for the writing team of Dan Frey and Dana Schwartz.

Reviews

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a dark academia read with a taboo student x professor relationship that is unique then i definitely recommend giving this a try.

I liked the FMC despite her tendencies to be overly stubborn, ambitious, a little bit of a know it all but her passion and determination was definitely fun to watch.

I liked the magic system and the unethical subject / forbidden magic use the FMC chose for her studies. I also liked the email format between the student and the professor there were parts that definitely made me chuckle.

This book had great pacing and I didnt find any parts boring (which sometimes I find is the case with dark academia books).

Fully recommend, thank you for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

[megan ◡̈]

saltburn meets babel… 👀

[hannah⁷ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with this eARC!

Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. I think it would definitely appeal to a different audience...and I was not it. I was fooled by the NetGalley description, which mentioned Babel by RF Kuang. Babel is one of my favorite books, and this was soooooo different. I understood the similarities to Saltburn (which was also mentioned), and yes, this could also be considered as dark academia. But including Babel in the description is 100% going to attract the wrong audience. Also, just because something is "dark academia" does NOT mean it's similar to Babel.

I actually really enjoyed the writing—it was great and flowed very well, but the story itself was a bit strange. First of all, there wasn't really a coherent plot. Most of the book was just the two main characters lusting after each other, which made their relationship seem forced. The romance moved too quickly, so I had a hard time believing the chemistry between them. There were also no stakes, and the characters were bland. I also wasn't a huge fan of the dual POV. Rawlins had a pretty linear character arc, which was boring. I felt like his POV was only there to convince the reader that the romance was working.

I enjoyed the overall feel of the novel, but the romance really ruined it for me. I just didn't enjoy the romantic dynamic between the two MCs, and this resulted in me having to almost skip past some scenes because they made me very uncomfortable. BUT this all depends on personal preference, so some people may really enjoy it. I will say that I don't really think the description did enough to help me understand what this novel was really about. Maybe I didn't interpret it correctly, but I wasn't expecting it to be so focused on the lust and tension between the MCs. It got to the point where the romance took over the novel completely, and it left me constantly wondering whether or not there was actually an end goal.

[Jennika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: The Arcane Arts: A Novel | Author: S. D. Coverly | Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I picked this book:
I received an ARC copy of The Arcane Arts at the Del Rey booth during New York Comic Con. After taking a short quiz, it matched me with The Arcane Arts: A Novel by S. D. Coverly and I’m SO happy it did!

Quick Summary:
Ellsbeth is a prospective graduate student vying for a place at the College of the Arcane Arts at Newlyn University, specifically in the Arcane Mechanicals graduate program. The problem? An unexpected tragedy causes her to fail her Arcanus test, which is only offered once. Desperate, she pleads with the prestigious Professor Thaddeus M. Rawlins to allow her entry—and not only that, but also to let her study forbidden and illegal magic for her thesis.

Professor Rawlins is no stranger to ambitious students, but lately, things have felt rather uninspired. Soon, the two become entangled in more ways than one. They’re both chasing their own ambitions, but can they trust each other, or themselves, with what’s to come? The lines are blurring and danger is lurking at every turn!

What I Liked
1. This story is a sapiosexual’s dream! The dark academia setting is deliciously atmospheric, and the use of magic in such a daring, cerebral way is outstanding.

2. The email exchanges throughout the book add a much needed dose of playful, witty banter.

3. The mystery and intrigue are top-notch! Each character is solving their own puzzle while keeping secrets from the other, creating a tangled web that’s impossible to look away from.

Favorite Quote / Moment:
I’m so tempted to gush about my favorite quotes, but since the publication date is still a ways off, I’ll just broadly mention my favorite scene:
It’s the moment Ellsbeth realizes how much she not only desires but truly needs someone brilliant, and someone she can be utterly and unapologetically depraved with.

Who I’d Recommend It To & Final Thoughts:
I’d recommend The Arcane Arts: A Novel to readers who love dark academia with a healthy dose of spice, wit, and danger. It’s seductive, intelligent, and impossible to put down. I cannot wait for the official release!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book freaking rips. I am so serious right now, stop whatever you're doing and immediately go pre-order this book (or if you're reading this in May 2026, go get it immediately!). The Arcane Arts is the dark academia of my dreams. It's romantic, intelligent, suspenseful, twisty, dark and spicy. I think it's my favorite book of 2025.

I loved:
-Rawlins and Ellsbeth were both such believable characters and relatable in different ways. Their relationship development was completely organic, felt very natural, was extremely romantic, and hot. Their relationship was perfect, I would change nothing about it. Also is it just my history nerd crush or was Rawlins giving Dan Jones vibes? Just me? Maybe I listen to a few too many history podcasts...
-The magic system. It reminded me of Babel, but a little less pretentious, with a little bit of Blood Over Bright Haven mixed in. I thought it was the perfect mix of analytical rigor and flights of fantasy. Perfection.
-The dark and foreboding atmosphere on the campus. At its best, dark academia illuminates the rot behind the ivy-covered buildings, and this one does that successfully.
-The balance between romance, mystery, and fantasy. I didn't feel that one aspect overshadowed the rest. I was swept up in the fantasy, the romance, and the mystery in equal measure.

I didn't like:
That it ended. More! now! please!

This book is billed as Saltburn meets Babel, and while those are appropriate, I think Ninth House is probably a better comparison.

[Kristi V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO GOOD. I am so grateful to the publisher at NYCC. This arc was a must have and finishing it solidifies why!

Dark Academia ✅
Professor student ✅
Secret society ✅
Cold, crisp fall day to read it? ✅

I could not put this book down. The mystery of the story to the final culmination were all paced and executed really well. I loved the two main characters relationship. Their tension and growth and academic banter was just 🤌🏼🤌🏼. The magic system was so cool and enjoyable to invest in! A great stand alone for a fall day! And those romantics quotes, 😮‍💨. I would just read it for those because 😮‍💨. Would highly recommend!!

[Kalyani · Rating 3 out of 5]

an erotic dark academia with a strong flavor of ninth house. characters you can’t decide if you like but interesting to read about all the same. this book has a student/teacher dynamic which is a big swing for me but I appreciated the ways in which the book tried to wrestle with that power differential and waded into muddy waters even with the romance

[mimi (depression slump)]

Thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the poor man’s ninth house (or perhaps the instant-gratification-man’s ninth house? if that makes sense to anyone else but me), and let me be clear that i don’t mean that in a disparaging way. it’s hard to hold a candle to leigh bardugo, and i don’t think this version of the common storylines/themes (rituals and secret societies and cover ups and a grittily determined young woman at the middle of it all) quite measures up to alex stern’s journey in ninth house. however, if you’re the kind of person who wants to see a little less drawn-out slow-burn and a little more BDSM on page, allow me to introduce you to ellsbeth storer and thaddeus rawlins. these two cannot keep their hands off of each other to save their lives. genuinely.

i had a good time with this, overall. i found the descriptions of rituals and magic to be very interesting within the world, and loved how there was enough thought put into the worldbuilding to analyze how certain magical fields would survive alongside modern day inventions. i loved the mention of rituals going out of vogue as technology developed (like shakespearean voice projection rituals fading with the invention of microphones!).

the romance was decent – i could definitely feel their chemistry. personally, i feel like they fell into their torrid affair a bit quick, but i’m always an advocate for a slow-burn, so that’s my own personal opinion. i’m sure there are a lot of people who will be big fans of their dynamic, and i did enjoy how the magic and rituals led right into their developing connection (although i got a little tired of it eventually, but i came more for the fantasy than the lowkey erotica that kind of got mixed in, so that’s a me thing yet again). i will say, BIG fan of how their relationship turned out in the end. nobody wants to commit to things like that anymore! i enjoyed that part of it for sure.

thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lια ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ★

This has to be one of the best student–professor romances I’ve read. I loved how the story didn’t shy away from the academic world they both inhabit; it was thoroughly explored, and it made their dynamic feel grounded and authentic rather than just a convenient way to add a “forbidden” layer to the plot. Even from their very first email, before they ever spoke face to face, you could feel the chemistry between Rawlins and Ellsbeth. Their banter was sharp, witty, and so intellectually charged that I was living for every exchange. The way they challenged, inspired, and pushed each other in a field they’re both so passionate about was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. And then, of course, the fact that this field of study is a forbidden form of magic they absolutely should not be exploring… yeah, I was hooked from the start.

The writing was incredible, and the balance between romance and mystery was spot-on. The tension and chemistry practically leaked off the page. The exploration of right vs. wrong, desire vs. duty, and temptation vs. consequence was done so well that even I started questioning everything. Including my own sanity at one point lol.

My only complaint is that I wish a few things had played out differently towards the end, but overall, it was such an amazing story. I’m happy with how everything wrapped up, even if a part of me wishes we had gotten just a little more.

Read if you like:
• Dark academia
• Student/professor
• Age gap
• Forbidden magic
• Secret Society
• Saltburn meets Babel

✣ Huge thanks to S.D. Coverly, Del Rey & NetGalley for the ARC.
✣ Release date: May 19, 2026.

[Emilia Holmqvist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with this eARC!

This is a dark academia fantasy centered on Ellsbeth, an ambitious graduate student, and her professor, Thaddeus Rawlins, at the prestigious Newlyn University. When they secretly begin researching a forbidden branch of magic capable of controlling others, their academic partnership turns increasingly dangerous. The story explores ambition, power, and manipulation, both through magic and human relationships, as hidden truths about the university come to light and force the characters to confront how far they are willing to go for knowledge and control.

This book surprised me - in a good way. I had read a review describing it as “the poor man’s Ninth House,” which made me expect a weaker version of one of my favorite books. That turned out not to be the case at all. While I understand the comparison - The Arcane Arts is also a dark academia novel with secret societies and a similar atmosphere - it differs significantly from Ninth House beyond those surface-level similarities.

I found the relationship between Rawlins and Ellsbeth especially intriguing, and the ending left me genuinely stunned since I did not see it coming. Once the story moves past the heavy character and relationship building, the plot becomes very engaging. That said, I do wish there had been more focus on the core plot itself, as the ending felt a bit rushed and could have benefited from more development.

I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a lighter read with an easy-to-understand magic system, an engaging story, and a well-developed teacher–student relationship.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dark, a little kinky, but absolutely delightful!

After Ellsbeth's life is turned upside down by her sister's death and a failed exam that spells the end of her magical scholarship, celebrated and controversial intellectual Thaddeus Rawlins is her last hope. As the two pursue a study in deeply forbidden magic and a love affair that could end their careers, secrets are unearthed that might threaten a lot more than their reputations.

This was fun! Romantasy isn't necessarily my thing but I like to pick one up every once in a while to see where the genre is at. I like Rawlins and Ellspeth a lot and I like that they're both a little unhinged—it makes them a more convincing couple. Kudos to the author(s) for committing to the age gap and not just having Rawlins be like 32, he is fully a grumpy 45 year old man. The magic was pretty fun and I enjoy the bits where Rawlins and Ellspeth are collaborating because syncing up with someone like that in an academic setting is truly one of my little nerd fantasies. The kink elements were nice as well although the smut scenes were kind of short. The last 20% was kind of a drag for me because murder mysteries are my kryptonite but the ending was really sweet.

Solid all around! I think both romantasy fans and non-romantasy fans will find something to like in this.

Thank you to S. D. Coverly and Del Rey for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

Happy reading!

[Sennehs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you DelRey/Random House and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5⭐️ rounded up. This book was deliciously atmospheric with marvelous prose. I know it’s being touted as “dark academia” but this almost seems to fit and defy that label at the same time. The storyline explores a fascinating idea and with a completely unique magic system and morally gray characters. And, the mystery component threaded through was executed superbly.

The dual POV style and email exchanges made the read extra interesting. Their correspondence was so witty and at times risqué that it really gave the story depth. Both Rawlins and Ellsbeth were exceptionally well written characters. They were fully realized and the relationship between them developed at a natural pace in gradual stages. They seemed evenly matched intellectually which meant there was no moony teenage angst on Ellsbeth’s end which would have turned me off of the story. It is a great illustration of how a successful professor/student trope is written.

Sometimes in books the author goes on and on to fill pages with extraneous BS (you know the ones) that’s not at all pertinent to the story. While this was on the longer side it didn’t feel like it was in dire need of being cut whatsoever. Ultimately, I enjoyed nearly every aspect of the book and would read it all over again.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Arcane Arts is a dark academia fantasy set at a magical graduate school, following the relationship between Elsbeth, a student driven by the suspicious death of her sister, and Rawlins, her advisor who assists her with her taboo magical thesis.

Overall, I had a fun time reading this book. I read the first half in one sitting. I was really intrigued by the magic in this world and loved the dark academia setting (and I may or may not have a love for a professor-student trope when it’s between two consenting adults). However, after the halfway mark, the story started heading in a direction I cared less about. I was disappointed that, despite how central the magic is, we didn’t get more detail on how it works or the system behind it. I also wished there had been more of a slow burn between the main characters. The middle section became a bit dull and repetitive, though it was still enjoyable to read. The last 25% frustrated me, as both main characters’ lack of communication and the way their story concluded left me annoyed. The epilogue though was sweet and left a good final hint to how their future will play out.

If you enjoy books by Kerri Lake or Ru Nyx, I’d add The Arcane Arts to your TBR as you’ll likely have a fun time with it.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Arcane Arts is definitely dark academia at its core, and I can totally see the comparisons to Saltburn and Babel. It has that same intense, atmospheric feel, one that is full of ambition, obsession, and the darker side of academia. Even though this is outside what I normally pick up, I found it really interesting and surprisingly gripping.

Ellsbeth and Rawlins make for a fascinating pair, both academically and emotionally. I LOVE a good professor/student trope, and this was a good twist on it. Their secret research into forbidden magic adds a constant tension, and watching their motives clash while also sometimes aligning, kept me hooked. The whole world of Newlyn University feels richly built, full of secrets and an undercurrent of danger that grows as the story goes on.

It’s dark, smart, and messy in all the right ways. If you enjoy academia with a magical twist, complicated characters, and a slow slide into obsession, this one is absolutely worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley, S.D. Coverly, and Del Rey for the eARC of this book.

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s definitely not going to be a book for everyone. It features a taboo and kinda bdsm relationship between a graduate student and her adviser. The spicy scenes were not very necessary but some might enjoy. Ellsbeth and Rawlins relationship was very lusty and maybe not as profound as I would’ve liked it. What I did like was the dark academia vibe and the exploration of the magic/rituals. The magic system was well thought out and worked well in an academia setting. There was also a mystery in the background which I enjoyed, even though I think it could’ve been featured more heavily. While the culprit was a bit evident, there were still a few plot twists I did not anticipate which was nice. I really enjoyed the ending, I felt like it tied perfectly this story !
Overall, I’d recommend this book for readers who like dark academia romance and don’t mind when lines get blurred.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.

[Sarah Pirtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 6 star read. My #1 book of 2025 and I hope it will be yours when it comes out in 2026.

Oh my God, I never wanted it to end. I was immediately drawn to this book. It was passion, lust, yearning, ambition, destruction, grief… all wrapped up in a perfectly paced story. I hung on every word of it and couldn’t put it down. Ellsbeth was intensely likable to me. Rawlins was a stand out, deep MMC. I have never enjoyed an age gap until this book. They are truly perfect for one another. The magic system was interesting. The deep wanting they had for one another, but also for power. It was morally grey in all the best ways. You find yourself wanting more power as much as they do. I felt I was in the story. I wanted the passion, power, and resolution as much as the main characters did.
It has been a long time since a book made me feel this way. I want more! Do yourself a favor and pick this book up, you will not regret it.

P.S. the emails are the very best part. Every email exhilarated me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled on giving this 3 or 4 stars because it started out so promising. A strong female protagonist exploring the mysterious death of her sister in a dark academia setting. This was true dark academia in every sense and I really liked that it focused heavily on the details of graduate school and academia. The setting and arcane magic system are written very well. I particularly loved the early emails between the FMC and MMC. Excellent witty banter. However, as their relationship progressed I found myself cringing at everything that was said and done. I was not expecting how graphic the sexual scenes would be and ended up skimming them for the most part. Everything about their relationship felt toxic. Because of this, I wished that the romance would have taken more of a backseat to the magic and mystery aspects of the novel. Thus I gave this 3 stars.

[lfthndofdrknss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a NetGalley arc in exchange for an honest review

3.5 stars rounded to 4

"The Arcane Arts" pulls from a similar vein of drama as "The Secret History" and adds the extra chosen boy (and girl) energy of Lev Grossman's "The Magicians". A grad school hopeful argues her way into the department of arcane (magic) arts at a small college where her sister had been found dead of an apparent suicide just a year before. As she grapples with understanding what happened to her sister, she and her grad advisor push the physical, legal, and ethical boundaries of their academic relationship and more steamy pursuits.

I could have done without the romantic storyline completely but I tend to feel this way most of the time. The characters are bold, ethically ambiguous, and pretentious enough to drive the story through the hurdles of academia and the mystery of the sister's death.

[Lydia Hephzibah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

setting: Vermont
rep: n/a

this was a pretty solid fantasy romance, something I don't usually read, but this didn't feel like the usual cliches. this is dark academia, power, magic, and taboo relationships - ellsbeth is a 24yo grad student and Rawlins is her 45yo tutor, so if that gives you the ick, give this one a miss. I enjoyed their dynamic and the story in general. the pacing was a bit off and the banestooth stuff came in a bit late for me, which had me thinking this was going to be a series (which it isn't, thankfully!). I didn't get a good sense of how magic is used in the world/day to day life, this is very much an academic study of it, enjoyable if lacking a bit of depth; I liked the writing and the relationship and the emails

also, only after finishing am I realizing that the author is a pseudonym for Dana schwartz and Dan frey! that's why it didn't feel like a debut

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new dark academia novel for the dark academia girlies!

This follows Ellsbeth (a grad student) and Rawlins (her advisor) as they start studying a taboo form of magic for her thesis project.

And things turn romantic. Although, I really didn't care for this romance. I found Rawlins to be really annoying and bossy. I think it was supposed to come across a different way, but it just made him seem like a power-hungry jerk. It made the relationship more toxic than it needed to be.

I did really enjoy the lore and magic exploration of this book. I wish there was more of that, that was definitely my favorite element of this.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Erin Schaefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book overall! But even for a stand-alone this felt almost flat in some aspects.

A unique and scientific-esque magic system. But it felt glossed over at times.

A realistic and relatably complex FMC who is aspiring to stand out in her field and learn more about the death of her sister, while also subtly trying to fit in to the world she strong armed her way into. But a MMC whose side of the story felt almost spoon-fed to readers.

Overall this balanced into an enjoyable story with a plot setting of academia and dark topics touched upon, but the pacing took wild swings being too slow in some parts and bounding in the parts I wish had more details.

If you're like me and enjoy lean more towards fantastical romance, this will be a fun standalone in the cozy/cold world of academia with a touch of taboo romance to refresh and shake up your tbr!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

[Olivia Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saltburn meeting Babel immediately had me hooked as a one-line description.

Would absolutely recommend to the reader who loves dark academia with lacking redeemable characters.
Elsbeth tragically not being able to enter into the Arcane Mechanicals grad program does not stop her! She absolutely blows up the supervising professor Rawlings inbox for a spot while asking to also take part in some dark underground (not permitted) magic on the side.

Loved the emails that lined the entire story and made a difference in the storytelling all together. It was funny and lighthearted break in the midst of the plot.

[Lulu Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As per usual, Dana Schwartz just can't let me down. This book was full of intellect with delicious sprinkles of steam here and there. Additionally, I'm now finding myself interested in whatever book Dan Frey has written so far. They kept me entertained through every academic theme (alchemy is just *chef's kiss*, I need it everywhere) and I don't usually like dual pov books but these authors created characters that I felt akin to. Both Ellsbeth and Rawlins felt like real and I ended up enjoying Rawlins's pov just as much as Ellsbeth's. Dana already was on my very short favorite authors list, and at this rate I might add Dan as well. Lovely read and thanks again for the ARC!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for approving my ARC request.

This probably would've been a 5-star if the romance pacing was improved. By that I mean, I felt it needed to be fleshed out more, as it felt a little quick and/or less of a focal point of the story. Of course, this could be my own love/hate preference for yearning and slow burns. I also don't think the sex scenes were hugelyyyyy needed and at times felt a little gratuitous, but again, personal preference.

What did I love? Literally everything else. The setting, the characters, magic system and the BANTER (delicatable).

[millena ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

half of this story reminded me of a book i absolutely love (ninth house) and the other half reminded me of a book i absolutely hate (the fox hunt), so you can imagine the emotional rollercoaster i was on while reading 💀 my rating changed every single chapter and tbh i’m still confused about how i feel about it, i’ll try to organize my thoughts better before writing a proper review

[Dana Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, twisty, action-packed dark academia.

Yes, I co-wrote this book, but I'm still allowed to like it.

[ohna · Rating 1 out of 5]

rtc

[Gabic Reads]

Review coming at Gabic Reads. eARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[EBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early arc of this book at NYCC 2025. Thank you to Del Rey for the opportunity to read and review!