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Arcane Arts Academy #1

Of Wolves & Witches

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I messed up. I broke two of the Arcane Council's laws in one day. I swear it was an accident—but try telling that to the Arcane authorities.

Before I could catch my breath, my simple gypsy life of peddling potions with my guardians is wrenched away. I'm forcibly enrolled into the prestigious and supremely snotty Arcane Arts Academy, given shackles under the guise of mercy for my crimes.

As if that weren't enough, my volatile magic bound me to two infuriatingly overbearing shifters in the woods near campus, making me an instant pariah.

At least the history teacher is helpful—not to mention insanely gorgeous. And besides giving me a dangerous distraction, there’s something else he can provide—a way to finally find out more about my father and unravel the dark mystery surrounding his death… but some secrets have claws, and if I’m not careful, knowing the truth could get me killed.

Follow Harper Hawkins as she unravels more than she bargained for in OF WOLVES AND WITCHES, the first book in the Arcane Arts Academy series, an exciting new slow-burn reverse harem paranormal romance perfect for fans of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Vampire Academy!

Scroll up and One-Click today to start the spellbinding adventure!

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2019

1525 people are currently reading
2084 people want to read

About the author

Elena Lawson

43 books1,589 followers
Elena lives in Canada with her husband, daughter, and their Siberian cat overlords. She writes dark, why-choose romances full of feisty heroines, unforgettable heroes, and their kindle-melting chemistry.

When she comes out of her writing cave, she can be found binge-watching true-crime shows, obsessively rearranging her bookshelves, or chasing the sun around the globe.

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlealately

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5 stars
1,259 (39%)
4 stars
1,040 (32%)
3 stars
653 (20%)
2 stars
162 (5%)
1 star
50 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
Profile Image for Giselle.
847 reviews177 followers
October 20, 2019
DNF'd 31 pages in. I can't deal with this woe is me attitude, judging everyone she comes across, and potential romance with her teacher. (She's 17 BTW. Gag me.)
35 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2019
I'm just writing this as a warning to others like me who see the high score for the book and assume that it will be good with a kickass heroine. And hey, maybe later on in the series the MC grows and really does become kickass not because she naturally has super strong powers but because she actually grows a spine and stops apologizing for everything. Seriously, I understand wanting to stay under the radar but not fucking agreeing to find a solution to a problem or else they get to kill her without even trying to argue for her life. Really? I made it a little over half way through before I couldn't take it anymore. I like heroines that take more control over their life, not every teenager is as clueless or unwilling to stand up for themselves as she is and it was very frustrating for someone like me -- who was the quiet one who ran under the radar yet somehow still managed to not be spineless -- to read.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
February 25, 2019
I so fell in love with this book!! We meet Harper a witch who gets sent to the Academy for witches where she is assigned not one but two familiars. These are unique ones as well since they are shifters an absolute first for the witching world. What follows is an amazingly built world full of fantasy, magic, and intrigue that will really keep you hooked from the very first page all the way until the cliff hanger ending. Really is a must read for fans of the genre. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
522 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2019
didn't love any of the characters that much, I found Elias to just be in the way he seems to want the MC to himself. and MC wouldnt stop lying even when she said she would or just keeping secrets. I only really liked the interaction between her and her new familiars but there wasnt enough of that for me I want more of that, its what kept me reading I hope the next one theres more with them.
Profile Image for Eros Lovess rosethebookgriot.
82 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2019
We follow "Harper... just Harper" a clumsy but powerful witch as she enters the Academy unwillingly, makes friends and tries to uncover her past. Also, she has familiars of a special kind and she falls hard for a man only to discover that she cannot have him... or can she? Dive in and find out.
I really liked the story and I didn't want it to end. And speaking of endings... this installment's ending will make you want all the series was out already!

Last but not least, if you are desperately looking for poc characters in your favourite stories, well there is this super hot black guy... you'll wish you had more of him in this book and those to come ;)
Profile Image for Kimi.
443 reviews
June 3, 2019
4 Stars

Overall Rating ★★★★
Plot ★★★★
Humor ★★★
Characters & Character Development ★★★★
Narration ★★★★

Characters: Harper, Elias, Adrian, Cal

Story: This story was good. I don't care for young adult too much anymore but I liked it nonetheless. Nothing really stood out for me though. In the beginning, I felt like she was a huge brat and kind of a bitch too towards her roommate as well as super antisocial. She pretty much continued to be like that throughout the story. I may continue with the series.

Narration: Stephanie Rose. She's pretty good.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
273 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2020
Not bad. I'll probably read the rest of the series later.
Profile Image for Jennifer Zamboni.
Author 7 books55 followers
April 3, 2019
This was a quick fantasy read with a well thought out world. I'd hesistate to call it urban fantasy because while it is set in the modern world, there is very little interaction with humans. It is also set up to be a RB, but it's just touched upon in this book (hello, slow burn!) it currently feels like a love triangle. The major potential interest is also a teacher (A turn off for me, but doesn't affect my rating, since that's personal preference and not a fault of the writing).

I found the world and rules of magic well developed and fascinating. That, and the mystery surrounding the MC's heritage are what really sucked me into the story & and made me preorder book 2!

I can't wait to see where the story line goes!
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,772 reviews85 followers
February 24, 2019
Decent academy series

I bought this book on preorder based on the blurb alone. Fortunately, the narrative lived up to the promise, weaving a new world with familiar characters and fresh mythos.

Pros:
- harper’s growth is apparent from beginning to end.
- great world building.
- well edited

Cons:
- Cliffhanger
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,793 reviews30 followers
March 25, 2019
Fast paced, fun and forbidden.

A slowburn with forbidden love, impossible familiars and dangerous magic. I pity the guy who breaks her heart. Plenty going on, revelations and secrets waiting in the wings. This series is either going to be really good or really awkward, I’m not sure how the crushing on your familiars thing works. Not much in the romance department at the moment. Finishes on a mild cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2019
One clicked book 2

Before I even reviewed this, I pre-ordered book 2. Wow. WOW! Great and interesting story. Awesome characters, world building and mystery. No to slow burn, but it didn’t even matter; the story was that good. Setting the stage for more, with unusual familiars, a hint at a possible love interest, an unlikely friend, and murder and mystery. What’s not to love?
Profile Image for Katie.
1,979 reviews16 followers
February 21, 2019
Storyline for this story was really good. Really enjoyed it. But that ending... Really. That was so not called for. Right when I was going to find out her bloodline. Definitely a must read. Especially is you like magic. More on the YA side but I still enjoyed it. Really need to read the next book.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews115 followers
April 20, 2019
Wow! What a fantastic start to this series! Hooked from the start I just could not put this incredible story down. Witches, hot shifters, magic, mean girls, drama, adventure, slow burn reverse harem romance, this academy read has it all and I am at right off to read book 2!
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,012 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2019
Intriguing...

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and am very happy that I became completely immersed in the story and found it to be very interesting. The stage has been set, the plot is developing, and I’m very much looking forward to reading Of Magic and Moonlight.
Profile Image for Bella Suarez-Ramirez.
511 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2019
So interesting!!!

The storyline is great. Mystery of finding more about her parents and her powers. Enjoyed the read and can’t wait for the next one. :)
956 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2022
Interesting Start

An interesting Start to this story and world. It has a good medium speed on a few issues while a little slow on the other items. I hope her friend can forgive her.
Profile Image for Rena.
183 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2019
It was an ok read, but I don't really have the urge to continue with the series. There are mysteries I am curious about, but the characters weren't too memorable. I also don't get why the two familiars suddenly accepted the bond: One moment they hate the idea of it and poof in the next moment they are devoted to her and accept the bond.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barbara Patzke.
30 reviews
February 6, 2020
YES !!!

This story and the characters within feel like family. I will follow all of them to the end. The read flows and keeps you there to laugh or cry with them.
139 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2019
I barely know where to start! I don’t know how to start!

This book was spectacular; as a story in and of itself and in addition to being an introduction to the series to come.

The MC – our heroine, Harper, is likable, smart, compassionate, strong, by no means perfect and perfectly aware of it so she also has this seam of insecurity and this questioning of herself that makes her satisfyingly normal and relatable. You know, for a chick with more power in her little finger than I will ever hope to command in my life.
And I enjoyed the fact that every character was so clearly written, that even if you weren’t sure how they were exactly going to play out in the bigger picture, you still got that sense of them – you know, the one you get IRL when you meet people and you just kinda vibe as to whether you feel good about them or not? Something like that.
So, while I was reading, I might not have known why I got a feeling about someone immediately but I knew I had one and I knew I could trust it. Even with the characters that didn’t get a lot of live page time in this book… I knew how I felt about them and I liked that because it contributed to a very immersive experience. And there are definitely some that I hope we will see and get to know better because they make Harper better and I love their energy. (HINT!)

Overall, the book is so luxuriously written, especially in terms of the beautifully scenic descriptions that creates the imagery perfectly in your mind. Ms. Lawson has a great talent for writing a moving landscape that invites you to escape while you absorb her words. Also, the fictional history is so rich and creatively fascinating that I found myself entirely captivated by not just the present world that was created, but also by what had come before to get it to that point. There must be so much more coming to learn about and it is my deepest hope that now that that bar has been reached in such a marvelous way, that it will continue as it has begun and that the epic storytelling will not fade as other elements are added.

The plot lines and twists – oh you gorgeous little fiends! This one ends on a cliffy, which is largely to be expected since it’s Numero Uno, but, I was satisfied that there was enough… uhm… other resolution, to balance that out – not balance it out quite nicely, mind you, because it’s still a darn cliffy… but my greedy soul has been momentarily appeased.

And between you and I… I get the feeling that the surprises and shocks yet to come are going to blow our socks off. Because when I consider the possibilities of the future “what if’s” … it sets my mind racing and I feel very strongly, as though we’re going to have to hold on tight for what’s coming.
I feel like right now we have expectations and we have some ideas that say “I bet… “, but the only thing that I will bet is that there are going to be some very definite “WTF, I did not see that coming!” moments in the books to come.

I can’t freaking wait!
Profile Image for Penny.
3,118 reviews85 followers
May 17, 2021
I’ve never been a fan of YA/NA because I have two teens at home who drive me crazy LOL. Add to that, I’m not a big fan of reverse harem. However, I love this author, so I decided to give it a try. This is a great introduction to this world, and Harper is a plucky 17-year-old who doesn’t know much about her parents except they are gone. We find out a little about Harper’s past, she has powers she didn’t know she possessed, and there is something in her past we are left wondering about. I am left wanting to know what come next in this world for Harper, and I can’t wait to read the next…although it’s hard because she’s the same age as my teen. LOL! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Chloe 'hichlochu'.
140 reviews31 followers
February 22, 2019
Of Wolves & Witches by Elena Lawson

Let me start this by saying I was not a fan of the genre, only because I had refused to give it enough time. But I knew I was going to have to and decided to take a leap faith when I started this book, and do you know what? It had me hooked from page one.
I have always meant to try reverse harlem, but devulging into unknown territory is an acquired taste. When I came across this gem of a book, the blurb was a enough to hook me. It sounded like Harry Potter mets True Blood but less vampires and more steamy shifters. I can tell you it had me intrigued.
The more I devoted time to it, the more I bonded with the characters. By the way, the fact our female protagonist was a fiery red head from a damaged family had me sold. Being a fellow ginger myself, it called to me and made me love the character more as I could imagine myself in her space. Come on guys, don't tell me you don't enjoy the welsely twins or Ed Sheeran.
So our main red-headed protagonist is called Harper; a girl who doesn't know her roots trying to control a power that's one of the greatest the world will come to know. Trust me, accidental earthquakes and that sort of thing. Well, she loses control and our magical enforcement officers pick her up and cart her off to The Academy of Arcane Arts as her sentence. A sentence where she can learn to get a handle on her powers. Upon arriving mid term she comes to release three things: she is the only one without a familiar, her crush isn't as he seems and her family history holds hidden blood. And let me tell you this is all to change.
Along the way you meet her room-mate and headmasters neice - Bianca, one of her only friends in this prestigious school. You also meet Elias, to whom she creates a undeniable magical bond with, one that even he can't deny. And last of all you will meet two ab-rippling shifters; Adrian and Cal, who are fighting to break a bond no one though to be possible.
It really is a story worth picking up, especially for anyone with a hole to fill of the arcane arts variety. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and want to blast my partner with a thunder storm everytime he wanted me to put it down. Not kidding, I was hooked and left starving for more.
346 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2025
Soul Bound (Arcane Arts Academy Book 1 of 5) by Elena Lawson
300pgs
MultiPOV

Spoilers Probably

HARPER: witch, 17
ELIAS: witch, teacher
CAL: wolf
ADRIAN: wolf

Thoughts:
* So I read some Mix reviews on this book so I decided to give it about 50 pages and then decide if I wanted to continue reading. 1st thought shes was worried about Guardian's but then says they are selling illegal stuff so idk.

SYNOPSIS:*These are ultimately for me so I can remember what the books are about quickly*

Harper lives in a caravan with Leo and Lara. She was given to them by a mortal mother at 6 months old. She told them her father (Allister H) was a witch & she needed to be raised by witches. Mom left her with a ring engraved with her fathers name. So add a farmer's market when she's 17th they are there too sell goods. She ends up using magic In a big way and is sent in front of the Arcane Council. THIS PART REMINDS ME OF SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH MJH version of the council. The arcane council member decides that she needs to go to the AAA (Academy) till she is 21 to learn to control her magic. This Academy is full of rich people and her roommate is the headmaster's niece Bianca. She runs into Elias in the hallway and she thinks that he is a student but he's the history teacher. She isn't really told much and she's super clumsy. She goes out to the woods And she runs into 2 wolves who she thought she felt the familiar bond snapping into place but Elias shows up and tells her that they are wolf shifters not her familiars. Adrian and Cal are the wolves. 33% I DNFd
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews47 followers
July 2, 2020
I picked this up in a set of books 1-3. I mean the blurb sounds interesting. As we dive into the story, its very obvious there isn't much as far as world building goes. The author does brief explanations as things occur but for the most part, as the reader, I was just lost. I can't say this enough.. if you don't set clear parameters in your world build about the history, the races, the possibilities etc.. then there is no way to distinguish whether someone is extraordinary, or any way to actually grasp whether someone does something significant. By the end of the first book... I was just kind of being drug along for the ride. I have so many questions.. Why are vampires and shifters cursed to begin with? What happened in the magical world where they are from? What are the parameters for the magic the witches hold? Why was Harper able to bond with shifters? Why is no one else asking these questions. Why the heck is the head master after Harper and her family? WTH is going on lol?

I mean the world is intriguing for sure.. but there is just so much left out, that to me at least, would have made this an all together more well rounded work. I want to continue the series just to see if we get some answers.. and I mean I have books 1-3 in the set so book 2 is basically staring me down. I'm hoping for way more as the series continues because I'm not down with all the glaringly obvious questions eating away at my enjoyment.
Profile Image for Tori Bulmer.
308 reviews5 followers
May 1, 2025
This book is “advertised” as Paranormal romance. But honestly it’s YA fantasy. Which is still ok. There is absolutely no romance but high dark academia, fantasy and twists in this book. It has a great story line. It’s an easy read and very enjoyable. I’m halfway through book 2, if it’s still the same pace I’ll probably stop reading this series. Again, not because it’s bad but because it’s a little too YA.
520 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2019
I definitely enjoyed this story. I finished it in one setting. Harper is a witch with an unknown origins She was sent to the academy after an incident in New Orleans. Here, she meets many people but most especially learning something about her father which put her in danger.

I'm so totally fangirling with Elias, Adrian and Cal. Those three are quite mysterious and I would love to find out more about them. There's Bianca who is Harper's friend and I hope she stays that way even with happened near the end. I wouldn't want her to hold a grudge against Harper despite it not being her entire fault. She grew on me. I really like Harper's character. She might seem weak but in reality she is quite strong and always trying to take hold of her emotions. I'm glad that her familiars accepted her bond. I can't wait to see the bond of these four grew and I'm curious if there would be more joining her harem. The ending is quite a cliffhanger especially when it was getting to the good part but I hope with what they've discovered about her that Elias would be by her side since it sort of hinted that Elias saw her in a different way.

Profile Image for Irena Storm.
116 reviews
March 17, 2019
This is the first book that I have ever read by Elena Lawson. After reading this book, I plan to remedy that!

Just.... wow! Harper is living a gypsy life with her two guardians when she makes a mistake and is sent away to a very prestigious academy. There she meets the super sexy Elias who just so happens to be her teacher. She also bonds with two hot wolf shifters -Adrian and Cal. Elias is definitely my favorite thus far but I can't wait to learn more about the shifters. This book really only 'scratched the surface' with these two characters so I can't wait to see their characters/relationship with the MC develop.

This is a slow burn (which I love) but not a slow paced book. There is plenty of action and secrets looming around every corner. Harper's character is very kick ass, intelligent, and caring. So it was easy to become enthralled with her character.

One thing - the cliffhanger! Oh my word! It will definitely leave you dying for the second book. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series. 💖

Overall - It's a very good book with promises of being a very amazing series. So I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews

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