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Arcane Arts Academy #4
Shadow Tainted
Want to know what’s worse than being torn away from everything you knew? Try finding out that everything you knew was a lie.
Yeah. That’s where I’m at.
Turns out there’s a lot I didn’t know. About myself. My parents. Hell, about everything.
It seems like for every answer I find, I’m handed two new questions—ones even more difficult to unravel than the last.
I’m done with secrets. Finished with lies. It’s time for some damned truth for once. I’m crossing my fingers and toes me and the guys will find just that at my father’s summer home in Spain—La Casa Rosa. Martin said we might in the letter he left for me. He said other things, too—things I wish I could forget...
But La Casa Rosa isn't what we expected. Either we've finally stumbled onto a bit of fortune, or what we've found will lead us all to a fate far worse than death.
Fans of Vampire Academy, Shadowhunters, and Charmed will be spellbound by this next installment in Elena Lawson's Arcane Arts Academy series.
Yeah. That’s where I’m at.
Turns out there’s a lot I didn’t know. About myself. My parents. Hell, about everything.
It seems like for every answer I find, I’m handed two new questions—ones even more difficult to unravel than the last.
I’m done with secrets. Finished with lies. It’s time for some damned truth for once. I’m crossing my fingers and toes me and the guys will find just that at my father’s summer home in Spain—La Casa Rosa. Martin said we might in the letter he left for me. He said other things, too—things I wish I could forget...
But La Casa Rosa isn't what we expected. Either we've finally stumbled onto a bit of fortune, or what we've found will lead us all to a fate far worse than death.
Fans of Vampire Academy, Shadowhunters, and Charmed will be spellbound by this next installment in Elena Lawson's Arcane Arts Academy series.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2021
343 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Elena Lawson
43 books1,605 followersElena 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
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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 1, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another good book in the series. We are finally starting to get further into finding out the answers to alot of questions. The only thing I don't like about this book is how the FMC went from being considerate of how her guys feel to being selfish and not caring about how they feel when she puts herself in danger.. she knows they don't like it and she doesn't care.. wont even listen to reason.. its really starting to grate.. I hope she gets better in the next book.. other than that it's a good book.
Another good book in the series. We are finally starting to get further into finding out the answers to alot of questions. The only thing I don't like about this book is how the FMC went from being considerate of how her guys feel to being selfish and not caring about how they feel when she puts herself in danger.. she knows they don't like it and she doesn't care.. wont even listen to reason.. its really starting to grate.. I hope she gets better in the next book.. other than that it's a good book.
April 7, 2022
This series got a little slow for me so I had to take a break and read other books, but I am so glad I got back into the series. It definitely picked back up! Okay so there are a few things that I called. I totally called that the wolf was going to be her mom at La Casa Rosa, however I did not see that it was Dee the housekeeper. I also called that Granger was involved in Manifesto, I think she does care about Harper and was protecting her, but I think she also has her own agenda. I can’t believe the dagger was in the tapestry. There is so much to wrap up in the last book and I’m so ready for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
Holy freaking maze balls!!! I loved it! I need answers! I don’t even know how to express how much I loved this!!! I just.. hahdhskabdbdjenwksofnrbsghsmgarb.... ugh! Great writing, great story lines, fast paced and finally sexiness.
August 21, 2021
I am usually not a fan of YA, but this series has just pulled me in. It helps that Harper is not your typical whiny teen, and she’s very mature which is why I don’t mind the sexual aspects. Speaking of sexual aspects (LOL!), I am love with all her men. We learn more about everyone in this book, and I admit that I did see a couple of things coming. Not that that is bad thing, but I wasn’t as surprised as some will be! This is a great addition to the series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book when hopefully we will get more answers to what they are fighting. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 30, 2022
This was difficult to finish, I skimmed a lot of it just to get to the the more interesting parts. This book felt a little unnecessary in the series, not much happened in terms of relationship development or plot. It could have easily been added on to another book to be honest.
I don't mind a slow burn series, but we are in book 4 of the series and there is barely any relationship development or communication happening. Her familiars don't even know if she is that interested in them, as the only one she really seems to bother with is Elias. The FMC seems to spend most of her time doing her own thing, not wanting to compromise or thing about others. We see glimpses of this earlier in the series with her friend etc, but this book seems to have escalated her behaviour and it felt off putting. Especially her unnecessary risks with danger and just being a bit naïve and deciding her way is the only way. It is a shame as I really like the men in her RH (not sure you can really call it that when she only seems to kiss and crush on them and that is it). I do want to read the final in the series to see if anything finally develops in the RH relationship and the plot...but I think I need to come back at a later date.
I don't mind a slow burn series, but we are in book 4 of the series and there is barely any relationship development or communication happening. Her familiars don't even know if she is that interested in them, as the only one she really seems to bother with is Elias. The FMC seems to spend most of her time doing her own thing, not wanting to compromise or thing about others. We see glimpses of this earlier in the series with her friend etc, but this book seems to have escalated her behaviour and it felt off putting. Especially her unnecessary risks with danger and just being a bit naïve and deciding her way is the only way. It is a shame as I really like the men in her RH (not sure you can really call it that when she only seems to kiss and crush on them and that is it). I do want to read the final in the series to see if anything finally develops in the RH relationship and the plot...but I think I need to come back at a later date.
October 24, 2019
Finally, a scene that I have been waiting for. I did have a feeling who the first one would be. I can’t wait for her relationship with the other guys.
A bit more is revealed in this book. I still can’t get over Martin’s death. I still cry when I think about him. I really wished he was still alive. The secret that Martin revealed I definitely did not see that coming. More was revealed when they reached La Casa Rosa. I would like to learn more about Dee. I never expected that tidbit.
What was more surprising was about Granger. I did read her novella so this is a bit confusing.
I just learned that the fifth book would be the last one. I can’t wait.
A bit more is revealed in this book. I still can’t get over Martin’s death. I still cry when I think about him. I really wished he was still alive. The secret that Martin revealed I definitely did not see that coming. More was revealed when they reached La Casa Rosa. I would like to learn more about Dee. I never expected that tidbit.
What was more surprising was about Granger. I did read her novella so this is a bit confusing.
I just learned that the fifth book would be the last one. I can’t wait.
October 25, 2019
Harper cannot catch a break! Just when she thinks things are starting to smooth out, things keep flying at her left right and center!
While she is developing her relationships with her men, things getting quite steamy with some, they’re still doing everything they can to try and research and find a way to break the curse! Knowing who to trust is becoming more difficult, and the betrayals might eventually break her!
I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book! I need it yesterday! Can’t wait! Highly recommend!
While she is developing her relationships with her men, things getting quite steamy with some, they’re still doing everything they can to try and research and find a way to break the curse! Knowing who to trust is becoming more difficult, and the betrayals might eventually break her!
I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book! I need it yesterday! Can’t wait! Highly recommend!
July 7, 2022
Loved this series and have been patiently awaiting the 5th book. Have this book sitting on my awaiting sequels list on Amazon and noticed yesterday it has now disappeared. I was waiting to purchase this book in a boxset with the final book, I assumed there'd be one but now the whole series has disappeared off the face of the earth, regret not getting this :\ I should have bought it when the prequel disappeared months ago, then Of Rite and Ruin (Book 5) and Chasing Time 2. Why are all Elena Lawson's titles disappearing?
October 24, 2019
This installment of the series definitely didn’t disappoint. While this book didn’t have as much action as some of the others so many secrets are brought to light in this book that you will be hanging on every word. Harper’s and the guys relationships deepen and we learn more about what the Manifesto has planned. I cant wait to see how the author completes this series. And lets not forget that twist ending!! "I voluntarily received this book for an honest review”
January 29, 2022
In caring about her friends and family, Harper actually becomes quite selfish. She is taking unnecessary risks and thinks it's up to her to safe the world. It's starting to grate a little bit so yeah I feel for her lovers (Adrian expressed this struggle near the end). However, I've waited ,2 years to finish this series so I will read the fifth and final book :)
August 26, 2021
Omg- Does she ever Get any real rest? Is there anyone she can trust? Another book, another mystery and any more questions! But forget all of that- and just enjoy! Elena is an amazing writer and I absolutely love this book!!!
November 2, 2019
Omg I freaking love this series. This girl never gets a break. But things are starting to heat up for her. She's learning more and finding out more information about her family than before. Awesome read.
November 13, 2019
I love this series so much. I love how things evolve slowly but at an steady pace, it is like peeling an onion... When you think you got it all solved, another layer appears... And I love how questions are always answered. Highly recommend this one
December 22, 2021
not enough growth in MC
One thing is really annoying me about Harper. She has this amazing group of men around her allowing her to have guidance experience knowledge love in spades… but she never takes advantage of it. She only follows through on emotions which are fleeting and every changing. So her stubbornness is beyond irritating. Explain your thoughts and listen to theirs. Allow them to fight along side you just as you demand to fight alongside them. I understand she grew up as a loner but I’m seeing no growth in her beyond that. She makes bonds but never trusts them and does everything herself. If you’re going to constantly ignore their advance and constantly try to keep them from danger while you throw yourself at it… I mean all you’re keeping them around for at this point is sex because there has definitely been no relationship building between anyone except Elias. Ugh end rant lol I do enjoy the storyline and mystery though and would still recommend the series just with a warning as stated about lol on to the finale!
One thing is really annoying me about Harper. She has this amazing group of men around her allowing her to have guidance experience knowledge love in spades… but she never takes advantage of it. She only follows through on emotions which are fleeting and every changing. So her stubbornness is beyond irritating. Explain your thoughts and listen to theirs. Allow them to fight along side you just as you demand to fight alongside them. I understand she grew up as a loner but I’m seeing no growth in her beyond that. She makes bonds but never trusts them and does everything herself. If you’re going to constantly ignore their advance and constantly try to keep them from danger while you throw yourself at it… I mean all you’re keeping them around for at this point is sex because there has definitely been no relationship building between anyone except Elias. Ugh end rant lol I do enjoy the storyline and mystery though and would still recommend the series just with a warning as stated about lol on to the finale!
March 8, 2022
This one was rough and I think its because it just felt like a filler...
I feel like it lacked in the relationship building aspect of the RH... like we have the group but theres no bonding/ relationship foreword momentum... except 1 person and it just happens with no further action or discussion with the group... This story may have been a lot stronger if it wasn't an RH and the group wasn't all romantically attached. She clearly has a favorite.. she also doesn't trust the guys, she constantly refuses to listen to them.
Now I know Harper is only 18 but man did she have major teenager attitude in this one.. ex..
Harper- " Guys don't do the dangerous thing! I cant lose you"
Guys - " OK we will compromise and do the thing as a group"
Guys- " Harper don't do the dangerous thing, let us help you"
Harper- " YOU CANT TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I DO WHAT I WANT"
OR - " Ok I understand I wont do the thing"... waits till guys leave... does the thing..
This was the entire book...and it got annoying real fast.
I feel like it lacked in the relationship building aspect of the RH... like we have the group but theres no bonding/ relationship foreword momentum... except 1 person and it just happens with no further action or discussion with the group... This story may have been a lot stronger if it wasn't an RH and the group wasn't all romantically attached. She clearly has a favorite.. she also doesn't trust the guys, she constantly refuses to listen to them.
Now I know Harper is only 18 but man did she have major teenager attitude in this one.. ex..
Harper- " Guys don't do the dangerous thing! I cant lose you"
Guys - " OK we will compromise and do the thing as a group"
Guys- " Harper don't do the dangerous thing, let us help you"
Harper- " YOU CANT TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I DO WHAT I WANT"
OR - " Ok I understand I wont do the thing"... waits till guys leave... does the thing..
This was the entire book...and it got annoying real fast.
July 8, 2020
5 stars for Of Fate and Fortune by Elena Lawson. This is book four in the Arcane Arts Academy series. Ok so I thought this was the last book in the series but it is not. So be prepared for another brutal cliffhanger. Finally Harper and one of her hotties partake in some sexy times. I am not going to tell you who though. So all of the men and Harper are in Spain on the hunt for information. They might just be getting more than they bargained for. Harper isn’t sure who to trust besides her men, but maybe she has already trusted the wrong person. I am on edge after the ending in this book. I really need book five. I haven’t heard anything about when it comes out but I will be impatiently waiting. LOL
December 10, 2021
I can't stand Harper...
But her guys and the hope she grows the hell up keeps me reading. I honestly don't know if I can stomach another book of her selfish immaturity. She treats her guys not like partners or equals but like a child having a tantrum. It's a good thing the guys are drawn to her by supernatural bonds because no way should any of them want to be around her otherwise. I wish I could express how frustrated I am with her as a character. She makes *me* want to throw a fit.
This book gets four stars because outside of Harper, I like the story and want to know where it's going. The writing itself is good and if Harper wasn't so immensely unlikable, this would easily be five stars.
Ugh, I really can't stand her.
But her guys and the hope she grows the hell up keeps me reading. I honestly don't know if I can stomach another book of her selfish immaturity. She treats her guys not like partners or equals but like a child having a tantrum. It's a good thing the guys are drawn to her by supernatural bonds because no way should any of them want to be around her otherwise. I wish I could express how frustrated I am with her as a character. She makes *me* want to throw a fit.
This book gets four stars because outside of Harper, I like the story and want to know where it's going. The writing itself is good and if Harper wasn't so immensely unlikable, this would easily be five stars.
Ugh, I really can't stand her.
December 2, 2021
WTF is wrong with you Harper? It's almost as she's another person, the character is losing all the sense, and the things that make her likeable 🥴 it's at awful transformation, from a capable young woman at spoiled and selfish child, she don't care what any of his "mates" thinks or feels, she doesn't respect them or care about their feelings the shifters specially, a pity I was expecting so much more, after 4 books the sex was lacking, cero chemistry and the harem it's more a group almost forced to be together, it's all going down, because the authors made a unnecessary long history throwing drama without consequences.
February 20, 2022
Trust no one!!!!
Oh boy! This book took me on a roller coaster!!! So many mysteries and so much love. Spoiler at the end of this, so stop reading if you don't want to know. Poor Harper is all over the place and keeps getting thrown curveballs. Poor girl hasn't had a break and still keeps her values in line. She isn't willing to sacrifice innocents and hates killing. I can't wait to see how the story ends in the next book, but I'm sad I'm going to start the last book! *** Ok, so for the spoiler...... I was really hoping Harper's first time would have been with Cal since it would've been his first too. Kinda made me sad. *** But the story is still soooo good!
Oh boy! This book took me on a roller coaster!!! So many mysteries and so much love. Spoiler at the end of this, so stop reading if you don't want to know. Poor Harper is all over the place and keeps getting thrown curveballs. Poor girl hasn't had a break and still keeps her values in line. She isn't willing to sacrifice innocents and hates killing. I can't wait to see how the story ends in the next book, but I'm sad I'm going to start the last book! *** Ok, so for the spoiler...... I was really hoping Harper's first time would have been with Cal since it would've been his first too. Kinda made me sad. *** But the story is still soooo good!
November 28, 2021
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
I am so glad that some mysteries were revealed in this book! Harper is finally on her way to uncovering the secrets surrounding her life, really, and I'm definitely here to enjoy that ride.
The ending dumped a lot of information at the reader, which is why I'm super happy that I have the next, and last, book on deck to dive right in.
I'm still really on Team Draven and not so much for Elias, but that's alright. I feel bad for Cal and Adrian and hope things progress between them soon.
I am so glad that some mysteries were revealed in this book! Harper is finally on her way to uncovering the secrets surrounding her life, really, and I'm definitely here to enjoy that ride.
The ending dumped a lot of information at the reader, which is why I'm super happy that I have the next, and last, book on deck to dive right in.
I'm still really on Team Draven and not so much for Elias, but that's alright. I feel bad for Cal and Adrian and hope things progress between them soon.
July 18, 2020
Still waiting for the big surprise. Was really hoping this would finally be done with only to realize it isn't and even worse it hasn't even been written yet.
Judging by the author's release schedule who knows if and when they ever will be.
Since books 1-4 were released between 02/19 and 10/19 and the author has been busy releasing 7 books from other series in the 9 months since then.
I do hate it when authors leave series unfinished like that.
Judging by the author's release schedule who knows if and when they ever will be.
Since books 1-4 were released between 02/19 and 10/19 and the author has been busy releasing 7 books from other series in the 9 months since then.
I do hate it when authors leave series unfinished like that.
August 24, 2021
Omg the betrayal
It hurts. I'm so upset for Harper. That ending came out of nowhere.
I'm glad we got a little more relationship progression, but we're also 4 books into a 5 book RH series and they still haven't all talked about their feelings. Like ffs just open up already.
The teensy little bit of steam was nice, definitely not smutty.
Looking forward to seeing how things are wrapped up in the next book.
It hurts. I'm so upset for Harper. That ending came out of nowhere.
I'm glad we got a little more relationship progression, but we're also 4 books into a 5 book RH series and they still haven't all talked about their feelings. Like ffs just open up already.
The teensy little bit of steam was nice, definitely not smutty.
Looking forward to seeing how things are wrapped up in the next book.
September 7, 2021
This series is just so good!!
This book brought so much more depth to the story. Alot of secrets were revealed and alot of emotions were heightened. The chemistry with Harper and the guys is off the charts, and I need more! That shocker with Granger and Dee....holy cow. And I need more Bianca, like stat. This story is so well crafted its hard to put down. I can only begin to imagine all the ways it might end. I just hope Martin is the only crushing loss for us.
This book brought so much more depth to the story. Alot of secrets were revealed and alot of emotions were heightened. The chemistry with Harper and the guys is off the charts, and I need more! That shocker with Granger and Dee....holy cow. And I need more Bianca, like stat. This story is so well crafted its hard to put down. I can only begin to imagine all the ways it might end. I just hope Martin is the only crushing loss for us.
December 20, 2021
More questions, few answers
Harper and her men are headed to Spain, to her father's family vacation home. They hope to find answers as to why her father was murdered and to see if the wolf and vampire curses can be reversed. A trusted friend turns traitor, a mask takes Harper to an unknown tunnel, and a strange shifter roams on Harper's land in Spain. But so far, they haven't been able to find very many answers. Will they ever find the answers they need to end the curse?
Harper and her men are headed to Spain, to her father's family vacation home. They hope to find answers as to why her father was murdered and to see if the wolf and vampire curses can be reversed. A trusted friend turns traitor, a mask takes Harper to an unknown tunnel, and a strange shifter roams on Harper's land in Spain. But so far, they haven't been able to find very many answers. Will they ever find the answers they need to end the curse?
August 29, 2022
I am so disappointed to get so far into a series and for it to take such a turn. Harper got real stupid real quick. Selfish Whiny brat stupid. Who lets people just wonder around their house unsupervised? And if there’s a ravenous wild beast outside i know going outside is where i wanna be…. Rather than throwing spells from the second story window. And who is actually that clumsy???? Just no. I don’t think i can finish this series. I’ll imagine my own ending
March 27, 2020
Secrets are being revealed
Harper has a LOT on her plate, including figuring out relationships with Elias, Draven, Cal, and Adrian. We learn more about the past, and Harper has some shocking surprises along the way. I’m eager to see Of Rite & Ruin published to find out what Harper will need to do to save her familiars and Draven.
Harper has a LOT on her plate, including figuring out relationships with Elias, Draven, Cal, and Adrian. We learn more about the past, and Harper has some shocking surprises along the way. I’m eager to see Of Rite & Ruin published to find out what Harper will need to do to save her familiars and Draven.
March 28, 2020
Man I hate Harper. The girl is just childish and a stupid a** b****.
"You're so strong" my ass. Got a migraine from rolling my eyes so much. If it weren't for this covid-19 quarantine, i would have never made it this far.
Not sure if I want to spend money on the last book... But the story is somewhat entertaining... I guess... Sigh... I'll see in may.
"You're so strong" my ass. Got a migraine from rolling my eyes so much. If it weren't for this covid-19 quarantine, i would have never made it this far.
Not sure if I want to spend money on the last book... But the story is somewhat entertaining... I guess... Sigh... I'll see in may.
July 1, 2020
Of Fate and Fortune
I cannot, with a clear conscience, rate this higher with all of the errors in grammar and editing. Although the verb use following the words “if” or “wish” have been consistently misused, this book has had the most errors so far. I also hope you learn to correctly use the pronouns “I” and “me”.
I cannot, with a clear conscience, rate this higher with all of the errors in grammar and editing. Although the verb use following the words “if” or “wish” have been consistently misused, this book has had the most errors so far. I also hope you learn to correctly use the pronouns “I” and “me”.
June 26, 2022
I think I’m the only one who bothers about how many boyfriends this girl has! Why 4 men?? It seems she has a special connection with EVERY pretty guy who smiles to her. It’s disgusting to me. I don’t know if I can finish the book. Harper is totally selfish. The book would be much better if it has more feminine characters who could have a romantic relationship with the other guys.
February 14, 2020
Love this series
Love this series. It drew me in almost immediately. I will say this last one needs to be re edited. There were a lot of small mistakes/ inconsistencies. Cannot wait for the 5th book
Love this series. It drew me in almost immediately. I will say this last one needs to be re edited. There were a lot of small mistakes/ inconsistencies. Cannot wait for the 5th book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews