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An Arcane Inheritance
Not yet published
Expected 30 Dec 25
A modern-day dark academia fantasy with a twist, perfect for fans of Babel and A Deadly Education.
Warren University has stood amongst the ivy elite for centuries, built on the bones―and forbidden magic―of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way.
Ellory Morgan is determined to prove that she belongs at Warren University, an ivy league school whose history is deeply linked to occult rumors and dark secrets. But as she settles into her Freshman year, something about the ornate buildings and shadowy paths feels strangely…familiar. And, with every passing day, that sense of déjà vu grows increasingly sinister.
Despite all logic, despite all reason, despite all the rules of reality, Ellory knows one thing to be true: she has been here before. And if she can't convince brooding legacy student Hudson Graves to help her remember a past that seems determined to slip through her fingers as if by some insidious magic…this time, she may lose herself for good.
Warren University has stood amongst the ivy elite for centuries, built on the bones―and forbidden magic―of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way.
Ellory Morgan is determined to prove that she belongs at Warren University, an ivy league school whose history is deeply linked to occult rumors and dark secrets. But as she settles into her Freshman year, something about the ornate buildings and shadowy paths feels strangely…familiar. And, with every passing day, that sense of déjà vu grows increasingly sinister.
Despite all logic, despite all reason, despite all the rules of reality, Ellory knows one thing to be true: she has been here before. And if she can't convince brooding legacy student Hudson Graves to help her remember a past that seems determined to slip through her fingers as if by some insidious magic…this time, she may lose herself for good.
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 30, 2025
26775 people want to read
About the author
Kamilah Cole
6 books822 followersKamilah Cole is a national bestselling author who has been nominated for a Lodestar Award, a Lambda Award, and a Dragon Award. Jamaican-born and American-raised, she works in publishing by day and by night she writes like she’s running out of time. In the past, she’s also worked as a journalist and at a hotel, two jobs that give you amazing stories to tell at parties. You know, if she went to parties.
A graduate of New York University, Kamilah is currently based in the Pacific Northwest, where she’s usually playing Kingdom Hearts for the hundredth time, quoting early Spongebob Squarepants episodes, or crying her way through Zuko’s redemption arc in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
A graduate of New York University, Kamilah is currently based in the Pacific Northwest, where she’s usually playing Kingdom Hearts for the hundredth time, quoting early Spongebob Squarepants episodes, or crying her way through Zuko’s redemption arc in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 15, 2025
Anyone who offers me a dark academia, twisty mystery laced with paranormal events and my all-time favorite romance trope—enemies to lovers—has my full attention and immediate celebration mode activated!
This one is a heady mix: think A Deadly Education meets Katabasis, draped in Tim Burton’s Wednesday aesthetic (minus the outsiders, plus the wealthy elite), with a dash of a certain famous Christopher Nolan film’s energy. I can’t tell you which Nolan movie—it’s tied to the book’s biggest twist—but trust me, when you hit that final third, you’ll know exactly what I mean. The atmosphere is dark, tense, and deliciously intriguing, the storytelling a slow burn that still manages to pull you under almost immediately.
At first, we follow Ellory Morgan—a scholarship student, mostly solitary except for her loyal friends Tai and Cody—returning to Warren Academy after three years away caring for her ailing aunt. She’s immediately confronted by her academic arch-nemesis, Hudson Graves: rich, intimidating, maddeningly smart, and infuriating from their very first encounter. Life on campus unfolds with vivid details—her run-ins with her selfish roommate Stasie, her ambition to join the school newspaper (against her aunt’s wishes), and eerie flashes of déjà vu that make her question reality. She remembers places, events, even Hudson’s exact coffee order, despite never having learned it.
The turning point comes when she attends an exclusive dinner party as Hudson’s plus one—a chance to mingle with academic power players. But a strange reflection in the mirror and an unsettling handwriting discovery in a book confirm her suspicions: the bizarre events aren’t in her imagination. They’re real. And the only person who can help her? Hudson Graves.
Reluctant alliances form, complicated by her dating his ex-roommate Liam, and the mystery deepens. Eight student deaths have haunted Warren Academy over the years, and Ellory begins to suspect the anomalies she’s facing are connected. Solving this puzzle might be the only way to save herself—and those she loves—from a deadly fate.
I’ll be honest—the first half is a slow build, with the real fireworks arriving in the second half. But once the pace kicks in, the story takes wild, unexpected turns that hit you in the face and pull the rug out from under you. It’s twisty, surprising, and brilliantly wrapped up in a finale that left me both satisfied and impressed. I’m glad I kept reading—because when it finally takes off, it’s mind-blowing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this smart and gripping dark academia fantasy’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This one is a heady mix: think A Deadly Education meets Katabasis, draped in Tim Burton’s Wednesday aesthetic (minus the outsiders, plus the wealthy elite), with a dash of a certain famous Christopher Nolan film’s energy. I can’t tell you which Nolan movie—it’s tied to the book’s biggest twist—but trust me, when you hit that final third, you’ll know exactly what I mean. The atmosphere is dark, tense, and deliciously intriguing, the storytelling a slow burn that still manages to pull you under almost immediately.
At first, we follow Ellory Morgan—a scholarship student, mostly solitary except for her loyal friends Tai and Cody—returning to Warren Academy after three years away caring for her ailing aunt. She’s immediately confronted by her academic arch-nemesis, Hudson Graves: rich, intimidating, maddeningly smart, and infuriating from their very first encounter. Life on campus unfolds with vivid details—her run-ins with her selfish roommate Stasie, her ambition to join the school newspaper (against her aunt’s wishes), and eerie flashes of déjà vu that make her question reality. She remembers places, events, even Hudson’s exact coffee order, despite never having learned it.
The turning point comes when she attends an exclusive dinner party as Hudson’s plus one—a chance to mingle with academic power players. But a strange reflection in the mirror and an unsettling handwriting discovery in a book confirm her suspicions: the bizarre events aren’t in her imagination. They’re real. And the only person who can help her? Hudson Graves.
Reluctant alliances form, complicated by her dating his ex-roommate Liam, and the mystery deepens. Eight student deaths have haunted Warren Academy over the years, and Ellory begins to suspect the anomalies she’s facing are connected. Solving this puzzle might be the only way to save herself—and those she loves—from a deadly fate.
I’ll be honest—the first half is a slow build, with the real fireworks arriving in the second half. But once the pace kicks in, the story takes wild, unexpected turns that hit you in the face and pull the rug out from under you. It’s twisty, surprising, and brilliantly wrapped up in a finale that left me both satisfied and impressed. I’m glad I kept reading—because when it finally takes off, it’s mind-blowing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing this smart and gripping dark academia fantasy’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
July 27, 2025
I'm giving it 3.5 stars but that will change I'm almost sure, just give me the time to reread and I will bump it up to 5. I'll explain, don't worry.
It began a little slower than what I expected, the fact that I was confused for most of the first 20% didn't help. Then until I wanna say 50-55% I wasn't on board for it, a lot of it flew over my head I was truly not interested, I believe most of it is because this has magic and I didn't know what to do with that information. So before you start it maybe read the blurb? Or a review? Just don't go in blind but with high expectations for something this isn't(I'm an idiot, I know). But then it got GREAT, I'm talking new favorite book levels of great, a new level of dark academia great(and if you know me you know I don't joke about dark academia, it's my favorite thing). And then those last 15%? I couldn't look away, I'm out even sure I blinked.
This was genre defying, it has great writing and lovable(and hateable too!) characters. The plot is wild, and that's why I'm desperate to reread and fully grasp it.
We follow Ellory as she is admitted to this really exclusive, strange school and weird things start to happen. The ending will leave you shocked, just trust me.
This is one of those books you will remember your reaction, even if you forget the plot. I know I'm not explaining it at all but that's just because I need everyone to read it.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for the ARC.
It began a little slower than what I expected, the fact that I was confused for most of the first 20% didn't help. Then until I wanna say 50-55% I wasn't on board for it, a lot of it flew over my head I was truly not interested, I believe most of it is because this has magic and I didn't know what to do with that information. So before you start it maybe read the blurb? Or a review? Just don't go in blind but with high expectations for something this isn't(I'm an idiot, I know). But then it got GREAT, I'm talking new favorite book levels of great, a new level of dark academia great(and if you know me you know I don't joke about dark academia, it's my favorite thing). And then those last 15%? I couldn't look away, I'm out even sure I blinked.
This was genre defying, it has great writing and lovable(and hateable too!) characters. The plot is wild, and that's why I'm desperate to reread and fully grasp it.
We follow Ellory as she is admitted to this really exclusive, strange school and weird things start to happen. The ending will leave you shocked, just trust me.
This is one of those books you will remember your reaction, even if you forget the plot. I know I'm not explaining it at all but that's just because I need everyone to read it.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for the ARC.
August 14, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
An Arcane Inheritance is the kind of slow-burn, paranormal mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. The writing is atmospheric and gripping, with lovely prose, perfectly suiting the modern, dark academia setting.
The story follows Ellory Morgan, our 21 year old freshman in her first year at Warren University, a mysterious and haunted Ivy League school. Even though it’s Ellory’s first year on campus, she’s overwhelmed by an intense sense of déjà vu and the feeling that she’s been here before. When Ellory suspects that magic may be at play, she partners with her academic rival, Hudson Graves, to uncover the truth; but to understand the present, they must first unravel secrets of the past. As the story progresses and the suspense builds, Ellory discovers the deception goes deeper than she could have ever imagined, making it impossible to know who to trust.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for dark academia lovers and those looking for BIPOC representation in the fantasy genre. While I found the plot and mystery to be interesting, it was slow-moving and began to drag a bit in the middle. The story doesn’t fully take off until around the 80% mark, but when it does, it’s unputdownable.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
An Arcane Inheritance is the kind of slow-burn, paranormal mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. The writing is atmospheric and gripping, with lovely prose, perfectly suiting the modern, dark academia setting.
The story follows Ellory Morgan, our 21 year old freshman in her first year at Warren University, a mysterious and haunted Ivy League school. Even though it’s Ellory’s first year on campus, she’s overwhelmed by an intense sense of déjà vu and the feeling that she’s been here before. When Ellory suspects that magic may be at play, she partners with her academic rival, Hudson Graves, to uncover the truth; but to understand the present, they must first unravel secrets of the past. As the story progresses and the suspense builds, Ellory discovers the deception goes deeper than she could have ever imagined, making it impossible to know who to trust.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for dark academia lovers and those looking for BIPOC representation in the fantasy genre. While I found the plot and mystery to be interesting, it was slow-moving and began to drag a bit in the middle. The story doesn’t fully take off until around the 80% mark, but when it does, it’s unputdownable.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2025
Hi everyone! An Arcane Inheritance is my Adult debut, and, as always, I am very proud of it. As early copies begin to make their way into the world, I hope you resonate with the story of Ellory Morgan, Hudson Graves, and the dangers and mysteries that unfold around them at Warren University.
This is a dark academia fantasy with horror, thriller, and romance elements, and it tackles the subject of the American Dream and higher education from the perspective of a first generation Jamaican-American immigrant. It also has college shenanigans, steamy kisses, and a queer cast.
All of that said, please read responsibly. You can find the content warnings below.
-racism, classicism, elitism (all challenged)
-allusions to death, corpses, burials
-anxiety and panic attacks (POV)
-closed-door sexual content
-violence
-attempted murder
-body horror
Thank you for your interest in my book <3
This is a dark academia fantasy with horror, thriller, and romance elements, and it tackles the subject of the American Dream and higher education from the perspective of a first generation Jamaican-American immigrant. It also has college shenanigans, steamy kisses, and a queer cast.
All of that said, please read responsibly. You can find the content warnings below.
-racism, classicism, elitism (all challenged)
-allusions to death, corpses, burials
-anxiety and panic attacks (POV)
-closed-door sexual content
-violence
-attempted murder
-body horror
Thank you for your interest in my book <3
October 4, 2023
REMEMBER to read this book because it will change ur life
Want to read
January 29, 2024"a dark academia thriller, where a college freshman is haunted by a sense of dejá vu that turns deadly when she finds a message scrawled on her skin written in her own hand that simply says REMEMBER."
HELLO?? THAT SOUNDS SO COOL??!!!?!
HELLO?? THAT SOUNDS SO COOL??!!!?!
May 11, 2025
A stunning meditation about what it means to belong within institutions built on foundations of exclusion. An Arcane Inheritance blends the occult and dark academia in a riveting narrative while also questioning what it means to be remembered—and who is or isn’t given that privilege.
Want to read
June 29, 2023adding a speculative dark academia thriller with a Black protagonist on the day the supreme court overturns affirmative action programs at UNC and harvard? you better believe it
August 16, 2025
When Ellory Morgan receives a serendipitous scholarship to Warren University following a string of failed financial aid applications, it feels like her future is finally taking flight - that is, of course, before her arrival on campus onsets a series of strange, unexplainable experiences. Before long, it becomes clear that buried deep beneath Warren University’s opulent facade lies a sinister history, and that dark forces are conspiring to keep the truth hidden at any cost. Desperate for answers, Ellory turns to Hudson Graves, her surefooted academic nemesis, to aid in her quest for the truth before she becomes yet another casualty effaced from Warren’s history.
I’ll start with what was done well: An Arcane Inheritance hits all the right atmospheric notes - it is dark, unsettling, and delivers on creating a deep sense of foreboding that carries through to the finale. After all, we have an enigmatic secret society running afoul, a school with a stormy history of mysterious deaths, and concerted efforts made by powerful people to conceal any wrongdoing from those who get too close to the truth. Needless to say, our FMC is clearly not destined to have a peaceful school year.
The central mystery was interesting, but I don’t think we needed 400+ pages worth of buildup to arrive at the conclusion. The abundance of lead-up and exposition was likely intended to build suspense and tension, but instead had the effect of making the story circuitous and repetitive. I’m not entirely sure the payoff was worth the ride, but your mileage may vary.
Overall, I’d give this one a 3/5.
I’ll start with what was done well: An Arcane Inheritance hits all the right atmospheric notes - it is dark, unsettling, and delivers on creating a deep sense of foreboding that carries through to the finale. After all, we have an enigmatic secret society running afoul, a school with a stormy history of mysterious deaths, and concerted efforts made by powerful people to conceal any wrongdoing from those who get too close to the truth. Needless to say, our FMC is clearly not destined to have a peaceful school year.
The central mystery was interesting, but I don’t think we needed 400+ pages worth of buildup to arrive at the conclusion. The abundance of lead-up and exposition was likely intended to build suspense and tension, but instead had the effect of making the story circuitous and repetitive. I’m not entirely sure the payoff was worth the ride, but your mileage may vary.
Overall, I’d give this one a 3/5.
Want to read
June 9, 2025Dark academia with a university that is "built on the bones―and forbidden magic―of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way."
GET ON MY KINDLE RIGHT NOW!
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GET ON MY KINDLE RIGHT NOW!
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September 5, 2025
Received an ARC of An Arcane Inheritance, thank you so much Kamilah Cole! Excited to dive in!
August 7, 2025
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! Review to come. I need to process. Incredible. Amazing. Processing.
Want to read
June 25, 2023Perfect for fans of NINTH HOUSE and INCEPTION
Say less
Say less
February 14, 2025
The book that so many other books aspire to be.
August 25, 2025
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
This started off so, SO strongly for me. The vibes? Immaculate. The writing? Expressive and vivid. The tension and banter between Ellory and Hudson? Yes. The undercurrent of something "off"? Double yes.
Ellory, as the protagonist, was so strong and I loved the way she was written. The author did such a brilliant job of highlighting her need and desire for perfection and validation, while also pushing down her yearning for something more.
Unfortunately, the book really started to lose me past the halfway point. I'm still not entirely certain I "get" it and there were certain choices the author made regarding plot reveals that fell pretty flat for me. Plus, there was the addition of a pseudo-romance between Ellory and another character that while I get it, didn't work for me and I kind of wish that character didn't exist. I think it really took away from the relationship building between Hudson and Ellory.
I also wish the magic were explained a little more. I don't quite fully get it and feel like there was something missing there to feel like it fit in the world the author had created.
I will say that I actually really liked the epilogue, despite my sort of dislike of how the bigger aspects of the plot were revealed and resolved.
I'm still really invested in this author's work. I just think this one, regrettably, missed the mark for me in the end. Super, super strong beginning, though!
This started off so, SO strongly for me. The vibes? Immaculate. The writing? Expressive and vivid. The tension and banter between Ellory and Hudson? Yes. The undercurrent of something "off"? Double yes.
Ellory, as the protagonist, was so strong and I loved the way she was written. The author did such a brilliant job of highlighting her need and desire for perfection and validation, while also pushing down her yearning for something more.
Unfortunately, the book really started to lose me past the halfway point. I'm still not entirely certain I "get" it and there were certain choices the author made regarding plot reveals that fell pretty flat for me. Plus, there was the addition of a pseudo-romance between Ellory and another character that while I get it, didn't work for me and I kind of wish that character didn't exist. I think it really took away from the relationship building between Hudson and Ellory.
I also wish the magic were explained a little more. I don't quite fully get it and feel like there was something missing there to feel like it fit in the world the author had created.
I will say that I actually really liked the epilogue, despite my sort of dislike of how the bigger aspects of the plot were revealed and resolved.
I'm still really invested in this author's work. I just think this one, regrettably, missed the mark for me in the end. Super, super strong beginning, though!
August 13, 2025
My friend wrote this and it was VERY GOOD
August 30, 2025
a new dark academia bombshell has officially entered the villa, and she is PERFECT. i’ve been in a low-key kind of slump for the past few weeks where i’ve been struggling to motivate myself to pick up the books i’ve been reading, and this book has officially cured me. i couldn’t put it down!!
kamilah cole’s writing really is beautiful – that’s something that hooked me from the start, and i remained consistently impressed throughout by the beautiful turns of phrase that she pulled out. it felt very appropriate for the setting and subject matter of the story, as if every sentence were a spell. (especially considering a reveal that happens later on. iykyk.) i loved rooting for ellory the entire time – she truly leapt off the page as a fully realized person, and i feel like the author did a great job with fleshing out the characters in general. ellory and hudson’s arc was also particularly delicious, all the way up through that ending. THAT ENDING. i knew something was coming based off other reviews alluding to crazy things going down, but man, i’m still fucked up over the way it ended. talk about a rush!
this book had really unique and interesting worldbuilding within the oft-revisited dark academia genre. i loooove reading about the fucked-up goings-on in a lofty new england institution, so thank you to kamilah cole for keeping all of us fed! i can’t get too deep into it without spoiling the intricacies of it, but piecing together the narrative as i went along keep me SO fascinated the whole time. i’m excited to reread after this comes out so i can experience it from a new perspective!
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
kamilah cole’s writing really is beautiful – that’s something that hooked me from the start, and i remained consistently impressed throughout by the beautiful turns of phrase that she pulled out. it felt very appropriate for the setting and subject matter of the story, as if every sentence were a spell. (especially considering a reveal that happens later on. iykyk.) i loved rooting for ellory the entire time – she truly leapt off the page as a fully realized person, and i feel like the author did a great job with fleshing out the characters in general. ellory and hudson’s arc was also particularly delicious, all the way up through that ending. THAT ENDING. i knew something was coming based off other reviews alluding to crazy things going down, but man, i’m still fucked up over the way it ended. talk about a rush!
this book had really unique and interesting worldbuilding within the oft-revisited dark academia genre. i loooove reading about the fucked-up goings-on in a lofty new england institution, so thank you to kamilah cole for keeping all of us fed! i can’t get too deep into it without spoiling the intricacies of it, but piecing together the narrative as i went along keep me SO fascinated the whole time. i’m excited to reread after this comes out so i can experience it from a new perspective!
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
This is a solid 3.5 for me but it def rounds more up than down. It took a bit to get into, starts out slow for the first half or so then takes off. This is absolutely perfect for fans of dark academia with dark spooky vibes making this a perfect fall read. Thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for sharing an early copy with me.
July 18, 2025
This gave me lots of food for thought! Modern Divination meets Legendborn meets Leigh Bardugo's Alex Stern books maybe??? There were turns of phrase that I literally had to stop and think about after I read them. Bravo!
July 16, 2025
I've been anticipating this since it was announced, and it did not disappoint. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I think this would be an interesting one to reread.
August 27, 2025
straight to the hall of fame for ellory and hudson
August 21, 2025
Brilliant and inventive. I felt like I knew what was coming in the end and I was utterly and so pleasantly shocked by the turn. From the beginning, I felt like I knew these characters. Such an enjoyable adventure and engaging world.
August 12, 2025
Any genre that Kamilah Cole decides to write in is lucky to have her. This is everything that dark academia is supposed to be, about a Black woman at an Ivy League school who begins to suspect she is reliving events. It is about magic and power, and about how far some will go to obtain both. But it is also about care, about caring enough to dig up a rot-infested history to try and untangle it. It is truly a masterpiece.
August 7, 2025
ummm this was addictive and stressful… sometimes it made my head hurt (in a good way) and now my heart hurts (also in a good way)
I need to reread it
I need to reread it
Want to read
June 11, 2025a speculative dark academia thriller about a college freshman haunted by a sense of deja vu that turns deadly when she finds a message scrawled on her skin written in her own hand that simply says REMEMBER
An adult speculative dark academia thriller that has rivals to lovers with a twist featuring two bisexuals of color?? Sign me up!!!
An adult speculative dark academia thriller that has rivals to lovers with a twist featuring two bisexuals of color?? Sign me up!!!
Want to read
August 16, 2024Amnesia-fic story plus Kamilah Cole?! Am I dreaming?
September 5, 2025
Some writers tell you a story; others invite you into their world for a time. And then there are those who kidnap you from page one and only turn you loose when they are done having their way with you. Care to guess which one Kamilah Cole is?
YUP! The last one.
I fell in love with An Arcane Inheritance. With Ellory and Hudson the MCs; Stasie, Tai, and Cody, the side characters with all the opinions. With Warren University itself, which felt like a main character as I read. What an experience. Sigh.
Okay, so let me start with the prose. The way Kamilah writes? I was highlighting all the way through. She puts such simple words together with devastating effect. I laughed out loud. Pain stifled me. Every emotion and interaction had me in the middle of it all, just soaking up Kamilah’s skill with a pen. With her first book, she became an author I must buy. On the real though, she has gotten better. I love her other books, but this one hits the strongest of them all.
As for the concept of the book, its plot? Original. You will not see the truth coming. There is a lot of foreshadowing as that is a part of the plot; however, the reveal at the very end still has me in blissful shock.
This is dark academia done well. The vibe and atmosphere are spooky, competitive, and alluring. Nothing else could hold my attention while I read. Each turn of the page fed me and made me greedy for more.
Now, I do not do spoilers, so I am going to keep my description of the characters light, since their personalities played a major role in how everything unfolded. What I can say is that the banter and relationships will delight you. This is a found family to join. They protect, they support, and they drive you crazy. You miss them when the book is over.
To be honest, this is the kind of book you read more than once. You read it multiple times because awareness of the end will change how you perceive situations throughout.
Did I mention this is yet another book where Caribbean beliefs are shared? Well, they are. They are worked into the story and play a role in the shaping of how everything unfolds.
Ooooohh I loved this one. I recommend you get it, savor it, and tell everyone you know about it. Maybe we can convince Kamilah that this should be more than a standalone :D!
Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for this free arc in return for my honest review.
YUP! The last one.
I fell in love with An Arcane Inheritance. With Ellory and Hudson the MCs; Stasie, Tai, and Cody, the side characters with all the opinions. With Warren University itself, which felt like a main character as I read. What an experience. Sigh.
Okay, so let me start with the prose. The way Kamilah writes? I was highlighting all the way through. She puts such simple words together with devastating effect. I laughed out loud. Pain stifled me. Every emotion and interaction had me in the middle of it all, just soaking up Kamilah’s skill with a pen. With her first book, she became an author I must buy. On the real though, she has gotten better. I love her other books, but this one hits the strongest of them all.
As for the concept of the book, its plot? Original. You will not see the truth coming. There is a lot of foreshadowing as that is a part of the plot; however, the reveal at the very end still has me in blissful shock.
This is dark academia done well. The vibe and atmosphere are spooky, competitive, and alluring. Nothing else could hold my attention while I read. Each turn of the page fed me and made me greedy for more.
Now, I do not do spoilers, so I am going to keep my description of the characters light, since their personalities played a major role in how everything unfolded. What I can say is that the banter and relationships will delight you. This is a found family to join. They protect, they support, and they drive you crazy. You miss them when the book is over.
To be honest, this is the kind of book you read more than once. You read it multiple times because awareness of the end will change how you perceive situations throughout.
Did I mention this is yet another book where Caribbean beliefs are shared? Well, they are. They are worked into the story and play a role in the shaping of how everything unfolds.
Ooooohh I loved this one. I recommend you get it, savor it, and tell everyone you know about it. Maybe we can convince Kamilah that this should be more than a standalone :D!
Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for this free arc in return for my honest review.
August 27, 2025
3.25 Stars
Special thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
An Arcane Inheritance is the perfect paranormal and dark academia read for the fall season. This book is like a maze for the mind, as you try to piece together what is happening right alongside the protagonist. I loved that I never knew what was coming next, and I was just as anxious as the main characters to unlock Warren University’s most precious secrets. I love the way the story folds in on itself, revealing hints and clues as early as the first chapter. From secret societies, to lost memories to an achingly slow-burning romance, an Archane Inheritance has all the makings of a good Dark Academia. Kamilah Cole’s An Arcane Inheritance is perfect for fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel and Naomi Novak’s Deadly Education.
Some things I loved about An Arcane Inheritance:
I loved Ellory’s character and the depth that Cole instilled in her. I love that she carries her life experiences with her in everything she does.
I also loved Hudson’s character. Hudson ups the bar when it comes to yearning, especially with how events unfolded later in the story.
The budding relationship between Ellory and Hudson was so cute, and it added the perfect amount of romance to the story.
Some things I didn’t like about An Arcane Inheritance:
I feel like certain characters were just there with no purpose. Ultimately, when all is revealed, certain characters’ roles in the overall scheme made no sense.
It felt a little slow for me, which is why my rating is 3.2 Stars. I’m looking for a fast-paced storyline when it comes to dark academia.
Overall, An Arcane Inheritance was an enjoyable story, and I definitely recommend giving it a read!
Special thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
An Arcane Inheritance is the perfect paranormal and dark academia read for the fall season. This book is like a maze for the mind, as you try to piece together what is happening right alongside the protagonist. I loved that I never knew what was coming next, and I was just as anxious as the main characters to unlock Warren University’s most precious secrets. I love the way the story folds in on itself, revealing hints and clues as early as the first chapter. From secret societies, to lost memories to an achingly slow-burning romance, an Archane Inheritance has all the makings of a good Dark Academia. Kamilah Cole’s An Arcane Inheritance is perfect for fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel and Naomi Novak’s Deadly Education.
Some things I loved about An Arcane Inheritance:
I loved Ellory’s character and the depth that Cole instilled in her. I love that she carries her life experiences with her in everything she does.
I also loved Hudson’s character. Hudson ups the bar when it comes to yearning, especially with how events unfolded later in the story.
The budding relationship between Ellory and Hudson was so cute, and it added the perfect amount of romance to the story.
Some things I didn’t like about An Arcane Inheritance:
I feel like certain characters were just there with no purpose. Ultimately, when all is revealed, certain characters’ roles in the overall scheme made no sense.
It felt a little slow for me, which is why my rating is 3.2 Stars. I’m looking for a fast-paced storyline when it comes to dark academia.
Overall, An Arcane Inheritance was an enjoyable story, and I definitely recommend giving it a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
3.5/5 rounded up because I had fun!
Dark academia, mystery, a touch of spooky and fantastical happenings, rivals to lovers, and some wealthy people drama. All the makings for a wonderfully scrumptious reading experience. I was not disappointed.
I don't know what else to say about this book really. I had a fun timer reading it, the mystery was intriguing and the dynamics between all of the characters was so fun and dramatic. I really liked how dark and moody the atmosphere was, I was picturing a very cool location for this academy. There were twists that kept me entertained and the pace really kept increasing the entire time (that kept me interested but it also advice to keep reading if you think the start is a tad too slow, it speeds up).
I had a great time reading this and think a lot of people will agree with me. If you're looking for a new autumnal, spooky, dark academia read for your fall TBR - look no further!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Dark academia, mystery, a touch of spooky and fantastical happenings, rivals to lovers, and some wealthy people drama. All the makings for a wonderfully scrumptious reading experience. I was not disappointed.
I don't know what else to say about this book really. I had a fun timer reading it, the mystery was intriguing and the dynamics between all of the characters was so fun and dramatic. I really liked how dark and moody the atmosphere was, I was picturing a very cool location for this academy. There were twists that kept me entertained and the pace really kept increasing the entire time (that kept me interested but it also advice to keep reading if you think the start is a tad too slow, it speeds up).
I had a great time reading this and think a lot of people will agree with me. If you're looking for a new autumnal, spooky, dark academia read for your fall TBR - look no further!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 26, 2025
Finished!
Firstly, the author has such a superb and atmospheric writing style!! I was so impressed. I will say that yes, this was a tad overwritten in places and it slowed down the pacing a little, but overall I did love how lush the prose was. It really conveyed the feeling of how beautiful and oppressive everything was at the same time.
I'm such a huge fan of Hudson and Ellory and how their relationship developed. I did think it could have done with more fleshing out re: their beginnings before the actual plot (we are told through a summary of their first meeting but I wanted more!) but I was still very satisfied! I am SUCH a sucker for academic rivalry. I know it's a popular trope but I still can't get enough. I loved the push and pull between Hudson and Ellory, lol.
The book gets really creepy in places and it left me on edge. Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC! Highly recommend if you love dark academia, a lush atmosphere and an eerie mystery to be solved.
Firstly, the author has such a superb and atmospheric writing style!! I was so impressed. I will say that yes, this was a tad overwritten in places and it slowed down the pacing a little, but overall I did love how lush the prose was. It really conveyed the feeling of how beautiful and oppressive everything was at the same time.
I'm such a huge fan of Hudson and Ellory and how their relationship developed. I did think it could have done with more fleshing out re: their beginnings before the actual plot (we are told through a summary of their first meeting but I wanted more!) but I was still very satisfied! I am SUCH a sucker for academic rivalry. I know it's a popular trope but I still can't get enough. I loved the push and pull between Hudson and Ellory, lol.
The book gets really creepy in places and it left me on edge. Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC! Highly recommend if you love dark academia, a lush atmosphere and an eerie mystery to be solved.
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