Title: An Arcane Study of StarsAuthor: Sydney J. Shields
Pages: 368
Publication Date: April 28, 2026
Publisher: Orbit
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Synopsis:
When Claudia Jolicoeur is rejected from Cygnus University, a devilish stranger named Dorian appears in her nightmares and offers her a bargain: he will get her into Cygnus if she learns how to free him from a prison of stars. He takes a bite of her soul to seal the deal, and Claudia wakes to a letter from the High Sage of Cygnus stating she will take the place of Odette Dufort, a Rhetoric student who passed away.
Her arrival raises suspicions, rumors that she had a hand in Odette's death spread like wildfire, and Cassius MacLeod, the High Sage’s apprentice and Claudia's fellow Rhetoric student, seems hellbent on humiliating her. Determined to clear her name, she searches for any evidence that could prove her innocence. When someone—or something—starts slipping her pieces of Odette’s diary, Claudia uncovers a horrifying truth: over the last century, celestial witches at Cygnus have been murdered. Odette was one of them, and Claudia could be next. For her own protection, Claudia needs to free Dorian—and fast.
By night, she studies the stars, slowly unraveling the mystery of Dorian's prison. By day, she and Cassius wage rhetorical war as debate partners in class. What begins as a fierce rivalry devolves into something deeper, darker, and dangerously sensual. As Claudia inches closer to the truth, she must decide: would trusting Cassius be the last mistake she ever makes?
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The Arcane Study of Stars has a really interesting premise and magic system. The story pulled me in from the very beginning with a heartbreaking and horrifying day leading up to fmc entrance into an elite magical school. The dark vibes are strong from the start and set the ominous tone of the rest of the story.
Claudia’s story is complicated, chaotic, and compelling. She has had a difficult life since the loss of her mother, and faces so much over the course of the story. Claudia’s constantly trying to prove herself and struggles with her self-worth. Driven by herself, outside forces, and bargains, she’s ambitious and works tirelessly to prove she belongs. Of course, many obstacles stand in her way, including one frustrating (and handsome) rival.
I had mixed feelings about the enemies-to-lovers romance. It was definitely spicy and filled with sexual tension, but I’m not a huge fan of bully romances, and this toes the line for the first half of the story. Claudia and Cassius are rivals and constantly compete and debate in and out of class, and they’re not very nice to each other, so when they transition to something more sexual that requires a lot of trust, it felt kind of unrealistic to me. How could she trust him with her proclivities when they both run so hot and cold with each other?
I also didn’t love how focused on sex she was throughout the story. Any time she got near Cassius or Dorian, she became so lustful that she could barely think of anything else. It irritated me a bit, especially after some pretty bruising betrayals. All of these really terrible and potentially deadly things are happening to and around her, and she’s distracted by two not-so-nice guys? Some of that just didn’t work for me. I’m not sure how I feel about the potential love triangle either. This isn’t a trope I generally like, and I just am not sure I buy it here, but the story ended in a way that I want to find out more. I feel like Dorian’s story will be a big focus of the next book, and I’m intrigued.
There were a lot of other things I liked. The found family was fantastic, dark academia vibes and world-building were vivid and immersive. I love the gothic elements and the intellectual discussions about philosophy, logic, magic, and gods. The author’s writing style really appeals to me. It’s well-paced and easy to visualize everything. The characters are vivid with distinct personalities, and the pacing and overall flow are excellent. And I also fell in love with a snake, which shocked me because they’re one of my biggest irl fears. He was such a cutie, though, and he had the best personality.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with just a few bumps for me. I liked it enough that I’d like to continue the series, and I’m thankful to Orbit Books for sending me a copy.
- enemies to lovers
- dark academia
- found family
Nothing is more transformative than the right book at the right time.
“When you call my name like that,” he says, panting against her skin, “I will come running. I don’t care if we are oceans apart. I will always come for you.”
Fate does not hinge on whether or not you trust that it will come to pass.
The truth is of the utmost importance, but just as important, alongside it, is persuasion. There is no point in truth if it is not believed. Truth ceases to exist when it is not believed.
Great review, Julie! Sometimes I think back and wonder if I had even close to her sex drive before I had kids. hahaha… It was… a lot in this book!