An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

For generations, Warren University has been celebrated as one of the nation’s most prestigious Ivy institutions. But its legacy is rooted in an ancient power sustained by stolen magic and the exploitation of its most exceptional BIPOC students. Hidden behind tradition and prestige is a secret society that will protect its influence at any cost.

Ellory Morgan arrives on campus determined to earn her place, yet the university immediately unsettles her. The architecture, the winding paths, the very air around Warren feels hauntingly familiar, as if she’s stepping into a life she once lived and lost.

As her memories begin to fracture and reality bends in unsettling ways, Ellory becomes certain of one impossible truth: this is not her first time here. With time running out, she must rely on Hudson Graves, a guarded legacy student tied to Warren’s past, to help her uncover what was erased and why, before the magic claiming the university claims her as well.

Age Recommendation: Adult (18+)
An Arcane Inheritance is best suited for adult readers who enjoy dark academia stories with occult elements, power structures, and mature themes.

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An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

Author: Kamilah Cole
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Year of Publication: 2025
Date of Publication: December 30, 2025
ISBN-10:‎ 1464251037
ISBN -13: 978-1464251030
Pages: 432

Audiobook Narrators: Joy Sunday

Our Rating of This Book

“One thing we enjoy when we read books is if the story can hold our attention and this one definitely did for a good portion of the story. The story is told in three parts i.e. A Dangerous Admission, The Sinister Elite, and A Magic Most Foul. The way the author describes life and classes at Warren University felt very true to real campus experiences.

The relationship between Ellory and Hudson reminded us of the dynamics between Alice Law and Peter Murdoch in Katabasis (maybe it’s the fact that the students are academic rivals and the whole academic setting. However, we preferred the dynamic here, as it worked a lot better and felt natural.

With that said, while we understand the importance of a good build-up and a mystery, there were parts of the book that made us question if the suspense was being dragged on unnecessarily and left us waiting for the story to move along faster. Still, once the story picked up, it was worth the wait.

Overall, while this is a slow-paced book, we enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.”