Month: December 2025

An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

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An Arcane InheritanceAn Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: N/A

Release Date: December 30, 2025

The story is ambitious, weaving together themes of race, privilege, and social power within the elite academic setting. The magic system—trading power for memories—adds a unique twist, infusing the story with both suspense and a sense of foreboding loss. However, much of the book focuses on Ellory’s internal struggles, and her perspective can feel repetitive as she navigates the challenges of belonging and uncovering the university’s secrets. While the supporting cast offers moments of intrigue, some characters come across as distant or underdeveloped, which makes it harder to form a strong emotional connection. The pacing is inconsistent, with a slow-building mystery in the first part and a rush of revelations and magical elements near the end, sometimes leaving key moments feeling abrupt.

Overall, I was intrigued by the promise of a story that offers an atmospheric and thought-provoking exploration of academia’s darker side, enriched by meaningful social commentary and a moody setting. While the concept and worldbuilding show real promise, the execution can feel uneven, especially in character development and pacing. Readers who enjoy introspective narratives and layered themes may find much to appreciate here, but for those such as myself who are seeking a tighter plot or more immediate emotional engagement, they might be left wanting. Despite its flaws, the book delivers a fresh take on dark academia and is worth a try for fans of the genre who appreciate a blend of magic, identity, and institutional critique.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle

On By TracyIn Debut Novel, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Undead GodsUndead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Undead Gods #1

Release Date: September 18, 2024

In Kava, magic is dead and forbidden, and the land is dark and gray, its inhabitants trapped in a soot filled land, with so many ill and dying from a disease that seems tied to the soot. Elysia Parker, born with magic, hides her abilities and secretly helps her father, who works for the Crown, tracking down other magic users. She also keeps her secret from Topp Blatz, the Crown Prince, her lover and the man it is assumed she will marry. But as the story unfolds it becomes clear that Elysia’s magic is changing and she needs help – but that help will come with a price that may be more than she can pay.

I appreciated that this book was written in third person and found the blurb compelling, promising a magical, forbidden world. However, the first half was wordy and slow, making it feel like a slog to get through and making staying interested difficult, as little seemed to happen for a long stretch. The premise of a world where magic is lost is intriguing, and while the characters have potential. Elysia is a morally -gray, mysterious, with a lot of secrets. Secrets, the author holds onto for much of the book—almost too long, making it hard to connect with Elysia. The world-building shows promise, and there are moments of excitement as the plot builds, and the cliffhanger sets up the next book. Overall, the author has a great story, but the overly descriptive style and slow pace made the early chapters a challenge that I found overwhelming and confusing at times.