Quotes
“A fearless celebration of desire in all its forms, An Arcane Study of Stars is utterly transportive and thrilling. Not since childhood have I wanted to run away into a magical university quite so much! Shields is clever as they come, and this the author at her most ambitious and triumphant.”—S. T. Gibson, International bestselling author of A Dowry of Blood
"An Arcane Study of Stars is a deal with the devil like you’ve never read before. Sharp, clever, spicy; this is the blueprint for dark academia romantasy."—Breanne Randall, New York Times bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
"An atmospheric and devastating tale of the quest for independence and the price of power, Sydney J. Shields is at her finest in An Arcane Study of Stars. This magical, phenomenal novel will keep you guessing until your last second at Cygnus."—Kamilah Cole, USA Today and National Indie bestselling author of An Arcane Inheritance
"Putting the 'D' in 'Dark Academia', Shields has constructed the magical university of dreams - or possibly nightmares. This story is gothic, gripping and utterly spellbinding. Outstanding."—Hazel McBride, international bestselling author of A Fate Forged in Fire
"While Shields' sophomore novel glitters with the lush atmosphere and heart that have become her signature talents, An Arcane Study of Stars shines brightest in its academic prowess. Here is a truly Good dark academia novel, with classroom scenes that beg to be annotated and rivals-to-lovers who will have you screaming into your fists, all written in prose so sharp it sinks its teeth into you and takes a bite out of your soul."—Callie Rowland, author of Fields of Asphodel
"A vast web of tantalizing mysteries...The elaborate worldbuilding, persistent protagonist, simmering enemies-to-lovers romance between Claudia and Cassius, and twist-filled plot keep the pages turning."—Publishers Weekly
"Reading The Honey Witch is like dreaming in a fragrant sunlit garden while bees sing around you. It's a gorgeous book, with a lovely cottagecore ambience and a heart-warming sapphic romance intertwined with unique magic that enchants the imagination. I was so charmed by this impressive debut."
—India Holton, international bestselling author on The Honey Witch
"The Honey Witch is a sweet feast, brimming with whimsy, magic, and tender longing. Shields' world is sugar-glazed and heart-warming and thoroughly enjoyable." —Rachel Gillig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Knight and the Moth on The Honey Witch
"The Honey Witch is a tale that deserves to be savored but begs to be devoured. Enchanting, whimsical, and firmly rooted in finding yourself after loss, this novel will break your heart and then soothe it with magic honey. Full of friendship and beauty at every turn of the page, The Honey Witch will heal you and help you feel seen in equal measure. Pour yourself a cup of tea, drizzle in some local honey, and let this decadent book transport you." —Breanne Randall, New York Times bestselling author of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic on The Honey Witch
"As sweet and warm as honeyed tea. Shields’ debut deftly explores love, loss, and loneliness—and the joy of seeing magic in all things, however small. With charming characters and a lush setting, The Honey Witch will delight fans of cozy fantasy."—Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic on The Honey Witch