Arcana

Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome—or dangerous. To help ease her entrance into society, Katherine's family has elicited the assistance of the Earl of Thornewood, a friend and London's most eligible bachelor, to be her constant companion at the endless fetes and balls. But upon her arrival in London, Katherine realizes there will be more to this season than just white gowns and husband hunting. Through her late mother's enchanted diary, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. Any misstep could mean ruin—and not just for her family name. The Order of the Eternal Sun is everywhere—hunting for those like her, able to feed on arcana with only a touch of the hand. But society intrigue can be just as perilous as the Order. The machinations of the fashionable elite are a constant threat, and those who covet Katherine's arcana, seeking the power of her birthright, could be hiding behind the facade of every suitor—even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood. With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?

Jessica Leake worked as a psychotherapist once upon a time, but as her addiction to writing grew, she decided to write novels instead of psychiatric assessments. Arcana was her debut novel, the first in the Sylvani novels, followed by Order of the Eternal Sun. She lives and writes in Greenville, South Carolina, with her husband and four young children.

"Leake weaves together a beautifully rendered historical setting, magic and romance in this stunning debut." —Elizabeth May, author of The Falconer "Delightful! Leake's debut is a charming, romantic tale that sparkles with otherworldly magic." —Karina Sumner-Smith, author of Radiant and Defiant "The social mores of Edwardian England are deftly layered with magic, fantasy and a hearty dose of romance in this lively and enchanting debut." —Sarah Painter, author of The Language of Spells