Why we’re excited
In 1872, a woman with a healing gift and a trail of accusations arrives at a mountaintop university, called there by a strange job offer. The dean, a stern man of science, wants her gone, but the castle itself appears to need her help.
RuNyx gained a large following with Gothikana, and this prequel goes back to Verenmore's earlier history. Because it is set first, it should work as an entry point, while readers of Gothikana will spot the connections. It suits anyone who likes candlelit gothic settings and a romance with real danger in it.
On our most-anticipated list since 22 October 2026. See all the most anticipated books →
What to know about Arkana
RuNyx is a familiar name here: 2 of RuNyx’s books have full reviews, averaging 3.8 out of 5. The one we rated highest is Enigma (4★).
From the publisher
From New York Times bestselling author RuNyx comes the highly anticipated prequel to Gothikana: Arkana—a tale of lush, suspenseful, dark gothic romance.
A rumored sorceress. A ruthless lord of science. A cursed castle. What could go wrong?
A desperate woman, Lenore Emmeranne comes to the University of Verenmore―an elite institution of scientific learning perched high in the mountains―summoned by a mysterious offer of employment. On the run from misfortune and accusations, Lenore, who has always had a gift for healing, hopes Verenmore will provide her with a clean slate. She plans to keep her head down and blend into the shadows. But upon her arrival, she discovers it is not only the lord of the castle who is in need of help ―it is Verenmore itself.
Lord Draven Constantine, dean of the university, is a man of science and discipline, revered by his students. The last thing he wants is someone like Lenore disturbing his ordered world, and the secrets he must keep buried. But her presence shatters his ennui, sparks a dangerous fascination and their descent into doom begins.
Set in 1872 in a dread castle perched on a dark mountain where death and deceit stalk the unknowing, Lenore and Draven must navigate lies as they surrender to forbidden desire, and cling to life―and to each other.
And so begins a gripping tale of the gothic and the grotesque. An unusual and deeply passionate story about a love that blossoms in the unlikeliest of places.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Description supplied by the publisher.
We haven’t read Arkana yet. When our review goes up, it will replace this page.
