Piranesi meets Katabasis in a hopeful tale full of mystery and wonder that features magic you will wish you could study yourself. The Shape of Magic is a standalone fantasy novel that takes place in a magical school for alchemy, sorcery and witchcraft. For fantasy academia fans that are looking for found family, well thought-out magic, and a story with political intrigue and dangerous conspiracies. Readers also praised its cozy moments and the heart warming friendship between the three main characters. *** Joining the Alma University for the Study and Advancement of Theoretical Magic is all that Volta ever wanted, but could never hope for. Until the day that random chance made her a royal ward. A life of opportunities, of promised knowledge, and gifted purpose. But not without a cost. Years later, when the royal family unexpectedly visits the school just as rumours of war start spreading, her entire world is turned upside down. Will she have to serve in a war that she is not ready for? And can she believe the one person who claims to want to prevent it? Volta and her friends are faced with a political conspiracy just as they discover the secrets of the university itself - but who can they trust?