I am absolutely obsessed with this book! Elise Kova has creates a truly unique and incredible world, and I cannot wait to read more from this series!

This is an exciting fantasy set in a world of dark academia, full of secrets and treachery. We follow Clara as she escapes an infamously inescapable prison, and tries to unravel the mystery of what has happened to her family under the supposed protection of the dangerous Prince Kaelis. Clara begins to understand what makes her different from other arcanists, and that the skills she has used to survive this far may actually become the very things to endanger her.

I was on the edge of my seat throughout this book, waiting for a big plot twist or reveal to finally get some answers, if anything I finished the book with even more questions and theories! Elise is an expert at edging not just the main characters romantically, but edging the reader with the plot of the story. She feeds little tidbits through so you think you're starting to piece together the history, while never fully confirming your suspicions.

I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series to see what Clara discovers next!

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook alongside reading a digital copy, the narrator did a beautiful job of conveying the tone and mood of the main character. However, I did find myself a little confused at times trying to differentiate between speech and the internal monologue, I would have appreciated some change of tone or accent to indicate this.

A solid start to the series & an ending that leaves you wanting more.

Arcana Academy ticks a lot of boxes, particularly for fans of dark academia. The magic system is clever & unique, woven throughout the book with some elements available from the start (with a guide before the first chapter) & other elements revealed to us as the main character discovers them.

The story is good, but I did feel it lost its way with pacing a little about 2/3 of the way through & could have used a little more danger to drive things on. That being said, it has definitely left me wanting more.

I've enjoyed listening to this - the narrator has a really calm and soothing tone and whilst the audio book is pretty long it never drags. The magical world of tarot inking was so well depicted, I was in it right from the beginning.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The tropes consist of:
Magic academy
Trials
Undercover
Enemies to lovers
Fake engagement
Found family
Dark academia
Slow burn

This is the opening of a trilogy described as dark academia fantasy romance. On paper it has all the components that appeal to me and I liked the concept of a tarot card based magic system. This is probably the strongest element of the story, the tarot cards felt distinct and magical, and I appreciated how they were interwoven into the story for everyday use as well as powerful tools and weapons.

This book is marketed as a “dark academia fantasy romance” and it certainly delivers on the academia setting because the story spends a huge amount of time at the academy and following the magical studies of our main character. This perhaps means the plot is unbalanced in other areas and I found the romance underbaked. The love interest had no real distinguishing personality and could have been interchangeable from a morally grey male character in almost any other fantasy series.

The main character, Clara, was the most well-rounded character. I felt her visceral trauma from her imprisonment and her deep attachment and loyalty to those around her. Most of the secondary characters blend into one another and have perfunctory appearances when relevant for the story.

I enjoy the mystery of political intrigue in a fantasy setting but I just could not find it in me to care that much about the characters so I was not invested in the story or the resolution of dangling plot threads. Although I will admit the ending leaves me curious to know where the story develops.

I felt there were issues in other areas, most especially the pacing. The book is too long, the inner thoughts of the main character feel overly explained and repetitive. I found it dragging towards the end.

In my opinion, I probably would have liked this more as a physical read rather than a audiobook. I found the narration a bit lacklustre in places and during scenes of dialogue it was difficult to identify which character was speaking.

3.5 stars but rounding it up to 4 stars for the purposes of this review because the story was ambitious even if not executed perfectly.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5)

Tropes & Themes: Unique Magic System, Tarot-Based Magic, Dark Academia / Magic Academy, Fake Engagement, Hate to Love, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Secret Societies.

Initial Thoughts: This book had me at “Tarot-Based Magic” and “Magic Academy.” Add a layer of Dark Academia and political intrigue? I was absolutely on board. The premise promised so much—and in some ways, it delivered—but in others, it left me wanting more.

Plot: We follow Clara, a resilient and determined young woman who has just escaped from prison, where she was locked up for illegally “inking” Tarot—a rare magic reserved only for the elite Arcana Academy. Her unlikely rescuer? Prince Kaelis, Headmaster of the very Academy her mother warned her to avoid. Kaelis needs Clara’s help to steal powerful Tarot from the King and recreate an all-powerful card, supposedly to better the world. But Clara is wary—rightfully so—as his family is responsible for the traumas that shaped her: her imprisonment, her mother’s death, and her sister’s disappearance.

What I Loved!
The Magic System & Worldbuilding: This was hands-down my favourite part of the book. The Tarot-based magic felt fresh and inventive, and the structure of the magical society (clans, hierarchies, the inking process) was incredibly compelling. I was completely absorbed whenever the book explored this world—and the glossary is essential reading to help keep it all straight.

Intrigue & Plot Twists: The last-page twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It was a perfect hook for book two, and it’s the reason I’m sticking with the series.

What I didn’t love (but REALLY wanted to love):
Pacing & Structure: The first act had me gripped, but things started to lag after Clara's escape and introduction to the Academy. The middle of the book felt repetitive and uneven, with jarring time jumps and scene shifts that made it hard to stay fully immersed. Despite the high stakes, the tension never felt high.

Character Development: Clara is clever, tough, and capable but I didn’t see much growth from her over the course of the story (which spans nearly a year). Her arc felt a bit static, aside from her shifting opinion of Kaelis. And while Kaelis is presented as a morally grey love interest, we’re never given a real reason to question his morality - his actions toward Clara are mostly noble, and his supposed “dark past” is barely explored.

Romance & Chemistry: This was pitched as a hate-to-love story, but it felt more one-sided. Clara hates, Kaelis is enamored. The transition into romance didn’t feel earned, and the spice, while enjoyable, lacked buildup. I was hoping for a more satisfying slow burn.

Supporting Characters: There were a lot of side characters introduced, and unfortunately, most of them didn’t leave a lasting impression. Aside from a few cruel or antagonistic ones, many blurred together and felt underdeveloped.

Final Thoughts: Despite its pacing and character issues, Arcana Academy has laid the foundation for a promising series. The magic system and the final twist are what really kept me invested, and I’m definitely intrigued to see where book two takes us. If the sequel delivers on the potential teased in this first instalment, I think this series could really shine.

This booked has bumped onyx storm out of my top 5 reads of the year! I’m OBSESSED!!!

Arcana Academy follows Clara who has been imprisoned for illegally inking tarot cards, the vessel in which magic is imbued into in this society. One day she is visited by Prince Kaelis, the man she believes is responsible for her imprisonment, who offers her a bargain. She will be freed from her sentence if she agrees to attend the prestigious Arcana Academy, in order to learn how to legally ink tarot cards whilst aiding him in a mission to create a card that was thought to be pure legend. In order to conceal her identity, the Prince introduces Clara as his bride to be.

Prior to reading, I thought I would enjoy Arcana Academy, but I didn’t expect it to consume my every thought to the point that I was dreaming about it. I genuinely feel empty now that it’s over and I’m in desperation for book 2.

I loved everything about this book! The dark acadaemia setting was perfection, the story was so fast paced that I couldn’t put it down but not overly so that I was confused at any point and it truly has the most unique and fascinating magic system I have ever read.

The trials that Clara had to go through as part of her first year at Arcana Academy were riveting.
The tension between her and Kaelis was deliciously maddening.
The ending left me reeling. I truly didn’t see it coming and that’s not something I usually can say.

Arcana Academy was a masterpiece. I have not notes and will be singing its praises to everyone who will listen for the foreseeable!

This was my first Elise Kova but it definitely won’t be the last. I love this story so much.

First Dark Academia books are starting to become one of my favorite sub-genre. This one has a very unique Magic system. The tarot-based magic system but so fun and it was a main staple of the world. I loved learning all about it.

Clara the MFC was definitely the most well-rounded character, I really enjoyed her. The rest of the characters definitely need more development. If I had one critique, it would be that the secondary characters are less memorable.
The romance is definitely a subplot and a slooooow burn, but I’m not mad about it. The book held its own without having to rely to strongly on just the romance.

And that ending was great. I can’t wait did the next one

The narration was very good. I really enjoyed it.




Thank you @netgalley @hodderstoughton @hodderscapefor this ARC

I need the next book immediately! The use of magic in this is so different and refreshing. Who'd have thought magic and tarot cards would make the perfect duo. I was able to get the most out of this read pairing the e-arc with the audio and it was the best reading experience I've had so far. 1000000/10 would recommend.

thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy.

The tarot-based magic system is a nice point of difference for Arcana Academy, and dark academia fans will find a lot here to enjoy. The pacing sometimes leaves a little to be desired and the characters aren’t stand-out distinctive, but there’s enough fantasy world building, exciting adventure and enemies-to-lovers romance here to satisfy.
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated well.

4.5 ⭐

OMG! the plot twists!!! and the betrayal!!!


I was equally frustrated and in awe because it was that unpredictable

I think the book community is going to love this book and eat it up and you can see a few loved fantasy - romantasy vibe

The only downside for me was the slow pace!

I usually find it difficult to listen to audio books but this one has me booked. I was up till 2 am for two days straight cuz I just couldn't bring myself to pause

Please, I need book 2 asap!

This was so well done! I tend to prefer my romantasy to lean more towards the fantasy than the romance - this book delivered on both fronts. I loved the Tarot-based worldbuilding and the headstrong main character, and I enjoyed watching the romantic subplot develop. The central mystery was gripping, and the pay-off was worth it. Elise Kova has a new fan in me. Thanks to the publisher for the audio and e-ARC, it was great to be able to read and listen simultaneously.

I was blessed with both an ALC and ARC which meant I could immersive read this one and what an experience.

I couldn’t get enough of this book. This book had it all, amazing world building with an intricate magical system using tarot cards, conspiring against royalty, slow burn filled with tension and angst and unexpected twists you wouldn’t see coming. This book was a reasonably paced one and the character development was phenomenal. I enjoyed watching our main characters grow throughout the story and develop their attraction to one another even if they didn’t think they should. I cannot rave about this book enough.

Thank you @netgalley @hodderstoughton @hodderscape

I really enjoyed the audiobook, the narrator was the perfect fit for the book. Such an easy but immersive experience.

This book surprised me in the best way. The tarot-themed magic system felt original and gave the story a symbolic, mysterious edge that stood out from other fantasy books I’ve read this year. It’s atmospheric and immersive — I felt like I was right there in the academy halls, uncovering secrets alongside the characters. I was hooked from the first few chapters!

Clara, the FMC, was a highlight for me — powerful, headstrong, and easy to root for. I loved following her journey.

The romance is definitely a subplot and a slooooow burn at that, but I’m not complaining because the book held its own without the romance. The romance added just the right amount of tension and emotion without taking over the main plot.

This is the first book in a planned trilogy, and it definitely lays the groundwork for a much larger story. The ending hits with a well-executed cliffhanger that left me both satisfied and desperate for more. Just as the stakes begin to truly escalate, the book closes in a way that promises deeper magic, higher risks, and more intense character development in the next installment. I’m genuinely excited to see where Clara’s journey goes from here and how the tarot magic and politics continue to unfold.

Book two can’t come soon enough!

Summary

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5

I enjoyed the narrator for this one but it was sometime difficult to distinguish between her character voices.

No because Elise… where did you find the audacity to leave the end of the book like that?! I’m still flipping the page back and forth looking for the next chapter!

I absolutely loved this book! It took me a hot minute to get myself fully immersed but once I did I was literally flying through this. This is dark academia fantasy at its finest!

The Tarot magic system was so fresh, intricate and super unique to read. The world building was lush and descriptive. It’s was so fast paced and packed full of magic, challenges, deception, a deliciously slow burn enemies to lovers romance and a heist that had me on the edge of my seat.

There were some super important messages weaved throughout like how grief changes your perception of everything and drives you down paths you never intended to take. As well as the monarchy’s fear of powerful individuals to the point where those most powerful are the most controlled and restricted to use only by the crown. As well as the conditioning done to those individuals to enable that.

The concept of ‘the greater good’ is frequently examined as well as how harmful and hard this can be to accept as an individual in great pain.

I am chomping at the bit for the next book and not sure I’ll ever sleep again until it’s in my hands!

Arcana Academy kicks off a new trilogy with a unique tarot-based magic system, magical trials, and a fake engagement full of slow-burn tension. Clara is a criminal inker of magical tarot cards, and is given a second chance when Prince Kaelis offers her freedom if she pretends to be his fiancée and joins Arcana Academy to help steal dangerous cards from the king.

I was instantly drawn into the world and fascinated by the unique magic system. While the variety of tarot cards and their specific uses occasionally left me a bit confused, I found it easy to go with the flow and still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I especially loved the political intrigue, both within the royal family and among the various clans, which added depth to the story and is something I’m excited to see explored further in the next book. I’m also eager to watch the central mystery unfold and to uncover the twists and revelations that are surely coming. The romance element is a slow burn, which worked really well for me, it complemented the main plot without overshadowing it.

I thought the audiobook was a fantastic way to read this book. The narrator did a great job and was easy to understand even when I sped it up. I'll definitely be reading the next books via audio!

Thank you to Hodderscape and Netgalley for this eARC to review.

I am obsessed!!! I loved this so much more than I though I would. The magic system is so unique, the world building is perfect for the first book in a series, and the characters are so well developed that I quickly fell in love with them. I can't wait to read the next book!

The narration was amazing!

3.5/5

I'll start by saying that I love Tarot so I was super excited to read this one. The idea of a magical system inspired by tarot is so unique and had so much potential and I think Elise Kova made a very complex and intriguing magical world. I hope it is further explored and developed in the sequel as I think it is a very solid base for a fantasy story. The worldbuilding is not very complex but it's intriguing. Also the academy setting and the trials are always super fun.

I think the weakest point of the story was the romance, which I wouldn't be too upset about it had this not been marketed as a romantasy. I did not feel much chemistry between Clara and Kaelis. I like them as characters but I don't think their relationship had developed enough to make to jump to romance, it happened too suddenly.

Kaelis reminded me a little of Cardan in that he is a pawn and also of Jude in that he is always scheming. In the end we are left with the ambiguity of his intentions, especially towards Clara. He is definitely an unreliable gray character and I love that.

I liked how Clara reminded me a bit of Jude with the scheming to betray, however I found that he leaned on her emotional side a lot more. Logically, I'd support Kaelis plan to use the World card rather than Clara's, however I can see where she comes from.

I'm still confused about some of the history of this world (could be because I listened to the audio instead of reading it on page, some details get lost sometimes when I do the audio). I figured some things out in the end but there are a lot of unanswered questions that I'm looking forward to see answered in the next book.The cliffhanger does give us a lot to look forward in the next book, which I love.

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton for the ALC I received to listen to this audiobook!

Arcana Academy is brilliant, a tribute to Elise Kova’s writing and world building. The whole book just becomes more and more magical until you’re left wondering how on earth Elise dreamed all do this up. It’s incredible, but not overwhelming. I loved the pacing and all of the academy life it’s genuinely so captivating learning about all of the magic and world building Elise has woven into this story.

The narrator of this book was also amazing, I found her voice and dictation easy to understand, though I did find myself lost multiple times just because of the complexity of the book. I think that is just a side effect of having so many nuances in the magic, as it uses the tarot deck and every card has a different use as well as all of these secret magical world details that are uncovered on the way. All in all it was a really enjoyable listen and I just could not stop!

Although the book was so phenomenal, I did notice I didn’t quite connect fully with the FMC and MMC, but it could be due to all of the mystery in the book, or maybe a little disconnect with the narrator and the character voices. It definitely didn’t take away from the books experience at all as I was still on the edge of my seat the whole time and cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio and Hodderscape for the ALC!

This was not my first Elise Kova but it is my favorite so far!

I really liked this one and I need more now! The fact that we'll have to wait makes me sad, haha.
This book had a very cool magical system and I've never read anything like it before!
I really liked both main characters but especially Clara and the world building was great!

This audiobook is solo narrated by Anna Burnett. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've listened to something she's narrated but I'll have to check out other books she's narrated! I really liked her! She did an amazing job!

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio and Hodderscape for the ALC!

🎧Book Review🎧

Arcana Academy
Elise Kova

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is the first book in this new and exciting Arcana Academy series and as soon as I spotted this, I knew I had to grab a copy to read asap!
Having always been fascinated by tarot, I was immediately drawn in by the name and front cover and as ever, I went in completely blind.

Although strongly connected to the tarot that we know and love, there is a unique magic system here that allows arcanists to be able to not only read the cards, but also ink them and wield them in battle too.
This was such a unique system and I loved that certain people represented certain cards which meant that the over-arching power would go to the one who could collect all the majors.

This sounds confusing, but honestly, this was so well written that it makes it easy for us to learn along with the students as we read and follow each step in their first year at the academy.

We follow Clara, who at the beginning is imprisoned for illegally inking and welding cards - having never been to the academy to learn.
But Prince Kaelis, headmaster of the academy, comes to offer her a deal that she really can't refuse.

I went on such a rollercoaster with this read - all the emotions were there and I was completely hooked from the start.
The story unfolds gradually, but always with a sense of excitement - there were so many different threads that this really doesn't give you time to put it all together yourself - but each piece falls into place skillfully, revealing plot after plot and leaves us wondering just who we can trust.

I adored both Clara and Kaelis!
Clara was so down to earth and completely determined to do things her own way despite everything else that was going on.
Kaelis' journey was strong with each betrayal adding another layer to his personality - constantly flipping me between trusting him and not.

The build up of the tension not only with the overall plotline, but with the relationship between Clara and Kaelis was so frustrating - but so understandable.
I could tell that Kaelis was smitten right from the start, but it took forever for the two to actually own up to the feelings they had.

I loved this so much and couldn't stop listening....and when I got to that ending!
What a shock!
I'm already chomping at the bit to get hold of book 2 and find out what happens....



💕Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my ARC copy - this is my honest review 💕