3.5 🌟

Lots of potential but didn’t quite grip me the way I hoped!

I love the idea of a tarot based magic system, so was rather excited to read this book. However I feel it was perhaps a bit long winded in points and maybe would have been a much better YA book than adult.

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Premise:

Clara is locked in prison, where she is forced to use her rare abilities to ink tarot cards for the warden. However her abilities attract the attention of Prince Kaelis, the 2nd born prince and headmaster of Arcana Academy.

He sets her an offer, to come join the Academy, and develop her gifts, under the guise of a sole surviving clan member and his betrothed. And in exchange, she will help him to obtain the long forgotten World card.

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There’s a lot of mystery, political intrigue and double crossing, and overall I do think it’s a great premise! The way the magic system is developed is great, with the different clans, and the use of the minor cards. And the major arcana being reincarnated. I can not fault the use of the magic. And I enjoyed the set up of the school and the different elements they must harness.

The plot itself, had some interesting elements, albeit some parts dragged. I enjoyed the trials to the Fool’s lair and the heist! There were definitely some predictable parts, but I like that the author didn’t hold back sacrificing characters and being brutal. And the last line, whilst predictable, was punchy! I’m torn on whether I’ll continue with the series.

And the romance, whilst involving one of my favorite tropes, a fake engagement, at times was a bit too broody for me. I honestly thought this was a YA based on their initial conversations until I googled and realised it was not. And the two steamier scenes definitely confirmed that it’s an Adult book. But I honestly feel the book could have had a lot more power as a YA book and the characters would have suited it more. (I say this as a lover of both YA and Adult)

Character wise, Kaelis fell slightly flat for me. Although I feel he does hold back a lot in general, but I would be keen to see more of his personality in the next book or perhaps a dual POV to understand him more. I liked Clara though. She was a strong FMC, and I felt we discovered things with her instead of me yelling at the page for her to open her eyes. (Always a bonus! Haha)

All in all, I’m torn on whether I’ll continue the series. I think if it becomes dual PoV I’ll be tempted as I do love the magic system.

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Audio review: 4.5 🌟 I really liked the narrator, Anna Burnett. She really suited Clara and did a great job of voicing Kaelis, adding a gruffer tone to her voice.

I will say I skipped the whole explanation of the tarot cards at the start 😂 it was very long and I just referred back to the kindle version when needed. And I feel Clara explains them as well go along anyway.

I'd never read anything by this author before, and I think this book was a great place to start. The whole Tarot card section reminded me of One Dark Window. The ending revelation was a bit predictable, but those who aren't used to reading this type of book will be amazed. All in all, it was a good book, and I'll definitely want to read more by Elise Kova.
The flow of the audiobook was good and I think the narrators do an excellent job.




Ratinh 3.5 stars
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3.5 - rounded up.

A magical start to a compelling series!

Once I got into the right mind-set for this (it skewed younger than I was expecting) I quite enjoyed it (though I did skip spicy scenes as that's not for me).

Elise Kova's world-building shines, and I really love the magic system. I would have loved more time with the side characters, and would highlight that this is definitely more heavy on the romance-relationship than friendship-relationship.

Anna Burnett brings the story to life with a vibrant and immersive performance and definitely kept me listening when I might have otherwise taken a break.

Just some fun escapism and looking forward to continuing the series.

At the crux of this story is Clara just trying to survive, first in jail, then in a magical school with ruthless trials and a fake fiancé who happens to be the headmaster (and a prince). The plot’s packed with tarot magic, sketchy politics, a missing sister, and slow-burn tension that’ll have you yelling “just kiss already.”

The tarot card magic system was really unique and intricate and like nothing I’ve ever read before.

The narrator of the audiobook was great and really captured Clara’s sarcasm and Kaelis’s cold, mysterious vibe.

Arcana Academy is a combination of dark academia and drama-filled fantasy romance. If you love a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers arc with magical chaos and juicy secrets, then I would give this one a try.

This book started really good. I enjoyed the first few chapters and really got my hopes up. The story seemed interesting , the magic system sounded fun, and I liked that it was explained how it worked often, so I could try and understand it more easily. Then it just stopped, and i just couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. Hopefully it’s because my mood just didn’t fit, and I can try again later and like it better.

I’ve read it, and now I’m empty!

This book has pulled me right back into my fantasy mood, and all I can think about is when the next part comes out—yes, it ends on a cliffhanger! 😪

The story is set in a magical world of tarot cards, where each card holds special powers. Our protagonist, Clara, survives by doing odd jobs—inking illegal tarot cards, a skill reserved only for the elite pupils of Arcana Academy. But her luck runs out, and she's caught and thrown into prison with a lifetime sentence… until one day, her fate changes. Prince Kaelis, the enigmatic Headmaster of Arcana Academy, offers her a deal: freedom in exchange for committing a theft and retrieving a powerful card.

Clara soon finds herself not only a student at Arcana but also his bride-to-be. And thus begins her adventure—learning the rules of tarot magic and navigating the complex world of minor and major Arcanas, all while facing layers of politics, betrayal, and long-hidden secrets.

My fascination with tarot drew me to this book, and the level of intricacy in the world-building is amazing. The rules and meanings of each card are explained early on, making the rest of the story easy to follow. There’s always something stirring—threats, revelations, survival stakes—and the momentum never dips.

I can’t believe such a perfect book exists 🙈. I might sound like a fanfic, but that’s genuinely how I feel right now—astounded, amazed, and still thinking about the scenes, mazes, and attacks from the last few days. Each moment is imprinted in my mind like a vivid image—that’s how powerful the writing is.

Absolutely 5/5 🌟. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy with minimum spice (towards the end), a mutually beneficial relationship trope, forced proximity, and forbidden love vibes ✨️—all set in a dark academia world.

I really loved the story. The world was rich and the lore/magic was complex and well thought out. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the narrator. It was monotonous and there was very little variation between MCs. It left me feeling disconnected from the characters and the plot. I *know* that if I eyeball read this book then I would have enjoyed it way more. Realistically, the audio was 3 stars but the story deserves better than that so here we are. I will definitely reread this book so I can experience it the way it could have been. I don’t recommend the audio but 100% recommend the book!

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I enjoyed this book. The magic system felt unique and intriguing, and I quite quickly became engrossed in the story and world. I liked the way the plot unfolded bit by bit, with enough tension and mystery to keep me hooked. Clara was a solid female lead, strong and resourceful, but it was Kaelis who truly stole the show for me. I loved the way their relationship developed, slowly and naturally, with just the right amount of romantic tension. Their chemistry felt believable and well-paced. This was a strong start to the series and I am definitely curious to see where the next book takes us.

I mostly listened to this on audiobook - thank you for the physical and audio arcs! I really did enjoy this one - it is a dark academia book with a very complex card magical system. I really enjoyed following the storyline and I loved following Clara and the romance!

5 stars. Absolutely loved this!!! What an amazing dark academia book. Elise kova never fails!!! Such a unique magical system too! Highly recommend

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

#adprproduct

I want to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ALC of this book.

This dark academia novel brings with it a new magic system, different to anything I've read before. We are thrown into the world of tarot, where every card has a different power and Arcanists possess different skills. Whilst I did find the system confusing at times I did enjoy having a new system to sink my teeth into. I'm sure it's one of those that if I had a list of what the cards represent to look at whilst listening it would have made more sense.

We are thrown straight into the action with Clara escaping prison to be thrown into the hands of the one person she despises most. With her mother dead and her sister missing Clara is left alone to help her enemy and to survive. I loved the school setting and meeting some of the other students. Clara was feisty and candid which didn't always help but proved to be entertaining.

Whilst there is a romance I felt this story was more about the action and the world, which I didn't mind. The way this story is left has me excited to read the next one.

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🃏✨ Arcana Academy by Elise Kova ✨🃏

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Tarot cards elemental magic and a school that drips with secrets Arcana Academy had me hooked from the very first draw.
Elise Kova weaves a world where tarot cards aren’t just fortune telling tools they’re the foundation of an intricate and powerful magic system. Every spell every duel every whispered prophecy ties back to the arcana. It’s fresh immersive and utterly spellbinding.

But let’s talk about that slow burn romance… because HOLY HELL 🔥 This isn’t just tension it’s emotional warfare. The kind that simmers and simmers until it hurts in the best possible way. I felt every stolen glance every restrained touch every unspoken word.
The MFC Smart determined and just the right amount of guarded. The MMC Brooding powerful and hiding way more than he lets on. Their chemistry Off the charts.
If you love:
💫 A dark academia vibe
🔮 Tarot + elemental magic
🔥 Angsty, soul-aching romance
🏫 Secretive schools full of danger and drama

then Arcana Academy needs to be on your shelf ASAP.

I’m OBSESSED And I already need book two.
I was so lucky to receive an advance reader from NetGalley what a ride . THIS BOOK IS OUT TODAY! RUN 🏃‍♀️

I went into this book blind and I really didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t WOWED by this book, but there was plenty I did like about it! I’d also like to note that despite my feelings about the book itself, I absolutely loved the audio, the narrator was amazing.

The magic system was complex and i loved the way the tarot cards were used. I enjoyed the set up of being in the academy, the imagery was brilliant and I could vividly see what the characters were doing in their duels.

I have to say I wasn’t always the biggest fan of the MMC. I liked that he was never really apart of the culling of the FMC’s clan but I just didn’t quite believe the chemistry between the two. I’m not sure if it’s because the book was far more plot focused instead of character driven, I like that in a book, but I just didn’t feel much connection between them. I mostly felt that they were just convenient to be love interests, I didn’t feel anything when she betrayed him or he found out. I liked the characters separately and enjoyed when they had companionship, but the spark was missing for me and that fell a bit flat.

I did really like the ending, I think book 2 will be interesting but I wasn’t shocked by it. I had already guessed what was going to happen at the half way point, it was a very full circle moment and I’m intrigued to how their world is going to change going forward. I will be picking up book 2 for sure!

At the start of this story you can't help but despise the MMC but there is an intrigue to see how his relationship with the FMC will progress. As the story went on I feel like there was no real tension between the main couple and then the romantic relationship starts all of a sudden.

The magic system in this book is different to anything I have read before, which was promising and did seem interesting to understand.
Glossary explanation of what the tarot cards can each do was quite expansive and I didn't pick up a lot of their meanings the first time listening to the list but I was able to pick up on magic of the tarot cards as the story went on and I feel that referring back to the glossary when reading the physical book shouldn't be an issue.

Overall, the narrator done a really good job of bringing the world to life and was easy to listen to.
The book seems to be written well, but I feel like the story didn’t have any real ups and downs to make you invested in the goals of the characters.
I just don't think this book was for me, the story seemed very one note throughout and I struggled to finish it as I found myself a bit bored.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ALC.

El subgénero dark academy está muy en auge y no era difícil imaginar que con un título como Arcana Academy la obra de Elise Kova se enmarcaría en esta tendencia. No es menos cierto que cuando algo se pone de moda surgen muchas obras casi clónicas que parece que utilizan una plantilla en la que van sustituyendo los espacios en blanco por los nombres de los protagonistas. Arcana Academy no llega a caer de lleno en esos errores, pero sí que es bastante previsible.


El sistema mágico que nos presenta Kova se basa en las cartas del tarot, lo que da un sistema de referencia más o menos conocido al lector mientras que tiene algo de libertad para asignar poderes a cada carta. El comienzo del libro explica cada carta, lo que sirve como manual de referencia durante la lectura de la obra. Tras esta introducción, la autora se lanza de lleno a la presentación de la protagonista, con un ritmo envidiable que por desgracia no mantiene en el resto del libro, algo que es bastante complicado cuando hablamos de una obra de casi 600 páginas.

Clara Graysword ha vivido gran parte de su vida huyendo de la justicia que la busca por practicar magia ilegal. Cuando parece que ya no hay escapatoria, se ve envuelta en una intriga que la obligará a cursar estudios en la Academia Arcana de la que salen los magos más poderosos… o carne de cañón marcada para las fábricas arcanas.

El libro transcurre a lo largo de un año académico con diversas pruebas con las que se va seleccionando a los que prosiguen en sus estudios. Es una estructura un tanto rígida, lo que tiene consecuencias en la lectura, por decirlo de alguna manera los clímax están marcados en el calendario según se van acercando los exámenes, lo que coarta algo la libertad de la autora a la hora de modular la acción.

En cuanto a la parte de romance, algo que parece consustancial al subgénero, está llevado con la sutileza esperada. Es un enemies to lovers de manual, primero te odio pero luego empiezo a ver algo en ti, hasta que se llega a la consumación que nunca se podrá igualar, hasta el siguiente capítulo, claro. No es que sea alta literatura, pero cumple su función perfectamente.

La narración del audiolibro corre a cargo de Anna Burnett que hace un trabajo bastante bueno con el material del que dispone, aunque no consigue sumergirte en la obra.

Lo que menos me ha gustado es el hecho de que sea la primera entrega de una trilogía y abuse del cliffhanger y de dejar todos los hilos sin cerrar para la siguiente entrega. Me hubiera gustado que el libro hubiera sido más completo como un solo ente, no solo como el comienzo de una historia más larga.

Some girls want cake for their birthday... Others would be happy with flowers, or a lovely piece of jewelry. But Clara Graysword's perfect birthday gift? A way out of the hellhole of a prison she's been in for the past year, that's what. That's what Prince Kaelis appears to give her when he tells her in no uncertain terms she'll die in one hour... Yet leaves her unattended with a bunch of very useful tools and supplies which she uses to escape. Why? Well, it might have something to do with the fact that he's the headmaster of Arcana Academy, the elite school for Tarot magic wielders... and she's been creating those cards, illegally, by inking them herself for years, without any formal education...  Masterfully. Which his test (of course) just proved. He makes her a deal: help him obtain a powerful magic card in exchange for his full protection at Arcana Academy as one of its newest students... and as his fiancée.

There's just one problem: she believes he is the cause of every single piece of misery she's endured in life, including being sent to Halazar prison in the first place. As she gets to know Kaelis though, she begins to see him in a different light. But after everything, can he be trusted with immeasurable power? Or should she take it for herself?

Oh, hello, latest romantasy series obsession. Yes, obsession, because it's got all of my favorite elements: a unique, fleshed out magic system, a thrilling, fast-paced plot, an academic setting with trials, royal and political intrigue, a found family and the beginning of meaningful alliances and friendships, a bloody stunning enemies-to-lovers romance and last but not least: SO MANY REMAINING QUESTIONS that I get to theorize over until book 02 comes out. Let's break it down a little.

The magic system features Tarot cards. Arcanists can utilize Tarot magic in three ways: reading, inking and wielding. In short, they can use cards to help predict certain outcomes, they can create the cards using their own magic power and special substances, and they can use cards as spells to wield in battles or to aid them when a situation calls for it. It feels broad enough to be complete and just detailed enough without overloading on information. Many of its applications serve the plot, and are demonstrated and explained on the go. The system Elisa Kova created feels very intricate and immersive.

The plot is multi-faceted: we have Clara working with Kaelis, then there's her progression in Arcana Academy, and her own work in attempting to learn what has happened to some of her loved ones. Something is always happening and developing, and I have never once felt an inkling of boredom.

Clara manoeuvres through both Royal court politics and those of the Academy itself. The Oricalis kingdom is somewhat rudimentary in its development, but that's fine. There's just enough backstory and intrigue to introduce us; since Arcana Academy serves as the primary backdrop of most of this book's plot, I understand why Kova decided to focus on the school's ins and outs first, rather than overwhelm us by adding tons of information about a Kingdom which doesn't even fully come into play yet, its mystery only adding to the intrigue. Arcana Academy is a very demanding institution, with trials the first-years must succeed at in order to vie for a placement with one of the 4 houses (each one representing a suit of the Minor Arcana of Tarot: Coins, Cups, Ones and Swords), and I think Kova successfully utilizes it as a setting both in moving the plot along and guiding us through the magic system.

For Clara, Arcana Academy is wholly unfamiliar, and it allows for our very strong female character to experience and show some vulnerability, particularly in meeting fellow students, both friendly and adversarial. Clara's actions and decisions are all highly - if not exclusively, and a bit selfishly at times - motivated by her love for her family, and for the found family she obtained after she was left without parents. It's interesting to see her open her heart - to risk it - further to new people, exactly because Clara is a complex, imperfect, at times frustrating person with understandable trust issues. There's a promise of more to come with these old and new bonds.

Because for now, the relationship Elise Kova focused on the most, is Clara and Kaelis. And boy. The author has knocked it out of the park with a proper enemies to lovers (I struggled to find anything likeable about him for a long time - yay), stomach-dropping slow burn ship that I don't think I'll get over any time soon. The chemistry pops from chapter 3 on out, and it never - NEVER - lets up. It is so rare to read a romance that's built up to perfection, culminates to something spectacular, and then proceeds to STILL have a devastating, jaw-dropping sexual tension. Once a couple reaches a certain point, it's so difficult to keep them at that boiling point of desire, but Kova does it. It's brilliant. (And now, Kaelis has my entire heart.)

This book had me in a frenzy at the end, because I never knew quite where Kova intended to take this. It ends on a stunning cliffhanger, giving me the best book hangover, because I HAVE QUESTIONS, I HAVE SO MANY THEORIES - the good kind that I think I've unraveled? - but need to see confirmed yesterday. I'm aching for the sequel, which is on my insta-buy list. And I'll 10000% do a reread of this one. That's how good I think this one is. 

I was fortunate enough to have received a copy of the audiobook, narrated by Anna Burnett as Clara. She has a very soothing voice, with a lovely clear British accent, suitable for the character and story. Burnett's narration is patient and very calm, which I think greatly benefits the story in that it allows the listener to properly process the information Clara offers. The deliberate pace helped me catch all the important details, and it is a great listening experience altogether. 

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio, Hodderscape for generously providing me with a copy of this audiobook; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.

So… it took me a little longer to get into this book however, once I was past the 30% mark I honestly couldn’t stop.

I enjoyed the unique magic system and the slow burn enemies to lovers.

I felt that the cliffhanger ending could have been less predictable but it was still brilliantly done.

The audio book was great and the narrator was the perfect fit.

Clara Greysword is broken out of prison and is sent to Arcana Academy where she finds herself betrothed the headmaster/Prince, Kaelis. But Kaelis needs her for her power for inking tarot cards and her thievery.

~ The tarot magic system was AMAZING
~ Dark Academia
~ High stakes
~ Dubious Royals
~ A tortured, brooding Prince
~ A cunning heroine
~ Danger round every corner
~ A slow burn romance that kept me on the edge of my seat.

There were a couple of schexy scenes when I realised that Kaelis is an actual God!

I listened to the audiobook and it was such an easy listening experience and, although I found the pacing was quite slow in places, I cannot wait for the next book!

About the book:
This book follows Clara Graysword, a skilled tarot card inker. In this world, magic is wielded through tarot cards. But magic is forbidden, only allowed to be practised by the elitists of Arcana Academy. Unfortunately, after a job gone wrong, Clara ended up in the brutal Halazar prison. Clara is offered a way out by Prince Kaelis, who also happens to be Headmaster of the academy. He brings Clara to the Arcana Academy, disguised as a new student and a fake bride-to-be, so Kaelis can use her skills for his own agenda...

My review:
Oh my goodness, this was such a good book! This gave me major Hogwarts and Prison Healer vibes, with a dash of One Dark Window. Keeping in mind that I like all of the mentioned stories, I knew this would fit right up my alley. The dark academia vibes came to life in this book with the students trying to earn their spot in their preferred houses.
I think Clara is a very likeable character and I really enjoyed following her experience at the academy. And of course, there's also the very attractive Kaelis as the morally grey MMC. Now let me tell you this amazing man had me in a chokehold! The smooth lines this man spoke... I think all my favourite quotes were spoken through his lips. Just read them and you'll understand me.

The enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn tropes are very well executed. The tension between the characters builds up beautifully. Next to that, the scheming, the secrets, and not knowing who to trust or form alliances with, make up for beautiful political intrigue throughout the book.
It was so fun to read about the different houses and the house characteristics. Also, the different types of trials that the initiates have to go through to earn a spot at their desired houses. The trials were a very good way to picture how wielding magic works.
What makes this book really interesting to me, is the use of an amazing and unique magic system using tarot cards. I think this book has very pleasant world-building, going at an easy-to-follow pace. This allowed me to properly immerse myself in the story. The pacing slows down a bit in the middle part of the book, but picks up at some point, going through a dramatic ending, leaving quite a bit of a cliffhanger.
It certainly left me hungry for more, so I'm eagerly waiting for the next book!

Now I was lucky enough to receive this book in the form of an ALC. I think the narrator has a very pleasant voice to listen to. The narration fits the characters very well. The pacing of the narration was also nice. As always, I turn up the speed a bit, but even then, the narration is very pleasant to hear. I could clearly hear other characters' dialogue, which made listening to conversations easy to follow. I would definitely recommend reading this book in the form of an audiobook!

Favourite quotes:
"Look at me with those crimson eyes. Look at me with all the hate you can manage and then some to hide the fact that you love me, and me alone."

"You consume my ever waking moment. Devour my thoughts..."

"Love me, hate me, but only look at me like my existence sets you on fire."

This was such a cool fantasy world and I really enjoyed this story! I absolutely loved the concept of “enchanted decks of cards” as a form of magic.

I’m such a sucker for the enemies to lovers trope in fantasy stories and this one was immaculate - true enemies, slooooow burn and also fake dating!

I’m so intrigued and can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughon Audio for the advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review.