I don't even know where to start with this review because with the audiobook coming in at over 20hrs, it took me a week to finish this wonder of a book.

My initial thoughts on writing this are as follows:

1 - read this book if you like Divergent, Harry Potter and The Hunger Games books.
2 - tarot enthusiasts, this is your book too.
3 - the romance didn't suck in this one! Yay!

I will try to put these thoughts into a cohesive review, starting with point 1. There were definitely elements of all three book series mentioned above, without feeling like a carbon copy. The similarities were subtle but gave me that lovely nostalgic feeling, such as the initiation into the academy mirroring the initiation for factions in Divergent. I loved this and would reread it for this reason alone.

Point 2 is quite self-explanatory, but, as you can expect, there is A LOT of arcana lore, so it's a must for horoscope addicts.

Point 3 is a very personal stance because I'm extremely fussy with YA romantasies, often hating the romance but loving the plot and world building etc. This was a rare occurrence when I actually liked all three! Don't get me wrong, the romance is no Everlark and never will be, but it was perfectly realistic and palatable.

The only reasons why this wasn't a 5 star read are due to pacing and plot cohesion. I struggle with audiobook formatting when the pacing is fast one moment and slow the next, as I keep having to rewind to catch things I missed. I felt like most of the book was fast-paced, but there also seemed to be some filler which was considerably slower paced. The romance is extremely slow-paced and not focused on too heavily, which I didn't mind, but other readers may want more from this.

The plot was very convoluted and relied on past knowledge, which would require some minor "info dumps" to fill in gaps, as this is the first in the series. I feel this could have been done a bit better, but it was managed better than a lot of other books that do this. I did feel like the dream/nightmare sequences were hard to keep up with, as these just happened and it's explained afterwards that they weren't real.

The narration was flawless, if a little monotone, but I do like Anna Burnett's narration, so it may just be that her soothing voice didn't always fit the fast pace.

Overall, it really is a wonderful book and one that I would highly recommend. It has its flaws, sure, but I enjoyed my time with it and truly felt immersed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton audio for the ALC.

This book was surprising.

The first half was really slow and I almost give up on it, but then it got better and better and I couldn't put it down.

The magic system was so unique, I never read anything like this before. I absolutely loved it, but I feel it needs much more explanation, since I have so many questions about how the cards really work.

I loved both Clara and Prince Kaelis, and their enemies to lovers story. As well as their personal character arcs. I think Kaelis is a very enigmatic character and still has much more to offer to the story.

I wish the trials Clara has to go through lasted longer and were more detailed because I loved that part and it was really interesting to see the working of the cards and magic, and their effects.

I overall enjoyed the book, and I can't wait to read more after that ending!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for this ALC, all opinions are my own.

I DNF this audiobook. The Narrator seemed to suck the life out it for me. I found her voice more like AI.

It did sound like it had potential to be a good book so given 3 starts and will read the book rather than listen.

Sometimes you just want a fun braincandy read to devour and sometimes you want a rich, well-developed and immersive dark fantasy tale to get totally lost in, and somehow Elise Kova delivers both at once in Arcana Academy. I mean, a dark academia romantasy with some mystical tarot magic and a deliciously sloooow-burn enemies to lovers romance through a false engagement? Say less, please.

Now, when we first meet our fierce babe Clara Graysword, she is not exactly thriving. See, she got caught inking tarot cards, a rare power exclusively reserved for the elite practitioners at Arcana Academy, which has landed her in prison with a lifetime sentence. But then (OH BUT THEN!!), the dark, enigmatic headmaster of the Academy, Prince Kaelis, offers her a surprising escape and whisks her away to the Academy, where she’s thrust into a cutthroat world of arcane magic and royal intrigue. The only catch behind this incredibly kind offer? She’ll have to help him with his own schemes and pretend to be his happy bride-to-be, all while trying to survive the dangerous trials and tribulations of being a first year student at the Academy. What could go wrong, right?

Honestly, I have always been and will always be a sucker for a good magical school setting, so I immediately loved the whole atmosphere of the dangerously alluring Arcana Academy with all its dark secrets. I mean, it’s not like Kova reinvents the wheel in terms of this trope, but the vibes were vibing real hard and I was just so here for all the quintessential school bullies/rivalries, cruel teachers and tentative friendships that you can expect from this type of setting.

And you know what? At no point did Arcana Academy even come close to feeling derivative or predictable, because the intrigue and imagination just bleed off every page. I really loved discovering all the hidden corners and dark secrets of the Academy and its inhabitants together with Clara, and the whole concept of the card inking and mystical tarot magic just had me completely entranced. Now, did I ever really grasp all the intricacies of the magic? No, I sure did not, but I think that was more a me-problem rather than due to any lack of development or skill on Kova’s part; just my pea brain being too tired to take it all in.

But what truly makes Arcana Academy stand out from the crowd for me is the fact that I actually really enjoyed Clara as a FMC, especially because she didn’t fall into the ‘too dumb to live’ category like so many of the other protagonists in romantasy do. Yes, she’s brash and stubborn and probably a bit too curious and snarky for her own good, but her actions always matched her strong personal motivations, and I personally felt like her bold audacity only helped keep things interesting for me. And then add to that her mysterious backstory with unexpected roots (who would’ve guessed?!) and lots of tragedy, which just made her all the more compelling to follow.

Also, do not get me started on the delicious tension and banter between Clara and Prince Kaelis as they navigate their dangerous alliance and fake engagement, I ate it uppp! He’s admittedly not the most well-developed love interest ever, but I will always be trash for a tortured man who is down bad for a woman he shouldn’t love, so don’t mind me swooning over him in all his broody, snarky, and unfairly sexy glory. Moreover, I have been calling Arcana Academy romantasy because that is how it is marketed, but I honestly think it feels more like a dark fantasy with some great romantic tension and a tiny bit of hot steam sprinkled in at the end. Like, the slow-burn is burning REAL slow, but fuck me, if the crumbs of pay-off we get aren’t just delectable!

Now, the side characters admittedly fell a bit flat for me compared to Clara, which hindered both my investment and the emotional impact of the story a bit for me. Moreover, the pacing is wobbly at best with its choppy, hectic start, slow middle section and then bombastic high-stakes ending, and I think Arcana Academy overall doesn’t fully earn its 500+ pages. That said, I effortlessly breezed through this book, especially with the help of the immersive and brilliantly narrated audiobook (thank all that is holy for a female narrator in romantasy who doesn’t sound whiny!), and the wild ending definitely hooked me in for book 2; bring on the trauma and emotional turmoil!!

This might have been my first book by Elise Kova, but it certainly won’t be my last because I had a blast with this. Arcana Academy was somehow exactly what it was promised to be but then also really exceeded my expectations, and I think especially fans of Carissa Broadbent or Rachel Gillig’s One Dark Window will find a lot to love here. So, whether you are in the mood for some dark fantasy brutality, charmingly pretentious dark academia vibes or addictive romantasy fun, Arcana Academy will deliver it all, and then so much more. What a wild ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Aracana Academy is scheduled for release on 22 July 2025.

Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having read a few books by Elise Kova, I was eagerly anticipating Arcana Academy and it did not disappoint! A magical school with forbidden romance and morally grey characters - sign me up!
I really enjoyed the magic system Kova created, with the unique use of cards. Clara is an intriguing character and I really enjoyed getting to know her and seeing her get to know more about herself and her family - I can't wait to see more in the next book! The mystery around what happened to her sister was intriguing and a great storyline throughout. I feel like there's still more to see and can't wait for more in the next book.
The forbidden romance was great, with lots of tension and that satisfying slow burn. I love Kaelis and need more of him - I really hope we get to know more about him in the next book. I'd love to see his POV!
Arcana Academy is a great first book in a magical, school-based dark Romantasy and I really enjoyed listening to it! I'm already excited for the next book.

2.5 rounded up to 3/5

I previously had a chance to read an arc of the ebook earlier this year, which was a solid 4.5/5 for me and this book is still is probably my most anticipated release of 2025. The overall plot and story still gets a 4.5/5, however the audiobook adaptation itself is what's brought this review down a few points.

I tried so hard to enjoy the narrator, but her narrations just fell a little flat for me. There were times when the pacing felt a little rushed, and others when it was almost too drawn out, and characters often blended together due to the lack of differentiation between voices, which made the overall experience a bit more monotone and flat than what I was expecting for this story. That being said, I really loved the unique magic system and overall tropes of this novel, and cannot wait for book two!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for an advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

To say I freaked out when I got this ALC is an understatement! You will find this book in my most anticipated releases of 2025 post!

Clara our FMC has been through loss, trauma, imprisonment and is filled with rage towards the royals. Our MMC, Kaelis, who is one of said royals, has many secrets and all is not as it seems. These two are actual enemies, especially our FMC sees it that way! Expect to feel the hate, distrust, and struggle of our main characters in this rich magic & fantasy filled read. Elise Kova is going to make you wait, beg, and huff waiting for the romance. We do get some spice (its a long wait) but more on the romance later!
I love Tarot and books that feature it as a magic system. This one is exceptional, the author clearly has a good understanding of real world Tarot to pull from. You don't need to know Tarot to LOVE this book though, there is a key in the book and its woven in to the story naturally so you won't feel confused.
Being the first in a new series, with a complicated magic system, we do get lot of world building and information in the first third of the book. It's a bit slow (Audio is over 20 hours) but I was never bored, instead fascinated to learn more and see what happened next. My love of tarot helped! There are some great trials, being Tarot based they were refreshing and different than the usual in books. The first trial, yikes, I'm not sure I would be up for that 😂.

The romance.....I was expecting the synopsis dark academia, headmaster, student, fake engagement with 🔥. Whilst it was all there in technical terms it for me lacked 🔥 and was not quite as expected. The romance is pretty much non existent, no banter, no depth to the relationship, getting to know eachother on a deeper level and the ending urgh. The spice was fleeting. As of book one sadly Kaelis is not for me. This is not a touch her/him and 💀, I lost respect for the MMC by the end (I do spoiler free reviews so can't say more). This would have been a 5 🌟 (10 lol) if the romantic connection was there for me.
Now the second book may change things and I will be reading it!
If this had been advertised as a fantasy or I went in expecting a fantasy read with side story romance, it would have been a different rating. Dark academia romance is one of my favourite genres though so the read was tinged with disappointment.

I slept on my rating as I was between 3 and 4, I went with 4 because my love of this complex magic system won out! As well as the side characters, found family aspect that was building. I also hold high hopes for book two in this series! I did really enjoy the world and have two SEs of this book on the way 😂.

Audio book
Narrator - Anna Burnett
Hours - 20 hrs 15 mins
Rating - 5 🎧
I loved the audio narration! It was so well done and the characters were all unique & recognisable by voice alone.


Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for the ALC.

Arcana Academy is my newest obsession! I was immediately hooked by the incredibly unique and brilliantly crafted magic system. The tarot-based magic felt fresh and so cleverly done. I loved how the characters had to draw their cards to activate their powers.

The stakes are high as students face deadly trials just for a CHANCE to earn a spot, and those scenes hit with intense emotion. The story is packed with twists, betrayals, and surprises that kept me turning the pages. It is fast-paced and full of heart-pounding moments from start to finish.

And the ROMANCE. Pure enemies to lovers perfection. The tension and longing between them while struggling to trust each other was chef’s kiss. And that ENDING? I am absolutely desperate for book two. I need answers now.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely adored the narration. The narrator’s voice perfectly captured each character’s personality and emotions, making the story feel even more alive and immersive. Their pacing and tone added extra layers of tension during the trials and chemistry in the romance. It truly enhanced the whole experience and kept me glued to my headphones.

The author is stopping in my city for her book tour, and I am even getting my nails done to match House Swords. If that does not scream five stars, I do not know what does.

(Will add review links on publication day)

DNF 30%

I would love to say this book hooked me from the first page but actually it have not, something just didn’t clicked. In the first part, and as long as it is quite a big part, is actually very unclear: we are thrown in the middle of a pre existing situation that is kinda confusing, a lot of things happen but half of the time I was wondering if I was reading into things wrong like… it’s really happening that one? The MMC got me invested but not enough to make me push until halfway, which was my main goal after realizing I was not vibing with the book. I received the ALC for this one and the narrator was honestly great and fit the mood perfectly, but this books just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC copy. Every opinion is my own.

English is not my first language, sorry for any misspelling.

4.5⭐️ I AM STRESSED AND I NEED BOOK TWO IMMEDIATELY PLEASE

Things I loved:
- the magic system
- the slow burn
- the politics
- the lore
- the 💕MMC💕

You NEED to add this one on your tbr. It’s so addictive, I completely ate it up in one day. Thank you for the netgalley arc in exchange for an honest review.

I re-read this book in the form of Audiobook and i am so happy that i did cos it was JUST as good as the first time!!! OMG the narrator did such a good job and shout out to the English Accent! You dont hear that much in audibooks (at least the ones ive listened to!)

W.o.w. I really enjoyed this book! I have read the Air Awakening series by Elise Kova and when i received the ARC for this i was super excited as i really enjoyed that series!

Arcana Academy has a very unique use of magic, Tarot Cards. I found this so fascinating and super unique, not something i had read before. (I love new stuff!) It did confuse me a little at the first, but eventually i finally started understanding all the cards and what they do. (Only to find out there is a Glossary at the end. LOL)

Clara, a strong driven women. I really like her strength and the way she holds herself. Her family values and belief in herself is brill. I loved the slow realize of information into her background and the whole twist at the end with it all. I'm so intrigued! Kaelis, now he was something! You could see his inner turmoil the whole way, to be the enemy he thinks he is born to be. These two … FIRE, the tension ripples off of them. I like how Clara didn't instantly like him, she truly hated him but the then flame slowly started to flare for different reasons and i adored this!

There is a lot of foreshadowing that you don't notice until the story unravels later on. So keep an eye out for stuff!

I really really enjoyed this book and wholly recommend it to everyone! 5/5.

5⭐️

I loved Arcana Academy by Elise Kova so much—I couldn’t stop listening! From the first chapter, I was completely pulled into Clara’s world. She’s tough, clever, and funny, and I loved following her journey from living on the edge in Eclipse City to suddenly being thrown into a magical academy… as the fake fiancée of the headmaster. Yes, please!

The magic system with the tarot cards was really unique and exciting. I’ve never read anything quite like it! There’s a perfect mix of magic, danger, secrets, and romance. And let’s talk about Kaelis—he’s mysterious, powerful, and has such great chemistry with Clara. Their slow-burn relationship had me hooked the whole way through.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ALC! I also have to say—Anna Burnett did an amazing job with the narration. She really brought Clara’s personality to life and made every moment so fun and emotional. I felt completely immersed in the story thanks to her.

Now I’m just sitting here desperately waiting for book 2. If you enjoy fantasy romance with magical schools, fake dating, and strong heroines, you have to check this one out!

As someone who is not a fan of Elise Kova's previous books or writing, I knew this one was going to be risky. But I always like to give authors a second chance and thought I'd give Fairyloot's Romantasy pick for July a go.

Unfortunately, this has confirmed that Elise Kova is not for me. Her writing and my brain just do not work together, and I honestly found the storyline boring.

However, I know this is a me issue only! I think fans of Elise Kova will enjoy this, especially if you enjoy Tarot Magic! The audio narrator was brilliant but unfortunately, this story just did not hold my interest!

This is was my first DNF in a while and I'm sad I didn't enjoy this more.

I’m sorry, what was that? I feel like I need 3-5 working days to process this absolute masterpiece!!!

I text my book bestie at Chapter 4 saying “I’m already obsessed with this book, it better not let me down” and I can honestly say this book is INCREDIBLE. I have no words - the twists and turns, the betrayal, the heartbreak, the *yearning* my goodness the yearning between Clara and Kaelis had me on the edge of my seat.

The magic in this was exceptional, the tarot cards added an unexpected dynamic and made the storyline unique and fresh.

The academy system has the nostalgia of Harry Potter while being unique, the house systems were intriguing and unlike other academia books.

The ending?!??? What, the, hell!? How could it end like that? How can we be expected to wait to find out what happens? Who can I pay to get the next book?!

Thank you Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for this ARC.

We meet Clara, our FMC as she is in prison for inking and using Tarot cards illegally, the magic system of this world. She is the visited by the Headmaster of Arcana Academy, Kaelis, the second born prince of the kingdom and they make a bargain for her release.

I really enjoyed this book, the academy setting with the deadly trials and high stakes, the suits of the tarot being used to divide people into houses and the means of inking, wielding and reading them being taught.

The tension between Clara and Kaelis is intense, but sometimes it felt a bit forced and dragged a bit, but the found family elements in the book made up for it.

There are a lot of twists and turns that will keep your interest peaked throughout, and that ending is absolutely criminal with that massive cliffhanger! I cannot wait to see where this series is going to next!

The narrator did an incredible job of bringing this book to life! Listening to it was an really pleasant experience.

Original magic system, ruthless competition, grumpy and stubborn characters we all like, a cat who steals the show, and an ending that makes you wish book 2 was already published because I need it now!

4.25/5 stars for both the book and the audiobook. The narrator really makes the characters come to life and does the narrative justice.

I’m going to start with what I disliked the most, because all other things I have to say about this book are praise. So, the pacing… For about the first 60% of the book, I had to force myself to keep on reading. I liked what I read, but I just wasn’t that invested, yet. Some things were rather repetitive also. Even though I wanted to know what was coming next, I could easily put the book aside for a few hours. It starts really slow, sometimes confusing even, and it takes a while before the pieces start coming together and you get attached to the characters. Once you begin to discover where everything is going, what’s at stake, and who you can or cannot trust (or so you think), you are in for a ride…

Now for the positive things and the praise: I read the last 40% in one sitting (40% out of almost 600 pages is a lot, I know, don’t out me like that…). The enemies to lovers (it takes some time for the chemistry to make an appearance, but once it does, I was rooting for them so hard!), the tarot magic, the intrigues and betrayal, the past that resurfaces, the possibilities, the discoveries, the houses and alliances, the found family, hate-worthy enemies, … the pace suddenly picks up, the stakes rise, maybe some people are unalived (expect both cries of happiness and tears of sadness), there is one plot twist after the other and you just have to know what will happen next. I can’t say anything about the ending, because that would be a major spoiler, but believe me when I say you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of book two ASAP. We’ll have to be patient though, because book 1 even still has to hit the shelves (one more week, believe me it’s worth it)… Did I mention it has a very original and interesting magic system? I want to be able to ink cards and wield them as well…

The story has a lot of potential and in the end it does deliver. It’s the first book by Elise Kova that I have read, but it will definitely not be the last. She knows how to tell a compelling story with lots of amazing and intriguing elements.

Thank you Hodderscape for the eARC and ALC, I really enjoyed both.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

We follow Clara, an illegal but naturally gifted tarot card inker, imprisoned in one of the kingdom’s most brutal facilities near Eclipse City. Her fate shifts when she meets the king’s third son, a mysterious, powerful, and ridiculously handsome prince with midnight purple hair and a deck of tarot cards in hand. Oh, and he also happens to be the Headmaster of Arcana Academy.

After this encounter, which ends with her escape (maybe all planned by him 👀), Clara is swept into the prestigious Arcana Academy, and her life completely changes.

Declared the last descendant of a long-lost tarot clan and suddenly engaged to the prince, Clara is drawn into a quest to uncover the 21st Major Arcana card, more legend than reality: The World. In a realm ruled by cards, secrets, and legacy, she might be more entwined with fate than she ever imagined.

Vibe Check & Tropes:
• Tarot-based dark academia
• Fake engagement / enemies to lovers
• Perfect for late summer or autumn reading 🍂

The audiobook was definitely the right choice.Immaculate narration, so immersive, and that’s coming from a very picky audiobook listener haha.

Arcana Academy was so enjoyable, a strong start to a new series. I got similar vibes to Briar Boleyn’s writing, romantic, a little dramatic, and magical in all the right ways.

The way a full blown pterodactyl screeched out of me at that ending - I am not okay… still! Arcana Academy has me in an unapologetic chokehold

This is peak fantasy romance.
Secret tarot magic? Yep.
A broody, morally grey prince with a fake engagement that spirals into something way messier? Say no more.

Clara - Scrappy, sharp, and just trying to survive a world that keeps trying to knock her down - Complete underdog.
Kaelis - He’s all sharp stares, veiled motives, and “I’ll burn the world for you” energy.

The tension between them is unreal.
“He didn’t touch me, not really - but gods, I felt it everywhere.”

It’s that kind of slow burn that coils around your ribs and refuses to let go.
“Power like his wasn’t meant to be gentle. And yet, in that moment, it was.”

There’s so much in here that ticked every box for me—if you love One Dark Window, Crimson Moth, or The Hurricane Wars, I’m confident this one’s going to land for you too.

The world is rich, the stakes are high, and that ending? Unhinged (in the best possible way).

Also - shout out to Anna Burnett, who nailed the narration. Her voice gave Clara the perfect mix of grit and vulnerability and carried the emotional beats beautifully. The audio made me feel everything more intensely, especially toward that ending.

Big thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. I’ll be impatiently waiting for book two.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me at 60%.

The main issue I had with this one is that I just couldn’t seem to get connected to the characters or find myself caring about the narrative. There were quite a few side characters introduced but none of them really had the depth we would need to be invested in them (or at times remember who they were).

I did however really enjoy the writing style, and the world building and magic system were really intriguing, but unfortunately they weren’t enough to keep me invested in this one.

Arcana Academy swept me into its dark, magical world and never let go. Elise Kova delivers a captivating blend of danger, mystery, and slow-burn romance that kept me hooked.

Clara Graysword is a clever, stubborn, and recklessly brave heroine I instantly loved. Watching her navigate the eerie halls of Arcana Academy after being forced into a fake engagement with the enigmatic Prince Kaelis was a wild ride.

The tarot-based magic system is one of the most original I’ve read—intricate, strategic, and utterly fascinating. The school itself is deliciously dark and secret-filled, with every chapter peeling back new layers.

My only minor critique is the pacing—some moments felt rushed while others lingered a bit too long. But honestly? I didn’t mind. The drama, the twists, and the emotional stakes made this a standout fantasy read.

If you love dark academia, morally gray characters, and immersive worldbuilding, Arcana Academy is absolutely worth diving into. I can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy.