dnf at 30%

though the narration was alright, it was very monotone and no unique voices were used for different characters which was on occasion confusing.

aside from that, the characters + dialogue were fairly juvenile for an adult fantasy and it was stopping me from becoming fully invested in the story. i tried to push through but kept putting it down and i think it’s simply not the book for me, but if someone were looking for an intro fantasy that’s easy to understand i would def recommend!!

Arcana Academy had a solid mix of magic, mystery, and teen drama, but it wasn’t quite the knockout I was hoping for. The world-building had its moments, classic magical academy vibes, but some things felt a little too vague for me. The romance was definitely swoony, though I wanted a bit more depth. The main character was likable and showed a lot of growth, but I wasn’t as attached to her as I’d hoped. That said, the second half really picked up, with a few twists that kept me hooked, and the chemistry between the characters was on point.

Narrated by Anna Burnett, the audiobook was a treat. Her voice really brought the characters and world to life, making even the slower moments more engaging. The pacing in her narration was spot on, especially during the more tense scenes, which helped to build the suspense.

It’s got a lot of the right elements: magical secrets, sizzling chemistry, and an intriguing world, but I just wanted more from the characters. If you’re into magical academies and romances that leave you wanting more, this one might be worth checking out.

Now, I’m curious to see where it goes next!




Ask ChatGPT

First I wanna thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this great audiobook in advance.
And it was fantastic!!!
I LOVE the magic system with the tarot cards, it was so different and interesting. The academy and the Houses in it made my remind of Harry Potter. The cuts through trials reminded me of Divergent with the Dauntless initiation.
The world building is also really good and I could really see all of it in my mind. As for the characters,, I love how sassy, smart and fierce our badass FMC Clara is. Kaellis got a bit on my nerves at the start but I knew I would like him and yes, as the book went on, I really started liking him more and more. The slow burn isreally a sloooooow burn. It got me soooo frustrated how much they were denying what was obvious. As for the other characters, I like her Starcrossed friends and I adore the friends she made at the academy like Luren, Sorza, Drisdin, Alor.. I hate Eza and I'm happy he got what he deserved 🙌🏻
As for the ending, I was jaw dropped. I didn't see that coming. I thought it was gonna be a way. I feel for Silas and for Clara. And that revelation about Rahim, WHAT??? And that very last sentence about her sister left me shook.
This is a thousand stars book in all aspects. Plot, worldbuilding, characters, writing...
I can't for the next one.

t took me a lot to read this book, not because I didn’t want to, but because I knew I’d finish it too soon, and then I’d want more. And I wouldn’t be able to continue until the next book is out. So I pushed starting this story as much as I could, and now I’ve finished, and I don’t know what to do with my life.

I really liked the world building. If Zodiac Academy had a tarot-based magic child, this would be it. The magic system reminded me of Gambit from X-Men, and I was obsessed.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, she’s sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards, a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run out, the academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her a deal: freedom in exchange for helping him steal a powerful tarot card and recreate a legendary one long lost to time.

To keep her identity hidden and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep could send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds the prince she swore to hate might not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world and her heart? Or will she take it all for herself?

The vibes? Think morally gray heroine with a past, a broody prince you don’t trust but want to sink your teeth into anyway, and an elite academy full of danger, trials, and hidden agendas.

The romance is slowburn with a capital S. I’m talking yearning, lingering looks, emotional confessions. Elise knows exactly how to make us suffer in the best way.

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton, Elise Kova, and NetGalley for sending this book my way in exchange for my honest opinion. I am so glad I ordered the special edition, because I knew I’d need it as a trophy on my shelf.

Now, please, could we have some more?

One Dark Window meets Harry Potter!

Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards - a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy. She is offered her freedom in exchange for helping the academy's cold headmaster, Prince Kaelis. Her identity is a secret and sheer presence is explained away by her engagement to the second born Prince.

Clara is brash and bold. Highly emotional, yet loyal to those she loves. She also has more power than others and is a great thief and very capable.

Kaelis is cold, calculating, controlling…. Or maybe he’s protective, ambitious, hurting and hiding. He also has a pet cat, Priss.

This was exceedingly sloooooow burn. You are on your hands and knees with a torch for mere crumbs. But these crumbs are akin to luxury chocolate or truffles or caviar.

<b>“If to bring about a new world—a better world—I must be the villain, if I must do evil things for the greater good, then so be it. I’ll play the part now and be reborn a hero in my next life.”
</b>
Saying that, I needed more romancing before the main event. It was all very slow and then BAM. And how they got together was not my favourite.

There is a lot of world building to get your head around - the tarot cards magic, the myths, Clara’s past, her family, her old friends and gang. Then you have a lot of names from students to nobility to past connections.

I did love the concept of the tarot card magic system but wish there was more explanation. Maybe diagrams - perhaps this will be added in for the final copy.

Clara didn’t stand out to me as a heroine. She is a very typical romantasy protagonist and Kaelis was the brooding yet misunderstood romance.

Physical arc gifted by Del Rey.

Everything you love about a magical academy setting with fake dating and dangerous tests. Arcana Academy reimagines the magic of the tarot cards in such a unique and fascinating way. A tarot-lovers DREAM!

Actual rating 4.5.

Ahh this was epic! I haven’t enjoyed a fantasy novel this much since the Fourth Wing/Serpent & Wings of Night series,

I was initially drawn in by the stunning cover, but the story, magic and romance kept me hooked. I loved the characters of Clara and Kaelis (along with plenty of the smaller characters), and the chemistry and tension between them was hot, but not too cheesy like some romantasy can be. Basically, I can’t wait for book two!

Audio narration was also excellent.

I adored this book! The magic system was so interesting to me and the romance was just right (not too fast or slow) for my tastes. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.