It's release day for one of my most anticipated reads this year!

Firstly, the magical system is hands down one of the most creative and exciting ones I've come across. Tarot cards that each wield a specific type of magic, from fire to speed, strength to swords, healing to ice.. the list goes on. It was a bit daunting at the beginning, but I soon caught on, and the glossary was super helpful!

Clara is now one of my favourite heroines. She's incredibly smart, fiercely loyal, strong and badass. Imprisoned in Halazar for the crime of inking tarot cards illegally, she escapes only to be captured and forced to enrol at Arcana Academy; a school to learn and wield the magic she's already familiar with. She doesn't realise the whole thing has been set up by Prince Kaelis, headmaster of the academy. In order to keep her safe and away from Halazar, Clara must become his betrothed.

There are twists and turns, secrets and lies and indescribable tension all throughout the story, with Clara not knowing who she can believe, where to turn, or whether she can trust her own instincts. She's desperate to find her sister who was supposed to be in the academy but has disappeared - she strongly suspects Kaelis has something to do with it, but her heart tells her differently.

Prince Kaelis is stoic, dark and secretive. He doesn't trust anyone, but he has no choice when Clara is the secret to unlocking a long forgotten tarot card, one more powerful than any ever known. Working together in close quarters has a multitude of challenges for them both and of course, lines begin to blur. Unfortunately, neither of them trust the other which makes it messy and complicated.

I loved the side characters and the different perspectives they all brought to the story. Warning - don't get too attached 😅

The ending was easily one of the best I've read in fantasy recently, and I am frothing at the mouth for the next book. It ends on a cliffhanger that had me slamming my kindle down with a feral "NOOOOOOO" as I desperately swiped for the next chapter.

Thank you so much to @elise.kova & @hodderscape for the advanced copy 🖤

So rarely is a book that just grabs your by throat and sucks you right it but this is that book. I have been left broken and wanting more in the best possible way.

The zodiac card magic was unique and clever, the dark academia setting with the enemies to lovers slow burn all combined to make a captivating story.

♠️♦️ Arcana Academy♦️♠️

- Elise Kova @elise.kova

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In a world with a magic system born out of wielding tarot cards, Arcana Academy is the place where all Arcanists go to learn the ancient art of tarot. Shrouded in mystery, the inner workings of Arcana Academy are not widely known. Arcanists are prohibited to practice magic outside of the academy. Illegal magic is how our protagonist, Clara Graysword, finds herself imprisoned in prison. When the second son of the King comes to offer her a deal, it’s both her way out and yet another death sentence. Come to Arcana Academy as the prince’s bride and steal a mythical tarot card from the King.

The magic system was so inventive and unique, and this was definitely my favourite aspect of the book. It has heaps of political intrigue and court politics, as well as deadly academy trials. Elise Kova combines a luscious dark academia vibe with epic royal fantasy. There was definitely a lot to take in in the first 20%, with regards to the world building and the tarot-based magic system, but if you’re someone who, like me, reads a lot of epic fantasy and romantasy, it wasn’t too bad.

If you’re the type of person who misses Yearning (with a capital Y), this is perfect for you. Clara and Kaelis have the beginnings of such a good slow burn, and I can’t wait for more books to see their relationship develop.

Overall, I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a fresh, new magic system to sink your teeth into, along with some pretty epic worldbuilding. I will definitely be looking to read Deal with the Elf King and the Air Awakens series after this!

Thanks to @hodderbooks and @hodderpublicity for the digital ARC! Arcana Academy releases TODAY! (So there’s no excuse not to read 😌)

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The first thing I'll say about this book is how interesting and well thought out the magical system is. This clearly took some research and its such a cool idea. I've seen card based magic before in One Dark Window, but in Arcana Academy it almost felt like something from an anime? Anyway, this is definitely going to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a romantasy with dark academia elements and a proper 'enemies to reluctant allies to something more' vibe. Clara and Kaelis really don't like each other at first and the slow burn is done very well. I found myself getting a bit lost with some of the lore and backstory, and a few parts felt info-dumpy, but overall I enjoyed the pacing and will definitely read on in the series!

If you’re looking for an interesting new fantasy series Arcana Academy is it. I found the magic system to be incredibly intriguing and unique and the academy setting is a classic. The story kept me reading and the dialogue has some really funny moments.

It was quite a lengthy read and at times could be slightly confusing if you weren’t paying 100% attention. There is a glossary for the magic system which is very helpful. I did find the main character to be slightly annoying at times but it wasn’t distracting enough to put me off the story. I enjoyed the side characters and I’m interested to see how they develop and get more involved in the story over time.

I’m looking forward to find out where the story goes and I cant wait for the next book already.

I was so looking forward to this book that I accidentally requested a digital review copy of this book TWICE! And both publishers, the American publisher Del Rey and the British Publisher Hodderscape, granted my request! I could dive in!

This book was everything I had hoped it would be and then maybe a little bit more! From the very first chapter until the very last I was hooked. I just wanted to keep on reading, I wanted to read faster and I wanted to read slower. I wanted to know how the book was gonna end and I wanted to make the book last as long as possible. I can't wait to hold my physical copy of the book and I don't promise I will only get one.

The world building in this book is amazing! I'm a little familiar with the Tarot cards, the minor and major arcana and the meaning of the cards. I can imagine that helped a little to not be overwhelmed by all the names and powers. However, there were a few amazing twists and turns keeping me on the tips of my toes. There were also a few questions I had that weren't answered yet, so I'm incredibly curious about the sequel to see if some of my theories are right!

I also loved the characters in this story. I have to admit that I was not blown away by the romance yet, but it feels like the romance isn't meant to blow me away yet. These characters are keeping so many secrets and are hiding so many parts of themselves. I can't wait for them to learn more about each other, and probably themselves too, because I'm sure there will be some really emotional and dramatic moments waiting for us!

When I say I flew through this book !!!! Wow just wow. The main character lives on the streets and goes illegal things just to survive. She ends up in jail after doing illegal tarot card magic. The magic in this word is that people can ink and wield tarot cards but the only ones allowed to are those that are authorised by the king. The crowned prince needs Clara’s help to go against his dad. I lived the magic system in this book and Elises writing is just amazing. An easy 5 star read for me

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!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I have so many thoughts on this book, so the review will probably a long one.

Clara wields and inks Tarot cards like it is her second nature. Unfortunately, the distribution and unauthorised use of these magical objcets is highly illegal, earning her a place in the high-security prison Halazar with a one way ticket. Fortunately for her, after a year spent in the dark depths of a prison designet for everyone the crown never wants to resurface, she gets the chance to escape these hell like pits oncer and for all. Still, freedom seems out of reach for her, seeing that Kaelis, headmaster of the Arcana academy, second prince, rumored void-born and the person Clara blames for everything that has gone wrong in her life, is the one who frees her of Halazar. As expected, Clara soon finds herself entangled in a new tangle of intrigues, plans and schemes by the secretive prince.

Okay, first of all: this is a Romantasy. I like romantasy in theory, but in practise, I often find them lacking in depth and very tropey, which I am a sucker for in some cases but overall annoys me more than it intruiges me. This story falls victim to what I really dislike about a lot of romantasy books: the dynamic between Kaelis and Clara, especially in the beginning, is just something I've read countless times already and is therefore very predictable. I like Kaelis' archetype, but I just strongly dislike it when a book reminds me so much of other similar stories while reading that I barely can concentrate on whats before me now.

On the topic of reminding me of other books, this one is not very subtle about its inspirations in my opinion. The beginning reminds me of throne of glass, the sorting system feels like Harry Potter on crack mixed with what I think is fourth wing (we have 4 houses in the academy, with emphasis on their common rooms etc - don't get me wrong, the one who shall not be named did not invent academy housing, but it comes to mind. Mixed with the "most of you will not make it and probably die", which I associate with Fourth wing). Tarot magic in books became very popular with the shepherd king series (which I have not read), but again, this series is by far not the only one utilising this concept (the arcana chronicles starting with poison princess is a great example for that, btw!). Without trying to spoil anything, later parts reminded me of aspects of the will of the many and Paladins Hope. I have no idea if there was any inspiration drawn from any of those books, but seeing elements of some of the most popular fantasy books right now in this one was not something I loved.

By now, you might be thinking this does not read like a 4 star review, but hold on tight, because the magic system is absolutely stunning. I think tarot magic is one of the magic systems with the most potential, seeing as the Arcana cards already have so much lore to pull from. Furthermore, as I absolutely loved the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole, I will eat up any exploration of the beautiful characterisation of the Arcana cards. Overall, the magic system to me is a 5/5 and I would gladly devour a lot more of it.

The thing nerfing and also kinda carrying this book for me were the characters. Clara and Kaelis seemed fleshed out enough, and many side characters did get a lot of depth as well. However, some of Claras plans and decisions made so little sense to me that i had to rant not to one, but two poor people who had absolutely no connection to this book whatsoever (and I plan on finding more). Again, without trying to spoil Clara seems short sighted, egoistic and sometimes lacks the ability to ask the questions I NEED HER TO ASK, it is not that hard. Some part of this can be described as character flaws, but others cannot be described by words I deem accapteable for this platform.
This brings me directly to the plot, which was pretty awesome overall but some things even my dumbass cat could have figured out before Clara did. There certainly are plot twists, some that I haven't seen coming in this exact form, but there also is a lot of foreshadowing Clara has the uncanny ability to ignore.

The Romance, to me, was kinda annoying in the beginning, seeing as they had other things to worry about. Idk about you but I have the feeling that even if my arch nemesis was hot, I'd be able to ignore this, but whatever. Fortunately, any significant developments in that regard take their time and do not feel overly rushed. I think the buildup of tension was very well managed. I saw some comments criticising the slowburn element, but in what world should enemies to lovers be anything but? I guess this one comes down to your expectations.

The writing style was great. Fairly easy to read quickly, imo not overly descriptive whilst still building a new world around the reader. You can tell this author has a bit of experience in writing. I saw some people not loving the pacing aka some time skips, but to me, they made sense - however, they make you miss out on a lot of the academy day-to-day, so it feels way less like a dark academia book than an enemies to lovers kingdom scheming kinda plot.

Overall, I have a lot of feelings for this one, not all of them good. Still, I find myselfe wanting to read part 2 right now, so I think it was a great read

Clara Graysword, a street-smart magic-wielder from Eclipse City, is sentenced to life in prison for illegally inking tarot cards, a rare magic reserved for elite wielders. Her unexpected escape comes at a steep price: Prince Kaelis, the enigmatic headmaster of Arcana Academy, offers her freedom in exchange for a dangerous alliance. Clara must pose as his betrothed and infiltrate the academy to help him steal a legendary tarot card. As she navigates the treacherous halls of Arcana Academy, Clara uncovers secrets about the magic system, the royal family, and herself. With nobles watching her every move, trials that could kill her, and a slow-burning romance threatening to unravel her plans, Clara must decide whether to trust Kaelis, or outwit him.

The opening chapters immediately pull you into the world with a gritty prison, illegal magic, and a heroine with a sharp mind. I could practically feel the atmosphere and see the magic unfolding. It all started out very promising, but the pacing throughout the book felt a bit uneven. After a strong start, the middle dragged a little and it took me a while to get truly invested in the characters and their journey. Around the halfway point though, the story really picked up and I was turning pages while totally losing track of time. I couldn’t put it down.

Clara is a great protagonist. She is clever and quick-thinking. Watching her navigate the academy, the nobles (especially the two princes, Kaelis and Ravin), and her secret alliances outside of the school was super engaging. I especially enjoyed the character relationships, both the ones already established with her found family and the ones that slowly grew throughout the book. It really helped that the students at Arcana Academy all have distinct personalities. It made it easy to keep track of them and learn from their interactions. The romance is quite a slow-burn and leans very much into popular tropes (fake engagement, enemies-to-lovers), but nevertheless, I had a fun time with it.

The magic system is one of the book’s strongest elements. It’s tarot-based, detailed, and really well thought out. There’s even a glossary at the back to help keep track of the mechanics, which I found super helpful. What I really appreciated about this story was the abundancy of intriguing plot points that absolutely drive the story forward. And sure, you already get some resolutions by the end of this first book, but there is still so much more that I'm curious about. It makes me very excited to continue this series.

If you like a school setting, a unique magic system, and high stakes, this book is very much worth the read.

This was a fun romantasy to read. I really enjoyed the magic system in particular and the only reason this didn’t get 5 stars was I wish we got to know a little more about it. The writing was really immersive and I found I was swept along with the story pretty immediately, This book does exactly what you think it would on the tin but I am looking forward to the next instalment.

A magic system based on tarot cards? Check. Feisty, strong FMC determined to solve the mystery of her mother’s death and her sister’s disappearance? Check? Dark-haired Prince with a reputation for ruthless murder? Big check!

In a kingdom ruled by a ruthless tyrant, those with magic have few choices. Hide it, graduate from Aracana Academy as an elite practitioner or be sent to the Mills for hard labour. Or die. When thief Clara escapes the prison where she’s been held for illegal inking of cards, the headmaster of the academy, the enigmatic Prince Kaelis, offers her a surprising bargain - a fake engagement and a place at the magic school in exchange for her help stealing the King’s most powerful cards.

Filled with intrigue, betrayal, hidden identities and powerful arcane magic, Kova’s first foray into adult fantasy impressed me. The world she has created where the magic is based on the suits of the tarot was original and easy to understand. Clara and Kaelis’ dynamic, though at times frustrating, was compelling and they had good slow burn tension. There is a cast of loveable supporting characters too. I’ll definitely be reading the next book as the series continues.

4.5 ⭐️

I have to say, I was hooked from the very first pages. This was such a refreshing and immersive read.

Clara has been sentenced to life in prison for forging tarot cards—an act forbidden to anyone who isn't a student or graduate of the prestigious Arcana Academy. But one day, the second prince and headmaster of the Academy, Kaelis, offers her an escape. He believes she can help him achieve his goals and uncover the world. To protect her identity, he introduces her as his bride-to-be and a first-year initiate.

I adored the magic system and the use of tarot cards as the foundation of magic. It was so unique and fascinating to read battles that weren’t just about punches, kicks, or weapons—but about throwing down tarot cards and unleashing their magic. These scenes were so well executed, I actually felt tense during those moments!

I do wish there had been more description of the Academy itself. Some moments felt a little rushed or brushed over. A bit more depth would’ve helped build a stronger connection to the story and characters.

There’s still so much to explore—more about the cards, Clara’s family history, Kaelis’s past, and the side characters too. There’s political intrigue, mystery, and it all ends on a massive cliffhanger!! I can’t believe I have to wait for the next book. It’s definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye out for.

I loved the slow burn and romantic subplot. It wasn’t the main focus, which I always appreciate. It had time to develop, brought just the right amount of tension, and paid off in the way that we wished for. I really enjoyed how Clara and Kaelis’s relationship unfolded and the dynamic between them. I also appreciated Clara forming new friendships, especially given everything she’s been through and how hard it is for her to trust.

Both Clara and Kaelis were great characters—morally grey, stubborn, relentless, and smart. Clara knows what she wants and how to get it, and there’s nothing I love more in a female main character. Kaelis was a beautiful surprise, with some memorable lines.

This book completely captivated me from the start. It was a great read and a nice escape from the genres I’ve been reading lately.

I can’t wait for book two—and I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy!

Thank you netgalley, the author and publishers for the opportunity to read this book!

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.

4 stars

Arcana Academy the first book in a new series of Elise Kova! I was beyond excited to recieve an arc copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, thank you so much!

Arcana Academy is an enchanting blend of magic, mystery and academic intrigue. This book does a great job pulling readers into a world filled with secretive societies, spellcraft, and a looming sense of danger.
The idea of the spellcards was so new and refreshing to me.

The worldbuilding is vivid and immersive. The academy setting is compelling, with a mix of rivalries, hidden motives, and the promise of dark secrets waiting to be uncovered. The pacing is strong, and there's a perfect balance of action, character development, and romance.

It's a captivating story and fun to read for fans of dark academia/magical school settings and slow-burn romance.
This book was a very good starter for the series, and I can't wait to read the next book!

(3.5/5⭐️)📚 Thank you NetGalley and Hodder&Stoughton for the eArc of ‘Arcana Academy’. I really liked the premise of this book - it sounded like a ‘One Dark Window’ meets ‘Harry Potter’ story. I love a tarot card type of magic system, especially mixed in with some academia. Unfortunately, I felt like the romance did not have enough tension and emotions built up before it ‘ blossomed’ in the book. I’m all for the romantasy this book has to offer, but considering the circumstances of Clara’s predicament, the romance needed more developing in my opinion. Still, I quite enjoyed the story, and it was very well written so I had no issue reading and getting lost in the plot. I look forward to what happens next! Don’t let my rating discourage you, I’ve read too many amazing books this year that my enjoyment for this cannot compare. I still recommend!

This book was such a pleasant surprise! It’s the first one I’ve read by Elise Kova, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Her writing style is fantastic — it fits my taste perfectly. The short chapters, fast pace, and sharp plot points kept me hooked from beginning to end.

I absolutely loved our main character and her personality. The story itself is beautiful, and the academy setting adds so much atmosphere. And don’t even get me started on the male lead — I officially have a new book boyfriend! 🤣

One of the best things about this book is how unique the story feels. I’ve never come across anything quite like it, especially with the brilliant tarot-based magic system. And the dark academia vibe? Always a bonus. I seriously can’t wait for the next installment — I’m completely hooked. Elise Kova is now an auto-buy author for me. 🤭

I can’t recommend this book enough!

P.S. The main female character reminded me so much of Sciel from Clair Obscure: Expedition 33. I couldn’t stop picturing her while reading! 😍

I got this book from NetGalley as the premise sounded interesting, particularly the aspect with tarot cards being used for magic. I have to say that I was really disappointed and struggled with it a lot. The first few chapters seemed okay, there was some interesting world-building and backstory going on. Once the setting moved to the Academy, things went a little downhill. It's getting boring how many magic schools now have to have houses with different colours and personalities after Harry Potter did it. It makes sense for a UK school because that's the system in a lot of schools here. It does not make sense in some magical/fantasy setting. At least this school is only 3 years, rather than 7. Having the students be sorted, sorry selected, by the Houses once they have proven themselves was a nice change though. Only a small percentage of the population have the requisite magic/skills to be allowed to apply for the Academy, and not all of them are accepted so it's a rather select group of students. Later on, it's revealed that there's an even more special group who are the elite as they're the reincarnation of some super specially powered people. Of course, Clara is one of them. It's not enough that Clara is special enough to get into the Academy in the first place, no, she has to be super special on top of that. To make it worse, it's mentioned a few times that she has red - no, sorry, crimson - eyes. I think I pretty much gave up at that point.

I didn't realise that the enemies to lovers trope was so popular or that it would be the main focus, rather than anything else. There was no reason given for the Prince randomly pretending that Clara was his bride-to-be or the sole survivor of Clan Hermit so that didn't make any sense. I could totally understand why so many people didn't believe that the Prince and Clara were so in love because I didn't believe it either! Overall, I found that the book was just about okay when I was reading it but as soon as I put it down, I had no interest in picking it up and continuing with it. It didn't grab me or give me any desire to read more of it. I really had to force myself to finish it.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy to review.