Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for approving this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 ⭐️


The first in a trilogy, this story follows Clara Graysword. A tarot wielder who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for illegally inking tarot cards - a powerful skill reserved only for those that pass through the gates of Arcana Academy. Only Arcanists who graduate from the academy are permitted to practice this skill for the noble houses, those who do not graduate meet a much different fate.

We’re very quickly introduced to the headmaster - Prince Kaelis, who pays Clara a visit whilst in jail and reluctantly, they form an alliance. Clara is soon thrust into the illustrious Arcana Academy under the guise that she is the Prince’s betrothed - and they are madly in love. Whilst there she must conceal her identity and try to help the Prince make a move against some of the most powerful forces in Oricalis Kingdom.

The tension between Clara and Prince Kaelis is absolutely palpable throughout the pages as they wrestle with their mutual dislike of each other that slowly turns to something else. This is definitely a slow-burn romance and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

This book had everything I love - the dark academia setting was fantastic, with the author describing the details so well that I truly felt like I was there alongside the characters. The found family was heartwarming to read and I loved each side character more as we went along, I would love to get to know them better in the upcoming books.

I also loved the magic system in this book, the concept of inking the cards and all the details that went into explaining this was mesmerising, I could’ve read a book on this alone. It was incredibly well done.

5/5 stars would recommend, I want to experience reading this for the first time over and over again.

This book was soul-gripping, heart-wrenching and absolutely ✨divine✨, and you'd better believe I enjoyed every single second my head was glued in this book. Arcana Academy pulled me in from the first page and I could have happily read another 1,000 pages of it. I have always loved Elise Kova's writing, but this is something else. She has created a spellbinding fantasy world filled with drama, suspense and the kind of slow-burn that has us begging for some action between our main characters.

This story follows Clara Graysword - a kickass FMC who is intelligent yet reckless, with a backstory that is plausible enough and well-written in that she doesn't feel like just another average girl who somehow saves the world. She's been dealt a tough hand in life, forced to survive on the outskirts of Eclipse City, until she is caught practicing magic - a feat that is outlawed with the exception of Arcanists. She is sent to rot in the depths of the worst prison in existence, until one day a surprising visitor turns up - none other than Prince Kaelis, second-born prince to the throne, and Headmaster of Arcana Academy. Kaelis gives her an ultimatum. She can either rot in prison for the rest of her days, or assist him with a task of great magnitude, under the guise of attending Arcana Academy and becoming his betrothed.

The magic system is so unique - I loved the tarot and the concept of inking magical cards that could be wielded, as a one-use, each taking their toll on the user. There are extra special cards, that come at a cost to ink. The layers and intricacy to this worldbuilding was epic, and I was completely obsessed and immersed in this fantasy world of tarot-based magic. The relationship between Clara and Kaelis was irresistible, with delicious slow-burn, and a rollercoaster of trust, betrayal and even falling in love *gasp* as their relationship developed.

I personally was hooked from the first page, and I didn't mind the change of pace throughout the book. The set up of the plot and worldbuilding adds so much intensity to the end of the book, and we needed some breathing space from the danger and action in other parts. Tropes include:

- enemies to lovers with slow burn
- tarot card magic system
- magical academy with trials
- heist
- found family
- fake engagement
- political machinations
- mystery and intrigue
- New Adult (21 yo FMC) with a hint of spice

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC of this book! ♥︎

This book was PHENOMENAL! Now, let me tell you why.

The story starts off with Clara in a prison which eventually leads to her escaping joining as an iniate to Arcana Academy. However, she can’t achieve this without our main man Kaelis 🫶🏼 The swoon-worthy headmaster of AA, who is dark, big, broody and bad ass (all my favourite D’s & B’s). Oh and also Clara’s new fiancé that she’s forced into an engagement with in order to survive 🤌🏼

Without giving too much away this book will take you on a journey through the academy and the different deadly trials Clara has to go through in order to join one of the four houses: 🏆⚔️🪙🪄. As well as solving the mystery of how her mother died in a suspicious accident years ago..

The best way I can describe the vibe of this book is if gothikana and hogwarts had a love child but make it an interesting tarot magic system with a sprinkle of spice 🌶️

What I LOVED about this book:
- The characters: Clara is an FMC full of stabby rage and sass. Kaelis is our morally grey prince. Ezra who we all love to hate (very Malfoy vibes). Along with the Starcrossed family 🫶🏼
- The plot: deadly trials, found family, betrayal, fake engagement, sacrificing fate.
- The romance: VEEEERRRYY SLOOOOW BURN 🔥
- The pace: I was captured from the first couple of chapters and didn’t feel the need to take a break, at all!
- Pretty much everything ✌🏼

The only thing I didn’t love was the cliffy at the end and that’s purely because I won’t know what happens until the next book is released 💀 I NEED the next book now, please and thanks 🙏🏼

This will definitely be one of my favourite reads of 2025 ✨

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Elise Kova for an ARC of this book. All reviews are my own 🫶🏼

“This is Arcana Academy. Your future is your tuition.”

🌙 Dark Academia (with trials!)
☀️ Found Family
🌙 Tarot Magic
☀️ Slow Burn
🌙 Fake Engagement
☀️ Morally Grey Headmaster

"We've all killed our futures with our own bare hands just to get this far. What makes you think anyone would have any qualms about ending you?"

SIX FREAKING MAGNIFICENT STARS! I am in love with this book, I’ve well and truly fallen head over heels for these characters, this story and the MAGIC! This whole book is for lack of a better word… magical. I am really lucking out this year with amazing fantasy reads and this is right up there as a new favourite.

For a first book on a trilogy, this was a perfect balance of introduction us to the world, the complex magic and the characters. At no point did I feel overwhelmed with information, just completely absorbed into the story.

“The nobility of Oricalis trade in secrets as readily as they do tarot or shining regill coins and notes.”

The world of Arcana Academy was just as interesting as its magic and characters. It is a dark and desperate world, ruled by a royal family who hold so very tightly to power and characters who will do anything to survive. The politics that we are only just beginning to unravel will definitely leave you intrigued for future books.

We have the two contrasting princes. One who rules Eclipse City and those that guard it. The other, Master of Arcana Academy and the Arcanist’s who reside there. We only just begin to witness the power struggles between the two and the consequence to their people and world.

The twists. Just when you think you have it all figured out. You think you’ve guessed all the twists and turns this book can possibly make Elsie Kova hits you with more revelations to rival all the rest. And I LOVE that. I want a book that can completely outsmart me and Arcana Academy does that and more!

“I want to frustrate him. To drive him mad in every way possible with my existence.”

It is safe to say that Clara is one determined, passionate and loyal character. She was absolute dream to read about, she was clever and cunning when she needed to be. She was loving and loyal and tried her best to not jump to conclusions. She is forced to make impossible decisions through, starting right from the beginning where she is made to choose between rotting away in an unforgiving prison or becoming engaged to the very person who she believes sent her there in the first place. Did I say this was an enemies to lovers with an agonising slow burn? It’s glorious.

“Must you always be this frustrating?”
“Yes.” I can’t stop myself.
“And you know what, Kaelis, I think you like it.”

Kaelis… oh Kaelis. I haven’t just fallen for this book, I’ve fallen for this complete gem of a character too. He is dark, he is mystery, he is so achingly alone and yearning for acceptance of he is the intriguing combination of Warrior and Scholar. And he has banter for days. How can you not love a man who says things like this:

“There is no world in which you do not consume my very being.”

This man may be the new king of Yearning and I fear he likes his partner to be a little murderous. The perfect match to Clara.

I can’t wait to see how this relationship and the YEARNING progresses in the next book.

“The line between physical and magical combat blurs. Cards evaporate, unravel into threads of light, burst into multicolored stardust, disappear into a haze. The room is upended as we go for the throat—for the kill.”

The magic… oh the magic system is incredible. It is so unique, and so INTERESTING. Fantasy is by far my favourite genre, it is where my little reader heart is happiest. So finding something so refreshingly unique is the best feeling. The Tarot Magic made the fight scenes so enthralling, you will quite literally if you are anything like me, be on the edge of your seat. Everything is just so much more intense and it was such a good way of showcasing how the magic worked. Instead of just telling us, we were shown what these cards can do.

I honestly don’t know what I am going to do with myself while I wait for the next book. I’ve been well and truly ruined. I’ll leave you with just one more quote… if you don’t want to read this book after this then nothing will convince you.

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

Swoon.

I was hooked from the very start! This is a delicious slow burn filled with incredible chemistry, angst and yearning.
The magic system was thorough, interesting, unique and well rounded.
Every character keeps you guessing and you’re never truly sure who is friend or foe especially with so many secrets and dark pasts.
I enjoyed the pacing, character flaws and plot on the whole and I am already looking forward to the second book.

Throne of Glass meets One Dark Window with a bit of Fourth Wing (kind of) but without the excitement

Arcana Academy should’ve been an amazing book. From the first 10%, I thought this would be a five star read. The premise was intriguing, the magic system was unique and fascinating, there’s a magical school and a grumpy prince… what’s not to like??

However, this book was about 200 pages too long. It became quite a slog to get through, and honestly there were times when I really struggled to continue through it. The narrative was repetitive and dragged in places, the magical system was over explained, and the dialogue felt awkward in places. Some aspects of the world were explained in excruciating detail, while other parts were barely touched on, which left me confused and questioning things in places.

It’s a shame, as the premise of the story was really interesting, and I loved the tarot card magical system, but this just fell flat.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for this e-arc!

Fourth Wing meets One Dark Window in this captivating and thrilling new romantasy. The story follows Clara Graysword, a talented thief and arcanist. We first meet Clara in a prison from which she is desperate to escape in order to find her sister and uncover the truth about her mother’s mysterious death. Opportunity presents itself when the dark, brooding, and enigmatic Prince Kaelis offers Clara the chance to escape prison and attend the prestigious Arcana Academy – for a price. The story unfolds and Clara is faced with dangerous challenges, difficult choices, and even deeper mysteries.

This was a hit for me and was exactly what I was craving – a new world with a new and incredibly detailed magic system that I could really sink my teeth into. I loved the lore around the tarot cards and their uses. The three disciplines of reading, inking, and wielding worked so well and the battles using the cards were incredibly cinematic. I also found that – despite the page count – the pacing didn’t drag at all. There was always something to keep to plot moving and the pace up and I never felt my attention wavering.

One small issue for me was the number of supporting characters. Some of these were well fleshed out and some of my favourites in the novel but others blended together, and I was struggling to remember who’s who. Another reader who is not atrocious at remembering names may have better luck than I did. I would also have liked the characters aged up a bit and I feel their talents and histories would be more believable had they a few more years behind them. As I enter my mid-30s I feel any protagonist younger than me is too young.

Overall, a very positive review from me and I can already see this having a huge following. I’ll be picking up book 2 when it arrives. There’s no way can I leave the story on that cliffhanger!

Incredible - this is unlike any fantasy I’ve ever read before. I love the storyline, and I love the characters. Everything about it had me gripped from the get-go. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. It was full of twists and turns that I didn’t expect, and a fresh take on magic. 11/10.

Arcana Academy was one of my most anticipated books for 2025. The magic academy setting and the tarot card magic system really captured my interest! I hadn't read an Elise Kova book before and I was really looking forward to this one being my first.

I had an extremely tough time deciding how to rate this book. I've settled on 3.5⭐ because I do think lots of people will love it. It's full of the popular romantasy tropes, slow burn romance and the magical academy setting is very intriguing.

However, I think for me personally, I wanted more depth to the characters and the world. Recently published romantasy books seem to follow the same tick boxes and patterns and Arcana Academy was no different. Neither of the MCs were overly original, the timeline for them both to have accomplished what they have is farfetched and the info dump of the magic system was overwhelming.

I did enjoy the build up to the ending and am intrigued enough to pick up book 2. Arcana Academy is definitely going to be a hit with the BookTok romantasy fans.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eArc!

This was one of my most anticipated reads - I love academic settings and fantasy, and the tarot cards were such a unique and exciting idea. I was looking forward to being immersed into a world of magic.

However I'm starting to feel like romantasy perhaps isn't my type of genre anymore as for some reason they always seem to follow the same backbone structure. It is hard to connect to any of the characters and there was not enough depth to their personalities. The story just feels really generic and tropey and not as deep or impactful as I'd hoped.

But thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!

Thank you for allowing me to read this book.
It has Fab FMC and MMC with slow burn romance .
Totally invested in the story by the end. The writing style i did get a little confused at times with which character was speaking , so ended up re reading a few sections . Didn't put me off. Can't wait for the other two books in the trilogy , would definitely recommend.

This novel is the start of an enemies-to-lovers trilogy with a complex magic system. The magic system is based on tarot cards. As a tarot enthusiast, that’s an absolute win for me.
The story follows Clara Graysword, who struggles to survive using illegal tarot magic after her mother’s death. After a failed job, she ends up in prison, but the feared Prince Kaelis, head of the Arcana Academy, offers her a deal: she is to help him steal a powerful tarot card using her rare gift. To keep up appearances, Clara is introduced at the academy as a new student and as his fiancée-a risky game that draws her into a maelstrom of intrigue, power plays, and dark secrets.

The heart of the novel is the original magic system. Arcanists can “ink” cards and use them to cast spells, each with its own powers and costs. The complexity of this system has its own special charm, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. It took me a while to get used to the system and to understand what was happening.
The academy itself is a dark, dangerous place full of secrets, trials, and political power struggles. The academy setting gives the whole thing a special atmosphere.

Clara is a strong, multi-layered protagonist: clever, stubborn, and shaped by her past. She not only has to keep her extraordinary magical abilities secret, but also learn whom she can trust at the academy. Her development is believable and emotionally gripping-from a survivor to a heroine torn between loyalty, self-protection, and her own goals.Prince Kaelis is a classic “morally gray” character: inscrutable, intelligent, with hidden motives and a dark past. The chemistry between Clara and Kaelis develops slowly, marked by mistrust, forced proximity, and underlying attraction.

After the initial overwhelm from the extensive worldbuilding and magic system, the story turned into a real highlight. Despite the slow burn, the plot moves along quickly and is characterized by many exciting subplots. The focus of the first volume is mainly on character development and the intrigues of the fantastic world; the love story plays more of a refreshing supporting role.

Conclusion:
Arcana Academy is a highlight for all fans of dark academia and high fantasy. In my opinion, this original and multi-layered fantasy novel could have used a bit more romance, but it still won me over thanks to its tarot aspect.

Unbelievable book, completely breath-taking to read. It has been quite some time since I have been able to sit down and read a 580 page book in just over 3 days. This is an exceptional story that has made me unsure on how to proceed with reading other books, after that cliff-hanger...

This was a first Elise Kova book I have ever read and definitely not the last. The authors writing style is really easy to follow and the words flow so well within the book itself. The magic system is so unique and it keeps the reader guessing throughout the story. The characters Elise has written are unique, each one possessing a distinct personality and depth that captivates readers and brings her stories to life. Clara and Kaelis forever.

If I had the time and less books on my TBR, I would flipping straight to the start and reading the book again. There's definitely some things I may have missed, hidden Easter eggs that will become useful for book 2. A problem when it comes to reading ARC's, I have finished book 1, 2 months before it's release, how am i supposed to wait for book 2, there isn't even a release date yet.

Definitely recommending this book to all my friends!

This book was completely un-put-down able! Oh my gosh! I loved every single minute reading this one!

The world building was insane! It was so well thought out, as was the magic system. It was so original, and very well explained to the reader too. I understood it so quickly, and found it so intriguing at the same time! I read this book in two evenings, and to be completely honest, I didn’t want to put it down on the first evening, and had to force myself to go to sleep 🤣

Clara is such a badass and is super confident with everything that she does. We are thrown into her world from the get go, but it’s all explained so well that you’re not left feeling disoriented. I am a huge lover of a fantasy dark academia, and this one was giving 👏🏻 all of the side characters were fantastic, and the MMC, Kaelis was perfectly dark, broody and morally grey. The relationship was definitely a slow burn with lots of tension and secrets between them both, and although I would have wished for a bit more of an enemies aspect, it was still so fun to read!

The action was so well written and kept me on my toes throughout, and the cliffhanger at the end? - Totally broke me! I can’t wait for book 2 already, and this one isn’t even out yet 🤣

Read if you like:
•Dark Academia
•Forced Fake Engagement
•Tarrot Magic
•Morally Grey Characters
•Magic School with Secrets
•Slow Burn Romance
•Hidden Identity

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?!

Clara Graysword is the heroine of this book, but that is just one of her names. She is a woman with a complex past, and she has magical skills with tarot. This is also a friends-to-lovers story, and at the end, you are not sure what the future holds
The story is all centred around tarot cards, magic and a ruthless royal family. There is also a Prince who does not seem straight forward and keeps a secret. And there is a secret society.
The lover in the story is a man called Prine Kaelis, and one cannot tell if he is a good guy or not. There is tension between Clare and Kaelis throughout the whole book. Will they / won't they/ should they?
I cannot wait for the next book - this is a real page turner!,

The Arcana Academy by Elise Kova brings a fresh twist to magical fantasy, using tarot’s Arcana as a source of power — a power that’s dangerous enough to get you locked up. That’s where we meet the main character, an imprisoned criminal whose crime is using the Arcana without permission. From the start, the world-building is intriguing, with magic and mystery wrapped around every page.

But the real standout here is the romance. This isn’t a whirlwind love story — it’s a slow, gradual connection where the two leads are drawn together despite an undercurrent of distrust. Their bond feels both magnetic and cautious, like they’re always on the edge of something they can’t quite escape. It’s a love story with a touch of tragedy baked in, which adds a nice layer of tension.

Of course, there’s also the cat — a perfectly pompous, wonderfully cat-like companion who “chooses” the female lead as one of her people. Even better? The male lead trusts the cat’s instincts, which is just a great character touch. She’s almost an accidental matchmaker, silently giving her stamp of approval.

Fans of The Prison Healer will probably feel right at home here, with a mix of magic, danger, and a protagonist whose past is just as complicated as her present. Kova’s world feels fresh, and the balance of magical intrigue and slow-burn romance keeps the pages turning.

The Arcana Academy is a solid pick for readers who love fantasy with a dash of fate, a hint of danger, and a love story that earns its place without rushing.

Ok - obsessed with this series. Sort of Fourth Wing but with tarot and a whole heap of dark academia / magic schooling thrown in.

It’s fun, it’s sexy. It’s gripping. It’s twisty.

A smidge overwritten in places but forgivable for great plot, characters, location and magical theory.

Predicting a TikTok sensation, and going to have to wait SO LONG for the next one.

Arcana Academy is a gripping, dark romantasy that blends elite magic school tropes with a refreshingly inventive tarot-based magic system. It is precisely this tarot-based magic system that sets Arcana Academy apart from other books.

Arcana Academy is a fast-paced, atmospheric read with a standout premise, compelling intrigue, and plenty of tension to keep you turning pages. Whether you come for the magic, the romance, or the dark academia vibes, there’s a lot to enjoy here and even more to look forward to in the rest of the series. I for one can not wait!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Elise Kova once again proves she's a master of magical intrigue and slow-burn romance in Arcana Academy. From the very first page, this novel wraps you in a vivid world of forbidden magic, secret identities, and tarot-based power that feels as fresh as it is immersive. Clara Graysword is a scrappy, cunning heroine with just the right mix of grit and vulnerability—her illegal magic and criminal past make her an irresistible underdog in the elite, dangerous world of the academy.

The false engagement trope is executed perfectly here, especially thanks to the brooding, enigmatic Prince Kaelis. Their chemistry crackles with every stolen glance and calculated lie, and the slow progression from distrust to something deeper is as satisfying as it is tense. The politics, the danger, the arcane secrets—all of it is layered beautifully into a high-stakes game that kept me turning pages (or rather, listening) late into the night.

My only small critique is that some of the academy and world-building elements could’ve been unpacked a bit earlier in the story, as there are moments when you're left catching up—but that minor hiccup is easily forgiven in the face of Kova’s signature romantic tension and high fantasy flair.