I knew this one was going to be a new favorite! It was love at
first sight as soon as I saw the cover, and my instincts didn’t fail me

I loved the world building of this book! It was intricate, with Arcanists and tarot cards at the center of it, and the plot was serving.The quest and mystery of it plus the characters dynamics kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time!
The tropes were also really good: Fake relationship, hidden identity, enemies to lovers, academic setting, slow burn, found family …

Clara was an amazing character: passionate, intelligent, stubborn, strong, determined and reckless with a fierceness and loyalty towards those she loves.
Prince Kaelis was the epitome of the type of MMC we love: sarcastic, witty, dark, morally grey, handsome and deeply misunderstood. His protectiveness of Clara was endearing and I enjoyed following their bickering, their banter really entertaining.

And let’s talk about that ending?! How can I survive without knowing what happens next for months? A year?


Thank you so much NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC!!!

3.5 stars

I’ve had a bit of trouble rating this book, on the one hand I did enjoy it on the other it had some frustrating facets to it.

So, what I liked:
The magic system, I loved the familiarity of using Tarot as the magic system and then upping the ante to make it really kick ass.
The setting, Dark Academia is one of my favourite Fantasy sub genres.
The pacing was good, I was never bored and a good amount was covered in this, the first book.

What I found frustrating:
The repetition - being told something more than once is par for the course but being told things over and over and over again is just plain annoying.
The disparity between actions and narrative going unexplained - so, for example being told in the narrative that Clara is strong and independent while being told that Kaelis is a stinker of the highest proportions but the Actions of both characters belie this. This is fine, it happens sometimes for very good reasons but the reasons do need some explaining and that is what’s missing. Arcana Academy is billed as an adult romantasy but the treatment of the characters was far more reminiscent of a young adult book, nothing wrong with a piece of young adult fantasy, I’ve read many but if I choose to read an adult book my expectations are different.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy (both electronic and audio) in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the immersive world-building and the unique magic system, it felt original without being overwhelming. The setting, lore, and detail pulled me in, and while some secondary characters could’ve used more depth, I’m excited to learn more about them in future books.

Amazing! So well written, it was a great read, I didn’t want it to end! I will be definitely reading the rest of the series.

I love the lore and world building in this book. You get just enough at the right time for it to not seem overwhelming and for you to keep up with the story. The settings are gorgeous, and even the clothes are also very detailed, they sometimes feel slightly incongruous to the flow of the book. However, it’s hard thing to do subtly in a fictional world so different to Earth.

The protagonists are great but we have lots of secondary characters that I’d love to know more about in the subsequent books. They feel a bit 2D at this point and just as tools to help the protagonists rather than detailed for their own sense.

This was great to read on holiday. Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Arcana Academy is a thrilling, spellbinding start to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy trilogy. Elise Kova has crafted a rich and dangerous world where magic is wielded through tarot cards, and every choice carries weight. The plot kicks off with a bang—our fierce heroine, Clara, is broken out of prison and thrust into an elite magical academy where she becomes betrothed to the enigmatic and brooding Prince Kaelis. What follows is a deliciously tense enemies-to-lovers slow burn, layered with betrayal, secrets, and undeniable chemistry. Clara is a standout protagonist: determined, loyal, and powerful, with a fierce moral compass and a sharp wit. Kaelis, for his part, is dark, calculating, and clearly already halfway obsessed with her. Watching their dynamic shift was addictive.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is its unique and immersive magic system. Based on tarot cards, the arcane system is not only creative but seamlessly woven into the story’s world-building, action scenes, and political stakes. The way cards are used in combat adds a fast-paced, cinematic edge to the battles, and the lore around the system is compelling without ever feeling overwhelming.

Kova strikes an impressive balance between building her world and keeping the plot moving. The academy setting never feels stagnant or repetitive—there’s always another secret to uncover, another piece of the puzzle to click into place. And the tension? Impeccable. The romance builds gradually with perfectly timed sparks, although some readers may crave a bit more payoff from the “spicy” moments when they finally arrive.

What really sets Arcana Academy apart is how effortlessly it blends tropes we love—royalty, enemies-to-lovers, found family, secret identities—with a fresh voice and an original twist on fantasy magic. The final chapters are packed with jaw-dropping reveals and a cliffhanger that guarantees you'll be screaming for the sequel.

In short: this is the kind of book that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go. If you're looking for lush magic, dangerous romance, and a heroine you can root for every step of the way, Arcana Academy needs to be on your shelf—preferably now.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.

This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved the concept of the Tarot Cards as being the forefront of magic, Its a fresh take on fantasy and I thought it was well thought out and explained without info dumping.
I thought there was good depth the the FMC and she had strength and vulnerabilities that made her human and believable.
It deed seem a little long and at first the pace was a little slow. I would have liked to have seen a bit more action with the cards as part of the schooling as I thought the schooling took very much a back seat to say it was supposed to be set in an academy but it held in enough so as not to be totally insignificant. There's a lot of intertwining plotlines throughout which added depth and longevity assuming this is going to be a series.
I like the relationship between the FMC and MMC there's a sense of underlying disbelief in their motives and feelings which kept me guessing and intrigued.
The world that was conjured was very interesting and there is a lot to explore as the series goes on which im intrigued about.
Generally, a lot of formatting issues which I tend to find on arc reads but didnt take anything away from the read.
Really enjoyable and exciting concept and can't wait to read book 2, especially after the cliffhanger ending.

My first Elise Kova novel! I loved the fantasy, dark academia setting (kinda wished I read this in September), together with the writing, it felt ethereal, tension filled and intriguing. I absolutely loved the magic system including tarot cards, and found it entirely unique.
The characters were multifaceted, interesting and interesting, and I felt they really carried the story.
Overall, an engaging, tension-filled fantasy story that everyone should read! Can't wait for book 2!

This is a book that had brilliant ideas and creative premise and then left me felling like I had lukewarm tea. I mean it's tea, it's good, but not great.

Tarot based magic system, competitive, dangerous academy, forbidden romance, found family, rebels and secret societies, it had it all. Yet all felt a little superficial and without enough depth.

I wanted more. :)

𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧…
⚜️ tarot-based magic system
🖤 enemies to lovers
⚜️ betrothal of convenience
🖤 forced proximity
⚜️ he falls first & harder

𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨…
When Clara is given an opportunity to escape from the prison she is being held in, she takes it - only to fall straight into the hands of the man responsible for putting her there, Prince Kaelis. Kaelis claims to need her skillset, so enrols her in the cut-throat Arcana Academy instead of sending her back.

𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨…
This was such a fun & easy read, and I flew through it! I absolutely loved the tarot-based magic system - it felt so unlike anything I had read before, and I’m excited to see where Elise takes this in the next book. Whilst I did wish I had a comprehensive glossary for all the cards (the one included is annoyingly patchy!) the book is not overly complex in terms of world-building.

This is a classic romantasy enemies to lovers, and I loved the tension between Kaelis & Clara at the start! Kaelis is supposedly evil (🙄) but he was definitely my favourite character! Even if Clara is blind to it, he falls so hard 😭 Clara’s blinkers & narrow mindedness did annoy me a bit towards the end, but I’m hoping her character growth comes in the next book! 😅

What let it down slightly for me was the development of the romance between Kaelis and Clara - it just felt a bit lacklustre? I needed big emotions given the stakes, and for me it all just fell a little flat and didn’t really go anywhere. I wanted more so that the ending would hit harder!

I totally picked up this book because of the cover, but I have no regrets at all. Arcana Academy completely delivered, and I loved it!

It has everything I want in a fantasy read: a magical school, intense challenges and one of my favorite tropes: fake dating. The tarot-based magic system felt super original and really pulled me in. I haven’t read anything quite like it before, and it made the whole world feel fresh and exciting.

The chemistry between Clara and Kaelis was really well done. The tension felt so real and natural, and I was constantly wanting more of their scenes together.

I also listened to parts of the audiobook, narrated by Anna Burnett. I had to bump up the speed a bit, but she did a great job bringing the story to life. Switching between reading and listening actually helped keep me even more hooked.

I can totally see this turning into a hugely popular series, and I’ll be first in line for book two.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Starting with the magical system, the tarot based magic was one of the most unique and fun ones I've read. Getting my head around it took less time that expected for something so different, and I was quickly immersed in the story and academy life. Having the three different aspects the the magic (inking, wielding, and reading), made it all the more interesting, and gave characters more depth and range of skills than it otherwise would have.

As for the characters, I've quickly come to love both Clara and Kaelis. Clara is such a badass, but in a more toned down way than a lot of fantasy FMCs (as in she doesnt show off or lean into her power all that much, and is constantly working her own angle rather than obviously being manipulated by those around here). She is strong and brave, and fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Watching her navigate her prison sentence, the politics of the school and kingdom beyond, and her budding relationship which may or may not be based on lies kept me reading and wanting more. Kaelis himself was intriguing to read, and I spent a lot of the book trying to figure out if the fact I liked him was the author manipulating me. He is a dark and stoic man, but little hints of softness kept popping up (his cat, his obvious bad childhood etc), keeping me guessing.

And that ending... One of the best I've read in a while, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next. I hate cliffhangers, but this one is certainly doing its job in making me want more.

I read so much fantasy I honestly just thought this book would be another drop in the ocean but WOW! I loved this! I was blown away by the author's writing and the unique magic system. I loved the character development. I will be recommending this to all my fantasy loving friends! It is the perfect mix of Fantasy and Dark Academia!
Kaelis is the most intriguing character and has definitely bumped up the book boyfriend list.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Stoughton for the ARC

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Hodder & Soughton for sending me an ARC of Arcana Academy!

4.5 stars rounded up 🀦

Clara has been imprisoned for practicing tarot magic without permission from the crown, that is of course until she manages to 'escape', and finds herself in the hands of Prince Kaelis, Headmaster of Arcana Academy. Did I also mention the fact that she is now engaged to him too? Turns out she played right into his hand, and thus is part of his master plan to steal some very important cards from his father, the King. Clara is a big part of his plan, she's not too sure how she feels about that. Now bride-to-be, Clara is enrolled into Arcana Academy, and learns how to properly harness her magic, as well as unlocking some secrets along the way.

I absolutely loved this book! The magic system, the characters, the secrets (˶ˆᗜˆ˵). I need more of this series asap xo
I'll admit, there were a few times, not many, where Clara rubbed me the wrong way, but no one is perfect, except Priss, I loved her and find no faults whatsoever. My jaw dropped quite a few times while reading this, I really didn't expect some of those things to happen at all, and that ending - I had my suspicions but that still surprised me.

Thank you NetGalley & Hodderscape for approving this ARC, it was brilliant!

A world where Arcanists, who are able to create tarot cards and use their magic for a chance to compete and enrol into the Arcana Academy, and anyone who doesn't make it they are branded and forced to work in the powder mill until they die.

Clara was working the underworld until she is caught and put into prison by the kings 2nd son (Prince Kaellis) and also the headmaster of Arcana. After a year he decides to offer her a choice he needs her to be his pretend bride, enrol as a student at Arcana and help him steal a powerful tarot cards to weird. She in return gets her freedom or back into the lower levels of the dungeons.

Clara faces trials not just to become a fully fledged student but to also survive her time.

This book has so much, great pace, the world building and dark academia setting was brilliant, the tarot cards magic system was so interesting. Of course the enemies to lovers never fails, there was also hidden identity, a heist and the ending was so good!

I need book 2 asap, pretty please!

A refreshingly unique romantasy that captivated me from start to finish. With a compelling enemies to lovers dynamic and a satisfyingly slow burn romance, this story balances charm and intrigue beautifully. Perfect for fans of character driven fantasy with heart. I eagerly await the next installment!

I was very excited to receive the ARC to this book that I anticipated so much.
this is definitely a must read to all lovers of fantasy, high stakes, interesting magic systems (c'mon, a tarot based magic system??? I was SO in) and a heist.

Koba really does deliver on all fronts, even if I kinda did not enjoy the romance, I stayed because the plot is so good.

From the very first page, Arcana Academy sweeps you into a fast-paced, twist-filled world alive with tension. This standout romantasy electrifies with tarot-ink magic, high-stakes heists and jaw-dropping turns that kept me reading long past bedtime.

When Clara Graysword is hauled off to Halazer’s prison for forbidden tarot-inking, she is offered a lifeline: a fake engagement to Prince Kaelis, admission to Arcana Academy and the chance to earn her freedom under the guise of a daring heist, all under the looming threat of return to Halazer.

I loved how immersive the world-building draws you into a web of political intrigue and deadly magical trials. The tarot system feels fresh and accessible: inking, reading and wielding Major and Minor cards in a masterful blend of strategy and surprise. The unpredictability kept me on edge and I loved not knowing where the story was headed. I was guessing until the last page.

Admission to the academy is brutal and fiercely competitive: first-year trials are cutthroat, and only survivors become full-fledged students sorted into four houses mirroring the Minor Arcana. Clara’s high-stakes challenges kept me breathless, and card-based battles crackle with strategic depth and spectacle.

Forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers tension sharpens every barbed exchange between Clara and Kaelis. Their relationship crackles with snarky banter, betrayal and flashes of unexpected trust, with conflict and chemistry woven into every moment. Clara’s fierce loyalty and quest for truth clash perfectly with Kaelis’s guarded vulnerability, making their every exchange feel electric.

Arcana Academy combines a richly imagined magic system, a heroine you can’t help but champion and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers story. Fans of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter and Throne of Glass will find much to love. It’s already one of my favourites this year, and I can’t wait for book two!

There’s so much to love about this book, but the magic system was the standout for me. The way it’s built around tarot-style cards with each card had its own function, and the contrast between Major and Minor cards added real depth like and I loved that. It made the fights and magic scenes feel super dynamic.

The setting was also really strong. I’m a total sucker for magical academies, and this one had all the good stuff and that slow unfolding mystery that keeps you turning pages. There’s a bit of politics, a little heist energy, and enough secrets to keep things feeling tense without ever getting confusing.

Clara as a main character was really likable and while I didn’t always agree with her decisions, she had a solid arc and felt pretty believable overall. And Kaelis okay, I wanted to be obsessed with him, and while he didn’t quite reach fave status, I still liked the way his story unfolded. Their dynamic was a slow burn for sure, especially if you like romances that simmer under the surface rather than explode right away

There were a chapters that felt a bit slow and a little unneeded like the momentum dipped just a little, but it honestly didn’t take too long to pick back up.

All in all, this was a super fun read with a clever magic system, a cool world, and lots of potential. I’ll def be checking out the sequel when it drops.

I loved this book. It's full of magic. The characters are all believable especially Clara who is imprisoned for inking tarot cards. She is offered a way out if she agrees to attend Arcana Academy to learn how to ink the most sought after card in the world by Prince Kaelis. In spite of Clara not liking Kaelis she agrees so that she can look for her sister who had gone to the academy before her and also to avenge her mother's death. A great read and look forward to book two!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the arc.

4.5⭐
Elise kova did a fantastic job with the world building and the magic system. I was intrigue from chapter 1.Clara was imprisoned for using it illegally. Until Prince Kaelis, dark and enigmatic headmaster of the academy, helps her escape, gives her a new name and a place in his academy as a first year student. She will be his bride-to-be and help him steal the tarot cards from his father, cards that are key in creating a powerful card, a card that can change worlds. He is her enemy, one she swore to hate, but there is more to him than it seems. Some choices will be hard to make..

I absolutely loved Kaelis, it's always the tortured souls that get me. He and Clara fought so hard against their feelings, it made me want more of them.
But this book was so much more than that, with the trials Clara had to go through at the academy, the heist, the secrets. Clara was strong and determined, but so stubborn.

"Thank you netgalley for the arc"