Arcana Academy kicks off a new trilogy with a unique tarot-based magic system, magical trials, and a fake engagement full of slow-burn tension. Clara is a criminal inker of magical tarot cards, and is given a second chance when Prince Kaelis offers her freedom if she pretends to be his fiancée and joins Arcana Academy to help steal dangerous cards from the king.

I was instantly drawn into the world and fascinated by the unique magic system. While the variety of tarot cards and their specific uses occasionally left me a bit confused, I found it easy to go with the flow and still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I especially loved the political intrigue, both within the royal family and among the various clans, which added depth to the story and is something I’m excited to see explored further in the next book. I’m also eager to watch the central mystery unfold and to uncover the twists and revelations that are surely coming. The romance element is a slow burn, which worked really well for me, it complemented the main plot without overshadowing it.

Thank you to Hodderscape and Netgalley for this eARC to review.

My new dark academia obsession. This is one of my top reads so far this year. Clara and Kaelis' love story is a true enemies-to-lovers, slow burn with a fake engagement. Although I adored their scenes and the tension between them, I see the romance as more of a subplot (which is usually my preference). The main plot line gripped me from the first page. It's set in a magical school with initiation trials, and although it has been done before, I think the use of tarot magic was unique and well thought out. My favourite scenes were the ones with duels and battles. The way those fights are described is so satisfying! As a story with royal espionage and murder, the stakes are incredibly high and Clara is a brilliant character with a great emotional journey. I enjoyed it from start to finish!

That cliffhanger! Can't wait to read the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the arc approval.

Arcana Academy is a dark academia novel, with hints of romance, murder mystery and political drama. At times, this becomes a bit too much, as we follow Clara's journey to becoming an arcanist.

I struggled to really connect with Clara and the other main characters, I think they somehow lacked the depth that was showing in a few of the secondary characters (e.g. Luren, Alor). The romance also fell flat for me, it felt a bit rushed and superficial - at times I think this was intentional, but combined with other moments becomes confusing. I am particularly confused by the last scene between the two lovebirds!

Whilst the story, combat style, and world can feel very complex and overwhelming at times, I do love the world that has been built around tarot, especially the magic and inking system. The glossary of spells at the end is particularly cool! The world itself is enough to keep me invested in the series for now.

There is clearly a lot left for us to question from the end of book 1, and a lot for us to explore as the series continues, and I look forward to discovering more!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

3.5 ⭐

WHAT!!! I need to know what happens next!!
I’m not going to write a synopsis—you can find that in the blurb.

Right off the bat, this gave me Harry Potter meets Yu-Gi-Oh vibes.

We have an academy, we have houses, we have trials and card wielders!
It's a magical world built around tarot cards, each holding unique powers wielded by Arcanists—it’s a fun and creative premise. But it took me a while to wrap my head around it. I only found the card guide after finishing the book which would’ve made the reading experience smoother and much more enjoyable.

I consider myself an emotional reader, and I truly wanted to feel more from this book.
The potential is definitely there—it could become a fantastic series—but emotionally, something's missing.
I couldn't really connect with Clara (FMC) emotions and feelings.
I was craving the romance. I wanted the sparks, the slow burn, the glances and lingering touches… but they just weren’t written in. The FMC and MMC barely interact until about 70–80% in, which made the romance feel rushed and lacking depth.
Also I’d have made the MMC about ten years older. Just a personal preference, but I think it would’ve added a more compelling dynamic and would have giveng Kaelis reasons to have "bad history" to be considered truly a dark character.

Still, I absolutely loved stepping into a fantasy world that feels refreshingly different from the usual tropes dominating the market. That said, the pacing dragged quite a bit in the first half, and the emotional tone—as well as the way the magical world is described—felt a bit flat.

Having said that, this series and storyline have potential. I would love to read the next book and uncover the truth regarding Clara and her family.

I would like to thank Holder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC read!

Unfortunately, I have to say this was a DNF at 34% for me, which is disappointing as I was very hopeful for this book.

The good points:
Brilliant magical system based around tarot
Diverse cast of characters

The rest of my thoughts:
It feels very much like the author had a fantastic idea for a magical system, that they forgot to give the characters depth and make you invested in their outcomes and stories. I found myself from the beginning thinking "I'm not bothered if any of these characters get injured or die", which continued up until I stopped reading.

The story didn't feel new - aside from the magical system around tarot, it just felt like a rehash of the romantasy & fantasy stories that are already out there. It didn't draw me in & desperate to know what happens next.

I found myself powering through it - not because it was easy to read, I was loving it and needed to know what happened next, and whether the enemies became lovers, simply because I wanted it to be over.

Clara felt very cocky - although I didn't finish, it feels like this may lead to a "chosen one" storyline, and usually these characters don't know they're more powerful than others. Clara's behaviour and actions felt much more like cockiness & smugness, rather than just confidence in her skills.

Now for the relationship between Kaelis & Clara... Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes - I usually find myself eager to see them finally realise their feelings & fall into it, but I just didn't get that feeling with this. They felt very wooden and, while I understand the power imbalance between the two, given how they are connected, it didn't feel like either had any redeeming qualities or those proper moments of softness that really make you see through their harsh exterior and see how they'll come to care for each other. While there was a moment or two of this - it just felt forced & disingenuous, and I couldn't *feel* their softness & caring coming through, it felt like they were saying it for the sake of it.

Ultimately, this one wasn't for me. If the magical system sounds up your alley though, it may still be worth a read - what works for some doesn't necessarily work for others, and I've no doubt there will be others out there who will love Arcana Academy.

Thank you NetGalley, Hodderscape and Elise Kova for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

3 Stars

Clara, has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a lot of illegal magic. After a job gone wrong, she is sentenced to a lifetime in prison. When it seems like her luck has run out, the academy’s headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape - for a price. To conceal Clara’s identity and to 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 will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems.

Arcana Academy is a Dark Academia Fantasy Romance and is full of secrets and forbidden magic.

Clara, our FMC is sassy and sarcastic, which is something I did enjoy. However, generally, I didn’t like a lot of the characters and didn’t feel particularly invested in them. I wish there was more development for the supporting characters, too.

The romance also fell flat for me, and it felt like a huge jump from loathing to wanting-to-rip-each-others-clothes-off-while-also-saying-we-can’t-be-together, and this got a bit boring with how much it was discussed.

I did really enjoy the magic system. It uses tarot cards, and it was very cool and very unique - I haven’t read anything with a magic system quite like it. However, I wish it was elaborated on more because sometimes it was hard to work out what was going on without knowing what the all of cards do.

A lot of the story overall felt very disjointed, and at times it felt like there were too many plot threads that ended up being completely forgotten until a lot later on in the story, and some things were mentioned once but never mentioned again

The pacing felt off and wasn’t consistent. Some parts felt rushed, and others dragged. Although the story really picked up towards the end, the ending overall felt very rushed.

After the ending, I am intrigued the see where the story goes but I won’t be rushing out on release day to pick the sequel up.

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

If you're into:
♡ Dark Academia
♡ Tarot Card Magic
♡ Fake Engagement
♡ High Stake Heist
♡ Hidden Identity
♡ Enemies-to-Allies-to-Lovers
...then you need to add Arcana Academy to your TBR!

This book totally sucked me in with its blend of academy life and royal court drama.
The magic system—based on tarot cards—is honestly one of the most unique I’ve come across. I was fully invested... even when I occasionally got lost in the details.
The cards have so many different uses that things can get a little tricky to follow at times, and I wish the glossary had been at the front (because I didn’t even realize it existed until I hit the end!).

Since I read the ARC, there wasn’t a map included and I really wish there had been one. Seeing the layout of the academy and the kingdom would’ve made the whole experience even more immersive.

As for characters: most were easy to root for. I liked Silas as a standout side character, but Kaelis? He’s the one who truly caught my attention.
That cold, broody prince with a million secrets ? One second he’s sweet, the next he’s icy. I couldn’t figure him out, which made him all the more compelling.

The pacing had its ups and downs. The storyline flies, but some scenes—especially the romance—dragged a bit.
I’m usually all in for a slow burn, but I didn’t fully vibe with how things came together. I needed more moments between Clara and Kaelis, and I’m really hoping book 2 delivers on that front.

The final chapters though? Total chaos (in the best way).
The heist was intense and left my brain spinning with all the cliff-hangers and unresolved mysteries. Clara’s past is still a big question mark, and Kaelis ? Yeah, he’s definitely keeping some secrets….

Overall: Arcana Academy wasn’t exactly what I imagined going in—but it delivered some solid twists. I’m absolutely picking up the sequel, now that I’ve got the hang of the tarot magic system.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: violence, death, grief, sexual content

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio and Hodderscape for the ALC!

This was not my first Elise Kova but it is my favorite so far!

I really liked this one and I need more now! The fact that we'll have to wait makes me sad, haha.
This book had a very cool magical system and I've never read anything like it before!
I really liked both main characters but especially Clara and the world building was great!

This audiobook is solo narrated by Anna Burnett. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've listened to something she's narrated but I'll have to check out other books she's narrated! I really liked her! She did an amazing job!

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio and Hodderscape for the ALC!

“Arcana Academy” delivers everything I crave in a fantasy novel: thrilling action, high-stakes danger, immersive worldbuilding, and a magic system that feels fresh and inventive. Add in a found “family”, a love affair that defies all odds, and a cast of compelling characters, and you have a story that’s impossible to put down.
Clara is a protagonist who immediately commands attention. Rising from the depths of poverty and surviving through luck, theft, and forbidden magic, she’s condemned to a life in prison, until Prince Kaelis, the enigmatic and reviled Headmaster of Arcana Academy, offers her a perilous bargain. Aware of her unique talents, he tasks her with stealing powerful cards from the king. To conceal their true mission, Clara is given a new identity and a sham engagement to Kaelis himself. But can she trust the very man she’s been taught to fear?
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its dynamic relationships. Clara’s interactions with her fellow initiates, some blossoming into friendships, others into bitter rivalries, add depth and tension as she learns to harness the academy’s sanctioned magic. Meanwhile, her fraught connection with Kaelis simmers with hostility, reluctant respect, and an undeniable attraction that neither can afford to acknowledge.
The story masterfully balances brutality and tenderness. Betrayal, violence, and political intrigue loom at every turn, yet there are moments of warmth as Clara discovers unexpected allies in the unlikeliest places. Woven throughout is her personal quest for answers about her sister’s disappearance, and her mother’s murder.
And then… that ending. A cliffhanger so sharp it leaves you gasping for more. Elise Kova has crafted a world rich with mystery and danger, and I’m already desperate for the next installment. “Arcana Academy” is a must-read for fans of magical academies, slow-burn romance, and stories where no one is quite what they seem.

You better buckle up—because this book was an absolute rollercoaster.

I split my reading between the audiobook and ebook, and I have to mention the narrator’s phenomenal performance. They embodied Clara exceptionally well and had me gripped throughout in a way only the best narrators can.

Story-wise? 🔥 Slow burn with gripping tension.

Secrets, betrayals, and stakes so high it felt like one wrong move would implode everything. Just when I thought I had it figured out—another twist that knocked me sideways. (THAT ENDING?)

And THE chemistry. The enemies-to-lovers arc was executed in the way I love. The banter, longing, unraveling of emotional walls— addictive.
And that spicy scene? Let’s just say it hit 🥵

Thankyou to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC and Arc

4/5 stars

The magic system was really cool. The pacing was a bit off for me, and it took me quite some time to get through it. But overall I had fun time reading the book. I liked how tarot cards are used and have a big part in this story. I also enjoyed the slow burn, but I had hoped there was more romance even though I understand it was necessary because it was true enemies to lovers situation. I should have seen the ending coming, but I didn't which made me like the story more. Can't wait to read book 2 whenever available.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

As a huge fan of Elise Kova, this was such a fantastic read! The tarot card magic was so unique, it was really interesting to discover more about!
Loved the plot twist at the end, but I did see it coming! Can't wait for the next one.
The only thing I wish is that the main character was developed a bit more. She was very repetitive and at some points I found her actions very random.

Arcana Academy is a truly magical fantasy romance. I absolutely adored the wielding of tarot cards, this is very much central to the plot and offers a fresh idea to the genre.
The FMC is a survivor, morally grey and appears to have luck on her side. The MMC comes across as intelligent with a hidden agenda, I loved the mystery of him. The romance was enjoyable with a fake engagement, enemies to lovers and a heist thrown in.
Academy vibes are strong throughout, there are classes, various high stakes challenges and overall a good balance between academia and the relationships with the other students. There are a some interesting side characters offering more depth to the world and plot. I really liked the world and the politics, I cannot wait for more chaos to come. The ending wrapped up well, was build up to and totally what you want in a series - satisfied and yet left wanting more.
This is definitely going to be very popular as it’s the same beloved tropes and vibes but with such unique magic it’s a standout.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

Thankyou to Hodderscape & Netgalley for sending me a copy of Arcana Academy!

Arcana Academy started off with a bang and had me absolutely hooked within the first 3 chapters. The plot starts off fast, and we are introduced to one of the most unique magic systems that I've come across in recent years. Although it is intricate, it is well explained in digestible instalments as the story progresses.

The majority of the book takes place in a magical academy for the elite, where there is a mix of lessons, study time and an ever present risk of being eliminated as only a small number make it through to subsequent years. The academy itself is also built on secrets and deceit and for every secret Clara uncovers, there is so much more she doesn't know.

Clara was a great character - she is fierce and driven and has lived on the streets so is a stark contrast to the nobility in the academy. However, because she is pretending to be nobility herself, she doesn't fit in with the students from the working class either. I really admired her ability to accept that she needed to make the effort to learn from the professors despite already being more accomplished at the magical tarot abilities than she should be.

There was a draw to Prince Kaelis being the secretive dark broody prince, but I just felt that his character lacked depth. This may be because we are only treated to Clara's POV, but it was the biggest thing that stopped me from being fully immersed and giving the book 5 stars. I hope we get more to his character in the subsequent books. The banter between the two main characters was great and there was just enough tension, but a bit more chemistry between the two would have made it perfect.

As well as the academia setting and magic, there is Clara's hunt for the truth around her mother's death and sister's disappearance. Clara also finds herself in a fake engagement arrangement with the Prince, and so has to navigate the politics and scheming of royalty and nobles in order to work with Kaelis to achieve his goals.

This is a big book with a lot going on, and the author has done an amazing job to work it all in without it feeling to rushed or incomplete. The plot threads came together smoothly and the ending had some shocking reveals. I'm very keen for book 2!

Narration: single character, first person POV

Spice: 2/5

Tropes:
- Fake engagement
- Hidden identity
- Heist
- Academy setting
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- Enemies to lovers
- Unique Magic System

my Elise Kova obsession continues!! I absolutely adored the world's she creates and the tarot magic system is so immersive. Not sure how I'll wait for book 2!

The magic system was really cool and I’m a big big fan of Elise Kova’s writing but I did find myself getting a bit frustrated with how cliche their dynamic is. The cruel prince who has a soft spot for the chosen one etc etc etc. it’s a great trope but when the supporting characters/dynamics/characterisations are all really cliche/bland I struggle to care.
The magic system was really cool, but the training was all very surface level and felt less about learning about magic and more and progressing the romance. A fun read but I wanted more :(((

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me have the earc for this early!

You know what hell yeah.

I really enjoyed this book it took me a while to get through but only because I was a busy girl, I need the second book now!

I had a feeling she was alive!!! Also I need our mans to get her out 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

I really loved this book and cannot wait til I can read the second one I need it now personally!

4.5 stars

Thankyou NetGalley for this arc copy. I absolutely loved this book at first it was a slow pace but I think it was needed for the world building that was brought into this masterpiece. I couldn’t stop reading it once I got into it and was hooked. I have so many questions left unanswered and now I have to wait 🥲I can’t wait for the release of this so I can talk to people about this book.

3.5 stars. In a world where magic is controlled by the use of tarot cards, the King and related hierarchy try to control access to this power. Clara is a young woan who has been locked away in prison for illegally making tarot cards (she hasn't been to the Academy so the crown isn't controlling her therefore it's illegal!) She gets broken out though by Prince Kaelis, who decides to say she is a long lost noble and now his fiance, because of course nobody would posibly question that.

There is so much promise in this book, the tarot magic system could have been so interesting and expansive but there was so much waffle about only using the lower tier cards and not enough explanation of what the cards actually do. There are 4 main suits - Cups, Swords, Coins and Wands and each card of that suit (Ace through to King) has different powers. Then there are the picture cards - or the Major Arcana, and most of these cards are completely skimmed over except for when we need to be told mutiple times the same rules that apply to these cards and who can use them.

So apparently if you find all the individual people who can draw these cards and get one of each and do something else magicky you can get The World card which can reset the entire world by the sound of it? I don't know it was mentioned A LOT but it was never really clear what it did or how it worked - like you're supposed to get one wish that can be anything but you've got to be careful using it or the card might flip it round. Anyway.

Clara and Kaelis weren't a believable couple - they go from fundamentally being at odds which each other to all of a sudden ripping each others clothes off all the while reminding us and themselves that they can't be together, and there are a lot of secrets and betrayals on both sides lurking in the background. But he did have a cat named Priss, so there's that.

It got really frustrating constantly being drip fed tiny bits of information that Clara then dwells on for ages then apparently forgets all about.

All in all a very long book that had a great premise but I don't feel lived up to it. I'll read the sequel when it's out as I hope some of these things are addressed and I do want to see what happens next but won't be rushing for a release day edition.

I can't with this book. If you’re into dark academia with unique magic, romance, and high-stakes schemes, Arcana Academy delivers it all and then some!

The story follows Clara Graysword, a thief skilled in forbidden tarot magic who’s sentenced to life in prison after a heist goes wrong. Her only shot at freedom comes from Prince Kaelis, the mysterious and cold headmaster of Arcana Academy. He asks her to help him steal a powerful tarot card from the king in order to recreate a long-lost, world-altering one. To cover her identity, Kaelis introduces her to the academy as a new student and his bride-to-be. And from there—chaos, secrets, danger, and magic unfold!

Let me just say this: the romance is actual enemies to lovers. Clara and Kaelis don’t fall in love by chapter five while claiming to hate each other. No, this is a slow spark that smolders and deepens until it's an all-consuming fire. Their dynamic had everything: fake engagement, dances, jealousy, soft moments of vulnerability, tending to wounds, tension-filled arguments, and yes, the spice was absolutely spicing. It was beautiful and hot and felt so earned.

I loved how we saw Kaelis through Clara’s perspective. She’s suspicious of him, angry even, and so we see him through that lens at first. But as she slowly softens, we do too. And when he starts showing more of himself? I was gone. Clara is one of my favorite protagonists in a while; sharp, determined, and deeply loyal to her (found) family. I related to her so much, especially her drive to protect the people she loves.

The relationships in this book are honestly one of the highlights. Elise Kova does such a phenomenal job fleshing out every character, no matter how small. The friendships, rivalries, betrayals, and bonds all felt real. You can feel the tension between classmates, the weight of past wounds, and the joy of small, hard-earned trust. I had a favorite side character who completely stole my heart, and let’s just say... I’m not okay about what happened.

The worldbuilding is stunning. The tarot-based magic system is not only creative but incredibly detailed. It’s not just about using cards, but crafting them, inking them, reading them, and understanding how they can shift (or reverse) in dangerous, unpredictable ways. There’s real history behind the magic, real rules and risks. And that made it so satisfying to read about. Plus, the world around Arcana Academy is rich with clans, politics, legends, and tension bubbling beneath the surface. It felt layered and alive. And the trials! Loved them, so intense!

And that ending? I’m devastated. I’m obsessed. I need book two immediately!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC!