This book gives major Heartstopper-but-witchy vibes, with found family, secrets, and good friends. The queerness in this book cannot be understated and there is so much great body and size representation as well as a character that appears to have vitiligo and multiple characters of color. Cannot wait to see where this series leads! #Arcana #youngadult #yaread #prideTBR #queerfoundfamily #bookreview #arc #graphicnovel

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s publishing for the ARC of this graphic novel.

I wanted to love this story. It’s queer and has witches? Sign me up! Unfortunately, it just really missed the mark for me.

First, and honestly the biggest issue for me-the writing made me feel like I was just reading a text chain between two teenagers. The amount of “haha”s in every conversation and even in a character’s own inner monologue, was excessive and distracting.

Second, the pacing of it all was just so slow. We got the same scene from both Eli’s POV and then James but it added nothing to the story, didn’t give us any new information. The only thing was seeing James inner thoughts, but considering his interactions when we saw it from Eli’s POV, it was nothing surprising.

I will say, I enjoyed the representation in this story and I really loved the tarot cards as chapter breaks. The art was interesting and neat as well. Unfortunately, those were not enough for me to want to continue on with the series. Especially when there are other options out there, even in the graphic novel genre, of queer witch stories.

The art is simple but, it makes the storyline stand out more. The diversity is really strong amongst the characters and so is the gender positivity. The friend group is mixed with gender roles and diversity. The transition between chapters are a tarot card with almost like a summary of what to expect based on what is displayed on the tarot cards. I loved that little feature, this was really cute.
In the beginning, I could tell it was something shady going on between the others when James didn’t seem to know what was going on and had never heard of such a place. He managed to find Eli back but, they stirred up hidden information that the whole friend group needed to know about why they don’t have families. In a way, it made them closer in finding out the truth but, it also raised more questions. The story left on a cliffhanger but, I look forward to reading more.

This wholesome, beautiful and delightfully queer book has my heart. I fell in love with the characters from page one and though their adventure is just getting started, I am so here to see how their story continues in future installments.

Pub Date: June 24, 2025

What a cute story!

ARCANA: THE LOST HEIRS follows Eli, a rogue witch, as they find their coven in the Arcana.

First of all, I loved the art style. It was whimsical and cute. Each character was unique and the author/artist built such a diverse world. I loved how diverse the characters were in terms of lgbtq+, body diverse, and POC characters. I love love love the queer found family in this book!!

I love the tarot inspired story and how each chapter focused on the themes of a tarot card in the major arcana. It’s clear the author knows a lot about the tarot and witchcraft in general.

The plot is super interesting and mysterious and I didn’t want to put this one down! I do wish there was a bit more words to the art - at times it felt like there could have been more said. But the story definitely had me on the edge of my seat.

I cannot wait for volume 2! This one ended on a cliffhanger so I NEED TO KNKW WHAT HAPPENS.

Thank you Sam Prentice-Jones and Macmillan for the ARC!

The title of this new comic, Arcana, sets up this world's version of magic and witches. Witches are any gender but they mostly tend to be part of the Arcana, a sort of leadership organization that monitors and cares for magical stuff and people. To introduce the reader to the world we first encounter Eli, a new young witch just discovering who they are, where they're from, and what they're capable of.

The book is organized in parts sectioned by Tarot, with each card start insinuating the content of that section, which is always a fun concept when done. It's not deep like tying together the meaning of the cards with the section content necessarily, but it's still a fun concept I really enjoy - for example there is a section called The Lovers that focuses on two of the characters as a couple.

Each of these card parts tend to focus on a particular character but the story is an interconnected one and there is the character of Eli that helps bind the stories and characters together, until you find out the true story and then I think they all kind of become main characters? I found this a little confusing at first, as it's not immediately clear that these slices of life are connected by plot. I would have preferred the connecting plot point staying present through each section of the book because the whole first half of the book comes off a series of cute vignettes -and they really are cute- in this magical world. The second half is then laid out with story and it's almost like whiplash, going from casual to serious and finally making the title make sense.

This book is also mainly art, with minimal writing (particularly in the first half). Not that I was looking for a novel but I would've liked a few more words to flesh out the story and the rules of this new world of magic that the author sets up. You don't even really learn what the Arcana is until halfway through. I'm always fascinated by magical systems so I want to know more. But I really enjoy Prentice-Jones unique artwork as well and the panels do add to the story as they should, I just wanted more!

And then... it all ends on a cliffhanger! Just as we're learning what's going on!! Yeah, I plan on buying this and following it lol I look forward to having it on my shelves for sure, but I'm also a sucker for a witchy story no matter lmao I also really love the representation in the story!

Following the artist on instagram now though, because really the art is adorable and unique and color grading is fun and pretty.

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ebook.

I really enjoyed this one! The art style reminds me of Heartstopper, and there are so many sweet moments--I loved the dual pov recap of Eli and James 1st meeting. Koko's probably my favorite character because she just seems so set in herself (and is darn precious).

There are mentions of romance, but no graphic images/descriptions (for those that don't enjoy that, this is a plus).

Book 1 is a great introduction to the characters, and the mystery is just getting started. I look forward to the other novels.

This was literally such a fun time, and I couldn't get enough!

I loved that this was a very much queer representing graphic novel first and foremost. It really warmed my heart learning how much depth these characters had and how it blended so seamlessly into the storyline. In addition to these aspects that MADE this graphic novel for me, the found family was so unbelievably charming and wonderful. Combining an interesting plot together with stunning visuals, it melded perfectly together to create this unique work of art. It continuously took my breath away with how everything flowed and how comforting the art style was. This is seriously an outstanding debut and beginning to a series. One that I wait with bated breath for.

I HAVE to rave about the artwork for a minute here as well. It was one of the reasons that I initially had requested an ARC copy of this. Just by the cover itself, I could tell that the artwork had promise and I really wanted to be able to take a closer look at it for myself. I can tell you with utmost certainty, is that the visuals exceeded my expectations and I was really pleasantly surprised with how fast I fell in love with them. It gave me a similar feeling of coming across a new and interesting webtoon comic. One that you are instantly sucked into and then the next minute you find yourself done with the entire thing. It was bingeable in the best way. It also gave me huge Lore Olympus vibes, and I think it was because of the colors that both artists use to stage scenes and characters. Which was also surprising and also very comforting at the same time.

Besides the amazing art and the width of representation that this graphic novel brings to the table, the plot is just as unique to the storyline. It meshes together fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and mystery so well, you can't help to want more. It's different POVs which is done, again, incredibly well; so much so, that you end up having a really great scope of what exactly is happening but also have zero idea where it's going. If you couldn't already tell, I am quite obsessed with this and I can't wait to get my hands on an actual physical copy of it when it is officially published.

I can't believe this book doesn't come out until June, because it can't come soon enough. I NEED Vol. 2 immediately!

Thank you so much for Sam Prentice-Jones and Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

🔮✨️The Lost Heirs✨️🔮

What a breath of fresh air this cozy graphic novel was!

Beautiful illustrated graphics, awesomely diverse and lovely cast of characters with complex background stories and an introduction to each of them. This story feels like a cozy, warm hug, with a little romance, but don't be mistaken, there is a magical mystery afoot!.

Things I loved:

-I love how each chapter/character gets introduced and has a little look into their personalities.
-The tarot cards at the beginning of each chapter.
-The inclusivity and diversity!
-The cozy and whimsy graphics.

Things I didn't like:

-That I have to wait to find out what happens next!

This seriously is a great story that I got super engulfed on and read in mostly one sitting! And btw, this is a debut story! What a way to start off! I’m hooked and excited to continue this story!

I would love to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this awesome story! Can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

I have fallen deeply under Arcana: The Lost Heirs’s spell cast by Sam Prentice-Jones! This graphic novel is filled with absolutely ravishing illustrations and spellbinding color work! Those who loved Heartstopper will be mesmerized by this supernatural story of love, friendship, and discovery! The characters are profound, bewitching, and inclusive! Arcana features themes of found family, rising from generational trauma, caring for loved one, and all things occult. I am utterly captivated by this story and I cannot wait for the next installment! This cozy witchy graphic novel is a must have in your collection YA or otherwise! Become enchanted by Arcana June 24 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan’s publishing for an arc.

This was such a fun graphic novel. I adored the art style and how queer it was. The romance definitely developed fast, but it was a lot more like a real queer couple who start with a casual hookup and not an instalove/love at first sight thing. Additionally, romance wasn’t the primary focus, and I was very cute. I also loved the art style. It's very expressive and cute.

I wish it was a little clearer that this is the first in a series and not a standalone though!

This reminded me a lot of a much lighter Magnus Archives. The characters are interesting while still likable and have defining features. The tarot card at the start of each section is also pretty cool and a nice tie-in. It is well paced and keeps interest throughout. Excited for the sequel!

Arcana: The Lost Heirs is a captivating book. The cast of characters and incredible illustrations pulled me in from the start. The writing made it impossible to put down and I finished this in one sitting. I can't wait for the second book to find out what happens next!

The Lost Heirs is everything I look for in a contemporary fantasy graphic novel - sweet, whimsical, and engrossing with a hilarious cast of queer characters - and I absolutely loved the atmosphere that Prentice-Jones builds with their intricate worldbuilding and colorful art style! I feel like fans of Tillie Walden and ND Stevenson will really enjoy this one. That said, I do think the pacing of the novel is a bit difficult to follow with such a large cast of characters, and there was definitely a bit of a slow-down around the middle of the book. However, this didn't bother me too much since this is the first book in a series, and I definitely do think I will check out the author's work in the future! 4/5

The Lost Heirs (Arcana #1) is the introduction to a society of Arcana witches, a group of young witches whose pasts are intertwined with the society’s mysterious history, and the growing relationships between these new and old friends.

I found it to be an excellent start to the series. We learn a little bit about all of the characters, centering us on their personalities and background. We don’t learn a lot about the magic of the Arcana directly, but I don’t feel bereft of the knowledge. The conversations are authentic, and the art style reminds me a little of Heartstopper.

I’m excited to continue the series! Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

Magic, romance, covens, curses and secrets? Yes please!Eli is a part time barista full time witch, who while practicing his magic is discovered by the Arcana. The Arcana is a coven of witches who seem to be hiding a secret that Eli and his new group of friends set out to uncover.
I think the quirky art style and muted color tones really fit the story and vibe of this graphic novel very welll. The tarot card chapter headers were such a nice touch too. The romance did seem a little quick in my opinion but I thought they were very cute together. Overall I enjoyed this and will be impatiently waiting for the next volume!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the eARC of this graphic novel!

Sadly, as much as I love these type of original content creator works, this one never grabbed my attention. The lead character felt too much like a Marty Stu, the other characters thinly drawn, the plot pedestrian, the bad guys moustache twirlers, and not much happened.

Story: Eli Jones has magic - but goes through his life working at a coffee shop and otherwise just taking one day at a time. When a hot guy arrives at the shop one day, Eli finds that there are other magic individuals out there and is invited into the Arcana society - a group who protects magic. But his reception is strangely off - and there are alarming events happening.

The main character is kind of an 'aw shucks I'm sweet but geeky and unconfident' that should be cute but here seems very codependent. The characters all act in a very superficial way that feels somewhat juvenile, lacking nuance and depth to flesh them out as more than cardboard cutouts. The plot was kind of silly and did not feel realistic or organic. It all was a set up to give a loner young man a boyfriend and some new friends, with a plot of magic shenanigans uncomfortably thrown in.

Typically, I always hope to find reasons in a graphic novel as to why this is better with illustrations than just words. I did not find it here - other than that if you take away the illustrations, the plot would have been even sillier and shallow. The art style is distinct to the author but I can't say that it really pushed the plot further or added to the story.

In all, this is best described as a sweet cuddly little teddy bear of a Scooby Doo type of magical mystery. There is a complete arc here and no cliffhangers. It should appeal to the Heartbreakers fans as a result. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends for this ARC.

I loved this graphic novel! Queer and witchy representation, check. Simple yet impactful art, check. Intriguing storyline that leaves you wanting more, check. A final comment, the amount of “haha’s” used in the narrative was very distracting to the overall story.

Please tell me where will be more in this series!

Lovely artwork brings to life a magical story told through shifting POVs of the main characters--a group of young witches who find out that they've been, somehow, cursed. There's a lot of questions raised over the course of the story--who Eli's parents were, who cast the curse in the first place, why it was done... Many of these remain unanswered by the end of the story, but there are enough hints to leave the reader wanting more. I'll be looking forward to the next volume in this series!

This is a delight for representation! There is truly nothing better then finding yourself in a story. The writing of the story is very catching but does seem a little oddly paced at times. It will feels a little slow with us spending some more time with characters. But then when it introduces the core issue it seems very rushed. Definitely wanna get the next one to find out what happens next!