My rating 3.5 ⭐️

I’m really having a hard time giving this book a rating!!!
It took me two weeks to finish this book the book was so long. The book had it’s really good moments but they were spread out throughout the book.

Things that I liked:

The beginning of this book reminded me a lil of TOG you know the prisoner getting out of prison because of the prince getting her out.. The world was amazing the magic system was so complex I really applaud the author the way that she crafted this complex magic system. The academic setting was amazing I love a magical school it kind of gave me Caraval vibes because it was just so magical. The MFC Clara was amazing strong and very clever though I feel that the author didn’t exploited her to her fullest.

Things I didn’t like:

The thing that bothered me the most in this story was the telling I have had this problem before with this author in her previous series she likes a lot of telling in her stories without not much showing and basically most of this book was just telling 😤 it went like this: something big happened and then weeks passed where clara did nothing and she was explaining the nothing she did everything was uneventful bla bla then Something big happened again and then she goes again rambling about no doing anything for weeks and weeks sometimes even six weeks and repeating herself over and over again!

And because of this I felt that the love story needed more development like I couldn’t get on board how is it that they felt in love if the spent months without seeing each other 😖 I wanted to like these characters specially Kaelis but the author did gave me the time with so much telling ugh!!

Also one thing I noticed was that Clara didn’t a purpose after getting out of prison up until 35% she was just going with the flow and doing what Kaelis was telling her to do.

If any of this doesn’t bother you I guess you will enjoy the story at its fullest.

I really enjoyed this book! I've loved all of Elise Kova's books that I've read, so I was very excited to get to this one, and it didn't disappoint. I thought that the magic system was very unique and interesting, and I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and descriptions. As always, Elise Kova's writing style is great to read. I also really liked Clara and Kaelis, as well as the side characters (Luren and Alor definitely grew on me). I thought the romance was quite well-done, and this was a pretty true enemies-to-lovers plot style! I liked how they weren't just enemies for the first half of the book, and I thought the tension between them was very well written. I'm definitely going to read the next book; I can't wait to see where this story goes!

loved the uniqueness' of this love story, loved the dark academia vibes and the trials too!!! this was great, i love Elise :)

I can be a silly sausage because I have been feeling a bit burnt out when it comes to romantasy books. And I was not looking forward to this book at all due to that feeling of burnout. Then I read this and it ruined the next few romantasy books.

Fair warning? It ends in a cliffhanger, and I need the next book. NOW!

In a world where magic is Tarot-based and only those who are training at the Arcana Academy can wield it, Clara must choose between attending the academy at the behest of Prince Kaelis or rotting in the prison where she has spent the last year. But he doesn't just want her as a student, but instead as the tarot drawer who can steal and copy the King's deck. Romance, intrigue, and a million questions follow.

I did not expect to love this book, but it was AMAZING. I want so badly to finish it.

If you like this genre, you will like this book!

Thank you to Net Galley, Random House Publishing Group, and Del Ray for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Utterly enchanting ✨

Elise Kova immediately took me by the hand and led me, unwittingly, into one of my favorite books of the year so far. I simply could not put it down until my eyelids grew too heavy to stay open and when I wasn’t reading it, I was dreaming of reading it.

I will confess to you that I was apprehensive about this book, but was given an ARC and wanted to give it a fair shot. Between the sheer volume (near 600 pages is a lot for my grief brain right now) and being heavily marketed as Romantasy (where I prefer fantasy with a romance subplot), I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this, but I was taken by surprise and loved nearly every moment of this book.

Despite its size, for me the pacing was spot on. I never felt bored, it never felt like it was dragging on, but rather felt like the story moved at a steady pace, ebbing at times of exposition and flowing at times of tension, right to the last. So many books feel like a slog for 75% and then whiplash for the finale, but this flowed all the way through.

Dark academia with tarot magic? It was immaculate. The magic system and academy setting played so well together and created a wonderful backdrop for our protagonist, Clara, to investigate her sister’s disappearance while plotting to overthrow the corrupt regime she blames for her mother’s death and her own imprisonment. This book had the perfect balance of magic + mystery & political intrigue with a world built as Clara uncovers truths she didn’t see coming.

And finally, the romance. Now I disagree with the Romantasy designation as the romance enhanced but was not essential to the story. Kova delivers on a complex, deliciously tension filled, true enemies to lovers that leaves the reader pining and mistrusting alongside Clara. My only criticisms of this book would be that the pacing of their relationship development was occasionally a bit clunky & the sex scenes read as if they were written by a different, less skilled, author with an entirely different tone. Personally I felt they detracted to the flow of the writing rather than enhancing the romance and would have preferred to have skipped these scenes.

Overall, this was a top tier reading experience for me as of late and I am anxiously anticipating the next installment.

Fat-Friendly Rating? 🩶/💛 - nothing was overtly anti-fat, though there was a bit of an emphasis on the attractiveness of thin/muscular bodies and lacked body diversity.

Clara Graysword is in prison for use of her gift of inking powerful tarot cards, something that is only legally practiced by societies elite who have graduated from the Arcana Academy. Raised by her mother and taught her unique skills of inking Clara had thrived in the underworld of Eclipse City that is until she was betrayed and left to rot in a maximum security prison.
However opportunity is provided (always a suspicious thing) and she is able to escape but finds that this is in to the waiting arms of Prince Kaelis, Headmaster of the Academy and as Clara discovers the architect of her escape. Kaelis's help comes with a price and for this Clara has to pass the trials to enter the Academy using a false identity. Use of tarot magic has a steep cost as a sacrifice has to be made by the practitioner, be it blood, years of life or memories, so Clara has a lot to lose.
There is an enemies to lovers theme and overall the story kept me hooked to the cliff hanger ending.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

✨ When tarot meets dark academia, magic happens... but does it cast the right spell? ✨

I've been so excited to dive into a tarot-based magic system, and Arcana Academy by Elise Kova promised exactly that.

The Setup That Had Me Hooked:

Clara Graysword is rotting in prison for her illegal magic, specifically, her rare ability to ink tarot cards (which is apparently a big no-no if you're not academy elite). Enter Prince Kaelis, brooding headmaster of Arcana Academy (at just 23!), with a deal too tempting to refuse: pose as his fake fiancée, help him steal a legendary card, and earn her freedom. The fake engagement trope? Sign me up immediately!

What Absolutely Worked:

The magic system is genuinely fascinating! Each tarot card has unique powers, and the world-building around the major and minor arcana is intricate (but does get overwhelming at times).. Clara is the kind of FMC I can root for. She's strategic, flawed, and refreshingly not infallible. The dark academia vibes are immaculate: gothic settings, secret passages, deadly trials. And when the action picks up (especially those trials and the heist), it's genuinely gripping.

Where It Lost Me:

This book has serious pacing issues. What should feel like a quick page-turner often drags. I found myself setting it down multiple times, which is never a good sign. Kaelis, our "shadow daddy" love interest, felt frustratingly one-dimensional. Yes, he's mysterious and brooding (and has a cat named Priss, which is adorable), but I needed more depth beyond the typical morally gray MMC facade.

The Honest Truth:

This reads more YA than adult, despite the steamy scenes that confirm its adult classification. The characters and their dynamics would've actually worked better in YA, and I think the book would've been tighter for it. The cliffhanger ending? Predictable but punchy. Am I curious about book two? Sure. Am I desperately counting down the days? Not really.

Arcana Academy has all the ingredients for a fantastic dark academia romantasy, fake engagement, and academic intrigue...but the execution doesn't quite live up to the potential. If you're a die-hard dark academia fan or love tarot-based magic systems, you might enjoy this more than I did. Just be prepared for a longer journey than necessary.

Many thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

When I received this ARC I was immediately intrigued by the concept of the story and couldn't wait to start. It did not disappoint me. It is a little slow at first but I believe that was necessary to the world building and for the incredibly unique magic system that is based on tarot cards but once you hit about 30% it definitely picks up.
Our FMC, Clara is fierce and independent and often very sassy (especially when interacting with the MMC, Kaelis). Kaelis is often quiet and mysterious especially surrounding the details why he liberated Clara from prison.
If your a fan of dark academia, enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, trials, fake engagement, and a unique magic system this is a book for you. Oh and that ending nearly did me in ........I cannot wait for book 2!

Arcana Academy is the first installment in author Elise Kova's Arcana Academy series. The story is a blend of dark academia, intricate world-building, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with, of course, a really heartbreaking ending. But I digress. The story follows Clara Graysword, a cunning and resilient young woman who has survived the gritty underworld of Eclipse City through thievery and illegal magic—specifically, the rare ability to ink magical tarot cards, a power reserved for the elite practitioners of Arcana Academy.

After a job goes disastrously wrong, Clara finds herself imprisoned in Halazar, facing a lifetime sentence, forced to make tarot cards for the disturbing and vile Warden Glaystone. Her fortunes shift when Prince Kaelis, the enigmatic headmaster of Arcana Academy and second son of King Orcalis, offers her a deal: help him steal a powerful tarot card from the king to recreate a legendary, all-powerful card lost to time, and in return, she’ll gain her freedom.

To conceal her identity, Kaelis brings Clara to the academy as a first-year student and his fake fiancée, thrusting her into a world of arcane magic, deadly trials, and royal intrigue where one misstep could mean prison—or worse. The narrative is driven by Clara’s journey to navigate the academy’s dangers, uncover hidden truths about her own past, and grapple with her complex relationship with Kaelis. The story balances action, mystery, and romance, with themes of trust, betrayal, and self-discovery at its core.

Clara is a standout protagonist—bold, witty, and fiercely independent, yet layered with vulnerabilities stemming from her tragic past. Her ability to think strategically while maintaining a compassionate heart makes her a compelling and relatable heroine. Clara’s not infallible, though; her recklessness and tendency to keep secrets add depth and tension to her arc. Prince Kaelis, the brooding and morally gray headmaster, is an equally captivating figure.

His motives are shrouded in mystery, and his cunning, paired with moments of unexpected vulnerability, make him a perfect foil for Clara. The dynamic between them is electric, fueled by mistrust, forced proximity, and a slow unraveling of their true selves. Kaelis’s “shadow daddy” vibe, complete with a cat named Priss, adds a touch of charm to his otherwise ruthless demeanor. The secondary characters are equally well-crafted, contributing to the story’s rich tapestry.

From Clara’s fierce roommate who sleeps with a dagger to the enigmatic Silas, a “Bruno” figure living in the academy’s shadows, these characters add depth and intrigue. The society of Eclipse City and the elite Arcana Academy are intricately constructed, with a political structure, class system, and magical hierarchy all revolving around the use of tarot cards. The academy itself is a vivid setting, blending gothic dark academia vibes with a sense of danger reminiscent of a darker Harry Potter or Fourth Wing (minus the dragons).

The system is built around the interplay of minor and major arcana, with specific rules governing who can wield certain cards and how their powers manifest. For example, Clara’s ability to ink cards—a rare and forbidden skill outside the academy—sets her apart and drives much of the plot. The magic system is complex, with courses at the academy dedicated to different aspects of card-based magic, and its political implications add layers to the story’s conflicts.

The first half is slower, focusing on world-building and establishing Clara’s place in the academy. However, the second half picks up significantly, with action-packed trials, surprising plot twists, and a cliffhanger that leaves readers desperate for book two. At this point in the year, I am unsure whether to continue the series or not. We shall see how things go with everything I am currently dealing with.

What I loved:
- tarot based magic
- dark academia setting
- shadow daddy (always a sucker for a good shadow daddy)

What I didn't like:
- the romance (super slow and them BOOM POW! — I wasn't a fan tbh)

I wanted to love this one, I really really did, but there was just something I couldn't put my finger on that held me back.
Don't get me wrong, this is a good story, and in the hands of the right person, would be wonderful for them! Just not for me
From the beginning you're told almost every secret, nothing is left to surprise or twist (except the very last line) (but even that I kinda guessed)

ARC Review ~ Arcana Academy~

*******************************************

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There has never been an Elise Kova book that hasn’t made it into my TBR and this one was no exception! I was honored to receive the ARC for the start of this new series and I am only sad that I will have to wait for the next book to see what comes next. The magic system is spectacular and the enemies to lovers plot is really giving exactly what you want to read. I cannot wait for the next book, I have so many questions about what is to come for the characters!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC!

Oh, I really enjoyed this. A dark academia enemies to lovers with magic inspired by tarot. Made me want to get my own deck!

I found this to be incredibly creative and unique. I loved the world building and the explanation of the magic. The first 25-50% was a smidge slow, but I also think a lot of that is because you're being introduced to so much. I really liked both Clara and Kaelis (although I need him to rise to the occasion more) and look forward to seeing where their journey leads them.

🎧 The audiobook was fantastic! As soon as I hit play I was like OH. I LIKE THIS NARRATOR. Anna Burnett had an incredible voice and narrated this world and story perfectly. Definitely recommend the audio!

Read if you like:
-Tarot
-Enemies to Lovers
-Fake Engagement
-Dark Academia
-Magical Duels

Overall I really enjoyed this and the cliffhanger ending adding me SO excited for book two. Cannot wait!

Thank you to Del Rey for the ARC and PRH Audio for the ALC!

Arcana Academy by @elise.kova is the tarot-based story I wanted after One Dark Window. Each card has a unique power that students in this magical academy must learn how to wield. Clara soon learns why she has a natural aptitude for inking and wielding, why the second-born prince freed her from prison to pose as his betrothed.

You Can Expect -
Dark Academia Romantasy
Tarot-Based Magic System
Enemies to Reluctant Allies with Benefits
Fake Engagement
Banter & Pining
Secrets & Heists
Twisty Cliffhanger
Early20s MCs
Single, 1stP POV
First in New Series

There are secrets, heists, murder mysteries, politicking, set in dark academia with complex worldbuilding. We also get plenty of steamy Romantasy tropes to balance it out. We get a lot of answers by the end of the book but it does end in a twisty cliffhanger that has me excited for the next book.

Thank you to @NetGalley and DelRey for providing an eARC for my honest opinion.

I love this genre and did not enjoy this. The magic system was confusing. The characters had no depth.

3.5 🌟 Lots of potential but didn’t quite grip me the way I hoped!

I love the idea of a tarot based magic system, so was rather excited to read this book. However I feel it was perhaps a bit long winded in points and maybe would have been a much better YA book than adult.

🪄🎴🪄🎴

Premise:

Clara is locked in prison, where she is forced to use her rare abilities to ink tarot cards for the warden. However her abilities attract the attention of Prince Kaelis, the 2nd born prince and headmaster of Arcana Academy.

He sets her an offer, to come join the Academy, and develop her gifts, under the guise of a sole surviving clan member and his betrothed. And in exchange, she will help him to obtain the long forgotten World card.

🪄🎴🪄🎴

There’s a lot of mystery, political intrigue and double crossing, and overall I do think it’s a great premise! The way the magic system is developed is great, with the different clans, and the use of the minor cards. And the major arcana being reincarnated. I can not fault the use of the magic. And I enjoyed the set up of the school and the different elements they must harness.

The plot itself, had some interesting elements, albeit some parts dragged. I enjoyed the trials to the Fool’s lair and the heist! There were definitely some predictable parts, but I like that the author didn’t hold back sacrificing characters and being brutal. And the last line, whilst predictable, was punchy! I’m torn on whether I’ll continue with the series.

And the romance, whilst involving one of my favorite tropes, a fake engagement, at times was a bit too broody for me. I honestly thought this was a YA based on their initial conversations until I googled and realised it was not. And the two steamier scenes definitely confirmed that it’s an Adult book. But I honestly feel the book could have had a lot more power as a YA book and the characters would have suited it more. (I say this as a lover of both YA and Adult)

Character wise, Kaelis fell slightly flat for me. Although I feel he does hold back a lot in general, but I would be keen to see more of his personality in the next book or perhaps a dual POV to understand him more. I liked Clara though. She was a strong FMC, and I felt we discovered things with her instead of me yelling at the page for her to open her eyes. (Always a bonus! Haha)

All in all, I’m torn on whether I’ll continue the series. I think if it becomes dual PoV I’ll be tempted as I do love the magic system.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/🌶️
The first half of the book is slower paced, setting the scene of the world building and the magic system.

The magic system is confusing, but if you think of other magic worlds where spells are used to battle, the tarot cards are like those spells.

If a person develops magic, they are considered Arcanists and must go to the Academy when they are 20. In order to become an initiate at the Academy, they must battle. If they loose, they are branded and sent to the Mills to work to produce the powders used in the ink for the Arcana cards.

During their first year, they are given the opportunity to be sorted or chosen into certain Noble Houses (if they exhibit the characteristics for those houses). After they graduate from the academy, they will work for the crown.
✨
Both the 2nd born prince and his Father, the King, are trying to obtain a mysterious card which has the power to do anything
✨
The last half is definitely where the action and plot progresses.

This ends on a major cliffhanger.

I can already tell I’m in this series for the long haul. This was such an interesting world! I really enjoyed the world building and magic system. I’ve read a few different books that involve tarot as the form of magic, and I thought this was such a cool and unique way to do it!

The whole concept of the academy is so fascinating (that first ceremony was such a crazy thing to think about!!). I loved the side characters, and I felt like they all played an important role.

And the slow burnnnn. It was a SIMMERRRRR, we’re being slow cooked. We’re making a stew. I’m all in though, I need more!!

If you’re looking for a book with a slow burn, a fascinating magic system, world building, and a large but wonderful cast of characters, grab this one!!

TROPES:
Tarot Magic
Slow Burn
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family vibes
Political Intrigue

Thank you so much to Elise Kova and NetGalley for sending me a copy for an honest review!

I'd never read anything by this author before, and I think this book was a great place to start. The whole Tarot card section reminded me of One Dark Window. The ending revelation was a bit predictable, but those who aren't used to reading this type of book will be amazed. All in all, it was a good book, and I'll definitely want to read more by Elise Kova.



Rating: 3.5 stars

If Elise Kova writes it, I will read it. I love her books and this one was no exception. The magic system was so unique it had me hooked form the beginning. I've literally never read anything like it. The only thing that might come close is the magic system in One Dark Window because of the cards but even that is the only thing that's similar. Elise has a way with bringing characters to life, even the side characters are interesting. I can't wait for the rest of the series. Book 2 when!?