While the initial set-up was intruiging, I did not feel invested by the end of the book. The magical system offered a unique blend of detail, but the overall plot felt scattered. The timeline jumps didn't help either.

The MCs were likable enough, and I enjoyed their sarcastic dynamic. What felt incomplete, though, was their transition from mutual disdain to hinting at something more. That said, some minor characters just felt like filler, bringing nothing substantial to the plot. Still, I did appreciate the friendship and banter between some of them.

Overall, this one wasn't for me, though I did enjoy certain moments—the academy trials and secrets revealed were definitely the best parts.

Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey, for providing this ARC. This is a voluntary review. All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely loved the magic system of tarot in this. It was unique and intriguing, though if i'm completely honest, I did find myself a bit bogged-down by the particulars of it all in parts. Even now, i'm not sure I fully understand all aspects of the magic system wor how it comes together with the world-building. That being said, I was gripped by the plot and totally invested in Clara and Kaelis as our MCs. A great read (my first Elise Kova!) and i'm excited for book 2!!

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Oh my goodness, this book was the fresh take on a fantasy book that I needed! This book very much gives Harry Potter meets One Dark Window vibes and I was so here for it.

The magic system in this book absolutely “wowed” me! It utilizes Tarot card magic but in such a unique way. I will say, the glossary is your best friend in this book, because in the beginning you get a good amount of a world/magic system dump.

The romance was so good! A tension-filled, slow burn romance between a, feisty FMC who has faced oppression and our broody prince MMC who 100% gives Kaz Brekker vibes.

The plot line was also so much fun to follow and I didn’t find myself bored for a single second of it. But that’s all I’m gonna say cause I don’t wanna give a single thing away on this 🤭

Highly recommend reading this book that releases Tuesday, July 22nd! Also a huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this eARC.

Thank you to Random House Publishing/Del Rey and Elise Kova for this digital ARC I received from NetGalley for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

This book had solid story components — a magical school, a dangerous tournament, and a mysterious protector — but ultimately, it didn’t fully grab me.

What worked for me: the tarot magic system has some intriguing elements, especially in the combat scenes, which were engaging and well written. Outside of the duels, my limited knowledge of tarot made it challenging at times to keep track of the nuances of the different cards. The MMC, Kaelis, began as a stereotypical enemy but gradually softened in a way I found believable and protective. Clara, the FMC, was slower to open up, but I appreciated the gradual shift in their dynamic.

That said, I struggled to connect emotionally. Most of the side characters seemed to exist only in relation to Clara, which made the world feel somewhat flat. It was difficult to imagine their lives beyond their interactions with her. Combined with pacing that felt uneven at times, this made the story easier to set aside than I would have liked — I found myself pausing to do other things rather than rushing to the next chapter. Finally, aside from two sexually explicit chapters, the storytelling was less nuanced and complex than I expected from a book marketed to adults.

Still, readers who enjoy magical academies, tournament arcs, and romantic tension might find more to love here. It just didn’t click with me the way I hoped. I rated this 3.25 out of 5 stars, rounded to 3.

This was a fun book with a unique tarot based magic system following our FMC who gets forced into an arranged marriage/fake engagement with the prince and into training at Arcana Academy to learn how to properly (and legally) use the magic.

My only complaint is that some of the tarot card based magic was confusing and hard to follow - maybe it was a result of listening to the audiobook rather than reading it, I’m not sure.

Otherwise, I thought it was a fun read, and with the cliffhanger/plot twist ending, I’m so excited to dive into book 2!

Thank you to Del Rey for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was an absolute banger from start to finish. If life hadn’t been lifing, I would’ve inhaled this in one sitting. It seriously put me through it.

If The Prison Healer, One Dark Window, and dark academia had a baby, it would be Arcana Academy. The tarot-based magic system? So fresh and unique. It added this layer to every action scene that had me like, “WAIT, what does that card do?!”

Clara, our FMC, is smart, scrappy, and powerful, but whew, sometimes her attitude was a bit much. Like ma’am, please touch grass. That said, her fierce love for her sister and her connections with the other characters added a great deal of heart to this story.

And the romance?? THE ROMANCE. The banter, the tension, the push and pull...Kaelis THAT GUY. That dynamic was everything.

This has easily become one of my favorite reads of the year.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I need to stop reading ARCS actually cause waiting for a sequel for a book that isn't even out yet is EXCRUCIATING.

Arcana Academy took me a bit to get into, and I'm still don't quite understand the magic of the tarot, but towards the middle of the book I started to really get into it. I've had a lot going on in my life that made reading this VERY SLOW, but every time I picked it up I was so intrigued and enamored by the characters and the world. I love the academy setting, and the tarot magic (even if I am too dumb to completely understand it).
The relationship is also really great but it is SLOW. Like molasses level slow. But the tension and the angst was oh so delicious.

Basically my review is this: SEQUEL WHERE

Wow! What an emotional roller coaster Arcana Academy took me on. The magic system is fresh and exciting, the academy setting is immersive, and the romance? Let’s just say a morally gray prince who doubles as the headmaster had me hooked from the start.

There’s danger, intrigue, steamy tension, and a cliffhanger that completely threw me for a loop. As a fan of dark academia, I loved diving into the students’ lessons, trials, and the rich world building. The division into four houses: Wands, Coins, Cups, and Swords gave off major Harry Potter vibes in the best way possible.

That ending left me absolutely speechless, and now I’m counting down the days until book two. Arcana Academy is a spellbinding start to what promises to be an unforgettable trilogy. If you’re into morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, dark academia, complex relationships, and arcane magic, you’re going to devour this.

ˋ°•*⁀➷ Preread ~ Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC ! I've heard so much about this book, and I'm beyond excited to have gotten the ARC ! Let’s hope this gets me out of my reading slump !

This book definitley exceeded my expectations. I've heard so much about the magic system and world building in this book and I was doubtful about a tarot magic based system, but this was SO GOOD. The magic system was flawless and actually really interesting to read about, unlike some other books. (And whoever designed the cover deserves a raise because WOAH) Including a glossary of different tarot cards and their ability was also super helpful !

This book felt like it had some minor Harry potter elements in it, with the different houses, head of house, and acarna academy giving deadly hogwarts vibes.

✧.* Kaelis ✧.*
Kaelis is SUCH a misunderstood character with such a sad backstory. Known as the "void born prince", he's the headmaster of Arcana (A much younger, hotter, brooding and mysterious version of Dumbledore). The entire time I was WAITING for him to betray Clara. THE TENSION. THE TOUCH HER AND DIE VIBES. HE'S PREFECT. *Adds to my never ending list of book bfs* And he could rival Kai Azer and Aaron warner in poeticness, because this man was spitting LINES.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ "You consume my ever waking moment. Devour my thoughts..."⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

HOLY GUACAMOLE-

⋆.ೃ࿔* Clara ⋆.ೃ࿔*

Her character development int his book was really good, with slowly gaining confidence in herself after breaking out of Halazar (Aelin who ?), and discovering just what her tarot inking abilities could do. I also love the fact she grew to make friends, care for them and rely on them, as well as finding the Starcrossed club. Her inner monologue when it came to Kaelis was so funny. I don't trust him... but he's hot... he treats me well... but maybe that's because he's planning to betray me.... I should betray him first... bUT HE'S HOT. I FEEL YOU GIRL

Arcana Academy (Elise Kova, Penguin Random House, 2025) is the first instalment in Elise Kova’s newest fantasy series. We follow Clara, an illegal practitioner of tarot card inking, as she becomes entangled with the headmaster of Arcana Academy, Prince Kaelis, through a sham engagement. Perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig’s The Shepherd King duology and Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series, Kova delivers a magic system and slow-burn romance that leaves readers breathless for more.

Clara has been imprisoned in Halazar for nearly a year when Prince Kaelis arrives to whisk her away to Arcana Academy. While Clara has spent years seeking revenge on those responsible for taking away the people she loves, Prince Kaelis has been searching for the last Major arcana in order to change the world forever - for better or for worse. As the pair fake an engagement to satisfy their own vendettas against the king, Clara must also prepare for the academy’s trials and make allies to secure her future in high society.

I have not enjoyed a fantasy book this much in a really long time. I absolutely loved every aspect of this novel. From the world building to the characters, the magic system to the slow-burn, I was constantly enthralled and anxious to see what was to come with each chapter.

The magic system in particular I found to be incredibly interesting. I have read a couple of fantasy novels before that utilize (tarot) cards as the primary source of magic that the characters use. However, I found Kova adapted an existing system into something totally unique by introducing the clans and majors to the story. I can’t wait to learn more about the way that the World card works in the next instalment, as I found that reveal to be the most intriguing.

I loved the main cast of characters we were introduced to, especially Clara’s friends both inside and outside of the academy. I can also say that the antagonists of the story made my blood boil every time they entered the page. I thought the romance between Clara and Kaelis was perfectly paced, subtly revealing where each was at with their feelings throughout the bulk of the novel until the ultimate climax in the last fourth.

I cannot wait for this novel to be released so I can recommend it to those in both my personal and professional life. I truly feel that this novel brings something new to the table that a lot of other romantasy titles can’t compete with.

5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

Arcana Academy is the first instalment in the adult romantasy series by the same name. Written in third person POV the story follows Clara Graysword, a woman gifted with the ability to craft tarot cards with any ink available, who finds her luck finally runs out when she is caught performing this illegal activity and is sent into the bowels of the harshest prison of the realm. Yet another opportunity arrises at the hands of the headmaster of Arcana Academy, Prince Kaelis, who offers Clara a deal to get her out of prison - help him steal powerful tarot cards from the king and he will recreate the long lost all powerful tarot card that could save Clara and her family. Now, Clara is thrust into this world of arcana academia not just as a student but also as the "bride-to-be" of the second son of the king. Any missteps in this world of political intrigue, student rivalry, desire, and investigation will bring an end to Clara so she must be careful because it may be more than the world she ends up giving up...but her heart too.

I adore Elise Kova and this book gave me the same excitement I felt diving into Air Awakens all that time ago.

Clara is a confident and tenacious person filled with secrets, some she doesn't even know of herself. I loved seeing her fight and push to survive and find a way through. I cheered for her success and cried when she fell. I liked her compassion even in the most dangerous of spaces because it showed she cares. Her magic is fascinating and I can't wait to see it grow!

Kaelis is a man I fell in love with over the course of the book. He starts off cocky and confident but as time goes on you start to see the humanity in him and how much he actually cares. His backstory really makes you empathize with him and I appreciated how much he stood by what he believed in him. Watching him come to care for Clara but understanding what his family has done to her led to pining that truly gripped me. Oh, also he has an adorable cat that I just love.

“Look at me with those crimson eyes. Look at me with all the hate you can manage and then some to hide the fact you love me, and me alone.”

In terms of spice this book is about 2.5 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. There are two spicy scenes in this book that happen over multiple pages. Spice happens around 85% onwards. The slow burn of this romance was delicious as we truly see these two as enemies reluctantly working together and then slowly start to see them see the other for the person they are. The banter was ELITE. Kaelis just throws Clara into situations and watches her time and time again prove how amazing she is and he is in awe. There is a bit of push and pull as they try to ignore the signs but when they give in it is perfection. I really cannot wait to see how this grows in book two.

The story ultimately is an investigation that blends an introduction to the world seamlessly. I loved getting to know the world with such an amazing tarot card magic system. The tension from the monarchy and the hint of what is to come as a result of the missing tarot card is heightened by secrets and power. These things are all unveiled slowly as our main character attends the academy to prove herself and plan a heist. I felt very centered in the academy plot but with enough detail of how this will grow into a larger series. The side characters were engaging and challenged our characters and we were introduced to the sweetest cat ever. The second half of the book is where tension picks up around Clara's identity, the push from the monarchy, and the secrets behind the card(s). I did find myself crying at one point when Clara uncovers something so be prepared. The ending is twisty and has a doozy of a cliffhanger but I am so hopeful now!

Overall, this is going to be another amazing series by Elise! If you love academia vibes, unique magic, enemies turned to allies to lovers, and a growing world you need this book in your life!

Thank you Delrey for this arc!

I loved this book!! The magical world and dark academia setting paired with a tarot card magic system was top notch! The world sucks you in and you find yourself wanting to know more and more. What does that card do? How can you control this card? Who is the good guys and who are the bad guys? What lore is correct and what lore is a misdirect?

I loved following Clara's journey as she tries to meld her family-learned ways of using tarot cards with the Academy-approved way. I loved the sneak peaks we got into all the Academy classes that helped us better understand the world and the magic system. I enjoyed watching her grow as a character through all her hardship throughout the book. I loved the found family aspect with all her Academy mates. The internal fight between who she was raised to be and who she needs to be in the moment was fascinating to witness. There is nothing more fierce than the love you have for your family!

I really enjoyed the magic system. I have not read many books that have used tarot as the center point of their magic system - especially in combat situations. It was fascinating learning the abilities of the cards and the fight sequences were sublime! Very memorable for me!

The book has all the things that I love in books: a magical school, trials and competitions, political intrigue, competing origin stories of lore, slow burn romance and treachery. What is not to love?!

Oh and that ending?!?! I need book 2....yesterday. Please and thank you. :)

Thank you to NetGalley, author Elise Kova and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for this advanced reader’s copy of this digital book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoyed reading this book. Stands out well in a saturated market! Enjoyed the unusual use of magic with tarot cards as it pushes the genre.

I absolutely ate this book up! I read it over a weekend and it was so hard to put down. It had such a unique magic system and an exciting plot with the school and training but also elements of a secret society within the students. There was also a delicious enemies to lovers tension filled romance, with plenty of things-aren’t-what-they-seem backstory involved as well.

The magic system was really intriguing. I loved the tarot card based magic - it reminded me a bit of One Dark Window duet with the cards, but the way that they were used was so unique and different! There is a glossary that includes all the cards and what they can do, but as I was doing it on audio I wasn’t able to refer to it but I will DEFINITELY review it before the second book comes out as a refresher! I loved all the action scenes with the cards and how much excitement this system brought to the pages!

I loved Clara and Kaelis in this! Kaelis brings Clara to the school after rescuing her from the prison he sent her to in the first place (or did he), but in order to keep her identity hidden, he tells everyone that she is a long lost royal from a family that was eliminated, and that she is his bethrothed. The animosity that they have for each other while also having so much tension was so delicious.

This book was just such a good time for me! It had found family elements, intricate worldbuilding, and a magic system that had me so engrossed. I loved the romance and tension and the book ends on SUCH a cliffhanger that I am going to NEED the next book forthwith.

I did this one on audio and LOVED the narration! Anna Burnett has such a good accent and it really elevated the story for me! I will say, it took my Midwest American ears a while to realize she was saying Wands instead of Ones, so feel free to laugh at my expense for that one.

Arcana Academy - Elise Kova
5✨
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The pace was well kept and interesting throughout. Sure there were a few times I got confused about the lore and the backstory, but that may be intentional I don’t know.
I loved all of our characters (not the evil ones tho) Clara was fierce and took nobody’s shit, Kaelis was protective and gave Touch her and d*e vibes. We can’t forget Priss the cat, I wish we saw more of Priss but maybe we will in the next book.
I have high hopes for book 2 in this series and I can’t wait until I can get my paws on it!
I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes,
🌱Fake betrothal
🌱Academy setting
🌱Tarot
🌱Enemies to lovers
🌱Court
🌱Found family
Thank you so much to Elise and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own💕

Unique magic system combined with detailed world building paints a very vivid setting. I had such a good time reading this and couldn't put it down.

The book was original and filled with dark magical tension. I loved the tarot based magic and would have loved more of it. The two main characters were well written and rounded. A slow burn with a little spice. Can’t wait for book 2!

I've read this book twice, yes twice! It's THAT good! There is alot of magic, illegal magic that is! This was what I've been needing to get me out of a ho-hum boring book slump. Ok I'm ready for the sequel! There's going to be a sequel right? Fingers crossed.

Everyday in prison is the same. Until the Prince visits. Clara uses his presence to make a desperate attempt at escape, only to find out that was exactly was Kaelis wanted. Hiding her true identity, he brings her to the Arcana Academy as a prospective student and announces they're engaged. All Clara has to do is survive.

Read if you like:
-Tarot
-Magic
-Political Intrigue
-Fake Engagement
-Mystery
-Who can be trusted

Arcana Academy hooked me from the start. The first three chapters were a rollercoaster. Clara went from a death sentence, to escaping, to being caught by the Prince, to student of the Academy, to engaged to the Prince in just three short chapters. While the rest of the book wasn't quite as intense, it still had plenty of action, mysteries, and revelations to keep me turning pages. I just wish I knew more about tarot. It might have helped me understand the magic system better. Despite my lack of knowledge, I was completely sucked in to the story and the world. I can't wait to read what happens next in the series!

I have some mixed thoughts on this book. All in all, it was good. It was just too long. I'm all for long books - especially in the fantasy genre. There are amazing books that fly by and before you realize it, you've blown through 900 pages. This was not one of those. Unfortunately, it FELT long and that is never a good thing.

The pacing was all over the place and I think that was one of the problems. There were moments that were filled with action and drama and things flowed so smoothly and it was a joy to read. But then, the book seemed to stall and there was just so much unnecessary information that had already been repeated over and over that made it feel like the we were never going to get to wherever the book was going.

But you gave it 4 stars? Yes, I did. Why? Well, because the overall storyline and plot of the book - when you condensed it down to the ACTUAL plot - was really very interesting. The world building was original, the Arcana magic system was fun, and the characters were interesting. It just needed an editor with a red pen and we would have been golden.

The book introduces us to FMC Clara Daygar who escapes or is freed (depending on the version) from a prison immediately at the beginning of the book. We then spend some time learning "Why" she was in prison. We have an enemies to lovers trope (an actual one this time) and then meet MMC Prince Kaelis who is not a nice guy....or is he?

There is a dark academia storyline with Clara going from prisoner to Princess overnight. Prince Kaelis is the character who undergoes the most radical transformation as he starts off as the villain but in the end, well, we are not sure exactly what he is.

There is a whole lot of back story (that takes WAY too long to unearth) but when we finally get the information, it is a heck of a story.

Of course, as it seems most books tend to do nowadays, there is a massive cliffhanger at the end of the book, so we have to wait for book 2 to see where things stand.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on July 22, 2025.