I knew from the moment I read the blurb that I would love this book and I wasn’t wrong. It was a delicious cocktail of one of the most unique magic systems I’ve ever come across, hidden agendas, a feisty FMC, a dark academia setting, star-crossed lovers and a cliffhanger that actually made me shout out loud.

I loved how much this story kept me on my toes. I was always unsure of what was around the corner. I made for an anxious read! But still very enjoyable.

I adored the Clara, the FMC. She’s bright, sarcastic and innately powerful. Her will is strong, her mind is clever and she has enough of a belief in herself and her abilities to back herself first and foremost. She was actually very inspiring. A tragic past makes her even more determined to secure herself and her loved ones a better future.

Our MMC, Kaelis, is a scholar. Strong, intelligent and fierce, yet not a warrior first and foremost, which was a wonderful change from the usual romantasy standard and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Would he and does he kill without remorse when needed? Yes. But there’s always a reason. I loved that even the description of his physicality is different from the copy/paste romantasy MMC that’s usually a walking mountain of man.

The magic system! An Arcanist uses tarot cards to channel and wield magic. This magic system was so cleverly crafted with thoughtfulness and reverence and respect for the tarot. As a card lover myself, I was utterly obsessed with the way these cards were used in this story.

This book was an easy five stars for me. It laid a really solid foundation for what I hope will be a deeper dive into the history of this magic system and further exploration into the characters pasts. There’s such depth to these characters and I feel like we’ve just scratched the surface in book one.

What crack did Elise put in this thing? I’m ashamed to say this is my first book by her but I will now be reading everything she has ever written and will ever write 🫡 If you like a slow-burn, dark academia, and unique magic systems, do not pass by this treasure. Still reeling and need to put the rest of my thoughts together while crying into my pillow.

This book was so good! The magic system was so unique! I wanted to love and connect with the characters more than I did but overall this was a great novel and I recommend it!

Elise Kova's “Arcana Academy” is a dark academia, enemies-to-lovers, fantasy book. Kova has has written a tarot-based magic system which was very unique and refreshing. Clara is a strong protagonist and easy to root for. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with Kaelis but it could have been developed a bit for in my opinion. There was plenty of suspense and an ending that will have you wanting the next book. This is a fun and easy addition to your summer reading list.
Thank you to NetGallery and Del Rey Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

The book begins with our protagonist in prison. Soon, she is yanked from the prison and thrown into a deadly academy to train her magic skills. The prince thinks she is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king. The prince wants to create a new world, and Clara has to decide what she believes.

The magic system reminds me of One Dark Window, but it remains unique.

Clara, as the protagonist, is talented and thinks she knows it all. Kaelis, our male main lead, is the dark, brooding, mysterious prince. I did enjoy the development of their relationship.

I absolutely loved this book. I felt there were times in the middle it felt long, but in turn, each moment held a valuable clue or dove deeper into the characters history or character development. The ending was unexpected and I liked that it took me off guard, I devoured this in 2 days - and she's a big book! The premise of tarot cards was so fun, it was different and special and I cannot wait to read book 2.

Thank you to Del Rey/Penguin Random House for sending me this ARC of Arcana Academy! As always, all thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this book and I will be reading Book 2 when that eventually comes out!

There were so many secrets and mysteries happening from all angles and no one is as they seem, not even the FMC and MMC. Clara is a fiery and fierce FMC who is incredibly skilled at inking and wielding tarot, which goes beyond what is normal and that lands her in trouble and eventually in the hands of Kaelis who has knowledge about Clara that not even she knows.

There is undeniable tension each of these characters has for one another but where Clara only has hatred and disgust for Kaelis, it seems that the Prince only ever has more mysterious and intense feelings that Clara can't seem to interpret. They are two sides of the same coin, each looking to change their fate in different ways.

Their chemistry on page was phenomenal and I found myself really giggling to myself because I needed so much more. SO MUCH MORE PLEASE. Even in their reluctance to get closer to one another, Kaelis has a mouth on him and I really need Clara to get it together for us broody man lovers. I would also love to see a dual or multiple POV in book 2, because the one thing I wanted the entirety of the book, was just ONE chapter of Kaelis's POV.

I also hope we get a little more of Clara's life and relationships outside of Halazar and the Academy in book 2 as I really liked the side characters and found family that Clara had, but I felt just a little too far disconnected from them and didn't really get to form a real attachment to them outside of the last 15% or so. I hope we get to see a more flushed out past because I think I really would love them a lot more.

The issues I had that are likely a personal issue and maybe not so much a book issue–
I am not well versed in the way Tarot works in any capacity (though I've always been fascinated with the idea which is why I was incredibly intrigued with this book), but I feel like even so, there was a lot of information given to us throughout the story, and for me personally I wish it was just a little more flushed out as someone who doesn't have any experience with Tarot and understanding the meanings behind each card. <b>Elise did always write them out and I appreciate it A LOT</b>, but I think that I just had a hard time remembering all the cards, Clans, powers, etc in reference to one another.

All in all, I do recommend this book to fantasy/romantasy readers and those especially who will love the idea of tarot cards being the entire magic system! That is genuinely so unique and I can't wait to dive into reading more about it so that I can come back to this series with a fresh and newfound knowledge!

The world building was incredible! This is everything I am looking for in a fantasy book! I really enjoy a good slow-burn romance! I love that the academy is filled with secrets and hidden corners! I love the magic, the plot and the characters. Just WOW!

Thank you!

Arcana Academy is a magical, romantic thrill ride with a unique tarot based magic system and a dark academia vibe. Elise Kova blends intrigue, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes trials in a world that’s as enchanting as it is dangerous. Clara and Kaelis are a dynamic duo with electric chemistry, and the enemies-to-lovers tension is *chefs kiss*.

My only draw back lies with the pacing, it felt a little off at times, and the story occasionally leans a little too heavy on the familiar tropes (that we know and love!) without adding enough fresh twists to make it a wholly new or unique reading experience.

That being said, I had a fun time and will continue to read anything the author brings out. A must-read for fantasy romance fans!

Elise Kova never misses. This had a slightly darker twist on the magical school trope and reminded me of early Throne of Glass mixed with Ninth House energy. A little slow at the start but once the secrets started unravelling? I was in.

Arcana Academy perfectly intertwines dark academia, romantasy, and an inventive card-based magic system. It's a remarkable find—I haven’t encountered a card-driven magic system this imaginative since One Dark Window, yet this is still entirely original.

The characters, both main and supporting, are vividly portrayed, each with unique aspirations and emotions. The protagonists’ backstories are particularly compelling, making it easy to empathise with their journeys. The love-hate dynamic between the main characters is an exquisite slow-burn. The build-up is so expertly executed that when the sparks finally fly, it feels intensely gratifying as though we've earnt it.

The plot is layered with intrigue, unravelling mysteries, and intricate strategies—all set against the atmospheric backdrop of an academy. The supporting cast is an impressive set of personalities to admire, detest, or simply understand, adding richness to an already addictive narrative.

Fans of One Dark Window, The Temptation of Magic, and Five Broken Blades will be captivated by this story. It’s a must-read for anyone craving a tale that captures the imagination and a delicate blend of love and hate.

Most disappointing book of the year.
The world-building I love from Kovais is missing in this one. It's just info dump after info dump
The FMC feels one-note and deeply unlikable
Miscommunication is SO much a plot point that I don't think there would be a plot without it.
I love the world once I got a grasp of it
I wish we could be in the MMC head, but again, the plot would be ruined if he could talk to her, so that can't happen.
I wish there was a Sparknotes version of this cause I think a shorter book would be better. And maybe a less convoluted world-building
the magic system is highly interesting
Love the concept, love the author, hate the execution.
I hate to say it, but I think I might pass on book 2

I really enjoyed the tarot-based world Elise Kova created in Arcana Academy. I liked following Clara on her journey from prisoner to student to whatever comes next for her. I can't wait to read the next book!

I love Elise Kova. Let me start off by saying that. I have loved everything she has written and have very nearly read absolutely everything she has written. I have read exactly one fantasy series with Tarot cards. So this was an even more unique and different experience to one I’m used to. It has a unique magic system, an interesting and lovable cast of characters and an intricately woven plot I loved following. Our leading lady Clara is sent to prison after she used tarot cards, an illegal use of magic within this world, punishable for using it. But what happens when the academy’s headmaster, also one of three princes, strikes a bargain with you? What then? For any dark academia lovers, this is a dream come true. I really loved this book and exploring the world just as much. Overall, I can’t wait for this to come out and can’t wait for people to experience this. I cannot wait for the next book. The countdown is on!

Arcana Academy is a captivating and enigmatic institution that boasts a unique blend of mystery, and magic. A unique aspect of the book is its worldbuilding, particularly the intricate and original tarot-based magic system. The system's complexity, with its major and minor cards and varied uses, is fascinating, along with the concept of inking magical cards, each with unique powers and costs, adding a layer of strategy.

Arcana Academy drew me into its darkly magical world, that has woven a spellbinding narrative that is replete with danger, intrigue, and a captivating slow-burn romance. The academy itself is a dark, dangerous, and secretive environment, making it an exemplary fantasy setting.

Looking forward to Book 2.

Arcana Academy (Arcana Academy, #1) by Elise Kova

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first installment of an enthralling romantasy series

Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Invested, Courage, Pleasantly Puzzled
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Adult Fantasy, Dark Academia
First published July 22, 2025 by Del Rey: 576 pages, Kindle

This read was just everything. The magic system was so unique and brought so many interesting elements to combat, interpersonal relationships, the academy setting and the lore of the story. I'm really in awe of how the author wove this whole tarot system into the story and I really really want them to release a set with the book so I can buy it. The dynamic between Clara and Kaelis is just slow burn until it explodes in the best way possible and yet you will still be surprised at ever twist and turn in this relationship. Clara is just everything I love about a FMC, intelligent, smart, resourceful, loyal and determined. I absolutely can not wait to explore more of this lore as this story unfolds in more books and I really hope we get a few books out of this series as I love these characters and this world (no pun intended.)

Favorite quote: I run my hands down his chest. He's as sturdy as a wall. Breathing shallow. Four suits, I want to break him.

This book has:
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Morally Grey MMC
Forced Proximity
Rebellion
Academic Setting
Unique Magic System (Its sooooo cool)
Political Intrigue
Touch her and die
Found Family
Hidden Identity

This utterly exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be more thrilled!! It’s a brilliant, dark academia tale, the first in a trilogy which is fast paced full of intrigue and danger!

An academic institution of magic, a castle/fortress with secret passages and secrets, a well thought out and different mode of magic using decks of cards, challenges, duels to the death and lessons not even to mention the romantasy elements! The entire premise was interesting from the first chapter and I was swiftly engrossed and wanting to keep reading.

Enemies to lovers, found family, slow burn, fake relationship and forced proximity plus a cute cat who’s a good judge of character. I loved it all. The characters are well formulated and Kaelis is definitely a grey MMC and there’s so much more to learn about him, his family and what he knows about the old kingdom. Clara makes such a determined protagonist, kept in a ghastly prison for a year and suddenly elevated to Arcana Academy student and the bride to be of her captor, he’s the only one who can keep her safe but can she ever trust him?

This is such a fabulous beginning to a new romantasy world, it reads so well…. I’ve loved the writing of Elise Kova and this feels a step up to epic adult fantasy from her Married to Magic Standalones. And what a graduation. I will definitely be buying a copy for my shelf! Congratulations to Ms Kova on a new amazing book!!
A huge thankyou to Netfalley for the EArc.

Fan. TASTIC.

I’m a huge fantasy nerd and this is a good one.

World building - check
Strong female protagonist - check
Magic system - check.

I was intrigued by the tarot card links - I don’t know much about them so initially it was all very unfamiliar but the author gave me enough to understand. Sometimes this was shipped through like lightning and I had to slow myself down to understand it but that’s a testament to the plot itself as I was devouring this book so quickly because I was desperate to know where it lead.
There is a *touch* of romantasy here and thank god it’s not too much as I think the current trend of female falls for possible bad boy but secretly good boy books which are being cranked out are just fatiguing and boring at this point. I believed the connection between Clara and Kaelis and the author didn’t have Clara second guessing herself and twisting herself in knots the whole way through. She built a strong female and that’s what Clara remained. I’m here for it.

There were secrets to uncover but not traditionally guessable and tropey. I enjoyed the friendships built in the academy and the intrigue built around the secrets yet to uncover.
Loved it honestly. Will definitely read the rest.

Thanks to netgalley and publishers for the ARC of this great book in exchange for my honest review.

This is everything I wanted in a fantasy! Perfectly crafted by Elise kova! Such a perfectly crafted slow burn fantasy romance perfect for fans of dark academia! It hooks you from the first sentence and sends you on an incredible high stakes fantasy journey that will leave you wanting more!

I had high expectations for this Arcana Academy and wow were they exceeded. I loved every single second of this book and it’s definitely solidified itself as one of my favourite reads ever. One of the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given.

We follow a girl who performs banned magic as her only means of survival in a corrupt city, be locked up for her crimes. Only those who pay service to the crown by enrolling in a magic school can perform spells and she has not. Until the headmaster of said school breaks her out of prison, promises her safety, forces her to join as an initiate in exchange for her help.
Oh and did I mention, she has to pretend to be his betrothed.
The magic system in this book is based on tarot cards and is such an interesting form of spell casting. Believably used and adds really cool layers to the different aspects of the magic.
Not only can they summon the cards to use as abilities but they can read them for prediction and have to ink the cards themselves. Each of which is a skill examined by the school.
I loved all of the characters in this book, the female main character is multilayered and felt really real to me. I really enjoyed being in her head and seeing how her experiences throughout the book changed her perspective.
I cried a couple of times and that only happens when I am connected to a character.
I enjoyed the pacing of this book and didn’t find any part lulled or was too slow. Enough time was spent detailing classes and world building without feeling like it was dragging, it was great how deep the foundation of this book felt. It just oozes magic throughout and I found it so easy to see a clear picture in my head of every scene.

Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the eARC!