✨ 4/5 Stars – A Spellbinding Start to a Promising Series ✨

Arcana Academy is a magical, fast-paced adventure that blends elemental magic, academic rivalry, and simmering tension in all the right ways. Elise Kova returns to her fantasy roots with a richly imagined school setting, layered secrets, and a fiercely determined heroine you can’t help but root for.

The world-building is classic Kova—detailed yet accessible, with a magic system that feels both structured and brimming with mystery. The pacing is tight, pulling you along through trials, betrayals, and heart-stopping revelations. The romantic tension is just the right amount of slow burn, and the character dynamics add emotional weight to the plot.

That said, while the story is immersive and engaging, a few character arcs felt a touch rushed, and I would have loved more depth in some of the secondary cast. But these are small quibbles in a book that delivers on drama, danger, and magical school nostalgia.

Perfect for fans of A Deadly Education, Throne of Glass, or anyone craving a dark academia fantasy with a strong female lead and elemental flair. I’m definitely enrolling for book two.

Arcana Academy is an essential read for fantasy and romance lovers. It features Clara as she goes from haggard inmate to soon-to-be-princess engaged to an irresistible yet menacing second-born prince, entangling herself in magical webs and uncovering long-hidden secrets. I am in literal agony whilst writing this review because of how long I know it will be until I get my hands on the sequel. This book was perfect: it featured incredible world-building, a rich and intriguing magic system based on tarot, dynamic characters who always kept you guessing, a slow-burning romance, a fluffy and adorable black cat, lush and vivid imagery, and a crave-worthy plot. As soon as I read the first sentence, I fell into this book; so much so that I would get unreasonably annoyed whenever I had to put it down, but I was always immediately transported upon picking it back up. Kova's writing is fuelled with addictive and wildly talented magic. Her words lift off the page and envelope you in the rich and decadent world of Arcana Academy; you can almost feel the icy chill or fiery blaze of the cards. This is one of the best books I've read in 2025, and I highly recommend it to fans of Darker Than the Starless Night, Six of Crows, A Study in Drowning, enemies to lovers, fake dating, slow burn, magic, dark academia, fantasy, morally grey characters, and excelent writing.

Arcana Academy is one of those books that asks you to settle in, get cozy, and trust that the magic will eventually show up and when it does, it’s unlike anything I’ve read before.

The beginning was definitely a slow burn. There’s a lot of world-building, and the intricate tarot-based magic system takes a minute (or a few chapters) to really click. But once the story found its rhythm, I was drawn in by the originality of the world and the high-stakes, secret-laced plot.

Clara makes for a compelling lead, thrown into a political and magical mess she didn’t ask for, and the whole fake engagement with Prince Kaelis adds just the right amount of tension. Their dynamic felt a bit cold at times, but I appreciated the slow-burn approach and how it built over time.

What really stood out to me was how fresh this world felt. The idea of inking tarot cards to use magic was completely new to me, and the layers of mystery within the academy kept things interesting, even when the pace dragged.

Overall, a solid start to a series with a ton of potential. If you like dark academia, complicated magic systems, and slow-burning fantasy, this might be your next read.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is a dense read but fun and unique! It does have a good deal of world building and development of the magic system which can definitely feel slow. It is not an easy read you can breeze through. But once it got going I was hooked! The ending was great! I have no clue where the next book is going to go. There were fun moments of banter and tension, hidden political agendas, found family and just a touch of romance. Highly recommend!

Clara has been imprisoned for a year for illegally inking and wielding tarot cards. Only students and graduates of Arcana Academy are allowed to use tarot card magic. She winds up making a deal with Prince Kaelis, the headmaster of Arcana Academy, to pretend to be his fiancé and a student at the academy in exchange for helping him ink some special cards.

I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this book. It was super unique and interesting. I have no understanding of tarot and was still able to follow the storyline. Kaelis and Clara seem to truly hate each other for a majority of the book so there doesn't seem to be much pull between the two until pretty much the end. So I could have used more connection / tension between the two of them earlier on, but can’t wait for the second book!

Oh my god.

(I’m realising I open all my reviews with this but idc)

WHAT A BOOK.

I am a sucker for a new, fresh, original magic system and the strength based Tarot card magic in this was just absolutely * chefs kiss*. Clara was a breath of fresh air and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Did I think the fake engagement styling was contrived. Yes. Did I eat it up anyway. You know it. It makes no sense for Kaelis to be the headmaster of a school at his age but he’s not so honestly I just kind of let it slide tbh.

Arcana Academy is an addictive start to a fresh and exciting fantasy series. I was immediately drawn in by the unique magic system based on tarot cards, something I haven’t seen before, and the dark, mysterious atmosphere of the academy setting. Clara is a strong and relatable main character, and her journey kept me fully invested.

The pacing was spot-on, the worldbuilding rich without being overwhelming, and the slow-burn romance added just the right amount of tension. And that twist at the end? I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and it made me even more excited for the sequel.

Huge thanks to Elise Kova and NetGalley for the ARC. Highly recommended for fans of dark academia, original magic systems, and character-driven fantasy.

It's always a treat to read an Elise Kova book, and I am especially grateful to have received this ARC from NetGalley (Note that while I received an ARC, this review is entirely my own and has not been influenced by my receiving of an ARC). It's easy to get immersed into the worlds that Kova creates, and this was no different. A dark academia about Tarot magic? Sign me up please! I cannot wait to get my hands on this copy once it publishes. There are some content warnings (sexual content and violence being two of the biggest ones) and I do not think this book is overly spicy which can be a selling point for people who aren't totally ready for a spicy romance. I fully believe that this will be THE Fantasy book of 2025. The magic systems were definitely interesting, and I just adore Kaelis and Clara.

So not gonna lie, the first half of this book made me want to DNF. It was so slow to get into, they introduced a bunch of characters, who I couldn't even tell you who they were. And the while the magic with the cards was unique, there were too many to keep track of. There is an index in the back that tells you what all the cards do but I didn't realize it was there until I was basically done with it. The second half of this book did pick up and got more interesting as we went along. I enjoyed all the twists! I also don't know if the romance between Clara and Kaelis was super believable but that is mostly due to the face that both are keeping secrets from each other and can't fully trust each other. The plot was good but because I wanted to DNF several times during the first half of the book, I can't give it more than a 3 star.

Clara has landed herself in a horrible prison for inking tarot cards illegally until the prince rescues her, gives her a new identity as his fiancé in exchange for helping him acquire magical cards that will help him create a new world order. She will do anything not to go back to prison so that she can find her sister and avenge her mother’s death. As she gets to know Kealis she becomes more confused on who she can trust as she begins legal studies of inking at the Arcana Academy which is also the last known location of her sister. Kealis enlists her into his plot that goes against everything she has been taught. I loved this story of magic, romance and survival and cannot wait for book #2!

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

📚review 📚
Arcana Academy - Elise Kova

🎓Dark academia
🪄Tarot based magic system
🖤Enemies to Lovers
👀Corrupt government
🤫Secrets on secrets

There was so much going on in this story and yet none of it felt forced or fell by the wayside, I will be adding book two to my TBR immediately!

Not going to lie to you I am frankly disappointed in all of you that let me sleep on Elise Kova all this time - this is the first book of her’s I’ve read and it certainly won’t be the last.

I first became intrigued by this book when I missed out on a proof at YALC last year - I did get a tarot reading at the stall that was advertising it though, which really piqued my interest, this features a really unique magic system based on tarot cards - it was so intricate and original, I was completely hooked.

The concept of inking magical cards and being able to wield them like actual weapons, using the power to heal or produce luck and reading them to see the future gave this such an interesting premise, which along with the dark academia vibes plus the enemies to lovers/fake engagement romance plot makes me very excited for where this series is going.

As the story progressed, we got more and more secrets and intrigue and if this is anything like any of Kova’s other books, I know she is going to become an auto buy author!

Thank you @netgalley for the early copy, Arcana Academy is out on 22nd July - and there are some very pretty special editions I recommend you getting your hands on!
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AHHHH I loved this. The magic system was unlike anything I've ever read before. As someone who doesn't have a lot of experience with tarot, I found it fascinating. I liked the romance, but it definitely took a backseat to the world building. I'm hoping we get even more of it in book 2. The last line, I should have seen coming, but I didn't and thought it was done so well. Who do I have to bribe to get book 2 right now?

DNF at 30%

I was really interested by the concept of this book. The pacing was REALLY slow, and despite the interesting magic system, I struggled a lot and kept losing interest.

The world-building felt overwhelming right from the start, and the characters came across as flat and cliché. I feel people need to have an understanding of tarot cards but also an understanding of how they work in this world. The info dumping didn’t really help, just confused me 😂 Hopefully the published version has some details at the start to help readers.

ALSOOOOO! I couldn’t wrap my head around a 23 year old being an all powerful headmaster and a war general. HUH??? He was 20 when he founded the academy!????

Ultimately, I just couldn’t connect to the story or the writing, so I decided to DNF. I know others will eat this up and love it, it simply wasn’t for me.

What you’ll find ✨
- magical academies
- secret identities
- Possessive / Protective MMC
- tarot card magic systems
- slow burn
- dark academia
- fake engagement

Thank you DelRey & Netgalley for a gifted earc in exchange for an honest review.

Clara Graysword was stuck in the most notorious prison in Eclipse City, until the headmaster of the magical academy decided to pay her a visit. Clara finds herself out of the prison but in an engagement with the headmaster and having to aid in his quest to change the world…

This is the first book I’ve read by Kova and it won’t be my last!! (One because I will be continuing with this series but two I now have a backlist to read!) I was throughly impressed by the world building, the SLOW BURN, and the writing style.

Fans of fourth wing, zodiac academy and legend born will love this one!!


Review will be posted to instagram on pub day

I really enjoyed the magic system in this series starter. It was unique and well explained. I enjoyed the slow burn romance as well- and that ending!! I’ll definitely continue reading this series as future books are released.

I loved the tarot magic system. It was unique and interesting but could have been explained a bit better. The romance is definitely a slow burn. I really liked Clara as a character but not so much the MMC.

How could that be the ending?! I need book two now! My stress levels can't take the wait!

This book gripped me from the beginning. Some academy books have characters that act like teenagers but these really did act like 21 year olds. The world building was brilliant and I could imagine the academy and prison.

Kaelis and Clara are the definition of enemies to lovers. And talk about slow burn!!

Elise is brilliant at making the reader hate the enemies of Clara. I'm still angry at some of them. There are so many twists and turns in the book and I really enjoyed it!

This book was outstanding. The book follows Clara as she gets out of prison by her enemy who she thinks is responsible for putting in there. The magic system is tarot magic, but not the just the cards, the process of inking, reading and wielding that is taught at Arcana Academy. In this world the royal family is ruler of all and control everything to include who is even allowed to be arcanist. When Prince Kaelis offers her an arrangement, to help him steal from the king (his father), and in return to keep her safe, he declares her his future bride. Throughout the book Clara learns who she can trust and who she cannot, but even that is tested. She is fighting chemistry with the Prince, trying to find answers about her past, all while trying to decide who to trust and what she should ultimately do.

There is a LOT of worldbuilding in this book. It can be confusing. Also there is a lot within the tarot magic system as well. Talk about slow burn that really pays off. I love spice I wished there was more, but the writing of her and Kaelis and their relationship almost broke me at the end. I do think there needed to be more connection and have them do it sooner. The night he bathed her would have been perfect and they needed more tender moments. I am rooting for them so much. Clara is a strong, sassy, fiere, independent FMC. Kaelis is broody, dark, possessive MMC. So much of Kaelis is a mystery. He has secrets, but he's also not who everyone thinks he is. I do wish there was an opportunity for Clara to fight for kaelis as no one ever has. Side characters and the found family trope is on point in this book. The side characters offer so much to story, especially within the school and the challenges that are faced. The last chapter has so many things happening, so many secrets, surprises which of course leads to more questions. It ends on a crazy cliffhanger. I am going to be dying waiting for the next book to come out. I loved it.

ARC Review of Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
* * * * *
5 stars for this hot new read! You will without a doubt be sucked into a fantastic world of epic magic and spellbinding electric deliciousness!

Poor Clara has landed herself in a bit of trouble, and given an ultimatum: go to prison for the rest of her life...or agree to an engagement with Prince Kaelis and attend an academy that filled with everything she did not prepare to face.
She has a little gift that would be useful to him, a rare ability. However, they need to stick to a plan. Hide her identity. Let her understand what is at stake.
However, things are always destined to not follow to plan.

No wonder this was such a hyped book for months! Reading about this book and its summary, I was captivated, and happy to be accepted by Netgalley to read this fantasy/dark academia romance filled with magic, danger and chemistry. Beautiful cover and internal chapter designs that just have the read appear more magical.
Told through the POV of Clara, with a use of tarot cards in magic just fantastic to expereince, we are taken for the thrill of it all through her eyes. The beginning of Clara and Kaelis's story is not that sweet or alluring. In fact, I'm surprised she didn't knock his lights out. After some pain and pressure, and one last rush to freedom, Clara is stuck in his clutches and made to bend to his rules in his world at the academy. His tool. His spy. He has tested her from the beginning, and even through their teeth gritting, acid spitting, hot hatred from one another...feelings evolve. This start to get hot and heavy, even if they still want to punch each other.
We are also given moments that will have your heart racing and teary eyed, as characters you are introduce to join Clara on her journey and facing her past and family. Secrets coming out. The truth coming to light as everything escalates towards the end of the first book...right into the climactic cliffhanger that has us itching for the second book.

Honestly so thrilled this was such a banger. That ending had me GASPING! Longer review to come - my thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance!