hmmmm i have so many mixed thoughts. detailed review will come but for now, i liked it, but there were a lot of plot inconsistencies 🤣

A unique magic system. Good world building. Great slow burn romance. And a cliffhanger ending! This was my first Elise Kova read but it won’t be the last. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I liked this book! Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc.

The ending is cruel, what a cliffhanger. This wasn’t a 5 star read for me, ultimately, because I felt like the exposition and world building was clunky and the characters grated on me. But I need to clarify that they were written really well and they were consistent I just got annoyed at how determined to be difficult they were. So not a wholly bad trait.

I am very impressed by the magic system. It feels really unique and new. I liked the school setting. The side characters were one dimensional and I kept getting them mixed up. Buuuut I am VERY excited about more Alor.

Our main girl, Clara, was written really well, she’s tough and I like an over-powered MC. Like of course I want the MC to be incredible and amazing. So that was awesome! I just wanted her to be less…prickly, at times. But I admit and acknowledge that it was part of her personality and based in rationale that makes sense so I don’t want to hold that against the book at all.

Some sexy scenes, and a mean cliffhanger.

Elise Kova! It has been so LONG since I’ve read a book that I literally threw at the end. Sort of kidding; I did lightly toss my Kindle into my blankets after I stood up in shock at the end. A brief synopsis; the world of Arcana Academy is one of new adult dark academia splendor. Where common folk are marveled by magic, Arcanists are selected (if lucky) into the Academy and are at the whim of the King and his two sons. What sets the magical world apart from others; tarot. Kova’s magic system is delicately based on the tarot and respects the hierarchy of major and minor arcana. This card magic allows for specific uses per card; and the higher the role, the greater the magic. Our FMC, Clara, is swept into the Academy as a captive of one of the two Princes who covets ger magical abilities. With a plot to overthrown his father’s kingdom, and shifting Clara’s own views of how the world works, readers are in for a delicate scheme with twists, turns, and shocking revelations up until the very end.

I devoured this book with splendor. Not only do we have well-layered characters, but even side or smaller characters shine and are memorable. Despite a complex fantasy world and intricate magical system, I never found myself floundering for who was who, how magic worked, or even the motivations behind characters. This was my second book from Kova and I am even more impressed with her style and creativity when it comes to layered storytelling. What stands out in her writing style is the politics and dynamics within courts in her worlds. Characters are driven and have over-arching goals that are separate from the FMC’s arc that add a layer of healthy world building. There was no stagnancy within Arcana Academy; the overall plot and flow moved healthily, driven by time, character growth, and the impending ending. This is absolutely my top read of the entire year and I am completely engrossed as to what will come next. 10/10 stars; can’t wait to read on!

Thank you to Elise Kova and Del Rey books for providing a review copy.

Thank you to Elise Kova, Del Ray, and NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

I don’t know a single thing about tarot but I still found this book incredibly dynamic and engaging!! Even as a complete newbie to the topic, I was able to catch up quickly, as the worldbuilding did a good job to lay out the function and meaning of the cards. The whole book felt like I was at the edge of my seat, and I gasped at the end when I flipped the page to learn I’d have to wait for the next book to find out what happened next.

If you’re a fan of fantasy, tarot, magic, and/or intrigue, this is absolutely the book for you.

POV: single first person

You can expect: enemies to lovers, fake engagement, enemies to reluctant allies to something more, morally gray MCs, tarot, magic school, mystery

Rep: grief

Spice: 2.5/5

CW: death of parent (past), violence, murder, gore, imprisonment

“𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦.”

I love everything I have read from Elise Kova and this has now been added to the list. Her writing is rich and engaging. I never struggle to understand her world building or character arcs. I lap up every single world.

Arcana Academy’s unique tarot card magic system was so amazing to read about. And you constantly are learning how they work, what you can and cannot do because of your skill and what your body can handle. How that magic can backfire. And how it can be used for nefarious reasons. All of this held in a dark academia setting, full of twist and turns with the most delicious slow burn.

The ending left me literally gasping for air. And now I’m anxiously awaiting for book two because I just know it’s going to be just as good as Arcana Academy.

“𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦…”

Thank you Del Rey, NetGalley and Elise Kova for the earc. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Loved this book! So gripping and engaging from the first page, lots of action and mysteries, but also genuine deep feelings. The magic system is clever and well thought out and felt really fresh, I haven't read any books with tarot-based magic before. Cannot wait for book two, while simultaneously dreading things to come.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a proof copy!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Ms. Kova for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

The real star of Arcana Academy was its magic system. While I love a dark Academia book and a marriage/engagement of convenience, I’ve read several tarot-inspired books this year that fell short for me (some more than others). This one really stood out for me. The major and minor Arcana, and the way they’re wielded, was really cool, as was the concept of inking your own cards. I really enjoyed the way each card, and suit, had their own meanings and their own magic.

Oh yeah, and the story was good too. LOL

On occasion I did get frustrated with Clara, who is super, SUPER stubborn and is difficult to convince that she’s *not* always right. I actually enjoyed Clara’s tentative alliance with Alor more than her friendship with Luren, which I found to be a bit calculating on Clara’s part. I’m still not sure why Clara trusted the Starcrossed group so much, or why she was so reluctant to consider Kaelis’ point of view at all. Frankly, I don’t think Clara’s reasons for wanting to take the World for herself are good ones; bringing back your loved ones from the dead NEVER WORKS OUT, literally ever, in any story. Over all, though, I really enjoyed the story and am really looking forward to what Clara will do next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A big gigantic thank you to the Del Rey team for reaching out to me with an eARC of what is easily my favorite book of this year.

This book had me in a choke hold the moment I realized it was tarot magic. As a user of the tarot I love when tarot magic is involved and this books magic system is so unique and exciting. It’s definitely one of my favorite magic systems I’ve gotten to read!

Now, onto the characters. Clara is a badass that lives by her luck which I can’t say more about without being a spoiler. But! She’s incredible, she’s witty, talented and refuses to back down. I loved her and Kaelis so f*cking much! I love slow burns and this books is very much that!

One thing I love about a love interest is when they use blackmail and are super vague about their end goal. I am foaming out of the mouth for book 2.

If you’re looking for the TL;DR it is simply Read. This. Book.

OH. MY. LORD. Elise has done it AGAIN, and maybe even better than ever? Somehow? I am SHOOK.

This is such an incredibly special story, and I think I’ve been looking for something like it for a long time: a magical academy, wildly unique tarot magic, a gritty as hell FMC who will mess just about anyone up if she needs to, a “tell me that you hate me” romance dynamic with a slowwww, delicious burn. Elise has the most PERFECT pacing, the world building + action + romance + character development all happens so incredibly seamlessly, and sucked me in in the most engulfing, visceral way.

The politics of this world mingle so beautifully with the magic and lore throughout. I really don’t think I’ve read anything else quite like it, and it has the Kova flair that I always adore so much. I LOVE an MC like Clara, she is a frightening thunderstorm of a woman, but she also has this deep & unending care for her people & others with a similar plight. She’s wildly competent, but not in a way that ever becomes boring to read, because of how stunningly her emotions, values & priorities are explored. Her expressions of grief truly hit me so hard, and speak to how wonderful of a writer Kova is. Clara is truly such a complicated person, & her particularities alongside Kaelis’ create this really unique & incredibly fun dynamic. Kaelis is a similarly dark, villainous-feeling type of man. He’s a little tortured, a lot mysterious, & a LOT passionate. You get the sense that he values the greater good above all else, but isn’t afraid to make himself the bad guy in order to achieve it. These two are so tortured over their attraction to one another, and their desire & conflict are things you can feel in your gut as the reader.

The ending of this story has me absolutely REELING, & I don’t know HOW I am going to survive waiting for the sequel 🫠 but I’m so grateful to have been along for the ride. Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley & Del Rey for this eArc!

4 stars

Arcana Academy is a dark academia fantasy romance that is slow burn, with morelly grey MMC. I really liked the magic school setting, it was intense, challenging plus the magic system was so unique and complicated, there were so many different components and rules to it. It got a little confusing at times with so much info about it, but it was very entertaining. Clara was in a desperate spot and really could feel her panic at times but so tough and fast thinking. I liked the glimpse of Prince Kaelis, very mysterious, smart and willing to do anything to get what he wants, I wanted to get a little more info on some of his secrets. Overall, I thought the book was exciting, fast paced, full of complicated magic and recommend checking out this new series.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

A promising start to a new series with a world worth returning to…

Arcana Academy is an adult fantasy that blends One Dark Window with the classic magical school vibes of Harry Potter. With an intriguing world, a compelling magic system, and a mysterious family legacy at its core, this book had all the right ingredients to hook me.

I really enjoyed the setting and the focus on fantasy elements over the romance. The magical school atmosphere was well-crafted, and the mystery surrounding Clara's family kept me turning the pages. The world itself feels rich with potential…

That said, the pacing felt uneven. Some sections dragged while others rushed by too quickly, especially when it came to the romance. The romantic scenes felt awkwardly placed and escalated abruptly.

Still, the last 25% really picked up the momentum and left me curious about what’s to come. While this book didn’t fully land for me, it was a solid 3.5-star read, and I’m invested enough to continue with the next installment. I think this world has a lot more to offer.

***Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I loved loved this book. In the beginning I really wasn’t sure who the MMC as going to be, and I was very unsure of how I felt about Kaelis..but about halfway through I was HOOKED and just so incredibly blow away by how great the romantic tension was. Such a good slow burn and true enemies to lovers. SO much that I truly disliked Kaelis in the beginning and was looking at every male but him character to be the love interest. BUT it’s so worth it.

The magic tarot card system was so unique and honestly a little hard for me to follow in the beginning but again, about halfway through it all starting working so well together and I was so interested in the Major Arcana’s and Claras abilities. The author did a great job at building the world and the story and the magic system. She also did such a good job with the mystery surrounding Clara’s sisters fate, I was so desperate to find out what happened to her! I loved this book overall, and was very surprised at how much I loved about it.

Omgggggg WHATTTT?!?! That ending 🤯🤯🤯🤯

Ok ok let’s just take a step back. Holy crap this book was so cool and awesome and GAH, I absolutely loved it.

This is a true enemies to lovers, chef’s kiss, no notes. Kaelis is that morally grey you can’t help but fall for and Clara is a baddie, so obviously I loved her so much. They had so incredible chemistry, even though we are torturously made to wait with all the tension. Which I loved, duh, because slow burns are my jam.

This whole story though? I can’t say enough. The magic, the fighting, the twists and turns and mystery and emotions! It has everything. And then at the end where it’s at its peak, I was quite literally sweating and biting my nails with how anxious I was. And again THAT ENDING!!!!! Holy mother of ways to end. How am I supposed to wait for more and not die?!

I was so looking forward to this book that I accidentally requested a digital review copy of this book TWICE! And both publishers, the American publisher Del Rey and the British Publisher Hodderscape, granted my request! I could dive in!

This book was everything I had hoped it would be and then maybe a little bit more! From the very first chapter until the very last I was hooked. I just wanted to keep on reading, I wanted to read faster and I wanted to read slower. I wanted to know how the book was gonna end and I wanted to make the book last as long as possible. I can't wait to hold my physical copy of the book and I don't promise I will only get one.

The world building in this book is amazing! I'm a little familiar with the Tarot cards, the minor and major arcana and the meaning of the cards. I can imagine that helped a little to not be overwhelmed by all the names and powers. However, there were a few amazing twists and turns keeping me on the tips of my toes. There were also a few questions I had that weren't answered yet, so I'm incredibly curious about the sequel to see if some of my theories are right!

I also loved the characters in this story. I have to admit that I was not blown away by the romance yet, but it feels like the romance isn't meant to blow me away yet. These characters are keeping so many secrets and are hiding so many parts of themselves. I can't wait for them to learn more about each other, and probably themselves too, because I'm sure there will be some really emotional and dramatic moments waiting for us!

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

Nothing screams enemies to lovers like the man who killed your entire clan being the same one who lets you escape prison, makes you his future bride, and asks for your help to unlock true power. Would you trust him?! That's the real question!!!

If that doesn't convince you, how about this: the world is all about the power of tarot cards, and the Arcana Academy is the only place that can teach you the true magic of the cards and now, she’s part of it ✨

Kaelis ⇛ What. A. Man 🖤 WHAT A [Morally grey, headmaster of the academy, sexy mofo, dark hair, full of secrets, fell first and hard for our girl] MANN. He’s grumpy, a genius, and as soon as he starts spending time with her, he becomes possessive (in the best way). Forever her enemy tho right? 👀

Clara ⇛ She’s such a baddie 😌 I think I fell in love with her in less than 50 pages. Her intuition, her magical abilities, the way she thinks through everything while still having such a big heart I freaking loved it 🩷 SHE AIN’T WEAK, LADIES AND GENTLEMENNNN 👑✨

Enough about that let's talk about the enemies-to-lovers tension we all crave in romantasy, IT IS THERE! It is SLOW but so worth every second. BUT the plot, omg, the plot. The way it develops, I loved every single minute of it. The depth behind a deck of tarot cards, the minor and major arcana, and how our girl is a baddie with them?? Obsessed ‼️🃏

I will say, this book is a slow burn in general aka plot and characters but it hits SO GOOD once you get to the good stuff 😮‍💨🔥 Anyway 5 freaking stars because I stared up late for it and woke up early to finish it, if that doesn't make it for me a 5 star besides crying (which my eyes teared up once) then idk what does.

ALSO, ELISE KOVA, HONEY WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THAT CLIFFHANGER?! EXCUSE MEEEE?!?! 😭😭😭

tropes
✨ dark academia
✨ fake engagement
✨ forced proximity
✨ he falls first
✨ morally gray mmc
✨ magic elements (taroy cards)

Thank you Del Rey for my eARC!

So, I have been wanting to read a book with a tarot-themed magic system for a while, and Arcana Academy delivered! The way tarot is used, the clans, class system, and tarot inking was the fresh and fun world and magic system I have been craving.

Our FMC, Clara, has been imprisoned for almost a year for inking tarot cards, an ability reserved for the elite at Arcana Academy, and her luck seemed to have run out until Prince Kaelis comes looking for her. He needs her help and will free her in exchange for helping him steal a tarot card from the king to recreate a legendary card.

Elise Kova has written so many amazing books, and this one is top-tier! The magic system is so unique, and it, along with the world-building, kept bringing me back to the book. Also, the emotional whirlwind and ending that Elise gave us… AHHHHHH. That’s the only thing I can say, there are literally no words. I need book two now lol.

Themes/Tropes:
Unique Magic System
Tarot-Based Magic
Dark Academia & Magic Academies
A True Morally Grey MMC
Fake Engagement

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an eARC copy of this book! I loved it!

This was a fascinating book and I cannot wait for the next one. The characters and the plot were lush and well written with complexities that kept me turning pages until I reached the (too-soon) end. While the worldbuilding at times left me a little lost (I don't know really anything about tarot which was not helpful for this book and there is a reason I don't read a lot of high fantasy), the general plot didn't suffer for it. The magic system was fascinating and completely unique (even when I was lost), and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Clara is imprisoned in Halazar, a fate worse than death, after being caught online tarot cards. By some miracle, she escapes, and then I kept safe by Prince Kaelis, as long as she pretends to be his future bride. Clara is allowed to enter into the Arcana Academy, an elite school where her magical powers are practiced, and her feelings for Kaelis grow.

This was a great start to a new series! I found the world building to be mostly easy to follow, and the pace kept me turning the pages. Clara has the magical ability to read and ink tarot cards, which I found a fascinating new magical realm. I enjoyed following the mystery of what happened to Clara’s sister, and the thrills and high stakes the academy put the students through. Book 1 ended on a cliff hanger, so now I anxiously await book 2!

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Arcana Academy Series, Book 1

New Adult * Fantasy Romance
ARC Review
557 Pages
Out July 22

*Dark Academy
*Tarot
*Enemies to Something
*Fake Engagement

Very unique and interesting magic system. I love the tarot, how they channel magic and power. I loved how equally unique her power and strength are. Prince K is probably my favorite in this book. So much potential, so many layers. I can see myself becoming a little obsessed with this morally gray character. And if you fake an engagement less than 10% in, know I'm going to be team you. It's just the way rules are.