An absolutely fantastic read, perfect for fans of One Dark Window and Throne of Glass. Set in a magical academy, we follow FMC Clara who must act the part of the Headmaster’s fiancée (oh yeah, and he’s also the Crown Prince) or return to the prison from which she escaped.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire read and gobbled it up in a day. Loved the found family trope and engagement of convenience. Would absolutely recommend this book and will be adding the next installment to my TBR!

Dark academia perfection.

Unlike similar offerings, the high stakes feel real. The dark and dire price of magic, the cost of power, and the danger of being yourself - all very real dangers.

Be careful who you trust - that's the message of the story. And unlike many I've read (and I've read a lot) this fantasy's found family isn't.

I do quite enjoy the arranged marriage trope, however! And so well done!

Most of all, the magic system at work in this novel seems entirely unique and captivating. The world building doesn't seem overwhelming, and the main character serves both as narrator and new initiate, which makes hers the best eyes through which to view the world.

Have you read a good tarot-focused magic world story? This was a first for me! Applause, all the way round.

4.5⭐️ Wow this book was amazing! I have never read anything like this before, the magic system based on tarot cards is truly unique and i simply fell in love with it. Elise has managed to create something very special! This is perfect for readers who loves dark academia vibes with a compelling plot.

The book had me hooked from the first chapter, as the book moves at a fast pace and leaves you curious from the first second. The amount of plot twists and turns in this book is perfect, and it made my head spin so many times because i did not see a single one coming. And that ending?! I NEED the second book asap!!

The characters were deep and lovable, and i fell in love with the MMC. He made me swoon so many times its ridiculous, and the tension between the MMC and FMC was chefs kiss. This is a proper slow burn and I'm here for it!!

I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this book when it releases so that we can all discuss it and cry over the ending of the book together <3

Thank you so much to Del Rey and Elise Kova for providing me with an ARC of this book! <3

I really enjoyed! Thank you to everyone involved who let me read it in advance.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how it felt very unique. A lot of fantasy feels formulaic right now and it is hard to find something new. This really did that for me! The magic system is what particularly stood out to me as something different. It was not something that was too complex to understand but still had intricacies that made it its own thing. I also really enjoyed the plot of it all and the world building that was put in place here. Most of the time, I am more of a character driven reader so this was a nice balance. I LOVE a school and competition in my fantasy books so that really sold it to me -- very Goblet of Fire coded.

Now, the reason why I gave 4 stars and not five, is due to the romance. I loved Clara and her who-gives-a-fuck attitude, same with the prince, but the slow-burn was too much of a slow burn. I wanted more genuine moments of bonding with them and for them to communicate more. Everything was dancing around the romance but not in a fun way. I really wanted to like this romance but every time I got close to it, something annoyed me with their communication. I did not feel connected to their story but I still enjoyed it for the most part.

It is rare times that I like the plot and world more than the romance! I will easily handsell this to our shoppers and we would love to have the author anytime. I always look forward to what she writes so I am grateful to have read this early! This was a really enjoyable read. Thank you again!

Amazing! Elise Kova you did it again! I am so intrigued by the story and love where it’s going. Can’t wait for the next book.

I am so thrilled to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you so much to Elise Kova. I love books set in academic setting and this was an exceptional one.

The magic in this book was so fun and different. The magic is based on what tarot card is used and in this kingdom, only nobility and arcanists trained at Arcana Academy are allowed to wield them.

This story is TRUE enemies to lovers, they are still enemies at the end of this book, this isn’t dislike, this is hate. The MMC had the FMC thrown into prison for inking cards without training and he detests anyone using magic outside of the law. They wind up begrudgingly teaming up to search for certain cards needed and secrets start coming to light. As they get to know each other while working together, they begin to see each other in a new light but still don’t trust each other.

I loved the slow burn, found family and magic system. The world building was very easy to understand and I really enjoyed the writing style. I can’t wait for the next book and I’m so sad that I have to wait so long since this book isn’t even out yet!

The world's biggest thank you to @delreybooks for this gifted arc. I have been a fan of @elise.kova since Air Awakens, and I still find myself absolutely enthralled with everything that she writes. How someone can write both atmospherically and character-driven plots at the same time blows my mind. #ArcanaAcademy has one of the most unique, in-depth magic systems I have ever read. You can tell that Elise studies the tarot thoroughly. Arcana Academy is a school that trains how to use and wield the tarot in order to protect the crown. All tarot wielders must attend this school or be faced with death or working mills. Clara and her family were on the run as magic wielders who wanted to avoid working for the crown, when her mother is murdered she finds she must do what she can to protect her family in order for them to survive. When a bad job gets her caught and thrown into the worst prison you can imagine, she is faced with a choice. She can either go to Arcana Academy or rot away in prison. Clara, in hopes of finding her sister chooses the school. Within its walls, she uncovers much more than she could have ever imagined about her past, her present and her future.

This book had it all, magic, tarot, dark academia, found family, pining, love, hate.

Absolutely outstanding! I cannot wait to meet Elise at Apollycon and get one of my now favorite books signed.

Be sure to pick up Arcana Academy July 22nd and not a moment later.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is an absolute spellbinding delight, filled with rich world-building, compelling characters, and magic that leaps off the page. Kova masterfully blends intrigue, adventure, and heart, creating a story that’s both immersive and impossible to put down. With breathtaking twists and a beautifully crafted magical system, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers.

Holy cow, this was such a great read. As someone who knows little to nothing about Tarot, my first thoughts were that I was going to be lost by the lore and wouldn't be able to follow along with the book. But I'm so glad I gave this book a try- the worldbuilding was just amazing. Using the arcana as spells and weapons? Magic Academy where you're fighting for your lives (basically)? Hidden plots and schemes? This book really had everything. And while I don't love a cliffhanger, it was definitely worth it in this case!

I cannot wait to read more! Sign me up for book 2

One Dark Window meets Harry Potter!

Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards - a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy. She is offered her freedom in exchange for helping the academy's cold headmaster, Prince Kaelis. Her identity is a secret and sheer presence is explained away by her engagement to the second born Prince.

Clara is brash and bold. Highly emotional, yet loyal to those she loves. She also has more power than others and is a great thief and very capable.

Kaelis is cold, calculating, controlling…. Or maybe he’s protective, ambitious, hurting and hiding. He also has a pet cat, Priss.

This was exceedingly sloooooow burn. You are on your hands and knees with a torch for mere crumbs. But these crumbs are akin to luxury chocolate or truffles or caviar.

<b>“If to bring about a new world—a better world—I must be the villain, if I must do evil things for the greater good, then so be it. I’ll play the part now and be reborn a hero in my next life.”
</b>
Saying that, I needed more romancing before the main event. It was all very slow and then BAM. And how they got together was not my favourite.

There is a lot of world building to get your head around - the tarot cards magic, the myths, Clara’s past, her family, her old friends and gang. Then you have a lot of names from students to nobility to past connections.

I did love the concept of the tarot card magic system but wish there was more explanation. Maybe diagrams - perhaps this will be added in for the final copy.

Clara didn’t stand out to me as a heroine. She is a very typical romantasy protagonist and Kaelis was the brooding yet misunderstood romance.

Physical arc gifted by Del Rey.

This book had me in a chokehold from 20% to the very end.

I am a long time fan on Elisa Kova's, my favorite being the married to magic series, so I was pretty excited to be invited to read an ARC of this book.

But to say I was blown away by this book in an understatement. I have whiplash from all the twists and turns and I don't know who can be trusted.

Enemies to Lovers, yes please.
Double Agent, check
Slow Burn, check
Edge of your seat suspense, check

I can safely say this is one of my top 5 for 2025.

Thank you NetGalley, Elise Kova, and Del Ray for providing me this ARC in exchange for my free and honest review.

Now that is an ending! I think I know what’s going to happen though……. And I cannot wait!

Clara, apart of the Star-Crossed Club (rebels/resistance) was captured for illegally inking cards and is imprisoned at Halazar. A horrible prison full of nightmares and terrors. Clara is exactly what Prince Kaelis has been looking for so that he can compete his deck and find the 21st card, The World. After a year of imprisonment he sets up her escape. But why would she help him? He’s destroyed everyone and everything she has ever loved.

Clara is an incredibly strong main character who knows how to hold her ground and fight back. Which is incredibly fun and entertaining to read.

Prince Kaelis, is the powerful head master of the Arcana Academy. When we meet him he is cruel, mean and deceptive yet incredibly intelligent and calculated.

The book follows Clara’s journey through her first year at Arcana Academy. We get to see the friends and enemies she makes all whilst searching for any of the missing pieces that will help he locate her sister, Ariana. The book is the perfect blend of adventure, tarot magic and dark academia with a sprinkling of romance. Notably an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience between Clara and Kaelis. I cannot wait for book two!

I really enjoyed! Thank you to everyone involved who let me read it in advance.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how it felt very unique. A lot of fantasy feels formulaic right now and it is hard to find something new. This really did that for me! The magic system is what particularly stood out to me as something different. It was not something that was too complex to understand but still had intricacies that made it its own thing. I also really enjoyed the plot of it all and the world building that was put in place here. Most of the time, I am more of a character driven reader so this was a nice balance. I LOVE a school and competition in my fantasy books so that really sold it to me -- very Goblet of Fire coded.

Now, the reason why I gave 4 stars and not five, is due to the romance. I loved Clara and her who-gives-a-fuck attitude, same with the prince, but the slow-burn was too much of a slow burn. I wanted more genuine moments of bonding with them and for them to communicate more. Everything was dancing around the romance but not in a fun way. I really wanted to like this romance but every time I got close to it, something annoyed me with their communication. I did not feel connected to their story but I still enjoyed it for the most part.

It is rare times that I like the plot and world more than the romance! I will easily handsell this to our shoppers and we would love to have the author anytime. I always look forward to what she writes so I am grateful to have read this early! This was a really enjoyable read. Thank you again!

This is such a unique world. It has an academy setting, but its use of arcane arts/cards was fascinating to me. This feels like a fresh, new take on dark academia. Loved the story!

An absolutely enthralling adventure. I was hooked from the beginning. This book has a unique magic system, enemies to lovers with slow burn romance and twists you won’t see coming. Be prepared not be able to put this down!

4.5 stars
WOW. what an honor to be able to read this before it was published. The magic system was SO COOL with the tarot cards and majors. Reminded me a bit of One Dark Window. The slow burn was so good and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. The dark academia setting, various tests, and fake engagement were amazing. Also the ending?? omg. Overall loved it and will be reading the next book!

This was my first Kova book, and I am obsessed! From page one, I was completely immersed in a world where magic and tarot intertwine, and Kova’s masterful world-building made it feel so real. The concept of magicians wielding tarot cards was both fresh and fascinating, setting the stage for a story full of intrigue, tension, and unexpected twists.

While this isn’t the spiciest read, the slow-burn romance and electric tension are absolutely chef’s kiss—you’ll be holding your breath with every interaction. And just when you think you know where the story is going? BAM! Another twist. It’s unpredictable in the best way, keeping you hooked chapter after chapter.

I’ll be screaming about this book to anyone who will listen. Highly recommend!

🔥 Tropes you'll love:
✔️ Dark academia
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Political intrigue
✔️ Slow-burn romance
✔️ Secret societies

Run, don’t walk, to get this one!

I’ve never been disappointed by Elisa Kona’s writing. Arcana Academy starts off with a bang, drawing you in before you realize what’s happening. Once I started I had to keep going to find out what was going on.

We have Clara, who is currently a prisoner at the Halazar prison, place there after being caught illegally inking tarot cards. With this kind of skill, you typically fall into one of two categories: attend the academy and work for the kingdom and royal family (Oricalis), or you’re sent to the mills and can plan on an early death sentence.

What ensues is quite the twist for Clara’s character, and I needed to know how it was all going to end. I enjoyed the world building and the magic system! It was pretty unique. I also really liked the set of characters, but at times it did feel like there were too many people all at once being introduced at times.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy. All thoughts are my own.

A big thank you to Random House, Netgalley, and Elise Kova for giving me this ARC in return for my honest review!

I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit. Essentially, in this universe, people with magic (arcanists) channel that magic into tarot cards. However, arcanists are not allowed to ink these cards unless they are used in service to the crown. The book starts out with a young woman named Clara who was imprisoned for illegally inking tarot cards and using her abilities to help people escape the kingdom and find better lives. Handsome, shadowy Prince Kaelis shows up at the prison and tricks her into escaping because he needs her to enroll in his arcana academy. Despite thinking he is the reason she was in prison, behind the mysterious disappearance of her sister, and potentially ordered the death of her mother; they end up reluctant allies. They work together, pretend to be engaged, deal with his messed up royal family, and train her tarot abilities with the intent to recreate an ancient card that will change everything for the better.

Pros:
- The magic system is very unique, almost everyone with magic has the same essential ability which is inking tarot cards. Their magical prowess really comes down to how well they can ink cards, how well they use each card and the quick thinking it takes to react in whatever situation they face.
- The author really illustrates the world through Clara’s eyes. We see her living a high class life as the prince’s fiancée, but through her thoughts and memories you really see the disparity between this life and the one most people in the kingdom live.
- If you like shadowy, broody, misunderstood MMCs, you’ll like Kaelis. He starts out appearing morally grey, ruthless, and cold but has a lot of great development to his character. I can’t wait to see how he continues changing throughout the series. Also, he is one of the only MMCs I’ve ever read who has a pet cat, which is a bonus for me.
-The story has a ton of twists and turns I did not expect and in true Romantasy fashion, the author (metaphorically) blows everything up at the end. There are dozens of plot points that are unresolved, there are characters MIA, there are events in motion that we never see the conclusion to, and it ends on a crazy cliffhanger. This makes me excited for book 2, but if you’re looking for a complete story you might be disappointed.

Cons:
- I went into this book with no understanding of what is included in a tarot card deck. While the author does a good job of explaining what each card does as they come up in the story, if you’re like me and you like to predict what’s coming next; I would recommend doing a brief search so you at least know the names of the cards in each deck.

- The FMC has really led a hard life, which makes her personality and decision making quite abrasive. I essentially understand why she makes rash decisions and lashes out at people but I still cringed a few times when she would say something stupid or make a decision that might come back to haunt her later.

- Clara has a group of found friends she considers her family, however, they are hardly in the book. Most of their character development is through Clara’s memories or speaking to others about them. I think we were supposed to grow attached to them, but it was kind of difficult to do so without them present in the book.

I really liked this book! I would probably rate it 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). There are two explicit spicy scenes, so I would rate this book a 2.5 out of 5 for spice.

This is a *soft* DNF for me right now. I enjoyed the magic system, but it is taking SO LONG for the story to develop. I am around 30% of the way in and she just makes it to the academy, where she discovers new secrets. I got bored, which is surprising considering Elise Kova is one of my all-time favorite authors. My favorite series by her is actually Air Awakens. I am thinking this book just isn't for me, but I will circle back around to it.