Elise Kova is back with a tarot-drenched romantasy that gave me the emotional high of From Blood and Ash with the polished intrigue of A Deadly Education. Clara is a sharp, scrappy heroine with magic in her blood and revenge on her mind—and Kaelis? Tall, shadowy, fake-fiancé perfection. Court politics, forbidden magic, and jaw-dropping reveals make this the kind of series opener you’ll reread before book two.

This book was captivating and refreshingly original, offering a unique take on dark academia with its focus on tarot cards. The story’s atmosphere and mystery were compelling, making it hard to put down.

If you’re a fan of moody, layered stories with a touch of mysticism, this one is a must-read!

I'm always going to have a soft spot for magic systems that use cards (thanks to a certain book that came out in 2022), and I'm so glad Arcana Academy didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the dark academia setting of this and the marriage of convenience/forced proximity. I wasn't a huge fan of Kaelis at that start, but he grew on me by the beginning. I like his quiet obsession with Clara that he doesn't actually want to admit to. Their relationship was really entertaining to watch, and I loved how the entire school seemed to always be gossiping about them. The friendships in this book are also amazing (not usually something I notice, but I loved so many of the secondary characters). A good villain is a weakness of mine--I LOVE having someone to hate because I really enjoy the emotional reaction to when things go terribly wrong. and I think Arcana Academy is setting that up quite nicely. This book also got dark at time, which is one of my favorite things for a book to do.

If I had to say one thing I disliked, it would be that the pacing got a little slow for me. I enjoy stories in school settings, but sometimes it felt like the conversations could drag on forever. The magic system was a lot to keep up with, but fortunately I just go along for the ride and don't try to keep up with what each one does, especially if I'm about to see it for myself in the story.

Clara Graysword survived the unimaginable through thievery, luck, and illegal magic. After a job went wrong, Clara finds herself sentenced to a lifetime in prison. Just when she thinks her luck has run out, Prince Kaelis offers her a way out. Clara suddenly finds herself thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep could send her back to prison or worse....

Fantasy + Arcana! How could you possibly go wrong? Arcana Academy is well-written and wildly entertaining. I loved the creative world-building and the enemies-to-lovers vibes. I found myself full of intrigue as I got swept up in the romance and magic.

Arcana Academy is spellbinding, and the twists will keep you on your toes. And, the ending...🤯 Just wild. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is my first book by this author and won't be my last.

This book was enthralling ! Elise kova does it again! Her character and world building is unparalleled. I was hooked during the whole book. Didn't want it to end. If you like fantasy this is for you.

Starting by expressing how excited I was to receive this ARC from Del Rey through NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions are my own.

What I liked:
1. Kaelis. I need more answers about the mystery surrounding him and what’s going on with the royal family. I think I know, but I want to see how it plays out.

2. The unique magic system centered around tarot. I haven’t read anything like this and found the details surrounding the magic very intriguing and complex. The battles using this magic system were a lot of fun to read.

3. Priss. I love a pet in my books.

4. The secrets surrounding Clara’s heritage. While this was all kind of “trauma dumped” on us at the end, it does make me need to read book two for answers.

This was fun. It’s one I will recommend, but with a disclaimer that you have to stick with it. I can usually finish a book this length in 2 days, and it took me 5 to push through.

I read a lot of fantasy, so I know the first book contains a lot of world building, BUT this one doesn’t pick up until around 60%. The last 20% was a wild ride and what bumped me from a 3 star to a 4 star rating. There are also multiple complex mysteries and secrets being unraveled that are difficult to follow when you’re struggling to stay invested in the story,

I also struggled because I really don’t like Clara. She’s the stereotypical young FMC who refuses to accept her feelings and recognize his no matter how hard he tries.

The tension was decent, but I’m honestly ready for a true enemies to lovers storyline. Not a “I’m mad you because I was told you did xyz” only to find the other person attractive and realize you believed lies, or made assumptions, so they’re not actually an enemy. This is done a lot and it makes romance seem very surface level. I don’t care how good someone looks, if I believe they were behind the deaths of my family I am not going to find myself drawn to them or consider them attractive.

This book sounded great. Unfortunately it wasn't a book for me and I had to DNF.
There is a lot of information being given at times about the world and magic system and unfortunately it lost me somewhere along the way. I also couldn't cope with the character's, they felt a bit too stereotypical and "flat". The book might be for you if you don't mind the heavy information-dumping and the typical "stubborn and sassy" lead and "mysterious and evil" love interest.

I loved this so much! Elise Kova’s writing has a way of immersing you into a unique world that you never want to leave. My favourite part about this book was the magic system as I found it so well thought out. This fantasy had a lot of things I enjoyed, including an academy setting, trials found family, a heist, slow burn, and a plot that kept me hooked. I just know this is going to be a big hit when it releases.

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for this arc💕

This book was a fun, entertaining read; I believe that amongst romantasy readers it will do well. I quite liked the magic world, using tarot cards as weapons; each signifying a different thing.
The romance was quite slow but obvious, they never felt like enemies (not truly), but I liked it anyway, and I will be trying to get my hands on the next regardless.
Some of the plot dragged a little, and the jumps in time were a bit too frequent, skipping through weeks at the academy, when I would have been very interested in seeing the day to day in class and see the friendships flourish more.
Regardless of that I think it will be a good seller, amongst young adults and romantasy readers.

This is a fun read with unique and interesting magic. It felt a bit similar to other fantasy novels, but deviated enough to stand as it's own story. Loved the twists!

"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 fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards - a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy's enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape - for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.

In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world - and her heart? Or will she take it for herself?"

So apparently they don't have a rule about staff and students dating.

What a journey. Clara is finally free from that hellish prison but she is still a prisoner of the Crown. Prince Kaelis might have aided her escape but he needs something from her. Can Clara trust him to keep his word?
The academy is another prison but Clara knows more than the average Dryden she knows how to use her magic and nothing will stop her looking for her sister.
Kaelis knows that he needs to be careful with Clara as she is an important part of his plan but he never thought that he would need her in another way. Can they trust each other?
Will they be able to complete their plan or will they lose each other?
A great read starts of slow but it becomes an adventure that is filled with magic, enemies, lovers and family. What an ending can’t wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommend

Yes. This is another book about at 21 year old who is as thin as a feather and her mortal enemy who happens to be a ruthless general at 23 years old and how they fake being engaged. The first pages mentioned his proximity and his touch like a thousand times and for some reason all men smell like cedar in every single book. There are some Harry Potteresque elements. And it wasn’t until 35% into this book, when I was introduced to new characters, that I was actually invested because the fmc was a little annoying. BUT that last 10% cemented my wanting to continue with the series. It flipped some tropes on its head and I liked that. The ending was wild.

4.75 ⭐️’s

Thank you @netgalley @elise.kova and @randomhouse for allowing me to read Arcana Academy

Release date: July 21, 2025

Review:
Honestly this book feels like a mix of multiple books that I would deem a favorite for me but at the same time, it’s a unique book all of its own.

Clara is such a badass FMC. She is raw with her emotions, loves her friends and family fiercely enough to be taken to prison while trying to avenge her mother’s death even if it meant going after the crown itself. She learned to ink tarot card illegally to get those who hurt her and make money that she needed to survive. Because in her world magic and these cards are everything but only the privileged usually get to use them.

Then when the 2nd born prince walks in to that prison and offers her a deal, she now is going to have to remind herself who she if and her goals because the lines of all she knew are about to blur so much that her path the kick has always guided her with is about to be looking a whole lot different.

I absolutely loved this book. From the slow burn to the journey of trying to reach the goal that Kaelis is trying to accomplish whether it’s for his own benefit or not. I also loved how the academy was written, getting to learn about each card in a way was really interesting along with getting to know the major cards as well. Overall I was just very impressed with this book and cannot wait for book two to come out.

#netgalley #arcanacademy #fantasy #arc #julyrelease #mustread #bookstagram #july #bookreviewer

Arcana Academy centers on Clara Graysword, fresh out of prison after being caught illegally printing magical cards. When Prince Kaelis offers her a deadly ultimatum (marry him, spy for him, or die), Clara chooses survival. What follows is an immersive journey through a world steeped in politics, dark secrets, and dangerously powerful magic.

Clara is one of those main characters you’ll either love or love to roll your eyes at. She’s cocky, clever, and sometimes downright annoying, but genarally compelling. Her strength and fierce loyalty make her easy to root for, even when she’s making questionable choices. Kaelis, on the other hand, is the classic morally grey hero with serious “dark prince” energy.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the magic system. The use of crafted cards for spells and battle sequences was original and refreshing (to me at least). The only drawback? Trying to remember what each card did! Although I suspect those more familiar with tarrot cards will appreciate the nuiances more than I did, the glossary at the end was a godsend. The plot is packed with twists, trials, and a touch of espionage, and moves quickly.

Elise Kova does it again! Arcana Academy blends everything I love about her writing — strong-willed heroines, intricate magic systems, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes intrigue — into a story that feels both fresh and familiar in the best way.

Set in a world where magic is real but hidden, the story follows a protagonist who’s thrust into the secretive and elite Arcana Academy. Think dark academia with magical trials, secret societies, and that signature Kova emotional tension — I was hooked from chapter one.

The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming. You get just enough breadcrumbs about the magical hierarchy and hidden dangers to keep you curious without dragging down the pace. The love interest? Swoon-worthy but complicated. And the side characters are just as interesting — I’m already bracing myself for heartbreak and betrayals in future books.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
I am continually flabbergasted that Elise Kova is still an under the radar author. I devoured her Awakens series and was so thrilled to get an early copy of this new work set in a world where tarot and magic abound!
This has Kova’s signature morally grey male main character and a strong independent woman trying to make her way in a world set against her. I thought the tarot magic system was so cool and well done and I can’t wait to read more of this series!

Yeah, I'm not finishing this book. I could tell from the first page that I wasn't going to like this, but I decided to give it 100 pages anyway just in case. The extra 99 pages were not worth it. There is a lot of info dumping in this book. Just paragraph upon paragraph of the main character explaining the magic system and politics of the world. It was very boring and hard to get through. This book also does a lot of "tell, not show" (vs the tried and true "show don't tell" rule). Clara is constantly talking about how smart Kaelis is. But I would believe her a lot more if I actually saw him do something intelligent. The characters are also very basic. Clara is just like every enemies-to-lovers romantasy lead: sassy and out of vengeance. While Kaelis is like every enemies-to-lovers romantasy love interest: stoic, brooding, constantly smirking for some reason. The concept of the magic system in itself is quite interesting, but not interesting enough to keep me invested (likely due to the exposition heavy writing style). I would technically call this dark academia, as it has a corrupt education system, but it is very shallow. Arcana Academy is meant to be full of secrets, however, Clara explains that the nobles have a network where they spread information to get a leg up. This is good for dark academia, as it shows that those with power have the upper hand and an advantage. However, after the first trial, there are twice as many non-nobles moving on. So nobles don't actually have an advantage at all. Which kind of takes away from the rich and the powerful restricting access thing. The pacing is also incredibly quick, but less because it was thrilling and exciting and more because it was just jumping from scene to scene at a lightning pace. I'm not a big romantasy fan, so I can't speak on that. However, if you enjoy dark academia, I wouldn't recommend picking this one up.

It’s a dnf for me 😔 (page 98)
I’ve read several books lately with similar dynamics, so maybe it’s just me—but this one didn’t feel particularly new or fresh, and I think I might be craving something a little different or out of the box right now.
The writing also gave me strong YA vibes, which isn’t a bad thing at all, but it felt a bit at odds with the more adult themes woven into the story. That contrast left me a little unsure of the intended tone, and I found myself disconnecting from the characters.
That said, I don’t think it’s a bad book—just not the right one for me at this moment. I’ve decided to set it aside for now and might revisit it later with a different mindset. Sometimes, it’s all about timing.

If you’re in search for your newest Dark Academia read, look no further! This has all my favourite tropes - enemies to lovers (ish), morally grey characters, and a really interesting magic system.

Clara Graysword can wield and ink magic tarot cards, however, this has landed her in some hot water, and she has spent the past year languishing in a prison cell. She is… rescued/escapes/gets herself into a situation where she ends up enrolled in the Arcana Academy and is engaged to the Headmaster - enter the hot, morally grey MMC.

This was an enjoyable read, although I always forget to check if it is going to be part of a series before I start reading books, and now I am patiently awaiting the next book. I need answers! The book is great, but the cliffhanger it ended on… sigh.