4.25 stars

Elise Kova has done it again. She has built a whole new fantasy realm with a unique magic system and explained it well throughout the book to avoid confusion.

With Clara's past and future shrouded in mystery (mostly to the reader), we follow her journey from prison to the prestigious Arcana Academy, a place where every arcanist in the country must pass through. But don't let that fool you, although they must enter, not all leave, and many less graduate. In the country of Oricalis, an arcanist can either graduate and work for the crown, or fail and be sent to the mills to collect or process the very ingredients that make magic possible.

Magic in this world is run by Tarot cards, inked with specific ingredients. There are 4 suits; wands, cups, coins, and swords. Each has a different power and the average arcanist can only wield, or ink, cards 1-5 without training. There are also 20 Majors that "no one" can wield. But, you guessed it, Clara isn't just anyone.

This book follows Clara through the journey of finding out how she was captured, who killed her mother, and what happened to her sister inside the academy, while trying not to fail the challenges and be sent away. She must also juggle her distrust but growing feeling for the shadow prince of the realm, Kaelis.

Kaelis is a hottie, and Clara is a great FMC to follow while we all learn the secrets of this world. Can't wait for the next book because that ending was insane. I was stressed for the last 100 pages as usual with every fantasy novel, but really it was the last 30 pages that did me in. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves a good enemies to lovers, shadow daddy, and badass FMC.

Arcana Academy is a masterful blend of dark academia, intricate magic, and slow-burn romance. Kova introduces a unique tarot-based magic system that's both imaginative and accessible, even for those unfamiliar with tarot. The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a realm of political intrigue and magical trials. This novel is a standout in the romantasy genre and a promising start to a captivating series.

“But it’s also true that sometimes, even the worst among us want a moment of absolution. To feel our humanity isn’t entirely rotted away, that we aren’t just a cold and lonely husk.”

Arcana Academy is where people can go to learn how to harness magic through inking tarot cards. “Can” might not be the right word here. There’s little actual choice involved—but semantics, right?

Clara Graysword, our main character, is a prison escapee who runs right into the arms of Prince Kaelis. He admits her into the academy, not to protect her, but to use her and keep her hidden. Plot twist? They’re mortal enemies. Plot twist number two? They have to pretend to be in love to keep her from being discovered and sent back to prison.

The world is dystopian and brutal. The rulers hoard all the power, both magical and political, while the rest are left to starve, scrape by, and take on dangerous contracts just to survive. Clara is fighting to tear down the system after living through its worst. Kaelis is royalty, raised within the very structure Clara wants to destroy.

This story is gritty, layered, and full of tension. The magic system is tarot-based and one of the most original I’ve read in a while. The world-building is rich, and the stakes actually matter.

The romance between Clara and Kaelis is a solid enemies-to-lovers setup. They’re on opposite sides, forced to fake a relationship while everything is at risk. I did find the romance slightly anticlimactic at times. There was a lot of back and forth, and not quite enough sustained tension for me personally. Still, I’m invested, and I love them. And the cat? Iconic. No notes.

The cast of characters is great. Even the side characters feel distinct and meaningful, not just filler. That said, there are a lot of people to keep track of and a lot going on plot-wise. At times it felt like I had to work to keep up, but that didn’t take away from how compelling it all was.

I don’t know much about tarot or playing cards, so there was a bit of a learning curve. I don't know if you need that knowledge to enjoy the book, but I do think it would help deepen the experience.

And the cliffhanger? Absolutely wild. I cannot wait to see where Elise Kova takes this next.

Omg those last few pages had me STRESSED. I wasn’t expecting that ending and I’m glad it went differently than I had anticipated because I’m so excited for book 2 now, even though book 1 isn’t even officially out 😅

Going into the review I’ll say that I love Elise Kova’s books. This has that strong FMC like in the Air Awakens series and offshoots but I think this is even better and stronger. EK’s writing is super strong in this, you get lost in the world while reading, the cast of characters are really neat, and it does feel like the stakes are actually high.

The tarot based magic system was really cool, I love how it played on the actual way tarot is used traditionally with readings but also allowing for the wielders to gain power and strength from the various cards as well. Also that there is some mastering needed with each wielder having to ink their own decks.

I did also like the school setting, it felt very dark academia. Though I wish we had gotten a little more with the other students, I’m not sure if/how that thread would continue in the next book but I’m curious 👀 the students are all cut throat because the stakes are high, if you don’t succeed then you’re sent essentially to your death, but not all can make it to the second year.

I did enjoy the romance and both the MMC, Kaelis, and the FMC, Clara. Their motivations, secrets, and the ways they intersected and played against each other were I think well done. I do appreciate though that not everything is as it seems and nothing is presented neatly with a bow. It also doesn’t feel like the romance has been fully established, so I’m excited to see how that looks throughout the rest of the books!

There are still questions and secrets to uncover the truth of and I cannot wait to see when and how they are answered.

I can totally see this one being popular when it releases in July. And once you read that ending - my DMs are open 😉

Thank you so much to Del Rey for the early copy, all opinions above are my own!!

I love anything by Elise Kova - thankfully she only asks for money, not my first born child (although I would probably give if she asked..). Arcana Academy felt a little different to her previous stuff but I still loved it, dark and broody MMC, academy settling and badass FMC, 10/10.

Should you read the book? Put it this way.. I have more than one pre-order coming!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | four stars

𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐘 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐯𝐚
~ 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑨𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚

Arcana Academy is about a woman, Clara Greysword, 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.

This book is such a fresher in the genre. I was in an immense reading slump when I read this book and finished it in less than a day.

The magic system is laid on the foundation of tarot. I enjoy reading books with the use of taor or card magic. The intricacy and details in just the first book was such a blissful experience that kept me excited to learn more and more!

Clara Graysword is kind, clever and stubborn. Prince Kaelis is bruttish, scheming and an enigma. The tension between them is dense and every interaction crackles with intensity.

The dark academia setting, the intricate world-building, and the unique tarot card magic system were well done! Overall, it was an amazing fantasy read with strong-willed protagonists, angst and a blend of mystery and romance.

4.5 stars rounded down
ARC review
Release: July 22, 2025

Arcana Academy centers around Clara Graysword, a woman who’s been in prison for the last year for illegally printing cards. Prince Kaelis is the headmaster of Arcana Academy, a place where students grow and train their magic. Noting Clara’s affinities for inking cards, he offers her a proposition: Marry him, and come to Arcana Academy to hone her skills and spy for him, or die. Choosing to go to the academy, Clara is thrust into a life of politics, magic, and dark secrets that threaten everything that both Clara and Kaelis have built.

If I had to pick one word to describe the FMC, Cara, I think it would be cocky. She’s so sure of herself, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially because the MMC is also has… broody, mysterious vibes going on. She’s definitely pretty annoying at times, but she’s also kind of badass, which makes up for her annoyingness. The MMC, Kaelis, is a bit frustrating because I wasn’t sure if I ever fully liked him or not, but I do think he gets better over time. He’s kind of the classic morally grey, daddy issues, misunderstood, dark, endearing type.

The plot was so entertaining, and it was really endearing seeing Cara fight for her sister. The magical aspects relating to the cards was really clever and unlike anything I’ve read before. The only real issue was trying to remember what each card did. There is a list of cards and their uses at the back of the book, though. Overall, this book was really enjoyable, and will probably end up being one of my favorite books of this year.

Elise Kova strikes again with a beautiful handcrafted world that will keep you glued to the pages. Not only does she hook you from the first chapter but continually throughout the book.

Never thought a romantasy would spark an interest in the Tarot world but here we are. Such a fascinating way to build up a fantasy world and innate powers and power-wielding. Wish I'd gotten to know some the characters a bit more and in depth but hopefully that's to come in the next book. Cannot wait!

So we follow Clara who’s in prison illegally inking taro cards and wielding magic that only a handful of people can through Arcana Academy. She manages to run from the prison after meeting Prince Kaelis, because she’s meant to be killed. Eventually she finds herself in Arcana Academy after her failed try of running away, ends up with new fake identity, and somehow engaged to Kaelis. They have to work together because Clara doesn’t want to go back, and both need to find all the taro cards and change the world for the better (hopefully).

Okay, honestly? The book isn’t bad, I think I’m the issue. Anyways, I liked it but I didn’t love it and it’s devastating for me because this was one of my most anticipated reads.

I couldn’t love Clara or Kaelis, I liked them just never grew more than that. I couldn’t even buy their love story, idk why. But the magic was interesting, the thing I found most appealing to me was how they were working their magic through the taro cards. This one was chef kiss, 10 out of 10. And I hope we can learn more about Kaelis and his magic in the next book, because he stayed a mystery.

Clara, I love her dedication to her loved ones, but I was questioning her a lot. And she gives that type of chaotic energy that goes from good reckless to bad reckless.

The plot twists tho, these I liked a lot. They didn’t surprise me but they were good addition to the plot + preparing us for the second book.

Also, we have yearning, slow burn, enemies to lovers that kind of feel like one, first kiss around the middle and in second part the sexy time, but they don’t have real confessions, we have secrets, enemies, interesting world and magic.

I’d say if you like unique magic system, trials in academy setting, powerful magic users, trickery every step for survival and slow burn romance, give it a try! It might surprise you and you might love it.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the ARC! I appreciate it!

DNF - Sorry!!

Bland characters, flat dialogue, and it's reading to juvenile for me... I can't get behind it!

Very sad to not be enjoying this one because the combination of the magic system and academy setting sounded right up my street!!

There's just nothing that makes me want to pick this up anymore... sadly!

Such a great read, cannot wait for the second installment. This book had suitable suspense, had great character building and as a personal fan of the tarot, it was great to see it used as such an integral part of the storyline. Fantastic.

Normally I’m a very character-forward reader who enjoys a good world or a good magic system. The characters in this book, while pleasant enough, didn’t hold my attention the way the magic system did, though. And it’s quite a magic system! With divination, devastation and imagination, the cards in these decks are weapons. A sword is more than a suit, it’s either a weapon or healing; coins can give boosts or bruises, aces are elemental powers capable of great harm … and that’s just the minor arcana.

They’re used a little like pokemon, with each card being able to be pulled from its deck by its wielder and used for a variety of purposes, but each deck is still different; some are drawn by individuals, others buy or trade for cards. Clara is a rare person who can use any ink, any powder to draw cards, something no one else can. She’s also trapped into an arranged marriage with Prince Kaelis, the man who sent her to prison for the past year of her life, and she — of course — hates him.

It’s the rivals to lovers trope but it’s an actual rivals to lovers story. Clara is being used by Kaelis, who holds her life in his hands; he’s using her and she chafes against it, trying to find ways to use him in return. While they have a good solid chemistry, the book isn’t all about Clara thinking about how hot Kaelis is, but thinking about how to get away from him. The attraction is there, but it takes a back seat to the plot — which is a heist story as well as a dark academia story in a school where the bully trying to kill her may actually kill her. And the final duel between she and Eza, her bully, is very well done both with magic and with character.

Clara isn’t just angry, she’s also sensitive, scared, mourning the death of her sister and mother, the death of her life and her freedom in this school, trying to make friends, trying to get by and survive. She’s a strong character with plenty of room for growth. Kaelis is the younger prince with a tragic past; he’s an asshole, and that’s not just a shield he puts up to protect himself. He is, in fact, an asshole. But when he falls for Clara he falls hard, as a flawed person who makes mistakes.

For all of their forced proximity moments, this is a slow burn with very good communication. Clara tells him what she wants and how she wants it; Clara is also the one to take the lead in their first time. Neither are virgins, and there’s no shame for that, no purity culture, just two people who understand one another having really good sex. There are things I want to see more of, such as reversed cards and how that comes into play, but I’ll probably have to wait for the second book for that.

This has all sorts of plot threads tangled together with only a few of them starting to come unraveled at the end of the book. The magic system is so very fun and well thought out; the world building is a little on the light side, but enough slips through the plot and magical portions of the story to make this feel like a real living, breathing, complicated world. The writing is good, the banter is good, and I can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

I first read Elise Kova's series, Air Awakens, a few years ago and loved it. I was excited for the opportunity read her new series, Arcana Academy, and I certainly enjoyed this one too. Swipe for the book synopsis.

The world building and character development were wonderfully done. I felt immersed in this world immediately and enjoyed all the characters and what they brought to the story.

The magic system! I loved the use is tarot cards and the three disciples of this system (inking, reading wielding). The fight scenes had you anxiously awaiting the outcome and there was so much happening in each one. Nevertheless, it can be confusing when trying to decipher everything. I definitely appreciated the glossary of spells in the back.

Clara and Kaelis... Talk about a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. I appreciated it in this book because it allowed us to get to know the characters. The banter was spot on and I loved their interactions. Clara is badass and shows her strengths in so many ways - I liked seeing her hold her own without the MMC having to save her.

The ending is why unfinished series are hard for me! I don't know what I'll do until the next one comes out! We had so much happening in the last 20% that I wasn't ready for it to end.

"Don't weep for an empty coffin. Don't exhaust yourself over something that might not come to pass."

Thank you to @Elise.Kova, @NetGalley, and @DelReyBooks for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

5 stars and beyond!

A fantasy with compelling world building and a unique magic system based in tarot cards, set in an Academy that gives Hogwarts vibes! Our main character, Clara, has learned and practiced the intricate magic of wielding, inking, and reading the minor tarot cards illegally outside of the Academy. At the Academy, she uses her talent in the high stakes trials students participate in for their spots in Academy Houses, while also uncovering past secretes and forming plots to change the world.

Fast paced and enthralling, with a major ending!

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of Arcana Academy in exchange for my honest review.

It’s another five-star read for me this May, and I already know this one is going to live rent-free in my brain for a long time. If you’re someone who grew up with Harry Potter but have since let it go due to a problematic author, and you’ve been craving that same magical academia nostalgia in an adult fantasy setting… Arcana Academy was written for you. But let me be clear: this book is not YA. It’s deliciously adult, with a tension-filled slow burn and a 3/5 spice level that doesn’t ignite until around the 85% mark. And when it does, it delivers. The build-up? Absolutely worth it.

The premise hooked me immediately: in a world where magic is inked onto tarot cards, Arcanists must enroll at Arcana Academy by age 20 or face being "marked" and sent to the ink mines—a brutal death sentence. The academy itself is housed in an ancient castle and serves as a tool of control by the crown. But even entering the school doesn’t guarantee safety. First-year trials are cutthroat, and only those who pass become full-fledged students, eventually assigned to a clan or royal post to help maintain order in the kingdom.

The school is divided into four houses based on the minor arcana: Cups, Coins, Wands, and Swords. Each house favors certain traits (e.g., determination in swords) and admission is limited and fiercely competitive. Honestly, the school setup had me feeling all kinds of nostalgic in the best way.

What I’m obsessed with, though, is the magic system. Tarot-based magic? Yes, please. Only select people can successfully ink cards, and each one holds a unique power. Minor arcana correspond to elemental magic (e.g., Cups = water), and the major arcana? Let’s just say they’re powerful and integral to the plot. I won’t spoil anything, but I found the system layered, fascinating, and fresh.

Our FMC, Clara, is a scrappy, determined heroine who escapes prison after being jailed for illegally inking cards in search of answers about her mother’s mysterious death. She’s caught and thrown back into the orbit of Prince Kaelis, the void-born second son of the king and headmaster of the academy (yes, that dynamic). To avoid returning to prison, Clara agrees to a fake engagement with Kaelis in exchange for her help with inking powerful major arcana.

The tension between Clara and Kaelis is everything. Think Violet and Xaden (Fourth Wing) meets Jude and Cardan (The Cruel Prince): manipulation, secrets, forbidden feelings, banter that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Kaelis is the perfect morally gray prince with a flair for drama. His fashion sense alone? ICONIC. A total diva, and I loved every second of it.

The last 20% of the book? Absolute chaos (in the best way). I was fully stressed, heart pounding, and screaming through the final chapters. The twists just kept coming. I barely had time to breathe before the next bomb dropped.

I genuinely believe Arcana Academy has major potential to blow up on BookTok if it gets the attention it deserves. I’m beyond thrilled I got to read it early, and I’ll be screaming about it from the rooftops until release day and beyond.

I'll be honest, I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! The magic system was so cool and so well-explained, it was so easy to understand and keep track of even though I know nothing of tarot. I loved the world the story is set in and I am so eager to find out more about its past. This was quite different from anything I've read recently and I enjoyed it a lot.

Kaelis is such a complex character, I loved getting to know him and I can't wait to see the side of him we're sure to see in the next book. Speaking of the next book, this book is not even out yet and I am craving the next one. Arghh! Anyways, I am looking forward to learning more about Kaelis's past as well. I suspected his motivations from early on but figuring out how he got to this point is going to be a lot of fun. I normally don't like the teacher (or in this case, headmaster) and student dynamic but this book was so well written that it did not put me off.

I was expecting the very last plot twist but expecting it did not take away from the story for me at all. There were a lot of other twists that I did not see coming as well so I was still surprised in the end.

Objectively, I think the book was well paced. However... we could get rid of all the time jumps and turn this into a 1000 page book and I would have read every single page gladly. I loved Elise's writing style, her books have been on my TBR for a while but this was a perfect introduction.

Thanks to Del Rey and Netgalley for this ARC!

This is an incredible start to a series. The magic system is unique and well done. I had no prior knowledge of tarot and was never confused, which I was worried about. I found myself frustrated with Clara at times, but she is a strong FMC and had me laughing several times. Kaelis was the sassiest and my favorite kind of MMC. Their tension was well written and enemies to lovers is my absolute favorite so no complaints there. I can’t wait to see how this series continues!

I really enjoyed the start to what I think will be a great series. The world building and magic system was so interesting. The magic system in particular was something I haven't really seen before and I enjoyed learning about. Despite it being a longer book there weren't many spots that felt slow, it was an easy read. The twists were good and kept me guessing, every time that I thought I had something figured out something happened that proved me wrong. I'm looking forward to the next book!

Thank you for ARC 🥰

The synopsis caught my interest immediately.

I loved the magic system and how tarot cards were used.

The story at times was slow paced for me but when things were happening, things were happening.

I’m ready and NEED to know what happens next after than ending.