A Fresh Take on Tarot Magic, Found Family, and Slow-Burn Romance

Elise Kova kicks off a brand-new fantasy series with Arcana Academy, a magical, character-driven story full of secrets, slow-burn tension, and a tarot-based magic system that feels both fresh and mysterious.

We meet Clara, our fiercely independent and determined main character, in a grim place—prison. After losing her mother, Clara has been doing whatever it takes to keep herself and her younger sister safe, even if it means turning to making illegal tarot cards. Raised with a deep knowledge of tarot magic, including the rare skill of inking her own cards, Clara is a powerful Arcanist in her own right.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Prince Kaelies in the prison. Cold, enigmatic, and seemingly calculating, Kaelies is the kingdom’s second prince—and now the headmaster of Arcana Academy, the institution responsible for training magical elites.

What begins as an antagonistic encounter leads to an unlikely arrangement: Clara finds herself enrolled at the academy and unexpectedly engaged to the prince in a political maneuver.

Much of the story unfolds within the walls of the academy. It’s here that the world-building shines—with a unique magic system based on tarot cards, including suits and rituals, that fans of fantasy will find intriguing and original. You don’t need to be familiar with real-world tarot to enjoy it; this is very much a fictionalized and creatively reimagined system.

Clara is a standout heroine—tough, loyal, and deeply committed to protecting those she loves. The book has a strong found-family theme, and the relationships Clara formed both before the academy and at the academy, both tentative and intense, form the emotional heart of the story.

As for the romance? It’s a true slow burn. There’s tension, there’s chemistry, and there’s a lot left unsaid between Clara and Kaelies. Their dynamic evolves from enemies to reluctant allies, and maybe even friends, but don’t expect any steam until very late in the book.

Kaelies, in particular, is a fascinating character. While his feelings remain hidden beneath a composed facade, there’s a sense that he’s falling first—and hard—while Clara remains laser-focused on survival and revenge.

Foreshadowing is cleverly woven throughout the story, and the payoff by the end is well worth it. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say: the twists are unexpected and the ending hits hard. Fair warning—Arcana Academy ends on a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself to want the next book immediately.

According to the author’s website, this will be a trilogy (at minimum), and with how much groundwork has already been laid, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

If you’re looking for a fantasy series with rich world-building, an inventive magic system, a strong heroine, and a slow-burn romance with serious tension, Arcana Academy is absolutely worth picking up. Just don’t be surprised if you finish the last page and immediately start searching for the release date of book two.

A Fresh Take on Tarot Magic, Found Family, and Slow-Burn Romance

Elise Kova kicks off a brand-new fantasy series with Arcana Academy, a magical, character-driven story full of secrets, slow-burn tension, and a tarot-based magic system that feels both fresh and mysterious.

We meet Clara, our fiercely independent and determined main character, in a grim place—prison. After losing her mother, Clara has been doing whatever it takes to keep herself and her younger sister safe, even if it means turning to making illegal tarot cards. Raised with a deep knowledge of tarot magic, including the rare skill of inking her own cards, Clara is a powerful Arcanist in her own right.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Prince Kaelies in the prison. Cold, enigmatic, and seemingly calculating, Kaelies is the kingdom’s second prince—and now the headmaster of Arcana Academy, the institution responsible for training magical elites.

What begins as an antagonistic encounter leads to an unlikely arrangement: Clara finds herself enrolled at the academy and unexpectedly engaged to the prince in a political maneuver.

Much of the story unfolds within the walls of the academy. It’s here that the world-building shines—with a unique magic system based on tarot cards, including suits and rituals, that fans of fantasy will find intriguing and original. You don’t need to be familiar with real-world tarot to enjoy it; this is very much a fictionalized and creatively reimagined system.

Clara is a standout heroine—tough, loyal, and deeply committed to protecting those she loves. The book has a strong found-family theme, and the relationships Clara formed both before the academy and at the academy, both tentative and intense, form the emotional heart of the story.

As for the romance? It’s a true slow burn. There’s tension, there’s chemistry, and there’s a lot left unsaid between Clara and Kaelies. Their dynamic evolves from enemies to reluctant allies, and maybe even friends, but don’t expect any steam until very late in the book.

Kaelies, in particular, is a fascinating character. While his feelings remain hidden beneath a composed facade, there’s a sense that he’s falling first—and hard—while Clara remains laser-focused on survival and revenge.

Foreshadowing is cleverly woven throughout the story, and the payoff by the end is well worth it. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say: the twists are unexpected and the ending hits hard. Fair warning—Arcana Academy ends on a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself to want the next book immediately.

According to the author’s website, this will be a trilogy (at minimum), and with how much groundwork has already been laid, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

If you’re looking for a fantasy series with rich world-building, an inventive magic system, a strong heroine, and a slow-burn romance with serious tension, Arcana Academy is absolutely worth picking up. Just don’t be surprised if you finish the last page and immediately start searching for the release date of book two.

Arcana Academy, is one of those books that the premise sucks you in what it could deliver. And it delivers in so many ways and more. I loved the magic that was used in the books, it felt unique in ways and I honestly crave more and more of it.
Clara is a wonderful character and I think that her and Kaelis are a beautiful pair. The romance through this book it felt slow-burnish but they paired out so well together I'm happy.
I wasn't expecting that ending though? And some of the plot twists that are in this book will keep you entertained for hours just trying to figure out who's who.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group Del Rey for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Great magic world with tarot cards used in battle - reminds me of One Dark Window. Loved the tough FMC and the broody MMC. Really great read that left on a cliffhanger that was excellent!

This was a really fun series starter. Great magic system, great romance and a banger of a cliffhanger ending.

Arcana Academy, Elise Kova 𐙚 ˚⋆

★★★★★/5

Firstly, I’d love to say a MASSIVE thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the arc of Arcana Academy!

I was debating the rating I’d give this book, purely because I feel like five stars is sometimes hard to earn — but oh my gosh, Arcana Academy deserves six. The intricate world-building and tarot-inspired magic system is a work of art, and the academy’s Houses are both familiar and intriguing for new-adult and adult readers alike. The relationship between our main character Clara, and the deceivingly dark headmaster of Arcana Academy Kaelis, is realistic and most certainly left me wanting to see more of their dynamic and banter.

As much as I adore our two main characters, I enjoyed the fact that that the main plot of the story wasn’t about Clara and Kaelis’s “will-they-won’t-they, enemies to lovers” relationship and instead placed a heavy emphasis on the friends that Clara made at the academy and also her found-family through the Star-Crossed Club (sXc for LIFE <3).

Although some of the cards’ properties were a bit confusing at times (for someone who has never read tarot!), they were easy to understand through the detailed descriptions of what each card did when used in a lesson or duel, further bringing the new magic system to life.

The cliffhanger for Book I literally left me speechless — as did a few one-liners in the story… here’s a spoiler-free look at my faves!


𐙚 ˚⋆ “You should try making love instead of war for once… goodness knows it might help you unwind a bit.” Chapter 19

𐙚 ˚⋆ “It’s exhausting being this good looking.” Chapter 25

𐙚 ˚⋆ “Love me, hate me, but only look at me like my existence sets you on fire.” Chapter 40


&&& all I’m going to say is Chapter 50 had me reeling ;)

Arcana Academy is publishing on July 22nd, 2025. If you haven’t already, place your pre-orders now… you won’t regret it ;)

#ArcanaAcademy #NetGalley

𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 5/5 ⭐️
𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮 3/5🌶️

Arcana Academy by @ is book one in the Arcana Academy series and will be published on July 22, 2025! Clara Graysword is an illegal arcanist and after a job gone bad she is sentenced to prison for using the magic of tarot cards illegally. After being imprisoned for what feels like forever it seems her luck might just be changing when the Prince offers her a chance to escape.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

I do not want to give too much away about this book but you need to pick it up!!! This was so unique for a dark academia book. I loved the tarot cards magic and how they are used, inked, and read! What an interesting concept. The academy setting is high-stakes.

Clara is resourceful, powerful, and confident! She does not doubt herself even at her lowest point! Prince Kaelis is everything we love about a morally grey shadow daddy. I loved their dynamic. There was a lot of good banter and romantic tension.

The way the author blended slow burn romance, political intrigue, unique magic systems, and morally complex characters is ASTOUNDING. I enjoyed the writing so much in this book! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series!!

I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy dark academy, complex magical systems, morally grey characters, and romantic tension!

The experience of reading this novel felt like reliving the frustration of “ one dark window all over again.” I found myself battling boredom, as each page turned into a slow torture, draining my excitement and enthusiasm. Despite my genuine efforts to embrace the narrative, I was met with a collection of bland characters who failed to evoke any emotional connection. The story itself plodded along at a monotonous pace, leaving me disengaged and yearning for depth. The dialogue was particularly disappointing; it came across as flat and awkward, frequently jolting me out of the narrative flow. I had anticipated a rich, engaging tale, yet it utterly underdelivered, shattering my expectations. My disappointment is palpable, as I wanted to immerse myself in a captivating world, but instead, I was left feeling unfulfilled and frustrated by the lack of creativity and flair in both character development and storytelling.

I. AM. OBSESSED. This book ignited my passion for reading all over again. It was unique, it was intriguing, and I could not put it down.

Deliciously dark academia at its finest. The tarot card magic system was SO unique and just amazing can’t wait to read more

I love the premise of this book. The magic system is unique to anything I’ve read before. It does give off Harry Potter meets One Dark Window vibes though. The beginning pulled me in, and I was really enjoying it. Then I started to get overwhelmed with the world building and magic, and it took me 2 weeks to get through. I wish this would have been in multiple POV’s to feel some emotion from any of the characters. I want to feel your hate, love and grief, not just skip time and move on to the next plot point. I feel like all of my romantasy reviews lately have been the same, so that may be on me not being able to connect with any characters.

Overall, this was ok, typical romantasy. Do I think it will be super popular? Yes! Will I read the next book? After that cliffhanger, also yes.

Thanks to Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

This has a really interesting premise with the tarot card magic system. I did find it a bit hard to keep track of, especially when it introduced the Majors identities. There were a lot of characters to keep track of as well
This is definitely a slow burn enemies to lovers.
This is a book that I think will be a great one to sell!

I loved this book so much and am so happy as it was my first Elise Kova book and now I can't wait to go back and read more from this author.

The worldbuilding is done in such a good way and with amazing detail and vivid descriptions, I found the magic system so unique and while there were some moments that felt a little slower paced I really didn't mind as I was just so engaged and immersed in the story. I can't wait to see what comes next especially after that ending. Highly recommend!

This one took me a little bit to get into but once I started understanding things and the magic system I really enjoyed it. I’m curious to see where the series will go!! There was a lot of twists and turns! The magic system was really interesting. I like the main female character and I’m excited to learn more about her history and her family history.
I’m already eager for the second book and the first one hasn’t even been published yet!

A good addition to the romantasy genre! The magical system for this world was fascinating. Spells are cast by inking and using tarot cards. The main character, Clara, has previously survived in thievery and illegal magic. In order to escape prison time, she’s offered a deal. She has to help the prince and headmaster (of course, also handsome and mysterious) of the magical school steal a powerful tarot card. Adding in a fake engagement, all the tension, this is a riveting read!

This book might be my new obsession! The magic and the world Elise Kova created are so creative and unique. It's been awhile since I felt something was this unique. It still has all the things I love like enemies to lovers, a magical academy, a found family, and a great slow burn. But I also got so much more than I expected. Elise was just so creative with her writing!

Elisa also wrote amazing characters. Clara was strong and clever. Her magic was great but she was also just brilliant and cunning. Kaelis was complex and didn't mind being the villain when needed. But he was also soft for Clara.

Together Clara and Kaelis had such an amazing enemies to lovers storyline. I love when the characters are actual enemies at the beginning. I love wondering how there's any way they could get together and watching how it unfolds.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! It's going to be so hard to wait for book 2!

Overall I enjoyed this.
The magic system using tarot is really interesting and whilst it was a little bit hard to keep up sometimes it definitely didn't make the scenes any less tense!
I really like the complexity of all the different characters and can't wait to see how they're explored further in book 2.
I don't think the book needed to be quite as long as it is, there are certainly a few moments that could have been excluded, especially moments of repetition as part of Clara's internal monologue.

At this point I should expect nothing less than a jaw-dropping, cliff-hanging type of ending from Elise Kova. Kova does a brilliant job at giving readers just enough information to propel them through the story, while keeping them on their toes the entire time. This book will be living rent-free in my head for quite sometime...likely until I get my hands on its sequel.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for approving me to read this early, 5 stars isn't enough truly.

This was utterly incredible, it had some One Dark Window vibes with the cards, but the use of the magic system and the depth of the magic is unique. I thoroughly love how we’re dropped into the heart of the story at Halazar with our FMC, we get to see how resourceful and fierce she is. The introduction to our MMC is wild, it was giving true enemies to lovers tension the whole book and the build up was great.

This story is complex with so many ever changing dynamics in this cut throat world. The academy has a very every man for themselves mantra and your life is very much on the line. You see alliances form and enemies made all while our FMC and MMC are scheming to survive and chasing myths to succeed.

I highly recommend this for fans of enemies to lovers fantasy with secrets, betrayal, an arranged marriage, insane magic and political intrigue based in an academic setting.

Clara Graysword received a life sentence for inking tarot cards. But when Prince Kaelis offers freedom in exchange for stealing The World tarot card from the king, she’s thrown into Arcana Academy with a new identity, engaged to the prince, and surrounded by danger.

Tarot magic. Fake fiancés. Enemies-to-lovers. Morally grey MMC. The plot twist ending leaving my jaw on the floor and needing book two immediately.

Dark academia meets twisty fantasy—slow burn never felt so good.

I cannot wait for everyone to read Arcana Academy when it is released on 07/22/2025! Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the ARC!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️