overall 3.75⭐️

i had such a fun time with this book! what most excited me about this story was the unique magic system and i think that was definitely the standout component and helped to differentiate this from other books in the romantasy genre.

i will say that the learning curve for the world building and magic is a little steep at the beginning, so be aware of that going in. i do think it was a little overly complex and confusing at some points, like we were being given excessive information that may not have been necessary but did contribute to fleshing out the world.

outside of the magic, this is a pretty standard romantasy story that includes some well loved tropes. if that’s your bread and butter, then i think you will love this!

i thought the story was compelling and there was so much going on that it held my interest throughout. i do think it probably could have been trimmed down a little bit as there were some sections that started to slow, but overall the pacing was great!

i liked the fmc, the mmc and all of the tension between them, though i don’t think there was anything extraordinary about their relationship because we were primarily laying the foundations in this book. i am excited to see how things progress in the next!

there may have been an excessive amount of side characters, but there were some standouts in this group and i hope we get to spend more time with them later on.

there are also a couple of questionable characters in this world and they definitely keep you on your toes! it’s quite refreshing to be left guessing as to some people’s motivations and what they plan to do!

overall, i’m excited to continue this series and i’ll be eagerly awaiting book two 😊

beware, arcana academy does end on a cliffhanger!

thank you to netgalley and del rey for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏼

I LOVE this world! The magic gave me similar vibes of One Dark Window with the magic academy vibes of Hogwarts! I felt like I was going on a high stakes heist with the FMC and loves every second of it.

Arcana Academy is a fantasy novel about a young woman navigating a magical academy and a mutually beneficial engagement to the second-born prince.

Clara was betrayed in a deal gone wrong and has survived a year in prison for the illegal use of magic. But an escape and an unexpected bargain with a prince lead Clara to join the only magical academy in the kingdom and hopefully reunite with her sister, who is also a student. While there, Clara must hide her skills with tarot, navigate her relationship with the prince, find her sister, and avoid being recognized as the missing prisoner.

There is a lot going on in this book, and it has a very ambitious storyline with a young woman searching for answers about her family, the lore around tarot, a powerful royal family, and academic rivalries. The magical system was truly unique, and I enjoyed how the tarot was used in battles of skill and wit. However, the book felt overly long, and I never connected with Clara or became invested in the romance. That said, it did have a really good, action-packed ending with a cliffhanger that makes me want to continue the series.

Rating: 3.5 stars

This book was so fun! The story was like if Harry Potter met Throne of Glass, with a really unique and specific magic system. I loved the magical cards. It really defined the magic system and rules well, and felt so refreshing and interesting. Each card in a deck of card does a different magical action or ability, and get more difficult to wield as they get higher. You have to have the card on you to use it, and each card is inked in a unique way. As a faithful religious person who believes in dark magic and keeps far away from it, I was initially a little bit hesitant about them being called "tarot" cards. However the acted much more as magical conduits/weapons. I was easily able to read the story and ignore that word with no real affect on the story. There was a little bit about "reading" the cards, but it was not a large plot point. Just wanted to include that feedback in case anyone else is hesitant because of them being called tarot cards!

I ate up this dark academia book with tarot magic and delicious slow burn tension between a broody prince and his fake fiancé ! Set in a world where magicians can wield tarot cards, Elise Kove is just a genius at world-building. As someone who knows a *medium* amount about tarot this felt really new and fresh. The Acarna and 4 houses based on suits were so well conceptualized and described. I want to know what house I would be in so bad! And I loves the spell list at the end of the book!!! Such a nice touch.

I immediately fell into this book/world and never wanted to leave. This was spicier than other Kova books I’ve read. Usually, you have to wait for a tiny nibble and while we still had to wait in this story – it was a feast once we got there. The slow-burn and chemistry and tension are *chefs kiss*. There were “who hurt you” and “mine” vibes on both sides the entire book and I ate it up!!!!

And don’t even get my started on the back and forth of this plot. It felt suspenseful and mysterious and like anything could happen. It was unpredictable with twists and turns that kept me constantly desperate for more.

Tropes:
Fake engagement
Dark academia with secret societies
Tarot Magic
Enemies to lovers
Political Intrigue
Slow-burn Romance

I am FERAL for the next book and will be recommending this to all of my romantasy reader friends!

This was a multiple-sittings read for me not because it was easy to walk away from but because I kept ditching my adult tasks to escape back into Elise Kova's writing. Her worldbuilding is always, in my opinion, spectacular, and ARCANA ACADEMY is no exception. The magic is so wonderfully created and so unique, I could have happily read an entire book about that alone. The characters were complex with wonderful arcs, and I was only disappointed when I hit the last page because it was over.

I'm sorry y'all, but this book felt like it held me hostage and by the time I finished, I was just exhausted, but not in a good way. It felt excessively long and yet somehow nothing important happened. I requested the ARC because I loved the concept of tarot magic and dark academia, but it just didn’t deliver for me. I didn’t care for any of the characters except for one… and they were BARELY in the story. I know I’m in the minority here, but I’m not afraid to say I did not like this book.

Romantasy is the biggest reason I requested this book! The setting is in a magical Academy that has dark academia vibes. The theme is making magic with tarot cards that some of them can create themselves, and who can wield them in different, stronger ways. The two main characters, Clara and Kaila, are shady as would be expected in a story of this manor. I wanted more 'bad' from the mmc. He was portrayed as the bad boy but basically I just felt like he was broody and self centered. The romance was there but basically in the background until it wasn't all of a sudden. I like a romance that's building as time goes on and this was like an enemies to lovers but with an instant bedroom change.
I didn't hate the book, I will recommend, but there were parts that dragged on for me and other parts that I wanted to change as I read them. ;-)

Thank you to NetGalley, Elise Kova and DelRay Publishing for this e-version arc.

Oh yeah, this is what I love about dark academia. The magic is easy to follow, it’s a fun world and the ending made the world building at the beginning work. Easy 5 stars.

Easily 5⭐️ for me. The wolrd building and magic system based on Tarot cards is unique, yet so interesting that I was looking forward to discover next card. Plot is fast paced and kept turning pages to find out what going to happen to FMC. We have lots of information on almost every page, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. With FMC and MMC, is not clear who is morally grey and each fighting own battle. Looking forward to next book.

Arcana Academy
Elise kova

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy.

‘But no matter how dark the night I refuse to give up the hope for the dawn.’

Wow this was incredible! I think I’d call myself obsessed. Literally this book has everything I needed. I never thought I would crush on the headmaster until I met Prince Kaelis. But here we are…

‘Magic is a rare commodity that requires even rarer resources to perform, making it highly controlled by the crown. Those who can wield it are never safe, and never free.’

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck and illegal magic. After a job goes awry she’s sentenced to a lifetime in Halazar prison.

"Well played ... I always knew you were dangerous."
"More than you realize," I whisper.

Surprising her the Arcana Academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis offers her an escape for a price deal. 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.

"But tell me what you're afraid of; I see it."
"Our doomed future."
"The future will be what we make it," I remind him.

Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first year student and also his bride-to-be.

"Don't act like you're not getting anything out of this. You're engaged to a prince, after all."

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.

"A rumor can be more deadly than a poison."

Prince Kaelis 💓 The tension and build up was absolutely perfect and made all the more meaningful for it.
Clara was a phenomenal main character. Headstrong and calculating.
And Pris, his cat. 👏

‘Nothing is going to help me sleep better my first night here than the overwhelming, smug satisfaction of being chesen by his cat.’

The world building was great. You get a strong sense of the world and the actions without heavy details that slow the pace. I loved the dark academia vibes with a corrupted head of power pulling strings.

"What did he do?" Kaelis asks, misreading the concern on my face, eyes darting toward Liam.
"Nothing."
"It doesn't look like nothing." A frown tugs on his lips. "I would love a reason to end him; give me one."

Overall I loved it and cannot wait to continue with book two!

(Posted review 11th August 2025)

As soon as I heard “Elise Kova” and “tarot magic” I was sold. Arcana Academy was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2025 and it absolutely did not disappoint! There is mystery, magical battles, heists, a magic university, and a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance that will leave you absolutely BARKING. They could not STAND each other in the beginning and when they finally admit feelings for each other or share a touch… I went absolutely feral. The tension was top tier. The spice was delicious. Completely obsessed.

The plot of Arcana Academy kept me on my toes! I enjoyed the twists and the many complex side characters. My heart was racing and my anxiety spiked countless time. I’m fascinated by the world building and the tarot magic system. Those who wield magic have to in their own cards which have limited usages before inking new cards, which I absolutely loved. It kept this tarot magic unique compared to other books with that kind of system. Everything about this book held my attention and had me chomping at the bit to know what happened next. Also that ending? Absolutely gobsmacked.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
• romantasy
• tarot magic
• heist
• enemies to lovers (they absolutely HATE each other in the beginning)
• slow burn romance
• mysteries and betrayals
• forced proximity
• dark academia / magical university
• spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (a couple of on page and moderately graphic scenes )

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted eARC. My opinions are my own.
I had to pick up a physical copy for my self, because the gold edges are stunning.

Synopsis: When inking tarot cards illegally lands Clara in jail, her only option might be to take the one out she's given, but at what cost?

Read this for:
- tarot based magic system
- dark academia
- politics
- enemies to lovers
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- secrets and lies

My thoughts: This starts out like Throne of Glass superficially but then takes a sharp hairpin curve into an interesting world and magic system. There is quite a bit of thrown into the deep end and sink or swim moments that kept me on edge while reading, and I tried to take this slowly, but honestly once the plot and characters got their hooks into me, there was no slow route and I stayed up way too late to finish this book. Clara is way out of her depths in dealing with the politics, but she's not with out her own resources and secrets that may actually play into the political landscape. Her enemy Prince Kaelis is stretching his claws and everyone has hidden alliances.
Also side note, is Kaelis actually a bad person, or is he just the archetype villain with a kitty? There is a fantastic sidekick cat who runs Kaelis' suite, and I'm in love.

Highly recommend for those who enjoyed Deal With The Elf King, Throne of Glass, and those who love a dark magical academia.

<i><b>”The tarot lives in us all. It is both feminine and masculine; it is also neither. It is essence of life and nature in all its forms.”</b></i>

2025 has so far been nothing short of amazing for romantasy books I pick up, with <i>Arcana Academy</i> not an exception to this rule. It’s become one of my favourite books this year, holding a special place in my heart. Feeling very lucky that I got to read it as both an eARC and ALC, I hope anybody that picks it up has an equally magical time!

In <i>Arcana Academy</i> we follow Clara as she finds freedom (or does she?) from prison she spent a year in when according to a carefully curated plan, she is enrolled into Arcana Academy. As a bride-to-be of Prince Kaelis, the academy’s Headmaster.

<b>Inking. Reading. Wielding.</b> All three are components to working with tarot cards, which are the base of this world’s magic system. Knowledge and skill that isn’t for everyone, reserved only for those who attend - and graduate - from Arcana Academy.

The stakes are high, and I’m not only talking about the fact that Clara is Halazar’s escapee having to stay a secret. Kaelis’ plan was never to just help her. He has his own end goal in sight, but that goal might become something others strive for as well.

<i><b>””Don’t act like you’re not getting anything out of this. You’re engaged to a prince, after all.””I’d rather die””</b></i>

Clara. Kaelis. Our main characters. Two people forged by their surroundings and life stories. Seemingly as different as one might be. However, the more time they spend with each other, the more blurred the lines become. Where does their arrangement ends, and real feelings start?

(Out of context, BUT - the bathing scene. That’s it. That’s all I’m going to say.)

Clara is an amazing FMC, a strong-willed woman who survived so much hardships. Her love for those she holds dear was one of the things that helped her push through. Unfortunately, it also lead to situations where she would act on impulse, driven by the intensity of that love and wanting to save those she still could.

Kaelis... What can I say? I love me an MMC like that. Arrogant asshole at the first meeting. However, as we uncover more of his life story, we start to root for him.

What can you expect in <i>Arcana Academy</i>:
- enemies to lovers
- SLOW slow burn
- original magic system
- found family
- hidden identity
- dark academia
- trials
- CLIFFHANGER of an ending

THAT. ENDING. THOUGH. It’s a love/hate relationship, but also a personal mark for an amazing read - when there’s a plottwist or a cliffhanger at the end of a book which shocks me so much I cannot help but stare into nothingness. Book #2 cannot come any quicker.

As for the audiobook version, Anna Burnett has done an amazing job! Being the only narrator of it, she portrayed both female and male characters to life in a way that didn’t take me out of the story. Getting to hear her emotional reading added to how amazing the story already is.

Lastly, attending the Elise Kova event filled me with even more appreciation for <i>Arcana Academy</i>. As someone who is still quite a novice to tarot reading, the magic system was one of the reasons I became intrigued about the book in the first place. And now that I know Elise has been reading tarot since she was a child, the love and appreciation for this art is palpable between the pages -plus, she thought my deck was cute!

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Elise Kova! Thank you to Hoddersape and Del Rey for providing these eARCs, and thank you to Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ALC - all in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This is a very solid start to a new series with an interesting spin on tarot based magic. I enjoyed the twists and turns as I went along, however, none were wholly unpredictable and there was an element to the ending that made me immediately think of another very popular Romantasy title that has come out in the last few years. I do think that due to the popularity of that title, if the author felt it necessary to have the same twist ending, it needed to be presented in a different way rather than the last few sentences of the book being such a close match to the previously published title.

I’m looking forward to seeing where the series moves from here and I hope the world and magic systems continue to grow.

Super cool magic system, not a whole lot of much else.

This book had so much promise, with a really unique concept of the tarot cards being the magic in the world. But the rest felt like it was trying to do too many things at once (and not succeeding in any of them, really). This book is a Harry Potter style school story (4 houses attributed to personality traits and all), with a revolution, heist, and enemies to lovers tale mashed into it. Which story does this book want to be? It changes every chapter. There's no real chemistry between our two leads, largely because neither of them have a personality. And after 500 pages I couldn't describe what either of them looked like besides Clara having red eyes (is this...normal in this world??), and Prince Kaelis (taken right put of the Rhysand playbook) is *checks notes* gangly and bird-like 🤣. The magic systemis almost cool enough to overcome the clumsiness of the plot, but not quite. I'll read the next one if it falls into my hands, but won't be seeking it out.

I wanted to love this as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover, and I'm so glad to report it absolutely lives up to its looks! It blends fantasy, romance, and dark academia perfectly. The magic system is based on tarot cards, and it is fascinating, complex, and something altogether new. The main characters are the definition of enemies to lovers, and they offer up the banter and tension you'd expect, with the promise of a deeper connection as the series progresses (which I'm 100% here for!). The political intrigue is plentiful and had my head spinning. There is a heist that kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought I knew where it was going until we reached the explosive ending, which not only took me by surprise but also delivered a banging cliffhanger. It's a grand adventure, and I was hooked from start to finish

When I was younger, there was a game for the Gamecube called Lost Kingdoms (am I dating myself with this reference?) that I was absolutely obsessed with. In it, you used cards to battle (not like Pokemon or Yugioh) and I have been chasing that high.

Well, I feel like I just got a grown up version.

Arcana Academy delivers one of the coolest, most imaginative magic systems I’ve ever read with tarot cards brought vividly to life in a world full of intrigue and danger. Clara Graysword is a sharp, scrappy heroine whose false engagement to the brooding headmaster Prince Kaelis sets the stage for political schemes, magical trials, and a heist with sky-high stakes.

It took me a little while to settle in, but once the story hit its stride, I was completely hooked. The mix of academy drama, found family, and clever magic kept me turning the pages, even when the plot felt like it was juggling a few too many threads at once. The pacing could have been smoother, but the worldbuilding paired with the unique magic system and character dynamics more than made up for it. This is a promising start to a series, and I’m already eager for answers to the mysteries left hanging.

I exhausted my patience with this book and, unfortunately, Arcana Academy is a DNF for me.

It is overlong, tedious and desperately in want of intrigue. With 20% in, the plot is going nowhere. There is no real stake as far as I can tell, and I'd already forgotten Clara's supposed purpose in infiltrating the Academy. Something... something the World card? Meanwhile, Kaelis is the twenty-three years old principal that flickers in and out of scenes like the Mysterious Shadowy Figure that he is. I can't take him and his position seriously, nor do I buy the connection between him and Clara.

I would say more, but that's enough negativity for me. Fans of Kova's previous works would hopefully enjoy this book more than I did.

The bone deep REGRET I have reading this before the next book is out 😩 This is my first time reading Elise Kova and I guess I’m just gonna have to go read all her other books while I wait for the next one. This is shaping up to be my favorite read of this year, so thank you so much to Random House, Del Rey, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I want to start off by saying that I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to, and some of the pacing and time jumps threw me off a bit. But I could literally not give this book any less than 5 stars because of THE MAGIC SYSTEM, the world itself, and the overall story had me hooked. I might be biased because I’m very much into tarot, but this might be my favorite magic system in anything ever. If you don’t have a prior knowledge of tarot, don’t be intimidated. There is a glossary in the back of the book with descriptions. But if you are a tarot girlie, pick this up immediately.

The slow burn was everything, the fight scenes were cinematic, and the mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. And like I said earlier while I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I would have liked, I did have some faves. Emilia, Alor, Priss, Gregor, Twino, Myrion I’m looking at you (I also really liked Vaudin for some reason.)

I was definitely left with more questions than answers and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. (Also they would make a killing on an actual Arcana Academy tarot deck I will be the first to order it.)