Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC of Arcana Academy!
4 / 5 ⭐
Arcana Academy is reminiscent of the early Throne of Glass books, The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson, and the Scholomance trilogy by Naomi Novik. The magic system in it is unique, well explained, and engaging, focused around tarot with unique abilities for each card. Clara, our protagonist, is likeable, and the story leaves you eagerly waiting for the sequel. The pacing was a little slow for my preference, but it was still an excellent read.

✨ ARCANA ACADEMY by Elise Kova ✨

This book is hands down one of the best I’ve read all year! If you love dark academia with a unique magic system, high-stakes trials, and a touch of forbidden romance—this one’s for you.

Clara Greysword has survived Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and illegal magic. Clara is sentenced to life in prison for inking tarot cards—a forbidden power reserved for the elite students of Arcana Academy. That is, until Prince Kaelis offers her a way out, but there’s a catch—he’s tied to the mystery of her mother’s death. Can she survive the academy while facing the secrets that haunt her past?

This book has it all:
🪄A dark, immersive academia setting
🏆 Magic powered by tarot card.
🪙Deadly trials that demand sacrifice
⚔️ High-stakes romance, intrigue, and betrayal
✨ A richly built world filled with secrets and danger

It’s a must read!!

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of Arcana Academy. Elise Kova did it again and has created another amazing story. I absolutely love her Air Awakens series and this book did not disappoint! This book contains an amazing and unique magic system built around drawing and wielding tarot cards. The book contains enemies to lovers elements, political machinations within the academy, and an Oceans 11 heist vibes. There are major plot twists and a cliff hanger ending. Cannot wait for book 2

I loved the world this was set in, the tarot magic system was fascinating! The writing was compelling and the plot was fast paced, it was hard to put down. Would recommend to anyone looking for an action-packed dark fantasy with a bold female lead.

I enjoyed this one quite a bit! I thought the magic system was unique and interesting. It was also really complex, but thankfully, there was a glossary at the end to kind of help sort through it all. The romance, however, left me feeling a little disappointed. I never felt any chemistry between Clara and Kaelis. And Kaelis just felt lacking overall. Arcana Academy does end on a cliffhanger and *whew* what a cliffhanger! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where this series goes ❤️

This was saucy and seductive and somewhat untethered. If you’ve read Elise Kova before, you know to expect some iteration of what is ARCANA ACADEMY. Kova loves wielding tropes like enemies to lovers with practiced and often predictable finesse, and yet we, her avid readers, love her books all the more for it. Tortured royal as a mysterious love interest? Check. Magically powerful protagonist on a quest to save someone close to her? Check. Unforgettable tension between the two? Check and check.

The timing of Kova’s latest release couldn’t be better, as ARCANA ACADEMY is the summer read you’ve been waiting for.

Oh boy, romantasy BookTok is about to LOVE this book! Actually, I think everyone is gonna love this one. This is One Dark Window meets Harry Potter with it's own unique magic system and twist. Romantasy lovers are going to EAT THIS ONE UP! Kova's writing is very enthralling and entertaining, and her storytelling is just flawless. Remind's me a lot of Rebecca Yarros' writing in Fourth Wing. Now, I feel I should mention I am fairly new to the fantasy genre (mostly reaidng romantasy), so readers who have read A LOT of these types of novels might find it to be "generic" or similar to other popular romantasy novels, like Sara J. Maas. Personally, I think it was super fun!

Arcana Academy Review

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

This was such an interesting magic system that had me absolutely hooked at the very beginning. It was reminiscent of both Harry Potter (magical academy with different houses), Throne of Glass (FMC similarities), and One Dark Window (card magic) but at the same time, felt unique in its own way. I enjoyed how the FMC didn’t shy away from her own innate strength and used it to her advantage.

That being said, I fear the immense potential the story had at the beginning faded once I was introduced to the full cast of characters and started to understand how many subplots were being attempted, especially as the first book of a series. The story became slightly too convoluted in how much it tried to accomplish. Not only was there a backdrop of dark academia, magical education/curriculum, and secret societies (which would have been enough to keep me intrigued), there were subplots of enemies to lovers, whodunnit murder mystery, and court politics, which muddied the plot and kept me from being engaged all the way through.

The majority of this book read like an older YA/NA novel so I felt like the romance was quite forced at times. I personally could have done without the spicy scenes (or replaced them with closed door scenes) as they felt out of place and incongruent with the tone the rest of the book set. I also had a difficult time believing and rooting for the FMC/MMC love story as they constantly oscillated between instalove and toxicity. I felt similarly about most of the remaining characters as we don’t learn enough backstory about them to build a genuine connection.

Overall, I feel somewhat let down by the whole experience because of how enamored I was with the premise and first 20% of the story. However, I may find myself reaching for book two because I want to believe in this series and this author.

This is a great book! Would highly recommend it. I love the magic system and the characters. They bring such life to the story!

If you have any doubts about picking this book, through that uno reverse in get in for the ride!

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this to begin with as I don’t really have an interest in tarot, but this was not what I assumed at all!

The magic system is intricate, there is a lot to learn and understand (bonus glossary at the back) but it’s exciting!

The romance was secondary to the story and while I love a good romance, I also intensely love a slow burn love story on the side.

Action packed to the end and cliffhangers that have me begging for the next book and the first one isn’t even out yet!

I have no doubt that this book is going to be LOVED by readers the instant they pick it up!

They say do not judge a book by its cover but those people have not seen this cover because WOW😍! This book is truly astonishing inside and out! The plot development in this story is paced to perfection! I loved Elise’s writing style and felt that the dialogue was purposeful and aided in the growth of the story line and characters. This is on the longer side and there were a few moments I felt could have been refined however in the end everything ties together nicely and sets up book 2 perfectly! Speaking of book 2… NEED IT NOW😫😫😫

Thank you for the opportunity to read this early! Can’t wait to have it on my shelf!

4 ⭐️ Great Start


Quick Thoughts:

This feels like an academic version of One Dark Window, and I loved it! Bring on complex magic system, and slow burn romance.

I loved:

Plot
There are multiple layers to this plot and I will briefly talk about some so no one is spoiled. Clara has escaped prison for illegally making magical cards, however escaping really is just another trap. Clara is now stuck working with the second born Prince, Kaelis, as a tool to steal a powerful card from the King. Clara is thrust into the world of royal court as well as Arcana Academy. As she's at the academy, more secrets of her past and present begin to unravel.


Clara
A layered character. Clara demonstrates strengths in her confidence in herself, her ability to love others and her ideas. I loved that she also had insecurities, and wasn't perfect at everything. She admitted to many of her faults, and struggled to trust. She didn't fall into the full stereotype of romantasy FMC which I found delightful.


The World
I enjoyed the magic of this world. I think it was unique, and interesting especially as more layers of the plot came about. I will say I wanted to understand the magic system a bit more, and I would have loved a bit more of a breakdown on the minor and major cards. I would have loved a glossary in the beginning to reference especially with battles.

Romance
I loved that this book was a slow yearning burn throughout the book, but still had the “payoff” in the first book. I love that the relationship is not fully established, and many questions are still left even with the ending.

What I disliked

Pacing
The pacing of this book was what brought the rating down. It felt a bit all over the place, I would classify it overall as “medium” but at times it drags on. Towards the end of the book, it was very fast. I overall wish it had a more steady pace especially with the beginning when it “dragged” on a bit more.


Overall, I will be reading the second one when it comes out. I more than likely will buy a physical edition of this book.

What a fantastic read! The magic in this book is so unique and refreshing. Clara is sentenced to life in prison for using arcana cards; however, when an unlikely prince breaks her free and sends her to the Arcana Academy, things get messy. Clara has always had a knack for inking, but does that have to do with the majors? Clara has to navigate passing the academy, finding her sister/friends, and learning more about the prince.

This book is incredibly captivating, and I had the best time reading it! I highly recommend this book for all the fantasy lovers. It ends on a massive cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book two!

Thank you to NetGalley and ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for this eArc! You will find my unbiased review below.

- Romance
- Dark Academia
- Fantasy
- Fake Engagement

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is Fantasy/Romantasy novel with a world of magic.

Cara is a prisoner for using her magic illegally and the person who sentenced her is now back to use her. Landed in a fake engagement with Kaelis, Cara must navigate Arcana Academy to help Kaelis get what he wants- a new world while also trying to uncover the mystery of her sister’s disappearance, mother’s death, and her bloodline.

While the beginning of this book was just alright- world building was smooth and not overwhelming and the tarot magic system was a refreshing aspect. I found myself disconnected with Cara until about 40% into the book. And let me say after that, I was hooked! Not only do we have morally gray characters but the mystery in this book is wild! I would come up with a million theories while reading it which was fun! I was able to guess the disappearance of Arina but they really had me going with different guesses. I swear you question everyone in this book! The love-hate relationship between Cara and Kaelis is pretty toxic but I’m here for it! They are a ball of a passionate, hot push pull couple. I also have some theories about Karlis but I’ll wait for the next book.

I would like to see multiple POV in this series. Don’t know if that’s something we’d get but it’s something I want.

This to me is a MUST READ of 2025!

Rating: 5⭐️ / 5 ⭐️

Dark academy, magic tarot world, morally grey characters? Sign me up 😍

Strap yourself in! An interesting read this was! I loved the magic system in this book, it's something completely fresh which sets it apart from alot of other Fantasy novels. Amongst that, we have a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, amongst politcal dramas between the families, which makes for a long book (story wise and page wise) but it all comes together in the end!

And we alllll love an magical Academy book with trials 😍 There are tarots, myths and legends, past scandals - all rolled up into a tiny little bit of spice 🌶 Just a crumb for you smut lovers!

Wow! I was very surprised by how much I loved this book. The magic system is extremely unique and I loved it.

This book is not like any other fantasy book I have read and I really liked the characters. The pace of the book was good it didn’t feel like it dragged if anything I was left wanting more.

When is book 2 coming?? I really don’t think I can wait.

**arc was provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

✨ARC Review✨

✅Unique Magic
✅Enemies to Lovers
✅Social commentary
✅Fake relationship
✅Found family/friendship
✅Slow burn
✅Trials

When is the second book coming out?!

I finished Arcana Academy by Elise Kova in one day because it had me on the edge of my seat. This book had no dragging moments. Honestly, I just want to yield magic and tarot cards.

The world building was spectacular. The way the academy and the prison were described made me feel like I was a part of that world as well.

Kaelis and Clara’s slow burn romance made me giddy, swoon, and hurt. I love how Kaelis deeply cares about Clara. He may be perceived as cold and ruthless, but the way he talks to Clara is everything. The prince’s lines can make anyone fall in love.

The other characters from Myrion to Alor to the king all had parts to play. They all help expand the universe of this book in satisfying ways.

I thought that the magic system of inking and using tarot cards was very creative. I don’t know much about tarot, but I am now interested in learning about it thanks to Arcana Academy.

Will I recommend this book? Absolutely. Will I read it again? Yes. Will I read the sequel? YES! I can’t wait for it!

📚 Book Review 📚
Arcana Academy | Elise Kova

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Themes:

✨Unique Magic System
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn
🫶Found Family
⚔️ Trials
🥀 Mystery

Thank you @netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review

One of my favourite reads of 2025! I LOVED this book!

In this world magic is used through tarot cards. There are 4 suits, Coins, Cups, Swords and Wands. These all range from Ace to King and each card performs a different thing. In addition to this there are 11 Major cards, which can only be used by Majors.
These cards can only be inked by those graduated from Arcana Academy.

Clara is in prison for illegally inking tarot cards. She receives a visit from Prince Kaelis who is also headmaster of Arcana Academy. They strike a deal and from there Clara is thrust into Arcana Academy, dealing with secrets and trials.

I honestly could not put this down! The magic system is one of the best I’ve read, it was so different and refreshing from others I’ve read. It also constantly had me guessing what was about to happen, usually I can see there the plot is going or predict any twists but I was second guessing myself right to the end.

The slow burn enemies to lovers was delicious and I am obsessed with where this will go!

I’m honestly so fuming that I will have to wait just for everyone else to read this and then even longer for the sequel!

Absolutely loved and adored this book. Seriously. I ate it right the hell up. Magic based on hand drawn tarot cards? Yes please- this was such a fresh and fun concept. I liked that this wasn’t a Romantasy based solely on the romance. That honestly took a backseat to all the other action happening and it ended up being the best slow burn. I think this book is going to blow up when it comes out this summer. Cannot wait for book 2!

2.5 stars. I was excited for a book with an academic setting, but this one didn't quite reach its potential for me.
The magic system seemed interesting at first - I've read another book with a card/tarot-based system and really enjoyed it - but then started feeling drab.
The pacing was odd - the first third was extremely slow, and then it picked up a little in the middle, and then slowed down again. For the romance - I love enemies to lovers and rivals to lovers, but there wasn't really "build up" per se for them. They talked a little, had a few interactions, and then bam spice out of nowhere. When spice adds to the story it's great, but this seemed like it was there more just for the sake of being spicy; it didn't deepen their connection, change their relationship, etc. It also felt like there were a lot of little subplots going on but none of them got fully fleshed out.
Overall it didn't make me really care about their characters, e.g. I didn't connect to them and there weren't any crazy high stakes, and the story felt pretty generic.