4.5⭐️

When I finished this book, I could not stop thinking about it - it was honestly so so interesting and I couldn’t put it down. Major creative points for the unique magic system, the closest thing i’ve read to it would be one dark window, but even then they are very very different. It is refreshing to read something with new mechanics. A few parts came across as a little cheesy, and I think I could have done without the spice, as I don’t feel like it added much to the story and was thrown in to appease a specific audience. I am also still a bit unsure about the MMC.. but hopefully we will get more information in a book 2! That being said, I can’t wait for the second book, I *need* to know what happens next! if you like romantasy, definitely add this one to your tbr!

- unique magic system/tarot
- dark academia setting
- slow burn & enemies to “lovers”
- trials
- secrets, hidden identity
- spice

One more thought: this book is long - but i love it. while some parts seem to drag on, I much prefer this over the book being rushed and ending too soon.

Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to get my hands on an early copy and provide my honest review!

Welcome to Arcana Academy!

Here you will learn how to ink, read and duel the minor arcana tarot cards. Just have to give up a future and pass some tests…if not, then off to the mills for you! Please do be careful of the hidden passageways and corridors, which change on a whim. Traps, puzzles and obstacles are part of the secret curriculum 🤫 Secrets everywhere. Who do you trust? Trust no one. What would you do to hold the power of the world in your hand?

Obsessed with the type of magic in the book. Tarot cards holding many abilities. ⚠️The lengths one must go through to just get the ink needed for the different cards. This is definitely one of my new favorite dark academia books! Priss, the black cat 🐈‍⬛ is my favorite character. You will find out why once you have read this glorious book.

Jaw dropping cliffhanger and secrets revealed. Can’t wait for book 2!!

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Slow burn
Forbidden Magic
Forced Proximity
Grumpy Headmaster

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore and the author for this ARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Elise Kova introduced me to new magic styles with a fresh take on the romantasy genre. Arcana Academy has unique world-building interwoven with tarot magic, and which millennial doesn't love to read about zodiac signs and tarot cards? Not this one! Fake engagement is a step up from a pretend relationship trope and I'm sucker for such upgrades. AND THE MYSTERY! I was stuck to my Kindle app screen like a cockroach you can't get rid of. Indeed, a magnificent experience!

Arcana Academy is a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and drama!

Over the course of my 30 years on this planet, I've had the pleasure of reading hundreds of fantasy novels, and Kova knew exactly how to draw me in to this one. The world-building was stunning and the magic system?! Are you kidding me? Color me intrigued! The protagonist, a relatable and determined young woman, kept me hooked as she navigated the challenges of fitting into a world of powerful magical beings. The romance is !SLOW-BURN! (ugh!) and adds just the right amount of tension without overshadowing the story. If you're looking for a fun, immersive read with strong character arcs and plenty of twists, this one’s a winner!

This book was an interesting mix of slow/fast-paced, loved tropes and new ideas.

Arcana Academy is set in a world where magic is channeled through tarot cards. This was an entirely new thing for me and required some getting used to (it seemed more restrictive than other magic systems), but it turned out to be quite versatile and fun. We get to follow 1 year of the school life, the FMC being a new student and the MMC the headmaster.

It's quite obvious from the start that the FMC, Clara is some kind of genius in tarot cards, she can ink and use them in unique ways. But there're so many things even she doesn't know about her abilities (and the world in general), it made the story interesting and I had many 'Oh!' and 'Wow!' moments reading it. I really liked that Clara was a bit damaged and had her own emotional baggage to deal with, and LOVED that Elise Kova is not shy about scarring her characters a bit. Another plus is that she had huge support from other characters, it made the story and the connections more realistic for me (compared to all the one-man shows where a 20-something girl saves the world on her own... ).
Kaelis, our MMC starts out as your average morally gray character and honestly, it was a bit difficult to switch my brain when it was time to soften for him. But then turns out that so many things are not as they seem and there are some hints about his past, and I was like 'ehh f* it, he is damaged too and I like him'.

It was a plot heavy story with many mysteries and unanswered questions, the romance was a bit secondary, but don't get me wrong, it was good and served its purpose beautifully. It was a mix of insta-lust and slow-burn, but maybe this was inevitable with the whole fake-engagement starting point. One thing that grated on my nerves was Clara's continuous denial and uncertainty and I really hope she'll make her mind up in book 2 :)

All in all, if you want to read a book with a fresh take on magic, good banter and nerve grating scheming, pick this one up :) but be prepared for the cliffhanger at the end...

Thank you for the ARC opportunity for the publisher and author!

I loved the overall concept of the tarot based magic- that was a really neat twist on a magical universe that I wasn’t expecting! I felt the characters and overall plot could have used some more dedication to make them characters that I would really adore and connect to. Overall it was a fun read.

4.5 stars!

I love the world building and the magic system, which is based on tarot cards. I'm curious to see how the world expands in the next book. Clara is fierce, independent, confident, and a bit reckless. She doesn't trust easily for many reasons. I adore Kaelis. He has a lot of different layers to him, and I enjoyed seeing the different sides to his character. Clara and Kaelis's romance definitely fits the definition of enemies to lovers and slow burn. But I do love how Clara has other people she also learns to let in, such as Luren and Alor. The Academy and its challenges, and celebrations were interesting. I would love to be a part of it. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but for me, it was done well (main story line of this novel wrapped up but enough to keep the story going).

This book was so freaking frustrating.

It dragged so much in the first half, and then it finally started to get interesting, but then the major plot points at the end all revolved around someone having mysterious information about the main character's background and all of the events of the entire book that they waited until just then to tell her. And the MC even asks, "Why did you wait until now to tell me?" and the dumb explanation is that it's a tradition to wait until someone is a certain age, and she wasn't old enough yet. Even though <it's clearly a special situation and no one with brains would have still waiting until she was "of age."

And to finish it off, the book ends with a "plot twist" that would surprise no one, ever.

I will not be awaiting the sequel.

Clara's magic to wield the tarot is strong, especially since she learned at her mother's knee without the interference of the academy. When her home is raided and she is sent to prison, she never expected that the headmaster of Arcana Academy would be wily enough to "stage" an escape and secret her into the school. Now Clara's pretending to be a long-lost noble, engaged to the second prince and trying to figure out how to match the teachings of the academy so that she doesn't blow her cover.

Interesting characters who make hard choices. The world-building is excellent. Secrets, danger, enemies-to-lovers, lots of good things here. Excited for the second book.

This was t a book I originally had slotted on my TBR. I had read Elise’s books before and I highly enjoyed them, but they felt a little tame. Maybe a little too YA style. Not sure what it was, but I couldn’t be happier that I was wrong. I am so grateful that I was invited to review this book because it got me reading it and once I started, I couldn’t stop. This book easily made my top read for the year. I adored every second of it. The unique magic system, the cruel world, the tension and push/pull of the main characters. The raw emotions of the characters. This book hit all the right marks and is worth hyping up to the level of some of the most popular books right now. I loved it!

Miss Elise, excuse me, what have you done to me? I underestimated this book. And I mean, unfathomably and unequivocally underestimated this book.

If you want a true fantasy romance, this is it. If you're looking for mostly a romance with sprinkles of magic, look the other way. This has a good balance of both with quite a bit of action, adventure and mystery thrown in the mix. Shocking twists, high stakes that will keep you on edge and tension that could cut you just as easily as a chef's knife.

Clara is a complex character whom is no stranger to tragedy nor betrayal, tossed into a dystopian world where a tarot magic system is used by the nobility and the gifted. Her history defines her future in her quest for both survival and triumph and her drive for justice pushes her through, riding the coattails of her own luck.

And as for the love interest? Ohhhh he had me from his introduction. Take a drink mixer and toss in a bit of the Darkling in there, maybe a bit of Rhysand and pepper it up with Ravyn Yew from One Dark Window. And some of his lines had me swooning when I least expected it.

It's not instalove between them, there is a bit of a slow burning romance kindling throughout the story but don't expect a typical love story with these two.

Other than Clara and her love interest, I do think I would have enjoyed just a bit more from all of them just to share a deeper connection. I felt like there were times when I felt like I was on the cusp with empathizing with some of them but I would have liked the full spectrum of emotion when experiencing their specific plights or happiness.

The magic system here is completely different from anything else I have read so far as well as incredibly intricate and thorough. The detail put into how magic works, how various cards are created and used, etc. could very well be their own separate book. If you're familiar with the various major and minor arcana from tarot and divination, this may make the story an even more enjoyable experience. There are a LOT of references used for it.

As for the plot itself, I really had no idea what was going to come. I had my suspicions for certain turns of events but I would always end up bamboozled by the end of it. Incredible. This was set up very well and I feel like the pacing benefited from it as well.

As a whole, wow. When I finished this I had to spend about 15 minutes staring at my ceiling, just absorbing everything while, trying to remember the Earth still tilts on the same axis. This is by no means a perfect story but it's perfect for me and readers like me.

This book was everything I wanted and more! From the first page to the last, Arcana Academy pulled me into its darkly magical world and refused to let go. Elise Kova has crafted a spellbinding story packed with danger, intrigue, and an irresistibly slow-burn romance that had me hooked.

Clara Graysword is the kind of protagonist I love—clever, stubborn, and just reckless enough to keep things interesting. She’s spent her life surviving on the fringes of Eclipse City, but when she’s caught practicing forbidden magic, she’s given an impossible choice: rot in prison or fake an engagement to the enigmatic headmaster of Arcana Academy, Prince Kaelis. From the moment she steps into the academy’s halls, the stakes skyrocket, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Let’s talk about the worldbuilding because WOW. The tarot-based magic system is so intricate and original that I found myself completely fascinated by it. The concept of inking magical cards, each with unique powers and costs, adds an extra layer of strategy to every moment. And the academy itself? Dark, dangerous, and filled with secrets—exactly how I like my fantasy settings! The moment Clara started uncovering hidden corners of the school (and the people within it), I knew I was in for something special.

And then there’s Kaelis. Prince. Headmaster. Schemer. Broody enigma. He and Clara are constantly at odds, and their dynamic is pure gold. The tension between them is thick enough to cut with a blade, and every interaction crackles with intensity. Their relationship develops through moments of trust, betrayal, and reluctant partnership, and I was absolutely living for it.

If I had one tiny critique, it would be that the pacing wavers a bit—some sections felt like they needed more breathing room, while others flew by at lightning speed. But honestly? I didn’t care. I was too wrapped up in the drama, the stakes, and the sheer fun of this book.

By the time I reached the final pages, I was desperate for more. Arcana Academy delivers everything I crave in a fantasy novel—high-stakes magic, a dangerous yet alluring academy setting, characters who are flawed but oh-so-easy to love, and a romance that burns. If you love dark academia, cunning heroines, and books that leave you breathless, DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS ONE.

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sharing this perfect fantasy novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

An exciting new fantasy romance series that feels like a mashup of Harry Potter and Throne of Glass in concept with tarot magic. I was really impressed by the magic system and the breadth of characters and world elements we were introduced to in a book one. Occasionally, I wanted a little bit more from the main romance, but I'm certain that will come in the future books. This was a super fun read and I'm certain it will be a big seller with all the romantasy fans in our store.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, NetGalley.

What I liked about this book: The beginning was action-packed. I like how exposition was brought up; there was a lot of it, but it did not feel overstuffed.
I also like Clara as a main character. She is not overpowered, she struggles, is manipulated, and is flawed yet likable for it.
Found families are my jam! I love it when a book has one.
I like the universe in which this book takes place. I would like to see more of it: the Drowned Mines, the monster-infested forest, etc. In the same vein, I love the depths of the academy; its basement, and its dangers.
I thought the depiction of grief was realistic. Having experienced a major loss a few weeks ago, I could relate to Clara and how she felt.
Finally, I like how Clara and Kaelis bond over their fight for Priss's affection. And how Clara cannot move when she is on ear-scratching duty. That's the reality of cat ownership!

What I did not care for about this book: For about half of the book, I was not sure about Clara's goal. Did she want to find her sister, solve her mother's murder, survive the Academy, or go back to her friends at the Starcrossed Club? A lot is happening in the book, and sometimes the lead gets buried.
Why do Arcanists need to be Marked and sent to die in the mills if they fail? This is a problem akin to what is happening in Fourth Wing: if magic manpower is a valuable resource, why kill those who are skilled in magic?

What I am indifferent about: The magic system seems overly complex. Do I have to keep track of what 70+ cards do? Suites are linked to elements, have individual powers, etc. Majors have *special* powers, abilities, and costs associated with inking their cards. That is a lot to ask a reader to remember.
As usual in a romantasy, I am indifferent to the love story. Why is it that Kaelis had to introduce Clara as his fiancée? Why not just Lady Clara Redwing? I know it is a common plot device for romance, but I do not see how this was necessary.

Overall, in the sea of romantasy books currently available, I'd say this is one of the better ones. I will be reading the second installment of the Arcana Academy.

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.