I love me some Elise Kova so I was excited to see an arc of her forthcoming novel here. Oh man. It is a good one. On the spice level, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

It helps that the story was also interesting.

Can’t wait to see more Kaelis.

This book was by far one of the best books I've ever read, like wow. It blew me away and I can only imagine how many others are going to love this book, because it had EVERYTHING I could have ever wanted in a romantasy book.

The magic system in this book is by far one of the most interesting and intricate systems I've ever read in my life. Elise does an incredible job at building this world and its magic system that it felt absolutely seamless as I read it. The romance in this book gave us just enough to keep us wanting for more and I don't know what I'm going to do having to wait for the next book to come out because OMG?? I can't wait for book two, I desperately need more of these characters and this world ASAP!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

This is an easy 6-stars!!! Everything about this book was perfection - I'm predicting this to be one of THE Romantasy's of 2025. The only thing I'm gutted about is the fact I have to wait so long for book 2...

holy fuck? im for the most part at a loss for words at how much i loved this book and how i feel currently so this will most likely be very brief…

dare i say this very well may be one of if not THE fantasy book of 2025? never in my life have i read something so unique and enthralling. ill be quite honest this was a very hard read for me as the magic system and world building was pretty intense but it was SO insanely rewarding and kept me engaged the entire time.

one of my favorite things about this book was the magic, it felt insanely refreshing and in a world where we have so many different fantasies and magic systems i feel like that a very rare thing to accomplish. i loved loved loved every fight scene, i think the use of the cards made everything feel 10x more intense and high stake.

one thing i would have loved to be different about it was the romance, it felt very after thought to me for the most part which was a huge bummer as i am obsessed with kaelis and more importantly clara and kaelis together. however at the same i loved every single second we got with them 🤭 obviously there was a lot going on in this book at all times which could have made it harder to get more moments with them or maybe it was just intentional and this will be more romantasy in the next however many books but i just wanted more more more 😩

i am already at a loss of what on earth i will do with myself until book 2, especially seeing as this doesnt come out officially until july meaning it will most likely be 2026 before the follow up. after the cliff hanger and how much chaos ensued at the end, i fear i will drown in my questions until then? i dont think this book or these characters will ever leave my brain. i do believe this will be my newest roman empire

I absolutely loved this book and hate that it will take so long for me to know what happens next! The tarot based magic system is unique and it took me a little while to recall what did what, but the author explains it well, there is history and origins of the magic throughout the book which assists and supports great world building. There's trials, enemies to lovers, found families and mystery. There's things I think I know when reading and then I change my mind and the plot is so full of mystery you can't help but read on. The cliffhanger at the end makes me heart hurt and I need the second book!

Totally DEVOURED this book! I've read a couple of Kova's series in the past and enjoyed them which is why I wanted to read this one! This one is my new favorite! I absolutely LOVED the world she created with the tarot. Tarot has always been interesting to me but now I may be a bit obsessed, I adored Clara! She was smart and incredibly resourceful! I can't wait for the next installment!!!!

Arcana Academy pulls you into a world of magic, secrets, and a forbidden connection that’s hard to put down. The writing style stands out for its immersive, evocative quality, making the magical elements come to life without coming across as overwhelming. Clara is a fantastic protagonist. She is smart, resourceful, and full of flaws that make her journey feel authentic. The romance is slow-burn, filled with tension, and the plot twists feel carefully constructed, never cheap or rushed. The author builds a world rich with intrigue, and the ending leaves you hungry for more. It’s a perfect balance of suspense, magic, and character development, and it’s clear this is just the beginning of an exciting series.

This is a really good romantasy, i loved the uniqueness of the world building and lore. The fmc is wielding tarot card magic and she’s a prisoner that finds herself in engaged to the headmaster of the tarrot card magic academy. The magic system and world was built well, i understood what was going on and why. I like the idea of going to a school where you practice and learn how to get better with using magic tarots. The romance is an enemies to lovers and he’s also the second prince. There is so much tension and their relationship is a will they wont they one. They do get together but there are secrets, plots, and political drama between them. I liked the drama between families, hidden identities and also found family aspect. Overall an interesting fantasy, it’s long but I couldn’t put it down! Thank you Del Rey for the arc!

Read for:
- Morally grey characters
- Secret academy
- Slow burn
- Forced fake engagement
- Magic tarot world
- Secrets and hidden identity
- Dark Academia