Arcana Academy takes place in a world where the magic system is dependent on tarot. While the initial description was really interesting the book was just okay. You meet the main character when she is a prisoner for illegally using tarot cards. The male main character is the same character that you see in every romantasy these days. Dark, brooding and misunderstood. But he is only misunderstood because our fmc never bothers to ask him any questions and spends the majority of the time operating on her incorrect assumptions. This book relied too heavily on miscommunication/ just purposeful ignorance by all characters. It drives me crazy when the plot largely hinges on the main characters inability to ask questions to the people around them. The romance was fine, but still the relationship fell to the same miscommunication trope that plagues the rest of the book. Overall, kind of a bummer because I was hoping for something more original, especially from a seasoned author like Kova.

4.5 stars

The world of tarot is getting its fantasy due, not just with Agatha all Along but definitely with Arcana Academy. It's extremely complicated - so you may have to re-read things a few times - but it is worth it. For a long book, packed with plot and teased out story lines there is still A LOT that is not resolved. This sets the stage, now the pieces are placed and let's see where book two goes.

I know there's spice and a love(ish) story but I generally skip all that. It didnt draw me in as much as the mystery at the heart of the saga that still isn't even revealed.

Easily my fastest 5 star I’ve ever given. This book sucked me in from the very start. The world building, the slow burn romance, the characters. All phenomenal. The spice is pretty minimal, it’s open door but not explicit. If you want less violent fourth wing but swap dragons for tarot and more grown up Harry Potter than this is for you. The romance is giving Hozier because Kaelis would crawl home to Clara if it would please her, he burns and pines for her and doesn’t keep it a secret. The author truly understands relationships and connection as every relationship between Clara the FMC is believable and well thought out. I cannot say enough good things about Arcana Academy. I want more already. I will definitely be re-reading again.

thank you netgalley and hodderscape for a review copy!

I was hooked from the first page of this book and could not put it down!! i think the magic system in this book is definitely a reason to pick it up, it is based of tarot and i found it really well explained because it seems like so much to remember in the beginning but the fights are described really well. The tension and slow burn + forced proximity was immaculate and accompanied the plot so well! Speaking of the plot, there were so many twists and turns some I predicted but others (especially the ending) were so unexpected!! THE ENDING!!!! it was such a shock and now i am DESPERATE for sequel!! Also the setting of a the academy is perfect and i love books set in any sort of school and it adds to the amazing story. The writing was amazing and you know I love Elise Kova and this may be one of my favourite books by her! I could yap about this book for days but i 100% recommend EVERYONE to preorder it…

Anything witchy,magical I am here for and this book didn’t disappoint

The tension between the two MCs was everything and the magic system is very unique I loved it

This was a very unique medium paced fantasy book. The romance aspect definitely takes the back burner but when you get the two MCs together the tension is everything! There are a LOT of unanswered questions in this book and I’m definitely looking forward to book two to see if my suspicious are correct. And the ending? Complete twist that I didn’t see coming. My only issue with this book is the first 20-30% felt a little long and some parts were unnecessary. But once you get 40ish percent in it’s chaos and I loved it! I’d definitely recommend and will be reading book 2.
Thank you so much Del Rey for the arc!

*screams into megaphone* This book was IT, y'all. I desperately needed a fantasy romance (but heavy on the fantasy) to reignite that spark for me. Not so say I fell out of love with the genre, but after reading quite a few within the past year or 2 every story every other story started to feel... meh. 😕 I enjoy popular tropes just as much as the book girlie, but I really felt like Elise Kova really knocked this one out of the park. The core elements of the book may have not been original (magic school, FMC imprisoned at the start of the series, etc) but what she was able to do with those elements were what really solidified this as one of the top books to read this year, so far.

I think my favorite part(s) may have been the intricate magic system and the school "house" system/curriculum. Above even the romance sub-plot which is a surprise to even myself. It felt reminiscent to HP/Hogwarts and Fourth Wing, but possibly better?? I was/am utterly fascinated by the tarot card magic and spells.

My only real "critique" was that sometimes the pacing of the book felt off. There would be random time jumps that would intend to move the story along to important events (trials and tests during the school year) spanning odd intervals of time (from days to 4-6+ weeks), and the main characters wouldn't interact at all during these gaps. It almost made it hard to a believe any genuine connection besides surface level physical attraction was possible, HOWEVER, I'm not quite sure how long this series intends to be so I personally don't mind a slow burn. The cliffhanger ending should also be criminal.

Thank you so much to Del Rey for the opportunity to read this one early. I genuinely can't wait for my fellow fantasy lovers to meet their newest obsession in Prince Kaelis and Clara. 🖤

I like this book! I love the magic and someone supernatural themes that we’re going on in this book. It was entertaining and the book had some really interesting characters, and really good pacing of the story. I liked it, and it was different from what I typically would read.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

What a great book. The build up of the magical world was exceptional, it was the best aspect of the book. It did have a YA feel to it, but it was well written so that wasn’t an issue at all. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of the fantasy genre. Character development was great, and a world was created which I want to spend more time in.

I have read Elisa Kova before, and this one was hard for me. I felt that it had lots of potential with the world magic of tarot cards. If the reader has never been exposed to the world of tarot…. This story will probably end up on the dnf for them. I would have included tarot illustrations to help them imagine the FMC when she inks them for aid.
The romance was on par as always, but because the world building was a bit much…. It created frustration. Hopefully book 2 will flow smoother.

This was really fun! It did lean a bit YA, which isn’t my favorite but otherwise, I had a really great time reading this. The world building and magic was easy to understand and I can’t wait to see where book two leads.

I have had a long and tumultuous history with the romantasy genre and while I do enjoy these kinds of books, most releases now are a bit derivative and thoughtless. Publishing has become nearly formulaic in its approach to works that fall into this category; they require a dark, brooding MMC, a badass MFC with an untapped reservoir of power, and of course, enemies to lovers.

Unfortunately, Arcana Academy falls victim to these requirements.

Clara Greysword, a convict in the infamous Halazar prison, is the main character in Arcana Academy. After an unsuccessful escape attempt, she is apprehended by Kaelis, the royal family's second child and the headmaster of Arcanan Academy. He challenges her to uncover the alleged 21st card of the Tarot, or he will return her to Halazar. Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy under the guise of being his betrothed and enrolls her as a student.

One aspect of the book that I love is the magic system. The magic in the book relies solely on tarot cards and depending on what card is pulled, the character will be able to use a special ability. Also, the four different suits of cards are aligned with a different element. I thought this system was creative and unique.

Aside from the magic, I thought the plot was a little too predictable. I understand that some people are unfamiliar with the romantasy genre or prefer to read the same type of story over and over; if you are one of those people, I highly recommend checking out this book! However, everything was so banal that I was uninterested in what was happening.

P.S. This has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the book but I hate the name Eclipse City. And the love interest has purple hair and I can’t take him seriously.

As always, a special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THANK YOU Elise Kova, Random House and NetGalley for this early view of Arcana Academy.

You are going to want to put this on your shelves immediately!

Arcana Academy follows Clara, an incarcerated young woman who was arrested for illegally practicing magic with tarot cards. Her story begins when unexpectedly Kaelis, the second born prince to the kingdom and headmaster of the elite Arcana Academy, instigates her release from the prison. He enrolls her at the Academy and tells everyone she's his fiancee.

There are twists and turns, political intrigue, rivals, friends that become family, very slow burn romance and of course, magic! It checks every box for a romantasy fan.

My overall rating is 4.5 stars because 1) the world building is incredibly detailed however, it does cause the beginning to lag quite a bit. However, once the story line starts picking up, you are hooked! 2) HOLY CLIFFHANGER! Like, what?! I have to wait for this book to release and then wait for the next book? Sweet agony!!

Elise Kova has outdone herself with the Arcana Academy!! Despite the complex nature of the world building magic, I found the use of tarot fascinating. And what really hooked me were the dynamics between Clara and Kaelis … those two were just *chef kiss* Then throw in the ever evolving list of who Clara can actually trust … SOLD!! A fantastic read, can’t wait for book two!

4 ⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley & Random House / Del Rey Publishing for the copy of the eARC!

What a stunning book! I was hooked from the start! The world building was so interesting, I loved the magic system and I thought it was so captivating and unique!

I'm so in love with the world that the author created, the dark academia vibes were magnificent!! I loved learning about the academy & the tarot card magic. I also loved the tension & chemistry between Clara & Kaelis! I adore the fake dating/engagement trope, especially in a fantasy book, and I feel like the author did an amazing job writing their relationship! The ending of this book was absolutely jaw dropping and I can't wait to see what happens next!

This is definitely the perfect book for lovers of dark academia, slow burn and enemies to lovers fantasy romance!

Wow! I was hooked from the moment I started reading this book. It checks all my boxes: 1. a very unique magic system; I loved how the power comes from inking the cards + the knowledge of what they can do, versus just using the cards themselves, 2. a badass, determined and powerful FMC (that sometimes is too headstrong for her own good) 3. a dark and brooding enemy prince, 4. an academy setting and lastly, chosen family! I cannot wait for the rest of this series to come out. I will be (not so) patiently waiting. In the meantime, this has inspired me to check out the rest of Elise Kova's book series, especially Air Awakens and A Trial of Sorcerers. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Woof! That was the most fun and the most anxiety-riddled ride I’ve taken since tucking into a romantasy this year! Thank you Kova! My first read by this author and she’s ensured misery in my existence until book 2 releases.... 😩

Mysterious, magical, clever and unique, delectable, devious & absolutely brutal, Arcana Academy will require your focus and time, but it is well mf'n worthy. It will grip you, then leave you dangling on an evil, maddening precipice. Choooweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

*Book One of The Arcana Academy Series* - Oh gimme more, gimme more!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for this arc in exchange for review. My opinions, albeit maniacal, are all my own.

Pub date: 7.22.2025.

Arcana Academy is going to be the next major Romantasy trilogy, and it absolutely deserves that title. The magic system is based on tarot cards, but in a very unique way. It's refreshing to read a fantasy that felt both familiar and fresh.

Is there a shadow daddy? Yes, but don't fix what isn't broken. The enemies-to-lovers-to-? is well done and doesn't feel forced. The main characters are well-developed- if I have any criticism for the book, it's that the side characters could be slightly more memorable/diverse. Pacing is very good, there isn't a lull in the action but I didn't feel like I was struggling to keep up, either.

I can see this being a massive hit with fans of Fourth Wing and One Dark Window and am looking forward to books two and three.

Elise Kova delivers a spellbinding start to a new series with Arcana Academy, blending intricate world-building, a unique tarot-based magic system, and compelling romance. Clara Graysword is a flawed yet relatable protagonist whose impulsive nature can frustrate but adds depth to her character. The enemies-to-lovers romance is slow-burning and filled with tension, while Prince Kaelis is the perfect mix of charm and danger. Although the side characters and found family relationships lack emotional depth, the vibrant magic system and suspenseful plot more than make up for it. Some overly detailed descriptions feel unnecessary, but they don’t detract from the book’s fast-paced and gripping narrative. The final chapters are packed with heart-pounding twists that leave you desperate for the next installment. If you’re a fan of magical academies, romance, and mysteries, Arcana Academy is a must-read that showcases Kova at her best.

I meant to read something simple before diving into a new world, but I read the first couple of sentences and I was instantly hooked. I couldn't put this down. The magic system is entirely unique and a lot of fun. I enjoyed the world building but there is a lot of it. I was impressed at how well the author built the world without dragging the book down. Even with so much information I never felt confused. The storytelling and writing is incredible. I loved the plot, but I'm also a sucker for darker academy books. The academy is for magic so the characters are early 20s and the main character acts mature which is a huge plus. I really loved her. Her intentions and stakes were well driven into the plot. You also get forced engagement/bonds with the enemy. Twists. Some you see coming and some you don't. I want book two!!!!