Unfortunately I DNF’d this book super early on. The writing and dialogue between the characters felt kind of childish and confusing for me.

This is a dnf for me I’m afraid. It’s entirely me but, though the book is well written the characters are a bit too dark and the antagonists a bit too unpleasant. I’M fine with a power imbalance but this was too extreme for me!

*** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***

How to write the review without spoilers.. hard sometimes. Well this book is an enjoyable read, fast paced, with lots of twists. Romantasy/hate to love story. We're meeting Clara and bit by bit we finding out who she is, she's also learning a lot about herself and her family history. By the end we are left with beautifully crafted cliff hanger situation. What will happen next? I want to know that. Book has solid 4* from me.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and self-discovery set in a richly imagined academy. The story follows a determined protagonist as she enters the prestigious Arcana Academy, a school where magic is power and secrets lurk behind every corner. Kova excels at crafting complex characters with relatable struggles, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys.

The academy setting is brought to life with vivid, immersive world-building that draws readers into a place filled with wonder and danger. The plot balances action, romance, and intrigue with a steady pace that keeps the pages turning. Kova’s signature talent for writing high-stakes tension and heartfelt relationships shines through, adding depth to both the story and its characters.

Though a few plot points feel a bit predictable, the overall narrative is engaging and filled with enough surprises to keep readers hooked. Fans of magical academy stories with strong heroines, intense rivalries, and a touch of romance will find Arcana Academy an enchanting and satisfying read.

This was so so good!! The ending is wiiiiild and I seriously can’t wait for book 2! The magic system is so unique and fun.

An absolutely fantastic read, perfect for fans of One Dark Window and Throne of Glass. Set in a magical academy, we follow FMC Clara who must act the part of the Headmaster’s fiancée (oh yeah, and he’s also the Crown Prince) or return to the prison from which she escaped.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire read and gobbled it up in a day. Loved the found family trope and engagement of convenience. Would absolutely recommend this book and will be adding the next installment to my TBR!

Dark academia perfection.

Unlike similar offerings, the high stakes feel real. The dark and dire price of magic, the cost of power, and the danger of being yourself - all very real dangers.

Be careful who you trust - that's the message of the story. And unlike many I've read (and I've read a lot) this fantasy's found family isn't.

I do quite enjoy the arranged marriage trope, however! And so well done!

Most of all, the magic system at work in this novel seems entirely unique and captivating. The world building doesn't seem overwhelming, and the main character serves both as narrator and new initiate, which makes hers the best eyes through which to view the world.

Have you read a good tarot-focused magic world story? This was a first for me! Applause, all the way round.

4.5⭐️ Wow this book was amazing! I have never read anything like this before, the magic system based on tarot cards is truly unique and i simply fell in love with it. Elise has managed to create something very special! This is perfect for readers who loves dark academia vibes with a compelling plot.

The book had me hooked from the first chapter, as the book moves at a fast pace and leaves you curious from the first second. The amount of plot twists and turns in this book is perfect, and it made my head spin so many times because i did not see a single one coming. And that ending?! I NEED the second book asap!!

The characters were deep and lovable, and i fell in love with the MMC. He made me swoon so many times its ridiculous, and the tension between the MMC and FMC was chefs kiss. This is a proper slow burn and I'm here for it!!

I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on this book when it releases so that we can all discuss it and cry over the ending of the book together <3

Thank you so much to Del Rey and Elise Kova for providing me with an ARC of this book! <3

I really enjoyed! Thank you to everyone involved who let me read it in advance.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how it felt very unique. A lot of fantasy feels formulaic right now and it is hard to find something new. This really did that for me! The magic system is what particularly stood out to me as something different. It was not something that was too complex to understand but still had intricacies that made it its own thing. I also really enjoyed the plot of it all and the world building that was put in place here. Most of the time, I am more of a character driven reader so this was a nice balance. I LOVE a school and competition in my fantasy books so that really sold it to me -- very Goblet of Fire coded.

Now, the reason why I gave 4 stars and not five, is due to the romance. I loved Clara and her who-gives-a-fuck attitude, same with the prince, but the slow-burn was too much of a slow burn. I wanted more genuine moments of bonding with them and for them to communicate more. Everything was dancing around the romance but not in a fun way. I really wanted to like this romance but every time I got close to it, something annoyed me with their communication. I did not feel connected to their story but I still enjoyed it for the most part.

It is rare times that I like the plot and world more than the romance! I will easily handsell this to our shoppers and we would love to have the author anytime. I always look forward to what she writes so I am grateful to have read this early! This was a really enjoyable read. Thank you again!

Amazing! Elise Kova you did it again! I am so intrigued by the story and love where it’s going. Can’t wait for the next book.

I am so thrilled to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you so much to Elise Kova. I love books set in academic setting and this was an exceptional one.

The magic in this book was so fun and different. The magic is based on what tarot card is used and in this kingdom, only nobility and arcanists trained at Arcana Academy are allowed to wield them.

This story is TRUE enemies to lovers, they are still enemies at the end of this book, this isn’t dislike, this is hate. The MMC had the FMC thrown into prison for inking cards without training and he detests anyone using magic outside of the law. They wind up begrudgingly teaming up to search for certain cards needed and secrets start coming to light. As they get to know each other while working together, they begin to see each other in a new light but still don’t trust each other.

I loved the slow burn, found family and magic system. The world building was very easy to understand and I really enjoyed the writing style. I can’t wait for the next book and I’m so sad that I have to wait so long since this book isn’t even out yet!

The world's biggest thank you to @delreybooks for this gifted arc. I have been a fan of @elise.kova since Air Awakens, and I still find myself absolutely enthralled with everything that she writes. How someone can write both atmospherically and character-driven plots at the same time blows my mind. #ArcanaAcademy has one of the most unique, in-depth magic systems I have ever read. You can tell that Elise studies the tarot thoroughly. Arcana Academy is a school that trains how to use and wield the tarot in order to protect the crown. All tarot wielders must attend this school or be faced with death or working mills. Clara and her family were on the run as magic wielders who wanted to avoid working for the crown, when her mother is murdered she finds she must do what she can to protect her family in order for them to survive. When a bad job gets her caught and thrown into the worst prison you can imagine, she is faced with a choice. She can either go to Arcana Academy or rot away in prison. Clara, in hopes of finding her sister chooses the school. Within its walls, she uncovers much more than she could have ever imagined about her past, her present and her future.

This book had it all, magic, tarot, dark academia, found family, pining, love, hate.

Absolutely outstanding! I cannot wait to meet Elise at Apollycon and get one of my now favorite books signed.

Be sure to pick up Arcana Academy July 22nd and not a moment later.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is an absolute spellbinding delight, filled with rich world-building, compelling characters, and magic that leaps off the page. Kova masterfully blends intrigue, adventure, and heart, creating a story that’s both immersive and impossible to put down. With breathtaking twists and a beautifully crafted magical system, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers.

Holy cow, this was such a great read. As someone who knows little to nothing about Tarot, my first thoughts were that I was going to be lost by the lore and wouldn't be able to follow along with the book. But I'm so glad I gave this book a try- the worldbuilding was just amazing. Using the arcana as spells and weapons? Magic Academy where you're fighting for your lives (basically)? Hidden plots and schemes? This book really had everything. And while I don't love a cliffhanger, it was definitely worth it in this case!

I cannot wait to read more! Sign me up for book 2

One Dark Window meets Harry Potter!

Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards - a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy. She is offered her freedom in exchange for helping the academy's cold headmaster, Prince Kaelis. Her identity is a secret and sheer presence is explained away by her engagement to the second born Prince.

Clara is brash and bold. Highly emotional, yet loyal to those she loves. She also has more power than others and is a great thief and very capable.

Kaelis is cold, calculating, controlling…. Or maybe he’s protective, ambitious, hurting and hiding. He also has a pet cat, Priss.

This was exceedingly sloooooow burn. You are on your hands and knees with a torch for mere crumbs. But these crumbs are akin to luxury chocolate or truffles or caviar.

<b>“If to bring about a new world—a better world—I must be the villain, if I must do evil things for the greater good, then so be it. I’ll play the part now and be reborn a hero in my next life.”
</b>
Saying that, I needed more romancing before the main event. It was all very slow and then BAM. And how they got together was not my favourite.

There is a lot of world building to get your head around - the tarot cards magic, the myths, Clara’s past, her family, her old friends and gang. Then you have a lot of names from students to nobility to past connections.

I did love the concept of the tarot card magic system but wish there was more explanation. Maybe diagrams - perhaps this will be added in for the final copy.

Clara didn’t stand out to me as a heroine. She is a very typical romantasy protagonist and Kaelis was the brooding yet misunderstood romance.

Physical arc gifted by Del Rey.

This book had me in a chokehold from 20% to the very end.

I am a long time fan on Elisa Kova's, my favorite being the married to magic series, so I was pretty excited to be invited to read an ARC of this book.

But to say I was blown away by this book in an understatement. I have whiplash from all the twists and turns and I don't know who can be trusted.

Enemies to Lovers, yes please.
Double Agent, check
Slow Burn, check
Edge of your seat suspense, check

I can safely say this is one of my top 5 for 2025.

Thank you NetGalley, Elise Kova, and Del Ray for providing me this ARC in exchange for my free and honest review.

Now that is an ending! I think I know what’s going to happen though……. And I cannot wait!

Clara, apart of the Star-Crossed Club (rebels/resistance) was captured for illegally inking cards and is imprisoned at Halazar. A horrible prison full of nightmares and terrors. Clara is exactly what Prince Kaelis has been looking for so that he can compete his deck and find the 21st card, The World. After a year of imprisonment he sets up her escape. But why would she help him? He’s destroyed everyone and everything she has ever loved.

Clara is an incredibly strong main character who knows how to hold her ground and fight back. Which is incredibly fun and entertaining to read.

Prince Kaelis, is the powerful head master of the Arcana Academy. When we meet him he is cruel, mean and deceptive yet incredibly intelligent and calculated.

The book follows Clara’s journey through her first year at Arcana Academy. We get to see the friends and enemies she makes all whilst searching for any of the missing pieces that will help he locate her sister, Ariana. The book is the perfect blend of adventure, tarot magic and dark academia with a sprinkling of romance. Notably an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience between Clara and Kaelis. I cannot wait for book two!

I really enjoyed! Thank you to everyone involved who let me read it in advance.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how it felt very unique. A lot of fantasy feels formulaic right now and it is hard to find something new. This really did that for me! The magic system is what particularly stood out to me as something different. It was not something that was too complex to understand but still had intricacies that made it its own thing. I also really enjoyed the plot of it all and the world building that was put in place here. Most of the time, I am more of a character driven reader so this was a nice balance. I LOVE a school and competition in my fantasy books so that really sold it to me -- very Goblet of Fire coded.

Now, the reason why I gave 4 stars and not five, is due to the romance. I loved Clara and her who-gives-a-fuck attitude, same with the prince, but the slow-burn was too much of a slow burn. I wanted more genuine moments of bonding with them and for them to communicate more. Everything was dancing around the romance but not in a fun way. I really wanted to like this romance but every time I got close to it, something annoyed me with their communication. I did not feel connected to their story but I still enjoyed it for the most part.

It is rare times that I like the plot and world more than the romance! I will easily handsell this to our shoppers and we would love to have the author anytime. I always look forward to what she writes so I am grateful to have read this early! This was a really enjoyable read. Thank you again!

This is such a unique world. It has an academy setting, but its use of arcane arts/cards was fascinating to me. This feels like a fresh, new take on dark academia. Loved the story!

An absolutely enthralling adventure. I was hooked from the beginning. This book has a unique magic system, enemies to lovers with slow burn romance and twists you won’t see coming. Be prepared not be able to put this down!