Thanks for the advanced copy of this amazing book! The relationships are very realistic and I loved the bond between all the characters ! The relationship between the main couple was written really well! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys academic stories it’s a dash of magic! I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!

I would give my first born child to have this copy in my hands right now because after reading the netgalley I need this beauty in my hands. This was one of my most anticipated reads and I finally got to read it. This was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. A fantasy romance with high stakes, marriage of convenience, AND TAROT CARDS? No one understands how this was the PERFECT fantasy read. Clara got released from prison through the prince in order to marry him and pretend she’s in love with him-so he can gain something out of her tarot reading, while she gets to be out of prison and avenge her mother. In this we get found family and suspenseful trails. SWOON worthy romance that literally led to some steamy moments that I was shocked to see Elise kova step her game up but I’m not complaining. UGH this book was just so good. At the same time I’m disappointed I got to read it early because that means I have to wait FOREVER to get the next book in my hands. I LITERALLY CANT WAIT!!!

When i read the air awakens series, I finished the entire thing in a weekend. But since then, I have felt like elise's books (like married to magic) start strong and then peter out about halfway through. Since it has happened for multiple books now, I was a bit hesitant about this series. It states it has found family, which is one of my favorite tropes, so I decided to try it.
This book is interesting. It reminds me of One Dark Window a bit. I didn't feel the found family trope at all, I'm honestly not even sure what it's referring to... her old gang or the kids at the school, because other than Luren and a bit of Silas i didn't feel any connection to any of them. The romance is average, it needs more build up to be considered a slow burn, though I do like the FMC and MMC a lot (and he had a line in this book that had me laughing out loud). The ending was really good and I will read the next one because I'm interested in where it goes. All in all, I felt like this was more of the elise I originally fell in love with, though it's not fully there yet.

4 ⭐

Clara Graysword is a talented thief with a knack for illegal magic, but after a mission goes horribly wrong, she’s sentenced to life in prison. Her unique ability to enchant tarot cards catches the attention of Prince Kaelis, the mysterious and slightly arrogant director of the Arcana Academy. He makes her an offer she can’t refuse: help him steal a legendary card from the king to recreate an all-powerful tarot card, and he’ll give her back her freedom.

To keep his plans under wraps, Kaelis introduces Clara to the Academy under the pretense that she’s a first-year student and… his fiancée. (Yes, you read that right.) Suddenly, Clara finds herself navigating a world of political scheming, mind-bending magic, and closely guarded royal secrets, all while trying to figure out where her loyalties lie and dealing with the annoying, undeniable pull she feels toward the prince she’s supposed to hate. But the power they’re chasing might just change everything, for both of them.

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t know what to expect since I’ve never read anything by this author before, but it was such a pleasant surprise. The world-building is rich and unique, the characters are layered and interesting, and the tarot-based magic system is absolutely fascinating. The story is packed with political intrigue and mysteries that kept me hooked the entire time.

The enemies-to-lovers romance ? Perfection. It’s got just the right mix of tension, slow burn, and emotional depth. Clara and Kaelis’s dynamic is sharp, unpredictable, and full of chemistry. I couldn’t get enough of it.

I’m already counting down the days until the sequel. Arcana Academy is the first book in what promises to be an amazing trilogy, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes. It’s set to release on July 22, 2025, so mark your calendars !

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

SO I love Elise Kova. I've read a lot of her books, and enjoyed most of them, the Loom saga being my absolute favourite. So when I heard about this one coming out I was constantly checking Netgalley to see if it was available, and it finally was! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. There's something about the way Elise writes that keeps you on tenterhooks but not in an annoying way? You don't feel like you're just waiting for the reveal because you're so interested in what's currently going on too. That is the case with this book.

I will say, I didn't think the first 5-10% was particularly strong. I didn't immediately feel connected with any of the characters, it was definitely more of a love-them-as-you-get-to-know-them sort of thing. I also felt like the start felt very similar to Harry Potter (putting something in a chalice, four houses with distinct personality traits) but it's not something you can really avoid when writing magic school books. After those initial doubts, Elise's individual touches and her signature twisty storylines came in, and I felt much more into the book. I'm also not hugely into romantasy as a genre. I like my books to be fantasy with a small side dish of romance, so I was a bit worried this would be too focused on the romance for me, but I think she's woven it in really well. It's not the main story, but it's an important part of the story.

Overall I'm giving this 4 stars for pure enjoyment, great story and the ENDING. I can't wait to read the next one. Thank you to Netgalley and Del Ray for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review!

I don’t even know what to say. If this is not THE Romantasy of the year. I love tarot card based fantasy’s to begin with but Elisa Kova surpassed my expectations. Even the academia part was perfection. I am counting down the minutes until the next book!

Arcana Academy hooked me right at the beginning and didn’t let go!

This book is full of secrets and twists, and for every question Clara answers several more pop up. The biggest question of all is who can she trust, and if she gets it wrong the consequences will be devastating for her, her loved ones, and even the kingdom.

Arcana Academy has fighting and friendship, intrigue and mystery, magic and family, and an enemies to lovers romance where the enemies can’t stand each other. While it is a dark academia book, it also has light and hope.

I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

I just finished about 30 seconds ago.

My mind is blown. That was incredible!!!!

The magic system, the world-building, the characters, the mystery, the action, the slow burn??!! - everything was perfection.

WOW. Just wow. This is a 6 ⭐️ read for me. I cannot WAIT for the next one!

WOW! I l LOVED this. It was so unique and engaging. With the dark academia vibes, the complex world-building, and magic system…it was just so unlike anything I've read recently. My first five star read of the year. Super refreshing.

It will certainly be an unusual choice for book club but will add great variation for our book club in a bag program.

Elise Kova is fantastic at enemies to lovers. The dark prince who also wants to help people and the prisoner he frees who wants to save her found family are fantastically developed and their attraction is palpable throughout the book. I’m very excited to see where this series goes and excited to see her get traditionally published!

The world-building is incredibly rich, the magic system is both complex and fascinating, and the character dynamics? Perfection.

The magic system in particular is one of the standout features—it's unique and layered in a way that kept me hooked from the very first page. It's got that perfect mix of mystery and depth, leaving you eager to learn more while also keeping you on the edge of your seat. Then there's the banter—it’s quick, witty, and so perfectly timed, making the characters feel real and their relationships genuine. Whether it's playful or intense, it never feels forced, and it adds such an enjoyable spark to the narrative.

The action is nonstop. From pulse-pounding moments of suspense to intense, high-stakes confrontations, there’s never a dull moment. Each twist and turn only heightens the stakes, keeping you hooked until the very last page. And let me tell you, the pacing is spot on—it never slows down for too long, but it also doesn’t rush through the emotional beats.

I honestly have zero complaints. I loved Arcana Academy so much, and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it. If you're into fast-paced fantasy with a killer magic system, sharp wit, and plenty of thrills, this is the book you need to pick up. Trust me, you're going to love it.

All I need to say- magical tarot cards! I was so invested right from the beginning and was not disappointed at all!

Some pacing slow. But like the slow reveal about the world and kaelis s real past. Will read second for sure

This was a strong start to the Arcana Academy series, it had that feel that I wanted and enjoyed in this type of book. I had enjoyed the previous book that I read from Elise Kova and enjoyed how good the world was. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to go on this journey with them. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed Arcana Academy Chronicles by Elise Kova. The world-building is vivid, the magic system is fascinating, and the characters are both relatable and compelling. The story is packed with action, emotion, and twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. The dynamics between the students and the secrets of the Academy made it all the more engaging. If you love magical academy stories with great characters and a touch of mystery, this is a fantastic read!this was a first book for me by this author and definitely won't be my last!

This book gets major points for creative plot. I really liked the magic system and it's association with tarot.

The academia setting was also intriguing. I like that the stakes were high and students needed to be a bit gritty to hold their place.

I've read other works by Elise Kova and there is definite talent to be praised.

It would have been a 5 star read, but I found myself disliking the MFC more as the story went on. I can understand she's dealing with a lot of traumatic incidents at once, but sometimes I wish she just communicated with Kaelis or even her actual friends better

This book is so up my alley, it’s almost unreal. Honestly, my mind is still trying to fully process it. If Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and Rachel Gillig’s One Dark Window had a baby, Arcana Academy would absolutely be it. The world-building is incredibly rich, the magic system is both complex and fascinating, and the character dynamics? Perfection.

The magic system in particular is one of the standout features—it’s unique and layered in a way that kept me hooked from the very first page. It’s got that perfect mix of mystery and depth, leaving you eager to learn more while also keeping you on the edge of your seat. Then there’s the banter—it’s quick, witty, and so perfectly timed, making the characters feel real and their relationships genuine. Whether it’s playful or intense, it never feels forced, and it adds such an enjoyable spark to the narrative.

The action is nonstop. From pulse-pounding moments of suspense to intense, high-stakes confrontations, there’s never a dull moment. Each twist and turn only heightens the stakes, keeping you hooked until the very last page. And let me tell you, the pacing is spot on—it never slows down for too long, but it also doesn’t rush through the emotional beats.

I honestly have zero complaints. I loved Arcana Academy so much, and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it. If you’re into fast-paced fantasy with a killer magic system, sharp wit, and plenty of thrills, this is the book you need to pick up. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

This book exceeded all expectations. As someone who’s been reading Elise Kova’s books for YEARS now religiously, I have to say that she did not disappoint. This series has a story I’ve never seen before, with tropes and suspense points that are leaving me begging for more. I NEED book 2 immediately, and I’ll be waiting as patiently as I can for it😭

I think I am in the minority with this book
While I was initially hooked at the start, I felt it dragged on and on, the premise is so cool and I actually really liked the story line but I think it’s too long and was getting bored.

i was not expecting my last read of 2024 to become one of my top three of the year, and now i only wish i could reread it for the first time again! even after a few days of finishing it’s all i can think about. if this doesn’t become one of the most popular books of 2025 it’ll absolutely shock me.
if you love a gothic atmospheric fantasy story, you need to add this to your list. the unique magic system that deals with tarot was what got me hooked, the specific magics linked to each card is so intricate yet easy to digest. bonus points that we even get a glossary if ever in need of reminding!
the plot was engaging and unlike anything else i’ve read-and i feel that’s saying a lot when diving into the romantasy world!
the world-building, with the majority of the book being set in an academy, was so descriptive and easy to imagine as it progressed and expanded.
the enemies to lovers romance was the cherry on top with its tension, secrets, and mutual desires. the love interest, Kaelis, is such an enticing character even when intimidating.
lastly, i absolutely loved the main character, Clara. even with her own internal flaws, she strives to help those around her because she can see their own strengths when others can not or choose not to. you can heavily relate to her from many perspectives and that’s what makes a memorable protagonist.
this is without a doubt one of my newest favorite series ever!