Clara was very fun and a captivating protagonist, and Kaelis was a very swoony MMC, but I found myself thinking throughout this book that "this reads like an Elise Kova book". Which sounds very silly, because it IS an Elise Kova book, but I've recently fallen out of love with Romantasy and I was hoping something fresh from one of my favorite authors would get me back in. I did like it, and Elise remains one of my favorite romantasy authors (one of the few I can count on to give me a well-edited and plotted romantasy these days), but it wasn't very different from her previous works. Which is a positive for most, and is a not-positive-not-negative from me. An exciting story with a slowburn enemies to lovers, but not the KAPOW I was hoping for in the end. But very enjoyable nonetheless!

This is one of those books that sticks in my memory and immediately secured a spot as one of the best books I've read this year - I absolutely devoured it.

First and foremost, the magic system was captivating, creative, and well-executed. It’s somewhat similar to the magic card / magic system in One Dark Window. The magic system is based on tarot cards, in that certain cards give users a specific power related to that card. But Arcana Academy expands further, with an incredibly intricate and innovative use of cards. My one recommendation is to use the glossary at the back of the book because there are a lot of terms thrown at you sometimes without context, and the glossary is very insightful for that. But yeah, I loved the spin on tarot cards and turning each card into a weapon and tool. It did verge on confusing at times but that might've been on me - I got very lost in all the different cups and swords and wands.

There is also a perfect blend of romance here - it's a little lighter on romance but I thought it was a perfect amount. 10/10 enemies-to-lovers trope ... Clara is a distrustful queen to her CORE, I mean she seriously would not give Kaelis a break. Begrudging cooperation, yes, but so much distrust to the point where I was just like, girl open your eyes?? And I can't not mention Kaelis's Mr.Darcy-esque monologue that Elise Kova gifts us. Kaelis, so fed up with how cold and distant Clara is, delivers a speech so gut-wrenchingly honest and raw in the fashion of Anthony, King George - basically any male character out of the Bridgerton's. So it's safe to say that I adored him and how much he pined for Clara in PAIN, because boy was she mean to him! It broke my heart a little but also played into the tension so well.

Lastly, the plot was so strong here. This book was such a page turner. I commend Elise Kova for how well she developed smaller characters, like Alor and her sister. I grew to absolutely love Alor which I wouldn't have thought was possible. So many little plots unfolded in the overarching plot, the romance was fabulous, great magic system... I couldn't get enough. I highly, highly recommend this book - I think it might be my favorite of Elise Kova's so far and can't wait to see where this story goes!

Thank you so much to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC!!

While I hoped I’d enjoy it more than I did, I still want to continue this series. The magic system is unique and it’s interesting how it’s used. There were a lot of relationships that existed but some of them didn’t feel fleshed out for having 500 pages. Kaelis is one of the first truly morally gray characters I’ve ever seen because I want to trust him and hope he’s doing the right thing but we might have different definitions of what’s “right”.

This story is like if the Harry Potter books, ACOTAR series, and The School for Good and Evil book got together and had a baby, and that baby got <i>super</i> into Tarot cards but also lost family members and went through some other pretty terrible trauma along the way. This is THAT story. I was hopeful for entertainment going in and it definitely did not disappoint. Clara was a strong character, although at times a little *too* strong (I wished she allowed herself to be softer at times, despite the traumas that had hardened her). The dark tension and romance between Clara and the Void-born Prince / Headmaster is built up really well, and has you rooting for their twisted relationship in the best ways. It really has it all: magic, betrayal, revenge, hope, passion, action and more. This book is set up as a series, and the cliffhanger at the end will leave you wanting to read on. Don't miss this one!

(Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, and NetGalley for the ARC so I could give my honest opinion)

Wow I thoroughly enjoyed this! I did not know anything about this novel as I was granted an e-arc through my email.
The magic system is super cool and interesting as I've never read about tarot card magic used like this. Also love whenever there's a magical school setting, I just eat it up everytime. An enemies to lovers story is always enjoyable to me, especially when the MMC is viewed as a villain. I fell in love with Kaelis the moment he appeared in the story LOL. There's a bit of spice in this which I wasn't expecting, but pleasantly surprised by. Theres a cliffhanger at the end, so I'll just be waiting for the next book in the series.

The fantasy girlies are gonna EAT THIS UP! I’ve read a few of Kova’s works and while they didn’t blow me away, they were entertaining in their own ways and I generally enjoyed them. This, however, was a pretty spectacular start to a new series and I definitely look forward to seeing how the story evolves in the next installment! The magic system utilizes tarot in a way that is incredibly unique and was fleshed out well. You can really tell that Elise Kova has only improved in her writing, and this is her at her peak. Thanks to NetGalley for ARC access.

WOW! utterly impressed with this story! the magic system was, i’ll admit, quite hard to follow for the first 70% of the story & i got confused as to who each character was (Major vs Minor, etc etc) BUT THAT ENDING? i’m floored absolutely stunning book i am eagerly awaiting book 2!

thank you netgalley, elise kova & del rey for this arc!

I’m so sad about doing this but I need to DNF at 30%. I was confused with the magic system being built up and I’m afraid it was hard for me to keep going. I know this book will find its readers tho! And I’m encouraging my book friends to give it a try because it may be just right for them!

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

After being sentenced to life in prison for illegally inking tarot cards, a practice reserved for those with elite magical powers, Clara is given a choice by the second born prince and headmaster of Arcana Academy, Prince Kaelis, help him in exchange for her freedom. Admitted to Arcana Academy as a new student and Kaelis’ betrothed, Clara is tasked with stealing a powerful tarot card and helping recreate a tarot card long lost to time.

Arcana Academy has fantastic world building, great character development, and a unique magical system. If you love political/royal intrigue, mystery, dark academia, morally gray characters, and slow burn this book is for you!

From the very first page, Arcana Academy swept me away into a vibrant world of magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. As my introduction to Elise Kova's writing, I found myself utterly captivated by her masterful storytelling and the intricate world she has crafted.

What stands out most is Kova's ability to seamlessly weave magic into the fabric of her tale. The world-building is nothing short of stunning, with a depth and richness that makes the story leap off the page. Every corner of the Arcana Academy feels alive, buzzing with secrets and possibilities. It's a place you can imagine yourself exploring, and yet, you know there’s so much more to uncover.

The characters are another triumph. They are real, relatable, and far from one-dimensional. Each has their own motivations, flaws, and secrets, making them feel like living, breathing people. As I followed their journey, I couldn't help but root for them, worry for them, and celebrate their victories as though they were my own.

The plot, with its unexpected twists and breathtaking turns, is a work of art. Kova keeps you on your toes, never quite revealing her hand until the perfect moment. It's reminiscent of the beloved Harry Potter series, with its enchanting school setting and the air of mystery that keeps you hooked. And yet, Arcana Academy stands entirely on its own, a fresh and enthralling tale that promises to be a classic in its own right.

If there's one thing that left me desperate for more, it's the cliffhanger ending. Knowing that the next book isn't yet released makes the anticipation all the more excruciating. Arcana Academy is a story that lingers in your mind, refusing to let go long after the final page is turned.

For fans of magical academies, gripping plots, and deeply human characters, Arcana Academy is an absolute must-read. Elise Kova has delivered a tale to remember, and I cannot wait to see where this series takes us next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for providing the ARC.

Wow… what a read. 4.25 ⭐️

This had me hooked from the first chapter as we were thrown straight into the chaos and magic of this book.
I love a strong and sassy FMC and we got this from Clara from the get go. I loved the magic system within this book, definitely something more unique which is nice to see within a fantasy book.
The slow burn romance was perfectly executed, with the tension unfolding throughout the story and the yearning between the characters building as the chapters went on.

I am already excited to see what happens next with the next book/ rest of this series and of course we were left on a great cliffhanger!…

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to receive this arc.

I loved this book... the magical system based on the Arcana is something I've never read in a book before and is reminiscent of playing Yu-Gi-OH... I loved the way the slow burn romance between kaelis and Clara builds tension throughout the book... The challenges, the secrets, the lies and the drama make this book full of action and excitement. I couldn't put it down... I cannot wait foe the next one!

I went into this book blind and hoping for a fun read, but kept my hopes low. Wow. I absolutely loved it. Hooked. Instantly regret reading it so early because now I have to wait so much longer for book 2.

I love Kova’s married to magic series and this book did not disappoint. I love the slow burn and the magic system reminded me of the magic in the Shepard king duology by Rachel Gillig.

This was so well done! I tend to prefer my romantasy to lean more towards the fantasy than the romance - this book delivered on both fronts. I loved the Tarot-based worldbuilding and the headstrong main character, and I enjoyed watching the romantic subplot develop. The central mystery was gripping and the pay off was worth it. Elise Kova has a new fan in me.

I really wanted to love this book—Elise Kova + dark academia + magic + fake engagement? Sign me up. And to be fair, the tarot-based magic system was super cool and definitely the highlight for me. It felt original and had real stakes, which I always appreciate in fantasy.

But... the pacing. Oof. It dragged so much that I kept checking how much I had left to go. I’m all for a slow burn, but this felt more like a slow crawl. I also struggled to connect with Clara or feel any real chemistry between her and Kaelis. The banter? Kinda awkward. Like, trying-to-be-spicy-but-ended-up-cringe awkward.

There is a lot of mystery and political intrigue under the surface, and I can see why some readers would be hooked by that. It just didn’t fully land for me—maybe because I never quite clicked with the characters emotionally.

Still, I love Elise Kova’s writing in general, and the concept is solid. This one just wasn’t my fave. I’ll be sticking with her other series for now.

This addictive book is what reading is all about. Pulling you in. Consuming your mind. Leaving everything behind except the words on the pages.
This is the first book I've read by Elisa Kova. So I've gone in blind except for the blurb. I was hooked from the beginning. This twisted tale of magic, love, power and everything else, will keep you on your toes.
Clara has been imprisoned and forced to make cards for the warden. While others have been making plans for many months to have her escape.
This story brings Kaelis, the second born prince, into the mix as her husband to be.
When he has her enrolled into his academy for tarot and magic, things unfold into this incredibly messy tale. Friendship, family, love. Nothing and nobody is safe. Trust nobody. Never tell your name. All in fair warning. This story will keep your heart pounding.
It's truly remarkable how the author sets the scenes, characters and powers. One book to not be missed. I'm so excited for what happens next. I'll be impatiently awaiting book two.
5 phenomenal stars and a top 5 read of the year from me. Incredible.

This fast paced spicy romatasy takes place in a world where magic is real, tarot cards aren’t just for telling the future and everyone’s lives revolve around magic dust.
Clara has been captured and imprisoned for a whole year. A second born prince manufactures her escape in exchange for her admittance to a magical academy, her talents inking tarot cards and her hand in marriage.
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 4⭐️.
I thought this book was a lot of fun with a very interesting magic system and I loved the chemistry between Clara and her love interest. I will absolutely recommend this book on my social media (TikTok and YouTube) and will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.

**4.5/5⭐️**

This was a fantastic *romantasy*! I loved the uniqueness of the world-building and lore. The FMC wields tarot card magic and finds herself engaged to the headmaster of a tarot magic academy. The magic system and world were well-developed, and I always knew what was going on and why. The concept of attending a school to learn and improve your skills with tarot magic is so intriguing!

The romance is an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and it’s extra complicated because he’s also the second prince. The tension between them is palpable—it's a "will they or won't they" situation. They do eventually get together, but there are plenty of secrets, plots, and political drama that complicate their relationship. I also loved the drama between families, the hidden identities, and the found family element.

Overall, it’s an interesting fantasy that’s a bit long, but it kept me hooked! It reads somewhat like a YA/NA book, though it does have a couple of steamy scenes.

Arcana Academy has its own unique magic system that is built around Tarot cards, such a unique and refreshing take on romantasy which I really enjoy!
One of the things I loved most about this book was the world building... it was brought to life so wonderfully by the author, which really allowed me to fully immerse myself in this story.

The characters are brilliant and each have their own depths and struggles to overcome throughout this book, something which I really enjoyed following too. And the romance.... it was perfectly paced and had me grinning to myself. Fantastic!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and The Publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for my honest review.