Oh my god infinity stars. I am left speechless. This will be THE fantasy book of the year, of that I am sure. From immaculate world building, implications of morality, and character depth, this book is truly a work of art. I haven’t felt this connected and compelled to a book in a long time. I feel grief knowing I need to wait until the next for this story to continue. Don’t get me started on the ending, it has devastated me & simultaneously made me question everything. Thank god I already preordered my physical copy because I will cherish this book and let ALL my friends borrow it. I will be reeling and unwell until the next.

I loved this so much! If you like academia, fantasy romance, and loved One Dark Window this is definitely one to move up to next on your TBR.

A spoiler free synopsis: A counterfeit card inker escapes after being imprisoned for the last year only to fall into the clutches of a prince of the very crown that captured her. Under the guise as his fiancé, he enrolls her into his academy so she can help him fulfill his plan - to remake the world. Throughout her time, she’s constantly going back and forth on who to trust, looking for her sister, and hatching her own plan of survival all while trying to pass her tests.

This has a really unique tarot card magic system with very clear rules. The origins of the cards themselves are weaved into the plot bringing things full circle. It had a lot of twists and some I saw coming but others that took me through a loop. Book 2 cannot come fast enough.

Thank you Elise & NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own and speak to my honest thoughts and feelings towards this title.

Thank you so much for selecting me to read this book! I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

While I did not love this book, I did enjoy it and found it interesting enough to keep reading!

One thing I liked was the tarot cards and the magic aspect. It was different from other fantasy books which was nice. I will say I was confused majority of the book though because of all the different tarot cards and what they could do. It was a lot to remember but still cool!
The plot overall was really interesting!

Going into this I thought it was romantasy, but it was apparently fantasy romance. Either way, there wasn't as much romance as I was expecting sadly. Maybe in the next book we'll get more!

I am very interested in seeing what happens next though!

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORE THIS BOOK
One thing about me is I am a sucker for a magical school. Discovering new powers? Making friends (and enemies)? Pretend engagement to the headmaster? Literally how do you not love a magical school.

I’m a huge romantasy fan but it’s very rare that I find a book with a truly unique magic system but Arcana Academy delivered. I DEVOURED this book, literally read it in a day.

“There is no world in which you do not consume my entire being”

OK KAELIS🥵 I fucking loooooooove when the mmc falls first like yes obsess over her. I adored how he cared for Clara and I want them to live happily ever after with Priss the cat

Arcana Academy was a pleasant surprise of deep world building, revengeful plot and a slow burn romance in the making. I have read many Elise Kova books in the past and this series seems to have more depth when it comes to dark themes and plot twists. The main FMC and MMC are full of secrets and deceit. They form an alliance but who is telling the truth and who is dishonest? You will love this story if you like unique magic, dark academia, political intrigue, and unexpected turn of events.

The beginning and end of the story really had me absorbed into the story. The middle of the story started to fall flat with not much action. The ending was phenomenal and makes me wish I had the second book so I could keep on reading. Overall I give this book 4 stars. Thank you this opportunity for the ARC netgalley.

Elise Kovas books are so enjoyable and fune.
Unique characters and a plot combined with all the elements I want in a fantasy book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for Arcana Academy— and oh my gosh, I’m so glad that I did. I have not read any of Elise Kova’s works before but I’m officially a big fan! This book was so interesting and had elements that present as a mix of Fourth Wing and Harry Potter (but an adult version). An absolute must read of 2025. I’m already ready for book two- no pressure!

I am a huge Elise Kova fan, and this book was sooooo different compared to her others. I loved it so much. It is really interesting and such a cool take on tarot, it also gave me Yugio vibes as well which is kind of funny.

I absolutely adored the unique magic system in this book; it layered seamlessly into the worldbuilding in a way that was easy to follow. The palpable tension between the main characters was perfection. I found myself gasping and sighing and voraciously devouring the story, now I am impatiently hanging off this cliff to see what will come next!

Had another opportunity to read an advanced readers copy, thank you for that!

This time it was a fantasy novel by Elise Kova called Arcana Academy. Here are my thoughts!

This book is filled with magic, but not your Harry Potter wand wielding kind. This one is with tarot cards. Not everyone has the ability to wield, ink and / or read tarot cards. Only those who can are called to Arcana Academy. Where only the strong survive. The first test is to give away a part of your future. To forfeit it so you become an initiate. Those who fail become marked and are sent to the powdermill. These mills are needed to make ink to ink the tarot cards. Once initiated you'll start your lessons, throughout the year there will be tests, fail one and be marked. At the end you'll be chosen by one of the four houses. But spots are limited!
Well, that was arcana academy. But it's not only about arcana. We follow Clara, whom is a prisoner at Halazar. After a year in the prison, the prince visits and tells her she is set to be executed. After hearing this, Clara does her best to escape, and escape she does. Right into the hands of the Prince.

The story is filled with fantasy, yes. It was a good one but.. Most of it was uneventful, just detailed descriptions, seeing the inside of the academy and how things go. There are a few good chapters filled with fights, rage, love.. And deceit.

If you love a fantasy story that's filled with a lot of detail and isn't filled with gore, fights, drama etc.. You really should read this one. If you're here for smut, fights, thrilling stuff. This isn't for you. I still enjoyed reading it, and am curious if the second book would be more packed with action as the end of this one practically demands it. I still would recommend.

Arcana Academy takes familiar fantasy elements we all know and love, but Elise creates a story that still feels fresh and creative with a captivating plot and intriguing magic system. The tarot cards, with a mix of Majors and Minors, were fun to learn about, adding an almost whimsical atmosphere to the story. It might be a bit intimidating to those new to fantasy, but a helpful guide at the end of the book provides information about each card. The plot was great and kept me engaged right from the start, as was the pacing. While enthralled by the world of Arcana Academy, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. Thus, I didn’t find the romance as all-consuming as I would’ve liked.

I’d recommend Araana Academy to readers who are fans of a tarot card-based magic system with an academy setting where the slow-burn romance leans toward the background of the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey for an e-ARC of this book.

Arcana Academy is my first book by Elise Kova and I look forward to checking out more by her.

I didn’t connect to the characters or the world at first. I am not well informed on tarot and felt a little lost on the use of suits and what it meant to how the magic was used. Once our main character made it into the academy I felt better about the plot and characters. The plot was a wild ride and I definitely look forward to checking out the rest of this series.

This book might be better enjoyed by people with more knowledge on tarot, but I think will still be immensely enjoyed by romantasy fans.

Rated 4 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC ebook.

Elise Kova's Arcana Academy is an enthralling blend of dark academia, intricate magic, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that had me hooked from the get-go. We follow Clara Graysword, a tenacious survivor of Eclipse City's underbelly, who finds herself imprisoned for the illicit act of inking magical tarot cards - a privilege strictly reserved for the elite Arcana Academy. Just when all seems lost, the enigmatic Prince Kaelis, headmaster of the academy, offers her an unexpected escape: pose as his fiancée and assist him in a high-stakes heist to reclaim a long-lost, powerful tarot card.

The world-building here is nothing short of mesmerising. The tarot-based magic system is both unique and meticulously crafted, adding depth and excitement to the narrative. The academy setting, with its four distinct houses: Wands, Coins, Cups, and Swords, evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of other beloved magical institutions, yet stands firmly on its own with fresh and innovative ideas.

Clara is a compelling protagonist; her resilience and resourcefulness make her journey captivating. Her dynamic with Prince Kaelis is charged with tension and intrigue, embodying the enemies-to-lovers trope that many, including myself, find irresistible. Their interactions are laced with witty banter and simmering chemistry, making their evolving relationship a highlight of the story.

That said, the narrative does have its complexities. The detailed magic system and extensive world-building is super immersive, but I'd imagine that for some readers it could at times feel a little overwhelming. I imagine some readers may also find that the romance, though slow-burning and rewarding, sometimes takes a backseat to the plot’s intricate developments. Not a problem for me personally though, it was right up my street!

In terms of spice, I'd rate it at 1 chilli pepper: the romance is a slow burn with moments of tension and a few fade-to-black scenes, keeping it relatively tame while still delivering on emotional intensity.

Overall, Arcana Academy is a spellbinding start to what promises to be an exceptional series. If you're a fan of detailed magic systems, academy settings, and slow-burn romance, this book is definitely worth diving into...I will recommend this book over and over and over! I'm now eagerly awaiting the next book to see where Clara and Kaelis's journey leads....

Rating: 4.5 stars...maybe, dare I say it....5 stars?!

I rarely gravitate to this genre, but I wanted to try something new in 2025. I was pleased to have it be Kova's new title. I actually found myself getting into the story and fantasy aspect of it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I really didn't want this to end!!

Arcana Academy was FANTASTIC. It is so unique, the magic system is exceptional and the characters were perfect. I loved Clara, but I specifically loved her and Kaelis together - Their relationship was perfect, and I literally lived for their chemistry. It's the slowest of slow burns, but gosh it was good.

The tarot card magic system was so well developed, with the Minors and Majors explained clearly. The handy guide at the back which listed all of the functions of the cards was exactly what I needed, and I'm glad I found it before I started reading.

Some of my favourite tropes make an appearance:
* Enemies to ...lovers?
* Forced proximity
* Fake relationship / Marriage of convenience (not quite but felt the same)
* Academy setting
* Trials (with magic!!)

The Star Crossed Club feels a bit unexplained at this point, I feel like I'm a bit confused about their motives and intentions, but I also have a feeling that was done very intentionally due to the information that came about in the end of the book. I'm looking forward to reading more about this group and Clara's found family in the second book.

The CLIFFHANGER sorry pardon, I need the next book asap please. Tell me more about The World, I can't wait to read more magic, and I neeeeeeed more Kaelis.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Definitely a unique magic system. I liked the main protagonist Clara. I liked Kaelis. I liked the slow burn, enemies to lovers between them. I did think it got a bit slow in the middle, from about 40% to 60% but then it picked up again and I read the last 30% so fast. I think there is maybe way too many secrets going on which I am probably going to forget about but I will almost certainly read the next book(s). I want to see if Kaelis manages to save Clara.

Clara Greysword is sure she’s stuck in prison for the remainder of her life, until she manages to break out and secure a deal with the dark prince, Kaelis. They’ll fake an engagement whilst she enters the academy, keep in her out of suspicion’s eye while she helps Kaelis in obtaining cards from the King. Can Clara manage to keep her feelings in check while she aids Kaelis in this dangerous endeavor and will she survive the trials put in place by the Academy?

The cover? Amazing. The plot? Incredible. The magic system? Fantastic. The characters? Loved them. I was torn between devouring this book or taking my time with it because it was so good. I devoured most of it, but allowed myself a few days before finishing it off simply because I wasn’t ready to let it end. I’m glad I finally finished it though! I cannot wait for the second book!

Elise Kova did an amazing job building this magical world filled with Tarot cards, danger and more. I truly enjoyed each action sequence with the cards. I also really loved Clara’s character, she is fierce, loyal and smart, though she certainly had her moments, but that made her even more real. I definitely want more Kaelis too, I love a dark shadowy man who would kill for the woman he cares about.

Highly recommend to romantasy lovers who also enjoy academia, royal intrigue with an incredible magic system and some well written dash of spice.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for the chance to read this thrilling arc.

This book is absolutely phenomenal. From the very first page, I was completely fascinated, and it only got better with every turn. Kova masterfully crafts an immersive world, blending intriguing characters with a beautifully complex magic system centered around tarot cards. The dynamic between Kaelis and Clara is captivating—an incredible slow burn that kept me on the edge of my seat. The tension, the complexity, and the ever-building chemistry made every moment of their relationship worth savoring.

The world-building is impeccable, with a university setting that feels alive and a magic system that’s as intricate as it is fascinating. Kova knows how to draw readers in and keep them captivated with the perfect mix of dark academia, fantasy, and slow-burn romance.

It’s a must-read for fans of fantasy, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and all things slow burn with a touch of darkness.
I would even go so far and say if you enjoyed Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber but craved a darker, more complex, and mature twist, this book is absolutely for you.

This is a 5-star book and one of my reading highlights of the year. I’ll definitely be recommending it to both colleagues and customers alike.

#NetGalley #ArcanaAcademy

I was hoping to love this more but I just couldn't connect enough to the characters! But this definitely feels like it's only because of my current reading mood, as I believe many readers will adore this book. The magic system was truly amazing, and the plot was thrilling. I can't wait to see where Elise takes us next!

Read if you like:
-professor x student
-arranged marriage
-unique tarot card magic system
-crazy plot twists!!
-lots of angst

Thank you Del Rey for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.