Elise Kova never misses with a book, and let me tell you — Arcana Academy is going to be ✨that girl✨when it gets published this summer!!

An absolutely incredible, immersive magical world built around tarot card magic. Romantasy tropes we all freaking love woven in naturally, like:

- slow burn romance, tension & YEARNING
- fake engagement with a dark prince!!
- magical academy (with hidden passages!!)
- trials & battles
- found family (Elise always nails this)
- mystery, politics & plotting, oh my!!!

I also feel like romantasy often follows a specific formula, and plots can be predicted more or less.. but this book had me guessing and guessing wrong multiple times. Which I enjoyed immensely!! This just goes to show how well developed this book was.

Mark my words this will be the book everyone’s talking about this summer!!

I didn't know what to think about this book going in. I absolutely loved this book. It was so unexpected from me, but I can't wait for the next book in the series.

2.75 stars!
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Thank you so much to NetGalley and DelRey for the Advance Copy! As always this review is completely honest and all opinions are my own. Im going to try to give as spoiler free of a review as possible since this book has not been released yet, but if you’ve read it and want to have a discussion on any of the things I pointed out I would love that! I’m going to split this review in to 3 parts. World building & Magic system, plot & writing style, and characters & motivations; and I’ll be saying what I liked and what didn’t work for me in each section! I always want to preface this by saying just because I rated it lower stars doesn’t mean I think it was a bad book at all, there were just certain things that I’m not a big fan of as a reader, but I’m sure many others will absolutely love!

World building & Magic system: I want to be very clear that I think Elise created an amazing world and a very intricate/unique Magic system. I can definitely tell how much thought and care she put in to developing both!! I think my main issue was how big and complex both of them were. This is a big book, and a huge chunk of it was spent info dumping and explaining every minor detail of both the world and magic system. There were so many details and histories that at some points it felt like I was reading an encyclopedia or magic instruction manual. Also, a lot of the world building that was explained had absolutely nothing to do with the plot or story, it was just there. I completely understand that Elise planned everything about this world and wanted to have all the details included, but when you dump all this information that’s not relevant to the story at all it’s sort of overwhelming and unnecessary. I think it would have been way better to space out the world building and introduce the history and facts as they become relevant to the plot, even if that’s a few books down the line. Especially because the magic system was so complex as well, I think this book should have focused on either the world or magic and then later books could develop more on the rest.

Plot & writing style: I think the plot was really well thought out in this book. There were lots of reveals and twist that were well executed! I did guess a lot of the reveals ahead of time, but the foreshadowing was done very well! I think my main issue with the plot was that it felt almost too big. There were a lot of sub plots and side quests and secret missions and it sometimes felt like there was no closure or resolution to them. Almost like loose ends where you’re left wondering why that was included or what impact it will have on anything. On top of the world being so massive, there were also a lot of times when I felt like the timeline made no sense at all. Especially in regard to when Kaelis founded the academy and the events leading up to that. A lot of times I was questioning how everything fit together because the puzzle pieces didn’t quite fit. Another issue I had was how the world building was integrated in the story. There were massive info dumps that took up big sections of the book, which really took me out of the story. Especially since the book is written in first person so all of the info dumps are essentially internal dialogue in the main characters head. It also didn’t help that these massive info monologues would happen at very odd moments, like in the middle of action sequences. It’s hard to stay immersed in the high stakes action happening when all of a sudden you stop mid sequence to read paragraphs/pages of history on the kingdom. I wouldn’t imagine that’s what the main character was thinking about in that moment. I’m a huge fan of quite a few of Elise Kovas books and this one definitely hit its stride in the middle when a lot of the world building had been explained and the plot was in its swing. She’s amazing at writing dialogue and making you feel like you’re a part of the story!

Characters & motivations: This is where I’m super torn in my review. I really did love all of the characters except for the main character, Clara. But while I did love all of the characters, I still think there were way too many. There was an unbelievable amount of side characters who all play such minor parts in the story, it would have been so easy to cut the number in half and still have all the same events happen. Instead we’re focusing on keeping track of all the different characters and their individual back stories/desires instead of what’s happening with the plot. It also made the story feel a little hectic because those characters didn’t always act in ways that fit the way their character or personality had been described, in short it was just way too many people to keep track of which made a lot of the different side plots feel very incomplete. Especially the star crossed club, that whole club always felt very random and not fleshed out at all. They owned a night club and were also masters at heists and stealing but also smuggled people out of the city? I absolutely loved Kaelis as a love interest. He was written so well and was a very intriguing character, unfortunately I liked him way more than Clara. She felt very selfish and immature in the decisions she made. While I completely understand her motivations and the reason she was so angry, her internal reasoning was awful. All the reasons she would list to not trust Kaelis felt more like reasons she should trust him; and I didn’t like how much she toyed with him. When he was always upfront and honest with her. He’s only a few years older than her and she was blaming him for things that happened when they were both young, as though he had the capacity to orchestrate it. Also he has even more reasons to hate his father than she does. I really wanted to like her, especially because of how strong she is, but her character always slightly irritated me so I was not invested in her story. Im interested to see where the characters go after the cliffhanger!

This novel was my first by Elise Kova but I have heard many great things about her other series. As a dark academia and romantasy fan I found this book to be an excellent mix of both! This story had a very unique and interesting magic system and I always find myself enthralled by a magical school setting. The romance was to die for and I will definitely be checking out more of Kova’s work.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this ARC. I really enjoyed this book, overall. In my opinion, the magic system is the absolute standout aspect of this book. The author had very well-defined rules about how the cards were made, wielded, and what the result of each card would be. The "glossary" at the end of the book that further explains what each card could do is a very cool way to engage readers. I could see these being used in something like DND, which has had a resurgence in popularity in the past few years. As a reader, I don't know much about tarot cards, but the magic system was organized in such a way that I could relate it to regular playing cards. I absolutely loved this whole idea and I feel like it was executed really well.
I also enjoyed all of the characters and how they came together throughout the book. The Starcrossed gang was interesting and gave our hero some stability throughout the story. The other students at the school were enjoyable. I wasn't super invested in Kaelis (especially the romance scenes) because the characters were often apart and it was unclear what his overall motivations were at times. That being said, I am excited for book two and will definitely pick it up when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova follows a scrappy thief who is forced to navigate tarot magic, royal intrigue, and the enigmatic headmaster of the prestigious Arcana Academy.

I really enjoyed this read--it was fast paced with unique plot and engaging characters. I flew through this as I usually do with Elise's books and found myself wanting more by the end. I wasn't incredibly shocked by the plot, but it also wasn't predictable to the point of being boring. I found it to be an easy, palette cleansing read.

I think if you're just getting into the fantasy/fantasy romance genre, then this is a great option because you aren't going to be bogged down by worldbuilding or character deep dives. It really does a nice job of giving us just enough of both while driving the plot forward, which I appreciate. Definitely recommend!

This story has been one of my most anticipated reads since I joined Elise Kova’s Arcana Academy Facebook group nearly two years ago! I don’t even know where to start with this review. The lore, the hidden identities, the possible alternate realities, the betrayals, the twists, the dark academia, the rivalries, the found family, the romantic angst, the hate to love…this story has so much to offer.

I’m absolutely in awe of Kova and her ability to create. The world building is incredibly immersive, I felt like I was watching it unfold in real time. I loved Clara’s feisty attitude and the banter between her and Kaelis. There was so much lore about the arcana magic, exploring access to magic and the impacts on the haves and the have-nots. I especially enjoyed the lore about the Fool, the major arcana, and the unique properties of the World.

I know a story has me fully gripped in its clutches when I start theorizing about the characters and what’s to come. I have so many thoughts about what certain characters are hiding and what reveals we might see in the next book. On top of that, I am lamenting my access to an early copy solely for the fact that my wait for the second book will be all the longer. I am so eager to see what happens next!

Fans of Elise Kova’s previous works will fall in love with this new world she’s built and the adventure she’s created. This story is also sure to draw in many new readers who love intricate new worlds to explore, fascinating and well-developed magic systems, an enemies-to-lovers romance full of tension, and found family. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey and Random House Worlds for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova transports readers into a world where tarot-based magic is more than just a mystical force—it's a deadly game of power and survival. Clara, a young woman with a rare magical gift, is imprisoned, only to be offered a chance for redemption at the prestigious Academy. But the Academy’s dangers are just as brutal as her previous confinement, as Clara faces high-stakes trials, shifting loyalties, and an uneasy alliance with the enigmatic Prince Kaelis. The book skillfully blends dark academia, political intrigue, and slow-burn tension into a captivating narrative.

The world-building is a standout, with Kova masterfully constructing the Academy's strict hierarchy, intense challenges, and intricate relationships. The tarot-based magic system is both imaginative and richly detailed, with its history and lore adding layers to the plot. Clara’s character arc is compelling, as she navigates the trials of the Academy, even if there are moments where her actions felt a bit inconsistent. Her development, however, kept me rooting for her as she found strength in herself and in the relationships she forged. Prince Kaelis, the brooding and mysterious headmaster, initially seemed distant, but as the story unfolded, I became deeply invested in his character. The chemistry between him and Clara is intriguing, but I felt the romance could have been more naturally developed. Their relationship, though layered with political tension, lacked some of the build-up needed for the eventual payoff.

While the pacing was a bit uneven—starting slow, gaining speed in the middle, and slowing down again toward the end—the book kept me engaged throughout. I would have loved to see more depth in Clara’s connections with her initial friends, as those relationships were only briefly explored. The cliffhanger left me eager for more, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC!

Yet another absolutely spellbinding story from Elise Kova, which I absolutely devoured. I loved how the as the story progressed the main character, Clara , is able to progress in her relationships with those around her finding friendship and romance in the most unexpected places. The use of tarot cards to wield power is described vividly and allows the
reader to understand the story better. Twist aft
er twist follows, and secrets surface. The ending seemed a bit ironic though since it's like we're where we started again. Overall, it was an amazing read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy

This is one of those books where the dialogue and first person point of view are so well written that you don't notice the time passing while you read. This beautifully written book had me by the throat from start to finish.

This book weaves elements of several fantasy series in a unique way, creating a world and story that is entirely its own. The romantic slow burn progression was well done, and you can't help but root for them. The book's climax will leave you sobbing, while its cliffhanger ending will have you throwing the book and obsessively checking for the publication date of book two.

You will be so wrapped up in the story's progression and its immaculate *vibes* that you just won't care about any of the story's lack. I'm looking forward to learning more about this world and receiving further emotional damage in the next book.

🍂 Engagement of convenience
🍂 Enemies to lovers
🍂 Reluctant allies
🍂 Broody prince x impulsive criminal

✨ Magical academia
✨ Excellent banter
✨ Complex magic system
✨ Secrets to unravel

🍂 Political intrigue
🍂 Arcane card magic
🍂 Found family
🍂 Love to hate and hate to love

✨ Is he... secretly a softy?

Content: explicit s*x, strong language, death, themes of loss

I KNEW IT ENDED ON A CLIFF BUT THAT.

Jaw. Dropped.

This was such a fantastic book. I was hooked right from the start. My favorite fantasy books are those that don’t just info drop on you. When the world building is seamlessly included as the plot ticks on. Arcana Academy did that. We hit the ground running from the start.

Clara and Kaelis are real true enemies. There’s deceit. There’s banter. There’s tension. There’s spice. But I will say, the romantic plot is definitely a subplot here, which I didn’t mind at all.

The academy was great. The magic system was super cool and original, very similar to One Dark Window but still different. The pacing got a little slow there in the middle but I was still dying to get back to my kindle every time I set it down.

I honestly think it might be one of my favorite fantasies of the year, I don’t read them as often as I used to and this gave me the itch for more. MAN ITS GONNA BE A LONG WAIT FOR BOOK 2.


Thank you to Del Rey and the author for the ARC.

In some ways this felt really predictable I guess. but I also did like it. I thought the whole world and the magic was well thought out and found it very interesting. Some of the whole thing with the main male character being in charge of a magic academy felt unbelievable to me. Like I get that he's a bit older and stuff but idk. Overall I liked this and will likely read the sequel.

A huge thanks to Net Galley and Del Ray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was truly a pleasure.

4.5
What I liked: This magic system was unique, clear, well developed, and easy to follow. The fight scenes were intense as they were exciting, and it's been a long time, if ever, I've read anything quite like it. Additionally, I am a sucker for a good enemies to lover's trope, and this did not disappoint.

What I didn't like: there were 2 chapters that I skipped through. I wish it were closed door and more longing glances instead of smut. Additionally, there was some strong language that wasn't necessary. Finally, this may be picky, but for some reason the FMC having red eyes and the MMC having purple-back hair felt off putting to me.

The Magic system of this book is so unique and incredible! Our protagonists are stubborn and fighting every instinct and I loved every minute!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own

You know what I don't like about ARC reading?
I have to wait EVEN LONGER for the next book in a series to come out.
Yeah, you could say I love Arcane Academy.

When I received an email asking to ARC read Elise Kova's newest read, it was a no brainer- I have loved her Married to Magic series, collected every special edition even.
Arcana Academy is VERY different than the Married to Magic series-the setting is darker, our heroine has seen and done horrible things by the time our story begins.
Speaking of our heroine, I adored Clara. She is strong, super smart, and very confident in her abilities. She knows her own mind and she doesn't take shit from anyone, especially our MMC Kaelis.

The magic system inn Arcana Academy is unique in it's own way- I've only ever read one other series that uses a card system for magic. This book uses tarot cards as the basis of its magic system. If you are more familiar with tarot than I am, you may understand the magic system quicker than me. Luckily there is a handy glossary with each card and its affect included in the back!

Elise Kova is the queen of slow burn. Not a single book in the Married to Magic series is instalove and Acana Academy is no different. You are going to have to suffer through that delicious slow burn, but it is so, so worth it in the end. 🥵

I can't say enough good things about every book I've read by this author so far- and Arcana Academy is no different. Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of Arcana Academy in exchange for my honest review. ❤️

I want to start off by saying that I am thankful for an opportunity to be selected to read an advanced reader copy of Arcana Academy. This book started off strong and had a really fascinating and unique world building and magic system. With that said, I really wanted to like this book and the premise of it, but I struggled to make the "why / hook" connection through out it, The writing and story was good, but I continued to ask myself throughout the book, "why should I care"? I felt like if there was an additional depth to engage the reader and make more of an emotional connection to why we should have cared in the beginning that the sister was missing and that there was a fake engagement, that it would have helped to draw me in as a reader. I don't necessarily feel like I needed more back story, but I felt like I was given pieces of the story and context, but no real reason why it mattered or why the elements in the story were important. I don't feel like the emotional connection to the story was there for me without the "why I should keep reading".

The story follows Clara Graysword, a woman with the rare ability to ink magical tarot cards. When a heist goes wrong, she’s facing life in prison—until Prince Kaelis, the headmaster of Arcana Academy, offers her a way out. The catch? She has to pose as his fiancée and enroll as a student at the academy.

The magic system in Arcana Academy felt incredibly unique, and I loved how it was woven into the story. The magical academia setting was everything I hoped for—detailed, immersive, and full of intrigue. I never wanted to leave that world or put the book down.


That said, I did feel like the romance took a bit of a back seat to the world-building. If you’re looking for something very romance-heavy, this might not completely satisfy that craving. But since I love detailed magic systems, academy settings, and intriguing character relationships, I still found it to be a worthwhile read. I’m glad I picked it up!

shut up. SHUT up. SHUT UP!!!

“Love me, hate me, but only look at me like my existence sets you on fire …”

this book was INCREDIBLE!!! start to finish it was amazing.

Clara was such a bad ass FMC. she took no shit and stood up for herself, with just the right amount of being able to be vulnerable and learn from everyone.

Kaelis, man. i can’t wait to learn more of his secrets hopefully in book 2. but this guy was mysterious, vulnerable, an ass, and i am just so intrigued by him.

i can’t wait to learn what lauren, alor, and (hopefully) silas accomplish in book 2.

the ending will have me spiraling for MONTHS.

thanks Netgalley and Elise for the ARC, no thanks that now i’ve read it 5 months before release date that i’m going to have an EXTRA long wait for the next book!

Another great book by Elise Kova! This series has a 'magic system' that is based on tarot cards, I found this to be pretty unique and unlike other fantasies. The FMC lands herself in some trouble, but ends up being offered a chance to escape the issues she faces via a deal with the head of the Arcana Academy. The romance is an enjoyable enemies to lovers, slow burn. Though I'm not usually a fan of cliff- hangers, the one this book leave has me excited to see how the story evolves in the next books!

Phenomenal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s like if Yu-Gi-Oh!, one dark window and Harry Potter had a baby. The intricate magic system in this book is absolutely brilliant and not quite like anything I’ve ever read before.

Clara is in a prison when we start the book as she had been illegally making tarot cards, the tarot cards are used as the magic system and weapons. You can only create a card of a certain level if you’re at that level etc. Clara is an absolute beast at inking the cards and very very talented. She’s also extremely damaged & in constant survival mode throughout the whole book, this isn’t a typical ‘romance story’ it is more of a deep love story for her friends and family, she is loyal to her core and will do ANYTHING for her friends and family.

Clara presumes her sister is at the academy, her mother is dead, she’s taken to Arcana academy by Kaelis the head master. But all is not what it seems. Clara is forced to attend the academy and to pass as she is needed for a greater cause. She is literally constantly in survival mode and just wants to find her sister and be reunited with her family, the star crossed club. The found family will literally make your heart swell, I defiantly want more of the star crossed club in book 2!

Kaelis was a mmc who I actually couldn’t stand at the beginning, this is TRUE enemies to lovers!! He confused me throughout a lot of the book actually but I feel there is much much more to him than meets the eye. He was a man down BAD but I also wanted him to be a bit more ballsy with Clara and his feelings towards her. Although his mouth, some of the things he said to Clara had me swoooooning badly!! The tension was annoying in parts cause you get to the point where you want to ram their heads together and say NOW KISS but when they do cross the line ohhhh boy I was very happy, think the best hate sex of your life.


I think there’s a LOT that will be explained in book 2 and things I hope are answered. I’m on the edge of my seat with the ending!!!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! I can’t wait for book 2!!