Bookseller Reviews
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I laughed, I cried, I ached. Had me absolutely spellbound!
Elise Kova is well-known for her diabolical talent at ensorceling her readers. This is no different. I was absolutely hooked from page one, and it was all ... READ MORE
Perfect!! I loved this book!
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 ... READ MORE
A Magical Romantasy, I’m Obsessed!!
I can’t believe it took me so long to pick this up because it was incredible!!
The magic system in this book was one of my favourite systems ever. It w... READ MORE
A pleasant surpirse
I really enjoyed this book. This was my second book by Elise Kova and I am very grateful to have been given a proof copy of what was a really entertaining ... READ MORE
Dark Academia meets Romantasy
When the incarcerated, expert Tarot forger, and rebel Clara Graysword, is offered a chance at freedom and to find out what happened to her sister she is en... READ MORE
A magical read
This was quite a unique read for me. Typically, I wouldn’t go for academia-themed fantasy books, and I had not encountered a tarot-based magic system befor... READ MORE
Addictive
There is so much to love about Arcana Academy- from the detailed, unique tarot magic system to the dark halls of the academy. The loyal and determined char... READ MORE
Unique Magic and World!
I really enjoyed this book. The magic was interesting and unique, the world was interesting and not too much was given away, making me look forward to the ... READ MORE
Amazing!
I was overjoyed to receive a proof of this in the mail as it was a highly anticipated read! It has a super inventive magic system, brilliantly written char... READ MORE
Unputdownable!
This is the first book by Elise Kova that I've read and it certainly won't be the last!
Right from the beginning I was completely drawn into Arcana Academ... READ MORE
I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a fantasy series!
I was kindly sent a proof copy of Arcana Academy by Hodderscape, and from the very first chapter I was hooked. The premise is so easy to get into, and whil... READ MORE
A brilliant start to the series. How long until book 2??!
Clara Graysword is imprisoned for illegally inking and wielding tarot cards - a power reserved for students of the elite Arcana Academy. She is freed by i... READ MORE
A great adult debut
After having read other books by Kova, I had high expectations for this book and I was not disappointed. The magic system was unique and different from oth... READ MORE
Utterly unique and addictive!
Arcana Academy is truly unlike any fantasy romance I've read before and I absolutely loved it. The magic system is incredibly unique and really fascinating... READ MORE
Stunning worldbuilding and perfect tension
This book was a perfect blend of character building and world building, with a uniqueness and creativity that really makes it a standout Romantasy release.... READ MORE
Tarot cards that contain magic? Yes please!
What in the ever loving?
This was such a good book!
The tension, the mystery, the twist and turns and the god awful stressful situations the charact... READ MORE
An intoxicating mix of Dark Academia and Romantasy with the most unique magic you've ever read
I bet you read the blurb and thought "I know what's going to happen". I bet you saw "engaged to a Prince who is also a Headteacher" and thought this was tr... READ MORE
Read it, read it now
I adored this book. That's it.
But seriously, the magic system was so unique and so well thought out. It took a second to completely understand it but whe... READ MORE
Need the rest of this series now!!!
I admit, I was both excited and a little nervous going into Arcana Academy as I know nothing about Tarot and was unsure if I would enjoy the magic system, ... READ MORE
Synopsis
Claim your destiny in the hottest new Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling fantasy romance, in which a magical tarot card wielder lands herself in a fake engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy.
Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of magic. But when she is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for illegally inking tarot cards, it seems her luck has finally run out.
Until Prince Kaelis offers her an escape - for a price.
In exchange for her life, Clara must pose as Kaelis' bride-to-be and a student of the elite Arcana Academy. There, she and Kaelis will conspire to steal a powerful card from the king and use it to bring his tyrannical rule to an end.
Clara soon discovers that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world . . . and heart? Or will she steal the magic for herself?
TROPES
Fake engagement
Publisher information
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
- ISBN: 9781399728904
- Number of pages: 576
- Dimensions: 194 x 126 x 28 mm
- Weight: 397g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allamazing magic system
This novel is the start of an enemies-to-lovers trilogy with a complex magic system. The magic system is based on tarot cards. As a tarot enthusiast, that’... READ MORE
Take a spin on the Wheel of Fortune!
A world where Arcanists are either controlled by the ruling hand or sent to work in the mills if they do not pass. Magic is a curse and a blessing and when... READ MORE
Absolutely one of my favorite books I've EVER read!
You already know this book ATE when I highlight half the dang thing, ok?! RUN DONT WALK TO ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR TBR!!!
Great new fantasy book with tarot-inspired magic system
Arcana Academy kicks off a new trilogy with a unique tarot-based magic system, magical trials, and a fake engagement full of slow-burn tension. Clara is a ... READ MORE
Great
I really enjoyed this, it’s a great enemies to lovers read. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
“Perfect!! I loved this book!”
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 ... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
Elise Kova delivers again!
Firstly, a huge thank you to Elise, Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with an opportunity to read this eARC of Arcana Academy.
Elise does it again!... READ MORE
Truly magical.
“This is Arcana Academy. Your future is your tuition.”
• Dark Academia (with trials!)
• Found Family
• Tarot Magic
• Slow Burn
• Fake Engagement
• Morall... READ MORE
TAROT MAGIC!!
arcana academy is my newest obsession! i was immediately hooked by the incredibly unique and brilliantly crafted magic system. the tarot-based magic felt f... READ MORE
Fast-paced from the beginning!
When I read the synopsis I was so intrigued by the whole magical tarot cards system and even though it was confusing at times, I loved how it was used. It ... READ MORE
Stunning romantasy!!!
What in the “I could not stop turning the pages” was this? This book had me hooked from start to finish!
The world-building? Absolutely phenomenal—unlike ... READ MORE
Brilliant story, but somewhat spoilt
This started off really well and it was original enough to really catch my attention and keep me reading over longer sessions than I would normally do.
... READ MORE
I’m not sure
I did enjoy the overall jist to this but the beginning of the book was slow and it took me a while to get into. A little annoyed that the end of the book t... READ MORE
Tarot magic, romantic yearning, a dark mysterious academy - this ticked all my boxes for a fantasy romance!!
Arcana Academy ticked all the boxes for me. It had a very intriguing magic system (one of my favourite parts of the book!), a dark, broody love interest, a... READ MORE
Totally addictive
Thank you Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for this ARC.
We meet Clara, our FMC as she is in prison for inking and using Tarot... READ MORE
Love Tarot Magic, Deadly Trials, and a Slow Burn?
Academic setting? ✔️ Deadly trials?✔️ Tarot magic? ✔️ Enemies to lovers? ✔️ Found family?✔️Fake engagement?✔️ What DOESN'T this book have? I loved this dar... READ MORE
Incredible dark academia fantasy book
Wow…I have no words. This book made me feel so many emotions. This is the epitome of ‘slow burn’ and I LOVE it. This book broke my heart into a million pie... READ MORE
Imaginative and entertaining
In this book we follow Clara, who is plucked from prison to be brought to a magic academy where she will need to use all her wits and talent to survive.
... READ MORE
A fantastic dark academia featuring tarot and Intrigue
There's quite a lot to get your head around in terms of the magic card system so this one may not be the easiest of fantasy series' to get into if you're j... READ MORE
Stunning magic system
One of my favourite books of the year! The magic system was so unique and linked to the cards. I liked the forbidden aspect and the dark academia setting.
Verified Purchase
I’M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK AND CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!!!
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova completely swept me off my feet. From the very beginning, I found myself totally enamoured with Kaelis
Elise Kova Strikes Again!
What a fantastic start to a new fantasy series!! The book starts with our FMC Clara in prison for inking illegal tarot cards, which already had me in a min... READ MORE
Fresh and intriguing magic system and a slow burn, which is slowly burning
4.5 Stars
I’ve been a fan of Elise Kova since her Married to Magic series, so I was excited to dive into something new from her. This book, which clocks... READ MORE
Full of high stakes and drenched in magic
Clara Graysword, a street-smart magic-wielder from Eclipse City, is sentenced to life in prison for illegally inking tarot cards, a rare magic reserved for... READ MORE
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Arcana Academy by Elise Kova – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had me in a chokehold from the very first page
One line review - A story with a tarot based magic system and magical academy... count me in.
One line review - A story with a tarot based magic system and magical academy... count me in.
Arcana Academy was such a fabulous read! The vibe is very ... READ MORE
Enjoyable world building and magic system
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The world building was spectacular, the characters were well developed and the magical system was very inter... READ MORE
A steamy enemies to lovers academia read
Title: Arcana Academy
Author: Elise Kova
Pages: 576
Rating: 4/5
Spice/Romance level:
My favourite read of the year.. Absolutely amazing!!
This book put me through so many emotions..
The magic system was so unique, I never read anything like this before. I absolutely loved it, it was such an ... READ MORE
A mash up of every popular fantasy
If this was an entry point to fantasy and was the first/early book I had read of that genre I truly would've enjoyed it far more. However as someone who ha... READ MORE
A fight to change the world!
What a fascinating world! Yeah, it has problems, at least if you are not part of the noble ruling clans and are a unmarked arcanist trying to break the sys... READ MORE
Rich, vibrant and unique
I absolutely devoured this book. Set in a rich, vibrant world with a unique and fascinating magic system, Arcana Academy is a revelation. I was gripped by ... READ MORE
Priss the cat steals the show!
I’m a longtime Elise fan! I devoured the Air Awakens series in a week (the sequels too!). So of course I was beyond excited to pick up her newest book. Ene... READ MORE
Intriguing enough to make me want to read the next book
3.5
So, me and dark academia aren’t exactly a match when it comes to book tropes & themes. And I haven’t read anything by Elise Kova yet so picking this o... READ MORE
Intriguing enough to make me want to read the sequel
3.5
So, me and dark academia aren’t exactly a match when it comes to book tropes & themes. And I haven’t read anything by Elise Kova yet so picking this o... READ MORE
Arcana Academy
While I really loved the unique magic system which is tarot based, this was another romantasy where I struggled to connect with the characters, mainly the ... READ MORE
Enchanting start to the series
A dark and enchanting fantasy story of magic and the power of inked cards. The first of a series, the author created characters that draw you in and challe... READ MORE
Fantasy novel based on the Tarot - long and engaging read.
Clara lives in a world dominated by the use of Tarot cards and the magic that each card produces. She becomes embroiled in various plots and conspiracies a... READ MORE
Elise Kova strikes again!!
What a fantastic start to a new fantasy series!! The book starts with our FMC Clara in prison for inking illegal tarot cards, which already had me in a min... READ MORE
Captivated
3.75/5
I must admit, I was completely captivated with this book, but there were definitely some hmmmmm moments. For instance, Kaelis as a headmaster at ... READ MORE
Addictive fantasy story
I enjoyed the dark and twisted story of Clara and her talent for inking tarot cards and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her sister as well as ... READ MORE
Gripping, twisty and addictive!
I was utterly obsessed with this story and all of its characters so immediately, something I haven’t felt with a book in a very long time.
Let’s start ... READ MORE
New trilogy of tarot based magic system
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The tropes consist of:
Magic academy
Trials... READ MORE
Great world and character building
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is AMAZING!!!
I gobbled this story up and was so sad when the book had ended!
Eclipse City is full of people casting ill... READ MORE
Clara and Kaelis are perfect!
The Tarot magic system is intriguing, I really liked learning all the intricacies of each card and all the innate abilities, it's really delved into deeply... READ MORE
Loved every second of this book!
Elisa Kova is a new author to me this year and is slowly becoming a favourite, I absolutely loved this book and the journey it takes you on so much so I fi... READ MORE
Dark Academia mixed with Tarot Magic
4.5 stars rounded up
Tarot magic system, sign me up!
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a fan of dark academia, magic, and enemies-to-lovers, this book ... READ MORE
Amazing magic system
I found the plot a bit difficult to get into- it felt like it only really started happening in the last 100 pages ish. I couldn’t get into the romance at a... READ MORE
Arcana Academy sends me spiraling…in the best way!
Arcana Academy sends me spiraling…. in the best way. A magical, tarot-based school? Check. Trials that twist and turn before you can catch your breath? Dou... READ MORE
deliciously steamy romantasy, with super super cool magic system
THIS BOOK IS MY NEW OBSESSION!!! This book was deliciously steamy romantasy, with super super cool magic system I could talk days about!
This books was su... READ MORE
Wow - what a read!
Clara Graysword is an Arcanist who can draw and wield tarot cards better than most. But she is imprisoned in Halazar until she manages to escape - or so s... READ MORE
A very enjoyable read with a great magic system
I loved the Air Awakens series by Elise Kova so when I saw she'd written an academy book with tarot magic I had to read it - with it having multiple buzzwo... READ MORE
A new favourite!
I had a feeling that this book would be a five star read from the very first chapter, and at no point while reading it did I even consider changing my mind... READ MORE
Didn’t quite live up to the hype
3.5 ⭐️ if I’m being honest.
Whilst I did like the overall story, it honestly felt confusing at times and it definitely could have been shorter.
The... READ MORE
Need the sequel immediately!
I was absolutely devastated when this ended. It's such an entertaining and well crafted world. A thief liberated from prison by a mysterious man who is bot... READ MORE
Brilliant
A book set in a magical school, a magic system based on tarot and enemies to lovers? Absolutely made for me.
I don’t even know where to start. I was ab... READ MORE
One of my new favourites!
✨Unique Magic System
Fantastic
This book was fantastic! I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve never read anything by this author, but I found the synopsis intriguing so I decided to ... READ MORE
Wow! Just WOW!! Elise Kova the magic you have written into this book is incredible!
I loved the magic system, the use of tarot was clever and gripping. I didn't feel like the world and system was being simplified for me or over explained, ... READ MORE
Magic, Tension, and a Cliffhanger That Hooks You In
I have to say that it took me a while to get into the story, but overall I did enjoy the book. The magic system was my favourite part; it might be a bit di... READ MORE
A spellbinding start to a series that grips your heart as fiercely as its magic.
This book came into my life at a difficult moment — I started it just as my father passed, so it took me a little while to return to it. But when I did, Ar... READ MORE
One of my favourite reads this year!
This book consumed me and reminded me how much I love a dark and magical academic setting, I couldn't put it down!
This story has:
✨️An academic setti... READ MORE
A really great read
Wow, i really loved this book. The magic was so unique, i have never read anything like it.
Tells the story of Clara who is a prisoner and one day esca... READ MORE
THAT's a romantasy!!
“I can’t blame him for his secrets. I keep my own.”
I had a great time with Arcana Academy, especially thanks to the developed WB, but also with the ric... READ MORE
Magic school
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eCopy to review
Arcana Academy is everything I want in romantasy lushly magical, emotionally charged... READ MORE
Great world building
The first book in a new romantasy series from Elise Kova and the Arcana Academy begins with the heroine Clara imprisoned for inking tarot cards, a capital ... READ MORE
Great book!
This book was such a pleasant surprise! It’s the first one I’ve read by Elise Kova, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Her writing style is fantastic — it fit... READ MORE
My New Dark Academia Obsession
My new dark academia obsession. This is one of my top reads so far this year. Clara and Kaelis' love story is a true enemies-to-lovers, slow burn with a fa... READ MORE
Elise Kova shows us once again how she can create a masterpiece of magic and wonder (and a whole load of suspense too)
Just wow. I loved every moment of Arcana Academy from the perfect and immersive world building, to the magic built upon the creation and usage of tarot car... READ MORE
Review
This is the magical dark academia book of dreams! I loved it. The use of tarot cards as the magical element was really great and I thoroughly enjoyed seein... READ MORE
Four stars!
Arcana Academy is a spellbinding mix of magic, danger and slow-burn romance that delivers everything you would expect from Elise Kova. With her trademark w... READ MORE
Tarot Romantasy
After leading a life of crime, one mistake has landed Clara in prison. For life. But luckily for her, the headmaster of an elite academy offers her a job s... READ MORE
A great romantasy
“I can’t blame him for his secrets. I keep my own.”
I had a great time with Arcana Academy, especially thanks to the developed WB, but also with the ric... READ MORE
When is Book II available?
OMG – how long do we have to wait for Book two? ‘Arcana Academy’ is quite long, but every page is packed with adventure, action, conflict, tension, passion... READ MORE
Wow! Just WOW!! Elise Kova the magic you have written into this book is incredible!
I loved the magic system, the use of tarot was clever and gripping. I didn't feel like the world and system was being simplified for me or over explained, ... READ MORE
Edges are not as they appear
I broke my rule and got a solid edge exclusive edition because I loved the colour and I know this is going to be a great book (which is why I still gave it... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
Dark Academia, magic, plots and a dash of romance
”The World is ours to design or destroy.”
I’m so happy I gave Elise Kova another try! You can really tell how her writing has grown since ‘A Deal with t... READ MORE
Magical
What a fantastic book it had everything romance, tragedy.
I thought the book was enjoyable and liked how the magic was created. The romance element was... READ MORE
Excellent
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is a captivating blend of magic, romance, and royal intrigue. The story follows Clara Graysword, a young woman with the abilit... READ MORE
Fantastic fantasy book
I really enjoyed this book.
I did feel a little overwhelmed with the amount of information at the start. The world building and explaining the magic sy... READ MORE
An enchanting, dark-academic romantasy with an intriguing magic system designed around tarot cards
Arcana Academy is an enchanting, dark-academic romantasy with an intriguing magic system designed around tarot cards and a compelling plot that will have r... READ MORE
Good book but didn’t sweep me away
Arcana Academy is an adult romantasy / dark academia read, following the story of Clara.
It was an enjoyable read, but it didn’t quite sweep me away. T... READ MORE