Arcana Academy

*NetGalley eARC Review *

A Fresh Take on Tarot Magic, Found Family, and Slow-Burn Romance

Elise Kova kicks off a brand-new fantasy series with Arcana Academy, a magical, character-driven story full of secrets, slow-burn tension, and a tarot-based magic system that feels both fresh and mysterious.

We meet Clara, our fiercely independent and determined main character, in a grim place—prison. After losing her mother, Clara has been doing whatever it takes to keep herself and her younger sister safe, even if it means turning to making illegal tarot cards. Raised with a deep knowledge of tarot magic, including the rare skill of inking her own cards, Clara is a powerful Arcanist in her own right.

Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Prince Kaelies in the prison. Cold, enigmatic, and seemingly calculating, Kaelies is the kingdom’s second prince—and now the headmaster of Arcana Academy, the institution responsible for training magical elites.

What begins as an antagonistic encounter leads to an unlikely arrangement: Clara finds herself enrolled at the academy and unexpectedly engaged to the prince in a political maneuver.

Much of the story unfolds within the walls of the academy. It’s here that the world-building shines—with a unique magic system based on tarot cards, including suits and rituals, that fans of fantasy will find intriguing and original. You don’t need to be familiar with real-world tarot to enjoy it; this is very much a fictionalized and creatively reimagined system.

Clara is a standout heroine—tough, loyal, and deeply committed to protecting those she loves. The book has a strong found-family theme, and the relationships Clara formed both before the academy and at the academy, both tentative and intense, form the emotional heart of the story.

As for the romance? It’s a true slow burn. There’s tension, there’s chemistry, and there’s a lot left unsaid between Clara and Kaelies. Their dynamic evolves from enemies to reluctant allies, and maybe even friends, but don’t expect any steam until very late in the book.

Kaelies is a fascinating character. While his feelings remain hidden beneath a composed facade, there’s a sense that he’s falling first—and hard—while Clara remains laser-focused on survival and revenge.

Foreshadowing is cleverly woven throughout the story, and the payoff by the end is well worth it. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say: the twists are unexpected and the ending hits hard. Fair warning—Arcana Academy ends on a cliffhanger, so prepare yourself to want the next book immediately.

According to the author’s website, this will be a trilogy (at minimum), and with how much groundwork has already been laid, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

 If you’re looking for a fantasy series with rich world-building, an inventive magic system, a strong heroine, and a slow-burn romance with serious tension, Arcana Academy is worth picking up. Just don’t be surprised if you finish the last page and immediately start searching for the release date of book two.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️

Blurb:

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first installment of an enthralling romantasy series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards-a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy’s enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape-for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.

In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world-and her heart? Or will she take it for herself?