Arcana Academy

Arcana Academy, Book 1

De: Elise Kova

Narrado por: Anna Burnett

“Magical from nail-biting beginning to shocking end!”—Danielle L. Jensen, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood

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 fantasy romance 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?

Book One of The Arcana Academy Series

©2025 Elise Kova (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A mysterious academy, uncertain alliances, and a unique spin on tarot make the perfect backdrop for a sexy romance—Arcana Academy is magical from nail-biting beginning to shocking end!”—Danielle L. Jensen, New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood

“Elise Kova is the queen when it comes to fantasy! Arcana Academy has a brilliant storyline, a unique and refreshing magic system, and a heart-stopping romance!”—Laura Thalassa, USA Today bestselling author of the Four Horsemen series

Beautiful

Beautifully written, paced, and performed. The cliffhanger twist left me giddy with surprise and angry I have to wait for the next book, yet it’s so well done I don’t feel cheated.

Such a cool concept

This was such a cool and unique story! Such an amazing concept and to see if flesh out like THIS?!? WOW AMAZING can’t wait for the next book 🥹

Mesmerizing magic, deep connections

I’ve read quite a few of Elise Kova’s books, both physical copies and via Audible, and Arcana Academy tops them all. Except maybe “A Deal with an Elf King” because… in one word: Eldas.

The complexity of the magic, the depth of relationships, and the expert weaving of world building makes this one of my favorite books. Clara and Kaelis are perfect enemies (and even better lovers). I am excitedly and not-so-patiently waiting for Book 2.

Great story.

I liked the story. It took a bit to get into it though. The magic system was fun and different! I listened to the audiobook first but I found that I needed the book to follow the conversations. That’s both due to the narration and the dialog in the book. Once I was following along with the book, it was easier to understand. That said, I can’t wait for book 2!

Amazing and very unique story well written

I never leave reviews so for me to do so is really saying something. This book was the best book in this genre that I’ve read and I’ve read a lot. I definitely recommend you give it a try.

Read it!

I loved the magic system and the constant intrigue. I devoured this audiobook in record time. Highly recommend. There’s fantasy, magic, romance, and mystery all wrapped up in one. Can’t wait for the second book!

The MAGIC SYSTEM

Loved from the first page to the last! The magic system the story I loved it. Excited for where book to will go

It's entertaining

Good story worth continuing. Narrative is worth reading and learning what happens to the heroine

Different

This was a refreshingly different take on the enemies-to-lovers academy romance trope. I was genuinely surprised by where the story went—it didn’t follow the usual predictable path. The FMC leaned a little too righteous for my taste at times, but overall, she was compelling and strong. One minor challenge was following the tarot card elements—I’m not very familiar with them, so those scenes were a bit hard to track. But that’s low-hanging fruit and didn’t take away from what was otherwise a solid, engaging read!

Best read of the year!!!

My favorite book bracket is gonna be a struggle this year because of all the good reads! I absolutely loved Clara and Kaelis. This has to be my favorite book Elise has ever written and she has an amazing backlog!