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.

Hello Prince Kaelis

Arcana Academy whisks you into a world where magic isn’t drawn from grimoires or ancient rites, but from the flutter and finesse of a deck of cards. The premise is wonderfully fresh: students train in a school of magic where each card unleashes distinct powers, challenges, and tactical possibilities. The result is a rich, tactile sense of magic that feels both playful and dangerous, like a high-stakes card game where your life and future hinge on the exact shuffle and draw.

Kova is a master at world-building. She makes this card-based magic feel coherent and immersive. The magic system is cleverly layered: not only do you learn which cards do what, but you must master timing, strategy, and risk assessment, turning duels into intellectual battles as much as physical ones. The deck becomes a metaphor for choice and consequence, and the pacing of these magical showdowns keeps the world feeling dynamic rather than static.

Chef's kiss to this slow-burn romance... a deliberate, well-woven thread that unfolds with patience and restraint. The enemies-to-lovers plot is teased with friction, tension, and guarded vulnerability, allowing trust to bloom in small, believable increments rather than a sudden ah-ha moment. (I absolutely LOVE Kaelis!!) The tension is steady, the restraint earned, and the payoff lands with a satisfying emotional weight that makes the eventual closeness feel earned and earned again through shared trials and mutual understanding.

The deliberate pacing is precisely what makes the romance land and the world feel lived-in. The balance between magical duels and character development is well-handled, keeping both the mystery and the romance in play.

Be prepared for twists and turns with a jam packed mystery of the backstory for us to discover in book 2, because boy does this leave you on a cliffy with so many questions left unanswered.

Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Banter ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Academia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶

Fought my attention from the beginning

I loved this fast-paced book, full of plot twist, and turns in a dramatic cliffhanger ending. Can’t wait for book 2.

addicted!

This was a well written book. It does have some similarities to books like The Empyrean series and TOG. That said, it creates its own beautiful world, filled with unexpected (and some expected) twists. looking forward to the next book!

It was just OK

The concept of this book is great. The execution not so much. The biggest issues were character development and the ending. There wasn’t much in the way of character development. The main characters were the same at the beginning as they were at the end. You don’t really get to see them learn and grow. And we never got a chance to really get to know the characters outside of Clara and Kaelis. Honestly, some of the side characters had a great deal of potential — more so than the two we were saddled with.

The ending was crap. The final twist I saw coming a mile away. But ultimately just the last chapter, maybe two, are very unsatisfying. Without giving too much away, it just felt like too much reverted to the beginning of the book.

As for the performance, this reader could not do voices. Other than lowering the voice slightly when male, it was the same tone, same rhythm, and same sound for every single character. Just limited the characters and the enjoyment of the listener.

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!

unique magical system. intricate world building.

my first book review coz it was that good. couldn't put it down. amazing ending, even though I hate cliffhangers. can't wait for book 2.

Amazing!

I was absolutely enthralled by this book. The second I finished, I felt a loss at having to wait for the next book.

Great Narration!

“The only thing I ever thought I’d want from you was your heart carved from your chest.”

“Say the word.”

I will never grow tired of reading an enemies to lovers, especially when it’s done like this. Not only that, but the writing, the magic system, the absolute badass the fmc is - it was all so good. And the cliffhanger had my jaw on the floor. The author did such a good job at steering us in the opposite direction, I truly didn’t see it coming.

I saw a review or two mention plot holes, but I feel if you properly digest this book, there are none. For me, every thing kind of explained itself? IN MY OPINION. I will mention I’m definitely not one to go looking for plot holes though.

That being said, there were a few times that I found my attention straying because the book is a little slow. But the highs definitely make up for the lows.

And I’m so glad I chose to listen to the audiobook. The narrator was lovely!