Arcana Academy

the spellbinding #1 Sunday Times bestselling enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance

By: Elise Kova

Narrated by: Anna Burnett

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job goes 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?©2025 Elise Kova

Critic reviews

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!

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!

Sharp, romantic, and irresistibly fun

The romantasy novel to get lost in

A great read for someone looking for a dark academia and fantasy romance with an enemies to lovers romance

Simmering romance, broody dark academia aesthetics, and an inventive magic system combine in YA author Kova's fascinating traditionally published debut

Awesome

I wasn't expecting much to be honest but this book was soo good, it brought me soo many feelings I couldn't stop listening! Such a good history very good characters tons of adventure! Loved it!