Arcana Academy, Elise Kova
Arcana Academy, Elise Kova
4 Rating(s)
List: $30.00 | Sale: $21.00
Club: $15.00

Arcana Academy

Bestseller

Author: Elise Kova

Series: Arcana Academy #1

Narrator: Anna Burnett

Unabridged: 20 hr 27 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/22/2025


Synopsis

“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

About Elise Kova

Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of the fantasy series Air Awakens, has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a master's degree in business administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she's not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media.


Reviews

Goodreads review by anh on July 23, 2025

I’m not even being dramatic when I say this was one of the worst reading experiences I’ve had in a long time. Finishing Arcana Academy didn’t feel like crossing a finish line—it felt like dragging myself out of quicksand. I didn’t celebrate. I didn’t reflect. I just closed the book and exhaled like I......more

Goodreads review by Nilufer on July 25, 2025

This book was everything I wanted and more! From the first page to the last, Arcana Academy pulled me into its darkly magical world and refused to let go. Elise Kova has crafted a spellbinding story packed with danger, intrigue, and an irresistibly slow-burn romance that had me hooked. Clara Grayswor......more

Goodreads review by kitkat on June 02, 2025

4.5 stars rounded up >> arc review release: july 22, 2025 - overview- arcana academy centers around clara graysword, a woman who’s been in prison for the last year for illegally printing cards. prince kaelis is the headmaster of arcana academy, a place where students grow and train their magic. noti......more

Goodreads review by chan ☆ on July 14, 2025

this book didn't quite stick the landing for me, though it's clear that elise kova is an experienced author and did something pretty fun with the world here. full thoughts here......more

Goodreads review by megan ◡̈ (semi-hiatus) on December 17, 2024

holy fuck? im for the most part at a loss for words at how much i loved this book and how i feel currently so this will most likely be very brief… dare i say this very well may be one of if not THE fantasy book of 2025? never in my life have i read something so unique and enthralling. ill be quite ho......more


Quotes

“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

“Elise Kova’s Arcana Academy is pure magic—dark, dazzling, and utterly addictive. With a lushly built world based on the unique magic tarot system, a morally gray love interest, and a fierce heroine you can’t help but root for, this book hits every note fantasy romance readers crave. Think dark academia, forbidden magic, and slow-burn tension that leaves you breathless. I devoured it and immediately wanted more.”USA Today bestselling author G. K. DeRosa

“Betrayal and hidden agendas abound in Kova’s (A Dawn with the Wolf Knight) latest, keeping fans of do-or-die magical competitions turning the pages. . . . Perfect for those who like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Rachel Gillig.”Library Journal, starred review

“Kova’s characters are well-shaded and her tarot-based magic system feels fresh and exciting. . . . Fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas are sure to be pleased.”Publishers Weekly