Arcana Academy by Elise Kova Book Review

Title: Arcana Academy (Book 1 of the Arcana Academy Series)
Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Del Rey (US) / Hodderscape (UK)
Genre: Dark Academia, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
Year of Publication: 2025
Date of Publication: July 22, 2025
Pages: 576 (Hardcover)
ISBN‑10: 0593726340
ISBN‑13: 978‑0593726341
Audiobook Read by: Anna Burnett

Our Rating of This Book

Summary **of Arcana Academy by Elise Kova**

Arcana Academy is the first book in the Arcana Academy series. The story takes place in a kingdom called Oricalis and follows a girl named Clara Graysword. At the start of the book Clara is in prison. She has been sentenced to life for illegally using tarot-card magic. The use of magic is tightly controlled by the monarchy. After escaping prison, she finds herself in a fake engagement to Prince Kaelis, headmaster of Arcana Academy.

The Academy itself is a place where those who show rare magical potential (tied to tarot magic) are trained to become living embodiments of the Major Arcana. The students at the Academy are called initiates. They are required to join the academy when they turn twenty.

A lot of the story centers around the trials at the Academy, palace politics, and how Clara balances her personal interests with her quest for survival.

Main Plot & Characters

Clara Graysword (Clara Redwin/Daygar): She is the main character in this story. Clara is streetwise and determined. She enters the Academy under disguise and has to deal with a lot of social manipulation, hidden loyalties, and deadly magical trials. She is looking for her sister and seeking justice for her murdered mother.
Prince Kaelis: He is the second in line to the throne and headmaster at the Academy. His fake engagement proposal masks his ambition to obtain powerful tarot cards and overthrow his tyrant father.
Arina Daygar: Clara’s missing sister.
Prince Ravin Oricalis: He is Kaelis’ brother.
Silas Erentu: He lives within the academy and his presence adds to the narrative.
King Naethor Oricalis: The ruthless monarch.
Starcrossed Club: A group of outcasts who housed Clara and Arina after their mother died. The members include Gregor, Ren, Jura, Twino, Arina, Clara, and Bristara.
Bristara: She is the matron of the Starcrossed Club. Bristara used to be friends with Clara’s mother. She is one of a few people that know Clara’s real last name.
Rewina: She is Prince Kaelis maid.
Liam: He is Clara’s former lover who appears during the Arcanum Chalice trial.
Myrion: He is the head of “The Two of Cups,” i.e. the romance or relationship card.
Warden Glavstone: He is the head of Halazar Prison where Clara is incarcerated at the start of the story.
Savan: He is Glavstone’s right hand.
Eza: His major arcana is the Hanged Man card. He has a connection to Warden Glavstone.
Luren: One of the students Clara meets at the academy. She struggles with her magic.
Dristin, Kel, and Sorza: Clara meets them early during the trials.
Professor Thornbrow (Lord Vaduin Thornbrow): He is the department head for wielding.
Professor Duskflame (Lady Raethana Duskflame): She is the head professor for inking.
Professor Rothou: She teaches reading.
Alor Ventall: She is a noble-born initiate at Arcana Academy. She becomes Clara’s roommate and wields a dagger constantly.
Emilia Ventall: She is the King of Sword and a sister to Alor.
Lady Ventall: She is Alor and Emilia’s mother.
Priss: She is Prince Kaelis cat.

Writing Style

Elise Kova tells the story using a first person narrative. The story is told from Clara’s perspective. We were a little skeptical about the book being based on tarot cards especially as we know little to nothing about this but the writing made this come out beautifully. Towards the end of the book, we found ourselves saying “Heal yourself. Queen of cups,” and that’s when you know an author has you hooked.

The author gives us a lead character that is witty and fierce but there are also many supporting characters that you become invested in their stories and well being.

This being Book 1, the world-building in the book is well executed. We learn about the Oricalis Kingdom where the monarchy is located and is the more affluent area as well as Eclipse City, which is the hub of crime, illegal magic, and poverty where Clara begins her journey. There are also other smaller communities mentioned like Grifton, where Luren is from and Moon where Eza is from.

The pacing in the book is good, the banter is excellent, and the romance between Clara and Kaelis is intense.

Memorable Quotes

“This is Arcana Academy. Your future is your tuition.”— Clara Graysword
“Love me, hate me, but only look at me like my existence sets you on fire.”— Clara‘s reflections
“Don’t weep for an empty coffin.”— Common saying by the Starcrossed Club members
“Her name is Priss.”— Prince Kaelis
“Priss,” I repeat, still in shock.”— Clara Graysword
“It’s a perfectly acceptable name for a cat.”— Prince Kaelis
“I never said it wasn’t.”— Clara Graysword
“… so I keep my fingers laced with his and ignore the taste of vomit in the back of my throat.”— Clara Graysword
“Luck is on my side.”— Clara Graysword
“Fate must be killed with force.”— Clara Graysword
“Two hundred and five.”— Eza
“Forgive me, I didn’t know I was talking to the queen of the rats.”— Prince Kaelis

Final Thoughts on Arcana Academy

Arcana Academy is such a fantastic book. It is definitely one of those you’ll want to reread just to catch all the subtle hints you missed the first time. We cannot wait to see how this world expands and how the series unfolds in Book 2 of the Arcana Academy Series.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to combine so many beloved tropes while still feeling fresh. Clara’s voice is strong and compelling, and her struggles are just as intense. Her determination to protect those she loves, even if it means sacrificing her own future, will sometimes drive you mad but also make you love the character. Plus who doesn’t love a good slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance mixed with a lot of suspense?

Book 2 (Prince of Swords) cannot come soon enough! It has a release date of July 21, 2026

Rating

Characters ★★★★★ (5/5)

Plot ★★★★★ (5/5)

Writing ★★★★★ (5/5)

Book Cover ★★★★★ (5/5)

Audiobook ★★★★★ (5/5)

Overall ★★★★★ (5/5)

Have you read Arcana Academy by Elise Kova? What did you think about that ending?

Authors

Ufuoma Akpotaire

Ufuoma Akpotaire is a passionate book, movie and music reviewer with a love for travel and culture. She combines her enthusiasm for storytelling with her experience exploring new places and stories. Through her reviews, she celebrates creativity and inspires readers to appreciate the connections between books, movies, music, travel, and global cultures.
Nathaniel Adebayo

Nathaniel is a Media Content Specialist at Verayea, where he specializes in curating content and gathering data for the company’s extensive book library. He is also dedicated to writing insightful reviews, offering thoughtful perspectives on a range of media. His work ensures that Verayea’s library is comprehensive, well-organized, and informative, providing valuable resources for its audience.