“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?
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While Arcana Academy is an intriguing title, it feels surprisingly underwhelming compared to the depth and complexity of the book itself. F
"Arcana Academy is a gripping fantasy read that instantly pulls you in with its familiar yet elevated magical-academy atmosphere. Fans of Zodiac Academy will feel right at home here—the book carries the same dark, addictive energy and intense character-driven storytelling, but pushes the genre forward with a more refined and intelligent approach to magic and plot. If you enjoyed Zodiac Academy and are looking for something darker, richer, and more immersive, this book is absolutely worth the read."
— Anne M. (4/5)
love love love
"great world building and enemies to lovers arc! such a beautiful edition, too!"
— Sophie (5/5)
A book for when you are in between books.
"This book was a really good read if you just finished another magic academy type series with some smut in it. It’s not super heavy but it’s a really good tie over til you find one that scratches that itch. However I did feel the author spent a lot of time telling me the importance of certain things rather than painting a picture and leading me to that conclusion. It ends with a plot twist which is great, a solid cliff hanger."
— Zoey (5/5)
Tarot Magic, Academy Intrigue & a Reluctant Heroine You’ll Root For
"Arcana Academy sweeps you into a world where forbidden tarot magic meets high-stakes academy life and unexpected romance. Clara Graysword, imprisoned for her rare talent, is offered freedom—if she pretends to be the headmaster’s betrothed and helps him pull off a dangerous plan. Fans love how the unique tarot-based magic system and dark academia atmosphere blend with a slow-build romance, found-family bonds, and pulse-pounding trials. Some found the pacing uneven, but most are hooked, especially by Clara’s resilience and the simmering tension with Kaelis. In short: it's immersive, inventive fantasy with heart—perfect for romantasy lovers."
— Shawn (5/5)
ARCANA
"the author keeps her readers enthralled in the story Kudos to the author Looking forward to book two of the series"
— Anonymous (5/5)
Explore the world where Tarot is more 5an just a deck of cards.
"This is a well-thought out fantasy/adventure novel which holds your interest throughout. I’m looking forward to the next two instalments in this world of Tarot."
— Nancy H. (5/5)
Fantastic!!!
"I loved, loved, loved this book! I zipped through it in less than a week and a half, couldn't put it down. What a great way to look at tarot! Everything about this book was amazing with the exception that I have to wait for Book 2 to be published!!! So looking forward to it."
— Linda (5/5)
Did not finish
"Did not finish Read about 200 pages in and gave up Too many characters being introduced to follow Not enough plot development, and very challenging to follow the various tarrot cards"
— Bethany B. (1/5)
Fall must have
"The books itself is a gorgeous hardcover with gold sprayed edges- it is a perfect fall read taking place in an academy and has forced marriage and forced proximity. A must for Romantasy readers."
— James (5/5)
Need the next title now. . .
"I loved this book, and this is such a stunning first print. I cant wait to see the rest of the series."
— Chase (5/5)
Q&A
Published date: May 19, 2026
Language: English
No. of Pages: 592
Publisher: Random House Worlds
ISBN: 9780593726365
Dimensions:
5.4" W x
1.27" L x
8.2" H
“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
Elise Kova is a USA Today and internationally bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
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