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Arcana Academy

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

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Arcana Academy

By: Elise Kova
Narrated by: Anna Burnett
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About this listen

 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 Dark Fantasy Epic Fantasy Royalty Heartfelt

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
All stars
Most relevant
**Absolutely superb.**✨
This story was beautifully written, with a plot that just kept leveling up the further I got. The character development? Phenomenal. The twists? Hooked me completely. And the banter? Chef’s kiss perfection. 👏
I don’t want to spoil a single moment—but trust me when I say: go read (or listen) to this one immediately. You won’t regret it. 💥📚🎧

Tropes:
Unique magic system
Dark academia
Secrets
Slow burn
Enemies to ?
Royal court politics

jess.booksandlattes

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Performance: 5⭐
Loved how everything sounded very natural, most characters had their respective cadence and tone when speaking.

With regards to the story: 3⭐
I felt it took too long for things to get set into motion. I feel like the trials that each initiate had to face wasn't high stakes enough. It didn't feel like there was any suspense until the end. It was quite mellow. Interesting world and magic concept, but I think I would have preferred more scenes with more suspense, more dueling? Most of the time it was just them going to class, inking, then nothing really happens.

I also didn't particularly like was how Clara kept explaining a lot of her own monologues. Not sure who the audience is supposed to be for but it felt like Elise went a little too heavy on the spoon feeding.

Great performance, mediocre story

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I enjoyed this listen even though it was quite long. it kept me interested with the evolving plot and characters

Interesting plot & characters

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Anna did such an amazing job on the narration. I dual read this with the kindle edition and honestly I was so immersed my house could have burnt down and I’d still be in my reading chair cheering for Clara (absolutely one of my top FMCs ever)

“Surrender, or conquest?”

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Arcana Academy is a spellbinding beginning to what feels like a truly enchanting series. The tarot-infused magic system sparkles with originality, and the academy setting is brimming with secrets, intrigue, and just the right touch of dark academia allure. The tension between characters and the slow-burn romance add plenty of fire to keep the pages turning.

Yes, the pacing sometimes lingers and a few moments repeat themselves like echoes in a grand, ancient hall—but those small shadows can’t dim the brilliance of the world Elise Kova has crafted. With its inventive magic, charged emotions, and atmospheric charm, this book casts a delightful spell.

I’d happily give it ★★★★☆ — a magical read with a slow burn enemies to lovers , hurry up and do him already relationship, but one I’d absolutely recommend to fans of romantic fantasy who love their adventures wrapped in mystery and starlight. ✨

Dark Academia with a Touch of Slow Burn Magic

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