Arcana Academy

This book was shockingly so good. I thought that a book about tarot would be more boring but this one actually used tarot in an intriguing way with action scenes mixed in. 

3.75 star rating overall.This books is One Dark Window meets The Prison Healer with a little Throne of Glass thrown into the mix. It started off intriguingly, but there was no major plot that made the book follow a structured plotline. Sure, there was the plot where the MC's were trying to obtain the Major cards that sort of acted like this; but this book follows the theme where there is lots of smaller plot lines; such as her sister being missing, of the mystery of who the FMC is, of Kaelis and his family. There is so many mysteries and smaller plot lines that it's hard to keep up a little bit. And, to be honest, I got a little bored about halfway through when I decided that I didn't particularly like it. The only reason why I read it was because I was already halfway through and I liked the relationship dynamic between the MMC and the FMC. But, like any book, I've always been a person who rates a book not just by the story, but by the ending, also. The ending is what does it for me, most of the time. And the ending here didn't dissapoint. I wasn't gobsmacked to find out what I did at the end, but I was surprised a little bit to find out a little about the FMC's lineage and a bit of her mothers secrets. Though, i'm not entierly sure if this series is something I want to continue with. I might for the secrets and to see what happens to the MC's, or maybe follow along on social media from posts people put u[ as the books are released.

Just wow. I loved every moment of Arcana Academy from the perfect and immersive world building, to the magic built upon the creation and usage of tarot cards, to the enemies-to-lovers but not that cliff-hanger that I knew was coming!I finished my copy of the book 10 minutes ago. I'm reeling from this new addictive work, that I’m going to have to wait forever to read book two, and I just loved it. I know I’ve already said that but that apart from a large amount of OH MY GOD is all I am feeling about what I have read over the last couple of days. I shall catch my breath and elaborate because otherwise all you’re getting is OMG, Love It and I Need More. (all of which is true but still..)Elise Kova is one of my favourite authors because they always bring the world the story takes place in to life with vivid descriptions and plays on your senses and this is no exception, from our first real encounter of the female protagonist; Clara where she’s being used by the warden to break further laws for his gain? We see there’s a huge divide between those who succeed and those who don’t, and the prison sounds like it’s my own claustrophobic Hell, This is also our first introduction the magic of this world, that has a firm hold on the houses of Tarot where each one can be used in different ways, and Clara has a skill for writing them which is forbidden for the majority of the people. Ah, how we love it when there’s a power divide and it’s the minority who have the control over so many, and they can punish those who dare to have a skill or to do what they must to survive. The way Kova describes the magic in action is in itself, magical and the actions even when swift play out almost like a dance and I loved how visual it is for the reader, it’s not just ha look what card I have = and things happen. I loved it, and the way there’s a difference in how Clara treats the cards and how it is taught at the Academy showed how different things are when you’re naturally attuned to something rather than going through the motions and unable to do anything other than what you’re taught because ‘that’s how it’s done’.  What also stands out is how we as the reader learn about the world, and the magic isn’t overwhelming and but truly sets us up for further books without distracting us from the story of book one. Enemies to lovers is always a little bit of guilty pleasure and I loved the crackling of chemistry between Clara and the man she hates with all of her being, Prince Kaelis who is the enigmatic and secretive headmaster of the Arcana Academy. She’s vehement in her hatred for him, and it’s based on a good reason but the tension between the two is palpable and I couldn't help but chuckle when they’d reiterate I hate you.. Because no one believes them after uttering it a hundredth time.This is a gripping story, filled with magic, a found family that fights for one another, and mysteries aplenty. Kova has set us up for another adventure with her writing and I am so eager for more after finishing this. I cannot believe the cliff-hanger, and oh my god there are revelations aplenty that need answers because so many loose ends left for us to overthink about. Welcome to your new addiction if you love magic, mystery, and the idea that hate can sometimes be a good foundation for trust after all.