Arcana Academy Read Along: Week One Reactions & Predictions

Arcana Academy Read Along: Week One Reactions & Predictions

Welcome to Week One of our Arcana Academy read along! If you’re new here, we’re diving into Elise Kova’s brand-new fantasy romance series filled with dark academia vibes, tarot-based magic, and broody princes.

👉 Before we jump in: it’s your last chance to grab our September Bite Me Box featuring A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig—while supplies last! Click here to order yours now!

First Impressions: Dark Academia Meets Tarot Magic

I knew I was going to love this book the moment the premise promised magical tarot duels inside an elite academy. If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass or enemies-to-lovers romances, this setup is going to feel deliciously familiar—but still fresh enough to keep you guessing.

Like Throne of Glass, we start with a prisoner pulled into an impossible opportunity by a prince. But here, the world-building feels rooted in tarot magic, complete with unique curses and rituals. It’s immersive without being overwhelming—something Elise Kova always does brilliantly.

The Brothers: Kaelis vs. Ravin

The dynamic between Kaelis (dark, mysterious, dangerous) and Ravin (golden heir, pure light) is setting up one of my favorite tropes: flipping the morality script. I love that the “dark prince” is shaping up to be the one we root for, while the golden heir feels shady.

Kaelis defending his academy and students against his brother? Chef’s kiss. The tension between them screams betrayal, politics, and family drama.

Clara’s Choices & Tension

Clara giving up her fated love with Liam to take her place at the academy? Brutal. It hurts in the best way because it opens the door for her chemistry with Kaelis to ignite. Their banter, their hatred, their tension—it’s already fire.

And that ending scene with Eza wielding a forbidden card? I lived for the drama. Clara clearly has more power than anyone realizes, and the hints at her being something more than just a “lost noble” are too good to ignore.

Side Characters & Suspicion

Clara’s forming her squad—but is it really a squad? Luren is sweet but naïve, Kel’s suspicion might make her reliable, but Dristin and Sorza? Not sure I trust them. This feels like a setup for betrayal, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Predictions for Week Two

• Kaelis is going to unleash consequences after Eza’s attack.

• Clara’s mysterious past (and maybe her bloodline) will become a bigger reveal.

• The romance between Clara and Kaelis? About to turn up the heat.

Join the Read Along

So what do you think? Do you trust Clara’s new friends? Do you think Ravin is really the villain? Share your predictions in the comments—I love hearing your theories.

Don’t forget: we’ll be back next week after reading up to Chapter 31.

And if you haven’t yet, make sure to grab our September Bite Me Box featuring A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig before it’s gone! Signed copies + exclusive bookish goodies included. Order here.

Stay tuned for the reading vlog, coming to our YouTube channel tomorrow!