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stasiaxnichole 's review for:

Arcana Academy, Volume 1 by Elise Kova
4.0
dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (solid 4 stars, maybe even 4.25)


I really enjoyed the concept of this magic system and realm. It feels fresh and full of potential. I’m excited to see where it goes, though I still have a lot of questions, and I’m not sure they can all be answered in just one more book.


Where it lost me a bit was the pacing. The beginning felt almost too fast, but then the middle hit stretches that dragged. I had to reread a few pages sometimes because I would skim or zone out. 

I also felt like we missed some of the true build-up in the enemies-to-lovers arc. While I loved their spicy, toxic dynamic, it was harder to root for them when it took about 80% of the book for anything to finally break through, and yet somehow, not much else happened during that time. I also hated that we got no real closure with their relationship, though I did like that she was at least looking for him in the end. 

I love an FMC that isn’t weak or always crying for help. I loved the plot twists that kept me on my toes. I really did fall in love with most of the characters. 

Overall, I enjoyed it, but it never fully pulled me in.