reddhead16 's review for:

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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What a fascinating world! Yeah, it has problems, at least if you are not part of the noble ruling clans and are a unmarked arcanist trying to break the system. Unfortunately Clara got the short stick, spending a year in an awful prison before Prince Kaelis decides to use her in his own plans which are quite grand, world changing in fact! The magic system in this book is interesting, using tarot cards as the conduits, strictly controlled by the king where you either go to the Arcana Academy (which has rigorous tests, limited spots and favors nobles) or are marked and go to the mills that make the ink to bring magic to the inked cards. 

Yes, there is romance (which only heats up near the end) but it is not so much of a focus, instead it goes in depth into the academy and its many secrets with the Majors and original rulers of the land and how Clara will play a part in the changing. Plus you get to meet some very interesting people, some of them students like Alor and Lurien, but also the rebels fighting against the king and his visions for the land. Lots of excitement, near death, and death experiences and I had a thrilling ride going along with Clara as she figures out how to survive the academy and who she can trust. 

I really enjoyed reading this and it sucked me right in though I am disappointed and on tenterhooks for how it ends. I need the next book now!!!