"A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" by Sangu Mandanna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved the author's first book, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" by Sangu Mandanna is a heartwarming, cozy fantasy about a witch discovering what truly matters in life.

Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain—until she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from death. That act cost her her magic and got her exiled from the Guild. Now, alongside her great-aunt, she runs the Batty Hole Inn, a whimsical magical inn that attracts an eclectic mix of guests: Matilda, who adores mushrooms; Nicholas of Mayfair, who enjoys dressing as a knight; her 11-year-old cousin Theo; a talking fox; and, of course, Roo-Roo—a zombie rooster.

Sera grumpily seems to be accepting her fate, but then she stumbles upon an old spell that might just restore her powers. The plot thickens when Luke Larsen, a handsome but icy magical historian, arrives at the inn with his autistic sister. He might be the key to unlocking the spell’s secrets. Throw in a curse, shenanigans, and eccentric characters, and you have all the ingredients for a delightful, whimsical tale.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Once I got past the slow start, the story really took off. I loved that the fantasy was set in the real world—seeing a witch with a cell phone and a car was a nice touch. I could have done without the profanity, though—they felt unnecessary. Beneath the lighthearted magic, the book explores themes of hate, anger, bigotry, immigration, belonging, societal acceptance, found family, and second chances. It also features neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ representation, as well as a slow-burn romance.

The world-building is just as intriguing as its inhabitants. The book is packed with unforgettable characters and meaningful messages. I appreciated the wit and humor—it made me often smile, and I’d love to be a guest at that inn. The characters all have distinct quirks and personalities, even the secondary ones.

That said, I felt that one minor character was included just to make a point (politically biased and distorted at that). The oversimplified take on his history further pulled me out of the story. It didn’t really have a place in a fantasy, nor did it add anything meaningful to the book. Ironically, he felt like an outsider in England, but given that he was gay, he would have likely faced even greater challenges in his culture. 

As for the ending—it wasn’t anything to write home about. It made sense in its own way, but it wasn’t the resolution I expected or hoped for. That said, it was still a fun read, and I enjoyed most of it. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 4. I’d recommend it to cozy fantasy lovers who enjoy comfort reads with strong heroines, magic, and whimsical characters.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" by Sangu Mandanna

 

"An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating" by Cecilia Edward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating" by Cecilia Edward is a charming cozy fantasy that combines two of my favorite tropes: witches and time travel. The premise promised a great tale, and boy, did it deliver!

The book follows Thorn Scarhart, a thirty-nine-year-old witch looking for love in the 17th century—not an easy task at any age or period. After the disappearance of her sister and the loss of her mother, she is all alone, except for her familiar, a cat named Bandit. Despite her arsenal of powerful love potions, none bring her the love she seeks. But when one of her potions backfires, Thorn is hurled 350 years into the future—into the 21st century, no less—with her cat and a frog in tow. There, she discovers both the perks of modern life and the perils of online dating. With the help of Meg, a museum curator, and her veterinarian brother, Walls, Thorn tries to find her footing—and maybe even her perfect match.

I loved this book! Witches, potions, and cats galore graced its pages. And there was even a bit of mystery revolving around cats. I especially loved how the cats treated their owners as mere servants—because, let’s be honest, no one really owns a cat. The relationships between the felines and their so-called "owners" were delightful, and the main characters felt so real that it was easy to connect with them, especially Thorn.

Speaking of Thorn, I loved that she was in her late thirties and hadn’t given up on love. However, I didn't like the way she was treated by her mother and sister. The meaning behind her name was heart-wrenching, and the way her treatment was dismissed didn’t sit right with me. I also felt her mother and sister were forgiven a bit too easily for their actions.

The book explores themes of family, toxic relationships, self-esteem, changing oneself to meet men’s expectations, personal growth, friendship, and love. You can’t help but root for Thorn, with her unusual personality and strong character development. At first, she tries to change her looks and personality to fit men’s expectations, but she eventually realizes that isn’t the way to go.

The writing was smooth and easy to read, making it effortless to get lost in the story. The author’s style perfectly balanced humor, heart, and magic, creating a book that was both entertaining and engaging from start to finish.

Overall, I found this to be a delightful cozy rom-com/fantasy. I enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend it. Fans of feel-good books filled with hilarity, heart, and slow-burn romance will surely love this one. It has all the ingredients of an excellent read: a fun plot, colorful characters, a fabulous setting, and a romance that makes for a warm, fuzzy experience. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating" by Cecilia Edward

"The Secret Market of the Dead" by Giovanni De Feo

 

"The Secret Market of the Dead" by Giovanni De Feo is an original, Italian-inspired gothic historical fantasy debut in which a young girl struggles to change her destiny—one denied to her due to her gender.

Set in Lucerìa, an 18th-century town in the Kingdom of Naples, the story follows eight-year-old twins, Oriana and Oriano, along with their parents and baby brother. This is a patriarchal society, and the twins are not treated equally by their parents and peers. Oriano is the favored child, given more freedom. He is popular and loved, so his pranks are met with indulgence. Oriana, on the other hand, is the more studious of the two. She has always dreamed of becoming a smith in her father’s forge, but her mother, and fate, have other plans for her.

The novel is steeped in mysticism, folklore, and tales of the nocturnal realm—a place ruled by seven immortals and fueled by Moira, the power to reshape one’s destiny, though not without a cost. Oriana’s path is forever altered when she encounters Emistuchivio, the Duke of the Under-Earth and Darkness, and other creatures of the Night, forcing her to enter the Secret Market of the Dead to fulfill a task.

Years later, at 14, Oriana’s twin brother is chosen as the first apprentice, destined to inherit the family forge. Unwilling to accept this, Oriana challenges her brother to three trials that will determine the rightful heir. What follows is a captivating tale of struggle, ambition, myths, and dreams.

At its core, this is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a rigid patriarchal society. Oriana is ahead of her time—the first feminist, fighting against the limitations placed on her due to her gender—and I admired her for that. The book also explores themes of family bonds, sibling rivalry, societal constraints, misogyny, and the courage to defy expectations in pursuit of one’s dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The author weaves a world rich with legend and myth, blending logic and the supernatural. The worldbuilding, the night saints, and the interplay between pagan beliefs and Christianity make for a truly unique backdrop. The characters are complex and realistic—Dame Lena, a hardened woman whose ambitions have turned her bitter; clever Oriana, educated in the era’s liberal ideas, which, sadly, did not extend to women; and Oriano, who benefits from a system he does not question.

Despite the title, the story does not revolve around the Secret Market itself—which is a pity, as I would have loved to explore it further. However, the novel beautifully captures a dreamlike world where one can become whatever their heart desires. And there’s a talking cat!

To sum up, I found this to be a refreshing and engaging tale. While I truly enjoyed the story, I felt certain aspects—like the limited focus on the Secret Market—kept it from being a full 5-star read. That said, it was still an excellent book, earning 4 out of 5 stars. While it is suitable for YA readers, adults will also appreciate its depth and themes. The pacing is steady, and the twist at the end genuinely caught me by surprise. Fans of gothic historical fantasy, folklore-infused stories, and strong heroines will find much to love in this book.

Trigger warnings: animal death, mistreatment, and abuse of power.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Secret Market of the Dead" by Giovanni De Feo

"Here for a Good Time" by Pyae Moe Thet War

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Here for a Good Time" by Pyae Moe Thet War is a fun rom-com set in Myanmar that follows two best friends as they find their way to love.

Poe Myat Sabe is an up-and-coming author whose first book is being turned into a Netflix film. She suffers from second-book syndrome and is struggling with writer's block. She shares her apartment with her childhood best friend, Zwe. Lately, she has neglected him, and she decides that the solution to both her writer’s block and their strained friendship is a two-week getaway to an exclusive island resort. The plot thickens when the resort is taken over by a group of masked women, forcing them to run for their lives.

I loved the combination of romance and action. The book started slow, but it gained momentum after the heist. I usually prefer the enemies-to-lovers trope, but I do enjoy friends-to-lovers at times, and I love the vacation-gone-wrong trope. I liked the interactions between the couple and how miscommunication contributed to misunderstandings.

I also appreciated that the lead characters were Asian, and that the author refuted the misconception that Asian parents don’t support their children’s dreams. However, it took me a while to realize the story was set in Myanmar and not England. Additionally, Poe tended to go on and on about her writer’s block, her drafts, and how much she cares for Zwe, but he doesn’t seem to share her feelings.

Poe and Zwe are complete opposites. She loves books; he loves numbers. He helps his parents run their bookstore, where she also signs her book. They’ve both dated other people, but nothing ever worked out. He is all about numbers and logic; she is driven by emotions. He has always held a steady job, while she is an artist—more of a dreamer and spontaneous. I guess "opposites attract" is true.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. The writing and humor made it an entertaining read. It was a bit predictable, as most rom-coms are, but it still had its twists. I liked the couple and rooted for them. I’d recommend this book to fans of the genre who don’t mind slow-burn romance and enjoy a bit of action in their love stories.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Here for a Good Time" by Pyae Moe Thet War

"Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz

 

"Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz is a top-notch YA whodunit with a unique setting, colorful characters, and plenty of red herrings. A murder mystery game turns deadly at J. Everett High, a private criminology school, turning everyone into a suspect and forcing a criminology student to crack the case.

Every year, the school stages a murder mystery to test its students. This year, crime junkie Dulce Death Castillo is determined to win the big prize. A longtime fan of Lord Wimsey, the literary detective created by Dorothy L. Sayers, she applies his methods to her own life. The plot thickens when the student playing the victim, Xavier Torres, is found poisoned in the school’s greenhouse - and suspicion falls on Sierra Fox, her ex-best friend and Xavier’s ex-girlfriend.

Sierra begs Dulce to prove her innocence, but Dulce refuses at first, still resenting her for abandoning her after her mother’s accidental death. Meanwhile, her best friend Emi starts investigating on her own, growing closer to another student, much to Dulce’s dismay. Then there’s Zane, a new student with a shady past and secrets of his own. Hoping to uncover the truth about both the murder and her mother’s accident, Dulce joins the investigation, applying her keen powers of observation - and Lord Wimsey’s methods - to catch a murderer and seek justice.

I loved this book! It's one of the best YA novels I’ve read recently, packed with twists and turns that will leave you spinning. The writing is sharp and engaging, pulling you in from the very first page. The characters are well-developed and well-rounded, with interactions that feel authentic and reveal glimpses of their pasts.

The story explores themes of grief, loss, betrayal, and friendship, and I love how the author expresses these emotions in such a relatable way. There’s even a bit of romance, though it never overshadows the mystery. The suspense keeps you hooked while making you root for the protagonists. Some moments may require a suspension of disbelief, but they don’t take away from the story’s impact.

Each chapter begins with a Dorothy L. Sayers quote, adding another layer of depth to the book. I’ve read a few of Sayers' novels, but after finishing this, I feel an even stronger urge to read the rest. That said, prior knowledge of Sayers’ work isn’t necessary to enjoy the story. 
 
I adored everything about this book and found Dulce incredibly relatable. She is observant and perceptive, and I loved reading her thought process and the way she analyzed others’ behavior. Her attempts to step into Lord Wimsey’s shoes, along with her character development, were a joy to follow.

The plot moves at a great pace, with just enough detail to paint a vivid picture of the characters and setting without becoming tedious. I didn’t guess the identity of the murderer, which made the reveal even more satisfying. It’s not a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but there’s plenty of suspense to keep you engrossed.

To sum up, this is an absolute page-turner, highly recommended for fans of suspense and dark academia. I’d love to read more books featuring this heroine!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz

"Lie in the Tide" by Holly Danvers

 

"Lie in the Tide" by Holly Danvers is a solid suspense thriller set on Cape Cod, exploring the impact and consequences of white lies on relationships. I love the reunion gone wrong trope, so I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

The story follows four friends reuniting after 20 years apart: Mori, the hostess and a bestselling erotica author; Calista, a suburban mom and high school English teacher; Remi, a yoga instructor; and Avery, a farm wife living in Iowa. They all have secrets - some more serious than others. The plot thickens when one of them fails to arrive at the reunion, leaving no trace behind. As the friends try to uncover what happened, tensions rise, secrets unravel, and then - there’s a murder.

This is a book about secrets and lies. At times, I felt there were simply too many. While the story delves deep into the characters' mindsets, I struggled to connect with any of them or the foolish decisions they made. Some of their actions left me raising a brow, as they didn’t always make sense. And their constant arguments were exhausting, to say the least.

That said, I appreciated the attention to detail in the characters' interactions and inner thoughts. The writing itself was strong - the emotions leapt off the page. However, this also slowed the pacing at times. I wasn’t fully engaged or eager to see what would happen next.

Overall, it was an okay read. It started off really well, but eventually lost momentum. The mystery itself was predictable and didn’t keep me guessing, though the twist at the end did manage to surprise me. The identity of the villain was obvious (at least to me), and I found it unrealistic that they weren't on the suspect list.

That being said, I still enjoyed the book to some extent, so I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars. The twist at the end made up for some of the flaws. I’d recommend it to readers who don’t mind a slow-paced story and are new to the genre.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Lie in the Tide" by Holly Danvers

"Fan Favorite" Adrienne Gunn

 

"Fan Favorite" by Adrienne Gunn is an enjoyable romcom set in the world of reality TV dating. I rarely watch reality shows - aside from the occasional dating episode - but I love reading about them.

Thirty-five-year-old Edie Pepper, a copywriter from Chicago, wants love, marriage, and the whole package. After her boyfriend dumps her and a series of disastrous dates, she faces an existential crisis - especially when her latest date tells her she’s "too old" for marriage. Yet, she hasn’t given up on love. When she sees her high school sweetheart, Charlie Bennett, on America’s biggest reality dating show, The Key, she convinces herself he’s the one. She reaches out to Jessa, one of the show’s producers, who eagerly brings her on board to boost ratings.

Petter, The Key's cynical showrunner, is unimpressed - Edie doesn’t fit the typical contestant mold, nor does he believe in love after his rough divorce. Meanwhile, Charlie isn’t the man she remembers. He’s reinvented himself and has no intention of looking back. When Edie unexpectedly joins the show, he’s less than thrilled. Expecting fireworks and a rekindled romance, Edie instead finds herself entangled in the ruthless world of reality TV. She soon realizes that reality is far from glamorous - and that love often appears where you least expect it.

I enjoyed this book very much. While it has plenty of lighthearted moments, it also explores serious themes - love and the need to be loved, friendship, self-image, and the lengths people will go for fame. Though written in third person, the novel skillfully delves into the perspectives of Edie, Charlie, and Petter, making them feel like real, fleshed-out people. The character interactions felt authentic and added depth to the story.

The novel pokes fun at modern dating, exposing the unrealistic expectations shaped by books and movies, while offering a sharp critique of reality TV’s behind-the-scenes manipulations - not a pretty picture. I especially loved the small touches, like the memos between the producers, the TV interviews, and the raw behind-the-scenes look at how "reality" is crafted.

There was a bit of excessive name-dropping, which felt over the top at times. Edie, as the quintessential all-American girl, struggles with self-esteem, even comparing herself to skinny celebrities at one point (not exactly the best role models). Still, I liked her, and I appreciated how both she and the other characters evolved throughout the story. She learns important lessons and, more importantly, finds herself along the way.

Overall, I loved the book and its refreshing take on social media, dating, and reality TV. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light read with deeper themes. While the ending was predictable, the journey was anything but. It makes you reflect on the choices we make and serves as a reminder to believe in yourself.

Would I ever participate in a reality show? Absolutely not. And after reading this, I’ll never look at them the same way again.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: Fan Favorite by Adrienne Gunn

"Death on the Island" by Eliza Reid

 

"Death on the Island" by Eliza Reid is a slow-paced locked-room mystery set in the Westman Islands, Iceland. It is the first in a planned series featuring some of the characters introduced in this book.

Nine people gather at chef Piotr's restaurant for a diplomatic dinner, each with their own reasons for being there. Among them are Kristján, the grieving mayor; Hanna, a former local artist; Graeme, the Canadian ambassador, and his wife Jane; Kavita, the deputy ambassador, and her husband Rahul; Linda and Thor, owners of a fish factory; and Ben, a famous author.

The plot thickens when one of the guests dies after drinking Piotr’s signature cocktail, the Flaming Viking. To make matters worse, a violent storm traps them on the island. When an inexperienced officer is assigned to the case, Jane takes it upon herself to investigate with the help of another guest. The clock is ticking, and no one is safe.

Overall, it was an okay read, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully work for me. The book started out strong - with a suspicious death - but it quickly lost its momentum. I loved the premise, the atmospheric setting, the Christie-esque locked-room setup, and the twists. However, I expected more suspense and tension. The slow pace, combined with extensive backstories, made it less gripping than I had hoped. While the character backstories added depth, they also slowed the narrative down significantly.

The book had all the ingredients for a great mystery - an exotic setting, an intriguing locked-room setup, and a group of strangers trapped with a murderer - but the execution fell short. Too much telling (about the island’s history, the characters' pasts, and the back-stabbing) and not enough showing made the reading experience tedious at times.

I also wasn’t a fan of how justice wasn’t fully served. I’m growing tired of stories where culprits walk free. What is it with this new trend of letting wrongdoers off the hook? In the end, I rated this book 2.5 out of 5 stars, rounding up to three, mainly because, despite its flaws, the book had its moments.

I didn't rate it higher because, at the end of the day, the story didn’t hold my engagement as much as I had hoped. The mystery didn’t have enough suspense to keep me fully invested. It’s a decent start to the series, but with a tighter plot and better pacing, it could be much stronger.

To sum, a promising premise that doesn’t fully reach its potential. A good pick if you enjoy slower, character-driven mysteries, but if you’re looking for a tense, edge-of-your-seat thriller, you might want to look elsewhere.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Death on the Island" by Eliza Reid

"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong

 

"House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong is an impressive dark fantasy debut that follows a cast-out girl and a vengeful eldritch being. As someone who loves "fairy tales soaked in gothic atmosphere," the blurb immediately caught my eye - and boy, what a ride it was!

Alma, our heroine, is the illegitimate daughter of House Avera, one of the four noble houses of Kugara that serve the gods and are imbued with their powers. Her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, the most terrifying god of all - a harbinger of death. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Alma strikes a deal with her estranged father: she will sacrifice her left arm to the Beast in a binding ceremony in exchange for treatment for her mother. Tragically, her mother dies anyway, leaving Alma isolated and unwanted in a house that doesn't feel like a home, a mere pawn in her father’s plans.

Rejected by her arrogant relatives and kept at a distance, Alma dreams of revenge. Heartbroken, isolated, and consumed by anger and hatred, she longs to bring down her cruel father. Her only friend is Aster, a mysterious eldritch being that only she can see. Together, they plot and prepare to challenge their circumstances. Thus begins a gripping story of revenge, resilience, and angst that kept me hooked until the very last page.

I absolutely loved this story and rooted for Alma from start to finish. She is a wonderfully complex character. At the story's start, she is just 11 years old, but after a few chapters, the narrative jumps ahead eight years. Watching her grow, change, and grapple with the realization that the world is not simply black and white was incredibly compelling. Her grief over her mother’s death is heart-wrenching, and her journey is relatable and deeply moving.

While Alma is full of resentment and hatred for her relatives, she also possesses remarkable compassion. She can be spiteful and selfish, but she is also soft-hearted and genuinely cares for others. Even in her darkest moments, she recalls her mother’s gentle admonishments to avoid harming others. Aster complements her, supports her, and shares a complex dynamic that adds depth to the narrative. They don't always see eye to eye, which adds to the realism of their relationship.

The side characters, including Fion, Kaim, Six, and Sevelie, are also well-developed, with enough detail to make them feel real and relatable. The themes of loneliness, abandonment, family, revenge, and the power of love are beautifully woven throughout the story. It also explores forgiveness, selflessness, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.

The dark atmosphere, intricate relationships, and rich lore were fascinating. This is truly a dark tale - limb amputation to bind oneself to the gods is no small thing - but somehow, it all fits together seamlessly. The world-building and lore were outstanding. While there’s little focus on a magic system, the lore more than compensates for it. I also appreciated the subtle references to other countries and their lack of magic, highlighting the uniqueness of Kugara’s divine connections.

The illustrations deserve a special mention. They were not only visually striking, but also beautifully enhanced the story’s gothic and atmospheric tone, bringing the world and its characters vividly to life. The ending was unexpected, but after some reflection, I realized it was the right choice - it stayed true to the story’s tone and message.

With a story told from the first point of view, a well-constructed world, beatific black-and-white illustrations, likeable protagonists, and an enthralling narrative, we have an enjoyable and engaging read. The romance is very light, and never overshadows the story’s primary focus.

The pacing of the book was steady and engrossing for most of the story, but the last section picked up significantly, delivering a fast-paced, gripping climax. This shift worked well to build suspense, keeping me fully engaged until the very end. That said, I did find the use of the word "fuck," to be jarring in the otherwise unique world.

Overall, I adored this book and highly recommend it. House of the Beast is a gritty and captivating read, perfect for fans of flawed characters, intricate lore, and dark tales. Readers who enjoy emotionally-driven stories that delve into themes like trauma, loneliness, and the search for belonging will likely appreciate it.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "House of the Beast" by Michelle Wong

"Arcana Academy" by Elise Kova

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Arcana Academy" by Elise Kova is the first book in the Arcana Academy Trilogy, and what a fantastic start it is! This gripping tale masterfully blends romantasy, intrigue, and dark academia, hooking me from the very first sentence.

Written in the first person, the story follows Clara Graysword, who is sent to the Halazar prison for illegally inking tarot cards - a rare and powerful skill among the Arcanists. The narrative unfolds in the Oricalis Kingdom, where only Arcanists who graduate from the Academy are permitted to practice their arts in service to the king and noble houses. Those who fail - or defy the rules - are marked and sent to the mills, where survival rate is rare. While Clara languishes in jail, Prince Kaelis, the second of three royal brothers and the headmaster of the Academy, pays her an unexpected visit, striking an uneasy deal with her. Thus begins a compelling tale brimming with intrigue, secrets, and magic.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Themes of friendship, trust, found family, enemies to lovers, human fallibility, betrayal, and slow-burn romance are expertly woven into a plot full of unexpected twists. As a fan of dark academia, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the students’ lessons and trials. The division into four houses—Wands, Coins, Cups, and Swords—gave me strong Harry Potter vibes, and I adored it!

The dark academia setting, the intricate world-building, and the unique tarot card magic system were all exceptionally well done. The system itself, with its major and minor cards and their varied uses - wielding, inking, and reading - was fascinating. Despite the large cast of characters, the author skillfully made them distinct and easy to follow.

One of the standout moments in the book was Clara’s participation in the Academy trials. These intense and high-stakes contests required her to showcase her inking, reading, and wielding skills to pass to the next level. The suspense of these scenes kept me on the edge of my seat and demonstrated both Clara’s perseverance and the complexity of the magic system.

The complex relationship between the strong-willed protagonist and the brooding dark prince was captivating. While Clara’s impulsiveness could be frustrating at times, her determination made her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Meanwhile, Prince Kaelis’s many layers added depth and intrigue to his character.

If I have one complaint, it’s the use of the word “fuck” in the text, which felt out of place in the otherwise richly woven world. Additionally, the story dragged slightly in the final section and could have been tightened up. However, these minor issues didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment.

The cliffhanger left me speechless, and I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. Overall, Arcana Academy is a spellbinding start to what promises to be an unforgettable trilogy. If you enjoy stories with morally gray characters, intricate relationships, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, dark academia vibes, excellent writing, and arcane magic, this is the book for you.

A quick note: the book contains a couple of explicit scenes, making it less suitable for younger readers. Personally, I found these scenes unnecessary, as the story was compelling enough without them.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Arcana Academy" by Elise Kova