Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Arcana Academy merges dark academia with romantasy. Did you find this blend effective? How does it compare to other books you’ve read in these genres, like the classic dark academia of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History or the romantasy epics of Sarah J. Maas?

2. What was your initial reaction to the tarot-based magic system?

3. The novel ends on a cliffhanger with Prince Ravin’s final line. What was your immediate reaction to this twist, and how did it reframe Clara’s entire motivation up to that point?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Clara constantly performs different identities to survive, from “Clara Graysword” the orphan to “Clara Redwin” the noble heiress. Have you ever felt the need to present a different version of yourself in a new or challenging environment?

2. The Starcrossed Club serves as Clara’s found family, a bond she risks everything to protect. Are their people in your life whom you consider family, even though they’re not your biological family? How did you develop this bond?

3. Were you ever in a situation where collaboration was pitted against individual ambition, like in the academy’s competitive environment?

4. Clara finds herself torn between trusting Bristara’s warnings and giving in to her feelings for Kaelis. When have you had to navigate conflicting advice from people you respect?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The Oricalis Kingdom maintains power by criminalizing unsanctioned magic and controlling access to arcane knowledge. What parallels did you see between this system and the control of information or technology in our own world?

2. How does the novel critique elite institutions and the illusion of social mobility through the structure of Arcana Academy?

3. The fantasy world of Oricalis utilizes tarot cards and their magic to create a class divide and a social hierarchy. If the narrative is an allegory for our world, what current injustice and its causes might it represent?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The relationship between Clara and Kaelis is central to the story. In what ways does the enemies-to-lovers trope effectively explore themes of power, vulnerability, and trust?

2. Arina’s bracelet makes several appearances in the novel. What could it symbolize?

3. Secrets and hidden identities recur throughout the novel. Consider Silas’s disguise as Griv. In what ways is this deception similar to those that Clara dons? How is it different?

4. Is Clara a reliable narrator? Why? Consider what makes her trustworthy and what narrative elements undermine her credibility.

5. What role do secondary characters, like Silas, Sorza, or Luren, play in developing the novel’s themes and advancing Clara’s character arc?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you are a member of House Swords when Emilia kills Eza to protect Clara. What would your narration of that event be, and what would your feelings be toward your house King and your new housemate?

2. If you could create a new Major Arcana card based on a character like Bristara, what would it be called?

3. At the end of the book, Clara is captured and being sent back to Halazar. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give her for what comes next?