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Arcana #1
The Lost Heirs
Debut author/illustrator Sam Prentice-Jones explores fighting against your destiny and reconciling the actions of your ancestors in Arcana: The Lost Heirs, a tarot-inspired fantasy graphic novel for young adults.
James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny have all grown up surrounded by magic in the Arcana, an organization of witches that protects the magical world, run by the mysterious and secretive Majors. Eli Jones, however, didn’t even know other witches existed . . . until he stumbled into James. As James introduces Eli to the world of the Arcana, he finds the family he never had, and a blossoming romance with James.
The five new friends soon realize that sinister things are afoot and everything may not be what it seems at the Arcana. When the group delves deeper into the mystery surrounding the deaths of their parents and the Major’s rise to power, they discover that they’re at the center of a curse - one they’ve just unwittingly set into motion. As the friends search for answers, they’ll have to confront the cursed legacy that links them in hopes of freeing their futures.
James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny have all grown up surrounded by magic in the Arcana, an organization of witches that protects the magical world, run by the mysterious and secretive Majors. Eli Jones, however, didn’t even know other witches existed . . . until he stumbled into James. As James introduces Eli to the world of the Arcana, he finds the family he never had, and a blossoming romance with James.
The five new friends soon realize that sinister things are afoot and everything may not be what it seems at the Arcana. When the group delves deeper into the mystery surrounding the deaths of their parents and the Major’s rise to power, they discover that they’re at the center of a curse - one they’ve just unwittingly set into motion. As the friends search for answers, they’ll have to confront the cursed legacy that links them in hopes of freeing their futures.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2025
4 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan, and Feiwel & Friends for the advanced copy.
⭐2.5
A tarot-inspired fantasy graphic novel set in an a witch academy where our main characters (Eli, James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny) find out the truth behind the Arcana.
I really love the use of the brown tones in the graphic novel. The art is really charming and unique. You will look at it and feel like it gives you a warm hug. The use of pale coloring really makes the times when they use more black to fill the page to be truly ominous.
This is just the first book in the series so I'm sure there is plenty to explore as it goes on, for me personally; it didn't hook me as much as I would of liked.
The romance between Eli and James felt very fast. Maybe this is coming from a slow-burn lover, but I wish they spent more building it up. I also didn't feel super connected to them as characters which is a bit unfortunate since they are the ones we follow the most.
I do like the mystery of the history of the Arcana and am wondering where Prentice-Jones will take the story!
Favorite character in the whole novel: Daphne. She made me tear up a little bit there.
⭐2.5
A tarot-inspired fantasy graphic novel set in an a witch academy where our main characters (Eli, James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny) find out the truth behind the Arcana.
I really love the use of the brown tones in the graphic novel. The art is really charming and unique. You will look at it and feel like it gives you a warm hug. The use of pale coloring really makes the times when they use more black to fill the page to be truly ominous.
This is just the first book in the series so I'm sure there is plenty to explore as it goes on, for me personally; it didn't hook me as much as I would of liked.
The romance between Eli and James felt very fast. Maybe this is coming from a slow-burn lover, but I wish they spent more building it up. I also didn't feel super connected to them as characters which is a bit unfortunate since they are the ones we follow the most.
I do like the mystery of the history of the Arcana and am wondering where Prentice-Jones will take the story!
Favorite character in the whole novel: Daphne. She made me tear up a little bit there.
April 7, 2025
3.25
A strong start to a promising series! The art is adorable and the premise is really intriguing. This first installment was a bit info-dumpy but ‘tis the nature of exposition! I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A strong start to a promising series! The art is adorable and the premise is really intriguing. This first installment was a bit info-dumpy but ‘tis the nature of exposition! I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2025
Pub Date: June 24, 2025
What a fun ride!
I just recently got into my own tarot journey, although I've been interested for a long time. So, when I had the chance to get my hands on this, I took it! And I'm so glad I did. ARCANA: THE LOST HEIRS follows Eli, a rogue witch, as they find their coven in the Arcana!
I liked the art style so so much. It was fun and whimsical and so cute. I loved all of the nods to tarot, especially how the hierarchy in the story parallels how the tarot is actually set up. I also really enjoyed how queer this book is. I'm really interested in queering my own tarot, so this felt so perfect for what I'm trying to do in my own life.
The plot of ARCANA: THE LOST HEIRS is intriguing, captivating, and thrilling! I'm loving all the mystery and intrigue of the Arcana and what's going on with everyone. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. It's also quite romantic, which was incredibly enjoyable. I love love.
Definitely a found-family aspect, which is always so lovely to experience. I cannot wait for volume 2!
Thank you Sam Prentice-Jones and Macmillan for the ARC!
What a fun ride!
I just recently got into my own tarot journey, although I've been interested for a long time. So, when I had the chance to get my hands on this, I took it! And I'm so glad I did. ARCANA: THE LOST HEIRS follows Eli, a rogue witch, as they find their coven in the Arcana!
I liked the art style so so much. It was fun and whimsical and so cute. I loved all of the nods to tarot, especially how the hierarchy in the story parallels how the tarot is actually set up. I also really enjoyed how queer this book is. I'm really interested in queering my own tarot, so this felt so perfect for what I'm trying to do in my own life.
The plot of ARCANA: THE LOST HEIRS is intriguing, captivating, and thrilling! I'm loving all the mystery and intrigue of the Arcana and what's going on with everyone. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. It's also quite romantic, which was incredibly enjoyable. I love love.
Definitely a found-family aspect, which is always so lovely to experience. I cannot wait for volume 2!
Thank you Sam Prentice-Jones and Macmillan for the ARC!
June 7, 2025
This was very fun. I love a fully queer cast of witches! It had a nice balance between the bigger plot and the new friends and relationships. Though there is a cliffhanger ending which now I have to wait for the second volume and I don't know when it comes out! I definitely am invested in these characters and am intrigued to know just what happened to the old families.
May 27, 2025
This is sweet and compelling. Art like this isn’t usually my style, but it actually suited this sweet and not-too-simple story. I appreciate that it takes its time in the setup- the shifting perspectives from chapter to chapter and copious worldbuilding give the story time to breathe. The Tarot imagery throughout was consistently interesting, too. I will gladly be picking up the next chapter of this, as it leaves off on a good climax!
June 10, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones is a YA contemporary fantasy graphic novel. Eli Jones is convinced that he is the only witch that exists. When he meets James and accidentally reveals his powers, Eli learns that there’s an entire secret society of witches called Arcana. But there are things that Eli doesn’t know and a shared past that is knocking on witch society’s door.
The art is more on the minimalist side and has many characters who have a larger, rounder frame than the more svelte figures that are common in manga. The color palette on most pages is fairly limited with multiple pages being mostly various shades of orange and white and then moving to pages that are blue and white. The backgrounds are also more on the minimalist side, making this a great choice for readers looking for a graphic novel that isn’t super busy on a visual level. Each chapter opens with a different tarot card and a
This is very much the start of an overarching plot that is establishing the relationships of the five main characters (including their romantic relationships) followed by some details of witch society and their families. I think that this is setting the groundwork for some very personal stakes that will have broader consequences in the world. James and Eli start a relationship of sorts and there’s been something brewing between Daphne and Sonny that will hopefully have a conclusion in the upcoming books.
One thing I liked was how all five leads got a roughly equal amount of time to show us where they are starting before Eli joins the others in Arcana. As Eli is the most main character, he gets a bit more time but his first chapter does entwine with James’, helping to establish their romance and their character arcs. There are some triggering concepts depicted, such as Daphne’s father’s sexism and transphobia and Koko’s mother’s health though none of it goes super in depth in this first book.
Content warning for depictions of sexism, transphobia, and a sick parent
I would recommend this to fans of YA fantasy with mostly Queer casts and readers of witchy graphic novels looking for body diversity and a slower pacing
Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones is a YA contemporary fantasy graphic novel. Eli Jones is convinced that he is the only witch that exists. When he meets James and accidentally reveals his powers, Eli learns that there’s an entire secret society of witches called Arcana. But there are things that Eli doesn’t know and a shared past that is knocking on witch society’s door.
The art is more on the minimalist side and has many characters who have a larger, rounder frame than the more svelte figures that are common in manga. The color palette on most pages is fairly limited with multiple pages being mostly various shades of orange and white and then moving to pages that are blue and white. The backgrounds are also more on the minimalist side, making this a great choice for readers looking for a graphic novel that isn’t super busy on a visual level. Each chapter opens with a different tarot card and a
This is very much the start of an overarching plot that is establishing the relationships of the five main characters (including their romantic relationships) followed by some details of witch society and their families. I think that this is setting the groundwork for some very personal stakes that will have broader consequences in the world. James and Eli start a relationship of sorts and there’s been something brewing between Daphne and Sonny that will hopefully have a conclusion in the upcoming books.
One thing I liked was how all five leads got a roughly equal amount of time to show us where they are starting before Eli joins the others in Arcana. As Eli is the most main character, he gets a bit more time but his first chapter does entwine with James’, helping to establish their romance and their character arcs. There are some triggering concepts depicted, such as Daphne’s father’s sexism and transphobia and Koko’s mother’s health though none of it goes super in depth in this first book.
Content warning for depictions of sexism, transphobia, and a sick parent
I would recommend this to fans of YA fantasy with mostly Queer casts and readers of witchy graphic novels looking for body diversity and a slower pacing
April 8, 2025
A tarot-inspired fantasy world rife with witches and magic? Check. A young witch who discovers his powers and joins the Arcana coven? Check. Found family and romance? Check, check.
When Eli discovers he has powers of a witch, he joins his budding romantic partner, James, and a group of friends as they uncover a sinister curse. The mystery surrounding the curse is slowly unraveled, with the group and their family legacies in the center of it.
I loved the art and overall cozy fantasy vibes this one brought. The complex relationships with each character and their point of views was lovely to follow. I already want more! 🪄☕️
**Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group on NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!**
When Eli discovers he has powers of a witch, he joins his budding romantic partner, James, and a group of friends as they uncover a sinister curse. The mystery surrounding the curse is slowly unraveled, with the group and their family legacies in the center of it.
I loved the art and overall cozy fantasy vibes this one brought. The complex relationships with each character and their point of views was lovely to follow. I already want more! 🪄☕️
**Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group on NetGalley for a copy of this ARC!**
April 15, 2025
I have fallen deeply under Arcana: The Lost Heirs’s spell cast by Sam Prentice-Jones! This graphic novel is filled with absolutely ravishing illustrations and spellbinding color work! Those who loved Heartstopper will be mesmerized by this supernatural story of love, friendship, and discovery! The characters are profound, bewitching, and inclusive! Arcana features themes of found family, rising from generational trauma, caring for loved one, and all things occult. I am utterly captivated by this story and I cannot wait for the next installment! This cozy witchy graphic novel is a must have in your collection YA or otherwise! Become enchanted by Arcana June 24 2025
Thank you Net Galley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Thank you Net Galley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
December 23, 2024
{Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC}
I loved the art, the concept, and the way the colors changed for each chapter depending on which character was the focus. I also loved the diversity in body size and queerness. The weaknesses I saw in this book were how fast it moved, how fast the characters were introduced (I could barely tell them apart and then the next person was already being introduced), and the dialogue’s surface level text-speech style. With more in-depth dialogue and time taken to really get to know characters this series could flourish! Overalls, I enjoyed reading this, so 4 stars!
I loved the art, the concept, and the way the colors changed for each chapter depending on which character was the focus. I also loved the diversity in body size and queerness. The weaknesses I saw in this book were how fast it moved, how fast the characters were introduced (I could barely tell them apart and then the next person was already being introduced), and the dialogue’s surface level text-speech style. With more in-depth dialogue and time taken to really get to know characters this series could flourish! Overalls, I enjoyed reading this, so 4 stars!
January 26, 2025
Ooooohhhhhhhh!!! This was absolutely perfect! What starts out as a lost royalty trope storyline ends in a group of 5 young witches finding each other and becoming some semblance of a coven. Plus, it’s gay AF!!!! And I loved every second of it!
When a disturbance is posted about on social media, a witch is sent out to investigate. Instead of a ghost or something of the like, he finds an adorable wild witch. Someone who knows nothing about how to control his magic. So he not only has something to report to the Arcana, but he also has a new guy to crush on.
With the help of his friends, they begin to look for clues as to what is going on. Instead of finding answers though, all they find are more questions. And the Majors (basically the rulers of the coven) are hiding secrets, but could they be deadly ones or are they actually trying to save them?
This combined two of my favorite things: witches and the LGBTQIA+!! All of the main characters are people I’d want to be friends with, so of course I fell in love with them immediately. On top of that, I LOVE the art style. It isn’t one you see as much in graphic novels and has an old timey feel that I vibe with.
When a disturbance is posted about on social media, a witch is sent out to investigate. Instead of a ghost or something of the like, he finds an adorable wild witch. Someone who knows nothing about how to control his magic. So he not only has something to report to the Arcana, but he also has a new guy to crush on.
With the help of his friends, they begin to look for clues as to what is going on. Instead of finding answers though, all they find are more questions. And the Majors (basically the rulers of the coven) are hiding secrets, but could they be deadly ones or are they actually trying to save them?
This combined two of my favorite things: witches and the LGBTQIA+!! All of the main characters are people I’d want to be friends with, so of course I fell in love with them immediately. On top of that, I LOVE the art style. It isn’t one you see as much in graphic novels and has an old timey feel that I vibe with.
August 10, 2025
Came to read The Lost Heirs after receiving an advanced readers copy of The Cursed Fate and I’m really looking forward to continuing this story 😌 I love the illustration style with the big soft bodies and monochromatic scenes that change color with setting and (my favorite) with everyones’ specific magic.
I thought the story was easy to follow both visually and through dialogue as this new word is explained to the reader. I also absolutely loved getting to know each character through their thoughts as they interact with each other and the world around them. They all seem super sweet and silly and I want to be friends with them!!!
I do wish there was a bit more struggle or conflict… everything seems to come together a little too easily- with both relationships and this mystery regarding the Majors and the Arcana. But that also somehow felt a little refreshing. I’m just along for the ride with my new buds while they love and cherish each other and figure stuff out together with trust and determination. Hell yeah 🥲🥲
I thought the story was easy to follow both visually and through dialogue as this new word is explained to the reader. I also absolutely loved getting to know each character through their thoughts as they interact with each other and the world around them. They all seem super sweet and silly and I want to be friends with them!!!
I do wish there was a bit more struggle or conflict… everything seems to come together a little too easily- with both relationships and this mystery regarding the Majors and the Arcana. But that also somehow felt a little refreshing. I’m just along for the ride with my new buds while they love and cherish each other and figure stuff out together with trust and determination. Hell yeah 🥲🥲
April 23, 2025
Illustration: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5
When I first started reading this graphic novel, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the illustration style. At first, it felt a little kiddish—not young adult, but more light in tone than I expected given the premise. But as the story progressed, the artwork really grew on me. It ended up matching the characters, the tone, and the energy of the story in a way that felt just right.
That said, I do wish the book had gone a bit darker. This is the first in a series, and while it lays a solid foundation—family secrets, a generational curse, mysterious figures in the shadows—I felt like too much time was spent on relationships and casual interactions that didn’t push the story forward. The whole instant-love thing between James and Eli, for example, could’ve been introduced but saved for deeper exploration in the next book.
I wanted more focus on the training, on self-discovery, on building the mythology. We’re told the training is difficult, but we don’t really see it. We catch glimpses of the curse and a shadowy figure attacking, but I would’ve liked a few more questions answered, just to anchor the stakes a bit more.
That said, I’d still recommend this. It’s a solid graphic novel to read in between heavier books, and it has a lot of potential. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on where the series goes next.
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends + NetGalley for this egalley.
Overall: 3.5/5
When I first started reading this graphic novel, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the illustration style. At first, it felt a little kiddish—not young adult, but more light in tone than I expected given the premise. But as the story progressed, the artwork really grew on me. It ended up matching the characters, the tone, and the energy of the story in a way that felt just right.
That said, I do wish the book had gone a bit darker. This is the first in a series, and while it lays a solid foundation—family secrets, a generational curse, mysterious figures in the shadows—I felt like too much time was spent on relationships and casual interactions that didn’t push the story forward. The whole instant-love thing between James and Eli, for example, could’ve been introduced but saved for deeper exploration in the next book.
I wanted more focus on the training, on self-discovery, on building the mythology. We’re told the training is difficult, but we don’t really see it. We catch glimpses of the curse and a shadowy figure attacking, but I would’ve liked a few more questions answered, just to anchor the stakes a bit more.
That said, I’d still recommend this. It’s a solid graphic novel to read in between heavier books, and it has a lot of potential. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on where the series goes next.
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends + NetGalley for this egalley.
April 9, 2025
This debut graphic novel was amazing! I loved the diversity of the characters and how each chapter introduced a new perspective from someone else's point of view. It starts off slow to introduce everyone, then deep dives into the thick of the plot.
This novel is suspenseful, emotional, and leaves you wanting more. There is found family, cozy witch vibes, and a lot of lgbtqia+ representation. The artwork is eye-catching and fits well with the story. It's definitely a quick read and I absolutely cannot wait to read more about this friend group!
This novel is suspenseful, emotional, and leaves you wanting more. There is found family, cozy witch vibes, and a lot of lgbtqia+ representation. The artwork is eye-catching and fits well with the story. It's definitely a quick read and I absolutely cannot wait to read more about this friend group!
August 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was such a beautifully illustrated and delightfully queer graphic novel! I really loved James and Eli and their cute little instant connection. I found the story intriguing and paced well, especially given that pacing is so hard to get right in graphic novels.
While I appreciate the look into each character's backstory, the inclusion of 5 perspectives was a bit much. I think shaving that down by one or two would have allowed deeper connections to some of the characters. I am particularly interested in Daphne's backstory as a trans witch!
This was such a beautifully illustrated and delightfully queer graphic novel! I really loved James and Eli and their cute little instant connection. I found the story intriguing and paced well, especially given that pacing is so hard to get right in graphic novels.
While I appreciate the look into each character's backstory, the inclusion of 5 perspectives was a bit much. I think shaving that down by one or two would have allowed deeper connections to some of the characters. I am particularly interested in Daphne's backstory as a trans witch!
October 18, 2024
I enjoyed the story line but feel it moved a long too quickly. The characters were introduced perfectly, giving you a brief sense of who they are with a few of them going into more detail. Graphic novels aren't typically something I read but the disruption and the cover pulled me towards this one. As a person who has always built the images of a book inside their own head, I found myself pausing a lot to look at the images and get a sense of what was going. The imagery was probably my least favorite part. Colors were very monochromatic and soft. I wish there was more detail given, especially to the characters themselves. However, I also feel that those who love graphic novels, will enjoy this one.
3.5 stars rounded up to a 4.
Digital ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my review.
3.5 stars rounded up to a 4.
Digital ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my review.
June 9, 2025
Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Arcana by Sam Prentice-Jones is a paranormal, witchy graphic novel with queer representation! This is like my second graphic novel ever, and I am loving them. I love how the author used tarot cards as the chapter names. The illustrations were greatly done! The storyline had me hooked, and the characters are well-developed! Please give me book two now!
Thank you, NetGalley, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Arcana by Sam Prentice-Jones is a paranormal, witchy graphic novel with queer representation! This is like my second graphic novel ever, and I am loving them. I love how the author used tarot cards as the chapter names. The illustrations were greatly done! The storyline had me hooked, and the characters are well-developed! Please give me book two now!
Thank you, NetGalley, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
October 21, 2024A "tarot-inspired fantasy graphic novel for young adults"?! Okay, I'm listening!
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for this ARC! Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones comes out on June 24, 2025.
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for this ARC! Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones comes out on June 24, 2025.
June 18, 2025
ARC from Netgalley.
October 2, 2025
oh i loved this
October 19, 2025
The art was great, and the story was fine. Not sure if I will continue the series or not.
October 22, 2025
Looking forward to book 2
April 8, 2025
This was literally so cute!! I really loved the tarot theme and the cards being used for the different parts and the characters even pulling cards. The art style was super cute and the story is incredibly intriguing. I cannot wait for more of this 😍
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends 🤍
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends 🤍
August 22, 2025
This was cute, and I can see why people liked it, but it just didn't grab me for some reason. Had everything I dig: queer characters, cute love story, humour, sweet magic system, intriguing mystery...and yet once I finished, I wasn't really inspired to pick up the next one.
Dunno, must have been a weird mood I was in. 3.5 stars, marked up to 4 because I suspect the problem was with me.
Dunno, must have been a weird mood I was in. 3.5 stars, marked up to 4 because I suspect the problem was with me.
June 17, 2025
"Arcana: the Lost Heirs" is the debut graphic novel by Sam Prentice-Jones about a group of friends who are magic users and part of a secret society named Arcana. Eli Jones stumbles into their group and is discovered to be a lost heir to the Arcana's original families.
Prentice-Jones illustrates in a way that is very stylized. The bodies involved are more amorphous anatomy with cartoon dots for eyes, eschewing realism for muted tones and solid shapes. Very reminiscent of ND Stevenson's style. The different depictions of body types, plus sizes and a trans character, are helped by the illustration, but the art also makes it impossible to tell the ages of characters or often the genders. One character, Sonny, has a mustache that could put him anywhere from twenty to fifty. Likewise, the button eyes keep facial features hard to read, which means the dialogue has to carry the tone. Unfortunately, that isn't helped by the fact that the characters, ostensibly in their twenties, have dialogue that sounds like fourteen year-olds in a chat room, with "OMG hahaha" repeatedly lobbied between James and Eli out loud. There are some panels, like when the fire comes to them in a dream, or when Daphne is chased by an evil spectre, that the art really flourishes. However, there are not many big set pieces where this kind of flat contrast illustration gets to capitalize on the story. And the bulk of the interpersonal character moments suffer from the lack of detail.
Even so. the illustration could be a good choice if the writing were better, but this is where "Arcana: the Lost Heirs" really suffers. None of the characters are fleshed out, they all sound very young with the repeated "hahaha" laughs sprinkled throughout, and you can't tell if it's nervousness between two people getting to know each other or they just find small talk hilarious. The main relationship between Eli and James is basically insta-lust where they immediately find the other hot and have sex within a day of meeting each other. Casual hookups between characters is not the problem, but that the writing saw fit to draw their "meet cute" twice where they exchange the same pleasantries, one from Eli's perspective and another from James's, and it is basically a retread with nothing insightful to either character's personality. These pages could have been used to develop a rapport between them, especially since Eli's backstory as an orphan who never grew up knowing about other magical people is such an important plot point. Or the page space could have been given to another character like Koko, whose "mother is dying and refuses magic to save herself" plot is given a random interlude that none of the other characters interact with, and it is only brought up again at the very end of the volume.
The last disappointing part is that this isn't a standalone graphic novel. While some ongoing series have plot hooks sprinkled in and at least one major plot point resolved, this one ends with the mystery finally being brought up and on a hook for one of the side characters that had the least amount of time of the main crew. Overall, it gives the book the feeling that it's both very slow and abruptly rushing towards an unfinished ending for volume one. While queer infused magical realism is a popular genre, I don't think "Arcana: the Lost Heirs" does anything novel or very well to be worth recommending over other titles.
P.S. there was a brief moment that seemed like it would be the start of Eli and James having more depth to the relationship where Eli mentions that baking would infuse his emotions into the food, but that plot is quickly dropped. For a graphic novel that has the same kind of premise and really delves into it, including a careful study of grief, please give "Crumble" by Meredith McClaren a try.
Prentice-Jones illustrates in a way that is very stylized. The bodies involved are more amorphous anatomy with cartoon dots for eyes, eschewing realism for muted tones and solid shapes. Very reminiscent of ND Stevenson's style. The different depictions of body types, plus sizes and a trans character, are helped by the illustration, but the art also makes it impossible to tell the ages of characters or often the genders. One character, Sonny, has a mustache that could put him anywhere from twenty to fifty. Likewise, the button eyes keep facial features hard to read, which means the dialogue has to carry the tone. Unfortunately, that isn't helped by the fact that the characters, ostensibly in their twenties, have dialogue that sounds like fourteen year-olds in a chat room, with "OMG hahaha" repeatedly lobbied between James and Eli out loud. There are some panels, like when the fire comes to them in a dream, or when Daphne is chased by an evil spectre, that the art really flourishes. However, there are not many big set pieces where this kind of flat contrast illustration gets to capitalize on the story. And the bulk of the interpersonal character moments suffer from the lack of detail.
Even so. the illustration could be a good choice if the writing were better, but this is where "Arcana: the Lost Heirs" really suffers. None of the characters are fleshed out, they all sound very young with the repeated "hahaha" laughs sprinkled throughout, and you can't tell if it's nervousness between two people getting to know each other or they just find small talk hilarious. The main relationship between Eli and James is basically insta-lust where they immediately find the other hot and have sex within a day of meeting each other. Casual hookups between characters is not the problem, but that the writing saw fit to draw their "meet cute" twice where they exchange the same pleasantries, one from Eli's perspective and another from James's, and it is basically a retread with nothing insightful to either character's personality. These pages could have been used to develop a rapport between them, especially since Eli's backstory as an orphan who never grew up knowing about other magical people is such an important plot point. Or the page space could have been given to another character like Koko, whose "mother is dying and refuses magic to save herself" plot is given a random interlude that none of the other characters interact with, and it is only brought up again at the very end of the volume.
The last disappointing part is that this isn't a standalone graphic novel. While some ongoing series have plot hooks sprinkled in and at least one major plot point resolved, this one ends with the mystery finally being brought up and on a hook for one of the side characters that had the least amount of time of the main crew. Overall, it gives the book the feeling that it's both very slow and abruptly rushing towards an unfinished ending for volume one. While queer infused magical realism is a popular genre, I don't think "Arcana: the Lost Heirs" does anything novel or very well to be worth recommending over other titles.
P.S. there was a brief moment that seemed like it would be the start of Eli and James having more depth to the relationship where Eli mentions that baking would infuse his emotions into the food, but that plot is quickly dropped. For a graphic novel that has the same kind of premise and really delves into it, including a careful study of grief, please give "Crumble" by Meredith McClaren a try.
April 16, 2025
Rating: 4/5
This was literally such a fun time, and I couldn't get enough!
I loved that this was a very much queer representing graphic novel first and foremost. It really warmed my heart learning how much depth these characters had and how it blended so seamlessly into the storyline. In addition to these aspects that MADE this graphic novel for me, the found family was so unbelievably charming and wonderful. Combining an interesting plot together with stunning visuals, it melded perfectly together to create this unique work of art. It continuously took my breath away with how everything flowed and how comforting the art style was. This is seriously an outstanding debut and beginning to a series. One that I wait with bated breath for.
I HAVE to rave about the artwork for a minute here as well. It was one of the reasons that I initially had requested an ARC copy of this. Just by the cover itself, I could tell that the artwork had promise and I really wanted to be able to take a closer look at it for myself. I can tell you with utmost certainty, is that the visuals exceeded my expectations and I was really pleasantly surprised with how fast I fell in love with them. It gave me a similar feeling of coming across a new and interesting webtoon comic. One that you are instantly sucked into and then the next minute you find yourself done with the entire thing. It was bingeable in the best way. It also gave me huge Lore Olympus vibes, and I think it was because of the colors that both artists use to stage scenes and characters. Which was also surprising and also very comforting at the same time.
Besides the amazing art and the width of representation that this graphic novel brings to the table, the plot is just as unique to the storyline. It meshes together fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and mystery so well, you can't help to want more. It's different POVs which is done, again, incredibly well; so much so, that you end up having a really great scope of what exactly is happening but also have zero idea where it's going. If you couldn't already tell, I am quite obsessed with this and I can't wait to get my hands on an actual physical copy of it when it is officially published.
I can't believe this book doesn't come out until June, because it can't come soon enough. I NEED Vol. 2 immediately!
Thank you so much for Sam Prentice-Jones and Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was literally such a fun time, and I couldn't get enough!
I loved that this was a very much queer representing graphic novel first and foremost. It really warmed my heart learning how much depth these characters had and how it blended so seamlessly into the storyline. In addition to these aspects that MADE this graphic novel for me, the found family was so unbelievably charming and wonderful. Combining an interesting plot together with stunning visuals, it melded perfectly together to create this unique work of art. It continuously took my breath away with how everything flowed and how comforting the art style was. This is seriously an outstanding debut and beginning to a series. One that I wait with bated breath for.
I HAVE to rave about the artwork for a minute here as well. It was one of the reasons that I initially had requested an ARC copy of this. Just by the cover itself, I could tell that the artwork had promise and I really wanted to be able to take a closer look at it for myself. I can tell you with utmost certainty, is that the visuals exceeded my expectations and I was really pleasantly surprised with how fast I fell in love with them. It gave me a similar feeling of coming across a new and interesting webtoon comic. One that you are instantly sucked into and then the next minute you find yourself done with the entire thing. It was bingeable in the best way. It also gave me huge Lore Olympus vibes, and I think it was because of the colors that both artists use to stage scenes and characters. Which was also surprising and also very comforting at the same time.
Besides the amazing art and the width of representation that this graphic novel brings to the table, the plot is just as unique to the storyline. It meshes together fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and mystery so well, you can't help to want more. It's different POVs which is done, again, incredibly well; so much so, that you end up having a really great scope of what exactly is happening but also have zero idea where it's going. If you couldn't already tell, I am quite obsessed with this and I can't wait to get my hands on an actual physical copy of it when it is officially published.
I can't believe this book doesn't come out until June, because it can't come soon enough. I NEED Vol. 2 immediately!
Thank you so much for Sam Prentice-Jones and Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2025
"blood boils quicker than water, young one"
this had a surprisingly good mystery that left me intrigued for the next volume and the chapter titles being the major arcana in tarot was a really cute touch, but the art style left much to be desired for especially from such a magical setting and the main relationship moved at lightning speed. There's also a lot of repeating information for this to be a young adult novel, like this was just explained not even 10 pages ago, we don't need a detailed reminder, but I do want to see where the story goes
this had a surprisingly good mystery that left me intrigued for the next volume and the chapter titles being the major arcana in tarot was a really cute touch, but the art style left much to be desired for especially from such a magical setting and the main relationship moved at lightning speed. There's also a lot of repeating information for this to be a young adult novel, like this was just explained not even 10 pages ago, we don't need a detailed reminder, but I do want to see where the story goes
November 20, 2025
4.25 Stars
****
James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny have grown up surrounded by magic in the Arcana. The Arcana is an organization of witches that protect the magical world and is run by the secretive Majors. James happens to meet Eli at a coffee shop and they hit it off. Eli is a witch too, only he does not know others exist after the death of his parents. When James finds out Eli is also a witch he introduces him to his friends and enrolls him in the Arcana. But, as the group becomes closer they learn all their parents knew each other, or did before they died, and that the Majors may have been involved. As they delve deeper and deeper they find out about a curse and begin to worry that the history they have been told might not be the truth.
Firstly, I loved the art style used in this graphic novel. The realistic body sizes, the details, the colours. All of it combined to create a magical, whimsical story about a secretive society with lots of darkness behind it. The tones were mostly muted so the dialogue and story and art could shine through. When magic is being done the colours shine. The art is beautiful, the look flows and the characters are distinctive while being simple and relatable. The darker moments are black, often terrifying how they are drawn, they crowd the page, pulse, surround, the images of the curse at work are claustrophobic.
I loved the core five characters in this novel. They all help each other, want to protect each other from whatever curse has been placed on them by their parents. Koko is my favourite, a spunky character who oozes charm, radiates personality, her presence jumps off the page. James was powerful, full of positivity and charm galore, he cares deeply for those around him and the spark between him and Eli is immediate. Eli is quiet, shy, self effacing. He believes that he must follow what he is told by Arcana, even when it seems to be controlling, to weaken him, to be stopping his magic. Daphne is effervescent, calm, poised, the leader who always knows what to say and do. Sensible, reliable, the one who keeps them all grounded. Meanwhile, Sonny is the introverted bookworm who would do anything for Daphne.
The story is interesting, it kept me riveted to the last page and wanting so much more. The Majors seem off throughout the whole novel, too manipulative, awful to Eli, they just seem to want to control all of the power. They are clearly not telling the whole truth. The Majors definitely made for a good foil to our main characters, because the reader remains unsure if maybe they hold a bit of truth about the possibility of the curse and the truth about the main characters parents and unchecked power. Which could be at times frustrating because I am rooting for our main characters but every once in a while I would question whether or not what they did was bad and that the Majors did need to hold them back or keep control. It is hard to know what is right and wrong. Which is not always a bad thing in a novel about magic, but can also cause confusion about where sympathies should lie. And, on top of that all, I was angry with how the Majors were handing Eli, and that his friends could see it breaking him but were not doing enough to step in, or were only slowly starting to see the wear.
This is also a story about found family and healing after a lifetime with loss and loneliness. A good look at generational trauma and the actions of parents and how it can affect their children. It is about coming to terms with your past and trying to create a better future for yourself, especially if it means finding others who can love you for yourself. Finding a group that will fight for you, question what they know of their own lives, and put everything on the line to save you, to understand you, and to uplift your magic. A beautiful story both in terms of images and storyline, one that I am eager to continue in Arcana: The Cursed Fate, coming out June 2026.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with a digital copy to read and review.
****
James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny have grown up surrounded by magic in the Arcana. The Arcana is an organization of witches that protect the magical world and is run by the secretive Majors. James happens to meet Eli at a coffee shop and they hit it off. Eli is a witch too, only he does not know others exist after the death of his parents. When James finds out Eli is also a witch he introduces him to his friends and enrolls him in the Arcana. But, as the group becomes closer they learn all their parents knew each other, or did before they died, and that the Majors may have been involved. As they delve deeper and deeper they find out about a curse and begin to worry that the history they have been told might not be the truth.
Firstly, I loved the art style used in this graphic novel. The realistic body sizes, the details, the colours. All of it combined to create a magical, whimsical story about a secretive society with lots of darkness behind it. The tones were mostly muted so the dialogue and story and art could shine through. When magic is being done the colours shine. The art is beautiful, the look flows and the characters are distinctive while being simple and relatable. The darker moments are black, often terrifying how they are drawn, they crowd the page, pulse, surround, the images of the curse at work are claustrophobic.
I loved the core five characters in this novel. They all help each other, want to protect each other from whatever curse has been placed on them by their parents. Koko is my favourite, a spunky character who oozes charm, radiates personality, her presence jumps off the page. James was powerful, full of positivity and charm galore, he cares deeply for those around him and the spark between him and Eli is immediate. Eli is quiet, shy, self effacing. He believes that he must follow what he is told by Arcana, even when it seems to be controlling, to weaken him, to be stopping his magic. Daphne is effervescent, calm, poised, the leader who always knows what to say and do. Sensible, reliable, the one who keeps them all grounded. Meanwhile, Sonny is the introverted bookworm who would do anything for Daphne.
The story is interesting, it kept me riveted to the last page and wanting so much more. The Majors seem off throughout the whole novel, too manipulative, awful to Eli, they just seem to want to control all of the power. They are clearly not telling the whole truth. The Majors definitely made for a good foil to our main characters, because the reader remains unsure if maybe they hold a bit of truth about the possibility of the curse and the truth about the main characters parents and unchecked power. Which could be at times frustrating because I am rooting for our main characters but every once in a while I would question whether or not what they did was bad and that the Majors did need to hold them back or keep control. It is hard to know what is right and wrong. Which is not always a bad thing in a novel about magic, but can also cause confusion about where sympathies should lie. And, on top of that all, I was angry with how the Majors were handing Eli, and that his friends could see it breaking him but were not doing enough to step in, or were only slowly starting to see the wear.
This is also a story about found family and healing after a lifetime with loss and loneliness. A good look at generational trauma and the actions of parents and how it can affect their children. It is about coming to terms with your past and trying to create a better future for yourself, especially if it means finding others who can love you for yourself. Finding a group that will fight for you, question what they know of their own lives, and put everything on the line to save you, to understand you, and to uplift your magic. A beautiful story both in terms of images and storyline, one that I am eager to continue in Arcana: The Cursed Fate, coming out June 2026.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with a digital copy to read and review.
June 29, 2025
Thank you Toppling Stacks Tours & Same Prentice-Jones for sending me a copy for tour! 🥰🫶
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The Lost Heirs is the first in a new magical graphic novel series, Arcana, by Sam Prentice-Jones. I love longer form graphic novels, and this one is definitely that, ranking in at 371 pages! The length gives enough time for the story to be presented, everyone to be introduced, and the mystery to start to unfold. I love how it doesn't feel rushed at any point or feels like it drags at any point.
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The Lost Heirs follows as lone witch Eli discovers the Arcana (or more so the Arcana discovers them) and makes a few friends (and a more than friend) in it. The Arcana is a magical society of witches formed to investigate and contain supernatural occurrences. Eli being brought into the mix causes questions to arise and a conspiracy to uncover. Mentions of a curse, shadow beings, summonings, and more happen as the group tries to find the truth the Majors have been hiding.
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First, I want to talk about how beautiful this book is visually. I absolutely loved the art style, and I love how all the characters are depicted so diversely. This book is mainly colored monochromatically, with some pages being a pale yellow, others being a rust color, and many being this beautiful blue color matching that of the cover. I love how it shifts as the story does to emphasize a tone change. There is an emphasis on fire or fire-like elements, and they really pop being depicted in red. I really love the inclusion of fat bodies in this story through the MC Eli and MC Koko. I love how Eli’s second interaction with someone in the story is him getting flirted with! As a fat person myself, I just love it! ☺️
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Towards the beginning of the book, we get a chapter of each character as they start the same day. I think this really helps the reader get to know each of the five MCs on more of a personal level. We get to see their personal struggles even outside of the Arcana and main mystery plot. We also have a side romance between Eli and James, and a hint at something maybe in the future between Daphne and Sonny. Separately, I really love the main 5 characters, but they definitely shine as a group. We have Eli, he's sweet but determined to know more about his family's past. James - a very social person, outgoing, and cares a lot about his friends. Daphne - honestly, I think she's just good a everything and a good one to balance the group. Koko - very sociable, fashionable, and very good with tarot. Sonny - the shyer one of the group and the book nerd. Overall, the group is very lovable, and I’m glad they all have each other to lean on during this Arcana curse conspiracy.
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This story really draws you in and is just so intriguing! I can’t wait for the next book as this one leaves us on a cliffhanger. 😊
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🌈Rep: Gay MC who uses he/they, Gay MC who dresses in drag, Transfemme MC, Pansexual MC who uses she/they
.
The Lost Heirs is the first in a new magical graphic novel series, Arcana, by Sam Prentice-Jones. I love longer form graphic novels, and this one is definitely that, ranking in at 371 pages! The length gives enough time for the story to be presented, everyone to be introduced, and the mystery to start to unfold. I love how it doesn't feel rushed at any point or feels like it drags at any point.
.
The Lost Heirs follows as lone witch Eli discovers the Arcana (or more so the Arcana discovers them) and makes a few friends (and a more than friend) in it. The Arcana is a magical society of witches formed to investigate and contain supernatural occurrences. Eli being brought into the mix causes questions to arise and a conspiracy to uncover. Mentions of a curse, shadow beings, summonings, and more happen as the group tries to find the truth the Majors have been hiding.
.
First, I want to talk about how beautiful this book is visually. I absolutely loved the art style, and I love how all the characters are depicted so diversely. This book is mainly colored monochromatically, with some pages being a pale yellow, others being a rust color, and many being this beautiful blue color matching that of the cover. I love how it shifts as the story does to emphasize a tone change. There is an emphasis on fire or fire-like elements, and they really pop being depicted in red. I really love the inclusion of fat bodies in this story through the MC Eli and MC Koko. I love how Eli’s second interaction with someone in the story is him getting flirted with! As a fat person myself, I just love it! ☺️
.
Towards the beginning of the book, we get a chapter of each character as they start the same day. I think this really helps the reader get to know each of the five MCs on more of a personal level. We get to see their personal struggles even outside of the Arcana and main mystery plot. We also have a side romance between Eli and James, and a hint at something maybe in the future between Daphne and Sonny. Separately, I really love the main 5 characters, but they definitely shine as a group. We have Eli, he's sweet but determined to know more about his family's past. James - a very social person, outgoing, and cares a lot about his friends. Daphne - honestly, I think she's just good a everything and a good one to balance the group. Koko - very sociable, fashionable, and very good with tarot. Sonny - the shyer one of the group and the book nerd. Overall, the group is very lovable, and I’m glad they all have each other to lean on during this Arcana curse conspiracy.
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This story really draws you in and is just so intriguing! I can’t wait for the next book as this one leaves us on a cliffhanger. 😊
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🌈Rep: Gay MC who uses he/they, Gay MC who dresses in drag, Transfemme MC, Pansexual MC who uses she/they
June 22, 2025
Arcana: The Lost Heirs is a great start to a new graphic novel series! It's witchy, mysterious, and had a great found-family vibe going on. The art style and colour palette matched the story perfectly and I loved how different colours were used for varying characters but also emotions, moods, and events! It set the scenes apart quite well and helped to project a strong atmosphere for the story.
I loved the diversity and representation with the wholesome group vibes, and how well they all gelled. These are folk who will unquestionably have each other's backs and it was wonderful to see them welcome Eli into their group with wide open arms. I especially loved Koko's enthusiasm—she's a beautiful emotionally charged human and I could relate to that! 😂 Eli was a wonderful MC and I felt how happy he was to learn about the existence of other witches, and to finally find a place with a group of people where he felt he really belonged. The other members in the group had more subdued personalities in comparison, but alongside Eli's main character, I also liked James and how he complemented Eli's more grounded nature with a joy that almost matched Koko's. Daphne was definitely the sensible and reliable figurehead and I also connected with Sonny's introverted, bookworm, history buff personality. As mentioned, this is an introduction to the series and so we only get small glimpses into each character and their backstories, but I wanted to know more about each of them (and I can't wait to continue the series to do so)!
Aside from the wonderful characters, I was also intrigued by the mystery of the Farm Hill barn fire, the history of the original Arcana majors, and I was eager to see how the current majors would eventually reveal their sinister natures. I wished that we got to see a bit more magic—especially with Eli being trained by the current majors and seeing how their interactions went. Basically, I was ready to learn more about everything ASAP and I wasn't ready for the story to end just as the action really picks up, but Prentice-Jones definitely knows how to reel readers in with an interesting story! Oh, that cliffhanger… What a way to end this first volume of the series! 🫣
I loved the diversity and representation with the wholesome group vibes, and how well they all gelled. These are folk who will unquestionably have each other's backs and it was wonderful to see them welcome Eli into their group with wide open arms. I especially loved Koko's enthusiasm—she's a beautiful emotionally charged human and I could relate to that! 😂 Eli was a wonderful MC and I felt how happy he was to learn about the existence of other witches, and to finally find a place with a group of people where he felt he really belonged. The other members in the group had more subdued personalities in comparison, but alongside Eli's main character, I also liked James and how he complemented Eli's more grounded nature with a joy that almost matched Koko's. Daphne was definitely the sensible and reliable figurehead and I also connected with Sonny's introverted, bookworm, history buff personality. As mentioned, this is an introduction to the series and so we only get small glimpses into each character and their backstories, but I wanted to know more about each of them (and I can't wait to continue the series to do so)!
Aside from the wonderful characters, I was also intrigued by the mystery of the Farm Hill barn fire, the history of the original Arcana majors, and I was eager to see how the current majors would eventually reveal their sinister natures. I wished that we got to see a bit more magic—especially with Eli being trained by the current majors and seeing how their interactions went. Basically, I was ready to learn more about everything ASAP and I wasn't ready for the story to end just as the action really picks up, but Prentice-Jones definitely knows how to reel readers in with an interesting story! Oh, that cliffhanger… What a way to end this first volume of the series! 🫣
July 25, 2025
'Arcana: The Lost Heirs (Arcana, 1)' by Sam Prentice-Jones is a graphic novel inspired by tarot, that centers around a young group of witches who grew up in an organization called the Arcana. The organization is managed by a secretive trio called the Majors and is meant to keep both the magical and non-magical worlds safe from each other.
The group of friends-- James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny are all students of the Arcana, but the story mostly follows Eli.. the barista boy and love interest of James.. who happens to be a witch as well.
As the group grows closer, they discover the mystery surrounding the deaths of their parents and the Majors' ascencion to leadership, isn't all it was made out to be. There's a curse they've accidentally triggered and a lot of history that's been erased from the archives.. all leading back to them.
Prentice-Jones is both the debut author/creator and illustrator of the book and you can see right away that it was a labor of love.
While the story seems simple initially, slowly over time, you discover layers of complexity that are an important narrative about identity-- both real and perceived, acceptance, biases, and much more. It's at once, both sweet and a bit tragic.. emotional, without being depressing.
Artistically, the imagery.. like the story.. appears less complex than it is. There are a plethora of statements being made within the drawings of these pages, all worth seeing. It's lovely and highly stylistic. I think what I love most about it is.. most of the things addressed within the book, aren't called out over a loudspeaker like some kind of announcement. They're treated as they should be, like life as it is. People as they are.
I also really dig the concept around the tarot design, both visually and within the frame of the story itself. Around the time I met the Majors, I realized at a distance.. I get a Steven Universe vibe from it actually. And though I don't think most eyes are going to see the same thing, it's another well-defined, diverse group of characters with surprisingly deep, overarching tales to tell.
Anyway, it's a very quick read, but only book one and it definitely leaves you waiting for more.
The group of friends-- James, Daphne, Koko, and Sonny are all students of the Arcana, but the story mostly follows Eli.. the barista boy and love interest of James.. who happens to be a witch as well.
As the group grows closer, they discover the mystery surrounding the deaths of their parents and the Majors' ascencion to leadership, isn't all it was made out to be. There's a curse they've accidentally triggered and a lot of history that's been erased from the archives.. all leading back to them.
Prentice-Jones is both the debut author/creator and illustrator of the book and you can see right away that it was a labor of love.
While the story seems simple initially, slowly over time, you discover layers of complexity that are an important narrative about identity-- both real and perceived, acceptance, biases, and much more. It's at once, both sweet and a bit tragic.. emotional, without being depressing.
Artistically, the imagery.. like the story.. appears less complex than it is. There are a plethora of statements being made within the drawings of these pages, all worth seeing. It's lovely and highly stylistic. I think what I love most about it is.. most of the things addressed within the book, aren't called out over a loudspeaker like some kind of announcement. They're treated as they should be, like life as it is. People as they are.
I also really dig the concept around the tarot design, both visually and within the frame of the story itself. Around the time I met the Majors, I realized at a distance.. I get a Steven Universe vibe from it actually. And though I don't think most eyes are going to see the same thing, it's another well-defined, diverse group of characters with surprisingly deep, overarching tales to tell.
Anyway, it's a very quick read, but only book one and it definitely leaves you waiting for more.
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