Arcana: The Lost Heirs

Arcana #1

by Sam Prentice-Jones

An Indies Introduce Selection

Debut author/illustrator Sam Prentice-Jones explores fighting against your destiny and reconciling the actions of your ancestors in 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, hadn’t even known other witches existed . . . until he stumbled into James. As James introduces him to the world of the Arcana, Eli 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 Majors’ 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.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT, Queer, Romance, Comics

Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐚: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐬 is an exciting full colour graphic novel series brimming with queer joy and magic about a rogue witch who joins a secret coven and slowly finds their place. Perfect for fans of 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 and 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬!!

I read this in one sitting and instantly fell in love with thr art style!

The dialogue is fun (often hilarious), the characters are lovable (especially James and Eli!!), and while it's a story about tarot-inspired magic, friendship, and mystery, it also isn't afraid to hit you with a few emotional moments!

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🔮 the cutest art style
✨️ lovable characters
🔮 found family
✨️ magic and ancient spells
🔮 queer energy
✨️ fighting against your destiny

Definitely a strong start into a new series, and I'm already excited for book 2

[seacat · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Gabi D'Esposito · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Chase Coe · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[A N N A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable and a great start to a series I hope to continue reading. Would like less ‘haha’ in the dialogue though as I feel it makes it a little cringy.

[Stephanie Gillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[J MaK · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.4) Eli, a solitary practicing witch, begins to uncover the true depth of his powers—unaware that a local society of witches has started investigating him. The story delivers a refreshing blend of mystery, paranormal intrigue, and queer romance. The tarot-inspired backdrop and color-coded emotional tones enrich each chapter, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere throughout the narrative.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[‎Lauren 𐙚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!**

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Annie Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

{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!

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megan Kopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🥲🥲

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Genesee Area Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Markita_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kirsten Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ticked all the boxes for me. Stunningly illustrated, gorgeous colour palettes, great magic realism setting, relatable and realistic characters who just want to be friends with, and a story that’s equally parts intriguing, captivating, and fun.

A note on something I particularly liked was introducing each character throughout in wordless display of their morning routines. It told us so much about them in a subtle and beautiful way.

I cannot wait for volume 2!

[Cassidy]

A "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.

[Falling_Into_Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is such a wonderful enchanting story! I absolutely love all the different rep that's in this graphic Novel and the art style is so adorable. I particularly love the shifting of colour pallettes throughout the stories progression!!!

I am absolutely hooked and can't wait to read book 2!

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

[Liv Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh i loved this

[Meliss · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art was great, and the story was fine. Not sure if I will continue the series or not.

[Mary Nolan-Fesmire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to book 2

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Arcana The Lost Heirs!
It was a lovely graphic novel with amazing art! I also really liked the colour palette used as it was beautifully simplistic.
The characters were all great and I liked pretty much all of them!
Eli and James were probably my favourites as I enjoyed both of them and their romance!
I'm definitely interested in picking up the sequel when it releases as I'm really curious what will happen next after that ending!
All in all Aracana The Lost Heirs was a fun graphic novel read that I definitely recommend checking out!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeah I'm gonna need more of this like right now.

[Kelly Hides · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading a graphic novel and it was such a fun read! Took me back to my childhood reading W.I.T.C.H comics.

A captivating supernatural mystery with a cast of diverse characters.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was so much fun! Love the mystery element, can't wait for volume 2.