In The Cursed Fate, a tarot-inspired young adult graphic novel from creator Sam Prentice-Jones, five friends must break a generational curse in order to free their futures.
After uncovering harrowing secrets about their pasts and enduring a devastating loss, James, Daphne, Koko, Sunny, and Eli are determined to break the bonds of the ancestral curse that holds their futures in limbo. Confronting the secretive Majors leads to a vital a group of rebel witches known as the New Moon Order was responsible for casting the curse, and the Majors are not quite as all-powerful as they seem.
With the might of the Majors now on their side, the group sets out to undo the curse, once and for all, returning to the place where everything the seemingly abandoned farm house where Eli first began exploring his magic. The five friends must face their ghosts, both real and imagined, in this compelling examination of generational trauma, power, and what it means to craft a family of your own making.
The Cursed Fate is book two in the Arcana duology.
This was super cute and I loved the colors and drawing. I felt like the plot was a little middle grade for the plot, but overall a very sweet graphic novel!!
I received a digital copy of this ARC from the publisher. Thank you to First Second for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Arcana: The Cursed Fate was a satisfying conclusion to a short graphic novel series about witches, curses, breaking generational trauma, and found family.
There’s little that can be said about this without spoiling the first book, but the story proceeds in a very tense and emotionally charged direction. There’s a lot of healing that’s needed and luckily, Prentice-Jones doesn’t deny readers these moments. Healing between Eli and the group of friends, Koko and Eli, the friends and the Majors, everyone and the New Moon Order, Eli and his past... There were so many emotional moments, several that surprisingly had me tearing up as well, and while I feel like I wish certain parts had been a little bit more fleshed out especially because they were about pretty heavy topics, overall, I felt that everything was handled well.
This does tackle tough topics on a more surface level and honestly, while it would've been nice to get a bit more depth or meat to the resolution of everything, I also felt it was nice just as it is. Sometimes it's OK to just let things resolve in ideal a fashion as possible, and after the more emotional moments in the story, it was nice to have a "light in the heart" moment. It's about acceptance for what you cannot change, even if it's tragic or heartbreaking, and living for your life now and not what you think or hope it could've 0r should've been. I didn't expect the story to conclude as a duology but I'm glad that it did and that it wrapped things up well. It was emotional and satisfying!
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends for the advanced copy.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for the first volume of Prentice-Jones' Arcana series, The Lost Heirs, which was just released in June. I gave that four stars and I think this second volume is a solid four stars as well. I think the only reason I haven't given it five is because it's a little too feel-good at times.
This volume's story feels like it happens quickly and is resolve even quicker, which makes me sad because I enjoy this world and its mythology and I like the characters (some of who are new to each other but they're saying things like "I love you" and "We're family", which feels weird and rushed).
But again I really enjoyed this book. Sam Prentice- Jone's art style is also fun and different from what you typically see in graphic novels these days. I really like it and find it just as cozy to look at as the story is to read. It's a sweet book.
I also really enjoy the diversity in the story. Some are gay, some are trans, some are fat, some are thin, they're different races and ethnicities but they're all joined together by friendship and the Arcana. Again, it's sweet lol
I definitely recommend this to people looking for inclusivity and acceptance and a feel-good story - the first volume does end on a little bit of a cliff-hanger but we get all the resolution we could want in this second volume. Looking forward to this volume joining the first volume on my shelves once it's released.
Title: Arcana - The Cursed Fate Authors: Sam Prentice-Jones Pages: 256 UK publish date: available now Published by: Hot Keys
We're back with the Arcana gang, and this time they're wanting answers.
It's time to confront the majors as secrets are uncovered.
This book packs a punch in those 256 pages. With Sam's unique style of graphics and emotive plot there is so much going on. I really enjoy the consistency between books of the background colour between the pages and the art really does stand out.
Romance blooms, secrets are uncovered and battles are made.
I thoroughly enjoyed the second part of this series and I do hope more will be created in this universe.
Also, extra points to the full outfits between book one and book two at the back. - perfection!!
The book deals with some really hard hitting topics like family secrets, managing grief, loss of identity, and family issues.
You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;
🔮 Graphic novel series ✨ LGBTQIA+ representation 🔮 Secret magical society ✨ Found family 🔮 Friends to lovers ✨ Secrets and Revenge 🔮 Family loss/grief ✨ Fabulous outfits
I received The Cursed Fate as an ARC (thank you NetGalley thank you Feiwel and Friends thank you Macmillan!!! ♥️🫶🏻) and DEVOURED The Lost Heirs before reading its sequel and it did not disappoint. Big lovely soft characters? ✅ flowing, monochromatic illustrations? ✅ solving conflict through the power of love and forgiveness and trust and understanding???? ✅✅✅ I said in my review of The Lost Heirs that I wish there was a bit more conflict and I think I got that bit of angst I was craving in The Cursed Fate while still enjoying the big warm hug that is the relationship the characters share. Sweet angels.
The full color illustrations after the end of the story were truly the icing on the cake. The style? The ~lewks~ ? Flawless. The tarot card designs are gorgeous-those paired with the illustrations had me hooked. Immediate Instagram follow for Prentice-Jones where I got to see even more Arcana content!! Hell ya! Truly beautiful work and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next 😌😌
I've been wanting to read more graphic novels, and the tarot theme of this series caught my eye. I love the muted color scheme, and the beautiful monochromatic page spreads really add to the plot intensity & dramatic vibe. Each chapter heading is a tarot card, which was a fun & interesting way to tie everything together.
This is book two of the duology. Where book one 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓𝒔 very much ended with a cliffhanger, book two 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆 wraps everything up in a satisfying manner. Eli, James, Daphne, Koko, & Sunny confront then work with the Majors to try to end the generational curse placed on them. While I have no prior knowledge of tarot, this duology certainly makes me want to investigate the topic.
Highly recommended for fans of graphic novels, fantasy, tarot, witches, ghosts, paranormal, LGBTQIA+, and found family.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's & NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions stated are solely my own and provided voluntarily.
Yessssssssss!! A sequel I’ve been dying to read and that felt just as incredible as the first book. While the book finished with “the end… for now,” it feels complete, but at the same time could be continued. I vote for more! When you put together a queer and diverse group of witches, of course I’m going to want the story to never end.
We left off The Lost Heirs with more questions for every answer we got and a curse that was sure to kill off all of our favorites (and their families) one by one. Heck! We start this book off with loss and the aftermath of it literally rocks their world.
I can say that the story has an ending that made me not only smile, but tear up from all of the emotions the coven members were feeling.
Once again, I have fallen in love with a cast of characters that I don’t know when I’ll get to see again. It feels like a loss when their fate (the continuation of the story) is up in the air.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted eARC.
I was so excited to read this! When I was at my local library, I picked up the first book in the story and read it in one sitting.
The graphic novel is inspired by the author’s own rendition of the classic tarot deck, with each chapter reflecting a major arcana card and its meaning. The art style was very reminiscent of Heartstopper and immediately drew me in.
My reasoning behind 4 stars is the story felt like it was wrapped up fairly quickly, but I can also understand not drawing it out since this is meant for a younger audience (teen to YA)!
This queer witch story was the perfect cozy read to settle down with during spooky season!
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Sam Prentice-Jones for allowing me to read the conclusion to the Arcana duology!
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends + NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay I loved how this story wrapped up! I was so excited to get an early copy. Getting to follow this little found family of witches again was just what I needed this week! Eli, Daphne, James, Koko, and Sunny must work together to find a way to end the generational curse plaguing them. I love all of the past information we receive in this one and how everything is connected and certain information you find out, especially about Eli and Koko! I love how there is so much queer representation in this series. I love it so much 🥹
I love that the author is also the artist! All of the visuals are so good, especially when characters are using magic and the tarot card pages. I can’t wait to get volume 1 and 2 in physical copies!
Volume 1 is available now, and this graphic novel will be available 6/23/26!
CW: death, death of parent, fire/fire injury, depression
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After reading and loving Arcana: The Lost Heir, I was really looking forward to this book. However, I felt like it was lackluster. After all the drama and heartbreak in book one, I was really expecting an epic battle, but it wasn’t like that. The “antagonist” is just a group of misunderstood and cautious people. It took one conversation and all the issues between the heirs and the “antagonist” disappeared. So, it felt like all that build up lead to nothing.
*Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Children's publishing group for early copy for review*
This is such a great conclusion to this story. I really enjoyed this queer witchy story. The curse element made this such a cool spooky read perfect for this time of year. I also really loved the different body types featured in our characters. The art was so lively. I would definitely read more in this world!
I LOVE THESE COMICS!!!! this was so good!!! i adore all the characters and their relationships and personal growth! i think all the chapters being tarot cards and what happens in them being inspired by the meaning is so so cool. the art is amazing and it goes so well with the story. the vibes in this were amazing and my heart feels full of whimsy after the conclusion to this. this was magical!!!
((thank you so so so much macmillan and netgalley for this arc it made my heart so full))
I can’t say enough about how lovely the art is in this graphic novel. The storyline is interesting and touches upon a lot of interesting social issues but sometimes goes a bit too fast to feel as well-developed as it could be plot-wise. I’m still enjoying this series and will pick up the next installment!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this sequel but it didn’t do quite enough for me. It didn’t follow on from book 1 in the way I’d hoped, showing Eli’s magic development etc
Also, I’ve realised a strong sense of place is important to me & this book seems oddly non-specific of place, which obviously might be a deliberate choice, but I think it made some of the dialogue more jarring than if it was more specifically located in space/time!?
A fantastic end to this duology. This story follows on immediately from the first, yet I hadn't expected it to be quite so heartwrenching. It was so satisfying to see the way the plot was wrapped up. Everyone got their own version of a HEA.
So glad I found these graphic novels as a novice to tarot. Having designed my own set of major arcana, it was exciting to see how much they were implemented into the structure of the story and spotting the meanings. Such a clever idea and brilliantly executed.
My only critic is that it's over and that I don't get to enjoy more of the world and the characters in it. I miss it already.
I loved the first one but this was soooo cheesy. Less of a story more of a lengthy epilogue, seemingly intended to tie everything up in something sweet and simple. You can tell the story was shaped by where the author wanted to end up rather than a natural progression of its elements. Ironically in an attempt to be nuanced it lost all its complexity. I think in an attempt to create grey areas like Miyazaki does with their antagonists they inadvertently drained all dimension from this tale.
I loved book 1 so much I didnt think book 2 would beat it but it has! Sams way of using colour to denote mood and emotional changes is just outstanding. And the way these two books just emphasise how generational trauma can effect you and how finding a group of loving supportive people can help heal you is amazing
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Arcana: The Cursed Fate by Sam Prentice-Jones is the graphic novel YA contemporary fantasy sequel to the first Arcana: The Lost Heirs. After Kotana’s mother can no longer hold on and passes away, she confronts the majors of the coven and demands answers for the secrets her mother revealed. The five friends will need to work together to right the wrongs of the past.
Like the last book, the story reads as a very strong allegory for Queerness and finding love and acceptance in community and how that same community can be a family. It also goes into the darker side of community, especially when only a small number of people have power and believe themselves to be superior to others. It's hard not to connect these themes to the world as it is now and as it has been and, unfortunately, how it will most likely be in the foreseeable future.
Whereas I felt the last book could be Eli’s story, this felt more like the story of all five members and the small family they have formed. Their relationships are developing in new ways, addressing the harm they've done or has been done to them, and working together to finally give themselves and everyone else closure. We open with Konata and it's her actions that propel the narrative forward, but she shares the spotlight with everyone.
Prodigies, inadequacy, and children born to mixed backgrounds are all discussed in the recent history of the coven, providing worldbuilding but also the things the coven is getting wrong and what it has to rectify. I thought the majors having time to reflect on all this before the story opens helped make this feel cozier instead of grand, epic stakes because the majors are more willing to accept the consequences of their actions and the actions of the people who came before them.
Content warning for nudity, pregnancy, and mentions of infanticide
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary fantasy and paranormal fantasy and readers of graphic novels who want a more cozy aesthetic in their paranormals.
This was simply BEAUTIFUL. The gorgeous illustrations, the inclusive character design, and the story itself, everything was just so well done. I was completely immersed from start to finish.
I admittedly had not read book one, but I really wanted to read this one because everything about its presentation and story line was drawing me in! So, as someone going into a second book blind, It all made sense regardless! I knew where the story was going, I felt like I could easily follow along, and I had a great time! Koko stole my heart 💖 her strength, her courage, her style (seriously, those outfits!) I just loved everything about her. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for.
This was such an easy, heartwarming read that still kept me fully locked in. I laughed, I smiled, and I was totally hooked the whole way through. If you’re looking for a story that’s both beautifully illustrated and fun you’ll adore, this is it!
As with the first book, I enjoyed the color scheme and the simplistic drawings, but this time the story wasn’t as engaging I’m afraid. Everything was solved way too fast, it felt like watching a video in 2x speed. I think the message overall is nice and I’m glad there was a happy ending for all of them, but I didn’t love the reading experience.
Eli, James, Koko, Daphne, and Sonny are determined to break the curse on their families. All they need to know is who cursed their parents, the former Majors of the coven. After suffering an unimaginable loss, they learn a dark secret that helps them to confront the new Majors. The Majors reveal the truth about a society of rebel witches called the New Moon Order who wanted half-blood witches to be treated as equals and not lessers or outcasts. A battle between old and new worlds resulted in the curse. The group of friends must work with the Majors to confront the curse where it all started, the abandoned farmhouse where Eli first started learning magic. Can they save their chosen family or will the curse finally destroy them?
This is such a gritty and beautifully illustrated series that focuses on generational trauma. How do past actions impact future children? How can you remove yourself from the decisions your parents made? Is it right to punish those who had no part in the harm caused and who are actively trying to repair the pain and injustice caused by their ancestors? Is holding a grudge healthy or does it turn you into the very monsters you were trying to destroy? All of these hard questions are handled so well by Sam Prentice-Jones. With a group of found family characters that are so easy to love and that you hope can survive.
Eli especially has lost so much due to the curse, but is still so meek and continues to adhere to the harsh rules and regulations placed on him by the Majors. He is kind, caring, but lacks so much self confidence and has no family to defend him. Thankfully, James is there to boost him up and support him. James is confidence personified and often will hold a mirror up to those who feel they are righteous.
The story in book two was so gripping and the execution and drawing so well done that I liked it just a smidge more than the first book. I also adore the art style of Prentice-Jones. It is fresh and vibrant with body types ranging from small to large, a large diverse group of characters, and the LGBTQIA+ community front and centre, but in an accepting world. Each page usually features only one colour choice, but as the pages go on each new colour creates a palate that mimics the emotions of the characters and the narrative as it progresses. From the orange of rage, to the purple of power, greens of depression, and the brown of hope and change. Each character has a colour that seems best suited to their personality and connects them as a whole.
I did not like the Majors in the first book, and still thought they made terrible choices and mistakes in this one, but I could understand more of their motivation. Because in the end we are all fallible humans who sometimes screw up and must learn from our mistakes. If we did not learn we would become stuck in a never ending loop of pain and punishment. So, when they reveal the truth and agree to help they break the pattern. Which helps to reveal the ideologies that were destroying the witch community, from there they can work together to uphold new ideals that anyone with powers should be given an opportunity to belong.
My favourite characters are Daphne and Sonny. Sonny is the historian, librarian, quiet shoulder of the group. Always there to lend a hand. Daphne is the leader, the powerhouse, the one who best exemplifies what it means to be a witch. And these two together, big hearts. Yes! More of them please, a whole book of them! Although, I do absolutely love Koko and her fierceness and her fragility, her love and her depth of caring for her friends while dealing with her own tragedy and the secrets of her own family. And obviously Eli and James are adorable together and such a balm.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC! There’s a few things I greatly appreciate about the Arcana series- the simple art style allows for characters expressions and emotions to shine by only the addition of a few lines. Each characters art design is unique, but still fits with the clear undercurrent in the story of inclusion while maintaining a standard. The story is cozy and more about social commentary and the emotional beats than action which some might assume would come from a story about a a coven of witches. It’s charming and filled to the brim with morals of acceptance and forgiveness. However, there are times when these themes slip into a more “sickly sweet” category and it’s to the detriment of what is otherwise done so well in these graphic novels. This book was a far more linear story than the first which often showed how each character experienced the same moments in time but from their own perspective. That structure was interesting and helped to individualize each character and their own experience. Here, that individualization is lost. Not only in the storytelling, but especially in the dialogue. I would have a challenging time separating any one character from another based solely on their dialogue. At times the dialogue is so concerned with pushing the narrative towards the social commentary that it feels forced. A lot of the work to separate one character from another is being done solely by the artwork. I have really enjoyed my time with this series so far. I hope to see more. And I hope that any future entries give each character and their words a bit more time to breathe- to find themselves in the story. I hope each character will find a voice that is as unique as their character design. These books do so much to highlight all of the lovely ways in which we are different from one another, and I look forward to seeing that a bit more fleshed out in what’s to come.
Sam Prentice-Jones delivers a captivating finale with "Arcana: The Cursed Fate", the second book in the "Arcana" graphic novel duology. It’s both a satisfying conclusion and an opening of new doors - closing this arc while leaving tantalizing hints that the "Arcana" universe still has more stories to tell.
The artwork is gorgeous: bold linework, expressive character design, and color palettes that shift fluidly with tone - soft and luminous in moments of connection, darker and more dramatic as the curse looms large. What stood out most to me was how it balances beauty with clarity. The illustrations are richly detailed yet never overwhelming, making each page both immersive and effortlessly readable. Every panel carries motion and atmosphere while still feeling grounded and accessible.
I also loved the range of representation within the cast. The characters are distinct and vibrant, and their perspectives bring depth to the story’s themes of identity, belonging, and chosen family.
As a tarot lover, I was delighted by the author’s note about how their tarot practice inspired the "Arcana" series, and even more so to learn they created a deck. The thought of reading with that artwork feels magical in itself, as enchanting as the story on the page.
🙏 Thank you to Sam Prentice-Jones, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
🔮 Visually striking, inclusive, and thematically rich, "Arcana: The Cursed Fate" doesn’t just conclude a story - it casts a spell that lingers. I’ll be circling back to the first book, "Arcana: The Lost Heirs" and following wherever this universe leads next.
✨ Which Major Arcana card speaks most to you and your own journey right now?
I received a review copy from the publisher as part of preparing for a UKYASpotlight guest post. It has not affected my opinions.
THE CURSED FATE certainly benefits from being a second book. The characters and world and the stakes have been set up so you can get straight into the story without needing to navigate an introduction. I think that really helped me enjoy this one more than the first. I also wonder if, originally, the story was intended as one book that has been split up for production reasons. This is very much part two of a tale, the characters confronting the evil that had stalked them in the first part.
Each chapter of the two graphic novels have had a predominant colour, changing chapter by chapter, with the entire chapter rendered largely in variants of that colour. I thought it was an interesting decision, until I hit the big showdown. Here, instead of a dominant colour, the pages were largely white, with only a few blobs of yellow for the magic. It's such a striking visual difference from the rest of the book, which is in shades of red and orange and blues and so one. Instead, it's stark black figure outlines on white. It definitely makes you feel like the characters have gone somewhere alien in their battle. I really liked it - and finally appreciated the decision to have each previous chapter rendered in one colour.
I don't know if there will be more books in this series - the story has been wrapped up, but the ending is certainly leaving it open for there to be more in the world. It certainly feels like there could be a tale or two in the consequences of "after", and trying to find a place in this new world.
Arcana is truly a queer romance story with a filling side of witch craft. I see how this could easily be a five star read for middle grade to young adult readers who are looking for an inclusive read, quirky characters, cozy storytelling, and great art work. I personally NEED the Arcana tarot deck to be made so I can buy it!
Following the first issue, THE CURSED FATE explores themes of found family, generational curses, and self discovery. Our group of characters are stepping more into their own, finding power in their grief, and attacking their problems head on. There’s a large message here around secrets as protection and the ability to forge a new and better path outside, and in spite, of what generations before you have done. The themes & messages of the story were executed well for the intended reader age. Though, I felt this would’ve been better categorized as a middle grade book based on the dialogue and story overall. The romance aspects of the story are the only elements I could see being considered YA.
This was an enjoyable read with a perfectly cozy ending for all the characters we rooted for. The artwork is so pleasing visually and complimented the tone and energy of the story and characters. I loved the color choices and rounded blocky character design as well. The artwork and story made for a quick and relaxing read. I hope to see mods from the series in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this gifted e-ARC. All thoughts are my own💕
I'm a little late with this review, but a mood reader will mood read. Alas. This was a really lovely conclusion to this duology! I didn't realize going in that it was only going to be two books, so was surprised when things were wrapping up so cleanly and had to check to find that out. And I think it makes for an overall really lovely duology. The concept of taro as an inspiration and structure for the story was so fun, and Prentice-Jones pulled it off excellently.
The strengths of the first installment apply to this one as well: stunning art with beautiful color palettes, lovely and unique style reminiscent of a taro deck. (Because, obviously.) I also loved the diversity of body types (fat and thin and in between on all genders), skin colors (a character had vitiligo, which I've not seen in a graphic novel before), and queer characters (so many! gay witches!). Sometimes diversity verges on tokenism, but it felt really well done in my opinion because it offered a realistic scope of the kinds of people a collective like this would envelop: all kinds. (Though now that I reflect, I don't know that I noticed any visibly disabled characters, which is a shame. Would have been nice to see, especially since witch craft is this visceral, physical thing.)
Overall, I had a great time with this and will be posting soon on my instagram about it! A fun time and a fast, engaging read. (I did get teary towards the end. Also, the beginning of this book when Koko has her moment was so freaking bad-ass. Definitely my favorite part, and a nice parallel to the end.)
In the first book, we meet multiple characters who already study at the Arcana, a modern day school for witches. Most of them come from long lines of witches, and had parents or even grandparents involved with the school.
In the next book, we start with one character’s mom dying. (She was sick in the first one.) This character, Koko, did not think she came from one of the “families,” but we learn that she actually does. All these secrets about the generation before them, and the fact that the current Majors are obviously hiding something, causes the core group to dig deeper.
The kids are drawn out to an abandoned farm house, where they face some magic that might be too strong for them, and eventually they need the Majors to help them with the curse they’ve uncovered. We learn that the missing generation – the one Eli’s mom belonged to – also included one of the Majors’ sisters. This might be why he’s protective about what happened.
These were fun stories, overall, but I think the artwork is what stood out to me even more.
The end notes mention that the author had originally set out to create artwork for an LGBTQ+-inspired tarot deck, and then went on to develop stories for the characters originally designed for the cards. If you’re familiar with tarot, you may recognize the word “arcana” from that. And most of the characters fall somewhere along the LGBTQ spectrum. These two themes are definitely present throughout.
Review of Arcana: The Cursed Fate by Sam Prentice-Jones ★★★★½
This is the second graphic novel in the Arcana series and, honestly, it’s so good I devoured it in one sitting. The story picks up with James, Daphne, Koko, Sonny, and Eli as they try to break free from an ancestral curse. Their journey takes them back to the farmhouse where Eli first began exploring magic, and what unfolds is a gripping mix of supernatural stakes, family drama, and hard truths about generational trauma.
The art is absolutely beautiful, and the magic system feels believable and immersive without overshadowing the characters. What really stood out to me was how deeply relatable the themes of grief, anger, guilt, fear, all validated in a way that feels both real and healing. The book handles complicated family dynamics so thoughtfully while also celebrating the power of chosen family and the relief forgiveness can bring.
The characters themselves are wonderfully nuanced, with compelling backstories and meaningful growth. I especially appreciated the healthy and respectful representation of love and identity, as well as the idea of breaking toxic cycles and taking responsibility for past mistakes.
Overall, Arcana: The Cursed Fate is a stunning continuation of the series; emotional, magical, and hopeful. I can’t wait to see where these characters go next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Sam Prentice-Jones for this ARC for review
I really enjoyed this 2nd installment of the Arcana Series. This story has a good conclusion, but I could see more being added, should the writer and or artist choose to continue the story- perhaps in a spin-off.
I love that this installment picks up where the other left off, though some time has passed. Seeing the friends come together as a true family unit, even when they are arguing, was refreshing. Unraveling the story of who and why the villains exist was the perfect set up for how the major conflict was resolved.
I love the alternative looks for each of the characters that’s included at the end of the book. Overall, while I have no complaints about the story and the complex subjects within, the art is still my favorite part. I wander if there are decks of the Arcana cards available for sale.
As stated with the first book, I would recommend it to a general young adult or adult audience, but would recommend teens speak to a parent or trusted adult concerning the trauma aspects.
Not recommended to conservative religious readers.
Highly recommended to fans of graphic novels, serial stories, magic, complex paranormal mysteries, and "circle of friends" or "found family" stories.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher and have provided an honest assessment of my reading experience.
This is a super cute resolution to all the drama and mystery from Arcana: The Lost Heirs. It was a very quick easy ready, although a little boring. I am hesitant to say to much because of spoilers, but I think if you enjoyed book 1, you'll love the way all the main characters face their pasts and (eventually) move forward. The art is gorgeous and I will probably end up continuing with the series.
For fans of: Savage Blooms (but like PG)
This book includes: - conspiracies - lots of witches and occult practices - lost families - a cutie friend group - LGBTQIA rep of every kind - even a metaphorically blue haired liberal working at a cute coffee shop