The Cursed Fate

Arcana #2

by Sam Prentice-Jones

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT, Paranormal, Queer

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 23, 2026

Reviews

[⋆｡°·☁︎ sydney ⋆｡°·☁︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!!

[Tabitha (Reading Tabby) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Megan Kopke · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 😌😌

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 

#Arcana #MacmillanChildrens #Netgalley

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

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.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

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

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

*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!

[Liv Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

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))

[Gabi D'Esposito · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

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.

[Chelsea]

Review to come on June 1st, 2026

[Seren · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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!

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shelby Friendshuh · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[celestialpixels_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔮 Where Curses End, New Fates Begin🌙

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?

[Stacy Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[tinynightingales · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Sam Prentice-Jones, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted across my socials under the username @tinynightingales, check out my GoodReads profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightin...
and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightinga...

[Lay Tonic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off strong picking up immediately where it left off and leaving no crumbs. It was a heartbreaking beginning but, the plot thickens. Cause I would have never guessed that KoKo was a witch to begin with. She seemed normal for the most part in the first one but, really paying close attention to how she acted around the others, is something that honestly became evident even if she didn’t feel it. Those feelings only really raised when her mother died. But the superiors have got to be ashamed of themselves for sweeping that secret under a rug and not telling anyone, nothing should be handled that way. This was messy how it was handled. I think we should call corporate of the Witches at this point. I love this series and I have been hooked since the first one. I definitely recommend completely. The art is so chill and the storyline is great; it melts well together to not have super crazy illustrations with a crazy plot, too much going on with that. But, with this book, it melts together and makes you want more.

[Allison Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous- the illustrations and the story itself. I am so appreciative for the concepts this story approaches (grief, forgiveness, anger, friendships, found family, strength, courage, taking accountability, apologizing with genuine compassion and changing behavior). It's also so valuable to me that these things are so clear; they're not veiled messages about dealing with deep wounds and finding forgiveness or any of the other things. The messages in this story are incredibly important and are made so much more powerful by not dressing them up or overcomplicating them. When there are deep wounds made by someone, it can be so incredibly hard to forgive them. It can also create more pain and bitterness to harbor hatred. Being the one who created a wound, it can be so hard to take accountability for it, but you can open a lot of room for healing if you do. This story does such a brilliant job of reminding us of all of these things and acknowledging both the challenge and the importance.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital arc.

[Caitryn Bushor · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start this review: I read this not realizing it was the second in a series. My main critique coming out of this graphic novel was I thought it would be a wonderful ending to a story and I’m very glad to learn that Arcana: The Cursed Fate was exactly that. I’m not particularly familiar with graphic novels typical pacing, however even with the caveat of it being a second and final installment the pacing felt a bit rushed even for an ending to a story. It felt as though the progression of events unfolding and reveals weren’t allowed to breathe as much as I think would have done the truly touching tale justice. This may be a feature however of the time it takes to draw each panel of this story so charmingly. Truly the art was such a strong part of the story telling, the use of color washing over scenes or characters was beautifully illustrative.
My final rating would be a well earned 3.5. The short series would be a perfect cozy read on such an October night, a window open with a light breeze and a delightful cup of your favorite black tea.

[Erika Guidry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this graphic novel!

Arcana #2 picks up right where #1 leaves off. You jump right back into the story easily and follow our group into confronting the Majors and trying to break the curse set on their bloodlines.
This story does a great job really tying everything up and leaving it open ended for more adventure if they want to tell more stories in the future.
I really liked the first one so when I saw this one come up I had to request it! I am really satisfied with this ending. The art style and coloring of this book are so fitting. Like #1 the tarot card chapter headers are still there and I really love them. The found family is so sweet I'd just like to hug them all. Overall this story is such a cozy read to me (even though there are some dark elements to the story).
I feel like overall if you like ya reads, witches, mysterious curses, cozy fall vibes, and found family this one is for you.

[Noah H-I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC. This graphic novel is beautiful in both its storytelling and its artwork. The illustrations are stunning, and the tarot-inspired chapter openers add a thoughtful touch that ties the themes together beautifully. The story explores grief, forgiveness, and found family with honesty and compassion, and the LGBTQIA+ representation feels natural and meaningful throughout.

The dialogue is emotional and sincere, and the relationships between the characters are well developed. The only drawback is that the resolution feels a bit rushed compared to the more even pacing of the first volume. Some moments could have benefitted from more space to build tension and deepen the emotional impact.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and visually captivating continuation of the series. It balances themes of loss, healing, and connection in a way that feels genuine and hopeful. A wonderful read for fans of character-driven, beautifully illustrated stories.

[Zaidee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced but satisfying conclusion to this duology! I feel like the plot moved along very quickly, but mysteries were wrapped up tidily and there was still the warm and comfortable atmosphere between members of the main crew. In the author's note at the end you learn that characters were based a bit around friends and that really shows in the connection that James, Daphne, Koko, Sunny, and Eli share. While the art style has a soft simplicity to it, the colors and textures are still effective in conveying the appropriate atmosphere. Some fun bonuses at the end include the author's own tarot illustrations that inspired the story, as well as a collection of drawings featuring the range of outfits worn by the main cast.

Though I had read the first book, it was long enough ago that a refresher would've been helpful. In spite of this I still found myself immersed in the plot and I look forward to eventually reading both books back to back.

[Blingy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I had to DNF the sequel to this wonderful and unique graphic novel I read last year. I got to about 60% and I was bored. As usual the art, and story telling through color was amazing. There is nothing wrong there, the issues lie with the story telling.

I stopped at 60% and the entire story thus far was just everyone standing around info dumping. Nothing had happened except conversation after conversation, after conversion. There was one small bit of action and that was the most interesting part of the whole read. All the build up and character tension fell because everything was resolved through a conversation. I wish there just something happening other than conversation, rough transition, another conversation and repeat. This had so much potential and I still loved the first one.

Thank you to netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Azarra Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & Sam Prentice-Jones for the ARC!

This series has been such a fun ride from start to finish! The art style? Adorable. The premise? Hooked me from page one. This finale delivered a satisfying wrap-up, but I can’t lie, I was craving more. More juicy backstory, more rich details, and way more action. The big fight scene was over a little too quick for my taste, but I do love the happy ending. My only real wish? That the tarot magic played a bigger role. How cool would it be if a character could pull a card mid-battle—like drawing the Ten of Swords and absolutely wrecking an enemy? Obviously, The Star would be used to heal allies. The Moon card could create illusions to disorient the enemy, and the Sun has blinding magic. Now, that would’ve been epic. Still, this world is so charming I’d happily pick up anything else in the series.

[Katty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arcana The Cursed Fate is the second instalment in the YA graphic novel series by Sam Prentice-Jones.
The illustrations in this graphic novel were absolutely stunning. I was completely mesmerised by how detailed yet simplistic it was. The colours were vibrant, and it really set the mood for the continued story.
This one really highlights on grief and the anger, the sadness, and other emotions one feels when losing a loved one. However, it’s something you don’t have to go through alone.
It truly made me incredibly emotional, reading about how each character holds their own weight and how they ultimately come together to redistribute that heaviness, by uplifting each other. It was a true found family situation, while also letting go of the hurt.

Thank you to @netgalley, @macmillanusa, and Sam for the opportunity to read Arcana The Cursed Fate in advance to its release.

[Ingrid Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 

A quick read graphic novel with a compelling story.  This is a good story that I admit I came in on the second volume, but I had no problem catching up with the storyline.  You should read Vol.1, but it works wven if you dont. Kudos for the inclusive cast of characters.  Nice to see full figured people as well as a sweet representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
Recommended Published date June 13, 2025

Thanks to @netgalley and  Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion

[Angie Carlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cursed Fate is the 2nd installment in the Arcana graphic novel series. I had the opportunity to review this courtesy of Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing.

It follows a group of teens that endeavor to break a curse brought on by evil deeds of their power hungry families.

I liked the moral lesson of the story, appreciated the diverse cast of characters and thought the art was interesting. However, it felt more like a children's tale with young adult themes because the story was rushed and didn't build up to the climax. The excitement fizzled out prematurely, and because the character's stories were presented after the plot has come and gone, I was never able to connect with their emotions. Overall, this left me wanting more.

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first one (Arcana: The Lost Heirs) was so so cute. The Cursed Fate picks up right where the first leaves off, and is a lovely ending to this story arc. The artwork and color is gorgeous and everything flows very well. I did wish the stakes/dangers were a bit higher at times, but overall loved the witchy cozy vibes.
It leaves it open to the possibility of more story in the future, and I will definitely be reading it if they do more! This is one I will be recommending to my graphic novel loving friends for sure.

I rated it 4.25/5 rounded down to 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the e-arc!

[norm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley! I remember reading this series last year and loving it and so when i saw book 2 was available to read i had to get my hands on it i just love this series i love the characters i love the in detail storylines regarding the history i love the magic moments the coven aspect to it.. witches etc all the darkness and moments in the novel and i also love the representation in this series! I wish it was a little longer because i did enjoy it but im hoping we get more of this series because its great! I really enjoyed the storyline and a very wholesome moment at the end of the novel.