We chat with author Elise Kova about Prince of Swords, which is the thrilling second book of this New York Times bestselling fantasy romance series, filled with tarot magic, forbidden desire, battle, and betrayal collide for the power to change the world.
Hi, Elise (from a fellow Elise!)! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello, fellow Elise and dear readers! I’m an author by trade and an absolute geek by passion. I was raised in a household where “Gandalf” was the first wifi password, Final Fantasy was one of the first games on the NES, D&D nights started with my sister playing 2e, and afternoon anime was never missed (and kindly recorded if after school activities ran late). None of that left me even as my life changed over the years. Now I enjoy all those things with my own family, and friends in between writing epic fantasy books.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It’s hard to pinpoint a first moment. Books and writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I still have some of the construction paper “books” my grandmother stapled together for me when I was small that I “wrote in.” That said, I definitely lost some of my passion for writing in my late high school and college years due to burn-out. The “Elise” that most people know today was really forged in 2012 when I refound that passion and began writing what would become my first published book.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
- The one that made you want to become an author: Air Awakens—I know, I know, it’s my own book. But it was really finishing the first draft of this book that made me go, “Oh, maybe I should make a go at this author thing.”
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Currently, Defy the Dusk by Danielle L. Jensen, I got an early copy and was instantly obsessed.
Prince of Swords is the second installment in your Arcana Academy series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Twisty. Romantic. Angsty. Tender. Magical.
For those who haven’t picked up Arcana Academy, what can readers expect?
Arcana Academy is set in a world where magic flows through specially inked tarot cards. The story follows Clara Graysword, a woman imprisoned for using magic illegally until the second-born prince Kaelis helps break her out only to coerce her into helping him commit treason in exchange for her freedom. The two then embark on a game of cat-and-mouse with the king, where the stakes are life and death and the power to change the world hangs in the balance. It’s an epic fantasy romance with slow-burn, found family, heists, action and adventure, all wrapped up in a dark academia setting.
And for those who have, what’s to come in Prince of Swords?
Prince of Swords starts immediately after the end of Arcana Academy. We’re thrown right back into the action and quickly dive deeper into all the political intrigue and relationships from book one. Book two answers some of the burning questions of book one—such as truths about Clara’s family, Kaelis’s history, the mysterious organization known as the Worldkeepers, the royal family, and so much more—while also setting up mysteries that will lead readers into the third and final book.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring further?
Yes, Kaelis for sure. The man is steeped in a bunch of mystery and holds his secrets and truths close to his chest. There are some big reveals surrounding him in book two that I was so excited to finally get to share with readers.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Every book has its own challenges for sure. In Prince of Swords there are some heavy topics surrounding grief and trauma. Trying to strike a balance of handling those with care—and giving them time to breathe—without bogging down the pacing too much for readers was a difficult tightrope to walk. It was something I was tinkering with even into the late stages of editing.
Any teasers for what’s to come in book three?
Book three is the final book in the world of Arcana Academy and I can’t wait for readers to get to the exciting climax. Core truths about the world are finally revealed and our beloved characters are fighting for their happily ever after. There’s ancient evil, further deepening of the magic, and of the bonds between the characters we already love. Unfortunately I can’t share more than that without spoiling something. But I’m optimistic that fans of the series will love the conclusion.
What’s next for you?
My next release is A Duel with the Vampire Lord in October, followed by A Duet with the Siren Duke in December. These are technically rereleases of my Married to Magic books, but since they went through a full round of copy edits before republication I’m really excited for these new and improved versions to be in readers hands. Then, looking ahead to 2027, I’m expected to have the rerelease of A Dawn with the Wolf Knight, a brand new novel in the Married to Magic world, the second book in my Dragon Cursed duology, and then, of course, the final book in Arcana Academy. There’s a lot to be excited about and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on all these books and more!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
Well, I already recommended one, Defy the Dusk by Danielle L. Jensen but I’ll recommend it again, because it’s just that good. This year I also read and loved Wicked Endevaors by Kamilah Cole, Tempest by Victoria Aveyard, and These Shattered Spires by Cassidy Ellis Salter.
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