"Arcana: The Lost Heirs" – A Spellbinding YA Graphic Novel Debut
- Kim Bartosch
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
"Arcana: The Lost Heirs", written and illustrated by debut creator Sam Prentice‑Jones, is a dazzling YA fantasy graphic novel that feels like discovering a hidden tarot deck you never knew you needed. This June 24, 2025 release (Publisher Feiwel & Friends, Book Tour Sponsor Toppling Stacks Tours) introduces readers to a world shaped by generational curses, secret societies, and the magnetism of found family. Featuring rep for LGBTQ+—especially a tender budding romance between James and Eli—this story delivers on both heart and magical spectacle. Here’s why I gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐½.
Title: Arcana: The Lost Heirs
Author/Illustrator: Sam Prentice‑Jones
Genre: YA Fantasy, Graphic Novel
Publishing date: June 24, 2025
Rep: LGBTQ+
Book Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Synopsis:
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.
Content Warning: Death of parent, generational trauma
My Review of "Arcana: The Lost Heirs" by Sam Prentice-Jones
1. Illustrations that Speak Volumes
Sam Prentice‑Jones is a force to be reckoned with. Every panel pulses with intention—color palettes shift to convey mood, character, and magic. Blues wash over scenes set in Arcadia, immersing you in otherworldly enchantment. When tensions rise or dark forces appear, fiery reds cut through the narrative, tightening the tension. The linework is crisp, expressive, and captures emotions in ways words alone cannot. It’s a feast for the eyes that anchors your emotional investment.
2. A Delightful Mosaic of Characters
James, Daphne, Koko, Sonny—and newcomer Eli—all feel like beloved friends. Their diversity in appearance, background, and personality is both refreshing and essential.
Koko’s spunk and resilience are magnetic; her backstory struck a chord with me personally, making her one of the most authentic voices.
Daphne’s seriousness and resistance provide the story’s backbone of tension and grown-up perspective.
Sonny’s grounded wisdom keeps the group anchored and relatable.
The characters are distinct, multi-layered, and feel real—an impressive feat in ensemble casts.
3. Magic, Mystery & Generational Destiny
The tarot-inspired structure gives the magic system a fresh twist. Each member is tied to a legacy that’s both gift and burden, and unraveling those curses fuels the plot drive. The Arcana organization, led by an ominous cadre called the Majors, adds a political power-play element. As the group digs into the mystery of their parents’ deaths and the escalating power of the Majors, the stakes ramp up in satisfying, unpredictable ways.
4. Love in Full Bloom
Eli’s journey from outsider to integral member of the group roots the romance with James in honesty and warmth. The instant spark between them unfolds naturally, with thoughtful pacing and emotional depth that’s unusual in debut graphic novels. This relationship feels earned and full of promise—a highlight for readers craving LGBTQ+ representation handled with care.
5. Themes that Resonate
Fighting against destiny—Yes! This isn’t just epic high fantasy; it’s an emotional journey about grappling with what we inherit versus who we choose to become.
Reconciling ancestral actions—There’s a powerful reckoning with generational trauma here, both in the characters’ arcs and in how the universe responds to their rebellion.
Found family—The bond between the five friends is the heart of the story, giving every magical victory a human heartbeat.
A Few Minor Quibbles
Early plot setup can feel a little dense as the mythos is established—some readers may wish for a gentler introduction.
A few secondary characters, including the Majors, could use deeper development in future volumes—but that’s also just a teaser of more to come!
Final Thoughts
Arcana: The Lost Heirs is more than a graphic novel—it’s an invitation. Prentice‑Jones extends a hand into a lush, emotionally resonant world where diverse teens combat both supernatural and internal darkness. Visually, it’s gorgeous; narratively, it’s layered with romance, mystery, and family. The pacing, the art, and the heart combine to make this a YA fantasy debut you won’t want to put down.
If you loved The Wicked + The Divine, Heartstopper meets Shadowhunters, or crave beautifully illustrated stories with queer romance and found family, Arcana should be your next read. And with its June 24, 2025 publication, it’s perfect for summer days when you want to disappear into a magical realm.
Final Rating
🌟 4.5 out of 5 stars — Almost perfect: breathtaking art, a well-paced plot, relationship depth, and unforgettable characters. Just room to expand on world-building—and future installments can only soar higher.
Meet the author:
I’m an author-illustrator working in Brighton UK who graduated from Arts University Bournemouth in 2019 with a BA Hons in Illustration, specialising in graphic, character-based work. I like to create work that celebrates diversity and queer culture and even created a queer illustration magazine titled POOF Magazine which ran from 2019-2021. The goal of this magazine was to help uplift and celebrate LGBTQIA+ creators making themed work for each issue. My work is mainly digital and I have had the chance to create work for the worlds of book publishing, web design, advertising and product design as well as being featured in art fairs across the UK and being named one of the most influential queer illustrators working in the UK by We Built This City, London.
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