Explore the mystical allure of Tarot cards as we delve into five captivating fantasy novels. Discover worlds where Tarot symbolism weaves through tales of power, love, mystery, and destiny.
Tarot cards, with their rich symbolism and mysterious allure, have fascinated people for centuries.
They’ve also inspired a wealth of creativity in the world of fantasy literature.
Here, we delve into ten enchanting fantasy novels where the tarot’s mystical themes are woven into the fabric of the story.
“The Castle of Crossed Destinies” by Italo Calvino
This literary gem uses tarot cards to tell stories within stories. The narrative sees a group of travellers at a castle who’ve lost their ability to speak and must use tarot cards to communicate their tales. Calvino’s deft handling of the tarot’s symbolism makes this novel a captivating read.
“The Greater Trumps” by Charles Williams
This novel takes its name from the 22 Major Arcana cards, also known as the Greater Trumps in tarot. The story revolves around a unique tarot deck that possesses the ability to control the forces of nature and the universe. A classic tale of power, love, and mysticism.
Powers’ ‘Last Call’ merges the world of poker with the symbolism of the tarot deck in an exciting, unconventional narrative. The protagonist must face his past, destiny, and a dangerous antagonist who uses the tarot to manipulate reality. A thrilling combination of Las Vegas, mythology, and tarot.
“The Tarot Sequence” by K.D. Edwards
This series takes the tarot to a whole new level by creating a society where each tarot card represents a ruling family. The protagonist, Rune Saint John, belongs to the fallen Sun Throne and is tasked with unraveling a mystery that ties into the very heart of this tarot-based society.
“The Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness
In ‘The Discovery of Witches’, a bewitched manuscript propels a young scholar into a world of witches, vampires, and daemons. The series often references the tarot, using it as a tool for guidance and prediction, tying it into the overarching narrative.
Honourable mention: “The Raven’s Prophecy Tarot” by Maggie Stiefvater
While not a novel, this tarot deck and accompanying guide book created by the renowned fantasy author Maggie Stiefvater deserve a mention. The guide book weaves a narrative around each card, providing insights into the tarot and the symbolism that Stiefvater incorporates into her own novels.
These books offer a unique fusion of fantasy and tarot, creating captivating worlds where the cards and their meanings come to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader or a newcomer to the cards, these tales will take you on a journey through mystical landscapes where the magic of the tarot permeates every page.
Discover 20 influential female fantasy authors reshaping the genre. From Le Guin to Jemisin, explore their captivating worlds and unique narratives.
Fantasy is a genre that has traditionally been dominated by male writes.
However, in recent years, female authors have been gaining recognition for their incredible works of imagination and creativity.
In this blog post, you’ll twenty women writers that every fantasy fan should read (with one more honourable mention).
Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin is a legend in the world of science fiction and fantasy. Her most famous works include the Earthsea series and The Left Hand of Darkness. Le Guin is known for her ability to create complex worlds and characters that challenge societal norms and explore themes of gender, identity, and power. Her writing style is elegant and thought-provoking, making her a must-read for any fantasy fan.
N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin has gained critical acclaim for her works, including The Broken Earth trilogy and The City We Became. Jemisin’s writing is known for its rich world-building, intricate plotlines, and diverse characters that challenge the traditional tropes of fantasy literature. Her stories tackle themes of social justice, oppression, and power in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking.
Ann Leckie
Ann Leckie burst onto the scene with her debut sci-fi novel, Ancillary Justice, which won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. Her writing is known for its unique perspective and exploration of complex themes. Her works often feature non-human characters and explore the ways in which they navigate the human-dominated world. Leckie’s writing is both thought-provoking and immersive, making her a must-read for any fantasy fan.
Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb is an author who has gained a loyal following for her works, including the Farseer Trilogy and the Liveship Traders Trilogy. Hobb’s writing is known for its emotional depth, character development, and immersive world-building. Her stories often focus on the internal struggles of her characters, making them relatable and engaging.
Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a bestselling author known for her works, including the Throne of Glass series and the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Maas’s writing is known for its epic scope, romantic subplots, and engaging characters. Her stories often feature powerful female leads who challenge societal norms and explore themes of power and agency.
Fonda Lee
Fonda Lee is an award-winning author known for her works, including the Green Bone Saga and the Exo series. Her writing is known for its dynamic characters, and exploration of themes such as family, power, and identity. Her stories are thought-provoking and action-packed.
Kameron Hurley
Kameron Hurley is a multiple award-winning author known for her works, including the Bel Dame Apocrypha series and the Worldbreaker Saga. Hurley’s writes with a gritty, unflinching style, and delves into themes such as war, politics, and gender.
Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor is an award-winning author known for her works, including the Binti series and the Akata Witch series. Okorafor’s writing is known for its unique blend of African mythology, science fiction, and fantasy. Her stories often explore themes such as identity, culture, and power, and feature strong female protagonists.
Sofia Samatar
Sofia Samatar is an award-winning author known for her works, including the Winged Histories and A Stranger in Olondria. Samatar’s writing is known for its lyrical prose and intricate world-building, which often draw inspiration from real-world cultures and histories. Her stories explore themes such as identity, language, and colonization, making them both thought-provoking and immersive.
Helene Wecker
Helene Wecker is an award-winning author known for her debut novel, The Golem and the Jinni, and its sequel, The Hidden Palace. Wecker’s writing is filled with vivid descriptions and richly imagined worlds, which draw inspiration from both Jewish and Arab folklore.
V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab is best known for the Shades of Magic series and the Villains series. Her writing features intricate world-building and complex characters, blending elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Schwab’s stories often explore themes such as power, morality, and the nature of good and evil.
Deborah Harkness
Deborah Harkness is an award-winning author known for her All Souls trilogy, which blends history, magic, and romance. Harkness’s writing features richly imagined worlds and vivid characters, which draw inspiration from real-world history and mythology. Her stories explore themes such as love, power, and the importance of family.
R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang is an award-winning author known for her Poppy War series, which explores the devastating impact of war on both individuals and society. Kuang’s writing is dark and intense and explores the nature of power, morality, and the human condition.
Victoria Aveyard
Victoria Aveyard is best known for her Red Queen series, which blends elements of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and romance. Aveyard’s stories include fast-paced action, intricate plot twists, and engaging characters.
Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare is an award-winning author known for her Shadowhunters universe, which includes multiple series set in a world of demons, angels, and supernatural creatures. Her stories explore themes such as love, power, and the bonds of family and friendship.
Naomi Novik
Naomi Novik is an award-winning author known for her works, including the Temeraire series and the Spinning Silver. Her writing blends historical and fantastical elements to explore themes of love and identity.
Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo is best known for the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. Bardugo’s stories often explore themes of power and loyalty.
Lois McMaster Bujold
Lois McMaster Bujold is best known as the author of the Vorkosigan Saga and the Sharing Knife series. Her writing blends science fiction and fantasy and explores themes of power, love, and the importance of family.
Patricia A. McKillip
Patricia A. McKillip is an award-winning author best know for the Riddle-Master trilogy and the Forgotten Beasts of Eld. Her writing is known for its lyrical prose, magical worlds, and engaging characters.
Martha Wells
Martha Wells is the author of the Murderbot Diaries and the Books of the Raksura series. Wells’s stories often explore themes such as identity, autonomy, and the importance of found family.
Honourable Mention: Anne McCaffrey
While Anne McCaffrey is known for her works in science fiction, her Dragonriders of Pern series is a classic in the fantasy genre. Her stories are both thought-provoking and immersive, making her a must-read for any fantasy fan.
These women fantasy writers are just a few of the many incredible authors who are challenging the norms of the genre and creating immersive and thought-provoking works of fiction. Whether you’re a die-hard fantasy fan or just starting to explore the genre, these authors are definitely worth checking out.
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