Tarotmancer by W.A. Simpson
If the first book was "...a riveting tale about personal strength and hidden magic" (Foreword Reviews), this next one is about working together to defeat a great enemy in the magical Riven Isles.
Following Tinderbox, the acclaimed first title in The Tales of the Riven Isles, the story of magic and revenge continues with Tarotmancer.
Harper holds the Gift of Divination. Red is the infamous Reynard the Fox, fugitive shapeshifter. When his past finds him, Red is taken to the Kingdom of Vale within Underneath so he can pay for his crimes and Harper is taken as hostage. With the Rot drawing on the hatred of the citizens, including Harper as she realizes she must put her feelings aside and save Red from the punishment of the Cesspit. As the Rot continues to grow, all must take control of their emotions and join to protect Vale.
About the author
W.A. (Wendy) Simpson has been writing since the age of five and finished her first novel at fourteen. An Associate Member of the Science-Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, she lives in Delaware and shares her home with her brother and two diva cats. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, working in her garden, or gaming and streaming on Twitch. Her debut novel, Tinderbox, was published in 2022 by Flame Tree Press to rave reviews; its follow-up, Tarotmancer, will be released in June 2023.
Review
‘Tarotmancer’ is the second book in theTales of the Riven Isles series and I was very excited to pick it up! Although I was initially disappointed that we were not returning to the characters from the first book ‘Tinderbox’ it was great to return to the world as a whole.
Harper is a tarotmancer and holds the gift of divination through the use of her tarot cards. Red is the infamous Reynard the fox, the fugitive shapeshifter. When Red’s past catches up with him he is dragged back to his home, the Vale within Underneath, and Harper is taken as along as a hostage. The Rot is a malignant force which is drawing on the hatred of citizens Harper realises that she must use her powers to save Red and the place she calls home.
Even though I was looking forward to seeing what Isebt and the gang were getting up to I did enjoy meeting new characters and the expansion of the world in the Riven Isles. We got glimpses of our favourites but that has only heightened my eagerness for the next book where hopefully they will all be able to join together. I particularly liked Harper who was a great female main character. Strong, loyal, intelligent, beautiful and an open book. I think she will be pivotal in the forthcoming story. Red I wasn't as keen on, I just wanted a bit more emotional development from him in relation to his crimes. But his storyline was strong otherwise and I liked his cunning and ability to get out of situations.
I did think there could have been a more detailed development of certain plot points. For example, the crimes with which Red was involved in. It kinda passed very quickly over the reveal and then bam everything was okay in relation to that. Also, I personally would have thought that Isbet when she joined Harper behind the veils would have explained The Rot a bit more to help her. It meant that new readers who hadn't read the first book would have been in the dark about certain aspects. But these are tiny niggles in a world which is still unique in its premise. The Vine storyline is strong, distinctive and unusual.
Can't wait for book three! Let me know if you pick this one up.
