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Rise of the Moon
Lia Alvarez was different.
In the high school world of jocks, cheerleaders, and bubblegum-pop you tend to stick out in black eyeliner, Doc Martens, and an interest in the magical and macabre.
Lia didn't fit in on a good day, let alone a bad day.
But the day that she performs her play on the struggles of a true witch during the Salem Witch Hunts, macabre and magical becomes much more than just an interest. It becomes a battle of free will and control, of life and death.
Thanks to the immortal magic of an enchanted tarot card, her reality and the reality of everyone around her is forever altered as she is hurled into a world of ancient forces, family secrets, mysterious magical societies all contending for her and her new-found power.
Lia Alvarez was different, but just how different?
Will she embrace her gifts? Will they put her and those she loves in danger?
Only the Tarot will tell.
In the high school world of jocks, cheerleaders, and bubblegum-pop you tend to stick out in black eyeliner, Doc Martens, and an interest in the magical and macabre.
Lia didn't fit in on a good day, let alone a bad day.
But the day that she performs her play on the struggles of a true witch during the Salem Witch Hunts, macabre and magical becomes much more than just an interest. It becomes a battle of free will and control, of life and death.
Thanks to the immortal magic of an enchanted tarot card, her reality and the reality of everyone around her is forever altered as she is hurled into a world of ancient forces, family secrets, mysterious magical societies all contending for her and her new-found power.
Lia Alvarez was different, but just how different?
Will she embrace her gifts? Will they put her and those she loves in danger?
Only the Tarot will tell.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 2, 2021
Rise of the Moon takes place in a wonderful tarot-inspired universe and has well-written characters that are unabashedly human. The main heroine is relatable and the friendship between the two main characters is funny and realistic. If you have free time and a buck to spend, Rise of the Moon will whisk you to a place that is magical.
November 22, 2021
A different take on the witchy
Where to start. This book, like most in a series, started slow and had me flipping the pages in haste for the magic element to emerge and when it did I wasn't disappointed. The road the author took with the supernatural in this story was both different and intriguing. The character were so much fun especially the main characters best friend Treigh. I loved his character and their relationship so much. There was no shortage of danger, suspense, secrets to unfold and even moments where you hold your breath waiting to see what happens next. The twists in this story were very enjoyable. Can't wait to dive into book 2.
Where to start. This book, like most in a series, started slow and had me flipping the pages in haste for the magic element to emerge and when it did I wasn't disappointed. The road the author took with the supernatural in this story was both different and intriguing. The character were so much fun especially the main characters best friend Treigh. I loved his character and their relationship so much. There was no shortage of danger, suspense, secrets to unfold and even moments where you hold your breath waiting to see what happens next. The twists in this story were very enjoyable. Can't wait to dive into book 2.
January 4, 2021
I'm in trouble. I've come to chapter 27; just 34 pages remain before I finish JB Caine's first book in the Arcana trilogy. I'm in trouble because I already know Lia, Treigh, and other characters are going to leave me desperate for book two.
YA writing presents specific challenges for authors. Content must be authentic; fraud becomes evident quickly. Caine's premis has opportunity galore for tired situations, trite dialog, and inch-deep characters. Instead, Caine builds on witchy fun and fantasy, true Florida, and truer emotions. Caine's storyline and writing are strong. While several YA stories of late have had a trusted gay friend of the protagonist, Treigh is much more than an afterthought and I'm hopeful his character develops. And while Gemma's true nature remains suspect, I'm confident Caine has something surprising in store with her. I'm anxious to spend more time not just with Lia, but with several other major and minor characters. Caine's debut is delightful. While waiting for book two, I may need to take a trip to St. Augustine to visit a graveyard or two.
YA writing presents specific challenges for authors. Content must be authentic; fraud becomes evident quickly. Caine's premis has opportunity galore for tired situations, trite dialog, and inch-deep characters. Instead, Caine builds on witchy fun and fantasy, true Florida, and truer emotions. Caine's storyline and writing are strong. While several YA stories of late have had a trusted gay friend of the protagonist, Treigh is much more than an afterthought and I'm hopeful his character develops. And while Gemma's true nature remains suspect, I'm confident Caine has something surprising in store with her. I'm anxious to spend more time not just with Lia, but with several other major and minor characters. Caine's debut is delightful. While waiting for book two, I may need to take a trip to St. Augustine to visit a graveyard or two.
January 3, 2021
Good read. Hard to believe that this is a first novel. The characters are juniors in high school and they and the dialogue ring true. The main character Lia discovers she has powers and abilities that she must learn to use. The author has created a magic universe or Arcana related to cards in a Tarot deck. A God or Goddess is associated with each card and the holder of the card has powers related to that deity. The teenage angst over relationships and life in high school provides a believable setting for Lia to learn about her new powers and abilities. The best parts of the writing for me were the relationships between Lia and Treigh her best friend and her mother and aunt. The relationships ring true and the writing draws you in and builds a believable world. This book leaves you wanting more and demands sequels. Recommended.
February 5, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, the premise sounded good, but so many books have great premises that ended up disappointing me, well, not this book, and while there are lots of things I would love to praise about this book, the thing that I loved the most was Lia, the main character.
Lia had one of the best character developments I've seen on YA books, at first I thought she was going to be a "I'm not like other girls" kind of character, but she ended up being quite the opposite, she was just a teenage girl with insecurities and some prejudice, though with time she learned to get past those negative thoughts and became more open to new ideas. At the same time she has a strong sense of morality, while also having pretty realistic flaws. She made mistakes, learned from them, and took action in making sure they didn't happen again, not just apologized and kept on doing it. All in all, she's a great main character,and I would love to continue reading about her adventures.
Lia had one of the best character developments I've seen on YA books, at first I thought she was going to be a "I'm not like other girls" kind of character, but she ended up being quite the opposite, she was just a teenage girl with insecurities and some prejudice, though with time she learned to get past those negative thoughts and became more open to new ideas. At the same time she has a strong sense of morality, while also having pretty realistic flaws. She made mistakes, learned from them, and took action in making sure they didn't happen again, not just apologized and kept on doing it. All in all, she's a great main character,and I would love to continue reading about her adventures.
February 21, 2022
What Caine was able to do with her unique and charming take on magic was why I bought this book. A magic system involving Tarot? Has anyone done this before? In a genre that is completely saturated right now, that was enough for this story to stand out! What she did with the world and the characters... the growth and evolution of Lia and Treigh... the twists, the mystery, the suspense... THAT'S why I stayed and why I cannot wait to read book 2! I've been slowly falling away from the "magic/fantasy" genre because there are just not enough new ideas. Rise of the Moon gives me hope! Well done, JB Caine!
January 15, 2021
Couldn't put it down!!!
This typically isn't my style of reading. However, I could not put this book down. It was full of adventure and the storyline was so unpredictable it was a fresh breath of air! You really can't find books like these anymore from newer author's. So glad I took the step away from my comfort zone and read it!
This typically isn't my style of reading. However, I could not put this book down. It was full of adventure and the storyline was so unpredictable it was a fresh breath of air! You really can't find books like these anymore from newer author's. So glad I took the step away from my comfort zone and read it!
January 28, 2021
This book was fantastic!! After the first few chapters I couldn't put it down wanting to figure out what was going to happen next. I cannot wait for book 2 so I can continue the journey of this character!
October 6, 2023
I have made a friend with the main character! Following Lia's magical development and rooting for her also makes you fall in love with her, her friends, and family. What an amazing plot inspired by the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It was intriguing to learn more about something that interests me. I love the way it was woven into modern-day teen life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am excited for the sequel! It's a light but very interesting read, a great escape from daily life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am excited for the sequel! It's a light but very interesting read, a great escape from daily life.
September 11, 2025
I loved this book. It was easy and fun to read. I think most young kids have always dreamed of having a certain 'power' or 'gift'. Character development was great and brought you back to those awkward teenage years where you 'wish' your 'crush' would just madly fall in love with you. Not only is this a book about fun topics it also suggests that with power comes responsibility much of which many adult s have forgotten
February 15, 2022
This book was fantastic!! It hooked me after the first few chapters I couldn't put it down. The way this book is written provides such a fresh new twist using Tarot cards and Arcana. Love it!! Lia is a fierce character and a fun read. She pulls you along on her journey and what a journey it is. This new author is worth the read!
March 16, 2024
Rise of the Moon is built on a premise that I’ve never encountered before with supernatural powers intertwined with tarot cards. This book’s relatable characters and compelling take on a genre that’s seen the same ideas rehashed drew me in and didn’t let go. Great read!
January 9, 2026
I was really wanting to like this book. If you like witchy 2000s Disney shows then you will probably like this!
February 1, 2022
Great book!
JB Caine does a great job describing how Lia uses her powers as she discovers them. The meditation scenes when the main character is going through her "boxes" are very well written and easy to visualize as well. I will definitely put Book 2 on my TBR.
JB Caine does a great job describing how Lia uses her powers as she discovers them. The meditation scenes when the main character is going through her "boxes" are very well written and easy to visualize as well. I will definitely put Book 2 on my TBR.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews