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The Cartomancer's Guide to Werewolves #1
Magic on the Cards
Never trust a werewolf.
I’m the weakest cartomancer who ever lived, but I can use Tarot cards to work magic. Most days. That makes me the natural prey of the Soldiers of the Light, the jumped-up werewolves who police the magic community. They’ve hunted cartomancers for centuries because of some stupid ancient feud.
Never speak to a werewolf.
I’m helping the local vampires track a rogue that’s menacing our little town when I knock a handsome stranger off his motorbike. He’s badly hurt but refuses medical help. So I take Mr Tall, Dark and Suspicious home—and find out he’s a Soldier. Because that’s just the kind of day I’m having.
Never, under any circumstances, fall in love with a werewolf.
He’s my sworn enemy, but sparks fly between us. Now I have a monster to catch and a town to save, all while guarding my secret—and my heart—from a man who would kill me without a second thought if he knew the truth.
I’m the weakest cartomancer who ever lived, but I can use Tarot cards to work magic. Most days. That makes me the natural prey of the Soldiers of the Light, the jumped-up werewolves who police the magic community. They’ve hunted cartomancers for centuries because of some stupid ancient feud.
Never speak to a werewolf.
I’m helping the local vampires track a rogue that’s menacing our little town when I knock a handsome stranger off his motorbike. He’s badly hurt but refuses medical help. So I take Mr Tall, Dark and Suspicious home—and find out he’s a Soldier. Because that’s just the kind of day I’m having.
Never, under any circumstances, fall in love with a werewolf.
He’s my sworn enemy, but sparks fly between us. Now I have a monster to catch and a town to save, all while guarding my secret—and my heart—from a man who would kill me without a second thought if he knew the truth.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2023
221 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Marina Finlayson
31 books253 followersMarina Finlayson is a reformed wedding organist who now writes fantasy. She is married and shares her Sydney home with three kids, a large collection of dragon statues and one very stupid dog with a death wish.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 18, 2024
I had so much fun with this one. It is kind of like a Charmed episode. We have a murder mystery, a budding romance, and some fun friendships. Our FMC does try a little too hard to be "not that girl" but I still found myself rooting for her. I wish there had been a little more to the relationships, but I thought the magic system was very interesting.
June 26, 2023
2023 bk 216. This was maybe the third Australian paranormal author I've tried and I thoroughly enjoyed the Aussie view of a world of mixed magic and the approach to witches, vampires, werewolves and other things that make you shiver in the dark. The combination of Tarot and witchcraft seemed unique among the books I've read. I felt empathy for the main character and those she cared for in her small town. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
November 28, 2025
This was such a good book! I can’t wait till book two arrives!
I was sucked in from the beginning and loved every page of it!
This amazing story was filled with adventure, fun banter, slow burn, badass characters and secrets! The chemistry between the MC’s are absolute perfection and the writing was amazing!
I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves tropes like, witch x witchhunter, badass FMC, banter, secrets, wherewolves, and lots of action!
I was sucked in from the beginning and loved every page of it!
This amazing story was filled with adventure, fun banter, slow burn, badass characters and secrets! The chemistry between the MC’s are absolute perfection and the writing was amazing!
I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves tropes like, witch x witchhunter, badass FMC, banter, secrets, wherewolves, and lots of action!
January 10, 2024
holy moly Batman!
So this is such a fun book! Sunday- love her name by the way- is a cartomancer. Ok it’s pretty close to being a witch. She’s trying to live a somewhat normal life but hide what she is. She’s finally found a little town and made friends and has a job and an apartment. And then everything goes to hell in a hand basket. I love the authors spin on wolves hating witches. And why. I adore Ariel! I wanna know what she is. Sunday’s aunts crack me up. Her neighbors are awesome. Her coworker Bethany turned into a bestie with her mind blown. And Conal. I have lots to say but I’m still going back and forth. His world has just blown up too. By the end, my jaw was on the floor, I’m shocked. I’m devastated. I’m excited!!!! I’ve had to wait on book 2 but I reread this one and now I can finally get answers!!! Looks like I’ll be following this author around like a puppy!!!
So this is such a fun book! Sunday- love her name by the way- is a cartomancer. Ok it’s pretty close to being a witch. She’s trying to live a somewhat normal life but hide what she is. She’s finally found a little town and made friends and has a job and an apartment. And then everything goes to hell in a hand basket. I love the authors spin on wolves hating witches. And why. I adore Ariel! I wanna know what she is. Sunday’s aunts crack me up. Her neighbors are awesome. Her coworker Bethany turned into a bestie with her mind blown. And Conal. I have lots to say but I’m still going back and forth. His world has just blown up too. By the end, my jaw was on the floor, I’m shocked. I’m devastated. I’m excited!!!! I’ve had to wait on book 2 but I reread this one and now I can finally get answers!!! Looks like I’ll be following this author around like a puppy!!!
May 8, 2023
“ I leaned across the bench and poked him hard in the arm as the last egg nestled into its toasty bed.
“What was that for?”
“Checking if you’re real.”
I love the interaction between the two main lovebirds, a witch named Sunday and the witch hunter/wolf shifter, Conal. It’s smart, sassy, and funny, and the poor girl sees the perfect man and…what a shame he hunts witches like her.
Sunday has migrated all her life with her two aunts, but she finally set roots the last year in a small town and still is friends with her previous boyfriend the vampire Ethan. Despite wanting to stay, she is torn by the idea that she needs to keep running to protect her life. Not only are Hunters the bane of every witch, there is a serial killer in town draining humans, and she has seen something lingering outside of her workplace, a local second-hand shop. Morally obligated to help her ex, she finds herself investigating the very creature who might be hunting her down.
Interestingly enough, Sunday finds herself in a meeting between the Hunters (Conal) and Ethan’s Coven. What I like is how supportive Conal is.
“Are you going to let this human do all your talking?” Victoria added. He replies that she is doing a good job and sips his tea. Cool.
Unfortunately, the Hunters don’t care about the serial killer once they discover the presence of a witch. Set upon grabbing Sunday, the whole werewolf hunting coven (all 13) converge upon the town and kidnap her aunts to flush Sunday out.
Conal is Sunday’s infatuation. She meets him after running into his bike, and they kind of don’t hit it off. But he allows her a life-debt, which Sunday abuses every time she wants him to do something. I guess he likes her, too, because he rarely complains.
Sunday is like a sunny version of Sunday from the Addam’s Family tv show. Her magic is based upon the tarot deck, minus all the good cards. But aside from a small amount of spidey sense from card reading, her main attraction is her familiar, a ghost poltergeist called Ariel. Ariel is the can-do, capable side of the coin when Sunday pulls an opossum and plays dead. Her invisible friend and comic relief. In case you are wondering, Ariel’s character is complicated too, because she wishes she were real!
And Sunday freezes in crisis a lot. She constantly has bad luck and is sympathetic enough that she lets customers steamroll over her. I like her. Ethan likes her. Her coworkers like her. I highly recommend you read this when you are tired of tragic, angsty romance.
Keywords:
• Life debt owed
• Wolf shifter Witch Romance
• Serial killer
• Tarot
• Ex-boyfriend meet
I DNFed because it turned into an superhero team-like action-fest and I lost the mood (I am a mood-reader) but I loved it the whole time I was reading. Thus, I decided to review it.
“What was that for?”
“Checking if you’re real.”
I love the interaction between the two main lovebirds, a witch named Sunday and the witch hunter/wolf shifter, Conal. It’s smart, sassy, and funny, and the poor girl sees the perfect man and…what a shame he hunts witches like her.
Sunday has migrated all her life with her two aunts, but she finally set roots the last year in a small town and still is friends with her previous boyfriend the vampire Ethan. Despite wanting to stay, she is torn by the idea that she needs to keep running to protect her life. Not only are Hunters the bane of every witch, there is a serial killer in town draining humans, and she has seen something lingering outside of her workplace, a local second-hand shop. Morally obligated to help her ex, she finds herself investigating the very creature who might be hunting her down.
Interestingly enough, Sunday finds herself in a meeting between the Hunters (Conal) and Ethan’s Coven. What I like is how supportive Conal is.
“Are you going to let this human do all your talking?” Victoria added. He replies that she is doing a good job and sips his tea. Cool.
Unfortunately, the Hunters don’t care about the serial killer once they discover the presence of a witch. Set upon grabbing Sunday, the whole werewolf hunting coven (all 13) converge upon the town and kidnap her aunts to flush Sunday out.
Conal is Sunday’s infatuation. She meets him after running into his bike, and they kind of don’t hit it off. But he allows her a life-debt, which Sunday abuses every time she wants him to do something. I guess he likes her, too, because he rarely complains.
Sunday is like a sunny version of Sunday from the Addam’s Family tv show. Her magic is based upon the tarot deck, minus all the good cards. But aside from a small amount of spidey sense from card reading, her main attraction is her familiar, a ghost poltergeist called Ariel. Ariel is the can-do, capable side of the coin when Sunday pulls an opossum and plays dead. Her invisible friend and comic relief. In case you are wondering, Ariel’s character is complicated too, because she wishes she were real!
And Sunday freezes in crisis a lot. She constantly has bad luck and is sympathetic enough that she lets customers steamroll over her. I like her. Ethan likes her. Her coworkers like her. I highly recommend you read this when you are tired of tragic, angsty romance.
Keywords:
• Life debt owed
• Wolf shifter Witch Romance
• Serial killer
• Tarot
• Ex-boyfriend meet
I DNFed because it turned into an superhero team-like action-fest and I lost the mood (I am a mood-reader) but I loved it the whole time I was reading. Thus, I decided to review it.
Want to read
August 14, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBOX contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
Since Vampires & other ‘preternaturals’ revealed themselves in the year 2000, they’ve been rehabbing their image. A recent spate of murders isn’t helping things. That’s where a plucky cartomancer comes in.
This urban fantasy has a fun sense of humor that doesn’t try to overwhelm the reader with gags. The 1st person prose has a strong voice that also manages to provide clear, descriptive narration, grounding the reader in the world.
This opening is active, but isn’t in a rush. Something is happening … but our MC’s magic cards aren’t exactly behaving, much to the impatience of two vampire onlookers.
The opening sets the stage for the action to come extremely well, introducing the reader to the core world details, establishes a murder mystery plot, explains some of our MC’s card magic (and how fickle it can be despite her famous pedigree, boo!), and more.
The dialogue is lively, the characters are large and immediately clear cut, and there’s already been a few fun surprises that have made me say, “oh, that’s clever.” I’ll leave you to discover some of them for yourself.
Based on this opening, this seems like a perfect, fun, female-led, page-turning paranormal fantasy. I can’t see a thing wrong with it! WOW! Book 1 of a series. I’m in!
Since Vampires & other ‘preternaturals’ revealed themselves in the year 2000, they’ve been rehabbing their image. A recent spate of murders isn’t helping things. That’s where a plucky cartomancer comes in.
This urban fantasy has a fun sense of humor that doesn’t try to overwhelm the reader with gags. The 1st person prose has a strong voice that also manages to provide clear, descriptive narration, grounding the reader in the world.
This opening is active, but isn’t in a rush. Something is happening … but our MC’s magic cards aren’t exactly behaving, much to the impatience of two vampire onlookers.
The opening sets the stage for the action to come extremely well, introducing the reader to the core world details, establishes a murder mystery plot, explains some of our MC’s card magic (and how fickle it can be despite her famous pedigree, boo!), and more.
The dialogue is lively, the characters are large and immediately clear cut, and there’s already been a few fun surprises that have made me say, “oh, that’s clever.” I’ll leave you to discover some of them for yourself.
Based on this opening, this seems like a perfect, fun, female-led, page-turning paranormal fantasy. I can’t see a thing wrong with it! WOW! Book 1 of a series. I’m in!
June 24, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 20, 2023
My first book by author Marina Finlayson and I loved it! Set in Australia, the magic world lays hidden in plain sight. Sunday, the sassy FMC and her side kick Ariel have lived and worked together to stay hidden from the magical community to try and make sure they never had to deal with the Soldiers of the Light who killed cartomancer's like Sunday (also referred to as witches by those who hate them) on sight. Sunday offers to help the vampires find a rabid elder by using her magic, which has a bad reaction and leads to secrets revealed, conundrums galore, magical battles, feisty aunts and a huge surprise towards the end of the book. Great world and character building only leaves you wanting the second book now!
June 23, 2023
In this world, there aren't witches, but there are cartomancers and, of course, a righteous group out there to eliminate all "witches". I really like the groundwork laid out by the author setting up the magical background of the story.
This is a fun story with wonderful characters, multifaceted characters, and some twists and turns along the way. The ending seemed a bit quicker than I'd expected, but it does set up the next book nicely.
It's a pretty clean story, except for the violence (nothing horribly explicit). There's no swearing and a hint at romance with a slow burn enemies to lovers setup.
This is a fun story with wonderful characters, multifaceted characters, and some twists and turns along the way. The ending seemed a bit quicker than I'd expected, but it does set up the next book nicely.
It's a pretty clean story, except for the violence (nothing horribly explicit). There's no swearing and a hint at romance with a slow burn enemies to lovers setup.
June 11, 2023
I’m not totally sure what I expected from this book, but it ended up fitting the mood I was in - something funny, lighter than I anticipated, and a great twist. It’s interesting because even though Sunday is incredibly stressed basically the entire book, and bad things happen, the book still felt light. Which I honestly appreciated. Don’t get me wrong - I love the intense feeling of being engrossed in a story too, but I needed something that was a little more optimistic. The characters are fun and quirky, the world and magic are interesting and I did NOT see that twist coming. Recommend!
dnf
March 27, 2024Hannah's review says Sunday became stupid for a wolf she'd known for a week and her stubbornness caused unnecessary death and harm (paraphrasing because I don't know how to link to their review). I'm at 44% and I've had to force myself to get that far. So much internal chatter making excuses to stay around a soldier.
I hate when stubbornness causes harm. And usually no one notices. I don't know if that happens here but I don't want to find out.
I would happily try another book by this author but I think I've read as far in this one as I can.
I hate when stubbornness causes harm. And usually no one notices. I don't know if that happens here but I don't want to find out.
I would happily try another book by this author but I think I've read as far in this one as I can.
May 21, 2023
A Fun Read
I enjoyed reading Magic on the Cards. This is an interesting take on supernaturals and their existence. I really like Sunday, and Ariel is a hoot. This seems like it will be an exciting series to follow. I have to admit I'm not a fan of the term cartomancer. I'm not sure why, maybe because it sounds like a made-up up term/designation. They're witches that use cards to focus their power - seemed pretentious. Just my personal feelings.
I enjoyed reading Magic on the Cards. This is an interesting take on supernaturals and their existence. I really like Sunday, and Ariel is a hoot. This seems like it will be an exciting series to follow. I have to admit I'm not a fan of the term cartomancer. I'm not sure why, maybe because it sounds like a made-up up term/designation. They're witches that use cards to focus their power - seemed pretentious. Just my personal feelings.
July 10, 2023
Loved it
Booktok led me here so I assumed it was smut. It’s not, but I am so not disappointed. It’s a fun twist on the paranormal which had me literally laughing out loud at times. It feels like lemonade…light, refreshing, and satisfies you in a way you didn’t know you needed. 10/10 would read again
Booktok led me here so I assumed it was smut. It’s not, but I am so not disappointed. It’s a fun twist on the paranormal which had me literally laughing out loud at times. It feels like lemonade…light, refreshing, and satisfies you in a way you didn’t know you needed. 10/10 would read again
October 9, 2023
Wow
At first I thought this novel would be more leaning towards teens. However, I am happy to say I was wrong! This is for adults, the characters come to life, and their trails are real. Never knowing which way the road would turn. Can't wait until the next installment comes out! Count me as a fan! Sunday go kick some a**!
At first I thought this novel would be more leaning towards teens. However, I am happy to say I was wrong! This is for adults, the characters come to life, and their trails are real. Never knowing which way the road would turn. Can't wait until the next installment comes out! Count me as a fan! Sunday go kick some a**!
October 22, 2023
Cute and Hilarious
This story is a quick, funny, quirky read. Sunday is the perfect character, she's kind, driven and just magically stumbling through life with her imvisible best friend who is one if the best secondary characters ever imagined! I can't wait for the next addition in this series.
This story is a quick, funny, quirky read. Sunday is the perfect character, she's kind, driven and just magically stumbling through life with her imvisible best friend who is one if the best secondary characters ever imagined! I can't wait for the next addition in this series.
May 8, 2023
Really fun first-in-series romantic urban fantasy. The Australian setting added a bit of uniqueness, the worldbuilding was simple in a good way with a nice twist, and the love interest was enticing. Definitely recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs.
June 6, 2023
Fun, quick read
The story was fun and quick introduction to this world. I'm not sure if the world is bigger than just this series as this is the first book I've read by this author.
The characters were interesting but this was mostly a plot driven book.
The story was fun and quick introduction to this world. I'm not sure if the world is bigger than just this series as this is the first book I've read by this author.
The characters were interesting but this was mostly a plot driven book.
July 4, 2023
The book started out very promising, but then quickly went downhill around the 65% mark. Sunday became so stupid, for a wolf thats known her for about a week. And her stupid plans and stubbornness caused unnecessary deaths and harm.
July 28, 2023
Must read book
Great story about magic and werewolves by reading this book its makes me wonder about magic in this world .I think it would be fantastic to know someone that has magic
Great story about magic and werewolves by reading this book its makes me wonder about magic in this world .I think it would be fantastic to know someone that has magic
did-not-finish
January 16, 2024Dropped at 44%. This one just isn't working for me. The cartomancy is a real draw but I am not really liking the characters all that much. I have many books on my TBR so this one isn't getting finished.
February 17, 2024
Interesting backstory and magic system- cartomancers using tarot cards to manifest actual magic was cool. Plus werewolves, vampires, elementals etc.
However the characters didn't quite grip me, but maybe if I read on they will grow on me.
However the characters didn't quite grip me, but maybe if I read on they will grow on me.
March 19, 2024
magic in the cards
One of the best urban fantasy books I’ve read in a long time, so funny, love the Australian setting too.
Magic channelled via tarot, love this to bits, and love the twists and turns, can’t wait to read more.
One of the best urban fantasy books I’ve read in a long time, so funny, love the Australian setting too.
Magic channelled via tarot, love this to bits, and love the twists and turns, can’t wait to read more.
September 27, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed this book immensely. All the characters are great. The humble way she lives and the exciting pace of this book. Loved all the paranormal things are done well. Will look for book #2
I enjoyed this book immensely. All the characters are great. The humble way she lives and the exciting pace of this book. Loved all the paranormal things are done well. Will look for book #2
May 2, 2023
Fun start to the series. :)
May 16, 2023
page turner
Cannot wait for the next book in the series. The ending and that unexpected twist. Absolutely love Conal he is loyal and honest.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series. The ending and that unexpected twist. Absolutely love Conal he is loyal and honest.
May 29, 2023
great book
This was a great read! Definitely made me chuckle and I enjoyed the new dynamic of this world. Very interested to see what happens next.
This was a great read! Definitely made me chuckle and I enjoyed the new dynamic of this world. Very interested to see what happens next.
June 22, 2023
interesting
A mix of ideas in this world. The witch hunt have been used to create the back story between wolves and witches. It was nice to read a novel set in Australia
A mix of ideas in this world. The witch hunt have been used to create the back story between wolves and witches. It was nice to read a novel set in Australia
July 7, 2023
engaging and exciting!
I loved this read! Sucked in from the start, with subtle but intriguing world-building, and interesting characters. Can’t wait for the second book!
I loved this read! Sucked in from the start, with subtle but intriguing world-building, and interesting characters. Can’t wait for the second book!
July 13, 2023
Great read
I enjoyed reading the Magic of the cards, full of action and funny too. Looking forward to book two , hopefully soon.
I enjoyed reading the Magic of the cards, full of action and funny too. Looking forward to book two , hopefully soon.
July 22, 2023
It was a unique plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews