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The Tarot Reader of Versailles
She can see the future, but can she change it?
It is the early days of the French Revolution and, on the streets of Paris, terror reigns.
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand is a young woman with an extraordinary power - through her tarot cards, she can commune with the dead. Her reputation is such that revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seek her out to divine their fortunes, though she is loyal to Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France. But Lenormand has seen the queen's fate in the cards, and must take care that it doesn't become her own.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid from Ireland who has travelled to Paris for love. Cait has powers too - she can read people's pasts as Lenormand reads their futures. The two young women have an instant connection, drawn to each other's abilities. But Cait is hiding something from her new as much as she loves Lenormand, she loves freedom and her country more. What will she do - and who will she betray - to bring revolution to the shores of Ireland?
Set against the background of the French Revolution and the Great Rebellion in Ireland and entwining dark folklore with tarot mysticism, this is a novel of fate and free will, where allegiances and romances can be forged or broken by the turn of a card.
It is the early days of the French Revolution and, on the streets of Paris, terror reigns.
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand is a young woman with an extraordinary power - through her tarot cards, she can commune with the dead. Her reputation is such that revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seek her out to divine their fortunes, though she is loyal to Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France. But Lenormand has seen the queen's fate in the cards, and must take care that it doesn't become her own.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid from Ireland who has travelled to Paris for love. Cait has powers too - she can read people's pasts as Lenormand reads their futures. The two young women have an instant connection, drawn to each other's abilities. But Cait is hiding something from her new as much as she loves Lenormand, she loves freedom and her country more. What will she do - and who will she betray - to bring revolution to the shores of Ireland?
Set against the background of the French Revolution and the Great Rebellion in Ireland and entwining dark folklore with tarot mysticism, this is a novel of fate and free will, where allegiances and romances can be forged or broken by the turn of a card.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 19, 2025
182 people are currently reading
3657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 14, 2025
It’s a Lucy book and I did a very Lucy thing by finishing it in Paris on the 14th July.
(Mentions of Madame de Staël had me frothing at the mouth)
(Mentions of Madame de Staël had me frothing at the mouth)
July 10, 2025
4.5 stars
Did I like it? Yes. But did I love it? Also mostly yes. I love historical fiction and tarot inspired stories and this one is truly magical. It is feminist, it is about revenge, it is even partially true! To me both women are equally important, the sun and the moon, and every man is mostly irrelevant. Two fates, two POVs, ghosts, destiny, revolution.
Did I like it? Yes. But did I love it? Also mostly yes. I love historical fiction and tarot inspired stories and this one is truly magical. It is feminist, it is about revenge, it is even partially true! To me both women are equally important, the sun and the moon, and every man is mostly irrelevant. Two fates, two POVs, ghosts, destiny, revolution.
May 16, 2025
Discover the locations in the novel here
I loved the Witches of Vardo by this author so this was a sure fire read for me. Oh boy was I not disappointed! What author do you know who can take the French Revolution and the Irish rebellion and make them interesting, exciting and the people who lived through them, alluring?
There’s a lot of detail here, especially at the start so you do have to concentrate a bit but it is SO worth it. There’s timelines and POVs vying for your attention but once they settle in, they are there to guide you and surprise you.
The French Revolution is such an interesting topic and time in history. I thought I knew quite a lot about it (thank you final uni paper!) but this gave fresh air and brought in so many things I hadn’t thought about. I love it when a novel does that. Let’s just say women didn’t get a look in! As for the Irish rebellion, I knew little about this, but again, I had the experience of learning how it affected those who lived through it.
What a reading experience – scene setting is out of this world. Does Anya time travel in real life too?
If that weren’t exciting enough, Anya has cleverly woven in a tale where tarot is at the heart of the royal court and where espionage and danger are just around the corner. Add a bit of sapphic romance and you have the full winning hand.
October 19, 2025
2.5 stars
This novel had everything in place for me to love it. Historical fiction, tarots, intriguing period. But nope.
I knew nothing about Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand as a real historical figure until I read the author's note at the end. It explains why the chapters from Lenormand's point of view are quite dry and detached, bringing out only further disinterest on the character. Lenormand appears as a bitter, stiff, lone woman who is blind with her own convictions.
The fact that the novel is named after her got me confused as she really is just the background character compared to Caitlin, the completely fictional character who shows depth and richness in her chapters told in first person.
This fragmented storytelling is the base of a mediocre structure, where the love triangle isn't effective and quite boring too. Despite the many attempts of convincing us that Caitlin's devotion is torn between Reilly and Lenormand, I can't feel any love is felt for either but rather lust, which is also very badly described.
Speaking of descriptions, the writing style is not my cup of tea. It's quite heavy on unnecessary digressions and forced on a dated tone of voice that doesn't add anything to Caitlin's depiction.
Feminism seems to overboard into something the author wants to add at all costs and sounds forced on the story.
On the positive side, I didn't know French Revolution was entwined with the Irish one, so I have now found a new curiosity to satisfy towards this specific historical period. Also, the Tarot reading guides were a nice distraction from the rest of the story, which I struggled to follow at times.
This novel had everything in place for me to love it. Historical fiction, tarots, intriguing period. But nope.
I knew nothing about Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand as a real historical figure until I read the author's note at the end. It explains why the chapters from Lenormand's point of view are quite dry and detached, bringing out only further disinterest on the character. Lenormand appears as a bitter, stiff, lone woman who is blind with her own convictions.
The fact that the novel is named after her got me confused as she really is just the background character compared to Caitlin, the completely fictional character who shows depth and richness in her chapters told in first person.
This fragmented storytelling is the base of a mediocre structure, where the love triangle isn't effective and quite boring too. Despite the many attempts of convincing us that Caitlin's devotion is torn between Reilly and Lenormand, I can't feel any love is felt for either but rather lust, which is also very badly described.
Speaking of descriptions, the writing style is not my cup of tea. It's quite heavy on unnecessary digressions and forced on a dated tone of voice that doesn't add anything to Caitlin's depiction.
Feminism seems to overboard into something the author wants to add at all costs and sounds forced on the story.
On the positive side, I didn't know French Revolution was entwined with the Irish one, so I have now found a new curiosity to satisfy towards this specific historical period. Also, the Tarot reading guides were a nice distraction from the rest of the story, which I struggled to follow at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
Having enjoyed Anya Bergmans writing in The Witches of Vardo, and been intrigued by the synopsis for this novel, I started this ARC with eager anticipation. It should be the sort of novel I would get lost in. Unfortunately on this occasion I did not feel invested in the story, and found the level of description unnecessary. After a slow, and slightly confused start due to the time jumps, I never reached a point where I was rooting for the characters, or felt particularly interested in the outcome (which was rather predictable).
Having said that, this is my personal opinion, and perhaps at another time I'd have enjoyed it more. Seeing other early reviews I know I'm in the minority, and on publication I'm sure others will enjoy this historical fiction story. I am grateful to netgalley, publisher and author for the oppurtunity to read this ARC.
Having said that, this is my personal opinion, and perhaps at another time I'd have enjoyed it more. Seeing other early reviews I know I'm in the minority, and on publication I'm sure others will enjoy this historical fiction story. I am grateful to netgalley, publisher and author for the oppurtunity to read this ARC.
July 8, 2025
Romance, betrayal, revolution, feminism, and a sprinkle of magic? Say less 🙂↕️
October 2, 2025
beautiful historical fiction story centred around love, loss and betrayal inspired by the French revolution 1700s & Ireland.
love how both these locations of France and Ireland were written and described it was incredible.
what a powerful story ✨
love how both these locations of France and Ireland were written and described it was incredible.
what a powerful story ✨
August 15, 2025
3.5 (RTC)
June 6, 2025
Girlies and gays, she is the diva and she is the doll.
If you liked Assassin’s Creed, pastels, or the wind as a child, I fear this is your book.
If you liked Assassin’s Creed, pastels, or the wind as a child, I fear this is your book.
December 9, 2025
The horrors of the Revolution were really overshadowed by one woman who lost her mind every time a stupid man reached between her legs.
The first half of this story was the strongest for me. Showing both Lenormand and Caitlin's origins in France and Ireland and how they established themselves in Paris was really interesting, and gave me strong V.E. Schwab vibes in the writing style.
The second half was such a slog. Although Lenormand was a strangely uninteresting character, I appreciated that she stuck to her beliefs. In comparison, Caitlin seemed to be constantly flip flopping as to what she actually wanted, and I really hate woman who lose themselves over average men.
The first half of this story was the strongest for me. Showing both Lenormand and Caitlin's origins in France and Ireland and how they established themselves in Paris was really interesting, and gave me strong V.E. Schwab vibes in the writing style.
The second half was such a slog. Although Lenormand was a strangely uninteresting character, I appreciated that she stuck to her beliefs. In comparison, Caitlin seemed to be constantly flip flopping as to what she actually wanted, and I really hate woman who lose themselves over average men.
August 3, 2025
Still doubting between a 3 and 4 star rating. Review will follow.
October 22, 2025
Kind of too long for my liking…Get to the point. Didn’t really like any of the characters but good character development.
Also was nice to learn about the history of the French Revolution.
Also was nice to learn about the history of the French Revolution.
August 21, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
June 13, 2025
What an absolute joy this book was to read, this has instantly gone to my favourite book of the year!
This story covered themes of love, loss, betrayal and belonging each with such heart. I felt each emotion deeply as the character felt it. I enjoyed the dual perspectives from Lenormand and Caitlin, and how the story unfolded with the teachings of the different kind of tarot readings leading us to the next part of the story. I have always been intrigued by tarot but knew little of it myself so greatly enjoyed learning of each through Caitlin's diary entries.
The relationship between Lenormand and Caitlin was beautifully written. Caitlin's character development throughout was thoroughly enjoyable, and I found myself riding the waves of her emotions and split loyalties. I enjoyed the mystical elements of the story and Lenormand's guidance from the spirits. I also loved the true historical elements that were woven in with the fictional and felt this was very well done. I enjoyed reading of the French Revolution through Lenormand and Caitlin's experiences, offering a peek behind the curtain to Marie Antoinette's experience during this time.
The descriptions of both Paris and Ireland were thoroughly immersive and helped bring the whole book together into a truly thrilling read. I feel this book would appeal to any fans of historical fiction and mysticism.
I cannot wait to have a physical copy of this book and read again with the tarot illustrations included!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the advanced e-copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This story covered themes of love, loss, betrayal and belonging each with such heart. I felt each emotion deeply as the character felt it. I enjoyed the dual perspectives from Lenormand and Caitlin, and how the story unfolded with the teachings of the different kind of tarot readings leading us to the next part of the story. I have always been intrigued by tarot but knew little of it myself so greatly enjoyed learning of each through Caitlin's diary entries.
The relationship between Lenormand and Caitlin was beautifully written. Caitlin's character development throughout was thoroughly enjoyable, and I found myself riding the waves of her emotions and split loyalties. I enjoyed the mystical elements of the story and Lenormand's guidance from the spirits. I also loved the true historical elements that were woven in with the fictional and felt this was very well done. I enjoyed reading of the French Revolution through Lenormand and Caitlin's experiences, offering a peek behind the curtain to Marie Antoinette's experience during this time.
The descriptions of both Paris and Ireland were thoroughly immersive and helped bring the whole book together into a truly thrilling read. I feel this book would appeal to any fans of historical fiction and mysticism.
I cannot wait to have a physical copy of this book and read again with the tarot illustrations included!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the advanced e-copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
It is the early days of the French Revolution and on the dark and dangerous streets of Paris, terror reigns….
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand wields a most extraordinary power that many would see both as heaven sent, or indeed perhaps something much more menacing, she uses tarot to commune with those past mortality, revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seeking her out to carve out their fates via divination should they pass her hand with the correct currency, that is.
Lenormand’s loyalty lies with Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France but she knows what lies in store for the queen and she must do all that she can to ensure it does not become her own fate too.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid far from home who has made the perilous journey from Ireland and travelled to Paris for love. How very foolish.
Cait also has a power many people would fear - Cait can read people’s pasts just as Lenormand can see their futures. The two women cannot help but become entwined with such an electrifying connection but Cait hides something. What she will do - and who she shall betray - to bring revolution to her beloved Ireland?
The cards never lie yet it will fall to them both to either heed the warnings, or go against the powers that make them who they are all while grasping with what is happening right outside their careful circle of protection..
Inspired by a true story, The Tarot Reader of Versailles is intoxicating, hypnotic, and utterly terrifying. Bravo
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand wields a most extraordinary power that many would see both as heaven sent, or indeed perhaps something much more menacing, she uses tarot to commune with those past mortality, revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seeking her out to carve out their fates via divination should they pass her hand with the correct currency, that is.
Lenormand’s loyalty lies with Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France but she knows what lies in store for the queen and she must do all that she can to ensure it does not become her own fate too.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid far from home who has made the perilous journey from Ireland and travelled to Paris for love. How very foolish.
Cait also has a power many people would fear - Cait can read people’s pasts just as Lenormand can see their futures. The two women cannot help but become entwined with such an electrifying connection but Cait hides something. What she will do - and who she shall betray - to bring revolution to her beloved Ireland?
The cards never lie yet it will fall to them both to either heed the warnings, or go against the powers that make them who they are all while grasping with what is happening right outside their careful circle of protection..
Inspired by a true story, The Tarot Reader of Versailles is intoxicating, hypnotic, and utterly terrifying. Bravo
May 17, 2025
An amazing insight into the French Revolution. I had no idea about the Irish connection for Irish independence. This was absolutely fascinating . A real gem of a book combining history myth and fantasy . The book had me hooked from the first chapter . Each chapter a different characters story had me hanging on a cliff and reading late into the night to catch up on the previous chapters story of the heroine and interspersed with tarot card spreads and their meanings adds a whole other dimension to the book . I would have given it five stars but I felt it was a little longwinded and probably could have had my attention more if it had been a little shorter but that could just be me as I don’t like books to be too long . Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. I read on my kindle for NetGalley . With thanks to the author publisher and NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
DNF at 65%. Thoroughly silly, and after a feminist referred to her genitalia in a sex scene as ‘her flower’ I was pushed over the edge. Just didn’t care how it ended.
July 12, 2025
4.5 🌟
I loved The Witches of Vardo which was the debut book by Anya Bergman so I was looking forward to reading this. I partly listened to this on Bookbeat (on the commute to my daughter's school) and then read the second half (as she's broken up!) I'd highly recommend the audio!
I loved the time period and setting of this story. I found it fascinating to read about the reign of terror during the French Revolution and be amongst the royal entourage of Marie Antionette. This was such an interesting perspective to read from. I equally loved reading from the Irish perspective at Roughty House and Caitlin's desire for an Irish rebellion and independence. Both time periods were vividly brought to life through the story.
The two women Lenormand and Caitlin, were both such brilliant characters. Lenormand could read the future through the tarot cards and Caitlin could read the past through touch. Lenormand was actually based on a real tarot-reader at the court of Versailles which made it even more fascinating.
It did take me a little while to get into this story and i did have to check the dates carefully at the beginning of some of the chapters as the story sometimes jumped forwards and then back but I was soon completely immersed in it. I loved the magical intrigue that came from the tarot reading even though I skimmed over the details of how to read the tarot cards (as I found this less interesting!)
Overall this was a brilliant story of magic, mysticism, forbidden love and a fight for freedom amongst a male dominated society. I would highly recommend this for historical fiction fans. I'm looking forward to Anya Bergman's next book!
I loved The Witches of Vardo which was the debut book by Anya Bergman so I was looking forward to reading this. I partly listened to this on Bookbeat (on the commute to my daughter's school) and then read the second half (as she's broken up!) I'd highly recommend the audio!
I loved the time period and setting of this story. I found it fascinating to read about the reign of terror during the French Revolution and be amongst the royal entourage of Marie Antionette. This was such an interesting perspective to read from. I equally loved reading from the Irish perspective at Roughty House and Caitlin's desire for an Irish rebellion and independence. Both time periods were vividly brought to life through the story.
The two women Lenormand and Caitlin, were both such brilliant characters. Lenormand could read the future through the tarot cards and Caitlin could read the past through touch. Lenormand was actually based on a real tarot-reader at the court of Versailles which made it even more fascinating.
It did take me a little while to get into this story and i did have to check the dates carefully at the beginning of some of the chapters as the story sometimes jumped forwards and then back but I was soon completely immersed in it. I loved the magical intrigue that came from the tarot reading even though I skimmed over the details of how to read the tarot cards (as I found this less interesting!)
Overall this was a brilliant story of magic, mysticism, forbidden love and a fight for freedom amongst a male dominated society. I would highly recommend this for historical fiction fans. I'm looking forward to Anya Bergman's next book!
September 19, 2025
Probably more of a 2.5 stars
Quite undecided with how I feel about this read.
I didn't vibe with the love triangle, there was no serious passion in any of the connections, almost forced throughout. I didn't even feel like the main character loved either person.
The Tarot portion throughout the book was more of a clinical "how to read tarot" styles. The magical component really lacked for a tarot reader.
But I loved the timeline setting, and the Versailles moments. Seeing the fall of the French royals from the poor POV was interesting.
Quite undecided with how I feel about this read.
I didn't vibe with the love triangle, there was no serious passion in any of the connections, almost forced throughout. I didn't even feel like the main character loved either person.
The Tarot portion throughout the book was more of a clinical "how to read tarot" styles. The magical component really lacked for a tarot reader.
But I loved the timeline setting, and the Versailles moments. Seeing the fall of the French royals from the poor POV was interesting.
June 22, 2025
I was EXTREMELY excited to discover there was a new book by the author of The Witches of Vardo (even if it's not available in America yet, irritating...). I didn't like it quite as much as Witches, but it's established Bergman as an author worth going to extreme lengths for. She has an extremely deft voice for historical fiction+supernatural women.
November 9, 2025
I devoured this book. A time in history that I have never read about. So very well done with often beautiful writing and descriptive text. The horrors of the Revolution were so clearly described also. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
December 14, 2025
Fantastic book. very descriptive and character heavy. Love the French royalty mentions along with the French revolution. The tarot reading and spirits were really interesting. I'll definitely read more Bergman.
August 9, 2025
Took me a while, got lost along the way but looking forward to a reread.
September 30, 2025
she’s done it agaiiiiinnnnnn
October 2, 2025
What an adventurous book! Lots going on and didn't feel dragging at all. Fabulous tale of Tarot cards and Marie Antoinette with some Irish rebels thrown in. I even gone and bought a pack of Tarot cards to play with.
October 28, 2025
Honestly will come back to this rating i need to think on it 😭😂
December 15, 2025
4.5 rounded up
September 24, 2025
Hooked from word go! I devoured this book.
October 26, 2025
Probably only a 3 star but I enjoyed the historical setting and story based on true people during the French Revolution. I like historical fiction and tarot based stories so this got extra marks for me.
Really interesting perspective of the French Revolution through the perspective of the Irish characters who were supportive of the revolution due to promised support for Ireland to rebel against the English nobility. Also covered the Girondins and the feminist movement for equality for women during the revolution.
Well written and fascinating.
Really interesting perspective of the French Revolution through the perspective of the Irish characters who were supportive of the revolution due to promised support for Ireland to rebel against the English nobility. Also covered the Girondins and the feminist movement for equality for women during the revolution.
Well written and fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews