The Fool

Virtual Arcana #0

by Karen Amanda Hooper

Virtual Reality has never been more dangerous.
**first episode of a seven-part YA SF serial**

Kelsey loves books and lattes, preferably together, and is the kind of girl who follows rules to the letter. Unfortunately, her twin sister is obsessed with outlawed virtual reality... a bad vice to have when the government controls everything from entertainment privileges to caffeine consumption.

If her sister would just keep her nose out of trouble, maybe they could survive senior year. But when Kelsey meets a charming book connoisseur and accepts his offering of a tarot card, she takes the first step toward her own risky addictions: the guy of her dreams, and his virtual escapes into her beloved storybooks.

But the tarot cards can’t guarantee a happy ending when the line between reality and fiction becomes dangerously blurred.

**Get this seven-part serial of future gadgets, mind-bending virtual reality, and dangerously fun addictions in the complete Season One Box Set.**


SEASON 1 EPISODE LIST:

The Fool ~ Virtual Arcana #0
The Magician ~ Virtual Arcana #1
The High Priestess~ Virtual Arcana #2
The Empress ~ Virtual Arcana #3
The Emperor ~ Virtual Arcana #4
The Hierophant ~ Virtual Arcana #5
The Lovers ~ Virtual Arcana #6

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia, Romance, Ebooks

ebook

First published November 8, 2014

About the author

Author of YA supernatural and fantasy. (Love and magic are the heart and soul of all my stories.)

~TANGLED TIDES trilogy
~THE KINDRILY series
~VIRTUAL ARCANA

I was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years, and I'm currently sunning and splashing around Florida with my spoiled rescue bulldog. I'm addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

There aren't enough hours in the day to keep up with my Goodreads shelves and lists, but I do occasionally try to add a book if I remember. Feel free to friend me. I love meeting other book lovers and seeing what people are reading!

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREE right now! All episodes free to Kindle Unlimited members. :)

This series will be released serial style, so that readers won't have to wait so long between books.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard about this, I couldn't help but be intrigued. I mean with the description of The Matrix meets The Notebook, how could I not. And then I see this awesome cover and I just know that I have to read this book!

Let's start with the fact that this is a serial series. Now I know some people either love or hate serial series....I am a person who happens to love them. It's like watching your favorite tv show, but always ends on a cliffhanger until the final episode. Now, normally I don't like cliffhangers, but in the case of a serial series, I do like them because I know that I won't be waiting long for the next installment to get here.

I love, love the idea of this story. It's a very interesting take on the fantasy/dystopian world. It's a society where everything from your caffeine intake to your heart rate are monitored by the government. A society where citizens are punished if they are even thought to rebel against the system.

"We're both addicted to the escape. And who can blame us? Our nation is hell and fictional worlds give us access to heaven"

This book had me intrigued from the first page, wanting to know more about the society and those who dare to rebel against it. The end...wow! I am so intrigued. I don't know what's going on and I love it! I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment!



*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

You can see my full review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...

[Sophia Sardothien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book :) the concept it's really new and intriguing. I'm really determined to find out where this is going. However I did not feel attached to the characters relationship as much since it's only around 50+ I guess xD

I recommend you all check it out on Amazon for FREEEEE looking forward to read the #1 and then I'll post a review on it :DD

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to All Night Reads and NetGalley.)

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book.

I didn’t really like Kelsey and Keekee. They both seemed pretty selfish and stupid. Why the heck they would risk so much for the sake of a freaking game or a cup of coffee was beyond me. Sure risk things when someone’s life is at stake, but a cup of coffee? Are you freaking kidding me?!

The storyline in this just bored me unfortunately. I lost interest and just couldn’t get it back. I found the talk of VR games just dull, and even the going on about how much Kelsey liked books irritated me (and reminded me of the dreaded Katie from Obsidian *shudder*).

The one good thing about this book was that it was short, so the torment didn’t last long! Yay!
Overall; not for me,
5 out of 10.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fool is the first episode in the Virtual Arcana serial by Karen Amanda Hooper. It’s short but it’s supposed to be! It’s a YA sci-fi/dystopian that sets up each book using a card from the Major Arcana for each of its preceding serials. Kelsey is the main character and extremely likeable, I mean, what’s not to like? She’s a caffeine addict and loves to read! Her twin plays video games, which, by the way, is illegal. Xander is introduced and there’s a bit of an insta-love connection but I can get past that. There’s a dystopian type controlling government that has a big brother type band that monitors everything its citizens do. If caught doing something you shouldn’t, well, let’s just say that the government ‘takes care of it’.

I liked this first book and will definitely read the next in the serials.

[Jenna D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are serial books your thing? Regardless what your answer may be this one is gooooood. Certainly an alluring start to an intriguing future world where emotions and activities are monitored, virtual reality is outlawed and caffeine is regulated. Here we are introduced to the characters and their world - and the turn of the last page leaves you wanting MORE.

I'm hooked and am ready to take the first step!

[Marianne (Boricuan Bookworms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't be reviewing this on the blog yet, maybe I'll wait until the next episode is out so I can review two at a time? Not sure yet.

Either way, here's what you need to know: Karen Hooper has created a wonderful introduction to what will hopefully be another kickass series. This book is full of world building and let me tell you, the world has a dystopian/eerie feel. This is a world that monitors how much caffeine you drink per day, question you if your heart rate is higher than usual, and doesn't allow travel out of the country. The world is completely chilling!

The virtual reality theme without a doubt started very strong, and I cannot wait to read more of it.

I can see how some people might dislike the romance, because it comes off as instalove at first, bur trust me, it's not. Let's call it... instant attraction, yes?

Karen's writing is wonderful as always, which makes reading this story such a breeze. With only 57 pages (it's what my Kindle says), you're introduced to a brand new world that's both chilling and captivating. You'll be dying to read the next book in the series once you're done!


I beta read this book, but this review is my honest and completely unbiased opinion. My review is based on the finished ARC provided by Netgalley.

[Paula M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just some thoughts since this is really short.

I enjoyed it. Yes, surprisingly, I did. Even if there's an INSTALOVE and we all know I don't like those but I KNOW, I JUST KNOW that there's a reason that these two are attracted to each other. (more than the 'he's hot i want him' reason) And I wanna find that out.

More character development wouldn't hurt either because I find the main character immensely annoying most of the time which is a shame because she's like my twin. I mean, booknerd and a coffee addict? Yes, you just described me. The difference between us is I don't have an irritating monologue (HA.)

Anyway, I'm gonna give this series a go. Hopefully, at the next book or episode, I get my answers to those bizarre happening that took place at the last few pages. I was full 'What What what happened?!' mode and I'm dying for answers.

This book's concept really captures me that's why I want to give it a try, I think the author is kind of a science geek genius for thinking this concept. Can't wait to read the rest!

[Lollita · Rating 3 out of 5]

first off id like to say thanks to the author for the ARC. im interested but being released in short segements i havent really read enough to know if ill love this series or just like it. any way the storys based in a future world where people are controlled even to the extent of how much coffee they can drink a day. the main character kelsey has just moved to a new place and started in a new school because her twin was caught playing video games which is illegal. kelsey meets a boy xander who she feels an emidate connection with, but he shows her a world shes afraid of one that can get her into troble. kelsey than decides she wont see xander again and thats basically were the first book ends and i assume her plans to stay away wont last.

[Jennifer Madero (Boricuan Bookworms) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like coffee? Do you like soda? Do you like watching anything you feel like on Netflix? Do you like to play video games? Does your heart rate accelerate often doing activities, like being with someone, get mad, or scared? Imagine what it would be like to only drink certain amounts of caffeine, watch certain restricted things, not play some kinds of video games, and over all, be monitored every single day for every single thing you do or not do. Can you imagine?

This is what Kelsey Zellar and her twin sister, Keekee, plus many others, live through in the futuristic country of Equatia. Kelsey and her family had to move to one of the five cities that constituted Equatia because of an illegal VR addiction Keekee had. They have to start new, again, and if they fail one more time, nothing good would await the whole family. To deal with the oppression put to the citizens, some people eat enhancement candies, and Kelsey reads books and drinks as much coffee as she's allowed to. This is how she meets charming bookworm, Xander, who offers her the thing that is bringing her life down, but might as well give her the escape everyone wants, specially her: live inside her books through virtual reality. And so the story begins...

I was asked to beta read this book and at first did so, but got sidetracked because of school work. So I have no idea how this will end, but I like it in a way you can't imagine. As some of the blog's follower's know, I love Karen and her books. Obsession wouldn't be able to cover it at all. But unlike her previous two series, The Kindrily and The Sea Monster Memoirs, Virtual Arcana seems to take on a whole new world and themes her other stories didn't. It's bad to compare, but I have to because it's all part of the great excitement! While the other two series were complete fantasy, this one takes on a more sci-fi aspect as it is set in the future and in a dystopian world. Since the begining of the story you know it's Karen's work but in a different way that's sure to keep you hooked.

I was a bit worried that I'd get bored of her stories that would be only about romance, but even though the romance is an important part of the story, it's not the main thing all the time. I liked how Kelsey, even with the tempting offer Xander does to her in the story, she was logical and understood that it was dangerous, that there would come consequences if she fed off her addiction even more. She also worries deeply about her sister and her family, plus thinks about what she wants to do for her future. So, as much as it might come off as instalove, it's not. It's attraction, and we all feel like that sometime, and there's so much more to the story than that, it's amazing.

I honestly feel that this story is gonna be much bigger than her last ones, it has so much potential for great things like action, romance, fantasy, dystopian.... I can't wait for more. It's incredible how she can weave simple yet complicated stories that trap you like a spider's web and have you begging for more. Her descriptions create very vivid imagery of a world far from now and emotions well up inside of you in sympathy for the characters, and restraint when you put yourself into their place in such a horrible society. Bleh. But all part of the charm <3

And Xander. Dang it. Another book boyfriend for the list. First Nathan, then Treygan, now Xander. Why you do this Karen....?! From the very first interaction you can't help but let your pants fly off and swoon greatly for the romantic interest.

Overall, we have great romance to make your heart stop even more int he future, great world building and dystopian feel with great potential, and on-coming action and doom for when Kelsey takes the first step. Now all you have to do is take yours...

Rating: 5 stars

eARC provided by Author via Netgalley. Honestly reviewed from the finished version

[Sarah - Exploring All Genres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't tend to post reviews on GoodReads anymore, but I made an exception for this book.

The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Going into The Fool I knew next to nothing about the book. I decided to not read the synopsis and just be surprised by the story. I did, however, know that it was set in the future but that was all I knew. This is also my first experience with serial style series, where the story is broken up into episodes and seasons.

While Kelsey’s character didn’t instantly grab hold of my attention she did grow on me quite quickly, especially when her love of books is brought to light. How can I not love a character who loves books? I also enjoyed how the books that were considered classics in this story are books that relatively new releases for us readers here in the real world. Referencing books I have read or want to read certainly helped to grab my attention. Her obsession with coffee I can also understand. Kelsey is flawed, and while some readers may not like how she acts sometimes and how she is willing to put far too much on the line just to get another flavored latte, it is these flaws that give her appeal to me. The reason behind this is I enjoy flawed characters, for don’t we all have flaws that we must contend with? If she was a perfect character that did nothing wrong and followed the rules exactly as she should then she would be a very boring character and it would ruin te book for sure.

Her sister Keekee is another one of these flawed characters, though we certainly see less of her than Kelsey. Having been a major gamer myself a few years back I can understand the overwhelming desire to do just about anything to be able to play a video game. That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for her to risk everything, including her family’s home and chance for a future, just to get a few hours of gaming time in, but hey she’s a teen, she makes mistakes.

Xander was another different character. He loved books, which makes him appealing right there, but I felt that I didn’t quite get a good enough look at his character to truly judge how much I like him. There are some interesting tidbits about him that are revealed in this book and I do see that he has good potential to be a strong and likeable character as the series progresses.

I must admit that I’m not quite a fan of the serial style way of publishing a book. I felt that I didn’t get enough of the story to truly decide what I feel about the characters and the story itself. That is y main complaint about the book. It was good, and I see potential for another great series as it progresses, but I felt that because we are getting the book in shorter increments that something is missing. The biggest thing I missed was the world building. I want to know more about this world they live in, I want to find out more about the Crash, which was only mentioned and not really elaborated on and I want to see more character development. All of these things will happen in time as the next episodes in this series comes out, but as it sits right now I am craving more and that is what held me back from giving this book a full five stars. Yes, I could have waited til all seven episodes were out to get the full story but I doubt I could have.

Overall I quite enjoyed the beginning to this series and I see a great potential for this to make Karen Hooper’s others series. The serial style isn’t for everyone but perhaps I will become more accepting of it as the series continues on. I feel that those who enjoy YA series will enjoy this book, but those who want the whole story in one shot would be best to wait until it is all released before diving into this. I look forward to reading the rest of the series as it releases as I can see it only getting better from here.

[Jessica Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

See this review and more at Ramblings on Readings

When I saw that Karen Amanda Hooper was doing a series of futuristic sci-fi romance, I knew I absolutely had to request it from NetGalley. I loved her Kindrily series (if you haven’t read it, pick it up NOW. You can see my review of the first HERE). The Virtual Arcana are being released serial style- short episodes released frequently.

While Dystopia is king right now, shiny, futuristic settings are not. Most Dystopia’s are like The Hunger Games, where it’s a bit post-apocalyptic, and the main characters survive wilderness rather than technology. Suffice to say I was thrilled to find “The Fool” was set far in the future, with exciting and fun technology. It’s been a while since I’ve read this type of setting, so that was an A+ in my book. As our main girl Kelsey goes along in the next episodes, I’m sure the tech is bound to get even more interesting.



Because this is only the first episode (each ep. is between 15-20k words), most of the pages were spent setting up the world, introducing characters, and getting a handle on what exactly is going on in the stifled land of Equatia. Not much is going on, it appears, since the government has limits and controls on literally everything people do during their day, down to how much caffeine they are allowed to have.



Kelsey and her sister Keekee aren’t model citizens, as their shenanigans have forced their family to move three times. The sisters dream of moving to a foreign country, where they hope rules will be fewer and far between. And then Kelsey meets Xander, a mysterious book loving, coffee adoring boy who gives her a card with the Arcana image of “The Fool” and a cryptic message. As she searches a little deeper and finds he has a dark secret, Kelsey has to decide what is really important to her: living an interesting and exciting (albeit dangerous) life, or following the rules just like the rest of the sheep in Equatia.

There’s some instalove (lust) here, but because it’s a short section of the book, nothing other than tension and chemistry really happens. It’s not like they see each other and are suddenly madly in love. I forsee an adorable and interesting romance between Kelsey and Xander, though I’m quite certain it will be extremely complicated.



With an incredibly intriguing setup and setting, a mysterious love interest and a shiny but dangerous world, Karen Amanda Hooper has completely drawn me in yet again. I cannot wait to read the next episode!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*eARC kindly provided by All Night Reads via NetGalley*

I'm not a huge fan of serials, because I never get that invested in only reading snippets of a story at a time. But I am so intrigued! The Fool was easy to follow and hooked me from the beginning. I've read and loved Karen's Kindrily series, so I was excited about this one and intrigued by the Arcana story-line. And now I really want the next installment!

I liked the main character, Kelsey, and how she told the story. She's very intelligent, bookish, and loves her family dearly. She did act a little superior at times, being the good twin and one who wasn't addicted to anything illegal. But I think she has a lot more room to grow as a character. And I did like how I could easily connect with her.

And oh, I loved Xander. So polite, friendly, cute, and a little bit mysterious. He was patient and kind with Kelsey, and always made sure she was comfortable and safe. I think I could really grow to love their relationship, and I can't wait to see it develop throughout the series.

I also adored Kelsey's relationship with her twin sister, Keekee. The plot in this first book kind of centered around that and why they moved to Elura, while providing easy to understand info on this new world and what it's like. I'm hoping for more details surrounding this nation of Equatia, and I'm also intrigued by the story-line involving virtual escapes into books. I could definitely become addicted to something like that. ;)

Overall, I really enjoyed this and I'm so excited to read The Magician!

Favorite Quote:

"I can't be an open book unless I trust the person reading me." THIS IS SO ME. <3

[Marianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a story. I LOVED IT!
The first installment in the Virtual Arcana Series was truly unbelievable.

Karen Hooper has a magical touch when it comes to writing stories. At first, I was unsure of where the actual story line will take me and whether I would like it; however, within the first few pages, I was glued. Kelsey is an extremely likable character and Xander seems like the perfect gentleman.... until..... no spoilers here - you'll have to read the story.... :-)

The story contains futuristic scenery, romance, a dystopian society, mystery, and suspense. I really could not put down my Kindle as I read the story through. Not a single dull or boring moment as the story moved along through fast and interesting scenarios. I can't wait until the second installment.

I received this copy for free in return for a fair and honest review. Truth be told, I am honored that Karen Hooper allowed me to be one of her story's reviewers. It is truly a privilege to be able to read and review such amazing work.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Karen's stories and was excited to hear that she was releasing her next project as a serial, which means we don't have to wait so long to read her words. Win! Win!

The Fool is the first installment of the Virtual Arcana series and sets the ground work for what I think will be a great set of stories. It is set in the future, years after 'The Crash', where the United States is no longer and you can be servely punished for playing illegal video games. What?

The fact that Kelsey loves her caffeine, which sadly is rationed out in this new world, and absolutely loves print books, endeared her to my heart. We are kindered spirits. She befriends, in a way, the cute guy from the coffee shop and is puzzled when he gives her a tarot card but swears her to secrecy.

What can it mean? And what has she gotten herself into? I can't wait to read the next episode to find out more! Keep writing, Karen!

[Abi · Rating 2 out of 5]

(I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.)

I didn't enjoy this one at all unfortunately.

I didn't like Kelsey. I love Tea, but if there was a limit on how much i could have a day, and there was punishments if i didn't stick to that, i would cut down. This is why i could really not understand why Kelsey would want to risk so much for an extra cup of coffee.
Keekee was the same. Why risk so much for a game?!

This lost my interest pretty quick, and it couldn't get it back. The talk about VR games bored me, Kelsey moaning about how much coffee she could have got on my nerves, and Kelsey's talk about finding the "coffee forgetter" at the start annoyed me.

Overall, Boring.
So glad this was only short!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Hopper has made magic, again! Very few authors can take such an out of this world story and make it believable. She can! This story is real and so descriptive that I can feel the emotions. I mean come on, what book lover can not relate to books coming to life and a hot, sweet guy giving you an all access pass to letting you live them!!! I am so looking forward to more from this series. I am kinda wishing this world actually did exist. How awesome would it be to enter a book and live it out?? I will say the only thing I wanted more of in this book was more background on the world they live in. Like why are things the way they are? How did it get to that? But Karen may answer that in the next one so we shall see....cant wait! I need more...plz..

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this and all I feel is the need to read more! I was instantly hooked to it by the first few pages. I thought I might not like the fact that it has short number of pages, but I actually liked it. I felt satisfied with how the story stopped and didn't leave me hanging feeling too frustrated. That doesn't mean i'm not looking forward to the next book, cus I can say with all confidence, i'm as addicted to this story as Kelsey is to coffee. If you don't know how much that is, I suggest you read The Fool and find out.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously this is too short to review. My ecopy is only 57 pages so I can't write a full review on it. What I'll probably do is wait until the entire 'season' is out, read them all one after the other and then write a review. What I will say now is that I liked it. It's unique, the writing was good and I would love to see how the story goes! I would've like more world-building, but since it's a short book, I'm guessing we'll get more in the books to come.

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC from NetGalley.

OMG! Karen outdid herself with this book! I've read several futuristic/ distopians, but nothing like this- Karen's attention to detail without drowning the reader in them was spot on! I can't wait to read the next installment to see what happens to Kelsey, and to learn more about the enigma that is Xander.

[Veray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great start to this series. It caught me up and carried me along and of course it was too short and so I was like NO! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!! I can't wait to see what happens. I'm not sure whether to trust the coffee guy yet or not. I hope he is the amazing guy he seems to be. Will Kelsey have the courage to find out? I will just have to wait and see.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. There is nothing more dreamy than reading about a cute guy who loves to read and drink coffee :-)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many may seek to escape reality in whatever way they can, but Karen Amanda Hooper’s Virtual Arcana 0: The Fool depicts a world where those escapes have drastic consequences.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

Kelsey and her sister KeeKee have just moved to a new town and it’s their last chance in their continued efforts to reform their rebellious, and illegal, ways. KeeKee is deeply invested in, and on a sort of probation for, outlawed virtual reality while Kelsey prefers her altered reality to come from books and her vice is caffeine, all which is strictly regulated by the government. Needing to keep out of trouble for this last year of school, Kelsey’s first day is derailed when she meets a handsome and charming librarian, Xander, who offers her an opportunity and use of his well-hidden means to escape reality. Holding strong to her attempts to remain on the straight-and-narrow, Kelsey resists the temptation to virtually, and illicitly, immerse herself in her favorite books, but she’s still rather curious about the attentions that Xander gives her.

In a brief introduction to this world, there is a decent amount of description to establish and develop the extent and severity of the governmental regulation of virtual reality uses, media consumption, and food and beverage intake. The concept and premise are intriguing and has some good potential if more thoroughly developed in later installments in the series. Relating to the character development offered in this quick glimpse, Kelsey is a relatable, if mildly frustrating, character who tries to behave in a strong manner but frequently experiences, and occasionally succumbs to, hormonally driven thoughts that make her seem incoherent while Xander is a fairly standard representation of a charming yet creepy love interest who trends toward being potentially problematic. depending on what other traits or growth he's granted in later installments.

Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Jessica Roe · Rating 3 out of 5]

......what even was that? :'( That wasn't a story. That wasn't even enough to wet my appetite for the rest of the series. I'm giving it 3 stars because I love the author and I believe the series can have potential, but I was really disappointed by that. I'm a firm believer that all stories, no matter their length, need a beginning, middle and end. The Fool did not have that

[M. Basnet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly pleasing.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIRTUAL ARCANA - Episode 0 - The Fool
By: Karen Amanda Hooper

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Romance, Drama, Thriller

Length: 61 pages

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

* I received a free copy of this collection from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Set far in the future, this book explores the life of Kelsey Zellar, a senior in high school.

She lives in the city of Elura in the nation of Equatia. Rebellion against the system too many times will end with the violator having his or her mind wiped clean and reprogrammed by the State.

Her twin sister Keekee has an addiction problem. one addiction is legal and that is her addiction to mood altering "enhancement candies" but the other addiction, the one to gaming, is highly illegal in Equatia, as is just about everything that isn't educational in nature.

Keekee has been caught with a VR card multiple times which has resulted in her being expelled from three schools in three years. That is also the reason that the family has lived in three cities in three years. They have just moved to the city of Elura. It is the only semi-free city left that will allow them residency.

Unlike her sister, Kelsey follows the rules and tries to steer clear of any trouble. She may not like the --- bands that every citizen is required to wear, or the fact that those bands monitor every drop of caffeine or any other substance that enters her body, but she knows the only way to avoid an unpleasant visit from the authorities is to follow the rules.

On her first day of school she stops at the local coffee shop and meets a young man, named Xander who gives her a Tarot card and tells her to keep it a secret and to show it to no one.

She doesn't know it, but that meeting is about to drastically change her life.

There is a sense of excitement and anticipation when Xander tells Kelsey that the tarot card he gave her "represents a journey of infinite possibilities." When Kelsey asks where exactly the card will take her, he says "Anywhere you could imagine. And places that far surpass your most imaginative dreams." How can Kelsey resist? How can I resist? I must read more.

This book grabbed my attention from the very first page. Karen Amanda Hooper has created a future world that is as utterly fascinating as it is disturbing. The mix of dystopian fiction, science fiction, drama, thriller and romance had me not wanting to put the book down.

The fact that this book is set several hundred years in the future offers the author the chance to introduce exciting new technology to the reader. And yet even though Equatia is futuristic and alien to today's world, the author makes all the changes seem realistic and as if this imagined future is exactly where our world is headed.

Since this book is only 61 pages long it is impossible to stop reading until the end of the episode. Fortunately there are already many more episodes of this serial novel already available.
I may have only read the first installment, but I am already a fan.

I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


To learn more about this author visit www.karenamandahooper.com

To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

This book can be downloaded for FREE at www.amazon.com and www.amazon.ca

[Matina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Amanda Hooper's first installment of The Arcana caught my attention quickly and held it the entire story leaving me desperate for more by the end. There was so much packed into this short amount of text and I loved it!

The Fool opens with 3 of my favorite things, coffee and books, and excellent writing. Karen Amanda Hooper doesn't waste anytime trying to explain away all the rules of her brilliantly crafted world, instead she drops readers straight into the story providing details as needed. Kelsey's word is a complicated one filled with rules and regulations and she and her twin sister are desperate to get out. They are just starting at a new town and school because her sister was caught playing illegal video games when Kelsy run's into the mysterious and alluring Xander.

Xander is by far one of the most interesting male leads I've read recently. He's genuine and not over done. I love Kelsy as well! Finally there is a lead female who is self aware! I loved her comments about 'if this were a book I'd be doing ect' It was great. Her personality really shines, and I love the way she stay's true to her character when faced with Xander's proposal. I can't wait to see more of these two in further installments, and see how they grow and change. Kelsy's sister, Keekee, is an interesting character as well even though we get to see little of her in this first installment.

The world building so far in The Fool is wonderful. Karen paints a world that is controlling but plausible. She points out a lot of interesting issues in the society without sounding preachy or whiny and I really enjoyed that. I also love the idea of virtual reality and people who still cherish books that are real and printed.

This was a wonderful start to what I hope to be an amazing story. I cannot wait to see what happens next and what Kelsy ends up deciding. I am eager to see some of the mysteries set up in this first installment answered and filled out as the story goes on. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in a good scifi who loves to read and doesn't mind a dash of romance.

Note: I received an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley for my fair and honest review which I have stated above.

~Dawn

[Azucena · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I would love to thank the author Karen Amanda Hooper for giving me a free copy of this amazing book.Now let's get down to the review.

The Fool tells the story of Kelsey a girl who loves nothing more than to spend her days in books and who is a caffeine addict. Her twin sister on the other hand is the complete opposite of her and would rather spend her days playing video games, which is illegal. On one of her morning coffee runs Kelsey meets Xander who is unlike any guy she has ever met since he shares her love for books. However, before they say their goodbyes Xander gives Kelsey a playing card telling her "That's step zero" but what does that even mean?

Kelsey lives in your typical government control everything you do world. In this world every person has to wear a band which tells the government everything you do: your moods, what you eat and where you are. And if you're caught doing something illegal then the government brainwashes you.

I absolutely loved this first book in this series, it had me hooked from the get go. I especially loved the many references to other YA books. "My first day swimming with sharks. May the odds be ever in my favor...I reached forward, my finger tips landing on Daughter of Smoke and Bone." My only problem is that Kelsey and Xander had that love at first sight thing "He whispered 'It's okay to admit it you feel it too.Feel what? The connection between us." You guys barely met a couple of hours ago and he's already talking about feeling a connection, I don't think so.I would have much rather liked that they had gotten to know each other more,SPEND more time with each other then Xander could start talking about all the connections he wants. But all in all this was a really good book and I just can't wait for the next installment.

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Amanda Hooper is an amazing, she got me hooked on her books after I read Grasping at Eternity. So when I heard she was working on a new book series I was so excited. After reading this first episode in her book series I can safely say that she didn’t let me down.

Virtual Arcana is a serial series, some people love it while others hate it. I am not so sure how I feel about it, it really depends from series to series. This one started good so for now I liked it. But I can’t help being a little frustrated because it’s so short and I immediately want to know what’s going to happen next after I finished it. Luckily for me the next installment will be released in a couple of days.

The idea of this book is so great. It has an interesting take on the dystopian and fantasy world. In Virtual Arcana everything in the society is controlled by the government from your heart rate and emotions to your intake of caffeine. Everything is punishable, and for Kelsey and her twin sister Keekee this is a problem. They are both addicted to the escape through a fictional world. While Kelsey’s is legal, Keekee’s is not. And her habits have caused her family more than enough trouble. But now Kelsey has her own chance at a whole new reality. Does she give in or does she everything at all cost to protect her family?

The book had me intrigued from the very first page. I want to learn more about the society and the world where Kelsey and her family lives in. And the ending of this book… I have no idea what was going on, I was as confused as Kelsey. I loved it!

Overall I really liked the first episode in this series, it was a little too short but I can get over that. I’m really excited for the next installment in this series, can’t wait to get it in my hands!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fool is a serial style book so it is a short read. Since it was short I am still a bit unsure about everything. Very little beyond meeting the characters was mentioned but I would like to learn more.


Kelsey is a seventeen year old girl who loves books and coffee unfornantly for her books are extremely rare and caffeine intake is limited by a bracelet that monitors how much a citizen is allowed to drink every day. Go over that amount and government officials come calling to see why. Fear of breaking the rules keeps Kelsey in line and she does her best to make sure her sister follows the rules as well.

Keekee, Kelsey's twin sister, is the opposite of Kelsey in almost every way. Hooked on virtual gaming Keekee will do almost anything to play a video game which is against the law. Due to Keekee obsession with virtual games the family has had to move to the last providence in the nation that is not filled with government puppets Get caught breaking the law one more time and it is brainwashing for Keekee so she can work as a government agent catching other rule breakers yet despite this Keekee does not seem to care too much and pretty much continues trying to do what she wants so she comes off as selfish.



Xander is still a mystery and I do like that about him. He conveniently shows up at the right place at the right time so it almost seems like he sought out Kelsey.


The major downfall of The Fool is instant love. It is unbelievable and annoying, while it did annoy me seeing it in The Fool thankfully it was not a huge focus however I am fairly sure it will continue into the next book and continue to annoy me.