What do you think?
Rate this book
Vestigial Tales #3
The Tarot Reader
Untold centuries ago, the Archipelago was ruled by the Alder—mysterious beings who vanished, leaving behind only scattered artefacts of unknown power, called Vestige. Sometimes, a person will be lucky or unlucky enough to discover that each piece of Vestige has its own tale to tell…
The Tarot Reader
“Cyan didn’t want to read fortunes.”
Cyan Zhu is the best tarot reader Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities has ever seen. Too good, some say. She reads the cards, but she can also tell more about her customers than they could ever suspect. Two people walk into Cyan’s cart to have their fortunes told and change her life forever: Oliver, a sailor with a pretty grin, and a mysterious man with a blurred face, who sends her terrible visions that might come true.
Vestigial Tales are stories set in the world of the award-winning Micah Grey series. Step behind the circus ring from Pantomime, the theatre of Shadowplay, and more…
The Tarot Reader
“Cyan didn’t want to read fortunes.”
Cyan Zhu is the best tarot reader Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities has ever seen. Too good, some say. She reads the cards, but she can also tell more about her customers than they could ever suspect. Two people walk into Cyan’s cart to have their fortunes told and change her life forever: Oliver, a sailor with a pretty grin, and a mysterious man with a blurred face, who sends her terrible visions that might come true.
Vestigial Tales are stories set in the world of the award-winning Micah Grey series. Step behind the circus ring from Pantomime, the theatre of Shadowplay, and more…
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2014
3 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
L.R. Lam
27 books1,523 followersOriginally from sunny California, L.R. Lam now lives in cloudy Scotland. Lam is a Sunday Times Bestselling author whose work includes epic fantasy romance Dragonfall (The Dragon Scales Trilogy), the near-future space thriller, Goldilocks, feminist space opera Seven Devils and Seven Mercies (co-written with Elizabeth May), BBC Radio 2 Book Club section False Hearts, the companion novel Shattered Minds, and the award-winning Micah Grey series: Pantomime, Shadowplay, and Masquerade.
Their short fiction and essays have appeared in anthologies such as Nasty Women, Solaris Rising 3, Cranky Ladies of History, Scotland in Space, and more. Their romance alter ego is Laura Ambrose. Lam lectures part-time at Edinburgh Napier University and is Programme Leader of the Creative Writing MA.
*Please note I don't read my GR mail*
Their short fiction and essays have appeared in anthologies such as Nasty Women, Solaris Rising 3, Cranky Ladies of History, Scotland in Space, and more. Their romance alter ego is Laura Ambrose. Lam lectures part-time at Edinburgh Napier University and is Programme Leader of the Creative Writing MA.
*Please note I don't read my GR mail*
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 27, 2017
4.5 stars
The Vestigial Tales are short stories set in the same world as Laura Lam's Micha Grey series. They give readers a bit more insight into the Vestige artefacts that were left behind when the Alder retreated from the world. The Tarot Reader actually gives us a bit more insight into Cyan, a character we were introduced to during Shadowplay. Although events in this story occur before Shadowplay I actually think you'll enjoy it more if you read it afterwards, Cyan's character is a bit of a mystery during the book and I enjoyed unravelling her secrets alongside Micha but it was great to go back now and fill in some of the details.
The Tarot Reader was my favourite of the Vestigial Tales so far, I loved getting to see more about Cyan's life when she was working for Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities. How her secret ability helped her so much with her Tarot readings and what happened when her parents found out about what she could do. We also get to see her first meeting with Oli and watch their romance blossom. This was a really sweet story and it left me excited to see more of Drystan's past in The Card Sharp.
Source: Received as part of a preorder giveaway from the author
The Vestigial Tales are short stories set in the same world as Laura Lam's Micha Grey series. They give readers a bit more insight into the Vestige artefacts that were left behind when the Alder retreated from the world. The Tarot Reader actually gives us a bit more insight into Cyan, a character we were introduced to during Shadowplay. Although events in this story occur before Shadowplay I actually think you'll enjoy it more if you read it afterwards, Cyan's character is a bit of a mystery during the book and I enjoyed unravelling her secrets alongside Micha but it was great to go back now and fill in some of the details.
The Tarot Reader was my favourite of the Vestigial Tales so far, I loved getting to see more about Cyan's life when she was working for Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities. How her secret ability helped her so much with her Tarot readings and what happened when her parents found out about what she could do. We also get to see her first meeting with Oli and watch their romance blossom. This was a really sweet story and it left me excited to see more of Drystan's past in The Card Sharp.
Source: Received as part of a preorder giveaway from the author
March 1, 2020
The third Vestigial Tale. The first two are "The Snake Charm" and "The Fisherman's Net." They can be read in any order.
This one stars Cyan, a character from Shadowplay.
She reads the Tarot at Riley & Batheo's Circus of Curiosities.
Cyan meets a handsome sailor named Oli.
But another man, with a face that seems to blur in her memory, shows her terrifying visions that might come true.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the Vestigial Tale.
This one stars Cyan, a character from Shadowplay.
She reads the Tarot at Riley & Batheo's Circus of Curiosities.
Cyan meets a handsome sailor named Oli.
But another man, with a face that seems to blur in her memory, shows her terrifying visions that might come true.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the Vestigial Tale.
September 7, 2023
This was probably my favourite of all of the short ebooks that go with the Micah Grey trilogy. It's also the longest, and it's about Cyan, who is a character I always felt deserved a story and focus of her own. It was so nice to get to know more about her and her past. I loved seeing from her point of view.
I don't have much criticism for this one, it's very successful for what it is and not too short! All of these little ebooks are a pleasant companion to read when you finish the Micah Grey trilogy!
I don't have much criticism for this one, it's very successful for what it is and not too short! All of these little ebooks are a pleasant companion to read when you finish the Micah Grey trilogy!
March 4, 2018
This is the Vestigial Tales Book #3, and was by far my favorite. We are taken into the world of Cyan Zhu who is a fortune-teller with Riley and Batheo's Circus and Curiosities. She is seventeen years young and her family has been immersed in the circus culture for generations. However, she is by far the best fortune-teller to come around since her Aunt. We see similar anecdotes and circus themes throughout the first two Vestigial Tales. However there is an enchantment aspect to this tale which I didn't perceive in the before-mentioned tales.
Whether she is performing a Tarot, Crystal Ball or Palm reading she is accurate to a T. Her powers are without a doubt spectacular, and after an encounter with a stranger, she is wrought with powers beyond her maturity. There is a romance aspect of the story as well, which is sweet and well-done.
Give it a read, its a quick ~100 pager!
Whether she is performing a Tarot, Crystal Ball or Palm reading she is accurate to a T. Her powers are without a doubt spectacular, and after an encounter with a stranger, she is wrought with powers beyond her maturity. There is a romance aspect of the story as well, which is sweet and well-done.
Give it a read, its a quick ~100 pager!
May 31, 2021
A thing I forgot to note in my review of Masquerade is that the only people who are racist in this series are poor people protesting the classist society, which is a choice. (A phrase I use way too many times about this series!) On one hand, I get it: a lot of populist movements are riddled with economically-challenged White people, who are racist out of a misplaced rage. But in this series, those are the ONLY people explicitly stated as racist. A lot of the upper-class people are not stated as NOT racist, but it is kind of a glaring oversight. Also that the upper-class main character and his love interest are shown to be more cosmopolitan and accepting of other races due to their education.
It's all... (Sorry!) A Choice.
It's all... (Sorry!) A Choice.
April 24, 2016
The Tarot Reader is the third ebook in Laura Lam's Vestigial Tales, a series of short fiction that ties into her Pantomime universe. So far, the stories have been enjoyable reads and The Tarot Reader is no exception to that. Focusing on the character Cyan before Shadowplay, The Tarot Reader is the longest ebook in the series so far. By reading this, you're really allowed to get a better feel for Cyan, learn about her backstory, her family and what makes her tick. This is also the most romance focused of the three books, featuring a handsome sailor named Oliver. The romance is passionate and exciting and provided a nice spice for this particular story.
If you've enjoyed the Vestigial Tales series, don't stop here. The Tarot Reader is my favorite so far, and is certainly worth your time.
If you've enjoyed the Vestigial Tales series, don't stop here. The Tarot Reader is my favorite so far, and is certainly worth your time.
June 18, 2019
This is the third of Laura Lam's "Vestigial Tales": short glimpses into unexplored corners of the Micah Grey universe. Only this time, 'short' is not the word! "The Tarot Reader" is a novella-length story, clocking in at an estimated 78 pages!
It tells the story of Cyan, the titular tarot reader, in the weeks before her introduction in Shadowplay. We may already know many of the details of this time from that book, but it's a testament to Lam's writing that I was absorbed none-the-less. And though Cyan may be a later addition to the series, she feels like as much of a main character as Drystan or Micah, so it was great to see this story through her own eyes. You really root for her as she grapples with both the strange telepathic abilities that have been thrust upon her and her growing infatuation with a certain sailor.
This is a really atmospheric tale, full of great moments. It's also a very big and sprawling story. With the extended page-count you get a real sense of the scale of the world as Cyan and the rest of Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities travel the Archipelago. Layered, multifaceted and chock full of magical happenings that are vivid and enthralling, this is ideal for Micah Grey fans (and it also serves as a good recap of the key lore for anyone who has yet to read Masquerade!)
It tells the story of Cyan, the titular tarot reader, in the weeks before her introduction in Shadowplay. We may already know many of the details of this time from that book, but it's a testament to Lam's writing that I was absorbed none-the-less. And though Cyan may be a later addition to the series, she feels like as much of a main character as Drystan or Micah, so it was great to see this story through her own eyes. You really root for her as she grapples with both the strange telepathic abilities that have been thrust upon her and her growing infatuation with a certain sailor.
This is a really atmospheric tale, full of great moments. It's also a very big and sprawling story. With the extended page-count you get a real sense of the scale of the world as Cyan and the rest of Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities travel the Archipelago. Layered, multifaceted and chock full of magical happenings that are vivid and enthralling, this is ideal for Micah Grey fans (and it also serves as a good recap of the key lore for anyone who has yet to read Masquerade!)
August 16, 2017
This short story happens between Pantomime and Shadowplay and follows the life of Cyan Zhu before she meets up with Micah and Drystan.
She lives in a rival circus with her family who are growing more and more concerned about her over the dreams she has and the way that she seems to be able to read peoples' minds. People who have read the main series will know that Jasper Maske is her father, and this tells the story about how she accidentally reads her mum's mind and finds out.
Also, we get to see the beginnings of her relationship with Oli, who I love here despite the events of Masquerade. They are incredibly sweet, and his quick acceptance of her is nicely contrasted against her parents. Also here, we see the beginning of the Foresters and the troubles they are starting to serve.
This story works well as a standalone, but also manages to add to the stories in the rest of this world.
She lives in a rival circus with her family who are growing more and more concerned about her over the dreams she has and the way that she seems to be able to read peoples' minds. People who have read the main series will know that Jasper Maske is her father, and this tells the story about how she accidentally reads her mum's mind and finds out.
Also, we get to see the beginnings of her relationship with Oli, who I love here despite the events of Masquerade. They are incredibly sweet, and his quick acceptance of her is nicely contrasted against her parents. Also here, we see the beginning of the Foresters and the troubles they are starting to serve.
This story works well as a standalone, but also manages to add to the stories in the rest of this world.
December 26, 2017
I want to read that all over again!! This tale included almost everything I could've wanted to know about Cyan's life before she met Micah & Drystan. The short story tells you about her family, her time at Riley & Batheo's Circus of Curiosities, how her powers developed & about Oli.
I've told Laura before that I'd love a full book about Cyan, & as much as I would've loved this to be longer, this has quenched that thirst! I have such a smile on my face because of knowing more about my favourite character from the Micah Grey books. This deserves all the stars in the universe ⭐️
I've told Laura before that I'd love a full book about Cyan, & as much as I would've loved this to be longer, this has quenched that thirst! I have such a smile on my face because of knowing more about my favourite character from the Micah Grey books. This deserves all the stars in the universe ⭐️
May 29, 2017
This was a really good short story! I loved seeing the past of Cyan and how she came to be. Lam is really wonderful at short stories. The fangirl in me wished they went to Micah's circus, but of course I knew they wouldn't. But it would have been so cool!! There was a lot of great moments with the old man of the stories and a lot is relieved. Nothing you didn't already know, but just how it played out which was fascinating. Overall I enjoyed this devastating and origin story of Cyan.
March 22, 2020
Laura made these novellas free for a time, and I'm really grateful. I love the world of the Micah Grey books and this story is a fantastic addition to them.
December 14, 2014
Now we get to see the character Cyan who was easily the best tarot reader the circus (another one, Riley & Batheo’s Circus of Curiosities) has ever had - and for good reason. There's something a little too good about Cyan's ability, which eventually brings her more than she can deal with, both in the form of customers. One is a good kind of 'too much', a sailor, Oliver, who makes her heart tremble just a bit. But then there's another man who make her entire body tremble with fear (would make anyone - he has a blurred face for crying out loud) and so, even though Cyan has her family around her, and even if she truly has certain abilities, she feels utterly powerless to save herself.
This is a gripping story, the longest at 78 pages. Cyan is such a strong and mysterious, excellent character. Getting to know her more and what she's been to makes me want to re-read the series and reassess her entirely! (Not that she's not strong and mysterious in the series also, it's just... mysterious!)
This is a gripping story, the longest at 78 pages. Cyan is such a strong and mysterious, excellent character. Getting to know her more and what she's been to makes me want to re-read the series and reassess her entirely! (Not that she's not strong and mysterious in the series also, it's just... mysterious!)
September 5, 2014
Cyan is my favourite character in the world of Pantomime. I absolutely adore her so it was pretty much a guarantee that I was going to love this novella too. This (I believe) is the longest novella so far in The Vestigial Tales and it's also the most recent. It completely surpassed all of my expectations and I was so disappointed when the story ended. I wanted more from Cyan and was sad to see the end of the novella pop up. I hope Laura Lam writes more from her point of view!
I loved learning more about Cyan's gift and the positives and negatives that come with it. Having a deeper insight into her personality and her past drew me to her character more and gave her further depth to what I'd read about in Shadowplay. Reading this novella has made me want to reread Shadowplay once again. Lam conjures up such excitement, tension and mystery in just a few pages and I'm really looking forward to the September Vestigial Tale!
I loved learning more about Cyan's gift and the positives and negatives that come with it. Having a deeper insight into her personality and her past drew me to her character more and gave her further depth to what I'd read about in Shadowplay. Reading this novella has made me want to reread Shadowplay once again. Lam conjures up such excitement, tension and mystery in just a few pages and I'm really looking forward to the September Vestigial Tale!
August 20, 2014
I absolutely adored this story. Fans of Pantomime and Shadowplay will love it. Those that haven't read Pantomime or Shadowplay will WANT to read them after reading this. The Tarot Reader provides the backstory for Cyan from Shadowplay, filling in a nice little 'mystery spot' The novel left. This story is beautifully written, poignant and touching. I love Cyan. I did the moment she appeared in Shadowplay. And now I love her more. Buy this. Seriously. Don't even think about it. Just buy it - it's worth every penny. Oh yeah. And buy the other Vesitigial Tales too. And Pantomime and Shadowplay if you haven't already.
August 27, 2014
One of my favourite Vestigial tales to date. The Tarot Reader of course gives us some depth to Cyan's story.
The world of Ellada is one I find really compelling. The characters that Lam creates are achingly real and I can't help but empathise with them.
This story is set sometime before Shadowplay and is about Cyan's abilities and the start of her relationship with Oli.
Cyan's world changes when she reads for a mysterious character.
It is a fabulous short story go read it.
The world of Ellada is one I find really compelling. The characters that Lam creates are achingly real and I can't help but empathise with them.
This story is set sometime before Shadowplay and is about Cyan's abilities and the start of her relationship with Oli.
Cyan's world changes when she reads for a mysterious character.
It is a fabulous short story go read it.
September 12, 2014
Loved this. And loved Cyan's character even more for reading it!
October 1, 2014
Really like Cyan and here more about her backstory and how she met Oli. My favourite Vestigial short.
August 18, 2016
A great piece of backstory on Cyan. Well done and just long enough and detailed enough to fill out Shadowplay and give us hints of the upcoming conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews