The King's Card

Fairytale Tarot #2

by Erin Archer

A new enemy emerges, but so does a love not even the cards could predict.

Following the harrowing victory against the enemy queen, Mira returns to Lander determined to take down the real enemy. But the Lander King strips her of her title and banishes her from the realm. With nowhere else to go, she joins Bael as he returns to Brevalin to investigate his father's mysterious illness.

With tension between the fae realms at an all time high, Mira finds herself caught between her sister and her mate, and it forces her to choose what side of the war she’ll be fighting on: the side of the mortals or of the fae.

Get ready for Beauty & the Beast vibes, wolf shifters, found family, prophecies, and fated mates in The King's Card, Book 2 in the Fairytale Tarot trilogy.

Genres: Fantasy

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

Erin Archer writes fairytale inspired romantasy featuring resilient heroines & the morally gray men who fall for them first. Her novels feature slow burn enemies-to-lovers romances and hard earned happily ever afters. Follow her @Authorerinarcher on Instagram or Facebook!

Reviews

[S Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

When I first read the Queens Card I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the second book of the series. I have never been happier to be wrong. While the ending of the Queens Card felt like it was just tacked on to make room for a sequel the Kings Card story was well put together. Mira is still as overthinking as ever but she still has valid reasons and the romance between her and Bael is so slow and intense. Yes they love each other but they still have long lingers and "moments". If you weren't sure about the Queens Card I recommend powering through it the Kings Card is worth it

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Erin Archer for the ARC!

The King’s Card picks up during the aftermath of Queen Roma’s defeat in book one. King Adrian exiles Mira, Ambrose, and Elyse from Lander for going against orders and trying to help their people. Mira and Elise retreat to the kingdom of Brevalin with Bael, while Ambrose goes to Azrea to claim the throne. Bael’s brother, Prince Reid, is not happy about having two Lander exiles in his kingdom. Mira struggles with losing her identity as a keeper and Landerian, while also navigating her relationship with Bael. Meanwhile, Bael is adjusting to his expected position as second in command to his brother.

This book focuses more on character relationships and setting up the story for book three. There isn’t as much action compared to The Queen’s Card, and the pacing felt a bit slow at times. Mira and Bael’s personal conflicts impacted their relationship, which is understandable with everything they’ve both been through. I do feel that their romance felt a bit rushed in this book, but I am rooting for them.

I appreciated the insight into the Brevalin kingdom, and the negative effects of arcana magic. I also liked learning more about the tarot cards and how they’ve contributed to the conflict between the humans and the faes. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story continues in the next book!

[meredithandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so by the end I can kind of understand why some of the stuff that happened actually did, like Bael just being on the beach at exactly the right time or the guards that suddenly appeared for Mira, her sister and the king. Anyway this was an amazing sequel and I cannot wait to read the next book. I never anticipated that I would get sucked into this world so easily and even though I don’t get everything and I feel like some things are missing, this series is really great. Most of the stuff from the stuff also got almost cleared like why Dane is still in stone or why they can still shift and I cannot wait to see what happens next. These books are way too short. I am definitely in love with Bael and Mira with their “you before me. always” they are the cutest and I’m so happy that she actually ended up saying it back to him.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🐦‍⬛Book 2 in trilogy
🐦‍⬛Tarot cards
🐦‍⬛Beauty and the Beast vibes
🐦‍⬛Unique magic
🐦‍⬛Romantasy
🐦‍⬛Raven and Wolf shifters

Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off. As we would expect from a middle book in a trilogy, we are brought more of a slow burn plot whilst building characters and expanding more on the unique tarot card magic system.

My favorite part in this series is the slow burn tension, yearning filled romance. It is written beautifully and makes me swoon.

Talk about a wild twist and a crazy ending that has me chomping at the bit for book 3! Where book 1 ended sweetly and with some form of closure, book 2 will essentially throw you in the deep end without a paddle.

ERIN! I can't wait a month for The Keeper's Card! Please send the book or send help! 🖤

Thank you @authorerinarcher for the copy of this book!

#TheKingsCard #FairytaleTarot #ErinArcher #fantasy #romantasy

[Marissa McCrady - reezzareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one!! My head is still spinning at the ending. I don’t want to wait for book 3!

I love the bond between Mira and Bael. They are absolutely adorable. I also have high hopes for Mira and her sister. Mira and Bael go through a lot of growth in this one and I really loved learning about the arcana magic in this world.

After returning home to Lander, Mira is determined take on the real enemy. But the King of Lander has other plans. Mira and her sister are stripped of their titles and exiled.

Mira and Elyse join Bael on his journey back to Brevalin where new challenges face them. Together they discover the truth about the Brevalin king’s curse. Mira must prove the betrayal of the mortal king or risk war.

As tension heats up Mira must choose between her sister and her mate. Leaving her fate up to the cards. She has a plan but that means sacrificing herself for the ones she loves.

Tropes
✧Raven Shifters
✧Fated Mates
✧Found Family
✧Wolf Shifters
✧One Horse
✧Forehead Kisses
✧Tarot Card Magic
✧Beauty & the Beast Vibes

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the King’s Card, Archer further expands upon the world of Bayfe, exploring the adverse effects of arcana magic on the Kingdom of Brevalin. I enjoyed learning more about the history of the cards and the ongoing strife between the fae and human realms.

This second book was a bit slower to start, with a heavy focus on relationships rather than action. That isn’t surprising for the middle book of a trilogy, but the plot still felt flat with no true build up. It seemed like discoveries happened one after another without time for me to become emotionally invested in either the characters or the outcome. Despite this, I am eager to see what happens next and how everything ties together.

I applaud the overall creativity of this series and look forward to reading the final installment! Thank you to Erin Archer for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Brake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good fantasy story, second in the series. It's a unique plot with a problem that I can't wait to find out how it gets solved!

The only thing I didn't like much was that I wished that there would have been more growth in people and them trusting the fmc based on what happened in the first book. It's just a little annoying when she can "save the day" in a way and still people act like they can't trust her.

While the first one didn't have that bad of a cliffhanger, this one does! I need to read the third book ASAP!

[Evelyn Reeves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this as an acr and I just couldn’t get into the second book. It was to slow a pace for me :/

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m liking this series! Looking forward to book three.
There is no spice in this series (yet???)
If you like raven shifters or wolf shifters, or tarot cards. Definitely check this series out.

[Natalia Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇺🇸 The King's Card continues the story of Mina and Bael after the battle with Queen Roma, and challenges them to what they had trained alongside their inner circle.
Regarding the story, I felt that this was more of an introductory book to the second arc of the plot, so during the reading I went through different stages.

During the first half, I felt it was a bit slow, but by the second half, once you begin to visualize in more detail where the story is going, I began to feel it moved faster, but to an excessive level. I felt that there were many situations that had no outcome and there were 20 pages left, but that problem went away when I finished the book and saw that there would be a third part (yes, my mistake for not knowing that a third book would exist). However, the feeling of an accelerated outcome was enhanced by how flat the plot was. It had small peaks of emotion, but there was no climax scene, which contrasted with the previous one, where its greatest climax was reflected during the battle with the Queen.

Regarding the characters, nothing to say. I'm a total fan of my mushy duo's relationship, and at my personal request, after that ending, I need chapters from Bael's perspective to see how he handles the whole situation.

I'm eagerly waiting to read how this story continues.

Thanks to Erin for sending me the ARC and allowing me to read it!

🇨🇱La Carta del Rey, continua con la historia de Mina y Bael posterior a la batalla con la Reina Roma, y los desafío que ambos entrenaron junto a su círculo cercano.
Con respecto a la historia sentí que este era más un libro introductorio al segundo arco de la trama, por lo que durante la lectura pase por diferentes etapas.

Durante la primera mitad lo sentí un libro un poco lento, pero para la segunda mitad, una vez que se comienza a visualizar con mas detalle hacia donde va la historia, lo comencé a sentir mas rápido, pero a un nivel excesivo, sentía que había muchas situaciones que no tenían desenlace y quedaban 20 páginas, pero ese problema se fue cuando terminé el libro y vi que habría una tercera parte (si error mio por no saber que ese tercer libro existiria). Sin embargo, la sensación de desenlace acelerado se vio potenciado por lo plano que estaba la trama, tenia pequeños picos de emoción, pero no existió una escena clímax, lo cual contracto con el anterior, donde su mayor clímax se vio reflejado durante la batalla con la Reina.

Con respecto a los personajes, nada que decir, totalmente fan de la relación de mi dupla de melosos y a pedido personal después de ese final necesito que existan capítulos desde la perspectiva de Bael para ver como lleva toda la situación.

Esperando ansiosa leer como continua esta historia.

Gracias a Erin por enviarme y permitirme leer el ARC.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Archer’s The King’s Card is a captivating continuation of political tension, forbidden love, and fae magic, raising the stakes for both the realms and the heart. Following the events of Queen Roma, this installment sharpens the focus on Mira’s struggle to balance loyalty, justice, and love in a world where every choice comes with a cost. With emotional depth, high-stakes politics, and a touch of destiny-driven romance, The King’s Card is both thrilling and bittersweet.

After her hard-won victory, Mira returns to Lander ready to fight the real enemy—only to discover that betrayal isn’t always found on the battlefield. When the Lander King punishes her defiance by stripping her of her title and banishing her from the realm, her story shifts from triumph to exile. The decision hits hard, setting the tone for a journey that’s less about conquest and more about reclamation. Mira’s resilience and determination remain at the heart of the book, and Archer does an excellent job capturing her inner conflict: she’s fierce but fallible, a heroine who fights as much with her conscience as with her power.

Reuniting with Bael adds both romantic and emotional weight to the story. Their chemistry—equal parts longing and loyalty—continues to burn quietly beneath the surface as they travel to Brevalin to investigate his father’s mysterious curse. The mystery that unfolds there is one of the novel’s strongest threads, blending court intrigue, dark enchantment, and moral ambiguity. The curse itself becomes more than a plot device—it’s a reflection of the corruption and betrayal simmering through the kingdoms, as well as the growing divide between fae and mortal alike.

Archer’s worldbuilding remains vivid and immersive. The tension between realms feels tangible, every scene threaded with the weight of old grudges and fragile alliances. The interplay between the mortal and fae courts gives the story its richness, and the political maneuvering keeps the pace brisk. Yet amidst the danger and deceit, Archer finds room for moments of tenderness and reflection, grounding the fantasy with human emotion.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series was, despite the fact that it was a retelling, quite original. I was therefore really curious about this second book and when it appeared on Netgalley I requested a digital review copy. Luckily the author granted me one.

This book was maybe ever more interesting and exciting than the first book in the series. Firstly because we're a little more familiar with the world already and can now play around a little more. Secondly because this book really deepens the relationships between all the characters. Thirdly because just like in the first book, the author twists a well known fairytale in a very original way and from a very original point of view.

All the relationships are growing and developing in this book. I loved how the relationship between the two sisters changed throughout the novel. And in a very realistic way. Things took time. Things took patience. Things took saying sorry. The same with the romantic relationship between the heroine and her hero. They had ups and downs. They had wonderful and touching moments, but they also had moments of doubts and mistrust. 

This book is loosely based on the story of Beauty and the Beast. Therefore quite some reveals don't come out of nowhere. I quite liked how actually most of the story was original. The fairytale was one of the many elements of the story, but there's so much more! The politics for example, the scheming, and the adding of more players to the game. After the finale and especially after the ending I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[M&M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King’s Card is a seamless continuation of The Queen’s Card. Everything flows together perfectly, which makes it so easy to pick up a few weeks after the first book.

I really enjoyed this! Seeing how the characters develop after the conflict in the first book was so satisfying. And the new tension between characters is great for preventing their growth from becoming stagnant. The story's overall conflict took interesting twists and turns I did not see coming, and I can’t wait to find out how the underlying conflict gets resolved in the third book!

Erin makes it so easy and enjoyable to read her series and be completely absorbed into a fantasy world with just unique characters and a magic unseen anywhere else! My biggest problem is that these books aren’t longer since I can’t seem to stop myself from consuming them instantly!

There is significant character growth and interpersonal interactions in this book the show just how far the characters have come after book 1. The story gives you just enough Beauty and the Beast vibes to enjoy it without taking away from the main plot and characters. Erin’s writing style is consistent from scene descriptions to her characters’ unique personalities.

Just as in the first book, The Queen’s Card, the story is lean with little filler that wouldn’t contribute to the story or character development. The interactions between characters are significant and help to progress the story and show character growth without distracting from the story and slowing the pace down.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The King’s Card picks up exactly where The Queen’s Card left off, which I always appreciate in a sequel. No awkward time gaps, no heavy recaps. Just straight back into the fallout. Mira remains in Lander after Queen Roma’s defeat, but peace is short-lived. Soon she finds herself in Brevalin with Bael, facing yet another curse that needs breaking. That is all you are getting from me because I do not do spoilers.

Like the first book, the writing is descriptive yet easy to read, striking a nice balance between detail and flow. The tarot-based magic system continues to shine, and the plot is consistently entertaining. There is always something happening, another complication, another layer added to the conflict.

My main reason for landing at four stars instead of five comes down to pacing. This book moves quickly. Not so fast that it becomes overwhelming, but just fast enough that I found myself wishing for a few moments to slow down and really sit with certain developments. Some events felt slightly rushed when I wanted them to breathe a little more.

And that ending. The first book closed without emotional devastation. This one? It leaves you with a sting. Not full heartbreak, but definitely enough to make you feel it.

Overall, a strong continuation of the series that keeps the momentum going and leaves me curious about what comes next.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

#TheKingsCard #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, Erin Archer, and Night Waltz Press for the ARC.

While I enjoyed stepping back into the world of Mira and Bael after reading The Queen's Card, the book's repetitive writing style was, at times, frustrating. The narrative also suffered from inconsistent pacing; certain sections felt drawn out, while pivotal moments, like Mira and Bael becoming fated mates, seemed rushed and lacked the slow-burn tension I was hoping for. I also do not really see the connection to the "sleeping beauty" retelling references - I think that clouded my judgment from the start, so I have since let that notation go and am not comparing it to the sleeping beauty story I know.... Maybe the 3rd book will package this up for me and I will see it in the long run....

Despite these issues, the storyline was still engaging, introducing new challenges that kept me invested. The tarot-based magic system remains a highlight for me and I cannot wait to see how that plays out.

Ultimately, although this installment didn't quite achieve the same excitement for me as the first book, it was a solid, enjoyable read. I do look forward to finishing the series to see how it all comes together!

[Taylen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

This was my first ARC read and I’m so excited I got a chance to do this! I am really invested in the story and looking forward to the third installment . That being said, I did feel the first half of the book was slow and I struggled to feel the chemistry between Mira and Bael. The last third of the book began to really pick up the story and began setting the stage for the third book. It is one of the first books I’ve read where a character struggles with anxiety and the author displayed her anxious mind so perfect. I think it’s hard for those that don’t have anxiety to understand that mindset and she did a great job executing it. I do love the incorporation of tarot cards as their magic system and I hope they are used more in the next book! I can’t wait to see how Mira’s next adventure goes and the continued development of the characters and their relationships.

[Daphne Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book from the author directly.

In book 2 we find ourselves with Mira back in Lander following the downfall of Queen Roma. In this book, Mira finds herself exiled from Lander and with nowhere to go, she joins Bael in Brevalin. Here she learns more about the world that was hidden from her and then being forced to choose which side of the war she will be fighting on.

I absolutely love the character development that we see in Mira. She had to face a lot of hard truths in this book, but they make her stronger for it. The hardships that she faces are lessons that I think a lot of people struggle with and it’s healing to read and see them from an outside perspective. I could not put this book down from the moment I picked it up and I cannot wait to see what this last book brings us!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy mother of cliffhangers!!!! 🤯🤯🤯

I have absolutely DEVOURED these books! First, a HUGE thank you to Erin Archer for sending me the first two books so I could get caught up and ready for the Book 3 ARC!


I am officially reeling! The Kings Card is a masterclass in world-building and emotional stakes. Erin Archer has created a story where you don’t just read about the characters; you feel everything they do. The moment that bond snapped into place, I was a goner!

What to expect:

🐺 Wolf Shifters

✨ Fated Mates

🏠 Found Family

🤫 Secrets, Lies, & Deceit

The vibes are truly immaculate and the covers are simply GORGEOUS. You’d be doing yourself a total disservice by not grabbing this series immediately.

[Krystina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of copy received from the author ❤️

I love the premise of a multi-kingdom world torn apart by magical tarot cards, fae vs mortal disparities, and a love story that prevails anyway. Throw in some fairytale retellings and I am sat. However, the second book in this trilogy felt like a bridge that just never got finished. I see the Beauty and Beast vibes, but I don't see the Beauty? There was a lot of build up to a storyline peak that seemed to be the ending of this book rather than the middle. I just didn't see where there was a complete storyline for this book on its own. Other aspects, like the sibling tensions and raven shifters, were interesting to me.

I will read the third one just so I can complete the story, but I'd recommend waiting until all 3 books are out to start

[Helen Gowar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues Mira and Bael’s story, and it was great to step back into this world on the back of reading of The Queen’s Card.

This instalment was a shorter read, I did enjoyed the way the storyline unfolded and how it brought new challenges for Mira and Bael. The tarot-based magic system once again added a creative touch, and I liked how it was woven into the choices Mira faced.

For me, this book didn’t quite have the same depth as the first in the series, but it was still an enjoyable read.

Thank you to the Erin Archer, Night Waltz Press, and #NetGalley for the ARC. I’m looking forward to the next instalment and seeing how the story continues to unfold.

[Rhiannon Fiust · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc copy via Erin Archer in exchange for my honest review but all opinions expressed are my own.

Actual star rating: 4.5/5

First of all thank you Erin for wanting me to ARC read book 2.
I loved this book almost as much as I loved the first but, and this is probably me being nitpicky, the pacing of King's Card was a touch too quick for me. I wanted to sit with Mira and Bael just a bit longer, but overall it kept me not wanting to put it down. If you want Beauty & the Beast but with wolf shifters, more magic, fated mates, and tarot then this is the book for you. Even though it just came out today, I want book 3 immediately because I just can't get enough.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled. It was almost a DNF. I normally can get through books this size in a few days and this took me just over a week. I felt there was no real progress in the book. The end of the book is almost the same place in progression as the beginning. They changed location and a few things happened but nothing that honestly that could’ve been made into a whole book. I love her writing and her style. The idea behind the series is amazing and that is why I gave it at least 3 as the series itself is great and I am holding out promise for book #3. Hoping it is not as slow as this one or I unfortunately will have a DNF on it and I really want to know more about the cards.

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being exiled for helping your people, it’s ridiculous but sadly it’s Mira’s truth. Exiled from her home, but truthfully? Mira is relieved, finally that mask she has to wear can come off. Thankfully Bael has been waiting and takes her back to his home, the castle of Brevalin. She always thought Brevalin was the only kingdom living in peace; a quiet kingdom without any threats… She couldn’t be farther from the truth.

You can find the full review on this book here ❤️
https://cindieslibrary.com/the-kings-...

[Katarina Väisänen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mira's journey after her banishment and her quest to uncover the truth behind the king's curse definitely kept me turning pages. I liked the forced proximity with Bael and the fated mates aspect. The wolf shifters and found family elements were nice touches. However, for me, it didn't quite deliver the unputdownable feeling I was hoping for. Some of the conflicts felt a bit rushed, and while there was steam, the overall emotional impact wasn't as strong as I would have liked. It's a solid 3.5-star read if you're already invested in the series, but it didn't blow me away.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ ARC REVIEW ]

First thoughts:

The Queen’s Card was one of the first books I ever ARC read. I didn’t love it, but I really liked it. I also know that sometimes book one is not the best book in a series. There’s a lot of world-building to get through. You’re learning all about new characters. It can be a lot. Book two is typically where things pick up a bit. Where the romance really takes hold. Where the story really takes off. So I had high hopes for The King’s Card and knew I needed to read it. Unfortunately, it was somehow less exciting than the first.

Something I like about these books is that it’s short enough that it’s pretty easy to get through. But at some point, SOMETHING has to happen. At no time did I feel like not finishing this book, and the writing is great. The story is very unique and interesting. But it just feels like nothing is happening. Just dialogue. Just “what are we going to do”. Just “I’m feeling a certain way”. And what I really wanted was MORE. More happening with the plot, but especially from the romance.

This is the book I was sure would really give Mira and Bael their story. And I can tell the author tried, but suddenly in this book they just have no chemistry. It felt like they were going through the motions for the most part, but I didn’t BELIEVE it. At one point I even for a moment had an insane thought: is Bael even going to be endgame? Because he’s not super likable in this book. And now he’s obnoxiously overprotective suddenly? THAT is the only real passion we see out of him? Locking her up? Did we learn NOTHING from Tamlin?

It was enjoyable enough for four stars. And once again, I find myself somehow hopeful for book three. I don’t know what that says about me, but I WANT this to be good, and I AM invested in the story. We’ll see I suppose.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Night Waltz Press for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

Full review here:

https://roseuponrows.com/arc-review-t...

[Rachel Feeck]

Quick thoughts because things are chaotic rn:
- Doubting whether this relationship built on stress and a now-broken magical bond is going to last? Valid, honestly.
- A few more hints about the card magic are unlocked!
- But with the magic, and the main political conflict, it seems the Big Stuff will be happening in book three.

Just a guess at this point, but I've a feeling this will be a trilogy that's nice to read all at once. The books are quick and I've still got so many burning questions.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery keeps evolving. This book is definitely the middle of the story and I'm intrigued to read the next book to find how they save the kingdoms and the people.
I was finding Mira's hurt feelings a bit much for a while and then saw her maturity developing which I think was the point, we all grow and develop in life.
All the characters are continuing their own journeys in this book and the next one I think will be quite explosive.
Definitely need to read the whole series, theses are not stand alone books.
I recieved an ARC from the writer and this is my honest review.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 finds Mira back in her home country, waiting for the man she loves to come back after securing aid for her people. Unfortunately, nothing can go easy, and she ends up exiled along with her sister and first love, sending them all on very different paths.

It was nice to get more development of the world and to see the two main characters open up more to each other and the others that they love. It'll be interesting to see how this series wraps up in the next book. Overall, a short little read that has some interesting elements.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this next installment of Mira and Bael's story - even more than I did the first book! I felt that the plot was lively, with important twists and turns. The Beauty and the Beast link was so intriguing as it wasn't executed in a way that you'd expect - it was far better! I still feel that the communication between characters was a little jarring at times, with emotions or arguments popping out of thin air but this didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story. Am eagerly anticipating the final installment.

[Lena S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of copy rec'vd by author.

Rounding up to 4.5 ⭐️

Picks up right where book 1 ends.

I really liked it. There was more character development and backstory.

I loved how the story unfolds. More truths are uncovered as Mira and Bael figure out how to help each of their realms. New twists were added.

Easy to read, flow was steady and the action picked up at the end setting you up for book 3.

I was so into what was happening. When it ended, I was mad bc I need to know what happens.

Thank you Erin for another great book!!