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Arcana Oracle #1
Magician and Fool
In Magician and Fool, Pamela Colman Smith begins her career as an artist at the end of the Victorian Age at the Lyceum Theatre, where she grows from innocent empath to seer and channeller; creating her now world-famous deck of tarot cards. Introduced to The Golden Dawn cult by Bram Stoker, the second in command at the Lyceum Theatre, she is commissioned to create a tarot deck for the members to use in their quest for magic. Golden Dawn's most evil member, Aleister Crowley, becomes obsessed with unlocking the mysteries of the Tarot. His obsession peaks when he sees the power of her deck and realizes he can create a rival deck, leading him to manifest magical power to harm Pamela's incarnates of her cards.
348 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2017
35 people are currently reading
3579 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wands
4 books76 followersSusan Wands is a writer, tarot reader, actor, filmmaker and producer. A co-chair with the NYC Chapter of the Historical Novel Society, she has lectured at London's Watkins Books for their Recorded Authors series and in Berlin at the Occulture Berlin Festival. Ms. Wands' writings have appeared in Kindred Spirits magazine, she can be heard on these podcasts: 'Biddy Tarot', ‘Imaginary Worlds’, ‘Bad Ass Bitches Tarot’ and the ‘Spirited Tarot’ YouTube channel. Her first book in a series, Magician and Fool, Book One, Arcana Oracle Series will be published by Sparkpress May, 2, 2023. The second book in the series will come out in 2024 by SparkPress and the third book is in final edits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 11, 2017
At the beginning of this book is a Cast of Characters, and because they had existed at the end of the Victorian Age, I incorectly guessed that this was a historical fiction novel. Dates, events in certain characters’ lives, and people being alive after history said they had died helped me to realize that this was a work of fiction (or perhaps a fictionalized history). Even so, author Susan Wands has created a story that is interesting, entertaining, and certain to keep readers turning pages.
The story revolves around Pamela Colson Smith and her interaction with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Golden Dawn members study the occult, and Pamela brings her own special magic to the mix. Ms. Wands interjects actual magic into the story (which only those aware magic really exists can see), and takes the characters into places most of us have only dreamed of. Whereas everything is fun and exciting in the beginning, Pamela soon learns that there is evil in the world and her actions have angered a dangerous practitioner of dark magic.
It is a disappointment to discover some of the basic items that were missed when the book was edited. In the chapter when Dr. Kamal examines the mummy, Waite appears out of nowhere halfway through the scene. In the very next part, we are told the same four men (Mathers, Felkin, Woodman, and Waite) are seated at a table, but halfway through the scene Bram Stoker is also present. The book begins in 1885 with Pamela Colman Smith being seven years of age. In 1883 she is 14, and still later 19 years old in 1899. These slips should have been discovered and repaired (Pamela was born in February of 1878, would have been 14 for a short time in 1893, and 21 in 1899). While minor, these errors cause questions to arise concerning the integrity of the rest of the book.
However, Ms. Wands does weave an engaging plot, and she breathes life into her characters. Readers will learn about Pamela Colson Smith, a woman who forged her own small spot in history. By turning what were small events at the time into a multi-book series, the author has created an original storyline that will keep us entertained for a while. Four stars.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book.
The story revolves around Pamela Colson Smith and her interaction with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Golden Dawn members study the occult, and Pamela brings her own special magic to the mix. Ms. Wands interjects actual magic into the story (which only those aware magic really exists can see), and takes the characters into places most of us have only dreamed of. Whereas everything is fun and exciting in the beginning, Pamela soon learns that there is evil in the world and her actions have angered a dangerous practitioner of dark magic.
It is a disappointment to discover some of the basic items that were missed when the book was edited. In the chapter when Dr. Kamal examines the mummy, Waite appears out of nowhere halfway through the scene. In the very next part, we are told the same four men (Mathers, Felkin, Woodman, and Waite) are seated at a table, but halfway through the scene Bram Stoker is also present. The book begins in 1885 with Pamela Colman Smith being seven years of age. In 1883 she is 14, and still later 19 years old in 1899. These slips should have been discovered and repaired (Pamela was born in February of 1878, would have been 14 for a short time in 1893, and 21 in 1899). While minor, these errors cause questions to arise concerning the integrity of the rest of the book.
However, Ms. Wands does weave an engaging plot, and she breathes life into her characters. Readers will learn about Pamela Colson Smith, a woman who forged her own small spot in history. By turning what were small events at the time into a multi-book series, the author has created an original storyline that will keep us entertained for a while. Four stars.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book.
January 17, 2020
I confess I’d never heard of Pamela Colman Smith before being approached by the author to read and review Magician and Fool. Unlike the author, I have very little knowledge of tarot or interest in the occult. Therefore some of the scenes in the book where strange or supernatural happenings occur rather tested my sense of disbelief and the references to incarnates and the like left me a little perplexed.
From an early age, Pamela shows remarkable artistic ability. She also has visions and an unusual response to music and colours akin to synesthesia. Her belief in the supernatural is boosted by her youth spent in Jamaica and the obeah stories told to her by her nurse.
If the occult elements of the book left me slightly cold, what I did enjoy was the evocative depiction of the theatre of the period and the detours into the lives of figures such as Bram Stoker, Sir Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. For example, the scenes at the Lyceum Theatre during the performance of the play, The Corsican Brothers, really sparkled with life. It was also fun spotting the origins of some theatrical phrases and superstitions.
A vast array of well-known figures from the period have walk-on parts in the book, especially when Pamela and Ellen Terry’s daughter, Edy, start hosting artistic soirees. Their guest lists are a who’s who of celebrities of the period – poets, playwrights, authors, musicians and painters – giving rise to memorable exchanges along the lines of “Mr Yeats, have you met Mr Debussy and Mr Whistler?”
The sinister and rather repellent figure of Aleister Crowley brings a darker element to the story. The end of the book leaves the enticing prospect for those intrigued by Pamela’s life of the story continuing in a future book.
From an early age, Pamela shows remarkable artistic ability. She also has visions and an unusual response to music and colours akin to synesthesia. Her belief in the supernatural is boosted by her youth spent in Jamaica and the obeah stories told to her by her nurse.
If the occult elements of the book left me slightly cold, what I did enjoy was the evocative depiction of the theatre of the period and the detours into the lives of figures such as Bram Stoker, Sir Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. For example, the scenes at the Lyceum Theatre during the performance of the play, The Corsican Brothers, really sparkled with life. It was also fun spotting the origins of some theatrical phrases and superstitions.
A vast array of well-known figures from the period have walk-on parts in the book, especially when Pamela and Ellen Terry’s daughter, Edy, start hosting artistic soirees. Their guest lists are a who’s who of celebrities of the period – poets, playwrights, authors, musicians and painters – giving rise to memorable exchanges along the lines of “Mr Yeats, have you met Mr Debussy and Mr Whistler?”
The sinister and rather repellent figure of Aleister Crowley brings a darker element to the story. The end of the book leaves the enticing prospect for those intrigued by Pamela’s life of the story continuing in a future book.
January 16, 2024
What a fun magical romp!
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this cast of characters is incredible: Pamela Coleman Smith, Bram Stoker, Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, Arthur Waite, MacGregor Mathers, Yeats and the rest of the Golden Dawn boys, and The Beast Himself, Aleister Crowley.
It's apparently not particularly faithful to historically accurate timelines, so if you know a lot about this time period and are bothered by inaccuracies that might be a problem for you. I know enough to recognize names and places but was able to just relax and enjoy this magical and sometimes preposterous story.
It reminded me a lot of Tim Powers' Hide Me Among The Graves in terms of time period and familiar characters acting in fanciful ways---but it is slightly less "literary" and a whole lot shorter.
An excellent snowy day read---can't wait for part two!
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this cast of characters is incredible: Pamela Coleman Smith, Bram Stoker, Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, Arthur Waite, MacGregor Mathers, Yeats and the rest of the Golden Dawn boys, and The Beast Himself, Aleister Crowley.
It's apparently not particularly faithful to historically accurate timelines, so if you know a lot about this time period and are bothered by inaccuracies that might be a problem for you. I know enough to recognize names and places but was able to just relax and enjoy this magical and sometimes preposterous story.
It reminded me a lot of Tim Powers' Hide Me Among The Graves in terms of time period and familiar characters acting in fanciful ways---but it is slightly less "literary" and a whole lot shorter.
An excellent snowy day read---can't wait for part two!
April 23, 2023
While the premise of the book is interesting, the challenge lands with the fact that the book cannot seem to decide if it wishes to be historical alternate-universe fiction or occult. As a result it attempts to do both causing a confused sense to it.
Numerous historical figures litter the pages, sometimes to the point of distracting, as is the jumping between time and location and characters.
The times when Wands focuses on the fantastical elements are when the book shines, and that curiosity carries most of the book. Exploration of occult rituals but also Pamela’s own magic creates a backdrop to the power struggles of the historical figures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Numerous historical figures litter the pages, sometimes to the point of distracting, as is the jumping between time and location and characters.
The times when Wands focuses on the fantastical elements are when the book shines, and that curiosity carries most of the book. Exploration of occult rituals but also Pamela’s own magic creates a backdrop to the power struggles of the historical figures.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 10, 2024
3.5
Kind of all over the place. Pretty slow paced but last 40% picks up.
Kind of all over the place. Pretty slow paced but last 40% picks up.
Read
March 21, 2023such a good book. Loved the focus on the occult.
March 6, 2023
Interesting book, I think it helps to know a little about Tarot to recognise certain aspects and hints throughout the story. Very interesting people pop up through the book and add to the story.
A good start to what I think could be a very good series!
A good start to what I think could be a very good series!
Read
February 18, 2023Magician and Fool is an enchanting read that transports you to a bygone era in London, where life is immersed in a captivating exploration of magic and the supernatural.
November 10, 2017
Author Susan Wands has very many arrows in her quiver. In “Magician and Fool” she brings to life a dazzling assembly of late Victorian-era historical figures, some prominent and some obscure, all centered around the mysterious and magical Order of the Golden Dawn. The center of the story is Pamela Colman Smith, a fascinating figure who illustrated the iconic Rider-Waite deck of tarot cards. It's Pamela who binds this universe together.
Filled with spirits, synesthesia, Egyptian gods and of course magic, “Magician and Fool” is a pleasure that made me hungry for the next course.
Filled with spirits, synesthesia, Egyptian gods and of course magic, “Magician and Fool” is a pleasure that made me hungry for the next course.
November 3, 2017
Absolutely loved this book! I'd never know about Pamela but read the book because I love stories set in Victorian England; now I want to know everything about her. She's a fascinating character and the author brings her to life with such rich and vivid writing that I can't wait for the next installment. I hope somebody picks it up for a television series. Pamela's story and the setting is perfect material for a series.
November 5, 2017
I devoted Saturday to reading this beautifully written book by Susan Wands. Magician and Fool was my introduction to Pamela Coleman Smith and tarot cards. It was both captivating and illuminating - so much so that I ordered a deck of cards. Sheer reading pleasure as I savored every sentence. It has left me hoping and wishing for more. Bravo, Susan Wands.
June 24, 2022
An interesting novel based on Pamela Coleman Smiths life. It went a bit too much into theater and famous people and wasn't enough about the tarot and the Golden Dawn, but it was a good read.
If there's a sequel, I'll read it.
If there's a sequel, I'll read it.
June 15, 2021
Pretty good. I enjoyed all the historical figures and the story was good. I wasn't super crazy about the end. It seemed like it ended kind of abruptly, but I think there is a sequel to it.
April 29, 2023
Publication Date: 02nd May 2023
3 Stars
One Liner: Interesting premise but lacks execution
Pamela Colman Smith is ten years old when she first sees the image of a man standing atop a cliff with one foot in the air and two paths to choose from.
Aleister Crowley feels his life change forever when his loving preacher father dies and his mother can’t stand the sight of him.
The Golden Dawn group is working on various magical experiments to create a powerful tarot deck, no matter how long it takes.
The Lyceum Theatre is flourishing with Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, Bram Stoker, and William Terriss shouldering the work.
In a chance incident, a young Pamela goes to the Lyceum Theatre and realizes it’s the place to find magic. Years later, she is back to audition at the same theatre and takes up the job of illustrating the tarot deck for Golden Dawn. However, Aleister Crowley, now a powerful magician, is determined to own more magical power.
With Irving and Terriss to protect her, Pamela must learn about her hidden powers and a second sight to illustrate the cards and control her gifts. Don’t read the Goodreads blurb.
The story comes in the third-person POV.
What I Like:
As a tarot learner, I loved the premise based on real people. The Raider White Smith deck was first illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith (a piece of information lost for years before it came to light).
The climax is wonderful. Magic is unleashed with full force, and seeing Pamela understand her powers to save people she admires and loves. It is the best part of the book.
Ahmed, the Egyptian scholar, is my favorite character. His resentment towards the English ‘scholars’ who want to benefit from ‘exotic’ magic without acknowledging the cultural heritage comes out clearly. I echo his sentiments. The idea of ‘discovering’ treasures in other lands and claiming them as the world’s property is something the international chor bazaar (I mean the British Museum) excels at.
Despite the issues I have with the book (listed in the next section), I can’t help but feel happiness bubbling inside me each time little bits of tarot symbolism are mentioned. Newbies are told to focus on the imagery as well as the standard interpretation, and the book highlights why this advice is so important.
The Fool
The Magician
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
The blurb doesn’t suit the book. The said events don’t occur until after 70%. The first 55% establishes the backstory. As such, this isn’t a problem because we do need to know the characters. However, the entire thing reads like a badly patched-up assignment.
The story has three tracks- Pamela’s, The Lyceum Theatre, and Aleister Crowley’s. They merge in the second half. However, the execution is choppy and full of info dump. It reads more like an early draft needing a capable developmental editor.
Many real-life people are characters in the book. That’s fine too. But they seem to have no personalities and feel like cardboard cutouts. It doesn’t help that none of them, including Pamela and Crowley, are explored in depth. Since the book has a what-if premise, exploring Pamela’s second sight (or synesthesia) and Crowley’s obsession with magic shouldn’t be a problem.
There are issues with time jumps and connections between scenes. The transition is jumpy, jerky, and hard to follow. It doesn’t help that the characters seem surreal and impossible to connect with. It’s hard to keep track of things (though I can go with the flow, I can’t help but feel confused when it is erratic).
Despite the scenes with paranormal elements, most of them don’t make an impact except for the climax. This could be because the aspects are not detailed. They are mentioned but not explored in full. A book dealing with magic, the occult (light & dark) should present the supernatural in all its glory. Bring it on!
To summarize, Magician and Fool has great potential but falls flat almost throughout (until the climax, which is a gem). A solid round of structural editing and polishing should make this a 4-star read. Still, I look forward to book two (I do love tarot).
You don’t have to be a tarot reader to enjoy the book, but knowing the basic symbols and cards will help visualize them easily.
Thank you, NetGalley and SparkPress, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MagicianandFool
*****
P.S.: I can’t say how true the book is to history. From what I read, some of it is worth contemplating. I haven’t read in detail about all people in the book.
3 Stars
One Liner: Interesting premise but lacks execution
Pamela Colman Smith is ten years old when she first sees the image of a man standing atop a cliff with one foot in the air and two paths to choose from.
Aleister Crowley feels his life change forever when his loving preacher father dies and his mother can’t stand the sight of him.
The Golden Dawn group is working on various magical experiments to create a powerful tarot deck, no matter how long it takes.
The Lyceum Theatre is flourishing with Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, Bram Stoker, and William Terriss shouldering the work.
In a chance incident, a young Pamela goes to the Lyceum Theatre and realizes it’s the place to find magic. Years later, she is back to audition at the same theatre and takes up the job of illustrating the tarot deck for Golden Dawn. However, Aleister Crowley, now a powerful magician, is determined to own more magical power.
With Irving and Terriss to protect her, Pamela must learn about her hidden powers and a second sight to illustrate the cards and control her gifts. Don’t read the Goodreads blurb.
The story comes in the third-person POV.
What I Like:
As a tarot learner, I loved the premise based on real people. The Raider White Smith deck was first illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith (a piece of information lost for years before it came to light).
The climax is wonderful. Magic is unleashed with full force, and seeing Pamela understand her powers to save people she admires and loves. It is the best part of the book.
Ahmed, the Egyptian scholar, is my favorite character. His resentment towards the English ‘scholars’ who want to benefit from ‘exotic’ magic without acknowledging the cultural heritage comes out clearly. I echo his sentiments. The idea of ‘discovering’ treasures in other lands and claiming them as the world’s property is something the international chor bazaar (I mean the British Museum) excels at.
Despite the issues I have with the book (listed in the next section), I can’t help but feel happiness bubbling inside me each time little bits of tarot symbolism are mentioned. Newbies are told to focus on the imagery as well as the standard interpretation, and the book highlights why this advice is so important.
The Fool
The Magician
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
The blurb doesn’t suit the book. The said events don’t occur until after 70%. The first 55% establishes the backstory. As such, this isn’t a problem because we do need to know the characters. However, the entire thing reads like a badly patched-up assignment.
The story has three tracks- Pamela’s, The Lyceum Theatre, and Aleister Crowley’s. They merge in the second half. However, the execution is choppy and full of info dump. It reads more like an early draft needing a capable developmental editor.
Many real-life people are characters in the book. That’s fine too. But they seem to have no personalities and feel like cardboard cutouts. It doesn’t help that none of them, including Pamela and Crowley, are explored in depth. Since the book has a what-if premise, exploring Pamela’s second sight (or synesthesia) and Crowley’s obsession with magic shouldn’t be a problem.
There are issues with time jumps and connections between scenes. The transition is jumpy, jerky, and hard to follow. It doesn’t help that the characters seem surreal and impossible to connect with. It’s hard to keep track of things (though I can go with the flow, I can’t help but feel confused when it is erratic).
Despite the scenes with paranormal elements, most of them don’t make an impact except for the climax. This could be because the aspects are not detailed. They are mentioned but not explored in full. A book dealing with magic, the occult (light & dark) should present the supernatural in all its glory. Bring it on!
To summarize, Magician and Fool has great potential but falls flat almost throughout (until the climax, which is a gem). A solid round of structural editing and polishing should make this a 4-star read. Still, I look forward to book two (I do love tarot).
You don’t have to be a tarot reader to enjoy the book, but knowing the basic symbols and cards will help visualize them easily.
Thank you, NetGalley and SparkPress, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MagicianandFool
*****
P.S.: I can’t say how true the book is to history. From what I read, some of it is worth contemplating. I haven’t read in detail about all people in the book.
March 11, 2023
While tarot cards have been around for centuries, most modern decks owe their basic design and symbolism to the iconic deck created by Pamela Colman Smith (and unfortunately known for many years as the Rider Waite deck, named for two men who had far less creative input). Smith's history is a fascinating one, given her itinerant childhood and her early work with the Lyceum Theatre and great figures such as Henry Irving, Ellen Terry, and Bram Stoker. She became involved with the Order of the Golden Dawn, which commissioned her to create the tarot deck for their magical studies and rituals.
The book Magician and Fool offers a fictionalized version of this history, and while it's interesting to see behind the scenes at the Lyceum or within the secretive walls of the Golden Dawn, ultimately it was not a book I really enjoyed reading. The writing often feels stilted, including in some conversations that feel a little pointless to the narrative, and there are so many viewpoint shifts and Wikipedia-esque infodumps throughout the pages that I honestly struggled to find a coherent thread even past the halfway point. And while the characters are pretty much all real historical figures, most of them actually felt two-dimensional or even simply symbolic, just as Smith used them in her tarot drawings. (Even Smith, depicted as having synesthesia without it diagnosed as such, seems to have a limited range of personality, which seems completely unbelievable, given her history.)
I did appreciate that the author highlighted the sexism within the Golden Dawn and offered a character who could address the cultural appropriation inherent in the Golden Dawn's work. But the book also had cringey moments, like the scene in which Smith auditions for the Lyceum folk by telling a story from her Black nanny, using "a Jamaican accent." Just... ew, no.
In a way, the book reads more like a biography or simple historical novel -- except that it doesn't strictly adhere to the actual history, the historical figures don't pop to life, and the fantastical elements are really over the top.
A serious disappointment. 2 stars.
Thank you, Spark Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
The book Magician and Fool offers a fictionalized version of this history, and while it's interesting to see behind the scenes at the Lyceum or within the secretive walls of the Golden Dawn, ultimately it was not a book I really enjoyed reading. The writing often feels stilted, including in some conversations that feel a little pointless to the narrative, and there are so many viewpoint shifts and Wikipedia-esque infodumps throughout the pages that I honestly struggled to find a coherent thread even past the halfway point. And while the characters are pretty much all real historical figures, most of them actually felt two-dimensional or even simply symbolic, just as Smith used them in her tarot drawings. (Even Smith, depicted as having synesthesia without it diagnosed as such, seems to have a limited range of personality, which seems completely unbelievable, given her history.)
I did appreciate that the author highlighted the sexism within the Golden Dawn and offered a character who could address the cultural appropriation inherent in the Golden Dawn's work. But the book also had cringey moments, like the scene in which Smith auditions for the Lyceum folk by telling a story from her Black nanny, using "a Jamaican accent." Just... ew, no.
In a way, the book reads more like a biography or simple historical novel -- except that it doesn't strictly adhere to the actual history, the historical figures don't pop to life, and the fantastical elements are really over the top.
A serious disappointment. 2 stars.
Thank you, Spark Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
May 4, 2024
Right off the bat, this book kicks off with a quirky Cast of Characters, making me think I've stumbled upon a time-traveling adventure set in the Victorian Age. But as dates start playing hopscotch, characters defy the laws of history, and folks who should be six feet under are sipping tea, it dawns on me: we're in for a wild ride of fiction (or maybe a history remix).
Meet Pamela Coleman Smith, the protagonist with a knack for stirring up trouble in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Think Hogwarts for grown-ups dabbling in the occult. With a dash of real-deal magic tossed into the mix (only visible to the true believers), our crew ventures into realms straight out of a daydream.
But hold onto your wizard hats, folks! What starts as a merry jaunt through magical meadows soon takes a dark turn. Pamela learns the hard way that not every sorcerer is singing Disney tunes, and her antics ruffle the feathers of some seriously sinister magic wielders.
Now, don't get me wrong, this story's a hoot! Only concern I have discovered is there are a couple discrepancies in timelines. Characters teleporting in and out of scenes, and a timeline that's doing the cha-cha-cha—oopsie! It's like finding a pineapple on a pizza; it's not a deal-breaker, but it sure raises some eyebrows.
But hey, let's not rain on the parade! Susan Wands spins a tale so lively, you'll swear you can hear the characters gossiping over your shoulder. And Pamela Coleman Smith? She's not just a blip on history's radar; she's a firecracker lighting up her own little corner of the past.
So, grab your popcorn and settle in, 'cause this isn't just a book—it's a rollercoaster ride through time and magic. Five stars for the sheer audacity of it all! And a big ol' thank you to the author for whisking us away on this whimsical adventure and for my complimentary copy!
Meet Pamela Coleman Smith, the protagonist with a knack for stirring up trouble in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Think Hogwarts for grown-ups dabbling in the occult. With a dash of real-deal magic tossed into the mix (only visible to the true believers), our crew ventures into realms straight out of a daydream.
But hold onto your wizard hats, folks! What starts as a merry jaunt through magical meadows soon takes a dark turn. Pamela learns the hard way that not every sorcerer is singing Disney tunes, and her antics ruffle the feathers of some seriously sinister magic wielders.
Now, don't get me wrong, this story's a hoot! Only concern I have discovered is there are a couple discrepancies in timelines. Characters teleporting in and out of scenes, and a timeline that's doing the cha-cha-cha—oopsie! It's like finding a pineapple on a pizza; it's not a deal-breaker, but it sure raises some eyebrows.
But hey, let's not rain on the parade! Susan Wands spins a tale so lively, you'll swear you can hear the characters gossiping over your shoulder. And Pamela Coleman Smith? She's not just a blip on history's radar; she's a firecracker lighting up her own little corner of the past.
So, grab your popcorn and settle in, 'cause this isn't just a book—it's a rollercoaster ride through time and magic. Five stars for the sheer audacity of it all! And a big ol' thank you to the author for whisking us away on this whimsical adventure and for my complimentary copy!
April 14, 2023
In her book "Magician and Fool", Susan Wands took me on a fantastic journey of magick in both the right hands and the wrong ones through the eyes of a young Pamela Coleman Smith who, like me, stifled her gifts for a time to refrain from calling attention to herself. Those with some familiarity with the Tarot will recognize many of the names and symbols depicted in this fast-paced, page-turner of a novel. Above all, it left me waiting with bated breath to follow along on the rest of the Fool's journey to enlightenment (I prefer looking on the bright side in this case).
Her depictions of Alistair Crowley and of the Golden Dawn may have followed things I've read myself, but she gave both a life which mere research can't create. Her words drew me into each manifestation, leaving me on the edge of my chair as my eyes raced across the page to reach a conclusion which only piqued my curiosity for what her characters might pull out of their sleeves, minds, or magicks next.
She gives you a fair share of heart-stopping moments, and tender ones too. Friendships are formed in unlikely places, and events take turns you don't see coming. There are characters you'll love, those you'll want to help protect, and a couple who'll make you want to reach through the pages and throttle their ill-begotten hides. One thing she never does is leave you wanting.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series, and frankly I'd buy them now if they were available (and yes, I looked!). "Magician and Fool" comes out on May 2nd. If I were you, I'd pre-order it now, and follow Susan so you'll know when the next episode drops!
Her depictions of Alistair Crowley and of the Golden Dawn may have followed things I've read myself, but she gave both a life which mere research can't create. Her words drew me into each manifestation, leaving me on the edge of my chair as my eyes raced across the page to reach a conclusion which only piqued my curiosity for what her characters might pull out of their sleeves, minds, or magicks next.
She gives you a fair share of heart-stopping moments, and tender ones too. Friendships are formed in unlikely places, and events take turns you don't see coming. There are characters you'll love, those you'll want to help protect, and a couple who'll make you want to reach through the pages and throttle their ill-begotten hides. One thing she never does is leave you wanting.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series, and frankly I'd buy them now if they were available (and yes, I looked!). "Magician and Fool" comes out on May 2nd. If I were you, I'd pre-order it now, and follow Susan so you'll know when the next episode drops!
May 24, 2025
I came across this series when I received an ARC of book 3, and realized I had some catching up to do. As someone who is actively learning more about tarot, the premise of this book really drew my attention. After a disappointing read featuring tarot, I was hoping that this one would be what I was hoping for. Lucky for me, it was everything I was hoping for.
This romp through history and tarot had me glued to the page early in the book, and it was really a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know more about Pamela Coleman-Smith and the development of the deck that I'm familiar with, the Rider-Waite-Smith (more often listed as Rider-Waite) tarot deck.
Wands takes readers on a trip through Victorian England, and I was here for it. Prior to this I didn't know much about the woman who illustrated the famous deck, but it was so interesting to see the process of her creating the tarot and to see the story coming through the cards as they're created. While I was reading, I could visualize the card designs and loved how it really told some of the story of the characters through the major arcana.
It's clear that Wands did research and knows the cards well, but she also crafted a series that I'm so excited to keep reading. I listened to the audiobook version, and loved January LaVoy's narration. She even put on a convincing Jamaican accent, and I was so incredibly impressed. Robert Petkoff's narration wasn't my favorite performance, but that could have been the character he was narrating, who I didn't like nearly as much as Pamela, so no shade to his narration skills. Overall, I can't wait to get my mitts on a copy of the second book and keep reading.
This romp through history and tarot had me glued to the page early in the book, and it was really a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know more about Pamela Coleman-Smith and the development of the deck that I'm familiar with, the Rider-Waite-Smith (more often listed as Rider-Waite) tarot deck.
Wands takes readers on a trip through Victorian England, and I was here for it. Prior to this I didn't know much about the woman who illustrated the famous deck, but it was so interesting to see the process of her creating the tarot and to see the story coming through the cards as they're created. While I was reading, I could visualize the card designs and loved how it really told some of the story of the characters through the major arcana.
It's clear that Wands did research and knows the cards well, but she also crafted a series that I'm so excited to keep reading. I listened to the audiobook version, and loved January LaVoy's narration. She even put on a convincing Jamaican accent, and I was so incredibly impressed. Robert Petkoff's narration wasn't my favorite performance, but that could have been the character he was narrating, who I didn't like nearly as much as Pamela, so no shade to his narration skills. Overall, I can't wait to get my mitts on a copy of the second book and keep reading.
May 13, 2025
Book review: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Genre: magical realism/historical fiction
Themes: tarot, arcane magic, artistry, theatre life
I don’t think I have spent quite so much time being confused while reading. When a book starts with four seemingly unrelated chapters where new characters are introduced in each, it can be mind boggling. Add in some time jumps and a plethora of supporting cast members and you have one thoroughly confused reader. If you make it through the quagmire of a start, what you will find is a story that fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will enjoy.
Part historical fiction, it follows one Pamela Coleman Smith from a childhood making theatre miniatures in Manchester to developing a love of Jamaican folklore during her time there. An artist and oddball, her voyage into the occult stems from the magical way in which she views the world, of the images that come to her fully formed. Her talent and connection to the unseen lands her in the sights of the Golden Dawn Society in London. Commissioned to create a deck of tarot cards, she will discover the depth of men’s greed and their insatiable need for power and control.
With an ensemble of well known artists, advocates and writers, as well as a commentary on the view of both women and people of colour, it proves to be an engaging and insightful read. The dance into the occult is a fantastical element added to this narrative that makes it even more enticing. It is mysterious with elements of the unknown and secret societies, with that touch of avant garde that comes with these circles of artistes.
Genre: magical realism/historical fiction
Themes: tarot, arcane magic, artistry, theatre life
I don’t think I have spent quite so much time being confused while reading. When a book starts with four seemingly unrelated chapters where new characters are introduced in each, it can be mind boggling. Add in some time jumps and a plethora of supporting cast members and you have one thoroughly confused reader. If you make it through the quagmire of a start, what you will find is a story that fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will enjoy.
Part historical fiction, it follows one Pamela Coleman Smith from a childhood making theatre miniatures in Manchester to developing a love of Jamaican folklore during her time there. An artist and oddball, her voyage into the occult stems from the magical way in which she views the world, of the images that come to her fully formed. Her talent and connection to the unseen lands her in the sights of the Golden Dawn Society in London. Commissioned to create a deck of tarot cards, she will discover the depth of men’s greed and their insatiable need for power and control.
With an ensemble of well known artists, advocates and writers, as well as a commentary on the view of both women and people of colour, it proves to be an engaging and insightful read. The dance into the occult is a fantastical element added to this narrative that makes it even more enticing. It is mysterious with elements of the unknown and secret societies, with that touch of avant garde that comes with these circles of artistes.
August 26, 2023
Mixed feelings about this book. Overall I enjoyed it. I liked the characterizations for the most part and the interweaving of the lives of the characters with varying narrators. The writing style has elegance. I’m very interested in the period and happy to find a book that explores the era and the Golden Dawn in particular. My misgivings—I was completely ready to suspend my disbelief, but the author didn’t convince me of much of the magical elements. I just felt sort of sad about that, as I wanted to be enchanted, awed. I was convinced by Patricia's visions, though. And, while not an expert, I’m familiar with this world and know a Yeats’ scholar who’s read extensively about the Golden Dawn, so I did stumble over some presentations of the characters. Mathers lisps? I asked my scholarly friend and she said she’d never read anything like that, only that he did have a “portentous” whisper. It’s not something I feel comfortable with as an invention. I do know that a writer may discover some bit like this that’s in one book but not any other, but it put me out of the world every time I read it. I’m happy to be corrected! So, not a rave, but I did enjoy the book and will read the sequel to spend more time with this vision of the Golden Dawn.
April 19, 2023
The premise of this book, a fantastical version of Pamela Colman Smith's creation of her famous tarot cards, intrigued me. Unfortunately the plot fell flat.
The first 50 percent or so felt more like an info dump of parts of multiple characters’ biographies - various members of the Golden Dawn, Pamela herself and Aleister Crowley - without giving any of the characters much personality or explaining seemingly important parts of their backgrounds. It’s possible that having a deeper knowledge of the actual history would help fill in those gaps. For someone without that background, it gave an abundance of tangential information and not enough about the actual plot or the magic of the cards, Pamela or Aleister Crowley. It left the characters feeling two-dimensional and the action that took place in the second half feeling over the top and unearned.
I wanted to love this book and its Victorian mystical and theatrical drama, but unfortunately I did not. Two and a half stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and SparkPress for providing an eARC.
The first 50 percent or so felt more like an info dump of parts of multiple characters’ biographies - various members of the Golden Dawn, Pamela herself and Aleister Crowley - without giving any of the characters much personality or explaining seemingly important parts of their backgrounds. It’s possible that having a deeper knowledge of the actual history would help fill in those gaps. For someone without that background, it gave an abundance of tangential information and not enough about the actual plot or the magic of the cards, Pamela or Aleister Crowley. It left the characters feeling two-dimensional and the action that took place in the second half feeling over the top and unearned.
I wanted to love this book and its Victorian mystical and theatrical drama, but unfortunately I did not. Two and a half stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and SparkPress for providing an eARC.
April 30, 2023
When we meet Pamela and Aleister they are young children. Pamela is fascinated with the theater but must relocate from London to Jamaica. Aleister is a bit of an outcast obsessed with magic. As the years pass we see them experiencing little snippets of magic as they age. Pamela is drawn into the theater and Aleister into an underground magical society. When Pamela is enlisted to draw a special deck of tarot cards, their paths cross and only one can prosper.
I was a little lost with this one. I liked Pamela a lot but we didn't spend enough time with her. I'm not well versed in tarot so I think some of the references were lost on me. The story blends historical fiction with magical realism but failed to wow me on either aspect. The major battle that is outlined in the synopsis takes too long to get to. Lots of cameos in this one. Bram Stoker is a major character. We also see William Butler Yeats.
Read this one if you liked The Spirit Engineer.
Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
I was a little lost with this one. I liked Pamela a lot but we didn't spend enough time with her. I'm not well versed in tarot so I think some of the references were lost on me. The story blends historical fiction with magical realism but failed to wow me on either aspect. The major battle that is outlined in the synopsis takes too long to get to. Lots of cameos in this one. Bram Stoker is a major character. We also see William Butler Yeats.
Read this one if you liked The Spirit Engineer.
Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
May 9, 2023
Magician and Fool is a blend of historical and fictional characters, featuring a real life artist, Pamela Coleman Smith, and the beginnings of her famous deck of tarot cards.
Most of the story is set in the Victorian theatre world of London, but there's, among others, the Anansi stories of Jamaica, the discovery of the artifacts of ancient Egypt, and the emergence of the cult of The Golden Dawn. Characters included Bram Stoker, Ellen Terry, Sir Henry Irving, Maude Gonne, and Aleister Crowley, all revolving around a young girl, Pamela, who lives in a world of synthesis, symbols and fantasy.
In the story, Pamela Colman Smith is seen as a peculiar eccentric in Victorian society, and as she develops her second sight she becomes the enemy of Aleister Crowley, a magician of The Golden Dawn. The conflict between Pamela and Aleister is intriguing - a sort of morality play flung across cultures and myths. Susan really captured the rising tension of an epic battle between dueling magic.
Most of the story is set in the Victorian theatre world of London, but there's, among others, the Anansi stories of Jamaica, the discovery of the artifacts of ancient Egypt, and the emergence of the cult of The Golden Dawn. Characters included Bram Stoker, Ellen Terry, Sir Henry Irving, Maude Gonne, and Aleister Crowley, all revolving around a young girl, Pamela, who lives in a world of synthesis, symbols and fantasy.
In the story, Pamela Colman Smith is seen as a peculiar eccentric in Victorian society, and as she develops her second sight she becomes the enemy of Aleister Crowley, a magician of The Golden Dawn. The conflict between Pamela and Aleister is intriguing - a sort of morality play flung across cultures and myths. Susan really captured the rising tension of an epic battle between dueling magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
I don't think I'm the intended audience for this book but if you are willing to try something out of your usual comfort zone this book isn't a bad place to start. It has a odd feel to it but at the same time there's something about it that makes it easy to read, sort of more modern then it should be but sort of old timey at the same time. It does tend to wobble a bit here and there with the plot but I was only along for the ride as a reading palate cleanser so had gone in with very little expectation but was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't a bad book. I did think the tarot card stuff was interesting as I'm not all that familiar with the all the symbolism or thought behind the creative process. I'm guessing that there will be a second book someday but so far as I know no announcement or release date has happened and this was released back in 2017 so I think this sequel might not happen.
June 5, 2023
I got 60% through before I ran out of time from my netgalley arc.
I want to say this specific feedback because I just did not find myself wanting to pick up this book. I thought the writing was good, and the topic was interesting but the pacing just really made me not engage with it.
The most interesting story was Pamela and the magic she saw, but her chapters were too far apart and with limited pov. And each time she came back the time had jumped forward. Same with the other stories. We never learned enough to become really attached. That with the fact that there were many characters, it was just too much. It may very well come all together in the end and feel rewarding but so far that isn't the case.
I did request it from the library to finish it, it is just a slow read for me. I have it as a 2.5 star for now. Will update once I eventually finish it.
I want to say this specific feedback because I just did not find myself wanting to pick up this book. I thought the writing was good, and the topic was interesting but the pacing just really made me not engage with it.
The most interesting story was Pamela and the magic she saw, but her chapters were too far apart and with limited pov. And each time she came back the time had jumped forward. Same with the other stories. We never learned enough to become really attached. That with the fact that there were many characters, it was just too much. It may very well come all together in the end and feel rewarding but so far that isn't the case.
I did request it from the library to finish it, it is just a slow read for me. I have it as a 2.5 star for now. Will update once I eventually finish it.
November 25, 2023
Magician and Fool by Susan Wands is a historical fiction story based on the life of Pamela Colman Smith who is the artist of the famous Rider Waite Tarot deck. The story follows her from childhood to adulthood and how she ultimately became involved with the Golden Dawn.
I'm not sure how much was fact and how much was fiction in this story which makes it a little hard to review.
There were a lot of interesting characters and events in this book that had supernatural and mystical elements. There were many shocking moments and the story was rich with detail which made it an entertaining read. If this is the first book in a series, I look forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure how much was fact and how much was fiction in this story which makes it a little hard to review.
There were a lot of interesting characters and events in this book that had supernatural and mystical elements. There were many shocking moments and the story was rich with detail which made it an entertaining read. If this is the first book in a series, I look forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 15, 2023Unfortunately, I ended up not finishing this book after reading 26% of it. Since I did not finish, there will be no star rating.
I was excited for Magician and Fool, the premise of the story sounded very intriguing. I struggled with this book right off the bat; the writing was flowery but also choppy at the same time. There was a lot of info dumping and a lot of the dialogue between characters seemed forced. I felt like there was a lack of coherency and the story was ultimately hard to follow. The writing was very “tell” and not “show”.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it missed the mark for me.
Thank you Spark Press and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review.
I was excited for Magician and Fool, the premise of the story sounded very intriguing. I struggled with this book right off the bat; the writing was flowery but also choppy at the same time. There was a lot of info dumping and a lot of the dialogue between characters seemed forced. I felt like there was a lack of coherency and the story was ultimately hard to follow. The writing was very “tell” and not “show”.
I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it missed the mark for me.
Thank you Spark Press and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review.
April 24, 2023
I knew nothing about Pamela Coleman Smith, so this book was fascinating. The story combines her love of the occult and all things mystical with her creation of what is known as tarot cards.
I enjoyed being immersed in the “darker” side of Victorian London. When people were so intrigued by what lay on the other side, they dared to summon the spirits and were entertained by magical powers.
With a beguiling cast of characters and a vivid atmosphere, this is a perfect read for all who love the supernatural.
Thank you @booksparks and @susanwandsauthor for a gifted book. #springpopup
I enjoyed being immersed in the “darker” side of Victorian London. When people were so intrigued by what lay on the other side, they dared to summon the spirits and were entertained by magical powers.
With a beguiling cast of characters and a vivid atmosphere, this is a perfect read for all who love the supernatural.
Thank you @booksparks and @susanwandsauthor for a gifted book. #springpopup
March 6, 2024
There are so many elements I like about this book - the time period, the plot of magical mystery & discovery, theater, art, and a young women’s power. Alas, it took me way too long to chug through the story since there were so many characters who weren’t fully developed making it hard for me to remember who was who. Too many characters with seemingly inconsequential roles to distract from the true storyline - plus a drawn out timeline. I FINALLY finished the book understanding why I avoid reading book series. I won’t be reading the next one & should have taped out on this one. The author has talent, for sure, too bad I couldn’t see what she saw.
April 24, 2025
This book is an intriguing historical fiction about an occult group in the Victorian era. The men who created the group were all well known men in their fields, such as Bram Stoker and Henry Irving. The story also followed a young girl, Pamela Colman Smith, as she experienced strange magical powers during her childhood until she became an adult. I recognized some of the characters as real historical figures, but I didn’t realize Pamela was a real person too until the end. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
Magician and Fool is an interesting magical historical fiction!
Thank you BookSparks for providing a copy of this book!
Content warnings: death of parents (off page)
Magician and Fool is an interesting magical historical fiction!
Thank you BookSparks for providing a copy of this book!
Content warnings: death of parents (off page)
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