Spells of Blood & Sorrow

Tarot Academy #4

by Sarah Piper

The Dark Arcana have marked us.

If anyone with a crystal ball and a halfway decent deck of Tarot cards ever predicted I’d be sharing a gorgeous house with four insanely-hot mages and the best witch-sisters a girl could ask for, I would’ve called it a dream.

The reality is a nightmare.

The mages and witches in this house? We're fugitives, forced into hiding by magickal fanatics bent on stealing our power and burning the world to the ground. While we spend our days poring over lore books and honing our magick, they spend theirs attacking cities, executing our people, and building a dark, unstoppable army capable of ending humanity.

Time is running out for the Light Arcana.

Sworn allies have betrayed us. One of our own is trapped in the dream realm, enduring tortures we can only imagine. And all around us, the world smolders—a horrifying preview of what’s to come. The mages I love and the fierce, kickass witches standing by our side? All we can do is prepare . . . and hope.

Prepare to defeat the monsters. And hope to goddess we don’t become monsters ourselves.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Magic, Witches, Why Choose

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2020

About the author

Sarah Piper is a witchy, Tarot-card-slinging paranormal romance and urban fantasy author. Through her signature brew of dark magic, heart-pounding suspense, and steamy romance, Sarah promises a sexy, supernatural escape into a world where the magic is real, the monsters are sinfully hot, and the witches always get their magically-ever-afters.

Readers have dubbed her work “super sexy,” “imaginative and original,” “off-the-walls good,” and “delightfully wicked in the best ways,” a quote Sarah hopes will appear on her tombstone.

Originally from New York, Sarah now makes her home in northern Colorado with her husband (though that changes frequently) (the location, not the husband), where she spends her days sleeping like a vampire and her nights writing books, casting spells, gazing at the moon, playing with her ever-expanding collection of Tarot cards, binge-watching Supernatural (Team Dean!), and obsessing over the best way to brew a cup of tea.

You can find her online at SarahPiperBooks.com and in her Facebook readers group, Sarah Piper's Sassy Witches.

Reviews

[Anubha (BooksFullOfLife, LifeFullOfBooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Check review for this book in the review for the 5th book

[Danique van Dijk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry, I got very mad while reading this book. Please don’t read this review if you’re the author or a fan of these books. The only reason why I'm not giving it 1 star, is because I don't give books 1 star. I should though.

1.5 star

🎴 The story 🎴
Honestly, nothing really happens plot-wise, it’s just Stevie being a special little snowflake and people bowing at her feet.

Man, where do I start? I’m honestly so over all the drama, and I wish the story was over. It keeps being dragged out, and this ending once again made it unnecessarily dragged out. I mean, now Ani is suddenly the bad guy? Okay. It’s not like I cared about him anyway, he was the least likeable character tbh. I still kept cringing at nearly every single thing the characters said to each other, acting as though Stevie is the best thing to ever exist, while she’s arguably the worst to ever exist but ok. The whole Eastman plot seemed really weak to me, he was suddenly introduced as the bad guy, seemingly out of nowhere to me? It’s possible that I just missed it in the last books though since I didn’t care enough to pay attention throughout most of the other books.

Every single thing that was ‘revealed’ at the end of this book was fucking obvious and actually made me laugh. Yet Stevie was so surprised!!!! I mean, it was obvious that her parents’ deaths weren’t natural, and I thought that was already a given, but apparently, Stevie hadn’t understood that yet. Which is of course logical, because her life is so hard that she can only ever think about herself or getting laid. sorry I just hate her so much Anyway, I got so mad at the actual ending. First of all, her mother did all this just because she wanted a baby. She sacrificed basically the whole fucking world just so she could have a baby. Are you fucking kidding me?!?!?! She doomed everyone BECAUSE SHE WANTED A BABY?!?!?!?!?!?! I don’t care what the others say, that’s the most selfish thing I’ve ever heard – good to know Stevie doesn’t have her behaviour from a stranger. Seriously, Stevie offered the dark arcana the fucking objects in exchange FOR HER LOVERS’ LIVES, SO THEY COULD BE LEFT ALONE. Of course, of course, because it doesn’t matter what happens to the world, as long as the special snowflake and her ass-kissers are alive!!! She and her mother deserve each other and are honestly the worst people to have walked this earth. I am so mad. I’m just so over this story, but now Ani is the bad guy, and the story is dragged out again. I’m guessing she’ll have to kill herself so the dark arcana can’t use her blood, but I just do. not. care.


🎴 The characters 🎴
I’m SO sick of Stevie. She still hasn’t really had any lessons whatsoever, yet she can come up with all sorts of amazing spells, because of course!!! She is a special snowflake, but of course, poor her!!! doesn’t want to be a special snowflake!!! Omg, her life is so hard!!!! Her attitude towards Kacey and Anna annoyed the shit out of me, Kacey was literally fucking possessed by Phaines, yet of course, Stevie blames her for everything that happened. Furthermore, Anna has done a LOT for them, yet of course, Stevie keeps bad-mouthing her and screaming through her fucking explanations as though she’s the most important thing in the world. I’m SO done with this girl; I can’t wait for her to die. I think I’ll stop at that point in the story because that’s the happy ending I’m looking for.

I’m glad Carly finally joined the gang, it was clear that she was good, and I like that we got to know a bit more about her. I like that she’s into girls, and I’m especially glad that she doesn’t like Stevie because I would’ve hated that. Every other side character still feels insanely flat, we don’t know anything about Stevie’s friends – I don’t even remember their names?? – although they are mentioned a lot. I did like Professor Maddox and Professor Broom, but their behaviour towards students is, to say the least, freaking weird. We got to see a bit more of Cass, whom I still like the most which isn’t saying a lot, is it. I still don’t really care about Kieran and Ani, Baz probably has the most depth, but they just all seem so freaking flat?? They’re all there to adore Stevie and that’s the extent of their character.


🎴 Overall conclusion 🎴
I might’ve actually liked this story if Stevie didn’t exist. She’s the worst Mary Sue to have ever lived, she is a special snowflake who can do anything, but the fact that she and her mother basically doomed the world so that they could get what they want is apparently not important when it’s coming from such a special snowflake. I’m so fucking done. The story is being dragged out, and yet I will read the last one, so I know how it’ll end. I’m so sick of this series.

[Toya (thereadingchemist) · Rating 4 out of 5]

About damn time! Not going to give y’all any hint as to what I mean because of *spoilers*.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far this is my least favorite of the series. I’m so happy there’s only one more because I need some storylines to wrap up and a HEA. With the enemy being one of her men honestly I’m just pissed and over it. As far as the heroines powers and abilities, well her mom is a piece of shit in the way she went about procreating. Not only that but she knew the consequences and still never even filled Stevie in, just left her floundering alone in the world afraid of magic. The world outside of the academy is going to hell, humans are ostracizing magic users and it’s turning into a dangerous war between them. I’m guessing this where Stevie’s abilities will really show themselves and she’ll somehow save the world reuniting the people-lame but I’m ready for it to be done!

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short review about the five book series Tarot Academy.

I liked the plot in this series. It had enough twists and turns to keep my attention through the whole series. The heroine is endearing, the story compelling and there is real friendship and a lot of good time between the heroine and her harem.

I want to read more of Sarah's series and lucky for me, there is another one in my audiobook subscription.

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The series is wrapping up and things are coming to a head. We learned more about our FMCs origins. Although I still find the FMC annoying at times, at thos point, I can't tell if it is her as a character or Nicole Poole's reading of her.

[eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

tw / csa and suicide

this one was a bit confusing to me, but i’m still invested in the story

[Taylor Z · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had potential to be interesting and deep and just never got there. I kept getting bored because not much happened and it barely involved magic. dnf, and I'm not continuing.

[Randi Orrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating based on spice

[Rasa Ievkalne · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was so hard to get through this one. The book is packed with action and secrets , yet I was bored out of my mind. So mutch so that i really, really wished for it to end. Not the reaction an author would want from the reader in the middle of series, especially as plot unfolds. But. Here I am. Bored and forcing myself to get through it. The sad part is that after i made myself to finish this book, i no longer care to read the final installment. I no longer care for the plot, for the characters. I don't care how the world will get saved or how Stevie will get her harem back together or even the smutty parts. This journey is over for me. Author successfully snuffed out any interest i had in the world she created. Time to move on to something more palatable.

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok so this was better then the 3rd book, but not as great as the 1st. I found I got bored in parts and lost interest and even found some of it hard to follow. However some of my questions were answered and somethings I had been waiting for happened, I am interested to see what the last book has and how this series will end.

[Tommie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spells Of Blood And Sorrow - Sarah Piper
Tarot Academy Book 4

Narrated By: Stephen Dexter & Nicole Poole

Narrators Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

They both did an excellent job bringing this book and characters to life! I’m their fan for life!

My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Pages: 410
Genre: Fantasy
Tropes: Dark Fantasy, Witches Romance, Found Family

This book is definitely setting up the final book in the series. It is totally action packed with multiple twists you don’t see coming. Stevie has her work cut out trying to keep everyone safe. Unforeseen enemies are literally coming out from everywhere.

I was so anxious to see how this series ends that I actually considered skipping this book. Thank goodness sanity won out and I read this one. There is no way I could have understood the last book without reading this one.

I highly recommend this action packed series! Go read it!!! It’ll hold you hostage!

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[Blendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been so spoiled by some authors doing rapid releases that knowing I have to wait 4(ish) months for the next book in this series has me super salty.

This is a solid RH series with an intriguing plot, sexy steam, and great characters. I really like all the guys in the harem...except for Ani, but that's because this book.

This one picks up right where 3 left off, so I had to do a quick re-read on 3 so that I had everything fresh in my mind. While I rated this book 4 stars, it isn't my favorite book of the series. The 4 stars is more a series rating, than an individual book rating. This one tended to get a bit long-winded at times--I mean c'mon, I don't need to know all 576 items that the characters cooked and ate for breakfast.

Anyways, looking forward to the series finale.

[Emmy Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What kind of fresh flip-flopping heck?!

Ugh.. I did not expect to be this enthralled by this series.. I'm not super into the witchcraft stuff.. But holy cheeseballs Batman! This junk is insane!! I'm so mad at myself because I thought this was a finished series. I'm mad at everything I just read. I'm mad that I have to wait to find out what happens.im I'm just plain mad. That being said, the character development in this series has been amazing so far! The world building is phenomenal. I can picture every where that's mentioned. I hate the villains and love the heros. The plot thickens and we finally reach the crux. I'm ready for the end. Thumbs up on this one!

[Amanda Svehla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put this dark academia/witchy/reverse-harem series down. I read the whole series as fast as I could get my hands on them. I loved the complexity of the characters, each with their own unique perspectives and depth of personality. The main character, Stevie, is one of my favorite literary females- spunky, independent, intelligent- you name it. The blend of tarot myth and slow-burning relationships kept me on the edge of my seat. I will definitely be reading more from Sarah Piper.

[Brandy May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

Absolutely adore this series & book 4 has captured me so much I couldn't put it down!! Read the entire book in 1 night!! Totally broke my heart when Ani was overcome by judgment!! I love all of the guys they are all sexy & awesome in their own ways!! Stevie is a kick@$$ witch who is fighting against the end of the world as they know it!! It was crazy to find out the bad mage was her father!! Can't wait for the next book!!

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Spells of Blood and Sorrow by Sarah Piper. This is book four in the Tarot Academy. I could not put this down. It picks up right where book three left us. This had me tearing up at some points. I have to say this book was a rough one but a brilliant one. I absolutely loved every second of this book/series. Stevie and her men face the Dark Arcana plus much more in this book. Be prepared this book has another cliffhanger.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book series had enough to keep me going, although it was a struggle at times. I found my thoughts drifting a bit while reading. I don't know if the book was repeating itself or if there were so many similar scenes that it just felt like deja vu. I finished the series and am open to reading other things by the author, but I'm not going to be madly looking them up as soon as this review is finished.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarot Academy 4: Spells of Blood and Sorrow


I’m in love this series! I love learning about tarot cards and every time I am reading this book, I want to grab my tarot cards, so of course I am enjoying this series that has tarot mixed in but the way and details that the author puts into these books is epic and mesmerizing!!!!!
Can’t wait to start reading the final book next… I highly recommend this book..

[Steph Manfredi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was pretty good. Now I’m definitely going to finish it cause I NEED to know what happens. What I loved most about this was Carly & Stevie’s friendship. So happy they were able to come to an agreement especially because of the first interaction Stevie had with Carly. Stevie could feel how lonely Carly was. Anyways I need Ani to come back. I missed that bundle of sunshine during this book.

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHATTTTTTT!!! I feel like I say this a lot in my reviews but I couldn’t breathe through half of this book. It was so good that my phone started overheating while I was listening to it, so I literally downloaded it on KU so I could keep reading. I just…amazing. Suspenseful, emotional, brilliant. I’m obsessed.

Also ignore what I said about the zodiac books back when I read book 1. It’s still great for fans of the series, but it’s a totally different, equally complex and unique magic system.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of stuff is slowly starting to make more sense and all the mysteries are starting to come into place of what’s going to happen next. The spice level was decent in the book, all their stories were sad asf, Anna’s confessions were really the big trigger for everything. And shit with Ani is just sad. I didn’t love it still tho, I felt like a lot happened and I should have really enjoyed it but I’m more so just wanting to get to the end. Hopefully the lash book doesn’t disappoint lol

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I ended up reading this book in one sitting and could not put it down until the very last page was finished. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters that you will fall in love with and a story that will not let you down. This book needs to be read, there is no doubt about it.

[Mel Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh

Another day, another cliffhanger. The story is great; please don't get me wrong. But cliffhangers? Really? They're not needed if the story is compelling enough. Which I thought it was at first and I still do but it's hard to see around the cliffhangers. Something about them just pisses me off for some reason.

[Stephanie Meeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I have so enjoyed this series and while I'm excited to move on to the next book, I'm sad for it to end. I really love the characters and the links to the tarot. It is hard to catch me in a plot twist without seeing it coming but this series seems to do just that in every book.

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, now I'm happy. Well, I'm not happy about what's happening with poor Ani. I am happy about the pace, the danger, intrigue, emotions, and , whew, the scene I was waiting for! Finally!
The gang are battling the Dark Arcana and it is intense! I read this one in one sitting....could not put it down! Hold onto your seats, because this one has a doozy of a cliffhanger.

[Jodi Kimball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!

Sarah never disappoints! This book is so well written and edited. The flow of the story is seamless and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Secrets are exposed and loyalties are tested in book 4. No one is untouched from the Dark.

[Kelly Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo freaking good!

This is one of those series that you need more as soon as you finished a book, yet never want the series to end. This installment was everything I hoped for and more!

[michelle rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

It is always a pleasure to read this authors books. Love her imagination! The only downside is having to wait for the next book to arrive. This particular part of the series was a bit of a tear jerker, I hope all works out in the end 😂

[Channy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarot Academy 4

What a rollercoaster!! This series takes my breath away with every boom. Stevie and the guys are perfectly flawed. I also have a new found love for Carly after this book. I can't wait to see where things lead in the next one.