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Tarot Academy #2
Spells of Breath and Blade
I spent my whole life believing magick was a curse - and that I didn't have enough of it to worry about, anyway.
Turns out I was wrong on both counts.
I'm so much more than a magick-blessed Academy student. I'm an Arcana Witch, bound to a sacred order whose sole duty is to protect magick - and one another—at all costs.
Thankfully, I'm not alone.
My Arcana magick brought four fiercely loyal, impossibly sexy Arcana mages into my life.
But it also brought trouble.
Corrupt Academy officials. Mysterious attacks stripping students of their power. And the terrifying Dark Arcana - five insanely powerful ancient beings desperate to reclaim the magick they believe is their sole birthright. . . and destroy the rest of us.
Our best shot at defeating them is to track down the hidden Arcana artifacts—sacred Tarot relics that bind and balance all magick. But to do that, we'll have to embark on a dangerous otherworldly journey—one that will change us in ways even the Tarot can't predict.
Surviving my first month at Arcana Academy was no easy feat, but compared to what's coming?
That was training day.
This is the real deal.
And the fight is just beginning.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 8hrs. and 34mins.
©2020 Sarah Piper (P)2020 Tantor
Turns out I was wrong on both counts.
I'm so much more than a magick-blessed Academy student. I'm an Arcana Witch, bound to a sacred order whose sole duty is to protect magick - and one another—at all costs.
Thankfully, I'm not alone.
My Arcana magick brought four fiercely loyal, impossibly sexy Arcana mages into my life.
But it also brought trouble.
Corrupt Academy officials. Mysterious attacks stripping students of their power. And the terrifying Dark Arcana - five insanely powerful ancient beings desperate to reclaim the magick they believe is their sole birthright. . . and destroy the rest of us.
Our best shot at defeating them is to track down the hidden Arcana artifacts—sacred Tarot relics that bind and balance all magick. But to do that, we'll have to embark on a dangerous otherworldly journey—one that will change us in ways even the Tarot can't predict.
Surviving my first month at Arcana Academy was no easy feat, but compared to what's coming?
That was training day.
This is the real deal.
And the fight is just beginning.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 8hrs. and 34mins.
©2020 Sarah Piper (P)2020 Tantor
Audible Audio
First published January 12, 2020
1232 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Piper
32 books1,035 followersSarah 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 16, 2021
Check review for this book in the review for the 5th book
January 10, 2023
3.5 Stars
This book felt a lot less exciting than the first and while I still enjoyed Stevie’s banter the overall story seemed to drag. The relationship is still slowly progressing between them all, quicker with some than others. Where I was excited about the magic and Stevie being all powerful in the first book, I felt like here it was pushed to the side so a million other issues could arise. I did enjoy watching her learn more about her abilities but at times I did feel like too much was going on off the page. I was also hoping Stevie would learn to keep her big mouth closed but alas it gets her into trouble more than once and she needs rescuing. They need to learn how to get her owl to deliver correspondence, it may be safer than their none too private meetings!
This book felt a lot less exciting than the first and while I still enjoyed Stevie’s banter the overall story seemed to drag. The relationship is still slowly progressing between them all, quicker with some than others. Where I was excited about the magic and Stevie being all powerful in the first book, I felt like here it was pushed to the side so a million other issues could arise. I did enjoy watching her learn more about her abilities but at times I did feel like too much was going on off the page. I was also hoping Stevie would learn to keep her big mouth closed but alas it gets her into trouble more than once and she needs rescuing. They need to learn how to get her owl to deliver correspondence, it may be safer than their none too private meetings!
August 12, 2024
4 stars
Still really enjoying this series. I would have loved if the author dialed back the Kirin drama just a little and the lovesick pining by Ari because Baz is not my fave, but I like the storyline.
Still really enjoying this series. I would have loved if the author dialed back the Kirin drama just a little and the lovesick pining by Ari because Baz is not my fave, but I like the storyline.
September 8, 2021
…sigh…
This book was filled with a whole lot of nothing. Literally nothing happens until the very last chapter. No real relationship progress, no plot progress at all, nothing. This was a pointless filler book.
There are still a lot of plot holes and story line confusion. I’m completely confused about what being a ‘Major’ or an ‘Arcana’ means. Are these people gods living as humans and being reincarnated? That doesn’t feel right. Are they just a spiritual representation of those card gods? I don’t know. They don’t seem to be especially powerful or special in any way. It’s not really explained at all.
What is this deep connection and bond she has with the guys? Is it something they’ve shared in every incarnation? Cass says it’s not a magical bond, but it’s not explained either.
No one is being proactive towards the looming Dark Arcane threat. Sure, they’re looking for object of power, but getting those isn’t actually going to stop the bad guys. They aren’t searching for the bad guys attacking students. They aren’t trying to figure out what’s happening in the human world. They aren’t doing anything but trying to decipher prophecies…but it seems a little late for all that.
Anyways…I’m getting a bit tired of all the nothingness in this series. The girl hasn’t even learned any magic at all. The guys are all in various stages of denial and fear regarding FMC and their feelings. Bad guys abound, but not one evil person has been vanquished - they just keep multiplying. Stevie needs to be rescued every three seconds, that’s getting old. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book.
This book was filled with a whole lot of nothing. Literally nothing happens until the very last chapter. No real relationship progress, no plot progress at all, nothing. This was a pointless filler book.
There are still a lot of plot holes and story line confusion. I’m completely confused about what being a ‘Major’ or an ‘Arcana’ means. Are these people gods living as humans and being reincarnated? That doesn’t feel right. Are they just a spiritual representation of those card gods? I don’t know. They don’t seem to be especially powerful or special in any way. It’s not really explained at all.
What is this deep connection and bond she has with the guys? Is it something they’ve shared in every incarnation? Cass says it’s not a magical bond, but it’s not explained either.
No one is being proactive towards the looming Dark Arcane threat. Sure, they’re looking for object of power, but getting those isn’t actually going to stop the bad guys. They aren’t searching for the bad guys attacking students. They aren’t trying to figure out what’s happening in the human world. They aren’t doing anything but trying to decipher prophecies…but it seems a little late for all that.
Anyways…I’m getting a bit tired of all the nothingness in this series. The girl hasn’t even learned any magic at all. The guys are all in various stages of denial and fear regarding FMC and their feelings. Bad guys abound, but not one evil person has been vanquished - they just keep multiplying. Stevie needs to be rescued every three seconds, that’s getting old. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next book.
June 15, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
___________________________________
Not as good as the first book, but it's still interesting.
___________________________________
Not as good as the first book, but it's still interesting.
August 19, 2024
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.
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.
July 29, 2021
4.5 stars!
I am loving this series so much! What I am not loving is these damn cliffhangers. Welp, onto book three.
I am loving this series so much! What I am not loving is these damn cliffhangers. Welp, onto book three.
February 25, 2022
i love this harem omg
January 14, 2024
Not as good as #1
Was definitely slower with a lot more character builder versus plot progression; however, I was still heavily invested in the characters and the story
Was definitely slower with a lot more character builder versus plot progression; however, I was still heavily invested in the characters and the story
December 31, 2022
2.5 stars
🎴 The story 🎴
After learning the truth about herself and the guys, Stevie attempts to decipher more of her mothers’ notes.
Once again, I loved the narrators’ voices, especially the guys’. Although we got a bit more information in this book, I feel like I’m still quite unsure of what’s going on. It’s really cool that the dream realm is mentioned, but I just don’t have a clue what’s happening tbh. It reminds me a lot of the Raven Boys for sure, which I like. There was a lot of repetition in lines, which started to annoy me a lot, such as “we’re brothers!!!”
🎴 The characters 🎴
🧗♀️Stevie🧗♀️
Stevie was honestly so fucking stupid in this one, and she bothered me a lot. First of all, she was literally JUST attacked by Phaines, but apparently thinks it’s smart to run off with another teacher without telling anyone because she was giving her good vibes!!!!! Yes, so was Phaines, you stupid!!!! Argh. She behaves like a 12-year-old through most of this, bringing snacks to serious meetings, never thinking about anything, suggesting to stop with the deciphering of the prophecies while that’s literally the most important thing, etc. Furthermore, she literally discusses something insanely important and sensitive in a PUBLIC PLACE, because of course that’s smart!!! I. Hate. Her. She doesn’t think nor care about the guys’ feelings at all, even going as far as kissing them in front of each other and letting Kirin in when Baz is literally still naked in her room – knowing how much that’ll hurt Kirin. I hate her guts. Apparently though, she’s pure good because she’s the star!!! Excuse me while I puke. She’s not good at all, thank you very much. She has still barely learned anything about her power, which is weird because it’s a school and she should at least learn things????
📓The guys📓
Although we did get a bit more information on the guys in this one, I’m still not sure how I feel about them. We saw some of Baz & Kirin’s family, and I liked how we finally learned more about them. However, I still feel like we barely know Ani, and it’s kind of weird how much is still vague around him. I want to know what happened in Cass’s past, Anna mentioned Elizabeth and I’m guessing that’s a lover of his who died? I don’t know, but I want answers. I just don’t know them at all. I started to feel a bit bad for Anna by the way, I know she must’ve done something, but I just don’t know what & everyone treats her like shit :(
“Sometimes, when we don’t speak someone’s language, when we don’t understand their way of communicating, it’s a lot easier to just call them crazy and turn our backs than it is to work toward common ground.”
🎴 Overall conclusion 🎴
Stevie truly started to annoy me a lot in this one, and I was hoping for some more depth to the characters. I feel like we still barely know ANYTHING about them, yet Stevie already loves them – because of course that makes sense!! She clearly just likes their looks because it can’t be for their depth. The story is all right, but it’s getting vaguer by the minute, and I hope it’ll get better again. Listening to the audio definitely makes me miss things, but I don’t think it matters at all, because barely anything – besides Stevie drooling over the guys – happens anyway. I do really want to make my own teas now; I’d love a Stevie recipe book lol.
October 31, 2023
Enjoyable read with unsatisfying ending.
Good
1) The world-building continues to be comprehensive and consistent
2) The use of the tarot continues to be imaginative and creative
3) The new settings were well-done
4) The female lead continued to be was strong, entertaining, relatable and likable
5) The love interests were further fleshed out
6) The romance-building between the female lead and one of the love interests reached commitment stage and it was done in a satisfying manner while still leaving some hanging threads for future revelations and growth
Mediocre
1) Series arc was often all over the map
2) Romantic interludes were interrupted at crucial moments for no reason other than drama
Bad
1) Female lead makes a really stupid choice and the clean-up just ignores a key player
2) The plot ended on a cheap cliffhanger which, had it been completed, would have served as the climax of the story and given the reader a full story
3)
After not a lot of movement in the story, the 'ending' really left a bad taste in my month.
ETA: tried the next one in the series but it seemed like just more of the same unresolved plot threads and self-indulgent angst so I decided to ditch the series. So disappointing after the wonderful first book.
Good
1) The world-building continues to be comprehensive and consistent
2) The use of the tarot continues to be imaginative and creative
3) The new settings were well-done
4) The female lead continued to be was strong, entertaining, relatable and likable
5) The love interests were further fleshed out
6) The romance-building between the female lead and one of the love interests reached commitment stage and it was done in a satisfying manner while still leaving some hanging threads for future revelations and growth
Mediocre
1) Series arc was often all over the map
2) Romantic interludes were interrupted at crucial moments for no reason other than drama
Bad
1) Female lead makes a really stupid choice and the clean-up just ignores a key player
2) The plot ended on a cheap cliffhanger which, had it been completed, would have served as the climax of the story and given the reader a full story
3)
After not a lot of movement in the story, the 'ending' really left a bad taste in my month.
ETA: tried the next one in the series but it seemed like just more of the same unresolved plot threads and self-indulgent angst so I decided to ditch the series. So disappointing after the wonderful first book.
January 22, 2020
Come on..
It finished on a cliff hanger, and next book not out until March. It is a great book, loved it more action.
It finished on a cliff hanger, and next book not out until March. It is a great book, loved it more action.
August 21, 2023
The writing is good... just nothing really happened. I enjoy the characters and thr tarot talk but other than that there was no suspense and no resolution.
January 28, 2025
This just felt like a really immature read trying to be a new adult book. Either it should have been just a YA, or the dialogue should have been way more mature.
She’s 23 in the book and acts 16.
She’s 23 in the book and acts 16.
May 20, 2025
Rating based on spice
October 7, 2023
Love the plot, love the incorporation of tarot cards, not sure I love Stevie sleeping with all of her friends 🤨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2020
The continuing saga of Tarot Academy! We definitely are learning more about the guys which I'm glad for. I was starting to worry. Baz...oh that poor man. What a nasty piece of work ugh I absolutely HATE when those who are supposed to protect you or those who take you in when tragedy strikes fail you and are the real monsters. Thats what happened to Baz and it explains a lot. He's not one to talk about feelings and he's aloof about pretty much everything but Stevie just forces him to share. He adores her and doesnt want to lose what he has so he ends up sharing some things. Not in so many words but yeah he loves her and Stevie is sort of in denial but she knows she cares very much for him. We know that Kirin is a douche canoe because he has his own issues and just abandons her at the wrong time and then avoids her like the plague which obviously hurts her because she is head over butt in love with him. Doc has his own demons and we dont know a lot but a little is revealed. He's starting to come around a little but still keeps his distance because of the whole student/teacher thing although she is in her early 20s. Ani...I think he's got some dark times coming. He's all sunshine and light because thats just a part of who he is. However, he can easily be manipulated and sucked into doing not so great things. He hasnt yet but I can see that coming maybe in the next book. Not sure. Stevie although forgives them for keeping her in the dark and lying to her she still has some trust issues. Things are getting interesting if the ending is any indication. I now know why Carly is the way she is. I dont think she's bad but she's had a hard life. She is tied to Baz sort of like sister and brother because her Mom is the monster I mentioned who took Baz in when he was young. She isnt unscathed with the abuse either. I do feel bad for her and I think she really wants a real friend but is afraid to. Stevie has grown a lot and I still dig her character. Now, I am going to stop reading this series for now because its not finished and I'm not the biggest fan of cliffhangers. I'll definitely pick it back up once its completed. Its in my to-read folder. As far as the reverse harem goes. The only one she's actively slept with is Baz. She did have some intimate moments with Kirin but not done the deed. She wanted more but thats where he abandoned her literally in the moment. I enjoyed the book though.
May 25, 2020
The author decided to double down on the lengthy, dry, boring, explanation of tarot cards. The flow just stutters to a stop with long lengthy explanations of the meaning and/or symbolism behind tarot cards.
February 9, 2025
So full of fluff that I repeatedly fell asleep. There’s a way to develop characters without long monologues pawned as conversations, but you wouldn’t know it based off this forsaken series.
I’ve read more substance in a short story, and if you removed all the excess, that’s exactly the length this one should be.
The world is on the brink of extinction, she’s the only one that can save them by reading the prophecies, but she instead prioritizes gallivanting and long, repetitive, circuitous talks over actually trying to understand the predictions. It’s very obvious what they’re saying has to be done, but she’s determined to misunderstand every single one.
She’s even finally working on reading the stupid things, and one of the guys is like, “You’re making too much progress on the plot with this paragraph of effort. You know what you need? A bike ride.”
So onward they ride.
Ride right to a lesson on her air magic that is basically, “Feel the air.” Amazing. And this advice comes from the smartest of the bunch. Maybe I have air magic, too.
Hey, we need to do this thing so we can intercept important artifacts before the bad guys get the chance to! So, naturally, it’s karaoke time.
And the spice? Every time she’s about to get *there,* he changes something. Position, pace, etc. but she still gets there anyway. In what world?? Not this one.
If I were her, I’d be using the continued lack of magical training as my excuse when the police found his magically mangled body.
The ending contains huge omissions and time jumps that remove from any sense of impending doom, only leaving confusion and resignated acceptance.
They just shouldn’t have changed the covers of this series. The typical imagery associated with books of this genre and caliber (a computer generated girl, vaguely resembling the slight description we’ve been given, standing proudly before the gate of a dark purple skied sparkly silhouette of a castle shaped school) was best to set realistic expectations of the content, whereas the inferred upgrade only insures disappointment.
I’ve read more substance in a short story, and if you removed all the excess, that’s exactly the length this one should be.
The world is on the brink of extinction, she’s the only one that can save them by reading the prophecies, but she instead prioritizes gallivanting and long, repetitive, circuitous talks over actually trying to understand the predictions. It’s very obvious what they’re saying has to be done, but she’s determined to misunderstand every single one.
She’s even finally working on reading the stupid things, and one of the guys is like, “You’re making too much progress on the plot with this paragraph of effort. You know what you need? A bike ride.”
So onward they ride.
Ride right to a lesson on her air magic that is basically, “Feel the air.” Amazing. And this advice comes from the smartest of the bunch. Maybe I have air magic, too.
Hey, we need to do this thing so we can intercept important artifacts before the bad guys get the chance to! So, naturally, it’s karaoke time.
And the spice? Every time she’s about to get *there,* he changes something. Position, pace, etc. but she still gets there anyway. In what world?? Not this one.
If I were her, I’d be using the continued lack of magical training as my excuse when the police found his magically mangled body.
The ending contains huge omissions and time jumps that remove from any sense of impending doom, only leaving confusion and resignated acceptance.
They just shouldn’t have changed the covers of this series. The typical imagery associated with books of this genre and caliber (a computer generated girl, vaguely resembling the slight description we’ve been given, standing proudly before the gate of a dark purple skied sparkly silhouette of a castle shaped school) was best to set realistic expectations of the content, whereas the inferred upgrade only insures disappointment.
June 14, 2020
Since it had been a while since reading book 1 in this series, it took me a while to remember what exactly was happening in this next book of this series. The fact that it took me so long to remember did not set my expectations that high. Regardless, this was a quick simple read that was fairly easy to get caught up on. I alternated between reading and listening and the narration was okay, no problems there.
I will admit, the Tarot portion of everything is a bit - I'm not sure if the word 'confusing' is the correct word - but, it is definitely a different dynamic. Knowing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about Tarot, it makes it a little more difficult to completely immerse yourself into the story since there is a whole lot of descriptive text regarding the cards.
The female MC is intelligent and seems to be okay with the possible concept of dating more than one of her "guys". The story arc continued and progressed nicely with the addition of several new characters. It is becoming apparent that the other guys in the Brotherhood are starting to feel much more than friendly with her.
My issue comes with the actual plot. To me, that is the weakest part of the story. There was a prophecy to be determined in book 1. Now there are artifacts to be found. The problem is that no one knows WHAT the artifacts do, or WHY they are all of a sudden important. And do they coincide with the prophecies? And why are people being attacked now? Lots of threads are being thrown around, but really not sure how or if they tie together.
But, so far, it is interesting enough to continue and see where it leads. I like the 4 male MC's, so let's see what happens next.
I will admit, the Tarot portion of everything is a bit - I'm not sure if the word 'confusing' is the correct word - but, it is definitely a different dynamic. Knowing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about Tarot, it makes it a little more difficult to completely immerse yourself into the story since there is a whole lot of descriptive text regarding the cards.
The female MC is intelligent and seems to be okay with the possible concept of dating more than one of her "guys". The story arc continued and progressed nicely with the addition of several new characters. It is becoming apparent that the other guys in the Brotherhood are starting to feel much more than friendly with her.
My issue comes with the actual plot. To me, that is the weakest part of the story. There was a prophecy to be determined in book 1. Now there are artifacts to be found. The problem is that no one knows WHAT the artifacts do, or WHY they are all of a sudden important. And do they coincide with the prophecies? And why are people being attacked now? Lots of threads are being thrown around, but really not sure how or if they tie together.
But, so far, it is interesting enough to continue and see where it leads. I like the 4 male MC's, so let's see what happens next.
October 11, 2024
ehhh.....so, like the first book this second book is cleanly written and edited (only a handful of errors), which I appreciate, but it lacked excitement and didn't even have the oomph of new characters/new world/new meetings that the first one had. It is still very low on steam (and what is there is not "hot", imo), and though I appreciate a slow burn/slow build up in my reverse harems, I want there to be the actual burn of tension and heat when things occur, and that is not there at all, even though it is clearly attempting to have that. And as I said in book one, the emotional connection proclaimed is very much not earned by what is on page.
This book was also pretty repetitive in that the series plot is that there are dire events on the horizon that the heroine and her allies must stop at all costs so we have scenes where we are told they have been researching/searching for hours/days on this life-or-death mission they are running out of time for interspersed with "but we have to take a break for fun sometimes" segues into non-mission events, wash, rinse, repeat. Every solution or idea to move things along suddenly occurs to them out of the blue, and every character or location is there for a specific reason. I'm not explaining this right but it's kind of like the formulaic crime procedural TV shows - you know everything that occurs or person that appears has a specific, predictable and often flimsy purpose, just in the interest of getting to the solution within the allotted time frame, rather than richly building a complex story. Will I continue? Maybe, probably, since I can rarely quit things, but I really shouldn't.
This book was also pretty repetitive in that the series plot is that there are dire events on the horizon that the heroine and her allies must stop at all costs so we have scenes where we are told they have been researching/searching for hours/days on this life-or-death mission they are running out of time for interspersed with "but we have to take a break for fun sometimes" segues into non-mission events, wash, rinse, repeat. Every solution or idea to move things along suddenly occurs to them out of the blue, and every character or location is there for a specific reason. I'm not explaining this right but it's kind of like the formulaic crime procedural TV shows - you know everything that occurs or person that appears has a specific, predictable and often flimsy purpose, just in the interest of getting to the solution within the allotted time frame, rather than richly building a complex story. Will I continue? Maybe, probably, since I can rarely quit things, but I really shouldn't.
March 4, 2021
Cliffhanger
You would think that as long as these books are, that an arc would be covered in each book with an overall arc of the series continuing. That is not the case. With book one and book two they were just sections of a story. The entire series will be out as of March 19. That being said, I love the story line and the characters. There is never a dull moment with the book.
As far as the RH we have one person committed at this point. Three still hedging for different reasons. At the end of this book, I think the tide is about to change with the guys.
We still do not know who the bad guy is or what the bad guy wants exactly. We don't know how to stop that guy. We don't know how the Bad guy keeps getting minions onto the supposed school campus. Are female C. is supposed to be The epitome of awesome, Yet she hasn't learn how to use her gifts. Everything she's done so far has been accidental. She has good at solving puzzles. It would be nice though if she's tried demonstrating some of the potential they keep saying she has. All the questions about her why I only rated this are four. The story is well written and extremely interesting. The author brings you right into the world they created. I am looking forward to book 3. I would just really like some clarification as to where the story line is going. Series must be read in order.
You would think that as long as these books are, that an arc would be covered in each book with an overall arc of the series continuing. That is not the case. With book one and book two they were just sections of a story. The entire series will be out as of March 19. That being said, I love the story line and the characters. There is never a dull moment with the book.
As far as the RH we have one person committed at this point. Three still hedging for different reasons. At the end of this book, I think the tide is about to change with the guys.
We still do not know who the bad guy is or what the bad guy wants exactly. We don't know how to stop that guy. We don't know how the Bad guy keeps getting minions onto the supposed school campus. Are female C. is supposed to be The epitome of awesome, Yet she hasn't learn how to use her gifts. Everything she's done so far has been accidental. She has good at solving puzzles. It would be nice though if she's tried demonstrating some of the potential they keep saying she has. All the questions about her why I only rated this are four. The story is well written and extremely interesting. The author brings you right into the world they created. I am looking forward to book 3. I would just really like some clarification as to where the story line is going. Series must be read in order.
September 22, 2024
Spells Of Breath And Blade - Sarah Piper
Tarot Academy Book 2
Narrators: Stephen Dexter & Nicole Poole
Narrator Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They do and EXCELLENT job bringing these characters to life!!!
My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Pages: 404
Genre: Fantasy
Tropes: Dark Fantasy, Witches Romance, Found Family
This book continues on with Stevie’s and the 4 mages trying to solve all the riddles to find the four hidden treasures to save the world of magic.
Enter more devious possessed people to the mix who are out to use them to find the treasures but to ensure the dark mage receives the treasures and insures he is the only one with magic.
The academy is attacked numerous times. Students magic totally stolen. The human world witches are tried and tortured to death for crimes they didn’t commit. Everything is escalating.
Time is of the essence to find the treasures.
I’m off to read book 3 because I cannot wait to see what’s next!
Highly recommend this book and series.
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Tarot Academy Book 2
Narrators: Stephen Dexter & Nicole Poole
Narrator Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They do and EXCELLENT job bringing these characters to life!!!
My Review:
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Pages: 404
Genre: Fantasy
Tropes: Dark Fantasy, Witches Romance, Found Family
This book continues on with Stevie’s and the 4 mages trying to solve all the riddles to find the four hidden treasures to save the world of magic.
Enter more devious possessed people to the mix who are out to use them to find the treasures but to ensure the dark mage receives the treasures and insures he is the only one with magic.
The academy is attacked numerous times. Students magic totally stolen. The human world witches are tried and tortured to death for crimes they didn’t commit. Everything is escalating.
Time is of the essence to find the treasures.
I’m off to read book 3 because I cannot wait to see what’s next!
Highly recommend this book and series.
#booktok #bookstagram #books #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookstagrammer #bookish #reading #bookworm #readersofinstagram #bookreview #bookaddict #bookshelf #bookcommunity #read #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #romance #fantasy #sarahpiper #spellsofironandbone #spellsofbreathandblade
May 17, 2020
Audio book review
Book 2 in the reverse harem
This picks up where book 1 ended . Steve is still shaken by what the professor did to her. She needs to find a way and her men ( since they are the keepers of the grave ) to stop the dark energies, the dark energies want to take over the world.
Stevie can’t understand at first why she brings branches and twigs back from her dream world. She talks to her men and the professor has an idea.
Slowly strange things start to happen on the Academy grounds They know the dark Arcana is doing them.
The dark Arcana got to 2 people and the dark Arcana find a way to bring back the artifacts that will be needed to take the world into darkness.
The performance of Nicole Poole and Stephen Dexter was fantastic. They did the tone for each character great
Book 2 in the reverse harem
This picks up where book 1 ended . Steve is still shaken by what the professor did to her. She needs to find a way and her men ( since they are the keepers of the grave ) to stop the dark energies, the dark energies want to take over the world.
Stevie can’t understand at first why she brings branches and twigs back from her dream world. She talks to her men and the professor has an idea.
Slowly strange things start to happen on the Academy grounds They know the dark Arcana is doing them.
The dark Arcana got to 2 people and the dark Arcana find a way to bring back the artifacts that will be needed to take the world into darkness.
The performance of Nicole Poole and Stephen Dexter was fantastic. They did the tone for each character great
December 2, 2023
Better than book 1. The story is maturing and growing with more characters and allies of our heroine Stevie. We are meeting new professors, new friends, some magical police, and gaining greater insight into the abilities of Stevie. Book 2 has developed into a world all its own. Ms. Piper has the ability to transport you to the scene and feel the environment. The campus is amazing, the surroundings are amazing. I am no longer making correlations to Harry Potter but instead driving into a unique world that is intriguing. Our heroes are threatened once again but we are on the brink of a breakthrough... The book ends on a cliff hanger but with three more books to go, I'm pretty sure it will turn out ok. The hormones are still in overdrive and I feel like a threesome or a moresome is just around the corner. These kids need a hobby. On to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2020
Again with the intriguing and fascinating storyline not to mention the overcomplication or tarot reading, meanings and just frustration. What the hell. I dont love stories with love triangles, I don't mind them as long as they right themselves by book 2 or 3. Lead characters that fall in and out of love or love more then one person are weak. They just aren't for me. But 2 guys isn't enough for her she wants all 4.....gah it frustrates me. The characters are all well written but all 4 men have extremely troubling backstories and they are all "broken" and what her love is supposed to fix them all with no jealousy. Damn I wish this book had been different. The only reason I keep reading is I really do enjoy the adventure behind it. Where the story is leading, who the bad guy is.
January 5, 2021
Magical
I really wasn't expecting these books to be as good as they are. Well written, great world building. I saw tarot and even though I love tarot, I wasn't sure if I liked the premise or if it would end up being kinda hokey. It didnt. I love the premise. Our MC is a bit Mary Sue, just a teeny tiny bit. Any flaws or struggles or "I don't sleep with people I like cause I don't want to be hurt" is quickly forgotten as she falls for her men. I wish the book was a little longer, filled with more sex or just more.. relationship building. Its weird because there is a lot of it(not sex. Relationship building), but also I want more. Might be a me thing lol. Anyway. 5 out of 5. Must read!
I really wasn't expecting these books to be as good as they are. Well written, great world building. I saw tarot and even though I love tarot, I wasn't sure if I liked the premise or if it would end up being kinda hokey. It didnt. I love the premise. Our MC is a bit Mary Sue, just a teeny tiny bit. Any flaws or struggles or "I don't sleep with people I like cause I don't want to be hurt" is quickly forgotten as she falls for her men. I wish the book was a little longer, filled with more sex or just more.. relationship building. Its weird because there is a lot of it(not sex. Relationship building), but also I want more. Might be a me thing lol. Anyway. 5 out of 5. Must read!
March 1, 2025
Pretty good
I found this book to be slow, some of the dots connecting near the end, but truly slow in the plot. Stevie’s searching for the magical objects but doesn’t use her tarot knowledge like she’s taught. I mean I didn’t think of it either so maybe it shouldn’t have been obvious. Using the tarot cards to help amplify what she’s searching for. It seems at every big revelation some bad guys are listening in and then taking control. They knew Janelle was trying to listen in on Stevie’s door, why didn’t they put it together that Janelle could have placed listening ruins on all their doors. I expected Carly’s mom but not Kirins sister even if she’s being possessed. I hope they get out of this!
I found this book to be slow, some of the dots connecting near the end, but truly slow in the plot. Stevie’s searching for the magical objects but doesn’t use her tarot knowledge like she’s taught. I mean I didn’t think of it either so maybe it shouldn’t have been obvious. Using the tarot cards to help amplify what she’s searching for. It seems at every big revelation some bad guys are listening in and then taking control. They knew Janelle was trying to listen in on Stevie’s door, why didn’t they put it together that Janelle could have placed listening ruins on all their doors. I expected Carly’s mom but not Kirins sister even if she’s being possessed. I hope they get out of this!
March 16, 2025
Allee, Allee, In Come Free
TarotAcademy2
So Starla “Stevie” Milan is in the place her parents fought so hard to keep and protect her from - by denying their magic, and refusing to train hers - the Arcane Academy.
There are six such structures in the world, each in their own pocket realm, only reachable by portals. Stevie is here to translate and interpret the prophecies of a disgraced seer - her mother - under the auspices of the woman who led the campaign to oust and discredit that same seer.
And, Stevie is the key. But there is so much going on in realms and planes of existence; greed and dark forces are aligning to change the face of magic, forever. And disinformation abounds.
But, Stevie is the key.
TarotAcademy2
So Starla “Stevie” Milan is in the place her parents fought so hard to keep and protect her from - by denying their magic, and refusing to train hers - the Arcane Academy.
There are six such structures in the world, each in their own pocket realm, only reachable by portals. Stevie is here to translate and interpret the prophecies of a disgraced seer - her mother - under the auspices of the woman who led the campaign to oust and discredit that same seer.
And, Stevie is the key. But there is so much going on in realms and planes of existence; greed and dark forces are aligning to change the face of magic, forever. And disinformation abounds.
But, Stevie is the key.
April 2, 2025
So loved the first book and was really disappointment in the 2nd book. The 2nd book had very little adventure, excitement, spice or plot advancement. it was a few hours shorter (8.5 hours compared to nearly 11 hours) amd it felt like it. The end seemed rushed and left you on what could have been a few more decent chapters of a cliff hanger and you would have gotten some good story plotting for this book.
I did like the addition of some character back ground for Baz, Kirin and even Arni but this was limited and felt thrown in and not really explored much. the sexual tension, world building, over all character growth and plot where all really half assed. I'll read the next book in the hopes it gets better but this one's wasn't a hit for me
I did like the addition of some character back ground for Baz, Kirin and even Arni but this was limited and felt thrown in and not really explored much. the sexual tension, world building, over all character growth and plot where all really half assed. I'll read the next book in the hopes it gets better but this one's wasn't a hit for me
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