Arcana

by Rhonda Parrish (Editor)

Tarot card decks have twenty-two major arcana, filled with symbolism and imbued with meaning. Explore the greater secrets and ideas behind those cards with the stories and poems of Arcana. Discovery awaits, in tales such as: a grasping king struggling with his legacy; an alchemist setting a golem out on a mission of revenge; and a woman finding what she didn’t know she was looking for.

Each story is like drawing a card from the deck–you never know what it might reveal.

Featuring stories by Sara Dobie Bauer, Greg Bechtel, Beth Cato, Eliza Chan, Kevin Cockle, Sara Cleto, J.G. Formato, Chadwick Ginther, Joseph Halden, Gabrielle Harbowy, Jim C. Hines, Diana Hurlburt, L.S. Johnson, Dan Koboldt, C.S. MacCath, Susan MacGregor, Cat McDonald, Annie Neugebauer, Alexandra Seidel, Angela Slatter, Sarena Ulibarri, Brittany Warman and BD Wilson.

Genres: Fantasy, Anthologies, Short Stories

334 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2021

About the author

Rhonda Parrish has the attention span of a magpie. Not only can she not focus on a single project at a time, but she also fails at sticking to one genre or even one type of writing (she does manage to stay true to one hockey team, though – Let’s go Oilers!). Perhaps best known for her work as an anthology editor – the Ottawa Review of Books called her “Canada’s best-known and most prolific speculative fiction anthologist” – Rhonda also works as a short story writer, novelist, game writer and a poet. She has been honoured to be included in a handful of ‘Best of’ anthologies, earn a coveted starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and be shortlisted for several awards including the Rhysling Award, the Aurora Award, the Dwarf Stars Award and Alberta Book Publishing Awards.

Most of her work falls under the speculative fiction umbrella but she has also penned paranormal non-fiction and non-speculative work.

In an effort to impose some order in her chaos, these days most of her short fiction and poetry is published directly through her Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RhondaParrish .

More information about her, updates and calls for submission are posted on her website http://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/.

Reviews

[Don Gerstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Rhonda Parrish collection usually has a good lead-in story, and this book did not disappoint. “Finders and Keepers, Its and Not-Its” by J.G. Formato led the pack, an interesting tale on one path one might take when the world falls in on you. While I did not find that all the stories reached this level, there are enough tales that were engaging.

I was not familiar with the theme that was chosen, so I read the book as a collection of short stories. My favorites included “My Brother’s Keeper” by Beth Cato, a down home story involving magic and family. Sara Dobie Bauer’s “Anime Gamelle” had an ending I never would have guessed but was satisfying. The story I will remember for a while? “The Hermit” by Joseph Halden, a story of one woman struggling to find her way (and her niche) in a world that would rather she didn’t.

Most of the stories in the “Arcana” collection are short, so even if a story doesn’t fit your personal tastes, the next one is right around the corner. Worth checking out. Three-and-a-half stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Poise and Pen for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standout anthology from editor Rhonda Parrish, this book includes stories and a poem based on the major arcana of the tarot. I found it to be an enjoyable read, with some standout stories which stayed with me. The single poem, "Larkspur and Henbane" by Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman, was richly woven and made me wish a few more poems had been included. Some of my favorites among the stories include "Finders and Keepers, Its and Not-Its" by J. G. Formato, Jim C. Hines's "Gift of the Kites," Angela Slatter's "Better Angels" and a mythic little tale, "The Moon," from C. S. McCath. A satisfying volume with a good variety of stories, it's one I recommend highly.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the concept behind this anthology is the thing I adore about it the most; there is a lot to love about Arcana, but the unique approach to compiling a set of writings based on the 22 major Arcana of the Tarot is inspired and masterfully executed. Each "chapter" includes the name of the card as well as a piece of original artwork to accompany the story, and so embarking on that chapter felt like such a special experience. I would go online and read about that card, learning its meaning as well as the significance of the card being upright or reversed, and then read the story and reflect on its connections to the card, which all together really created a meaningful experience for me.

This anthology contains quite a diverse set of styles, tones, and themes, a direct reflection of and commensurate with the diversity in meanings across the Arcana. A few of the stories that stood out to me, for varied reasons, included :  Palimpsest by Kevin Cockle for its prose and its premise; Lupa by Susan MacGregor for a beautifully written retelling of the Romulus and Remus myth from the perspective of motherhood; The Hermit by Joseph Halden for the very real and raw pain he was able to convey through the personal and ethical struggles of a young genius; Gift of the Kites by Jim C. Hines for its heart-warming portrayal of what it means to be family and true love; and My Brother's Keeper by Beth Cato for its vivid characters and lessons on forgiveness.

I highly recommend this anthology; it has instantly become a treasure!

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical anthology. Each short story or poem is connected to one of the cards in the Major Arcana of Tarot. It is like drawing a card from your deck and getting a story that embodies everything that card represents. Each story begins by not only listing the author and title, but also the tarot card that the story is based on. You don't have to know anything about tarot to understand this book, but if you do then you get little mini spoilers of how the story might go. Like with all anthologies some stories are better than others, but I look forward to reading and re-reading this book.

[Beth Cato]

Not a review. Includes a reprint of my story, "My Brother's Keeper."

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story. Let’s us know what Tarot cards mean. Definitely a book worthwhile reading.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside a long day for these twenty-one adult short stories and a poem or nibble them at your leisure.

Finders and Keepers, Its and Not-Its by J.G. Formato: The Fool: a 17-minute story about Bree and Granny Keeper. 5*

Palimpsest by Kevin Cockle: Magician: a 22-minute tale about calligrapher Michael Holloway in Calgary, B.C. 5*

Larkspur and Henbane by Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman: Priestess: a 3-minute poem. 5*

Lupa by Susan MacGregor: Empress: a 33-minute retelling of a myth. 5*

The Tale of King Edgar by L.S. Johnson: Emperor: an 18-minute cautionary tale. 5*

Better Angels by Angela Slatter: Hierophant: a 22-minute murder mystery set in Tasmania. 5*

Thorns by Gabrielle Harbowy: The Lovers: an 8-minute sapphic tale. 5*

Anime Gamelle by Sara Dobie Bauer: The Chariot: a 17-minute tale of Queen Alanna of Albion. 5*

The Marriage of Ocean and Dust by Alexandra Seidel: Strength: a 16-minute tale of alchemy. 5*

The Hermit by Joseph Halden: a 44-minute AI precautionary. 5*

The Mysterious East (Fredericton, NB) by Greg Bechtel: Wheel of Fortune: 36 minutes about a Canadian cab driver named Andrew. 5*

One More Song by Eliza Chan: Justice: 23 minutes on domestic abuse. 5*

'Til Death Is Done by Chadwick Ginther: Hanged Man: 37 minutes of endless war. 5*

Vestige by Annie Neurbauer: Death: 31 minutes set on Kauai. 5*

Gift of Kites by Jim C. Hines: Temperance: Have a tissue handy for this 26-minute love story. 5*

Surveying the Land by BD Wilson: Devil: 18-minute choice. 5*

Rooks by Dan Koboldt: Tower: 19 minutes about preserving an apple orchard. 5*

Cold Spells by Diana Hurlburt: Star: 10 minutes about when snow first came to Lykosoura. 5*

The Moon by C.S. MacCath: 4 minutes of apotheosis. 5*

The Words of the Sun by Sarena Ulibarri: Sun: 9 minutes on preventing a war. 5*

My Brother's Keeper by Beth Cato: Judgement: 24 minutes about learning. 5*

Age of Aquarius by Cat McDonald: World: 18 minutes about emotions. 5*.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marriage of Ocean and Dust
The crone was trying to make a golem. Unfortunately it tore off her arm and disappeared into the woods. She was found by Calopian traders. They patched her up and gave her items to sustain her. She is not far from Beleros, the City of the Alchemists. But her steps take her back to where it started. She is out for revenge on the alchemist who killed her alchemist. She makes herself a golem arm. Then when it is attached she feels herself become something other maybe something more.

The Hermit
Ainsley Farthing finally got the job she wanted at Pepolytics, that made cutting edge communication technology. A few months later she sees a news story that talks about her mother and how they are thinking of retracting her nobel because she knew what the repercussions of her finding would do.
'
There are several more stories like these two that really make the reader think.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tinafoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always jump at the chance to read a book from Rhonda Parrish, and this one was no different.
It was a topic that I was not terribly familiar with, as the majority of my experience with Tarot was from "fortune tellers" at street fairs, so I found it odd to not have the "9 of Cups" or "3 of Swords" (not that I even have any idea what those mean!) but I can see how that could get repetitive, something this anthology definitely isn't!
Each entry takes a different look at the Arcana and the authors interpretations of such.
4 stars instead of 5 because there were a couple that I had difficulty "getting into" but being short stories, it was easy to stick it out to the end of each, and I'm glad I did. Each story was rewarding in its own way.
Jim C Hines is one of my favorite authors and I was pleased that he was included here. His story is very touching.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.

I have become a lover of anthologies and I really think Rhonda is to blame for it. Whenever I receive notice of another collection of stories, I can’t wait to check it out!

One reason, which is definitely of the strengths of this collection in particular is the variety. Not just in the types of stories but the settings. I saw so many different times in this one! It was a great surprise!

As always, the themes that tie the stories together. This one allows for a wider range than normal. I personally found the very first story as one of my favorites but they’re all good. I don’t have any stories I didn’t like in this one!

Again, a great collection with a ton of variety utilizing a themed setting perfectly.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RajKSiążek · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Arcana" is full of great stories and poems each one inspired by tarot card.
It was great idea to write something so mysterious and magical. Those tales includes whatever you want them to, because they don't tell you what to think. Often ending was open, so you can imagine what will happen next. I would say that you didn't read the story (or poem) but instead it reads you.
I enjoyed every chapter of this book, though some less than others. But my absolutely favourite was "Palimpsest" by Kevin Civile - it was inspired by Magician card.
I recommend that book to everyone, I think that the stories are so Diverse that everyone can find something for himself. But people who are interested in tarot, who likes mysterious, soul-revealing vibes are going to love this book the most.

[ABCme · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of the tarot's Major Arcana, the cards playing out in real life. I fully enjoyed the oddballs, the weird surroundings, the strange creatures and the well crafted writing in most of the chapters. A few stories were just too long and didn't hold my attention.
Overall a clever way to give meaning to the cards without mentioning them, apart from a small font at the start of each new one. Tarot readers will know which is which.
Story lovers might enjoy this book just as much.

Thank you Netgalley and Poise and Pen Publishing for the ARC.

[Liena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Rhonda Parrish for providing me with a copy of this ARC.

I loved this book. It's a very interesting approach to tarot cards. Each card of Major Arcane is described with some tale or poetry. It was a nice read. I love some tales and some of them are very interesting. I will love to see more of them. But I've read ones that are a bit boring or hard to read.
But I still love the idea of this book and I've enjoyed reading it.

[Janice Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is an unusual one. Some stories are heart warming, like "Finders and Keepers" and others are just plain strange like "The Moon." I enjoyed most of them. If you like the strange and weird, this is for you.

[Ana Cordoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very riveting and thought provoking set stories are included in this anthology. While I didn't understand the tarot connections, I still enjoyed the unique characters and setting of the stories. These stories depicted messages that will stay with a reader for a long time.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice anthology of works. Not really my cup of tea - but can be a good addition for some in their tarot journey to connect with something (major arcana wise).

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining collection of short stories with interesting characters. I especially liked the "Granny Keeper" story.

[Ashley Elliott Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. What interesting insights into the different tarot cards! I enjoyed this one.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great collection of stories.
I know nothing about tarot cards and their meaning. Nonetheless, these stories were extremely interesting. I particularly liked 'Gift of Kites' by Jim C. Hines.