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The Tarot Sequence #1.5
The Sunken Mall
The Sunken Mall takes place after the events of The Last Sun. In an effort to more fully integrate their ward Max into the family, Rune and Brand endeavor to find Equinox gifts for the teenager. Their gift plans are shaped by Quinn, the teenager seer, who orchestrates a shopping expedition into the Worcester Galleria, a translocated mall magically-preserved as it was in the early 1980s. With the help of the Principality, Ciaran, and Rune’s new boyfriend, Addam, they find that the mall has taken on an unexpected life of its own.
92 pages, ebook
Published May 30, 2020
About the author
K.D. Edwards
17 books2,797 followersAuthor of the Tarot Sequence and the Tales from New Atlantis. Published by Pyr. Reader of Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA, Mystery, Graphic Novels, and LGBT+.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 1, 2021
3.5 stars
A nice interlude between book 1 and 2, which shouldn’t be missed because it packs what seems to me—and friends who have already read the following book confirmed—some important character development moments.
Brand keeps being Brand, AKA the best character ever, and I’m slowly starting to
I also appreciated the additional insight into Max’s situation and the way his relationship with Rune and Brand is changing, I look forward to finding out more about that in the next book.
Addam is…there. He has some good moments. One, maybe two. He also has a beard. And long hair. Long hair with a beard. At one point the hairs in his beard started to “flutter slowly” and he “brushed his beard back into shape.” Do I have to add anything else? I’m trying, I’m really, really trying. He doesn’t make it easy.
But Brand seems to have found a use for him and Rune likes him, so I guess we can keep him around for now.
The adventure part fell a little short for me. I’m not sure if it was bad timing on my part, reading this when my concentration wasn’t at its best, but I found my attention wandering when the focus was on that aspect and I had trouble taking the .
Mention of honor for Brand
A nice interlude between book 1 and 2, which shouldn’t be missed because it packs what seems to me—and friends who have already read the following book confirmed—some important character development moments.
Brand keeps being Brand, AKA the best character ever, and I’m slowly starting to
I also appreciated the additional insight into Max’s situation and the way his relationship with Rune and Brand is changing, I look forward to finding out more about that in the next book.
Addam is…there. He has some good moments. One, maybe two. He also has a beard. And long hair. Long hair with a beard. At one point the hairs in his beard started to “flutter slowly” and he “brushed his beard back into shape.” Do I have to add anything else? I’m trying, I’m really, really trying. He doesn’t make it easy.
But Brand seems to have found a use for him and Rune likes him, so I guess we can keep him around for now.
The adventure part fell a little short for me. I’m not sure if it was bad timing on my part, reading this when my concentration wasn’t at its best, but I found my attention wandering when the focus was on that aspect and I had trouble taking the .
Mention of honor for Brand
May 28, 2021
Also reviewed who-the-hell-knows-how-many times, another freebie for his devoted fans from KD Edwards. Which teaches the most important lesson that you should never take Brand shopping. 😂
I love this world and all the characters SO much! 🥰
I love this world and all the characters SO much! 🥰
July 31, 2021
Thanks to the deleting this book has suffered I don't have my original review anymore and I can't recapture the impressions I got when I first read this. I didn't even remember exactly when I read it, so I'm going with the date it was published... I'm truly mad at this crusade some fellow librarians has been carrying. If GR doesn't allow me to keep track of what I read, I don't see the point of being here anymore... I remember I gave this 4 stars but as you can see I've just given 5 right now because maybe a 5 stars rating helps more people find and read about this awesome characters and world, and can make up in a way for the lost reviews and the time this has been out of the site, well... I just find it fair.
August 16, 2021
Unfortunately this installment fell victim to someone on GR's team opinion of what a book should be. Shame, that. Because of that so many of us, most importantly the AUTHOR, lost their reviews and ratings.
It was a fun read, full of memories of an actual place from Worcester MA; even more special to me because I live pretty close to the city. It was amazing, remembering places and things from the past. The adventure, though not always safe for our characters, was nevertheless full of humor and unexpected delights for the readers.
It was a fun read, full of memories of an actual place from Worcester MA; even more special to me because I live pretty close to the city. It was amazing, remembering places and things from the past. The adventure, though not always safe for our characters, was nevertheless full of humor and unexpected delights for the readers.
August 10, 2021
Reread:
Just as much fun as the first time.
Original review:
The main lesson I took away from this story: never take Brand holiday shopping. Not that the alternative they came up with was much better of an idea. 🤣
This was great fun! Rune realizes that Max still doesn't feel at home and part of the family and seeks to fix that. Madness ensues. There are a lot of fun 80s throwbacks, more amazing world building, and some scenes that I really would have loved to have had before reading The Hanged Man. In particular,
And special thanks to all the fan artists who provided covers for this book.
Oh! And don't skip past the disclaimer at the front. You won't regret it. 😄 (Thanks to my eagle-eyed BR buddy, Rosa, for spotting that!)
(4th time posting this darn review. *sigh*)
Just as much fun as the first time.
Original review:
The main lesson I took away from this story: never take Brand holiday shopping. Not that the alternative they came up with was much better of an idea. 🤣
This was great fun! Rune realizes that Max still doesn't feel at home and part of the family and seeks to fix that. Madness ensues. There are a lot of fun 80s throwbacks, more amazing world building, and some scenes that I really would have loved to have had before reading The Hanged Man. In particular,
And special thanks to all the fan artists who provided covers for this book.
Oh! And don't skip past the disclaimer at the front. You won't regret it. 😄 (Thanks to my eagle-eyed BR buddy, Rosa, for spotting that!)
(4th time posting this darn review. *sigh*)
October 14, 2021
Reread May 2022:
The Sunken Mall was such a nice reread! I still loved all the trouble that Rune and Brand got into. But also I loved that Max and Quinn were so adorably ready to kick some ass (even if they weren’t quite ready). Oh and!! I think I might have caught a bit of foreshadowing for The Hourglass Throne?? I’m jus so excited that I can’t wait! This is still a solid four of five stars and I would highly recommend!
Original Review Dec 2020:
Have I mentioned recently how much I love the Tarot Sequence series?? Because I it...a lot. K.D. Edwards certainly knows how to create a story that doesn’t let you go.
Honestly, who thought that Brand and Rune wouldn’t get into a heap of trouble just by Solstice shopping? These two are trouble magnets....and that leads to some of the best adventures for them. I can’t wait to see how some of the little things in this short impact the main series. 😉
The Sunken Mall was filled with all the sweet bonding moments, action packed fights, and hilarious banter that I’ve come to love in this series. Also, can I get a shout out for Quinn being adorable?? I loved the hilarious little things that we learned about him and about Max. I just wanted to hug them. Anyway, I’m getting off topic. This book is getting a solid four stars. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Hanged Man. ☺️
The Sunken Mall was such a nice reread! I still loved all the trouble that Rune and Brand got into. But also I loved that Max and Quinn were so adorably ready to kick some ass (even if they weren’t quite ready). Oh and!! I think I might have caught a bit of foreshadowing for The Hourglass Throne?? I’m jus so excited that I can’t wait! This is still a solid four of five stars and I would highly recommend!
Original Review Dec 2020:
Have I mentioned recently how much I love the Tarot Sequence series?? Because I it...a lot. K.D. Edwards certainly knows how to create a story that doesn’t let you go.
Honestly, who thought that Brand and Rune wouldn’t get into a heap of trouble just by Solstice shopping? These two are trouble magnets....and that leads to some of the best adventures for them. I can’t wait to see how some of the little things in this short impact the main series. 😉
The Sunken Mall was filled with all the sweet bonding moments, action packed fights, and hilarious banter that I’ve come to love in this series. Also, can I get a shout out for Quinn being adorable?? I loved the hilarious little things that we learned about him and about Max. I just wanted to hug them. Anyway, I’m getting off topic. This book is getting a solid four stars. I can’t wait to get my hands on The Hanged Man. ☺️
February 2, 2025
Stars: 5 out of 5
This is a fun novella set between book 1 and 2.
This is a fun novella set between book 1 and 2.
December 20, 2021
Rune and Brand: *think they are dads*
Ciaran: *is actually the dad*
**Re-read, February 2022**
My favorite thing about re-reading books is being able to take things more slowly the second time around. I got so much more out of this novella than I did the first time. I love how it expands on the beginnings of the found family established in TLS and forges deeper connections between Brand and his misfit court. I am also super glad Addam acknowledged and apologized for his behavior in The Heirophant’s estate in TLS. That part of the book bothered me a lot, but it was largely resolved here.
That said, my original review still stands 100%.
0/5 stars for trains. Sigh.
Ciaran: *is actually the dad*
**Re-read, February 2022**
My favorite thing about re-reading books is being able to take things more slowly the second time around. I got so much more out of this novella than I did the first time. I love how it expands on the beginnings of the found family established in TLS and forges deeper connections between Brand and his misfit court. I am also super glad Addam acknowledged and apologized for his behavior in The Heirophant’s estate in TLS. That part of the book bothered me a lot, but it was largely resolved here.
That said, my original review still stands 100%.
0/5 stars for trains. Sigh.
February 28, 2022
Maybe I'm having an off day but I was having trouble paying attention while reading. Like I would read a whole page and not have a clue what I had just read. Couldn't hold my interest.
May 20, 2021
I have no idea how this didn't show up the first time I read it (I feel like it did but maybe disappeared???), but holy shit I love this book just as much as the other two. Basically everything that K.D. writes is my favorite thing in the world.
September 15, 2021
PLEASE STOP DELETING THESE REVIEWS GOODREADS 🤬🤬🤬!!
June 4, 2022
This was super entertaining and fun. Plus had some wooing between Addam & Rune (which is always my favorite) 😍
Free on author’s website
Free on author’s website
Read
August 11, 2021I don't remember what I rated it or what my review said and this was before I started saving my reviews. I know at least one thing, but I'm just leaving this alone. I'm not going to rate this one because of that either. *sigh*
September 30, 2021
Well, Goodreads deleted this novella for some reason - hopefully it'll stick around this time.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This was such a fun novella! I'm really loving this world, and I'm so glad that we get more information about New Atlantis here. There's some great action scenes! I still really love the use of Atlantean aspects and sigils when using magic. We also have some new characters introduced, and I hope they make a return in the books! There's more fun banter, as well as great character dynamics.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This was such a fun novella! I'm really loving this world, and I'm so glad that we get more information about New Atlantis here. There's some great action scenes! I still really love the use of Atlantean aspects and sigils when using magic. We also have some new characters introduced, and I hope they make a return in the books! There's more fun banter, as well as great character dynamics.
August 7, 2022
2 stars.
Eh. This was too silly for me.
Eh. This was too silly for me.
September 28, 2021
This was a short story that takes place between books 1 and 2 in the Tarot Sequence Series. Honestly, it is probably my least favorite out of any of the books that I have read in the series. Though, with that being said, I still liked it. I just didn't LOVE it. It was a little too out there for me. I had a problem trying to picture the world of mannequins at the bottom of the ocean.
Still, it was fun to get another peek into the Tarot World. When the whole gang is together, that in itself is worth it.
Still, it was fun to get another peek into the Tarot World. When the whole gang is together, that in itself is worth it.
December 6, 2021
slightly conflicted with my rating here; k.d edwards is truly excellent when writing a climactic final third of a story, but i do seem to find myself less interested during the entire other parts of the book? i liked it fine, but my attention wasn’t held until things really started to kick off. but also i almost cried??? and nothing actually very sad happened??? on to ‘the hanged man’ I guess!
also goodreads, please keep the story up this time. eugh.
also goodreads, please keep the story up this time. eugh.
June 19, 2021
I can't get enough of the author's characters and his intricately detailed and developed New Atlantis alt-universe world. There was a lot packed into a short read with Rune, Brand, Max et al having a crazy/fascinating uncovering of a displaced/haunted 'lost mall' found entombed in the depths beneath the city ... and all this was supposed to be an impromptu birthday shopping trip LOL! 4.5 stars.
May 31, 2022
Cute and funny little look in the lives of the boys. This novella fleshes out some more lore, gives the reader a little glimpse into the every day of our boys, and keeps you laughing start to finish. A great pallette cleanser before driving into the deep end of the second book.
July 16, 2022
The absolute choke hold this series has on me is a problem.
K.D., my dude, Imma need you to pick up the pace.
K.D., my dude, Imma need you to pick up the pace.
July 29, 2023
Just a little adventure novella, nothing crazy, but the foreshadowing at the end made me kick my legs back and forth in glee.
June 6, 2021
Goodreads took down this novella after I first reviewed it (Jan 2021) so this is my review from Storygraph.
(4.5 stars) This is a wonderful little novella that has the feel of the Tarot Sequence world and delivers on more of that witty yet heartfelt tone that I first fell in love with. I wasn't expecting much actual character development, but I was surprised by the bit of character study that I found. I just received my copy of The Hanged Man and I'm now very excited to jump into it.
(4.5 stars) This is a wonderful little novella that has the feel of the Tarot Sequence world and delivers on more of that witty yet heartfelt tone that I first fell in love with. I wasn't expecting much actual character development, but I was surprised by the bit of character study that I found. I just received my copy of The Hanged Man and I'm now very excited to jump into it.
October 26, 2022
This was a great free novella available on the author’s website. I feel like I got the world building I was missing in the first book, had a better understanding of the characters and it was a really good story to boot.
June 18, 2022
That was wonderful! And now on to the main event...
August 17, 2021
3.5/5 stars
September 7, 2021
I think I'd enjoy it more if I were American... But it was still fun. Despite the action plot, it's mostly Rune & Max's story and it was nice to see them interact more.
January 16, 2022
I just love this worldbuilding and the characters!
It's such a fun read where your soul gets crushed unexpectedly 2 sentences after something that made you laugh. A wild ride that I enjoy immensely!
It's such a fun read where your soul gets crushed unexpectedly 2 sentences after something that made you laugh. A wild ride that I enjoy immensely!
November 10, 2023
4.5 stars
A great novella with developments in relationships, and a standalone adventure. I feel that this story is essential if one is even the least bit interested in the interactions and relationships between the major characters in this series. And I can't really think why anyone wouldn't be.
Brand is one offensive bastard and I would probably find him toxic if he wasn't so fiercely loyal and devoted to Rune. I don't think his softer side completely shines in this story, but I've read the first book, so it's okay. Brand is very funny in fiction but would probably be insufferable irl.
I love these characters and their chemistry, and the plot in this book is also very nice. But I still need to whine just a bit:
I think women probably exist in this alternate universe but I can't be quite sure... Yeah, I will talk about this and keep talking if more prominent women won't be introduced to the series. Queenie is lovely but when the only woman of the bunch is the one housekeeping while the boys go on adventures... it just bugs me. Take some women adventuring too, come on!
The story is available free on the author's website, no need for sign-ups or newsletters.
A great novella with developments in relationships, and a standalone adventure. I feel that this story is essential if one is even the least bit interested in the interactions and relationships between the major characters in this series. And I can't really think why anyone wouldn't be.
Brand is one offensive bastard and I would probably find him toxic if he wasn't so fiercely loyal and devoted to Rune. I don't think his softer side completely shines in this story, but I've read the first book, so it's okay. Brand is very funny in fiction but would probably be insufferable irl.
“Fine. Why don't we just run to the store and buy something?”
I gave him the long and suspect look he deserved. “It's a holiday shopping season. I've watched you pull fire alarms in coffee shops if there are more than two people in line.”
“There was a tactical reason for that, it only happened once, and fuck off.”
I love these characters and their chemistry, and the plot in this book is also very nice. But I still need to whine just a bit:
I think women probably exist in this alternate universe but I can't be quite sure... Yeah, I will talk about this and keep talking if more prominent women won't be introduced to the series. Queenie is lovely but when the only woman of the bunch is the one housekeeping while the boys go on adventures... it just bugs me. Take some women adventuring too, come on!
The story is available free on the author's website, no need for sign-ups or newsletters.
May 23, 2021
Our Half House gang + Quinn, Addam & Ciaran are back in this long novella featuring a complete, encapsulated adventure. It was every bit as good as the main novels with wacky fun, sharp dialogue, set in one of the inadvertently created corners of the magical world of Arcana. I adore these recovering, damaged individuals and their relationships between each other. And I'm delighted and in awe of the unique creativity that concocted this world.
Historical note: This book is now available from an explicitly approved source. Due to some GR shenanigans, between Jan 2021 to May 2021 the book page along with all written reviews for the Sunken Mall was repeatedly targeted and erased. Prior to this period, there were 397 ratings & 82 reviews with an overall rating of 4.32.
https://web.archive.org/web/202101021...
If you previously wrote a review for this book, a repost now would be greatly appreciated.
Historical note: This book is now available from an explicitly approved source. Due to some GR shenanigans, between Jan 2021 to May 2021 the book page along with all written reviews for the Sunken Mall was repeatedly targeted and erased. Prior to this period, there were 397 ratings & 82 reviews with an overall rating of 4.32.
https://web.archive.org/web/202101021...
If you previously wrote a review for this book, a repost now would be greatly appreciated.
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