Dante's Tarot, by author Karen Chance
Always on the lookout for tarot in games and fiction, I still almost overlooked the importance of tarot in the Cassie Palmer series of action-metaphysics-romance novels—emphasis on action and fantasy.
So much happens so fast in these well-written books that you may not at first notice the importance of the heroine’s enchanted tarot deck.
From the context it sounds like either a standard Rider-Waite deck or set of major arcana only. When someone opens the box and asks a question, one or more cards slide out and begin reciting their meanings.
Cassie Palmer Novels
The heroine, Cassandra Palmer, is a major clairvoyant who sees vivid visions of catastrophic events. She considers her tarot deck a sort of toy, but it is a cherished gift from a friend now deceased.
The tarot deck is the one possession she has held onto even through years of running for her life. Gradually you realize that the cards’ messages foreshadow everything that happens in the books.
I highly recommend the novels, which feature time-travel, vampires, war mages, Greek deities, demons, and more. Sounds crazy, but it’s all very logical and real when you’re reading.
These are action-packed novels, and the fantasy is anchored in realistic settings. The books are fast-pased, easy to read, and thought-provoking. They are also laugh-out-loud funny in places. Best of all, the characters are deftly drawn and (in some cases hauntingly) real.
Warning: There is sex and violence, and these books are not written for kids under 18 years old or anyone with a truly weak stomach. The violent scenes are gritty and realistic, but they are not sadistic. That is, the author does not dwell on the violent parts; they are just part of the story. So most adults will have no problems unless they only like very light, fluffy fantasy.
The Cassie Palmer novels, in order, are
The author, Karen Chance, also has an entertaining web site, where she gives away free downloads of some stories and novellas that fit in between the novels. The art is interesting, too, and includes cover paintings for the freebie stories.
Dante’s Tarot
Best of all for tarot lovers, you can freely download a specially designed tarot deck based on Greek mythology, called Dante’s Tarot. You’ll find it in the Clairvoyant Corner section. There’s a link to download it at the bottom of the page.
