Portions of this post are repeats from my review of Allegories of the Tarot from October 31, 2013. However, there is a Rafflecopter giveaway at the end, so please read through!
Allegories of the Tarot is exactly what it sounds like: a series of short stories based around the meanings of various tarot cards. For simplicity and the most obvious symbolism the book only focuses on the Major Arcana. Some of the stories feature a physical representation of their card while others focus on embodying the meaning behind their tarot inspiration. I am not an expert on the tarot, but I still could appreciate the theme that tied the stories together.
Reviewing an anthology is slightly more difficult than discussing a book or comic because the tone varies from author to author. However, Allegories somehow flowed together as a well-matched whole. The project ended up feeling like several beads strung together to form a beautiful necklace that were more amazing for being paired together. The genres represented vary from speculative fiction to horror to fantasy to light sci-fi to simple human interest/true life, but somehow none of them hit a sour note that jerked me out of my immersion into the work.
My favourite stories in Allegories of the Tarot were probably “On The Shoulders of Muses” by Jessica McHugh, “The Moon” by J.H. Sked, and “Transformation” by Timothy Smith, which are vastly different types of stories. However, all three touched a part of me affected by loss and opened me up to feelings I had suppressed. I also loved McHugh’s SF feeling interpretation of inspiration and creative muses. I never considered that interpretation of the muses and was intrigued by her world.
Allegories of the Tarot is not an anthology for everyone as it explores a number of alternate universes and mystical ideas. However, if the concept of mysteries beyond the veil protecting this world from the next or realities we cannot fully explain intrigues you give these stories a read. You will come away refreshed and somehow better from the experience.
Five Unique Tarot Spreads out of Five
Get the Allegories of the Tarot Anthology on Amazon and Smashwords.
Add the Allegories of the Tarot Anthology to your Goodreads to-read shelf!
About the book
Once upon a time, there was an editor with a fascination for the Tarot.She was struck one day by a crazy idea. “Hey,” she said. “What if twenty-two writers each wrote a story about the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana of the Tarot and were fashioned into an anthology?”
The idea would not leave her alone.
And thus, the Allegories of the Tarot was born.
Crowdfunded by a campaign on Indiegogo with the help and support of an amazing group of writers, twenty-two stories were crafted around the mysteries of the Tarot. The group includes a Pushcart Prize nominee, a Pulp Ark nominee, a former Bigfoot researcher, a journalist, an award-winning YA author, and a Rhysling Award winner. Professional writers, new talent, and a range of genres boggling the mind:Horror, Speculative Fiction, Bizarro Fiction, Erotica, Mystery, Humor, Paranormal, Epic Fantasy, Literary, Romance, and Historical Fantasy.
What has emerged is an outstanding collection of fiction, unique and mysterious. Stories that will make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think. Stories that make you feel the touch of the Universe.
Dare to step through the portal to shadowy realms and emotional journeys.
Rave reviews are in!
“Allegories of the Tarot Anthology is a magical book. Magic that will keep you turning the pages. There are muses, demons, psychics,evil, and more! I shivered, I laughed and I even cried. Magic, I tell you. Magic.” -Julie Affleck (Amazon review)
“Reviewing an anthology is slightly more difficult than discussing a book or comic because the tone varies from author to author. However, Allegories somehow flowed together as a well-matched whole. The project ended up feeling like several beads strung together to form a beautiful necklace that were more amazing for being paired together.” -Jodi Scaife (Amazon review)
“All twenty-two stories in this volume are, in a word,superb. I found myself scouring the Internet as I read it; every story made me want to go find more work by its author.The ultimate compliment I can giveAllegoriesis to say that when I finished it, I thought how I envy those who haven’t read it yet.” -Lisa Millraney (Amazon review)
Get the book!
Allegories of the Tarot is available in e-book and paperback format on Amazon, and in multiple e-book formats on Smashwords.
Don’t forget to add Allegories of the Tarotto your to-read shelf on Goodreads.
Connect with the Allegories of the Tarot Anthology on its website, Facebook, andTwitter.
The prizes for the giveaway are:
- Custom-made wood tarot box from Exotic & Domestic Wood Art
- 2 Allegories of the Tator paperbacks
- 2 Allegories of the Tarot ebooks
- iPhone case with the Allegories of the Tarot cover
- 2 $15 Amazon giftcards
To enter fill out an entry form here!
You can see a picture of the Tarot box at The Allegories Facebook Page.
jlscaife 
Thank you so much for hosting us and for the kind words. It was an amazing project and I am so proud of everyone involved!
I was so pleased to be allowed to participate in the book tour and get the opportunity to read and review it. The experience has been a real treat and all of the communication has been well-managed and prompt. When I asked for information I got it, which made my part much easier!
Thank you so much for hosting us, Jodi! We appreciate it so very, very much!