The Hands of Tarot: SM Blooding

The Hands of Tarot
Series: The Hands of Tarot
by SM Blooding
Format: E-book & Paperback
Genre: YA Steampunk (Mature)
Length: 316 pages in paperback

Blurb:

She killed his father.

She imprisoned and beat him.

And now she thinks he’s her trophy.

Synn El’Asim will do almost anything to prove her wrong. But he’s only proving her right.

Queen Nix awakened his Mark of power and inducted him into the House of Wands. She knew what she was doing. The son of the two most powerful Families standing against her is the ultimate prize.

What she didn’t take into consideration was that maybe he was too strong for her.

Maybe.

The  Families aren’t. They’ve been weakened, and it’ll take a lot more than one young man with a powerful Mark to take on the Hands of Tarot.

EXCERPT: 

Queen Nix turned to me and smiled. “Do you wish to declare war, little boy?”

“Let them go,” I commanded, my voice ragged. “What have they done to you?”

She stalked toward me, her nose nearly touching mine, all semblance of beauty twisted with rage. “They refused to submit to me.”

I stared at her aghast, my hands clenched, my jaw tight. “So because you couldn’t control them, you’re going to destroy them?”

The rage turned cold across her features as she drew away, her shoulders back.

“Are you so weak?” The muscles in my cheek twitched.

Father took a step toward us. “Perhaps we can reach a mutual agreement.”

Someone in the cage screamed, the scream turning to ravaged sobs.

I let out a growl. “You will stop this!”

The queen turned her eagle-eyed stare to me. “I do not take orders from a mere boy.”

“Queen Nix,” my father started, “let us be reasonable.”

She took a step back and assessed him.

“The Umira have never been a harmful Family.” My father’s hands were wide at his side, his expression open. “They have always lived in peace with the Hands.”

Her eyes flared and she advanced on him. “You’ve allied yourself with them.”

Father’s eyes widened as he took a half step back.

I watched in alarm, unsure what to do. My father was the strongest man I knew.

The queen grabbed his coat and pulled his face close to hers. “The Umira have always been a peaceful Family, so imagine my surprise when they assaulted us with cannons and weapons.”

“They have the right to defend themselves, Nix.”

“Not against me.” She pushed him away and turned to her gathering guard. “Take him and his heathen son. Throw them on the pyre.”

My father drew his sword and faced the guard. “Go, Synn, now!”

Our men drew their weapons and stood by his side.

“I’m not leaving you, Father.” My sword was in my hand. I was ready to die an honorable death by my father’s side.

He backhanded me and roared, “You will protect our people, Synn El’Asim.”

I was torn. I wanted so badly to fight beside him, to protect him.

But my father had given me an order. One I could not ignore.

I turned and ran.

About the Author:

SM Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, their new addition, Mr. Bird, who’s a real bird. She likes to hike the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and is learning to play the piano and guitar. Currently, she’s trying to MURDER them both. Friends call her Frankie.

She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories.

She’s also an investigator with a 

local paranormal investigation group, Colorado Paranormal Rescue!

Find out more about her at:

Twitter

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Website/blog

Amazon – Kindle   

Amazon – Paperback    

B&N – Paperback   

Autographed copy  

Additional information

Goodreads

 

http://www.smblooding.com/

http://www.smblooding.com/the-hands-of-tarot/

REVIEW:

SM Blooding's new book The Hands of Tarot is a long and intricately plotted book that carries you along and keeps you turning pages. This is a steampunk YA (mature) novel, and the hero of the story is the focal point of this one. His strength and resilience will determine the fate of powerful families, and the Queen who is determined not to be bested by them. From the opening sentences, you get a sense of atmosphere, growth, and ever-deepening understanding of the characters who inhabit this world.

Synn El'Asim possesses the Mark of power, and the Queen has awakened it. She believes him to be hers, despite the fact that she's killed his father and imprisoned him. Nix has inducted him into the House of Wands, and believes him under control. But is he? Nix is the kind of creation that makes you turn pages wondering what she'll do next, seductive evil and powerfully fascinating at the same time.

The writing flows smoothly, is descriptive and engaging, a real plus in this age where everything feels rushed and glossed over. The book is also written in first person, which has a way of pulling readers into a story much quicker than many realize. There are connections to the Tarot Deck throughout, as the mystical cards are in fact key to the crafting of the story, as their symbolism and magic weaves with the tale. As with life, there are people you like, people you don't, and people that keep you guessing. This is the first of a series, so it's not all wrapped up nicely at the end. There is an excerpt for the next novel, The Knight of Wands, and it promises to be as absorbing and exciting as this first book.

All in all, The Hands of Tarot is a book I would recommend to YA readers and Adults, as well. It's rich in detail and attention, thoughtful, well-written, and delivers a satisfying story that will keep you thinking long after you've put the book down. By all means, check this book out and enjoy it!!!