Welcome one and all to my stop on The Hands of Tarot book tour brought to you by Bewitching Book Tours. Here you will find information on not only the book but also the wonderful author Sm Blooding. You will also find my review and an excerpt from the book. So, sit back and enjoy.
Have an enchanting day and happy reading!
About the Book
The Hands of TarotAvailable: August 7, 2012
Format: E-book & Paperback
Book Description
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.
But 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
As soon as my eyes adjusted to the brightness, the air escaped from my lungs. Before us was carnage. There were two wooden pyres burned to smoking ruin with the charred remains of people on top of them. The air reeked with the smell of burned flesh. Several more pyres stood, two currently burning, three more untouched, all of them in a circle surrounding a large cage.
Filled with children.
Guards walked from one of the burning pyres and lit torches, walking to the neighboring one to set it ablaze.
The children inside whimpered. One screamed, her hand reaching through the bars. Most of them silently wept, watching as their loved ones succumbed to the smoke.
I couldn’t just stand by and watch this. I took a step forward, my hand going for my sword.
My father stopped me, his eyes troubled with sorrow.
Queen Nix turned to me and smiled. “Do you wish to declare war?”
“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 of what to do. My father was the strongest man I ever 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.
Review
The Hands of Tarot started out slow and did not catch my interest at all. It took a lot for me to keep going but I did in hopes things would start to change and maybe I would start to understand this book a little more. Well, the story did get better, it got a lot better actually and I am so glad that I kept reading. Whether I understand anything about the book, the jury is still out but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that Blooding has written an amazing story with the most fascinating and amazing world that I wish existed. Flying cities and air ships have always been something that has fascinated me and this story brings that and more alive. The world that she has created is even more than what I could have imagined. It is simply amazing. I will say there are something’s about it that even I have yet to figure out such as what exactly letharans are but I do know they make the story that much better.
I wouldn’t say that this was the easiest book to follow because for me it wasn't but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be for anyone else and that shouldn't stop anyone from checking this book out for themselves. The writing is awesome and the story itself is original and completely entertaining. When I finally got into this book it was hard to put it down because it ended up being a page turner. I can't wait to see what happens in the second book.
I give this book
*Disclosure Notice*
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.
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About the Author
S.M. Blooding
S.M. 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 also an investigator with a local paranormal investigation group, Colorado Paranormal Rescue!
Stalking Links
Thank you so much for this review!!! I really appreciate it! It is always challenging when presenting such a complex and different world to make it easy to picture while not dumping lots of information at the reader. I tried. I tried. LOL! Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteWell, you did a great job and I really did love the book. Sometimes things can be hard to read but that is what makes them so great sometimes. The world you created was awesome, new and exciting. I honestly am looking forward to reading the second book because I am dying to know what happens next. :)
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