H.T. Brady’s book The Fool’s Path introduces us to a tarot powered world of magic and courtly subterfuge. The mundane world we know exists parallel to an arcane realm. Our protagonist Charity Waits was born into one of the Minor Arcana Houses in the City, the seat of arcana power, but chooses to leave and attempt to live a “normal” life. Unfortunately, being the daughter of the Queen of Wands means the choice to leave wouldn’t be as easy as she hoped and finds herself reluctantly pulled back into the arcane.

While in the mundane world Charity keeps her heritage and power secret from those around her including her roommate Delia. Even at the best of times this wasn’t always a simple secret to keep. Charity possesses a respectable amount of arcane power which manifests itself as an occasionally uncontrollable fire. The more upset she gets the more powerful the effect can be. While she makes every effort to keep from incinerating people a few random house plants aren’t as lucky.

While Charity’s innate magic is impressive it only scratches the surface of her true power. She could weave greater magical effects using her personal tarot deck. This unique living tarot deck is bonded to her and could be utilized to cast powerful spells. Regular tarot cards can be used for a variety of tasks too but won’t have the potential of the living decks.

Other books I’ve read describe “magic” as a power that exists around the characters and is accessed using words and gestures. Brady’s use of tarot cards was a unique approach. Sure, Charity has a great amount of innate magical power, but the truly powerful spells must be woven with the cards. I didn’t have any real experience with tarot cards but Brady gives you enough of a tarot primer that the book makes sense. In no time you are familiar with the Swords, Wands, Cups, Disks, and other suits along with their organization and rankings (including the Fool, the first Major Arcana we are introduced too). You won’t need to worry about researching anything unless you, like me, gets curious and wants to learn more. The tarot cards also give the characters a personal connection to their magic, the cards take on unique properties depending on their wielder. One reason I was drawn to this book was its set in a unique world with a fresh take on how magic works.

Charity Waits is a strong protagonist with more than just raw arcane power at her disposal. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and doesn’t hide her contempt for some of the individuals she encounters. Fiercely protective of her friends she’d willing put herself in harms way to keep them safe. At the same time she isn’t blind to the world around her and cares for the people in her house when she returns. She may not see eye to eye with them but there is some common ground to be found.

In my opinion The Fool’s Path is an exciting and fun read. It’s an example of clear, concise storytelling where H.T. Brady gets right to the point without making the reader feel like they’re missing details. In just a few chapters you know Charity, where she’s from why things are happening to her, and the pace doesn’t slow down. The entire book is 152 pages but there is a solid narrative packed between the covers

The finale will leave you wanting to know more about this world and its variety of characters. You see the full power of the tarot and the real stakes Charity is caught up in. The Fool’s Path is the first, as of this writing, of a 5 book series. To learn more you can check out H.T. Brady’s website at Arcananovels.com. I do plan to pick up the other books and post reviews.

I’m always interested in what you think of the books I review so feel free to share your thoughts below!

Take care and see you in the next review,

Oliver Greytome