Synopsis
In the tarot trials, betrayal is always in the cards . . .
Kestrel has trained to compete in the Tarot Trials her entire life. Winning means becoming one of the five Cinque – a position of influence and power that could reshape the lives of people living in her hometown slum, the Dregs. The position Kestrel’s mother should have had when she won the Trials twenty-two years ago as the Champion of the Moon. Instead, she was executed for treason after allegedly attacking the Minor Court.
Determined to find out the truth, Kestrel joins the trials as the Moon’s new champion, desperately trying to master her new powers of shadow and illusion – and find allies she can trust (or trust enough) to survive both the Trials and the schemes of the Minor Court. Though enemies abound, she soon strikes some unlikely alliances: the coy and unnaturally lucky Wheel of Fortune, Vesper, and the arrogant powerhouse Sun, Cato. She’s equally drawn to the mysterious and brooding Tower — whose alliance with Death, the man who killed Kestrel’s mother years ago, may lead to the answers she seeks.
But in the Trials, betrayal is a question of “when,” not “if.” Kestrel will come to learn that winning the game isn’t about what she must do to win, but who she needs to survive.
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Olympus series, this high-octane, fast-paced epic fantasy of tarot magic and deadly competition launches an explosive new series, perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and Carissa Broadbent.
Details
22 October 2026
9781035080571Reviews
Epic in scope, deliciously propulsive, and beautifully transportive. Katee Robert is the best at what they do, and they're at full power here. Full of intrigue and unexpected twists, glorious costuming (hot), mean-spirited politicking (hot), enemies with indeterminable intentions (hot), and a touch of (also hot) found family. To be clear, every single person in this book is hot as hell - everyone say thank you Katee Robert, because they have delivered one of the most enjoyable fantasy series I've come across in ages
A darkly sumptuous world - steeped in danger, intrigue, and a lore and magic system so clever that it’s almost fiendish - this is a gritty, high-octane fantasy that will leave you shaking and begging for more.
Deadly trials, interesting magic, and a fascinating world makes The Tarot Trials a must-read, not just for tarot lovers, but for any fantasy enthusiast
A wholly original experience. Immersive and action-filled, Katee Robert will have you questioning everything and everyone to the very end
