This is a wonderful book for those beginning on their tarot journey, or even someone who need a refresh. The author provides over arching themes for each card, a thorough journey through its meaning, and for the major arcana - she adds in an overall summary of the card’s meaning. I think the only thing that could be missing is a little blurb on what each suit of each of the minor arcana means to help with memorization.

this is very educational, especially if you’re just getting into taro and want to learn more about the background and what each card means. I loved the in-depth information as well as the pictures showing which ones it’s referring to.

I have absolutely no experience with Tarot, but have always been intrigued by it. I find the decks beautiful and mysterious, and now I know the stories behind them. This was sn entertaining read, and I imagine informative for those that read Tarot. I recommend it to the curious, and those looking to learn more about the Tarot cards specifically.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Great idea for a book, these stories really have helped me to have a deeper understanding of the cards and has helped me to remember their meanings better. The stories are interesting and do a great job of weaving the cards together. This is a great book for someone interested in learning more about Tarot.

I have had very little exposure to tarot besides things that mention it in popular culture. I didn't know that there were stories behind the different cards, so it was interesting to read through them all.

What an interesting book to add to one’s library. I’ve never read a Tarot book like this: a linear story that walks us through each card, presented them as connective tissue, seamlessly transitioning from one scene to the next. I’ve seen the Minor Arcana presented that way in books, but never the Major. I was familiar with The Fool’s journey, but this author seemed to take more liberties with the storytelling, which I thought was interesting and entertaining.

The forward was poorly written—not the best first impression for a reader. Kind of think the book could have done with it. However, the introduction was lovely—brief, straight-forward, soulful. I love how the author emphasized the Tarot as more than a “fortune-telling” tool, but rather a tool of insight into one’s past and present. A problem-solving tool. The tone throughout was welcoming and warm; not a drop of pretentiousness (which can sometimes surface in books like these). The narrative voice felt like an old soul and a new friend, inviting me into their world with open arms.

Reading through the stories, I felt like a kid reading fairy tales before bedtime. I could even picture myself reading these stories to my daughter when she was young, perhaps allowing her to hold the different cards in her hands while I read through the scenes. This felt like an adult reference book with “children’s book” energy, which I thought was quite charming. If I saw this book in a bookstore, I would probably buy it for that reason.

I am definitely getting this book when it is released. I have read quite a few tarot books and although thorough the meanings never stick with me. This is the first time I remember the meanings because now I get it! The stories flow so well that I had a hard time putting it down. Such an easy read that I recommend to anyone struggling to read the cards. 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

I Love this book "The Tales Behind The Taro". Alison Davies dose a beautiful job of walking us through the traditional Rider Waite tarot deck. I'm fairly new to the cards, and learning what they mean can be a daunting task. I have read several books on the subject, but this book has been a game changer for me. Each card has a story that links the deck as a whole saga. It's entertaining and easy to remember. It's also a visually beautiful book, and a joy to read. This is a book I will look to often. If you want to learn the cards, or want to know them better, this is the book for you. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

This is a beautiful book and wonderful companion for anyone who is beginner or at an intermediate level with Tarot cards. It contains information on the Theme of each card, but also transforms the information for each suit into a short narrative. These are the "tales behind the tarot".

The book is filled with stunning illustrations, bright colours, and aside from the narrative, it is also beautiful to look at. I rate it 4 stars.

Highly enjoyable and fun to read on the heels of our Book Club book, The Cloisters. I’ve read a few tarot books and yet I invariably learn something new with each one. I’m familiar with the cards, own several decks yet always find a new perspective — true to its title, this book specializes in stories.

Take the Major Arcana in The Tales Behind Tarot — Alison Davies addresses the fear and uncertainty some may have of these cards showing up in a reading. She asks that you reflect on the images, symbolism, and consider the life lesson within. After all, the Major Arcana cards represent the cycle of life at every turn.

Diving into the card meanings in a story telling way, allows us to master subtle nuances, like weaving in the ouroboros in the Magician’s tale — there are also succinct keywords associated with each card (and a brief summary for the Major Arcana.) Truly brilliant format.

Overall this is one of the better books, using stories to unveil the meaning of the tarot cards, with just the right amount of info in an easily consumable layout.

This book is good for any one interested in tarot and the stories behind the cards. All the stories are quite detailed. I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the cards have their general themes that surround them and the basic message that should be interpreted.

Such a brilliant idea for a book.
There are tons of tarot books that focus on how to read and decipher the tarot. This book tells the story, and looks at the links between the cards.
really informative, and truly original!

Another element of knowledge to add to a card reading.

I found the stories in this book to be a bit more basic than I expected. Although it is nice that they are short, I wouldn't have minded them being longer and a bit more intricate. They do a good job at illustrating the main motifs of the card, though, so in that sense they are well-done.
This book is nice for anyone who would like to familiarize themselves with the Tarot, but do not expect for it to bring anything new if you already know about this topic.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC.

This beautifully illustrated book is a must for anyone wanting to learn the traditional Rider-Waite tarot cards. The short stories for each card gives their meanings more depth. I highly recommend this reference book as a keeper for your library. Thank you to NetGalley!

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.