In Susan Wands' enthralling narrative, "High Priestess and Empress," we delve into a world rich with mystical intrigue and deep-rooted rivalry. The story follows artist and seer Pamela Colman Smith as she returns to London, only to be confronted by her longtime nemesis, Aleister Crowley. His ambition to undermine her creative endeavors, particularly her tarot deck, sets the stage for a gripping battle of wills. Crowley’s intent to sabotage Pamela’s progress is emblematic of a larger conflict between opposing magical ideologies, which resonates throughout the narrative and reveals the stakes involved in the pursuit of power and artistic expression. Pamela’s determination to channel her muses, Florence Farr and Ellen Terry, illustrates her resilience in the face of adversity. Each muse serves as a pillar of strength, representing different facets of feminine power and creativity. Florence, as a leader of the Golden Dawn, embodies the mystical and esoteric knowledge that Pamela seeks to harness. Meanwhile, Ellen, as a vibrant theatre star, represents the public persona and artistic flair that Pamela aspires to achieve. Their partnership not only fuels Pamela’s artistic vision but also acts as a safeguard against the encroaching darkness of Crowley’s influence. However, when Ellen is poisoned, it becomes clear that the threat is more imminent than Pamela could have anticipated, marking a pivotal moment in the plot that heightens the tension and stakes. The narrative escalates dramatically with the revelation of Crowley’s sinister plot to assassinate Queen Victoria and female rulers everywhere. This not only underscores the gender dynamics at play but also positions Pamela as a guardian of feminine power in a patriarchal society. The impending war between Crowley’s Carlists and the Golden Dawn serves as a backdrop for the struggle between opposing forces: chaos versus order, malevolence versus creativity. The conflict is not merely external; it also prompts Pamela to confront her own fears and insecurities, forcing her to tap into her inner magic. This journey of self-discovery is central to the narrative, as it illustrates how the battle for her muses and the fate of the queen compels Pamela to evolve from a passive artist into an active participant in a larger cosmic struggle. As the story unfolds, the themes of empowerment, artistic integrity, and the fight against oppression resonate deeply. Pamela becomes a symbol of strength, embodying the notion that creativity and magic are potent forces that can resist tyranny and darkness. The interplay of magic, art, and personal agency is beautifully rendered, allowing readers to witness the transformation of a woman who refuses to be silenced. In a world where the lives of the queen and her friends hang in the balance, Pamela’s quest becomes not just about survival but also about the resurgence of feminine power and the reclamation of artistic voice. In conclusion, "High Priestess and Empress" is a captivating exploration of the intersection between art, magic, and the struggle for agency in a male-dominated society. Through Pamela’s journey, Susan Wands not only presents a thrilling narrative filled with tension and danger but also illuminates the strength found in community and creativity. As Pamela confronts the darkness embodied by Aleister Crowley, she ultimately emerges as a beacon of hope—reminding us that true power lies in the ability to forge our own paths, protect our loved ones, and passionately pursue our artistic truths.

In the second book in the Arcana Oracle series, readers return to this magical London where Aleister Crowley once again seeks to stop artist and seer Pamela Colman Smith from completing her tarot card deck. However, Pamela has identified the next two muses, High Priestess Florence Farr, leader of the Golden Dawn society, and Empress Ellen Terry, an acclaimed theater actress. As Aleister Crowley’s plot is revealed, the Golden Dawn and his order of Carlists go to war against each other to decide who will control magic and who lives and who dies. Of course Pamela is at the center of this plot and war, and she must channel her magic and her gifts in this great battle. With a fascinating magic system and an alternate magical history of the United Kingdom, readers will be transported into Pamela and the Golden Dawn’s world and face the same high stakes as her. With incredibly complex characters (as well as a few historical figures), readers will receive the full force of Wands’s literary skill. The magical elements and the sweeping narrative are fascinating, detailed, and immersive, and Wands’s continuation of the series is an absolute must-read for fans of magical historical fiction.

I found this second instalment as entertaining and intriguing as the first. The mix of fiction and historical facts works and I liked it
Well plotted, good storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I had a bit of trouble getting into this, it felt a little clunky. I really wanted to like it, but maybe it was a right book wrong time thing for me?

This sequel to the Arcana Oracle series delivered exactly what I craved. It had the same great characters and fascinating historical details as the first book, keeping me hooked the whole way through.