The Test - A Reverse Harem Prequel

Starting off a little slowly, we learn about Valentina’s coming of age test to join the ranks in her family. Unlike any test we could imagine we go on a fantasy trip in her mind. This story is so inventive and so far we only have a glimpse of what’s going on. I can’t wait for the next book.

I wanted to read this and the Hanged Maiden because the storyline sounded really interesting. I liked Valentina’s character, she’s young, learning the craft and getting ready for the biggest test of her life, the test was an intense and interestingly enough affair. You definitely need to read this book before the next book ‘The Hanged Maiden’ only to know what actually will be occurring. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Cara Wylde is off and running with a new paranormal, tarot-focused, reverse harem series, The Rise of the Ash Gods. The Test is the prequel - a fact made obvious as the book details the character and the dilemma faced by young witch Valentina as she aspires to become a Keeper of the Spades, a defender of all the arcane knowledge of the Tarot. There's no reverse harem here, not even a smidgeon of sex, so the reader is left to focus on the Valentina's preparation for her unknown future. It's a totally bizarre experience, filled with down-the-rabbit-hole type characters and events, beguilingly narrated by an unseen third person, and notable for the strange dichotomy between Valentina and the internal voice of her so-called Higher Self. I found it interesting and entertaining enough to forgive the obvious set-up for future adventures, as well as the lack of romance in any form. I'm going to continue with the series. BookSprout was so good as to provide an ARC, which I am reviewing voluntarily, independently, and without compensation.