Deck Review: Viking Oracle

Stacey Demarco and Jimmy Manton, Viking Oracle. Victoria, Australia: Blue Angel Publishing, 2017. ISBN: 978-0-9872041-4-1.

Genre: cartomancy, divination

Subgenre: Vikings and Norse

Format: card deck and small companion book

Source: I own this one  

 

Promo photo of deck box 

This kit includes a 45-card deck and a companion book. Part of the reason I picked this up is the creative team of Stacey Demarco (author) and Jimmy Manton (artist). They made decks such as the Earth Power Oracle and the Halloween Oracle (links to my reviews). This deck features Nordic runes and other Viking images. 

The book is simply organized. You get an introduction and the card entries. In the introduction, the author discusses her experience reading and learning about myths and eventually making it to Norse stories. We also get a very short overview of Norse mythology. If you are not familiar, consider supplementing the companion book with a good Norse myths and stories book. The introduction then describes the deck's structure, instruction on how to use the deck, and six card spreads. If you want to cast runes, you can do so by using the rune cards only. 

The card entries feature a small black and white image of a card, the card name and number, and interpretation text. For runes there is an explanation of the rune, message, reversed meaning, and element. For the remaining cards you get story and explanation. 

The book is a relatively easy read. A detail I liked was it includes a simple dedication ritual for the cards. The text overall provides the basics of Norse runes and other characters and places of Norse beliefs and stories. You get enough information to learn some basics and do divination with the deck. 

The card art is colorful. People are drawn in a bit of a muscular heroic style with a bit of stern expression on the faces. The faces show emotion, but they are mostly pretty serious. If you already got their decks like Gods and Titans Oracle Cards or Goddesses and Sirens Oracle Cards, it is the same style. For the record, I do not at this time have those two decks. 

I am not sure an intuitive reader can use this deck effectively. I tried reading it that way, but I did need to keep the book nearby. If you are not familiar with Norse myths or have a basic knowledge, like I do,  you'll need to study the book. 

I do like the art overall, but for me this was not an easy deck to use. I used it mostly for single card draws. I probably need to study the book further so I can use the deck for spreads down the road. I may need also to bring my Norse myths and stories book off the shelf to reread. 

The cards measure about 5 1/2 inches by 3 3/4 inches. The cards have a glossy coating that tends to stick, so the cards are not easy to shuffle. The card art in the back is nice, but it is not reversible thanks to a small art design on the warrior's shield. Had they left the shield plain the cards would have been reversible. 

I like the deck, but this is not a deck I see myself using regularly. It may be that I need to read and study more about Norse myths, runes, and stories, but for now not one I feel a need to reach for it. I am thinking I could try using it in combination with the Runic Tarot (link to my review). That Tarot deck does work well for me. While I am happy to have the Viking Oracle, I'd consider it a very optional deck. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

 

This kit qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

Book Review: The Rose at War

Danie Ware, The Rose at War. Nottingham: Black Library, 2022.  

Genre: Warhammer 40,000, science fiction

Subgenre: Adepta Sororitas

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one  

This collection contains three short novels and five short stories. The tales feature Sister Augusta Santorus and her squad of Battle Sisters from the Order of the Bloody Rose. The stories are presented sequentially so we follow their adventures and missions in order. 

As in most collections, some stories are better than others. "Wreck and Ruin," the story featuring the inquisitor was a bit irritating for me since early on we figure that Inquisitor Istrix is pursuing a personal vendetta, one that cost the lives of a previous squad. Inquisitors in Warhammer 40K are often odious characters, and Istrix is no exception. So we keep reading this story hoping the sisters will make it alive somehow despite the inquisitor's obstinacy and incompetence, traits the inquisitor's enemy exploits. 

The short story "Da Big Mouf" offers a different view. We start with some orks in a space hulk. Initially I was curious why we get an ork's story in a collection of Adepta Sororitas stories. We soon realize there are Battle Sisters on board, and we see them from the orks' point of view. To the orks, the sisters searching for a relic are the invaders. The story was a cool idea. 

The stories are connected, so in a way you can read this book as one big novel. However, for the most part, you can read the stories on their own too. 

Action and pacing are pretty good. The squad has a good mix of personalities. The stories as a whole are entertaining, and the narrative keeps you reading. Even when a story is so-so, like "Wreck and Ruin," once you get past it the tales get better. 

Fans of the Adepta Sororitas will want to read this. For 40K fans wanting to read about Battle Sisters this may be a good entry point. For me it was fun reading that featured different missions from recon to solving a mystery in a convent. 

I really liked it, and I'd recommend it. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

Book Review: The Boys Omnibus, Volume 6

Garth Ennis, et.al., The Boys Omnibus Volume 6. Mount Laurel, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, 2020. ISBN: 9781524108595.  ISBN: 9781524113377. 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: superheroes, antiheroes, satire, adapted to television

Format: trade paperback omnibus edition

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College 

 

As I look back, I realize I read and reviewed volume 5 almost a year ago; that review is dated April 11, 2025. I will include links to the previous reviews in the series below. Anyhow, I finally picked this up and read it, thus completing the series. As I have stated before, I have not seen the Amazon series. 

This volume includes issues 60-72 of the original comics, which bring us to the end of the series. In addition, the volume includes some bonus materials including the original series pitch with author commentary, the series cover gallery, and a pin-up gallery. 

The inevitable confrontation between The Seven, led by the Homelander, and The Boys arrives. When Homelander schemes a coup to take over the United States, The Boys and the U.S. military spring into action. But that is not all. Ennis gives us a surprise twist, and then we soon realize that Butcher has a plan of his own to eliminate the supes once and for all. 

Once the story starts the pace is swift, and you just keep on reading. The story draws you in. Just when you think things may settle, the plot goes on. We get drama, action, heart breaks, betrayal, and more. 

The art is very good, but it is also very graphic including some gore at times. There are reasons this series is rated for "mature readers," and I suspect the Amazon series seriously tones down some of the graphic elements. Feel free to comment if my suspicion is accurate or not. Still, the art is well produced, and it is another reason to read this volume and series. 

The author's commentary in the story on topics like U.S. politics, corruption, corporations, and their abuses of power remain as timely as ever. This last volume, the compilation, came out in 2020. The series itself started in 2006, running to 2012. It is within that context that The Boys operate. 

Overall, this series remains a good series and a solid story. Even in this year and time, it holds up well both for the action and the intrigue story and its social and political commentary. Again, it can be very violent, so not for the faint of heart. Otherwise a great work, and a pretty good way to end the series. That is all I will say to avoid spoilers just in case. 

I do recommend it for libraries that collect comics and graphic novels. I prefer these omnibus editions to the previous trade paperbacks, and I'd encourage libraries to get the omnibus editions. We got them at our library. This is one I really liked, and as a whole, I'd add the series to my personal collection. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

 

Qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

Links to reviews of previous volumes: 

• Volume 1.
• Volume 2.
• Volume 3.
• Volume 4.
• Volume 5.  

 

 

Book Review: Postcolonial Astrology

Alice Sparkly Kat, Postcolonial Astrology: reading the planets through capital, power, and labor. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2021. ISBN: 9781623175306. 

Genre: postcolonial studies, astrology

Subgenre: politics, political theory, activism

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library

 

I picked up this book out of curiosity. Sure, the subtitle-- "Reading the Planets Through Capital, Power, and Labor"-- should've been a warning for me. I figured it might be similar to books like Tarot for the Hard Work and Magic for the Resistance (links to my reviews of the two books). Those books are political, but they also offer lessons, rituals, and other practical elements. Not this one. This book is basically a long political manifesto. 

The book is arranged into 10 chapters; each chapter looks at the etymology of a planet, say Chapter 2: Etymology of the Moon. Each chapter then looks at the origins and historical development of the planet's name and any associated words and concepts with a postcolonial, labor, power, capital, and feminist lens. That is basically it. It does not offer much in the way of doing astrology. It is basically a long and fairly dry text of political theory applied to astrological concepts. 

In addition, this is not a book for beginners. The book assumes readers come in with at least a basic understanding of astrology. Long time astrology practitioners seeking to politicize or add a more activist element to their practice could be interested in this book.  

The book includes a works cited page featuring 166 works. Out of those only 10 are about astrology, barely. The rest are basically general political theory and history. Some of the authors featured I read back in graduate school when I did critical theory along with a few other things. 

Overall, if you want a practical book about astrology and how to do it, this is not it. If you want a political treatise to add some leftist politics and decolonization to your established practice, this could be for you. For public libraries, this is highly optional. This is not a book for casual readers nor beginners. For academic libraries, still optional, mainly for academic libraries with strong interests in postcolonial studies, some political theory courses, and maybe peace and social justice studies. I'd order it for our library if a patron requested it. 

In the end, for what it does, the book is OK. 

2 out of 5 stars. 

Deck Review: Star Wars Affirmation Cards

Marc Sumerak, Star Wars Affirmation Cards. San Rafael, CA: Insight Editions, 2021. ISBN: 9781647224868. (Link to publisher)

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: affirmation cards 

Format: 52-card deck with small companion book in box

Source: I own this one. I got a good break. They retail for $19.99 but HPB had them for $7.99.   

 

This is a 52-card deck to help you "discover your inner Jedi." It is a collection of motivational cards with "lessons, advice, and inspiration." 

The kit includes a companion book and the 52-card deck. The book is arranged as follows: 

• Introduction. This goes over the deck's structure. The deck has four categories or suits: Positive Affirmations, Inspirational Quotes, Feel-Good Activities, and Confidence-Building Conversation Starters. 
• How to use the cards. Some simple suggestions. 
• How to use this book. The book has entries on selected cards. The entries provide questions and prompts for further reflection. Note that the cards that have extra content in the book have a small icon with book page number in a corner of the card. 
• The card entries. Each entry features a full color reproduction of the card and the additional message. 

Card message: I have hope 

The book overall is simple and very easy to read. Though this is a deck for children, anyone at any age can use it and gain benefit. Children can read the book or have an adult read it to them. 

The cards feature a photo image from the Star Wars films including Rogue One and Solo along with the trilogies. Each card has a message and a brief explanation. The cards are color coded by category. The card backs are in the category color with the category title. 

These are cards you can use for daily and weekly draws, or just when you need a positive message. It include messages for when things are down, so it is also a good deck when you need a lift in the Hard Times. This is not really a deck for divination, but you could use it for clarifiers or just as a bonus card in a cartomancy spread. I kept the deck in my work altar for a daily message, and it worked well for me.

The cards measure about 5 3/4 inches by 3 3/4 inches. They do have a soft gloss coating that makes them stick a little, so they are not easy to shuffle. Still, they are very nice cards to view. 

Star Wars fans will likely appreciate this deck, but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy its uplifting messages. If you need a little positivity in your life, this deck is a nice option. 

4 out of 5 stars.  

Short Book Review: Alhazred

Donald Tyson, Alhazred. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2006. ISBN: 9780738708928. 

Genre: fiction, horror

Subgenre: esoterica, Lovecraftian 

Format: trade paperback

Source: I own this one 

 

After reading and liking Tyson's Necronomicon (link to my review), I started reading Alhazred to get the "biography" of the author of the Necronomicon.

The book starts pretty strong, As a young man, Alhazred is an adopted prince. When he is caught having an affair with the king's princess, the king tortures, castrates him, and then leaves him to die in the desert. Disfigured, Alhazred manages to survive. From there, he does anything necessary to survive, becoming a necromancer along the way in the hope of restoring himself. 

Necronomicon was a relatively fun to read book and interesting at times. Alhazred after a few chapters just goes off the rails. After a while, the story just keeps meandering and going on and on. . . and on and then on further. I speculate the author lacked a good editor to help him cut out some of the filler. This book does feel like it has a lot of filler. Alhazred is an interesting character, and his dive into necromancy and dark magic could be a good story. However, the novel's length and meandering just gets tiring. 

I read this book also because I have Tyson's Necronomicon Tarot deck, which I hope to use soon. I'd say you can likely read the book Necronomicon, and skip Alhazred unless you are a completist. The Tarot deck does have a good companion book if you want to dive in.

Overall, this is a book I do not recommend. I would consider it highly optional. Tyson has written other Necronomicon works, and I may try to read them down the road, but I am no rush to do so. 

1.5 out of 5 stars. 

 

This book qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: