Deck Review: Steampunk Faerie Tarot

Pamela Chen (author) and Ashley Cassaday (artist), Steampunk Faerie Tarot. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2024. ISBN: 9780738771496.  (Link to publisher.)

Genre: Tarot decks

Subgenre: fae, steampunk

Format: kit with companion book and 78-card deck

Source: I own this one

The Magician-I

This deck kit includes a companion book written by Pamela Chen and the 78-card deck with art by Ashley Cassaday. The box is smaller then the standard Llewellyn boxes they use for kits, and I really appreciate that detail. The kit takes up less space on the shelf, and it is easier to carry. To be honest, I wish the publisher would pack more deck kits in this type of box. 

The companion book is arranged as follows: 

• Introduction. Describes the inspiration and concept of the deck. It describe the fae types in the suits: Salamanders (fire/wands), selkies (water/cups), gnomes (earth/pentacles), and sprites (air/swords). You see these fae in the cards, but note otherwise the cards keep the traditional suit names. 
• Chapter One: Laws of the Land. A brief look at the deck's structure. 
• Chapter Two: The Mechanics of Tarot. Some basic instructions on handling the cards and doing readings. It includes some advice to write in a journal. 
• Chapter Three: Major Arcana. Each card entry includes a full color reproduction of the card, card name and number, an epigraph quote, clockwise divination, counterclockwise divination (reversal), and ignition (a bit of additional advice and/or small steps you can take). You get about a paragraph per heading. 
• Chapter Four: The Minor Arcana. You get the same card entry format as in the Major Arcana. I appreciate the author did not skimp on the Minor Arcana as so many other authors do. 
• Chapter Five: The Court Cards. Same entry format as previous chapters. 
• Chapter Six: Magic-Powered Spreads. You get four card spreads here. 
• Conclusion. 

This is an easy book to read. It has a nice playful and whimsical quality yet it still offers some depth. I enjoyed reading through it. Can you read the cards without it? Given the cards mostly fall within Rider Waite Smith (RWS) tradition, yes, you could. I would still suggest reading the book to get the author's insights and advice from the fae. In addition, it is a well illustrated and colorful book. It is worth reading. 

The art in the cards combine the fae with steampunk. For me, as a fan of steampunk, I knew this deck was for me. If you like steampunk and/or faeries, this may be for you also. The art is colorful, bright, and expressive. It falls within RWS, and it offers plenty of details for intuitive readers. 

Cards measure about 4 1/2 inches by 2 3/4 inches. The card stock is the standard Llewellyn thin stock. It has a light gloss finish. Cards slide and shuffle with ease. The card back features gears art, and it is reversible. 

This is a new favorite for me. I would recommend for readers at all levels. Steampunk fans will likely enjoy it as well as some fae enthusiasts. Overall, anyone can enjoy this fun, solid, and reliable deck. I am glad to own it, and I would be a back up copy. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This kit qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: