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Spells of Iron and Bone
(Tarot Academy – Book 1)
by Sarah Piper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow burn, PNR RH, Academy
Available from Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Down & Dirty
This is one fo the better Academy RH novels I’ve read recently. Interesting world building, full characters and a plot that makes you want to grab Book 2 as soon as it is out. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
What is it about?
(Blurb from GoodReads)
In a world where magick is a capital crime, Death Row witches don’t get second chances.
So when I’m framed for murder and a sexy, devious mental magicks professor shows up to bargain for my freedom, my b.s. detector goes on high alert.
Never trust Arcana Academy.
Two decades ago, his illustrious employers branded my mother a heretic. Now those same witches believe Mom’s Tarot cryptic old prophecies hold the key to stopping unspeakable horrors—and they need me to decipher them.
Betray my late mother’s memory… or face the executioner. My choice.
The verdict?
Grab your grimoires, girls. School’s back in session.
All I have to do now is master the magick I’ve suppressed for twenty-three years, decode Mom’s doomsday prophecies, outwit a mean-girl coven that puts the psycho in psychic, and avoid falling into bed with three seriously overprotective, infuriatingly-hot mages (four if we’re counting that naughty mental magicks professor).
I’ve totally got this. Right?
Note from the Author
SPELLS OF IRON AND BONE is the first book in the Tarot Academy series, a university-aged reverse harem academy romance featuring Sarah Piper’s signature blend of Tarot mythology, magick, heart-pounding supernatural suspense, and a badass witch who always gets what she wants, especially when it comes to her men…
Thoughts on Spell of Iron and Bone
Good
I always vacillate on the Academy RH genre, but this is one of the better ones. Magic, mayhem and mystery – it’s all there, along with great characters, potential and plenty of snark. Rather enjoyable.
Favorite Lines
The superiority in his tone drips as thick as my boob sweat, and just as annoying. (17%)
The forearm porn is strong with this one… (35%)
here in the space between asleep and awake, the mist where all things are possible. (46%)
Pros:
- Flows well after the first few chapters.
- Interesting interaction between characters.
- World building is very interesting.
Cons:
- Bit Hard to fall into in the beginning.
- Keeping secrets ‘for your own good’ trope.
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type
Episodic Cliffhanger – Soft Cliff
Rating
R for Sexual Content and Language
Romantic Dynamic
MMMMF
Taboos?
Teacher/Student (Nothing untoward yet, but it WILL happen…. please note, ALL characters are adults.)
Character Age Range
23+
My Final Verdict on Spells of Iron and Bone
Fun, fast and and rather engrossing, this Academy RH plays well with the Slow Burn aspect, crafting a tale you will want to follow. Free on KU!
Published October 19th, 2019
502 Pages
Please note, this is part of a Reverse Harem series which features alternative romantic dynamics more suited to an older audience. #WhyChoose
If you enjoyed this review of Spells of Iron and Bone, please consider checking out a few of my other articles.
- Shadow Warrior by Debbie Cassidy – A Book Review
- Insatiable by Melanie Harlow – A Book Review
- Masked by Vengeance by A.J. Macey – A Book Review

Your Turn
What are you reading today? Have you read this book yet? How about other books by Sarah Piper? Leave a comment, I would love to talk!
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