Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams introduces Tara Sheridan, a scarred woman who was affiliated with the society of Delphi’s Daughters, Tara has disassociated herself from the society after undergoing a horrendous experience at the hands of a madman but is unwillingly drawn back into their sphere of influence when they convince her to assist in the search for a brilliant scientist who has been researching black holes. Tara is adept at using Tarot cards for guidance and has used them with great dexterity throughout her life. She is used to facing scepticism from the unitiated but she is particularly disheartened when the man that she partners with for the investigation recoils from their attraction after he discovers her faith in the cards. They will have to resolve their discomfort with each other if they are both going to survive the hazards attendant with their investigation but only time will determine what role they will have with Delphi’s Daughters.
This was an interesting overview of the various Tarot cards and how they can be used for interpretation. Detailed descriptions of various patterns and how the arrangement can reflect the questions being asked give an interesting twist to the main character. The scientific premises are somewhat difficult to believe but this is an adequate start to a possible series.
TARA SHERIDAN HAS A GIFT . . . AND IT ALMOST KILLED HER.
As a criminal profiler, Tara used science and her intuitive skill at Tarot card divination to track down the dangerous and depraved, including the serial killer who left her scarred from head to toe. Since that savage attack, Tara has been a recluse. But now an ancient secret society known as Delphi’s Daughters has asked for her help in locating missing scientist Lowell Magnusson. And Tara, armed with her Tarot deck, her .38, and a stack of misgivings, agrees to try.
Tara immediately senses there is far more at stake than one man’s life. At his government lab in the New Mexico desert, Magnusson had developed groundbreaking technology with terrifying potential. Working alongside the brusque but charismatic agent Harry Li, Tara discovers that Magnusson’s daughter, Cassie, has knowledge that makes her a target too. The more Tara sees into the future, the more there is to fear. She knows she has to protect Cassie. But there may be no way to protect herself—from the enemies circling around her, or from the long-buried powers stirring to life within. . . .
