Review: The Roast Iconic Oracle Deck by Marcella Kroll

The Roast Iconic Oracle Deck
by Marcella Kroll
May 9, 2023
Genre: Body/Mind/Spirit / Tarot
Publisher: Sterling Ethos
ISBN: 9781454948759
ASIN: 1-4549-4875-2
Number of pages: Kit: 64 pages, 30 illustrated cards + booklet
Cover Artist: Marcella Kroll
Sassy, snarky, and hilariously harsh, this oracle deck will tell it like it is.

When you do your one-card draw for the day, looking for a sign from the cards, what happens when you pull Fashion Witch? Bitch? Influencer? Red Flag?

This intentionally sassy 30-card deck from well-known witch Marcella Kroll is a great way to get real talk from the Universe.

Don’t settle for being coddled by the Rider-Waite-Smith. This deck will not hesitate to throw shade or tell you you’re trying too hard. If you’re tired of the mystic limitations of the Lenormand, get wrecked by Kroll’s hilarious hand-drawn illustrations.

Direct, full of salt, and contemporary in its presentation and affect, The Roast Iconic is just what you need for days when you need your intuitive messages to be as direct as possible.

Whether used alone or as a fun party game with friends, The Roast Iconic will deliver blunt truths that make you laugh just as much as they make you think.

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The Roast Iconic Oracle Deck is beautifully packaged! You get the cards and a booklet that explains what each card means. Unlike tarot cards, each card has a specific meaning that gives you something to think about. Pretty much telling you not to be a jerk to others and take care of yourself. So they aren't really tarot cards. But they are a fun novelty gift to give anyone. 

Example of a card: 

Card says: The finest of the fine. The babeliest of the babes. You are delicious, talented, and cute to boot! The triple threat! Please carry on and show the world how it's done!

About the Author:

Website-Instagram
Saved by the Spell Podcast

Marcella Kroll is a professional artist, intuitive, and workshop facilitator. She has been practicing her gifts since 1995.

Marcella works in private practice with clients all over the world and was a program presenter for the Los Angeles Public Library for 14 years, leading public classes for teens on tarot and other divination subjects.

She regularly holds healing circles, guided meditation groups, and empowering workshops for men and women in the greater Los Angeles area and around the United States, and hosts a podcast, Saved by the Spell. She is also the co-author of Tarot in the Library Esoterica series from Taschen. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

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Tired of the mystic limitations of Lenormand? Don’t want to be coddled by the Rider-Waite-Smith? Get wrecked with The Roast Iconic Oracle Deck by Marcella Kroll. Direct, full of salt, and hilariously harsh, this deck will deliver blunt truths that make you laugh just as much as they make you think. Order today! https://amzn.to/3mW04oL #roasticonicoracle

Sheep Book Review: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole (ARC)

Endless Knight (Book 2) 

The Arcana Chronicles 

By: Kresley Cole 

Young Adult 

Plot:

Shocking secrets

Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who’ve been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It’s kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected allies

With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-wrenching treachery 

When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she’s drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can’t remember—but Death can’t forget…

Sometimes, you think you know a writers MO. Their style, characters, snark, etc. What's to be expected when you open a new novel. It can all become very mundane and tiresome at times. Then, out of the blue, an author comes along with something fresh and intoxicating. Something so incredible, you have absolutely no idea how you lived a second of your very long life without THIS story. Endless Knight and Kresley Cole is that combo! 

I'm not a fan of Young Adult books, I am a fan of well written enticing books and Cole brings that to the table in tarot spades! Hands down, one the best stories I've read this year or perhaps my whole life. From the first sentence, I was hooked like a back alley addict. Pump my veins with the lifeblood of these characters and never stop! 

I will implore you to read book 1 (Poison Princess) before you get into book 2. These precious jewels should absolutely be experienced in chronological order. 

You think you know Evie? Think again. You think you know Death? Think again! Everything you thought you knew is blown away. Each character has exciting vibrant aspects and I was totally refreshed and utterly irritated at the same time. I've become invested in these characters beyond words or normal, rational reaction. To me, they are real. Deal with it. 

Take a close look at the cover flat above, this truly speaks volumes about what's to come. 

Jack, Jack, Jack! What has this man gotten himself into? *shakes head* He's the wild card, I think. You never know what side of the fence he will land on. A beast through and through, but one with heart and passion for the woman he craves. 

Though this fragile relationship has always been rocky, there is something that pulls the two tighter. All the while we have her band of merry men, still set on the mission to kill Death and find Evie's grandmother. The task at hand seems so large with so many different players stepping into this apocalyptic game. 

Will the good guys win against all odds? Can the game end without a bloody slaughter? I don't know! But by the gods, I want to know!!!

Enter that sexy male named Death. There is a whole new element to that man, freaking blew me away. The twists and turns are shocking, then heartbreaking. Then shocking again! Why, oh why, does Cole do this to me?! Why does she add such drama into her stories that I can't sleep until I've finished them! I love her so much I want to eat her books. Consume them into my body and let them soak for all my days. 

[Case in point]

Read this story. I don't care who you are what genre you usually read, this is one you wont regret. Book 3 needs to be in my hands, like tomorrow! I don't whip out the big guns often, but this series deserves every sheep we have. 

Getting 5 'Death can touch me any day' Sheep

KD

Sheep Review: (ARC) Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Poison Princess, by author Kersley Cole, is the debut novel in her YA series Arcana Chronicles. I am not a Young Adult book fan, frequently finding the teenage angst too much for me. While Cole's new series is "technically" classified as Young Adult, people better get ready because this one's going to knock your socks off! I loved every single word from beginning to end!

Plot:

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

Things start out in present day when The Flash, or apocalypse, has gone down and a young gal is looking for a safe place to get warm and hopefully a little food for her starving belly. Little does she know she just stepped into a madman's house, total creeper status! You get a clear picture from page one what this woman is about to face and immediately you're sucked in to the plot. Poison Princess then jumps back a few months taking the reader step by step into this dark and twisted world. How far will humanity go into the dark side? What would YOU be willing to do? Questions no one ever wants to answer.

Evie's a young woman with some nasty visions going on in her head so extreme she has no one to share the images with. Cole clearly has a plan with character direction and while it may be frustrating as the reader to just hurry up and get there she knows how this is all going to unfold, and man does she take her time with the build! Tarot Magic and evil forces are out to kill Evie, so she's got to rely on the few friends left in the world and her own wit to get her through it.

Jack steps into the scene as a hot-headed Cajun backwoods dude who's got a major chip on his shoulder. With a past like his you can understand where he's coming from, and empathize, but at times he comes across as such a jerk! The miscommunications between Jack and Evie were killing me! Ugh, I wanted to shake him! It's all for good reason though, and really I don't want to give away more then I already have. Jack and Evie literally ignite the pages of this book! I never felt like I was reading a fictional story about made up characters; these guys and gals come across as authentic and genuine, to the point where Poison Princess reads more like a personal diary of a real life event. Doused with nail biting action, adventure, and epic snarky one liners!

This story is truly one not to be missed. I don't care how old you are or what genre you typically read. Everything you could ask for and more is all here for the taking!

Getting 4 and 1/2 Sheep

KD

Interview with author Alayna Williams + giveaway!

Today the Sheep welcome UF author Alayna Williams to the site! If you have yet to check out her amazing books NOW would be a great time to start. Truly a wonderful mix of fantasy, mystery and magic! Stay tuned till the end folks because Alayna has been kind enough to offer up a signed copy of her latest book Rogue Oracle!

Russia. Chernobyl. 2 Sheep and 1 Oracle meet.

Katie: Hello Alayna, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. For those that don't know about your latest book Rogue Oracle can you tell them a bit about it?

Alayna: Thanks so much for chatting with me today! I'm super-excited to get the chance to talk with you and your readers.

ROGUE ORACLE is about a criminal profiler, Tara Sheridan, who uses Tarot cards to solve crimes. These books are a mashup of science and magic - similar to Fringe and the X-Files. Tara's a reluctant member of an ancient society of oracles tracing their lineage back to the Oracle of Delphi. In ROGUE ORACLE, Tara and her skeptic partner, federal agent Harry Li, are on the trail of a Chernobyl survivor who's selling nuclear secrets on the international black market.

Katie: So would you say that your mainly a fan of shows like Fringe and X-Files?

Alayna: I love contemporary sci-fi. Shows like Fringe and X-Files are my all-time favorites.

Amber: You classify yourself as an Urban Fantasy writer; can you tell us what is the difference between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal?

Alayna: I've always been taught that the difference between UF and PNR lies in how much the plot focuses on the romantic elements. For PNR, the primary conflict in the story surrounds the relationship, while UF focuses more on an external conflict. There also tend to be more happily ever after endings in paranormal romance. I like having the endings open, and to keep myself guessing about whether or not the characters will or will not be victorious.

Katie: You also write under the pseudonym of Laura Bickle, I have yet to start those books but I am very curious about the stories and why you chose to write under a different name?

Alayna: My editor recommended that I use a different pseudonym for the ORACLE books. My first book, EMBERS, came out in April, 2010, under my Laura Bickle pseudonym. The books I've written as Laura, EMBERS and SPARKS, are best described as "Ghostbusters in Detroit with dragons and arson."

DARK ORACLE was scheduled for June of that year, with ROGUE ORACLE coming out in 2011. We thought it would be confusing for readers to have two UF series going on under the same name, with alternating release dates. For that purpose, it made sense to create "Alayna." In that sense, it was a branding decision.

Both series are urban fantasy. But a little different. EMBERS and SPARKS are very much gritty urban fantasy, while the ORACLE books almost border on science fiction

Amber: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Alayna: My mom was a school librarian. I used to go to the library with her in the summer and curl up in a sunshine-filled corner where the mythology books were shelved. I read every book in that section, I think.

Amber: As a kid that’s how I spent all of my summers. I made my mom sign me up for every library event/class that was available. Lol. My sisters always called me a geek. It’s a name I proudly claim. Lol.

Alayna: Geek sisters unite! Books make wonderful friends. I think I've had my nose in a book ever since I was old enough to hold one.

Katie: What is a typical day like for you?

Alayna: I suspect my days are very much like those of other writers...I still have a day job. I'm fortunate in that I get to work at a library (the apple didn't fall far from that tree). Most of my writing gets done late at night, when the cats and husband are asleep and everything is quiet. Sometimes, the dreaded Inner Editor goes to sleep, and then I really get things done.

Amber: Did you go to college? If yes, what was the most interesting class you took?

Alayna: I'm an odd duck. I went to college for criminology and also library science. Probably the most interesting classes that I took involved spending time riding around with cops.

Amber: That’s awesome! What was the most exciting thing that happened while riding around with the cops? And where any of them especially good looking in their uniforms?

Alayna: Hee. Of course, there were some good-looking ones!

Probably the saddest thing that happened when I was out riding around was coming up on a single-car accident. The car had been abandoned, but there were a lot of kids' toys in the car. I was sure that they were missing them.

Katie: Tarot cards play a big role in the Oracle novels, are you personally able to read cards?

Alayna: I read cards for myself for fun and use them for story prompts. The ORACLE books were written with a deck at hand. Whenever I got stuck on a character or plot point, I'd pick a card. Some of the spreads I used made their way into the final version of the book. It was a fun way to visually outline a story, since there's a Hero's Journey already included in the cards.

Katie: I would love to have you do a reading for me after the interview! I hope you see vampires in my future! lol

Alayna: Sure! I'd be happy to give it a shot. Fair warning - I'm not a professional, so expect entirely random and nonsensical results for entertainment only.

And the reading will probably be interrupted by a random cat parking herself in the middle of the cards. My feline friends are highly amused by my efforts.

Amber: Where did you learn to read Tarot cards?

Alayna: I've been puttering with cards since I was a teenager. Like many other things, I learned from books and by doing readings for myself.

Amber: If you could own your dream car what would it be and why?

Alayna: Oh, my. I'd love to have a new car that doesn't need new tires.

But in the world of EMBERS and SPARKS, the heroine, Anya, drives a 1974 Dodge Dart. It's a big green tank. She got it because her fire salamander familiar, Sparky, tends to screw up electronic gadgetry.

I guess that would be my dream car, because it would make me think of fire elementals on the rampage.

Katie: Harry and Tara have had this on again off again thing going on for a while now. Will they ever finally be together permanently?

Alayna: Harry and Tara are polar opposites: he's Scully to Tara's Mulder. But I think that they understand and respect each other on a very deep level. And that's the most important contributing factor to a "happily ever after" ending. Even in books.

So, yes...I would love for them to be together, and have more adventures. But I will still throw obstacles in their path. ;-)

Katie: Oh blast it! lol I am waiting for the day when these two really settle down.

Alayna: Hee. They won't be far apart, don't worry! They are pretty destined to be together. ;-)

Amber: I know you write under at least two different names; do you have a specific series or character that is your favorite?

Alayna: I don't know that I can really play favorites; they're all my children.

I love Sparky the fire salamander from EMBERS and SPARKS because he's a composite of all the pets I've owned. I love Tara from the ORACLE books because she's a very rational heroine, in her way - she always considers a situation before going in with guns blazing.

ROGUE ORACLE is my newest release, and the latest apple in my eye. A lot of the story deals with the outcome of the Chernobyl disaster. Though I was half a world away, the story of that frightened me very much as a child. This was a tough book to write, but very rewarding.

Katie: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

Alayna: I've always been scrawling stories, every since I've been old enough to hold a crayon. It still seems a bit surreal to be able to see my work in print. It was a long road, but I'm thrilled to be on it. I'm excited that other people want to read what I've written...it's the best feeling in the world.

Amber: Who has been your biggest inspiration when it comes to your writing career and life in general?

Alayna: I read Robin McKinley's HERO AND THE CROWN when I was a kid, and it really made an indelible impression on me. It was the first fantasy I'd read in which the heroine slew her own dragons. It opened up a whole world of possibilities for me.

Katie: If you could be any Superhero who would you want to be and why?

Alayna: Wonder Woman. I have an insanely out-of-control Wonder Woman knick knack collection. She's got it all: power, beauty, strength, and wisdom.

Katie: As a Marvel fan, I will respect your choice and say no more. *evil laugh*

Alayna: Will you forgive me if I tell you that I dress up as Phoenix for Halloween?

Katie: YES! lol

Amber: What is your movie and food of choice on a lazy night?

Alanya: Pasta and chocolate. And maybe a movie of some supernatural flavor. One of my perennial favorites is CONSTANTINE. I also saw HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and fell in love with Toothless the dragon.

Amber: You are a woman after my own heart! Carbs and chocolate are the best. My movie of choice is either Love Actually (cuz we all need a little sap in our lives, lol) or League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Alanya: I haven't seen LOVE ACTUALLY, but I adored LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.

Katie: As Forest Gump’s Mamma said "life is like a box of chocolates…" what kind of chocolate would you say you are?

Alanya: Vanilla creme. Quiet, hanging out demurely in the corner of the box.

Amber: What is the best part of being a writer?

Alayna: I've always been intrigued by the idea of a hidden supernatural world existing beneath our own. Writing allows me to explore the "what if's": What if a criminal profiler turned to Tarot card divination? What if the Oracle of Delphi survived into the modern day...and what would they have been up to? What if the future could be told through the use of magic...and how would we try to change what we saw?

And the most fun part is getting to research those ideas. Writing gives me an excuse to dig through theories on everything from alchemy to spontaneous human combustion.

Amber: The idea of a hidden supernatural world is what makes reading such an escape for me. I love all the possibilities that are presented when reading. It’s an entirely new world. Thank you for creating worlds like this for people like me! Lol.

Alayna: Thank YOU for reading and coming along the journey with me!

I firmly believe that creating a world requires both a writer and a reader - it's a collaborative process.

Katie: Where can folks find you in the coming months?

Alayna: I just got back from RWA Nationals in New York, which was my big trip for the year. My internet whereabouts are here: http://www.salamanderstales.com/index_files/blogtour.htm

Katie: Now it's time to move into our ever loved Rapid Fire round! Clear your mind and answer with the first thing that pops up. Are you ready?…….Set……GO!

Katie: Hershey Syrup or Nesquik powder

Alayna: Oooh. Hershey Syrup!

Amber: Kitten or Puppy

Alayna: Kitten

Katie: Throwing Stars or Throwing Knifes

Alayna: Knives. I've never tried stars!

Katie: I have a very fine set of throwing knifes we can play with after we wrap. *winks*

Alayna: Awesome!

Amber: Europe or Asia

Alayna: Europe

Katie: Monkey or Koala

Alayna: Koala

Amber: Lipstick or Lipgloss

Alayna: Lipstick

Katie: Coke or Pepsi

Alayna: Coke

Katie: Yes! More points for team Coke!!!!

Amber: You can have this one. Team Pepsi is still smokin your behind! Hahahaha ;)

Alayna: Coca-Cola is the breakfast of champions.

Amber: Thunderstorm or Sunshine

Alayna: Sunshine

Katie: Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood

Alayna: Little Red Riding Hood

Amber: Zoo or Aquarium

Alayna: Zoo

Katie: The Borg or Vulcans

Alayna: Vulcans

Katie: Live long and prosper!

Alayna: Love the new Spock from the Star Trek reboot - glad to see that he got the girl!

Katie: Silver or Gold

Alayna: Silver

Katie: I swear other then the DC choice it's like we got separated at birth! lol

Alayna: LMAO!

Katie: Quantum Leap or Knight Rider

Alayna: Knight Rider

Katie: Harrison Ford or Sean Connery

Alayna: Harrison Ford

Amber: What? You’re crazy! The sound of Sean Connery’s voice alone makes him the clear winner…. I’d marry this man as long as he promised to read me a story every night before bed! Lol.

Alayna: But...Harrison Ford was Indiana Jones! That hat!

Katie: Thank you again for taking the time to chat with us Alayna, would you like to add anything before we wrap?

Alayna: The latest news on releases and what I'm working on is on my website: www.alaynawilliams.com

Thanks so much for the chance to chat with you both! I had a lot of fun.

While Alayna gets our Tarot card reading all set up we'll move on to the giveaway! One lucky commenter is going to walk away with a signed copy of Rogue Oracle AND some fun Sheep swag items. Make sure to double your chances of winning by following our blog! In the comments below please give us:

1. Your Email Address

2. Have you ever had a Tarot card reading? If so what did it say and if not would you ever consider getting one?

Contest runs until July 31st at midnight.

Good luck!