I just received my copy of the The Vampire’s Tale Tarot by Sasha Graham and Abigail Larson, It is a darkly hypnotic, narrative-driven deck with rich, atmospheric storytelling.
The Pros: Writing and Artistry
• Captivating Narrative: Written by Sasha Graham, the companion guidebook reads like a gothic novella, following the Fool's Journey of Octavia, a half-human, half-vampire protagonist.
• Stunning Illustration: Illustrated by Abigail Larson, the artwork features a rich, dark-fantasy, comic-book style that transforms traditional Rider-Waite-Smith archetypes into an immersive vampire realm.
The Cons: Physical Build and Usability
• Thin Card Stock: The cards use a flexible, gloss finish that feels on the thinner side, requiring a gentle hand when shuffling.
• Dark Imagery: The moody, nocturnal palette leans heavily into deep shadows and dark tones, which can make fine details harder to parse in dim lighting.
• Compact Guidebook Text: Packed with a complete story, character notes, and secret questions across a dense format, the text can feel small and require extra focus to read. No spreads are provided 🫤
If you love gothic romance, deep shadow work, and story-infused tarot, the creative depth of The Vampire’s Tale Tarot easily overshadows its physical quirks.
I’m a little disappointed, I still prefer Sasha Graham’s previous decks, The haunted house and The Darkwood Tarot which are among my favorites.
For now I will wait for the reprint version of The Vampire’s Tale by the French publisher, the cards quality is always better… looking forward to it!