Description
ARCANE HEARTS
Book Summary
A young adult novel that weaves together the secrets of the tarot, the power of fate, and the magic of love. After the death of her grandmother Angela, an enigmatic fortune-teller, young Greta finds herself alone in the world and must leave Catania to settle into a foster home on the slopes of Mount Etna. There, amidst mystery and self-discovery, Greta will explore her grandmother's legacy and face a destiny that seems to be written in the cards. An emotional and immersive story about loss, identity, and the search for a new home.
What is it about?
Greta, a teenager who has lost her parents, finds refuge with her grandmother Angela, a fascinating and reserved woman who possesses a special gift for cartomancy. When Angela passes away, Greta is left completely on her own and must move to a foster home on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. In this new and unfamiliar environment, the young girl begins to unravel the secrets her grandmother left behind, discovering that the tarot was not just a hobby, but a key to a world of magical connections and crucial decisions. The plot explores how Greta, through the cards and new bonds, faces loneliness, learns to trust in fate, and discovers that love and magic can emerge in the most unexpected places.
Main themes
- Cartomancy and tarot symbolism as a tool for self-knowledge and guidance.
- Grief and overcoming the loss of loved ones during adolescence.
- Destiny and free will, and how personal decisions can change the course of life.
- The search for identity and the creation of a new home after adversity.
- Young love as a transformative and magical force.
Who is it recommended for?
Recommended for young adult and adult readers who enjoy magical realism stories with a touch of mystery and romance. It is ideal for those drawn to tarot symbolism, emotional plots about personal growth, and evocative settings in natural landscapes like Mount Etna. Perfect for fans of contemporary young adult fiction with subtle supernatural elements.
What this book offers
- An immersion into the fascinating world of the tarot and its interpretation, presented in an accessible and narrative way.
- A moving story about how to face loneliness and build new emotional bonds.
- A plot that invites reflection on destiny, second chances, and everyday magic.
- A unique setting on the slopes of Mount Etna, which adds a scenic and mysterious component to the reading.
Technical specifications
- Author: Melissa Panarello
- Publisher: Ediciones Versátil, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Fantasy, fantasy and magical realism (children's/young adult)
- Collection: Young Adult
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2022
- Number of pages: 224
- Weight: 418 g
Editorial review
ARCANE HEARTS is a solid proposal within young adult literature that successfully combines magical realism with a coming-of-age plot. The author, Melissa Panarello, builds a vulnerable yet resilient protagonist, whose relationship with the tarot adds a layer of symbolic depth to the story. The Sicilian setting and the intimate tone make this novel an attractive read for those looking for an emotional story, with a touch of mystery and a hopeful message about the power of destiny and the ability to reinvent oneself. A recommended title for young adult collections looking to offer a different and reflective narrative experience.