This deck is really nifty for dragon lovers, although I don't think the imagery is particularly evocative of the standard meaning of the cards.  I note that they are definitely evocative, however.  Those who are heavily into sci-fi fantasy and dragons will see that they are dark, intense and seem to tell something of a story.  This deck seems to be more inspired by a conglomeration of tarot styles rather than coming from any one school of symbolism.

The artwork is superb, painted by Peter Pracownik, who has done the Lord of the Rings Tarot and the Wyvern card game.  Another must have for the collector, although I wouldn't necessarily do my readings with it.  Donaldson has also done other books and decks on tarot, including the Lord of the Rings Tarot, with Pracownik and Mike Fitzgerald.

The suits used are the traditional Cups, Swords, Wands and Pentacles.  Courts are King, Queen, Knight and Page.  The numbered cards do feature scenes rather than just being arrangements of pip icons; however, these scenes are less helpful looking than one might expect.  I guess I feel that some cards are evocative and some just leave me wondering.

The deck itself is a standard size, shuffles about as easily as any other and except for the artwork itself, doesn't really stand out in any way.  There is nothing intuitive about the designs of the cards, so one must remember the meanings from what one has read and learned.  A small white booklet which is included with the deck has some very basic descriptions, but with this deck I recommend buying the accompanying book.

Honestly, this deck is very good for collecting, but it is not as good of a reading deck as many others are.  I do know several people who read with it though, so there are definitely people for whom this deck will work, and work well.

Click here for pictures
 
or here to purchase this deck, or the deck and book set here

or here to return

Please use your browser's back button to return from pictures

also by Terry Anderson and Peter Pracownik:
The Lord of the Rings Tarot

Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace