What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tarot Cafe #3
The Tarot Cafe, #3
More paranormal tales from the Tarot Cafe, including a sultan who wishes for nothing more than to learn what has become of his first love... an impoverished student falls in love with a lake fairy... two 700 year old dragons attempt to rekindle an ancient friendship...
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
9 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 4, 2022
The Tarot Cafe, Vol. 3 (My Kindle Review)
We continue to see more of Pamela’s past as looking back half a century ago, she meets a charismatic prince who begins a tumultuous romance with an orphaned slave that will become deadly, while her latest customer is a hopeless romantic who has encountered a flighty water girl. A- (91%/Excellent)
We continue to see more of Pamela’s past as looking back half a century ago, she meets a charismatic prince who begins a tumultuous romance with an orphaned slave that will become deadly, while her latest customer is a hopeless romantic who has encountered a flighty water girl. A- (91%/Excellent)
November 5, 2013
Three interesting stories and the art is growing on me. These books use supernatural creatures in a different way.
September 29, 2024
The various storylines give me whiplash, but they are interesting.
January 26, 2011
I had said in my review of the second volume that I was done reading The Tarot Cafe by Sang-Sun Park. Rhiona suggested I should keep going and the artwork style (my biggest complaint about the series) would be explained. My husband shortly there after checked out the first four volumes. I decided to read number three to see if I liked it any better than two.
Volume Three is like volumes one and two: a mixture of episodic stories based around the fortunes the main character tells and some on going plot points introduced in the first volume and carried on through the second and now third volumes.
There's a lot of lost love, broken taboos, revenge and rampantly high emotions. There's also still the artwork where everyone looks like everyone else. I always feel like I should take notes to keep track of who's who because I can't tell visually and the plot's just not keeping my attention.
I swear: I'm done. I know I'm only at the halfway point but I don't care. The series and I don't get along.
Volume Three is like volumes one and two: a mixture of episodic stories based around the fortunes the main character tells and some on going plot points introduced in the first volume and carried on through the second and now third volumes.
There's a lot of lost love, broken taboos, revenge and rampantly high emotions. There's also still the artwork where everyone looks like everyone else. I always feel like I should take notes to keep track of who's who because I can't tell visually and the plot's just not keeping my attention.
I swear: I'm done. I know I'm only at the halfway point but I don't care. The series and I don't get along.
March 13, 2016
3.5
The slowest... The first story was not that great, the second was kinda funny and the third was... gawd... There's still something, but I didn't particularly like this issue, Park could have done it better... and... ARE ALL OF THE MEN HERE GAYS?! I mean, C'mon, some are okay, but THE 99.9& OF THEM? I hate when they use this...
El más lento... La primera historia no fue tan buena, la segunda fue algo graciosa y la tercera... ugh... Aún hay algo, pero particularmente no me gustó este libro, Park pudo haberlo hecho mejor... y... ¿TODOS LOS HOMBRES AQUÍ SON GAYS? O sea, vamos, algunos están bien, ¿pero, EL 99.9% DE ELLOS? Odio cuando hacen esto...
The slowest... The first story was not that great, the second was kinda funny and the third was... gawd... There's still something, but I didn't particularly like this issue, Park could have done it better... and... ARE ALL OF THE MEN HERE GAYS?! I mean, C'mon, some are okay, but THE 99.9& OF THEM? I hate when they use this...
El más lento... La primera historia no fue tan buena, la segunda fue algo graciosa y la tercera... ugh... Aún hay algo, pero particularmente no me gustó este libro, Park pudo haberlo hecho mejor... y... ¿TODOS LOS HOMBRES AQUÍ SON GAYS? O sea, vamos, algunos están bien, ¿pero, EL 99.9% DE ELLOS? Odio cuando hacen esto...
March 27, 2020
I am STILL not sure what to think of this series!
I really can’t tell what the author is going for here. One minute we are reading short stories, and the next an overarching story with even more new characters being introduced. It’s kind of confusing. In addition, the majority of the stories are dark and tragic, but then every now and then there is a really sweet and happy story thrown in and it just doesn’t seem to fit with the other stories.
For example,
I thought the story about the sultan and the boy was. . . interesting. It was a very deep and complicated relationship. It was similar to many of the previous stories and seemed to fit in with the tone of the series so far (dark, brooding, tragic and forbidden loves). But the second story was so light hearted and sweet. Very unlike all of the others so far! I’m actually not one for tragedies so I loved the bread and cheese girl. I wished there were more stories like that!
As for the overarching story, I really enjoy learning about Pamela’s history, but I hate these new characters! Both Ash and the dragon guy are very selfish and jealous of Pamela. For beings that have lived so long and should be wise and poised, they act like whiny brat teenagers! I really hate all of the scenes with them.
I have to say that I’m still intrigued with the premise of the story. Pamela is the only character that makes it worth continuing reading, but as for the other characters and the writing overall, it’s really not that good. There are a lot of the same themes, recycled plots told in a different way, and the characters look the same too.
I’m going to read more only because I want to know more about Pamela.
I really can’t tell what the author is going for here. One minute we are reading short stories, and the next an overarching story with even more new characters being introduced. It’s kind of confusing. In addition, the majority of the stories are dark and tragic, but then every now and then there is a really sweet and happy story thrown in and it just doesn’t seem to fit with the other stories.
For example,
I thought the story about the sultan and the boy was. . . interesting. It was a very deep and complicated relationship. It was similar to many of the previous stories and seemed to fit in with the tone of the series so far (dark, brooding, tragic and forbidden loves). But the second story was so light hearted and sweet. Very unlike all of the others so far! I’m actually not one for tragedies so I loved the bread and cheese girl. I wished there were more stories like that!
As for the overarching story, I really enjoy learning about Pamela’s history, but I hate these new characters! Both Ash and the dragon guy are very selfish and jealous of Pamela. For beings that have lived so long and should be wise and poised, they act like whiny brat teenagers! I really hate all of the scenes with them.
I have to say that I’m still intrigued with the premise of the story. Pamela is the only character that makes it worth continuing reading, but as for the other characters and the writing overall, it’s really not that good. There are a lot of the same themes, recycled plots told in a different way, and the characters look the same too.
I’m going to read more only because I want to know more about Pamela.
March 21, 2021
I read this only because I had ordered all 3 from the library in case I loved them. I figured why not. Volumes 2 and 3 were not as enjoyable as Volume 1 because it's now a Saga about Pamela, the Tarot Reader with repeating character appearances, and I believe this saga will play out over the course of a ton of volumes, but I actually don't understand it because aside from Pamela, I can't tell one character from another. What I enjoyed about the first one was that each character that came in for a tarot reading had a cute little story, like the wish-fulfilling cat. I'm not interested in this longer, more complicated back story.
That was the last one I'll read.
That was the last one I'll read.
June 26, 2022
It’s been awhile since I read the first & second volume. I don’t remember much of it other than guests come through to get their fortunes read. Instead of rereading I decided to just start from here, when I noticed my library had the rest of the volumes available. I would’ve liked this as a teen but from this stand point I’m not even sure if I want to continue this series. It’s so short yet there’s so much more I can read as well.
November 28, 2020
More reveals, more confusion, more questionable sexual interactions, more pretty art!
This series is a bit slow so far, which is odd since a lot happens, but it just doesn't feel that fast moving. The characters are all pretty great though and we still get additional one-off stories of Pamela helping someone which I enjoy.
This series is a bit slow so far, which is odd since a lot happens, but it just doesn't feel that fast moving. The characters are all pretty great though and we still get additional one-off stories of Pamela helping someone which I enjoy.
April 29, 2021
La storia dello studentello e dello spirito lacustre me è piaciuta, molto tenera! La prima - quello sullo sceicco che vuole sapere che fine ha fatto il suo primo amore - non è stata male.
Le storie singole son decisamente meglio della cornice generale che dovrebbe raccontare di Pamela e del suo passato.
Le storie singole son decisamente meglio della cornice generale che dovrebbe raccontare di Pamela e del suo passato.
January 2, 2022
The Tarot Cafe 3
This volume gives us more insight into Pamela's past. It also helps to set up the timeliness of her life and those of her friends.
The first person she helps in this volume is slightly easy to set on the correct path. The second person that appears is from her past. And he's not happy with Pamela.
This volume gives us more insight into Pamela's past. It also helps to set up the timeliness of her life and those of her friends.
The first person she helps in this volume is slightly easy to set on the correct path. The second person that appears is from her past. And he's not happy with Pamela.
September 3, 2024
En este tomo aparece un nuevo personaje de la antigua vida de pamela que al parecer la odia por que le ha robado a su ¿amante? No creo que pueda ser amante por que no pone nada de que estaban juntos?
Casi se la carga al encontrarla y justo aparece por el que tanto se pelean, y Oh, sorpresa. El personaje decide que secuestrarlo es buena idea, wao
Casi se la carga al encontrarla y justo aparece por el que tanto se pelean, y Oh, sorpresa. El personaje decide que secuestrarlo es buena idea, wao
May 29, 2018
Ok manga👌🤔💕
November 13, 2021
I quit. Not my cup of tea. Lo siento.
January 17, 2022
Pamela sure has a list of amazing guests who find their way to her cafe! Although some of these actually pre-date the cafe, as we get a deeper understanding of her past.
June 7, 2023
I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to it or it's actually getting better. Happy that we're finally getting some background on Pamela, though.
April 3, 2021
Auf jeden Cover sieht man eine andere Person auf schwarzem Hintergrund, da fragt man sich natürlich: Um wen geht's denn eigentlich? Von Zeichenstil her hat mich der Manwha schon gelockt.
Tragisch/Dramatische Kurzgeschichten in 5 Bänden zusammengefasst. Leider ist der Manwha nicht ganz beendet worden - die Geschichte hat natürlich mehr versprochen aber wahrscheinlich wurde sie dann abgesetzt. Die Zeichnerin hat auf jeden Fall etwas drauf und ich würde es problemlos weiter empfehlen. Eine zusammenhängende Story gibt es auch, doch sie schleicht sich sehr langsam ein. Im Vordergrund stehen zunächst die verschiedenen Kurzgeschichten der Personen, die Pamelas Hilfe brauchen. Für zwischendurch ist das was feines.
Tragisch/Dramatische Kurzgeschichten in 5 Bänden zusammengefasst. Leider ist der Manwha nicht ganz beendet worden - die Geschichte hat natürlich mehr versprochen aber wahrscheinlich wurde sie dann abgesetzt. Die Zeichnerin hat auf jeden Fall etwas drauf und ich würde es problemlos weiter empfehlen. Eine zusammenhängende Story gibt es auch, doch sie schleicht sich sehr langsam ein. Im Vordergrund stehen zunächst die verschiedenen Kurzgeschichten der Personen, die Pamelas Hilfe brauchen. Für zwischendurch ist das was feines.
February 28, 2011
This manga is my first manga and I got hooked on mangas ever since.
The serie follows a special gifted woman Pamela who has somehow become immortal. She now owns a cafe where she reads tarot to very special clients too.
In each volume the artist takes the time to put tarot cards illustrations with the characters imitating certain published tarot decks. With the tarot readings her character Pamela gives it's obvious the artist knows about tarot and is not making stuff up.
There are short stories in each volume following the fantastical beings who come to Pamela for tarot readings. Some of these stories are dark, funny or tragic. There is of course a main storyline behind all these short stories that continue in each volume and it ends in the seventh volume.
The characters are interesting, you feel drawn to the story and you want to know more about them. Even the characters of the short stories are interesting and moving. My favorite character is Belus.
The drawings are beautiful and detailed and I really love the way she draws men, I find them gorgeous. I've bought two other mangas she made after I fell in love with her style.
The serie follows a special gifted woman Pamela who has somehow become immortal. She now owns a cafe where she reads tarot to very special clients too.
In each volume the artist takes the time to put tarot cards illustrations with the characters imitating certain published tarot decks. With the tarot readings her character Pamela gives it's obvious the artist knows about tarot and is not making stuff up.
There are short stories in each volume following the fantastical beings who come to Pamela for tarot readings. Some of these stories are dark, funny or tragic. There is of course a main storyline behind all these short stories that continue in each volume and it ends in the seventh volume.
The characters are interesting, you feel drawn to the story and you want to know more about them. Even the characters of the short stories are interesting and moving. My favorite character is Belus.
The drawings are beautiful and detailed and I really love the way she draws men, I find them gorgeous. I've bought two other mangas she made after I fell in love with her style.
April 26, 2008
This is probably the only manga series I've read that hasn't been made into an anime yet. And I'm not certain if it ever will. There hasn't been much popularity or fandom surrounding this series, despite the fact that it is very intricately and beautifully drawn (the art is very art nuveaux [sp?]) and the stories may seem episodic but they tie in with the main character very nicely. This series was what sparked my interest in reading tarot cards. I have a deck of my own now, and do occasional readings for my friends. There are some pretty depressing stories told in this series by the various characters given readings by the main character, Pamela. So, unless you have a strong will to resist the angst, this might be a little too intense for you. Otherwise, it will give you a wonderfully emotional reading experience.
April 27, 2011
Seems everyone has a crush or is mackin' on everyone in these books. No lies. Well, what can you do?
The series isn't bad thus far, I'm just a little perplexed by the way the story is laid out. There seems to be a general storyline that the volumes are progressing with but, it's littered with random side stories that do not enhance the main storyline at all, so sometimes I sit and go "And...what was the point of that?"
Don't get me wrong though, I am enjoying the series. Sometimes I just wonder about these things.
The series isn't bad thus far, I'm just a little perplexed by the way the story is laid out. There seems to be a general storyline that the volumes are progressing with but, it's littered with random side stories that do not enhance the main storyline at all, so sometimes I sit and go "And...what was the point of that?"
Don't get me wrong though, I am enjoying the series. Sometimes I just wonder about these things.
September 6, 2013
Unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on the second volume as Tokyopop has gone out of business. Some of the beginning of getting to know Pamela and the introduction of a new character happened in volume 2 so it took me a second to rethink the structure of the book. In this volume we get some of Pamela's history both with previous clients and personal history. Pamela is very interesting and the clients she see's all have great stories. I was totally curious about where the interpersonal stuff with the dragons was going.
Read
May 7, 2009Didn't really grab my attenion too much, but Pamela seemed, to me, to be a little insecure about her past and im not sure of everything that was going on with the tarrot cafe. But the storyline definately grabbed my attention and i look foward to reading more in the other volumes.
August 19, 2007
Noticeably more light-hearted than the earlier volumes, this one mixes, or balances, Pamela’s back story with the clients’ story.
May 12, 2008
manga book!!
September 24, 2009
I LOVED THE BREAD AND CHEESE STORY! It made me smile! :)
Read
June 16, 20149/17/11
June 23, 2014
This really is a great series.
December 17, 2023
Yet another beautiful volume. So many amazing tales be to be told.
January 18, 2015
Very very strange but impossible to stop reading. Finding out about Pamela's past bit by bit is very interesting.
June 30, 2015
Things are getting more interesting! I love the characters, even the ones that show up in one chapter. And there are so many gay couple. Not all of the couples, but at least half. Soo good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews