Stockholm Octavo Book Review: Tarot-Inspired Fate Meets 18th-Century Intrigue
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with secret identities, card-based divination, and a dash of royal drama, The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann should absolutely be on your radar. In this Stockholm Octavo book review, I’ll share why this beautifully woven novel captivated me with its unique mix of mysticism, fate, and high-society scheming.
Set in glittering, gossip-laced 1790s Stockholm, the story follows Emil Larsson, a confirmed bachelor who prefers gambling halls to marriage proposals. But when his superior at the Office of Customs and Excise informs him that remaining unmarried at his age reflects poorly on a sekretaire, Emil faces a jarring ultimatum: find a wife or lose his respectable position.
Enter Mrs. Sparrow, the poised and mysterious woman who owns the gaming parlor Emil frequents. Unknown to him at first, she’s not only a savvy businesswoman but also a powerful seer working closely with King Gustav III. After receiving a vision that directly involves Emil—a future shaped by love, power, and political unrest—she offers him a rare opportunity: to shape his own fate using the Octavo.
The Octavo is an eight-card spread, drawn from a unique deck of symbolic playing cards (not quite tarot, but just as mystical). Each card represents an archetype Emil must find in real life—The Companion, The Prisoner, The Teacher, and more. These figures will either guide or obstruct his path as he weaves his way through salons, secrets, and schemes.
And yes—fans. Ornate folding fans, fashionable staples of the time, become subtle instruments of coded communication and power. It’s just one of the many small but smart historical details that make the novel feel deeply immersive and full of layered meaning.
Why Read This Book?
The Stockholm Octavo is perfect for readers who enjoy:
Mysticism & Fate-Bending: Tarot-adjacent playing cards used to navigate destiny
The Reluctant Hero Trope: A gambler forced into a mission bigger than himself
Salon Drama & Political Intrigue: Clever women, shifting alliances, and royal secrets
Symbolism-Rich Historical Fiction: Fans, masks, coded messages, and layered aesthetics
Elegant Prose with a Slow-Burn Payoff: A cerebral but rewarding narrative journey
Karen Engelmann’s writing is atmospheric and intricately detailed. While the pacing is deliberate, it allows the tension and fate-driven plot to unfold with elegance and effortless page-turning.
In this Stockholm Octavo book review, I’ve only scratched the surface of what makes this book a beautifully niche and rewarding read. If you're drawn to stories where history and mysticism intertwine, and where fate unfolds like a hand of cards, this novel belongs on your shelf.
Ready to Step Into the Octavo?
If this book sounds like your kind of magic, don’t wait—The Stockholm Octavo is a richly layered journey worth experiencing.
🛒 Grab your copy here and let the cards fall where they may.
💌 Want more book reviews, behind-the-scenes writing updates, and cozy creative vibes?
Subscribe to my newsletter to stay in the loop—and maybe discover your next favorite read.