Beach read and tarot lovers, this one’s for you! There are few things better than getting lost in a good book during summer. Whether you’re stretched out on the beach, curled up in a hammock, or just soaking up the vibes at home with a fan on full blast. Finding that perfect summer beach read or a fun YA novel is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the season!

In this blog, I’m combining two worlds: tarot and reading. I’ve pulled together a personalized list of book recs that channel different tarot energies, plus a few just-solid picks that give off a major summer mood. This list is perfect for anyone who may be a little skeptical about spiritually centered things and would rather enjoy it in a fun fiction read! If you enjoy both tarot and reading, this list is perfect for you. 

So grab your tarot deck, a cold spritz (or whatever fun drink’s in your beach cooler), one of these books, and soak up the rest of your summer, babe! 💖

Tarot-Inspired Fiction Beach Reads You’ll Actually Love

🌙 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A slow, dreamy read that feels like stepping into a magic show at midnight. Think The Magician meets The Moon, full of illusion, fate, and forbidden romance. The pacing? Slow burn. The vibes? Immaculate. You’ll want to live inside this book, maybe even run away and join the circus. 

🔮 The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
This one’s like getting The Sun and The Magician in the same pull, pure cozy magic with a dash of found-family chaos. It’s giving cottagecore witch energy, soft spells, and emotional healing in a teacup. Wholesome, heartwarming, and low-key enchanting in the way that makes you want to move into a crooked house by the sea and never check your email again.

📖 The Binding by Bridget Collins
Memory magic, forbidden truths, and that bittersweet ache of discovering who you really are. This one is very Acrobat-coded (typically referred to as the Hanged Man card, but that wasn’t my vibe, so I renamed it for my deck, The Adventure Tarot!) It’s reflective, painful, and transformative. If you’ve ever wanted to crack open your soul, cry a little, and come out on the other side different (but better), this one’s for you.

🖤 Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
This pick is full-on dark academia vibes, think The Moon, Justice, and High Priestess energy. Maya’s back at Princeton to figure out what happened to her sister, diving deep into secrets, lies, and elite drama. It’s twisty, messy, and binge-worthy. Perfect for late-night vibes, tarot pulls, and a glass of wine under the stars.

❄️ The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
A beautiful, snowy fairy tale rooted in Russian folklore, with a brave, magical girl who talks to spirits and defies expectations. It’s all The Empress and The Hermit vibes, nurturing, mystical, and deeply tied to nature. Winter magic? Check. Myth-meets-reality storytelling? Double check. 

📚 A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Ancient manuscripts, alchemy, vampires, witches, and romance that’s equal parts swoon and “uh oh.” This is akin to pulling The Hierophant and The Lovers, a mystical academia with serious passion and power dynamics. Think dark academia but make it supernatural and a little spicy.

🕯️ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
A girl makes a deal to live forever, but no one can remember her. Painfully beautiful and achingly lonely, it screams The Fool meets The Devil with a touch of The World. It’s about legacy, identity, and carving your name into a world that keeps trying to erase you. Also? A literal masterpiece.

🌆 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
This one’s pure The Magician meets The Moon vibes, full of slick moves, secrets, and straight-up wild magic. It’s a squad of misfits pulling off a high-stakes heist in a city that’s as shady as their backstories. Perfect for binge-reading with some late-night snacks!

🔥 Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Witches, enemies-to-lovers tension, sarcastic banter, and chaotic duality? Say less. It’s The Lovers + Justice + Death, passionate, dangerous, and just a little unhinged (in the best way). If you’re here for magical drama, sexual tension, and a side of trauma, welcome.

🌊 Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
This one’s a moody, emotional mystery about love, loss, and the impossible choices that shape us. It’s giving Death, The Tower, and Six of Cups. Haunted by the past, shaken by the truth, and quietly devastating in the best way. Big “glass of wine” vibes.

🪄 The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Witchy feminism, historical rebellion, and sisterhood so powerful it could burn down the patriarchy (and we hope it does?). It’s full Strength and The Tower vibes, courage, chaos, and revolution. If you want spells and sass and righteous anger, this book is your rally cry.

💀 Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A mythic road trip with a death god through 1920s Mexico. Stylish, vibrant, and full of fate and transformation. It’s giving The Fool, Death, and Wheel of Fortune, destiny-driven and dripping with charm. Read this if you love sharp heroines, ancient gods, and a little jazz-age magic.

🌊 The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
This one’s giving The Star vibes, full of hope, sacrifice, and a deep dive into Korean folklore that’s equal parts magical and heartbreaking. When your bestie gets taken by the sea god, you’re ready to risk everything to bring her back. It’s emotional, mystical, and perfect for fans of epic quests with a side of serious feels. 

📘 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What if you could see all the lives you could’ve lived? This one hits deep. It’s the Judgment card and the Wheel of Fortune card all rolled into one. Hopeful, philosophical, and oddly comforting, especially for anyone who’s ever felt stuck and wondered “what if?”

🔥 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This one’s pure The Emperor meets The Devil vibes, high-stakes power plays, intense loyalties, and some seriously fierce dragon rider energy. It’s a wild ride full of danger, drama, and swoon-worthy moments that’ll have you hooked from page one. Think adrenaline, betrayal, and major boss-battle vibes.

🗺️ The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
A slow-burn mystery about mapmakers, missing places, and family secrets. It’s The Hermit meets The High Priestess, quiet, layered, and filled with hidden knowledge. If you love weird maps, strange clues, and that “something’s not quite right” energy, this one’s for you.

🔥 The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
Books that haven’t been finished… stored in a library… in literal Hell. What more do you need?? This one’s The Magician + Judgement with bonus sass and chaos. It’s clever, emotional, and weirdly touching. 

❄️ Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
A fairy tale retelling with smart, stubborn girls who take no nonsense. Major Justice and The Empress vibes. It’s icy, sharp, and so beautifully written that you’ll want to underline every other sentence. Also: enemies-to-allies-to-maybe-something-more? We see you.

🌙 Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
This book is a blend of The Empress and The Moon. Lush, mysterious, and dripping with mythology and magic. It’s about a girl who has to embrace her powers and fight for her freedom in a world ruled by gods and secrets. Think strong female energy, hidden truths, and a story that’s as dreamy as it is fierce.

Tarot Spreads Perfect for Summer

On that same energy of reading, let’s talk about tarot readings that are perfect for this time of year! Summer is such a great time to connect with yourself and the energies around you. These tarot spreads are designed to help you harness the magic of summer, reflect on your journey, and set intentions with clarity and joy. Grab your deck, find a sunny spot, and let the cards guide your seasonal vibes. ☀️

Vacation Vibes Spread
Purpose: Check in on rest, fun, and adventure.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What do I truly need to relax this summer?
  
• Card 2: What fun or adventure should I invite in?
  
• Card 3: What’s blocking my ability to unwind?
  
• Card 4: How can I create joyful memories?
  

Sun & Shadow Spread
Purpose: Balance light and shadow aspects of yourself.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What part of me shines brightest right now?
  
• Card 2: What shadow aspect needs my attention?
  
• Card 3: How can I embrace both light and shadow?

Summer Self-Care Spread
Purpose: Focus on nurturing yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
How to do it:

• Card 1: How can I care for my body this summer?
  
• Card 2: What does my mind need to rest or recharge?
  
• Card 3: What will nourish my spirit during this season?
  

Summer Love Spread
Purpose: Tune into your romantic and emotional energy.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What’s blossoming in my love life?
  
• Card 2: What needs healing or releasing?
  
• Card 3: What should I focus on to deepen connection?
  

Creative Spark Spread
Purpose: Ignite your creative energy and ideas.
How to do it:

• Card 1: Where is my creative energy strongest?
  
• Card 2: What’s blocking my creativity?
  
• Card 3: How can I bring my ideas to life this summer?
  

Summer Goals Check-In
Purpose: Assess and realign your intentions.
How to do it:

• Card 1: How far have I come toward my goals?
  
• Card 2: What’s standing in my way?
  
• Card 3: What action can help me move forward?
  

Travel Tarot Spread
Purpose: Prepare for journeys ahead.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What energy am I bringing with me?
  
• Card 2: What should I leave behind?
  
• Card 3: What surprises might appear?
  

Joy & Play Spread
Purpose: Find ways to invite more joy and playfulness.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What brings me the most joy right now?
  
• Card 2: How can I play or have fun this summer?
  
• Card 3: What’s blocking my joy, and how do I release it?
  

Sunset Reflection Spread
Purpose: Reflect on the day and practice gratitude.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What did I learn today?
  
• Card 2: What moment brought me happiness?
  
• Card 3: What can I release before tomorrow?
  

Manifestation Spread
Purpose: Use summer’s energy to manifest desires.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What do I truly want to manifest?
  
• Card 2: What energy supports my manifestation?
  
• Card 3: What blocks do I need to clear?
  
• Card 4: What is the next step to take?
  

Inner Child Summer Fun Spread
Purpose: Reconnect with your playful side.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What does my inner child want to do this summer?
  
• Card 2: How can I bring more playfulness into my life?
  
• Card 3: What fears keep me from having fun?
  

Summer Healing Spread
Purpose: Find emotional healing in the warmth of summer.
How to do it:

• Card 1: What wound needs my attention?
  
• Card 2: How can I nurture this healing?
  
• Card 3: What will help me move forward with peace?

Enjoy your summer, bestie! 💖

Here’s a little reminder that summer doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. It’s not about staged beach days or matching swimsuits. You don’t need a color-coordinated picnic setup. You don’t even need to post about it. Summer is still magic, even when it’s messy, quiet, and completely your own.

Read the book that’s been sitting on your shelf for months. Listen to that podcast you secretly love. Start (or ignore) your summer bucket list with zero guilt. The best moments are the ones you keep just for yourself, not because they’d make a great story online, but because they mean something to you. This season can be about filling your cup, not your feed. Reconnect with whatever lights you up, even if it’s something small!