Tag Archives: Witches

Love of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Love of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

It was obvious from her first introduction in Courage of the Witch, that Luna was going to have a bit of a complex backstory. But, I honestly had no idea what to actually expect. So it was a whole lot of fun finding out more about her life prior to her introduction to Keating Hollow. It was also fun to discover that she actually already had history with her love interest, Chad, and “watch” that unfold as I turned the pages.

One of the aspects of this story that I really enjoyed was how the story unfolded – it was, as mentioned, obvious that Chad and Luna had their own history from the beginning. But not much of it was revealed to start with. Rather, through their interactions, they start to tease out the details of their past. This history was then what they both were able to use to build into their future together. It wasn’t quite a second chance romance, but it was kind of close to it… a bit more of a second chance to get to know one another, not a second chance at being a couple. Or at least, that’s how I felt.

I absolutely called Luna’s family connections when Chase started to leave some of those breadcrumbs. Yet, the journey to get there was still phenomenal and seriously enjoyable. I absolutely adored diving into her journey of self-discovery. And the final twist as to who and what Luna’s family is didn’t quite take me by the surprise it normally would have. Chase is just so fantastic at leaving subtle breadcrumbs throughout her works that it’s kind of anticipated.

Although I go back to Chase’s Witches of Keating Hollow series again and again for the romance, I also love the secondary characters. In the case of Love of the Witch, I think that Levi actually stole my heart more than Chad. He was a great familial love story that just melted my heart again and again and again. I also love how his trauma tends towards the quieter aspects of damage, and then he chooses to still love and care about someone. It’s particularly sweet when he could’ve been displayed as a tough and hesitant young man. But, instead, he and Luna create the most beautiful and sweetest of bonds.

<- Courage of the WitchPower of the Witch ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wyrd Sisters
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #6, Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1988

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter which one, every time I pick up a Discworld novel I know that I’m in for a wild ride of humour and entertainment. And honestly, as of late, I’ve needed the funny in my life. Which meant that the fact that Wyrd Sisters ticked all of my boxes led me to feeling super relaxed and like I could let go a big sigh. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magret are an absolutely hilarious trio. And whilst I think I’ve met Granny Weatherwax before, the three of them together was even more fun. Plus, I really like that they each represent one of the three aspects of the Goddess (Crone, Mother and Maiden).

Alongside the trio of Witches, there is, as always an entertaining cast that drew me straight in. In this case, I particularly loved the Fool. I love that when we get to visit him, you see two sides to his personality. There’s the jester side which waxes nonsensically lyrically about the world around him and tries to maintain his loyalty. And then there is the internal struggle which he is battling. The fact that the Fool actually has an incredibly sharp and bright mind, one driven by a strong sense of morality and right and wrong. The fact that he ends up being a big driver of the “good” in this story just made me like him all that much more. Even as he romances Magret and deals with the duality of his own nature. A great reminder that the way someone presents to the world may not be who they actually are inside.

I honestly did not want to put this book down. One of the reasons why it is taking me so long to get through the Discworld novels is that I find this issue every single time. I have to adult, and so when I get this severely hooked and obsessed with a book can be somewhat of an issue. The ability of the Witches to take on a king and do so with wit and humour was hilarious. The way that they choose to bend and break the rules for the “greater good”, and also because they are just pissed meant that I wanted to see what nonsense was going to happen next. It was almost impossible to look away, and I honestly may have walked into a doorway or two in my quest to see what would happen next.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually read a Pratchett novel, and this is a reminder why I want to just fill my shelves with these stories. They are a great read in a general kind of way. But what I love the most is that they are a great, satirical take on the world. And no matter how old these stories get, they are still relevant today. In the case of Wyrd Sisters, it’s a reminder of the challenges of power and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Particularly when that power is placed in the hands of an absolute idiot.

<- SourceryPyramids ->

Image source: Penguin

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
Author: Sarah Hawley
Series: Glimmer Falls #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Demons, Romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

To begin with, Mariel and Ozrath are honestly a bit of a calamity as a couple. But, I love how they develop their relationship and grow to love one another. Also, this is one of those greatest Meet Cutes I’ve read in a while – accidentally summoning a demon instead of a bag of flour? And that demon being one with a soul who is completely thrown by all of the nonsense around him? Yeah, they manage to enact calamity after calamity until they finally find their routine together. And I absolutely adored the entire journey, one that made me laugh multiple times throughout.

At it’s core, A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is all about being true to yourself, and figuring out how to respect yourself. Ultimately, Mariel’s ties with nature show a power that is unrivalled by anyone else in her family. And when she decides to actually embrace that, she shows a whole lot of power and beauty that I just wasn’t expecting. I love that, in falling in love with Oz, she finds a way to maintain her own sense of self and power. And honestly, the way that she ultimately stands up for herself just takes a whole lot of strength, confidence and penache.

Oz has already started his journey into mortality before the beginning of this story. But I love how A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon lets him explore his new found mortality. And what that actually means – the conflicting feelings and drives the he has. The conscience. And the idea that the soul is such an integral part of Mariel and who she is. Why loving her is more important to him than anything else. I love how he slowly but surely learns to deal with all of the conflicting emotions that are thrown at him, and, finally, decides to embrace his new reality.

I love that, in the end, Oz and Mariel are able to win the day, using smarts, technicalities and all sorts of cleverness. I knew that they would ultimately win, but I didn’t expect the way that they managed to do so. It just made the finish of this cozy fantasy / paranormal romance all that much cuter. I loved taking a trip through this world, and I can’t wait to dive into A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch and find out what the next strong willed woman in this series is going to do as she falls in love.

<- More Sarah HawleyA Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch ->

Image source: Hachette

Midlife Bed and Broomstick by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Bed and Broomstick
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Hart’s writing is about women who are going through midlife mayhem, drastic changes in their lives, and often even menopause. They are women who have often already had children (or not if that is their desire). And then, to top off all of the drama of change and escaping an abusive asshole husband, Sam is introduced to the world of magic. I love how much this continues to wreak mayhem and nonsense into her life. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable journey that I just didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant, fun and a whole lot of female empowerment after a lifetime of oppression.

Although I loved this story, it most definitely featured yet another dopey “alpha” male who makes decisions without talking to the woman he supposedly loves. Decides he knows what’s “best” without any form of consideration or communication with the woman he loves. It’s a trope for a reason, and one I often love. But it’s also one that makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, Damien is the epitome of this. He feels guilty that the past led Sam into an abuser’s path, but he also continues to follow the same stupid pathways in the pursuit of doing the “right thing”. It’s definitely a fun thing to read about, but, it’s also something completely ridiculous that had me huffing my frustration throughout.

Even though Damien is very obviously going to be a strong love interest for Sam from the very beginning, I love that Matthias is slowly but surely set up as a potential point in the love triangle too. Plus, the way that his arc with Sam ends out this story is brilliant. Not only does it make me keen to read the next book in the Cauldrons and Cougars series, but I also don’t know which male I prefer. I do have a bit of an idea of how this triangle works out as I read Midlife Passions and Predators out of order. However, the journey to get there is still something that I can’t wait to go on and watch unfold!

Sam as a mother is so realistic. It’s a reminder that no matter how big and strong and old your children get, you’re still a mother. The hovering, the caring, and the bossing around never truly stops when you have children to raise. Sam’s dynamic with her son may have shifted drastically, but she’s still a mother. And, throughout all of the trials and nonsense that she puts up with throughout this story, she still places her son’s health and happiness above all else.

The combination of an MS diagnosis, an abusive soon-to-be ex-husband and, ultimately going on a journey to find out where you belong is an impressive and amazing combination. It was one that made it virtually impossible to put down. Plus, it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there is always a chance for a new beginning and happiness in love. It just takes a whole lot of courage and lucky circumstances. It made an already fun storyline all that much more potent and is probably why I’m really enjoying Hart’s writing at this point in my life.

<- More Jennifer L. HartMidlife Hexes and Familiar Exes ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Whiskey & Witches by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Whiskey & Witches
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: The Unlucky Charms #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

To begin with in this story, it’s kind of hard to like Carrick and the decisions that he makes. It was easy to guess the complication in his love life in Pints & Potions, but the way he chooses to treat Roisin and double down on his mistakes – it was really difficult to find a way to like him. To begin with. Once he realises the depths of his stupidity, he very quickly owns up to his mistakes and misconceptions. And, honestly, there is something completely forgivable when a character (or person in real life) actually apologises for their stupidity.

I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a woman giving up everything for her child – especially since becoming a mum myself, I completely relate to that level of love and sacrifice. It did make Carrick’s decisions a little more difficult to deal with, because where Roisin sacrifices literally everything for her child, Carrick is living his life of turmoil. It also meant that Roisin’s strength is obvious and admirable. She literally chooses her son’s life over her own and anyone else’s. Ready to take on the burden of her decisions to protect the person who is the most precious to her.

I love that the first few books of this series are all about fulfilling a prophecy. It gives a wonderful hint as to how some of the next parts of the story will unfold. And yet, I was not expecting the darkness that came with this line of the prophecy. The challenges that Aeden and Sabrina face because of it, and how this will challenge them in years to come. But, I also love how their little romance is set up (I’m seriously hoping anyway). It ties in more and more of the universe that Cromer has masterfully created, and I can’t wait to see how the final lines of this prophecy unfold in Beer & Broomsticks.

I’ve most definitely read some of these books out of order – I would have liked to get a little further into the Thorne Witches series before diving into The Unlucky Charms. But it just inspires me to continue to dive into all of the fun that Cromer has to offer. Plus, as much as I like to think about finishing the Thorne Witches series before diving too much further into this series, I also don’t want to put it down! Plus, the Irishness of it all is just glorious. So now I can’t wait to dive forwards and onwards into the next part of this prophecy and the love that that will reveal…

<- Pints & PotionsBeer & Broomsticks ->

Image source: Goodreads

Boundless Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Boundless Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches: Happily Ever Afters #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Autumn and Keaton had a tough journey to reconnect in their story Autumn Magic, so I love that they got their own little happily ever after epilogue in Boundless Magic. The fact that it features their terrifyingly strong and powerful toddler was a whole lot of fun. But also kind of terrifying. As someone who has a toddler, I really enjoyed this. Particularly because I think that all toddlers are terrifying, and I can’t imagine what having one with insane amounts of magic would be like.

I maybe shouldn’t have read this before reading the rest of the Thorne Witches series, because there were a few bits I didn’t really follow and / or understand. However, I also just really loved this idea. The way that the kids are able to transverse between realities, and the way in which reality is shaped slightly differently by one or two choices was priceless. And even though those in the alternate reality were kind of assholes, I love that they all still end up with the same people. That they all orbit one another, regardless of their reality.

As a mother, I absolutely basked in the idea that Autumn is more than willing to kick everyone’s butt on her quest to protect her children. It fits in nicely with Alistair’s drive to do anything to fit his family. The family loyalty of all the Thornes in fact has me smiling, and I really enjoyed how that translated to Autumn being read to fight pretty much anyone to protect her kids. It’s a sentiment that I completely can get behind. And it’s one that Alistair himself reflects in all realities – he’s willing to do anything to protect the family and ensure everyone’s happiness.

I found this second epilogue to be a fantastic read that made me so damn happy. I love how all of the characters fit together, in either reality. It just makes me want to keep diving into this series again and again. Cromer has just done such a wonderful job of building this world and making me life at the nonsense and havoc that they can wreak upon the world.

<- Enduring MagicMore T.M. Cromer ->

Image source: Amazon

Long Lost Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Long Lost Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

The first five books of the Thorne Witches series have seriously been gearing up for this novel. Alastair and Aurora are finally reunited and the first big story arc is completed. Don’t get me wrong, Long Lost Magic then starts the next story arc for this family of witches. But the overarching tale of the first six books is seriously intense, and, as such, I didn’t really stop reading them until I got to this point in the series. And then I paused and took a little breather, before diving into the next one. For as fun as it’s been, Cromer is annoyingly good at writing plots which have be reluctant to stop reading, and incredibly emotionally invested.

I really enjoyed that within this romance, it is the internal battles that the couple each have to face before they can come back together. Neither Alastair or Aurora were able to escape their battles unharmed, and both of them find it incredibly difficult to reintegrate into society and their love for one another. A lot of this story is both of them dealing with the anger and disappointment of expectations from the past and abuses. And although they ultimately find their way back together, it was enjoyable to read about them both doing the work on themselves before they tried to reconnect as a couple. It gives me hope in the darker points of my own relationship, and a reminder that I will do almost anything to fight for the love that I have too.

Although one enemy is finally vanquished within Long Lost Magic, it does reveal that there are greater threats working behind the scenes. All of Aurora’s children are happily settled, but none of them are free from the taint of selfishness and evil that is threatening their family. It’s almost as though the first battle of the war has been won, but only now do the Thorne Witches realise that they are in a war to begin with. Other than Alastair, but there’s a reason he’s the somewhat insane, and very entertaining patriarch of the family. I love that it leads into a realm in which none of the witches know who they can trust, but they are willing to take that plunge to protect those that they love.

Now that the first section of the family is settled, I can’t wait until Alastair sets his matchmaking sights on more of the family. The cousins and extended family were revealed throughout this. Plus, the need for revenge is ignited. There were so many threads presented within Long Lost Magic, that, although it was about Aurora and Alastair, I also felt like it was the beginning of something greater. I can’t wait to keep diving into this series to see how all of the threads that Cromer waved temptingly in our faces are going to be woven into the fabric of this fantastic story.

<- Rekindled MagicForever Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Rekindled Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Rekindled Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Holly is the Thorne sister that I got to know the least throughout the entire Thorne Witches series so far. It’s a second chance romance, but I didn’t realise how much tragic history Holly and Quentin have until I read this. And then, at times, it was just truly difficult to read. I mean, it ends up happily, but where Spring Magic had some violently intense moments, Rekindled Magic was just filled with heart wrenching, emotional turmoil that had me putting this down and picking it back up multiple times.

One of the things I really wasn’t expecting from this story was the idea of time travel. The complexities of this and the different, diverging paths throughout added to the emotional intensity of this story. As well as making me have to really sit back and think about what I was reading. After all, time travel is such a tricky concept, and if it’s done wrong it’s just frustrating. Cromer managed to give the idea of time travel and its consequences a great structure though. One that I really enjoyed, and bent my brain just a little bit.

I love that regardless of the timeline, Holly is incredibly feisty and powerful. However, the bitterness caused by misunderstandings and abuse are removed. Whilst it was easy to have some sympathy for Holly’s lack of trust and choices, it also got to be a little bit painful. The depth of emotional trauma and abuse at the hands of her ex actually created a fairly angry woman who was just a little difficult to connect with on the same level. I love that in any reality, Quentin loves her with all of his heart and soul. And that he manages to balance out her rougher edges.

Although I loved a lot of this story, I do hate how quickly Holly turns to bitterness, in multiple timelines. I can understand having a great love which is impossible to get over, but letting that turn you away from everyone else who loves you. Letting yourself become a shell of a human because of the choices that others have made? It did make me like Holly a little bit less. Now I get to dive into the story of Aurora and Alastair though. And find out what the consequences of reviving Aurora are going to be…

<- Spring MagicLong Lost Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Spring Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Spring Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

At the beginning of this story (and in parts of the first three Thorne Witches stories), Knox kind of seems like a typical moron. He rejects the woman who loves him out of a misguided sense of justice. And it’s just patronising. But then, as you discover the actual reasoning behind his actions, he becomes someone who is possibly my favourite male love interest in this series thus far. He is noble and kind, and I love how, for once, his rejection is actually something that comes from a good place, not a place of pride.

I knew that this was going to be a tough read before I even got into it. There are too many hints of the tragedies surrounding Spring and her journey to help revive her mother (and find love). Which was good to know, I at least had a warning before I read what could’ve been a potentially triggering book. I mean, her journey is genuinely horrifying. And it absolutely broke my brain and heart in moments. But, there is also this great sense of hope and joy throughout that made it worth it.

Everything about this story is emotionally intense. I knew it was going to be, so I made sure I carved out enough time to read this in one sitting. I’m glad that I did, it was an impossible story to put down. Partly because of how amazing the story actually was, but also because I’m the kind of person who will rush to the end of a tale to find the happily ever after. Which Cromer delivered beautifully to make up for all of the preceding nonsense.

Spring Magic wraps up the story arc for the first four Thorne sisters, and ends the arc with Lin Zhu. It gives a little more context to why the Throne Girls are so heavily targeted, and just rounds out things quite nicely. It then opens up the second part of this first series story arc. But I love how Spring’s journey is the one that also ends Lin Zhu’s reign of terror on the Thornes, and by extension, the Carlyles.

With every Thorne Witches book I read, I can’t wait to dive into the next one. Each story, as with this, round out a storyline. But they also hint at the next couple and the battles that are to be faced in the future. One more step until Aurora is revived, and if this has been the cost so far, I’m intrigued to find out what the cost to the other couples in the future will be.

<- Winter MagicRekindled Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Winter Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Winter Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

As with most of the books in the Thorne Witches series, there is the hint of the next romance at some point in the previous book. And in the case of Winter and Zane, I loved this hint of something more between them. The fact that they also have a history (just one no one knows about) made me laugh out loud. And, honestly, as much as I loved both Autumn and Summer’s stories, I liked Winter and Zane’s romance even more. There was just something redemptive and fun about the whole thing.

I think that one of the reasons I enjoyed this story so much is that Zane had one of the most intense redemption arcs I’ve read in a while. He was pigheaded and cruel to the point that I almost wanted to stop reading at multiple points throughout this story. I mean, his drive for revenge was completely out of proportion and incredibly ridiculous. And yet, in every moment that I seriously questioned my willingness to continue with his stupidity, there was something that pulled me right back in again. Ultimately, this frustration led to a wonderful redemption arc that completely redeemed his nonsense and left me smiling when I turned that final page.

Winter Magic is the next step in the Thorne sisters quest to heal their mother. It was fun to learn more about Winter’s power and just how formidable she truly is. This novel also expanded on the vendetta Lin Zhu has against the Thorne family and why he is so driven to destroy them in particular. Plus, his sinister plans for just how to use their genetic line to give him what he thinks he wants is kind of gross. It combines to make you even more keen to read the next book in this series, but also a little hesitant. After all, the epilogue in this hints at Spring’s story, and that is going to be a dark and hard one to read… but now I’m also even more intrigued.

Although I really loved this whole romance and was swept away in every moment, much of the interpersonal drama was filled by childish misunderstandings. The inability to talk about just what was wrong and discuss things like adults, the desire for revenge… it all combined to make me want to smack my palm to my face at multiple points. And, although, luckily Zane does see how stupid his actions are, I completely understand how hard it is for Winter to forgive his past behaviours. And to let them find a new way into the future together, without all of the silly behaviour informing their actions.

<- Autumn MagicSpring Magic ->

Image source: T.M. Cromer