Book Review: The Science of Witchcraft: The Truth Behind Sabrina, Maleficent, Glinda, and More of Your Favorite Fictional Witches by Meg Hafdahl; Kelly Florence

The Science of Witchcraft: The Truth Behind Sabrina, Maleficent, Glinda, and More of Your Favorite Fictional Witches by Meg Hafdahl; Kelly Florence (authors of The Science of Women in Horror and co-hosts of the Horror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by Film Daddy), is a guide to the history of witchcraft through the stories and characters we all know and love. Reveal the spellbinding science behind the legends and lore surrounding fiction’s most iconic witches, answering such questions as; what is the science behind divination and spellcraft? When did witchcraft begin to show up in literature and media? Has science made it possible to uncover the truth behind the powers of necromancy and employing familiars? How has witchcraft been thought of throughout the world? Through interviews, film and literary analysis, and bone-chilling discoveries, join Kelly and Meg as they learn about the complicated and rich science of witchcraft throughout the centuries and discover why now is the season of the witch!

The Science of Witchcraft is a bit of a scattered read, full of interesting information and thoughts about the witches found in media, and how some of the aspects of those witches and their activities could (or could not) happen via science. It felt like each segment was written for a podcast, which kind of makes sense, hoping for a conversational tone and jumping around a bit as different thoughts came to mind. That works well in a podcast format, since it sounds like a natural conversation, but it did not hold up quite as well in book format. I learned a few things, and found the text to be interesting, but I was often frustrated by the choppy flow and could not sit and read without breaks. This would be much better suited for readers that like to read a section or chapter a day, or perhaps in small bits as and audiobook rather than sitting to read cover to cover.  

Book Review: Becoming Crone (The Crone Wars) by Lydia M. Hawke

Becoming Crone is the first book in The Crone Wars series by Lydia M. Hawke. She's unabashedly gray and destined to save the world. Meet Claire. On her 60th birthday, she got a cranky gargoyle, an overprotective wolf-shifter, and a magical calling she never saw coming. It’s not quite the retirement plan she had in mind!

Becoming Crone is a good start to an urban fantasy series, and I really enjoyed the read. I liked Claire, who is struggling with a fairly resent divorce and what life might look like now that she does not really feel needed and has spent her whole life following the rules set on her by others and society. I thought her thoughts and concerns were very realistic, and I liked that readers get to learn all about the magic and legends of her world right along side her. I also liked getting to have a more mature heroine as the main character of the story, but I have to admit it bothered me more than a little when everyone (including Claire herself) kept referring to her as so old. Sixty is older than the typical chosen one we get to read about, but sixty is not decrepit. I am still a bit away from it, but I still think of sixty as older, but not old. Although, that was really my only sticking point with this book. I really enjoyed the read and will be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series.

Becoming Crone is an engaging and enjoyable urban fantasy read. 

Book Review: Pawsitively Betrayed (A Witch of Edgehill Mystery) by Melissa Erin Jackson

 Pawsitively Betrayed is the fifth book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. I highly recommend reading the series in order, as there is a larger storyline that is concluded in this instalment. 

The Here and Meow Festival has finally arrived! Amber Blackwood and her fellow festival committee members still have plenty to do before the celebration of all things feline begins. Even though Amber’s witchy past keeps interfering, she knows the show must go on. Edgehill’s livelihood depends on the festival’s success. When two incidents involving her malfunctioning products cause her to shutter the doors of her curiosity shop, The Quirky Whisker, only days before the busiest season of the year, Amber thinks things can’t get any worse. An investigation into the incidents reveals sabotage is to blame—sabotage that only could have been carried out by a fellow witch. Things just officially got worse. With Edgehill overrun by tourists, any unfamiliar face could be a member of the nefarious Penhallow witch family. Though her parents’ grimoires are hidden in a remote location overlaid with protective spells, Amber fears that won’t be enough to deter the desperate and cursed clan from trying to get their hands on a legendary time-travel spell. As the opening ceremony of the Here and Meow approaches, Amber contends with a nosy lawyer, mysterious government officials, and a charismatic superstar. Through it all, Amber senses the Penhallows have something planned—something big. With her new circle of close confidants by her side, Amber must find a way to thwart the Penhallow family’s scheme before it’s too late. If she can’t, the Here and Meow will be ruined, and Edgehill could be wiped off the map.

Pawsitively Betrayed is a quick moving and emotionally suspenseful read. I spent more than one scene wondering if everyone was who the others thought, and who was scheming beyond the expected. I liked that Amber, Willow, and the other major players were still growing and evolving as characters- because that is what people do, grown and change as they experience things. I thought the mystery and magic was really well done, and I spent a great deal of time trying to puzzle out everyone's motives, personality, and next move. There were a couple scenes that were hard for me to read, mostly because I did not want the bad things to happen, and they were written so well that I could picture them. I liked that friendships, romance, and family dynamics were a big part of the story but never took over from the mystery and larger story line. I am sad to see this series end, but I will be taking some time to read other books from the author.

Pawsitively Betrayed is a well written book, and a satisfying conclusion to the Edgehill series.

Early Book Review: Spells for the Dead (Soulwood) by Faith Hunter

Spells for the Dead is the fifth book in the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter and is currently scheduled for release on July 28 2020. I highly recommend reading this series in order, and having read the Jane Yellowrock series would not hurt although is not as needed, to really enjoy the read and know what is going on. Even as a return reader it still takes a bit to remember the details and get entrenched in Nell's world. 

Nell is a rookie PsyLED agent, using the powers she can channel from deep within the earth to solve paranormal crimes. Together with her team, she's taken on the direst magic and the most twisted foes. But she'll need to tap into every ounce of power she has for her newest case. Nell is called to the Tennessee mansion of a country music star and finds a disturbing scene—dead bodies rapidly decaying before everyone's eyes. The witch on her team, T. Laine, has never seen magic that can steal life forces like this. PsyLED needs to find this lethal killer fast. But when a paranormal-hating FBI agent tries to derail the investigation, and the dark magics begin to spiral out of control, they find themselves under attack from all sides.

Spells for the Dead is a mystery with significant twists and turns and character growth. I enjoyed seeing Nell continue to grow, in her understanding of herself, the world in general, and the people that mean the most to her. The story of Nell, PsyLED, and Nell's family is all very well told. So much introspection and exploration of how the magic of the worlds works, and how seemingly small things can mean a great deal. The mystery was very intriguing, and the magic very dark. Nell and crew follow the trail and the twists make them look closer at the pasts of those involved, and the skills they have, much closer than anyone really wants to. I thought the work with Mud and Esther was pretty much perfect, and I am interested to see where their lives take them, and Nell's relationship and future has me equally hooked. Hunter, as always, has me just as interested in the individuals and small moments as the larger story. 

I think I took longer to read this than I would have normally because of that darkness. I was just in a place that I needed to be reading something much lighter (because of the real world) but I needed to know what happened next so badly that I could not put the book away. If the real world was not a dumpster fire with people proving how horrible they can be, I would have enjoyed the skill that was clearly displayed in this book so much more. 

Spells for the Dead is a solid continuation of the series, and I am eager to see what Hunter does with this world next.

Early Book Review: Witch Hunt by Cate Conte

Witch Hunt is the first book in a new series by Cate Conte and is currently scheduled for release on June 30 2020. Violet Mooney owns The Full Moon crystal shop in quaint North Harbor, Connecticut. Still grieving her beloved grandmother’s recent unexpected death, she takes comfort in her fat orange cat Monty and her work. Not everyone in town is thrilled with her business, however. When disagreeable town councilwoman Carla Fernandez picks a fight over Violet’s "voodoo shop," the two have a very public confrontation. Of course, when Carla turns up dead, Violet gets little sympathy from the police as suspect #1. But the shock of two policemen showing up at her door pales in comparison to the sudden appearance of her estranged mother Fiona and a surprise sister, Zoe. What Fiona reveals will rock her world and her sense of self—and reawaken her long-dormant mysterious power. 

Witch Hunt is a story with a whole lot going on. Violet is still mourning the loss of her grandmother and just trying to get through life. Her best friend and neighbor is acting strange, her boyfriend is being distant, and the queen of the town council is harping on many of them about their businesses. Once said council member is found murdered everything gets even more complicated. It seems everyone has secrets, including Violet's family. A magical heritage and new dangers are added to the list of problems to be faced, and the stakes keep rising. I thought Carla's murder and the surrounding mystery was well done, and while I had some suspicions as things unraveled, it was an interesting ride to the reveal. The story line about Violet's family and witches in the world was good, but felt like it could have been its own book rather than a layer over the first murder. I felt like the witchy reveal, and the problems that it could bring, will include more murder and mystery in the next volume- but I already have a suspect in mind for several possible issues that might arise. I really enjoyed several aspects of the story, and the writing style was nice. I just think there was too much going on layered over each other for what I was in the mood for when I picked up this title. 

Witch Hunt is a well written mystery with many layers to unravel. 

Book Review: Spellbound by Jean Copeland and Jackie D

Spellbound by Jean Copeland and Jackie D was released on January 14 2020. Hazel Abbot spent her whole life unaware she was a witch. When a spell thrusts her great-aunt Sarah Hutchinson forward from the Salem witch trials of 1692 and lands her in Hazel’s bookstore, everything Hazel thought she knew about herself changes. Complicating matters, Raven Dare, a supernatural hunter, informs her that they’ve all been summoned by the Queen Witch, Morgan le Fay. Morgan compels Hazel, Sarah, and Raven to correct the shift in the realms of good and evil by ridding the world of the evil that followed Sarah into modern day. If they fail, the forces of white magic will be extinguished forever. But completing the perilous mission, convincing Sarah to return to Puritan life, and resisting their growing attraction for each other might prove more difficult than Hazel and Raven ever anticipated.

Spellbound is a book that I wanted to love. I thought the premise was great and some of the character and world building caught and kept my attention. I liked Hazel's story, and Raven's. I would love to read more about their adventures (before and after this story). I thought the use of Morgan's character ad the ties of multiple mythologies and legends. I would enjoy more stories about this world. However, there was something about the voice that just did not speak to me. This was particularly true when it came to Sarah. I think the attempt at innocence and speech patterns from 1692 did not come off as intended. At first Sarah seemed not just naive, but not all that bright even though later it is revealed that she received a better than expected education from her father. Once the story got moving and there were plots, relationships, and commentary on the state of the world to unravel I was more engaged. So much of this story was exactly what I wanted, and I wanted to love it all. I think maybe it was just a disconnect for me with the writing style of the authors that did not let me get fully invested in the story. It had so much of what I was looking for, and think others will enjoy it. 

Spellbound is a book with a lot going on, and I think it will appeal to many that enjoy the urban fantasy and paranormal romance with a witch leaning. 

Book Review: Pawsitively Poisonous (Witch of Edgehill #1) by Melissa Erin Jackson

Pawsitively Poisonous is the first book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. 

Amber Blackwood, lifelong resident of Edgehill, Oregon, has earned a reputation for being a semi-reclusive odd duck. Her store, The Quirky Whisker, is full of curiosities, from extremely potent sleepy teas and ever-burning candles to kids’ toys that seem to run endlessly without the aid of batteries. The people of Edgehill think of the Quirky Whisker as an integral part of their feline-obsessed town, but most give Amber herself a wide berth. Amber prefers it that way; it keeps her secret safe. But that secret is thrown into jeopardy when Amber’s friend Melanie is found dead, a vial of headache tonic from Amber’s store clutched in her hand. Edgehill’s newest police chief has had it out for Amber since he arrived three years before. He can’t possibly know she’s a witch, but his suspicions about her odd store and even odder behavior have shot her to the top of his suspect list. When the Edgehill rumor mill finds out Melanie was poisoned, it’s not only the police chief who looks at Amber differently. Determined to both find justice for her friend and to clear her own name, Amber must use her unique gifts to help track down Melanie’s real killer. 

Pawsitively Poisonous is an enjoyable read that manages to introduce a town full of interesting characters without making the reader feel overwhelmed with the amount of information. I thought Amber was a great characters, smart and compassionate with a past that promises to be looked at more as the series continues. I really liked the slow reveal of the characters involved in the murder and investigation- and seeing the relationship develop between Amber and the police was engaging. I feel like I have a good handle on the majority of the town, and some of the important connections or challenges between people.  I thought the mystery elements were very well done, and had just enough twists to keep me guessing. I was very happy to see that while Amber certainly was aware of the guys in the town, there was no romance in this book. I love me some romance, but it is nice to be able to focus on the mystery and getting the lay of the land without hormones and whatnot taking over.  I also liked that while there are plenty of things I want to know more about, and a little opps moment at the end that have my itching for the next book, that there is also a satisfying conclusion. The important bits of the story are wrapped up, and there is a resolution to the story without a huge cliffhanger to make me grit my teeth. I am very eager to see where this series goes from here, and I will be following this one.

Pawsitively Poisonous is a great start to a mystery series, and I look forward to continuing to read it. I recommend it to cozy mystery fans that enjoy a touch of magic in their reads.

Book Review: Samhain Secrets (Wiccan Wheel) by Jennifer David Hesse

Samhain Secrets is the fourth book in the Wiccan Wheel Mysteries by Jennifer David Hesse. I have not read the previous books in this series, and think that returning readers will get more out of it than newcomers. However, I think I was able to catch up pretty quickly and could fully enjoy the read.

After her recent promotion to junior partner, Keli is putting in overtime to juggle her professional career and private Wiccan spiritual practice. With Halloween fast approaching, her duties include appearing as a witch at a “haunted” barn and hand-holding a client who’s convinced her new house is really haunted. But it’s the disappearance of Josephine O’Malley that has Keli spooked. The missing person is Keli’s aunt, an environmental activist and free spirit who always seemed to embody peace, love, and independence. When Josephine is found dead in the woods, Keli wonders if her aunt’s activities were as friendly as they seemed. As Keli comes to terms with her loss—while adjusting to having a live-in boyfriend and new demands at work—she must wield her one-of-a-kind magic to banish negative energy if she’s going to catch a killer this Samhain season. Because Keli isn’t ready to give up.

Samhain Secrets is a fun read. I like that Keli is still fairly new to the practices of Wicca and is finding her ways and path. I think this allows readers that might be unfamiliar with the traditions and beliefs in the religion to learn more right alongside her. I was a little annoyed with some of the unsettled nature of her relationship, there were way too many hints at who else is interested in her to make me feel like she is happy and committed. As a related note her inability to think about letting people know where she is or what she is up to bothers me. Maybe its the mom in me, or the over planner, but when I share a house or have other commitments with people I would let them know I was going off in a canoe, hiking in the woods, or calming ghost related fears. However, aside from her self centeredness I rather liked the characters (including Keli for the most part) and how they interacted.  The mystery and red herrings were very well laid out, and I liked the way things kept circling around in new ways. I liked a lot about this read, and think I would have enjoyed it more with the prior knowledge from the previous books. 

Samhain Secrets is a good cozy mystery with a good set of twists, interesting characters, and a satisfying ending that still leaves plenty of room for more to come.