Book Review: Enchanted to Meet You (Witches of West Harbor) by Meg Cabot

Enchanted to Meet You is the first book in the Witches of West Harbor series by Meg Cabot. In her teenage years, lovelorn Jessica Gold cast a spell that went disastrously wrong, and brought her all the wrong kind of attention—as well as a lifetime ban from the World Council of Witches. So no one is more surprised than Jess when, fifteen years later, tall, handsome WCW member Derrick Winters shows up in her quaint little village of West Harbor and claims that Jess is the Chosen One. Not chosen by West Harbor’s snobby elite to style them for the town’s tricentennial ball—though Jess owns the chicest clothing boutique in town. And not chosen finally to be on the WCW, either—not that Jess would have said yes, anyway, since she’s done with any organization that tries to dictate what makes a “true” witch. No, Jess has been chosen to help save West Harbor itself. But just when Jess is beginning to think that she and Derrick might have a certain magic of their own—and not of the supernatural variety—Jess learns he may not be who she thought he was. And suddenly Jess finds herself having to make another kind of choice: trust Derrick and work with him to combat the sinister force battling to bring down West Harbor, or use her gift as she always has: to keep herself, and her heart, safe. Can she work her magic in time?

Enchanted to Meet You is an entertaining and engaging romance. I like that the action and mystery of the story is balanced with the romance. Even as readers are getting to know Jessica and her circle of friends, as well as Derrick and his thoughts on things, the romantic feelings never overcome common sense and the ties of friendship, which I really appreciate. Being a Connecticut native myself, I could see echoes of some of our shoreline towns, and recognized some of the inherent snobbery that does happen, in very similar ways to what as shown in the book. But, the close knit and found family aspects of the town and the story are just as realistic. I thought the magical aspects of the story were well built, and the way the characters reacted to their part in the magic, was all very well written. I enjoyed the read and look forward to the continuation of this series.

Enchanted to Meet You is an engaging romance with significant character development. 

Early Audiobook Review: After the Forest by Kell Woods, Narrated by Esther Wane

After the Forest by Kell Woods, with the audiobook narrated by Esther Wane, is currently scheduled for release on October 3 2023. Twenty years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people starving in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, though: the witch's grimoire, secreted away and whispering in Greta's ear for the past two decades, and the recipe inside that makes the best gingerbread you've ever tasted. As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her mysteriously addictive gingerbread, not to mention the rumors about her childhood misadventures, is a source of gossip and suspicion. And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta's magic—magic she is still trying to understand—may be the only thing that can save her. If it doesn't kill her first.

After the Forest takes a unique look at several fairy tales, and ties the together. I have seen this done before, but not with this particular set of tales or quite so thoroughly. I liked getting to see Greta and Hans grown up (for the most part) and how their lives have continued on, and how life has progressed for the poor people struggling to survive. I liked the blend of real life, struggle, and magic. I thought the characters were well built, and while I often disagreed with their choices or words, I fully understood what they took that path. There were some moments that I thought Greta was far too naïve or overlooking what I thought was obvious, but I have to admit that the ride was quite the adventure. I was emotionally invested as I listened, and even when it was over I found myself thinking about the story and the characters. I would definitely read a follow up book about what comes next for several sets of characters. 

After the Forest is a engaging and entertaining read that ties together a collection of classic fairy tales in a new way, with a different look at 'ever after'. 

Book Review: What the Hex by Jessica Clare

What the Hex by Jessica Clare is the follow up to Go Hex Yourself. It can be read as part of the series, but stands up as a stand alone as well. Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it. Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone). Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?

What the Hex is a romance with a nice balance of mystery and magic in the mix. While readers that read the first book in the series will have a head start in knowing the characters and set up of the witch/familiar details in this world, I think new comers to the author will be able to catch on quickly, and be interested enough to go back and read what they already missed. I listened to the first book, so it took me a bit to get into the groove of the story after switching format, but I still really enjoyed the read. I thought the character development was well done, and I really got into the mystery and suspense elements. I thought the story did a good job of moving a larger plot line ahead along with the romance, and I look forward to seeing how the witch and familiar society changes and who finds their happy ever after next. 

What the Hex is a solid romance and a good continuation of the series. I look forward to the next installment.

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: Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson was release on October 1st 2022. Essie Winterscale lives in a huge and ever-changing house in the village of Good Winter, in deepest, darkest Essex. She lives with various witches of various ages, one of whom is still a bit salty about having been burned at the stake in 1635, one who keeps accidentally casting fertility spells, and one who knits things that create the future. All Essie ever wanted was to have a normal life but in the end she found herself drawn back to Beldam House because she just can’t stop her witchiness (although the ability to instantly chill wine is pretty awesome, even she has to admit). Into this coven of chaos stumbles gorgeous, clueless Josh, their new landlord – and he’s just discovered his tenants haven’t paid rent since the 1700s! As Josh is drawn further into the lives of the inhabitants of Beldam House, Essie is determined to keep him at broomstick’s length. That is, until a family secret, lying hidden for centuries, puts Josh firmly under her spell.

Hex Appeal has a lot to it, much more than I expected to be honest. I thought the character work on Essie, Josh, and the whole town was very well done, as was the world and story building surrounding the witchiness of Essie's home and family. I liked the balance of romance, mystery, and danger that is woven through the story, and even when I expected a twist I rarely anticipated all of the pieces before the story revealed them. I thought that magical aspects of this book were my favorite, and would enjoy a book just about how Bedlam house came to be, and how the magical combinations and shifts were started and how they continue- the house and its residents fascinated me and I want more. I think there is room for more to be told here, beyond my personal desire for more history. There is plenty of room for sequels or campion books, despite the very satisfying ending this book provided. I would love to revisit the characters and world that was created here. 

Hex Appeal is a solid witchy romance, with solid world and character building.

Book Review: Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter

Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter is a collection of shorter works featuring heroines Jane Yellowrock and Nell Ingram, as well as a host of other characters from the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series.  From a vampire-filled Halloween evening in New Orleans to the searing tale of how a certain were-leopard first got his spots, this collection has something for everyone, and each story is sure to put the super in supernatural. With eighteen stories in all, Of Claws and Fangs will enrich and entertain—it’s a must-have for Faith Hunter’s readers and all lovers of fantasy.

Of Claws and Fangs  is a collection of vignettes, short stories, and a novella all from the world of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood. Those that subscribe to the newsletter and follow Hunter online might have seen some of these stories previously, but most will be brand new to readers. I loved getting a look at some of the moments between the stories I have read and particularly moments from characters the generally do not get to have their thoughts shared. I loved that some of these stories tie the characters I felt I have come to know well, and those that always seem on the periphery, closer together in ways I never expected. This was a great collection and I think all fans of Hunter's work will enjoy it very much. 

Of Claws and Fangs is a must have for fans of Faith Hunter. For those that prefer to listen, the audiobook version is available, and extremely well done. 

Book Review: Boss Witch (Fix-it Witches) by Ann Aguirre

Boss Witch by Ann Aguirre is the second book in the Fix-it witches series. While returning readers will have a better understanding of the characters and set up, I think it can also be enjoyed as a stand alone. 

Clementine Waterhouse is a perfectly logical witch. She doesn't tumble headlong into love. Rather she weighs the pros and cons and decides if a relationship is worth pursuing. At least that's always been her modus operandi before. Clem prefers being the one in charge, always the first to walk away when the time is right. Attraction has never struck her like lightning, until the witch hunter comes to town.  Gavin Rhys hates being a witch hunter, but his family honor is on the line, and he needs to prove he's nothing like his grandfather, a traitor who let everyone down. But things in St. Claire aren't what they seem, and Gavin is distracted from the job immediately by a bewitching brunette with a sexy smile and haunting secrets in her eyes. Can the bossiest witch in town find a happy ending with the last person she should ever love?

Boss Witch is a great follow up to Witch Please. I like that we get to see Clem's story, even as returning readers will see the overlaps of Danica's love story as well. I thought the dual points for view from Clem and Gavin was very well done. It gave the reader a much bigger picture of what was happening and what insecurities and outside complications were impacting the relationship. I liked the depth of the story, and the way the hunter versus witch dynamic played out, and I thought the resolution was a little too perfect, but I really enjoyed it. Just like in the first book, I enjoyed the support system in the town, magical and not. The community of St Claire is written so well that I rather want to move there. I also enjoyed Clem setting boundaries and figuring out how to balance what she wants and needs from the people in her life without being too nice or harsh about it. I think we all need to take a page from her book and do the same.

Boss Witch is an engaging read that fans of the author are going to need to read. 

Book Review: What the Fang? (Undead Ever After) by Stacey Kennedy

What the Fang? is the first book in the Undead Ever After series by Stacey Kennedy. Willa Farrington’s magic is broken. Shunned by her coven for failing to pass the Summer Solstice Rite, Willa escapes to the one place no witch belongs – Charleston, a city that belongs to vampires. Determined to embrace her new life, Willa opens Cauldron Boil Books, and unexpectedly finds some friends among the vampires. One terrible night Willa ends up on the wrong side of a pair of fangs. Thankfully, her captor’s plan is ruined when Killian Constantine, the drop-dead gorgeous Warden of Charleston, shows up to save her. But just when Willa thinks she’s safe, Killian demands to know why she – a witch – telepathically called him for help. Intent on finding answers, the two embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind Willa’s attack and their unusual connection. As they get closer to the truth, the fiery passion between them ignites. Just as Willa starts to think that her entire existence is a lie, deadlier forces come out of the shadows. She will need to believe in her malfunctioning magic, trust bloodthirsty vampires, and cross her fingers that she and Killian make it out.

What the Fang? is a solid series starter. I was quickly invested in Willa's story, and like the way bits and pieces of her story were revealed. I did think the connection with Killian and some of the big reveals were a tad obvious, and a everyone seems to accept and process things way faster than I was quite prepared for, but the journey was still a great deal of fun. Killian was an interesting character, and I can see a great deal of potential with him, but I would have liked to have seen more of his thoughts and past straight from him rather than as he shared with Willa. I think some opportunities were missed there. I loved Willa's friends, and the reactions of some of the vampires to her in the book. I look forward to seeing more of them all in future installments of the series. I do have to admit that Ambrose was my absolute favorite character in the entire book. 

What the Fang? is a paranormal romance that nicely balances fun and danger. 

Early Book Review: Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher is currently scheduled for release on February 8 2022. Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne, the man who broke her teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time. When old feelings make a reappearance—along with Violet’s magic—they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

Not the Witch You Wed is a book that very much reels like the start of a series with a good blend of romance and paranormal politics.Violet and Thorne are the stars of this story. I liked the combination of second chance and fake dating  tropes, and thought the conflicts and groundwork laid for future books was well done. I really liked getting to understand the dynamic between Violet and her sisters, and the connection they have with their grandmother. I thought the balance of characters devoted to happiness and greater good versus power and prestige was on point and fairly realistic. There were points when I got frustrated with the characters or saw something coming well before it happened. However, there were also moments when I was pleasantly surprised by an action or reaction and found myself grinning. I think the balance of this read was well done, and I will keep up with the series if I see it on Netgalley or in the wild. 

Not the Witch You Wed is a second chance romance with a magic twist. 

Book Review: Witchy Coffee by Erin Ritch

Witchy Coffee by Erin Ritch is a magical romance. A fanciful coffee shop run by magical women. A barista that’s still trying to figure herself out. And a small town named Windia where the residents drink coffee and get into everyone’s business. When a stranger shows up in town and puts her family’s coffee shop in jeopardy, Florence Mackenzie has to step in and do something to protect them, whether that’s an Espresso Off challenge, sabotage, or a good old fashioned banishment spell. But after the Mackenize women try to create a buzz by experimenting with a new blend of coffee beans, the residents of Windia suddenly start falling in love with each other. Florence chalks it up to the spirit of the holiday season, but when she starts falling in love (with the competition, no less) Florence starts to wonder if there’s something more bewitching in the air - or in the coffee? 

Witchy Coffee started strong for me. I enjoyed the set up and the combination of witchy romance, enemies to lovers, and small town vibes. That all worked really well for me. I liked the complicated relationship between Florence and her family, and of the town she had left behind. I really enjoyed the secondary characters and how most of the action in the small town played out. I was engaged and invested in how every thing would come together and turn out. The family connections were fantastic, the small town support and quirks made me happy. The added drama of a noisy reporter and an ex just made things more interesting, even if they each had a couple odd moments for me. Then it felt like things went a bit off track. The last third of the book just felt different from the rest, it just felt like all the subtle magic was not enough and a resolution to the romance needed to be created quickly, so everything went into warp drive and it just did not fit in with the mood of the rest of the book. Then the final chapter wrapped everything up way too closely and neatly- in ways that just did not necessarily make sense to me but succeeded in getting everyone what they needed. 

Witchy Coffee is a fun and interesting romance. 

Early Book Review: Awakened (Diablo Lake) by Lauren Dane

 Awakened is the third book in the Diablo Lake series by Lauren Dane. It is currently scheduled for release on October 26 2021. I have not read the previous books in this series. While I think this book can be enjoyed on its own, returning readers will get more out of it than newcomers. 

It’s autumn in Diablo Lake and the town is buzzing with preparations for Halloween, Samhain, Collins Hill Days, and the wedding of the newly elected mayor and her wolf shifter fiancé. Ruby Thorne can’t think of a better time of year to come back for good and open the health clinic she’s been planning for the last six years. Her connection to the town and its veins of magic have snapped back into place, flooding her with a power eager to jump to her call. She has a sense of rightness. This witch is exactly where she’s supposed to be. So it’s not much of a surprise that he comes back into her path just like he was meant to. Damon Dooley has spent the last few years learning how to run the pack at his older brother’s right hand. There’s been upheaval. Outrage. Violence. Old rules have created a silence so crushing it’s collapsed the fabric of not just the wolf shifters, but the town as a whole. And yet, Ruby has returned. Man and wolf agree she needs to be in their life regularly, and before long, things move from serious to something magically deeper. Bound to one another heart and soul, both committed to what’s best for Diablo Lake, Ruby backs Damon as he pushes for much-needed change. But when something falls into Ruby’s lap and she learns the whole, terrible truth, secrets need to be spilled. How—and by whom—becomes the only question.

Awakened is a book with several subplots that fans of the series will be eager to see move forward. Even as a newcomer to the series I was interested in the community drama and how things were going to play out. I thought that there was a great deal of character and world building that was very well done. The families and how everyone was connected and had unique personalities was very well done. That being said, I felt like the relationship between Ruby and Damon was a little too easy. They had the previous knowledge of each other, but spent some time getting to know how they had each changed. They were very open and communicated well about what they needed or wanted from each other, and their commitments to their families and communities and the interruptions that might take place. The majority of tension came from outside, the politics and past that the werewolf pack was dealing with. There just was no will they/wont they or how are they going to come back from this moments to keep me invested in the couple. It just did not grab me and make me care about Ruby and Damon, who were just a little two perfect on their own and together. 

Awakened is a must read for fans oft he series and author, but it just did not capture my attention like past books from the author. 

Book Review: Demon Bound (Crossroad Chronicles) by Chris Cannon

Demon Bound by Chris Cannon is a young adult novel that starts of a new series. When a summoning goes awry, book nerd Meena’s summer job suddenly becomes something drastically different. Instead of cleaning eccentric Carol’s house, she’s bound to a demon as his soul-collector. Soon Meena discovers that the boring, pageant-obsessed, bonfire-loving town that she’s never fit into is a hotbed for soul-sucking demons, demon-hunting witches, and vampires who just wanna have fun. And then she comes into her own powers. Could things get any stranger? Good thing she meets new guy Jake—who gets her and still hangs around. When Jake’s mom sends him off to his Aunt Zelda’s for the summer, he thought he’d be bored. But nothing is what it seems in this town. His aunt isn’t just odd, she’s a witch who fights demons and tries to maintain the magical balance of the town. Jake should get the hell out of there, and he would leave, except for bad-ass newbie witch Meena, who looks at him like he matters. He never counted on sticking around, but Meena’s bound to a demon who wants to destroy her soul—and Jake’s finally found someone worth fighting for.

Demon Bound is an urban fantasy with young and new adults in mind, although fans of the genre of all ages can enjoy it. Meena and Jake are multi layered characters, and I liked that they are not perfect and make some bad choices but ones that made sense in the context of the story and their individual histories. I liked getting to know the secondary characters that are family and friends to Meena and Jake, and the way bad options for good reasons is shown and expressed. I look forward to seeing some more of the secondary characters taking action and becoming even more developed.  The world building to describe the town and the supernatural dynamics was well done and balanced through out the story, showing the strengths and balance that has been created. I will say that while I still have questions about Bane and other demons, and some oft he past fights between the residents of Crossroads, the conflicts surrounding Meena and Jake were well handled and resolved. I did think it came together a bit too neatly, but I suspect in future books many things will come back into play one way or another. 

Demon Bound is a solid series starter that has the promise to grown with its characters and readers. 

Book Review: Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks

Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks is a paranormal romance and mystery, and the start of a series. Selene Blackstone spends her days camped out in library corners with her nose glued to books. In a town like Brimrock, where she’s an outcast, she prefers her book friends to her real-life enemies. They’re a lot less judgmental. The rest of town believes she descends from a family of witches—including her evil witch grandma, Luna. In this case, the truth is stranger than fiction. She is a witch, and she’s cursed for all of eternity. Good thing her to-be-read list is pretty long. Prickly Paranormal Investigator Aiden O’Hare speaks two languages: sarcasm and more sarcasm. He travels the country—and sometimes even the world—investigating strange phenomena with his best friend, Eddie. Their investigations bring them to a cozy New England town called Brimrock, home to fabled evil witch Luna Blackstone. Armed with his dry wit, his bibliophilic love for books, and far too much free time, he’s determined to find out just what happened to Luna. When Aiden meets Selene, he decides he must get to know her. When Selene learns Aiden is in town investigating her grandma, she knows she must stop him. He’s out to expose the truth. She’s out to keep it a secret. Neither expects to fall under each other’s spell, but sometimes love is supernatural.

Black Witch Magic is a good example or a paranormal romance that has a good balance of danger and mystery along side the getting to know the characters as they get to know each other. I really liked Aiden's character, and his self awareness of his social awkwardness and introverted nature. He is well aware of how his bookish tendencies and sarcastic replies can come across and does his best to be himself without causing hurt feelings or misunderstandings. I felt for him as he tried to avoid the holiday festivities without causing problems or making himself miserable.  Selene is just trying to get by in a town that hates her for no other reason than the family she was born into and things outside her control. I was frustrated on her behalf and so glad that she did have a support system to help her deal with it all. I liked both characters and found their interactions to be fun and sweet. I really liked the mystery set up, and I honestly thought someone else would be the culprit when the big reveal was made. I thought the build up was well done, and the world building for that little town was complete. I rather hope that as the series continues that we get to see some of the characters play a role, particularly the friends that were such a big part of both Aiden and Selene's live before they met. 

Black Witch Magic is as much about the magical mystery as it is about the romance between Selene and Aiden. I am interested to see where the series goes next.

Book Review: The Witch and the Beast, Volume 1 by Kousuke Satake

The Witch and the Beast, Volume 1 by Kousuke Satake is a paranormal mystery and adventure  about powerful women and good and evil. Guideau is a feral girl with long fangs and the eyes of a beast. Ashaf is a soft-spoken man with delicate features and a coffin strapped to his back. This ominous pair appears one day in a town that's in thrall to a witch, who has convinced the townsfolk she's their hero. But Ashaf and Guideau know better. They have scores to settle, and they won't hesitate to remove anyone in their way. 

The Witch and the Beast is a manga style graphic novel with action, some gore, and a mystery around exactly who and what the main characters are. Ashaf seems nice and almost weak, until he needs to step up and take care of business, where as Guideau acts tough and uncontrollable but I have a suspicion that she has so much more to her story.  I think the story does a good job of setting up the questions about the major players and getting readers invested in the world that was created here. I know that when I finished the story I wanted to know more about what would happen next, and just how the characters came to be who they are. The artwork is very well done. I think the black and white pages were perfect for the story and style. I did find some of the details hard to pick out on occasion, and found myself squinting at the pages more than once trying to figure out something on a page, but that could be my aging eyes as much as the otherwise impeccable artwork.

The Witch and the Beast is a a graphic novel that will inspire further reading. I think fans of antihero's and complicated bourndries between good and evil will particularly enjoy the read.  

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: A Tangle of Brungles by Shobha Viswanath, Culpeo Fox

A Tangle of Brungles is a children's book written by Shobha Viswanath and illutrated by Culpeo Fox. To summon the handsome Mr. Brungle, a coven of witches stir up the great brungle stew. A lounge of lizards, a mischief of mice and a quiver of cobras are just a few ingredients they toss in to create this terrible broth. But does Mr. Brungle appear? The book is a humorous introduction to some collective nouns.

A Tangle of Brungles is a visually impressive book. The illustrations are bright, bold, and teaming with detail. The texts flows nicely, telling the story of witches looking for love, and naming a variety of collective nouns in the process. I think it was well done although I have to admit some of the rhymes did not work for me, like broth and north. However, overall I liked the flow and the voice in the text. I thought the ending was a fun surprise as well. I have looked up more than a few collective nouns over the years, out of curiosity, and still learned a few new ones in this book. With the sneaking leaning and entertaining  text I enjoyed the read very much, but still found the artwork to be my favorite part. I would gladly study the illustrations over and over again and suspect it will be a long time before I stop noticing new things on each page.

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.