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The Ways of Wayward Witches
“It’s a dangerous time for a Witch.”
The scars left behind by the Blood Massacre of 1888 still run deep through the Witches of Britain a hundred and thirty-five years later. Queen Mara, who led the Witches to victory on that harrowing night, must once again face her old enemy as well as a mysterious group of rebels with seemingly no motive. Tired and ready to retire, Queen Mara wants nothing more than to pass the baton on to her only living heir...
...too bad Lumen doesn’t want to be Queen.
With only a few weeks left until she turns twenty-one and must officially claim the title of Heir to the Blood Crown, Lumen is determined to spend her last moments of freedom doing what she loves best – sneaking out to walk among mortals and getting outrageously drunk at the upcoming Samhain Ball. Fate has a different idea. As a night of debauchery drags on, Lumen is embroiled in a mystery that will rewrite history, shed light on the recent attacks on Witches, and send her on a path to discover the true culprit behind her parents’ murders.
A hundred and thirty-five years in the past, two brothers are the only reason that the ignorant Witches of Gallows End haven’t been slayed in their entirety. Though the Grave brothers’ names may never make it into the history books, that doesn’t mean they’ll be entirely forgotten.
The scars left behind by the Blood Massacre of 1888 still run deep through the Witches of Britain a hundred and thirty-five years later. Queen Mara, who led the Witches to victory on that harrowing night, must once again face her old enemy as well as a mysterious group of rebels with seemingly no motive. Tired and ready to retire, Queen Mara wants nothing more than to pass the baton on to her only living heir...
...too bad Lumen doesn’t want to be Queen.
With only a few weeks left until she turns twenty-one and must officially claim the title of Heir to the Blood Crown, Lumen is determined to spend her last moments of freedom doing what she loves best – sneaking out to walk among mortals and getting outrageously drunk at the upcoming Samhain Ball. Fate has a different idea. As a night of debauchery drags on, Lumen is embroiled in a mystery that will rewrite history, shed light on the recent attacks on Witches, and send her on a path to discover the true culprit behind her parents’ murders.
A hundred and thirty-five years in the past, two brothers are the only reason that the ignorant Witches of Gallows End haven’t been slayed in their entirety. Though the Grave brothers’ names may never make it into the history books, that doesn’t mean they’ll be entirely forgotten.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2023
72 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 16, 2023
I inhaled this book - it's been a long time since I thoroughly enjoyed and laughed alongside a novel. That's not to say this is a cozy witchy mystery - the author was not afraid of exploring the dark and evil parts of the world they had built.
This book ticked all my boxes: witches, vampires, time travel, humour and copious Buffy references. What's not to love?? I really enjoyed the banter in the second half of the book between Lumen and the Grave brothers and my heart broke a tiny little bit in the last 20% at what happened without spoiling anything.
I hope there's a next book as the ending was one huge cliffhanger.
I received this as a free e-arc but have already gone and bought a physical copy to read again and share with my sister who will also love this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Book Sirens, Black Cat Press and the author.
This book ticked all my boxes: witches, vampires, time travel, humour and copious Buffy references. What's not to love?? I really enjoyed the banter in the second half of the book between Lumen and the Grave brothers and my heart broke a tiny little bit in the last 20% at what happened without spoiling anything.
I hope there's a next book as the ending was one huge cliffhanger.
I received this as a free e-arc but have already gone and bought a physical copy to read again and share with my sister who will also love this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Book Sirens, Black Cat Press and the author.
September 4, 2023
First of all, I’d like to say how gorgeous this cover is! The artwork is beautiful. The illustrations between the chapters are also very sweet.
This book honestly has a bit of everything, magical gifts, witches, royalty, vampires, time travel, a familiar, fated mates.. some spice, definitely a slow burn/enemies to lovers (from his pov anyway!).
I loved the magical world the author created with the witches enjoying alliteration, the different locations like Hagsend, the different characters and the different time period vibes. I thought I was going into a cozy witch story, but it had so much more! It was well structured and had me piecing things together in a way that didn't have me guessing what was happening too much but also leading when needed.
Its one of those books that I found myself laughing to, trying not to skim to find out what was happening but also had a bit of a swoon about.
It kept me guessing, it was well paced and I’m really excited for the rest of the series. Whilst this book has lots happening, it still feels like we are only scratching the surface of where the author is going to take us.
I loved the references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
You can tell a lot of love went into writing this book, the characters were so well developed and bursting to life for me.
Really recommended read, I can’t wait for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book honestly has a bit of everything, magical gifts, witches, royalty, vampires, time travel, a familiar, fated mates.. some spice, definitely a slow burn/enemies to lovers (from his pov anyway!).
I loved the magical world the author created with the witches enjoying alliteration, the different locations like Hagsend, the different characters and the different time period vibes. I thought I was going into a cozy witch story, but it had so much more! It was well structured and had me piecing things together in a way that didn't have me guessing what was happening too much but also leading when needed.
Its one of those books that I found myself laughing to, trying not to skim to find out what was happening but also had a bit of a swoon about.
It kept me guessing, it was well paced and I’m really excited for the rest of the series. Whilst this book has lots happening, it still feels like we are only scratching the surface of where the author is going to take us.
I loved the references to Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
You can tell a lot of love went into writing this book, the characters were so well developed and bursting to life for me.
Really recommended read, I can’t wait for the next instalment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
A cozy witchy book with enemies to lovers, time travel and so many fun Buffy references. Lummy was a very unique gift, she can steal other gifts but she can control this gift. When she fights with her friend Ollie in a drunk night, she travell back the Blood Massacre of 1888 and helps two vampire hunters.
October 31, 2023
I was so excited for this because a witchy fantasy mystery is right up my alley. Though that is what the blurb gives off, it is not what I got from the book.
I assumed this would be an adult fantasy because the protagonist is 21. However, It is very, very, very young adult. I'd recommend this to a 14 year old if it weren't for the explicit sex scenes. The protagonist is so incredibly juvenile; her thoughts are grating to read even though I am actually younger than she is meant to be. The back and forth with the love interest was awful—he fell in love, tried to kill her, fell in love, tried to kill her, fell in love again. Was two rounds of that not enough? The entire romance was very instalove, which is insane because they were going for an enemies to lovers storyline. They were enemies one day (or at least he hated her) and then in love the next—no development other than physical attraction on her end, and what he saw in her, I couldn't tell you to save my life.
The mystery aspect was underdeveloped and rushed—I understood the goal of what they were trying to find because they mentioned it explicitly several times, but exactly how they were going about this, I really couldn't tell you. Everything culminates in the last 20 pages or so, but there isn't enough excitement for the amount of buildup. I understand this is a series, but the cliffhanger was placed awkwardly, and I am not even sure the main plot of this installment was completed.
The worldbuilding was the most developed part of this book. I can recite to you exactly everything about the witch government, how it formed, witch powers, their relationship with vampires, etc etc. I don't like that it was very infodumpy towards the beginning, but that can be forgiven. What can't be forgiven is the atrocious amount of pop culture references. This is an urban fantasy, yes, but that doesn't make it any less annoying to hear about buffy the vampire slayer every two paragraphs.
Overall, 2.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I assumed this would be an adult fantasy because the protagonist is 21. However, It is very, very, very young adult. I'd recommend this to a 14 year old if it weren't for the explicit sex scenes. The protagonist is so incredibly juvenile; her thoughts are grating to read even though I am actually younger than she is meant to be. The back and forth with the love interest was awful—he fell in love, tried to kill her, fell in love, tried to kill her, fell in love again. Was two rounds of that not enough? The entire romance was very instalove, which is insane because they were going for an enemies to lovers storyline. They were enemies one day (or at least he hated her) and then in love the next—no development other than physical attraction on her end, and what he saw in her, I couldn't tell you to save my life.
The mystery aspect was underdeveloped and rushed—I understood the goal of what they were trying to find because they mentioned it explicitly several times, but exactly how they were going about this, I really couldn't tell you. Everything culminates in the last 20 pages or so, but there isn't enough excitement for the amount of buildup. I understand this is a series, but the cliffhanger was placed awkwardly, and I am not even sure the main plot of this installment was completed.
The worldbuilding was the most developed part of this book. I can recite to you exactly everything about the witch government, how it formed, witch powers, their relationship with vampires, etc etc. I don't like that it was very infodumpy towards the beginning, but that can be forgiven. What can't be forgiven is the atrocious amount of pop culture references. This is an urban fantasy, yes, but that doesn't make it any less annoying to hear about buffy the vampire slayer every two paragraphs.
Overall, 2.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2023
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
This was a great read, and I'm really excited to see how this book continues in the saga. There were some pain points in the book but minor in the whole scheme of the book.
This book sets place into a magical almost juxtaposition of what our world is now. Where witches, vampires, and other magical beings live among mortals and "halflings". This was such an interesting concept and it made me truly feel like I wasn't just listening to a story but standing right alongside the main character's adventures which really helped with the feel of the storyline.
It was a little confusing with all the characters' names - but this is standard to set up all the moving pieces of the story and there were some moments I had to go back and forth to make sure who I thought the character was, was actually who they were. I also LOVED the spicy aspects of the book, it was like I was the one experiencing it through the body of the MC and that was a great visual through the words the author chose. Loved it.
This book is a definite SLOW BURN but when we hit a certain point of the book (with no spoilers to give out!!) it felt like I couldn't keep up with what was happening in the story and left me sort of confused. I know that this is a book with more to come but when I ended it, it just left me in an awkward spot with way more questions than I wanted.
I truly enjoyed this book and really appreciate the chance to be a member of the readers who got to read this book. It's a definite hit and I can't wait to see the future of all these characters.
This was a great read, and I'm really excited to see how this book continues in the saga. There were some pain points in the book but minor in the whole scheme of the book.
This book sets place into a magical almost juxtaposition of what our world is now. Where witches, vampires, and other magical beings live among mortals and "halflings". This was such an interesting concept and it made me truly feel like I wasn't just listening to a story but standing right alongside the main character's adventures which really helped with the feel of the storyline.
It was a little confusing with all the characters' names - but this is standard to set up all the moving pieces of the story and there were some moments I had to go back and forth to make sure who I thought the character was, was actually who they were. I also LOVED the spicy aspects of the book, it was like I was the one experiencing it through the body of the MC and that was a great visual through the words the author chose. Loved it.
This book is a definite SLOW BURN but when we hit a certain point of the book (with no spoilers to give out!!) it felt like I couldn't keep up with what was happening in the story and left me sort of confused. I know that this is a book with more to come but when I ended it, it just left me in an awkward spot with way more questions than I wanted.
I truly enjoyed this book and really appreciate the chance to be a member of the readers who got to read this book. It's a definite hit and I can't wait to see the future of all these characters.
September 11, 2023
Oh my Goddesses! This book is amazing in so many ways, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!
Buffy, MCR, and other late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s references galore! My black little heart be still.
This book was jam packed with all the goods:
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
An array of mythical characters
LGBTQ rep
Found family
Time travel
Spice
The world King created both for the past and present is so detailed and we still have much to learn.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lumen, the FMC, and her orphaned siblings. They each are so unique and held their own as supporting characters.
I’m excited to see more of Queen Mara. I’m interested to see how she processes the info Lumen has for her and in turn steers her reign as it’s coming to an end.
The concept of where and how familiars come to be was fascinating! Nox was such a riot. I think her and Lumen being paired is perfect as they can match each other’s energy, humor, and wit.
The Grave brothers were the characters that ripped my heart out and put it back together again. I absolutely lost it when Lumen made the connection of past and present: “Light shines brightest in the dark.”
This book was so different from others that I read in the genre because I wasn’t able to predict what was going to happen from chapter to chapter. The foreshadowing is top notch that I absolutely went back to reread a few passages and it hit even harder the second time around. I could not put this down! I need the next installment asap!
Thank you so much to Evelyn King and Book Sirens for the complimentary arc. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Buffy, MCR, and other late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s references galore! My black little heart be still.
This book was jam packed with all the goods:
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
An array of mythical characters
LGBTQ rep
Found family
Time travel
Spice
The world King created both for the past and present is so detailed and we still have much to learn.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lumen, the FMC, and her orphaned siblings. They each are so unique and held their own as supporting characters.
I’m excited to see more of Queen Mara. I’m interested to see how she processes the info Lumen has for her and in turn steers her reign as it’s coming to an end.
The concept of where and how familiars come to be was fascinating! Nox was such a riot. I think her and Lumen being paired is perfect as they can match each other’s energy, humor, and wit.
The Grave brothers were the characters that ripped my heart out and put it back together again. I absolutely lost it when Lumen made the connection of past and present: “Light shines brightest in the dark.”
This book was so different from others that I read in the genre because I wasn’t able to predict what was going to happen from chapter to chapter. The foreshadowing is top notch that I absolutely went back to reread a few passages and it hit even harder the second time around. I could not put this down! I need the next installment asap!
Thank you so much to Evelyn King and Book Sirens for the complimentary arc. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2024
I received an Advanced Review Copy of this for free, opinions are my own. Thank you to Booksirens and the publisher.
Rating this at a 3 feels wrong but I just can't go to a 4 given the few things that really bothered me. (Probably a 3.5 realistically, if I could) The first half of this book is a little slow. It isn't bad, it just isn't super intriguing. The last quarter of this book, I could NOT put down. It was all coming together so well and I am obsessed with that section. However, I was getting closer and closer to the end thinking, "there's no way she can wrap this all up." Well, I was right. It just ends with no sort of conclusion AT ALL. I got a different copy of the book just to see if mine got cut short because it felt so abrupt. I'm fine with cliffhangers in books but this felt like mid scene, mid chapter cut off. I do recommend this book but maybe wait until the second one comes out.
Rating this at a 3 feels wrong but I just can't go to a 4 given the few things that really bothered me. (Probably a 3.5 realistically, if I could) The first half of this book is a little slow. It isn't bad, it just isn't super intriguing. The last quarter of this book, I could NOT put down. It was all coming together so well and I am obsessed with that section. However, I was getting closer and closer to the end thinking, "there's no way she can wrap this all up." Well, I was right. It just ends with no sort of conclusion AT ALL. I got a different copy of the book just to see if mine got cut short because it felt so abrupt. I'm fine with cliffhangers in books but this felt like mid scene, mid chapter cut off. I do recommend this book but maybe wait until the second one comes out.
February 15, 2024
Princess Lumen is about to turn twenty one and she is not thrilled with the fact that she will be in line to take over for Queen Mara. Lumen has secrets that she uses but no one is aware of them. Enemies are near and Lumen finds herself embroiled in danger.
I don't want to reveal too much because this story is filled with characters you want more from. I thought this did have a little bit of a cozy mystery feel but it is so rich with other genre's that you are immersed into a magical world. I thought it exceeded expectations. Anxious to read the next book, hope it is soon. Brilliantly done.
I don't want to reveal too much because this story is filled with characters you want more from. I thought this did have a little bit of a cozy mystery feel but it is so rich with other genre's that you are immersed into a magical world. I thought it exceeded expectations. Anxious to read the next book, hope it is soon. Brilliantly done.
September 11, 2023
I am obsessed! I dont say this often, but it had just the right mix of everything, and I'll admit I'm a sucker for a novel magic system.
Kinda mad about the cliffhanger of an ending, but glad to know more is coming...
Kinda mad about the cliffhanger of an ending, but glad to know more is coming...
August 18, 2023
I NEED BOOK 2 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!It's my own fault for deciding to read a volume with "Book 1" in the title, but I didn't anticipate I would get sucked in so quickly and be compelled to see where this story goes next!
The Ways of Wayward Witches ticked all my boxes:
-Sassy, take-no-crap, female protagonist who is loveable (but also powerful and dark)
-Time travel!
-Witches, warlocks, vampires, magical creatures
-Handsome, mysterious, enemies to lovers romance
-Amazing foreshadowing that had me flipping back chapters to check details
-LGBTQ characters
-Smart aleck animal sidekick
-Hints/groundwork for future books that are not painfully obvious or distracting but are instead intriguing
The author is skilled at creating tension- I rushed through the last few chapters just to find out what happened and had to go back and read them again when I wasn't so stressed! She masterfully describes characters and locales in a way that the reader just accepts them as fact and fully formed, as if they preexisted in our own world, without making you read through pages of clumsy details. Thank you for this fun romp, I can't wait to read the next installment.
The Ways of Wayward Witches ticked all my boxes:
-Sassy, take-no-crap, female protagonist who is loveable (but also powerful and dark)
-Time travel!
-Witches, warlocks, vampires, magical creatures
-Handsome, mysterious, enemies to lovers romance
-Amazing foreshadowing that had me flipping back chapters to check details
-LGBTQ characters
-Smart aleck animal sidekick
-Hints/groundwork for future books that are not painfully obvious or distracting but are instead intriguing
The author is skilled at creating tension- I rushed through the last few chapters just to find out what happened and had to go back and read them again when I wasn't so stressed! She masterfully describes characters and locales in a way that the reader just accepts them as fact and fully formed, as if they preexisted in our own world, without making you read through pages of clumsy details. Thank you for this fun romp, I can't wait to read the next installment.
August 25, 2023
** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The worst part of loving an ARC is that I know I'll have to wait even longer for the sequel to come out!
Theres was so much that I enjoyed: the magic system, the plot, the romance, the characters—but there were just a couple of issues that kept me from giving it five stars.
The first was the presence of some repetition which really interrupted the flow of the narrative, but it might very well be fixed by the time the book is published.
As much as I enjoyed the main romance, I wish the build-up had been a bit more slow burn. The way that they are just immediately horny for each other undermines the pining and biting remarks, and the payoff for the enemies-to-lovers route is less satisfying when it finally comes to fruition.
One of the main issues I had was that the ending felt rushed, and it somewhat undid a lot of the tension created in the final third of the novel. Because the main character begins to embark on a whole new adventure at the very end of the book, it almost feels like the end of a chapter rather than the end of a novel.
Finally (I will admit this is one of my personal pet peeves, so mayhaps I made a bigger deal of it than was needed) there are not one, but two of the "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" trope.
But overall, this was a great story with phenomenal edge-of-your-seat moments and out-of-the-blue reveals. Like I fully gasped at one point.
The humor was on point, but still did not get in the way of the more emotionally wrenching moments (and trust me, my emotions were wrenched).
"Here, bright child. One of the Sisters, Three.
Where are the others? A carnage you will not see.
For the best, bright child. Hidden within the darkness lies,
And woe betide the Witch that darkness spies.
Beware... the child is the mother, the mother is the child,
Wicked! The nameless, what of the grandchild?
A change, it comes, I feel it in my bones,
The answer you seek can be found in the tomes.
A lost mate? Oh tall, dark, and handsome is he!
But the wall that you build has a door, and he has the key.
The Goddesses! They walk, tired from eternity,
New fates! They will each pick one of the Sisters, Three.
A century and half again until you meet these:
A slaughter, a villain, a mate, and the fate of thee."
The worst part of loving an ARC is that I know I'll have to wait even longer for the sequel to come out!
Theres was so much that I enjoyed: the magic system, the plot, the romance, the characters—but there were just a couple of issues that kept me from giving it five stars.
The first was the presence of some repetition which really interrupted the flow of the narrative, but it might very well be fixed by the time the book is published.
As much as I enjoyed the main romance, I wish the build-up had been a bit more slow burn. The way that they are just immediately horny for each other undermines the pining and biting remarks, and the payoff for the enemies-to-lovers route is less satisfying when it finally comes to fruition.
One of the main issues I had was that the ending felt rushed, and it somewhat undid a lot of the tension created in the final third of the novel. Because the main character begins to embark on a whole new adventure at the very end of the book, it almost feels like the end of a chapter rather than the end of a novel.
Finally (I will admit this is one of my personal pet peeves, so mayhaps I made a bigger deal of it than was needed) there are not one, but two of the "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" trope.
But overall, this was a great story with phenomenal edge-of-your-seat moments and out-of-the-blue reveals. Like I fully gasped at one point.
The humor was on point, but still did not get in the way of the more emotionally wrenching moments (and trust me, my emotions were wrenched).
December 31, 2023
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from booksirens for giving my two cents. We meet witching princess Lumen who is turning 21 soon and will be names Heir to her grandmother's throne. Queen Mara is the only biological family she has left after the demise of her parents. She has adoptive siblings, all those who's parent have perished as well. Everyone thinks Lumen is gift-less...but on thr contrary she isn't, but no one else knows that. She "steals" the gifts of other witches and that's what happened that frightful night...she has her parents gifts. There is danger afoot and Lumen is determined to find out. When in town she is surrounded by 2 brutes to only be saved by a vampire who knows her name...but how? At the party she sees her man with a servant and then he grabs her and she breaks his nose...but then the next thing she knows she's woken up in a field...In a different time period...it dawns on Lumen that she used Ollie's gift. In a town that is known to dampen magic she meets vampire hunter, Aaden, a halfling Witch and his familiar. On the other journey back to find his brother, Lumen and Aaden comes across vampires then all of a sudden a black mist takes form and voila a familiar for Lumen named Nox. Once they reach their destination, Aadens brother Kol wants nothing to do with her. A vampire hunter as well, kol listens to Lumen's story about how the war will happen on Samhain and she needs to help stop the war but how? Lumen is thrust into the life of a vampire hunter, learning more about the blight and trying to understand what it all means and what it has to do with her. Danger, drama, betrayal and following one's heart make this a great read. Book two please!!
August 25, 2023
Oh my gooooosh.
I happened to find this ARC and was SO excited when I was chosen to read and review for free as I love any witchy/supernatural romances. But this one set itself apart completely.
The premise starts with a world of witches, vampires, and wolves. Our main character, Lumen, is a reluctant witchling princess with a secret to keep. Nobody alive knows what her Gift is. She has her reasons. But now in one emotional moment we are taken back in time close to a moment in history we know as the Blood Massacre.
There we meet halfling brothers Aaden and Kol. Cue vampire hunting and tavern shenanigans and, inevitably, heartbreak and grief in ways you will not see coming.
I love that witches in this book aren’t inherently good or evil. They may dabble in the dark but they aren’t all one or all the other. If you are expecting The Good Witch this may not be for you (but it is totally worth it). Her demonic, murderous little sister is my favorite character and I want more. I adore daemon familiars and I’m jealous I don’t have one. The author does a great job showing and explaining prejudices within and about the different sects that exist and I can’t wait for more to unravel and to be revealed.
Let me say… holy cliffhanger! Not nice! But it was well done and left me wanting more. From one supernatural society to the next supernatural society! Allons-y!
I am so excited to be starting this at the very beginning and can’t wait for all of the updates from the author. I think they did an amazing job connecting all the different characters that come to a climax at the end. I need more! They took me to the highest highs and then the lowest lows. I, personally, am all for Lumen’s dark side and I appreciate the honesty the author used it with.
5/5 for me!
I happened to find this ARC and was SO excited when I was chosen to read and review for free as I love any witchy/supernatural romances. But this one set itself apart completely.
The premise starts with a world of witches, vampires, and wolves. Our main character, Lumen, is a reluctant witchling princess with a secret to keep. Nobody alive knows what her Gift is. She has her reasons. But now in one emotional moment we are taken back in time close to a moment in history we know as the Blood Massacre.
There we meet halfling brothers Aaden and Kol. Cue vampire hunting and tavern shenanigans and, inevitably, heartbreak and grief in ways you will not see coming.
I love that witches in this book aren’t inherently good or evil. They may dabble in the dark but they aren’t all one or all the other. If you are expecting The Good Witch this may not be for you (but it is totally worth it). Her demonic, murderous little sister is my favorite character and I want more. I adore daemon familiars and I’m jealous I don’t have one. The author does a great job showing and explaining prejudices within and about the different sects that exist and I can’t wait for more to unravel and to be revealed.
Let me say… holy cliffhanger! Not nice! But it was well done and left me wanting more. From one supernatural society to the next supernatural society! Allons-y!
I am so excited to be starting this at the very beginning and can’t wait for all of the updates from the author. I think they did an amazing job connecting all the different characters that come to a climax at the end. I need more! They took me to the highest highs and then the lowest lows. I, personally, am all for Lumen’s dark side and I appreciate the honesty the author used it with.
5/5 for me!
January 22, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book BookSirens for an honest review.
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. This book had fantastic character building and seamless cohesion of the fantasy elements into the normal/“real” world. Up until the ending this was a 4 star book. I loved how the secrets and small details throughout built into bigger plot lines, deepening the story. However the ending seemed as if it should/will be leading into a series but I’m not sure it that was intentional. The last few chapters seemed rushed and disconnected from the rest of the story.
This novel tells the story of a witchling (a young witch) almost a full witch with a unique power that she’s kept secret from family. Trying to find her way in the world, who to trust and what to do and the heir to the witch throne while fighting the dangers to herself and her family, vampires, killing witches.
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. This book had fantastic character building and seamless cohesion of the fantasy elements into the normal/“real” world. Up until the ending this was a 4 star book. I loved how the secrets and small details throughout built into bigger plot lines, deepening the story. However the ending seemed as if it should/will be leading into a series but I’m not sure it that was intentional. The last few chapters seemed rushed and disconnected from the rest of the story.
This novel tells the story of a witchling (a young witch) almost a full witch with a unique power that she’s kept secret from family. Trying to find her way in the world, who to trust and what to do and the heir to the witch throne while fighting the dangers to herself and her family, vampires, killing witches.
August 25, 2023
"Light shines brightest in the dark."
I was pleasantly surprised at the breadth of this book! We start with Orela, a witch with 2 sons who dies protecting them. From there we leap to 2023 and Lumen, the eldest of a ragtag bunch of orphans adopted by Queen Mara. All are witches, all have Gifts, some unbelievable. Lumen is actually blood related to her grandmother Mara and destined to succeed her whether she might want to or not.
Addicted to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lumen wasn't keen on becoming queen. She'd rather hang out with her friend who owns a bookshop in Gallows End and read. However, when Lizzie ( the owner) rents the apartment upstairs to a being believed to be a vampire things change.
In this Queendom, vampires are anathema and must be eliminated at all costs. Somehow, Lumen steals another's Gift and travels back in time to the time of The Blood Massacre where her life there intertwines with Orela 's sons ( curiouser and curiouser) and well, I am not going to tell any more of the story except that there's like in the old trophy yet.
Evelyn King is an author new on my radar and I will watching for her now. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
I was pleasantly surprised at the breadth of this book! We start with Orela, a witch with 2 sons who dies protecting them. From there we leap to 2023 and Lumen, the eldest of a ragtag bunch of orphans adopted by Queen Mara. All are witches, all have Gifts, some unbelievable. Lumen is actually blood related to her grandmother Mara and destined to succeed her whether she might want to or not.
Addicted to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lumen wasn't keen on becoming queen. She'd rather hang out with her friend who owns a bookshop in Gallows End and read. However, when Lizzie ( the owner) rents the apartment upstairs to a being believed to be a vampire things change.
In this Queendom, vampires are anathema and must be eliminated at all costs. Somehow, Lumen steals another's Gift and travels back in time to the time of The Blood Massacre where her life there intertwines with Orela 's sons ( curiouser and curiouser) and well, I am not going to tell any more of the story except that there's like in the old trophy yet.
Evelyn King is an author new on my radar and I will watching for her now. Highly Recommended 5/5
[ Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
August 29, 2023
I love this book. I am sad it’s over and cant wait for the next one. What a cliffhanger ending.
I love Lummie and her siblings. Anelace she is wonderful. The interactions of the siblings is on point. The way they became family is sad and a was a bonding point.
When she meets the Grave brothers and their interactions are my favorite. The banter and development of the relationship was fun and kept the story moving. It was very traumatic and shocking. A lot of emotions going on during that time.
Lummie developing her powers and getting control of them was a good way to show her maturity in her role.
The history lesson of the vampires and how they came to be was interesting; always a play for power. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love Lummie and her siblings. Anelace she is wonderful. The interactions of the siblings is on point. The way they became family is sad and a was a bonding point.
When she meets the Grave brothers and their interactions are my favorite. The banter and development of the relationship was fun and kept the story moving. It was very traumatic and shocking. A lot of emotions going on during that time.
Lummie developing her powers and getting control of them was a good way to show her maturity in her role.
The history lesson of the vampires and how they came to be was interesting; always a play for power. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2023
Captivating from the very beginning.
Once I read the first few chapters, I was hooked. I wanted to know the ins and outs of everything behind the first chapter.
Each character is so diversely different from all different backgrounds, but they are family, and that really warmed my heart. From time-travel, to all the different magical creatures, to trying to find who is reasonable for trying to create an army. At first, I thought Lumen was just a princess pushing her limits to see what she could get away with, but then the secrets and lies came into play and more things made sense. I was pleasantly shocked by the changes between Lumen and Kol. Although the ending was a cliffhanger and I’ll have to wait for the next book patiently, it’s definitely on top of my pile of books I just can't wait to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once I read the first few chapters, I was hooked. I wanted to know the ins and outs of everything behind the first chapter.
Each character is so diversely different from all different backgrounds, but they are family, and that really warmed my heart. From time-travel, to all the different magical creatures, to trying to find who is reasonable for trying to create an army. At first, I thought Lumen was just a princess pushing her limits to see what she could get away with, but then the secrets and lies came into play and more things made sense. I was pleasantly shocked by the changes between Lumen and Kol. Although the ending was a cliffhanger and I’ll have to wait for the next book patiently, it’s definitely on top of my pile of books I just can't wait to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2024
Witchy Time Travel
📖 The Ways of Wayward Witches by Evelyn King (@evelyn.king.author)
🎙️ Narrated by Jane Wing (@jane_wing_voiceover)
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️ / 5
I feel like I was completely submerged into this magical world and have just now come up for air. The level of intricate, in-depth world building that Evelyn King achieved with this single book is INSANE.
It was a bit of a slow build, but at some point I was just hooked. I don’t even know where the turning point was, but it GOT ME to the point that I was reading along while standing in line at the post office so that I could find out what was happening next.
I truly can’t even fathom the sheer volume of creativity that goes into making a book with this much depth of history. I’m talking like “Wizarding World” level of thoughtfulness. And this is only the FIRST BOOK! 👀
I can’t wait to find out what Lumen and her rag tag family is going to uncover.
TLDR: Magically intricate time travel adventure with a pop-culture loving witch and her multi-gifted family.
📖 The Ways of Wayward Witches by Evelyn King (@evelyn.king.author)
🎙️ Narrated by Jane Wing (@jane_wing_voiceover)
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️ / 5
I feel like I was completely submerged into this magical world and have just now come up for air. The level of intricate, in-depth world building that Evelyn King achieved with this single book is INSANE.
It was a bit of a slow build, but at some point I was just hooked. I don’t even know where the turning point was, but it GOT ME to the point that I was reading along while standing in line at the post office so that I could find out what was happening next.
I truly can’t even fathom the sheer volume of creativity that goes into making a book with this much depth of history. I’m talking like “Wizarding World” level of thoughtfulness. And this is only the FIRST BOOK! 👀
I can’t wait to find out what Lumen and her rag tag family is going to uncover.
TLDR: Magically intricate time travel adventure with a pop-culture loving witch and her multi-gifted family.
August 27, 2023
Omg. I don’t even know where to begin….
I’ve received this as an ARC, and now it ends with a cliffhanger and IM GONNA DIEEEEEE. i need book 2 IMMEDIATELY?!
Ngl, the first 20% of the book was very slow paced and a bit hard for me to keep up because i’m used to faster paced fantasy. But once you go pass the world building and getting to know everyone, you are THROWN into a faster paced writing with i liked a lot better.
It’s my first witchy book, and i really enjoyed it a lot.
Highly recommend if you are into Witchy books, Witch lore, Vampires , even warlocks.
and enemies to lovers ?! SIGN ME UP.
cant wait to have a physical book so that i can keep because the cover is sooo pretty as well!!
I’ve received this as an ARC, and now it ends with a cliffhanger and IM GONNA DIEEEEEE. i need book 2 IMMEDIATELY?!
Ngl, the first 20% of the book was very slow paced and a bit hard for me to keep up because i’m used to faster paced fantasy. But once you go pass the world building and getting to know everyone, you are THROWN into a faster paced writing with i liked a lot better.
It’s my first witchy book, and i really enjoyed it a lot.
Highly recommend if you are into Witchy books, Witch lore, Vampires , even warlocks.
and enemies to lovers ?! SIGN ME UP.
cant wait to have a physical book so that i can keep because the cover is sooo pretty as well!!
September 2, 2023
I was not sure what to expect here, but wow. I really liked this tale of time and the witches of Britain. Enjoyable characters, fun turns of phrase and some steamy scenes of passion - along with some great fighting scenes. Not sure when the next will be out, but will hunt it down like a vampire to read it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2023
I liked this book. It took a little bit to get into, but the pop culture references really helped me get to a point where I could picture Lumen. This may sound weird, but I wish I had found this book a while from now so that there were more books in the series, because now I'm hungry for what comes next. I've followed the other on goodreads so I won't miss the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2024
This book has everything I love and then some..
Lumen is such a amazingly dramatic but levelheaded witch. The worldbuilding was really fun and at times wonderfully cozy. The Buffy references! The story sucked me in and didn't let go!
That cliffhanger.. just please give me book 2 soon!
Lumen is such a amazingly dramatic but levelheaded witch. The worldbuilding was really fun and at times wonderfully cozy. The Buffy references! The story sucked me in and didn't let go!
That cliffhanger.. just please give me book 2 soon!
December 14, 2024
This was my favorite book that I read this year and I need the SECOND ONE IMMEDIATELY. I will never shut up about this book god it was so good
August 23, 2023
This is a highly entertaining fantasy with witches and vampires and time travel!
The time travel is very nicely connected to the setting representing the present. Princess Lumen is a witch and a spunky, resourceful character who finds herself as the time traveler and all she experiences is connected. Her familiar, Nox, is a scene stealer. I love that the chapters are given clever titles reflecting the chapter content. This is book one of the series so many questions will be answered in the next book. And personally, I was hooked when I saw the date in the heading was October 30th - my birthday!
The time travel is very nicely connected to the setting representing the present. Princess Lumen is a witch and a spunky, resourceful character who finds herself as the time traveler and all she experiences is connected. Her familiar, Nox, is a scene stealer. I love that the chapters are given clever titles reflecting the chapter content. This is book one of the series so many questions will be answered in the next book. And personally, I was hooked when I saw the date in the heading was October 30th - my birthday!
August 21, 2023
The author's writing style is remarkable enthralling, the details and the storyline entrap you into another magical world. Time jumping centuries back, witches, vampires, deceit, romance. I just loved Luna's familiar Nox. Definitely a series I will be following
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
September 18, 2023
5 Star No Spoilers Review!
Hands down one of the most engaging witchy books of late. I may be biased as someone who adored previous work by this author, but I have to say she just has a wonderful way with words.
The world and character building in this book leave you wanting for nothing. You feel as if you know the characters and they come across as real people rather than over fiction-ified like so many are these days.
Every moment of this book is not only well paced, but also well placed. Nothing feels unnatural and everything feels as though it happens all in the right time.
As this is a no spoiler review, I won’t be detailing the one part of this book that made me inconsolably sad, but it was one of those moments that moved the story forward in a way that only this particular event made sense.
I absolutely loved every moment of this book and cannot wait for book 2 and I think anyone who loves a good witchy story will fall in love with this book as much as I did. 5 stars because I can’t give it any more than that!
Hands down one of the most engaging witchy books of late. I may be biased as someone who adored previous work by this author, but I have to say she just has a wonderful way with words.
The world and character building in this book leave you wanting for nothing. You feel as if you know the characters and they come across as real people rather than over fiction-ified like so many are these days.
Every moment of this book is not only well paced, but also well placed. Nothing feels unnatural and everything feels as though it happens all in the right time.
As this is a no spoiler review, I won’t be detailing the one part of this book that made me inconsolably sad, but it was one of those moments that moved the story forward in a way that only this particular event made sense.
I absolutely loved every moment of this book and cannot wait for book 2 and I think anyone who loves a good witchy story will fall in love with this book as much as I did. 5 stars because I can’t give it any more than that!
September 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this modern witchy novel. I liked the author’s take on what it might be like to live in a post-Buffy world inhabited by vampires and witches and I think she did a good job of merging modern elements with the “traditional” witchy and vampiric tropes. The world building was effective and the MC engaging and realistic. Some of the more peripheral characters felt a little one-dimensional and could have done with a bit more development to give them more depth and make them feel more real; but I imagine this might occur in a sequel in which they play a larger role. The romance element was done well although I did find the sex scene a bit more graphic than I expected and it felt a bit out of place in my opinion - but I know level of spice is a totally personal preference. The story was well- paved and interesting and set up the sequel effectively. The one major issue I had was the amount of spelling and grammatical errors, which I found quite distracting. I did keep note of them in the hope that the author might see and sort them because honestly, this could be such a good book without that issue! I’ll definitely look out for the sequel.
Thanks to the author and Booksirens for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks to the author and Booksirens for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
***I received an advance copy for free. My opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.***
I wanted to love this book; the “back” of the book summary made me request an advanced copy faster than you can blink. The prologue is incredibly well written & I assumed the following pages would follow suit. Unfortunately, I felt catfished as I progressed through the book.
Winner, Winner, Werewolve Dinner:
The idea was solid: witches, history, and rebel forces. Yes. Sign me up. I love magical, fantasy books.
A badass heroine who is over the age of 16. I’m tired of the heroine always having to be a teen.
Room for Improvement:
There were so many brilliant ideas. Unfortunately, the way they were stitched together didn’t work. The story seemed to jump around, and an idea never seemed fleshed out enough.
The writing seemed inconsistent. There were certain parts where the writing was strong & it evoked vivid imagery. Those parts were amazing; I could see and feel everything! There were other parts where it felt like it was hastily written together, and used to tie two incredibly written sections together. Those parts had me shifting position or checking my phone.
Pop culture references are amazing when sprinkled in. I love them. I felt overwhelmed with the amount of pop culture references in certain parts of the book.
I overall wanted to love this book. I was rooting for it. In the end I couldn’t quite figure out who this book was written for. Parts reminded me of YA. However parts of it felt as if it was written for me (a 26 year-old who still wants to be magical). While this may not have been the best book I’ve read, I would 100% read more by Evelyn King. It takes a lot for someone to write something & put it out for others to review. Evelyn put her heart into this book, and you can feel her passion.
I wanted to love this book; the “back” of the book summary made me request an advanced copy faster than you can blink. The prologue is incredibly well written & I assumed the following pages would follow suit. Unfortunately, I felt catfished as I progressed through the book.
Winner, Winner, Werewolve Dinner:
The idea was solid: witches, history, and rebel forces. Yes. Sign me up. I love magical, fantasy books.
A badass heroine who is over the age of 16. I’m tired of the heroine always having to be a teen.
Room for Improvement:
There were so many brilliant ideas. Unfortunately, the way they were stitched together didn’t work. The story seemed to jump around, and an idea never seemed fleshed out enough.
The writing seemed inconsistent. There were certain parts where the writing was strong & it evoked vivid imagery. Those parts were amazing; I could see and feel everything! There were other parts where it felt like it was hastily written together, and used to tie two incredibly written sections together. Those parts had me shifting position or checking my phone.
Pop culture references are amazing when sprinkled in. I love them. I felt overwhelmed with the amount of pop culture references in certain parts of the book.
I overall wanted to love this book. I was rooting for it. In the end I couldn’t quite figure out who this book was written for. Parts reminded me of YA. However parts of it felt as if it was written for me (a 26 year-old who still wants to be magical). While this may not have been the best book I’ve read, I would 100% read more by Evelyn King. It takes a lot for someone to write something & put it out for others to review. Evelyn put her heart into this book, and you can feel her passion.
October 23, 2024
I loved the concept of the story and all the characters, but gave 3 stars because the ending was awful. Talk about cliff hanger and unanswered questions… it felt like the author just decided the book was long enough and quit mid chapter.
August 13, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am going to start with I did enjoy this book a lot, but it was bookended with a bit of disappointment. Although I enjoyed this book casually, I did not get invested until about 40% into the book. So much of the first half of the book was exposition and getting to know the siblings. While I understand that most of the exposition was important to the readers' understanding of the story, and I enjoyed getting to know the siblings, I wish it had been shorter. I loved getting to know Lumen's sense of humor, but I spent the first 40% of the book only being able to read a chapter of the book before getting bored and moving on to do something else. Certain things that were mentioned in the beginning I expected to be relevant in the book due to the focus on them but did not become relevant in a meaningful way. Maybe they will come up later, but I lost the satisfaction of keeping an eye out for them.
Once we got past the initial slow start, I did enjoy the body of this book. Aadan and Kol had such a fun dynamic and I enjoyed Lumen's sense of humor. The way she interacted with the modern world by being a witch was interesting to see, and I look forward to learning more about the world. My main issue with the body was completely personal in that the smut aspect of it. I enjoyed the character dynamics so much and was sad when I realized we would not be getting it in the next book.
The ending of this book was underwhelming to me.
I am going to start with I did enjoy this book a lot, but it was bookended with a bit of disappointment. Although I enjoyed this book casually, I did not get invested until about 40% into the book. So much of the first half of the book was exposition and getting to know the siblings. While I understand that most of the exposition was important to the readers' understanding of the story, and I enjoyed getting to know the siblings, I wish it had been shorter. I loved getting to know Lumen's sense of humor, but I spent the first 40% of the book only being able to read a chapter of the book before getting bored and moving on to do something else. Certain things that were mentioned in the beginning I expected to be relevant in the book due to the focus on them but did not become relevant in a meaningful way. Maybe they will come up later, but I lost the satisfaction of keeping an eye out for them.
Once we got past the initial slow start, I did enjoy the body of this book. Aadan and Kol had such a fun dynamic and I enjoyed Lumen's sense of humor. The way she interacted with the modern world by being a witch was interesting to see, and I look forward to learning more about the world. My main issue with the body was completely personal in that the smut aspect of it. I enjoyed the character dynamics so much and was sad when I realized we would not be getting it in the next book.
The ending of this book was underwhelming to me.
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