Synopsis:
Sidra didn’t murder her husband. Yet even a jinni can’t wish away a wrongful imprisonment. Determined to prove her innocence, she returns to her adopted home—a French village renowned for its perfume witches—with her friends Elena and Yvette by her side. Here is where Sidra’s true destiny awaits, but danger also lurks in the village’s narrow lanes.

On her trail is Jamra, another jinni, who’s after more than revenge for the murder of his brother. He also seeks vengeance for the indignities inflicted on jinn by mortals over the centuries. When he learns of an ancient relic capable of unleashing chaos on the world, and that the weapon is in the hands of his murderous sister-in-law, he vows to destroy Sidra to get it.

Relying on a sisterhood of magic, a mysteriously faithful dog, and a second-rate sorcerer, Sidra defends herself using the village’s greatest asset: its perfume. It’s as beguiling a lure as it is a formidable shield. But is it enough for Sidra to protect herself and those she loves from powers yet to be released?

Review:
This book had so much packed into it; excellent descriptions and worldbuilding in the already known Vine Witch universe. There are great quips, amazing showcases of magic that still leave the reader in belief that there is a serious issue that they may not be able to solve regardless of that helpful addition. I love that Sidra is told, while trying to hide away and feeling bad for herself that you can’t you cannot just hide away from the world and that your path doesn’t stop halfway through your life- you have to keep moving.

Perfume plays a large role in this book and it was interesting how magic became entwined with scent. The ability or belief in ability to create and do things was also brought up multiple times: “Intention, always, is the force behind any magic.” (Page 111, Chapter 17) I also quite enjoyed how Elena compared the three friends to perfume and it made me wonder if all friend groups are a bit like that- a dependable one with an overpowering personality that will always be there for everyone, one who sees the value in others, and one in the middle that binds everyone together.

Great series by a truly gifted author, surprised I waited so long to finish it as I bought the book in 2021 but as many good things, perhaps it is hard to know that once you’ve finished it, the story is over.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯