witch

Review of Owl Spell Broke Loose by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden never expected to find murder at a self-help festival organized by a secretive sect. But when an unexplained storm cuts off all communication with the mainland, she realizes she’d better solve it—and fast.

When Astra Arden agreed to join her best friend on a camping trip to a private tropical island, she had no idea what was in store. But when the four-day festival looks like it’s run by a warring self-help cult, and the island seems to be claimed by a mysterious goddess with a hidden agenda, Astra soon finds herself in a whirlwind of intrigue and secret agendas that she can’t ignore.

As they try to make sense of the clues and solve the mystery, they realize that the danger is closer than they thought, and that someone on the island is determined to keep the truth hidden at any cost.

But with the stakes so high and the clock ticking down, will Astra and Archie be able to solve the mystery in time—or will they become the next victims?

Review:
This book was absolutely brilliant. Betrayal, insanity, Astra having to depend on and trust her magic. I loved how all of the relationships were tested and put through the ringer and that Astra and Archie, through their combined sass, had to try to figure out exactly what is going on. The characterization is spot on and you’re left wondering right at the end whether or not Astra will be able to survive this encounter. I love the use of magic that connect both to ancient India as well as The Golden Compass and Harry Potter; this author clearly has good taste! Looking forward to continuing the series and seeing exactly where Astra finally ends up. This book is the first of the series I’d give a full five stars to; it wasn’t obvious what was happening and there were enough twists and turns to leave you wondering up until the end.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Against Owl Odds by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the star card glows in the direction of a vampire, Astra wonders how she’s supposed to stop him from dying—since he’s already dead.

Astra Arden is a witch with a knack for rescuing folks from precarious predicaments. But when the star card flips over for an obnoxiously rude and dedicatedly evil vampire at a local fundraiser, Astra thinks the goddess may be off her divine rocker.

The mandate is complicated further when another vampire is discovered dead outside Sanguine, the local vampire club where the fundraiser was held—which just happens to be owned by Astra’s best friend’s brother, vampire Rex Sullivan.

Astra must unravel the secrets of Central Florida’s vampire population in order to get to the bottom of the murder. Secrets the vampires definitely don’t want brought into the light.

Will Astra be able to solve the case and catch the killer, or will the mystery remain as elusive as a rare blood type?

Review:
Damian is probably the most annoying of any of the star case potential victims. That being said, everyone does a great job supporting each other, especially Astra with Emma and Eddie. I especially loved Astra’s pep talk to him about how sometimes people aren’t what you think you need but you still try to be there for them/with them; something very reminiscent to things she’d had to work out for her own relationship with Jason. The comical bits were still there and awesome as ever. One of my absolute favourite parts in this book was Archie’s little sugar high from eating jelly beans and skittles. All in all, it continued the story and cases of Astra and Emma and I quite like the new angle that seems to be happening in Emma’s life. The twists and turns in this did seem to be easy to figure out if one thought outside the box, but still fantastic nonetheless.

Full disclosure, at this time I’ve already finished the next book in the series, so suffice to say, I’m quite enjoying the series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Bring Your Beach Owl by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Astra takes herself and her witchy sisters to the coast for a much-needed break, she expects nothing more than a relaxing holiday. But when their cousin Amelia washes up on the beach dead, she knows there’s more to the story than the police are letting on.

With shape-shifting fish lurking around every corner and a sassy mermaid’s secrets churning beneath the pier, Astra has to jump in and protect her sisters while investigating Amelia’s mysterious death—a wild ride that leads the police to point the finger straight at the Arden sisters.

Will they be able to prove their innocence in time? Or will they succumb to the depths below?

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
This book was interesting in that the girls are finally away from their mother and yet disaster seems to follow them. I absolutely love that Emma and Jason are so supportive. It seemed that there was quite a lot of info dump on things that just happened to be relevant from the case by the sisters; and Law and Order couldn’t explain this random amount of knowledge. That being said, quite enjoyed all the new supernaturals we got to experience and learn about in this book. What I really didn’t like was Ayla’s returned crappy attitude. I get that she’s supposed to be 14; perhaps she’ll start getting excluded from things because of it. It seemed that a lot of things could be fixed or stop having such hardships if Astra would wear something else; many seem quite threatened by her Decanus outfit and with good reason. We will have to see if that changes in future books…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Melt With You by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When witch Astra Arden agrees to a Valentine’s Day date with Jason Bishop, she expects a romantic evening filled with chocolates and champagne—not bread and water in a jail cell.

Astra is excited to spend Valentine’s Day with handsome local middle school teacher Jason Bishop—but things take a turn for the unexpected when a retired local teacher Unity Priestpoint turns up dead, shot and stuffed in a trunk covered in magical symbols.

As if the murder of a retired local teacher wasn’t enough, Astra’s date Jason becomes the prime suspect.

In order to clear his name and have any hope of going on their first date, Astra must dive headfirst into the investigation even as her best friend, Detective Emma Sullivan, moves to arrest Jason for murder. Will Astra be able to uncover the truth in time and save their budding relationship before it’s too late?

Or will she be left dateless for the next twenty-five to life?

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
This book had a whole slew of twists and turns, though I did think that the ending of this particular mystery had been a bit easy to figure out. There was a slight shift in language at a few points in this book that took me out of reading because they seemed so out of place. I agree with Althea that I would want to be in a coven of chocolate witches. I quite loved the mention of how easy Archie is to bribe now that he knows about Costco’s Extra Thick Steak Strips. (Chapter 6, page 92) I was intrigued and pleased to learn more about what’s going on with Ayla, though it was sad that all happened at Jason’s expense. Astra remains infuriating about the whole “dating and being close” to people thing and I hope that’s addressed in the next book. I will continue on and look forward to seeing what other mysteries wait Emma and Astra.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl About Yule by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Do you remember the Christmas story about the chain-rattling ghosts who taught life lessons? Well, how about a Yule tale involving a beachfront mansion, multiple Greek gods, an Orphic priest, and a kidnapped divine panther?

Witch Astra Arden expects a quiet holiday with her family and persnickety owl, Archie. She does not expect a Dionysian priest on the Ardens’ doorstep bringing news that the Greek god’s beloved panther has gone missing. Even worse? Dionysus is accusing his sister—the goddess Athena—of the prank, causing a divine argument that threatens to ruin Astra’s holiday.

Astra struggles to navigate the drama between the bickering gods while being drawn deeper into a dangerous mystery that threatens the holiday festivities and the life of the Orphic priest—all because her partner Emma can’t contain her excitement over a real paranormal case.

But as they try to restore peace between the gods, Astra realizes that this may be a mystery far more complicated than she ever could have imagined.

Filled with eccentric gods, a kidnapped divine panther, and a touch of holiday magic, this fantasy cozy mystery will keep you laughing and guessing until the very end.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
This was an interesting take on A Christmas Carol. There are times when Astra’s defiance and disregard for all that has happened around her becomes incredibly frustrating for the reader, so it was nice to see that some higher powers might think it frustrating as well. I did like that we got to meet/learn more about the deities, however, this book was very much disjointed and different from the others. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it almost read like a dream sequence, which, granted the nature of its inspirational source. The gods relationships with Archie is amazing, and I quite enjoyed seeing Archie change and learning more about his place in the world.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Magic’s a Hoot by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Astra Arden returns to Forkbridge, Florida, she’s not sure what to expect. But her mother, the high priestess of the goddess Athena, is beginning to relax, her three sisters are becoming more at ease with her, and even her divine talking owl, Archie, is settling in.

Things seem to be going well until Gloria Fisher comes in for a reading. Gloria suspects her alcoholic husband, Will, is cheating on her, but Astra soon discovers that the “divine logic” behind the situation is much more complicated.

When a painting Will insured goes missing, Detective Emma Sullivan of the Forkbridge Police Department suspects he might be involved in the scheme. Now, with the help of her divine owl Archie, Astra must find the painting, clear Will’s name, and keep his whole life policy in force.

Can Astra save the day? Or will William Fisher’s accidental death insurance pay out? Find out in the Owl Star Witch Mysteries’ third book, Magic’s a Hoot, a humorous paranormal cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the final page.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
A great continuation of the Owl Star Witch Mysteries. There is enough interpersonal drama interspersed with work issues that really draws one in. I love how we continuously learn about how things work in the real world accurately, and oftentimes by a character who learned it by another form of media. This particular read was interesting because the cards had a lot to say. I loved the intricacies of multiple plotlines linked together and how Astra slowly unwinds the knot. I quite enjoyed the Astra/Rex issues and banter and was quite pleased to see the end result. In this book you could definitely feel the pressure of the clock ticking and the need to figure things out ASAP. Looking forward to continuing on in the series in the future!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

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Synopsis:
It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus…

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 being hanged in the 1700s, 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…

Review:
I had wanted this book every time I’d seen it in paperback for ages and honestly, I’m glad I got it on kindle instead because it wasn’t my cup of tea. This was marketed as an opposites attract humourous book but it truly wasn’t. There was a lot of background in Essie/the witches/Beldam House but there isn’t a lot that seems to really spark in Josh. I never really got to the point where I really liked him and/or cared particularly about their romance. An new attractive stranger that Essie seems instantly drawn to- just wasn’t really very developed in my opinion, especially for the hype! I didn’t find it humourous, and it certainly wasn’t opposites attract really either. Marketing this as similar to “Gilmore Girls, Hocus Pocus, and Charmed” really doesn’t do it justice- perhaps the Beldam house girls are a bit like Charmed, but there wasn’t really a romance that drew you in.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

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Synopsis:
I decided that Orion Lake needed to die after the second time he saved my life.

Everyone loves Orion Lake. Everyone else, that is. Far as I’m concerned, he can keep his flashy combat magic to himself. I’m not joining his pack of adoring fans.

I don’t need help surviving the Scholomance, even if they do. Forget the hordes of monsters and cursed artifacts, I’m probably the most dangerous thing in the place. Just give me a chance and I’ll level mountains and kill untold millions, make myself the dark queen of the world.

At least, that’s what the world expects. Most of the other students in here would be delighted if Orion killed me like one more evil thing that’s crawled out of the drains. Sometimes I think they want me to turn into the evil witch they assume I am. The school certainly does.

But the Scholomance isn’t getting what it wants from me. And neither is Orion Lake. I may not be anyone’s idea of the shining hero, but I’m going to make it out of this place alive, and I’m not going to slaughter thousands to do it, either.

Although I’m giving serious consideration to just one.

Review:
This book has everything anyone who loves dark fantasy, YA, and magic schools would love. There are daring heroics, and the constant balance of good versus evil, and the paths/steps that must be taken to definitively choose one. From the beginning you’re left wondering if there’s anything redeeming about our protagonist but she immediately draws you in as the underdog. El is an exceedingly negative person, but she finds herself alone with no allies and insurmountable odds trying to do her best to not give in to people’s expectations of her and not get killed in the process. The problems she goes through, while severe, mirror what many feel and experience regularly when trying to fit in and find a place of their own where they can truly be seen, heard, and appreciated. There is a serious question of nature versus nurture, as she seems to inherently desire to do the wrong thing, but her mother has spent so much time teaching her a lighter path that she finds herself trying to stay on. That being said, while this book is from El’s perspective, Orion Lake, the first of which we hear of in the opening line of “I decided that Orion Lake needed to die after the second time he saved my life,” isn’t quite the glittering perfect hero he appears to be.

While the character depth and development are amazing, the scholomance, a special cylindric school, is quite unique and awesome as well. The school has rotating levels where freshman start at the top and every year you go down. In order to graduate you must go against a large selection of mals, evil magic creatures, and try to get out. A large part of the school’s job is to teach young sorcerers how to fight mal, but also how to actively do magic and whatever their affinity is. Some people, such as El, seem drawn to the dark and must make a choice about how they will continue. The power for magic can be drawn from two things: mana (energy you create) or malia (taking from others). This book could be compared to so many others, and yet, it stands completely on its own with a gothic brilliance that isn’t often seen or appreciated in YA.

All in all this book is amazing and I had to actually make myself come and write this before starting the next. The ending has stuck with me all day since I finished it this morning and I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Cupcake Witch by Melanie Karsak

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The Cupcake Witch: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (The Chancellor Fairy Tales Book 2) by [Melanie Karsak]

Synopsis:
They say the course of true love never runs smooth. That’s nothing a magical cupcake can’t solve.

Buttercream. Vanilla. Fondant. Dark chocolate. Strawberry crème. Brown sugar. Lemon curd. Molasses. Baking has always been my true love. But it wasn’t until I unexpectedly inherited Serendipity Gardens that my bliss called me. Bittersweet.

Everything’s going to work out perfectly as long as the local land baron and his annoying but undeniably handsome son don’t bulldoze my dream first.

I’m going to need a little magic to win this battle, but in Chancellor, a pinch of enchantment is always in plenty.

Review:
This book was brilliant. While there was no real “fairy tale” attached, I think that’s why I loved it so very much; it was a magic all of Karsak’s own. Like the first book in the Chancellor Fairy Tale series, this one also deals with loss. It’s interesting how sometimes it takes losing things for you to find something worth holding on to.

I think that many people end up feeling like Julie and Horatio at some points; it can be hard to find your path when someone older that you respect has tried to lead you one particular way. I loved how this book tied in so many characters from the last, and now we have a bit more understanding why everything might be happening how it is in this town. So glad for how everything worked out, and I absolutely loved it.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Witch for Hire by Molly Fitz

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Witch for Hire (Paranormal Temp Agency Book 1) by [Molly Fitz]

Synopsis:
My name is Tawny Bigford. I’m 35, single, and I love hot showers. Seriously, all I wanted was a hot shower to start my day off right, but when I went to confront my landlady about the broken plumbing, I wound up talking to her corpse instead.

Now everyone thinks I’m to blame for her murder—not the best way to make an impression on the new neighbors, let me tell you. But how can I prove I’m innocent when I know practically nothing about the woman I supposedly killed?

Especially not the fact that she was the official Beech Grove Town Witch. Her former boss—a snarky black cat named Mr. Fluffikins—says I have to fill her vacated role until the real killer can be caught and brought to justice.

So, whether I like it or not, I’ve just been recruited to the Paranormal Temp Agency. Now I need to solve my landlady’s murder, figure out how to wield my newly granted powers, and maybe even find a way to fit in around here.

Yup. All in a day’s work for this novice witch.

Review:
This was a light, quick read and very well written. Easy to fall into, chapters were nice, concise and gripping. There wasn’t a lot of time wasted with flowery words or unimportant details. Everything flowed well and quickly, and the chapters really flew by. It seemed to take next to no time to read this book, even though it is 214 pages (though maybe that’s because I’ve been reading so many 400+ epic novels lately). There was constantly a reason for wanting to turn the page, and no time time.

Naturally I quite adored that Molly Fitz chose an author as the protagonist! How fun is that! That made it even more enjoyable for me. What made this book even more relatable is that Tawny admits to being a flawed individual with a broken relationship in the past, who is single, and 35. I suspect there are many like myself that wonder why there are no adventures or fun stories once you get to around the 30+ age and are female, except those of being a mother. It was so much fun to have a protagonist who is a bit eccentric but still living life.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯