witches

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 Heavy Meddle Magic by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When witch Astra Arden and her best friend Detective Emma Sullivan are sent to investigate a string of arson cases in the psychic medium capital of the world, they get more than they bargained for.

Investigating a spate of mysterious arson cases in Cassandra, Florida–the self-proclaimed psychic medium capital of the world—Astra and Emma juggle accusations from the town’s eccentric inhabitants as well as the mayor’s questionable relationship with their boss.

With Halloween tourists flooding the place, ghostly inhabitants of the famous haunted town vanishing, and homes along Main Street going up in smoke, the stakes have never been higher.

Is there a conspiracy wafting through the homes of Cassandra like a poisonous incense? Or is it just filled with super weird people that need to take their heads out of their sage smoke?

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

Review:
I absolutely loved how many different parts of the area and Astra’s relationships we got to see more in depth and growth in. This was the first of the “holiday” themed books in the series, starting off strong with Halloween. It’s interesting to see how Astra and her sisters had been truly sheltered/kept from the world in some ways regarding a nearby town and not being able to celebrate a holiday that, while perhaps not Athena’s, is universally known as a witchy one. Ayla, Astra’s 13 year old sister, plays a giant role in this book, but honestly, parts with her were somewhat frustrating to read because of how well the author portrayed a girl who feels uncertain of her place in life and as if no one listens to her or includes her in anything. Seeing more of Jason and the revelations about his life and how he grew up were awesome; now we just need Astra to DO SOMETHING. The proverbs used were spot on, specifically, catching more flies with honey than vinegar. The information about different culture’s use of things such tobacco, and their believe in things such as skinwalkers “a type of witch who can turn into, possess, or disguise themselves as animals” (chapter 13, page 221) was well done/used. The mention of how Athena gets the warriors who died trying to resolve conflict and crazy berserkers hang out with Ares seems on brand for both of them. The snark between Emma, Astra, Archie and the gang is always hilarious. “The library of Alexandria held only a fraction of the knowledge contained within my adorable featherhead.” (Chapter 18, page 302) The best quip came from Ayla in this one, though, “…when you’re completely trapped and there’s no way out, when you don’t know what to do? Truth pops up, and today it popped out of your mouth.” (Chapter 19, page 322)

All in all, quite enjoying this series and looking forward to continuing on! I’m already most of the way through the next book, which is the Yule/Christmas one.

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 Star of Sage & Scream by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden had been through it all. After fifteen years of serving in the witch military, she thought she’d spend the rest of her life with their pink berets, dramatic drumming, and secret ops. But when the military was abruptly disbanded, Astra was left without a purpose.

Now thirty-three and living in her childhood home of Forkbridge, Florida, with a disapproving mother and three distant sisters, Astra has no idea what’s in store for her. That is, until a talking owl, sent by the goddess Athena, appears with a special mission: Astra must unravel a potential murder lurking in the shadows of Forkbridge, and stop it before it can take place.

In The Owl Star Witch Mysteries, join Astra as she combines her military expertise with a bit of magical sleuthing to uncover the truth. This novel-length paranormal cozy mystery is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

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

Review:
I quite liked this book and found it both easy to fall into and easy to read. The style of writing was pretty cool and unique; first person and with enough snark that we truly get to know the MC and not feel like we’d just reading a diary. It’s obviously written in a way that the MC knows that people are reading about her life because she does stop to explain things about what witches like or the world she lives in- a clever way to get around show, not tell without taking away from the overall story. I quite enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the open ended questions of what exactly Astra is going to do with her life. At this time I’ve already started book 2, though I have gotten swept away by another paper book as well…

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 Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross

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Synopsis:
What’s the worst thing that can happen to a werewolf?

Unable to shift for three months, Mateo Cruz knows all too well. His wolf has taken up residence in his head, taunting him night and day with vividly violent and carnal thoughts. Convinced he’s cursed, he needs the help of a powerful witch before he literally goes insane.

Evie Savoie has always obeyed the house rules of her coven–no werewolves. They’re known for being moody and volatile. So, when a distempered, dangerous werewolf strolls in the bar and almost strangles one of her late-night customers, she’s ready to bounce him through the door. But the desperation in his eyes when he begs her to help him softens her heart and convinces her to bend the rules.

What Evie doesn’t know is that Mateo’s wolf has a mind of his own. And now that she’s in his sights, he wants only one thing. Her.

Review:
I had some thoughts towards the beginning that this would turn into a “mates” situation. This story was cute, but it wasn’t overly gripping. It was quite slow burn, but every time there was something that would allegedly keep the pair apart everyone was suddenly saying oh but Mateo’s nice and he makes you happy. Labeled as “slow burn”, it’s more that both characters were too indecisive to actually make a move.

Evie is different, and the one thing that I think makes this actually realistic is that she is conscious and a bit worried that she isn’t enough because of that. The characters seem absolutely oblivious to their feelings both of and towards each other despite both being in the 30s. That being said, 99% of the book is actually about Mateo and Evie and their connection, with the pair minimal going towards magic/the hex that is allegedly the entire reason Mateo reached out to Evie to begin with. The spicy scenes need some language revamp with expression such as “little lady” and “lady parts” used by Evie.

I felt there were far too many pop culture references, with huge chunks of the novel being about Evie’s love of Star Wars. Never did get into any interests of Mateo, and spent minimal amount on magic/spells. Did enjoy the characters and the world set in New Orleans, but not enough to delve back/continue with this series.

Star rating: ✯✯