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A Witches Tale #1

Stuff & Things and What Boredom Brings

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Alexandria "Alexi" Elizabeth Carvelle is a typical teenage girl; doing her best to navigate High School, daydreaming of the future, trying to study hard. Her life would all be very normal if her mother had not just passed away leaving Alexi and her father, Christopher, on their own with nothing but a legacy, the only witchy store in Ravenswood - Stuff & Things and What Boredom Brings. On top of everything else, Alexi has now noticed her BFF, Logan...is a boy. 
But all of these things are the least of her problems when a new boy moves into town. His family's arrival disrupts the peaceful life of living in Ravenswood. Their presence has ignited old rumors when they moved into the one place everyone in town avoids, the Haunted Mansion. Suddenly, everything changes for Alexi. The dreams begin and nothing is perhaps what it seemed.

Every town has a secret, but what if that secret is you?

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2011

18 people are currently reading
463 people want to read

About the author

Rue Volley

114 books768 followers
Rue Volley, who also writes as Elle Lee Hicks, lives in the Midwest in an old Victorian house with her husband and a spoiled Pug, crafting immersive, character-driven stories. She loves curling up in her favorite hoodie on rainy days with a great whodunit and collecting book trophies. Rue is a dedicated mood reader and never leaves the house without her Kindle Oasis, an iced coffee, and a list of books to buy.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,612 reviews96 followers
February 21, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Witch’s Tale: Stuff & Things and What Boredom Brings by Rue Volley is a cute Young Adult (YA) coming of age novel. It is clearly the first in a series. There isn’t a huge cliffhanger, however, the story is ended at a clear beginning for the young town folk of Ravenswood. This first Witch’s Tale book is a good set up for the series with a balance of setting and character development along with sufficient action and plot tension.

Alexi’s mother died a while ago, but her dad, Christopher, has diligently raised her. Christopher is a cool dad; he is watchful and involved without being overly controlling. He has adequately covered both parents’ roles. It is not clear how much Christopher knows of his wife’s secrets and has chosen not to share with Alexi versus how unaware he is of his deceased wife’s real identity and “talents”. Some of the ladies in town are particularly interested in the widower; they give off a slightly creepy vibe that that made this reader ponder their role in the overall situation in Ravenswood and with Alexi in particular. Lovable Logan and mysterious newcomer, Kyle, are potential suitors to Alexi, and they provide much of the angst and underlying sense of dread.

A Witch’s Tale is delightful in its creative premise and unique blend of characters. The story has the right amount of rich details to paint the scene, and the pace of the story moves along at just the speed. The story isn’t rushed and it isn’t mired in so much detail that there is no plot. This YA paranormal series is perfect for fans of the Blue Bloods series. I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series.


***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Profile Image for Karyn.
435 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2015

I found myself completely sucked into this story after only being a couple of pages in. This story was a different twist on the paranormal. I am not going to give anything away but the main supernatural being is different from the stereotypes that we usually see. I loved this! The author also incorporated other supernatural beings and infused them with her own vision of how their characters should behave.

The characters in the story were well developed and the main characters, Alexi and Logan, had a lot of funny conversations. Alexi is snarky, sarcastic, quick to anger and apparently has no filter from brain to mouth. I loved this about her. Logan is funny and dramatic which lead to great scenes between the two.

This book beautifully laid the groundwork for something bigger that appears to be coming. Book One was amazing and I cannot wait for Book Two. A Witches Tale left off with a cliffhanger that had me yelling – OH NOOOO!! Queue book hangover…
349 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2012
This is a cute story from Ms. Volley. Alexi and her dad, Christopher, live in a town that no one leaves. Her best friend, Logan is everything to her. Kyle moves into town and has brought many secrets and some he will reveal, some that will change even Alexi herself. Can she save her best friend Logan from what he has become?
Profile Image for Nicole Thorn.
Author 34 books50 followers
January 28, 2018
Oh my god, i've never had so much fun reading a book. My friend and i took turns reading it out loud so we could hear it at the same time. I'm praying for a book two.
Profile Image for Shenanigans.
96 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2013
****POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT****

I didn't finish this book for many reasons. One - I got this book during the release of J.R Ward's Lover Reborn and I was already reading Kim Harrison's A Perfect Blood beforehand so some books were up first on the list. Two - It didn't grab me in the way that it made it impossible for me to put down. And three will be in the following:

I found this book confusing. I absolutely adored the characters - Logan and Alexi together is like a one-two punch I think every book needs in some way, shape or form. And Alexi's dad - PURE COMEDY. That being said that was about the only aspect of the book I really liked. This book is only 251 pages - which is nothing, really - but it still took me about five days to attempt to finish it once I actually picked it back up. Meanwhile, I read two other books in those five days and I didn't want to pick it back up.

Reason four: I forgot what the book was supposed to be about. There was literally NOTHING remotely supernatural/paranormal in this book up until damn near half the book is over. I got about 96 pages of Logan, Alexi and her dad being absolutely hysterically funny, a very strange and frankly, vague impression of Kyle - the new kid and that was about it. As I was reading, I sort of got the impression that Kyle was a Vampire, with the whole pale skin, not being able to eat anything and just his entire aura of weird he had going on. No, not the case at all. He's a Zombie. Which brings me to my fourth reason for not finishing.

Reason five:I don't like Zombie books. Well, I've never read a Zombie book I liked and if I'd known this book was about zombies - which goes back to reason three of forgetting what the book was about - I probably would not have picked it up to begin with.

Reason six: I feel like this book could have used an extra round of editing. At the point where Alexi - Logan actually - finds out Kyle is a Zombie, Alexi is sitting in a movie theater while Logan goes out to find Kyle in a bathroom throwing up blood. Still, Alexi narrated it as if she'd been in the bathroom. No editor should have let that slide. I'm anal almost to the point of obsession about grammar and all the "I am" and "it is" and "Can not" instead of "I'm" or "it's" or "Can't" really, really set my eye to twitching. There was also A LOT of these "...", run on sentences and improper use of commas. It's just my personal opinion, but I'd really prefer to read something where I don't feel as if I'm editing it as I read.

and finally, reason seven: First, let me say that I fully understand and comprehend that this is a work of fiction and is solely written for entertainment purposes. That being said, when Logan did actually find out Kyle was a zombie, he took it entirely too well. Yes, he freaked out later when he and Alexi were alone, but Logan's character - as I perceived him to be - wouldn't have taken it in stride like that. Especially not when he went on a rant about being hit in the nose while playing volleyball and then taking off on a tangent about being a drug addict because they'd given him morphine. Though Alexi's response was to be expected. She laughed when Logan told her - like lots of people would've done. But when Kyle jumped her and bit her - in turn infecting her - she kind of just took it. Which is the point where I stopped reading because I simply couldn't go on.

I hope my review has been enjoyable - way too likely that is hasn't been - but I hope it was at least informative and insightful about this book.
Profile Image for Julie.
920 reviews27 followers
August 26, 2012
Ebook: Stuff and Things and What Boredom Brings (A Witches Tale)
Author: Rue Volley
Fiction, Paranormal,
This review may contain spoilers
Summary: "For a hundred years no one talked about it…all the people, mainly women, who had mysteriously disappeared in this picture perfect town nestled in between lush rolling hills and a lake that stretched out like the sea itself. No one wanted to remember that at one time the ignorance of not knowing was what fueled the mob, and a mob it was, when provoked by bible thumpers and boredom."
Meet "Alexi", not your typical teenage girl, as she invites you into her world in the small town of "Ravenswood". Alexi has suffered a loss, but despite her hidden sadness, she manages to find a shining light in the darkness as she goes on an adventure of a lifetime. Alexi is soon to discover her witchy past and along with her best friend "Logan" and the mysterious new boy who moves to town, that of "Kyle Huntington" , things are set into motion and all of Ravenswood secrets are soon to be uncovered. "Stuff & Things and what boredom brings" is book one in "a witches tale" series by paranormal author Rue Volley (Blood & Light Vampire Series/ Razor Saga/Vampire Fetish series). It is sure to delight with its humour and unexpected twists and turns. This story embraces witchcraft and other paranormal what-not’s.
The Review
WOW just WOW, Miss Rue has taken us on yet another of her fantastic journeys into her head, I love it, I want to move in there Please, I don’t mind pitching a tent, if that’s what it takes, What can I say about A Witches Tale, The characters were just perfect, The star for me was Alexi, she was so funny at times, but then had moments of total anguish, Logan her sidekick in crime, well he was so funny, he came across as a bit gay to start with, but then you realise his utter devotion to Alexi, I adored her dad and so wish mine was like that, he was very open and down with the kids , loved A Witches Tale, can you tell? One of my favourite parts was the chat about Condoms, every girl’s worst nightmare’s the “sex” chat, Rue made me cringe along with Alexi when her dad started going through it with her, I loved everything about this book, I got a little confused about the 100 years part at the beginning but hey, I read on and it was so worth it, it soon became apparent what that was all about, I got stuck in and never looked back, I really was not expecting Kyle to be what he was, I was so shocked, I knew he would be different but was so not expecting that, especially after reading other books Rue has written, I was expecting a vampire, I was not disappointed though, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh, a great adventure, to shed a tear or two, or generally just wants a great book, look no further, I would happily let my daughter read this and she is 12, I really want book 2 NOW Pretty Please with fairy dust on top, you cannot leave it like that, does he or doesn’t he? Will we ever find out, I give this book 5/5
Profile Image for Julie.
920 reviews27 followers
September 1, 2012
Ebook: Stuff and Things and What Boredom Brings (A Witches Tale)

Author: Rue Volley

Fiction, Paranormal,

This review may contain spoilers

Summary: "For a hundred years no one talked about it…all the people, mainly women, who had
mysteriously disappeared in this picture perfect town nestled in between lush rolling hills and a lake that stretched out like the sea itself. No one wanted to remember that at one time the ignorance of not knowing was what fueled the mob, and a mob it was, when provoked by bible thumpers and boredom."
Meet "Alexi", not your typical teenage girl, as she invites you into her world in the small town of "Ravenswood". Alexi has suffered a loss, but despite her hidden sadness, she manages to find a shining light in the darkness as she goes on an adventure of a lifetime. Alexi is soon to discover her witchy past and along with her best friend "Logan" and the mysterious new boy who moves to town, that of "Kyle Huntington" , things are set into motion and all of Ravenswood secrets are soon to be uncovered. "Stuff & Things and what boredom brings" is book one in "a witches tale" series by paranormal author Rue Volley (Blood & Light Vampire Series/ Razor Saga/Vampire Fetish series). It is sure to delight with its humour and unexpected twists and turns. This story embraces witchcraft and other paranormal what-not’s.

The Review
WOW just WOW, Miss Rue has taken us on yet another of her fantastic journeys into her head, I love it, I want to move in there Please, I don’t mind pitching a tent, if that’s what it takes, What can I say about A Witches Tale, The characters were just perfect, The star for me was Alexi, she was so funny at times, but then had moments of total anguish, Logan her sidekick in crime, well he was so funny, he came across as a bit gay to start with, but then you realise his utter devotion to Alexi, I adored her dad and so wish mine was like that, he was very open and down with the kids , loved A Witches Tale, can you tell? One of my favourite parts was the chat about Condoms, every girl’s worst nightmare’s the “sex” chat, Rue made me cringe along with Alexi when her dad started going through it with her, I loved everything about this book, I got a little confused about the 100 years part at the beginning but hey, I read on and it was so worth it, it soon became apparent what that was all about, I got stuck in and never looked back, I really was not expecting Kyle to be what he was, I was so shocked, I knew he would be different but was so not expecting that, especially after reading other books Rue has written, I was expecting a vampire, I was not disappointed though, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh, a great adventure, to shed a tear or two, or generally just wants a great book, look no further, I would happily let my daughter read this and she is 12, I really want book 2 NOW Pretty Please with fairy dust on top, you cannot leave it like that, does he or doesn’t he? Will we ever find out, I give this book 5/5
Profile Image for Kat.
972 reviews32 followers
February 24, 2015
**I give this book 3.5 Stars out of 5**

***I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***


This Young Adult story was a bit confusing for me at first as for the majority of the first half of the book nothing paranormal happens.

But I will say that Ms Volley has really set up the characters and setting for the story well, Alexi is a likeable slightly awkward 16 year old who has lost her mum to cancer and now its just her and her Dad Christopher, Now I quite liked Christopher, he is one of those 'Cool' dads who are the right blend of friend and father, he is there for her, but allows her to follow her own path in the way she structures her life, he doesn't push too hard, but guide Alexi with his love and understanding.

He's also ok with Alexi's BFF being a boy, Logan oh he is so funny, there is lots of #Geekness in these characters and the way they met was so cute and I just loved their banter between each other.

The town of Ravenswood is a bit weird, people never leave and when a new student arrives at school Logan is keen to get him to join their 'Pack', Kyle is reserved but friendly to them both, and they organise a group date to the Cinema.



There is a lot of mystery involved regarding town and its inhabitants and Kyle is not what he seems.


The boys are both interested in Alexi romantically but as Alexi learns more about Kyle, it ends up where Alexi's and Logans futures are in his hands.

A Witch’s Tale hots up on the paranormal level half way through and we find out how Alexi is tied to the town's past. The pace of the story moves quicker for me at this point and I would have loved it to just continue, but I guess we will have to wait for book 2 to find out what Alexi will do next.

I was gifted an ARC so I am not going to comment on the layout or editing as this was before the final version was ready.

I look forward to seeing what Ms Volley has in store for Alexi in book 2


Profile Image for Kelly Marie.
596 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2015
Everything but boring! This is a super fun read! Alexi is a typical teenage girl just trying to make it, but with a twist... a witchy twist. Since her mother passed, all she has is her father and her best friend, Logan. Life is going ok, when all of a sudden a new boy, Kyle, and his family move into town. This is the talk of the town as nothing exciting happens in Ravenswood. Alexi is now realizing she is a girl and her two friends are boys. She is shown a new, paranormal world but she has a hard time accepting this and that her family was, and apparently still is, involved in this world.

"But I come from a long line of the witchy kind, and just like the Alexandria before me I tend to give the finger to stupidity and so I stay and for that I continue my family’s legacy for just being a pain in the ass."

"No curse Alexi, it is exactly who you are…you are a shining example of what people should be, and not the shadow of what they could be.”

“Still old news, tell me something new, like why I am here? Why there are things with wings in there, and pointed ears? Why my headboard giggled and your food moved on your plate and floating violins, the whole crazy lot of it?”

There are a lot of laugh out loud moments and I found myself smiling most of the way though this story. Alexi is an amazing character and very easy to relate to. The witty banter between her and her father and her and her friends is hilarious. She is a firecracker and stubborn but makes you love her character more. By the end she is coming to terms with her witchiness and her feelings for a certain friend of hers. I was given this ARC for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by this author and I cannot wait to read more. This won't be the last.
Profile Image for Tonya.
2,072 reviews10 followers
February 21, 2015
Review from Rising Indies United.

I have to say that I absolutely love Rue Volley. I have read two of her series, Blood & Light and Hellhound, and now this book. Her others are all on my "absolutely must read list". That's not an easy list to get on either. Each of her series are different and very unique. They aren't a story line that I have read over and over again. This book is no different. It is unique also. This review is hard to write because I don't want to post any spoilers, or give anything away at all!

Alexandria "Alexi" Elizabeth Carvelle is just your average, not normal teen. She says exactly what she wants, doesn't really follow any trends. her best friend is a guy, Logan. She slapped him in the face and knocked out his tooth when they were 3. They've been friends ever sincce. Her mom died of cancer, so her dad is raising her. He is a great dad.

Oh and did I mention that she comes from a long line of witches?

Logan Stewart is her best friend. I was laughing at most of their interactions. It was great.

They live in a town named Ravenswood. It's a slow paced town, where things are normal and everyone knows everyone there.

That is until a new family moves there.

Enter Kyle Huntington. He is the new kid. I will admit, I really liked him at the beginning, now I'm unsure. Once he show up, things start getting wonky.

Secrets come out. Alexi will have some tough decisions in the following books.

There are curses, death, magic, creatures, and even more secrets!

This is such a great read, you won't be disappointed reading it! I promise!
Profile Image for Ressa Empbra.
Author 2 books16 followers
July 24, 2012
Review for A Witch's Tale, by Rue Volley: I wanted to give it 3 1/2 stars, but Goodreads won't let me... so here are the reasons for my rating: Parts of the book were a little confusing and the editing was a bit lacking, but overall I truly enjoy the story-line, creativity, and Rue's characters.

Alexandria--or Alexi, as she prefers--comes from a long line of witches, but was born without the gene from her ancestors. Or was she? Not until a new kid comes to town, does anything happen that could even remotely change Alexi's mind about her heritage.

As the story takes shape, secrets about her mom--who sadly passed away due to cancer--begin to surface. A mysterious past is revealed, and the door opens to strange possibilities Alexi could have never imagined.

Alexi has been raised by her dad who, by the way, is probably the coolest dad in the history of dads. He's sweet, caring, funny, and places his trust in a teenage Alexi that most parents would never dare. Their dynamic added a pleasant feel to the story.

The characters are relatable and all have a great sense of humor. I think my favorite is Logan, who is one of the funniest male characters I've read in a long time. His and Alexi's friendship is full of clever quips that had me laughing out loud as I read along.

The story--other than the loss of Alexi's mom--is a fun and pretty light read... until things in the little town of Ravenswood begin to take a dark turn--one nobody could have predicted.

Get yourself a copy of A Witch's Tale by Rue Volley, and find out why!
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,366 reviews47 followers
August 8, 2012
I received this book from the author to give an honest review.

I would have given this book a 4 1/2 since I had some questions on the way a character would act, or the whole deal with Kyle. But overall since I truly enjoyed this book and I did not want to put it down I gave this book a 5.

I truly enjoyed reading this book as it deals with witches and of course I love reading anything to do with that.
Stuff and Things and What Boredom brings is about a young teenager name Alexi who lives in Ravenswood with her father and mother who eventually her mother passes away. Alexi's father is one of those guys that you would love to have as a father. He is written in the book as a cool dad. Later on in the story Alexi learns that her mother and her ancestors were witches. Has it been passed on to her?

With her best friend Logan they uncover really what is going on in Ravenswood and who the new boy Kyle really is. Logan and Alexi are a perfect match together! You can tell that there are feelings there that are more meaningful than just a friendship.
Out of all the characters in the book I have to say I loved Logan with his drama and overreacting of certain things that happened to him or around him.

My only thought on this book is how did Kyle exactly end up as a zombie? I didn't feel as though there was a lot of detail in the matter.

I can not wait to read book 2 in this series, as I want to know what is going to happen next between Alexi and Logan. Also I want to know if the people in the town will be free of the curse that has been in place.
Profile Image for Lisa Markson.
217 reviews35 followers
August 11, 2012
Lisa's review of 
Stuff and Things and What Boredom Brings (A Witches Tale)
By Rue Volley

I received a copy of Stuff and Things and What Boredom Brings (A Witches Tale) by Rue Volley in exchange for an honest review.  I have to say that after reading 2 books by Rue she reminds me of a part in the Wizard of Oz, I'm going to start calling her The Horse of a Different Color because she beats her own drum.  She is such a creative spirit whether it is in her writing, photography, or her jewelry making.  She does it all for her fans.  Not saying she doesn't get self satisfaction but with the many spur of the moment contest and giveaways she is spreading the art to everyone.  With that being said I truly loved, loved this  book and a birdy told me book 2 may be out by Halloween can we say YAY!!!  You can put this book down because if you blink Rue the creative mind that she is changes the direction never knowing who or what some people are till the very end.  The triangle that she created between the 3 main characters was phenomenal and so engaging.  I have to say that there is a part where Alexi is being given a sex talk unsolicited by her father where he asks her "You do know what a penis is". I spit tea out my nose throughout that whole chapter.  Then when she met a woman that was dating her father at the drugstore.  This is must read because alot of the daily routine we have all experienced once or twice in our lives.  So Rue continue to amaze and surprise us all it's ok to be a horse of a different color.
Profile Image for Pam.
916 reviews44 followers
September 21, 2012
Alexi tries to live a normal life, she lives with her dad and hangs out with her best friend Logan. A new boy moves to town named Kyle and suddenly her life changes. Her best friend starts acting unusual and Kyle seems to know a lot about her mother who has passed away. Kyle tells her she is a very important person with more powers than she knows.

The characters are so great in this book that I don't even know where to start. Alexi is a character a lot of girls can relate when they were younger. She wants to have fun without worries. Her dad tries to be cool with what goes on in her life and be her friend more than her dad. He is even dating a woman she doesn't like. Logan begins to want to be more than friends and that causes trouble. Kyle she begins to fall for but then starts to see his darker side. This isn't a love triangle so don't have that worry.

I really enjoyed this book. It has several big laughs in it as her dad tries to cope with raising a teenage girl. I wasn't sure for a while if I wanted Alexi and Logan together but after reading all this book I really hope they do end up together. I think they will be a great couple. You get to see several paranormal things happen as more about Kyle is revealed. I was really hoping to see more of Alexi's powers but I think the next book they will really show. I eagerly look forward to see what the next book brings. I want to know if Alexi can save people or what happens. My first Rue Volley book but I will be reading lots more of them.
Profile Image for Roxanne Kade.
Author 2 books68 followers
March 6, 2015
I’m a huge lover of PNR books, and I was quite excited to read this story because I’ve heard such amazing things about Rue Volley. I will admit, though, that even though this was a good read I wasn’t completely enthralled by it. I think I was expecting a bit more witchery and magic, but the first half of the book could have been mistaken for a contemporary teen drama.
There was mention of Alexi’s witch lineage and the somewhat paranormal past of Ravenswood, but otherwise nothing too unusual occurred. Perhaps it was the author’s way of allowing the reader to get to know the characters without being distracted by everything else going on.

I had a feeling that Kyle was a little more para than normal, and I was intrigued to find out exactly what he was. There also seemed to be a bit of a connection between Kyle and Alexi, and I was excited to see how things would develop. Even once the paranormal elements of this story came into play, I still felt that there wasn’t enough magic and mayhem. There was the incident that changed Logan’s life or rather death, forever, but I still wanted more.

Overall this was a quick read with witty characters that were likeable. The ending promised a lot more of what I was looking for in the next instalment of this series, and I really would like to see if Alexi is able to break the curse and set everyone free, and if she’ll be able to help Logan.
Profile Image for Valerie Mcqueen.
204 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2012
My review of A Witches Tale; Stuff and Things and What Boredom Brings by Rue Volley

4****

This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review.

Alexi Carvelle is a typical teen trying to cope with life after losing her mom. High school is the same boring routine of pop quizzes and pompoms. Her dad is trying desperately to be the cool parent ....even at the expense of her utter embarassment. Nothing much ever changes in the little town she lives in. In fact, its the epitome of a model little community no one ever leaves.
Alexi and her bestie Logan find all kind of antics to get into. Things change dramatically though when Kyle comes to town. Now their duo is a crew. What Alexi doesnt realize is things are far from normal. Kyle holds answers to her past and to her future. But is her a good guy or one of the bad guys? Who can she trust now?
Awesome content! Not your average witch story!!! I loved hearing about the different types of magical creatures brought forth in this novel. I thought the author answered our questions well bit left us wanting more. I would definitely go forward in this series. Alexi is im for a long journey ahead and I dont want to miss it!!!!!
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,896 reviews48 followers
February 3, 2015
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *

I have read a few books by author Rue Volley and each one is so completely different, yet all are amazing reads! She is able to tackle so many different genres, topics, and areas in the books she writes that it seems impossible that they would be related, but each one has that smoothness to them, the plot just flows and the characters seem more like friends than characters when you are done reading! She is able to weave the story so tightly that the reader can picture the scenery, the characters and the emotions that they go through.

This book is about a high school student, Alexi, who is a bit of an outcast, but is fine with it - her best friend Logan and the boy who changes everything....yep....it's dark, it's fun, it's angst filled but most of all it is different. It is not your typical story and nothing about anything that happens is typical - it is fun, quick, and filled with emotion. I loved it! I loved everything about it! I need book 2 - NOW!

Make sure you check this book out! Add it to your TBR list and get it soon - it shouldn't be missed! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lance.
Author 49 books127 followers
April 24, 2013
Rue Volley has managed to fascinate me once again with her Witches Tale! Stuff and Things is book one and it will definitely draw you in and send you on a fascinating journey! The rest of this review may contain spoilers, so beware. Alexi is a teenage girl, coping with the loss of her mother, only to find that things in her small town are not exactly what they seem and her mother was much more that she could have imagined. Alexi's mother, and now she, is a witch, and Alexi doesn't know what to do with that information. She meets Kyle, a handsome boy, who wants her to break the curse on the small town of Ravenswood, a curse he brought about. With the help of her best friend, Logan, she discovers a multitude of Ravenswood's secrets. I really enjoyed reading this first book and I cannot wait to find out what happens in book 2 since Ms. Volley has left things in Ravenswood unfinished and Alexi... well, I'll let you read to see how she left Alexi, I just can't wait to get my hands on the next book! Great job Ms. Volley!
Profile Image for Mad about.
275 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2012

Alexi and her family have always lived in Ravenswood and never thought anything of it. What she doesn't know is that no one has ever successfully left there since before the witch trials.
Life with her dad and bff Logan are normal and uneventful until the first new student in 30yrs comes to the highschool. Kyle makes her heart flutter and is on the receiving end of her outbursts to which there are many! With Logan's insistence Kyle joins their "pack" and each of their lives are changed forever.

Great teen read! Alexi is a love-able character and you journey with her through her ups and downs. She's strong and confident with no annoying faults like some teenagers in fiction. The relationship between her and Logan is fresh with his witty commentating being truly funny.
Really surprised when Kyle came on the scene as I thought it would be another love triangle and he's the perfect "otherworldly" out of towner who she falls for but he is definitely not as he seems.

Very enjoyable read with no stale dips in the middle of the story. Glad to read book 2!
Profile Image for Ashley.
88 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2014
This is my own personal review after purchasing this book on Amazon Kindle Store.

Category: YA Paranormal

This was a great first book in a series. Also it was the first Rue Volley book that I had read. I had seen a link on Paranormal Book Club's Facebook website and thought I'd try it out. Turns out to be an awesome read! I loved her sense of humor and her sarcastic way in which her characters spoke and thought. I also thought the main character, Alexi, was well rounded and she felt like someone I might want to hang out with.
The book ends in a way which begs for the next installment with a hint of bum bum bummmmmm. So yes we are all waiting for you to release the next book Mrs. Volley. The plot was well written and like I said, I couldn't get over the characters. There even was a bit of history tied in which for this history girl, was a nice touch. If you like magical books with twists and turns at ever turn, then you will love this book.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,666 reviews71 followers
September 26, 2012
10*s. I recieved an eARC copy directly from the author in return for an honest review.
This is a refreshingly fun, enjoyously witty, and an all around bowlful of LOL's and I was glued from beginning to end. This is a YA book made for YA's but the adults will get sucked in and love it too. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you begging for more. The characters were so real and I have quite a fond and funny attachment to Alexi's father and her best friend, Logan. Rue covers everything perfectly about the life of a normal teenage girl, or so we think? I also can relate to Alexi because I lost my mom when I was young. Thank you, Rue Volley, for the opportunity to read and review this fabulously, addictive story and I cannot wait to read more about Alexi in the next book!!
Profile Image for Shammy.
55 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2012
This book was given to me for an honest review in return. I enjoyed the story line and that the reader is kept in the dark as to what Kyle's background is. The story line was a little confusing when it came to Logan because I felt like he stepped out of character midway through the story. The editing was a bit lacking but I am sure once the story becomes more wanted that will be rectified. The only thing that kept me from giving it a rating of 5 stars was the proper form of writing. The characters never spoke with contractions making me constantly wanting to fix it. Of course this is a personal issue and I'm sure most readers would not care.If you want a new take on paranormal relationships this is a must read!!!
Profile Image for Sara Bauer.
Author 56 books367 followers
January 15, 2016
I do love me some teenage angst, although Alexi and Logan have to be two of the funniest teens I've ever read. Alexi comes from a long line of witches, but she doesn't have any power of her own. Logan is her adorable, HILARIOUS best pal. Then, new guy Kyle shows up and things go wonky in their mysterious town of Ravenswood. I don't wanna give away too much more of the plot, because the twists and turns kept me THRILLED. Volley not only has a perfected sense of humor, but she's amazing at building up the tension and leaving you wanting more ... more ... more until the book is done ... and you still want more. For fans of Beautiful Creatures and Carry On, this one will leave you breathless and clawing for a sequel.
Profile Image for Bella Doerres.
399 reviews10 followers
Read
June 18, 2016
A Witch's Tale Stuff & Things and what Boredom Brings Rue Volley

Alexandria Carvelle is turning sixteen, and learning more and more about the woman she called mom. Being a witch's daughter and not feeling at all witchy was Alexei’s biggest problems. When a new student shows up and is befriended by her best friend Logan things change for her forever. The mysteries surrounding her mother come to light and Alexi has to come to grips with who she really is. The thing is it is going to change the entire course of her life. Great read with lots of twists, turns, surprises. It is the first in a series. Where were stories like this when I was a teen. I love YA stories and this is one of the best I have read.



Bella Doerres Ma/Ed
Profile Image for Michelle Fita.
58 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2012
I thoughly enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have read by Rue and I was not disappointed.
I definately reccommend this book and others by Rue.

There is a quirkyness to her writing that is a pure joy to read.
This book has you changing your mind all the time as to who the "bad" guy is & it's a bit on the unexpected side when you find out!

I personally on one hand didn't like the very last paragragh but on the other it left me craving for more. And I am positive that this series is going to be FULL of ups and downs for these characters. I am already in love with Alexi and Logan and I'm sure everyone who reads this series will fall in love too!
Author 2 books14 followers
May 14, 2012
A very interesting novel about
the fictional town of Ravenswood and a teenager named Alexi. Alexi is working through the loss of her mother when a new family moves in and her life turns upside down. Kylie, the new boy who doesn't eat, causes these out-of-sorts reactions from her. As much as Alexi tries to keep ignoring this -and Kyle-, her best friend Logan keeps trying to welcome Kyle into their 'pack'. But when Logan begins acting differently towards her, Alexi doesn't quite know if the change is a good thing or a bad thing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel and look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Patricia.
118 reviews26 followers
August 22, 2012
i don't usually read YA genre, i usually read paranormal romance/ erotica, but i figured since i have absolutely loved everything that rue has written that i've read so far, i would give it a go. and i have to say, i was in no way disappointed. the story grabbed my attention from the get go and held it for the entire book, can't wait to read the next in this series. i really thought there is no way she would be able to win me so quickly with this series, since i was so in love with rue's blood and light series and its characters, and i am happy to say, she has done it again. truly a great read. thank you yet again rue...
Profile Image for Bonnie Colvert.
80 reviews34 followers
June 21, 2012
What do you get when you have: 1) Many generations of female witches with the same name 2) A cursed town 3) A trio of teenage friends 4) A Murder or two 5) A few different immortals 6) Wonderfil laugh out loud moments 7) And last but not least an ending that will have you turning pages looking for more?????? A fantastic book called: A Witches Story: Stuff and Things and What Boredom Brings!! I hungrily look forward to book 2. This was a r2r for me and I loved every morsel of it!
Profile Image for Cathrina Constantine.
Author 23 books374 followers
June 23, 2015
I finished The Witch's Tale in record time. It's fast, easy reading, and the author, Rue Volley captured the teenage voice to perfection. Alexi is struggling to deal with the death of her mom and soon gets dealt a blow about her past. Secrets are unleashed and soon Alexi realizes, she's at the heart of them. I never leave spoilers, you must read the spellbinding story.

When I reached the end of the book, I somewhat gasped! Needless to say...I need more...
Profile Image for Ruth.
1,356 reviews27 followers
August 7, 2012
A free Kindle read. Worth every penny. Seriously, a good read. The story was slow in developing, but I enjoyed the characters and didn't much mind the delay. Once the dead and the witch story line was revealed, things moved rather quickly. Perhaps too rushed. Set up for obvious sequel. Editing of the e-book was poor, but I thoroughly enjoyed the writers voice.
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