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Legacy of Magick #1
Legacy of Magick
So it turns out Magick runs in the family...
Autumn Bishop was just your average grad student...who happens to be a Seer. When she moves in with her long lost aunt and cousins, they look like a relatively normal family from the outside, however they turn out to be so much more.
When ancient traditions, longstanding magickal feuds, ghostly visitors, and Witches with malicious intentions start coming out of the woodwork, Autumn finds herself smack in the middle of the action as everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
Drawn, as if by fate, into her family’s legacy of magick, a new world unfolds for her, as her old one is left irretrievably behind.
Autumn Bishop was just your average grad student...who happens to be a Seer. When she moves in with her long lost aunt and cousins, they look like a relatively normal family from the outside, however they turn out to be so much more.
When ancient traditions, longstanding magickal feuds, ghostly visitors, and Witches with malicious intentions start coming out of the woodwork, Autumn finds herself smack in the middle of the action as everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
Drawn, as if by fate, into her family’s legacy of magick, a new world unfolds for her, as her old one is left irretrievably behind.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2015
412 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Dugan
76 books502 followersEllen Dugan is the award winning author of over thirty six books and the Witches Tarot. She branched out successfully into paranormal fiction in 2015 with her popular Legacy Of Magick series. Her portfolio of work also includes dozens of articles in the Llewellyn Almanacs and Calendars and 15 non-fiction books. Ellen's non-fiction titles with Llewellyn Worldwide have been translated into over twelve foreign languages. She is a psychic-clairvoyant, and has been a practicing Witch for over thirty-five years.
With over 300K books sold Ellen has a global following. She currently has over twenty published novels, the eleven book Legacy Of Magick series and three other paranormal series: The Gypsy Chronicles, Daughters Of Midnight, and Hemlock Hollow. The first four books in her Legacy Of Magick series were made into audio books with Tantor Audio in 2018.
Ellen was featured on the cover of Witches & Pagans Magazine. She has been interviewed in the studio on KMOV News Channel 4 in St. Louis, done numerous newspaper and radio interviews, and a two hour guest spot on the national syndicated live radio show, Coast to Coast. In 2017 Ellen was also featured in USA TODAY'S HEA column. More information on Ellen's work can be found at www.ellendugan.com on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ellendugan/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ellendugan
With over 300K books sold Ellen has a global following. She currently has over twenty published novels, the eleven book Legacy Of Magick series and three other paranormal series: The Gypsy Chronicles, Daughters Of Midnight, and Hemlock Hollow. The first four books in her Legacy Of Magick series were made into audio books with Tantor Audio in 2018.
Ellen was featured on the cover of Witches & Pagans Magazine. She has been interviewed in the studio on KMOV News Channel 4 in St. Louis, done numerous newspaper and radio interviews, and a two hour guest spot on the national syndicated live radio show, Coast to Coast. In 2017 Ellen was also featured in USA TODAY'S HEA column. More information on Ellen's work can be found at www.ellendugan.com on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ellendugan/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/ellendugan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 27, 2015
Very good...
I gobbled this little gem up in less than 24 hours and really enjoyed it. It's been a while since I've read a book I had a hard time putting down. I have read some of Ellen Dugans non fiction works so I was excited to check this out. It did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to the release of book 2 in the summer.
I gobbled this little gem up in less than 24 hours and really enjoyed it. It's been a while since I've read a book I had a hard time putting down. I have read some of Ellen Dugans non fiction works so I was excited to check this out. It did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to the release of book 2 in the summer.
October 13, 2015
A "kinda cute" and superlight read, but predictable and definitely nothing original. Stereotyped characters (the blonde dreamy one aka prince charming, the Manson-fan goth girl... just to mention two; are you serious?), overindulgence on gardening stuff, unlikely fortunate events (hey, a baseball bat! Just when I needed one!) and a bit of Romeo & Juliet thrown into the mix to make the whole thing even cheesier. But there's worse: too many errors, including a "your" instead of "you're" (page 192, if you don't believe me) which is totally unacceptable for a published author.
I Like Dugan's non-fiction books, and I'm glad she dared to make the jump to fiction, but just because you're good at one thing doesn't mean you're good at the other. I'll give her another chance by reading the second volume of this story, but I'm not letting my hopes get too high.
I Like Dugan's non-fiction books, and I'm glad she dared to make the jump to fiction, but just because you're good at one thing doesn't mean you're good at the other. I'll give her another chance by reading the second volume of this story, but I'm not letting my hopes get too high.
April 27, 2016
This was a great, quick read. It is fun fiction for anyone who practices magick or has an interest in the Craft. The mystery element of the story is good as well. To me it felt kind of like Sweet Valley High meets Charmed.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the grammatical and spelling errors that pepper the book. Just little things like the word "Loose" where the word "Lose" should be.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because of the grammatical and spelling errors that pepper the book. Just little things like the word "Loose" where the word "Lose" should be.
January 31, 2019
Pleasantly surprised! Really enjoyed the characters and storyline. Looking forward to the second book.
June 7, 2019
2.75 - 3ish stars.
well, I was pretty surprised when I found this book. I'm a fan of Ellen Dugan, I've been using her Witch Tarot Deck for years and absolutely love them. I found that Ellen Dugan has a deep love with herbalism and very into details. and her Tarot companion book is a divine! that's why a put a lot of trust to this book, I was hoping that I'll find the Ellen Dugan that I've known through her non-fictions.
but apparently, the writing style here is a little bit too rough. I felt bumpy when I read them, there are few grammatical error as well. The plot is rather weak, and stereotypical (what are the odds, that the first hot blonde you bumped into, instantly fell over you? come on!). I honestly didn't like how the end turned out, it was way too easy.. and staged (when an uppity character, suddenly showed up with a motorbike, a long with bikers gear-leather jacket etc, while he was being summoned for emergency.. how did he have the time to change costume?).
it's not like I did not enjoy it at all.. despite all of the above, it was a nice and easy reading. and I've always enjoyed stories of witches, especially that Ellen Dugan had generously peppered this book with Witchcraft facts (spells, crystals, not to mention this magical herbs she very fond of). and that is what I have expected from books about witches.
well, I was pretty surprised when I found this book. I'm a fan of Ellen Dugan, I've been using her Witch Tarot Deck for years and absolutely love them. I found that Ellen Dugan has a deep love with herbalism and very into details. and her Tarot companion book is a divine! that's why a put a lot of trust to this book, I was hoping that I'll find the Ellen Dugan that I've known through her non-fictions.
but apparently, the writing style here is a little bit too rough. I felt bumpy when I read them, there are few grammatical error as well. The plot is rather weak, and stereotypical (what are the odds, that the first hot blonde you bumped into, instantly fell over you? come on!). I honestly didn't like how the end turned out, it was way too easy.. and staged (when an uppity character, suddenly showed up with a motorbike, a long with bikers gear-leather jacket etc, while he was being summoned for emergency.. how did he have the time to change costume?).
it's not like I did not enjoy it at all.. despite all of the above, it was a nice and easy reading. and I've always enjoyed stories of witches, especially that Ellen Dugan had generously peppered this book with Witchcraft facts (spells, crystals, not to mention this magical herbs she very fond of). and that is what I have expected from books about witches.
January 15, 2020
DNF@70%
I tried really hard to like this book, kept searching for reasons why it has such good reviews. It's not hard to please me, I've been thinking recently that I'm too easy on giving books 5 stars. Not with this book.
It's very childish. The heroine is meant to be in her 20s and is written like a teenager. She actually throws a tantrum, this was towards the end of the book so I'm assuming there was no time for personal growth. It's an instant love romance but done in such a cringey way.
I've actually no more words to describe how bad it is. Just no.
I tried really hard to like this book, kept searching for reasons why it has such good reviews. It's not hard to please me, I've been thinking recently that I'm too easy on giving books 5 stars. Not with this book.
It's very childish. The heroine is meant to be in her 20s and is written like a teenager. She actually throws a tantrum, this was towards the end of the book so I'm assuming there was no time for personal growth. It's an instant love romance but done in such a cringey way.
I've actually no more words to describe how bad it is. Just no.
February 1, 2016
Good but based on same Bishop family of witches from other authors. Still good if enjoy that topic.
February 15, 2017
The story line wasn't bad, but I felt that the foul language that constantly comes from the girls' mouths was totally unnecessary and really detracted from the storyline.
April 11, 2023
Legacy of Magick by Ellen Dugan is the first book in a series that follows Autumn Bishop, a young women that moves back home to attend graduate school near her father’s family, family she hasn’t seen since childhood. Autumn quickly learns of her family’s magickal legacy and exactly where she fits into that legacy. Woven next to that storyline is Autumn’s chance meeting with a romantic stranger who just happens to be on the other side of a family feud. This feud develops and darkens as Autumn learns about her family history, culminating in a dangerous and dramatic collision of the feuding families.
The Lovely: The author excels at illustrating the characters and how they develop. I can picture Autumn and her cousins in particular.
The Mundane: There was an even pace to the book as events kept happening just fast enough to hold interest.
The Dreadful: The romance is predictable and it is just one cliché after another. They literally run into each other while out jogging. It became a bingo game of romance book clichés and sadly went on like this for the first 2/3 of the book. The main character is 24 years old but feels younger most of the book based on how she thinks and acts.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Recommendation: This is a cute quick read (or in my case, an audiobook) that weaves together a romance, witchcraft and, later in the book, some mystery and tension. That said, it does read more like a YA book and I just didn’t connect to the characters. Perhaps most telling of all, I didn’t run out and plow through the sequel immediately, which is what usually happens in a series. That said, I did listen to the second book and a lot of issues were improved.
The Lovely: The author excels at illustrating the characters and how they develop. I can picture Autumn and her cousins in particular.
The Mundane: There was an even pace to the book as events kept happening just fast enough to hold interest.
The Dreadful: The romance is predictable and it is just one cliché after another. They literally run into each other while out jogging. It became a bingo game of romance book clichés and sadly went on like this for the first 2/3 of the book. The main character is 24 years old but feels younger most of the book based on how she thinks and acts.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Recommendation: This is a cute quick read (or in my case, an audiobook) that weaves together a romance, witchcraft and, later in the book, some mystery and tension. That said, it does read more like a YA book and I just didn’t connect to the characters. Perhaps most telling of all, I didn’t run out and plow through the sequel immediately, which is what usually happens in a series. That said, I did listen to the second book and a lot of issues were improved.
September 26, 2020
Noting about this book was really bad.
It is just unoriginal all the way.
This book is a crossover between a cozy mystery without a murder and a typical YA novel except the MC is 23.
Even tho the author put obvious effort into making some of the characters appear more layered it doesn't come across this way. They still seem like a cardboard cutouts but labeled "20% deeper!".
I think a big problem with this novel for me is the endless flavours of this story I've already read over the years. It's just yet another instanciation of the same old clichées.
It's not doing anything particularly good. It doesn't have any interesting and unique twist. There is just nothing to make it stand out from the UF soup.
The plot was so predictable and onedimensional calling it a plot is already generous.
The magic basically only acts as plot device. And it's used a LOT for that purpose. I don't think I want to read a book by this author without the magic to steer everything.
Despite that I never perceived it as particularly annoying. While it's not particularly subtle, it's always low-key enough to not stand out uncompfortably.
It has successfully taken up 7 hours of my time which was what it was supposed to do but it just wasn't interesting enough for me to continue with the second book.
It is just unoriginal all the way.
This book is a crossover between a cozy mystery without a murder and a typical YA novel except the MC is 23.
Even tho the author put obvious effort into making some of the characters appear more layered it doesn't come across this way. They still seem like a cardboard cutouts but labeled "20% deeper!".
I think a big problem with this novel for me is the endless flavours of this story I've already read over the years. It's just yet another instanciation of the same old clichées.
It's not doing anything particularly good. It doesn't have any interesting and unique twist. There is just nothing to make it stand out from the UF soup.
The plot was so predictable and onedimensional calling it a plot is already generous.
The magic basically only acts as plot device. And it's used a LOT for that purpose. I don't think I want to read a book by this author without the magic to steer everything.
Despite that I never perceived it as particularly annoying. While it's not particularly subtle, it's always low-key enough to not stand out uncompfortably.
It has successfully taken up 7 hours of my time which was what it was supposed to do but it just wasn't interesting enough for me to continue with the second book.
July 10, 2019
Loved This Book!
The world that Ms. Dugan created in this book was amazing. What I really loved most is that she either did her research on the craft and gave it the respect it deserves, right down to proper pronunciation of pagan holidays, i.e. Samhain is actually correctly pronounced Sowen, (or maybe has some experience in that area ;-) ;-) ;-), perhaps?). I liked that The story focused on The mystery more so than The romance.
The characters are so well fleshed out, though I believe I will learn more about each one as I travel the journey with all of the characters. Of course, I love our heroine, Autumn and our hero Duncan. I look forward to seeing how their relationship grows and changes as time progresses. Her Aunt Gwen and Cousins Holly and Ivy were just so enjoyable to read about. Cousin Bran annoyed me in the beginning, but I found myself liking him more and more as the book went on. The villains were perfectly villainous. I loved to hate them.
I know I am a little late to the party on this series, but I look forward to finding out each and every character's story and more excitement as the story builds around The Blood Moon Grimoire as well as new mysteries once that one is resolved.
The world that Ms. Dugan created in this book was amazing. What I really loved most is that she either did her research on the craft and gave it the respect it deserves, right down to proper pronunciation of pagan holidays, i.e. Samhain is actually correctly pronounced Sowen, (or maybe has some experience in that area ;-) ;-) ;-), perhaps?). I liked that The story focused on The mystery more so than The romance.
The characters are so well fleshed out, though I believe I will learn more about each one as I travel the journey with all of the characters. Of course, I love our heroine, Autumn and our hero Duncan. I look forward to seeing how their relationship grows and changes as time progresses. Her Aunt Gwen and Cousins Holly and Ivy were just so enjoyable to read about. Cousin Bran annoyed me in the beginning, but I found myself liking him more and more as the book went on. The villains were perfectly villainous. I loved to hate them.
I know I am a little late to the party on this series, but I look forward to finding out each and every character's story and more excitement as the story builds around The Blood Moon Grimoire as well as new mysteries once that one is resolved.
January 26, 2022
First of all, I am a big fan of Ellen Dugan’s work, particularly her non-fiction books.
I found the first three of these books in a book sale from a public library for $3.
I went in with low expectations, just thinking they’d be a fun read, a way to kill the time.
Plus, a podcaster I’ve listened to faithfully for 3 years, Paige Vanderbeck, aka the Fat Feminist Witch, complimented the serious after my first attempt to read Legacy of Magick, thinking I just needed to give it a second chance.
I finished the book, though I was really bored, and couldn’t get attached to any of the characters. The book read like a fanfiction (which there isn’t anything wrong with fanfiction), but it just didn’t do it for me.
I read this book but I couldn’t tell you a thing about it other than it was a girl who has a magical family and falls in love with a boy from a rival witch family.
The characters were alright, I just didn’t feel any connection to them. Also the Aunt was kind of a bitch to everyone.
That’s just my opinion, don’t come for me.
Also, I still love Ellen Dugan. I think I’ll just stick to her non-fiction books about magick from now on!
I found the first three of these books in a book sale from a public library for $3.
I went in with low expectations, just thinking they’d be a fun read, a way to kill the time.
Plus, a podcaster I’ve listened to faithfully for 3 years, Paige Vanderbeck, aka the Fat Feminist Witch, complimented the serious after my first attempt to read Legacy of Magick, thinking I just needed to give it a second chance.
I finished the book, though I was really bored, and couldn’t get attached to any of the characters. The book read like a fanfiction (which there isn’t anything wrong with fanfiction), but it just didn’t do it for me.
I read this book but I couldn’t tell you a thing about it other than it was a girl who has a magical family and falls in love with a boy from a rival witch family.
The characters were alright, I just didn’t feel any connection to them. Also the Aunt was kind of a bitch to everyone.
That’s just my opinion, don’t come for me.
Also, I still love Ellen Dugan. I think I’ll just stick to her non-fiction books about magick from now on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
What a great adventure,
I started this book with some hesitation as some reviewers complained about it being “slow” and “boring” in the beginning and one even said she had not bothered to finish it. But, i found the description to be interesting enough, and the positive reviews to be enticing enough, that I got this book anyway. There was, indeed, quite a bit of “character development” in the beginning. But, I found the background info to be quite interesting. There is nothing boring in this book as it rockets toward a very exciting conclusion. The characters are well developed, with witty dialogue, Holly and Ivy (twin teenagers) are adorable, and Merlin (the cat) is quite a charmer. There are lots of mysterious goings on and evil deeds being done by evil doers, but no graphic violence (thankfully). I highly recommend it and look forward to the next book with great anticipation.
I started this book with some hesitation as some reviewers complained about it being “slow” and “boring” in the beginning and one even said she had not bothered to finish it. But, i found the description to be interesting enough, and the positive reviews to be enticing enough, that I got this book anyway. There was, indeed, quite a bit of “character development” in the beginning. But, I found the background info to be quite interesting. There is nothing boring in this book as it rockets toward a very exciting conclusion. The characters are well developed, with witty dialogue, Holly and Ivy (twin teenagers) are adorable, and Merlin (the cat) is quite a charmer. There are lots of mysterious goings on and evil deeds being done by evil doers, but no graphic violence (thankfully). I highly recommend it and look forward to the next book with great anticipation.
September 5, 2020
Just to be clear this is NOT Paranormal Romance and it reads much more like a YA book. So just know that going in. The "Romance" is not developed or focused on, it just slightly drives the plot forward.
It is very slow in the whole first 60% of the book and has some big cliched information dumps of telling not showing.
Listen it was her first fiction novel. I'm sure she gets better, but after reading the 2nd book in the series I'm done. I will always love her Non-fiction work but this is not up my alley for Fiction.
It is very slow in the whole first 60% of the book and has some big cliched information dumps of telling not showing.
Listen it was her first fiction novel. I'm sure she gets better, but after reading the 2nd book in the series I'm done. I will always love her Non-fiction work but this is not up my alley for Fiction.
June 7, 2018
In serious need of a copy editor and perhaps a regular editor as well, but once you get through the first few chapters, you can ignore the mistakes for the most part. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and am planning to read the rest of the series. I’ve always loved Dugan’s non-fiction and her fiction is just as charming. The book has some issues definitely, but overall it’s sweet and different and definitely worth a read.
October 13, 2020
Coming late to the game with this series but glad I stumbled across it. Fun, quick read of coming into power. Little choppy in places and the 360 of acceptance was odd but just go with the flow and enjoy.
Had a bit of mystery to it but not enough to call it a mystery, more looking into family legacy. I liked the characters and feel (hopefully) they will develop as the series develops. If you're just looking for a bit of escape reading with a Witchy feel give it a try.
Had a bit of mystery to it but not enough to call it a mystery, more looking into family legacy. I liked the characters and feel (hopefully) they will develop as the series develops. If you're just looking for a bit of escape reading with a Witchy feel give it a try.
July 1, 2017
Amazing!
If you're into VD and all that good stuff, you'll love this. The characters are beautifully crafted. All with hilarious and sweet personalities. Loved that the story line had a good balance of negativity and positivity as well as realistic qualities. Would absolutely recommend to anyone interested in the genre!
If you're into VD and all that good stuff, you'll love this. The characters are beautifully crafted. All with hilarious and sweet personalities. Loved that the story line had a good balance of negativity and positivity as well as realistic qualities. Would absolutely recommend to anyone interested in the genre!
January 18, 2019
An amazing begining
This book was exciting to read with the first page. The introduction to the story captured my interest with the rest of the story creating a absorbing page turner. I found myself lost in another world as I read this book. I found i did not want this story to end. Great Book
This book was exciting to read with the first page. The introduction to the story captured my interest with the rest of the story creating a absorbing page turner. I found myself lost in another world as I read this book. I found i did not want this story to end. Great Book
February 19, 2020
I was hoping for a little more romance in the "paranormal romance" genre. But I was sucked in by the story, character and the writing. I loved learning along side Autumn and I liked all of the attitudes and personalities of the characters. Kept me wanting more and already downloaded the next one to read.
January 3, 2023
Engrossing Story Line
Really enjoyed reading this book. The story line is engrossing and has a secondary
story that is just as interesting. This is a series and does not have a final collusion in this book. I like the family dynamics and the characters. I would highly recommend this book.
Really enjoyed reading this book. The story line is engrossing and has a secondary
story that is just as interesting. This is a series and does not have a final collusion in this book. I like the family dynamics and the characters. I would highly recommend this book.
March 24, 2018
Fun read
Well written with a little magic, romance and an old mystery. I finished this book with a desire to read the next in the series. I recommend this book to any light hearted female who wants to believe.
Well written with a little magic, romance and an old mystery. I finished this book with a desire to read the next in the series. I recommend this book to any light hearted female who wants to believe.
June 12, 2019
Love this book
I really enjoyed the characters and the way the story flowed. The characters really come to life when they discuss personal feelings and emotions. Refreshing, magical, and human. Looking forward to reading the series. I already have the second book. Lol
I really enjoyed the characters and the way the story flowed. The characters really come to life when they discuss personal feelings and emotions. Refreshing, magical, and human. Looking forward to reading the series. I already have the second book. Lol
July 11, 2019
Loved the book. It was about witches. But not as we know them. I like how it has some of the Wicca stuff in it not all but some. Even though the book is not really. There is some romance witch I always love.
May 2, 2020
Great story!
I can see by the end that there must be at least 3 parts to this series. I love a book that makes me want to keep reading, instead of going to bed. And I find myself reading while even cooking.
I can see by the end that there must be at least 3 parts to this series. I love a book that makes me want to keep reading, instead of going to bed. And I find myself reading while even cooking.
October 1, 2020
Quick and enjoyable
As I fan of the paranormal, this was right up my alley. Characters were likeable, story moved along, looking forward to next in the series. There really wasn't anything I disliked about the book.
As I fan of the paranormal, this was right up my alley. Characters were likeable, story moved along, looking forward to next in the series. There really wasn't anything I disliked about the book.
March 10, 2023
A Delightful Romp!
Having read Ellen Dugans non fiction wasn't sure what to expect. This was a romance definitely. There were mystery elements too. And magick,! Lots of magick. Oh and humor! Really this book was delightful
Having read Ellen Dugans non fiction wasn't sure what to expect. This was a romance definitely. There were mystery elements too. And magick,! Lots of magick. Oh and humor! Really this book was delightful
October 10, 2024
I love this book so much. When she went from her usual writing to fiction I was curious. I had no idea I’d be transported into a world I wish existed. Ellen brings a Practical Magic feel to a brand new world. Love it.
October 12, 2024
It's better than I expected. But there was a lot of telling instead or showing, preventing the story from feeling complete. I was missing the development of the relationship between the characters. You feel for them more when you witness those developments instead of being told about it.
June 26, 2017
Fun, Enjoyed it
This is the first adult magician book I have read. It is interesting and fun. I enjoyed it a lot!
This is the first adult magician book I have read. It is interesting and fun. I enjoyed it a lot!
July 25, 2017
I love all of Ellen's books. This is a great story about a witch coming into her own and I learned a few things right along with her. I will be reading the book that follows this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews