Witch's Cauldron

Legion of Angels #2

by Ella Summers

Something wicked is brewing in New York.

“A month ago, I watched in horror as six of my fellow initiates died after sipping the Nectar of the gods, a heavenly drink that either grants you magical powers or kills you. I can’t believe I’m coming back for seconds.”

Leda Pierce has survived the gods’ first test and gained entry into the Legion of Angels, but the fight is far from over. Someone is poisoning the supernaturals of New York. Suspecting witches, the Legion sends in Leda to investigate. To save the city, she will need magic she doesn’t have—and gaining that magic might just kill her. Now her survival depends on accepting help from the darkly seductive angel Nero, but that help comes with a price she cannot afford to pay.

Witch’s Cauldron is the second book in the Legion of Angels series.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Angels, Romance, Vampires, Magic

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2016

About the author

Ella Summers has been writing stories for as long as she could read; she's been coming up with tall tales even longer than that. One of her early year masterpieces was a story about a pigtailed princess and her dragon sidekick. Nowadays, she still writes fantasy. She likes books with layered plots, lots of action and adventure, and a touch of romance. When she is not busy writing or spending time with her two young children, she makes the world safe by fighting robots.

Originally from the U.S., Ella currently resides in Switzerland. She is the author of Sorcery and Science, a fantasy adventure series set in a world splintered by magic and technology.

Reviews

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying the Legion of Angels series. It’s been a while since I’ve found a series where I’ve wanted to read one book after another.

Witch’s Cauldron takes us back into the Legion world and continues on from Vampire’s Kiss. Here the Legion is investigating demons and the witches. Their seams to be attacks happening all over agenst the supernaturals.

Leda has grown stronger and is an asset to the Legion. Nix, the First Angel sees this and orders Nero to move Leda up to the second level and she wants her in on the investigation. She use to be a bounty hunter, so she has experience in investigating. She can work well in many different tasks and still find time for training.

I really like Leda. She’s strong-willed, stubborn, and determined to make it to the level that will give her the power to find her missing brother. She tries hard to be the best Legion officer, but she has a hard time controlling her mouth. She’s also got some strong feelings for Nero that keep getting in the way.

I find the different levels or steps that the Legion members have to go through to gain the next gift from the gods, interesting. This puts a unique spin on the world. Their is no guarantee that everyone will survive and it feels like you loose a little of your humanity the farther up you get. Leda is showing everyone that you don’t have to lose yourself when you gain powers. She’s sorta changing the status quo in little ways.

We no longer have a triangle romance. Leda’s attraction is now focused on one man, Nero the Leader of the New Your office of the Legion and also her personal trainer or should I say slave driver. The attraction is intense and Leda does a good job trying to separate the attraction from her work and training. I’m not sure if they will come together. Nero is intense, closed off, and disengaged from humanity. I’m hoping she can show him that there is more. I enjoy their sparing (bickering) matches.

Their’s more world building and lots of action. It’s all exciting and exhilarating. I couldn’t stop reading. The relationship parts where stressful; because these two just can’t seam to find the right fight. Maybe down the road. I was happy to see that Leda got to see her sister, Bella, while working the investigating. As for the investigation, well the villains where a surprise and what happens along the way, had me holding my breath and hoping they would all survive.

Witch’s Cauldron is a lot of fun, exciting, and entertaining. I devoured the book and had to start book #3, Siren’s Song, right away. Urban Fantasy fans will enjoy this series. 

Rated: 4 Stars

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to fall in love with this series more and more. I've already finished the third book by now and I'm reading the fourth one, because I simply couldn't wait to know what happens next. I'm not going to spoil anything from the plot but it's safe to say that the plot gets better and also the characters mature a bit. I started to like more of them but there was one scene where I really wasn't happy with Nero and his behaviour towards Leda. I get that the author wanted to push the plot in a certain direction but I'm sure she could've done it in a different way that didn't make me feel a bit disappointed in the hero of this series. Some might say that it was all right what he did but I always try to put myself in the heroines shoes and I for one wouldn't forgive him that fast, if at all. There are just some lines that you don't cross and that one was one of mine. That all being said, I still - obviously like the series and I'm going to continue reading it. Let's hope I don't get to read another scene like the one in this book, cause that would be a bummer.

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 2 out of 5]

No eloborated review since I'm traveling but it was bit of let down after #1.

I still think that the series has great potential so I'm continuing with this, moving on to #3.

[Nicla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is such an addictive series. I have already started the next one. Highly recommend.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leda and Nero are back in the second entry of the Legion series and things are getting interesting!

Something is afoot in the paranormal community and Nyx, First Angel, has charged Nero and Leda to discover what’s going on. Shifters and vampires are being poisoned and dying in large numbers. All roads lead back to the witch community, but to what gain?

On the relationship side, Leda and Nero are heating up in the chemistry department! Ooolalala, lol... Nero’s feelings were deeper than I expected and I was highly entertained by his way of clearing the path of any possible competition, much to Leda’s consternation! Leda has always worn her feelings on her sleeve and is fighting a losing battle where Nero is concerned. I love how Leda speaks her mind, even when she she shouldn’t. I also enjoy how it makes things sort of level between her and Nero. Nero’s confusion over Leda’s headstrong actions makes me grin, especially because he can’t rationalize her actions because she won’t adhere to the rigid rules he lives his life by.

If book one was good, book two was really good! I’m enjoying the world Summers has created with the various paranormal communities, the fight between gods and demons, humans and paranormals. I like how the hierarchy of the Legion achieves unique succession to levels of achievement and the no guarantees rule. It keeps things fresh and interesting for sure! I can’t wait to get into book three!

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely award a book a 5. But today 5/5 is what I am giving this series. Leda Pierce is like a breath of fresh air and the chemistry between her and the Angel of New York is awesome. Each book is an step closer to her gaining powers in the Legion. And the second power she has to master is witchcraft. The last book teetered on mutual attracted with she and Nero but this book gained admittance to the attraction. We all know she must be his soul mate and possibly a super power. I still want to know what God Harker is working for. I also want to know how close jace and Leda will become as well. Loving this new found series.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* and spoilers ahead




I am at my core a romance reader and can only recall one series I read where the romance wasn't the focus so this series is a bit frustrating to me.

Leda continues to excel as she moves up the ladder in the Legion
Another mystery to solve
Nero continues to go hot and cold. He gets jealous at any male attention to Leda but he's fighting their attraction so he's always pulling away
The scene where he goes to the club not knowing Leda is there and has a fairy all over him pissed me off
The subsequent explanation of the fairy scene wasn't to my liking either
Mystery successfully solved, progress for Leda but no advancement in the relationship

Moving on to the next

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had even cornier dialogue than the first especially between the main characters, Leda and Nero. At some points, I even physically cringed and had to force myself to skim read , eg. all the times Nero talks about how Leda has a'balance of light and dark' and how she makes him 'human' *cringe*

Plot was interesting and honestly the only reason I'm probably going to continue reading this series. Edit: That and the the book was paced perfectly, and had just right length to it.

[Stephaniec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-Read
I'm sticking with my rating - I actually really like these in audio, it's brings a something extra to the stories

[Tanya Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited by this series, The Legion of Angels!

We continue on right from Vampire's Kiss, where the Legion is investigating the involvement in demons with the witches in that fight. However now there are attacks that seem to be coming from the witches and the Legion is left to wonder if they have not contained all those involved with demons.

Leda, despite her attitude and Nero's strict rules on what constitutes hand to hand fighting, is considered a great asset to the Legion. Nix, the First Angel, notices this in her and orders Nero to move Leda up to second level. She also wants Leda in on the investigation of the witches and the explosion that killed so many vampires as well as the poison attacks that are still ongoing.

Leda is strong-willed and has a hard time following orders. She tries like hell to be the best Legion officer she can, but she has a hard time controlling her mouth and the feelings that keep coming up between her and Nero. Leda was a bounty hunter before her Legion days, so she does have her own investigative techniques. She takes on a lot and she's one of those personalities that can work in many different tasks and still get up early for a little extra training. I'm kind of jealous of her energy. Of course, she's already had the God's first gift, so that could be contributing!

Witch's Cauldron was exciting with a lot of action. The relationship parts really stressed me out. I want the two of them together, but they just can't seem to get to the right point. I was happy that Leda got to see Bella in the midst of her investigation. I was a bit worried for her though, and even Nero asks Leda if she'll be able to work the case with her sister in potential danger.

When Leda and Nero work together though, without Nero worrying about appearances to other Legion members, the two seem to make major headway in the case. I was surprised by the actual villians and then scared to death for them as they are stuck in a pretty bad situation. It was exciting and there were a LOT of times where I was holding my breath wondering what was going to happen. It was especially worrying when Leda and Nero end up getting hit with attacks that actually affect them. I had thought that Legion members were immune to magic. I almost want to rewind and listen to the last few chapters again to make sure I got it all!

The Legion of Angels series by Ella Summers is exciting and a lot of fun, with some relationship frustration mixed in. I am excited to move on to Siren's Song where we'll continue the investigation into demon involvement and hopefully a lot more of Leda and Nero!

Cris Dukehart is one of my favorite narrators and I think she does a wonderful job keeping up with the energy that Witch's Cauldron has. She definitely makes it worth listening to.

[Feminista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book series to me. This was an incredible read. The storyline continued where the last book ended or just shortly after that. Leda is now having private training practices with Nero and is going on more missions after a series of supernatural people are killed off by a poison. Also, in this instalment, Leda and Nero have more sexual tension which was great because it means that their relationship is progressing. I am happy with that.

The story was action packed, and fast paced. Leda was still the same snarky and feisty character from the first book who is not afraid to talk back to authority figures such as Nero. Nero has really stepped up in this book because we actually get to see the more humane side of Nero and how he feels about Leda. The secondary characters such as Drake, Ivy, Jace and etc, were also fantastic additions to the story. I can’t wait to see where Siren’s Song goes. Overall, an amazing read.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leda is back, but she is devastated at the loss of friends due to their first test with the magical elixir. The celestial drink either grants you supernatural powers or kills you. Now that she has made it through the first test, she has a lead angel teaching her, and a fellow initiate trying to intimidate her out of his way. The decades old war in New York is steadily increasing, and now it is targeting other paranormal beings. With the fight coming to them and after them all the new recruits need to be on their game if they are going to ascend in the ranks. This second in the series is electrifying, and the seductive angel, Nero, is the darkness we love to hate in romance stories. Still more action than romance, this story is fast and wicked fun.

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!

I really love this series. Nero and Leda are so awesome together and I love the pace of how things are developing between them. This has just the right balance of action, romance and chatacet development. Off to read the next one!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, but still an enjoyable story.

3.5 stars

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this whole series is a 5 star series.

I head a lot of good thing about this book. The series was recommended to me many times (#cakeeaters thank you). I never picked it up, because I was scared that I won't like a well loved series. But I finally did, because I put it in a clear your tbr challenge and it was called.

I started the first book Vampire's legion last sunday, when the number was drawn and I only stoped once to finish another challenge but otherwise I read the whole series in only seven days! I really binged it.

I loved Leda and her lovely chaotic ways. She really got things done, even if the Angels thought that her ways were inappropriate. But she always thought out of the box and her actions lead to results.
Nero is a good counterpart. He gives her stability, rules and has her back. But he also knows how to bend the rules properly. Which leads to creative rule bending Leda styled.

The series was so much fun. I rarely read a series that long, where I wanted to have the next book like yesterday. The audiobooks are good too. I like the narrator. Most of the time I read and listened to the series changing from ebook to audiobook and back.

Five stars recommendation!

Heads up: I'll just copy this review into all the other books of the series. Also most of the audiobooks (one to eight) were free on audible at the end of 2023. For the first four book there is one audiobook available, but it's not free on audible.

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book
... that is all



... later on

Beware spoiler .. ish .. read book 1

This is current feels ..



Ok so we left off from book one with Leda having gained her Vampires kiss powers and now moves on to her witches powers in this book. Leda is trying but failing to not fall for Nero. This 22 year old ex bounty hunter is far more balanced and more of a 3 dimensional character in this book.

Ok little side notes * The side characters like Ivy and drake are a bit weird in that IVY displayed ZERO real emotional change from “I’m joining the legion to get the healing powers so I can heal my terminally very dying mother of cancer” ... to “ I just found out that my mother was crooked and turned by demons and is alive but evil but oh wait hawker killed her by CUTTING HER HEAD OFF!!!” And I’m totally fine with it .. I’m dating .. whatevs. I’m sorry ... what !!??!!
Drake seems oblivious to what’s going on around him and is like “there there.. “ I dunno that was a bit just strange and didn’t add up.

I loved when Leda stands up to Nero and says actually no I’m sorry you aren’t good for me, i like the open communication between Leda and Nero- don’t get me wrong Nero is an alpha male and so he bosses her around and gives her punishments like anyone is a higher position of authority would have to do for someone who is as insubordinate as Leda is.

I would have liked Leda to do more magic and potion creating, the physical aspects of Leda training is more talked about; when does she get trained in potions and magic? Wouldn’t it be prudent for legion soldiers to train with witches to learn stuff?

Ok I did devour this short book in one night, I’m heavily intrigued by this series and book three is downloaded and I’m making my way though it.

[Pranjal ginde · Rating 1 out of 5]

A cliche plot can be made great with amazing writing. But an amazing plot can also be screwed up by screwed up writing... This book is an example of the latter. It is slightly more palatable than the first book of the series but umm... It still sucks more than a French whore high on ecstasy!

After reading the jaw droppingly bad, first installment I picked up this one expecting things would get better; why else would a girl who usually shows good judgement suggest I read this? Turns out she had a lapse... I couldn't finish book 2, simply because the thought of ploughing through it only to be accosted by two others like it gave me mental pms, you know when the brain hurts and you wish you could throw up the words you've read, but can't.

The writing is as sloppy as a greased up stick of butter. The character development sucks, the relationships between characters are hollow. Every conversation somehow gets turned around to 'when will you bang colonel sexy pants' and yet there is no banging. just a lot of talking​ about tension and banging and on the female lead's part a lot of denying of the tension and her desire for said banging. On colonel-sexy-pants's part a lot of being a dick.

But good news although in book 1 there was just tension, in this one there's tension and a scene where Leda takes her panties off... so maybe just maybe in the next book she'll make it to the bed as well and maybe just maybe by the tenth book they'll have gotten to second base! How cool is that!


Edit
I picked up book 2 again... Like I said earlier the plot is good so if you thug it out through the first book and 70% of second, you'll wanna know what happens next... And since the writing is sloppy you're gonna wanna stab both your eyes out... QUIT WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD! EXISTENTIAL CRISES ARE GREAT IN MOVIES NOT IN REAL LIFE!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel lives up to its predecessor

One of my favourite series of 2016 - what an utterly unique and compelling new series.

I read alot so i dont throw around the word UNIQUE lighly. I consumed these 2 books in one day and i am desperate for the entire series, not just the next book....i NEED the whole lot NOW...Im contemplating lighting a candle each day and praying the author writes faster.

I love Leda, shes one of my favourite female leads in YEARS, funny, tough, sarcastic, loyal, nice.. everything i love in a heroine.

I love Nero, our complex and dark hero who is waking up inside...hes brutal and smexy

I love the plot and world building...so unique!

I love the supporting cast of characters

I love the sexual tension...so well crafted!

I love the bad guys, its not as focused on as other elements but i see the potential for evilness in the future and its cleverly interwoven throughout

Highly recommended!! Fucking loved it !

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light entertaining read, but I'm still not super emotionally invested in the characters. Nero plays a little too hot and cold to me, and I still think he's a terrible purposefully-cold judgmental asshole. I'm not buying Nero's and Leda's relationship development other than for lustful reasons. Nyx was a bit too much of a deux machina in this book, too, but it was nice seeing another angel character.

Still interested in reading about how Leda's powers develop and her mysterious parentage, so onwards we go!
--------
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Vampire's Kiss: ★★★☆☆
#2 Witch's Cauldron (this book): ★★★☆☆
#3 Siren's Song: ★★★☆☆

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and highly recommend it to those who love paranormal stories with a romance and plenty of action. You do want to read the first book before starting this one as it takes place shortly after the action from the first book.

This one focuses on the witches in the paranormal community and discovering who is working together to kill paranormals. Leda continues to be fiercely loyal and protective of those she cares about. She takes tremendous risks. Her relationship with Nero continues to be explosive and fun.

This book does not disappoint and continues the great energy from the first one. I am really looking forward to the third book.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now the fun begins!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A month ago, I watched in horror as six of my fellow initiates died after sipping the Nectar of the gods, a heavenly drink that either grants you magical powers or kills you. I can’t believe I’m coming back for seconds.”
Leda Pierce has survived the gods’ first test and gained entry into the Legion of Angels, but the fight is far from over. Someone is poisoning the supernaturals of New York. Suspecting witches, the Legion sends in Leda to investigate. To save the city, she will need magic she doesn’t have—and gaining that magic might just kill her. Now her survival depends on accepting help from the darkly seductive angel Nero, but that help comes with a price she cannot afford to pay.

Heather's Notes
I am really like this series. Leda is kick ass and funny. I like that she doesn't take herself too seriously. Nero is starting to grow on me too. He is finally starting to loosen up. What I really want the author to do is tell us what Leda really is, because she is not human (at least not all human). I thought the plot was really good. I liked that they did some good old fashion detective work. I felt at the end though, the alpha should have killed the witch before she set off the bomb. It was out of character for her not too, and did not make sense. I am sure we will be seeing him again.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Leda has reached level one in the Legion of Angels and has gotten the Vampire's Kiss but is training hard to get to the next level. Nero is giving her extra training and tongues are wagging about Leda and the handsome angel. But even when Leda feels attracted to Nero, she knows he will only break her heart and she has to keep her focus on raising to the ninth level so save her brother.

Early in the book Leda is promoted to the second level and receives witch power. This so she can assist Nero in a search who is poisoning and killing in the city. Leda is quite resourceful and a snoop so she can't resist a little sleuthing on her own.

I am totally into this series as I like the smoldering between Leda and Nero and the story as a whole. I do feel we are missing in depth information about all the levels and powers. Everything feels quite on the surface info to me. I also really dislike the Legion as they are cruel and care nothing about the people who apply to be a soldier for them. The dying rate is enormous so it feels a bit strange they do care about the death of citizens while caring nothing at all about their initiates. Another thing that bothers me is that Nero is supposed to be an angel with great powers but in this book Leda saves his life a second time.

Alas, the series does have a hold on me so I will be ordering the next.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WOW WOW

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

This is like Kate Daniels meets mortal instruments, its bloody brilliant.

This edition to the mesmerizing saga has Leda and Nero (sigh).......

Tackling witches as Leda moves up the supernatural ladder taking in the next level of ambrosia.

Each book is medium length not an intimidating 400+ pages which is great

I love all the characters, the world building the chemistry a new fave series added to my list!!!!!

Like all my fave Series i will be on a mission now to read all Ella Summers stuff, hope its as good as this, so excited to find this gem of a series and author!!!!!!

[Lisa P · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book we find Leda still training with the Legion of Angels. She is now at a level two and learning new powers of magic. This is not really a series that tells an individual story each book. Yes in this book there is a side story with Leda and the Legion investigating the Witches Academy for some possible evil-doing, but overall it is still a story about Leda and here progress at the academy in order to achieve one final goal...the rescuing of her brother. Her relationship with Nero is also progressing throughout the series...where that will end, not really sure at this point, but it sure is fun to read about. Reading about all the quirky and unique secondary characters is also quite fun! This is one of those series that I believe must be read in its entirety to get the full enjoyment factor out of it...I will definitely be continuing on!

[Feliciabooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is difficult to rate. not because the book is bad but because I’m in a bit of a reading slump.

I like how fast passed the book is but I doesn’t feel rushed.
the only thing I didn’t like in this book was the love interest...
he better redeem himself in the next book because right now he is a @sshole.
and not because of the hard training but for the club incident... that really bothers me.

overall love the action and the world. would recc.

[Jessica Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one built on the momentum from the previous book and kept the plot racing forward. Full of action, mystery, and intrigue, this book was a lot of fun. Looking forward to the next! Also definitely recommend the audio. The narrator does a great job!

[Loata93 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayyyy better than the first one.

Wasn't really interested in the first book, but this one was much easier to read.

Will definitely read the next in the series. I guess it pays to give things a second chance :P

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars