Spring's Calling

Seasons of Magic #1

by Sarah Biglow

Ezri would give up her magic to solve her mother’s murder.

But forces beyond her control—both magical and mundane—have other plans.

Despite turning her back on the magical community the day her mother died, she’s spent the last decade honing her magical skills. She’s risen in the police ranks and is ready to use her new detective’s shield to finally get some answers about her mother.

When a series of brutal murders lands in her lap, Ezri sets out to prove to herself and her mundane partner she can handle the investigation. The deeper she digs; the more evidence mounts that dark magic is behind the killings. Ezri knows traditional police work won’t be enough to stop the spree, but she can’t risk revealing the magical world.

As the clock ticks ever closer to the Vernal Equinox and the prophecy that’s plagued her since childhood, Ezri has no choice but to greet her destiny head on. Will she solve the murders and uncover the truth about her mother’s death, or will she lose the life she’s built for herself in the process?

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Witches, Amazon, Urban

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2018

About the author

Author also writes under S.E. Biglow

Sarah is a USA Today Bestselling author as well as a licensed attorney and works for a state agency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When not working on her next novel or reading the latest installment of one of the many series she follows, she is busy watching TV and running a TV recap blog with her friend. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son.

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Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

Spring's Calling is the first installment in author Sarah Biglow's Seasons of Magic series. This story is told over the course of 7 days; March 11-18, 2017. Boston Detective Ezri Trenton has been told that she's supposed to face off against a great evil when a solar eclipse and meteor shower falls on the vernal equinox. The equinox is allegedly when the world comes back into balance between light and dark magic while the Winter solstice ebbs between good and evil. 10 years ago, Ezri's mother was murdered and covered up by everyone involved in the case. Ezri hasn't forgotten.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was suggested this book by another author whose work I like. I thought the blurb seemed interesting and I liked the cover so I gave it a go. At first I was a bit turned off by how the author perceives magic use. It smells. I thought that was weird and kinda goofy. But I kept going and I ended up liking how the author used the "Magic users have a specific smell they leave behind" (Ezri is strawberries). It's still weird but works in this book. I liked the basics of the story, even though they were very typical...Ezri is a cop but also a witch who turned her back on the community because of childhood issues including the death of her mother. Ezri is also the Savior who will stop a major magical crisis that was foretold hundreds of years ago. Ezri really is a likeable character. The rest of the characters in the book are okay but quite honestly they felt like filler characters to just help push Ezri along the plot. They had no real development outside of how they affected Ezri's character. The murders they were trying to solve were interesting but again, not much light was really shed on them other than the evil magical community was behind them for their master plan.

Why 2 stars when so many others gave 5? The book has so much potential. The characters have so much potential. In fact I really do like 90% of the book. The problem...and the one thing none of the 5 star reviews even mentions......the ending is so BAD. You get to 90-95% done with the book and Ezri still hasn't confronted the bad guys yet. I was thinking that was going to be in the next book because how can you wrap up the book with only 5% left? The answer...is...in reality...YOU CAN'T! But the author did and it was terrible. We spent the whole book being told how only Ezri can save them from the big evil and she ends up being practically unimportant. She was no Savior. Not at all. We don't really get an explanation, world building of any kind when it comes to the "who what where when why" of the bad guys. It made reading the rest of the book a waste of time.

It's a shame the author had no idea how to actually finish the story. And it's clear by that horrible ending that she just threw it together to get it done. Wasted potential and so typical of this day and age of self publishing.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is the one, only her will lead but she turned her back on it when her mother was murdered. She has worked hard to rise in the police until she has ready detective. Now she will use her magic and her skills to solve the crime at long last. She is in for a shock when there are murders which she needs to solve. Will she be pulled back to them? Can she find the one who killed her mother? See if she solves it all

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezri Trenton is a cop, a still-new detective with the Boston Police Department.

Ezri is also a witch.

Her relationship with both things is--complicated.

Ezri is the descendant of witches who died in the Salem Witch Trials. Prophecy says that she is the Savior, destined to defeat a plot by evil practitioners who will strike on the day that there is an eclipse of the sun and a meteor shower, on the Vernal Equinox. And Ezri is committed, personally, to doing her duty. Unfortunately, she's not on speaking terms with any of the other witches she should be collaborating with when the time comes--which is very, very soon.

Ezri's mother died on Ezri's fifteenth birthday. She found her mother's body, knife in her chest--and the Authority, the governing body of witches who seek to be law-abiding good citizens, covered it up and did nothing to find the killer. Ezri has cut ties with everyone who went along with this, which was everyone important in her life.

Her complicated relationship with her police career comes from the fact that she still basically seeks to follow the rules and ethics of the Authority, and that means, sometimes, often, not telling the whole truth about how she gets things done.

And it's now March 2017, and this vernal equinox is the one during which she's destined to be a hero.

But right now, she and her partner, Jacquie DeWitt, are hunting for a serial killer. Or killers. What Ezri can't tell her older, more experienced, and increasingly concerned partner is why she's so sure the seemingly random victims are actually random, and that the real pattern is geographical. She can't even tell Jacquie that she's pretty sure the pattern is a pentagram, or that the specific locations are places where dark practitioners were hanged, because how could she explain that without revealing entirely too much?

Jacquie is a dedicated cop, and trying to be a responsible partner and mentor for Ezri, but Ezri really isn't making it easy. Meanwhile, the Authority, and Ezri's cousins and father, are trying to bring her back into the fold for the sake of everyone.

This is very well written, with good characters and good plotting. It's an added bonus for me that it's set in Boston--and Bigelow knows the city. I honestly noticed exactly one error--at one point, the swan pond in the Public Garden is referred to as a "lake." I mean, shudder, for sure, but that's the kind of tiny, unnoticeable error that can happen and not be caught when the writer is using a good editor whom they trust, and who doesn't have the same level of knowledge of the city. I forgive them both. There's one more possible mistake--Ezri makes a U turn at a spot where I'm really not sure it's possible. Storrow is a divided road for much of its length. On the other hand, without going to take a ride and checking, I'm not sure. So I don't think I can complain about that.

And, honestly, look at how picky those two thing are. Meanwhile, the feel of the city is very real, and I've spent a lot more time on those two things than I did while reading, when they didn't cause more than a momentary "huh?" while reading, not wanting to pause in my enjoyment of the story.

So, seriously, hearts and flowers for a good job on my favorite city.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Spring’s Calling is the first book in the Season’s of Magic series by Sarah Biglow. This is an action-packed urban fantasy, interwoven with a crime drama, mystery, suspense, magic, witches, prophecy, sinister forces, and a pending apocalypse. The fate of the world hangs in the balance and it is a bit of a race against time to unravel everything, whilst also embracing a destiny that was foretold in a prophecy centuries ago.
Ezri Trenton is the subject of that prophecy- and as the last remaining descendant in a long line of witches, the responsibility falls on her to save the day. But, Ezri is haunted by the murder of her mother ten years earlier. She left the magical community, feeling betrayed by their lack of action after her mother’s death. So, she decided to hunt down the killer herself, and has since joined the police force a stepping stone in that direction. She loves her job and takes it seriously. But hiding her ‘abilities’ is going to become a little more difficult, especially when there’s a phantom serial killer to track down. Keeping her magical abilities on the down-low just got a whole lot more difficult. How will Ezri juggle the advancing prophecy, saving the day, as well as hunting down a serial killer with paranormal abilities? Well, this book is well worth the read to discover just how everything plays out!
Looking forward to more in the ‘Seasons of Magic’ series!

Thank you, Sarah Biglow!

[Dianne Ascroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of traditional fantasy for years but I think this is the first urban fantasy I've read. It blended a crime drama with a mystical story and I loved the combination. Ezri Trenton is the kind of feisty female character that I enjoy reading about. She's both capable and unnerved by the world-changing situation she finds herself in. I couldn't help rooting for her as she made an emotional journey to accept her responsibility and as she found a way to physically complete the tasks she had to do. I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into Ezri's world and meeting the magical community. Now I'm waiting for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this fantasy novel.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah is a new author to me. This is a lovely fantasy to read with alot of intruge and crime. Witty novel with plenty of intregue. Eriz is head strong and I have enjoyed joining her in this magical journey. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Marion Over · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad or good one. I've been picking it up reading a bit but not getting into it yet. I'm 75% through. So I think I'll put it away for now.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low 3

I liked the main character, but two things made this book not quite come together for me. However, I'm also far pickier than the average reader. First, I felt like the main confrontation to which the majority of the book built up was over too quickly and easily compared to the expectations created by the setup. Second, an element of her history is clarified towards the end. But I can't logically make it make sense with her initial experience and how it's explained later. Clearly I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so not being super specific here.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the A Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy series and follows the main character, Boston police detective Ezri Trenton as she has to live up to her future as the Savior, the last of a long line of witches in her family and the one prophesied to save the world! As the Spring Equinox comes closer, with also the foretold coming of an eclipse at the same time as a meteor shower, the prophecy of the one who can save the world, while fire rains down as midday turns to night, told by one of her ancestors back in 1671, at the time of the Salem Witch Trials, is ever closer. The last of her ancestor’s line has been prophesied as the one to protect the world as the time of balance between light and dark magic is in flux. Ezri has been told about this important time, since she was eight years old and was trained by her mother from that age, until her untimely death, when Ezri was fifteen.

Her mother’s death split apart her life, as her father wallowed in his grief and Ezri could not forgive the Authority, the magical Council who say what witches can use their magic for and trains witches once they came into power, didn’t do any investigation into her mother’s death. She left all of her then friends, when none came to her aid and vowed to find out for herself who killed her mother. She worked hard to become the police officer she is now and ten years later, is finally a detective, if only a new one. Her senior partner is Detective Jacqui DeWitt and the two catch a new case, Ezri’s first murder. An elderly man, Mr Cho, has been killed by what Ezri knows was a magic user. She can sense two different magical traces and the strange thing is that no one seems to notice the dead person for about twenty minutes after the killing.

This is not the first death and neither will it be the last! Ezri has used her magic to help her to get into the position she is in now and is determined to solve these murders, whilst also knowing the time of the equinox is getting ever closer and is only a matter of days away now. She sense spirits of dark magic at the killing sites and soon has to look back into her family’s journals to find any pattern to the killings. She has been fighting to find this new serial killer all by herself, but soon realises she will need some help from those she previously pushed away and the organization they all work for. There is also a dark magic organization called The Order (of Samael – an enemy of the Authority and its Council), whose members have a certain tattoo to show their allegiance. It seems that one who has been sent to assist on the police case, is in fact there to hinder them and to stop Ezri at any cost.

The phantom serial killer leaves very little trace and makes it harder and harder for Ezri not to reveal her magical abilities to her partner. She is not strong enough to do this by herself and will need friends and family to help defeat their foes. Connections to her mother’s death keep haunting her and will solving this case help her towards her long held goal of finding out the truth behind her mother’s death? She has a huge fight on her hands in the next few days and will need all her strength and the strength of others to help in the battle to come. She has to risk everything to finally fulfil her destiny, foretold so many centuries ago. A heavy weight for just one person, but she has been raised knowing it was her destiny and to prepare for it as best she could.

This book is just shy of four hundred pages long, but it certainly didn’t feel like it, as I read it straight through in one sitting! The book just grabs your attention and keeps you involved with the main character’s story as they try to solve one of the most difficult cases she has ever come across and which also seems to be interlinked with her destiny as the Savior. She will finally have to break down some long held barriers, as she finds out the truth of her mother’s death and fulfils her role as destiny has foretold. An intriguing and complex storyline, with such a strong character, who tries to do everything on her own, but admits she needs assistance at the end. A fascinating read and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. If they are anything like this one, I would recommend them to all who love a bit of magic or even a good murder case. Absolutely loved it! Can’t say any more than that as a recommendation. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring’s calling is an urban fantasy novel which revolves around a cop, Ezri Trenton, who has magical capabilities. Unfortunately, she struggles alone to train herself to a control these magical powers and hurts herself in the process of self-training. Her mother’s mysterious death circumstances forbid her to approach the Authority, the council of magicians who govern the city.
Ezri wanders away alone from her family and her childhood friends. She trains hard and becomes a law enforcement officer. On the first case, Ezri is paired up with another officer to investigate a murder which has occurred in the public gardens. The moment Ezri reaches the murder scene, she senses strong magic in action. Within no time, she figures out that there are dark magical forces involved in this murder.
But things move at a faster pace than expected. Within three days, four innocent people are murdered at different parts of the city at public places. The evil is at large and the cops are running out of time and resources. FBI takes over the investigation, which makes the matters further complicated.
In parallel, runs an ancient prophecy that the world will see a savior combat a powerful evil magic which is destined to happen during the Equinox. Everyone is convinced that Ezri is the savior. With Equinox only few days around the corner and a serial killer at large, Ezri is forced to approach the Authority for assistance. Will the Authority help her solve the mystery? Will Ezri stop the evil magic force from rising?
This forms the crux of the story.
When I started reading the novel, I did not expect the story to be even half interesting as it turned out to be. I found myself turning the pages back to reread what I had read before to connect the pieces together. It’s a very engaging book, brimming with interesting characters.
It requires a lot of creative imagination to hold a reader’s attention in a fantasy book. The author has done a brilliant job constructing the different magical elements in the book. The characters are in plenty, there are lots of twists and turns and each and every page is captivating.
There is only one flaw I could find with this book, that it was easy to guess the antagonist of the book. It would have been really thrilling had the evil force been a very close ally to Esri and had moved in very close quarters with Ezri all along.
Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable book to read, I look forward to the sequels.

[Dorian]

Not sure how I feel Abt this book yet, the character seems weak. Where is the growth? Or eagerness to learn more so that she can be of service to others? Seems like everytime shite goes down, she should've already been dead. She doesn't read anything to better her skills, then always making false promises to get people to follow or trust her, and I kinda find that to be dishonest. Just a little. I mean who'd really let her lead if she were truly honest Abt her skills? Also noticed now she's acting a little cocky and tough as if she's good enough to really be that way. And shes running around as if she's flying solo, the cat is out of the bag, so what's with all the secrets? And brushing people off as if she's the lone ranger? But noticed she can't solve shite. Or really save anybody. She memory walked, and saw first hand how lady's magic stolen, yet she reported zero details to council? She failed or deliberately failed to warn them to stay home and away from public places til they figure out what's going on. Instead she told them the opposite of that and kinda tossed them all out there to mingle with the public as if she's dumb, or the enemy? Not sure at this point. Giving them that little bit of detail would give them the choice or decision. Regardless of whether or not she knew how it was taken. The fact that it could and will get taken in public place is major. And again is she stupid or up to no good? Other than that. Book seems okay. Just think the character is changing into someone I can't respect as much anymore, or wish she does well. Etc. It's almost disappointing. Cuz shes too weak to be cocky, and doesn't solve things quick enough to justify line ranger moves, and she lies a lot even after doesn't have too, she exaggerates, just think she needs more development. Also why is she running around telling humans their secret, fine if she discloses only herself but her big mouth told her cousins secret too! Weird. That was wrong on so many levels. I was pissed. It wasnt her secret to tell. Wipe the memory and move on. Dont place another persons life on the line cuz ure not smart enough to figure out how to clean shite up! Realistically the 1000 question a minute fbi chic could be recording things, making vids, be internal affairs, etc. And agency would clean all that shite out and experiment. She's a moron. Hope she grows up some

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezri Trenton is a young woman, she is a Detective with the local law enforcement, but she is also a witch, but she has to keep these two sides of herself separate, no matter how much she wishes it could be different, however, she hasn’t had the easiest start to life, when she walked into her house, saw her murdered mother on the floor in front of her and at the time it was just too much for her to bear, now she uses it to fuel her career. Meanwhile, in the background there are the undercurrents of another facet to her magical life, this is the fact that she is destined to take part in a prophecy on the Vernal Equinox, but the when are where are vague and so she just has to build herself up so that she can be ready when the time comes.

Fast forward to today and she has just been assigned a new partner, a mundane, or person without magic and they pretty much immediately get a call out to a homicide, however, this isn’t any homicide, it reeks of magic and dark magic at that, but she has to keep the information to herself because of the secrecy surrounding her life at all times. As the investigation intensifies and more victims are found, Ezri knows that mundane police work isn’t going to cut it and is finding it more and more difficult not to use her magical skills in front of her partner, or how to explain when she has to and appears just to zone out from time to time.

While all of this is going on, the past comes calling as Ezri tries to solver her mothers murder while working though the evidence which is pointing the finger to the darkest of dark magic, she is also quickly coming to terms with the fact that it is this Equinox which the prophecy was talking about and she only has a few days to stop it. Will Ezri be able to solve both cases in time, or will time run out before she has the chance? This is a fast paced and addictive urban fantasy chock full of spells, action and adventure as Ezri races against time while dealing with past and present in one big jumble of emotions, revelations and magic.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ezri has pushed everyone away from her since her mothers death. She decided she will train herself for role as Savior. She loves being a cop and helping others. Ezri and her partner are called to a homicide scene, Ezri knows that magic killed the man. She can't her partner that, so she gathers facts for herself. Ezri partners asks her some questions about her life and Ezri wants to tell her about magic and the case. There is another case with the same method of murder. She is picking up the scents again, this time she leaves the scene. Her partner reports her to her captain. She is off the case until she sees the psychologist and is cleared to work. Ezri makes it to her appointment, she is confronted with a face from her past.
Ezri hasn't seen her cousin Desmond since her mother's death on her birthday. She feels as he help over the whole thing up with the Authority. He tells her see needs to see the council and he will re-instate her. That the prophecy is bigger than just her. They have resources to help her with her case and the prophecy.
Ezri will have to confront the her past, learn some hard truths about everything and everyone. She will have to stop these murders and the dark magic before it is too late. She just hopes she doesn't die doing it.

This book really grabs you. You have a cast of characters that each have their own emotional issues, the action of the murders and magic. Really good murder mystery with magic added in. Looking forward to reading the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me but I love the genre so decided to give it a go. The beginning built a little slow for me but as I kept at it to see what came next the author delivered flawlessly. It is a slow build but understandable in order to fully understand the character and her abilities.

Ezri, a rookie detective, read undercover witch is pulled in on a case where she can smell that magic has been used in the crime. Could this be the beginning of the prophecy that has plagued her since birth? With the vernal equinox in the very near future, Ezri along with her partner Jacquie must work to solve the murders while Ezri keeps her magical abilities hidden from even her partner. Yet as the bodies pile up, it seems Ezri must turn to those friends and fellow witches that she abandoned decades ago after the death of her mother. Can Ezri tie up these murders with a nice little bow before she must face her own destiny in helping good overcome evil? Can she maintain the balance between her destiny and the life she chose or will she need to sacrifice one to complete the other?

This is definitely an interesting read with a new take on witches, magical abilities, and the fight in good vs. evil. Though a slow build if you can stick through it then it is quite an enjoyable read. I definitely plan to read the series so I can see what else happens for Ezri and the characters in this book.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spring’s Calling by Sarah Biglow and narrated by Stephanie Dillard is not one of my favorite books.
I’m going to do something I very rarely do: I’m going to include spoilers. I have two major problems with the book, so I need to give some stuff away to explain why I didn’t like it that much.
Ezri Trenton, our heroine, acts like a spoiled brat through most of the book. Can you tell I don’t like her? So her mother died and she found the body. I get that. But to continually blame everyone else in the book for not solving the murder and shutting herself away doesn’t solve anything. She could have actually talked to people to find out what was going on. And insisting that the poor kid who was turned into a gargoyle and forced to murder people would be going to jail no matter what just didn’t sit right with me. He basically has spent the last five years in jail in that stone body! And you want to throw him back in? Sorry. Get the Council to pull some strings or what ever, but let the kid go home.
Yes, I finished the book. I could have stopped reading it, but I kept hoping Ezri would grow up. And it’s okay for her to use her magic to slow people down when she is chasing them? Don’t agree with that either. Run faster.
Please keep in mind before you want to tear me apart for writing this, that all reviews are based on the reviewer’s own background, reading history, and multiple other factors. If you liked the book and don’t like this review, then that’s okay. Just keep reading!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boston PD Detective Ezri Trenton wants you to believe she's okay but she really isn't. Her magical abilities help her in her work but haunt her too. With a huge magical prophecy involving her approaching, Ezri is even more vulnerable. Her new homicide case has magical components and as much as she hates to admit it , she needs help from her family and the Authority (the governing magical body from whom she is estranged).
The author creates a rather unique magical world where magic like energy just simply exists - it can't be created or lost - just converted and it is everywhere with no particular source. Magical powers run in family with the female lineage being the most telling. Ezri is the last female in a powerful line meant to fulfill an ancient destiny. And that destiny comes at her strong even when she tries to avoid it. Ezri is a very reluctant heroine. She has a lot of emotional baggage that keeps her back and drags her down. She's not particularly likable in the beginning - rather whiny and annoying. But she matures quickly as the pace of the story picks up and races to the final confrontation. While the pacing of the story is a bit uneven, it actually works well with the ending. I enjoyed meeting all the characters (especially Kayla who is a Whisperer) and look forward to seeing how they adapt and move forward in future stories.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring's Calling: A Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy Novel
By Sarah Biglow
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Spring's Calling: A Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow. It is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It includes magic, mystery, action, and danger. I loved reading about the character of Ezri Trenton. She is a Boston Police Detective who loves her job and wants to solve the murder of her mother. She is also the prophetic Savior. Life gets interesting when Ezri has to chase down a phantom serial killer while having to make sure not to reveal her magical secret. What does the future hold for Ezri? Will she be the Savior that everyone believes she is? Will she catch the serial killer? Will she solve her mother’s murder? Read this book to find out. This is an exciting and entertaining story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I love that Ezri pushes forward with her investigation even when she could be in harm's way. She is learning that she may need to stop isolating herself and accept help. I enjoyed reading about the prophecy that has Ezri is the main player in. I also enjoyed reading about those who interact and help Ezri. This is a story that will hook you in and you won’t want to put it down. I highly recommend reading it.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spring's Calling," the inaugural book in Sarah Biglow's Seasons of Magic series, introduces readers to a world where magic intertwines with the mundane. While the main character, Ezri, takes center stage with her distinctive magical scent of strawberries, the supporting cast, unfortunately, comes across as somewhat underdeveloped, serving mainly as tools to advance Ezri's journey. Their lack of independent growth leaves them feeling like mere plot devices.

I appreciated the unique element of magic users having specific scents, such as Ezri's association with strawberries. This added a distinctive touch to the narrative. The core of the story, though somewhat familiar—a cop and witch grappling with a departure from the magical community and haunted by childhood trauma—held promise. However, despite its potential, the conclusion felt rushed.

The pacing, particularly in resolving the mystery surrounding Ezri's mother's death, was abrupt, leaving the reader with a less-than-satisfying ending. While I hesitate to rate below 3 stars, the rushed conclusion is a significant drawback. A careful re-editing of the ending could elevate the book, ensuring a more fulfilling resolution and potentially warranting a higher rating.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taylor Reisdorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for urban fantasy enjoyers

This story moves very quickly. This is both good and bad. It's good in that the narrative doesn't dawdle, but it's bad in that the plot is really quite straightforward. I kept waiting for a twist about who the real villain was, or what their real motivations were, but it never came.

Also, while I don't worship the ground beneath Brandon Sanderson's feet like some fantasy fans, nor really hold his rules on hard/soft magic to be some sort of gospel, I do think that this book really shows the kind of thing he warns about. For a book where magic plays such an important role, the author never really sets out any rules for what it can and can't do in any clear way, and the ND regularly just solved problems (or even minor inconveniences) without really knowing how, which hurts the storytelling because all struggles then seem to be either plot holes or... whatever the opposite of 'plot armour' is. There was even a nonmagical character who could have asked these questions for the audience, but never did, which was disappointing.

Overall, I'd say the book is worth a read, but I'd caution you not to expect top tier writing. It's a good story, even if it could have been better.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would especially like to thank the author and the Booksprout site for allowing me to read this book.

I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book Ezri looks like Holly Marie Combs.

We learn that Ezri is dealing with an ancient prophecy imbued with black magic and that in order to protect the world and fulfill her destiny she had to reconcile her past to save the future.

Ezri, a Boston police detective, wants to focus on his job and solve the investigation into his mother's murder. From an early age she is told over and over that she is the prophetic savior of her magical community. Except that shortly before the spring equinox the order of Samael does not stop working to get rid of druidic demons. His whole life is threatened. And Ezri, for her part, is chasing a ghostly serial killer whose unknown identity baffles the police. Is she going to stop this ghost without showing her powers? Will she solve her mother's murder?

The equinox is fast approaching, must do everything to be the Savior.

A book read in one go, so much so that I've hung on to the story, so captivating, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boston Police Detective Ezri Trenton is about to reconcile her past by trying to save the future with a case deep in dark magic and an old prophecy.
Ezri has by choice isolated herself to not only do her job but solve her mom’s murder.
As the only prophet Savior of the magical community, during a time of both light and dark, the order of Samael works to keep the Druidic demons at bay but that leaves the Savior to be put to the test to save the community.
An unknown force is out on a murdering rampage. Ezri attempts to stop this force without revealing her true identity but it also throws into question more about her mother’s murder.
In a race against time, will she put who she is on the chopping block to save the community and the world as a whole?
This book is a multi-layered trip on the mind as you travel between fantasy and the real world (in book form) but it’s entertaining from start to finish. Quite the page-turner as it keeps you tuning in to see which way Ezri goes, great action and suspense, unpredictable and great world building between two worlds of fantasy and the regular world. This book was nothing short of incredible.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give Spring's Calling: (A Seasons of Magic Urban Fantasy Novel) by Sarah Biglow, 5 stars.

Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre so I was really looking forward to this book. I didn't recall reading this author before, so I had no idea what to expect. The beginning of it was interesting, but I want more. I wanted to see Ezri have people on her side to help her. You can see that she has depended on just herself for so long and everyone needs at least one person they can go to. When more people got involved in helping her and she started letting those people in, that's when the book went to phenomenal. Not only doe she have to find the bad guy, she has to be the savior to the magical world.

This book has just what you want in an Urban Fantasy book -- a strong female lead, magic, suspense, laughter, tears, love, heartbreak; and it is all woven into a story that pulls you in from the very beginning and you cannot stop until you are finished. I was so ready to read the next book, but I have to wait because it's not out yet! That's ok, this book is so good, I will not forget this characters any time soon.

If you are a of urban fantasy, this book is for you.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say I am so excited for this series to unfold! Spring’s Calling in the first book in a long line to be expected in the series by Sarah Biglow. I was sure I would love this one when I found out it was all about a modern witch from the blurb, and I was never disappointed. I loved reading every moment of Ezri’s story and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next novel in the series.

Ezri Trenton is our main gal like I mentioned above. She is a direct descendent of the Salem Witches and is well aware of it. She is set to be the one to [protect the prophecy etc. but she is haunted by the death of her mother and the community's lack of care and justice. She is determined to find the killer herself and in the process finds herself joining the local police force. The newest case that is plaguing her will give her magic and herself some serious grief. I love the drama and mystery that is well woven throughout this read, but the magical feel that you read is almost as if I am enjoying an adult fairy tale. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this series but I am for sure along for the whole ride!

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Spring’s Calling“, first installment in the “Seasons of Magic” Series by Sarah Biglow is a clever mix of Urban Fantasy and thriller.

The MC Ezri Trenton is a no-nonsense Boston police detective that has been negating her destiny for a while. Being the allegedly Magical Saviour of prophecy, did not help to save her mother life. Now Ezri has two goals in life: excel at her job and in the process solve find the person responsible for her mother’s death.

Prophecies unfortunately, don’t want to be “ignored” and always find a way to resurface, right in the middle of Ezri work: An evasive killer on the loose threatens to reveal Ezri’s secrets at the very same time that some ancient Druidic order put the existence of the world into danger. Enzi would have to risk everything to stop the world from ending, embracing her own destiny.

Sarah Biglow’s story is a wonderful start of a brand-new series that blends elements of fantasy with police procedural into a fast-paced and thrilling plot, with unexpected twists, a realistic and enjoyable setting, a most relatable MC, good written secondary characters and a credible druidic backstory. A highly satisfying UF series!

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 21%

I’m listening to the audio book and truth be told I have a hard time with audios. I listen to them while I work a pretty mundane data entry job. So if they story can’t keep my interest I stop listening to it. This one fits the bill. I just don’t understand this character. Her mother is murdered when she’s 15. Her whole life she’s been told she’s this chosen one. Her father loved her mother very much. So she thinks there’s this big betrayal bc they didn’t rule the murder as a murder but natural. Ok yeah I can see being pissed about it but it’s like 12 years later (or something like that) and she has no relationship whatsoever with anyone in the magical community including her dad. Why? Why on earth wouldn’t you talk to your dad about your moms murder and find out why he didn’t peruse it? I mean as a rational adult would t you want to know. He still loves his daughter and sends her a text every year on her birthday. I just honestly couldn’t get past this. She knows she’s supposed to save the world as she knows it but hey at 15 she must be able to teach herself everything she needs to know for the epic battle that’s ahead of her 🤦‍♀️

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezri grows up knowing that she has a prophecy to fulfill. When her mother is murdered tragically, and everyone seems to be fine with sweeping it under the rug, she vows to find her mother's killer. Once she becomes a detective, she sets out to find out more about her mom's death. However, murders around the Vernal Equinox begin happening around the city and she has to solve them first. Can she solve the murders before she has to fulfill the prophecy? Or are they part of it? Will she be able to find her mother's murderer?

This is my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed it! The story flowed smoothly with the backstory interspersed at the right moments in the book. Ezri is a very angry, hurt person that has to move past her feelings of self-imposed isolation and allow others to help her fulfill her destiny. Past friends and family that she cut off come to her aid and show her grace in their assistance. I feel like the author did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life in my mind. I enjoyed the way they interacted and related to each other.

This book was a good, clean language, detective-fantasy book!

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable modern day urban fantasy story. The central character, Ezri, is a detective with the police, but also possesses magical powers, a prophecy predicts that she will be a saviour when an eclipse signals a time when the balance between good and evil may tilt towards evil. The existence of magic is neatly explained by an ancient rule that magical beings cannot be recognised by anyone else, including other magical people.
She is involved in investigating a series of murders leading up to the eclipse and becomes convinced that they are related to the prophecy.
Along the way she learns that she isn't as alone as she thought that she was and that there are a lot of things about the magical world which aren't as she believed.
Ultimately this is a book about the battle between good and evil, but also about finding friends and allies and that she can't manage without them when the chips are down.
I received an advance copy of the book but I have voluntarily reviewed it.

[Kerry carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing adventure containing two of my favourite things, murders and paranormal.

Erzi is a newly appointed detective who's job become a lot harder when she is faced with people being murdered. There seems to be no connection between the victims but Erzi can sense dark magic and feels that is the connection.
However she can't voice this to her colleagues as magic and being able to do magic is unheard of by normal humans.

But Ezri isn't a normal human. She is a witch and the last in the bloodline of Harrow witches. Not only does she have to deal with her job, she also has the pressure of knowing that she is the saviour who needs to defeat the dark magic that is rising.

Add all this stress her need to find out the truth of what happened and why her mum was murdered and this story is gripping and compelling.

Can she stay strong enough to find out who is committing these murders? Can she defeat the dark forces? And who can she trust? Her magical family who deceived her over her mother's death or her police family who don't know her secrets.