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Whisker Witchcraft
Purrfect Magic
Magic is one thing. Three balls of fluff and fur are a completely different story.
The prestigious and highly selective Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft only accepts twenty-five new students every year. But Harper Bishop has been virtually guaranteed her acceptance to the magic academy since the day she was born. One of the many perks of being the daughter of two legendary Warlocks.
But attending the academy was never her dream. Magic, quite frankly, bores Harper out of her goddamn mind. She wants to get out, see the world, experience life in all its glory. Passing on the school isn't an option, however. So she arrives for her first day and begins the countdown to freedom.
Until three tiny kittens start speaking to her telepathically.
Which isn't normal, even for witches.
Now it's not just surviving boring spell classes that Harper has to worry about. Something evil and powerful is coming to the Academy and only Harper and her magical kittens can stop it before it destroys everything in its path. What's the worst that could happen?
The prestigious and highly selective Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft only accepts twenty-five new students every year. But Harper Bishop has been virtually guaranteed her acceptance to the magic academy since the day she was born. One of the many perks of being the daughter of two legendary Warlocks.
But attending the academy was never her dream. Magic, quite frankly, bores Harper out of her goddamn mind. She wants to get out, see the world, experience life in all its glory. Passing on the school isn't an option, however. So she arrives for her first day and begins the countdown to freedom.
Until three tiny kittens start speaking to her telepathically.
Which isn't normal, even for witches.
Now it's not just surviving boring spell classes that Harper has to worry about. Something evil and powerful is coming to the Academy and only Harper and her magical kittens can stop it before it destroys everything in its path. What's the worst that could happen?
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2019
14 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Coville
20 books122 followersSamantha Coville is a fantasy author and alumna of the University of Central Florida. Her lifelong love of reading evolved into a passion for writing during the third grade and at the age of sixteen her debut novel, Blood Oath, was released. When Samantha isn’t writing, she’s either exploring the local theme parks with her husband Marsean or bowling with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 14, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this short urban fantasy novel. Our lead, Harper, is so irritating and she never really improved over the course of the novel. She's quite bratty, entitled, and full of herself. The magic boarding school that she's attending is supposed to essentially a three year college program, but she comes off a lot younger than her character is supposed to be - I had to keep reminding myself that she wasn't just starting high school or something. Overall, this book just wasn't just quite for me.
I really wanted to like this short urban fantasy novel. Our lead, Harper, is so irritating and she never really improved over the course of the novel. She's quite bratty, entitled, and full of herself. The magic boarding school that she's attending is supposed to essentially a three year college program, but she comes off a lot younger than her character is supposed to be - I had to keep reminding myself that she wasn't just starting high school or something. Overall, this book just wasn't just quite for me.
January 19, 2020
This book is a short quick fun read. I enjoyed it. The story kept me reading more. I love the magic school and I am a cat lover. Harper Bishop is not an easy person to like because she is entitled but I did start to like her, in a way. The book for me had a little of a "Harry Potter" feel but I did think it was a cute, quick read. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
April 19, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
From the moment I started this, I absolutely hated the main character, Harper Bishop. She is everything I hate in a YA protagonist; arrogant, already well known in the magical world, and determined to make the worst of an amazing opportunity (and are we ever really told why?) She is sure she's the best at everything, blows people off, consistently has perfect hair and outfit choices. Of course, she's soon revealed to be the chosen defender of the school too. Add in absentee parents, and almost every cliche you can think of was ticked off.
Add in the fact that it's full of spelling errors and bad writing and it was a loss for me. I know this was only the eARC, but it was consistent errors and multiple times on a page. I hope it had more work before release.
Not great. One of my very rare one star reads.
From the moment I started this, I absolutely hated the main character, Harper Bishop. She is everything I hate in a YA protagonist; arrogant, already well known in the magical world, and determined to make the worst of an amazing opportunity (and are we ever really told why?) She is sure she's the best at everything, blows people off, consistently has perfect hair and outfit choices. Of course, she's soon revealed to be the chosen defender of the school too. Add in absentee parents, and almost every cliche you can think of was ticked off.
Add in the fact that it's full of spelling errors and bad writing and it was a loss for me. I know this was only the eARC, but it was consistent errors and multiple times on a page. I hope it had more work before release.
Not great. One of my very rare one star reads.
October 28, 2019
4 stars
I received an ARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Harper Bishop, who is the daughter of two famous warlocks, starts attending Jourdemayne Academy, an academy for witches. While there, she finds three kittens who have chosen her to help save the school from evil.
I didn't really like this book at first. Harper Bishop seems to be like your typical entitled rich kid until she meets her cats. Then she starts to become a better person. I actually started liking the roommate, Olivia, better until later.
I received an ARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Harper Bishop, who is the daughter of two famous warlocks, starts attending Jourdemayne Academy, an academy for witches. While there, she finds three kittens who have chosen her to help save the school from evil.
I didn't really like this book at first. Harper Bishop seems to be like your typical entitled rich kid until she meets her cats. Then she starts to become a better person. I actually started liking the roommate, Olivia, better until later.
October 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Whisker Witchcraft series by Samantha Coville.
This was short, fun summer read. The magic world was quite a hoot. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the school and all the pitfalls that come in that sort of setting. The characters were interesting and of the type that make you want come back for more.
I wasn’t as invested in Harper as I should have been considering she was the main character. The roommate Olivia stood out in the story and I felt was a good foil to the heroine. I would have liked to see her part expanded a bit. Her aggressiveness and negative opinions later in the story seemed to come out of no where which surprised me.
I felt like they could have expanded this to a full-sized novel if they had wanted to. There was a lot of skipping around in the plot and it wasn’t completely fleshed out in many areas. Days would go by before I realized where exactly I was within the time aspect of the story.
I think they should have forced Harper to take responsibility earlier in the plot for her actions in order to make the ending seem plausible. I didn’t quite buy the fact that she could handle such an immense power when she had only proved to be a misfit for a majority of her time a magic school, most of which she skipped for lack of interest.
Great effort. A story that sticks with you. It is a series I will want to continue and see grow and thrive over time. If you like magic and a magic school type of atmosphere, you will really want to check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Whisker Witchcraft series by Samantha Coville.
This was short, fun summer read. The magic world was quite a hoot. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the school and all the pitfalls that come in that sort of setting. The characters were interesting and of the type that make you want come back for more.
I wasn’t as invested in Harper as I should have been considering she was the main character. The roommate Olivia stood out in the story and I felt was a good foil to the heroine. I would have liked to see her part expanded a bit. Her aggressiveness and negative opinions later in the story seemed to come out of no where which surprised me.
I felt like they could have expanded this to a full-sized novel if they had wanted to. There was a lot of skipping around in the plot and it wasn’t completely fleshed out in many areas. Days would go by before I realized where exactly I was within the time aspect of the story.
I think they should have forced Harper to take responsibility earlier in the plot for her actions in order to make the ending seem plausible. I didn’t quite buy the fact that she could handle such an immense power when she had only proved to be a misfit for a majority of her time a magic school, most of which she skipped for lack of interest.
Great effort. A story that sticks with you. It is a series I will want to continue and see grow and thrive over time. If you like magic and a magic school type of atmosphere, you will really want to check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
September 12, 2019
It’s not easy to find something nice to say about Harper Bishop. She’s not very likeable. Her feeling of entitlement and lack of work ethics make it hard to tolerate her. I couldn’t understand why the Hell Cats chose her to be their guardian. Throughout the bonk though she became more invested in the Academy and her fellow witch students. Not a lot, but it was an improvement. Of course there is a young good looking wizard drawing her immediate attention and the sparks are flying high. But this romance doesn’t take away from the real problems and there are a few.
I liked the story and will definable reading the next book in the series. Good start!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Samantha Coville!
I liked the story and will definable reading the next book in the series. Good start!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Samantha Coville!
August 30, 2019
Short academy drama. One MC who is a brat at the beginning, friends, enemies and one love interest. It feels a little childish and the MC has a lot of growing up to do but there is hope for her. There is a little romance but the main focus is on three kittens and what their arrival means. I did like the kittens.
September 17, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the digital copy! All of my thoughts are my own.
This book stars twenty-one year old Harper Bishop, a first-year student at Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft. Harper is the daughter of two famous parents within the world of Witches, wizards, and warlocks, and expects to coast easily throughout the school year until summer break and go back to enjoying her luxurious life at home. But school is a lot harder for Harper than she expected, and one day finds three kittens alone in an old classroom. A threat has made itself present at the school as well as the Bolingbroke Academy, the boy’s school across the river, as the three kittens decide that Harper is to be their guardian. And these kittens aren’t normal animals, but Hell Cats, ancient demons that take the form of kittens, and Harper and the kittens are the only ones capable of stopping the threat.
I gave this book three stars because although I did find the story to be entertaining and a fast read, there are several things that could have been done a bit better. I thought the book was written well, and I found it easy to get through several chapters at once, since they were typically around five or six pages. I often found myself wanting to get back to the story as soon as I had to put it down.
Harper is dramatic, superficial, and the picture of a reluctant hero. She reminded me of Sharpay Evans from High School Musical plunked into a Harry Potter-esque world. I found her voice to be more high-school than college, and her actions and attitude to be a little immature, but her humour balanced her out for me a bit.
My biggest problem with this book was that it was not long enough to serve the plot justice, in my opinion. Purrfect Magic is only 130 pages long, which meant that all of the characters (including Harper herself) did not feel fleshed out, and the pacing and major plot points of the book felt choppy and rushed towards the end of the story. This story definitely had some silly moments when it came to Harper’s connection with the Hell Cats, and I wish it had been explained more in-depth.
Overall, Purrfect Magic should have been longer to flesh out the story and its characters better, but was a highly entertaining and fluffy (or furry) read, and if I get the chance, I would read the next book in the series, Pawsome Magic, when it’s released.
This book stars twenty-one year old Harper Bishop, a first-year student at Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft. Harper is the daughter of two famous parents within the world of Witches, wizards, and warlocks, and expects to coast easily throughout the school year until summer break and go back to enjoying her luxurious life at home. But school is a lot harder for Harper than she expected, and one day finds three kittens alone in an old classroom. A threat has made itself present at the school as well as the Bolingbroke Academy, the boy’s school across the river, as the three kittens decide that Harper is to be their guardian. And these kittens aren’t normal animals, but Hell Cats, ancient demons that take the form of kittens, and Harper and the kittens are the only ones capable of stopping the threat.
I gave this book three stars because although I did find the story to be entertaining and a fast read, there are several things that could have been done a bit better. I thought the book was written well, and I found it easy to get through several chapters at once, since they were typically around five or six pages. I often found myself wanting to get back to the story as soon as I had to put it down.
Harper is dramatic, superficial, and the picture of a reluctant hero. She reminded me of Sharpay Evans from High School Musical plunked into a Harry Potter-esque world. I found her voice to be more high-school than college, and her actions and attitude to be a little immature, but her humour balanced her out for me a bit.
My biggest problem with this book was that it was not long enough to serve the plot justice, in my opinion. Purrfect Magic is only 130 pages long, which meant that all of the characters (including Harper herself) did not feel fleshed out, and the pacing and major plot points of the book felt choppy and rushed towards the end of the story. This story definitely had some silly moments when it came to Harper’s connection with the Hell Cats, and I wish it had been explained more in-depth.
Overall, Purrfect Magic should have been longer to flesh out the story and its characters better, but was a highly entertaining and fluffy (or furry) read, and if I get the chance, I would read the next book in the series, Pawsome Magic, when it’s released.
September 18, 2019
Harper is a spoiled entitled brat, glorified by the media because her parents are famous. She can't wait to be done with school, so she skips a bunch of classes and constantly acts like a prima donna. When she becomes aware of a danger to the school, Harper must decide if she's going to step up to her responsibilities and protect her fellow students.
There are talking cats and a magic school... Need I say more?
It was an ok read, but it could've been much better. The beginning started off nice and strong, introducing the character, the school, and her friends and enemies. It's not easy to like Harper as a character, since she takes laziness and brattiness to their extremes. I also wish the book focused more on magic - learning it, using it... Those parts were mostly in the background.
The ending felt too simplistic and quick. Basically, all the professors were running around scared and incompetent, and two whole magic schools of professors and students could barely fight a big monster, but one girl with some extra magical help can? The ending felt a bit forced and abrupt. The whole remainder of the year was summarized in a couple of paragraphs.
I felt this could've been written a lot better. It had a very good premise, with some Harry Potter similarities, but ended up being more of a middle grade or YA genre. Still, it was a good light read, and I like the cover art.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
There are talking cats and a magic school... Need I say more?
It was an ok read, but it could've been much better. The beginning started off nice and strong, introducing the character, the school, and her friends and enemies. It's not easy to like Harper as a character, since she takes laziness and brattiness to their extremes. I also wish the book focused more on magic - learning it, using it... Those parts were mostly in the background.
The ending felt too simplistic and quick. Basically, all the professors were running around scared and incompetent, and two whole magic schools of professors and students could barely fight a big monster, but one girl with some extra magical help can? The ending felt a bit forced and abrupt. The whole remainder of the year was summarized in a couple of paragraphs.
I felt this could've been written a lot better. It had a very good premise, with some Harry Potter similarities, but ended up being more of a middle grade or YA genre. Still, it was a good light read, and I like the cover art.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2019
Not terrible for a YA book but could have been much better. Harper enters her prestigious magical boarding school with the idea that she’ll breeze through and be on her way. She has some fans because her parents are famous but she does nothing remarkable to stand out except to be an ass. She skips school, mooches off her roommates notes and is basically a jerk, surfing through life without contributing much. She makes few friends but happens to meet a handsome boy from the school next door and suddenly they have some sort of relationship. She finds some kittens and becomes their guardian and suddenly she is interested in protecting the school from a new evil monster that is killing students. This could have been a much better book if the characters were more developed, the relationships were more fleshed out and if the writing was not so adolescent. I felt like my teen niece had written the book. The kittens were ancient beings and yet they tore up her dorm room. They said they couldn’t help her but they did effortlessly when they needed to. I don’t think this book was for me but I think it might be suitable for preteens. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 19, 2020
I was given this copy for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing this book. The main character was full of “woe is me,” because of her parents, but when people didn’t acknowledge her the way she felt she deserved she got upset. She didn’t want to be treated like the shadow and yet she was very happy to skip her classes and skate on by. I guess part of me understands her reasoning, but her attitude was getting on my nerves and I knew I couldn’t continue with the book with an open mind. I’m kind of sad about it too because how the school and he magic system was set was very interesting.
Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing this book. The main character was full of “woe is me,” because of her parents, but when people didn’t acknowledge her the way she felt she deserved she got upset. She didn’t want to be treated like the shadow and yet she was very happy to skip her classes and skate on by. I guess part of me understands her reasoning, but her attitude was getting on my nerves and I knew I couldn’t continue with the book with an open mind. I’m kind of sad about it too because how the school and he magic system was set was very interesting.
September 28, 2019
This was NOT a YA book. That is just the beginning of issues for this story. It was poorly written and edited. They do not expand on the love interest at all. The demon cats were hard to get on board with. And it read like middle grade. You could make this a middle grade novel by taking out the swearing and making the main character as a 13 year old.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
November 28, 2019
This was okay at first. I had high hopes.. but Harper was just so whiny and annoying that I couldn't do it anymore. Don't think I could read this again.
October 27, 2023
Anyone who says you can't tell a book by the cover doesn't read enough books. This cover would usually send me running the other way. Any cover with a "too beautiful" woman and magic effects on it means it's going to be a book that does not work for me.
Not that the woman on this cover is beautiful, there's something really wrong with her face. Bad photoshop? AI? It's creepy, when you look at it long enough. Also, to me this doesn't look like a teenager at all. (Edit: Turns out she's actually 21, which is a little boggling as in the book she acts like a young teenager.)
Anyway, the title, kittens on the cover, and "Whisker Witchcraft" drew me in, against my better judgement.
I should have listened to my better judgement.
The story was basically Harry Potter with college aged students. It couldn't be more Harry Potter-ish without the author risking a copyright lawsuit.
The main character (too beautiful to live, of the most famous magical family in the country, they can't go anywhere without fans mobbing them) got accepted at the best magical school in the country.
There wasn't a single cat in the story until 25% in, and at that point we met the Hell Cats (a species of magical cats). Three Hell Cats who were... white kittens.
Kittens I could buy, but white? Hell Cats? White? When each is the physical form of a demon? White?
Anyway, blah blah, school under threat, too beautiful main character and too cute white kittens save the day.
Oh and the too beautiful main character grew cat ears over the course of the book.
The descriptions of the male characters could have been taken straight from a romance novel. Way too much description of their perfect muscles, etc.
It was only once I reached the end of the book and read the About the Author section that I learned that the author is a college student. (Mumble mutter self publishing...) For a college student, this wasn't a bad book. But I bought this as a book-book, not a book for my opinion to depend on the age of the author.
Not that the woman on this cover is beautiful, there's something really wrong with her face. Bad photoshop? AI? It's creepy, when you look at it long enough. Also, to me this doesn't look like a teenager at all. (Edit: Turns out she's actually 21, which is a little boggling as in the book she acts like a young teenager.)
Anyway, the title, kittens on the cover, and "Whisker Witchcraft" drew me in, against my better judgement.
I should have listened to my better judgement.
The story was basically Harry Potter with college aged students. It couldn't be more Harry Potter-ish without the author risking a copyright lawsuit.
The main character (too beautiful to live, of the most famous magical family in the country, they can't go anywhere without fans mobbing them) got accepted at the best magical school in the country.
There wasn't a single cat in the story until 25% in, and at that point we met the Hell Cats (a species of magical cats). Three Hell Cats who were... white kittens.
Kittens I could buy, but white? Hell Cats? White? When each is the physical form of a demon? White?
Anyway, blah blah, school under threat, too beautiful main character and too cute white kittens save the day.
Oh and the too beautiful main character grew cat ears over the course of the book.
The descriptions of the male characters could have been taken straight from a romance novel. Way too much description of their perfect muscles, etc.
It was only once I reached the end of the book and read the About the Author section that I learned that the author is a college student. (Mumble mutter self publishing...) For a college student, this wasn't a bad book. But I bought this as a book-book, not a book for my opinion to depend on the age of the author.
August 14, 2020
I did not realise initially that this book was aimed at the YA reader - but decided to give it a go .
Harper is the magical daughter of two legendary Warlocks - attending the Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft a perk of her heritage . Unfortunately attending the school is not on her agenda , she wants to see and explore the world - but attend she must . Harper has an high opinion of herself and feels that classes are not for her , skipping them when she feels like it - that is until she meets 3 kittens , who appear to be able to talk to her telepathically - are they for real ? Her attitude takes a turn for the better when students start to die - just what is going on ?
Harper is not a sympathetic character , her arrogance and annoying superior attitude makes it difficult to relate to her -and whilst this is a light read its not one I would read again .
I was given an arc of the book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Harper is the magical daughter of two legendary Warlocks - attending the Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft a perk of her heritage . Unfortunately attending the school is not on her agenda , she wants to see and explore the world - but attend she must . Harper has an high opinion of herself and feels that classes are not for her , skipping them when she feels like it - that is until she meets 3 kittens , who appear to be able to talk to her telepathically - are they for real ? Her attitude takes a turn for the better when students start to die - just what is going on ?
Harper is not a sympathetic character , her arrogance and annoying superior attitude makes it difficult to relate to her -and whilst this is a light read its not one I would read again .
I was given an arc of the book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2020
Purrfect Magic was a cute fast read/listen. I enjoyed the audio narration, the voices and pacing were great.
The story, was more so-s0. The ending kind of rushed and the reasons for the big bad weren't really fleshed out. There could have been a lot more there to develop a good villain. Our main character is kind of entitled already and why she was picked by the cats as the protector, I am unsure. But the cats I liked, a lot. They were cute and silly as cats should be, and have some amazing abilities.
Overall a 3 star quick enjoyable book if you're not looking for anything too serious and just want a fun urban fantasy adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Audiobook Boom.
September 17, 2020
I had a lot of fun reading this book, a snobby girl from a well known family gets a reality check when she starts at Jourdemayne, she manages to alienate everyone with her attitude until she becomes responsible for some Hell Kittens. A mysterious 'teacher' sparks a series of deaths, and the game is afoot! I was hooked from the beginning and finished this in one sitting, now I'm desperate for the next book! The narration was wonderful, Jeannette really brought the characters to life. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2020
I liked this young adult paranormal mystery . It's got marauding monsters, telepathic kittens, magic classes to rival Hogwarts, a little teen romance and a lot of teen angst and more surprises than you might have expected.
The story is well written, the characters engaging, the mystery well concealed till the very end, and not entirely revealed even then because ... sequels, don't ya know.
Narrator Jeannette Smith reads well, making the story easy to follow and bringing the characters to life.
The story is well written, the characters engaging, the mystery well concealed till the very end, and not entirely revealed even then because ... sequels, don't ya know.
Narrator Jeannette Smith reads well, making the story easy to follow and bringing the characters to life.
October 4, 2020
Oooo kitties.
This YA paranormal was a lot of fun. I can't wait for the next part. This may be targeting young adults but I enjoyed it and I'm 57. So age does not matter.
The narrative brings the story to life.
I'll definitely be listening to it again.
“I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review”
This YA paranormal was a lot of fun. I can't wait for the next part. This may be targeting young adults but I enjoyed it and I'm 57. So age does not matter.
The narrative brings the story to life.
I'll definitely be listening to it again.
“I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review”
November 14, 2020
My review is based on the audiobook. I started out very much dislikimg Harper but as she grew through the story my feelimgs changed and by the end I am invested in her journey. The narrator was wonderful bringing the story to life. I enjpy the world the author has created & look forward to more
October 10, 2021
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
5☆ - I loved this book and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
February 9, 2020
This is book 1 in the Whisker Witchcraft series. I think it's geared to older teen readers. Harper is a 21 year old attending a magic school and I get the feeling she thinks she is better than her fellow students. This is a shorter fantasy, witch book that does have a little redeeming value with Harper maturing during the school year. Not my cup of tea. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 29, 2019
This started out as a bit predictable...girl from well-known family gets into great school, gets away with skipping classes because others help her out due to her fame. That's where it stops being predictable and begins to become thoroughly enjoyable. The protagonist's interactions with teachers and other students becomes a bit fascinating to watch as she stops getting away with things and her earlier behaviour has a major effect later on. That's great to see as it isn't just swept under the rug and there are consequences. The introduction of the kittens adds an entirely new layer to the story and the idea of a chosen protector against a great evil coming to a school idea.
As the threat is built up you even get some good examples of how fear can impact how different people will respond and although you could kind of sense where at least part of the story was going it was still enjoyable getting the reveal as well as the big showdown for this instalment of the series.
The protagonist is a flawed character, it just isn't readily apparent at the start, and it helped make this first outing a really fun enjoyable read. Definitely looking forward to seeing how the character develops moving forward in the series.
As the threat is built up you even get some good examples of how fear can impact how different people will respond and although you could kind of sense where at least part of the story was going it was still enjoyable getting the reveal as well as the big showdown for this instalment of the series.
The protagonist is a flawed character, it just isn't readily apparent at the start, and it helped make this first outing a really fun enjoyable read. Definitely looking forward to seeing how the character develops moving forward in the series.
September 10, 2019
I received a free copy of PURRFECT MAGIC (Whisker Witchcraft, #1) by Samantha Coville in exchange for an honest review. Harper Bishop is vain, spoiled, and shallow. Harper resents having to do time at the prestigious Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft even though she’s one of only twenty-five students accepted each year. Harper ignores her classes in favor of dreaming about her eventual return to her fashionable life of conspicuous consumption. Harper’s poor attitude eventually alienates all of her fellow students who all worked really hard for their admission. Harper slowly begins to change and mature when, against school rules, she rescues three white kittens and becomes responsible for their well-being. However, the kittens are more than they seem; the darlings have been called to save the school, and Harper has been conscripted to aid them.
This was a decent start to a new magic academy series. If you couldn’t tell, I wasn’t thrilled with our heroine as we found her at the beginning of the book. I recommend this book to fans of magic academy series and to fans of stories where the hero/ine is forced to evolve into someone better.
#PurrfectMagic #NetGalley
This was a decent start to a new magic academy series. If you couldn’t tell, I wasn’t thrilled with our heroine as we found her at the beginning of the book. I recommend this book to fans of magic academy series and to fans of stories where the hero/ine is forced to evolve into someone better.
#PurrfectMagic #NetGalley
September 17, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest review from Netgalley.
This is a fun, summer beach read kind of book. Yes, I’d say this is a YA ish clean story (no sex, but language), but not a long, epic novel of epic proportions and reading time. It’s set in an all girls academy (private college) with boys just across the river. She’s a 21 year old freshman, but acts like a spoiled 15 year old. At first, I found her very hard to like, but as she had to actually care about things going on around her, it just became snark rather than whine. To be honest, my favorite parts were the cats. They were funny, just a bit snarky, and did some fun things. The plot moved well, but was neither too convoluted nor too simple for what this book was. I don’t really want to spoil this, so I’m sorry if I’m vague.
The very last few pages were also a kick, and it made me want to read more in this world; but I hope she matures a bit over the summer between terms.
If you like cozy mysteries with magic, and want something that won’t take weeks to finish, I’d give this a shot- I finished this in under 3 hours, but I read fast.
This is a fun, summer beach read kind of book. Yes, I’d say this is a YA ish clean story (no sex, but language), but not a long, epic novel of epic proportions and reading time. It’s set in an all girls academy (private college) with boys just across the river. She’s a 21 year old freshman, but acts like a spoiled 15 year old. At first, I found her very hard to like, but as she had to actually care about things going on around her, it just became snark rather than whine. To be honest, my favorite parts were the cats. They were funny, just a bit snarky, and did some fun things. The plot moved well, but was neither too convoluted nor too simple for what this book was. I don’t really want to spoil this, so I’m sorry if I’m vague.
The very last few pages were also a kick, and it made me want to read more in this world; but I hope she matures a bit over the summer between terms.
If you like cozy mysteries with magic, and want something that won’t take weeks to finish, I’d give this a shot- I finished this in under 3 hours, but I read fast.
September 28, 2019
Light and cheerful (considering the multiple messy deaths in it), this NA magic academy story rides the popular wave begun by Harry Potter. The first-person protagonist starts out as an overprivileged brat, but quickly gains a sense of responsibility as the school comes under threat.
The romance feels more middle-school than post-high-school, and the numbers don't always add up (somehow, 25 people are divided into pairs, for example, with nobody apparently left over). The villain's inside person was pretty predictable, partly because so few characters are developed at all, or even named; and almost every significant person has the cliched green (or rather "emerald") eyes.
The pre-release copy I got from Netgalley has all the usual kinds of errors, though not in too great profusion, and a good copy editor could have it nice and clean for publication without too much trouble.
The kittens who are also ancient demons were fun, and the defend-the-school plot moves along briskly, but it never threatens to rise above the general run of its genre, as I'd hoped it might. A solid three stars, entertaining but unspectacular.
The romance feels more middle-school than post-high-school, and the numbers don't always add up (somehow, 25 people are divided into pairs, for example, with nobody apparently left over). The villain's inside person was pretty predictable, partly because so few characters are developed at all, or even named; and almost every significant person has the cliched green (or rather "emerald") eyes.
The pre-release copy I got from Netgalley has all the usual kinds of errors, though not in too great profusion, and a good copy editor could have it nice and clean for publication without too much trouble.
The kittens who are also ancient demons were fun, and the defend-the-school plot moves along briskly, but it never threatens to rise above the general run of its genre, as I'd hoped it might. A solid three stars, entertaining but unspectacular.
October 9, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
"Purrfect Magic" turned out to be better than I anticipated. It's still quite a simple story, and at times it feels similar to "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", but I had fun reading it.
The plot was moving pretty fast, and the book was quite short. And although I didn't mind that, I think the story would benefit from being developed some more, so that the world is more detailed and believable, there's a true relationship instead of insta-love, and there is more time spent on character growth.
I managed to predict some of the twists, but they fit well with the story, so that didn't bother me. However, I feel like the novel has a bit of an identity crisis, because sometimes it reads like YA, and other times seems to be more of a middle-grade novel.
An OK read overall.
"Purrfect Magic" turned out to be better than I anticipated. It's still quite a simple story, and at times it feels similar to "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", but I had fun reading it.
The plot was moving pretty fast, and the book was quite short. And although I didn't mind that, I think the story would benefit from being developed some more, so that the world is more detailed and believable, there's a true relationship instead of insta-love, and there is more time spent on character growth.
I managed to predict some of the twists, but they fit well with the story, so that didn't bother me. However, I feel like the novel has a bit of an identity crisis, because sometimes it reads like YA, and other times seems to be more of a middle-grade novel.
An OK read overall.
September 16, 2019
Puurfect Magic is in need of better editing. The story lacks focus, characters readers will like and the odd thrown in F word that doesn't really work with this style of writing the author is using.
The characters are flat, wanna be Harry Potter style of story telling but lacks creative energy and desire to keep reading this series.
The author tries her best to create a world of Witches at this all girl school with a girl who is from a famous family and everyone knows her. Her roommate tries hard to prove she is worthy of the school while Harper flakes off her classes. The story lacks flow, stand out characters and imagination that is needed for a world of magic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Samantha Coville Purrfect Magic
The characters are flat, wanna be Harry Potter style of story telling but lacks creative energy and desire to keep reading this series.
The author tries her best to create a world of Witches at this all girl school with a girl who is from a famous family and everyone knows her. Her roommate tries hard to prove she is worthy of the school while Harper flakes off her classes. The story lacks flow, stand out characters and imagination that is needed for a world of magic.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Samantha Coville Purrfect Magic
September 27, 2019
Harper Bishop is not a likeable protagonist, she is vain, full of entitlement and lacks any kind of work ethic, and this doesn't improve throughout the book. Why she was chosen as guardian for the hellcats is beyond me. She is supposed to be twenty-one, but her voice is more of a bratty teenager.
This book had potential, it started well had a good plot and was a quick read, but it could do with being more fleshed out. The end was ridiculous and rushed. If the age range was changed and edited to suit a younger audience, this book would do well. As it stands its a mediocre read that I wouldn't recommend buying.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had potential, it started well had a good plot and was a quick read, but it could do with being more fleshed out. The end was ridiculous and rushed. If the age range was changed and edited to suit a younger audience, this book would do well. As it stands its a mediocre read that I wouldn't recommend buying.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 4, 2019
Book one in the series.
This book was hard for me to read. The main character was very immature, selfish and entitled. I didn't much like her, or really any of the characters.
I have nothing against Y/A, I still love the Harry Potter series, and maybe I am judging this book too harshly by comparing the two. But I just can't get past the fact that Harper is so annoying and I kind of hate the fact that the kittens picked her to be the school's protector. By the end, she'd grown up a bit, but I still didn't like her.
The story was okay, but I don't think I will be revisiting the Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This book was hard for me to read. The main character was very immature, selfish and entitled. I didn't much like her, or really any of the characters.
I have nothing against Y/A, I still love the Harry Potter series, and maybe I am judging this book too harshly by comparing the two. But I just can't get past the fact that Harper is so annoying and I kind of hate the fact that the kittens picked her to be the school's protector. By the end, she'd grown up a bit, but I still didn't like her.
The story was okay, but I don't think I will be revisiting the Jourdemayne Academy of Witchcraft.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
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