Things She's Seen

Northern Circle Coven #2

by Pat Esden

The coven’s under investigation. Its future is in peril. And for one troubled young psychic, the coming battle will threaten her newfound freedom—and brings back a dangerous desire . . .

Exploited as a child medium, Emily Adams escaped to grow up on the streets—and hit rock-bottom. She took shelter with the prestigious Northern Circle, intent on staying only long enough to get back on her feet. But the Circle is still reeling from a devastating supernatural attack and betrayal. And vengeful High Council of Witches investigator Gar Remillard is determined to make Em surrender the truth—and disband the Circle forever.

When Em’s psychic ability allows her to see Gar is haunted by a formidable ghost, her attempts to free him challenge Gar’s rugged French Canadian heart and rancorous loup-garou instincts. But even as their new alliance and past connection kindles into raging desire, a malevolent force rises up to destroy them—the Circle and even the High Council.

With all she’s grown to love on the line, Em must draw on her darkest nightmares and alliances with the dead to outwit and out magic a force who can imprison souls with a flick of the fingers and command legions of wraiths with one word. . .

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2019

About the author

Pat Esden would love to say she spent her childhood in intellectual pursuits. The truth is she was fonder of exploring abandoned houses and old cemeteries. When not out on her own adventures, she can be found in her Northern Vermont home writing about brave, smart women who are determined to protect the people and places they love. She is the author of the contemporary fantasy Dark Heart series, and the Northern Circle Coven series.

(I only review and rate books that I've enjoyed reading)

Reviews

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Em can see and hear ghosts. Em also has a severe drinking problem, but is offered a way out of her destructive life into a new one, where her gifts will be useful. Gar helps Em escape the evil that is threatening her at every turn, with all kinds of magic and protective incantations. Confession: I am not a huge fan of paranormal and fantasy so maybe a fan of the genre would have liked this story more than I did. Well written and plenty of action - just not really my cup of tea. I give it a 3.7 out of 5 rating.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Northern Circle Coven series, it can be read stand-alone (as I did) but there is quite a lot of back story.

Emily Adams can see and talk to ghosts. As a child she was exploited and abused by her aunt and mother, tied up and left alone for hours at a time until she was rescued by the police. After hitting rock bottom she joined the Northern Circle coven and has slowly started to feel accepted. After the events of the last novel the coven is under investigation by the High Council of Witches and the investigator is none other than her childhood friend, and secret crush, Gar Remillard.

The source of all their woes, rogue witch Rhianna, is stirring up trouble with the Witches Council and Gar is haunted by the wraith of his aunt Saille, an aunt he believes was murdered by one of the Northern Circle witches.

This is not a cosy paranormal romance. Rhianna impersonated one of the coven members by creating a necklace of the other woman's skin (yeuch!). There are gruesome murders and the abuse Emily suffered from her aunt is gut-churning. It was gritty and scary, and okay Emily is a special snowflake, but it was fast-paced and intriguing.

I immediately bought the first book in the series on the strength of how much I enjoyed this one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[K. Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 actually

In Things She's Seen we get Em, a recovering alcoholic and child medium (and abuse experiencer) who is trying to turn herself around by attending AA meetings and living with the Northern Circle Coven in Vermont in the meantime.

You might remember her as one of the initiates to the Coven in the first book, along with Chloe, who had minor presence in this book (although plays a pivotal plot role as she gets into trouble with the Big Bad. Always cool to see how different authors handle main characters from prior books, and Chloe felt just fleshed out enough and true to herself in this one. But you could read this and enjoy without reading the first, I would just say you understand deeper backstory and emotional depth if you've read the first).

Em comes home from a meeting one night and rescues a bunch of abandoned kittens as well as discovers that the witch Council has sent an investigator-- Gar Remillard-- to investigate all the murders, flying monkeys, and claims about Merlin's Shade resulting from the first book. And he seems entirely bent on being suspicious about the Coven because of past bad history.

Despite Gar's antagonism, there is an undeniable spark between Gar and Em...and despite being in a place of recovery, Em goes for it. Esden has shown in her prior books that she writes fun, teasing couples with no false fabricated (or unbelievable misunderstanding) angst who definitely give off sparks. I think of her as mid-steam level. (not safe for young YA, but not over the top, either. Definitely plot is more important).

For those who love witches, Hecate, spells, and Wicca, this is a fun romp. There's a lot of neat spells (like a "pick-a-roo" that opens doors) and the Big Bad's reason for kidnapping high priestesses is pretty unique and disturbing.

I feel like the bad guy didn't quite get enough time for me to understand, and his name made me roll my eyes every time I came across it (Magus Dux) in a thought sentence from one of the characters, but as I said, his big bad plan was satisfyingly unique so I mostly forgave the bit of hoky -ness surrounding him.

It looks like we get to follow Chandler in the third book, and as I love UF and paranormal romance that includes older women...and a child or children...I'm looking forward to what happens in the next one!

[Valerie - Cats Luv Coffee Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things She's Seen is the second book in the Northern Circle Coven Series. I would highly recommend reading the first in the series, His Dark Magic, before jumping into this one. While I wasn't completely lost, I think it would have furthered my enjoyment of Things She's Seen to have known what happened before. Some books do a good enough job of rehashing everything that happened before but I just didn't get that as much here. Now, on to the book...

Emily Adams is a psychic who was exploited by family and those she trusted as a child. She's managed to get away from all that by joining up with the Northen Circle Coven, however temporarily. It's provided her a safe haven to get on her feet. When Gar, a loup garou, shows up to investigate what previously happened at the coven, Emily is torn between protecting the coven and helping Gar escape his own haunting past. 

Things She's Seen is more of a paranormal romance/mystery than anything. There's a good deal of piecing together everything that needs to happen. The characters are a lot of fun as is the world building. I enjoyed the magical aspects, including some less than latin spell names like pick-a-roo for lock picking. The will they/won't they relationship of Em and Gar was a bit predictable but aren't most in paranormal books? There's a lot going on in this book, and while I would have gotten a better grasp by reading book one, the pacing was good and I enjoyed the read!

If you are looking for a witchy good time and like a little bit of romance thrown in with your magic, Things She's Seen is worth your time. Just start with His Dark Magic so you don't have to find your bearings midstory!


Website | Twitter | Pinterest

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child medium, Emily Adams was exploited and abused by people who should have protected her, her family. She can communicate with ghosts but they didn't protect her from her. When she escaped, she was helped by a stranger who then disappeared from her life. Now she has settled with the Northern Circle coven and is starting to make a new life for herself there  but they are under investigation for crimes committed by an evil witch impersonated their High Priestess and caused a lot of damage in the process.

When Gar Remillard arrives to investigate the coven on behalf of the High Council of Witches, he also seeks to break up this coven for vengeful reasons. However, Em sees that he is haunted by a ghost and strives to help him. As her ghost contacts help discover more about what is happening, will this new relationship help the coven and reveal the truth? As their enemy, Magus Dux, is identified and dark magic is used, can this small group thwart those out to destroy both the Circle and High Council?

This is actually the second book in a series but, even though I hadn't read the first one, I still enjoyed this one. It is a paranormal adventure and romance with wraiths, ghosts, secrets and magic. There's also some somewhat humorous moments, including the names applied to some spells such as one to unlock doors called "pick-a-roo"! There are a range of great characters and they are well developed through the story. I certainly enjoyed reading this and will be looking out for more in this series and by this author in future.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Catherine Schaff-Stump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Pat Esden pulls it off. This book is written not about the typical romance heroine, but rather is written about a delicate young woman who has survived significant trauma in her past, and comes through as a strong character taking matters one day at a time. Relationships are important, but I'm not certain they are as much the star of the book as is Em's grappling with her recovery and her family's dysfunction. Similarly, there's a great plot and a solid adventure, but Em's story takes center stage.

I think this book is like the best layered pastry. Skillfully written and paced, the pay offs of the book happen on many levels. Get it. Read it.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t realise this was the second book when requesting, so although I really enjoyed this I felt a bit lost at times, definitely not a book you can jump into, read the first book first (my own fault) . But I absolutely loved the writing style, the characters are just wonderful and I will definitely be doing a reread of this after I go back and buy/read the first.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new to me Author and a new to me story plot because I’ve never read anything similar to be honest.
I enjoyed it maybe more than I’ve expected.
There’s a lot going on and at times I felt lost but it picked up again and I got more and more interested in the story.
Overall, it’s a great book and I’ll definitely recommend it.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things She's Seen is the second in this series and it would be better to read the first before jumping into the second. This is a interesting premise for a story. The book is well written and has interesting characters. I will have to go back and read the first one.

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the focus on magic and Em growing up, I’d say this is more New Adult than Paranormal Romance, though it does have a lot of steamy scenes. Dark Paranormal New Adult Romance?

As the title suggests, this is about what her magic allows her to see – and the dark things in her past because of it. Big trigger warning here: Em was physically and emotionally abused by her aunt and mother throughout childhood (e.g. locked in a van in the sun because she refused to eat).

Em is a psychic medium: she helps the spirits who need it to move on or to get help. The opening scene has her following the spirits of kittens to where they were abandoned on a railroad – she saves the surviving ones and everyone has a HEA (which I like about this author’s books: the animals are all okay in the end).

I like Gar – he really is a rebel knight.

For lovers of Arthurian mythos, Merlin makes another appearance during the climax.

Some mysteries from the previous book were resolved with more questions raised – especially about the High Council.

And though Em’s magic is all about the dead, this book is about her getting her life back.

If you like spicy witch stories with lots of magic and the fate of the world riding on the heroine’s choices, you’ll like this book.

Trigger warnings: brain washing, animal cruelty, arson, murder, blood, language, gore, child abuse, ghosts, gaslighting.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this one, I didn’t know that it was part of a series. I read the summary and I thought it sounded interesting and I was totally on board with reading it.

I started to notice fairly quickly that I was missing some gaps in the story and I went on to Goodreads and noticed that it was in fact the second book in a series. I decided to keep plugging away at this book though rather than go back to read the first book.

While I was missing some bits of the larger story, I thought the author was doing a reasonable job keeping the reader up on the goings on of the previous book.

Ultimately I found that this book read ok as a standalone. I mean, not perfect, as there were obviously things that happened in the former book that were influencing the plot of this book, but the author did a nice job keeping readers abreast of plot points in this one—-but it read mostly ok as a standalone.

If I had time, I would have read the first book and then this one but I didn’t schedule enough time to allow that. But at any rate, I soldiered on with this one and found it to be a fun and well written book! The focus of this book is really family and some of the issues the main character, Em, has with her own family. There is a lot of adventure and action which kept the plot moving and broke up some of the emotion of the family issues which was also welcome.

This book was a little darker than I was expecting, and while that wasn’t a turn off for me personally, some readers might struggle with some of the content. This is definitely a grittier supernatural novel that contains some heavy issues like alcohol and abuse. So it might not be for everyone, but I thought the action and plot mixed with believable characters that you can root for made this one an enjoyable read for me.

It was unexpected and different that I thought that it would be and I love when books take me by surprise. I think I will go back and read the first book so I can have a deeper understanding of the plot and appreciation for the characters in this one. Overall it was an unexpected read that might have been more serious but I found myself turning each page eager to see what would happen next.

See my full review here

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC of this book via Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

Pat Esden’s Things She’s Seen is a compelling fantasy-romance read with a strong heroine who gets stronger every day, largely because she refuses to buckle under the weight of every sad event she’s experienced in her life.

Em Adams is a medium once known as Violet Grace. As Violet, Em was exploited by her aunt and mother, literally imprisoned and tortured by them while they used her gifts to their advantage. She escaped and turned to alcohol for solace. Years later, she’s sober and living in a Coven of witches under investigation for crimes committed by an evil witch who took on the disguise of the former High Priestess of their coven and used it as an opportunity to do a lot of damage.

The investigator is none other than Gar Remillard, a man that Em knew in another life, under her other name and under his other name. Sparks fly between them, but now isn’t the best time for that, as he investigates the Coven that’s given Em so much and they all become embroiled in something bigger and more dangerous than they expected…

Em’s characterization is the stand-out for me in Things She’s Seen, and Esden sensitively and thoughtfully portrays what happened to Em in her past via flashbacks and journal excerpts and how those memories still affect her. Em experienced so much loss and heartbreak in her life, and she’s trying to rise above it throughout the book. To me, that makes her a character to root for.

While Gar is a fascinating character with a lot of potential, I wish that there had been more done to develop his life story. He’s a brave, honorable man, but he doesn’t exhibit much growth throughout the book and overall seems somewhat static.

The romance between Em and Gar, however, is lively and sweet, and the ending is particularly strong.

There's quite a lot going on in this book, and it would have probably been helpful to have read the first book in the series to give me more of a foundation for the world Esden creates. But overall, I was invested in this story and the premise Esden sets up, and I’d be interested to see where she takes it in further books in the series.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! #ThingsShesSeen is one of those reads that you aren't quite sure if you're catching every nuance or insight because the pace moves so quickly between flashbacks and premonitions to the present that a missed word here or there is profoundly losing the thread of the book.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I enjoyed this book or was just so confounded that I admittedly accepted defeat at trying to understand what was happening, and just went along for the ride.

Still, there's no denying that the descriptive writing was on point. I felt every shiver or tingle that the MC experienced as she caught glimpses of ghosts, spirits, and the essence of magic. And, the ephemeral images and whispers are what compelled me to keep reading.

Also, there was no end to the excitement as the MC, a loup-garou (werewolf shifter), and some witches were out to prove that their coven did not kill some high priestess. Their encounters and battles with creepy creatures were vivid and colorful. Magic is so cool!

Where it fell a bit short was trying to reconcile the journal entries, poems and flashbacks with the MC's fear and hatred of an unscrupulous aunt and mom, who appear as a blip. I get they traumatized MC, so when they finally come face to face after the aunt is released from prison, it was a bit of a letdown.

There's a (convenient!) hot little romance with the loup-garou, I dig that name!, who works for a mysterious agency and is sent to investigate the coven in which the MC is harbored. Though, it was weird for the MC to also have been in love with another female character, now deceased. It was like, what?! Shock. Confusion.

Still, paranormal books are such fun to immerse oneself in different world and let your imagination run wild. This was definitely one of those reads!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #ThingsShesSeen!

[Laura (Bookie_mama_bear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

👻 BOOK REVIEW 👻
Book 2 in this series by Pat Esden, thank you to Netgalley & lyrical press for this ARC.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I loved how the main character rotated away from Chloe (book 1) to Emily. It gave the book a completely different vibe to the previous one while still having the same thread of main characters and relationships. Full of witchcraft and mystery. This one is a bit of a who done it meets Harry Potter but in a very grown up way!! Full of brutality, sexy scenes and real past torment for Em. She’s so lost and abused it’s hard not to want to take care of her. The familiar faces from the previous book make it really easy to read and the link to the previous story kept it all interesting while there being a big change in how the magic happened. Really good new characters and bad guys. The plot has left plenty of scope for the next book while having closed off this part of the story really well. I loved the ending. Book 3 should be really interesting, can’t wait to see who the lead is and how it’ll link to the previous 2.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thing's She's Seen is suitably named. Our heroine has certainly seen more than her fair share between an abusive aunt and her ability to see ghosts. This story starts with Em returning home from an AA meeting, and off we go. What follows is one bit of excitement after another without much chance to take it all in plus a romance for our two main players. The story is fast-paced, which I always like, but I would've liked a bit more on the world-building. As this is the second in the series, I'm assuming that some of that probably happened in the first book. Sadly, I didn't realize this was the second book until I started reading. Nevertheless, other than the backstory and world-building, this one stands very well on its own. And honestly, the backstory isn't a dealbreaker. It's just always nice to know a little more when it comes to a series. The story is well-written, and this author knows her stuff when it comes to pacing. This is my first read from Pat Esden, but it won't be my last. She is quite talented, and I want to know more about this world.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, since I found myself again in a position where I was coming into a series without having read the book that came before it. That being said, though characters are mentioned from the previous book in the series, you can read this as a stand alone no problem, though I plan on going back to read the book that came before this one.

The premise of this book was something that I found very interesting going in. Being a Louisiana native, the idea of mediums was something I grew up surrounded by, Add to that a recovering alcoholic, a tragic past, a redemption arch, and a hot "stranger", I could not help but to be pulled into the book. I was taken in by the premise and that plot made it to where I stayed up to 3 am in order to finish it in one sitting. The action and intrigue kept me turning pages and the romantic elements did not hurt things at all, though I wished there were more romantic scenes, but that is personal preference.

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things She's Seen was a unique, well-written story with interesting characters. Emily is complex. She's had a horrible life, she's kicking an addiction, she's a medium whose skills. Gar is investigating the coven and has many misconceptions making him their enemy. Or is he?

I enjoyed following this cast of characters both the good and evil. I had great empathy for Emily and liked Gar well. I wanted to see them get together.

Esden does a very good job of slowly pacing the revelations of all the Emily has been through in her life. As each piece falls into place Emily because more sympathetic and I was impressed with all she has had to deal with.

Any reader of romance and/or paranormal stories will enjoy this book.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the second book in a series. I have not read.the.first. While this can be read (and I did) without reading the first, I think to understand everything it would be better to read them in order. This book is a bit overwhelming! I didn't really like all the poems and journal entries, but that's me. Emily is a medium. Gar is investigating her, but is sort of a jerk at first. I won't say more it's a good complicated read. Oh fyi no true conclusion so if that makes you mad just know it's going to happen. 4 stars.

[Nicole Kelleher · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️s for the Northern Circle Coven Series!
Pat Esden has done it again; she created another amazing character in Emily Adams. An ultimate outsider, Emily is never alone. Her need to keep her secrets close was borne of her survival instincts. So, of course, fate steps in and throws Gar Remillard into her path, and all bets are off. Once you pick up this book, you’ll be like me and you won’t be able to put it down.
I loved the first book of this series (His Dark Magic) and was so happy to see Chloe again. And I am looking forward to the next in the series, not to simply meet the next fantastic character, but to continue to watch the Northern Coven Circle family grow.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time in reading this author with for some reason this caught my eye. Even though I knew this was already one in still had to venture in. This one has alot going on with also paranormal involved. Em is a character that many sides to her with her having alot going on. Gar is also in this drama and along with her they have alot on their plate. This does keep your attention with chemistry also hitting the pages. It has what you look for in a paranormal. I probably should of read the first one though.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Northern Circle Coven series so it's a good idea to read His Dark Magic book one first. There you are introduced to the Coven through Chloe's eyes. This time we are seeing things through Emily's thoughts. The Coven is under investigation, and even though Emily has gotten used to doing things on her own, she does everything in her power to help the Coven. This was a great next step in this series. Pat still holds your interest with the story line and suspense the same as she did in book one.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent paranormal romance, well written and entertaining.
i liked the fleshed out cast of characters, the engrossing plot and the excellent world building.
This is the second instalment in a series and even if it can be read without great issues it would be better to read the previous novel.
It was a good and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Casey Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect continuation to the series. I love the character development. Esden takes the lovers and puts them through the ringer, both emotionally and with tons of action. Em and Gar are flawed in wonderful ways, giving them rich backgrounds and growth throughout the story. I love the twists and turns the story takes to a very satisfying and unique ending.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect continuation to the series. I love the character development. Esden takes the lovers and puts them through the ringer, both emotionally and with tons of action. Em and Gar are flawed in wonderful ways, giving them rich backgrounds and growth throughout the story. I love the twists and turns the story takes to a very satisfying and unique ending.

[Mary L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things She’s Seen is my first Pat Edsen book and if you’re looking for a relaxing read this is not it. But if you’re looking for a tension filled action packed supernatural ride then I recommend this book for you. I was tensed for the next shoe to drop through out the entire book and was not bored or distracted at all.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Emily escaped to the streets to escape the clutches of the coven. It’s definitely not easy. Totally intriguing. Don’t miss out once it’s released.

Merged review:

What an amazing fantasy story from a talented writer of many stories. I can’t wait to read more of the same.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author. I was interested from the first page on to see what would happen next. Full of mystery and magic. Great writing and highly recommended.