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Witches of Hollow Cove #1
La bruja de las sombras
¿Están listos para la siguiente aventura mágica?
Bien, estoy en problemas. En un gran problema. Estoy arruinada. Y lo que es peor, mi novio de los últimos cinco años acaba de dejarme.
¿Qué hago? Me mudo con mis tres excéntricas tías a su casa familiar, la Casa Davenport. Suena emocionante, sólo que a esta inmensa casa de campo le gusta comer hombres. Sí.
Si yo fuera un ser humano normal, habría salido corriendo y gritando como alma en pena. Al ser una bruja, no hago absolutamente nada. Oye, quizás se lo merecían.
Estoy de vuelta en Hollow Cove, la flamante comunidad paranormal, donde ninfas, hombres lobo, trolls, cambiaformas, brujas y otros paranormales viven cómodamente lejos de las miradas indiscretas de los humanos. Mientras me instalo en mi nueva vida, decido aceptar la propuesta de mis tías y unirme al negocio familiar: el negocio de proteger nuestro pueblo y matar a todo lo que quiera dañarlo.
Pero he estado alejada del mundo paranormal por mucho tiempo, y mis habilidades mágicas están un poco oxidadas. Diablos, son prácticamente invisibles.
Las cosas pronto se van a la mierda cuando la gente de nuestra comunidad empieza a caer como moscas. Y cuando los demonios empiezan a aparecer en Hollow Cove, me toca encargarme de ellos. Permanentemente.
Bien, estoy en problemas. En un gran problema. Estoy arruinada. Y lo que es peor, mi novio de los últimos cinco años acaba de dejarme.
¿Qué hago? Me mudo con mis tres excéntricas tías a su casa familiar, la Casa Davenport. Suena emocionante, sólo que a esta inmensa casa de campo le gusta comer hombres. Sí.
Si yo fuera un ser humano normal, habría salido corriendo y gritando como alma en pena. Al ser una bruja, no hago absolutamente nada. Oye, quizás se lo merecían.
Estoy de vuelta en Hollow Cove, la flamante comunidad paranormal, donde ninfas, hombres lobo, trolls, cambiaformas, brujas y otros paranormales viven cómodamente lejos de las miradas indiscretas de los humanos. Mientras me instalo en mi nueva vida, decido aceptar la propuesta de mis tías y unirme al negocio familiar: el negocio de proteger nuestro pueblo y matar a todo lo que quiera dañarlo.
Pero he estado alejada del mundo paranormal por mucho tiempo, y mis habilidades mágicas están un poco oxidadas. Diablos, son prácticamente invisibles.
Las cosas pronto se van a la mierda cuando la gente de nuestra comunidad empieza a caer como moscas. Y cuando los demonios empiezan a aparecer en Hollow Cove, me toca encargarme de ellos. Permanentemente.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2020
5655 people are currently reading
7427 people want to read
About the author
Kim Richardson
205 books1,263 followersKim Richardson is the award-winning author of the bestselling SOUL GUARDIANS series. She lives in the eastern part of Canada with her husband, two dogs and a very old cat. She is the author of the SOUL GUARDIANS series, the MYSTICS series, and the DIVIDED REALMS series. Kim's books are available in print editions, and translations are available in over 7 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
August 19, 2020
Quippy
I never understand why authors are more invested in having their characters word-vomit non-stop snark at the expense of writing a story. Even though she’s 29 and has been living in NYC for nearly a decade, Tessa would rather be sarcastic than actually do anything. She is never prepared, she can’t figure out her a$$ from her elbow, and she is reactive and rude in a way that makes the character come across as a recalcitrant teenager. The book has as much plot to the mystery as the average Scooby Doo episode. Tessa sees some kid across the street and 20 chapters of filler later the villain turns out to be the kid - who is possessed by a demon sorceress! Tada!
I never understand why authors are more invested in having their characters word-vomit non-stop snark at the expense of writing a story. Even though she’s 29 and has been living in NYC for nearly a decade, Tessa would rather be sarcastic than actually do anything. She is never prepared, she can’t figure out her a$$ from her elbow, and she is reactive and rude in a way that makes the character come across as a recalcitrant teenager. The book has as much plot to the mystery as the average Scooby Doo episode. Tessa sees some kid across the street and 20 chapters of filler later the villain turns out to be the kid - who is possessed by a demon sorceress! Tada!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
2.5 (por las risas).
“Entonces, ¿qué haces cuando un gran demonio del mundo de las tinieblas se abalanza sobre ti, con sus ojos brillantes?
Levantas el culo y corres. Eso es lo que haces”.
Yo pensaba que había leído libros ligeros. Sin embargo, ha sido llegar a esta novela y encontrarme en otro nivel. Eso sí, me lo he pasado en grande leyéndolo. Es lo que necesitaba y es lo que cuenta.
Me lo he leído en español, pero no sé porque Goodreads no muestra la edición en este idioma porque aparentemente es de editorial.
“Para el ojo humano, Hollow Cove era un pueblo costero más, con sus pintorescas tiendas y sus curiosos residentes. Para nosotros, era el lugar donde se veía a una ninfa sacando la basura, a una madre lobo regañando a sus hijos en el parque porque tirar de las alas de los duendes no era buena idea, donde los trolls atendían sus tabernas y elaboraban sus cervezas, y donde las brujas vendían sus pociones y hechizos”.
¿Qué puedo decir? Me pones fantasía urbana como está y a mí no hace falta que me lo digan dos veces que me lo voy acabar leyendo porque es uno de mis puntos débiles. Sin embargo, eso no significa que luego no le ponga una puntuación objetiva porque a pesar de que me haya entretenido este libro más de dos estrellas no le pondría.
La narración es muy simple y roza lo absurdo. Los personajes planísimos y muy clichés. El argumento tres cuartos de lo mismo y los diálogos es mejor que te lo tomes a risa porque parecen sacados de una parodia de fantasía.
-¡Esto no es divertido! ¡Haz algo! Soy demasiado guapo para morir.
***
-Vale, así que el demonio grande y malo tiene unos cuantos trucos en el culo. Al menos tu puntería fue buena esta vez.
A pesar de todo esto, lo voy a seguir recomendando. ¿Por qué? Porque te entretiene y pasas el rato. Se puede leer en menos de una tarde y te echas unas risas. ¿Además, a todo el mundo le apetece de vez en cuando atiborrarse, aunque sea un día comida rápida no? Es lo mismo. Al menos para mí.
En espera que traduzcan el segundo.
“Pero solo los estúpidos desafiarían a las brujas de Davenport”.
“Entonces, ¿qué haces cuando un gran demonio del mundo de las tinieblas se abalanza sobre ti, con sus ojos brillantes?
Levantas el culo y corres. Eso es lo que haces”.
Yo pensaba que había leído libros ligeros. Sin embargo, ha sido llegar a esta novela y encontrarme en otro nivel. Eso sí, me lo he pasado en grande leyéndolo. Es lo que necesitaba y es lo que cuenta.
Me lo he leído en español, pero no sé porque Goodreads no muestra la edición en este idioma porque aparentemente es de editorial.
“Para el ojo humano, Hollow Cove era un pueblo costero más, con sus pintorescas tiendas y sus curiosos residentes. Para nosotros, era el lugar donde se veía a una ninfa sacando la basura, a una madre lobo regañando a sus hijos en el parque porque tirar de las alas de los duendes no era buena idea, donde los trolls atendían sus tabernas y elaboraban sus cervezas, y donde las brujas vendían sus pociones y hechizos”.
¿Qué puedo decir? Me pones fantasía urbana como está y a mí no hace falta que me lo digan dos veces que me lo voy acabar leyendo porque es uno de mis puntos débiles. Sin embargo, eso no significa que luego no le ponga una puntuación objetiva porque a pesar de que me haya entretenido este libro más de dos estrellas no le pondría.
La narración es muy simple y roza lo absurdo. Los personajes planísimos y muy clichés. El argumento tres cuartos de lo mismo y los diálogos es mejor que te lo tomes a risa porque parecen sacados de una parodia de fantasía.
-¡Esto no es divertido! ¡Haz algo! Soy demasiado guapo para morir.
***
-Vale, así que el demonio grande y malo tiene unos cuantos trucos en el culo. Al menos tu puntería fue buena esta vez.
A pesar de todo esto, lo voy a seguir recomendando. ¿Por qué? Porque te entretiene y pasas el rato. Se puede leer en menos de una tarde y te echas unas risas. ¿Además, a todo el mundo le apetece de vez en cuando atiborrarse, aunque sea un día comida rápida no? Es lo mismo. Al menos para mí.
En espera que traduzcan el segundo.
“Pero solo los estúpidos desafiarían a las brujas de Davenport”.
October 12, 2021
DNF @ 51%
Some books try and succeed, others try and fail. This one isn't a total fail.
The world building was the best part. I love the idea of a small community of nosy supernaturals living right under everyone's nose.
And it started great too, but as soon as she arrived at her home, people jumped on her to get into the family business despite her not being equipped to handle it, and it went downhill from there.
But at least we got Ronin. He's funny, and he said a Seamus Finnigan inspired line, which makes him even better.
As for the other characters...hmm. I liked the aunts. Tessa and Marcus on the other hand...no. Marcus tries too hard to be broody, and Tessa is mean for no reason.
But hey, it's free with Amazon Prime so feel free to check it out and make your own judgement.
Some books try and succeed, others try and fail. This one isn't a total fail.
The world building was the best part. I love the idea of a small community of nosy supernaturals living right under everyone's nose.
And it started great too, but as soon as she arrived at her home, people jumped on her to get into the family business despite her not being equipped to handle it, and it went downhill from there.
But at least we got Ronin. He's funny, and he said a Seamus Finnigan inspired line, which makes him even better.
As for the other characters...hmm. I liked the aunts. Tessa and Marcus on the other hand...no. Marcus tries too hard to be broody, and Tessa is mean for no reason.
But hey, it's free with Amazon Prime so feel free to check it out and make your own judgement.
December 24, 2021
Shadow Witch
(Witches of Hollow Cove #1)
by Kim Richardson
This town has all kinds of witches and creatures but the bad ones have been blocked with wards. But the wards have been slowly being removed. Our witch of the story returns to the town to her aunt's after a bad breakup. She is now part of the team to protect the town.
I liked the plot, concept, but wished the characters were better developed. I gave it 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
(Witches of Hollow Cove #1)
by Kim Richardson
This town has all kinds of witches and creatures but the bad ones have been blocked with wards. But the wards have been slowly being removed. Our witch of the story returns to the town to her aunt's after a bad breakup. She is now part of the team to protect the town.
I liked the plot, concept, but wished the characters were better developed. I gave it 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
April 14, 2021
Not a fan, stopped at 92%
Seems odd, stopping at 92%, but I couldn't read anymore. Limiting this review because I won't give spoilers. At first it was okay, but I just couldn't get into it. Then it kept having moments that weren't logical, things that, even in our "out there" stories, were too much. I kept reading because I hate giving up on a book. But finally I hit the spot where my brain said "Come on, that's just stupid!" and I was done.
✋🐺
Seems odd, stopping at 92%, but I couldn't read anymore. Limiting this review because I won't give spoilers. At first it was okay, but I just couldn't get into it. Then it kept having moments that weren't logical, things that, even in our "out there" stories, were too much. I kept reading because I hate giving up on a book. But finally I hit the spot where my brain said "Come on, that's just stupid!" and I was done.
✋🐺
March 30, 2021
To the synopsis question: Are you ready for your next magical adventure? I answered yes and did not regret it.
It was a dynamic story, with magic, lots of humor, good friendships and a feeling between Tessa and Marcus that leaves you wanting more.
It was a dynamic story, with magic, lots of humor, good friendships and a feeling between Tessa and Marcus that leaves you wanting more.
December 8, 2020
Gave up at about 40%... couldn't get into 8t - was a bit young for me
August 2, 2022
I only finished this book because I wanted to write a review on it.
I was looking for guilty pleasure books to read in between the All Souls trilogy to give my brain a bit of a break, but this book couldn't even be a guilty pleasure for me.
First, it's difficult to tell who the audience is supposed to be. Tessa is 29 years old, but the whole writing style feels very YA. She's extremely hot headed and will use any chance she can get to jump down Marcus's throat, all over a rude statement he made about her mother. It's a very odd reaction, given we're supposed to get the idea she's not close with her mother at all and is aware of her mother not being the most reliable person. This makes the enemies to lovers theme feel really forced, especially when Tessa makes comments about not knowing why Marcus hates her so much. I'm sure the whole assaulting him in their first encounter and being a complete bitch when he's around her really helps with that.
Next, Tessa's aunts are part of the Merlin group who is supposed to protect Hollow Cove, but we don't see them do anything aside from looking at a blood splatter on the street and going "hmmm, yes, demons" and trying to protect their house from the Unseen. Because of this, we have no idea as readers what magic is supposed to look like through half of this book. Tessa barely knows anything about doing magic, and what training she's had in her life, we know nothing about. Yet, she's immediately thrown into missions involving killing demons, and she has to open a witch's handbook in the midst of battle to do spells. Even after all this, Tessa has the idea to start using power words, which can kill her if they're not used correctly, and this is just what she decides to use for the rest of the book.
The dialogue in this book is so clunky, at times I found myself rolling my eyes wondering who actually speaks like these characters do. I believe the writer wanted Tessa to feel relatable, and as a result, Tessa has this need to add little quips after everything she encounters, and it is maddening. Her way of describing demons is ridiculous, and it makes me forget the original description of the demon. For example, the first demon she encounters is called a snake-bear, and she refers to it like this through the rest of the fight. There's also many instances of the dialogue being repetitive, such as Tessa referring to a demon as an SOB multiple times in the same fight.
It almost feels like the writer just doesn't have variety in describing actions or characters, or she just thinks the readers are not very bright. I couldn't keep track of how many times we were reminded Ronin has the ability of speed because he is a vampire, but we are constantly reminded of this throughout the book.
The characters in this book have no depth whatsoever. The only character who got a bit of a back-story was Ronin, and that was even lacking. Ronin is the only positive I can give the story. He was enjoyable, but he was still a victim of poor dialogue at times. Maybe if Richardson had focused less on Tessa's quips and more on interesting dialogue and a believable plot, this book could have been worth reading.
The final confrontation with the sorceress, who is the main villain of this story, is abysmal. Tessa, after learning she can do power words decently, now thinks she can summon and control a demon. Okay, Tessa. Of course, with this plot, she is successful and can control the dragon the sorceress has been using. The rest of Tessa's companions actually ask her how they're going to deal with the sorceress, who is turning into a wooden structure...(I don't know, I was starting to lose the will to finish the book at this point). Tessa actually turns to them and says "What burns wood?", and they save the day.
Overall, Richardson's writing style failed this book. What this story could have been is something I would enjoy reading. A witch who has returned home is recruited to a coven to protect her town from demons and dark witches. However, Tessa is extremely unlikable, which made me not care for her happiness or her safety. The plot does not make sense at all, and this book is just a hollow shell of a story with absolutely no depth and minimal world building.
I definitely won't be finishing this series, and I won't be trying any of the other series by this writer.
I was looking for guilty pleasure books to read in between the All Souls trilogy to give my brain a bit of a break, but this book couldn't even be a guilty pleasure for me.
First, it's difficult to tell who the audience is supposed to be. Tessa is 29 years old, but the whole writing style feels very YA. She's extremely hot headed and will use any chance she can get to jump down Marcus's throat, all over a rude statement he made about her mother. It's a very odd reaction, given we're supposed to get the idea she's not close with her mother at all and is aware of her mother not being the most reliable person. This makes the enemies to lovers theme feel really forced, especially when Tessa makes comments about not knowing why Marcus hates her so much. I'm sure the whole assaulting him in their first encounter and being a complete bitch when he's around her really helps with that.
Next, Tessa's aunts are part of the Merlin group who is supposed to protect Hollow Cove, but we don't see them do anything aside from looking at a blood splatter on the street and going "hmmm, yes, demons" and trying to protect their house from the Unseen. Because of this, we have no idea as readers what magic is supposed to look like through half of this book. Tessa barely knows anything about doing magic, and what training she's had in her life, we know nothing about. Yet, she's immediately thrown into missions involving killing demons, and she has to open a witch's handbook in the midst of battle to do spells. Even after all this, Tessa has the idea to start using power words, which can kill her if they're not used correctly, and this is just what she decides to use for the rest of the book.
The dialogue in this book is so clunky, at times I found myself rolling my eyes wondering who actually speaks like these characters do. I believe the writer wanted Tessa to feel relatable, and as a result, Tessa has this need to add little quips after everything she encounters, and it is maddening. Her way of describing demons is ridiculous, and it makes me forget the original description of the demon. For example, the first demon she encounters is called a snake-bear, and she refers to it like this through the rest of the fight. There's also many instances of the dialogue being repetitive, such as Tessa referring to a demon as an SOB multiple times in the same fight.
It almost feels like the writer just doesn't have variety in describing actions or characters, or she just thinks the readers are not very bright. I couldn't keep track of how many times we were reminded Ronin has the ability of speed because he is a vampire, but we are constantly reminded of this throughout the book.
The characters in this book have no depth whatsoever. The only character who got a bit of a back-story was Ronin, and that was even lacking. Ronin is the only positive I can give the story. He was enjoyable, but he was still a victim of poor dialogue at times. Maybe if Richardson had focused less on Tessa's quips and more on interesting dialogue and a believable plot, this book could have been worth reading.
The final confrontation with the sorceress, who is the main villain of this story, is abysmal. Tessa, after learning she can do power words decently, now thinks she can summon and control a demon. Okay, Tessa. Of course, with this plot, she is successful and can control the dragon the sorceress has been using. The rest of Tessa's companions actually ask her how they're going to deal with the sorceress, who is turning into a wooden structure...(I don't know, I was starting to lose the will to finish the book at this point). Tessa actually turns to them and says "What burns wood?", and they save the day.
Overall, Richardson's writing style failed this book. What this story could have been is something I would enjoy reading. A witch who has returned home is recruited to a coven to protect her town from demons and dark witches. However, Tessa is extremely unlikable, which made me not care for her happiness or her safety. The plot does not make sense at all, and this book is just a hollow shell of a story with absolutely no depth and minimal world building.
I definitely won't be finishing this series, and I won't be trying any of the other series by this writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
the audiobook<<<<
dnf
dnf
October 1, 2020
Called it.
May 13, 2021
This was okay, but not great. I think there's a decent amount of potential in the magical world, but there are inconsistencies, the characters are a little caricature-like, and I don't love the main character. On the flip side, I'm interested and since I have the next couple books for audio review, I'm going to keep reading and see if some of those elements don't work themselves out.
The biggest problem is that I don't love the main character, Tessa. I like her okay and she says things sometimes that really make me laugh. But she also is super quick to anger and a bit over the top in her demonstrations of said anger. I think the dialogue is where things grate on me a little... maybe? And the fact that she's just come back home with supposedly very little magical training and is being thrust - successfully - into all these intense scenarios. It's a little over-the-top. Which is a good way to describe all the characters. They are all very extreme with like 1 trait that defines them.
As for the magical world - it's neat. There's this community hidden from human view full of cast-offs from the magical community. And Tessa's family belongs to a magical agency - The Merlin Group - that protects the community. Only the community is under attack and her aunts are losing. So in comes Tessa, reeling from a bad breakup and not having been part of the community for over 5 years, untrained and... she's the leader? She's reading spell books on the fly and succeeding? And there's this giant problem with how power words are described. Tessa talks about how their super dangerous to use because there's no room for mistakes. You either use the words right and have this big sap on your power or use the words wrong and die. Within a couple chapters of her learning power words she tries to use them and says the wrong word, oh 4 or 5 times, and nothing happens. Um, that's not what you described.
Anyway, I am going to continue and see if some of that doesn't soften. I am listening and I have to say the narration is also just okay. I don't know if it's a case of not great dialogue so your voices aren't great or the voices exacerbate the dialogue problem? The male voices are a little rough sounding. Not enough to make me stop and just read, but not making this narrator a favorite for me at this point.
The biggest problem is that I don't love the main character, Tessa. I like her okay and she says things sometimes that really make me laugh. But she also is super quick to anger and a bit over the top in her demonstrations of said anger. I think the dialogue is where things grate on me a little... maybe? And the fact that she's just come back home with supposedly very little magical training and is being thrust - successfully - into all these intense scenarios. It's a little over-the-top. Which is a good way to describe all the characters. They are all very extreme with like 1 trait that defines them.
As for the magical world - it's neat. There's this community hidden from human view full of cast-offs from the magical community. And Tessa's family belongs to a magical agency - The Merlin Group - that protects the community. Only the community is under attack and her aunts are losing. So in comes Tessa, reeling from a bad breakup and not having been part of the community for over 5 years, untrained and... she's the leader? She's reading spell books on the fly and succeeding? And there's this giant problem with how power words are described. Tessa talks about how their super dangerous to use because there's no room for mistakes. You either use the words right and have this big sap on your power or use the words wrong and die. Within a couple chapters of her learning power words she tries to use them and says the wrong word, oh 4 or 5 times, and nothing happens. Um, that's not what you described.
Anyway, I am going to continue and see if some of that doesn't soften. I am listening and I have to say the narration is also just okay. I don't know if it's a case of not great dialogue so your voices aren't great or the voices exacerbate the dialogue problem? The male voices are a little rough sounding. Not enough to make me stop and just read, but not making this narrator a favorite for me at this point.
August 4, 2021
Lovely cover...
Just wish the content matched. I have a rule, if I roll my eyes more than three times per chapter, it's a fail. At times I caught myself rolling my eyes more than three times per paragraph. The characters are one dimensional, the dialogue was at times just creepy, the situations jumped the shark on a regular basis and for a "shadow witch" she was brutally unprepared and ignorant.
Even her relationships are stupid, built on the most idiotic premise, and shallow. They would jump into over the top and ludicrous situations and miraculously fix it all.
I am so glad I just borrowed this book to test the series before I bought it and hunkered down with a new series to digest.
If you're looking for a new series to fall in love? You might want to look elsewhere. Even as much as we're expected to suspend disbelief, no one ever said you should just go brain dead altogether.
Just wish the content matched. I have a rule, if I roll my eyes more than three times per chapter, it's a fail. At times I caught myself rolling my eyes more than three times per paragraph. The characters are one dimensional, the dialogue was at times just creepy, the situations jumped the shark on a regular basis and for a "shadow witch" she was brutally unprepared and ignorant.
Even her relationships are stupid, built on the most idiotic premise, and shallow. They would jump into over the top and ludicrous situations and miraculously fix it all.
I am so glad I just borrowed this book to test the series before I bought it and hunkered down with a new series to digest.
If you're looking for a new series to fall in love? You might want to look elsewhere. Even as much as we're expected to suspend disbelief, no one ever said you should just go brain dead altogether.
March 30, 2021
I have enjoyed this book very much. I look forward to continue reading more.
It has been an adventure full of many emotions. We have not been deprived of anything.
A friendship forged in danger, a dangerous and arguably almost impossible attraction, demons, devilish girls, sorceresses and lots of magic.
Laughter everywhere, an inconceivable shapeshifter (I still can't recover from the surprise I got when I read it) and even a sin-eating house.
I can only hope for more such shocking stuff in the next books.
It has been an adventure full of many emotions. We have not been deprived of anything.
A friendship forged in danger, a dangerous and arguably almost impossible attraction, demons, devilish girls, sorceresses and lots of magic.
Laughter everywhere, an inconceivable shapeshifter (I still can't recover from the surprise I got when I read it) and even a sin-eating house.
I can only hope for more such shocking stuff in the next books.
March 31, 2021
Another great read
I'm enjoying the writing of Mrs. Richardson. She never disappoints no matter what I am reading from her series. I can't wait to escape into the next realm. Bags are packed.. where am I going next.
I'm enjoying the writing of Mrs. Richardson. She never disappoints no matter what I am reading from her series. I can't wait to escape into the next realm. Bags are packed.. where am I going next.
July 9, 2022
I remember years ago my daughter use to watch this show called Halloween Town…this book kind of reminded of of a grown up version of that movie.
The main character is a young witch coming back home to take over the family business. She is not well trained, so I was confused on how she was stronger then the aunts who have obviously been around a lot longer and should know a thing or two. She was also too a bit too smart aleck, which did big me at times.
Her “sidekick “ was too into himself, kind of put me off.
The book was just okay.
The main character is a young witch coming back home to take over the family business. She is not well trained, so I was confused on how she was stronger then the aunts who have obviously been around a lot longer and should know a thing or two. She was also too a bit too smart aleck, which did big me at times.
Her “sidekick “ was too into himself, kind of put me off.
The book was just okay.
March 14, 2025
There were elements I absolutely adored—like the were-gorilla, the house that ate bad men, and the demon dragon. But Tessa’s character? No.
There was no real character development or emotional depth. The characters were given interesting backstories, but they were just dropped into the story with no buildup. It felt like jumping straight into mid-season Buffy mode without any of the groundwork.
Tessa has been living a normal life with an abusive, awful boyfriend, no exposure to magic, no training—and the minute she arrives in town, she’s thrown into a murder case and doesn’t even freak out? She spends one night reading and can suddenly wield serious magic, which in this universe is supposed to take power and practice? Yeah, no. I found it hard to suspend my disbelief. I don’t care if the ley lines expand her power—magic should have foundations that you build on, not just appear overnight.
The insta-best friend with wisecracks didn’t help either. I can tell the author has the world and backstory fleshed out in her head, but there wasn’t enough on the page for me to connect with the characters.
There was no real character development or emotional depth. The characters were given interesting backstories, but they were just dropped into the story with no buildup. It felt like jumping straight into mid-season Buffy mode without any of the groundwork.
Tessa has been living a normal life with an abusive, awful boyfriend, no exposure to magic, no training—and the minute she arrives in town, she’s thrown into a murder case and doesn’t even freak out? She spends one night reading and can suddenly wield serious magic, which in this universe is supposed to take power and practice? Yeah, no. I found it hard to suspend my disbelief. I don’t care if the ley lines expand her power—magic should have foundations that you build on, not just appear overnight.
The insta-best friend with wisecracks didn’t help either. I can tell the author has the world and backstory fleshed out in her head, but there wasn’t enough on the page for me to connect with the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
I tried. DNF.
July 2, 2023
I liked the story premise. The overall dialogue was just ok.
February 5, 2023
Tessa Davenport is broke with nowhere to live. She does the only thing she can, packs up her belongings and leaves the cheating boyfriend's apartment forever. She hops a bus to Maine to move in with her three aunts.
Her arrival in Hollow Cove is interesting as the first person to greet her as she steps off the bridge is not her aunts but Martha the town gossip and salon owner. The exchange, if you can really call it that is one that had my eyes rolling. One thing Martha seems to be good at is ferreting out information.
Arriving finally at Davenport House the first person to greet her is Ruth, she even has Tessa's favorite cookies waiting. Ruth is about to tell Tessa what's going on in town when Dolores comes home, followed shortly by Beverly. With everyone present, Tessa is informed she'll need to join them in the Merlin Group that protects the town. The thing is Tessa hasn't used her magic in a very long time and really has no idea where to start using it.
They've already got a major problem and they think Tessa can solve it. Then a body is discovered. This is when we meet Ronin the vampire and Gilbert the grocery owner and mayor. However the one who makes the biggest impression is Marcus the Town Chief. He really doesn't like Tessa and wants her gone.
Gilbert is certainly one to cause hysterics and Martha is a bit of an instigator. Then we have Marcus, the Town Chief, he's certainly got a lot of issues with Tessa. Although that's on him since it's really her mother he dislikes immensely.
That's not the worst of it either, with demons breeching the wards, Marcus dissolves the town's contract with The Merlin Group. Of course, that doesn't stop them from protecting the town, it does however bring in another issue, The Unseen. They are mercenaries the town has now hired for protection. They also want Davenport House. So not happening.
I love Davenport House, it's a truly unique structure in more ways than one. Tessa learns more about the house and studies all types of magic spells and potions to aid in protecting the town and learning about her own abilities.
Demons, Dragons, a Sorceress and so much more make this a page turning read, full of action, laughter, tears and is that a romance blooming?
Her arrival in Hollow Cove is interesting as the first person to greet her as she steps off the bridge is not her aunts but Martha the town gossip and salon owner. The exchange, if you can really call it that is one that had my eyes rolling. One thing Martha seems to be good at is ferreting out information.
Arriving finally at Davenport House the first person to greet her is Ruth, she even has Tessa's favorite cookies waiting. Ruth is about to tell Tessa what's going on in town when Dolores comes home, followed shortly by Beverly. With everyone present, Tessa is informed she'll need to join them in the Merlin Group that protects the town. The thing is Tessa hasn't used her magic in a very long time and really has no idea where to start using it.
They've already got a major problem and they think Tessa can solve it. Then a body is discovered. This is when we meet Ronin the vampire and Gilbert the grocery owner and mayor. However the one who makes the biggest impression is Marcus the Town Chief. He really doesn't like Tessa and wants her gone.
Gilbert is certainly one to cause hysterics and Martha is a bit of an instigator. Then we have Marcus, the Town Chief, he's certainly got a lot of issues with Tessa. Although that's on him since it's really her mother he dislikes immensely.
That's not the worst of it either, with demons breeching the wards, Marcus dissolves the town's contract with The Merlin Group. Of course, that doesn't stop them from protecting the town, it does however bring in another issue, The Unseen. They are mercenaries the town has now hired for protection. They also want Davenport House. So not happening.
I love Davenport House, it's a truly unique structure in more ways than one. Tessa learns more about the house and studies all types of magic spells and potions to aid in protecting the town and learning about her own abilities.
Demons, Dragons, a Sorceress and so much more make this a page turning read, full of action, laughter, tears and is that a romance blooming?
August 26, 2024
2.5, but I'll be nice and round up to 3 stars. Kind of meh, and the main character, Tessa, grated on my nerves with her I'm-so-bad-ass-even-though-I-have-noooooo-idea-what-I'm-doing personality, but there's potential here. I'm hoping the author dials back the more obnoxious tendencies of her main character as she goes on. In the plus column, I liked the aunts and the sidekick, Ronin. The jury is out on the love interest, Marcus (he was kind of a nothing character, other than someone for Tessa to super-aggressively snipe at after he left a bad first impression). I miiiiiight check out the second book. From the library though.
May 19, 2021
Falls flat
So the characters are very one dimensional, there is no character growth what so ever and the main characters act like high schoolers at best, leaning more heavily towards even younger. The leading lady is 29 and acts more immature than my 14 year old daughter. The leading guy acts like a spoiled brat for no reason what so ever. Characters personalities are as flat as the plot line. What's worse, author seems to think it's okay to make fun of mental illness by saying things like the villian is acting 'schitzo '
So the characters are very one dimensional, there is no character growth what so ever and the main characters act like high schoolers at best, leaning more heavily towards even younger. The leading lady is 29 and acts more immature than my 14 year old daughter. The leading guy acts like a spoiled brat for no reason what so ever. Characters personalities are as flat as the plot line. What's worse, author seems to think it's okay to make fun of mental illness by saying things like the villian is acting 'schitzo '
October 26, 2021
Not the best
I was looking forward to a great witch story, however it just falls flat. It was like pulling teeth to read the book. Honestly I didn't finish I was just plain bored. This was suppose to be funny, etc. Umm I must of missed it all. It wasn't funny or interesting, nothing that pulls you in. Sorry!
I was looking forward to a great witch story, however it just falls flat. It was like pulling teeth to read the book. Honestly I didn't finish I was just plain bored. This was suppose to be funny, etc. Umm I must of missed it all. It wasn't funny or interesting, nothing that pulls you in. Sorry!
June 26, 2022
Tessa moved back to her hometown after her boyfriend dumps her and find her town is over run with demons. Her aunts are getting older and need help in running their community protection group. Tessa runs into the town chief and they clash from the beginning. Friendships and potential relationships develop in this first installment of this series.
January 13, 2022
Awful - I rarely write a review let alone a negative one but this book was terrible! I should have stopped reading it one chapter in but kept hoping it would get better. It didn't. It's like it was written by a highschool freshman with a limited vocabulary. So bad, so so bad!
January 25, 2023
Great Start to Awesome Series
I already read this book when I bought the boxset of books 1-3. I wanted to write a short review just to show it as read on my device. I love this series. I am starting on book 10 today.
I already read this book when I bought the boxset of books 1-3. I wanted to write a short review just to show it as read on my device. I love this series. I am starting on book 10 today.
May 24, 2021
Nah, that word-vomit ain’t it.
October 7, 2022
This is one of the worst written books I’ve ever read. The main character is totally unbelievable, and immature and the dialog is repetitive and boring. There’s no real character development.
February 1, 2023
Okay. This is my next series. I like the action and the characters. The story moves pretty fast, so I'm never bored waiting for something to happen.
January 7, 2024
muy mediocre, pero un buen ritmo.
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