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Potion: A Witchy Fairy Tale
#WitchesBeBitches
A Contemporary Retelling.
Eight years ago, the wicked witch held Hansel Lucas Jaeger and his sister, Melrose, captive. They barely escaped with their lives. Now, with high school, a garage band, and a part time job, Lucas finally feels normal.
But everything changes when Lucas sees his awkward, loner sister, hanging out with Star, one of the hot and hated popular girls known as The Bitches. At first, he’s just confused, but when he sees the tarot cards between them, he’s reminded of the curse the witch cast on Melrose.
His fears escalate when Star warns him about two witches from school who plan on using his sister for a ritual. Lucas wants to trust Star; he needs someone to confide in since Melrose thinks his fear of witchcraft is irrational. But Star is unpredictable and has toyed with his emotions before.
As Lucas searches for answers, more mysteries begin to unravel about Melrose’s childhood, Star’s motives, and his own family legacy. Lucas will have to make life and death decisions; but whom can he trust, and how do you rescue someone who doesn’t want to be saved?
A Contemporary Retelling.
Eight years ago, the wicked witch held Hansel Lucas Jaeger and his sister, Melrose, captive. They barely escaped with their lives. Now, with high school, a garage band, and a part time job, Lucas finally feels normal.
But everything changes when Lucas sees his awkward, loner sister, hanging out with Star, one of the hot and hated popular girls known as The Bitches. At first, he’s just confused, but when he sees the tarot cards between them, he’s reminded of the curse the witch cast on Melrose.
His fears escalate when Star warns him about two witches from school who plan on using his sister for a ritual. Lucas wants to trust Star; he needs someone to confide in since Melrose thinks his fear of witchcraft is irrational. But Star is unpredictable and has toyed with his emotions before.
As Lucas searches for answers, more mysteries begin to unravel about Melrose’s childhood, Star’s motives, and his own family legacy. Lucas will have to make life and death decisions; but whom can he trust, and how do you rescue someone who doesn’t want to be saved?
- GenresFantasy
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
14 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
Dorlana Vann
15 books297 followersDorlana Vann loves taking elements from fairy tales (characters, mood, moral, plot) and mixing them with a paranormal element and then dropping them in a contemporary setting.
She has several supernatural fairy tale inspired stories, including novels, a short story collection, and Kindle Vella series. Her latest adventure is Potion: A Witchy Fairy Tale a contemporary retelling (#witchesbebitches).
Besides writing, life is all about family, food, book-club, BBQ team, festivals, trivia (even though she's horrible at it), and drinking on patios – All of which she shares on Instagram 😊
Stop by her website/blog: www.dorlanavann.me for more info about her and her books.
She has several supernatural fairy tale inspired stories, including novels, a short story collection, and Kindle Vella series. Her latest adventure is Potion: A Witchy Fairy Tale a contemporary retelling (#witchesbebitches).
Besides writing, life is all about family, food, book-club, BBQ team, festivals, trivia (even though she's horrible at it), and drinking on patios – All of which she shares on Instagram 😊
Stop by her website/blog: www.dorlanavann.me for more info about her and her books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 2, 2022
This was such a fun retelling. The story was exciting, full of twists and left you loving the connection between the main characters.
This is my first book, by this author, and I was very impressed. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the pace and the detail that was given to both the world and the characters. All this meant that the book was very easy to really dive into, become invested in and want to be part of the story.
I loved the storyline the author created. It was well-written and flowed nicely. It was unique and very fun to really enjoy. The characters and the depth they had really made the story believable and interesting.
Overall, I really liked this book and highly recommend it.
This is my first book, by this author, and I was very impressed. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the pace and the detail that was given to both the world and the characters. All this meant that the book was very easy to really dive into, become invested in and want to be part of the story.
I loved the storyline the author created. It was well-written and flowed nicely. It was unique and very fun to really enjoy. The characters and the depth they had really made the story believable and interesting.
Overall, I really liked this book and highly recommend it.
August 2, 2022
A fun retelling of a classic story. It was fast paced and enjoyable from start to finish. It's well written and the cliffhanger at the end has me excited for the next one.
August 16, 2022
My rating is for how much fun this story was to write. lol Especially, creating the chapter titles, which are ingredients for the witches’ potion but also pertinent to the chapter’s contents. Some connections are clear, like Chapter 2: One Large Taro Leaf - Melrose is getting her fortune read. But the relevance isn’t always obvious, and I hope discovering the titles’ relation to the chapters will add another fun element to the reading experience.
And here are some Editorial Reviews for Potion:
“A fun, modern take on a fairytale classic. Get ready for an adventure!” Reedsy Discovery
"An edgy YA tale for a new generation. Exploring classic themes of tragic heroes, petty bullies, and dark secrets from the past, Vann’s story-crafting and angsty prose make this title stand out." Self-Publishing Review
“Dorlana Vann has brought together an enjoyable cast of characters that are fun to both love and hate. Other themes of friendship, family, and betrayal also take center stage.” Readers’ Favorite 5 stars
"The plot builds to a blood-pounding finish that had me feverishly turning pages." - Reader Views 4*Fresh and Fun
"Vann writes in a charismatic and familiar style that immediately endears readers to the story." - The BookLife Prize.
And here are some Editorial Reviews for Potion:
“A fun, modern take on a fairytale classic. Get ready for an adventure!” Reedsy Discovery
"An edgy YA tale for a new generation. Exploring classic themes of tragic heroes, petty bullies, and dark secrets from the past, Vann’s story-crafting and angsty prose make this title stand out." Self-Publishing Review
“Dorlana Vann has brought together an enjoyable cast of characters that are fun to both love and hate. Other themes of friendship, family, and betrayal also take center stage.” Readers’ Favorite 5 stars
"The plot builds to a blood-pounding finish that had me feverishly turning pages." - Reader Views 4*Fresh and Fun
"Vann writes in a charismatic and familiar style that immediately endears readers to the story." - The BookLife Prize.
July 21, 2022
Take a well-known fairy tale, mix in some paranormal activity, set it in current times, and you have the basic foundation for “Potion.” This type of format can be so much fun to read, especially for the Young Adult age group, which this book is geared toward.
Lucas Jaeger is a typical high schooler with good friends and a garage band. But his past is dark and troubled. He and his younger sister Melrose were held captive by a terrible witch eight years ago, at the same time their father disappeared and was never heard from again. Given their shared past, Lucas is extremely protective of Melrose. His “white knight” demeanor is sweet and endearing, but Melrose sees it as more of an annoyance when Lucas questions her brand new friend, Star.
Melrose has been pretty much an awkward loner at school, preferring to stay in the shadows. But suddenly the three new girls in school, Star, Phoenix, and Violet, have taken an interest in her. They are her polar opposites, being highly popular and beautiful. So, Lucas’ suspicions have merit.
The characters in this story are nicely fleshed out, with attitudes that either endear them to the reader or repel them. Phoenix, Star, and Violet definitely fall into the category of “mean girls” with their pranks and harsh words. They’re not the kind of girls you really want as friends, but you certainly don’t want to be their enemies.
“Phoenix scanned the cafeteria like a cat on the prowl; a tall, sleek, lioness with razor sharp claws. Her hands were on her hips as her eyes darted from one student to the next.”
The storyline is nicely paced, flashing back at times to Lucas’ younger years with his father, and the horrific events from eight years prior. The plot builds to a blood-pounding finish that had me feverishly turning pages. Until it abruptly ended… with a fiendish cliffhanger. While I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers, I understand their value. However, I would have preferred it if the literary train that was roaring at full speed had slowed down just a little as it neared the end rather than feeling like it hit a brick wall.
One other point for this well-written novel is the use of curse words in a YA book. This is immediately apparent since the book cover itself features the phrase “#WitchesBeB*tches.” I realize most kids hear it all at school, at home, and on social media. But one reason for having the YA genre, in my view is to provide appropriate literature for young adults and high schoolers. There are two camps of thought on this topic. But to me, a creative author, as Ms. Vann seems to be, should be able to provide dialogue that sounds natural and relevant without resorting to “adult language” (for lack of a better term).
If not for the abrupt ending and the moderate use of curse words, this novel would have easily been a 5-star YA read for me; the type that adults can enjoy as well as high school/college age readers. The story itself is a nice, modernized retelling of an old classic fairy tale that has much to offer. Ms. Vann’s writing style is solid, with a nice immersive quality to it that sinks the reader right into the action.
Lucas Jaeger is a typical high schooler with good friends and a garage band. But his past is dark and troubled. He and his younger sister Melrose were held captive by a terrible witch eight years ago, at the same time their father disappeared and was never heard from again. Given their shared past, Lucas is extremely protective of Melrose. His “white knight” demeanor is sweet and endearing, but Melrose sees it as more of an annoyance when Lucas questions her brand new friend, Star.
Melrose has been pretty much an awkward loner at school, preferring to stay in the shadows. But suddenly the three new girls in school, Star, Phoenix, and Violet, have taken an interest in her. They are her polar opposites, being highly popular and beautiful. So, Lucas’ suspicions have merit.
The characters in this story are nicely fleshed out, with attitudes that either endear them to the reader or repel them. Phoenix, Star, and Violet definitely fall into the category of “mean girls” with their pranks and harsh words. They’re not the kind of girls you really want as friends, but you certainly don’t want to be their enemies.
“Phoenix scanned the cafeteria like a cat on the prowl; a tall, sleek, lioness with razor sharp claws. Her hands were on her hips as her eyes darted from one student to the next.”
The storyline is nicely paced, flashing back at times to Lucas’ younger years with his father, and the horrific events from eight years prior. The plot builds to a blood-pounding finish that had me feverishly turning pages. Until it abruptly ended… with a fiendish cliffhanger. While I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers, I understand their value. However, I would have preferred it if the literary train that was roaring at full speed had slowed down just a little as it neared the end rather than feeling like it hit a brick wall.
One other point for this well-written novel is the use of curse words in a YA book. This is immediately apparent since the book cover itself features the phrase “#WitchesBeB*tches.” I realize most kids hear it all at school, at home, and on social media. But one reason for having the YA genre, in my view is to provide appropriate literature for young adults and high schoolers. There are two camps of thought on this topic. But to me, a creative author, as Ms. Vann seems to be, should be able to provide dialogue that sounds natural and relevant without resorting to “adult language” (for lack of a better term).
If not for the abrupt ending and the moderate use of curse words, this novel would have easily been a 5-star YA read for me; the type that adults can enjoy as well as high school/college age readers. The story itself is a nice, modernized retelling of an old classic fairy tale that has much to offer. Ms. Vann’s writing style is solid, with a nice immersive quality to it that sinks the reader right into the action.
October 3, 2023
Potion is the first in a set of planned novels by Dorlana Vann in the Witchy Fairy Tale series.
Melrose is a loner girl in high school who suddenly receives attention from three popular girls—Phoenix, Violet, and Star. Star befriends her briefly after an argument with the other two in the clique. When someone comes between Star and Melrose—Melrose’s brother, Lucas—the other two girls swoop in. Lucas expects ulterior motives because of horrific events he shared with his sister when they were younger.
Lost memories, disguised enemies, and parental relationships combine to form a witches-among-us narrative that owes to fairy tales and The Craft. What sets Potion apart from other teenage, witch-inspired stories? The way the story incorporates its fairytale roots, for one. The callbacks to popular fairy tales were a great addition. And the intertwining of witches and teenage life is always fascinating to compare and contrast.
Potion promises more at the end of the novel. With this delightful series, I’m keen to go back to this world and see the further adventures of these characters.
Melrose is a loner girl in high school who suddenly receives attention from three popular girls—Phoenix, Violet, and Star. Star befriends her briefly after an argument with the other two in the clique. When someone comes between Star and Melrose—Melrose’s brother, Lucas—the other two girls swoop in. Lucas expects ulterior motives because of horrific events he shared with his sister when they were younger.
Lost memories, disguised enemies, and parental relationships combine to form a witches-among-us narrative that owes to fairy tales and The Craft. What sets Potion apart from other teenage, witch-inspired stories? The way the story incorporates its fairytale roots, for one. The callbacks to popular fairy tales were a great addition. And the intertwining of witches and teenage life is always fascinating to compare and contrast.
Potion promises more at the end of the novel. With this delightful series, I’m keen to go back to this world and see the further adventures of these characters.
June 10, 2022
Eight years ago the wicked witch held Hansel Lucas Jaeger and his sister Melrose captive they barely escaped with their lives now with high school a garage band and a part time job Lucas finally feels normal but everything changes when Lucas sees his awkward loner sister hanging out with Star one of the hot and hated popular girls known as The Bitches at first he’s just confused but when he sees the tarot cards between them he’s reminded of the curse the witch cast on Melrose his fears escalate when Star warns him about two witches from school who plan on using his sister for a ritual Lucas wants to trust Star he needs someone to confide in since Melrose thinks his fear of witchcraft is irrational but Star is unpredictable and has toyed with his emotions before
I really really enjoyed this book I totally recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really really enjoyed this book I totally recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
I received an ARC of this story for review purposes. I love fairytale retellings, and Hansel and Gretel is not one I've seen very often. I enjoyed the plot twists-you don't immediately know which characters are Hansel and Gretel. Melrose is a unique protagonist-she begins the story as an "outsider" in her high school and grows to be a powerful heroine in her own right. Flashbacks to Hansel and Gretel's escape from the witch are interwoven with the current narrative as Luke and Melrose attempt to deal with magic and mischief, which definitely keeps the reader invested in the story. The characters are well developed, and the ending is one you will not see coming. The fairy tale magic is clear through the writing, and this is definitely a worthwhile read!
July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this retelling of Hansel and Gretel. It has a modern, teenage, twist to it. The author's writing was really captivating and kept me turning pages. I really liked how fast paced the book was. I was able to read the book within a 24 hour period. I hate it when books drag on, but this one flowed quick and smoothly; I just couldn't put it down. The book does end on a cliff hanger, which I don't normally like, but it's understandable why authors do them. I will read the next in the series to find out what happens next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2022
This book I could not stop reading. It was a more modern take on an old fairy tale, and it WORKS! I thought before reading this one that it would likely disappoint me, but it did not. It was very well written and flowed smoothly through the entire novel. All the characters and plot lines were well developed and until the last line you don't wish it to end (fortunately it continues to at least another novel which has a three-chapter preview link after the story). This book was well edited and engrossing. I would like to thank Darlana Vann for producing a very fine book and I look forward to the next!!
Currently reading
August 11, 2022I love retellings of fairytales. I am always interested in Author’s interruptions of older stories. A modern take of Hansel and Gretel. Lucas and his sister Melrose were kidnapped as children by a witch. While Lucas strives and overcomes this past trauma. Melrose has not and starts to hang around a popular group of friends, that Lucas doesn’t approve of. A student named Star warns Lucas that this clique is going to use Melrose for something wicked. He can’t convince Melrose. He has to find someone to trust and to save his sister. The moderation of this tale is well written with charming characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
I loved how clever the story was, a really cool take on Hanzel and Gretel, it was a fun rapid paced read and I found it easy to care for the characters, the magic system could have used a bit more explaining, but the story was very enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2022
A Fairy Tale Retold . . .
This is a Hansel and Gretel twisted fairy tale that seemed very different when put in a high school setting with teen bullies and witches planning to use Melrose in a ritual! The pacing is fast and the tension is high as the story progresses. Will this one have a happy ending? Or will Melrose’s curse twist her fate into something unpleasant?
This is a Hansel and Gretel twisted fairy tale that seemed very different when put in a high school setting with teen bullies and witches planning to use Melrose in a ritual! The pacing is fast and the tension is high as the story progresses. Will this one have a happy ending? Or will Melrose’s curse twist her fate into something unpleasant?
July 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I always liked fairy tales and this is a retelling of one. The story is very interesting and I was so interested in the characters I could see there being a second one, maybe? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2022
I loved the idea of Witchy Fairy Tale, and am glad I was able to read this. The story was interesting and I was never bored. It was a great fairy tale with wonderfully done characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2022
Interesting retake on the Hansel & Gretal fairytale, with a teen focus. Not my usual read, but I'm glad I read it.
May 30, 2023
Goodreads win and first read by this author. This book is worth reading; it's a fun, enjoyable retelling of a classic story. I am looking forward to reading another book by this author.
September 20, 2024
Well this is a Hansel and Gretel retelling like no other! I was a bit confused initially, the book started as a typical high school bullying story, you know, quiet, shy girl, 3 bully bitches. Melrose tries to keep away from the 3 but they do everything to belittle her, causing our very timid wallflower to be even more insecure. Her only saving grace is her brother Lucas, who will do anything to protect her. Now the thing is, he's not really her brother, Melrose was adopted as a little girl and that's where it starts getting a bit bizarre... the flashbacks Lucas has are a bit all over the place, I was struggling to draw all the threads together. What was evident thought was that Lucas is actually Hansel and he has a secret he's desperate to keep hidden. Only thing is, this secret is also keeping him from seeing the full picture. I found Star's character to be one that really grew throughout but Phoenix didn't quite ring true. There were too many anomalies in her character that lacked credibility, at least in the beginning of the story. Even at the end, when her motives became clear, something just missed the mark for me. That being said, I did enjoy the story, the author's interpretation of this fairytale. To say it was a different take on a familiar story is understatement, it was a clever interpretation. I found Melrose more credible initially as the bullied teen, her all too trusting manner later on, fell slightly off the mark. She kept feeling something wasn't quite right but dismissed these thoughts, even though she was under a spell, I kept waiting for her to realise how precarious her situation was, which only happened almost at the end of the book. Lucas is another one who, dispute the flashbacks and his mom's confession, is too trusting, especially of Star. The final few chapters are really exciting, the scenes where all that power and magic is unleashed are really great. Overall, I did enjoy this retelling, notwithstanding my issues, I'm giving it a 4 star rating
July 31, 2022
Potion by D Vann - 4/5 Stars
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free copy of this book for review. I am leaving this review freely and independently.
An amazing reimagining of the classic Hansel and Gretel story. I absolutely loved it. The end was a little rushed, but also set things up for a sequel that I also can't wait to read.
Definitely suggest you check this out if you can.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free copy of this book for review. I am leaving this review freely and independently.
An amazing reimagining of the classic Hansel and Gretel story. I absolutely loved it. The end was a little rushed, but also set things up for a sequel that I also can't wait to read.
Definitely suggest you check this out if you can.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews