Followers of the Owl

by M.G. Hernandez

A girl and a boy, haunted by their past, must battle their personal demons to fight the evil hiding in plain sight.

Eighteen-year-old Dee Bailey works hard on her personal brand. She’s intelligent and passionate about her community. To her peers, she’s a great friend and everyone’s favorite social butterfly.

But when alone, she’s terrorized by a secret that leaves her cowering to the floor. Until one night, a mysterious girl in white appears on the manicured lawn of her family’s vacation home. She follows the robed figure into the woods with no clue that she’s about to change the course of her future.

Meanwhile, Brandon Cuenca is drowning in the weight of his self-sabotage. Mourning the death of his girlfriend, he throws himself deep into a world of drug binges and questionable life choices—until the news of another disappearance of a Wakefield teenager forces him to set his problems aside. The victim was the third girl abducted in their social circle.

But when a chance encounter lands him in her path, he learns that bringing her home is more complicated than finding her. What happens when the missing doesn’t want to be found?

Followers of the Owl explores greed, avarice and the human need to find light in the darkness.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy

340 pages, Unknown Binding

Published September 1, 2022

About the author

M.G. Hernandez is currently based in Honolulu, but spent her developing years in Bay Area, California. She has her bachelors in social welfare from University of California, Berkeley and a masters in social work from University of Hawaii, Manoa. Her passion for advocacy and the community led to her lifelong journey as a social worker. It’s this career path that made her fully aware of the human condition, its strength and resilience in the face of adversity. These qualities are often found in the characters she creates in her work.

If she’s not reading novels or dreaming about plots to write, she’s hanging out with her beach-loving husband, two amazing teenage sons and three grumpy guinea pigs.

Reviews

[Shruti Chhabra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Denette Bailey is an eighteen-year-old talented and compassionate, and wealthy teenager. She has a past that holds her down constantly inside. On the outside, she acts like a calm, confident, and friendly teenager. Her protective twin Jordan is away in Paris studying culinary science.

During the visit to their family vacation home, the life of the lives of Bailey family changes forever. It starts with Denette or Dee seeing a mysterious shadow in her garden, following her inside the jungle, and witnessing a cult execution. The next night unidentified assassins attack the Bailey family, executing Dee's mother and abducting her. The tsunami of that fateful night alters everyone's lives forever.

Brandon Cuenca can't get over his girlfriend Alexa's murder. He drowns in drugs, but the grief looms large over his mind and soul. Dee's disappearance in the woods brings the memories of Alexa gushing back to Brandon. In the strange turn of events, Brandon finds Dee, but he is unable to rescue her or tell others about it.

Both Dee and Brandon are fighting the demons. Brandon is fighting them internally, and Dee is fighting them externally.

Will the real culprits be caught? How many lives will be shattered?

The dark, dirty secrets are about to unleash, wreaking havoc emotionally and physically.

What I like about the book.

The writing is lucid. The characters are well built. Their stories are interlinked so that it effortlessly takes the plot further. There is an element of suspense that fires the inquisitiveness of the reader. It's a page-turner. This one makes for an effortless and engaging one-time read.



What I find flawed

Sometimes the encounter between Dee and Brandon reminds me of The Fifty Shades of Grey. The author seems to try hard to build the chemistry between the main protagonists. The story gets a tad dramatic and little repeated in parts.

This one is a clear 3.5/5 for me.

[Gemma Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Followers of the Owl is the second book in the Wakefield Series and is a Young adult fantasy centering on two characters - Dee and Brandon. These teenagers are both battling personal demons and trying to survive. I enjoyed the world building in this novel - I didn’t always feel the chemistry between Dee and Brandon but I thought it was a good story and I enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is written voluntarily.

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t wait to start this after finishing book one and the author did not disappoint!
Another great mystery by two character you meet in book one. The plot twists and suspense kept me turning pages to fu d out what would happen!
Highly recommend if you like YA mystery

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read book one of this one so I can't say if this really works without reading that one. I will say that I enjoyed this story though and I didn't feel lost within its pages. This story is unlike anything I have read and I really don't know how to describe it to tell you the truth. I loved the characters and the events of the story. The mystery was very interesting and I feel I really need to read book one. This is an author too look out for.

[Asia | Adventures with Asia Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 July 2022

5 stars!

Just like the first book, The Night Orchid, I absolutely LOVED this book!

It's soooooo good! It has great characters, a great mystery and plot, a fantastic kinda slow–burn romance, and amazing writing! I just cannot do it justice with a review. However, I'll do my best when I'm back for the full review.

Until then! :)

Full RTC!

5 stars!

I received a free eARC from the author as part of her Street Team

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Happy Reading!

[Muskan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Followers of the owl is the second book in The Wakefield mystery series. This fast-paced story YA fantasy is about facing the demons of the past, challenging the darkness and evil, exploring greed and insatiable cupidity.

We follow two protagonists, a girl and a boy. Denette 'Dee' Bailey, an eighteen year old girl is highly passionate about her work and posses a strikingly gorgeous beauty. Everyone assumes that she is happy go lucky girl whose every desire is honoured.
However deep down, she is on the verge of breaking. A secret is gnawing at her and soon enough with the appearance of a mysterious girl and a follow into the woods would change her life forever.

Then there is Bradon Cuene, a boy with reputation for his self-sabotage behaviour. When there is a third disappearance from their social circle he finally believes that it's time to stop participating in these destructive activities and figure out what was actually out to play.

Who says that missing wants to be found and brought back? What if there are bigger and more importantly sinister things at play. What will happen when secrets of Hecienda Heights are revealed?

I really enjoyed the storyline. The world building took its time but the whole pace was definitely well done. The interaction and dynamics between characters are given much focus as they help in execution of the mysterious elements of the story. The inclusion of Filipino community and language added an extraordinary charm to the narration which was also my favorite. The author has balanced the intriguing plotline and curious characters on the scales that matches the tone of the entire narration quite well. The dual POV has definitely geared up a notch when it comes to understand the story from both sides.

I'm so glad we'll getting a book three from this fantastic book series. I'm excited to see what new adventure and mystery the author has in store for us. Highly recommended it to the readers who love to delve into unique premise with high stakes consequences.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay away from the girl in white or you’ll be next. Evil lurks among the residents of Dee’s town and she’s about to discover what terror means. On the outside, Dee loves life, her town, and her friends. She’s bright, caring, and very sociable. No one knows the anguish she feels or realizes the abuse she experiences. Both sides are a part of Dee, yet she doesn’t know how to overcome her inner demons. One night, she sees a girl in white on the lawn of her parents’ vacation home. She follows the girl into the woods, not realizing the consequences of her actions. What happens next will spiral Dee into a world foreign to her. Is she in peril, like the others who have disappeared? Her life is changed again when Brandon appears and wants to take her home. She doesn’t want to go home but she likes spending time with Brandon. He makes her feel things she’s never felt never. Is it love or something else? Can two tormented souls find solace in each other?

Followers of the Owl is something I’ve never read before. Part dark fiction, part fantasy, part magical realism, part new adult, Followers of the Owl defies genres and shares a story that’ll yank out your heart before gingerly placing it still beating in your chest. The character-driven plot moves at a good pace with deep emotional narration. The diverse characters add such depth to this story. The world-building is intricate and very creative. While the world-building is believable, it also has an imaginative feel. Without a doubt, Followers of the Owl is an immersive read. Fantasy readers rejoice, this is your next fan favorite. If magical realism is your reading jam, pick up Followers of the Owl. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Disclaimer: I bought a copy from Amazon Canada.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Niket Setia · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.G. Hernandez has her bachelors in social welfare from University of California, Berkeley and a masters in social work from University of Hawaii, Manoa. 

The story is about Dee Bailey, 18, puts of effort into building her personal brand. She cares deeply about her neighbourhood and is smart. She is well-liked by her classmates and is the go-to social butterfly. However, when she is by herself, she is terrified by a secret that makes her cower to the ground. Until one night, when a mysterious white gril shows up on the well-kept lawn of her family's resort property. Meanwhile, Brandon Cuenca is drowning in the weight of his selt-sabotage.  Mourning the death of his girlfriend, he throws himself deep into a world of drug binges and questionable life choices-until the news of another disappearance of a Wakefield teenager forces him to set his problems aside. If you guys are interested to know what happened next then grab this copy now? Do read the incredible story this weekend. I am sure you guys won't regret it. I believe title is appropriate for the situation. The narrative moved along well and the language was simple to understand. While reading it , the after scenes I had expected were very different from reality leaving me wondering what happen next. Overall, this is an outstanding and I found it to be a masterpiece. In the end, I want to appreciate the work of author, and I am very excited for the next book. I highly urge each of you to grab a copy of this book.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dee Bailey works hard on her personal brand. She’s intelligent and passionate about her community. To her peers, she’s a great friend and everyone’s favorite social butterfly. But when alone, she’s terrorized by a secret that leaves her cowering to the floor. Until one night, a mysterious girl in white appears on the manicured lawn of her family’s vacation home. She follows the robed figure into the woods with no clue that she’s about to change the course of her future. Meanwhile, Brandon Cuenca is drowning in the weight of his self-sabotage. Mourning the death of his girlfriend, he throws himself deep into a world of drug binges and questionable life choices—until the news of another disappearance of a Wakefield teenager forces him to set his problems aside. The victim was the third girl abducted in their social circle.
I liked this young adult book but have not read the first one so some of my thoughts on the book could have been resolved in book one. I was able to understand what was going on with only reading book two. The mystery of the book really had me interested. I just didn’t feel Dee and Brandon as a couple but did enjoy them individually. This was a good book, and I will have to investigate book one.

[Hepzibah Becca Jael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Followers of the Owl
M. G. Hernandez

Rating 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Review

This book was such a page turner for me, I absolutely loved the plot and where the story was headed. The book is written in a gripping manner, I haven't read the first book of the series but since it's a standalone too I picked it up and now I want to read book 1!

Our MCs are Denette Bailey and Brandon Cuncea, while Dee is cool, calm and collected on the outside inside she's a ball of nerves and self doubt because of her past, she loves her twin Jordan who's in Paris studying culinary arts and science. Brandon is on the way to self sabotage because of his girlfriend Alexa's murder he turns to drugs. He gets his wake up call when Dee almost disappears the same way Alexa was taken! Read to know more that's all I'm telling you about the plot ;)

The storytelling aspect is enchanting the way the author has woven the perfect tale to put the readers on the edge of their seats is amazing. The characters are all well written and strongly built, the plot progression is amazing and the writing style will be easy to understand for even a non native English speaker.

[Helen Garraway · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent sequel to Night Orchid, following the same social group from the town of Wakefield.

This book follows Dee and Brandon, both of whom have some serious problems to deal with. Although they are from rich families and live the socialite dream, life has sent them some tough challenges and from hesitant beginnings these two extremely well developed characters have the means to help each other.

Hernandez delves into the world of cults and how manipulation of vulnerable girls by the rich and powerful can so easily happen in plain sight. Difficult topics are dealt with sympathetically, and they are very well written.

At the core of the story is the disappearance of another girl, and how the group of friends support each other as they try to deal with the fallout. Dee and Brandon's relationship keeps you turning the pages, as one horror leads to the next, but ultimatley you are rooting for them to have a happy ending, and the story is about how you pick yourself up after traumatic events and try to live your life the best you can.

A gritty mystery you won't want to put down.

[Khushi Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy oh boy! This book had me turning the pages fast to find out what happens next! It’s the second installment in a series, but honestly, I didn’t need to read the first to understand the relationships/back story. WILL I read the first, The Night Orchid? You bet I will. I’m not a big YA reader, but I loved this book, and really got the characters. I felt Dee’s fear and her passion for her family, as well as her strength to survive when captured by a crazy cult. Girl has spunk. She has a fantastic group of friends willing to risk their safety to save her, but man does she have the will to get through. M.G Hernandez does an exquisite job of writing the details and weaving her story, complete with surprising twists; I felt like I was alone in the dark woods and I legit got chills. I loved it! 5 stars hands down! I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Wakefield Chronicles!

[L.C Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dee Bailey, 18, is a seemingly happy, confident, young person with a lot of friends, but internally she is a troubled soul.
During the visit to their family holiday home, the life of the lives of Bailey family changes forever. Not long after witnessing a strange event while at her family's home, she gets abducted and her mother murdered.
Meanwhile, Brandon Cuenca is drowning the pain of losing his murdered girlfriend Alexa with drugs. Dee's abduction triggers his PTSD caused by Alexa's death and pushes him to try and find her.
As always I loved the characters building, the suspense and the entire story line.

Followers of the Owl is the second book in the Wakefield Series and I already cannot wait for book 3.

[Callie Woodridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book this morning, and I needed to know what happened next once I realized there was a sequel. This one did not disappoint. In the last book, I wasn't too fond of Brandon once a secret came out, but in this book, he grew on me again. This story was different from the last, following Dee and Brandon while Julian and Jo were background characters and didn't feature as much. I won't give away the plot, but I really enjoyed Dee's story, and was rooting for her the entire time. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and hope it comes out soon. I read both books back to back. M.G. Hernandez can certainly make a world and characters that you want to follow and find out what happens next. I recommend both of these books to everyone.

[♡Chee♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Followers of the Owl, the second book in the Wakefield Series, is a Youthful grown-up dream fixating on two characters - Dee and Brandon. These young people are both doing combating individual evil spirits and attempting to get by. I partook on the story/word working in this novel - I didn't necessarily feel the spark b/w Dee and Brandon however I thought it was a decent story and I delighted in understanding it.

Overall i loved the characters and the plotline. Even in the absence of spark is had an amazing slow burn romance.

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book. I finished it pretty quickly because it had me flipping pages just to see what would happen next. Followers Of The Owl is the second book in the Wakefield Mystery series. This YA story is fast paced and so enjoyable. It's about facing demons of the past and challenging the darkness and evil. This book is full of great characters, a great plot, and mystery. This is one you don't want to miss.

[Holly Prue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mystery by M.G. Hernandez. I loved getting to dive into the lives of Dee and Brandon after meeting them in The Night Orchid.

I truly had no idea where this story would take me until pretty much the end. The suspense was masterfully written, and the twists broke my heart and kept on my toes.

Highly recommend!

[ThatBookishWriter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't had a chance to read the first book of the series but I was able to easily follow along and didn't have any confusion. I was hooked right from the beginning!! I was in the edge of mh seat wanting to know what was going to happen next. The book made me feel many emotions and I could truly feel what Dee feels throughout the story. You get to see her character growth through the story and I love that! One of my favorite types of stories. Definitely going to read the first one soon!