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Coven Chronicles #2
Secrets of the Sanctuary
★★★ The Coven Chronicles is part of a serial. All books end with cliffhangers! ★★★ Thea Bauer has earned her way to being a highly skilled member of the Coven. Ranked as a Spellweaver, she’s assigned the more dangerous missions. Corralling a herd of wild unicorns? No problem. Taking down a witch riding the high of black magic? Piece of cake. Finding out why magic-based creatures are suddenly flooding the local sanctuary, protected by a powerful sorceress with a hatred for the Coven? Thea might need more than her tethered demonic partner to see this mission through. She calls upon Summoner Rafe MacBain, a trusted colleague she’s known for years whose dreamy eyes might keep her up at night—but she’s not admitting that to anyone. He’s got his own demonic companion, and altogether they’re a force to be reckoned with. But, even with their combined strength, it might not be enough against feral demons escaping some of the farthest reaches of Hell. As if that weren’t bad enough, Thea must conquer her own demons residing within herself that conjure up a painful past. Will she be able to overcome herself, or will the memories she’s tried to stray from keep her from fighting enemies in the physical realm? Thea is starting to wonder if the sorceress may be one of those enemies too. What secret is she hiding at the bottom of the sanctuary, and how will it affect everything Thea has come to know?
228 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
About the author
Octavia J. Riley
4 books3 followersEver since I was a child, I've had a passion for story-telling.
I grew up in and around Nashville and the surrounding suburbs until I was old enough to co-sign on an RV with my mother. Together, we traveled the southeast searching for the next phase in our lives.
We found it next door in good ole South Carolina, though not in the ways we planned. This is where I first met Nia Rose. From there, Coven Chronicles was born. The world we helped create together strengthened our friendship, and our friendship spawned more ideas that bled into the early hours of the morning, broadening the boundaries we had placed on ourselves and our imaginations.
Currently, I'm pursuing my BA in English Language & Literature at Southern New Hampshire University, writing my third novel (book six in Coven Chronicles), brainstorming ideas for a standalone, learning a second language, and settling down in Kansas. I have plans to teach English overseas one day, maybe find Mr. Right, and expand on the world I've come to love so much.
Who knows, though. Life is unpredictable. Just ask my characters.
- Octavia
I grew up in and around Nashville and the surrounding suburbs until I was old enough to co-sign on an RV with my mother. Together, we traveled the southeast searching for the next phase in our lives.
We found it next door in good ole South Carolina, though not in the ways we planned. This is where I first met Nia Rose. From there, Coven Chronicles was born. The world we helped create together strengthened our friendship, and our friendship spawned more ideas that bled into the early hours of the morning, broadening the boundaries we had placed on ourselves and our imaginations.
Currently, I'm pursuing my BA in English Language & Literature at Southern New Hampshire University, writing my third novel (book six in Coven Chronicles), brainstorming ideas for a standalone, learning a second language, and settling down in Kansas. I have plans to teach English overseas one day, maybe find Mr. Right, and expand on the world I've come to love so much.
Who knows, though. Life is unpredictable. Just ask my characters.
- Octavia
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 25, 2020
The second book in the Coven Chronicles series is just as unique, imaginative and spellbinding as the first.
This time around we get a different duo - or quartet to be exact, since pets are also included. :D
Spellweaver Thea Bauer is sent to find out out why magic-based creatures are suddenly flooding the local sanctuary, protected by a powerful sorceress with a hatred for the Coven. But nothing prepares her for the snarky sorceress and her bouncy bubbly bizarre foreigner friend who care for the sanctuary and seem determined to stand in Thea's way.
This time around it is pretty clear that Thea will need more than her tethered demonic partner to see this mission through. So she calls upon Summoner Rafe MacBain, a trusted colleague she’s known for years. His dreamy eyes might keep Thea up at night too —but that is something she would absolutely not admit to anyone.
And yet, even their combined strength might not be enough against feral demons escaping some of the farthest reaches of Hell. With desperation as the order of the day, Thea and Rafe are swept into an insane plan involving dark magic, a possibly 'suicidal, maybe pre-apocalyptic mission' and even a demon prince.
But 'even if they manage to pull this off and break every law they've sworn never to break, they would still be unleashing Hell, literally, on Raen.'
The cherry on the rotten cake?
They may have just sealed a deal with someone that could potentially be worse than the devil himself.
What could be worse you ask?
Thea must also conquer her own demons - those residing within herself that conjure up a painful past in which she could so easily get lost.
This second installment in the series is a bit darker than the first as well as a tad more action-packed. And just as charming and irresistible.
Both Thea and Rafe are fabulous and you can't help but love them from the very first chapter. And their dynamic is awesome!
'Thea wanted to thank the Summoner in the same breath she wanted to smack him in.'
'"Goddess help me, you step on one female toes you step on them all," Rafe grumbled before taking off after the creature.
'"Goddess wouldn't help you much either her being a woman and all," The muttered as he walked away...'
Wordbuilding, magic and creatures alike are both intriguing and enchanting. The dialogues are full of witty retorts and the plot a perfect mix of light and dark
Great character development will let you practically want to cry for Thea as well as give Rafe one big hug!
Heartache and sorrow, longing and despair, they leap off the page, as well as friendship, gentleness and care.
Engaging, entertaining and beautifully paced, full of fun and edge of the seat action, as well as great magic, intriguing creatures and solid characters, The Coven Chronicles is a series that each and every YA fantasy fan out there is bound to love.
It's fun, imaginative and spellbinding!
P.S. I still love Vanessa and Bobo best but Thea and Rafe are a close second. :)
This time around we get a different duo - or quartet to be exact, since pets are also included. :D
Spellweaver Thea Bauer is sent to find out out why magic-based creatures are suddenly flooding the local sanctuary, protected by a powerful sorceress with a hatred for the Coven. But nothing prepares her for the snarky sorceress and her bouncy bubbly bizarre foreigner friend who care for the sanctuary and seem determined to stand in Thea's way.
This time around it is pretty clear that Thea will need more than her tethered demonic partner to see this mission through. So she calls upon Summoner Rafe MacBain, a trusted colleague she’s known for years. His dreamy eyes might keep Thea up at night too —but that is something she would absolutely not admit to anyone.
And yet, even their combined strength might not be enough against feral demons escaping some of the farthest reaches of Hell. With desperation as the order of the day, Thea and Rafe are swept into an insane plan involving dark magic, a possibly 'suicidal, maybe pre-apocalyptic mission' and even a demon prince.
But 'even if they manage to pull this off and break every law they've sworn never to break, they would still be unleashing Hell, literally, on Raen.'
The cherry on the rotten cake?
They may have just sealed a deal with someone that could potentially be worse than the devil himself.
What could be worse you ask?
Thea must also conquer her own demons - those residing within herself that conjure up a painful past in which she could so easily get lost.
This second installment in the series is a bit darker than the first as well as a tad more action-packed. And just as charming and irresistible.
Both Thea and Rafe are fabulous and you can't help but love them from the very first chapter. And their dynamic is awesome!
'Thea wanted to thank the Summoner in the same breath she wanted to smack him in.'
'"Goddess help me, you step on one female toes you step on them all," Rafe grumbled before taking off after the creature.
'"Goddess wouldn't help you much either her being a woman and all," The muttered as he walked away...'
Wordbuilding, magic and creatures alike are both intriguing and enchanting. The dialogues are full of witty retorts and the plot a perfect mix of light and dark
Great character development will let you practically want to cry for Thea as well as give Rafe one big hug!
Heartache and sorrow, longing and despair, they leap off the page, as well as friendship, gentleness and care.
Engaging, entertaining and beautifully paced, full of fun and edge of the seat action, as well as great magic, intriguing creatures and solid characters, The Coven Chronicles is a series that each and every YA fantasy fan out there is bound to love.
It's fun, imaginative and spellbinding!
P.S. I still love Vanessa and Bobo best but Thea and Rafe are a close second. :)
February 13, 2020
The supernatural world author Riley creates is imaginative, unique, and at times, a bit dark. While Secrets of the Sanctuary is well-written, following the characters' oftentimes challenging journey kept me turning the pages. This book has humor, drama, darkness, and memorable magical creatures. The attention to dialogue and setting details are comprehensive--and the descriptive writing elaborate and rich. I'm already anticipating new work by this author, and I'm intrigued to see where this story is taking me...
August 9, 2019
The Review
This was a fun and fascinating read that fans of the Fantasy/YA genre will love. While the second book in the series, newcomers like myself will easily be able to get into the narrative of this magical world where magic and magical creatures are an everyday part of life. Readers are instantly drawn to the characters introduced early on in the story, from protagonist Thea and the Summoner Rafe to the Kelpie she calls an ally and friend and the mysterious forces working all around them.
What was truly fascinating was the world building the author did for this novel. As part of a series with another author, this second book showcased the various levels of hell from which certain creatures or either summoned or imprisoned, and seeing the way each creature was categorized and divided up amongst the others was a major draw for any fans of the fantasy/YA genre. Readers truly felt immersed into the world as Thea and her friends went looking for answers, and found some of hell’s deadliest creatures loosed upon the world. Readers will love diving into the complex mythology created by the authors for this series, and the dangerous creatures chosen as the book’s antagonists.
The Verdict
This is a truly engaging and entertaining read that truly lives and breathes the YA/Fantasy genre in every page. Filled with mysteries, action, scares and a healthy blend of character and world building, this evenly paced read is something that will keep readers attention heavily focused in the moment and by book’s end, will have readers on the edge of their seat as the shocking conclusion plays out. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of “Secrets of the Sanctuary” by Octavia J Riley today or grab your copy when it is released on October 15th, 2019!
This was a fun and fascinating read that fans of the Fantasy/YA genre will love. While the second book in the series, newcomers like myself will easily be able to get into the narrative of this magical world where magic and magical creatures are an everyday part of life. Readers are instantly drawn to the characters introduced early on in the story, from protagonist Thea and the Summoner Rafe to the Kelpie she calls an ally and friend and the mysterious forces working all around them.
What was truly fascinating was the world building the author did for this novel. As part of a series with another author, this second book showcased the various levels of hell from which certain creatures or either summoned or imprisoned, and seeing the way each creature was categorized and divided up amongst the others was a major draw for any fans of the fantasy/YA genre. Readers truly felt immersed into the world as Thea and her friends went looking for answers, and found some of hell’s deadliest creatures loosed upon the world. Readers will love diving into the complex mythology created by the authors for this series, and the dangerous creatures chosen as the book’s antagonists.
The Verdict
This is a truly engaging and entertaining read that truly lives and breathes the YA/Fantasy genre in every page. Filled with mysteries, action, scares and a healthy blend of character and world building, this evenly paced read is something that will keep readers attention heavily focused in the moment and by book’s end, will have readers on the edge of their seat as the shocking conclusion plays out. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of “Secrets of the Sanctuary” by Octavia J Riley today or grab your copy when it is released on October 15th, 2019!
August 10, 2019
Such an awesome adventure. The characters are memorable, the story is unforgettable, and I found it hard to put this one down. The author has a way of drawing you into the story till the very end!
February 5, 2020
I really like this fantasy world the authors have created. The characters are fun and unique. I did struggle in the beginning. It seemed shaky and bit hard to follow. Once you get past all that, the story is pretty good. I enjoyed the different encounters Thea had with some magical creatures. Leslie was pretty funny! Theres also some action and magic! I can’t wait for more! I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
October 5, 2020
This is the second book in the Coven Chronicles series and this a much more unique and amazing work in comparison with book 1.
In this book we get to see a different protagonists Thea Bauer, a Spellweaver and Rafe MacBain, the Summoner and their pets. Thea is sent to find why the magical creatures are flooding the sanctuary but she meets with a snarky sorceress and her friend who stands in Thea's way. She takes help from one of her trusted colleague Rafe to solve the mission.
The story is very intriguing and captivating enough to draw readers attention until the end of the story. The world-building, narration, character depiction are brilliantly done by the author. This story has humour, dark magic, friendship, action, drama, magical creatures etc. The plot is evenly paced and was very entertaining to read. And the story ends in a cliffhanger keeping you anxious for the next book.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
In this book we get to see a different protagonists Thea Bauer, a Spellweaver and Rafe MacBain, the Summoner and their pets. Thea is sent to find why the magical creatures are flooding the sanctuary but she meets with a snarky sorceress and her friend who stands in Thea's way. She takes help from one of her trusted colleague Rafe to solve the mission.
The story is very intriguing and captivating enough to draw readers attention until the end of the story. The world-building, narration, character depiction are brilliantly done by the author. This story has humour, dark magic, friendship, action, drama, magical creatures etc. The plot is evenly paced and was very entertaining to read. And the story ends in a cliffhanger keeping you anxious for the next book.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
July 1, 2020
This is the second book in the Coven Chronicles series, written by the writing duo Octavia J. Riley and Nia Rose. Both books are narrated by Alex Goodman, who has proven to be the perfect narrator for such a story full of magical creatures and vivid characters.
Octavia J. Riley has written a wonderful, unique, and thrilling entry to the Coven Chronicle series. Thea is a compelling main character surrounded by an interesting ensemble of magical creatures and magic users. Every piece of dialogue written by Riley was fascinating and humorous. I was equal parts amused and enthralled, especially when introducing new creatures to the lore.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and am excited to see the next entry to this wonderful series!
Octavia J. Riley has written a wonderful, unique, and thrilling entry to the Coven Chronicle series. Thea is a compelling main character surrounded by an interesting ensemble of magical creatures and magic users. Every piece of dialogue written by Riley was fascinating and humorous. I was equal parts amused and enthralled, especially when introducing new creatures to the lore.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and am excited to see the next entry to this wonderful series!
December 31, 2019
When Thea is called on a mission to investigate a sanctuary for magical creatures, she gets more than she bargained for. Throughout the course of the story, her close friendship with fellow coven member, Rafe keeps her grounded, while many dark magical secrets are revealed.
I loved the banter between Thea and Rafe throughout the story as you can really feel the bond between them. The story concept intrigued me from the start and the idea of coven members having demons as pets was pretty cool.
Although I found the story a little hard to follow at times, I loved how imaginative it was. This is a tale of friendship, dark magic, and teamwork that will have you rooting for the characters.
I loved the banter between Thea and Rafe throughout the story as you can really feel the bond between them. The story concept intrigued me from the start and the idea of coven members having demons as pets was pretty cool.
Although I found the story a little hard to follow at times, I loved how imaginative it was. This is a tale of friendship, dark magic, and teamwork that will have you rooting for the characters.
June 18, 2020
What a rush. This fast paced book was simply inthralling. I really wasn’t sure what to expect of a second novel in a series written by a different author but it was perfect! The little cross overs from Book 1 Spellbound & Hellhounds was comical and subtle enough that it’s not really necessary to read in order but does contain a spoiler so highly suggest to read in order.
The audiobook was perfect. The narrative was spot on that I felt enchanted in each word.
The audiobook was perfect. The narrative was spot on that I felt enchanted in each word.
December 13, 2022
I don't normally look at the map in books. Especially not if they're in black and white. The map in these books are in color which makes them a bit more interesting.
Other than that the book was well-written and free from typos, grammatical errors or misspelled words. A big plus. It was also interesting to read.
Other than that the book was well-written and free from typos, grammatical errors or misspelled words. A big plus. It was also interesting to read.
July 5, 2020
Good story!💜
I enjoyed this story. It was fun, mysterious and magical. The narration was very good.
This is book 2 in this continuing series and should be read/listened in order.
I recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
I enjoyed this story. It was fun, mysterious and magical. The narration was very good.
This is book 2 in this continuing series and should be read/listened in order.
I recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
May 29, 2021
This is the second book in the series. It has different main characters than the first book and could be read as a stand alone book. I liked the characters, but not as much as the ones in the first book. The story was good and I enjoyed the book so I would recommend it.
June 23, 2023
Definitely a 2.5! Enjoyed the world building as well as character growth that was written so well into the story. I feel like it may have been too fast paced and could have been a little spread out!
October 15, 2019
Grandly magical read
Riley pens a remarkable story in Secrets of the Sanctuary. This is the first book of Riley's that I've read, and I really enjoyed this read. The characters were well-developed and not the typical paranormal or metaphysical story. This story takes the reader on a journey of discovery and survival. Thea is an interesting character, that is right in the middle of this intriguing and unpredictable story. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Riley pens a remarkable story in Secrets of the Sanctuary. This is the first book of Riley's that I've read, and I really enjoyed this read. The characters were well-developed and not the typical paranormal or metaphysical story. This story takes the reader on a journey of discovery and survival. Thea is an interesting character, that is right in the middle of this intriguing and unpredictable story. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is recommended by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews