Tag: urban fantasy

Review:  Magic Betrayed (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 2) by Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Magic Betrayed picks up right after the events of Magic Forsaken, the flow almost uninterrupted in the storyline.

Raine is still trying to walk the tightrope between keeping her found family and their past hidden yet work for Callum because they desperately need the funds for food and shelter. 

While the reader might acknowledge the naïveté, it’s also realistic to assume that the hardship and fear has made Raine just as desperate as to accept his conditions.  

Davidson makes us believe in the story unravels on the pages. The suspicions, fears, and doubts, from all parties exist in this shaky political landscape and paranormal world where there has been such turmoil and infighting.

The growth in the relationships, between Callum and Raine, Raine and Kira, and others is warmly described and real. The suspense and action scenes are vivid and well executed.

My only complaint is the last book isn’t released yet so I need to wait until November to see how it all plays out. 

Another recommendation for those who enjoy urban fantasy novels!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue 

Blurb 

Well that didn’t go quite the way I expected…

So the short version is, I used my forbidden magic. But weirdly enough, I’m still breathing. Not only that, but I have a job, a great apartment, and a boss who isn’t nearly as grumpy as he wants everyone to think. The only flaw in all this happiness? I can’t leave the Shadow Court. Ever. Which means there’s no way of finding out whether Callum-ro-Deverin hates my guts.

I get it. He’s a fan of law and order, and my very existence is now a crime. That must be why, when he does finally return to the city after the Symposium, he makes no effort to even talk to me. I feel like a fool for thinking we were friends. For considering for even one moment that there might be a spark of something more.

But when a mysterious enemy attacks me and kidnaps my family, I’m left without options. I’m going to need help—powerful help—and I’m going to have to master my unwanted magic as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the only help available is a gorgeous dragon king who may or may not want to lock me up forever. But if it will save my family from a fate worse than death? I’m willing to sacrifice anything… including my future and my freedom.

Magic Betrayed is the second book of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, gorgeous dragon shifters, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1) by  Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Another new to me author, another urban fantasy universe to explore. Be still my heart.  I stumbled across Kenley Davidson when looking for more strong women main characters and found her name among other writers I’ve read and loved (K.M. Shea for example).

Magic Forsaken is the first in Davidson’s The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue urban fantasy series. It’s a direct sequel to The Dragon of 23rd Street , a 3 book series which sets up the world and some of the characters met here. 

However, I haven’t read that series and the author does an excellent job in introducing the series foundation, the issues faced, and world building that I felt secure in my understanding of the story and how the characters were able to use their powers and abilities in the magical system. 

Raine, a former human and prisoner of a psychopathic Fae Queen who experimented on both humans and paranormals alike, has fled, along with her found family of fellow escaped prisoners,to a refugee/safe city. 

Davidson has immediately crafted a group of characters and situations that the reader will empathize with and feel able to relate to. Raine, in her desperation to protect and provide her family for food, shelter and safety is a great figure from the beginning.

And letting her other secrets (as well as those of the small family members) slowly trickle out during the story is perfect for her and the manner in which she has had to live her life.

Callum, the shifter King and his family is another fantastic element. Each of them has a well defined personality and back history, and their relationships feel like a family bonded together. 

The mystery and action scenes are well written. The plot is fast moving. There’s a romantic interest but this is a slow burn, with no real sexual content. More magical action scenes and high adventure. 

I really enjoyed the energy of the narrative and the characters. Definitely a winner!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

        Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)

    

Blurb 

I used to be human.

Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten…

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

The description for this book was the draw for me, as well as another new author to read. 

I’ve always thought of books as gateways to adventure and the way to immerse myself in worlds and places I’ll never get to explore outside of their pages. They are compelling, comforting, revelatory, and magical.

So are the bookstores that are still my refuge.  So you can imagine I find the idea that a bookshop is actually a fabulous magical place is one o can readily accept. And want to read about. 

“Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. “

The Midnight Bookshop is centered around, yes the mystical bookstore The Midnight Bookshop, and its mysterious bookshop keeper, Fay Livre that appears when 3 complete strangers arrive at a time in their lives when each person is most desperate for a change.

It’s a three person narrative, as we see what dire circumstances each one is facing and how they will meet up, and eventually find themselves at The Midnight Bookshop. 

This is an incredibly complex and often dark story as Jo, Adelaide, and Kye have some stark, dangerous and disturbing elements in each of their lives to overcome and heartbreaking moments ahead. 

Their road to healing and recovery begins through the words of books that choose them through a highly emotional and personal journey in a magical world of books and small group of souls who will be forever friends. 

If I had a small issue, it was that I wish I knew more about Fay and her role but then I guess, she wouldn’t be that mysterious mythic benefactor that she’s so clearly meant to be here. 

I’d love to see another story with her reappearance and a new group of people who need her help. 

This is for all of us who have lost ourselves in our books, who gave our hearts away to characters and worlds of  endless pages and found endless solace and joy amongst them. 

Highly recommended. 

Love that cover. 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Midnight Bookshop: Your next favourite magical realism book – for fans of cosy, small- …

Blurb 

You don’t choose the book. The book chooses you…

‘A book I was sorry to finish.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A timeless story that emphasizes the healing and transformative power of books.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

–

Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. 

It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…

Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.

But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.

  • Publisher: One More Chapter
  • Publication date: May 16, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 385 pages

Review: The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 6 by Lauretta Hignett 

Rating: 4⭐️

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of the last book where Prince Romeo had been kidnapped by the fae back to their Realm. Purposes unknown. 

There’s elements I enjoyed here and others I find that are either getting annoying, underdeveloped, or left dangling, without any explanation. 

Let’s take the things that are working against the storytelling for me. This is the sixth book and it’s very “talky” as opposed to action driven. Things are talked about endlessly. Especially when it’s the main character of wolf shifter Daphne.  Daphne’s been through years of time traveling abusive experiences as an adolescent to adulthood, slavery etc. Through alien worlds and realms. What she did to survive has shattered her personality into two parts, brain and heart.  They are constantly talking or arguing about everything. Every single situation. Plus she’s got a Pandora’s box or world of evil inside of her. 

But it’s mainly the two voices. They talk so much she gets nothing accomplished. Which is the point made here. But it’s just as annoying to read. Because while she’s not actively going forward, the whole narrative is standing still too.  While it’s talking. 

There’s good points made about how they should have recombined into one a while ago, but still not happening. 

Then there’s a really great case that opens the book. One where Daphne rescues two young kids. And it’s centered around one coven and family of powerful witches. A big event happens at the end of the case that’s dropped. We have no mention about it and the ramifications of the case. Nothing.  Sigh.

Last big issue I’ll bring up is that Daphne’s horrific history in the Fae realm isn’t consistent with her current experiences here. I understand parts of the Fae situation changed, still there should be more representation of that dark history than what is seen here.

Positives.  The cases and revelations concerning Romeo’s background. Daphne’s interactions with the other participants in the Bride races as well as the brutal races themselves. 

Those were exciting moments. 

Still enjoyable but I’m not as engaged as I was at the beginning.  

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design”

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 

The Wolf Vs The Dragon #7 – Sept 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link 

 Book 6 of 7: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth 

Blurb 

I never thought I’d find myself back here.

At least, I hoped I’d never have to leave the mortal realm ever again. But Romeo is missing, and I have to find him. I know who took him, and I know why. 

And I know how hard this fight is going to be.

I survived this wild-magic place once before, and I’ll do it again. But this time, I’m not a scared little girl. 

This time, I know exactly what I’m doing.

Let the games begin.

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae is book five in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

Big Demon Energy (Bedeviled Book 1) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Deborah Wilde writes such wonderful books and great unusual main female characters that once I found her it’s been hard not to just binge her entire catalog. 

Elements that Wilde includes into her storylines and universes as well as character designs are those of Jewish history, culture, and religious traditions. From the names of the characters to their stories and even the agencies they serve, what it is to be a Jewish person is part of their identity and this book.

And her stories are mostly urban fantasy. So how she continues to fold Jewish mythology, history and religious beliefs and traditions into her urban fantasy worlds and series is smooth, unique, and fascinating. 

Aviva Fleischer is an agent for the Maccabees, a government agency that regulates and deals with otherworldly events and beings. This includes having a team of diverse individuals, including vampires. 

What’s not so inclusive is anyone or being that’s identified as a demon. Or part demon. Which is what Aviva is hiding, she’s part demon. And the daughter of a high ranking official in the Maccabee organization. 

Wilde excellently crafts both an alternative world where vampires and humans now exist, although not exactly in harmony. Otherworldly realms can be visited but it’s a dangerous place to go if you’re a human, and there’s hidden secrets and agendas everywhere waiting to be revealed.

Aviva is a complicated character, with mother issues. An ex-boyfriend who’s come into play again and a murder mystery that’s as complicated as she is.

Just a fabulous story and it lays the groundwork for the next story to come. 

Highly recommended! As is this author. 

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – Aug 18,2025

Buy link 

        Big Demon Energy: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 1)

    

Blurb 

She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him. 

Aviva Fleischer hides a dangerous secret. She’s carefully concealing her infernal heritage, a.k.a. Cherry Bomb. Maybe it’s weird naming her demon side and referring to her in the third person, but guys do the same with their junk, and unlike most of them, Avi isn’t deluded about Cherry’s prowess.

Avi’s been working her ass off, climbing the ranks of a supernatural policing organization to enact change and empower those like her forced to hide their true nature. Sure, she’s bent the rules now and then, but her arrest record speaks for itself. Her promotion is in the bag.

Instead, the director strikes a deal with Avi: spy on the operative sent in to work a rash of bizarre murders and prove she can be a team player, or kiss that new rank goodbye.

No problem.

Okay, maybe just one.

Her co-leader, Ezra Cardoso, is a charming, ruthless vampire with his own agenda, whom she fantasizes about: mostly staking him then vacuuming up his remains.

But when the killer sets Aviva’s team firmly in their sights, she’ll have to decide whether to keep playing by the rules or show everyone exactly what she—and Cherry Bomb—are capable of…

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Dive in now for a fiendishly good time!

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: August 21, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 358 pages
  • Book 1 of 5: Bedeviled

Urban Fantasy, vampire thrillers, humorous fantasy, paranormal suspense 

Review:  Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1) by Ilona Andrews

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Yes, Magic Burns (Kate Daniels Book 2) by Ilona Andrews is exactly what I was looking for when I saw llona Andrews recommended (a wife/husband writing duo) as a author I should check out for great female characters. Andrews has created a vividly wild universe of familiar,crumbling destroyed landscapes, whether skyscrapers or city high lines. Setting’s believable and terrifying, that between them, the incredible characters, compelling stories and a world constantly being explored and warped by the magic of recently historic world events, then you’ve got a series that hard to put down. 

Kate Daniels is a merc in a changed world, one where the world pendulum between mech and magic has swung catastrophically out of control, causing universal destruction, where magic is causing cities to crumble, eliminating all but the occasional uses of electricity when the magic fluctuates.  Cars out, horses and mules in, trodding the highways and overpasses, faepowered lanterns lighting buildings.  It’s a strange, complicated world. And it’s one that’s expanding into other areas and places of mythology and power as new events and storylines emerge. 

This storyline gives us a great introduction to her character, glimpses into her past life and powers. It’s the beginnings of important relationships and her journey into a more complex and involved life. 

I’m burning through this series, each of these stories is extremely well developed and engaging.

It’s a huge winner for me and one I’m really excited to recommend. 

Cover art by Juliana Kolesova 

Cover design by Jason Gill

Kate Daniels (10 book – complete series):

Magic Bites #1

Magic Burns #2

Magic Strikes #3

Magic Bleeds #4

Magic Slays #5

Magic Rises #6

Magic Breaks #7

Magic Shifts #8

Magic Binds #9

Magic Triumphs #10

The World of Kate Daniels 

gunmetal magic

 “A Questionable Client” was previously published in the anthology Dark and Stormy Knights.”

Buy link

        Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Ilona Andrews invites you to experience the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series featuring the intriguing fantasy world of mercenary Kate Daniels…

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way our of her league—but she wouldn’t want it any other way…

 

This edition includes in-depth information about the world of Kate Daniels with descriptions of its characters and factions. Explore Kate’s Atlanta like never before with a quiz to find your place there and with answers to frequently asked questions. And don’t miss the prequel story “A Questionable Client” as well as scenes of events in Magic Bites from Curran’s point of view.

  • Publisher: Ace
  • Publication date: March 29, 2009
  • Edition: 1st
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 353 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1101041970
  • Book 1 of 10: Kate Daniels

Review:  The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2) by Helen Harper

Rating:  5⭐️

The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.  

I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith. 

The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries. 

But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves. 

There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet. 

Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure. 

It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic. 

I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon. 

Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check. 

Another great book and winner of a series.  Check it out now. 

COVER DESIGN BY COVERS BY JUAN

The Cat Lady Chronicles:

Waifs And Strays #1

The Dark Hiss of Magic #2

A Skirl of Sorcery #3 – Oct 13,2025

Buy link

        The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2)

    

Blurb 

There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.

When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. 

Kit is determined to change that.

At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. 

Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.

One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.

Review:  Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) by Patricia Briggs

Rating: 4.25⭐️

While exploring other series with strong FMC’s, a reviewer suggested author Patricia Briggs. Specifically her Mercy Thompson series about a Native American skin shifter, auto mechanic Mercy Thompson.

Mercy Thompson series has so many well developed elements and characters. Set in the tri-Cities area of Washington state, Briggs gives the reader the real feel for the geography as well as the various types of societal levels found within the region. From trailers to gated mansions, it’s written about realistically and descriptively well executed. 

Narratively, Briggs gives this same focus to her characters and backgrounds, starting with Mercy Thompson. A auto mechanic who deal primarily with certain types of cars and engines, she’s got a one-woman shop, and as a skin-walker who can change into a coyote, her status, without a pack, within the local paranormal community is a shaky one. 

I was quick to invest in the story and the depths of character and hidden community dynamics . Mercy and her skin walker powers, which I believe more will be revealed in the coming stories, is extremely well written and exciting. 

So is her changing relationships with the local werewolf pack and its Alpha, Adam Hauptman.

There’s a mystery, several murders to solve, and while this book seems to end as everything is resolved, there’s another mystery coming.

So after reading an excellent book, with a fascinating strong female protagonist, with a highly unusual story, why do I not feel the need to scramble for the next novel in the series? Especially in one where there’s 14 available?

It has to do with how one character, a hugely sympathetic young man, was treated within the story. Basically he’s a throwaway element. And yes, that’s absolutely the author’s right. 

But his role here, the reactions to him , the characters and yes, the readers, seem to be at two different levels. How he ended, the characters reacted to his storyline differs greatly from how he impacted on how I felt about him. 

Or perhaps how I perceived his character’s role in the story would be, going forward. That’s on me. 

But this entire aspect of Moon Called felt so cold emotionally that even with a well written book, I felt disconnected from the rest of the universe and characters at the end. 

It’s doubtful that I will go into it further. Might change my mind. But for now. I’m leaving it here. 

if this sounds as intriguing as it’s actually written, check it out.  It’s a very popular series. 

Cover art by Daniel Dos Santos 

Cover design by Judith Lagerman 

Map by Michael Enzweiler

Mercy Thompson (14 book series)

Moon Called #1

Blood Bound #2

Iron Kissed #3

Bone Crossed #4

Silver Bourne #5

River Marked #6

Frost Burned #7

Night Broken #8

Fire Touched #9

Silence Fallen #10

Storm Cursed #11

Smoke Bitten #12

Soul Taken #13

Winter Lost #14

Buy link 

        Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1)

    

blurb 

Moon Called is the novel that introduced Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson to the world and launched a #1 bestselling phenomenon… 

Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifter, and while she was raised by werewolves, she can never be one of them, especially after the pack ran her off for having a forbidden love affair. So she’s turned her talent for fixing cars into a business and now runs a one-woman mechanic shop in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State.

But Mercy’s two worlds are colliding. A half-starved teenage boy arrives at her shop looking for work, only to reveal that he’s a newly changed werewolf—on the run and desperately trying to control his animal instincts. Mercy asks her neighbor Adam Hauptman, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, for assistance. 

But Mercy’s act of kindness has unexpected consequences that leave her no choice but to seek help from those she once considered family—the werewolves who abandoned her…

“In the increasingly crowded field of kick-ass supernatural heroines, Mercy stands out as one of the best.”—Locus

  • Publisher: Ace
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: January 31, 2006
  • Edition: 1st
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 295 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1101208434
  • Book 1 of 14: Mercy Thompson

Review:  Magic & Mutiny (Starry Hollow Witches Book 19) by Annabel Chase 

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Magic & Mutiny (Starry Hollow Witches Book 19) is the finale book of this series by Annabel Chase.  And while it started out great, I think it ran on a bit too long. 

The characters and themes got repetitive and some of their growth was handled poorly. Or halted altogether. 

It ends happily, and there’s an epilogue where we see the characters a couple of years later, and what’s happened in their lives.  That’s satisfying. 

The ending is fine, with some issues. There’s a murder investigation, which is tied to how will the town of Starry Hollow deal with the return of the very much alive Ivy Rose. 

Ivy is the best element here, she’s a sympathetic character and how her situation is resolved is wonderful. 

But the person and people responsible and their actions aren’t well written. It fluctuates from a stand of firmness of position (she’s evil) to immediate change in opinion (my bad, she’s not) in seconds. There’s no reason or real constructive character or foundation for any of this. And it undermines the entire storyline. 

Then it’s let’s say we understand her motivations. Slap on the wrist. Sigh.  It took how many books and this is how Ivy’s story is resolved? 

Way too long. A wedding and done. 

So it’s nice that each book was a quick read but I’m not sure I’d invest my time reading 19 books again with this outcome. It’s a ok read. 

For fans of Annabel Chase I’m sure you’ll be fine. 

Same cute covers that change ever subtly. 

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

Buy link

        Magic & Mutiny (Starry Hollow Witches Book 19)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.

Ever since the moment her trio of magical cousins whisked her away to Starry Hollow, the town has served as a safe haven for Ember Rose, descendant of the One True Witch. Even the bumps in the roads have smoothed—she’s reconciled with her formidable aunt and is about to marry the love of her life, Sheriff Nash.

All the bumps except the Ivy-shaped one, that is.

Now the entire town is under threat because of a mistake Ember made. Granted, she wasn’t the one who mistreated her ancestor centuries ago, but she was the one who resurrected her.

And now Ivy is ready to exact revenge on the coven that wronged her.

Can Ember stop the mutiny and save her beloved hometown, or will the one-witch rebellion destroy Starry Hollow forever?

Magic & Mutiny is the 19th and final book in the Starry Hollow Witches series, so be sure not to miss how it all ends

Review:  Dead End (Crossroads Queen Book 9) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️

We’ve come to the conclusion of Crossroads Queen. What a remarkable finale.

From fighting her way out of the clutches of The Corporation to final freeing Kane from Lucifer, not to mention tying up all the multiple storylines from the 8 books and journeys she’s had to make to get here, well what a great show it’s been.

Chase brings back so many fascinating side characters that were part of important mythological stories and now play impactful roles in Lorelei’s final journey to her own HEA and a happy family life.  I loved seeing these beings again and in their own new situations. It put a finale ending to their journeys as well for the readers too. 

If I was sorry that ghosts Ray and Nana found a new situation for each of them, well, it made perfect sense and for an emotionally mature ending. 

I absolutely love the characters and this series. Beautifully written, the mythology, the imagery and the storylines were all extremely well developed and executed. 

I’ll miss it while adventuring onto other Chase stories. 

Highly recommended!

Great cover art and design. 

Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition. Love the castle in the background. 

Crossroads Queen – series complete :

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – series finale 

Buy link

        Dead End (Crossroads Queen Book 9)

    

Blurb 

Queen of the Crossroads Lorelei Clay has the fight of her life ahead of her in this final, must-read installment of the bestselling urban fantasy series.

Lorelei never believed she would have a place to call home. She’d grown accustomed to hiding, to putting up walls and avoiding interaction with the world around her.

Until Fairhaven.

Lorelei has grown to love the small town with its multirealm crossroads and the residents who welcomed her with open arms, as well as those who were slow to warm up. She’s fallen in love with a demon prince, and befriended ghosts, a cursed vampire, the werewolf pack, and the Assassins Guild. She’s overcome her grudge against witches, and brought the local police into the fold. Now those residents are under threat, and Lorelei is the only one who can save them.

But first she has to save herself.

The stakes have never been higher. If she fails, she’ll have played a pivotal role in destroying the very place she swore to protect. 

Good thing Lorelei is no stranger to sacrifice. Whatever the price, she’s ready and willing to pay it.

Don’t miss Dead End, the ninth and final book in the Crossroads Queen cozy urban fantasyseries.

If you’re in the mood for feel-good vibes, found family, a power couple, and small town charm, then this COMPLETE SERIES is for you!

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: April 17, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages