My Thoughts: The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

The Wicked Deep
by Shea Ernshaw
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Publication Date: March 6th, 2018
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 310
ISBN: 9781481497343
Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal | Witches
Source: Own

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Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow…

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself. (Goodreads)

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw has been on my TBR for quite some time now, and it sounded like the absolute perfect book to put on my Halloween TBR this month. Having just finished the book, I am so glad that I did!

I put this book on my TBR because it sounded like the perfect witchy read for Halloween this year. I don’t feel like I’ve read nearly enough books with witches for the storyline, and I was excited to finally have the chance to read one. The storyline for this book definitely has the witchy vibe to it, but it also felt a little like a ghost/haunting storyline as well, which was interesting! Though there were a few parts in the book that were a little slow to get through, it still managed to hold my attention, and also threw me a few surprises that I didn’t expect!

I also have to say that I really loved the setting for the book. A small, coastal town that is haunted every year by the three sisters that were sentenced to death for witchcraft?? The perfect place, right? The descriptions of the setting were perfect. I loved this creepy little town.

There are some really interesting characters in the book as well, but I was most fascinated by the actual three sisters themselves. Parts of the story are told from their perspectives, and I think that I loved those parts the most. The main character, Penny, also had an interesting story, as did Bo, the mysterious love interest in the book.

Overall; I’m so glad I decided to read The Wicked Deep for Halloween this year! It was a quick, creepy read, and was a perfect read to get me in the mood for Halloween. I’m definitely interested in checking out more books by Shea Ernshaw in the future, including her newest upcoming release, Winterwood, which is set to release this November!

My Thoughts: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Audiobook)

Serpent & Dove
(Serpent & Dove #1)
by Shelby Mahurin
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Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 519
ISBN: 9780062878021
Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal | Witches
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy | Own

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Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all. (Goodreads)

I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin was that absolutely gorgeous book cover. (Snakes seem to the new thing for book covers lately, and the cover for this book is definitely eye catching.) After reading the summary for the book I was not only intrigued, but I also thought this would be a great addition to my Halloween TBR. And it WAS.

It’s been quite a while since I read a good witch story, so I was super excited to read Serpent & Dove. I very much enjoyed the storyline for this book. It’s all about witches and magic and so much more, and I was hooked as I turned the pages. The book ends in a way that definitely left me wanting more, and I’m super curious to see what’s going to happen in the next book.

I have to say I love SO many of the characters in this story. SO MANY. Lou, the main character, is definitely my favorite. I loved her sass and humor so much. Watching the relationship between her and Reid grow over the course of the story was both interesting, and, I dare say, quite intense. (It’s a very well written enemies-to-lovers storyline.) This was really fun to watch. (I also want to add that there is a pretty graphic sex scene in the book, which kind of caught me by surprise, because this book is a YA book, and I don’t see that in YA very often. It didn’t bother me, I read a lot of romance, but if that’s not your type of thing, be prepared.)

While I had a review copy and a finished copy of this book, I opted to listen to the audiobook after checking out a sample clip on Audible. I am SO glad I did! I have listened to a few audiobooks narrated by Holter Graham in the past, and I very much enjoyed his voice for Reid. The voice for Lou was also familiar, and I can’t tell you how many books I’ve listened to that have been narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. SO MANY BOOKS! I love her voice, and I was beyond thrilled to have her tell me Lou’s side of the story.

Overall; If you like a good witch story, then you definitely want to look into Serpent & Dove! This book was a really quick read, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Blood & Honey, which is set to release in 2020!

My Thoughts: Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel by A.W. Jantha

Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel
by A.W. Jantha

Publication Date: July 10th 2018
Publisher: Freeform
Pages: 512
ISBN: 9781368020039
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Witches
Source: Publisher Collaboration

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Hocus Pocus is beloved by Halloween enthusiasts all over the world. Diving once more into the world of witches, this electrifying two-part young adult novel, released on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1993 film, marks a new era of Hocus Pocus. Fans will be spellbound by a fresh retelling of the original film, followed by the all-new sequel that continues the story with the next generation of Salem teens.

Shortly after moving from California to Salem, Massachusetts, Max Dennison finds himself in hot water when he accidentally releases a coven of witches, the Sanderson sisters, from the afterlife. Max, his sister, and his new friends (human and otherwise) must find a way to stop the witches from carrying out their evil plan and remaining on earth to torment Salem for all eternity.

Twenty-five years later, Max and Allison's seventeen-year-old daughter, Poppy, finds herself face-to-face with the Sanderson sisters in all their sinister glory. When Halloween celebrations don't quite go as planned, it's a race against time as Poppy and her friends fight to save her family and all of Salem from the witches' latest death-defying scheme. (Goodreads)

Hocus Pocus is one of my most favorite Halloween movies ever, so imagine my excitement when I discovered Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel! I have to say that I was super curious to see what would happen in this sequel, especially considering how the movie ended. Now that I’ve read the book, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the story!

I managed to get a copy of this book when it first released, but I opted to wait until this month, (October), to read it because I thought it would make a great Halloween read. (It did.) Reading this book definitely put me in the Halloween spirit, and brought back so many memories of all the hundreds of times I’ve watched the movie, which never gets old.

There were a lot of things that I enjoyed about this book. I love that the story and characters were familiar, yet new as well. The first 100 or so pages of the story are a recap of the movie, and I love that this was included, because even though I have watched the movie a million times, it was fun to be able to read it as a story as well. I feel like I picked up on a few things that I never really noticed in the movie by doing this. The second half of the book is the new story, and the storyline was fun and interesting, and I loved the diverse group of characters we meet throughout the story. There is a little bit of cliffhanger at the end of the book, which makes me wonder if there will be yet another sequel in the future. I want to say so much more, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone would like to read the book, so I will just say that if you’re super curious after reading my thoughts, do check out the book!

Overall; Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel was a really fun read, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to finally check it out! I hear there maybe be a movie sequel in the future, and I am super curious to know if the movie will follow this book. If so, I will most definitely watch it! Fans of the original Hocus Pocus movie, do check out this sequel, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Waiting on Wednesday #192 - Firewalker by Josephine Angelini

Firewalker
(The Worldwalker Trilogy #2)
by Josephine Angelini
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Publication Date: September 1st 2015
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
ISBN: 9781250050908



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Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

"You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified."

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini! (Goodreads) 

Squeeeeeeeee!!

Did you know how much I absolutely adore Josephine Angelini's books?

Seriously, I love them.

So. Much.

I can't wait to get my hands on Firewalker!!

Trial by Fire was so unique and amazing, I just can't wait to read the sequel.

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Review: House of Ivy & Sorrow by Natalie Whipple

House of Ivy & Sorrow
by Natalie Whipple
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Publication Date: April 15th 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780062120182
Genre: Young Adult | Paranormal | Witches
Source: Edelweiss

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Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves. (Goodreads)

I was drawn to House of Ivy & Sorrow by its gorgeous cover. I couldn’t wait to dive into the story because the synopsis sounded really fantastic. Here are my thoughts on this book.

After hiding out for the past 10 years from the curse that killed her mother, Josephine’s luck seems to have run out. With her mom’s killer lose in her small Iowa town, it’s up to Jo and her group of friends to save and protect her Hemlock bloodline at all costs.

The characters in this story were very interesting. Josephine seemed like a very determined young lady. Her best friend, Kat, was SO cool. I love really awesome best friend characters. Jo’s grandmother, ‘Nana’ Dorothea was a very funny and wise lady. I loved that she had an addiction to chocolate pudding! The kids that she went to school with seemed like a great group of friends as well.

There are two boys in the story, Winn and Levi, but I hesitate to say that it’s a love triangle. While there is a bit of romance in the story, it’s definitely not enough to overpower the storyline. What little bit we do see is sweet and pretty chaste.

I went into this book expecting a really dark story, and that’s not what I got at all. Although there are some parts of the story that are dark and some even kind of gross, but otherwise the story is pretty light. Not saying that that is a bad thing at all, it just wasn’t what I expected.  The story was a very quick, fun read for me. I think a lot of teenage girls will really like this book.

Overall; this was a very fun book to read! It’s been a while since I read a book about witches, and I really enjoy witch stories. Check this out if you’re looking for a quick, fun read.

Review: Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

Witchstruck
(The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1)
by Victoria Lamb
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Publication Date: September 24th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780373210978
Genre: Young Adult / Historical
Source: Netgalley

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If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged.

Meg Lytton has always known she is different;that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practice witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck ,the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy. (Goodreads)

I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading Witchstruck. All I knew was that it was a novel about a young witch, set in the Tudor period in England.  Both of these subjects interest me, especially the setting, as I’ve not been able to read much about this period. I found this book to be quite a fascinating read!

The main character in the story is a young girl named Meg Lytton. Meg is a maid and companion to the banished Princess Elizabeth during her time as prisoner at Woodstock Palace.  But Meg is not your average servant girl; she’s also a witch in training. I found Meg to be an interesting and loyal character. There were a few times that she frustrated me to no end with some poor decisions that she made, but she was interesting nonetheless. Meg’s love interest in the story is a young Spanish priest, Alejandro. I must say that I love how fierce and dedicated this young gentleman was. Not only to Meg, but to the country he serves as well. I really enjoyed Meg and Alejandro together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

I love the setting for this novel.  I’ve always been curious about the Tudor period, and books that were written on the subject, but I’ve never really read any books on it. Now that I’ve got a little taste, I want to read more! I found the descriptions of the time period absolutely fascinating, and I want to know more about some of the people in history that were mentioned in this book.  (Such as Anne Boleyn, Queen Mary I and Princess Elizabeth, just to name a few.)

Victoria Lamb doesn’t hold much back in the book when she describes the punishments that were made to witches during this time. I cannot even imagine the horrors and brutality that people faced during this time when they were accused of witchcraft. It’s very disturbing to know what these people went through!

Overall, I found this to be quite an enjoyable read! I’m thrilled to know that it’s going to be a series. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!  Check it out and see what you think.

Happy Reading!