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Light's Awakening: An Urban Fantasy Mystery
A letter from a stranger shattered my grasp on reality.
Abandoned by my family and trapped beneath a curse, I thought I was destined to a life of movie nights with my plants. When I inherited my grandmother's shop I discovered a world of mythical creatures, magical potions, and pleasure I didn’t know was possible. I’m not who I thought I was, and a new hope is blooming inside me.
But someone murdered my grandmother to steal her powers and now they’re after me. Now that I know who I am I’ll fight for my new life ‘til the bitter end.
Can I sort through the past to stop the murderer before they finish the job?”
The Alacore’s Apothecary series is perfect for lovers of fantasy fiction with a dash of spice and a side of mystery.
Abandoned by my family and trapped beneath a curse, I thought I was destined to a life of movie nights with my plants. When I inherited my grandmother's shop I discovered a world of mythical creatures, magical potions, and pleasure I didn’t know was possible. I’m not who I thought I was, and a new hope is blooming inside me.
But someone murdered my grandmother to steal her powers and now they’re after me. Now that I know who I am I’ll fight for my new life ‘til the bitter end.
Can I sort through the past to stop the murderer before they finish the job?”
The Alacore’s Apothecary series is perfect for lovers of fantasy fiction with a dash of spice and a side of mystery.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2023
About the author
Michelle Murphy
16 books25 followersMICHELLE MURPHY is the co-author of the Alacore's Apothecary series, in collaboration with her husband, D. M. Almond. She fell in love with books at a young age, after reading the works of J.R.R. Tolkein and Anne Rice. When she is not writing books with her husband she can be found playing tabletop games, connecting with book lovers on social media, skating, and reading tons of books. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband, children, and pet leopard gecko.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 13, 2023
Absolutely fantastic world building and character development throughout. This book is so well written, I really felt as though I was within the world the author had created.
I loved the main character Lanie, and I really enjoyed her interactions with Sacha the imp.
As the story develops, the pace intensifies, and by the end every page is filled with action, with twists and turns along the way. There are some subtle Easter eggs left by the author that left me feeling unnerved about what may be coming next. I found myself eagarly turning every page whilst at the same time hiding behind my pillow anxiously waiting for what was to come.
Cannot wait to see what happens next for Lanie, and the next book will be a definite one-click for me
I loved the main character Lanie, and I really enjoyed her interactions with Sacha the imp.
As the story develops, the pace intensifies, and by the end every page is filled with action, with twists and turns along the way. There are some subtle Easter eggs left by the author that left me feeling unnerved about what may be coming next. I found myself eagarly turning every page whilst at the same time hiding behind my pillow anxiously waiting for what was to come.
Cannot wait to see what happens next for Lanie, and the next book will be a definite one-click for me
November 25, 2023
Super Fantastic!
OMG! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s unique and fascinating, with intriguing twists and turns. I highly recommend it to YA and adults who enjoy fantasy stories. Happy reading!❤️❤️❤️
OMG! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s unique and fascinating, with intriguing twists and turns. I highly recommend it to YA and adults who enjoy fantasy stories. Happy reading!❤️❤️❤️
June 30, 2023
I honestly wasn't sure what to think when I started this book, but I ended up loving it and really enjoyed reading it. I found it to be very fast paced with a lot of info given out in a short period of time, but I enjoyed the style of writing, and thought it was an excellent story.
January 1, 2024
♡No Spoilers♡
-This was a fun read. I actually laughed so much throughout the story. The characters were really enjoyable and had me rooting for them. The element of mystery and magic was unique. I don’t read a lot of urban fantasy but this was a good time.
-This was a fun read. I actually laughed so much throughout the story. The characters were really enjoyable and had me rooting for them. The element of mystery and magic was unique. I don’t read a lot of urban fantasy but this was a good time.
June 19, 2023
Trust me when I say I really wanted to give this more stars and the only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is cause I can't put 2.5. I'm going to give a spoiler-free review.
I was given this book ARC for an honest review. Thank you!!! So grateful for it.
We're introduced to Lanie and at first, it's a bit complicated to understand what's happening or what we're reading. I mean I get what the author wanted to do, get the reader to be sucked into the story by that introduction but it just confuses them. Then we're pulled into the explanation as to how it all began and there's so much going on at the same time; her own personal thoughts, her friend's, another backstory to the one we're already in, and then we jump into a whirlwind of events that don't make much sense.
And as we meet these other characters that seem to be important to the story, we only get a bit of info on them. I know not all fantasy authors give their side characters backstories or more details on them but I feel like in this one, it was very much needed. Especially more information on how everything works or just is, cause not only is it fantasy but I'd say with a bit of urban in it. There were things that just didn't connect with the story.
Yes, it has some spicy in it. It was really well written and presented. It was actually kind of refreshing the way the author wrote it cause it wasn't this all-in-your-face kind of situation or very much slutty. It kept the same pace as the story.
The story itself is interesting, I was super excited to read it but it didn't meet up to my expectations. There were times when I felt the FMC just rambled on. It would've been great to know about the POVS! I got so surprised when all out of the blue I'm reading another character's POV and had no heads up. It's a bit predictable but no problem with that. The writing is quite good. I do hope the next book is better cause the story deserves it.
2.5
I was given this book ARC for an honest review. Thank you!!! So grateful for it.
We're introduced to Lanie and at first, it's a bit complicated to understand what's happening or what we're reading. I mean I get what the author wanted to do, get the reader to be sucked into the story by that introduction but it just confuses them. Then we're pulled into the explanation as to how it all began and there's so much going on at the same time; her own personal thoughts, her friend's, another backstory to the one we're already in, and then we jump into a whirlwind of events that don't make much sense.
And as we meet these other characters that seem to be important to the story, we only get a bit of info on them. I know not all fantasy authors give their side characters backstories or more details on them but I feel like in this one, it was very much needed. Especially more information on how everything works or just is, cause not only is it fantasy but I'd say with a bit of urban in it. There were things that just didn't connect with the story.
Yes, it has some spicy in it. It was really well written and presented. It was actually kind of refreshing the way the author wrote it cause it wasn't this all-in-your-face kind of situation or very much slutty. It kept the same pace as the story.
The story itself is interesting, I was super excited to read it but it didn't meet up to my expectations. There were times when I felt the FMC just rambled on. It would've been great to know about the POVS! I got so surprised when all out of the blue I'm reading another character's POV and had no heads up. It's a bit predictable but no problem with that. The writing is quite good. I do hope the next book is better cause the story deserves it.
2.5
June 20, 2023
I absolutely enjoyed this book!
This book is about a young woman named Lanie who has lived her whole life as the plain weird girl that no one wants to date. She has her best friend Deedee who is always trying to set her up on a blind date and it never seems to work out. One day on one of those blind dates as she’s leaving she bumps into this man and from there her whole world changes. Suddenly, a whole new world seems to have opened up for Lanie. She’s seeing a man with three arms, people who have wings and as she’s seeing all of this her best friend Deedee can’t see any of it. Who would’ve thought that the death of her grandmother would open up a whole new world to her!
Lanie is an amazing character and seeing her journey through all of this was so fun! I loved getting to know Lobo and Drys! And of course I can’t forget Tae!
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one in the series!!
This book is about a young woman named Lanie who has lived her whole life as the plain weird girl that no one wants to date. She has her best friend Deedee who is always trying to set her up on a blind date and it never seems to work out. One day on one of those blind dates as she’s leaving she bumps into this man and from there her whole world changes. Suddenly, a whole new world seems to have opened up for Lanie. She’s seeing a man with three arms, people who have wings and as she’s seeing all of this her best friend Deedee can’t see any of it. Who would’ve thought that the death of her grandmother would open up a whole new world to her!
Lanie is an amazing character and seeing her journey through all of this was so fun! I loved getting to know Lobo and Drys! And of course I can’t forget Tae!
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one in the series!!
January 2, 2024
At the beginning the author has a way of narrating the life of Lanie. A way that makes u feel like the third person in this POV is one of your best friends. If that makes sense it is just a really modern no bars held way of telling the story that made it quippy and entertaining and so much more real. it made u feel like truly à modern day New Yorker is thrust into an entirely new situation that she never would have expected and we get one chine sett works that truly captures the essence of our favorite mythical creatures and the modern day world we live in now. it had so many mysteries for us to unravel in the time we got to spend with Lanie.
And each one was worth sticking around for. It got better and better as the story progressed and kept me clinched in until the very end. i am definitely left aching for more, while also feeling satisfied at all that i got to see to the end. We discovered so much but there's still more to come! And frankly I'm stoked.
And each one was worth sticking around for. It got better and better as the story progressed and kept me clinched in until the very end. i am definitely left aching for more, while also feeling satisfied at all that i got to see to the end. We discovered so much but there's still more to come! And frankly I'm stoked.
January 31, 2024
This book had me from the opening lines and never let go. The world this author has created is incredible, I wish it were real, and I feel like we've barely scratched the surface with some of the characters I want to learn more about (favourites aside from Lanie include Lobo, Sacha and Tae - and, oh my, I just recalled Tae's guest that night...!!)
I gobbled this book up in 3 working days and finished reading it whilst walking on a treadmill during my lunchbreak at work (the wonders of adjustable font sizes on Kindles - I didn't feel sick at all despite walking 5k reading a book!)
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of urban fantasy. We have a strong and fiesty MC, an amazing new world to learn about (with fae, werewolves, and demons, to name just a few), plus plenty of action and intrigue to keep things interesting.
I gobbled this book up in 3 working days and finished reading it whilst walking on a treadmill during my lunchbreak at work (the wonders of adjustable font sizes on Kindles - I didn't feel sick at all despite walking 5k reading a book!)
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of urban fantasy. We have a strong and fiesty MC, an amazing new world to learn about (with fae, werewolves, and demons, to name just a few), plus plenty of action and intrigue to keep things interesting.
June 24, 2023
A fantastic ARC read. This first book was a fast paced, heavily detailed read, but that is to be expected when it is the first in a series and tasked with providing the setting of the story. I found the interweaving of botany and magic to a very satisfying and unique area to explore romance, thriller, and fantasy.
Although I had to do a bit of pausing and slower reading in order to clarify minor plot points, this book was such an enjoyable break from my current reading list.
Recommended.
Although I had to do a bit of pausing and slower reading in order to clarify minor plot points, this book was such an enjoyable break from my current reading list.
Recommended.
June 22, 2023
I knew just a few pages in that I would love this . The writing style and the humour of down to earth MC Lanie had me hooked. funny, cute and spicey
I read a lot of fantasy so I can usually follow a pattern and see what’s happening but nope this story is really well thought out and still had twists and a really unique story I really enjoyed the adventure 😍
The world created was so good i really didnt want to leave once I finished reading
Sacha,Drys,Lobo , the characters are one of a kind its no wonder this book is living rent free in my head
I read a lot of fantasy so I can usually follow a pattern and see what’s happening but nope this story is really well thought out and still had twists and a really unique story I really enjoyed the adventure 😍
The world created was so good i really didnt want to leave once I finished reading
Sacha,Drys,Lobo , the characters are one of a kind its no wonder this book is living rent free in my head
June 23, 2023
Wow! This book was right up my alley! I adore anything fae/fantasy and I knew from a few pages in I was going to be hooked. The book does present a TON of information in a short amount of time, but it’s not too hard to keep up. Everything just clicks together the more you read! All the characters are so unique and so well thought out. I’m obsessed to say the least and I can’t wait for book 2.
November 17, 2023
This was one of the most intriguing fantasy books I've ever read and I could not put it down until I was done!
Something about 'socially awkward wallflower uncovering their legacy and becoming confident and powerful' is like metaphorical chicken soup for my fantasy-loving soul.
Eleanor 'Lanie' Alacore is heartwarmingly relatable, what with her introversion, her one extremely extroverted social butterfly of a friend who is the only reason she socializes, preferring books and television over company of other people, and her fierce love for her rooftop garden; quite liberal with the expletives, too! Her sarcastic, ever-so-slightly-self-belittling narrative voice gives the book the satirical edge it flaunts so well.
The urban fantasy concept is so wonderfully laid out. The fae elements overlap with the human world seamlessly and paints a delightful picture for the reader.
Lanie deciding to say f**k it all and running back to the human world, only to return on the war path, all because the idiot who ransacked her home razed her beloved rooftop garden is perhaps the moment I loved the most in the entire book. Closely followed by the grouchy shop assistant of an imp/daemon having a soft spot for Lanie and literally defending her with his last bits of strength.
Lanie's friendship with Deedee and Tae are refreshingly well-written. We love 'socially awkward introvert and can-charm-anyone extrovert' BFFs!
Lanie's, um, *affliction* is truly maddening, all the more justification for her moral dilemma later on in the book.
All in all, it's a wonderful, gripping read.
Voluntarily rated & reviewed after reading a free copy an ARC.
Highly recommended and can't wait to read the next books in the series!
Something about 'socially awkward wallflower uncovering their legacy and becoming confident and powerful' is like metaphorical chicken soup for my fantasy-loving soul.
Eleanor 'Lanie' Alacore is heartwarmingly relatable, what with her introversion, her one extremely extroverted social butterfly of a friend who is the only reason she socializes, preferring books and television over company of other people, and her fierce love for her rooftop garden; quite liberal with the expletives, too! Her sarcastic, ever-so-slightly-self-belittling narrative voice gives the book the satirical edge it flaunts so well.
The urban fantasy concept is so wonderfully laid out. The fae elements overlap with the human world seamlessly and paints a delightful picture for the reader.
Lanie deciding to say f**k it all and running back to the human world, only to return on the war path, all because the idiot who ransacked her home razed her beloved rooftop garden is perhaps the moment I loved the most in the entire book. Closely followed by the grouchy shop assistant of an imp/daemon having a soft spot for Lanie and literally defending her with his last bits of strength.
Lanie's friendship with Deedee and Tae are refreshingly well-written. We love 'socially awkward introvert and can-charm-anyone extrovert' BFFs!
Lanie's, um, *affliction* is truly maddening, all the more justification for her moral dilemma later on in the book.
All in all, it's a wonderful, gripping read.
Voluntarily rated & reviewed after reading a free copy an ARC.
Highly recommended and can't wait to read the next books in the series!
July 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next! Full disclosure, I know the author and I fully intended to keep the fact that I starting reading this a secret… if I didn’t like it I was just going to keep it to myself and never acknowledge it LOL. But I knew just about immediately that wasn’t going to be necessary, I was laughing from the first chapter. Just checked my bookmarks, it was 1% in and I was laughing lol
I had peeked at a couple reviews before reading and saw a complaint about not being warned the POV changed. And while I agree it was weird the chapter didn’t start with “LANIE” and “LOBO” like most books do…it wasn’t like it was difficult to figure out who was narrating. I didn’t find it hard to follow.
I have read a fair amount of fantasy/fae stories and felt this was unique. The long-lost-relative/learning-you-have-magic is of course not brand new, but the way it was executed was not the same old, same old. Trying to stay spoiler free, so I’ll just say Lanie is not something I’ve ever read about before.
If I was going to criticize something, it would be that I did notice a couple grammar oopses… I believe it was a your that should have been a you’re. Lol
I had peeked at a couple reviews before reading and saw a complaint about not being warned the POV changed. And while I agree it was weird the chapter didn’t start with “LANIE” and “LOBO” like most books do…it wasn’t like it was difficult to figure out who was narrating. I didn’t find it hard to follow.
I have read a fair amount of fantasy/fae stories and felt this was unique. The long-lost-relative/learning-you-have-magic is of course not brand new, but the way it was executed was not the same old, same old. Trying to stay spoiler free, so I’ll just say Lanie is not something I’ve ever read about before.
If I was going to criticize something, it would be that I did notice a couple grammar oopses… I believe it was a your that should have been a you’re. Lol
June 19, 2023
ARC provided for an honest review-
I liked the way this story was told it was interacting and unique. The world was very cool and the way we learned about it was definitely unique. There was a LOT of information given pretty quickly and it was a little difficult to keep track of it all.
I really enjoyed the characters and how this world was hiding in plain sight. The mystery surrounding everything was really interesting and kept me hooked. I liked seeing all the different characters.
For me there were a few comments/ prejudices made throughout that made me personally uncomfortable and slightly insulting that I wish weren’t there. These were specific to religion and beliefs so if you don’t mind those then I wouldn’t worry.
I liked the way this story was told it was interacting and unique. The world was very cool and the way we learned about it was definitely unique. There was a LOT of information given pretty quickly and it was a little difficult to keep track of it all.
I really enjoyed the characters and how this world was hiding in plain sight. The mystery surrounding everything was really interesting and kept me hooked. I liked seeing all the different characters.
For me there were a few comments/ prejudices made throughout that made me personally uncomfortable and slightly insulting that I wish weren’t there. These were specific to religion and beliefs so if you don’t mind those then I wouldn’t worry.
August 12, 2023
Action filled fantasy!
From start to finish, you are part of the action. :) Lanie is new to the far world. She just found out her grandmother is dead, she is magical, and the world is full of humans and Fae alike. There’s a lot to adjust to, especially with her grandmother’s killer looking for her. She finds some unlikely friends including a werewolf detective. And the attraction between them is strong. Thank goodness, we got to see them come together at the end. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
From start to finish, you are part of the action. :) Lanie is new to the far world. She just found out her grandmother is dead, she is magical, and the world is full of humans and Fae alike. There’s a lot to adjust to, especially with her grandmother’s killer looking for her. She finds some unlikely friends including a werewolf detective. And the attraction between them is strong. Thank goodness, we got to see them come together at the end. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
January 9, 2024
Another fantastic fantasy story.
I was so lucky to get an ARC, thank you Michelle, you didn't disappoint me, wonderful written.
Lanie, just found out that her Grandmother died and she inherited an Antique shop, but there is more to it than meets the eye. She made fast friends. With the murderer still on the loose, she finds herself soon in his focus.
Can Lanie unlock her ancestor's magic and save herself and her friends just in Time?
I was so lucky to get an ARC, thank you Michelle, you didn't disappoint me, wonderful written.
Lanie, just found out that her Grandmother died and she inherited an Antique shop, but there is more to it than meets the eye. She made fast friends. With the murderer still on the loose, she finds herself soon in his focus.
Can Lanie unlock her ancestor's magic and save herself and her friends just in Time?
Read
August 14, 2023Light's Awakening was a wonderful book! It included all of my favorite romance elements while continuing to surprise me at every turn! Overall it was a wonderful read and I have already recommended it to many of my friends. I cannot wait for the Sequel to come out!
January 14, 2024
I gave it 2.5 stars it was an interesting story very unique, well written and IIt did feel a little confusing at one point a-lot of information and things going on at once that just wasn’t catching my interest as much as I would have liked .
November 25, 2023
This book tells us the story of Lanie, a simple girl who thought that had a simple life until a mysterious letter but a mysterious hooded man changes the course of her life. In the letter Lanie learns that she had a family member, her grandmother, who is now dead and Lanie is left to inherit all of her property.
But as Lanie visits the city where her grandmother lived she is met with a whole new world that she never knew was possible and even more impossible secrets and mysteries. How will Lanie find the truth? Of course with courage and her new found family 🫶🏻
But as Lanie visits the city where her grandmother lived she is met with a whole new world that she never knew was possible and even more impossible secrets and mysteries. How will Lanie find the truth? Of course with courage and her new found family 🫶🏻
November 29, 2023
Dark romance, filled with every trope you can imagine...
December 1, 2023
This book was just so freaking cool! I found the way that the main character got thrust into the story to be exciting and the plot development really did wonders for the character development along the way. I have never read an "urban" fantasy before but I will surely be checking more out after this book.
July 4, 2023
2.5 Stars.
I liked the introduction. Then we sort of hang in the middle with Lanie going back and forth in believing/not believing the supernatural realm exists, then we have a flash bang ending.
Apart from Dryd, all the other "friends" that Lanie made were just cannon fodder for the final battle scene. Even Deedee who I wasn't such a fan of as a "best friend" (more like put you down frenemy) wasn't spared. Actually, even Dryd gets injured, just not in the physical sense.
Then, the over explanations, side diversions in inner monologue and repetitions killed the book for me. I was like when-will-it-end.
Then Lobo being set up as a love interest yet for a big portion of the book he is just portrayed as a bulked out, transforming wolf mutt didn't sit right with me. To the point their one sex scene didn't hold my interest.
The curse breaker being available for one time use I was not a fan of. Then let's be real, she just had a garden, then she basically gets a magical adjacent store and all of a sudden she can smell all the herbs and spices and make a potion for Tae, just like that? Aiiiiii, that's what we call a quack.
I think what is glaringly missing is a sense of growth for Lanie. She was too wishy washy as a FMC that if I got dropped into the book with her, I'd make sure to avoid her coz you'll probably end up hurt or dead if you follow along as a side character in her plot.
I liked the introduction. Then we sort of hang in the middle with Lanie going back and forth in believing/not believing the supernatural realm exists, then we have a flash bang ending.
Apart from Dryd, all the other "friends" that Lanie made were just cannon fodder for the final battle scene. Even Deedee who I wasn't such a fan of as a "best friend" (more like put you down frenemy) wasn't spared. Actually, even Dryd gets injured, just not in the physical sense.
Then, the over explanations, side diversions in inner monologue and repetitions killed the book for me. I was like when-will-it-end.
Then Lobo being set up as a love interest yet for a big portion of the book he is just portrayed as a bulked out, transforming wolf mutt didn't sit right with me. To the point their one sex scene didn't hold my interest.
The curse breaker being available for one time use I was not a fan of. Then let's be real, she just had a garden, then she basically gets a magical adjacent store and all of a sudden she can smell all the herbs and spices and make a potion for Tae, just like that? Aiiiiii, that's what we call a quack.
I think what is glaringly missing is a sense of growth for Lanie. She was too wishy washy as a FMC that if I got dropped into the book with her, I'd make sure to avoid her coz you'll probably end up hurt or dead if you follow along as a side character in her plot.
August 19, 2023
Light's Awakening is the first book in the Alacore's Apothecary Series.
There are many things I enjoyed about this book. It introduces a fabulous world that has both humans and faes living in urban settings. I really liked that the world was not your typical fantasy setting. The story line was entertaining with lots of potential. At times the plot was hard to follow. There was a lack of cohesion throughout the plot that sometimes made it difficult to continue reading. After a short break, I was always able to bring myself back and piece together what was going on. I enjoyed the introduction of the characters, especially the main female character Lanie. Even though I liked Lanie, I felt that she and the rest of the characters deserved more depth to who they are individually, as well as how they interacted with each other.
Overall, this was an entertaining read, enough so that I finished the book and plan to read the next book in the series. I am just not sure if it was driving by a car wreck entertaining or if it was something I truly enjoyed.
There are many things I enjoyed about this book. It introduces a fabulous world that has both humans and faes living in urban settings. I really liked that the world was not your typical fantasy setting. The story line was entertaining with lots of potential. At times the plot was hard to follow. There was a lack of cohesion throughout the plot that sometimes made it difficult to continue reading. After a short break, I was always able to bring myself back and piece together what was going on. I enjoyed the introduction of the characters, especially the main female character Lanie. Even though I liked Lanie, I felt that she and the rest of the characters deserved more depth to who they are individually, as well as how they interacted with each other.
Overall, this was an entertaining read, enough so that I finished the book and plan to read the next book in the series. I am just not sure if it was driving by a car wreck entertaining or if it was something I truly enjoyed.
August 13, 2025
Picked this one up on a whim and didn't read the synopsis before going into it and I had such a fun time.
This was a short, easy read and blasted through 60% of it within 4 hours. It's easy to follow as the world isn't complicated or in-depth but you still feel totally immersed within the world.
Characters were fun, ranging from Orcs, Imps, Werewolves and Succubus's. The plot was your typical human doesn't know she has powers and has to lean everything about the world she is now a part of and has to solve a crime before she is the next victim.
I loved the interactions between the characters and finding out about the world the same time as the FMC and because it isn't complicated or confusing with words no one can pronounce you don't need brain power to follow along.
If you are looking for a low stakes, fun and easy time then I highly recommend this. Can be read on KU. Immediately going into the next book
This was a short, easy read and blasted through 60% of it within 4 hours. It's easy to follow as the world isn't complicated or in-depth but you still feel totally immersed within the world.
Characters were fun, ranging from Orcs, Imps, Werewolves and Succubus's. The plot was your typical human doesn't know she has powers and has to lean everything about the world she is now a part of and has to solve a crime before she is the next victim.
I loved the interactions between the characters and finding out about the world the same time as the FMC and because it isn't complicated or confusing with words no one can pronounce you don't need brain power to follow along.
If you are looking for a low stakes, fun and easy time then I highly recommend this. Can be read on KU. Immediately going into the next book
June 27, 2023
This is my first ever ARC review, I’m so thankful to Michelle. She wrote an amazing book!!
At the beginning I was so scared I was going to get bombarded with endless info and not be able to keep up but honestly it all made sense and after the initial pages the book was a joy. Dare I even say magic? ✨
I ended up being charmed by Lanie and even fell a little bit in love with Lobo 🙈.
Trust me, you want to take a trip to Willows Edge! 🧚♀️
At the beginning I was so scared I was going to get bombarded with endless info and not be able to keep up but honestly it all made sense and after the initial pages the book was a joy. Dare I even say magic? ✨
I ended up being charmed by Lanie and even fell a little bit in love with Lobo 🙈.
Trust me, you want to take a trip to Willows Edge! 🧚♀️
April 18, 2024
Read this really quickly, had a bit more intrigue than I was expecting along with a couple dashes of spice.
Liked most of the characters though didn't get to know much of some of the aide characters - hopefully will find out more in the next book. Though, I didn't care for Deedee or the way she treats Lanie some of the time - thinking she knows best/ignoring her friends wishes.
There was enough world building to get a grasp without pages and pages full of explanation and detail.
Liked most of the characters though didn't get to know much of some of the aide characters - hopefully will find out more in the next book. Though, I didn't care for Deedee or the way she treats Lanie some of the time - thinking she knows best/ignoring her friends wishes.
There was enough world building to get a grasp without pages and pages full of explanation and detail.
November 17, 2023
This book hooked me with the first paragraph!
The world building and writing style were outstanding. There's a lot of complexity in the writing and storytelling. The vivid descriptions of the various creatures and the topics around the class system are elements of classic fantasy stories that were done very well here.
There's a murder to be solved, a little spice, and lots of action!
The world building and writing style were outstanding. There's a lot of complexity in the writing and storytelling. The vivid descriptions of the various creatures and the topics around the class system are elements of classic fantasy stories that were done very well here.
There's a murder to be solved, a little spice, and lots of action!
May 24, 2024
I wanted to love this book. It wasn’t that it was terrible, but it just didn’t grab my attention like I hoped. I really had to push through to finish and I know that I won’t be reading the rest which is unfortunate.
Just wasn’t my cup of tea! But again not saying it was bad-I just didn’t prefer it.
Just wasn’t my cup of tea! But again not saying it was bad-I just didn’t prefer it.
July 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book well enough to finish in two days. I couldn’t give it five stars as sometimes the writing style irked me. I don’t think there was one contraction in the whole book. It was always “could not, did not, does not” and sometimes a sentence just flows better with “couldn’t, didn’t, doesn’t”. I used to do that too when a writing assignment had a minimum word requirement. And there was one scene where a “Logan” is mentioned??? My only thought was maybe this was Lobo’s name before it became Lobo. Or maybe I missed it somewhere closer to the beginning?
January 6, 2025
Another TikTok made me read it. The world building was good and the story wasn’t awful but it just wasn’t my cuppa tea
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