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Witch, Warlock and Vampire #4
The Witch Is Back (Underworld, #4)
The witching hour has arrived in bestselling author H. P. Mallory’s captivating and sexy new novel, starring the most dazzling denizen of the undead, Jolie Wilkins.
Funny and feisty witch Jolie Wilkins is back—or rather, she’s back to her humble beginnings. Propelled into the past to her old Los Angeles fortune-telling shop, Jolie has no idea she possesses extraordinary powers, and she definitely doesn’t remember becoming Queen of the Underworld. But at least she has two incredibly sexy men vying for her Rand Balfour, who looks very familiar, though Jolie can’t place his gorgeous face, and Sinjin Sinclair, who is tall, dark, and perfect . . . except for the fangs.
Yet despite her steamy love life, Jolie can’t shake the sense that something is not quite right—like she’s stuck in a déjà vu gone terribly awry. As both men race against time—and each other—to win Jolie’s heart, the fate of the Underworld hangs in the balance. And Jolie’s decision can either restore order or create an absolute, drop-dead disaster.
Funny and feisty witch Jolie Wilkins is back—or rather, she’s back to her humble beginnings. Propelled into the past to her old Los Angeles fortune-telling shop, Jolie has no idea she possesses extraordinary powers, and she definitely doesn’t remember becoming Queen of the Underworld. But at least she has two incredibly sexy men vying for her Rand Balfour, who looks very familiar, though Jolie can’t place his gorgeous face, and Sinjin Sinclair, who is tall, dark, and perfect . . . except for the fangs.
Yet despite her steamy love life, Jolie can’t shake the sense that something is not quite right—like she’s stuck in a déjà vu gone terribly awry. As both men race against time—and each other—to win Jolie’s heart, the fate of the Underworld hangs in the balance. And Jolie’s decision can either restore order or create an absolute, drop-dead disaster.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
230 people are currently reading
2159 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Mallory
351 books2,800 followersI’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
April 11, 2017
The Witch Is Back (Jolie Wilkins #4) by H.P. Mallory is the first book I have read from this author. It is a fair read. I liked the plot and the cute idea. I think this could be a very good book except for the main character. She is written to be so childish that is had to finish the book at times. If she was more adult, this would really improve this book. As it is it was just okay. I got this book from the library.
September 27, 2012
I can't begin to tell you how many times I rolled me eyes reading this book. I really am starting to detest Jolie. My 5 year old has more of a backbone and sense of self worth than Jolie does. She was whining, talking to herself, and inner struggling so much that I was starting to worry that we would learn she was actually in the crazy house for schizophrenia. I mean COME ON! Nobody is THAT torn between two guys. Shit....even twilight chick knew she ultimately loved whats-his-ampire and werewolf boy was a close second. Even werewolf boy knew he was the close second!
Next.....I hate Sinjin. Mainly because he is a douche. But even he didn't deserve to be mind shafted the way he was. Every other paragraph she wanted him and then she didn't. He's so hot. He's soo cold, how repulsive. I honestly felt like this book was made just so they could get their bazinga on and we the readers wouldn't get mad since technically she doesn't know she is supposed to be in love with Rand. And we the readers should want her and Rand to be in eternal bliss.
Speaking of Rand. He is irksome and extremely infuriating at times but since he is supposed to be Jolie's forever, I'll take him as is. I'm kinda glad his bipolarness was clamped down a bit. That way I could continue to roll my eyes about HOHUM-lie and Slimjim.
I am going to continue the series in hopes it gets better....but if the heroine of the book doesnt find some self worth and stick with it, I'm gonna have to put the kabosh on something I thought had great potential.
Next.....I hate Sinjin. Mainly because he is a douche. But even he didn't deserve to be mind shafted the way he was. Every other paragraph she wanted him and then she didn't. He's so hot. He's soo cold, how repulsive. I honestly felt like this book was made just so they could get their bazinga on and we the readers wouldn't get mad since technically she doesn't know she is supposed to be in love with Rand. And we the readers should want her and Rand to be in eternal bliss.
Speaking of Rand. He is irksome and extremely infuriating at times but since he is supposed to be Jolie's forever, I'll take him as is. I'm kinda glad his bipolarness was clamped down a bit. That way I could continue to roll my eyes about HOHUM-lie and Slimjim.
I am going to continue the series in hopes it gets better....but if the heroine of the book doesnt find some self worth and stick with it, I'm gonna have to put the kabosh on something I thought had great potential.
August 29, 2012
*SPOILERS INCLUDED*
I wish I could give a positive review of this installment of the Jolie series, but on the whole, I didn't enjoy it. After finishing the story, I saw no point as to why Mallory had to rewrite Jolie's history. The reason given, to give Jolie two years to strengthen her skills in order to fight the Lurkers doesn't happen, making the whole story pointless. Well, it does give Sinjin fans what they want with a Sinjin-Jolie relationship, but other than that, I felt cheated of the story moving forward. I didn't want or need to revisit Jolie in her tarot-reading card days. The book almost felt like a "do-over", which is not a good thing for a series to do.
Another problem: the Lurkers. Readers didn't learn much about them in the previous book and they don't learn anything more about them in this book. That's two books where the reader is told that the Lurkers are a serious threat to the Underworld, yet we have no idea who they are, where they are, and what they want. We just know--from the last book--that they're dangerous and that Jolie will have to face them. So, this plot went absolutely nowhere and is becoming a little hard to take seriously if the author herself hasn't taken the time to give readers a reason to care about the dangerous Lurkers.
For me, Jolie is still problematic as a gifted Queen of the Underworld. I don't see her as a strong individual; in fact, in this version of Jolie's past, she's insecure, needy and gullible. When Sinjin convinces her that she's a powerful witch, I couldn't buy it. There's nothing to Jolie's character to even hint that she is formidable. Even after she regains her memories, I am not convinced she has what it takes to lead the Underworld. I suppose other characters see her greatness and we should believe them. But, I just can't make that leap.
Finally, the writing style. The inner dialogue got tiresome. Jolie's inner struggle should be expressed clearly enough that Jolie (and Mallory) doesn't have to lean on that crutch as much as she does. Another writing crutch was Mallory telling her readers when Jolie was experiencing something. Throughout the book you can find the following phrases (and more): "That was when it hit me", "And that was when I remembered", "And that was when I realized". The narrative should make it clear what's going on, and it usually is clear, so I find these lead-in phrases annoying and unnecessary.
Overall, I was disappointed in this book. I hope the series moves forward, both in plot and character development.
I wish I could give a positive review of this installment of the Jolie series, but on the whole, I didn't enjoy it. After finishing the story, I saw no point as to why Mallory had to rewrite Jolie's history. The reason given, to give Jolie two years to strengthen her skills in order to fight the Lurkers doesn't happen, making the whole story pointless. Well, it does give Sinjin fans what they want with a Sinjin-Jolie relationship, but other than that, I felt cheated of the story moving forward. I didn't want or need to revisit Jolie in her tarot-reading card days. The book almost felt like a "do-over", which is not a good thing for a series to do.
Another problem: the Lurkers. Readers didn't learn much about them in the previous book and they don't learn anything more about them in this book. That's two books where the reader is told that the Lurkers are a serious threat to the Underworld, yet we have no idea who they are, where they are, and what they want. We just know--from the last book--that they're dangerous and that Jolie will have to face them. So, this plot went absolutely nowhere and is becoming a little hard to take seriously if the author herself hasn't taken the time to give readers a reason to care about the dangerous Lurkers.
For me, Jolie is still problematic as a gifted Queen of the Underworld. I don't see her as a strong individual; in fact, in this version of Jolie's past, she's insecure, needy and gullible. When Sinjin convinces her that she's a powerful witch, I couldn't buy it. There's nothing to Jolie's character to even hint that she is formidable. Even after she regains her memories, I am not convinced she has what it takes to lead the Underworld. I suppose other characters see her greatness and we should believe them. But, I just can't make that leap.
Finally, the writing style. The inner dialogue got tiresome. Jolie's inner struggle should be expressed clearly enough that Jolie (and Mallory) doesn't have to lean on that crutch as much as she does. Another writing crutch was Mallory telling her readers when Jolie was experiencing something. Throughout the book you can find the following phrases (and more): "That was when it hit me", "And that was when I remembered", "And that was when I realized". The narrative should make it clear what's going on, and it usually is clear, so I find these lead-in phrases annoying and unnecessary.
Overall, I was disappointed in this book. I hope the series moves forward, both in plot and character development.
September 28, 2012
I almost hated this book. The time travel is bad enough, but
I'll read the next in the series, but I'll probably try to pretend this installment didn't happen.
I'll read the next in the series, but I'll probably try to pretend this installment didn't happen.
February 17, 2015
2.5 stars.
This was a fairly quick read which is good because it really didn't go anywhere with the story. I felt a bit like the person trying to bike on loose sand - you pedal and pedal and don't move very quickly. Interestingly enough I expected the last book in this series to start to falter and I was pleasantly surprised that there were quite a few developments and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not so with The Witch is Back. I am team Sinjin all the way and I found it a shame that despite the premise of him having his moment it was just more of the same. More of Jolie's insecure inner-monologue which is not terribly interesting in a mature woman of skills and it is definitely not interesting in the heroine who anchors a series. If we are to watch her develop, by all means please evolve and make some progress. Rand is quickly becoming the least desirable fictional male for me. He is so completely lacking in relationship/mating skills that I kind of wish the BDB would come along and kick his butt. Sinjin is about the only one in this love triangle that I find salvageable. I think that maybe this series is just getting too "light" for me.
This was a fairly quick read which is good because it really didn't go anywhere with the story. I felt a bit like the person trying to bike on loose sand - you pedal and pedal and don't move very quickly. Interestingly enough I expected the last book in this series to start to falter and I was pleasantly surprised that there were quite a few developments and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not so with The Witch is Back. I am team Sinjin all the way and I found it a shame that despite the premise of him having his moment it was just more of the same. More of Jolie's insecure inner-monologue which is not terribly interesting in a mature woman of skills and it is definitely not interesting in the heroine who anchors a series. If we are to watch her develop, by all means please evolve and make some progress. Rand is quickly becoming the least desirable fictional male for me. He is so completely lacking in relationship/mating skills that I kind of wish the BDB would come along and kick his butt. Sinjin is about the only one in this love triangle that I find salvageable. I think that maybe this series is just getting too "light" for me.
August 6, 2012
This book was definitely interesting!! I loved seeing what the outcome might've been like given Jolie met Sinjin first. After reading this book I am so OVER Rand, Sinjin is by far my favorite character in this series, and if it weren't for him I might've been tempted to give up on his series after this book.
July 11, 2012
This review is difficult to write as I am still see-sawing back and forth as I come to terms with things that take place in The Witch Is Back. I have always been a Team Rand fan and never sway once my mind is set. I hate being wishy washy. It's not me. But I have conflicting emotions with this book and I am on shaky ground on who I think should come out on top. Rand and Sinjin--both different as night and day--fight for the love of the one woman who has captured their heart. Should it be Rand, her true mate, or Sinjin, the Vampire who feels it is his rightful place by her side?
Rand came across a wee bit disappointing at the beginning. He seemed to give up without even beginning to fight for Jolie. It left me with a major WTF moment until the pace of the story picked up and Rand came to Jolie's rescue.
With The Witch Is Back, the story starts out with Sinjin and Jolie 'dating' and Rand now finds himself in the position of trying to convince Jolie that Sinjin's motives are false. Which becomes rather difficult, as Jolie refuses to see or speak to him. Bella is also in the picture and has put a charm on Jolie in order to keep Rand away.
Jolie struggles with why someone as charasmatic, charming, and drop-dead gorgeous as Sinjin would want to be with her. And she finds herself falling in love with the sexy Vamp. For those readers who are Team Sinjin, you will be happy to see a more passionate side to their relationship. And I must say that my own heart raced. Sinjin can be very persuasive, the dirty little devil.
However, secrets and lies plague this story and Jolie doesn't know who to believe--but she knows she has a strong attraction to both men. Even when she struggles against Rand, her feelings are strong for him and it just seems "right" in his arms. But Sinjin has made her question everything about Rand's motives.
The story starts out slow, but picks up quickly at the midway point. And although the reader is aware of Sinjin's deception, you can't help but feel sorry for him. In my heart of hearts, I think Sinjin truly loves Jolie. But his character flaws lead him to make disasterous mistakes--and a biggie one at that. His lies cost him Jolie's trust and love. And the valued friendship between the two is now on shaky ground.
There is so much that can still happen in this series. Now that things seem to be settled, will Jolie be able to forget what happened between her and Sinjin? And what of the threat of the Lurkers?
The last book, Something Witchy This Way Comes, is expected to be released September 25.
Rand came across a wee bit disappointing at the beginning. He seemed to give up without even beginning to fight for Jolie. It left me with a major WTF moment until the pace of the story picked up and Rand came to Jolie's rescue.
With The Witch Is Back, the story starts out with Sinjin and Jolie 'dating' and Rand now finds himself in the position of trying to convince Jolie that Sinjin's motives are false. Which becomes rather difficult, as Jolie refuses to see or speak to him. Bella is also in the picture and has put a charm on Jolie in order to keep Rand away.
Jolie struggles with why someone as charasmatic, charming, and drop-dead gorgeous as Sinjin would want to be with her. And she finds herself falling in love with the sexy Vamp. For those readers who are Team Sinjin, you will be happy to see a more passionate side to their relationship. And I must say that my own heart raced. Sinjin can be very persuasive, the dirty little devil.
However, secrets and lies plague this story and Jolie doesn't know who to believe--but she knows she has a strong attraction to both men. Even when she struggles against Rand, her feelings are strong for him and it just seems "right" in his arms. But Sinjin has made her question everything about Rand's motives.
The story starts out slow, but picks up quickly at the midway point. And although the reader is aware of Sinjin's deception, you can't help but feel sorry for him. In my heart of hearts, I think Sinjin truly loves Jolie. But his character flaws lead him to make disasterous mistakes--and a biggie one at that. His lies cost him Jolie's trust and love. And the valued friendship between the two is now on shaky ground.
There is so much that can still happen in this series. Now that things seem to be settled, will Jolie be able to forget what happened between her and Sinjin? And what of the threat of the Lurkers?
The last book, Something Witchy This Way Comes, is expected to be released September 25.
July 31, 2012
Started The Witch is Back at 9:30am and finished at 4:00pm. I could not put it down!
It starts off exactly where Witchful Thinking left off... This book was everything I had hoped it would be. There was plenty of Sinjin and boy were some of those moments steamy! I've been waiting a long time for those moments. I was not disappointed.
I have to admit that this is the only series I have ever read with a 'love triangle' where I find it had picking a 'team'. I love Sinjin. I love Rand.
Although... Deep down I know I love Sinjin more. I know what he does in this book is not for power. He loves Jolie and I was so excited to be able to see him happy.
I can't say too much as I do not want to give any of this wonderful book away... But trust me when I say this is an amazing series and if you haven't read them, then please do.
I am now on countdown for September 25th. I've already booked my day off from work so that I can read the next and final book in the series. I can only hope that the confirmed spin-off will be about Sinjin. I am not quite ready to say goodbye to him yet.
It starts off exactly where Witchful Thinking left off... This book was everything I had hoped it would be. There was plenty of Sinjin and boy were some of those moments steamy! I've been waiting a long time for those moments. I was not disappointed.
I have to admit that this is the only series I have ever read with a 'love triangle' where I find it had picking a 'team'. I love Sinjin. I love Rand.
Although... Deep down I know I love Sinjin more. I know what he does in this book is not for power. He loves Jolie and I was so excited to be able to see him happy.
I can't say too much as I do not want to give any of this wonderful book away... But trust me when I say this is an amazing series and if you haven't read them, then please do.
I am now on countdown for September 25th. I've already booked my day off from work so that I can read the next and final book in the series. I can only hope that the confirmed spin-off will be about Sinjin. I am not quite ready to say goodbye to him yet.
August 5, 2012
I have procrastinated writing this review for awhile now. I love HP Mallory, I have been a fan of the Jolie Wilkins series, but with the last two books, I have been a bit let down.
In the first 2 books of the Jolie Wilkins series, Jolie learns that she is a witch, she develops her powers, learns about the supernatural world, fights a war, falls in love, and becomes Queen of the Underworld. Then in book 3, the series stalls. Jolie barely ascends to the thrown which she doesn’t really want to do, she bemoans her on-again/off-again relationship with Rand, and she complains to pretty much everyone. So, that brings us to book 4. Sinjin is the vampire who has sworn to protect Jolie, he defintiely has some hot feelings for her buried under his tough-guy exterior, and he convinces the Prophetess to send them back in time, to the point when Jolie first begins to learn of the underworld. Sinjin does his best to meet her first and to keep Rand out of her life, but his choices are questionable and he definitely makes mistakes.
After finishing this book, I have to wonder, what was the point? The plot went no-where. Jolie went back to being an insecure human in denial of her abilities and her appeal. She fell hard for Sinjin, bought into his lies, and goes ballistic once the truth finally comes to light. Yet after all that, the series plot hasn’t gone anywhere. The lurkers are still after the supernaturals, Jolie is still a reluctant Queen, and the love triangle between Jolie, Rand, and Sinjin is more complicated than ever.
I will admit that I had some expectations for this book, I was very excited to see what would happen when Sinjin met Jolie first. In the end, I was just sad for Sinjin, Jolie, and even Rand. I did like that Rand finally decides to fight for what he wants, he fights to get Jolie back. They key here is that he FINALLY fights for her. To me, it felt like this fight is coming pretty late in the game. Anyhow, the whole situation brought up more questions than stability for the characters. At this point, I just hope that HP Mallory will bring the series back and move forward with it. I hope that my questions will be answered, that the trip back in time will have served a purpose. Even though I was not very pleased with The Witch is Back, I am still invested in this series, and I like the characters. I will be reading the next book in the series, Something Witchy This Way Comes.
*I received this book for review*
In the first 2 books of the Jolie Wilkins series, Jolie learns that she is a witch, she develops her powers, learns about the supernatural world, fights a war, falls in love, and becomes Queen of the Underworld. Then in book 3, the series stalls. Jolie barely ascends to the thrown which she doesn’t really want to do, she bemoans her on-again/off-again relationship with Rand, and she complains to pretty much everyone. So, that brings us to book 4. Sinjin is the vampire who has sworn to protect Jolie, he defintiely has some hot feelings for her buried under his tough-guy exterior, and he convinces the Prophetess to send them back in time, to the point when Jolie first begins to learn of the underworld. Sinjin does his best to meet her first and to keep Rand out of her life, but his choices are questionable and he definitely makes mistakes.
After finishing this book, I have to wonder, what was the point? The plot went no-where. Jolie went back to being an insecure human in denial of her abilities and her appeal. She fell hard for Sinjin, bought into his lies, and goes ballistic once the truth finally comes to light. Yet after all that, the series plot hasn’t gone anywhere. The lurkers are still after the supernaturals, Jolie is still a reluctant Queen, and the love triangle between Jolie, Rand, and Sinjin is more complicated than ever.
I will admit that I had some expectations for this book, I was very excited to see what would happen when Sinjin met Jolie first. In the end, I was just sad for Sinjin, Jolie, and even Rand. I did like that Rand finally decides to fight for what he wants, he fights to get Jolie back. They key here is that he FINALLY fights for her. To me, it felt like this fight is coming pretty late in the game. Anyhow, the whole situation brought up more questions than stability for the characters. At this point, I just hope that HP Mallory will bring the series back and move forward with it. I hope that my questions will be answered, that the trip back in time will have served a purpose. Even though I was not very pleased with The Witch is Back, I am still invested in this series, and I like the characters. I will be reading the next book in the series, Something Witchy This Way Comes.
*I received this book for review*
July 19, 2012
Having read this series out of order (book three first, followed by one and two) it took me a minute to get my bearings when I started reading it. That said, even with my mild confusion about how the previous book ended, I was sucked in faster than a penny into a vacuum cleaner.
Jolie is back at the beginning of her story, back in her little fortune telling shop where Book One picked up, ignorant and unaware of the magical things that walk amongst us. And like the start of the series, everything hinges on the magical thing that walks through her lil' shop door. Unlike the first time, that Magic Man is not Rand.
Now, I hesitate to divulge too much of the plot because it certainly was a twist on things and I don't want to spoil all the fun for readers. In the grand scheme of things, I do believe I've fallen into team Sinjin territory over the course of the series so far -- and Mallory must have read my mind. Yum.
That being said, reading The Witch Is Back was a bit like having trippy deja vu (or however you spell that). Some bits felt familiar like an old comfy sweater, while others felt odd in that alternate-universe kind of way. For example, Jolie's BFF (Christa? I'm horrible with names)seemed a lot more randy and foul-mouthed than I remember her. Jolie is more naive than I recall. Sinjin is still Sinjin though, so there's that. :-)
I did have a few nitpicks with the whole time-travelling concept and "rules" which mainly revolve around this book's resolution, but I can't hardly spell them out for fear of spoiling all the fun for anyone reading this.
Overall, I still adore this series and it's characters. In fact, I also have the ARC for Book 5 and devoured that one right after this book. So that should tell you something!
** I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for review purposes.**
Jolie is back at the beginning of her story, back in her little fortune telling shop where Book One picked up, ignorant and unaware of the magical things that walk amongst us. And like the start of the series, everything hinges on the magical thing that walks through her lil' shop door. Unlike the first time, that Magic Man is not Rand.
Now, I hesitate to divulge too much of the plot because it certainly was a twist on things and I don't want to spoil all the fun for readers. In the grand scheme of things, I do believe I've fallen into team Sinjin territory over the course of the series so far -- and Mallory must have read my mind. Yum.
That being said, reading The Witch Is Back was a bit like having trippy deja vu (or however you spell that). Some bits felt familiar like an old comfy sweater, while others felt odd in that alternate-universe kind of way. For example, Jolie's BFF (Christa? I'm horrible with names)seemed a lot more randy and foul-mouthed than I remember her. Jolie is more naive than I recall. Sinjin is still Sinjin though, so there's that. :-)
I did have a few nitpicks with the whole time-travelling concept and "rules" which mainly revolve around this book's resolution, but I can't hardly spell them out for fear of spoiling all the fun for anyone reading this.
Overall, I still adore this series and it's characters. In fact, I also have the ARC for Book 5 and devoured that one right after this book. So that should tell you something!
** I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for review purposes.**
August 2, 2012
I have read most of H. P. Mallory's books and have enjoyed following her talented ability to weave a great tale. "The Witch is Back" was a huge disappointment for me. Instead of enjoying the story, I would think that I felt the author was rushed. Really this series could have been two great books; instead it seems to be dragging and full of fluff. Sinjin plays a larger role in this book, but I didn't feel I learned anything new about his character or his feelings. I've also gotten over the Jolie and Rand relationship. Ugggh. They were great at first and I was dedicated to the story but the inner dialog of Jolie and lack of emotional growth of all characters had me feeling as if the story was going nowhere.
I had hoped this would solve that back and forth, boo hoo, emotional play. I haven't decided if I will invest any more time with this series. I would read more of Mallory's work in the future as I hope her talent will shine again. The first book in the series was great!! I suppose I wouldn't have rated this so low if I didn't have higher expectations, but this series is falling flat for this reader.
I had hoped this would solve that back and forth, boo hoo, emotional play. I haven't decided if I will invest any more time with this series. I would read more of Mallory's work in the future as I hope her talent will shine again. The first book in the series was great!! I suppose I wouldn't have rated this so low if I didn't have higher expectations, but this series is falling flat for this reader.
August 1, 2012
H.P. has done it again! This book made me angry...in a good way. I got mad at Jolie for being so naive and self conscious. I was infuriated with Sinclair for being so manipulative and deceitful. I got frustrated with Rand for not storming in and being the hero we all know he can be. And finally, I was disappointed in Mathilda and Mercedes for not really caring about any of those feelings and worrying only about the Queen. H.P. Mallory has once again left us wanting more, after putting our emotions through the wringer!
August 2, 2012
Oh Ms. Mallory does it again! Loved this one. She is such a talented author. All her books are fun, romantic, and just plain fantastic! She is def. my favorite author. All her characters and so likable too....just read it!!
May 31, 2013
What a book.. Love this love triangle.. You never know what will happen next. Then when it ends with a clift hanger you want to next one NOW!!!!!!! At least i do..
August 1, 2012
The Witch is Back!! How aptly put. For those of you who started following HP before Random House picked her up like me, I hope you didn't give up on her after Witchful Thinking cause The Witch Is Back was worth the wait!
I thought that WT (the 3rd book) was kind of a let down plot wise. That's because it was a build up to this book. While I still didn't enjoy this book as much as the first 2 (self-published) in the series it was WAY better then book 3!!
And may I say Go Team RAND!!! Sinjin may be hot, sexy, and love Jolie deep down inside, but he's always been a bit underhanded and that always drove me nuts.
OH and in very typical HP fashion the ending will leave you hangin' like a.... {insert witty simile}
Can't wait to see how she wraps this up!
I thought that WT (the 3rd book) was kind of a let down plot wise. That's because it was a build up to this book. While I still didn't enjoy this book as much as the first 2 (self-published) in the series it was WAY better then book 3!!
And may I say Go Team RAND!!! Sinjin may be hot, sexy, and love Jolie deep down inside, but he's always been a bit underhanded and that always drove me nuts.
OH and in very typical HP fashion the ending will leave you hangin' like a.... {insert witty simile}
Can't wait to see how she wraps this up!
June 2, 2012
H.P. Mallory is now a favorite for this reader. I fell in love with Jolie and Rand heck even Sinjun sounded awesome. This is a tale of a star crossed triangle for even though Jolie and Rand belong together I felt bad for Sinjun. A witch, warlock and a vampire fantastic story. Now I have to find the other three books for this is definitely a series that is worth reading. H.P. Mallory is definitely an author to keep up to date for the imagination in this book is a mix of fairy tale, underworld in the mix and best part romance. Loved it.
February 15, 2016
I love HP Mallory, and I enjoy her work. I just wasn't happy with this, and I was so excited to read it too.
I was extremely annoyed with her constant babble to herself, I ended up skipping paragraphs, it happened often.
I always liked Sinjin and it was a way to see what would have happened. Their relationship was much easier than what it's been with Rand and that's how it should have been.
I hope there's some point to this book in the future because honestly it was a bit pointless.
I was extremely annoyed with her constant babble to herself, I ended up skipping paragraphs, it happened often.
I always liked Sinjin and it was a way to see what would have happened. Their relationship was much easier than what it's been with Rand and that's how it should have been.
I hope there's some point to this book in the future because honestly it was a bit pointless.
August 2, 2012
There she sat looking at 99% of the book done on her Kindle. Feeling somewhat sad that she finished the book. September seems so far away. She is going to miss Rand, Sinjin, and Jolie not so much Bella and Mercedes. :)
Seriously, I adore the writings of HP Mallory. I have read every word of both of her series and am looking forward to the next installments.
Seriously, I adore the writings of HP Mallory. I have read every word of both of her series and am looking forward to the next installments.
July 9, 2013
Again the author knows just how to leave you hanging and wanting to read more. I am moving on the the fifth and final book in the series, at least it is the last book that has been published. I hope there is some closure with this next book, or I might go insane waiting for the next book.
April 21, 2012
Review closer to release
June 27, 2012
I love all of HP's Books. I can't wait to read this one!! ♥
June 27, 2012
Can't wait to read!!
July 30, 2012
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
February 9, 2021
Sinjin's an asshole.
Jolie's a dingbat.
I need a drink.
(Damn I really wanted that to be a Haiku)
Jolie's a dingbat.
I need a drink.
(Damn I really wanted that to be a Haiku)
June 18, 2017
A tale of time travel and deception.
The last two books in this series have focused a lot more on character relationships, especially the love triangle situation, than on the war or anything else. I do applaud Mallory's imagination, and this new twist, where we now have Sinjin going back in time 2 years in an attempt to be the one that meets Jolie first- for reasons yet undisclosed- is another great example of it. But I can't help but miss the mystery and action of the first two books. In comparison to books 1 and 2, 3 have 4 have almost been straight-up romances- albeit with witchy shenanigans and time travel thrown in- but the war and everything has been put on the back burner until it's all sorted out. I miss the high octane pacing of book one and the magic training and kidnappings and...just all of it, really.
Not everyone enjoys love triangles. I can handle them okay most of the time, but this one is starting to irritate me. I just think it undermines this supposed fated, great love between Jolie and Rand to have her constantly conflicted over Sinjin. And then of course in this one her thoughts are twisted up further by Sinjin's duplicity. We begin the book with the Jolie we met two years ago- a more insecure, less confident version as you'll recall- and we have Sinjin pulling every one of her heart strings and telling her Rand is the very devil himself.
Sinjin has ulterior motives. We've always suspected so but this new plot takes things to new heights. I felt very bad for Jolie because Sinjin played her so easily having the advantage of knowing everything and therefore holding all the cards. Jolie knows nothing and has no cards. It's completely unfair and yet somehow, a small part of me, even with all this evidence to the contrary, still wants to see a good side of Sinjin. Go figure.
I do think that it's possible that Sinjin truly loves Jolie, but even if he does, it's a very selfish love. Rand might act the martyr sometimes and be a bit stuffy, but I at least trust that he loves Jolie unconditionally, and really doesn't deserve what he's having to put up with in this book.
There were some very enjoyable scenes with Sinjin, even though all the time reading them I felt bad for enjoying them knowing it wasn't fair on Jolie and probably not what she would choose if she had all the facts. But, if you're Team Sinjin, this is your book.
I found it quite tedious at times going right back to the beginning with Jolie. Having to have Sinjin explain the ins and outs of the underworld to her when we already know all of it inside-out. As does she, in the future...I mean the present...That was another factor that gave me headaches; trying to wrap my head around the time travel aspect. Does this mean in the future everything will be changed? Will people's memories be intact? Where's the future Jolie while Rand is back here? Gah! In the end I gave up trying to comprehend. It seemed safest for my brain cells.
I was glad to see the journal entries gone, but in their place we now have Jolie talking to the "two sides of herself" in italics. If anyone says 'inner goddess' I can't be held responsible for my actions. Thankfully, no one has so far, but it's perilously close.
My appreciation for this series is lessening by the book at this point, which is a shame because I thought it started out really strong. I think it's the lack of action and the love triangle getting on my nerves. I'm going to give the next book a look and see if things progress well from there.
3 Stars ★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review
The last two books in this series have focused a lot more on character relationships, especially the love triangle situation, than on the war or anything else. I do applaud Mallory's imagination, and this new twist, where we now have Sinjin going back in time 2 years in an attempt to be the one that meets Jolie first- for reasons yet undisclosed- is another great example of it. But I can't help but miss the mystery and action of the first two books. In comparison to books 1 and 2, 3 have 4 have almost been straight-up romances- albeit with witchy shenanigans and time travel thrown in- but the war and everything has been put on the back burner until it's all sorted out. I miss the high octane pacing of book one and the magic training and kidnappings and...just all of it, really.
Not everyone enjoys love triangles. I can handle them okay most of the time, but this one is starting to irritate me. I just think it undermines this supposed fated, great love between Jolie and Rand to have her constantly conflicted over Sinjin. And then of course in this one her thoughts are twisted up further by Sinjin's duplicity. We begin the book with the Jolie we met two years ago- a more insecure, less confident version as you'll recall- and we have Sinjin pulling every one of her heart strings and telling her Rand is the very devil himself.
Sinjin has ulterior motives. We've always suspected so but this new plot takes things to new heights. I felt very bad for Jolie because Sinjin played her so easily having the advantage of knowing everything and therefore holding all the cards. Jolie knows nothing and has no cards. It's completely unfair and yet somehow, a small part of me, even with all this evidence to the contrary, still wants to see a good side of Sinjin. Go figure.
I do think that it's possible that Sinjin truly loves Jolie, but even if he does, it's a very selfish love. Rand might act the martyr sometimes and be a bit stuffy, but I at least trust that he loves Jolie unconditionally, and really doesn't deserve what he's having to put up with in this book.
There were some very enjoyable scenes with Sinjin, even though all the time reading them I felt bad for enjoying them knowing it wasn't fair on Jolie and probably not what she would choose if she had all the facts. But, if you're Team Sinjin, this is your book.
I found it quite tedious at times going right back to the beginning with Jolie. Having to have Sinjin explain the ins and outs of the underworld to her when we already know all of it inside-out. As does she, in the future...I mean the present...That was another factor that gave me headaches; trying to wrap my head around the time travel aspect. Does this mean in the future everything will be changed? Will people's memories be intact? Where's the future Jolie while Rand is back here? Gah! In the end I gave up trying to comprehend. It seemed safest for my brain cells.
I was glad to see the journal entries gone, but in their place we now have Jolie talking to the "two sides of herself" in italics. If anyone says 'inner goddess' I can't be held responsible for my actions. Thankfully, no one has so far, but it's perilously close.
My appreciation for this series is lessening by the book at this point, which is a shame because I thought it started out really strong. I think it's the lack of action and the love triangle getting on my nerves. I'm going to give the next book a look and see if things progress well from there.
3 Stars ★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review
August 1, 2012
THE WITCH IS BACK is like an alternate beginning to the series. This time Sinjin meets Jolie first and introduces her into her full potential as a witch, not Rand.
Not being totally familiar with FIRE BURN AND CAULDRON BUBBLE anymore (hey, it’s been a while), I felt like I was restarting the series with a few familiar sights along the way.
Of course, Rand isn’t going to stand for Sinjin changing the past and fights for Jolie to remember him and the real way that history went.
That doesn’t mean that she believes him. Oh, no, for the most part, her relationship with Sinjin is on overdrive as they zoom past go. Being a huge Team Sinjin fan, I felt there was just something flawed about his time with Jolie. It just didn’t seem to fit, which might be the point since it wasn’t supposed to happen.
It takes the Lurkers making Jolie deathly ill that Rand is able to get her trust long enough to bring her to Mathilda and Odran where they remove the block causing her illness and once Rand convinces her to give him a try, they restore her missing memories.
So now the old Jolie is back!....well sort of. Now once again we see the Sinjin/Rand love triangle. Even though she’s positive she loves Rand and he’s the best one for her, she also admits she love Sinjin, too.
Of course when she confronts Sinjin he’s mute about his reason for why, but sticks to his claim it was for her own good. You see a soft side of Sinjin as he realizes he’s losing Jolie. I fear Sinjin is going end up like Jacob Black and lose Jolie.
With some closure on her Sinjin feelings, Jolie and Rand make up and…..yes finally bond. Now Jolie can see the situation with Sinjin a little more detached and morns the loss of a friend.
Gathering all that went back in time, Jolie helps send them back to the real present.
I keep my faith in the Jolie series, but I’m real ready to see a good plot thicken. All this back and forth time travel just isn’t moving the series along very well.
Not being totally familiar with FIRE BURN AND CAULDRON BUBBLE anymore (hey, it’s been a while), I felt like I was restarting the series with a few familiar sights along the way.
Of course, Rand isn’t going to stand for Sinjin changing the past and fights for Jolie to remember him and the real way that history went.
That doesn’t mean that she believes him. Oh, no, for the most part, her relationship with Sinjin is on overdrive as they zoom past go. Being a huge Team Sinjin fan, I felt there was just something flawed about his time with Jolie. It just didn’t seem to fit, which might be the point since it wasn’t supposed to happen.
It takes the Lurkers making Jolie deathly ill that Rand is able to get her trust long enough to bring her to Mathilda and Odran where they remove the block causing her illness and once Rand convinces her to give him a try, they restore her missing memories.
So now the old Jolie is back!....well sort of. Now once again we see the Sinjin/Rand love triangle. Even though she’s positive she loves Rand and he’s the best one for her, she also admits she love Sinjin, too.
Of course when she confronts Sinjin he’s mute about his reason for why, but sticks to his claim it was for her own good. You see a soft side of Sinjin as he realizes he’s losing Jolie. I fear Sinjin is going end up like Jacob Black and lose Jolie.
With some closure on her Sinjin feelings, Jolie and Rand make up and…..yes finally bond. Now Jolie can see the situation with Sinjin a little more detached and morns the loss of a friend.
Gathering all that went back in time, Jolie helps send them back to the real present.
I keep my faith in the Jolie series, but I’m real ready to see a good plot thicken. All this back and forth time travel just isn’t moving the series along very well.
September 4, 2012
Ive got to say - this one was largely better then the 3rd. BIG SIGH OF RELIEF - we're back on track!
Granted, when I realized that we were stuck in the past and that the story would have to develop all over again I was (somewhat) frustrated. But I was happy to realize that in the end I didn't mind so much to see what would happen with Sinjn rather then with Rand. And honestly? I like Sinjin just so much more...not to mention his *drool* sexual banter. So I enjoyed the character development and also learning much more about Sinjin's love for Jolie.
What was lacking? THE STORY IS SO SLOW. There are a million things that are happening in the future and yet we always end up going back to the past (ex: 1878 in the 3rd book) to explore things that "were" rather then focus on the "Lurkers" which are seemingly getting more powerful as time progresses. I get the excuse Mercedes gives as to why Jolie was sent in the past but to me it just seems like a feeble attempt to stall, once again, the future story plot as HP Mallory is not quite sure where to go next.
Meanwhile, Jolie is now in love with Sinjin BUT she also manages to 'finally' bond with Rand (myself when I read that part: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO). I don't know what Mallory counts on doing with this bond but it better be good because she just failed me in the sense that I was rooting for Sinjin. Now that hes not even a love interest I don't find much excitement for the next novel. Still, I remain hopeful - maybe Jolie will realize that Rand has extreme anger management, jealousy issues, and really just is a plain jerk. The only times when I like him is when hes craving the need for sex with her. But that gets old quickly.
Lets see what Mallory has in store for Jolie in the next novel...hopefully it wont be a disappointment like the last few have been.
Granted, when I realized that we were stuck in the past and that the story would have to develop all over again I was (somewhat) frustrated. But I was happy to realize that in the end I didn't mind so much to see what would happen with Sinjn rather then with Rand. And honestly? I like Sinjin just so much more...not to mention his *drool* sexual banter. So I enjoyed the character development and also learning much more about Sinjin's love for Jolie.
What was lacking? THE STORY IS SO SLOW. There are a million things that are happening in the future and yet we always end up going back to the past (ex: 1878 in the 3rd book) to explore things that "were" rather then focus on the "Lurkers" which are seemingly getting more powerful as time progresses. I get the excuse Mercedes gives as to why Jolie was sent in the past but to me it just seems like a feeble attempt to stall, once again, the future story plot as HP Mallory is not quite sure where to go next.
Meanwhile, Jolie is now in love with Sinjin BUT she also manages to 'finally' bond with Rand (myself when I read that part: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO). I don't know what Mallory counts on doing with this bond but it better be good because she just failed me in the sense that I was rooting for Sinjin. Now that hes not even a love interest I don't find much excitement for the next novel. Still, I remain hopeful - maybe Jolie will realize that Rand has extreme anger management, jealousy issues, and really just is a plain jerk. The only times when I like him is when hes craving the need for sex with her. But that gets old quickly.
Lets see what Mallory has in store for Jolie in the next novel...hopefully it wont be a disappointment like the last few have been.
May 18, 2014
Thankfully the last 25% of this book exists. Otherwise I'd be giving it less stars.
When did Jolie become so incredibly dumb? Way back in book one, I swear she was skeptical about anything and everything paranormal (or maybe I'm not remembering correctly). In this book she gulps down every word Sinjin tells her like it's a glass of water and she just emerged from a 3 day trek through the desert. Never been a huge Sinjin fan, but it felt like most of this book was there to appease his fans. Claims that he went back to protect Jolie from the Lurkers seemed ridiculous when the one single appearance they made, he couldn't do anything about. And then there's the time travel. I don't mind it - and even find it fun- if handled correctly. There are rules that must be followed, starting with anything you change effects the future (anyone who's watched Back to the Future knows this). Sinjin going back, meeting Jolie, changing things changes EVERYTHING. To put it right Rand and company give her all the memories of future Jolie. How is that not another change? Is this girl really going to purposely follow every decision she made to a T in books 1-3 so that she ends up in the same place she should be? If the preview at the end is any indication, it appears so. Yeah. Sure. Ok. I've got some swampland in Florida that I'm willing to sell really cheap too.
At least with the last part, things started to get back to somewhat normal. Characters were more themselves. Jolie was smarter. Rand was back (what the heck took him so long). And as usual Mathilda was the voice of reason. A whole extra star for those 3 things.
When did Jolie become so incredibly dumb? Way back in book one, I swear she was skeptical about anything and everything paranormal (or maybe I'm not remembering correctly). In this book she gulps down every word Sinjin tells her like it's a glass of water and she just emerged from a 3 day trek through the desert. Never been a huge Sinjin fan, but it felt like most of this book was there to appease his fans. Claims that he went back to protect Jolie from the Lurkers seemed ridiculous when the one single appearance they made, he couldn't do anything about. And then there's the time travel. I don't mind it - and even find it fun- if handled correctly. There are rules that must be followed, starting with anything you change effects the future (anyone who's watched Back to the Future knows this). Sinjin going back, meeting Jolie, changing things changes EVERYTHING. To put it right Rand and company give her all the memories of future Jolie. How is that not another change? Is this girl really going to purposely follow every decision she made to a T in books 1-3 so that she ends up in the same place she should be? If the preview at the end is any indication, it appears so. Yeah. Sure. Ok. I've got some swampland in Florida that I'm willing to sell really cheap too.
At least with the last part, things started to get back to somewhat normal. Characters were more themselves. Jolie was smarter. Rand was back (what the heck took him so long). And as usual Mathilda was the voice of reason. A whole extra star for those 3 things.
July 31, 2012
I found the first book in this series while browsing the Kindle free downloads. One of my guilty pleasures has been the offerings by Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Mary Janice Davidson, and Kim Harrison. If my guy friends ever found out...they would ban me from all my fantasy football leagues and revoke my "guy" card. Still I liked what I saw in book one and quickly decided that I might actually have found somebody I liked enough to fill my void between Kim Harrison (my favorite of the bunch) releases.
I found that H.P. Mallory offered up a nice bunch of characters. What I liked most about the Jolie Wilkins character was that she wasn't some raving beauty or a Supernatural groupie hoping from bed to bed. This latest offering, The Witch is Back" offers up a "wrinkle in time" approach. I enjoyed it, but I felt that perhaps the "vulnerability" and self-doubt issues were overplayed at times. Now I admit that I am a guy and may be missing some of the elements, but Jolie got a touch needy and annoying at times in this offering in ways I thought were over-exaggerations of her character as I have come to know her.
Also, if there are plans to tell elements of the story from another angle...I think I would like to get to know Christa a little better. Overall, this is a mostly satisfying entry and offers up a nice, albeit short, read for a relaxing summer day.
I found that H.P. Mallory offered up a nice bunch of characters. What I liked most about the Jolie Wilkins character was that she wasn't some raving beauty or a Supernatural groupie hoping from bed to bed. This latest offering, The Witch is Back" offers up a "wrinkle in time" approach. I enjoyed it, but I felt that perhaps the "vulnerability" and self-doubt issues were overplayed at times. Now I admit that I am a guy and may be missing some of the elements, but Jolie got a touch needy and annoying at times in this offering in ways I thought were over-exaggerations of her character as I have come to know her.
Also, if there are plans to tell elements of the story from another angle...I think I would like to get to know Christa a little better. Overall, this is a mostly satisfying entry and offers up a nice, albeit short, read for a relaxing summer day.
September 18, 2012
Well I was liking the series but now I think I am through with them. I understand the "heart confusion" with love triangles but I'm really tired of Jolie. One day she loves Rand, the next day she's all about Sinjin. Another she is all like "I can see the tenderness in his eyes" and then the next chapter she is saying "I don't know if I can trust him" - this is in reference to Sinjin. I mean come on already, pick a side and stick to it. Her wishy-washyness drove me absolutely nuts, so much so that I almost didn't finish the book and I ALWAYS finish books quickly. The treatment of Sinjin kind of broke my heart, Jolie's behavior was so all over the place, and one day she is a strong and the next her self esteem has gone down the river. All in all, the story was just bleh, if you like a roller coaster of irrational emotions/feelings that don't make sense then this is the book for you. Sorry H.P. Mallory, I usually love your books but this one was a major disappointment. Hopefully the Dulcie O'Neal series will continue to be good!
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