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Hayle Coven Histories #1
Smoke and Magic
Banished to Victorian London
“Auburdeen Perneila Hayle,” Sassafras hissed, the amber glow from his cat eyes growing until the front of the wicker cage shone with it, “you will do whatever you can to behave yourself, to not embarrass me or your mother and to absolutely under every circumstance maintain a firm hand on your horrid temper.”
My anger simmered. Yes, I had a temper. And yes, it had taken me into situations in the past that perhaps I shouldn't have been part of, situations that usually devolved into fistfights and incoherent yelling at the offender. He should be grateful I always kept control of myself enough my magic never came into play. Except that one time. But it wasn't my fault. Not really. And the offender recovered. Eventually.
Auburdeen Hayle is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the next leader of her coven. When the transition of power becomes tense, Burdie is sent from her home in America to stay with old friends in London to keep her safe. But a handsome young man chooses to hide from the police in her hansom, drawing Burdie into an underground world of magic that challenges even her sense of adventure and puts her at odds with the very people who are meant to protect her.
If you love Smoke and Magic, don't forget to check out the Hayle Coven series--and the adventures of Auburdeen's great great great granddaughter, Sydlynn, in Book Family Magic
“Auburdeen Perneila Hayle,” Sassafras hissed, the amber glow from his cat eyes growing until the front of the wicker cage shone with it, “you will do whatever you can to behave yourself, to not embarrass me or your mother and to absolutely under every circumstance maintain a firm hand on your horrid temper.”
My anger simmered. Yes, I had a temper. And yes, it had taken me into situations in the past that perhaps I shouldn't have been part of, situations that usually devolved into fistfights and incoherent yelling at the offender. He should be grateful I always kept control of myself enough my magic never came into play. Except that one time. But it wasn't my fault. Not really. And the offender recovered. Eventually.
Auburdeen Hayle is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the next leader of her coven. When the transition of power becomes tense, Burdie is sent from her home in America to stay with old friends in London to keep her safe. But a handsome young man chooses to hide from the police in her hansom, drawing Burdie into an underground world of magic that challenges even her sense of adventure and puts her at odds with the very people who are meant to protect her.
If you love Smoke and Magic, don't forget to check out the Hayle Coven series--and the adventures of Auburdeen's great great great granddaughter, Sydlynn, in Book Family Magic
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2012
29 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Patti Larsen
307 books549 followersI write a lot of paranormal books for someone who is afraid of the dark. And I wonder why I have to sleep with the lights on. Sometimes life is a teenaged B horror movie and I'm the one who investigates when the scary music is playing. But the voices are calling and resistance is… Yes. I am a Star Trek geek, too. And a fan of RPG’s. With a slight coolness factor since I've been told I'm allowed to join the pops.
Naw. I like being a nerdy girl :)
Naw. I like being a nerdy girl :)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 7, 2019
This was an ok book. It didn't really suck me in but it did have some good ideas throughout. I liked the different paranormal parts. You had witches then later on sorcerers. There was lots of magic and a really nice twist at the end. Auburdeen goes to England to live with her aunt. She meets a boy named Jack. Every time she sees Jack he is in trouble. It seems that lots of people are trying to help Jack but they keep on getting into each others way. despite everything Auburdeen can't leave alone and gets herself into trouble. Right at the end we find out that the sweet innocent Aunt isn't who she seems and Auburdeen's life is only going from bad to worse.
March 15, 2012
What a disappointment. I liked the universe Larsen built and continued to be intrigued on the mystery of Uncle Samuel and Jack. Just as the climax was about to peak... the book ended. I don't think I want to invest my time and money into further books. Unfortunately the ending just left a sour taste in my mouth - like an author that was contracted to do three books and ripped up her first book in order to fulfill it.
September 8, 2021
Smoke And Magic by Patti Larsen was a great read but I hate starting books that have no end to them. So now I have to read book 2 in the series to find out what happens.
December 21, 2025
Entertaining, but cliffhanger endings are not nice
March 28, 2012
When magic flies… I hide. That’s always been my motto! Auburdeen ( Burdie) Hayle, it seems, has never shared my opinion. Burdie leaves her home in the states to live with family friends in London, for her own protection of course. While in London Burdie feels very alone and decidedly smothered by her overprotective caretaker. When she meets a mysterious boy who claims to want nothing to do with her, she is intrigued. Soon Burdie is caught up in his world and finds that the secrets she is unraveling are closer than she thinks.
When I am first introduced to Burdie, it becomes crystal clear almost instantly that she has a major attitude and a blazing temper. I almost get the impression that she WANTS to get into a fight with someone. She doesn’t listen or follow directions particularly well, and when things get tough, she keeps everything bottled up. Her natural curiosity and fearlessness cause her to be in more than one scrap. By the end of Smoke and Magic, I really feel like I have a good grasp on her no-nonsense, opinionated character.
This book is FULL of magic. Burdie and her whole family are witches and so is the family she stays with in London. This adds many fantasy elements to the book and definitely helps keep my interest. Smoke and Magic features other unique types of magic, and I think Larsen does a great job of explaining and working them into the story. In addition to being full of magic, Smoke and Magic also features lots of plot twists and turns. Some are predictable, while others… I’m still surprised that they happened.
Some of the dialogue seems unnatural to me, but it isn’t too distracting. I don’t like how the book ends; it cuts of very abruptly, making me reel in shock. I’m reading along, find some really surprising twists, experience a few moments of “Oh no they DIDN’T”, and then BAM. Story. Over. I guess the saving grace is that the next book is already out. But if it wasn’t, I would be REALLY upset at the abrupt ending!
The Cover:
First: I LOVE blue. Second: This cover has lots of BEAUTIFUL shades of blue in it. Meaning: I REALLY like this cover. I like the misty white swirls at the bottom of the cover; they give off a mysterious feel. The glowing ball of power looks awesome and dangerous! I also really, really want to steal her top hat… just sayin’.
I give Smoke and Magic 4 out of 5 stars: Great Read!
More of my reviews here: www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com
When I am first introduced to Burdie, it becomes crystal clear almost instantly that she has a major attitude and a blazing temper. I almost get the impression that she WANTS to get into a fight with someone. She doesn’t listen or follow directions particularly well, and when things get tough, she keeps everything bottled up. Her natural curiosity and fearlessness cause her to be in more than one scrap. By the end of Smoke and Magic, I really feel like I have a good grasp on her no-nonsense, opinionated character.
This book is FULL of magic. Burdie and her whole family are witches and so is the family she stays with in London. This adds many fantasy elements to the book and definitely helps keep my interest. Smoke and Magic features other unique types of magic, and I think Larsen does a great job of explaining and working them into the story. In addition to being full of magic, Smoke and Magic also features lots of plot twists and turns. Some are predictable, while others… I’m still surprised that they happened.
Some of the dialogue seems unnatural to me, but it isn’t too distracting. I don’t like how the book ends; it cuts of very abruptly, making me reel in shock. I’m reading along, find some really surprising twists, experience a few moments of “Oh no they DIDN’T”, and then BAM. Story. Over. I guess the saving grace is that the next book is already out. But if it wasn’t, I would be REALLY upset at the abrupt ending!
The Cover:
First: I LOVE blue. Second: This cover has lots of BEAUTIFUL shades of blue in it. Meaning: I REALLY like this cover. I like the misty white swirls at the bottom of the cover; they give off a mysterious feel. The glowing ball of power looks awesome and dangerous! I also really, really want to steal her top hat… just sayin’.
I give Smoke and Magic 4 out of 5 stars: Great Read!
More of my reviews here: www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com
May 7, 2012
Auburdeen (Burdie) Hayle is the sassy daughter of the future leader of their coven. She isn't happy about being banished to London during the transition of power from the previous coven leader, but Burdie is now suddenly next in line to be a coven leader after her mother, and she must be protected. Burdie is sent to stay with an old friend of her mother's, a woman who is also the leader of her coven. Sassafras, a demon boy in a cat's body, is sent to London with her, to try to keep her out of trouble and to serve as a connection to communicate with her mother while she is there. The first day she is in London, Burdie encounters Jack, a young man who hides in her hansom when he is being chased by the police. As she gets to know Jack, she starts uncovering secrets of the family she is staying with and is put into direct conflict with them.
My favorite sentence of the entire book is: "She can have a lady or she can have a coven leader. She can't have both." This sentence describes Burdie's personality perfectly. She is not the demure "lady" that was expected during that time in London. She is respectful of others, but she has a strong willed personality. You can definitely picture her as a strong, powerful coven leader.
Patti Larsen is an amazing author. She describes her characters and their personalities in such detail that you feel as if you know them. You are drawn in and engaged immediately and want to keep reading to find out what happens. My only complaint about this book is that it ends right in the middle of the action, so you are left wanting more. The good thing is that the next book in this series is already available.
Smoke and Magic is a historical, paranormal YA, but the history is very subtle. The main focus is on the characters, especially Burdie, and the situations she gets herself into. It is the first book in a new series, Blood and Gold, which is a prequel to The Hayle Coven novels. Burdie is the ancestor of Sidlynn Hayle, who is the main character in Patti Larsen's Hayle Coven Novels. I would recommend this book (as well as the Hayle Coven novels) to anyone who enjoys paranormal YA.
My favorite sentence of the entire book is: "She can have a lady or she can have a coven leader. She can't have both." This sentence describes Burdie's personality perfectly. She is not the demure "lady" that was expected during that time in London. She is respectful of others, but she has a strong willed personality. You can definitely picture her as a strong, powerful coven leader.
Patti Larsen is an amazing author. She describes her characters and their personalities in such detail that you feel as if you know them. You are drawn in and engaged immediately and want to keep reading to find out what happens. My only complaint about this book is that it ends right in the middle of the action, so you are left wanting more. The good thing is that the next book in this series is already available.
Smoke and Magic is a historical, paranormal YA, but the history is very subtle. The main focus is on the characters, especially Burdie, and the situations she gets herself into. It is the first book in a new series, Blood and Gold, which is a prequel to The Hayle Coven novels. Burdie is the ancestor of Sidlynn Hayle, who is the main character in Patti Larsen's Hayle Coven Novels. I would recommend this book (as well as the Hayle Coven novels) to anyone who enjoys paranormal YA.
May 20, 2012
How fun was this steam punk novel was! It amazes me the diverse story telling talent Patti Larsen has. Being the first novel in the Blood and Gold series, I think I am going to love these as much as I do Patti's Hayle Coven novels! And what a great cover! Beautiful!!
Auburdeen Hayle (Burdie) is a ball of fun! She is sassy, bold, and brave. Burdie is not too happy about being sent to stay with her mothers long time friend and her family in London while her mother becomes the coven leader back in the New World. I loved Burdie from the first page. Such attitude! She is not afraid to speak her mind, and is use to doing (and wearing) what she chooses. How different things are for a teenage girl in London! Trouble is bound to find Burdie, no matter where she goes. Good things Burdie is never one to back down...or back off, once she sets her mind to something!
The trouble begins before Burdie even reaches the Brindle house, when Jack ends up hiding in her hansom, while the police are searching for him. This one chance meeting sets the ball rolling for the rest of the story and everything that follows. Burdie is soon to find out witches are not the only one's with magic out there!
While I enjoyed all of the new characters, I was so happy to see Sassafras in this series, as he is one of my favorite characters in the
Hayle Coven novels. I enjoy the friendship blossoming between Kate and Burdie. With her new friends...and enemies, Burdie is determined to get to the bottom what is going on, find a way to help Jack, and put a stop to the evil doers. Lots of magic, action and suspense from beginning to end. I can't wait to jump into book two, Fire and Illusion!
Auburdeen Hayle (Burdie) is a ball of fun! She is sassy, bold, and brave. Burdie is not too happy about being sent to stay with her mothers long time friend and her family in London while her mother becomes the coven leader back in the New World. I loved Burdie from the first page. Such attitude! She is not afraid to speak her mind, and is use to doing (and wearing) what she chooses. How different things are for a teenage girl in London! Trouble is bound to find Burdie, no matter where she goes. Good things Burdie is never one to back down...or back off, once she sets her mind to something!
The trouble begins before Burdie even reaches the Brindle house, when Jack ends up hiding in her hansom, while the police are searching for him. This one chance meeting sets the ball rolling for the rest of the story and everything that follows. Burdie is soon to find out witches are not the only one's with magic out there!
While I enjoyed all of the new characters, I was so happy to see Sassafras in this series, as he is one of my favorite characters in the
Hayle Coven novels. I enjoy the friendship blossoming between Kate and Burdie. With her new friends...and enemies, Burdie is determined to get to the bottom what is going on, find a way to help Jack, and put a stop to the evil doers. Lots of magic, action and suspense from beginning to end. I can't wait to jump into book two, Fire and Illusion!
March 22, 2012
What an amazing story! I am actually wondering how to get my hands on the next one in the series to review now that I have finished the first one. I absolutely loved Auburdeen's character. She is a young and impulsive witch whose instincts are stronger than her own self-importance. She jumps into things without thinking of what it could mean for her and definitely attracts a lot of danger and excitement. What is funny is that apparently her mother was the same way at her age. Why is that funny? Well Burdie (as she likes to be called) is sent to stay with her mom's old best friend in London and really expects that she will learn a lot of dirt on what her mom did back then. She also expects to be able to have those same experiences since Georgina (her mom's best friend) was involved in all those activities as well. Her mom even sends a letter to George (as she tends to be called) telling her that she hopes their daughters can be friends like they used to be. You are led to believe that the two girls might get to have some real life experiences and come to realize how sheltered the London Coven's lives really are. George has instead taken on the attitude that what she did when she was younger is not anything appropriate for a 16 year old to do in this age. This means Burdie is confined and bored. As you can expect, a bored teenager goes looking for excitement and that is exactly what she finds. Her world comes crashing down around her. You are left wondering how Burdie will ever get her life back to normal or IF she ever will. It has an amazing cliffhanger. YOU WILL WANT MORE!
May 5, 2012
Let me preface this review by saying I am a fan of all Patti Larsen books but I must say Burdie - Patti's main character - in Smoke & Magic is fast becoming my favourite character.
Burdie is sassy, stubborn and full of attitude. She is the American teen who shakes up Victorian London.
The book is steampunk and reminds me a lot of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. If you enjoyed that series, you will love Blood & Gold starting with Book 1 Smoke & Magic.
Patti brings Victorian London bustling with life right into your living room or bedroom, wherever you may be reading this book. You can taste, feel, see, hear the magic of Victorian London. The story is set in an older London but the writing style is completely contemporary. This book is not just a book for YA fans, it is for all readers who want to be transported to another world.
One of my favourite characters, Sassafras - the demon-boy-turned-cat - from Patti's Family Magic series returns to accompany Burdie on all of her adventures. This girl seems to look for adventure in all the wrong places and her curiosity tends to lead her into some very strange circumstances. The characters will have you laughing out loud at their antics. So, stop what you are doing, buy a copy of Smoke & Magic and be portalled into Burdie's adventures of Smoke & Magic.
This book is a Must-Read!
Burdie is sassy, stubborn and full of attitude. She is the American teen who shakes up Victorian London.
The book is steampunk and reminds me a lot of Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. If you enjoyed that series, you will love Blood & Gold starting with Book 1 Smoke & Magic.
Patti brings Victorian London bustling with life right into your living room or bedroom, wherever you may be reading this book. You can taste, feel, see, hear the magic of Victorian London. The story is set in an older London but the writing style is completely contemporary. This book is not just a book for YA fans, it is for all readers who want to be transported to another world.
One of my favourite characters, Sassafras - the demon-boy-turned-cat - from Patti's Family Magic series returns to accompany Burdie on all of her adventures. This girl seems to look for adventure in all the wrong places and her curiosity tends to lead her into some very strange circumstances. The characters will have you laughing out loud at their antics. So, stop what you are doing, buy a copy of Smoke & Magic and be portalled into Burdie's adventures of Smoke & Magic.
This book is a Must-Read!
December 19, 2014
Set in Victorian London Smoke and Magic follows Auberdeen Hayle, an ancestor of Sydlyn Hayle, and a powerful young witch in her own right.
Auberdeen has been sent to stay with a good friend of her mother’s whilst the family coven undergoes a tricky take over.
Auberdeen is under strict instructions to stay out of trouble and to comply with her hosts wishes. Even if that does mean wearing the worlds most uncomfortable dresses, mingling in a strange society, or not even being able to use her magic in the house.
But despite Auberdeen’s best efforts her vivacious nature and thirst for adventure get her entangled in the plight of a complete stranger.
The plight, it turns out, is linked closer to home and as she travels deeper into this new world her mother’s best friend and family begins baying for Auberdeen’s blood.
Patti yet again had me routing for this strong female character as she rebelled against societies expectations, and her mother’s own wishes, to stay true to herself and to fight the good cause.
This story ended on a cliffhanger that left me wanting to reach for the next book immediately.
I give this five cups of tea and a Golden Biscuit Award!
Auberdeen has been sent to stay with a good friend of her mother’s whilst the family coven undergoes a tricky take over.
Auberdeen is under strict instructions to stay out of trouble and to comply with her hosts wishes. Even if that does mean wearing the worlds most uncomfortable dresses, mingling in a strange society, or not even being able to use her magic in the house.
But despite Auberdeen’s best efforts her vivacious nature and thirst for adventure get her entangled in the plight of a complete stranger.
The plight, it turns out, is linked closer to home and as she travels deeper into this new world her mother’s best friend and family begins baying for Auberdeen’s blood.
Patti yet again had me routing for this strong female character as she rebelled against societies expectations, and her mother’s own wishes, to stay true to herself and to fight the good cause.
This story ended on a cliffhanger that left me wanting to reach for the next book immediately.
I give this five cups of tea and a Golden Biscuit Award!
June 4, 2012
Great book! It took me a while to get into the book, but when I got into it I was hooked. I love the character Auburdeen and how she jumps into situations without fully thinking anything though. I love how her demon cat Sass has to put his input into everything she is doing, and always reminds her to stay out of trouble. Once you get into the book it starts taking off into being a fast paced book, when I read the last page I could not wait to read the second book. It left me wanting to read more to see what is going to happen next. Will Auburdeen's mother take her side and believe what her daughter is doing or will she take the other coven side and believe what they tell her.
If you like to read about magic then this is the book for you.
If you like to read about magic then this is the book for you.
March 2, 2012
What a treat! Patti Larsen's new series gives us a view to what happened before the Hayle-Coven came to power. Oh, and isn't Burdie lovely! She's sassy, spunky and oh so slightly vain and I adore her.
I love that Sassafras the demon cat is in this series as well. I want a demon cat too please!
The pacing is fast, the plot thickens as you turn the page and Burdie never fails to bring a smile to your face.
Patti Larsen brings old London to life, from horse drawn coaches to fancy balls to Whitechapel.
This is a series that can stand alone but is an amazing prequel series to The Hayle Coven series.
I honestly can't wait to read the next book!
I love that Sassafras the demon cat is in this series as well. I want a demon cat too please!
The pacing is fast, the plot thickens as you turn the page and Burdie never fails to bring a smile to your face.
Patti Larsen brings old London to life, from horse drawn coaches to fancy balls to Whitechapel.
This is a series that can stand alone but is an amazing prequel series to The Hayle Coven series.
I honestly can't wait to read the next book!
July 13, 2012
Entertaining and fun heroine. Sense of humor, which I always appreciate. I liked the imagery but it was almost as though you had to create it yourself: the details were lacking. I don't know that I'll wait with eager anticipation the next in the series, but I'll probably pick it up eventually.
June 29, 2012
This book was a little slow at the start and it left things completely up in the air. The reader has to just let things stay that way or read the next book. I don't like it when authors do that. Had I known this was the case with this book, I would not have read it.
July 8, 2012
If I had realized this was historical fantasy, I never would have downloaded this free e-book. I simply hate historical fantasy, so I don't feel like you should pay much attention to my review. I read only until I realized that this is a book for the "Parasol" crowd.
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February 11, 2013Auburdeen and Jack, interesting combination. It was a bit difficult to focus in this book. Story starts of slow. But once Burdie starts having her adventures, it becomes much more interesting, especially all the times that she encounters and saves poor Jack.
February 18, 2012
awesome. reminded me of Cassie Clare's Clockwork Angel.
February 26, 2012
Another thrilling book by The Amazing Patti Larsen (: can't wait to read the next one. This book had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! It is a MUST read :D
March 10, 2012
lucky for me, i got this on amazon for free!! yey!!
amazing book! i can't wait for the next one!
i'm eager to know what will happen to Burdie and Jack. =)
amazing book! i can't wait for the next one!
i'm eager to know what will happen to Burdie and Jack. =)
August 8, 2012
Cool book, I love the mischief that comes her way!
May 26, 2024
It ends in the middle of the story...
December 24, 2014
Great read, waiting on delivery of book 2
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews