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Myrtlewood Mysteries #8

Unspeakable Magic

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As the winter solstice approaches in Myrtlewood, the Yuletide festivities are in underway, but the cheer is overshadowed by mysterious winter deaths.

Athena and Rosemary must embark on a perilous journey to the Underworld. Along the way, they uncover clues about a prophecy and encounter allies and adversaries in the dreamrealm. But as they get closer to their goal, they face unexpected challenges and true motives are revealed.

Can they unravel the mysteries of the past before it's too late? The fate of the future hangs in the balance in this magical tale of fae, gods, and ancient prophecies.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2023

1535 people are currently reading
1209 people want to read

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Iris Beaglehole

41 books704 followers

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5 stars
1,363 (51%)
4 stars
811 (30%)
3 stars
402 (15%)
2 stars
51 (1%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Nai.
43 reviews
October 31, 2023
I think this book was the best one in the series. Rosemary and Athena were still insufferable but not quite as much as usual.
There was way too many typos that were sometimes confusing, characters were called different names then they went back to their original name, that really threw me off. Aside from that, the storyline was interesting and I quite like the side characters.
Profile Image for Debbie Hawkins.
77 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2024
Wonderful

This book got read in one day, I couldn't put it down and to set in my favorite season Christmas
Profile Image for Krista.
420 reviews16 followers
July 27, 2023
Thank you to the author for allowing me to review this ARC. I have honestly enjoyed this one the most in the series. A lot of action and danger and a delight to read. There are a few unanswered questions for me that I don’t want to post here to avoid spoilers. I was glad to see the author indicated in her ending notes that we should see more Rosemary and Athena books in the future even though this particular series is completed.
6 reviews
March 19, 2024
Well written and follows the author and series style but I personally don’t like underworld theme. I prefer magic and fairy themes.
Profile Image for Mercedes.
637 reviews13 followers
June 5, 2025
Excellent story going back in time, very shamanic, dealing with themes of letting go and embracing change, very well done.
Profile Image for Victoria Vassallo.
Author 8 books28 followers
September 3, 2023
Book Review📚

✨Unspeakable Magic✨ is Book 8 of The Myrtlewood Mysteries.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars

This is the eighth - and final - instalment in the series, which had me starting the book with an already heavy heart.

We start off with a bang, as Athena and Rosemary discover that Elise has disappeared from the mortal realm. This sets off an emotional, and at times heart rending, journey where Athena and Rosemary discover how to traverse the Dream realm and the Underworld.

It’s as risky as it sounds, and the adventure they go on is a matter of life and death, for them and the people of Myrtlewood - and the whole world, really. Gods are warring, the fate of the world lies in the balance, and my favorite mother-daughter duo is right in the middle of it all.

Athena finally finds Elise, although is not as it seems, while Rosemary completes the path of transformation that she’s been on since the first time we met her in Accidental Magic. She’s finally the person she is meant to be, and it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Eventually a showdown ensues, and it’s a full-on event where, with the help of their friendly Myrtlewoodians in the mortal realm, and the Gods and Goddesses in the Underworld, Athena and Rosemary triumph and the world is saved from certain ruin.

It was an absolutely wild ride and I loved every second of it, in fact I sped through this book!

While the focus was on Athena and Rosemary much of the time, Agatha Twigg and our beloved Marjie also played significant roles in this book which I loved. The glimpse into the first couple of chapters of #thecroneofmidnightembers gives me hope that we’ll see more of them soon 🤞

I also loved seeing the difference in Athena and Rosemary’s relationship now, compared to the beginning of the series. Where Rosemary would have tried to stifle Athena before - out of parental love and fear, of course - this time she supports Athena wholeheartedly, even when it seems terrifying, and joins her in her cause. It’s a beautiful example of the way parents and children can learn from each other 💕

The sad part is, of course, that we have to say goodbye to this stage of the Myrtlewood Mysteries series. Iris does leave us with the assurance that there will likely be more Athena and Rosemary adventures in the future, thankfully!

As a whole, Iris wraps the series up beautifully, while leaving some questions unanswered and ready to be explored in another instalment. I’m usually not a fan of being left with questions, but the ones Iris leaves are not the type that cause frustration, they more so just leave you with a sense of anticipation for more, so I can handle that.

Until then, I’ll be lining up for The Crone of Midnight Embers and waiting (not so) patiently for whatever comes next for my favourite Myrtlewoodians!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,142 reviews85 followers
July 28, 2023
I was sad when I discovered that this book was the last in the story arc of this series, but I was glad when I found out that Athena and Rosemary will be back. I did think there is a lot more story to explore, and I also feel there were a couple of questions not answered in this concluding title, but that’s not a bad thing especially when I just love all the characters in this series and want to learn more about them. They each have very distinct personalities, and I’d love to see them all some more. This was a fun adventure that Athena and Rosemary go on in the Faerie world and the Underworld, and there are a few surprises. This was a great ending book in the series, and I can’t wait to read more when they eventually come out. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
267 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
Must Read Series!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this magical series! The characters become virtual friends and family each with mind blowing magical powers along with very human worries and weaknesses. The storyline flows through the various seasonal rituals bringing exciting trials to be unraveled and overcome. There is love, loss, new complications, and ultimately success. I've learned so much about my own issues with subtle suggestions to various characters. Thank you Iris Beaglehole!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2023
Is it over now?

That was a weird ending with Elise and Athena and Burk and Rosemary too...

All a bit contrived and messy... twilight references irritating... why does almost every author of vampire fiction have to reference sparkling???

Be different... don't try so hard to seem witty and in touch... you just become sheeple
Profile Image for Kristene.
46 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2026
Unspeakable Magic

This was more of a 3.5 star read for me.

This review reflects my experience reading this as part of the larger sabbat based series.

This book fits the overall vibe and flow of the previous seven books in the series, with each one focusing on the magic of a seasonal sabbat. One thing I consistently enjoy about this series is that the author teaches through the story. You learn about the origins of each sabbat, its purpose, and the related deities and practices in a way that feels naturally woven into the narrative.

Unspeakable Magic is no different in that respect. There is a significant focus on Yule deities and their role in the story. Yule takes place during winter, which is a time of turning inward and exploring darkness. That theme is reflected clearly here. The main characters must journey into the underworld as part of their mission, and along the way each of them faces personal areas of growth and inner work. In that sense, the story aligns well with the spiritual themes of winter.

That said, I found myself wishing there had been more space devoted to simply enjoying Yule. There was a brief community celebration, but I missed the kind of home based traditions that create warmth and connection. I kept hoping for scenes with greenery in the house, shared meals, gift giving, or Yule log moments that could have deepened the relationships between the characters. Especially after the Samhain book, which did such a strong job with celebration and tradition, this felt like a missed opportunity.

I read books like this because it can be hard to bring these kinds of seasonal observances fully into my own life when not everyone around me understands or shares them. I love living vicariously through stories like this, and I was a little disappointed that I did not get a cozy Yule feeling from this installment. If anything, this book felt darker than I expected the more I reflected on it.

Another reason this landed closer to a 3.5 for me is that while it is fantasy, I still need the world to feel believable. Some of the magical elements felt far fetched or inconsistent, and that pulled me out of the story at times. I struggled more with suspension of disbelief here than I did in earlier books.

I also found Athena somewhat obnoxious and controlling in this book. That may be intentional, especially if it is meant to reflect her growth from adolescence into adulthood, but it stood out for me in a distracting way.

What I did enjoy was that the relationships within the community mostly stayed consistent. I like watching the main characters grow into themselves, becoming more confident in who they are as women and in their own power and purpose. I also appreciated the sapphic subplot, which added something meaningful for me as a reader.

Overall, this is not my favorite book in the series. I likely would not have finished it if it were a standalone, but I do enjoy the structure of the series as a whole and the way it moves through the sabbats in order. Even when a book does not fully land for me, I remain interested in the larger journey of the series. ✨
6 reviews
July 26, 2024
TL/DR: I found the series to begin quite conventionally as a paranormal romantic mystery, but it improved in plot, characterization, and complexity as it progressed. The finale is well worth reading through the series to reach and would be less without the build-up the series provides.

This is the finale to an eight-book cozy paranormal romantic mystery series. Each book focuses on the events taking place during the Wiccan wheel of the year in Myrtlewood, a village/town/location where all, or at least most, of the residents have some sort of paranormal nature. Witches, vampires, shifters, fae, druids, gods, demigods and assorted multi-class (it's not RPG-lit, but the term applies) folk abound. What starts out as a mother-daughter mid-life and coming-of-age story involving a magical house, a high school for paranormals, and a chocolate and confectionery shop evolves over the course of the year. The werewolves (bitten and infected) are pariahs, while shifters (born) are just those folk who change shape. The vampires are as spooky as you could wish, but they don't sparkle. There are councils of elders for the various classes of folk, each with their own political agenda. There is a cabal of paranormals trying to take over the paranormal world for their own devious ends.

As can be expected, Our Heroine (OH) and her Angsty Teen Daughter (ATD) have lived outside of this magical community and have much to learn when they inherit the aforementioned house. Predictably, a murder occurs and OH & ATD stumble into the solution, at least in the beginning. The expected hunky police officer love interest is a woman in committed relationship with another woman, so OH has to manage her relationships with other folk in the locale. ATD has her own set of issues fitting into the school cliques. Romantic entanglements between mortals, vampires, werewolves, and fae/mortal folk ensue during the subsequent celebrations around each of the Equinoxes, Solstices, and Cross-Quarter Days.

As the series progresses, the cozy part of the tales diminishes and the stories become more paranormal thriller in nature. One of the most engaging elements of this series finale is the way it wraps multiple myths and folkways to a grand climax. Yes, there is a Chosen One, but not who you would expect. I found the finale quite satisfying, even allowing for the Deus ex Domum.

Language: clean, no more than PG.
Romantic encounters: rush together, burning kiss, draw a curtain.
Violence: some graphic descriptions of magical combat; no lingering over effects.
Some LGBTQ+ elements, of which some are directly plot-relevant
There are some folksy and comic-relief characters to leaven the drama.
Profile Image for michelle lindsay.
134 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2024
I finally finished the myrtlewood mysteries series. I did really enjoy this series as a whole bit there were definitely some books better than others. The last one was good and it was full of action and intrigued but I did find it a bit all over the shop in some places. It was hard to keep track at times. Not my favourite of the 8. However I'm glad I read this series. It was a nice cosy series that helped me to escape the despair of reality. Haha. And I fell in love with a lot of the characters and they will now live rent free in my head forever. Marjie was probably favourite. I would have liked to have knows the outcome of Elise at the end of this book, if Fleur ever got closure, I'd Athena and her friends did. If rosemary is now all Powerful after her transformation. I still feel a lot of questions were left unanswered but I am sure iris will write more books. All in all, if you are looking for a coat mystery that's an easy read, this is definitely a good one. Got me out of my slump and back into reading for sure. But just note, quite a few grammar errors and.silly typos, but not bad enough to not understand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Holly Aronson.
72 reviews
September 29, 2025
A Twisting, Triumphant Journey

Yet another amazing adventure for Rosemary and Athena Thorn! Following on from Elise's choice to enter the underworld, Athena and Rosemary embark on yet another challenge to save her—only for Elise to throw a massive curveball. Everyone (except for Morrigan) believed Athena was the prophesied Fae witch, but they were all wrong.

It’s fantastic to see more of the goddess’ side of things and how time interweaves with fate. The Oak God was not triumphant in his attempts, and in the end, everyone came together to save—well, everything.

I loved the twists, the stakes, and the rich mythological layers. Very much looking forward to the final installment of this magical series!
1 review
July 27, 2023
I received an advance copy from the author for review.
The last book of 8, is currently the last of the myrtlewood mysteries. It is midwinter and Rosemary and Athena encounter two new realms, the dreamworld and underworld. Athena is determined to find Elise and Rosemary is there to support her. This book concentrates less on the supporting characters and more on the mother and daughter and their joint undertaking this time. You really see how they've grown from the first book.
Without spoilers they still have some learning to do and whilst the book ends, it's not a perfect tying up. It leaves a little to think about and maybe room for a future visit to Myrtlewood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
280 reviews
December 24, 2024
This might be one of my favorite chapters of the series, I think Rosemary finally had her growth transformation in more ways than one. And boy did she need it!

I am confused as to who is the actual main character though, is it Athena or is it Rosemary?

Burk got his own chapter and it was refreshing to see the story from someone else's point of view, I would love to see a chapter from Marjie but I have a sneaking suspicion that she will be in the Myrtlewood Crones book.

Proofreading still leaves alot to be desired.

The book ended on a cliffhanger but it wasn't very telling as to where the story would go next, so I am excited to see what's in store.
Profile Image for Boardwalk Babe.
13 reviews
August 15, 2023
Reached as far as I could for a positive review. 3 stars was as high as I could manage. I love witchy fantasy, mysterious beings, special houses. I also have an ingrained habit to read a complete series from beginning to end. So, I stuck with this one, straight through all the books. Boy, was I ever glad to reach the last page of the last book. Sophomoric writing, confusing leaps between chapters, shallow characters and silly plots. Some interesting touches of Celtic myth, ancient gods and chocolate creations. But-no.
Profile Image for Ashley.
200 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
very disappointing

It’s badly written, worse edited, and honestly not at all interesting. There’s also way too much juvenile angst and drama going on. And not just from the teen. Also “transformation never leave you the same”? (Sorry paraphrasing as I don’t remember exactly how it was said). Umm ok stupid that’s the whole point and meaning of transformation. Change is NEVER the same. This was ridiculous and not in a good way. This author needs to move on or evolve somehow and to let her stories and characters do the same.
Profile Image for Becky Brook.
57 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2023
This book is mostly about the plan & journey to the Underworld. It has a lot of friends helping out, a couple of nice celebrations, some interesting goddesses and gods, battles, ancestors, destruction and coming out of experiences transformed. I liked the introduction of Awa and Veila and would like to see more of them. There are also hints to background stories of Marjie and her friends, which sounds intriguing. Reading this, we've come full circle in the year ... But I still want more!
Profile Image for Reader.
8 reviews
October 22, 2024
Of the while series this was the least enjoyable. The story jumps around all over the place at times with so much going on that it begins to ramble. Often there are characters forgotten on the sideline while others appear out of nowhere, so there is little flow. I really had to make myself finish it, dragging through to the end.

I love cosy fantasies and anything witchy, but this just seemed that the author really was trying to cram so much in, rather than quality over quantity.
1,672 reviews
September 1, 2025
Brilliant Series

Unspeakable Magic: Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 8) by Iris Beaglehole. Elise has disappeared into the underworld and Athena and Elise mum are distraught. Athena is going to go after her but not without Rosemary. Once there they are separated. Athena finds Elise but she doesn’t want to go home and returns Athena to earth. Rosemary meets many gods and goddesses and a fight ensues but in the end everything turns out fine.
56 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2023
A brilliant read

Unspeakable Magic doesn’t disappoint. It’s a fabulous continuation of Rosemary and Athena’s story and their growing powers.
They seem to have an innate ability to include the entire town in their lives and I’m intrigued to find out what’s next for them and the rest of Myrtlewood.
Profile Image for Cori.
114 reviews
January 22, 2024
This is a wonderful, easy read, magical series
I loved the characters and their relationships and bonds. The magical creatures and references were well done. I loved that this series moved through the magical seasons.
For magic and witch lovers, this was a great read!
Mystery, magic, (vanilla) romance, family bonds ✨
9 reviews
March 6, 2024
Myrtlewood Mysteries book 1-8

I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book. It has been a privilege to read Iris's work and I am eagerly looking forward to reading more . The world have made me laugh & cry and kept me Dane during a long hospital stay. Bravo Iris I look forward to reading more of your work. Thank you x

Profile Image for Mona Grays.
3 reviews11 followers
May 11, 2024
I need more!

I want to know more about the outcome of these characters... Tell us about Perseus, Elise, Neve and Nesta's baby. You've left us hanging and not knowing how they've changed after the happenings in the Underworld. Our people need to be in touch with us and it needs to be soon. 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Profile Image for Jaci.
48 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2024
Pseudo-philosophical Stuff

I enjoyed much of this book as I did earlier volumes. However, there was certainly an overabundance of philosophical junk. It was all ground up, lumped together and painted the colors of mud. I was tempted to give it only three stars but the excellent other parts hauled the fourth star out of the black hole it had fallen into. On to the next.
43 reviews
September 29, 2024
An EPIC thriller in a fantastical series!

Young and old, light and dark, summer and winter, all opposing forces must rely on each other to maintain balance in all the realms... but what happens when they don't? Read on to find out what happens in the magical village of Myrtlewood in the winter!
9 reviews
December 13, 2024
Best one yet!!

I'd really didn't think she'd be able to top the very first one but she with this one she definitely has. It was action packed from the beginning and had me guessing and all over the place It was absolutely amazing. I'll probably read this book over and over and over again. Thank you so much for this series that I love so much!!
135 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2023
Well Rosemary and Athena seem to get in all sorts of problems, this time seems to be the worst. The whole town need to help them this time and a few other ransoms.
Definitely need to read more of Iris's books, brilliant
101 reviews
August 3, 2023
That's an ending!

Who knew the world needed a small apocalypse? Ok, so not quite. But Rosemary's fate became clear.
I can't wait for the next series in this world. I'm not ready to say goodbye to some old friends.
Profile Image for Audrey.
537 reviews10 followers
August 22, 2023
Book 8 what a ride, no I didn’t read it in one day, it was three days! This was the best book of the series in my opinion! I have enjoyed every one ! I am looking forward to the next books ! I highly recommend this series !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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