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Witch Trials #1
The Twisted Mark
Gabriel’s eyes haven’t left my face. There’s not much he can do to me that he’s not already entitled my body and my magic, served up on a plate in return for my brother’s freedom. I swallow hard. I’m hardly naïve—but I’ve never gone all the way. I can’t back out now. I can’t let my family down...
Sadie Sadler lives in the big city. Takes the train to work each day. Drinks fancy coffee. Does yoga… and never, ever does magic, lest it leads Gabriel Thornber straight to her door.
Sadie’s family have used their magic to protect the small northern town of Mannith for centuries. But now, Sadie’s brother Brendan is on trial for murder, and Gabriel, the charismatic and sinister head of the Sadlers’ only rivals, is moving to take the town. Only Sadie has both the knowledge to save Brendan and the magical strength to face down Gabriel.
The trouble is, there’s a good reason Sadie left home and turned her back on she bargained away her powers and her body to Gabriel to save her damn brother the last time he got in trouble. If she comes home, Gabriel will try to collect… but there’s no way she’ll allow her brother to rot in jail or her family’s strength to wane.
Returning in disguise, Sadie’s plan to save Brendan and get out is tested as she’s dragged back into a world of magic and power, with Gabriel at its centre. Battling both her long-standing terror of him and a growing, dark attraction, she must decide who Mannith’s real villains are and how far she’ll go for her family.
A promise made… a magical debt unpaid. This is a fight that could cost Sadie everything.
Sadie Sadler lives in the big city. Takes the train to work each day. Drinks fancy coffee. Does yoga… and never, ever does magic, lest it leads Gabriel Thornber straight to her door.
Sadie’s family have used their magic to protect the small northern town of Mannith for centuries. But now, Sadie’s brother Brendan is on trial for murder, and Gabriel, the charismatic and sinister head of the Sadlers’ only rivals, is moving to take the town. Only Sadie has both the knowledge to save Brendan and the magical strength to face down Gabriel.
The trouble is, there’s a good reason Sadie left home and turned her back on she bargained away her powers and her body to Gabriel to save her damn brother the last time he got in trouble. If she comes home, Gabriel will try to collect… but there’s no way she’ll allow her brother to rot in jail or her family’s strength to wane.
Returning in disguise, Sadie’s plan to save Brendan and get out is tested as she’s dragged back into a world of magic and power, with Gabriel at its centre. Battling both her long-standing terror of him and a growing, dark attraction, she must decide who Mannith’s real villains are and how far she’ll go for her family.
A promise made… a magical debt unpaid. This is a fight that could cost Sadie everything.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2023
130 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
July 8, 2023
Let me preface by saying this might be *my* problem. I believe if you went into this with an open mind, you might enjoy this more than I did. But if your taste a lil similar to me, there'll be something in this one will bother you a lot.
With that said, I still found a few things that I appreciated in this one. The setting for one. There's this isolated town, protected by a dome, filled with magic users (i.e. practitioners) that I quite like. Then, we're introduced to these two major families of the town, the Sadlers (h's family) and the Thornbers (H's family). Romeo and Juliet vibe anyone? Aside from that, the general plot was also something I found interested in. I just wished it was properly planned.
Anyway, my ONE big issue. The one thing that ruined the whole book for me. It's the characters. I don't like any of them. Especially these two main MCs. Sadie is a special snowflake. The chosen one. The one's pretty and powerful but doesn't think she is. Gabriel is our morally grey, antihero fuckboi. And I rarely used that term. Fuckboi. He is. A massive one.
The writing also left a lot to be desired. There were few moments when I can't help but cringing and grimacing at the demonstration of powers they have. It just felt janky and awkward for everyone.
One last thing you should know, before you ventured into this book, is that both of these people, is sex-positive. I.e. there's a few sex scenes, ,explicit sex scenes these MCs have with other people, throughout the book. So, if you're hoping for celibacy between these two, forget it. And honestly, that's not the turn off. The turn off happened later. You'll know when it happened.
All in all, it was rough time for me. But considering this is a debut work from this author, I believed there is nowhere but up for her from now on. Truly, I think, I would love to have a conversation with someone who really enjoys this book. Maybe I missed something here.
*I have received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchanged of an honest review.
With that said, I still found a few things that I appreciated in this one. The setting for one. There's this isolated town, protected by a dome, filled with magic users (i.e. practitioners) that I quite like. Then, we're introduced to these two major families of the town, the Sadlers (h's family) and the Thornbers (H's family). Romeo and Juliet vibe anyone? Aside from that, the general plot was also something I found interested in. I just wished it was properly planned.
Anyway, my ONE big issue. The one thing that ruined the whole book for me. It's the characters. I don't like any of them. Especially these two main MCs. Sadie is a special snowflake. The chosen one. The one's pretty and powerful but doesn't think she is. Gabriel is our morally grey, antihero fuckboi. And I rarely used that term. Fuckboi. He is. A massive one.
The writing also left a lot to be desired. There were few moments when I can't help but cringing and grimacing at the demonstration of powers they have. It just felt janky and awkward for everyone.
One last thing you should know, before you ventured into this book, is that both of these people, is sex-positive. I.e. there's a few sex scenes, ,explicit sex scenes these MCs have with other people, throughout the book. So, if you're hoping for celibacy between these two, forget it. And honestly, that's not the turn off. The turn off happened later. You'll know when it happened.
All in all, it was rough time for me. But considering this is a debut work from this author, I believed there is nowhere but up for her from now on. Truly, I think, I would love to have a conversation with someone who really enjoys this book. Maybe I missed something here.
*I have received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchanged of an honest review.
July 28, 2023
HOLY GOODNESS! This book was everything I didn't know I needed. Let's see, we have....
☽◯☾ Enemies-to-lovers
☽◯☾ Rival families
☽◯☾ Personal vendetta
☽◯☾ If enemy, why hot?
☽◯☾ I hate that I love you
☽◯☾ Lawyer witches
☽◯☾ British countryside
☽◯☾ Complicated family dynamics
☽◯☾ High society
☽◯☾ Medevial taverns
☽◯☾ Moral questions
☽◯☾ ROMANCE!
☽◯☾ A love intrest that is a mix between Nikolai Latsov and what fanfiction seems to think Draco Malfoy is (seriously people, Gabriel has the charm, looks, accent, power, and obession to rival any romantasy love intrest)
☽◯☾ Clear, obvious, stated consent
☽◯☾ A badass main heroine who is kind without being a pushover
☽◯☾ "I'll let the rest of the world burn to save you."
☽◯☾ They're both a little evil?
☽◯☾ Whip-smart dialouge
☽◯☾ A simple plot that managed to still be unpredictable
If you like fantasy romance, charming yet villanous heros, strong heroines, and/or books that will keep you smiling until the very end, I'd highly recomened The Twisted Mark by Sophie Williamson. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
☽◯☾ Enemies-to-lovers
☽◯☾ Rival families
☽◯☾ Personal vendetta
☽◯☾ If enemy, why hot?
☽◯☾ I hate that I love you
☽◯☾ Lawyer witches
☽◯☾ British countryside
☽◯☾ Complicated family dynamics
☽◯☾ High society
☽◯☾ Medevial taverns
☽◯☾ Moral questions
☽◯☾ ROMANCE!
☽◯☾ A love intrest that is a mix between Nikolai Latsov and what fanfiction seems to think Draco Malfoy is (seriously people, Gabriel has the charm, looks, accent, power, and obession to rival any romantasy love intrest)
☽◯☾ Clear, obvious, stated consent
☽◯☾ A badass main heroine who is kind without being a pushover
☽◯☾ "I'll let the rest of the world burn to save you."
☽◯☾ They're both a little evil?
☽◯☾ Whip-smart dialouge
☽◯☾ A simple plot that managed to still be unpredictable
If you like fantasy romance, charming yet villanous heros, strong heroines, and/or books that will keep you smiling until the very end, I'd highly recomened The Twisted Mark by Sophie Williamson. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
August 2, 2023
Is it love or is it obsession? A dark and twisted paranormal romance that will have you on the edge of your seat and turning pages as quickly as you can so you can see what happens next. Intriguing characters that have been well thought out that leave you wanting more, more, more! This book has a great conclusion, but also makes it clear that more is to come in the future and I for one will be waiting with anticipation for the next book in the series to come out! Well plotted with nice layering of events to keep the reader engaged and involved with everything woven together to make one fully fleshed out story that will not disappoint. There is a bit of something for everyone from murder, romance, courtroom drama, family drama, witchcraft and even a battle! I can't wait for the next book!
October 21, 2023
.3.5⭐️
June 29, 2023
Enemies to lovers/forbidden love interest with witches? Perfection!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the relationship between Sadie and Gabriel had me kicking my feet. The romance and chemistry between them was incredible. Since the beginning I was rooting for them even though I probably shouldn’t have considering the rivalry. Both characters being morally grey also added so much depth to their interactions.
The magic system and the world-building were great and I could really imagine what it was like in Mannith (the main setting). It was slow to start because of the first part being mainly background, but as soon as the second part began, the story took off! I felt that the dialogue was a bit choppy sometimes, but the story was so engaging it didn’t really affect me much. The courtroom scenes were some of my favorites and I thought the pacing for them was perfect (just enough but not too much).
Thank you the NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the relationship between Sadie and Gabriel had me kicking my feet. The romance and chemistry between them was incredible. Since the beginning I was rooting for them even though I probably shouldn’t have considering the rivalry. Both characters being morally grey also added so much depth to their interactions.
The magic system and the world-building were great and I could really imagine what it was like in Mannith (the main setting). It was slow to start because of the first part being mainly background, but as soon as the second part began, the story took off! I felt that the dialogue was a bit choppy sometimes, but the story was so engaging it didn’t really affect me much. The courtroom scenes were some of my favorites and I thought the pacing for them was perfect (just enough but not too much).
Thank you the NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!
September 5, 2023
I want to first thank both NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book I received!
This review is coming a little late because quite honestly I just didn’t know how to articulate my feelings on this book.the idea of this book and what I thought it was going to be like had so much potential it is a new exciting premise to me and I think the aspects of the book that reflect that initial idea were great. I wish I could’ve seen more of that. The actual book however felt both slow and fast and in both ways the plot suffered. I was not sure why anything that was happening was happening and why no one seemed to be using logic and reason. I love and understand that sometimes YA needs to be a bit more simple and straightforward but I’m sorry nothing made actual sense. It was more heavily Y than it was A if that makes sense. The plot felt randomly generated and then the story was just kind of slapped in around it. The writing was forgettable you can decide if that’s good or not because I genuinely can’t remember what I thought of it.
Beyond the plot the relationship both did not make sense and was annoying. Like I’m sorry Gabe and Sadie together were just so uninteresting and nonsensical. Beyond that they could not figure the romance out to save their lives I will admit I deeply dislike Why Choose and if that’s what this was I wouldn’t fault them for my own personal taste but I don’t even think(how can I be sure idk) that’s what this was supposed to be. The other characters were so flat I don’t feel they’re even worth mentioning in this portion of the review.
Overall the story had potential and I didn’t dislike all parts of it however it lacked so much depth and backstory that I couldn’t really enjoy it reading it felt more like a chore.
This review is coming a little late because quite honestly I just didn’t know how to articulate my feelings on this book.the idea of this book and what I thought it was going to be like had so much potential it is a new exciting premise to me and I think the aspects of the book that reflect that initial idea were great. I wish I could’ve seen more of that. The actual book however felt both slow and fast and in both ways the plot suffered. I was not sure why anything that was happening was happening and why no one seemed to be using logic and reason. I love and understand that sometimes YA needs to be a bit more simple and straightforward but I’m sorry nothing made actual sense. It was more heavily Y than it was A if that makes sense. The plot felt randomly generated and then the story was just kind of slapped in around it. The writing was forgettable you can decide if that’s good or not because I genuinely can’t remember what I thought of it.
Beyond the plot the relationship both did not make sense and was annoying. Like I’m sorry Gabe and Sadie together were just so uninteresting and nonsensical. Beyond that they could not figure the romance out to save their lives I will admit I deeply dislike Why Choose and if that’s what this was I wouldn’t fault them for my own personal taste but I don’t even think(how can I be sure idk) that’s what this was supposed to be. The other characters were so flat I don’t feel they’re even worth mentioning in this portion of the review.
Overall the story had potential and I didn’t dislike all parts of it however it lacked so much depth and backstory that I couldn’t really enjoy it reading it felt more like a chore.
June 17, 2023
A perfectly witchy enemies to lovers story, featuring two rival families, a binding deal and a town to protect.
'I've sworn off magic nowadays, but I make an exception for checking up on Tinder dates'.
Synopsis
Our FMC, Sadie Sadler, is happy with her life in London as a lawyer, but there's a fear in the back of her mind about using magic.. using magic could bring Gabriel Thornber right to her.
Six years ago, to save her brother, she entered into an unbreakable deal with Gabriel. The mark still there was her finger, hidden by a ring.
'I was ruined for love the moment that Mark appeared on my finger'.
But now she's called back home under a disguise to be her brothers lawyer, who is accused of murdering Gabriel's father. Returning home is a huge risk, will Gabriel see right through her disguise?
As the trial commences, Sadie begins to figure out the true villains in the town, battle with her thoughts about Gabriel and try to stay true to her family loyalty.
Thoughts
Hello Gabriel, although enemies in the first instance, I was so excited to see Sadie and Gabriel's relationship grow - very 'Romeo and Juliet'-esque with the two rival families, but instead of Montagues and Capulets, it's the Sadlers and the Thornbers.
'God help me. He's the worst person I've ever met, and I love him with more force than I could have ever imagined'.
The suspense of Sadie's brothers trial, and the secrets that are exposed along the way keeps you hooked into finding out if her brother really did murder Gabriel's father, or if it was a set-up.
Im so excited to read the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC, this review is voluntary.
'I've sworn off magic nowadays, but I make an exception for checking up on Tinder dates'.
Synopsis
Our FMC, Sadie Sadler, is happy with her life in London as a lawyer, but there's a fear in the back of her mind about using magic.. using magic could bring Gabriel Thornber right to her.
Six years ago, to save her brother, she entered into an unbreakable deal with Gabriel. The mark still there was her finger, hidden by a ring.
'I was ruined for love the moment that Mark appeared on my finger'.
But now she's called back home under a disguise to be her brothers lawyer, who is accused of murdering Gabriel's father. Returning home is a huge risk, will Gabriel see right through her disguise?
As the trial commences, Sadie begins to figure out the true villains in the town, battle with her thoughts about Gabriel and try to stay true to her family loyalty.
Thoughts
Hello Gabriel, although enemies in the first instance, I was so excited to see Sadie and Gabriel's relationship grow - very 'Romeo and Juliet'-esque with the two rival families, but instead of Montagues and Capulets, it's the Sadlers and the Thornbers.
'God help me. He's the worst person I've ever met, and I love him with more force than I could have ever imagined'.
The suspense of Sadie's brothers trial, and the secrets that are exposed along the way keeps you hooked into finding out if her brother really did murder Gabriel's father, or if it was a set-up.
Im so excited to read the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC, this review is voluntary.
July 16, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley, for approving me for this ARC.
Gabriel & Sadie who are both whitches, from rival families and Sadie makes a lien (where he can sleep with her and take some of her magic, one time only) with Gabriel in order to save her brother (Brendan) and he can call upon that lien anytime (providing he can find her). If she breaks the lien, then she will die
Shes been hiding from the magical community for the last 6 years and not using any magic if she can help it as this could lead Gabriel right to her door until 6 years have passed and her family need her because Brendan is now on trial for murdering Gabriel's father and Sadie is a top lawyer who they need to represent her brother.
Sadie returns home but under a disguise spell, which alters her appearance not too drastically but enough to hide who she really is but of Gabriel does.
Over the story, we start to find out why their families are rivals and secrets are uncovered, which we learn along with Sadie.
This has got whitches, enemies to lovers, hidden secrets, and it's all centred around a murder trial, I will definitely be reading book 2 when it comes out.
Gabriel & Sadie who are both whitches, from rival families and Sadie makes a lien (where he can sleep with her and take some of her magic, one time only) with Gabriel in order to save her brother (Brendan) and he can call upon that lien anytime (providing he can find her). If she breaks the lien, then she will die
Shes been hiding from the magical community for the last 6 years and not using any magic if she can help it as this could lead Gabriel right to her door until 6 years have passed and her family need her because Brendan is now on trial for murdering Gabriel's father and Sadie is a top lawyer who they need to represent her brother.
Sadie returns home but under a disguise spell, which alters her appearance not too drastically but enough to hide who she really is but of Gabriel does.
Over the story, we start to find out why their families are rivals and secrets are uncovered, which we learn along with Sadie.
This has got whitches, enemies to lovers, hidden secrets, and it's all centred around a murder trial, I will definitely be reading book 2 when it comes out.
August 24, 2023
Sadie Sadler never does magic. Her family used their magic to protect a small town of Mannith for centuries, but now her brother Brendan is on trial for murder. Gabriel is the head of the Sadler's rivals; he is charismatic and moving in to take over the town. Only Sadie has the knowledge and magical strength to save Brendan and face Gabriel. The problem is, Sadie bargained away her powers and body to Gabriel to help her brother when he was in trouble the last time. Going home means Gabriel is going to try to collect.
The Twisted Mark was addicting, and I flew through it. I received it as an audiobook ARC and I listened to its entirety in one sitting. Another witchy read to set the mood as we move into spooky season, that I found quite enjoyable. It's an enemies to lovers read with a dash of obsession. The storyline and magic made this read fun and not at all predictable to me. I enjoyed this one and I can see myself finishing the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and Storm Publishing for the ARC and giving me the chance to listen and review it honestly.
The Twisted Mark was addicting, and I flew through it. I received it as an audiobook ARC and I listened to its entirety in one sitting. Another witchy read to set the mood as we move into spooky season, that I found quite enjoyable. It's an enemies to lovers read with a dash of obsession. The storyline and magic made this read fun and not at all predictable to me. I enjoyed this one and I can see myself finishing the series.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and Storm Publishing for the ARC and giving me the chance to listen and review it honestly.
August 31, 2023
Bruh! And I mean that with my whole chest because this book had no business being the intersecting point of so many of my favorite things in books. If the author would allow, the tagline should be smutty, witchy Peaky Blinders meets 1997's film The Devil's Advocate.
This book is pure and glorious trash-fire chisme!!
When I say I gobbled this book up, I burned through it in one night, finishing at 3:30 a.m. While there are certainly issues with the book like character development, a bit of pacing and plot weirdness, and some of the world-building, it was just downright fun! I love that the Sadlers suck, all of them do. I love that the morally gray MC is obsessed instead of in love (a great portrayal of being in love with an idea). I love that this is just the first book because I need more of these toxic ass people.
I truly want everyone to get a throat punch of humbleness in book 2, especially those crazy, crazy Sadlers. Gabe needs THERAPY, and between Sadie's legs is NOT it. I am truly so excited for The Binding Mark.
I received a free audiobook ARC from Netgalley and am never paid for my reviews (but if one warrants it, this would be a great one for it).
This book is pure and glorious trash-fire chisme!!
When I say I gobbled this book up, I burned through it in one night, finishing at 3:30 a.m. While there are certainly issues with the book like character development, a bit of pacing and plot weirdness, and some of the world-building, it was just downright fun! I love that the Sadlers suck, all of them do. I love that the morally gray MC is obsessed instead of in love (a great portrayal of being in love with an idea). I love that this is just the first book because I need more of these toxic ass people.
I truly want everyone to get a throat punch of humbleness in book 2, especially those crazy, crazy Sadlers. Gabe needs THERAPY, and between Sadie's legs is NOT it. I am truly so excited for The Binding Mark.
I received a free audiobook ARC from Netgalley and am never paid for my reviews (but if one warrants it, this would be a great one for it).
June 29, 2023
First and foremost: thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to release.
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me for so many reasons.
For starters, the writing style read much more YA than adult to me, and the overuse of contractions in the beginning was driving me batty; but those things felt minuscule in comparison to the plot holes that peppered this book.
Initially I felt like it had potential, but I found myself questioning what I had just read at the end of so many chapters. The storyline didn’t make sense here, or the reaction of the characters didn’t make sense there…and don’t even get me started on Sadie and Gabriel.
The “relationship” between Sadie and Gabe was one of the most confusing and maddening things I’ve read to date. I felt like there could have been so much potential in their storyline, but it just went haywire.
The scene with Gabriel and Leah was the sinking ship for me; any hope that I had for liking whatever was going on between Sadie and Gabe sizzled out in that moment and it just wasn’t believable from there.
This is one of those books that any missing piece or questions you may have in the beginning are answered at the very end- but the problem for me was that the answers didn’t always make sense, and the pieces didn’t quite fit.
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me for so many reasons.
For starters, the writing style read much more YA than adult to me, and the overuse of contractions in the beginning was driving me batty; but those things felt minuscule in comparison to the plot holes that peppered this book.
Initially I felt like it had potential, but I found myself questioning what I had just read at the end of so many chapters. The storyline didn’t make sense here, or the reaction of the characters didn’t make sense there…and don’t even get me started on Sadie and Gabriel.
The “relationship” between Sadie and Gabe was one of the most confusing and maddening things I’ve read to date. I felt like there could have been so much potential in their storyline, but it just went haywire.
The scene with Gabriel and Leah was the sinking ship for me; any hope that I had for liking whatever was going on between Sadie and Gabe sizzled out in that moment and it just wasn’t believable from there.
This is one of those books that any missing piece or questions you may have in the beginning are answered at the very end- but the problem for me was that the answers didn’t always make sense, and the pieces didn’t quite fit.
August 26, 2023
From the very first page, this sexy, twisty-turny book offers fun and charm in spades, thanks to the highly likable lead character, Sadie. You'll definitely go into the story thinking one thing, before Williamson thoroughly pulls the rug out from under your feet (in the best way possible), with surprises that you really don't see coming. The blend of dark fantasy and romance is just the perfect combo as well, with a well-fleshed-out magic system and a swoon-worthy couple to root for (especially if you like the bad guys).
July 28, 2023
This is a witchy fantasy romance. Enter Sadie, a total badass witch-lawyer living it up in the city, doing everything she can to stay off her creepy nemesis, Gabriel's radar. But, wouldn't you know it, her brother lands in deep trouble, accused of murder, and she's dragged back to her magical hometown, Mannith. Cue the family feud drama and hidden secrets galore! Sadie's got the magic mojo and looks to boot, but she's oblivious to it. Oh, and did I mention the intense chemistry crackling between her and Gabriel? Talk about enemies turned lovers! The story had me on the edge of my seat with its suspense, magic, and jaw-dropping twists. Though I must admit, some characters felt a bit lackluster, and the plot had a few loose ends. Regardless, I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel, hoping it'll be up the ante!
June 25, 2023
Enemies to lovers, rival families, morally gray characters, magic spells and lots of secrets.
Who is the real villain? What are their reasons? It keeps you guessing until everything is revealed.
I really enjoyed te story, the romance was an active part of it but there is definitely more to it.
I am really looking forward to knowing what happens next and where the adventure takes.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
June 26, 2023
Thank you to Sophie Williamson and NetGalley for this ARC of The Twisted Mark
Despite being unconvinced that I would enjoy this in the first pages of the book, this was 4/5 stars.
How can you not enjoy good old enemies to lovers, with multitudes of morally gray characters, and its fair share of plot twists?
Despite being unconvinced that I would enjoy this in the first pages of the book, this was 4/5 stars.
How can you not enjoy good old enemies to lovers, with multitudes of morally gray characters, and its fair share of plot twists?
August 29, 2023
Intelligent writing and brilliantly evocative description. I have no qualms about a four star rating. I'll be back to write a proper review if/when I have the time.
December 20, 2023
Didnt adoreeee the ending. But the rest of it chefs kiss! Gabriel 😍 can’t wait for book 2
August 30, 2024
I enjoyed this read. The magic system and dome were interesting and the family dynamics were definitely unexpected.
# The Twisted Mark
# 8/28/2024 ~ 8/29/2024
# 4.0 / 5.0
# The Twisted Mark
# 8/28/2024 ~ 8/29/2024
# 4.0 / 5.0
February 21, 2025
It was a good book. I enjoyed the relationship. It feel old...but then he's driving a jag. It's kind of nice to let your imagination pick that. I like the magical aspects.
July 25, 2025
a very long winded book about a witch trying not to be one and a love fated and forbidden.
July 25, 2023
4.5* The Twisted Mark is one of my top books of 2023 so far simply because I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t get enough of it! Highly addictive, fun, imaginative sexy and clever. Brilliant characters with great depth, phenomenal chemistry, a vivid storyline and backdrop, deeply immersive. Never cheesy or predictive. Cannot wait for the next book!
October 10, 2023
ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
This one caught me by surprise and managed to delight me from beginning to end. I've slowly come to the conclusion that the powerful witch family crime lord trope is one of my pain points and this did not disappoint.
I imagine that readers wanting a straight forward romantasy may not gel with this. There's a strong romantic plot that is essential to the story. However, this romance is as much about the barriers to the pair getting together and about how people are messy and will do messed up things. If you're someone who needs sex and intimacy to occupy the same space in romantasy, this probably won't be your thing. Similarly if you (for some unfathomable reason) dislike competent, talented female MCs who know they're attractive and don't have body hang ups.
But honestly when someone says dark romance I couldn't care less - unless you mean this (or Olivie Blake's One for My Enemy). This was clever, compelling and very entertaining. Highly recommend.
This one caught me by surprise and managed to delight me from beginning to end. I've slowly come to the conclusion that the powerful witch family crime lord trope is one of my pain points and this did not disappoint.
I imagine that readers wanting a straight forward romantasy may not gel with this. There's a strong romantic plot that is essential to the story. However, this romance is as much about the barriers to the pair getting together and about how people are messy and will do messed up things. If you're someone who needs sex and intimacy to occupy the same space in romantasy, this probably won't be your thing. Similarly if you (for some unfathomable reason) dislike competent, talented female MCs who know they're attractive and don't have body hang ups.
But honestly when someone says dark romance I couldn't care less - unless you mean this (or Olivie Blake's One for My Enemy). This was clever, compelling and very entertaining. Highly recommend.
July 10, 2023
I really wanted to like this book because I love fantasy romances with darker vibes, but unfortunately this just wasn’t the book for me.
Sadie Sadler is a witch who fled her hometown because she promised herself to Gabriel Thornber (the heir of a rival witch family) to pay a debt in exchange for her oldest brother’s life. Six years later, she’s forced to return to that town as that same brother’s lawyer after he gets himself imprisoned for allegedly murdering Gabriel’s father.
This is based in the modern world (think mafia vibes for the rival witch families), except witches are real, and there’s a pretty robust set of rules for how their magic works, etc, which I really liked. However, it was frustrating how the author seemed to bend the rules for Sadie anytime they became inconvenient for the plot. For example, Sadie stops using magic after she flees because using magic would help Gabriel find her by triggering the “lien mark” he put on her. She seems pretty adamant that this is necessary…except then all of the sudden it’s not, and it becomes ok for her to use only “small” amounts of magic. She even goes so far as to make the mark glow from the magic she uses…and nothing bad happens.
We keep hearing all of these terrible things about how Gabriel Thornber is a monster, then when we finally get a flashback of the night they meet and he gives her the lien mark…he is actually very sweet to her? As in, she literally promised her body to him, and not only does he not ask for it, he gives her her own bed to sleep in and takes her to the library in his house to give her a bunch of books to help her with her homework? By the next morning, even Sadie is starting to have a crush on him (of course he is super hot, too), to the point that she lets him kiss her and gets pretty into it herself…then she freaks out and gets super mad at him when he says she still owes him a debt (which he isn’t going to collect on now) and puts the mark on her (which apparently is a very standard thing her own family does to people who owe them). After this, it became hard to view Gabriel as the villain and Sadie as the victim.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the early copy.
Sadie Sadler is a witch who fled her hometown because she promised herself to Gabriel Thornber (the heir of a rival witch family) to pay a debt in exchange for her oldest brother’s life. Six years later, she’s forced to return to that town as that same brother’s lawyer after he gets himself imprisoned for allegedly murdering Gabriel’s father.
This is based in the modern world (think mafia vibes for the rival witch families), except witches are real, and there’s a pretty robust set of rules for how their magic works, etc, which I really liked. However, it was frustrating how the author seemed to bend the rules for Sadie anytime they became inconvenient for the plot. For example, Sadie stops using magic after she flees because using magic would help Gabriel find her by triggering the “lien mark” he put on her. She seems pretty adamant that this is necessary…except then all of the sudden it’s not, and it becomes ok for her to use only “small” amounts of magic. She even goes so far as to make the mark glow from the magic she uses…and nothing bad happens.
We keep hearing all of these terrible things about how Gabriel Thornber is a monster, then when we finally get a flashback of the night they meet and he gives her the lien mark…he is actually very sweet to her? As in, she literally promised her body to him, and not only does he not ask for it, he gives her her own bed to sleep in and takes her to the library in his house to give her a bunch of books to help her with her homework? By the next morning, even Sadie is starting to have a crush on him (of course he is super hot, too), to the point that she lets him kiss her and gets pretty into it herself…then she freaks out and gets super mad at him when he says she still owes him a debt (which he isn’t going to collect on now) and puts the mark on her (which apparently is a very standard thing her own family does to people who owe them). After this, it became hard to view Gabriel as the villain and Sadie as the victim.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the early copy.
August 8, 2023
A mixed opinion
I appreciate that the female protagonist maintains her career and autonomy from beginning to end in this book despite falling in love. I also respect that the author creates a believable tension in her falling in love with her family’s enemy. A sort of Capulets vs Montagues. What I don’t appreciate is the almost stalkerish behavior of her love interest. He seems like a very unhealthy person.
However, both leading characters are guilty of making terrible choices and using other people. In a way, they deserve each other, and their toxic relationship is balanced by how awful they’ve been to each other.
The author does a fairly good job of capturing the emotional journey of the heroine. Secondary characters are mostly names on the page, but a couple of them have more depth and are somewhat more likable than the main characters.
The world-building is sufficiently sketched in to create a cool setting, but the magic system could use a bit more explanation of limits and cost to the users.
The characters engage in somewhat detailed casual sex, inflict pain on each other, drink alcohol, break things in anger, and commit murder. There are ghosts, demons, vampires, witches, and blood rituals. However, there is fated true love, too.
I doubt I’ll read further in the series as I don’t think the protagonists’ love relationship is portrayed in a healthy way. They both need serious counseling.
There are some errors in the writing, but they are minimally distracting.
I appreciate that the female protagonist maintains her career and autonomy from beginning to end in this book despite falling in love. I also respect that the author creates a believable tension in her falling in love with her family’s enemy. A sort of Capulets vs Montagues. What I don’t appreciate is the almost stalkerish behavior of her love interest. He seems like a very unhealthy person.
However, both leading characters are guilty of making terrible choices and using other people. In a way, they deserve each other, and their toxic relationship is balanced by how awful they’ve been to each other.
The author does a fairly good job of capturing the emotional journey of the heroine. Secondary characters are mostly names on the page, but a couple of them have more depth and are somewhat more likable than the main characters.
The world-building is sufficiently sketched in to create a cool setting, but the magic system could use a bit more explanation of limits and cost to the users.
The characters engage in somewhat detailed casual sex, inflict pain on each other, drink alcohol, break things in anger, and commit murder. There are ghosts, demons, vampires, witches, and blood rituals. However, there is fated true love, too.
I doubt I’ll read further in the series as I don’t think the protagonists’ love relationship is portrayed in a healthy way. They both need serious counseling.
There are some errors in the writing, but they are minimally distracting.
September 6, 2023
The Twisted Mark by Sophie Williamson
5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I was hooked from the very first chapter and completely devoured it! Set in a modern day world with a few covens of witches that control a town, our main character (Sadie) has done everything she can to escape the life her family leads. When she is called back to town to defend her brother for murder, she sets forward a plan and gets entangled in a mystery that will have you wondering how this will all play out. Think small town vibes with ruling families that control everything, a centuries old feud between rival covens, and an undeniable chemistry between two of our main characters. This is the perfect witchy book to bring you into Fall. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Read this book if you like:
- small town vibes
- mystery & magic
- forbidden romance
- witches
The Twisted Mark is out now and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
.
Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review on Instagram
5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I was hooked from the very first chapter and completely devoured it! Set in a modern day world with a few covens of witches that control a town, our main character (Sadie) has done everything she can to escape the life her family leads. When she is called back to town to defend her brother for murder, she sets forward a plan and gets entangled in a mystery that will have you wondering how this will all play out. Think small town vibes with ruling families that control everything, a centuries old feud between rival covens, and an undeniable chemistry between two of our main characters. This is the perfect witchy book to bring you into Fall. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Read this book if you like:
- small town vibes
- mystery & magic
- forbidden romance
- witches
The Twisted Mark is out now and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
.
Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review on Instagram
July 31, 2023
I received an advance copy of this book for free from Netgalley.
The Twisted Mark definitely isn't a book for everyone. It's a dark romance with characters whose morality is all some shade of grey, including our main character, Sadie. It is, in some cases, very tropey (in both good and bad ways). But personally, I found this to be an engaging, plot-driven read with a believable MC and an interesting love story.
I think what stood out to me most was Williamson's foreshadowing of the plot twist. Right from the start we're questioning whether the characters Sadie introduces us to are actually the 'good guys', especially when her family seem to be lording it over a small Yorkshire town like feudal medieval nobility, or when her father can't keep a lid on his physically violent temper and punishes his subordinates for events out of their control. We even question Sadie's morality when she ends up sleeping with someone who is under the impression she is someone else (and would not have slept with her if he knew her real identity), and I liked that the narrative doesn't let Sadie off for this bad decision. Similarly, we come to see that actually, the Sadlers are arguably the real bad guys - though their rival family are not necessarily the good guys, either. That is the main theme of The Twisted Mark, and I think where it is strongest - showing that all the characters are both good and evil, susceptible to making mistakes, and have their own motivations and reasons for doing what they do, no matter how skewed they may be. Sadie's character is particularly interesting, as she reads really well as someone who has essentially been brainwashed by her family all her life, and I liked that she was realistically pressured into doing things by them, and she didn't just give them up the minute a hot guy came along. She even nearly kills her love interest and then has to grapple with her feelings about that, and I loved that she was such a morally grey protagonist.
One of the other strong points of this novel was the pacing, with the murder mystery and other questions being asked and revealed at a fast, snappy pace that always made me want to keep reading. In fact, I think I finished this in about three days because I was so hooked! This is a plot-driven book as much as it is a romance, and I think it's much stronger for that. I have to say I also really loved that Sadie doesn't get with Gabriel at the end of the novel, instead telling him (quite rightly) that he needs to work on himself before she can be with him. I found that super refreshing, and it really made Sadie feel real to me - that she can recognise her love interest's flaws and ask him to change, rather than just falling into his arms as a formulaic plot would demand.
The Twisted Mark is not without flaws, however. It was annoying to me that Gabriel claimed to be on the side of the innocent people of the town against the Sadlers, yet at various points he treated non-magical people with little regard, much like they do. There are also some boring, tired tropes reproduced wholesale (if I could never again read about a character who is cartoonishly obsessed with drinking coffee that would be great, thanks), and at times Sadie's narration feels like it's trying too hard to signal to us that she's #relatable, making her come off a little bland, especially in the beginning. Also there's a strange aside (I believe when she's sleeping with Connor) throwing shade on doing it doggy-style, which, come the fuck on. Judging people for what sex position they like is not, in fact, feminist.
Overall, though, The Twisted Mark is intriguing, fast-paced, full of interesting characters, and allows itself to break out of the well-trodden romance novel formula on several occasions. Williamson manages to use many classic dark magic romance tropes in fun ways while also not being afraid to let her characters be believably dark, and she manages to craft a gripping read with a fabulous sequel hook that has me really intrigued to read her next novel in the series.
The Twisted Mark definitely isn't a book for everyone. It's a dark romance with characters whose morality is all some shade of grey, including our main character, Sadie. It is, in some cases, very tropey (in both good and bad ways). But personally, I found this to be an engaging, plot-driven read with a believable MC and an interesting love story.
I think what stood out to me most was Williamson's foreshadowing of the plot twist. Right from the start we're questioning whether the characters Sadie introduces us to are actually the 'good guys', especially when her family seem to be lording it over a small Yorkshire town like feudal medieval nobility, or when her father can't keep a lid on his physically violent temper and punishes his subordinates for events out of their control. We even question Sadie's morality when she ends up sleeping with someone who is under the impression she is someone else (and would not have slept with her if he knew her real identity), and I liked that the narrative doesn't let Sadie off for this bad decision. Similarly, we come to see that actually, the Sadlers are arguably the real bad guys - though their rival family are not necessarily the good guys, either. That is the main theme of The Twisted Mark, and I think where it is strongest - showing that all the characters are both good and evil, susceptible to making mistakes, and have their own motivations and reasons for doing what they do, no matter how skewed they may be. Sadie's character is particularly interesting, as she reads really well as someone who has essentially been brainwashed by her family all her life, and I liked that she was realistically pressured into doing things by them, and she didn't just give them up the minute a hot guy came along. She even nearly kills her love interest and then has to grapple with her feelings about that, and I loved that she was such a morally grey protagonist.
One of the other strong points of this novel was the pacing, with the murder mystery and other questions being asked and revealed at a fast, snappy pace that always made me want to keep reading. In fact, I think I finished this in about three days because I was so hooked! This is a plot-driven book as much as it is a romance, and I think it's much stronger for that. I have to say I also really loved that Sadie doesn't get with Gabriel at the end of the novel, instead telling him (quite rightly) that he needs to work on himself before she can be with him. I found that super refreshing, and it really made Sadie feel real to me - that she can recognise her love interest's flaws and ask him to change, rather than just falling into his arms as a formulaic plot would demand.
The Twisted Mark is not without flaws, however. It was annoying to me that Gabriel claimed to be on the side of the innocent people of the town against the Sadlers, yet at various points he treated non-magical people with little regard, much like they do. There are also some boring, tired tropes reproduced wholesale (if I could never again read about a character who is cartoonishly obsessed with drinking coffee that would be great, thanks), and at times Sadie's narration feels like it's trying too hard to signal to us that she's #relatable, making her come off a little bland, especially in the beginning. Also there's a strange aside (I believe when she's sleeping with Connor) throwing shade on doing it doggy-style, which, come the fuck on. Judging people for what sex position they like is not, in fact, feminist.
Overall, though, The Twisted Mark is intriguing, fast-paced, full of interesting characters, and allows itself to break out of the well-trodden romance novel formula on several occasions. Williamson manages to use many classic dark magic romance tropes in fun ways while also not being afraid to let her characters be believably dark, and she manages to craft a gripping read with a fabulous sequel hook that has me really intrigued to read her next novel in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
This was such a fun, witchy romance! I really enjoyed that The Twisted Mark has a unique premise while still using the beloved enemies to lovers trope, and the twists and turns and revelations that unfolded throughout the story really kept it interesting.
Synopsis: Our witchy FMC Sadie is a lawyer hiding out in London, unable to use her magic for fear that it will bring her nemesis, Gabriel, right to her. Sadie's family have used their magic for generations to keep a protective dome over the small town of Mannith, and with that they pretty much rule the town aside from a faction that are loyal to Gabriel's family. A few years prior, in order to save her brother who was dying at Gabriel's hand, Sadie entered into a magical deal with Gabriel - she would give her body and an unspecified amount of magic to him at the time of his choosing. Since then, Sadie has stayed far away from Mannith and Gabriel.
Now though, one of her brothers is being accused of murdering Gabriel's father, and Sadie's parents want her to represent him, and as her family loyalty is strong Sadie can't say no. Back in Mannith, Sadie is determined to find out what really happened to Gabriel's father and why Gabriel and her brother were fighting those years ago. The more that she's around Gabriel, the more confused Sadie gets - both about the attraction to him that she wants to deny, and about who the town's true villains are.
Review: This book was so unlike anything I had read before! It had some great romance tropes like enemies to lovers and a dark male main character, but with the added interesting elements of magic and the strangely perfect town that Sadie's family is running. It took a little bit for the book to get going just because there was a decent amount of context and world building to get through - the magical systems, the history between Sadie and Gabriel's families, the dome and how the town is run, and the fight between Gabriel and Sadie's brother that led Sadie to making the deal with Gabriel. You could tell that the author had really developed this world and story and wanted to make sure that all those details were there for us!
Once the world building is out of the way, the book definitely picks up. There are a lot of courtroom scenes were we see Sadie representing her brother while trying to battle Gabriel's magic that he is using to try to sway the process, and show downs between Sadie and Gabriel and their families. Sadie is determined to get to the bottom of things while Gabriel is determined to get Sadie. Gabriel is definitely dark and a little unhinged and VERY obsessed with Sadie! It leads to some great tension and moments between them.
There are a lot of truths revealed and Sadie's loyalties to her family are put to the test, and it's hard to know who she should believe. These slow revelations kept the plot interesting on top of the building attraction between Gabriel and Sadie, and there is a lot of action. I'm super excited for the next book and to get MORE GABRIEL!
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Synopsis: Our witchy FMC Sadie is a lawyer hiding out in London, unable to use her magic for fear that it will bring her nemesis, Gabriel, right to her. Sadie's family have used their magic for generations to keep a protective dome over the small town of Mannith, and with that they pretty much rule the town aside from a faction that are loyal to Gabriel's family. A few years prior, in order to save her brother who was dying at Gabriel's hand, Sadie entered into a magical deal with Gabriel - she would give her body and an unspecified amount of magic to him at the time of his choosing. Since then, Sadie has stayed far away from Mannith and Gabriel.
Now though, one of her brothers is being accused of murdering Gabriel's father, and Sadie's parents want her to represent him, and as her family loyalty is strong Sadie can't say no. Back in Mannith, Sadie is determined to find out what really happened to Gabriel's father and why Gabriel and her brother were fighting those years ago. The more that she's around Gabriel, the more confused Sadie gets - both about the attraction to him that she wants to deny, and about who the town's true villains are.
Review: This book was so unlike anything I had read before! It had some great romance tropes like enemies to lovers and a dark male main character, but with the added interesting elements of magic and the strangely perfect town that Sadie's family is running. It took a little bit for the book to get going just because there was a decent amount of context and world building to get through - the magical systems, the history between Sadie and Gabriel's families, the dome and how the town is run, and the fight between Gabriel and Sadie's brother that led Sadie to making the deal with Gabriel. You could tell that the author had really developed this world and story and wanted to make sure that all those details were there for us!
Once the world building is out of the way, the book definitely picks up. There are a lot of courtroom scenes were we see Sadie representing her brother while trying to battle Gabriel's magic that he is using to try to sway the process, and show downs between Sadie and Gabriel and their families. Sadie is determined to get to the bottom of things while Gabriel is determined to get Sadie. Gabriel is definitely dark and a little unhinged and VERY obsessed with Sadie! It leads to some great tension and moments between them.
There are a lot of truths revealed and Sadie's loyalties to her family are put to the test, and it's hard to know who she should believe. These slow revelations kept the plot interesting on top of the building attraction between Gabriel and Sadie, and there is a lot of action. I'm super excited for the next book and to get MORE GABRIEL!
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 14, 2023
Title: The Twisted Mark (Witch Trials #1)
Subtitle: A promise made. A magical debt unpaid.
Author: Sophie Williamson
Date Released: July 26th, 2023*
Category: Urban Fantasy Romance
Synopsis: Sadie Sadler lives in the big city. Takes the train to work each day. Drinks fancy coffee. Does yoga… and never, ever does magic, lest it leads Gabriel Thornber straight to her door.
Sadie’s family have used their magic to protect the small northern town of Mannith for centuries. But now, Sadie’s brother Brendan is on trial for murder, and Gabriel, the charismatic and sinister head of the Sadlers’ only rivals, is moving to take the town. Only Sadie has both the knowledge to save Brendan and the magical strength to face down Gabriel.
The trouble is, there’s a good reason Sadie left home and turned her back on she bargained away her powers and her body to Gabriel to save her damn brother the last time he got in trouble. If she comes home, Gabriel will try to collect… but there’s no way she’ll allow her brother to rot in jail or her family’s strength to wane.
Returning in disguise, Sadie’s plan to save Brendan and get out is tested as she’s dragged back into a world of magic and power, with Gabriel at its centre. Battling both her long-standing terror of him and a growing, dark attraction, she must decide who Mannith’s real villains are and how far she’ll go for her family.
A promise made… a magical debt unpaid. This is a fight that could cost Sadie everything.
Quote: But that’s human thinking. He can stop whatever spells I attempt. He’ll show no mercy. And ultimately, if I tried to prevent this, by all our rules and customs, I’d be the one in the wrong.
The UnReel Take:
Story: 3
Writing: 1
Characters: 3
Setting: 3
UnReel AR: 2.5
Bottom Line: I mean… I finished it. Granted, that had more to do with the fact that I was having fun hate-reading, but I put down a lot of books, so finishing does mean something. Seeing as how I made notes on almost every page of this book, I could probably write a dissertation on why I didn’t like it but suffice-it-to-say this was like reading a trashy soap opera where every character talks like a Lifetime movie (weird image I know, but I stand by it).
Ideal Reading Location: North England. Or, if that’s not possible, just put on a background compilation of Jamie Tartt talking.
Drink Pairing: Gin. I’d say Beefeater, but dealer’s choice.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more reviews at the UnReel Take!
Subtitle: A promise made. A magical debt unpaid.
Author: Sophie Williamson
Date Released: July 26th, 2023*
Category: Urban Fantasy Romance
Synopsis: Sadie Sadler lives in the big city. Takes the train to work each day. Drinks fancy coffee. Does yoga… and never, ever does magic, lest it leads Gabriel Thornber straight to her door.
Sadie’s family have used their magic to protect the small northern town of Mannith for centuries. But now, Sadie’s brother Brendan is on trial for murder, and Gabriel, the charismatic and sinister head of the Sadlers’ only rivals, is moving to take the town. Only Sadie has both the knowledge to save Brendan and the magical strength to face down Gabriel.
The trouble is, there’s a good reason Sadie left home and turned her back on she bargained away her powers and her body to Gabriel to save her damn brother the last time he got in trouble. If she comes home, Gabriel will try to collect… but there’s no way she’ll allow her brother to rot in jail or her family’s strength to wane.
Returning in disguise, Sadie’s plan to save Brendan and get out is tested as she’s dragged back into a world of magic and power, with Gabriel at its centre. Battling both her long-standing terror of him and a growing, dark attraction, she must decide who Mannith’s real villains are and how far she’ll go for her family.
A promise made… a magical debt unpaid. This is a fight that could cost Sadie everything.
Quote: But that’s human thinking. He can stop whatever spells I attempt. He’ll show no mercy. And ultimately, if I tried to prevent this, by all our rules and customs, I’d be the one in the wrong.
The UnReel Take:
Story: 3
Writing: 1
Characters: 3
Setting: 3
UnReel AR: 2.5
Bottom Line: I mean… I finished it. Granted, that had more to do with the fact that I was having fun hate-reading, but I put down a lot of books, so finishing does mean something. Seeing as how I made notes on almost every page of this book, I could probably write a dissertation on why I didn’t like it but suffice-it-to-say this was like reading a trashy soap opera where every character talks like a Lifetime movie (weird image I know, but I stand by it).
Ideal Reading Location: North England. Or, if that’s not possible, just put on a background compilation of Jamie Tartt talking.
Drink Pairing: Gin. I’d say Beefeater, but dealer’s choice.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more reviews at the UnReel Take!
July 17, 2023
Thankyou to Netgalley and the Publishers for the ARC.
This magical mafia Romeo and Juliet type story was a mixed bag for me, on the whole I had a decent time but there were definitely things that dampened my enjoyment, namely the writing of the main character and elements of the romance.
This story follows Sadie Sadler, for years she has kept herself away from her magical family and kept herself from doing magic for fear her worst enemy, Gabriel Thornber will call in a debt on her body and her magic if he finds her. But she is dragged back home again when her brother gets himself arrested for murder and she's the only one who may be able to save him.
Now the plot on the whole was enjoyable, although I was able to predict every single twist well in advance of it being revealed (although that may just be me getting lucky) I still enjoyed the ride. The characters were (bar Sadie) pretty intriguing and likeable.(or hateable when appropriate).
Now onto Sadie herself, I didn't love how she was portrayed, mostly during the courtroom scenes, she just felt... weak to me and she really didn't seem to do any outstanding lawyering except at one point when she gets a certain person to testify although that's more down to her magic prowess than her actual lawyer skills. There is even a point where Sadie's inner monologue tells us that a witnesses court statement adds an extra detail than her statement to the police... But does she actually call out the witness on this? No. Instead she just asks really basic questions (which is basically all she does throughout the whole trial). Then again when it comes to her questioning an important witness, where I was looking forward to a good bit of verbal back and forth to finally see Sadie come into her element...Nothing...No literally nothing because she can't even bring herself to form a sentence, what an infuriating let down that was.
The other element I struggled with was the romance. Now for the most part the sexual tension of Gabriel and Sadie was great and the spicy scenes were plentiful and enjoyable, the issue for me was the "love" angle. Because in reality these two... Barely know each other but we keep getting given the impression that they have this super deep bond? Now it's hard to criticise this because it DOES get brought up by Sadie a few times that they barely know each other etc. but it still bugged me.
Overall I had a decent enough time and would read the sequel to see where it goes but it wouldn't be something I would rush out to get.
This magical mafia Romeo and Juliet type story was a mixed bag for me, on the whole I had a decent time but there were definitely things that dampened my enjoyment, namely the writing of the main character and elements of the romance.
This story follows Sadie Sadler, for years she has kept herself away from her magical family and kept herself from doing magic for fear her worst enemy, Gabriel Thornber will call in a debt on her body and her magic if he finds her. But she is dragged back home again when her brother gets himself arrested for murder and she's the only one who may be able to save him.
Now the plot on the whole was enjoyable, although I was able to predict every single twist well in advance of it being revealed (although that may just be me getting lucky) I still enjoyed the ride. The characters were (bar Sadie) pretty intriguing and likeable.(or hateable when appropriate).
Now onto Sadie herself, I didn't love how she was portrayed, mostly during the courtroom scenes, she just felt... weak to me and she really didn't seem to do any outstanding lawyering except at one point when she gets a certain person to testify although that's more down to her magic prowess than her actual lawyer skills. There is even a point where Sadie's inner monologue tells us that a witnesses court statement adds an extra detail than her statement to the police... But does she actually call out the witness on this? No. Instead she just asks really basic questions (which is basically all she does throughout the whole trial). Then again when it comes to her questioning an important witness, where I was looking forward to a good bit of verbal back and forth to finally see Sadie come into her element...Nothing...No literally nothing because she can't even bring herself to form a sentence, what an infuriating let down that was.
The other element I struggled with was the romance. Now for the most part the sexual tension of Gabriel and Sadie was great and the spicy scenes were plentiful and enjoyable, the issue for me was the "love" angle. Because in reality these two... Barely know each other but we keep getting given the impression that they have this super deep bond? Now it's hard to criticise this because it DOES get brought up by Sadie a few times that they barely know each other etc. but it still bugged me.
Overall I had a decent enough time and would read the sequel to see where it goes but it wouldn't be something I would rush out to get.
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