What do you think?
Rate this book
Under Her Spell
A woman who returns to her hometown to investigate her childhood friend’s disappearance soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly web of half truths, cover-ups, and dark magic.
On the surface, Liv Edwards has a near-perfect life—a handsome new fiancé, an apartment in Boston, and plans to launch a career in law. No one would suspect how hard she’s worked to conceal the strange darkness that often bubbles up inside her. But Liv’s polished façade threatens to crack with the arrival of a letter from her childhood best friend, Sam. The chilling message is folded into the shape of a heart like the notes they passed in high I need help.
Liv is still haunted by what she did to destroy her friendship with Sam. High school was hard enough without having to start over in a new town, but with Sam, Liv grew into herself like never before. Now Liv resolves to do right by Sam—except when she returns to her small New England hometown, she is too late.
Sam has disappeared and clues suggest foul play. To add to the mystery, Sam has transformed over the years, living with the odd girls from high school, Eden and Cora, and working at their esteemed bridal boutique. Liv reconnects with them in search of answers. With couture gowns, exquisite cakes, and a glittering display room, these women make fairy tales come to life, and Liv, too, can be a part of it all. But as Eden and Cora teach her to harness the qualities that have always made her feel different, Liv discovers that a much darker reality may be lurking beneath the satin and pearls—and within herself.
On the surface, Liv Edwards has a near-perfect life—a handsome new fiancé, an apartment in Boston, and plans to launch a career in law. No one would suspect how hard she’s worked to conceal the strange darkness that often bubbles up inside her. But Liv’s polished façade threatens to crack with the arrival of a letter from her childhood best friend, Sam. The chilling message is folded into the shape of a heart like the notes they passed in high I need help.
Liv is still haunted by what she did to destroy her friendship with Sam. High school was hard enough without having to start over in a new town, but with Sam, Liv grew into herself like never before. Now Liv resolves to do right by Sam—except when she returns to her small New England hometown, she is too late.
Sam has disappeared and clues suggest foul play. To add to the mystery, Sam has transformed over the years, living with the odd girls from high school, Eden and Cora, and working at their esteemed bridal boutique. Liv reconnects with them in search of answers. With couture gowns, exquisite cakes, and a glittering display room, these women make fairy tales come to life, and Liv, too, can be a part of it all. But as Eden and Cora teach her to harness the qualities that have always made her feel different, Liv discovers that a much darker reality may be lurking beneath the satin and pearls—and within herself.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2024
19 people are currently reading
11895 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 31, 2024
Well, another eerie but strangely alluring fantasy thriller with spooky witchy and feminist vibes left me with complex feelings! The best thing about this book is the dual mysteries: one about the past, involving the failing friendship between two girls, and the other in the present, where Sam vanishes under suspicious circumstances. I was captivated by the creepy, sensational witchy Sisterhood vibes and the balanced pace that kept me guessing about where the story was heading. One of the twists, which I didn't see coming, was truly heartbreaking.
The only thing that held me back from giving this book a full five stars was the somewhat vague message at the end, and I didn't fully enjoy the conclusion. Additionally, I didn't really like each of the characters. Even Sam, who seemed like the victim of the story, was bossy, unpredictable, and manipulative instead of being a supportive friend. The main character, Liv, was also a bit clueless about people's motives and was too easily charmed by Eden and Cora’s eccentric ways. And Liv’s fiancé, Noah, insisting on having nearly half a dozen children made my eyes roll. Is this guy for real? He felt like a character from another century.
Anyway, I’m still rounding my 3.5 stars up to 4 surprising, magical, but also spookily horrific stars for this book. Here's a quick recap of the plot:
Meet Liv Edwards, 26 years old, recently laid off from a paralegal job she hated, engaged to her boyfriend of eight years, Noah, and sharing a beautiful apartment in Boston. She receives a suspicious message from her estranged high school friend Sam, folded into the shape of a heart just like the notes they used to share. It seems like Sam is in trouble and needs Liv’s help. These close friends had a big fallout in the past related to something unforgivable that Liv had done. With guilt churning inside her, Liv decides to return to her hometown, leaving behind her unhappy family life where her parents always fought and she dealt with it alone after her sister left for college.
As soon as she arrives, she finds herself in the middle of an investigation into Sam's disappearance. It seems like her friend has completely changed, living and working with Eden and Cora in a fancy bridal boutique, even though she rejected Eden’s dark, cultish group in high school. While tracing the footsteps of her missing friend, Liv finds herself tasting Cora’s exquisite cakes, trying on couture gowns, and getting drawn into the mysterious and strange web of these two women and their eccentric attributes, which makes her question her own relationship with her fiancé.
What if Sam didn't go to Europe as presumed and put her life in danger by getting involved with these two women? How far is Liv willing to go to pay her debts and find her friend, even if it means endangering her own life?
Overall, it’s a well-paced, mysterious fantasy that allures you from the first page, keeping you rattled and excited till the end. I mostly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more works by the author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Bantam for sharing this intriguing book’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
The only thing that held me back from giving this book a full five stars was the somewhat vague message at the end, and I didn't fully enjoy the conclusion. Additionally, I didn't really like each of the characters. Even Sam, who seemed like the victim of the story, was bossy, unpredictable, and manipulative instead of being a supportive friend. The main character, Liv, was also a bit clueless about people's motives and was too easily charmed by Eden and Cora’s eccentric ways. And Liv’s fiancé, Noah, insisting on having nearly half a dozen children made my eyes roll. Is this guy for real? He felt like a character from another century.
Anyway, I’m still rounding my 3.5 stars up to 4 surprising, magical, but also spookily horrific stars for this book. Here's a quick recap of the plot:
Meet Liv Edwards, 26 years old, recently laid off from a paralegal job she hated, engaged to her boyfriend of eight years, Noah, and sharing a beautiful apartment in Boston. She receives a suspicious message from her estranged high school friend Sam, folded into the shape of a heart just like the notes they used to share. It seems like Sam is in trouble and needs Liv’s help. These close friends had a big fallout in the past related to something unforgivable that Liv had done. With guilt churning inside her, Liv decides to return to her hometown, leaving behind her unhappy family life where her parents always fought and she dealt with it alone after her sister left for college.
As soon as she arrives, she finds herself in the middle of an investigation into Sam's disappearance. It seems like her friend has completely changed, living and working with Eden and Cora in a fancy bridal boutique, even though she rejected Eden’s dark, cultish group in high school. While tracing the footsteps of her missing friend, Liv finds herself tasting Cora’s exquisite cakes, trying on couture gowns, and getting drawn into the mysterious and strange web of these two women and their eccentric attributes, which makes her question her own relationship with her fiancé.
What if Sam didn't go to Europe as presumed and put her life in danger by getting involved with these two women? How far is Liv willing to go to pay her debts and find her friend, even if it means endangering her own life?
Overall, it’s a well-paced, mysterious fantasy that allures you from the first page, keeping you rattled and excited till the end. I mostly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more works by the author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Bantam for sharing this intriguing book’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
June 13, 2025
I sent a 10 minute voice memo to a friend about his book
August 24, 2024
Arc Review
My Rating- 3.85 stars
Publishing Date -9/10/2024
"A woman who returns to her hometown to investigate her childhood friend’s disappearance soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly web of half truths, cover-ups, and dark magic"
What To Expect/Content Warnings
🔮Witchy Vibes
🔮Dual Timelines
🔮Unhinged Friends
🔮Revenge
🔮DV References
🔮Kidnapping
🔮Murder
My Thoughts-
This was an addicting mystery. At first I thought this was going to be a light witchy book with magic in the background. But I found myself in much darker water. Edging more on horror lol. Obsessed with the spooky vibes though.
I was so immersed in the dual mysteries that I ended up binge reading this book. The writing was done so well I was on the edge of my seat wanting more.
I liked all the characters in this book, which is surprising for me. Each of them added a certain layer to this dark and twisted story.
The only thing I didn’t like was the ending. I just wasn’t satisfied. 😫 again I was left wanting more.
I certainly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys dark gothic vibes. This is a great story to kick off spooky season
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Random House Publishing- Ballantine for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
My Rating- 3.85 stars
Publishing Date -9/10/2024
"A woman who returns to her hometown to investigate her childhood friend’s disappearance soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly web of half truths, cover-ups, and dark magic"
What To Expect/Content Warnings
🔮Witchy Vibes
🔮Dual Timelines
🔮Unhinged Friends
🔮Revenge
🔮DV References
🔮Kidnapping
🔮Murder
My Thoughts-
This was an addicting mystery. At first I thought this was going to be a light witchy book with magic in the background. But I found myself in much darker water. Edging more on horror lol. Obsessed with the spooky vibes though.
I was so immersed in the dual mysteries that I ended up binge reading this book. The writing was done so well I was on the edge of my seat wanting more.
I liked all the characters in this book, which is surprising for me. Each of them added a certain layer to this dark and twisted story.
The only thing I didn’t like was the ending. I just wasn’t satisfied. 😫 again I was left wanting more.
I certainly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys dark gothic vibes. This is a great story to kick off spooky season
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Random House Publishing- Ballantine for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
Want to read
May 14, 2024ARC received! Thank you so much, Bantam!!
Original:
Want. Want. Want.
Original:
Want. Want. Want.
June 8, 2024
I enjoyed this novel immensely as it has all the elements I love in a book: friendships, revenge, and a little darkness--with a few elements of fantasy thrown in! Liv is leaving fiance, Noah behiind for a bit as she's going to visit best friend from high school and college...until she discovers Sam is missing after seeing a social media post. Vacillating in time between "now" and "then," the novel shows us the two girls meeting, becoming close and also their fascination with the three girls of The Sisterhood: Eden, Cora, and Avery.. Liv has always been a jeweler, fashioning unique pieces and Sam learns from her, creating her own distinct pieces. But now as Liv looks into her sudden disappearance, she has more questions than answers and when those answers are revealed, it's like nothing you'd expect!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 1, 2024
It was interesting but I wanted more. I felt like there were loose ends but not cliffhangers.
# Under Her Spell
# 10/30/2024 ~ 10/30/2024
# 3.0 / 5.0
# Under Her Spell
# 10/30/2024 ~ 10/30/2024
# 3.0 / 5.0
June 26, 2024
I started this book expecting a thriller with a touch of magical realism but found myself in much darker territory — and at first, it was an addicting intersection of mystery, gothic suspense, and some mystical witchiness.
The dual timeline kept me engaged throughout. I appreciated how the past and present narratives intertwined, revealing the friendships & relationships at the story's core, and the atmospheric writing really impressed me!
However, inconsistent pacing and an underwhelming conclusion detracted from my overall enjoyment. Only around the 80% mark did things really start accelerating, yet that was when I started losing interest because it just got chaotic so fast.
For fans of witchy mysteries with a chilling edge, this book is definitely worth considering, though!
The dual timeline kept me engaged throughout. I appreciated how the past and present narratives intertwined, revealing the friendships & relationships at the story's core, and the atmospheric writing really impressed me!
However, inconsistent pacing and an underwhelming conclusion detracted from my overall enjoyment. Only around the 80% mark did things really start accelerating, yet that was when I started losing interest because it just got chaotic so fast.
For fans of witchy mysteries with a chilling edge, this book is definitely worth considering, though!
October 21, 2024
Never have.I wanted to book to end so badly as this one I don't even understand half of the stuff that I read as it just truly didn't matter to me.I could really care less about anything.But then there was a big huge bomb shell and nobody seems to care.Give me a break.
September 8, 2024
There were definitely things that I did like about this book, and things that I didn't like. The ending was a bit lacking and disappointing and I disliked the characters. Overall, the characters were just terrible and unlikeable. I did enjoy the dual timelines and thought that it added another layer to the mysteries while exploring the characters past relationship with her friend who had gone missing. The overall pacing was fine, if anything it was a bit slow throughout the main portion of the book, which led to me getting bored a couple of times, but then the pacing picked up towards the end.
Thank you to K.L. Cerra, Random House Publishing - Ballantine, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
Thank you to K.L. Cerra, Random House Publishing - Ballantine, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
June 19, 2024
Liv has everything going for her. She receives a letter from a friend, but is unable to get ahold of her. She is missing. This book was well written.
December 6, 2024
This was darker than I was expecting it to be, and the premise was great. However, it just seemed like it was missing something. I was very intrigued by everything happening, but the main character was a little hard to like. There were many plot points that felt disjointed, especially things involving her fiance. With so much going, it seemed like certain things didn't get wrapped up in the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 26, 2024
3.5 stars
This had a great start but a weak ending. It felt rushed and anticlimactic. I really liked the dual timelines and the writing style. I was hoping for something creepy, but this didn't really hit that mark.
This had a great start but a weak ending. It felt rushed and anticlimactic. I really liked the dual timelines and the writing style. I was hoping for something creepy, but this didn't really hit that mark.
September 16, 2024
4 ⭐️
Mesmerizing beautiful cover, and a great witchy fall read.
🕵🏻♀️ Liv is captivated by Eden from the time they first met. But Liv’s new bestie, Sam, seems to think Eden is one to be leery of. Decades later, Liv receives a cryptic message from her former bestie, Sam, and finds herself teaming up with the still-just-as-enchanting Eden, and her “sisterhood” to unfold the secrets of Sam’s disappearance.
💔 Told in a medium-paced dual timeline, unfolding the mysterious disappearance of her former best friend, as she reflects back on the history of how their friendship was torn apart in the past.
🎤 The MC grapples with the pressures of womanhood, fears of marriage and being tied down, and emotional turmoils of finding her voice.
🧙🏻♀️ A terrifying, but beautifully written, dark and haunting story of how captivated we can be by things that are dangerous, and how imprisoned we can feel when we don’t have our own voice.
I really enjoyed it. It definitely left me with a looming feeling of what comes next for this MC and the Sisterhood.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and K. L. Cerra for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
Mesmerizing beautiful cover, and a great witchy fall read.
🕵🏻♀️ Liv is captivated by Eden from the time they first met. But Liv’s new bestie, Sam, seems to think Eden is one to be leery of. Decades later, Liv receives a cryptic message from her former bestie, Sam, and finds herself teaming up with the still-just-as-enchanting Eden, and her “sisterhood” to unfold the secrets of Sam’s disappearance.
💔 Told in a medium-paced dual timeline, unfolding the mysterious disappearance of her former best friend, as she reflects back on the history of how their friendship was torn apart in the past.
🎤 The MC grapples with the pressures of womanhood, fears of marriage and being tied down, and emotional turmoils of finding her voice.
🧙🏻♀️ A terrifying, but beautifully written, dark and haunting story of how captivated we can be by things that are dangerous, and how imprisoned we can feel when we don’t have our own voice.
I really enjoyed it. It definitely left me with a looming feeling of what comes next for this MC and the Sisterhood.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and K. L. Cerra for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
September 12, 2024
Under Her Spell by KL Sarah, this book starts with an intriguing beginning when Liv received a letter from her friend and goes back to her hometown only to find she’s missing. I really like this book and although I don’t have time to write a long review just know if you love mysteries with a slight dash of paranormal and magical realism then you will definitely like this book. I did think the ending was a little wonky but I was still satisfied with the overall read. I also want to say I found Miss Sarah has a great knack for setting a good tone for her books and really like her writing style. If not for the ending I would’ve given this book 5 stars but a last as I said it was a little strange quick and thought it could’ve been better. #NetGalley,#RandomHouse, #KLSarah, #UnderHerSpell,
Want to read
May 13, 2024Thanks to Bantam and NetGalley for this ARC! Under Her Spell by K. L. Cerra comes out on September 10, 2024.
September 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Under Her Spell.
I was intrigued by the premise and pleased my request was approved.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was delighted the narrative revolved around dark magic and witchcraft. How deliciously witchy!
** Minor non-magical spoilers ahead **
Liv Edwards has returned to her hometown, responding to an urgent call for help from her former BFF, Sam.
She hasn't seen Sam since a near tragedy derailed their friendship in their last year of high school.
As Liv probes her friend's disappearance, she realizes it relates to two enigmatic women from high school, whose charm and allure has enthralled Liv since she was a teen.
What powers do these women possess? But more importantly, where is Sam?
First, I appreciated the not so subtle themes the author was trying to convey; the hardships all women face, not just modern women, of trying to have it all.
The saying is a crock because women can't have a career, a life, and friends and motherhood.
Sacrifices will always be made and it's almost always the women who makes them.
Our patriarchal society expect all women to want to get married, have children, and forget about having a career, no matter how hard they've worked hard for their educations and their accomplishments.
Because that's all women are good for, right?
Second, I get the irony that Liv sacrifices her friendship with Sam, putting off attending their dream art school to gallivant in Europe with Everett. choosing dicks before chicks.
I didn't like Liv, but I didn't hate her. I still wouldn't be her friend.
There was a passivity and fearfulness about Liz that was cloying, but maybe that came out of surviving an abusive parent and witnessing domestic abuse.
I wished there had been more witchcraft and the author had leaned heavily on the macabre and darkness of what happens when you use magic for causing havoc.
I learned there's no such thing as black magic; it's just magic.
The kind of magic is determined by the person wielding it; for good or for evil.
I wanted to know more about Eden; where and when had she become a witch? Is it innate?
Was it borne out of her traumatic birth?
Why is Cora such a minion? Is she destined to always be a follower and the rest are just leaders?
Is that why Cora has such a wishy-washy personality?
The ending is abrupt, and Liv's 'happily ever after' is unsatisfying and corny.
In my opinion, the ending could have gone two ways or a combo of both:
The first possibility would have Liz ending up like her sister, Penny, fat, unhappy, and pregnant, and her seeking out Eden, finally giving into the dark impulses within her.
I would have respected Liz for that.
The second possibility is Liz to tap into her own magical abilities, her dark intentions, to break the spell Eden has placed her under, return to the house and find Sam and give her a proper burial and swear revenge in her honor.
By the end, we see Liz hasn't changed; she's still a doormat, a scaredy cat and hasn't done anything to resolve Sam's disappearance or avenge her death.
I wished I had the magical ability to change Liz into an actual doormat; she would have been far more useful in that role.
I was intrigued by the premise and pleased my request was approved.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was delighted the narrative revolved around dark magic and witchcraft. How deliciously witchy!
** Minor non-magical spoilers ahead **
Liv Edwards has returned to her hometown, responding to an urgent call for help from her former BFF, Sam.
She hasn't seen Sam since a near tragedy derailed their friendship in their last year of high school.
As Liv probes her friend's disappearance, she realizes it relates to two enigmatic women from high school, whose charm and allure has enthralled Liv since she was a teen.
What powers do these women possess? But more importantly, where is Sam?
First, I appreciated the not so subtle themes the author was trying to convey; the hardships all women face, not just modern women, of trying to have it all.
The saying is a crock because women can't have a career, a life, and friends and motherhood.
Sacrifices will always be made and it's almost always the women who makes them.
Our patriarchal society expect all women to want to get married, have children, and forget about having a career, no matter how hard they've worked hard for their educations and their accomplishments.
Because that's all women are good for, right?
Second, I get the irony that Liv sacrifices her friendship with Sam, putting off attending their dream art school to gallivant in Europe with Everett. choosing dicks before chicks.
I didn't like Liv, but I didn't hate her. I still wouldn't be her friend.
There was a passivity and fearfulness about Liz that was cloying, but maybe that came out of surviving an abusive parent and witnessing domestic abuse.
I wished there had been more witchcraft and the author had leaned heavily on the macabre and darkness of what happens when you use magic for causing havoc.
I learned there's no such thing as black magic; it's just magic.
The kind of magic is determined by the person wielding it; for good or for evil.
I wanted to know more about Eden; where and when had she become a witch? Is it innate?
Was it borne out of her traumatic birth?
Why is Cora such a minion? Is she destined to always be a follower and the rest are just leaders?
Is that why Cora has such a wishy-washy personality?
The ending is abrupt, and Liv's 'happily ever after' is unsatisfying and corny.
In my opinion, the ending could have gone two ways or a combo of both:
The first possibility would have Liz ending up like her sister, Penny, fat, unhappy, and pregnant, and her seeking out Eden, finally giving into the dark impulses within her.
I would have respected Liz for that.
The second possibility is Liz to tap into her own magical abilities, her dark intentions, to break the spell Eden has placed her under, return to the house and find Sam and give her a proper burial and swear revenge in her honor.
By the end, we see Liz hasn't changed; she's still a doormat, a scaredy cat and hasn't done anything to resolve Sam's disappearance or avenge her death.
I wished I had the magical ability to change Liz into an actual doormat; she would have been far more useful in that role.
July 11, 2024
3.5 stars
Under Her Spell by KL Terra is a creepy thriller that follows Liv Edwards as she returns to her hometown to investigate her high school best friend Sam’s disappearance after receiving a creepy note from her. During her time back home her mom and sister set her up at a highly sought after bridal boutique for a dress fitting — she soon realizes that this shop is run by two witchy girls from high school who have been roommates with Sam. The boutique is unconventional in the way it handles customers - giving a lengthy questionnaire to the bride and groom to be to assess the longevity of their marriage. This exercise has Liv second guessing her decisions all the while trying to figure out what the heck happened to Sam.
There’s a big theme in this book about what it means to be a woman - many women end up giving up their careers to be mothers or ending up in marriages to fulfill what is expected of them. As a new mom, I certainly could relate to the overwhelmed Penny, Liv’s sister, juggling two twins and feeling as though she’s totally lost her identity to motherhood. I think this book encourages women to not put themselves in a box or feel forced into a life unless it’s truly what they want - some of the characters have trauma surrounding their childhood which causes them to feel critical of marriage and childbearing.
I found the story to be interesting, but the ending definitely leaves much to be desired. I didn’t feel like the execution of the story was as good as the premise and there are definitely some loose ends even with an “8 years later” epilogue - it felt a bit thrown together in the last 20%. It was hard to really feel a deep connection to any of the characters.
I will say that this book is simply written and easy to read without over the top world building or magic systems - I would recommend this book to readers who want a quick fantasy thriller to sink their teeth into.
If that sounds like you then certainly grab a copy on September 10, 2024!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my review. I would be interested in reading more from this author.
Under Her Spell by KL Terra is a creepy thriller that follows Liv Edwards as she returns to her hometown to investigate her high school best friend Sam’s disappearance after receiving a creepy note from her. During her time back home her mom and sister set her up at a highly sought after bridal boutique for a dress fitting — she soon realizes that this shop is run by two witchy girls from high school who have been roommates with Sam. The boutique is unconventional in the way it handles customers - giving a lengthy questionnaire to the bride and groom to be to assess the longevity of their marriage. This exercise has Liv second guessing her decisions all the while trying to figure out what the heck happened to Sam.
There’s a big theme in this book about what it means to be a woman - many women end up giving up their careers to be mothers or ending up in marriages to fulfill what is expected of them. As a new mom, I certainly could relate to the overwhelmed Penny, Liv’s sister, juggling two twins and feeling as though she’s totally lost her identity to motherhood. I think this book encourages women to not put themselves in a box or feel forced into a life unless it’s truly what they want - some of the characters have trauma surrounding their childhood which causes them to feel critical of marriage and childbearing.
I found the story to be interesting, but the ending definitely leaves much to be desired. I didn’t feel like the execution of the story was as good as the premise and there are definitely some loose ends even with an “8 years later” epilogue - it felt a bit thrown together in the last 20%. It was hard to really feel a deep connection to any of the characters.
I will say that this book is simply written and easy to read without over the top world building or magic systems - I would recommend this book to readers who want a quick fantasy thriller to sink their teeth into.
If that sounds like you then certainly grab a copy on September 10, 2024!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my review. I would be interested in reading more from this author.
July 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an e-copy of this book
Liv receives a mysterious note asking for help from her former best friend from whom she has been estranged for the last eight years. Liv still feels guilty about what happened between them (that is another mystery that will gradually be revealed throughout the course of the novel), so she returns to her hometown to help, and she finds out that her friend Sam is actually missing. As she digs-into Sam's life, she finds that Sam was working for a couple of women who own a bridal boutique called "Beloved." It just so happens that these two girls, Eden and Cora, also went to high school with both Liv and Sam. Liv was always fascinated by them and their "Sisterhood." Liv realizes that the only way she will be able to find out what happened to Sam is by infiltrating the "Sisterhood" by getting closer to Eden and Cora.
There's a lot more going on here than Sam's disappearance. Liv is dealing with a lot of issues herself. She is between jobs and looking into a new career, she is struggling with commitment (her fiance wants to get married and she keeps putting off the wedding), she is still recovering from the childhood abuse of her father, and she feels guilty about how she and Sam ended things. She has a lot of harmful thoughts, and she deals with this by stabbing her finger with a sharp ring she created for herself.
I couldn't put this book down. The story is compelling, and the elements of magic and the presence of witches are always appealing to me. Also: the story itself explores the idea of female empowerment through the lives of several of the characters. Some are looking for it, some feel trapped, and others are empowered and willing to help those who need help--but possibly with a price.
The only part of the story I found disappointing was the ending. I realize that typically stories like this have a rather "open" ending, but this was just not satisfying to me.
Liv receives a mysterious note asking for help from her former best friend from whom she has been estranged for the last eight years. Liv still feels guilty about what happened between them (that is another mystery that will gradually be revealed throughout the course of the novel), so she returns to her hometown to help, and she finds out that her friend Sam is actually missing. As she digs-into Sam's life, she finds that Sam was working for a couple of women who own a bridal boutique called "Beloved." It just so happens that these two girls, Eden and Cora, also went to high school with both Liv and Sam. Liv was always fascinated by them and their "Sisterhood." Liv realizes that the only way she will be able to find out what happened to Sam is by infiltrating the "Sisterhood" by getting closer to Eden and Cora.
There's a lot more going on here than Sam's disappearance. Liv is dealing with a lot of issues herself. She is between jobs and looking into a new career, she is struggling with commitment (her fiance wants to get married and she keeps putting off the wedding), she is still recovering from the childhood abuse of her father, and she feels guilty about how she and Sam ended things. She has a lot of harmful thoughts, and she deals with this by stabbing her finger with a sharp ring she created for herself.
I couldn't put this book down. The story is compelling, and the elements of magic and the presence of witches are always appealing to me. Also: the story itself explores the idea of female empowerment through the lives of several of the characters. Some are looking for it, some feel trapped, and others are empowered and willing to help those who need help--but possibly with a price.
The only part of the story I found disappointing was the ending. I realize that typically stories like this have a rather "open" ending, but this was just not satisfying to me.
September 30, 2024
K.L Cerra’s Under Her Spell begins with a promising idea: what if you could help a bride see the fate of her marriage and, thus, life (in the shown cases, always bad) before she marries and could prevent the bad from happening? This is a great concept that unfortunately falls flat.
Episodic with flat characters (the main character Liv begins the novel as a teenager and shows no sign of maturity by age 26), this novel may appeal for the seasonal quick read of witches and spells and gratuitous gruesomeness. The author is very good at creating atmosphere, scary woods, weird houses. I do wish that the characters had developed more; that Liv who sees that both her mother and sister are struggling would actually interact with them beyond one scene and displace her self-involvement; that Liv’s supposed darkness had been explored further to enhance the opening scene.
Lastly, I felt that Under Her Spell was trying to make a statement about women and their role but it came out garbled, especially in light of the final pages. But if you’re looking for seasonal sensations, maybe that’s not important.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.
Episodic with flat characters (the main character Liv begins the novel as a teenager and shows no sign of maturity by age 26), this novel may appeal for the seasonal quick read of witches and spells and gratuitous gruesomeness. The author is very good at creating atmosphere, scary woods, weird houses. I do wish that the characters had developed more; that Liv who sees that both her mother and sister are struggling would actually interact with them beyond one scene and displace her self-involvement; that Liv’s supposed darkness had been explored further to enhance the opening scene.
Lastly, I felt that Under Her Spell was trying to make a statement about women and their role but it came out garbled, especially in light of the final pages. But if you’re looking for seasonal sensations, maybe that’s not important.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.
October 12, 2024
99% of this book was horrifyingly engrossing and addictive. And then the epilogue kind of ruins it. It isn’t even clear whether the mystery is solved on what happened to Sam and whether she is alive or dead; Everett never comes back up after his peanut allergic reaction hospitalization despite being pretty major to the story; and then suddenly (despite almost dying and having the wound reopened in literally the last sentence of the last chapter), it is 8 years later and Liv is alive married to Some Guy and has a kid after spending the whole book getting to the point where she was telling Noah she didn’t even think she wanted them. The end just felt like it had absolutely no payoff for anything, but getting to that end was definitely a trip.
September 23, 2024
Liv returns to her hometown to investigate her high school friends disappearance, after she receives a mysterious note from her. She soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly web of half truths, coverups and dark magic.
The book is described as a suspense/thriller but its definitely more a mystery wrapped up in witch craft. I'm not a fan of overt mysticism, so this wasn't really for me. I enjoyed the past and present narratives, and that's mainly what kept me reading. The ending was extremely underwhelming and felt very rushed after the slow burn of the rest of the novel.
Thank You NetGalley for the free e-galley.
*Pub Date: Sept 10, 2024
The book is described as a suspense/thriller but its definitely more a mystery wrapped up in witch craft. I'm not a fan of overt mysticism, so this wasn't really for me. I enjoyed the past and present narratives, and that's mainly what kept me reading. The ending was extremely underwhelming and felt very rushed after the slow burn of the rest of the novel.
Thank You NetGalley for the free e-galley.
*Pub Date: Sept 10, 2024
September 8, 2024
This was a 3 star book up until whatever ridiculousness that was at the end. It made me wish I didn't read this at all. It made the whole book feel pointless and there already wasn't much of a plot. It switched back and forth from when the characters were in high-school to when they are adults. And I think I liked the high-school parts more.
January 30, 2025
Rating this 3.75, I’ve rounded up.
I like the atmosphere and tension of this story, it really sucked me in. It was weird and twisted with a mystery playing out along the way. My only gripe is there’s a real injustice to the ending which makes me feel unsatisfied, but if you don’t mind a bitter sweet sort of ending then you’ll probably rate it quite highly.
I like the atmosphere and tension of this story, it really sucked me in. It was weird and twisted with a mystery playing out along the way. My only gripe is there’s a real injustice to the ending which makes me feel unsatisfied, but if you don’t mind a bitter sweet sort of ending then you’ll probably rate it quite highly.
January 11, 2025
I was more interested in the side characters than I actually was with the MC. I was frustrated about the lack of growth shown by the MC.
August 1, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
Spook Level: 🫣 /5
Story Aspects
🪄Unknown Magic
🪄Creepy Crawlies
🪄Find Yourself Feminism
🪄Missing Person Mystery
What I did like about this book was the heavy character development and flashbacks between the main characters’ older and younger self. Overall, this is not a book that I was very excited for because of the fact that it was a VERY slow burn. I also did not enjoy the feminist controlling vibes that I got from the characters around the main character and felt there was a constant attack on her not only from her best friend but also the bad guys in the story. I also felt like her mother was very absent from the story even though she had gone to her hometown to visit her in the first place. I did like the realization that this character did not know what she wanted in life but still kept trying to figure it out for herself. The story was a little unrealistic in my opinion and more imaginative for a thriller but overall it made sense. I was not too satisfied at the end of the book because I felt like there was something missing or lingering at the end and maybe it was a little too rushed because everything else in the story made it take a while to get to the climax.
Warning: Please be advised that there are themes of emotional/ physical abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, kidnapping, and murder in this book. If these are triggers for you, skip this book.
Special thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Electronic Advanced Reader Copy (E-ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest, and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Spook Level: 🫣 /5
Story Aspects
🪄Unknown Magic
🪄Creepy Crawlies
🪄Find Yourself Feminism
🪄Missing Person Mystery
What I did like about this book was the heavy character development and flashbacks between the main characters’ older and younger self. Overall, this is not a book that I was very excited for because of the fact that it was a VERY slow burn. I also did not enjoy the feminist controlling vibes that I got from the characters around the main character and felt there was a constant attack on her not only from her best friend but also the bad guys in the story. I also felt like her mother was very absent from the story even though she had gone to her hometown to visit her in the first place. I did like the realization that this character did not know what she wanted in life but still kept trying to figure it out for herself. The story was a little unrealistic in my opinion and more imaginative for a thriller but overall it made sense. I was not too satisfied at the end of the book because I felt like there was something missing or lingering at the end and maybe it was a little too rushed because everything else in the story made it take a while to get to the climax.
Warning: Please be advised that there are themes of emotional/ physical abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, kidnapping, and murder in this book. If these are triggers for you, skip this book.
Special thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary digital Electronic Advanced Reader Copy (E-ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest, and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
August 17, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley, the author and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
TW: Witchcraft(implied), torture, murder, death, manipulation
*
*
Complicated is the best word to describe this story. This book was a bit all over the place for me and as much as the ending was good, it just didn’t do it for me for the story overall. I don’t really have much to say about it, the book was basically mid.
*
*
FYI: on a 5-point scale I assign stars based on my assessment of what the book needs in the way of improvements:
*5 Stars ~ Nothing at all. Chefs kiss. No notes.
*4 Stars ~ It could us some slight adjustments here and there but pretty solid overall.
*3 Stars ~ Adjustments need to be made and rewriting needs to be done. Good but could be a lot better. I read it once and don’t need to do it again.
*2 Stars ~ This book needs a lot of work. Whether it be rewriting the plot, characters, style or ending. Something or everything needs to be changed.
*1 Star ~ Dumpster fire.
TW: Witchcraft(implied), torture, murder, death, manipulation
*
*
Complicated is the best word to describe this story. This book was a bit all over the place for me and as much as the ending was good, it just didn’t do it for me for the story overall. I don’t really have much to say about it, the book was basically mid.
*
*
FYI: on a 5-point scale I assign stars based on my assessment of what the book needs in the way of improvements:
*5 Stars ~ Nothing at all. Chefs kiss. No notes.
*4 Stars ~ It could us some slight adjustments here and there but pretty solid overall.
*3 Stars ~ Adjustments need to be made and rewriting needs to be done. Good but could be a lot better. I read it once and don’t need to do it again.
*2 Stars ~ This book needs a lot of work. Whether it be rewriting the plot, characters, style or ending. Something or everything needs to be changed.
*1 Star ~ Dumpster fire.
May 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and K. L. Cerra for an ARC of this title!
I have to say, I feel like the cover and the description for "Under Her Spell" do not do the story justice - this was MUCH darker than I thought it was going to be based on surface vibes (in a good way)! I felt this was definitely a read that leaned heavy into vibes with its writing style, which I really enjoyed. I think if you like the atmosphere of American Horror Story (specifically the witchier seasons like Coven, and maybe a dash of the OG), the dark edges every 90s teen witch show, the Netflix Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Netflix Wednesday, and then throw it on a mid-2000s Fall Vibes Pinterest board, you get a sense for how this book will feel. But wait, there's more! You also have to throw in feminist rage, mommy AND daddy issues, betrayal, the call of the woods, and a healthy dose of body horror. Oh, and if you don't like bugs, this may not be the book for you. What you end up with is something that looks like it jumped off the features shelf in the Young Adults section in the library on the outside, but is more akin to Midsommar in a lot of ways by the end. I think this will be a great atmospheric read when it comes out in September, just in time for spooky szn.
Alexa play "Abbey" by Mitski
-----------------------------------SPOILERS-----------------------------------
I'm going to admit, it took me a minute to get into the story as I did not find the premise absolutely compelling, and I felt like the story was going to be much more Stepford Wives than it turned out to me. Like some other reviews have mentioned, I think some of the characters that could have been more interesting to peer into were left in rough-draft form, or were unfinished or one-dimensional, and I would have liked to see some more resolution in their story lines (e.g. Liv's father, Everett, Sam's stepmother, the various people Liv texted in the beginning). I especially would have liked to find out what happened to Avery, although I think we were just intended to surmise based on Sam that she met a similar fate. She seemed way more important in the "Then" section, so I was surprised she never really came up in the "Now" section beyond a few off-handed comments. I think that could have been a really interesting angle to incorporate, plus exploration into others Eden and Cora had "auditioned" for the third spot, if any, and why it was so important to always have three. Same with the lore behind their Sisterhood powers and Oliver and Harriet's origins. However, by the time the last quarter of the book came around, I figured we had enough "plot" to get a tolerable conclusion despite my misgiving above and I was able to let it go since I was more curious about what was happening with current events. Despite this, I think a little more development in the periphery could have pushed this into a 4.5 star, or stronger overall 4-star read (truthfully I would put this around a 3.75 if allowed but 4 felt perfectly fine based on entertainment). I definitely love good world-building and plot, but I also admit I am probably more of a vibes/enjoyment reader than a really academic or detailed one, and if I had a good time with the book, I can be pretty forgiving with things that probably could have been explained better.
What really grabbed me by the hand and dragged me along was when the story turned to Liv's internal panic as she saw the collar around her sister's neck being buckled around her own re: marriage and childbirth. As a childfree woman currently living in the age of the 4B movement, I think this part of the story really resonated with me, and I was really drawn to the idea of Liv having this special Charmed-like relationship with Eden and Cora. My friends and I constantly talk about having a giant house once we are a little more settled as an alternative to constantly putting ourselves out there year after year, having to extricate for suffocating relationships with men much like the ones in this book - not bad by any means, but with their own dreams and agendas that never seem to factor in that women are also people who don't want to be reduced to the titles of self-sacrificing parenthood. As the story continued to tip in a much more sinister direction, it became clear that the life Live was spellbound by was, like the life she walked in with, the "wrong" choice, and I honestly felt bad for being disappointed by that. I know this is a horror story but I almost feel like having Eden and Cora turn out to be these completely unhinged witches who were manipulating Liv into compliance takes away from the idea that single, childfree women living and working together could be a good thing. But on the other hand the book does the same thing with people who want to get married and have kids in a "traditional" sense, so I guess it would be hypocritical to be mad about it. And I really like that in the end, Liv's problems aren't magically solved by getting married and having a kid. She proves in some senses that she can "have it all" as she says, and that power and freedom are not the black-and-white choices she was being strong-armed into accepting. There is power in compromise, and in recognizing the importance of equal partnership (Blake sounds lie a gem). I think showing that she is still haunted by the women she left behind - and possibly even wistful for that call of the void - is much more realistic however, and it kept me from being underwhelmed by the conclusion. I think this book will sit with me for a while, and I hope it finds its way into the hands of people on the precipice like Liv, and even like the brides chosen by Beloved.
I have to say, I feel like the cover and the description for "Under Her Spell" do not do the story justice - this was MUCH darker than I thought it was going to be based on surface vibes (in a good way)! I felt this was definitely a read that leaned heavy into vibes with its writing style, which I really enjoyed. I think if you like the atmosphere of American Horror Story (specifically the witchier seasons like Coven, and maybe a dash of the OG), the dark edges every 90s teen witch show, the Netflix Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Netflix Wednesday, and then throw it on a mid-2000s Fall Vibes Pinterest board, you get a sense for how this book will feel. But wait, there's more! You also have to throw in feminist rage, mommy AND daddy issues, betrayal, the call of the woods, and a healthy dose of body horror. Oh, and if you don't like bugs, this may not be the book for you. What you end up with is something that looks like it jumped off the features shelf in the Young Adults section in the library on the outside, but is more akin to Midsommar in a lot of ways by the end. I think this will be a great atmospheric read when it comes out in September, just in time for spooky szn.
Alexa play "Abbey" by Mitski
-----------------------------------SPOILERS-----------------------------------
I'm going to admit, it took me a minute to get into the story as I did not find the premise absolutely compelling, and I felt like the story was going to be much more Stepford Wives than it turned out to me. Like some other reviews have mentioned, I think some of the characters that could have been more interesting to peer into were left in rough-draft form, or were unfinished or one-dimensional, and I would have liked to see some more resolution in their story lines (e.g. Liv's father, Everett, Sam's stepmother, the various people Liv texted in the beginning). I especially would have liked to find out what happened to Avery, although I think we were just intended to surmise based on Sam that she met a similar fate. She seemed way more important in the "Then" section, so I was surprised she never really came up in the "Now" section beyond a few off-handed comments. I think that could have been a really interesting angle to incorporate, plus exploration into others Eden and Cora had "auditioned" for the third spot, if any, and why it was so important to always have three. Same with the lore behind their Sisterhood powers and Oliver and Harriet's origins. However, by the time the last quarter of the book came around, I figured we had enough "plot" to get a tolerable conclusion despite my misgiving above and I was able to let it go since I was more curious about what was happening with current events. Despite this, I think a little more development in the periphery could have pushed this into a 4.5 star, or stronger overall 4-star read (truthfully I would put this around a 3.75 if allowed but 4 felt perfectly fine based on entertainment). I definitely love good world-building and plot, but I also admit I am probably more of a vibes/enjoyment reader than a really academic or detailed one, and if I had a good time with the book, I can be pretty forgiving with things that probably could have been explained better.
What really grabbed me by the hand and dragged me along was when the story turned to Liv's internal panic as she saw the collar around her sister's neck being buckled around her own re: marriage and childbirth. As a childfree woman currently living in the age of the 4B movement, I think this part of the story really resonated with me, and I was really drawn to the idea of Liv having this special Charmed-like relationship with Eden and Cora. My friends and I constantly talk about having a giant house once we are a little more settled as an alternative to constantly putting ourselves out there year after year, having to extricate for suffocating relationships with men much like the ones in this book - not bad by any means, but with their own dreams and agendas that never seem to factor in that women are also people who don't want to be reduced to the titles of self-sacrificing parenthood. As the story continued to tip in a much more sinister direction, it became clear that the life Live was spellbound by was, like the life she walked in with, the "wrong" choice, and I honestly felt bad for being disappointed by that. I know this is a horror story but I almost feel like having Eden and Cora turn out to be these completely unhinged witches who were manipulating Liv into compliance takes away from the idea that single, childfree women living and working together could be a good thing. But on the other hand the book does the same thing with people who want to get married and have kids in a "traditional" sense, so I guess it would be hypocritical to be mad about it. And I really like that in the end, Liv's problems aren't magically solved by getting married and having a kid. She proves in some senses that she can "have it all" as she says, and that power and freedom are not the black-and-white choices she was being strong-armed into accepting. There is power in compromise, and in recognizing the importance of equal partnership (Blake sounds lie a gem). I think showing that she is still haunted by the women she left behind - and possibly even wistful for that call of the void - is much more realistic however, and it kept me from being underwhelmed by the conclusion. I think this book will sit with me for a while, and I hope it finds its way into the hands of people on the precipice like Liv, and even like the brides chosen by Beloved.
July 11, 2024
3.5 stars
Under Her Spell is a dark and creepy story about a girl who goes back to her hometown after receiving a cryptic note from her estranged best friend, only to find once she arrives that her friend is now missing.
This was an easy, thrilling read that handles some heavy subjects such as abusive relationships and the difficulties women face when starting a family. The dual timelines kept things mysterious and had me wanting to know more. The bridal boutique storyline was really unique and actually a little more morbid than I expected. Overall the story was decent but I will say the ending left something to be desired.
Thank you to Random House for the ARC!
Under Her Spell is a dark and creepy story about a girl who goes back to her hometown after receiving a cryptic note from her estranged best friend, only to find once she arrives that her friend is now missing.
This was an easy, thrilling read that handles some heavy subjects such as abusive relationships and the difficulties women face when starting a family. The dual timelines kept things mysterious and had me wanting to know more. The bridal boutique storyline was really unique and actually a little more morbid than I expected. Overall the story was decent but I will say the ending left something to be desired.
Thank you to Random House for the ARC!
August 8, 2024
This ARC was provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I was so excited to hear that K.L Cerra released a second book and boy does it not disappoint! If you enjoy Southern gothic, paranormal, or things that are somewhat difficult to explain her books are a real treat.
Under Her Spell explores themes of marriage, motherhood, and the price women often pay in order to be deemed worthy by society. This is all done in a setting where things aren't always as they seem and magic isn't beyond the realm of possibility.
Under Her Spell has great pacing and could be read in one sitting if you are able to set enough time aside to do so. I found myself constantly trying to sneak chapters into my jam packed days and sacrificing sleep to do so. This should be on your late summer/early fall reading list if you love quick, chilling reads. I can't wait to see what K.L Cerra has in store for us next!
I was so excited to hear that K.L Cerra released a second book and boy does it not disappoint! If you enjoy Southern gothic, paranormal, or things that are somewhat difficult to explain her books are a real treat.
Under Her Spell explores themes of marriage, motherhood, and the price women often pay in order to be deemed worthy by society. This is all done in a setting where things aren't always as they seem and magic isn't beyond the realm of possibility.
Under Her Spell has great pacing and could be read in one sitting if you are able to set enough time aside to do so. I found myself constantly trying to sneak chapters into my jam packed days and sacrificing sleep to do so. This should be on your late summer/early fall reading list if you love quick, chilling reads. I can't wait to see what K.L Cerra has in store for us next!
September 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Bantam Books for the opportunity to read an ARC of Under Her Spell by K. L. Cerra; my review reflects my honest opinion. I struggled with this book as I am not a fan of the fantasy genre. The more I read, the more I struggled. While not my cup of tea, I do believe the book was well written, and would be very satisfying to fans of fantasy and suspense. 3 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews