What do you think?
Rate this book
Witches of Hellforge Hatchery #1
Rules of the Flame
Baby dragons, a paranormal animal shelter, and a magical academy where the professors are know-it-all cats? Throw a dead body in the mix, and Elsie's thinking this magical town might be too hot to handle…
For Elsie Thorn, the only magic in her life is somehow being able to make the rent every month. Until a mysterious woman makes her an offer too good to be true.
Did she read the contract? No. Who really reads through the pages of terms and conditions?
It's not like she's going to get whisked to a fairytale town with cobblestone streets, castles and a dragon hatchery with the hunkiest mountain man caretaker she’s ever laid eyes on... right?
Oops.
Between studying for lessons at Professor Hissington’s academy, feeding the griffins at the paranormal creature sanctuary and nursing the dragon hatchlings, Elsie finally feels like she’s accomplishing something with her life.
But a dead body found in her barn threatens to ruin everything. Elsie’s not about to let a killer walk free in her new home, so she dives into the investigation. Hot on the heels of a killer who always seems one step ahead, she teams up with her newfound friends to unravel the mystery.
Will Elsie be able to find the culprit or will her new life go up in a puff of smoke?
This is a full-length paranormal cozy mystery novel with animals who won’t shut up, baby dragons too cute for their own good, magic spells for all of life’s little annoyances and a supernatural town hidden deep in the mountains in a land that time forgot.
For Elsie Thorn, the only magic in her life is somehow being able to make the rent every month. Until a mysterious woman makes her an offer too good to be true.
Did she read the contract? No. Who really reads through the pages of terms and conditions?
It's not like she's going to get whisked to a fairytale town with cobblestone streets, castles and a dragon hatchery with the hunkiest mountain man caretaker she’s ever laid eyes on... right?
Oops.
Between studying for lessons at Professor Hissington’s academy, feeding the griffins at the paranormal creature sanctuary and nursing the dragon hatchlings, Elsie finally feels like she’s accomplishing something with her life.
But a dead body found in her barn threatens to ruin everything. Elsie’s not about to let a killer walk free in her new home, so she dives into the investigation. Hot on the heels of a killer who always seems one step ahead, she teams up with her newfound friends to unravel the mystery.
Will Elsie be able to find the culprit or will her new life go up in a puff of smoke?
This is a full-length paranormal cozy mystery novel with animals who won’t shut up, baby dragons too cute for their own good, magic spells for all of life’s little annoyances and a supernatural town hidden deep in the mountains in a land that time forgot.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 2, 2025
I read the first 1/2 of the book and did not finish it as it seemed repetitive not interesting.
October 23, 2023
Usually, it's pretty difficult to get a 5-star rating from me. I just finished three 500-page-plus books in a row and, also given the horrors of current events at present, have been in the mood for a charming bit of cozy relief.
This one fits the bill. Witches. Dragons. Fish out of water elements. Our main character is a misfit (i can relate) who is much more comfortable with animals, the more neglected and exotic the better. There is a wee mystery, but our main character solves it with science, especially chemistry. Yay. Five stars for sure.
Zippy is a charming little hellion who also knows about dragonmancy and the history of the magic world, as he should, given that he is a dragon, now familiar to our main character. He is building a hoard, has weird taste in '80s music, and is -- by his own account -- quite the draconic ladies man.
I think there might have been a mention of pixies (!), though none have yet appeared.
Sign me up for more.
This one fits the bill. Witches. Dragons. Fish out of water elements. Our main character is a misfit (i can relate) who is much more comfortable with animals, the more neglected and exotic the better. There is a wee mystery, but our main character solves it with science, especially chemistry. Yay. Five stars for sure.
Zippy is a charming little hellion who also knows about dragonmancy and the history of the magic world, as he should, given that he is a dragon, now familiar to our main character. He is building a hoard, has weird taste in '80s music, and is -- by his own account -- quite the draconic ladies man.
I think there might have been a mention of pixies (!), though none have yet appeared.
Sign me up for more.
February 25, 2024
Good
Elsie thought she was signing up for a lovely donation to her animal rescue; only to discover that she had signed up to become a tender for dragon eggs, and a new pupil at the dracomancer school.
She’s hardly had time to realize that dragons and magic are real, when she discovers a dead body on her new property- leaving her as the Constable’s chief suspect!
This fun story introduces us to a new world, where dragons are the source of magic, and Elsie is a witch just trying to keep her head above water, and deal with her co-students who are all a decade younger, and way more experienced at magic.
The dragons and pets provide a cute and amusing side plot to the story, while we enjoy our introduction to the fascinating world of Hellforge Hatchery.
It’s an entertaining read with intriguing characters and an interesting world in which it was all set.
An enjoyable read for the paranormal cosy mystery lover.
Elsie thought she was signing up for a lovely donation to her animal rescue; only to discover that she had signed up to become a tender for dragon eggs, and a new pupil at the dracomancer school.
She’s hardly had time to realize that dragons and magic are real, when she discovers a dead body on her new property- leaving her as the Constable’s chief suspect!
This fun story introduces us to a new world, where dragons are the source of magic, and Elsie is a witch just trying to keep her head above water, and deal with her co-students who are all a decade younger, and way more experienced at magic.
The dragons and pets provide a cute and amusing side plot to the story, while we enjoy our introduction to the fascinating world of Hellforge Hatchery.
It’s an entertaining read with intriguing characters and an interesting world in which it was all set.
An enjoyable read for the paranormal cosy mystery lover.
March 31, 2024
This is an interesting series with a different world built by the author. The characters are interesting and the plot held my interest. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading the next one.
Amazon synopsis:
For Elsie Thorn, the only magic in her life is somehow being able to make the rent every month. Until a mysterious woman makes her an offer too good to be true.
Did she read the contract? No. Who really reads through the pages of terms and conditions?
It's not like she's going to get whisked to a fairytale town with cobblestone streets, castles and a dragon hatchery with the hunkiest mountain man caretaker she’s ever laid eyes on... right?
Oops.
Between studying for lessons at Professor Hissington’s academy, feeding the griffins at the paranormal creature sanctuary and nursing the dragon hatchlings, Elsie finally feels like she’s accomplishing something with her life.
But a dead body found in her barn threatens to ruin everything. Elsie’s not about to let a killer walk free in her new home, so she dives into the investigation. Hot on the heels of a killer who always seems one step ahead, she teams up with her newfound friends to unravel the mystery.
Will Elsie be able to find the culprit or will her new life go up in a puff of smoke?
Amazon synopsis:
For Elsie Thorn, the only magic in her life is somehow being able to make the rent every month. Until a mysterious woman makes her an offer too good to be true.
Did she read the contract? No. Who really reads through the pages of terms and conditions?
It's not like she's going to get whisked to a fairytale town with cobblestone streets, castles and a dragon hatchery with the hunkiest mountain man caretaker she’s ever laid eyes on... right?
Oops.
Between studying for lessons at Professor Hissington’s academy, feeding the griffins at the paranormal creature sanctuary and nursing the dragon hatchlings, Elsie finally feels like she’s accomplishing something with her life.
But a dead body found in her barn threatens to ruin everything. Elsie’s not about to let a killer walk free in her new home, so she dives into the investigation. Hot on the heels of a killer who always seems one step ahead, she teams up with her newfound friends to unravel the mystery.
Will Elsie be able to find the culprit or will her new life go up in a puff of smoke?
March 1, 2024
Zippy would have driven me crazy
Love the dragons, and baby dragons? I can see why she signed the dotted line and did not falter when the hatchery duties were a part of the package. Dealing with pesky young witches? Not so much but there are always mean girls in school and at least someone is teaching her about magic. A lot for Elsie to take in so a dead body at her farm and the police chief's primary suspect was not part of the deal. Having to learn her new craft, clean up after her dragon familiar, take care of the rescue animals that now include magical beings, work at the hatchery, and solve a murder? Thank goodness she has help!
Love the dragons, and baby dragons? I can see why she signed the dotted line and did not falter when the hatchery duties were a part of the package. Dealing with pesky young witches? Not so much but there are always mean girls in school and at least someone is teaching her about magic. A lot for Elsie to take in so a dead body at her farm and the police chief's primary suspect was not part of the deal. Having to learn her new craft, clean up after her dragon familiar, take care of the rescue animals that now include magical beings, work at the hatchery, and solve a murder? Thank goodness she has help!
August 14, 2026
I honestly can’t figure out if this is AI or just not good. The details were inconsistent, like one character starts as a blonde and randomly changes to dark hair. The pace seemed to jump around, and the story felt chaotic and disjointed.
The tense was also inconsistent, and the whole thing reads like a AI that’s been fed Harry Potter and several cozy mystery tropes. Maybe the author used AI for some things? I wanted so much to like this, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series. Also, I’m sorry, but I’ve never seen a character name that sounded more like an adult toy than Colt Ridgeback.
The tense was also inconsistent, and the whole thing reads like a AI that’s been fed Harry Potter and several cozy mystery tropes. Maybe the author used AI for some things? I wanted so much to like this, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series. Also, I’m sorry, but I’ve never seen a character name that sounded more like an adult toy than Colt Ridgeback.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
This book was an adorable cozy fantasy where we follow Elsie as she runs a rescue animal shelter that, well, is not as successful as she hopes.
She meets with a donor who turns her world upside down when asked to take over a farm and work her rescue there. This new farm? Well, it’s part of a magical new world (quite literally) and Elsie has a lot to learn!
i enjoyed this overall. The friendships Elsie builds while learning who she is is heartwarming and cute. It’s a 7 book series with the last book being released next year.
She meets with a donor who turns her world upside down when asked to take over a farm and work her rescue there. This new farm? Well, it’s part of a magical new world (quite literally) and Elsie has a lot to learn!
i enjoyed this overall. The friendships Elsie builds while learning who she is is heartwarming and cute. It’s a 7 book series with the last book being released next year.
October 25, 2023
Best Ever!
This is the best cozy book ever! Instead of focusing on getting to the clues of the mystery, I was totally into the story. So much fun, intriguing magic, great characters. I love mount hellforge so much! Absolutely brilliant! I hope this will be a long ongoing series. Thank you for this fabulous read!
This is the best cozy book ever! Instead of focusing on getting to the clues of the mystery, I was totally into the story. So much fun, intriguing magic, great characters. I love mount hellforge so much! Absolutely brilliant! I hope this will be a long ongoing series. Thank you for this fabulous read!
November 9, 2023
enjoyed it
The was a cozy paranormal mystery that gave me all the hood feels. Well written angst with main female lead . It was well written and I enjoyed that it was like a coming of age story but for Simone who was in their 30s so almost mis life crisis but not. Idk how to describe it but I liked it
The was a cozy paranormal mystery that gave me all the hood feels. Well written angst with main female lead . It was well written and I enjoyed that it was like a coming of age story but for Simone who was in their 30s so almost mis life crisis but not. Idk how to describe it but I liked it
September 14, 2024
Interesting main character and pets
This book had a very interesting main character and pets. It was a quick transition from the non to magical world, it was lots of magical fun for the rest of the book. I enjoyed the magic, the pets, the action, and the characters. I recommend this book.
This book had a very interesting main character and pets. It was a quick transition from the non to magical world, it was lots of magical fun for the rest of the book. I enjoyed the magic, the pets, the action, and the characters. I recommend this book.
June 19, 2023
Fun
This is a fun book! How can you not love one with all kinds of animals and dragons! A murder to solve, tests to pass, and trying to fit in....I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait for the release of the next in the series!
This is a fun book! How can you not love one with all kinds of animals and dragons! A murder to solve, tests to pass, and trying to fit in....I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait for the release of the next in the series!
October 23, 2023
Great story
This has a bit of everything all rolled into a mysterious story. Leads you on a marvelous ride with all types of beings. Sprinkle in a bit of chemistry knowledge it gives the story a bit of a challenge.
This has a bit of everything all rolled into a mysterious story. Leads you on a marvelous ride with all types of beings. Sprinkle in a bit of chemistry knowledge it gives the story a bit of a challenge.
December 12, 2023
An amazing beginning to a witch series!
I love this authors previous books. This book drew me in and I couldn't put it down. If you like animals witches, and dragons, this is a book for you.
I love this authors previous books. This book drew me in and I couldn't put it down. If you like animals witches, and dragons, this is a book for you.
January 12, 2024
This was a great book! It being a cliffhanger is my only dissension. The characters grabbed hold of me from the beginning and did not let go till the very end. The plot is easily followed and the premise was fitting in with a new culture. I most definitely recommend this book!
August 3, 2024
An adopted animal rescue specialist discovers a hidden animal and dragonsoul heritage.
She faces many challenges with her skills, age and lack of knowledge about the new world she's plunged into.
Losses, lessons, friendships and frights.
She faces many challenges with her skills, age and lack of knowledge about the new world she's plunged into.
Losses, lessons, friendships and frights.
November 29, 2024
Audiobook review.
This audiobook is brilliant, it is definitely in my top-3 of this year! The worldbuilding is phenomenal, the characters are fantastic (I adore Elsie, Nathan and Zippy), and the story is unique. Top marks for Jessica Schly, her narration is fabulous.
This audiobook is brilliant, it is definitely in my top-3 of this year! The worldbuilding is phenomenal, the characters are fantastic (I adore Elsie, Nathan and Zippy), and the story is unique. Top marks for Jessica Schly, her narration is fabulous.
August 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, a little different, great story and who doesn't love baby dragons and magic. I want the wand that will clean my house!!!
September 18, 2023
Good story
Good story line and characters. Kept my interest. A few places need a spell check, but overall it was good.
Good story line and characters. Kept my interest. A few places need a spell check, but overall it was good.
September 24, 2023
Didn't expect this
An interesting book. Totally different than others I have read. Interesting leading lady, give room for different avenues to cover
An interesting book. Totally different than others I have read. Interesting leading lady, give room for different avenues to cover
October 9, 2023
Fun
This is a nice series. Something I think you'd be comfortable letting a tween and up reading. Or an old person. It's a fun book to read.
This is a nice series. Something I think you'd be comfortable letting a tween and up reading. Or an old person. It's a fun book to read.
November 23, 2023
Tiny dragon!
I have to admit. Even with the word 'hoard' I never thought of dragons as hoarders. And Zippy certainly fit the classic pattern.
I have to admit. Even with the word 'hoard' I never thought of dragons as hoarders. And Zippy certainly fit the classic pattern.
December 15, 2023
I related to the MC a lot in this one, and I loved all of the animals.
January 26, 2024
Enjoyable Read
Very enjoyable story full of interesting and different animals. It took a while before I came close to realising who was guilty so onward to book 2 now.
Very enjoyable story full of interesting and different animals. It took a while before I came close to realising who was guilty so onward to book 2 now.
September 19, 2025
A cute, cozy read.
Begging the universe to make me a witch so I can learn those cleaning spells, please.
Begging the universe to make me a witch so I can learn those cleaning spells, please.
November 1, 2025
Entertaining enough, I’ll read the next one
January 14, 2026
Really like this author. Cute, cozy mystery but I like her other series better...Witches of Devil's Orchard. This one has a bit more fantasy in it with dragons and personified cats.
January 28, 2026
Lots of fun. Baby dragons, including one with a Boston accent.
March 19, 2026
Loved this!!! What a nice surprise!! Female 30s Harry Potter meets cozy murder mistery
March 31, 2026
This is a super cute book. The self-described cozy mystery delivers on all points. The fantasy elements add to the fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews