The 13th

by Shadow Stephens

Magic in Strega Bluff is like parking meters in other cities. The quaint New England town is home to a large community of witches, warlocks--and many secrets. Jade Hansen loved living there until the untimely death of her parents. After a much-needed sabbatical, she returns to find the peaceful hamlet turned upside down. A string of murders haunts the city and everyone is potential a target, but even worse, they are all suspects. A family secret puts Jade in the middle and her loved ones in danger. Dodging an evil warlock set on revenge, she is in a race to stop the killer before it’s too late.

Genres: Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Romance, Horror, Paranormal Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2012

About the author

Story telling seems to be a part of my DNA. Since childhood, I made up fantastical characters and brought them to life. Part of it was to escape the turmoils of childhood and some were just for fun. Sitting beside my couch is a constant stack of history, biographies, and compelling fiction, which means I have many overloaded bookshelves. Wouldn't that be great to have a room just full of shelves? I would love to see a wave of outstanding, self-published authors take over the market. I think it's important to own your work and take pride in it. Writing several novels and short stories, I know the trials of writing and rejection. Constructive criticism can only make you better. Never doubt yourself.

Other fun and fascinating facts about me are the fact that every year I look forward to Fall, which means football and Halloween. Pathetically, when June hits I start planning for Halloween. My dogs and bird are even forced to wear costumes. Football means don't call or Facebook me because the Browns are playing.

I love to go on adventures. Finding new images to photograph is a joy of mine. Photography is a passion coming only second to writing. I believe you can capture every moment of laughter, tears, and horror with a single click of the shutter.

I’m a huge animal lover. Having land would be a danger for me, because I would have all kinds of critters. One day I will own a pot-belly pig.

Favorite writers I can't list because the list is long, but here are a few: I love Shakespeare, Stephen King, Stephanie Meyer, Richelle Mead, Lauren Kate, JK Rowling, Dan Brown and Bram Stoker. I watch way to much of the History Channel and love Ghost Hunters and Being Human.

I have worked in health care, specifically at a children's hospital and EMT. Anything bloody and gory I'm there, but it’s all about helping people. That is a great feeling. I also have a degree in accounting, which I can't stand because you sit all day, but it made my mom happy. Love you mom.

Reviews

[Merisha28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Promotional Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
13th by Shadow Stephens
Adult read 18+
This is the first book I have read by Shadow Stephens. I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved the characters in the story. Jade and Asher have a wonderful connection. I also love the characters that are considered outcasts in the book; Caratacus and Joe. I even love the raven James. The story flowed wonderfully and I could picture myself there will reading the book. This book had me on the edge of my seat with the mystery and suspense. There were some twists and turns that I did not foresee happening. This is a highly enjoyable read.

The story is about Jade, who is the 13th generation witch of her bloodline. Jade and Asher come from a town full of witches who specialize in certain areas. Jade justs moves back to the town of Strega Bluff and she is trying to get her shop up and running. She starts being haunted by a evil ghost and people that she love is being affected by it. Jade and Asher with the help of some unlikely friends join together to solve this problem before everyone Jade loves winds up dead. Will she defeat him or will he be to powerful? I gave this read a 5 star review! Can't wait to read more by this author!

[Athena Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Jade and Asher were awesome characters. There were surprises around every corner and Jade learns alot about herself throughout the entire story. She constantly finds herself at the center of brutal killings but that is simply because she is constantly trying to stop the killings. Jade and Asher have a very intuitive relationship which definitely is integral to the plot. The "evil warlock" will not cease his efforts until he and his family are resurrected. This story is a little different than the types of stories I normally read but it very entertaining and I would not hesitate to read additional novels by Shadow Stephens. My only criticism is the misspellings and missed words. It is only for that reason that I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Wow! Jade moves back home after being away to mourn her parent’s deaths. She opens a candle shop to sell her handmade candles. The day she opens, she’s spooked by a spirit in her store, then again at home. She with her boyfriend Asher, call the spirit and find out they’re in for a fight of their lives. This was an amazing book, I was completely transfixed for hours wondering what would happen next. I could not put it down, and finished it an afternoon. This is a definite must read for all paranormal readers!

For more reviews check out my blog: http://inspirationsbysimone.blogspot.com

[Kathi · Rating 1 out of 5]

THE Book Club Challenge: A book with a number in the title
Popsugar Challenge: Your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge (#in the title from the 2015 challenge
Around the World in 52 Books: A book with a two-word title where the first word is "The"

Managed to use the book for all 3 challenges I am doing this year! That's the best thing I can say about this book. I feel like this book was part of a series and I hadn't read any of the other books except it's not part of a series. It was a quick read so it had that going for it as well.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy read...action filled and romance along the way to an expected ending.

Characters were likable. Unfortunate circumstances but fast thinking got the main characters where they needed to be to live happily ever after.

[Sally Marquardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 13th

This is a terrific and very exciting book! I thoroughly enjoyed all of the witchcraft and all the incredible information about it! I will now read other books by this author!👍

[Lady Entropy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little slow in the beginning but about 2nd or 3rd chapter you are hooked. Love the characters as much as the story.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, enjoyed it

This was fast paced and didn't get boring. The people are easy to relate to and seemed normal even with magic. I liked it.

[Lois Eubank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was a very interesting and intense story, lots of details and excitement. Just when things are going good, something happens; really keeps you on your toed!!

[Rae Ryans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Source: Purchased off amazon
18+ Story contains multiple, tastefully written, sexual scenes
Wow, where to even begin. After reading Legion of Bats by Shadow Stephens, I had high hopes for The 13th. Boy did she deliver an awesome, fast paced, urban fantasy. Witches, warlocks, evil spirits, curses, and more grace the pages as they mix with love, romance, suspense, and action. I just found it perfectly balanced, and of course wanting more.

Ash and Jade were wonderfully written characters. I just really fell in love with the two of them as much as the story that evolved around them. Best friends since childhood, and in love with each other for who knows how long, but neither ever taking the chance. It brought a realism to the table with their relationship, because through all the things that you will have to read the book to find out about :P, their love is really just starting to take a foothold in the world. I just loved that.

BUT

There is much more than the love story. You have an evil spirit that was cursed by a witch that he murdered in cold blood. Although Jade was born many years later, she is the mirror, the 13th just like the old legend states, and that makes her the only one who can stop Morland Bates, the con-artist preacher who was beyond corrupt. He used his own children to incite terror on the town of Strega Bluff just so he could get revenge on his enemies. Eventually he was caught, and when he found death, the curse took root. Bates would be trapped unless he kills the mirror.

Knowing that the mirror will be at least his equal in power, the spirit begins to kill, absorbing powers of the witches and warlocks, but things change when he also begins to covet the power of Asher. Morland Bates wants to raise the dead.

If you love witches, strong female characters, action, adventure, and suspense, give The 13th a read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Asher and Jade, although I struggled to understand how old they were at first. They came across as teenagers until you read a little further into the book. I don't know why, but that is how it felt to me. Reverend Bates was a pretty convincing evil spirit and all of the twists plus how likable Jade and Asher were is what I really liked about the book. The sex scenes were a little abrubt which is also why in some cases I thought they were younger, but I didn't actually get the book to read about a lot of sex scenes. It was sad that Jade lost all of her family - her parents, her grandmother, and her Incubus father (and that was a new twist), but she still had Ash (love that name). Friends and people she knew turned away from her when they found out she was a succubus...and it took her saving the town to be accepted again.

I don't know if a book about witches is for everyone, but if you liked the show 'Charmed', then you will enjoy reading this book. The show could be cheesy at times, and the book may come across that way too, but I enjoyed the show from day one, and I don't regret reading this book any more than I regret watching that show.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow Stephens has written a great one ! The 13th is about a town of witches and warlocks under attack from an evil spirit seeking resurrection. It all begins when Jade sees him kill her parents in a vision. BUT why did he want them? Curses, spells a war between witches this book has a lot to leave you talking about. Jade and Asher have a great connection and work well together throughout the book. Along with a few other great characters who come together to help them in fighting this evil.

I really enjoyed The 13th by Shadow Stephens.

I received a complimentary copy of The 13th for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book this morning and couldn't put it down. Shadow weaves a take of good versus evil in a way that will keep you up until the end . After jade returns home to her tiny little hamlet . To her best friend and new live Asher. All hell breaks loose . Finding out she is the thirteenth daughter to be born in her line. She must fight the evil moorland bates. He wants her power and rule everything with hatred . Only Asher and jade can save the town
I recommend tat everyone have this on their summer reading list . I will be reading more of her book . Shadow steepens is a author to keep an eye on

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW...Shadow pens "The 13th" with characters are interesting and strong characters in a plot that is filled with the paranormal....witches, evil spirits, mystery, suspense and an ending that was well done...didn't leave me hanging. I really had a hard time putting this book down and actually finished it in one reading. A total must read for all paranormal readers!

This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.

[Ralph Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this one. I made it about a good third of the way through, and just had to put it down. Mostly because I felt it was written more for a YA audience. I will say that I did like the storyline (as far as I got) and the book's description inspired me to choose it to read. The author seemed to write well, and I saw no errors in the editting.

A definite recommendation to those that like YA books.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the community of Strega Bluff magic is an everyday occurrence. The residents are a society of Witches and warlocks. Jade Hansen returns After a much-needed sabbatical to find there is a string of murders occurring, and she finds herself at the center of the strange murders. A great read. I plan to read more of this author's work.

[Sónia Tigol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story is awesome, full of spectacular twists. The main characters are strong, exciting and full of love. The secondary characters add vigor and action to history. The world that the author created is simply amazing. I love that Jade and Asher have a wonderful connection. This book is an awesome, fast paced, urban fantasy.
Shadow Stephens has written a great Book.

[Karen Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spooktacular stories. Especially when i get into the book and cannot put it down til im finished.

I enjoyed every nuance of the book. it was very well written and I'm hoping there will be more "witch" books. Thank you so much!!

[AH]

Kindle free download 5/8/13.

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Kindle freebie 6/13/13

[Sandra Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the twists and turns.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Jade and Asher! Looking forward to a follow up book :)

[Renea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I have not read many books of fiction witch/warlock but this was easy to follow and was a good story line.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really liked this book. It was an easy read and hard to put down. Just what I like.

[Mary Ann Von Aschen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It kept my interest from the beginning and to the very end. Excellent storytelling.

[Courtney D Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unbelievable.

Such imagination could not be any wilder,unless such entities do exist.?
A good story,but very crazy.May read this book again.