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Spellcaster #0.5
The First Midnight Spell
In this suspenseful companion novella to New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray's Spellcaster, learn the tragic origins of the dark witch Elizabeth.
It's 1695, and Elizabeth Cooper is a young witch in Fortune's Sound, Rhode Island. She spends her days perfecting spells with the local coven and dreaming about one day marrying Nat Porter. But Nat is the son of Widow Porter, another witch and the leader of their coven. According to the First Laws of the Craft, Elizabeth is strictly forbidden to marry him.
Elizabeth never imagined dabbling in the dark arts, bringing herself close to serving the One Beneath. But as she feels Nat slipping away from her, she will do anything to secure his love. How much harm could she do with one single spell, even if it is black magic?
HarperTeen Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
16 people are currently reading
1853 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Gray
79 books14.2k followersClaudia Gray is not my real name. I didn't choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn't), because I'd always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven't) or even because I'm hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do things.
I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.
I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 18, 2016
3 Elizabeth is as evil as, she was in the books stars
The year is 1695, 17 year old Elizabeth Cooper, lives in a small town of Captive's Sound, Rhode Island, she lives with her aunt to help with the kids and chores around the house. She spends her days hanging out with Prudence Goodwin or "Pru", and dreams about the days of marrying Nat Porter, the son of Widow Porter. The only problem is that she is a witch, and the First Laws discreet that no witch can marry the son of another witch. Elizabeth feels as though the First Laws are horrible and will keep her away from the man she loves, and once she feels Nat slipping from her fingertips, she will find any way for them to be together even if she has to cross the line to get what she want. But what she doesn't realize is that once you go into the dark side you may never come back.
I really liked learning about Elizabeth, she is the main villain that is working for the One Beneath, to bring him into our world. In Spellcaster, we learn that she is Mateo's best friend but actually is a centaury year old witch, who has been using Mateo to look into her future without getting hurt from the effect of learning about the future. In The First Midnight Spell, we get to learn that Elizabeth is not as bad as she is made to be. That is until she finds out that Nat Porter "the one she loves" is set to marry someone else in another town. Then her character changes drastically and becomes the person we now so well. I loved how we got to learn so much about the history of Captive's Sound and how the original witches come into play and how they had their own coven while practicing witchcraft. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The only two things that bothered me is that Elizabeth, when she was in love with Nat, it seemed like a obsession instead of a romance and she would not let him go even when her best friend at the time Pru, told her to let go and find someone else. But over all interesting background into learning about Elizabeth and the ending will break your heart.
"The First Laws":
You must not reveal the Craft to anyone who would betray it.
You must never speak of witchcraft to any man.
You must never attempt to divine your own fate.
You must never bear a child to the son of another witch.
You must never command the will of another.
You must never suffer a demon to walk among mortals.
You must never cast a curse.
You must never be sworn to the One Beneath and do his bidding.
The year is 1695, 17 year old Elizabeth Cooper, lives in a small town of Captive's Sound, Rhode Island, she lives with her aunt to help with the kids and chores around the house. She spends her days hanging out with Prudence Goodwin or "Pru", and dreams about the days of marrying Nat Porter, the son of Widow Porter. The only problem is that she is a witch, and the First Laws discreet that no witch can marry the son of another witch. Elizabeth feels as though the First Laws are horrible and will keep her away from the man she loves, and once she feels Nat slipping from her fingertips, she will find any way for them to be together even if she has to cross the line to get what she want. But what she doesn't realize is that once you go into the dark side you may never come back.
I really liked learning about Elizabeth, she is the main villain that is working for the One Beneath, to bring him into our world. In Spellcaster, we learn that she is Mateo's best friend but actually is a centaury year old witch, who has been using Mateo to look into her future without getting hurt from the effect of learning about the future. In The First Midnight Spell, we get to learn that Elizabeth is not as bad as she is made to be. That is until she finds out that Nat Porter "the one she loves" is set to marry someone else in another town. Then her character changes drastically and becomes the person we now so well. I loved how we got to learn so much about the history of Captive's Sound and how the original witches come into play and how they had their own coven while practicing witchcraft. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The only two things that bothered me is that Elizabeth, when she was in love with Nat, it seemed like a obsession instead of a romance and she would not let him go even when her best friend at the time Pru, told her to let go and find someone else. But over all interesting background into learning about Elizabeth and the ending will break your heart.
"The First Laws":
You must not reveal the Craft to anyone who would betray it.
You must never speak of witchcraft to any man.
You must never attempt to divine your own fate.
You must never bear a child to the son of another witch.
You must never command the will of another.
You must never suffer a demon to walk among mortals.
You must never cast a curse.
You must never be sworn to the One Beneath and do his bidding.
March 13, 2020
4 stars
May 31, 2019
This review was originally posted on The Moonlight Library
This is a companion novella from the Spellcaster series told from Elizabeth's point of view.
It's not essential reading to understand the rest of the series, but my library had a copy, and I really like reading 'downfall' or 'villain's comeuppance' type novels. I like reading about terrible people and the terrible things that happen to them as a result of their terrible actions. This is why Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite books of all time, and why although I don't care much for the Fallen books by Lauren Kate, I really enjoyed The Rise and Fall of Natalie Hargrove.
One of my favourite obscure books is called The Summer Witch by Louise Cooper, which I haven't reviewed, but I have mentioned a few times here, here, and here. It's about a young girl who dabbles in magic until it drives her crazy. In a similar way, The First Magic Spell reminded me of that book. It's about Elizabeth's transition to using dark magic to getting what she wants, and explores her early life the first time she was a young woman.
It's absolutely not essential to read it to understand the series, but it is a really interesting book, and this time we get to see an actual coven and what they do to combat witches who break the rules. It also explains why dark magic is so seductive, and has a few really greats twists in it.
Basically, if you do get a chance to read this between Spellcaster and Steadfast, and if you're enjoying the series as I was, I do recommend it because I really enjoyed it.
This is a companion novella from the Spellcaster series told from Elizabeth's point of view.
It's not essential reading to understand the rest of the series, but my library had a copy, and I really like reading 'downfall' or 'villain's comeuppance' type novels. I like reading about terrible people and the terrible things that happen to them as a result of their terrible actions. This is why Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite books of all time, and why although I don't care much for the Fallen books by Lauren Kate, I really enjoyed The Rise and Fall of Natalie Hargrove.
One of my favourite obscure books is called The Summer Witch by Louise Cooper, which I haven't reviewed, but I have mentioned a few times here, here, and here. It's about a young girl who dabbles in magic until it drives her crazy. In a similar way, The First Magic Spell reminded me of that book. It's about Elizabeth's transition to using dark magic to getting what she wants, and explores her early life the first time she was a young woman.
It's absolutely not essential to read it to understand the series, but it is a really interesting book, and this time we get to see an actual coven and what they do to combat witches who break the rules. It also explains why dark magic is so seductive, and has a few really greats twists in it.
Basically, if you do get a chance to read this between Spellcaster and Steadfast, and if you're enjoying the series as I was, I do recommend it because I really enjoyed it.
November 7, 2013
*WARNING: The last part of this review DOES contain spoilers* I really liked learning about Elizabeth's past and how she got into the dark arts to begin with. A lot of times I was frustrated with her character because I thought she was being selfish, stupid, and irresponsible. At times it felt like the story was rushed too much, I know it's suppose to be a short story but I felt like it had a lot of potential and would have been so much better if it were longer. Overall though, I thought it was a really great story.
**SPOILERS** The ending when they say Goodwife Crews was serving the One Beneath and that she cursed Nat to get revenge on Widow Porter, that part didn't make much sense to me. It seemed like that part was just thrown in so that Elizabeth could get away with what she did to Nat and no one would know (except for Pru). I really want to know more about what happened to Elizabeth after everything happened. Did Pru ever find proof to convince Widow Porter that Elizabeth was actually responsible for her son's death? What going to happen between Pru and Elizabeth now? Though this would have effected the storyline of Spellcaster, but it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Elizabeth turned out to be pregnant and she fought to keep the baby.
**SPOILERS** The ending when they say Goodwife Crews was serving the One Beneath and that she cursed Nat to get revenge on Widow Porter, that part didn't make much sense to me. It seemed like that part was just thrown in so that Elizabeth could get away with what she did to Nat and no one would know (except for Pru). I really want to know more about what happened to Elizabeth after everything happened. Did Pru ever find proof to convince Widow Porter that Elizabeth was actually responsible for her son's death? What going to happen between Pru and Elizabeth now? Though this would have effected the storyline of Spellcaster, but it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Elizabeth turned out to be pregnant and she fought to keep the baby.
December 2, 2018
December will be the month of quick and easy reads, of novella's and e-books and of graphic novels. So, I started with this short story that goes with Claudia Gray's "Spellcaster" series, which I really enjoyed. And I have to admit, this short story might be my favorite part of the entire series!
I think Claudia Gray did a brilliant job here in this short by picturing Elisabeth as a human, teenage girl, suffocated by rules she doesn't quite understand and fighting with very strong feelings for a boy who's not hers to love. It makes her human, it makes her relatable and it makes it very understandable that she chose the path she chose. Of course, I don't agree with what she did and I do think she abused her powers, but she's only a child in this story, a child who doesn't understand half of what's going on and happening to her.
Apart from the fact that Elisabeth is a very relatable character in this short, I also think that Claudia Gray managed to capture the atmosphere at that time, combined with all the elements we've come to know and love in the trilogy that takes place in the current world. I think the mythology felt even more fitting in this world, where witch hunts were still a thing, where women were seen as weaker and where secrets were more important to keep.
I only wish the story had been a little longer for me to enjoy!
I think Claudia Gray did a brilliant job here in this short by picturing Elisabeth as a human, teenage girl, suffocated by rules she doesn't quite understand and fighting with very strong feelings for a boy who's not hers to love. It makes her human, it makes her relatable and it makes it very understandable that she chose the path she chose. Of course, I don't agree with what she did and I do think she abused her powers, but she's only a child in this story, a child who doesn't understand half of what's going on and happening to her.
Apart from the fact that Elisabeth is a very relatable character in this short, I also think that Claudia Gray managed to capture the atmosphere at that time, combined with all the elements we've come to know and love in the trilogy that takes place in the current world. I think the mythology felt even more fitting in this world, where witch hunts were still a thing, where women were seen as weaker and where secrets were more important to keep.
I only wish the story had been a little longer for me to enjoy!
April 12, 2021
This story is background info that doesn't make me like the character at all I didn't like her in the main series and this one just proves how shellfish the character really is. She wanted to marry the boys she love sound simple right but when the boy loves someone else and your a witch and it against the rules of witchcraft what does she do break the rules and kill two people. The MC is hateful and I just don't like her. Now if you love this series and Love the vilian in the series then seeing her background and where it all started for her you like this short story for me I found the main series a bit two slow pace and was just meh to me so this didn't add much for me personally
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2026
How it all began so long ago, but not in the way I had thought. Do I feel any sympathy at all for Elizabeth now that I know how and why she first pledged herself to The One Below? Oh, heck no… in fact, I didn’t think I could have disliked her more, but the author made it easy to want to wring that girl’s neck by the time this prequel came to a close.
If you’re enjoying the series, definitely give this little novella a read as it deepens the reasoning for why Elizabeth Pike is as rotten to the core as she is. Does it change everything? No, but it does enrich the story all the more.
If you’re enjoying the series, definitely give this little novella a read as it deepens the reasoning for why Elizabeth Pike is as rotten to the core as she is. Does it change everything? No, but it does enrich the story all the more.
March 11, 2019
The First Midnight Spell is a novella about Elizabeth's early days as a witch.
It tells the story of how Elizabeth first began to practice the dark arts.
It was an enlightening read and those that wish to know more about Elizabeth should consider reading this novella.
It tells the story of how Elizabeth first began to practice the dark arts.
It was an enlightening read and those that wish to know more about Elizabeth should consider reading this novella.
July 11, 2019
I think this novella is better than the main books! I'm a sucker for evil character back story! As with the main trilogy, Claudia Gray does great world building and character development. I wish there were more of these novellas!
June 27, 2018
Elizabeth is a psycho and I like how she started out like it, instead of some tragic event doing it to her.
August 23, 2019
Decent little side story about Elizabeth. I do wish we would’ve found out more about the Cabot course but it was never mentioned 🤷🏻♀️
July 28, 2020
This story was fantastic, I really enjoyed seeing Elizabeth's beginnings, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
January 6, 2022
Definitely one of the better prequel stories I've ever read. It gives a lot of backstory to Elizabeth and how her mind works. Kind of strange to read, even. Perfect to get into book 2.
January 17, 2022
It was very interesting to read the origins of Elizabeth and to also see more of Prudence Hale
March 17, 2022
The First Midnight Spell
his book is a great quick read with well developed characters and a good story line. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great quick read. 2014
his book is a great quick read with well developed characters and a good story line. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great quick read. 2014
December 19, 2022
It was good but i was hoping for a spell to get my valentines person from the washington state. back from evil toxic friends at that college down in florida.
October 17, 2016
This was an enjoyable novella! It gave good insight to Elizabeth's backstory, which I enjoyed. I especially liked all the hints at the main series. It wasn't the best novella I've read, but I did enjoy it. Overall this was a good novella, and I recommend to all who are reading the Spellcaster series!
November 13, 2013
"We possess a power no man can ever share or understand, and they respond to this in one way only: They destroy us."
Holy spell-casting cannoli! This novella was so good! I haven’t read very many books about witchcraft, and this prequel novella has me craving the rest of the Spellcaster series.
The year is 1695 and Elizabeth Cooper is a promising young witch who shows incredible potential. Her mind is always filled with creating new spells; but there is one person who she devotes just as many of her thoughts to, and that person is Nathaniel Porter. She has loved him for so many years; but sadly, he barely spares her a glance whenever they pass each other in town. That should be a good thing, considering that Nat’s mother is the coven leader and one of the most powerful rules they must adhere to, according to the First Laws of the Craft, is that no witch can ever marry the son of a witch. But there is something dark inside of Elizabeth; and when she hears that Nathaniel has fallen for a young woman in a nearby town, she decides that rules be damned – she will make him her own even if it means dabbling in a bit of black magic. After all, they can live happily ever after once they elope, and no one will ever be the wiser. But at what cost to poor Nathaniel? And at what cost to Elizabeth herself?
"She didn't know the first thing about love, if she thought it could be set aside so easily."
This short tale is so suspenseful and intriguing that I can’t imagine anyone reading this prequel and not wanting to immediately pick up book one in the Spellcaster series. Bravo to Ms. Gray – I am completely engrossed, and though The First Midnight Spell should have taught me a lesson… I might be a bit obsessed.
This review also posted at A Belle's Tales.
Holy spell-casting cannoli! This novella was so good! I haven’t read very many books about witchcraft, and this prequel novella has me craving the rest of the Spellcaster series.
The year is 1695 and Elizabeth Cooper is a promising young witch who shows incredible potential. Her mind is always filled with creating new spells; but there is one person who she devotes just as many of her thoughts to, and that person is Nathaniel Porter. She has loved him for so many years; but sadly, he barely spares her a glance whenever they pass each other in town. That should be a good thing, considering that Nat’s mother is the coven leader and one of the most powerful rules they must adhere to, according to the First Laws of the Craft, is that no witch can ever marry the son of a witch. But there is something dark inside of Elizabeth; and when she hears that Nathaniel has fallen for a young woman in a nearby town, she decides that rules be damned – she will make him her own even if it means dabbling in a bit of black magic. After all, they can live happily ever after once they elope, and no one will ever be the wiser. But at what cost to poor Nathaniel? And at what cost to Elizabeth herself?
"She didn't know the first thing about love, if she thought it could be set aside so easily."
This short tale is so suspenseful and intriguing that I can’t imagine anyone reading this prequel and not wanting to immediately pick up book one in the Spellcaster series. Bravo to Ms. Gray – I am completely engrossed, and though The First Midnight Spell should have taught me a lesson… I might be a bit obsessed.
This review also posted at A Belle's Tales.
February 25, 2014
When we met Elizabeth in Spellcaster, she was already a powerful, 400 year old sorceress. However, at some point she must have been a girl, a part of a close-knit community. People are rarely born evil; The First Midnight Spell shows how she took her first steps into darkness.
It might be cliche for the catalyst to be the love of a boy she can't have, but cliches exist for a reason--they tend to be true. In this case, the barrier was more than class, money, or family. One of the First Laws governing witches dictates that no witch may marry the son of another witch, and he is the son of their coven's leader.
Watching Elizabeth take the slow, inexorable path toward darkness was like watching a train wreck. At each point, I could see why the next decision would seem logical to her. Evil sneaks up on us; we proceed one step at a time, not seeing how far we have come from where we were originally, only that that the next step isn't that far from where we are right now.
The conclusion was heartbreaking. I won't spoil it, because the emotional gut punch deserves to be experienced without foreknowledge, just like it happened to Elizabeth. All I'll say is that I can definitely see how this would strengthen her resolve to serve the One Beneath, and become the sorceress we meet in Spellcaster.
Edited 2/25/2014: After finishing Steadfast, I recommend this novella even more. It isn't necessary to understand the next book, but there were pieces of backstory and world building laid in this novella that had much more relevance to Steadfast than I'd anticipated. Having those pieces in place before I read the novel meant I was about a half step ahead of the characters at times. It also gave me a stronger appreciation for the amount of world building in his story.
It might be cliche for the catalyst to be the love of a boy she can't have, but cliches exist for a reason--they tend to be true. In this case, the barrier was more than class, money, or family. One of the First Laws governing witches dictates that no witch may marry the son of another witch, and he is the son of their coven's leader.
Watching Elizabeth take the slow, inexorable path toward darkness was like watching a train wreck. At each point, I could see why the next decision would seem logical to her. Evil sneaks up on us; we proceed one step at a time, not seeing how far we have come from where we were originally, only that that the next step isn't that far from where we are right now.
The conclusion was heartbreaking. I won't spoil it, because the emotional gut punch deserves to be experienced without foreknowledge, just like it happened to Elizabeth. All I'll say is that I can definitely see how this would strengthen her resolve to serve the One Beneath, and become the sorceress we meet in Spellcaster.
Edited 2/25/2014: After finishing Steadfast, I recommend this novella even more. It isn't necessary to understand the next book, but there were pieces of backstory and world building laid in this novella that had much more relevance to Steadfast than I'd anticipated. Having those pieces in place before I read the novel meant I was about a half step ahead of the characters at times. It also gave me a stronger appreciation for the amount of world building in his story.
December 16, 2013
I have meaning to start this series for a very long time now and when I saw this novella I decided now was the time to start. Dark magic, witches, forbidden love, spells gone wrong, all set in the late 1600's, what's there not to love?
This was a delicious look into the series, into Elizabeth and what made her who she became, into first loves, friendship, the darkness of jealousy and the mysteries of youthful thinking.
I can say with absolute confidence that I will be continuing with the series. This was everything I love in a good paranormal. Magic, mayhem, darkness, lightness, suspense, intrigue and good fleshed out characters (especially for a novella). I can't wait to pick up the first book and dive in.
This was a delicious look into the series, into Elizabeth and what made her who she became, into first loves, friendship, the darkness of jealousy and the mysteries of youthful thinking.
I can say with absolute confidence that I will be continuing with the series. This was everything I love in a good paranormal. Magic, mayhem, darkness, lightness, suspense, intrigue and good fleshed out characters (especially for a novella). I can't wait to pick up the first book and dive in.
February 2, 2014
This was a great addition to the Spellcaster series! I loved that we got to see a bit of Elizabeth's past. Seeing her as a young girl really cast her in a sympathetic light, and it was easy to see how she could have made the decisions she did. Although at times I thought she was a little too obviously blinded by power and her own poor decision making, as if this was an afterschool special about witchcraft, overall I really enjoyed seeing her in her natural habitat. It made me curious about where she went after this, since it seems hard to imagine this version of her doing the things the book of shadows said she did in Spellcaster.
I'm really excited for the next book, especially for some of the hints that were dropped in this one. I love this series! :)
I'm really excited for the next book, especially for some of the hints that were dropped in this one. I love this series! :)
June 2, 2015
Three and a half stars. It was nice to read how Elizabeth became dark and sworn to the One Beneath. Set in the middle-ages (oops I forgot the year, sorry), Elizabeth already lives in Fortune Sound and is in a coven with all the other witches in town.
The problem for her is she has a crush on one the coven leader's son, Nat. And since she's a witch and Nat is a son of a witch, the First Laws state that a witch cannot bare an offspring with another witch's son. That sucks for her.
However... she finds out a way how. All will be revealed when you read the story. It's a nice novella because it provides a backstory to the antagonist, which is always good. Recommended to read.
The problem for her is she has a crush on one the coven leader's son, Nat. And since she's a witch and Nat is a son of a witch, the First Laws state that a witch cannot bare an offspring with another witch's son. That sucks for her.
However... she finds out a way how. All will be revealed when you read the story. It's a nice novella because it provides a backstory to the antagonist, which is always good. Recommended to read.
November 27, 2013
I loved it so much!! I really love how Claudia Gray writes.
It was so different from everything I've read in a while.
Elizabeth's character is flawless. One of the best written fictional character I've ever 'met'. I know she is selfish, and shallow and not exactly a 'good and kind' girl, maybe that's why she is real. Maybe I should like her, but I do. She isn't that villain and dark. Yet.
If I ever'll met with Claudia Gray I'll hug her so I can thank her writing this story and about a character like Elizabeth.
It was so different from everything I've read in a while.
Elizabeth's character is flawless. One of the best written fictional character I've ever 'met'. I know she is selfish, and shallow and not exactly a 'good and kind' girl, maybe that's why she is real. Maybe I should like her, but I do. She isn't that villain and dark. Yet.
If I ever'll met with Claudia Gray I'll hug her so I can thank her writing this story and about a character like Elizabeth.
February 7, 2017
It's fun to see just how crazy Elizabeth has always been.
April 8, 2014
Interesting insight to Elizabeth during her turn to the dark side... Back when the place was called Fortune's Sound not Captive's Sound. I really hope we get an idea of how, why and when it changed names in the forthcoming Sorceress.
February 9, 2016
This novella intrigued me enough to want to keep going with this series. I haven't read Spellcaster yet, but I do plan to now. I want to know how Elizabeth ties into the story and how knowing her background gives more to it. I would recommend this quick read. Overall well written and entertaining. 4 out of 5 stars.
November 13, 2013
The First Midnight Spell is really only the beginning of Elizabeth’s backstory, and that of the town that is to become Captive’s Sound, but some key elements are set in place. read more
November 29, 2014
I really liked this, and thought it was interesting. With having to use the charms, it was a different take on witchcraft. I'm interesting to see what happen' with Elizabeth's marriage. I hope it's talked about in Spellcaster.
April 14, 2015
It was an interesting read. I sometimes find it hard to see it from a 16yr olds point of view, but I enjoyed this. and the silly antics a 16yr old gets up to just brought me back to my younger years instead of finding it hard to relate
July 31, 2015
It was nice seeing how Elizabeth started out on her path that led to the events in spellcaster. There are still some questions of how things came to be in spellcaster but hopefully they will be answered in the following books.
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