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Becoming
Nearly thirty years after magic has explosively and disastrously returned to Earth, twenty-six-year-old Rachael Knight is condemned to death. She is forced to flee the cultish conservative compound in Los Angeles where she was raised for Davis, four hundred miles north. There she must learn to navigate the outside world, while also learning about the magic she was forced to hide her entire life. Rachael discovers the joys and freedoms she has always been denied and in so doing, meets tall, dark, and handsome, Drake Archer. When a woman is murdered, Rachael not only was one of the last people to see her alive, she was also at the site of the murder, making her a top suspect. Can she clear her name and help solve the crime before anyone else is hurt?
316 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 14, 2023
Found family, magic, shifters, mystery and a healthy dose of spice — that’s all waiting for you in Becoming by Evelyne Crowe.
There are so many things to love about this book but of course the found family vibes are going to be the first thing I talk about (are we even surprised). Rachael Knight is new to Davis where she has relocated after being exiled by her community for being a magic user. This community raised her to be afraid of magic and really tried to instill this deep mistrust of magic users (gross right). But in Davis Rachael meets the Archer family and they really just take her in, treating her like family from day one. Throughout the book we just see these little instances of the Archer family going out of their way to help Rachael, literally no matter what time it is, and I just loved that.
There’s also, of course, some romance and I just loved Drake and Rachael together. From the small gestures to the spice (god that spice) their relationship just felt really natural. I’m also obsessed with a fictional man who actually looks for verbal consent during spicy times.
On top of all that we also get a little mystery, a character I absolutely loved to hate, and a twist that I probably should have seen coming but didn’t.
Big thank you to the author for gifting me an advanced copy of this book 🖤
There are so many things to love about this book but of course the found family vibes are going to be the first thing I talk about (are we even surprised). Rachael Knight is new to Davis where she has relocated after being exiled by her community for being a magic user. This community raised her to be afraid of magic and really tried to instill this deep mistrust of magic users (gross right). But in Davis Rachael meets the Archer family and they really just take her in, treating her like family from day one. Throughout the book we just see these little instances of the Archer family going out of their way to help Rachael, literally no matter what time it is, and I just loved that.
There’s also, of course, some romance and I just loved Drake and Rachael together. From the small gestures to the spice (god that spice) their relationship just felt really natural. I’m also obsessed with a fictional man who actually looks for verbal consent during spicy times.
On top of all that we also get a little mystery, a character I absolutely loved to hate, and a twist that I probably should have seen coming but didn’t.
Big thank you to the author for gifting me an advanced copy of this book 🖤
October 20, 2024
Finally blooming
I don't know if I would categorize this as a romance but I don't care. There was romance in it but everything was so layered and for me the main focus always came back to Rachael and her getting to know herself, learning about herself and trusting herself.
Rachael comes from a cult like society that shuns magic, when they discover she has magic abilities she s forced away from the only life she has ever known.
The sae haven she founds let her Blossom but danger isn't far.
The plot was intriguing and I honnestly wanted more. I need to figure out if there is some kind of sequel because I have more questions and I want to know more about this world her powers and the evil out for her kind.
As for the romance I am obsessed on how consent is such a big theme especially continuous consent, consent within influence and consent without knowledge of certain factors.
I do feel like 2 of the chapters where reversed but I could still follow along.
A really cool read.
I don't know if I would categorize this as a romance but I don't care. There was romance in it but everything was so layered and for me the main focus always came back to Rachael and her getting to know herself, learning about herself and trusting herself.
Rachael comes from a cult like society that shuns magic, when they discover she has magic abilities she s forced away from the only life she has ever known.
The sae haven she founds let her Blossom but danger isn't far.
The plot was intriguing and I honnestly wanted more. I need to figure out if there is some kind of sequel because I have more questions and I want to know more about this world her powers and the evil out for her kind.
As for the romance I am obsessed on how consent is such a big theme especially continuous consent, consent within influence and consent without knowledge of certain factors.
I do feel like 2 of the chapters where reversed but I could still follow along.
A really cool read.
April 27, 2023
Wow… I was 100% not expecting a fantasy novel to help me tackle some of the deep-seated remnants of the purity culture of my youth. Becoming pulled this off beautifully and with such subtlety that I didn’t see it coming!
Becoming is about a woman named Rachael who was raised in a religious cult and finds herself starting a new life in Davis, California. However, one of my favorite parts about this book is that nothing is as it seems. What seems to be a simple slice of life story is really a deep, rich fantasy. Because the gradual reveal of magic was my favorite part, I won’t go into spoilers— but trust me, it’s totally worth it to see some of the main characters in action. I also love that this isn’t just a fantasy. It’s also a romance and a journey of self-discovery with elements of true crime detective work. This was A LOT to juggle, but it’s done so well!
Anyone exposed to purity culture NEEDS this book, and I can’t wait for more books by the author!
Becoming is about a woman named Rachael who was raised in a religious cult and finds herself starting a new life in Davis, California. However, one of my favorite parts about this book is that nothing is as it seems. What seems to be a simple slice of life story is really a deep, rich fantasy. Because the gradual reveal of magic was my favorite part, I won’t go into spoilers— but trust me, it’s totally worth it to see some of the main characters in action. I also love that this isn’t just a fantasy. It’s also a romance and a journey of self-discovery with elements of true crime detective work. This was A LOT to juggle, but it’s done so well!
Anyone exposed to purity culture NEEDS this book, and I can’t wait for more books by the author!
May 16, 2023
I was not expecting the twist. I went in thinking it would be the Fae theme of magic love and a little twist. What we get was something more!
Kinda of like a dystopian vibe since there is separation from magical users and non practitioners. Rachel has just been exiled from a conservative camp she has known all her life because she poses the magical trait. Relocating to Davis she is greeted with open hands by Diana Archer and her family. Through a refugee program she begins her new life and understanding her magical properties. New life, new job and even new romance. Rachel is set up until there is a new next door neighbor, Zakaria.
He begins showing an obsession kinda of feel for Rachel and just when things couldn’t get worse bodies begin dropping and all signs point to Rachel! Now she is tasked with using her magic to help detectives figure out the magic traces hidden that were left behind.
Really enjoyed this read, I couldn’t put it down because of how many questions I had! I just needed to know the purpose, I needed to read more about Drake and Rachel’s relationship. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Kinda of like a dystopian vibe since there is separation from magical users and non practitioners. Rachel has just been exiled from a conservative camp she has known all her life because she poses the magical trait. Relocating to Davis she is greeted with open hands by Diana Archer and her family. Through a refugee program she begins her new life and understanding her magical properties. New life, new job and even new romance. Rachel is set up until there is a new next door neighbor, Zakaria.
He begins showing an obsession kinda of feel for Rachel and just when things couldn’t get worse bodies begin dropping and all signs point to Rachel! Now she is tasked with using her magic to help detectives figure out the magic traces hidden that were left behind.
Really enjoyed this read, I couldn’t put it down because of how many questions I had! I just needed to know the purpose, I needed to read more about Drake and Rachel’s relationship. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
May 17, 2023
There are so many things to love about this book but let’s start with Rachael. She’s a female protagonist who is plus-size, who is recovering from religious abuse, who is sweet without being a meek pushover, and has a strong, consistent voice. Her reactions feel very real, and her growing confidence is believable. I also loved the Archer family and have a burning desire to see more Archers in the world. Fantasy Davis is written with humor and accuracy, the scenery is lush, and the magic feels immersive and natural. The pacing has a comfortable rise and fall in tension, and there are plenty of genuinely funny moments to balance out the Big Feelings. Plus the spice is delicious.
Also welcome to the Zakaria Hate Club. You know a character is effective when they literally make your skin crawl.
Also welcome to the Zakaria Hate Club. You know a character is effective when they literally make your skin crawl.
January 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It's heavy, yet funny and loving at the same time. This story deals with our FMC Rachel who is exiled from her super religious cult because she has magic. All alone with no one and nowhere to go, she goes to a city known for taking in magical refugees. Surprised by how welcoming and nice everyone is, Rachel acclimates nicely until another new refuge comes to town. Shortly after this new refuge comes to town, things start changing. Rachel begins questioning herself again, people are winding up dead, and somehow Rachel winds up in the middle of everything. With her new understanding of her magic, Rachel must help clear her name before it's too late.
There's romance, found family, magic, finding yourself, and so much more in this cozy yet slightly dark, dystopian fantasy.
There's romance, found family, magic, finding yourself, and so much more in this cozy yet slightly dark, dystopian fantasy.
April 8, 2023
The world around me disappeared when I was reading this book. The world and plot were just so enveloping. It had just the right amount of spice, with a bit of "who did it?" mystery. With found family and characters you love, as well as those you love to hate. Excited for the next part in the series!
October 8, 2025
A gripping mix of urban fantasy, mystery, and self-discovery. Rachael Knight is a compelling heroine resilient, curious, and learning to embrace her power after a lifetime of suppression. The worldbuilding is vivid, blending post-magic Earth with suspense and romance in just the right balance. I couldn’t put it down!
May 1, 2023
This is a page turner! I felt completely immersed in this magical world. I loved the characters and the way their relationships developed. I thought Evelyne Crowe revealed the characters' unique magical abilities in such a compelling way. Becoming is thrilling, spicy, suspenseful, witty, heart-warming, and all about finding one's place in the world.
May 19, 2023
I was an early reader on this book and have now reread the finished book (which I did purchase).
This is a great new post apocalyptic/urban fantasy romance! It takes place in a world where the earth has become fed up with human abuse and taken it back. With this, Magic is unleashed, and many humans are affected. Our main character is one such human, who escapes a cult like compound and welcomed into a Magic friendly community. Here we meet a wonderful cast characters, some potential love interests and a potentially malicious neighbor. I love this story and very much look forward to reading more in this world! 5⭐️
This is a great new post apocalyptic/urban fantasy romance! It takes place in a world where the earth has become fed up with human abuse and taken it back. With this, Magic is unleashed, and many humans are affected. Our main character is one such human, who escapes a cult like compound and welcomed into a Magic friendly community. Here we meet a wonderful cast characters, some potential love interests and a potentially malicious neighbor. I love this story and very much look forward to reading more in this world! 5⭐️
June 16, 2023
As always be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading!
Magic, small town vibes, found family, murder mystery, all these elements keep you thoroughly entertained the whole time!
There is spice, but not a huge amount, if you’re not a fan of spice you could very easily skip those scenes and not be left confused.
Magic, small town vibes, found family, murder mystery, all these elements keep you thoroughly entertained the whole time!
There is spice, but not a huge amount, if you’re not a fan of spice you could very easily skip those scenes and not be left confused.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews