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Cate Corey's Unmagical Life #1
Unmagical: A Witchy Mystery
The Gate that hides Cate Corey’s magical hometown from the rest of the world is about to close.
Permanently.
Descended from gifted witches with no power of her own, Cate thought she’d left home and magic behind. These days, she’s a stressed college student and an underpaid barista.
It’s a blessedly normal life.
But when her father goes missing, she realizes his disappearance is linked to a crisis that threatens to destroy the community and reveal their magic to the world. And her missing Gift might be the only clue.
Now she must choose between family and freedom. Because she has to go home if she wants answers, but going back now might mean giving up the unmagical life she loves...
For good.
Permanently.
Descended from gifted witches with no power of her own, Cate thought she’d left home and magic behind. These days, she’s a stressed college student and an underpaid barista.
It’s a blessedly normal life.
But when her father goes missing, she realizes his disappearance is linked to a crisis that threatens to destroy the community and reveal their magic to the world. And her missing Gift might be the only clue.
Now she must choose between family and freedom. Because she has to go home if she wants answers, but going back now might mean giving up the unmagical life she loves...
For good.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2023
51 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Lessmann
7 books25 followersJenn Lessmann is the author of three stories published on Amazon’s Kindle Vella. Unmagical is her debut novel.
A former barista, stage manager, and high school English teacher with advanced degrees from impressive colleges, she continues to drink excessive amounts of caffeine, stay up later than is absolutely necessary, and read three or four books at a time. She loves lists and the rule of three. Irony too.
Jenn is currently studying witchcraft and the craft of writing, and giggling internally whenever they intersect. She writes snarky paranormal fantasy for new adults whenever her dog will allow it.
A former barista, stage manager, and high school English teacher with advanced degrees from impressive colleges, she continues to drink excessive amounts of caffeine, stay up later than is absolutely necessary, and read three or four books at a time. She loves lists and the rule of three. Irony too.
Jenn is currently studying witchcraft and the craft of writing, and giggling internally whenever they intersect. She writes snarky paranormal fantasy for new adults whenever her dog will allow it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Want to read
October 12, 2023I'm really excited for this!
March 23, 2026
Thank you Jenn Lessmann for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
My first witchy book of the spooky season! 💀🖤
It took me until the 20% mark to get into this book, but I did enjoy it. The storyline was very well padded out and I found it so interesting following the main character along her journey.
I did, however, find myself getting confused with the time switching element, and the ‘romance’ was not fully fledged at all. I personally feel that the book would have been better without it, as it didn’t really go anywhere.
Definitely a fun one to begin the autumnal reading with!
My first witchy book of the spooky season! 💀🖤
It took me until the 20% mark to get into this book, but I did enjoy it. The storyline was very well padded out and I found it so interesting following the main character along her journey.
I did, however, find myself getting confused with the time switching element, and the ‘romance’ was not fully fledged at all. I personally feel that the book would have been better without it, as it didn’t really go anywhere.
Definitely a fun one to begin the autumnal reading with!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2023
✨Unmagical is one of the most magical reads of the year! ✨
The rules of community are clear, you either live life inside its protected walls or you live as a “mundane” in the human world…never to return. With one week left before Cate has to declare her decision she gets a devastating notice - her father has gone missing. Having spent the last 3 years attending university and working as a barista - going home is no easy journey. But armed with the love for her family and a handy magical tarot card she knows she has to risk it. Things quickly take a turn towards the mysterious when she crosses the boundary and discovers nothing is as it seems. Loyalties are tested, secrets are unveiled, lines are crossed and nothing will ever be the same!
I loved this so much!! The epic journey, complicated family dynamics, secret society, nods to the witch trials, elemental magic, strong heroine and magical realism made for a truly fantastic read!
Thank you Jenn Lessmann for the ARC! 🔮
The rules of community are clear, you either live life inside its protected walls or you live as a “mundane” in the human world…never to return. With one week left before Cate has to declare her decision she gets a devastating notice - her father has gone missing. Having spent the last 3 years attending university and working as a barista - going home is no easy journey. But armed with the love for her family and a handy magical tarot card she knows she has to risk it. Things quickly take a turn towards the mysterious when she crosses the boundary and discovers nothing is as it seems. Loyalties are tested, secrets are unveiled, lines are crossed and nothing will ever be the same!
I loved this so much!! The epic journey, complicated family dynamics, secret society, nods to the witch trials, elemental magic, strong heroine and magical realism made for a truly fantastic read!
Thank you Jenn Lessmann for the ARC! 🔮
October 4, 2023
(I received an ARC of this book and will give an honest review)
Jenn Lessmann created a beautiful, well-thought-out world with vibes, gorgeous settings, and magic that felt totally original with some familiar elements. The main character, Cate, was loveable from the beginning and easy to cheer for throughout the book.
However, one of my favorite parts about this book wasn't the magic, the vibes, or even the setting. It was the family dynamics that were messy, real, and unapologetic. Any book that captures family in that way immediately wins my heart.
I decided to give it four stars for a few reasons. The story was there, but it needed a little more refinement to make the plot more concise.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it! I'm also cheering on a fellow Vella author for taking the next step into publishing.
Jenn Lessmann created a beautiful, well-thought-out world with vibes, gorgeous settings, and magic that felt totally original with some familiar elements. The main character, Cate, was loveable from the beginning and easy to cheer for throughout the book.
However, one of my favorite parts about this book wasn't the magic, the vibes, or even the setting. It was the family dynamics that were messy, real, and unapologetic. Any book that captures family in that way immediately wins my heart.
I decided to give it four stars for a few reasons. The story was there, but it needed a little more refinement to make the plot more concise.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read and would recommend it! I'm also cheering on a fellow Vella author for taking the next step into publishing.
January 3, 2025
This was a fun time. The concepts were cool, and I liked the world-building and setup for the magic system, even if it confused me at times. The writing was good and I enjoyed the characters. Sometimes the plot moved ahead a little bit conveniently, but it didn’t bother me too much. Overall a good time and I’m intrigued to continue on in the series
October 22, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an advanced reader copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.
My favorite books are the ones that make me want to sit down and write my own book once I’m finished, and Unmagical is that kind of book. It made me feel immense love for Virginia, for my family, for my lost loved ones, and for every young woman trying to figure out how they fit into their adult life and childhood life at the same time.
Cate is smart in exactly the way I felt smart at 20 years old, with the snark and confidence of a theatre major paired with the shame and self-criticism of a theatre major later that same day. The world Lessmann has created is a little stunning. The magic system is intricate but familiar, without trying to hard to be different (no unnecessary spellings of magical words with extra “y”s and “k”s, thank god) but with truly unique elements that made me kind of want to make fanart.
What touched me most about this book are the nuanced relationships and sensory details Lessmann writes. I feel Cate’s uncertainty, anxiety, anger, awkwardness, and ultimately powerful internal wisdom through these yummy little moments of groundedness. We are with Cate as she works through her own emotions, going from fetal position to taking action, in a way that I haven’t seen a lot of YA heroines do. Cate does cringey things, she messes things up, she feels shame and uncertainty. But she also doesn’t spend the book beating herself up over anything. She looks to her community and to herself to find direction.
This book exceeded my expectations in so many ways. My reason for 4 stars instead of 5 because I think there were a couple elements that I think could have been streamlined to better serve the plot.
At times I was overwhelmed by the large cast of characters (six brothers, a whole coven, a handful of ancestors, etc) and kept having to go back and remind myself who someone was when their name popped up. Which was annoying because I *know* the characters are fleshed out and wonderful. I feel like I know Nyla, Cate’s college roommate who we never even speak to. And I know Brian from the coffee shop, who is only featured in the first few chapters. But that’s what was distracting. I wasn’t always sure who to pay attention to and who I could skim over. I thought Brian was going to play a bigger role, then Thomas, then Elspeth and that siren girl and Adam and Duncan. When I knew who was sticking around, then I felt a strong affection for them. Justice for Elspeth! More Wolf Masks for Adam!
My second gripe is solely a feature of the YA genre: the romance. I know we like to have it, I know it makes sense for the audience, but I really didn’t latch on to Cate and Adam. Maybe it’s because she didn’t remember she had a boyfriend until like halfway through the book, or maybe the relationship was rushed when she did remember? Something about it just felt disconnected for me, and I found Cate’s easy friendship with Elspeth to be a much more engaging relationship and in-line with the rest of the book. I know I’m the worst. Give me a sequel where I get to know Adam a little better and maybe I’ll be writing CateXAdam (Cadam) fanfics.
But nonetheless, I finished this book feeling full-up on thoughts and reactions, and that made it such a worthwhile read to me. I love Queen’s Creek, I want a pottermore-esque quiz on which Gift I have ASAP, and I’m incredibly interested to see what Lessmann writes next.
My favorite books are the ones that make me want to sit down and write my own book once I’m finished, and Unmagical is that kind of book. It made me feel immense love for Virginia, for my family, for my lost loved ones, and for every young woman trying to figure out how they fit into their adult life and childhood life at the same time.
Cate is smart in exactly the way I felt smart at 20 years old, with the snark and confidence of a theatre major paired with the shame and self-criticism of a theatre major later that same day. The world Lessmann has created is a little stunning. The magic system is intricate but familiar, without trying to hard to be different (no unnecessary spellings of magical words with extra “y”s and “k”s, thank god) but with truly unique elements that made me kind of want to make fanart.
What touched me most about this book are the nuanced relationships and sensory details Lessmann writes. I feel Cate’s uncertainty, anxiety, anger, awkwardness, and ultimately powerful internal wisdom through these yummy little moments of groundedness. We are with Cate as she works through her own emotions, going from fetal position to taking action, in a way that I haven’t seen a lot of YA heroines do. Cate does cringey things, she messes things up, she feels shame and uncertainty. But she also doesn’t spend the book beating herself up over anything. She looks to her community and to herself to find direction.
This book exceeded my expectations in so many ways. My reason for 4 stars instead of 5 because I think there were a couple elements that I think could have been streamlined to better serve the plot.
At times I was overwhelmed by the large cast of characters (six brothers, a whole coven, a handful of ancestors, etc) and kept having to go back and remind myself who someone was when their name popped up. Which was annoying because I *know* the characters are fleshed out and wonderful. I feel like I know Nyla, Cate’s college roommate who we never even speak to. And I know Brian from the coffee shop, who is only featured in the first few chapters. But that’s what was distracting. I wasn’t always sure who to pay attention to and who I could skim over. I thought Brian was going to play a bigger role, then Thomas, then Elspeth and that siren girl and Adam and Duncan. When I knew who was sticking around, then I felt a strong affection for them. Justice for Elspeth! More Wolf Masks for Adam!
My second gripe is solely a feature of the YA genre: the romance. I know we like to have it, I know it makes sense for the audience, but I really didn’t latch on to Cate and Adam. Maybe it’s because she didn’t remember she had a boyfriend until like halfway through the book, or maybe the relationship was rushed when she did remember? Something about it just felt disconnected for me, and I found Cate’s easy friendship with Elspeth to be a much more engaging relationship and in-line with the rest of the book. I know I’m the worst. Give me a sequel where I get to know Adam a little better and maybe I’ll be writing CateXAdam (Cadam) fanfics.
But nonetheless, I finished this book feeling full-up on thoughts and reactions, and that made it such a worthwhile read to me. I love Queen’s Creek, I want a pottermore-esque quiz on which Gift I have ASAP, and I’m incredibly interested to see what Lessmann writes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 28, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBOX contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A girl with a disappointing lack of magical powers working her way through school in the mundane world gets visited by her annoyingly powerful twin brother every night she’s trying to close down the coffee shop.
This is an engaging, fun read with competent 1st-person prose, dialogue, and a narrative that is grounded while still steadily revealing world and character. It’s off to a great start.
By the end of the first section, I feel I understand everything I need to about our MC to be invested in her as a character. She’s an alt girlie, works in a coffee shop, finds her brother annoying as hell, is deeply but secretly jealous of his powers…
She’s trying to go her own way, but she’s remains disappointed that she’s so, well, unmagical. She still tries to focus and get the tables cleaned the family way, but … no luck.
This does a nice job introducing the reader to the nature of magic in the world in-scene through our MC’s brother’s antics rather than long descriptive narration, and I found that engaging.
I like that this isn’t trying too hard to wow me. It isn’t in a rush to pack the opening with everything I need to know about the world or characters. The coffee shop is cozy. The characters feel like real people.
There is also something compelling for me about these twins who annoy each other, who don’t particularly like each other, but who clearly feel for each other despite that they don’t know how to communicate it.
This feeling is shown rather than told to us, and I feel it’s the core of the story of this opening and its great success.
There is one important interaction between brother and sister I think I could have understood better, but I’m won over. There isn’t yet a driving plot or major conflict, but there’s characters in conflict with each other and themselves.
I’m eager to see what the mystery here will be. I find everything about this opening engaging. It was a pleasure to read. And it’s FREE at this moment. Sold! I’m in!
A girl with a disappointing lack of magical powers working her way through school in the mundane world gets visited by her annoyingly powerful twin brother every night she’s trying to close down the coffee shop.
This is an engaging, fun read with competent 1st-person prose, dialogue, and a narrative that is grounded while still steadily revealing world and character. It’s off to a great start.
By the end of the first section, I feel I understand everything I need to about our MC to be invested in her as a character. She’s an alt girlie, works in a coffee shop, finds her brother annoying as hell, is deeply but secretly jealous of his powers…
She’s trying to go her own way, but she’s remains disappointed that she’s so, well, unmagical. She still tries to focus and get the tables cleaned the family way, but … no luck.
This does a nice job introducing the reader to the nature of magic in the world in-scene through our MC’s brother’s antics rather than long descriptive narration, and I found that engaging.
I like that this isn’t trying too hard to wow me. It isn’t in a rush to pack the opening with everything I need to know about the world or characters. The coffee shop is cozy. The characters feel like real people.
There is also something compelling for me about these twins who annoy each other, who don’t particularly like each other, but who clearly feel for each other despite that they don’t know how to communicate it.
This feeling is shown rather than told to us, and I feel it’s the core of the story of this opening and its great success.
There is one important interaction between brother and sister I think I could have understood better, but I’m won over. There isn’t yet a driving plot or major conflict, but there’s characters in conflict with each other and themselves.
I’m eager to see what the mystery here will be. I find everything about this opening engaging. It was a pleasure to read. And it’s FREE at this moment. Sold! I’m in!
October 9, 2023
I absolutely LOVED Lessmann's debut novel. I'm a sucker for magic and contemporary fantasy; Unmagical offers a fresh storyline and writing style that both fully engaged and entertained me. Her "More Snark, Less Dark" is spot on.
Cate is relatable, funny, and clever with clear internal conflicts that she needs to work through, while resolving the external crisis her hometown is facing. Her relationships feel both real and well-developed with strong emphasis on the struggle between pursuing her own path vs. the family ties that bind.
I enjoyed the Tarot thread and the card interpretations that are woven throughout the storyline.
The plot kept me guessing, and until it ended, I kept changing my guess as to what the heroine would ultimately choose to do. I was sad when I finished the last page, not because of how it ended, but because there was no more to enjoy. I look forward to her next book.
Cate is relatable, funny, and clever with clear internal conflicts that she needs to work through, while resolving the external crisis her hometown is facing. Her relationships feel both real and well-developed with strong emphasis on the struggle between pursuing her own path vs. the family ties that bind.
I enjoyed the Tarot thread and the card interpretations that are woven throughout the storyline.
The plot kept me guessing, and until it ended, I kept changing my guess as to what the heroine would ultimately choose to do. I was sad when I finished the last page, not because of how it ended, but because there was no more to enjoy. I look forward to her next book.
November 6, 2023
A fun read with witchcraft, humor, and heart
The world and characters of Unmagical draw you in, and the central mystery propels you forward. Cate is a strong voice to narrate the story, and there are real stakes that made me care about what happened next. Overall, a cozy read that both fantasy and mystery fans will enjoy!
The world and characters of Unmagical draw you in, and the central mystery propels you forward. Cate is a strong voice to narrate the story, and there are real stakes that made me care about what happened next. Overall, a cozy read that both fantasy and mystery fans will enjoy!
July 30, 2024
This was a super cute read. I loved every moment of it and I can not wait for the next one!
Read
October 7, 2024Review and rating to come.
December 25, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received an arc from the author but the review is my own opinion.)
I'm intrigued by stories that weave modern and magical elements, and Unmagical does just that. References from the modern day US are sprinkled into the details Cate provides about the witchy rituals she grew up with, adding to the believe-ability that such witches really might just be hiding from sight!
To minimize spoilers, I'll say that I enjoyed following Cate on her journey home and how everything tied together in the end. The characters were memorable and Cate and her brothers were all especially unique and dynamic. I do wish there had been a little more on the aftermath of the ending, but perhaps that might one day be elaborated upon if there is a second book.
I'm intrigued by stories that weave modern and magical elements, and Unmagical does just that. References from the modern day US are sprinkled into the details Cate provides about the witchy rituals she grew up with, adding to the believe-ability that such witches really might just be hiding from sight!
To minimize spoilers, I'll say that I enjoyed following Cate on her journey home and how everything tied together in the end. The characters were memorable and Cate and her brothers were all especially unique and dynamic. I do wish there had been a little more on the aftermath of the ending, but perhaps that might one day be elaborated upon if there is a second book.
August 23, 2024
Firstly I find I'm hard to pass up on a "witchy book" secondly, add in mystery, magic and a dose of the unknown, and I'm in my element! Which I was with this book...Starting right off with completely falling under this author's spell, I kinda sucked this book in one big slurp! Not only was I immensely entertained throughout this book, I really appreciated the setting of this world in a very relatable way. I mean, a non magic person, the only one in a family of magical beings, having to solve a mystery, was a touch down! The first sentence got me! It all got me!
Cate is just cool, there's no other word that "works" for her in my mind. When you read the opening pages, you'll get it and she just keeps growing on me. She's so smart, she's so determined, she's so funny, she's so girl next door, I'd love to have her as a friend. Especially as she would be THAT friend who helps you bury the body ..She's aware of all her inner turmoil, her insecurities, trying to figure out why she's so different, and tries to work through it, Cate style, while trying to get to the bottom of WHAT is happening in her hometown. And goodness did she have lots to figure out, notably after a particular bombshell....I love how the author gave this story pretty much a building block finesse, one block at a time revealing more and more, all the while throwing me off course, my speculations coming up zero. And one twist was a real WHOA moment!
I loved the easiness and relatability of the characters, Thomas, Cate's twin, impetuous, impulsive, Alice, Elspeth, Adam, who surprised me with his intensity and love. The plot and storytelling twirling, twisting, the author mixing it up and shaking it better than any martini. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, a new author to me, a debut author at that and my word did I get the most rewarding few hours!
That was sweet and interesting and magical in every sense, I got to the end with a burning need for more.
Cate is just cool, there's no other word that "works" for her in my mind. When you read the opening pages, you'll get it and she just keeps growing on me. She's so smart, she's so determined, she's so funny, she's so girl next door, I'd love to have her as a friend. Especially as she would be THAT friend who helps you bury the body ..She's aware of all her inner turmoil, her insecurities, trying to figure out why she's so different, and tries to work through it, Cate style, while trying to get to the bottom of WHAT is happening in her hometown. And goodness did she have lots to figure out, notably after a particular bombshell....I love how the author gave this story pretty much a building block finesse, one block at a time revealing more and more, all the while throwing me off course, my speculations coming up zero. And one twist was a real WHOA moment!
I loved the easiness and relatability of the characters, Thomas, Cate's twin, impetuous, impulsive, Alice, Elspeth, Adam, who surprised me with his intensity and love. The plot and storytelling twirling, twisting, the author mixing it up and shaking it better than any martini. I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, a new author to me, a debut author at that and my word did I get the most rewarding few hours!
That was sweet and interesting and magical in every sense, I got to the end with a burning need for more.
October 23, 2025
i redownloaded goodreads just to write this 😭😭
i loved this book!! it has been a while since i read anything so it was refreshing to read something that got me so excited to keep reading! the only reason i gave this 4.5 (5) stars is because there were a few parts that felt repetitive and unrealistic. otherwise i loved that the actual plot was the most important part to the protagonist and not side romance plots. (although i wouldve loved to see a bit more of cate and adam 😔). i got this book during a stuff your kindle day along with the sequel and i WILL be starting it ASAP. it definitely gives me red queen vibes but its definitely its own story. 100% recommend!! loved the world building and the word choice it made me feel like i was in the story as well :)
edit: i totally forgot to say the whole reason why i made this post 😭 i listened to "about you" by the 1975 and ITS LITERALLY CATE AND ADAM'S SONG. no one talk to me rn 💔💔💔 like "there was something about you that now i cant remember its the same damn thing that made my heart surrender and i miss you on the train i miss you in the morning i never know what to think about-
- i think about you" A R HRGGGGH JENN LESSMANN IF THERE ISN'T MORE ADAM AND CATE CONTENT IN THE NEXT TWO BOOKS I WILL FIND YOUUUU💔💔💔 (thank you for making these characters and this world i love you)
i loved this book!! it has been a while since i read anything so it was refreshing to read something that got me so excited to keep reading! the only reason i gave this 4.5 (5) stars is because there were a few parts that felt repetitive and unrealistic. otherwise i loved that the actual plot was the most important part to the protagonist and not side romance plots. (although i wouldve loved to see a bit more of cate and adam 😔). i got this book during a stuff your kindle day along with the sequel and i WILL be starting it ASAP. it definitely gives me red queen vibes but its definitely its own story. 100% recommend!! loved the world building and the word choice it made me feel like i was in the story as well :)
edit: i totally forgot to say the whole reason why i made this post 😭 i listened to "about you" by the 1975 and ITS LITERALLY CATE AND ADAM'S SONG. no one talk to me rn 💔💔💔 like "there was something about you that now i cant remember its the same damn thing that made my heart surrender and i miss you on the train i miss you in the morning i never know what to think about-
- i think about you" A R HRGGGGH JENN LESSMANN IF THERE ISN'T MORE ADAM AND CATE CONTENT IN THE NEXT TWO BOOKS I WILL FIND YOUUUU💔💔💔 (thank you for making these characters and this world i love you)
August 5, 2024
This was such a fun read, with a really inventive magical system!
Cate is an ordinary college student, working part-time as a barista, but with an extraordinary past. A past she is called back to with the news of her missing father. Rejoining her town - a coven of witches hidden from mundane society - she is forced into her old role, and must investigate a mystery that threatens to tear the community apart.
I loved Cate as a protagonist, and how deeply connected her character was to her magical powers and upbringing. Lessmann uses witchcraft as a powerful tool for exploring insecurity and fear, but also to create a feeling of hope for the future. The whole world felt really well-developed, and all the loose ends tied up really nicely. The ending did feel a tad rushed. I had to double back to check what had happened in places, but this didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
If you're looking for an entertaining witchy read with compelling characters and intriguing magics, this is a great one to try.
Books with similar vibes - A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, A Maze of Murder by Kate Krake, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, and Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson.
Cate is an ordinary college student, working part-time as a barista, but with an extraordinary past. A past she is called back to with the news of her missing father. Rejoining her town - a coven of witches hidden from mundane society - she is forced into her old role, and must investigate a mystery that threatens to tear the community apart.
I loved Cate as a protagonist, and how deeply connected her character was to her magical powers and upbringing. Lessmann uses witchcraft as a powerful tool for exploring insecurity and fear, but also to create a feeling of hope for the future. The whole world felt really well-developed, and all the loose ends tied up really nicely. The ending did feel a tad rushed. I had to double back to check what had happened in places, but this didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
If you're looking for an entertaining witchy read with compelling characters and intriguing magics, this is a great one to try.
Books with similar vibes - A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, A Maze of Murder by Kate Krake, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, and Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson.
March 18, 2024
🦚Genre: Fantasy
🦚Themes: Witches
🦚Page #: 368
🦚 Author: Jenn Lessman
🦚Series: Yes
Synopsis:
Before their 21 birthday, witches have the opportunity to experience the mundane world. They can choose to stay but will never be able to go back to the witch community. Most witches decide to return home but since Cate has never developed powers, she may just stay in the regular world.
Review:
There are all sorts of new twists on the witch story in this book and then also the good ol’ tried and true like tarot cards and grimoires.
I put this as a level 2 witch book - there’s a whole village for the witches but we start the book in a coffee shop in the real world. I would have preferred more time in the uni/coffee shop setting but that’s just a personal preference.
There’s a fair amount of complexity to the story. I think I’d learn a bunch more if I read it a second time.
The story’s intrigue is wrapped around the mystery of Cate’s lack of power and the instability of power within the witch village. The witch village itself is so cute. If you like cottage-core this will bewitch you ☺️.
🦚Themes: Witches
🦚Page #: 368
🦚 Author: Jenn Lessman
🦚Series: Yes
Synopsis:
Before their 21 birthday, witches have the opportunity to experience the mundane world. They can choose to stay but will never be able to go back to the witch community. Most witches decide to return home but since Cate has never developed powers, she may just stay in the regular world.
Review:
There are all sorts of new twists on the witch story in this book and then also the good ol’ tried and true like tarot cards and grimoires.
I put this as a level 2 witch book - there’s a whole village for the witches but we start the book in a coffee shop in the real world. I would have preferred more time in the uni/coffee shop setting but that’s just a personal preference.
There’s a fair amount of complexity to the story. I think I’d learn a bunch more if I read it a second time.
The story’s intrigue is wrapped around the mystery of Cate’s lack of power and the instability of power within the witch village. The witch village itself is so cute. If you like cottage-core this will bewitch you ☺️.
August 11, 2024
3.5 stars.
An overall fun adventure about a girl who was planning on leaving her magical community having to return home to solve her family and community's problems.
The story was engaging and well crafted. The magic system was interesting, and the culture of the community was interesting to discover. The goodreads tags label it as adult, but it feels fairly YA to me, especially since the main character's internal conflicts and conflicts with her family feel very YA to me.
I do think the editor could have been a bit harsher. 80 pages less, and this would have been fantastic. It feels to me like a number of scenes could have been cut to improve the pacing. In the beginning it takes a long time to get into the meat of the story, some scene felt like they served the exact same purpose as other scenes that came later, and the climactic ending felt a bit too labored. I would also have cut the romance. It added nothing to this story and was not fleshed out enough to make me care.
Also, random gripe, but there's a single Harry Potter reference included in this book just for a joke. That just felt very unnecessary and out of place, since the magical people really never reference any other non-magical people media.
That said, I still think it was a good story and enjoyed my time with it overall.
An overall fun adventure about a girl who was planning on leaving her magical community having to return home to solve her family and community's problems.
The story was engaging and well crafted. The magic system was interesting, and the culture of the community was interesting to discover. The goodreads tags label it as adult, but it feels fairly YA to me, especially since the main character's internal conflicts and conflicts with her family feel very YA to me.
I do think the editor could have been a bit harsher. 80 pages less, and this would have been fantastic. It feels to me like a number of scenes could have been cut to improve the pacing. In the beginning it takes a long time to get into the meat of the story, some scene felt like they served the exact same purpose as other scenes that came later, and the climactic ending felt a bit too labored. I would also have cut the romance. It added nothing to this story and was not fleshed out enough to make me care.
Also, random gripe, but there's a single Harry Potter reference included in this book just for a joke. That just felt very unnecessary and out of place, since the magical people really never reference any other non-magical people media.
That said, I still think it was a good story and enjoyed my time with it overall.
March 20, 2025
3 stars. The story for most of the book was interesting. Hecate Corey (Cate) is a magical dud doing her year living with nonmagical people (the rite of passage for everyone before turning 19). They must decide if they’re in or out of the community permanently by their 19th bday and wherever they land they stay forever until they die. Being a dud is hard so Cate decides to make a go of it on the outside until her father disappears right before her 19th bday forcing her to return home and risk being stuck inside the magical town forever.
What worked for me: Good mystery, interesting characters, storyline felt quick paced.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The end felt like it spiraled out in too many directions. 2) Everything changes and we find ourselves in the exact same place with Cate as at the beginning of the novel. No growth, no difference in locations, governmental logistics. Just, BAM, the walls are down so I’m just going to go back to school. What? It was a whole novel that had zero impact on the end. What was the point?
I think this is the end of the road for this series for me.
What worked for me: Good mystery, interesting characters, storyline felt quick paced.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The end felt like it spiraled out in too many directions. 2) Everything changes and we find ourselves in the exact same place with Cate as at the beginning of the novel. No growth, no difference in locations, governmental logistics. Just, BAM, the walls are down so I’m just going to go back to school. What? It was a whole novel that had zero impact on the end. What was the point?
I think this is the end of the road for this series for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
I started this from Breanne Randall’s online book club! The cover and premise looked right up my alley!
Veronica Mars x Practical Magic and it’s exactly that! Maybe a little Gilmore girls even.
Love is not the centre of this plot in the slightest but some elements. It’s family, it’s second chances, secrets, and obviously magic!
Cate left her world behind to go live amongst the mundane. She’s supposedly chosen but her magic is null
When her father goes missing, she has to return home to solve the mystery and save the town!! So cute. And she discovers some things about herself along the way
The pace of the book was perfect. Good background and character building. The mystery building was also really good, lots of layers and secrets. I was eager to keep reading and it had me on edge!
The ending was great! All around just a homey comfort read, witchy and cute.
10/10 would read more from Jenn
Veronica Mars x Practical Magic and it’s exactly that! Maybe a little Gilmore girls even.
Love is not the centre of this plot in the slightest but some elements. It’s family, it’s second chances, secrets, and obviously magic!
Cate left her world behind to go live amongst the mundane. She’s supposedly chosen but her magic is null
When her father goes missing, she has to return home to solve the mystery and save the town!! So cute. And she discovers some things about herself along the way
The pace of the book was perfect. Good background and character building. The mystery building was also really good, lots of layers and secrets. I was eager to keep reading and it had me on edge!
The ending was great! All around just a homey comfort read, witchy and cute.
10/10 would read more from Jenn
August 13, 2024
Cate is from a closed witch community, but living in the mundane world. The time is coming when she’ll have to decide in which world she’ll live for the rest of her life. As a seventh child of a seventh child, she should be magically powerful, but she has no power. When her father goes missing, her brother gets her to return to the community, but she only has a few days to figure out what’s going on and either leave or be trapped forever.
I enjoyed this imaginative story. Cate is a relatable character, but I really liked the side characters and I thought some of them were more interesting - Adam, Elspeth and the brothers. My favorite was her brother, Thomas and I wish there had been more of him in the story. I found some parts a bit too talky, but the plot and setting were intriguing and overall it was a fun read. The story is complete - no cliffhanger- but it definitely feels like there’s more coming in this world and I’m eager to see how it develops!
September 20, 2024
I was provided a copy of this work by the author in return for honest review.
From the moment i read the blurb I was hooked. I was certain that this was going to be the perfect read to start getting me in a halloween mood and I was totally right!
Cate is a fantastic character shes very relatable and likeable. She is also a witch, sadly shes a talentless Witch or so she thinks.
Her twenty frist birthday is fast approaching and that means she has a choice to make stay in the mudane world or return to the magical community she was born in and accept her destiny.
Shes pretty much made up her mind not to go home until her brother turns up to tell her their father is missing presumed dead.
So the wheel of fate is set in motion! Will she discover shes not as giftless aa she thought?
This is a wonderful mystery and it weaves its story from past to present like a perfectly cast spell. I truely enjoyed this work and once I got stuck in I could not put the book down.
From the moment i read the blurb I was hooked. I was certain that this was going to be the perfect read to start getting me in a halloween mood and I was totally right!
Cate is a fantastic character shes very relatable and likeable. She is also a witch, sadly shes a talentless Witch or so she thinks.
Her twenty frist birthday is fast approaching and that means she has a choice to make stay in the mudane world or return to the magical community she was born in and accept her destiny.
Shes pretty much made up her mind not to go home until her brother turns up to tell her their father is missing presumed dead.
So the wheel of fate is set in motion! Will she discover shes not as giftless aa she thought?
This is a wonderful mystery and it weaves its story from past to present like a perfectly cast spell. I truely enjoyed this work and once I got stuck in I could not put the book down.
October 28, 2024
Queens Creek, a hidden magical community is bound by a gate that keeps everyone out from coming in but in a double edged sword everyone inside cannot leave except during their "wakening" before their 21st birthday.
Cate is called back from her wakening early when her father goes missing to find that there is magical unrest within the community and instability within the magical border of Queen's Creek. Without any known magic of her own "Cate-the-cursed" must save the community.
I loved this book from the beginning. It slowly drew me in and I couldn't put it down. The FMC Cate is relatable, funny and loveable.
I did wish to see a little more between Cate and Adam as it is obviously hinted at throughout the book, however I'm hoping we get to see more of that in the next book and I can't wait to read it!
Great debut novel for Jen Lessmann!
Cate is called back from her wakening early when her father goes missing to find that there is magical unrest within the community and instability within the magical border of Queen's Creek. Without any known magic of her own "Cate-the-cursed" must save the community.
I loved this book from the beginning. It slowly drew me in and I couldn't put it down. The FMC Cate is relatable, funny and loveable.
I did wish to see a little more between Cate and Adam as it is obviously hinted at throughout the book, however I'm hoping we get to see more of that in the next book and I can't wait to read it!
Great debut novel for Jen Lessmann!
October 13, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book. Cate was the type of character you fall in love with instantly. She’s trying to find her own path in the world but feels that sense of obligation to family that bring her back. She’s a strong heroine from the beginning not backing down and right away taking action to figure out what happened to her dad. I truly enjoyed how relatable the family dynamics were in this book. The author created a world that was magical but believable. The twist and mystery was well written and yet it also had this fun light heartedness to the story. It wasn’t a dark mystery story, it was a adventurous mystery story. I highly suggest this book for people to read especially in the month of October when we all want the sense of a little magic in our life.
August 26, 2024
I LOVED this book so much! I couldn't wait to crawl into bed each night and jump right back into Queen's Creek. I loved the characters, the story, and I NEEDED to know what was going to happen. I had a very clear visual of who these characters were and I was along for the ride. I honestly cannot wait to find out what happens in Unforgivable (I may have squealed when I got to the end and saw that it was a trilogy). Admittedly it does take on a bit of a Doctor Who/TVA feel toward the end (not a spoiler as it is mentioned throughout), but I was here for it! And if a film is made, and Chris Hemsworth is not Adam, I will fight someone. (This would be an amazing film.) I honestly cannot say enough good things about it. I'm staring my ARC of Unforgivable tonight!!!
May 20, 2025
Cate is from a magical community but she herself is unmagical, although with her lineage she should be very powerful. She is a student with a part time job on the side and has until her 21st birthday to decide where her destiny lies - inside the magical community of or outside. Once she has turned 21 the gate allowing access to the magical town will be closed to her, she cannot enter or leave. This book kept me entranced and guessing right to the very end, and while it did not exactly end on a cliff hanger it wasn't far off one. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I did not want to put the book down and had to be really strict with myself or nothing else would have been done until I had finished the book.
I read an ARC of Unmagical
I read an ARC of Unmagical
September 19, 2023
This is one of the best witch books I have read. No spoilers, but it is a story steeped in witchcraft, with believable characters and a really good story line. The author has succeeded in building a world that I found compelling and credible. The main character, Cate, will resonate with every woman and her journey to become what and who she needs to be is timeless. I was a Beta reader for an early version of the story, and it was clear it had huge potential. The author has honed it and revised it until it is now a very satisfying read. I received an ARC and have no hesitation in recommending this to others as a really good and entertaining story for all ages.
May 25, 2024
I will be honest, it took me a bit to fully get into this book. It didn’t really start to keep my interest until about 60% of the way through. I did enjoy the book as a whole, the story line was great, & the characters all had their purposes and meshed well. I did find myself confused at times & re-reading to see if I missed something. You would be in the middle of reading one thing & then it would abruptly stop and jump to another situation. I also feel like some things could have been more descriptive, especially surrounding the witchy elements. Overall, for the author’s first novel, I think it was good & will read the second one in the series when it comes out!
October 29, 2024
Cate Corey has a decision to make - live behind the wards of her magical town forever or live as a mundane. She thinks the decision is made, but little does she know that *fate* may have other ideas.
Cate has never been able to practice magic. As someone that grew up in a magical town, her Gifts have never seemed to manifest. She thought she was destined for an unmagical life and she was ready for that, until she figured out the secrets that have been hidden from her by those she thought she could trust.
This story is full of magic, fun, and it keeps you guessing. A cute, witchy, fall read!
Cate has never been able to practice magic. As someone that grew up in a magical town, her Gifts have never seemed to manifest. She thought she was destined for an unmagical life and she was ready for that, until she figured out the secrets that have been hidden from her by those she thought she could trust.
This story is full of magic, fun, and it keeps you guessing. A cute, witchy, fall read!
January 31, 2024
This was a really fun witchy mystery. It definitely gave me Veronica Mars meets A Discovery of Witches. I was pleasantly surprised with the direction the story went. It was a great twist that I didn’t see coming.
There is a small romance subplot but you definitely shouldn’t go into this expecting it to be a fantasy romance. For the tone of the story, I’d say there was the perfect amount.
Overall I’d recommend to anyone who loves witches, magical communities and mysterious disappearances.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
There is a small romance subplot but you definitely shouldn’t go into this expecting it to be a fantasy romance. For the tone of the story, I’d say there was the perfect amount.
Overall I’d recommend to anyone who loves witches, magical communities and mysterious disappearances.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
November 5, 2025
I enjoyed this magical world and the journey that Cate had to take to help her community. I loved the use of Tarot to help tell the story and keep the character progressing. I also found the little explanations to the cards to be interesting and enlightening. The ending was a bit confusing to me, but since there are further books in the series to read, I am hoping it will make more sense as I read more. I think readers who enjoy tales of witches or are interested in Tarot and witchcraft will enjoy this book.
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