What do you think?
A Month of Magic #2
The November Witches
No witch is excited about gloomy magic-free November apart from young hag Clemmie who is relieved to finally be done with October’s magical mess. But if there’s no more magic, then where are all the armour-clad knights coming from?
When even their enemy coven, the Morgans, don’t have any answers, the Merlyns are on the run. Neither the Morgan or Merlyn covens want to burn so they will have to work together to solve the mystery of where the witch-hunting knights and the all-engulfing flames are coming from.
Will Clemmie be able to find her voice in time to save her family? Continuing directly on from The October Witches, this November sequel is full of bonfires, knights, family disasters and one very important round table.
When even their enemy coven, the Morgans, don’t have any answers, the Merlyns are on the run. Neither the Morgan or Merlyn covens want to burn so they will have to work together to solve the mystery of where the witch-hunting knights and the all-engulfing flames are coming from.
Will Clemmie be able to find her voice in time to save her family? Continuing directly on from The October Witches, this November sequel is full of bonfires, knights, family disasters and one very important round table.
- GenresFantasy
322 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2023
About the author
Jennifer Claessen
7 books17 followersJennifer was born in Reading and grew up a book worm. She studied literature and theatre at the University of Sheffield, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Canterbury Christchurch University and Central School of Speech and Drama. A teacher and theatre-maker, Jennifer loves stories, especially for children, whether on stage or page. Jennifer currently works in the West End, taking children to the theatre and lives in the East End with her partner, a Dutch toymaker, and their baby daughter. She loves reading, travel and ice cream. You can find her on her yellow bike or in a red velvet seat in the stalls, applauding.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 5, 2023
The follow-up to The October Witches is just as fun, heartfelt and witchy an adventure! It was a little confusing to dive back into at the start, as not much recapping of Clem's October adventures is done, but once I'd remembered who everyone was and what was happening, the story rattles along at a lovely pace. I really enjoy the many different female characters and their complex family relationships. A great witchy, autumnal read.
November 28, 2023
4.2 Stars
One Liner: An entertaining adventure
None of the witches are happy about the gloomy magic-free November, except Clemmie (Clem) and her cousin Mirabelle. October was a mess. Everyone is still struggling with what had happened. However, their troubles are far from over when knights from the past come knocking on the door.
It has been the Merlyns vs. Morgans for decades. However, the knights have only one target – to burn the witches. The two covens have to come together to find a way out and stay alive. Soon, Clem and her cousins realize it’s up to the young hags to save the day. Can they do it?
The story comes in Clemmie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the sequel to The October Witches, released last year (2022). It cannot be read as a standalone, as it starts where the previous book ends.
I confess to not remembering much (almost zero retention), though I could recollect the basic details once I started this book. It didn’t take long to get into the grove and go with the flow.
This book has a faster pace, which I appreciate. The story keeps moving, which keeps things interesting and entertaining. However, it can also be a disadvantage if the reader doesn’t remember what happened in the previous book, as there are minimum references.
The aunts are grumpy, and Clem is feeling guilty. However, there’s no time to dwell on this. In fact, even the Morgans have to swallow their pride and be humble. Of course, it’s not easy on the old hags on either side. A clash between the two could erupt at any time, and the young hags have a helluva time trying to soothe things.
There’s also a glorious magical forest (I love it) where the action occurs in the second half. The setting is beautiful and comes alive on the pages without getting overly descriptive.
The book truly belongs to the kids- Clem, Mirabella, Kerra, and Senara. There’s another kid, ‘Potboy’, a young wannabe squire longing to prove himself by capturing the witches. We see how they have to be adults (since the adults act childish most of the time, except for one person) while knowing their limitations as children.
Topics like bullying, family bonding (or the lack of it in one case), parental pressure/ approval, listening to the other person, finding one’s voice, desire to prove one’s worth, etc., are woven into the plot. Since we get the story from Clem’s POV, it has a realistic touch to it with a dash of humor and some lovely observations. Clem finding her voice and pushing beyond the fear of speaking is a recurring theme in the book. I love how it is contrasted (yet aligned) with Kerra’s issues.
Mirabelle’s puns are well… hit or a miss, something even she knows. That’s what makes them funnier than actual, I suppose. Serena is a stable and balanced young hag exploring her strengths and helping her cousins.
Clem’s mom, Patty, has some great advice. She is the only sane old hag in both the covens. Imagine that!
The climax isn’t as powerful as in book one, but does the job. The book ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for book #3 (this is to be a trilogy). I am already excited about The December Witch (that can be the only possible title).
To summarize, The November Witches is a great continuation of book one and takes the story to the next level. It is entertaining, steady-paced, and delightful.
Thank you, NetGalley and UCLan Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheNovemberWitches
***
The quotes are from an uncorrected proof copy and are subject to change.
One Liner: An entertaining adventure
None of the witches are happy about the gloomy magic-free November, except Clemmie (Clem) and her cousin Mirabelle. October was a mess. Everyone is still struggling with what had happened. However, their troubles are far from over when knights from the past come knocking on the door.
It has been the Merlyns vs. Morgans for decades. However, the knights have only one target – to burn the witches. The two covens have to come together to find a way out and stay alive. Soon, Clem and her cousins realize it’s up to the young hags to save the day. Can they do it?
The story comes in Clemmie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the sequel to The October Witches, released last year (2022). It cannot be read as a standalone, as it starts where the previous book ends.
I confess to not remembering much (almost zero retention), though I could recollect the basic details once I started this book. It didn’t take long to get into the grove and go with the flow.
This book has a faster pace, which I appreciate. The story keeps moving, which keeps things interesting and entertaining. However, it can also be a disadvantage if the reader doesn’t remember what happened in the previous book, as there are minimum references.
The aunts are grumpy, and Clem is feeling guilty. However, there’s no time to dwell on this. In fact, even the Morgans have to swallow their pride and be humble. Of course, it’s not easy on the old hags on either side. A clash between the two could erupt at any time, and the young hags have a helluva time trying to soothe things.
There’s also a glorious magical forest (I love it) where the action occurs in the second half. The setting is beautiful and comes alive on the pages without getting overly descriptive.
The book truly belongs to the kids- Clem, Mirabella, Kerra, and Senara. There’s another kid, ‘Potboy’, a young wannabe squire longing to prove himself by capturing the witches. We see how they have to be adults (since the adults act childish most of the time, except for one person) while knowing their limitations as children.
“The deep-down true things are hard to say, but they mean the most.”
Topics like bullying, family bonding (or the lack of it in one case), parental pressure/ approval, listening to the other person, finding one’s voice, desire to prove one’s worth, etc., are woven into the plot. Since we get the story from Clem’s POV, it has a realistic touch to it with a dash of humor and some lovely observations. Clem finding her voice and pushing beyond the fear of speaking is a recurring theme in the book. I love how it is contrasted (yet aligned) with Kerra’s issues.
“I thought fixing was the opposite of breaking, but whenever I try, they’re kind of mixed up together. Maybe fixing can’t come without a bit of breaking.”
Mirabelle’s puns are well… hit or a miss, something even she knows. That’s what makes them funnier than actual, I suppose. Serena is a stable and balanced young hag exploring her strengths and helping her cousins.
Clem’s mom, Patty, has some great advice. She is the only sane old hag in both the covens. Imagine that!
The climax isn’t as powerful as in book one, but does the job. The book ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for book #3 (this is to be a trilogy). I am already excited about The December Witch (that can be the only possible title).
To summarize, The November Witches is a great continuation of book one and takes the story to the next level. It is entertaining, steady-paced, and delightful.
Thank you, NetGalley and UCLan Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheNovemberWitches
***
The quotes are from an uncorrected proof copy and are subject to change.
October 4, 2023
THE NOVEMBER WITCHES starts up right where THE OCTOBER WITCHES ended - magic has gone and life is settling back down, with the covens adjusting to their changed numbers. Except knights begin turning up.
It's another magical caper, except this time the covens must work together to solve their issues. Which, of course, is not going to be easy. I really enjoyed seeing their respect for one another grow across the book, though with several rocky spots. It's a tale of overcoming old prejudice and working together to save the day through less traditionally heroic means.
Though magic has supposedly gone, there is still plenty of magic in this book. Except this time the witches aren't controlling it, giving it a menacing bent. I particularly enjoyed the incredibly atmospheric forest, letting the book balance between spooky atmospheric and joyous chaotic vibes at times.
In place of Royal Mail delivery notes, this book had letters from one of the knights (well, a wannabe squire.) There were funny once more, but more than that, they gave an insight into what the knights were doing and how they might feel in the midst of the chaos. I loved how we got to see this wannabe knight try to be all fearless and bold, hiding all his fear.
It's another magical caper, except this time the covens must work together to solve their issues. Which, of course, is not going to be easy. I really enjoyed seeing their respect for one another grow across the book, though with several rocky spots. It's a tale of overcoming old prejudice and working together to save the day through less traditionally heroic means.
Though magic has supposedly gone, there is still plenty of magic in this book. Except this time the witches aren't controlling it, giving it a menacing bent. I particularly enjoyed the incredibly atmospheric forest, letting the book balance between spooky atmospheric and joyous chaotic vibes at times.
In place of Royal Mail delivery notes, this book had letters from one of the knights (well, a wannabe squire.) There were funny once more, but more than that, they gave an insight into what the knights were doing and how they might feel in the midst of the chaos. I loved how we got to see this wannabe knight try to be all fearless and bold, hiding all his fear.
October 17, 2023
*4.5 stars*
Ohhh what a warm, lovely, and magical book! I adore this MG fantasy series. Because it had been a year since I'd last read (and loved) Book 1 (The October Witches), and this book starts directly afterwards, I could have done with a few more reminders in the opening of exactly what had just happened in the family's life - but by the time I'd reached Chapter 2, I'd worked it all out, and I just happily fell into the story from then onwards, totally absorbed and loving every minute. It's all so magical and funny and strange in the very best, most sense-of-wonder-full of ways, and I absolutely love all of the characters, especially the "young hags" who have to deal with the feuds among their elders in the midst of wild, unruly magic popping up in the middle of contemporary life.
The ending of this story is good and satisfying, but then the last page teases what's about to happen next...
And now I REALLY can't wait for Book 3! What a fabulous, immersive series. Highly, highly recommended!
Ohhh what a warm, lovely, and magical book! I adore this MG fantasy series. Because it had been a year since I'd last read (and loved) Book 1 (The October Witches), and this book starts directly afterwards, I could have done with a few more reminders in the opening of exactly what had just happened in the family's life - but by the time I'd reached Chapter 2, I'd worked it all out, and I just happily fell into the story from then onwards, totally absorbed and loving every minute. It's all so magical and funny and strange in the very best, most sense-of-wonder-full of ways, and I absolutely love all of the characters, especially the "young hags" who have to deal with the feuds among their elders in the midst of wild, unruly magic popping up in the middle of contemporary life.
The ending of this story is good and satisfying, but then the last page teases what's about to happen next...
And now I REALLY can't wait for Book 3! What a fabulous, immersive series. Highly, highly recommended!
March 29, 2024
The November Witches follows straight on from The October Witches. October is done, and November is meant to be a magic free month and life returns to normal, but something is up. We dive straight back to the fun and adventure with Clemmie and her family. This time the covens need to work out what's going on and now witch hunters are in town. A fun read with plenty of mystery and magic!
December 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This was a fabulous sequel and another great witchy middle-grade read! I love the characters in this series and the warmth of the coven is so welcoming. I really enjoyed that the main character had grown in confidence since the first book but the level of chaos was just as intense and entertaining. I’m intrigued to see if the story will continue as I’m really enjoying the direction of the story and would love the see more magical antics from the girls! This is definitely a series I’ll be recommending to anyone who likes a good witchy read!
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This was a fabulous sequel and another great witchy middle-grade read! I love the characters in this series and the warmth of the coven is so welcoming. I really enjoyed that the main character had grown in confidence since the first book but the level of chaos was just as intense and entertaining. I’m intrigued to see if the story will continue as I’m really enjoying the direction of the story and would love the see more magical antics from the girls! This is definitely a series I’ll be recommending to anyone who likes a good witchy read!
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January 14, 2024
Charming upper middle grade novel featuring rival witch covens. You can read my full review here:
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November 25, 2025
A really enjoyable read. It started where the last book, October Witches, finished off and was quite a fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns. There was lots of character development throughout the book and a great family feeling.
July 14, 2024
What a great book! (Kind of kidding, I wrote it. But hope everyone else enjoys!)
January 3, 2025
Jennifer Claessen is back and so is Clemmie. October has been and gone, Clemmie received her magic for the first time. She and her coven have survived the experiment that had us all on the edge of our seats as we came to the end of The October Witches. But now it is November and so what better way to find out what happened next than by diving straight into The November Witches? Are we about to learn that Clemmie is the only one relieved the month of October is over? She probably is but the trouble is that trouble doesn’t want to leave her alone and there are more Arthurian legends to delve into. Specifically, that of the armour-clad knights we love to read and dream of. But for Clemmie they seem to be very real, perhaps a little too real. After all, if there is no longer any magic why are they here?
November, for the coven elders who have had many, many years of switching from having magic for a full 31 days to no magic until 1st October comes back around in a year’s time, is not a fun month. Its miserable and magicless but for Clemmie it is a month without any magical mess. She has decided that she is going to spend some time making amends and her first task is going to be mending the ancient family tapestry and so she makes a start. Then the knights arrive looking for Mirabelle’s favour… Clemmie has no idea what a favour is let alone why they are all looking for it. As the knights realise that they might not find it they turn menacing, and a grim determination sets in – they want to capture the witches forcing Clemmie and her friends to team up with their enemies. The covens must join forces if they are to defeat these witch-hating knights and save them all. With more magic, mischief, some good deeds and plenty of nods to even more Arthurian legend this is simply brilliant!
Merged review:
Jennifer Claessen is back and so is Clemmie. October has been and gone, Clemmie received her magic for the first time. She and her coven have survived the experiment that had us all on the edge of our seats as we came to the end of The October Witches. But now it is November and so what better way to find out what happened next than by diving straight into The November Witches? Are we about to learn that Clemmie is the only one relieved the month of October is over? She probably is but the trouble is that trouble doesn’t want to leave her alone and there are more Arthurian legends to delve into. Specifically, that of the armour-clad knights we love to read and dream of. But for Clemmie they seem to be very real, perhaps a little too real. After all, if there is no longer any magic why are they here?
November, for the coven elders who have had many, many years of switching from having magic for a full 31 days to no magic until 1st October comes back around in a year’s time, is not a fun month. Its miserable and magicless but for Clemmie it is a month without any magical mess. She has decided that she is going to spend some time making amends and her first task is going to be mending the ancient family tapestry and so she makes a start. Then the knights arrive looking for Mirabelle’s favour… Clemmie has no idea what a favour is let alone why they are all looking for it. As the knights realise that they might not find it they turn menacing, and a grim determination sets in – they want to capture the witches forcing Clemmie and her friends to team up with their enemies. The covens must join forces if they are to defeat these witch-hating knights and save them all. With more magic, mischief, some good deeds and plenty of nods to even more Arthurian legend this is simply brilliant!
November, for the coven elders who have had many, many years of switching from having magic for a full 31 days to no magic until 1st October comes back around in a year’s time, is not a fun month. Its miserable and magicless but for Clemmie it is a month without any magical mess. She has decided that she is going to spend some time making amends and her first task is going to be mending the ancient family tapestry and so she makes a start. Then the knights arrive looking for Mirabelle’s favour… Clemmie has no idea what a favour is let alone why they are all looking for it. As the knights realise that they might not find it they turn menacing, and a grim determination sets in – they want to capture the witches forcing Clemmie and her friends to team up with their enemies. The covens must join forces if they are to defeat these witch-hating knights and save them all. With more magic, mischief, some good deeds and plenty of nods to even more Arthurian legend this is simply brilliant!
Merged review:
Jennifer Claessen is back and so is Clemmie. October has been and gone, Clemmie received her magic for the first time. She and her coven have survived the experiment that had us all on the edge of our seats as we came to the end of The October Witches. But now it is November and so what better way to find out what happened next than by diving straight into The November Witches? Are we about to learn that Clemmie is the only one relieved the month of October is over? She probably is but the trouble is that trouble doesn’t want to leave her alone and there are more Arthurian legends to delve into. Specifically, that of the armour-clad knights we love to read and dream of. But for Clemmie they seem to be very real, perhaps a little too real. After all, if there is no longer any magic why are they here?
November, for the coven elders who have had many, many years of switching from having magic for a full 31 days to no magic until 1st October comes back around in a year’s time, is not a fun month. Its miserable and magicless but for Clemmie it is a month without any magical mess. She has decided that she is going to spend some time making amends and her first task is going to be mending the ancient family tapestry and so she makes a start. Then the knights arrive looking for Mirabelle’s favour… Clemmie has no idea what a favour is let alone why they are all looking for it. As the knights realise that they might not find it they turn menacing, and a grim determination sets in – they want to capture the witches forcing Clemmie and her friends to team up with their enemies. The covens must join forces if they are to defeat these witch-hating knights and save them all. With more magic, mischief, some good deeds and plenty of nods to even more Arthurian legend this is simply brilliant!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews