Box of Shards

by K.M. Hotzel

If Ellie could be anything, she'd be someone else. Instead of a relative of the only witch burned in Brighton's history, she'd be ordinary and unremarkable - not a tourist attraction or the most hated person in town. And the Old Guard? They would leave her alone. No one would suspect her of secretly practicing magic. Not that she has any magic or believes in witchcraft. Luckily, there are only a few months left until graduation and her grand exit. Until then, Ellie intends to bide her time, maintain a low profile, and avoid everything to do with witches and witchcraft. Better not to draw any attention. At least that's the plan... until a mysterious heirloom changes everything.

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2023

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this book immensely. Reading it is my weekend “treat” for myself. A wondrous journey for the reader with subtle nods to popular culture that are downright charming.

[Starr Yarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a sequel!!!

A stunning debut for this author- an engaging tale with a delicious build of tension leading to the conclusion…but is it really the end?

[Gab · Rating 3 out of 5]

K.M. Hotzel is a very gifted writer. Her action scenes were gripping and her word choice was incredible throughout the book.

However, I feel like this wanted to be a coming of age book that kinda flopped. The story was cute and engaging enough but the characters stayed pretty stagnant and unchanging. It was very obvious the main character, Ellie, and her friends were 15. I had predicted the twist about 15% of the way through the book which was a little bit of a let down.

With that being said, the story was entertaining and I enjoyed reading it. Definitely a sweet little weekend read.

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. If this book were an AITA post, my verdict would be 'everyone sucks.' I quite like the writing style and the action scenes. Overall, it's very easy to read, though the plot would have worked better if the characters are a few years younger - perhaps middle school age, because the things they do are so juvenile. Even the adults are not mature enough. The plot twist wasn't surprising at all - I never trusted THAT CHARACTER since page 1.

[Denise Weiershaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie just wants to be normal but when your ancestors used to be witches, life will get a bit complicated. Will Ellie, together with her friends, solve the mystery around the strange things happening in her hometown or will the strange darkness be the end of them?

This is a great read about friendship and finding your way growing up.