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I fell in love with a goth, but she’s a witch.
Starting school at Hawthorne University was not going well, until I met my classmate Alondra. Allie was different. She was goth. But she was also mysterious, confident and fun. I was into that. My name’s Liam. My friends call me Lee.
Things got weird after I accompanied her to her haunts. Poltergeists and demons attacked little girls. I watched Alondra help exorcise these ghosts, but some of their evil stuck to me.
Well, being attracted to a witch was one thing; dating one was quite another. It seemed the closer I got to Allie, the more her witchcraft endangered my friends. And my soul. You decide. I chronicled everything here in her book.
Alondra is a prequel to the internationally bestselling Hawthorne University Witch series. The novel takes place twenty years before Broomstick.
Starting school at Hawthorne University was not going well, until I met my classmate Alondra. Allie was different. She was goth. But she was also mysterious, confident and fun. I was into that. My name’s Liam. My friends call me Lee.
Things got weird after I accompanied her to her haunts. Poltergeists and demons attacked little girls. I watched Alondra help exorcise these ghosts, but some of their evil stuck to me.
Well, being attracted to a witch was one thing; dating one was quite another. It seemed the closer I got to Allie, the more her witchcraft endangered my friends. And my soul. You decide. I chronicled everything here in her book.
Alondra is a prequel to the internationally bestselling Hawthorne University Witch series. The novel takes place twenty years before Broomstick.
228 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2023
25 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Hawke
39 books757 followersA.L. Hawke is the author of the bestselling Hawthorne University Witch series. The author lives in Southern California torching the midnight candle over lovers against a backdrop of machines, nymphs, magic, spice and mayhem. A.L. Hawke writes fantasy and romance spanning four thousand years, from pre-civilization to contemporary and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 9, 2023
*4.75 stars: book; 5 stars: audiobook*
This is the first prequel to A.L. Hawke’s “The Hawthorne University Witch” series. It takes place 20 years before Book one. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and at first I wasn’t sure this book was for me, but that thought quickly vanished and I was held captive needing to know what happened next.
I listened to the audiobook on Spotify and loved it! I love when the male/female narrators don’t have to try to change their voice to sound like the opposite gender throughout the book. This book had the male narrator (Preston Geer) voicing all of the male characters, while the female narrator (Alexa Elmy) did the same with all the female characters. I loved it! The both did an incredible job of bringing this book to life and making me feel like I was truly experiencing it instead of reading. I hope to listen to more of their work!
I was iffy at first on whether or not I would truly like this book. I love a good spooky story, but I have my limits. This one wasn’t near my limit. I loved that Liam was so intrigued with Alondra. I loved their chemistry and connection. Even though they both were oil and water when it came to their beliefs, I loved that they were able to work things out between each other. I really hope to see more of them in the next books.
Alondra came off as secretive (which is to be expected), but also manipulative too. But there definitely was no denying that she cared deeply for Liam and also way, way deep down she had a good heart but didn’t show it like you would normally expect. Liam came off as a pushover at times and a little cowardly at others. Both of them had selfish tendencies, but again…there was no denying their feelings or how deeply they cared for each other. I wanted to shake some sense into both of them a few times. I loved that Bill (Liam’s best friend) was there for him. Although, once I found out what Bill was studying, I did start to wonder if he was only placating Liam to get close to all the paranormal stuff.
There was a lot of repetition with the phrases “because I’m goth,” “ya know?” and “Don’t you understand?” I grew up where saying “ya know?” after almost every sentence was a normal occurrence, but the other two did get a bit annoying. Regardless, I’m excited to continue this series and see what happens.
This is the first prequel to A.L. Hawke’s “The Hawthorne University Witch” series. It takes place 20 years before Book one. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and at first I wasn’t sure this book was for me, but that thought quickly vanished and I was held captive needing to know what happened next.
I listened to the audiobook on Spotify and loved it! I love when the male/female narrators don’t have to try to change their voice to sound like the opposite gender throughout the book. This book had the male narrator (Preston Geer) voicing all of the male characters, while the female narrator (Alexa Elmy) did the same with all the female characters. I loved it! The both did an incredible job of bringing this book to life and making me feel like I was truly experiencing it instead of reading. I hope to listen to more of their work!
I was iffy at first on whether or not I would truly like this book. I love a good spooky story, but I have my limits. This one wasn’t near my limit. I loved that Liam was so intrigued with Alondra. I loved their chemistry and connection. Even though they both were oil and water when it came to their beliefs, I loved that they were able to work things out between each other. I really hope to see more of them in the next books.
Alondra came off as secretive (which is to be expected), but also manipulative too. But there definitely was no denying that she cared deeply for Liam and also way, way deep down she had a good heart but didn’t show it like you would normally expect. Liam came off as a pushover at times and a little cowardly at others. Both of them had selfish tendencies, but again…there was no denying their feelings or how deeply they cared for each other. I wanted to shake some sense into both of them a few times. I loved that Bill (Liam’s best friend) was there for him. Although, once I found out what Bill was studying, I did start to wonder if he was only placating Liam to get close to all the paranormal stuff.
There was a lot of repetition with the phrases “because I’m goth,” “ya know?” and “Don’t you understand?” I grew up where saying “ya know?” after almost every sentence was a normal occurrence, but the other two did get a bit annoying. Regardless, I’m excited to continue this series and see what happens.
May 19, 2022
Ok, well this was a very well written book. It wasn’t exactly what I expected. It’s pretty much horror romance. There are some parts that are freaking creepy. I don’t get scared very easily, but after a few scenes I had a hard time sleeping.
Liam falls in love with Alondra, the Hawthorne Witch. He doesn’t believe as she does, but accepts her anyway. She takes him to a few hauntings and possessions and he witnesses some pretty scary stuff. I can’t believe after the first one he ever went again. Stupidity? Or bravery? I can’t say. But he is crazy about Alondra.
The ending had me questioning how I felt about it. But maybe that’s what it’s supposed to do. The plot was smooth, with great pacing. It kept me turning the pages, interested in how things would progress. The characters were well written. Alondra is mysterious, but she is supposed to be. But Liam is an open book. The whole thing is written in Liam’s voice. So it was easier to understand how he thought and felt about things. But he was very real with people anyway. He wasn’t afraid to say how he felt and what he thought. This made me really like him a lot.
Anyway, this is definitely worth reading. If you enjoy stories about witches, or if you enjoy horror romance, then this is the book for you!!
Liam falls in love with Alondra, the Hawthorne Witch. He doesn’t believe as she does, but accepts her anyway. She takes him to a few hauntings and possessions and he witnesses some pretty scary stuff. I can’t believe after the first one he ever went again. Stupidity? Or bravery? I can’t say. But he is crazy about Alondra.
The ending had me questioning how I felt about it. But maybe that’s what it’s supposed to do. The plot was smooth, with great pacing. It kept me turning the pages, interested in how things would progress. The characters were well written. Alondra is mysterious, but she is supposed to be. But Liam is an open book. The whole thing is written in Liam’s voice. So it was easier to understand how he thought and felt about things. But he was very real with people anyway. He wasn’t afraid to say how he felt and what he thought. This made me really like him a lot.
Anyway, this is definitely worth reading. If you enjoy stories about witches, or if you enjoy horror romance, then this is the book for you!!
April 10, 2023
This needs renamed “…Because I’m Goth: How To Stereotype A Subculture And Use It As An Excuse”
This really wasn’t the book I wanted to read but it was the book I got, and it was the book I read.
If I wanted to read something Craft-ish, this would have been close.
If I wanted to read a book on college aged girls who are pale, wear black makeup (because they’re Goth) and find beauty in dying (because they’re Goth), and play around with the occult (because “… …” this is the one.
Fortunately, having been in, out, and around the subculture for decades, none of that is “because they’re Goth”.
So the plot didn’t work for me. The characters didn’t either. While Allie a was no where near being Glenda, Liam was a combo of The Cowardly Lion with a dash of Scarecrow. The only character I halfway liked was Jane and even that ended. By the end of the book, I wanted to toss holy water on Allie, smack Liam upside the head, and buy Bill a beer for having to show up for his two scenes.
I guess I could read the 1st actual book in the series to see if Allie stopped being a dramatic, vindictive, narcissist (because she’s goth?) but nah.
This really wasn’t the book I wanted to read but it was the book I got, and it was the book I read.
If I wanted to read something Craft-ish, this would have been close.
If I wanted to read a book on college aged girls who are pale, wear black makeup (because they’re Goth) and find beauty in dying (because they’re Goth), and play around with the occult (because “… …” this is the one.
Fortunately, having been in, out, and around the subculture for decades, none of that is “because they’re Goth”.
So the plot didn’t work for me. The characters didn’t either. While Allie a was no where near being Glenda, Liam was a combo of The Cowardly Lion with a dash of Scarecrow. The only character I halfway liked was Jane and even that ended. By the end of the book, I wanted to toss holy water on Allie, smack Liam upside the head, and buy Bill a beer for having to show up for his two scenes.
I guess I could read the 1st actual book in the series to see if Allie stopped being a dramatic, vindictive, narcissist (because she’s goth?) but nah.
August 26, 2024
I listened to this on Spotify, and I can say I’m probably more confused than Liam, the male lead character who’s point of view this is told from. I’m still not sure if Alondra and her friends are really witches, or if everyone in the story is just on drugs.
I was tempted to stop listening and at times, and it was difficult to get into, but I’m not the type of person who quits a book.
I did enjoy the chapters with the crazy demonic stuff. It was Liams incessant whining, and Alondras manipulative ways that I didn’t like. If the guy feels like something isn’t right, it was probably a good idea to get out of there…something he talked about and attempted a couple of times. I actually thought he was going to run off with Jane at one point. The poor guy would have been better off that way!
The narrators did a good job, although Kappas Australian accent wasn’t quite there, and the only female character I could tell apart was Jane. But the voices weren’t dull, or difficult to listen to.
This is the first of A.L Hawkes books I’ve tried, but I’ve read some great reviews, so I’ll definitely try another before saying their writing is not for me.
I was tempted to stop listening and at times, and it was difficult to get into, but I’m not the type of person who quits a book.
I did enjoy the chapters with the crazy demonic stuff. It was Liams incessant whining, and Alondras manipulative ways that I didn’t like. If the guy feels like something isn’t right, it was probably a good idea to get out of there…something he talked about and attempted a couple of times. I actually thought he was going to run off with Jane at one point. The poor guy would have been better off that way!
The narrators did a good job, although Kappas Australian accent wasn’t quite there, and the only female character I could tell apart was Jane. But the voices weren’t dull, or difficult to listen to.
This is the first of A.L Hawkes books I’ve tried, but I’ve read some great reviews, so I’ll definitely try another before saying their writing is not for me.
July 31, 2025
His name is Liam, but his friends call him Lee. He was very much looking forward to attending Hawthorne University, but has quicky realized that as great as his classes are, and no matter how beautiful the campus, it might not be the place for him after all. Then he meets Alondra, the dark-haired green-eyed beauty dresses like a goth, and calls herself a witch. Liam was raised as a Christian, and doesn't really believe in witches and magic, but unfortunately for him he will soon find out that there are some very strange things happening around Alondra. Wow, this was a great read, and I couldn't put it down. There are some absolutely fascinating and wonderfully written characters with complex personalities that kept me engaged in this story. Some unexpected and surprising twists in the plot, magic, and some steamy interactions between the main characters, make this a must-read book that I recommend to other readers.
March 21, 2023
Another "wow" book! While I compared Broomstick to Aleister Crowly, this one feels more Steven King influenced. That's one thing I will definitely say for author Hawke; they have rarely failed to surprise me!
I believe this full length Novel is meant as a prequel to Broomstick; for me it made perfect sense in the order I read it, as a prequel to Windstorm. I now almost understand Alondra & her motivations (as much as one can!).
& I can relate to Liam, I likely would have fallen for her also in my younger days, though I wouldn't have been as passive.
Trying to avoid spoilers...... Alondra was the main character of Broomstick & I suspect will play a prominent role in Windstorm. This book gives us some understanding of who she is by showing her as a young adult & who & why she'll become.
Especially for the genre, the author is a very intelligent & & thoughtful writer. Reccomended.
I believe this full length Novel is meant as a prequel to Broomstick; for me it made perfect sense in the order I read it, as a prequel to Windstorm. I now almost understand Alondra & her motivations (as much as one can!).
& I can relate to Liam, I likely would have fallen for her also in my younger days, though I wouldn't have been as passive.
Trying to avoid spoilers...... Alondra was the main character of Broomstick & I suspect will play a prominent role in Windstorm. This book gives us some understanding of who she is by showing her as a young adult & who & why she'll become.
Especially for the genre, the author is a very intelligent & & thoughtful writer. Reccomended.
January 18, 2024
❤️🫣Unexpected crush!
Depressed, Liam decided to leave Hawthorne University.
He crosses the campus in the rain, then wanders off into the woods on the outskirts, barely lit by the moon's rays.
He hears noises, sees lights and comes across an incredible spectacle in the middle of a clearing...
---------------------------------------------
A totally unexpected crush for this incredible, credible story, so American in my eyes!
I found the beginning totally spectacular!
I loved the story and the characters are so well chosen!
I preferred the main character of Liam, and I found the character of Alondra enigmatic, dark and frightening.
I would never have guessed this ending!
I highly recommend this reading.
Depressed, Liam decided to leave Hawthorne University.
He crosses the campus in the rain, then wanders off into the woods on the outskirts, barely lit by the moon's rays.
He hears noises, sees lights and comes across an incredible spectacle in the middle of a clearing...
---------------------------------------------
A totally unexpected crush for this incredible, credible story, so American in my eyes!
I found the beginning totally spectacular!
I loved the story and the characters are so well chosen!
I preferred the main character of Liam, and I found the character of Alondra enigmatic, dark and frightening.
I would never have guessed this ending!
I highly recommend this reading.
April 24, 2025
Spooky witchiness!
Liam is ready to leave Hawthorne University. He doesn't fit in. He has no friends. But what he sees on the peak of Hilltop Bluff changes his life. He just isn't sure whether it's for the better or the worse.
The writing style did not fit well with what I was expecting. I like the storyline, but it felt disjointed as it jumped between scenes. I struggled to finish the book. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Liam is ready to leave Hawthorne University. He doesn't fit in. He has no friends. But what he sees on the peak of Hilltop Bluff changes his life. He just isn't sure whether it's for the better or the worse.
The writing style did not fit well with what I was expecting. I like the storyline, but it felt disjointed as it jumped between scenes. I struggled to finish the book. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
November 14, 2022
The book was well written and I generally enjoy the theme. However, this one just didn’t sit well with me, I love paranormal themes but it felt more thriller to me. Please note I dnfed about a 1/3 of the way through. If you enjoy a creepy university vibe to your paranormal book, this might be up your alley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2024
This is a prequel to the fantastic “Hawthorne University Witch” series. In this we see Liam (Lee) fall for witch Alondra (Allie) though she is dark and he is light. We learn a lot about Alondra in her early days and how and why she becomes who she becomes. It’s a great read, exciting, thrilling and full of drama and danger from start to finish!
January 11, 2024
Liam has found his dream girl a witch named Alondra. Something is not right with them. He is a Christian and she is a Satanist witch. Not my type of book. Disturbed me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2022
Well written book that has you gripped. Scary and suspenseful, totally unexpected. Definitely enjoyable, great characters.
June 13, 2022
A wonderful book that totally drew me in from beginning to end. Loved the characters of Alondra and Liam. Highly recommend reading...
June 13, 2022
A wonderful book that totally drew me in from beginning to end. Loved the characters of Alondra and Liam. Highly recommend reading...
-BECKY B.
-BECKY B.
April 9, 2023
An ok story overall, just not engaging for me.
November 17, 2024
I had a very hard time finishing this book. I probably will not read the next book in the series.
October 19, 2025
In this prequel to the Hawthorne University Witch series, we meet Alondra in college as she navigates her life as the Hawthorne Witch, as well as her developing relationship with Liam/Lee. Lee is a freshman at Hawthorne University but he doesn't really feel as if he fits. He spends most of his time studying rather than making his social life a priority. But he's definitely crushing on the beautiful girl with mesmerizing green-eyes in his serial killer class. One evening, as he's walking through the woods, he sees young girls running naked through the forest toward a fire that can only be described as witches in some sort of trance. Standing in the center of the group is that green-eyed beauty, Alondra. She and Liam are drawn strongly to each other, but there's a mystery and behaviors that Liam just can't understand. It doesn't take long before he finds himself smack dab in the middle of magic including demons, poltergeists and magic on the dark side. He vacillates between being comfortable and fearful as he stays at Alondra's side. I was glad to see that the ending left us with hope that she and Liam haven't called it quits, even though it was close. It sets the stage wonderfully for the first book in the series, Broomstick.
The narration by Alexa Elmy and Preston Geer was spot on with their dynamic voices, perfect pace and exceptional intonation for each character to give them a unique personality and attitude.
The narration by Alexa Elmy and Preston Geer was spot on with their dynamic voices, perfect pace and exceptional intonation for each character to give them a unique personality and attitude.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews