What do you think?
Rate this book
Secret Society Mystery #1
An Intrigue of Witches
National Treasure meets Indiana Jones meets A Discovery of Witches . . . Introducing the Secret Society mystery series, and kick-ass red-headed heroine Camille, a Black historian poised on the brink of discovering her true past . . . and her hidden witchy powers! Thirty-year-old Black woman Camille Fitzsimons is a talented early American history professor, working in fast-paced Washington DC, with her eyes on promotion. She's also currently persona non grata. Who knew that making an inconvenient historical discovery would see her stuck at her desk, shuffling paper?So when she receives an anonymous and very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina and hunt for a missing archaeological treasure - with a million-dollar pay out at stake - it's one she can't refuse. Besides, her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and it's been too long since she's paid her a visit.Soon, Camille's on an exciting treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues that lead her ever closer to the artefact she's searching for. But what is the artefact? And why is Camille starting to feel like she's at the heart of a terrifying conspiracy she doesn't understand?The answer blows Camille's world apart, plunging her into a dark, glittering world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
104 people are currently reading
3700 people want to read
About the author
Esme Addison
4 books546 followersEver since Esme discovered Nancy Drew, she's wanted to solve mysteries. As a mystery author, she's finally found a way to make that dream come true. A former military spouse, Esme lives in Raleigh, NC with her family.
When she's
not writing, you can find her visiting B&Bs, breweries, wineries, and historical sites.
Esme is a member of Crime Writers Of Color, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.
When she's
not writing, you can find her visiting B&Bs, breweries, wineries, and historical sites.
Esme is a member of Crime Writers Of Color, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
May 12, 2024
This is the first book in the Secret Society Mystery series. Of course I had to grab it up as I enjoy stories about witches and certainly need to get in on the first of a new series.
Description:
Thirty-year-old Black woman Sidney Taylor is a talented early American history professor, working in fast-paced Washington DC, with her eyes on promotion. She’s also currently persona non grata. Who knew that making an inconvenient historical discovery would see her stuck at her desk, shuffling paper?
So when she receives an anonymous and very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina and hunt for a missing archaeological treasure – with a million-dollar pay out at stake – it’s one she can’t refuse. Besides, her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and it’s been too long since she’s paid her a visit.
Soon, Sidney's on an exciting treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues that lead her ever closer to the artefact she’s searching for. But what is the artefact? And why is Sidney starting to feel like she’s at the heart of a terrifying conspiracy she doesn’t understand?
The answer blows Sidney’s world apart, plunging her into a dark, glittering world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.
My Thoughts:
There's a lot going on in this story which involved politics, black history, secret societies, conspiracy theories, and even a little romance. I found it hard to keep up sometimes. I enjoyed the story and the magic and time travel elements. I liked the historical aspects of the book and how it brought the story together. Sidney is a good character - very likable. I also liked the treasure hunt and the revealing of the clues. This made it fun. Overall, a good story. I will likely read the next in the series and see where it leads.
Thanks to Severn House through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Thirty-year-old Black woman Sidney Taylor is a talented early American history professor, working in fast-paced Washington DC, with her eyes on promotion. She’s also currently persona non grata. Who knew that making an inconvenient historical discovery would see her stuck at her desk, shuffling paper?
So when she receives an anonymous and very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina and hunt for a missing archaeological treasure – with a million-dollar pay out at stake – it’s one she can’t refuse. Besides, her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and it’s been too long since she’s paid her a visit.
Soon, Sidney's on an exciting treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues that lead her ever closer to the artefact she’s searching for. But what is the artefact? And why is Sidney starting to feel like she’s at the heart of a terrifying conspiracy she doesn’t understand?
The answer blows Sidney’s world apart, plunging her into a dark, glittering world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.
My Thoughts:
There's a lot going on in this story which involved politics, black history, secret societies, conspiracy theories, and even a little romance. I found it hard to keep up sometimes. I enjoyed the story and the magic and time travel elements. I liked the historical aspects of the book and how it brought the story together. Sidney is a good character - very likable. I also liked the treasure hunt and the revealing of the clues. This made it fun. Overall, a good story. I will likely read the next in the series and see where it leads.
Thanks to Severn House through Netgalley for an advance copy.
May 9, 2024
This was A LOT of story in a very small package! I think since this is going to be a series (at least it looks that way), it might have made sense to shave some of the plot down and save other pieces for later. I thought I was in for a mystery with some paranormal elements, but this went in so many directions and I think it mostly could be considered sci-fi.
A lot of the information we get is told to us by our main character and I think some more "showing" would have been helpful. When the layers kept being added to the story, it got more cumbersome and even confusing. Maybe even a little funny? Just when you thought you knew what was going on, there was a "wait, there's more" element thrown on top of the heap.
It pains me to rate this lower than usual, but I didn't find the writing strong, the characters compelling, or the story interesting.
Reviews are for readers. This was available on NetGalley for early reads in exchange for an honest review.
A lot of the information we get is told to us by our main character and I think some more "showing" would have been helpful. When the layers kept being added to the story, it got more cumbersome and even confusing. Maybe even a little funny? Just when you thought you knew what was going on, there was a "wait, there's more" element thrown on top of the heap.
It pains me to rate this lower than usual, but I didn't find the writing strong, the characters compelling, or the story interesting.
Reviews are for readers. This was available on NetGalley for early reads in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2024
This novel was a very huge undertaking to say the least. This book had a whole LOT of narrative writing throughout the book. The author must have done an extensive amount of researching. It made me think of National Treasure/ Indiana Jones with witches. It was very fast paced and mystery around every corner that you had to figure out. Sometimes I think it was going too fast and I had to go back and reread it. This book goes into extensive detail about a lot of archeological finds. Overall, it was an adventurous book and I enjoyed the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. I honestly thought I would as it sounded like a story that was right in my lane, but as I kept going and hoping for it to grab me it just never happened. This is going to be a DNF for me.
I feel like the author was trying to work way too many things into the story. From conspiracy theories to Colonial era puzzle mystery, to witch hunts, to political intrigue to family drama, and the list goes on. I felt the whole time I was reading that I needed a spreadsheet to keep track and keep up with all the various plot components. As I'm not a fan of spreadsheets, feeling I needed one to read a book was not a positive thing for me.
Bottom line is that a really great read is a story that is easy to read and almost makes you forget you're reading, losing complete track of time and becoming completely immersed in the story without even realizing it. Unfortunately, this book simply wasn't that experience for me, so obviously I am not the right reader for this.
I feel like the author was trying to work way too many things into the story. From conspiracy theories to Colonial era puzzle mystery, to witch hunts, to political intrigue to family drama, and the list goes on. I felt the whole time I was reading that I needed a spreadsheet to keep track and keep up with all the various plot components. As I'm not a fan of spreadsheets, feeling I needed one to read a book was not a positive thing for me.
Bottom line is that a really great read is a story that is easy to read and almost makes you forget you're reading, losing complete track of time and becoming completely immersed in the story without even realizing it. Unfortunately, this book simply wasn't that experience for me, so obviously I am not the right reader for this.
February 22, 2024
Masterful and imaginative blend of a witch's cauldron of genres. Take a witchy cozy mystery, add a heaping cup of history tempered with legends, stir well and add some sci-fi seasoning. Voila! You've got An Intrigue of Witches, a book with arguably the most gorgeous cover so far in 2024.
Suddenly furloughed from her position at the Smithsonian, Sidney Taylor returns home to her grandmother's house and college town. For many years, she worked as a history reenactor at a local museum. And now the museum director offers a huge sum of money to look for a missing artifact, enough to get her out of debt. But why does he insist this artifact has to be uncovered within the next two weeks? And what are the dire consequences hanging in the balance?
Addison bases enough of the story in actual history and legends to make you believe it all could be true. (Make sure to read the author's notes at the end explaining her sources.) And it's a fascinating and fun dive into the solving of all the clues in this letter, including cryptography and symbols. If you loved the Nic Cage movie, National Treasure, don't miss this book!
Suddenly furloughed from her position at the Smithsonian, Sidney Taylor returns home to her grandmother's house and college town. For many years, she worked as a history reenactor at a local museum. And now the museum director offers a huge sum of money to look for a missing artifact, enough to get her out of debt. But why does he insist this artifact has to be uncovered within the next two weeks? And what are the dire consequences hanging in the balance?
Addison bases enough of the story in actual history and legends to make you believe it all could be true. (Make sure to read the author's notes at the end explaining her sources.) And it's a fascinating and fun dive into the solving of all the clues in this letter, including cryptography and symbols. If you loved the Nic Cage movie, National Treasure, don't miss this book!
July 8, 2024
I really enjoyed the mystery and secret society here. The characters are multidimensional and the foreshadowing is on point. If you enjoy female sleuths or secret societies this is definitely a book for you.
# An Intrigue of Witches
# 7/4/2024 ~ 7/5/2024
# 4.0 / 5.0
# An Intrigue of Witches
# 7/4/2024 ~ 7/5/2024
# 4.0 / 5.0
March 2, 2024
Thank you Netgally and Severn House for giving me access to this eARC.
Sidney Taylor is a thirty year old American history professor who after getting benched at work receives an anonymous invitation to hunt for a missing archeological treasure. And a bounty of one million dollar. Sidney must now return to her hometown Robbinsville where she will find much more than she bargained for.
This book made me extremely confused. It’s marketed as “National Treasure meets A Discovery of Witches” which made me really interested, I LOVE A Discovery of Witches. There’s just one problem and that is that there’s no discovery of witches here…
Instead of the thrills of National Treasure and the dark academia vibes you get from A Discovery of Witches we get threats of AI? And a whole story that revolves around AI taking over the world? I truly didn’t see that coming when I requested this book and I did not like it. I can understand the thought behind it but I feel like it was rushed and felt very weird.
Sidney doesn’t feel like a thirty year old woman, she feels so much younger. Especially when we can read her inner monologue and all that. She could pass as someone in their early twenties…
The writing of her felt really off for me regarding how she handled when bad things happened to her. She could be almost murdered and then continue on like nothing happened. Myself would need a few months with a therapist but that might just be me..?
The love interest (?) was an insta love with barely any conversation between the pair. She lays eyes on him and instantly feels a “connection”. Girl please, he could be a serial killer for all you know.
Speaking of serial killers, (there’s none in the story… ish?) the person who sends Sidney threatening text messages felt really off. It was such a short storyline, the messages felt like a teenage girl had written them (I thought of Pretty Little Liars and all of A’s messages) and I wasn’t scared for the main character at all? SPOILERS: Also the part where he enters their home and ties up the grandma? And then does nothing more? Hello???
The story fell really flat for me and it could have been a Wattpad story for all I know. Especially with all that end stuff. I- I don’t even have words. Sad to say this is a 1/5 rating for me and I won’t be continuing the series.
ALSO, what was that artifact that Sidney found but could not reveal at her old job? It was never mentioned and that’s the biggest mystery of this book.
Sidney Taylor is a thirty year old American history professor who after getting benched at work receives an anonymous invitation to hunt for a missing archeological treasure. And a bounty of one million dollar. Sidney must now return to her hometown Robbinsville where she will find much more than she bargained for.
This book made me extremely confused. It’s marketed as “National Treasure meets A Discovery of Witches” which made me really interested, I LOVE A Discovery of Witches. There’s just one problem and that is that there’s no discovery of witches here…
Instead of the thrills of National Treasure and the dark academia vibes you get from A Discovery of Witches we get threats of AI? And a whole story that revolves around AI taking over the world? I truly didn’t see that coming when I requested this book and I did not like it. I can understand the thought behind it but I feel like it was rushed and felt very weird.
Sidney doesn’t feel like a thirty year old woman, she feels so much younger. Especially when we can read her inner monologue and all that. She could pass as someone in their early twenties…
The writing of her felt really off for me regarding how she handled when bad things happened to her. She could be almost murdered and then continue on like nothing happened. Myself would need a few months with a therapist but that might just be me..?
The love interest (?) was an insta love with barely any conversation between the pair. She lays eyes on him and instantly feels a “connection”. Girl please, he could be a serial killer for all you know.
Speaking of serial killers, (there’s none in the story… ish?) the person who sends Sidney threatening text messages felt really off. It was such a short storyline, the messages felt like a teenage girl had written them (I thought of Pretty Little Liars and all of A’s messages) and I wasn’t scared for the main character at all? SPOILERS: Also the part where he enters their home and ties up the grandma? And then does nothing more? Hello???
The story fell really flat for me and it could have been a Wattpad story for all I know. Especially with all that end stuff. I- I don’t even have words. Sad to say this is a 1/5 rating for me and I won’t be continuing the series.
ALSO, what was that artifact that Sidney found but could not reveal at her old job? It was never mentioned and that’s the biggest mystery of this book.
February 8, 2024
The gorgeous cover and clever title attracted me to this book immediately. It's a curious mixture of fantasy, history, and political conspiracy combined into a treasure hunt for an unknown artifact. Just when I'd think I understood a piece of the puzzle, the pieces would shuffle once more. I'm familiar with the ancient history connected to the story as well as the Scottish witch hunts conducted by James I but the virtual reality component lost me. I almost gave up but I'm glad I decided to keep going. All of the pieces really do come together and I enjoyed the empowering connections between the female characters. My personal inability to understand the virtual reality and quantum physics components didn't matter in the long run. The early American history thread of the story actually dovetailed with my own family history as it probably will with other readers with Scottish ancestry. Although the plot was neatly wrapped up in the end, I hope that there will be another book to pick up where this one ended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
My thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
February 11, 2024
Thank you to the publishers - Severn House– for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This started so good and interesting, but I got lost in all the things the author wanted to do. There were secret societies, witches, connections to ancient Egypt, Al and modern technology and ties to the American Civil War. I wish it had just stuck to the secret society part because that storyline was initially quite exciting.
I felt like with all this the story got too messy and it was hard to follow all the different threads. I also wish we would have gotten to know our main character a bit more because the little I got from the text was interesting.
This started so good and interesting, but I got lost in all the things the author wanted to do. There were secret societies, witches, connections to ancient Egypt, Al and modern technology and ties to the American Civil War. I wish it had just stuck to the secret society part because that storyline was initially quite exciting.
I felt like with all this the story got too messy and it was hard to follow all the different threads. I also wish we would have gotten to know our main character a bit more because the little I got from the text was interesting.
August 16, 2024
This was very much National Treasure with a focus on historical women and witches. It definitely has some interesting conspiracy theories and a ton of adventure.
It wasn't as witchy as I thought it would be, but I did enjoy the puzzle solving and unraveling of secrets. It felt felt like the story would have been better without the AI plot as it didn't exactly add much of anything useful. Because of that, I ended up giving this book 3 stars instead of 4.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It wasn't as witchy as I thought it would be, but I did enjoy the puzzle solving and unraveling of secrets. It felt felt like the story would have been better without the AI plot as it didn't exactly add much of anything useful. Because of that, I ended up giving this book 3 stars instead of 4.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read
April 30, 2024Dnf @35%
There are just so many books that I can't in good faith keep reading books that I'm not liking or are confusing. I can't push through anymore. I saw the title Witches and assumed witches. Nope, just conspiracies and ai. No, thanks. I like books to be an escape not anxiety filled.
There are just so many books that I can't in good faith keep reading books that I'm not liking or are confusing. I can't push through anymore. I saw the title Witches and assumed witches. Nope, just conspiracies and ai. No, thanks. I like books to be an escape not anxiety filled.
February 20, 2024
An Intrigue of Witches by Esme Addison is a genre-blending masterpiece of Cozy Science Mystery and I am all over it. Now, I struggled with the first chapter, not in essence of the beautiful descriptions and scene setting, it just seemed a little detached, as if Sidney was talking about herself in the third person, more focussed on describing Sidneys looks and popularity than the removal from the office. However, this is just my personal taste and it was the only blip in the entire book for me
Esme Addison is a stunning author and she is breaking new ground in the cozy mystery genre. A lot of Cozy/ Science crossovers are usually gaslamp/ steampunk, but an Intrigue of witches is in a class of its own
Sidney has found an intriguing artefact, yet after declaring it to her museum, she is made to sign a on-disclosure agreement and thrown out with immediate effct on "paid annual leave". Suitably miffed, Sidney pootles off to stay with her (may I say absolutely blinding charcter) grandmother while she tries to figure out what on earth is going on
Through Sidneys investigation, the book shifts gear and I was absolutely gripped! The cozy mystery suddenly revs up and hares off into a thriller, full of conspiracy, secrets, history and secret soceities, all centred on this intriguing artefact
A fantastic read to get your teeth into! I was all prepared for a snug sit down and I was on the edge of my seat! I have not read any of Esme Addisons books previosly, but this series has got huge potential and I am here for it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Severn House and Esme Addison for this awesome ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Esme Addison is a stunning author and she is breaking new ground in the cozy mystery genre. A lot of Cozy/ Science crossovers are usually gaslamp/ steampunk, but an Intrigue of witches is in a class of its own
Sidney has found an intriguing artefact, yet after declaring it to her museum, she is made to sign a on-disclosure agreement and thrown out with immediate effct on "paid annual leave". Suitably miffed, Sidney pootles off to stay with her (may I say absolutely blinding charcter) grandmother while she tries to figure out what on earth is going on
Through Sidneys investigation, the book shifts gear and I was absolutely gripped! The cozy mystery suddenly revs up and hares off into a thriller, full of conspiracy, secrets, history and secret soceities, all centred on this intriguing artefact
A fantastic read to get your teeth into! I was all prepared for a snug sit down and I was on the edge of my seat! I have not read any of Esme Addisons books previosly, but this series has got huge potential and I am here for it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Severn House and Esme Addison for this awesome ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
March 30, 2024
“An Intrigue of Witches” by Esme Addison the first instalment in A Secret Society Mystery. What a great start to a new paranormal adventure mystery series. Introducing the Secret Society mystery series, and kick-ass red-headed heroine Sidney, a Black historian poised on the brink of discovering her true past . . . and her hidden witchy powers!
I loved Esme Addisons other series An Enchanted Bay Mystery series and am saddened it’s not continuing. Which in turn made me excited to read Intrigue of Witches , at first I was iffy until I hit the 25% mark in the book. It seemed to political, lots of black history, and conspiracy theories that float around today, but I really got into it in the end. I loved learning about early American history etc.
It felt like Dan Browns Di Vinci code type of adventure thriller full of conspiracy, intrigue, history, lost treasure, magic and did I mention time travel. I tried to stay awake to finish but kept falling asleep then I would wake up read another few chapters fall asleep but at 4am I made a cup of tea and had to see how it ended.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters. I’m sure we will learn more about the characters in further books and I look forward to Sidney’s next adventure. I can see these books as a movie too!
I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends. I am looking forward to book two.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Severn House and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I loved Esme Addisons other series An Enchanted Bay Mystery series and am saddened it’s not continuing. Which in turn made me excited to read Intrigue of Witches , at first I was iffy until I hit the 25% mark in the book. It seemed to political, lots of black history, and conspiracy theories that float around today, but I really got into it in the end. I loved learning about early American history etc.
It felt like Dan Browns Di Vinci code type of adventure thriller full of conspiracy, intrigue, history, lost treasure, magic and did I mention time travel. I tried to stay awake to finish but kept falling asleep then I would wake up read another few chapters fall asleep but at 4am I made a cup of tea and had to see how it ended.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters. I’m sure we will learn more about the characters in further books and I look forward to Sidney’s next adventure. I can see these books as a movie too!
I highly recommend this series to all my mystery loving friends. I am looking forward to book two.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Severn House and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
March 5, 2025
Let me preface this by saying, I do NOT read mysteries. When I signed up for this ARC, either I was misled or I didn’t read closely enough what this was actually about (the most likely option). In the spirit of support for the author and commitment to my responsibility, I powered through.
What I liked about this book: I really enjoyed the characters. Like a lot. Our main character was cool and the side characters? Phenomenal. Just yes. I feel like the plot overall had a very interesting premise and the science fiction aspects were honestly impressive (I understood none of it though 😂). As a Virginian, I loved the rich history, the references to Colonial Williamsburg and DC, and the culture that was infused into this book so much.
What I didn’t love: Overall, the solving of the mystery just happened so easily. Our main character is super smart and accomplished, but she seemed to follow every clue so easily and quickly. The fast pacing was nice, but I would have liked a little bit of struggle. She really sailed through everything. The villains were also just so stereotypical and I kept picturing maniacal laughs and insanity. I just wasn’t that into it.
Was this a terrible book? Not at all! Was it a masterpiece? Also no.
HOWEVER. If you like National Treasure, political intrigue, government mysteries, secret society, conspiracies, and mysteries in general, this might be a good one to check out.
What I liked about this book: I really enjoyed the characters. Like a lot. Our main character was cool and the side characters? Phenomenal. Just yes. I feel like the plot overall had a very interesting premise and the science fiction aspects were honestly impressive (I understood none of it though 😂). As a Virginian, I loved the rich history, the references to Colonial Williamsburg and DC, and the culture that was infused into this book so much.
What I didn’t love: Overall, the solving of the mystery just happened so easily. Our main character is super smart and accomplished, but she seemed to follow every clue so easily and quickly. The fast pacing was nice, but I would have liked a little bit of struggle. She really sailed through everything. The villains were also just so stereotypical and I kept picturing maniacal laughs and insanity. I just wasn’t that into it.
Was this a terrible book? Not at all! Was it a masterpiece? Also no.
HOWEVER. If you like National Treasure, political intrigue, government mysteries, secret society, conspiracies, and mysteries in general, this might be a good one to check out.
July 6, 2024
Though not to my taste, this skilful melding of actual European and American colonial history, and conspiracy theories and magic makes for an interesting story.
History researcher Sidney Taylor is is let go from the Smithsonian, to her shock, and she returns to her grandmother’s home in the small town of Robbinsville in North Carolina. Sidney feels loved and at peace with her grandmother, and is immediately recruited by local museum owner Abner Robbins to find a rumoured artifact. Sidney begins following clues in an old letter preserved at the museum, solving puzzles and piecing together disparate clues which lead to stories about an ancient Egyptian queen fleeing across Europe, with her Scottish descendants escaping to America, and the persecution of women rumoured to be witches. All this is tied to a present day initiative to spread virtual reality (VR) across first the US then the world. It seems a stretch, but author Esme Addison constructs a history melding actual facts with the conflicts between two in-story, powerful dynasties, and to a global technological initiative.
The story moves along well, with an interesting, intelligent main character navigating through revelations about North Carolina’s and the US’ past, with the shock of how her own family’s past is tied to all that she learns about the technological and political developments in the US and the world.
As I already mentioned, this story wasn’t for me, but it is compelling, with interesting family dynamics, fascinating historical facts, and a terrific group of women who have been working for years to protect the world.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Severn House for this ARC in exchange for my review.
History researcher Sidney Taylor is is let go from the Smithsonian, to her shock, and she returns to her grandmother’s home in the small town of Robbinsville in North Carolina. Sidney feels loved and at peace with her grandmother, and is immediately recruited by local museum owner Abner Robbins to find a rumoured artifact. Sidney begins following clues in an old letter preserved at the museum, solving puzzles and piecing together disparate clues which lead to stories about an ancient Egyptian queen fleeing across Europe, with her Scottish descendants escaping to America, and the persecution of women rumoured to be witches. All this is tied to a present day initiative to spread virtual reality (VR) across first the US then the world. It seems a stretch, but author Esme Addison constructs a history melding actual facts with the conflicts between two in-story, powerful dynasties, and to a global technological initiative.
The story moves along well, with an interesting, intelligent main character navigating through revelations about North Carolina’s and the US’ past, with the shock of how her own family’s past is tied to all that she learns about the technological and political developments in the US and the world.
As I already mentioned, this story wasn’t for me, but it is compelling, with interesting family dynamics, fascinating historical facts, and a terrific group of women who have been working for years to protect the world.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Severn House for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Read
June 16, 2024I don’t know how to rate this one. I loved that it was set in the modern day with elements of present day conspiracies but rooted in history. I enjoyed the puzzles and our heroine. But it was also A-LOT. Like a plot salad at times where the book just kept going after multiple natural ends. I’ll probably give the next one a try.
May 7, 2024
An Intrigue of Witches is a relatively fast paced read featuring secret societies with their own agendas. I really appreciated how quick of a read this was. It’s worth noting, though, that there’s a lot of information presented in the relatively short book. However, because it’s on the shorter side, there wasn’t a lot of delving in to the details of the information presented. For the majority of the story it stays relatively at the surface level. Given that it’s the first book in the series, I’m hoping that means we’ll get more of a deep dive in future book(s). Unfortunately, I struggled with connecting to many of the characters. I’m hoping that will also change with future books as we spend more time with them. I really loved the whole premise of the book between the secret societies and puzzles hidden throughout history. The plot also featured enough tension from the competing societies and enough twists to keep me thoroughly engaged. If you enjoy magic mixed with history or the movie National Treasure, this book may be perfect for you.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Netgalley and Severn House
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Netgalley and Severn House
April 11, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This just didn’t hit the mark for me. It started off great but after a while it was information overload and I just lost track of what was going on and the significance of certain characters/ events. For me, it needed to scale back on backstories to make it more easy to follow, but that’s more of a preferential opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This just didn’t hit the mark for me. It started off great but after a while it was information overload and I just lost track of what was going on and the significance of certain characters/ events. For me, it needed to scale back on backstories to make it more easy to follow, but that’s more of a preferential opinion.
September 15, 2024
DNF I could not get into this story. she could just walk in on a decades long puzzle and immediately solve it. Only got 40% in before I gave up
July 30, 2024
I listened to this in audio and liked the narrator's voice and pacing. The story itself is a bit more of a mixed bag. I enjoyed the initial sections when our heroine, hot historian Sidney is trying to figure out what to do with her life. She's been let go from the Museum, despite being the star of numerous documentaries, and having just discovered an intriguing artifact. She ends up going to her hometown, living with her grandmother, and taking up a position at a local history museum. We find out she's gone there because she's been offered a million dollars to locate a missing artifact (a very serious quest).
I picked this because I like stories about witches, and eventually we get to witches. But long the way Sidney gets embroiled trying to figure out a major conspiracy that seems to be keeping her from the artifact. Seriously, her search for the artifact, and a bit of witches, would've worked for me. But the author kept throwing layer upon layer onto the conspiracy theory (Egyptian Pharaohs, Egyptian gods, virtual reality, AI, the British royal family, assassinated presidents, solar flares, and more). It was all just too much.
I debated about giving this just two stars, but ended up with three as I did enjoy parts of it. But I hope if the author writes another book, I hope she cuts back on any conspiracies. The characters themselves were interesting, but it was easy to lose track of them, as each layer was added to the conspiracy.
I picked this because I like stories about witches, and eventually we get to witches. But long the way Sidney gets embroiled trying to figure out a major conspiracy that seems to be keeping her from the artifact. Seriously, her search for the artifact, and a bit of witches, would've worked for me. But the author kept throwing layer upon layer onto the conspiracy theory (Egyptian Pharaohs, Egyptian gods, virtual reality, AI, the British royal family, assassinated presidents, solar flares, and more). It was all just too much.
I debated about giving this just two stars, but ended up with three as I did enjoy parts of it. But I hope if the author writes another book, I hope she cuts back on any conspiracies. The characters themselves were interesting, but it was easy to lose track of them, as each layer was added to the conspiracy.
March 20, 2024
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.
This was fine! I kind of struggled in the beginning. The main character felt quite flat to me. I couldn’t really connect with her, didn’t really feel in her head.
And while the plot was fun, and maybe slightly too fast moving, I think the writing really let it down.
It’s just so much of “I did this, and then I did this and I thought about this and then I did this-,” It was All Tell, no Show. And that made this really hard to read.
It’s a quick read though, and I think the plot was definitely intriguing! I definitely recommend making up your own mind about this one.
2.5⭐️
This was fine! I kind of struggled in the beginning. The main character felt quite flat to me. I couldn’t really connect with her, didn’t really feel in her head.
And while the plot was fun, and maybe slightly too fast moving, I think the writing really let it down.
It’s just so much of “I did this, and then I did this and I thought about this and then I did this-,” It was All Tell, no Show. And that made this really hard to read.
It’s a quick read though, and I think the plot was definitely intriguing! I definitely recommend making up your own mind about this one.
2.5⭐️
November 5, 2024
Four stars simply because I liked and connected with the characters.
There’s a lot in this book. It’s just … a lot.
I hope in subsequent books, things come together more cohesively.
I understand how, holding all these threads of so many ideas, an author can want to put them all in - but the VR thing could have been less - things were ‘splained (by men) in too many monologues, basically.
There’s no need to explain it all.
There’s no need to justify or prove things, when we’ve already massively suspended disbelief. It really turns it into too much work, I think, and scuttles the gorgeous boat of this book, when things need to be so tediously mapped out as if they are scientifically and mathematically possible.
It’s not possible that *spoiler* her dad was bumped up to president, and she’s still just running around with no bodyguards. For one thing.
There are so many impossible things in this book, it would go far more smoothly if the author didn’t pause to have a character lecture us about it all.
It was ok. It wasn’t very witchy - and I am looking for witchy.
There’s a lot in this book. It’s just … a lot.
I hope in subsequent books, things come together more cohesively.
I understand how, holding all these threads of so many ideas, an author can want to put them all in - but the VR thing could have been less - things were ‘splained (by men) in too many monologues, basically.
There’s no need to explain it all.
There’s no need to justify or prove things, when we’ve already massively suspended disbelief. It really turns it into too much work, I think, and scuttles the gorgeous boat of this book, when things need to be so tediously mapped out as if they are scientifically and mathematically possible.
It’s not possible that *spoiler* her dad was bumped up to president, and she’s still just running around with no bodyguards. For one thing.
There are so many impossible things in this book, it would go far more smoothly if the author didn’t pause to have a character lecture us about it all.
It was ok. It wasn’t very witchy - and I am looking for witchy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this book.
This is a book for fans of the National Treasure movies meets Dan Brown.
Sidney is an up and coming historian for the Smithsonian. She's a media sweetheart helping make history cool again to the masses when she's unexpected let go from the museum. Rather than dit and wallow in her pity, she returns home to Robbinsville, NC to stay with her grandma. From there she discovers a secret history of her town and embarks on a historical treasure hunt based around Black Colonial history.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the history element along with the treasure hunt. There were some twists I didnt see coming along with some science fiction elements. Overall a good time and entertaining.
This is a book for fans of the National Treasure movies meets Dan Brown.
Sidney is an up and coming historian for the Smithsonian. She's a media sweetheart helping make history cool again to the masses when she's unexpected let go from the museum. Rather than dit and wallow in her pity, she returns home to Robbinsville, NC to stay with her grandma. From there she discovers a secret history of her town and embarks on a historical treasure hunt based around Black Colonial history.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the history element along with the treasure hunt. There were some twists I didnt see coming along with some science fiction elements. Overall a good time and entertaining.
February 23, 2024
I’ve read this author's work before, so I was pretty sure the writing in this series opener would be similar to that series. I was both right and wrong. This book was well-written just like her other series, but this one contained so much more. The author combined political intrigue, magic, sci-fi, suspense, and a tiny bit of other genres to turn it all into a captivating read. Now, all of this was a little bit too much and could have been two books instead of one, but even though it was almost too much, it still was an engaging read. I’m interested in continuing the story, and I look forward to what’s next. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 27, 2024
3.5/5 stars.
This was such an interesting read. I’ve truly never read anything like it. There’s magic, and science, and secret groups trying to control the government. There was a lot going on but it wasn’t so much that it was hard to follow and I felt it all wrapped up neatly in the end.
This book is a little hard to explain because of that, but I did enjoy reading it. I actually had no idea what would happen next.
This was such an interesting read. I’ve truly never read anything like it. There’s magic, and science, and secret groups trying to control the government. There was a lot going on but it wasn’t so much that it was hard to follow and I felt it all wrapped up neatly in the end.
This book is a little hard to explain because of that, but I did enjoy reading it. I actually had no idea what would happen next.
July 3, 2024
An outstanding amalgamation of multiple genres! I went in expecting the action, adventure, puzzles, mystery & history of National Treasure plus the magic and fantasy of Discovery of Witches. I got all that plus an evil conspiracy theory sci-fi twist & a touch of love interest. This book kept me guessing every step of the way! Entertaining and intriguing from start to finish! I certainly hope to see more from this series.
December 13, 2024
I'm giving this a 2.5.
It's fast paced and there is lots going on plot wise that I struggled to keep up with the twists, turns and history. I didn't really form any interest in the characters and often got confused about who was who, maybe this just wasn't for me.
National Treasure meets matrix with vibes of Ready Player One sprinkled with witches, lost family and time travel.....yeah confused 🤣
It's fast paced and there is lots going on plot wise that I struggled to keep up with the twists, turns and history. I didn't really form any interest in the characters and often got confused about who was who, maybe this just wasn't for me.
National Treasure meets matrix with vibes of Ready Player One sprinkled with witches, lost family and time travel.....yeah confused 🤣
March 2, 2025
Political intrigue, a treasure hunt, history lessons, a secret society, conspiracy theories, romance, family drama… SO much is going on here. The magic and any witchiness got lost in all the telling of all the many things. The plot and characters felt stretched too thin. I couldn’t get a foothold in this story.
DNF
*Thanks to Booksparks for the free copy.*
DNF
*Thanks to Booksparks for the free copy.*
May 19, 2024
This book is a very interesting read. I love stories about witches, and this one spins a tale like no other. The Characters are amazing and it pulls you in and holds you there. The story line is a never ending twist. It is a great read and I can't wait for another one!
August 2, 2025
I really wanted to like it. I love anything about witches but it had zero witches and read like a dry college textbook that one professor assigned to you in college. The author tried to include way too much and had so much exposition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews