The Castaway Coven

by Augusta Owens

Amelia doesn't understand her power.

Ever since her two new covenmates came crashing into her life, Amelia has been playing catch-up. She’s missed out on years of training to control the powers that come with being a witch. As it turns out, the power to manipulate time isn’t so simple.

As she grapples with these new discoveries and attempts to acclimate into witch society, her gift reveals to her a new danger that threatens the Hummingbird Coven. Now, Amelia has to test the limits of her magic—and decide just how far she’ll push them.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Augusta Owens is a queer American author living in Spain with her mother and their excessive number of pets. She likes music, books, and various forms of art. She began writing her debut novel, The Hummingbird Coven, at thirteen years old in order to win a bet and has been writing novels ever since, featuring kids who have no idea what they’re doing, chaotic sapphics, and fantasy worlds (because our real one is way too boring).

Reviews

[✧ iva · Rating 5 out of 5]

even better than the first book

really easy pacing, no problem easing into the second book

I ❤️ slowburns

love love love the slow pacing romance bc it feels totally realistic especially for the intended character age, really appropriate

the slow creeping jealousy…the confusing feelings 😋

wish this book existed when I was 13 myself

really liked seeing more of Harriet and super excited where the story will go regarding current developments

at times many new characters were introduced, some names I got confused (not good with names), sorted itself out and got the hang of it eventually

cats, witches, sirens… what more could you want

even if it is intended for a younger audience I’m enjoying it so much, happy I discovered this series

made me overly aware of my love for reading

definitely anticipating the third book!!! need to know how it continues…. until then I’ll be waitinggggg patiently

[Jae · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is such an experience. I really like the idea, I like the story, but I think the writing was a bit bad. There were so many instances where the author included an unnecessary detail that is apparent with the context clues that are right there in the text. There's a bit of a rule when writing that you're supposed to "show not tell" and the author will do this thing where she'll show what's going on in the scene, and tell us what the does or what that means. That annoyed me because every few chapters, I would just think to myself "Well duh." Also I think that the characters are all a bit 1 dimensional, they really only have like 2 personality traits, and they all suck. Also, what the heck is up with the timeline??? The 1st book took place over a period of like a week, and all of a sudden it was actually like 2 months ago even though the 2nd book picks up exactly where they left off. Also why did Victoria come back? Why is she here? The series started with her dying? I don't have much to say other than all the characters are horrible, and the only one that was slightly tolerable or had any sense, died. ALSO WHY THE HELL DID THEY DO ALL THIS??? It would have made more sense if anything else occurred. This book makes no sense and it could be so good, it has such potential, but no. The author doesn't know how to write.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
This book picks up where the last left off and does it beautifully - no trace of "second book syndrome" here. I especially like the slow burn romance between the two girls where neither is aware what is the attraction they are both feeling. Even though it is unlikely they would noy suspect something in this day and age (no TV or internet?) it makes the book very appropriate for a middle school reader (any school librarian please note) and there is nothing here that could possibly offend even the most bigoted of state officials
As in the previous book the action keeps the story moving along nicely and the scene is set for the third book.
As I said before I wish I had these books when my daughter was younger. Time manipulation anyone?

[Bee_thebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series, it was a joy to read!

The book seamlessly picked up from where the first book ended, continuing with the adventure from the first book. The pacing was great and kept the story flowing, making this book very enjoyable to read.

I loved the relationships between the characters and how they developed from the first book. The relationships between the characters made the story even better.

Overall, this book is a wonderful addition to the series that I really enjoyed reading. The book is great for all audiences, from younger teens up to older readers, as the wonderful characters and engaging story make the book a perfect read for anyone. I hope to read more from this author in the future!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karoline .K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this one though I like the first one better, for me this was kind of missing the witch element. And there was a load of confusing stuff happening, but on another note I liked the new characters and the old ones. The characters are still funny and I love them so much. But I still rate this one lower instead of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half this one is simply ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but still I can’t wait for the next one to release, and see how the story unfolds. I love the idea of pirates in the universe but I just needed more things to do with the coven and witch hunters. But great book I’m sending all my love to the author💕💕🫶

[Adam Carman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 definitely amped up. The pace is a little slow at first as the author is still building her world, but once it got going it GOT going. In this book, Amelia, her best friend and love interest Sam, and the witches of their coven meet new allies and face the growing darkness. In an interesting twist, Amelia must wonder whether the grandmother she inherited her abilities from is, perhaps, EVIL? I won't spoil the ending but it was an interesting read and I look forward to more installments in the future.

[Ashleigh Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series. The writer draws you in from the very first word and it just keeps getting better and better. The pace is perfect, the story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster and there's nothing you can do but hang on for the entire ride. Awesome for both young (tween/teen depending on reading level and emotional maturity) and older readers.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute joy to read!

This series just seems to get better. I love the world building, the characters are spectacular. I honestly forgot how much I enjoyed the first book until I started this one. I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pat Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great book for readers who enjoy reading about young witches, sirens, and shape shifting. The characters are realistic. The background story is full of adventures, twists and turns, and a hint that this may be not the last book in this series. I received can advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the writing inthe fight scenes was a little covoluted and confusing, but overall a solid book.
I'm waiting for the last one.