Spirit Warrior: Maiden's Path

by Tracey Love

Susan Sibley is a highly sensitive Witch who is doing her best to find where she fits in the world as she tries to understand her spiritual gift. When she falls in love with Tamika, the woman of her dreams, she discovers how easy it is to lose herself in someone else instead. In the Maiden phase, Susan's naivety and fear create her struggle to let the light in, flow with change, and fully realize her power.

 

Maiden's Path is the story of one young woman's journey to discovering that the happiness you want can only come to you through lessons, which means living through both the painful and joyful parts of the human experience. Opportunities for growth arise as Susan's relationship with Tamika develops. Creating a home and family challenges her Maiden mindset and invites her to step into the role of the Mother. As she continues to receive signs and messages from Spirit, Susan ultimately faces the most painful choice of her whether to walk away from the greatest love she has ever known or lose herself in total darkness.

Genres: Witches, LGBT, Lesbian, Fantasy, Paranormal, Ebooks

512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[bec ∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°⁠｡⁠☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved an advanced copy of 'Spirit Warrior: Maiden's Path' in exchange for my honest review, thanks so much to the author!

this book shows the navigation of complicated feelings and complicated relationships while living in a world that isn't totally accepting of being shamelessly yourself. Susan & Tamika's story was very interesting to read and had very emotional moments, showing the journey of finding yourself and healing. My only issues with this book were that some parts felt a little slow or unnecessary, and the dialogue had a tendency to feel artificial.

[Gin Hartleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spirit Warrior: Maiden's Path introduces the reader to Susan, an introvert, who falls in love and shares her journey of self-discovery as she navigates relationships with friends and family. Susan is relatable and real in so many ways. I highly recommend that all women read this book. They may find that it will reveal similarities in how we deal with life and how to overcome.

[Poison Ivy 🌵 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, thank you to the author!

Susan & Tamika are living a nice life, until things start to fall apart, and everyone around them can notice. Friends, family, and coworkers all watch as Susan & Tamika try to get through this crazy thing called life. Set in the late 90’s/early 2000’s, there isn’t as open an attitude abt witchcraft, lesbianism, or interracial relationships as there is today. These women explore all those things, and more.

Very dialogue heavy, with lots of intricate details. If you like slice of life lesbianism, this is definitely for you!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of this genre I've ever read and I really enjoyed it! I think where the book really shines, is its relationship dynamics. Where other books may tie up loose ends or make things really neat; Maiden's Path show you relationships rooted in reality, even if that's messy or complicated. Highly recommend!!

[Fay Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’m not normally a sapphic reader, but this book is so well written it transcends that genre. The main character, Susan, is so relatable! What woman hasn’t struggled with self-doubt, finding their authentic voice, or setting boundaries? The spiritual elements of Susan never came across as preachy or religious, and I could appreciate her views as her own beliefs and where she finds joy. It was refreshing. The story is about Susan finding love in a woman named Tamika, and their tumultuous relationship. I found myself rooting for Susan, and remembering all of my own experiences in relationships. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens, as there’s a little bit of every woman in Susan.

[Genesis Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, congratulations to you Tracey Love on Spirit Warrior: Maiden's Path, the first book in the Spirit Warrior series. It is always an honor to read someone else's work, and even more so when that someone has become a friend.

I didn't know what to expect from Maiden's Path other than sapphic and witchy! I was immediately drawn in by the awkward and anxious MC, Susan, from whose POV the story is told. Susan has the most compassion for everyone else, and definitely struggles with her own sense of worth. The mental health representation in this book felt visceral, and some of the emotions and interactions between characters struck me raw. This was not an easy or light read, though it was not without joy. I think Tracey well captured the complexity of humans in evolution, as this really is a book about growth, finding yourself, and generational healing.

While I wouldn't call this a romance, much of the story centres around the relationship between Susan and her partner Tamika---and so much of their dynamic had me really reflecting on the kinds of relationships in my own life that I want to give energy too, and those that I cant afford to.

For folks who want to delve deep into the gritty realities of flawed humans just doing their best; who feel a connection to nature and or the spiritual world; who are open to witchy ways and the interconnectedness of the universe; and who are asking big questions on their own healing path, please consider this beautiful book!

[Skye Erikson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan’s Origin Story!

This book is a lovely introduction to a character, Susan, who, by the end of the book, is gearing up to be a force to be reckoned with. Her internal struggles with self love and worth are very relatable, as are her external struggles, along with her partner, Tamika, with being judged by the world for being openly gay and even in an interracial relationship.
The initial pace is rather slow compared to some novels out there but I found it refreshing and enjoyable as a way to intimately experience Susan’s life alongside her, and towards the end, no lie, I was furious, but in a good way! Tracey Love does a great job investing the reader in her character, and a blow to Susan felt like I was taking that blow myself, in my heart and soul.
I have a feeling the upcoming sequel will have another side of Susan come out, and after reading this, I can’t wait to see her come into her power! There are witchy vibes throughout, as the main character does practice some small spells work and such (And is judged for that too!)
Eagerly awaiting the sequel!

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book this is. The book follows Susan, a witch in her twenties. She meets Tamika, and the book follows her from falling in love, moving in together, getting married, and so on.

The story shows the ups and downs she goes through in life and shows that communication really is key to having a happy relationship with the one you love. This book isn't your average love story with a HEA, but it's beautifully written, and I enjoyed the message the book portrayed.

I absolutely loved the friendship between Susan and her mom, Alice, is an inspiration to be that close and be more friends than mom and daughter.

I'm so glad that this book is only the beginning and that there will be more to Susan's story as I can't wait to read more and see where she will end up in the future.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥

[Chelsea Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let’s give credit to Tracey for being a white woke woman who understands the value of diversity. There were several phrases that hit spot on with the bipoc community and I truly think she knows people of color.
Second, WTF is wrong with you Tammy? I’m so upset with you!
Third, how dare you break my heart with this ending?!

Okay, but really, the story has strong character arcs which can be hard to show over a span of several years and Tracey did a great job showing it.

I’m ready for the second now…. 😆

[Christine Callahan-Oke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maiden’s Path follows the journey of Susan, the main character, as she struggles to recognize and honour her spiritual gifts and find her way in a sometimes harsh outer world.

When she meets Tamika, sparks fly, and they develop a powerful connection. Susan quickly becomes consumed by their love and pushes aside her own needs and soul’s whispers in favour of relationship harmony. Over time, though, messages from Spirit became too strong to ignore - as does Susan’s inner voice.

I was drawn into the story right from the beginning and enjoyed it throughout. At times I found myself wanting to remind Susan that she’s stronger than she realizes, but, like in life, we have to learn our lessons ourselves. The story incorporates diverse, complex relationships, challenging dynamics, and great, relatable characters.

Maiden’s Path is a beautiful portrayal of a Witch’s desire to love, be loved, and - perhaps most importantly - know and be true to herself. I can’t wait for book two in the Spirit Warrior series!

[Georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different flavor from so much HEA lesbian romance.

Rather than a will they / won't they or "how will they get together" scenario, this couple gets together at the beginning, but it's obvious to the reader pretty early on that this relationship is Bad News. The narrative tension then comes from the questions of:

How long will it take before this situation explodes?

What will be the final straw?

What will be the fallout?

How does magic play into it?

Readers should be aware that at least in this book magic plays more of a pagan spirituality role and less of a fantastic one so that, at least in book one, nothing particular ever comes of it. There is no great hidden destiny, there are no mystical powers being unlocked, there are no skyward beams of light, and there is no easy solution to problems. Unknown if magic will allow Susan to improve her situation in later books.

[Christa Hickcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single feeling that I could possibly feel was felt throughout this book. I related to Susan on so many different levels that at time I had to put the book down and remind myself this was someone else's journey. I may not have experienced every single pain that Susan had experienced throughout this book, but the story telling of love and loss was written so beautiful. I can see why the author named this book Spirit Warrior: Maiden's Path, because you can literally feel the main characters journey of the emotions; the highs and lows, the excitement of meeting the love of her life, and everything else that happens along the way! This certainly is only the beginning of what is in store for Susan. I can't wait to read Tracey's next book!

[Dusty Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! It's a raw and realistic story, and the emotional elements kept me hooked. Although Susan is somewhat lost, her strength always overcomes her struggles. She's witchy in a relatable way, not like lots of the stereotypical witches I have seen in shows and other stories.

[Samantha Romine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn't bother reading this book. The main character is relatable, but extremely frustrating as a reader. So little happens and the ending ruins everything else that does happen. The plot doesn't come to a head until about the last 30 pages and left me dumbfounded and looking for a better ending.

[Elizabeth Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like a journal.

[Christy Matheson]

Charming. I felt so supportive of the characters as they grew into themselves.

[Lailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about learning to embrace your true self