A streak of red lightning. A desolate rock in the frozen sea, and a city with divided loyalties.
Rossi hasn’t seen Drag in six months. Not even the tiniest tingle in her stone. But during a full moon celebration, she not only feels that familiar zing, she finds herself transported to a frozen wasteland full of water sprites and a merewif with a fancy piece of jewelry. And Drag.
She manages to save him. Once. However, in his quest for vengeance for the death of his mother, Drag has made plenty of dodgy deals with witches and non-magicals. He has a scheme for everything and Rossi doesn’t know if she can save him again.
And with Ainsley lurking in unexpected places, Rossi’s not sure she can even save herself.
Picking up from book one —Witch Stone— this book was packed full of ideas! What a wonderful read and continuation of this series. This book did not disappoint when it comes to adventure, intrigue, humor, and romance. Without giving too much away, we see the character dynamics begin to shift and develop deeper— giving us new ideas to root for. I enjoyed this read— simple, engaging, and easy to follow. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
This is a very quirky read and series, so much fun and plenty of laughs. Well, let's get real, when you have a witch who has no idea how to control her magic, a witch who has only one stone embedded in one hand, instead of one in each, that's already a reason to find out why. The why was made perfectly, amusingly clear in book 1. Another thing that is amusing, and brilliantly clear, is Rossi's impetuous nature, her need to 'prove' herself. So we find a Rossi who tumbles from one bad decision to the next, not taking cognisance of her familiar, who happens to be a rather loud mouth but extremely adorable teeny tiny unicorn. Yep, a miniature unicorn! A wise little unicorn. Advice that Rossi doesn't heed. Oh and a huge smelly troll who's a gentle sweetheart. Yep, FUN! But wait! There's more! There's Drag... what can I say about Drag except that he's got layer upon layer of secrets and he's just so charmingly darn likeable! He's wrapped up so tightly in his shroud of secrets, that when it loosens slightly and we get a glimpse of some of those deeply hidden things, I melt! He has the capacity to undo me, never mind Rossi! And he does, both of us fall under his spell.
How I loved the banter and 'pull' Rossi and Drag have and the inevitable romantic feelings that emerge! So well done, I was cheering them on the entire way! The adventures they embark on and what they unexpectedly and surprisingly get caught up in, the truths they are forced to accept, and trust me, FORCE is the operative word here! The situations they get into and how they get out of them, only opens up a new adventure, a new issue that needs resolving. And all the while, Simon, the tiny unicorn, is adding his 5c worth! And every time he shed a tear, I did too. Rossi is one of those characters who one can't help rooting for, as she comes to expand her magic, learn her magic, understand her magic, you'll be rooting for her too. You'll be rooting for Drag. You'll definitely be rooting for Simon! The plot takes one on an adventure second to none, exposing truths and schemes that don't always pan out as our characters planned but their nerve, their togetherness is unwavering. There's sass aplenty, humour aplenty, awesome characters aplenty, all the while trying to evade those that would do them harm, and these lots of those!
This was a fast paced read, perhaps a little too much so at times, I felt there were missing bits of info I could have done with, which will more than likely be revealed in the next book. But, even so, it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the reality hits Rossi gets throughout the book, some had my head spinning from the twists! But golly, when the revelations start, it's like a hail storm, pounding Rossi black and blue! This author has achieved a fascinating book and series, an incredibly fun read, with the ideal amount of titillating intrigue, danger, family ties, loyalties, misconceptions, lies, action, a magic system that develops in the most appealing of ways and a beautiful budding romantic to boot.
Witch Star is the 2nd book in Mandy O’Dell’s the Witch of Wyvern series. It’s a fantasy story with a touch of romance.
The story picks up six months after Drag left. All has been quiet for Rossi, until during a full moon celebration, she finds herself transported to a desolate frozen wasteland full of water sprites and guarded by a scary-looking merewif by red lightning. Suddenly, she feels a tingle in her stone and finds Drag, exhausted and almost frozen. Rossi gets bitten by the merewif, but manages to save Drag and escape and then escape some more, finally ending up in Drag’s rooms in the castle…yes that castle. Drag has meanwhile made several suspicious deals and schemes including other witches and non-magicals that have backfired, so he finds himself in a tangle. Having tumbled from one bad decision to another while trying to solve everything solo, he now needs all the help Rossi can provide him with. The path seems to be set, but once Rossi’s friends come to get her, the story takes an unexpected turn and suddenly Rossi finds herself alone and with an unexpected ally. How wide-spread is Ainsley’s network of evil really? Who is to be trusted? Can Rossi save herself and can she save Drag?
The story is very easy to read, rather quick paced and flows well. It is well written and enjoyable. The wolrd building is interesting and easy to follow plus you get to see a wider range of places and charaters. This time the story takes Rossi and Drag away from the safety of Rossi’s coven and layer upon layer of secrets start to unfold also revealing some of the deeply hidden ones. Once the flow starts, Rossi’s world will be turned upside down so there is plenty to wait for as the series continues. The book has an overall light and humorous vibe even when darker forces start to appear. The plot continues on an interesting path, including several new revelations, interesting turns and slowly growing romantic feelings so you just keep turning pages. The main characters, Rossi and Drag, are just as you remember them, but you can sense some growth in them. The dynamic between them is still great – all the banter just makes you want to smile. Drag is still his annoyingly charming self and Rossi is just as impatient as ever. And don’t forget Simon, the tiny unicorn, who adds a bit of sarcasm and apparently his own secrets. New side characters are introduced (including the witch-hunting king) and you will meet plenty of old ones. The story keeps you turning pages and surprising you with new twists every turn. It is an incredibly fun book to read – there is adventure, magic, intrigue, danger, interesting character bonds and a touch of romance. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜ Once again Mandy knocks it out of the park with her characters, and this time with the companions too. I loved all of the characters, including the bad guys were a little bit lovable but of course not 100%. I love the way Rossi has grown. Her relationship with Drag has also grown too and is so sweet seeing them together.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜ I liked getting more information on the world they live in, and how some parts aren't accepting of the witches and they're in so much danger. The details offered were beautiful and painted a pretty dark picture considering in how much danger the witches are.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜ There's not one thing not to love in this story. It got a sweet romance, pretty clean with a bit of a kiss here and there. A very sarcastic companion that apparently got some hidden secrets, which left me with my mouth open because i couldn't believe it! But alas, Simon is still lovable especially since he's shrunken even more now. I enjoyed the world-building and the more details on the world Rossi is living in - it was nice seeing more of this world other than where she's living. The story is short and fast-paced and you can devour quickly.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜ The story is pretty clean romance. There are some kisses here and there, a bit of alluring that Drag may have watched Rossi a bit too long/too much, but nothing is detailed or overly sexualized. I'd say the story is round 1 pepper flame - there's no sex in the story, but things do get a bit heated during a kiss but nothing is going on the sexy area or too detailed.
HOLD UP FANTASY READERS! If you haven’t started on your Witch of Wyvern journey then stop what you are doing (even reading this review) and get yourself a copy! You don’t want to miss this series!
O’Dell took what we thought we new at the conclusion of Witch Stone and decided to give it a world shattering, loyalty bending, mind blowing shake up! Now this is gonna be no spoilers…just know…if you like stories that are twisting, turning, ever evolving, keeping you on the edge of your seat and spellbound, you NEED to read this series!
So instead of a summary let’s talk about some of my favorite aspects of this book.
My favorite character still continues to be Drag. I love the mystery and danger that surrounds his character like a shadow. I love how he helps and cares for Rossi. He’s just pretty dang great and I cannot wait to see where O’Dell takes his character in the next book. 
Another of my absolute favorite things about this series is the incorporation of the many many different and unique mystical creatures…you think you know mermaids but do you know merewif? If not, then you just have to dive into this series to discover this and several interesting and unique creatures.
I also really enjoy the light romance in these books. They aren’t over the top swoony but the light between-the-lines romance is a nice and subtle accent to the overall story which I really really enjoy! It does enough to make the romance lover in my souls sing with joy but light enough to keep the story centered around the bigger picture and enjoyable to any and all fanatsy readers. It’s balanced just perfectly.
So yep…this was a fantastic continuation of the Witch of Wyvern series! I am super excited to read what revelations and secrets are revealed in the next book! And I very very very highly recommend it to any and all fantasy readers.
This installment raises the stakes in every possible way darker, colder, and far more dangerous. From the moment Rossi is pulled into a frozen wasteland by a streak of red lightning, the story grips you with relentless tension and breathtaking imagery. The world feels vast and alive, filled with water sprites, political intrigue, and a city torn by divided loyalties.
Rossi’s growth is compelling to watch as she’s forced to confront not only her connection to Drag, but the limits of how much she can save someone who may be determined to destroy himself. Drag is complex and heartbreaking a character driven by grief and vengeance, whose choices blur the line between hero and threat. Their bond is charged with emotion, uncertainty, and just enough hope to keep you turning pages.
With Ainsley’s eerie presence adding constant unease, every chapter feels unpredictable. The suspense builds flawlessly, blending magic, danger, and emotional conflict into a story that never lets you get comfortable. This book is rich with twists, haunting atmosphere, and hard choices, proving once again that power doesn’t come without consequences. An absolutely gripping read that leaves you desperate for what comes next.
I couldn't put this down! Now I can't wait for the next!
We continue 6 months after Witch Stone left off. Rossi has been learning and enjoying life with her expanded coven. On a night of celebration, she finds herself sent off to an island, trapped with things trying to hurt her, and stumbling upon a hurt Drag. It's been 6 months since she's seen him too, but nothing can stop the pull of her magical other half.
Can Rossi help save Drag from those out to get him and himself? Has Rossi learned enough to protect herself from everyone who means her harm? How many people does Ainsley, the evil but still unseen foe behind everything, have on her side? Do Rossi and Drag have enough to stop her?
I enjoyed Witch Stone, but Witch Star took it up to another level. We see a lot less of some of the side characters from the first book, but I still loved what we did see of them. This book goes out further into this world and opens up previously mentioned areas to explore. I was disappointed in Drag for a bit, but that was all explained.
There were definitely sudden and unexpected twists at the end, that left me simply wanting more!
Rossi is back in book 2. Things have definitely improved for her because she has more control over her magic, and her coven is more organized and successful. However, there is still a king killing witches and a witch out to destroy her and everyone she loves. Rossi and Drag continue their quest to make the witch world a safer place. I loved this book, and I thought it was better than book 1. The banter between Rossi and Drag was fun, and their romance went a little bit further. Unfortunately, Rossi has some heartbreak too as she finds out some difficult truths. I thought this added some more realism to the book. It's a fun read, with really snappy dialogue, but this book had less fluff than the first one. To me, that made book 2 better and I'm giving the book an enthusiastic 5 out of 5 stars.
So we carry on from a few months after where book one left us to find Rossi learning her craft and growing stronger with her coven and hasn’t seen hide nor hair of Drag in that whole time. During a celebration Rossi then finds herself transported to a frozen wasteland where amongst other beings, she finds Drag in not to good a condition. It’s an exciting addition to this fantastic series, filled with danger, drama and adventure as our duo are back together again to save the witching world from the king. Brimming with magic, twists and turns, surprises and a few home truths which is a little heartbreaking for Rossi, I found myself once again immersed into this world and on the edge of my seat.
Rossi has been learning magic in the six months that Drag has been gone but while enjoying a celebration with her fellow witches she feels his magic and is all of a sudden transported to the middle of the ocean. With no idea what happened she ends up on a small island and has to rescue him. The adventure continues from there, some surprising information, new enemies to meet, some romance, some disappointments. This fairly short, quick story has them all. It’s an interesting world, interesting magic, a main character who doesn’t know what to do and is sometimes extremely unsure of herself. But she works on all the problems. Drag also has problems and surprises as does the mini unicorn, Simon.
Rossi is still still learning what it means to be the One Stone. She is practicing on catching lightning, but with Drag gone, she hasn't been able to be at her full strength. Until the party when she is magiked to his rescue. I had a lot of feelings in this book. I felt frustrated along with Rossi being kept in the dark until there is an emergency where she learned new facets of her powers. But my heart hurt for Drag, a young man hunting one much more powerful than him, but also being used by everyone around him without even realizing it. I still loved all the Coven here and that Ellery is in it too. They add color and flavor everywhere. I am heartbroken by the ending, but have faith the author will bring me back around in the last book.
Witch Star picks up beautifully from where Witch Stone left off.
Rossi continues to learn more about her powers and the world. She faces internal conflicts with emotion, not knowing what to believe, and being overwhelmed by the knowledge that is coming at her so fast.
Mandy O'Dell has continued to bring the same cheeky, adventurous, magical tone to this book while still managing to throw in a twist. Witch Star has me itching for the next installment to the Witch of Wyvern series.
Witch Star is a medium-paced, clean, fantasy read that is great for readers of just about all ages. It is filled with magic, wit, and a touch of romance (very PG level).
Rossi hasn't seen Drag in almost 6 months. As she celebrates with her coven, she is pulled away and into a rescue mission. Rossi still doesn't quite understand her magic and how to use it but she is leaning more each day. Once she and Drag are together again, Drag teaches Rossi even more about what they can do together. Will Rossi and Drag be able to escape the King? Will Rossi learn the truth she needs in order to survive? Come read this fast paced book and take a journey through a new and magical world. I recommend this book from teen to adult. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second book in the series and it's very action packed from page 1, we continue to follow Rossi and her coming into her magic and learning more about herself. People who are close to her are still not telling her everything and she is being led blindly. The characters are very well written and love Simon. Drag is a mysterious character and I love the relationship between Rossi and Drag. Anyone who loves fantasy's should give this a go and those who are not big on fantasy should read it as well worth a read.
A lot happened in these 181 pages! There was never a dull moment between all of the almost-dying and budding romance. Travel across the realm kept the scenery from getting stale, and some new faces were also introduced. This story gave 'danger at every turn' and 'don't know who you can trust' vibes.
The ending was full of twists and left us on a pretty big cliff. I can't wait for book 3 to see what happens next!
I recommend Witch Star if you like magic, an underdog story, and a little romance sprinkled in.
It took me a little bit to get back into this series since it had been a while since I had read the first book. I gradually started to remember all the characters and enjoyed the flow of the book. I started out slow and gradually sped up, flying through the chapters to a great cliffhanger at the end! Loved the characters and the twist of events. I'm already chomping at the bit for the 3rd book in the series! Well done.
Witch Star continues the story started in Witch Stone, and both Rossi and Drag are in trouble - again. After some time apart, Rossi and Drag are reunited in less than ideal circumstances, and through their shared experience Rossi discovers more about this boy she feels so drawn to. They’re both still learning about how their magic combines, while Rossi is also still trying to get used to having magic at all.
This time, however, it’s not just them at risk as some of Rossi’s friends try to help and chaos ensues. Rossi also feels that some people still aren’t being completely forthcoming, and there are some very dangerous people who are manipulating things behind the scenes for their own ends. As she discovers unexpected new allies, Rossi also finds out that betrayal may be closer than she thinks.
The story builds on book one’s introduction into Rossi and Drag’s world with promising character development and I like that you get to know some of the other non-main characters a bit better too. It’s a fast-paced read, and it does jump around a bit, but the overall storyline is sound. I’m really excited to see where the author takes us in the third book! I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Such a fun, sweet series that makes you feel all the things while simultaneously shaking your head over the misadventures of its characters. Rossi is a hot mess but easily endearing, and you are constantly hoping she can get herself out of whatever scrape quickly. Loving this nice, easy read from this author!
Rossi is enchanting but also frustrating. And I'm continuously intrigued by how her powers are growing so I can't wait to see what she will learn to do next. Drag is still an enigma to me, you hate him and love him at the same time. I can't wait to see what the next part of their story reveals about them both.
This book was AWESOME! Engaging, engrossing, thrilling, and a whole slew of other adjectives. I am looking forward to finding out how much Rossi increases in her powers as well as if Ainsley is stopped. It should be interesting! LOVE THIS SERIES!
This book continues the fun and riveting story of Rossi and Drag. I’m completely hooked. It is hard to put down and goes so incredibly fast. In looking forward to the continuation for sure!!!!
Real page Turner Magic At every twist and turn twist and turn. You will become fully vested in the character's lives, And will not be able to go on without knowing what happens to them!
Rossi has gotten herself up to her eyeballs in trouble and I loved every page of it! This book moves so quickly and totally captured my attention throughout. I love how things heated up for Rossi and Drag and I am so ready for the 3rd book to find out what happens next. The author has got me with this series.