Ravens

The Hawthorne University Witch Series #6

by A.L. Hawke

When evil lands on my doorstep.

While Bryce and I are finally enjoying some quiet time together, a dark, shadowy figure crashes into our door. And it isn’t a small black bird this time. A devil is hurt, asking for my help.

Well, I just have too many problems of my own now. People don’t want to talk to me. And Bryce isn’t touching me. So what’s a witch to do? Haul up my legs, sit on a pentagram in a circle of candles, and murmur to myself.

My best friend Maddie thinks I’m under a curse. But, honestly, I feel like I have to do whatever it takes to save this town, even if it means teaming up with my arch-enemy witch Enora.

Evil empowers me. But this dark spellcasting also intends to drive a stake right through my heart and the heart of Hawthorne University. See, not only am I feeling alone, I’m getting expelled.

Cadence Hawthorne returns in this fifth book in the Hawthorne University Witch series.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2024

About the author

A.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.

Reviews

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five of this series, told in first person POV by the main character, Cadence. This story leaves you needing more.

I listened to the audiobook of this story and Alexa Elmy has done it again, she was able to bring this story to life and have me feel the experiences. She is definitely one of my favorite narrators and definitely worth listening to!

Things are not getting any better for Cadence and Bryce. With them now married, trying for a family issues with their coven, curses and the presence of Dr. Alondra still trying to control things through Cadence, these young adults just can’t seem to catch a break.

It was interesting to see how Bryce reacted towards Cadence throughout the book, I wasn’t expecting it. I also wasn’t expecting Cadence to form the alliance with whom she did either. I am loving how Alondra is revealing everything to Cadence and guiding her through all the events to help her save Hawthorne.

I’m excited for the next book and can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m curious to see if Alondra is here to stay or if she will go after everything is revealed and resolved. I’m also interested in seeing how everything goes with Cadence and her coven and the next semester. Along with what happens next with the two “villains” of the story. I was provided an advanced readers/listeners copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryce and Cadence are now married and back at Hawthorne University for fall semester. Cadence is a graduate student, working with Bryce, and their goal is to bring back Metaphysical History class, the one that introduced Cadence to her favorite teacher, Dr. Alondra Johansen. Alondra passed away, handing the coven to Cadence as the High Priestess of Hawthorne, but it's apparent early on in the story, that Alondra has returned and she's taking over Cadence's thoughts and actions. Bryce is at a loss to try to understand what's happening to his wife, especially when he finds her out of bed and downstairs in a locked room doing something that sounds like spells. He's concerned that she's involved in Magick, with a k, which was the reason that both Liam and Jane had to leave Hawthorne University. They knew that Alondra was working with backward magic and rather than support her, they had to leave her. Strange things begin to happen with Cadence like the three-day wandering that takes over her and the reappearance of the Samhain Witch. And then there's the curse that Cadence is under when she goes to meet Enora and comes home thinking she had a miscarriage. It's during this time that Bryce behaves out of character when he refuses to talk to Cadence after she walks out on their anniversasry dinner. There are extenuating circumstances, but Bryce's anger doesn't abate until after their doctor appointment and ultrasound. This story is crying for an epilogue! It ends abruptly with the rehiring of both Bryce and Cadence, but I would like to see what has become of their family a few years down the road. It's a tremendous, far-reaching series and I can only hope that this isn't the end.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started quite well, and was an improvement on the fourth book. For the first eight chapters, I really got into it, especially with the description of the festivities that happen at the college.

Later on, we find out that Cadence is cursed, and starts acting nasty to her friends. The problem is that because she is normally like this, it is hard to tell the difference between her cursed state and her normal state (we just have to take her word for it).

As the story progresses, the prosody worsens, which was a shame. I think the author is mainly in her element when describing many things happening in one place. She knows how to create an ecstatic vibe in her writing, but when it comes to depth of character, and deep conversations between Cadence and her friends, I found the narrative lacking. Everything seemed so bitchy, and we just have to take her word that she loves them all, when really I think she says this to convince herself that this is true.

I also thought the ending could have been better. It all ended without any kind of high point. The author could have made it far more impactful. I just felt that she didn’t try, and it all seemed mundane. From how this series started, I think the author has failed to get back that spark of mystery that she had with Broomstick.

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series! As I hinted at in my review of book #4, I'm still wondering if Mr Hawke left himself an opening to add to this series, Although this is supposed to be the end. There are several small cliffhangers still left (2 of the 3 most evil characters are still alive, Bryce & Cadence are expecting, Cadence's Coven is on shaky ground, etc). I wouldn't complain at all if Mr Hawke did expand the series with more books. He's one of the top writers in the genre that I've discovered in the last 2 years.

It's probably my age, but I once again had some issue with remembering all but the main characters from the previous books. I still was able to follow the story without issue, though I probably missed out on some detail, especially with many of the Coven members stories.

But whether that's an issue for you or not, the solution is just buy the entire series, it's worth it!

I received a free Advance Reader's Copy, & am leaving an unbiased review.

[Andrew Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts off quite well. The author gets into her element when she talks about things going on at Hawthorne University, and there is a festival happening, the descriptions of which are well carried out. When reading these parts, I feels like they have been written with delight, and this comes across in the narrative.

However, as I continued through the story, things began to deteriorate. There is a part with a mystery, where Cadence checks out the report of a haunting, and there are ups and downs in the writing, but I felt the ending fell a little flat for me. It was almost like a Scooby Doo ending, where the gang are in a difficult predicament, then they find out who the real villain is, unmask him; and them execute him. Oh, yes, not quite Scooby Doo, is it?

Overall, I'd give this book 3 stars.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: This fifth book in "The Hawthorne University Witch Series" was more intense than the fourth book. Candance's life seemed to be falling apart as Bryce wasn't touching her, and she was given a notice that she was being expelled. She was at odds with the members of her coven. Candance had a multitude of trials to face. There were some surprising curves. There was a descriptive sex scene and foul language utilized. Alexa Elmy's narration was pleasant, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook through Spotify, and I have voluntarily posted this review which reflected my opinions.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy drama and witchery.

Cadence and Bryce have been married for one year. Their celebration is marred by a battered witch on their doorstep looking for help; one Cadence hoped she would never see again. Instead of their anniversary bliss, Cadence is soon overwhelmed with problems at home, at school, and in her coven.

This book is full of paranormal action and steam. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling book that I enjoyed immensely, I am glad I read Book four before I read this one as it helped me understand book five much better. This witch story has me spellbound and I am so glad I got to read it. I think I'll go back and start from the beginning so I have the entire experience but this was totally worth my time.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cadence Hawthorne Is back in book five and boy is it good! A wonderfully well written addition brimming with twists and turns, this has you hooked from start to finish as darkness falls upon the university. This is one of those series that will never get dull, never get boring and just gets better and better with each book!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life was going great but now he will not touch her and evil will crash into the house needing help. Her friend thinks she is cursed so she will try a spell to help. What is going on? Can she find out? How will it all go? See what is going on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.L. Hawke has done a great job with this latest installment of the series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me entertained from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yashi Murali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gotten a hang of the ARC. I liked the book. The writing style was something unconventional and new and hilarious. The conduction of the book was smooth and gradual, plot defined and engaging. Overall, a nice comfy read.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 5th book. Love how much our ma8n lead has grown. She's coming into her power and all. Her love interest makes me swoon.