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Once We Were Witches
The mysterious world of witchcraft, murder, and mystery thrusts Raven Sagestone into an adventure whose main goal is to unlock the secrets of her powers. To do this, she teams up with Brandon Cass, an outsider with knowledge of the supernatural world. Raven is introduced to Eve, a psychic who reads destinies. Despite this, Raven is protected by a strong magic barrier, preventing Eve from seeing her. Brandon and Raven search for the truth at Bloodthirst, a vampire club. Visiting The Council's haven with Margarete and Caleb is Raven's chance to find answers to the questions that have plagued her.
- GenresUrban FantasyParanormal
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Laura Daleo
10 books535 followersI was born and raised in Sunny San Diego, California. A creative writing class in junior high sparked my desire to tell stores. I’ve been a hostess, bookkeeper, accountant, manager, and animal advocate, but writing anything paranormal has always been my passion. Throughout my professional career, I squeezed in writing whenever I could. I camped out late at night in front of my computer, with my four basset hounds, Stuart, Morgan, Rose, and Cooper, my toughest critics asleep at my feet. Now I’m living out my dream as an author.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 25, 2024
Laura Daleo’s ONCE WE WERE WITCHES draws readers back into the realm of the supernatural that live among us with great storytelling, suspense and that touch of the unknown that we all want to believe in.
Raven knew she was “more” than just human and this is her journey into discovering who she really was and why it was so difficult to uncover her true self. Does she have powers she cannot reach?
This is such an easy tale to fall into to escape the mundane world! Ms. Daleo has done a remarkable job taking readers down the path of discovery, through seemingly insurmountable road blocks to a conclusion that shines with its brilliance!
I received this copy from the author, but my review is, as always, my honest opinion! Highly recommended reading in the Immortal Kiss series.
Raven knew she was “more” than just human and this is her journey into discovering who she really was and why it was so difficult to uncover her true self. Does she have powers she cannot reach?
This is such an easy tale to fall into to escape the mundane world! Ms. Daleo has done a remarkable job taking readers down the path of discovery, through seemingly insurmountable road blocks to a conclusion that shines with its brilliance!
I received this copy from the author, but my review is, as always, my honest opinion! Highly recommended reading in the Immortal Kiss series.
April 18, 2024
Once We Were Witches is the fourth book in the Immortal Kiss series by Laura Daleo. Once again I was pulled into the Immortal Kiss world of vampires, witches, and magic in Once We Were Witches. And once again I can’t give this series the praise it needs as I am only able to give it five stars. I would give it a higher rating if I only could as it surely deserves it.
I can’t get enough of this world and all its magic not to mention the vampires and the witches. Once again I was pulled deep into its world with all the many surprising twists and turns that it kept throwing at me. I was left surprised by each and every one of them. These twists are one of the big reasons I kept turning those pages wanting more and more.
I have read lots of books about vampires and witches but I don’t believe I have ever read anything quite like the Immortal Kiss series. This is one series that I don’t want to see end ever. If I could read stories from this world every day then I would be one happy camper for sure.
The Immortal Kiss series keeps on reminding me of True Blood over and over with its vampire council and how things work with the vampires. I love the vampire bar.
Raven Sagestone has known all her life that she was different from the people around her but just how different she didn’t know. Someone is killing women and carving "witch" into their foreheads. Raven thinks someone should stand up for these women and herself as well. Raven thinks she is just the person to do so.
Raven sets out on a quest to find out who she is and why she is so different from everyone else. She wants to know why she has magic. When Raven uses her magic it feels as if she is being blocked or held back or something. On her journey, Raven meets Brandon who knows just where to start looking for the answers she needs or wants.
I can’t wait to read more in the Immortal Kiss series and meet new characters. I would also like to read more about the characters I have already met in this world. I would also like to learn more about this world that was created for the Immortal Kiss series.
I highly recommend Once We Were Witches to all fans of vampires, witches, and magic. Grab a copy of Once We Were Witches today!
I can’t get enough of this world and all its magic not to mention the vampires and the witches. Once again I was pulled deep into its world with all the many surprising twists and turns that it kept throwing at me. I was left surprised by each and every one of them. These twists are one of the big reasons I kept turning those pages wanting more and more.
I have read lots of books about vampires and witches but I don’t believe I have ever read anything quite like the Immortal Kiss series. This is one series that I don’t want to see end ever. If I could read stories from this world every day then I would be one happy camper for sure.
The Immortal Kiss series keeps on reminding me of True Blood over and over with its vampire council and how things work with the vampires. I love the vampire bar.
Raven Sagestone has known all her life that she was different from the people around her but just how different she didn’t know. Someone is killing women and carving "witch" into their foreheads. Raven thinks someone should stand up for these women and herself as well. Raven thinks she is just the person to do so.
Raven sets out on a quest to find out who she is and why she is so different from everyone else. She wants to know why she has magic. When Raven uses her magic it feels as if she is being blocked or held back or something. On her journey, Raven meets Brandon who knows just where to start looking for the answers she needs or wants.
I can’t wait to read more in the Immortal Kiss series and meet new characters. I would also like to read more about the characters I have already met in this world. I would also like to learn more about this world that was created for the Immortal Kiss series.
I highly recommend Once We Were Witches to all fans of vampires, witches, and magic. Grab a copy of Once We Were Witches today!
April 9, 2024
Once We Were Witches by Laura Daleo
When we first meet Raven, she seems like an ordinary 19 year old college student. She and her adoptive mom are upset by the television news story about the killing of a seventh female victim by a murderer who carves “Witch” into her forehead.
Her mom turns off the tv and shoos Raven off to class.
We learn quickly that she is not at all ordinary. She has been hiding the power she has discovered within and has been secretly practicing magic.
Once on campus, it isn’t long before Raven hears a scream and sees a horrendous sight: three young women hanging dead from the tower, all with “witch” carved into their foreheads. She and Brandon, the young man she just a few minutes earlier tripped over in the hallway, connect over this abysmal act.
She is too upset to go to class and he offers to go with her for coffee. They sit and he asks her why this is so personal for her. Taking a big chance, she tells him something honest, “I have powers, gifts.” Their connection begins to grow when he responds, “You’re a witch, right?”.
From here a great journey begins that takes them to California and beyond, all for the sake of discovering the source of these murders and, most importantly, Raven’s true identity.
Along the way are mysteries to be solved and challenges to be fought and overcome. There are witches, vampires, vampire gods, and spirits along with mortals and immortals - all to be dealt with and decided whether or not they are to be trusted. There are the natural and the supernatural worlds, which sometimes overlap.
The story is quick paced and full of interesting characters, settings, and situations. I especially love Jaffa, the fire demon. I also love the Orb. (You’ll have to read to find out about this!) There is lots of action and suspense, but only minimal violence and hints of romance, so I would have no hesitation in recommending it as YA.
If you’re not already a hard core fan of this type of literature but you are curious, this book is a great place to start. It is part of a series, but works well as a standalone. However, I enjoyed it so much that I will be moving on to others in the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
When we first meet Raven, she seems like an ordinary 19 year old college student. She and her adoptive mom are upset by the television news story about the killing of a seventh female victim by a murderer who carves “Witch” into her forehead.
Her mom turns off the tv and shoos Raven off to class.
We learn quickly that she is not at all ordinary. She has been hiding the power she has discovered within and has been secretly practicing magic.
Once on campus, it isn’t long before Raven hears a scream and sees a horrendous sight: three young women hanging dead from the tower, all with “witch” carved into their foreheads. She and Brandon, the young man she just a few minutes earlier tripped over in the hallway, connect over this abysmal act.
She is too upset to go to class and he offers to go with her for coffee. They sit and he asks her why this is so personal for her. Taking a big chance, she tells him something honest, “I have powers, gifts.” Their connection begins to grow when he responds, “You’re a witch, right?”.
From here a great journey begins that takes them to California and beyond, all for the sake of discovering the source of these murders and, most importantly, Raven’s true identity.
Along the way are mysteries to be solved and challenges to be fought and overcome. There are witches, vampires, vampire gods, and spirits along with mortals and immortals - all to be dealt with and decided whether or not they are to be trusted. There are the natural and the supernatural worlds, which sometimes overlap.
The story is quick paced and full of interesting characters, settings, and situations. I especially love Jaffa, the fire demon. I also love the Orb. (You’ll have to read to find out about this!) There is lots of action and suspense, but only minimal violence and hints of romance, so I would have no hesitation in recommending it as YA.
If you’re not already a hard core fan of this type of literature but you are curious, this book is a great place to start. It is part of a series, but works well as a standalone. However, I enjoyed it so much that I will be moving on to others in the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 9, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
Once We Were Witches
By
Laura Daleo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is book 4 of the Immortal Kiss Series and is the story of a Raven, a 19-year-old college student, who is searching for her true identity. Abandoned outside a hospital as an infant and found by two hospital workers, who eventually adopted her, Raven knew she was different from an early age. She discovered she had powers and saw visions, leading Raven to believe she may be a witch. Raven practiced her abilities, but something always seemed to block her from improving and getting stronger. Raven decided to keep her abilities a secret from everyone, including her adoptive parents. At the same time, there was a serial killer on the loose, killing young women and craving Witch on their foreheads. While researching witches at the college library, Raven meets a young man named Brandon who immediately bonds with Raven and offers to help her discover herself and who she is. The two set off on a quest, into the world of witches, vampires, and magic where Raven learns who she is, the powers she possesses, and who her true parents are.
I enjoyed reading Laura’s story of a young woman who is on an adventure to find her true identity, real parents, and the extent of her supernatural powers. The story was well-written and the characters were marvelous. The author managed to fill the book’s atmosphere with suspense, paranormal action, intrigue, and emotion to keep the reader spellbound and engaged with every page. Although haunting and scary at times, the storyline flowed effortlessly and the reader can become easily engrossed in the plot. I can highly recommend Once We Were Witches as a fantastic book to read to anyone interested in witches, vampires, and the occult. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy
Once We Were Witches
By
Laura Daleo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is book 4 of the Immortal Kiss Series and is the story of a Raven, a 19-year-old college student, who is searching for her true identity. Abandoned outside a hospital as an infant and found by two hospital workers, who eventually adopted her, Raven knew she was different from an early age. She discovered she had powers and saw visions, leading Raven to believe she may be a witch. Raven practiced her abilities, but something always seemed to block her from improving and getting stronger. Raven decided to keep her abilities a secret from everyone, including her adoptive parents. At the same time, there was a serial killer on the loose, killing young women and craving Witch on their foreheads. While researching witches at the college library, Raven meets a young man named Brandon who immediately bonds with Raven and offers to help her discover herself and who she is. The two set off on a quest, into the world of witches, vampires, and magic where Raven learns who she is, the powers she possesses, and who her true parents are.
I enjoyed reading Laura’s story of a young woman who is on an adventure to find her true identity, real parents, and the extent of her supernatural powers. The story was well-written and the characters were marvelous. The author managed to fill the book’s atmosphere with suspense, paranormal action, intrigue, and emotion to keep the reader spellbound and engaged with every page. Although haunting and scary at times, the storyline flowed effortlessly and the reader can become easily engrossed in the plot. I can highly recommend Once We Were Witches as a fantastic book to read to anyone interested in witches, vampires, and the occult. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy
October 20, 2025
In Once We Were Witches, Laura Daleo immerses readers in a darkly enchanting world where secrets, spells, and shadows collide.The story follows Raven Sagestone, a witch searching for the truth about her mysterious powers. Her journey is filled with suspense and danger as she uncovers pieces of a hidden world ruled by supernatural forces. From the eerie halls of The Council’s haven to the electric energy of the vampire club Bloodthirst, every scene crackles with mystery and magic.
Raven’s partnership with Brandon Cass adds an intriguing spark to the story — he’s an outsider, yet his connection to the supernatural draws them closer to the heart of danger. Their quest leads them to Eve, a psychic who can see destinies… except Raven’s. That magical barrier around her raises chilling questions — who or what is protecting her? And why? Daleo masterfully balances romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue, making it impossible to look away.
Laura Daleo’s writing is cinematic and hauntingly beautiful, pulling readers into a world where witches and vampires are more than myth — they’re destiny. If you crave stories of power, mystery, and inner awakening, Once We Were Witches is a thrilling addition to your TBR. A spellbinding continuation of the Immortal Kiss Series that will leave you craving the next book.
Raven’s partnership with Brandon Cass adds an intriguing spark to the story — he’s an outsider, yet his connection to the supernatural draws them closer to the heart of danger. Their quest leads them to Eve, a psychic who can see destinies… except Raven’s. That magical barrier around her raises chilling questions — who or what is protecting her? And why? Daleo masterfully balances romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue, making it impossible to look away.
Laura Daleo’s writing is cinematic and hauntingly beautiful, pulling readers into a world where witches and vampires are more than myth — they’re destiny. If you crave stories of power, mystery, and inner awakening, Once We Were Witches is a thrilling addition to your TBR. A spellbinding continuation of the Immortal Kiss Series that will leave you craving the next book.
September 6, 2025
Book Review: Once We Were Witches (Immortal Kiss) by Laura Daleo
Once We Were Witches sweeps readers into a dark, atmospheric world where magic and mystery intertwine at every turn. Laura Daleo introduces us to Raven Sagestone, a heroine caught between the ordinary and the supernatural, whose journey to uncover her powers is as thrilling as it is dangerous.
From the eerie prophecies of a psychic whose sight is mysteriously blocked, to the pulsating underworld of Bloodthirst—the vampire club that drips with secrets—the story builds a rich, gothic atmosphere that will appeal to fans of witchcraft and paranormal intrigue. The partnership between Raven and Brandon Cass adds a compelling layer of tension, combining trust, mystery, and the spark of something deeper as they chase answers that could change everything.
Daleo’s world-building shines in the contrasts: powerful councils, hidden havens, and the shadows that bind witches and vampires together. With each encounter, Raven is pushed closer to truths that have long eluded her, making her quest feel both personal and epic.
Perfect for readers who love witchcraft, vampires, and slow-unfolding mysteries steeped in danger, Once We Were Witches is a haunting start to what promises to be an addictive paranormal series.
Once We Were Witches sweeps readers into a dark, atmospheric world where magic and mystery intertwine at every turn. Laura Daleo introduces us to Raven Sagestone, a heroine caught between the ordinary and the supernatural, whose journey to uncover her powers is as thrilling as it is dangerous.
From the eerie prophecies of a psychic whose sight is mysteriously blocked, to the pulsating underworld of Bloodthirst—the vampire club that drips with secrets—the story builds a rich, gothic atmosphere that will appeal to fans of witchcraft and paranormal intrigue. The partnership between Raven and Brandon Cass adds a compelling layer of tension, combining trust, mystery, and the spark of something deeper as they chase answers that could change everything.
Daleo’s world-building shines in the contrasts: powerful councils, hidden havens, and the shadows that bind witches and vampires together. With each encounter, Raven is pushed closer to truths that have long eluded her, making her quest feel both personal and epic.
Perfect for readers who love witchcraft, vampires, and slow-unfolding mysteries steeped in danger, Once We Were Witches is a haunting start to what promises to be an addictive paranormal series.
December 27, 2024
Paranormal fantasy readers and lovers of witch and vampire books- READ THIS BOOK!
“Once We Were Witches” by Laura Daleo is the fourth book in her Immortal Kiss series. In my opinion, this book can also be read as a stand alone for those wanting to dive in straight away!
In this story, we follow Raven as an adopted nineteen year-old girl who knows that she’s always been different and a witch, at that. She longs to know her true origin and who her biological parents are. After a series of grisly murders that she believes to be somehow connected to her past, Raven embarks on a journey with a new friend to find answers about her magical abilities and her biological family. Her adventure continues as she enters an exclusive vampire club and is thrust into a paranormal dimension where she meets a psychic, vampire gods, and an evil witch who is uniquely tied to her.
Overall, this book was a great read and flowed seamlessly. It grabbed my attention from page 1 until the overarching finale! I couldn’t put it down! Much applause for Laura Daleo’s gripping story of a witch who discovers not only her innermost strength, but the magical family from which she was born.
🧛♀️ 🩸 🧙🏻 🪄 🔮
“Once We Were Witches” by Laura Daleo is the fourth book in her Immortal Kiss series. In my opinion, this book can also be read as a stand alone for those wanting to dive in straight away!
In this story, we follow Raven as an adopted nineteen year-old girl who knows that she’s always been different and a witch, at that. She longs to know her true origin and who her biological parents are. After a series of grisly murders that she believes to be somehow connected to her past, Raven embarks on a journey with a new friend to find answers about her magical abilities and her biological family. Her adventure continues as she enters an exclusive vampire club and is thrust into a paranormal dimension where she meets a psychic, vampire gods, and an evil witch who is uniquely tied to her.
Overall, this book was a great read and flowed seamlessly. It grabbed my attention from page 1 until the overarching finale! I couldn’t put it down! Much applause for Laura Daleo’s gripping story of a witch who discovers not only her innermost strength, but the magical family from which she was born.
🧛♀️ 🩸 🧙🏻 🪄 🔮
July 17, 2025
This supernatural thriller pulls you in from the very first sentence. Raven Sagestone is a captivating protagonist mysterious, powerful, and on the verge of discovering a destiny far greater than she ever imagined. The world-building is rich and immersive, blending witchcraft, murder, and shadowy secrets with just the right dose of suspense. Brandon Cass adds depth as the knowledgeable outsider, while characters like Eve, Margarete, and Caleb deepen the intrigue and stakes. The vampire club Bloodthirst and the enigmatic Council offer thrilling set pieces that keep the tension high. Fans of urban fantasy and dark magic will find this story impossible to put down. A must-read for anyone who loves powerful heroines and twisty, supernatural adventures.
April 14, 2024
This is book 4 in this series, but it read like an earlier book in that the MC still can't do anything with her powers--if I remember right, she does 2 minor things with Brandon at the beginning, and that's it. She also doesn't know anything about the supernatural world, which is hard to believe being this far into the series. Her relationship with B happened too quickly (there wasn't time to develop them). Her actual birth parents, how that came about, and why she was made seemed too complicated and strange (esp since the parents had no say in this.)
Actually, the whole book seemed rushed/things happened too quickly, and everything was resolved simply.
Actually, the whole book seemed rushed/things happened too quickly, and everything was resolved simply.
June 24, 2024
Magical and original
The story revolves around Raven, a 19 year old witch with a mysterious birth. I really enjoyed all of the magic in this book and the character development. I really liked what was done with the Vampire gods. I had read about Vampire gods before, but this book really put it together with originality. Raven's desire to find her identity takes her and the reader on a magical quest. It was a great read.
The story revolves around Raven, a 19 year old witch with a mysterious birth. I really enjoyed all of the magic in this book and the character development. I really liked what was done with the Vampire gods. I had read about Vampire gods before, but this book really put it together with originality. Raven's desire to find her identity takes her and the reader on a magical quest. It was a great read.
November 16, 2024
I give it a 3.5.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A young witch with no knowledge of her past or her powers, is thrust into a world of magical, murderous, and mysterious events.
I really liked the storyline as the V main character tries to unlock her powers. The two things I struggled with: her relationship with Brandon, the boy she meets and right away trusts him to go running off with him. And I found her birth lineage confusing at times.
Other than that it was a fun read for those that enjoy the supernatural.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A young witch with no knowledge of her past or her powers, is thrust into a world of magical, murderous, and mysterious events.
I really liked the storyline as the V main character tries to unlock her powers. The two things I struggled with: her relationship with Brandon, the boy she meets and right away trusts him to go running off with him. And I found her birth lineage confusing at times.
Other than that it was a fun read for those that enjoy the supernatural.
July 17, 2024
We are back into the world of vampires, witches, and the supernatural. I loved Raven she was such a wonderful character. This is book 4 in the series, and we meet back up with the council and some of our favorites from the previous books. I love this supernatural world Laura has built in her books. It's such a great series looking forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews