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The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #1
Darkangel
Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare….
As the future prima, or head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister is expected to bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, thus ensuring that she will come into her full powers at the appointed time. The clock is ticking down, and her consort has yet to make an appearance. Instead, her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen, the one she believes must be her intended match.
But with time running out, and dark forces attempting to seize her powers for their own, Angela is faced with a terrible choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet and take the safer path, or risk leaving her clan and everyone in it at the mercy of those who seek their ruin.
Darkangel is the first book in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill, a paranormal romance trilogy set in the haunted town of Jerome, Arizona.
As the future prima, or head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister is expected to bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, thus ensuring that she will come into her full powers at the appointed time. The clock is ticking down, and her consort has yet to make an appearance. Instead, her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen, the one she believes must be her intended match.
But with time running out, and dark forces attempting to seize her powers for their own, Angela is faced with a terrible choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet and take the safer path, or risk leaving her clan and everyone in it at the mercy of those who seek their ruin.
Darkangel is the first book in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill, a paranormal romance trilogy set in the haunted town of Jerome, Arizona.
330 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2014
690 people are currently reading
3146 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
214 books1,093 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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December 29, 2014
3 Stars
This book can be summed up into percentages. For example:
90% was build-up and the outstanding 10% was interesting.
100% was a prelude to the second book.
70% of it didn’t even need to be written.
I kind of can’t believe I finished this. This book isn’t bad, it’s just pointless and, for the most part, pretty boring. It literally chronicles the daily life – the boring daily life – of a witch who happens to be the next prima, which is sort of the powerful figurehead of the clan. The only interesting aspects of the first 90% of this book were the actual witch/clan politics and belief systems. That was somewhat well done, though there wasn’t nearly enough of it. Characterisation? Action? Romance? Umm…what? Sorry, I don’t know what those things are anymore. This book was so lacking all those attributes that it’s created a black hole in my memory.
Let’s start with – wait, what’s her name? Angela? Let’s go with that. So Angela. She’s entirely forgettable. I don’t know why these authors make the main character so boring and the supporting character (the expendable BFF) so effervescent. I don’t ever want to be a main character if I have to have the personality of a lamppost to be one. I say lamppost instead of the common rock, because one thing I’ll give to Angie is that she’s pretty smart. No childish theatrics to be heard or seen from this one. She struck an almost perfect balance between acceptance and resistance.
Having been raised as the next prima, she knew there’d be restrictions on her freedom from day one. This isn’t a book about a young lady trying to figure out who she is and who does so by rebelling against everything she was ever raised to believe. No, she knows what’s what and for a variety of vaguely glossed over reasons, she accepts that this is her life and she’ll just harden the fuck up and deal with it. I like that. Means I don’t have to wade through a waist-high pile of unnecessary drama and tanty shit. This acceptance doesn’t mean she just bends over and puts it in the air, though. No, she agrees to what she believes is reasonable and resists against the things that aren’t. I like that too – doormats are no fun at all.
This is all somewhat positive. So why the Angie hate? Well, she’s just not a very interesting person. She has good characteristics – a nice little checklist that I could tick off as the book progressed (slowly) – but she doesn’t have a personality. She flirts very closely with the line between actual character and mindless narrator. It doesn’t help that most of what she’s narrating is boring as fuck. I could count all the tiles on my roof and it’d be more interested in some parts. And I’d get all that detail if it had actually amounted to something, but what happened in the last 10% of the book could have happened halfway through, if not earlier.
Let me put it this way. You know how with most books in this vein at least the first 10% is just world-and-character-building? It doesn’t matter if the world is a dystopia, supernatural, alternate or real; there is usually (not always) a bit – usually 10% or a little more – where the author just chronicles the daily existence of their main character. They do this so the reader knows their character and their motivations, so the reader actually cares when the shit goes down or hits the fan or does whatever shit does. This is fine, this is good. I like being attached to my character before their world goes ape. But Christine Pope goes fifty steps further and makes the entire book that first 10%. Colossal waste of my valuable reading time. In fact, I went off a read another book when I was halfway through this one. Unfortunately, that was a good book with action and romance and interesting characters, so it made the reading of Darkangel (why is that one word) even more tedious. So I decided to change my mindset. I thought ‘Hey, surely this is all building towards something, regardless of how slow the building may be. It can’t be entirely pointless, right?’ So I persevered. And I was rewarded. Sort of.
I saw the main plot twist coming the moment it walked into Angie’s life. Okay, whatever. I’ve never been one to care too much about twists and the revealing thereof. I mean, it’s super awes when the plot twist smacks me right between the eyes when it’s revealed, but my enjoyment of a book isn’t severely lessened when that doesn’t happen. But I know there are many readers to which this is an important sticking point, so for their sake – this is not a clever mystery. Don’t bother. For those who want romance, there’s none of that either. Not really. Sorry, but I can’t consider a few run ins with a random guy she doesn’t even know romance. I also can’t consider begrudging acceptance of a marriage proposal from her infatuated cousin (okay, he’s probably a few times removed, but his last name is still the same wtffff) romance either. As for action? Other than her hitting a dickhead in the chest with a burst of energy, nada. I was hoping for a magical witch showdown, but nope. Disappointed again.
But I was still rewarded eventually because that last 10% has set up a damn interesting plot for the second book. What it left us with promises drama, action, romance (with lots of sexual tension – yay) and character building. We finally actually get to know the damn love interest. There’s strife and and woo, excitement! I just hope beyond all reasonable hope that Pope (hey, it rhymes) doesn’t disappoint me. If she takes it from high octane and drops it back down to monotony I’m gonna be raging. Watch out for a Godzilla-like tall white girl in a city near you if that happens.
So read the book if you have patience and time and no other pressing books on your To Be Read list. It’s not too bad by the end of it.
This book can be summed up into percentages. For example:
90% was build-up and the outstanding 10% was interesting.
100% was a prelude to the second book.
70% of it didn’t even need to be written.
I kind of can’t believe I finished this. This book isn’t bad, it’s just pointless and, for the most part, pretty boring. It literally chronicles the daily life – the boring daily life – of a witch who happens to be the next prima, which is sort of the powerful figurehead of the clan. The only interesting aspects of the first 90% of this book were the actual witch/clan politics and belief systems. That was somewhat well done, though there wasn’t nearly enough of it. Characterisation? Action? Romance? Umm…what? Sorry, I don’t know what those things are anymore. This book was so lacking all those attributes that it’s created a black hole in my memory.
Let’s start with – wait, what’s her name? Angela? Let’s go with that. So Angela. She’s entirely forgettable. I don’t know why these authors make the main character so boring and the supporting character (the expendable BFF) so effervescent. I don’t ever want to be a main character if I have to have the personality of a lamppost to be one. I say lamppost instead of the common rock, because one thing I’ll give to Angie is that she’s pretty smart. No childish theatrics to be heard or seen from this one. She struck an almost perfect balance between acceptance and resistance.
Having been raised as the next prima, she knew there’d be restrictions on her freedom from day one. This isn’t a book about a young lady trying to figure out who she is and who does so by rebelling against everything she was ever raised to believe. No, she knows what’s what and for a variety of vaguely glossed over reasons, she accepts that this is her life and she’ll just harden the fuck up and deal with it. I like that. Means I don’t have to wade through a waist-high pile of unnecessary drama and tanty shit. This acceptance doesn’t mean she just bends over and puts it in the air, though. No, she agrees to what she believes is reasonable and resists against the things that aren’t. I like that too – doormats are no fun at all.
This is all somewhat positive. So why the Angie hate? Well, she’s just not a very interesting person. She has good characteristics – a nice little checklist that I could tick off as the book progressed (slowly) – but she doesn’t have a personality. She flirts very closely with the line between actual character and mindless narrator. It doesn’t help that most of what she’s narrating is boring as fuck. I could count all the tiles on my roof and it’d be more interested in some parts. And I’d get all that detail if it had actually amounted to something, but what happened in the last 10% of the book could have happened halfway through, if not earlier.
Let me put it this way. You know how with most books in this vein at least the first 10% is just world-and-character-building? It doesn’t matter if the world is a dystopia, supernatural, alternate or real; there is usually (not always) a bit – usually 10% or a little more – where the author just chronicles the daily existence of their main character. They do this so the reader knows their character and their motivations, so the reader actually cares when the shit goes down or hits the fan or does whatever shit does. This is fine, this is good. I like being attached to my character before their world goes ape. But Christine Pope goes fifty steps further and makes the entire book that first 10%. Colossal waste of my valuable reading time. In fact, I went off a read another book when I was halfway through this one. Unfortunately, that was a good book with action and romance and interesting characters, so it made the reading of Darkangel (why is that one word) even more tedious. So I decided to change my mindset. I thought ‘Hey, surely this is all building towards something, regardless of how slow the building may be. It can’t be entirely pointless, right?’ So I persevered. And I was rewarded. Sort of.
I saw the main plot twist coming the moment it walked into Angie’s life. Okay, whatever. I’ve never been one to care too much about twists and the revealing thereof. I mean, it’s super awes when the plot twist smacks me right between the eyes when it’s revealed, but my enjoyment of a book isn’t severely lessened when that doesn’t happen. But I know there are many readers to which this is an important sticking point, so for their sake – this is not a clever mystery. Don’t bother. For those who want romance, there’s none of that either. Not really. Sorry, but I can’t consider a few run ins with a random guy she doesn’t even know romance. I also can’t consider begrudging acceptance of a marriage proposal from her infatuated cousin (okay, he’s probably a few times removed, but his last name is still the same wtffff) romance either. As for action? Other than her hitting a dickhead in the chest with a burst of energy, nada. I was hoping for a magical witch showdown, but nope. Disappointed again.
But I was still rewarded eventually because that last 10% has set up a damn interesting plot for the second book. What it left us with promises drama, action, romance (with lots of sexual tension – yay) and character building. We finally actually get to know the damn love interest. There’s strife and and woo, excitement! I just hope beyond all reasonable hope that Pope (hey, it rhymes) doesn’t disappoint me. If she takes it from high octane and drops it back down to monotony I’m gonna be raging. Watch out for a Godzilla-like tall white girl in a city near you if that happens.
So read the book if you have patience and time and no other pressing books on your To Be Read list. It’s not too bad by the end of it.
January 20, 2019
I’ll make this short and sweet. Darkangel was the first book in a free collection of 13 different paranormal books, and it was actually pretty good. I’m surprised. It may have been a bit clichè and more than a bit strange, but it was still fun and it kept me entertained throughout my plane ride. I’ll probably continue the series. Thank you to Amazon Kindle for the free book!!
April 4, 2015
I got this among 12 other free paranormal reads. It was the first book in the set and the only one I finished, but only because I'm insanely stubborn sometimes. It is the story about a 21 year old witch (name has since faded to memory) who has been spending the past year trying to find the man of her dreams, her consort because she is the prima-to-be and if she doesn't find this guy by her 22nd birthday she won't reach her true potential.
So, lets get it out of the way that one year to find Mr. Right via smooch seems a little silly. The constant references to the fact that they've nearly exhausted all suitable guys makes it painfully obvious that he would end up being highly unsuitable.
The main character makes some disturbingly bad choices, but for the most part I had to fight off utter boredom for the entirety of the story. It was just dull, and the main character so vapid that I started rooting for the Wilcox's to abduct her half-way through. But what is worse is that you trudge through to get to an "ending" that was disappointing because it was basically the only bit of excitement, predictable because it was obvious what was going to happen from the beginning, and abrupt because nothing was resolved except for finding out who her consort was. There was still a lot that needed resolving, however I was left with zero desire to trudge through another boring book to read something I've figured out in page one...again!
Would not recommend it, and just a side note: Not every female main character in a paranormal needs to be a virgin. Seriously!
So, lets get it out of the way that one year to find Mr. Right via smooch seems a little silly. The constant references to the fact that they've nearly exhausted all suitable guys makes it painfully obvious that he would end up being highly unsuitable.
The main character makes some disturbingly bad choices, but for the most part I had to fight off utter boredom for the entirety of the story. It was just dull, and the main character so vapid that I started rooting for the Wilcox's to abduct her half-way through. But what is worse is that you trudge through to get to an "ending" that was disappointing because it was basically the only bit of excitement, predictable because it was obvious what was going to happen from the beginning, and abrupt because nothing was resolved except for finding out who her consort was. There was still a lot that needed resolving, however I was left with zero desire to trudge through another boring book to read something I've figured out in page one...again!
Would not recommend it, and just a side note: Not every female main character in a paranormal needs to be a virgin. Seriously!
April 27, 2016
A SLEEPING PILL
I have always found witchcraft fascinating and that is why I picked up this book. I must say I had zero expectations though which, I think, turned out to be a good thing as I was saved from a lot of disappointment.
What I wasn't saved from was a state of sleep equivalent to a coma.
The story drags.
There. I said it.
It drags like a tortoise.
No. Cross that. Sayin that it drags like a tortoise who suffered a leg injury would be more apt.
(This is for PETA and all the animal lovers out there * DISCLAIMER* No tortoise or any other animal was hurt during the writing of this review. Any injury to any animal mentioned anywhere is a result of the reviwers imagination gone awry after reading this book. Forgive her, she is probably still dealing with the Sleep-Potion that this book turned out to be, and typing all this in that comatose state)
Throughout the book, the MC keeps on going on and on how she is going to be the next Prima, how afraid she was etc etc. that it felt like a diary entry.
Nothing was happening in the book. The MC's disturbing dreams were the only respite, and that too initially because after some time even they got repetitive.
What further made the book dull were the unnecessary details like mentioning the road, name of the street and places you couldn't care less about. These details would have been digestible if it had been mentioned along with events (*other than the dreams*), but without any events as garnishing, the details just lulls you into sleep.
The way the witches go about their rituals has been mentioned in detail which some,like me who are intrigued by witchcraft, may find fascinating while others may find it annoying.
Whatever happens, happens when the book has only a few pages left and even then, you see the twist coming. And just when, finally, AT LONG LAST , something was ACTUALLY happening in the book, there were no more pages left.
Yep. The book ends. Just like that.
Will I go for the second book? Maybe (even though I know what I would find in the second book). The reason being that I am fascinated by the craft, and this book had a lot of information about it.The second reason would be that I really really want to see our MC grow.
I just hope the second book doesn't drag like this one else, I would end up like Snow White AFTER she ate the poisoned apple.
*DEEP SLUMBER*
I have always found witchcraft fascinating and that is why I picked up this book. I must say I had zero expectations though which, I think, turned out to be a good thing as I was saved from a lot of disappointment.
What I wasn't saved from was a state of sleep equivalent to a coma.
The story drags.
There. I said it.
It drags like a tortoise.
No. Cross that. Sayin that it drags like a tortoise who suffered a leg injury would be more apt.
(This is for PETA and all the animal lovers out there * DISCLAIMER* No tortoise or any other animal was hurt during the writing of this review. Any injury to any animal mentioned anywhere is a result of the reviwers imagination gone awry after reading this book. Forgive her, she is probably still dealing with the Sleep-Potion that this book turned out to be, and typing all this in that comatose state)
Throughout the book, the MC keeps on going on and on how she is going to be the next Prima, how afraid she was etc etc. that it felt like a diary entry.
Nothing was happening in the book. The MC's disturbing dreams were the only respite, and that too initially because after some time even they got repetitive.
What further made the book dull were the unnecessary details like mentioning the road, name of the street and places you couldn't care less about. These details would have been digestible if it had been mentioned along with events (*other than the dreams*), but without any events as garnishing, the details just lulls you into sleep.
The way the witches go about their rituals has been mentioned in detail which some,like me who are intrigued by witchcraft, may find fascinating while others may find it annoying.
Whatever happens, happens when the book has only a few pages left and even then, you see the twist coming. And just when, finally, AT LONG LAST , something was ACTUALLY happening in the book, there were no more pages left.
Yep. The book ends. Just like that.
Will I go for the second book? Maybe (even though I know what I would find in the second book). The reason being that I am fascinated by the craft, and this book had a lot of information about it.The second reason would be that I really really want to see our MC grow.
I just hope the second book doesn't drag like this one else, I would end up like Snow White AFTER she ate the poisoned apple.
*DEEP SLUMBER*
May 11, 2015
Alright. Although this was pretty nicely written, this book felt like maybe the beginning to something bigger. The whole book we are kind of waiting, we all know for what. Some stuff happens that indicates maybe some action is on the way, and yet we wait. And wait. And wait some more.
Then when it feels like we've waited forever, the book is about to be over, I have some concerns about the intelligence of our protagonist regarding a certain civilian, then finally, something happens.
And then the book ends. Frustrations all around.
My advice: wait for the next book to come out before reading this. When I look back at this book now I will remember the annoyance of the wait, and the frustration of suddenly having the book cut off the moment something happens, even though all in all it's probably not a bad read.
Then when it feels like we've waited forever, the book is about to be over, I have some concerns about the intelligence of our protagonist regarding a certain civilian, then finally, something happens.
And then the book ends. Frustrations all around.
My advice: wait for the next book to come out before reading this. When I look back at this book now I will remember the annoyance of the wait, and the frustration of suddenly having the book cut off the moment something happens, even though all in all it's probably not a bad read.
September 1, 2017
Uh-oh I’m annoyed on page 1. [this might be a record]
If you are fated to be together and it doesn’t matter what YOU look like, then guess what? It doesn’t matter what THEY look like either.
Grrr.
Really hope none of those rejected for being awkward etc. was The One.
I mean, at least keep the ones with green eyes, coz she knows he has green eyes, but she seems to have forgotten to tell her aunt that. [I’m not surprised. She’s an idiot.]
She’s the next prima… okay.
I’m the next prima… I know.
As the next prima… ffs
The Native American guy is a douche who tries to rape her. Sighs.
Her best friend Sydney seems to know nothing about her. And Angela just whines about how much sex Sydney has when she can’t… virgin powers blah blah. I do not know why they are friends.
The Wilcox’s are evil… repeated endlessly.
Humph. If you’re going to use a band’s name and song at least spell it right: creedence clearwater revival. Two ee’s
Critical research failure. Use google.
Then she meets Zorro, Chris Wilson, at the dress up dance and their costumes match. Daaaw.
Belinda??? Ffs.
Samantha was the witch in Bewitched.
Critical research failure… AGAIN.
The time scale goes weird. She has two months to find her magic consort by kissing him. In that time period she dates, goes out, her great aunt dies, there is a power handover, a funeral, she becomes prima, but she isn’t trained, redecorates the house she just inherited, goes shopping with endless mention of brand-names, continues to mash lips with hopefuls… and I don’t know how she fit that all in.
She is at Ruby’s death bed, not her sons.
Probably?
Omg what a horrible horrible person. I am hoping she gets kidnapped.
Then she tells her aunt off for adopting her. Ugh.
She’s just awful.
Gosh the super evil Wilcox’s can only have sons while the McAllisters breed females. [witch eugenics?] … is this gonna be this obvious? At 65%. I’m gonna guess Wilson is a Wilcox. They are also bred with Native Americans, and we know how the author feels about those, too. *grits teeth*
She dissed Sydney for making a joke about secret service earpieces earlier, then makes the same joke herself. And dumps her bodyguards days before her birthday when obviously the kidnappers are running out of time. Hopeless.
What? No you don’t, you didn’t even know how many of them there WERE before your great aunt Ruby’s funeral.
See? You are a hopeless clan leader.
You have to kiss a lot of toads to find The One but here, Angela IS the toad.
1 star
My aunt knew I hated this ritual, knew how much I hated not being free to make my own choice, and so I got the impression that she quietly filtered out the candidates who were awkward or plain or had acne or whatever. (Kindle Locations 70-72).
If you are fated to be together and it doesn’t matter what YOU look like, then guess what? It doesn’t matter what THEY look like either.
Grrr.
Really hope none of those rejected for being awkward etc. was The One.
I mean, at least keep the ones with green eyes, coz she knows he has green eyes, but she seems to have forgotten to tell her aunt that. [I’m not surprised. She’s an idiot.]
She’s the next prima… okay.
I’m the next prima… I know.
As the next prima… ffs
The Native American guy is a douche who tries to rape her. Sighs.
Her best friend Sydney seems to know nothing about her. And Angela just whines about how much sex Sydney has when she can’t… virgin powers blah blah. I do not know why they are friends.
The Wilcox’s are evil… repeated endlessly.
I recognized it half a bar in and had to grin. “Bad Moon Rising,” by Credence. (Kindle Locations 1589-1590).
Humph. If you’re going to use a band’s name and song at least spell it right: creedence clearwater revival. Two ee’s
Critical research failure. Use google.
Then she meets Zorro, Chris Wilson, at the dress up dance and their costumes match. Daaaw.
I reflected that sometimes being a witch wasn’t exactly what it was cracked up to be. Yes, we all had our individual powers and abilities, but that didn’t mean we could wiggle our noses like Belinda from Bewitched and have a feast magically appear. (Kindle Locations 2333-2335).
Belinda??? Ffs.
Samantha was the witch in Bewitched.
Critical research failure… AGAIN.
The time scale goes weird. She has two months to find her magic consort by kissing him. In that time period she dates, goes out, her great aunt dies, there is a power handover, a funeral, she becomes prima, but she isn’t trained, redecorates the house she just inherited, goes shopping with endless mention of brand-names, continues to mash lips with hopefuls… and I don’t know how she fit that all in.
She is at Ruby’s death bed, not her sons.
It was probably hard for them, to think that she’d asked for me at the end, and not her own sons, but allowances had to be made for the passage of power from prima to prima. (Kindle Locations 1736-1737).
Probably?
Omg what a horrible horrible person. I am hoping she gets kidnapped.
Then she tells her aunt off for adopting her. Ugh.
She’s just awful.
Gosh the super evil Wilcox’s can only have sons while the McAllisters breed females. [witch eugenics?] … is this gonna be this obvious? At 65%. I’m gonna guess Wilson is a Wilcox. They are also bred with Native Americans, and we know how the author feels about those, too. *grits teeth*
She dissed Sydney for making a joke about secret service earpieces earlier, then makes the same joke herself. And dumps her bodyguards days before her birthday when obviously the kidnappers are running out of time. Hopeless.
I loved my clan, loved each and every one of them for their quirks and their odd little habits, but I knew they weren’t strong enough to take on the Wilcox clan. (Kindle Locations 3508-3509).
What? No you don’t, you didn’t even know how many of them there WERE before your great aunt Ruby’s funeral.
It was only when we were gathered together like this that I realized how many of us McAllisters there really were, (Kindle Location 1816).
See? You are a hopeless clan leader.
You have to kiss a lot of toads to find The One but here, Angela IS the toad.
1 star
October 13, 2016
On almost every second page, the reader is told how scary the Wilcoxes are, how helpless Angela is, how important being a prima is, how important it is for the prima to find a consort... The story moves at an agonisingly slow pace, with repetition of ideas and anxieties throughout. By the time we reach the end of the book, we know that Angela's consort has to be a Wilcox - the "nightmares" are pretty lucid that way - and we just want to know what will happen after that. But instead, we have to plod through over 300 pages of the same worries and concerns, and the book is the reader's Jerome. Jerome is where Angela feels helpless and suffocated, she doesn't know everything she needs to as a prima - heck she doesn't even know anything about her parents and no one volunteers to inform her. The book could have ended in 225 pages at the most, honestly. Though I want to know what in the world would happen to Angela, I'm not curious enough to pick up the next in the series if I have to plod through another 300 pages of self-pity and anxiety.
Oh, and the cover. Why can't they try something non-generic, something artistic, something that doesn't look like a 3rd-rate romance?
Oh, and the cover. Why can't they try something non-generic, something artistic, something that doesn't look like a 3rd-rate romance?
March 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
July 24, 2015
The: I can't touch him because I want sex and he's bad - is a bit much to take...
Let's hope this doesn't go on for too long or it may end up in the ditched pile.
Let's hope this doesn't go on for too long or it may end up in the ditched pile.
Want to read
May 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/2/2020)! 🎁
November 2, 2014
In book 1 of The Witches of Cleopatra Hill, we meet Angela.
Witches and warlocks have their clans, and each must have a leader. Angela is soon to become the prima of her clan. But one of the requirements is she must bond to her consort, something that can be found instantly by a kiss.
Her Aunt Rachel, who has taken care of her since she was a child, has been setting up possibilities for her. But no matter how many suitors try, no one is the match for Angela.
Knowing the deadline of her 22nd birthday is soon approaching, Angela begins to dread each attempt, especially when she continues to have a dream of the man with the green eyes. But the prima must find her consort for her powers to fully develop.
Set in Arizona, and written in great detail, you must read to find out who Angela discovers is her consort. A wide range of characters, both mortal and not, for Angela trying to do the best she can. A different twist on the paranormal.
Witches and warlocks have their clans, and each must have a leader. Angela is soon to become the prima of her clan. But one of the requirements is she must bond to her consort, something that can be found instantly by a kiss.
Her Aunt Rachel, who has taken care of her since she was a child, has been setting up possibilities for her. But no matter how many suitors try, no one is the match for Angela.
Knowing the deadline of her 22nd birthday is soon approaching, Angela begins to dread each attempt, especially when she continues to have a dream of the man with the green eyes. But the prima must find her consort for her powers to fully develop.
Set in Arizona, and written in great detail, you must read to find out who Angela discovers is her consort. A wide range of characters, both mortal and not, for Angela trying to do the best she can. A different twist on the paranormal.
October 20, 2017
Solid 3/5
As far as freebies go, this book:
-has an interesting plot
-an average, easy to read style
-a good build up before jumping into crazy romance
but it:
-seriously needs some editing
-ends on a poorly constructed cliffhanger
-main character is kind of a boring lady
I will definitely read Darknight because it will be quick and maybe then I can find out what happens, but I dont think I will end up reading all 13
As far as freebies go, this book:
-has an interesting plot
-an average, easy to read style
-a good build up before jumping into crazy romance
but it:
-seriously needs some editing
-ends on a poorly constructed cliffhanger
-main character is kind of a boring lady
I will definitely read Darknight because it will be quick and maybe then I can find out what happens, but I dont think I will end up reading all 13
March 27, 2022
Very good!!
June 29, 2021
Teenage angst
Angst plus total cliffhanger.
Teen without agency.
Virgin without much desire.
False depiction of Navajo.
Run. Now.
Don't turn back.
Angst plus total cliffhanger.
Teen without agency.
Virgin without much desire.
False depiction of Navajo.
Run. Now.
Don't turn back.
June 15, 2023
5 🌟
Nice to see Angela.
Nice to see Angela.
October 30, 2015
I liked the book and its potential. I really did, but there is one thing crucial to the plot that I feel just wasn't explored enough which I will get to in a minute. First, I want to point out that the character development of the MC and world building were really quite remarkable, and I thought the story began strong with an immediate conflict bombarding the reader. The issue of consort or no consort is made more serious by the lack of protection and power the prima has for her clan. Great starting points because it really ups the stakes for the main character, her clan, and anyone interested in using that power for themselves, giving everyone a strong motive for their actions and reactions to the situation.
Let's talk about how this plot could be tightened just a bit which will involve a few spoilers. Heads up. There are levels of added conflict to the main issue of getting a consort. Marrying a civilian, though an option, really isn't a viable one at this point when she has warlocks to choose from even if they aren't "the one" who she is looking for. The one who will strengthen her power. So when Chris is introduced, I thought to myself, "Yes, this is where that turmoil and decision between making a choice for the good of the clan and following her heart are going to come to blows." But the author really limited Chris' involvement with Angela, and that involvement is what should have been such a huge part of the story.
The author kind of wrote herself into a corner by making Angela's world in which she operated so very tiny. This didn't give Angela or Chris a chance to develop their relationship and spend time together. The middle of the book seemed to wander a bit, never really hitting the target it needed to which was the development between Chris and Angela. Secret meetings could have happened. He could have visited her more often. Anything could have been done to throw these two together more often in the middle of this book so that her decision to choose the clan or a civilian was made that much more difficult. A gut wrenching emotional reaction that would have resonated with anyone. Their bond could have grown so much stronger, while some of his emotional reactions and dialogue could have been colored by the secrets he harbored. So much unexplored potential there.
Instead, the middle is made up of a lot of dead spaces where the inner conflict hits a wall, the tension fizzles instead of sizzles and you're sitting there wondering why Chris was even introduced if he isn't going to play a major role in the story. By developing their relationship, that conflict would have really soared, upping the stakes again and then sucker punching the MC and readers alike with the revelation at the end. It just makes more sense for Chris/Conner and Angela to do what they do in the second book due to that relationship that developed in the first. So while the beginning and the end were really fantastic, the middle needs a serious redirect to make it a stellar five star book. I'm really rooting for this author and these characters. I hope my criticism is taken in the spirit it was given. I want this story to be as great as it has the potential to be.
I loved the nod to Arizona. I've lived in AZ for two decades now and though the heat can be a killer, I find the desert beautiful in its own way. Pope really brought that desert appeal out in this novel. Kudos there.
Let's talk about how this plot could be tightened just a bit which will involve a few spoilers. Heads up. There are levels of added conflict to the main issue of getting a consort. Marrying a civilian, though an option, really isn't a viable one at this point when she has warlocks to choose from even if they aren't "the one" who she is looking for. The one who will strengthen her power. So when Chris is introduced, I thought to myself, "Yes, this is where that turmoil and decision between making a choice for the good of the clan and following her heart are going to come to blows." But the author really limited Chris' involvement with Angela, and that involvement is what should have been such a huge part of the story.
The author kind of wrote herself into a corner by making Angela's world in which she operated so very tiny. This didn't give Angela or Chris a chance to develop their relationship and spend time together. The middle of the book seemed to wander a bit, never really hitting the target it needed to which was the development between Chris and Angela. Secret meetings could have happened. He could have visited her more often. Anything could have been done to throw these two together more often in the middle of this book so that her decision to choose the clan or a civilian was made that much more difficult. A gut wrenching emotional reaction that would have resonated with anyone. Their bond could have grown so much stronger, while some of his emotional reactions and dialogue could have been colored by the secrets he harbored. So much unexplored potential there.
Instead, the middle is made up of a lot of dead spaces where the inner conflict hits a wall, the tension fizzles instead of sizzles and you're sitting there wondering why Chris was even introduced if he isn't going to play a major role in the story. By developing their relationship, that conflict would have really soared, upping the stakes again and then sucker punching the MC and readers alike with the revelation at the end. It just makes more sense for Chris/Conner and Angela to do what they do in the second book due to that relationship that developed in the first. So while the beginning and the end were really fantastic, the middle needs a serious redirect to make it a stellar five star book. I'm really rooting for this author and these characters. I hope my criticism is taken in the spirit it was given. I want this story to be as great as it has the potential to be.
I loved the nod to Arizona. I've lived in AZ for two decades now and though the heat can be a killer, I find the desert beautiful in its own way. Pope really brought that desert appeal out in this novel. Kudos there.
September 7, 2022
This was my first novel by Christine Pope. This book was offered free as a lead up to the remaining series. The female protagonist of this story, Angela, is the prima in waiting for her witch clan. As she reaches her 22nd birthday, she must find her fated concert to cement her powers within the clan. Even though it was over 300 pages, I didn't feel like anything happened of substance until the very end. I also had some issues with Angela and how she reacted to some situations. If the rest of them are this slow, I'm not sure I'm up for a book two. (3/5 rating)
June 7, 2022
A light book, easy to read, with a nice writing style.
Was it good? No. Because the story is as boring as it can get.
I don't mind slow worldbuilding, I don't mind authors taking their time to describe everything. As long as it serves a purpose.
Most of what is narrated is actually useless to the story. And repetitive, very repetitive. Yes, Angela is the prima and the Wilcoxes are evil, we got it after reading it ten times, no need to keep mentioning it.
And the main character is not very well-constructed...
She is supposed to be 21 but behaves as a teenager - and a quite silly one too. Why? Is this a book for teens, disguised as YA so the whole plot about sex is ok?
Only thing she thinks about is about finding a consort, but when she meets a candidate she only cares about how good-looking he is. Apparently being handsome is a must, because, you know, normal-looking guys can't be the love of your life. And there is nothing else to look for.
The plot is so obvious that there is no mystery. OK, it was expected but not promised. This is just a "paranormal romance", right?
And there was "paranomal" activity, right? Well, once or twice. Not much.
And there was "romance", right? Well, not much really, unless you count accepting a husband out of desperation or being kidnapped as romance. Which I don't.
And the book ends in an awful cliffhanger. Nothing happened in this book, and when something is about to happen then it's over.
You probably can start reading this so-called trilogy on the second book and you have missed nothing.
To be honest, it felt like the author tried to make a trilogy out of a one-book story.
Was it good? No. Because the story is as boring as it can get.
I don't mind slow worldbuilding, I don't mind authors taking their time to describe everything. As long as it serves a purpose.
Most of what is narrated is actually useless to the story. And repetitive, very repetitive. Yes, Angela is the prima and the Wilcoxes are evil, we got it after reading it ten times, no need to keep mentioning it.
And the main character is not very well-constructed...
She is supposed to be 21 but behaves as a teenager - and a quite silly one too. Why? Is this a book for teens, disguised as YA so the whole plot about sex is ok?
Only thing she thinks about is about finding a consort, but when she meets a candidate she only cares about how good-looking he is. Apparently being handsome is a must, because, you know, normal-looking guys can't be the love of your life. And there is nothing else to look for.
The plot is so obvious that there is no mystery. OK, it was expected but not promised. This is just a "paranormal romance", right?
And there was "paranomal" activity, right? Well, once or twice. Not much.
And there was "romance", right? Well, not much really, unless you count accepting a husband out of desperation or being kidnapped as romance. Which I don't.
And the book ends in an awful cliffhanger. Nothing happened in this book, and when something is about to happen then it's over.
You probably can start reading this so-called trilogy on the second book and you have missed nothing.
To be honest, it felt like the author tried to make a trilogy out of a one-book story.
August 2, 2018
Darkangel: The Witches of Cleopatra Hall: Book 1🍒🍒🍄
By Christine Pope
2014
The first book in the 'The Witches of Cleopatra Hill' trilogy, a paranormal romance, set in The haunted town of Jerome, Arizona.
Angela McAllister is given magical powers from her Great Aunt Ruby, as she passes. However these magical powers are useless until she finds her consort. A consort is a mate of the opposite sex to bond with.....she can make this decision with one kiss.....40 some are rejected before she picks a 3rd cousin....????
This was ok...rather slow, and unoriginal but not bad.....I did like Angela, the protagonist, so I will probably check out rest of series.
By Christine Pope
2014
The first book in the 'The Witches of Cleopatra Hill' trilogy, a paranormal romance, set in The haunted town of Jerome, Arizona.
Angela McAllister is given magical powers from her Great Aunt Ruby, as she passes. However these magical powers are useless until she finds her consort. A consort is a mate of the opposite sex to bond with.....she can make this decision with one kiss.....40 some are rejected before she picks a 3rd cousin....????
This was ok...rather slow, and unoriginal but not bad.....I did like Angela, the protagonist, so I will probably check out rest of series.
April 1, 2020
Ends on a cliffhanger, yay 🙄
A lot of kissing to find the one 💋
Nothing much happens till the end -she’s kidnapped - who couldn’t see that coming 🙀
Finds the one at the end but he’s a liar and stalker (but good looking!) and his Dad wants her too and kidnapped the heroine so he could kiss her and take her virginity but no instead she is sexually activated by the son’s kiss instead. 💃💋🕺🏼
Do I buy the next book and find out 💰 what happens? (Look my own cliffhanger!) will I, won’t I.....
There are 14 books in the series 👀
A lot of kissing to find the one 💋
Nothing much happens till the end -she’s kidnapped - who couldn’t see that coming 🙀
Finds the one at the end but he’s a liar and stalker (but good looking!) and his Dad wants her too and kidnapped the heroine so he could kiss her and take her virginity but no instead she is sexually activated by the son’s kiss instead. 💃💋🕺🏼
Do I buy the next book and find out 💰 what happens? (Look my own cliffhanger!) will I, won’t I.....
There are 14 books in the series 👀
December 11, 2023
Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare… As the future prima, or head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister is expected to bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, thus ensuring that she will come into her full powers at the appointed time. The clock is ticking down, and her consort has yet to make an appearance. Instead, her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen, the one she believes must be her intended match. But with time running out, and dark forces attempting to seize her powers for their own, Angela is faced with a terrible choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet and take the safer path, or risk leaving her clan and everyone in it at the mercy of those who seek their ruin.
An interesting start to a series.
An interesting start to a series.
June 15, 2017
I enjoyed this story. It is the first in a series of books, The Witches of Cleopatra Hill. I plan to read the others.
It is a recommended read. The characters are entertaining although at some parts at the beginning the pace is a little slow. After getting past that, I found the book hard to put down and the author really set up for the next in the series nicely; which I intend to buy after typing this review.
It is a recommended read. The characters are entertaining although at some parts at the beginning the pace is a little slow. After getting past that, I found the book hard to put down and the author really set up for the next in the series nicely; which I intend to buy after typing this review.
September 13, 2017
A great first book in the series.
July 16, 2018
Book 43 complete.
April 18, 2014
I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm sure I've heard a saying "Sweet Sixteen and never been kissed" or something like that. In this case, it's 21 and been kissed by forty four without success. Angela has until her 22nd birthday to find her Consort, the one that will help her receive all of her powers as Prima. The trouble is, she is dreaming of someone who just never appears in 'real' life and her time is running out.
I really enjoyed this book as the characters all come across with such depth and were all intriguing in their own way. Angela is a character that you can empathise with from the start. You may think she hasn't had the best start but she has her aunt and her coven and has forged her own path. I won't pick out any more individual characters as to do so might give away some of the storyline.
This next part is hard for me to write without giving spoilers! Let me just say that I love it when an author writes something that pulls me in one direction but then adds so many red herrings and smoke screens that I'm not sure of anything, even my own name.
This does have a cliff-hanger ending and I'm going to find it difficult to wait until June when Darknight is due out but you can guarantee that I'll be picking up with the Witches of Cleopatra Hill as soon as it's released!
I'm sure I've heard a saying "Sweet Sixteen and never been kissed" or something like that. In this case, it's 21 and been kissed by forty four without success. Angela has until her 22nd birthday to find her Consort, the one that will help her receive all of her powers as Prima. The trouble is, she is dreaming of someone who just never appears in 'real' life and her time is running out.
I really enjoyed this book as the characters all come across with such depth and were all intriguing in their own way. Angela is a character that you can empathise with from the start. You may think she hasn't had the best start but she has her aunt and her coven and has forged her own path. I won't pick out any more individual characters as to do so might give away some of the storyline.
This next part is hard for me to write without giving spoilers! Let me just say that I love it when an author writes something that pulls me in one direction but then adds so many red herrings and smoke screens that I'm not sure of anything, even my own name.
This does have a cliff-hanger ending and I'm going to find it difficult to wait until June when Darknight is due out but you can guarantee that I'll be picking up with the Witches of Cleopatra Hill as soon as it's released!
October 5, 2015
NEW AUTHOR TO STALK
I read this one in a bundle of paranormal romance and I thought I would not be so hooked and read this one and let it go but..... book lion roars again. I had to read everything about Angela and....her consort.
Big surprised there, I did not expect who the consort would turn out to be. He played his game well as did his psycho of a brother. But I like it, I don't put the book in my list of 'Books I love and cant' live without' but I don't regret reading it.
The author is very meticulous in details, explaining how the clans work and make sure to describe expressions and feelings of each characters. The main protagonist, Angela is interesting, as we see her growing up, being cocooned all her life, I bet now as the Prima she will make decisions on her own, important ones. It was a smooth read, the tension kept building up, the pawns are set, you are waiting like a hawk to see what will happen, IF something WILL ever happen and then BAM! Out of nowhere, you get it and the author leaves you in an enticing cliffhanger that makes you gape at the last word.
If it wasn't for that cliff-hanger,I would not get the second book....and the third too.
July 30, 2018
Boring. A total prelude to the second book, which I'm not sure I even want to read because of what I read in this.
First, let me say the writing was not great. The author had to go through every single action Angela (is that her name?) did. I had to read how Angela would open the fridge, get a soda, close the fridge, walk through the hall to the living room, sit down, grab the remote, turn on the TV, then think about the man of her dreams. Jesus. That's too much and too boring. It's a miracle I finished this book.
Two, Angela is boring as hell. She has no personality and the only things that run through her mind are being prima and losing her virginity to the man of her dreams. I've read children's books with more interesting characters. Honestly, I would rather read about Rachel than Angela since Rachel actually has some depth as a character.
Three, the storytelling was dull. Even during the nightmares Angela had about the demon-ghost-thing were predictable (I knew it was the Wilcox's the entire time). I know this is only the first book and maybe I should give the series a chance, but like a TV shows pilot; if the first installation to a series isn't interesting, then why bother with the rest because it's likely to be just as boring.
First, let me say the writing was not great. The author had to go through every single action Angela (is that her name?) did. I had to read how Angela would open the fridge, get a soda, close the fridge, walk through the hall to the living room, sit down, grab the remote, turn on the TV, then think about the man of her dreams. Jesus. That's too much and too boring. It's a miracle I finished this book.
Two, Angela is boring as hell. She has no personality and the only things that run through her mind are being prima and losing her virginity to the man of her dreams. I've read children's books with more interesting characters. Honestly, I would rather read about Rachel than Angela since Rachel actually has some depth as a character.
Three, the storytelling was dull. Even during the nightmares Angela had about the demon-ghost-thing were predictable (I knew it was the Wilcox's the entire time). I know this is only the first book and maybe I should give the series a chance, but like a TV shows pilot; if the first installation to a series isn't interesting, then why bother with the rest because it's likely to be just as boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2016
I'm going back and forth on this book. I like the world and the problems that have been laid out for the characters. However, I'm not a huge fan of cliffhangers and this book ends without resolution to Angela's issues. AT ALL. In fact, I'd say we're left with her in a very precarious situation and no idea how she's going to get out of it.
So...I'm torn. But I do like the world. Witches, man! Separated by clans and treaties and all that good stuff. Plus, there's the chance for some serious soul mate stuff and that's always fun. The secrets kept from Angela were a little less fun, but I kinda (sorta, a teeny-tiny bit) got where her aunt was coming from in not telling her. AT FIRST. But when the magical date is fast approaching and the soul mate hasn't shown, don't you think you should spill the beans about the options open to her? Maybe it's just me.
And that's about all I'm going to say as far as the plot goes. Stuff happens. It causes things. Anything else would be spoiler-y.
Bottom line: I like the world, I wasn't thrilled with not getting resolution about Angela's issues.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So...I'm torn. But I do like the world. Witches, man! Separated by clans and treaties and all that good stuff. Plus, there's the chance for some serious soul mate stuff and that's always fun. The secrets kept from Angela were a little less fun, but I kinda (sorta, a teeny-tiny bit) got where her aunt was coming from in not telling her. AT FIRST. But when the magical date is fast approaching and the soul mate hasn't shown, don't you think you should spill the beans about the options open to her? Maybe it's just me.
And that's about all I'm going to say as far as the plot goes. Stuff happens. It causes things. Anything else would be spoiler-y.
Bottom line: I like the world, I wasn't thrilled with not getting resolution about Angela's issues.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 11, 2017
This was a free read from Kindle. I'm glad I didn't pay for it, but don't necessarily feel like I wasted my time on it.
There were some glaring issues... For instance, some random guy attempts to rape our heroine in the first few chapters but has nothing to do with the rest of the story (unless there's going to be a reveal in the second book about who he really was).
Foreshadowing was very heavy handed. I had an inkling very early on where she would find her consort, and I was right. The book could have done with some more subtleties.
I was surprised when it ended, it was rather abrupt. I'm curious about the next book, but I've skimmed some reviews and don't know that I'm curious enough to keep going. It was a fun, fluffy read, but... so many books, so little time.
There were some glaring issues... For instance, some random guy attempts to rape our heroine in the first few chapters but has nothing to do with the rest of the story (unless there's going to be a reveal in the second book about who he really was).
Foreshadowing was very heavy handed. I had an inkling very early on where she would find her consort, and I was right. The book could have done with some more subtleties.
I was surprised when it ended, it was rather abrupt. I'm curious about the next book, but I've skimmed some reviews and don't know that I'm curious enough to keep going. It was a fun, fluffy read, but... so many books, so little time.
February 20, 2018
Reads like a long, extended prologue for the next book. Since I spent time reading this one, I am going to read # 2-3 to finish the story. I just wish this book was a bit more...interesting I guess. There was foreshadowing with the whole Wilcox thing, but you don't get to see any of that until the last chapter. I think at least 50 pages could have been cut to make a tighter story.
I suppose it did a good job painting a picture of the town and characters, though. I am hoping that since time was taken in this book to do that in the future books it doesn't need to be focused on so much. I think those who are prepared for a slow, meandering story wouldn't mind. If you're looking for action, action and more action, though, this will probably bore you.
I suppose it did a good job painting a picture of the town and characters, though. I am hoping that since time was taken in this book to do that in the future books it doesn't need to be focused on so much. I think those who are prepared for a slow, meandering story wouldn't mind. If you're looking for action, action and more action, though, this will probably bore you.
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