Shadow Cast

The Hawthorne University Witch Series #7

by A.L. Hawke

You can't cast shadows in darkness.

It's the start of my second year of graduate school at Hawthorne University. (I wasn't canned, okay?) Bryce and our dean organize an orientation meeting to recruit witches. Yep, it's time to teach Alondra's "honors" program.

Everything goes fine until that slithery snake-witch, Adder, barges into my home. She claims I'm cursing her master, Enora, haunting the dreams of her Abaddon coven. I'm not. Honest. But sometimes Alondra pops up inside me, acting outside of my control.

We hold a séance to ask the ghost possessing me to go away. I don’t see ghosts or spirits. I see evil. But you know, it’s funny, no one else seems to.

My sole mastery of necromancy might just be enough to protect Bryce and my unborn baby—or save my greatest adversary.

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

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 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]

Update: I listened to the audiobook and once again I was blown away with Alexa Belmy’s ability to bring this story to life. You won’t regret reading or listening!

This is book six and the conclusion to this series. Everything that happened throughout the series is wrapped up and completed, there is enough room where a spinoff for their daughter could be an option.

Once again, A.L. Hawke gifts us with a captivating story that will have you on the edge of your seat needing to know what happens while taking you around twists and turns throughout with an incredible world. Cadence was interesting to watch and see how she battles the fact she is in charge of the coven while trying to balance her personal life. I really enjoyed watching her put some of the other characters in their place and how she handles the different situations.

I have really enjoyed this series. I’m not sure that I am fully ready for this series to end. If you haven’t even started the series yet, this is the perfect one to binge all the way through from start to finish! I was provided an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Cast is the 6th and final book in the Hawthorne University Witch series and it was more than I had hoped it would be. Admittedly, it's a little more on the dark side, but appropriately so for the subject material and the growth of the characters. There's a sense of urgency at the beginning of the story as Bryce and Cadence experience some ups and downs as they prepare for the birth of their daughter. Bryce is still teaching and Cadie is in her second year of grad school, but things are moving along quickly at the beginning of the school year. One thing I noticed is that Cadence seems to be a little less secure about her coven and her trust in Bryce, but then I have to remember that Enora is still in the picture. With each appearance of Alondra, no matter what form she took, there were insights into and conclusions drawn of that which had happened in the years before. Liam's addition to this story was everything. I was happy to see that there was a little more light shed upon Liam's relationship with Alondra and Bill Reardon, and the anger that Cadence held against Liam dissipated as he and Alondra explained their role in her baby's future. As I neared the end of the book, I was nodding my head or cringing, depending on how each thread was secured, but I still have hope that this author will take Hawthorne University into the next generation.
The narration was phenomenal by Alexa Elmy. Her vocal tone and texture allow for each character to be easily recognized. The special accent and timbre she uses in speaking the language of the chants and incantations is just perfect.

[Alyssa Downer-Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review**

A.L. Hawke’s "Shadow Cast," part of the Hawthorne University Witch Series, dives into a world of magic and mystery with a thrilling twist. Set in the enchanting backdrop of Hawthorne University, the story unfolds with intriguing characters and plenty of supernatural intrigue. I enjoyed the blend of modern college life with ancient witchcraft traditions, which added depth to the plot. Hawke’s writing style is straightforward yet captivating, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story. Fans of paranormal fiction will find 'Shadow Cast' a satisfying finale to the series.

Occasionally, the story's pacing felt uneven, especially in the middle where some scenes could have been tightened to maintain the excitement and momentum throughout. Focusing on maintaining a consistent pace could further enhance the reader's experience. This was a great YA novel and conclusion to a wonderful series. Overall I would rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I thought book six of the series was as entertaining as the earlier books. I was intrigued by the worldbuilding and the history lesson which was detailed in the classroom lecture by one of the characters. I admired the complicated characters and the circumstances each had to confront and overcome. I noticed that there was some steam and some foul language utilized in this tale. I thought Alexa Elmy's narration was expressive, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was gifted a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without any financial gain, to leave this review which included my honest opinions regarding this tale.

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, it's been a long, entertaining ride!

I believe this is the end of the series, though Mr Hawke left room for a follow up regarding Kate & Bryce's daughter.

This one starts a bit slow, with more Voodoo then I enjoy, but the 2nd half picks up & resolves numerous things that have come up throughout the series.

I'd be glad to repeat the decision of spending 14 hours or so on this series, good stuff!

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

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrapping up the series.

This paranormal action romance intertwines college life with a world of witchcraft and the supernatural. I sometimes found the story confusing as it jumped between characters and timelines, but overall it was an exciting book. It would have made more sense to me if I had read all the books in the series. I would rate it 3.5 stars but I rounded up since you can't give half stars. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book six of this incredible series and it’s been an exciting and thrilling ride. This is great as the author once again draws us in with incredible world building and twists and turns to keep us spinning. Questions are answered and things bought to a close as we get a satisfactory conclusion but is it really the end??

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has made it through again but again it is not going to be easy. They will appear asking her to stop but she is not doing anything but they do not believe her. She has a shadow inside her and she needs help getting rid of it. How will she get on? Will her life get easier? See how she will get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Cast is book 6 in the Hawthorne Witch University Series. Such a great continuation from the other books. Cadence is great. I hope this isn't the end!.

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