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Something Wicked
Hadley Manor was quiet, but it was very much awake.
Darryl Hadley has always been kept in the dark about her family history, so when she moves to her estranged and recently deceased grandma’s countryside manor, she takes it as an opportunity to find out more about where she came from.
But Darryl soon discovers her family has a reputation, and that everyone thinks her grandma murdered her own twin sister almost fifty years ago.
After befriending her new neighbour, Tod Griffin, the pair team up to uncover the truth about what actually happened to her grandma’s sister. Things take a wicked turn when on the night of a storm, Darryl wakes up the dormant magic inside her — magic she didn’t know she possessed — and resurrects her grandma in the process.
Darryl is forced to come face-to-face with her past — quite literally. Not only has her magic brought back the dead, but it has also awoken a dark force that is hungry for revenge on the Hadley family. Darryl must learn to use her magic to protect herself and the ones she cares about before they are caught in a battle between the past and present.
This tale of rage, family trauma and second chances is perfect for fans of Gallant , Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House and This Poison Heart .
Darryl Hadley has always been kept in the dark about her family history, so when she moves to her estranged and recently deceased grandma’s countryside manor, she takes it as an opportunity to find out more about where she came from.
But Darryl soon discovers her family has a reputation, and that everyone thinks her grandma murdered her own twin sister almost fifty years ago.
After befriending her new neighbour, Tod Griffin, the pair team up to uncover the truth about what actually happened to her grandma’s sister. Things take a wicked turn when on the night of a storm, Darryl wakes up the dormant magic inside her — magic she didn’t know she possessed — and resurrects her grandma in the process.
Darryl is forced to come face-to-face with her past — quite literally. Not only has her magic brought back the dead, but it has also awoken a dark force that is hungry for revenge on the Hadley family. Darryl must learn to use her magic to protect herself and the ones she cares about before they are caught in a battle between the past and present.
This tale of rage, family trauma and second chances is perfect for fans of Gallant , Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House and This Poison Heart .
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2024
10 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Campbell
2 books18 followersBelinda Campbell was raised in Coventry, England. She currently lives in Leicestershire with her partner and a long-haired tabby cat, Goose. She graduated from De Montfort University in 2021 with a BA in Creative Writing.
When Belinda isn’t writing, she can be found on her sofa with her face buried in a book, all the while daydreaming about her next project.
When Belinda isn’t writing, she can be found on her sofa with her face buried in a book, all the while daydreaming about her next project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Want to read
July 22, 2024This is my book!!! I wrote these words!!! I am not going to rate my own book but I just wanted to say a huge thank you if you are here and if you are giving a little indie author like me a chance. I appreciate you so much🥰
August 18, 2024
Darryl is heading to the countryside… away from London, from her life and her friends but when she gets there she realises her family has a dark past.
What happened to Lilith Hadley.
This story is a mystery laced with magic, hidden truths kept for many years that are all coming to light.
I enjoyed this book and the character growth throughout.
What happened to Lilith Hadley.
This story is a mystery laced with magic, hidden truths kept for many years that are all coming to light.
I enjoyed this book and the character growth throughout.
July 28, 2024
This was such a cozy witchy read! The first part of the book was a little slower and the second part of the book just took me away. The first half of the book set the setting perfectly though! And I love the house and found family!
Really curious about where book 2 will take us!
Thank you so much for the ARC Belinda!
Really curious about where book 2 will take us!
Thank you so much for the ARC Belinda!
October 12, 2024
This was a fantastic read. Something Wicked is a great debut, a beautiful witchy story perfect for reading during the spooky season. The plot is intriguing, with compelling characters and an evocative setting.
At the beginning, the novel gave off Coraline vibes, with Darryl ending up in the big and mysterious family house. I loved how the eerie and spooky atmosphere of the house was described and the surrounding setting of the British countryside.
It’s written in the third person, in the past tense, and from Darryl’s POV. Her character was well-crafted, and the writing was amazing, allowing the reader to feel exactly what she was feeling. Family bonds, friendship, and second chances—there are so many positive themes portrayed in this novel. I really enjoyed Darryl’s growth arc and how her friendship with Tod developed. They were so sweet.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s done well and gives you the choice to either be satisfied with this story or continue reading more in the next book. Personally, I’m already excited for Book 2, and it’s one of my most anticipated releases.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At the beginning, the novel gave off Coraline vibes, with Darryl ending up in the big and mysterious family house. I loved how the eerie and spooky atmosphere of the house was described and the surrounding setting of the British countryside.
It’s written in the third person, in the past tense, and from Darryl’s POV. Her character was well-crafted, and the writing was amazing, allowing the reader to feel exactly what she was feeling. Family bonds, friendship, and second chances—there are so many positive themes portrayed in this novel. I really enjoyed Darryl’s growth arc and how her friendship with Tod developed. They were so sweet.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s done well and gives you the choice to either be satisfied with this story or continue reading more in the next book. Personally, I’m already excited for Book 2, and it’s one of my most anticipated releases.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2025
Loved loved LOVED this book! Complex characters, both funny and emotional moments, family drama, badass women and witchy vibes. This was a perfect spooky summer read and I’m so glad I picked it up! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!
(Also I read this mostly over two days, and it took me out of my reading slump!)
(Also I read this mostly over two days, and it took me out of my reading slump!)
July 22, 2024
Loved this easy to read book. I devoured it so quickly. I already can’t wait for the second book to come out!!
November 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the story, it was beautifully written but I felt like there was something missing and I can't quite put my finger on it.
November 20, 2024
I enjoyed all of the characters even the house. The tale of old, the mystery, the witchiness. I loved it all!
July 27, 2024
Well I think it’s safe to say I enjoyed this! I don’t think I’ve ever started and finished a book so quickly and I need more!
I was honoured to be given this as an ARC read and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute. The story is amazing, really enticing from the start and although there are lots of elements, it’s really easy to follow and fall in love with the characters.
If you’re looking for cosy witchy vibes, lost family and uncovering family secrets then this is the book for you. The perfect autumn read 🧡
I was honoured to be given this as an ARC read and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute. The story is amazing, really enticing from the start and although there are lots of elements, it’s really easy to follow and fall in love with the characters.
If you’re looking for cosy witchy vibes, lost family and uncovering family secrets then this is the book for you. The perfect autumn read 🧡
October 12, 2024
Read the full review on my blog: Day In The Life Blog - Something Wicked
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am writing this review voluntarily.
I was very lucky to have the opportunity to read this book early as an ARC! Full round of applause to the author on their debut novel. This book is filled with lush descriptions of the manor and all the emotions of our teenage protagonist, Darryl. Thrust from her 'normal' teenage life in the city - moving to the country manor after her grandmother's passing isn't the only culture shock. This book really proved itself to have all the makings of not just a great debut novel, but a stunning series of books. Filled with magic, family secrets, friendship, young love, and a dash of spookiness; this is truly a journey into a world of mystery and lore. It navigates the complexities of grief and family secrets with some healthy teenage drama, effortlessly. I am thoroughly impressed by how good this book is, for a young adult book it never once felt too 'immature' for me (as an adult) at the same time, it never felt too 'mature' for someone in their teens to read. There was a really great balance of plot, character, and lore/world building. Honestly I wish I could give this book 4 1/2 stars across all review platforms, because it truly does deserve it (the one reason I love my blog is I can rate out 1-10 and include halves!). If you are looking for a cozy, witchy book for spooky season (or any other season) this is definitely the book for you!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am writing this review voluntarily.
I was very lucky to have the opportunity to read this book early as an ARC! Full round of applause to the author on their debut novel. This book is filled with lush descriptions of the manor and all the emotions of our teenage protagonist, Darryl. Thrust from her 'normal' teenage life in the city - moving to the country manor after her grandmother's passing isn't the only culture shock. This book really proved itself to have all the makings of not just a great debut novel, but a stunning series of books. Filled with magic, family secrets, friendship, young love, and a dash of spookiness; this is truly a journey into a world of mystery and lore. It navigates the complexities of grief and family secrets with some healthy teenage drama, effortlessly. I am thoroughly impressed by how good this book is, for a young adult book it never once felt too 'immature' for me (as an adult) at the same time, it never felt too 'mature' for someone in their teens to read. There was a really great balance of plot, character, and lore/world building. Honestly I wish I could give this book 4 1/2 stars across all review platforms, because it truly does deserve it (the one reason I love my blog is I can rate out 1-10 and include halves!). If you are looking for a cozy, witchy book for spooky season (or any other season) this is definitely the book for you!
October 15, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this book, being a fan of the witchy magical genre I can say I fully enjoyed this read. The vivid scenes still play out in my head afterwards and really help to set the tone of the book and make you feel like you are in the story. I would fully recommend this book 5🌟
October 11, 2024
Something Wicked by Belinda Campbell is a wonderfully witchy YA mystery with a main character that you just can't help but root for and an atmospheric haunted manor house as the perfect setting.
Sixteen year old Darryl knows nothing of her family history so is beyond shocked to find out that her mother has inherited the manor house she grew up in and fled from at the earliest opportunity. She's not thrilled to leave London behind but soon gets caught up in the mysterious rumours about the family and her grandmother in particular, who is supposed to have killed her twin sister when they were both young women. What Darryl does not realise is that there is a magical element to the mystery and the truth of what happened that night is far stranger than fiction. When her own magic is awakened with rather surprising consequences it is a chance for all the generations to learn from the past and heal the trauma that fractured their family for so long.
Once I started reading this book it really did not take long for me to be invested in Darryl and the mystery that tore her family apart decades ago. The characters are great and though the pacing is a little slow to begin with that did allow the author to really give the reader a sense of the setting. While the author did not go into a huge amount of detail about the magic systems and how it worked, there was certainly enough for the reader to understand what was going on. I loved the message that while trauma can be handed down the generations it is never too late to try to do better , and that often simple but honest communication can go a long way towards healing. This is a perfect spooky mystery, ideal for this time of year, especially if you love a good witchy read.
I read an ARC courtesy of BookSirens, all opinions are my own.
Sixteen year old Darryl knows nothing of her family history so is beyond shocked to find out that her mother has inherited the manor house she grew up in and fled from at the earliest opportunity. She's not thrilled to leave London behind but soon gets caught up in the mysterious rumours about the family and her grandmother in particular, who is supposed to have killed her twin sister when they were both young women. What Darryl does not realise is that there is a magical element to the mystery and the truth of what happened that night is far stranger than fiction. When her own magic is awakened with rather surprising consequences it is a chance for all the generations to learn from the past and heal the trauma that fractured their family for so long.
Once I started reading this book it really did not take long for me to be invested in Darryl and the mystery that tore her family apart decades ago. The characters are great and though the pacing is a little slow to begin with that did allow the author to really give the reader a sense of the setting. While the author did not go into a huge amount of detail about the magic systems and how it worked, there was certainly enough for the reader to understand what was going on. I loved the message that while trauma can be handed down the generations it is never too late to try to do better , and that often simple but honest communication can go a long way towards healing. This is a perfect spooky mystery, ideal for this time of year, especially if you love a good witchy read.
I read an ARC courtesy of BookSirens, all opinions are my own.
October 11, 2024
Debut novel, Something Wicked, by Belinda Campbell is a cosy but haunting YA witchy read.
Darryl is not happy when she is forced to leave London and move to the countryside when her mother inherits her childhood home - Hadley Manor. The change from city to country life is not the only thing Darryl needs work through when she finds out about her family history - her grandmother was accused of murdering her twin sister. Unbeknownst to Darryl, her family is magical, and when a storm hits and she comes into her powers, Darryl comes face to face with her past when her magic brings her grandmother back from the dead.
Belinda is a talented writing, finding the perfect balance in a YA novel so it is not too immature for adult readers but still holds the right amount of drama and angst for teen readers.
The plot, worldbuilding, and character development are beautifully balanced, and one does not overpower the other. The growth in the relationships between Darryl, her mother, and her grandmother feel organic. As does the blossoming friendship/relationship between Darryl and the young gardener, Tod.
The first half of the book felt a little slow for me. However, the second half had me unable to put the book down as I had to know what happened next.
Something Wicked is about much more than witches, magic, and betrayal. It is about family, forgiveness, second chances, and hidden truths, with a touch of young love. I am excited to see what the next book holds for Darryl and her family. If Something Wicked is anything to go by, it will be something special.
Darryl is not happy when she is forced to leave London and move to the countryside when her mother inherits her childhood home - Hadley Manor. The change from city to country life is not the only thing Darryl needs work through when she finds out about her family history - her grandmother was accused of murdering her twin sister. Unbeknownst to Darryl, her family is magical, and when a storm hits and she comes into her powers, Darryl comes face to face with her past when her magic brings her grandmother back from the dead.
Belinda is a talented writing, finding the perfect balance in a YA novel so it is not too immature for adult readers but still holds the right amount of drama and angst for teen readers.
The plot, worldbuilding, and character development are beautifully balanced, and one does not overpower the other. The growth in the relationships between Darryl, her mother, and her grandmother feel organic. As does the blossoming friendship/relationship between Darryl and the young gardener, Tod.
The first half of the book felt a little slow for me. However, the second half had me unable to put the book down as I had to know what happened next.
Something Wicked is about much more than witches, magic, and betrayal. It is about family, forgiveness, second chances, and hidden truths, with a touch of young love. I am excited to see what the next book holds for Darryl and her family. If Something Wicked is anything to go by, it will be something special.
October 16, 2024
Darryl Hadley and her mother have recently moved into their family mansion after the passing of Darryl’s grandmother, Marjorie. Having no real connection with her grandmother while alive Darryl seeks to find out the truth about her mysterious family and the secrets that her grandmother held until the day she left this earth.
When Darryl meets the young gardener, Todd, things go from bad to worse finding out that Marjorie and the rest of Darryl’s ancestors are thought to be witches, who have done unspeakable things. Now it is Darryl’s mission to set the record straight and prove that her grandmother was innocent of the crime she was accused of. But what she discovers just might break what little family she has left. What happened all those years ago when Marjorie’s twin sister, Lilith, went missing and did Marjorie have something to do with it? Or was magic to blame?
If you’re a fan of Practical Magic, this book will have you hooked. It’s filled with family drama, love, magic, witches, and a gripping mystery that kept me wanting more. I was fully invested in uncovering the secrets of the dark, potentially haunted old house and discovering whether Darryl’s family were actually witches. I also enjoyed the dynamic characters that play a pivotal role in developing Darryl’s storyline.
*Thank you to Belinda Campbell and BookSirens for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
When Darryl meets the young gardener, Todd, things go from bad to worse finding out that Marjorie and the rest of Darryl’s ancestors are thought to be witches, who have done unspeakable things. Now it is Darryl’s mission to set the record straight and prove that her grandmother was innocent of the crime she was accused of. But what she discovers just might break what little family she has left. What happened all those years ago when Marjorie’s twin sister, Lilith, went missing and did Marjorie have something to do with it? Or was magic to blame?
If you’re a fan of Practical Magic, this book will have you hooked. It’s filled with family drama, love, magic, witches, and a gripping mystery that kept me wanting more. I was fully invested in uncovering the secrets of the dark, potentially haunted old house and discovering whether Darryl’s family were actually witches. I also enjoyed the dynamic characters that play a pivotal role in developing Darryl’s storyline.
*Thank you to Belinda Campbell and BookSirens for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
August 7, 2024
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 is an enjoyable blend of magic, mystery, and family dynamics. It delves into themes of family love, the complexities of a broken family, and the power of second chances.
The mystery surrounding her grandmother’s past adds a captivating layer, and the way old magic weaves into a modern setting is brilliantly done.
Plus, there’s a delightful slow-burn romance with her neighbor, Tod Griffin, that emphasizes building a true friendship first. Both characters focus on their personal journeys before considering taking the next step, which feels refreshingly authentic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel, and it’s exactly what a first book should be. I’m excited to follow the author’s future work!
I’ll definitely be reading book two because I need to know the conclusion of Darryl’s story!
If you enjoy stories that...
⋆ blend old times with contemporary elements
⋆witches in a modern world
⋆themes of starting fresh after moving
⋆finding new friends
⋆facing the past
⋆discovering family secrets and personal powers
... you’ll find this book well worth the read.
Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 is an enjoyable blend of magic, mystery, and family dynamics. It delves into themes of family love, the complexities of a broken family, and the power of second chances.
The mystery surrounding her grandmother’s past adds a captivating layer, and the way old magic weaves into a modern setting is brilliantly done.
Plus, there’s a delightful slow-burn romance with her neighbor, Tod Griffin, that emphasizes building a true friendship first. Both characters focus on their personal journeys before considering taking the next step, which feels refreshingly authentic.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel, and it’s exactly what a first book should be. I’m excited to follow the author’s future work!
I’ll definitely be reading book two because I need to know the conclusion of Darryl’s story!
If you enjoy stories that...
⋆ blend old times with contemporary elements
⋆witches in a modern world
⋆themes of starting fresh after moving
⋆finding new friends
⋆facing the past
⋆discovering family secrets and personal powers
... you’ll find this book well worth the read.
Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
August 3, 2024
A dark atmospheric witchy mystery: cozy yet haunting
From the first pages, I was immediately drawn into the darkish atmosphere that makes all your hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Bel's skillful writing plunges you right from the start into a spooky ambiance, the kind that makes you want to scream to the main character, "Run!"
If you enjoyed "A Study in Drowning" for its dark atmosphere and "The Honey Witch" for its generational witch curse, you'll likely find this book captivating. It also reminded me of a mix between "Gilmore Girls" and a touch of "The Haunting of Hill House," blending small-town charm with a touch of eerie, supernatural intrigue. Cozy yet haunting. 👻
The story is told from a single point of view, and somehow, I didn't trust her 100%. In the sense that I was constantly questionning whether what she saw was real or a figment of her imagination which is definitely addding to the mystery.
I can't wait to read about Tod and Darryl writing letters to each other and reuniting in the next books 💕📚
As this book releases in October, it will be the perfect YA fantasy read for Halloween 🎃 Highly recommend.
Rating: 3.5/5 rounded to 4
From the first pages, I was immediately drawn into the darkish atmosphere that makes all your hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Bel's skillful writing plunges you right from the start into a spooky ambiance, the kind that makes you want to scream to the main character, "Run!"
If you enjoyed "A Study in Drowning" for its dark atmosphere and "The Honey Witch" for its generational witch curse, you'll likely find this book captivating. It also reminded me of a mix between "Gilmore Girls" and a touch of "The Haunting of Hill House," blending small-town charm with a touch of eerie, supernatural intrigue. Cozy yet haunting. 👻
The story is told from a single point of view, and somehow, I didn't trust her 100%. In the sense that I was constantly questionning whether what she saw was real or a figment of her imagination which is definitely addding to the mystery.
I can't wait to read about Tod and Darryl writing letters to each other and reuniting in the next books 💕📚
As this book releases in October, it will be the perfect YA fantasy read for Halloween 🎃 Highly recommend.
Rating: 3.5/5 rounded to 4
October 12, 2024
When I read “The Haunting of Hill House Vibes” I knew I needed to read this! And I’m so happy I picked this up! Something wicked is the perfect hauntingly witchy read for this time of year! I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know the ending. And I have to say, the last line of this book is haunting me the most in the best way possible. I just have to read the second book!!
Something Wicked follows Darryl how has to move to the childhood home over her mother after the passing of her grandmother. After arriving to Hadley Manor, Darryl learns more and more about her family history that her mother never told her. Suspicious locals, a haunting feeling in the Manor, and a mother that doesn’t want to talk about her past. Darryl dives into a history that will change everything.
Belinga did something wonderful. She wrote a cozy but hauntingly witchy YA that doesn’t feel like a YA. That will say, when I started reading, I didn’t know (anymore) that Something Wicked is a YA. And never did I get the feeling I was reading one, but looking back, it really is written in a way that is so appropriate for YA.
So, do you love cozy, witchy stories? This is for you. Do you like a little angst, but don’t love horror, this is also for you. And do you love reading about family trauma and healing of this trauma? You guest it. This is for you!
Tropes
-Slow burn Romance
-Haunted House
-Family Trauma
-Feline character
-Witches
Something Wicked follows Darryl how has to move to the childhood home over her mother after the passing of her grandmother. After arriving to Hadley Manor, Darryl learns more and more about her family history that her mother never told her. Suspicious locals, a haunting feeling in the Manor, and a mother that doesn’t want to talk about her past. Darryl dives into a history that will change everything.
Belinga did something wonderful. She wrote a cozy but hauntingly witchy YA that doesn’t feel like a YA. That will say, when I started reading, I didn’t know (anymore) that Something Wicked is a YA. And never did I get the feeling I was reading one, but looking back, it really is written in a way that is so appropriate for YA.
So, do you love cozy, witchy stories? This is for you. Do you like a little angst, but don’t love horror, this is also for you. And do you love reading about family trauma and healing of this trauma? You guest it. This is for you!
Tropes
-Slow burn Romance
-Haunted House
-Family Trauma
-Feline character
-Witches
October 9, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but l, absolutely, loved it. Darryl was an excellent central character and, as the story progressed, with the discovery of her powers, her central role was vital. loved the way the story was told through different perspectives - through Darryl and Liith's diary. The idea of the Otherworld and the house's role was original. Dark Magic, entrapment, haunting and unexplained events gripped my attention. Parts of this story were, necessarily, dark but also cathartic, as relationships were mended within the family.
There was loss, too, as Darryl and Tod parted, and there was a
"duplicate death". The story ended with me needing to know what happened next, so I can't wait for the next in the series!
There was loss, too, as Darryl and Tod parted, and there was a
"duplicate death". The story ended with me needing to know what happened next, so I can't wait for the next in the series!
October 15, 2024
When Darryl In Something Wicked by Belinda Campell moves to her grandmother’s house, she has no idea what secrets she will uncover.
This book is a lovely cozy read, with unexpected turns which made that I really enjoyed reading it. It is a perfect book to read this spooky season, what with the magic Darryl had no ideas she had, and a haunted manor is the perfect setting. The plot, the story-line and the world-building made that I could not stop reading. The writing style is a bit slow in the beginning, but once that was over I was totally engrossed in the story.
Something Wicked is a cozy witchy read, with well developed characters, a good plot, a good atmosphere, a book I can recommend reading.
This book is a lovely cozy read, with unexpected turns which made that I really enjoyed reading it. It is a perfect book to read this spooky season, what with the magic Darryl had no ideas she had, and a haunted manor is the perfect setting. The plot, the story-line and the world-building made that I could not stop reading. The writing style is a bit slow in the beginning, but once that was over I was totally engrossed in the story.
Something Wicked is a cozy witchy read, with well developed characters, a good plot, a good atmosphere, a book I can recommend reading.
November 26, 2025
Darryl is whisked away to a new, and quieter countryside life, with her mum. They've inherited her grandmother's manor house, and of course, this gothic like building is going to hold more than a few secrets.
This book met alot of my favourite tropes!
- Family secrets / mystery
- Family relationships
- New friends in these weird situations
- Gothic style manor houses (top fav tbh!)
- Fantasy elements like magic etc
This was a quick read and I enjoyed meeting the characters and learning the secrets. It reminded me of some of my other favourite fantasy books, which I've either read recently or way back when... so there's a real nostalgia around it! I also enjoyed the flickers of perspective so you could really appreciate all the present day and historical day lives!
This book met alot of my favourite tropes!
- Family secrets / mystery
- Family relationships
- New friends in these weird situations
- Gothic style manor houses (top fav tbh!)
- Fantasy elements like magic etc
This was a quick read and I enjoyed meeting the characters and learning the secrets. It reminded me of some of my other favourite fantasy books, which I've either read recently or way back when... so there's a real nostalgia around it! I also enjoyed the flickers of perspective so you could really appreciate all the present day and historical day lives!
August 5, 2024
A cozy YA read. Darryl’s world turns upside down when her grandmother passes away and she moves into the inherited house with her mother. Finding out she is of magical lineage she must use her newfound power to send her black magic aunt back to the other world before she succeeds in her murderous plots.
Twists, turns, betrayal, heart-felt moments - makes for the perfect rainy day read. The relationships created between all the characters was like a web that was weaved perfectly and I absolutely adored them all. I honestly wanted to read more to see how they all turn out, especially after that ending cliffhanger??!! - no spoilers from me, you’ll have to go read it for yourself. ;)
Twists, turns, betrayal, heart-felt moments - makes for the perfect rainy day read. The relationships created between all the characters was like a web that was weaved perfectly and I absolutely adored them all. I honestly wanted to read more to see how they all turn out, especially after that ending cliffhanger??!! - no spoilers from me, you’ll have to go read it for yourself. ;)
October 13, 2024
This is such a lovely story, perfect for spooky season, and appropriate for any age once reading chapter books. I loved reading Lilith's diary entries. There's a feeling of childhood innocence, on the cusp of being lost. Hadley manor sounds so grand plus the gardens. Lots of detail. Wonderful characters.
I'm very interested in book 2! Amazing debut novel!
I really loved this book! It's perfect for spooky season (or anytime) plus suitable for YA on up! A book you'll love and can share. It's incredibly entertaining once the house is suddenly full. You won't see the twists coming. I highly recommend it!
I'm very interested in book 2! Amazing debut novel!
I really loved this book! It's perfect for spooky season (or anytime) plus suitable for YA on up! A book you'll love and can share. It's incredibly entertaining once the house is suddenly full. You won't see the twists coming. I highly recommend it!
October 13, 2024
If you're looking for a cosy witchy read this Autumn, then this is the book for you!
It's a young adult fantasy, that eases you into the story gently as we are introduced to the characters and their familial relationships. But there after, the action progresses, and the story gets a bit darker, when Daryl's newly found magic brings back her grandmother from the dead!
It's a cosy easy to read story of second chances, found family, and learning about the power you hold within. There's no spice (it's young adult) but there is a soft blossoming romance between Daryl and her neighbour Tod.
Thank you @bel.campbell for giving me a chance to read your book.
It's a young adult fantasy, that eases you into the story gently as we are introduced to the characters and their familial relationships. But there after, the action progresses, and the story gets a bit darker, when Daryl's newly found magic brings back her grandmother from the dead!
It's a cosy easy to read story of second chances, found family, and learning about the power you hold within. There's no spice (it's young adult) but there is a soft blossoming romance between Daryl and her neighbour Tod.
Thank you @bel.campbell for giving me a chance to read your book.
August 3, 2024
Well I think it’s safe to say I enjoyed this! I don’t think I’ve ever started and finished a book so quickly and I need more!
I was honoured to be given this as an ARC read and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute. The story is amazing, really enticing from the start and although there are lots of elements, it’s really easy to follow and fall in love with the characters.
If you’re looking for cosy witchy vibes, lost family and uncovering family secrets then this is the book for you. The perfect autumn read 🧡 Congratulations Bel , I truly loved this read 📚
I was honoured to be given this as an ARC read and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute. The story is amazing, really enticing from the start and although there are lots of elements, it’s really easy to follow and fall in love with the characters.
If you’re looking for cosy witchy vibes, lost family and uncovering family secrets then this is the book for you. The perfect autumn read 🧡 Congratulations Bel , I truly loved this read 📚
August 9, 2024
This was such a great, cozy, witchy read and I loved it! 💕
I loved the atmosphere, the characters and the mystery that surrounds Darryl’s life, the haunted manor and her grandma’s past. The writing was lovely and transported you as if you’re right there, experiencing the story right along with the characters.
Also, that cover? Gorgeous! 😍
I highly recommend giving this book a read if you’re into fantasy involving witches, autumn and spooky vibes! It’s perfect for the Halloween season! 🧙🎃👻
I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 2!!
Thank you so much Belinda for the ARC!
I loved the atmosphere, the characters and the mystery that surrounds Darryl’s life, the haunted manor and her grandma’s past. The writing was lovely and transported you as if you’re right there, experiencing the story right along with the characters.
Also, that cover? Gorgeous! 😍
I highly recommend giving this book a read if you’re into fantasy involving witches, autumn and spooky vibes! It’s perfect for the Halloween season! 🧙🎃👻
I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 2!!
Thank you so much Belinda for the ARC!
October 12, 2024
Such a great autumn read & if you are into uncovering family secrets then you’ll love this🖤 the beginning is slow and I struggled to keep reading but I am soooooo glad I did!
The second half of the book flew by and I found myself staying up later than usual just to read *one more chapter*
As an ARC reader, I’m so glad I got the opportunity to be one of the first readers and honestly I read it during the right season too. Such a good story for fall vibes
The second half of the book flew by and I found myself staying up later than usual just to read *one more chapter*
As an ARC reader, I’m so glad I got the opportunity to be one of the first readers and honestly I read it during the right season too. Such a good story for fall vibes
October 15, 2024
A perfect book for this spooky season. A magical witchy cozy book that has mystery, secrets and so much more. The character development and world-building were beautifully written and crafted. A third person Single POV with some insights on Lilith through her diary which made it so much easier to understand the story. Loved this easy lovely read. I recommend this book to all Fantasy witchy lovers.
Rating - 4.5
Rating - 4.5
November 1, 2024
This is the first novel I've read where I had the pleasure of critiquing much earlier drafts, so 5 stars for evolving before my very eyeballs! This is the perfect cosy read for when the clocks go back, woodsmoke is in the air and you're after something a magicky and vibrant that's got a little sprinkle of ghostly horror. Can't wait to see what Hadley Manor has in mind for Darryl in coming instalments!
January 21, 2025
I’m not usually a fantasy reader but I ate this up! It’s a nice cosy easy read with likeable characters and a strong plot. I like the flashes between the past and present with the diary entries and I’m looking forward to book 2 !
(I also know the author and have loved keeping up with her journey throughout the writing and publishing of this book! <3)
(I also know the author and have loved keeping up with her journey throughout the writing and publishing of this book! <3)
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