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Spellcaster #1
Spellcaster Wild Card
Winning the show means living forever. It is the golden ticket to fame, fortune, and a place among the vampire elite.
Being remade isn’t on my wish list. I like being me, and with nearly a million online followers, it's working. My parents and big sister are the do-gooders in our family who want to make the world a fair and just place for all humans and paranormal creatures. I just want to finish high school and keep doing what I do best—sharing hair and beauty tips while discussing Spellcaster and how the show’s vampire judge Malachi Rayne is the hottest male on the planet.
Then, life as I know it ends. There are evil forces who will stop at nothing to maintain world dominance—indefinitely.
It’s hard to care when I’ve become dead inside and out.
After my family is violently attacked, the host of Spellcaster insists I audition for Season 13. For the first time in the show’s history, they want to represent every species of paranormals. That’s me now. Not human. Not vampire. Not the class of creature anyone EVER cheers for.
This season’s prize is power beyond anyone’s imagination. It is the kind of reward that contestants and their sponsors would kill to possess.
Let the other contestants and judges underestimate me. They can gossip all they want about the hotshot wizard and the intimidating werewolf behaving as though I’m another prize to be won. And if Coach Malachi can't handle a bold influencer with abilities, then he can suck it. I preferred watching him from the other side of the screen. He's about to discover that Haylee Hutchins is a force to be reckoned with. The whole world will.
Someone thought they could silence my family for good. Instead, they created a monster. I’m still here, and I am much harder to kill.
Being remade isn’t on my wish list. I like being me, and with nearly a million online followers, it's working. My parents and big sister are the do-gooders in our family who want to make the world a fair and just place for all humans and paranormal creatures. I just want to finish high school and keep doing what I do best—sharing hair and beauty tips while discussing Spellcaster and how the show’s vampire judge Malachi Rayne is the hottest male on the planet.
Then, life as I know it ends. There are evil forces who will stop at nothing to maintain world dominance—indefinitely.
It’s hard to care when I’ve become dead inside and out.
After my family is violently attacked, the host of Spellcaster insists I audition for Season 13. For the first time in the show’s history, they want to represent every species of paranormals. That’s me now. Not human. Not vampire. Not the class of creature anyone EVER cheers for.
This season’s prize is power beyond anyone’s imagination. It is the kind of reward that contestants and their sponsors would kill to possess.
Let the other contestants and judges underestimate me. They can gossip all they want about the hotshot wizard and the intimidating werewolf behaving as though I’m another prize to be won. And if Coach Malachi can't handle a bold influencer with abilities, then he can suck it. I preferred watching him from the other side of the screen. He's about to discover that Haylee Hutchins is a force to be reckoned with. The whole world will.
Someone thought they could silence my family for good. Instead, they created a monster. I’m still here, and I am much harder to kill.
572 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
18 people are currently reading
5214 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Jefford
60 books1,055 followersReality is overrated ... which is why I write!
Vampire hunters, wolf shifters, witches, elves and Fae with humor, romance, snark and steam. I love bad boys with hearts of gold and heroines who kick ass.
To get in on the fun and adventure, visit my website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you become a VIP newsletter subscriber: http://nikkijefford.com/
Vampire hunters, wolf shifters, witches, elves and Fae with humor, romance, snark and steam. I love bad boys with hearts of gold and heroines who kick ass.
To get in on the fun and adventure, visit my website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you become a VIP newsletter subscriber: http://nikkijefford.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 10, 2024
Not only is this special edition beautiful, it was such a great read! Haylee had the best life until a Z hoarde turns her world upside down and turns her into the creature she feared. Competing on Spellcaster is the only way she can avenge her family. But life has other plans for our girl. She is forced to do something she can never take back. The cliffhanger is unreal and had my jaw on the floor! I cannot wait until book 2!!!
Want to read
June 14, 2024I just got an ARC, I'm super excited to read this!!
I haven't read a Nikki Jefford book since the Spellbound Series back in 2012
I haven't read a Nikki Jefford book since the Spellbound Series back in 2012
May 24, 2025
ARC
eARC recieved from NetGalley.
The more I read, the more I liked it. This is my first time reading such a unique 'paranormal' themed book. The first few chapters are a bit slow, but it makes sense, considering the amount of world-building!
Of all things paranormal, I wouldn't say I like zombies, but wow. This book (and Haylee, really) changed my mind. And, it's not only a 'zombie' book - there are so many wonderful characters from other supernatural species.
The writing is excellent. You can feel Haylee's tornado of emotions and her turmoil at being one of the very few who survived an attack but having turned into a zombie. She is now forever 17 but is also forced to grow up and take matters into her own hands to protect herself and her little cousin from vampires, more zombies, and her abusive uncle, TJ.
There's an element of mystery as the characters try to investigate why the attack happened. We get a bit of romance; and on the main stage (pun intended 😗) - The Spellcaster competition, with a grand winning prize that could change Haylee's life.
I shall be waiting for book two cause I need to know what happened next real bad!!!
eARC recieved from NetGalley.
The more I read, the more I liked it. This is my first time reading such a unique 'paranormal' themed book. The first few chapters are a bit slow, but it makes sense, considering the amount of world-building!
Of all things paranormal, I wouldn't say I like zombies, but wow. This book (and Haylee, really) changed my mind. And, it's not only a 'zombie' book - there are so many wonderful characters from other supernatural species.
The writing is excellent. You can feel Haylee's tornado of emotions and her turmoil at being one of the very few who survived an attack but having turned into a zombie. She is now forever 17 but is also forced to grow up and take matters into her own hands to protect herself and her little cousin from vampires, more zombies, and her abusive uncle, TJ.
There's an element of mystery as the characters try to investigate why the attack happened. We get a bit of romance; and on the main stage (pun intended 😗) - The Spellcaster competition, with a grand winning prize that could change Haylee's life.
I shall be waiting for book two cause I need to know what happened next real bad!!!
January 3, 2025
Haylee isn’t your average seventeen year old, she is a beauty influencer obsessed with the TV Show Spellcaster and one of the Judges Malachi Rayne.
In a world with magical creatures roaming the earth with humans, it’s easier to just be human. If you are a vampire or witch, people love you or hate you. If you are a zombie, people will just kill you.
I love the world that Nikki created. She makes you think sometimes. I really hated Haylee some portions of the book, but then I remembered that she is only seventeen. No matter how much she says she’s not a child, she acts like one. I want to know more about the vampire lore and why people have a love/hate relationship with them. What’s the hierarchy of this world? Who can trust who? The tv show aspect was like a mix of Survivor and American Idol. I want to know more about Haylee and this love triangle. Or square. I don’t know. Why choose? Haha
In a world with magical creatures roaming the earth with humans, it’s easier to just be human. If you are a vampire or witch, people love you or hate you. If you are a zombie, people will just kill you.
I love the world that Nikki created. She makes you think sometimes. I really hated Haylee some portions of the book, but then I remembered that she is only seventeen. No matter how much she says she’s not a child, she acts like one. I want to know more about the vampire lore and why people have a love/hate relationship with them. What’s the hierarchy of this world? Who can trust who? The tv show aspect was like a mix of Survivor and American Idol. I want to know more about Haylee and this love triangle. Or square. I don’t know. Why choose? Haha
October 2, 2024
Fang-tastic! This book creates a new take on supernatural creatures (vamps, werewolves, witches, and zombies) living among humans from the POV of a teen beauty-product influencer known for her magic-casting skills. I won’t spoil the heart-stopping twist in the beginning… I’ll sum up with: Spellcaster is a macabre take on a magic-focused reality show competition that delves into deep societal hardships, including celebrity obsession with elite vampire cliques and species relations/tensions, which comes with stereotyping and bigotry, competitor alliances and, in turn, hate crimes and hazing, all played out with a full cast of unique, relatable, and vibrant characters—and lots of action amidst gut-wrenching emotional turmoil. You really feel for Haylee and panic and push right along with her toward her goal of winning the show and getting answers to the big twist, because Jefford does a stellar job of bringing the reader into Haylee’s mind (she notes what everyone is wearing, no matter the circumstance—though not judgy; she’s the underdog you want to root for!), which includes a few PG-13 hints of romance. My only qualm: Gah! That cliffhanger! I will be dropping whatever I’m reading for book 2 when it releases. I must know the answers to the many questions this lengthy book introduces!
May 23, 2024
Fanfreakingtastic! There are so many surprises that the synopsis can't possibly prepare you for. This isn't just about a competition or spellcasting. It's about family and love and trust, bigotry, heartache, loss, murder and metamorphosis.
The underdog that will steal your heart is nothing at the conclusion like what she was at the beginning. But her heart never waivers, and that's the heart of this tale. Going on when everything seeks to destroy you and discovering the will to dance in the ruin and decay of your dreams when everything turns into a nightmare.
This is beautifully haunting and superbly written. The cliffhanger will rob the breath from your body. Cannot wait for more!
The underdog that will steal your heart is nothing at the conclusion like what she was at the beginning. But her heart never waivers, and that's the heart of this tale. Going on when everything seeks to destroy you and discovering the will to dance in the ruin and decay of your dreams when everything turns into a nightmare.
This is beautifully haunting and superbly written. The cliffhanger will rob the breath from your body. Cannot wait for more!
June 29, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is absolutely amazing I can’t say enough good things about it and I am heartbroken book two isn’t out yet I need to know what happens.
There are so many unexpected twists and turns that I NEVER seen coming.
This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be going through her back catalogue
Haylee is one of the best FMCs I have read this year who doesn’t need anyone to save her she can save herself and I LOVE that
This book is absolutely amazing I can’t say enough good things about it and I am heartbroken book two isn’t out yet I need to know what happens.
There are so many unexpected twists and turns that I NEVER seen coming.
This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be going through her back catalogue
Haylee is one of the best FMCs I have read this year who doesn’t need anyone to save her she can save herself and I LOVE that
October 11, 2024
Could not put it down!! And what an ending! Patiently awaiting book two, because omg what a ride.
Wonderfully written, beautiful characters, excellent messaging. Simply amazing.
YA Dark Urban fantasy with a magical show akin to “the voice” but with spell casting. It was so fun to read. Loved. It.
Wonderfully written, beautiful characters, excellent messaging. Simply amazing.
YA Dark Urban fantasy with a magical show akin to “the voice” but with spell casting. It was so fun to read. Loved. It.
Read
February 9, 2025I’m just not in the mood to read this book right now
January 10, 2025
First,
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from the author through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
Second, wow! I liked this book so much and I may come back and amend my star rating as I sit with it because I can’t wait to read the second book. (I did ammend it as it turned out to be my favorite read of the year out of 420 books read).
The biggest issue I had with it is I wanted more backstory. I’m going to try to write this without any spoilers which is difficult. The book starts like a typical YA book (yes it’s YA and clearly marked as such except in the end it’s actually a bit more like NA to be honest but more on that after…)
Giving some world building background and then bam a situation happens and everything turns left. Now some of that is for good reason but there is also that it feels like a lot is missing in that world building. Particularly in how different groups of society relate to each other in an in-depth way.
Throughout the book you do get bits here and there about the emotions of the different groups as it relates to one another but not really the “why”. It’s just a given. So in a book that is so descriptive about many aspects it feel like someone took a chunk of the book and deleted it. The other missing part is after this event you don’t get the fall out. There is no insight to how the world dealt with an influencer with 1 million followers going through the event and subsequently making the decisions that she did.
Now it’s a lengthy book which I personally would not have minded if it was longer or it couldn’t have easily been split into two volumes from that one book so you could get all that missing information. Also for a book that is so beautifully descriptive where you can easily visualize what is going on, I don’t feel like I know the FMC very well from a character development standpoint. That being said, it doesn’t affect the enjoyment of the book.
I know the above may seem negative but it’s just because the story was so engaging and enjoyable you want to know more and have it reach its full potential. But this just makes excited for book two as maybe I’ll get some answers!
As for it being “YA”. It is because the Female protagonist is 17 but for most of the book she is definitely in a more adult world where you enter more of the NA genre even if she has a bit of teenaged angst, but what young women doesn’t? It really is a book for all ages. I love the reality game show angle. I think you can hate reality TV and the trope and still enjoy this subplot as it’s different from the typical and give beautiful imagery.
This book is so filled with details, sub plots and micro plots that it can be a series for many many books if the author so chooses and I hope she does. I so look forward to the next book and it’s going to live rent free in my head as I want to know what happens! So far I was able to naturally figure out some of the light twists along the way as well as the major one even though I wasn’t trying to figure them out but it didn’t take away at all and I think it’s a personal thing and not because it’s predictable.
Definitely add this to your TBR for October 1, 2024! Perfect book to get into the Halloween season!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from the author through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
Second, wow! I liked this book so much and I may come back and amend my star rating as I sit with it because I can’t wait to read the second book. (I did ammend it as it turned out to be my favorite read of the year out of 420 books read).
The biggest issue I had with it is I wanted more backstory. I’m going to try to write this without any spoilers which is difficult. The book starts like a typical YA book (yes it’s YA and clearly marked as such except in the end it’s actually a bit more like NA to be honest but more on that after…)
Giving some world building background and then bam a situation happens and everything turns left. Now some of that is for good reason but there is also that it feels like a lot is missing in that world building. Particularly in how different groups of society relate to each other in an in-depth way.
Throughout the book you do get bits here and there about the emotions of the different groups as it relates to one another but not really the “why”. It’s just a given. So in a book that is so descriptive about many aspects it feel like someone took a chunk of the book and deleted it. The other missing part is after this event you don’t get the fall out. There is no insight to how the world dealt with an influencer with 1 million followers going through the event and subsequently making the decisions that she did.
Now it’s a lengthy book which I personally would not have minded if it was longer or it couldn’t have easily been split into two volumes from that one book so you could get all that missing information. Also for a book that is so beautifully descriptive where you can easily visualize what is going on, I don’t feel like I know the FMC very well from a character development standpoint. That being said, it doesn’t affect the enjoyment of the book.
I know the above may seem negative but it’s just because the story was so engaging and enjoyable you want to know more and have it reach its full potential. But this just makes excited for book two as maybe I’ll get some answers!
As for it being “YA”. It is because the Female protagonist is 17 but for most of the book she is definitely in a more adult world where you enter more of the NA genre even if she has a bit of teenaged angst, but what young women doesn’t? It really is a book for all ages. I love the reality game show angle. I think you can hate reality TV and the trope and still enjoy this subplot as it’s different from the typical and give beautiful imagery.
This book is so filled with details, sub plots and micro plots that it can be a series for many many books if the author so chooses and I hope she does. I so look forward to the next book and it’s going to live rent free in my head as I want to know what happens! So far I was able to naturally figure out some of the light twists along the way as well as the major one even though I wasn’t trying to figure them out but it didn’t take away at all and I think it’s a personal thing and not because it’s predictable.
Definitely add this to your TBR for October 1, 2024! Perfect book to get into the Halloween season!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
August 16, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was an interesting book. We meet highschooler Haylee, who is a spellcaster snf has a huge following online with her makeup skills. She is your typical teenage girl with parents and an awesome sister on college. The world is aware of supernaturals now and there is even a reality TV competition that has the hottest vamp ever, Malachi...swoon! After a holiday dinner, Haylee's family is attacked by a horde of mindless zombies and her and her little cousin are the only survivors....well her cuz is. Things are dramatically different for Haylee now being a zombie. She is treated like a lesser being now and is determined to find out who hired the hit on her family with thr help of her sisters fiance. To top is off, Haylee has been cast in Spellcaster season 13...supernatural edition and hopes to win to get redemption for her family. It isn't easy by any means, she is picked on by the vamps, ridiculed by the Witches but is a crowd favourite. Things are not what they seem and now more than ever Haylee needs to watch her back.
October 29, 2025
I was hooked right from the start, the story is just pure genius ❤️🔥❤️ I LOVE it!
It's so well written I could not help but feel Haylee's emotions. I love the world, the competition, the characters, the story. This book gave me the feels! I'm super tired right now because I had difficulty putting it down to go to sleep and then I could not stop thinking about it! Even at work! This is a must read and I can't wait to know what will happen next.
It's so well written I could not help but feel Haylee's emotions. I love the world, the competition, the characters, the story. This book gave me the feels! I'm super tired right now because I had difficulty putting it down to go to sleep and then I could not stop thinking about it! Even at work! This is a must read and I can't wait to know what will happen next.
Read
November 6, 2025The Spellcaster Duology is complete on November 19, 2025! Woo-hoo!
You can preorder a deluxe limited-deluxe edition duet set while supplies last! 💀⛤🪄⛤🕷️
🦋 Deluxe editions: https://nikkijefford.com/product-cate...
✨ I can't wait for you to experience this beautiful and brutal world.
xo, Nikki
You can preorder a deluxe limited-deluxe edition duet set while supplies last! 💀⛤🪄⛤🕷️
🦋 Deluxe editions: https://nikkijefford.com/product-cate...
✨ I can't wait for you to experience this beautiful and brutal world.
xo, Nikki
August 28, 2024
This book caught my eye at a time when I was planning to take a break from ARC reading. Still I was intrigued enough to pick it up - and I am so glad I did! This is the work of a witch, who magically threw powerful feelings into a cauldron of emotions and spelled me to be unable to put this book down.
The construct is very clever! The author started with a prologue which made me wonder the whole time about who and how, expecting the unexpected. Then there was the building of the MC - a young girl with exceptional parents who raise her on the side of good and meet such a gruesome end that it ripped my heart badly enough to almost stop reading. At that point, at just the right time, a seed of hope appeared and grew slowly to show the world as it is, as we all know it: some good, some evil and everything in between - cruelty, love, ambition, pity, greed, empathy, power, dispair, joy, division… and a whole lot of manipulation.
The blurb is good, it portrays the plot's essence and makes you want to know more. Very good world building, interesting and complex characters, excellent writing, surprising twists and turns and the well thought out plot make me to really look forward to reading the second part. Dive into a maelstrom of loss, grit, struggle, dispair, strengh, love, vengeance and the longing to belong, and you will have to brake hard to not crash into an unbearable cliffhanger - it is that good!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The construct is very clever! The author started with a prologue which made me wonder the whole time about who and how, expecting the unexpected. Then there was the building of the MC - a young girl with exceptional parents who raise her on the side of good and meet such a gruesome end that it ripped my heart badly enough to almost stop reading. At that point, at just the right time, a seed of hope appeared and grew slowly to show the world as it is, as we all know it: some good, some evil and everything in between - cruelty, love, ambition, pity, greed, empathy, power, dispair, joy, division… and a whole lot of manipulation.
The blurb is good, it portrays the plot's essence and makes you want to know more. Very good world building, interesting and complex characters, excellent writing, surprising twists and turns and the well thought out plot make me to really look forward to reading the second part. Dive into a maelstrom of loss, grit, struggle, dispair, strengh, love, vengeance and the longing to belong, and you will have to brake hard to not crash into an unbearable cliffhanger - it is that good!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2024
This book caught my eye at a time when I was planning to take a break from ARC reading. Still I was intrigued enough to pick it up - and I am so glad I did! This is the work of a witch, who magically threw powerful feelings into a cauldron of emotions and spelled me to be unable to put this book down.
The construct is very clever! The author started with a prologue which made me wonder the whole time about who and how, expecting the unexpected. Then there was the building of the MC - a young girl with exceptional parents who raise her on the side of good and meet such a gruesome end that it ripped my heart badly enough to almost stop reading. At that point, at just the right time, a seed of hope appeared and grew slowly to show the world as it is, as we all know it: some good, some evil and everything in between - cruelty, love, ambition, pity, greed, empathy, power, dispair, joy, division… and a whole lot of manipulation.
The blurb is good, it portrays the plot's essence and makes you want to know more. Very good world building, interesting and complex characters, excellent writing, surprising twists and turns and the well thought out plot make me to really look forward to reading the second part. Dive into a maelstrom of loss, grit, struggle, dispair, strengh, love, vengeance and the longing to belong, and you will have to brake hard to not crash into an unbearable cliffhanger - it is that good!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The construct is very clever! The author started with a prologue which made me wonder the whole time about who and how, expecting the unexpected. Then there was the building of the MC - a young girl with exceptional parents who raise her on the side of good and meet such a gruesome end that it ripped my heart badly enough to almost stop reading. At that point, at just the right time, a seed of hope appeared and grew slowly to show the world as it is, as we all know it: some good, some evil and everything in between - cruelty, love, ambition, pity, greed, empathy, power, dispair, joy, division… and a whole lot of manipulation.
The blurb is good, it portrays the plot's essence and makes you want to know more. Very good world building, interesting and complex characters, excellent writing, surprising twists and turns and the well thought out plot make me to really look forward to reading the second part. Dive into a maelstrom of loss, grit, struggle, dispair, strengh, love, vengeance and the longing to belong, and you will have to brake hard to not crash into an unbearable cliffhanger - it is that good!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2025
I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I picked up this book because I read someone’s review that said something along the lines of “I can always predict a plot but this book had me guessing the entire time.” So I took it as a personal challenge because I always feel like book plots are predictable. Which is fine. Doesn’t make it a bad story. But I was sure I would be able to guess where this was going to go. Especially since the author starts with end. Seems like a “duh” kind of book. Nope.
This one was full of legit surprises that ACTUALLY MADE SENSE and flowed with the story line. It wasn’t a twist or turn for the sake of a twist or turn.
I don’t usually like coming-of-age books because I’m basically past my expiration date in terms of age and coolness, BUT I actually enjoyed this one. Going to text my high-school niece to recommend this book to her.
I don’t usually write reviews because I don’t like to praise stuff that’s “meh.”
This book was worth a review. Read it.
Oh. A side note. For those who aren’t big into pentagrams or the occult, this is NOT that at all, despite the cover. It’s a paranormal world with multiple species. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at any point of the book in regard to occult magic. There wasn’t any. It was like Harry Potter and The Voice had a baby in a modern world.
Another side note. I did skip a lot of the main character’ inner monologue and emotional stuff. I’m here for the plot, world building, and dialogue. Character development? Eh. It’s good but I still skip it. I know. I’m a monster.
Hope this review helps.
This one was full of legit surprises that ACTUALLY MADE SENSE and flowed with the story line. It wasn’t a twist or turn for the sake of a twist or turn.
I don’t usually like coming-of-age books because I’m basically past my expiration date in terms of age and coolness, BUT I actually enjoyed this one. Going to text my high-school niece to recommend this book to her.
I don’t usually write reviews because I don’t like to praise stuff that’s “meh.”
This book was worth a review. Read it.
Oh. A side note. For those who aren’t big into pentagrams or the occult, this is NOT that at all, despite the cover. It’s a paranormal world with multiple species. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at any point of the book in regard to occult magic. There wasn’t any. It was like Harry Potter and The Voice had a baby in a modern world.
Another side note. I did skip a lot of the main character’ inner monologue and emotional stuff. I’m here for the plot, world building, and dialogue. Character development? Eh. It’s good but I still skip it. I know. I’m a monster.
Hope this review helps.
January 28, 2025
ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!
I've been reading Nikki Jefford's books for almost a decade. I always enjoy them so I expected no less with this book, I was not disappointed. This book takes the whole dang cake.
The first 6 chapters are a slow burn, getting to know the characters and understanding of the MFC. After that prepare to be put through a blender of emotions. I laugh, I cheered, and yes, I ugly cried.
Haylee Hutchins is a normal human teenager who loves her social influencer life and her family, besides her beauty videos she is a huge fan of the reality show Spellcaster. Think The Voice, with 4 judges/teams and blind judging, but performances more in line with America's Got Talent.
One horrifying day that all changes and she becomes the one thing she never wanted to be. Now she has to navigate life as something everyone hates. The bright spot to this horror is, it allows her the chance to be one of the contestants on her favorite show.
Will she learn to love herself as is? Will the world learn to accept her? Will she solve the mystery of what happened that horrific day?
This book had so many twist that even someone like me, who is always able to predict endings, never saw the biggest twist of all coming. My jaw dropped with the endings big reveal and I'm left eagerly awaiting book 2.
This is an absolute MUST READ!!!
“Be bold. Be beautiful. And always be yourself.”
I've been reading Nikki Jefford's books for almost a decade. I always enjoy them so I expected no less with this book, I was not disappointed. This book takes the whole dang cake.
The first 6 chapters are a slow burn, getting to know the characters and understanding of the MFC. After that prepare to be put through a blender of emotions. I laugh, I cheered, and yes, I ugly cried.
Haylee Hutchins is a normal human teenager who loves her social influencer life and her family, besides her beauty videos she is a huge fan of the reality show Spellcaster. Think The Voice, with 4 judges/teams and blind judging, but performances more in line with America's Got Talent.
One horrifying day that all changes and she becomes the one thing she never wanted to be. Now she has to navigate life as something everyone hates. The bright spot to this horror is, it allows her the chance to be one of the contestants on her favorite show.
Will she learn to love herself as is? Will the world learn to accept her? Will she solve the mystery of what happened that horrific day?
This book had so many twist that even someone like me, who is always able to predict endings, never saw the biggest twist of all coming. My jaw dropped with the endings big reveal and I'm left eagerly awaiting book 2.
This is an absolute MUST READ!!!
“Be bold. Be beautiful. And always be yourself.”
October 14, 2024
“Come fly with me. I am the sky.”
Just finished SPELLCASTER WILDCARD!!!!! is a force of nature!!!! I couldn’t put this baby down! i was bewitched and captivated with every page until the very end!
Spellcaster Wildcard takes us on a wild supernatural teenager experience into Haileys life : a beautiful human girl whose life changes in one horror night. Dead.. but not quite dead she must navigate her new life and find herself once more. Grieving and finding the silver lining, every one and everything seems stack against her… until Spellcaster that is.
Haileys story is heartbreaking and yet inspiring because she doesn’t give up. Shes a constant reminder to those such as herself who have lost loved ones …we must go on.
Im rooting for Hailey ! She deserves justice, vengeance and love!! Cant wait for the next book! That ending had me sobbing!!! #TeamKaceAndHailey#teamZ
“be bold, be beautiful, and always be yourself.”
Just finished SPELLCASTER WILDCARD!!!!! is a force of nature!!!! I couldn’t put this baby down! i was bewitched and captivated with every page until the very end!
Spellcaster Wildcard takes us on a wild supernatural teenager experience into Haileys life : a beautiful human girl whose life changes in one horror night. Dead.. but not quite dead she must navigate her new life and find herself once more. Grieving and finding the silver lining, every one and everything seems stack against her… until Spellcaster that is.
Haileys story is heartbreaking and yet inspiring because she doesn’t give up. Shes a constant reminder to those such as herself who have lost loved ones …we must go on.
Im rooting for Hailey ! She deserves justice, vengeance and love!! Cant wait for the next book! That ending had me sobbing!!! #TeamKaceAndHailey#teamZ
“be bold, be beautiful, and always be yourself.”
October 24, 2024
Wow, this book was fantastic!
We didn't "click right from the start though, somehow I had expected - whatever and it took me a second try to get into the book. Once I was "in", I simply couldn't put it down. I was glued to the pages and suffered through heartbreak, found courage and friendship and, well, reading about all this, I needed a couple of hankies as well.
A wonderful strong female lead whose life is shattered but who picks up the pieces and just keeps moving and fighting. This story is everything, it has all the feelings, is absolutely unique, imaginative and - then there was this cliffhanger. I mean, I get it, almost 700 pages is a lot and I love ve that there will be a second book but - that cliffy was sooo hard. *sniff*
I can't wait to see where this story will lead us, till then, I'll just have to reread this book all over again. And probably again.
As Haylee would say: “Be bold. Be beautiful. And always be yourself.”
And read Spellcaster, of course!
We didn't "click right from the start though, somehow I had expected - whatever and it took me a second try to get into the book. Once I was "in", I simply couldn't put it down. I was glued to the pages and suffered through heartbreak, found courage and friendship and, well, reading about all this, I needed a couple of hankies as well.
A wonderful strong female lead whose life is shattered but who picks up the pieces and just keeps moving and fighting. This story is everything, it has all the feelings, is absolutely unique, imaginative and - then there was this cliffhanger. I mean, I get it, almost 700 pages is a lot and I love ve that there will be a second book but - that cliffy was sooo hard. *sniff*
I can't wait to see where this story will lead us, till then, I'll just have to reread this book all over again. And probably again.
As Haylee would say: “Be bold. Be beautiful. And always be yourself.”
And read Spellcaster, of course!
September 15, 2024
This book is original, relatable, and keeps you wanting more!
The emotions this book leaves you going through is a rollercoaster like you're at Universal Studios.
You'll feel grief, anger, happiness, and a feeling of wholesomeness while reading Spellcaster Wild Card by Nikki Jefford.
Haylee is a girl that everyone doubts because she's not your typical girl. She's the kind of girl that stands out and doesn't fit in with the crowd which is what makes you love her! M
I don't normally read zombie books, but this is absolutely a 5 star zombie read that will leave you wanting to hug your family and cherish every minute with them.
Everyone who ever felt left out, different, bullied, and like you were the black sheep should read this book. Stand up to all the Mullocan Cockatoos and know you are a star!
This is an advanced review copy I received for fee and this is a 100% honest review.
The emotions this book leaves you going through is a rollercoaster like you're at Universal Studios.
You'll feel grief, anger, happiness, and a feeling of wholesomeness while reading Spellcaster Wild Card by Nikki Jefford.
Haylee is a girl that everyone doubts because she's not your typical girl. She's the kind of girl that stands out and doesn't fit in with the crowd which is what makes you love her! M
I don't normally read zombie books, but this is absolutely a 5 star zombie read that will leave you wanting to hug your family and cherish every minute with them.
Everyone who ever felt left out, different, bullied, and like you were the black sheep should read this book. Stand up to all the Mullocan Cockatoos and know you are a star!
This is an advanced review copy I received for fee and this is a 100% honest review.
July 31, 2024
Netgalley approved ARC.
YA, urban fantasy.
WOW. A completely new take on magic and supernatural creatures, all living in the same world navigating hardships together.
Our main FMC, Haylee, is a teen who is big on make-up, fashion and an influencer on what I would dub this world's "Tiktok".
After being obsessed with the show "Spellcaster", she finally gets a shot at auditioning. A huge opportunity after a major event in her life, and the show gives her a sense of purpose once more.
Portraying teenage hardships, bigotry, "racism", teenage love and rejection, this novel is perfect for those who want a compelling story of friendship and finding yourself, along with mystery solving and adventure on the side.
YA, urban fantasy.
WOW. A completely new take on magic and supernatural creatures, all living in the same world navigating hardships together.
Our main FMC, Haylee, is a teen who is big on make-up, fashion and an influencer on what I would dub this world's "Tiktok".
After being obsessed with the show "Spellcaster", she finally gets a shot at auditioning. A huge opportunity after a major event in her life, and the show gives her a sense of purpose once more.
Portraying teenage hardships, bigotry, "racism", teenage love and rejection, this novel is perfect for those who want a compelling story of friendship and finding yourself, along with mystery solving and adventure on the side.
August 11, 2024
I received Spellcaster Wild Card as an ARC, and am voluntarily leaving this review. I wholeheartedly recommend! I haven’t read a lot of YA in the past few years but always loved Nikki Jefford’s books in the past. This one is no exception (& has a beautiful cover). It’s so much more than a supernatural competition-it’s also emotional, contains crazy twists & I couldn’t stop reading it. Great lead character whose life took so many devastating turns but keeps fighting every step of the way. I am so mad I have to wait for the next one but excited for it to be released! Thank you for the ARC. So good!
August 15, 2024
This book was Beautifully written. It's got plot twists you never see coming! It offers a rare experience of getting wolves, vamps, witches, wizards and zombies all in one. That part alone had me bragging to my fellow avid readers to snag the book as soon as possible. I would have liked to have seen more of a solid romance interest earlier in the book. By the end of the book I was still confused on who the FMC was wanting at her side. Apart from that I couldn't put it down! Cannot wait to see what's next for the spunky underdog. Very well done!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and cannot wait for the second book!!!
October 7, 2024
I received the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I will say this is a first zombie book I’ve read and it was completely different than anything I’ve read before with how the world works! I loved how unique it was and how it kept you on your toes! It was a bit slow in some parts but it is understandable as it was world building!!
I especially was interested once her love triangle started to pick up around halfway through the book!! That was fun and I have so many questions! I need book 2 now to know how Haylee’s story ends after that huge plot twist at the end!! Didn’t see that coming at all!! Loved this book and appreciate the opportunity to read it first!
I will say this is a first zombie book I’ve read and it was completely different than anything I’ve read before with how the world works! I loved how unique it was and how it kept you on your toes! It was a bit slow in some parts but it is understandable as it was world building!!
I especially was interested once her love triangle started to pick up around halfway through the book!! That was fun and I have so many questions! I need book 2 now to know how Haylee’s story ends after that huge plot twist at the end!! Didn’t see that coming at all!! Loved this book and appreciate the opportunity to read it first!
August 18, 2024
Oh my days, what a book! This is like no zombie novel you’ve ever read. Forget everything you thought you ever knew about being undead… it’s time for a spellcaster makeover! #zombierules #zombiedreams
I loved this book. It started strong and just got better and better. I need the next book like a zombie horde needs fresh meat. It’s got teenage angst, horror, romance, magic and is a ‘who done it’! I devoured it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. It started strong and just got better and better. I need the next book like a zombie horde needs fresh meat. It’s got teenage angst, horror, romance, magic and is a ‘who done it’! I devoured it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2025
To be honest, I thought I wouldn't like this book because I couldn't imagine a zombie not being gross or anything else. But, I have to say that I am so very happy that I read this book! It was so well written and so entertaining and I went through so many emotions while reading, that I had a very, very hard time putting this book down when I had to deal with life! I couldn't wait to get back to this amazing imaginative and wonderful story! I can't wait for the rest of it! I absolutely love this book! You will too! You absolutely have to buy this book! You won't regret it at all!
June 15, 2024
I'm not usually into Zombies, but this book has changed my mind. I loved Haylee and her strength with a never give up attitude.I can't wait for the next book.
If you loved the voice TV show and you love magic and supernaturals then you will love this book.
If you loved the voice TV show and you love magic and supernaturals then you will love this book.
August 12, 2024
This book was great! The characters were well developed and the plot was chefs kiss. I actually have the physical special edition because I loved it so much. If you love Cassandra Claire, Stephanie Meyer, Shannon Mayer and Illona Andrews you will love this book.
April 13, 2025
I devoured this book !
It’s ya fantasy based around a girl who lost her family and was turned into something against her will. She soon has one of her dreams come true and ends up on her favorite show Spellcaster . But little does she know being on the show puts a bigger target on her back .
It’s ya fantasy based around a girl who lost her family and was turned into something against her will. She soon has one of her dreams come true and ends up on her favorite show Spellcaster . But little does she know being on the show puts a bigger target on her back .
September 30, 2024
I got this early and I couldn’t be happier!
This story really made me feel seen so I just love that more authors are writing characters more like me!
This story really made me feel seen so I just love that more authors are writing characters more like me!
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