Incantations of Blood

by S.R. Fischer

Celia Dickenson finds herself alone in the forest, searching for a missing woman. Minerva Penderghast performs a seance at the behest of a grieving family, only to reap disastrous consequences. Maeve Baudelaire is reeling from the unexpected loss of her mother.

For these three women, all roads lead to Shady Grove.

But ancient demonic forces are stirring deep in the forest surrounding the small town, clamoring for sacrificed souls to slake their thirst. Armed with a cursed book and knowledge of the occult, can an unlikely group of friends save Shady Grove from a threat that's been festering for centuries? Welcome to Shady a town where horrifying family secrets and coming of age just might be the end of you.

Genres: Horror

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2024

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should be no surprise that I met (virtually) S.R. Fischer in private chats led by Indie darlings Megan Stockton and Gage Greenwood. Having read Incantations of Blood, I am reminded that talent recognizes and appreciates talent. Megan and Gage are both immensely skilled at their craft, and this debut novel is proof that S.R. is, too.

Fischer's debut includes many of my favorite things in dark fiction. Occultism, complex characters, small towns with mysteries and secrets, and strong females leading a fight that will either save everyone or condemn them to a fate worse than death.

I am also a big fan of prologues that launch you immediately into the story. And this one does so with a vengeance! A lone woman trekking through a dark forest, headed toward a clandestine meeting with a stranger. Instantly creepy, instantly addicted!

Missing women, a cursed, ancient book that is craving blood, familial secrets and town mysteries. Incantations of Blood has all this, with characters that are believable and easy to empathize with and root for.

I highly recommend checking out this talented author's debut. Her writing style is smooth and elegant, while the story itself is dark and sinister. A brilliant combination. Plus, the ending, while satisfying, leaves this tale wide open for more. Sequel please!

[L.M. Kaplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah R Fischer brings her D game with her debut release, Incantations of Blood. Get your mind out of the gutter, I’m talking about Dark Magic, Demons and Death. When Maeve visits the town where her mother disappeared, it doesn’t take long for her to realize something sinister is going on. As she unravels the mystery in this small town, learning about her own history in the process, she may be the next one that ends up missing. With an ending that goes off the rails, you’ll blow through this fast paced occult horror in a few sittings (or less) to find out what happens next.

[Joseph Murnane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wrapped this up and what an explosive finish! Incantations of Blood is a terrific debut that does some really fun stuff with small towns and occultism. With characters I cared about and a great build up to the action at the end, and even a couple laughs along the way!

Give it a try, and keep an eye out! I know a little bit about what she’s working on now and I’m really excited for Savannah’s next project!

Gogogo!

[Alison Faichney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid debut from a new voice in the indie horror world. I loved the BoH shoutouts and also the indie author name drops. I always love how close the indie horror community proves to be.

In Incantations of Blood we follow Maeve to the small town of Shady Grove, IN. Maeve has traveled to the town after the death of her mother who was killed during a seance in the town. There’s lots of demonology, curses, sacrifices and more to get the story going. It features a small cast of characters who are mostly likable.

Fischer’s writing is strong but the book does veer into more cinematic territory. I struggled with some of the instant bonding in the story but that could just be because of my own grumpy pessimism about familial ties. I also found the story stayed a bit predictable and on the nose. Many of the surprises contained were expected. Being a Southerner, I also struggled with Carol’s portrayal. It felt a bit like a caricature at times.

Overall, if you like fast paced horror which will have you feeling like you’re watching a horror movie, I’d definitely give this one a go. I look forward to seeing what Fischer puts out moving forward.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is apparently the authors Debut and while of course I had some small criticisms, this was honestly a awesome story!

In 163 ( I believe ) pages S.R. Fischer packed a LOT in. Which I will be the first to admit I ALWAYS tend to critique. If you want to cover a wide variety of topics in a story you have to add the extra pages that make the story flow. This was quite literally " woman is missing - journalist woman is betrayed and killed - psychic is killed - psychics daughter comes to find answers - psychics daughter finds herself staying in a family home where evil is lurking - psychics daughter meets evil beings - psychics daughter finds out family secrets, like HUGE family secrets - psychics daughter and team of good doers wage war on evil beings - bloodlines come into play - battle - death - hell - demon children - more bloodline plot - death - happy ending?" Imagine trying to cram ALL that in around 160 pages.. its impossible without jumping from plot to plot with BIG reveals being glanced over way too soon. I'm not saying the book is bad, its absolutely not! its just extremely too quick and so much was just unrealistic ( yes, even in a book with magic )

I also HAVE to say this because its the first thing I said negatively about the book while reading it. Mrs. Graham is made out to be southern ( it says she's from Tennessee but then there is a mention about Louisiana so I'm not clear on that ) and since she's made out to be southern, the author gave her an accent. It was awful and I literally rolled my eyes so hard at the attempt to make Mrs. Graham sound like your stereotypical southern drawl older woman, I feared my eyes would get stuck. There's nothing wrong with describing the accent. "Ya'll go ahead and have a seat while I grab ya some tea" or "Ain't you the sweetest" maybe add in some "sugar's, darlin', and bless your hearts" but there is no need to over exaggerate. I live in TN. I have that accent the author was trying to make prominent in the story.. and we do not sound like that. - rant over.

Now that i've wrote a literal paragraph about my annoyance with the accent business I will reiterate that while I did really like the story, I do think the author tried to cover so many topics that it was just unrealistic to make this book flow the way it should have. The idea was great but the execution fell a little flat for me. But I can see the talent inside of these pages and I am looking forward to reading more by this author!

Would I recommend? In my book club / personal group - no. But to someone looking for a decent little story - yes!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short but nothing short of amazing!

Maeve was a great main character! Chasing a connection with her dearly departed mother, she walks into a crazy situation. With demonic forces influencing events in this town, nothing is off the table! Shady Grove has a dark history, and Maeve digs deep to discover its secrets as well as some from her own past.

Sometimes in a short book, the author has a hard time making you feel connected to the characters, but that is not the case here! The book may be short, but the connection is there.

If you want a short horror read to hit those reading goals, pick this one up for sure!

[A.J. Humphreys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fischer's debut novel shows why she will be around for a long time. She understands story structure. Above all else, the plot is fueled by grief, trauma, and loss, moving seamlessly through the prose from beginning to end.

A cursed town continues to use up and discard its female denizens. A daughter returns home to find answers behind her mother's death and uncovers a horror trove of vile blood rituals that have been feeding a malevolent presence for over a century.

The question then becomes, how many more women must die to end this madness?

[Chaz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading Incantations of Blood by S.R. Fischer and I have to admit that this may be the most impressive debut from an author i have come across. Her storytelling ability and building of atmosphere in this book is on the level of a seasoned writer and I am in awe of what she created!

It follows the story of Maeve Baudelaire, a young woman seeking answers to what happened to her mother who mysteriously died in the town of Shady Grove. What she discovers is a hidden secret from the founding of the town and a demonic presence that looks to obliterate all those that gets in its way.

Releasing 9/27/24 I highly recommend this to all readers because we are all about to witness the birth of the next great horror author!

[Gale Grindstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. R. Fischer has written an absolutely captivating story about the classic battle between good and evil. In search of answers concerning her mother's death, Maeve finds a picturesque little town plagued with a history of missing women. Maeve finds that Shady Grove is a town with many secrets... both good and bad. This is a page turner that you will not want to put down!!!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent debut from S.R. Fischer! Having read some of her short stories, I was really looking forward to this. It did not disappoint. It felt very magical while also containing plenty of action - there's a lot packed into these pages. I loved the girl power aspect too. I wouldn't be mad if we got a sequel!

[Kate Reedwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Incantations of Blood by S.R. Fischer.

Looking for a new book to read this spooky season? I present to you Incantations of Blood by S.R. Fischer. I received an ARC from this debut author and can say, with all honesty, that I am impressed by the story in this novel. Fischer’s vivid descriptions are smooth and evocative and showcase her skill as an author.

What’s it about?

Celia Dickenson finds herself alone in the forest, searching for a missing woman. Minerva Penderghast performs a seance at the behest of a grieving family, only to reap disastrous consequences. Maeve Baudelaire is reeling from the unexpected loss of her mother.

For these three women, all roads lead to Shady Grove.

But ancient demonic forces are stirring deep in the forest surrounding the small town, clamoring for sacrificed souls to slake their thirst. Armed with a cursed book and knowledge of the occult, can an unlikely group of friends save Shady Grove from a threat that's been festering for centuries? Welcome to Shady Grove: a town where horrifying family secrets and coming of age just might be the end of you.

So, if, like me, you enjoy plots that include:
*Strong female characters
*Family secrets
*Small town mysteries
*The occult
*This is a must-read book for you.

Incantations of Blood releases September 27th.
You can pre-order your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/Incantations-B...

[Katieharris662 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Incantations of Blood by Savanah R. Fisher

Incantations of Blood by Savanah R. Fisher is a spellbinding and thrilling journey into a world filled with magic, mystery, and intense emotion. From the very first page, Fisher immerses readers in a dark yet captivating realm where every twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The world-building in this novel is nothing short of exceptional. Fisher has created a richly detailed and immersive setting that feels both fantastical and real, with layers of history, culture, and magical systems that bring the story to life in a way that’s truly engaging. The depth of the world she’s built is evident in every scene, and it adds to the tension and intrigue that propels the plot forward.

The characters in Incantations of Blood are complex and well-developed, with each one contributing to the unraveling mystery in meaningful ways. The protagonist, in particular, is deeply compelling, with her inner struggles and growth making her journey incredibly relatable. As she navigates the challenges that come with her unique abilities and the dark forces surrounding her, readers will find themselves rooting for her at every step.

The plot itself is a perfect blend of suspense, action, and emotional depth. Fisher doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, but she does so in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The magical elements are wonderfully woven into the narrative, making every spell and incantation feel crucial to the story's development.

What truly sets Incantations of Blood apart, however, is the emotional depth it delivers. Fisher skillfully balances moments of high tension with poignant, character-driven moments that allow readers to connect with the story on a deeper level. There’s a perfect mix of intrigue, romance, and heart-pounding action, making this book hard to put down.

Incantations of Blood is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, intricate world-building, and stories filled with magic and moral complexity. Savanah R. Fisher has crafted a memorable and thrilling novel that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a spellbinding read that will keep them hooked from start to finish.

[Angel Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incantations of Blood
By: Savannah R. Fischer
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5)
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Length: 162 pages
Content Warnings: Graphic Death, Demonology, Curses, Occult Rituals

From the very first page, it’s clear Incantations of Blood doesn’t read like a debut. Fischer’s voice is passionate, confident, and professional, the kind of storytelling that grabs you with the urgency of a horror film.

The story opens with a chilling premise: a young girl lured into the dark woods under false promises meets a brutal end. Her grieving parents, desperate for answers, turn to a séance, and what follows unleashes chaos. That ripple effect carries us to Maeve Baudelaire, whose mother was murdered during a similar ritual. Every road leads Maeve to Shady Grove, Indiana, a town steeped in curses, demonology, and a sense of something rotten just beneath its surface.

Fischer balances a compact cast with sharp atmosphere, leaning into cinematic pacing that makes the book feel like a horror movie unfolding on the page. Abaddon, the demon at the center, is unhinged and terrifying in his sadistic joy; Ronald, unpredictable and wild; Mrs. Graham, unexpectedly heroic; and Maeve herself, bearing the weight of a centuries-old curse.

The novel succeeds in blending occult horror with folklore dread, while keeping the narrative moving quickly. It’s not just creepy, it’s visual, visceral, and relentless.

This debut proves Savannah R. Fischer is a horror author to watch. If this is how she starts, the future promises even darker, bloodier things.

🎯 Recommended for:
• Readers who love occult horror with demonic forces.
• Fans of fast-paced, cinematic storytelling.
• Those who enjoy atmospheric small-town horror.
• Anyone looking for a horror book that feels like a movie playing in your head.

🚫 Not for:
• Readers who avoid demonology or occult themes.
• Those sensitive to ritualistic violence and curses.
• Anyone expecting slow-burn gothic horror — this one moves fast.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
✅ REAL – This debut bites hard and leaves its mark. Dark, cinematic, and confidently written, it’s a blood-soaked promise of more to come from Fischer.

— Angel R. Sánchez
Author. Reader. Creator of The Real Review.

[Craig Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young woman is lured to the depths of a dark woodland under false pretences and meets a grisly demise. Stricken by fear and confusion over their missing daughter, her parents call in a medium to hold a séance to try and contact her, only for it to go devastatingly awry. Something is wrong, diseased, in this small town, and the ripple effect of these events will spread out and set Maeve Baudelaire on a collision course with the root cause of it. For her, all roads lead to Shady Grove.

The debut book from S.R. Fischer, Incantations Of Blood—as the name implies—is firmly rooted in the occult. A lot of stories play the is it, isn't it game when it comes to the supernatural, but Fischer lays the stall out early. By the end of the prologue, the reader is left in no doubt that this is real and shows just how high the stakes will be. 

This book is no slow burn. The action comes thick and fast, and those who like a fast pace that is sustained throughout will find a lot to love here. Despite this, there is plenty of character development on display—both for Maeve herself and also for the inhabitants of Shady Grove. I'm a huge fan of small town horror stories in large part due to the variety of residents that the reader gets to meet, and that's no exception here. Relationships and pasts come to light, motivations are exposed, and dark secrets unearth themselves through the course of the story, all of which give this supernatural tale a real human heart.

For me personally, I found the pace became maybe a little too fast towards the end. Big character moments would come thick and fast, and I wonder if they may have been a little more impactful with some additional time to breathe. Make no mistake, though—Incantations Of Blood is a very accomplished debut, well-written, and with an occasional swagger to the prose, which is so often absent from new authors. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone who loves their horror full of action and gore, fast-paced, and not afraid to go to the very darkest of places.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey there, book lovers! It’s your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes Loves Books Headquarters. Today, I have for you my review of Savannah R. Fischer’s Incantations of Blood. I have coffee in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

There is nothing like small-town horror. It is my favorite horror subgenre and is dear to my heart. It takes a person who grows up in a small town to recognize the writing of someone else who grew up in a similar area. Savannah R. Fischer is that author.

Maeve Baudelaire is a woman on a mission, and this mission brings her to Shady Grove, Indiana, a blip of a small town on the map. Her mission is to find out what happened to her mother. Maeve is going to get far more than she bargained for. You see, Shady Grove has a dark secret, one that is cemented in the blood of its female citizens. The very citizens who disappear to feed a demonic presence. This presence is very, very hungry, and Maeve just went on the menu.

This book is small-town perfection right down to its core. The writing is sharp, and the pace is steady all the way through; there was no lag time in the book at all. The characters are engaging; I loved the heroes and absolutely detested the villains (seriously, these villains needed to be taken behind the woodshed for a meet-and-greet with a woodchipper). The magic system introduced in this book is sound and consistent all the way through.

If I had to give one criticism for this book, it is that it could have been longer. Give me a few more disappearances to heighten the overall mystery and sense of dread. That is it. It could have been longer. Otherwise, it is small-town perfection.

This book is perfect for fans of small-town horror, dark fantasy, and mystery.

I give this book 5 enthusiastic bookmarks out of 5, and I look forward to what Ms. Fischer comes out with next!

Happy Reading!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't know where to begin. Let me start by saying WOW, just WOW! I cannot get over the fact that this is a DEBUT NOVEL! Like How?
If you love tropes with coming of age, small town horror, fast paced, gothic horror and strong FMC than look no further!
This story follows Maeve Baudelaire, a young woman looking for answers to find out what happened to her mother, Minerva Penderghast, who died under mysterious circumstances after conducting a seance in the small town of Shady Grove.
A small town that has a history of missing women and many secrets both good and evil. Maeve, while doing research at a library found a peculiar book that was dropped into her bag and soon discovers a secret from the locals about a demonic presence that will destroy anything and anyone who tries to stop it.
This book is fast paced, has incredible character building, is action packed, nail biting, magical, phenomenal, thrilling, exciting, and the perfect amount of suspense and horror making this book next to impossible to put down! As a matter of fact, this is one of the best books I've read this year and it made it into my top 5 books with ease.
I will forever recommend this book, again, just WOW WOW WOW!!
S.R. Fischer you have found your calling, I'm a FOREVER FAN!

[Derek Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Incantations of Blood, and Wow! I can’t believe this is a debut novella. Miss Fischer’s prose and character development has the feel of an experienced pro.
For as long as Shady Grove has existed young women have disappeared in the quiet town. No one seems to know why or even think about it much. That is until the protagonist, Maeve, arrives to investigate the death of her mother there. It is a tale of centuries old lore and the battle between good and true evil. Will she be able to unravel the secrets that the town has held all these years and stop the taking of these innocent victims? I’ll stop there though. You’ll need to read it and find out for yourself.
The story starts quickly and carries a smooth, steady pace through to the end. It is a quick read that holds your attention throughout.
Incantations of Blood receives my recommendation and is scheduled for release on September 27th, 2024.
I anxiously await what else the author has in store for us in her future works.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the premise of this book I knew it was a book I was sure to enjoy. I was right in choosing to read and review this book. The book involves a cursed town, cursed family line, demons, occult theme and women who have had enough of being used as a source of power. The plot drew me in quickly and I read straight through so that I could find out what happened to Maeve and her family/friends. I can handle some gore and this book had just the right amount to keep myself entertained without needing to stop reading the book. There was plenty of information shared through the book without becoming predictable. I LOVED the idea of all the past spirits (being women and forced to be sacrificed) rise up and take on the demon. There were a few heartbreaking moments and the author wrote a message within the pages to not take advantage of loved ones for you never know when they will be gone and you may not get a chance to say goodbye. I like there was a hinted cliffhanger because I would like more of Maeve. 💀💀💀💀💀

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incantations of Blood by S.R Fischer

5/5

Ill be the first to admit that I'm not the target audience for this book, but I'm not stupid enough to be unable to see how important novels like this are in the horror world.

Horror is often thought of as a boys club where women are mainly window dressing, and not too long ago that was mostly true.

This is 2024 and women are here showing that not only can they master the craft (no pun intended) but they can be they can fight demons with the best of them.

When I was fifteen I Evil Dead for the first time and that film became ingrained with my DNA. It showed me the kind of hero I'd like to be, and the kind of horror I'd want to overcome.

If I was a female version of a fifteen year old me, and someone handed me this book, I know it would have had the same effect.

Incantations of Blood is a chaotic coming of age story told at break neck speed. Non-stop and full of action and scares to keep you constantly on your toes.

Fischer has written a story that pulls at your heart strings as much as it claws at your throat.

What a debut!

[Brandon Reviews Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary and funny good time!

Incantations of Blood by Savanah R Fischer was an incredibly fun popcorn horror. I ate it up and had a blast doing it.

The small town of Shady Grove has had its fair share of disappearances throughout the last couple of centuries. Recently, the disappearances have been happening more and more frequently. When Minerva does a séance to help a family find their missing daughter, things take a deathly turn.

Minerva's daughter, Maeve, soon comes to Shady Grove to discover what happened to her mom. In her search, her and some friends soon uncover a mystery that has been hiding it the town since its beginning.

With plenty of scares and some good comedy, this book was a joy to read.

I did have some issues, like the dialog at certain points either felt forced or something people wouldn't actually say. But those were minimal and really didn't take me out of the book too much.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Jules Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearest Savannah, when will we see the sequel? The prequel? Please, put us out of our misery…

While there is blood and gore, we also have a mixture of whimsical, almost fantasy elements that tie in with the occult and the demons. This book promises pain, but you can feel the hope. There are characters you love, some you’re unsure of, and others you completely loathe.

Trust me. There is horror. I had anxiety. Especially in the audiobook narrated by Mira Williams. My white knuckled commutes were worth it. While the ending is explosive, leaving us yearning for more, there is hope in it as well as promise for revenge.

The story: no spoilers!

We have one major arc, but see a few others as loose ends start to tie up. Maeve faces off against demons and dives into the esoteric world head on, learning from her newly found occult family and friends. This coming of age may be exactly what you need… Join Maeve in Shady Grove to discover its dark secrets… and what dark forces are at play.

[Denver Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of an ARC copy of Incantations of Blood by Author S. R. Fischer and I am in one of those modes where I finish a book and can’t start another one because NOTHING WILL MATCH UP!
First, the fact that this is a debut continues to stun me. S. R.’s hauntingly delicious style of writing feels like someone seasoned and I cannot get over the fact that this is a debut!
Second, the story legit had me UNABLE to put this book down. I fully knew I had things to do, and could not stop reading. This book is literally everything I needed!!
Third, the characters are soooooo deep and sooooo flushed out! I really felt like I knew these characters so well, and now I’m sad without them!
If you love dark small town horror, then this book is FOR YOU! Snag this amazing book before it hits the shelves! You seriously won’t regret it!

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is S.R. Fischer's debut book. I gotta say I was impressed. It's a small-town horror story that touches on the classic good vs. evil trope. However, if I didn't know any better I would have said this was written by an author who has been at it for a while. It's beautifully written and one can feel what is going on, especially toward the end.

I enjoy stories with a historical connection to them. This made the story even better. The prologue starts with a bang and sets up the story rather well. A town is hit with many reports of missing women. However, it turns into something far more sinister. If it wasn't for life, I would have finished this in one day.

If you love books on the creepy side of the horror spectrum, you need to give this one a read. Halloween is getting close, hint... hint.

[Mark F · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.R. Fischer’s debut novel, Incantations of Blood, is such a well-written horror that it’s hard to believe it’s a debut. I can’t wait to see what future work she releases into the world.

Fischer wrote in a way that made this book’s characters so easy to know, whether you loved them, became attached to them, cared about them, or even hated them. This story revolves around the town of Shady Grove, its longstanding secrets, and deals with demonic forces that a few people are now trying to rescue the town from. With horror, adventure, demons, revenge, and more, it was quite an enjoyable read, keeping me engaged from beginning to end, and even on the edge of my seat at times. I rate this book a 5 out of 5. And to the author, please tell me you’re working on your next novel! I can’t wait to read it.

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incantations of Blood by Savannah R. Fischer
Narrated by Mira Williams
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Demons and curses and surprises, oh my!
This is an exciting and fast paced supernatural/occult horror story. There’s a good amount of creep, darkness and suspense throughout!
Maeve travels to the small town of Shady Grove where her mother had a mysterious death. Once there, Maeve quickly realizes that something is “off” in this town and she ends up getting lots of her questions answered!
What is really going on in this town?

There’s good character development, as the book dove into their lives! It’s exciting to see how all of the pieces in this story came together.

I was lucky to listen to the audio version and the narrator did a fabulous job! Really great character voices and enthusiasm.

*Check out this exciting read!! I recommend the audio version!*

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maeve travels to Shady Grove after her Mother, Minerva, dies mysteriously after conducting a seance. Minerva was hired to try to find out what had happened to a young woman who disappeared in the woods. Little does Maeve know that demonic forces are at work in this idyllic small town. She discovers a lot about herself, her Mother, and even her Father (who had never been a part of her life).

This is great story, full of creepy moments, demonic entities, grief, and love. It's a classic good vs. evil tale, but so much more. This is a debut novel, but definitely doesn't read like one! Well-written, full of great characters and just the right touch of horror. I look forward to following this author's career!

[Kayla Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of her mother, Maeve finds herself going to Shady Grove to get to the bottom of it. But Shady Grove has a history of missing women. How far down the road of the occult will Maeve be willing to go to find out the truth? Will she get the answers she seeks or will she succumb to the same thing that claimed her mother and countless other women?

The prologue instantly hooked me. It was creepy and dark. I loved most of the characters and thought they had some fun banter. Miss Fischer’s writing style was smooth, and it was easy to lose myself in the story.

This was a fun debut that combines occult, family secrets, and dark magic in a way that will leave you excited to see what the author comes up with next!

[Alison Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong debut from S.R. Fischer. I was impressed with the descriptions and imagery of the small town of Shady Grove. Small-town horror is one of my favourite tropes and this one did not disappoint. The characters, including Shady Grove itself, were realistic and had depth. I enjoyed following the story to the bitter end. My only criticism being the pacing at the end. Things sped up and I thought some relationships and conclusions could have been more fleshed out. I'm grateful for being sent an ARC in exchange for this honest review and I look forward to reading more from this author. Hopefully a sequel or more stories set in Shady Grove!

[melissa Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Maeve who reeling from her mothers death, goes to the town where she died to gain some kind of closure, she ends up with a lot more than she bargained for, including demons, black magic, murderous humans and a revelation or two. The story kept me hooked and I really enjoyed it, the story did feel a little rushed and could have been a longer tale but this doesn't take away from the action.

Fischer writes her characters with such authenticity, you end up feeling very emotional about the characters, good and bad. You can almost feel Maeves heartbreak about her mother. It's very atmospheric and dark, a lot of research and love has clearly gone into the book

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Maeve travels to Shady Grove to find out more about how her mother died, she finds her answers (and more than she bargained for) after a book titled “Incantations of Blood” appears in her bag. Ultimately, it’s up to her to save the women of the town from the evil that seeks to destroy them.

What a ride! This book hooked me in from the get-go. It has female POVs, supernatural horror/demons, mysterious deaths, a plot twist or two, and a touch of feminine rage. All of the essentials for a great read!

Some side notes:
1.) I loved the fun little nods to Books of Horror throughout the story.
2.) Hoping for a sequel 👀
3.) Now I want ice cream…