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The Garden of Graves
When Mars Thorne returns to her sleepy hometown to care for her ailing grandmother, she expects to inherit no more than old recipes, and her family’s quaint cottage surrounded by flower gardens— not whispers of dark magic and secrets buried in her bloodline. As ancestral truths surface, Mars finds herself entwined in a hidden world of magic, monsters, and the legacy her family tried to protect her from. But as her own powers awaken, so do questions about her mother's mysterious death, and internal conflict between her old and new realities begin to rise.
How deep will she dig to uncover the truth of her existence? And at what cost?
In this spellbinding tale of magic and self-discovery, morality blurs, bonds are tested, and some secrets are better left buried.
How deep will she dig to uncover the truth of her existence? And at what cost?
In this spellbinding tale of magic and self-discovery, morality blurs, bonds are tested, and some secrets are better left buried.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2025
17 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 14, 2025
Welllllll I could not put this down. Literally read the entire thing in one day.
What an interesting story! I absolutely loved the vivid magic system and how it all intersected to create chaos. Poor Mars definitely pulled the short stick in life but I have a feeling it’s only going to get worse before it manages to get better.
I loved how we learned more as the chapters changed character POVs. As a reader I felt one step ahead of Mars who was still trying to figure everything out and uncovering more secrets that were kept from her.
I was absolutely unprepared for how this ended. I was expecting a higher resolution but I’m not at all mad about where book 2 is going.
I’m so happy I stumbled across this book on threads. I can’t wait to see more from this author.
What an interesting story! I absolutely loved the vivid magic system and how it all intersected to create chaos. Poor Mars definitely pulled the short stick in life but I have a feeling it’s only going to get worse before it manages to get better.
I loved how we learned more as the chapters changed character POVs. As a reader I felt one step ahead of Mars who was still trying to figure everything out and uncovering more secrets that were kept from her.
I was absolutely unprepared for how this ended. I was expecting a higher resolution but I’m not at all mad about where book 2 is going.
I’m so happy I stumbled across this book on threads. I can’t wait to see more from this author.
May 3, 2025
Ok… I JUST finished this book and I have so many emotions! First of all, this author knows how to twist and turn and being the most unexpected things into her tale. (usually I am one that spots the obvious plot twists and sees the changes coming.) The world building and character development are so well done. There is some spice - but it’s a slow burn. I DEVOURED this book.. I couldn’t put it down (save for life responsibilities) it’s such an easy flowing book.
We are following a long with Mars, a young woman who has to come back to her hometown with her Aunt who raised her, now that her grandmother is sick. Her memories are shaky but she could never forget her friends Rory, Colton and Penny. You get multiple POVs, and start to learn just how many secrets her hometown holds.. and even more that her family hasn’t told her.
This is a tale woven with fae, shifters, witches, shadows and dark magic. Can she figure out the dark secrets being guarded and help restore the balance? You’ll have to stick around to find out!
We are following a long with Mars, a young woman who has to come back to her hometown with her Aunt who raised her, now that her grandmother is sick. Her memories are shaky but she could never forget her friends Rory, Colton and Penny. You get multiple POVs, and start to learn just how many secrets her hometown holds.. and even more that her family hasn’t told her.
This is a tale woven with fae, shifters, witches, shadows and dark magic. Can she figure out the dark secrets being guarded and help restore the balance? You’ll have to stick around to find out!
May 20, 2025
OMG??? Such a gripping, well written story! Still on the edge of my seat after going through the whirlwind of twists in the last part of the book. And that cliffhanger??? My jaw is still dropped. This is my first small town paranormal story I've read and Jessica Phylicia Jackson has perfectly balanced cozy and horrifying. Which sounds like it shouldn't be possible, but she made the impossible possible with her artistry.
I love that all of her characters are fleshed out with their own motives, personality, morality, and history. I mean it when not a single character you meet is lacking.
And her magic system too! It's unique and interesting. The way she trickles the information about the world to you has you eagerly reaching for it almost as much as Mars.
A beautiful rollercoaster of a story and I can't wait to find the answers to the mysteries in book 2!!!
I love that all of her characters are fleshed out with their own motives, personality, morality, and history. I mean it when not a single character you meet is lacking.
And her magic system too! It's unique and interesting. The way she trickles the information about the world to you has you eagerly reaching for it almost as much as Mars.
A beautiful rollercoaster of a story and I can't wait to find the answers to the mysteries in book 2!!!
May 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“She has found her true power. It’s not the power of magic, or physical strength, but the power to put your foot down when it comes to your beliefs, the power to voice your own needs, and choose them above people pleasing.”
👏👏👏👏👏
And here I am left wanting MORE 😭
I have so many feelings about this story and I don’t know if there are enough words to express how it made me feel.
Let’s start off by getting the basics down.
The Garden of Graves follows the events that happen to Mars and her family and friends during their time in Witchduck Virginia. Mars receives a letter from her grandmother and must return since her aunt and her left their small town years ago. Not only is Grandma Willow back there, so are her friends and she has missed them so. As Mars returns to Witchduck truths are spilled and secrets are revealed. Can Mars handle the truth of who she really is? And how much more is really out there?
Now for my review 😊
This story touched my soul in so many ways. I’ve never read anything that I could relate to on such a personal level.
The amount of Filipino references (from food, language and lore) made my heart all warm and fuzzy 🥰
The quote I have at the top spoke to me on a personal level.
BREAKING THE CYCYLE 🙌🏼
We will not be forced into boxes any longer 💪🏼
It also holds so many of my favorites things! From witches, shifters, fae, multi POV, slow burn 🔥 and second chance romance.
The pacing was done wonderfully! It didn’t feel rushed or done in a way that made me want to skim through.
The twists were *chefs kiss* 👌🏼
As someone who can see them coming most of the time, it was very refreshing to not see them coming!
I love that Mars goes through her own growth, as hard as things get she faces them head on. She’s a very strong willed woman and I love her!
Our side characters are all AMAZING! Our villains are so good, I hate them so much 🤣
I want my own Noctis please and thank you 👀
This book DOES end on a cliffhanger.
That being said… IM READY FOR BOOK 2‼️
Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your debut novel. I am so proud of you! YOU FUCKING DID IT!!! 😭
I can’t wait to follow the rest of our journey in
The Garden of Graves 🖤🥀
“She has found her true power. It’s not the power of magic, or physical strength, but the power to put your foot down when it comes to your beliefs, the power to voice your own needs, and choose them above people pleasing.”
👏👏👏👏👏
And here I am left wanting MORE 😭
I have so many feelings about this story and I don’t know if there are enough words to express how it made me feel.
Let’s start off by getting the basics down.
The Garden of Graves follows the events that happen to Mars and her family and friends during their time in Witchduck Virginia. Mars receives a letter from her grandmother and must return since her aunt and her left their small town years ago. Not only is Grandma Willow back there, so are her friends and she has missed them so. As Mars returns to Witchduck truths are spilled and secrets are revealed. Can Mars handle the truth of who she really is? And how much more is really out there?
Now for my review 😊
This story touched my soul in so many ways. I’ve never read anything that I could relate to on such a personal level.
The amount of Filipino references (from food, language and lore) made my heart all warm and fuzzy 🥰
The quote I have at the top spoke to me on a personal level.
BREAKING THE CYCYLE 🙌🏼
We will not be forced into boxes any longer 💪🏼
It also holds so many of my favorites things! From witches, shifters, fae, multi POV, slow burn 🔥 and second chance romance.
The pacing was done wonderfully! It didn’t feel rushed or done in a way that made me want to skim through.
The twists were *chefs kiss* 👌🏼
As someone who can see them coming most of the time, it was very refreshing to not see them coming!
I love that Mars goes through her own growth, as hard as things get she faces them head on. She’s a very strong willed woman and I love her!
Our side characters are all AMAZING! Our villains are so good, I hate them so much 🤣
I want my own Noctis please and thank you 👀
This book DOES end on a cliffhanger.
That being said… IM READY FOR BOOK 2‼️
Thank you Jessica for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your debut novel. I am so proud of you! YOU FUCKING DID IT!!! 😭
I can’t wait to follow the rest of our journey in
The Garden of Graves 🖤🥀
May 8, 2025
This book kicks off a brand new series with a blend of magic, family secrets, and self-discovery. At the heart of the story is Amaryllis—known to everyone as Mars—who receives a letter from her estranged grandmother, Willow, revealing she doesn't have much time left. Despite her Aunt Magnolia (or Maggie, as she's called) warning her against it, Mars feels the need to see her grandmother one last time.
Raised by her grandmother until she was eight, Mars has lived with Aunt Maggie ever since and never knew her mother, who died giving birth to her. Defying Maggie’s wishes, Mars sets off for the quiet town where she once lived, determined to reconnect with her past. There, she unexpectedly reunites with her friend Rory, and the spark between them reignites immediately. But Rory and his family are hiding something—something big.
As Mars reconnects with her grandmother, she begins to uncover deeply buried family secrets. Her journey becomes one of not just reconnection, but revelation, as she learns the truth about her family’s magical legacy. The more she learns, the more betrayed and angry she feels toward the people who raised her.
The book is full of twists, turns, and magical intrigue. Told through multiple points of view, the story offers a perspective on the choices made to protect Mars—and the consequences of those choices. As Mars comes to terms with who she really is, the book builds to a dramatic cliffhanger, setting the stage for an exciting continuation in book two.
Raised by her grandmother until she was eight, Mars has lived with Aunt Maggie ever since and never knew her mother, who died giving birth to her. Defying Maggie’s wishes, Mars sets off for the quiet town where she once lived, determined to reconnect with her past. There, she unexpectedly reunites with her friend Rory, and the spark between them reignites immediately. But Rory and his family are hiding something—something big.
As Mars reconnects with her grandmother, she begins to uncover deeply buried family secrets. Her journey becomes one of not just reconnection, but revelation, as she learns the truth about her family’s magical legacy. The more she learns, the more betrayed and angry she feels toward the people who raised her.
The book is full of twists, turns, and magical intrigue. Told through multiple points of view, the story offers a perspective on the choices made to protect Mars—and the consequences of those choices. As Mars comes to terms with who she really is, the book builds to a dramatic cliffhanger, setting the stage for an exciting continuation in book two.
May 31, 2025
A whirlwind of magic and mystery
I'M OBSESSED!! For one, I'm so ecstatic to read this, Jessica has created an enchanting world that envelops the reader and I desperately need book 2 after that ending!!!
I'M OBSESSED!! For one, I'm so ecstatic to read this, Jessica has created an enchanting world that envelops the reader and I desperately need book 2 after that ending!!!
October 21, 2025
3.75/5 ✨
This was a great story overall. I really loved the worldbuilding and lore. It was unique and definitely unlike anything I have read before. The magic system in this was super cool as well, especially with how each coven of witches got their magic from different sources and how curses worked a tad differently than you traditionally see in paranormal reads.
The plot was also strong. I felt like the presence of the mystery followed you through each chapter, and the different POVs allowed you to see it unfold in a unique way. The reader is almost one step ahead of the FMC, Mars, but you still aren’t entirely prepared for how this ends, and the intrigue only seems to increase the more you learn from each character.
Unfortunately, though, I was getting really annoyed with Mars. I really liked her at first, and it’s not that I disliked her, but her decisions and thought processes felt so juvenile at times, especially when it came to Rory and handling all the new information she was being given. She wanted to jump straight into the fire without any plan and was getting so mad at her aunt or anyone else who was telling her that was ill-advised. It just felt a little bratty, and not in the fun way lol.
There were also an extreme number of typos and errors in the writing, so that was pretty frustrating. Stuff like that tends to remove my mind from the story, and I kind of lose reading momentum when they pop up constantly, if that makes sense. But if you’re the kind of person who can easily look past those things, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out. It’s incredibly unique, with a gripping mystery and thoughtful cultural representation. It manages to wrap you in warm, cozy vibes while simultaneously layering in dread and eerie moments that leave you with goosebumps.
This was a great story overall. I really loved the worldbuilding and lore. It was unique and definitely unlike anything I have read before. The magic system in this was super cool as well, especially with how each coven of witches got their magic from different sources and how curses worked a tad differently than you traditionally see in paranormal reads.
The plot was also strong. I felt like the presence of the mystery followed you through each chapter, and the different POVs allowed you to see it unfold in a unique way. The reader is almost one step ahead of the FMC, Mars, but you still aren’t entirely prepared for how this ends, and the intrigue only seems to increase the more you learn from each character.
Unfortunately, though, I was getting really annoyed with Mars. I really liked her at first, and it’s not that I disliked her, but her decisions and thought processes felt so juvenile at times, especially when it came to Rory and handling all the new information she was being given. She wanted to jump straight into the fire without any plan and was getting so mad at her aunt or anyone else who was telling her that was ill-advised. It just felt a little bratty, and not in the fun way lol.
There were also an extreme number of typos and errors in the writing, so that was pretty frustrating. Stuff like that tends to remove my mind from the story, and I kind of lose reading momentum when they pop up constantly, if that makes sense. But if you’re the kind of person who can easily look past those things, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out. It’s incredibly unique, with a gripping mystery and thoughtful cultural representation. It manages to wrap you in warm, cozy vibes while simultaneously layering in dread and eerie moments that leave you with goosebumps.
May 13, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! - ARC Review ♥️
There aren’t very many books that grab my attention from the dedications and descriptions alone. THIS IS ONE.
Not only did it grab my attention, it also pulled at my heart strings IMMEDIATELY. Our FMC Mars learning about her Filipino heritage, family history, revealing both family and town secrets that kept her away from Primrose Grove and Witchduck. The watermelon moonshine, garlic fried rice, turon (banana lumpia), salabat (ginger tea). First love, first heartbreak. AUNTY MAGGIE resonates with me on a CELLULAR level. If you’re an eldest daughter, you’ll understand. So many pieces of this book come together to create a masterpiece that I am super excited and honored to scream about and cheer for. PLEASE pick up this book.
It’s so fitting that it’s AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander) month, and that the release of this book falls on the full moon, known as THE FLOWER MOON. WAY TO REPRESENT. HAPPY RELEASE DAY! ♥️
There aren’t very many books that grab my attention from the dedications and descriptions alone. THIS IS ONE.
Not only did it grab my attention, it also pulled at my heart strings IMMEDIATELY. Our FMC Mars learning about her Filipino heritage, family history, revealing both family and town secrets that kept her away from Primrose Grove and Witchduck. The watermelon moonshine, garlic fried rice, turon (banana lumpia), salabat (ginger tea). First love, first heartbreak. AUNTY MAGGIE resonates with me on a CELLULAR level. If you’re an eldest daughter, you’ll understand. So many pieces of this book come together to create a masterpiece that I am super excited and honored to scream about and cheer for. PLEASE pick up this book.
It’s so fitting that it’s AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander) month, and that the release of this book falls on the full moon, known as THE FLOWER MOON. WAY TO REPRESENT. HAPPY RELEASE DAY! ♥️
November 1, 2025
THE GARDEN OF GRAVES
BY JESSICA PHYLICIA JACKSON
A Paranormal Romantic Fantasy
I finished this book on halloween night!
This is a rating of ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars for me
🕷Small town setting
🕷Dark cottage core
🕷Witches
🕷Magic
🕷Curses
🕷Secrets And Betrayal
🕷Shifters, Monsters, fae
Ok, firstly let me just start with ,you ended the book like that 😲! What am I meant to do now?
Ok, fine, just stop screaming! I guess, I should back track a bit!
Mars returns to her hometown, to care for her ailing grandmother. This brings about some past relationships and a journey to finding out family secrets! With a A magical Garden, Curses, Shifters, Monsters and more!
A slow start but once into 30-35 percent it picks up. The idea of this story was great. I enjoyed reading it. A spicy scene, the building of this magic system was good. I enjoyed the mixture of it.
Ends on a cliff hanger and it is a good one!
BY JESSICA PHYLICIA JACKSON
A Paranormal Romantic Fantasy
I finished this book on halloween night!
This is a rating of ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars for me
🕷Small town setting
🕷Dark cottage core
🕷Witches
🕷Magic
🕷Curses
🕷Secrets And Betrayal
🕷Shifters, Monsters, fae
Ok, firstly let me just start with ,you ended the book like that 😲! What am I meant to do now?
Ok, fine, just stop screaming! I guess, I should back track a bit!
Mars returns to her hometown, to care for her ailing grandmother. This brings about some past relationships and a journey to finding out family secrets! With a A magical Garden, Curses, Shifters, Monsters and more!
A slow start but once into 30-35 percent it picks up. The idea of this story was great. I enjoyed reading it. A spicy scene, the building of this magic system was good. I enjoyed the mixture of it.
Ends on a cliff hanger and it is a good one!
May 7, 2025
Love the story and main characters of this book, and I adored the last 20% of it. Despite being set in modern times, the majority of it felt like world building/character intros so while I did read it quickly, I felt my attention drifting at times—until shit hit the fan at the end.
The mystery is ever-present, which kept me moving to the next page. Some of the extreme events felt a bit jarring, which I assume was the intent, but I wasn’t too invested in those it affected unfortunately. I loved the cultural tie-ins and the explanation we got on the various supernatural creatures/the lore built there is phenomenal!
I’ll be reading book 2 because that cliffhanger was more of a chasm-launch and I need to know wtf is happening lol
Thank you to the author for the arc <3
The mystery is ever-present, which kept me moving to the next page. Some of the extreme events felt a bit jarring, which I assume was the intent, but I wasn’t too invested in those it affected unfortunately. I loved the cultural tie-ins and the explanation we got on the various supernatural creatures/the lore built there is phenomenal!
I’ll be reading book 2 because that cliffhanger was more of a chasm-launch and I need to know wtf is happening lol
Thank you to the author for the arc <3
May 8, 2025
Absolutely haunting, and beautifully written read! 🌸🖤
The cover? STUNNING. The magic system? Totally unique. Shadow cat shifters, witches, Fae, and a dark, sentient forest wrapped around a house that feels alive. And that garden? Let’s just say it holds more than flowers…
I loved how the story unraveled as Mars uncovered the family secrets layer by twisted layer. You have no idea who to trust, and watching her come into her power while navigating a blood-soaked legacy was so satisfying.
If you’re craving a dark, atmospheric fantasy with incredible writing, hidden magic, and a heroine you’ll root for — this one belongs on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
The cover? STUNNING. The magic system? Totally unique. Shadow cat shifters, witches, Fae, and a dark, sentient forest wrapped around a house that feels alive. And that garden? Let’s just say it holds more than flowers…
I loved how the story unraveled as Mars uncovered the family secrets layer by twisted layer. You have no idea who to trust, and watching her come into her power while navigating a blood-soaked legacy was so satisfying.
If you’re craving a dark, atmospheric fantasy with incredible writing, hidden magic, and a heroine you’ll root for — this one belongs on your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
June 27, 2025
This was a good read however mars completely pissed me outta a time. I get the family kept secrets away from her, and she's learning new things about herself, but she just never thinks before she acts her angry fules her. Aunt maggie did excatlt what she was supposed to do, keeping her niece safe at all cost. However, maggie is running from a pass of self-doubt that she needs to face. The magic, the twist, and the turns were really good. Overall, this was a good read. I couldn't put it down. This magic system is one to read about for sure.. the ending blew my mind
September 11, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for potential.
I loved the characters in this book, and I wanted to spend more time with them and learn more about them. The story was good overall.
However, this book needs an editor. I’d really love to see what this book could be with the guidance of an editor to refine the story and clarify the magic system. And it especially needs a copy editor. There are so many errors in this book, unfortunately. As a former copy editor, I was aggravated a lot.
But with the book ending on a cliffhanger, I definitely want to know what happens next!
I loved the characters in this book, and I wanted to spend more time with them and learn more about them. The story was good overall.
However, this book needs an editor. I’d really love to see what this book could be with the guidance of an editor to refine the story and clarify the magic system. And it especially needs a copy editor. There are so many errors in this book, unfortunately. As a former copy editor, I was aggravated a lot.
But with the book ending on a cliffhanger, I definitely want to know what happens next!
May 12, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! 💐
Posting *without* spoilers:
This book was a joy to read from start to finish. I love how the characters feel like people you would know. And it did feel like I knew them.
Family secrets, small towns, magic, a garden, a mysterious cat?? Hello??? I loved all of it. This is a world you can immerse yourself in and love every second of. I will be reading it a second time 😌
Posting *without* spoilers:
This book was a joy to read from start to finish. I love how the characters feel like people you would know. And it did feel like I knew them.
Family secrets, small towns, magic, a garden, a mysterious cat?? Hello??? I loved all of it. This is a world you can immerse yourself in and love every second of. I will be reading it a second time 😌
August 1, 2025
loved this!!!! I couldn't get enough I think I had done my review months ago guess it didn't submit this book was absolutely captivating! Jessica's writing had me hooked from page 1 til the end definitely had me feel like I was apart of the magical world !
October 22, 2025
🖤 small town setting 🖤 witches 🖤 shifter & fae too 🖤 second chance first love bubbling underneath a dark secret 🖤 betrayal 🖤 a mysterious death & a cursed forest 🖤 a cursed garden guarded by dark magic 🖤 paranormal fantasy meets folkloric horrors 🖤
August 26, 2025
Really enjoyed this witchy urban fantasy. Fun fresh take on shifters and an utterly new magic system. Highly recommend.
June 30, 2025
Truthfully a wild adventure of love, legacy and family secrets. There was something about Mars that made her equally unlikable and unhinged that made me fully obsessed with her. I will say there are quite a few typos as you go through the book but it was worth it.
As a person that stumbled across this book on Threads, it was truly a masterpiece of all my favorite elements in a book.
Fae. Enchanted gardens. Magical forests. Complicated family history. Complicated magic system. Familiars!
Omg, you guys don’t understand! this was definitely a creative idea that has grown into a full blown world. Can’t wait for the sequel.
As a person that stumbled across this book on Threads, it was truly a masterpiece of all my favorite elements in a book.
Fae. Enchanted gardens. Magical forests. Complicated family history. Complicated magic system. Familiars!
Omg, you guys don’t understand! this was definitely a creative idea that has grown into a full blown world. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews