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Claws of Death and Magic
Some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Daphne has spent years running from the bloody shadows of her past, the untamed magic coursing through her veins, and the crushing guilt she can't escape. Oakley University of the Gifted was supposed to be her sanctuary, a place where she could finally outrun the nightmares. But her fragile peace shatters when Ciaran Strides back into her life.
Once her closest confidant, now an infuriating enigma, Ciaran's reappearance is anything but coincidence. His sly smirk and werewolf swagger are enough to set Daphne's nerves alight-and not in a good way.
But beneath the barbs they trade lies a truth neither can ignore: Their lives have always been tangled, and their shared history might hold the key to everything Daphne's been running from.
As danger closes in and old wounds resurface, Daphne must decide whether to keep running or confront the chaos that's haunted her for so long. But trusting Ciaran might mean more than facing her past- it could mean losing her heart in the process.
With gripping magic, fiery tension, and a heroine who refuses to back down, Claws of Death and Magic is an electrifying Start to a supernatural saga that will leave you breathless.
Daphne has spent years running from the bloody shadows of her past, the untamed magic coursing through her veins, and the crushing guilt she can't escape. Oakley University of the Gifted was supposed to be her sanctuary, a place where she could finally outrun the nightmares. But her fragile peace shatters when Ciaran Strides back into her life.
Once her closest confidant, now an infuriating enigma, Ciaran's reappearance is anything but coincidence. His sly smirk and werewolf swagger are enough to set Daphne's nerves alight-and not in a good way.
But beneath the barbs they trade lies a truth neither can ignore: Their lives have always been tangled, and their shared history might hold the key to everything Daphne's been running from.
As danger closes in and old wounds resurface, Daphne must decide whether to keep running or confront the chaos that's haunted her for so long. But trusting Ciaran might mean more than facing her past- it could mean losing her heart in the process.
With gripping magic, fiery tension, and a heroine who refuses to back down, Claws of Death and Magic is an electrifying Start to a supernatural saga that will leave you breathless.
Paperback
Published April 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Alison A. Grace
2 books2 followersAlison might slip away at night to watch the stars. When she isn’t out with friends or fawning over cute animal Instagram posts, she might be stuck in her human cave rewatching her favorite TV series, reading fantasy books, or writing them.
Her love for writing began as soon as she knew how to write her first words, and she wrote her first finished book when she was twelve. Ever since then ideas for new books haven’t ever left her mind. And because she realized that her stories were too beautiful to be left unread, she decided to share them.
Instagram: @alisongraceauthor
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/alisongrace
Her love for writing began as soon as she knew how to write her first words, and she wrote her first finished book when she was twelve. Ever since then ideas for new books haven’t ever left her mind. And because she realized that her stories were too beautiful to be left unread, she decided to share them.
Instagram: @alisongraceauthor
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/alisongrace
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This was a fun read for those who enjoy reading about the supernatural! It begins with Daphne, one of the only remaining druids, doing her best to maintain normalcy by going to school and to her job until she encounters a ghost from her past. She wanted to put her past behind her but Ciaran shows up and is enrolled at her college. Daphne does her best to avoid Ciaran, but he is doing his best to win her back over. Ciaran also has other ideas and wants to further investigate the massacre that the two of the miraculously survive when they were young, while Daphne just wants to bury the past including the trauma of losing her family members. I enjoyed learning more about the magic system in this book, and I am hoping the author will continue to build onto it more in the sequels. What I didn’t like was the fact it would switch between different POVs without any warning, and it would get a little confusing at times. Otherwise, I enjoyed Daphne and Ciaran navigate their complex relationship! Thank you to Happily Booked PR for this arc ✨
Tropes
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Police Investigation
🐺Urban Fantasy
🔮Witches and werewolves
This was a fun read for those who enjoy reading about the supernatural! It begins with Daphne, one of the only remaining druids, doing her best to maintain normalcy by going to school and to her job until she encounters a ghost from her past. She wanted to put her past behind her but Ciaran shows up and is enrolled at her college. Daphne does her best to avoid Ciaran, but he is doing his best to win her back over. Ciaran also has other ideas and wants to further investigate the massacre that the two of the miraculously survive when they were young, while Daphne just wants to bury the past including the trauma of losing her family members. I enjoyed learning more about the magic system in this book, and I am hoping the author will continue to build onto it more in the sequels. What I didn’t like was the fact it would switch between different POVs without any warning, and it would get a little confusing at times. Otherwise, I enjoyed Daphne and Ciaran navigate their complex relationship! Thank you to Happily Booked PR for this arc ✨
Tropes
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Police Investigation
🐺Urban Fantasy
🔮Witches and werewolves
April 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
3rd Person 😒
To start, I really liked this story. It was a great storyline, and the interaction between the different magical characters was interesting. I love a Druid story, which is what drew me in. My rating is for the story alone.
I feel a bit hoodwinked, when signing up for this ARC there was no mention anywhere that it was written in 3rd person. I actively avoid reading books that are in 3rd person because my brain has a hard time with it, I never feel a true connection to the characters and it feels like a slog to get through the story. I need to feel invested! I did push through, but to make matters worse, the book would switch from 3rd person to 1st person MID SENTENCE and then back to 3rd person again....Which obviously kept me further from getting into the book. There were also tons of misspelled words and grammar issues, which I do not usually mention in ARC reviews but when I went back to read some of the other reviews people had left of this book, I noticed that other readers had the same issues and those reviews had been placed months before mine...If the author is getting this feedback months prior and there are no changes this close to a release date, then I felt that I needed to put it out as a warning to those who want to read this so they have a level of expectation going in.
If these issues could be resolved, I would definitely change my rating and recommend this book because I do like the story, and I do really want to know what Daphne learns from the coven.
Tropes
🔮 Found Family
🐺 Fated Mates
🔮 Murder Mystery
🐺 Magic Academy
🔮 Police Investigation
🐺 Urban Fantasy
🔮 Witches and werewolves
🌶️🌶️/5
3rd Person 😒
To start, I really liked this story. It was a great storyline, and the interaction between the different magical characters was interesting. I love a Druid story, which is what drew me in. My rating is for the story alone.
I feel a bit hoodwinked, when signing up for this ARC there was no mention anywhere that it was written in 3rd person. I actively avoid reading books that are in 3rd person because my brain has a hard time with it, I never feel a true connection to the characters and it feels like a slog to get through the story. I need to feel invested! I did push through, but to make matters worse, the book would switch from 3rd person to 1st person MID SENTENCE and then back to 3rd person again....Which obviously kept me further from getting into the book. There were also tons of misspelled words and grammar issues, which I do not usually mention in ARC reviews but when I went back to read some of the other reviews people had left of this book, I noticed that other readers had the same issues and those reviews had been placed months before mine...If the author is getting this feedback months prior and there are no changes this close to a release date, then I felt that I needed to put it out as a warning to those who want to read this so they have a level of expectation going in.
If these issues could be resolved, I would definitely change my rating and recommend this book because I do like the story, and I do really want to know what Daphne learns from the coven.
Tropes
🔮 Found Family
🐺 Fated Mates
🔮 Murder Mystery
🐺 Magic Academy
🔮 Police Investigation
🐺 Urban Fantasy
🔮 Witches and werewolves
April 25, 2025
The tangled web our lives weave and the secretes that refuse to stay buried.
Running from her past with untamed magic and crushing guilt Daphne hopes to find solace at Oakley University of the gifted. Instead part of her past comes back to haunt her.
This is the start to a supernatural saga that took a bit for me to get into and I absolutely loved the premise. The book did not pick up for me until towards the end and was a bit rough switching between the POVs. I recommend giving it a go if the vibe fits your mood and you enjoy supernatural creatures!
I am curious about more if the backstory between Daphne and Ciaran and would likely read another book to find out more!
Thank you to the author, Alison A Grace, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Running from her past with untamed magic and crushing guilt Daphne hopes to find solace at Oakley University of the gifted. Instead part of her past comes back to haunt her.
This is the start to a supernatural saga that took a bit for me to get into and I absolutely loved the premise. The book did not pick up for me until towards the end and was a bit rough switching between the POVs. I recommend giving it a go if the vibe fits your mood and you enjoy supernatural creatures!
I am curious about more if the backstory between Daphne and Ciaran and would likely read another book to find out more!
Thank you to the author, Alison A Grace, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 22, 2025
aRc rEvIeW
ClAwS Of dEaTh aNd mAgIc
25 ApRiL
3.8 stars upped to 4.
What to expect:
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Police Investigation
🐺Urban Fantasy
🔮Witches and werewolves
A story of magic, mystery & and mates that has Charmed vibes.
Daphne, starting at Oakley University (for the Gifted), is hoping to outrun her tragic past & control her magic, but gets more than she bargained for as she finds herself in the midst of the mystery that has plagued her whole life.
Enter Ciaran, who shares in her tragic past & the scene is set for some spicy scenes & a fast-paced journey toward acceptance, sacrifice, and redemption - and a
satisfying resolution.
An overall fun read with a diverse range of supernatural creatures, which I enjoyed but the shifts in POV from third to first person threw me a bit and distracted from the story & the writing style didn't quite connect for me.
I do think that this will resonate well with younger readers.
#arcreader #comingsoon #alisongrace #clawsofdeathandmagic #fantasy #magicacademy #murdermystery @happilybookedpr
ClAwS Of dEaTh aNd mAgIc
25 ApRiL
3.8 stars upped to 4.
What to expect:
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Police Investigation
🐺Urban Fantasy
🔮Witches and werewolves
A story of magic, mystery & and mates that has Charmed vibes.
Daphne, starting at Oakley University (for the Gifted), is hoping to outrun her tragic past & control her magic, but gets more than she bargained for as she finds herself in the midst of the mystery that has plagued her whole life.
Enter Ciaran, who shares in her tragic past & the scene is set for some spicy scenes & a fast-paced journey toward acceptance, sacrifice, and redemption - and a
satisfying resolution.
An overall fun read with a diverse range of supernatural creatures, which I enjoyed but the shifts in POV from third to first person threw me a bit and distracted from the story & the writing style didn't quite connect for me.
I do think that this will resonate well with younger readers.
#arcreader #comingsoon #alisongrace #clawsofdeathandmagic #fantasy #magicacademy #murdermystery @happilybookedpr
April 23, 2025
Thank you for the ARC Happily Booked and Alison A Grace ✨
Claws of Death and Magic blends modern magical academia with a supernatural power struggle—and a past that refuses to stay buried.
Daphne is a rare Druid, emotionally burnt out and magically overloaded. She’s got healing powers, a chip on her shoulder, and exactly zero time for old flames—especially not the wolfish kind. But when Ciaran, her ex-childhood-friend, reappears at her university, she’s forced to confront more than just her control issues.
Their dynamic is rich with friction and barely-contained history. There’s chemistry, but it’s layered with resentment, loss, and just enough emotional vulnerability to keep you turning pages for more.
This isn’t a fast-paced, twist-a-minute read. It’s slow and character-led with depth, world-building, and emotional texture.
Claws of Death and Magic blends modern magical academia with a supernatural power struggle—and a past that refuses to stay buried.
Daphne is a rare Druid, emotionally burnt out and magically overloaded. She’s got healing powers, a chip on her shoulder, and exactly zero time for old flames—especially not the wolfish kind. But when Ciaran, her ex-childhood-friend, reappears at her university, she’s forced to confront more than just her control issues.
Their dynamic is rich with friction and barely-contained history. There’s chemistry, but it’s layered with resentment, loss, and just enough emotional vulnerability to keep you turning pages for more.
This isn’t a fast-paced, twist-a-minute read. It’s slow and character-led with depth, world-building, and emotional texture.
April 21, 2025
I DEVOURED this! I love the integration of druids and variations of common supernatural creatures! I both loved and wasn’t a huge fan of how fast the book was but it was such a fun fast read! And from what I know it’s book 1 of a series soon to come! I love this new take on a modern supernatural story!
SLIGHT SPOILERS?
Our main charector Daphne is going to college and ends up having to solve a major crime from her childhood and boy is it a WILD ride!
The writing can be a bit confusing and choppy at times but I am reading an unfinished copy, but does it take away from the story ? ABSOLUTELY NOT
I love this! Can’t wait to get more from this author!! 🥰❤️
SLIGHT SPOILERS?
Our main charector Daphne is going to college and ends up having to solve a major crime from her childhood and boy is it a WILD ride!
The writing can be a bit confusing and choppy at times but I am reading an unfinished copy, but does it take away from the story ? ABSOLUTELY NOT
I love this! Can’t wait to get more from this author!! 🥰❤️
April 24, 2025
I’ve just finished reading an advanced copy of this sent by the author (thank you!) and I honestly loved it!
It gave me Wednesday vibes with it being set in a magical school/university with the students being all types of magical beings, not just your standard witches and wizards.
The book follows the main character of Daphne, a student at the school who is also a Druid. You meet the main male character Ciaran, a shifter, who you find out has a past with Daphne.
Without giving away spoilers, Daphne and Ciaran work together to solve the mystery of their tragic past while harnessing new magical powers and facing evil.
The book was fast paced, had some spicy scenes and I loved the different types of magic and magical beings. I found it so easy to read and couldn’t put it down! I’m so happy to see that there will be another book following this as there are a few unanswered questions and I’d love to know even more about the characters.
I’m giving this a solid 4.5⭐️ and I look forward to more from this author!
It gave me Wednesday vibes with it being set in a magical school/university with the students being all types of magical beings, not just your standard witches and wizards.
The book follows the main character of Daphne, a student at the school who is also a Druid. You meet the main male character Ciaran, a shifter, who you find out has a past with Daphne.
Without giving away spoilers, Daphne and Ciaran work together to solve the mystery of their tragic past while harnessing new magical powers and facing evil.
The book was fast paced, had some spicy scenes and I loved the different types of magic and magical beings. I found it so easy to read and couldn’t put it down! I’m so happy to see that there will be another book following this as there are a few unanswered questions and I’d love to know even more about the characters.
I’m giving this a solid 4.5⭐️ and I look forward to more from this author!
April 16, 2025
If you like Harry Potter but wish it covered their older years… this is for you.
A fun action packed adventure for university aged magical students.
The FMC and MMC bond over shared trauma and try and solve the mystery of what happened to their family 9 years ago.
There’s banter and laughs to be had with the wolf pack and a sense of family and belonging.
A fun easy read with a nice hint of spice 🌶️ Spice scenes are well written and not cringy.
You’ll love this if you enjoy these tropes:
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Police Investigation
🐺Urban Fantasy
🔮Witches and werewolves
A fun action packed adventure for university aged magical students.
The FMC and MMC bond over shared trauma and try and solve the mystery of what happened to their family 9 years ago.
There’s banter and laughs to be had with the wolf pack and a sense of family and belonging.
A fun easy read with a nice hint of spice 🌶️ Spice scenes are well written and not cringy.
You’ll love this if you enjoy these tropes:
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Police Investigation
🐺Urban Fantasy
🔮Witches and werewolves
April 14, 2025
I NEED the next one....like now. Grace has created a fun world of magic that beautifully blends romance, magic, and mystery.
If you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Kim Harrison's The Hollows....this one is for you!
If you're a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Kim Harrison's The Hollows....this one is for you!
May 2, 2025
CLAWS OF DEATH AND MAGIC By Alison A. Grace
———
Some secrets refuse to stay buried. Daphne has spent years running from the bloody shadows of her past, the untamed magic coursing through her veins, and the crushing guilt she can't escape. Oakley University of the Gifted was supposed to be her sanctuary, a place where she could finally outrun the nightmares. But her fragile peace shatters when Ciaran Strides back into her life. Once her closest confidant, now an infuriating enigma, Ciaran's reappearance is anything but coincidence. His sly smirk and werewolf swagger are enough to set Daphne's nerves alight-and not in a good way. But beneath the barbs they trade lies a truth neither can ignore: Their lives have always been tangled, and their shared history might hold the key to everything Daphne's been running from. As danger closes in and old wounds resurface, Daphne must decide whether to keep running or confront the chaos that's haunted her for so long. But trusting Ciaran might mean more than facing her past- it could mean losing her heart in the process. With gripping magic, fiery tension, and a heroine who refuses to back down, Claws of Death and Magic is an electrifying Start to a supernatural saga that will leave you breathless.
——
Claws of Death and Magic is a perfect rich blend of modern magical academics with a supernatural blend, set against a backdrop of unresolved past traumas. Daphne, a rare and emotionally drained Druid, possesses healing powers but struggles with her own demons. When Ciaran, a wolfish figure from her past, reappears at her university, Daphne is forced to confront the unresolved tensions and complex history between them. Their relationship is marked by friction, unspoken resentments, and simmering chemistry, all layered with emotional vulnerability. This character-driven narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, prioritizing depth, world-building, and emotional complexity over fast-paced action. I really enjoyed it and give this book four out of five stars and thank you for the opportunity to arc read to the author and Happily Book PR
———
Some secrets refuse to stay buried. Daphne has spent years running from the bloody shadows of her past, the untamed magic coursing through her veins, and the crushing guilt she can't escape. Oakley University of the Gifted was supposed to be her sanctuary, a place where she could finally outrun the nightmares. But her fragile peace shatters when Ciaran Strides back into her life. Once her closest confidant, now an infuriating enigma, Ciaran's reappearance is anything but coincidence. His sly smirk and werewolf swagger are enough to set Daphne's nerves alight-and not in a good way. But beneath the barbs they trade lies a truth neither can ignore: Their lives have always been tangled, and their shared history might hold the key to everything Daphne's been running from. As danger closes in and old wounds resurface, Daphne must decide whether to keep running or confront the chaos that's haunted her for so long. But trusting Ciaran might mean more than facing her past- it could mean losing her heart in the process. With gripping magic, fiery tension, and a heroine who refuses to back down, Claws of Death and Magic is an electrifying Start to a supernatural saga that will leave you breathless.
——
Claws of Death and Magic is a perfect rich blend of modern magical academics with a supernatural blend, set against a backdrop of unresolved past traumas. Daphne, a rare and emotionally drained Druid, possesses healing powers but struggles with her own demons. When Ciaran, a wolfish figure from her past, reappears at her university, Daphne is forced to confront the unresolved tensions and complex history between them. Their relationship is marked by friction, unspoken resentments, and simmering chemistry, all layered with emotional vulnerability. This character-driven narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, prioritizing depth, world-building, and emotional complexity over fast-paced action. I really enjoyed it and give this book four out of five stars and thank you for the opportunity to arc read to the author and Happily Book PR
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!
Holy flipping shift! This was such a wild ride. First off, I love books that are set at supernatural schools and this one really hit the mark. Daphne is the last Druid left in her city and she’s afraid of using her own powers. She runs into her old friend Ciaran and the tension between her and the Shifter begins immediately. Until like halfway through the book Daphne was honestly super selfish, I know it’s because of her PTSD but it just really bothered me. I said WTF to her about a hundred times. Her best friend Ashley was so sweet and way more powerful than her terrible mother gives her credit for. Brody is precious, Malcolm is hilarious with his inability to read the room, and I definitely want to know more about Ian. There were a lot of twists in this and they all had me slack-jawed. This was written with really descriptive words and I loved how the characters all came to life. The spice in this doesn’t pick up til a little over halfway through the book but what we got was extra tasty. I absolutely loved the final battle scene but I was SO nervous for the MCs. The villain in this was absolutely ruthless, I’m not gonna say who because no spoilers, but if he’s as bad as he was I’m shook to find out who the “her” he’s so petrified of is. I’m not sure if there’s more books planned in the future but I really hope there are.
Holy flipping shift! This was such a wild ride. First off, I love books that are set at supernatural schools and this one really hit the mark. Daphne is the last Druid left in her city and she’s afraid of using her own powers. She runs into her old friend Ciaran and the tension between her and the Shifter begins immediately. Until like halfway through the book Daphne was honestly super selfish, I know it’s because of her PTSD but it just really bothered me. I said WTF to her about a hundred times. Her best friend Ashley was so sweet and way more powerful than her terrible mother gives her credit for. Brody is precious, Malcolm is hilarious with his inability to read the room, and I definitely want to know more about Ian. There were a lot of twists in this and they all had me slack-jawed. This was written with really descriptive words and I loved how the characters all came to life. The spice in this doesn’t pick up til a little over halfway through the book but what we got was extra tasty. I absolutely loved the final battle scene but I was SO nervous for the MCs. The villain in this was absolutely ruthless, I’m not gonna say who because no spoilers, but if he’s as bad as he was I’m shook to find out who the “her” he’s so petrified of is. I’m not sure if there’s more books planned in the future but I really hope there are.
April 24, 2025
Daphne is the last remaining droid after her whole family was wiped out in a mysterious fire. She is running from her past and wants to live a normal life. Due to her rare magic and not having anyone to teach her how to control it she is scared.
Ciaran is a shifter/droid and ex-friend to Daphne. He has made it his mission to figure out what or who causes the fire that took his family. He feels drawn to Daphne because they suffered the same loss and protected each other while waiting to be rescued from the fire.
Daphne just wants a normal life and to not let her PTSD take over her life. Weird things start happening and she must rely on an old friend and current friends to help her. Will Daphne be able to let go of her control to allow others to help her or will her stubbornness be everyone's downfall. Daphne and Ciaran have such good chemistry and I liked that they started as longtime friends before realizing they are more. I also liked the supporting characters Ashley who is a witch and Daphne's best friend, Brody, Malcom, and Ian who are all part of of Ciaran's pack.
From what I understand there are more books to come! I really can't wait and hope that we get books for the side characters. I'm glad I was able to read this book and if you like shifters, magic, dark academia, and a very dark bad guy this is the book for you!
Ciaran is a shifter/droid and ex-friend to Daphne. He has made it his mission to figure out what or who causes the fire that took his family. He feels drawn to Daphne because they suffered the same loss and protected each other while waiting to be rescued from the fire.
Daphne just wants a normal life and to not let her PTSD take over her life. Weird things start happening and she must rely on an old friend and current friends to help her. Will Daphne be able to let go of her control to allow others to help her or will her stubbornness be everyone's downfall. Daphne and Ciaran have such good chemistry and I liked that they started as longtime friends before realizing they are more. I also liked the supporting characters Ashley who is a witch and Daphne's best friend, Brody, Malcom, and Ian who are all part of of Ciaran's pack.
From what I understand there are more books to come! I really can't wait and hope that we get books for the side characters. I'm glad I was able to read this book and if you like shifters, magic, dark academia, and a very dark bad guy this is the book for you!
April 23, 2025
What to expect:
- murder mystery
- magic academy
- urban fantasy
- fated mates
- found family
- witches and werewolves
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
i definitely went into this book slightly blind. i knew the tropes for this book and that immediately drew me in. i honestly didnt even read the blurb when i signed up for this arc and that was the best thing i have ever done. it was so fun and had me on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going on.
this book honestly gave me some harry potter vibes which will always be my favorite book series as well as movie series so it gave me such a sense of nostalgia. but the characters this book are older and there is a little spice added in.
it is a very quick read and so incredibly enjoyable. i cant wait for the next one.
thank you happilybookedpr and alison grace for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book
- murder mystery
- magic academy
- urban fantasy
- fated mates
- found family
- witches and werewolves
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
i definitely went into this book slightly blind. i knew the tropes for this book and that immediately drew me in. i honestly didnt even read the blurb when i signed up for this arc and that was the best thing i have ever done. it was so fun and had me on the edge of my seat, guessing what was going on.
this book honestly gave me some harry potter vibes which will always be my favorite book series as well as movie series so it gave me such a sense of nostalgia. but the characters this book are older and there is a little spice added in.
it is a very quick read and so incredibly enjoyable. i cant wait for the next one.
thank you happilybookedpr and alison grace for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book
April 25, 2025
Full review coming soon
April 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have always enjoyed fantasy books, but something about urban fantasies reads differently. There is something I really enjoy about reading about fantasy in the world as I know it. Not a different realm, parallel universe, but the world that I live and breathe in. It is fun to see the everyday world mixed in with magic, shifters, and other fantastical things. Alison Grace does just this in her newest book, Claws of Death and Magic.
Daphne thought she had put her past behind her. Losing her family and dealing with it once was enough and she is not in a hurry to dig up the traumatic events to see if there is more to it. Wanting to gain control over her magic she enrolls at Oakley University. This was supposed to be a place she could start over, grow in her power, and thrive. When her past catches up to her future, she has no desire to relive the trauma she once went through again. As she begins to grasp that you can’t outrun the past, only deal with it, she begins to rely on people she said goodbye to a long time ago and opens herself up to help. I loved watching Daphne deal with the pain she has gone through.
More than once I wanted to reach through and hug her, but she is strong and resilient.
Ciaran wants another chance with Daphne, even though she has made it clear she is done. When he finds his way back into her life, it is clear she isn’t happy about it, but he knows she is meant for him. He understands her hurt better than most can and wants to help bring her peace, even if she doesn’t see it that way. The chemistry between these two is explosive and so fun to read. Although it takes some time for Ciaran to prove himself, when Daphne finally starts trusting him again, it was magical.
This series has so much potential to be interconnected with other characters in this book getting their own stories and if that happens, I am here for it! Or even a prequel to give more insight to Carian and Daphne from before. Their dynamic was wonderful and the banter was top notch. I look forward to reading more of Alison and hope to see more of this world in future books from her.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Urban Fantasy
🐺Witches and Werewolves
I have always enjoyed fantasy books, but something about urban fantasies reads differently. There is something I really enjoy about reading about fantasy in the world as I know it. Not a different realm, parallel universe, but the world that I live and breathe in. It is fun to see the everyday world mixed in with magic, shifters, and other fantastical things. Alison Grace does just this in her newest book, Claws of Death and Magic.
Daphne thought she had put her past behind her. Losing her family and dealing with it once was enough and she is not in a hurry to dig up the traumatic events to see if there is more to it. Wanting to gain control over her magic she enrolls at Oakley University. This was supposed to be a place she could start over, grow in her power, and thrive. When her past catches up to her future, she has no desire to relive the trauma she once went through again. As she begins to grasp that you can’t outrun the past, only deal with it, she begins to rely on people she said goodbye to a long time ago and opens herself up to help. I loved watching Daphne deal with the pain she has gone through.
More than once I wanted to reach through and hug her, but she is strong and resilient.
Ciaran wants another chance with Daphne, even though she has made it clear she is done. When he finds his way back into her life, it is clear she isn’t happy about it, but he knows she is meant for him. He understands her hurt better than most can and wants to help bring her peace, even if she doesn’t see it that way. The chemistry between these two is explosive and so fun to read. Although it takes some time for Ciaran to prove himself, when Daphne finally starts trusting him again, it was magical.
This series has so much potential to be interconnected with other characters in this book getting their own stories and if that happens, I am here for it! Or even a prequel to give more insight to Carian and Daphne from before. Their dynamic was wonderful and the banter was top notch. I look forward to reading more of Alison and hope to see more of this world in future books from her.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Urban Fantasy
🐺Witches and Werewolves
April 25, 2025
I enjoyed the premise of this, the initial set up of the Druid mystery and Daphne being the last of her kind. Daphne was fine as the FMC and Ciaran was pretty charming. There were a few good action scenes, like the trip to the archives, which I enjoyed too. It's self contained but there are some crumbs dropped for a follow up book.
The book itself is written in third person and it was a little hard to follow at times when the POVs jumped from one character to the next; there were a couple of times I had to reread sections to make sure I knew which he or she was being talked about. The prologue is also written in first person but not attributed to anyone.
However, I felt like I was missing some context as although there are a couple of flashbacks, I couldn't quite understand what happened between Daphne and Ciaran. It wasn't clear how long they were friends before they parted as its intimated that they haven't seen each other in nine years. Daphne refers to him as her ex-bully at one point but its not expanded on and the timeline didn't quite line up as she was 13 when they met and she is 21 now. Ciaran is also an Alpha with a pack but has enrolled at Oakley where Daphne is a sophomore; it's not clear why he has suddenly appeared or if he was always there (he is referred to as the star football player) and they just haven't crossed paths before. It didn't really impact the plot too much but I did find it confusing in terms of the characters reconnecting.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
The book itself is written in third person and it was a little hard to follow at times when the POVs jumped from one character to the next; there were a couple of times I had to reread sections to make sure I knew which he or she was being talked about. The prologue is also written in first person but not attributed to anyone.
However, I felt like I was missing some context as although there are a couple of flashbacks, I couldn't quite understand what happened between Daphne and Ciaran. It wasn't clear how long they were friends before they parted as its intimated that they haven't seen each other in nine years. Daphne refers to him as her ex-bully at one point but its not expanded on and the timeline didn't quite line up as she was 13 when they met and she is 21 now. Ciaran is also an Alpha with a pack but has enrolled at Oakley where Daphne is a sophomore; it's not clear why he has suddenly appeared or if he was always there (he is referred to as the star football player) and they just haven't crossed paths before. It didn't really impact the plot too much but I did find it confusing in terms of the characters reconnecting.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
April 29, 2025
Wow! At first, the novel starts at a slow pace but it makes sense because we are entering into a world full of druids, wolves, supernatural entities, etc. We meet Daphne, our fmc who is trying her best to continue with her life despite what her past consists of. She is trying her best to move forward in life and honor her parents the only way she knows. By going to her classes and getting the best grades possible. We tend to get some flashbacks in between the chapters which I think is really cool to understand more of what she went through as a child with Ciaran.
When Ciaran comes back into her life insisting that he needs her help, she struggles to make a decision and keeps deflecting. But she can’t continue to ignore him when their life’s have always been tangled with each other since that tragic night and Ciaran only wants to figure out the truth of that night. Despite their ongoing feelings for each other and Daphne not being sure who to trust, she ends up trusting Ciaran, with some precaution to investigate what truly happened the night their worlds were turned upside down.
This book was so captivating and kept you on the edge of your seat. The way Alison Grace used descriptive language and even including a guidebook of the supernatural groups that are seen in the novel is phenomenal ! The attention to detail about what makes a Druid, witches and warlocks, the shifters, and the undead is out of this world! I truly loved reading this novel and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Alison’s novels. This book is a perfect blend of its own fantasy world with elements of one of my favorite tv shows titled “Charmed” 🫶🏽❤️ can’t wait to get this novel in paperback form so I can annotate it :)
Rating: 5/5
Steamy Scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
When Ciaran comes back into her life insisting that he needs her help, she struggles to make a decision and keeps deflecting. But she can’t continue to ignore him when their life’s have always been tangled with each other since that tragic night and Ciaran only wants to figure out the truth of that night. Despite their ongoing feelings for each other and Daphne not being sure who to trust, she ends up trusting Ciaran, with some precaution to investigate what truly happened the night their worlds were turned upside down.
This book was so captivating and kept you on the edge of your seat. The way Alison Grace used descriptive language and even including a guidebook of the supernatural groups that are seen in the novel is phenomenal ! The attention to detail about what makes a Druid, witches and warlocks, the shifters, and the undead is out of this world! I truly loved reading this novel and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Alison’s novels. This book is a perfect blend of its own fantasy world with elements of one of my favorite tv shows titled “Charmed” 🫶🏽❤️ can’t wait to get this novel in paperback form so I can annotate it :)
Rating: 5/5
Steamy Scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
April 25, 2025
OMG this was a fantastic story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down at all. I have no words to say but OH WOW! Daphne was the last one of the Druid who was left in her city and she was so afraid of using her own powers. Now she had ran into her old friend Ciaran and the tension between her and the Shifter begins immediately. The chemistry between them was captivating and romance in the passion they both have one another . The love was in their heart will destroyed the desire that can't be resist right now together. They couldn't even fight the temptation and the chaos of being with each other in this moment. She had a hard time controlling her powers right now against Ciaran. Will this be a war or could they be gaining their choices at this time.
I highly recommend this book and you won't regret reading by Happily PR and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
I highly recommend this book and you won't regret reading by Happily PR and you won't be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
April 26, 2025
This was a fun paranormal fantasy with a various array of magic and supernatural creatures. Our MCs, Daphne and Ciaran reconnect at Oakley University. They end up forming a bond over shared past trauma and experiences. They set out to find out what happened to their families years ago. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two of them. I also liked the close relationship of the wolf pack and the bantering was priceless. There were some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming, so that is always a plus for me. The spice was pretty hot, late starting in the book but when it hit it was enough. The suspenseful storyline will keep you engrossed and have you wanting to know more. I will say I did feel a little disconnection with the characters at times. 3rd person POV can distract me some, especially when POV’s change as well as going from 3rd person to 1st person. Overall, I did enjoy the book and bumped it to 4 stars because of its potential. I would definitely recommend and continue reading this author. I would love more of a backstory of Daphne and Ciaran.
3.75/5
3.75/5
June 29, 2025
I enjoyed this tale of magic and mystery, and the combo of a druid, a witch, and a pack of shifters was great.
Daphne is the last druid, after the rest were killed in a fire, including her parents when she was a child. Ciaran is a wolf shifter, who met Daphne during his first shift, on the same night of the fire. They were the only two known survivors of the tragedy, having been outside when the explosion happened. Years later, they met each other again at university, and a tense friendship was rekindled, but what really happened on the night of that original meeting?
I really enjoyed the mix of magical styles and abilities presented by the characters, and there was an interesting mystery in the plot which kept me interested to the conclusion.
However there were a few parts where the third person narration suddenly switched to first person, which threw me the first time it happened. Thankfully it only occurred a couple of times, and it wasn't enough for me to stop reading.
I received an ARC of this ebook from Happily Booked PR, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Daphne is the last druid, after the rest were killed in a fire, including her parents when she was a child. Ciaran is a wolf shifter, who met Daphne during his first shift, on the same night of the fire. They were the only two known survivors of the tragedy, having been outside when the explosion happened. Years later, they met each other again at university, and a tense friendship was rekindled, but what really happened on the night of that original meeting?
I really enjoyed the mix of magical styles and abilities presented by the characters, and there was an interesting mystery in the plot which kept me interested to the conclusion.
However there were a few parts where the third person narration suddenly switched to first person, which threw me the first time it happened. Thankfully it only occurred a couple of times, and it wasn't enough for me to stop reading.
I received an ARC of this ebook from Happily Booked PR, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
April 19, 2025
I tried really really hard with this one. But unfortunately it's falling into the DNF pile
I do not necessarily think it's a bad book, just not for me
Several times it jumps from third to first person (even mid sentence) and at least a couple of times the POV shifts between characters without any notice that it's going to happen. I found that very distracting and it made it hard to stay immersed in the universe
The storyline was ok, but the lack of proper back story was hard for me. I wanted to know more about what had happened before and brought them to where they are. The fact that Daphne (the FMC) was mentioned as the last Druid, several times, but then she repeatedly runs into other Druids was confusing
Overall the book is a quick read and for the most part enjoyable. The spicy scenes are well written and not cringy. It just was not for me
I do not necessarily think it's a bad book, just not for me
Several times it jumps from third to first person (even mid sentence) and at least a couple of times the POV shifts between characters without any notice that it's going to happen. I found that very distracting and it made it hard to stay immersed in the universe
The storyline was ok, but the lack of proper back story was hard for me. I wanted to know more about what had happened before and brought them to where they are. The fact that Daphne (the FMC) was mentioned as the last Druid, several times, but then she repeatedly runs into other Druids was confusing
Overall the book is a quick read and for the most part enjoyable. The spicy scenes are well written and not cringy. It just was not for me
May 3, 2025
I really loved the magic system/world; hopefully there will be more books based in this setting; it is amazing. The MCs are my babies now; their relationship was very messy, their past can't stay buried, and that complicates their present. But it was good to see how they were able to finally know the truth and move on, never forgetting but now not letting it ruin their lives and chance of being happy.
Overall, it was a fun read and engaging, but I find it a little disappointing the sudden change in the POV and some errors. In general, it felt like a good story; I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you @alisongraceauthor and @happilybookedpr for giving me the chance of being an ARC.
#coverreveals #bookcoverreveal #fantasyromancebooks #paranormalfantasyauthor #paranormalfantasy #magicacademy #werewolfbooks #murdermysterybooks
Overall, it was a fun read and engaging, but I find it a little disappointing the sudden change in the POV and some errors. In general, it felt like a good story; I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you @alisongraceauthor and @happilybookedpr for giving me the chance of being an ARC.
#coverreveals #bookcoverreveal #fantasyromancebooks #paranormalfantasyauthor #paranormalfantasy #magicacademy #werewolfbooks #murdermysterybooks
April 16, 2025
ARC Review time
Title: Claws of Death and Magic
Author: @alisongraceauthor
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Magical Academy
Found family
Murder mystery
Magic
Shape-shifting
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶
The FMC Daphne and the MMC Ciaran found each other on a night of absolute loss. They lost their families in a terrible fire. But fate had other plans for them. Daphne is the last full Druid alive. A kidnapping of her best friend brings more than all of them could bargin for.
This book had me on the edge of my seat towards the end. A mix of magic, fated mates, and a Murder mystery. I loved this book.
Available for purchase April 25th
#supportindieauthors #fatedmates #bookrecs #bookishcommunity #booksofinstagram #bookishengagement
Title: Claws of Death and Magic
Author: @alisongraceauthor
Tropes:
Fated Mates
Magical Academy
Found family
Murder mystery
Magic
Shape-shifting
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶
The FMC Daphne and the MMC Ciaran found each other on a night of absolute loss. They lost their families in a terrible fire. But fate had other plans for them. Daphne is the last full Druid alive. A kidnapping of her best friend brings more than all of them could bargin for.
This book had me on the edge of my seat towards the end. A mix of magic, fated mates, and a Murder mystery. I loved this book.
Available for purchase April 25th
#supportindieauthors #fatedmates #bookrecs #bookishcommunity #booksofinstagram #bookishengagement
April 24, 2025
Just finished Claws of Death and Magic by Alison A Grace, and wow — what a surprise gem! I went in knowing very little about it, and it absolutely delivered.
This story follows Daphne, a college student and Druid healer with a tragic past and powers she’s still learning to control. Enter Ciaran, a werewolf shifter from her past, now attending the same university. Their chemistry is electric, with great banter and tension throughout.
As old wounds resurface and a new supernatural threat emerges, these two are forced to team up. What follows is a blend of action, magic, and romance as they battle not just external forces, but their own fears and hearts.
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Urban Fantasy
🐺Witches and werewolves
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨4.5/5
This story follows Daphne, a college student and Druid healer with a tragic past and powers she’s still learning to control. Enter Ciaran, a werewolf shifter from her past, now attending the same university. Their chemistry is electric, with great banter and tension throughout.
As old wounds resurface and a new supernatural threat emerges, these two are forced to team up. What follows is a blend of action, magic, and romance as they battle not just external forces, but their own fears and hearts.
🔮Found Family
🐺Fated Mates
🔮Murder Mystery
🐺Magic Academy
🔮Urban Fantasy
🐺Witches and werewolves
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨4.5/5
April 25, 2025
Alison Grace created a world of magic that blends romance, magic, and mystery to make one truly wonderful book. There were a lot of twists in this and that’ll have you gleefully turning pages like it’s your job! Daphne is a Druid a rare one at that, burnt out and overloaded magically. I loved the fact that She had healing powers, and a bit of a chip on her shoulder. It’s great to see how things evolve and change when Ciaran appears like immediately, there’s tension you can just feel! I loved how the characters all came to life. The spice in this doesn’t pick up until a little over halfway through the book but what we got enough of spice to carry us through this book!!. I need another book like yesterday!! Amazing job!
April 25, 2025
Happy release day @alisongraceauthor ! I can’t wait for everyone to pick this up.
Claws of Death and Magic is a fated mates, urban fantasy between Daphne and Ciaran.
I loved how intelligent and cunning Daphne is. She isn’t someone who should be underestimated, full of knowledge and wanting to know the answers to every problem thrown her way. I found her very relatable, and I think many other readers will too.
I loved how Ciaran would do anything for Daphne. While he can certainly be grumpy and can get on Daphne’s nerves, there’s no doubt that he would never hesitate to protect her. I loved seeing him open up and aid her in her journey, and I think so many readers will love him too!
Be sure to grab this on KU now💗
Claws of Death and Magic is a fated mates, urban fantasy between Daphne and Ciaran.
I loved how intelligent and cunning Daphne is. She isn’t someone who should be underestimated, full of knowledge and wanting to know the answers to every problem thrown her way. I found her very relatable, and I think many other readers will too.
I loved how Ciaran would do anything for Daphne. While he can certainly be grumpy and can get on Daphne’s nerves, there’s no doubt that he would never hesitate to protect her. I loved seeing him open up and aid her in her journey, and I think so many readers will love him too!
Be sure to grab this on KU now💗
April 29, 2025
This was fun! I enjoyed it quite a lot. Great quick read, the magic system is fun, there’s lots of action to keep you interested and the mystery helps as well. I liked watching our FMC Daphne grow and work through some of her grief and PTSD.
Highly enjoyed the dynamic between Ciaran and Daphne, there’s a lot of history between them and I like how they come to help each other and be there again for each other. The slow burn is absolutely lovely and when they finally realize what they are to each other….fireworks!!💥
I’m loving Ciaran’s pack! I really want to get to know them better and see if something develops between a certain witch and wolf 😏! Looking forward to the next book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Highly enjoyed the dynamic between Ciaran and Daphne, there’s a lot of history between them and I like how they come to help each other and be there again for each other. The slow burn is absolutely lovely and when they finally realize what they are to each other….fireworks!!💥
I’m loving Ciaran’s pack! I really want to get to know them better and see if something develops between a certain witch and wolf 😏! Looking forward to the next book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 1, 2025
Claws of Death and Magic is a pretty good fantasy read that follows the last Druid of her species as she overcomes magical hardships and finds love and family.
The story starts out with old friends turned enemies-to-lovers, but it never really explains how they had a falling out. And then it is definitely not a slow burn because somehow the FMC suddenly changes her tune from hating this guy to loving him.
Other than that, there are also a couple of times that there are “major” boss fights/battles. For all of these to be squeezed into one book seems like a lot. Not to mention that none of these students have any sort of fighting training but somehow keep beating monsters and gods.
Overall not bad but in my opinion the plot felt a little cramped and rushed.
The story starts out with old friends turned enemies-to-lovers, but it never really explains how they had a falling out. And then it is definitely not a slow burn because somehow the FMC suddenly changes her tune from hating this guy to loving him.
Other than that, there are also a couple of times that there are “major” boss fights/battles. For all of these to be squeezed into one book seems like a lot. Not to mention that none of these students have any sort of fighting training but somehow keep beating monsters and gods.
Overall not bad but in my opinion the plot felt a little cramped and rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
I honestly had a really hard time deciding on a rating for this one. I would say it is closer to 3.5, but I can’t bring myself to round up to 4. The storyline is enjoyable and the characters themselves are ok. I don’t think you really get to know them that well throughout the story. I think my biggest issue was the overall writing style. There were several places where the POV would switch from third person to first person even mid-sentence, and it was distracting for me. Overall, I would say go ahead and pick this one up and be willing to keep an open mind because I think you would still like the plot.
May 2, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved how this book brought me back to my teenage years and those mystery shows I used to watch.
The story moved at a great pace, had some steamy scenes, and the different kinds of magic and magical beings were fascinating. It was such an easy read, and I flew right through it! I'm thrilled to hear there's another book planned because I have some lingering questions and would love to delve deeper into the characters' stories.
For anyone wanting a shorter book with a plot that will keep you guessing, this is a great choice!
Thank you, Happily Booked PR, for the ARC copy!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved how this book brought me back to my teenage years and those mystery shows I used to watch.
The story moved at a great pace, had some steamy scenes, and the different kinds of magic and magical beings were fascinating. It was such an easy read, and I flew right through it! I'm thrilled to hear there's another book planned because I have some lingering questions and would love to delve deeper into the characters' stories.
For anyone wanting a shorter book with a plot that will keep you guessing, this is a great choice!
Thank you, Happily Booked PR, for the ARC copy!
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