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The Never Witch
In her witch’s blood, a warlock’s power awakens . . . and it could destroy her.
Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost her coven, her pride, and her marriage.
Years later, she’s built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She’s a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she’s running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.
But the priestess’s help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven’s hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.
If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you'll be spellbound by The Never Witch.
Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost her coven, her pride, and her marriage.
Years later, she’s built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She’s a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she’s running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.
But the priestess’s help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven’s hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.
If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you'll be spellbound by The Never Witch.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
J.P. McLean
15 books81 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page.
I'm very fortunate to live in a writer's paradise on one of the small northern Gulf Islands off the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The rugged beaches and towering fir and arbutus trees that surround me often end up in my stories. When I'm not pouring my imagination into my computer, I'm futzing in gardens, making a mess of the kitchen or hiking local trails. I write stories that entice you to believe the impossible and escape the everyday for a while. Enjoy the read!
I'm also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JPMcLeanBooks
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December 20, 2025
Although born a witch, artist and graphic designer Adeline Thorne has no magical ability, unlike her sister and mother. She’s learned to live with this reality, but still harbors resentment against the coven’s priestess for making her an outcast. Things quickly change, however, when Adeline is attacked one night and warlock magic is embedded inside her. Both warlocks and witches blame one another for this dangerous, unprecedented situation that could kill Adeline. While they try to find a way to retrieve the magic that Adeline decides she wants to keep, her safety becomes perilous. More than one person doesn’t care if she dies, just as long as they can retrieve that magic.
This unique plot focuses on an uneasy dynamic between witches and warlocks where trust is in short supply. The stakes are high as Adeline’s situation could be the catalyst that launches a war between the two sides, which would be catastrophic for everyone. Adeline is a terrific character who’s already gone through a lot and is now forced to endure much more. There’s a hint of romance in the story with the warlock, Luke Churchwell, who is charged with watching over her. There’s also the appearance of her ex-husband, which adds to Adeline’s already complicated life. The tension and suspense build beautifully. As things come to a head, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in this highly entertaining story.
This unique plot focuses on an uneasy dynamic between witches and warlocks where trust is in short supply. The stakes are high as Adeline’s situation could be the catalyst that launches a war between the two sides, which would be catastrophic for everyone. Adeline is a terrific character who’s already gone through a lot and is now forced to endure much more. There’s a hint of romance in the story with the warlock, Luke Churchwell, who is charged with watching over her. There’s also the appearance of her ex-husband, which adds to Adeline’s already complicated life. The tension and suspense build beautifully. As things come to a head, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in this highly entertaining story.
November 3, 2025
From the masterfully crafted opening line to the cheeky last comment, The Never Witch will keep you spellbound. McLean has a talent for creating unique supernatural worlds, so real they could actually exist in contemporary Vancouver. In this, the first of the Thorne Witch series, we’re introduced to a sophisticated world order of witches and warlocks who intermingle with humans. That in itself may not seem new—we’ve certainly met them before—but McLean’s world-building is complex, intelligent, nuanced, and, naturally, political. Oh, and yes, there’s a romantic subplot involving a witch and a warlock that slips this series into the new rage realm of romantasy.
McLean is the Mistress of Complications. These two distinct races of beings— witches and warlocks—are not limited by gender, but there are separations, regulations, and some intriguing intermingling. Both witches and warlocks are born with magic in their DNA. The power of young witches is kept bound until their thirteenth birthday, when a ceremony is held to unbind their elemental earth magic. Every two years thereafter another element is unbound—air, water, then fire.
The problem for our hero, Adeline Thorne, is that her unbinding never worked, and after four attempts she was left barren—without her magic or her coven or her pride. She’s come to accept her fate and lives a quiet life in Dunbar painting portraits, until a violent event sweeps her back into the corrupt world of witches and warlocks. At the same time, it’s discovered that the grid, “the warp and weft that fuelled the magic of witchkind” is being targeted by a warlock. Could it be the same warlock who, having been convicted of siphoning magic from others, slams his magic into Adeline for safekeeping, rather than lose it as his penalty? Warlock magic can kill a witch but, having once tasted of its dangerous power, Adeline decides to keep it, even knowing he’ll kill her to get it back.
As with all new worlds, McLean injects a unique vocabulary and specificity into her writing. Warlock magic smells of ozone; while witch magic smells of cloves. There is a Warlock King and a High Priestess of Witches. Lords and Ladies. War mages and nulls—trained assassins immune to all magic but the king’s. Courts, councils, and cuffs—metal jewellery that blows up at attempted removal, taking a hand, or a head, along with it. Runes and rune glyphs—a permanent mark, like a tattoo, etched onto the skin to prevent siphoning of magic. This reviewer loves this immersion into magical language, but suggests a glossary in the next instalment.
McLean’s writing has never been more stylish and powerful—this book raises the bar on craft. Her signature cheekiness contrasts with elegant, sensory descriptions and riveting action sequences. Some sentences are show-stoppers—“Her hostility was a sheet of hardened ice under a fragile façade of politeness.” And there are echoes of Avatar in this beautiful description of the grid: “She’d spent many evenings in her witch’s garden, watching the tiny specks of life break away from trees and spiders and drift up to become a part of the living grid. Brushing her hand across the tops of tall grass sent the specks scattering like sparks from a bonfire before they rose in a twisting vortex” (13).
The Never Witch is whimsical, hard core, intelligent, and enthralling. Fans of The Discovery of Witches will enjoy McLean’s multi-faceted magical universe where a desire for unity and freedom seethes beneath a surface of cultural differences, rules, and prohibitions. And fans of Practical Magic will enjoy this tale of two sisters: Adeline, the elder, who was never a witch but now carries warlock magic, and Sarah, the younger, a binder and spell caster married to a witch.
JP McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She’s been the recipient of numerous honours for her Dark Dreams series and her six-book Gift Legacy series. Among them are a Global Book Award, CIBA and Page Turner Award, the National Indie Excellence Awards, the UK Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and the Whistler independent Book Awards. McLean lives on Denman Island and is a favourite at Vancouver Island markets and festivals.
Recommended for teens+ who loves witchy fiction. 5 Stars
McLean is the Mistress of Complications. These two distinct races of beings— witches and warlocks—are not limited by gender, but there are separations, regulations, and some intriguing intermingling. Both witches and warlocks are born with magic in their DNA. The power of young witches is kept bound until their thirteenth birthday, when a ceremony is held to unbind their elemental earth magic. Every two years thereafter another element is unbound—air, water, then fire.
The problem for our hero, Adeline Thorne, is that her unbinding never worked, and after four attempts she was left barren—without her magic or her coven or her pride. She’s come to accept her fate and lives a quiet life in Dunbar painting portraits, until a violent event sweeps her back into the corrupt world of witches and warlocks. At the same time, it’s discovered that the grid, “the warp and weft that fuelled the magic of witchkind” is being targeted by a warlock. Could it be the same warlock who, having been convicted of siphoning magic from others, slams his magic into Adeline for safekeeping, rather than lose it as his penalty? Warlock magic can kill a witch but, having once tasted of its dangerous power, Adeline decides to keep it, even knowing he’ll kill her to get it back.
As with all new worlds, McLean injects a unique vocabulary and specificity into her writing. Warlock magic smells of ozone; while witch magic smells of cloves. There is a Warlock King and a High Priestess of Witches. Lords and Ladies. War mages and nulls—trained assassins immune to all magic but the king’s. Courts, councils, and cuffs—metal jewellery that blows up at attempted removal, taking a hand, or a head, along with it. Runes and rune glyphs—a permanent mark, like a tattoo, etched onto the skin to prevent siphoning of magic. This reviewer loves this immersion into magical language, but suggests a glossary in the next instalment.
McLean’s writing has never been more stylish and powerful—this book raises the bar on craft. Her signature cheekiness contrasts with elegant, sensory descriptions and riveting action sequences. Some sentences are show-stoppers—“Her hostility was a sheet of hardened ice under a fragile façade of politeness.” And there are echoes of Avatar in this beautiful description of the grid: “She’d spent many evenings in her witch’s garden, watching the tiny specks of life break away from trees and spiders and drift up to become a part of the living grid. Brushing her hand across the tops of tall grass sent the specks scattering like sparks from a bonfire before they rose in a twisting vortex” (13).
The Never Witch is whimsical, hard core, intelligent, and enthralling. Fans of The Discovery of Witches will enjoy McLean’s multi-faceted magical universe where a desire for unity and freedom seethes beneath a surface of cultural differences, rules, and prohibitions. And fans of Practical Magic will enjoy this tale of two sisters: Adeline, the elder, who was never a witch but now carries warlock magic, and Sarah, the younger, a binder and spell caster married to a witch.
JP McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She’s been the recipient of numerous honours for her Dark Dreams series and her six-book Gift Legacy series. Among them are a Global Book Award, CIBA and Page Turner Award, the National Indie Excellence Awards, the UK Wishing Shelf Book Awards, and the Whistler independent Book Awards. McLean lives on Denman Island and is a favourite at Vancouver Island markets and festivals.
Recommended for teens+ who loves witchy fiction. 5 Stars
November 3, 2025
JP McLean’s The Never Witch opens with Adeline Thorne, a woman trying to live an ordinary life while being anything but ordinary. She’s the sister of a powerful witch, yet stripped of her own magic and burdened by a complicated past that’s steeped in betrayal, mystery, and supernatural politics. When an encounter with a dying warlock leaves her scarred, physically and otherwise, Adeline becomes caught in a dangerous web of secrets that threaten the fragile peace between witches and warlocks. The story twists between two worlds: the mortal calm of Vancouver and the hidden, charged realm of covens, spells, and old feuds. It’s part mystery, part fantasy, part family drama, and all heart.
The writing is clean and unpretentious, yet it hits hard where it counts. McLean paints vivid scenes with just the right amount of detail, never overdoing it. Her dialogue feels real, sometimes painfully so, and her characters carry their own bruises in ways that stick with you. Adeline is an intriguing character. She’s sarcastic, wounded, stubborn, and somehow still full of grace. I found myself rooting for her even when she tried to push everyone away. The pacing surprised me, too. It starts quietly, but by the second act, it’s hard to look up. Every chapter seems to add a new question or cut a little deeper into the old ones.
What really hooked me though was the emotion running underneath all the fantasy. Sure, there’s magic and danger and political scheming, but it’s the relationships that carry the story. The bond between Adeline and her sister, Sarah, felt honest, messy, protective, and full of old hurts that never quite healed. And then there’s Luke, whose own guilt and duty twist him into something both noble and tragic. The way their lives tangle together feels fated, like watching two storms collide. McLean doesn’t hand you easy answers. She lets you feel the tension, the fear, the hope, and the exhaustion that come with fighting battles you didn’t choose.
By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t just entertained, I was attached. The world McLean built feels layered and believable, and her characters have that rare spark that makes you wonder what they’re doing after the last page ends. The Never Witch is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grounded in emotion and their magic served with a side of grit. If you enjoy stories about found strength, sisterhood, and the kind of courage that comes from surviving what breaks you, this book will hit home.
The writing is clean and unpretentious, yet it hits hard where it counts. McLean paints vivid scenes with just the right amount of detail, never overdoing it. Her dialogue feels real, sometimes painfully so, and her characters carry their own bruises in ways that stick with you. Adeline is an intriguing character. She’s sarcastic, wounded, stubborn, and somehow still full of grace. I found myself rooting for her even when she tried to push everyone away. The pacing surprised me, too. It starts quietly, but by the second act, it’s hard to look up. Every chapter seems to add a new question or cut a little deeper into the old ones.
What really hooked me though was the emotion running underneath all the fantasy. Sure, there’s magic and danger and political scheming, but it’s the relationships that carry the story. The bond between Adeline and her sister, Sarah, felt honest, messy, protective, and full of old hurts that never quite healed. And then there’s Luke, whose own guilt and duty twist him into something both noble and tragic. The way their lives tangle together feels fated, like watching two storms collide. McLean doesn’t hand you easy answers. She lets you feel the tension, the fear, the hope, and the exhaustion that come with fighting battles you didn’t choose.
By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t just entertained, I was attached. The world McLean built feels layered and believable, and her characters have that rare spark that makes you wonder what they’re doing after the last page ends. The Never Witch is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grounded in emotion and their magic served with a side of grit. If you enjoy stories about found strength, sisterhood, and the kind of courage that comes from surviving what breaks you, this book will hit home.
July 31, 2025
This highly imaginative fantasy author, JP McLean, does it again — and this time she turns her inventive mind to witchcraft. The Never Witch is not just any witch, but an unhappy soul who has no special talents until a renegade warlock drains his magic into her without her knowledge, and suddenly she can do all kinds of weird and wonderful things. She's almost drunk with power, until she realizes the warlock wants his magic back and will murder her if necessary.
The clash between these two characters takes place against a backdrop of intrigue, since there is an uneasy truce between the witch world and the warlock world which flares into open warfare when the rules are broken. This author clearly has a talent for creating magical universes beyond our ken.
I have read all ten of JP McLean's previous books. The first series, starting with Secret Sky, involves a woman who discovers she can fly, which is both a blessing and a curse. The second series, beginning with Blood Mark, describes the life-threatening adventures of a woman with magical birthmarks.
Like the others, this eleventh novel takes place in the Pacific Northwest, the home of stormy seas and dark forests. The author herself lives on an ocean island and I wonder if the natural environment stimulates her creative forays into the world of enchantment.
I was given a free Advance Review Copy by the publisher in return for an honest review. This is it.
The clash between these two characters takes place against a backdrop of intrigue, since there is an uneasy truce between the witch world and the warlock world which flares into open warfare when the rules are broken. This author clearly has a talent for creating magical universes beyond our ken.
I have read all ten of JP McLean's previous books. The first series, starting with Secret Sky, involves a woman who discovers she can fly, which is both a blessing and a curse. The second series, beginning with Blood Mark, describes the life-threatening adventures of a woman with magical birthmarks.
Like the others, this eleventh novel takes place in the Pacific Northwest, the home of stormy seas and dark forests. The author herself lives on an ocean island and I wonder if the natural environment stimulates her creative forays into the world of enchantment.
I was given a free Advance Review Copy by the publisher in return for an honest review. This is it.
August 5, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading The Never Witch in its final stage before the official launch on September 16, 2025.
As a great admirer of JP McLean’s work, I was eager to read her latest novel. It’s the first book in her new series, The Thorne Witch Novels.
It was a mesmerizing read from the very first page, and I was quickly drawn in.
The world JP McLean was able to create so effortlessly is complex and exciting without being too ambitious and overcomplicated. One of her greatest skills demonstrated throughout all her books is her ability to create a believable magic.
The clever plot, fast pacing, the rhythm and the pulse of this novel are testaments of JP McLean’s creativity and craftmanship. The protagonists—Adeline Thorne, a witch from a well-known family unable to wake up her magic and her unlikely protector, Luke Churchwell, a warlock, who by a definition should be the archenemy of her kind—are strong and multilayered, motivated and evolving, brave and vulnerable. It’s easy to connect with them—they’re determined to face problems head-on, to act rather than to react, and that resonates with readers.
Supporting characters are also fully fleshed out, adding more depth to the protagonists and giving the story a meaningful context.
I like the concept of the inherited and bitter yet absurd animosity between the realms of witches and warlocks that their leaders don’t want to resolve, using (and abusing) it as fuel to stay in power. Although it’s a familiar trope, it feels fresh and uniquely developed.
The story is told through the perspectives of several characters (but not too many!), which adds additional layers of dynamics and interest.
If you’re a novice to McLean’s work, you’ll enjoy this delicious blend of magic and suspense (and likely want to go backwards and read the Gift Legacy and the Dark Dreams series). If you’ve read her previous books, you’ll find yourself pulled into the familiar yet always original and superb storytelling.
As a great admirer of JP McLean’s work, I was eager to read her latest novel. It’s the first book in her new series, The Thorne Witch Novels.
It was a mesmerizing read from the very first page, and I was quickly drawn in.
The world JP McLean was able to create so effortlessly is complex and exciting without being too ambitious and overcomplicated. One of her greatest skills demonstrated throughout all her books is her ability to create a believable magic.
The clever plot, fast pacing, the rhythm and the pulse of this novel are testaments of JP McLean’s creativity and craftmanship. The protagonists—Adeline Thorne, a witch from a well-known family unable to wake up her magic and her unlikely protector, Luke Churchwell, a warlock, who by a definition should be the archenemy of her kind—are strong and multilayered, motivated and evolving, brave and vulnerable. It’s easy to connect with them—they’re determined to face problems head-on, to act rather than to react, and that resonates with readers.
Supporting characters are also fully fleshed out, adding more depth to the protagonists and giving the story a meaningful context.
I like the concept of the inherited and bitter yet absurd animosity between the realms of witches and warlocks that their leaders don’t want to resolve, using (and abusing) it as fuel to stay in power. Although it’s a familiar trope, it feels fresh and uniquely developed.
The story is told through the perspectives of several characters (but not too many!), which adds additional layers of dynamics and interest.
If you’re a novice to McLean’s work, you’ll enjoy this delicious blend of magic and suspense (and likely want to go backwards and read the Gift Legacy and the Dark Dreams series). If you’ve read her previous books, you’ll find yourself pulled into the familiar yet always original and superb storytelling.
September 22, 2025
The Review
This was such a gripping and compelling urban fantasy meets occult suspense novel. The author did an incredible job of crafting a world set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and yet still felt otherworldly and cultivated in its own separate world. The author’s carefully curated use of imagery in the writing style of this book really brought each scene to life so eloquently, such as scenes in which the protagonist found herself being tested for this newly forced upon warlock power that quickly took an explosive turn.
Immediately, this book set itself apart with a nice balance of rich mythos and character development. The politics and tension that the author built both amongst the witches and warlocks and within their own individual ranks were thrilling to read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats on who they could trust. The bond between Adeline and Sarah as sisters is powerful, and the chemistry she develops with warlock Luke, as well as the return of an old flame, adds a bit of romance and will-they, won’t-they moments for the characters as the narrative develops without sacrificing the main plot.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch” is a must-read occult suspense and urban fantasy read. The first in what is hopefully a great new series, the book brings a unique spin on the contentious history between witches and warlocks, as well as their own unique approaches to magic, and the dynamic character development and multiple POVs will keep readers heavily invested in this fantastic author’s latest fantasy series.
This was such a gripping and compelling urban fantasy meets occult suspense novel. The author did an incredible job of crafting a world set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and yet still felt otherworldly and cultivated in its own separate world. The author’s carefully curated use of imagery in the writing style of this book really brought each scene to life so eloquently, such as scenes in which the protagonist found herself being tested for this newly forced upon warlock power that quickly took an explosive turn.
Immediately, this book set itself apart with a nice balance of rich mythos and character development. The politics and tension that the author built both amongst the witches and warlocks and within their own individual ranks were thrilling to read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats on who they could trust. The bond between Adeline and Sarah as sisters is powerful, and the chemistry she develops with warlock Luke, as well as the return of an old flame, adds a bit of romance and will-they, won’t-they moments for the characters as the narrative develops without sacrificing the main plot.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch” is a must-read occult suspense and urban fantasy read. The first in what is hopefully a great new series, the book brings a unique spin on the contentious history between witches and warlocks, as well as their own unique approaches to magic, and the dynamic character development and multiple POVs will keep readers heavily invested in this fantastic author’s latest fantasy series.
January 1, 2026
Wow, I loved this book about a witch, Adeline Thorne, who was born without her magic. She is attacked by a rouge warlock convicted of serious crimes and he forces his considerable magical abilities into her body. But warlock magic is not compatible with witch DNA and could result in Adeline's death. Much to everyone's surprise though, the warlock magic is not killing her, and even more surprising is that Adeline quickly learns how to wield the magic as her own. Unfortunately, that warlock wants his magic back and is perfectly willing to kill her to get her back, but Adeline will do anything necessary to keep the magic she now considers her own.
I loved Adeline and the fact that she had made a life for herself without magic, and thought her actions and reactions were very realistic. Actually, I think all of the characters in this book, "good" or "bad", were absolutely fascinating and with their varied and multifaceted personalities they kept me completely engrossed from page one. Political intrigue, magical battles, betrayals, family loyalty, a few suspenseful scenes, and enough twists in the plot to leave a reader dizzy. I think this is a must-read, and I personally would love to read more books with Adeline as the FMC. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fantastic "witchy" read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Hidden Gems.
I loved Adeline and the fact that she had made a life for herself without magic, and thought her actions and reactions were very realistic. Actually, I think all of the characters in this book, "good" or "bad", were absolutely fascinating and with their varied and multifaceted personalities they kept me completely engrossed from page one. Political intrigue, magical battles, betrayals, family loyalty, a few suspenseful scenes, and enough twists in the plot to leave a reader dizzy. I think this is a must-read, and I personally would love to read more books with Adeline as the FMC. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fantastic "witchy" read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Hidden Gems.
October 11, 2025
(I received a free ARC of this book.)
4,5⭐️
I absolutely loved The Never Witch! From the moment I picked it up I haven’t been able to put it down. When I first received the ARC I was worried this would be one of these typical witch/warlock romance novels but on the contrary! It’s a thrilling adventure and a real page turner.
There is a hint of “romance” (if you can even call it that) especially near the end. Which felt very unnecessary to me and made me lower the book from a 5 to a 4,5 star rating but that’s mainly personal preference.
I definitely recommend this story to low/urban fantasy readers. It’s filled with little twists and some amazing foreshadowing! You never know who you can trust or which side is the real enemy. It has the perfect balance of predictability and surprise. So while it keeps you on your toes it also offers that comfort that just makes you keep reading.
I really hope there will be a second book because I feel like Adeline’s story isn’t over and I’d love to read more!
4,5⭐️
I absolutely loved The Never Witch! From the moment I picked it up I haven’t been able to put it down. When I first received the ARC I was worried this would be one of these typical witch/warlock romance novels but on the contrary! It’s a thrilling adventure and a real page turner.
There is a hint of “romance” (if you can even call it that) especially near the end. Which felt very unnecessary to me and made me lower the book from a 5 to a 4,5 star rating but that’s mainly personal preference.
I definitely recommend this story to low/urban fantasy readers. It’s filled with little twists and some amazing foreshadowing! You never know who you can trust or which side is the real enemy. It has the perfect balance of predictability and surprise. So while it keeps you on your toes it also offers that comfort that just makes you keep reading.
I really hope there will be a second book because I feel like Adeline’s story isn’t over and I’d love to read more!
October 12, 2025
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Never Witch to review. To review this book is my pleasure. This novel is a good read. From the beginning, the story starts strong and keeps my attention. I like that the story is in a modern-day setting. I don't know much about the world of witches, warlocks, and magic, but the author JP McLean made magic appear believable; although, I am still questioning whether magic is so potent that a practicing witch could indeed, "subtly turn a wrist, unfurl fingers, and a steaming cup of extra whip Mocha cappuccino appear in hand" (page 3). The novel could be described as a self-help book for aspiring or practicing witches and werlocks. I enjoyed the thought-provoking questions that came as I suspensfully turned from one page to the next. I could relate to Adeline Thorne's emotional tug of war between her desire to hold on to her independence and control over her own life, versus accepting the title of witch and being subjected to a witch coven.
November 9, 2025
One day in October, I walked into a local bookstore and was greeted by a witch drinking tea. She showed me this book, enchanted the title page with my name and her signature and a spell that read ‘Happy Reading’.
Well sure enough I adored this story! The savvy magical female characters and unbreakable sisterhood bewitched me from the first chapter. I was captivated by the descriptions and use of rune magic with the backdrop of Vancouver.
This was a pleasure to read during these dark rainy days,the characters are sharp witted and they have kept me in such great company that I sure hope I’ll be fortunate enough to receive another enchantment one day!
I would highly recommend reading this over a Charlie Bowl at Jam Cafe on a rainy day such as this :)
Happy Reading!
Well sure enough I adored this story! The savvy magical female characters and unbreakable sisterhood bewitched me from the first chapter. I was captivated by the descriptions and use of rune magic with the backdrop of Vancouver.
This was a pleasure to read during these dark rainy days,the characters are sharp witted and they have kept me in such great company that I sure hope I’ll be fortunate enough to receive another enchantment one day!
I would highly recommend reading this over a Charlie Bowl at Jam Cafe on a rainy day such as this :)
Happy Reading!
August 3, 2025
I am not one to normally pen a review but felt compelled to after purchasing and devouring this book in one evening. The story of Adeline and her life as not really a witch, had me reading raptly. I throughly enjoyed unraveling the mystery of this story. Following Adeline’s growth as she came to terms with having a warlocks power and what the implications are for the life she’s built outside her coven. Spellbound I turned page after page to hungrily tag along as she navigated who was friend and foe. Normally I gravitate towards high fantasy but this book was just perfect for curing my reading slump.
November 29, 2025
The Never Witch is a deliciously layered urban-fantasy in which witches and warlocks clash almost as fiercely as the venomous politics that fuel their rivalries. Adeline Thorne, long exiled and dismissed, is thrust back into the spotlight when a dying man’s desperate escape unleashes a power she never asked for. Some factions will kill to claim what has been forced upon her; others see her as the perfect pawn in their courtly intrigues.
Think Deborah Harkness, Ilona Andrews, and Nora Roberts, yet McLean delivers a refreshingly original take on a hidden magical society woven through modern-day Vancouver.
Think Deborah Harkness, Ilona Andrews, and Nora Roberts, yet McLean delivers a refreshingly original take on a hidden magical society woven through modern-day Vancouver.
December 31, 2025
‘So, if Adeline Thorne was a witch, she was no normal witch.’
Adeline Thorne is a witch without magic and she’d made the best of it..despite being shunned by her coven. And then a warlock dumps his magic into her and turns her life upside down. Suddenly she’s the hottest commodity in town, warlocks and witches alike wanting to claim it for themselves, no matter what the cost to her. Working with a cuffed warlock, her ex husband, and her sister to reveal the conspiracy behind it all provides us with an intriguing read the further you get into the story and leaves you wondering where the story might go next. Highly entertaining and recommended.
October 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book! I always find it fun to switch it up and read urban fantasy. The world-building was fascinating, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s the kind of story that’s just fun to get lost in.
My husband actually met the author and got me a signed copy (my anxiety was a bit too much to do it myself but I was drawn by the cover and sent him on a mission) which made reading it feel even more special. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from J.P. McLean. This was an entertaining and fun story.
My husband actually met the author and got me a signed copy (my anxiety was a bit too much to do it myself but I was drawn by the cover and sent him on a mission) which made reading it feel even more special. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from J.P. McLean. This was an entertaining and fun story.
October 28, 2025
This was a strong start to the Thorne Witch series, it had that element that I wanted and thought was a strong opening chapter to this world. JP McLean has a strong style for the genre and was glad it was so well written. I was invested in the characters and thought worked well in the fantasy world, I’m excited to read more in this world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next Adeline Thorne adventure already. I typically read historical fiction and this was a refreshing change of pace. Loved learning about the intricate worlds of witch and warlock magic, it kept me intrigued at every turn to the next page.
Reading about many of the places I lived near and visited in Vancouver brought an extra element to the story. JP McLean is a very talented Canadian author, another home grown artist.
Reading about many of the places I lived near and visited in Vancouver brought an extra element to the story. JP McLean is a very talented Canadian author, another home grown artist.
November 14, 2025
I really struggled when i started reading this book.. I didn’t realize it was 3rd person POV when i bought it. However, the story and the plot is really good and after a quarter of the way-half way through i got hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I am hoping there will be a second book with more of the FMC and luke!
January 2, 2026
I loved getting to know Adeline and would love to read more books about her! The characters in this story were well crafted and I felt drawn into the narrative as if I were actually there with them. Loved the crafting of differing magical forces! Wanted the story to keep going at the end! These are my thoughts after enjoying an advance copy of the book.
January 3, 2026
She expect her magic to come but it did not so she try a rebellion which failed. It lead her to being exiled and now years later she hopes everything she has is enough. A warlock will force his magic into her which will eventually kill her. There is only one person she has turn to but will they help her. Follow er fight to survive
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a magical read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a magical read
January 6, 2026
Adeline might have witch DNA, but she doesn't have witch power. While she feels cheated and angry, this might just be the one thing that saves her. Adeline has been dealt a raw deal, but she didn't let it stop her from living life and making something of herself. Life is good. . . . . and then comes Kai . . . which brings Luke . . . . which brings trouble. I really enjoyed this story!
October 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book. as it's well plotted, fascinating world building, and entertaining . I liked the good storytelling and it kept me engrossed and turning pages
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 1, 2026
This takes a little bit to build but when you get to the big bang it’s worth it. I like the slowly building relationship. The main focus is the plot and the magical politics. Can she really handle all this power?! Very good read.
January 6, 2026
This was such a good book. I loved that this was not the typical witch and warlock book. It was a very intriguing story that kept me on the edge of my seat. This was a fast paced story and very action packed. The romance is closed door. This is one of my new favorites and can't wait for more.
December 30, 2025
I loved this book it was beautifully written and the character development throughout was done really nicely.
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