Pages of Shadow and Smoke

by E.E. Holmes

Beyond the veil, the deep magic beckons...

Since the earliest days of witchcraft, the source of power in Sedgwick Cove has remained a mystery. And for Wren Vesper, who only recently discovered her connection to a powerful family Coven, catching up on sixteen years of missed magical education has become her top priority. But just as she’s finding her footing, fate throws her a a mysterious young woman named Jess Ballard appears on her doorstep, grimoire in hand. Jess claims Wren’s grandmother, Asteria, wants her to have it.

But there’s a Asteria is dead, and the book’s sinister past is about to spill into the present.

As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, and the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, spirit witches have lost contact with their spirit guides, and Wren is desperate to discover why. There is a connection between the elusive Ms. Ballard, the grimoire, and the silence from the spirit world—and the answer is buried within the origin story of Sedgwick Cove itself. A ghost still lingers, desperate for the power she was once promised, and her machinations might just destroy the deep magic forever, unless Wren—and Jess—can stop her.

Pages of Shadow and Smoke is the third thrilling installment in E.E. Holmes' Vesper Coven series.

Genres: Fantasy

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

E.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.

She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.

Reviews

[Corey Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome as always

I am a big fan of E. E. Holmes's work, and as such, I had been eagerly anticipating this book. Having read every book in the Gateway Trilogy and the Gateway Trackers spin off series (multiple times, if I'm being honest!), I was particularly looking forward to Pages of Shadow and Smoke because of the crossover between the World of the Gateway and the Vesper Witch Coven.

While for the most part I really enjoyed the book, there were times, especially during the first half, when I was a bit bored. This, however, is not the author's fault; the reason for my boredom simply stemmed from the fact that, because I am well familiarized with Ms. Holmes's work, there were entire chapters that felt to me, at least, like playing catch-up. I don't say this to criticize, merely as an observation. Because after all, Holmes was trying to combine two books series, each with their own detailed, elaborate rituals and castings. So basically, she had to ensure that the story would make sense from the perspective of a new reader who had only read the Vesper Coven books. This, I feel, she balances perfectly; including relevant information in conversation, not letting the info bog readers down while conveying everything necessary to this story about the Durupinen.

I am really curious where future books in the series will go. One thing I love about all of E. E. Holmes books is, she never leaves you hanging on the edge of a cliff. All the books are complete stories with their own full story wrapped up, just a few threads left open so you know the story continues, and that's exactly what happens here. I am curious whether Jess and the other Durupinen might continue to make cameos in this series— I think it would be really fun to have some of the characters from each series meet. So much of the story was wrapped up with this book, I'm left wondering where she'll go next. Expecting the Darkness to make a reappearance for sure, any time.

I love E. E. Holmes books; if you have not already read the Gateway series, I highly recommend it. The Riftmagic Saga is also incredible— unrelated to this series but it's an awesome gaslamp trilogy set in an alternate 1800s London. Very cool. Ms. Holmes does incredible work with plot and character. I love how she weaves her worlds and I am so excited for what's next in this series and anything else she writes!

[Veronica Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

I always say, I will read it slow. Maybe a chapter a day. Make it last. But Girl, you always draw me in. The characters keep evolving. The story line is always keeping me enthralled. Thank you! I know life takes us in twists & turns, sometimes making it hard to see beyond the moment, making it difficult to create. If I may, I'm proud you are not only enduring but pushing to thrive. Keep pushing Girl & Thank you again. 😊

[Thompson615 · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

This book was great! Jess Ballard comes to Sedgwick Cove with a delivery for Wren. Of course the Conclave freaks out, and tries to cause issues for the Vesper Coven. As Wren & Jess forge a friendship they discover they both have a connection to the Source. I couldn’t put this book down and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Melanie Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I loved this series! Both series of Jess and Wren! Can't wait for the next one! I recommend these books to anyone who likes fantasy! They are very well written and hit all the notes!

[Lucia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast read, could not put it down

I love E E Holmes' books, and this one was not less enchanting than the previous ones. Nicely developed stories, characters that come alive, a subtle sense of humor, lots of fun.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series. I enjoyed the full story. You keep writing. And Ill keep Reading. Love your work.

I am a committed fan. From sprit. Legacy to to the housemaids tale to the vesper series. I have enjoyed them all

[Kerri L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Addition to this collection

This book was an excellent read… it brought together the previous books and answered many questions. Great characters and so glad to see the Jess Ballard in this story… can’t wait to see how that relationship continues

[IdRatherBeReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

got me good

Oh man, the author got me good. Stomach drop, face pale, hands shaking. It just couldn’t be happening. Kudos for making me feel those feelings. I love cross over books. I miss all the characters in other series and I love seeing them again.

[Lisa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, spellbinding, epic story line.

I just lovd the way this book together the 2 series. Finished reading it in 1 day. Jess is a harass and Week is definitely coming into her own. Well done E.E. Holmes! Can't wait for the next in this series.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story about Jess Ballard and her world. Although the book is essentially about the Sedgwick Cove covens, it blended the duripinen and the witches beautifully!! Excellent!!

[connie deloach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting

I love this book and series. Never a dull moment. Two series emerge. Who doesn't love that. An exciting and adventurous story. Can't wait for the next.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

This was a much needed distraction and I can’t wait to see how the Coven proceed with book 4 A

[Diana]

quite enjoyable



I Especially enjoyed the joining of mom y two favorite series and their heroine. When and Jess are much alike, kindred spirits, if you will.

[Danielle Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!! Absolutely loved this book especially since Jess Ballard was in it. I how there is more to come for the vespers!!!!!!

[Patricia Mount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Love how this book tied in the Gateway series books! Had me in suspense and eager to continue reading to find out what happened next and get the answers.

[Kim Bekdernah · Rating 5 out of 5]

surprise!

I loved the crossover with The Vesper Coven and The Gateway Trilogy. I can’t wait for the next installment of The Vesper Coven maybe they travel to Fairhaven?

[Patricia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues

Loved book 3, the whole story, the connection of both worlds with jess and the vespers. Will be waiting for book 4 🥰

[Mrs L · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant read as always

I loved how this book had a crossover of characters from another series. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next one.