Obscure Magic

Feline Familiar Society #2

by L.M. Hatchell

Broken. Defective. Wrong. Not the words you want to read on your magical assessment.

Elena is one bad inspection away from being struck off as a witch. And one magical mishap away from exposing the entire magical world.

So of course a customer orders a latte when she's left in charge of Sprinkles & Stuff, the cake shop where she works.

Unfortunately, patterns in the milk foam trigger visions for Elena, and before she knows it, she's rescuing a homeless familliar from leprechaun mercenaries and navigating the dark underbelly of the magical black market.

Paws is clearly not a normal familiar, and Elena is far from a normal witch. Together though, they might just fill in the missing pieces of each other.

Assuming the Feline Familiar Society doesn't catch her harbouring an unsanctioned familiar first...

Obscure Magic is a standalone novel in the Feline Familiar Society series. Each book can be read in isolation or in the reading order suggested.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

About the author

Born and bred in Dublin, L.M. Hatchell is a fully qualified accountant, a health and fitness enthusiast, and mammy to a little girl with a big personality. In the rare minutes of the day when she has peace, you’ll find her with her head buried in a book, lost in a world of magic, intrigue, and suspense.

She started writing at a young age and could often be found passing the pages of her next story around her friends at school. Then life got in the way and she forgot the joy of writing. Until now.

Join her as she rediscovers the imagination buried deep within. A supernatural world is coming to Ireland and things will never be the same again.

Reviews

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the previous book, Twisted Familar, I laughed so hard I almost wet myself. So it was with much anticipation I started this book and whao, I started giggling almost immediately! Elena's magic is... wacky... unpredictable and uncontrollable, which is a teensy problem whenever she tries to turn on anything mechanical, be that a computer or a coffee machine, the results are, well, disastrous! And then there's are the visions... which she acts on and so she encounters Paws, who's hilarious! At Elena's shocked expression when her opened his mouth, not to meow, but to say “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” how could I not laugh?

But it's serious too, a vision propels Elena, literally, to rush to the aid of a feline being targeted by 2 nasty leprechauns. The author builds a magnificent tale, once more, losing me in the plot and her storytelling. As in the previous book, I "forgot" that Paws and Jem were kitty cats, they were as real as Elena and Mel, characters in their own right. Where I giggled at Jem, my heart stuttered at Paws. Oh glory, the poor soul! His mistrust is extremely well placed, his lack of an affectionate past really pierced my heart. It's silly to say "I loved him and the story" because that doesn't even begin to cover what I felt. Ms Hatchell, expertly, took me through insecure personas, through nefarious motives, through the dangers Paws and Elena go through and to a formation of a bond so beautiful, I was overcome with emotions, hugging the book to my chest.

A real gem that sent a thrill went through me was "seeing" Mel, Jem and Cirian again. Jem, bless his snarky heart, has all the retorts I expect from him, he honestly is a hoot! They all rally around Paws and Elena, keep the hounds from the door, as they solve the mystery of the why and how. While this is light-hearted and fun, the depth is immense. The uncanny ability Ms Hatchell has, is to lure me in from the onset and blimey, making it impossible to put it down for even one second! If I'm honest, a feeling of despair came over me when I'd reached the end, I didn't want it to end. I DON'T want it to end, I need more of this world, more of these incredibly inspiring felines...more of Laura's out of this world limitless ingenuity, so no, I can't get enough!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is witch with a problem. Her magic is unpredictable and she never knows what will happen if it surfaces. When she gets a vision while making a latte (her predictable magic), she decides to save the cat familiar from what appears to be a kidnapping. Once she has Paws safe in her apartment she realizes this is bigger than she ever imagined. Now it’s a race to save Paws from an illegal contract before the FFS takes away her magic as well.
Elena is timid witch who is afraid of her own powers. Her magic has always been wonky and she has come to terms with the fact that she will never have a familiar. But when she meets Paws, she doesn’t hesitate to help even if he will eventually leave. Paws is an absolutely adorable character and not what you would expect from a cat of his pedigree. When we met these new characters I was worried we wouldn’t get to see Mel and Jen from book 1 again, but never fear we get Jem’s shenanigans in this book!
This was such a fun and quick read! I read it in less than 24 hours. It’s humorous and heartwarming! The snarky banter between the characters is wonderful. Going back to the Black Market was fun as well with some shenanigans that Jem would be proud of! The types of magical items and potions were unique and honestly I’d never even thought of such things! If you want a quick, imaginative read, definitely start this series and get this book!

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena's story here, is all about a nervous young witch, who doesn't seem to have a lot of magic and what she does have is usually out of control. She gets visions when she makes coffee, which comes in handy as the tale unfolds, along with other magic. What she really wants is a familiar, but she is rated far too low to have one and the FFS have her under strict supervision, they keep saying they will take all her magic off her. They've given her various things to do, to help control her magic, none of which is of any actual help whatsoever. She rents a flat from a friend and is helping her out in her café below when a customer wants a coffee and she is all on her own ....
Cue the mayhem that ensues and Paws comes in to her life, but is that good for her? Read it and see. This is a charming, adorable tale and I loved reading it!

I got this as an ARC copy from the author, all reviews are entirely my own.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be back in this world, especially because I love the idea of cats ruling a part of the magic society. Cats are definitely filled with their own self-importance. LOL! We now meet Elena and Paws when she rescues him from some leprechauns. From there, it’s a race to find out who’s targeting him before she must go under scrutiny for her wayward magic. I just loved both of these characters, and it was fun to see the main characters from the first book. Even if we don’t see these characters again in the next book, and I really hope we do, I’m definitely excited to read more in this series. This is fun, heart-warming, well-written, and engaging. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Michelle Maclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I feel very honored to have received an ARC from one of my favourite authors.

It makes a pleasant change to be able to read a book without having to speed read through spicy sections which, I feel, are far too graphic in a lot of books these days.

The storyline was engaging and drew me in right from the beginning. Elena and Paws’ adventures were riveting with just the right amount of suspense to keep me reading “just one more page” until I finished the book at 00:35.

If you like insecure witches and unlikely familiars, combined with adventure, suspense and a good dollop of magic, this book is for you. If you don’t, this book will convert you.

[Dina Almeida · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Obscure Magic by L. M. Hatchell was such a delightful fantasy to read.

I especially loved the friendship between Elena and Paws. Paws, a royal familiar trying to escape the destiny chosen for him, finds an unexpected friend in Elena, and together they discover that friendship, loyalty, and courage are stronger than fear.

The story is full of magic, lovable characters, and heartwarming moments. Elena’s journey of discovering her own strength, alongside friends who believe in her, made this a truly enjoyable read.

A charming fantasy with a satisfying ending that will leave you smiling. Highly recommended!

[Ashley | veraxaudeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.

After reading book 1 and loving Jem and Mel, I was eagerly looking forward to this one. This is book 2 in the series and follows Paws and Elena. I liked Elena from the little glimpse of her and her wonky magic in book 1. I loved getting to see Jem and Mel again. I really like the secondary character, Var. The demon is so interesting and despite being morally grey, I think he would make an intriguing MC for a story. The FFS is still highly unlikeable, Magdalena is doing her best to fix that.

[Emma Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel, we briefly meet the main character in the first book and I knew she was going to be fun! Elena's magic is unpredictable and often acts without her intention which results in some awkward and hilarious moments. Her magic leads her to cross paths with a familiar in trouble and shenanigans ensue! The one criticism I would give this book is that it's a short one, I wanted more especially because I was enjoying it so much. I am looking forward to book 3 and getting to know the next witch familiar double act.

[Vickie Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel. Who wouldn't fall head of heels for a little street cat hunted by leprechauns. Elena knows she will be in trouble as the FFS decree her magic too unpredictable and a risk to human, so taking in a streetcar is just adding to the trouble. I really loved Elena’s character when we briefly met her and her magic overpowered an FFS agent. The familiar is just the tonic Elena needs to build her confidence and meeting a demon in the witches black market helps to create a lifetime bond. However, the FFS don’t agree. I’m looking forward to the next saga.

[Nichole Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obscure Magic was a cute, easy read. It had some action and a little mystery. Elena has magic, but not much and it's uncontrollable. She has a vision of a familiar being attacked by mercenaries (which are leprechauns) in the alley behind her workplace. She saves him from them, and needless to say, there is a bit of an adventure they go on to find out who placed a contract on him. This was an enjoyable read and looking forward to the next one!

[Aighmi* · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book in the Twisted Familiars series, the protagonist, Elena, has a lot to learn about her magic; and Paws the fugitive familiar has a lot to escape. Dodging mercenary leprechauns, an unnerving Sorceress, the powerful familiar council, and Elena's own unpredictable magic, Elena, Paws, and her friends must right numerous wrongs and learn who is working so hard against them in this cozy fantasy. I couldn't put this down and didn't want to! Highly recommended!!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is a witch that cannot control her magic. Paws is a feline living on the street. When their paths cross they find working together might help both of them in more ways than they could ever imagine.
Warning: Much laughter and a few tears were shead while reading this book!

L.M Hatchell has a way with words that pulls you in and warmly guides you along.
I received an advanced copy and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Taliesin Govannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I really liked this one! I got an ARC copy to review, and enjoyed every second. the characters are wonderful, the story very inventive, and Paws is my favorite Magical Animal I've run across in years!

I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. I actually haven't read the first book in the series, but I guess I'll have to now! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was addictive and reeled you in hook line and sinker. You don’t need spice and naughtiness to love a book. This made up for it in mystery suspense and a whole lot of fun. The characters are addictive and I fell for paws hook line and sinker