When eerie events unfold at work and in her new house, two mysterious men and a dog guide her to face the truth: she is one of the Seven, a group of young women fated to guard the balance between worlds.
Alongside six others—Ezra, Georgie, Sera, Liv, Mar, and Ren—she embarks on a journey that will change everything.
With Jack, Alistair, and Louis showing them the way, the Seven must travel to the Unknown Monastery, where their training begins.
Their mission? To find the Chosen One before a chaotic nemesis plunges Vers into darkness.
Book Two of the Boneyard Café series (can be read as a standalone.)
✨ Multi-dimensional, found family, and full of surprises — The Seven kept me hooked once I settled into the story.”
I’m so thankful I got an ARC of The Seven by Teresa Louise Johnson! Honestly, prophetic/sci-fi isn’t usually my thing, but this one surprised me. The premise is super unique and the worldbuilding is really creative. I’ll be real — I was confused at first (probably because it’s book two in the Boneyard Café series, even though you can read it as a standalone), but I stuck with it and I’m glad I did.
The story turned out to be really imaginative, with lots of multi-dimensional twists and a strong found-family vibe that I loved. By the end, I was totally invested in the characters and their journey. Definitely a great pick if you’re looking for something original, different, and outside the usual.
Disclaimer: I was gifted this as an ARC for review
The action starts right on page 1 so it immerses the reader instantly. I loved the realistic clumsiness of Grey. Especially when tired. The details of the bookstore. Grey is sharp and observant- a character I really liked. This is one series I look very much forward to continuing.
I love this authors writing style, the mix of fairytale and mystery is so unique.
I absolutely adored all the characters, it was a perfect mix of different personalities and I really enjoyed seeing them grow as people, Sera’s anxiety was so well written.. also the different childhoods where most were unhappy so extremely well done.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, whilst it seems book 3 is all about Lee, I hope that there will be more books about the 7 * fingers crossed*
* full disclosure I was given this book by the author, Teresa Louise Johnson, in exchange for a honest review*
I read The Seven as an ARC Read, as a standalone without reading Book 1. Even though I hadn't read Book 1, it was easy to follow. The book feels like seven different stories tied into one, as you follow seven girls coming into their destiny as The Seven. It is a very easy read and the magic system is unique but simple enough to understand. Teresa does a wonderful job telling the stories of the girls' growth and coming into their fated future. You will want to keep reading to find out what's in-store for all of the characters as you fall in love with their unique personalities.
Obviously I love this book. You will too. Fantasy meets Sci fi? Prophecy? Found family? Hidden elemental powers? Shapeshifting? Strong FMCs? Sign me up!
7 girls, 2 demons, a dog and a horse walk into a bar….
The Seven is a combined tale of 7 girls who are destined for more. All from different backgrounds (aside from a set of twins) they see a notice of a “Midnight Train going anywhere”. They are whisked away to train and to learn about their powers. Mar, Liv, Sera, Gray, Ren, Ezra, and Georgie. They must learn that they are stronger together. “We’re something to each other.”
Even though this is book two of the series, I don’t feel lost having not read book one yet. Building upon its self to showcase the dimensions and depth of the universe is truly something. Each girl has their feelings and fears, and they are so unique - even the Twins.
I love a good multi-POV and this was a great portrayal of how different the same thing can be viewed by different characters. I can’t wait to see what else happens in the next book!
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC. Thank you Teresa for sharing this with us!!
The Seven by Teresa Louise Johnson is a magical fantasy spread across multiple dimensions. I received an ARC, and here goes my review.
The story follows seven girls who meet aboard a magical train. They each saw a sign and took the train to "Anywhere," gradually bonding over and getting trained in a monastery.
I’ll admit that the prologue almost scared me off. It felt overwhelming at first, and I was tempted to set the book aside. It's the second book in the series and I haven't read the first one.
I’m just glad I continued reading, because The Seven turned out to be a sweet and heartfelt story. It can totally be read as a standalone novel.
It has a large ensemble of characters. However, each of the seven protagonists have been given prominent space.
Their histories and struggles are laid out one by one, but it doesn't feel like a to-do list. Some backstories are revealed through the characters' memories, some in dialogues, and other things through distinct chapters. In the end, they all come together strong, as the Seven.
It does slow down the pace, though. The story is fast-paced mostly. There aren't many painfully long descriptions, that's a plus. However, after a point, I was tired of reading any description of a new place, as if I just wanted to finish the book.
The book felt a tad bit long to my taste. Could have been trimmed by 50 pages, I guess, without losing anything much. But then, maybe those bits were something connected from the first book. Can't say.
Recommended, if you enjoy YA fantasy, magic in a contemporary setup, or supernatural adventure.
This was overall intriguing to read. We get lots of information and the book is fast paced, it was at times hard to keep track, but if you slow down a bit it helps in ensuring you don’t miss any of the big details. It was nice to get the multiple stories that tie together, with the seven characters. We get different personalities that all come together. The story occasionally jumped around as there was dimensional travel, but it was nice to be able to make those connections of “oh I remember this guy, from that one chapter, now I know who he is and can tie him to the knowledge I already have.” I believe this is a book one could go back to and understand differently or even more in depth when reading for a second or third time. I probably missed quite a few details in my reading because of how much information it was, but could still keep track of the main points. I enjoyed that beyond having the characters being distinctly different, they also had their own unique titles and magic. Which just made it even better as they couldn’t replace another or do the job of another but had to come together and each had their roles.
I havent read the first book in this series, however it is a standalone in the same universe. Meaning that you can still understand this book without having read the first one.
I appreciate having received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Seven is a combined tale of 7 girls who are destined for more. All from different backgrounds (oh there is a set of twins) Mar, Liv, Sera, Gray, Ren, Ezra, and Georgie. They must learn that they are stronger together and even though they’ve all felt like they were nothing, they’re something to each other.
This is book two of the series, but it’s fine as a stand alone. She gives a lot of background information so you aren’t lost if you haven’t read book 1. The world building and magic building is really amazing, it’s done so well and is really descriptive and detailed. The book is multi-POV and was a good portrayal of how different the same thing can be viewed by different characters.
These 7 strangers come together to embrace their destinies and friendships were forged and they all came to think of each other as sisters. The different powers that each of the Seven had were awesome and I loved their demon companions. The chemistry between Alistair and Gray was well done and I want more, can’t wait to see where it goes.
If you love shapeshifters, found families, mated faes & fantasy then you will love this! And if you see a midnight train going anywhere, you should hop on, you never know what you might encounter.
I really enjoyed the magic on this book! This is one of the types of reads you have to sit and not be disturbed! It goes from past to present and changes scene to scene fairly quickly.
there's a ton of characters on here, but the author gives a glossary at the end of the book to help you keep them all straight! (super nice).
I would honestly give it a 3.75 because I feel like it needs a bit more (I did get this as an ARC, and I enjoyed it other than the few typos and weird paragraphs here and there which I think will be fixed on the final full copy and then it'll be a great read!) I think this could of been two books (one talking about the people before and their history and the second one for the new people and their backgrounds)
Some of the thropes: Multiple dimensions, shape shifters, multiple back stories, fated mates, new found family.
A huge thank you to Teresa Louise Johnson for the ARC of The Seven 🙏📚 This was my very first time diving into this type of genre and writing style, and honestly—it took me a little while to find my rhythm. The pacing is intense 💥 with so much happening all the time, which meant I really had to concentrate while reading. At times I felt a bit lost 😅, but that was definitely more about me not being used to this genre rather than the book itself.
That said, once I settled in, I could really appreciate the creativity and ambition behind this story 🌌✨. Teresa’s writing is vivid and bold, pulling you into a world where you’re never quite sure what’s coming next 👀🔥.
While it might not be the very top of my personal favorites list, I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys fast-paced, layered storytelling with plenty of twists. I’d happily pick up another book by this author again 💫🙌
Thank you again Teresa for the opportunity to read The Seven! 💜
The story continues from The Boneyard Cafe to the origin story of The Seven. Journeying through multiple dimensions we learn more about the original seven in the past to the present day newly selected seven. They come together as strangers, building relationships, learning about their powers and working together as a team. I’ve said it before but Teresa really does build such unique worlds and stories! I honestly don’t know what to compare it to. When you read her books you enter into dark dimensions with demons, magical beings, dragons and more! Her books will take you on a wild ride! Before reading this one though I highly recommend you read her first book The Boneyard Cafe, it’ll help you understand this second book as you get introduced to The Seven!
This was such a fantastic story! I love the whole idea of The Seven and I loved the way they all came together to embrace their destinies. I loved the way these friendships were forged and how they all came to think of each other as sisters. The different powers that each of the Seven had were so freakin’ cool and I loved their demon companions. The chemistry between Alistair and Gray was amazing and I look forward to seeing where that goes. I didn’t read the first book before this and I wish I had because I think I would’ve had a lot more sympathy and understanding for the way Ren acted but she was really frustrating sometimes. I really enjoyed the inter dimensional travel aspect and the way everything was described really helped me to visualize everything. Seeing the Seven showcase their powers was awesome and I loved how strong they were. This was an excellent read with really memorable characters and I’m excited to see what’s next.
I had the pleasure of receiving this as am e-ARC and will be voluntarily be giving my honest review. This book is continuing from the first book Boneyard Cafe in search of The Seven traveling to different dimensions. This book had me drawn in! If you love shapeshifters, found families, mated faes & fantasy then you will love this! Hop on the train and let’s travel to the dimensions and find our seven and the chosen one!!
“Gray’s world was ordinary—until it wasn’t.
When eerie events unfold at work and in her new house, two mysterious men and a dog guide her to face the truth: she is one of the Seven, a group of young women fated to guard the balance between worlds. Alongside six others—Ezra, Georgie, Gina, Gwen, Mar, and Ren—she embarks on a journey that will change everything.”
He loves science fiction as well as fantasy than this combines the two together making the best of both worlds.
The story line itself was very interesting. It's the story of basically the chosen seven who are to defend and balance the boundaries between worlds.
It was a lot thrown into this book. I feel like this could have maybe been a two part series. There were so many areas like the history of the seven that could have been ex banded on a lot more and created a story in itself. However they have raw concept for me was amazing.
Found family, supernatural, fated mates The characters are well written and the story is very interesting. The creation of the Seven and how Teresa Louise Johnson shares that with readers is beautiful. I hope we get to read more about the Seven and their journey as this is just the beginning for them! I am hooked and have already purchased a copy of her previous book and can’t wait until her next book comes out! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book completely swept me away. Gray’s journey, the discovery of the Seven, and the balance between worlds made for such a captivating story that I couldn’t stop reading. The characters feel alive, each with their own spark, and the way their bonds start to form pulled me right in. The writing is stunning....beautiful, easy to fall into, and filled with emotion and adventure. After reading Dark Matter, I knew I loved her writing, but this book took it to another level for me. She has such a gift for crafting stories that make you feel connected. I actually own the first book Boneyard Café that I will be pushing up my list. I haven't read it yet is simply, always reading arcs. But I need more!
This story truly is wrapped in magic. From the very first word in the book you feel like it's wrapping around you involving you in the story like you are an eye somewhere hidden watching their every move. You feel like you know what's happening when in reality it leaves you surprised at every turn of the page. The calm of the characters and maturity it's showing how much thought and work the author put in the book. Every sentence feels like a hidden messages and it makes you want to look around for clues to where it's getting you. It feels like a true adventure you embrace yourself in and it's absolutely genius written.
This book continues with the amazing sections that feel like each are its own but still part of the main story. I loved the magic system and the shifters. Definitely loving all of the strong FMCs.
I found this book hard to get started with. I think I felt overwhelmed by the seven main characters and all their back stories it felt too much. But I pushed through and once I got to the middle of the book I found it all fell together. I saw how interconnect each person was and the small cross overs they all had.
I really appreciated the way it all came together, the way it was written, Teresa did such a good job. I loved the writing.
This book is filled with magic, mystery and a true finding yourself story.
Overall, this story is amazing. It was very well written and the characters were diverse in voice and motives. I felt slightly lost in the beginning, which makes more sense now that I realize it is actually book two.
Loved it! Your descriptions of characters and places are so well done that I have no problem falling into the universe you create! I liked Gray and Alistair's little dance around love🥰 Awaiting Book 3!
Seven women, a handful of demons, a demon hound, and a horse—The Seven traces the new beginnings of a powerful order, as each character learns to face their magic and claim their role.
I loved how Teresa Louise Johnson wove their journeys together, each one distinct yet connected, creating a cast you can’t help but root for, with Gray at the heart of the story.
The world-building is immersive and beautifully crafted, with just the right touch of dark mystery to keep the pages turning. I especially enjoyed the tie-in to The Boneyard Café (book one). While fans will appreciate the connection, you don’t need to have read it first to enjoy The Seven.
Overall, this is a rich and compelling fantasy full of magic, found family, and self-discovery. Highly recommended for anyone who loves layered worlds and character-driven stories. 🌙✨
The Seven has all the ingredients of an ambitious dark fantasy: multiple POVs, elemental magic, demons, and a group of women bound by fate to protect the balance between worlds. The worldbuilding is imaginative and the themes of found family and self-discovery are strong, with moments that definitely shine. That said, the pacing can feel uneven and the sheer number of characters and backstories sometimes weigh the story down. It’s a book that asks for patience as you piece together the threads.
What an intriguing story! Seven women, each carrying their own troubled pasts, find themselves aboard a mysterious train where Jack is king. The narrative dives into their backstories and how they ended up there, which can feel a bit confusing at first—especially if you haven’t read book one—but once the threads start to weave together, it all becomes clearer. I’ll admit I got a little lost at times with so many names and backgrounds, so it took me a bit to fully settle into the story. The purpose of the train and their mission doesn’t come right away either, but when it does, it’s fascinating. Gray was my favorite character (Alistair a close second—mysterious, handsome, and, well, a demon!); Ezra follows right behind. The worldbuilding is imaginative, and the concept itself feels fresh and one of a kind. I don't like to spoil so that's all you get ;) If you’re looking for something unique, darkly whimsical, and full of mystery, this book is definitely worth a read.
The Seven This book has it all: demons, elemental magic, portals, dark dimensions, magical creatures, romance and adventure. Teresa’s books are so original and unlike anything else I have recently read. They always give me a Stephen king vibe. I would describe this book as Stephen King meets fantasy with some romance and a little whimsy. The Seven come together as strangers, and get to know each other as they learn more about their new powers before embarking on adventures to other dimensions. Each character is well developed and it’s hard to pick a favorite but it might have been Louis. I can’t wait for the next book!