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Broken Coven #1
Witch Season
Exhilarating, dangerous, and seductive,
Witch Season
is an action-packed and fiercely romantic contemporary fantasy from debut author and screenwriter Julia Bianco.
That is the price of magic–not just the blood, but the pain to bring it out.
Katherine Barnes is an enforcer, charged with upholding the rules of the notorious Los Angeles-based Aestas coven. It’s her job to maintain order and bring unsettled witches–people who aren’t aware they have magic until it explodes out of them in a catastrophic burst–into the coven’s fold. As a former unsettled witch, Katherine owes her life to Sylvia Page, coven leader and silver-haired rebel who founded Aestas years ago.
When Silas Khatri, heir to Noctis, the most powerful coven in the world, arrives to take Aestas to task for some of their more unconventional practices, Katherine’s dislike for him reaches blistering levels. She hates his money, his good looks, his coven’s dangerous attitude towards unsettled witches. She can absolutely overlook that he sets her off in more ways than one.
But a powerful threat is about to rise. Stronger than any one coven. More insidious than the decades-long power struggle that exists in the hidden witch world. One that will pull Katherine and Silas together despite their differences. And one that will lead to an all-out war.
"Compelling, addictive...a phenomenal read." - Brigitte Knightley
"Simply riveting." - India Holton
That is the price of magic–not just the blood, but the pain to bring it out.
Katherine Barnes is an enforcer, charged with upholding the rules of the notorious Los Angeles-based Aestas coven. It’s her job to maintain order and bring unsettled witches–people who aren’t aware they have magic until it explodes out of them in a catastrophic burst–into the coven’s fold. As a former unsettled witch, Katherine owes her life to Sylvia Page, coven leader and silver-haired rebel who founded Aestas years ago.
When Silas Khatri, heir to Noctis, the most powerful coven in the world, arrives to take Aestas to task for some of their more unconventional practices, Katherine’s dislike for him reaches blistering levels. She hates his money, his good looks, his coven’s dangerous attitude towards unsettled witches. She can absolutely overlook that he sets her off in more ways than one.
But a powerful threat is about to rise. Stronger than any one coven. More insidious than the decades-long power struggle that exists in the hidden witch world. One that will pull Katherine and Silas together despite their differences. And one that will lead to an all-out war.
"Compelling, addictive...a phenomenal read." - Brigitte Knightley
"Simply riveting." - India Holton
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Julia Bianco
1 book99 followersJulia Bianco lives in Los Angeles with her fiancé and their cats, S’more and Rigatoni. She works in the entertainment industry and enjoys baking, reality television, and playing with her cats’ ears. Witch Season is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 507 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️This book is a reminder how much I've missed reading urban fantasies. Not to compare, but it did remind me of Deborah Darkness's 'A Discovery of Witches' vibes (a series I've adored) and I was all in from the first few pages. Its honestly a refreshing take on witches and magic and the fact that it takes place in modern Los Angeles (the entertainment capital of the world) gave it glamour and magical appeal that as a whole made my reading & listening experience much more entertaining. Once I started, I could not put it down and I was thankful that I was able to continue listening to it when I couldn't be reading it.
A little bit about it:
A coven in Los Angeles tries to maintain order and bring in unsettled witches who are unaware of their magic before it explodes out of them and causes damage. Katherine Barnes is an enforcer and owes her life to the coven leader, Sylvia. Katherine is responsible for helping 'unsettled witches' to settle their magic by providing the guidance and support that they need as the initial magic is quite unstable and when improperly handled, can turn deadly and cause a catastrophe. Sylvia is awaiting the arrival of Silas Khatri, the most powerful heir to one of powerful covens, to do a yearly audit. However when he arrives, Katherine and Silas initially rub heads. She hates everything about him (from his gorgeous looks, his slick suave, his family money, his aura) and he sets her off more than she likes. Knowing that Sylvia's past is connected to Silas's parents, Katherine is on guard and always ready to protect Sylvia. Meanwhile there is a powerful threat that rises to disturb the covens peace. An unsettled witch has been murdered and Katherine is determined to find out what has happened. Something more insidious is running within the coven and Silas and Katherine now must try to work together despite their differences and a growing attraction.
The strength of this novel are the complex protagonists. Katherine is very strong, capable heroine whose drive to 'push, push, push' and be better is one of her strongest traits. Not only she is an excellent leader, her protectiveness of the coven and those within her vicinity is shaped by difficult childhood experiences involving her parents and brother. She has a solid background that helps us understand her character more in-depth and allows us to sympathize with her both morally and emotionally. She has a fierce sense of loyalty and her personal moral meter made her a very likable character. Silas similarly is a well liked male protagonist who is just as layered and complex as Katherine. He is privileged but is caught between personal desires and family obligations. He is someone who also comes from a good place and is very reasonable. He was not as fleshed out as Katherine but from everything that we know about him, he's a good fit for Katherine and by the end of the novel, he pushes her towards her greatness, which I think we will see more of in the next book.
The romance and chemistry between Silas and Katherine was great but it went from zero to one hundred faster than I wanted to. I wanted more of an extended slower burn. Katherine went from resentment and not trusting him to having sex with him too quickly. I know the emotions were heightened during one part of the story and their lives were under a risk, so it seemed like their emotional collision was inevitable. I just wished it was less lust and more show vs tell. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed them together so much and I can't wait to see where their relationship goes in the next book. As with all the highs, there is always a low that follows...*will not spoil!*
Sylvia was a third very well developed character & her arc is very central to the story. Sylvia carries a lot of secrets and with those secrets comes a lot of devastation, betrayals, dissonance. I thought her chapters always carried the biggest surprises. Just you wait!
Julie Bianco's prose is very cinematic, which makes sense given her screenwriting career. She's worked on a lot of movies and shows for HBO, Hulu, Amazon. She's no novice in this field and you can tell based on how this book has been written. She follows a familiar romantasy structure with all the familiar ingredients: rivals to lovers, hidden magical elements and personal agendas, twists and turns, and an outsider than helps to propel the story forward. I thought that Witch Season was very fun, very entertaining and memorable! Bianco gives you the 'I need to know what happens next' thought that makes you want to read the next book.
I will be continuing with the story!
Narrator: Nora Sofyan
Duration: 11 hours 42 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin Press and the author Julia Bianco for the early eARC!
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the early ALC!
Publication date: June 30, 2026
A little bit about it:
A coven in Los Angeles tries to maintain order and bring in unsettled witches who are unaware of their magic before it explodes out of them and causes damage. Katherine Barnes is an enforcer and owes her life to the coven leader, Sylvia. Katherine is responsible for helping 'unsettled witches' to settle their magic by providing the guidance and support that they need as the initial magic is quite unstable and when improperly handled, can turn deadly and cause a catastrophe. Sylvia is awaiting the arrival of Silas Khatri, the most powerful heir to one of powerful covens, to do a yearly audit. However when he arrives, Katherine and Silas initially rub heads. She hates everything about him (from his gorgeous looks, his slick suave, his family money, his aura) and he sets her off more than she likes. Knowing that Sylvia's past is connected to Silas's parents, Katherine is on guard and always ready to protect Sylvia. Meanwhile there is a powerful threat that rises to disturb the covens peace. An unsettled witch has been murdered and Katherine is determined to find out what has happened. Something more insidious is running within the coven and Silas and Katherine now must try to work together despite their differences and a growing attraction.
The strength of this novel are the complex protagonists. Katherine is very strong, capable heroine whose drive to 'push, push, push' and be better is one of her strongest traits. Not only she is an excellent leader, her protectiveness of the coven and those within her vicinity is shaped by difficult childhood experiences involving her parents and brother. She has a solid background that helps us understand her character more in-depth and allows us to sympathize with her both morally and emotionally. She has a fierce sense of loyalty and her personal moral meter made her a very likable character. Silas similarly is a well liked male protagonist who is just as layered and complex as Katherine. He is privileged but is caught between personal desires and family obligations. He is someone who also comes from a good place and is very reasonable. He was not as fleshed out as Katherine but from everything that we know about him, he's a good fit for Katherine and by the end of the novel, he pushes her towards her greatness, which I think we will see more of in the next book.
The romance and chemistry between Silas and Katherine was great but it went from zero to one hundred faster than I wanted to. I wanted more of an extended slower burn. Katherine went from resentment and not trusting him to having sex with him too quickly. I know the emotions were heightened during one part of the story and their lives were under a risk, so it seemed like their emotional collision was inevitable. I just wished it was less lust and more show vs tell. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed them together so much and I can't wait to see where their relationship goes in the next book. As with all the highs, there is always a low that follows...*will not spoil!*
Sylvia was a third very well developed character & her arc is very central to the story. Sylvia carries a lot of secrets and with those secrets comes a lot of devastation, betrayals, dissonance. I thought her chapters always carried the biggest surprises. Just you wait!
Julie Bianco's prose is very cinematic, which makes sense given her screenwriting career. She's worked on a lot of movies and shows for HBO, Hulu, Amazon. She's no novice in this field and you can tell based on how this book has been written. She follows a familiar romantasy structure with all the familiar ingredients: rivals to lovers, hidden magical elements and personal agendas, twists and turns, and an outsider than helps to propel the story forward. I thought that Witch Season was very fun, very entertaining and memorable! Bianco gives you the 'I need to know what happens next' thought that makes you want to read the next book.
I will be continuing with the story!
Narrator: Nora Sofyan
Duration: 11 hours 42 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin Press and the author Julia Bianco for the early eARC!
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the early ALC!
Publication date: June 30, 2026
February 23, 2026
I didn't expect Witch Season to hit me the way it did. From the first few pages, I was completely pulled in. This isn't the kind of fantasy where magic sparkles and comes easy. Here, it hurts. It costs something. And that rawness hooked me immediately.
Katherine Barnes is the kind of protagonist I didn't know I needed. She's an enforcer tasked with keeping rogue magic in check and guiding new witches before they self-destruct. She's good at her job, but she carries weight from her past, moments where she almost crossed lines she now enforces. Julia Bianco writes her as someone tough but not untouchable, someone who's learned to survive without losing herself completely. I found myself rooting for her even when she made choices I wasn't sure about.
Then Silas Khatri shows up and everything gets more complicated. He's the heir to the most powerful coven around, and he represents pretty much everything Katherine has spent her life pushing against: old money magic, strict traditions, the kind of control that leaves no room for people like her. Their scenes together have this constant push and pull that goes way beyond attraction. They challenge each other. They frustrate each other. And watching them try to figure out where they stand, with each other and with their own beliefs, kept me turning pages late into the night.
What really surprised me was how fully realized the world feels. The covens aren't just window dressing. They're political, messy, and constantly on the edge of something dangerous. When the bigger threat emerges, it doesn't feel tacked on. It feels like the natural consequence of everything these characters and their society have been building toward. The ending left me genuinely shaken in the best way, desperate to know what happens next.
This is a confident debut. It's intense, it's romantic without being soft, and it takes real swings. Julia Bianco clearly knows what kind of story she wants to tell, and she tells it without holding back. I'll absolutely be following wherever this series goes.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy. These are my honest thoughts, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read this early.
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Katherine Barnes is the kind of protagonist I didn't know I needed. She's an enforcer tasked with keeping rogue magic in check and guiding new witches before they self-destruct. She's good at her job, but she carries weight from her past, moments where she almost crossed lines she now enforces. Julia Bianco writes her as someone tough but not untouchable, someone who's learned to survive without losing herself completely. I found myself rooting for her even when she made choices I wasn't sure about.
Then Silas Khatri shows up and everything gets more complicated. He's the heir to the most powerful coven around, and he represents pretty much everything Katherine has spent her life pushing against: old money magic, strict traditions, the kind of control that leaves no room for people like her. Their scenes together have this constant push and pull that goes way beyond attraction. They challenge each other. They frustrate each other. And watching them try to figure out where they stand, with each other and with their own beliefs, kept me turning pages late into the night.
What really surprised me was how fully realized the world feels. The covens aren't just window dressing. They're political, messy, and constantly on the edge of something dangerous. When the bigger threat emerges, it doesn't feel tacked on. It feels like the natural consequence of everything these characters and their society have been building toward. The ending left me genuinely shaken in the best way, desperate to know what happens next.
This is a confident debut. It's intense, it's romantic without being soft, and it takes real swings. Julia Bianco clearly knows what kind of story she wants to tell, and she tells it without holding back. I'll absolutely be following wherever this series goes.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy. These are my honest thoughts, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read this early.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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December 6, 2025
4.25 ★— Urban fantasy, oh how I’ve missed you during the last few years of the big fantasy and romantasy boom.
Witch Season by Julia Bianco feels like a return to so many things I love about the genre! There is solid world-building, clear rules for how magic works, and a strong sense of coven politics as the different groups we are introduced to try to maintain their power while vying for their continued existence. The story also explores themes I always enjoy seeing: found family, loyalty, and the ways unhealed trauma can hold a person back.
Katherine is basically the heart of the story, but the book also shifts between additional POVs, letting us learn more about several characters along the way. I was quickly hooked as I watched them navigate coven life in different ways, and I thought the author cleverly introduced this world through these varied perspectives.
The weakest part of the book for me was the romantic storyline. Silas Kathri, the male lead, is of South Asian descent, and I LOVED seeing an unambiguously POC love interest! He is thankfully not part of the typical enemies to lovers setup suggested by the book’s blurb. Instead, we learn early on that he carries no real animosity toward Katherine and that their connection leans toward the classic “she thinks he’s an arrogant prick while he is instantly smitten” dynamic, which I normally enjoy.
The pacing of their relationship, however, didn’t fully work for me. The story sets up a strong foundation for their chemistry, but Silas seems enamored far too quickly for a man of his experience, and Katherine — someone we are repeatedly told is very guarded because of her past — becomes far too earnest with him, given what we’ve seen of her personality and her initial perception of him. This made the shift into them getting closer feel sudden and unconvincing for me, and I would have loved a slightly slower progression, which would have given more of an authentic feel to their connection.
The book did ultimately win me back with its climax and final chapters, which shake everything up and restore a much more interesting dynamic between Katherine and Silas. Without giving anything of the ending away, the story really could go a lot of ways now, and I’m genuinely happy to call this a solid start to a promising urban fantasy series.
_______________
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
Witch Season by Julia Bianco feels like a return to so many things I love about the genre! There is solid world-building, clear rules for how magic works, and a strong sense of coven politics as the different groups we are introduced to try to maintain their power while vying for their continued existence. The story also explores themes I always enjoy seeing: found family, loyalty, and the ways unhealed trauma can hold a person back.
Katherine is basically the heart of the story, but the book also shifts between additional POVs, letting us learn more about several characters along the way. I was quickly hooked as I watched them navigate coven life in different ways, and I thought the author cleverly introduced this world through these varied perspectives.
The weakest part of the book for me was the romantic storyline. Silas Kathri, the male lead, is of South Asian descent, and I LOVED seeing an unambiguously POC love interest! He is thankfully not part of the typical enemies to lovers setup suggested by the book’s blurb. Instead, we learn early on that he carries no real animosity toward Katherine and that their connection leans toward the classic “she thinks he’s an arrogant prick while he is instantly smitten” dynamic, which I normally enjoy.
The pacing of their relationship, however, didn’t fully work for me. The story sets up a strong foundation for their chemistry, but Silas seems enamored far too quickly for a man of his experience, and Katherine — someone we are repeatedly told is very guarded because of her past — becomes far too earnest with him, given what we’ve seen of her personality and her initial perception of him. This made the shift into them getting closer feel sudden and unconvincing for me, and I would have loved a slightly slower progression, which would have given more of an authentic feel to their connection.
The book did ultimately win me back with its climax and final chapters, which shake everything up and restore a much more interesting dynamic between Katherine and Silas. Without giving anything of the ending away, the story really could go a lot of ways now, and I’m genuinely happy to call this a solid start to a promising urban fantasy series.
_______________
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
May 27, 2026
Witch Season (Broken Coven #1) by Julia Bianco
Book Blurb: That is the price of magic - not just the blood, but the pain to bring it out.
Katherine Barnes is an enforcer, charged with upholding the rules of the notorious Los Angeles-based Aestas coven. It's her job to maintain order and bring unsettled witches - people who aren't aware they have magic until it explodes out of them in a catastrophic burst - into the coven's fold. As a former unsettled witch, Katherine owes her life to Sylvia Page, coven leader and silver-haired rebel who founded Aestas years ago.
Rating: ***.5
Feels: Mystery, Intrigue, Action, Suprise
Style: Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Adult, Romantasy
First published June 30, 2026: 320 pages
High stakes story of magic , witches , found family and what do you do with power. I found this read super intense and really engaging. There are a lot of dark themes and hard choices the characters in this story have to make !! It was interesting to have such a classiest system amongst the witches and how old blood really did rule. There was a dash of mystery thrown in as we try fo determine.who is making a street drug sine witches are taking. Overall a very entertaining read !!
This book has:
Witchy Vibes
Urban Setting
Found Family
Rivals to Lovers
Blood based Magic
Coven Politics
Lots of Secrets
Book Blurb: That is the price of magic - not just the blood, but the pain to bring it out.
Katherine Barnes is an enforcer, charged with upholding the rules of the notorious Los Angeles-based Aestas coven. It's her job to maintain order and bring unsettled witches - people who aren't aware they have magic until it explodes out of them in a catastrophic burst - into the coven's fold. As a former unsettled witch, Katherine owes her life to Sylvia Page, coven leader and silver-haired rebel who founded Aestas years ago.
Rating: ***.5
Feels: Mystery, Intrigue, Action, Suprise
Style: Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Adult, Romantasy
First published June 30, 2026: 320 pages
High stakes story of magic , witches , found family and what do you do with power. I found this read super intense and really engaging. There are a lot of dark themes and hard choices the characters in this story have to make !! It was interesting to have such a classiest system amongst the witches and how old blood really did rule. There was a dash of mystery thrown in as we try fo determine.who is making a street drug sine witches are taking. Overall a very entertaining read !!
This book has:
Witchy Vibes
Urban Setting
Found Family
Rivals to Lovers
Blood based Magic
Coven Politics
Lots of Secrets
May 17, 2026
Thank you Netgalley,St Martin’s Press, and Julia Blanco for giving me the opportunity to read this! <3
⋆˙⟡ 4 ⭐️ AHH I ADORE AND MISSED THE FEELING OF READING A URBAN FANTASY. Unlike other magic systems, in this book magic does not come easily, it comes at the cost. “That is the price of magic not just the blood, but the pain to bring it out.” 🔮💚✨ ⋆𐙚 ̊.
⛧°. ⋆༺☾𖤓༻⋆. °⛧
💜characters
𝒮𝒾𝓁𝒶𝓈 𝒦𝒽𝒶𝓉𝓇𝒾 is the heir of the most powerful coven. I really love his empathy and how he wants to learn and gain more knowledge about unsettled witches rather than relying on his parents knowledge. Especially because hes rich, he is not snobby and spoiled 🥹. The way he is described (over 6ft tall,dark brown skin, black hair, sharp jawline, HIS SMILE WITH DIMPLES.) and how he is, might be my new book bf 🤭🤭
𝒦𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝐵𝒶𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓈: she is an enforcer to maintain order and bring unsettled witches before they self destruct. She is another badass fmc?! How strong katherine is after everything she went through and how the author portrayed her backstory and past. What I liked about her was that, she always puts other people before herself but it also caused her more pain. Her character demonstrates one of my fav quotes, she carries a strength no one can see. Built from battles no one knew she fought. And still she rises again and again.
⟢──────˚₊‧꒰ა 𓂋 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Overall I loved the world building and the covens as the found family, and the dark theme. 💜
⋆˙⟡ 4 ⭐️ AHH I ADORE AND MISSED THE FEELING OF READING A URBAN FANTASY. Unlike other magic systems, in this book magic does not come easily, it comes at the cost. “That is the price of magic not just the blood, but the pain to bring it out.” 🔮💚✨ ⋆𐙚 ̊.
⛧°. ⋆༺☾𖤓༻⋆. °⛧
💜characters
𝒮𝒾𝓁𝒶𝓈 𝒦𝒽𝒶𝓉𝓇𝒾 is the heir of the most powerful coven. I really love his empathy and how he wants to learn and gain more knowledge about unsettled witches rather than relying on his parents knowledge. Especially because hes rich, he is not snobby and spoiled 🥹. The way he is described (over 6ft tall,dark brown skin, black hair, sharp jawline, HIS SMILE WITH DIMPLES.) and how he is, might be my new book bf 🤭🤭
𝒦𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝐵𝒶𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓈: she is an enforcer to maintain order and bring unsettled witches before they self destruct. She is another badass fmc?! How strong katherine is after everything she went through and how the author portrayed her backstory and past. What I liked about her was that, she always puts other people before herself but it also caused her more pain. Her character demonstrates one of my fav quotes, she carries a strength no one can see. Built from battles no one knew she fought. And still she rises again and again.
⟢──────˚₊‧꒰ა 𓂋 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Overall I loved the world building and the covens as the found family, and the dark theme. 💜
Did Not Finish
June 15, 2026DNF 14%
I cannot get on board with the writing. It’s overly dramatic and way too conversational. It feels like it’s trying SO HARD to be clever and force banter. The MC is exhaustingly angsty about everything and I can already tell it’s not going to be a romance plot that works for me.
I cannot get on board with the writing. It’s overly dramatic and way too conversational. It feels like it’s trying SO HARD to be clever and force banter. The MC is exhaustingly angsty about everything and I can already tell it’s not going to be a romance plot that works for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an incredibly multifaceted and nuanced story with layers and layers of emotion, background, betrayals and revelations to uncover! What starts out as a pretty linear plot-line, slowly melds into a complicated treasure trove of mystery, loyalties and treachery. Man! One can’t even explain the story well without giving secrets away!
Basically, Katherine is a witch who didn’t know she had magic until her teenage years when they violently erupted out of her. This is a very common occurrence and this type of magic is labeled, “Unsettled” to those witches who are born and already know about magic. That condition, however, is also labeled less-than and unpredictable, so “normal” witches shun, ignore or outright kill the unsettled. All except one coven, Aestas, in L.A. headed by a 50ish woman named Sylvia. She is the one who found Katherine as a teenager, gave her comfort, a home and taught her how to manage her magic. She also started a school for those unsettled witches to teach them the same. Katherine is completely devoted to both Sylvia and the cause.
The troubles begin when Silas, the heir of the most powerful coven in the nation and controls all other covens, comes to dismantle Aestas and bring the witches back in line with conventional strictures. From here the story becomes one big ride of twisting turns, shocking surprises and heart-breaking betrayal. Although the villain is outed pretty soon in the story, how it will all fall out is never known. The relationship between Silas and Katherine is antagonistic yet the chemistry is off the charts, but it also takes so many twists that it has a reader’s head spinning!
When the final page turns, the devastation is felt bone-deep (and I personally hated it with a thousand burning flames) yet it leaves the reader yearning to see how Katherine can rise. SUCH an impressive debut for an author. Let’s just hope she writes fast!
Basically, Katherine is a witch who didn’t know she had magic until her teenage years when they violently erupted out of her. This is a very common occurrence and this type of magic is labeled, “Unsettled” to those witches who are born and already know about magic. That condition, however, is also labeled less-than and unpredictable, so “normal” witches shun, ignore or outright kill the unsettled. All except one coven, Aestas, in L.A. headed by a 50ish woman named Sylvia. She is the one who found Katherine as a teenager, gave her comfort, a home and taught her how to manage her magic. She also started a school for those unsettled witches to teach them the same. Katherine is completely devoted to both Sylvia and the cause.
The troubles begin when Silas, the heir of the most powerful coven in the nation and controls all other covens, comes to dismantle Aestas and bring the witches back in line with conventional strictures. From here the story becomes one big ride of twisting turns, shocking surprises and heart-breaking betrayal. Although the villain is outed pretty soon in the story, how it will all fall out is never known. The relationship between Silas and Katherine is antagonistic yet the chemistry is off the charts, but it also takes so many twists that it has a reader’s head spinning!
When the final page turns, the devastation is felt bone-deep (and I personally hated it with a thousand burning flames) yet it leaves the reader yearning to see how Katherine can rise. SUCH an impressive debut for an author. Let’s just hope she writes fast!
July 4, 2026
Witch Season by Julia Bianco
Broken Coven series #1. Fantasy paranormal.
Magic is real, but still hidden from most of the world. It can be passed down in bloodlines, or it can come out suddenly and with devastating consequences. There is always a price.
Witch covens have been organized around the world, most under the rules of Noctis, the most powerful coven. Katherine Barnes is the enforcer of the Los Angeles cover. It’s her job to make sure that all witches follow the rules. Katherine also helps the new, unsettled witches understand the often devastating result of their new magical life. Katherine has her own tragedy that coven leader Sylvia helped her overcome.
Silas Khatri is the heir to the Noctis coven who has become aware of some of the unconventional practices that are happening in the Los Angeles coven. Katherine and Silas spark off each other in more than one way. He wants to shut down the coven. She wants to continue to help witches understand their new powers.
Neither is aware that a more powerful threat is about to change everything.
🎧 the audiobook is performed by Nora Sofyan who does an absolute incredible job with distinct and separate voices for Katherine, Sylvia, Silas and several secondary characters. Emotions were clearly heard across the board as the story went from informational, to tense, horror and terror and determination.
The time changes were clearly stated at the beginning of the hop so paying attention is important as those changes often occur in the middle of the chapters and often more than once. A professional job with no discernible edits and an excellent way to experience the magic of this story.
Imagine what you think is an earthquake is actually magic. And there is no way to know who or when the next person may suddenly turn. Chaos if it becomes public knowledge.
Some have marked this a romance. At this point, I don’t think so, but it’s only the first in the series.
The ending was not what I expected.
Dark, twisted, villain, magic destruction. Not a cliffhanger per se, but interesting world building that has me wondering what’s next.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Broken Coven series #1. Fantasy paranormal.
Magic is real, but still hidden from most of the world. It can be passed down in bloodlines, or it can come out suddenly and with devastating consequences. There is always a price.
Witch covens have been organized around the world, most under the rules of Noctis, the most powerful coven. Katherine Barnes is the enforcer of the Los Angeles cover. It’s her job to make sure that all witches follow the rules. Katherine also helps the new, unsettled witches understand the often devastating result of their new magical life. Katherine has her own tragedy that coven leader Sylvia helped her overcome.
Silas Khatri is the heir to the Noctis coven who has become aware of some of the unconventional practices that are happening in the Los Angeles coven. Katherine and Silas spark off each other in more than one way. He wants to shut down the coven. She wants to continue to help witches understand their new powers.
Neither is aware that a more powerful threat is about to change everything.
🎧 the audiobook is performed by Nora Sofyan who does an absolute incredible job with distinct and separate voices for Katherine, Sylvia, Silas and several secondary characters. Emotions were clearly heard across the board as the story went from informational, to tense, horror and terror and determination.
The time changes were clearly stated at the beginning of the hop so paying attention is important as those changes often occur in the middle of the chapters and often more than once. A professional job with no discernible edits and an excellent way to experience the magic of this story.
Imagine what you think is an earthquake is actually magic. And there is no way to know who or when the next person may suddenly turn. Chaos if it becomes public knowledge.
Some have marked this a romance. At this point, I don’t think so, but it’s only the first in the series.
The ending was not what I expected.
Dark, twisted, villain, magic destruction. Not a cliffhanger per se, but interesting world building that has me wondering what’s next.
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
April 16, 2026
I’m kind of in the middle on this one.
There’s a lot here that worked for me, especially the coven. That was easily the strongest part of the book. The concept of unsettled witches and how magic manifests felt fresh, and I liked the more dangerous, chaotic take on it. The dynamics within the coven and their approach to protecting unsettled witches really pulled me in.
That said, the rest didn’t quite match that same level.
The relationship between Katherine and Silas didn’t work for me at all. It felt forced from the start, and I never really believed in their connection. Their dynamic was all over the place, jumping between tension and something softer without enough buildup, and it made it hard to stay invested in anything romantic between them.
I also wish the setting had been used more. It’s technically an urban fantasy set in LA, but you don’t really feel that. The world could’ve been anywhere, which felt like a missed opportunity.
The writing itself is solid for a debut, but it still feels like it needs a bit more depth and refinement. Some character moments and transitions felt rushed or underdeveloped.
Overall, not a bad start at all. There’s definitely potential here, especially with the world and magic system, but it didn’t fully come together for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a lot here that worked for me, especially the coven. That was easily the strongest part of the book. The concept of unsettled witches and how magic manifests felt fresh, and I liked the more dangerous, chaotic take on it. The dynamics within the coven and their approach to protecting unsettled witches really pulled me in.
That said, the rest didn’t quite match that same level.
The relationship between Katherine and Silas didn’t work for me at all. It felt forced from the start, and I never really believed in their connection. Their dynamic was all over the place, jumping between tension and something softer without enough buildup, and it made it hard to stay invested in anything romantic between them.
I also wish the setting had been used more. It’s technically an urban fantasy set in LA, but you don’t really feel that. The world could’ve been anywhere, which felt like a missed opportunity.
The writing itself is solid for a debut, but it still feels like it needs a bit more depth and refinement. Some character moments and transitions felt rushed or underdeveloped.
Overall, not a bad start at all. There’s definitely potential here, especially with the world and magic system, but it didn’t fully come together for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2026
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Witch Season started off strong for me. I was genuinely interested in the world, the magic system, and the way witches and unsettled magic were handled. The setup felt fresh, and I liked the darker, more dangerous take on magic and covens.
Unfortunately, the characters didn’t work for me. Both main characters came across as very naive, and their personalities and decisions slowly took me out of the story. I also didn’t feel any real connection between them. The romance never grabbed my attention, and I honestly didn’t care whether they ended up together or not, which is never a great sign for a romantic contemporary fantasy.
While I liked the overall plot and the world the author created, the execution didn’t quite match the potential. The ideas were there, but the character work and interactions weren’t strong enough to keep me fully invested. There is some character development toward the end, which I appreciated, but I’m not sure it was enough to make me excited to continue the series.
Overall, this was an okay read with an interesting concept and solid world-building, but the characters and romance didn’t land for me, which is why it ends up at three stars.
Witch Season started off strong for me. I was genuinely interested in the world, the magic system, and the way witches and unsettled magic were handled. The setup felt fresh, and I liked the darker, more dangerous take on magic and covens.
Unfortunately, the characters didn’t work for me. Both main characters came across as very naive, and their personalities and decisions slowly took me out of the story. I also didn’t feel any real connection between them. The romance never grabbed my attention, and I honestly didn’t care whether they ended up together or not, which is never a great sign for a romantic contemporary fantasy.
While I liked the overall plot and the world the author created, the execution didn’t quite match the potential. The ideas were there, but the character work and interactions weren’t strong enough to keep me fully invested. There is some character development toward the end, which I appreciated, but I’m not sure it was enough to make me excited to continue the series.
Overall, this was an okay read with an interesting concept and solid world-building, but the characters and romance didn’t land for me, which is why it ends up at three stars.
July 7, 2026
thank you to netgalley and macmillan audio for providing me with an alc of this book!
guys im not even kidding, i genuinely thought this book was a standalone so the last 15% of the book had me STRESSED! like genuinely i was so scared for what would happen and worried it wouldnt close out well but ITS A SERIES! so crisis has been averted but a new one has been created in the sense that i now have to wait for book 2....
this book was super fun and free flowing while also being genuinely interesting! we jump around povs multiple times per chapter and that kept the book feeling really upbeat and 'alive' - super fast and easy to read while also being genuinely enjoyable! i will say the multiple povs also took away a large portion of suspense in plot points but that also made it exciting because we get to see the fall out of everything that we know but the characters dont (instead of finding out on the same timescale as they do)
i genuinely will be on the lookout for book 2 release dates because i needddd to know where we go from here now - i feel like it will be absolute insanity
i also really enjoyed the narrator for this audiobook! they did an amazing job of creating obvious differences in voicing for each character so i was never confused about what pov i should be thinking from or who was talking in any given moment. id love to check out more of their work in the future!
guys im not even kidding, i genuinely thought this book was a standalone so the last 15% of the book had me STRESSED! like genuinely i was so scared for what would happen and worried it wouldnt close out well but ITS A SERIES! so crisis has been averted but a new one has been created in the sense that i now have to wait for book 2....
this book was super fun and free flowing while also being genuinely interesting! we jump around povs multiple times per chapter and that kept the book feeling really upbeat and 'alive' - super fast and easy to read while also being genuinely enjoyable! i will say the multiple povs also took away a large portion of suspense in plot points but that also made it exciting because we get to see the fall out of everything that we know but the characters dont (instead of finding out on the same timescale as they do)
i genuinely will be on the lookout for book 2 release dates because i needddd to know where we go from here now - i feel like it will be absolute insanity
i also really enjoyed the narrator for this audiobook! they did an amazing job of creating obvious differences in voicing for each character so i was never confused about what pov i should be thinking from or who was talking in any given moment. id love to check out more of their work in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m going to be so honest with you, this book bored me so much. The writing style is simply not for me, it tried to be extremely conversational but it ended up being mostly exposition and sadly, very unrealistic banter between a bunch of characters who I didn’t care enough about to keep track of. The concept was sound but it fell very flat to me and was very difficult for me to get through. It wasn’t like, egregiously bad it was just boring.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book started really strong for me, then slowed down a bit in the middle… and then suddenly came back swinging with chaos and destruction.
Overall though? Yes, I enjoyed it.
I’m a huge fan of urban fantasy, especially stories set in modern times, and I thought the magic system here was genuinely interesting. Magic comes at a cost and blood plays a major role in how witches use their abilities, which made things feel darker and more dangerous.
I also liked the overall coven dynamics and worldbuilding. The story does a good job showing what happens when people ignore unstable situations instead of dealing with them properly. Honestly, with the way witches and power structures are handled in this world, I’m surprised things didn’t explode sooner.
Now… the characters.
Katherine was complicated for me. I didn’t dislike her, but I never fully connected with her either. I understand she has a lot of trauma, but after a while the constant repetition about it started losing emotional impact for me. It felt like she kept trying to convince herself she was okay to go on, while it was very obviously she was not being okay.
Silas, on the other hand, felt like a sheltered rich kid for a good part of the book. I kept waiting for him to stop blindly following what everyone else told him to do. But I will admit, he was kind of cute when it came to how quickly he fell for Katherine, even while she thought he was the most annoying man alive.
The romance itself though… probably my biggest disappointment.
It started with potential, then jumped into insta-lust territory, and before anything deeper could really develop, the plot basically exploded and romance got thrown out the window (sighh...). At this point, if I judge the relationship only based on book one… honestly the story would’ve worked almost the same without it.
I also felt like some things became repetitive throughout the book, especially explanations about the magic, the books, Noctis and Silas’s family history. Like, sure, thank you, we know the story already, we read this a few pages down.
That said, I appreciated that this book wasn’t afraid to go darker at times. Some scenes and situations were genuinely unsettling, even without being overly graphic.
And the ending? Oh well, I might need book two.. ASAP! Thank you very much ^^
The audiobook narration was also solid and helped keep me engaged, even during the slower sections.
Overall, a strong concept with interesting worldbuilding and darker themes, even if the pacing and romance didn’t fully work for me.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
Overall though? Yes, I enjoyed it.
I’m a huge fan of urban fantasy, especially stories set in modern times, and I thought the magic system here was genuinely interesting. Magic comes at a cost and blood plays a major role in how witches use their abilities, which made things feel darker and more dangerous.
I also liked the overall coven dynamics and worldbuilding. The story does a good job showing what happens when people ignore unstable situations instead of dealing with them properly. Honestly, with the way witches and power structures are handled in this world, I’m surprised things didn’t explode sooner.
Now… the characters.
Katherine was complicated for me. I didn’t dislike her, but I never fully connected with her either. I understand she has a lot of trauma, but after a while the constant repetition about it started losing emotional impact for me. It felt like she kept trying to convince herself she was okay to go on, while it was very obviously she was not being okay.
Silas, on the other hand, felt like a sheltered rich kid for a good part of the book. I kept waiting for him to stop blindly following what everyone else told him to do. But I will admit, he was kind of cute when it came to how quickly he fell for Katherine, even while she thought he was the most annoying man alive.
The romance itself though… probably my biggest disappointment.
It started with potential, then jumped into insta-lust territory, and before anything deeper could really develop, the plot basically exploded and romance got thrown out the window (sighh...). At this point, if I judge the relationship only based on book one… honestly the story would’ve worked almost the same without it.
I also felt like some things became repetitive throughout the book, especially explanations about the magic, the books, Noctis and Silas’s family history. Like, sure, thank you, we know the story already, we read this a few pages down.
That said, I appreciated that this book wasn’t afraid to go darker at times. Some scenes and situations were genuinely unsettling, even without being overly graphic.
And the ending? Oh well, I might need book two.. ASAP! Thank you very much ^^
The audiobook narration was also solid and helped keep me engaged, even during the slower sections.
Overall, a strong concept with interesting worldbuilding and darker themes, even if the pacing and romance didn’t fully work for me.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Witch Season is gonna be The urban fantasy of 2026 from a debut author who already writes like a seasoned pro.
The story has a very well written and restrained magic system where witches must give themselves pain (usually cuts) in order to use spells. One exception are those who are 'unsettled'. This is usually wild magic from youth whose parents are not witches. Most covens, and through them, most witches; are under the purview of one powerful family which had invented the use of runes and spellbooks.
(My one teeny tiny complaint is that when witches share magic, they both cut their hands and join their hands together and ooooomggggffskskd. That's so unsanitary, is there not an HIV/AIDS pandemic in the witch community??)
The FMC is the police of her coven and the MMC is the son of the powerful family come to check on her coven. The book is marketed as enemies to lovers but it's kind of one-sided. The side characters are adorable and the main antagonist is well written especially in their mad descent into unforgivable territory.
The romance was crazy spicy and fast paced (if a little bit out of nowhere for me). 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
The ending was fast paced and left a lot to be desired and that's when I realized this was the first book in a series lol. But I liked that it ended with a sense of calm with a few loose ends ready for the next book.
Bianco knocked her debut book out of the park. I look forward to her future works in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kobo 🫶 for the ARC of this book!
The story has a very well written and restrained magic system where witches must give themselves pain (usually cuts) in order to use spells. One exception are those who are 'unsettled'. This is usually wild magic from youth whose parents are not witches. Most covens, and through them, most witches; are under the purview of one powerful family which had invented the use of runes and spellbooks.
(My one teeny tiny complaint is that when witches share magic, they both cut their hands and join their hands together and ooooomggggffskskd. That's so unsanitary, is there not an HIV/AIDS pandemic in the witch community??)
The FMC is the police of her coven and the MMC is the son of the powerful family come to check on her coven. The book is marketed as enemies to lovers but it's kind of one-sided. The side characters are adorable and the main antagonist is well written especially in their mad descent into unforgivable territory.
The romance was crazy spicy and fast paced (if a little bit out of nowhere for me). 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
The ending was fast paced and left a lot to be desired and that's when I realized this was the first book in a series lol. But I liked that it ended with a sense of calm with a few loose ends ready for the next book.
Bianco knocked her debut book out of the park. I look forward to her future works in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kobo 🫶 for the ARC of this book!
June 25, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Netgalley
2.5 ⭐️
I was bored for most of this. The first thirty-ish percent took me six days to get through. Simply opening my Kindle app became a chore. On the sixth day, I forced myself to finish the rest in a single sitting. I didn’t hate it, but I’m grateful it’s over.
The writing was incredibly simple and I was not a fan.
The romance also wasn’t much. Silas wanted to fuck Katherine from the moment they met and it didn’t take her long to share that desire. Their connection had basically no buildup, and without buildup, the payoff is weak. I barely cared when it all crashed and burned at the end.
Silas really is a coward. After Katherine threw all those truths in his face, I thought he might take a step back, maybe look himself in the mirror and recognize their validity. What he did instead was the last thing I expected him to do, and—I thought—drained him of all his likability. Then he pulled that shit he pulled at the end, and that was the real nail in the coffin. To think I was fond of him. His ire was just so unnecessary. There was no reason they couldn’t just reconcile there instead.
This is irrelevant after reading the whole of the book, but one of my first reactions was that I found Katherine’s attitude about magic a little annoying. If I have magic, I think I deserve to use it how I want, as long as I’m not hurting anyone. Skipping a line at Starbucks or getting coffee for free doesn’t seem like a huge deal to me.
Before I end this, I will say: the book isn’t necessarily bad. But it also isn’t great. And I really struggled to get into it.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
2.5 ⭐️
I was bored for most of this. The first thirty-ish percent took me six days to get through. Simply opening my Kindle app became a chore. On the sixth day, I forced myself to finish the rest in a single sitting. I didn’t hate it, but I’m grateful it’s over.
The writing was incredibly simple and I was not a fan.
The romance also wasn’t much. Silas wanted to fuck Katherine from the moment they met and it didn’t take her long to share that desire. Their connection had basically no buildup, and without buildup, the payoff is weak. I barely cared when it all crashed and burned at the end.
Silas really is a coward. After Katherine threw all those truths in his face, I thought he might take a step back, maybe look himself in the mirror and recognize their validity. What he did instead was the last thing I expected him to do, and—I thought—drained him of all his likability. Then he pulled that shit he pulled at the end, and that was the real nail in the coffin. To think I was fond of him. His ire was just so unnecessary. There was no reason they couldn’t just reconcile there instead.
This is irrelevant after reading the whole of the book, but one of my first reactions was that I found Katherine’s attitude about magic a little annoying. If I have magic, I think I deserve to use it how I want, as long as I’m not hurting anyone. Skipping a line at Starbucks or getting coffee for free doesn’t seem like a huge deal to me.
Before I end this, I will say: the book isn’t necessarily bad. But it also isn’t great. And I really struggled to get into it.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
thank you to the publisher for the arc♡
July 1, 2026
Millennials come to the front of the class please.
If you miss the vampire diaries, supernatural, Buffy, true blood...
I'm here to rescue you from the painful ache of nostalgia we carry around every day.
If your brain never left the comfort of a paranormal drama on The CW... welcome home.
We have a coven in Los Angeles, and our female main character is the enforcer. The one responsible for maintaining order and making sure everyone follows the rules.
Then the heir to the most powerful coven in the world arrives in LA to check in, and we get a front row seat to the absolute delight that is watching these two make each other uncomfortable simply by existing in the same room together.
What neither of them realizes is that a powerful threat is building momentum in the witch world... and they may have to put their differences aside long enough to stop it.
Tasty. Juicy. Delicious. Contemporary fantasy with witches. Spice.
One more time for the people in the back... SPICE.
This book is so much fun. Living in Los Angeles myself, all the references to the city had me grinning the entire time.
The magic system is fascinating. Magic is cast through runes mixed with blood magic, which already had my attention immediately.
There's also the issue of people labeled as "unsettled"... individuals who have magic but don't know it yet and can snap at any moment, unleashing chaos and destruction around them. The whole concept is incredibly cool and adds so much tension to the story.
This is like enemies, to lovers, to rivals... You never know who to trust, and when the betrayals hit... they hit hard.
The pain of putting duty before your personal feelings will leave you feeling like an empty shell.
The sadness and loss is so hard to witness and the pain of regret oh my gosh. This book was wayyyy more emotional than I thought it would be.
And the ending... the ending had me... gasping.
I am genuinely losing my mind wondering how these two are ever going to deal with what's waiting for them next.
Even though this is only book one, it feels like we're just getting started.
When I tell you... the tension at the end of this book...
The circumstances between these characters.
The chasm that now exists between them.
The impossible choices ahead.
I’m on the edge of my seat wondering where the next book is going to go…
If you miss the vampire diaries, supernatural, Buffy, true blood...
I'm here to rescue you from the painful ache of nostalgia we carry around every day.
If your brain never left the comfort of a paranormal drama on The CW... welcome home.
We have a coven in Los Angeles, and our female main character is the enforcer. The one responsible for maintaining order and making sure everyone follows the rules.
Then the heir to the most powerful coven in the world arrives in LA to check in, and we get a front row seat to the absolute delight that is watching these two make each other uncomfortable simply by existing in the same room together.
What neither of them realizes is that a powerful threat is building momentum in the witch world... and they may have to put their differences aside long enough to stop it.
Tasty. Juicy. Delicious. Contemporary fantasy with witches. Spice.
One more time for the people in the back... SPICE.
This book is so much fun. Living in Los Angeles myself, all the references to the city had me grinning the entire time.
The magic system is fascinating. Magic is cast through runes mixed with blood magic, which already had my attention immediately.
There's also the issue of people labeled as "unsettled"... individuals who have magic but don't know it yet and can snap at any moment, unleashing chaos and destruction around them. The whole concept is incredibly cool and adds so much tension to the story.
This is like enemies, to lovers, to rivals... You never know who to trust, and when the betrayals hit... they hit hard.
The pain of putting duty before your personal feelings will leave you feeling like an empty shell.
The sadness and loss is so hard to witness and the pain of regret oh my gosh. This book was wayyyy more emotional than I thought it would be.
And the ending... the ending had me... gasping.
I am genuinely losing my mind wondering how these two are ever going to deal with what's waiting for them next.
Even though this is only book one, it feels like we're just getting started.
When I tell you... the tension at the end of this book...
The circumstances between these characters.
The chasm that now exists between them.
The impossible choices ahead.
I’m on the edge of my seat wondering where the next book is going to go…
March 19, 2026
✨✨✨Julia Bianco has brought Urban Fantasy back!!!!!!!!!!✨✨✨
Ooo urban fantasy is back baby! 👏 🙌 I sure have missed the urban fantasy genre!!!! Maybe it’s because I’m also re-reading The Dresden Files right now, but this is reminding me of older series’ like that…with witches!
Witch Season had me hooked from page one! I liked the FMC Katherine and finding out about the magical world and the coven. The world building is very intriguing and written so well! I’m so pleased and excited that this is a book that’s coming out during a time I’ve missed stories like this.
The only thing I didn’t like was all the POVS and you find out too much early on. I wish it was only in Katherine’s perspective and that would have left more as a mystery and built up some suspense. That being said it was still such a fun and enjoyable read and I really liked it! I can’t wait for more books in the series!
Side note- The cat’s name is Cheez-It 😺🥹
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released June 30, 2026.
Also, you can find me on the Pagebound app—— boobunny86
Ooo urban fantasy is back baby! 👏 🙌 I sure have missed the urban fantasy genre!!!! Maybe it’s because I’m also re-reading The Dresden Files right now, but this is reminding me of older series’ like that…with witches!
Witch Season had me hooked from page one! I liked the FMC Katherine and finding out about the magical world and the coven. The world building is very intriguing and written so well! I’m so pleased and excited that this is a book that’s coming out during a time I’ve missed stories like this.
The only thing I didn’t like was all the POVS and you find out too much early on. I wish it was only in Katherine’s perspective and that would have left more as a mystery and built up some suspense. That being said it was still such a fun and enjoyable read and I really liked it! I can’t wait for more books in the series!
Side note- The cat’s name is Cheez-It 😺🥹
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released June 30, 2026.
Also, you can find me on the Pagebound app—— boobunny86
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this from Goodreads, and so glad I did!
I really enjoyed this -the magic dynamics, the politics, and most of the characters.
It is marked as book 1 and the ending sets up for another book well, I'm excited to see what happens next!
I really enjoyed this -the magic dynamics, the politics, and most of the characters.
It is marked as book 1 and the ending sets up for another book well, I'm excited to see what happens next!
November 8, 2025
Book Review
Witch Season by Julia Bianco
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨3.5
Debut
Genre: urban fantasy
Publisher: St Martins press
Pub date: June 2026
What Its Got
✅ Dysfunctional families
✅ Found family
✅ Witch covens
✅ Drug abuse
✅ Murder
✅ Political maneuvering
✅ Runes and potions
✅ Magic and mayhem
✅ enemies to lovers
Thoughts
Perfect for spooky season this
Book offers readers a bit of everything- murder, mystery, revenge, betrayal and love .
Thanks to @netgalley @kobo and the publisher for my digital review copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Witch Season by Julia Bianco
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨3.5
Debut
Genre: urban fantasy
Publisher: St Martins press
Pub date: June 2026
What Its Got
✅ Dysfunctional families
✅ Found family
✅ Witch covens
✅ Drug abuse
✅ Murder
✅ Political maneuvering
✅ Runes and potions
✅ Magic and mayhem
✅ enemies to lovers
Thoughts
Perfect for spooky season this
Book offers readers a bit of everything- murder, mystery, revenge, betrayal and love .
Thanks to @netgalley @kobo and the publisher for my digital review copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
July 7, 2026
Missing the contemporary romantasy feel of Crescent City? This one is for you.
Witches, spell books, unsettled magic and an enemies to lovers romance. I loved the almost 90s rom com style humor and writing mixed with the contemporary setting and romantasy. It was so fun to read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- witches and magic
- enemies to lovers
- mystery
- coven political intrigue
Would recommend!!
Witches, spell books, unsettled magic and an enemies to lovers romance. I loved the almost 90s rom com style humor and writing mixed with the contemporary setting and romantasy. It was so fun to read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- witches and magic
- enemies to lovers
- mystery
- coven political intrigue
Would recommend!!
December 2, 2025
****Review courtesy of an ARC from NetGalley****
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance
Spice: 3/5
Julia Bianco should be very proud of what she has created in this story. This is practically ready to hit the shelves as it is; it is better than many books that have already been published and are taking up space on said shelves.
This story takes place in present day with witches walking among us with humans being none the wiser. Their covens are their safe havens, their law enforcement, their friends, and their educators. Witches (of all genders) are either born with their magic or it comes into power in their teens. The ones who come into their power later in life are looked down upon by most witches, but the LA Coven, better known as Aestas, takes in those teenagers and teaches them to harness their power. This coven is home to the FMC, a young woman who enforces the law within her boundaries and will practically do anything for her coven leader. As with all governing bodies, the highest one in charge wants to be in complete control and that is no different than the ruling head of North America. This family has slowly taken over every coven in the country and desperately wants Los Angeles to be theirs. They send their son to inspect the wards, speak with the members, literally do anything to find fault with the coven's leader so that she can be fired. He is our MMC and while he may be physically attracted to the FMC, there is an immediate distrust between the two. The plot kicks off as these two attempt to undermine each other, protect their own, figure out their personal desires, and realize that someone must be lying.
The character development was there for all three primary characters. I was not expecting to read the point of view of the coven leader, but her chapters offered a lot of insight into her path and the predictions for the end of the book. The FMC and MMC were similar in their tragedies but different enough that they were their own identities. In the broad scheme of things, their capability of pushing their friends away and not asking for help is relatable for myself and numerous readers out there. I thoroughly enjoyed that we were given a handful of chapters of the FMC's perspective before the MMC was ever introduced. Too many books nowadays jump right into the romance without allowing the characters to be independent of each other.
I don't want to give anything away, but I respect the ending. I don't know if I like it yet, but I vastly admire the choices made.
I only have a few suggestions because again, this book is practically there. I wish there had been a handful of days and more interactions between the FMC and MMC's first meeting and their dinner together. If this is going to be marketed as an enemies to lovers trope, I did not feel the deep seated hatred or distrust from the FMC. She is supposed to always be on her guard around him, never displaying any emotion. She is supposed to get him out of this city as soon as possible. But as it is currently written, she actively joins him for dinner and shares a closely guarded secret after just three days of knowing him. She comments that she feels she can trust him. I didn't believe it and would have loved to see more interactions build up the wall of dislike.
As for the sexy scenes. Outside characters mentioned numerous times that he was a playboy and was a very good lay, and he himself mentioned that he had plenty of one night stands while he was traveling across the country. He did make a few internal comments about her body and wanting to be with her. But when their first time happened, I had forgotten that he was supposed to be a player; he had turned into this sad puppy in my mind. His dialogue felt out of place during their time together. The suggestion would be to either add more internal dialogue of him either reflecting on past escapades (without thinking about the rejections afterwards) or maybe give him a smirk or a hint of ego. The fact of him oozing charisma or sex appeal did not read on the page for me. I also understand that we were given insight into his mind which held his vulnerabilities and desires to be away from his family. If his character is not changed, then maybe the dialogue in the alley should reflect his softer nature.
The side characters had some depth to them. Some were there to just move the plot along while others offered the reader's voice to the main characters. Now that I say that, I also wish that we were given at least one early conversation between the FMC and Niles. That would offer a stronger foundation for what she has accomplished in life. I appreciated that most characters were POC, including the MMC. I wish the FMC was also a woman of color.
While this book is the first in a series, it strongly stands on its own.
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance
Spice: 3/5
Julia Bianco should be very proud of what she has created in this story. This is practically ready to hit the shelves as it is; it is better than many books that have already been published and are taking up space on said shelves.
This story takes place in present day with witches walking among us with humans being none the wiser. Their covens are their safe havens, their law enforcement, their friends, and their educators. Witches (of all genders) are either born with their magic or it comes into power in their teens. The ones who come into their power later in life are looked down upon by most witches, but the LA Coven, better known as Aestas, takes in those teenagers and teaches them to harness their power. This coven is home to the FMC, a young woman who enforces the law within her boundaries and will practically do anything for her coven leader. As with all governing bodies, the highest one in charge wants to be in complete control and that is no different than the ruling head of North America. This family has slowly taken over every coven in the country and desperately wants Los Angeles to be theirs. They send their son to inspect the wards, speak with the members, literally do anything to find fault with the coven's leader so that she can be fired. He is our MMC and while he may be physically attracted to the FMC, there is an immediate distrust between the two. The plot kicks off as these two attempt to undermine each other, protect their own, figure out their personal desires, and realize that someone must be lying.
The character development was there for all three primary characters. I was not expecting to read the point of view of the coven leader, but her chapters offered a lot of insight into her path and the predictions for the end of the book. The FMC and MMC were similar in their tragedies but different enough that they were their own identities. In the broad scheme of things, their capability of pushing their friends away and not asking for help is relatable for myself and numerous readers out there. I thoroughly enjoyed that we were given a handful of chapters of the FMC's perspective before the MMC was ever introduced. Too many books nowadays jump right into the romance without allowing the characters to be independent of each other.
I don't want to give anything away, but I respect the ending. I don't know if I like it yet, but I vastly admire the choices made.
I only have a few suggestions because again, this book is practically there. I wish there had been a handful of days and more interactions between the FMC and MMC's first meeting and their dinner together. If this is going to be marketed as an enemies to lovers trope, I did not feel the deep seated hatred or distrust from the FMC. She is supposed to always be on her guard around him, never displaying any emotion. She is supposed to get him out of this city as soon as possible. But as it is currently written, she actively joins him for dinner and shares a closely guarded secret after just three days of knowing him. She comments that she feels she can trust him. I didn't believe it and would have loved to see more interactions build up the wall of dislike.
As for the sexy scenes. Outside characters mentioned numerous times that he was a playboy and was a very good lay, and he himself mentioned that he had plenty of one night stands while he was traveling across the country. He did make a few internal comments about her body and wanting to be with her. But when their first time happened, I had forgotten that he was supposed to be a player; he had turned into this sad puppy in my mind. His dialogue felt out of place during their time together. The suggestion would be to either add more internal dialogue of him either reflecting on past escapades (without thinking about the rejections afterwards) or maybe give him a smirk or a hint of ego. The fact of him oozing charisma or sex appeal did not read on the page for me. I also understand that we were given insight into his mind which held his vulnerabilities and desires to be away from his family. If his character is not changed, then maybe the dialogue in the alley should reflect his softer nature.
The side characters had some depth to them. Some were there to just move the plot along while others offered the reader's voice to the main characters. Now that I say that, I also wish that we were given at least one early conversation between the FMC and Niles. That would offer a stronger foundation for what she has accomplished in life. I appreciated that most characters were POC, including the MMC. I wish the FMC was also a woman of color.
While this book is the first in a series, it strongly stands on its own.
December 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for the ARC.
Witch Season was an interesting urban fantasy read, but unfortunately wasn’t for me. Witch Season follows Katherine as she uncovers new truths about her coven leader all while being investigated by another coven.
Things I enjoyed: I really liked the urban setting, the simple magic system, and the last about 15% of the book when everything was coming to a head. It was super intense and kept you at the edge of your seat.
Thing I didn’t love: the story really dragged for me in parts. I didn’t connect with the writing style (which is a personal preference) so I was having to force myself to read. I also didn’t love the romance - I honestly didn’t need it in this book. I would also NOT classify this as enemies to lovers or a romance book. It’s more of an afterthought. The book also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I think it could have all been wrapped up in this story.
While this story wasn’t for me, if you enjoy urban fantasy and are looking for an easy magic system with action this may be a good choice for you.
Witch Season was an interesting urban fantasy read, but unfortunately wasn’t for me. Witch Season follows Katherine as she uncovers new truths about her coven leader all while being investigated by another coven.
Things I enjoyed: I really liked the urban setting, the simple magic system, and the last about 15% of the book when everything was coming to a head. It was super intense and kept you at the edge of your seat.
Thing I didn’t love: the story really dragged for me in parts. I didn’t connect with the writing style (which is a personal preference) so I was having to force myself to read. I also didn’t love the romance - I honestly didn’t need it in this book. I would also NOT classify this as enemies to lovers or a romance book. It’s more of an afterthought. The book also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I think it could have all been wrapped up in this story.
While this story wasn’t for me, if you enjoy urban fantasy and are looking for an easy magic system with action this may be a good choice for you.
June 12, 2026
Ahh urban fantasy, it's been a while but it's always a pleasure. I had a good time reading this for the most part, I was really sucked in pretty much right from the beginning. Following three separate POVs and two timelines made the story very quick paced, though maybe a bit confusing if you're not a fan of multiple POVs. It was pretty dark, but there is a trigger warning page that sets the expectation.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this story, it felt really original and different from most other fantasy books I've read lately, and I appreciate it for offering something new. Also really enjoyed the urban fantasy aspect, I love a story set in our world when the focus should be on the magic/story and not just world building. This part was done quite well.
Now for my complaints. This was going to be four stars all the way until the end. Now it gets three. What happened to standalones? Why is it that we cannot have a fantasy as a standalone anymore, and everything needs to be pushed into a series? This did not need to be a series, we could have wrapped it up in this book but instead the choice was made to throw a ton of out-of-character changes in the last 10% to set up for a new book. I was so incredibly into this story until the last 10%. I feel like all the growth we witnessed throughout the book was thrown our the window just to set up for more conflict, and it really disappointed me. At this time, I do not have any plans to continue the series as it should have been wrapped up here. Who knows, I'll probably change my mind when it comes out, but for now that disappointed me.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins for the chance to read this early.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this story, it felt really original and different from most other fantasy books I've read lately, and I appreciate it for offering something new. Also really enjoyed the urban fantasy aspect, I love a story set in our world when the focus should be on the magic/story and not just world building. This part was done quite well.
Now for my complaints. This was going to be four stars all the way until the end. Now it gets three. What happened to standalones? Why is it that we cannot have a fantasy as a standalone anymore, and everything needs to be pushed into a series? This did not need to be a series, we could have wrapped it up in this book but instead the choice was made to throw a ton of out-of-character changes in the last 10% to set up for a new book. I was so incredibly into this story until the last 10%. I feel like all the growth we witnessed throughout the book was thrown our the window just to set up for more conflict, and it really disappointed me. At this time, I do not have any plans to continue the series as it should have been wrapped up here. Who knows, I'll probably change my mind when it comes out, but for now that disappointed me.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins for the chance to read this early.
June 27, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! I enjoyed this and think it’s great if you’re into witchy books with a contemporary setting. I do feel like there a bit of a mismatch with what the story was trying to do and what it actually was doing. This seemed like it should have been a cozy story, but because of what was happening, it really was anything but. It ended up being a darker story than I expected, but the writing was pretty strong.
Want to Read
July 2, 2026Recommended by Books of My Heart.
July 1, 2026
[2.5 ⭐️]
I’m always drawn to books about witchcraft and this one set a darker tone which I was intrigued by. There was a different take on covens and how they got their magic, how it was overseen and the political systems of the covens. As I worked my way through though I struggled to really be invested in the story and most of the characters. I tend to enjoy any story with a unique paranormal urban fantasy element but unfortunately this one did not really work for me.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’m always drawn to books about witchcraft and this one set a darker tone which I was intrigued by. There was a different take on covens and how they got their magic, how it was overseen and the political systems of the covens. As I worked my way through though I struggled to really be invested in the story and most of the characters. I tend to enjoy any story with a unique paranormal urban fantasy element but unfortunately this one did not really work for me.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2026
A unique witchy start of a series full of twists turns betrayal and a bit of spice. Epitome of “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Enjoyed the audiobook.
July 5, 2026
Katherine Barnes is an enforcer for a Los Angeles witch coven, responsible for tracking down newly awakened witches before their unpredictable magic causes devastation. Fiercely loyal to the woman who gave her a second chance, Katherine has no patience for Silas Khatri, the privileged heir to the world’s most powerful coven, who arrives determined to challenge everything her coven stands for. As political tensions between covens escalate and a far greater threat begins to emerge, the two are forced into an uneasy alliance that could determine the future of the witching world.
Millennial readers… please report to the front of the line immediately because this debut felt like it was written for us. It gave me everything I loved about the supernatural stories I grew up obsessed with, while still feeling fresh, modern, and completely its own. If you’ve been craving contemporary witches, hidden magical societies, blood magic, romance, political intrigue, and characters who constantly challenge each other, this absolutely delivers. One of my favorite parts of this book was the magic system. The idea of “unsettled” witches whose magic erupts later in life rather than growing up with it was such a fascinating concept and added so much tension to the story. I loved seeing the politics between covens, the different beliefs surrounding magic, and how every decision carried real consequences. The world felt layered without becoming overwhelming, and I never stopped wanting to learn more. The chemistry between Katherine and Silas was exactly the kind of slow-burning push and pull I love. They don’t simply disagree they represent completely different ideologies, and watching those walls slowly crack made every interaction feel meaningful. The romance never overshadowed the larger story, but instead complemented everything unfolding around them. Beyond the romance, this book surprised me emotionally. Beneath the action and magic is a story about loyalty, grief, sacrifice, found family, and questioning everything you’ve built your identity around. By the end, I was completely invested in these characters and already desperate to know where the series goes next. Julia Bianco absolutely knocked it out of the park with this debut. I closed this book already wanting the sequel, and I have a feeling this series is only going to get bigger from here. If you’re looking for a contemporary fantasy packed with witches, political tension, compelling world building, and romance that actually earns its moments, I cannot recommend this enough.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Millennial readers… please report to the front of the line immediately because this debut felt like it was written for us. It gave me everything I loved about the supernatural stories I grew up obsessed with, while still feeling fresh, modern, and completely its own. If you’ve been craving contemporary witches, hidden magical societies, blood magic, romance, political intrigue, and characters who constantly challenge each other, this absolutely delivers. One of my favorite parts of this book was the magic system. The idea of “unsettled” witches whose magic erupts later in life rather than growing up with it was such a fascinating concept and added so much tension to the story. I loved seeing the politics between covens, the different beliefs surrounding magic, and how every decision carried real consequences. The world felt layered without becoming overwhelming, and I never stopped wanting to learn more. The chemistry between Katherine and Silas was exactly the kind of slow-burning push and pull I love. They don’t simply disagree they represent completely different ideologies, and watching those walls slowly crack made every interaction feel meaningful. The romance never overshadowed the larger story, but instead complemented everything unfolding around them. Beyond the romance, this book surprised me emotionally. Beneath the action and magic is a story about loyalty, grief, sacrifice, found family, and questioning everything you’ve built your identity around. By the end, I was completely invested in these characters and already desperate to know where the series goes next. Julia Bianco absolutely knocked it out of the park with this debut. I closed this book already wanting the sequel, and I have a feeling this series is only going to get bigger from here. If you’re looking for a contemporary fantasy packed with witches, political tension, compelling world building, and romance that actually earns its moments, I cannot recommend this enough.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to St. Martin's press for the opportunity to review this ARC!
Witch Season was an entertaining and original urban fantasy. It follows Katherine Barnes, a witch who discovered her powers in a sudden and traumatizing way at a young age. In this magical system, powers are either inherited from magical parents or appear suddenly in a nonmagical lineage. When the latter occurs, the witch is "unsettled" or has wild, difficult to control magic for a period of time before they settle into them.
Katherine is settled now but as second in her coven, her job is to not only enforce coven rules when necessary but to find young, unsettled witches and help them adjust to their newfound powers. Her coven leader and close friend has taken this unconventional approach, welcoming unsettled into her coven when the ruling coven deems them dangerous and shuns them.
When the (sexy and mysterious but definitely an enemy) heir to the most powerful coven shows up to enforce their rules over Katherine's coven and its leader, tensions flare. But a catastrophic event occurs and Katherine suddenly finds herself clinging to her hatred of the ruling coven and its spoiled (attractive) heir as they're forced to work together to save both of their covens from this new threat.
I really enjoyed the pace of the story. It was action packed and flowed easily between shifts in the storyline. For those who like tropes, there are many to choose from: tall/dark/mysterious/rich MMC, enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity, close relationship betrayal. The tone and language make for an easy, quick read. Overall all was highly entertaining!
The magical system is interesting! I like the idea of different types of magic (inherited vs unsettled) and would have liked to see that transition to settled explored a bit more. The romance aspect was believable for the most part. To avoid spoilers, I'll just say a few of the interactions felt abrupt/unrealistic. The MMC personality arc was also a bit shallow but perhaps this will be given more page time in book 2.
Great first ARC to start the year - Witch Season is set to release in June 30, 2026. Check it out!
Witch Season was an entertaining and original urban fantasy. It follows Katherine Barnes, a witch who discovered her powers in a sudden and traumatizing way at a young age. In this magical system, powers are either inherited from magical parents or appear suddenly in a nonmagical lineage. When the latter occurs, the witch is "unsettled" or has wild, difficult to control magic for a period of time before they settle into them.
Katherine is settled now but as second in her coven, her job is to not only enforce coven rules when necessary but to find young, unsettled witches and help them adjust to their newfound powers. Her coven leader and close friend has taken this unconventional approach, welcoming unsettled into her coven when the ruling coven deems them dangerous and shuns them.
When the (sexy and mysterious but definitely an enemy) heir to the most powerful coven shows up to enforce their rules over Katherine's coven and its leader, tensions flare. But a catastrophic event occurs and Katherine suddenly finds herself clinging to her hatred of the ruling coven and its spoiled (attractive) heir as they're forced to work together to save both of their covens from this new threat.
I really enjoyed the pace of the story. It was action packed and flowed easily between shifts in the storyline. For those who like tropes, there are many to choose from: tall/dark/mysterious/rich MMC, enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity, close relationship betrayal. The tone and language make for an easy, quick read. Overall all was highly entertaining!
The magical system is interesting! I like the idea of different types of magic (inherited vs unsettled) and would have liked to see that transition to settled explored a bit more. The romance aspect was believable for the most part. To avoid spoilers, I'll just say a few of the interactions felt abrupt/unrealistic. The MMC personality arc was also a bit shallow but perhaps this will be given more page time in book 2.
Great first ARC to start the year - Witch Season is set to release in June 30, 2026. Check it out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Witch Season. This is a terrific fantasy with a great urban backdrop, and I’m already impatiently waiting for book 2. I’m floored that this is Julia Bianco’s debut novel because, to me, this felt like a seasoned author, and she’s gained me as a fan for life.
Katherine was a unique main character in the way that she never really thought of herself. All of her actions were to protect and help other people, as a way to atone for what happened during her snap. That being said, she was still vulnerable and broken and she really just needed someone to be on her team.
I loved the magic system, although I would hate having to be this kind of witch. This isn’t easy magic like most - it demands a bloody price every single time.
Silas was an unexpected delight. He came off badly upon introduction, but I loved seeing how open he was to changing his ways of thinking when presented with new information, even after years of being told otherwise by Noctis and his parents. He clearly cared a lot for Katherine, and that made their last interaction SO painful. I think their relationship evolved quickly once they started working together, but it was in the later part of the book so I don’t mind that per se - especially because this is such a minuscule part of the story overall.
I never would have anticipated who the villain was going to be when I first started this story, which is rare as they typically are easy to determine from their first meeting. The absolute ‘what the fuck?’ moment I had during the reveal should have been caught on camera.
I’ve already raved about this to my friends, and I can’t wait for the general public to be able to read this. I’m so stoked and I hope this gets all of the hype it deserves. This might be the longest review I’ve ever written but quite frankly it is well deserved.
Also, shoutout to Cheez-It.
Katherine was a unique main character in the way that she never really thought of herself. All of her actions were to protect and help other people, as a way to atone for what happened during her snap. That being said, she was still vulnerable and broken and she really just needed someone to be on her team.
I loved the magic system, although I would hate having to be this kind of witch. This isn’t easy magic like most - it demands a bloody price every single time.
Silas was an unexpected delight. He came off badly upon introduction, but I loved seeing how open he was to changing his ways of thinking when presented with new information, even after years of being told otherwise by Noctis and his parents. He clearly cared a lot for Katherine, and that made their last interaction SO painful. I think their relationship evolved quickly once they started working together, but it was in the later part of the book so I don’t mind that per se - especially because this is such a minuscule part of the story overall.
I never would have anticipated who the villain was going to be when I first started this story, which is rare as they typically are easy to determine from their first meeting. The absolute ‘what the fuck?’ moment I had during the reveal should have been caught on camera.
I’ve already raved about this to my friends, and I can’t wait for the general public to be able to read this. I’m so stoked and I hope this gets all of the hype it deserves. This might be the longest review I’ve ever written but quite frankly it is well deserved.
Also, shoutout to Cheez-It.
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