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The Realm of False Gods #8
Terrible Secrets: The Witches of Chippewa Falls
‘Real women don’t wear chainmail miniskirts or leather pants to a fight. Steve doesn’t waste your time on sex, he gives you story, and there’s a whole ton of it in each and every book.’ Can you keep a secret?
What if it is something really terrible?
A quiet town in the American Midwest is about to be rocked to its core.
As three young sisters come to terms with what they are – being a witch is a real problem in a churchgoing, God-fearing family — a new neighbour with a mysterious past hints at trouble to come.
However, the scary woman stalking them could be the least of their worries, as their spellcasting draws the attention of something ancient and evil.
What if it is something really terrible?
A quiet town in the American Midwest is about to be rocked to its core.
As three young sisters come to terms with what they are – being a witch is a real problem in a churchgoing, God-fearing family — a new neighbour with a mysterious past hints at trouble to come.
However, the scary woman stalking them could be the least of their worries, as their spellcasting draws the attention of something ancient and evil.
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
Published September 2, 2025
208 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
549 books809 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 27, 2021
Another excellent submission in The Realm of False Gods series. These stories seem only slightly connected, but it keeps with the idea of a phenomenon happening worldwide in random places. In this story I see a glimmer of how this series might resolve (presuming there will be a happy resolution). Looking forward to the next installment. One caveat to the author. The location of this story is the American midwest, but there are references in the story where it's obvious the author is an Englishman; i.e., an American would refer to a car tire getting a flat, not a puncture. But I pick nits here.
January 27, 2024
Slowest book in the series
I have been binge reading this series and throughly enjoying it until this book. I found it very hard to get into and too much third person writing. It wasn’t until the very end that I was able to get into the story.
Hoping the next ones are back to Steve’s normal story telling mode.
I have been binge reading this series and throughly enjoying it until this book. I found it very hard to get into and too much third person writing. It wasn’t until the very end that I was able to get into the story.
Hoping the next ones are back to Steve’s normal story telling mode.
December 26, 2025
amazing unique urban fantasy!
The Realm of False Gods series is an amazing series with tons of surprises! This series just gets deeper with each book into s new concept of how magic is used, yet based on the elements, as so much magic theory is. New races and a new realm, all very unique. Great dialogue, and relatable characters, hey who can't relate to a 2 and half meter tall werewolf, right?!?!? (that's 8 1/4 feet to us Americans...). And now we get government response to supernaturals, which is a very believable response. including stupidity and routing for the idiots' downfall! Highly recommend this series!!
The Realm of False Gods series is an amazing series with tons of surprises! This series just gets deeper with each book into s new concept of how magic is used, yet based on the elements, as so much magic theory is. New races and a new realm, all very unique. Great dialogue, and relatable characters, hey who can't relate to a 2 and half meter tall werewolf, right?!?!? (that's 8 1/4 feet to us Americans...). And now we get government response to supernaturals, which is a very believable response. including stupidity and routing for the idiots' downfall! Highly recommend this series!!
December 16, 2021
Excellent story telling!
Even though this story is a continuation of the series, it could be a stand alone without leaving the reader too stressed out on what they might have missed out on due to the excellent explaining in the narrative by the author. Having said that, this is, by far, one of my favourite series to date. An actual TV series could be made from this and the audience would be certain to not miss even one episode! Seriously, it's that good! I highly recommend this entire series! You will be glad you didn't pass it up!
Even though this story is a continuation of the series, it could be a stand alone without leaving the reader too stressed out on what they might have missed out on due to the excellent explaining in the narrative by the author. Having said that, this is, by far, one of my favourite series to date. An actual TV series could be made from this and the audience would be certain to not miss even one episode! Seriously, it's that good! I highly recommend this entire series! You will be glad you didn't pass it up!
December 18, 2021
Received the ARC. I would read the books in order so you can follow how the story unfolds.
Wow finished. Love it did not disappoint me.
I thought the addition of the sisters was a good addition.
Was happy about them at least having a few lessons from Bethany.
Wow, the girls had one heck of a “coming out party” IN front of God and every body”
In the Church no less. Hello!? Mom and dad!
Guess what? We have to save the Town now.
Don’t know when we will be back!
Now that Otto is with them as their new mentor, it will be interesting!
Can't wait for the next adventure
Wow finished. Love it did not disappoint me.
I thought the addition of the sisters was a good addition.
Was happy about them at least having a few lessons from Bethany.
Wow, the girls had one heck of a “coming out party” IN front of God and every body”
In the Church no less. Hello!? Mom and dad!
Guess what? We have to save the Town now.
Don’t know when we will be back!
Now that Otto is with them as their new mentor, it will be interesting!
Can't wait for the next adventure
December 18, 2021
I love The Realm of False Gods series. This latest book features three sisters who discover they are more together than each by themselves. When I first started the book, I thought, yeah another YA novel. It's not. It's got action and magic, lots of fighting between evil and good, and humans who don't understand.
No sex, no foul language, but lots of violence. You can read this as a stand-alone but you'll get more out of it if you read the whole series. Knowing the background of the characters and situations definitely enhances the enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book.
No sex, no foul language, but lots of violence. You can read this as a stand-alone but you'll get more out of it if you read the whole series. Knowing the background of the characters and situations definitely enhances the enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book.
December 15, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 28, 2021
I love the new dimension that this book brings with a new location and new protagonists. The Steven’s sisters look like they will be a great addition to Otto, Zac, Anastasia and Ayala in the fight against the demons.
This book builds nicely from slow beginnings to a large battle by the end.
You can probably read this as a stand-alone because it does introduce new characters but I’d recommend that you start at the beginning of the series.
Can’t wait for the next book.
This book builds nicely from slow beginnings to a large battle by the end.
You can probably read this as a stand-alone because it does introduce new characters but I’d recommend that you start at the beginning of the series.
Can’t wait for the next book.
December 28, 2021
The Witches of Chippewa Falls
Three sisters that did not know they had powers. Bethany was watching them and met one. She taught them something to help them defend themselves. The sisters become an object that Jake wanted to recruit them for evil. The girls had other ideas. The girls in time gained strength and was able to do more in the fight against the evil. Read if the good wins or the bad
Three sisters that did not know they had powers. Bethany was watching them and met one. She taught them something to help them defend themselves. The sisters become an object that Jake wanted to recruit them for evil. The girls had other ideas. The girls in time gained strength and was able to do more in the fight against the evil. Read if the good wins or the bad
March 3, 2022
The latest in this series, save a novella (my next read). Three teenaged witches discover that there's a supernatural murderer in town and they're being watched by an old lady stranger. They can't tell their parents what's happening because their dad's a preacher and their mom's a cop. Then they discover there's more supernaturals in town than they realized. Mr. Higgs can tell a rousing good story and this one is really good. Recommended.
November 2, 2022
The Sister Witches
3 sisters find that they have magic but are afraid to talk to their parents about it. As they come into their powers, and learn from Bethany, a familiar from the immortal realm, they find that magic is real and the have a calling, but they are not alone. Others around their school have magic too but they do not practice good magic. The hooded wizards are trying to capture the sisters and force them to become wizards in training for Jake Stark a criminal.
3 sisters find that they have magic but are afraid to talk to their parents about it. As they come into their powers, and learn from Bethany, a familiar from the immortal realm, they find that magic is real and the have a calling, but they are not alone. Others around their school have magic too but they do not practice good magic. The hooded wizards are trying to capture the sisters and force them to become wizards in training for Jake Stark a criminal.
December 16, 2021
The sisters may be new to the wonders of witchery but they are learning quickly. Death and destruction are all around Chippewa Falls and the sisters must gather to stop it from spreading. Compelling characters and scenes that will consume and enthrall you as you weave your way through this exciting narrative. Highly Recommended.
December 19, 2021
What would happen if?
How would you react if you automatically got some special witchy powers in our today world? This premise is the basis of the book and it’s a wonderful exploration of people, preconceptions, and doing the best you can with what you have. If you haven’t read other books in the series the realm of false gods I would encourage you to because they are wonderful
How would you react if you automatically got some special witchy powers in our today world? This premise is the basis of the book and it’s a wonderful exploration of people, preconceptions, and doing the best you can with what you have. If you haven’t read other books in the series the realm of false gods I would encourage you to because they are wonderful
December 27, 2021
A brilliant book, not at all what I expected, having read all the other 4 series by Steve Higgs, even better! I'm now going to read the others in this series. There's enough background in this book to understand the general plot of the series, so it can be read out of order, but not so much that it would get boring if you'd read them in order.
July 7, 2024
I am finding books these hard going
I was enjoying these but am not liking this tacked together approach of semi- joined stories. Introducing the different characters in a book is just too much. I just wan to finish the series and be done with it. I might not make it, even though I hate giving up on a book.
I was enjoying these but am not liking this tacked together approach of semi- joined stories. Introducing the different characters in a book is just too much. I just wan to finish the series and be done with it. I might not make it, even though I hate giving up on a book.
April 2, 2025
An interesting detour away from the three main characters of the saga so far. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the background of the freed familiars, as well as how the sisters treated their powers in what felt to me like a modern version of the Salem witch trials. The little tie in with Otto beginning to train them was just icing on the cake!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
My favorite series
This is by far my favorite series by Steve Higgs. Nonlinear and interconnected with protagonists these stories are great. I'm somewhat patiently waiting for them all to be tied together. Another solid entry in this series.
This is by far my favorite series by Steve Higgs. Nonlinear and interconnected with protagonists these stories are great. I'm somewhat patiently waiting for them all to be tied together. Another solid entry in this series.
December 19, 2021
This new book in the Realm of False God's series is quite good. Not really having read much of any of them up to this, I still understood what the book/series was about. I like the sisters and their budding powers. I am excited to see where that goes.
December 24, 2021
These Witches Are Great!
Teenage witches are not usually my thing, but these three girls are terrific. The world building in this series is truly engaging and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Teenage witches are not usually my thing, but these three girls are terrific. The world building in this series is truly engaging and I can’t wait to read the next one.
January 11, 2022
I love all of Steve's books but when I started to read The Realm of False Gods series I really didn't think I'd like it. I was wrong. This is especially good and I had a hard time putting it down to get some sleep. Way to go Steve. You keep writing them and I'll keep reading them. Love you.
January 23, 2022
Gripping
Wow, what a roller coaster ride that was. Fortunately I am retired so the fact that I have spent most of that time reading this book is ok. Couldn't help myself, it just kept pulling me in.
Great stuff Steve Higgs, keep them coming!
Wow, what a roller coaster ride that was. Fortunately I am retired so the fact that I have spent most of that time reading this book is ok. Couldn't help myself, it just kept pulling me in.
Great stuff Steve Higgs, keep them coming!
December 18, 2023
The Power of Three
Learning that you are different from everyone else, how do you react? Whom do you tell? Who should you trust? It helps when you have close siblings. More team building of the magic humans some of whom were trained by the enemy/demons. Now, on to book 9.
Learning that you are different from everyone else, how do you react? Whom do you tell? Who should you trust? It helps when you have close siblings. More team building of the magic humans some of whom were trained by the enemy/demons. Now, on to book 9.
March 4, 2025
Englishmen and mad dogs
Author treats the world as part of England. . . . American teams say mum, Pro distant s cross themselves etc,,..............a little basic knowledge would help.
Author treats the world as part of England. . . . American teams say mum, Pro distant s cross themselves etc,,..............a little basic knowledge would help.
December 18, 2021
I could not put it down. Such a great story with wonderful characters and a lot of action. I can hardly wait until the next book.
December 28, 2021
Thumbs up
Wanted to say how much I enjoy these books. All of the series are thoroughly readable and I often read as late as you write.
Please keep going.
Wanted to say how much I enjoy these books. All of the series are thoroughly readable and I often read as late as you write.
Please keep going.
January 2, 2022
Highly recommend
Yet another great book from Steve Higgs. I wasn't sure about this series but I am glad I have it a try. Lots of action lots of twists. I recommend trying one.
Yet another great book from Steve Higgs. I wasn't sure about this series but I am glad I have it a try. Lots of action lots of twists. I recommend trying one.
January 9, 2022
Good book
A good read series just gets stronger. Can't wait for the next episode, have no doubt it will be a blast
A good read series just gets stronger. Can't wait for the next episode, have no doubt it will be a blast
April 22, 2022
Thank Jaysus the ROG is back! Can’t wait for the girls to meet Zac and Anastasia ♥️ But how I’d love a cross over with Zac and Anastasia running into Big Ben and Amanda lol 😂
January 14, 2024
This time it’s the 3 sisters we met briefly in the last book. Naomi, Jennifer and Cassie are witches. And there’s a lot of strange activity in their town.
February 5, 2024
the real of false Gods
I enjoyed these books, each one has unique characters and the plots keep you riveted until the end and wanting for more.
Thank you…keep writing
I enjoyed these books, each one has unique characters and the plots keep you riveted until the end and wanting for more.
Thank you…keep writing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews