Tear in Reality

by Scarlett Hathaway

Eighteen-year-old Lola Rae-Hallows is a witch, one of the many Nightwalkers that have roamed the Magick and Mortal realm for centuries.

After a year away, Lola returns to her home in San Francisco, only interested in making sure her past stays buried no matter the cost. With no other option than to live with her aunts, she struggles to reacquaint herself with a life that seems to have moved on without her. But Lola isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

Her friends, a pragmatic seer, a withdrawn werewolf, and a reclusive vampire, have their own reasons for being closed off. And as Lola begins to uncover the mysteries around them, she instead discovers a deadly plot that will change everything she thought she knew.

An ancient evil now lives within the city, killing its supernatural residents one by one. The creatures of the night will need to accept that there are other things that lurk within the dark, or else it will cost them everything.

Genres: Ebooks, Paranormal, Fantasy

461 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2025

About the author

Scarlett Hathaway is an urban fantasy author and lover of all things spooky and weird. From comics to screenplays, she's been writing for as long as she's been able to hold a pencil. When Scarlett isn't obsessively plotting 7 books at a time, she can be found watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch reruns with her black cat in Washington D.C.

Reviews

[Preethi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I honestly think the best part about this book is the dialogue. It feels very real (while obviously still talking about vampires and witches) and it was hilarious. I loved the little romance subplot (it was SO wholesome). Hathaway did an amazing job with blending so many magical species together into one book without it feeling overbearing. The world building was amazing and simple with a very unique magic system! I cannot wait to read book 2 and follow the adventure! If you like multiple realms, magic, witches, vampires, demons and best friends to lovers, this book is for you!

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow if u like magic 😍 this book is for u I could not put it down I read it in 1 1/2 days it was awesome and honestly it's like a 10-star read for me but I can only put five

[Aubrey Philbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even begin a review for such a fun, and captivating book?! I was drawn in from the beginning. My sight set on a path that would lead to a world of the supernatural. The characters are deeply connected in friendship. Each one having thoughtful backgrounds and impressive character development. The conversations flowed like real life conversations would. They were witty, funny, emotional, and sarcastic making them seem all the more real. Lola, Erica, Ken, and Paris are my favorite group of friends ever and I cannot wait to see what they get up to in book two!

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I received this book as an arc. I loved reading all about the Nightwalkers, and Lein. Like Vampires, Witches, and Werewolves. This was an amazing adventure.

[Breanna Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just received the newest edition of Tear in Reality as an ARC and I loved it! It was a quick, fast paced book with so many mysteries to unravel. This was a great YA supernatural mystery and was exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. It ended with a major cliffhanger and now I’m desperately waiting for Book 2!

[Haley | wickedbeebooks]

I’m sorry to say that I’ve had to DNF this

This has a very cool premise, but at 35% in I wasn’t sure what the conflict was, had a lot of questions about how Lola has gotten to be where she is now, and very little forward momentum for the plot. I found myself skimming for dialogue, and realized that that was my sign to give up on it.

[Georgie Lewis-Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much Scarlett for sending me an ARC of Tear in Reality. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.

Sat in the mortal realm where supernatural beings live in secret with humans, an unlikely group made up of a witch, vampire, seer and a werewolf uncover the mystery of murders in San Francisco. They quickly learn that the string of murders are all linked: they are all nightwalkers.

The group begin to explore different realms in their attempt to not only find the killers but also to fight to keep themselves safe. I enjoyed the concept but I do wish we got to explore the different realms more, and I hope that in future books we get to delve deeper into the world building.

I enjoyed the narrative of all the characters, but I must say Paris was an absolute gem to read about. I loved her character and I really liked the moody vampire who is actually a big softie storyline. Lola’s story was also extremely interesting to me, I just wish that we got a much more darker and deeper dive into her curse and how it impacts her relationships in the book. Again I hope that we get a much deeper insight to this in the sequel.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys young adult supernatural/murder investigations. It really gave me shadowhunter vibes, and I mean that in the best way!

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of this book ❤️

[Faye Drawdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Tear in Reality as an ARC this is my honest opinion.

If you're new to the urban fantasy genre this would be a good easy read to start with. It has all the classic bits of an Urban fantasy.

I wasn't aware it was a YA series when I first picked it up but that's ok. The book has a diverse cast and follows our MCs on a perilous journey. To solve the murders before they become the next targets.

I liked that it was the supernatural teens learning that there were worse things that "go bump in the night" than themselves. It was a fun twist on a very standard urban fantasy plot point.

The world building is wonderful and easy to follow, the magic and different supernatural beings are explained in an easy to follow way. My only complaint is that I didn't find the FMC's love interest to be believable. I think the story would have been just as good if not better without the romance angel.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🖤✨ Tear In Reality by Scarlett Hathaway ✨🖤

Eighteen-year-old witch Lola Rae-Hallows is just trying to keep her past buried when she returns home to San Francisco — but secrets have a way of clawing their way back. Alongside her close-knit (and complicated) group of friends — a seer, a werewolf, and a vampire — Lola uncovers a dark plot that threatens every supernatural being in the city.

I loved the chemistry between this group of friends and how they always showed up for each other through every twist and danger. 💫 Their bond really gave this story heart amidst the chaos.

👀 My only wish? A bit more clarity around Lola’s curse and a tighter focus on the multiple POVs — they got a little tangled at times.

✨ If you were part of a supernatural friend group, would you rather be a witch, vampire, werewolf, or seer?

#BookReview #UrbanFantasy #ParanormalReads #WitchyReads #BookTok #Bookstagram #ScarlettHathaway

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC✨️
This was such an interesting read! I really enjoyed the story and the characters, even if at times I felt like I was missing a few key pieces of information. I really wish we knew more about everything that happened to Lola before she came back—and honestly, even a single crumb of information about her mother and her curse would’ve been amazing.

I really liked Ken, Erica, and Paris, and I can’t help but wonder how Paris became friends with them in the first place. The dynamics between all of them were great to read. The world-building was super intriguing—it definitely feels like the start of something bigger, and I’m really curious to see where it all goes from here.

Thank you, Scarlett Hathaway and BookFunnel, for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Cindy Crivellone · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read! Scarlet Hathaway is a master storyteller. Test in Reality kept my attention throughout the entire book! I couldn’t put it down! I don’t want to give away any spoilers. This book has witches, Werewolves, vampires, fae, guardians, different dimensions, and other supernatural beings. Lots of action, budding romance, secrets, this book has everything but spice, which is a nice pallet cleanser. Most definitely recommended! I can’t wait for book two! I have to know what happens next!

[Harriet Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love witches, vampires, werewolves, and found-family vibes, this one’s for you.
We follow Lola, an 18-year-old witch who returns home to San Francisco — only to find supernatural residents are being hunted, and an ancient evil is waking up.
What I loved:
✨ Great world-building
✨ Super fun, realistic dialogue
✨ A tight friend group with tons of personality
✨ Fast-paced mystery with spooky moments

[Alli The Book Giraffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This was such a great read. I was worried I would be lost at the beginning because of all the creatures and characters, but the world-building is blended very well into the story. I also like how different the characters are from one another. I think this would be great for fans of The Mortal Instruments series.

I can't wait to see what happens next with the whole friend group!

[Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, it has amazing world building, a unique magic system and characters that are well thought out and feel real. If you enjoy mystery and fantasy then this is perfect for you. The story was phenomenal and I couldn't stop reading and now I'm sad I have to wait for book 2! I think my favorite part was definitely the friendship bond and Paris is my favorite character. (ARC)

[Tasha Sparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I don’t even know where to begin. The dialogue is amazing, the characters are relatable, and the plot sucks you in. If you enjoy books about supernatural creatures this is a book for you.

[Amara Gallagher-Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I think the book was great! The writing was a bit choppy at times and I do feel like there could have been more world building but I definitely got lost in the story ( in a good way lol) and can’t wait till the next book comes out.

[Rucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this. I found the story overall enjoyable. It was hard to get into a first, and at times, sentences seemed overly short and a bit unrelated. But the premise and story was entertaining and was definitely refreshing.

[Ellie Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tear in reality was a captivating story involving everyone’s favorite supernatural creatures. Scarlett managed to put her own spin on the weaknesses and rules of magick in this low fantasy novel. I cannot wait to see what book two has in store.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st off, that ending!! I need book 2 like yesterday.

Scarlett Hathaway created a wonderful paranormal world that can be enjoyed by all ages. I really enjoyed the dynamic and chemistry of the friend group. They made the story feel more relatable and less fantastical.

[Shakeyma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The banter was just like having conversations with actual friends. I felt like there was genuine character growth which you don't see often and Scarletts world building was *chefs kiss*. I can't wait for book two to see where these friends end up!

[Stacey Sainsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book, loved the writing style and fell in love with the characters. The dialogue between them aswell was fantastic, you got lost in the conversations between the different characters. Deffo recommend to anyone who loves fantasy vibes.

[Miz P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.

This was so fun!! Perfect for fans of Urban Fantasy! I’m thinking Mortal Instruments for example. Can’t wait to continue the series.

[chels_bells_96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!!! I love it! The dialogue between the characters was hilarious. The romance had be swooning and was so wholesome. I wish I could read it again

[Taylor Hindermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has a great plot. The world building is very very well done. The humor in the dialogue was a great touch. This is an ARC review and I would absolutely recommend.

[Michaela Langeness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book as an ARC. This book was absolutely incredible. It had elements from every genre and trope you can think of. It reminded me of the show Charmed quite a bit, which I enjoyed.

[Brea Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA witchy urban fantasy had beautiful found family, wholesome romance, and fantastic humor. I love the new take on classic lore and the way you are sucked in from the first page!

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Sarah Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This urban fantasy was so fun and fast paced!

Lola Rae-Hallows is trying to leave her troubled past behind her. And one way to do that is to suppress her magic and live with her aunts back in her hometown of San Francisco, where it seems everyone has moved on with their without her. Lola only wants things to go back to the way they were. When several strange murders occur, Lola doesn’t think anything surrounding her is amiss. That is until someone close to her is found murdered and her aunts suspicious behavior leaves Lola and her friends trying to solve the mystery on their own. They soon realize that there are creatures out in the mortal realm worse than they imagined, and each of their own magic might not be enough to save them all.

This story was sweet, spooky, scary, and hopeful! I found myself thinking about the different connections to the murders but like our crew, didn’t think anything was amiss, but boy, was I wrong! The blossoming love story between Ken and Lola was oh-so-sweet and I loved every second of it! Also, may I add that Vampires are ruthless.

I highly recommend this YA Urban Fantasy!

Romantic Content: Closed Door, First Love, Insinuated That One Character Spends the Night With Someone

TW: Semi Graphic Murders Detailed in Visions/Flashbacks, Magic Spells, Demons, Some Explicit Swearing Throughout, Fantasy Violence, Alcoholism, Death of Loved Ones, Grief, Trauma

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read both versions of tear in the reality , and after reading the new updated version and I loved both equally. may review is based on the newer version I just read. It has incredible world building, and I loved how it had it's own unique magic system and the characters that were well thought out and felt real. it has a great plot and premise to the story , this was a captivating read and I found this story to be enjoyable and I had a great time reading it.