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The Eldritch Files #1
Elemental Arcane
Samantha Hawthorne lives a rather curious life in New Orleans running a magic and herb shop. As an Elemental Witch in the Big Easy and owner of a wolf Familiar as well as the head of a former Faerie Queen, curious is as quiet as it gets for Sam.
Until children start turning into blood-thirsty Changelings and attack their parents.
When one of these children shows up in front of her shop, Sam and her friends are determined to find out where they’re coming from and where the exchanged children are being kept and put a stop to it. But will they succeed when they find themselves pitted against ninja ghouls, one of the oldest and darkest enemies of the mortal world, and a secret from Sam’s childhood that could unravel her magic?
Until children start turning into blood-thirsty Changelings and attack their parents.
When one of these children shows up in front of her shop, Sam and her friends are determined to find out where they’re coming from and where the exchanged children are being kept and put a stop to it. But will they succeed when they find themselves pitted against ninja ghouls, one of the oldest and darkest enemies of the mortal world, and a secret from Sam’s childhood that could unravel her magic?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2014
269 people are currently reading
1193 people want to read
About the author
Phaedra Weldon
154 books361 followersSometimes credited as Phaedra M. Weldon.
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Phaedra is the eldest of four children. She began writing in notebooks with her best friend in middle school.
After leaving college for a job in the Graphic Arts industry, Phaedra continued her love of writing in her spare time and was lucky enough at a writer's conference to meet Dean Wesley Smith, who later became her writing mentor, along with his wife, the bestselling mystery/fantasy/romance/science fiction writer, Kristine Kathryn Rusch.
Phaedra lives in Atlanta, Georgia. When not writing, she and her daughter spend their time playing games, letterboxing, or watching anime.
Series:
* Zoe Martinique
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Phaedra is the eldest of four children. She began writing in notebooks with her best friend in middle school.
After leaving college for a job in the Graphic Arts industry, Phaedra continued her love of writing in her spare time and was lucky enough at a writer's conference to meet Dean Wesley Smith, who later became her writing mentor, along with his wife, the bestselling mystery/fantasy/romance/science fiction writer, Kristine Kathryn Rusch.
Phaedra lives in Atlanta, Georgia. When not writing, she and her daughter spend their time playing games, letterboxing, or watching anime.
Series:
* Zoe Martinique
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 24, 2016
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July 1, 2015
Sadly enough I was incredibly disappointed with this. It started off well enough, and then the arse fell out of it.
Talk about great expectations (one of the banes of my life), as I initially launched into this my excitement escalated, and then deflated as if with weapons of mass destruction.
The heroine, who was supposed to be a bit of a Wonder Woman, was very much ill informed, or very much stupid. For all her talent, she was sadly gormless. What should have morphed into a great tale, landed in a quagmire of detritus, with too much unnecessary detail, too much extraneous information which dragged the reader down into a pit of despair. Yeh, I'm getting a little poetic here (well, almost), but I feel I'm definitely giving vent to my own sadness and despair.
At the end of the day, Ms Wonder Woman was too stupid to live.
Talk about great expectations (one of the banes of my life), as I initially launched into this my excitement escalated, and then deflated as if with weapons of mass destruction.
The heroine, who was supposed to be a bit of a Wonder Woman, was very much ill informed, or very much stupid. For all her talent, she was sadly gormless. What should have morphed into a great tale, landed in a quagmire of detritus, with too much unnecessary detail, too much extraneous information which dragged the reader down into a pit of despair. Yeh, I'm getting a little poetic here (well, almost), but I feel I'm definitely giving vent to my own sadness and despair.
At the end of the day, Ms Wonder Woman was too stupid to live.
May 3, 2015
Love this YA series. But lacks on the romance and story-line department.
But will continue with book 2 to see if that one will run better.
But will continue with book 2 to see if that one will run better.
October 21, 2017
It was ok, not my favorite but not terrible. Not sure I will be finishing the rest of the series.
April 18, 2015
This story is somewhat confusing. We’re thrown into a world which has the potential to be interesting with different types of witches, the fae as well as more than one type of vampire, demons and apparently dragons. But we seem to start in the middle of the story with major happenings already having taken place. We get an explanation on these, but not enough to provide a clear picture. And they are important to the story.
I never felt a connection with Samantha, the main character and some of her actions and her attitude took me by surprise. I wanted to smack her when she pulled this “You are only here by my sufferance” type of talk involving two non-human cops who are trying to help her. She can banish “Others” back to where they belong. Just where is that?
I had enjoyed many books in her Zoe Martinique series, but I have to say between the lack of world and character building and the grammatical errors, this whole thing needs a good editor and revisions.
2.5 stars
I never felt a connection with Samantha, the main character and some of her actions and her attitude took me by surprise. I wanted to smack her when she pulled this “You are only here by my sufferance” type of talk involving two non-human cops who are trying to help her. She can banish “Others” back to where they belong. Just where is that?
I had enjoyed many books in her Zoe Martinique series, but I have to say between the lack of world and character building and the grammatical errors, this whole thing needs a good editor and revisions.
2.5 stars
August 7, 2018
This was an okay book, but if you read a lot of urban fantasy you're just going to be like 'wait a minute I think I've seen that rock before'. It started out okay enough, the magic system was interesting and the characters were okay, but as the story went on I just didn't feel like they ever moved past being two dimensional and I didn't find myself actually caring about any of them at all. Also, as per usual, I was rolling my eyes at the obligatory side helping of relationship drama. It was a nice quick read but I'm definitely not interested enough to continue the series.
rejected
July 26, 2015Info dumping in the first chapter? Worse, stilted info dumping. Plus wah-wah backstory. Forget it. No interest.
October 3, 2019
I read the Sample from Amazon before I purchased this, and it convinced me to give it a try, but the book had some issues.
Mainly, it was the pacing. The world building was done with a sledgehammer. There are so many things thrown at the reader at once that it was overwhelming and a little hard to follow. Then, the action starts and doesn't stop. At all.
Then there were the characters. I didn't understand the thought process of the main character. In the beginning, it sounds like she's this incredible Witch with 5 Gifts, but then mid-way through she's learning things for the first time. I understand that part of her education was intentionally withheld, but it seems like there was A LOT she didn't know. So, in my head, she went from Gifted to a D student in a hurry.
At the end of the book I still didn't feel like I knew any of the characters intimately. This is probably due to the ridiculous pacing, but it was frustrating because I WANTED to know them.
Overall, it was entertaining, and I will continue reading the series because I think it has potential.
Mainly, it was the pacing. The world building was done with a sledgehammer. There are so many things thrown at the reader at once that it was overwhelming and a little hard to follow. Then, the action starts and doesn't stop. At all.
Then there were the characters. I didn't understand the thought process of the main character. In the beginning, it sounds like she's this incredible Witch with 5 Gifts, but then mid-way through she's learning things for the first time. I understand that part of her education was intentionally withheld, but it seems like there was A LOT she didn't know. So, in my head, she went from Gifted to a D student in a hurry.
At the end of the book I still didn't feel like I knew any of the characters intimately. This is probably due to the ridiculous pacing, but it was frustrating because I WANTED to know them.
Overall, it was entertaining, and I will continue reading the series because I think it has potential.
February 16, 2015
Terrible proofreading
I would have given enough this book four stars, but the constant misspelling, dropped words, and spell check misses substituting the wrong word are so numerous they were very distracting.
If this author paid someone to do a final edit/proofreading of this book she should fire them. If she didn't she better hire an editor.
I would have given enough this book four stars, but the constant misspelling, dropped words, and spell check misses substituting the wrong word are so numerous they were very distracting.
If this author paid someone to do a final edit/proofreading of this book she should fire them. If she didn't she better hire an editor.
June 4, 2015
I actually couldn't finish this book. I did not find the characters engaging or the story very interesting.
February 9, 2016
Seems like it’s stereotypical for most fictional witches to run wiccan or magic shops in either New Orleans or Salem (and the ones that aren’t usually are private investigators centered in New Orleans or Salem). Though this is right in line with my favorite genre (paranormal and thankfully not focusing on vampires of werewolves), I found myself skimming rather than engaged reading. I bored quickly wading through the endless world building. There are times when world building is good to enrich the story. Here it feels weighed down by it, endlessly trudging through facts about the witch hierarchy, endless details on the types of creatures and types of magic within Samantha’s magical world. Another problem of this was that Samantha has so much back story, it feels like we’ve been dumped into the middle of a series of books rather than at the start. (How did she get Medbh’ head? How did her guardian first come into her life? How did her guardian train her? What happened to her father? How did she first meet Crwys and react to him being not human? How did she first find out she was a witch? There’s an entire back story missing about her rivalry with Sidhe ruler Brendi with only vague references about it. How did she first find Grey? -Looking at the descriptions of some of the other books, I probably should have read both Dance by Midnight and Dragon Fire before this book) Samantha herself felt rather devoid of personality, just plain reacting except when she was being bossy and ordering everyone around. But there were other fascinating characters, like Crwys who is wonderfully warm, loyal, determined, caring, totally hot and mysterious (so ideal the audience starts to question why she is even with Robin who’s barely a cameo and doesn’t seem to understand her or her world), the china doll head of Medbh who is delightfully wicked, even Ivan and Kyle are more fascinating than the main heroine. Though I adored Crwys and all the imaginative magic (loved the zombie-like changelings!), the technically detailed story and bland heroine didn’t entice me enough to continue on with the series.
March 4, 2015
I came across the book while scrolling for new books to read. I've read several books by this author before, but I was amazed how different this book was from her Wraith series.....
I started this book last night and it completely got me hooked, so I ended up reading it within a few hours..I love a story that has a kick ass heroine, romance, murder, intrigue, betrayal, suspense, and all supernatural others..Let me tell you, this story has them all. As you well know, I'm a sucker for a great book cover and I loved this one. If I find a book by it's eye catching cover, I'll read the book description and see if it captures my interest..Needless, to say, this book did just that.
The pace of this story was strong and steady. It has many twists and turns that will keep your mind guessing. This author has the ability to capture the readers attention with vivid imagery creating her world and characters. The concept of the story, though not original, was overlooked due to the characters who played their parts well and the twist and turns that kept turning up when you least expected it too. The main/secondary characters were great. I fell for several of them, who seem to be the secondary, but I've got a feeling that they will have major roles to play within this series.
I loved how this author entwined the past with the present smoothly. If you read the book, the first thing you will read about is the death of Sam's mother. She will be mentioned throughout the book, and towards the end you find out more about her and why she had to die. Also, if you love New Orleans, this is the place where all the good/bad juju takes place...
I want go into the story..you will have to read it, but let me say this...I've got the next book in series on my wishlist..I will recommend this book to all readers that love witches, vampires, faeries, and other worldly supernaturals. Go now and check out the book...
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started this book last night and it completely got me hooked, so I ended up reading it within a few hours..I love a story that has a kick ass heroine, romance, murder, intrigue, betrayal, suspense, and all supernatural others..Let me tell you, this story has them all. As you well know, I'm a sucker for a great book cover and I loved this one. If I find a book by it's eye catching cover, I'll read the book description and see if it captures my interest..Needless, to say, this book did just that.
The pace of this story was strong and steady. It has many twists and turns that will keep your mind guessing. This author has the ability to capture the readers attention with vivid imagery creating her world and characters. The concept of the story, though not original, was overlooked due to the characters who played their parts well and the twist and turns that kept turning up when you least expected it too. The main/secondary characters were great. I fell for several of them, who seem to be the secondary, but I've got a feeling that they will have major roles to play within this series.
I loved how this author entwined the past with the present smoothly. If you read the book, the first thing you will read about is the death of Sam's mother. She will be mentioned throughout the book, and towards the end you find out more about her and why she had to die. Also, if you love New Orleans, this is the place where all the good/bad juju takes place...
I want go into the story..you will have to read it, but let me say this...I've got the next book in series on my wishlist..I will recommend this book to all readers that love witches, vampires, faeries, and other worldly supernaturals. Go now and check out the book...
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 3, 2015
I'm glad I ignored the negative Goodreads reviews. Elemental Arcane was one of the most creative an interesting series openers I have read in a long time. I like Weldon's use of Wiccan traditions, ritual, and historic connections to witchcraft. Her characters were unique and interesting, and I fell in love with Sam and her world.
Lately, it seems in the urban/paranormal fantasy genre, the hero always has amazing powers and saves the day without much work or help from others. Sure they always have sidekicks but the hero is the one with all the bada$$ powers. In Elemental Arcane, the hero, Sam is a gifted witch but she also has friends with powers equal to her, as well as mentors and others with powers as well. Maybe it's just me but I'm kinda sick of the "perfect" hero that never makes mistakes, has all the best "powers," and always saves the day. It was refreshing to have a hero that was balanced to the other characters.
Sam is a flawed hero, she makes snap judgements, trusts the wrong people, and royally bungles things at the worst moments. I really like her. She has a wolf familiar who she dotes on (I'm a dog lover, so this detail won me over big time). Several friends with unique abilities and other witches with interesting back stories. At first when I read that Ivan was a "cyber" witch, I was afraid it was going to turn the book into a silly mess, I was very wrong. Weldon has created a cool ability that sounds possible and isn't ridiculous. Think Willow on Buffy as opposed to the typical throw-away hacker.
This book wasn't very long but it made me want to learn more about Sam and the people in her life. Weldon has created a world that is unique and interesting which is saying a lot for the bloated urban fantasy genre. I'm looking forward to learning more about Sam's past and learning what Crwys is (I'm thinking some kind of dragon were/fae). Also handy tip, Crwys name is pronounced Cruise. That drove me nuts until I read the glossary.
Lately, it seems in the urban/paranormal fantasy genre, the hero always has amazing powers and saves the day without much work or help from others. Sure they always have sidekicks but the hero is the one with all the bada$$ powers. In Elemental Arcane, the hero, Sam is a gifted witch but she also has friends with powers equal to her, as well as mentors and others with powers as well. Maybe it's just me but I'm kinda sick of the "perfect" hero that never makes mistakes, has all the best "powers," and always saves the day. It was refreshing to have a hero that was balanced to the other characters.
Sam is a flawed hero, she makes snap judgements, trusts the wrong people, and royally bungles things at the worst moments. I really like her. She has a wolf familiar who she dotes on (I'm a dog lover, so this detail won me over big time). Several friends with unique abilities and other witches with interesting back stories. At first when I read that Ivan was a "cyber" witch, I was afraid it was going to turn the book into a silly mess, I was very wrong. Weldon has created a cool ability that sounds possible and isn't ridiculous. Think Willow on Buffy as opposed to the typical throw-away hacker.
This book wasn't very long but it made me want to learn more about Sam and the people in her life. Weldon has created a world that is unique and interesting which is saying a lot for the bloated urban fantasy genre. I'm looking forward to learning more about Sam's past and learning what Crwys is (I'm thinking some kind of dragon were/fae). Also handy tip, Crwys name is pronounced Cruise. That drove me nuts until I read the glossary.
February 6, 2015
This is exactly the kinda book I love to read. Filled with supernatural creatures, a kick ass heroine, the irresistible mysterious male interest and magic. Honestly what is not to love?
I especially like the slightly different twist on magic within this book. Its refreshing to meet a different brand of magic like that of Ivan's. He is basically a cyber witch, able to surf the web without a computer and all sorts of other neat things. Which is cool because usually technology is an antithesis to magic.
Sam doesn't take any bs from anyone and she is strong. Her friends and loyal and she would risk life and limb for them. Crwys is a detective for the local law enforcement and Sam has no idea what he is, if he didn't use is powers for good, she would have banished a long time ago. Which would suit her just fine as they have a chemistry which she knows isn't good for her. Instead shes dating Robin the nice boy next door and human to boot. But keeping him out of magic trouble is not as easy as it seems when someone has released changelings on the town and one turns out to be Robin's niece.
Sam is determined to find out who it was. Through the help of her friends, one irresistible detective and the head of the previous obsidian fairy queen that is locked in her basement, she just might be able to figure out who the guilty party is. But as we all soon discover not everyone one is who they seem and there are some juicy twists and turns to navigate first.
This book has a few sneaky twists and turns and leaves you with a thirst for more. After you'll be itching to read book two.
I especially like the slightly different twist on magic within this book. Its refreshing to meet a different brand of magic like that of Ivan's. He is basically a cyber witch, able to surf the web without a computer and all sorts of other neat things. Which is cool because usually technology is an antithesis to magic.
Sam doesn't take any bs from anyone and she is strong. Her friends and loyal and she would risk life and limb for them. Crwys is a detective for the local law enforcement and Sam has no idea what he is, if he didn't use is powers for good, she would have banished a long time ago. Which would suit her just fine as they have a chemistry which she knows isn't good for her. Instead shes dating Robin the nice boy next door and human to boot. But keeping him out of magic trouble is not as easy as it seems when someone has released changelings on the town and one turns out to be Robin's niece.
Sam is determined to find out who it was. Through the help of her friends, one irresistible detective and the head of the previous obsidian fairy queen that is locked in her basement, she just might be able to figure out who the guilty party is. But as we all soon discover not everyone one is who they seem and there are some juicy twists and turns to navigate first.
This book has a few sneaky twists and turns and leaves you with a thirst for more. After you'll be itching to read book two.
June 19, 2017
Good story in need of serious editing, there were places I had to read over it a few times to follow what was trying to be stated. Samantha's mother is murdered by an evil faerie when she's a child. Later she ends up running a magic shop on Bourbon Street with the head of her mom's murderer in a safe in the shop basement. There's a mix of over the top intrigue, the part not explained very clearly, that actually has me kind of curious to see how everything plays out in the next few books. Essentially, some faerie is creating murderous fake kids, changelings, and having them attack their families just to create attention and make a mess for some other magic beings evil plans. Samantha ends up in the mix when a changeling attacks her store and the cops can't find the "little girl" who killed her mom and uncle and tried to destroy Sam's shop. The cops, aside from two horny magic creatures, aren't Sam's biggest fans, and have agendas and secrets of their own, which also kind of bugged me. There was some childish bit of basically I won't tell you anything about me unless you tell me all your secrets but let's bang and pretend you love me cause I'm so hot anyway. Yeah, they may be useful, but I kinds wanted to beat the crap out of the vamp cop and his not gonna tell you what I am magic partner. In a race to save the human she loves, Sam gets mixed up with Arcane, evil faerie, magic and in the midst of a plot that's been going on around her unbeknownst to her since before her mother disappeared. I'd have given it a better rating, but the jumbled writing knocked it down a few stars for me.
October 24, 2015
There's a lot more explanation than is necessary (and in some places gets in the way of the story), and in a lot of ways, it feels more like the main character is telling the story rather than the author allowing the reader to experience the story as it happens. While this is different and interesting in a way, I much prefer to experience the story.
The book also felt like the author was trying to introduce ALL THE STUFF from this world of hers, and there was A LOT. It really was too much for as short as this book is.
There's also a lot of smaller bits that are jarring for me: stuff that feels put in more for the story (like Sam "suddenly" remembering something a close friend has but after trying to get it elsewhere) rather than flowing naturally from characters, the main/pov character having ideas that aren't shared with the reader until shared with other characters despite being in a close first person pov, and pace that feels rushed and doesn't always match events in the story. On the one hand, it's not a difficult read; on the other, these issues can make it hard to keep reading and don't encourage me to read the other books in the series.
Unfortunately, in the end, I just couldn't keep plowing through it.
The book also felt like the author was trying to introduce ALL THE STUFF from this world of hers, and there was A LOT. It really was too much for as short as this book is.
There's also a lot of smaller bits that are jarring for me: stuff that feels put in more for the story (like Sam "suddenly" remembering something a close friend has but after trying to get it elsewhere) rather than flowing naturally from characters, the main/pov character having ideas that aren't shared with the reader until shared with other characters despite being in a close first person pov, and pace that feels rushed and doesn't always match events in the story. On the one hand, it's not a difficult read; on the other, these issues can make it hard to keep reading and don't encourage me to read the other books in the series.
Unfortunately, in the end, I just couldn't keep plowing through it.
February 21, 2016
“Elemental Arcane” is the first book by Phaedra Weldon in the “The Eldritch Files” series and it’s a bit of a hot mess; I knew that going in though. Amazon had the first three books on a deal for 99 cent so I decided to give it a try anyway. As many reviewers have pointed out it feels like you’ve been dropped into the middle of a series. There is events that are brought up but don’t really know anything about them, and there is quite a bit of back story that is not detailed enough. If you can wade through this problem and go with it the story line becomes much smoother sailing in the series.
This series is a quick light entertaining read and while some people stick into in their romance shelves on Goodreads it really doesn’t have any at all in the first book. There is a bit of light mystery and intrigue but not too deep. Event seem to happen reasonable fast paced and is a pretty quick read even with the back story bogging us down some. All and all if you want something quick and entertaining this series might be a good option if you can solider through the back story of this first book.
This series is a quick light entertaining read and while some people stick into in their romance shelves on Goodreads it really doesn’t have any at all in the first book. There is a bit of light mystery and intrigue but not too deep. Event seem to happen reasonable fast paced and is a pretty quick read even with the back story bogging us down some. All and all if you want something quick and entertaining this series might be a good option if you can solider through the back story of this first book.
August 13, 2018
Somewhere between ok and liked it. The story moves along quickly, so quickly the idiotic things the main character does don't have to be dwelled on too much. She is a total toolbox. Honestly, I guess there are a couple of reasons why, but she certainly thinks more of herself than the story and action can support. The typical "I don't want anyone else to get hurt" so she goes it alone, but when support magically shows up to pull her ass out of the fire, she immediately sends them off again. Just an idiot, a little too stupid to live. I hope this series gets better, but at this point it is so-so and not something I would search out on purpose.
It starts in the middle of things. Characters respond to actions that happened before the book started and the action is tempered by a lot of telling the reader about things. Anyway, the world is interesting and there is a lot going on. Might get better. Not sure I will find out.
It starts in the middle of things. Characters respond to actions that happened before the book started and the action is tempered by a lot of telling the reader about things. Anyway, the world is interesting and there is a lot going on. Might get better. Not sure I will find out.
March 19, 2015
Have you ever come into a conversation half way through? That’s what a lot of this story felt like to me. We are given some of the backstory at the beginning, but when the main characters are introduced it’s like we are on book 6 of a series. The villains were fairly obvious to me as a reader, although there were attempts to conceal who they would be, and too much of the story is told in memories which we find out at the end have been manipulated rather than shown which feels dishonest to me as a reader. I enjoyed the scenario, and the characters and the editing was well done, but it made me check to make sure it said book 1 on the introduction page a couple times.
January 25, 2016
I really liked the start to this series. New Orleans is one of my favorite locations for fantasy novels and in this one its perfect. The prologue gave the right opening into the story and the twists and turns of the plot definitely kept me interested. This was short enough that I didn't get annoyed with the lack of details and I'm primed for the next book. Sam is just enough of spunky heroine that she kicks ass without being all caught up in her own awesomeness. I love her sidekicks and her slight love triangle romance. The mystery behind her mother's death is a little obvious but I'm prepared for this storyline to change and surprise me. Ok....now on to the next book!
July 14, 2015
I've had some time think about this and decided to rewrite my review, though the 2 star rating must remain. I think. Disliked this so much,, because it really has potential--wasted potential. It really too short. It's heavy handed with the foreshadowing. It feels like an editor went hacking through it with a machete. There is nothing subtle about any part of it. There are no real surprises. My 6 yr old could have seen the ending from a day away. Yet it still could be a decent series with some shifts. Right now, things aren't looking very good.
October 10, 2015
For an Amazon freebie, this book was also pretty good - good enough that I wanted to get on and buy the second book in the series when I had finished. I have to admit I didn't warm to Samantha quite as much as I thought I would. There is a fine line between being independent and being plain rude and I felt that she crossed that line on a number of occasions. But I did like the magic world building and I did like the story. I think it deserved a solid 3.5 stars.
December 2, 2017
I enjoyed the storyline of this book but that's about it.
The world building in this was non-existent. I have no idea how the magical world interacts with the non magical world. The strangest people seem to know or not know about it. And I can't imagine how half the stuff that happens was hidden from regular people.
The writing keeps switching between tenses as well and it was jarring and irritating. Also Samantha can be a bit of a hard headed moron.
The world building in this was non-existent. I have no idea how the magical world interacts with the non magical world. The strangest people seem to know or not know about it. And I can't imagine how half the stuff that happens was hidden from regular people.
The writing keeps switching between tenses as well and it was jarring and irritating. Also Samantha can be a bit of a hard headed moron.
September 20, 2015
Witches of New Orleans
I liked the cover and as this was a free read, I gave it a shot. I was so impressed! I like this genre and have been reading it awhile, but even someone new to this could easily pick it up.
I liked the cover and as this was a free read, I gave it a shot. I was so impressed! I like this genre and have been reading it awhile, but even someone new to this could easily pick it up.
May 13, 2016
...this book? Doesn't entirely make sense? And also needs a better copy editor? I just... yeah. No.
January 3, 2017
I had to check several times to see if I really was reading the first book in the series. They kept mentioning things that happened in the past but never explained them fully. It was an Ok read.
February 20, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.5*
-- I'm not sure on 'either' love interest. Honestly I do not like love triangles, so that already lost the book points. Then not really liking either male, so not wanting one to 'win' over the other....
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.5*
-- I'm not sure on 'either' love interest. Honestly I do not like love triangles, so that already lost the book points. Then not really liking either male, so not wanting one to 'win' over the other....
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
January 23, 2021
I liked the beginning and the middle so much, that I thought this would be a 4 oder even 5 star book. But then comes one of the most disappointing endings ever.
The heroine does have her ditzy moments, but is seriously off the mark at the end and what could have been a book with a good ending and closure turned into a long-winded story that was obviously just a set-up for a series.
I wanted to give this just 2 stars, because it's been a while since I have been so disappointed in a book, but figured I had a lot of fun with it in the beginning, so one extra start for that.
Still, will absolutely not pick up another book by that author.
The heroine does have her ditzy moments, but is seriously off the mark at the end and what could have been a book with a good ending and closure turned into a long-winded story that was obviously just a set-up for a series.
I wanted to give this just 2 stars, because it's been a while since I have been so disappointed in a book, but figured I had a lot of fun with it in the beginning, so one extra start for that.
Still, will absolutely not pick up another book by that author.
October 15, 2023
The 3 stars are for Cwrys, Levi, Kyle, and Ivan…hated FMC Sam…such a double standard B., she only used Cwrys when she needed him, used Ivan to do shit for her. She is a user…and quite selfish…this was a second attempt at reading this story first time was a DNF and I had forgot why I quit reading…Robin what was the point of dating someone who did not really know you…refers to your witchiness as hocus pocus. But there a hot detective who does get you…but you TSTL to work with him and you might not have killed an innocent. Oh and your wolf familiar is your mom dumbass…..
November 25, 2016
A new slant on urban fantasy
I'm a big fan of urban fantasy...which means that I've seen the basic mythologies used in different ways. Weldon is one of the few whose take on witches, vampires, and other denizens of folklore is fresh; whose world building is effortlessly interwoven into the story. The pacing is great, suspects abound, and even though there are threads that extend into the next book, this story feels completed. Weldon goes on the short list of go-to authors.
I'm a big fan of urban fantasy...which means that I've seen the basic mythologies used in different ways. Weldon is one of the few whose take on witches, vampires, and other denizens of folklore is fresh; whose world building is effortlessly interwoven into the story. The pacing is great, suspects abound, and even though there are threads that extend into the next book, this story feels completed. Weldon goes on the short list of go-to authors.
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