Wiccan Wars

Wiccan Wars #1

by Heather Marie Adkins

Ever O’Connell prides herself on being a good Wiccan, and her coven follows the path of the Goddess with love and light. But the “dark” witches in school—the BlackMags— keep pushing her toward the edge, until Ever finally finds herself at war.

Cade Bourdain inherited his father's thirst for power, drawing him into darker areas of magick. Despite his dislike for the “Fluffy Bunny” Wiccans, he feels an unearthly connection to Ever.

When the two strike up a secret relationship the real magic between them is ignited, generating a power that a dangerous warlock yearns to take for his own. Ensnared by the warlock, Ever and Cade’s conflicting covens must work together despite their differences—or else be destroyed by a common enemy.

The line between light and dark has never been so unclear.

Genres: Witches, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

HEATHER MARIE ADKINS writes too much but still too little. She also has too many cats, not enough tequila, and a torrid love affair with procrastination.

With a penchant for the paranormal, Heather spends her days fueled by coffee, Ancient Aliens, and true crime podcasts. She resides in an unfortunately-not-haunted Queen Anne in southern Indiana with a sarcastic husband who is entirely too dependent on puns.

When she’s not plotting her next book or herding felines, she's researching the spookier aspects of history for her podcast, Historically Weird. Find out more about her at heathermarieadkins.com.

Reviews

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first in the trilogy. I read this story in Rebels and Renegades Anthology. It is such a great story! It has everything you could ever ask for. Every emotion is in this book of only 39 chapters. To continue reading this story, have to get the book called Priestess Prophecies.

Off to the next story!!

[Tiffany Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Paced

The author brings you in right from the beginning. I like how both the light and dark aspects of magick are addressed in the writing. Easy to follow and a very quick read. Can't wait for the second book to release!

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

A greatly written story about discovering what is right and what is wrong when you are a Wiccan. I liked characters and the way both covens were "fighting" with each other. Connection slowly builds and that way we discover every depth of their souls.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books I've read this year. Heather Marie Adkins has got a new fan I will be reading her books from now on. I read it in the Car going on my mini vacation to Fripp Island SC it kept me entertained the whole way and I didn't even see the miles counting down.

[Heather Adkins]

This is my book, but Goodreads doesn't have the capability to manage different author profiles yet :O Find me under Heather Marie Adkins :)

[Cassie Starkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love

This book slayed me. I love the rival Love between Cade and Ever but then the way they make things work is amazing. And the ending? Yes! I am so ready for book two.

[Heather Rizkallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Ever has had a rough time. She is a white witch with strong powers. She has her own coven of people who go to school with her. Everything was good until Cade starts getting close to her. He is a dark witch. They are complete opposites yet she is drawn to him. And once they combine, their powers will be unstoppable. That is if her father doesn’t get to her first

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book more than I thought I would....it does end on a big cliff hanger which is annoying but I would have gotten the next book in the series anyway because I really like the main characters. There is a cool little plot twist towards the end but I saw it coming and was happy that what I thought turned out to be right.

[T.W. Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series in the YA paranormal/fantasy genre.

I love most books that feature magic so, I was excited to start a new series. The story is written to appeal to the younger readers but will be enjoyable to fans of all ages.

Wiccan Wars follows the age old formula of young love drawn together in a battle to fight evil.

To be honest after reading the first few chapters I was worried that this series was going to be one of those stories where magic is a tame, watered down version of the type that made Harry
Potter a worldwide phenomenon and J.K. Rowlings a Billionaire but I was very happy to have my worries swept away. The skills and spells ratchet up as the story unfolds with an impressive display at the end making me eager to see if the trend continues in the next book.

There are many, many books out there that use love as the core of their tale and particularly this genre. More often than not the authors work doesn't always translate as well as they'd planned and sometimes fails miserably.

In this case Ms. Adkins excels. It was one of the things that actually stood out to me as I read. I found myself thinking about how well she was able to write the story to make me not only interested but wondering how and when they would come together so, well done Ms. Adkins.

The story features two main characters. They couldn't be more different. Black vs White and both believing that their way is the right way. As in life it's not long before these two are drawn together by something stronger than believes, fate, and in fates hands they will come to realize that both were wrong and right. White is not always white and black is not always black and much of life is grey.

Their union not only enlightens each of them, it also brings together two covens to create the thirteen. An important number for a covens in this world. It also seals their fate for the evil that is intent on gaining more power at all cost, even the life of family.

I was actually surprised when the book ended. I was so tuned in that I had no idea that I was nearing the end and when it came all I could say was nooooo.

A must read for fans of the genre regardless of age and an author to follow.

[Lily Velez · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Wow, from the very first page, I knew this was going to be a good one! It was such an immersive story. I felt like I was right there with the characters every step of the way. Great world-building, and excellent writing. I loved learning more about Wicca and I loved the idea of two covens pitted against each other because of their differences. And the love story was so well-paced! No insta-love, thank God. The development of the romance was just perfect, and you could feel Cade and Ever getting closer and closer as the story progressed. And the ending was fantastic. I can't wait for book 2!

The only thing I didn't like was that Ever was sometimes too judgmental/lecture-y toward Cade. At the beginning of the book, it's said she believes all views are valid and that everyone should co-exist, but then (spoilers ahead) when she's on a date with Cade, she just goes to town with bringing down dark magick and talks about how Cade has grime on his soul because of what he practices. I would've preferred Cade to just gradually change because of the affect of Ever's 'love and light' ways - not because of what was borderline preaching at times. At one point, she asks something like 'what kind of man comes from a man like your father?' which seemed unfair and hurtful. And it also upset me when she kicked Cade out of her house because his coven did something that he wasn't even involved in. I just felt it wasn't fair for her to judge him so much when he'd been raised in dark magick, so it was all he ever knew. I would've appreciated a more loving approach to opening his mind. But the fact that it upsets me just goes to show you how invested I am in the story and the characters! :P I loove Cade. I thought it was adorable that he was this bad boy witch with a secret crush on the 'girl next door' type witch. He was so sexy whenever he got pissed at his covenmates about something haha, and I loved seeing him practice magick - even if it was dark!

Anyway, this was the first book I've read of Heather Marie Adkins, and it definitely won't be my last! I'm hoping Book 2 is on the way. Until then, I plan on reading some of her other books!

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. The beginning started out slow but once you got to know Ever & Cade the story exploded. They are from two different sides white & dark, can they find common ground or will they lose each other before they get a chance to be more.
Ever knows that Cade isn't all bad she just doesn't trust his magic as yet, Cade wants to saw Ever that he is nothing like his father and that not all dark magic id bad. Can their covens accept that they want to be together or will they cause a divide on other side.
Evil is coming and it will do everything to get hold of Ever she is about to learn about her father and what her mother has kept from all these years.
Can she find the strength to fight and win for Cade? Will Cade go against everything that he has been taught to be with his forever?
Who will win the battle, good or evil? Will all the secrets come out but what will be the end result. The ending sucked as it makes you want more I will be looking out for the next book in the series as blew me away. Highly recommended read.

[Alan Nayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read other works by Heather Marie Adkins including The Temple, Constant State of Disaster, Cause and Effect, and she never fails to create unique compelling characters. Wiccan Wars is no different. Ms. Adkins has given us Ever O'Connell, a teen Wiccan/witch and Cade Bourdain, a witch from the opposite side of the tracks so to speak. Ever's coven is good, while Cade's is let's just say not quite so good. The chemistry she creates between these two is as hot and feisty, as well as sensuous, as the power each possesses. The two covens go to war and this raises the tension. Little do they realize that a far more dangerous power (need I say warlock) is bent on destroying both of them. Great storyline, drama, lust, love and compelling characters make Wiccan Wars a fun and entertaining read. The best news though, is this novel is only the first in a series.

[Frank Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, quite frankly, liked this book a lot. It isn't my usual, but the author is a great storyteller so I keep going back. This one is a fantasy for sure in the sense that nothing in the tale struck me as believable in the least, but to just sit back and enjoy a story for the fiction it is was very refreshing. I won't give away any spoilers but if you enjoy young adult fiction this is a great pick. The characters are supportive of each other even when they shouldn't be and some of the struggles they face can be loosely applied to the struggles of a normal high-school kid trying to fit in. The villains are present but not overpowering and I liked that too; the subtle things were allowed to shine through.

[Toria Bedell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I loved this book. Ever is a white witch and she believes that what energy you put out in the universe, good or bad will come back to you. Cade is also a witch but he believes in dark magic. The two have been drawn to each for several years, when someone from Cade's coven injury Ever, Cade can keep his feeling secret anymore. As time progresses they fall in love, but dark forces want Ever for her power, and Case has to sacrifice his family to keep her safe.

[Porschia Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Wiccan Wars by Heather Marie Adkins and I think I have found another favorite author. I read the book whenever I could and when I couldn't read I was thinking about the book. She definitely knew what she was talking about and the story was awesome!!!

[Ann-marie Morency · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical

Truly a amazing book. I loved this book from the very first page to the last. I couldn't put it down til I was done. Can't wait to the next book.

[Caryl Casanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love every page of it!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed it, need to find out what happens next, roll on book 2

[NANCY GALLAGHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! classic story of things are not always as they seem.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have by the author, Heather Marie Adkins, but it definitely won't be the last!

Ever O'Connell is a true wiccan, head of a coven of like-minded witches that are intent on only doing "good" magic. Cade Bourdain is the head of the Blackmags, another coven that is devoted to the dark side of magic. The two covens do not get along at all due to their different beliefs. When Donovan, one of the Blackmags, attacks Ever, the war is on.

Cade and Ever feel a connection to each other, but will their different beliefs allow them to be together? Or are they fated to be in a constant battle? Is it possible for Cade to give up the magic he has learned from his (evil) father and become a good Wiccan?

Cade's father introduces him to a friend, Gilles Roubidoux. Cade immediately doesn't like Gilles and soon finds out that he is an enemy to be defeated at all costs.

I enjoyed the book a lot; the characters were engaging and well-developed and the story was full of twists right to the end. I loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and regardless of your thinking about Wiccans, they are truths worth investigating.

A couple of my favorite quotes:
"I've heard people say that the difference between good and evil is that good cares."
"Good energy was never meant to be wasted on idiocy."
"Life is nothing more than a series of trials and tribulations that make you stronger every day. The manner in which you react to those trials is what will determine your character."

Be warned, though; this story ends on a cliffhanger and you will definitely want to read the next book(s) in the series!

[Amiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book with high hopes. My Grandmother was a Wiccan and I know quite a few things about the practice of white magick. I also know some things of dark magick but not as much as I do of the prior mentioned. I loved that Heather Marie Adkins was pretty on point when it came to calling the circle for rituals and even the solidarity of the craft when it came to invoking on one’s own. I think, more than anything that it’s hard for a reader who has no influence, experience or knowledge of the Occult to understand many things revolving around the practice. Especially when other authors don’t do their research and it can be quite confusing when reading about any type of witchcraft. The history of all magic is rich and untapped especially when it comes to the YA genre.
I also loved how the Law of Three was mentioned in this book. Not many think of including that. Wiccan’s who follow the Law of Three are generally a very peaceful occult however there are others who do practice the art of the dark Wiccan Occult but their beliefs differ dramatically. It could essentially be difficult for someone to understand the difference. However, Heather Marie Adkins was able to show that even though there are many differences in the beliefs of Wiccans, they can all be peaceful and productive when it comes to their beliefs. I really liked this book, the characters were relatable and described beautifully, plot story was amazing, research on point and I very much enjoyed reading this book and I cannot wait to continue on in the series!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ever, a white wiccan, has an undeniable attraction to Cade, a black wiccan and also leader of the rival coven. They're both hyper aware of each other, both set to their magic, and both obsess over the other. Through a straightforward and predictable series of events, Ever and Cade become linked, and the big bad does the big bad. Ends in abrupt cliff hanger.

I found this in a collection.

Here's what I didn't like: It quickly became a soul mate magic trope book like all the others out there. Star-crossed lovers, both leaders of covens, both have terrible dads and loving mother figures. Both have friends who don't like the two together. It was really derivative and any twists planned or the big reveals were easy to spot and figured out. Mostly, this book was about Ever and Cade making out or having sex. Truly, this type of book wasn't aimed at me, and that's fine, but it was far too predictable and the plot seemed to focus more on bonded love and those two people being together than it having an antagonist, which made it boring for me.

Here's what I liked: it felt like a finished product, decent editing and formatting. The writing wasn't bad.

Overall, true love destined bonded teenagers do what teenagers do, and the plot wasn't placed before the reader as to what Ever is needed for by the big bad. No hook for me to read the next.

[Therese Caruana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covens bickering, families feuding and mystery pasts among royal witches are only the beginning to all the obstacles that Ever and Cade have to overcome. This romantic paranormal romance makes you adore the link between Ever and Cade as they struggle against strong willed friends and protective parents. Although, some of the parents aren’t perfect, and their power-hungry thirsts have corrupted their reasoning that makes them unable to see Ever and Cade’s happiness.

This story was a cozy read and I especially enjoyed to revel in the magick that was linked between the forbidden romance. I could really feel the way the protagonists were meant for each other. Heather made it feel like the love was beyond powerful warlocks and the universe itself. I was also satisfied that the story didn’t have the typical “you lied to me and now I can never trust you” attitudes that can be tiresome to read. Clues about Ever’s background have been dropped into the storyline a few times and I have a few suspicions as to where the story will take us next, but Heather hasn’t made it obvious yet. I like that the mystery has still remained hidden and I have great expectations for the sequel.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the cover for this book I knew that I just HAD to read it. If you are a fan of magic, witches in a contemporary setting and romance then this book is for you! I couldn't put it down! Ever is a white witch and prides herself on doing the right thing. Cade is a witch who, like his father, is drawn to power and so that leads him to a darker path. The two become like star-crossed lovers. The story is engaging and thrilling once it really gets going.
For me, the story starts off a little slow, but once it gets in gear it's a thrilling story that is engaging and fun to read. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I truly enjoyed. Needless to say, I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars! The next book in this series can't come soon enough!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I'm not an expert on Wicca, but I like that I really don't have to be in order to enjoy a good book!

I loved the information given in the book that kind of gives an education along with entertainment. I mean, I know that it's a fantasy, but it's a damn well thought out fantasy.

I enjoyed the characters and I liked the flow of the story. It was actually fast paced for me and drew me in. I like to read before bed and hello interesting dreams!

I try not to give away spoilers when writing reviews but I like to give credit where credit is due. I think the author did a wonderful job at pulling me into the story and keeping my attention. I also love when I'm sad a book is over because it leaves me wanting more... especially when there's a cliffhanger!

Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Kenneth Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful world crafted by Heather. This one has witches, well, Wiccans as its base. The story is one that has been told, but, not necessarily from this point of view. I like that it is based on semi real world vs some fantastical earth where we have all these fae running amuck. It's got ties to Twilight, sure, but there's also the Romeo and Juliet vibe in there as well. Yes, it also has some sex, but it's nothing too graphic, more groping than actual full frontal. Grab a copy, and get set for book two which is coming soon!

[Jessica Wilhelmsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great amazing story .
This is the first book I read from this author and I'm amazed over her style to write! Heather Marie is one of those who can make a story that felt like non-fiction.
The books have a lot of true Wicca in it and I Loved the citats from famous authors and witches under every chapter, they made me search for more information.
The story about Ever is fast, sweet and educational in wicca traditions. There's both love ,hate and excitement. For me that have only book one it stopped with a cliff hanger... I must definitely read the 2 remaining books.!!!

[talls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! I didn't expect to like it as much as I did (since I mostly read gay fiction, and nobody can ever do magical stuff right). But Heather Marie Adkins really knows her way around Wicca culture! The romance was also nice too, but I was far more interested in Ever's mother's relationship with her father and everything that went down there. I honestly would super recommend this book to every single person I run into that likes magical fiction.

Bravo! I really, genuinely enjoyed this book!

[A_MOTUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What start as a high school rivalry between two different clans of wiccan escalated in tales of how opposite attracts especially when they are not so opposite. I loved the characters, the secrets of the wiccan family thought I was a bit annoyed sometimes by the redundant doubts of Ever. But well it is also what makes her so relatable. I was really touched by how some sensible subject were told and woven in the story such as bullying, abuse, grief, relationship.
And I was at the edge of my seat when I read the last sentence. So, see you soon in the next book!

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Wiccan Wars from the author/publisher (via InstaFreebie). The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. This YA-highschool-mean-girls-type story was a 5-star read up until about 80 percent, then Ever's actions took a 180-turn and she acted so out of character I was pulled out of the story. The cliffhanger ending didn't help much...but disappointment aside, I enjoyed the story overall. Good writer, solid plot, and engaging characters.