Wren Vesper needs answers. She thought the worst was behind her, but the Darkness still looms in the corners of her dreams—a threat to her life and her magic that she cannot shake. When traditional divinations fail, a strange encounter with a mirror reveals a dangerous new scrying. Now, a simple reflection can act as a door, a glimpse into the past that will reveal many of the Darkness’ secrets. But if Wren isn’t careful, that door could open in the other direction.
With each scrying, Wren is drawn closer to the truth about the Darkness, but the Darkness, in turn, is drawn closer to her. She also begins to suspect that she is not the only witch searching for the very same answers in the very same places. Will Wren be able to protect herself with her newfound knowledge, or will a simple reflection bring her face-to-face with a foe hellbent on claiming her magic?
Tides of Magic and Memory is the fourth installment in E.E. Holmes' best-selling Vesper Coven series.
E.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
Holmes has done it again! The 4th book of the Vesper Coven shows us Wren deepening her understanding of her spirit magic, forging new friendships, strengthening old friendships and furthering her knowledge of the Darkness. I gasped, pounded my feet, picked up on some interesting hints and got to the end wishing Book 5 was already here! Follow Wren, Eva, Zale, Nova and Jess further into the spiral of secrets that is Sedgwick Cove!!
As usual. A can’t put it down book. But now I have as I’ve read it all and impatiently wait for the next one. I’ve read every book this author has written and every one is brilliant.
Such a good book and series. I have read everything EE Holmes has written and have loved them all. I love how the Vesper series now intermingles a bit with the Gateway series thank you for keeping me wanting more with each new release
As usual, E. E. Holmes has delivered a book that grabbed ahold of me and didn't let go until the last page. Tides of Magic and Memory was a particularly exciting chapter in the Vesper Coven series, as Wren finally begins to get some of the backstory of the Darkness, trying to figure out what he is and how he came to be that way. The answers were not what I was expecting, which is always a nice surprise— especially when, like me, you read a lot of books of similar genres and thus have developed a talent for guessing the twists before they're revealed. The history was fascinating, and the ending was explosive, although it came on a little suddenly. I'm not complaining, though, not really— it just sucks because I am so anxious now to know what comes next and it will be months before Holmes releases the next in the series! 😩 I also find it fun how Holmes has managed to weave her other Gateway series with this one. I was a bit worried with the previous book that the Durupinen would start overpowering the coven stuff, but this far it's played a great supporting role. It's always a treat for Jess (MC of the Gateway books) to pop up, and I'm curious how much, if any, of the resolution will depend on the Durupinen. Can't wait to find out what happens next! Another 5 star winner from E. E. Holmes, highly recommended. You can start with the Vesper Coven books, which do stand alone despite the crossover, or start where I did (a long time ago now lol) with the Gateway Trilogy, which leads into the Gateway Trackers series. While you don't HAVE to read those to understand anything about the Vesper books, they are excellent reads and will provide you a bit of background into the shared universe as a whole. Holmes also has the unrelated Riftmagic trilogy, set in an alternate universe London where people with magic are servants. Though completely unrelated to Gateway or Vesper, they were just as fun and gripping to read. Can't recommend this author enough— and her works are all available through KU! I've read the entire Gateway series multiple times because I just enjoyed it that much. I'm looking highly forward to the next book in this series— and anything else Holmes might release, as well!
I love this series. Im a big fan of the Spirit legacy books and when E.E.Holmes did this spin off series about the Vesper Witches from Sedgewick Cove who briefly appear in one of the Tracker series which follows on from the Spirit Legacy series, I knew it would be brilliant. This book like the last one features Jess from the Tracker series. A sort of series crossover. But Wren has decided to research the Darkness, she doesn’t want to be vulnerable anymore. Her family think that books are the answer, but Wren knows that books won’t help enough. She decides she needs to find another spirit witch to help guide her, but how will she find one to help who won’t tell her family, as Wren knows she needs to do this alone. But sometimes the universe is on your side and answers have a way of appearing. But Wren knows she is running out of time as the Darkness is waiting for his chance to get to Wren, and she needs to find out why. Absolutely amazing book, the ending had me in tears and I can’t wait for the next installment.
and yet another great one from E.E. Holmes!!.. I have now read the 11 Tracker books and the three spirit legacy preceding ones and now the 4 Vesper Coven books and I just love them even though they often had me not able to put them down as I read into the wee hours of the morning. I know I should go back and try to review each and every one of them but it is too late. Completing 18 books by this one author in 2 months and getting to know the main characters like good friends and while at times being frustrated with their insecurities has been rewarding. It is the plotting the pacing, the occasional laugh out loud moments that has made each book most worthwhile. I particularly love the Vesper Coven series as I have long been entranced by the coast of Maine and I can't wait until book 5 comes out as well as Book 12 of the Tracker series???
I have absolutely loved reading these two series of books and can't wait for more! The interesting characters with all their "inner demons" that they all try so valiantly to fight on their own while facing things that were far above what they could have imagined or ever be expected to overcome, and they find their "people" in the process. Learn as you go, and find your tribe... :) This author is great....perceptive with an incredible imagination (but is it? Or is it more?). Exactly what makes it so great!
I love this series and the crossover with Jess. I’m hoping Jess will be in book 5. I love that Wren and Nova have each other now too, as solid allies and friends. When I got annoyed at Wren for keeping so many secrets, I stopped and reminded myself that she’s a teenager and did not grow up in the magical community, so she’s still learning. That’s the beauty of the author’s talent here, to write such believable characters.
I've read all of ee Holmes books and they are so good. Her stories weave magic with fantasy with wonderful characters. I'd read Gateway series first, then this Vesper Coven series, though each series can be read separately. Just don't miss anything by ee holmes!
A dark and something chilling story. A page turner to be sure. I was glad to see Wren accept the help of her friends in the end. I was expecting the fear that she experienced but would have like to see her magic help her in some way. The way it ended though left room for another book.
Another great book in this series… the story and the characters get deeper and deeper as the books continue. So many questions answered, and so many still to be answered. I love how this series has been joined by Jess and others from the Gateway Series. The writing and the narration are excellent. Can’t wait for the next book.
I have read every one of E E Holmes books and loved them all. You become immersed in the story from page one. The characters are so well described you can picture them. The story flows beautifully and pulls you in. My only complaint is they all end and I have to wait for the next one.
I have read every book in this series and the Gateway series. I love them all and this one was no exception. I love how they are all tied together and I cannot wait for the next one. If you have never read the Gateway series please go back and start with book one. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
The start of the series was like the Wizard of Oz. All black and white, until Wren gets to Sedgwick Cove and finds out about the technicolor world of the Covens. Thoroughly enjoying this series as Wren learns more about her powers and grows closer to her aunts and friends in the cove.
Had not realized the youthful nature of this series, but i did enjoy reading it of curse as a YA storyline, the heroine is a 16 year old with angst and peer pressure. Of course, I was hoping Luke (even tho not magical) would reenter the story. Fun read. Enjoy
This story about The Vesper Coven sucks you in and I find myself routing for them. If you haven’t read the coven books do and also check out her Gateway Series it’s one I can read again and again and this one as well
This series has been a page-turner for me since book one. I enjoy all the layers in the plot and the characters are well-developed. From the ending of this one, I look for another book to be added to the series. I'll definitely be excited to read it.
I loved all the vesper coven series. I especially love the crossover of the Durupinen and Jess Ballard. Hope to see more of Jess & Hannah in the continuing saga of the Vesper Coven.
I'm really vested in this series. The characters are unique and special. They will triumph together in this quest. Overcoming the darkness that waits. Loved it from start to finish😁
If you like fantasy, E.E. Holmes is one of the best! I feel like a part of the story, with interesting character, descriptive environment and captivating storyline.
This one is my favorite book so far in this series. The backstory on The Darkness reminded me a lot of Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, and that was by far my favorite HP book. Seems like this series is finally starting to pick up.
Wren's discovery of the life of the Darkness' past was a twist in the story that was truly sobering. I was mesmerized by this book and E.E. Holmes ability to peel back the layers of such a character, and make him real.
What an amazing read. Loved this set of books from the beginning. The character's lives are unravelled but by bit with each book you read. Hopefully book 5 won't be the end.