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Margaret May Reis knows how strange she is; people have been telling her for years. At sixteen years old, though, Maggie begins to realize that strangeness is only half the story. Maggie isn’t just strange – she’s a witch.
Sent to live with a cousin she’s never met, in a city she doesn't remember, Maggie is sure that life as she knows it is over. It doesn't take her long to learn that Peterborough is not at all what it seems. Her first week in the city, Maggie meets a stray cat named Elowen, who seems to appear out of thin air, and a strange girl named Rhosyn, who introduces her to a coven of witches, and assures her that life will never be the same.
The newest member of an ancient coven, Maggie discovers new friends, new powers, and a new lease on life. As she works with her young sisters to hone their magical skills, they stumble across the coven’s darkest secret, one that their governing council has kept hidden for over a century. Caught up in a conspiracy that began with the very first generations of witches, Maggie and her friends tumble down the rabbit hole, reaching blindly for the truth.
It will take three young witches to uncover the secrets that their Matriarch left behind over a century before.
Sent to live with a cousin she’s never met, in a city she doesn't remember, Maggie is sure that life as she knows it is over. It doesn't take her long to learn that Peterborough is not at all what it seems. Her first week in the city, Maggie meets a stray cat named Elowen, who seems to appear out of thin air, and a strange girl named Rhosyn, who introduces her to a coven of witches, and assures her that life will never be the same.
The newest member of an ancient coven, Maggie discovers new friends, new powers, and a new lease on life. As she works with her young sisters to hone their magical skills, they stumble across the coven’s darkest secret, one that their governing council has kept hidden for over a century. Caught up in a conspiracy that began with the very first generations of witches, Maggie and her friends tumble down the rabbit hole, reaching blindly for the truth.
It will take three young witches to uncover the secrets that their Matriarch left behind over a century before.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2015
1 person is currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Cooper
30 books18 followersAlyssa Cooper is a Canadian author and poet currently living in Kingston, Ontario. First published in 2008, she is the author of four novels, a short story collection, and two poetry collections. An active spoken word performer, she currently holds an executive position in the Kingston Poetry Collective and the Queen’s Poetry Slam planning committee.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 3, 2019
I received an early copy of the book.
August 20, 2015
Switch is all about witches, which means there’s some very cool magic happening. Cooper seems to know her stuff, particularly with herb lore. I don’t know anything about herbs myself, so I might not be the best judge of that, but I liked reading it!
Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that took place in the “grove,” an enchanted place with a mysterious Red Queen. Though this book lacked a typical learning-the-magical-ropes scene common in YA fantasy, there was plenty of cool magic to go around. I could’ve gone for even more.
Some problems I had were with the pacing. For me, the end of the book could’ve come in the middle. Maggie’s choices at the end were compelling and, without giving away too much, I loved that the book ended on a low note for the character. But the beginning dragged, introducing too many named characters, and I felt the mystery could’ve been tightened to get more done in fewer scenes.
I loved that a romance between two teen girls was able to go on in the background without any pomp and circumstance. I also liked Maggie’s lack of a romantic interest. She interacts with boys and girls her own age but realistically doesn’t have time for a romance during the story’s time frame. YA is often criticized for its focus on the love story, and while I don’t mind a love story (it’s a good opportunity to create character development and growth) Switch didn’t need one for Maggie and Cooper rightly didn’t force it. And the door is open for a romance with a boy or a girl in the next book.
Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that took place in the “grove,” an enchanted place with a mysterious Red Queen. Though this book lacked a typical learning-the-magical-ropes scene common in YA fantasy, there was plenty of cool magic to go around. I could’ve gone for even more.
Some problems I had were with the pacing. For me, the end of the book could’ve come in the middle. Maggie’s choices at the end were compelling and, without giving away too much, I loved that the book ended on a low note for the character. But the beginning dragged, introducing too many named characters, and I felt the mystery could’ve been tightened to get more done in fewer scenes.
I loved that a romance between two teen girls was able to go on in the background without any pomp and circumstance. I also liked Maggie’s lack of a romantic interest. She interacts with boys and girls her own age but realistically doesn’t have time for a romance during the story’s time frame. YA is often criticized for its focus on the love story, and while I don’t mind a love story (it’s a good opportunity to create character development and growth) Switch didn’t need one for Maggie and Cooper rightly didn’t force it. And the door is open for a romance with a boy or a girl in the next book.
October 29, 2024
I loved this book. It is amazing! It is well written with a quick and pleasing pace. The theme is alluring and fresh. Who doesn't like witches? Believe me when I tell you that once you pick up the book, you will not be able to put it down. There's so many mysteries that you will want to solve. Also, I believe everyone will be able to relate with at least one of the characters. Due to the author's great job, you will want to be a witch. You are not going to be dissatisfied by this book. If you love fantasy and mystery(or really good books in general :D), this book is for you.
October 3, 2015
3.5 Stars
The Witches of Armour Hill: Switch by Alyssa Cooper is a YA offering that ventures into the realm of covens, dark witchcraft, and teenagers trying to find themselves. It tells the story of Maggie, an apparent orphan, bounced around among distant family members and disliked due to the strange happenings that seem to follow her. When she moves to the unwelcoming home of her cousin in a new city, she is befriended by a strange girl, Rhosyn, and a stray cat, Elowen.
Rhosyn leads her to a coven where Maggie is accepted as a “lost strand”, a witch, but one who has no past connection to the coven. Maggie is permitted to live in the coven house, and as she makes friends and discovers new powers, the house leads her to a diary through a series of very real-seeming dreams. The diary appears to be that of her sister, Lillith, whom Maggie was told died in the fire that killed her parents. But nobody in the coven will acknowledge ever having heard of or meeting Lillith...
...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookRevies (dot) com
The Witches of Armour Hill: Switch by Alyssa Cooper is a YA offering that ventures into the realm of covens, dark witchcraft, and teenagers trying to find themselves. It tells the story of Maggie, an apparent orphan, bounced around among distant family members and disliked due to the strange happenings that seem to follow her. When she moves to the unwelcoming home of her cousin in a new city, she is befriended by a strange girl, Rhosyn, and a stray cat, Elowen.
Rhosyn leads her to a coven where Maggie is accepted as a “lost strand”, a witch, but one who has no past connection to the coven. Maggie is permitted to live in the coven house, and as she makes friends and discovers new powers, the house leads her to a diary through a series of very real-seeming dreams. The diary appears to be that of her sister, Lillith, whom Maggie was told died in the fire that killed her parents. But nobody in the coven will acknowledge ever having heard of or meeting Lillith...
...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookRevies (dot) com
July 12, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this magical novel. The story moves at a quick, smooth pace, keeping me guessing at all times what's around the next corner. The house they are living in has secret rooms and mysteries. There are deep dark secrets to be discovered. There is an alternate world hiding there too. I loved the mystery of the book and the dark undertones. I am eager to see what will happen in the next installment. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is fascinated with witches and loves fantasy!
September 23, 2017
Short and simple review for now, more extensive review to come eventually:
I have always been in awe of the creative writing abilities of Alyssa Cooper. Actually, I've been in awe of Alyssa Cooper in general since I first met her at a local poetry event. She has been a massive inspiration to me and this book just adds to it. Admittedly, I had strayed far from the genre of this book a while ago and read mainly poetry and academic literature related to my university studies. So I was worried I wouldn't be able to get as invested in the book. I was completely wrong. I've read this book 3 times over since I got myself a copy. I'm so happy to be able to engage in the content and characters without feeling a barrier of sorts like I have felt with similar books as I've grown older. Eager to give it a thorough and proper review (hopefully sooner rather than later).
I have always been in awe of the creative writing abilities of Alyssa Cooper. Actually, I've been in awe of Alyssa Cooper in general since I first met her at a local poetry event. She has been a massive inspiration to me and this book just adds to it. Admittedly, I had strayed far from the genre of this book a while ago and read mainly poetry and academic literature related to my university studies. So I was worried I wouldn't be able to get as invested in the book. I was completely wrong. I've read this book 3 times over since I got myself a copy. I'm so happy to be able to engage in the content and characters without feeling a barrier of sorts like I have felt with similar books as I've grown older. Eager to give it a thorough and proper review (hopefully sooner rather than later).
June 19, 2017
*Spoilers!*
A tipical story about an orphan girl trying to have a family back that it's twisted and mean... I can see the story and the ending of the next book.
This book it could have been better if there's more lessons of magic, more tricks, more excitement in that area than just she trying to get with the friends drama. Just to learn with Maggie, but oh well.
A tipical story about an orphan girl trying to have a family back that it's twisted and mean... I can see the story and the ending of the next book.
This book it could have been better if there's more lessons of magic, more tricks, more excitement in that area than just she trying to get with the friends drama. Just to learn with Maggie, but oh well.
March 11, 2020
2 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the story though it was a bit slow at times. Things are not black and white here. Plenty of people made mistakes that lead to some terrible consequences, even though they were doing what they thought was best for everyone. Moral ambiguity and serious injuries make this story have more substance than many popcorn YA paranormal/urban fantasy series.
August 20, 2015
A troubled youngster finds a new home with a coven of witches, but her search for her own family uncovers a dark and dangerous secret.
Margaret has had a difficult childhood. Her mother and sister died when she was small, then her grandparents died (in a house fire), and since then she’s been passed from one reluctant relative to the next. The way things spontaneously combust around her may have something to do with the reluctance. Anyhow, she’s running out of relatives and is rather unhappy with the whole business.
Life takes a turn for the better when she makes a friend and is introduced to a coven of witches. Turns out all those fires were due to her being a witch herself, and the coven are keen to take her in. They all seem like nice folks. However, Maggie starts having strange dreams and becomes convinced her sister survived after all and was here before her, even though everyone denies ever meeting her. As she and her friends use magic to search for her sister, they begin to uncover the dark past of the coven.
The writing is readable throughout, with few editing errors. The plot drags a bit in places, but a strong setting, good characters, and plenty of magic make for an enjoyable read.
Margaret has had a difficult childhood. Her mother and sister died when she was small, then her grandparents died (in a house fire), and since then she’s been passed from one reluctant relative to the next. The way things spontaneously combust around her may have something to do with the reluctance. Anyhow, she’s running out of relatives and is rather unhappy with the whole business.
Life takes a turn for the better when she makes a friend and is introduced to a coven of witches. Turns out all those fires were due to her being a witch herself, and the coven are keen to take her in. They all seem like nice folks. However, Maggie starts having strange dreams and becomes convinced her sister survived after all and was here before her, even though everyone denies ever meeting her. As she and her friends use magic to search for her sister, they begin to uncover the dark past of the coven.
The writing is readable throughout, with few editing errors. The plot drags a bit in places, but a strong setting, good characters, and plenty of magic make for an enjoyable read.
September 9, 2015
“Switch” ‘The Witches of Armour Hill’ begins with the normal trials of sixteen-year-old Margaret May Reis. Well, as normal as any teenager can be without a permanent home after a series of accidents. Maggie yearns for stability and something similar to a normal family. She finds an uneasy balance when she moves into Morgane House, though not for long.
The story is set in Peterborough, Canada.
The first thing I want to say about this book is I loved it!
While witch stories abound, this one was not as I expected. This is a good thing.
Understandably bitter, Maggie is easy to relate to though at times she seems dense to the point of stubbornness, which makes her more diverse. Tension builds slowly as the mysterious veil surrounding Morgane House and Armour Hill grows ever darker through a series of strange occurrences. My favorite parts involve the many familiars as a companion and subtle guide. The descriptions of the animals spread throughout the story are rich and diverse. The description of the grove is aptly done and chilling.
The ending leaves one certain there is more to come.
The story is set in Peterborough, Canada.
The first thing I want to say about this book is I loved it!
While witch stories abound, this one was not as I expected. This is a good thing.
Understandably bitter, Maggie is easy to relate to though at times she seems dense to the point of stubbornness, which makes her more diverse. Tension builds slowly as the mysterious veil surrounding Morgane House and Armour Hill grows ever darker through a series of strange occurrences. My favorite parts involve the many familiars as a companion and subtle guide. The descriptions of the animals spread throughout the story are rich and diverse. The description of the grove is aptly done and chilling.
The ending leaves one certain there is more to come.
Read
October 30, 2015Since Maggie’s family died, she’s been bounced from relative to relative, never staying long in one place. She’s been told she’s strange and evil, but when she meets Rhosyn, she discovers she’s a witch. When Maggie is brought into the ancient coven Rhosyn belongs to, she’s told she’s a “lost strand”, a witch with no previous connection to the coven. Now she’s living at the covenstead and she’s found a dark secret which could tear the coven apart. Along with two friends, Maggie must discover the truth of what was hidden from the coven over a century ago…no matter the cost. SWITCH is the first book in The Witches of Armour Hill series. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but SWITCH could have benefited from a prequel which introduced readers to the intricate world and rich history of the coven. This way, SWITCH could focus more on Maggie’s story without having to give full or partial back-stories to the other characters. SWITCH is an intriguing story filled with action, magic, and secrets.
July 29, 2015
This book introduces you to Maggie. She is handed over from one distant family member to the other. After her room catches fire the second time, she is taken home by her cousin Sandra. Life there is unbearable, especially as Sandra doesn't want Elowen - a stray cat Maggie grows fond of - in her home. Life seems to take a turn for the better when Maggie meets Rhosyn.
With Switch, Alyssa Cooper has created the fascinating beginning of a series: The Witches of Armour Hill. The story comprises a broad variety of believable and more or less complex main characters, nicely woven situations and interesting interactions - keeping me glued to my Kindle. I had an exciting time reading Switch - it is a very compelling read. I was drawn into the story right away, an invisible friend in Maggie's circle. This is for you if you like determined teenagers (even if you do not always share their opinion), a thrilling plot-line with great twists, urban fantasy and lots of magic.
This is the very promising start of a series - definitely worth reading again.
Highly recommended.
With Switch, Alyssa Cooper has created the fascinating beginning of a series: The Witches of Armour Hill. The story comprises a broad variety of believable and more or less complex main characters, nicely woven situations and interesting interactions - keeping me glued to my Kindle. I had an exciting time reading Switch - it is a very compelling read. I was drawn into the story right away, an invisible friend in Maggie's circle. This is for you if you like determined teenagers (even if you do not always share their opinion), a thrilling plot-line with great twists, urban fantasy and lots of magic.
This is the very promising start of a series - definitely worth reading again.
Highly recommended.
August 6, 2015
Whew! What a sphincter-puckering book. This book grabbed me from the beginning with teen angst with a young firestarter trapped in a vicious cycle of living with one bad family member after another. Before I knew it we were wrapped into a war between witches. Author Alyssa Cooper manages to give her readers a vision of classic witchcraft and old school styling without giving us an old school novel.
Young Maggie doesn’t understand the weirdness in her life. Fires start and burn out of her control. People die and she can’t stop it. Family disappears, she doesn’t know where to look for them and she knows her family is lying to her. The weirdness in her life escalates until she finally meets a coven who can help her learn and control her powers. But, someone else is lying to her. Who does she trust and where can she turn.
This tale is well written in a smooth style, carried along by realistic dialog and fast paced action. Kudos to Cooper for a well done story.
Young Maggie doesn’t understand the weirdness in her life. Fires start and burn out of her control. People die and she can’t stop it. Family disappears, she doesn’t know where to look for them and she knows her family is lying to her. The weirdness in her life escalates until she finally meets a coven who can help her learn and control her powers. But, someone else is lying to her. Who does she trust and where can she turn.
This tale is well written in a smooth style, carried along by realistic dialog and fast paced action. Kudos to Cooper for a well done story.
October 10, 2015
I was provided a free copy of Switch for an unbiased review.
4.5 Stars
Switch is a novel infused with the craft... but it's the mystery that keeps things tense. As Maggie is welcomed into her coven, the life she had before causes her to distrust everything at first glance. But is her lack of trust justified or misplaced?
Alyssa Cooper has managed to bring many of the old elements of witchcraft, the spells, potions, and herbs, and placed them squarely in the 21st century along with cars and mobile phones. Even better, she has managed to do so in a believable way.
While I would have liked to have seen many of the supporting characters fleshed out, I think the story would have needed to be told from multiple perspectives for this to work, and that would have been a mistake. The mood and pace of the book needed a first person perspective and the author was able to pull it off quite well.
I look forward to the sequel. A pleasure to read!
4.5 Stars
Switch is a novel infused with the craft... but it's the mystery that keeps things tense. As Maggie is welcomed into her coven, the life she had before causes her to distrust everything at first glance. But is her lack of trust justified or misplaced?
Alyssa Cooper has managed to bring many of the old elements of witchcraft, the spells, potions, and herbs, and placed them squarely in the 21st century along with cars and mobile phones. Even better, she has managed to do so in a believable way.
While I would have liked to have seen many of the supporting characters fleshed out, I think the story would have needed to be told from multiple perspectives for this to work, and that would have been a mistake. The mood and pace of the book needed a first person perspective and the author was able to pull it off quite well.
I look forward to the sequel. A pleasure to read!
August 23, 2015
Alyssa turned local lore into a great start for a magical fantasy series about witches. This was a great comfortable YA mystery read that will not disappoint. Check out my review - http://buttonholed.blogspot.com/
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews