Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Here Witchy Witchy #1

No More Black Magic

Rate this book
Explosions, body parts, and black magic are all part of Abby Collins’ typical day.

As the top Paranormal Investigation Bureau agent, she only gets the best cases, but when the Cult of Ra comes to play she might be in over her head. Finding a murderer while up against a hex, an overprotective coven, and a stubborn werewolf reminds her that nothing in the paranormal world is easy.

As the death toll rises and a decades old crime, linked to Abby, is uncovered, disturbing information is brought to light. Abby must unlock an ancient language steeped in black magic to uncover the truth before the murderer comes for her.

168 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2015

217 people are currently reading
930 people want to read

About the author

A.L. Kessler

89 books333 followers
A.L. Kessler is an author of paranormal and urban fantasy books and is best known for her “Here Witchy Witchy” series. A self-proclaimed coffee addict, she resides in Colorado Springs with her family and menagerie of animals. When she’s not writing her next book, she loves to read and visit with friends and family.

To learn more about her, check out her website:
http://www.amylkessler.com/
or follow her on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/alkesslerauthor

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
277 (36%)
4 stars
256 (34%)
3 stars
158 (21%)
2 stars
41 (5%)
1 star
18 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews169 followers
January 6, 2019
Overall a light one time read.

In this book we are introduced to powerful witch Abby Collins, who at the age of 4 faces a world without her parents, who were murdered. After their murders Abby is raised by the vampire Levi, entrusted to him by her father. At the age of 24 she is working for the government and also for Levi, so she has her hands full, more so than she realises, as her new case links back to her past.

When I read the blurb I was excited to read this, but whilst it was fine as a light read, the book/story needed a lot more action and more depth. The pace needed to be picked up at the start, it does pick up just after the half way mark, but I still was not engrossed.

I also felt more intensity was needed. However, saying that I enjoyed reading about the magical world the author had imagined and it's different layers, so may give book 2 a read some time in the future.
Profile Image for Naomi.
1,438 reviews56 followers
June 11, 2015
4.5 Stars

Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

A new Urban Fantasy read… and from an author I adore, YES PLEASE!! Picking up No More Black Magic was like a breath of fresh air for me, because I needed something to get me out of the contemporary streak I have been on. I will tell you it is a fast paced read, with plenty of action featuring a very determined and extremely busy female lead.

Abby is the kind of heroine I love in an Urban Fantasy. She is a very strong witch, and is a take charge kind of girl that likes to do things her own way. She works for the PIB (Paranormal Investigation Bureau) but also does jobs for her Vampire guardian, Levi. She is quickly thrown into a murder investigation and her leads take her in all directions.

The murder/mystery elements of this story were what kept me hooked. Abby would chase up every lead, and would find herself in danger constantly. Pursuing a rogue vampire, meeting with the local pack and stopping a cult of witches are just the tip of the iceberg! She would use any tool at her disposal as well: her sword, gun or her personal magic.

There were so many side characters introduced and each had their own influence in Abby’s life. Some proved where their loyalty lay, where as others are a little bit suspicious and I’m looking forward to getting more details on them in future books. I can see a couple of possible love interests for Abby too… so I am looking forward to more of that.

This was a fabulous start to this new series! I found myself eagerly flicking the pages to see what kind of trouble Abby would find herself in next. I liked how it was written in the first person’s perspective because I always seem to connect to characters easier when a book is written that way. I loved how fast paced the book was and I’m keen for the next book asap!


Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for KittyGrimm.
97 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2015
I received ARC version of No More Black Magic for honest review.

This story captured me to its grasps from the very beginning and I couldn't stop reading it until I was finished!

The Heroine, Abigail, is a witch who is strong, independent woman who works for goverment and to her guardian Levi who is vampire that has been taking care of her since her parents were murdered.

While she is inspecting killings that has been going on she finds things that maybe should stay hidden. As the story progress her character grows and it was written realistic way.

The plot was was well written and it made me wait excitedly what would happen next as were the characters too and I found myself wanting to know what would happen with them too.

I sincerely can say that I hope that there will be much more to read in next books, I have a feeling this could be even as big as whole True Blood franchise. Hopefully we will see more men that were introduced in this book (What can I say, I am sucker for romance and complicated relationships)

Profile Image for Teresa Clark.
4 reviews
April 16, 2015
WOW! I'm hooked, this book was full of fun plots and in-depth characters! I'm SO very glad it is book 1 in a new series as I want to keep following my new favorite character and see what happens to her!! I adored this book. It was very detailed, very well written and a pure joy to read! I am anxiously awaiting book 2 in "Here Witchy Witchy" and I can't wait!
Profile Image for Berls.
1,027 reviews43 followers
August 3, 2015
This review appeared first at Fantasy is More Fun.

I expected to LOVE No More Black Magic. It screams out that it's my kind of book. And with a series name like Here Witchy Witchy I expected lots of humor. I thought I would gobble it up. So I was really frustrated when it ended up taking me 17 days to read :( Grrr! I can't EXACTLY say why No More Black Magic took me so long to read - I never seriously considered a DNF, which is unusual in a book that takes this long. I suspect it was a combination of not quite fully grabbing me and my life being super hectic.

I sort of like the main character, Abby Collins. I say "sort of" because some things grated on me and I'm not sure if it's really her character or just that she became the vehicle for some information. For example - the thing that bugged me most - I read over and over that Abby is the BEST at what she does for the police. Good to know, sure, but I think I would have liked to come to that conclusion for myself. Or at least not have Abby herself saying it in such a nonchalant way. It made her seem egotistical, when really, that didn't otherwise fit her character. And the number of people who said it to her was exhausting. And here's the kicker... I believe she's good. But having read a ton of urban fantasy, she didn't necessarily impress me as being all that bad ass. I mean she does some stupid stuff that makes me worry if she's really truly the best. And I'm okay with the stupid mistakes - she's young after all and still learning a lot about herself - I love a character that needs to grow. I look forward to her journey and I wouldn't mind if part of that is the recognition that she may not actually be as good as she thinks and everyone around her seems to think she is.

I also sort of like the supporting characters - I see lots of potential here for loving them bunches. From her werewolf potential love interest, witchy best friend, and vampire guardian, Abby has a colorful group of friends. It's hard for me to put my finger on my problem exactly - but there was something not quite complete in the characters and this extends to Abby. I think the dialogue was rushed and sometimes a bit terse. IDK - because at other times I did laugh and have a blast with it. I think that there could have been a bit better transitions and little more fleshing out of characters.

What I really REALLY did like though was the magical world and plot that Kessler built. I found the story fascinating and the different elements that unfolded, particularly within the magical world, are very exciting. There are layers upon layers and I think this will be a rich series, especially if some of the other issues I had get smoothed out. I'm eager to learn more about The Cult of Ra, about Nick - a character that suspiciously inserts himself into Abby's world - and to see if a romance will develop with Simon. It has all the signs of a slow burn romance, which are some of the best kinds in my opinion. And we've seen hardly anything of Levi and the vampire world, but I suspect it's rich and complex as well from what we have seen.

Ultimately, I will definitely continue reading this series. It's very promising and, since it's book 1 in an urban fantasy series, I'm always a bit more cautious about judgements based on book one. There's more world building to do than in a lot of genres and urban fantasy generaly struggles in book one in my opinion. So I'll be watching for book 2 in the series for sure!

3 stars Just Okay

*I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Profile Image for Annie Slasher (Booked & Loaded).
257 reviews16 followers
June 10, 2015
This is an original book review from http://bookedandloaded.com - original rating 4.5/5 -- I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

No More Black Magic is A.L. Kessler's first (published) step into the world of Urban Fantasy...and I like it! No, scratch that. I FUCKING LOVE IT. Here Witchy Witchy? Fuck yeah! Kessler encompasses everything awesome about urban fantasy in this page turning new book.

No More Black Magic is a great story all the way around . A vivid world with authentic and intense characters. Set in a great Urban Fantasy world with a profound female protagonist, there is really nothing that I didn't like. We are introduced to Abby and her interesting life. Abby has a great backstory that creates a multi-dimensional character. This created a page turning effect that kept me up all night and still wanting more.

Urban Fantasy has really been lacking some strong books that seem to pull me in. Yes, there are certainly some out there, but they are hard to find. I do not typically compare books in reviews, but No More Black Magic did have a Harrison feel to it. (Only I genuinely liked Abby unlike the previous mentioned series) I equally loved the secondary characters in No More Black Magic as well and truly felt invested in their lives and friendships. Kessler did a great job with this introduction into the world she created and any Urban Fantasy junkies dream. If you have been looking for the next book you cannot stop talking about, look no further!
I rate No More Black Magic 4.5 out of 5 Bullets!
Profile Image for Jasmyn.
1,604 reviews19 followers
June 10, 2015
This is an amazing start for a series. It's an amazing book by itself. It has a gritty crime drama feel to it and it's still fun and exciting. Abby is a tough witch/paranormal investigator that doesn't get phased easily - unless her guardian is trying to set her up with a werewolf. But even she's a little grossed out when body parts are found at a crime scene.

This is just the beginning of a really bad week for Abby, hexes, werewolves, arms, and a case that just won't be solved. I loved watching her solve all the bits and pieces and bring them all together. So many twists and turns, a great mystery, and even a bit of good old-fashioned pagan nakedness.

Abby is such a diverse character and seems to live her life in a variety of worlds that all collide in this book. She learns about herself, her history, her future and all the people in her life. Abby's relationship with Simon was fun and watching them interact had me cracking up. He helped bring an element of emotional interaction to the story without turning it into a romance. Simon plays an important role and really helps Abby navigate some of the craziness she encounters. I hope he show up in future books.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Eating Between.
307 reviews29 followers
June 17, 2015
I am so in love with book! The world that A.L. builds is not only Magical but its also believable and amazing! I have had an empty cold hole in my heart since the Hollows series since Kim Harrison ended and can i just say Abby shoved herself into that hole and made it Abby sized. She is just the girl to take over my love of Rachel Morgan. She is sassy spunky and smart and SO NOT the heroine in distress. She kicks ass and doesn't give a crap what your name is because she's that much of a bad ass. n the introduction to Abby's world of mishaps and magic sh!t is hitting the fan or shall i say body parts are hitting the fan! YES BODY PARTS! I wont go into too much detail not to spoil things but someones dragging up Abby's past and it isnt in a warm fuzzies kind of way... RUN don't walk to your ereader and do yourself a favor pick this book up today and early because you just might be up all night!
Profile Image for Elle Klass.
Author 48 books165 followers
June 3, 2015
No More Black Magic is a thrill ride. Abby is a witch who works for the Paranormal Investigative Bureau. They find an arm at a crime scene and then the barn blows up eliminating all other evidence. Other crime scenes and body parts start popping up. Whilst investigating other small twists in the plot put Abby in danger.

The action, suspense, and rich characters kept me hinged on each word. The story starts with a mystery that grows thicker each page, littered with plot twists and red herrings in a fictional yet believable setting. I fell in love with Kessler’s work since I first read In the Light of the Moon. She has a magic (pun intended) touch with action, descriptions and character building. She has an ability to build a riveting tenseness between characters and scenes. Her books have a paranormal edge that makes them more intense.

A book both paranormal and mystery fans will love!
Profile Image for Stephanie Gillis.
Author 14 books355 followers
June 13, 2022
3.5 Rounded up. Don't want to give too much away here as I'll be reviewing this for Indie Book of the Month club on my channel but overall I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this and the pacing a lot. I had a few qualms with some of the characterizations, a few tropes I'm not a huge fan of but I think for the beginning of a massive series this book does the job well in bringing us into the world and getting us familiar with the characters' starting points that hopefully we will see go through some great character arcs in the future books. I went into this book thinking it would be another paranormal book that's really just an erotica but that's not at all what this is. There's actually ZERO sex scenes and the romance (if you can say there is one) is likely going to be a slow burn throughout the series which I appreciated a lot as you don't often see that in books nowadays especially in this genre so it was a breath of fresh air to have that. I'm definitely picking up the sequel.
Profile Image for Alicia Reads.
491 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2015
Absolutely stunning! Full of action romance and drama. You will not be disappointed. A.l. Kessler has a gift with words. She pulls you in so deep that you will wish you were actually there.
2 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2021
Enjoyable Story

Loved the characters and the story but it could have used some closer editing for word choices. Still I've already downloaded the next book and will be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Ashley Nemer.
Author 27 books74 followers
July 16, 2015
Do you know that feeling when you have an author that writes a series that you totally love and they come up with something new and you're scared about not liking it? That's exactly the feeling I had when Ms Kessler told me about her new series. Of course I wanted to support her. I love her DWC series and when you love an author you support them.

So I got No More Black Magic.

I am happy to report that I was very much captivated by the first chapter with this novel. It had a very Kim Harrison feel with better character development.

The different players in this world each were easy to see in my mind as the story unfolded. I really enjoyed the drama and the push and pull of Abby and the PIB mixed in with the Vampire and Wolves.

A.L. did a fantastic job building a world from scratch and I really cannot wait for the next novel.

With all of the reviews I have been doing this year I really had begun to become burned out with indie novels because it seemed each one I had been given to review dragged on, wasn't edited or just wasn't captivating me. And then this gem popped up.

Thank god for Abby and her crazy and wild life!!

This was a 5 star wonder because a wonderful story like this deserves as many stars as I can give.

Best Kessler book yet
Profile Image for Lena.
Author 6 books7 followers
November 1, 2021
I found Abby's snarky behavior and sass to be what you'll find in most urban/paranormal fantasy books. I was annoyed by every guy her age (and a girl, I think) who want to date her, which is a bit excessive, but Simon, her main sidekick, seemed well-developed and I'm curious to see how their relationship develops throughout the series. There are a lot of male characters introduced through the book that I can tell will stick around, and frankly there are too many for me to keep track of.

The pieces of her past that fall into place during this book are just enough to answer some questions but leave enough for future discoveries in subsequent books. Her realization at the climax was really juicy and I wanna keep reading to see how that develops. I also really like the contrast between her legal work and her sub-legal work for her guardian (?) that can very easily put her in awkward positions.

A solid beginning to a series with plenty of questions that need to be answered.


Profile Image for Ashley Haines.
20 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2015
This book is by far one of the best from A.L. Kessler. Having the pleasure of seeing her style evolve has been a real treat. No More Black Magic read like a tv show. I so saw it play as I read it. I like the way she had me sitting on the edge of my seat thru out the whole story. At times I was sad for Abby other times I was screaming at my kindle like WHAT NO Seriously that just happened ? This book is chalked full of plot twists and just when you think you have it figured out it twists again and makes you start guessing again. To me the book was just right in length not to short not to long not to gory even though some of the descriptions were like WOW!!! sorry no spoilers lol if you want to know what I am talking about go grab your copy of No More Black Magic TODAY!!! Trust me its well worth it and you won't be disappointed
Profile Image for Sue.
1,012 reviews10 followers
April 5, 2022
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Kerri McCann

Wow this is an action packed read/listen certainly no time to get bored here.
Abby Collins is an agent for the paranormal investigation bureau and what a busy witch she is, not only does she have to take down a rogue magical murderer but she’s under attack from several quarters herself.

The narration was ok but I didn’t really feel the tension and drama of what was going on in this book from the narrator, in this case I feel I would have enjoyed it more reading it rather than listing to the audio book.
103 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2015
This books is edgy and soft at the same time! You go from Abigail kicking butt to her sharing a moment with her boss/mentor/guardian Levi- who sounds like a tasty Vampire! She has this soft side that you might miss if you read to quickly which is hard as this book is so fantastic!
Profile Image for Jessie Shonts-sjodin.
4 reviews
July 10, 2015
Drew me in from start to finish!

I got wrapped up in this story something fierce. It was very well written and the first paranormal type book that I've truly enjoyed! I could escape to Abby's world in the midst of my day.
Profile Image for Shannon.
77 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2017
Exciting read!

This book was packed with action and suspense. The plot was interesting and the main character was complex but likable. Will definitely read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Stormi (StormReads).
1,936 reviews207 followers
July 2, 2015
No More Black Magic is about a witch with a lot of power and people wanting to kill her. She works for the Vampire that has cared for her since her parents dies, but she also works for the State or Paranormal Investigation Bureau.

She gets in on a case where this is just an arm, then a hex almost kills her. Things are connecting and it seems like it could be related to something her father did. She is determined to find the killer even if it kills her, but she has a vampire and a werewolf looking out for her so if they can’t protect her nothing can..lol.

Abby is pretty cool, she is a very powerful witch and doesn’t know exactly how to control it, even vampires and werewolves are afraid of her. Her own coven doesn’t like her, but at least they are willing to help when she gets in a bit a trouble. Abby is really spunky and some times doesn’t know when to stop for her own good and this can be a good and bad thing.


Levi is the vampire who took Abby in and raised her after her parents died. He is very brooding and a bit mysterious and you really don’t get a lot of back story on him so maybe in the books to come we will. Right now I am not sure if I like him or not, I ma not sure if I like how he uses Abby to do his dirty work, Ruling vamp or not.


Simon, the werewolf and potential love interest. He keeps asking Abby out and she keeps turning him down. Levi wants to put them together but Abby is kind of a loner. She does break down and go out for drinks but she is still pretty hesitant. If he looks anything like this picture I am saying GO FOR IT..lol. Simon is a pretty nice guy but again we don’t get a lot of backstory with him either but I do know that I like him more than Levi.


Nick, I am not sure what to think about him. He could be a potential love interest as he has shone some interest but I am not sure if Abby completely trust him. I don’t trust him and just don’t know enough about him to know what I think. I am sure we will get more about him in the next story as it seems he is going to be a big part of Abby’s life whether she wants it or not.

cat_abbyNo More Black Magic was a decent start to a series though it didn’t wow me I did enjoy it. I will be checking out the next book in the series as I think the series has a lot of potential.

If you like urban fantasy type books then you might like No More Black Magic so give it a try! :)
Profile Image for Koffe.
736 reviews17 followers
September 14, 2015
So 3,5 stars is my rating for this book.

This was an interesting action packed first installment in the new series (Here Witchy Witchy). The characters where kind of interesting and decentley developed, the plot really flowed smoothly and I liked the authors writing style. The world building was interesting although I feelt that it lacked some what. It didn't explain what a vampire was in this world, neither did it explain what it really meant to be a werewolf. There was just alot of info missing and that made the book less interesting. The lack of info also just left the reader to do a whole lot of guessing and make assumptions. Also I think that the author should work on how she develop the side characters because the only characters that I connected with was Levi,Abagail and just a little bit with Simon.

Also I feelt that this book was very short and that is something I really don't like, because it usally means the authory is rushing the book. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the book it just wasent fleshed out enough for me and it felt like the author wasen't really sure where Abagail would go from one moment to the next.

Alot of the flaws can be over looked because of the intensity of the book and allmost non stop action which, yeah it was a great aspect but action without any deeper meaning just dosen't cut it. Also I feelt like the cult was just this idea instead of a real thing and I had a hard time taking them seriously.

Abgail just seemed emotionally detached alot of the time, like no matter what happend it was like well shit happens that's life.
868 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2015
I picked up this book on Amazon as a recommended if you have also bought. It sounded action packed and the cover looked appealing. I was not disappointed and am now waiting impatiently for hopefully a follow up! Abby was a sort it out herself heroine, what one would expect of an agent. As a witch she was very interesting, with powers not entirely what I've come to expect. Also included in this world Were and Vampire, making up the usual 3, with just the mere hint of maybe more in the supernatural community. It took me sometime to work out that this was a community out in the public eye and the world building left me puzzled at times, and with the exception of Abby's few friends the supernaturals were not a completely pleasant bunch. I do wonder how the world works in the big picture. However in spite of that the story was fast paced and had me constantly guessing and I was hooked from the first chapter right up until the last. The mystery took me quite a while to sort out and Abby's past was a slow and fascinating reveal with more to come I am sure. I liked Abby a lot and I will most definitely be going back for more.
15 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2015
Potential

This is a series with potential. There were so many grammar and mechanical errors that I almost couldn't finish. However, the main character moved me to the finish. The book was predictable, and there were moments that could have been very suspenseful, however, were anticlimactic and fell flat. The main character, like I said, had me, as I love a well made heroine. I will read the next book because I can feel this author warming up to her own heroine was well, with relish and excitement! I will stay tuned.
Profile Image for Tia.
502 reviews
December 18, 2015
Fantastic Read

She's tough, intelligent, witty and not what you'd expect. Her parents murder is coming back from the past and people are being blown up. Agent Abigail isn't your typical witch. Raised by a vampire, she works for him but also the state on paranormal crimes but someone wants her dead and another wants her powers stripped. Are they related? She'll have to find a murder and keep herself alive. Fantastic storyline and characters that capture your imagination.
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
November 19, 2016
I sure hope there's a sequel. move over Anita Blake. a powerful witch finds out she's also something else. she hunts a paranormal serial killer, finds a long lost relative, discovers why her parents were killed/murdered by a vicious cult. then there are twitchy politics, vampire guardian, werewolf lover.....reread 11-19-2016..still enjoyable.
Profile Image for Double Decker Books.
28 reviews37 followers
November 11, 2016
What an amazing read! An action package page turner like none other; that's what this book is. This is a well written read that for any readers I feel will enjoy a supernatural, mystery with magic. The characters that are in this story leads this fast pace story. Abby is an enjoyable kick butt character. This book is a great start to the series.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,209 reviews74 followers
December 9, 2017
I liked the mystery, the action, and touch of humor in the plot. I liked Abigail’s directness, Levi made me think of mob boss for some reason, and Simon’s friendly protectiveness went in hand with being almost in charge of the wolf pack. The story dragged at times with repetitive details, but I enjoyed the details enough to keep reading the series. Overall, this was a good read.
Profile Image for HaveBooks WillSurvive.
66 reviews95 followers
October 4, 2015
Loved it!

Great new series! Loved Abby. She is strong, tough and still vulnerable. I love how her powers are still growing. I love finding new series and there is plenty to love about No More Black Magic. I can't wait for the next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.