Modern-day wizard Lily Singer prefers to stay tucked away in her library, studying magic and drinking tea. But with a troublesome witch friend and a past riddled with dangerous secrets, her chances of peace and quiet are slim.
Armed with only wits and magic, she must manage her argumentative cat, thwart a plot to steal a powerful artifact, and decide who, amid all this, she can trust. The past, both ancient and modern, is catching up with her. Will discovering its secrets reveal her future, or doom it? Perhaps some truths are better left unknown...
Revelations is the second book in the Lily Singer Adventures urban fantasy series. Full of unexpected twists and snarky humor, this story has been known to cause: loud snorts of laughter, inexplicable craving for tea, and loss of work productivity.
Well, this was a step up compared to book one! It's another light YA magical read but just one of those books that's thoroughly enjoyable. I found it easy to engage with characters, it had the right amount of pace. And it's a book that's just easy and pleasant to read.
Looking forward to finishing the rest of the series!
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Revelations is the second book in the Lily Singer Adventures series. Whilst I adored the first book, a part of me enjoys this one even more. To anyone who has found this book without reading the first, I implore you to go and read book one. You’ll open this book to read ‘episode three’, a clear indication that you need to read book one first. Whilst it would be possible to fall into the world without having read the first book, it will be a much better read if you go and enjoy the first book. I promise you, both books are wonderful and you will not regret the decision to jump into this series.
Book one ended in such a way that I had to grab book two instantly. I had so many ideas of where the next book would take us, and wanted answers instantly. Although the book did not go in the direction I had anticipated, I found myself in love with the story. It opened up so much more, it gave us so many additional aspect of the world, and we now have a clear indication of where this series will go. We know what the underlying plot of the series will be, we know what major events the entire series is moving towards, and I cannot wait to see how everything is brought together.
As with the first book, this is told in three parts. A Lily part, a Sebastian part, and a final Lily part. I found myself feeling much the same about these parts as I did with the first book. Part one left me intrigued as to how the elements would play into the overall story; part two left me with so many Sebastian feels; and part three blew my mind with the way everything was brought together. Honestly, I could rant and rave so much about part three alone – it was such a great element to add to the story, to the overall series. It linked so beautifully with the first book and the things we found out, and it leaves us with so many glorious possibilities of where the story will go next. Honestly, I cannot wait to see what comes next for this series – there are so many possibilities.
Not to mention, I loved the way in which the characters grew in this one. We find out even more about both of our main characters, things that link to the world as a whole. This book does more than simply move the story forward, something it does wonderfully, this book also shows us so much more about the characters – whilst they were wonderful in the first book, my love for them grew even more in this one. It’s not just a book of revelations, it’s a book of development – with both things being fabulous.
Honestly, I’m so addicted to this series. Everyone should go and read it. It’s wonderful. I need more. There’s no question about whether or not I’ll be following this series – you couldn’t stop me if you tried.
Oh, and by the way, the promised talking cat makes an appearance in this one. No spoilers on that front, just know that the talking cat the series is advertised as having certainly fulfils his role.
Oh no. This had potential but Lily became very annoying, lost her sense of humor and her common sense. For an archivist, she did 0 research before meeting up with a mysterious man?! Absurd. But I could have lived with her temporary idiocy if it weren’t for the SUDDEN LITE EUGENICS that showed up and Lily was like “hmmm, you have a little bit of a point, it’s just your methods that are questionable.” No. Absolutely not.
Also overwhelmingly white in this book. So far only 1 character of color, who has to be repeatedly saved.
I wanted to like this series, but I’m giving up on it now.
Gah this series has me totally hooked! Wow! This book was so good and how lucky am I to start the new year with a 5 star read? Before I finished book 1 I already bought book 2 as I knew I had to continue the series, then as soon as I finished there was only one book I was in the mood for namely book 2. So I started this one right after book 1. I keep thinking about this series and the world even while I am not reading. And my breakfast and break times (which is when I read) seemed to get longer and longer as I was so absorbed in reading and had to finish just one more chapter. I was totally into this book and decided it deserves that rare 5 star rating as it happen so rarely a series catches my attention so completely like this.
Book 1 was really good, but book 2 is even better. And the titles are so fitting. Where book 1 is the beginning and introduces the reader to everyone and the world, this book takes it further and it definitely lives up to it's title revelations. Oh and I just have to say how much I love these covers, even more so now that I am reading these books. There are so many little details that seem a coincidence or random on the cover until you read the book. Almost every detail on the cover refers to something in the book. It's fun to figure it all out when reading and realize what really is on the cover.
Revelations is told in three parts just like book 1. First we have an episode from Lily her point of view, then an interlude from Sebastian his point of view and then another episode from Lily her point of view. And while it might sound like the story would feel fragmented because of that, that is not at all the case. There is a big sense of continuity in the story and each episode builds upon the previous ones and refers to it as well. And there's some really well placed foreshadowing when you look back at the end of this book. It's very well written and kept my attention from start to end.
I already liked Lily and Sebastian in book 1, but I grew even more fond of them here. They are both such interesting characters and I felt like they acted so realistically and believable. And while I would like to say Lily her actions in episode 2 of this book are unrealistic, I can't say that, as it was realistic and in character no matter how much I wish she didn't do what she did. And in some way it was necessary for her as a character and the plot of the book. And we get to learn a bit more about Sebastian as well, while he still is a tad mysterious as well. I just gobble up every piece of information about him that we get.
And there's a great development surrounding Sir Kipling (Lily her cat) in this book that was so much fun. Sir Kip has quickly become one of my favorite characters. There are also things that were kept a secret from Lily and in this book we finally learn why. And the epilogue just left me with all these warm and happy feelings.
Oh and there's this hint of romance and it's one of those deliciously slow building romances that I love. It's totally a side plot and not the focus. But all those tiny hints and gestures are so perfect and I can't wait to see if they become a couple, but at the same as I love a good slow building romance I wouldn't mind waiting another few books before that happens. Gah these two are so perfect together and I love seeing them grow just a bit closer. Although I really wanted to shake some sense in them at some point too as I know these two should be together and I was sad to see them hurting, but that's just a sign of how invested I was in this book and the characters.
I already mentioned the world building in my review of book 1, but I am still going to mention it here again. This world is so well crafted, it feels like every new piece we learn and everything that happens just fits in so nicely within the established rules. Everything makes sense. There is no bending of rules, it all fits neatly into what we already know of the world. I loved learning more about the wizards and some history about them. We get a sense of what else it out there and get to see some glimpses of the other magical beings in this world.
To summarize: I love this series so far! This series caught my attention with book 1 and I just have to read everything that's published in this series before I can put my attention to other books. Revelations was even better than book 1 and the title is so fitting. There are a lot of revelations in this book, some good surprises and things that fell into place. I liked the development surrounding Lily her cat, Sir Kipling. And I enjoy reading about Lily and Sebastian, they are both great characters and I really grown fond of both of them. The characters in this book all act very realistic and believable. There's a hint of romance, in that perfect slow building romance way. I can't wait to see these two as a couple, but at the same time am perfectly content to wait another few books. The world is so masterfully crafted and every new pice we learn falls perfectly into place and it all makes sense. I can't wait for book 3 to be released, but luckily I still have a novella in this series to read first. If you love stories about witches, wizards and magic or enjoy a good urban fantasy with a slow building romance and realistic character I would totally recommend this series.
Continuing with the ground work laid in Book 1, Lily and company learn about a plot for wizard-kind to take over the mundanes. Story switches between Lily and Sebastian as narrators, which makes it feel like linked short stories. Great for times when I know I will be interupted in my reading - I can read a self-contained chunk at a time.
I think the Lily Singer Adventures are my new favourite series! Following on from the aftermath of Beginnings, in Part 3, Lily is back to work at Agnes Scott College and further investigating the myriad of artifacts in the basement. Her interest piqued by a piece of stone she can’t fathom, she decides to return home with it and back to Sir Kipling, where things take an unexpected and glorious turn. Summoned by Madam Barrington to help strengthen wards around an ancient tablet on display in the local museum, can it be too much of coincidence that Sebastian is warned of a plot to steal such an item? It’s a great start to Revelations, Sir Kiplings new talent is fantastic and if (like me) you’re a cat owner, it adds a bit of depth to the hilarity of the situation at times. I love that Madam Barrington is taking more of a role in this part too, and I really felt for her in her struggles with knowing whether or not to trust Sebastian. Tina is a great new character too and the the climactic ending of this part is a massive page turner!
The interlude again, takes you into the more darker aspect of Sebastian’s life when he’s not off adventuring with Lily. His search to find the instigator of the theft plot places him in great danger and also gives thim the chance to be the rescuer again. I love that he’s becoming this silent superhero, doing great deeds and then escaping into the night <3
Part 4 see’s Lily accepting an invitation from John Faust Le Fay, the wizard from the time loop episode in Beginnings. I think it’s fair to say that Revelations truly lives up to it’s name in this part, not only does Lily find herself catapulted into a new world - seemingly full of wonder she is also forced into the society life of the wizarding community, where things start to go amiss. I love the transition from light to dark in this part of the story, things go crumbly for Lily very quickly, having been almost in a fairy tale bubble before. The truth about her parents and her heritage become overwhelming and she is owed many answers by those closest to her.
These books are such a refreshing read, I love how you never get bogged down with them as they are split into 3 parts but all are still connected by a single story arc. They are both lighthearted and dark at the same time and always beautifully written with gorgeous chapter illustration. On to book 3!
I'm so sorry. I wanted to like it, I did, but unfortunately what I liked most in the first wasn't present in the second one and I soured on both characters in this one
Once again, Lily's witch friend Sebastian extricates her in a magical scheme involving a theft. This time however, the chaos leads back to an old nemesis who has information about Lily's past. Information that will leave her questioning everything.
I don't know where to start. Somehow in spite of a big action scene early on, it was a slog. It feels like nothing happens in the first half to three-quarters of the book. Sebastian crosses over from being charming to corny/smarmy, and Lily spends more time talking to her cat than him. The addition of a couple side characters to create romantic tension/jealousy detract more than anything.
I think the books are setting us up for an eventual romance between Lily and Sebastian but the chemistry could not be colder and it doesn't help that they're apart for so much of the book.
Some readers were critical of Lily in the first book. I gave her the benefit of the doubt going into this one, but in this she comes across as even pricklier. If we are supposed to be on her side it's not working.
This book leaves you with more questions than answers but does it leave you with enough drive to push on further? I'm not sure.
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really nice read but slow to start but picks up towards the end
While sweet and very clean, the writing in this installment was perhaps even more two-dimensional than the first. I think I missed the target audience: this is a series about adult wizards written for middle graders. It would have been much more interesting to my 10 yr old self.
So, as an adult reader who enjoys young adult fantasy among other genres, this was a frustrating read. The lead character stumbles into contrived situations and then doesn't have a lot to offer. The world building is milky. The plot development never progresses beyond first-round developmental edits. And it's 90% telling vs showing.
That said, I could recommend it if you've got a young reader interested in fantasy but not ready yet for the depth and breadth of Harry Potter.
This book ended far too quick it just seemed to get started. There were lots of twists and turns in this book which had me from the first page great writing . Similar to Harry Potter which I loved. But I love the the twists and turns of this series will definately read book 3 and four
This series is addictive! I've only finished this book and I want to read more. Lily, although a skilled and powerful wizard, shows her fears and longings hidden behind the the archivist/librarian outer Lily. In this book, she discovers more about her long gone father. But is he the father she so much wants? Past mysteries are revealed and new ones show up. Which hopefully means more stories.
This is the second book in the Lily Singer series and although I am quite fond of the first book, this one was even better. The characters are becoming more rounded and the story with its twists and turns will put you on the edge of your seat and make your jaw drop. I really enjoy the author's writing style and the format chosen for the series as it truly adds more character to the book (pun intended). Can't wait to read the next one.
Book two does not disappoint as revelations lead Lily into trouble; we continue with plain old good writing. Characters are developing and world building is subtly occurring as Lily learns about her past. I recommend this series as something different in the urban fantasy genre. Good writing, a solid, different kind of world and the ability to create tension without slipping into darkness make this series worth reading.
The story flowed just as well as the first book in this series, and the characters felt more real. A lot of things happen that answer some questions that the first book left us with, but also gave us more things to look forward to in the next books. I felt more connection to the characters and was able to get into the story right off the bat. The story also kept me interested throughout the book. I'm eager to continue to the next book to find out more about Sebastian's connection to the Fae, and to see how Lily progresses as a wizard after everything that happened and the answers she uncovered in this book.
Singer shows great narrative prowess in the 2nd book of the Lily Singer Adventures. She kept me on my toes, throwing surprise after surprise into the book. I'm looking forward to seeing what else is in store for Lily, Sebastian, and Sir Kipling.
Lily never forgave her mother for stepping away from magic and keeping her heritage from her. When Sebastian requests her help with an unusual case, the last thing she expects is to find a connection to her past. Now of course she knows exactly why her mother kept her away, but it's too late to save her now...Or is it? Lily's familiar cat and her never do well friend bond together to rescue her.
A wonderfully crafted story that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go! As shown by the fact that I am writing this review at 3am after having not been able to put it down! This are just starting to get interesting for Lily!
The storyline in this one is more exciting and gets frightening before ending on a better note. I was so happy to have snarky-mouthed Sir Kipling adding his two cents in on this story. I love all the characters, but he is definitely my favorite. This was a more involved story, so not as light-hearted as the previous ones, but even more interesting. Don't miss out on this series. You'll love itl
Kindle Unlimited A bit too well 'chick' for me personally here and there but reading them all so that speaks for itself.
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: A Study In Mischief (A Lily Singer Adventures Novella) (The Lily Singer Adventures) {prequel, permafree?}} Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Beginnings (The Lily Singer Adventures, Book 1) Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Revelations (The Lily Singer Adventures, Book 2) Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Allies (The Lily Singer Adventures, Book 3) Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Legends (The Lily Singer Adventures, Book 4)
Suggest starting with prequel/book 0, then on to even more troubles between witches, wizards, and some that just can't stay out of trouble with 1 then on to this one with all that and she still just wants to read her book and sip her tea, but it's not going to happen.
I continue to enjoy this series. The small episodic nature is an interesting breakdown. We finally got a talking cat (which I was promised by the author herself.)
The romantic elements are played up a bit in this one, although not full blown like The Paper Magician. That is good, I'm not looking for a romance although I certainly expect some in a young adult work.
The magic world continues to get more interesting. There are some clear HP parallels here to squibs and muggles, but distinct in important ways.
Lily's character choices in this book are a bit of a head scratcher, especially the second episode. Everyone in her life says, "this is a bad idea." Despite being the smartest character, she ignores everyone and goes off to, what turns out to be, a bad idea! I think this is somewhat accounted for by the series-long desire to discover more about her past and her family but still it was an irrational leap for an otherwise seemingly rational character.
Can't wait to start book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this second book in the Lily Singer Adventures. The main character is a feisty librarian who spends her day seeming a bit prim and proper, but when her friend Sebastian is involved you see her caught up in some crazy adventures. Oh did I mention she's not just a boring librarian, she's a witch who at night is still working on her training. Sherrer has come up with a great magic system for her world, instead of falling back on what has become a traditional method a la J.K. Rowling. Lily is engaging and I felt that I didn't want to put the book down because I was dying to know what happened. Sebastian is a bit of a bad boy and he seems to be the one who keeps dragging Lily into the problems he causes. I can't wait to get the time to read the rest of the series that is in print.
I never thought it possible to find a book more enjoyable than the first instalment of ‘Love, Lies and Hocus Pocus,’ but Lydia Sherrer has really outdone herself, presenting one crazy adventure after the next in the sequel. Sir Kipling’s ability to communicate with humans left me laughing out loud in many places. With the mystery deepening on each page, I found myself unable to stop reading until the very end. Lydia Sherrer has captured the love and family connection between human and feline perfectly. This is a book that will not only be enjoyed by those who love a dose of mystery, magic and humor, but also by cat lovers worldwide.
What a great book! It took the fun and magic of book 1 and ramped them up. The third part of the book was non-stop twists and turns (although I knew who John was the second he showed up in book 1).
Sebastian continues to intrigue. I think I enjoy his irreverent fun more than I do Lily's. All in all, an even more fun read than the first book.
The writing, especially at the end, was very sloppy. This book felt rushed, forced, and had much less to recommend it than the first book. I felt like the characters truly could have all gotten more depth in this one, but were just given cardboard cutout tropes to fall back on. I am also still extremely disliking the format of episodes. On to book 3...
I like this series but Lily annoyed me quite a bit several times - with her stupid decision to go off to the manor without telling anyone, ignoring sensible advice and taking reckless risks again without backup - she is supposed to be the cautious sensible rule following one so her behaviour was completely out of character.