Twisted Magic

Gallows

by Sharon Stevenson

Torn between love and power, she must choose which rules her.

Liv Black is a witch with limited powers and a tormented past. Rescued from an abusive relationship, she gives her trust to the man who saved her. As he helps her become a far more powerful witch than she’d ever dreamt possible, she begins to fall for him, but she can't help questioning his motives.

Brody McIntosh comes from one of the richest families in White Oaks. His obsession with Liv has another name—love. Yet he knows he might never win her heart. The path he has pulled her onto is a dark one but, as her power grows, he knows there’s no turning back.

Faced with the prospect of being powerless, or losing the man she can barely admit she loves, will Liv be able to face her fears and make the choice that will save her?

Genres: Amazon, Witches, Paranormal

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2017

About the author

I'm the twisted mind behind The Gallows Novels and the After Death Series. If you want to know a bit about me, here it is: I spend too much time indoors and probably watch too many horror films. Some of my favourite things are; Alone time, people who know when to shut up, having a drink, eating pizza (usually after having too much drink the night before), reading books, adult swim cartoons, bad horror and sci-fi movies, proper good TV shows like Dexter & The Walking Dead, and last but not least having a laugh with my hilarious other half - this would usually include some of the above.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling take on the vampire! Liv is a strong protagonist. When she has her magic taken away, she proves brave and fearless. The verdict is still out whether I like Brody or not. I kept going back and forth on that one. The story is complex and so darn good that I hope paranormal fans will give this a try. This is my first time reading such an amazing author and can't wait to read her other books.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trackers Council had taken Liv’s magical ability from her, leaving her shuddering and shaking through withdrawal like a junkie. She was cold and looked like a ghost. She had no idea where they had taken her.

In the morning, she was dragged off to meet with Gwen, the only one who had spoken up for her to the Council of Elders to get her a somewhat lighter sentence – which didn’t feel so light since her magic was stripped away. But creating vampires had meant the murder of humans in the process, even if the humans had wanted this, and it was a very serious offense. So escape was her only option. She just needed to regain her strength.

Liv was grateful that Brody was there in the castle with her. She trusted that he would get them out, so she was able to calm down. But when she returned to her room, the hateful Caitlin laughed at her “imaginary conversion” with Brody. And as she left the room, she told Liv that Brody had been hanged for what he did – then she locked her in the room! Was this true? Now it was all up to her! Could she regain her magic and do what she needed to do?

Unfortunately, I did not read Heaven and Hell first, as suggested by other readers. So it did make things a little bit confusing – yet still possible to catch up on what had happened. I enjoyed the author’s writing. The story line was good, and the characters were developed well so that their actions made sense. I enjoyed it enough that I intend to go back and read the Gallows series to catch up (I had already purchased the books, just didn’t get around to reading them before this one). I do recommend this book. I think readers will definitely enjoy it.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When everything seems broken, you must lose it all to find out what you really need.. and have just at your fingertips.
Liv is a witch abused by her own family and her boyfriend. Broken and full of fear, after being rescued by Brody, she never wants to feel powerless, so she takes a new path in her life - full of power, danger and darkness. Becoming a vampire maker certainly has some perks, but is the high is worth the downfall.. only after being stripped of her magic, Liv understands what is of any value in her broken life.
I loved this book. The title is actually very appropriate. It was so twisted and continually sinking deeper into the dark that I did not know where this could end. But I am glad for the conclusion.
The characters were awesome. Complex, conflicted, twisted, and absolutely intriguing. Liv's cold attitude to Brody and his acceptance of any of Liv's whims were the driving force of the story, causing the plot to develop really quickly. With the addition of Marina, Alexa and Brody's dad, I can say the characters were the story's most valuable asset.
I read the ARC of this book and voluntarily write my honest opinion

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this author with the story grabbing my attention. It would seem there is its own twists that are in this. This is also one you should probably read previous before because at times had to think about what was going on. But you are given lots of bone too that you are entered in to this world also. Liv is featured in this one that she to me was a odd character that you followed just to see what her actions would do next. Brody is the other character that will be in this that lends his own touches and the romance aspect. I found several things interesting with it having its own stamp in the paranormal genre. You are lassoed in and carried on throughout with most times my curious mind keeping me in. Great find in reading.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed seeing into the minds of two of the "bad" guys from the book Heaven and Hell in the Gallows series. Liv and Brody caused Sarah a lot of heartache in that book, so it was intriguing seeing the decent into what them become who they were and what actually happened to them after everything went south in the book. I absolutely freaking loved the twist at the end of the book! This is a must read for fans of the series! I mean seriously, you must read this book, but first you have to read Heaven and Hell or it will not make sense and there will be spoilers for you. I volunteered to read this book.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ties into the Gallows series that I love so much, but with characters that are not really given much depth in that series. If you have read the series so far, this book gives a lot of depth to Liv. If you haven't read the series, this book gives you a bit of a look into that world. All in all, this is a well written story about witches and vampires. I love Sharon's story telling style, the different perspectives give you so many details that help you to understand all of the variable happening during the story. I received this book as part of a promotion for ordering a boxset that includes the author.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover/Title: The name is actually what drew me to this book. I am a huge fan of paranormal books.

Characters: The characters were ok. They weren't horrible but but they also weren't very likable.

Plot: The plot was interesting. I like the new twist on how vampires are created.

Overall: I think my biggest problem was the pacing. It was a bit too slow. It really needed something more. I can't really place what is missing but it was missing something. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book but it had so much more potential.

[LisaMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, I haven't read the Gallows series yet but it is in my the list.
I found Twisted Magic to be a unique take on the making of vampires and the witches as their makers. Loved it!
I was a little confused at first but then it all began to make sense. I enjoyed the easy, simplistic writing style.
The pacing was a little slow for me and I wanted to feel like I was "in the action".
I am definitely going to start the Gallows series to see how these characters for in.

[Sara Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo.....this gives us an entirely new perspective on witches and Vampires. Vampires are demons inside human hosts made by witches, controlled by witches, just for extra power.
This story gives us an in depth look at the character of Liv, and how she came to be how she is, and how Brody was behind it all.
Great read into the Gallow world.

[Tera Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book somewhat ties into the Gallow series as we see into the lives and minds of the two bad guys in one of those books. I really enjoyed the different spin that was put on the prospective of witches and vampires. Plenty of action and even a hint of romance and of course twist and turns that keep you reading. I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down and it really has a different twist on not just witches, but vampires and how they are made. The only draw back was the way the book ended, it is unlikely to become a series and I would have liked to see this story goes further. I voluntarily read a review copy of this book.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different type of Witch and Vampire story. You have Liv who is a witch who does not have much power and been abused. You have Brody who loves Liv and tries to save her. Liv is to scared to return his love and fights against it no mater what Brody does to be there for her. There are a lot of different twist to this story. I received an arc for my honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers

So that's how vampires are made. This book had some very selfish people and some very long drama. I had to wait till almost the last page for them to get together.. Man he did everything for her and she was to stupid to accept his love. I would have jumped on him from the beginning.

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely appreciate seeing the story from Liv's and Brody's point of view and especially the gaps in the Gallow Series. It doesn't even feel like a side story at all. I've been a huge fan of the series and Sharon Stevenson since late last year and loved having the opportunity to read and review her books.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different read for me. It is such a different take on witches and vampires,original and interesting. I enjoyed the relationships and the dark urban fantasy. The ending was a total suprise and I loved it.

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very different. The push for more and more power, no matter the cost, yet so many misunderstandings on a personal level.