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SonofaWitch!
No one is perfect—not even a witch. Witches have amazing power at their fingertips to do unbelievable things. That magic can come in really handy sometimes too. They can make someone fall in love, poison an apple to enact a sleeping curse, to banish an enemy to an alternate reality, or just to conjure up some Nutella when there is none in the house.
But what happens when those spells go horribly awry?
SonofaWitch! contains six humorous contemporary fantasy stories of magic spells gone wrong by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Sara Dobie Bauer, Lissa Marie Redmond, Frances Pauli, Mara Malins, and Adam Millard.
But what happens when those spells go horribly awry?
SonofaWitch! contains six humorous contemporary fantasy stories of magic spells gone wrong by Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Sara Dobie Bauer, Lissa Marie Redmond, Frances Pauli, Mara Malins, and Adam Millard.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 14, 2017
Six quick and easy reads full of magic gone wrong. It's a fun and simple book to read when, like me, you're currently stuck at home ill and feeling sorry for yourself. It's light and fluffy and not too taxing on the brain. Something that you need once in a while.
It also works as an introduction to 6 new authors for me to explore further. It's an entertaining read and I quite enjoyed it
Free arc from netgalley
It also works as an introduction to 6 new authors for me to explore further. It's an entertaining read and I quite enjoyed it
Free arc from netgalley
June 16, 2019
If you read compilations, it’s always nice to spot a name or two that you recognize. If I remember a name, it’s because of a previous story that I read and considered entertaining, which usually bodes well for the book I am considering. This was part of the reason for purchasing this book (the other was World Weaver Press, which hasn’t steered me wrong yet).
This short book of six stories won’t disappoint. The authors present polished tales, stories that are playful yet serious for the characters. There are no incantations to call evil beings, just folks who have various degrees of magic that is part of their lives. Most of the stories involve human nature, wishing for something that can’t be had but what if magic could make it happen? Each story is different, presenting the authors’ individual eye for magic.
My favorite? On any given day I could choose any of these, though “Good Spell Gone Bug” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh is a great tale to begin the book, involving a witch who attempts to remove a spell that was tattooed on her body, resulting in repercussions that must be addressed…and our witch only has three days to fix everything, or else.
If you like witches and magic and are ready for a book that deals with the lighter side of witchcraft, I recommend “Sonofawitch!,” edited by Trysh Thompson. Five stars.
This short book of six stories won’t disappoint. The authors present polished tales, stories that are playful yet serious for the characters. There are no incantations to call evil beings, just folks who have various degrees of magic that is part of their lives. Most of the stories involve human nature, wishing for something that can’t be had but what if magic could make it happen? Each story is different, presenting the authors’ individual eye for magic.
My favorite? On any given day I could choose any of these, though “Good Spell Gone Bug” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh is a great tale to begin the book, involving a witch who attempts to remove a spell that was tattooed on her body, resulting in repercussions that must be addressed…and our witch only has three days to fix everything, or else.
If you like witches and magic and are ready for a book that deals with the lighter side of witchcraft, I recommend “Sonofawitch!,” edited by Trysh Thompson. Five stars.
October 3, 2017
Tis the season for witches, magic, and fun so what better way to get into the holiday mood than with stories about the supernatural?
This anthology contains multiple stories that provide plots and characters with a more lighthearted look into the paranormal and humorous instances of when things don’t go as planned. Spells going awry has been a staple of humor in paranormal stories for quite some time; after all who doesn’t love it when the unexpected happens with a twist?
One of the wonderful tenets of Wicca is the way it brings people together and these stories help take that idea by weaving it within the characters actions. Witches, the coven, friends, all show in various ways they are there to help you learn, fix mistakes and remember you’re not alone. The authors all used this behavior within their characters which helped make them feel real and logically based.
The works combined within this volume mesh well together and the talent from the various authors shines through so you’ll want to seek out more by them on their own. That’s a great benefit to reading compilations like this; you get to whet your appetite with skills from various people so you get all kinds of different characters and plots.
The one thing you have to lookout for with anthologies is that because you do get different stories from different people whose writing has been shaped by their own experiences there may be some you like, some you don’t and some you’re just not sure about. I like these because you get a great comparison of one type of genre from different points of view which allows you to decide whose writing you think you are closer to – good group discussion!
This anthology contains multiple stories that provide plots and characters with a more lighthearted look into the paranormal and humorous instances of when things don’t go as planned. Spells going awry has been a staple of humor in paranormal stories for quite some time; after all who doesn’t love it when the unexpected happens with a twist?
One of the wonderful tenets of Wicca is the way it brings people together and these stories help take that idea by weaving it within the characters actions. Witches, the coven, friends, all show in various ways they are there to help you learn, fix mistakes and remember you’re not alone. The authors all used this behavior within their characters which helped make them feel real and logically based.
The works combined within this volume mesh well together and the talent from the various authors shines through so you’ll want to seek out more by them on their own. That’s a great benefit to reading compilations like this; you get to whet your appetite with skills from various people so you get all kinds of different characters and plots.
The one thing you have to lookout for with anthologies is that because you do get different stories from different people whose writing has been shaped by their own experiences there may be some you like, some you don’t and some you’re just not sure about. I like these because you get a great comparison of one type of genre from different points of view which allows you to decide whose writing you think you are closer to – good group discussion!
September 30, 2017
This Anthology made me LOL the whole way through! Quick easy reads, keeps you engaged, and all around enjoyable. I have never read anything by these authors before but my curiosity is surely peaked so I will be searching around for more!
***I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given of my own free will!***
***I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given of my own free will!***
September 19, 2017
I like books about witches. I also like witches in history and in real life. I have a good friend who is a witch. No, she doesn't have sparky or magical powers, but she believes in witchcraft. Oh and I really like movies and books about witches. Wait, I already said that. Anyways when I saw Sonofawitch come across my email, I knew that it was something I had to read. I like many different genres, but books with humor, especially supernatural or paranormal books that have humor are particular favorites of mine.
So let's get into this anthology. It is comprised of numerous books that all have to do with the lighter side of witchcraft. Things such as when spells go bad are the majority of the stories. Why? Because when spells go bad, it can be funny bad, like when a girl does not listen to her friend and decides to perform a love spell. Spells going bad can also be bad, like when a dog gets out of the house and runs away, scaring his witchy owner. They can even teach you a lesson, such as the young student who couldn't do magic to save his life, except when it was to save his life.
Magic always as a way of coming full circle and as in these stories, when things go wrong, you also have a friend, coven witch, or teacher to help you out. I think a theme of this anthology rather intended or not is to show you that you are never truly alone. You have friends, family, or those who will be there to help you, even if they may not necessarily care about you a great deal. Speaking mostly about covens, witches after all are witches :D
So let's get into this anthology. It is comprised of numerous books that all have to do with the lighter side of witchcraft. Things such as when spells go bad are the majority of the stories. Why? Because when spells go bad, it can be funny bad, like when a girl does not listen to her friend and decides to perform a love spell. Spells going bad can also be bad, like when a dog gets out of the house and runs away, scaring his witchy owner. They can even teach you a lesson, such as the young student who couldn't do magic to save his life, except when it was to save his life.
Magic always as a way of coming full circle and as in these stories, when things go wrong, you also have a friend, coven witch, or teacher to help you out. I think a theme of this anthology rather intended or not is to show you that you are never truly alone. You have friends, family, or those who will be there to help you, even if they may not necessarily care about you a great deal. Speaking mostly about covens, witches after all are witches :D
September 9, 2017
I love to read anthologies as it gives you a taster of different authors works . This book was good, I haven't read much like this before, it was amusing .
Each story was very different even though they were all about witches and magic . I can't pick a favourite story as I really liked them all equally .
I will be looking for more books written by these authors .
I received an advanced readers copy of this book through LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review .
Each story was very different even though they were all about witches and magic . I can't pick a favourite story as I really liked them all equally .
I will be looking for more books written by these authors .
I received an advanced readers copy of this book through LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review .
September 5, 2017
These stories cracked me up. My favorites were "Good Spell Gone Bug" by Laura VanArendonk Baugh and "A Poppet Named Dave" by Adam Millard, but every story was fun and memorable.
October 5, 2017
Sonofawitch! is a collection of six stories about what happens when a spell goes unexpectedly, hilariously wrong, and it's absolutely the best thing I've read in AGES.
All of the stories are original and they all stand alone without the need to be familiar with any of the author's other works - the major gripe I had with the Jim-Butcher-headlined Urban Enemies - and even more delightfully, every one of the six is equally strong.
Good Spell Gone Bug by Laura VanArendonk Baugh had me laughing out loud at the frantic efforts of the heroine to undo a disastrously interrupted spell that was meant to remove a magical tattoo from her own back onto some cockroaches. The interference of a dense neighbor and his new kitten cause utter havoc.
The Trouble With Love Spells by Sara Dobie Bauer really brings home the moral 'be careful what you wish for, you just might get it'. Violet doesn't want to interfere with the free will of her crush, so she casts a spell to change herself into someone he could love. She really, really should have checked on his sexual orientation first...
All The Petty Curses by Lissa Marie Redmond was the only story in the bunch that seemed to be a continuing part of a larger universe, though it stood well alone and I was never confused about what was going on. Hipster James owns a coffee shop which, now that the Faerie Queen has gifted him with the Sight, has become a magnet for the Fair (and the Fairy Tale) Folk. Problem is, James is a sucker for a pretty girl in trouble.
The Perfect Mate Fiasco by Frances Pauli - this one probably made me laugh the loudest of all. Rowan casts a spell to find her perfect mate, but her list of attributes in what she wants really does resemble a perfect pet rather than a man. The interference of her Golden Retriever makes her realize that she might need to revise that list just a tad... once she gets Max back on his four paws again.
A Matter of Perspective by Mara Malins - a Harry-Potter-esque little story about the boy in his class who's got amazing magical genes but no talent at all. I was perhaps reminded inevitably of Neville Longbottom, but the story had a twist I didn't see coming and I enjoyed it a lot.
A Poppet Named Dave by Adam Millard - River Everbleed is at that phase in her training where her spells never quite go right, so trying to cast a spell to get the hottest boy in school to notice her might not be her smartest move. How is she going to get Dave out of the poppet and back into his real body?
This is a wonderful collection just in time for Halloween. I highly recommend it for a few good laughs, and I'll be looking for more works by these authors in the future. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
All of the stories are original and they all stand alone without the need to be familiar with any of the author's other works - the major gripe I had with the Jim-Butcher-headlined Urban Enemies - and even more delightfully, every one of the six is equally strong.
Good Spell Gone Bug by Laura VanArendonk Baugh had me laughing out loud at the frantic efforts of the heroine to undo a disastrously interrupted spell that was meant to remove a magical tattoo from her own back onto some cockroaches. The interference of a dense neighbor and his new kitten cause utter havoc.
The Trouble With Love Spells by Sara Dobie Bauer really brings home the moral 'be careful what you wish for, you just might get it'. Violet doesn't want to interfere with the free will of her crush, so she casts a spell to change herself into someone he could love. She really, really should have checked on his sexual orientation first...
All The Petty Curses by Lissa Marie Redmond was the only story in the bunch that seemed to be a continuing part of a larger universe, though it stood well alone and I was never confused about what was going on. Hipster James owns a coffee shop which, now that the Faerie Queen has gifted him with the Sight, has become a magnet for the Fair (and the Fairy Tale) Folk. Problem is, James is a sucker for a pretty girl in trouble.
The Perfect Mate Fiasco by Frances Pauli - this one probably made me laugh the loudest of all. Rowan casts a spell to find her perfect mate, but her list of attributes in what she wants really does resemble a perfect pet rather than a man. The interference of her Golden Retriever makes her realize that she might need to revise that list just a tad... once she gets Max back on his four paws again.
A Matter of Perspective by Mara Malins - a Harry-Potter-esque little story about the boy in his class who's got amazing magical genes but no talent at all. I was perhaps reminded inevitably of Neville Longbottom, but the story had a twist I didn't see coming and I enjoyed it a lot.
A Poppet Named Dave by Adam Millard - River Everbleed is at that phase in her training where her spells never quite go right, so trying to cast a spell to get the hottest boy in school to notice her might not be her smartest move. How is she going to get Dave out of the poppet and back into his real body?
This is a wonderful collection just in time for Halloween. I highly recommend it for a few good laughs, and I'll be looking for more works by these authors in the future. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
September 17, 2017
If you read around others get ready for some strange looks as this Wil have you LOL How they come up with these ideas I don't know but you will want to read this as it is great
I won bk in giveaway but always give honest reviews of what I think
I won bk in giveaway but always give honest reviews of what I think
October 4, 2017
A charming collection of witchy tales, perfect for the Halloween season. The highlights, for me, were The Perfect Mate by Frances Pauli - which had me chuckling - and Sara Dobie Bauer's The Trouble with Love Spells. A light read, one you can breeze through in a day. :)
January 27, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like any other anthology, there’s a huge difference in the quality of these stories. Unlike in other anthologies, this one just goes from “absolutely terrible” to “okay, I guess”.
First off, there are typos and grammar mistakes everywhere. These stories would have benefited from actually being proofread a bit more than they were.
However, that was not my only problem. Most of the characters are unlikeable and boring. There are a few stories that were actually funny (okay, like one of the stories was), the rest was boring or disgusting.
I’m going to rate all stories separately, but all in all, I have to say that this collection of “funny” stories about witches disappointed me terribly.
Good Spell Gone Wrong by Laura VanArendonk Baugh: This story actually has a really funny setup but is way too short for all that it is trying to put together. There are some funny things, like the catroach and the story is very fast-paced which works for the sense of urgency they want to achieve. All in all, I think there’s too much going on though and this story would work better if there was actual character development. It’s pretty long compared to most other stories in this anthology, but still lacks quite a bit. 3./5. Stars
The Trouble with Love Spells by Sara Dobie Bauer: first of trigger warnings for sexual assault/rape by deception. And general grossness. And characters you really want to punch in the face. This story is by far the worst story in the entire anthology. In it our main character is so in love with her barista, she tries a spell to make her into something he can love. Cause he ignores her. While he’s at work. Jesus, these assholes working in customer service not flirting with our main character. Because she is, of course, unresistable and everybody should immediately fall for her. But then, the shocking Twist! When she wakes up, she’s… a man. Because our barista is gay. So sad :( Gay people existing in real life and being hot. An attack against heterosexuals everywhere. But hey, instead of learning and not being a gigantic homophobe (because well, how dare he be gay? She’s just so in love with him. Despite never having spoken to him. Despite only ever seeing him at work.), she decides to take him on a date, pretending to be her own twin brother. She has a friend who constantly calls her out on her being a gigantic creep, like you know, pretending to be someone you’re not to get with a person who definitely didn’t want to be with you under normal circumstances. Because well, that’s unethical. But oh no, he’s hot and what can she do except go to his apartment with him and talk about how definitely gay he is for having a Marilyn Monroe poster. And then… she kisses him and they spend the night together (not having sex though, thank god for small miracles. Still gross as hell though.). Because he’s just so hot and wants to be with her now that she’s a man, but who cares about his actual feelings? No one. Her especially not. But when he finds out she’s actually a woman, the only thing he’s allowed to be upset is that she’s a witch. Not that she asked him out on a date, seduced him pretending to be a man, fully knowing he was gay and not into her. (also nice cissexism everywhere, what makes a man a man is obviously the D, always and totally, but hey, what else would one expect from cishets who write a story about a straight woman falling in love with a gay dude and trying to seduce him by pretending to be a man). The worst thing is probably that he just laughs haha witches are real, so cool, let's be friends now. Because yup, being lied to, made to go on a date with someone who's actually totally someone else and them making out with you is certainly the best thing in the world and if anything just a small inconvenience. -5 stars.
All The Petty Curses by Lissa Marie Redmond: An attempt at a retelling where fairytales are real and they all meet in a guy’s café. Red Riding Hood is in an abusive relationship with the big bad Wolf, who can’t help but be possessive of her. Curses and all that can really suck. But fear not. The bartender will save you. A quite boring story, with once more really annoying characters. Why can’t Red just be okay with the fact that Bob Wolfe, her stalker follows her everywhere, when she’s not in love with him? But jeez, he’s hot, she should be thankful! In the end, she realizes, she should have been happy with her stalker because thanks to some fairy magic, she’s cursed with being absolutely beautiful and is harassed wherever she goes. Sexual Harassment is so funny though and definitely something to be envious about! Also, she’s sad to have the man that’s magically bound to her leave her for a new woman. When she has a new boyfriend already. What? All in all, pretty boring again and with unlikeable characters. 2/5 Stars
The Perfect Mate Fiasco by Frances Pauli: This is probably the one story in this collection that’s actually funny. And has characters one can like. In this story, Rowan wants to find her perfect mate. But her dog messes up her spell and well… When she wakes up, her perfect boyfriend is already in her house? And he has a tail. And wants to pee in the garden. Oh no. So where's her dog again? This story made me laugh at times and in the end, Rowan realizes that magic works in mysterious ways. I quite enjoyed reading this and watch Rowan try to fix her mistakes while keeping her dog-man in check. This time the characters are also nice and don’t act like total dickheads just to act like dickheads. It’s a nice change of pace. Also finally a love spell that’s not “I want this person who totally doesn’t like me to fall in love with me” but rather “I want a person who loves me to find their way to me”. Which is certainly way less rape-y and definitely makes for a more enjoyable story. 4/5 Stars
A Matter of Perspective by Mara Malins: This story was probably the most unremarkable of them all. Set in a magic school, we have our underdog and the top student. Due to a mix-up in potion class, they and their teacher end up being transported to another time and place. They have to figure out how to get away from there. Pretty unremarkable and boring. I didn’t really like the characters and they felt very flat without ever getting any depth. 1/5 Stars
A Poppet Named Dave by Adam Millard: Another story set in a school. River has to learn magic, but she’s not really that good at it. But how is she supposed to pay attention when the heartthrob of their school sits near here? He’s so good looking. So of course, the only idea she gets, it’s to take his soul and put it into a voodoo doll. Witches don’t need consent obviously and love spells never go wrong. Instead, she traps the poor boy’s soul in the Poppet, a kind of voodoo doll. Unsurprisingly (or well super surprisingly for her), he’s not really happy with that, especially not since she messed up and actually trapped his conscious in the doll. But of course, he’s a dick, because wow, not falling in love with a witch who trapped your soul in a voodoo doll? And like complaining about it too? Just unacceptable. So, this is another story about a stupid love spell gone wrong and really annoying characters. 1/5 Stars
All in all, a disappointment and quite a lot of boring or plain bad stories. I feel really sorry for the actually funny stories to be included in this mess.
Like any other anthology, there’s a huge difference in the quality of these stories. Unlike in other anthologies, this one just goes from “absolutely terrible” to “okay, I guess”.
First off, there are typos and grammar mistakes everywhere. These stories would have benefited from actually being proofread a bit more than they were.
However, that was not my only problem. Most of the characters are unlikeable and boring. There are a few stories that were actually funny (okay, like one of the stories was), the rest was boring or disgusting.
I’m going to rate all stories separately, but all in all, I have to say that this collection of “funny” stories about witches disappointed me terribly.
Good Spell Gone Wrong by Laura VanArendonk Baugh: This story actually has a really funny setup but is way too short for all that it is trying to put together. There are some funny things, like the catroach and the story is very fast-paced which works for the sense of urgency they want to achieve. All in all, I think there’s too much going on though and this story would work better if there was actual character development. It’s pretty long compared to most other stories in this anthology, but still lacks quite a bit. 3./5. Stars
The Trouble with Love Spells by Sara Dobie Bauer: first of trigger warnings for sexual assault/rape by deception. And general grossness. And characters you really want to punch in the face. This story is by far the worst story in the entire anthology. In it our main character is so in love with her barista, she tries a spell to make her into something he can love. Cause he ignores her. While he’s at work. Jesus, these assholes working in customer service not flirting with our main character. Because she is, of course, unresistable and everybody should immediately fall for her. But then, the shocking Twist! When she wakes up, she’s… a man. Because our barista is gay. So sad :( Gay people existing in real life and being hot. An attack against heterosexuals everywhere. But hey, instead of learning and not being a gigantic homophobe (because well, how dare he be gay? She’s just so in love with him. Despite never having spoken to him. Despite only ever seeing him at work.), she decides to take him on a date, pretending to be her own twin brother. She has a friend who constantly calls her out on her being a gigantic creep, like you know, pretending to be someone you’re not to get with a person who definitely didn’t want to be with you under normal circumstances. Because well, that’s unethical. But oh no, he’s hot and what can she do except go to his apartment with him and talk about how definitely gay he is for having a Marilyn Monroe poster. And then… she kisses him and they spend the night together (not having sex though, thank god for small miracles. Still gross as hell though.). Because he’s just so hot and wants to be with her now that she’s a man, but who cares about his actual feelings? No one. Her especially not. But when he finds out she’s actually a woman, the only thing he’s allowed to be upset is that she’s a witch. Not that she asked him out on a date, seduced him pretending to be a man, fully knowing he was gay and not into her. (also nice cissexism everywhere, what makes a man a man is obviously the D, always and totally, but hey, what else would one expect from cishets who write a story about a straight woman falling in love with a gay dude and trying to seduce him by pretending to be a man). The worst thing is probably that he just laughs haha witches are real, so cool, let's be friends now. Because yup, being lied to, made to go on a date with someone who's actually totally someone else and them making out with you is certainly the best thing in the world and if anything just a small inconvenience. -5 stars.
All The Petty Curses by Lissa Marie Redmond: An attempt at a retelling where fairytales are real and they all meet in a guy’s café. Red Riding Hood is in an abusive relationship with the big bad Wolf, who can’t help but be possessive of her. Curses and all that can really suck. But fear not. The bartender will save you. A quite boring story, with once more really annoying characters. Why can’t Red just be okay with the fact that Bob Wolfe, her stalker follows her everywhere, when she’s not in love with him? But jeez, he’s hot, she should be thankful! In the end, she realizes, she should have been happy with her stalker because thanks to some fairy magic, she’s cursed with being absolutely beautiful and is harassed wherever she goes. Sexual Harassment is so funny though and definitely something to be envious about! Also, she’s sad to have the man that’s magically bound to her leave her for a new woman. When she has a new boyfriend already. What? All in all, pretty boring again and with unlikeable characters. 2/5 Stars
The Perfect Mate Fiasco by Frances Pauli: This is probably the one story in this collection that’s actually funny. And has characters one can like. In this story, Rowan wants to find her perfect mate. But her dog messes up her spell and well… When she wakes up, her perfect boyfriend is already in her house? And he has a tail. And wants to pee in the garden. Oh no. So where's her dog again? This story made me laugh at times and in the end, Rowan realizes that magic works in mysterious ways. I quite enjoyed reading this and watch Rowan try to fix her mistakes while keeping her dog-man in check. This time the characters are also nice and don’t act like total dickheads just to act like dickheads. It’s a nice change of pace. Also finally a love spell that’s not “I want this person who totally doesn’t like me to fall in love with me” but rather “I want a person who loves me to find their way to me”. Which is certainly way less rape-y and definitely makes for a more enjoyable story. 4/5 Stars
A Matter of Perspective by Mara Malins: This story was probably the most unremarkable of them all. Set in a magic school, we have our underdog and the top student. Due to a mix-up in potion class, they and their teacher end up being transported to another time and place. They have to figure out how to get away from there. Pretty unremarkable and boring. I didn’t really like the characters and they felt very flat without ever getting any depth. 1/5 Stars
A Poppet Named Dave by Adam Millard: Another story set in a school. River has to learn magic, but she’s not really that good at it. But how is she supposed to pay attention when the heartthrob of their school sits near here? He’s so good looking. So of course, the only idea she gets, it’s to take his soul and put it into a voodoo doll. Witches don’t need consent obviously and love spells never go wrong. Instead, she traps the poor boy’s soul in the Poppet, a kind of voodoo doll. Unsurprisingly (or well super surprisingly for her), he’s not really happy with that, especially not since she messed up and actually trapped his conscious in the doll. But of course, he’s a dick, because wow, not falling in love with a witch who trapped your soul in a voodoo doll? And like complaining about it too? Just unacceptable. So, this is another story about a stupid love spell gone wrong and really annoying characters. 1/5 Stars
All in all, a disappointment and quite a lot of boring or plain bad stories. I feel really sorry for the actually funny stories to be included in this mess.
October 28, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
SONOFAWITCH! is a quick and fun compilation of stories about witches having various sorts of misadventures. After reading so many heavy stories lately it was fun to read light, silly stories that effortlessly weaved some magical mishaps into them. Most of the stories were pretty decent plot-wise but I had issues with some of the stories where the situations that were supposed to be taken as funny were actually kind of manipulative or creepy.
Good Spell Gone Wrong was my favorite with a troublesome, magical tattoo curse gone haywire. I loved the speed that everything happened as it helped with the urgency of finding a way to defeat the bad guy. It was also hilarious especially with the poor kitten who becomes a catroach who become very important to the story in an absolutely excellent way. I also loved The Perfect Mate where a witch's dog is accidentally turned in to a human. Simply, I really enjoyed the wackiness of a dog in human form doing dog things as a human.
The two stories I didn't like involved love potions which are tricky because they tend to involve deception that takes away the consent and/or control of one party. The Trouble With Love Spells as a body swap issue due to a love spell where one character is duped into an intimate situation that was kind of messed up. Another story with love spell was A Poppet Named Dave. Here we have the target of the love spell who gets messed around with, tortured and the final outcome is pretty gross.
I tend to expect to not enjoy every story in an anthology and most of the stories in SONOFAWITCH! were entertaining and fun to read.
SONOFAWITCH! is a quick and fun compilation of stories about witches having various sorts of misadventures. After reading so many heavy stories lately it was fun to read light, silly stories that effortlessly weaved some magical mishaps into them. Most of the stories were pretty decent plot-wise but I had issues with some of the stories where the situations that were supposed to be taken as funny were actually kind of manipulative or creepy.
Good Spell Gone Wrong was my favorite with a troublesome, magical tattoo curse gone haywire. I loved the speed that everything happened as it helped with the urgency of finding a way to defeat the bad guy. It was also hilarious especially with the poor kitten who becomes a catroach who become very important to the story in an absolutely excellent way. I also loved The Perfect Mate where a witch's dog is accidentally turned in to a human. Simply, I really enjoyed the wackiness of a dog in human form doing dog things as a human.
The two stories I didn't like involved love potions which are tricky because they tend to involve deception that takes away the consent and/or control of one party. The Trouble With Love Spells as a body swap issue due to a love spell where one character is duped into an intimate situation that was kind of messed up. Another story with love spell was A Poppet Named Dave. Here we have the target of the love spell who gets messed around with, tortured and the final outcome is pretty gross.
I tend to expect to not enjoy every story in an anthology and most of the stories in SONOFAWITCH! were entertaining and fun to read.
October 4, 2017
This is a great boxed set with some amazing authors. Each book was great and had a wonderful story which kept me reading way past my bedtime. They all have well developed characters are all very entertaining. Each of the books were full of surprises and I didn’t want them to end. If you are looking for a great boxed set then you need to get this one. I am looking forward to reading the other books by each of these great authors. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
September 5, 2017
This book was full of some very interesting stories. I love reading stories that include characters that are witches and warlocks. The authors did a great job compiling the works for this anthology. Thank you NetGalley and all authors for allowing me to read this book and write a honest review.
October 11, 2017
A really hilarious collection of short stories by different authors each celebrating the old adage that if anything can go wrong, it will! Don't miss this laugh fest!
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July 13, 2017One of the perks of working for a publisher is that you can often read early versions of books before they come out. That's exactly what happened for me with this book, I got to read an early version :)
My favourite story was "Good Spell Gone Bug" by Laura VanArendonk Baugh. I loved it *so* much -- it was one of the best short stories I've read all year, and I read a LOT of short stories in a year. I also really liked, "A Poppet Named Dave" by Adam Millard. I think this is the first thing I've read by him but I'll definitely be keeping an eye open for more of his work.
My favourite story was "Good Spell Gone Bug" by Laura VanArendonk Baugh. I loved it *so* much -- it was one of the best short stories I've read all year, and I read a LOT of short stories in a year. I also really liked, "A Poppet Named Dave" by Adam Millard. I think this is the first thing I've read by him but I'll definitely be keeping an eye open for more of his work.
October 12, 2017
*Book provided via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a fun book! All six stories are great on their own and almost had me laughing out loud on the bus! At one point I actually had to set the book down just to get a hold of myself and my laughing. I think the phrase "it seemed like a good idea at the time" can summarize almost all of these stories' spells gone wrong.
While most of them involved a love spell gone wrong (after reading this I recommend never even trying a love spell) there is enough diversity of style and other elements to keep them from sounding the same. Let's face it, wishing for someone loyal and loving and accidentally turn your dog into a human is far different from accidentally ensnaring your crush's soul into a poppet doll. And exchanging one curse for another is very different from accidentally changing your own gender. Seriously, don't mess with love spells!
But all of the stories were so good! I have six new authors to start looking up. My top two favorites were "Good Spell Gone Bug" and "A Matter of Perspective". Both very different, but so much fun to read. I absolutely loved the part in every story where you realized that these witches, who are characteristically well versed in magic, are not always so perfect. If you liked Neville Longbottom because he wasn't the best at everything, I think you'll like this collection. There are a lot of underdogs.
In all, I give this book 4.5 hoots! It's full of good humor, good characters and downright good fun.
This was a fun book! All six stories are great on their own and almost had me laughing out loud on the bus! At one point I actually had to set the book down just to get a hold of myself and my laughing. I think the phrase "it seemed like a good idea at the time" can summarize almost all of these stories' spells gone wrong.
While most of them involved a love spell gone wrong (after reading this I recommend never even trying a love spell) there is enough diversity of style and other elements to keep them from sounding the same. Let's face it, wishing for someone loyal and loving and accidentally turn your dog into a human is far different from accidentally ensnaring your crush's soul into a poppet doll. And exchanging one curse for another is very different from accidentally changing your own gender. Seriously, don't mess with love spells!
But all of the stories were so good! I have six new authors to start looking up. My top two favorites were "Good Spell Gone Bug" and "A Matter of Perspective". Both very different, but so much fun to read. I absolutely loved the part in every story where you realized that these witches, who are characteristically well versed in magic, are not always so perfect. If you liked Neville Longbottom because he wasn't the best at everything, I think you'll like this collection. There are a lot of underdogs.
In all, I give this book 4.5 hoots! It's full of good humor, good characters and downright good fun.
October 19, 2020
This little book was filled with laughs
January 17, 2018
Enjoyable Collection of Enchanted Tales
I’m a fan of short story anthologies and SonofaWitch doesn’t disappoint. “All the Petty Curses” was my favorite with its nod to fairytales. “A Good Spell Gone Bug” was great too. All in all, a fun collection.
I’m a fan of short story anthologies and SonofaWitch doesn’t disappoint. “All the Petty Curses” was my favorite with its nod to fairytales. “A Good Spell Gone Bug” was great too. All in all, a fun collection.
September 30, 2017
I suppose I should start this review by stating that I received a galley of this anthology from World Weaver Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This anthology will be published on 10/3/2017.
SonOfAWitch! is an anthology of six short stories edited by Trish Thompson. When I saw the cover and read the description of this book, I was excited. Witches doing fun things is a perfect way to set the mood for fall when you're struggling to get into the fall spirit due to global warming. Each story in this collection focuses on a spell gone wrong and the disastrous effects that can have on the witch that cast it or the people surrounding them.
For the rest of my thoughts go to my blog:
https://thelionheartreads.wordpress.c...
SonOfAWitch! is an anthology of six short stories edited by Trish Thompson. When I saw the cover and read the description of this book, I was excited. Witches doing fun things is a perfect way to set the mood for fall when you're struggling to get into the fall spirit due to global warming. Each story in this collection focuses on a spell gone wrong and the disastrous effects that can have on the witch that cast it or the people surrounding them.
For the rest of my thoughts go to my blog:
https://thelionheartreads.wordpress.c...
September 10, 2017
Good Spell Gone Bug - 2.5
The Trouble with Love Spells - 2
All the Pretty Curses - 2.75
The Perfect Mate Fiasco - 3.5 (casual mention of an*rexia)
A Matter of Perspective - 4
A Poppet Named Dave - 3.5
Rex may have been my favorite character in this entire Anthology (Perfect Mate), the innocent bystander that didn't ask for all this witchy drama. I also really liked the twist on the overdone love spell trope.
The only character I could tolerate in Poppet was Evelyn. River was annoying and Dave was twice as annoying. But the story was enjoyable.
The Trouble with Love Spells - 2
All the Pretty Curses - 2.75
The Perfect Mate Fiasco - 3.5 (casual mention of an*rexia)
A Matter of Perspective - 4
A Poppet Named Dave - 3.5
Rex may have been my favorite character in this entire Anthology (Perfect Mate), the innocent bystander that didn't ask for all this witchy drama. I also really liked the twist on the overdone love spell trope.
The only character I could tolerate in Poppet was Evelyn. River was annoying and Dave was twice as annoying. But the story was enjoyable.
February 19, 2018
This was so much fun! Six tales of spells gone awry in the most hilarious fashion. There was only one story that didn’t make me laugh out loud, but they were all a lot of fun to read. I didn’t have a favorite or least favorite. I’ll absolutely read every single one of these again.
January 7, 2019
All very quick reads I liked all of the stories - editing good - did not notice any typos or awkward phrasing that would throw me out of the story
January 6, 2019
This was a pretty good collection of paranormal fantasy stories that have great characters. I really enjoyed reading all of the stories. I highly recommend.
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