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Hell's Belles #1
Hell's Belles
Magic can be a blessing or a curse…
Emma Ayers is about to discover the biggest secret of her life--she’s a witch.
When tragedy upends Emma’s idyllic life, she is taken in by a mysterious woman--the matriarch to Hell’s Belles, a secret society of debutante witches in the historic city of Charleston. With Emma’s help, they’ll try to defeat an enemy that wants all the powers the Belles are gifted with—and who will stop at nothing to get them. Even if it means destroying everyone in their path, including the city they protect.
Hell's Belles is part of the HELL'S BELLES TRILOGY and is full of kick-butt heroines, adventure, history, and huge stakes. There are twists and turns all the way until the end. The conclusion will be the in the third book, CAROLINA CONJURING.
Emma Ayers is about to discover the biggest secret of her life--she’s a witch.
When tragedy upends Emma’s idyllic life, she is taken in by a mysterious woman--the matriarch to Hell’s Belles, a secret society of debutante witches in the historic city of Charleston. With Emma’s help, they’ll try to defeat an enemy that wants all the powers the Belles are gifted with—and who will stop at nothing to get them. Even if it means destroying everyone in their path, including the city they protect.
Hell's Belles is part of the HELL'S BELLES TRILOGY and is full of kick-butt heroines, adventure, history, and huge stakes. There are twists and turns all the way until the end. The conclusion will be the in the third book, CAROLINA CONJURING.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2017
328 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 27, 2018
I would like to thank the Booksprout site to have itself to let read this book in return for a chronicle. Since time that I wanted to read this book. I adored the feather of this auteure especially that his friends auteures I am fan: Linsey Hall, C NR Crawford Augusta Blythe. On the cover one sees beautiful Emma Ayers using there the magic. It will make the meeting of a mysterious woman: matriarche of Hell' S Beautiful a secret society witch beginners. To them all they will try to thwart the plans of their enemy who wants their powers. The end left me on a cliffhanger haste of reading the following volume and learn more on Azekiel.
January 31, 2018
I absolutely LOVE this new series by Alison Claire! After reading the prequel I could hardly wait to get my hands on this book. The intriguing characters, the suspenseful plot, and the amazing writing grab you from the beginning and keep your attention until the end. Being from South Carolina myself, reading about some of the history and culture of Charleston is refreshing and fun, as well as educational. I am looking forward to the second book in this series.
June 17, 2023
This book. It was all world building. It is a complete cliff hanger but I was not draw in enough to want to continue. I would have dnf if I didn’t have to read a book set in all 50 states.
December 16, 2024
Audiobook narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to admit I got this because of Nicole Poole.
She's a master of her craft.
The story was warm, cosy, sad, and ended rather abruptly, but not on a cliffhanger.
I'm too curious not to dive into the next one, and since it's narrated by Nicole Poole, I'm sure I will enjoy it.
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to admit I got this because of Nicole Poole.
She's a master of her craft.
The story was warm, cosy, sad, and ended rather abruptly, but not on a cliffhanger.
I'm too curious not to dive into the next one, and since it's narrated by Nicole Poole, I'm sure I will enjoy it.
February 5, 2018
Great young adult/new adult paranormal story, set in Charleston SC. Emma at 18, just lost her parents and sister in a tragic accident, shortly after she looses her grandmother too. Living with an Aunt, who doesn't want her she is taken in by her grandmothers friend. Virginia Embers.
Emma's new home is a stately Old Charleston mansion, which she now shares with Virginia's high school age niece Calista, the ice queen, and her cousin Josephine, warmth and sunshine. The sister that doesn't live there, Aleta, who compassion and kindness.
Virginia has many secrets, and so do her new sisters. One of which they are all far older than they appear. Virginia tries to slowly introduce Emma into the secret world, she was always apart of but never knew. A school designed to cater to those like them. Circumstances force Emma to learn much sooner than Virginia would like. That Emma is a contact healer, that Calista has a powerful telekinetic ability, that Jo is an empath able to manipulate emotions, Aleta is a telepath that is able to manipulate others thoughts and Virginia has the ability to suppress these talents and borrow them.
A fast paced, interesting characters, great world building that delves in the regions culture and history. Love the setting. I have spent many a vacation up and down the Carolina cost, Charleston is a favorite. Like Emma's mom, my parents liked to take us places rich in history, with beach breaks in between visiting historical sites. Looking forward to the next book. Adding the series to my wish list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emma's new home is a stately Old Charleston mansion, which she now shares with Virginia's high school age niece Calista, the ice queen, and her cousin Josephine, warmth and sunshine. The sister that doesn't live there, Aleta, who compassion and kindness.
Virginia has many secrets, and so do her new sisters. One of which they are all far older than they appear. Virginia tries to slowly introduce Emma into the secret world, she was always apart of but never knew. A school designed to cater to those like them. Circumstances force Emma to learn much sooner than Virginia would like. That Emma is a contact healer, that Calista has a powerful telekinetic ability, that Jo is an empath able to manipulate emotions, Aleta is a telepath that is able to manipulate others thoughts and Virginia has the ability to suppress these talents and borrow them.
A fast paced, interesting characters, great world building that delves in the regions culture and history. Love the setting. I have spent many a vacation up and down the Carolina cost, Charleston is a favorite. Like Emma's mom, my parents liked to take us places rich in history, with beach breaks in between visiting historical sites. Looking forward to the next book. Adding the series to my wish list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2018
This is the first book in the Hell's Belles trilogy. Emma first loses her parents and sister, and then right after the funeral, her grandmother dies. Not sure what’s going to happen to her, a woman she’s never heard of picks her up and whisks her off to a mansion to live with a couple other girls. Because Emma is part of a bigger picture, a picture that includes magic. And there is more to her than she knows, including those who would like her dead. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am an instant fan! Ms. Claire has a great way with words, and she reveals mysteries in a slow but fascinating way that keeps you glued to the page just to see what’s going to happen next. She also has a great way with details and history that make them feel like you are there, reliving everything like everything is part of your history. This book is just so well-written, and it has a great plot! I am so drawn into this story, I don’t know how I can wait for the next book to find out more. If you love urban fantasy with magic, you will love this one; I can’t recommend it enough! Thanks to the author for the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
December 26, 2017
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. wow....one word to describe this book is DRAMA! we meet Emma, who just lost her parents and sister in a car accident then loses her grandma shortly after. a woman named Victoria Embers is taking het home and is supposedly a friend of her grandma's...pfft!! Emma is confused and getting irritated that she is getting the run around. she meets Calista, who is a total B and Josephine, a sweetheart, at the Embers house. things don't add up, the ppl there don't make sense and it gets weirder and weirder. She meets Aleta, who is a hip chick and Emma likes right away. Victoria and Aleta inform Emma that she has healing capabilities...whatevs!! Emma is forced to go to school where she encounters a Qween B...Zillah. things off the handle and Aleta is to the rescue. Will Emma ever learn the truth? will it all make sense in the end?
February 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written with a great assortment of magical characters and a heroine who is still finding her way in this complicated paranormal world. Submerged in the grief of back to back tragedies, Emma is rescued by Virginia Embers who takes her back to Charleston to live with the rest of the “Belles” in Virginia’s amazing home. She is slowly introduced to a world she never knew existed and to powers she never knew she had. What unfolds is the struggle between good and evil as the Belles find their place in this battle is more important than they could ever know. They are strong women with unique gifts; how their powers will work together to thwart their enemies is still to be revealed.
Author Alison Claire has done a great job setting up this series in this first book, and I look forward to reading the rest. I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Author Alison Claire has done a great job setting up this series in this first book, and I look forward to reading the rest. I received a complimentary copy from the author.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because it's got a cliff-hanger ending, which I don't like. I will be reading the next book to see what happens next, but I would have preferred to have a complete story and this felt like only a part of a book. The only other thing that took away from my reading experience is the main character kept repeating about how pretty and perfect and good-looking everyone around her was. Once or twice would have been enough. After several times, it begins to take away from the rest of the story. I did like how this is a different twist on the genre. There were twists and surprises that kept me interested and enough mystery to keep me reading, so I will definitely be reading the rest in the series.
December 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this first in series. The characters were relatable and enjoyable. The author is very in depth and detailed which really draws the reader in and makes you quickly invested in each character. My only negative was the cliff hanger ending. I am not opposed to cliff hangers when you get answers, a complete story and the cliff hanger makes you want more. In this case you barely get any answers so you Must read the next book if you want your questions answered. I would have liked to see a little more revealed in Book 1 so the story is semi complete. Overall I loved the writing and storyline and am definitely interested in Book 2.
February 14, 2018
Alison Claire is a new author for me, but based on Hell's Belles (the first book in a new trilogy of the same name), I’m going to have to remedy that ASAP. This was a really fun book both in its extremely well developed characters, from Emma Ayers, the lead, to Aleta, Virginia, the other Belles and even nefarious Zillow. What can I say? I love kick-a** ladies, and this book is full of them. It also has a wonderful plot full of great twists and turns, and for someone like me who has only been in Charleston a few times, it really gives me a strong sense of the city, it’s culture and history. Really, this was just a thoroughly enjoyable experience - and one I highly recommend.
February 1, 2018
Emma's life is drastically changed after being brought to her new home and learning about her abilities. She is surrounded by women that each have unique abilities and lots of secrets.
This first book give you a lot of background on the characters. You slowly get to learn their histories and abilities. It is really interesting to hear about their pasts. I like the variety of personalities and you get some good villains too. It is important character development that I think will pay off quite well in the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
This first book give you a lot of background on the characters. You slowly get to learn their histories and abilities. It is really interesting to hear about their pasts. I like the variety of personalities and you get some good villains too. It is important character development that I think will pay off quite well in the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
February 13, 2018
This is a wonderful start to a series. It's full of action and mystery. The characters all have distinct personalities and strong definition.Each Belle has her own special skill set and powers. They all felt organic and plausible. I really liked the way this story unfolded. My only complaint is that this is probably more of a New Adult instead of a Young Adult. There are some elements too adult for young teens. But as an adult I can't wait to read more. I requested a review copy of this book so I could post an honest review.
May 6, 2022
Rating: 4-STAR
Age: Pg-13
BOOK 1:
Set of Twin Girls that were Split at Birth -Emma (Healer) and Briar (Bone Breaker) .Emma is found and moves to live with Miss Virginia. Miss V matriarch to Hell's Belles, a secret society of debutante witches in the historic city of Charleston. They live with other witches in a big southern style plantation house. Emma helps them defeat old enemies.
BOOK 2:
Other Twin Briar -is found and moved to live with Mis Virginia to find out who she really is.
Mrs.C
Age: Pg-13
BOOK 1:
Set of Twin Girls that were Split at Birth -Emma (Healer) and Briar (Bone Breaker) .Emma is found and moves to live with Miss Virginia. Miss V matriarch to Hell's Belles, a secret society of debutante witches in the historic city of Charleston. They live with other witches in a big southern style plantation house. Emma helps them defeat old enemies.
BOOK 2:
Other Twin Briar -is found and moved to live with Mis Virginia to find out who she really is.
Mrs.C
December 24, 2017
This was my first read by Alison Claire. The book had a good story line but I felt like there was just too much backstory for one book. It seemed like there was more back story than there was of the actual current story line. I enjoyed the characters and their diversity. I just couldn't get as into it as I wanted. Seemed like every time things moved forward it would take you right back to the past.
December 23, 2017
**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book.**
This story was a surprise. Not what I was expecting at all. It feels like the beginning of something big. I got to meet some very intriguing characters with some very powerful gifts. These Belles all seem to I've gone through very stressful childhoods, and are coming together to form a very loyal and fierce family.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy I cannot wait to see what happens next.
This story was a surprise. Not what I was expecting at all. It feels like the beginning of something big. I got to meet some very intriguing characters with some very powerful gifts. These Belles all seem to I've gone through very stressful childhoods, and are coming together to form a very loyal and fierce family.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy I cannot wait to see what happens next.
February 4, 2018
Very interesting, but it drove me crazy with all the non-information! When I finished I immediately read Southern Charmed. More info for the puzzle and deeper storyline. Was this book also being revealed to the author as Alison Claire wrote? Now there is a Prequel, that I can’t find, and the next book I can’t find! Ms. Claire are you trying to make me go crazy? Thanks for a different perspective.
February 9, 2018
Just awful and boring.
This is a young adults book. Aka, a book for teenagers. The main character is 18 and definitely acts like it. No complex characters, or storyline whatsoever. I couldn’t even finish this book, and I read a LOT of books. The books jumps around to different view points from several different characters and it was very disjointed. I was highly dissatisfied with this book especially after all the positive reviews on it.
This is a young adults book. Aka, a book for teenagers. The main character is 18 and definitely acts like it. No complex characters, or storyline whatsoever. I couldn’t even finish this book, and I read a LOT of books. The books jumps around to different view points from several different characters and it was very disjointed. I was highly dissatisfied with this book especially after all the positive reviews on it.
February 11, 2018
Hell's Belles has to do a lot of heavy lifting to set up the rest of the series, including introducing the reader (and Emma) to a group of women with extraordinary powers. Unfortunately, this means that there is a lot of exposition. In fact, the majority of the plot of Hell's Belles revolves around integrating Emma into the Belles' world. And this, understandably, causes the plot to suffer.
March 1, 2018
I like the storyline, that there is more out there than what we know. There is more to Emma than what she is grown up believing, and it takes losing her family to learn more about herself. That's what brings her to the Belle's. I did not care for the fact the book ends on a cliffhanger, which makes this a serial, not a series. The author should warn this in the description. (which also makes it even worse because the entire set isn't even out).
April 5, 2018
A good new series giving you background to the setting, descriptions of the south and the folklore. Enjoyed reading this book it was mesmerizing couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. It made you think about the characters and what was going to happen next... looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2018
A mystery of abilities
Emma lost her family in a car crash. She moved across the country to live with her grandmother, who passed away within a month. Then Virginia Embers happened. She took Emma from 'which bill do we skip this month' to Loubitans in her closet. And making Emma admit she could heal. And then things really got crazy. Three other girls with powers, a completely strange high school, and an attack by Sirens. And that's not even spoilers! Awesome book!
Emma lost her family in a car crash. She moved across the country to live with her grandmother, who passed away within a month. Then Virginia Embers happened. She took Emma from 'which bill do we skip this month' to Loubitans in her closet. And making Emma admit she could heal. And then things really got crazy. Three other girls with powers, a completely strange high school, and an attack by Sirens. And that's not even spoilers! Awesome book!
August 6, 2018
I honestly had to force myself to read this book. I think the idea of what this universe could be is good but it doesn't transpire in this book. Nothing actually happens: no plot or mystery at all. It felt like the story was being drawn out with half truths and "I'll tell you later". There are also a lot of redundancy in the storyline.
The story felt forced, a lot of details were irrelevant, and very stagnant.
The story felt forced, a lot of details were irrelevant, and very stagnant.
December 12, 2017
Awe belles!
I love a good mystery and oh this one is so very intriguing! Alison Claire will be on my most wanted list! Thank you for a crazy mix of characters who jump of the page and into your face. I really love it. Can't wait for the next one to catch the rest of the story! Thanks Lindsey Hall for the heads up on hells belles!
I love a good mystery and oh this one is so very intriguing! Alison Claire will be on my most wanted list! Thank you for a crazy mix of characters who jump of the page and into your face. I really love it. Can't wait for the next one to catch the rest of the story! Thanks Lindsey Hall for the heads up on hells belles!
January 25, 2018
Truthfully, I almost put this away without finishing. After what seemed like the 200th description of Calista's beauty in 50 pages, I was done. But the reviews here were really positive, and I pushed on. I'm glad I did! Calista's looks DO eventually stop getting mentioned, and the story is quite good. Looking forward to the rest!
February 1, 2018
A well written witch mystery about Emma who is a young witch about to come into her powers and her battles against evil. It is a powerful mystical journey with huge stakes to gain or lose. I enjoyed this story and want to read the next in the trilogy to find out what happens next
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2018
Amazing!!
It seems to start out rather slow but before you realize it, you are thoroughly entrenched in the story. I am nearly speechless with the spell this book surrounded me with. Love the book, am relishing the thought of getting into the next spell wrought by this amazing author!! Thank you, Alison for making my reading such a great pleasure
It seems to start out rather slow but before you realize it, you are thoroughly entrenched in the story. I am nearly speechless with the spell this book surrounded me with. Love the book, am relishing the thought of getting into the next spell wrought by this amazing author!! Thank you, Alison for making my reading such a great pleasure
February 12, 2018
Hell's Belles is a quick, easy read. The story line is pretty intense and heartbreaking at times, but not maudlin. The characters are well-written and complex. I enjoy the use of flashbacks and recounted memories to fill in the history of each of the Belles, and the wealthy Southern twist on the witch coven is well-done. I definitely look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
July 5, 2018
A magical stories
I loved this book I've not read much these kind of books in a while and found all the characters amazingly writing as I could picture each one 😊 also it has a bit of humour in it as well as refers to American history it was really interesting 👍💛 thank you Alison xx
I loved this book I've not read much these kind of books in a while and found all the characters amazingly writing as I could picture each one 😊 also it has a bit of humour in it as well as refers to American history it was really interesting 👍💛 thank you Alison xx
December 11, 2017
Short but good
This book seemed short word-wise, but it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the plot was mostly believable. I look forward to reading the next book.
This book seemed short word-wise, but it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the plot was mostly believable. I look forward to reading the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews