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Winter Wayne #1
Bone Witch
MP3 CD Format My name is Winter Wayne, and I'm a Bone witch—minus the magic.
I used to work in the only place in Manhattan that had use for a witch with very little magic—like me—until my boss kicked me out over a job gone bad (not my fault, I swear).
Pure boredom and the lack of company got to my head fast. I was so desperate, I took a delivery job from a complete stranger. It was supposed to be an easy job, clean and simple. It was anything but.
Now, there's a price on my head and my own coworkers are hunting me down. My mad fighting skills alone aren't going to be enough to keep me alive. Looks like the time has come to dig out my mother's bones and complete the ritual that will finally ignite the magic in my bones—if I even make it that far.
She never wanted me to be part of the Paranormal world, but she made sure I was prepared for it anyway. I'm finally about to find out why.
I used to work in the only place in Manhattan that had use for a witch with very little magic—like me—until my boss kicked me out over a job gone bad (not my fault, I swear).
Pure boredom and the lack of company got to my head fast. I was so desperate, I took a delivery job from a complete stranger. It was supposed to be an easy job, clean and simple. It was anything but.
Now, there's a price on my head and my own coworkers are hunting me down. My mad fighting skills alone aren't going to be enough to keep me alive. Looks like the time has come to dig out my mother's bones and complete the ritual that will finally ignite the magic in my bones—if I even make it that far.
She never wanted me to be part of the Paranormal world, but she made sure I was prepared for it anyway. I'm finally about to find out why.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2017
995 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 25, 2018
When I read the summary for "Bone Witch" I felt that this was a read I could truly enjoy. Unfortunately , the first half of the story had very few conversations with other characters and too much internal dialogue. I considered not finishing the book. I will say there was plenty of action and about halfway through the book dialogue with other characters is what you would expect in most reads.
Winter Wayne is a bone witch who has been suffering financially since she lost her job. She is also still mourning her mother's death. She takes on a job making a delivery for a vampire. She knows this is not a smart idea; yet, does it anyway. Now law enforcement and every paranormal bounty hunter is out to get her including her former boss.
As Winter struggles to stay one step ahead of her pursuers, an teams up with a unlikely source. Winter is about to find out who she really is and what powers she possesses. The problem is it goes against everything that she believes to be true. This read was just okay for me. I struggled to stay interested in it and quite honestly I am not even sure I liked the character of Winter. I will not be going on with this series.
Winter Wayne is a bone witch who has been suffering financially since she lost her job. She is also still mourning her mother's death. She takes on a job making a delivery for a vampire. She knows this is not a smart idea; yet, does it anyway. Now law enforcement and every paranormal bounty hunter is out to get her including her former boss.
As Winter struggles to stay one step ahead of her pursuers, an teams up with a unlikely source. Winter is about to find out who she really is and what powers she possesses. The problem is it goes against everything that she believes to be true. This read was just okay for me. I struggled to stay interested in it and quite honestly I am not even sure I liked the character of Winter. I will not be going on with this series.
January 1, 2018
What an annoying book. The author somehow managed to hit about half a dozen of my pet peeves. First, the super annoying male love interest, Julian. He's a good example of why I don't like most romances in urban fantasy novels.
I hated that he goaded, and pressured Winter into doing things she didn't want to do. I hated that he kept secrets from her for the most lame ass reasons, especially knowing that her mother had kept some very important secrets from her for her entire life! I mean, trust is a real issue in this book and he treads all over it throughout the book. Worse, Winter keeps forgiving him over and over. Bleah.
Then there are the editing issues. Normally, I can go with the flow when the writing is good, or if the mistakes are minimal, but holy crap, the writer hit two of my biggest peeves.
What is wrong with using the word said in dialog? The characters in this book kept whispering, hissing, and mumbling at each other when there was no reason to. Why did they keep fucking whispering?
And the hissing. You can't hiss a word or sentence if there aren't any sibilants. Try hissing damn it and you'll see what I mean.
The only thing that kept me going to the end was the magic. Some interesting worldbuilding.
Overall, bleah.
I hated that he goaded, and pressured Winter into doing things she didn't want to do. I hated that he kept secrets from her for the most lame ass reasons, especially knowing that her mother had kept some very important secrets from her for her entire life! I mean, trust is a real issue in this book and he treads all over it throughout the book. Worse, Winter keeps forgiving him over and over. Bleah.
Then there are the editing issues. Normally, I can go with the flow when the writing is good, or if the mistakes are minimal, but holy crap, the writer hit two of my biggest peeves.
What is wrong with using the word said in dialog? The characters in this book kept whispering, hissing, and mumbling at each other when there was no reason to. Why did they keep fucking whispering?
And the hissing. You can't hiss a word or sentence if there aren't any sibilants. Try hissing damn it and you'll see what I mean.
The only thing that kept me going to the end was the magic. Some interesting worldbuilding.
Overall, bleah.
January 29, 2018
Still a little undecided on this one
I really do not enjoy it when a main character behaves like a downright idiot just to progress the plot. To quote the character, Winter, herself "If I was smart." And she's not, at least initially. Nearly stopped reading fairly early on in this book because it was annoying me so much, but glad I kept reading, because things improved once Winter stopped behaving like a deranged sociopath, although that particular trait didn't quite disappear altogether.
Interesting magic and characters and a couple of good twists. Uncertain if I'd read further in this series, it does have potential, but only if Winter's behaviour stabilises a little.
I received an e-ARC of this book and chose to write a review.
I really do not enjoy it when a main character behaves like a downright idiot just to progress the plot. To quote the character, Winter, herself "If I was smart." And she's not, at least initially. Nearly stopped reading fairly early on in this book because it was annoying me so much, but glad I kept reading, because things improved once Winter stopped behaving like a deranged sociopath, although that particular trait didn't quite disappear altogether.
Interesting magic and characters and a couple of good twists. Uncertain if I'd read further in this series, it does have potential, but only if Winter's behaviour stabilises a little.
I received an e-ARC of this book and chose to write a review.
February 16, 2018
Awesome witch!
It was really hard to get into the novel at first, but I soldiered on to finish it and I really liked. It was tough to see Winter wounded physically and emotionally, the people she worked with betraying her, the silence of her mother on her origins. It was a real roller coaster.
It was really hard to get into the novel at first, but I soldiered on to finish it and I really liked. It was tough to see Winter wounded physically and emotionally, the people she worked with betraying her, the silence of her mother on her origins. It was a real roller coaster.
dnf
December 25, 2018DNF At 3 hours and 19 minutes at 1.25 speed (Audio Book)
This book was infuriating. It started off quite nicely and the overall concept and plot proved to be very interesting. That was about where anything good about this book died. The heroine had never-ending repetitive inner monologues. She never makes up her mind about anything. Everything is over-explained which made for an action-packed story that dragged on and on and on with barely anything happening. I wanted the annoying ex-boyfriend to be killed in a fire by hour 2 of the audio book. He did nothing but pressure and try to "assert his dominance" on the heroine which was VERY annoying. The best part of the whole situation, you ask? Well turns out the heroine can't make up her mind about him either!
This book was infuriating. It started off quite nicely and the overall concept and plot proved to be very interesting. That was about where anything good about this book died. The heroine had never-ending repetitive inner monologues. She never makes up her mind about anything. Everything is over-explained which made for an action-packed story that dragged on and on and on with barely anything happening. I wanted the annoying ex-boyfriend to be killed in a fire by hour 2 of the audio book. He did nothing but pressure and try to "assert his dominance" on the heroine which was VERY annoying. The best part of the whole situation, you ask? Well turns out the heroine can't make up her mind about him either!
March 23, 2018
Witches without the Love Potions
I love books about magic. I love envisioning magical worlds and the magical communities yay reside in them. Witches are a particular favorite, but generally there are some downsides.
I was really starting to get annoyed by all the sub-par romantic plotlines. Twice cursed and twice destined lovers who can only seem to think of getting into bed with each other. Not that I'm against romance or a steamy scene or two! But, a book needs more than that to carry it forward.
This book has it. Winter is the sassy character everyone wants to read about. She's "real." There's action scenes abound, lvl 2 tragic backstory, and the edges of a more sinister plot if you squint hard enough.
Do yourself a favor. Read it. (And ignore the two typos in the beginning they're not worth getting worked up over! )
I love books about magic. I love envisioning magical worlds and the magical communities yay reside in them. Witches are a particular favorite, but generally there are some downsides.
I was really starting to get annoyed by all the sub-par romantic plotlines. Twice cursed and twice destined lovers who can only seem to think of getting into bed with each other. Not that I'm against romance or a steamy scene or two! But, a book needs more than that to carry it forward.
This book has it. Winter is the sassy character everyone wants to read about. She's "real." There's action scenes abound, lvl 2 tragic backstory, and the edges of a more sinister plot if you squint hard enough.
Do yourself a favor. Read it. (And ignore the two typos in the beginning they're not worth getting worked up over! )
January 6, 2018
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
March 21, 2024
Audiobook
Narration: Elise Arsenault
Genre: Urban Fantasy (UF), witch
Narrative: 1st person
Solid urban fantasy. Witch without magic, igniteing her magic (and more 😉) to save her life. I like Winter (PI, kick-ass FMC) and the plot (action, little twists). There is hardly any romantic supblot. I'm now on book 5 and can recommend this series. I'm also little baffled that I don't see this series recommended.
Narration: Elise Arsenault
Genre: Urban Fantasy (UF), witch
Narrative: 1st person
Solid urban fantasy. Witch without magic, igniteing her magic (and more 😉) to save her life. I like Winter (PI, kick-ass FMC) and the plot (action, little twists). There is hardly any romantic supblot. I'm now on book 5 and can recommend this series. I'm also little baffled that I don't see this series recommended.
August 2, 2019
Trigger Warnings: Attempted Murder, Murder mention, Murder, Blood mention, Blood, Gun Use.
Bone Witch isn’t a reverse harem! That’s the first in a while, hey? *evil cackle*
Bone Witch took me by surprise on a few occasions. Though I called that plot twist! I’m actually genuinely hoping that the plot twist within this first book will come into play in the rest of the series somehow.
Within Bone Witch there’s one point of view–and that’s from Winter. We learn early on that Winter is slightly more trusting than she should be, and she realizes her mistakes throughout this first book. And actually, there’s quite a bit that makes Winter a realistic and relatable character: she grieves, she freaks out and she reacts in a way that, to me, is how I wish to react to things (lol, I have such a resting bitch face).
Another thing that we learn quite early on into Bone Witch that Winter doesn’t have her full powers. Yet she still does a badass job. And until she needed the extra oomf to her powers, Winter herself is very capable of protecting herself. When Winter completed the ritual to claim her powers, it was a total game changer for her.
Throughout the entirety of Bone Witch, nothing seemed to be going on the way that Winter wanted it to. In turn this caused the story to be quite interesting. I didn’t want to put the story away until I had finished reading.
I’m glad that this first step into Winter Wayne’s story was easy to fall into–and actually super easy to read. We’re also not given any long history lessons (which can sometimes break a story). I’m quite happy that there were times when Winter learned something new because that kept Bone Witch from becoming stale.
The love interest kind of took me by surprise to be honest. There are instances in the story where Winter isn’t sure of what she’s seeing, and she projects her own feelings from finding out the truth about herself, onto the love interest. Yet I knew that there was something more to the love interest that was kept from Winter.
I give Bone Witch, 3 stars! I’m truly looking forward to reading the next book.
----
Have you read Bone Witch? Have you read anything else by D.N. Hoxa?
I wanted to start with another series, but read that the book that I was interested in reading was a part of the Winter Wayne & Scarlet Jones world. When I find stuff like this out, I like to go back to the “very beginning.” I like to start where the first book was written and make my way through. ….Though if I’m remembering correctly, the author said that one could read the series she’s written as stand-alones..
It’s a great thing that I enjoyed this first Winter Wayne novel, so now I can thrown in some book reviews that aren’t reverse harem reviews.
Bone Witch isn’t a reverse harem! That’s the first in a while, hey? *evil cackle*
Bone Witch took me by surprise on a few occasions. Though I called that plot twist! I’m actually genuinely hoping that the plot twist within this first book will come into play in the rest of the series somehow.
Within Bone Witch there’s one point of view–and that’s from Winter. We learn early on that Winter is slightly more trusting than she should be, and she realizes her mistakes throughout this first book. And actually, there’s quite a bit that makes Winter a realistic and relatable character: she grieves, she freaks out and she reacts in a way that, to me, is how I wish to react to things (lol, I have such a resting bitch face).
Another thing that we learn quite early on into Bone Witch that Winter doesn’t have her full powers. Yet she still does a badass job. And until she needed the extra oomf to her powers, Winter herself is very capable of protecting herself. When Winter completed the ritual to claim her powers, it was a total game changer for her.
Throughout the entirety of Bone Witch, nothing seemed to be going on the way that Winter wanted it to. In turn this caused the story to be quite interesting. I didn’t want to put the story away until I had finished reading.
I’m glad that this first step into Winter Wayne’s story was easy to fall into–and actually super easy to read. We’re also not given any long history lessons (which can sometimes break a story). I’m quite happy that there were times when Winter learned something new because that kept Bone Witch from becoming stale.
The love interest kind of took me by surprise to be honest. There are instances in the story where Winter isn’t sure of what she’s seeing, and she projects her own feelings from finding out the truth about herself, onto the love interest. Yet I knew that there was something more to the love interest that was kept from Winter.
I give Bone Witch, 3 stars! I’m truly looking forward to reading the next book.
----
Have you read Bone Witch? Have you read anything else by D.N. Hoxa?
I wanted to start with another series, but read that the book that I was interested in reading was a part of the Winter Wayne & Scarlet Jones world. When I find stuff like this out, I like to go back to the “very beginning.” I like to start where the first book was written and make my way through. ….Though if I’m remembering correctly, the author said that one could read the series she’s written as stand-alones..
It’s a great thing that I enjoyed this first Winter Wayne novel, so now I can thrown in some book reviews that aren’t reverse harem reviews.
December 15, 2017
I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.
The plot was certainly well thought out and there is a decent amount of world-building for a first book in a series. My problem was the story just never really drew me in. This is one of those books that honestly I think I would have enjoyed better as a movie or maybe at least an audiobook. To me the constant lies/deception got old fast (and some of it I figured out way faster than the MC, so by the time she knew I was more than a little over it already). I didn't really like Winter, so I didn't feel myself caring about her journey.
I think this is a book that a lot of people will enjoy, but it just didn't really work for me.
The plot was certainly well thought out and there is a decent amount of world-building for a first book in a series. My problem was the story just never really drew me in. This is one of those books that honestly I think I would have enjoyed better as a movie or maybe at least an audiobook. To me the constant lies/deception got old fast (and some of it I figured out way faster than the MC, so by the time she knew I was more than a little over it already). I didn't really like Winter, so I didn't feel myself caring about her journey.
I think this is a book that a lot of people will enjoy, but it just didn't really work for me.
December 27, 2017
First let me state that I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I always leave an honest review.
Wow!!! I really enjoyed this story very much. This was a gr8 read. Let me say that, Winter is an awesome character. She's one strong, yet stubborn woman. I love that she held to her standards with her ex, Dylan. This story had a lot of twists & turns and I couldn't put it down. There is so much more to say about this story, but I don't want to give any of it away. I'm looking forward to reading book 2. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Wow!!! I really enjoyed this story very much. This was a gr8 read. Let me say that, Winter is an awesome character. She's one strong, yet stubborn woman. I love that she held to her standards with her ex, Dylan. This story had a lot of twists & turns and I couldn't put it down. There is so much more to say about this story, but I don't want to give any of it away. I'm looking forward to reading book 2. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
January 24, 2018
**I voluntarily received an Advance Reader Copy of this book.**
I love this story! There is lots of magic, lots of running and fighting, some mystery and a bit of romance. The perfect combination for a paranormal adventure.
I am hoping the romance is ramped up in the next episode. The hero in this story is definitely more than he appears. And they make such a wonderful couple. I know there would be lots of heat between this couple.
Having said that, this girl has a knack for getting into trouble. I am sure that it will find her again.
Great read!
I love this story! There is lots of magic, lots of running and fighting, some mystery and a bit of romance. The perfect combination for a paranormal adventure.
I am hoping the romance is ramped up in the next episode. The hero in this story is definitely more than he appears. And they make such a wonderful couple. I know there would be lots of heat between this couple.
Having said that, this girl has a knack for getting into trouble. I am sure that it will find her again.
Great read!
February 7, 2018
Not too bad but with some mix feelings
I've decided to give this a three star rating.
The storyline itself was interesting and had enough action to keep me from stopping all together. The H Julian was alright. He played very well into his character. I had a really hard time with the heroine. She was too emotional and whiny for me. Just about every scene she's in, she's crying about one thing or another. I'm used to reading about heroines who have more backbone.
At this point I am unsure if I will continue the series or not. We will see.
I've decided to give this a three star rating.
The storyline itself was interesting and had enough action to keep me from stopping all together. The H Julian was alright. He played very well into his character. I had a really hard time with the heroine. She was too emotional and whiny for me. Just about every scene she's in, she's crying about one thing or another. I'm used to reading about heroines who have more backbone.
At this point I am unsure if I will continue the series or not. We will see.
January 3, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I am always a huge fan of books that dive right into the excitement and hook me from the first page and this is one of those books. The pace of this story feels great with all the action! Winter makes a great heroine and I love that she's not constantly needing some guy to save her because she can kick butt all on her own. The characters feel real and the world feels believable, I can't wait to read the next in the series!
I am always a huge fan of books that dive right into the excitement and hook me from the first page and this is one of those books. The pace of this story feels great with all the action! Winter makes a great heroine and I love that she's not constantly needing some guy to save her because she can kick butt all on her own. The characters feel real and the world feels believable, I can't wait to read the next in the series!
February 27, 2020
Too whiney
I had to stop reading. The h was just too whiney. Paragraphs upon paragraphs of complaining, resisting or rejecting her magic to be more powerful- which no person would believable do. She barely survives many attempts on her life and yet still rejects her magic even as it saves her. If she's too dumb to comprehend how idiotic she's behaving I can't get into her story.
I had to stop reading. The h was just too whiney. Paragraphs upon paragraphs of complaining, resisting or rejecting her magic to be more powerful- which no person would believable do. She barely survives many attempts on her life and yet still rejects her magic even as it saves her. If she's too dumb to comprehend how idiotic she's behaving I can't get into her story.
dnf
April 22, 202052% DNF
In the beginning, I was intrigued. Then the MC got her powers. I was disappointed. Her reaction to her powers and the childlike determination to ignore the truth, made me lose respect for the MC. Once she begged and pleaded, to have the ritual reversed, I was done with this book.
In the beginning, I was intrigued. Then the MC got her powers. I was disappointed. Her reaction to her powers and the childlike determination to ignore the truth, made me lose respect for the MC. Once she begged and pleaded, to have the ritual reversed, I was done with this book.
April 4, 2019
I hated Winter, absolutely hated her. She was a petty, self-centered hag, with no redeeming qualities until the last 2 paragraphs of the book. I only finished this, because the reviews said that it got better...it didn't, imo.
January 21, 2018
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. wow...i couldn't put this book down!! we meet Winter Wayne, bone witch and low on the totem pole. she was recently let go from her job and whole sitting in a bar nursing a drink a vampire comes up to her and says he'll pay her to deliver a package. after numerous attempts, a fight with werewolves, winter agrees. the.next day she delivers the package to the address and comes face to face with a hottie, Julian and what does she do...ask for ID!! the next thing she knows she's surrounded by weres and Julian speeding towards her to save her. WTF did winter sign up for. she doesn't trust Julian and asks what's in the pkg...he tells her blood...dragon blood to be exact. whateva...she shoots him in the.leg and makes a run for it. there's a price on her head and everyone is after her including ex coworkers. after another battle she knows what she must do but is terrified to. being a bone witch, one must go thru a ceremony and with het mother being dead she has to use her bones. in the heat of the moment and running for her life she says the spell to come into her powers but everything changes. will winter accept the changes? will she convince Julian to help her eventho she shot him? will she survive being hunted? soooo can't wait for the next book.
September 24, 2020
Winter is coming to terms with losing her job with Finn. The job she was hired for did not go the way it was supposed to. Winter is approached by a vampire to deliver a package to an address, he paid her well enough. Winter takes it to the package to the address and meets with the person it is supposed to go to. Winter is drawn to him, she doesn't want to do another relationship. When leaving from her delivery she is approached by ECU, she barely leaves with her life. Her former boss calls her about what about. Winter has stepped in it now, she wants to clear her name.
Winter is on the run while trying to figure out how to clear her name. Finn will not completely help her. Winter has to save her old boyfriend Dylan from one of Finn's employees. Dylan tells her she has to do the ritual for her magic. Winter is afraid to do it because of her mother raising her without it. Winter is now has no choice but to do the ritual. Winter will learn the truth about herself while trying to clear her name and stay alive.
This was a great first book in the Winter Wayne series. There is non-stop action dealing with Winter, her magic, her learning the truth about herself and so much more. Winter is fierce woman with a sarcastic attitude that draws you into the the story. I can't wait to continue the adventure of reading this story.
Winter is on the run while trying to figure out how to clear her name. Finn will not completely help her. Winter has to save her old boyfriend Dylan from one of Finn's employees. Dylan tells her she has to do the ritual for her magic. Winter is afraid to do it because of her mother raising her without it. Winter is now has no choice but to do the ritual. Winter will learn the truth about herself while trying to clear her name and stay alive.
This was a great first book in the Winter Wayne series. There is non-stop action dealing with Winter, her magic, her learning the truth about herself and so much more. Winter is fierce woman with a sarcastic attitude that draws you into the the story. I can't wait to continue the adventure of reading this story.
February 4, 2021
Good
Winter is a bone witch, one with very little power.
Having been fired from her job after a case went bad, she makes the mistake of making a delivery... a delivery that has disastrous consequences.
Going on the run, Winter discovers things about herself she never knew, and learns more about the world she lives in than she ever expected to.
This is the first book in the series.
Filled with action, suspense, and a lot of magic, it’s a compelling journey through an imaginative universe, with richly drawn characters and scenes where you’ll find yourself empathizing with them.
The lead character Winter, starts out a little abrasive. When things start to go wrong, she reacts rather childishly making some bad choices. Fortunately, she actually realizes it at some point, and takes a hard look at herself- I say fortunately, because it was this that saved the book from annoying me immensely - up until then I was getting rather frustrated at her!
Since it’s only the first of a series, you’ll probably want to line up the books that follow. There is no cliffhanger, just an open-ended ending.
Recommended for urban fantasy fans, and those who have read and enjoyed other books by the author.
Winter is a bone witch, one with very little power.
Having been fired from her job after a case went bad, she makes the mistake of making a delivery... a delivery that has disastrous consequences.
Going on the run, Winter discovers things about herself she never knew, and learns more about the world she lives in than she ever expected to.
This is the first book in the series.
Filled with action, suspense, and a lot of magic, it’s a compelling journey through an imaginative universe, with richly drawn characters and scenes where you’ll find yourself empathizing with them.
The lead character Winter, starts out a little abrasive. When things start to go wrong, she reacts rather childishly making some bad choices. Fortunately, she actually realizes it at some point, and takes a hard look at herself- I say fortunately, because it was this that saved the book from annoying me immensely - up until then I was getting rather frustrated at her!
Since it’s only the first of a series, you’ll probably want to line up the books that follow. There is no cliffhanger, just an open-ended ending.
Recommended for urban fantasy fans, and those who have read and enjoyed other books by the author.
May 20, 2022
2.5/5
This was not my cup of tea at all.
I have nothing against female protagonists (I am a 44 year old male), but writing a female protagonist with no redeeming qualities, no agency and no competency means that we are left with a girl, fawning over the main love interest. His only job on the other hand, is to provide situations and stilted dialogue for her to swoon and fawn over.
On top of that, the main conflict is entirely unrelatable to me, and that might be my age and gender, and not a fault of the author.
The protagonist is killing people, breaking laws, sacrificing own health and safety, endangering family members and the Love Interest, all because something made her ugly. The last two thirds of the book is her trying anything and everything to reverse her ugliness. I know, I know - there are some other implications besides the ugliness, but those are mentioned offhandedly, and not foreshadowed at all. In the end, what moves her, is if the Love Interest finds her beautiful or not. Ugh.
All in all, an unlikable protagonist that has no agency, and merely follows directions from the Love Interest and a family member. On the other hand, she insists on being obtuse to push the plot forward. This is especially obvious in the stilted dialogue.
This was not my cup of tea at all.
I have nothing against female protagonists (I am a 44 year old male), but writing a female protagonist with no redeeming qualities, no agency and no competency means that we are left with a girl, fawning over the main love interest. His only job on the other hand, is to provide situations and stilted dialogue for her to swoon and fawn over.
On top of that, the main conflict is entirely unrelatable to me, and that might be my age and gender, and not a fault of the author.
The protagonist is killing people, breaking laws, sacrificing own health and safety, endangering family members and the Love Interest, all because something made her ugly. The last two thirds of the book is her trying anything and everything to reverse her ugliness. I know, I know - there are some other implications besides the ugliness, but those are mentioned offhandedly, and not foreshadowed at all. In the end, what moves her, is if the Love Interest finds her beautiful or not. Ugh.
All in all, an unlikable protagonist that has no agency, and merely follows directions from the Love Interest and a family member. On the other hand, she insists on being obtuse to push the plot forward. This is especially obvious in the stilted dialogue.
May 15, 2024
Not the greatest narration but I heard worse. The ml felt very simpi-sch while the fl was for a fighter and strong willed super influence able wich made no sense to me. She is naive and quick to judge and makes very rushed decisions that burns bridges behind her out of pure pettulence 🤷♀️🤦♀️ i like the world, i like the xenophobia i think I like the magic system although there isn't much explaine. Like tracking spells how they work how the know they will be found or not.. did they left blood or magic traces behind ? Did their wards not ward against tracking spells idk..so for me it missed a big chance to create a extra layer of cool and make the magic more vocal instead of an afterthought.. but I enjoyed it as fluff.. I have a few that I can listen for free untill 17 and 19 may so I will start a few firsts of series to see wich serie I hope to finish before that date.. but so far I had a few mediocre books. But for free audio books their great distraction while crocheting and chores.. I still have oceans of time being mostly home bound. If I had limited free time and only 2 or 3 hours a day for books this would not be it ! Only 3,75 stars and up would be good enough
September 28, 2024
It was a good first book I was drawn right into this modern world where magical creatures lived beside humans but the humans didn’t really know what was going on.
Our female protagonist is a kick ass character who gets herself into something she doesn’t understand.
It leads to her on the run for her life and the desperation to unlock her bone witch magic, something that her mother didn’t want her to do.
She discovered she’s 1/2 fae something that this world looks down on.. well all fae but with her new ears and purple eyes being 1/2 or full no one will care they will all treat her differently.
The man that she was on the run because of says he’s a blood witch and that he’s a scientist and that he stole some dragon blood and that’s why the magic like FBI are after them.
It ends up opening a portal so he can go back home to the fae lands as he’s actually a far prince that’s been trapped on earth for 100 years… and he wants her to live with him and stay with him.
But she says no and goes back home bringing back the rest of the dragon blood and saying she killed him ti clear her name.
Our female protagonist is a kick ass character who gets herself into something she doesn’t understand.
It leads to her on the run for her life and the desperation to unlock her bone witch magic, something that her mother didn’t want her to do.
She discovered she’s 1/2 fae something that this world looks down on.. well all fae but with her new ears and purple eyes being 1/2 or full no one will care they will all treat her differently.
The man that she was on the run because of says he’s a blood witch and that he’s a scientist and that he stole some dragon blood and that’s why the magic like FBI are after them.
It ends up opening a portal so he can go back home to the fae lands as he’s actually a far prince that’s been trapped on earth for 100 years… and he wants her to live with him and stay with him.
But she says no and goes back home bringing back the rest of the dragon blood and saying she killed him ti clear her name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
2.75 stars. I liked the concept of the story line, but there was a ton of redundant stuff in the book. Winter CONSTANTLY complained about how she looked and wanted to change it. To the point where she would kill anyone in her way JUST to do so/to keep her secret. And the way she viewed fairies was pretty damn racist. I was honestly grossed out over it. Winter really didn’t have anything I liked about her until the very end. Like the last chapter, maybe. She annoyed me to no end.
Julian wasn’t much better. You could tell there was something off about him basically the whole book.
In the end, the book was alright, but I can’t say it’s something I’d recommend to anyone else. I will say that DN Hoxa has quite a few books that I absolutely love, so be sure to check her other works out.
Julian wasn’t much better. You could tell there was something off about him basically the whole book.
In the end, the book was alright, but I can’t say it’s something I’d recommend to anyone else. I will say that DN Hoxa has quite a few books that I absolutely love, so be sure to check her other works out.
December 18, 2017
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I enjoyed the first part before Winter getting her magic, then the second part was good, with her trying to figure everything out. The ending was a bit surprising but foreshadowed. This was a no cliffhanger, very light romance story, but it does lead to the next book, which I just pre-ordered.
I liked Winter. She was not a whiner or damsel in distress, nor was she a Mary Sue. She was just a regular girl who happened to have some magic then she got more. I liked that. Julian was a bit of a jerk, but not too unlikable. I did feel like her aunt let her in too quickly. She was supposed to be estranged and hadn't seen her in years.
4.5 stars rounded up.
I liked Winter. She was not a whiner or damsel in distress, nor was she a Mary Sue. She was just a regular girl who happened to have some magic then she got more. I liked that. Julian was a bit of a jerk, but not too unlikable. I did feel like her aunt let her in too quickly. She was supposed to be estranged and hadn't seen her in years.
4.5 stars rounded up.
January 9, 2018
Entertaining story with strong female lead
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I was expecting a PNR that focused on a love interest but instead found an exciting, action-packed story of survival and personal enlightenment. I didn't agree with all choices Winter made but the character was developed enough for the reader to understand her POV. I will read book 2. I'm curious as to what Winter will get herself into next. I appreciated this could be read as a standalone book (no cliffhanger).
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I was expecting a PNR that focused on a love interest but instead found an exciting, action-packed story of survival and personal enlightenment. I didn't agree with all choices Winter made but the character was developed enough for the reader to understand her POV. I will read book 2. I'm curious as to what Winter will get herself into next. I appreciated this could be read as a standalone book (no cliffhanger).
March 14, 2018
I really liked the way author D N Hoxa let the dialogue flow in this first book in the Winter Wayne series. I enjoyed her character's colorful language, as well as her disrespectful and irreverent attitude. I always enjoy books that combine paranormal beings, witchcraft, spells, and of course the physical battles between them. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This is a rather late voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gem Books.
September 8, 2018
It took me a little while to get into this book but it was worth the effort at the end. The action picked up and the main character settled down a little bit (she complained a bit too much in the beginning). I thought there was decent world building and I always love one a character has to question everything she thought she knew--thanks to someone revealing a world-wide bias, something that is so ingrained, you never think to question it. It is more realistic than we realize.
I would read another in the series.
I would read another in the series.
September 11, 2018
Just what I needed!
I found myself in a reading slump, which had absolutely never happened before! After I went through and discarded at least 5 different books, I got lucky and found Bone Witch. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It had everything that I was missing: a good, solid plot; likable characters; and minimal typos or blatant errors. Call me old school, but it gets old mentally correcting the author. LOL
Thanks, Ms. Hoxa! I'll be reading a lot more of your books!
I found myself in a reading slump, which had absolutely never happened before! After I went through and discarded at least 5 different books, I got lucky and found Bone Witch. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It had everything that I was missing: a good, solid plot; likable characters; and minimal typos or blatant errors. Call me old school, but it gets old mentally correcting the author. LOL
Thanks, Ms. Hoxa! I'll be reading a lot more of your books!
March 12, 2019
A tough gritty heroine
Hoxa seems to specialize in tough, gritty heroines and Winter Wayne is no exception. With this book the reader gets a slightly different slant on a paranormal where they live cheek by jowl with humans. FYI don’t expect a love happily ever after ending because you won’t get one here. However Winter does triumph over her enemies and reconnect with her mothers family. The story is almost non stop action, with Winter constantly climbing or jumping out of one frying pan into another. If you don’t mind a little grit and blood, you’ll like this story.
Hoxa seems to specialize in tough, gritty heroines and Winter Wayne is no exception. With this book the reader gets a slightly different slant on a paranormal where they live cheek by jowl with humans. FYI don’t expect a love happily ever after ending because you won’t get one here. However Winter does triumph over her enemies and reconnect with her mothers family. The story is almost non stop action, with Winter constantly climbing or jumping out of one frying pan into another. If you don’t mind a little grit and blood, you’ll like this story.
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