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Katie Bishop #2
Blackthorn Grove
"Miss Bishop, I'm afraid we have a witch war on our hands."
Katie Bishop has just been pulled back into the world of the Crossroads Society—to hunt down a murderous sorceress looking to take over the throne of Savannah.
It’s just another Saturday night in the city, but what happens on this particular evening will set the wheels in motion for a witch war that could destroy Blackthorn Grove—the reigning coven of Savannah. There’s been a murder, and all the evidence points to one of their own. In the race to uncover the truth before a council of witches arrives for a formal tribunal, the revelations about Blackthorn Grove keep coming.
But that’s not all Katie has to deal with. There’s a fight going on inside of her—between the woman and the dragon that lives on her back. With her twenty-fifth birthday right around the corner, she’ll be faced with an even bigger fight—battle for control over the dragon in what could be a deadly ritual.
Will the witches of Blackthorn Grove retain the throne of Savannah? Will Katie win the battle for control over the dragon?
BLACKTHORN GROVE is the second book in the Katie Bishop series—a contemporary southern fantasy.
Katie Bishop has just been pulled back into the world of the Crossroads Society—to hunt down a murderous sorceress looking to take over the throne of Savannah.
It’s just another Saturday night in the city, but what happens on this particular evening will set the wheels in motion for a witch war that could destroy Blackthorn Grove—the reigning coven of Savannah. There’s been a murder, and all the evidence points to one of their own. In the race to uncover the truth before a council of witches arrives for a formal tribunal, the revelations about Blackthorn Grove keep coming.
But that’s not all Katie has to deal with. There’s a fight going on inside of her—between the woman and the dragon that lives on her back. With her twenty-fifth birthday right around the corner, she’ll be faced with an even bigger fight—battle for control over the dragon in what could be a deadly ritual.
Will the witches of Blackthorn Grove retain the throne of Savannah? Will Katie win the battle for control over the dragon?
BLACKTHORN GROVE is the second book in the Katie Bishop series—a contemporary southern fantasy.
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First published December 9, 2017
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About the author
Luanne Bennett
28 books205 followersLuanne Bennett is an author of fantasy and the supernatural. Born in Chicago, she lives in Georgia these days where she writes full time and doesn’t miss a thing about the cubicles and conference rooms of her old life. When she isn’t writing or dreaming up new stories, she’s usually cooking or tending a herd of felines and basset hounds. Look for book three of the Katie Bishop series coming this spring!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 13, 2021
Well, that was disappointing.
There were flaws with the first book, for sure, but in general I liked that Katie was smart. A doormat, but smart. Well, in this book she remained a doormat - seriously, the fact that there aren't a lot of dead witches at the end of this book ASTOUNDS me - and also took a swan dive off the top of Mt. TSTL.
She was horrible to everyone around her, made terrible decisions about everything from her personal shit to the overall plot shit, and really just entirely became The Worst. And again, to repeat what I said in my book 1 review: she is a motherfucking dragon! I expect badassery!
But there is not a single badass thing about Katie. She's a stupid asshole who, in the end, always needs someone else to save her.
I am starting book 3 because I already bought it, but I honestly don't expect to finish it.
There were flaws with the first book, for sure, but in general I liked that Katie was smart. A doormat, but smart. Well, in this book she remained a doormat - seriously, the fact that there aren't a lot of dead witches at the end of this book ASTOUNDS me - and also took a swan dive off the top of Mt. TSTL.
She was horrible to everyone around her, made terrible decisions about everything from her personal shit to the overall plot shit, and really just entirely became The Worst. And again, to repeat what I said in my book 1 review: she is a motherfucking dragon! I expect badassery!
But there is not a single badass thing about Katie. She's a stupid asshole who, in the end, always needs someone else to save her.
I am starting book 3 because I already bought it, but I honestly don't expect to finish it.
June 14, 2022
3.5 stars. Liked it better than the first but there’s still a little something off for me. I honestly think I’m reading it more for Sugar than main character Katie
November 18, 2021
Katie Bishop once again needs to save Savannah. This time it is an evil witch returning from the dead. With the help of all her friends and witches she manages, barely. Katie also, needs to decide if she is going to permanently turn into a dragon on her 25th birthday. Jackson, her boyfriend does not appear as much in this one since she has pushed him away.
Another great addition to the Katie Bishop saga. I hope the next book though does not have something returning from the dead to destroy Savannah.
Another great addition to the Katie Bishop saga. I hope the next book though does not have something returning from the dead to destroy Savannah.
December 19, 2022
Still rating down a star for ugly hook endings. I ended this thinking if this is the normal ending for this author we may have to part company.
Although I occasionally find the female MC a bit insipid, it's my hope those occasions are examples of places from which the character can grow. I hope.
Otherwise the world is interesting, the story engaging, and the characters interesting enough to want to know better. I would listen to more of these if I found them on sale.
I found the narration quite good, though.
Bulk input day.
Although I occasionally find the female MC a bit insipid, it's my hope those occasions are examples of places from which the character can grow. I hope.
Otherwise the world is interesting, the story engaging, and the characters interesting enough to want to know better. I would listen to more of these if I found them on sale.
I found the narration quite good, though.
Bulk input day.
November 11, 2024
Dragon
Very edgey, some surprises love the love story. Witch's storyline is good. Shifters are good what other kind will you come up with?
Very edgey, some surprises love the love story. Witch's storyline is good. Shifters are good what other kind will you come up with?
July 9, 2018
This is the second book in the Katie Bishop series. This book had the potential to be a great follow but fell short by an inch. The main concept of there being a "witch war," of the blackthorn grove coven retaining its reign, and of Katie choosing her fate of being a full dragon or not sounded awesome. And as I said, this book could've been awesome but where it could've been awesome it was actually anticlimactic. There was no witch war and the battle with the baddest of the baddest witches didn't feel as if the coven and Katie were dealing with evil's daughter. The witch council had the tiniest screen time so there was no real fear the blackthorn coven loosing its supremacy of Savannah. And lastly, Katie refused to give much thought to her becoming a full dragon. Also, another thing that bothered me was the misuse of "your" I'm not apart of the grammar nazi but the your v you're thing was obvious here, which isn't the author's fault.
However, I did see improvement from the first book so that gave me hope. There was so much potential and good one liners/scenes that I gave this book 3 stars. Jackson is a great guy/character, he's not the typical brooding alpha male that you usually see in Urban Fantasy. The book ended on a cliff hanger in regards to him which hooked me for book 3 coming out in summer 2018...so soon? Sugar is a great supporting character that deserves an award for all the shit she puts up with. Definitely looking for more screen time of the supporting characters in book 3, especially Jackson.
However, I did see improvement from the first book so that gave me hope. There was so much potential and good one liners/scenes that I gave this book 3 stars. Jackson is a great guy/character, he's not the typical brooding alpha male that you usually see in Urban Fantasy. The book ended on a cliff hanger in regards to him which hooked me for book 3 coming out in summer 2018...so soon? Sugar is a great supporting character that deserves an award for all the shit she puts up with. Definitely looking for more screen time of the supporting characters in book 3, especially Jackson.
July 26, 2019
More Dragon Fire
This second book in the series is as enjoyable as the first. The writing style is smooth and the characters compelling. My personal favourite is Sugar, a larger than life drag queen with a voodoo Mama, who still calls her Raymond. Sugar is protective of her friends and has no respect for those who treat her with none, and isn’t shy about saying it.
In this book a dead witch is trying to come through the Crossroads, using the bones of a dead god, to wreak vengeance against the individuals who have treated her line with disrespect. The dead witch is channelling power through the unsuspecting and people are dying. The dead witch is a fire witch and The Society believes that Katie’s dragon may be the only thing that will save Savannah when the witch comes through to their realm.
Amongst all the trials and tribulations of Savannah as a whole, Katie is having her own problems with balancing her human and dragon half and learning how to take help when it’s given.
The plot in this book is well constructed and nothing is obvious at the outset, which I enjoy very much. It’s a great urban fantasy series and I will continue to read it.
This second book in the series is as enjoyable as the first. The writing style is smooth and the characters compelling. My personal favourite is Sugar, a larger than life drag queen with a voodoo Mama, who still calls her Raymond. Sugar is protective of her friends and has no respect for those who treat her with none, and isn’t shy about saying it.
In this book a dead witch is trying to come through the Crossroads, using the bones of a dead god, to wreak vengeance against the individuals who have treated her line with disrespect. The dead witch is channelling power through the unsuspecting and people are dying. The dead witch is a fire witch and The Society believes that Katie’s dragon may be the only thing that will save Savannah when the witch comes through to their realm.
Amongst all the trials and tribulations of Savannah as a whole, Katie is having her own problems with balancing her human and dragon half and learning how to take help when it’s given.
The plot in this book is well constructed and nothing is obvious at the outset, which I enjoy very much. It’s a great urban fantasy series and I will continue to read it.
December 6, 2019
2.9 for me but for Goodreads, it's an "Okay" 2-star rating. It took me a LONG time to finish this (I got this in October).
I enjoyed the first book so much and looked forward to reading this. The opening started out really good and I felt like I was in a murder mystery, but somewhere along the way, Katie just seemed to be overwhelmed with her problems. And because we're reading through her perspective, you're basically getting overwhelmed, too. Even the story got overwhelmed. I'm supposed to be getting a witch war with a frightening council but that's not what I got, and I'm not even sure if this book is supposed to have romance with the way Katie treats J. I didn't like it, or the way everything felt chaotic.
I enjoyed the first book so much and looked forward to reading this. The opening started out really good and I felt like I was in a murder mystery, but somewhere along the way, Katie just seemed to be overwhelmed with her problems. And because we're reading through her perspective, you're basically getting overwhelmed, too. Even the story got overwhelmed. I'm supposed to be getting a witch war with a frightening council but that's not what I got, and I'm not even sure if this book is supposed to have romance with the way Katie treats J. I didn't like it, or the way everything felt chaotic.
March 16, 2023
I almost gave it 5 stars!
The story was really good, and it fleshed out Katie's world. But I'm really over African gods/hoodoo being made out to be bad or evil. In the 1st book, it was okay that Legvu was the bad guy, because Elegba is trickster god and tricksters are usually seen as evil. But this time? It was too much. If this trend of African magic as evil continues, I'll have to stop following this author. That would be a shame, because her stories are otherwise entertaining.
The story was really good, and it fleshed out Katie's world. But I'm really over African gods/hoodoo being made out to be bad or evil. In the 1st book, it was okay that Legvu was the bad guy, because Elegba is trickster god and tricksters are usually seen as evil. But this time? It was too much. If this trend of African magic as evil continues, I'll have to stop following this author. That would be a shame, because her stories are otherwise entertaining.
July 10, 2018
3.5 stars - pretty good, but lightweight UF - so conflicts are easily resolved and the romance is an afterthought. It is KU though.
Read
November 12, 2020Katie Bishop is at it again in “Blackthorn Grove.” This time a wealthy couple was hosting a boring party when the wife for up, shot her husband in the head, sat back down and asked someone to pass her the bread.
Upon investigation it seems the wife was having a lesbian affair with one of the head witches of a local clan. It seems her mistress might have been responsible for cursing the woman into killing her husband in a room full of people. The society contact Katie and they want her help with the case before the high inquisition of the witch in question takes place but it seems they are holding some cards close to the vest like the fact that the witch is Fin’s ex wife.
Meanwhile, Sea Bass beings in a ugly looking vase in the shape of a face and weird things begin happening. Sugar is on a tyrade in an attempt to keep Katie safe and Katie meets her Aunt who gives her some devastating and unexpected news. There is no doubt Katie has a lot on her plate. The question is will she have the fortitude it will take to handle it before it is too late?
This read read a little slow in the beginning but once it got started my interest peaked. I think a part of the problem was there just wasn’t enough Jackson in this read to spark the romantic moments in this storyline. All in all, there was quite a bit going on, plenty of tension and mystique and with the character of Sugar there is never a dull moment!
Upon investigation it seems the wife was having a lesbian affair with one of the head witches of a local clan. It seems her mistress might have been responsible for cursing the woman into killing her husband in a room full of people. The society contact Katie and they want her help with the case before the high inquisition of the witch in question takes place but it seems they are holding some cards close to the vest like the fact that the witch is Fin’s ex wife.
Meanwhile, Sea Bass beings in a ugly looking vase in the shape of a face and weird things begin happening. Sugar is on a tyrade in an attempt to keep Katie safe and Katie meets her Aunt who gives her some devastating and unexpected news. There is no doubt Katie has a lot on her plate. The question is will she have the fortitude it will take to handle it before it is too late?
This read read a little slow in the beginning but once it got started my interest peaked. I think a part of the problem was there just wasn’t enough Jackson in this read to spark the romantic moments in this storyline. All in all, there was quite a bit going on, plenty of tension and mystique and with the character of Sugar there is never a dull moment!
July 17, 2024
This is set up like a mystery that only Katie can solve, but she is more along for the ride and consistently getting lucky than an actual helpful part of solving anything. Things are constantly happening around and to her. She fails to ask even the most basic of questions. Even though other people are the ones getting answers, and those other people knew eachother well before Katie came along, they aren't talking to eachother. Katie is really only involved because she is a messenger, at best.
She was also pretty immature in this book and made some dumb decisions without any real reason other than *for the drama*, which I find annoying in a MC. She was an asshole to everyone, and even though she's super powerful, she's just sort of booping around the whole time.
I nearly DNF this one a couple times. I'm not sure I'm going to continue the series.
Also, can we please stop using Sugar as bait/getting held hostage to manipulate Katie into doing something? If were gonna use that pattern again, maybe use a white or cishet character instead?
She was also pretty immature in this book and made some dumb decisions without any real reason other than *for the drama*, which I find annoying in a MC. She was an asshole to everyone, and even though she's super powerful, she's just sort of booping around the whole time.
I nearly DNF this one a couple times. I'm not sure I'm going to continue the series.
Also, can we please stop using Sugar as bait/getting held hostage to manipulate Katie into doing something? If were gonna use that pattern again, maybe use a white or cishet character instead?
March 31, 2021
It’s just another Saturday night in the city, but what happens on this particular evening will set the wheels in motion for a witch war that could destroy Blackthorn Grove—the reigning coven of Savannah. There’s been a murder, and all the evidence points to one of their own. In the race to uncover the truth before a council of witches arrives for a formal tribunal, the revelations about Blackthorn Grove keep coming.
But that’s not all Katie has to deal with. There’s a fight going on inside of her—between the woman and the dragon that lives on her back. With her twenty-fifth birthday right around the corner, she’ll be faced with an even bigger fight—battle for control over the dragon in what could be a deadly ritual
But that’s not all Katie has to deal with. There’s a fight going on inside of her—between the woman and the dragon that lives on her back. With her twenty-fifth birthday right around the corner, she’ll be faced with an even bigger fight—battle for control over the dragon in what could be a deadly ritual
January 7, 2022
Okay.
Again, this had some good things going for it - magic, witches, etc., and a really bad witch coming back from the dead. I still struggled with a few characters (how about dialogue from a bad B movie) but particularly struggled with most everything having a bitter, self-defeating view. Then a few instances of the main character, Katie, doing the worn out TSTL behavior irritated me enough to quit the series. My issue, I know. I like to have hope the main character will actively seek to learn what is needed to survive and thrive rather than to wait passively to be told what to do. Sheesh.
Again, this had some good things going for it - magic, witches, etc., and a really bad witch coming back from the dead. I still struggled with a few characters (how about dialogue from a bad B movie) but particularly struggled with most everything having a bitter, self-defeating view. Then a few instances of the main character, Katie, doing the worn out TSTL behavior irritated me enough to quit the series. My issue, I know. I like to have hope the main character will actively seek to learn what is needed to survive and thrive rather than to wait passively to be told what to do. Sheesh.
August 27, 2019
I really like this series. The premise is different than others in this genre. Sometimes that's not a good thing, but it works so far in this series. There is a tease at the end to segway into the next book. I don't see this as a cliffhanger. Both book 1 and 2 had completed storylines. I like the strong female lead and that the story revolved around the society asking for her help investigating a magical mystery. That story is entwined with her relationship with Jackson and her struggle with her inner beast. I love Sugar. What a great friend. I also liked the intro to girls night and the women in the community. I bought the next book.
December 10, 2023
This one wasn’t as good as the first, but still action packed. Blackthorn Grove, a coven of Savanah’s most powerful witches, needs Katie’s dragon to help clean up their mess. Meanwhile, Katie struggles with her looming 25th birthday - where she must decide whether to take her chance at a fiery death to remain human or become a dragon forever. The action and storyline were fun, but Katie’s rumination got a little tedious. I get that the author was trying to reflect a truly life-altering decision, but would have preferred other ways of going at it. Looking forward to book 3!
February 13, 2025
the first 5 star rating I have ever given
I only started reading these types of paranormal books for about 6 months. I have read about 200 hundred so far. The story lines of the Katie Bishop series is fascinating. They have opened up a unique new world that doesn’t follow many of the tried and true “facts “of supernatural world. Luanne characters are well fleshed out and truly likable. I would love to see the series do what True Blood did. A film series would be amazing. Now on to book 3.
I only started reading these types of paranormal books for about 6 months. I have read about 200 hundred so far. The story lines of the Katie Bishop series is fascinating. They have opened up a unique new world that doesn’t follow many of the tried and true “facts “of supernatural world. Luanne characters are well fleshed out and truly likable. I would love to see the series do what True Blood did. A film series would be amazing. Now on to book 3.
January 17, 2022
The Beast within.
So a dead Witch is causing mayhem about the town.
She manages to use her powers to make it look like one of the Blackthorn Grove Witches had killed her lovers husband.
Katie and the gang are dragged back into the Society's business once more.
But Katie is on her own timeline. On the stroke of midnight on her 25th birthday she has to fight her Dragon to stay human.
Will she win????
So a dead Witch is causing mayhem about the town.
She manages to use her powers to make it look like one of the Blackthorn Grove Witches had killed her lovers husband.
Katie and the gang are dragged back into the Society's business once more.
But Katie is on her own timeline. On the stroke of midnight on her 25th birthday she has to fight her Dragon to stay human.
Will she win????
June 17, 2023
I think this book can be summed up by saying, “It pays to have friends.” Especially a coven of good women with diverse gifts. Katie is starting to hate when Fin calls, because it means another problem the Society needs her help with. But with her 25th birthday coming up, she has a huge decision to make; become a dragon forever, or die. And she’ll have a 50-50 chance of staying herself or staying dead.
September 22, 2023
Needs a better editor, but great story telling
Luckily the story is great, so it's easy to edit mentally while reading. (And worth it)
The cast of characters is fun and likeable, easy to care about.
I have no idea about the veracity of the location information as I've never been to Savannah, but I like the world that is shaping up there.
Each book has new characters to meet and old characters to chum up to.
Definitely worth the time to invest.
Luckily the story is great, so it's easy to edit mentally while reading. (And worth it)
The cast of characters is fun and likeable, easy to care about.
I have no idea about the veracity of the location information as I've never been to Savannah, but I like the world that is shaping up there.
Each book has new characters to meet and old characters to chum up to.
Definitely worth the time to invest.
June 26, 2020
Good
Another chapter in Katie’s life. The plot of the witch and the murders was reasonable. I was frustrated with Jackson being absent for most of the story so we didn’t get to see their relationship developing. We’ve been told their a couple instead of being able to experience it.
Another chapter in Katie’s life. The plot of the witch and the murders was reasonable. I was frustrated with Jackson being absent for most of the story so we didn’t get to see their relationship developing. We’ve been told their a couple instead of being able to experience it.
July 17, 2023
Loved it
Katie is in for another round of trouble this time si.e of it is her own. Katie's 25 birthday is approaching and she has to decide to either Dona dangerous ritual or let the dragon have permanent control. At the same time she has a powerful witch trying to come through the cross roads to take over Savannah.
Katie is in for another round of trouble this time si.e of it is her own. Katie's 25 birthday is approaching and she has to decide to either Dona dangerous ritual or let the dragon have permanent control. At the same time she has a powerful witch trying to come through the cross roads to take over Savannah.
May 21, 2024
Katie
An evil spirit has been disturbed, and wants revenge and power. Strange deaths and occurrences have happened. And Crossroads is asking Katie to find and kill the spirit and its power source. Plus Katie's 25 th birthday is coming up and if she doesn't do a special ceremony, her dragon will take over control.
An evil spirit has been disturbed, and wants revenge and power. Strange deaths and occurrences have happened. And Crossroads is asking Katie to find and kill the spirit and its power source. Plus Katie's 25 th birthday is coming up and if she doesn't do a special ceremony, her dragon will take over control.
June 15, 2024
Good story, interesting characters, but I felt that the big baddie was more build up than she was worth. I found the side characters more important than Katie's constant back and forth and indecision. Perhaps I need to have read the previous books in the series to understand why she is that way. Love Sugar's mom, May.
October 9, 2024
another one!
This was a great addition to the series, it’s a world building installment light on the action but it sets us up for more interesting stories to come. I loved the way they worked the crossroads into this installment and meeting members of the Blackthorn grove brings the story together more.
This was a great addition to the series, it’s a world building installment light on the action but it sets us up for more interesting stories to come. I loved the way they worked the crossroads into this installment and meeting members of the Blackthorn grove brings the story together more.
November 1, 2024
Blackthorn Grove, book two of the Katie Bishop series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I'm enjoying this series after a so-so first book. Things are just as crazy and unpredictable as ever, and you're gonna love over-the-top Sugar and her (sometimes scary) mama. Love these characters.
January 27, 2025
Fun and adventurous
An urban fantasy with a different perspective than other urban fantasies zzz. The author does a good job building a rapport between the reader and the characters. Characters are quirky and the story stays exciting throughout. My only complaint would be the numerous typos but they are a minimal deterrent to the story. I do recommend!
An urban fantasy with a different perspective than other urban fantasies zzz. The author does a good job building a rapport between the reader and the characters. Characters are quirky and the story stays exciting throughout. My only complaint would be the numerous typos but they are a minimal deterrent to the story. I do recommend!
May 9, 2025
great book
I love this series. It’s right up my alley. Very comfortable to read and enjoy. The only reason I gave it four stars is due to the typos. Fortunately they aren’t a serious problem, just some forgotten tenses, like “ed” at the end of words. More of an irritation than a problem. It doesn’t change the reading.
I love this series. It’s right up my alley. Very comfortable to read and enjoy. The only reason I gave it four stars is due to the typos. Fortunately they aren’t a serious problem, just some forgotten tenses, like “ed” at the end of words. More of an irritation than a problem. It doesn’t change the reading.
August 18, 2021
Once again not dissapointed
I love the premise of these books. I do question how Katie treats people at times. But we are human and let our issues cloud our judgement, I suppose. However, these stories keep hooked until the last page.
I love the premise of these books. I do question how Katie treats people at times. But we are human and let our issues cloud our judgement, I suppose. However, these stories keep hooked until the last page.
September 19, 2021
I enjoyed the book, just irritated that she was always going to May’s house or being told she was the only one to fight with fire. And don’t get me started on Harold. Ugh I will continue the series, but it might be a couple months.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews