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Womby's School for Wayward Witches #1
Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells
Nerdy high school outcast, CLARISSA LAWRENCE, has always felt like she didn't belong in this world. More than anything, she wants magic to be real--and not just because she's obsessed with Harry Potter and tries to go to Narnia by reading fantasy novels in her wardrobe.
Yet, when she stumbles upon real magic, and fairy tales come true, she doesn't expect to be the evil villain in her own story. Clarissa learns she's descended from an evil witch and is destined to kill her older sister.
When she meets a cute boy who offers to train her in magic, she must make a choice. She can have a safe, normal life and no harm will come to anyone. Or she can choose magic and risk everything and everyone she loves in order to be what she's always known she was meant to be . . . a wicked witch.
This is the first book in the WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES Series, but the first three books can be read in any order.
Yet, when she stumbles upon real magic, and fairy tales come true, she doesn't expect to be the evil villain in her own story. Clarissa learns she's descended from an evil witch and is destined to kill her older sister.
When she meets a cute boy who offers to train her in magic, she must make a choice. She can have a safe, normal life and no harm will come to anyone. Or she can choose magic and risk everything and everyone she loves in order to be what she's always known she was meant to be . . . a wicked witch.
This is the first book in the WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES Series, but the first three books can be read in any order.
246 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2018
489 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
July 15, 2018
This is such a frustrating book to review, because typing it up reminds me of how irritated I got reading it. That's not to say it's not a good book. It's well-written and structurally sound with quite a few interesting ideas. However, the pop culture references (especially Harry Potter) abound. This is a problem for two reasons (in my opinion); firstly because this is a book about a young girl learning she's a witch and draws a few parallels to HP, and secondly because there's a character that is clearly heavily inspired by Professor Snape. So I ended up being pulled out of the narrative and doing mental comparisons.
The twists were kind if like merging lanes on a highway, they started strong and just kind of tapered off, ultimately going nowhere. Which, unfortunately, is kind of where the whole book went. The ending didn't leave me wanting more, the book just kind of stopped. The secondary characters were poorly developed, lacking anything to define them personality-wise, instead we're stuck with a myriad of physical traits and names to recall which was which, keeping me from getting attached to anyone. Time is often skipped, and at times it doesn't serve the narrative well, especially when it glosses over conflict and character drama outside what's going on with Clarissa's family, such as disagreenents and falling outs with her friends.
I love the author's writing style, which I why I'm going with 3 stars. The distinct voice kept the story from being something akin to one of Endora's nastier hexes.
The twists were kind if like merging lanes on a highway, they started strong and just kind of tapered off, ultimately going nowhere. Which, unfortunately, is kind of where the whole book went. The ending didn't leave me wanting more, the book just kind of stopped. The secondary characters were poorly developed, lacking anything to define them personality-wise, instead we're stuck with a myriad of physical traits and names to recall which was which, keeping me from getting attached to anyone. Time is often skipped, and at times it doesn't serve the narrative well, especially when it glosses over conflict and character drama outside what's going on with Clarissa's family, such as disagreenents and falling outs with her friends.
I love the author's writing style, which I why I'm going with 3 stars. The distinct voice kept the story from being something akin to one of Endora's nastier hexes.
January 16, 2019
A 4.5 star magical witchity read.
October 29, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I absolutely fell in love with this story! Though it starts out with Clarissa being a teenager, which led me to believe this was a YA book, I soon learned in the next one that she does age. I feel that is important information for anyone who is interested in reading it. This was a fast read through for me because the characters were likeable, and the story really kept my interest where I had to find out what happened next. There were quite a few twists and turns where I thought I had one thing figured out only to find I was wrong which led to more surprises along the way. I love a story that does that to me because how boring would reading something be if you could always guess the outcome! If you enjoy a well written story with paranormal characters then you will thoroughly enjoy this one. I am liking this series so much that I am almost finished with the third book and have the fourth already downloaded. So, do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book, your favorite something to drink and sit back and relax as you lose yourself in the Womby's School For Wayward Witches series and forget about life for a while!
I absolutely fell in love with this story! Though it starts out with Clarissa being a teenager, which led me to believe this was a YA book, I soon learned in the next one that she does age. I feel that is important information for anyone who is interested in reading it. This was a fast read through for me because the characters were likeable, and the story really kept my interest where I had to find out what happened next. There were quite a few twists and turns where I thought I had one thing figured out only to find I was wrong which led to more surprises along the way. I love a story that does that to me because how boring would reading something be if you could always guess the outcome! If you enjoy a well written story with paranormal characters then you will thoroughly enjoy this one. I am liking this series so much that I am almost finished with the third book and have the fourth already downloaded. So, do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book, your favorite something to drink and sit back and relax as you lose yourself in the Womby's School For Wayward Witches series and forget about life for a while!
December 27, 2022
This is the first book in this series called Wombys School of Wayward Witches and what a book to start it on !
The book immediately gets you hooked and invested with the characters right from the first page. In the book we meet Clarissa Lawrence who has never felt like she fits in with anyone , the one thing she can escape to is magic and fantasy worlds, she loves fantasy books and longs for magic to be real (despite what everyone else says!) But she quickly learns to be careful what she wishes for when she stumbles on real magic but finds out she is the villain and is destined to kill her older sister . She has the choice be a normal regular human or trained in magic and become the wicked witch she is meant to be.
The book had me absolutely hooked, it might be for younger readers (12+ I would say) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The way the story is written makes you want to read more and more , it keeps a hold on you till the very end. The characters featured in the book are strong and add a lot of depth too the book with some moments where the reader can identify with the character/s. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
The book immediately gets you hooked and invested with the characters right from the first page. In the book we meet Clarissa Lawrence who has never felt like she fits in with anyone , the one thing she can escape to is magic and fantasy worlds, she loves fantasy books and longs for magic to be real (despite what everyone else says!) But she quickly learns to be careful what she wishes for when she stumbles on real magic but finds out she is the villain and is destined to kill her older sister . She has the choice be a normal regular human or trained in magic and become the wicked witch she is meant to be.
The book had me absolutely hooked, it might be for younger readers (12+ I would say) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The way the story is written makes you want to read more and more , it keeps a hold on you till the very end. The characters featured in the book are strong and add a lot of depth too the book with some moments where the reader can identify with the character/s. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
August 18, 2018
Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A mix of Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, just about sums up the character of Clarissa Lawrence, who's unaware she's descended from witches, despite having a continuing fascination with all things Potter-like, well into her older teen years. A bit of a loner, as her parents (like Harry's uncle and aunt) won't accept her obsession and she's considered a nerd by 99% of her peers, life is not the magical fairytale Clarissa had anticipated.
Her powers, when she finally gets them, are anti-social to say the least and the only way she gets into Womby's School is as a Molly Weasley-type (inept), teacher, when she knows less than most of the students. Fortunately one student, Derek, befriends and educates Clarissa in magic techniques, to control the 'evil side' she inherited from a witch ancestress, so there's the chance of an HEA.
Interesting characters and a variety of scenarios keep the YA (of any age) happy as the story moves along at a good pace in this coming-of-age novella about the emotional issues confronting adolescent girls and the people they live and study with, as they learn life's lessons. Luckily Sarina Dorie has written another 9 stories to date, so the mild cliffhanger at the end of Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells is no barrier to long-term enjoyment. Get them all today and tell all your friends!
A mix of Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, just about sums up the character of Clarissa Lawrence, who's unaware she's descended from witches, despite having a continuing fascination with all things Potter-like, well into her older teen years. A bit of a loner, as her parents (like Harry's uncle and aunt) won't accept her obsession and she's considered a nerd by 99% of her peers, life is not the magical fairytale Clarissa had anticipated.
Her powers, when she finally gets them, are anti-social to say the least and the only way she gets into Womby's School is as a Molly Weasley-type (inept), teacher, when she knows less than most of the students. Fortunately one student, Derek, befriends and educates Clarissa in magic techniques, to control the 'evil side' she inherited from a witch ancestress, so there's the chance of an HEA.
Interesting characters and a variety of scenarios keep the YA (of any age) happy as the story moves along at a good pace in this coming-of-age novella about the emotional issues confronting adolescent girls and the people they live and study with, as they learn life's lessons. Luckily Sarina Dorie has written another 9 stories to date, so the mild cliffhanger at the end of Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells is no barrier to long-term enjoyment. Get them all today and tell all your friends!
January 18, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. If I were to summarize my impression in one sentence, I'd say that this book is more like a patchwork parody of pop culture references (especially Harry Potter), more appropriately aimed at young adult readers than the middle grade audience the title and writing style would suggest.
The protagonist of the story is a young, naive and impressionable fourteen year-old girl who struggles with the typical teenage angst of fitting in and finding love. However, she is also very preoccupied with her belief in magic that often makes her seem much too childish for her age. Combined with the albeit suitable juvenile (since it's written in first person), yet outdated, language in the book (who says "rental units" anymore??) and her unbelievable ignorance of sexual functions for a high school student, Clarissa just does not seem like a relatable heroine.
I also could not get over the sheer lack of descriptive detail or world building in this book. Sure, Clarissa could wax on about her love of fantasy and sci-fi and her abundance of nerd knowledge, but not enough detail is actually given on any of the magical tools, methods or references frequently mentioned. For example, what are those herbs Missy is always carrying around? Or that magic book? Why do electronics drain magic power? There is even a part in the story when Clarissa and Derrick are researching protective spells: "We read ancient myths and took notes on tactics people used to protect themselves in fantasy novels." Using works of fiction as real-life references - really? It wasn't until the last four chapters or so that we are introduced to the concept of "affinity magic." Granted, this is the first book in a series about a character who is just as clueless about the world as the reader, but getting through 90% of a book before getting some explanations is asking for quite a lot of dedication.
In terms of the secondary characters, I felt they were also not fleshed out enough. There's a brief nod to representation for including a lesbian couple, but overall, Clarissa's friends were not present often enough or given sufficient dialogue of their own to really identify with them as unique individuals, despite how much emphasis was placed on their physical "rocker/emo" appearances. I just saw the parents as typical protective and loving parents, until perhaps the last chapter or so when the mom got significantly more interesting, and Missy especially left me with many unanswered questions. How could a few hours' encounter change her personality so drastically towards someone she used to love and grew up with for fourteen years?
I would have forgiven all of the above if I believed this book was aimed at early or middle grade readers, but there were just certain instances of more mature content, especially in the final third of the book, that seemed to poke fun at the protagonist's perceived innocence (i.e. sex magic, s & m). My copy of the book even included a sneak peek of the sequel book, "Hex-Ed," and suffice it to say, chapter one solidified my notion that this book is merely a parody more mature readers would appreciate if they read it through fully (read: Matilda using Clarissa's special "affinity").
Side note: I'm not sure how the title relates to this story. I can remember perhaps one instance where the protagonist was late for class, let alone anything else, and so much emphasis is placed on the fact that she's too much of a threat to be able to attend Womby's that I'm not sure why the whole series is named after the school. Unfortunately, I am not compelled to continue with this series so I cannot say if the school eventually becomes a larger part of the narrative.
The protagonist of the story is a young, naive and impressionable fourteen year-old girl who struggles with the typical teenage angst of fitting in and finding love. However, she is also very preoccupied with her belief in magic that often makes her seem much too childish for her age. Combined with the albeit suitable juvenile (since it's written in first person), yet outdated, language in the book (who says "rental units" anymore??) and her unbelievable ignorance of sexual functions for a high school student, Clarissa just does not seem like a relatable heroine.
I also could not get over the sheer lack of descriptive detail or world building in this book. Sure, Clarissa could wax on about her love of fantasy and sci-fi and her abundance of nerd knowledge, but not enough detail is actually given on any of the magical tools, methods or references frequently mentioned. For example, what are those herbs Missy is always carrying around? Or that magic book? Why do electronics drain magic power? There is even a part in the story when Clarissa and Derrick are researching protective spells: "We read ancient myths and took notes on tactics people used to protect themselves in fantasy novels." Using works of fiction as real-life references - really? It wasn't until the last four chapters or so that we are introduced to the concept of "affinity magic." Granted, this is the first book in a series about a character who is just as clueless about the world as the reader, but getting through 90% of a book before getting some explanations is asking for quite a lot of dedication.
In terms of the secondary characters, I felt they were also not fleshed out enough. There's a brief nod to representation for including a lesbian couple, but overall, Clarissa's friends were not present often enough or given sufficient dialogue of their own to really identify with them as unique individuals, despite how much emphasis was placed on their physical "rocker/emo" appearances. I just saw the parents as typical protective and loving parents, until perhaps the last chapter or so when the mom got significantly more interesting, and Missy especially left me with many unanswered questions. How could a few hours' encounter change her personality so drastically towards someone she used to love and grew up with for fourteen years?
I would have forgiven all of the above if I believed this book was aimed at early or middle grade readers, but there were just certain instances of more mature content, especially in the final third of the book, that seemed to poke fun at the protagonist's perceived innocence (i.e. sex magic, s & m). My copy of the book even included a sneak peek of the sequel book, "Hex-Ed," and suffice it to say, chapter one solidified my notion that this book is merely a parody more mature readers would appreciate if they read it through fully (read: Matilda using Clarissa's special "affinity").
Side note: I'm not sure how the title relates to this story. I can remember perhaps one instance where the protagonist was late for class, let alone anything else, and so much emphasis is placed on the fact that she's too much of a threat to be able to attend Womby's that I'm not sure why the whole series is named after the school. Unfortunately, I am not compelled to continue with this series so I cannot say if the school eventually becomes a larger part of the narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2019
Where’s the magic school, my friends?? I was promised by the title and the suggestion that it was good for Harry Potter fans that THERE WOULD BE A MAGIC SCHOOL. Oh maybe it’s coming in the next book but even me, self titled queen of the stubborn people, cannot push through to that next book.
That brings me to my next point. Why are publishers (I’m assuming they are the culprits) comparing books to Harry Potter? Why do they think this is a good idea? More and more these days I’m of the belief that any recommendations are a good excuse to stay away even if they’re comparing it to a good book. Great for Harry Potter fans? More like great for fans of a good book who are yearning for disappointments. Great for fans of Twilight, Anna Dressed in Blood, or Three Dark Crowns? Thanks for warning me away!!
Anyway this book reads like a primer for babies on how to spot foreshadowing and other basic plot devices. Protagonist spends first part of book saying how much she loves her sister and values their friendship every other line? Guess what folks, somethings gonna happen to their relationship. SHOCK. Does your mother have such a strong aversion to magic that she makes you throw away all your toys and Harry Potter books even though you’re not a really religious family? Is she, perhaps, HIDING SOMETHING? Jesus Christ.
The book also starts out with a little prologue as the main character in 3rd grade and I swear she has the same maturity level as the rest of the book in ninth grade. There’s almost nothing to distinguish their personalities. I know her supposed immaturity is part of the book but damn.
This book also read as if the author is a middle aged woman who is desperate to prove that she knows what the kids into. “Hey kids, you like lord of the rings? Magic cards?? HARRY POTTER?? I know what those things are!! Here! See me use it in a sentence!” All this made me think is how badly this book will age.
My last point: there were several sentences that made me seriously contemplate throwing my new kindle across the room and screaming into the void. Let me quote them below and let’s play a fun game where you guess what made me wanna go full void.
“The man shoved us along the narrow path, his hand like a vice around my arm. ‘Do you get it yet? Do you understand why you can’t use magic in the Morty Realm?’”
“I try not to use magic in the Morty Realm.”
(Do. Not. Recommend.)
That brings me to my next point. Why are publishers (I’m assuming they are the culprits) comparing books to Harry Potter? Why do they think this is a good idea? More and more these days I’m of the belief that any recommendations are a good excuse to stay away even if they’re comparing it to a good book. Great for Harry Potter fans? More like great for fans of a good book who are yearning for disappointments. Great for fans of Twilight, Anna Dressed in Blood, or Three Dark Crowns? Thanks for warning me away!!
Anyway this book reads like a primer for babies on how to spot foreshadowing and other basic plot devices. Protagonist spends first part of book saying how much she loves her sister and values their friendship every other line? Guess what folks, somethings gonna happen to their relationship. SHOCK. Does your mother have such a strong aversion to magic that she makes you throw away all your toys and Harry Potter books even though you’re not a really religious family? Is she, perhaps, HIDING SOMETHING? Jesus Christ.
The book also starts out with a little prologue as the main character in 3rd grade and I swear she has the same maturity level as the rest of the book in ninth grade. There’s almost nothing to distinguish their personalities. I know her supposed immaturity is part of the book but damn.
This book also read as if the author is a middle aged woman who is desperate to prove that she knows what the kids into. “Hey kids, you like lord of the rings? Magic cards?? HARRY POTTER?? I know what those things are!! Here! See me use it in a sentence!” All this made me think is how badly this book will age.
My last point: there were several sentences that made me seriously contemplate throwing my new kindle across the room and screaming into the void. Let me quote them below and let’s play a fun game where you guess what made me wanna go full void.
“The man shoved us along the narrow path, his hand like a vice around my arm. ‘Do you get it yet? Do you understand why you can’t use magic in the Morty Realm?’”
“I try not to use magic in the Morty Realm.”
(Do. Not. Recommend.)
February 16, 2019
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
At first I was rather confused by the way the heroine, Clarissa Lawrence, was portrayed as a very naive child approaching high school age who was obsessed with all things magical but constantly put down by her mother and sister for believing in such things. I had the impression that she was considerably younger than her fourteen years because of her love of playing with dolls and my little ponies. However once she started high school she found herself friends with a nerd group who accepted her just as she was and slowly learned about magic from her seventeen year old best friend, Derrick. Would Clarissa be able to avoid fulfilling the prophecy of the hag at the Oregon fair? Was her interest in magic as dangerous as her mother kept insisting? Was her older sister, Missy, actually practising black magic and who would pay the price?
I eventually found myself more engaged and less confused as the plot unfolded and am looking forward to reading more of the series in the hopes that we finally find out more about Womby's School for Wayward Witches. Definitely worth persevering with!
At first I was rather confused by the way the heroine, Clarissa Lawrence, was portrayed as a very naive child approaching high school age who was obsessed with all things magical but constantly put down by her mother and sister for believing in such things. I had the impression that she was considerably younger than her fourteen years because of her love of playing with dolls and my little ponies. However once she started high school she found herself friends with a nerd group who accepted her just as she was and slowly learned about magic from her seventeen year old best friend, Derrick. Would Clarissa be able to avoid fulfilling the prophecy of the hag at the Oregon fair? Was her interest in magic as dangerous as her mother kept insisting? Was her older sister, Missy, actually practising black magic and who would pay the price?
I eventually found myself more engaged and less confused as the plot unfolded and am looking forward to reading more of the series in the hopes that we finally find out more about Womby's School for Wayward Witches. Definitely worth persevering with!
November 3, 2018
Kind of perplexing. I read this for the promise of a magic school, but the school part of things doesn't really come into play. There is a magic school, but Clarissa is just...constantly told that she's too evil a witch to learn magic there, basically, and that she'll be a terrible person if she ever tries to use the magic that she can't control. (Meanwhile, her sister just turns into a terrible person who is terrible, in an entirely non-magical way.) It all feels like lead-up to Clarissa actually ending up at the school, but as far as I can tell, it's two more books before she does, and then it's as a teacher. I think there's something in here somewhere, but the point was never quite clear to me.
July 19, 2019
Clarissa is a young girl with a Peter Pan complex. She refuses to grow up – still playing with ‘My Little Pony’s and other childish toys as she becomes a teenager. Apart from her elder sister, Missy, she has no friends. Clarissa feels “I didn’t fit into this world, so I wanted to join another one where magic existed.” Despite her parents and Missy assuring her that there is no such thing as magic, Clarissa cannot be convinced: “It wasn’t like I was asking if Harry Potter was real. Even if he was fictional, it didn’t mean the place he went to school couldn’t be real. The place I would be going to school”. Unfortunately, her eleventh birthday came and went with no owl delivering the important invitation, and Clarissa seemed “destined for an ordinary life of non-magic”.
Clarissa’s world view changes radically when she and her family go to the Oregon County Fair. At first, she is ecstatic to see fairies and witches everywhere she looks – proof (to her) that magic is real – but then Missy goes missing, and the fair takes on a much more menacing atmosphere. Fortunately, Missy is eventually found – but, unfortunately, Missy has changed from a sweet, protective elder sister into a nasty, vindictive cow. Missy has been told by an old woman that Clarissa was “the daughter of an evil witch. I wasn’t. She said you were just like your mother. … and said I have to protect myself because if I don’t you’re going to kill me”. Missy’s fear you can sort of understand – but the utter nastiness with which Missy now treats Clarissa is completely unwarranted (and also quite dangerous, if indeed Clarissa does turn out to be an evil witch). Clarissa – in contrast – tries everything she can to encourage Missy to love her again. Their parents seem oblivious to the change, and blame Clarissa for many of the things that subsequently go wrong. This results in all of Clarissa’s books and Wicca gear being burnt or given away.
I lost all respect for the mother at this point. Book burning is evil. Blaming only one daughter for a misdemeanour, when BOTH were present and involved is evil. The mother should have admitted that magic exists right at the start – and THEN explained exactly why dabbling with magic is dangerous. She could have guided both her daughters down a Good Magic route. Her one job seems to have been to stop Clarissa turning to the dark side – by denying magic and coming down hard on Clarissa and never on Missy seems to me to be the perfect way to drive both girls into the clutches of evil. Luckily, Clarissa’s innate goodness wins out – despite her mother’s misguided efforts.
I really enjoyed this story, seeing Clarissa mature and finally make some very good friends (“Derrick accepted me for who I was, instead of who he wanted me to be.”) at her high school. Her mother did redeem herself at the end too – well, almost. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of this series turns out.
Clarissa’s world view changes radically when she and her family go to the Oregon County Fair. At first, she is ecstatic to see fairies and witches everywhere she looks – proof (to her) that magic is real – but then Missy goes missing, and the fair takes on a much more menacing atmosphere. Fortunately, Missy is eventually found – but, unfortunately, Missy has changed from a sweet, protective elder sister into a nasty, vindictive cow. Missy has been told by an old woman that Clarissa was “the daughter of an evil witch. I wasn’t. She said you were just like your mother. … and said I have to protect myself because if I don’t you’re going to kill me”. Missy’s fear you can sort of understand – but the utter nastiness with which Missy now treats Clarissa is completely unwarranted (and also quite dangerous, if indeed Clarissa does turn out to be an evil witch). Clarissa – in contrast – tries everything she can to encourage Missy to love her again. Their parents seem oblivious to the change, and blame Clarissa for many of the things that subsequently go wrong. This results in all of Clarissa’s books and Wicca gear being burnt or given away.
I lost all respect for the mother at this point. Book burning is evil. Blaming only one daughter for a misdemeanour, when BOTH were present and involved is evil. The mother should have admitted that magic exists right at the start – and THEN explained exactly why dabbling with magic is dangerous. She could have guided both her daughters down a Good Magic route. Her one job seems to have been to stop Clarissa turning to the dark side – by denying magic and coming down hard on Clarissa and never on Missy seems to me to be the perfect way to drive both girls into the clutches of evil. Luckily, Clarissa’s innate goodness wins out – despite her mother’s misguided efforts.
I really enjoyed this story, seeing Clarissa mature and finally make some very good friends (“Derrick accepted me for who I was, instead of who he wanted me to be.”) at her high school. Her mother did redeem herself at the end too – well, almost. I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of this series turns out.
March 21, 2021
Wow, this book was unpredictable. So many reactions. Actually, members of the nerd herd could have been more three-dimensional, but I mostly really enjoyed this book. So many reactions.
I love the local references, because I live in Oregon.
"... we went to Oregon Country Fair. Back in the early two thousands it was considered the bohemian Mecca before Burning Man gained notoriety."
".... out here in Eugene you can’t walk a block without getting a whiff of someone smoking pot.”
I love the Doctor Who references!
Little tip: If a witch predicts that your sibling is going to kill you, don't shower your sibling with motivation to kill you.
I lived in Portland for years. This utterly baffled me:
".... If we can’t find what we need, we’ll go to one of those New Age shops in Portland.”
“Portland? But that’s the big city. Every time we drive there, my mom says, ‘It’s a bad neighborhood, girls. Lock your doors.’”
Are you kidding me?!?!?!? Portland doesn't have any bad neighborhoods! Your mother would fucking have a heart attack if she set foot in an actual big city or in Gary, Indiana!
After a while, I looked up Oregon City, where the protagonist lives. All I knew about it before reading this book is that it was Oregon's original capital. Well, it turns out it was the capital back when Oregon was a territory, not a state. Also, the population is only about 31,000! No wonder people from Oregon City think Portland (population about 700,000) a big city. Also, it's near Portland, so it's weird I haven't been there. Or maybe I have and blinked.
I love the scene when cats and more cats
appeared at the metaphysical shop. I wanted each kid to take one home.
The scary dude who isn't a psychologist: Toward the end of the book, he accuses her of being manipulative a minute before he manipulates her with magic.
I love the local references, because I live in Oregon.
"... we went to Oregon Country Fair. Back in the early two thousands it was considered the bohemian Mecca before Burning Man gained notoriety."
".... out here in Eugene you can’t walk a block without getting a whiff of someone smoking pot.”
I love the Doctor Who references!
Little tip: If a witch predicts that your sibling is going to kill you, don't shower your sibling with motivation to kill you.
I lived in Portland for years. This utterly baffled me:
".... If we can’t find what we need, we’ll go to one of those New Age shops in Portland.”
“Portland? But that’s the big city. Every time we drive there, my mom says, ‘It’s a bad neighborhood, girls. Lock your doors.’”
Are you kidding me?!?!?!? Portland doesn't have any bad neighborhoods! Your mother would fucking have a heart attack if she set foot in an actual big city or in Gary, Indiana!
After a while, I looked up Oregon City, where the protagonist lives. All I knew about it before reading this book is that it was Oregon's original capital. Well, it turns out it was the capital back when Oregon was a territory, not a state. Also, the population is only about 31,000! No wonder people from Oregon City think Portland (population about 700,000) a big city. Also, it's near Portland, so it's weird I haven't been there. Or maybe I have and blinked.
I love the scene when cats and more cats
appeared at the metaphysical shop. I wanted each kid to take one home.
The scary dude who isn't a psychologist: Toward the end of the book, he accuses her of being manipulative a minute before he manipulates her with magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2018
Clarissa Lawrence is your typical nerdy teenager who loves magic in all its forms. But her mother has decided that it's dangerous for her to believe in it and confiscates all her Harry Potter books, her Lord of the Rings books, and anything else that might encourage Clarissa to believe that magic is real.
But it is.
"Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells" borrows very self-consciously from Harry Potter, with, for example, Clarissa convinced that she's going to get her Hogwarts' Letter--only she doesn't. Petite and childish even for her age (elfin, one might say), she loves everything magic-related and wants to believe that magic is real, but she's also afraid after some unpleasant incidents that she'll accidentally hurt those around her if she does practice it. Plus she's got the usual problems of your average nerdy high school freshman.
Clarissa is a very relatable character if you've ever waited for your Hogwarts' Letter or tried to go through a wardrobe into Narnia, and both nerdy, dreamy teenagers and adults who were once nerdy, dreamy teenagers are likely to sympathize with her problems. The question of her magical abilities goes unanswered through most of the book, which is page-turningly suspenseful, as Clarissa tries to convince herself that magic is real, that it isn't, that her sister loves her, that her sister is a wicked witch, that SHE is secretly a wicked witch, and so on, as well as navigating her feelings for her best friend Derrick.
Recommended for Harry Potter and younger Twilight fans, or adults who enjoy early adolescent YA fantasy. The book ends with the resolution of one plotline and the beginning of a second, so it's a bit of a cliffhanger ending to set up the next book in the series. I personally enjoy that (and I've read a later book in the series already, although I recommend starting with this one), but if you absolutely must have your book wrapped up neatly, you should probably avoid this and all other fantasy series.
But it is.
"Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells" borrows very self-consciously from Harry Potter, with, for example, Clarissa convinced that she's going to get her Hogwarts' Letter--only she doesn't. Petite and childish even for her age (elfin, one might say), she loves everything magic-related and wants to believe that magic is real, but she's also afraid after some unpleasant incidents that she'll accidentally hurt those around her if she does practice it. Plus she's got the usual problems of your average nerdy high school freshman.
Clarissa is a very relatable character if you've ever waited for your Hogwarts' Letter or tried to go through a wardrobe into Narnia, and both nerdy, dreamy teenagers and adults who were once nerdy, dreamy teenagers are likely to sympathize with her problems. The question of her magical abilities goes unanswered through most of the book, which is page-turningly suspenseful, as Clarissa tries to convince herself that magic is real, that it isn't, that her sister loves her, that her sister is a wicked witch, that SHE is secretly a wicked witch, and so on, as well as navigating her feelings for her best friend Derrick.
Recommended for Harry Potter and younger Twilight fans, or adults who enjoy early adolescent YA fantasy. The book ends with the resolution of one plotline and the beginning of a second, so it's a bit of a cliffhanger ending to set up the next book in the series. I personally enjoy that (and I've read a later book in the series already, although I recommend starting with this one), but if you absolutely must have your book wrapped up neatly, you should probably avoid this and all other fantasy series.
August 18, 2018
This book really lets the reader live in the skin of a young and gifted girl whose world is eerily like our own. But it seems as if what she learns with her senses and what she's told by her family, her teachers, her friends-- don't add up. Even by the end of the book the world has not gotten any simpler, despite dangers that are all too real.
The only conclusion she can draw is that magic is real, and the only thing that makes it possible to tame is the power of love.
I truly despise the cartoonish cover art and flippant subtitles on these volumes because they pack a strong existential punch. But each concludes with hope.
The only conclusion she can draw is that magic is real, and the only thing that makes it possible to tame is the power of love.
I truly despise the cartoonish cover art and flippant subtitles on these volumes because they pack a strong existential punch. But each concludes with hope.
October 26, 2020
I received this book from voracious readers as a complimentary copy from the author and at first I thought I had made a bad choice as it appeared to be for way younger audiences, but decided to give it a shot, I was very pleasantly surprised. I truly enjoyed Clarissa’s story and I’m very likely to purchase the second book. I liked the writing style and definitely enjoyed the story and once started had no thoughts of stopping before the end. Very glad I chose this book as my first foray into Voracious Readers.
January 12, 2019
This was an interesting story of a young girl learning that she has powers that she can't control. First the series name is a bit misleading unless this book is to be considered a prequel. The school referenced is only mentioned a couple times and the characters do not attend it. I wasn't a fan of the mother. She kept lying to her daughters and made things worse. I loved all the references to books with stories of magic. I had a moment of deja vu as I read a scene that reminded me of "The Wizard of Oz". I believe it was intentional but I won't spoil it for those who haven't read the book. Overall, an enjoyable way to pass some time.
January 13, 2020
This book was honestly a wild ride. Clarissa just trying to be good, gets mixed up in things she has absolutely no idea about. Definitely a page turner and now that I’ve finished book 1 I’m going to have to go out and get the others of the series! Definitely would recommend!
July 31, 2021
I had just finished reading a very lengthy rather depressing novel and needed something lighter. I stumbled across this fun fantasy and am not sorry. There were parts I speed read through but if I were a YA reader I probably would have actually gone word for word.
October 3, 2019
Nerdy high school outcast, CLARISSA LAWRENCE, has always felt like she didn't belong in this world. More than anything, she wants magic to be real--and not just because she's obsessed with Harry Potter and tries to go to Narnia by reading fantasy novels in her wardrobe. Yet, when she stumbles upon real magic, and fairy tales come true, she doesn't expect to be the evil villain in her own story. Clarissa learns she's descended from an evil witch and is destined to kill her older sister. When she meets a cute boy who offers to train her in magic, she must make a choice. She can have a safe, normal life and no harm will come to anyone. Or she can choose magic and risk everything and everyone she loves in order to be what she's always known she was meant to be . . . a wicked witch.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m am always open to helping self and independent published authors by providing a review or interview for their new releases. You can request a promotion of your book by clicking on this link and filling out the required form.
This book takes place in Oregon City, Oregon. It’s clear the author is familiar with this area of the country, as she provides specific details about the environment and surrounding cities. I really appreciated the authority the author’s attention to details provided. Due to the large population of wiccans and pagans in the Pacific Northwest, it was also a great backdrop to a story of a girl trying to learn about magic. With the title of the series being WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES and many mentioned of a magical realm, I was disappointed that we only got to see the mortal realm, and none of the magical.
The main character of the book, Clarissa, was a very relatable protagonist for me, as she reminded me a lot of myself when I was young. I’m guessing, for many book lovers, she’s be similarly relatable. However, sometimes struggled to find it believable that she was a teenager. She alternated between acting too childish for a 14-15 year old and using slang terms that made her seem much older. Clarissa’s parents were fun to get to know, as they had the most amount of secrets. Her sister, Missy, and her friends, including her love interest, felt much flatter than I would have liked for secondary characters.
This book was a fast and fun read. The book starts with Clarissa sitting in a psychologist’s office, battling her guilt of killing her big sister and boyfriend, the two people she loves most. The reader is then pushed back in time and spends the whole book wondering when the murders will happen in. The constant tension pulled me through the book. However, the plot itself felt more like a prologue to the real book, rather than the first book in the series. The information revealed in the summary for the book, above, doesn’t actually come to fruition in the novel until the very end. So I struggled to feel compelled by Clarissa’s plight to learn who she is, when I was already told on the back of the book who she is. Regardless, I am very interested to read the next books in the series.
Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells is the first book in the WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES Series, but the first three books can be read in any order. The book is a fun and quick read, with a relatable protagonist. The setting of Oregon City, Oregon, was perfect for the plot, but I would have liked to see more of the magical realm. I’m excited to read the next books in the series soon.
Tardy Bells And Witches Spells Is Available Now On Amazon And Barnes And Noble. You Can Also Purchase The Sequels!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m am always open to helping self and independent published authors by providing a review or interview for their new releases. You can request a promotion of your book by clicking on this link and filling out the required form.
This book takes place in Oregon City, Oregon. It’s clear the author is familiar with this area of the country, as she provides specific details about the environment and surrounding cities. I really appreciated the authority the author’s attention to details provided. Due to the large population of wiccans and pagans in the Pacific Northwest, it was also a great backdrop to a story of a girl trying to learn about magic. With the title of the series being WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES and many mentioned of a magical realm, I was disappointed that we only got to see the mortal realm, and none of the magical.
The main character of the book, Clarissa, was a very relatable protagonist for me, as she reminded me a lot of myself when I was young. I’m guessing, for many book lovers, she’s be similarly relatable. However, sometimes struggled to find it believable that she was a teenager. She alternated between acting too childish for a 14-15 year old and using slang terms that made her seem much older. Clarissa’s parents were fun to get to know, as they had the most amount of secrets. Her sister, Missy, and her friends, including her love interest, felt much flatter than I would have liked for secondary characters.
This book was a fast and fun read. The book starts with Clarissa sitting in a psychologist’s office, battling her guilt of killing her big sister and boyfriend, the two people she loves most. The reader is then pushed back in time and spends the whole book wondering when the murders will happen in. The constant tension pulled me through the book. However, the plot itself felt more like a prologue to the real book, rather than the first book in the series. The information revealed in the summary for the book, above, doesn’t actually come to fruition in the novel until the very end. So I struggled to feel compelled by Clarissa’s plight to learn who she is, when I was already told on the back of the book who she is. Regardless, I am very interested to read the next books in the series.
Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells is the first book in the WOMBY'S SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD WITCHES Series, but the first three books can be read in any order. The book is a fun and quick read, with a relatable protagonist. The setting of Oregon City, Oregon, was perfect for the plot, but I would have liked to see more of the magical realm. I’m excited to read the next books in the series soon.
Tardy Bells And Witches Spells Is Available Now On Amazon And Barnes And Noble. You Can Also Purchase The Sequels!
December 6, 2018
I received a copy of this book through voracious readers and I was a little disapointed. The story is about outcast Claissa, a 14 year old that believes in magic and soon finds out that she may be a witch after a family visit to a fair where odd things start to happen and her sister missy wants to harm her believing that she will kill her before her 18th birthday.
It was well written and the ideas were good and the main theme is around family, firendship and bullying but overall i didn't find the characters or story believable enough and i found i was quickly lossing interest. The main problem i had is with the main character, I found her too childish and silly but she was surpose to be smart and taking college classes but didn't know what oral sex was, teenagers talk lot she wouldnt of been able to miss it. Then there was the relationship between her and Derrick a 17 year old boy who befirends her with some other misfits I saw no reason why they would be firends and less why they would be boyfriend/girlfriend. Things just didn't seem to fix together in a believable way and I wasn't invested in the story or characters.
It was well written and the ideas were good and the main theme is around family, firendship and bullying but overall i didn't find the characters or story believable enough and i found i was quickly lossing interest. The main problem i had is with the main character, I found her too childish and silly but she was surpose to be smart and taking college classes but didn't know what oral sex was, teenagers talk lot she wouldnt of been able to miss it. Then there was the relationship between her and Derrick a 17 year old boy who befirends her with some other misfits I saw no reason why they would be firends and less why they would be boyfriend/girlfriend. Things just didn't seem to fix together in a believable way and I wasn't invested in the story or characters.
May 14, 2020
I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) of Tardy Bells and Witches Spells from the author in exchange for writing an honest review. My review follows.
Not a fan of the book. It appeared as though the author pulled bits and pieces from other popular books and inserted them into what turned out to be a very confusing story. If asked to grade the book in terms of originality on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being most original I would rank the book -2!
Also the age range for this book was inconsistent in my opinion. Some pages it seemed you were seeing the story through the eyes of a elementary student while at other moments the story fit the maturity of a high scholl freshman or sophomore. Either way the sexual references and innuendos did not gel with the innocent life style/personna of Clarissa.
Honestly I wanted to like this book and was looking forward to reading it...else why would I sign on to read and review it in the first place. Sadly we don't always get what we want and that holds true for Tardy Bells And Witches Spells. Not what I wanted.
Not a fan of the book. It appeared as though the author pulled bits and pieces from other popular books and inserted them into what turned out to be a very confusing story. If asked to grade the book in terms of originality on a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being most original I would rank the book -2!
Also the age range for this book was inconsistent in my opinion. Some pages it seemed you were seeing the story through the eyes of a elementary student while at other moments the story fit the maturity of a high scholl freshman or sophomore. Either way the sexual references and innuendos did not gel with the innocent life style/personna of Clarissa.
Honestly I wanted to like this book and was looking forward to reading it...else why would I sign on to read and review it in the first place. Sadly we don't always get what we want and that holds true for Tardy Bells And Witches Spells. Not what I wanted.
June 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book . Loved the unique approach the author took . Seriously I cant wait to read the next one . Love all the Harry Potter references. So just Imagine that you love magic . Know in your heart its real . Can feel it , taste it , smell it , but you are denied. Well this is the perspective the author took. A truly great read .Enjoyable full characters . Well defined world of magic . All i can say to Mrs Dorie is great job and thank you .... untill the next one
June 25, 2018
I got the third book first thinking this was the first but I soon realised my mistake. Finally found the other two books on Amazon. Now I am on track and start from the beginning. I really enjoyed this book having heard about Derek it was great to see how he helped Clarissa and how she had a normal life until they visited the fair. Glad I started from the beginning and glad I got to know Derek. Loved him.
January 6, 2022
I received a free copy of this book for my review from Voracious Readers Only...only to discover that there's like 17 books.
Anyway, this book gave me a lot of mixed feelings. First I had to get past the excessive pop culture references - one every other paragraph it seemed like at first - before I could get into the story. Also there is no witch school. Or there is, but we don't get to see it, and they tell the main character multiple times that she can never go there. There weren't any tardy bells either - that must have been thrown in for the cute rhyme.
Some other issues include Missy doing an almost complete 180 in personality after her weird fair abduction. I could maybe get the whole black magic is like an addiction to drugs thing, but that angle isn't really played here. She just has an abrupt personality change. What glimpses we see of her character beforehand are the complete opposite of who she becomes after; her character is completely flat and unswervingly evil. And the overprotective mother is completely ineffective at dealing with her, despite seemingly being aware of how bad things could get the entire time.
On the bright side though, the use of plant magic was absolutely brilliant. Plant magic is grossly underused in these types of books, especially as concerns cooking. This is absolutely how that sort of thing should be addressed. Many books cite plants as spell ingredients and never mention using them in food and it's completely disappointing. In that regard the mother is amazingly on top of her game. She uses her affinity in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Back to the con side, it seems catastrophically stupid that she doesn't teach her daughters how to use and control their magic, especially after things start to go sideways. If she had done so in the first place it probably would have mitigated a lot of damage. Clearly she uses magic regularly and doesn't get snatched up by the fae or whatever, so she knows what she's doing and how to get away with it.
I was also frustrated by the pretty girl who thinks she's a freak but secretly wants a jock boyfriend trope. What is it about these books that pigeon holes every teen ever as desperately wanting to be popular?? She has a group of friends - who we completely lose focus of to zoom in on Derrick constantly - and exhibits absolutely no interest in being normal or popular otherwise. Her friends are into all the same stuff she is!
The main character's magic is probably the single most frustrating thing about the entire book. In part for the whole "chosen one"/"dark legacy" trope, but even moreso because of what this book suggests her affinity is (they never come right out and say it). Once again mother makes sure she is completely ignorant of anything that could actually help her control herself. I am disgusted with this kind of focus on such a young character, as if there isn't enough media fixation on pre-pubescent girls and their ripeness for use. Disgusting. Pornado indeed. Several of the later titles snapped out at me as more suggestive once I put the pieces together (no health class, not allowed alone with the boy she's attracted to but allowed to date someone else...). It kind of makes me want to throw up.
Anyway, this book gave me a lot of mixed feelings. First I had to get past the excessive pop culture references - one every other paragraph it seemed like at first - before I could get into the story. Also there is no witch school. Or there is, but we don't get to see it, and they tell the main character multiple times that she can never go there. There weren't any tardy bells either - that must have been thrown in for the cute rhyme.
Some other issues include Missy doing an almost complete 180 in personality after her weird fair abduction. I could maybe get the whole black magic is like an addiction to drugs thing, but that angle isn't really played here. She just has an abrupt personality change. What glimpses we see of her character beforehand are the complete opposite of who she becomes after; her character is completely flat and unswervingly evil. And the overprotective mother is completely ineffective at dealing with her, despite seemingly being aware of how bad things could get the entire time.
On the bright side though, the use of plant magic was absolutely brilliant. Plant magic is grossly underused in these types of books, especially as concerns cooking. This is absolutely how that sort of thing should be addressed. Many books cite plants as spell ingredients and never mention using them in food and it's completely disappointing. In that regard the mother is amazingly on top of her game. She uses her affinity in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Back to the con side, it seems catastrophically stupid that she doesn't teach her daughters how to use and control their magic, especially after things start to go sideways. If she had done so in the first place it probably would have mitigated a lot of damage. Clearly she uses magic regularly and doesn't get snatched up by the fae or whatever, so she knows what she's doing and how to get away with it.
I was also frustrated by the pretty girl who thinks she's a freak but secretly wants a jock boyfriend trope. What is it about these books that pigeon holes every teen ever as desperately wanting to be popular?? She has a group of friends - who we completely lose focus of to zoom in on Derrick constantly - and exhibits absolutely no interest in being normal or popular otherwise. Her friends are into all the same stuff she is!
The main character's magic is probably the single most frustrating thing about the entire book. In part for the whole "chosen one"/"dark legacy" trope, but even moreso because of what this book suggests her affinity is (they never come right out and say it). Once again mother makes sure she is completely ignorant of anything that could actually help her control herself. I am disgusted with this kind of focus on such a young character, as if there isn't enough media fixation on pre-pubescent girls and their ripeness for use. Disgusting. Pornado indeed. Several of the later titles snapped out at me as more suggestive once I put the pieces together (no health class, not allowed alone with the boy she's attracted to but allowed to date someone else...). It kind of makes me want to throw up.
September 28, 2018
Originally posted at ragdollreads.co.uk
Ragdoll Rating: 4.5/5 Buttons
Recommended For: Fans of magical romance
About the Book...
Tardy Bells is the tragic story of a teenage nerd who wants to be a witch. Clarissa Lawrence is a geek. She loves Star Trek and Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings, and she loves magic. But her wish for magic turns sour when, after an incident at the Oregon Country Fair, where Clarissa's sister becomes convinced she will be murdered by Clarissa before her 18th birthday.
What follows is a tale of magical discovery and teenage romance.
What I thought...
I really enjoyed this book, it was another one of those can't-put-it-down reads where, had I not had other things to do, I would have read it all in one sitting. I hate how much I relate to Clarissa, the 14 year old girl inside me was crying out the whole way through screaming "Oh my god YEEEEESS!" She is a nerdy little girl who doesn't fit in, struggles at school and has a group of weird friends. She is a total underdog and you can't not root for her. Her sister is the preppy, beautiful popular cheerleader. Clarissa's life reads like a story book, which for a character so heavily influenced by fiction seems highly appropriate.
It is established that Clarissa is geeky by namedropping all the various geeky things she enjoys, from Star Wars to My Little Pony. I understand why it was done, it was just super irritating.
Also, I hate Clarissa's mother. I personally feel that the events of this story, much like the events in Disney's Frozen, could have been easily avoided if the child's parents weren't total morons. Clarissa's mother goes out of her way to make Clarissa think magic doesn't exist, allegedly for her own protection. To whit, she has drugged her daughter since birth, and after an argument, literally burned every magic related item Clarissa owned, which was about 90% of her stuff. When Clarissa's sister gets abducted at the Country Fair and comes home raving about how Clarissa is going to murder her, instead of sending the sister to a psychiatrist or something, the whole thing seems to be put on Clarissa. Her mum hates Derrick because she senses magic in him, and worries Clarissa's magic will surface by association. Now to her mums credit, that is exactly what happened, but realistically if she had done the sensible thing and talked to her daughter about the situation like a normal person, the terrible things that happen throughout the book might have been avoided. Infuriating, but good reading.
The story is paced well and reads nicely. The writing style is informal, I suppose very much in the way you would expect a well-read 14 year old to recount things. It makes for very easy reading. I love Clarissa and Derick as characters, I see so much of myself in both of them, which was really nice. I just want them to be happy! I'm so pathetic!
Final Thoughts...
This really is a book for the outcast weirdos out there. This book is a fun little read, that I couldn't put down. It's a little weirdly written at times, and the constant name dropping bugged me, but I'm glad I read it and will definitely be reading the rest of the series (I have the next 2 downloaded already!)
Ragdoll Rating: 4.5/5 Buttons
Recommended For: Fans of magical romance
About the Book...
Tardy Bells is the tragic story of a teenage nerd who wants to be a witch. Clarissa Lawrence is a geek. She loves Star Trek and Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings, and she loves magic. But her wish for magic turns sour when, after an incident at the Oregon Country Fair, where Clarissa's sister becomes convinced she will be murdered by Clarissa before her 18th birthday.
What follows is a tale of magical discovery and teenage romance.
What I thought...
I really enjoyed this book, it was another one of those can't-put-it-down reads where, had I not had other things to do, I would have read it all in one sitting. I hate how much I relate to Clarissa, the 14 year old girl inside me was crying out the whole way through screaming "Oh my god YEEEEESS!" She is a nerdy little girl who doesn't fit in, struggles at school and has a group of weird friends. She is a total underdog and you can't not root for her. Her sister is the preppy, beautiful popular cheerleader. Clarissa's life reads like a story book, which for a character so heavily influenced by fiction seems highly appropriate.
It is established that Clarissa is geeky by namedropping all the various geeky things she enjoys, from Star Wars to My Little Pony. I understand why it was done, it was just super irritating.
Also, I hate Clarissa's mother. I personally feel that the events of this story, much like the events in Disney's Frozen, could have been easily avoided if the child's parents weren't total morons. Clarissa's mother goes out of her way to make Clarissa think magic doesn't exist, allegedly for her own protection. To whit, she has drugged her daughter since birth, and after an argument, literally burned every magic related item Clarissa owned, which was about 90% of her stuff. When Clarissa's sister gets abducted at the Country Fair and comes home raving about how Clarissa is going to murder her, instead of sending the sister to a psychiatrist or something, the whole thing seems to be put on Clarissa. Her mum hates Derrick because she senses magic in him, and worries Clarissa's magic will surface by association. Now to her mums credit, that is exactly what happened, but realistically if she had done the sensible thing and talked to her daughter about the situation like a normal person, the terrible things that happen throughout the book might have been avoided. Infuriating, but good reading.
The story is paced well and reads nicely. The writing style is informal, I suppose very much in the way you would expect a well-read 14 year old to recount things. It makes for very easy reading. I love Clarissa and Derick as characters, I see so much of myself in both of them, which was really nice. I just want them to be happy! I'm so pathetic!
Final Thoughts...
This really is a book for the outcast weirdos out there. This book is a fun little read, that I couldn't put down. It's a little weirdly written at times, and the constant name dropping bugged me, but I'm glad I read it and will definitely be reading the rest of the series (I have the next 2 downloaded already!)
August 4, 2021
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
Overall it is a good and enjoyable read, especially if you are in the mood for a magical setting/world. Even though we don't see the school in this book, which was a bit disappointing.
A 14-15 year old girl wants to believe in magic, but her mom is going all "mama Gothel" at times. At the beginning it was a bit slow but there wasn't any unnecessary conversations and moments that weren't moving along the plot. I loved the writing style as well, there were some twists to keep it interesting and the world the story is set in seemed quite interesting.
Derrick is easily likeable and hilarious at times, i loved his character. And i loved the chemistry between Clarissa and Derrick, and how their love story took a while to progress.
There were references of some fantasy and sci-fi movies and books, which is fun to read about if you like said movies, and Clarissa is relatable.
What i didn't like were the few Harry Potter rules of magic that we see in here as well. The magic here was shown and explained differently, it's a different type of magic. However then there's the "technology shoundn't be near when magic is being performed"...okay, it was like, one scene really, so i let it slide. What bugs me even more is how wands were involved, it could have been just as well without them. And.... Did they had to use quills? We see it just once used by a "professionally trained" Witchkin, so it wouldn't be shocking if the students and teachers in the school use them as well. It was also a bit weird how Jessica was afraid of Derrick, so far so good, but then Clarissa tells her friend group about magic and stuff, (and they ALL? believe her. Being "nerdy/geeky" doesn't mean one would believe in magic instantly) Jessica included. And she's fine fine with it and all, no mention of her not liking the thought of magic, feeling uncomfortable to do a spell or anything.
Overall it is a good and enjoyable read, especially if you are in the mood for a magical setting/world. Even though we don't see the school in this book, which was a bit disappointing.
A 14-15 year old girl wants to believe in magic, but her mom is going all "mama Gothel" at times. At the beginning it was a bit slow but there wasn't any unnecessary conversations and moments that weren't moving along the plot. I loved the writing style as well, there were some twists to keep it interesting and the world the story is set in seemed quite interesting.
Derrick is easily likeable and hilarious at times, i loved his character. And i loved the chemistry between Clarissa and Derrick, and how their love story took a while to progress.
There were references of some fantasy and sci-fi movies and books, which is fun to read about if you like said movies, and Clarissa is relatable.
What i didn't like were the few Harry Potter rules of magic that we see in here as well. The magic here was shown and explained differently, it's a different type of magic. However then there's the "technology shoundn't be near when magic is being performed"...okay, it was like, one scene really, so i let it slide. What bugs me even more is how wands were involved, it could have been just as well without them. And.... Did they had to use quills? We see it just once used by a "professionally trained" Witchkin, so it wouldn't be shocking if the students and teachers in the school use them as well. It was also a bit weird how Jessica was afraid of Derrick, so far so good, but then Clarissa tells her friend group about magic and stuff, (and they ALL? believe her. Being "nerdy/geeky" doesn't mean one would believe in magic instantly) Jessica included. And she's fine fine with it and all, no mention of her not liking the thought of magic, feeling uncomfortable to do a spell or anything.
April 9, 2022
I have enjoyed Sarina’s Vega Bloodmire series and have wanted to read this series since I started the other one but haven’t gotten to it until now. I can see I’ll enjoy Clarissa as much as I do Vega for both just want to help others and control the powers that dwell within them. Vega is aware of who she is from the very beginning but Clarissa has never known who or what she is being raised in the morty world as she is being told constantly that magic isn’t real and witches don’t exist.
Life is forever changed between her best friend ( her sister) and herself when the family attends a unusual fair. Her sister disappears and when she is found she is forever changed. Where they were loving before now her older sister hates her. Clarissa keeps trying to believe her sister still loves her because of a gift she gave her before she disappeared at the fair as well as the close ties they had always had and it still stays with her until an incident happens that brings home to her the fact her sister isn’t the sister she knew and loved before she changed.
I could feel Clarissa’s desperate feelings inside to be loved and accepted and how desperately she wanted Missy to be like she used to be before she changed. Being awkward around people she resorted to living in a fantasy world with reading books about magic and magical people and dreaming they were real. I
myself have been in that same situation as well so I can relate to her as I’m sure other readers can as well.
Finding someone who shows her magic awakens again her desire to understand that world but things happen that forever changes the ties she has with her sister and her new friend.
I recommend this book and this series to readers old or young who enjoy reading about the paranormal world of fantasy. It’s a great escape from the troubles in our country and world right now. We can’t do anything about what’s happening around us really but we can make ourselves feel better by getting lost in thrilling stories we enjoy. For me that’s fantasy and Sarina’s stories fit the bill perfectly! She has so many funny short stories but also serious ones to contemplate while you’re reading them and series like this one and Vega that you will enjoy. There are so many tragedies both Vega and Clarissa face but they keep persevering. I know Vega does and it stands to reason that Clarissa will as well as this is the first book in the series.
Join Sarina’s legion of loyal readers and get on board the train yourself! Pick up this book and or the first book in the Vega series and “read all about it!” You may want to add some funny short stories to the mix to lighten the mood as well.
Hope you’ll be joining me on this reading adventure!
Life is forever changed between her best friend ( her sister) and herself when the family attends a unusual fair. Her sister disappears and when she is found she is forever changed. Where they were loving before now her older sister hates her. Clarissa keeps trying to believe her sister still loves her because of a gift she gave her before she disappeared at the fair as well as the close ties they had always had and it still stays with her until an incident happens that brings home to her the fact her sister isn’t the sister she knew and loved before she changed.
I could feel Clarissa’s desperate feelings inside to be loved and accepted and how desperately she wanted Missy to be like she used to be before she changed. Being awkward around people she resorted to living in a fantasy world with reading books about magic and magical people and dreaming they were real. I
myself have been in that same situation as well so I can relate to her as I’m sure other readers can as well.
Finding someone who shows her magic awakens again her desire to understand that world but things happen that forever changes the ties she has with her sister and her new friend.
I recommend this book and this series to readers old or young who enjoy reading about the paranormal world of fantasy. It’s a great escape from the troubles in our country and world right now. We can’t do anything about what’s happening around us really but we can make ourselves feel better by getting lost in thrilling stories we enjoy. For me that’s fantasy and Sarina’s stories fit the bill perfectly! She has so many funny short stories but also serious ones to contemplate while you’re reading them and series like this one and Vega that you will enjoy. There are so many tragedies both Vega and Clarissa face but they keep persevering. I know Vega does and it stands to reason that Clarissa will as well as this is the first book in the series.
Join Sarina’s legion of loyal readers and get on board the train yourself! Pick up this book and or the first book in the Vega series and “read all about it!” You may want to add some funny short stories to the mix to lighten the mood as well.
Hope you’ll be joining me on this reading adventure!
February 18, 2020
I'm not sure where to start with this book. The idea behind it was intriguing which made me initially want to read this book. That being said, I don't fully understand why this book is book one in the Womby's School for Wayward Witches. The school is maybe mentioned a total of 5 times through out the book and only by name, we never actually find out anything about this school.
Clarissa is a 14 year old girl who loves magic and fantasy (Harry Potter and Narnia are constantly referenced), but she came off as more of a 10 year old girl to me. Her complete lack of reality and her overplayed innocence grew tiresome fast. When she starts high school she befriends a 17 year old boy Derrick and his group of "nerd herd" friends. The whole time I couldn't figure out how this group of older kids would want anything to do with Clarissa or be her friend. Besides being self called nerds, they really had nothing in common and just out of no where accepted her into this group.
Missy, Clarissa 17 year old sister used to be over protective of her until one day after an incident at a fair she all of a sudden hates Clarissa and claims that Clarissa is going to kill her before her 18th birthday. What happens next is Missy becomes an absolute monster. She starts "mixing potions" and doing "chants" and constantly tries to get Clarissa in trouble for no reason. The icing on the cake is when none of Missy friends realize that Clarissa is her sister. I don't understand how Missy has been friends and in school with these girls for years and they have no clue that she has a sister named Clarissa, especially when a few months prior to all this they were basically inseparable?
The parents just seemed like an absolute joke from the get go. It is heavily insinuated that the mom who claims magic doesn't exist is constantly using magic on her children and husband. Her over the top antics to "protect her girls" are unrealistic and boarders on insanity. The dad just goes along for the most part on whatever his wife says while sometimes trying to sooth the way. The mom becomes fiercely protective our Missy but I found it hard to believe that if she has magic as well and apparently has a familiar that alerts her to magic issues that she had no idea Missy was daubing in magic.
I think this story had major potential but it was honestly a huge let down. I'm assuming this series must get better though as there are 17 books. I will read the next book just to see if things get better.
I received a review copy from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
Clarissa is a 14 year old girl who loves magic and fantasy (Harry Potter and Narnia are constantly referenced), but she came off as more of a 10 year old girl to me. Her complete lack of reality and her overplayed innocence grew tiresome fast. When she starts high school she befriends a 17 year old boy Derrick and his group of "nerd herd" friends. The whole time I couldn't figure out how this group of older kids would want anything to do with Clarissa or be her friend. Besides being self called nerds, they really had nothing in common and just out of no where accepted her into this group.
Missy, Clarissa 17 year old sister used to be over protective of her until one day after an incident at a fair she all of a sudden hates Clarissa and claims that Clarissa is going to kill her before her 18th birthday. What happens next is Missy becomes an absolute monster. She starts "mixing potions" and doing "chants" and constantly tries to get Clarissa in trouble for no reason. The icing on the cake is when none of Missy friends realize that Clarissa is her sister. I don't understand how Missy has been friends and in school with these girls for years and they have no clue that she has a sister named Clarissa, especially when a few months prior to all this they were basically inseparable?
The parents just seemed like an absolute joke from the get go. It is heavily insinuated that the mom who claims magic doesn't exist is constantly using magic on her children and husband. Her over the top antics to "protect her girls" are unrealistic and boarders on insanity. The dad just goes along for the most part on whatever his wife says while sometimes trying to sooth the way. The mom becomes fiercely protective our Missy but I found it hard to believe that if she has magic as well and apparently has a familiar that alerts her to magic issues that she had no idea Missy was daubing in magic.
I think this story had major potential but it was honestly a huge let down. I'm assuming this series must get better though as there are 17 books. I will read the next book just to see if things get better.
I received a review copy from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2020
Clarissa is a geek and an outcast. She loves Harry Potter, Narnia, Star Trek, etc, and she would like nothing more than for magic to be real. Clarissa's only friend is her older sister, Missy, whom she adores and loves. When the family visits a local country fair, Missy goes missing for several hours. Once she's found, she insists that she met a witch who told her that Clarissa would kill her before her 18th birthday. Seemingly overnight, Clarissa's protective, loving big sister turns cold and distant towards her. Clarissa would never hurt her sister, and she does everything she can to prove to Missy that she loves her.
By the time school begins again, Clarissa is a freshman and is eager to go to the same high school as Missy. Her sister, however, shuns her in favor of hanging out with the cool kids. Clarissa is taken in by the self-named "nerd herd", where she meets Derrick, a blue-haired boy who does magic tricks. Clarissa's mother doesn't approve of Derrick and tells Clarissa to stay away from him. In the meantime, Clarissa suspects that Missy is dabbling in black magic, but she doesn't want to tattle on her, for fear of making her sister hate her even more than she already does.
It isn't until the night of homecoming during Clarissa's sophomore year that everything spirals out of control, and she learns just what price magic can exact. Clarissa's life will never be the same again.
I had a love-hate thing going on with this book. The story was compelling, and Clarissa is a fully-formed, engaging character. All characters were, except for Missy. We never knew what was going on with her. I think what most took me aback about Missy was that overnight, literally, she went from the fun, protective big sister to actively fearing and hating on Clarissa. All I could think was, you've known your sister all her life, and yet you're going to believe something a woman you knew for a matter of hours tells you, rather than believing in your sister? Missy was utterly vile to Clarissa for the rest of the story, and poor Clarissa was so heartbroken. Also, the book never really touched on Womby's School except to mention it in passing. I had presumed the story would, oh I don't know, be set in Womby's School for Wayward Witches!
In spite of the annoyances and aggravations I felt reading this, I'm giving it five stars. Anything that can get that much of a reaction is well-written, yeah?
By the time school begins again, Clarissa is a freshman and is eager to go to the same high school as Missy. Her sister, however, shuns her in favor of hanging out with the cool kids. Clarissa is taken in by the self-named "nerd herd", where she meets Derrick, a blue-haired boy who does magic tricks. Clarissa's mother doesn't approve of Derrick and tells Clarissa to stay away from him. In the meantime, Clarissa suspects that Missy is dabbling in black magic, but she doesn't want to tattle on her, for fear of making her sister hate her even more than she already does.
It isn't until the night of homecoming during Clarissa's sophomore year that everything spirals out of control, and she learns just what price magic can exact. Clarissa's life will never be the same again.
I had a love-hate thing going on with this book. The story was compelling, and Clarissa is a fully-formed, engaging character. All characters were, except for Missy. We never knew what was going on with her. I think what most took me aback about Missy was that overnight, literally, she went from the fun, protective big sister to actively fearing and hating on Clarissa. All I could think was, you've known your sister all her life, and yet you're going to believe something a woman you knew for a matter of hours tells you, rather than believing in your sister? Missy was utterly vile to Clarissa for the rest of the story, and poor Clarissa was so heartbroken. Also, the book never really touched on Womby's School except to mention it in passing. I had presumed the story would, oh I don't know, be set in Womby's School for Wayward Witches!
In spite of the annoyances and aggravations I felt reading this, I'm giving it five stars. Anything that can get that much of a reaction is well-written, yeah?
July 2, 2025
A love letter to every bit of adolescent fantasy that has ever made us dream as children.
I should start by saying this book was not written for me. I’m a middle-aged man who mostly reads and writes military historical novels. I’m not even a Harry Potter fan. I was too old when it came out to appreciate the book or the movie. I only read and saw the first one.
That said, I LOVED Tardy Bells and Witches Spells! It is young adult urban fantasy at its finest. I identified so much with the main character. I remembered what it was like to feel different, the embarrassment and angst I experienced in school. I remember wanting to believe that I was special, that I belonged to a different world that was full of adventure and excitement waiting to claim me. This book filled me with nostalgia with all its references to the Lord of the Rings series, Dungeon & Dragons, The Witch in the Wardrobe, and so many other forms of escape I had from the cruel, mundane world.
I don’t know how I discovered author Sarina Dorie. It might have been on Instagram. I admired her marketing. I liked the cartoonish, clunky, cute, and sassy art style of the covers. I wanted to try one of her books for a while. So I leaped at the opportunity when the books 1-5 box set was on special. I bought it and threw it onto my to-be-read queue. I finally got around to it, and boy was surprised how much I liked it! It was better than I had imagined.
The story is the first-person narrative of Clarissa Lawrence. She’s an awkward kid with red hair and freckles who’s obsessed with the make-believe worlds of Tolkien, Rowling, and the like. But Clarissa’s owl bearing her admission to a wizard school never comes. Her parents tell her that magic doesn’t exist and she must face the challenges of the ordinary world, like the transition between jr. high and high school. But the magical world won’t be denied as it pries its way into her teenage angst of bullies and boyfriends.
Tardy Bells and Witches Spells is a sweet coming-of-age story with ripples of magic running through it. Sarina Dorie constantly teases us with whether magic really exists as it manifests under the surface of the story. The foreshadowing is excellent, drawing you deeper into the narrative. It was full of surprises, mysteries, twists, and turns. Buy it for your teenager, or better yet, read it yourself. It’s great fun!
I should start by saying this book was not written for me. I’m a middle-aged man who mostly reads and writes military historical novels. I’m not even a Harry Potter fan. I was too old when it came out to appreciate the book or the movie. I only read and saw the first one.
That said, I LOVED Tardy Bells and Witches Spells! It is young adult urban fantasy at its finest. I identified so much with the main character. I remembered what it was like to feel different, the embarrassment and angst I experienced in school. I remember wanting to believe that I was special, that I belonged to a different world that was full of adventure and excitement waiting to claim me. This book filled me with nostalgia with all its references to the Lord of the Rings series, Dungeon & Dragons, The Witch in the Wardrobe, and so many other forms of escape I had from the cruel, mundane world.
I don’t know how I discovered author Sarina Dorie. It might have been on Instagram. I admired her marketing. I liked the cartoonish, clunky, cute, and sassy art style of the covers. I wanted to try one of her books for a while. So I leaped at the opportunity when the books 1-5 box set was on special. I bought it and threw it onto my to-be-read queue. I finally got around to it, and boy was surprised how much I liked it! It was better than I had imagined.
The story is the first-person narrative of Clarissa Lawrence. She’s an awkward kid with red hair and freckles who’s obsessed with the make-believe worlds of Tolkien, Rowling, and the like. But Clarissa’s owl bearing her admission to a wizard school never comes. Her parents tell her that magic doesn’t exist and she must face the challenges of the ordinary world, like the transition between jr. high and high school. But the magical world won’t be denied as it pries its way into her teenage angst of bullies and boyfriends.
Tardy Bells and Witches Spells is a sweet coming-of-age story with ripples of magic running through it. Sarina Dorie constantly teases us with whether magic really exists as it manifests under the surface of the story. The foreshadowing is excellent, drawing you deeper into the narrative. It was full of surprises, mysteries, twists, and turns. Buy it for your teenager, or better yet, read it yourself. It’s great fun!
July 27, 2020
No. Just NO!
Clarissa is 14 but honestly seems to be an 8 year old in terms of maturity. She’s starting high school but is completely clueless about basic sexual knowledge because her Mom won’t allow her to take sex ed in school.
**Note to parents: not educating your kids about sex is how you become super young grandparents raising your grandkids!**
Back to this book... gah! There are hints of a lot of things but nothing really is explained. The whole thing with Clarissa not being taught about sex does have consequences because her powers are sorta, maybe, perhaps tied to her sexuality. (??) It’s not clear but bad stuff happens when she “gets tingly.” Her sister goes from being her BFF to literally every stereotypical mean girl in movies and books all wrapped into one little snotty ball of spoiled cheerleader. Cliché! Get your cliché here! Step right up!!
There is a whole lot left unsaid, unexplained or just confusing. I’m not sure what age group this is meant to be directed at. Like earlier stated Clarissa is 14 at the start of the book and 15 at the end but seems to be very much younger since she’s still playing with dolls, doll houses/castles and whatnot. But she makes friends with the “Nerd Herd” (who are actually Goth/Emo with funky died hair, nose and or lip studs & one has a neck tatt and are not nerdy at all, see my confusion here?) and they talk about sex, French kissing and oral sex which our immature MC doesn’t understand. There is talk of S & M and sex magic. Quite a few F-Bombs are dropped. So if this is geared towards middle schoolers it’s inappropriate. If it’s geared towards high school kids the MC doesn’t have the maturity to be in HS so it feels off. Also IS she actually a special needs kid? It’s hinted that she’s “on the spectrum” or perhaps IS actually Autistic but never defined as such. If she is the whole Derek thing who is 17 at the book’s beginning being into her is waaay creepy and inappropriate. Hell it’s creepy that a
17 year old dude is into a 14 year old little girl no matter what.
This book had potential. The idea of a magic school is what made me get it in the first place but that NEVER happens. I won’t even bother dealing with that.
I would steer clear of this convoluting story. Please.
Clarissa is 14 but honestly seems to be an 8 year old in terms of maturity. She’s starting high school but is completely clueless about basic sexual knowledge because her Mom won’t allow her to take sex ed in school.
**Note to parents: not educating your kids about sex is how you become super young grandparents raising your grandkids!**
Back to this book... gah! There are hints of a lot of things but nothing really is explained. The whole thing with Clarissa not being taught about sex does have consequences because her powers are sorta, maybe, perhaps tied to her sexuality. (??) It’s not clear but bad stuff happens when she “gets tingly.” Her sister goes from being her BFF to literally every stereotypical mean girl in movies and books all wrapped into one little snotty ball of spoiled cheerleader. Cliché! Get your cliché here! Step right up!!
There is a whole lot left unsaid, unexplained or just confusing. I’m not sure what age group this is meant to be directed at. Like earlier stated Clarissa is 14 at the start of the book and 15 at the end but seems to be very much younger since she’s still playing with dolls, doll houses/castles and whatnot. But she makes friends with the “Nerd Herd” (who are actually Goth/Emo with funky died hair, nose and or lip studs & one has a neck tatt and are not nerdy at all, see my confusion here?) and they talk about sex, French kissing and oral sex which our immature MC doesn’t understand. There is talk of S & M and sex magic. Quite a few F-Bombs are dropped. So if this is geared towards middle schoolers it’s inappropriate. If it’s geared towards high school kids the MC doesn’t have the maturity to be in HS so it feels off. Also IS she actually a special needs kid? It’s hinted that she’s “on the spectrum” or perhaps IS actually Autistic but never defined as such. If she is the whole Derek thing who is 17 at the book’s beginning being into her is waaay creepy and inappropriate. Hell it’s creepy that a
17 year old dude is into a 14 year old little girl no matter what.
This book had potential. The idea of a magic school is what made me get it in the first place but that NEVER happens. I won’t even bother dealing with that.
I would steer clear of this convoluting story. Please.
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