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Witch's Bite #4

Forbidden Magic

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Join Olivia Carter one last time in the final installment of the Witch’s Bite series


Loyalties tested. Prophecies fulfilled. And magic’s final price.

After being kidnapped, shot at, blown up, and barely escaping a collapsing building…I'm done following orders; and the threats don’t scare me anymore.

My trust in Reilly has grown since the attack on the Summit and meeting his clan. But when he suggests the unthinkable, I realize I must find my own way to kill this God.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2018

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169 people want to read

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Stephanie Foxe

23 books265 followers

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5 stars
459 (43%)
4 stars
378 (36%)
3 stars
171 (16%)
2 stars
30 (2%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Breann.
120 reviews11 followers
July 25, 2018
Hoping for more

Actual rating: 2.5 stars

You are probably wondering why someone writes a review for a “meh” book. Why not just keep walking? Well, when I see potential I’m arrogant enough to hope that the author reads this and uses it, either by printing it out to throw darts at or as motivation. I’ve always been self-assured like that. The great part (for me) is that if they don’t, I’ll probably never know. Internet anonymity is super fun, right?

Back to the task at hand. NOTE: Spoilers, sarcasm, and curse words replaced with characters in order to appease the powers that be to follow.

I’d like to think I know what I’m getting into with the Urban Fantasy genre. I’m no pro, but I have some expectations (good or bad, who the h*** knows).This story had good bones, but was lacking the connective tissue to really get it done. By the end, I found that I was just frustrated more than anything else. Those 2.5 stars are mostly for concept, some pacing, and kindness (man that makes me sound like a d**k).

If you aren’t interested in the “why” of my statements, stop reading now. It doesn’t get any easier to digest below this line. To the author: I’d recommend grabbing a glass of wine before we get started. I’d probably steer clear of tequila, not like ya girl, Olivia, but you do you. I, personally, don’t allow myself to drink tequila in the continental United States because I’d like to keep my options for the presidency open and I’ve proven that to be iffy in the past so...moving on. Wine it is.

1. What is up with your character names, friend? I didn’t notice it until the last book (which makes sense bc most are introduced then) but you have the following similarities:
-Adrian and Ian (you actually confused these two in one spot)
-Elisa and Eliza (it’s weird when you can’t tell if a father is comforting his daughter or a random werewolf)
-And unless I had too many of the above recommended beverages, you had two characters named Gerard. Listen, I like Gerard Butler as much as the next red-blooded human, but your homage to him was a bit much. (This is a joke people; the two characters could never compare to GB.)

2. The stories are short. I’m talking SHORT, all caps, no room for misinterpretation. This review is probably longer than one or two of the books in this series. These are novellas at best. I typically like my urban fantasy somewhere between GoT and 60,000 words. Best practice IMO: double or triple your word count. If these hadn’t been in Kindle Unlimited, I would have felt shafted and not in a good way.

3. The end sucked. Sorry, but I can’t find a more diplomatic way to put that. You neutered it. The god was one of your coolest angles and he was defeated without any real conflict. Bummer.

4. The romance. I actually liked the Martinez stuff and the twist to villain early on with stalker-ish bits throughout. I was happy to see the introduction of Reilly, although I kinda think his name doesn’t suit him. What I wasn’t thrilled about was the development of their relationship. You compressed your story so much that you didn’t explore this push and pull of hating each other but finding an attraction at the same time. This was a missed opportunity that could have added another dimension.

5. Editing. I get it. You are indie and editing is expensive. You make that note (the same one literally) in all four books, but just get some good betas. I caught lots of things as a casual reader that wasn’t even trying.

Phew! It was touch and go for a bit, but we survived. We made it through that dark cave of review together.

I should have just kept walking, right? Maybe I haven’t had enough coffee or sunshine yet. Sometimes I can’t help myself.

Profile Image for Natalia.
1,180 reviews94 followers
January 2, 2020
This is the review of the all series.

Really liked this series... Its funny, its creative!
The supernaturals are very detail...

The h has the biggest heart I ever seen, she doesn't trip when see a cute guy, she curses, drinks and is a loud mouth!

She is the star of this serie... There is a H but for me he felt more like a side character!

Loved the detail of the magic brews!!


Note: although there is sex talk and sexy situations... There is no sex in this series and I didn't miss it!
Profile Image for Cherry Mischievous.
597 reviews290 followers
July 9, 2020
My Thoughts:
Like all the books in this series, this one is also short and sweet with 252 pages long. This is the finale of the series and I liked it! However it was not the big bang that I expected. That may only be because my expectation bar was a little higher than it ought to be. My bad! Furthermore, the ending although not a cliffhanger, but also hints of possibilities that there might be more stories coming of the Olivia Carter world. And like the previous book, I read this ebook more than I listened to it. Still not a fan of Laurel Schroeder 's singsong reading. At the end of it, I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to all urban fantasy readers! However, to get here, you need to read the previous books in the series!

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = 5
Plot = 3.5
Narration = (N/A)

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
4,392 reviews56 followers
November 28, 2020
I really liked this series. The conflicts started on the small scale and moved on to larger and larger ones until it was on an apocalyptic level. I liked the details of brewing spells. Too often brewing spells are not part of a witch's skill set or if mentioned it is just brushed by. I loved the ending.

Good series.
Profile Image for Levia.
1,381 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2019
Satisfying conclusion

Stephanie Foxe has a way of making an ending happen that is lackluster and then pulling the carpet out from under you by giving the real ending that has a satisfactory conclusion. In her afterword she says she's horrible with commas but other than a few misspellings easily missed by autocorrect or a proofreader I didn't notice any glaring errors. I absolutely loved the ending! It was bittersweet of course, and then heart-warming, and then happy! I absolutely recommend this series and will be reading the other series mentioned at the end of the book.
Profile Image for Brenna Joyce.
169 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2018
Heroine is still on my nerves. She’s very childish and if she wasn’t such a special snowflake I’m pretty sure everyone would hate her...well more than they already might. The ending wasn’t terrible and glad to see she went back home.
248 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2018
Wonderful

I enjoyed reading this series. I was interested from book 1 to the end. I recommend this series. Now I will read other books by this author.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,390 reviews62 followers
May 19, 2018
Such a good ending to a fabulous series

I read this series over the last 3 days. I literally couldn’t stop reading except to briefly sleep and eat. In my review of the first book in the series I said that I hoped the series would round out the supporting characters and I was so glad I my wishes were fulfilled.

By the end of the series I felt like we knew Olivia extremely well and that characters like Elise and Zachery were becoming old friends. Each character in this series had a valuable part to play to the plot and character development of the lead protagonist.

In this last book of the series we see Olivia, our friendly neighbourhood half witch/half vampire take on the so called ‘Bound God’. She does not do it alone and needs all her friends and allies from the rest of the series. She finds help in unexpected places as well as being let down by others.

I love how this book ends. I won’t go into the plot but it was tidy and interesting and very satisfying.

I can’t wait to see what this writer comes up with in her next series.
388 reviews
May 4, 2018
A worthy grand finale.

Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!

The most exciting book of the series. Foxe pulls everything together. Even though series events were fairly predictable, she manages to keep the journey interesting and surprising and lots of fun to read.

(Nitpicking spoilers) The closest thing I can come up with as a negative is that Olivia goes back to "healing" for Javier but we don't get to know how she picked that back up. I'd kind of hoped Ian's healer would have volunteered. Actually, you'd think Staci would have been the first of many. However, since she wasn't drained to the point of death, shouldn't her magics have recovered over time?

Warning! Shameless proselytizing to follow... If you're looking for something to read next, I'd like to suggest two under promoted (imo) series: "The Chronicles of Icthema" and "Legends of Fyrsta". And maybe even "Red Rowan"?
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
August 26, 2018
The end of an era

Wonderful. Glad that the series didn't go on for too long as most writers loose the freshness and can put you off a series even if you loved the first few books. The book needs to be found so that the Bound God can be destroyed. That is the solution that everyone has come too. However even though they are actively looking, they still have to deal with the threats that are here. Like the abductions of the werewolves. Attacks, bloodshed and possible allies are awaiting them. But Caesar is working towards bringing his own plans for vampire domination into force. Will they find any allies that will help and guide them to finding a way to stop him? What price will be paid? Betrayals, strange powers and unexpected allies come forth? Where will the final battle take place? Who will be the Victor and at what price.
982 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2021
This series was just ok. In a nutshell I didn’t feel connected to the characters at all. Reilly was the typical unemotional a-hole vampire that makes me shy away from vampire stories because it’s just this list driving “romantic” story line and I felt this was no different. I can’t even really call it a storyline as they don’t kiss like once near the end and that’s it. There’s not a lot of connection between them, she hates him most of the time. Just not that into it. I also didn’t fall for the world the author wrote about. Usually I get lost in it, excited to see what the author creates. This was just average for me.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,420 reviews52 followers
August 2, 2021
Well, we've finally gotten to the final book in this series and let's just say it was quite a build up. Part of me actually was thinking something along the lines of, "well, that was easy...." even though it wasn't THAT easy. But I guess after all the build up.....

So final thoughts...

I enjoyed the entire series. The first book was probably the hardest for me because the set up and the world building started a bit slow. Also, once we got a better feeling about the characters, I became more invested. I LIKED Olivia. I liked Patrick, even though he had been a bit of a a***ole. I ended up liking Zachary and believe it or not, I ended up liking Reilly. Yes, he did some pretty bone headed things, but his heart was in the right place. Was that enough to forgive him? Not really, but I did so there is that....

Would I read another series by this author? Yep - without a doubt.
1,231 reviews4 followers
May 9, 2018
Spectacular Series!

This series abounds with action, adventure, great characters, and a roller coaster of evocative emotions. It takes the imagination on the journey of the amazing evolution of the lead character, and her companions. There are despicable villains to hate and wish their downfall. As well as heroic witches, vampires, werewolves, and goblins to cheer on as they endeavor to defeat the dark forces.
This is a spectacular urban fantasy that will thoroughly captivate and entertain until the last page of the art book.
Profile Image for Anna Maudsley.
60 reviews
July 14, 2018
Enjoyed this series, the story was actually really good - I think it could have just been one book instead of four to be honest but that didn't stop me reading all the books. Really liked the characters and the chemistry between Reilly & Olivia was believable. I would just like to suggest the author expands on some if her adjectives- biting inside her cheek, panting, biting out retorts and dimpled smiles all got a bit too repetitive after a while. Would definitely recommend for any fan of True Blood though (which I am).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Trey richardson.
230 reviews20 followers
May 3, 2018
Almost a 5 star

My only grips are the lack of variability in the magic system and literally the last page. The MC's foe has absorbed countless powers and no new or cool abilities are shown from him. And the MC character is one of the few female characters that doesn't give into the overbearing selfish guy untile the last page or two. I wish it would have ended before those last pages.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,857 reviews22 followers
March 6, 2020
Good Ending

A good ending to the series. Olivia faces up to her responsibilities, and finds a way to defeat the ‘big bad’.
This is not a romance series, although there are overtones, instead it’s a genuine Urban Fantasy, with powerful bad guys, and good guys fighting against the odds.
Expect some sad moments, some moments of betrayal, and some moments of satisfaction.
The ending is happy, most issues are resolved, and although it’s left open, the future looks promising!
284 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
The writing could be better and I thought maybe there were some consistency issues. Some parts confused me at the end. Also I didn't really feel much chemistry between Olivia and Riley, and even though I wish they had more, I thought earlier scenes and books hinted at spice, but there was none ):

But the overall story was pretty cool and I liked that it had a satisfying ending so I'd give it a solid 3.75!
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,621 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2025
Forbidden Magic: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Witch's Bite Series Book 4)

Forbidden Magic: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Witch's Bite Series Book 4) I absolutely loved ❤️‍🔥❤️ the book , the prophesy,  it was a rollercoaster ride and lots of action and sarcasm.  I absolutely loved the ending! It was bittersweet and then Happily ever after ! I absolutely recommend this book 📕 📕 / series 📚…..

 

Profile Image for Elizabeth Wilbur.
3 reviews
May 17, 2018
A thrilling read...

One of the most satisfying paranormal reads I've read in a long time. I loved the series and wish it wasn't the last book in this one. It was funny, exciting and kept me up all night binge reading the entire series. I can't wait for more books by Stephanie Foxe!
42 reviews
June 5, 2018
Sad to see it end

I read all four books in two days. Fabulous storyline new and exciting thoughts on the myth magic genre and i thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want something with a twist on it. Something that keeps you moving on but not at that pace that hurts your head....this is the series for you.
Profile Image for Abigail Yager.
7 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2018
Wonderful story

Love the well rounded characters, that the relationships of them to each other weren't forced and felt natural. Very interesting story and kept me turning page after page, read the whole series through my unlimited membership and binged it within 2 days. I couldn't stop. Loved it, and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2018
This was definitely better than the last book. Olivia is back as her strong, wise cracking self and this makes her more bearable. The action is on point and just enough balance between descriptions and storyline that we don’t get bogged down. We learn a bit more about Reilly’s past and Zachary’s hang ups. Overall, answers are given and the series wraps up with some necessary sacrifices.
Profile Image for Adriane.
423 reviews15 followers
October 4, 2018
The final book in the series, its so good, a great climax to the series and enough follow up that you arent left hanging at the end which is really nice. Overall I love this authors writing style, amd am looking forward to reading her next series soon. Well once I can get my reading list whiddled down a bit.
Profile Image for josie.
219 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2018
So much happened!

I was worried with all that needed to occur in this book that it would end up feeling rushed and that the ending would leave me with a bad taste. I'm so happy to say that that was not the case. And shockingly more occurred than I initially expected! This was a great series with a perfect happy ending.
Profile Image for Sondra Massey.
73 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2019
HEA...

A good, fun read! There are definitely heart breaks in the book, but there's a HEA (happily ever after) of a sorts at the end. A bit more character development happens here too. The build up and resolution seems a little rushed, but not distracting. Love reading her books!
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,779 reviews85 followers
May 6, 2019
Great!

Solid ending to a strong urban fantasy. First person, single POV with a clean (I hate that description.... but how else do you describe lack of physical intimacy in a book?!) romance that hints at a decent future. It’s been a whirlwind journey and this book works hard to tie ever lose end together and gives HEA to those it can.
Profile Image for Jennifer Layne.
1,040 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2019
This was a great book! So much tension, action and fierce sexual tension between Reilly & Olivia.

This book and the 3 before it were well written with a wonderful world and characters that jump off the page. I had the pleasure of watching these 4 books play like a movie in my head while I read them. A pure joy.
248 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2019
Exciting and imaginative

I normally get bored if any series is more than three books but this series had me glued from start to finish. I read them all in quick succession and have no regrets!
Olivia is a great heroine and all the other characters are interesting and believable. I would thoroughly recommend this author and look forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Julie.
279 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
For me, the series was a 3 instead of 4 because the characters just didn’t feel fleshed out enough. They were interchangeable and didn’t feel like “real” beings. Sometimes the succinct writing was a bit disconcerting as well.

Interesting plot line, it just need a bit more development to bring an emotional connection to developments.
Profile Image for L Bongiorno.
1,522 reviews11 followers
June 7, 2020
Overall I really enjoyed the series. It was a fun read.

There are a lot of little errors, pronouns seem to be a problem among other little things. Also, the ending fell flat for me. The romance/ lack of romance - Reilly waits so long to see her and long distance romances never work, they also seemed to be at odds more often than not... I just do not see a future for them:/0
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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