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The Witches of Portland #1
By Earth
Haunted by the dead, she fights for the living.
Cassiel thought she had outrun the ghosts, but here they were again, in Portland, Oregon, whispering in her ears.
Between the ghosts and her imminent eviction, Cassie has trouble enough, and then Joe walks into the café.
Cute enough to be interesting, Joe is haunted and doesn’t know it. Haunted by a dead girlfriend who insists the city itself is in trouble.
Cassie and Joe –along with Arrow and Crescent coven– must unravel the mystery shaking the city apart.
A mystery that may have killed Joe’s girlfriend. A mystery with corruption at its root.
Cassiel thought she had outrun the ghosts, but here they were again, in Portland, Oregon, whispering in her ears.
Between the ghosts and her imminent eviction, Cassie has trouble enough, and then Joe walks into the café.
Cute enough to be interesting, Joe is haunted and doesn’t know it. Haunted by a dead girlfriend who insists the city itself is in trouble.
Cassie and Joe –along with Arrow and Crescent coven– must unravel the mystery shaking the city apart.
A mystery that may have killed Joe’s girlfriend. A mystery with corruption at its root.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2018
463 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
T. Thorn Coyle
89 books191 followersTT. Thorn Coyle has been arrested at least four times. Buy her a cup of tea or a good whisky and she'll tell you about it.
A salty-tongued, tattooed mystic, Thorn is author of the alt-history urban fantasy series The Panther Chronicles, the novel Like Water, and two short story collections. The Witches of Portland will be out in Spring, 2018. She has also written multiple non-fiction books including Sigil Magic for Writers, Artists & Other Creatives, Kissing the Limitless, and Evolutionary Witchcraft. Thorn's work appears in many anthologies, magazines, and collections.
She has taught magical practice in nine countries, on four continents, and in twenty-five states. Her other occupations have been numerous, and include working four years each on the Pacific Stock Options floor (as a young Anarchist punk with a blue, flat-top Mohawk), in a woman-run peep show, and full time in the San Francisco soup kitchen she ended up volunteering at for twenty years. All of this, along with her activism, informs her fiction.
An interloper to the Pacific Northwest, Thorn joyfully stalks city streets, writes in cafes, and talks to crows, squirrels, and trees.
Thorn is active on:
Twitter @ThornCoyle
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tthorncoyle
Medium https://medium.com/@ThornCoyle
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThornCoyle
http://www.thorncoyle.com
A salty-tongued, tattooed mystic, Thorn is author of the alt-history urban fantasy series The Panther Chronicles, the novel Like Water, and two short story collections. The Witches of Portland will be out in Spring, 2018. She has also written multiple non-fiction books including Sigil Magic for Writers, Artists & Other Creatives, Kissing the Limitless, and Evolutionary Witchcraft. Thorn's work appears in many anthologies, magazines, and collections.
She has taught magical practice in nine countries, on four continents, and in twenty-five states. Her other occupations have been numerous, and include working four years each on the Pacific Stock Options floor (as a young Anarchist punk with a blue, flat-top Mohawk), in a woman-run peep show, and full time in the San Francisco soup kitchen she ended up volunteering at for twenty years. All of this, along with her activism, informs her fiction.
An interloper to the Pacific Northwest, Thorn joyfully stalks city streets, writes in cafes, and talks to crows, squirrels, and trees.
Thorn is active on:
Twitter @ThornCoyle
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tthorncoyle
Medium https://medium.com/@ThornCoyle
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThornCoyle
http://www.thorncoyle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 30, 2018
Coffe shops, Witches, and Ghosts
I adored the backdrop of the book. I may not have been to Portland myself. Yet. However, I know my way around local coffee shops, ghosts and connecting with my fellow magical people everywhere I go. The characters have a nice feeling of people I could meet. The narrative has a ring of truth. This was a joy from start to finish. It's only 4 stars because I found myself wanting more of the Witches. I wanted to know more about them, their reasons for being Witches, and definitely more witchcraft being featured. I happily recommend this book!
I adored the backdrop of the book. I may not have been to Portland myself. Yet. However, I know my way around local coffee shops, ghosts and connecting with my fellow magical people everywhere I go. The characters have a nice feeling of people I could meet. The narrative has a ring of truth. This was a joy from start to finish. It's only 4 stars because I found myself wanting more of the Witches. I wanted to know more about them, their reasons for being Witches, and definitely more witchcraft being featured. I happily recommend this book!
October 8, 2019
Nice diversity of characters, and the magic is grounded in pretty solid practical theory, made more sparkly (because fiction, duh.) Highly recommended!
December 24, 2020
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it wasn’t such epic goodness! I loved the feeling of togetherness and belonging within the story, and I really liked how Cassiel was learning to accept herself and her gifts. I really liked the Tarika aspect of the story. The only thing I didn’t like is how it seemed like Joe was still in love with Tarika while falling for Cassiel and that felt uncomfortable to me. But overall, a really engaging story!!
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October 29, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. I have tremendous respect for Thorn and I’m a big fan of her nonfiction magical writing. I wanted to love this story, but two things kept gnawing at me.
The first was the awkwardness of the descriptions, especially of people. They kept coming across like a stilted creative writing class exercise. And how many times do we really need to hear about Cassiel’s glorious red hair and pale skin? The second, more serious problem was the degree to which the ghost was able to manipulate the material world, including electronics. I realize this is fantasy, but this seemed to jar with the book’s own internal consistency. If this ghost can accomplish these things, why can’t the ones in Cassiel’s past who needed her to speak for them?
On the plus side, I did enjoy reading about the coven and their work. I’m sure some details were enhanced for story purposes, but I also felt like I was getting a glimpse into how a healthy, experienced group worked together. I enjoyed and appreciated the diversity.
As a light read, it was a good way to spend a couple of hours. I’m going to try the next one, but if it’s not better than this one I won’t continue.
The first was the awkwardness of the descriptions, especially of people. They kept coming across like a stilted creative writing class exercise. And how many times do we really need to hear about Cassiel’s glorious red hair and pale skin? The second, more serious problem was the degree to which the ghost was able to manipulate the material world, including electronics. I realize this is fantasy, but this seemed to jar with the book’s own internal consistency. If this ghost can accomplish these things, why can’t the ones in Cassiel’s past who needed her to speak for them?
On the plus side, I did enjoy reading about the coven and their work. I’m sure some details were enhanced for story purposes, but I also felt like I was getting a glimpse into how a healthy, experienced group worked together. I enjoyed and appreciated the diversity.
As a light read, it was a good way to spend a couple of hours. I’m going to try the next one, but if it’s not better than this one I won’t continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2018
Full disclosure: I have been a fan of Thorn's for a long time, fiction & nonfiction.
I really enjoyed By Earth. It's got a lot of familiar tropes in it, but they're threaded through an unusual over-arching theme: this is Social Justice Urban Fantasy, and I love it! A coven of witches taking on predatory developers and their accomplices in the city government is exact what Portland needs.
This is a solid first book for the series. We meet Casseil and the coven she's a member of (I really hope every one of those folks is getting a book, I am dying to learn more about Selene), we get a crash course in how powerful magic is in this version of the world, and other important first-book stuff.
I finished this book eager to read the next one. Thankfully Thorn is releasing them at a pretty good clip, so we don't have to wait too long between installments in the series. :D
I really enjoyed By Earth. It's got a lot of familiar tropes in it, but they're threaded through an unusual over-arching theme: this is Social Justice Urban Fantasy, and I love it! A coven of witches taking on predatory developers and their accomplices in the city government is exact what Portland needs.
This is a solid first book for the series. We meet Casseil and the coven she's a member of (I really hope every one of those folks is getting a book, I am dying to learn more about Selene), we get a crash course in how powerful magic is in this version of the world, and other important first-book stuff.
I finished this book eager to read the next one. Thankfully Thorn is releasing them at a pretty good clip, so we don't have to wait too long between installments in the series. :D
May 13, 2018
A Bold Beginning
I’m a long-time fan and reader of Thorn Coyle, both fiction and non-fiction. This book as the beginning of a non-sequential series is a bold beginning, as it sets us up for a dynamic magical experience with a group of witches steadying and growing their power. I especially appreciate Cassiel, a character whose struggles mirror some of my own (and one I wish had been written a decade ago, when I was closer to her age). As a resident of Portland, I find the book so closely mirrors the city and her struggles. In waiting for By Flame to be released, I reread this book because I just wanted to immerse myself more deeply in these characters, their lives, and their magic.
I’m a long-time fan and reader of Thorn Coyle, both fiction and non-fiction. This book as the beginning of a non-sequential series is a bold beginning, as it sets us up for a dynamic magical experience with a group of witches steadying and growing their power. I especially appreciate Cassiel, a character whose struggles mirror some of my own (and one I wish had been written a decade ago, when I was closer to her age). As a resident of Portland, I find the book so closely mirrors the city and her struggles. In waiting for By Flame to be released, I reread this book because I just wanted to immerse myself more deeply in these characters, their lives, and their magic.
May 11, 2018
Despite it being another story about the struggle for social justice and another story filled with magic, I never felt it was something I had read before. I feel like T.Thorn Coyle created something completely fresh and new. I love how the book describes an inclusive and supportive community taking action. The protagonists are no larger than life heroes but real people with their strength and flaws, this makes them seem very real and human.
All in all a very inspiring story, especially for people interested in magic and changing the world.
All in all a very inspiring story, especially for people interested in magic and changing the world.
July 2, 2018
The overall story here was interesting, but I had a hard time getting into the writing style. It often felt like the pacing was off, with too much attention paid to minor details.
The coven and the way ritual and magic were worked into the story was interesting, but at times, I found both Joe and Cassiel to be a little immature and self-absorbed. I'm curious about the ongoing story and the other coven members, but I'm not sure it's enough to convince me to pick up the next book in the series.
The coven and the way ritual and magic were worked into the story was interesting, but at times, I found both Joe and Cassiel to be a little immature and self-absorbed. I'm curious about the ongoing story and the other coven members, but I'm not sure it's enough to convince me to pick up the next book in the series.
January 16, 2020
This needs a wee bit of editing and definitely proofreading, but it's a fun read. I read it because it's set in Portland and involves witches and ghosts.
It definitely feels like Portland since about 2015, what with the housing crisis and lots of unaffordable apartments sprouting up around town. Just a few years ago, there were no high-rise apartment buildings by Burnside Bridge.
It definitely feels like Portland since about 2015, what with the housing crisis and lots of unaffordable apartments sprouting up around town. Just a few years ago, there were no high-rise apartment buildings by Burnside Bridge.
December 19, 2020
2020 was going to be the year of borrowed books. My goal was to solely read library books, but that plan was derailed rather quickly. So I decided to give my Kobo a healthy workout. This is one of the titles I added a while back and finally made time for. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Although this series centers around witches and Morgan Daimler's "Murder Between Worlds" series focuses on the Other Crowd, these urban fantasy series are similar in style and mood, which is a big plus as far as I am concerned.
The story moves at a good pace, with plenty of character development to keep you hooked. I have wanted to visit Portland for a number of years and the atmosphere the author creates is the perfect setting for a witchy adventure. I was able to read the first chapter of the second book in the series and will be adding it to my eLibrary as soon as I post this review.
The story moves at a good pace, with plenty of character development to keep you hooked. I have wanted to visit Portland for a number of years and the atmosphere the author creates is the perfect setting for a witchy adventure. I was able to read the first chapter of the second book in the series and will be adding it to my eLibrary as soon as I post this review.
March 27, 2025
I loved this book
I love this book because Cassie is a very strong character. She was slowly built that way by the Author with the help of the Characters of the covin,too.
I love this book because Cassie is a very strong character. She was slowly built that way by the Author with the help of the Characters of the covin,too.
January 30, 2019
This book was...weird. Good, but weird.
I don't read much M/F these days unless it's incidental to a primary plot that I find very engaging.
Some of the actual plot felt loose, like not everything quite tied together, with magic substituting actual proof. That's okay, though. It worked well enough for this story.
It is sketchy to meet a guy through the ghost of his previous girlfriend. While it's clear by the end that said dead girlfriend, Tarika Henderson, had good intentions the whole time, there were moments and parts where she felt like a malevolent presence.
I appreciated the diversity of the cast of characters. Some would say it was forced, others might say they were two-dimensional, but it's difficult if not impossible to flesh out characters who aren't the main focus of a story that's a hybrid of romance and social justice drama.
I've rated this book five stars because my philosophy is that everything starts at five and goes down if there's a specific thing I take issue with. I enjoyed this book and found no specific, concrete problems, so five stars!
I don't read much M/F these days unless it's incidental to a primary plot that I find very engaging.
Some of the actual plot felt loose, like not everything quite tied together, with magic substituting actual proof. That's okay, though. It worked well enough for this story.
It is sketchy to meet a guy through the ghost of his previous girlfriend. While it's clear by the end that said dead girlfriend, Tarika Henderson, had good intentions the whole time, there were moments and parts where she felt like a malevolent presence.
I appreciated the diversity of the cast of characters. Some would say it was forced, others might say they were two-dimensional, but it's difficult if not impossible to flesh out characters who aren't the main focus of a story that's a hybrid of romance and social justice drama.
I've rated this book five stars because my philosophy is that everything starts at five and goes down if there's a specific thing I take issue with. I enjoyed this book and found no specific, concrete problems, so five stars!
October 6, 2019
Witchcraft, ghosts and the supernatural - yet strangely enough these aren't nearly as important to this story as modern day social issues.
Cassie is a witch and Joe is a working guy getting over the pain of the death of his girlfriend. Cassie is struggling with issues of bad landlords and tenant unions, while the cost of healthcare in the US looms large for Joe. Both these issues - and the slowly building relationship between Cassie and Joe play a bigger part in matters than the magic, and so the supernatural elements feel almost tacked on at times, coming into play as the mystery of what happened to Joe's journalist girlfriend plays out.
There are a lot of authentic elements - the Portland setting feels genuine to me as a reader - but the mystery doesn't feel deep enough, and the resolution comes a little too easily for me.
That said, it's an easy read, and blends social justice issues well into the narrative. It wasn't for me, but I can see other readers will adore it.
Cassie is a witch and Joe is a working guy getting over the pain of the death of his girlfriend. Cassie is struggling with issues of bad landlords and tenant unions, while the cost of healthcare in the US looms large for Joe. Both these issues - and the slowly building relationship between Cassie and Joe play a bigger part in matters than the magic, and so the supernatural elements feel almost tacked on at times, coming into play as the mystery of what happened to Joe's journalist girlfriend plays out.
There are a lot of authentic elements - the Portland setting feels genuine to me as a reader - but the mystery doesn't feel deep enough, and the resolution comes a little too easily for me.
That said, it's an easy read, and blends social justice issues well into the narrative. It wasn't for me, but I can see other readers will adore it.
January 23, 2019
I liked it but...
The concept is good- a girl running from her own ability to see ghosts can't hide anymore and has to take control to help not only herself and her friends, but the whole city.
The characters are likeable and the dual point of view keeps the story fresh.
The first half of the book moved at a decent pace, but after that, it lost me. As details revealed themselves to the characters, I couldn't figure out how they'd come to those conclusions.
For example, there were fires - buildings being burned down that incriminated a character, but never an explanation of why they were burnt down or what he gained from the arson.
Also, I didn't really get the magic. I think the author knows a lot about witchcraft and it shows. I, as a regular reader, don't have that knowledge so I was just confused a lot of the time.
The concept is good- a girl running from her own ability to see ghosts can't hide anymore and has to take control to help not only herself and her friends, but the whole city.
The characters are likeable and the dual point of view keeps the story fresh.
The first half of the book moved at a decent pace, but after that, it lost me. As details revealed themselves to the characters, I couldn't figure out how they'd come to those conclusions.
For example, there were fires - buildings being burned down that incriminated a character, but never an explanation of why they were burnt down or what he gained from the arson.
Also, I didn't really get the magic. I think the author knows a lot about witchcraft and it shows. I, as a regular reader, don't have that knowledge so I was just confused a lot of the time.
October 6, 2018
I loved this book as an example of what I hope the future of fiction will be, filled with characters from all ethnic backgrounds and genders. I'm so sick of all the (non-ethic-niche) books filled with 95% white characters (main characters being 99% white), and I say this as a white person.
However I really hate the issues the author had with tense. Also, details like the 2 construction-field guys (= having the skills for most stuff and cash to throw at stuff if they don't have enough time) living in a house for FOUR YEARS without putting in heat or making much of any progress at all. So for every moment I loved in the book, there was an irritating moment from grammar or other mistakes. I'm still rounding my review up to a 4.
However I really hate the issues the author had with tense. Also, details like the 2 construction-field guys (= having the skills for most stuff and cash to throw at stuff if they don't have enough time) living in a house for FOUR YEARS without putting in heat or making much of any progress at all. So for every moment I loved in the book, there was an irritating moment from grammar or other mistakes. I'm still rounding my review up to a 4.
March 20, 2020
Realistic Modern Witchcraft
In a world full of books and movies about witches with “Hollywood” magic, it was refreshing to see a realistic tale featuring magic as experienced by actual practitioners. Written by a witch, “By Earth” felt grounded in contemporary Paganism as recognized by those who live it. That said, I do believe the story is accessible to anyone regardless of philosophy. I love how the author included modern conflicts that effect everyday people. Corruption and greed are the real baddies. I also loved the diversity and positive masculinity. Joe was a great character with traditionally masculine roles, yet he was sensitive and supportive of the women in his life. I look forward to reading the next books.
In a world full of books and movies about witches with “Hollywood” magic, it was refreshing to see a realistic tale featuring magic as experienced by actual practitioners. Written by a witch, “By Earth” felt grounded in contemporary Paganism as recognized by those who live it. That said, I do believe the story is accessible to anyone regardless of philosophy. I love how the author included modern conflicts that effect everyday people. Corruption and greed are the real baddies. I also loved the diversity and positive masculinity. Joe was a great character with traditionally masculine roles, yet he was sensitive and supportive of the women in his life. I look forward to reading the next books.
April 29, 2018
I thought this was a good story to introduce a new series. I liked the story line and the writing. It is a story full of magic, mystery, some suspense and a ghost. I thought Cassiel and Joe were a hoot. I liked that the story is told from both their point of view. Just fun to read and made me laugh, especially Joe. There was not the typical bad guy either. Just an entertaining story that once started I had to finish to see who the bad guy was and if Cassiel and Joe would save the day. I loved the story and cannot wait to read the next one.
July 4, 2018
I really need to start T. Thorn Coyle books when I can read them cover to cover. I started By Earth on a break at work, which was not long enough! I live in Portland and while I know they are fiction, it is easy for me to imagine them with truth. Housing, development, and gentrification are problems we live with daily. Cafe's are the heart of neighborhoods. We have witches. The book's magickal problem solving is ingenious and captivating. I also love that the characters are incredibly diverse. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 16, 2018
T. Thorn Coyle writes characters that I love, and this book is no exception. I always enjoy books that show strong loyalties, friendships, and love of different kinds, and Thorn never fails to deliver in this area. The addition of magical practice just makes the story even better! I'm glad the series goes on from here and I can follow the Witches of Portland into further stories. I'm off to buy book two now!
January 25, 2019
Loved this book! The whole series is fantastic. As an honest-to-goodness Portlander, the series captures the best of Portland and doesn’t flinch at the things that still need attention. I loved how effortlessly magic is woven throughout the book - it’s not a class or a weapon or something “other” than the characters. It’s an integral part of the characters’ lives. So good, so real, so engrossing. Thorn delivers the good read yet again. Read and enjoy.
July 7, 2018
So good! I don't often gush, but I'm gonna gush here. These days I find myself endlessly picky about books and this book was highly satisfying. I don't often find fun reads that I truly enjoy but this was one. With modern Witches connecting to the ancestors, battling the forces of Corporate Greed and having some sweet romance in the background it was just so enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
January 18, 2019
A Fun Read
This is a very well crafted, pun intended, story. The characters are people you would want to sit and have coffee with. I'm glad it's a series because there is so much more I want to know about them. The romance is sweet and simple. While there are some heavy issues, the story deals with them in a way that honors them without getting bogged down. Worth your afternoon!
This is a very well crafted, pun intended, story. The characters are people you would want to sit and have coffee with. I'm glad it's a series because there is so much more I want to know about them. The romance is sweet and simple. While there are some heavy issues, the story deals with them in a way that honors them without getting bogged down. Worth your afternoon!
July 22, 2018
It's probably just me, but I really couldn't get into it. I read several chapters then decided not to keep reading it. I very seldom do that, but because it was a Kindle Unlimited I didn't feel guilty....much.
Don't not try it because of me.
Don't not try it because of me.
August 11, 2018
Deeply witchy and enjoyable!
Rich with details for all the senses, descriptions of Portland and its varied inhabitants, this is a story that integrates activism and the magical life, and leaves the reader satisfied that justice just might prevail.
Rich with details for all the senses, descriptions of Portland and its varied inhabitants, this is a story that integrates activism and the magical life, and leaves the reader satisfied that justice just might prevail.
September 3, 2018
Couldn't put it down
I seldom find books that I must read cover to cover in a sitting - this is one. The characters spoke to a deep place within me, a connection was formed. Such a rarity!
I seldom find books that I must read cover to cover in a sitting - this is one. The characters spoke to a deep place within me, a connection was formed. Such a rarity!
May 5, 2023
Great read!
I’m impressed, what a true work of art, combined with the realism of the craft. I found myself experiencing life through the characters. The way T.Thorn describes coven life warmed my heart. I’m feeling very fortunate to have found this series.
I’m impressed, what a true work of art, combined with the realism of the craft. I found myself experiencing life through the characters. The way T.Thorn describes coven life warmed my heart. I’m feeling very fortunate to have found this series.
August 5, 2022
Don't waste your time. Apparently the author has never heard of spellcheck, or grammar editor, storyline aside. Lack of character development, narration that could be done by an 8 year old, deleted this book long before finishing. Just not worth reading.
May 8, 2018
Cassiel and Joe are a delight as the main characters in this sometimes humouress and intriguing story . Different style and extremely winning as a story.
September 10, 2022
The book was OK. It was a little drawn out. It did have a satisfactory ending, which is what I like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews