Storm Witch

Scarlet Jones #1

by D.N. Hoxa

My name is Scarlet Jones, and I’m a witch…of some kind. Probably.

Those who knew me growing up, thought of me as a spoiled little brat they didn’t want to have anything to do with. I did break things on purpose, stole others, and I may or may not have set half my school on fire, but come on! They were being too hard on me.

I grew up in a family full of strong Blood witches, in which my strange magic never belonged. I thought I was the only one of my kind out there, a true freak of nature, and I liked it that way. I lived on my own, learning to hunt these creatures nobody seemed to know anything about, a bunch of mindless thingies who were in the habit of sucking my magic dry wherever they found me. I even set up a party for them, just so I could teach them some manners.

But my plan went to hell when four strangers crashed the party, people who apparently were like me. Just like that, I no longer felt like a special little flower. With four unconscious bodies at my feet and no idea what was going on, I thought that was the worst it was going to get. Boy, was I wrong…

The rest of my life is only just beginning, and by the looks of it, it is not going to be a smooth ride.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Witches, Demons, Werewolves

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2018

Reviews

[Swalsk · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was confusing. Also, holy cow the spelling mistakes!! How many times are you going to misspell soldier. It was the only thing I could focus on.

[Billee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve read a few books by the author, D.N. Hoxa, now and I’m still thoroughly enjoying her work. This series is in the same world as previous series I’ve been reading by her, Winter Waynes. From the beginning, Scarlet Jones is on the go. She’s been fighting to stay hidden and alive by herself for 2 years when she comes across 4 others that appear to share the same abilities as her. I spent most of the book wondering when she will get a second to breathe. But I loved it. The chaos kept me booked. I can’t wait to get to know more about Scarlet and her friends and see how the secrets are revealed.

Recommend to anyone who likes fantasy, supernatural, fighting.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

KU

This was ok, but I did have some issues with credible behaviours and apparent immaturity. Many of the concepts in the book have been used before, however, despite my misgivings and difficulty identifying with the protagonist, I will give the next book a go.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story. It started out slow as it worked to build up so I knew what Scarlet had been up to for the past little while to get ready to fight the mindless thingees. I thought there was a bit of mystery and suspense in the story and liked the build up to all the action. And there were a lot of action and fight scenes. And I liked the twist at the end. I cannot wait to see what happens next and hopefully I get to learn more of what really is going on. I loved the series setup with this book 1 and I love this world full of magic, fairy, and shifters. A great story that I found entertaining.

[Aarann]

It just wasn't for me. Too many characters introduced too quickly, and I wasn't connecting with the main character. DNF at 20%.

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storm Witch

Whooooo is the geeen-eyed man? Scarlet is a fantastic MC. The first storm witch has a lot of CLOUDS 2 kick! On to book 2!

[Myriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining and very fast paced story. I have never read this author before so I had no idea what to expect, and I certainly did not expect to get absolutely addicted. I pretty much could not stop reading the book until I finished and I continued immediately with the next one because I had to know what was happening. I have to warn all those readers who do not like cliffhangers to purchase the next book (Storm Power) before they start reading.
The main character is strong at times, and lost at times. She has some idea of her powers but she is mostly unaware of her own abilities, being so unique and unusual. She lives mostly isolated from people and is alone in the world, until suddenly she is not. Then there are demons after her and an organisation intent on researching or killing her, and Scarlet does not have a peaceful moment in here life. But she is a fighter and she does not give up. I like her a lot. There is only one detail about her that I do not like and that is her lack of confidence in herself and her intuition. She is sometimes prone to giving in to peer pressure, instead of following her instincts.
There is a hint that there might be romance somewhere along the way, but I am hoping not because I do not like her current potential interest because I don't think he gives her proper respect, he is quite confrontational at times, and he is insistent on being right regardless of how much is stacked against his opinion, which then causes problems for the group, as he is usually not right because he mostly does not know what he is talking about. So, for the sake of the main character and the story, I hope this does not end up as a romance.
Overall, it was a really good and interesting story, as I said I immediately continued with the next one. Action packed.

[Tea Leaves & Foxes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think it was possible for a book to be full of too much action, but that's exactly what I found myself thinking while i read the first two thirds of this book. There was very little character development, but action scene after action scene.

it wasn't until a little past halfway through that I felt it started to slow down and really build on the characters and story. by this time I was ready to give this book 2 Stars. it wasn't until I was in the last 4th of the book that a certain scene happened that really piqued my interest. although this scene was completely out of the blue, it drew me in enough to where I feel this Series has a lot of potential and if I were to pick up the next book (which at the moment I'm unsure I want to do) so long as there was more character development, I think that it could be a really good series.

other than the fast-paced beginning of the book and the lack of character development there was a couple of scenes that just felt out of the blue like they were just tossed in there and it left me wondering where the author was going with everything. I will say I did not see the end coming it was not predictable and that was refreshing.

So based on everything I've said above I decided to give this book three stars. Like I said I think it has potential to be a really good series but as of right now I am just on the fence.

I received an arc of this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good: Once I was finally able to immerse myself into this book I was hooked. Scarlet is a badass who doesn’t quite see in herself what other people see in her. Many times throughout the novel she has people look to her to lead them and train them. Each time we read her thoughts of how she doesn’t think she is strong enough to be able to help them. This helped to make Scarlett seem relatable to the reader. Another way that I personally was able to connect with her is that she is a loner who realizes that she doesn’t want to be alone. In the beginning of the book she keeps telling herself that she doesn’t want a group to belong to, that it is safer for her if she stays on her own. By the middle she has realized that she is truly lonely and that she needs companionship.

The story unfolds at a good pace that keeps you hooked while giving you a short breather between the actions scenes.

The Bad: Okay so literally the only thing that is negative, and that made me give this book four stars instead of five, is that it was so hard to get into at first. I picked the book up and put it down numerous times. Finally, I forced myself to read it and I am so glad that I did.

Final Thoughts: Pick this book up if you can. It is only $0.99 in the Kindle store, and free if you have kindle unlimited. You don’t have a Kindle? If you have a smart phone you can download the Kindle app for free.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book jumps straight into the action and could have you feeling a bit puzzled for a while, it did me. The blurb tells you whats going to happen in the first few pages but there's a lot more happening after that. I felt that there could have been a bit more background info on the world building, the bad guys seem to be running the show without much opposition and I would have liked to know the reason for that. Scarlet is a very self contained character who doesn't get along with other people easily, she hasn't really had much opportunity to do so. The author very cleverly shows you little titbits of character background in between the action and you get to know them slowly as they get to know each other. With all that's happening to them and around them it's understandable that they don't have much time to build relationships. There is a more mysterious character that makes an appearance in this book, with a hint of a promise to turn up in future books, definitely a person of interest in my opininion, but you'll get no spoilers from me! On the whole, it's an enjoyable read that left me wanting to know more about some of the characters. Don't worry, there isn't a cliffhanger but if I had the next book I would be reading it now.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This urban fantasy is set in the same world as the Winter Wayne series, and would benefit from having read that series first, though it’s not strictly necessary.

Scarlet has been living in Manhattan by herself for two years, fighting the strange mute creatures that seem to follow her, feeding on her unusual magic.
When she fights back, she is startled to discover people like her, with the same magic that she has.
Now they’re all trying to stay off the radar of the authorities as well as the mute creatures...

This is the first in a series, and contains an ongoing story, which means that you’ll want to have the subsequent books lined up, as it ends in a ‘not-quite-cliffhanger’ ending (i.e. the story isn’t finished, but the characters are somewhat safe).
It’s an entertaining story, filled with action and adventure, and a heroine who learns as she goes. There is some mystery to the heroine and her friends, and although she does gain some answers, a lot more is still unknown.

This is a book that fans of the author will enjoy, as well as those who enjoy urban fantasy series, especially series where the main character has to face a series of trials and tribulations.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet is from a family of blood witches but her magic isn't the same. She spent her whole childhood trying to be like the rest of her family. When she turns 18 and goes through the Blood ritual to increase her powers, nothing happens. She moves away from home to NYC to not embarrass her family. She quickly learns that her mystery magic is a lure for mindless creatures who drain her of her magic. She has to learn to lock down her magic and fight the creatures. She feels alone and hunted until one night she sets a trap for the creatures and gets more than she expected. In the middle of her fight with the mindless creatures, four people appear and get drained by the creatures. This is the first time she has seen the creatures go for anyone besides her. Maybe these four have magic like hers and answers.
This is a great story and start to a series. I loved Scarlet and how she never gave up. She is a very strong heroine. I voluntarily received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. we meet Scarlet, a witch with unique qualities unlike anything shes seen. she had been on her own for a long time since her family basically paid her to be away bc she had no powers...pfft. scarlet lives in NYC and is always fighting for her life...money recently from mindless things that take her essence to feed them. but she brings the battle to them..to try to eradicate them. unfortunately 4 ppl get in the way and they get zapped by the zombie things. what more could happen. scarlet separates the bunch to figure out how they are like her...snd more importantly what do they know. trying to lay low, scarlet tells them what she knows but she gets flustered by Ax, the hottie of the group. when the ECU tries to capture them they go running for their lives...who knows what they would do to them. scarlet is used to surviving by herself....csn she trust others even if they are like her? what will happen if they get caught? can memories from her past help her present?

[Roxy Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could be I’m just needing a different type of book. And I am still considering reading the next one.
I struggled with connecting with the main character. She just felt a little flat. I found several good ideas in the book that kept me reading but on the other hand it was a struggle at times to continue. I found the ending interesting though. I know it’s bad to compare books but maybe this will help illustrate. When I read the throne of glass series I was connected with the main character and understood how she felt, saw the world, her conflicts and struggles, I couldn’t put those books down. This book was suppose to have a similar loner but yet looking for friends vib and ... okay maybe I was told the above info not experienced it. I don’t know but it was missing something.

Ah, I think all the build up moments where the character grew or changed were mostly mentioned as thoughts of the past rather than a flash back where we could experience the growth and story of those pivotal moments. Haha sorry for rambling, just trying to understand my reaction to the book.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, the wonderfully superb D.N. Hoxa (hey, I’m allowed: I’ve never actually met her but have thoroughly enjoyed everything she’s written) is back with a new book. It’s called Storm Witch and is a total doozy of goodness. It’s also (yippee) the fist in a brand new series, called the Scarlet Jones books. Let me tell you, this is truly enjoyable. It has a wonderful cast of lead (Scarlet Jones) and (yummy) supporting characters. It’s also perfectly plotted a superbly written. The publisher’s blurb warns readers to “Hop on board and brace yourselves. It is going to be a bumpy ride.” Yes indeed, but a wildly fun ride too. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Noone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars are generous considering the lack of care about anything.
But I haven't read beyond chapter 4 (not even 2 hours into the audiobook) so I can not be sure it deserves just 1.
This is mostly a strong fmc power fantasy strongly inspired by Lara Croft but she is a superhero and has op magic (or somesuch). But without any brain. TSTL is commonplace here.
Every opportunity for proper storytelling instead just invokes all the tired UF tropes or clichées under the sun. There is no effort at writing a good story to be found here anywhere.
It opens with her being equipped to the teeth with throwing stars, two desert eagles she fires one-handed, two swords, two butterfly knives, and a whole lot of spinning in battle. I honestly got the impression she might be a combination of Lara Croft and a Beyblade.
It was laughably bad but just barely not bad enough to become entertaining again.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't Put it Down

This has the Winter Wayne Series beat in my opinion. Granted, it is only the first book but I like the fact that Scarlet has her group of people, whereas WW series lacked that imo.

Plenty of interesting mysteries to be unraveled, like who is the green eyed man and what is his connection to Scarlet? Where did this new coven of witches come from? Why is the ECU scared of them and trying to take their powers?

Great character building and world building. I literally picked the book up and didn't put it down for two hours until it was finished.
I'm officially hooked on this series!

My only hope is that author doesn't drag out out Scarlet's belief and guilt that she's the one to be blamed for the fire and then the deaths at the ECU. That's the only flaw I would find in this book and possibly going forward.

Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys UF.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story. This is the first time I ever read anything from this author D.N.Hoxa. I am so glad I didn't turn this chance down. She has become one of my favorite author's since reading this book. It was FANTASTIC to read. I opend up the story and started to read it and I wouldn't put it down till I was done with it. I fell in love with the characters and the story as it all unfolded. I can't wait to see what she wrote for book #2 this one was AWESOME, so glad kids are on summer break cause I just finished the book right before I started this review.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting read after the first chapter or so. Once the action started it was non-stop. Scarlet is a new type of witch and she thinks she's alone. Her whole life she has been a disappointment to her family due to her lack of magic. She is on her own and battling power sucking demons. She meets others like herself while fighting the demons. Oh, and the ECU (the group that regulates magic, is out to arrest them. I liked the characters and the world they inhabit. I really liked it. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was fine ::shrug::

There's plenty of action, but not much character- or plot-development, and the world-building is a bit slim. The writing could be better, but maybe I just felt this way because I started to become really annoyed with the repeated use of "mindless thingies" to describe the vampire-type beings after the protagonist. It's probably because the author wanted to capture the readers' attention with the action, but the reveal about the main character's past comes much too late in the book, after I had already given up on caring about her.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK

I wasn’t sure if I liked this book when I first started. It sounded a little to young and boring, but I was hoping it would get better the farther in. The book did get better it just took a while. Scarlet seemed to be a character that has her shit together even though she doesn’t know much about her magic, but the other characters that she meets with that have the same type of magic seem kind of childish.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series that is sure to entertain

I’m always up for a new series from this author. The urban fantasy world that is created will always draw you in and I love everything about it. Scarlet is in the world of Winter but is completely different from her. There’s still a lot we don’t get answered but it was great as a first.

[Adrienne McFarlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

New interesting take on witches. Reads more like a YA UF, but overall story was engaging. I would have provided a higher rating, but several inconsistencies in the story from start to finish. As well, several grammatical issues such as using the term neither when referring to groups of more than 2 people.

[Marie Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living on the edge

This was a great adventure of a witch that thought she was alone to only find out there was others just like her. The fears and challenges Scarlet and her friends face leave you on the edge and sometimes it feels like your heart will beat out of your chest. I look forward to reading book 2.

[Godiva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was this written by aspiring 16 year old? Characters are immature, and whiney, always asking dumb questions.
Lead female character has so self respect. What is to be the main love interest is a threatens her and is disrespectful to her, no one listens to her when she talks and she still takes them in. No thanks.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but honestly if I hadn’t been listening on audio I probably would have DNF’d. A lot of time spent on backstory and it started getting interesting at about 70-80%.

The concept is there but the writing needs to be tightened up a lot. The name for the “bad guys” is so immature it’s hard to believe the FMC is in her twenties & not her teens.

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet's story is definitely a must read! Filled with great characters and tons of action this fast paced story is a great start to this series. Can't wait to see where the author takes the story next

[Chrissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read this author, and will definitely be looking for more! Filled with action, the storyline moves along fairly quickly. The world building is great and it is easy to become lost in the world the author has created.

[charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evolved slowly

It was another fast paced read with great paranormal fights. And it had demons to. But this book has a collection of characters created and you get the feeling that this book is for the next book.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stats , I read 44% of the book and still had no idea what was going on. The characters were never developed to make me care. I have better books on my to read books SO done with this book.... not a good read.