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Trash Witch #1
Risky Magic
I’m Avery Burke. They call me the Trash Witch because I play fast and loose with spell ingredients. Personally, I think of myself as an innovator, pushing the boundaries of what magic can do.
So imagine my surprise when the handsome young Witch Council member Jaden Blackmore asks for my help finding a missing witch behind the council’s back. No matter how dangerous and reckless it is to defy the council, I just can't say no to Jaden's beautiful green eyes.
But then parallels to my own mother's disappearance come to light and enemies crawl out of the woodwork. With the help of Jaden and my uptight, rule-abiding roommate, Valerie, we must test the limits of my magic and find the missing witch before whatever happened to him happens to me. And it turns out my magic may not be what it seems…
Risky Magic is a stand-alone novel set in the same world as The Reluctant Werewolf Chronicles and Avery Burke appears briefly in Wicked Moon. Risky Magic is suspenseful urban fantasy with humor and romance.
So imagine my surprise when the handsome young Witch Council member Jaden Blackmore asks for my help finding a missing witch behind the council’s back. No matter how dangerous and reckless it is to defy the council, I just can't say no to Jaden's beautiful green eyes.
But then parallels to my own mother's disappearance come to light and enemies crawl out of the woodwork. With the help of Jaden and my uptight, rule-abiding roommate, Valerie, we must test the limits of my magic and find the missing witch before whatever happened to him happens to me. And it turns out my magic may not be what it seems…
Risky Magic is a stand-alone novel set in the same world as The Reluctant Werewolf Chronicles and Avery Burke appears briefly in Wicked Moon. Risky Magic is suspenseful urban fantasy with humor and romance.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2018
70 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Tori Centanni
18 books191 followersTori Centanni is a nerd girl and a recovering goth. She likes dark, quirky stories with elements of humor. When not reading or writing, she can be found baking, watching too much television, and wrangling cats. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 2, 2019
This is quick and light UF with a touch of long-burn romance. Fortunately, that was precisely my mood so I enjoyed it well-enough.
The world-building is extremely light and includes a lot of glossing over details that will niggle at you if you're looking for a system or setup that you can sink yourself into. Avery is a witch who is a little free with her formulas; something that irritates and annoys other witches so she's something of an outsider in her own community. She bumbles through a lot and I came to enjoy that determination and sometimes-panic-induced experimentation.
The council plays a huge role in the plot, but it's the weakest of the worldbuilding, frankly. I'm still not sure what they do or why they're important or how they can possibly make any money from "being on the council" as stated but I found I cared more about Avery and Jaden anyway. Which means the plot only holds together if you take the givens as given. That said, if you give it its premise, the plot holds together, so there's that.
Jaden is mostly just a cardboard cutout of successful dreamboat interested in our heroine because she's quirky. But Centanni does manage the dreamy bit reasonably well so I liked him and enjoyed their developing relationship.
There's a mid-story reveal that I found interesting but it's also where the thin world-building became most evident. Warlocks as human/demon half-breeds hadn't come up in any memorable way before (let alone details of what that meant) and suddenly their existence was central to the story. I liked the development, mind. It was just more left-fieldy and unsupported than it should have been.
So this ends up 3½ stars that I'm rounding up for questionable reasons. A late-story TSTL moment that setup the final conflict nearly has me rounding down, but on reflection I still had fun and the plot didn't interest me nearly so much as the main character and her relationships.
A note about Chaste: There's a kiss, but the relationship is really only in its very early stage. So this is chaste, though I have no idea if the author will continue that as the series progresses. Come to think of it, I kind of liked that Avery's internal monologue wasn't sex-obsessed and all we really get about Jaden amounts to being very handsome.
The world-building is extremely light and includes a lot of glossing over details that will niggle at you if you're looking for a system or setup that you can sink yourself into. Avery is a witch who is a little free with her formulas; something that irritates and annoys other witches so she's something of an outsider in her own community. She bumbles through a lot and I came to enjoy that determination and sometimes-panic-induced experimentation.
The council plays a huge role in the plot, but it's the weakest of the worldbuilding, frankly. I'm still not sure what they do or why they're important or how they can possibly make any money from "being on the council" as stated but I found I cared more about Avery and Jaden anyway. Which means the plot only holds together if you take the givens as given. That said, if you give it its premise, the plot holds together, so there's that.
Jaden is mostly just a cardboard cutout of successful dreamboat interested in our heroine because she's quirky. But Centanni does manage the dreamy bit reasonably well so I liked him and enjoyed their developing relationship.
There's a mid-story reveal that I found interesting but it's also where the thin world-building became most evident. Warlocks as human/demon half-breeds hadn't come up in any memorable way before (let alone details of what that meant) and suddenly their existence was central to the story. I liked the development, mind. It was just more left-fieldy and unsupported than it should have been.
So this ends up 3½ stars that I'm rounding up for questionable reasons. A late-story TSTL moment that setup the final conflict nearly has me rounding down, but on reflection I still had fun and the plot didn't interest me nearly so much as the main character and her relationships.
A note about Chaste: There's a kiss, but the relationship is really only in its very early stage. So this is chaste, though I have no idea if the author will continue that as the series progresses. Come to think of it, I kind of liked that Avery's internal monologue wasn't sex-obsessed and all we really get about Jaden amounts to being very handsome.
March 24, 2019
Risky Magic starts out with the reader getting to know a little bit about the "trash" witch, Avery, who is actually really funny and interesting. She gets asked to do something that is a bit odd and could get her into trouble, but when it has something to do with her past she decides to help out.
But she may learn more than she thought she would.
This book was really good! I liked it a lot. It was funny, had a very interesting story line and a great heroine. The only downside was the heroine's friend. She was just horrible and I wouldn't really call her much of a friend, I hated her. Other than that, I loved the rest of it.
But she may learn more than she thought she would.
This book was really good! I liked it a lot. It was funny, had a very interesting story line and a great heroine. The only downside was the heroine's friend. She was just horrible and I wouldn't really call her much of a friend, I hated her. Other than that, I loved the rest of it.
August 28, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up
Avery Burke, who is not really one to follow everything to a "t" is considered a Trash Witch since she plays around with ingredients. Her spells are often unstable -- as in, the result can be not exactly as intended. But it also makes her creative. Avery is the one that Jaden Blackmore, a young council member, needs when he wants to find a missing council member.
Despite the lack of world-built, which I usually complain about, I found that Risky Magic a straightforward story. The world itself is not complicated -- which is probably no need for info dump. Basically there are "good" witches and "bad" witches (usually those considered not pure) and of course, there's council who try to make everybody follow the rules.
I liked both Avery and Jaden enough. I wouldn't mind to follow this series if the author ever decides to continue. What I wish so strongly as a change is TO GET RID OF AVERY'S ROOMMATE, VALERIE. My GOD, she's so annoying!! I want her gone. She made the book less enjoyable because every time she was on page, speaking or thinking (silently), I still wanted to do a lot of harm *lol*.
Avery Burke, who is not really one to follow everything to a "t" is considered a Trash Witch since she plays around with ingredients. Her spells are often unstable -- as in, the result can be not exactly as intended. But it also makes her creative. Avery is the one that Jaden Blackmore, a young council member, needs when he wants to find a missing council member.
Despite the lack of world-built, which I usually complain about, I found that Risky Magic a straightforward story. The world itself is not complicated -- which is probably no need for info dump. Basically there are "good" witches and "bad" witches (usually those considered not pure) and of course, there's council who try to make everybody follow the rules.
I liked both Avery and Jaden enough. I wouldn't mind to follow this series if the author ever decides to continue. What I wish so strongly as a change is TO GET RID OF AVERY'S ROOMMATE, VALERIE. My GOD, she's so annoying!! I want her gone. She made the book less enjoyable because every time she was on page, speaking or thinking (silently), I still wanted to do a lot of harm *lol*.
July 3, 2019
I hope we have more in the future
I truly enjoy reading an author I haven't read. Learning their individual style while deciding if I like the story line, characters and would I pay money for the book and any sequels. I like the main character's premise, her friends and the interesting turn in the last couple of chapters. I would buy this author.
I truly enjoy reading an author I haven't read. Learning their individual style while deciding if I like the story line, characters and would I pay money for the book and any sequels. I like the main character's premise, her friends and the interesting turn in the last couple of chapters. I would buy this author.
October 27, 2018
Awesome
Very good read. I love the story line . Can see it as a series. Well written. Fast pase. I felt like I was watching a movie as I read it. It has romance danger and humor. A few sad parts but a happy open ending. Happy reading.
Very good read. I love the story line . Can see it as a series. Well written. Fast pase. I felt like I was watching a movie as I read it. It has romance danger and humor. A few sad parts but a happy open ending. Happy reading.
November 25, 2019
Bought this at a Holiday Bazaar in my home town. What a wonderful surprise. The characters are great and sass of this "witch" and her creativity and courage were a foray into underground Seattle. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light mystery and magic.
October 15, 2018
Great story
I loved this book. The story line is a bit different from what I usually read. Tori did a excellent job with this story. I hope to read more.
I loved this book. The story line is a bit different from what I usually read. Tori did a excellent job with this story. I hope to read more.
January 10, 2019
Wonderful
I gave a 5 star rating because i liked the story. There is mystery, magic , murder and a little romance. I recommend this book.
I gave a 5 star rating because i liked the story. There is mystery, magic , murder and a little romance. I recommend this book.
June 28, 2019
Risky Magic
Interesting story and characters. At first I was not sure I would like the story but was pleasantly surprised and will read others from this author.
Interesting story and characters. At first I was not sure I would like the story but was pleasantly surprised and will read others from this author.
January 20, 2019
Who doesn’t love a great title? Trash witch Avery plays loose with magic, and her reputation means that customers bypass her side of the table and buy potions from her roommate, Samantha. Samantha the witch...I see the humor. Anyway, one of the council members, a young man requests her nontradional help to discover what happened to another council member. Finally! Someone respects her tinkering, she thinks. Unfortunately, in tracking down the missing father and councelor, she and her roommate both become targets.
I liked this a lot. Tori Centanni adds a little of her own quirks to this. Almost everyone dresses in black vintage pseudo-goth. At one point Avery wears a t-shirt with a black cat on it. Even with cellphones, traditionalists still use crows to communicate. Selling potions involves a community yard sale underground.
And who cannot relate to an MC from a broken home (she is an orphan); who doesn’t root for the underdog? I definitely pin this in the discovering oneself/becoming an adult category, which is a classic theme by another ID. We are hopefully always in the process of self-discovery.
I am going to download more of her novels.
I liked this a lot. Tori Centanni adds a little of her own quirks to this. Almost everyone dresses in black vintage pseudo-goth. At one point Avery wears a t-shirt with a black cat on it. Even with cellphones, traditionalists still use crows to communicate. Selling potions involves a community yard sale underground.
And who cannot relate to an MC from a broken home (she is an orphan); who doesn’t root for the underdog? I definitely pin this in the discovering oneself/becoming an adult category, which is a classic theme by another ID. We are hopefully always in the process of self-discovery.
I am going to download more of her novels.
March 4, 2019
***3.5 stars rounded up to 4***
The cute title and cover snagged my attention and the book basically delivered as I had hoped!
There’s some word repetition and editing choices that didn’t work for me. However, there were also a lot of great one-liners, frequent mentions of chocolate/ caffeine, and a cat! I very much enjoyed the idea of Avery (the MC) being a ‘trash witch’ – for example, if you lack fresh spring water, just spit instead. I didn’t really warm up to her roommate but did like Jaden though he didn’t have a lot of personality until the end.
There’s a good backstory and solid world building that is shared in pieces instead of a large info dump. The story is paced well and has a good mix of action, dialogue, and internal thoughts. Overall, I found it to be a good read and would read other books by this author.
If you’re looking for a light read with a little magic, a bit of mystery, and a dash of romance, you should give this one a try!
The cute title and cover snagged my attention and the book basically delivered as I had hoped!
There’s some word repetition and editing choices that didn’t work for me. However, there were also a lot of great one-liners, frequent mentions of chocolate/ caffeine, and a cat! I very much enjoyed the idea of Avery (the MC) being a ‘trash witch’ – for example, if you lack fresh spring water, just spit instead. I didn’t really warm up to her roommate but did like Jaden though he didn’t have a lot of personality until the end.
There’s a good backstory and solid world building that is shared in pieces instead of a large info dump. The story is paced well and has a good mix of action, dialogue, and internal thoughts. Overall, I found it to be a good read and would read other books by this author.
If you’re looking for a light read with a little magic, a bit of mystery, and a dash of romance, you should give this one a try!
August 20, 2018
Keeping the bloodlines pure!
A terrific read. Her magic has made her an outsider. Ever since her mother had disappeared without a trace she has used magic. But she used what was on hand and not what was accepted as the proper ingredients. Now with the disappearance of another witch on the Council she is asked to help the chief enforcer find him. Okay it is going against the Council wishes but she doesn't want to leave another child wondering where their parent was. Can they, together with her roomie (when she puts aside her fears) find the missing man? What will she learn about her own heritage in doing so? Will they also be able to gleam what happened to her mother? A terrific plot, alright the "baddie" was obvious but if you love strong, steadfast and determined heroine's than this is one not to miss. Plenty of magic and ego.
A terrific read. Her magic has made her an outsider. Ever since her mother had disappeared without a trace she has used magic. But she used what was on hand and not what was accepted as the proper ingredients. Now with the disappearance of another witch on the Council she is asked to help the chief enforcer find him. Okay it is going against the Council wishes but she doesn't want to leave another child wondering where their parent was. Can they, together with her roomie (when she puts aside her fears) find the missing man? What will she learn about her own heritage in doing so? Will they also be able to gleam what happened to her mother? A terrific plot, alright the "baddie" was obvious but if you love strong, steadfast and determined heroine's than this is one not to miss. Plenty of magic and ego.
December 28, 2018
Avery Burke is trying to fit in, but her magic is not like everyone else. She has the nickname Trash witch, won't people be surprised when they learn what she really is. In the mean time, she is hunting for a murderer. a counsel member has gone missing and she is trying to find the clues. Little does she know, the killer has his sights on her. She is getting too close to exposing the killer and learning the truth about her mother. It a decent story, with a pinch of romance and some humor.
March 5, 2019
Fun little world
A little light on world building, but too much more would have been info dumps of unnecessary garbage.
Well written, good characters, solid plotting. The romance is very light to non-existent.
I would almost say no typos, but...the word should have been ‘tack’, as in changing the sailing direction of a ship or the course of an investigation, not ‘tact’. It just jumped out and slapped me like a three day old fish.
I will buy the sequel when it’s available.
A little light on world building, but too much more would have been info dumps of unnecessary garbage.
Well written, good characters, solid plotting. The romance is very light to non-existent.
I would almost say no typos, but...the word should have been ‘tack’, as in changing the sailing direction of a ship or the course of an investigation, not ‘tact’. It just jumped out and slapped me like a three day old fish.
I will buy the sequel when it’s available.
November 6, 2021
I enjoyed the book. After she lost her bike, I was fixated on someone finding it. But obviously the killer was at her house so he already realized she involved herself. He would have removed her bike before ‘allowing’ the vehicle to be found. I’m not so interesting in continuing the series. The roommate was very rude thru most of the book.
November 14, 2018
Recommended
The villain was a bit predictable but story was well done. Seems like a good foundation for a continuing series.
The villain was a bit predictable but story was well done. Seems like a good foundation for a continuing series.
January 23, 2019
Reminds me of Rachel Morgan. The world is also quite similar to Centanni’s Brimstone Magic series, which was a little bit confusing since I read them back to back.
February 14, 2019
Good read
I liked that the plot moved along but found the main lead a bit clueless. Also the male lead was not very likable.
I liked that the plot moved along but found the main lead a bit clueless. Also the male lead was not very likable.
June 12, 2022
I liked the book quite a bit...however, it would have been 5* if the following books implied by the (Trash Witch#1) after the title, actually existed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews