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Womby's School for Wayward Witches #7

Budget Cuts for the Dark Arts and Crafts

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Clarissa Lawrence’s lifelong dream of being a witch living in a magical realm came true when she learned she was descended from a powerful witch. Those dreams are shattered now that she has been drained of her magic. She doesn’t know if she will ever be able to cast spells again, let alone survive teaching juvenile delinquent students who can hex her.

As if living without magic isn’t horrible enough, Clarissa’s job is threatened by budget cuts, teachers hate her more than ever for releasing a demon in the dungeon of the school like her mother had, and evil Fae want to kidnap her because they think she can solve their problems. Unless Clarissa can figure out how to get her magic back, return Khaba as dean of discipline of the school, and help Womby’s increase its budget, she might not have a job at all.

Her situation only grows more complicated when she realizes the man she once loved wants her dead, and she must trust a Fae enemy to help her solve some of these problems.

For the remaining problems, she’s going to need a lot of luck.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2018

71 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

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Sarina Dorie

244 books213 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Rosemary Standeven.
1,023 reviews53 followers
December 18, 2019
I was supposed to be working, doing maths, replying to emails – all sorts of things. Just one little chapter wouldn’t hurt. Then Womby addiction took hold – and 5 hours later another excellent book was finished.
At the end of the last book Derrick turned evil and drained Clarissa. She freed Khaba, who then exploded out of the school, leaving chaos and destruction behind. And now everyone (or almost everyone) hates her, including Josie. Clarissa (remarkably) still has her job, but wonders what use she will be:
If I couldn’t use magic, that meant I was defenceless against soul-sucking Fae, homicidal students, and teachers who probably wanted to kill me.
Periwinkle and Thatch are still an item:
Kitten? Gross. They were the sappiest, most barf-worthy couple I’d ever met. Periwinkle batted her eyelashes.
There is another new member of staff – Dean Dean, an Australian werekoala – as a replacement for Khaba. At his first introduction to the staff, he has the female tutors all drooling:
He was sexy in the way Sean Connery and Patrick Stewart had been, the paternal equivalent of a MILF. FILF didn’t sound right.
However, Thatch remains unimpressed with Dean Dean’s claims of expertise in warding, and unfortunately is soon proven right.
Luckily, Pinkie is on the ball, and with a pertinent reminder about the idiocy of speciesism, shows why you should never judge sasquatch by his smell, nor underestimate his abilities. Even Vega is impressed – and that really says something.
Clarissa has to change her opinions of several people over the course of the book – and they of her. In particular, Gertrude Periwinkle and Clarissa manage to sort out their differences, and to even become friends.
All the Womby books so far have been great – but this was probably the best. All good teachers want to provide their pupils with skills that will keep them safe and allow them to flourish in the outside world. But, for most teachers and pupils (in the morty world), it is not a matter of life and death, if a pupil does not pay heed to their teacher – at Womby it is. In this book the dangers that the Fae present are made all too clear, and it is only thanks to the heroism and self-sacrifice of staff members (and some pupils) that not more students end up dead.
There were any number of very emotional scenes in this book, that had me weeping. The pace was breakneck, the characters compelling, some scenes heart-breaking – but still with space for humour. I could not put it down.
Five stars is not enough. Very highly recommended, without reservation.
Profile Image for Judith.
343 reviews
March 10, 2019
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Having read the first two books in this series I wondered whether jumping into this one without reading those in between would leave me confused but I needn't have worried as there is enough explanation here to fill in the gaps. Clarissa lurches from disaster to disaster with little hope of truly understanding who she is and who she can trust in a world of magic when she has none and everyone seems to want to own her.
Sarina Dorie keeps her readers intrigued and keen to read more by keeping each instalment relatively short and leaving Clarissa on the proverbial cliff edge with no obvious way of escaping her doomed future. Well worth reading.
58 reviews
October 4, 2018
Clarissa won’t disappoint in this book. She managed to embarrass herself often and makes you laugh out loud. But then she will surprise you with how mature and caring she can be. I love all the confusion that love life can bring and the author definitely won’t disappoint. She brings more and more drama and complications.
Profile Image for Little Ghost.
160 reviews42 followers
August 27, 2019


Release Date: 06 Sep 2018 
Author: Sarina Dorie
Publisher: Createspace
Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy
Rating: 4.0/5.0
One sentence review:  A lighthearted and fun read filled with humour and fantastical adventure.

Premise:  In a magical world, a witch drained of magic navigates several misadventures.




Review: Budget Cuts for the Dark Arts and Crafts is apparently the seventh instalment of the Womby's School for Wayward Witches series. I had never heard of this series until I saw two of them listed on NetGalley. (I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley in exchange for a review.) This series is a gem. The main character is witty and clever and manages to stumble into every misadventure possible. Even without knowledge of the previous books, this was a very enjoyable read. (Although, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series because the allusions to earlier adventures made them seem very interesting.)

With less than three hundred pages, these are quick reads. I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't want to ruin any surprises. The overview review is this: there is great dialogue, a touch of romance, a ton of trouble, and quick pacing contribute to making this a very fun read.

This series feels like it is in the same vein as the Southern Vampire Mysteries that I just enjoyed so much, which made my book hangover after Sookie's story ended a little less awful.


Profile Image for Stan Hutchings.
1,333 reviews21 followers
January 7, 2019
The continuing adventures of Clarissa, the witchkin *supposedly* without magic. Note: I asked to be a pre-pub proofreader, so I got a free copy. I'd have bought it anyway. Hopefully, you have also read the previous 6 books in the series, because this book really builds on what went before. Clarissa's now in a new school year with even less magic, since her affinity was sucked dry by her boyfriend, Derrick. That left her dead for a few moments, until she was revived by Thatch (NOT resurrected! No necromancy allowed!). She's teaching art again, and her favorite students Imani, Greenie, Hailey and Maddy, are again in her class. Unfortunately, she is persona non grata with most of the faculty after setting Khaba free in a blaze of fire that almost destroyed the school. The rejuvenated librarian, Miss Periwinkle, is insanely jealous of Clarissa and Thatch. Her roommate, Vega Bloodmire, wants her dead so she can have the room to herself. The Raven Queen wants her for unspeakably wicked evil purposes. Clarissa bounces from one misadventure to another, surviving by sheer good luck and miracles. Many previous acquaintances reappear, along with some new characters, including a possible new love interest. It's a fun read, lots of humor, good dialog and realistic teacher-student-faculty-budget issues (except for everyone but Clarissa being accomplished or apprentice witchkin). Looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for wonderfullyweird88.
877 reviews16 followers
February 9, 2019
This is the seventh book in Sarina Dorie’s Womby's School for Wayward Witches series. The author has intended for the books to be read out of order but I prefer to see the story develop chronologically. I am in love with this series. I read all current books in this series back to back.

Clarissa is recovering after her magic was drained at the end of the last book. The teachers despise her even more after she, unfortunately, set the Dean of Discipline free and he destroyed part of the school. Not only are they now down a staff member but Clarissa has lost one of her only friends. Now she is trying to find her friend regain her magic and oh yeah the man she thought she loved wants her dead. She has also gained the attention of the Silver Court so now she has two evil Fae courts after her.

I really loved this book. Clarissa is still the dorky fantasy obsessed heroine trying to navigate through a world that carries so many risks. As the series progresses we learn more about the wide array of supporting characters and there is still plenty left to learn.i really miss Khaba, he was an excellent character and hopefully he isn’t gone for long. This book like all books in the series is heavily influenced by Harry Potter. While it appears to be a young adult book the series features sexual scenarios that are not age appropriate.

Each book is a continuation of Clarissa's journey and storylines flow through each one, while minor issues are resolved in each book they all end without total resolution so you need to stick with the series.

I was offered some of the books for review which is how I discovered this series but I did go back to the beginning, some are available on kindle unlimited and others I purchased.  I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shoshanah Lila.
266 reviews
December 25, 2018
Budget Cuts for the Dark Arts and Crafts by Sarina Dorie -Wombys #7 [new adult, PN, school, political/relationships, death, duress, dubious concent/mind control]

Clarissa and the rest of the school are recovering from the damage and losses of book 6. She is also forced to work on her magical education without the benefit or possibly complication of having enough affinity magic to acctually DO anything with it. She must rely on her wits, bravery, and "Morti skills" instead while navigating school and Fae politics along with grief and other interpersonal relationships with students, staff and possible romantic intrests while remaing employed.

I wonder why is it that she isn't asked to teach Morti skills along with or instead of her fine art classes? After all, she lived like one until she came to Wombys School. Maybe that is yet another oversite by Puck and Principal B. the guidence councilor?

In this next installment (year two for Clarissa) we meet members of another Fae Court, the Silver. As mentioned above, she must rely on her wits, bravado, and memory of her half-hour crash-course on Fae etiquette to keep her out of trouble, which is fast becoming her middle name.

🤓 This has been voluntary feedback of a *Prolific Works Epub file.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2018

Did not want to put this book down. Why do we have to sleep? I really tried to read it all at once but my body would not let me. GRRR!!

Love the series and always looking forward to more.

Clarissa is upset that her magic is drained. But I just realized that she has a magic that is so different for all the other magic around her. It is a better. I think that the Fae prince sees it but his culture does not know what to do with it.

Now you are wondering what the heck? You will need to read the book to see what I am talking about. Note that I started this series mid stride and have continued with it. I still have to find time to read the early books that I am mi8ssing so I can get the fine details down.

The trying to adapt to a different culture with n o knowledge is an everyday lesson that we all go through. The Fae world is an example. what about the Sasquatch world, goblin, brownie, etc.., any of this sound like our world with just different labels? Just made that connection as i was trying to figure out what to say for the book.

This is my honest and freely given review. I received an ARC book.
Profile Image for Helgaleena Healingline.
Author 2 books30 followers
September 17, 2018
Even though our heroine Clarissa has been cheated out of a happily ever after yet again, there is still so much for her to live for, especially when she gets so much love from her students.

It's time to save them from the wiles of the Silver Court when the new head of security, Dean Dean, turns out to be a dud at creating wards around the school after djinn Khaba's disastrous departure. Since her affair with still-cursed Derrick left her drained of magic, she's going to have to use her wits, with help from her fellow teachers, especially Vega and Mr. Pinkie.

As usual, I couldn't put the book down, even as her heart is teased by a third love interest to join the absent Derrick and the the infuriating Felix Thatch-- falling into four hundred fifty third birthday flirtation with a cell-phone loving Elven hottie.

I hear he's also in the next volume. https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Profile Image for Ink & Coffee.
23 reviews
May 5, 2020
When you think Clarissa couldn't possibly get into more crazy situations , Sarina Dorie proves you wrong. While I have seen many folk read these out of order, I have read them in sequence and loved watching the story and how it progresses.

Clarissa is back at Womby's for another year, magic drained and is carrying a lot of emotional baggage. Friendships have changed, some have ended and the dynamics of some relationships have been even further altered. Clarissa, in this book, comes to some realisations about her feelings for a certain someone but will she actually say it out loud? We also meet some new characters when the Silver Court makes an appearance and we are reunited with the unicorns once more. Clarissa also gets an unexpected visit that might help her heal and grow and hopefully change her focus. I look forward to starting book 8 and seeing what unfolds.
1,610 reviews26 followers
August 26, 2018
*** I received an advanced e-copy from the author in exchange for my honest review

I am a huge fan of this series. This latest novel did not disappoint. In this book, Clarissa is getting the cold shoulder from all of the teachers because of the destruction she caused when she released a demon in the dungeon. As she tries to mend friendships and recover her magic, she also has to deal with a fae prince and his father who has taken an interest in Clarissa.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you laughing, if you are a fan of Harry Potter-isms, or if you just like fantasy books in general then this is the book (and series) for you!
250 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2018
Clarissa Lawrence was in her second year at Womby’s School for Wayward Wtches. She lost her magic and now has to learn how to survive without it. Most of the students and teachers stay away from her, treating her with contempt and ill will, but Ms. Lawrence is a kindly person. All she wants is to be like everyone else, but all she does is step from mishap to another. She gets involved because she cares, but it always turns into trouble. A cute story of a young lady trying her best to follow the rules but somehow everything turns the other direction. Sometimes dark but mostly hilariously funny.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
September 11, 2024
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. History about around a witch who is a teacher at a school for wayward witches in the paranormal world. Clarise along with her coworkers teaches students how to keep themselves safe in the paranormal world as well as the human world. They must protect the students from the Faye overlords to snatch students up and then slave them and do much worse to them. Was in there fighting against attitude in the world budget cuts and the fay in a return. Red and followed the adventure
Profile Image for Brad.
699 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2018
Great Descriptions to Guide Imagination

One of the more interesting aspects of this writer’s style is the great written descriptions. They made it easy to visualize the characters and the environments in the story.

The plot line has similarities to the previous story. Our protagonist sticks her neck out to help others and then has to rely on her non magical skills to save the ensuing mess. The pace is good and the story keeps you interested.

These books can be read out of order, but it makes it easier to start from the beginning.
1,279 reviews19 followers
January 31, 2019
I love this series. I love all the characters in this book. I really like Clarissa and how she grows and develops with each book. I am really getting to love the character more with each book in the series. Clarissa shows such strength and courage in this book. The book was so difficult to put down. I just wanted to keeping reading until the end. The book is well written and so descriptive that you can just picture everything. I highly recommend this book series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Linda.
463 reviews
August 26, 2018
This chapter is the best yet. Clarissa' is seduced by Ms. Periwinkle. Being caught by Mr. Thatch is overly embarrassing. Then the Fae King shows up with presents. If anyone accepts them they belong to the fae court. And four of the children did. And if you know Clarissa then you know she won't let that stand. She offers herself in exchange for them. So she's off to the ball. To find out what happens next you'll have to read the book.
I received a Free copy of this book and chose to review it.
1,401 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2018
Clarissa is back at the start of a new year at Womby's school. The new dean is Dean Dean from down under. Everything seems to be just a little stranger than normal. The new Dean seems to have trouble keeping the school warded and the Fae King slips in. With several students at danger, Clarissa volunteers to attend a Fae party. What could go wrong.

This is my favorite of these books so far. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Donna Ann Sutcliffe.
383 reviews
September 9, 2018
Wow this book was amazing. Still feeling after losing Khaba and Derek, Clarrisa really is alone and even Josie does not want her around. Thank goodness for Pinky in so many instances in this book. This book is fast paced with a new deadlier fae to worry about. With untrustworthy people at each turn who can our dear witch trust. To make matters worse she has no magic to protect herself. This is an amazing book I did not want to put it down and I am desperately waiting the next book.
38 reviews
October 11, 2018
Must Read Sequel in a Great Series!

I loved this well written book. Tricks, magic, unicorns, Fae, and love make up a wonderful story with twist, turns and crazy accidents. Like all schools, budget cuts have just about killed all art and music programs through out the world Womby's is the same. Until a guardian angel sends supplies to support the budding artists in the at-risk magical school. Cliffhanger ending that makes me wait on tender-hooks for the next book of the series.
263 reviews
February 6, 2019
How much trouble can a night with the fae be?

Clarissa is still learning the rules so the faux pas she keeps committing get her in precarious situations with the fae. To save the students from the Silver Court she volunteers to take their place. What could go wrong. She just has to remember not to eat or drink fae food or offend anyone. She might be stuck there forever. A great read.
118 reviews
September 2, 2018
This is the second book I have read in this series, and I quite enjoyed it. Interesting to read stories from the perspective of a teacher in a school for witches, rather than the perspective of a student. I have downloaded the rest of the series, and will now go back to start with book one.

I received an arc copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this honest review.
1,894 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2018
Clarissa continues to teach art at Womby’s School for Wayward Witches. Budget cuts threaten her job, as art is usually the first cut made. Her relationships with fellow teachers runs hot and cold. They are usually annoyed with her. She advocates for her students and teaches them more than creativity. This series continues to have humor and Clarissa is a delight.
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
May 24, 2019
Budget Cuts for the Dark Arts and Crafts is Book 7 in the Womby's School For Wayward Witches series. As Always, Clarissa is in the thick of things. She and company are on a rollercoaster ride. Will Clarissa be able to save the day? There are twists and turns a plenty that keep you turning pages. Love this book and series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
1,275 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2018
It seems even magical schools have politics, budget, and staffing problems to contend with. Trust is also a hard thing to come by. Throw in the tricky Fae, and it’s a diplomatic nightmare where you have to watch every word you say and action you take. I really enjoyed this story
614 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2018
Love this series and this is the best yet! After losing her magical powers she needs to keep this hidden from others as it will be dangerous for her. Then the evil Fae show up and invite her to a ball, but trickery abounds.
Profile Image for Scott.
159 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2018
Another in the series of smash hits. I enjoy this series. If you wanted to be a wizard this might not be the best blueprint to follow .lol This is a fun read. lots of drama, some humor, some quirkiness. lots of magical critters. very fun cant wait to see where the series goes from here
Profile Image for Catha Reese.
71 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2018
Great story

I love this book, the characters are so real and the story of witchkins and Fea is just awesome. Who do I want to see Miss Lawrance with? You got a fan. Catha Watkins Reese
Profile Image for Selena.
113 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2018
Great read

Addicting I never want to put my Kindle down when I start reading Sarina Dorie's books. This one was one of the best can't wait to start the next one!!! Great story and characters.
Profile Image for Wendy Beachley.
96 reviews
February 19, 2019
Absolutely Amazing

Just when you think you have the good and the bad figured out something happens and you just aren't sure! Clarissa has her students, but I can't figure out who else is actually on her side, and I am so hooked!!!!
Profile Image for Amy.
940 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2019
Poor Clarissa, you would think something would give...She would have friends, not do anything embarrassing, or finally figure out her love life.
Alas, you will have to read the book to find out!!
I am really enjoying this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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