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Hemlock Chronicles #1
Witch's Shadow
No rest for the wicked… or the dead.
I'm Jas Lyons, and as far as anyone knows, I'm nothing more than a novice necromancer who banishes the dead for a living. I might be the last surviving member of the notorious Hemlock Coven, but I've never been able to cast a spell in my life. Being a nobody is safer.
At least until a near-death experience causes me to find out that before the last Hemlock witch died, her spirit was bound to mine. If I want to survive the horde of enemies hunting me down, I need to learn to use her magic, but the spirit has no interest in sharing. Worse, binding two spirits together is forbidden by the supernatural council, on pain of (permanent) death.
To get my own life back, I'm forced to put my trust in a dangerous vampire with a grudge against the Hemlock witches for reasons he refuses to divulge. Someone in Edinburgh is meddling in dangerous magic, and if I don't get to the bottom of it, I'll have much worse to worry about than a few rogue spirits…
I'm Jas Lyons, and as far as anyone knows, I'm nothing more than a novice necromancer who banishes the dead for a living. I might be the last surviving member of the notorious Hemlock Coven, but I've never been able to cast a spell in my life. Being a nobody is safer.
At least until a near-death experience causes me to find out that before the last Hemlock witch died, her spirit was bound to mine. If I want to survive the horde of enemies hunting me down, I need to learn to use her magic, but the spirit has no interest in sharing. Worse, binding two spirits together is forbidden by the supernatural council, on pain of (permanent) death.
To get my own life back, I'm forced to put my trust in a dangerous vampire with a grudge against the Hemlock witches for reasons he refuses to divulge. Someone in Edinburgh is meddling in dangerous magic, and if I don't get to the bottom of it, I'll have much worse to worry about than a few rogue spirits…
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2018
611 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Emma L. Adams
87 books948 followersI'm Emma, a fantasy author, book collector, gamer, and wanderer. I write urban and epic fantasy novels, including the international bestselling Changeling Chronicles, the Relics of Power trilogy, and the Death's Disciple quartet.
*Note: I use Goodreads only to keep a record of what I'm reading. Please don't send me unsolicited review requests.*
*Note: I use Goodreads only to keep a record of what I'm reading. Please don't send me unsolicited review requests.*
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 17, 2018
Ghosts? Zombies? Regular necromancy? Fine with that.
But vampires?
Jas could never use any other magic than the necromantic abilities - fair enough as she is part of the necromancers' guild, still in training. But when someone tries to poison her and she survives, her witchy legacy starts to come to the light. And it's not just any legacy. Being the heir to the legenrady and not really friendly Hemlock coven, she has one big target painted on her back, and seems to be a prey for more than one assassin. Determined to stop the threat, she decides to use her friends' help to investigate the reason behind the attacks.
I was already really familiar with the world building, as I have already read almost all of the series set in the same environment (precisely, all but one). Nevertheless, the author never stops to surprise with bringing new elements, new magic, new creatures into the world full of limitless magical possibilities, imagination, and sneaky, dangerous traps. Jas also already appeared in one of the previous series, although just like a side character, and now it's centered on her. I love it, totally do not envy her situation, and hope she will be successful in her quest. Being unique in this world never seems like a good thing. The story was full of action and tension, and kept me reading until the last page was gone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
But vampires?
Jas could never use any other magic than the necromantic abilities - fair enough as she is part of the necromancers' guild, still in training. But when someone tries to poison her and she survives, her witchy legacy starts to come to the light. And it's not just any legacy. Being the heir to the legenrady and not really friendly Hemlock coven, she has one big target painted on her back, and seems to be a prey for more than one assassin. Determined to stop the threat, she decides to use her friends' help to investigate the reason behind the attacks.
I was already really familiar with the world building, as I have already read almost all of the series set in the same environment (precisely, all but one). Nevertheless, the author never stops to surprise with bringing new elements, new magic, new creatures into the world full of limitless magical possibilities, imagination, and sneaky, dangerous traps. Jas also already appeared in one of the previous series, although just like a side character, and now it's centered on her. I love it, totally do not envy her situation, and hope she will be successful in her quest. Being unique in this world never seems like a good thing. The story was full of action and tension, and kept me reading until the last page was gone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 21, 2018
Awful
Skipped through so much because it was a lot of childish talking. Not a lot happened in ever scene. Each chapter comprised of a scene. Each scene description had a "but wait, we are 4 stories up" -so many "but wait" moments: they were like after thoughts to why they couldn't just do things such as go after a guy running away after attacking them. The mc was ridiculously against her own coven who clearly had saving the whole world in mind. Like, ok jacinda, we get it, your mad they bound another witch to you at birth without asking you (hello, babies can't exactly talk) but damn, it really doesn't mean she has to have such hatred to the point she doesn't try to listen to everything they have to tell her that will help her out! It was to the point that it was obnoxious. ALso , a lot of the scenes were cookie cutter so it got boring rather quickly. There was, imo, no intrigue.
The writing was fine I guess but it's more YA.
Skipped through so much because it was a lot of childish talking. Not a lot happened in ever scene. Each chapter comprised of a scene. Each scene description had a "but wait, we are 4 stories up" -so many "but wait" moments: they were like after thoughts to why they couldn't just do things such as go after a guy running away after attacking them. The mc was ridiculously against her own coven who clearly had saving the whole world in mind. Like, ok jacinda, we get it, your mad they bound another witch to you at birth without asking you (hello, babies can't exactly talk) but damn, it really doesn't mean she has to have such hatred to the point she doesn't try to listen to everything they have to tell her that will help her out! It was to the point that it was obnoxious. ALso , a lot of the scenes were cookie cutter so it got boring rather quickly. There was, imo, no intrigue.
The writing was fine I guess but it's more YA.
August 28, 2018
I fell in love with Emma L. Adams’ writing thanks to her totally amazing The Gatekeeper’s Curse series. Now she’s back with a new series, The Hemlock Chronicles, which starts off with Witch's Shadow. I love the idea of the lead here, Jas Lyons, novice necromancer, peacefully banishing the dead for a living and with no trace of any real magical ability despite being the last surviving member of the notorious Hemlock Coven. You know that peaceful existence wouldn’t last however, and what follows, illegal spirit binding with the spirit of the last Hemlock witch (they’ll krill her for that), dangerous vampire, even more dangerous magic, etc, is pretty darn fantastic. This is one wild ride but it’s a total thrill-fest if enjoyment with great characters, and a great (and very well written) plot that’s clearly the start of a superb story arc. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review 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, and it is easy to highly recommend.
September 16, 2018
I love reading all of Emma’s books but I absolutely fell in love with her Changeling Chronicles series and when I started reading this new series and discovered they are connected I was so excited! Jas is another thrilling FMC in a long line of FMC from Emma’s books! She is strong and powerful but she really has a vulnerable and uncertain side. She has a lot of struggles in this book and I loved that she hates Lady Harper as well!! Keir is an Interesting characters and I love that we just get a taste of what him and Jas could be like together! And then there is the friend Lloyd...he is great!! I love the snippets of Ivy (my favourite badass fighter) and enjoy the distain from Ivy to Lady Harper 😝. This is going to be another thrilling adventure with some interesting new character and some old ones sling for the ride! Highly recommended!!
August 23, 2020
Emma L. Adams delivers yet another great series
Ms Adam's continues to interweave a different storyline or series that builds from characters from her previous books. She doesn't disappoint. Great femininity yet strength of character in the heroine. You really need to read the series previously written to understand the leading people in this storyline. Look under Emma L. Adam's as an author to get the previous titles. The 1st one deals with the Mage LordsThe Changling series with the witch covens interwoven along with the necromancer . Next series is the Gatekeepers, then comes this series of the Hemlock witches. Throughout these series contain the necromancer. You really start to understand the individual characters, their strengths, their interconnected storylines.
Ms Adam's continues to interweave a different storyline or series that builds from characters from her previous books. She doesn't disappoint. Great femininity yet strength of character in the heroine. You really need to read the series previously written to understand the leading people in this storyline. Look under Emma L. Adam's as an author to get the previous titles. The 1st one deals with the Mage LordsThe Changling series with the witch covens interwoven along with the necromancer . Next series is the Gatekeepers, then comes this series of the Hemlock witches. Throughout these series contain the necromancer. You really start to understand the individual characters, their strengths, their interconnected storylines.
August 29, 2018
After meeting Jas in The Gatekeeper's Curse series I was stocked the next series was about her, Jas is a necromancer and right hand gal to Lady Montgomery who is the boss lady of the Guild. One minute Jas is hanging out taking notes for Lady Montgomery at a summit next thing she is poisoned, dies and is then alive again, unfortunately thats going to be the least drama in Jas's life for a while. The past Jas has kept hidden for so long is now rearing its head and secrets even she didn't know are coming out along with the monsters and none of it is pretty. I loved how I just never knew what would happen next, so many twists, secrets and times where you don't know who is really looking out for Jas. I know witches can be devious but wow and I will never look at vampires the same again!
September 1, 2018
Outstanding
And outstanding story. Great cast of characters and entertaining story line. Started with the first group of books when that went and did a new group of books in the same world started with new main characters and appearances by some of the old characters. Then that Siri sanded and now a new one begins again. With new main characters drawn from side characters in the previous group of books and other main characters from the previous books appearing alongside our new main characters. And urban fantasy world where there was a war between the dimensions of earth and the ferry rooms and we now live in the aftermath. Mystical magical and extraordinarily entertaining check them all out
And outstanding story. Great cast of characters and entertaining story line. Started with the first group of books when that went and did a new group of books in the same world started with new main characters and appearances by some of the old characters. Then that Siri sanded and now a new one begins again. With new main characters drawn from side characters in the previous group of books and other main characters from the previous books appearing alongside our new main characters. And urban fantasy world where there was a war between the dimensions of earth and the ferry rooms and we now live in the aftermath. Mystical magical and extraordinarily entertaining check them all out
September 16, 2018
Confusing at first
A good read but it took a bit of time to unravel what was actually going on. It almost felt as if you stepped into the story partway through. She had been brought up in a orphanage and has hidden her true name from everyone. Now someone has broken her secret and her life as a necromancer is up in the air. Poisoning, attacks from zombies, vampires (both good and bad) are after her. Who is leading the main attack? Why was the rest of her coven banished and imprisoned in the woods? Why did they bind a shade to her? Nothing living is supposed to carry two souls! Will the shade be willing to use her magic to aid her? Unlikely allies form around her as she fights the leader who is after the magic she carries. Good characters that gave life to the story.
A good read but it took a bit of time to unravel what was actually going on. It almost felt as if you stepped into the story partway through. She had been brought up in a orphanage and has hidden her true name from everyone. Now someone has broken her secret and her life as a necromancer is up in the air. Poisoning, attacks from zombies, vampires (both good and bad) are after her. Who is leading the main attack? Why was the rest of her coven banished and imprisoned in the woods? Why did they bind a shade to her? Nothing living is supposed to carry two souls! Will the shade be willing to use her magic to aid her? Unlikely allies form around her as she fights the leader who is after the magic she carries. Good characters that gave life to the story.
September 18, 2021
Zombie apocalypse!
Jas tries to accustom herself to take in the reality that she's the last Hemlock Witch and that she's carrying the soul of Evelyn who gave her life to be bounded to Jas as a baby to ensure the bloodline survived. Things start going very wrong.
She's initially poisoned with hemlock and recalled to the forest by Cordelia. With the necromancer's hunting high and low she has to find her way back. With a vampire on her tail asking for help to find her coven and being attacked by zombies at every turn as she tries to work out a way to rid herself of Evelyn and stop whoever is trying to break the ley lines.
Jas tries to accustom herself to take in the reality that she's the last Hemlock Witch and that she's carrying the soul of Evelyn who gave her life to be bounded to Jas as a baby to ensure the bloodline survived. Things start going very wrong.
She's initially poisoned with hemlock and recalled to the forest by Cordelia. With the necromancer's hunting high and low she has to find her way back. With a vampire on her tail asking for help to find her coven and being attacked by zombies at every turn as she tries to work out a way to rid herself of Evelyn and stop whoever is trying to break the ley lines.
September 26, 2018
Interesting
I thought this was a good start to a new series in the Changeling/Faerie Universe. I actually liked it better than Hereditary Magic, possibly because I got to see Isobel and Ivy. I felt like this was an extension of that universe a little more than the Lynn family.
Good character development and continuation of world building. I felt right at home with the characters, even though I really thought Lady Harper was going to ease up, but man was I mistaken!
If you enjoyed Ivy and Isobel & the Changeling Chronicles I think you'd enjoy this book as well.
I thought this was a good start to a new series in the Changeling/Faerie Universe. I actually liked it better than Hereditary Magic, possibly because I got to see Isobel and Ivy. I felt like this was an extension of that universe a little more than the Lynn family.
Good character development and continuation of world building. I felt right at home with the characters, even though I really thought Lady Harper was going to ease up, but man was I mistaken!
If you enjoyed Ivy and Isobel & the Changeling Chronicles I think you'd enjoy this book as well.
September 3, 2018
Good read
I like the characters and this world and it is a good story. With that being said if you didn't know this world you would be lost. There is so much going on it's almost chaotic.
I like the characters and this world and it is a good story. With that being said if you didn't know this world you would be lost. There is so much going on it's almost chaotic.
September 17, 2018
Another excellent book from Emma set in the same world as some of her other series.
Just like all her other books I couldn't wait to read it and not one word disappointed me!
Loved it!
Read with Kindle Unlimited
Just like all her other books I couldn't wait to read it and not one word disappointed me!
Loved it!
Read with Kindle Unlimited
April 26, 2019
Very Good Book
This book is the first I've read by this author. I found the book interesting and it contained romance, magic, danger, and adventure. I recommend this book and the author.
This book is the first I've read by this author. I found the book interesting and it contained romance, magic, danger, and adventure. I recommend this book and the author.
August 11, 2019
Necromancers, witches, vampires, fae--none of the traditional sort in a post Fae-invasion world where magic can be the difference between life and death--can BE life and death. Very interesting world, intriguing characters, and a seriously cool take magic.
September 10, 2018
Gripping read
As usual another compelling effort from Emma just cannot put her books down, my goal is to own everything she writes
As usual another compelling effort from Emma just cannot put her books down, my goal is to own everything she writes
September 23, 2019
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
January 29, 2020
Update from Jun 28, 2019: Going to finish this when I actually get through The Changling series, Ivy Lane and her roomie are in this and I don't want spoilers about their series before I've read the rest of it.
Reading Order of this world
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Jas Lyons
----------------------------------
What happens?
Jas Lyons is a necromancer & witch. She finds out that she is part of the Hemlock coven which is a long dead coven trapped in the forest due to a faerie curse from the first invasion.
She is summoned by them to start her training as a witch instead of training to be a necromancer. By doing this she is told of the soul that was fused with her soul of the last Hemlock witch before she died. This soul is mean't to help her become powerful and save the Hemlock coven.
Final thoughts
I got to admit, I was excited about this back when I first started it but since finishing the series previous to this one the excitement waned a little. Jas just wasn't as good as Ivy or Isabel (both of whom do have a feature in this but its vague so I shouldn't have worried about reading this before the other series was finished).
I can't describe it with this book but I didn't flow through the chapters like I usually do for Emma's other books. I wanted to love it but this was just not as good. I'm going to still carry on with the series for now but I can see myself skipping this series altogether if Jas doesn't improve.
Would I read again?: Maybe
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: Yes
Reading Order of this world
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Jas Lyons
----------------------------------
What happens?
Jas Lyons is a necromancer & witch. She finds out that she is part of the Hemlock coven which is a long dead coven trapped in the forest due to a faerie curse from the first invasion.
She is summoned by them to start her training as a witch instead of training to be a necromancer. By doing this she is told of the soul that was fused with her soul of the last Hemlock witch before she died. This soul is mean't to help her become powerful and save the Hemlock coven.
Final thoughts
I got to admit, I was excited about this back when I first started it but since finishing the series previous to this one the excitement waned a little. Jas just wasn't as good as Ivy or Isabel (both of whom do have a feature in this but its vague so I shouldn't have worried about reading this before the other series was finished).
I can't describe it with this book but I didn't flow through the chapters like I usually do for Emma's other books. I wanted to love it but this was just not as good. I'm going to still carry on with the series for now but I can see myself skipping this series altogether if Jas doesn't improve.
Would I read again?: Maybe
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: Yes
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews