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The Witches of Arroyo Chronicles
The First Circle
When an unusual death occurs in the village of Arroyo, Mirabella Cortez promises to protect a boy in danger and to find the murderer before he strikes again. But for as clever a witch as Mirabella is, the heinous killer remains one step ahead, and she soon finds that it's her granddaughter, Gabriella, who is the true target.
To ensure the girl can defend herself, Mirabella does everything in her power to prepare Gabriella for a fated battle—a predestination that will pit a young woman with untested abilities against a deadly foe, giving rise to one of the most enduring legends of the American Southwest.
Inspired by the folktale of La Llorona, The First Circle provides a backstory and surprising twist to the tale of the weeping woman who wanders the Rio Grande woods, searching for her lost children, and drowning those unfortunate souls who happen upon her.
To ensure the girl can defend herself, Mirabella does everything in her power to prepare Gabriella for a fated battle—a predestination that will pit a young woman with untested abilities against a deadly foe, giving rise to one of the most enduring legends of the American Southwest.
Inspired by the folktale of La Llorona, The First Circle provides a backstory and surprising twist to the tale of the weeping woman who wanders the Rio Grande woods, searching for her lost children, and drowning those unfortunate souls who happen upon her.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Paul Perea
2 books4 followersPaul Perea was born in Corrales, New Mexico, and raised in Albuquerque. Regional folk stories, in particular the tale of La Llorona, were the inspiration for his novel.
When he’s not writing or getting into altercations at the local food co-op, Paul enjoys making playlists for his friends, cooking up New Mexican dishes for his spouse, and spoiling his cats.
The First Circle is his debut novel.
When he’s not writing or getting into altercations at the local food co-op, Paul enjoys making playlists for his friends, cooking up New Mexican dishes for his spouse, and spoiling his cats.
The First Circle is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 3, 2025
Warm, welcoming and witchy
This book transported me into the southwestern town of Arroyo and the enchanting Cortez family. The characters feel very real, yet magical. The plot is engaging, full of twists, a touch philosophical, clever, and cast a spell on me. Enjoyed every well-chosen word. It’s truly one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read for some time. Loved the ending! Onto the next book in the series.
This book transported me into the southwestern town of Arroyo and the enchanting Cortez family. The characters feel very real, yet magical. The plot is engaging, full of twists, a touch philosophical, clever, and cast a spell on me. Enjoyed every well-chosen word. It’s truly one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read for some time. Loved the ending! Onto the next book in the series.
October 11, 2018
BY FAR ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I’VE EVER READ!!!
I don’t think words can accurately express how much I loved The First Circle. The characters, the suspense, the twists and turns of how the plot unfolded...blew me away! Can’t wait for Book 2!!!
I don’t think words can accurately express how much I loved The First Circle. The characters, the suspense, the twists and turns of how the plot unfolded...blew me away! Can’t wait for Book 2!!!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews