Freya had always wanted an escape from her life. When her senior trip to New Orleans goes haywire, she finds her escape. Witches, fairies, and other realms await her in her new life But so does a self centered man-child with lavender eyes and a smile that might break her. Sterling has always had everything handed to him, Never told no. When he meets Freya, the spitfire red head, he is in for a challenging surprise. Things find a way of turning his world upside down And he pushes her until shes gone. With destruction and chaos threatening his city, will he be able to get her back?
First of all, I love the cover! It was the main thing why I decided to read this book.I liked the story, it wasn't predictable (I loved that) and I really enjoyed Freya as a protagonist. The only thing I felt like the start of the book was rushed, I would be totally okay with this book being longer. Overall I liked it and can't wait for the sequel. 3,5/5 stars
Best book by A. Lonergan thus far! She executed the verbiage and spirit of New Orleans all while immersing you in her amazing world. You’ll be on the edge of your seat with every page. This book is truly magical!
I did not know what my life was missing until I read this book. I did not put the book down until I was finished, it was that good. This character has something that everyone can relate to, escpecially when it comes to finding your true self. HIGHLY reccomend.
This is the first book I’ve read from A Lonergan but it certainly won’t be the last!
Absolutely loved the story and the details were impeccable, I could smell the beignets!! The characters are full and likeable (even when you don’t want to). I can’t actually think of any point that was dragged out unnecessarily. It was a quick read as it keeps you interested from the start to the very end! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I will definitely recommend everyone to read this wonderful book!!
Easy read with predictable plot, doesn't take itself too seriously.
This book was disappointing, but mostly because there were such good world-building elements and characters to develop and tons of missed opportunities to dig in and really make them shine. I did like this book, it took Alice in Wonderland and gave it a new twist and being from Louisiana I really enjoyed the setting. It was familiar but translated in a new fun way. There were a LOT of story elements that were thrown into the narrative that I think this could have benefited from either lengthening the story and creating a full plot arc or not introducing quite so many plot threads in such a short novel. It felt like a lot of things were started and we had absolutely no resolutions by the end which was dissatisfying.
Also, I was disappointed by the lack of editing specifically at the line/copy and proofreading level. The book suffered from an over abundance of filler words, grammatical errors, redundancy, and even misspelled a characters name I can't remember if it was once or more than once. There were several times the MC assumed other people's emotions or intentions even though she had no way of knowing them (not even explained magically) when we were in her perspective. She would often think something and then repeat it a few sentences later in dialogue with other characters. And on more than one occasion would have to repeat the actions that happened just previously in the book to get all the other characters 'up to speed' which really dragged the action down.
I don't want it to seem like I'm picking on this book, mostly I'm giving this review to be honest about what readers should expect and to let them know that if they can overlook these things there are some really great moments and characters that I think they would enjoy as long as they don't take the book too seriously.
The MC and love interest both have dual 1st person perspectives in this novel and what I really like the most is the love interests character. There are times when the author is heavy handed with him and a little trope-y but he starts the book with FLAWS, major flaws, and starts to see the error of his ways and begin to actively work towards fixing those flaws. There's some depth to his narrative that I want to see the author lean into more. The MC is a bit of a mary-sue, and WAY TOO ACCEPTING of all the things that are happening TO her. Which steals a lot of her agency throughout the novel. But she too has flaws, mainly her temper and her stubbornness and pride. I haven't seen quite the development of her character in acknowledging her flaws and trying to fix them but as this is the first book in a series I do have hope that her arc will be the longest and she will grow with time.
All in all, I like this book a lot. It's imaginative, chock full of potential, and a light read. There were sloppy parts but no one is perfect and I'm sure the author is growing in her journey. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I met the author at a book signing, and the cover and blurb caught my eye with this book, so I purchased it. I've finally gotten around to reading it. It's the first book I've read by Lonergan. I wish I'd read a bit of the book before purchasing it. While the story line, overall, is interesting and has a lot of potential, I struggled with it due to the numerous editing issues. I'm not sure if I'll check out the remaining books in the series. I'd likely read a sample first to be sure that the sequels received a better edit than this one. (I hope that's the case, as the series, overall, sounded interseting.)
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the two realms and how they connected, how they where the same yet vastly different. I still am very interested in seeing how all the secrets revealed play out in the long run. I loved the change in personality that some characters go through and how it’s not immediately accepted (like some books). I LOVED the changes in POV in the book. I am very much looking forward to seeing how everything plays out. I recommend this to any lover of magic and fantasy and of course a little bit of witty romance.
I haven’t read a book with both witches and dragons in long time that I have thoroughly enjoyed as much as this first book in the series. Freya, the main character, has no idea of what her capabilities are. Thrown into a world that turns hers upside down shortly after graduating from high school, leaves the reader wanting more page after page. And then insert the dragon and here we go again. I enjoyed this book immensely and I’m looking forward to reading the second book of the series.
Transfixed is amazing! A. Lonergan has a great writing style that is pleasing and easy to read all the while enrapturing you in the story. The idea is very original, from the concept of a "magi" to the realms and how their different magics work. The well thought out, creative, and descriptive plot accompanied by the memorable characters perfect it! Having lived in New Orleans myself, I can vouch for the authenticity. Right from the start, I felt like I was stepping back in my old hometown.
I hate to say it but this book was so poorly written. It was choppy with no explanations and no depth. There were plot holes all throughout. It was in desperate need of an editor. I love supporting indie authors but this just isn’t a book I will recommend. The world could be so good! But the characters were unrelatable. The only character I liked wasn’t even human and the epilogue was the best part of this entire book because it was about this character.
Five stars isn’t enough. Transfixed was so different, I like any story I had ever read and I fell in love. It left me hanging on the edge of my seat, ready and waiting for more. I love the Louisiana culture shown and everything about it. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Freya thought she was just normal and enjoying her vacation in New Orleans, however things don't go as planned. After being attacked from a follower of Sariah. Sterling and Ayre are an interesting set of characters, children of the acting high priestess. Vailien is an interesting familiar and the epilogue makes for an interesting start for the next book.
Witches-New Orleans-Dragon-Magic whats not to love!
I’ve read a couple series by this author and everytime I devour them! I started this book just to listen while I worked on a project and was sucked in from the jump! A great read and book 2 is already downloaded! A must read if you love witches, found family, magical, coming into power!
I love all of your books but this one is amazing it takes a totally different twist than i was thinking. When you think if NOLA and witches this book is not the norm it’s so much better!
Well, that was an awesomely creatively written plot, well thought out and totally captivating. Written to keep a reader enthralled from beginning to end.
Great characters, wonderfully descriptive writing and an awesome storyline I loved it.
Honestly, this is a DNF. I just couldn't get into it; great storyline & potential for amazingness but I found it choppy & too fast paced for my liking. This isn't to say someone else wouldn't love it! Purely imho :)
This was a quick read, kinda neat how some of them have their magic in an object, loved Freya’s sass & her dragon seems like he’s gonna be funny at times too
Wonderfully magic, coming into power story with twists that kept coming.
Freya finds her world spinning when she is thrusted into the magic world. Coming into her powers, she is taken in by a coven of witches and from there, the mysteries of Freya's life begin to unfold. A wonderful found family and a bit of enemies to lovers feels, the story has numerous threads waiting to be plucked and I look forward to continuing the series. A. Lonergan captured the rich magical history of New Orleans with the witchy and occult elements, then wove her own spell to create this wonderful story.
Absolutely loved it! I couldn't put it down. A refreshing take on fantasy that had all the classic elements. The book transports you to a whole new world where anything can happen. Looking forward to what A. Lonergan comes up with next! Highly recommend-10/10
This is a sit on the edge of your seat story. I love the description of the mirror world. Elves? This story has them. Dragons? A special Dragon for freya. Can't wait for the second book.