What do you think?
Rate this book
Paranormal MI5 #2
Spells & Life
Dead witch? As if.
With no memory of recent events, I’m fighting a losing battle. With a serial killer. My team work closely to not only find him, but to help me harness the magic of the ley line. With my magic failing, my memories forgotten, and my team the only thing keeping me alive, I don’t have much time left.
Not only is the serial killer threatening me, but the terrorist group Paranormals For Freedom (PFF) are about to play their hand. Unsure if the two cases are connected, my team and I have to work double time to stop them all before more innocent lives are taken. Fighting the killer, the PFF, and my own death demons, I’m barely hanging on. Can I regroup in time to save London?
With no memory of recent events, I’m fighting a losing battle. With a serial killer. My team work closely to not only find him, but to help me harness the magic of the ley line. With my magic failing, my memories forgotten, and my team the only thing keeping me alive, I don’t have much time left.
Not only is the serial killer threatening me, but the terrorist group Paranormals For Freedom (PFF) are about to play their hand. Unsure if the two cases are connected, my team and I have to work double time to stop them all before more innocent lives are taken. Fighting the killer, the PFF, and my own death demons, I’m barely hanging on. Can I regroup in time to save London?
326 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2018
111 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Medhurst
112 books485 followersRachel Medhurst grew up in a small village in Surrey, England. She writes to inspire and heal. She lives in the British countryside with her dog. If she’s not writing, she can be found walking in nature and reading. For more information about current projects, including her short story dystopian series, Avoidables, please check out her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 27, 2018
I adore Rachel Medhurst’s Paranormal MI5 series and especially it’s lead Gemma Abbott, a pure Essex witch, who technically should be deceased but is kept going by the life force in the pure magic of Mother Earth’s ley lines, which she is permanently attached to. Her utterly cool job as a paranormal MI5 agent works perfectly with this since she and her team are tasked with protecting those very ley lines. In book 1 of this series (Spells & Death, separately reviewed) we met her and her MI5 team and started the hunt for a serial killer of witches (the death of whom are impacting poor Gemma). Now in Spells & Life (Book 2) we pick up where book 1 ended. Gemma comes out of her coma to find herself missing memory but she can’t take time to recover since she and her team are still on the hunt the Essex killer (no pressure but the killer must be stopped before destroying the world). Action and thrills ensue, truths are finally revealed (about Gemma’s family, especially her dad and the awful things he did before his death) and the embers of romance (with Dave: yaay) get lit. Total craziness and addictively enjoyable. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to 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, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 30, 2019
Being dead isn't all that
Another great read. The plot increases pace as she comes out of her coma. Dead but still alive. Only the magic of the ley lines is keeping her in the world of the living. That and the ancestors. Who have told her that if the serial killer wins, everyone else loses. But who is the killer? With the PFF also around she has to take them down before she can concentrate on the rest. Will her team back her up? What does the bet her father made have to do with anything? Is she strong enough to win out? Why is her first child to be given up? As she fights all this, she must also fight the betrayal she feels against her father and the weakness that overtakes her when she uses too much power. The ley lines can only provide so much. Will taking down the serial killer also take down the mastermind? Or will there be another pawn used against her?
Great characters but a bit surprised that she didn't twig on more quickly to the other traitor within her circle. Àlso in the fact that she is being a bit of a defeatist in this one. Where is her stubborn side hiding?
Another great read. The plot increases pace as she comes out of her coma. Dead but still alive. Only the magic of the ley lines is keeping her in the world of the living. That and the ancestors. Who have told her that if the serial killer wins, everyone else loses. But who is the killer? With the PFF also around she has to take them down before she can concentrate on the rest. Will her team back her up? What does the bet her father made have to do with anything? Is she strong enough to win out? Why is her first child to be given up? As she fights all this, she must also fight the betrayal she feels against her father and the weakness that overtakes her when she uses too much power. The ley lines can only provide so much. Will taking down the serial killer also take down the mastermind? Or will there be another pawn used against her?
Great characters but a bit surprised that she didn't twig on more quickly to the other traitor within her circle. Àlso in the fact that she is being a bit of a defeatist in this one. Where is her stubborn side hiding?
October 25, 2018
Looking forward to the next installment
Super excited that Gemma was able to find some answers and rid herself of an enemy, overall it was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked.
Despite this, I gave three stars because the world building was lacking compared to the first, the writing seemed very rushed, and the interactions between characters and their events seemed disjointed. I admit I was also pretty annoyed with Gemma this time around because the book felt like one big pity party. It's clear that the author has set Gemma up on a journey of self-discovery and learning how to let people in, but then the author writes that Gemma only feels powerful and confident with magic in her, and she's still not understanding that stepping up to do her job doesn't always mean she's letting people in. I honestly think that my frustrations with Gemma are the same that she's feeling about herself. I do love this author, so I will be reading the next book confident that my mind will be blown.
Super excited that Gemma was able to find some answers and rid herself of an enemy, overall it was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked.
Despite this, I gave three stars because the world building was lacking compared to the first, the writing seemed very rushed, and the interactions between characters and their events seemed disjointed. I admit I was also pretty annoyed with Gemma this time around because the book felt like one big pity party. It's clear that the author has set Gemma up on a journey of self-discovery and learning how to let people in, but then the author writes that Gemma only feels powerful and confident with magic in her, and she's still not understanding that stepping up to do her job doesn't always mean she's letting people in. I honestly think that my frustrations with Gemma are the same that she's feeling about herself. I do love this author, so I will be reading the next book confident that my mind will be blown.
November 2, 2018
I'm having a harder time warming up to Gemma than I did with Devon in the Hunted Witch Agency series, but that's just a testament to how realistic and individualized the characters are. Gemma is not a warm and fuzzy character and masks her vulnerabilities with a tough girl exterior. Devon masks her own insecurities with sarcasm and bravado. Both are fabulous characters and their male counterparts are strong and supportive of their strong women. The building tension between Gemma and Dave has a very Mulder and Scully vibe to it. Combined with the supernatural theme, it's a formula that works.
One of the things I appreciated so much when I began reading this book was the recap built into the story. Gemma had suffered a bit of amnesia so her team needed to fill her in. It almost made me wish all series began like this!
The novel is fast-paced and action-packed, with the perfect amount of suspense. All around it's an enjoyable and quick read.
One of the things I appreciated so much when I began reading this book was the recap built into the story. Gemma had suffered a bit of amnesia so her team needed to fill her in. It almost made me wish all series began like this!
The novel is fast-paced and action-packed, with the perfect amount of suspense. All around it's an enjoyable and quick read.
November 10, 2018
Picking up where Spells & Death left off, Gemma and her team are trying to track down the serial killer, but that's hard to do when you haven't got a memory. But thankfully, Gemma is actually leaning on her team for more help. It's nice watching her bond with her team and open up to them.
I love that Medhurst continues to include Gemma's cousin in this series, as we all grew to love her in the Hunted Witch series.
I also especially loved when they were talking favorite books The Celestine Prophecy was mentioned, as it's my favorite book. Medhurst is always making books completely relatable in that fashion, even when it's a book about magic and spells.
The team's combined skills are instrumental in finding who they need to, and the ancients are actually leading Gemma to find people they might not even want to see. Gemma makes a great main character, she's witty and fun. I can't wait for the next addition to this series.
I love that Medhurst continues to include Gemma's cousin in this series, as we all grew to love her in the Hunted Witch series.
I also especially loved when they were talking favorite books The Celestine Prophecy was mentioned, as it's my favorite book. Medhurst is always making books completely relatable in that fashion, even when it's a book about magic and spells.
The team's combined skills are instrumental in finding who they need to, and the ancients are actually leading Gemma to find people they might not even want to see. Gemma makes a great main character, she's witty and fun. I can't wait for the next addition to this series.
October 26, 2018
This was a great sequel. The story was fast paced and exciting with a good amount of action and suspense. There were also a few surprises. I enjoyed seeing Gemma grow as an individual, friend and agent.
Gemma wakes up with no memory. In order to get it back she’ll have to reconcile with one of the last people she wants to talk to. Obtaining her memory is only the beginning though. She’ll have to accept a truth she’s been denying. Then find the Essex killer and stop him from destroying the world.
Sometimes admitting we need help and asking for it is the hardest part.
Gemma will discover that allowing others to help her doesn’t make her weak. It makes her and her team stronger but will their combined efforts be enough to thwart the enemy?
I look forward to reading the next book.
Gemma wakes up with no memory. In order to get it back she’ll have to reconcile with one of the last people she wants to talk to. Obtaining her memory is only the beginning though. She’ll have to accept a truth she’s been denying. Then find the Essex killer and stop him from destroying the world.
Sometimes admitting we need help and asking for it is the hardest part.
Gemma will discover that allowing others to help her doesn’t make her weak. It makes her and her team stronger but will their combined efforts be enough to thwart the enemy?
I look forward to reading the next book.
November 1, 2018
This book picks up just after book 1 ended. Gemma doesn't know what happened right off when she comes out of the coma, but is unwilling to hang around the hospital. I love how she finally is letting Dave get close to her. It may only be out of necessity, but he is always there. I also love how she realized she is the team leader and she knows nothing about her team. Poor girl has her hands full with the serial killer, the evil witch her father lost the bet to, her powers not working right, her boss/mother and the ancestors. All this combined will take us on one wild adventure with Gemma. The drama's not over yet. Next up saving her best friend from the serial killer's accomplice. I volunteered to read an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
November 23, 2018
Gemma and her team continue to hunt for their serial killer in the second book of the series. I love the way the characters are developing and the team seams to be gelling and the subtle hints that there's more to come between Dave and Gemma.
Lots of action, a cameo from Devon and the Hunted Witch Agency crew and all the paranormal folk you can handle.
A great read with a cliff-hanger ending I didn't even mind.
Lots of action, a cameo from Devon and the Hunted Witch Agency crew and all the paranormal folk you can handle.
A great read with a cliff-hanger ending I didn't even mind.
October 17, 2018
Spells and Life
Another fast-paced installment in this exciting fun fantasy series! I loved the twists and turns the story took. I enjoyed learning a little bit more about the characters as well. I loved seeing previous characters from the other series in this one too! Can’t wait to see where things go from here.
Another fast-paced installment in this exciting fun fantasy series! I loved the twists and turns the story took. I enjoyed learning a little bit more about the characters as well. I loved seeing previous characters from the other series in this one too! Can’t wait to see where things go from here.
October 18, 2018
Keeps you wanting more
Gem wakes up with no memory. She has to get her memory back with help from higrr powers. Gems trys to fight to bring down the killer on her own until she realized she needs to let her team in and it opens whole new feels for her. This story was great to read. Im excited to see whats next.
Gem wakes up with no memory. She has to get her memory back with help from higrr powers. Gems trys to fight to bring down the killer on her own until she realized she needs to let her team in and it opens whole new feels for her. This story was great to read. Im excited to see whats next.
October 18, 2018
The second book in the Paranormal MI5 series and just like the first it is filled with plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, twist and turns. I loved seeing previous characters from the other series in this while learning a little bit more about the new characters. I can not wait to see what happens in the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 21, 2018
Things are heating up in the MI5 Division. Gemma has lost her memory and maybe her mind! ;) The story picks right back up and is so action packed and full of amazing energy that it was over before I knew it! I love this series and I cannot wait to see how things pan out in the next series installment!
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
October 28, 2018
Gemma rules
Gemma is facing her death and all that that means, including her magical weakness, as she hunts the one who is draining the ley line. Powerfully written, this story carries the reader on the search for answers and the enemy, with a surprise ending that will leave you thirsting for more.
Gemma is facing her death and all that that means, including her magical weakness, as she hunts the one who is draining the ley line. Powerfully written, this story carries the reader on the search for answers and the enemy, with a surprise ending that will leave you thirsting for more.
February 16, 2019
Excellent!
"Dead" MI5 agent (and Essex witch) Gemma has her work cut out for her. All she has to do is solve multiple murders, avoid the witch her father lost a bet to, and take him and his ancient witch father down, .with prejudice! Fast paced non-stop action, with a great plot and characters. Waiting (impatiently) for book 3!
"Dead" MI5 agent (and Essex witch) Gemma has her work cut out for her. All she has to do is solve multiple murders, avoid the witch her father lost a bet to, and take him and his ancient witch father down, .with prejudice! Fast paced non-stop action, with a great plot and characters. Waiting (impatiently) for book 3!
October 20, 2018
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed. This book was fantastic. The characters were entertaining and engaging and the storyline was intriguing and action packed. Definitely a series I want to keep reading.
October 21, 2018
This is the second book in this series and I am loving them. The characters are fantastic and the storyline has so many secrets, twists and turns.! Did i mention secrets? Holy cow there's some doozies!! I love the pop up appearances by characters from the Hunted Witch Agency series too!!
January 4, 2019
Gemma is the Best!
I love this series! Gemma, Dave and the gang are so freaking awesome! Although I'm bit disappointed that this book wasn't longer, it's still so amazing, gritty and outstanding!
I love this series! Gemma, Dave and the gang are so freaking awesome! Although I'm bit disappointed that this book wasn't longer, it's still so amazing, gritty and outstanding!
October 31, 2019
Great action and detail
The author once again wrote a book I couldn't put down. Gemma being the protector of the ley lines of the witches faces death as her life is threatened. The character and plot detail is great leaving you feeling like you're actually there.
The author once again wrote a book I couldn't put down. Gemma being the protector of the ley lines of the witches faces death as her life is threatened. The character and plot detail is great leaving you feeling like you're actually there.
October 27, 2018
I liked this book. It was easy to follow. The characters were likable. The plot was intense.
I almost lost interest when I thought her friend died.
I almost lost interest when I thought her friend died.
August 24, 2019
Awesome
Another outstanding fantasy that keeps you rooted thruout the whole book I couldn’t put it down until it was finished
Another outstanding fantasy that keeps you rooted thruout the whole book I couldn’t put it down until it was finished
October 24, 2019
Loved it
I can't get enough of these characters. So nice to see characters from the other books have read. Will there be more books, I certainly hope so
I can't get enough of these characters. So nice to see characters from the other books have read. Will there be more books, I certainly hope so
November 15, 2019
A hit
Another great book in the trilogy. Could not out of down. Enjoyed it through and through. Look forward to next one
Another great book in the trilogy. Could not out of down. Enjoyed it through and through. Look forward to next one
July 29, 2019
Rachel Medhurst immediately dives in where Book 1 left off.
Her team continues to desperately find and stop a serial killer. The world building is well done and characters are engaging. Book 3 here I come.
Her team continues to desperately find and stop a serial killer. The world building is well done and characters are engaging. Book 3 here I come.
Read
December 16, 2018I am really loving this series and hoping there is more coming soon.
With Gemma working to track down the serial killer before he strikes again, she needs the help of her friends and teammates now more than ever. When she does find him, are they going to be enough to stop him? Is there more than meets the eye with this killer?
With Gemma working to track down the serial killer before he strikes again, she needs the help of her friends and teammates now more than ever. When she does find him, are they going to be enough to stop him? Is there more than meets the eye with this killer?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews