Summer Sin

Northern Witch #4

by K.S. Marsden

As an eventful school year draws to a close, Mark has to face his greatest challenge yet.

Witches, demons and spells have quickly become the norm for Mark, but he will find that magic can't solve all of his problems.
With everyone relying on him, will Mark be able to save the day?
Or will the price of being a hero be too high?

Genres: Young Adult, Magic, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Witches, Contemporary

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2021

About the author

Kelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life - books and horses.

She went on to author the best-selling Urban Fantasy series - "The Northern Witch" and "Witch-Hunter".

​Kelly is currently working in animal nutrition, and she never outgrew her obsession with horses.


Visit her blog for book reviews and inanity:
The Northern Witch's Book Blog

Reviews

[Charlotte May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another action packed instalment of this series!
Mark is in his final year at school, trying to juggle upcoming exams, his relationship with Damien and ongoing dark magic and dark witches.

Damien is still harbouring a demon and a separate demon is not far away. But is there such a thing as a trustworthy demon?

Overall, a gripping story with lots of wonderful characters and supernatural drama.

[Carol 27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues from ‘The Breaking’ and we find Mark recovering (both physically and emotionally) from the fallout of that fateful night in London. It seems the carefree days of his youth have disappeared in a blink as he’s now pulled in multiple directions – by his boyfriend, best mate, family and coven. Throw a demon or two into the mix and life has become downright complicated. Who knew adulting could be so overwhelming?

This story is well written and very enjoyable with appealing characters, humour, teenage angst, magic, suspense, danger, action & adventure, plus some violence and a surprise revelation or two. I’m looking forward to the next installment of this entertaining series. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark is no longer bullied at school, he has magic quite under his control now, friends who stick by him no matter what plus a gorgeous boyfriend to boot, however nothing comes easy in life and Mark faces his greatest challenge yet in this novel. His nanna, the high witch, has taken Michelle, the school bully, under her wing and has her imprisoned in her farmhouse, whilst trying to rid her of her addiction to dark magic. Obviously the rebellious teen is not being cooperative but by time her tantrums and violence are waning, and Mark is asked to keep an eye on her once they return to school. With their most important exams looming on the horizon, Mark really cannot afford to take time out to face the troubles demons and dark magic have brought into their lives, as he too is forced to make bargains with demons and use dark magic to save one he loves. Will he manage to do all this without getting compromised and will this ruin his chance of taking on the mantle of responsibility from his failing nanna, to become the next high witch? Mark did not feel ready for all this, plans seemed to be happening without his consent but he knew he could not refuse to accept who he was meant to become! I really, really enjoyed this 4th book full of the usual magic but also giving us a look into the darkside and Hell, the realm of demons. I also love that out protagonists are gay and that their romance seems to be blooming and going places. I look forward to book 5 where I am sure the challenges in Mark's life will only become stronger!

[Lars Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Sin by K.S. Marsden - 5/5 stars

Thank you to BookSirens for the advance copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.


I enjoyed this book every bit as much as every other installment of the series. We continue to get a deeper look into our main character and his various relationships. This book also gives Michelle much more development, which I was happy to see. Nanna also gets some vulnerability in this book that is truly humanizing. It's not exactly fun to see one of my favorite characters facing the struggles she is, but it feels incredibly real and is very emotional.

For once we don't end on a cliffhanger. There are still many loose threads and things to be addressed in future books, but I'm comfortable with where our characters finish the book for once. This is not to say I'm not anxiously awaiting the next installment, just that I won't have to do so in fear. With the secrets revealed at the very end of this book, I look forward to seeing how they change things in future books.

I absolutely loved this book. The central relationship reached a wonderful stopping point that still has a smile on my face. I definitely recommend giving this underrated series a shot. The only downside is I read the first 4 all in a single month and I, personally, am very upset I have to actually wait for the next book now.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously enjoyed this return visit to this fascinating world. I purchased a copy after reading the ARC, it is another great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This continues to be a great series. I enjoy the relatable characters and situations. This will make this a good book for teens facing their own struggles. Mark continues to explore his new powers and how to balance being a witch with being a teenager. In the fourth book, Mark finds he will need to accelerate his learning. He's already struggling to balance his interests, how will this impact his life?

Excellent editing, great characters and situations, and an exciting struggle. I enjoyed reading this ARC from BookSirens.

[Danial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link to reviews for Books 1, 2 & 3 at the bottom of this review.

This book is part of a series and CANNOT be read as a standalone. This book ends with a cliffhanger.

In the fourth book, my worries about Nanna has been confirmed. We see an interesting twist for Robert and Mark. I have several questions thanks to this story and I do hope that the sequel answers these questions.

The story itself was enjoyable. It was fun to read. The author has done well to be consistent from book 1, ensuring that the reader stays interested from the first up till the fourth book.

In short, I would recommend this book with no hesitation. Just make sure that you read the first 3 books as well as the sequel in this series. Happy reading :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



The Breaking by K.S. Marsden




Link to review for book 1 and book two of this series down below.

This book is part of a series and CANNOT be read as a standalone. This book ends with a cliffhanger.

In the third book, I have begun to get worried about Nanna's health. There were twists in this stories which I did not expect at all and that made the story even more enjoyable. I am glad that some of the previous conflicts have been resolved in this book and sad about some new ones. Once again, this story was enjoyable and fun to read. The ending is rather sad but with the 1 more book left in the series, I am hopeful that we will finally get our happy ever after.

In short, I would recommend this book with no hesitation. Just make sure that you read the first two books as well as the sequel in this series. Happy reading :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



Awaken by K.S. Marsden




Book 1 review is at the bottom of this review.

This book is part of a series and CANNOT be read as a standalone. This book ends with a cliffhanger.

The author has once again done a great job with this book. Once again, I was not able to put it down once I started reading. I was able to follow the story from start to finish without losing the plot. The ending is rather sad but I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next book will resolve all issues faced by the characters - especially Mark.

In short, I would recommend this book with no hesitation. Just make sure that you read the first book as well as the sequels in this series. Happy reading :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



Winter Trials by K.S. Marsden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved it!!!

This story was rather short. It was easy and fun to read. The author has done a great job in keeping the reader interested and wondering what will happen next in the story. The way Mark and Damian connected with each other was nice, especially the way they first met (That brought a smile to my face)!

In short, I would recommend this book. Just know that this book ends with a major cliffhanger and you will need to read the sequels :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



View all my reviews



View all my reviews




View all my reviews

[Rose English · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Northern Witch Series

I am a big fan of this author, and really enjoy this series about witches and demons. Aimed at older teens they are not too long and could quite easily be read in one sitting. Other than Mark being a witch and openly gay the characters have the usual teenage traumas. This fourth book finds them now about to finish secondary school, and has them contemplating college or work. (If you are worried about the gay aspects of the story I would like to put your mind at ease. These are teenagers and this story only brings you a glimpse of typical teenage emotions and maybe a little kissing here and there. Nothing explicit or untoward).

If you have not read the previous books, I highly recommend you do so in order to grasp a better understanding of what is happening. I still think #NannaIsAwesome but her storyline in this book brings about some unexpected changes and I felt myself tearing up. (OK I did not quite have to reach for the tissues but it was close).

Michelle the school rebel finds herself in rather a predicament. This story reveals some news from her past, which if I am honest, being a massive fan I kind of expected. I have over the series had a love hate relationship with this character. In this fourth book Michelle features much more and I feel myself warming to the girl. Both she and Mark are becoming quite competent witches.

Quite the tale to keep you turning the pages, but it will be over before you know it. Then, oh dear, we are left craving more. Now we simply have to wait for Book 5, and I am very much looking forward to it. Happy Reading Book Lovers.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I am struggling with whether I should give this 3 or 4 stars. I believe this is the last book in the series (for now?) and it feels like a last book, but at the same time it does not. Many questions are answered, but many are not. The over-arching one that has been present in the whole series has not been answered: Robert and Damian are still one. However, there was no real cliff hanger at the end, which makes me feel that the story arc has completed? I'm just not sure.

That being said, the whole conceit of the plot-line is starting to feel a bit contrived. Mark doesn't learn from his past experiences and just goes headlong into new and dangerous situations, always coming out on top. I acknowledge that this is a YA novel, but sometimes things just don't work out the way you want them too. I'd enjoy a few scuffs on Mark's "good vs evil" veneer.

The most interesting part of this book is the relationship between Mark and Robert. I'd like to see where that goes.

Overall, I gave this 4 stars. I still like the characters and the story and how they are evolving. A good light read, if you don't look too deeply at the plot or its flaws.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read. I have enjoyed watching Mark grow and mature as this series has progressed, but there is always more to know, more to learn, more demands on him. I like that Mark is so realistic and relatable. He is much like any teenager with the usual stresses of school and life, but he also has to master magic and help his coven when needed. So many things to balance! To add to the pressure, one of his main sources of guidance and support, his Nanna, is facing issues of her own. Mark is becoming an adult and that’s often a painful and compromising journey. Luckily, he has good friends, and a boyfriend, to help keep him grounded. This story has great characters, magic, angst, action, drama, challenges, and always some twists and surprises. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in 2022.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shahira8826 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this novel for an honest review. It has been published in May 2021.

"Summer Sin" by K.S. Marsden is the best book in the "Northern Witch" series so far.
I love how all the characters have been developing throughout the series, becoming increasingly multi-faceted and complex, so that by now (Book#4) the morality distinction is much more nuanced than the original black-and-white from Book#1.
I love how more mature themes and atmospheres are being introduced little by little, like a natural extension of the characters' growth arc.
The twist about Nanna's illness really tugged at my heartstrings. Kudos to the author for handling this very sensitive issue in such a delicate, respectful way.
I hope the next installment in the series comes out soon!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookishWeeb Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.S. Marsden has once again written another lovely book in the Northern Witch series. From the last book, Mark is really down on his luck from that London night when everything got messed up. As a character, he really grew in the last three books and seems as though he lost his 'teenage innocence' in favor of a more mature outlook in life. Which makes sense considering how lost he feels from every problem and issue regarding everyone around him.

The book is well written and still carries the same level of engagement and interest from the first three books into this one. Characters are still unique and we are getting the teenage angst, supernatural aspect, danger/adventure, suffering and so much more in the writing.

[Inger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 4th book and series is a fun read but each book ends in a cliff hanger / continuation, with no true end. So my reviews for the 4 books that I've read so far are going to be similar. These books aren't very long, the first one being the shortest. It has great characters and an interesting plot. In this forth book I like Michelle the best, because she is trying to be a better person. The main two young men are gay so if that bothers you, you might not like this story. This book is well written and an easy read. No graphic sexual content but it does have some magical violence. I recommend this book for teens and up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shai Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMER SINS is a wonderful continuation of the ‘Northern Witch’ series. It centers around a young witch Mark and his first love Damien. Set in a small town in England, each book adds to the reader’s knowledge of the characters which adds such depth to the books. That being said, I do recommend starting with the first book in the series to truly enjoy the magic in this coming of age tale.

SUMMER SINS does deal with some adult topics such as addiction and family members dealing with illness. There is no sex beyond kissing and no violence so I do recommend this book to all ages of readers who enjoy young adult mixed with magic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elpis G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After the way the last book ended, I was looking forward to reading this one. This book focuses on Mark moving on emotionally from the loss of the last book. There are also some more demon shenanigans with some unexpected twists especially in the ending. A lot of what happened at the end of the book will probably have consequences in the next book and I'm looking forward to it.

I also enjoyed the world building of the demon realm. K.S. Marsden did a good job painting a picture of what that place is like.

Overall 5/5 Stars.

[Liesbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It was a nice read with again enough action and magic poured into it. Mark notices that his Nanna is not behaving like she should be. She looks distracted, but there is more going on then they are telling him. On top of that his boyfriend Damian is nowhere to be seen, where is he? And what is up with all these family secrets?

I like that Michelle is still in the story and more interacting. Mark also has grown into the story and making even though some stupid decisions are more thought through and acted upon. A nice magical world of witches where nothing is as it seems.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

The story of Mark and Damian starts to mature as do the characters. The effects of time passing begins to make itself felt. Nana is affected and that results in changes to Mark's future. For "Robert" the passing of time allows his enemies time to set a trap for him and Damian. The school year ends and Summer begins, bringing the day of change inevitably closer. I love the way the author handles the story lines and the surprise revelations in this book. I recommend this book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer Sin is another installment in this YA fantasy series and continues the story of Mark and Damian. The book contains magic, witches, and demons, but is otherwise set within the ordinary Great Brittain. The book is short, but well written and does end in a cliffhanger. Overall an enjoyable read, with more adventure and danger. Nana is a great character and adds so much to the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janelimay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is more a melting pot than we realize. The Internet connects us all in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. The phrase 'got it me' is very old world. The turn of phrase or an unfamiliar word brings home a story is written by someone from a different nationality than your own. This installment of the series reminds us, no matter how strong, we all have a shelf life. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief and loss are an ongoing part of life for Mark

He discovers hidden connections, and some open and some hidden demons

Love is an interlude to demons, witch wars and death

Intense paranormal action and drama

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The school year is coming to an end and it has been a very busy year for him. He is about to learn magic may not be enough.. can he deal with it all? Can he save everyone? Will he succeed? See if he can

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mah E Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

the fourth book in this series was such an entertaining rollercoaster ride full of surprises.
maybe mark should just learn to control dark magic and robert should learn about symbiosis.just saying. cant wait for the next book


thanks to the author for ARC

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Written quite well.
Well developed characters.
Great suspense and action.
Full of suprises.
Contains a few unnessary (cuss) words.
Has a steady paced and holds your attention throughout the book.
Hard to put down.
Enjoy.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I enjoyed going on this journey. The author was able to write what I enjoyed from the previous books and improved on it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! ... in love with this series!!

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...