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The Lily Singer Adventures #2.5
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus a Study in Mischief and Other Tales of Magical Shenanigans: A Lily Singer Adventures Short Story Collection
Wizards are born, witches are made, and they mix about as well as oil and water. So when an introverted wizard and a troublemaking witch cross paths, what could possibly go wrong?
Lily Singer is a conscientious librarian who just wants to practice her wizardry and be left alone. Sebastian Blackwell is a ne’er-do-well witch for hire who enjoys getting under peoples’ skin but always gets the job done in the end. When circumstance forces them to band together against a common enemy, there’s no telling how the dice will fall.
A prequel to the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus series, this meeting of opposites—and the mischief that follows—is a roller coaster of laughs and life lessons. The only question left is, what's a girl to do when she finds out her arch rival isn't so bad after all?
Lily Singer is a conscientious librarian who just wants to practice her wizardry and be left alone. Sebastian Blackwell is a ne’er-do-well witch for hire who enjoys getting under peoples’ skin but always gets the job done in the end. When circumstance forces them to band together against a common enemy, there’s no telling how the dice will fall.
A prequel to the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus series, this meeting of opposites—and the mischief that follows—is a roller coaster of laughs and life lessons. The only question left is, what's a girl to do when she finds out her arch rival isn't so bad after all?
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2016
596 people are currently reading
1384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
August 18, 2019
It was okay but I was disappointed. This is a story about the characters telling a story about when they met to a cat that received its language abilities in some other shared experience that remains untold. This is the prequel to the series so I found it frustrating to find references to other books. As for the relationships, the author sums up the relationship between Lily and Sebastian in the Epilogue. "What? No, don't be silly." Lily shook her head. "no one want to read about two people arguing all the time." In my opinion, she is correct. I didn't find anything appealing about the continuous arguing.
September 14, 2020
Actual rating 4.3, not really into novella's but this one is cute. It's a back story of how Lily and Sebastian meet. I just feel it would be better if fleshed out more.
February 14, 2019
After seeing how much Lola @ Lola's Reviews enjoyed this series, I eagerly picked up a few of the stories- and, let them set. But, I never lost interest and, when I was in need of a fun adventure and some magic, I picked it up to finally give it a try.
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: A Study in Mischief takes place chronologically before book on so I started here, but I could see the way it was set up that it was meant to be read some time after book one as a fun interlude story telling readers how Lily and Sebastian met up. No worries, it turned out all right and I have fun with the fireworks of their first meeting, their shared case and discovery that opposites might do all right together, and, of course, Sir Edgar Allen Kipling the cat familiar was also a fun character.
A Study in Mischief did the job of introducing the world, the characters, and the fun tone of these magical detectives. It was neat how there is some sort of class system with wizards being further up the ladder than witches and Lily is a wizard while Sebastian is a witch.
I look forward to more from this pair in this easy and light paranormal cozy mystery/romance series.
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: A Study in Mischief takes place chronologically before book on so I started here, but I could see the way it was set up that it was meant to be read some time after book one as a fun interlude story telling readers how Lily and Sebastian met up. No worries, it turned out all right and I have fun with the fireworks of their first meeting, their shared case and discovery that opposites might do all right together, and, of course, Sir Edgar Allen Kipling the cat familiar was also a fun character.
A Study in Mischief did the job of introducing the world, the characters, and the fun tone of these magical detectives. It was neat how there is some sort of class system with wizards being further up the ladder than witches and Lily is a wizard while Sebastian is a witch.
I look forward to more from this pair in this easy and light paranormal cozy mystery/romance series.
January 29, 2017
A Study in Mischief was a fun a novella that provides a bit of extra background information to the series. I wasn't quite sure where the novella was about, just grabbed it when I grabbed the first book as it was free. the author told me it chronologically took place between book 2 and 3, so that's where I decided to read it. I was delighted when I found out the novella is about how Lily and Sebastian met.
This novella is about Lily and Sebastian who are cleaning his house and they come to the topic of how they met and then we get basically go back in time an actually get to read their meeting. So the current time takes place between book 2 and 3 and the flashbacks actually before book 1. So it could serve well in both places, either as introduction to the series or read between book 2 and 3. There is one small thing that could be said to be a spoiler for something that happened in book 2, but only the result of it, you don't actually get to know what happens. And there is enough explanation that those new to series can follow the story. But I am glad I read it after book 2 as I felt like I could appreciate it more as an extra piece of background information. I already have grown to care about these tow characters a lot and going back to see how they met was a lot of fun.
his novella is a fun addition to the series, it mostly adds a bit of backstory of both characters and we get another adventure to enjoy. There is a small adventure they go on in this book and I liked reading about their initial impressions of each other. And also how those impressions slowly change. I also liked how we got to see Lily and Sebastian their personalities shine again. They are so fun to read about. We also meet a side character that I wonder if we're going to see again. So overall I would totally recommend this novella for fans of the series.
To summarize: this was a fun novella that tells the tale of how Lily and Sebastian met told through flashbacks. I really like these two characters and I liked how this novella gave some addition backstory about them both and it was just delightful seeing how they met. I would totally recommend this novella to fans of the series, but it could also serve as introduction to the series as there is only one minor spoiler in it for book 2. It gives a good taste for the series and for those who already read book 1 and 2 more of the things they've come to expect from those books.
This novella is about Lily and Sebastian who are cleaning his house and they come to the topic of how they met and then we get basically go back in time an actually get to read their meeting. So the current time takes place between book 2 and 3 and the flashbacks actually before book 1. So it could serve well in both places, either as introduction to the series or read between book 2 and 3. There is one small thing that could be said to be a spoiler for something that happened in book 2, but only the result of it, you don't actually get to know what happens. And there is enough explanation that those new to series can follow the story. But I am glad I read it after book 2 as I felt like I could appreciate it more as an extra piece of background information. I already have grown to care about these tow characters a lot and going back to see how they met was a lot of fun.
his novella is a fun addition to the series, it mostly adds a bit of backstory of both characters and we get another adventure to enjoy. There is a small adventure they go on in this book and I liked reading about their initial impressions of each other. And also how those impressions slowly change. I also liked how we got to see Lily and Sebastian their personalities shine again. They are so fun to read about. We also meet a side character that I wonder if we're going to see again. So overall I would totally recommend this novella for fans of the series.
To summarize: this was a fun novella that tells the tale of how Lily and Sebastian met told through flashbacks. I really like these two characters and I liked how this novella gave some addition backstory about them both and it was just delightful seeing how they met. I would totally recommend this novella to fans of the series, but it could also serve as introduction to the series as there is only one minor spoiler in it for book 2. It gives a good taste for the series and for those who already read book 1 and 2 more of the things they've come to expect from those books.
December 3, 2016
I met the author at a local comic con and bought the first two books because the books sounded interesting. I'm glad I picked them up, though this new novella is the first thing I've read in the series. It's a really cute fantasy series for young adults. The main character is a witch who gets into trouble with her best friend who has no magic. The magic in the series is very different than the Harry Potter variety, it's nice to see a bit of imagination instead of basing something off a popular book. The novella is a great way to get introduced to the series to see if it's something you'll enjoy. I really liked this peek into the series and can't wait to find the time to read the rest.
October 23, 2016
I found this one through the author on Facebook and decided to give it a chance. Found it amusing and whimsical but not laugh-out-loud funny. It's a quick prequel story for the rest of the series, and it gave me a feel for how the series is free of charge. Recommended for fans of TV series like "Charmed" and "Supernatural."
November 7, 2017
A cute introduction to the Lily Singer Adventures. I would advise readers to read book one and two before this novella as there are some reveals! The novella alternates perspective about how Lily and Sebastian met which was fun to read as we get an idea of what their initial impressions were of the other. Also, I really love the cover!
I received this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review. Follow me at Camillea Reads and on IG: biblio.khaleesi for more bookish adventures.
I received this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review. Follow me at Camillea Reads and on IG: biblio.khaleesi for more bookish adventures.
December 14, 2021
After having this and the whole series on my TBR for what seems like forever...I finally started in on it and am loving the repartee between Lily and Sebastian. I enjoy the whole Wizard vs. Witch rivalry and this was a great introduction to these wonderful characters. The story is interesting--in spite of my obsession with fantasy stories, I still enjoy a good mystery and the one in this book was thoroughly enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Fantasy, Mysteries and lighthearted banter between "frienemies."
February 25, 2017
What a fun novella to read. Want to know more about the magical talking cat - love him! The interaction between a witch and a wizard was fun to read and especially how they met and became friends. Didn't realize it was a YA book but thoroughly enjoyed it as I think anyone will. Looking forward to reading more of her stuff.
July 11, 2017
A very entertaining story.
July 20, 2023
Rounding up from a 3.5. It's very cute. It gives backstory that is both helpful and rewards the reader's curiosity for a series that's multiple books long. I'm just not a huge YA fan.
March 9, 2017
Fun and cute!
Fun and cute little fantasy. I love the differences between witches and wizards, and the characters were a lot of fun with some definite chemistry that I can't wait to see more of in future books.
Fun and cute little fantasy. I love the differences between witches and wizards, and the characters were a lot of fun with some definite chemistry that I can't wait to see more of in future books.
July 25, 2017
Mischief Abounds
I loved the characters, Lily, Sebastian and Sir Kippling the talking cat. Lily is a warlock, while Sebastian is a witch. The roles reversing makes it quite funny.
I look forward to reading more of their adventures. It is a lighthearted read that cheers one's spirits
I loved the characters, Lily, Sebastian and Sir Kippling the talking cat. Lily is a warlock, while Sebastian is a witch. The roles reversing makes it quite funny.
I look forward to reading more of their adventures. It is a lighthearted read that cheers one's spirits
March 13, 2017
This is a cute story about how a witch and a wizard met as told to the wizard's talking cat. So many fun ideas in this book-and new parameters are introduced regarding witches and wizards. It turns out Lilly is a wizard and her best friend Sebastian is a witch. Lilly is over at his house trying to get him to clean up the pig sty he calls home. Sir Edgar Allen Kipling is a cat than can talk, but only Lilly can understand him. A few comments and Sir Edgar is being told how the two friends met. Only when one person gets a little fed up with leniencies taken by the speaker, the other friend takes over the story. It is a great way to learn their back story and also about the types of magic they do. As I understand it, this is like the introduction to the series. After reading this I am curious as to how their lives progress, and have already gotten the next book in the series, Book 1: Beginnings.
October 14, 2016
A quick read prequel novella that introduces the characters of the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus series. If tons of descriptive flowery writing makes you yawn, this may be more your style. The story-telling is more akin to young adult writing styles than the high fantasy level of learning a new world required by most writers who focus on adult audiences in the Fantasy genre. This lighter style lends well to the characters in this Urban Fantasy series and makes the reading more fun and less laborious than the likes of most fantasy authors. That being the excuse some have given me for not reading fantasy novels, I can point them in this author's direction. A good, fun and interesting read that had me flipping through as fast as I could to find out what happened next.
October 17, 2016
Funny and Fun
This is a funny story about how a witch and wizard met. The wizard is the heroine and the witch is the guy who infuriates her on purpose to bring her out of her shell. This is the story of how they met. It's funny and mischievous and entertaining. I can't wait to read more from this author.
This is a funny story about how a witch and wizard met. The wizard is the heroine and the witch is the guy who infuriates her on purpose to bring her out of her shell. This is the story of how they met. It's funny and mischievous and entertaining. I can't wait to read more from this author.
November 27, 2016
After reading Lydia Sherrer's first two books, it was fun to deviate with this novella. It is an amusing side story of how Lily and Sebastian meet and eventually team together to locate stolen books. This is a story told in the present and in the past. I recommend it highly and it should be placed with the rest of Lydia's books in your library.
October 2, 2022
A fun collection of short stories from the Lily Singer Adventures. The stories aren’t required reading to enjoy the main series, but they do expand on character backgrounds and could provide spoilers if you haven’t read the main series. Each story has a helpful introduction that places it within the timeline of the main series. Overall, very enjoyable.
October 10, 2016
A small novella providing a bit of backstory and history into the two main characters for the series. Very insightful as the story is told from each of them with their own spin on what occurred and how they felt.
December 30, 2016
2.5 stars
Potentially it could have been a higher rate book, the story was interesting, the setting and characters too. But sadly the heroine kept putting me off with her rude and impolite attitude towards Sebastian.
Potentially it could have been a higher rate book, the story was interesting, the setting and characters too. But sadly the heroine kept putting me off with her rude and impolite attitude towards Sebastian.
November 4, 2016
I'm definitely glad I randomly picked this one up. Fun, snappy, with engaging characters and, of course, books and a cat. I definitely need to read more in this series.
December 16, 2016
Quirky and fun!
A very entertaining read that gives a taste of the series. I look forward to reading more of their adventures!
A very entertaining read that gives a taste of the series. I look forward to reading more of their adventures!
December 31, 2016
Hopefully we will get a follow up on Seth someday. Fun short story to learn about Lily and Sebastian meeting and working together for the first time.
January 10, 2017
Wonderful, witty story!
May 21, 2017
*I received free copies of this novella and novel via Kevin Potter’s Magic Through the Ages event on Facebook*
I don’t know if I’ve explained yet my ‘real book’ vs ebook stance, but now seems like the perfect time (bear with me review-fans…there IS a point!). I live in a house with very little storage space, into which I have already squeezed 8 bookcases (6 for me and 2 for the children) at the expense of unnecessary frivolities like clothes and toy storage. Therefore, whilst I still love the feel and smell of both old and new ‘real’ books, I do 90% of my reading these days on my battered old first gen Kindle. It just makes logistical sense. I only buy hard copies of books that I consider ‘keepers’: ones that I know I will reread more than once.
All this to say that having received these books on e-format for free as part of a Facebook launch party for Kevin Potter’s The Fall of an Overlord, I have immediately added them to my personal hard-copy purchase list, and intend to buy the whole series, along with anything else Lydia Sherrer chooses to write. The Love, Lies and Hocus Pocus series definitely qualify for my ‘keepers’ pile!
The main reason is, of course, personal preference. I have a penchant for fantasy, but also a soft spot for well-written humour. The kind of bantery, light-hearted tone that you find in various formats with authors such as Terry Pratchett, Jim Butcher and Elizabeth Peters. Not necessarily laugh-out-loud humour, but a kind of wry sideways slant that shows you the author, characters and story aren’t taking themselves too seriously. This series has that tone to perfection.
The characters are instantly likeable: imperfect but good-humoured about it, and with a familiar chemistry to fans of working couples such as Elizabeth Peter’s Peabody and Emerson. It’s a nice touch to have the labels of witch and wizard denoting the character’s access route to their magic, rather than any sort of gender role: wizards (Lily) have innate, genetic magical abilities, whereas witches (Sebastian) have to purchase their abilities via trades and favours. I am particularly excited to learn more about this system of trading and how the fae/demons etc fit into this reality.
The novella, A Study in Mischief, has a fun structure of the story of how the friends meet told in flashback format by the characters in turn, so we get their alternating points of view, and thereby a good insight into each character with plenty of showing rather than telling. I would recommend reading it AFTER Beginnings rather than before like I did, as there are character and plot developments contained that have not yet occured in the first novel (e.g. Sir Kipling the cat’s development into a more central character).
Beginnings consists of two separate adventures, one a short story about banishing a ghost and breaking a curse, and the other a slightly longer, two-part tale about the theft of a magical artefact and a dangerous loop in time. Both narratives introduce the characters, showcase their different styles and temperaments, and whilst the individual plotlines are neatly wrapped, the reader is given some nudges towards wider mysteries (around Lily and Sebastian’s pasts and family histories) that will evidently form part of a larger plot arc throughout the series.
I am excited to see how these characters evolve, and follow their further magical adventures, and can wholeheartedly recommend these books to other fans of magic, wit and adventure. Oh, and also fans of books, cats and more books!
I don’t know if I’ve explained yet my ‘real book’ vs ebook stance, but now seems like the perfect time (bear with me review-fans…there IS a point!). I live in a house with very little storage space, into which I have already squeezed 8 bookcases (6 for me and 2 for the children) at the expense of unnecessary frivolities like clothes and toy storage. Therefore, whilst I still love the feel and smell of both old and new ‘real’ books, I do 90% of my reading these days on my battered old first gen Kindle. It just makes logistical sense. I only buy hard copies of books that I consider ‘keepers’: ones that I know I will reread more than once.
All this to say that having received these books on e-format for free as part of a Facebook launch party for Kevin Potter’s The Fall of an Overlord, I have immediately added them to my personal hard-copy purchase list, and intend to buy the whole series, along with anything else Lydia Sherrer chooses to write. The Love, Lies and Hocus Pocus series definitely qualify for my ‘keepers’ pile!
The main reason is, of course, personal preference. I have a penchant for fantasy, but also a soft spot for well-written humour. The kind of bantery, light-hearted tone that you find in various formats with authors such as Terry Pratchett, Jim Butcher and Elizabeth Peters. Not necessarily laugh-out-loud humour, but a kind of wry sideways slant that shows you the author, characters and story aren’t taking themselves too seriously. This series has that tone to perfection.
The characters are instantly likeable: imperfect but good-humoured about it, and with a familiar chemistry to fans of working couples such as Elizabeth Peter’s Peabody and Emerson. It’s a nice touch to have the labels of witch and wizard denoting the character’s access route to their magic, rather than any sort of gender role: wizards (Lily) have innate, genetic magical abilities, whereas witches (Sebastian) have to purchase their abilities via trades and favours. I am particularly excited to learn more about this system of trading and how the fae/demons etc fit into this reality.
The novella, A Study in Mischief, has a fun structure of the story of how the friends meet told in flashback format by the characters in turn, so we get their alternating points of view, and thereby a good insight into each character with plenty of showing rather than telling. I would recommend reading it AFTER Beginnings rather than before like I did, as there are character and plot developments contained that have not yet occured in the first novel (e.g. Sir Kipling the cat’s development into a more central character).
Beginnings consists of two separate adventures, one a short story about banishing a ghost and breaking a curse, and the other a slightly longer, two-part tale about the theft of a magical artefact and a dangerous loop in time. Both narratives introduce the characters, showcase their different styles and temperaments, and whilst the individual plotlines are neatly wrapped, the reader is given some nudges towards wider mysteries (around Lily and Sebastian’s pasts and family histories) that will evidently form part of a larger plot arc throughout the series.
I am excited to see how these characters evolve, and follow their further magical adventures, and can wholeheartedly recommend these books to other fans of magic, wit and adventure. Oh, and also fans of books, cats and more books!
November 9, 2017
I don't think there is a single thing I don't like about this series! One of my favourites of the past year I have been holding off on this little novella as I'm not sure when the next main book in the series is out. When I saw that the full length books had had a gorgeous cover makeover last week I couldn't put this off any longer!
Set in retrospect, Lily and Sebastian recount to a curious Kipling the story of how their unlikely friendship was forged; in an effort to break up the tedium of the long overdue clean up operation in Sebastian's apartment. The reference to the Bog of Eternal Stench raised a little smile for me as it's one of my favourite parts of Labyrinth! Lily is collecting books from an auction house and Sebastian arrives taking far too much of an interest in her quarry. When Lily fails to be swayed by his charms he must take action to show her that he boxes are in fact lacking in a certain degree of bookish goodness and the unlikely pair set off together on their first little adventure.
I loved the immediate ease that they fell into, like it was an inevitable partnership. Each of them having more than one proverbial trick up their sleeve, filling the gaps for each other. There are glimpses of future books in little Easter Eggs for those who have read the main series, like Sebastian's unorthodox way of travelling and hints at issues from their past that shape them, but not enough to spoil. It's almost as though as much is revealed to the reader as Lily and Sebastian would have revealed to each other at that stage. There is a lot of comedy packed into the pages and I found myself smiling throughout as if back with old friends. My only issue with this is that it was over too soon!
It's free to download from Amazon and it's the perfect introduction to the characters (although there is a spoiler in respect of Kipling if you haven't read the first couple of books.) It's a truly scrumptious little addition to this great series.
5*
Set in retrospect, Lily and Sebastian recount to a curious Kipling the story of how their unlikely friendship was forged; in an effort to break up the tedium of the long overdue clean up operation in Sebastian's apartment. The reference to the Bog of Eternal Stench raised a little smile for me as it's one of my favourite parts of Labyrinth! Lily is collecting books from an auction house and Sebastian arrives taking far too much of an interest in her quarry. When Lily fails to be swayed by his charms he must take action to show her that he boxes are in fact lacking in a certain degree of bookish goodness and the unlikely pair set off together on their first little adventure.
I loved the immediate ease that they fell into, like it was an inevitable partnership. Each of them having more than one proverbial trick up their sleeve, filling the gaps for each other. There are glimpses of future books in little Easter Eggs for those who have read the main series, like Sebastian's unorthodox way of travelling and hints at issues from their past that shape them, but not enough to spoil. It's almost as though as much is revealed to the reader as Lily and Sebastian would have revealed to each other at that stage. There is a lot of comedy packed into the pages and I found myself smiling throughout as if back with old friends. My only issue with this is that it was over too soon!
It's free to download from Amazon and it's the perfect introduction to the characters (although there is a spoiler in respect of Kipling if you haven't read the first couple of books.) It's a truly scrumptious little addition to this great series.
5*
May 27, 2019
Atlanta, GA. Lily Singer (practicing wizard, Agnes Scott) was notorious for getting things organized.
Dirt/grime she did not tolerate.
Lily is the head librarian at the McCain Library (Agnes Scott College).
Sebastian Blackwell (Lily’s BMF, witch for hire) was good at getting things accomplished.
Food poisoning took a toll on him & Lily had to babysit him.
Lily did not like cleaning up after him.
Sebastian ask Lily what Sir Edgar Allan Kipling “Kip” (magical talking cat) said.
He had his own language that only Lily understood.
Madam Barrington had recently purchased some rare books at an eccentric wealthy man’s estate auction.
The collection would be housed in the secret magical archive hidden beneath McCain Library.
1-day Madam Barrington artifacts had mysteriously disappeared.
Lily solicited Sebastian to help her find them.
Robert (office mgr.) claims he packed up/labeled the boxes this morning.
They were asking Mr. Peterson what he knew about the missing items.
Would Lily, & Sebastian find the books?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written adventure novella (book). It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Chenowith Press; Smashwords; BookFunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
Dirt/grime she did not tolerate.
Lily is the head librarian at the McCain Library (Agnes Scott College).
Sebastian Blackwell (Lily’s BMF, witch for hire) was good at getting things accomplished.
Food poisoning took a toll on him & Lily had to babysit him.
Lily did not like cleaning up after him.
Sebastian ask Lily what Sir Edgar Allan Kipling “Kip” (magical talking cat) said.
He had his own language that only Lily understood.
Madam Barrington had recently purchased some rare books at an eccentric wealthy man’s estate auction.
The collection would be housed in the secret magical archive hidden beneath McCain Library.
1-day Madam Barrington artifacts had mysteriously disappeared.
Lily solicited Sebastian to help her find them.
Robert (office mgr.) claims he packed up/labeled the boxes this morning.
They were asking Mr. Peterson what he knew about the missing items.
Would Lily, & Sebastian find the books?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written adventure novella (book). It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Chenowith Press; Smashwords; BookFunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
April 20, 2020
2.5*
Despite being tagged as #2.5 thi is a prequel.
The idea behind the worldbuilding is interesting and could be somehow new, but there isn't enough to define the basic rules: what is it that makes a fae, a wizard, a witch different from each other?
Is "magic" an hereditary trait? It could be inherited in varying degrees? The rivalry between wizards and witches is due to bloodlines or something else? How differently their powers work? Do non magical- people know about them? What is the collective stand on "gifted" ones?
The characters show some potential too, but it feels like they are somehow forced in stereotyped physical appearances and behaviours.
The cat could spice up things but his presence added almost nothing to the plot of this short story.
Hope he'll have his spotlight in the series.
The plot itself is not that bad, but the mystery turns out to be just teenage drama. Rightful, but anticlimactic.
The storytelling is quite engaging when told "in action", unfortunately the flow is continuously interrupted by the "at present" interventions which, breaking rhythm, attention and interest, are very irritating. As well as all the "of course" Lily filled in almost every sentence!
It is not even credible for a recount of past events to a third party to be so detailed, narrative, fluent, and introspective.
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Beginnings' excerpt - a terrible blind date - does not reveal anything that intrigues me to read it immediately but I think I'll give it a try anyway.
Despite being tagged as #2.5 thi is a prequel.
The idea behind the worldbuilding is interesting and could be somehow new, but there isn't enough to define the basic rules: what is it that makes a fae, a wizard, a witch different from each other?
Is "magic" an hereditary trait? It could be inherited in varying degrees? The rivalry between wizards and witches is due to bloodlines or something else? How differently their powers work? Do non magical- people know about them? What is the collective stand on "gifted" ones?
The characters show some potential too, but it feels like they are somehow forced in stereotyped physical appearances and behaviours.
The cat could spice up things but his presence added almost nothing to the plot of this short story.
Hope he'll have his spotlight in the series.
The plot itself is not that bad, but the mystery turns out to be just teenage drama. Rightful, but anticlimactic.
The storytelling is quite engaging when told "in action", unfortunately the flow is continuously interrupted by the "at present" interventions which, breaking rhythm, attention and interest, are very irritating. As well as all the "of course" Lily filled in almost every sentence!
It is not even credible for a recount of past events to a third party to be so detailed, narrative, fluent, and introspective.
Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus: Beginnings' excerpt - a terrible blind date - does not reveal anything that intrigues me to read it immediately but I think I'll give it a try anyway.
October 14, 2024
Content:
Language: None that I recall.
Violence: None. Just close calls with magical attacks.
Sexual: Very Mild. The most intense thing in there was one character saying she was very physically aware when another character touched her.
This is actually a novella that comes chronologically between books 2 and 3 of the series. The author does state this at the beginning, but also says it can be read at any point in the series. I gotta politely disagree with this statement, because there was stuff in here I think I'd rather have found out by reading the first two books first. Mainly:
But, it was a fun introduction to Lily and Sebastian and Kip. It made me pick the first book up (that had been languishing in my Kindle for some time) and I'm a few chapters in now, and still trying to get the hang of the style and tone.
For some unknown reason my brain wants this to be a Victorian setting, but it's modern day Atlanta? I think...
I do like the unexpected flip of the woman being the wizard and the guy being the witch, since both designations are basically all about how one uses magic rather than a gender thing. Also, I liked that this didn't feel like a political statement on the author's end, but just a fun sort of 'think again!' type of twist.
Cute little short, more a 3.5, we'll see how I like the full length stories now.
Language: None that I recall.
Violence: None. Just close calls with magical attacks.
Sexual: Very Mild. The most intense thing in there was one character saying she was very physically aware when another character touched her.
This is actually a novella that comes chronologically between books 2 and 3 of the series. The author does state this at the beginning, but also says it can be read at any point in the series. I gotta politely disagree with this statement, because there was stuff in here I think I'd rather have found out by reading the first two books first. Mainly:
But, it was a fun introduction to Lily and Sebastian and Kip. It made me pick the first book up (that had been languishing in my Kindle for some time) and I'm a few chapters in now, and still trying to get the hang of the style and tone.
For some unknown reason my brain wants this to be a Victorian setting, but it's modern day Atlanta? I think...
I do like the unexpected flip of the woman being the wizard and the guy being the witch, since both designations are basically all about how one uses magic rather than a gender thing. Also, I liked that this didn't feel like a political statement on the author's end, but just a fun sort of 'think again!' type of twist.
Cute little short, more a 3.5, we'll see how I like the full length stories now.
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