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Esoteric Alchemy #1
Sage, Smoke & Fire
The world has fallen out of energetic balance. In the Deep South there is a remedy that is both powerful and dangerous--witches.
At the peak of summer, Nina is living a fast-paced life in New York City. But when the earth's gravitational pull activates a gene--making her and a few others capable of magic--she is called to duty in southern Louisiana to lead a coven of witches and restore balance to the world through magic. By autumn, witches are turning up dead and she has but one choice--defend the coven. And when she witnesses extraordinary powers beyond those of any known witch, Nina sets out on a magical quest through the dark and sultry swamps, voodoo shops, right-wing churches and alternate planes of consciousness to uncover the source of the dangerous gifts; all while trying to create peace not just within the coven, but with the people who knew her in the life she left behind.
At the peak of summer, Nina is living a fast-paced life in New York City. But when the earth's gravitational pull activates a gene--making her and a few others capable of magic--she is called to duty in southern Louisiana to lead a coven of witches and restore balance to the world through magic. By autumn, witches are turning up dead and she has but one choice--defend the coven. And when she witnesses extraordinary powers beyond those of any known witch, Nina sets out on a magical quest through the dark and sultry swamps, voodoo shops, right-wing churches and alternate planes of consciousness to uncover the source of the dangerous gifts; all while trying to create peace not just within the coven, but with the people who knew her in the life she left behind.
666 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2020
149 people are currently reading
6965 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Kurr
6 books121 followersRyan Kurr is an author, pastry chef, and mystic practitioner. His debut memoir, Sugar Burn: The Not So Hot Side of the Sweet Kitchen was released in 2015. The first two books in his Esoteric Alchemy series became Amazon bestsellers in the LGBT Fantasy genre. His freelance work on spiritual and metaphysical witchcraft and original recipes has been published by Witches Magazine. He currently lives in Portland, OR.
Be sure to follow Ryan Kurr on Bookbub for the latest on flash sales https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ryan-...
Be sure to follow Ryan Kurr on Bookbub for the latest on flash sales https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ryan-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 3, 2020
This book was recommended to me from my sister who told me it was a must read. This book was hard to put down and it was such a magical storyline that left me wanting more and even hoping for a movie one day!💫Living in Danvers, MA the Old Salem Village and reading during the shift into Fall, and finishing this book during the Harvest Moon🌕 has left me feeling more in touch with my spiritual side. 🌿 There are some spells and recipes at the end of the book, which I will most definitely be trying a few out! I cannot wait for the next book to find out what path Nina and her coven come to next! ✨
October 2, 2022
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway
Blurb:
The world has fallen out of energetic balance. In the Deep South there is a remedy that is both powerful and dangerous--witches.
At the peak of summer, Nina is living a fast-paced life in New York City. But when the earth's gravitational pull activates a gene--making her and a few others capable of magic--she is called to duty in southern Louisiana to lead a coven of witches and restore balance to the world through magic. By autumn, witches are turning up dead, and she has but one choice--defend the coven. And when she witnesses extraordinary powers beyond those of any known witch, Nina sets out on a magical quest through the dark and sultry swamps, voodoo shops, right-wing churches and alternate planes of consciousness to uncover the source of the dangerous gifts; all while trying to create peace not just within the coven, but with the people who knew her in the life she left behind.
What I liked:
I enjoy how descriptive the author is. It helps explain some of the rituals and spells that I don’t fully understand. I really like how issues like race and sexuality are brought up but aren’t the main focus of the book. I love the main six characters, and their personalities. The ending was exciting and set up a sequel pretty well.
What I didn’t like:
The side characters are introduced fairly abruptly but their stories get fleshed out fairly quickly. The first time the book changed from one set of characters to another confused me, but it made sense when I kept reading.
Takeaway:
I liked this book as an October book, and I loved all of the main characters. I’m excited to see where the series goes. 4/5 stars.
Blurb:
The world has fallen out of energetic balance. In the Deep South there is a remedy that is both powerful and dangerous--witches.
At the peak of summer, Nina is living a fast-paced life in New York City. But when the earth's gravitational pull activates a gene--making her and a few others capable of magic--she is called to duty in southern Louisiana to lead a coven of witches and restore balance to the world through magic. By autumn, witches are turning up dead, and she has but one choice--defend the coven. And when she witnesses extraordinary powers beyond those of any known witch, Nina sets out on a magical quest through the dark and sultry swamps, voodoo shops, right-wing churches and alternate planes of consciousness to uncover the source of the dangerous gifts; all while trying to create peace not just within the coven, but with the people who knew her in the life she left behind.
What I liked:
I enjoy how descriptive the author is. It helps explain some of the rituals and spells that I don’t fully understand. I really like how issues like race and sexuality are brought up but aren’t the main focus of the book. I love the main six characters, and their personalities. The ending was exciting and set up a sequel pretty well.
What I didn’t like:
The side characters are introduced fairly abruptly but their stories get fleshed out fairly quickly. The first time the book changed from one set of characters to another confused me, but it made sense when I kept reading.
Takeaway:
I liked this book as an October book, and I loved all of the main characters. I’m excited to see where the series goes. 4/5 stars.
August 9, 2025
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads a couple months ago but thought it sounded like a perfect October book and man was I right!
I really really enjoyed this book and it surpassed all expectations I had for it. I loved the many strings of plot this story contained and the many characters and diverse perspectives we got to see. I knew this book was about witchcraft but I did not expect the amount of time and effort the author seemed to have put in all things witchy in this book! This story was so heavy with it and I just could not get enough. From the additional information, spells, and recipes in the back to all the detailed descriptions throughout the book I just loved reading Sage, Smoke & Fire. However, don't expect to speed through this one because there is so much information in this 600+ page book but I was intrigued the entire time reading.
I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, I need more!
I really really enjoyed this book and it surpassed all expectations I had for it. I loved the many strings of plot this story contained and the many characters and diverse perspectives we got to see. I knew this book was about witchcraft but I did not expect the amount of time and effort the author seemed to have put in all things witchy in this book! This story was so heavy with it and I just could not get enough. From the additional information, spells, and recipes in the back to all the detailed descriptions throughout the book I just loved reading Sage, Smoke & Fire. However, don't expect to speed through this one because there is so much information in this 600+ page book but I was intrigued the entire time reading.
I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, I need more!
April 11, 2022
Child gang r*ape
Like to read stories about a gay man getting killed for being gay? How about stories of child gang r*pe to make sure that the gay man’s daughter doesn’t turn out gay? Maybe the horrific death of a child is more your speed? Perhaps r*pe and s*xual assa*lt? Torturing people to death? If so, this book is for you. As you can tell by my one star rating, it wasn’t for me.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Like to read stories about a gay man getting killed for being gay? How about stories of child gang r*pe to make sure that the gay man’s daughter doesn’t turn out gay? Maybe the horrific death of a child is more your speed? Perhaps r*pe and s*xual assa*lt? Torturing people to death? If so, this book is for you. As you can tell by my one star rating, it wasn’t for me.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
November 22, 2021
I was drawn into this book from the beginning when Nina forms a coven from strangers. It’s interesting to see all the personalities and the dynamics that come with that. I liked the investigations that the group ends up doing and it kept it interesting till the end.
November 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this book!!
September 24, 2020
I was so excited to win this as a goodread's giveaway. This book follows Nina, a modern day witch, who is given proctorship of a coven in Louisiana. This story was intriguing, and kept me invested from page one. The dynamics of the coven members who came from all over the country learning, not only that they are witches, but also how to rely on and trust each other to become a family was a common theme throughout the book. Nina, Avery, Bisa, Ollie, Mitch, and Leo had to not only overcome their own personal issues, explore the limits of their newly found powers, but they also had to battle a rival coven, as well as an unknown threat which began hunting down witches.
While the final battle kept me on the edge of my seat, I felt like there are some loose ends that are still dangling which leaves me wanting more. The questions I have leave me wondering if there will be a sequel book?
On top of interesting and diverse characters, the author has included a glossary of terms which he uses throughout the story, several recipes that they coven makes throughout the book, and also some "spells" also used in the book.
overall I found the story to be engaging, and while graphic at times, generally enjoyable
While the final battle kept me on the edge of my seat, I felt like there are some loose ends that are still dangling which leaves me wanting more. The questions I have leave me wondering if there will be a sequel book?
On top of interesting and diverse characters, the author has included a glossary of terms which he uses throughout the story, several recipes that they coven makes throughout the book, and also some "spells" also used in the book.
overall I found the story to be engaging, and while graphic at times, generally enjoyable
February 20, 2021
Very disappointed. I could not finish this book. I read about 3/4 of it and had to quit. I feel like the writing style is all over the place. Some chapters feel like a completely different person wrote them. The first half was very difficult to read because of the sheer amount of info dump that honestly was not interesting. Not to mention one of the witches using a potion to essentially rape another witch by coercing him against his will?? Nah I had to finally give up on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
June 20, 2023dnf @ 3%
lol no i couldn't handle this for 666 pages, i barely could for 20
lol no i couldn't handle this for 666 pages, i barely could for 20
November 10, 2020
It's a rare gift for an author to write with such skill as to instantly transport a reader into a well-crafted story -- moving through time and space with ease.
Well-developed characters and an intriguing plot kept my attention from the start, despite my not generally being a big fan of fiction.
This author's ability to craft a tale that holds the reader's attention reminds me of the types of fiction books that have done so for me in the past -- the works of Anne Rice, Gordon Merrick, and Jim Butcher.
It manages to weave the real-world of witchcraft, voudoo and esotericism into the story without getting cheesy or pop-culture, and as a lifelong witch, I was grateful to see such accurate representation, without sacrificing the artistic license needed for writing a good story.
I'll look forward to reading more from Mr. Kurr.
Well-developed characters and an intriguing plot kept my attention from the start, despite my not generally being a big fan of fiction.
This author's ability to craft a tale that holds the reader's attention reminds me of the types of fiction books that have done so for me in the past -- the works of Anne Rice, Gordon Merrick, and Jim Butcher.
It manages to weave the real-world of witchcraft, voudoo and esotericism into the story without getting cheesy or pop-culture, and as a lifelong witch, I was grateful to see such accurate representation, without sacrificing the artistic license needed for writing a good story.
I'll look forward to reading more from Mr. Kurr.
September 21, 2020
This book started on one trajectory and ended in a completely different dimension, for me. At first, I thought this was a story based in magical realism and that the mysticism was more subtle. For some reason I thought it would be about people with heightened abilities finding themselves; something more introspective. Then, about halfway through I would say, it swung the other way and so much happened in a more sensational, action filled, explicitly overt way! It was a pleasant surprise.
In fact this book kept surprising me. It had many different things going for it: mysticism, character development, recipes. It felt like a large jumble of ingredients delicately sautéed, and other times haphazardly blended together to create a dish with layered flavors and curious textures. I was not always sure I understood what I was eating but I definitely enjoyed the experience.
Furthermore, I would say it was refreshing. It was great to read an adult fantasy novel in the sense that these characters were older than me and around my own age and that they were somewhat realistic personalities -albeit with a supernatural twist- imperfect and mostly complex. I did feel that some characters were a bit more fleshed out than others. I also felt that a lot of this book was tasked with setting the scene and slowly illuminating the creatively complex world that the author had divined.
I will say there was a lot going on and I didn’t always follow the logic but I didn’t mind suspending logic and seeing where this led me. There were multiple villains and some of the “good guys” were also dubious, and made me question if I was supposed to root for them or not. Which made it all the more interesting, really. I kind of like that it was not so straight forward, not a cookie cutter fantasy trope, at least in my eyes. I just had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Love the addition of actual recipes and a great guide at the end of some of the larger points of magic. Looking forward to seeing what the second book holds!
Also, I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway (kindle version). So, that was awesome.
In fact this book kept surprising me. It had many different things going for it: mysticism, character development, recipes. It felt like a large jumble of ingredients delicately sautéed, and other times haphazardly blended together to create a dish with layered flavors and curious textures. I was not always sure I understood what I was eating but I definitely enjoyed the experience.
Furthermore, I would say it was refreshing. It was great to read an adult fantasy novel in the sense that these characters were older than me and around my own age and that they were somewhat realistic personalities -albeit with a supernatural twist- imperfect and mostly complex. I did feel that some characters were a bit more fleshed out than others. I also felt that a lot of this book was tasked with setting the scene and slowly illuminating the creatively complex world that the author had divined.
I will say there was a lot going on and I didn’t always follow the logic but I didn’t mind suspending logic and seeing where this led me. There were multiple villains and some of the “good guys” were also dubious, and made me question if I was supposed to root for them or not. Which made it all the more interesting, really. I kind of like that it was not so straight forward, not a cookie cutter fantasy trope, at least in my eyes. I just had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Love the addition of actual recipes and a great guide at the end of some of the larger points of magic. Looking forward to seeing what the second book holds!
Also, I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway (kindle version). So, that was awesome.
October 8, 2020
Rival covens, an unknown threat, personal obstacles, - just a few of the situations the main character must overcome as she discovers she has magical powers and is given a coven in the deep south to lead. Murders and mystery abound as the world teeters on the edge of chaos.
Well written, atmospheric book, that draws you in and holds the interest throughout. An all round great read for magic lovers everywhere! A sequel? I can only hope so!!
Well written, atmospheric book, that draws you in and holds the interest throughout. An all round great read for magic lovers everywhere! A sequel? I can only hope so!!
August 29, 2020
A magical journey of the mind
This book was a page turner, straight from the beginning! An excellent blend of characters and storylines. It was very easy to immerse myself in this book, and almost imagine myself right there in Louisiana, with all of the characters!!
This book was a page turner, straight from the beginning! An excellent blend of characters and storylines. It was very easy to immerse myself in this book, and almost imagine myself right there in Louisiana, with all of the characters!!
Want to read
September 14, 2020Book was a page turner. Kept me enthralled from start to finish!!
July 7, 2022
A very well written page turner. If you like powerful witches, this is the book for you.
October 6, 2020
A brilliant novel, A long read but totally enthralling. Wonderful characters, Superbly written with a great storyline.
I was given an ARC copy on this novel
I was given an ARC copy on this novel
October 9, 2023
Loved this book. The descriptions of the atmosphere and scenery really pull you into the story. I especially loved the recipe sections in the back of the book, highly recommend giving this series a try!
November 22, 2024
From the moment you dive into Sage, Smoke & Fire, you're swept into a mesmerizing world of magic, mystery, and danger. Nina's transformation from a fast-paced New Yorker to a powerful witch tasked with restoring the earth's balance is nothing short of spellbinding.Set against the backdrop of the dark and sultry swamps of Louisiana, the story unfolds like a cinematic journey. The stakes are high, with witches mysteriously turning up dead and Nina facing an enigmatic threat. The vivid descriptions of voodoo shops, alternate planes, and southern mysticism are enchanting, making the plot a gripping rollercoaster.
Ryan Kurr’s prose is as lyrical as it is immersive. The balance between atmospheric details and fast-paced action keeps readers hooked. His exploration of themes like identity, power, and community resonates deeply.The book beautifully blends magic with the raw, emotional struggles of leadership and self-discovery, making it a thought-provoking read. The depiction of Nina’s journey as she grapples with her newfound responsibilities and confronts the fractures within her coven is deeply human and relatable.
Sage, Smoke & Fire is a spellbinding tale that captures the heart and imagination.Nina’s quest is not just about magic—it’s about finding harmony within and with the world around her. The blend of southern gothic vibes and mystical intrigue creates an unforgettable reading experience. Whether you’re a fan of magical realism or simply love a story with depth and heart, this book is a must-read.Ryan Kurr weaves a narrative that’s as powerful as the magic it portrays. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a tale of courage, connection, and transformation.
Ryan Kurr’s prose is as lyrical as it is immersive. The balance between atmospheric details and fast-paced action keeps readers hooked. His exploration of themes like identity, power, and community resonates deeply.The book beautifully blends magic with the raw, emotional struggles of leadership and self-discovery, making it a thought-provoking read. The depiction of Nina’s journey as she grapples with her newfound responsibilities and confronts the fractures within her coven is deeply human and relatable.
Sage, Smoke & Fire is a spellbinding tale that captures the heart and imagination.Nina’s quest is not just about magic—it’s about finding harmony within and with the world around her. The blend of southern gothic vibes and mystical intrigue creates an unforgettable reading experience. Whether you’re a fan of magical realism or simply love a story with depth and heart, this book is a must-read.Ryan Kurr weaves a narrative that’s as powerful as the magic it portrays. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a tale of courage, connection, and transformation.
August 1, 2020
This is only a partial review so far, as I am still in the middle of reading the book. It has the two best first sentences of any book I've ever read, and the back also contains recipes for meals/recipes that are integral and scattered throughout the book. I never thought that by picking up a fantasy/magic-themed book by an author from New Orleans (arguably one of the most magical places in the States, already) that I'd also be getting amazing recipes, but there you go! Super excited to continue with this book, and I will post another review, or edit this one, after I'm done. I would just say, read this - you won't regret it.
April 18, 2025
Great read that will put you under a spell
What an experiwnce reading this magical novel. Great character development and plots. Has some very dark areas that will make you feel uncomfortable but its true to our current polutical environment. Nice Job Mr Kurr.
What an experiwnce reading this magical novel. Great character development and plots. Has some very dark areas that will make you feel uncomfortable but its true to our current polutical environment. Nice Job Mr Kurr.
September 17, 2022
First things first, I received this book during a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. It did not impact my review in any way. This review does contain spoilers.
This book has A LOT going on. This book really lagged in the first 1/3 or so as we were "getting up to speed". I do not mind when books have numerous characters and multiple storylines. This book was slightly less detailed in terms of character development because the characters shared chapters, as opposed to chapters focusing on the perspectives of different characters. I prefer when characters have more of an active narration because I get to know them so much better. Some characters were really well developed (like Leo who I felt like I'd met before), and then some that were not (like Ollie who was almost a throwaway character). Nina's lack of confidence as a leader really started grating on me as the book went on and took me out of the fantasy because it was just too unbelievable. However, I kept reading because the story (once it finally got going) was actually really cool.
I genuinely enjoyed the whole mega church v witches plot. That evil church lady was absolutely fantastic. I knew exactly who she was, and she just hopped right off the page. Her section of the book was well executed, and the action in the final 25% of the book was fantastic. I think it would have been better as a book 2 rather than in this book. If the first book would have focused more on the development of Leo, Bisa, and his missing soul conundrum, it would have made for a much smoother read with good character development throughout. By mixing in this storyline, we lost the other members of the coven in the last half of the book. I also selfishly wanted to read a whole book on just her and the church and her shenanigans.
Really, the only things that kept this from being a 4 star read were the issues I described above. The story is overall solid. This is a fun way to do a found family story. I plan on reading the others, but I'm taking a break for now. I need a shorter read to smooth things out.
This book has A LOT going on. This book really lagged in the first 1/3 or so as we were "getting up to speed". I do not mind when books have numerous characters and multiple storylines. This book was slightly less detailed in terms of character development because the characters shared chapters, as opposed to chapters focusing on the perspectives of different characters. I prefer when characters have more of an active narration because I get to know them so much better. Some characters were really well developed (like Leo who I felt like I'd met before), and then some that were not (like Ollie who was almost a throwaway character). Nina's lack of confidence as a leader really started grating on me as the book went on and took me out of the fantasy because it was just too unbelievable. However, I kept reading because the story (once it finally got going) was actually really cool.
I genuinely enjoyed the whole mega church v witches plot. That evil church lady was absolutely fantastic. I knew exactly who she was, and she just hopped right off the page. Her section of the book was well executed, and the action in the final 25% of the book was fantastic. I think it would have been better as a book 2 rather than in this book. If the first book would have focused more on the development of Leo, Bisa, and his missing soul conundrum, it would have made for a much smoother read with good character development throughout. By mixing in this storyline, we lost the other members of the coven in the last half of the book. I also selfishly wanted to read a whole book on just her and the church and her shenanigans.
Really, the only things that kept this from being a 4 star read were the issues I described above. The story is overall solid. This is a fun way to do a found family story. I plan on reading the others, but I'm taking a break for now. I need a shorter read to smooth things out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
“Sage Smoke and Fire” by Ryan Kurr was a fascinating read. This book is about a group of six people who are gifted with powers and form a coven, led by a woman named Nina. The book was very nicely built up, but the constant descriptions of everyone’s emotions felt like it was jumping from one point of view to the other, which could be confusing at times. The book ends on a completely different note than it started on. I give it four stars bc I thought the world building was nice and there was a lot of beautiful descriptive imagery.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2020
This book is a slow burn. at the beginning of the book, there are times when it bogs down due to info dumps. The author's words do conjure up realistic imagery. The mc endures rival covens and personal obstacles as she realizes and discovers her own magic abilities. The world faces chaos. A great book for magic lovers. A dark adult fantasy, it includes detailed murder descriptions and sexual encounters. I think warnings ought to be included. I won Sage, Smoke & Fire by Ryan Kurr in a Goodreads giveaway.
November 1, 2020
Ok this book was... a lot. There were a lot of things going on, a lot of magic but also a lot of just... weirdness. I’m not sure what the author was trying to accomplish in this book - a “chosen one”, a witch coven, evil religion, anti-trump, and a cookbook all in one? I feel like a lot of this book was confusing to follow, and the action came 3rd after ranting and raving from various character POV. While the ideas are solid in the background, there’s just too much to make a good story here.
June 19, 2021
Wonderfully mysterious, truly immersive & transporting - this is a lovely start to what looks to be an exciting and expansive series of books. You can see, feel, smell, and eat (literally, there’s recipes!) the witchy Louisiana of this writer’s world. Netflix or HBOMax, are you taking notice?
December 6, 2021
3.75 stars. I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads. I was so excited when I won because it was on my wishlist. I liked this book but didn’t love it like I thought I would. It’s hard when things fall short of expectations, but that’s partly on me. I saw very favorable reviews right at the start and ran with that. Enough of that.
This is a book of fantasy that touches on some all-too-real experiences. I’m pagan. I have friends who identify as witches. Thus I found fault with some aspects of the book (that covens are just thrown together and you can come and go as you please, to name one) that, though it’s fantasy, it still has feet in our world. Pagans are frequently misrepresented in popular culture and I was hoping that wouldn’t be the case here.
I also had a problem with the antagonist. It seemed so easy for it to be a looney extremist Christian. It felt like history has already done that so many times. Couldn’t it be something different? And it was so extreme it was like a caricature. I know people like this exist aplenty in our country, but it felt too easy. That being said, being bothered by others due to my religious and spiritual beliefs is still a pressure that frightens me and one of the reasons I don’t speak to many people about my spiritual leanings. There’s too much existing prejudice to this very day. Every time I see it come up in a tv program, it’s pretty much always misinformation and so I hold this book to a higher standard I guess, knowing that the author has some skin in the game.
There were many things this book got right too. Some characters that I couldn’t stand at the beginning I at least warmed to them slightly more by the end, while still feeling quite torn. Part of this is due to another aspect that the book got right: life and our world is all about balancing energies and respecting both sides of that balance since you can’t have one without the other (light/dark, day/night, yin/yang). I know this is the first in a series and it definitely feels like there’s a lot more to come. The spell work was more in line with what you would encounter in our world, though again, it’s fantasy and thus so much more extreme. Which is fun, right? And intense.
The intense parts were well done, ratcheting up the anxiety and making you feel like you’re there.
Finally, I will say that there were a couple of scenes that were over the top with regards to detail of abuse inflicted. I wasn’t expecting them and they were hard to read. After thinking about it, though, I’m fairly certain that these are horrors that have been inflicted on human beings by other human beings for no other reason than cruelty and perhaps that needed attention drawn to it. That those things are still possible in this day and age, whether we want to believe it or not.
I’m interested in seeing how this series plays out.
This is a book of fantasy that touches on some all-too-real experiences. I’m pagan. I have friends who identify as witches. Thus I found fault with some aspects of the book (that covens are just thrown together and you can come and go as you please, to name one) that, though it’s fantasy, it still has feet in our world. Pagans are frequently misrepresented in popular culture and I was hoping that wouldn’t be the case here.
I also had a problem with the antagonist. It seemed so easy for it to be a looney extremist Christian. It felt like history has already done that so many times. Couldn’t it be something different? And it was so extreme it was like a caricature. I know people like this exist aplenty in our country, but it felt too easy. That being said, being bothered by others due to my religious and spiritual beliefs is still a pressure that frightens me and one of the reasons I don’t speak to many people about my spiritual leanings. There’s too much existing prejudice to this very day. Every time I see it come up in a tv program, it’s pretty much always misinformation and so I hold this book to a higher standard I guess, knowing that the author has some skin in the game.
There were many things this book got right too. Some characters that I couldn’t stand at the beginning I at least warmed to them slightly more by the end, while still feeling quite torn. Part of this is due to another aspect that the book got right: life and our world is all about balancing energies and respecting both sides of that balance since you can’t have one without the other (light/dark, day/night, yin/yang). I know this is the first in a series and it definitely feels like there’s a lot more to come. The spell work was more in line with what you would encounter in our world, though again, it’s fantasy and thus so much more extreme. Which is fun, right? And intense.
The intense parts were well done, ratcheting up the anxiety and making you feel like you’re there.
Finally, I will say that there were a couple of scenes that were over the top with regards to detail of abuse inflicted. I wasn’t expecting them and they were hard to read. After thinking about it, though, I’m fairly certain that these are horrors that have been inflicted on human beings by other human beings for no other reason than cruelty and perhaps that needed attention drawn to it. That those things are still possible in this day and age, whether we want to believe it or not.
I’m interested in seeing how this series plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
1338, Central Asia. Yesun’s magic created the black plague which killed his brother.
Near his home he had an abundance of flora & fauna.
9/2019, New Orleans, LA. Nina (44, tarot reader, spirit witch, healer, herbalist, Yale; MFA) trudge along the path with her luggage that led to the Barrow House.
She was hired to be a Proctor.
Nix (Advisory’s Keeper of Books & Assets) had made sure her car was in working order.
She went to check out the French Quarter.
Nina met Bisa (Nigerian woman, spirit witch), Oliver “Ollie” Kemp, Mitchell “Mitch” Wickleby (Elemental witch), Avery Scott (manifestor, Elemental witch), & Leo Sullivan (father, artist/painter, Elemental witch, astronomer, LSU).
The Channel 4 News reporter wanted to interview Edie Bonner (wife) & Joshua Bonner (husband, Whole Truth & True Light Assembly of God Church co-founders/pastors).
Ollie & Nina made a trip to the garden store to pick up some new plants for Ollie’s new hobby.
He (herbalist) bought Wormwood, water hemlock, deadly nightshade, wolfsbane, black henbane, & starlight dancer seeds.
The 2 witches Bisa (Columbia; art) & Avery had become BFF’s.
5691 Sugarmill Rd. Why did Leo meet with Balam (Mayan, husband, shaman) & Itzel Mayan (wife, shaman)?
Barrow House. Ollie, Bisa & Mitch were watching TV & looked over at Avery to see what was troubling her.
The door had opened & there stood Maisie (witch), Blake, Nina, Bowie, & Andy.
Ben “Buckshot” appeared also.
Avery had been shot.
Nina (proctor) went to see Merlot. Blake (f) was there.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written fantasy book. It was quite 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 huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Thomas & Mercer; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Near his home he had an abundance of flora & fauna.
9/2019, New Orleans, LA. Nina (44, tarot reader, spirit witch, healer, herbalist, Yale; MFA) trudge along the path with her luggage that led to the Barrow House.
She was hired to be a Proctor.
Nix (Advisory’s Keeper of Books & Assets) had made sure her car was in working order.
She went to check out the French Quarter.
Nina met Bisa (Nigerian woman, spirit witch), Oliver “Ollie” Kemp, Mitchell “Mitch” Wickleby (Elemental witch), Avery Scott (manifestor, Elemental witch), & Leo Sullivan (father, artist/painter, Elemental witch, astronomer, LSU).
The Channel 4 News reporter wanted to interview Edie Bonner (wife) & Joshua Bonner (husband, Whole Truth & True Light Assembly of God Church co-founders/pastors).
Ollie & Nina made a trip to the garden store to pick up some new plants for Ollie’s new hobby.
He (herbalist) bought Wormwood, water hemlock, deadly nightshade, wolfsbane, black henbane, & starlight dancer seeds.
The 2 witches Bisa (Columbia; art) & Avery had become BFF’s.
5691 Sugarmill Rd. Why did Leo meet with Balam (Mayan, husband, shaman) & Itzel Mayan (wife, shaman)?
Barrow House. Ollie, Bisa & Mitch were watching TV & looked over at Avery to see what was troubling her.
The door had opened & there stood Maisie (witch), Blake, Nina, Bowie, & Andy.
Ben “Buckshot” appeared also.
Avery had been shot.
Nina (proctor) went to see Merlot. Blake (f) was there.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written fantasy book. It was quite 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 huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, or better yet a mini-TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Thomas & Mercer; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 25, 2020
3.5 stars
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to the author for the free inscribed copy!
This was a fun read with some interesting characters, lots of action, and some highly entertaining evil megachurch evangelicals as the bad guys. The world is built up nicely, and I love the fact that the book includes recipes for all the meals mentioned in the book (this should be compulsory). There are a few scenes with graphic violence (including sexual violence) that are quite jarring, but short, and mostly relevant to the story.
Overall, I think the book would benefit from an extra round of editing: it was a little over-long, the style feels inconsistent at times, and there were a few chapters after the first battle when the coven members went back to quietly learning their craft, which paused the momentum that had been building until that point. I thought that maybe those lessons would turn out to be relevant later, but they weren't, although I suspect that at least one sequel is planned, so there's still time! There were also a couple of references to "all gay men really want to "turn" their straight crush" (spoiler alert: a gay character later uses his magical powers to "persuade" his straight crush into sex, which is obviously a gross thing to do, and the repercussions of this act were never really addressed). Hence the rounding down of 3.5 to 3 rather than 4.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to the author for the free inscribed copy!
This was a fun read with some interesting characters, lots of action, and some highly entertaining evil megachurch evangelicals as the bad guys. The world is built up nicely, and I love the fact that the book includes recipes for all the meals mentioned in the book (this should be compulsory). There are a few scenes with graphic violence (including sexual violence) that are quite jarring, but short, and mostly relevant to the story.
Overall, I think the book would benefit from an extra round of editing: it was a little over-long, the style feels inconsistent at times, and there were a few chapters after the first battle when the coven members went back to quietly learning their craft, which paused the momentum that had been building until that point. I thought that maybe those lessons would turn out to be relevant later, but they weren't, although I suspect that at least one sequel is planned, so there's still time! There were also a couple of references to "all gay men really want to "turn" their straight crush" (spoiler alert: a gay character later uses his magical powers to "persuade" his straight crush into sex, which is obviously a gross thing to do, and the repercussions of this act were never really addressed). Hence the rounding down of 3.5 to 3 rather than 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
I snagged Sage, Smoke & Fire as an ebook first, and after the first chapter, I knew I needed the physical copy. I have a love for witchcraft, books set in the South (it’s home, what can I say?), and vibrant characters—this book has many!
The start was a little slow but not in a bad way. You get the chance to know each member of the coven as they start learning and exploring their powers. By the time the central antagonist was introduced, I was attached to every single one of them (even Leo, who is not entirely likable).
Nina is by far my favorite character. Despite the fact that she is their teacher and guide, she struggles with self doubt and imposter syndrome. This depth of character felt so true to life and relatable. Even leaders have internal struggles, after all.
Really, each member of the coven has self doubt or internal struggles to overcome. I loved how this tied to their progress and also balanced the fact that they are extremely powerful individuals. While they certainly came a long way in this first book, they still have more growing to do, which excites me almost as much as where the story might be going.
Speaking of which ... there’s a lot set up in this book that goes unanswered, and I’m looking forward to book two!
The only “negative” aspect of this book is the head hopping. If you are a reader who struggles with a plethora of perspectives or you fly through books too quickly, this could be a challenging read.
The start was a little slow but not in a bad way. You get the chance to know each member of the coven as they start learning and exploring their powers. By the time the central antagonist was introduced, I was attached to every single one of them (even Leo, who is not entirely likable).
Nina is by far my favorite character. Despite the fact that she is their teacher and guide, she struggles with self doubt and imposter syndrome. This depth of character felt so true to life and relatable. Even leaders have internal struggles, after all.
Really, each member of the coven has self doubt or internal struggles to overcome. I loved how this tied to their progress and also balanced the fact that they are extremely powerful individuals. While they certainly came a long way in this first book, they still have more growing to do, which excites me almost as much as where the story might be going.
Speaking of which ... there’s a lot set up in this book that goes unanswered, and I’m looking forward to book two!
The only “negative” aspect of this book is the head hopping. If you are a reader who struggles with a plethora of perspectives or you fly through books too quickly, this could be a challenging read.
November 8, 2025
I found Sage, Smoke & Fire sitting on a bookstore display, an accidental discovery. The cover pulled me in, but the title sealed the deal. I hadn’t heard of this author before, which feels strange now, because this book hums with the confidence of someone who has written many things.
This guy writes about the mystical the way most people write about weather, as something ho hum and everyday. He doesn’t treat magic as an aesthetic flourish; it’s got a pulse. There’s a sense he’s channeling more than anything else.
Sure, the beginning asks for patience. You can feel him setting stones for something bigger, maybe too carefully at times, but that’s part of why I stayed tuned. I noticed the other two books in the series were shorter so maybe this one had to build the temple before the fire could start.
This guy writes about the mystical the way most people write about weather, as something ho hum and everyday. He doesn’t treat magic as an aesthetic flourish; it’s got a pulse. There’s a sense he’s channeling more than anything else.
Sure, the beginning asks for patience. You can feel him setting stones for something bigger, maybe too carefully at times, but that’s part of why I stayed tuned. I noticed the other two books in the series were shorter so maybe this one had to build the temple before the fire could start.
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