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Witch’s Return
After fifteen years away, Sonya McKenzie is finally back on Stargazer Island, the one place she felt at home. As old friends welcome her back, Sonya creates new bonds and strengthens old. Love, soul deep and long dormant, springs to new life.
But an age-old darkness begins to encroach on the idyllic island, threatening everything and everyone Sonya holds dear. With her circle at her side and the island at her back, Sonya must stand against evil’s building energy. She must find the strength within herself to defend and defeat the dark in order to protect Stargazer Island. The fate of the entire world now hangs in the balance.
But an age-old darkness begins to encroach on the idyllic island, threatening everything and everyone Sonya holds dear. With her circle at her side and the island at her back, Sonya must stand against evil’s building energy. She must find the strength within herself to defend and defeat the dark in order to protect Stargazer Island. The fate of the entire world now hangs in the balance.
- GenresFantasy
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2020
About the author
Sionna Trenz
24 books104 followersI live in Western New York, just outside the city of Buffalo, with my husband. I'm a lifelong Sabres and Bills fan, love the food, music, and festivals Buffalo offers. I enjoy camping, especially in the mountains, hiking, and visiting museums. When I'm not typing my fingers to the bone or scribbling story ideas into notebooks, I can usually be found reading, crocheting, or painting (badly). I have a love of all things crafty, magical, or unusual. Huge nerd, especially when it comes to history and mythology. My brain is full of stories, characters, random bits of trivia, and movie quotes. I have a ridiculously corny sense of humor and a love of dogs and dragons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 11, 2021
Details!!!
This story is so rich in detail! Sionna has created a world that is half small town beach romance and half paranormal badassedness. Yup. Pretty sure that’s a word now!
This story is so rich in detail! Sionna has created a world that is half small town beach romance and half paranormal badassedness. Yup. Pretty sure that’s a word now!
December 10, 2020
Sonya had been torn from her home at the height of tragedy. Ripped from the place and people she loved and every time she tried to make her way back her path was blocked. But finally she made it. But Sonya finds more than just her childhood home waiting for her. Friends of old and a legacy never forgotten welcome her home. Dark things are afoot in Stargazer Island. For generations her family has been the one to protect the island, but she can't do it alone and just because she finally fled the oppression, doesn't mean the forces that kept her away are finished with her yet. Her only chance is to surround herself with people she trusts and fend off darkness with her light.
Witches Return is a gripping urban fantasy filled with myth, magic, lore, and danger. As a reader I was instantly drawn to Sonya's strong yet damaged character as she tries to push past the horrors of her life and embrace the goodness she knows of the place she called home. Wrapped within a plot wrought with murder, sacrifices, and danger is a sweet romance that warms the heart. Beautifully written, with clearly discussed myth, magic, and entities, this story will capture heart and imagination alike and bring to light the true meaning of friendship. A wonderfully whimsical read beginning to end
Witches Return is a gripping urban fantasy filled with myth, magic, lore, and danger. As a reader I was instantly drawn to Sonya's strong yet damaged character as she tries to push past the horrors of her life and embrace the goodness she knows of the place she called home. Wrapped within a plot wrought with murder, sacrifices, and danger is a sweet romance that warms the heart. Beautifully written, with clearly discussed myth, magic, and entities, this story will capture heart and imagination alike and bring to light the true meaning of friendship. A wonderfully whimsical read beginning to end
October 15, 2020
Magical movie material
Such a great start from Sionna Trenz. This books was full of magic and heart. Sionna has created a world (Stargazer Island) where a plethora of magical creatures coexist and unite to fight back against those that are attempting to release a dark God from its prison. As a Pagan and someone who has studied aspects of the craft (herbs, crystals and Sabbath ritual) I really appreciated and enjoyed the attention to detail concerning crystals and such. I also really enjoyed more involved sections that explained the mythology of the island and the magical creatures. More of who h can be found on the author 's website. There are a lot of characters to keep track of in the book, however Sionna has managed to create distinctive personalities for each so you never get confused. The characters interact in a very realistic way, despite seemingly all getting along so well, which is great, as the conflict and drama comes from dark forces outside of the main group. Get ready to fall in love with the diverse characters (So far Rowan is my favourite) Can't wait to see where the story goes next.
Such a great start from Sionna Trenz. This books was full of magic and heart. Sionna has created a world (Stargazer Island) where a plethora of magical creatures coexist and unite to fight back against those that are attempting to release a dark God from its prison. As a Pagan and someone who has studied aspects of the craft (herbs, crystals and Sabbath ritual) I really appreciated and enjoyed the attention to detail concerning crystals and such. I also really enjoyed more involved sections that explained the mythology of the island and the magical creatures. More of who h can be found on the author 's website. There are a lot of characters to keep track of in the book, however Sionna has managed to create distinctive personalities for each so you never get confused. The characters interact in a very realistic way, despite seemingly all getting along so well, which is great, as the conflict and drama comes from dark forces outside of the main group. Get ready to fall in love with the diverse characters (So far Rowan is my favourite) Can't wait to see where the story goes next.
January 18, 2021
What a great start to a series!
This sweet romance highlights the story of Sonya coming home to Stargazers Island after years away. But time seems to melt away as she reunites with friends, and meets new ones. The only problem is someone is trying to kill her, and also preform rituals all over the island. Good thing she's there to try and stop it!
The magic system is complete, the beings are fun, and the relationships between the characters make me want to jump into the book and befriend them (maybe after all this is taken care of!).
If you like danger, intrigue, and mystery supported by a romance between two best friends, then you'll love this book, just as I do!
This sweet romance highlights the story of Sonya coming home to Stargazers Island after years away. But time seems to melt away as she reunites with friends, and meets new ones. The only problem is someone is trying to kill her, and also preform rituals all over the island. Good thing she's there to try and stop it!
The magic system is complete, the beings are fun, and the relationships between the characters make me want to jump into the book and befriend them (maybe after all this is taken care of!).
If you like danger, intrigue, and mystery supported by a romance between two best friends, then you'll love this book, just as I do!
February 20, 2021
I've never read anything quite like this... it was a fun read, and kept me glued to the edge of my chair til the very end! I got a real kick out of all the different types of supernaturals residing on the island, and impressed with the world building that had them living there all in harmony... the abrasive element came from outside the island. The tension was kept notched up, enough to keep me turning the page to see what happened! A great story and I can't wait to get to the next book!
February 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by a new-to-me author. It was such a well-written debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author. Sonya is a fantastic character you root for from the first page. I was riveted as Sonya and her friends attempted to save the day with some really amazing magic and lore. If you enjoy fantasy and/or romance, this is a perfect book for you!
August 11, 2025
Witches Return, book one of the Stargazer Island series, by Sionna Trenz is a small town paranormal romance that will leave you absolutely breathless.
Sionna Trenz builds a lively, enchanting world of magic, mystery and romance. Her world building is absolute perfection 🤌
Witches Return is a suspenseful, intriguing, urban fantasy that kept me guessing right up until the mind blowing ending. I can't wait to read more!
Sionna Trenz builds a lively, enchanting world of magic, mystery and romance. Her world building is absolute perfection 🤌
Witches Return is a suspenseful, intriguing, urban fantasy that kept me guessing right up until the mind blowing ending. I can't wait to read more!
August 5, 2021
Sonya has returned to Stargazer Island after her Gram's passing. The same place she lost her father fifteen years ago. Liam may be the one saving grace of returning. This world is unlike ours, in that it contains Otherkind, such as brownies, sprites, witches, and demons. The latter of which has been summoned to kill Sonya. Thankfully she is part of a strong group of 7 who are powerful in all areas of magic, and they are going to try their hardest to make sure that doesn't happen. Meanwhile, a murder has occurred and it could be connected to Sonya's father's murder. Add to this Sonya's shifty step-dad Albert, her not to be trusted mother, and a reverend who never got along with Sonys's Grams, and we have a full mystery on our hands.
March 19, 2021
I keep saying I don't like fantasy, and then I keep giving them five stars. LOL
First of all, Trenz has managed to weave a huge assortment of fantasy elements into one neatly-made basket. You've got shifters, brownies, demons, ghosts, witches... In my inexperience with the genre, I'm blanking on more. But I know they're there. Even as someone who doesn't read a lot of this genre, I was easily able to keep up.
Second, going with the point above, Trenz somehow managed to keep my attention. The suspense and constant action made it a brilliantly paced read.
Third, this is a ROMANTIC book. I didn't expect that when I first started reading. I won't spoil who ends up with who, but HOT DANG, it was beautifully written. No cringey word usage (you know the ones I'm talking about with a steamy book), and no scenes that made me want to puke. The intimate scenes were exactly that, INTIMATE. There was all this talk about "going to the stars" and "exploding together" and "stardust" and good Lord, it was so perfect and sweet that I might need to visit a dang dentist now. I absolutely loved it.
Five out of five! Definitely!
See my full review here: https://aejohnsonwrites.wordpress.com...
First of all, Trenz has managed to weave a huge assortment of fantasy elements into one neatly-made basket. You've got shifters, brownies, demons, ghosts, witches... In my inexperience with the genre, I'm blanking on more. But I know they're there. Even as someone who doesn't read a lot of this genre, I was easily able to keep up.
Second, going with the point above, Trenz somehow managed to keep my attention. The suspense and constant action made it a brilliantly paced read.
Third, this is a ROMANTIC book. I didn't expect that when I first started reading. I won't spoil who ends up with who, but HOT DANG, it was beautifully written. No cringey word usage (you know the ones I'm talking about with a steamy book), and no scenes that made me want to puke. The intimate scenes were exactly that, INTIMATE. There was all this talk about "going to the stars" and "exploding together" and "stardust" and good Lord, it was so perfect and sweet that I might need to visit a dang dentist now. I absolutely loved it.
Five out of five! Definitely!
See my full review here: https://aejohnsonwrites.wordpress.com...
December 29, 2022
Amazing! Great Read!
If I could give this book a ten out of ten I would. It is jam packed with mystical creatures, hot military men, strong female characters, community bonds, and action that will leave you hanging off your seat until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the live the islanders shared of the place they called home. Sonya's ability to create a family with the people she loves. I am history nerd and I loved learning the history of Sonya's family and the island.
Above all else, Sonya and Liam's love story is one for the story books. If the way they meet doesn't make you swoon, you don't have a heart. Their love and devotion is the backbone of this book.
I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
If I could give this book a ten out of ten I would. It is jam packed with mystical creatures, hot military men, strong female characters, community bonds, and action that will leave you hanging off your seat until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the live the islanders shared of the place they called home. Sonya's ability to create a family with the people she loves. I am history nerd and I loved learning the history of Sonya's family and the island.
Above all else, Sonya and Liam's love story is one for the story books. If the way they meet doesn't make you swoon, you don't have a heart. Their love and devotion is the backbone of this book.
I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 19, 2020
I have just finished reading “Witch’s Return” by Sionna Trenz and I was out of my comfort zone, surrounded by American witches and séance leaders, shapeshifters and readers of auras.
I was blown away!
Here is a book for adult readers in the genre, people who love well-formed characters, a solid plot with magic as the glue for the whole thing.
Sonya McKenzie returns to her roots after a long hiatus enforced by a nasty mother and her nastier second husband. Stargazer Island, traditional home of the McKenzies, good witches and warlocks, is under attack and the world with it. Unless Sonya and her friend prevail, dark forces will run wild everywhere.
Cogent, coherent, with a mix of science, this book was a blast to read.
I was blown away!
Here is a book for adult readers in the genre, people who love well-formed characters, a solid plot with magic as the glue for the whole thing.
Sonya McKenzie returns to her roots after a long hiatus enforced by a nasty mother and her nastier second husband. Stargazer Island, traditional home of the McKenzies, good witches and warlocks, is under attack and the world with it. Unless Sonya and her friend prevail, dark forces will run wild everywhere.
Cogent, coherent, with a mix of science, this book was a blast to read.
September 23, 2020
A Bewitching Good Read
This mysterious fantasy was creative, and it spins a magical tale of witches, demons, shifters, and more. It’s about a young woman and her fight against the magical darkness threatening her friends. She has a tragic fight of her own at home on a deeply personal level, but you must read it for yourself to learn what it’s all about (No Spoilers, Sweetie!) I found some characters amusing and loved the humor they brought to the story. I loved every bit of this book and cannot wait for book 2! Bottom line: The plot is planned well; the narrative is smooth with plenty of great dialogue and action with a touch of romance. Well done!
This mysterious fantasy was creative, and it spins a magical tale of witches, demons, shifters, and more. It’s about a young woman and her fight against the magical darkness threatening her friends. She has a tragic fight of her own at home on a deeply personal level, but you must read it for yourself to learn what it’s all about (No Spoilers, Sweetie!) I found some characters amusing and loved the humor they brought to the story. I loved every bit of this book and cannot wait for book 2! Bottom line: The plot is planned well; the narrative is smooth with plenty of great dialogue and action with a touch of romance. Well done!
April 3, 2021
I gave it an overall rating of 3.5/5
It was a great book, and I really enjoyed it. Loved the astronomy, mythology and paranormal references. I loved the buddying romance so much, the development was fantastic. The character and plot development was phenomenal. However, I found a couple of minor errors, and some sentences were a bit too lengthy and also full of some word choices I didn’t really understand so made it a bit hard to read. Introducing the characters at the start was great but made it a bit confusing to keep track of. It’s great book and I did enjoy it a lot but with some final clarification it would be better
It was a great book, and I really enjoyed it. Loved the astronomy, mythology and paranormal references. I loved the buddying romance so much, the development was fantastic. The character and plot development was phenomenal. However, I found a couple of minor errors, and some sentences were a bit too lengthy and also full of some word choices I didn’t really understand so made it a bit hard to read. Introducing the characters at the start was great but made it a bit confusing to keep track of. It’s great book and I did enjoy it a lot but with some final clarification it would be better
September 22, 2020
I read this on KU and did not regret my choice. I felt a connection to the characters straight away and loved the natural way the characters interacted with good flowing conversation. The plot of good versus evil was suspenseful and kept me engrossed to the last page, building up to an intense ending. The world created by the author feels real and makes you accept the supernatural beings and their powers immediately, and that's not an easy thing to achieve. Hats off to that! Looking forward to seeing more stories involving Sonya, Liam and the gang on Stargazer Island.
September 28, 2020
WITCH’S RETURN BY SIONNA TRENZ is an exceptionally enjoyable read. The characters are dominant and real; dynamic and credible. The narrative is on par and the plot has a rich texture and is well thought out with enough twists to keep things interesting and the reader turning pages. The book reminded me of a fanciful fairy tale but in a gritty way. 5 STARS ALL THE WAY. Review posted by Elijah, son of Michael S.
November 1, 2020
This book would make an excellent tv show! There were witches, warlocks, shifters, a psychic medium, berserker, and many more otherwordly beings. It was a magical read, both figuratively and literally. The book also had oodles of comedic moments and romantic entanglements.
Above all else, LOVE was the main focal point of the story.
New love, potential love interests, love for thy neighbor/community, and love between friends.
Above all else, LOVE was the main focal point of the story.
New love, potential love interests, love for thy neighbor/community, and love between friends.
March 14, 2021
I read this book as a part of a book club. While it had a slow start, it picked up towards the middle. I liked the rhymed spells, the clean writing, and the well-defined characters. The magical world is beautifully built and intertwined with modern elements.
Watch out for Arianna's tea - it guarantees full eight hours of sleep!
I believe it would make a brilliant TV series.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
Watch out for Arianna's tea - it guarantees full eight hours of sleep!
I believe it would make a brilliant TV series.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
September 7, 2020
The cover of the book got me interested. Whoever is a fan of fantasy then this is the book to read for sure. The reading and formatting are on queue, and perfect. It is an interesting read that kept me interested until the very end. The main character wants to be strong, and powerful to be what she is meant to be. Read this book. It is entirely worth it!
October 8, 2020
Stargazer Island put a spell on me!
What an awesome book! It was a fairy tale mixed with mystery and romance AND adventure centred around Sonya and her return to Stargazer Island after the passing of her grandmother. The author did a great job of weaving a fairy tale that was exciting to read and action packed right to the end. Can't wait for Book Two.
What an awesome book! It was a fairy tale mixed with mystery and romance AND adventure centred around Sonya and her return to Stargazer Island after the passing of her grandmother. The author did a great job of weaving a fairy tale that was exciting to read and action packed right to the end. Can't wait for Book Two.
October 23, 2020
Enchanting
This novel was a fantastic adventure where contemporary meets fantasy! It's so ambitious and meticulously crafted down to the minutiae. In so doing, the author made it hard to put down. Also, it held my attention for the duration as it has a great deal of suspense throughout and characters and dialogue that seem credible. Recommended!
This novel was a fantastic adventure where contemporary meets fantasy! It's so ambitious and meticulously crafted down to the minutiae. In so doing, the author made it hard to put down. Also, it held my attention for the duration as it has a great deal of suspense throughout and characters and dialogue that seem credible. Recommended!
November 12, 2020
As someone who very much follows and is involved in the occult as a tarot reader I loved the detail and true insight in this book. Every word was crafted beautifully to tell an amazing story. I loved the chsrscter devlopment through out with Sonya who is such an inspirational female to read.
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this truly talented author
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this truly talented author
November 19, 2020
Fantastic fantasy
This book was fantasy at it's best, I loved the way the author made the world of Stargazer island, that is full of magical creatures and magic. Sonya the main character is such a heroic character fighting against darkness, to save her loved ones. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to more, as it kept my interest throughout. Highly recommended.
This book was fantasy at it's best, I loved the way the author made the world of Stargazer island, that is full of magical creatures and magic. Sonya the main character is such a heroic character fighting against darkness, to save her loved ones. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to more, as it kept my interest throughout. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2021
Supernatural Detective Thriller and Romance
It is absolutely what it says it is. The book started off slow with a lot of exposition but really picked up a fifth of the way in and became hard to put down. If you like witches, demons, and a bit if the real world all mixed together then you'll love this book!
It is absolutely what it says it is. The book started off slow with a lot of exposition but really picked up a fifth of the way in and became hard to put down. If you like witches, demons, and a bit if the real world all mixed together then you'll love this book!
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March 14, 2021Romantic magical mystery
An easy and enjoyable read that introduces you into a world of magic sprinkled with love and a very sinister plot!
It's a very well written piece of work, that has you gripped until the very last page!
Would highly recommend for anyone that enjoys magic with romance.
An easy and enjoyable read that introduces you into a world of magic sprinkled with love and a very sinister plot!
It's a very well written piece of work, that has you gripped until the very last page!
Would highly recommend for anyone that enjoys magic with romance.
October 4, 2020
I loved this book from beginning to end. I could feel my excitement rising as I see the main protagonist's past and powers slowly unravel. I liked the rhyming incantations and the use of demons. Magical war with a bit of romance. Couldn't put it down.
January 16, 2021
Beautifully Written
I love that this book focused more on the story then the romance. I found the connections between the main characters were built wonderfully. The bedroom scenes were purely poetic.
I love that this book focused more on the story then the romance. I found the connections between the main characters were built wonderfully. The bedroom scenes were purely poetic.
April 24, 2021
Wow, what an ending
This book was suspenseful, intriguing and kept me guessing. The ending was absolutely epic. Liam and Sonya are two sweethearts truly deserving of each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I am absolutely a fan.💕💕💕
This book was suspenseful, intriguing and kept me guessing. The ending was absolutely epic. Liam and Sonya are two sweethearts truly deserving of each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I am absolutely a fan.💕💕💕
October 4, 2020
Even if you are not a fan of this genre, it will entertain you and draw you easily into this magical world.
I loved it and would love to see it as a movie (series) perhaps!
I loved it and would love to see it as a movie (series) perhaps!
February 12, 2023
If you like paranormal romance, then this book is a must read!!
Sionna Trenz created a perfect story mixing legend, suspense, danger, magic, love and the most diversity of paranormal beings living and coexisting in Stargazer Island.
This story starts with Sonya's return to the island after so many years of purposely being keep away by her mother and stepfather. Her return is welcome and celebrated by so many, specially cougar shifter Liam who she had always had a special connection with growing up but also a dark force is waiting and threatening the island and the entire world.
Sonya's fight against the unknown dark magic is a fight she doesn't have to do on her own. For the very first time in a very long time she has the support of friends and the love of Liam who won't stop at nothing to protect her.
There are so many twist and turns in the story and I really enjoyed them all. I love the unity of Sonya's friends and the whole town's community backing her up and most of all I love the romance between Sonya and Liam.
Ps: All the side characters were wonderful and I can't wait to read their stories.
December 18, 2021
I'm giving this book 3.5 stars.
The book itself is good, the plot of the book is amazing however, there's a lot of information thrown at you all at once. The first few chapters has so much going on it's overwhelming, for me at least. I understand that this is fiction, but nobody seemed surprised by anything Sonya was saying. If there were a couple of characters that had a little bit of disbelief until proven wrong, I think it would have made for a more entertaining read.
It's written in the third person and multiple POVs, but again it's a lot of information coming at you at once from nine (I think) different people. The POV seems to change with every paragraph, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph.
The last few chapters get quite intense and the end of the book does leave it open for the next in the series and I am intrigued by what may happen in the second book.
The book itself is good, the plot of the book is amazing however, there's a lot of information thrown at you all at once. The first few chapters has so much going on it's overwhelming, for me at least. I understand that this is fiction, but nobody seemed surprised by anything Sonya was saying. If there were a couple of characters that had a little bit of disbelief until proven wrong, I think it would have made for a more entertaining read.
It's written in the third person and multiple POVs, but again it's a lot of information coming at you at once from nine (I think) different people. The POV seems to change with every paragraph, sometimes in the middle of a paragraph.
The last few chapters get quite intense and the end of the book does leave it open for the next in the series and I am intrigued by what may happen in the second book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews