What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ethereal World #1
The First Ethereal
A witch who's lost her powers, a super empath living her last life and a secret library where the books whisper of a magical being that could just save them all...
For all her young life, Lilly has had Jack by her side. Invisible to everyone but her, he is her friend, confidante, and protector. Jack taught her how to control her gift, which, to Lilly, is nothing but a curse.
When floods force Lilly out of her home, fate intervenes, and she finds refuge with Storm, a widowed ex-witch who has lost her magic. As the world collapses around them, all three become immersed in a desperate race against time to find the First Ethereal - the one being that the prophecies say can save the world from imminent annihilation.
Along the way, Storm must confront the mystery of her missing magic, and Lilly the truth about who Jack really is. Are some secrets best kept hidden?
If you enjoyed A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, you will be captivated by the thrilling adventures of Lilly, Storm and friends in The First Ethereal.
Buy it now before the price changes!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This is escapism at its best.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Beautifully told, The First Ethereal will stay with you for a long time.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Read it all in one sitting…If this is your genre, you won’t be disappointed!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A story of love and hope in a world teetering on the edge of disaster.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautifully told modern fairy story.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Lifted my spirits!'
A Discovery of Witches meets The Celestine Prophecy, this fast-paced fantasy is the first book in the Ethereal World series. The Blessing of Crows is book two. [Previously published as The Cold of Summer].
For all her young life, Lilly has had Jack by her side. Invisible to everyone but her, he is her friend, confidante, and protector. Jack taught her how to control her gift, which, to Lilly, is nothing but a curse.
When floods force Lilly out of her home, fate intervenes, and she finds refuge with Storm, a widowed ex-witch who has lost her magic. As the world collapses around them, all three become immersed in a desperate race against time to find the First Ethereal - the one being that the prophecies say can save the world from imminent annihilation.
Along the way, Storm must confront the mystery of her missing magic, and Lilly the truth about who Jack really is. Are some secrets best kept hidden?
If you enjoyed A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, you will be captivated by the thrilling adventures of Lilly, Storm and friends in The First Ethereal.
Buy it now before the price changes!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This is escapism at its best.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Beautifully told, The First Ethereal will stay with you for a long time.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Read it all in one sitting…If this is your genre, you won’t be disappointed!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A story of love and hope in a world teetering on the edge of disaster.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautifully told modern fairy story.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Lifted my spirits!'
A Discovery of Witches meets The Celestine Prophecy, this fast-paced fantasy is the first book in the Ethereal World series. The Blessing of Crows is book two. [Previously published as The Cold of Summer].
403 pages, ebook
Published October 29, 2020
21 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Williams
4 books21 followersE. L. Williams grew up in the Welsh Valleys in a tiny house overflowing with books and stories of magic.
Emma is the author of the Ethereal World fantasy series - a duology (The First Ethereal and The Blessing of Crows) and two standalone novels set in the same magical world hidden within our own: The Magic Keepers and The Butterfly Witch.
When she's not writing, she's usually reading, gardening, torturing her cello, or sneaking yet another houseplant into the home she shares with her endlessly patient husband.
Join the readers’ club for a free short story https://elwilliamsauthor.com
Connect with Emma on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook and Substack: @ELWilliamsAuthor
Emma is the author of the Ethereal World fantasy series - a duology (The First Ethereal and The Blessing of Crows) and two standalone novels set in the same magical world hidden within our own: The Magic Keepers and The Butterfly Witch.
When she's not writing, she's usually reading, gardening, torturing her cello, or sneaking yet another houseplant into the home she shares with her endlessly patient husband.
Join the readers’ club for a free short story https://elwilliamsauthor.com
Connect with Emma on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook and Substack: @ELWilliamsAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 23, 2025
I liked the main characters a lot but feel like there were a lot of side characters to keep track of. I also feel like the ending was quite rushed, and I would’ve liked the last few chapters to just be a bit more fleshed out.
But I’m definitely interested to see where it goes in the next book.
But I’m definitely interested to see where it goes in the next book.
June 2, 2021
I'm struggling to put into words how much I loved this book and why. It's so relevant and rooted in reality while still being full of real magic, with a sprinkle of hocus pocus for good measure!
The underlying message is so beautiful and made me cry at various points through the book. It threads hope into the most painful, hopeless situations and highlights the beauty of humanity without ignoring the awful parts of it.
The characters are relatable and, despite having clear goodies and baddies, the plot manages to expose the shades of grey in situations.
I was so moved by the story, it made me think and really look at my own beliefs and the way I've been acting simply by showing the complexity of the human experience.
I can't wait for the sequel!
The underlying message is so beautiful and made me cry at various points through the book. It threads hope into the most painful, hopeless situations and highlights the beauty of humanity without ignoring the awful parts of it.
The characters are relatable and, despite having clear goodies and baddies, the plot manages to expose the shades of grey in situations.
I was so moved by the story, it made me think and really look at my own beliefs and the way I've been acting simply by showing the complexity of the human experience.
I can't wait for the sequel!
September 19, 2023
Where to begin, I assumed this was an "chosen one" story, I was assured by the author it wasn't, then there was a prelude to the story which doesn't shed much light on what the book will be about, apart from magic and a spirit guide. When speaking to the author I said Storm was an unusual name she said she met someone called Storm and she was a person who was spiritual and so when it came to create the character Storm was who it was always going to be.
I got through the book fairly quickly, I definitely bonded with the characters but I have questions:
What or who is Lilly? Is she the witness?
Is Storm the Ethereal?
Jack doesn't feel like a guide more like a lover, it's hard to trust Jack.
Was Lilly's transformation due to Storm's presence?
Apart from empath what else can Lilly do.
Storm seems to pull magical people to her, the magical family she built herself despite her condition seems odd.
The books even though magical, the other magical people use magic instinctively which somehow doesn't track, is there only a couple of magical libraries? Where do magic people learn? Is it more past down knowledge?
I got through the book fairly quickly, I definitely bonded with the characters but I have questions:
What or who is Lilly? Is she the witness?
Is Storm the Ethereal?
Jack doesn't feel like a guide more like a lover, it's hard to trust Jack.
Was Lilly's transformation due to Storm's presence?
Apart from empath what else can Lilly do.
Storm seems to pull magical people to her, the magical family she built herself despite her condition seems odd.
The books even though magical, the other magical people use magic instinctively which somehow doesn't track, is there only a couple of magical libraries? Where do magic people learn? Is it more past down knowledge?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
There is so much to talk about in this book, that I hardly know where to start! What an amazing setting, combining humanity's disdain and lack of care for the world we live in with the final apocalypse of our own making, encouraged by an evil sect who want to wipe out everyone but themselves.
But the Earth and the spirits of the universe have one last throw of the dice, and the hunt is on for the First Ethereal to save the world. The spiritual world is well developed and the magic adds an additional dimension to the story. You feel for Jack as he struggles to fulfil his purpose, and not feel jealous as Lilly blossoms. There are so many strong characters; Storm and Isaac, Veronica, even Margot, and emotions run high as the story progresses.
Combine a variety of amazing characters along with a range of adorable pets - We all know Williams loves her animals - all cleverly intertwined as the book progresses and it's lovely to see them represented in this slow build adventure that grabs you and doesn't let go until the final explosive page.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the characters. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to read book two.
But the Earth and the spirits of the universe have one last throw of the dice, and the hunt is on for the First Ethereal to save the world. The spiritual world is well developed and the magic adds an additional dimension to the story. You feel for Jack as he struggles to fulfil his purpose, and not feel jealous as Lilly blossoms. There are so many strong characters; Storm and Isaac, Veronica, even Margot, and emotions run high as the story progresses.
Combine a variety of amazing characters along with a range of adorable pets - We all know Williams loves her animals - all cleverly intertwined as the book progresses and it's lovely to see them represented in this slow build adventure that grabs you and doesn't let go until the final explosive page.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the characters. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to read book two.
February 8, 2022
This is a truly wonderful story that gives a frightening glimpse into where our world is headed, and some hope for the future of humanity in this alternative magical universe.
I felt like the layers of magic and spirituality unfolded alongside the main characters' own understanding of what was happening, so I felt just as in the dark as them but equally as captivated and uncertain by where the story would go next.
The story gathers pace throughout and I never wanted to put it down, as I was so gripped by the fate of the characters. I can't wait for the sequel to see which fascinating direction the story takes next.
I felt like the layers of magic and spirituality unfolded alongside the main characters' own understanding of what was happening, so I felt just as in the dark as them but equally as captivated and uncertain by where the story would go next.
The story gathers pace throughout and I never wanted to put it down, as I was so gripped by the fate of the characters. I can't wait for the sequel to see which fascinating direction the story takes next.
September 12, 2023
‼️Alert!!!
I don’t say this lightly…
But it HAS to be said…
✨This is genuinely the best book I’ve read since Harry Potter.✨
Absolutely ten out of five stars and I am itching for book two to arrive.
If you love magical fiction with characters to root for, a relatable narrative that could quite easily be our future, and twist and turns that keep you guessing right until the end, with *just* the right amount of romance - The First Ethereal is a must read.
Now to read A Blessing of Crows 🐦⬛ I have to know how this story ends!!!
Superb writing, absolutely beautiful.
I don’t say this lightly…
But it HAS to be said…
✨This is genuinely the best book I’ve read since Harry Potter.✨
Absolutely ten out of five stars and I am itching for book two to arrive.
If you love magical fiction with characters to root for, a relatable narrative that could quite easily be our future, and twist and turns that keep you guessing right until the end, with *just* the right amount of romance - The First Ethereal is a must read.
Now to read A Blessing of Crows 🐦⬛ I have to know how this story ends!!!
Superb writing, absolutely beautiful.
December 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish... Lilly is a great character who i found was easy to relate and feel attached to. Storm is such a amazing character I was instantly super interested in her story and what she had/was going through throughout the story. The way this book relates to the state of the world in real life was eye opening and made the story feel really real. I loved the entire concept of this book. And I am so excited to start on the next one!
January 26, 2021
Good story and you get drawn into the characters. Slight feeling that the end was quite rushed, perhaps would have liked a little bit more detail, though did make it quite dramatic. Quite light in a way, but worth reading.
April 5, 2021
I loved it! I feel like I’d love to read a sequel to find out even more about the characters.
May 5, 2021
Absolutely loved this book, beautiful characters and such a lovely, natural flow through the whole book. Would love another instalment❤️
October 2, 2021
Couldn’t stop reading!
Read it all in one sitting. Couldn’t stop reading it! Very different story line but very good. If this is your genre, you won’t be disappointed!
Read it all in one sitting. Couldn’t stop reading it! Very different story line but very good. If this is your genre, you won’t be disappointed!
August 4, 2022
Really loved this book! It was really easy to read, lovely story line and great characters. I love the small village coffee shop owner vibe. Definitely recommend
September 9, 2025
Review to follow after I have read the series
April 6, 2025
A Magical Adventure. Spoiler-free ✨️
When I first read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘌𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭, I shared a quick video with some of my thoughts, but after finishing the next two books and falling even more in love with E.L. Williams’ writing, I realised I hadn't done a proper review. So here it is. 📖
I was already intrigued by the premise—lost magic, a secret library, a world on the edge of collapse, but what I didn’t expect was just how deeply I’d connect with these characters and the heart of the story. It’s the kind of book that quietly draws you in, layer by layer, until you realise you’ve been completely swept away.
The world E.L. Williams has created is rich and feels so real, full of mystical elements, but grounded in very human emotions. Beneath the magic, there’s a powerful sense of loss, survival, and hope. Lilly, a super empath nearing the end of her final human life, is ready to let go—until she crosses paths with Storm, a once-powerful witch who’s lost her magic. From there, everything changes.
I adored watching their connection grow. Lilly, who felt she never truly belonged, begins to find a sense of home and family for the first time. And Storm… there’s just something about her. That quiet resilience, the vulnerability she rarely shows, and her fierce protectiveness She quickly found her way into my heart.
The story is full of emotion, tension, and the kind of magic that lingers in the background until it suddenly knocks the wind out of you. There’s a race to find the First Ethereal before dark forces get there first, and every chapter pulls you in a little deeper. E.L. Williams adores animals, and they’re woven in beautifully. 🐾
I absolutely devoured this book. It’s immersive, moving, and impossible to put down. Having now read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴, I can say this series just keeps building in the best possible ways.🥰
If you love found family, layered characters, and the kind of magic that wraps itself around your heart, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘌𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 belongs on your shelf.
When I first read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘌𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭, I shared a quick video with some of my thoughts, but after finishing the next two books and falling even more in love with E.L. Williams’ writing, I realised I hadn't done a proper review. So here it is. 📖
I was already intrigued by the premise—lost magic, a secret library, a world on the edge of collapse, but what I didn’t expect was just how deeply I’d connect with these characters and the heart of the story. It’s the kind of book that quietly draws you in, layer by layer, until you realise you’ve been completely swept away.
The world E.L. Williams has created is rich and feels so real, full of mystical elements, but grounded in very human emotions. Beneath the magic, there’s a powerful sense of loss, survival, and hope. Lilly, a super empath nearing the end of her final human life, is ready to let go—until she crosses paths with Storm, a once-powerful witch who’s lost her magic. From there, everything changes.
I adored watching their connection grow. Lilly, who felt she never truly belonged, begins to find a sense of home and family for the first time. And Storm… there’s just something about her. That quiet resilience, the vulnerability she rarely shows, and her fierce protectiveness She quickly found her way into my heart.
The story is full of emotion, tension, and the kind of magic that lingers in the background until it suddenly knocks the wind out of you. There’s a race to find the First Ethereal before dark forces get there first, and every chapter pulls you in a little deeper. E.L. Williams adores animals, and they’re woven in beautifully. 🐾
I absolutely devoured this book. It’s immersive, moving, and impossible to put down. Having now read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘴 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴, I can say this series just keeps building in the best possible ways.🥰
If you love found family, layered characters, and the kind of magic that wraps itself around your heart, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘌𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 belongs on your shelf.
December 2, 2021
I shouldn’t have left it as long to review since finishing the book.
What I do know is that I really enjoyed it. The characters was relatable and they were well built on throughout.
It was a definite page turner, particularly towards the end where things get a little more scary.
What I do know is that I really enjoyed it. The characters was relatable and they were well built on throughout.
It was a definite page turner, particularly towards the end where things get a little more scary.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews