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The Oddities Emporium #1
Shadow Athame
When a human shop owner is given a ritual knife containing the spirit of a powerful witch, darkness emerges from the shadows and threatens to lay Charleston to waste to get it.
Jakob Mercer owns The Oddities Emporium, a shop filled with the strange and macabre. He knows that his artifacts aren't all harmless. When a stranger gives him an athame that contains the soul of a powerful local witch, he realizes that it will take his entire arsenal of not-so-harmless curiosities to keep his enemies from destroying him and the city to get it.
Jakob is aided by Tempest Balfour, a sassy witch whose brother is the head of the local warlocks, and Gordon Pruitt, a haphazard warlock with a penchant for destruction. The three face factions from the Church, the witches, the warlocks, and forces beyond what Jakob knew existed to keep the athame out of the hands of evil.
Join Jakob and his friends as they fight to protect the Shadow Athame.
Shadow Athame is the first book in The Oddities Emporium series by Kimbra Swain, author of the Fairy Tales of a Trailer Park Queen series and its popular spin-offs. The prequel to the series can be found on Amazon. Check out Glasswing on Amazon today.
Jakob Mercer owns The Oddities Emporium, a shop filled with the strange and macabre. He knows that his artifacts aren't all harmless. When a stranger gives him an athame that contains the soul of a powerful local witch, he realizes that it will take his entire arsenal of not-so-harmless curiosities to keep his enemies from destroying him and the city to get it.
Jakob is aided by Tempest Balfour, a sassy witch whose brother is the head of the local warlocks, and Gordon Pruitt, a haphazard warlock with a penchant for destruction. The three face factions from the Church, the witches, the warlocks, and forces beyond what Jakob knew existed to keep the athame out of the hands of evil.
Join Jakob and his friends as they fight to protect the Shadow Athame.
Shadow Athame is the first book in The Oddities Emporium series by Kimbra Swain, author of the Fairy Tales of a Trailer Park Queen series and its popular spin-offs. The prequel to the series can be found on Amazon. Check out Glasswing on Amazon today.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2020
72 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Kimbra Swain
74 books332 followersFrom early in life Kimbra Swain was indoctrinated in the ways of geekdom. Raised on Star Wars, Tolkien, Superheroes and Voltron, she found herself immersed in a world of imagination. She started writing in high school, and completed her English degree from the University of Alabama in 2003.
Her writing is influenced by a gamut of authors including Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Reichs, Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher.
Born and raised in Alabama, Kimbra still lives there with her husband and 5 year old daughter. When she isn't reading or writing, she plays PC games, makes jewelry and builds cars.
Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Also if you sign up for the newsletter at my website to receive a FREE book: www.kimbraswain.com
Her writing is influenced by a gamut of authors including Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, Timothy Zahn, Kathy Reichs, Kevin Hearne and Jim Butcher.
Born and raised in Alabama, Kimbra still lives there with her husband and 5 year old daughter. When she isn't reading or writing, she plays PC games, makes jewelry and builds cars.
Please visit my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Also if you sign up for the newsletter at my website to receive a FREE book: www.kimbraswain.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 10, 2021
SHADOW ATHAME IS LIVE!!! I can't wait to share this new world with you!
January 10, 2021
If you've never read a book by Author Swain before, this is a wonderful introduction! This book is a standalone book not connected with the rest of her writing. In other words, it can be a gateway read to the rest of her work and not dependent on any of it.
Following shop owner Jakob Mercer, this first book in a (hopefully many book series) has great action, plotting, and character interactions. Jakob might be normal, but his store and his cat aren't. Add in a candy-loving witch and a warlock best buddy and there is adventure, sass, and fun to be had as Jakob works to reclaim some of his stolen merchandise.
UF with attitude and a fun fast read.
Following shop owner Jakob Mercer, this first book in a (hopefully many book series) has great action, plotting, and character interactions. Jakob might be normal, but his store and his cat aren't. Add in a candy-loving witch and a warlock best buddy and there is adventure, sass, and fun to be had as Jakob works to reclaim some of his stolen merchandise.
UF with attitude and a fun fast read.
January 20, 2021
The book is about a normal human involved in the supernatural world. It's the typical guy who is so focused on his job that he becames socially inept. His best friend is a warlok, user of dark arts, but a bad one, and his only love interest is so out of his league he doesn't even consider her a real posibility.
He has a store that serves both mundane and magical people, and he considers himself a neutral party, but when a shadow athame arrives at his store, he gets involved in witch politics, and ends up more involved than he ever wanted to be. There's betrayal, mysteries, love, and all those elements that make a book like this worth reading. The main characters is way too good and forgiving for my tastes, but he is true to himself and has such a good heart that I can't find fault in him. It's definitely worth a reading.
He has a store that serves both mundane and magical people, and he considers himself a neutral party, but when a shadow athame arrives at his store, he gets involved in witch politics, and ends up more involved than he ever wanted to be. There's betrayal, mysteries, love, and all those elements that make a book like this worth reading. The main characters is way too good and forgiving for my tastes, but he is true to himself and has such a good heart that I can't find fault in him. It's definitely worth a reading.
January 13, 2021
Satisfaction guarantweed!
Take a human, his 2 best friends. A witch and a warlock, who don't get along. Mix in a dark athame that has a power everyone will fight or kill for. And what do you get? The Oddities Emporium. Owned by one Jakob Mercer. A perfectly good human, who has a knack for sensing magic in its varied forms. Jakob dresses the part for his store, tweed and a little more tweed.
When a beautiful stranger walks in with a wooden box, Jakob's gut instinct tells him to stay away from whatever it holds. A distraction occurs and suddenly he has the dark feeling box and its contents. And a pile of money. Hmmmm.
Break-ins, attempts to steal the athame, by his friends and foe alike. All lead Jakob into a dark suspenseful and dangerous adventure.
Buy the book and join him on this trip. You won't regret it.
Take a human, his 2 best friends. A witch and a warlock, who don't get along. Mix in a dark athame that has a power everyone will fight or kill for. And what do you get? The Oddities Emporium. Owned by one Jakob Mercer. A perfectly good human, who has a knack for sensing magic in its varied forms. Jakob dresses the part for his store, tweed and a little more tweed.
When a beautiful stranger walks in with a wooden box, Jakob's gut instinct tells him to stay away from whatever it holds. A distraction occurs and suddenly he has the dark feeling box and its contents. And a pile of money. Hmmmm.
Break-ins, attempts to steal the athame, by his friends and foe alike. All lead Jakob into a dark suspenseful and dangerous adventure.
Buy the book and join him on this trip. You won't regret it.
February 3, 2021
2 1/2 stars. I like the premise of this book, a human who uses the supernatural oddities at his shop to police the supernaturals. My problem is the main character Jakob. He is judgmental and dismissive of his best friend. Also when his friend disappoints him he isn't quick to forgive, but when a pretty woman does the same thing, he is very quick to forgive. Things get a bit better at the end, but I'm on the fence about the main character. In turn that means I'm on the fence about continuing the series. Otherwise, it has many of the elements I like in an urban fantasy.
September 6, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: No.
Will you be reading more?: Maybe with this series
Would you recommend?: Maybe for this book.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: No.
Will you be reading more?: Maybe with this series
Would you recommend?: Maybe for this book.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
January 10, 2021
Get ready, this one won't let you go!
It's hard to put into words how wonderful and different this book is. Yes, it's urban fantasy; we've got a great setting in modern day Charleston, SC and a line up of witches, warlocks, and a wide range of magical artefacts, and the main character is 100% human, but it's so much more. Every character is fully fleshed out; they all could easily be the protagonist of their own stories. The interactions among them are perfectly entertaining, full of tension, humor, and the story just sucks you into a new world seamlessly. The Oddities Emporium quickly becomes a setting you want to visit. Any fan of urban fantasy will love this book!
It's hard to put into words how wonderful and different this book is. Yes, it's urban fantasy; we've got a great setting in modern day Charleston, SC and a line up of witches, warlocks, and a wide range of magical artefacts, and the main character is 100% human, but it's so much more. Every character is fully fleshed out; they all could easily be the protagonist of their own stories. The interactions among them are perfectly entertaining, full of tension, humor, and the story just sucks you into a new world seamlessly. The Oddities Emporium quickly becomes a setting you want to visit. Any fan of urban fantasy will love this book!
January 11, 2021
Tweed has never been so powerful
Jakob Mercer has recently taken over the Oddities Emporium, since his mother retired. He thought he knew what he was getting into from his years of traveling to acquire oddities. Wow was he wrong. Jakob is a fun character and cares deeply about the shop, his friends and being a good person. Tempest is a witch with a bit of baggage , very dynamic character. Oddities Emporium Shadow Athame is a fantastic urban fantasy series. Lots of adventure, secrets, magic, good and bad, plus some hilarity throughout. Very well written Kimbra just keeps upping her writing game to new levels. Very enjoyable read.
Jakob Mercer has recently taken over the Oddities Emporium, since his mother retired. He thought he knew what he was getting into from his years of traveling to acquire oddities. Wow was he wrong. Jakob is a fun character and cares deeply about the shop, his friends and being a good person. Tempest is a witch with a bit of baggage , very dynamic character. Oddities Emporium Shadow Athame is a fantastic urban fantasy series. Lots of adventure, secrets, magic, good and bad, plus some hilarity throughout. Very well written Kimbra just keeps upping her writing game to new levels. Very enjoyable read.
January 14, 2021
Spectacular
If you are expecting something like Fairy Tales of A Trailer Park Queen et al, this is not it. If you are expecting Kimbra Swain’s unique voice and beautiful writing, step right up.
This new series is truly SPECTACULAR. It has magic, witches, warlocks, crystals, stones, spells, gods, mythology and all that fun wonderful stuff we get in fantasy novels. However, it’s also about friendship, duty and family. All of this is intermixed with the best banter and the most interesting adventures available for reading today.
I highly recommend this and can’t wait for the next book!
If you are expecting something like Fairy Tales of A Trailer Park Queen et al, this is not it. If you are expecting Kimbra Swain’s unique voice and beautiful writing, step right up.
This new series is truly SPECTACULAR. It has magic, witches, warlocks, crystals, stones, spells, gods, mythology and all that fun wonderful stuff we get in fantasy novels. However, it’s also about friendship, duty and family. All of this is intermixed with the best banter and the most interesting adventures available for reading today.
I highly recommend this and can’t wait for the next book!
January 15, 2021
A pleasant surprise
I have to confess when I read the prequel, Glasswing, I wasn't sure this would be my cup of tea, but as stated, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the story captivated me. Jakob wasn't my normal type of MC but I came to appreciate him and the dynamic he had with each of the secondary characters. I love the sass of Tempest and the back and forth "tension" between them. I almost thought this story would be a chore but I'm very grateful to have been completely wrong!
I have to confess when I read the prequel, Glasswing, I wasn't sure this would be my cup of tea, but as stated, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the story captivated me. Jakob wasn't my normal type of MC but I came to appreciate him and the dynamic he had with each of the secondary characters. I love the sass of Tempest and the back and forth "tension" between them. I almost thought this story would be a chore but I'm very grateful to have been completely wrong!
January 12, 2021
Excellent new series!
Kimbra Swain has the ability to wrap readers into the worlds she creates, and this new series surpassed my expectations! There is a level of depth to her characters that allows you to feel as though you truly know them. This story brought out a wide range of emotions as we learn about Jakob and those close to him. This was a well written detailed story and I eagerly await the next book.
Kimbra Swain has the ability to wrap readers into the worlds she creates, and this new series surpassed my expectations! There is a level of depth to her characters that allows you to feel as though you truly know them. This story brought out a wide range of emotions as we learn about Jakob and those close to him. This was a well written detailed story and I eagerly await the next book.
December 21, 2021
Addicted
I fell in love with Kimbras writing after discovering her tales of a trailerpark series' ..... I admit that I'd probably read a copy of her grocery list & be content but she just keeps making all these worlds & characters that are so **chefs kiss** perfect & by perfect I mean relatable .. I know she's probably going to break my heart again but I can't help myself 😍
"Hi, my names Nina & I am a Kimbra Swain addict"
I fell in love with Kimbras writing after discovering her tales of a trailerpark series' ..... I admit that I'd probably read a copy of her grocery list & be content but she just keeps making all these worlds & characters that are so **chefs kiss** perfect & by perfect I mean relatable .. I know she's probably going to break my heart again but I can't help myself 😍
"Hi, my names Nina & I am a Kimbra Swain addict"
January 11, 2021
Welcome to a new world of magic, mayhem, and tweed.
Jakob Mercer, a run of the mill human with knowledge about the arcane, is thrust headlong into one of these magical power struggles once the titular athame shows up at his shop. The resultant chaos will force him to expand what he thinks he knows, to rise or fall, to evolve or perish. A fun blast off for a new series.
Jakob Mercer, a run of the mill human with knowledge about the arcane, is thrust headlong into one of these magical power struggles once the titular athame shows up at his shop. The resultant chaos will force him to expand what he thinks he knows, to rise or fall, to evolve or perish. A fun blast off for a new series.
January 11, 2021
A Reluctant Hero
Mr.Mercer took over his parents store that he had grown up in and learned to love and respect. He loves the store and he has friends that are witches, warlocks, white magic welder and a crystal welder. He has a lot to learn! Great ready with engaging characters and a great story. It is like you are sitting in his store as the action occurs. Enjoy I did.
Mr.Mercer took over his parents store that he had grown up in and learned to love and respect. He loves the store and he has friends that are witches, warlocks, white magic welder and a crystal welder. He has a lot to learn! Great ready with engaging characters and a great story. It is like you are sitting in his store as the action occurs. Enjoy I did.
January 12, 2021
Welcome to the Oddities World
A great first full-length novel for the series. It’s a different feel than Kimbra’s other stories, but still the same great character development and vivid imagery I expected from her. I can’t wait to see how Jakob, Tempest, and Gordy progress and the messes they get themselves into in the future!!!
A great first full-length novel for the series. It’s a different feel than Kimbra’s other stories, but still the same great character development and vivid imagery I expected from her. I can’t wait to see how Jakob, Tempest, and Gordy progress and the messes they get themselves into in the future!!!
January 12, 2021
Really, really, REALLY loved it
If I haven’t made it clear I really enjoyed this story! It has it all. Drama, sexual angst, good guys / bad guys, good over evil, snark, Magic and a message. I can’t wait for the next story. I went to the suggested website and found an additional three case files. It’s like getting an extra dessert!
If I haven’t made it clear I really enjoyed this story! It has it all. Drama, sexual angst, good guys / bad guys, good over evil, snark, Magic and a message. I can’t wait for the next story. I went to the suggested website and found an additional three case files. It’s like getting an extra dessert!
January 13, 2021
Such a wonderful fun read for the start of a hopefully long new series! Jakob is so ordinary that it’s amazing. Ordinary in an extraordinary world full of adventure, sass, lollipops, and that cat... wonderful! I can’t wait to see what our human gets up to next with his witch and warlock best friends
January 16, 2021
Awesome new story
There's a few times you get into a book from the first chapter. It's even more fun when you're asking the author for a t-shirt design with a line from the second chapter!! This is that kind of book. I love these new characters, they are quirky, fun and relatable. I can't wait for the t-shirt and the next book!! You'll have to find the quote yourself.
There's a few times you get into a book from the first chapter. It's even more fun when you're asking the author for a t-shirt design with a line from the second chapter!! This is that kind of book. I love these new characters, they are quirky, fun and relatable. I can't wait for the t-shirt and the next book!! You'll have to find the quote yourself.
January 25, 2021
Great book!
As usual Kimbra has created an amazing story! Jakob Mercer is turning out to be quite the interesting character. Being from SC myself it was nice to read a story focused here including all the intrigue and history surrounding Charleston. Can’t wait to read the rest of the books when available.
As usual Kimbra has created an amazing story! Jakob Mercer is turning out to be quite the interesting character. Being from SC myself it was nice to read a story focused here including all the intrigue and history surrounding Charleston. Can’t wait to read the rest of the books when available.
February 5, 2021
Kimbra knocked it out of the park!
Once again Kimbra Swain wrote another great book. I look forward to diving deeper into this new world. Jacob and Tempest have amazing chemistry that I can’t wait to see come to fruition. Gordy is alright too. I sense him having his own adventures at some point
Once again Kimbra Swain wrote another great book. I look forward to diving deeper into this new world. Jacob and Tempest have amazing chemistry that I can’t wait to see come to fruition. Gordy is alright too. I sense him having his own adventures at some point
February 18, 2021
True escapism!
I love this authors style of writing and her wonderful, vibrant imagination.
This was a captivating story which I didn't want to put down.
The characters and plot dragged me down deep into the story and I didn't want to come out.
I do look forward to further adventures with Jakob and his motley crew!
I Highly recommend this book! Loved it!
I love this authors style of writing and her wonderful, vibrant imagination.
This was a captivating story which I didn't want to put down.
The characters and plot dragged me down deep into the story and I didn't want to come out.
I do look forward to further adventures with Jakob and his motley crew!
I Highly recommend this book! Loved it!
January 10, 2021
You're going to love this new series! The characters are fantastic. Jakob is a human in a world full of different. The descriptions of the store and items make you feel like you are there. The plot will suck you in and keep you guessing. I can't wait for more!
January 11, 2021
Great first story!
Great tale bringing Jacob’s saga. Love the blessings vs curses aspect of the book... the power of something, sometimes, is only the power you give it...
Can hardly wait for more from Jacob and his talking cat.
Great tale bringing Jacob’s saga. Love the blessings vs curses aspect of the book... the power of something, sometimes, is only the power you give it...
Can hardly wait for more from Jacob and his talking cat.
January 12, 2021
Great book
Great start to a new series. Looking forward to book 2. Read Glasswing if you want more understanding of the past chapter and characters. Good author. Highly suggest her other book series.
Great start to a new series. Looking forward to book 2. Read Glasswing if you want more understanding of the past chapter and characters. Good author. Highly suggest her other book series.
January 13, 2021
Great new series
This first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors was so much fun. Kimbra Swain has amazing characters and keeps her books interesting and fun. Loved this story and I'm looking forward to the next.
This first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors was so much fun. Kimbra Swain has amazing characters and keeps her books interesting and fun. Loved this story and I'm looking forward to the next.
January 13, 2021
I love this new series from Kimbra Swain. It's completely different than the other series that I've read of hers but Jakob and friends seem to attract trouble with a capital T. I'm looking forward to more of this Oddities Emporium series.
January 16, 2021
An Amazing New Series from a Master Storyteller
Welcome to the world of Jakob Mercer and the Oddities Emporium. A rich new world of the supernatural and paranormal. A great start to a new year, a must read for sure.
Welcome to the world of Jakob Mercer and the Oddities Emporium. A rich new world of the supernatural and paranormal. A great start to a new year, a must read for sure.
January 21, 2021
A Fantastic Start
With book one in the Oddities Emporium, Kimbra Swain has once again proven to be an amazing storyteller. Jakob along with the rest of the cast will have you reading until the wee hours of the night.
With book one in the Oddities Emporium, Kimbra Swain has once again proven to be an amazing storyteller. Jakob along with the rest of the cast will have you reading until the wee hours of the night.
January 23, 2021
Really enjoy this world.
Having lived in Charleston area at one point, I definitely can see this series happening.I enjoyed the prequel that set the stage for this story. I enjoyed the friendship and working through the misunderstandings to save the area as they know it.
Having lived in Charleston area at one point, I definitely can see this series happening.I enjoyed the prequel that set the stage for this story. I enjoyed the friendship and working through the misunderstandings to save the area as they know it.
February 10, 2021
Good read
I enjoyed the book. I empathise with Jacob I some ways. While i don't have an emporium like him I understand what he feels with, to an extent but without the magical aspect. I liked the book and the characters and can't wait to read the next one.
I enjoyed the book. I empathise with Jacob I some ways. While i don't have an emporium like him I understand what he feels with, to an extent but without the magical aspect. I liked the book and the characters and can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews