A Time for Witches

The Ghosts of Gotham Saga #2

by Craig Schaefer, Susanna Jones (Narrator)

In Ghosts of Gotham, Craig Schaefer unveiled a modern world haunted by Greek mythology and magic. That was only the beginning.

Once upon a time, Lionel Page didn’t believe in magic.

That was before his odyssey to New York City, and the quest for a lost manuscript that ended in mysteries, murder, and the buried secrets of his own past. He used to be a professional skeptic. Now he’s a witch in the service of Hekate, chasing myths across the heartland of a haunted America.

The reappearance of a hero from Greek legend is just one sign of the coming storm. There are Amazons on the highway, and death-spirits lurking in cheap roadside motels. And Madison, Lionel’s lover, is on a mission of her own. A mission, fueled by vengeance, to slay a man who can’t be killed: her ex-husband. If Lionel doesn’t catch up with her in time, neither of them will survive.

In Ghosts of Gotham, Lionel Page opened his eyes to the real world. Now he has to fight to protect it.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Mystery, Magic, Audiobook, Witches, Horror

13 pages, Audiobook

First published October 14, 2020

About the author

Craig Schaefer's books have taken readers to the seamy edge of a criminal underworld drenched in shadow (the Daniel Faust series), to a world torn by war, poison and witchcraft (the Revanche Cycle), and across a modern America mired in occult mysteries and a conspiracy of lies (the Harmony Black series).

Despite this, people say he's strangely normal. Suspiciously normal, in fact. His home on the Web is www.craigschaeferbooks.com.

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥 June 8, 2021: only $2.99 today!





🤩 Murderous Crackpots for the Win Buddy Read (MCftWBR™) with the MacHalos and stuff 🤩

This is, hands pincers down, the shrimpiest, most scrumpaliciously and flawlessly executed Urban Fantasy-meets-mythology story I have ever read in the entirety of my entire life. Please excuse the crustaceans while they do a little celebratory dance in my stead and stuff.



That's the spirit, kiddo!

So. Why is this delightfully heartwarming tale of love, forgiveness, compassion, benevolence, peace and serenity so wonderfully delicious to read, you kindly ask? Well it might have something to do with all the gore, blood, death and body count (maybe). It could also have something to do with the slightly fickle gods and the homicidal maniac heroes and the ancient monsters of doom and destruction and stuff. And let's not forget the Magician, the Queen of Swords and the velociraptors bloody shrimping Amazons. Come to think of it, I better not forget to mention my favorite trio in the whole wide world—aka the Decidedly Enchanting Reapers of the Battlefield—either (they are quite very enchanting indeed but somewhat, um, unbalanced and kind of, um, prone to uncontrollable burst of grisly moderate violence so I think a shout out might go a long way towards me not becoming their next snack). And a story involving those Damn Ancient Greeks (DAG™) would obviously not be complete without your friendly neighborhood megalomaniac half-God nutcase with a messiah complex.

“Where the fuck,” he snarled, storming across the twilit green, “is my rampage?”

(Told you this was a delightfully heartwarming tale 🤗🤗.)

Let's see, what else? Well, there's foreshadowing and prophecies and stuff. And ghouls who have to work for their supper. And pointless arguments with dead assholes. And severed limbs galore, yay!!! And lots of talk about, err, food supplies (and snacks that follow one around). And also somewhat vengeful chicks with super cool (if a bit reptilian) hairdos. There's also stuff about hubris and retribution and questionable life choices and 2000 years of unfinished business. And then there's Freaking Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not the character's real name, in case you were wondering) and his Freaking Spoiler Spoiler Spoilers (not their usual moniker, either).



That was more or less my reaction when the above-mentioned Freaking Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler and his Freaking Spoiler Spoiler Spoilers showed up, yes.

Oh, and as some of you might know it is a truth universally acknowledged that Craig Schaefer is Slightly Awesome (CSiSA™), which may perhaps maybe explain how he also managed to throw all this moderately glorious stuff in the story at no extra charge: lovely pets that I might or might not be thinking of kidnapping adopting, ceremonial butt-padding (don't ask), somewhat batshit (and a little spoiler spoiler spoiler) crazy axe murderers 😍😍, security blankets (I told you not to ask), triads, Greek chariots 2.0, bards reporters (or is it reporters bards? I forget) and a few Socially Distant Absentees of New Amsterdam for good measure. So woot woot woot and stuff.

And now let's honor Mr Schaefer those DAG™ (remember what this stands for? No? That's just too bad, isn't it?) with a little impromptu sirtaki, shall we?



Ooops, sorry, that's my Ferocious Flock of Sheep (FFoS™) practicing their Riverdance moves.



Now that's better!

P.S. Hekate says hello.
P. P.S. The Progidal is on the line. I repeat, the Progidal is on the line.(No idea what I'm talking about here? That's okay, read the book and you will. Ha!)

💌 A very private message to Mr. Schaefer: that next installment in this series? I need it NOW. Oh, and that Freaking Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler and his Freaking Spoiler Spoiler Spoilers spinoff? I need it now too. Oh, and that velociraptors Amazons spinoff? I need it now, also. But hey, no pressure. It's not like I'm going to unleash the murderous crustaceans on you if you don't deliver post haste and stuff. Don't be silly now, I'm not barbarous and ruthless like that. Of course not.



· Book 1: Ghosts of Gotham ★★★★★

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 4.35 ***

"...“Man creates myths not to explain the unexplainable, but to light torches in the dark. Their false light is reassuring because it allows us to pretend that the darkness-the darkness of fear, of uncertainty, of chaos-can no longer hurt us. We create myths because we fear chaos.”..."

[Milda Page Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first one. Urban fantasy mixed with horror and greek mythology.

[Fiona Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

...Lionel learned the wall between fiction and reality was nothing but the border between the pages of a book. He stepped across, out of his rational world and into a fairy tale. He had been there ever since.
He found a world of wonders, and terrors. And responsibilities. Seeing the truth meant you could never stand on the sidelines again. And when that world needed help, he had to stand up and do his part.

Every time I read a Schaefer book I like it more - and while this series wasn't one of my initial favourites (I love them all, but even parents have favourites), it's quietly worked its way right into my heart.

Following up from Ghosts of Gotham, A Time for Witches takes Maddie and Lionel on a whole new quest for Hekate. The marriage of witches and greek mythology is a thoughtful one - actually the whole book is thoughtful, no surprise from this author, but just really nice to read anyway. There's more than one character with a backstory out of nightmares, and in any other hands that could weigh the story right down. But it's handled well, and doesn't get in the way of a plot that had me racing through the book, even the second time around.

Also, it features a nomadic community of Amazons and I want to sign up. Who's with me for making our own?

[Lukasz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced mythological thriller playing with horror tropes, look no more. First, read Ghosts of Gotham. Once you’re done, get A Time for Witches, and enjoy :)

The story starts with Lionel looking for Maddie, trying to make sense of their relationship and his life. As expected, he gets into deadly trouble. Maddie gets into a deadlier one. And when they finally meet, well, things become deadliest. You see a trend.

It’s a taut thriller making brilliant use of Greek mythology to raise the stakes and introduce a new kind of the supernatural to Schaefer’s world. While the principal antagonist felt a little flat, the story and action made up for his deficiencies.

I’ve listened to the audiobook version - Susannah Jones awed me with her invested and immersive narration. She easily captures characters and their attitudes and makes their voices distinct. She’s done an outstanding job.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Schaefer answered my wish when I hoped for a sequel to The Ghosts of Gotham. It was one of the most unique and interesting mash ups of Greek mythology and Urban Fantasy I’ve read that isn’t meant for kids.

Lionel didn’t believe in magic. He actually spent most of his life debunking the frauds out there peddling it. That is until he met Maddie, someone literally out of history, alive long after she is supposed to be dead and a priestess of Hecate. She changed his mind and his world when she lifted the veil from his eyes. But just when they settled into a life together, she disappeared to go off to fight her ex-husband without him. Now he is looking for the woman he loves and hoping that when he finds her, he will be both be able to help her with her new quest and figure out if she left him to protect him or just left him.

Greek heroes of old are making a comeback and with them they are dredging up some nasties along the way bring to the battlefield. Throw in Jason and some Argonauts, new age Amazons, a new son of Zeus and a monster from the Days of Heroes and you have the makings of a fantastic tragedy to really create the opportunity for someone to be a big hero.

“See the elites at the top are greedy shits. They could keep their golden thrones forever, if they just share a little. But they’ve gotta squeeze and squeeze and squeeze.”
“Pretty sure that’s how we got the French Revolution.”
“You aren’t wrong, but this, you me all of this you, me, all of it maybe is a natural consequence. I don’t know her name yet, but I know for a fact there’s a woman out there who’s gonna cross our path next week, maybe next month and she’ll join our band because she was born an Amazon. She just needs to find us and find herself.”

A Time for Witches is action pact and a really great story. I loved the journey that we got to take again with Lionel and Maddie as they figure out where they belong in the world and who they are to each other all while fighting against entering into a new age of heroes that would also mean an age of death and destruction.

Highly recommend this series to anyone who really likes UF and mythology.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy read with the MacHalo

Holy Greek Tragedy -- This book is fan-fucking-tastic

I could not put this book down. I loved it to bits. Non-stop action and the story was always moving forward. Not only did it have fantastic action and magic, but it included Greek mythology characters set in the modern day.

My favorite fighting scene was in the Pullman Hotel. It was a long, intense scene, and Maddie was naked the whole time. Maddie is a bad ass who can run without shoes or bra. Impressed much was I.

I did like this book slightly more than the first one. Schaefer just gets better and better. I do recommend reading The Ghost of Gotham first. Even though it's been nearly 2 years since I've read the first book and my memory is a little vague about the story, I do remember the characters enough to know the impact the first book has on this one.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Time for Witches
(The Ghosts of Gotham Saga #2)
by Craig Schaefer
I don't think many books could be as good as book one in this series but this tries hard. Before reading this read book one! This continues Maddie and Lionel's tale and its divided pretty evenly. It's a book about mythology gods, magic, creatures, with an intriguing plot and memorable characters. Not quite as good as book one but still good! I have enjoyed all of this authors book series!

[Terrible Timy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on RockStarlit BookAsylum!

Craig Schaefer kindly provided me an ARC of A Time for Witches in exchange for an honest review.

“When things are at their worst, when you’re all alone and lost and feeling afraid, and you don’t know which way to turn? Sometimes the best way to push through the darkness and keep fighting is to be strong for someone else.”

– Maddie

I’m probably going to sound like a broken record at this point, but I just adore the hell out of Craig Schaefer‘s books. I used to love UF books once upon a time, but these days if I pick up anything in that subgenre, then it’s more than likely a Schaefer book. You just can’t beat the man.

Ghosts of Gotham was one of my favorite reads last year and though it was intended as a stand-alone, I was very much overjoyed when I learned that there is going to be a sequel. A skeptical journalist whose main goal is to debunk frauds and con men, proving magic doesn’t exist; witches; greek mythic creatures in modern-day America. What’s not to love?!

A Time for Witches picks things up a few days after the events in Ghosts of Gotham. Maddie and Lionel are both on the hunt, though their paths take some different turns along the way. But eventually, their goal is the same: to save the world and kick some supernatural ass while they are at it. Their chase brings them through America, while many mythological creatures make an appearance to make their life oh so much harder. And much, much more bloody.

A Time for Witches is told in alternating POVs: Lionel and Maddie. They both have their own journey to make – both literally and emotionally/spiritually as they come to terms with their own lives. One thing I love about Schaefer‘s books is how well he handles relationships of any kind, how he makes his characters grow while keeping the plot in his hands as well. Yes, this book has action, several galleons of blood flowing, crazy car chases, various kinds of supernatural killers, and a megalomaniac villain. But at the core, A Time for Witches is about second chances and coming to terms with your true self. And about what makes a hero.

“Friendship is love, powerful love. I think that’s often forgotten in this age. People are taught that love and sex are entwined, that you can’t love your friends because that means you must expect something more or different from them.”

As was the case with Ghosts of Gotham, it’s very hard to put A Time for Witches down. I usually don’t like it when a lot of traveling happens in a book, but when it comes to Schaefer‘s book, I don’t mind that, because there is not a single boring moment. And because I just adore the hell out of Lionel. As Schaefer tends to write his books in the same universe and characters can appear in each others’ series, can I just ask for a meeting between Lionel and Daniel Faust? Pretty please? I’d love to see those two together.

One of my favorite parts in A Time for Witches was the scenes in the hotel. Maddie pulled some absolutely cool tricks with the mirrors. That whole setting reminded me of The Shining, even though I’m not a fan of either the book or the movie. But it got that haunted/horror hotel vibe. It was fun.

There is a risk of choosing Greek mythology to infuse with Urban Fantasy as there are many well-known and overused stories out there. It’s easy to falling into the “oh hell, this character/story/myth again” pit and bringing absolutely nothing new to the table. What Schaefer does very, very well is picking less known characters as well as giving a fresh twist to age-old myths. I can’t go into details here, but let me just say, well played.

Probably my only teeny tiny criticism would be that I would have liked if we didn’t learn about the identity of the villain so early on – if you pay attention you can already see it coming by the time Lionel puts it together. A bit more mystery would have spiced it up even more, but honestly, I just enjoyed the ride way too much to be really bothered.

A Time for Witches is a most excellent follow up to Ghosts of Gotham. If Urban Fantasy and Greek mythology ever had a love child it probably would be this series. Schafer takes the reader on a thrilling ride along with characters you can root for all the way to whatever end. Buckle up people, because this will be a bumpy road. But so. Damn. Good.

[THE BIBLIOPHILE (Rituranjan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining sequel to Ghosts of Gotham, that reads like a mythological action thriller. I breezed through the story, which has the acquired taste of the Gothic and supernatural blending into an urban atmosphere. Schaefer concotes an excellent story with the familiar characters we got to meet in the first book, but, I missed the sense of mystery as well as the evocative writing. I hope we will get another book soon, for, I can't wait enough to rush headlong into the dangerous world of witches, magic, and capricious gods.

This was a plot focused book, and we get very less character interactions. I wanted more of Maddie and Lionel together, and long to see them as a duo in the next book. I loved how Schaefer has portrayed the Amazons. A group of gun-slinging badass women, and it was amazing to see them in action. However, I wanted a more in depth interaction between Maddie and her Ex. We get a few moments between them, but, it wasn't enough for me. Nonetheless, the antagonist was the weakest of the characters, one dimensional and a typical stereotype villain. But, for a one time showdown, it worked pretty well for the story.

Schaefer seriously should continue this Gotham saga. It has potential to be an awesome urban fantasy series. Greek mythology has always fascinated me, and I can't be more happy while finding so many elements in a perfectly new manner. I also believe that the author has only scratched the surface of this world of Gods, heroes, mortals, and witches. I want the next book in the series already. Bring it on Mr, Schaefer.

[Mihir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

A Time Of Witches is the direct sequel to Ghosts Of Gotham, and not the standalone that Craig has previously written and spoken about (you can access that via his Patreon page). The story begins just over a month after the events of New York City where Lionel Page found out about the hidden world, his own heritage and who Regina Dunkle is. He also met Madison Hannah over there and his life changed UN. Now that he's been alerted to the real nature of the world, he has (kind of) accepted Hekate's offer of becoming a witch in her service.

Lionel finds himself on the road as he seeks to find why things ended the way they did in Montauk. However along the way, a most mysterious murder attempt soon puts him on the trail of an enigmatic entrepreneur who might not be to blame. Lionel finds a new mortifying mystery that forces him to lean back on his journalistic skills and soon find himself in another sinkhole of murder and carnage. Things become more complicated as his target seems to be just ahead of him however he has to also help out innocent folks. This second surprising chapter in the Secret History universe is a wild, action packed ride into the annals of Greek mythology and small town America while showcasing all of the charismatic characters and plot twists, that one has come to expect from Craig Schaefer's works.

This book heavily plays up its Greek mythological roots and while I loved that aspect in book 1, I was even more ecstatic with its in-depth usage towards all aspects of the plot of this sequel! I won't spoil anything about what facets the author utilizes but here's a small hint (we get a quick look into Madison's past). For folks who have read Ghosts Of Gotham, they will know exactly where things might be headed. There's also the addition of the Amazons which was a nice twist and I think many readers will enjoy the explanation (about their origins) provided by Craig Schaefer. Safe to say, it fits in with the mythological roots and the author also manages to weave it with the life and hardships of common Americans.

This book unlike the first one doesn't have a gothic atmosphere, it’s more of a mystery thriller with terrific action sequences as well as some nice glimpses of horror (seriously there's one scene is the book which rivals the best of Alien & Ring in its sheer creepiness). The story unfolds like a proper mystery wherein our protagonists are introduced to the central mystery and then alongside the readers, go forth trying to resolve it. I'm a fan of the mystery genre and this book was a solid effort considering all the topics that it encompasses. The characterization as with any Schaefer title is a highlight and here we get two protagonists who while having a bit of grey within them, are still admirable as any other heroic ones. Lionel and Madison are characters who while being heroic are very much normal people (Madison less so) but Lionel is very much a commononer who’s trying to find his footing while constantly having to expand his horizons with new information.

Lionel’s everyday man approach to things was a refreshing outlook as it fit the genre needs as well as kept the plot on an even keel. Secondly Madison is a very complex character and within this book, we are given a small glimpse into the horrific events in her past. This made me want to read more about her and I hope if the author writes more sequels, he explores that as well. Madison's reformation began in The Ghosts Of Gotham and it continues with some vital steps in this sequel. She's a scene stealer and her action sequences in a hotel are one of the highlights of this book. The dialogue is smooth and the pace of the plot is even throughout (at no point does it lag). We get a mystery and then the characters get to solving it. The process was a straightforward one and in respect to Craig's other titles, was different enough so as to make this series stand out (as compared to the Charlie McCabe series which is the closest to this one but has more of the action-oriented feel to it.

I know the author has mentioned that this series of books is not connected to his First Story saga, but I feel that with the common connection to the Lady In Red, there might be a teeny weeny one which might get revealed later. Overall this book had a lot of connections to Greek mythology and so for those who are decently versed, will get to enjoy things a bit more.

For me, the only negative about this book was that there’s a group of villains who are seemingly underutilized. I can’t reveal their names or who they are, but you’ll know when you come across them. Their leader is a big name and so I was expecting a bit more. However this observation is completely subjective and other readers might not find any such deficiencies.

CONCLUSION: A Time For Witches is a sequel that takes on what’s been established by its predecessor and then proceeds to blow everything apart by injecting action, more Greek mythology and some terrific touches of horror. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and can’t wait to read what Lionel, Madison do next. Whatever Craig envisions next, I’ll be there cheering them on all the way.

[Barbara (The Bibliophage) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.

3.5 stars rounded up

The Sisterhood of New Amsterdam* is a two-book series (so far) from Urban Fantasy author Craig Schaefer. If you enjoy this genre and haven’t picked up his books, now is your chance. He explores a new world in an alternate New York City with ties to ancient myths, witchcraft, literature, and a hearty dose of intrigue.

Find my review of The Ghosts of Gotham here.

A Time for Witches
In this Sisterhood of New Amsterdam sequel, Lionel accepts a whole new reality. He realizes that what he once considered a hoax is now a major part of his life. Plus, he and Maddie are still risking everything while also investigating nefarious hucksters and frauds. This time around they must also save hundreds or maybe thousands of humans from untimely death. No pressure, right?

It’s a lot for a former professional skeptic to take in, but Lionel handles it well. On the lighter side, he and Maddie continue with their tensions and communication issues. Woven through the runaway freight train plot is a strong connection to ancient mythology. This aspect gives the story a more complicated picture than just one coven’s magic.

My conclusions
I’m definitely still a Schaefer fan after reading these two books. In his afterword to the second book, he mentions that 2020 was such a “dumpster fire of a year” that he wanted to write something comforting. If death spirits and ancient magic make you feel better, then these are the books for you.

Since I recently read Circe by Madeline Miller, the story’s mythology aspects were readily accessible. But if you need a refresher, the Internet will happily oblige. It’s fun to think about the progression of immortal beings into our century, considering their vast experience dealing with humanity, foibles, and all.

I recommend the escapism of these urban fantasy tales since 2022 isn’t much less of a dumpster fire than 2020. My vote is for more books from The Sisterhood of New Amsterdam series. Lionel and Maddie have the potential for adventures galore!

* The series is also referred to as the Ghosts of Gotham Saga in some places.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weaker 4 stars than the first book, but still refreshingly good.

Dark humour is good stuff .
I found the girl gang of merry murderesses ridiculously funny. They were channelling some serious "Harley Quinn and Joker" energy and I'm not exactly sure I was supposed to find them funny ... but I did. Sue me!

The car chase was cool and really fun too. Much enjoyment was had. Drinks all around!

My only real complaint here might be that there weren't as much of a puzzle mystery to solve in this book. I did miss the challenging aspect and this book felt more light weight in comparison.

I also didn't entirely approve of the old trope where the main characters get separated for almost the entire book. They've just found each other - sooooo let's break them apart again! Yup! Because ... reasons. *deep sigh*

Oh well, I will most definitely keep track of this series.

Also: The covers are gorgeous. 🌟✨

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wohooo, I already liked Ghosts of Gotham, but this one is another step up and gives us some pure Craig Schaefer goodness. Much like its predecessor, A Time for Witches basically scratches the same itch as Schaefer's other Urban Fantasy series (Daniel Faust, Harmony Black, The Wisdom's Grave Trilogy), but with a twist towards Greek mythology that sets it apart from his other works. Nevertheless, it's as much a high octane page turner as I have come to expect from this author.

The action is nonstop and fierce, the inclusion of Greek mythology works even better than in the first one and the character development definately goes in the right direction. At first, I was a bit scared that this might turn into one of those stories where one character has to chase their love interest around for several novels with an endless back and forth before they finally make up. But luckily, Schaefer isn't prone to unnecessary drama and this is decidedly NOT a Paranormal Romance story.
If I had to criticise anything, it's that the main villain is a bit bland this time and that the character development of a certain secondary villain came a bit sudden, but I guess the essential message here is that mythological heroes aren't necessarily very bright or principled.

Anyway, this was a fun read and I'm almost a bit sad that this isn't part of the orther series' shared universe (yet). I mean, it might be possible. Who knows, maybe Hekate is another incarnation of Nessa from another parallel universe.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting sequel to Ghosts of Gotham, Schaefer takes it up a notch.

. A rip roaring yarn involving Greek gods, heroes, demigods and legends.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story

I never thought there was going to be another chapter in this world. If you don’t already know how well Craig Schaefer builds the universe in which his characters dance across the stage then you have a rare experience ahead. This second peek into a New York (and wider America) that’s just a little bit adjacent to our own grips you firmly and leads you to follow with wide eyes as you rediscover the world you thought you knew so well. It’s got brightness in the dark, like stars in the firmament. It’s really really good. Bravo!

[Timelord Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Craig Schaefer... and this was also a great modern day Greek epic...

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely thankful and surprised to see this. After reading and loving the first one, I thought it was a standalone novel. Fortunately, I was wrong.

The Sequel: When reading a sequel, there's always the fear that it won't be as good as the first, or that it'll just be terrible. Luckily, I think the sequel was even better. All of the amazing things that happened in the first one transferred over and it was a great addition to the series.

Tying up Loose Ends: I loved this because the author was extremely kind by tying up all of the loose ends from the first book in the sequel. Yes, there were now new loose ends, but I'm super excited for the next one in the series where those will be answered.

The Characters: In the first book, I really liked the main character Lionel, and now I like him even more. I don't know how, but this author does a really good job of making me like his main characters. In the first one, he was a complete newbie, so it was fun to watch him work his way further into the magical world that exists alongside the mundane one. I'm really looking forward to how his story will progress with Lionel as he gets stronger.

The Romance: When it comes to fantasy novels mixed with romance, its hard to get the mixture right. Either there isn't enough or it just turns into a cheesy romance novel with supernatural elements. This one didn't have that problem. The author did an amazing job of keeping the romance, which was super adorable, and keeping it at the right amount where it was a well rounded story.

[Kiareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ 5.0 ☆

Omg. Ich weiß gar nicht wo ich anfangen soll.
Band 1 fand ich schon gut, aber ich find Band 2 hat es nochmal getoppt.
Es wird düsterer, fesselnder und mysteriöser.

Aber fangen wir klein an:
Das Cover ist ein Hingucker und wird definitiv mit der Farbe nicht übersehen. Dazu passt es echt gut zu Band 1. Und ich find es cool, dass beide Bände knallige Farben haben, aber vom Desing her trz zusammenpassen.

Der Schreibstil war etwas holprig und ich brauchte etwas um hineinzukommen. Es eignet sich vmtl nicht für Speedreading, da einfach jeder Satz irgendwie relevant ist, aber es rundet das Buch trotzdem ab. Da die Welt mit der Magie und allem eben auch nucht einfach ist.

Zudem liebe ich den Mythologie Anteil!! Vor allem das 2 Helden aus der Antike auf einen Heros der Neuzeit treffen und ... ich möchte an dieser Stelle nicht weiter spoilern xD
Auf jeden Fall gerät Linoel wieder direkt zwischen den Fronten und ich fand es klasse, wie er mit dem magischen Minimum maximal schaden anrichten konnte 😂

Generell empfehl ich es allen, die keine Spicy NA Fantasy Story mit hotten Vampiren oder Batboys lesen wollen, sondern unterhaltsame mythologische Fantasy, die sich mit den großen und kleinen Problemen der Welt beschäftigt.

[Tomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5 rounded down} Accidentally jumped to this {second book ahead of the first} and felt as if the author was trying to keep things vague about past relationships, keep things just a bit more mysterious than it should have been. The book has a definite "American gods" feel to it with old gods in the modern world, just leaning more heavily on the Greek ones. The plot was interesting, along with some nice twists and winces to mythology.
Now I better go and see what I have missed in the first.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a blend of magic and Greek mythology in the present day United States. I really enjoyed both books in this series that is witty, sarcastic and full of adventure.

[JuliesBookhismus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hier geht’s rund
War Band eins noch mit Erklärungen voll, geht’s hier sofort rund und es will bis zum Ende nicht aufhören. Holla die Waldfee, wir lernen viele neue Gesichter kennen. Die sind mal mehr und mal weniger nett, aber letztendlich gibt es nicht nur Gut und Böse, das hat mir dieser Teil wieder hervorragend bewiesen.
Lionel hat sich hiermit noch mehr in mein Herz geschlichen, genauso wie Maddie. Ich habe außerdem noch einiges über Heroen lernen dürfen und ihre Bestimmung. Es war unglaublich interessant und Craig Schaefer hat hier definitiv noch einen draufgesetzt.
Ich hoffe, die Reihe wird fortgesetzt, denn ich liebe alles daran. Absolut großartige Urban Fantasy, die mich gepackt hat und mir noch eine Weile im Kopf herumschwirren wird.

[Amanda G · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Miranda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Schaefer Book in Years

Everything had become so dark and macabre in other Schaefer series that I’d almost given up on this author. I’m glad that I read the second installment in the series about Maddie and Lionel. It had a fresh storyline and none of the annoying crossover characters that are weaving between the other series. The ending was on an upbeat, hopeful note and I look forward to future installments.

[Steffan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.44/5 stars

[Özge Yildiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inhalt: In New York erfuhr Journalist Lionel Page, dass das Übersinnliche real und er selbst ein Hexer ist. Als seine Freundin Maggie verschwindet, macht er sich auf die Suche nach ihr. Die Spur führt ihn zu Cordell Spears, einem Millionär, der Ausgrabungen in Griechenland finanziert und eine Ausstellung der Fundstücke plant. Als Cordell von einer Frau angegriffen wird, die ihn des Mordes an ihrem Mann, einem Archäologen, beschuldigt und ein kleines Tongefäß mit dem Namen Tisiphone bei sich trägt, wird Lionel klar, dass es bei dieser Ausstellung um mehr geht als bloßen Marmor und dass auch Maggie etwas damit zu tun hat. Für Lionel beginnt ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit, der ihn zurück nach New York führt – direkt zu Göttern, Helden und Furien...

Meine Meinung: Als ich gestern mit dem zweiten Band begonnen habe, direkt am Erscheinungstermin, war ich wieder vollauf begeistert. Das Geschehen hat mich in den Bann gezogen. Die Charaktere waren wieder sehr gut beschrieben. Der Autor hat ab und an Sichtwechsel eingebaut, was alles nur noch spannender gemacht hat.
Tim Gössler, der dem zweiten Teil seine Stimme geliehen hat, hat wieder großartige Arbeit geleistet. Hach, das war echt mal ein krasser Band. Ich bin jetzt schon traurig das ich fertig bin. Hoffentlich kommt noch ein weiterer Teil, was mich mega freuen würde.
Fazit: Gelungen und toll erzählt! Wie immer. :) Wer "Die Geister von New York" gehört hat, dem wird auch "Die Hexen von New York" gefallen. Und wer beide Bände von Craig Schaefer nicht kennt, dem kann ich beides ans Herz legen. Spannende Horrorlektüre, die einem unter die Haut geht.

[Merlinxbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐌𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐧𝐠:
✨Es ist ein faszinierender Roman, der mit einem angenehmen und flüssigen Schreibstil aufwartet und es mir leicht gemacht hat, in die Geschichte einzutauchen. Der Autor schafft es, von Anfang an eine packende Atmosphäre aufzubauen, die mich bis zum Schluss gefesselt hat.

✨Besonders gefreut habe ich mich, dass wir in dieser Fortsetzung erneut von den liebenswerten Charakteren Maddie und Lionel begleitet werden, die bereits im ersten Band mein Herz erobert haben. Die Entwicklung ihrer Figuren wurde weitergeführt, und es war schön zu sehen, wie sie mit den neuen Herausforderungen umgehen. Dennoch empfehle ich dringend, den ersten Band zuvor zu lesen, da man sonst einige Zusammenhänge und Hintergrundinformationen verpassen könnte.

✨Die Handlung selbst ist äußerst interessant, da sie in die Welt der Mythologie eintaucht und uns mit packenden Elementen überrascht. Der Autor verwebt geschickt verschiedene mythologische Aspekte und schafft so eine einzigartige Geschichte, die mich immer wieder überrascht hat.

✨Allerdings muss ich zugeben, dass sich das Buch an manchen Stellen ein wenig gezogen hat. Ein strafferes Tempo hätte meiner Meinung nach die Spannung noch weiter erhöht.

✨Ein Aspekt, den ich nicht unerwähnt lassen kann, ist die düstere und blutige Natur des Romans. Die düstere Atmosphäre und die teilweise blutigen Szenen sind gut umgesetzt und ahben mir gefallen.

𝐅𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐭:
Alles in allem war es eine gelungene Fortsetzung mit einem fesselnden Schreibstil und einer interessanten Story. Ich kann das Buch jedem empfehlen, der dunkle und mysteriöse Geschichten mag.

[Kastie Pavlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I *loved* Ghosts of Gotham and wanted more. And so Schaefer delivered! Regardless of what I say, I did really enjoy reading this book and I'd recommend it. When I was reading, I didn't want to put it down. But when I put it down, it was hard to want to pick it back up. I read multiple books at once and there were other books to choose from. I think the pacing of the narrative, for me, didn't instill a *need* to know what would happen next. The gist is that while we know who the baddie is, we don't learn the "what" of the situation until p.369. All we're given is that something big and bad is going to happen, but it's just that generic foreboding repeatedly, so the suspense didn't build for me. There were no stakes. Maybe it would have if the "what" had been foreshadowed. But then again, the "what" didn't end up playing a huge role anyway. This is really a book you read for the journey with Maddie and Lionel and the mythology more than for the destination.

Ghosts of Gotham is the better book. This is fun and filled with action, and I love the characters and will read the next book. The "but" here is that the action reads really over the top (like Kill Bill over the top) and it pulled me out of the story multiple times. It's like watching an action movie and having it described play by play by play. Parts could've been trimmed. It's long. I skimmed here and there, which I hate doing. Still, I enjoyed it. Liked the twist on Jason and the Argonauts, and really would've liked if the "what" of it all had a larger presence and impact.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schaefer has managed to blend urban fantasy classics, witchcraft, and mythology into a setting that is an easy rival to his other popular series.

(Plus, my GOD. That cover.)

This book is a bit more of a classic adventure after the gothic introduction to the setting in the first entry, and it definitely hits the ground running. The narrative, split between Lionel and Maddie, is balanced properly- the split in perspective gives a chance to show more of the rules and details of Schaefer's fantasy mythos on multiple levels, from that of a master and an initiate.

I'm crossing my fingers for more entries to the series to get released, whether they follow our budding witches or not- The Hungry Dreaming, being released on Schaefer's Patreon is a good taste, but I could devour even more. If you're in the mood for an interesting supernatural read, give The Ghosts of Gotham Saga a try.

[Jeffrey Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Craig Schaefer consistently puts out entertaining, very well-written stories and I am addicted.

He continues his "Ghosts of Gotham" series with protagonist Lionel Page.

Page, now a witch in the service of Hekate, the Greek god of magic and witchcraft. He is a different kind of hero, not overwhelming or incredibly powerful.

At his core, he's a normal guy that just happens to know a little magic. If anything, his superpower is being really good at his job--his former job, to be specific, as an investigative reporter.

Schaefer weaves in more Greek Mythology in the sequel; I don't want to spoil the book and reveal exactly how.

I grew up reading Greek and Roman Mythology so I thoroughly enjoyed the way he integrated the myths into the modern world.

It was fast-paced and extremely enjoyable.

If you haven't read ALL of Craig's stuff, I recommend you do. In my opinion, he's one of the best authors in the Fantasy / Urban fantasy genre today.