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Gravebriar
Sometimes witches hunt their own…
Someone knows my secret and they’re wielding it as the weapon of my execution. I stand accused of poisoning my Gravebriar coven mate. To my fatal regret, I can’t prove my innocence without revealing the truth I’ve long kept hidden: while every other Gravebriar witch are green witches and healers, my magic lies in poisons.
There is one witch who believes me – the same boy who was sent to kill me with instructions to pluck the briars that sprouted from my grave – the only cure for a Gravebriar witch. Forge Silverthorn will be my undoing… or my salvation.
He claims there is a malicious plot vining through the witch town of Cauldron that threatens to tighten around my throat in a deadly noose. Promising I can escape by seeking the help of a banished witch who hides our kind in plain sight, he leads me to a dark circus full of witches.
The ringmaster will only help us if we agree to join his circus of uncanny tricks and diabolical feats for two nights only, using our magic to thrill his patrons. In exchange for our participation under the big top, he’ll divulge the information I need to save my coven mate and clear my name.
But when dark secrets emerge from the shadows of this promised sanctuary, I’m forced to decide if I can truly trust anyone, especially Forge… my would-be executioner, my coven’s sworn enemy, and my could-be love.
Someone knows my secret and they’re wielding it as the weapon of my execution. I stand accused of poisoning my Gravebriar coven mate. To my fatal regret, I can’t prove my innocence without revealing the truth I’ve long kept hidden: while every other Gravebriar witch are green witches and healers, my magic lies in poisons.
There is one witch who believes me – the same boy who was sent to kill me with instructions to pluck the briars that sprouted from my grave – the only cure for a Gravebriar witch. Forge Silverthorn will be my undoing… or my salvation.
He claims there is a malicious plot vining through the witch town of Cauldron that threatens to tighten around my throat in a deadly noose. Promising I can escape by seeking the help of a banished witch who hides our kind in plain sight, he leads me to a dark circus full of witches.
The ringmaster will only help us if we agree to join his circus of uncanny tricks and diabolical feats for two nights only, using our magic to thrill his patrons. In exchange for our participation under the big top, he’ll divulge the information I need to save my coven mate and clear my name.
But when dark secrets emerge from the shadows of this promised sanctuary, I’m forced to decide if I can truly trust anyone, especially Forge… my would-be executioner, my coven’s sworn enemy, and my could-be love.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2021
501 people are currently reading
7030 people want to read
About the author
Casey L. Bond
60 books1,672 followersRONE Award-winning author Casey Bond lives on a rural farm in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She writes phoenixes – gloriously flawed and morally gray characters that fiercely rise from the ashes of their circumstances.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
May 18, 2021
Just. Magical.
I think what made me like this book so much was how the main couple reminded me of Lorcan and Elide from Throne of Glass. Like in another universe where Elide actually became a witch and Lorcan is nicer...
**but then I wouldn’t love him as much. Give me bad Lorcan any day. Anyways.... **
It had the whole carnival setting and the throwing of the knives which was fun. Also, it had a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. My only complaint would be the insta-love, it’s just not my thing and can ruin a book for me. Luckily, this book was still good despite the insta love.
I think what made me like this book so much was how the main couple reminded me of Lorcan and Elide from Throne of Glass. Like in another universe where Elide actually became a witch and Lorcan is nicer...
**but then I wouldn’t love him as much. Give me bad Lorcan any day. Anyways.... **
It had the whole carnival setting and the throwing of the knives which was fun. Also, it had a plot twist that I didn’t see coming. My only complaint would be the insta-love, it’s just not my thing and can ruin a book for me. Luckily, this book was still good despite the insta love.
March 23, 2021
Once again I finished a book while “working” and couldn't wait to write a review. So here I am, explaining why the f**ork I gave 2.5 (rounded up to 3) stars, whilst everyone else is enamored by it.
I should confess though, my rating's probably biased. I've read this story right after an awesome epic fantasy book with an extremely slow burn romance fogged by massive political intrigues. My poor brain' subconsciously comparing the two of them, hence the unfairness evaluation.
Overall the book was alright.
I should confess though, my rating's probably biased. I've read this story right after an awesome epic fantasy book with an extremely slow burn romance fogged by massive political intrigues. My poor brain' subconsciously comparing the two of them, hence the unfairness evaluation.
Overall the book was alright.
October 2, 2022
I've had this book on my tbr list for awhile and I'm so glad I finally read it. I loved the whimsical style, the witch coven setting, along with the enchanting magic of the circus perfomances.
The love story was sweet and the plot kept me intrigued. I'd love to read more in this magical world.
The love story was sweet and the plot kept me intrigued. I'd love to read more in this magical world.
March 10, 2021
Spellbinding with just the perfect amount of whimsy! Gravebriar will enchant you and whisk your heart and imagination away. I absolutely loved this witchy standalone and didn't want to reach those last few words as I knew I'd be missing this magical world so very much!
This captivating tale is filled with intrigue as Castor navigates the perils of her past and future. She doesn't know whom she can truly trust and that takes the reader's heart and tugs it in so many different directions. Castor is a lonely girl who only only wishes to do what's right. When Forge enters her sphere, she has a difficult time separating her heart from her head and this makes for one delicious romance that's entertaining and at times a touch bittersweet.
Forge is the perfect male lead! He's smoldering and more than a hint of danger surrounds him. He's strong willed and knows what he wants. He's playing with fire and that amps up his appeal while also making us weary of a broken heart.
Bog is fantastic! We all need a little hero like him in our lives!
If you've been waiting for a book that has an unforgettable magical atmosphere with spectacular storytelling, this is it!! One-click this beautiful book and let this adventure whisk you away!
This captivating tale is filled with intrigue as Castor navigates the perils of her past and future. She doesn't know whom she can truly trust and that takes the reader's heart and tugs it in so many different directions. Castor is a lonely girl who only only wishes to do what's right. When Forge enters her sphere, she has a difficult time separating her heart from her head and this makes for one delicious romance that's entertaining and at times a touch bittersweet.
Forge is the perfect male lead! He's smoldering and more than a hint of danger surrounds him. He's strong willed and knows what he wants. He's playing with fire and that amps up his appeal while also making us weary of a broken heart.
Bog is fantastic! We all need a little hero like him in our lives!
If you've been waiting for a book that has an unforgettable magical atmosphere with spectacular storytelling, this is it!! One-click this beautiful book and let this adventure whisk you away!
April 20, 2021
Casey Bond has become one of my favorite authors and I have loved many of her books. While I enjoyed the book overall, it fell short on a few things for me. I just felt a lot of it was rushed, we didn't really get the full picture of the story, and wish the little bit of romance in it was not there. The heroine's thoughts were very conflicting. The journey in this book takes 2 days and she talks all about not trusting people and being cautious yet within less than 24 hours, she does something that totally turns it 180. 2 days is nothing for a romance to even exist. That's just my take. Otherwise, it is a good read.
February 5, 2021
Amazingly Poisonous Read!!
Casey L Bond weaved a Wonderfully Poisonous Tail of Unexpected Surprises filled with a Dangerously Gripping Romance!
I've honestly never read anything quite like it.. I haven't read to many books with circus theme in them.. It was such a fun and honestly suspenseful read because I was on the edge not knowing who the culprit of the poisoning was. Casey L Bond did an amazing job of keeping the reader from figuring it out.. She threw me off the trail constantly and I loved it.
Casey L Bond weaved a Wonderfully Poisonous Tail of Unexpected Surprises filled with a Dangerously Gripping Romance!
I've honestly never read anything quite like it.. I haven't read to many books with circus theme in them.. It was such a fun and honestly suspenseful read because I was on the edge not knowing who the culprit of the poisoning was. Casey L Bond did an amazing job of keeping the reader from figuring it out.. She threw me off the trail constantly and I loved it.
August 1, 2023
I wanted to like this book so, so much. I kept describing it as “murder mystery witches meets carnival.” It sounded so interesting, the cover art was beautiful and honestly it STARTED pretty interestingly. Before I explain why I gave so few stars, I want to say that it does for sure get TWO because the IDEA behind the book really was so good! With that said, this really flopped and fell short. The characters truly lacked depth and Castor just seemed so aloof all. The. Time. But then we are just suppose to accept who and what she is? I just can’t. Same with forge. There was not enough depth to him just jumping in and helping this random VERY ALOOF girl, beautiful or not, the way that he did. No chase whatsoever. I think had the author taken the time to break this book up into a series of books, even just enough to really explain the different covens and story build, that this could have had SO much potential. Condensing all of this world building into one very short book, and failing to provide the who/what/why of the main characters just really did this book in for me. Also, my last complaint, I feel confident in saying it was very obvious from the jump who poisoned arbor, and would have REALLY loved for that to have unfolded differently to at least salvage the “mystery” component.
April 15, 2021
Great book
Again loved the storyline. So interesting. So different then her other books. Forge is by far my favorite. And wow what an ending. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because I lost interest for some time but that could have been me. I've loved all of Bond's books so far. This one is no different. Tons of twists at the end 😍
Again loved the storyline. So interesting. So different then her other books. Forge is by far my favorite. And wow what an ending. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because I lost interest for some time but that could have been me. I've loved all of Bond's books so far. This one is no different. Tons of twists at the end 😍
July 3, 2021
Casey L. Bond, your readers need more to read. I found this book, unknowingly the release date. I was done within just a few days and then searched for the next - nope. Please release the next one! I’m so impatient..
November 6, 2021
Casey Bond weaves a magical spell with “Gravebriar”. Creating a world filled with witches, magic comes to life and captures the reader in its spell.
Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 8, 2021
Incredibly creative with loads of imagination. Definitely a story to read for anyone who loves innovative, fun, YA fantasy!
October 17, 2025
2,5 ⭐️⭐️✨
February 24, 2021
The character and world building within Gravebriar is just magical. Casey L Bond has written a story unlike anything I have read before. It kept me wanting more from each turn of the page. The adventure Castor and Forge go on is one of suspense, drama and oh so much more. You can't help but to fall for these characters, flaws and all. Forge is definitely my favorite character even when I was questioning his character. There was so many twists and turns, each page and chapter bringing you more. This is by far my favorite story written by Casey Bond. She really out did herself and I can't wait to see what her imagination brings us next.
March 21, 2021
Magic. Lies. Secrets. Betrayal.
If you haven’t read a Casey L Bond book yet, read this.
It has everything. A magical setting and amazing characters. Follow Castor on her journey, as she figures out who to trust and what to believe. You’ll also get to meet Bog. A book I couldn’t put down. Each page better than the last. With side characters you’ll love as much as the main.
If you haven’t read a Casey L Bond book yet, read this.
It has everything. A magical setting and amazing characters. Follow Castor on her journey, as she figures out who to trust and what to believe. You’ll also get to meet Bog. A book I couldn’t put down. Each page better than the last. With side characters you’ll love as much as the main.
November 2, 2023
Altogether this book was OK but I'm a bit on the fence about it. The last part of the book was very good, had some good twists and turns and I wanted to read more to find out what had happened. But a part of me wasn't sure if this was a little too late. Some parts of the book I really felt I struggled through because I didn't feel it was moving the story forward and wasn't sure of its relevance. I'm all up for character building and adding in interesting diversions but I felt that if these were taken out it wouldn't have made much of a difference.
Not 100% sure how I properly feel about it but I do think that 3 is a fair rating.
Not 100% sure how I properly feel about it but I do think that 3 is a fair rating.
November 15, 2022
Obsessed with the cover obviously.
The vibes are immaculate.
Bond built such an interesting world- a variety of covens with special-skills ranging from elemental to blood to healers and everything in between.
After being framed for poisoning her covenmate, Castor sets out to find something to clear her name and save her friend. This means venturing out of the safety of the witch town of Cauldron into a dangerous abyss with another witch who may or may not be trying to kill her.
In their journey, the duo agrees to join a circus act in exchange for favors...
Overall, this was a classic YA fantasy - nothing too crazy going on. I enjoyed the world building at the start but once they left Cauldron it felt very basic... I think exploring the covens inside of Cauldron would've made a much more interesting story. Fun but nothing too fresh.
The vibes are immaculate.
Bond built such an interesting world- a variety of covens with special-skills ranging from elemental to blood to healers and everything in between.
After being framed for poisoning her covenmate, Castor sets out to find something to clear her name and save her friend. This means venturing out of the safety of the witch town of Cauldron into a dangerous abyss with another witch who may or may not be trying to kill her.
In their journey, the duo agrees to join a circus act in exchange for favors...
Overall, this was a classic YA fantasy - nothing too crazy going on. I enjoyed the world building at the start but once they left Cauldron it felt very basic... I think exploring the covens inside of Cauldron would've made a much more interesting story. Fun but nothing too fresh.
June 22, 2022
Casey Bond never disappoints and once again I am in love with the world she created. As always it was witchy and wonderful. ANd who knew I could love a frog so much. Bog you have my heart you little slimy creature deserve a cap and crown!!
March 14, 2021
With strokes of Caraval’s glitz and touches of The Greatest Showman’s splendor, Bond creates another beautiful and romantic adventure.
April 8, 2021
Damn, Gravebriar.
I. Am. In. Love.
This book was one of those 'oh that looks interesting' picks from seeing it reviewed by others, and let me tell you. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
I was swept away in this world that was built from scratch and the magic woven throughout every letter. It was spellbinding and an overall wild ride. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, and I felt so involved with each character we were introduced to. This author really has a way of making you want to know more about everyone and makes you really care about the outcome of the story.
I am usually quite picky with witches/magic books, but there was something unique and enthralling about the way Casey L. Bond writes her stories. The only thing I would really change is making things a bit more drawn out, more suspense, just MORE of everything, because it went by way too quickly! I was not ready to be done with this story or world. I was (still am) very invested in Forge and Castor!
I am so excited to be a new fan of this author!
I. Am. In. Love.
This book was one of those 'oh that looks interesting' picks from seeing it reviewed by others, and let me tell you. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
I was swept away in this world that was built from scratch and the magic woven throughout every letter. It was spellbinding and an overall wild ride. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, and I felt so involved with each character we were introduced to. This author really has a way of making you want to know more about everyone and makes you really care about the outcome of the story.
I am usually quite picky with witches/magic books, but there was something unique and enthralling about the way Casey L. Bond writes her stories. The only thing I would really change is making things a bit more drawn out, more suspense, just MORE of everything, because it went by way too quickly! I was not ready to be done with this story or world. I was (still am) very invested in Forge and Castor!
I am so excited to be a new fan of this author!
April 24, 2025
This was a fun and cute book.
I loved the way we started this adventure. The two misfits who don’t fit in going off together was the perfect recipe for a romance. I was so excited for Castors magic and to see where she was going to go with it. There were so many great pieces to this story. Magic, Poison, an elusive illegal carnival. You really couldn’t ask for more.
It just… didn’t come together well for me. The story didn’t really flow well for me, and also felt a bit too simple. I think I was missing a bit more of a complex plot, and maybe a bit more world building. This book really felt like it was just skimming the surface of a story rather than diving deep into Castor and Forge’s adventure. I also wish it didn’t take place over two days. I think a longer timeline might have given us the ability to dive deeper into a relationship and into Castor developing her magic. It all just happened so fast. One second, nothing. The next? Love and magic in a snap.
I loved the way we started this adventure. The two misfits who don’t fit in going off together was the perfect recipe for a romance. I was so excited for Castors magic and to see where she was going to go with it. There were so many great pieces to this story. Magic, Poison, an elusive illegal carnival. You really couldn’t ask for more.
It just… didn’t come together well for me. The story didn’t really flow well for me, and also felt a bit too simple. I think I was missing a bit more of a complex plot, and maybe a bit more world building. This book really felt like it was just skimming the surface of a story rather than diving deep into Castor and Forge’s adventure. I also wish it didn’t take place over two days. I think a longer timeline might have given us the ability to dive deeper into a relationship and into Castor developing her magic. It all just happened so fast. One second, nothing. The next? Love and magic in a snap.
March 22, 2021
This was such a fun read! I have thoroughly enjoyed the other Casey Bond books I have read and this one did not disappoint!
Forge and Castor were both such enjoyable characters. Castor was a strong, fierce and kind heroine. I loved her ability to see the good in people. And oh Forge...I was his from the minute he walked onto the page. Watching Forge and Castor’s relationship develop was full of sass and swoon worthy moments.
Casey Bond did a great job setting the scene and giving us enough context and information about the world without a big info dump. The different covens are all so cool and I hope to see more about the City of Cauldron in the future.
Forge and Castor were both such enjoyable characters. Castor was a strong, fierce and kind heroine. I loved her ability to see the good in people. And oh Forge...I was his from the minute he walked onto the page. Watching Forge and Castor’s relationship develop was full of sass and swoon worthy moments.
Casey Bond did a great job setting the scene and giving us enough context and information about the world without a big info dump. The different covens are all so cool and I hope to see more about the City of Cauldron in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
I fell irrevocably in love with Casey's writing and at the same time...Castor and Forge! Castor is a perfect heroine and Mc. She's confident without being arrogant, real and kind. Forge is brave and self assured, yet vulnerable while strong. I can't believe I waited so long to read Casey Bond. Her writing is just as magical as her characters. If you like magic and romance, this is book is for you. The only thing I found faulty is solely a personal preference and it was that the chemistry was so good between the 2 characters I would have loved for more steamy action between them. Otherwise it was gold!
May 18, 2021
No sabia si ponerle 3 o 4 estrellas, pero el final me ha gustado y he redondeado a 4.
El libro está bien, pero le ha faltado profundidad en todo. En la historia, en las relaciones, en los personajes... En los últimos libros que he leído te ves atrapada en las emociones de los personajes, llorar y ríes con ellos, sientes cómo nacen y crecen las relaciones,.. Pues en este libro no me ha pasado. Todo ha sido demasiado insta para mi gusto y le ha faltado complejidad y desarrollo de relaciones y situaciones.
La historia en sí está bien, los personajes, la ambientación, pero para mí ha sido como poder acceder sólo a la superficie de algo que tenía más potencial.
El libro está bien, pero le ha faltado profundidad en todo. En la historia, en las relaciones, en los personajes... En los últimos libros que he leído te ves atrapada en las emociones de los personajes, llorar y ríes con ellos, sientes cómo nacen y crecen las relaciones,.. Pues en este libro no me ha pasado. Todo ha sido demasiado insta para mi gusto y le ha faltado complejidad y desarrollo de relaciones y situaciones.
La historia en sí está bien, los personajes, la ambientación, pero para mí ha sido como poder acceder sólo a la superficie de algo que tenía más potencial.
June 24, 2023
4.5/5
This was my first introduction to Casey Bond and it was one hell of a ride.
I really enjoyed the the overall plot which followed the adventures of Castor and Forge, out to prove Castor’s innocence when she’s accused of a crime.
Bond does an amazing job of spinning the story into “a trust no one and nothing” story. Castor’s struggle as she decides who she can truly trust when her entire life has been built on lies really made for an excellent story.
Overall, the book had powerful characters, a plot filled with deception and shifting alliances, magic, and a touch of romance. Definitely add to your TBR.
But Casey —- I need more Crow. How about a book that follows him? 😂😂😂
This was my first introduction to Casey Bond and it was one hell of a ride.
I really enjoyed the the overall plot which followed the adventures of Castor and Forge, out to prove Castor’s innocence when she’s accused of a crime.
Bond does an amazing job of spinning the story into “a trust no one and nothing” story. Castor’s struggle as she decides who she can truly trust when her entire life has been built on lies really made for an excellent story.
Overall, the book had powerful characters, a plot filled with deception and shifting alliances, magic, and a touch of romance. Definitely add to your TBR.
But Casey —- I need more Crow. How about a book that follows him? 😂😂😂
February 28, 2021
What an amazing and beautiful story this was.
The characters were incredible and so easy to fall in love with and become attached to. I loved reading about Castor and Forge and their adventure together. And Bog was just the most deadly yet adorable added bonus to the story too.
The storyline was phenomenal. Bond did a remarkable job bringing this new world to life and keeping me entertained and in suspense from beginning to end. This story had many OMG moments that kept me craving to read more and shaking my head all the while not believing how twisted the story kept getting. Many scenes I didn't see coming until they happened, which made this story so much more enjoyable to read!! It's one of my absolute favorites and I highly recommend it!!
The characters were incredible and so easy to fall in love with and become attached to. I loved reading about Castor and Forge and their adventure together. And Bog was just the most deadly yet adorable added bonus to the story too.
The storyline was phenomenal. Bond did a remarkable job bringing this new world to life and keeping me entertained and in suspense from beginning to end. This story had many OMG moments that kept me craving to read more and shaking my head all the while not believing how twisted the story kept getting. Many scenes I didn't see coming until they happened, which made this story so much more enjoyable to read!! It's one of my absolute favorites and I highly recommend it!!
February 3, 2023
A very interesting and adventurous story taking place in a magical realm, where there are lots of witches with different powers. I have been hooked since the beginning, and I was very interested in the life of the MCs. I have to say there were some things that I could not have seen before it happened and left me a bit shocked, but in a very good way, which just made me want to read more!
I definitely recommend this book, as a lovely fantasy book which is easy and fun to read.
PS. I also love the male MC, Forge, he got my heart.
I definitely recommend this book, as a lovely fantasy book which is easy and fun to read.
PS. I also love the male MC, Forge, he got my heart.
March 21, 2021
Gravebriar had me hooked from the first page. I'm a big sucker for witches, mysteries, and carnivals. The magic of this story is felt from the very beginning. I found myself enjoying the world building a lot.
Forge and Castor entranced me since their first interaction. They had charm throughout the story. I lived for every interaction they had.
And Bog! I loved Castor with her Bog. A certain scene with them had me tearing up.
I highly recommend this book.
Forge and Castor entranced me since their first interaction. They had charm throughout the story. I lived for every interaction they had.
And Bog! I loved Castor with her Bog. A certain scene with them had me tearing up.
I highly recommend this book.
July 16, 2023
Ahhh! I loved this magical book so much! I don’t read as much standalone books as I should, but this one was so perfect. It was whimsical, filled with witches and covens, insta-love, a MMC that is only green flags, and a story of self discovery and acceptance.
The storytelling and amazing attention to detail is so captivating and I truly just felt like I was whisked away.
The storytelling and amazing attention to detail is so captivating and I truly just felt like I was whisked away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews