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Hidden Legends: College of Witchcraft #1
The Coven's Secret
Love is a curse when you’re a witch.
Nadine
I thought witches were myth—until I moved to a secret town protected by magic. Turns out I’m a witch, and my powers will awaken on my nineteenth birthday.
I’m sent to a magic academy, where I’ll learn about the coven and prepare to meet our goddess. It’s there that I meet Lucas, a sexy warlock with an attitude. I shouldn’t be attracted to a guy like him, but he’s a puzzle I can’t figure out—and I find that beyond irresistible.
But there’s more on my mind than Lucas. If I don’t pass the goddess’s test to awaken my magic, I’ll be banished from the coven—and lose the only family I have left.
Lucas
I wasn’t supposed to inherit death magic, but here I am. They call me the Reaper’s Apprentice. I’m tasked with carrying the last thoughts of the dead to the afterlife when I die. It’s a burden that grows heavier by the day.
Most thoughts are more depressing than I care to admit… except for one. I don’t know what it means, until Nadine shows up in town. She’s the one ray of hope to an otherwise dark gift, and I quickly find myself falling for her.
But we can’t be together—because there’s a curse upon all reapers, and if Nadine falls for me, she’ll die.
Nadine
I thought witches were myth—until I moved to a secret town protected by magic. Turns out I’m a witch, and my powers will awaken on my nineteenth birthday.
I’m sent to a magic academy, where I’ll learn about the coven and prepare to meet our goddess. It’s there that I meet Lucas, a sexy warlock with an attitude. I shouldn’t be attracted to a guy like him, but he’s a puzzle I can’t figure out—and I find that beyond irresistible.
But there’s more on my mind than Lucas. If I don’t pass the goddess’s test to awaken my magic, I’ll be banished from the coven—and lose the only family I have left.
Lucas
I wasn’t supposed to inherit death magic, but here I am. They call me the Reaper’s Apprentice. I’m tasked with carrying the last thoughts of the dead to the afterlife when I die. It’s a burden that grows heavier by the day.
Most thoughts are more depressing than I care to admit… except for one. I don’t know what it means, until Nadine shows up in town. She’s the one ray of hope to an otherwise dark gift, and I quickly find myself falling for her.
But we can’t be together—because there’s a curse upon all reapers, and if Nadine falls for me, she’ll die.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
892 people are currently reading
2017 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Rades
68 books736 followersAlicia Rades is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over forty young adult and new adult paranormal novels. Her stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering and claiming one's inner power. When she's not dreaming up magical stories, she's either binge-watching paranormal TV shows, meditating, or making crafts and cooking with her family. Her favorite tropes are small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in the modern world. She has an unhealthy obsession with psychic characters and writes with a deck of tarot cards next to her computer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
July 23, 2021
Boring and derivative
Trigger warnings for those who need them. This book deals with chronic illness, suicide, suicidal ideation, and bullying.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I went into this book, but what I got wasn’t it. This isn’t really that great of urban fantasy. The action that’s in it is Meh at best. And I couldn’t get into the characters at all. The thing is I really did want to like this book. I really like the fact that the author talks about disability and mental health and warns for the fact that she’s going to be delving into some deep subjects regarding it. The heroine is disabled and has a chronic illness. And it’s for that reason that this book gets to stars as opposed to one star despite this book being a DNF.
But this book was a DNF. I got bored with it. I found the characters cliché. I found the heroine to be “not like other girls” The plot itself felt like a mixture of every single YA novel including Harry Potter, twilight, and divergent. Honestly this is the type of book that I probably would’ve loved 25 years ago. But as it stands I am bored I wanted something special and more.
Two stars
Trigger warnings for those who need them. This book deals with chronic illness, suicide, suicidal ideation, and bullying.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I went into this book, but what I got wasn’t it. This isn’t really that great of urban fantasy. The action that’s in it is Meh at best. And I couldn’t get into the characters at all. The thing is I really did want to like this book. I really like the fact that the author talks about disability and mental health and warns for the fact that she’s going to be delving into some deep subjects regarding it. The heroine is disabled and has a chronic illness. And it’s for that reason that this book gets to stars as opposed to one star despite this book being a DNF.
But this book was a DNF. I got bored with it. I found the characters cliché. I found the heroine to be “not like other girls” The plot itself felt like a mixture of every single YA novel including Harry Potter, twilight, and divergent. Honestly this is the type of book that I probably would’ve loved 25 years ago. But as it stands I am bored I wanted something special and more.
Two stars
May 18, 2021
This... was conflicting for me. Mostly because if just basing the rating off of the world-building, I'd rate it a 5. I truly loved the world the author built regarding magic, how it works, and the complications it brings. But then, we get to the characters and the plot.
After the death of her parents, Nadine finds herself living with her grandma where, surprise(!), she learns she's a witch. But not just a witch with a pointy hat and wand, a witch that may have different powers depending on how their goddess deems fit (think a mix of L.J Smith's The Secret Circle with The Hunger Games). As I said, I found the different classifications of powers super interesting and enjoyed the mythology. Nadine as a character though wasn't as interesting, especially when she falls for Lucas.
If I'm to be quite honest, it's Lucas that really ruined this book for me. Lucas is the reaper's apprentice, which practically means he must hear the dying thought of every person who dies in their coven (thus helping them transition). That would naturally make someone depressed, which Lucas is (due to a host of other events as well). And while I'm so glad that depression is getting discussed, I was really disappointed in how it was treated. Rather than deal with problems, Nadine was treated as some anecdote for it. When he was around her, everything literally felt brighter and more okay. I can't be the only one who thinks that's unhealthy, right?
AND THE CLIMAX...
I'll likely give the other books in the "world" a try as I truly loved it. This particular series was just not for me.
After the death of her parents, Nadine finds herself living with her grandma where, surprise(!), she learns she's a witch. But not just a witch with a pointy hat and wand, a witch that may have different powers depending on how their goddess deems fit (think a mix of L.J Smith's The Secret Circle with The Hunger Games). As I said, I found the different classifications of powers super interesting and enjoyed the mythology. Nadine as a character though wasn't as interesting, especially when she falls for Lucas.
If I'm to be quite honest, it's Lucas that really ruined this book for me. Lucas is the reaper's apprentice, which practically means he must hear the dying thought of every person who dies in their coven (thus helping them transition). That would naturally make someone depressed, which Lucas is (due to a host of other events as well). And while I'm so glad that depression is getting discussed, I was really disappointed in how it was treated. Rather than deal with problems, Nadine was treated as some anecdote for it. When he was around her, everything literally felt brighter and more okay. I can't be the only one who thinks that's unhealthy, right?
AND THE CLIMAX...
I'll likely give the other books in the "world" a try as I truly loved it. This particular series was just not for me.
June 27, 2022
I listened to the audio book. The voices were not great, could of voiced the characters better. For these being college kids, the writing seemed more like they were middle schoolers. I say it’s just a teenage unrealistic love story. I will not be reading the rest.
December 2, 2020
3.9 stars
I had a really hard time rating this one. On one end of the spectrum, there was this insatiable need to keep listening; I just couldn't stop. Props to Alicia Rades for keeping me as addicted as a kid in with unlimited access to candy in the willy wonka factory. I played far too much words with friends as something to do as I listened. Could I have done chores...yea butttt- alas! I digress.
The other end of the spectrum is Lucas and Nadine's love story. While sweet, it was also gag-worthy being inside their minds. TOO much flowery descriptions of how one views/feels about the other becomes less swoon worthy and more eye-rolling.
Like okay Lucas, please stop talking about how Nadine is your light, your love, you're everything. You'll damn yourself to hell if it's for Nadine. Uh, excuse me? You've only been dating a few months! Boy, chill. Please.
And Nadine too is willing to damn herself to a painful eternity in the hellfires pretty much right then and there after also only having been dating Lucas for a few months. Girl needs to let up a little.
OKAY HELLO. YOU GUYS HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A YEAR. IF THAT. You cannot have eternal so damning love yet. And if so, I don't need to hear about how much you ooey gooey love each other in every thoughts. gag.
Else says: "You can't damn yourself to eternal hellfire for someone you just started dating."
------
Ok so now that I've gotten that out of my system, here are the parts that kept me hanging! The world of witches is not an unfamiliar one. We've got alchemists, seers, necromancers (they don't raise the dead), etc. But the two roles that really pulled me in where the reaper's apprentice and the curse breakers. Let's not forget all the deep dark curses that the main characters have to deal with as a result of their ancestors or deceased coven members bestowing on them. Oh, and all the curse breakers are dead, so.
I enjoyed Rades and her lore that went into how their deity, Mother Miriam, came to be.
Oh and let's not forget one of the best parts. THESE CHARACTERS HAVE REAL PROBLEMS! auto-immune diseases play a significant role in the book. Nadine, our FMC, has Lupus that affects her day-to-day life. Grant- Lucas' best friend? He's got Type I diabetes. EFFING HECK YEA!! Real problems! We get the daily complaints of Nadine's joint pain and an explanation of Grant's Insulin taking habits and it warms my heart to see supernatural beings with auto-immune disorders.
Finally: Tarot cards. They play a role in the book and I've always been interested in them. The author takes an open ended approach, not signifying any definitive meaning behind each card, but rather leaves it up to the interpretation of the character, with a note impressing there are no rightor wrong interpretation of the cards.
Overall, wayyyy more good things than bad. Yes I eye rolled and banged my head against by couch every time love poems came out of Nadine or Lucas, but otherwise, a phenomenal book that kept me wildly entertained and on my toes to see just what happened next!
To follow more of my reviews, visit my website here
To read a detailed recape of this book, follow my recaps here
I had a really hard time rating this one. On one end of the spectrum, there was this insatiable need to keep listening; I just couldn't stop. Props to Alicia Rades for keeping me as addicted as a kid in with unlimited access to candy in the willy wonka factory. I played far too much words with friends as something to do as I listened. Could I have done chores...yea butttt- alas! I digress.
The other end of the spectrum is Lucas and Nadine's love story. While sweet, it was also gag-worthy being inside their minds. TOO much flowery descriptions of how one views/feels about the other becomes less swoon worthy and more eye-rolling.
Like okay Lucas, please stop talking about how Nadine is your light, your love, you're everything. You'll damn yourself to hell if it's for Nadine. Uh, excuse me? You've only been dating a few months! Boy, chill. Please.
And Nadine too is willing to damn herself to a painful eternity in the hellfires pretty much right then and there after also only having been dating Lucas for a few months. Girl needs to let up a little.
OKAY HELLO. YOU GUYS HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN HALF A YEAR. IF THAT. You cannot have eternal so damning love yet. And if so, I don't need to hear about how much you ooey gooey love each other in every thoughts. gag.
Else says: "You can't damn yourself to eternal hellfire for someone you just started dating."
------
Ok so now that I've gotten that out of my system, here are the parts that kept me hanging! The world of witches is not an unfamiliar one. We've got alchemists, seers, necromancers (they don't raise the dead), etc. But the two roles that really pulled me in where the reaper's apprentice and the curse breakers. Let's not forget all the deep dark curses that the main characters have to deal with as a result of their ancestors or deceased coven members bestowing on them. Oh, and all the curse breakers are dead, so.
I enjoyed Rades and her lore that went into how their deity, Mother Miriam, came to be.
Oh and let's not forget one of the best parts. THESE CHARACTERS HAVE REAL PROBLEMS! auto-immune diseases play a significant role in the book. Nadine, our FMC, has Lupus that affects her day-to-day life. Grant- Lucas' best friend? He's got Type I diabetes. EFFING HECK YEA!! Real problems! We get the daily complaints of Nadine's joint pain and an explanation of Grant's Insulin taking habits and it warms my heart to see supernatural beings with auto-immune disorders.
Finally: Tarot cards. They play a role in the book and I've always been interested in them. The author takes an open ended approach, not signifying any definitive meaning behind each card, but rather leaves it up to the interpretation of the character, with a note impressing there are no rightor wrong interpretation of the cards.
Overall, wayyyy more good things than bad. Yes I eye rolled and banged my head against by couch every time love poems came out of Nadine or Lucas, but otherwise, a phenomenal book that kept me wildly entertained and on my toes to see just what happened next!
To follow more of my reviews, visit my website here
To read a detailed recape of this book, follow my recaps here
July 5, 2023
The Covens Secret was not a great book. There were some things that I enjoyed, but the majority of the book was flat out bad.
Here's the big dilemma for me- this book handled a lot of series topics, but it was a stupid book that tried to take on big things. There are topics of suicide, suicidal thoughts, lupus, diabetes, bullying and death of parents. Those are most of the major ones, but not all of them. So be weary when reading this book.
And next to all these very series topics, there's a lot of immature teens and childish language. I laughed out loud when the 'terrifying gang' of college called themselves 'the treacherous tarantulas.' Who the hell came up with that dumb-ass name. Later in the book- we find out it was our mmc, Lucas.
Apparently this gang started out as a bunch of wannabee highschoolers acting as protectors of the weak and then one of the guys, Ryan, got into drugs and it all changed. (I hope you guys can feel me rolling my eyes).
The way all these serious matters were handled was not good. At least in my opinion.
However, I gave this book three stars, so it wasn't a total wash. I did find the magic system interesting. The way that there are covens that follow a god and how that god assigns them powers and how there are all these different ones out there. And I did like a lot of the history of the town. There were some cool things on, but this book felt like a mess of plot holes and cringe.
As for recommending it- I'll leave that up to the discretion of you all. I don't recommend it, but I don't not recommend it.
For more book reviews/ bookish things:
https://instagram.com/archangelo_book...
Here's the big dilemma for me- this book handled a lot of series topics, but it was a stupid book that tried to take on big things. There are topics of suicide, suicidal thoughts, lupus, diabetes, bullying and death of parents. Those are most of the major ones, but not all of them. So be weary when reading this book.
And next to all these very series topics, there's a lot of immature teens and childish language. I laughed out loud when the 'terrifying gang' of college called themselves 'the treacherous tarantulas.' Who the hell came up with that dumb-ass name. Later in the book- we find out it was our mmc, Lucas.
Apparently this gang started out as a bunch of wannabee highschoolers acting as protectors of the weak and then one of the guys, Ryan, got into drugs and it all changed. (I hope you guys can feel me rolling my eyes).
The way all these serious matters were handled was not good. At least in my opinion.
However, I gave this book three stars, so it wasn't a total wash. I did find the magic system interesting. The way that there are covens that follow a god and how that god assigns them powers and how there are all these different ones out there. And I did like a lot of the history of the town. There were some cool things on, but this book felt like a mess of plot holes and cringe.
As for recommending it- I'll leave that up to the discretion of you all. I don't recommend it, but I don't not recommend it.
For more book reviews/ bookish things:
https://instagram.com/archangelo_book...
December 31, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. The dual points of view for each chapter were amazing. Nadine grew up thinking that witches were just fairy tales and then after the death of her parents she learns the truth. Lucas is becomes a Reaper's apprentice and doesn't realize how that's going to impact his life until he meets the girl of his dreams.
Once you start reading this book, it's really hard to stop. I really can't wait to see what happens next now that Nadine has finally gotten her mark.
Once you start reading this book, it's really hard to stop. I really can't wait to see what happens next now that Nadine has finally gotten her mark.
January 11, 2023
I thought that this book was good
January 11, 2020
Wow
Holy cow this book! Not only did it leave you needing more, you went through several emotions when you read it. I don’t want to wait for a whole year to read the second book !!
Holy cow this book! Not only did it leave you needing more, you went through several emotions when you read it. I don’t want to wait for a whole year to read the second book !!
November 12, 2023
Despite the cover being painful on the eyes, the book was pretty good and I'm onto the second
did-not-finish
July 5, 2024DNF at 10%.
There were some elements that annoyed me like "she's not like other girls" so I read reviews and spoilers and I don't think I'd enjoy the ending.
There were some elements that annoyed me like "she's not like other girls" so I read reviews and spoilers and I don't think I'd enjoy the ending.
June 10, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised once I got towards the middle of the story of how interesting the characters were and their individual powers and back stories. I loved how things connected towards the end and it came pretty full circle with a pretty happy ending, but also leaving some things to the imagination. Overall, a great audiobook with two voices that really helped me attach to the characters and make them just that much more lovable.
November 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! There’s no dull moment!
Definitely a must read!
Definitely a must read!
July 27, 2023
Couldn’t stand the MCs
January 14, 2024
this reads like a wattpad book (/derogatory)
September 1, 2025
Not for 17 and Under!! Very explicit read 😊 I enjoyed the audio, just didn’t care for the male voice when trying to read for the girl 🤣
December 26, 2019
After the death of her parents Nadine is invited to live with her Grammy in Octavia Falls. Nadine’s world is about to be shaken up a little in Octavia Falls. After moving there she is informed that she is a witch by her Grammy and that her powers will be awakened on her nineteenth birthday.
On her nineteenth birthday Nadine will enter a ceremony to accept the goddess and her laws to awaken her powers if she doesn’t accept the goddess and her rules then she will be banished forever. Can Nadine past the goddess test? Or will she be banished from the coven?
Nadine has been enrolled into a magical school to learn how to use her magic. There are some who don’t want or believe she belongs in Octavia Falls and does everything in their power to make her fail and leave but Nadine will not give up that easily. Nadine is one tough cookie and it will take more than a couple of girls to scare her.
Nadine meets a guy Lucas at the academy who she is instantly attracted to. She feels right away that being attracted to Lucas might not be such a good thing. Why she does not know. One thing she does know is how she feels when she is with him and what he does to her.
The Coven’s Secret is more than a book about witches and magic and going to a magical school it is about love and how deep love can be between two people and how much one person can love or how big a heart can be. It is about making choices and about being selfish or not selfish.
The Coven’s Secret is a magical story that pulled me in from the first word and had me enthralled right up until the end. There were times that I felt sad and upset at what Nadine was going through and how she was treated. There were times that The Coven’s Secret has me in tears to the point I was almost choking and then there were times when I was in tears because it made me so happy.
The Coven’s Secret is a heart wrenching story but I never regretted a minute of it. I loved it from the first word and it will stay in my heart for a long time to come. The characters are all amazingly wonderful most of them are great and wonderful people. They are the kind of friends you would want in your own life. They are the kind of friends that you want to follow on all their journeys. I can’t wait to follow these characters on their next adventure as I know it will be awesome.
One click yourself a copy of The Coven’s Secret today so you too can join in on this secret journey with Nadine, Lucas and the rest of these amazing characters.
On her nineteenth birthday Nadine will enter a ceremony to accept the goddess and her laws to awaken her powers if she doesn’t accept the goddess and her rules then she will be banished forever. Can Nadine past the goddess test? Or will she be banished from the coven?
Nadine has been enrolled into a magical school to learn how to use her magic. There are some who don’t want or believe she belongs in Octavia Falls and does everything in their power to make her fail and leave but Nadine will not give up that easily. Nadine is one tough cookie and it will take more than a couple of girls to scare her.
Nadine meets a guy Lucas at the academy who she is instantly attracted to. She feels right away that being attracted to Lucas might not be such a good thing. Why she does not know. One thing she does know is how she feels when she is with him and what he does to her.
The Coven’s Secret is more than a book about witches and magic and going to a magical school it is about love and how deep love can be between two people and how much one person can love or how big a heart can be. It is about making choices and about being selfish or not selfish.
The Coven’s Secret is a magical story that pulled me in from the first word and had me enthralled right up until the end. There were times that I felt sad and upset at what Nadine was going through and how she was treated. There were times that The Coven’s Secret has me in tears to the point I was almost choking and then there were times when I was in tears because it made me so happy.
The Coven’s Secret is a heart wrenching story but I never regretted a minute of it. I loved it from the first word and it will stay in my heart for a long time to come. The characters are all amazingly wonderful most of them are great and wonderful people. They are the kind of friends you would want in your own life. They are the kind of friends that you want to follow on all their journeys. I can’t wait to follow these characters on their next adventure as I know it will be awesome.
One click yourself a copy of The Coven’s Secret today so you too can join in on this secret journey with Nadine, Lucas and the rest of these amazing characters.
January 29, 2020
This was dark, mysterious, drama and angst filled, a touch romantic, tons magical and I can't wait for the next book so I can jump back into this world that I was not ready to leave! I have read and enjoyed other books by this author but this is now hands down my favorite story by her! Imagine if the fantastic world of Harry Potter with a magical school (with a doctor who flair where it is bigger on the inside than the outside) and fun edible treats had a love baby with the dark and complicated world of the movie the craft and a forbidden romance!
Yes please to all the above.
I personally love short chapters that hook me and make me read "just one more" until I inadvertently finish the book, but instead the author had less number of chapter but they were longer in length (usually over 30 minutes per my ereader) which took me longer overall to get through the story than I normally would. But that being said, I devoured the story, savoring each piece of the puzzle, slowly putting them together to get the cohesive whole. Ok, now that I realized I just rambled, know that this was a slow burn story that gives a little tidbit at a time and take your time so you will not miss anything!
The story is dual narrated by both Nadine and Lucas, two characters with very different view points. Nadine knows nothing about magic or the Coven that her family belongs to, instead she is just a regular girl trying not to drown in loss and battling a potentially debilitating chronic illness. She is sassy and strong, trying her best when life seems to be pushing her down. I loved experiencing her wonder when learning about her new magical world and seeing how she fought her own personal battles. Lucas grew up in the middle of the magic but recently life has been hard, dealing with his own loss and the lonely direction his magical path has taken. He deals in death and has a hard time seeing any light in his life, only gray shadows of mourning. I loved watching them slowly develop a relationship, from strangers to the best of friends to a romance that shouldn't be. Oh and did I mention that this gets steamy?? There was no sex but it was hot at times anyways, just saying.
This is the perfect read for anyone who lives forbidden love, paranormal romances, messy relationship dynamics, mystery and danger- and cats (there are a lot of cats in the story!). Just know that I loved this story and will count down the days until I can read the next book!.
Yes please to all the above.
I personally love short chapters that hook me and make me read "just one more" until I inadvertently finish the book, but instead the author had less number of chapter but they were longer in length (usually over 30 minutes per my ereader) which took me longer overall to get through the story than I normally would. But that being said, I devoured the story, savoring each piece of the puzzle, slowly putting them together to get the cohesive whole. Ok, now that I realized I just rambled, know that this was a slow burn story that gives a little tidbit at a time and take your time so you will not miss anything!
The story is dual narrated by both Nadine and Lucas, two characters with very different view points. Nadine knows nothing about magic or the Coven that her family belongs to, instead she is just a regular girl trying not to drown in loss and battling a potentially debilitating chronic illness. She is sassy and strong, trying her best when life seems to be pushing her down. I loved experiencing her wonder when learning about her new magical world and seeing how she fought her own personal battles. Lucas grew up in the middle of the magic but recently life has been hard, dealing with his own loss and the lonely direction his magical path has taken. He deals in death and has a hard time seeing any light in his life, only gray shadows of mourning. I loved watching them slowly develop a relationship, from strangers to the best of friends to a romance that shouldn't be. Oh and did I mention that this gets steamy?? There was no sex but it was hot at times anyways, just saying.
This is the perfect read for anyone who lives forbidden love, paranormal romances, messy relationship dynamics, mystery and danger- and cats (there are a lot of cats in the story!). Just know that I loved this story and will count down the days until I can read the next book!.
December 27, 2019
What a fun read! Filled with magic, romance, drama, secrets, demons and ghosts, there's never a boring moment and emotions run high the entire way through.
Nadine has had a rough go at things. Not only does she suffer from Lupus, but her parents both died in a car crash that summer. She moves in her with her grandmother...to a town she's never visited and a house she's never seen. As soon as she arrives, strange things start happening, and she discovers she's a witch. The entire town is part of the coven, and she's to attend classes at a special coven's college. There she not only meets a guy she can't stop thinking about but gains new friends and enemies. But as time continues, dark things begin to occur.
This is a book for fans of academy stories as well as magic lovers. Nadine carries a lot of baggage as do most characters in this book, but it works. The author takes the time to let each character gain a personality. While some are bad and others good, there are many which fall in the gray area, including Nadine and her heart's throb. Everyone has their dark sides, even when they have hearts of gold and this makes them interesting.
While the tale starts out more centered on Nadine and her developing social life, more and more intrigue seeps in and hints at what the future series might hold. The plot grows and thickens with every passing page, making it hard to guess where everything is going. Even the 'evil' characters show signs of possible change, which adds richness to the tale. There's plenty of drama...which sometimes bordered on more of a high school setting...and the romance holds a constant give and take.
It's an entertaining read, which is nicely paced, and promises to continue to be a fun series.
I received an ARC copy and enjoyed the story quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Nadine has had a rough go at things. Not only does she suffer from Lupus, but her parents both died in a car crash that summer. She moves in her with her grandmother...to a town she's never visited and a house she's never seen. As soon as she arrives, strange things start happening, and she discovers she's a witch. The entire town is part of the coven, and she's to attend classes at a special coven's college. There she not only meets a guy she can't stop thinking about but gains new friends and enemies. But as time continues, dark things begin to occur.
This is a book for fans of academy stories as well as magic lovers. Nadine carries a lot of baggage as do most characters in this book, but it works. The author takes the time to let each character gain a personality. While some are bad and others good, there are many which fall in the gray area, including Nadine and her heart's throb. Everyone has their dark sides, even when they have hearts of gold and this makes them interesting.
While the tale starts out more centered on Nadine and her developing social life, more and more intrigue seeps in and hints at what the future series might hold. The plot grows and thickens with every passing page, making it hard to guess where everything is going. Even the 'evil' characters show signs of possible change, which adds richness to the tale. There's plenty of drama...which sometimes bordered on more of a high school setting...and the romance holds a constant give and take.
It's an entertaining read, which is nicely paced, and promises to continue to be a fun series.
I received an ARC copy and enjoyed the story quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
November 26, 2020
The Coven's secret is the first book in College of Witchcraft series by Alica Rades. It takes place in the same universe of Academy of Magical Creatures and University of Sorcery.
Nadine always have thought witches were a myth until her parents died in an accident and she goes lives with her granny in the town of Octavia Falls. She learn that she's a witch and that her powers will awaken on her next birthday.
She's now sent to a magic academy where she will prepared to meet the coven's goddess. She will also meet Lucas, who she will be attracted to.
Lucas have inherit death magic. He's the reaper apprentice. Magic that soon become a burden for him until Nadine arrive. She's his ray of hope. Light in his darkness and soon falls for her.
But being the reaper's apprentice comes with a dark curse...
I have really loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I have received an arc of this book from the author.
Nadine always have thought witches were a myth until her parents died in an accident and she goes lives with her granny in the town of Octavia Falls. She learn that she's a witch and that her powers will awaken on her next birthday.
She's now sent to a magic academy where she will prepared to meet the coven's goddess. She will also meet Lucas, who she will be attracted to.
Lucas have inherit death magic. He's the reaper apprentice. Magic that soon become a burden for him until Nadine arrive. She's his ray of hope. Light in his darkness and soon falls for her.
But being the reaper's apprentice comes with a dark curse...
I have really loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I have received an arc of this book from the author.
February 2, 2021
Audio Review:
The Coven's Secret (Hidden Legends: College of Witchcraft # 1) is a witty addictive listen suffused with melodrama, magic, mystery, romance, secrets, along with demons, ghosts, witches and warlocks. Characters are fascinating. Told in dual pov this cleverly crafted listen about forbidden love keeps you entertained till the end. Looking forward to listening to the next audio in this mystical series when available.
Narrators Logan Young and Johnathan M. Mathews dual narration was intriguing and brought the story to life. Logan expressed vocally all Nadine's emotions. Johnathan's smooth and consistent inflection was a easy listen.
Listened on Authors Direct.
The Coven's Secret (Hidden Legends: College of Witchcraft # 1) is a witty addictive listen suffused with melodrama, magic, mystery, romance, secrets, along with demons, ghosts, witches and warlocks. Characters are fascinating. Told in dual pov this cleverly crafted listen about forbidden love keeps you entertained till the end. Looking forward to listening to the next audio in this mystical series when available.
Narrators Logan Young and Johnathan M. Mathews dual narration was intriguing and brought the story to life. Logan expressed vocally all Nadine's emotions. Johnathan's smooth and consistent inflection was a easy listen.
Listened on Authors Direct.
December 20, 2019
What a fun book! In a town like Octavia Falls where everything is a little different from your normal town, a town full of history, mystery, and magic. Nadine and Lucas each suffered their own tragedy by the time they meet. Little do they know, they’re going to need each other to survive that next year! Lucas knows he has magical powers but Nadine is clueless until her grandma says “oh, btw, you’re going to magic school.” Strange things are happening around the campus and it will be up to Nadine, Lucas, and their friends to figure it out before anyone else gets hurt.
January 1, 2020
Loved this
This is an amazing story and really great start to this new series by this author. Nadine and Lucas just had me interested in their story as soon as I had read the blurb. Let me say that in NO way did it disappoint. Loved the way that they are instantly drawn to each other but he knows that they can't be together because of who he is but she's not so easily swayed. Honestly can not wait to see what the next book brings them and theirs friends.
This is an amazing story and really great start to this new series by this author. Nadine and Lucas just had me interested in their story as soon as I had read the blurb. Let me say that in NO way did it disappoint. Loved the way that they are instantly drawn to each other but he knows that they can't be together because of who he is but she's not so easily swayed. Honestly can not wait to see what the next book brings them and theirs friends.
June 25, 2024
Audio unabridged/NA: I loved it. It was the right book at the right time for me to listen to. Yes, it could be childish with everybody being drama queens, but that is what 19 is all about.
December 26, 2023
In this review I’m going to go into some issues I had reading this because I simply have nothing better to do with my time. I will preface this by saying that the way I feel about this book is so strange. I finished this in one day, less than 10 hours. I absolutely flew through this, and it was quite entertaining. I can honestly say I genuinely wanted to see what happened next, and I slowly got more invested.
I have to commend this author for writing such a swift, easy to read and enjoyable story. Not much brain power was needed and it’s a nice simple book to get you out of a slump.
With that being said, even though this was an enjoyable read, I also personally had a lot of problems with this book that I really want to mention…
~~ Mild spoilers ~~
1. Pick me girl mentality of the main character — super outdated
What is it with the main character not being like “other girls”. Imo it’s outdated. I personally found it a bit weird that there was almost a constant reminder that she wasn’t like *other* girls. From the start to the very end, it was forced down our throats that she was like no other female (sorry but ew)
2. Lust is not the same as love
The romantic connection was awesome at first, but I feel like it turned too lusty! Don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of spice, but in this particular book with this progression I feel like it just made it so these intense feelings between our two main characters became focused on physical attraction for the majority of the book.
3. Dramatic instant love out of nowhere
Even though these feelings of lust were so prominent for the majority of the book, out of nowhere it then turned into a (supposedly) monologue worthy explanation of the love being wider than the universe or some shit. It went from 0-100 real quick. Granted, these people are a bit young in the book but damn it was a bit drastic— not to mention unhealthy!
4. Inconsistency of characters
At the start of the book, I noticed that the characters personality didn’t line up with how it was initially set up. I did not peg Nadine to be a bubbly sunshine but there was a sudden switch up. The blurb/ intro here on goodreads also doesn’t fully encapsulate the relationship between Nad and Lucas either. This was NOT enemies to lovers. It was a miscommunication trope if anything…
5. Lack of depth
Chloe and the mean 3 had so much potential! I would have loved to see some deep dark personal history for these girls acting the way they did. We just got a “oh we will both die” and that’s about it ??? I bet it will be explored in the second book but I felt like such an evil character like her would be so fun to create layers for.
Also the friends were just *there* so I hope that’s explored more later on.
6. Writing style weird in some spots
This is 100% a personal preference, but the language sometimes used was a bit laughable to me. “That a girl” was used many times and each time I sat there for a while figuring out if that phrase was correct lmao.
Most the writing was easy to read and quick, though. Informality is good for pace but at times it was a bit meh.
I have to commend this author for writing such a swift, easy to read and enjoyable story. Not much brain power was needed and it’s a nice simple book to get you out of a slump.
With that being said, even though this was an enjoyable read, I also personally had a lot of problems with this book that I really want to mention…
~~ Mild spoilers ~~
1. Pick me girl mentality of the main character — super outdated
What is it with the main character not being like “other girls”. Imo it’s outdated. I personally found it a bit weird that there was almost a constant reminder that she wasn’t like *other* girls. From the start to the very end, it was forced down our throats that she was like no other female (sorry but ew)
2. Lust is not the same as love
The romantic connection was awesome at first, but I feel like it turned too lusty! Don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of spice, but in this particular book with this progression I feel like it just made it so these intense feelings between our two main characters became focused on physical attraction for the majority of the book.
3. Dramatic instant love out of nowhere
Even though these feelings of lust were so prominent for the majority of the book, out of nowhere it then turned into a (supposedly) monologue worthy explanation of the love being wider than the universe or some shit. It went from 0-100 real quick. Granted, these people are a bit young in the book but damn it was a bit drastic— not to mention unhealthy!
4. Inconsistency of characters
At the start of the book, I noticed that the characters personality didn’t line up with how it was initially set up. I did not peg Nadine to be a bubbly sunshine but there was a sudden switch up. The blurb/ intro here on goodreads also doesn’t fully encapsulate the relationship between Nad and Lucas either. This was NOT enemies to lovers. It was a miscommunication trope if anything…
5. Lack of depth
Chloe and the mean 3 had so much potential! I would have loved to see some deep dark personal history for these girls acting the way they did. We just got a “oh we will both die” and that’s about it ??? I bet it will be explored in the second book but I felt like such an evil character like her would be so fun to create layers for.
Also the friends were just *there* so I hope that’s explored more later on.
6. Writing style weird in some spots
This is 100% a personal preference, but the language sometimes used was a bit laughable to me. “That a girl” was used many times and each time I sat there for a while figuring out if that phrase was correct lmao.
Most the writing was easy to read and quick, though. Informality is good for pace but at times it was a bit meh.
October 21, 2023
I dislike when people shit on YA books, but books like this remind me why I haven't been reading very much YA lately. I just feel too damn old for this. The characters are supposed to be in college, but they act more like middle-schoolers with their whining, angst, and lack of any actual responsibility for taking care of themselves. It's as though the author made these characters technically 18+ so it wouldn't seem creepy to intermittently write about erections and skinny dipping. The star-crossed insta-love is not believable, which makes the story worse since the plot significantly hinges on the two main characters' willingness to not only die, but go to hell, for each other. The fact that there is a mean-girl trio, and a mean-boy gang was also unappealing and incredibly simplistic.
It felt unpleasantly like this book was a thinly-veiled religious book, and it had me wondering if the author was a teenager in a youth group or a young Mormon writing this story in her journals. The characters don't have intercourse but do a lot of heavy petting, and the driving force of the characters is avoiding eternal damnation and the idea of getting to go to heaven to be with their friends and family. While countless books throughout history have been religious allegories (e.g. Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), it was not done particularly skillfully in this book.
All of those negative things said, the book should be entertaining enough for many, especially because I know that people, including myself, enjoy magic school books (even moreso due to the fact that the author of a beloved series is a raging TERF, which has also caused people to scrutinize her books and be less forgiving of other flaws in them, including racism, etc). I do like the magic system, but I'm not inclined to read more books in the series because this series isn't my cup of mediocrity.
It felt unpleasantly like this book was a thinly-veiled religious book, and it had me wondering if the author was a teenager in a youth group or a young Mormon writing this story in her journals. The characters don't have intercourse but do a lot of heavy petting, and the driving force of the characters is avoiding eternal damnation and the idea of getting to go to heaven to be with their friends and family. While countless books throughout history have been religious allegories (e.g. Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), it was not done particularly skillfully in this book.
All of those negative things said, the book should be entertaining enough for many, especially because I know that people, including myself, enjoy magic school books (even moreso due to the fact that the author of a beloved series is a raging TERF, which has also caused people to scrutinize her books and be less forgiving of other flaws in them, including racism, etc). I do like the magic system, but I'm not inclined to read more books in the series because this series isn't my cup of mediocrity.
November 10, 2024
After losing her parents Nadine went to live with her grandmother and discovered her mother had kept a big secret from her. She is a witch and will come into her powers on her 19th birthday. So instead of college, she's heading to a magic academy. Lucas came into his magic the previous year. He has death magic and is the Reaper's Apprentice. It's a burden he doesn't want; more so once he meets Nadine. He wants her but there's a curse. They can't be together or she will die.
Push-pull relationships are hard for me to enjoy and this one was no exception. There were so many workarounds for the curse, that I was irritated that Lucas wouldn't try. But then he also wouldn't walk away. Worse, I struggled with Nadine and Lucas. Nadine was self-centered, reckless, and embraced petty drama. Lucas was so full of self-loathing and spent too much time feeling sorry for himself. They had no chemistry. The world the author created had potential but she missed the opportunity to expand the world-building. The magic limo ride, the academy, and the magic classes should have provided a wealth of fantasy details but there were barely any.
I listened to this on audio and must comment on the male narrator. I would never use him again. I prefer duet narration to dual narration but understand it is costly. However, the male narrator seemed to think that to voice all females he must lower his voice so it was a struggle to hear. When he was loud enough, it was not much better. Female voices are not his strong point.
Push-pull relationships are hard for me to enjoy and this one was no exception. There were so many workarounds for the curse, that I was irritated that Lucas wouldn't try. But then he also wouldn't walk away. Worse, I struggled with Nadine and Lucas. Nadine was self-centered, reckless, and embraced petty drama. Lucas was so full of self-loathing and spent too much time feeling sorry for himself. They had no chemistry. The world the author created had potential but she missed the opportunity to expand the world-building. The magic limo ride, the academy, and the magic classes should have provided a wealth of fantasy details but there were barely any.
I listened to this on audio and must comment on the male narrator. I would never use him again. I prefer duet narration to dual narration but understand it is costly. However, the male narrator seemed to think that to voice all females he must lower his voice so it was a struggle to hear. When he was loud enough, it was not much better. Female voices are not his strong point.
July 22, 2021
I read this book because it was recommended to me by some friends during a summer reading challenge. It was amazing and I couldn't put it down. It is a big book so be aware that your chores might fall behind but ones I started I couldn't stop. This book is a page turner.
Nadine has experienced some hardships and needs to start over. Nothing anyone looks forward to but it is even harder for a young girl. But this new start might be just what she needs because she would have never imagined that she is a witch. Witch craft in her mind was always something that people pretended existed. Nadine gets to start her new life by going to a witch and warlock college and just like every college you have your groups. Now where is she going to fit in.
Lucas met Nadine the day before school starts. Unlike Nadine, Lucas has known his whole life he would join the coven but his gift from the goddess is something he just recently received and is still getting used to. Will it be a gift or a curse?
Will Lucas be the distraction that makes Nadine feel more comfortable or will he be part of the group that makes her college life in a new town miserable. Alicia Rades does a great job by ensnaring you with her words and her characters are well developed and show deep emotion. Unlike anything I have ever read before she introduces true medical problems people are facing daily and gives website links to understand those illnesses and how to help.
Nadine has experienced some hardships and needs to start over. Nothing anyone looks forward to but it is even harder for a young girl. But this new start might be just what she needs because she would have never imagined that she is a witch. Witch craft in her mind was always something that people pretended existed. Nadine gets to start her new life by going to a witch and warlock college and just like every college you have your groups. Now where is she going to fit in.
Lucas met Nadine the day before school starts. Unlike Nadine, Lucas has known his whole life he would join the coven but his gift from the goddess is something he just recently received and is still getting used to. Will it be a gift or a curse?
Will Lucas be the distraction that makes Nadine feel more comfortable or will he be part of the group that makes her college life in a new town miserable. Alicia Rades does a great job by ensnaring you with her words and her characters are well developed and show deep emotion. Unlike anything I have ever read before she introduces true medical problems people are facing daily and gives website links to understand those illnesses and how to help.
April 2, 2024
Author: Alicia Rades
Genre: Fantasy Romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: the story began with Nades life before the coven, Alicia wrapped her story around Nades love so well I did wonder if I had grabbed a young teens story at first. But when it woven further into the story I really started getting into it.
The magic was slowly revealed and the drama was well placed. I loved how it had two narrarators for each chapter (although the male was pretty funny trying to do Nades sections of the story).
It was action packed and left you guessing as love bloomed, was lost then came back on the cards. Drama became darker with each ‘attack’ and the magic was really heating up the story drawing you in the more of the chapter you listened to.
I was meant to jump onto another book on my tbr pile but I have already bought book two 🤣
My fav character: it’s a very hard decision but I have a soft spot from grant he is such a giant goof ball and really very sweet. Lucas is just a confused teen and Nade is head strong but not really thinking things through meaning she gets into trouble a lot.
Her gang of friends are awesome and they all have their important role without n the story!
QoTD: did you have a book where you love all the characters for different personality characteristics? What were they?
#fantasy #aliciarades #aliciaradesbooks #aliciaradesauthor #thecovenssecret #author #magic @aliciarades
Genre: Fantasy Romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: the story began with Nades life before the coven, Alicia wrapped her story around Nades love so well I did wonder if I had grabbed a young teens story at first. But when it woven further into the story I really started getting into it.
The magic was slowly revealed and the drama was well placed. I loved how it had two narrarators for each chapter (although the male was pretty funny trying to do Nades sections of the story).
It was action packed and left you guessing as love bloomed, was lost then came back on the cards. Drama became darker with each ‘attack’ and the magic was really heating up the story drawing you in the more of the chapter you listened to.
I was meant to jump onto another book on my tbr pile but I have already bought book two 🤣
My fav character: it’s a very hard decision but I have a soft spot from grant he is such a giant goof ball and really very sweet. Lucas is just a confused teen and Nade is head strong but not really thinking things through meaning she gets into trouble a lot.
Her gang of friends are awesome and they all have their important role without n the story!
QoTD: did you have a book where you love all the characters for different personality characteristics? What were they?
#fantasy #aliciarades #aliciaradesbooks #aliciaradesauthor #thecovenssecret #author #magic @aliciarades
December 3, 2025
The Coven’s Secret (Hidden Legends: College of Witchcraft Book 1) ~~ I picked up this book thinking it would be just another magical academy story… and I was dead wrong. I was hooked from the first chapter. Nadine walks into this strange, hidden town thinking witches were nothing but bedtime stories ~ and then suddenly her entire world flips upside down. The magic, the academy, the coven politics… but the moment Lucas shows up? Game over. That man has brooding danger written all over him.
Their connection is instant but complicated. The chemistry crackles, even when neither one of them wants to admit it. And then comes the blow ~ Lucas isn’t just any warlock. He’s the Reaper’s Apprentice, cursed with death magic, and if Nadine falls for him she dies. Talk about emotional torture ~ I felt every heartbeat and every stolen moment between them.
Watching Nadine fight to discover her power while knowing Lucas is both the safest place she’s ever felt and also the most dangerous? Whew. That ending left me staring at my Kindle like… no way did they just do that to me. I devoured this book.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself ~ you won’t regret it.
Their connection is instant but complicated. The chemistry crackles, even when neither one of them wants to admit it. And then comes the blow ~ Lucas isn’t just any warlock. He’s the Reaper’s Apprentice, cursed with death magic, and if Nadine falls for him she dies. Talk about emotional torture ~ I felt every heartbeat and every stolen moment between them.
Watching Nadine fight to discover her power while knowing Lucas is both the safest place she’s ever felt and also the most dangerous? Whew. That ending left me staring at my Kindle like… no way did they just do that to me. I devoured this book.
I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself ~ you won’t regret it.
June 19, 2024
Character Tropes: The protagonist's constant emphasis on being different from "other girls" felt outdated. A character's individuality can shine through their actions and personality traits, rather than needing constant reminders. Similarly, the romantic progression relied heavily on physical attraction, potentially overshadowing a deeper emotional connection.
Pacing and Development: The sudden shift from intense lust to a grand declaration of love felt unearned and rushed. A more gradual exploration of emotions would have strengthened the impact of the relationship. The initial descriptions of certain characters like Nadine and the dynamic between Nadine and Lucas didn't fully align with how they were portrayed in the story.
Unexplored Potential: Characters like Chloe and the "mean 3" had the potential for more depth, particularly regarding their motivations. Similarly, the protagonist's friends could benefit from further development.
Writing Style: While writing style is subjective, some of the language choices might not resonate with all readers.
Overall, while the story had some interesting elements, these aspects hindered my overall enjoyment.
Pacing and Development: The sudden shift from intense lust to a grand declaration of love felt unearned and rushed. A more gradual exploration of emotions would have strengthened the impact of the relationship. The initial descriptions of certain characters like Nadine and the dynamic between Nadine and Lucas didn't fully align with how they were portrayed in the story.
Unexplored Potential: Characters like Chloe and the "mean 3" had the potential for more depth, particularly regarding their motivations. Similarly, the protagonist's friends could benefit from further development.
Writing Style: While writing style is subjective, some of the language choices might not resonate with all readers.
Overall, while the story had some interesting elements, these aspects hindered my overall enjoyment.
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