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The Crone Wars #2
A Gathering of Crones
She’s running out of time. And so is the world.
After learning on her sixtieth birthday that she’s one of five Crones destined to save the world, Claire Emerson has been desperately trying to acquire the lifetime of magic she missed out on. But the mages who are out to destroy everything she loves aren’t waiting, and when one of the other Crones ends up on Claire’s doorstep—wounded and unconscious—Claire knows she’s out of time.
Leaving the safety of her warded house, she goes in search of the remaining Crones… only to find them under siege by the mages and their nearly indestructible monster. And without control over her powerful elemental magic, she has no idea how to rescue them.
Can Claire harness her powers in time to help her fellow Crones defeat the mages—or will her efforts bring even greater disaster?
After learning on her sixtieth birthday that she’s one of five Crones destined to save the world, Claire Emerson has been desperately trying to acquire the lifetime of magic she missed out on. But the mages who are out to destroy everything she loves aren’t waiting, and when one of the other Crones ends up on Claire’s doorstep—wounded and unconscious—Claire knows she’s out of time.
Leaving the safety of her warded house, she goes in search of the remaining Crones… only to find them under siege by the mages and their nearly indestructible monster. And without control over her powerful elemental magic, she has no idea how to rescue them.
Can Claire harness her powers in time to help her fellow Crones defeat the mages—or will her efforts bring even greater disaster?
ebook
First published January 18, 2022
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About the author
Lydia M. Hawke
14 books99 followersPen name for author: Linda Poitevin
Lydia M. Hawke is a writer possessed of both a light side and a dark one. On the dark side, she’s the author of the Grigori Legacy, an apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a hard-as-nails cop caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. In her lighter moments, she writes romances (contemporary and suspense) as Linda Poitevin. And when she’s not plotting the world’s downfall or next great love story, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, walker of a Giant Dog, keeper of many pets, and an avid food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens)
Lydia M. Hawke is a writer possessed of both a light side and a dark one. On the dark side, she’s the author of the Grigori Legacy, an apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a hard-as-nails cop caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. In her lighter moments, she writes romances (contemporary and suspense) as Linda Poitevin. And when she’s not plotting the world’s downfall or next great love story, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, walker of a Giant Dog, keeper of many pets, and an avid food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 18, 2022
(3.5 Stars)
"A Gathering of Crones" is an interesting follow up to the first book in this series. This time Claire is living full time at the house in the woods and her son is convinced that something is seriously wrong with her. As she begins to come to grips with her predicament, a new Crone, Lady Anne arrives with her guardian, Bedivere. Anne is injured and Bedivere takes an instantaneous disliking to Claire. To make matters worse, Keven and Lucan seem to be distancing themselves from Claire as well.
As the crows begin to gather once again and the promise of trouble is thick in the air, it is decided that Lucan needs to go look for and retrieve other Crone. While he is away, Kate comes to visit and advises Claire that the only true way to protect her family is to bring them to the house in the woods. They restore some of her son's and her daughter-in-law's memories and the tension builds.
While preparing for training, Claire discovers that she can travel the leylines on the property and she discovers Alysabeth, a dying Crone. Claire is desperate to locate Locan and assist Alysabeth before she dies. Of course Bedivere is none too happy with Claire's revelations nor does he believe her. However, Claire risks herself once again to locate the other Crone and provide assistance to Alysabeth.
There is treachery and deceit at every turn. The only problem is that Claire is unsure where it is truly coming from. If she doesn't figure it out soon, everything she has worked so hard to accomplish she may lose.
I have to be honest, while I enjoyed this risk, I did grow weary of Claire's self pitying attitude at times. However, I did love the way she finally puts her son in his place. The next installment promises to be significant and the cliffhanger ending definitely makes you want to know more. I am really looking forward to the next installment.
"A Gathering of Crones" is an interesting follow up to the first book in this series. This time Claire is living full time at the house in the woods and her son is convinced that something is seriously wrong with her. As she begins to come to grips with her predicament, a new Crone, Lady Anne arrives with her guardian, Bedivere. Anne is injured and Bedivere takes an instantaneous disliking to Claire. To make matters worse, Keven and Lucan seem to be distancing themselves from Claire as well.
As the crows begin to gather once again and the promise of trouble is thick in the air, it is decided that Lucan needs to go look for and retrieve other Crone. While he is away, Kate comes to visit and advises Claire that the only true way to protect her family is to bring them to the house in the woods. They restore some of her son's and her daughter-in-law's memories and the tension builds.
While preparing for training, Claire discovers that she can travel the leylines on the property and she discovers Alysabeth, a dying Crone. Claire is desperate to locate Locan and assist Alysabeth before she dies. Of course Bedivere is none too happy with Claire's revelations nor does he believe her. However, Claire risks herself once again to locate the other Crone and provide assistance to Alysabeth.
There is treachery and deceit at every turn. The only problem is that Claire is unsure where it is truly coming from. If she doesn't figure it out soon, everything she has worked so hard to accomplish she may lose.
I have to be honest, while I enjoyed this risk, I did grow weary of Claire's self pitying attitude at times. However, I did love the way she finally puts her son in his place. The next installment promises to be significant and the cliffhanger ending definitely makes you want to know more. I am really looking forward to the next installment.
February 27, 2022
I found the first half of the book a little slow.
Claire's handwringing and 'whining' seem self-centred and unlikeable if taken at face-value. But then I asked myself how anyone would react in Claire's situation and the answer I think is much alike or even much worse than her.
Claire is at times perhaps unlikeable, but she is relatable exactly because when she is chosen as a Crone, she doesn't take to her new role as a fish to water and manage to do everything she is supposed to do like a HBIC as many fantasy protagonists do. Mary Sue Claire Emerson definitely isn't. She struggles with physical, magickal, emotional, moral, and ethical aspects of her new life and that makes it all the more realistic.
(Even though, I maintain that realistic-ness isn't a condition in fiction, or is only as much as it needs to be in-universe of the specific fictional work.)
Halfway in, the pace picks up and sweeps the reader into a current of action, ending in a twist I didn't see coming.
Needless to say, I one-click pre-ordered book 3 (while snickering at "Game of Crones".)
Claire's handwringing and 'whining' seem self-centred and unlikeable if taken at face-value. But then I asked myself how anyone would react in Claire's situation and the answer I think is much alike or even much worse than her.
Claire is at times perhaps unlikeable, but she is relatable exactly because when she is chosen as a Crone, she doesn't take to her new role as a fish to water and manage to do everything she is supposed to do like a HBIC as many fantasy protagonists do. Mary Sue Claire Emerson definitely isn't. She struggles with physical, magickal, emotional, moral, and ethical aspects of her new life and that makes it all the more realistic.
(Even though, I maintain that realistic-ness isn't a condition in fiction, or is only as much as it needs to be in-universe of the specific fictional work.)
Halfway in, the pace picks up and sweeps the reader into a current of action, ending in a twist I didn't see coming.
Needless to say, I one-click pre-ordered book 3 (while snickering at "Game of Crones".)
January 9, 2022
Despite an exceeding amount of hand-wringing and woe-is-me from Claire, and a frustrating cliffhanger ending, I really enjoyed this book. It starts a little slow but picks up pace very quickly and races at top speed from there to the end. I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down, and I enjoyed all the new characters. Looking forward to the final chapter in the series!
January 11, 2022
I very much enjoyed the first book in the series and eagerly awaited the sequel – and it did not disappoint. In the six weeks since the end of the first book, Claire has been trying to learn to control her magic and to read the grimoire – without success. Her son thinks she is either physically or mentally ill. She is frustrated and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being the fifth Crone – and the situation only gets worse when a wounded Crone and her protector appear at the house seeking help. The other three Crones are missing after an attack by the forces of evil.
The confirmation that there is an Earth Crone has earth-shattering consequences for Claire – Keven, her gargoyle servant and Lucan, her protector are bound to the Earth Crone – not to her. She now feels more lost and uncertain than ever, especially when the efforts of Anne, the wounded Crone, to help her with her magic come to naught.
Lucan leaves to search for the Earth Crone and in desperation Claire tries to follow him. She locates the Crone and manages to find Lucan and the two remaining Crones, but only at a cost to herself. Then Morok’s forces go on the offensive, and nowhere seems safe.
I truly enjoy these books. I empathize with Claire in her insecurity and her struggles. I’m enjoying the character development, especially of Natalie, Claire’s daughter in law. I love the solidarity of the women (Natalie and Claire, Anne and Claire, and, later in the book, the generations of witches who came before). Some of the lines speak so pointedly of society’s view of the role of older women, such as when Claire talks of how “the woman he [her son] wanted her to be” didn’t swear and later: “All the ‘women of a certain age’ who did their part to hold together the very fabric of the same society that wanted nothing more to do with them, that wanted them to go away and be quiet and behave.”
Claire, however, in spite of her losses, her fears and her insecurities, doesn’t go away, be quiet, behave or give up. She keeps on learning, keeps on pushing, and keeps on fighting. I can’t wait to see where she goes and what she does in book three. Thanks, Lydia, for giving us this unique, imperfect and inspiring heroine!
The confirmation that there is an Earth Crone has earth-shattering consequences for Claire – Keven, her gargoyle servant and Lucan, her protector are bound to the Earth Crone – not to her. She now feels more lost and uncertain than ever, especially when the efforts of Anne, the wounded Crone, to help her with her magic come to naught.
Lucan leaves to search for the Earth Crone and in desperation Claire tries to follow him. She locates the Crone and manages to find Lucan and the two remaining Crones, but only at a cost to herself. Then Morok’s forces go on the offensive, and nowhere seems safe.
I truly enjoy these books. I empathize with Claire in her insecurity and her struggles. I’m enjoying the character development, especially of Natalie, Claire’s daughter in law. I love the solidarity of the women (Natalie and Claire, Anne and Claire, and, later in the book, the generations of witches who came before). Some of the lines speak so pointedly of society’s view of the role of older women, such as when Claire talks of how “the woman he [her son] wanted her to be” didn’t swear and later: “All the ‘women of a certain age’ who did their part to hold together the very fabric of the same society that wanted nothing more to do with them, that wanted them to go away and be quiet and behave.”
Claire, however, in spite of her losses, her fears and her insecurities, doesn’t go away, be quiet, behave or give up. She keeps on learning, keeps on pushing, and keeps on fighting. I can’t wait to see where she goes and what she does in book three. Thanks, Lydia, for giving us this unique, imperfect and inspiring heroine!
January 2, 2023
Review originally posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty: https://www.literaryfeline.com/2022/1...
Claire's efforts to master her magic have been difficult at best. She has a lifetime of magic to catch up on, having not known she was only a witch, a Crone in fact, before her sixtieth birthday. And now the fate of the world rests on hers and the other Crones' shoulders. When one of the Crones shows up unconscious on her doorstep along with her surly shapeshifting protector, Claire knows the short peace they have had is over. The new Crone's presence brings out just how out of place Claire feels. She's insecure as it is about her position among the Crones and cannot help but doubt herself. But it may be she is the only hope in bringing the Crones together so they can fight Morok and his followers.
It's getting harder for Claire to keep her magic a secret from her son and his family, but her son does not make it easy for her. I could not help but see real life parallels in Claire's struggle with her son, that of the relationship between an aging parent and an adult child. In Claire's case, she is still very much an independent woman capable of making her own choices--and taking care of herself--but her son tries to take on a more parental role, concerned about his mother's health, questioning her life choices, and trying to control her life. It's very much like his father did to his mom during his parents' marriage and Claire finds herself resenting that fact even more. She loves her son, his wife and her grandson and does not want to ruin their relationship, but balancing both her worlds is proving to be a real challenge for her.
Natalie, Claire's daughter-in-law, becomes one of my favorite characters in this book even as my opinion of Claire's son wasn't very high. Lucan is as sexy and sweet as ever. Keven remains a favorite.
Claire goes through quite a bit in A Gathering of Crones, much of which I don't want to go into here or else risk spoilers. What I will share is how low her situation gets--the isolation, threat of losing her magic, and the self-doubt. I continue to love the world building in this series. The reader gets to learn more about the other Crones, each with their own specialty of elemental magic. The cliffhanger was maddening, but luckily I had the next book in my queue to read.
Claire's efforts to master her magic have been difficult at best. She has a lifetime of magic to catch up on, having not known she was only a witch, a Crone in fact, before her sixtieth birthday. And now the fate of the world rests on hers and the other Crones' shoulders. When one of the Crones shows up unconscious on her doorstep along with her surly shapeshifting protector, Claire knows the short peace they have had is over. The new Crone's presence brings out just how out of place Claire feels. She's insecure as it is about her position among the Crones and cannot help but doubt herself. But it may be she is the only hope in bringing the Crones together so they can fight Morok and his followers.
It's getting harder for Claire to keep her magic a secret from her son and his family, but her son does not make it easy for her. I could not help but see real life parallels in Claire's struggle with her son, that of the relationship between an aging parent and an adult child. In Claire's case, she is still very much an independent woman capable of making her own choices--and taking care of herself--but her son tries to take on a more parental role, concerned about his mother's health, questioning her life choices, and trying to control her life. It's very much like his father did to his mom during his parents' marriage and Claire finds herself resenting that fact even more. She loves her son, his wife and her grandson and does not want to ruin their relationship, but balancing both her worlds is proving to be a real challenge for her.
Natalie, Claire's daughter-in-law, becomes one of my favorite characters in this book even as my opinion of Claire's son wasn't very high. Lucan is as sexy and sweet as ever. Keven remains a favorite.
Claire goes through quite a bit in A Gathering of Crones, much of which I don't want to go into here or else risk spoilers. What I will share is how low her situation gets--the isolation, threat of losing her magic, and the self-doubt. I continue to love the world building in this series. The reader gets to learn more about the other Crones, each with their own specialty of elemental magic. The cliffhanger was maddening, but luckily I had the next book in my queue to read.
August 31, 2023
This was a fun adventure, following Claire in this second book after she finds out she's a Crone: a 60 yo woman who will save the world. Yep, The One with an older MC, which is so cute and refreshing.
It's hard to write a review for a book 2 without giving spoilers but I'll give it a go.
First what I loved.
This is a well-written urban fantasy adventure that will have you turning the pages before you know it. It's fast-paced and I finished it in 3 days when I usually take a month between books (life, you know). It's also 250 pages, so there's that.
Claire, the FMC, is quite relatable with her flaws and insecurities (up to a point, see below). And dare I say I have a crush on Lucan? Yum, yes! The magic is okay and the plot is not complicated so it's quite easy to follow.
Now, I'm a picky reader so there are things that don't quite hit with me, but please note this is a subjective thing. What might be upsetting or annoying to me might be something someone else loves, who knows. It was a bit annoying to see her flaws and insecurities running through the book almost up till the end (possibly still, I'm not sure I saw a definitive answer on her issues because she seemed to break through just for the next paragraph to return to her insecure self). I kept expecting her to do this breakthrough and have this awesome climax which never came because, cliffhanger. Not a huge fan of cliffhangers where the main issue hasn't been resolved. Luckily I already have book 3 since I bought both 2 & 3 thanks to a sale when Book 5 was released, so yes, I'll read the next one though not yet.
There were a couple of other things that upset me but those were even more subjective so I'll keep my peace. After all, I did enjoy it and read it quite fast for my usual, so there's that.
Oh yes, that Lucan and Kelven attitude at the start? Didn't feel quite right after the explanation. Sure, understandable somehow, but I feel it was a bit too much (this is a sentiment I felt while reading all chapters).
Still, I'll recommend this book but get Book 1 first if you haven't done so!
It's hard to write a review for a book 2 without giving spoilers but I'll give it a go.
First what I loved.
This is a well-written urban fantasy adventure that will have you turning the pages before you know it. It's fast-paced and I finished it in 3 days when I usually take a month between books (life, you know). It's also 250 pages, so there's that.
Claire, the FMC, is quite relatable with her flaws and insecurities (up to a point, see below). And dare I say I have a crush on Lucan? Yum, yes! The magic is okay and the plot is not complicated so it's quite easy to follow.
Now, I'm a picky reader so there are things that don't quite hit with me, but please note this is a subjective thing. What might be upsetting or annoying to me might be something someone else loves, who knows. It was a bit annoying to see her flaws and insecurities running through the book almost up till the end (possibly still, I'm not sure I saw a definitive answer on her issues because she seemed to break through just for the next paragraph to return to her insecure self). I kept expecting her to do this breakthrough and have this awesome climax which never came because, cliffhanger. Not a huge fan of cliffhangers where the main issue hasn't been resolved. Luckily I already have book 3 since I bought both 2 & 3 thanks to a sale when Book 5 was released, so yes, I'll read the next one though not yet.
There were a couple of other things that upset me but those were even more subjective so I'll keep my peace. After all, I did enjoy it and read it quite fast for my usual, so there's that.
Oh yes, that Lucan and Kelven attitude at the start? Didn't feel quite right after the explanation. Sure, understandable somehow, but I feel it was a bit too much (this is a sentiment I felt while reading all chapters).
Still, I'll recommend this book but get Book 1 first if you haven't done so!
January 16, 2022
Great Part Two
Wow what a ride. The first book introduced us to the main character who just turned 60 and found out she was a witch. This one introduces us more to the reason for the Crones, and the threat that the Crones are fighting against. Complete with monsters, and magical combats, the four Crones, plus one, need to gather and defeat their nemesis before he kills them, and steals their pendants. And takes over the world.
The characters in this are what really make this book work, but the action takes you on a ride that makes you pause after you’ve read it to take a breath as you assimilate all that happened. I was drawn in in such a way that my normal world is on hold as I take a trip into Confluence.
As someone who is close to 60 myself, I like a character that has flaws, but also is able to still make a difference. Claire is a woman who has gone through the housewife and mother phase, and understands her commitments as a Mom and Grandmother; but also has to find her own self, and her sense of purpose. I also enjoy the magical world this author has created, and the way she weaves some Arthurian lore with her own creatures and background story. In addition, the emotional reveals of the character, caused me to have a few tears in my eyes as I empathized with the things she went through with her housemates.
Though this story is part of a series, the author does a wonderful job of bringing you up to speed so if you started with just this book, you would not be lost; but I do recommend that you begin with the first one, and then read this one. The third in this series is due out in August 2022, and I can tell you right now, I am very excited to read it. If it is like this one, I know I will be in for a treat. Highly recommend this book and this series.
Wow what a ride. The first book introduced us to the main character who just turned 60 and found out she was a witch. This one introduces us more to the reason for the Crones, and the threat that the Crones are fighting against. Complete with monsters, and magical combats, the four Crones, plus one, need to gather and defeat their nemesis before he kills them, and steals their pendants. And takes over the world.
The characters in this are what really make this book work, but the action takes you on a ride that makes you pause after you’ve read it to take a breath as you assimilate all that happened. I was drawn in in such a way that my normal world is on hold as I take a trip into Confluence.
As someone who is close to 60 myself, I like a character that has flaws, but also is able to still make a difference. Claire is a woman who has gone through the housewife and mother phase, and understands her commitments as a Mom and Grandmother; but also has to find her own self, and her sense of purpose. I also enjoy the magical world this author has created, and the way she weaves some Arthurian lore with her own creatures and background story. In addition, the emotional reveals of the character, caused me to have a few tears in my eyes as I empathized with the things she went through with her housemates.
Though this story is part of a series, the author does a wonderful job of bringing you up to speed so if you started with just this book, you would not be lost; but I do recommend that you begin with the first one, and then read this one. The third in this series is due out in August 2022, and I can tell you right now, I am very excited to read it. If it is like this one, I know I will be in for a treat. Highly recommend this book and this series.
August 19, 2023
Our story picks up six weeks after the events from book one ended and Claire is on a journey to learn as much magic as she can before the mages come back. Her son thinks she is either physically or mentally ill (after having his memories of the events of the last book wiped).
Lady Anne, a new Crone, arrives with her guardian, Bedivere. Anne is injured and Bedivere dislikes and distrusts Claire instantaneously. The other three Crones are missing after an attack one the house of the water witch by the forces of evil. Keven and Lucan begin to distance themselves from Claire as well, now that it's become clear that Claire is not their Crone to guard. So much happens in this book, that would be spoilers.
The author takes us on another thrilling magical adventure. I love the characters, even more in this one, as we get to know them all a little more. Merlin aka Mergus is maybe my favorite character. Who doesn't live a cat familiar. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Lady Anne, a new Crone, arrives with her guardian, Bedivere. Anne is injured and Bedivere dislikes and distrusts Claire instantaneously. The other three Crones are missing after an attack one the house of the water witch by the forces of evil. Keven and Lucan begin to distance themselves from Claire as well, now that it's become clear that Claire is not their Crone to guard. So much happens in this book, that would be spoilers.
The author takes us on another thrilling magical adventure. I love the characters, even more in this one, as we get to know them all a little more. Merlin aka Mergus is maybe my favorite character. Who doesn't live a cat familiar. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 5, 2025
Claire has discovered that she is actually the fifth crone which means that Lucan is not her protector nor is Keven her gargoyle. She is also having major problems figuring out her magic.
While she can’t figure out why her two companions are basically ignoring her things start to change when the Water Crone, Anne shows up injured and unconscious after a battle with mages. Bedivere, Anne’s protector doesn’t believe or trust Claire.
Realizing that the battle is coming Lucan travels the ley lines to find the other crones, after he doesn’t come back, Claire goes after him.
This book has action, surprises, suspense, a bit of mystery and humour.
Claire is trying to overcome a lifetime of being passive but she has to be more forceful. You figure at the age of 60, there’s not a lot of growing and changing that you should do but this book is shows that things are always possible.
This is a fairly easy book to read with some different happenings than the ususal.
I’m enjoying it.
While she can’t figure out why her two companions are basically ignoring her things start to change when the Water Crone, Anne shows up injured and unconscious after a battle with mages. Bedivere, Anne’s protector doesn’t believe or trust Claire.
Realizing that the battle is coming Lucan travels the ley lines to find the other crones, after he doesn’t come back, Claire goes after him.
This book has action, surprises, suspense, a bit of mystery and humour.
Claire is trying to overcome a lifetime of being passive but she has to be more forceful. You figure at the age of 60, there’s not a lot of growing and changing that you should do but this book is shows that things are always possible.
This is a fairly easy book to read with some different happenings than the ususal.
I’m enjoying it.
November 28, 2025
So good!
The Crone tales are such a blast! I recommend them to anyone who enjoys fantasy, not just crones.
Claire is fantastic. The vulnerable evolution of her being is so realistic and relatable. She feels like an old friend.
I did spend a good portion of the book being confused and frustrated by how very much Lucan and Keven abandoned her. The reason given did not make any sense, and I'm hoping for more answers in the next book.
Still, this series is my new favorite, unless Claire doesn't get some serious gratification!
Well written, narration is spot on (though quiet and subtle as appropriate, it becomes inaudible when listening at a comfortable level), and totally engaging.
The Crone tales are such a blast! I recommend them to anyone who enjoys fantasy, not just crones.
Claire is fantastic. The vulnerable evolution of her being is so realistic and relatable. She feels like an old friend.
I did spend a good portion of the book being confused and frustrated by how very much Lucan and Keven abandoned her. The reason given did not make any sense, and I'm hoping for more answers in the next book.
Still, this series is my new favorite, unless Claire doesn't get some serious gratification!
Well written, narration is spot on (though quiet and subtle as appropriate, it becomes inaudible when listening at a comfortable level), and totally engaging.
January 27, 2022
A Good Bridge
While I find myself getting as frustrated as Claire with her lack of progress in accessing or controlling her powers in this book, I'm hanging on. This second installment in her story is a good bridge between Claire discovering what she is in the first book and what comes next. The ongoing tension with her son comes to a head, at times funny, frustrating, and sad. After a major betrayal, Claire and the reader are left on a precipice, wondering what the heck she is going to do now. Can't wait to find out in the next installment.
While I find myself getting as frustrated as Claire with her lack of progress in accessing or controlling her powers in this book, I'm hanging on. This second installment in her story is a good bridge between Claire discovering what she is in the first book and what comes next. The ongoing tension with her son comes to a head, at times funny, frustrating, and sad. After a major betrayal, Claire and the reader are left on a precipice, wondering what the heck she is going to do now. Can't wait to find out in the next installment.
January 19, 2023
I love the idea of this series - a woman discovers she has magical powers/is chosen to save the world on her sixtieth birthday. However, I'm finding the execution to be a little disappointing. The main character has now spent two books mired in doubt and self pity about not being able to correctly access her magic, and it just feels very repetitive (and annoying). This felt very middle-book: not a lot happens for the first half, and then suddenly there's a huge cliff hanger at the end. I'll probably finish this series, but I'm going to be annoyed about it.
September 12, 2023
Claire's life has taken another turn. Since they found out she was the fifth Crone and not the Earth Crone, Lucan and Keven have been treating her differently. Claire feels very alone. When the Water Crone arrives, wounded, with her protector, Bedivere, he doesn't trust Claire and doesn't believe in the fifth Crone. Lucan leaves to try to find the Air and Fire Crones who were with the Water Crone when she was attacked. Claire's loneliness grows and unfortunately there is no where else for her to go.
January 9, 2022
Claire...by times I love you and totally relate as I turn 60 this year. There were moments of suck it up princess, stop your whining! What a page turner! And I realize now how the flow of the story was important to bring us to the intense, what the heck ending! Ms Hawke, I certainly hope the wait will not be too long for the next book! (I know, I KNOW, this one isn't even officially released yet!)
January 19, 2022
OMGosh I love Claire. Despite the fact, her life is soooooo nerve-wracking. A brilliant follow-up to the first Crone book, this doesn't disappoint.
The characters are full of life and just jump off the page at you. I really escape when I'm reading Lydia's books, and time just flies.
Unfortunately, I can read her books all in one sitting and now I've gotta wait months for the next one!
If you love magic and things outside the ordinary you will not want to miss this book!
The characters are full of life and just jump off the page at you. I really escape when I'm reading Lydia's books, and time just flies.
Unfortunately, I can read her books all in one sitting and now I've gotta wait months for the next one!
If you love magic and things outside the ordinary you will not want to miss this book!
January 21, 2022
I was in love with this series after reading Becoming Crone (The Crone Wars Book 1). Lydia did not disappoint with A Gathering of Crones (The Crone Wars Book2)! The adventure continues for Claire in the next installment. She has to contend with her decisions from the first book. Things are going sideways and Claire has to find the help she needs to make things right.
This is a great read and a great series. Two thumbs up from me!
This is a great read and a great series. Two thumbs up from me!
February 16, 2022
Brilliant. Even better than the first
It's a good thing I waited to read this because I couldn't stop till I'd finished. This book really delivered the nuanced excitement I'd expected.
Travelling with Claire through her self doubt, her rejection by others and her determination to do what she knows is right despite her fears is riveting.
Claire is the witch each of us Crones wants to be.
It's a good thing I waited to read this because I couldn't stop till I'd finished. This book really delivered the nuanced excitement I'd expected.
Travelling with Claire through her self doubt, her rejection by others and her determination to do what she knows is right despite her fears is riveting.
Claire is the witch each of us Crones wants to be.
March 28, 2022
This is the second book in this series about a 60 year old woman learning she is not just a witch but a crone. Unfortunately, she is late to learning witchcraft and struggles with developing skills. Her personality issues seem more pronounced in this book. Everyone walks over her and it gets frustrating to the reader. Women are often underestimated and Claire has an opportunity to grow in her power and relationships.
November 21, 2022
Not my usual genre, but enjoyable nonetheless! It was nice to read some fantasy fic where the protagonist isn't a young, sexy insert-animal-or-creature-here. Using the archetype of the crone really jazzes things up. Some narrative surprises here, as well. I felt that Claire's character arc was pretty much a retread of the first book, unfortunately - would have liked to have seen her grow into her role a bit more.
September 30, 2023
Not as good as the first book. I still enjoyed it though. Claire is a tad too whiny and not confident in the beginning of the book - which I found annoying until I realized my inner monologue is the same 😂.
Second half of the book was much much better. And the ending! 😳 where will this series go from here?
I wound love to find out, but I however did not love this enough to buy the next book on audible so I will have to wait until it comes on Scribd.
Second half of the book was much much better. And the ending! 😳 where will this series go from here?
I wound love to find out, but I however did not love this enough to buy the next book on audible so I will have to wait until it comes on Scribd.
May 16, 2024
Great Series
All 5 Crones must come together to defeat their enemy, or the very Earth itself will be destroyed. Claire and her protector must find the other Crones. But still, Claire, the most powerful Crone, does not know how to control her powers. And the other Crones and their protectors do not believe in her. Again Claire feels alone, but she must step up if the battle is to be won. I felt so sorry for Claire. She deserves so much more that what her supposed allies and family are giving her.
All 5 Crones must come together to defeat their enemy, or the very Earth itself will be destroyed. Claire and her protector must find the other Crones. But still, Claire, the most powerful Crone, does not know how to control her powers. And the other Crones and their protectors do not believe in her. Again Claire feels alone, but she must step up if the battle is to be won. I felt so sorry for Claire. She deserves so much more that what her supposed allies and family are giving her.
Read
January 18, 2022I have been anxiously awaiting this new book in the series. It did not disappoint. I so enjoy Claire, I certainly can relate to her. She does a lot of processing in her head, hearing the voices of her ancestors, friends, and outdated versions of herself. The story line was a little slow to begin with but gained momentum quickly and then I couldn't stop reading until the end. Bring on #3!
February 15, 2022
you can read the summary for yourself..if you enjoyed the first book, you will like this one. Although I do agree with some other reviewers that claire needs to stop whining a bit. But its a quick read...brings you to the next section of the story and leaves you with a good cliffhanger. now I have to wait until August for the final installment!!!
May 25, 2023
I just hate the shade and silent treatment Claire gets throughout this book. She has a pendant and these ancient beings are so set in their ways, they have no sympathy or understanding for someone who dabbled then through a gift of love form a child was forced to make a decision to save the world for an evil sorcerer. Lost a star for that!
July 20, 2023
Truly engaging.
This story was excellent. I found the flow to be fast paced. But clear in it's direction. I think that the story of a fifth crone is a good story idea. The fact that there has never been a fifth crone before allows for a lot creative stage setting. I am looking forward to the next book.
This story was excellent. I found the flow to be fast paced. But clear in it's direction. I think that the story of a fifth crone is a good story idea. The fact that there has never been a fifth crone before allows for a lot creative stage setting. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 4, 2024
It did not work as well as the first one. But I still love that this exists. I agree with another reviewer who said sometimes it felt like being sixty was Claire's whole personality. I personally didn't love so many references to hormones.
I just love the idea that Crone is a title and one that carries power.
I just love the idea that Crone is a title and one that carries power.
March 31, 2024
Claire is not always likeable with her woe-is-me attitude, however, it is realistic because of her personality and the challenges she suddenly has to face. The way everyone treats her is also questionable, and you can’t help but hope she’ll soon stands up for herself.
Her obsession with Lucan is a bit much. I get it, she was attracted to him right from the start, but lady, damn….
Her obsession with Lucan is a bit much. I get it, she was attracted to him right from the start, but lady, damn….
April 10, 2024
Excellent series
This is the second book of the series. I haven't reviewed the first book yet, because it was so exciting that I wanted to dive right into this one. It did not disappoint. In fact, it was better than I imagined. Excuse me, but there's a third book out there, and it's calling me. See you there!
This is the second book of the series. I haven't reviewed the first book yet, because it was so exciting that I wanted to dive right into this one. It did not disappoint. In fact, it was better than I imagined. Excuse me, but there's a third book out there, and it's calling me. See you there!
Read
August 26, 2025Well the surprises keep coming.
I read this in two days even with a busy life because I need Claire to get the win. The cliff hanger has me thinking I may need a few vacation days to finish the series. I feel her pain, discomfort, insecurities and a lifetime rethinking every decision...and then she slammed her hands on the table!
I read this in two days even with a busy life because I need Claire to get the win. The cliff hanger has me thinking I may need a few vacation days to finish the series. I feel her pain, discomfort, insecurities and a lifetime rethinking every decision...and then she slammed her hands on the table!
January 12, 2022
Lydia did not disappoint with her latest installment of the Crone Wars. It is a page turner and I didn't want to put it down. A definite nail biter that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I'm already anticipating the next installment in Claire's adventures!
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