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Forbidden fruit is sweet until you’ve taken a bite.

Being the dud in my coven wasn’t a bad thing—until they decided to reevaluate our contributions. Without magic, I wielded a resting witch face and a smart mouth, but neither will save me on the next full moon. Having the last name Byrne could only get me so far.

I was doomed.

In my panic, I broke into the coven’s library, hoping to find a simple spell any idiot could do. Instead, I blew up half the building, destroyed the majority of the ancient texts, and ended up half naked in the office of the high priest.

I thought that was bad.

My stupidity unlocked the seals blocking my magic, and now I’m being hunted by every jerk in the supernatural world. With a price on my head, there’s only one option left if I am to survive:

Learn everything I can from the cursed book that caused my downfall.

Learn... or die trying.

My name is Hazel Byrne.
I am a witch.
And I’m totally screwed.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2021

853 people are currently reading
578 people want to read

About the author

Maya Daniels

81 books297 followers
USA Today Bestselling and multi award-winning fiction author, Maya Daniels shares her skillful and creative storytelling with audiences from around the world. Semiramis is her first published trilogy. Marrying her investigative journalism skills with her knowledge and passion of the esoteric, she spins compelling stories of magic, truth, romance, and adventure. She lives with her magick sprinkled familiar, a cat named Odyssey, in Southern California. When not reading all about the arcane, eating chocolate, or writing her next novel, she is busy with her Reiki healing practice.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie Rizk.
488 reviews10 followers
August 30, 2021
Hazel, the granddaughter of the head of the witch coven, is a magical dud. When her grandmother's rivals threaten to test her coven to ensure all witches meet minimum standards, Hazel and her best friend dig through the library to find some way for Hazel to avoid expulsion. Unfortunately, they find themselves with too much power, and with secrets unburied.

At first, I liked Hazel's snappy tough attitude, but it quickly turned into an over prickly cover for an immature tough teen. She's supposed to be 26, but Hazel and her friend kept acting like teens around a hot guy, like it was their first time interacting with one. Hazel's overall immature attitude kept ruining the book for me. I'd expect such reckless immaturity from a teen. I just couldn't reconcile Hazel's supposed age with her actions.

My next complaint is that it took until about 75% into the book for Hazel to acquire her magical abilities. Since it was mentioned in the book blurb, I assumed that would play a prominent role much earlier in the book. I kept waiting and waiting for it to happen, skimming past all the cheap immature jokes and curse words and tough acts... It just wasn't worth the wait for me.
Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,066 reviews17 followers
June 1, 2021
Hazel is a witch in a coven who has no powers. But she did learn to be the best fighter all around and never let them forget it. Her grandmother rules the coven with an iron hand. When three demons appear out of the blue in one week, Hazel and her best friend know something is wrong~ A new member has also joined her coven, River is his name and he has an effect on her like no one else. He is drawn to her, protective of her. Hazel hears a conversation about herself she is scared to admit to. She goes through a series of events that will make her able to destroy things and put a price on her head! Now, she will have to go into hiding not quite understanding what is happening to her….and she is with shifters! This is just the beginning of the journey…what will happen next?
Profile Image for Rowan Creech.
1,519 reviews14 followers
June 4, 2021
I love books about vampires, witches, and ghosts, and with this book being written by Maya Daniels and about witches I knew I was going to love it. It was a fabulous book and so funny. Maya Daniels just has this knack for writing her characters so you fall instantly in love with them as a reader and mix in an absolutely great story and you have non-stop entertainment. I recommend this book highly.
Profile Image for Rosalind Bath.
615 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It promises to be a great series. You will totally love Hazel. The banter with her bestie, will have you laughing out loud and then crying with all the feels.
Hazel, is a witch without any power.. Or has she? She finds out the depth of the love that her mother and grandmother have for her and the lengths they went through and the promises made , to protect her. Events take place that leave Hazel in the protection of the Shifters, where she hopes to learn control and her 3 protectors, find out more what's going on with Hazel and the power plays in their world.
As always with this author, you are drawn into a world that captures you, with amazing characters and story line. It's just brilliant!
Profile Image for Aarann.
988 reviews82 followers
January 31, 2025
So there were parts of this book I enjoyed (super-strong girl friendships and underdog heroine who still manages to be snarky and fun) and parts that made me wonder if this was really badly edited or actually written by AI. I hate that we live in a time where I have to wonder that because a few years ago, I would have just chalked it up to bad editing. Also, it took a long while to get going and I put it down several times.

The love interest was intriguing, and I enjoyed the complicated grandmother relationship -- and of course the awesome relationship with the bestie, Sissy -- but I dunno about continuing. I can live with bad editing, but there were responses that didn't fit with what had previously been said, especially toward the latter half of the book and I couldn't tell if the author had tried to re-piece together scenes while editing, but had gotten distracted... or the dreaded AI.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,188 reviews119 followers
July 18, 2023
RESTING WITCH FACE is the first book in the Journals of Forbidden Witchery series and we start a whole new urban fantasy. Hazel is our main character, a witch with no powers, otherwise known as a dud. This doesn't mean she's weak though. She's trained herself, and the enforcers in her coven, and can fight demons without powers. But when her grandmother (who coincidentally runs the coven) starts hiding her from view, Hazel sniffs out a secret. With her best friend Sissily, she needs to figure out what's going on before she is cast out for good.

This was a fantastic start to the series! Hazel is a smart-alec, with a sassy attitude, a short temper, and is fuelled by coffee. There is lots to like about her, especially her grumpiness which hides a lot of things. Sissily is a good friend, who has been there for her throughout but falters a bit at the end. I wasn't too keen on that so I'm hoping she pulls it together. And what would a Maya Daniels book be without a buff hero to fall back on?! River comes with his own secrets and I look forward to learning more about him.

I thought the pacing was perfect in this book. It was fast and full of action but without being frantic. It gave me time to enjoy the story, to immerse myself in it, enjoy Hazel's past, and wonder about her future. Alex and Amber are fantastic supporting characters, and I can't wait to learn more about Shadowborn as I'm sure he's dodgy. No reason, just because! 😉

With secrets aplenty, this is a brilliant start to a series I can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 4, 2021
1,142 reviews18 followers
February 27, 2025
Where has thinks book been till now? I loved it!!!!!!!!

Hazel and Sassy are brilliant together, best friends since they met when they were four years old together they could start WW3 apart too if someone tried to separate them. Hazel is a witch who has no magic ......... Sucks to be her, her grandmother just happens to be the strongest witch in the coven (maybe all the covens) and is in charge, which just makes it worse. Sassy she is also one of the strongest witches in the coven, so you would expect there to be an imbalance of.power between them all (given Hazel's lack of magic) but not so, Hazel have fought hard and made a place for herself within the coven as she has worked hard to become a master in hand to hand combat and also with weapons, she's so good no one in the coven can beat her and now Hazel has the responsibility of training all the other witches. Being such a good fighter doesn't earn her any respect though, the rest of the coven still see her as a freak.........apart from Sassy. Things change however when a meeting is called and Hazel's grandmother cannot protect her from it..........all members of the coven MUST attend and show their skill with magic.......now Hazel has only a few days before she will be tested and thrown out of the coven ......... Forced to live among the humans............at the very least.......... Desperate times call.for desperate measures......and Hazel is really desperate even without magic she is still a witch and would not survive living amongst the humans, she has two days to find a miracle................... Full of sassy humor and a strong never give up mentality Hazel and Sassy are now on my must read list............
Profile Image for Debbie  Victorino.
448 reviews10 followers
June 9, 2021
Honestly I have never really enjoyed books about Witches. But I also know never underestimate this author. She has literally changed my mind on a lot of books. As she completely did with this book.

I absolutely loved this book. One minute I'm worried telling Hazel don't do it, get away from that book. Then I'm laughing so hard I choked on my coffee. Hazel is a witch with no powers, or so she thinks. She is sassy, has a mouth that won't stop and she will fight anything and not back down. Her grandmother is the strongest witch there is and she has been trying to protect her granddaughter Hazel.

When things come to light Hazel finds out just how much her mother and grandmother love her. And she also finds out she does have powers but they were locked away to protect her. And the only person who is able to do this and made a deal with her grandmother is none other than Laviathan, who took charge of the demons. He is also the only one who could give Hazel back her powers.

I absolutely loved this book. There are also vampires, demons and shifters. Once you start reading this book you can't put it down. This author is a storyteller, and she grabs you and you can't let go. It is off the charts suspense, laughter, epic plot and also has awesome characters. I highly recommend this book!!!
553 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2021
What a fun read

Maya’s creativity shines once again with her new release. I've read several stories by her and she continues to entertain me with her amazing ability to create awesome stories.
Resting Witch Face is the first book in the Journals of Forbidden Witchery Series. The storyline was quite entertaining, the writing was flawless and characters full of snark and attitude. I loved it and can’t wait to see where she takes us
Profile Image for Becky.
491 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2021
I love a good witchy tale and this book did not disappoint! Hazel has been told she was a “dud” her whole life, as she didn’t have magic. This is a fast read and all of the characters are entertaining in their own way. Cliffhanger occurs and I’m looking forward to Book 2.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
June 16, 2021
This is fantastic! It’s an entertaining read that will have you drawn in and intrigued by it’s addictive storyline and it’s awesomely, sassy and snarky female mc. A witchy read that will grab you and not let go, will have you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns but also laughing out loud. I am so excited to read the next book!
Profile Image for Marisa.
862 reviews33 followers
June 17, 2021
Firstly, I really enjoyed the FMC, Hazel. She was absolutely hilarious and I loved her strength, determination and overall sass. A great character.

The story started with a great action sequence, right away introducing us to Hazel and her sass. A good chunk of the book was the introduction of characters, world building and setting the tone. The event from the blurb didn’t occur for a while, however it made sense when it did and really set up the events and mystery for the rest of the book. It also left us with a great opening for book 2.

This was a quick read but a lot was packed in. The author did a great job building this world, adding new twists and revelations and I’m sure book 2 will continue this trend.
Profile Image for Jace.
599 reviews13 followers
August 30, 2023
This book was technically okay.
The write up was not super accurate, as the whole magic unlocking/library blowing up thing didn't happened until damn near the end of the book. That means the majority of the book was spent on nothing.
Literally nothing. They were basically just summarizing weeks of searching for answers and finding nothing. Oh and cleaning.
Yeah, the 26 year old woman still gets sent to clean rooms as punishment for behaviors her grandmother doesn't like.

Honestly the Hazel was so immature she really should have been written as a 19 year old instead of well into her 20s.

The relationship she has with her Coven and only family member is that of an irate teenager at best. She resents them, they either pick on her, insult her or in her grandmother's case, belittle her and then punish her for having a reaction to that belittling.

At the end of the book when she finally gets the magic we are promised in the write up, her grandmother reveals that she was the one that bound her magic, amongst a few other revelations. She didn't just decide to enlighten her about everything though, oh no.
Even until the last page any details that they didn't know to ask for stayed hidden until it was helpful to her.
I was pretty close to hating the grandmother.
There's not really a 'bad guy' in the book, so I guess the grandmother got painted that way in my head cause there was no one worse there for the job.

I didn't like how Hazel handled pretty much anything in this book. She's very immature, and for all of her tough girl posturing she lets herself become powerless pretty much constantly.

At the end of the book her grandmother and best friend and the (Love interest maybe?) Guy that's kind of been around the whole book but hasn't actually done anything interesting just dump her with the shifters and leave.

Like for real, the grandmother has a meeting with the alphas, they come to an agreement despite her protests, then they get up and leave and don't even say bye to her or anything. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a bit of a cliffhanger or what, but it for me it was just a piss off.

You know those books where you didn't like the book all that much but then the author writes a wicked cliffhanger that leaves you no choice but to dive right into to book two to find out what's going to happen?
Yeah, this was not one of those and there will be no diving into book two.
Profile Image for Ana Jackson.
147 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2021
I was given this book as an ARC to read, thank you.

But I just can't. I have got over halfway through the book and I have had to stop reading. If I keep rolling my eyes they are going to stay at the back of my head.
Hazel wants to be a bad ass but she just isn't. She sounds like an idiot, all the time trying to be smarter and above every one else. I do love a kick-ass female character, but Hazel is not that.

The story itself is unconvincing and doesn't make much sense majority of the time.
Sad because the blurb was promising, hence why I signed up to read it.
Profile Image for Eve Reads.
267 reviews200 followers
August 20, 2021
Some idiot - me - accidentally deleted her review so here it is again.

Woh, I flew through this book! It's so quick to read, with not a boring moment to be seen. The pacing is literally perfect. The action described in the blurb doesn't really happen until 70% in but that didn't bother me at all. I really enjoyed everything that occured beforehand.

I have a feeling that book two is going to be even more exciting now that the scene has been properly set.

Hazel Byrne, our main character, is snarky AF. There is no other way to put it. She has a million and one walls around her heart, and the only person who gets anywhere close to understanding her is her best friend Sissily. In fairness, I'd probably be a bit defensive too if I was treated the way she has been by her coven. I really love her character ... probably because she is snarky ... but the one thing I would ask of her is to PLEASE stop seeing mmm-kay 😂



I also love River - even his name! He is shaping up to be one of my favourite book boyfriends. I'm really hoping he gets passed Hazel's many walls. We need to see those two trapped in a room together... I know he's probably keeping secrets but frankly, I don't care. I want him 'for her' anyway.

There is some proofreading errors but don't judge the book based on that. It's really, really good. Definitely worth ignoring some spelling mistakes for.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and it was seriously addictive. I will definitely be continuing this series and reading more by the author ❤️
Profile Image for Chloë.
384 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2021
Thanks given to Maya Daniels for the ARC provided in exchange for my honest review.

Resting Witch Face had a lot of promise; the premise of the story is intriguing and exciting, but for me the reality fell a bit flat. Hazel is an extremely prickly character, which seems popular lately, but she is too exaggerated, constantly flaunting and bragging about her own character flaws. I think this could have been better balanced with scenes were we actually witness her being bullied at the hands of her coven, rather than hearing some really short recalls. I really hope she undergoes some character growth in the second instalment.

Hazel aside, I like the mystery surrounding the coven's circumstances and Blondie's presence. I have my own theories and I'm looking forward to finding out what's on the nose and what's way off base. A storm is brewing, it can be felt!
Profile Image for Anjedah / bookriot_awesomeyou.
444 reviews26 followers
June 28, 2021
Resting witch face is a wonderful read.


This book is really good and I was happy all time reading this . It's a story about a girl who has no magic power in a world of world but God she can fight . But what happen when your own grandmother who coincidently runs coven started to hide secrets?





If you love quest then this book is for you😋
If you love magic this book is for you🧚‍♀️
If you love magical being this book is for you 🦄
If you love supernatural creatures this book is for you 🐺
If you love action then this book is for you
If you love coven then this book is for you.
With a dash of romance in it.


What are you waiting for go read it 😍🌺Are you familiar with the author’s work?

Let’s chat at the comments below!

 

Until next time..Bookriot xx

Happy reading
Profile Image for Jennifer Perry.
47 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2021
Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this book, I quite literally devoured it in a few hours! If you like witches, werewolves, vampires and the such mixed in with modern day life and fantasy at the same time this book is definitely for you! I love the main character Hazel, she has some spitfire in her but also a heart of gold! I will definitely be adding this book to my collection when it comes out and I can’t wait for book 2! Special thanks to Maya Daniels for letting me read the ARC!!! I loved it!
Profile Image for Bianca.
108 reviews18 followers
June 20, 2021
Oh my goodness!!! I have no idea where to start to just try and explain what I have read in one sitting. Hazel Byrne, a witch with no powers, a complete dud.... yeah no, I don't want to spoil this for you. One hell of an enjoyable read. I absolutely recommend you join Hazel on this journey. Right from the get go you just know that this is going to be a good series. She's a little bit snarky, with a whole lot of attitude and she can back it up with a punch. It's been a while for me to find a book where I fall into it within the first few pages. I've had some laugh-out-loud moments; few cringes (oh dear giiirrrrlll!!) and not to mention fighting along with her. Yes, great series and well worth the read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,125 reviews85 followers
June 22, 2021
I have never read this author before, and I was really intrigued with the title...yeah, I know; that’s like judging a book by its cover! LOL! However, I’d been wanting to try this author. It didn’t take long before I was completely drawn into the book. Just for a brief second, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Hazel, but between her, Sissily, her grandmother, and Blondie, I was taken with the whole crew. Mayhem ensues, demons are taken down, a library burns down, and secrets are revealed. This was a fun book, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next. Highly recommend!
2,880 reviews17 followers
August 4, 2021
Hazel Byrne was born into a powerful witch family, her grandmother is the coven leader, but she has no magic. After being bullied and attacked by other witches her age for years she has developed a thick skin, and learned to fight, but when she finds out about the covens coming together to evaluate her contributions to the coven she panics. In an effort to prove her worth she goes into the coven library to find a spell that even she can pull off, unfortunately she stumbles upon an ancient book that unblocks her magic, and manages to destroy half the building. So now she has a price on her head, and the only way to save herself is to learn to control the powerful magic she never knew existed.
Wonderful, well written, and fascinating characters. Hazel is amazing. She is snarky, tough, and she kicks demon butt even without magic. I especially liked her and her best friend's antics. Some exciting action, suspense, a car chase that doesn't end well and plenty of plot twists that made it difficult to put this book down. Fantastic.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Dawn Hix.
50 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2021
I knew within the first two pages that this book was going to be a favorite and I definitely wasn’t disappointed! Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down and now will be waiting impatiently for the second book in the series.

Humor, great storyline, hot guys, witches, fae, werewolves, and vampires were all either in the story or talked about in a way that we’re sure to see them in the next book.

This was my first Maya Daniels book but will definitely be checking out some of her other series.
Profile Image for Rachel Osborne.
1,093 reviews19 followers
June 28, 2021
This is the first book in this new witchy series and I absolutely loved it. Hazel is a witch who has no powers yet she's far from boring. She's a fun FMC and I loved how this story explodes off the pages. The plot is wonderfully paced, giving the reader a want to keep reading from chapter to chapter. The world is descriptive and the characters all entertain and amaze. I can't wait for the next book! Any fantasy fan will love this magical story!
Profile Image for Christine Marie.
398 reviews24 followers
June 20, 2021
Absolutely perfect. Having just recently starting reading more New Adult novels verses Young Adult I’m an in love. Mayas writing was easy to follow. The flow of the book itself is nearly seamless.
A Strong Female main character with a sassy, sailor mouthed and good looking witch. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,851 reviews20 followers
June 9, 2021
Good

**Warning! Cliffhanger Ending!** not an awful one, but the story is very much up in the air at the end. It’s part of an ongoing series, so don’t expect the whole story yet!

Being the only magic-less witch in her coven, Hazel has learned to deal with her disappointment. So when it turns out that her magic free state, might just be causing problems, she begins to worry.
And when something happens to change everything, she suddenly finds out that even magic might not solve everything.

A fast read, set in a fascinating world, and populated with very interesting characters. The feisty heroine doesn’t let her inability to do magic hold her back, and makes up for it with a truly sharp tongue… no-one escapes!
A quick, enjoyable read for the urban fantasy fan.
Profile Image for melissa.
186 reviews60 followers
July 10, 2021
This book was nothing like I anticipated and I loved every moment of it!

The MC is an arrogant, strong-willed, fierce fighter, with her hands and mouth, she's alluring, funny and loves unconditionally.

The book completely engulfed me into its original supernatural world. Witches, demons, fae, etc all give the allure that makes it an exceptional read. However, the most rewarding component for me was the unconditional love the MC receives back from her bff. I love their bond and can't wait to see what develops in book 2!
Profile Image for Cassandra Fear.
Author 12 books142 followers
June 10, 2021
Maya Daniels has done it again. Hazel is an amazing character full of sass and with a heart of gold. Seriously amazing book that will make you laugh and keep flipping those pages. Amazing book and can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Lorie Maw.
49 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2021
Another amazing series by Maya Daniels. Hazel is about to discover that getting what you wish for may not always be for the best.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,180 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2021
RESTING WITCH FACE is the first book in the "Journals of Forbidden Witchery" and I am so glad the entire trilogy is available on KU. This is one of those series, that if it continues to be as good I will buy the trilogy in paperback for my younger cousin.

The world building in this story is perfect. You just know there is something deeper going on but it isn't revealed until the perfect moment. Character introduction is flawless and in such a way that not too much time is spent on them, but you know exactly(ish) what their role is. I especially liked the BFF. Her unconditional love for her bestie is awesome.

I'm absolutely going to be diving into Book 2 asap and I look forward to seeing how Hazel's story wraps up.

tags: Quirky, KU, Adding series TBR, PNR, Witches, Book 1
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
July 5, 2021
Resting Witch Face... A Great Start!

Resting Witch Face

"Lesson number two: never tempt fate. That bitch bit." - Hazel Bryne

There are rules, and there are lessons... Which ones will Hazel take to heart? What would you do, if you were a witch born with no magic, and yet suddenly...

A fast paced, captivating paranormal tale, with enjoyable characters and lots of twists and turns!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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