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Shadowhurst Mysteries #0.5
Coven of Deception
Get to know the High Coven and all its evil glory in the Shadowhurst novella following Beatrix Stonewall, years before Billie was born. Get ready for terrifying secrets, unlikely allies, and a forbidden romance that will leave you wanting more. Coven of Deception is a prequel novella in the Shadowhurst Mysteries series.
Magic is real and it’s coming for you.
Did you know all those fairytales you heard as a kid about witches weren’t fairytales at all? Well, neither did I. Imagine my surprise when I found out that not only did I possess magic, but that an entire secret coven of witches lurked right under my nose my whole life.
When my powers first manifested, I wanted nothing to do with them, but as I discovered more of the women welcoming me into their fold, I couldn’t get enough! Unfortunately, life has a tendency of knowing when you’re happy and jumps at the chance to throw a wrench in all your plans.
That’s exactly what happened to me. One minute I’m starting a new life and minding my own business, and the next, I’m barreling face first into trouble. Oh, did I mention the mysterious, alluring stranger that won’t leave me alone no matter how much I push him away?
So, yeah. I think it’s safe to say I’m in for quite the ride. Care to join me?
Just kidding. Stay away if you know what’s good for you.
Magic is real and it’s coming for you.
Did you know all those fairytales you heard as a kid about witches weren’t fairytales at all? Well, neither did I. Imagine my surprise when I found out that not only did I possess magic, but that an entire secret coven of witches lurked right under my nose my whole life.
When my powers first manifested, I wanted nothing to do with them, but as I discovered more of the women welcoming me into their fold, I couldn’t get enough! Unfortunately, life has a tendency of knowing when you’re happy and jumps at the chance to throw a wrench in all your plans.
That’s exactly what happened to me. One minute I’m starting a new life and minding my own business, and the next, I’m barreling face first into trouble. Oh, did I mention the mysterious, alluring stranger that won’t leave me alone no matter how much I push him away?
So, yeah. I think it’s safe to say I’m in for quite the ride. Care to join me?
Just kidding. Stay away if you know what’s good for you.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2020
128 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 30, 2020
I enjoyed Coven of Deception and read it in one sitting. Good characters and great plot line. Well worth the read.
January 1, 2021
“Coven of Deception” is a prequel to A.N. Sage amazing UF series “Shadowhurst Mysteries”, set twenty-five year previously to the arrival of Billie Stonewall to the town. The book focus on Beatrix Stonewall (Billie’s mother) and the High Coven year before Billie was even in the picture. But, first and foremost Shadowhurst, because, and just in case you are now to the town, this town is the real MC in the series, don’t even try to think otherwise, it would know and you don’t wish that, believe, this town is the rightful heir to the uncanny union between Ravenswood and Sunnydale, with a close resemblance to the first in Beatrix times and an eerie kindship to the later when Billie (years later in the main series) arrives. This town rocks, it sucks the life out of you, there that, but you will love (to hate) it, nevertheless. Welcome to Shadowhurst, bring all-seasonal clothing, you’re here to stay!
“Coven of Deception” narrates Beatrix Stonewall story, as she realizes not only her own coming to magic, but the existence of the Evil Coven (sorry, I mean to say High Coven, of course) and the real nature of her home town, which has a tendency to break havoc in everyone’s life. One moment Beatrix is happily leaving her best life and enjoying the stranger’s affections…. guess what happens next…
A.N. Sage’s writing style is fast-paced and full of action, interesting twists and plots, easy to read, with well developed and enjoyable characters, both good and evil are multifaceted and wholly credible. It’s a carefully crafted urban fantasy plot that successfully blends elements of fantasy and mystery into a fully original new UF verse, fully satisfying from start to end, wait a minute… there is not end really, because once you come to Shadowhurst, you would never be able to leave, don’t say I didn’t warn you, but.. come anyway, wherever you are, there is not place like Shadowhurst 😉
“Coven of Deception” narrates Beatrix Stonewall story, as she realizes not only her own coming to magic, but the existence of the Evil Coven (sorry, I mean to say High Coven, of course) and the real nature of her home town, which has a tendency to break havoc in everyone’s life. One moment Beatrix is happily leaving her best life and enjoying the stranger’s affections…. guess what happens next…
A.N. Sage’s writing style is fast-paced and full of action, interesting twists and plots, easy to read, with well developed and enjoyable characters, both good and evil are multifaceted and wholly credible. It’s a carefully crafted urban fantasy plot that successfully blends elements of fantasy and mystery into a fully original new UF verse, fully satisfying from start to end, wait a minute… there is not end really, because once you come to Shadowhurst, you would never be able to leave, don’t say I didn’t warn you, but.. come anyway, wherever you are, there is not place like Shadowhurst 😉
January 25, 2021
Coven of Deception
Beatrice's story is great. It kept me reading to see what was going to happen next. Just imagine, being an orphan from the day you were born, to finding out you were actually a witch that everyone had been waiting to be born. And not believing a bit of it until strange things start to happen. Finding out that you are even a totally different witch than the rest.
After reading all the stories of her daughter, Billie, and everything that happened in them, I want to read the stories of how Billie came to be. I want to read Beatrice's full story with Cathan and how the Coven found out Beatrice was spying for the other witches.
Beatrice's story is great. It kept me reading to see what was going to happen next. Just imagine, being an orphan from the day you were born, to finding out you were actually a witch that everyone had been waiting to be born. And not believing a bit of it until strange things start to happen. Finding out that you are even a totally different witch than the rest.
After reading all the stories of her daughter, Billie, and everything that happened in them, I want to read the stories of how Billie came to be. I want to read Beatrice's full story with Cathan and how the Coven found out Beatrice was spying for the other witches.
February 9, 2024
This is a good book.
This book was a quick read for me. Although I do feel like this book could have been stretched just a little further and I would have still wanted to read the next one. I love the story of the main female character and of course want to know more from the male character. The coven is a whole different story. I was ready to have a fit myself with the information given. I will for sure read whats to come next. I need to know what will come next.
This book was a quick read for me. Although I do feel like this book could have been stretched just a little further and I would have still wanted to read the next one. I love the story of the main female character and of course want to know more from the male character. The coven is a whole different story. I was ready to have a fit myself with the information given. I will for sure read whats to come next. I need to know what will come next.
January 24, 2021
A well written story about a witch, who is just discovering her heritage. It seems that everyone wants her and she needs to figure out why. It's a discovery process for her to learn how to control the power she has. Part of the process if to determine where she fits in the scheme of things. Unfortunately everything is not as it seems, so it is up to her to unravel the secrets.
April 17, 2021
I enjoyed reading ‘Coven of Deception’ the beginning of the Shadowhurst Stories. Poor Bea, no one to guide her through life and to help her understand her abilities. A few reach out to her but each has their own agendas. This is an intriguing tale of a young woman discovering what strengths she has and who she can trust.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2021
Coven of deception
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
January 21, 2021
Some answers!
Interesting, fast paced, story of how Beatrix, Billie's mom, finds out about magic, her family and the High Coven. Too many loose ends with this cliffhanger. Gives some answers to Billie's unpredictable story.
Interesting, fast paced, story of how Beatrix, Billie's mom, finds out about magic, her family and the High Coven. Too many loose ends with this cliffhanger. Gives some answers to Billie's unpredictable story.
May 5, 2022
While the story is interesting there is just too much teenage angst and unexplained issues for my personal taste. I believe with an editor and proofreader could turn it into a great read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
October 19, 2022
Coven of Deception was an easy read, but I had a hard time understanding Beatrix's motivation or reason for trusting/distrusting different people/groups. She seemed to fall in love out of nowhere. It was okay, but I am not that interested in reading more.
September 3, 2024
Interesting
It's a little short, and the time seems to only last a few days. A lot more information about the Graves, the coven, the shifters, and the Fae would have made it more interesting, so there was a back story to understand where it is currently.
It's a little short, and the time seems to only last a few days. A lot more information about the Graves, the coven, the shifters, and the Fae would have made it more interesting, so there was a back story to understand where it is currently.
January 30, 2021
A nice introduction to witches
This is a nice introduction to the series. I like the relationships, and the good instincts that the heroine has.
This is a nice introduction to the series. I like the relationships, and the good instincts that the heroine has.
March 1, 2021
Quick read
I could not put this book down. It sucked me in and left me wanting to read just one more chapter.
I could not put this book down. It sucked me in and left me wanting to read just one more chapter.
March 18, 2021
Decent
This is a genuine and decent short story of a young witch trying to find out who she is and if she has a purpose in the world
This is a genuine and decent short story of a young witch trying to find out who she is and if she has a purpose in the world
March 10, 2023
Quick read
Definitely grabs you. We got to read about the mother. To give us an insight of the daughter in book 1.
Definitely grabs you. We got to read about the mother. To give us an insight of the daughter in book 1.
August 16, 2023
So original
I loved this book and I've already started the first book in the series. Very good story and writing. I loved the characters.
I loved this book and I've already started the first book in the series. Very good story and writing. I loved the characters.
January 25, 2024
Love it
I loved the story, I just wished there was more. I don't know what's in the next book but I would like to see more of Bea and Cathan.
I loved the story, I just wished there was more. I don't know what's in the next book but I would like to see more of Bea and Cathan.
did-not-finish
April 26, 2024DNF @2%. Not feeling it.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews