Once, there was power in her magick. Now, she must find magick in her power.
Claire Emerson has lost her magick—and with it, her place among the Crones. It should spell the end of her involvement in their centuries-old war against the dark god, Morok, but it can’t. Because Claire knows something the others don’t—Morok has become an imposter in the Crones’ midst, and their destruction is imminent.
To stop the dark god’s nefarious plan, Claire will have to find her missing powers. But neither she nor her allies have a clue where to start—and that’s the easy part. The hard part? Getting past Morok’s monsters in time to rescue the Crones. Especially when she comes face to face with Morok himself.
Will Claire’s powers be enough to defeat a god and save her companions—and the world?
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)
Despite all the glowing reviews and catchy title, “Game of Crones” is my least favorite book in the series. I originally fell in love with the series because it featured an older woman as the heroine/ main character. However, this story lacks luster because Claire is laden with so much self-pity and whining that I wasn’t sure that I would be able to finish the read.
This time Claire is fumbling about near her friend’s house. She is lying about, refusing to eat and generally just being annoying. She is convinced that her Allie’s and friends are all gone. This went on for about the first 25% of the book then she slowly starts to gather the common sense as well as information she needs to survive. She locates the book of the fifth crone and her recovery begins.
Soon Claire goes back to the house she stayed with Keven. She discovers it in shambles but is reunited with he cat, Gus. She manages to slowly rebuild the house as well as begin reclaiming her friends. This was a slow process but leads to an epic battle with the Morok. I realize that this installment represents Claire coming into her own, developing self confidence and strength but in my humble opinion the author has her wallowing in pity for far too long.
Maybe now that Claire is evolving into a stronger woman the plot will evolve as well. Hopefully, Claire will began kicking butt with her family as well as her enemy who certainly need it.
At this point I have mixed feelings as to whether or not I will go on with the set. I think I will give it one more installment before making my final decision. This book just soured my interest.
I read the first three books in this series in only a few days; the first book was the best. The second book was enjoyable, however, I really struggled with this third book. The FMC second guessed herself so much that other problems are caused, yet she doesn’t learn from it - just keeps second guessing herself right into the final battle. Many of the decisions made by almost everyone in this series make very little sense to me. I even question the cat’s decisions?? There are some plot holes as well. I almost DNF’d the 3rd book, but I was so close I figured I might as well finish it. I really wanted to enjoy this bc the story is interesting. I just don’t think I can keep going w the series. :(
The situation is dire. Claire made the only choice she could think of to save the Crones and hopefully the world in the process. The four elemental Crones were the deserving magic holders, the ones with a purpose, she's convinced herself. But when one of the Crones turns the other Crones over to Morok and his dark mages, she is the only person who may be able to stop him from reclaiming his powers and destroying the world. Claire sets out to track down the traitor and confront both her and Morok. But first, she has to find her magic and hope it is not too late for her friends.
There is plenty of action in this installment of the series like in past books, but this one is also more reflective in some ways. Even when she feels most alone, Claire finds she has help in unexpected places. Claire really comes into her own in Game of Crones, not only in mastering her magic but also in accepting who she is and believing and trusting in herself. She carries a lot of baggage from her past and letting go of that takes time, working through the anxiety and self-doubt as we have seen in the first two books as well as this one. I have enjoyed being a part of this journey alongside of her. Sometimes relating a little too well. That isn't to say her story is over and she's suddenly perfect. It's not and she still has work to do.
There were moments in this novel when I could not help but notice the similarities between our reality and the world the author has created in novel--this time more so in who the villain was and what he represented. They matched the realities our world faces today. The greed and violence. The growing division among the people, including among family and friends. As well as the misogyny and hate.
I wish the author would have given the reader more background about each of the Crones, but perhaps she is saving that for future books set in the same world. One can hope!
I know some readers might be turned off by the cursing. While there is cursing in this series, it is not excessive. It's used with purpose. It's a tool of empowerment for Claire who has always done what is expected of her and in staying within the bounds of what is considered proper or polite. It is hard for her to step outside her comfort zone--something she does with great reluctance sometimes. Given everything she's been through, I can't help but want to curse with her, frankly.
I love that all three of these books open with a mention of a crow or crows. I appreciate creative details like that, however minor they may seem. This is a fast paced and fun series. I enjoyed getting to know Claire and the other characters. I have the fourth book, Crone Unleashed, on pre-order when it comes out in August and cannot wait to read it!
In Game of Crones, Lydia M. Hawke presents a tremendously engaging heroine in sixty-year old Claire Emerson. This is the third book in the series and starts with Claire picking up the pieces from the fallout of the second novel. Having spent her life suppressing her own sense of self as well as her innate magic, Claire faces an uphill battle if she's to save the lives of her sister Crones and the world from the evil god Morok. Avoiding the god's servants and monsters is no easy task, especially as Claire is still trying to understand if she has any magic at all. However, she does have help. There's one more book in the series, I believe, due to come out next year, though this one has a fantastic climax that feeds into the final volume. Lydia Hawke moves the story along an advanced speed, sometimes a little too fast, as I would have appreciated a little more information about the other crones too. However, as the story is told in first-person, from Claire's POV and she's still learning about this hidden world of magic, such gaps are inline with the story structure. So, my critique is minor and has an explanation; it's simply what I would like to know more about but I'm committed to reading more of Claire's journey. I will definitely be waiting for the next book. Hopefully, not too long. It's a wild ride!
Another wonderful edition to this series. This one has some action, but most of this is character growth. Something that we needed to see, and I am glad we did. Claire is a character that I truly feel her soul. As someone about 60, I know what pains feel like, but I also know my life is not over, and I have purpose, and meaning. Claire shows us the ultimate purpose in trying to save the world.
Our characters from the last book are there for us to love, but this really is a book more about Claire. It could stand alone, as the author is wonderful at giving you enough details without spoiling the plots of the others, but you really do need to read the others beforehand in order to truly understand what is going on. All books are worth the read. Read in order for best experience.
Highly recommend, and look forward to the next one.
The constant inner dialog must be half of the book. It feels like nothing will ever happen, something finally does, and then more inner dialog. This series needed more doing, less thinking. This could have been a really good series. I hope the author is able to greatly reduce the inner dialog of her characters in the future. It really doesn't add much to the story and is often repetitive. It's makes what could be a great story drag.
What a great read these books are I am totally into the world of the crones , great characters the world building is excellent and I’m soooooo glad Claire has at last got a pair , my only complaint is that there is too much time between books this series deserves a big fat 5 stars
What a fun read. As a sixty something woman it was great to read a story about someone my age having such an adventure. I hope more of Claire's adventures are in the works. Thank you Lydia!
This book is amazing! As is the whole series. Honest, and yet Urban Fantasy. So Real, in so many ways. So relatable! Can't recommend the series enough.
Women of a certain age will especially love this great series! (Copied from my facebook comment) Hi, discovered your Crone Wars books last Saturday and now about to be caught up with series. I love the characters in your books and especially Claire. I am 60+ and am extremely thrilled to find a heroine of an Actual ‘Certain Age‘ that is still important in the world, interesting and capable! And the whole process of discovering and unlearning the patterns of a lifetime business? Never read it from an female Elder’s point of view, but you describe it really well, and as if you know what you’re writing about! This is another example of what I’m calling the non-fiction portions of your fiction books, imo. Hope more authors turn to writing about and for those of us at or near that chapter of life! Yes, I also love/hate that she deals with same type of 60 y.o. body issues I do! Goddess, can I relate to many of Claire’ struggles! I like that magick here doesn’t poof everything perfectly all better, makes it feel more realistic. Thank you for these books, I do hope they and Claire continue for many, many more books!
This series is a fun read. Magic, evil gods, monstrous and magickal creatures are mixed in with an engaging story of a woman turning 60 and finding her life is changing quickly and in ways she couldn’t have expected. Not only is she dealing with divorce, menopause and learning she’s crone with magickal powers who is destined to save the world, but those powers have been impossible for her to access or control. Then there’s the hunky wolf shifter that spends half the time naked and his predictably angsty relationship with Claire. When the series reaches Game of Crones (still trying to figure out that title), a lot has happened to Claire and she’s suffered some devastating losses as she continues to work on her magick with some new challenges being thrown at her. She wastes a lot of valuable time on self-pity, but then who wouldn’t when faced with the challenges that have been forced on her. Her almost constant use of the expletive “fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck stops being cute after the first dozen or so times she says it and becomes very annoying. I like that the story often reinforces the fact that women of a certain age aren’t helpless if they accept and step into their power. All in all a fun, entertaining read, but not exceptional.
Claire has embraced cussing. I adore this character and series. Could you imagine waking up for your 60th birthday, your husband has just left you for a younger woman, you're lost because you have been under his thumb forever and now you have to be/ find yourself. You get a present that makes you a crone (that has to save the world, no less). The only thing is, you have never used magic. Hell, you don't even know magic exists but this is your destiny like it or not. This is the third book in the series. Claire can either fight or buckle. The others are gone. She's trying to find the cottage in the woods. She knows the enemy has infiltrated the other crones. She has very little support and still has to hide from everyone. Somehow she has to save the people she cares for, get back to her fellow crones and trust her magic. Wonderful book, full of characters you're going to love or hate. Awesomely talented author. Great urban Fantasy, witty, emotional and hard to put down.
Betrayed, injured and without her magic, Claire is licking her wounds and hiding out when this book begins. Honestly, it dragged a bit in the start and it's only when she's able to put aside her doubt and self pity and she locates the book of the fifth crone that her recovery begins. Shortly afterward, Claire goes back to the Earth house where she discovers it in near ruins with Keven and Lucan injured. She manages to slowly rebuild the house as well as begin reclaiming her friends. This was a slow process but lead to an epic battle with the Morok. This books is the one where Claire really comes into her own, develops self confidence and trust in her inner strength and IMO, it's about damn time.
Merlin aka Mergus aka Gus is still my favorite character and we get more of him in this one. Who doesn't live a cat familiar? I look forward to reading the rest of the series, starting book 4 now.
Claire has lost her Crone pendant and her powers, she is hiding in Edie’s house that she inherited, alone and frightened. Her only contact is Jeanne, the neighbour that se doesn’t really get along with. When Gus arrives at her door, battered and bloody, with the pendant, Claire is hoping things will change. With surprise help from Jeanne, the book of the 5th crone is found. Now Claire has to figure out how to get in touch with the other crones and let them know that Kate is really Morok. This book has some action, magic, surprises (some big), suspense and humour. Claire is actually growing into her Crone roll, as well as standing up for herself to her ex (telling him to shut up was perfect). She has gone from a quiet, non assuming woman to one capable of standing up for herself. Not only is this a good story but it is showing the growth of a person
Claire faces her biggest challenge yet, defeating the Morok with no help at all. She has lost her magic, her pendant and she tries, but she can't find the earth crones house anymore. She's hiding in Edie old house since her house had burned down. He family isn't speaking to her and her daughter-in-law is in a coma in the hospital and it's all her fault. Everything is always her fault. . . until she realizes it isn't. All her life she has taken responsibly for other peoples actions and she finally realizes that their actions aren't her fault. With new found strength she makes plans to find the earth witch house and to stop the Morok no matter what it takes. Great book. Couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed the first two books enough to pick up the third. The characters through out the series are pretty well conceived. Claire's tendency to fall back to her old patterns does get tedious at times. Although a relatable character, I didn't find myself swept into her persona as I read. That said, I did stay up way too late to finish the book.
The 3rd novel did not disappoint for the most part. The ending seemed a little contrived. I will still pick up the 4th book when it comes out.
By and large, I've been enjoying this series. It was quite a relief that Claire finally managed a change in attitude. The consistency of her negativity was wearing me down. I'm still concerned about her health, though. I don't know if the author realizes she’s created an anorexic? Through three entire novels Claire has never taken more than one bite of anything before her appetite is banished by some thought or event. She must have dropped 50 pounds by now.
Although Claire, the heroine, took up a lot of space whinging and leaning into self-doubt that became annoying at times, the dialogue was so authentic and relatable that putting the plot and action on "freeze frame" was tolerable. Women of every mature age can sense and absorb the wisdom and insight the author expressed with wit, compassion, and fantastic imagination.
Claire seems to have lost everything but despite her situation she still manages to reevaluate the current state of affairs and gets down with being Crone. She doesn’t let pettiness stop her from dealing with Jenny and Gilbert, losing and finding Edie’s voice and recovering the magic pendant she gave to a monster. The crones and the Protecters need her warnings and help and by darn she is going to give it to them!
Another thrilling addition to this tale of a women coming into her own power. The story is dramatic and exciting with just enough self doubt expressed by the protagonist Claire to make the reader uncomfortable recognising the self doubt we all suffer.
This addition has been a wild ride. I am going to immediately order the next book because I must know what Claire achieves next.
Could not put this and the prior 2 books down! It was a great story following Claire thru her trials. I absolutely enjoyed reading. Not all ended happily ever after, and I can hardly wait for the next Crone Wars book! Claire, the main character, is so relatable as a person with her doubt and insecurities. I recommend this book and series to any and every fan of the PWF genre!
Claire is still full of self-pity and doubt, but is slowly standing up for herself. She also finally accepts her place. Kind of. The long internal monologue during fights were extremely distracting to me, but then again, I am an over-thinker myself so maybe… it is relatable. Doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating, though!
Hawke keeps the crone saga fresh and exciting by throwing Claire against her greatest challenges yet, while building on the foundation established in the last two books. Familiar but lesser known characters get a great spotlight, new dimensions of magic are revealed, and Claire's bonds with Lucan, Keven and herself grow. Already can't wait to dive into the next book!
As a 60-something woman, this book spoke to me. I have some traits in common with Claire (unfortunately, not her magick), and the lessons she learns here are good lessons for me as well. Tears fell several times. I am looking forward to the 4th book!!
Wonderful read! This was hard to put down to do anything else.Enjoyed all of the plot twists and Claire's emergence... I look forward to the next instalment!
Calling myself a crone because of my age and bits of esoteric knowledge in no way matches the delightful power of the Crones in this series. I very much hope that it continues at least one more book.
Excellent conclusion to the trilogy, bringing all the strands together while still leaving room for the already-announced fourth book. Which I'm happy about because I've really come to like Claire, Lucan, Keven, Gus, Edie, and the rest.
I really am enjoying this books 📚 can't wait for the next one...I'm truly glad that we are not all 17 year olds that perform like a ninja 😀. I love the fact that she has hot flashes too!!!!! Must read for us older ladies/witches 😉😍