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The Unkindness Saga #1
Unhinged Witch: The Unkindness Saga Book #1
Harmony doesn’t want to believe she’s a witch, but the talking cat isn’t helping. Neither is the mysterious woman who keeps popping up at the most inconvenient times. Former foster kid and track star, Harmony has one way of solving problems—run. But out-of-control magic is impossible to run from. Harmony hides her powers from her skeptic boyfriend, Caden, determined to keep one part of her life normal and stay with the one person who has ever loved her. But the more she tries to keep her life balanced, the more she becomes unhinged. That balance crumbles when the mysterious woman, leader of a rogue coven, reveals Harmony is a witch of Arlynn, a land hidden in the Bermuda Triangle. The King of Arlynn is killing witches who disagree with his rule. Harmony has the only magic capable of stopping him. Now Harmony must run like she always has to preserve her life with Caden or embrace her mysterious powers and fight for her homeland.
This ends on a cliffhanger.
This ends on a cliffhanger.
- GenresFantasy
314 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2021
23 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
Melody Caraballo
5 books36 followersMelody is an extrovert by all accounts. The loud girl in the room who will chat with anyone, and she is extremely outgoing, unless it has anything to do with planes. As a child she moved around a lot and found comfort in books. The first book she read that wasn’t a school assignment was The Giver by Lois Lowry. Followed shortly by every R.L Stine book she could get her hands on. Authors she is reading now include Karen Marie Moning, Gena Showalter, Sarah J. Mass, and Roger Zelazny. Writing seemed like the next move for someone who loved to read.
She has several novels she is currently writing. But is focusing on her series The Unkindness Saga. She lives in Western New York with her boyfriend and three children.
She has several novels she is currently writing. But is focusing on her series The Unkindness Saga. She lives in Western New York with her boyfriend and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 20, 2021
Unhinged Witch
It seems ever. Took I buy lately I've read years before. This is a good read there is plenty action, movement with the caricatures and sex
It seems ever. Took I buy lately I've read years before. This is a good read there is plenty action, movement with the caricatures and sex
October 14, 2021
I loved Harmony from the beginning. She’s so relatable in that she doesn’t have it all together and has a lot of struggles, but she’s doing her best and just wants a little happiness in life. The horrible situations she recounts from her past literally tore me up and had me rooting for her all the way.
All of the supporting characters were very unique and distinctive from one another, but one stood out to me above all the rest. Ginger (yes, the cat) ranks right up there as one of my all-time favorite characters. She’s sassy, slightly annoying, and always hungry for meatballs. Talking cats in general have always been a favorite of mine (Luna from Sailor Moon or the cat from Hocus Pocus anyone?), and Ginger is no exception. She provides much needed levity during tense scenes and brings out a whole different side of Harmony. I laughed pretty much every time she talked, and I will riot if anything bad ever happens to her.
I’ve read a number of witch tales, and yet, this one felt completely unique. The witch affinities were very interesting to learn about, and I really enjoyed the (literally) colorful magic. Arlynn, was fascinating to learn about, and without giving away any spoilers, let’s just say that it’s a completely unique take on a witch community and had so many inventive characteristics. I found myself craving more of it, and I really wish I could visit there myself.
Beware that this book does end on a cliffhanger! I’m usually not a fan of that, but it was done well here in that it wrapped up several main plot elements but left me begging for the next book.
What would I change?
Maybe a little more emotional depth in a few of the action scenes. I’m the kind of reader who likes to ride the emotional rollercoaster right along with the characters.
Caden was almost too good, in my opinion. I’d have loved a little more edge to him, but that’s personal preference. I was thrilled for the portrayal of a healthy and loving relationship, though! Those are too rare in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal books sometimes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
All of the supporting characters were very unique and distinctive from one another, but one stood out to me above all the rest. Ginger (yes, the cat) ranks right up there as one of my all-time favorite characters. She’s sassy, slightly annoying, and always hungry for meatballs. Talking cats in general have always been a favorite of mine (Luna from Sailor Moon or the cat from Hocus Pocus anyone?), and Ginger is no exception. She provides much needed levity during tense scenes and brings out a whole different side of Harmony. I laughed pretty much every time she talked, and I will riot if anything bad ever happens to her.
I’ve read a number of witch tales, and yet, this one felt completely unique. The witch affinities were very interesting to learn about, and I really enjoyed the (literally) colorful magic. Arlynn, was fascinating to learn about, and without giving away any spoilers, let’s just say that it’s a completely unique take on a witch community and had so many inventive characteristics. I found myself craving more of it, and I really wish I could visit there myself.
Beware that this book does end on a cliffhanger! I’m usually not a fan of that, but it was done well here in that it wrapped up several main plot elements but left me begging for the next book.
What would I change?
Maybe a little more emotional depth in a few of the action scenes. I’m the kind of reader who likes to ride the emotional rollercoaster right along with the characters.
Caden was almost too good, in my opinion. I’d have loved a little more edge to him, but that’s personal preference. I was thrilled for the portrayal of a healthy and loving relationship, though! Those are too rare in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal books sometimes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
October 13, 2021
I was provided an ebook by the author for an honest review.
This was a fun page-turner that I couldn't put down! Ginger, the sassy cat, is one of my favorite characters. I'm not usually a fan of talking animals, but Melody does a fantastic job of bringing out more insight and humor through the animals. The relationship between Caden and Harmony flowed effortlessly and had plenty of smoking hot moments. One of my favorite things about the book was the lack of anxiety inducing moments. Everything about the ebb and flow was balanced and easy to read. This is a relaxing read with enough just enough tension to keep you turning the page. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!
This was a fun page-turner that I couldn't put down! Ginger, the sassy cat, is one of my favorite characters. I'm not usually a fan of talking animals, but Melody does a fantastic job of bringing out more insight and humor through the animals. The relationship between Caden and Harmony flowed effortlessly and had plenty of smoking hot moments. One of my favorite things about the book was the lack of anxiety inducing moments. Everything about the ebb and flow was balanced and easy to read. This is a relaxing read with enough just enough tension to keep you turning the page. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!
October 12, 2021
This is an amazing book! The creativity for the characters and the world they are in is top notch. The story had me hooked from the first page, it was engaging and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Harmony, the story's heroine, is a relatable, lovable character. The villain, Vera, is a baddie that you love to hate. The comedic timing is perfect and Ginger is hilarious and better live throughout the whole series. She is gonna be a fan favorite and don't even get me started on Sal, the sassy dragon. The sex scenes are steamy and very well written. If you love romance, action, comedy and a thriller all wrapped into one, this is the book for you!! A must buy
November 30, 2021
Author friend of a friend. (Local Buffalo NY) Good easy read. Almost relatable to the Twilight Series.
April 13, 2023
Worth the read
This was a great start to a story, just hated it it ended where it did. I like the main character but the villain in this leaves a bit to be desired.
This was a great start to a story, just hated it it ended where it did. I like the main character but the villain in this leaves a bit to be desired.
September 27, 2021
Disclaimer
I received this ARC as a proofreader from the author, Melody Caraballo. Although we are pub sisters, this does not affect my review of this story. My opinions of this book are wholly my own.
----------------------------------------------
Narrative style: first person | Perspective(s): single (Harmony)
First Impressions
----------------------------------------------
Before Mel sent me an e-ARC to proofread, I had never read this story. I was both very excited to read Mel’s book, and a little bit nervous. Most of the witch books that come out these days seem to be centered around an academy for younger adults, and I was really crossing my fingers for a new take on witches.
When I opened those first pages, I was immediately drawn in to Harmony’s struggle and the affair she had going on with the broody hero at her side. What made Harmony an even more complex heroine is that she is a reactor, and she does it badly. She quits jobs, runs out on hard conversations, and keeps everyone at arm’s distance to protect her own fragile heart—including the man she loves. It’s fascinating to witness her everyday struggles and how small influences build upon one another to make Harmony believe she has world-altering problems.
What I Loved About Unhinged Witch
Mel indeed put a new spin on her witches and I love her for that! Not only do they have their own world hidden away in the Bermuda Triangle, but each witch (no matter the gender) has two factors to their magic—a color of magic, and an affinity that can be used independently of their core abilities.
Harmony believes herself to be just another human with atypical problems, but her idea of solving her issues is to run away from them. As the story unpacks, it becomes obvious that Harmony has some serious memory issues, deep emotional trauma, and in many ways she’s closed off to the guy she’s in love with. She has all the makings of a complex woman who’s just trying to survive one day to the next without accidentally walking herself into oncoming traffic.
But what I really love about Harmony is she has a deep connection to her instincts. She tries to take people at face value, but there’s that little voice inside that always helps guide her in and out of each situation.
So it’s no surprise when Ginger (a black and white witch’s cat) shows up like an emotional therapy animal. Except Ginger is a damn bitch, always snapping at Harmony and demanding meatballs. She’s so hilarious you want to both cuddle her and punt her across the room.
The Thing I Really Wanted
This is a me thing and in no way interfered with the enjoyment of this book. The love interest in the story, Caden, is a wonderful character. He’s gentle and honest, and the kind of wonderful hero for a story if you like healthy, sweet, loving relationships.
I love a good romance, but I do not like reading about healthy loving relationships. Again… ME. I’m a sucker for dark and broken and brooding lovers. While Caden was a wonderful character and deeply tangled in the story in complex ways, he didn’t have enough punch for me. I like them really….. evil.
The other thing I really struggled with was Harmony’s relationship to Penny. This might be just how I read into the plotline, but Caden and his best friend Penny are always flirting with one another (in front of Harmony) and have various inside jokes.
But the heroine seems oblivious to this and is constantly hugging Penny and calling her a best friend. It made me want to slap her because that friendship between the hero and his work buddy seemed a lot less innocent on page.
Overall Thoughts
Unhinged Witch is a wonderful, fast-paced contemporary fantasy romance with open door sex scenes, an emotionally healthy romance, and a unique twist on witches who live in the Bermuda Triangle.
The story is written in first person from Harmony’s point of view, and the writing style is more similar to a contemporary fantasy than a harder epic/high fantasy.
However, this story is definitely for adults. I’d recommend it for anyone that wants some fantasy in their romance, or some romance in their fantasy. Or if you just love snarky cats that make all the characters lives’ a little more dreary.
I received this ARC as a proofreader from the author, Melody Caraballo. Although we are pub sisters, this does not affect my review of this story. My opinions of this book are wholly my own.
----------------------------------------------
Narrative style: first person | Perspective(s): single (Harmony)
First Impressions
----------------------------------------------
Before Mel sent me an e-ARC to proofread, I had never read this story. I was both very excited to read Mel’s book, and a little bit nervous. Most of the witch books that come out these days seem to be centered around an academy for younger adults, and I was really crossing my fingers for a new take on witches.
When I opened those first pages, I was immediately drawn in to Harmony’s struggle and the affair she had going on with the broody hero at her side. What made Harmony an even more complex heroine is that she is a reactor, and she does it badly. She quits jobs, runs out on hard conversations, and keeps everyone at arm’s distance to protect her own fragile heart—including the man she loves. It’s fascinating to witness her everyday struggles and how small influences build upon one another to make Harmony believe she has world-altering problems.
What I Loved About Unhinged Witch
Mel indeed put a new spin on her witches and I love her for that! Not only do they have their own world hidden away in the Bermuda Triangle, but each witch (no matter the gender) has two factors to their magic—a color of magic, and an affinity that can be used independently of their core abilities.
Harmony believes herself to be just another human with atypical problems, but her idea of solving her issues is to run away from them. As the story unpacks, it becomes obvious that Harmony has some serious memory issues, deep emotional trauma, and in many ways she’s closed off to the guy she’s in love with. She has all the makings of a complex woman who’s just trying to survive one day to the next without accidentally walking herself into oncoming traffic.
But what I really love about Harmony is she has a deep connection to her instincts. She tries to take people at face value, but there’s that little voice inside that always helps guide her in and out of each situation.
So it’s no surprise when Ginger (a black and white witch’s cat) shows up like an emotional therapy animal. Except Ginger is a damn bitch, always snapping at Harmony and demanding meatballs. She’s so hilarious you want to both cuddle her and punt her across the room.
The Thing I Really Wanted
This is a me thing and in no way interfered with the enjoyment of this book. The love interest in the story, Caden, is a wonderful character. He’s gentle and honest, and the kind of wonderful hero for a story if you like healthy, sweet, loving relationships.
I love a good romance, but I do not like reading about healthy loving relationships. Again… ME. I’m a sucker for dark and broken and brooding lovers. While Caden was a wonderful character and deeply tangled in the story in complex ways, he didn’t have enough punch for me. I like them really….. evil.
The other thing I really struggled with was Harmony’s relationship to Penny. This might be just how I read into the plotline, but Caden and his best friend Penny are always flirting with one another (in front of Harmony) and have various inside jokes.
But the heroine seems oblivious to this and is constantly hugging Penny and calling her a best friend. It made me want to slap her because that friendship between the hero and his work buddy seemed a lot less innocent on page.
Overall Thoughts
Unhinged Witch is a wonderful, fast-paced contemporary fantasy romance with open door sex scenes, an emotionally healthy romance, and a unique twist on witches who live in the Bermuda Triangle.
The story is written in first person from Harmony’s point of view, and the writing style is more similar to a contemporary fantasy than a harder epic/high fantasy.
However, this story is definitely for adults. I’d recommend it for anyone that wants some fantasy in their romance, or some romance in their fantasy. Or if you just love snarky cats that make all the characters lives’ a little more dreary.
Currently reading
October 27, 2021I rewrote this book so many times over the past few years. I loved the premise but something was still missing with the book. Finally, it all clicked and I wrote this version over the course of 6 weeks. It flowed out and I knew it was the way it was supposed to be.
Ginger hadn't appeared until the latest version. She made such a impact on the story. Even I am surprised by her sassy attitude. The cat loves meatballs and isn't afraid to let everyone know
I really hope you will enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Ginger hadn't appeared until the latest version. She made such a impact on the story. Even I am surprised by her sassy attitude. The cat loves meatballs and isn't afraid to let everyone know
I really hope you will enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews