Librarian Witch

Moongrove Academy: Wicked Spells #1

by Ella Hendricks

I didn’t know I was a witch until a pair of cats started talking to me and I received an official summons to report to a training school for my supernatural abilities.

That’s when I’m shipped off to a highly esteemed university for the supernatural, Moongrove Academy. I go to class alongside shifters, vampires, and other creatures straight from the paranormal books I love so much.

When magical testing reveals that I’m a librarian witch, I’m ecstatic. Except, it turns out it means I’m a custodian of knowledge and creatures from beyond our dimension, rather than a curator of books. Librarians around here wield silver swords instead of decimal systems, and I’m about to find out why.

On my first day in the library, I accidentally release an ancient dimensional being from centuries-long imprisonment. It escapes and begins terrorizing everyone on campus.

My screw up wakes Geo, a duty-bound gargoyle who senses danger to his destined mate—me.

But he’s not the only one watching my back. I team up with Benjamin Cross, an enigmatic warlock with a killer smile, who is searching for his lost little brother in all of this mess.

Yet the most mysterious man of all is Phaeron, the dimensional I freed. He claims he isn’t responsible for the murders across campus. If that’s true, then who is?

I must find out before anyone else is hurt and I’m expelled. Spare a little luck my way, I’m still in my first semester.

This is the first book in a medium burn, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers series with a strong heroine who doesn’t have to choose between her three love interests. It is recommended for mature readers.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Magic, Paranormal, Audiobook, Romance, Witches

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Ella Hendricks is an author of paranormal romances with dark roots and steamy twists. She loves getting lost in fantasy worlds, especially if the monsters are naughty and the lady saves her men in the end.

She lives in Texas and is inspired by big, starry skies and hikes into places far from big cities.

Find out more about her books at: www.ellahendricks.com

Reviews

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cress had no idea she was a witch until the day they showed up to send her off to Moongrove academy for her to learn her craft. Thankfully she quickly make some friends at the school so she's not going at it alone. When a mistake sets her down a path she won't be able to come back from now she's running from a dimensional who's hunting her, another who's determined to prove he's not the killer who she can't deny she's attracted to. At least she's not at it alone she has Geo a Gargoyle she happened to wake up as he must protect her mate.


After losing someone very close to her she meets Ben he says all the right worlds and knows just how to charm her but he's also holding a secret that could destroy her world. With the help of her loyal Geo she's determined to fix the mistake she created and set things right. The shadows are a dangerous place and she may not make it out alive.



I picked this book up for a reading Bingo game because it's about a witch and I've had my eye on it for a while. I loved Cress right from the start she's adorable and I found her easy to connect with. She's nerdy and reminds me a lot of myself aside from I don't have the skills to draw fashion but I always wish I could. I love the way that Geo plays out he's so unique as a character the way he transforms between both forms. I loved the way he was addicted to the internet and have so much hope for him in the future.



Ella Hendricks is a new author for me so I was super curious to check out her writing style which I instantly loved. I found her storytelling captivating and hard to put down. The characters are easy to connect with but full of depth and personality. I truly enjoyed every page as I devoured the book and eagerly await the next one. I can't wait to see what's going to happen next for Cress and her men. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long. I highly recommend checking out if you are a fan of academy reverse harems with a spunky main character.

[Cee · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 14%/ 4 chapters

Idk honestly just bored. I don’t think I’m clicking with the writing style.

[Jack-Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this first book of this series, the story was engaging, and the world-building was solid, especially for an introductory installment.


The supporting characters were particularly fascinating, each with their own adventures and distinctive traits. However, my interest waned due to the main character. She felt dull and uninformed about her surroundings, and not because of the obvious (that she was new to this world), but the fact that unlike the vividly depicted secondary characters, the protagonist seemed passive, with events happening to her rather than her taking an active role. This lack of agency made her less compelling. Every single character seemed to have a more interesting life.


For example, there's a crucial moment where her friend, a philanthropic, future-seeing individual who traveled the world helping others and had a big family, dies because of her. This scene, which should have been emotionally impactful, fell flat. Even though the protagonist was sad, the gravity of her duty and the importance of the moment weren’t effectively conveyed. The writing was technically good, but it lacked the emotional depth needed to make readers truly feel the events.


Additionally, the story focused on the wrong aspects at times. For instance, when the protagonist needed to train for an impending battle (one that the clairvoyant parents of her deceased friend instructed her about): This significant development is glossed over in just a couple of lines at first, here and there. It tells us she's training but doesn’t show the struggles, growth, or determination involved. This approach makes it hard for readers to connect with her journey and feel invested in her character.


Overall, while the book is well-written, it often fails to evoke the necessary feelings and immersion, centering on the wrong parts of the story. This lack of investment in the protagonist significantly impacts the reading experience.


For context, despite being in a relaxed environment with ample time to engage with the book, the protagonist's lack of depth and agency makes it difficult to stay interested. This issue suggests that the book may struggle to hold the attention of us readers who are seeking a more compelling and active main character. And this challenge would likely be even more pronounced for those with limited time to read and relax.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just... wow. New author Ella Hendricks has done an excellent job writing her first book, Librarian Witch. It's the first book in the Moongrove Academy series, this paranormal reverse harem was fun and exciting with hints of turmoil.


Newbie witch Cressida Rollins had entered a whole new world filled with the supernatural. Cress is taking everything in stride, she's excited to become a part of this new community. Eager to learn the customs, the people, and most of all magic but she still has dreams of being a fashion designer it's just adjusted now to supernaturals. I liked Cress she was a good person and has a good family and great new friends who support her if only she stops making bad decisions.


Speaking of bad decisions, relationships are hard. Cress has three love interests and nothing goes smoothly, one is a liar, another has a complicated history, and the third has the emotional IQ of a snowman. Cress doesn't make things better but trusting the wrong people and not thinking things out. However, by the end, things start to move in the right direction with all three.


The story was witchy heaven with runes, portals, magic swords, familiars, spells, auras, magic tattoos, and more. There were so many varying types of supernaturals, mer, fae, vampires, shifters, witches, and more. Not to mention the magic system was unique and detailed with witches having seven different affinities (specializations) and each of those affinities had specialized (and unique) magic. It was everything my witch-loving heart could want. There was even some real Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets stuff going on and I loved it.


Librarian Witch was a great first book. I highly enjoyed the story, the mystery surrounding everything, the weird stuff going on at the school, and the magical history was interesting. Hendricks did a great job of world-building and had a lot of interesting aspects. Like a manipulative vampire, covens, libraries, rituals, celebrations, assassins, soulmates, a shadowy presence, all-knowing magic, and more. The ending was pure chaos and I loved it but I am wondering what's gonna happen next.

[S.F. Henne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on a whim as the magic sounded cool, but this one was a mixed bag for me. It was a very easy listen though I was left want for more - more emotional depth, more character development etc. While, yes I know, this is a why choose the story veered head on into the romance and forget there was plot going on.

The world of the Librarian Witch was super interesting, though it's your classic hidden magical world in the modern real world, it was the magic system that I found interesting and that there are "demons" who are beings from another planet. Each witch has an affinity to one type of magic and these were not your typical types. A librarian with was actually tasked with dealing with the most powerful magical beings. What was unfortunate is that we never went beyond the basic surface level information on these (and really I could read a whole series just about these witches without any romance)

Cress, our MC, was unfortunately very naive, immature and had main character syndrome, and yes I know she had only just graduated high school, I was hoping for more maturity from her. Especially if you are expecting my to believe she has the emotional maturity to have actual relationships with people.

One of her friends is killed early on and yes she is upset but we don't see how much this effects her besides her being sad. We're told a coven is super important and right as she starts to make friends, she also meets LI #1 and everything else falls away. This was when the plot and her friendships fall away. The friends only come back in the last 20% to help her in the climax after she ditched them for her boyfriend.

Last, I literally laughed out loud when it said "velvet wrapped in steel" and could not take the spice seriously.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Spice: .5/5

Paranormal
Why Choose
Slow Burn
Slow Build Harem
Magical Awakening
Gargoyle, Witch, and Fae MMCs
V|rg|n Witch FMC
Ride or Una|iv€ Besties
Magical Academy (University Age)
Mystery
Familiars

[Arabella Auberon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, there are tropes in the book, but the concepts and the way it all plays out in the story is wonderfully unique and it’s not something I’ve read before. It’s written well, and while it does strike me as more of a YA/NA and Cress is really immature, I figure she’ll grow as the series progresses. Looking forward to the next one.


5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.

4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.

3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.

2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.

1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Naoé · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I blame myself for this one.
I liked the setting, the general plot classic but still fun and the characters have potential but I’m not a reverse harem girlie and the male characters here are a bit frustrating like tone down a possessiveness a bit please and I felt like we don’t enough about them to actually get attached.
But once it was my fault like a skim over the synopsis and I wouldn’t have read it if I realise it was reverse harem, my issue with this trope is the feeling that the only important relationships that matter in the story are the romantic ones and the rest of the characters are just put aside the instant the love interests enter the scene. But if you like it you may like this book

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Librarian Witch (drats, not the books kind) . . .

Cress had an interesting introduction to her true nature of being a witch. Two cats started to talk with her which got her attention. Then she was contacted by a school that would train her to use her supernatural gifts. Moongrove Academy is for shifters, vampires, and all sorts of wonderful beings we have always considered myths – but they are real!

At first, Cress is elated to find she is a librarian witch. I would have been over the moon because that implies delving into the fabulous books day and night – sort of like I currently do actually… hmmm. But in reality, a librarian witch contains the knowledge of creatures outside of our dimension. That’s cool too, but books were what lured me in!

And even good comes out of bad things apparently. Cress accidentally let an ancient dimensional creature which had been imprisoned for centuries get loose and upset campus life. The good part is that itty bitter error woke Geo, a gargoyle protector, and he happens to be her fated mate! Add in Benjamin Cross and Phaeron (that dimensional creature she let loose), and this is the start of perhaps a very awesome reverse harem (or at least worthy “eye candy”)?

This series is already heading for fun and excitement. The characters are likable – let’s cut poor Cress a break since she is a newbie here – and the guys will definitely hold your attention. Grab your copy and meet everyone here at the beginning. I’m sure this story is heading off to fun and you won’t want to miss it!

[Rita Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creatures and the magic is really very creative and intriguing.

I am actually quite invested in the story, the creatures and the magic is really very creative and intriguing. I absolutely want to know more. The main characters and friends are also really fun to get to know.

The villains so far don't have any depth to them. Making them evil just to be evil, which I'm not a big fan off. But that can change its just the first book. Also in the beginning you get a massive information dump before you get to know anyone Making it a really hard read to start, and that Info dump gives away to much vital information at once, and there is definitely lost potential there. Pluss I hate when I know about secrets before the FMC and have to constantly wait to get answers. It's fine if I'm just assuming or have deducted the secret myself. But when it's spilled out to you at the very start. It made the read less enjoyable. But the story itself is really good it's just the storytelling that is lacking. But still enough mystery to keep my interest peeked and I will continue this series eventually.

[Lisa Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the underlying plot for this story, the fact that you were learning the world with the FMC, and opening into her start of the school rather than her finding out about magic and then spending precious page time on the lead up. I was, however, pretty disappointed that the author gave the FMC a few badass friends and then they became mostly irrelevant until the last chapter or so. The FMC and one of the MMCs were understandably naive, but the other two MMCs really should have been less naive than they were. Between all of the main characters being a little sheltered, even despite the fact that a few of them shouldn't have been, and then not involving the FMC's new friends in a way that really bolstered the story left a lot to be desired. With that said, I am interested in seeing where the story goes, and it seems like the author was setting up the supporting cast to have more of a role.

[Brittany Duszczyszyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this book 3.5 stars, but you know there’s no 1/2 stars ⭐️ on Goodreads.

It’s a very simple storyline easy to follow, it starts off feeling a little like Harry Potter with the sorting of different kinds of witches.

Even though I found this book predictable I enjoyed the ride. You could tell who her mates are and that she’s going to be very powerful.

I get the twins from the underworld with light and darkness and knew who it was hosting inside. I cam interested in why her parents were killed off and I hope it’s for a shocking reason or revaluation. Not just for power or money like most things.

Ben’s mom having been her fathers best friend and business partner was a nice surprise and it’s sad to say but i liked knowing what actually happened to her rather then think she sold her sons for $5 million.

I enjoy her sarcastic book about library witches and hope her friends or coven play a bigger role in the next book.

[x.o-St3fani3-o.x · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, Spells, and Second Chances

I really enjoyed this intriguing story. I loved the concept of Cress being raised human, only to later discover she’s actually a witch. Watching her step into that truth and learn she’s a librarian witch, was such a fun and unique twist.

Cress finds herself surrounded by a wonderful group of friends, but tragedy seems to follow her at every turn. The emotional weight of her blaming herself for everything that goes wrong added real depth to her character and made her journey feel raw and authentic.

I especially loved the relationships that developed between Cress, Ben, Geo, and Phaeron. Their dynamic was engaging and layered, and I found myself fully invested in how they connected and supported one another.

I can’t wait to see what book two has in store.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever heard the term Curiosity Killed the Cat. After Cress finds out she's a witch and gets her powers to become a library witch she let's her Curiosity take hold and ends up setting loose a Dimensional aka Demon from a deep sleep. This causes Geo, a quartz gargoyle who has the Soul of Morgana the woman who put Phaeron to sleep in the first place, to sense danger to his mate Cress lol.
We also have Benjamin Cross, a warlock who is hunting for his little brother.
Phaeron, who is just intriguing, the Dimensional that she awakened has a job of hunting down a true demon who awoke with him. He also senses that Cress is his mate so there is a lot of drama but boy is it so good. That end scene was just wild. I can't wait for bk 2

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book but just one step in the whole arc of the series.

Cress is a newly revealed witch who heads to university to learn her powers. There, she is tested as having a “library affinity” and accidentally releases a dimensional bound within the depths of the library. Soon, people start dying on campus.

By the end of the book, we have a sense of Cress’s three mates but she’s only started down the road to bonding with one of them. We also have a sense of some of the villains, though part of this books’s storyline is understanding who the bad guys really are. Not a lot of threat gets resolved by the end of the book.

I know this is really just one part of a whole, but it was an enjoyable read that balanced more toward plot than character development.

[Kristen Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ I loved this book. It reads very NA/young which was a little unexpected for a dark adult why choose, but I couldn’t put it down. Good world building, character building, and a magic system that is complex but still easy to grasp. I like this FMC, her friends, her familiars 🐱, THE BOOK omg, and the guys that she is/will be involved with. I love that the narration and dialogue is actually about more than individuals being attractive omg, complicated relationships (romantic and platonic) actually being built on more than looks and abilities. While there was a bit of open door spice it was done tastefully, not overly long or overly explicit.
Editing about 35% into book 2 - Spice becomes more explicit and the door is definitely off the hinges** lol

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished the three book series, I was sucked in by the world building and battle sequences that continued through each book. I did want to see more development of Cressida as she gained more power and responsibility. She seemed to stay in the same adolescent view that could have used more articulation. I do understand that she is still young, so I hope for additional book chapters as a future scope to complete this series.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. The world build is simply beautiful. The characters are so wonderfully rich and complexity. The plot is a living seemly ever changing thing. I was hooked quickly and it never let go. I went through the emotional roller coaster on this one. I can’t wait for the next one. The cliffhanger had me nashing my teeth. Absolutely adore this book.

[Eim | frecklesnfantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating- 3.5

It’s one of those series where it’s 3 whole books but each book doesn’t feel like a complete plot by itself. It’s not a book specific plot with undertones of the series big bad that’ll come to fruition in the last book. Instead it reads as books that could’ve been combined into one longer one.

I’m still gonna finish the series tho bc freaking library magic

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but I didn’t like how oblivious they’ve made the FMC. Especially when she was holding the guide to her mates and was so focused on one thing and missed all the other signs. Then she forgets she has info from someone that saw her future? Like c’mon. It did hold my attention and I’m interested in learning more about her witch type.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Unfortunately, I just didn't feel any connection to the main character, Cress :(
She felt so immature throughout the book; it felt like she was 15 or 16 (if that).

I would categorize this as a YA novel (even though there is a slightly spicy scene; I just can't give it another classification).

[Shelly K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure this series could be great but after reading 1 1/2 books, I just couldn't get on board. It felt like the story never took off. I kept waiting but it was just a lead up to.... something. I decided I couldn't wait for the meat of the book.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is based in a world of witches and supernatural beings. I thought the plot was very interesting but at the end I didn't like the characters enough to continue reading the rest of the series.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. It was okay. Nowhere near the medium build that was advertised on why-choose.com. It's really more like slow burn, to be honest. All of the characters felt surface level with no real depth as characters.

[Ioana]

Loved this

I loveee Geo ! I love the whole story and characters and I wonder how I didn't found this series faster. This story has originality ,a good plot and all kinds of mythical creatures . Totally recommend!

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning I thought, just another magic academy book, then it was oh this is interesting and in the end I was undecided. It’s good, but I’m not completely sure if I liked it. The characters are interesting though. Still close to five stars in my rating.

[Brittany Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

an amazing mystery

The book was awesome, a very creative world!
Amazing storytelling,
I could not put the book down I can’t wait to relax the next one

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Librarian Witch was so well written and a great overall read. I alway enjoy magical and paranormal stories and Ella Hendricks did not disappoint!

[Cherylynn Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It’s amazing. I love the characters and the storyline. Im looking forward to more of this series.

[KayCeeReads]

DNF 40%