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Spell's Angels #9

Cast the First Crone

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Scout Randall’s life has turned from bad to worse. With her boyfriend’s murderous mother on the loose, that means she’s a target. But where will the attack come from?
Scout thought they would have time to figure things out, time to regroup and come up with a plan. She was wrong. The next enemy is on their doorstep.
When a body is found in a remote hunting lodge, a familiar symbol painted on the wall, Scout knows it’s time to go on the offensive. Unfortunately for her, she’s not entirely certain what she’s hunting for.
Is it a human? Is it a vampire? Is it something worse?
Scout and her motley crew of witches and shifters are ready to fight, but when you don’t know your enemy, that’s virtually impossible.
Scout’s answers lie in her past, and the search she thought postponed is suddenly on her. The family that let her go might just be back in the mix. Will they be friends or foes, however?
Big answers are coming fast and furious. Scout’s never been in more danger, and yet if she can hang on just a little bit longer, her past will provide the answers she’s always wanted.
It’s time for the reunion to end all reunions… if Scout can stay alive to see it through.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2023

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About the author

Amanda M. Lee

306 books2,985 followers
When I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.

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5 stars
2,087 (74%)
4 stars
575 (20%)
3 stars
128 (4%)
2 stars
9 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
1,205 reviews21 followers
March 9, 2023
Things are hitting up for Scout and Gunner, turns out twenty years ago Mamma Moon did a psychic reading for Gunners mum Yolanda. In the vision Yolanda saw an adult Gunner with Scout and Even (along with others) Victorious after a major battle and herself lying at their feet dead. This is what caused her to burn down the house with Gunner in it when he was a child. Mamma Moon kept the vision to herself in case knowing what is to come caused a change in future events but Scout feels it's important to know exactly what Yolanda saw, what Scout learns shocks her a great deal but she has no time to process as Yolanda is causing problems. Dead bodies are being found all bearing that strange symbol Yolanda has , what destroying to accomplish is a mystery but one thing is certain prophecy of not she must be stopped...................... Now.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
857 reviews26 followers
February 12, 2023
I received an ARC of this audiobook. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This was the first book of this series that I have read, and I have now added all of the earlier books to my TBR.

Scout and Gunner are having trouble. Gunner's mother has escaped from the mental hospital, and since she's hell-bent on killing Gunner, they're not exactly happy about that fact. But before they can begin to deal with that, a dead body is discovered at one of the remote hunting lodges with a familiar symbol painted on the wall. Scout and Gunner know it's time to go on the offensive, but they don't know WHO they are supposed to be hunting.

And as if that's not enough, there's a new vampire in town that can invade Scout's mind. She has so many questions, and her answers may very well be in the past, in the prophecy surrounding her, Gunner, and Evan.

There was a lot going on in this book, though I suspect a lot of that is due to me entering the series at book 9 instead of at the beginning like most people do. As such, there wasn't a great deal of character development; it's not necessary when they've already been developed. I loved the characters that surrounded Scout and Gunner.

Of all of them, I think an early favorite of mine was Marissa. Her entitlement and absolute surety that she should get whatever she wants made her so much fun to read, especially since we've all met someone just like her. Another favorite is Tillie, who I very much want to meet in real life. In fact, the characters were a large part of the reason why I added all of the previous books in the series to my TBR.

As for the storyline, it probably comes as no surprise to fans of this series that the book ends on a cliffhanger. Still, that doesn't mean that nothing is resolved by the end. There are a few things. At the same time, there are several new pieces of information revealed that will certainly come to play in a sequel, which I will read...after I've gone back and read books 1-8.

Finally, if you haven't already done so and you get the chance to, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. It is narrated by Meghan Kelly, who does an absolutely wonderful job. Her characterization of the different characters is absolutely fantastic. If I get the choice, I will absolutely be listening to the audiobooks when I read books 1-8.
Profile Image for Dawn Siemer.
1,406 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2023
Scout's true enemy is revealed?

A lot happens in this book. A confrontation with Yolanda. Scout finds her parents. We find out which apex is behind Yolanda. A new friend is introduced.

Why 3 stars? Scout doesn't do much. She doesn't grow as a person. This story feels unfinished, since the promised epic battle doesn't happen. More importantly, is Emma Scout's sister or cousin? This isn't the only book where she's called both. If they're cousins and Emma grew up with her parents, why is she so jealous of Scout? If she's her sister, why didn't one of her parents keep her with them?

I expected Emma's relationship to be solidified in this book, and I'm more confused than ever!
Profile Image for Diane ~Firefly~.
2,263 reviews89 followers
March 22, 2023
Yolanda is on the loose and the final battle looms...

What I enjoyed:
* There was a surprise
* Scout finds her parents and gets back in touch with Poet
* We learn about Apex creatures
*

What could have been better:
* This book seemed to be mostly about setting things up for the final battle
* Too much Winchesters in a non-Winchester book
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Scout is a member of a Paranormal bikers club called the spells Angels. They go out and hunt evil paranormal beings and creatures and take them down. They are based in a small town in Michigan that happens to be a center of magical Cross roads of sorts. Scout and her boyfriend gunner along with the rest of the spells angels crew and a few friends deal with any issues that come up in their area. This series is part of a magical world written by this author. Many of the other characters from this world will cross over into each other stories on occasion and help out. Just as in this particular story there is a group of characters that arrive to assist in their battle coming up. Many other characters from this world are mentioned for an upcoming battle in the future. Read on and see where this adventure leads in what happens. A fun entertaining and action packed read.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
975 reviews25 followers
March 10, 2023
Tale deep breaths before reading

If this book doesn't have your mind wandering around something is wrong with you.

There is so much to unpack. Scout has found out more in this book than in any other book. But, there is still so much we still don't know. I'm not sure if she comes out broken or put together at the end. When this book ends your going to say a few words. There are so many feelings going on. Then bam, the end. Don't trust anyone in this book. Everyone is not your friend or enemy. Things change as time goes by.
Profile Image for Angela Parker.
602 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2023
The final battle looms

Scout, Gunner and the rest of the Spells Angels are some of my favourites along with the Winchester’s. We get both working together here as the final battle draws closer and the key players start to make their appearance.
Tilly’s antics are so hilarious, we even get her arch nemesis Mrs Little making a cameo here.
This book is action packed and sets the scene perfectly for the final confrontation that’s coming to them all.
Amazing book, can’t wait for the next instalment.
5 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2023
I loved this book. It is jam packed with story lines and new info. I also liked the partial resolution rather than having to wait for the big fight. So many mysteries wait for the very last minute to tie everything up in a nest bow. I love that this series brings things together in a logical order
51 reviews
March 13, 2024
Love this addition. I will miss Yolanda, simply because she added a good emotional bad guy. I was not shocked by the betrayal, but I thought it would be someone else, I won't say so I won't spoil things to bad. Actually, I thought it would be one of two people, but I digress. The apex is an interesting twist, Lamia are supposedly powerful anyway and to be an Apex, doesn't seem like something Scout can handle regardless who she has, so I am interested to see how that turns out. I feel like we have definitely hit the stretch to war, the intensity is definitely cranking up and I am here for it. I also LOVED finally seeing Poet appear, I have been wondering when and how that was going to happen. I love their relationship and if you have been following Poet's series, we all know how powerful she has become. This book really has me amped for the next. Something that bothered me is that Scout and Emma are supposed to be sisters right? So why did Emma call her supposed mother, Auntie? Is that an error? Is it something to be clarified? It threw me off, so I look forward to more developments on that front. I also love seeing Tillie show power and Evan progress. This is definitely one of my favs of the series. I want more of the reunion info, because so far it was a let down and seemed really calm and simple to what I had prepared in my head. On to the next one!!
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews11 followers
April 13, 2023
We're heading into some...

... confrontations when certain things come to light... Scout wants to know why Mama Moon didn't warn of the prophecy... not Graham Sr, not herself, not Gunner nor any of the Spells Angels... and an Apex Vampire is now lurking around sending Scout messages...

Things are hotting up with Yolanda and now they understand why she's so determined to end Scout but her actions are more of a distraction than serious threats, like trying to kill Mama Moon's friendly bear Barney, and killing random people along the river... necessitating the team trying to track down the secretive folks who live out in the wilds, not all are welcoming...

Yolanda's even dragged in Margaret Little, although a persuasive conversation about socialising with escaped mental patients soon shuts her up!! So what is her grand scheme?

Scout takes a look at the prophecy from an unrepentant Mama, and it's going to be eye-opening... can she keep her head when she realises who the odd preppers are?

201 reviews
April 3, 2023
This one was overflowing with information

Scout has a huge mess going on with Yolanda escaping and disappearing, the information Mama Moon kept from everyone, a vampire stalking her dreams and being the main player in a prophecy, things are downright overwhelming. That is not even the half of it though. Murders start popping up near the river, seemingly random at first glance. Upon further thought and investigation maybe not so random. Things start getting really interesting with foes turn to friends and friends to foes. Can Scout make it through without Gunner and Graham hating her and live to fight another day? Well, that remains to be seen.... Sometimes the end is just a back up and regroup for the real fight on the horizon.

This was an amazing book. I was completely enthralled from the beginning. 5 out of 5 stars, highly recommend this book, series and all by this inkslinger. Now, I wait impatiently for the next.
269 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2024
Holy catballs Batman!!!

Ok here's my word, beautimous!!!(beautiful and fabulous) First off amazing story! Secondly, homerun for family! Lastly, I love, love, love Tillys devious mind!! Her ability to create the spells that she does almost makes me want to be a family member of hers (I just know I'd end up on one of her lists and pay the price of smelling like pickles or something like that (hey Amanda, make Margaret fart sauerkraut with every sale she makes and the unicorns, random ones each time, follow her every step and nip at her ankles. Twice on Sundays... Lol. Oh the magical mind of Amanda Lee!!!
70 reviews
April 12, 2023
Always fun & feisty

I'm looking forward to the big battle. What can I say I love it when the other witches come to town. The truth they finally got from Yolanda was shocking but will help. Barney and Mama Moon are back and now they have Esther to deal with too. As a former outdoor sleep walker that was a surprise. Tillie never disappoints and she has so much fun. And Bay's ghosts are always terrifying so I can't wait for the big battle! Some new faces are coming to town for that one! If you like fun, snarky, messy paranormal mysteries you will like this series. Enjoy!
80 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2023
Scout!

I love everyone of Amanda M. Lees series and this is one of the top.
Scout and Gunner get thrown a lot of curve balls and yet they always find a way. I like that this is bringing together so many of the characters and series that I love and I can not wait for them to come together for this epic battle.
This book filled in a lot of the mysteries of Scouts story and gave a more clear picture of who will come to their to finish the prophecy. I’m super excited impatient for the next book! Recommend any of Amanda M. Lee’s books.
1,516 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2023
This was one of the better books in the series. While very little character development occurred, some long built-up questions were answered. An unexpected development within the team occurred, but it had been discussed in one of the Wicked Witch books, so I wasn't shocked. Finally, some answers about Scouts parents, but it was basically buried really deep in the plot other than a page or two for reference - more to come later, I hope. An apex leader was unveiled - never even hinted at previously - so that was new.
Profile Image for Gail Daley.
Author 47 books20 followers
November 18, 2023
Pretty good story

Despite how good the story was at rounding up loose strings and plot lines, this is still sort of a placeholder.. I don’t want to be a spoiler so I’m gonna I’m not going to talk about things that went on. Suffice to say the the end of the book although satisfying, didn’t really give us any real answers and I have a feeling this is going to dragon for the next three books will see. I do recommend reading it though.
4 reviews
Read
March 9, 2023
Amanda's story telling just keeps getting better

An amazing story with plot twists. Kept me reading all day. Scout has such a great personality, and a big heart. She was definitely thrown some curve balls. I love seeing the characters from some of the other series joining in the story. Great read!
507 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2023
Good series

Another good book in this series. The Winchester appear throughout, adding humor to a tense situation. This book is a build up to a battle, introducing characters from other series. The plot and subplots move quickly and the twists make it hard to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,794 reviews9 followers
March 9, 2023
Cast the First Crone

A huge battle is coming and now we know alot more about the players. Had some huge revelations in this book and some shocking twists. Love this series. Highly recommend.

*side note there is a 3 star rating that was made before the book ever came out. This author doesn't do arcs. Emma is her sister and has been since it was revealed in book 3.
125 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2023
Wow

Well this entry into the Spell's Angels Cozy Mystery breaks new ground. Scout finds out more about her parents, Gunner finds out more about his mother. Traitors are revealed, new power characters are introduced, and the big battle still looms. I like it when other characters crossover to other series. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
892 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2023
This series just keeps plugging along. In my opinion, even after nine books, it isn't losing steam. A lot is happening. The way that the various series' features players are intertwining is becoming a bit confusing for me, as I don't necessarily remember all the details from all the books in all the series. I really wish there was a chart detailing everything that has come before.
Profile Image for Starla.
971 reviews
March 11, 2023
Wow

This book had so many things happening. I am still processing everything. This was a fast paced read that was exciting. So many revelations were revealed in this book in regards to Scouts history, what she now has in her life and what the future holds. I need to read the next book soon I hope. An excellent series with excellent characters!
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,288 reviews41 followers
March 11, 2023
Seriously fun!!! Murderous mother out for revenge, shifters, witches, vampires and so much more.
Loads of action and when you bring in some familiar faces from Hemlock Cove you get added firepower plus great food.
Scout and Gunner are up for a fight and their team mostly has their back, but could a traitor be amongst them??
Profile Image for Linda.
302 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2023
This book was fast-paced and action-packed. It had some twists and turns I wasn't expecting but pleasantly surprised me. The book ended with a cliffhanger, which was disappointing on the one hand but also exciting because now I know they'll be another Spells Angels book. I'll be looking for the announcement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,495 reviews
March 13, 2023
Alright, but not a favourite.

I liked it, but I’m still not enjoying this as much as Bay and Tillie’s series (although their guest appearance was rather fun). Hoping that the next book puts an end to this current big bad plot - if not wrapping up the series - but I would like Scout and Gunner to pop up in the other two connected series.
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
468 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2023
Hmmm

There is a lot going on in this book. Some great interactions and some answers, plus a surprise bad guy. The final battle is coming up and there was a lot of lead up to it, so seemed a little unfinished. You know because this wasn't the final battle. Looking forward to the next book and the crossover I see coming.
356 reviews
March 26, 2023
Great story!

This is a really good series of books to read. I love reading books by Ms. Lee. Her stories flow easily and keep you entertained. I never felt like there was a lull in the story or a lot of unnecessary filler. She is a very gifted and creative author. You won't be sorry to buy this book.
843 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2023
Enemy's everywhere

Finding enemies all around them is bad enough but one within their own crew is the worst. Who is it when did they infiltrate? Questions that need answers but how did they get in without being discovered? Good book. Not the end though looking forward to the conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews