A half witch with no power. A warlock who’s betrayed his own kind, and the monster that’s hunting them both.
Destined to fail, Rossi is only a half witch. Her coven, her mom, even her troll were constantly trying to make up for lack of magic, but Rossi knows. And she’s over being a burden, but unsure how to fix it.
On a stormy night, a bolt of lightning makes the choice for her, while at the same time, sending a pulse out into the magical world. Within hours, strangers start showing up in her small mountain county by the bucketloads.
An annoying, but somewhat swoony warlock with plenty of his own secrets. An unusual unicorn who had delusions of grandeur. A monster that uses tricks of the mind to trap its prey. And more witches than Rossi could possibly count.
I would have liked to give this more because the plot is promising but I just found it unsubstantial reading. The characters, although interesting, just didn’t have much depth to them. Maybe I wasn’t the target audience for this book as it seemed to have been written for a young audience, not an adult one. There were also a number of editing errors which interrupted the flow of the story. I was looking forward to this story but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver.
"Witch Stone" is the story of half-witch Rossi becoming the chosen one in a plot that really needed to get to the point.
The story had potential but ultimately fell flat for me. It took until the third act for something to actually happen with the plot. I felt like I read but didn't consume until that point.
LI Drag (what kind of name is 'Drag'?) is like anime Tuxedo Mask. He shows, says some nonsense, and peaces. I don't think I ever rolled my eyes as many times as I did during a read before. I wish village boy Jonathan was her LI instead.
The magic system was interesting but I had to wonder how uncomfortable those jewels were. Like Rossi, babe, how do you close your hand? I need answers! lol
Perhaps I was not the target audience for this particular novel but it's enough for me not to continue
Oh goodness was that a splendid read! Oh goodness did I laugh! Impossible not to when you're presented with a troll, who not only has the most appalling body odour, mouth odour and every vile smelling odour imaginable but also releases copious amounts of flatulence! It wasn't only Pitty who was comical, the entire book has a wonderful humourous undertone, although, it's set amongst a really great plot and fabulous storytelling. Oh and there's a teeny tiny unicorn called Simon.... who's got a broken horn.... who's really tiny, oh, I mentioned that, but he is and he's also a handful! An awesome handful. And they're not the only characters than spun a web round me luring me in, there's this very interesting, very intriguing guy, Drag, who once more turns out not to be what, well what I thought he was, he's MORE. As is Ellery, I was so suspicion of her but she surprised me too! Now you can understand why I COULDN'T put it down! I just couldn't!
We start off by being introduced to Rossi, a witch who's a bit of an outcast in her Coven, she hasn't got 2 jewels embedded in her hands like the rest of the witches, only one and she despairs she'll ever be of any help to her Coven. Instead of being able to harness lightening, like a good fire witch, she's terrified she'll fry herself until a freak storm. Well....that storm was something else! And just as suddenly as lightening strikes, so too does her entire life. Buuuut, as the story develops all sorts of revelations surface and holly molly were they bombshells! What Rossi knew and what she is couldn't be further from the truth. Phew, with what she learns, all thrown at her in rapid succession, I'm impressed she actually handled it pretty well, a bit impetuous at times, a bit rash at times but one can't blame her, geesh , it's like learning your car can go from zero to one hundred in the blink of an eye, and you haven't got your licence! I enjoyed her immensely, her despair at being a failure, her swooning over a boy, her shock at seeing Simon, her mistrust of Drag, so fitting and definitely formed a true and real character.
The plot and storytelling was awesome! I love a book that's unpredictable and this one was, yes, a few events were predictable but the way it's presented still had me going "oooo". I applaud the author for the sheer delight she infused in a serious book, ok, maybe not SERIOUS, but with witches and wizards, magic and scary creatures, a paranoid king, death and mayhem, well that's pretty serious! I loved watching the pieces fall together, I loved watching the characters form binds, I loved the insecurity of Rossi, I loved her naivety and I really loved her spunk! Ok, so it's fair to assume I REALLY liked this book! I couldn't honestly go on and on and on, I haven't been this delightful in ages! This is my first time reading this author and I honestly can't wait to read more of her works.
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜ Rossi, I had the impression she's very young until more than halfway in the book when we find out she's over the age of 18, for some reasons I felt she's very young - perhaps because she was portrayed as such by the people around her and she actually believed all of that. However, I loved her character. She was funny, had a lot of humor and sarcasm and I loved the unusual friendships she created along the way and I loved that she found her voice and her power. Drag gave me a very mysterious vibe, he had secrets, some of his to tell some not, in the end, we get to know him and I loved how quickly his character developed along the way and how beautifully he just grew. Pitty was definitely hilarious and I've been giggling whenever he made his apparition.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜ The whole world of this story was very interesting. The details of the world are enough to know what their world looks like, but the world-building isn't the main focus, however, I did love the world this story took place in, it was definitely fascinating with trolls and other creatures.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜ I can't tell you how many times I've snorted while reading. The book has a funny vibe and I loved the humor it has. Rossi had a couple of smart remarks and I've marked them down as quotes because I can't not have them, they were way too funny to not mark. I loved the dynamic in the story, the way their witch coven was running, and the big differences between this part of the witches compared to the more advanced witches so to say. Their world might not be overly friendly especially when they're being hunted by monsters, but I loved the fact they had a troll and a unicorn making their world unique. The unicorn and the troll were two of my fave characters they're impossible not to love and not to laugh at the way they speak and how they're acting - especially the troll. I loved the enemies to friends to lover'ish trope and the friendships Rossi developed along the way. I'm definitely excited for the next book because this one has been such a quick and fun read!
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜ The book is clean, there's no spice, smut or anything there isn't any romance in it neither. Other than a kiss by accident at the end of the book there is no romance.
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I loved this book! The theme was fascinating and really original, how the power of the witches is channeled through these gems that are part of the palms of their hands, how each of these powers works according to the specialty of each witch.
I also loved the setting, there are some really interesting and unique creatures in this story. One of them is even quite creepy, which I loved. In fact, I really liked the characters, each one of them is really peculiar.
There is a lot of drama in this story and it's full of action and adrenaline, with an impressive display of powers. Also, it has some interesting twists and turns, some revelations I didn't expect at all.
And then the ending was so great! I desperately devoured the last few pages wanting to know what was going to happen. It was an amazing read that I enjoyed a lot and it left me eager to know how it continues.
ESPAÑOL:
Recibí este ebook a cambio de una reseña honesta. ¡Muchas gracias!
¡Me gustó mucho este libro! La temática me pareció fascinante y realmente original, cómo el poder de las brujas es canalizado a través de estas gemas que forman parte de las palmas de sus manos, cómo funciona cada uno de dichos dones según la especialidad de cada bruja.
También me encantó la ambientación, hay algunas criaturas realmente interesantes y diferentes en esta historia. Una de ellas incluso es bastante creepy, lo cual me encantó. De hecho, me gustaron mucho los personajes, cómo cada uno de ellos es realmente peculiar.
Hay mucho drama en esta historia y varias escenas repletas de acción y adrenalina, con un despliegue impresionante de poderes. Además, tiene unos giros interesantes, algunas revelaciones no me las esperaba para nada.
¡Y entonces el final estuvo buenísimo! Devoré de forma desesperada las últimas páginas queriendo saber lo que iba a pasar. Fue una lectura muy amena que disfruté un montón y me dejó con muchas ganas de saber cómo continúa.
This is one of those books that anyone, any age, any gender, any Fantasy lover can read and enjoy! This is one of those rare and beautiful stories that is truly for everyone!
Witch Stone is an absolutely enchanting story filled to the max with mystery, the unknown, hidden secrets, unique magic, whimsical humor, light but very sweet romance, family--both found and literal, magical creatures—both mystical and dastardly, discovering and accepting one’s own self worth and the realization that nothing has ever been what it appeared to be.
Rossi has always been lost when it comes to her magic. Being the only witch in the two covens who possess only one stone can really do that to a girl. She has grown up believing herself less of a witch and destined to fail…especially since the last time she attempted to catch a lightning bolt it almost killed her. But it seems…wheels start turning…magic starts aligning…and with the first successful catch of a bolt Rossi’s life is suddenly set in motion…and now she finds herself thrust on a journey filled with secrets, unexpected magic, a mysterious warlock, an endearing familiar, deadly beasts, and self discovery.
I absolutely adored this story! I absolutely love a story that is new and fresh and completely unexpected. Where you are kept completely on the edge of your seat, guessing, trying to predict what new and exciting thing will happen next...and the revelations and developments always are better and grander than you could have ever anticipated.
My favorite character was Drag—funny, snarky, oh so sweet, and determined to aid Rossi even as she is determine to avoid him…his personality and charm really drew me in. I loved everything about him! Then there was Simon and he was oh so delightful! I mean…we’ve all heard of pocket dragons…but…pocket unicorn! Yes please!
So yep…Go Read Witch Stone! It’s unexpected Magical Awesomeness for any and all Fantasy lovers and I promise, you aren’t going to want to miss it!
Witch Stone by Mandy O’Dell is the first book in a cozy witches serie. Rossi is a half witch, meaning she can’t perform spells very good. As she is born with only one stone, while other witches have two stones, she is trying very hard to capture lightning so she can get into her powers. When finally this happens, things get a little bit dangerous very fast.
When I started reading this book the writing style was so flowing and the book was so easy to read, I kept turning the pages. Not a lot happens, it is a slow read in a very good way, and Rossi is such a nice character, she just grows on you and you want to know what happens next. She is easy going, but is a bit frustrated that everyone thinks she is flawed. But apparently she can do more and is more than everyone has always let her believe. I loved Drag, the warlock who wants to help her, but he has his own agenda. Their interactions and relationship is nice to read about.
The worldbuilding is what you want in such a novel: witches with powers, an evil witch out for more power, some guy who turns up and wants to help you (or does he really?) and side characters who makes you smile. In Witch Stone there is mystery, magic, humor and a wonderful storyline with likable characters, all all it is a lovely easy cozy read. I can’t wait to read the sequel, for I rteally want to know what Drag is upto after the cliffhanger at the end.
This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
What a fun beginning to what promises to be a YA fantasy with a great sense of voice. The narration is clear and inviting as we meet our mother and daughter witches out in a storm harvesting lightning.
Rossi isn’t any ordinary teen witch, though. She was born with a diamond in only one palm instead of two, diminishing her potential power. If she even tries to harvest lightning, it fries her like a bug.
Our 1st person POV has one of the best voices I’ve read this blog-off. It reminds me of a kind of fantasy Wonder Years, without the “back when I was young” framing. (Maybe that reference is too dated.)
The dialogue is natural and helps build the world and introduce the characters every bit as much as the narration, which has a dry, deadpan humor to it that is right on the money.
This opening is measured, engaging, and full of promise. Rossi’s life is about to change, and I can’t wait to find out how (as well as meet her Troll friend, Pitty). I’m in! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...
Any YA/MG (and Adult, for that matter) fantasy writers would do themselves a favor by taking a look at how well O’Dell introduces readers to her story and characters. This one was a treat to read.
Half witch, Rossi, grew up thinking that she was just half a witch. While all the other witches have two stones to collect and direct power, she only has one. One night while her mother is out collecting lightning, she finally manages to do so as well! Yet this is the first step in an unfolding of events which will change her life forever. Suddenly, a very powerful but mysterious warlock, Drag, shows up saying he's trying to help her. Then a flood of witches comes to her town wanting protection.
Can Rossi live up to what people are saying about her? Is Drag much more than he appears?
This book is full of a wonderful cast of characters. Rossi's mom is an eccentric and an accident-prone witch. Pitty, the troll babysitter extraordinaire, is gross and endearing. Simon is an unexpected and perfect familiar. Drag, is likeable and mysterious with a wonderful ability to annoy Rossi. There are so many more!
I really enjoyed this different look at magic and how it works. At times friendships/relationships seemed to form a little too quickly, yet at the same time. While it touches heavy subjects, overall, it's lighthearted, funny and refreshing. This is only the beginning. I look forward to the next book!
This is a splendid read and I feel so lucky to have been asked to read it. The characters are well developed and the narrative engaging to the end.
Our main character, Rossi, is not wanted by her fellow witches. She doesn’t have the required two jewels embedded in her hands to perform the right kind of magic. Things start to spin out of control for her and readers, you will be stuck in your seat unable to put this book down as the story unfolds.
Some of the characters which will stay with me are the unicorn called Simon and those hideous trolls! Yikes, one is so cute, and I really want to own my very own tiny unicorn. But those trolls, they are the embodiment of all things sticky, rude, and vile – but they are fun all the same.
This is not a boring book. The plot moves along at a rapid pace and your heart will warm as we are taken on the ride of Rossi’s life, seeing her grow and shine. She is a real role model for younger readers, too.
If you love witches, wizards, and all things fantasy-driven, this is the book for you! I hope there are going to be more books in the series.
Witch Stone was a charming read. This is one you want to grab your favorite snuggly blanket and a cup of tea. Its a self discovery of a half witch. The book starts out strong and catching. Rossi and her mom are on their noll of grassy area where her mom usually practices. Out of nowhere, Rossi calls to lighting. This shocks her because for years shes been unable to call to or finish her magic. (She has one diamond stone while all the other true witches have one in each hand.)What follows is a wondrous journey. All of a sudden magical creatures appear out of nowhere and witches, wizards, and warlocks keep accumulating. She has a warlock she finds quite annoying. Then, she finds her mother hasn't been very truthful with her. I feel like the book loses its momentum about halfway. It seems like it just drags on in finding the reason why these witches are coming for Rossi. However, the unicorn and sassy troll keep things moving. In addition to everything shes got going on, there is also something out to get her. My favorite part has to be the gift she is given at the end. I like how the warlock and unicorn came together to help her come into and understand her calling.
Rossi considered herself neither mortal nor witch. Disappointed with herself and worried about not being able to meet what was expected of her. But a bolt of lightning opened the doors to the unexpected and suddenly Rossi found herself threatened and at the center of an intriguing magic. Interesting the course that the plot took and that was not foreseeable to me. I considered original the way in which Rossi and Drag were intertwined and that makes me hope for more intensity in the next book. I was struck by how varied and different the secondary characters were, liked how the mystery that surrounded Rossi was unfolding and the secrets that began to surface. I love these kinds of stories that keep me alert and enjoying the twists and the author's creativity when the heroes face danger. Action, suspense, drama, magic, terrifying creatures, and a threat that hasn't ended yet. Good start to this adventure that left me eager for the next book. The first book I read by this author and wouldn’t be the last. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received from BookFunnel.
What a phenomenal first book in the series! Rossi was born with only one witch's stone and she has believed her whole life that that meant she is broken. Unable to call her element but not fully mortal either. But one night while she is out with her mother, who is calling a storm, she feels her element stirring and for thr first time in her life calls it to her. But for Rossi, this is the catalyst for all of the winds in her life to shift.
I loved this book so much. I felt for Rossi and not feeling like she belonged in either world. Then feeling overwhelmed when everything she had built her life on shifted. I loved her Coven, the daughters and even the bosy mom's. The real surprise was Simon! I mean who wouldn't want a pocket sized unicorn that can provide guidance and smell lies. He is sassy and I love him. But there is so much more at stake and truths to unravel and I can't wait to get into book two.
"If it couldn’t be found in a book, was it really worth knowing?"
Rossi is a witch with only one witch stone, so she thinks she is only half witch and not as good as the other witches. Surprise! She is actually a very special witch and only having one stone makes her more powerful. The book is all about Rossi learning the truth and being trained to use her powers correctly. There is a smidge of romance, with probably more in future books. Witch Stone was a quick read at only around 200 pages. There was plenty of action and quick pacing since the book was so short. Humor is added throughout to give the book, which gives it a silly vibe at times and it makes it a little hard to take the situations seriously. It's well written, but I like my fantasy to be a bit more serious, and I need a story to be more fleshed out. 200 pages just doesn't do it for me, so that is why I'm rating the book 4 stars and not 5.
I was recommended this book, with not a lot of expectations going into it. Often if books are recommended, I don't even necessarily read the blurb. This story was so fun and different! I also like how there's a deeper meaning in much of what happens as Rossi has many self-esteem issues due to thinking she's broken, just because she's different from everyone else. However, she's shown that we all have our purpose and worth within this life by the end of the story. Apparently the author is trying out Virtual Voice, which has an AI read the voice. Of course, due to it being AI, some words are pronounced oddly. However, I enjoyed it overall and could tell what was happening just fine. Could even tell the differences in people, interestingly enough. I definitely recommend everyone give it a shot if you like audiobooks.
Rossi is a failed witch; she is missing one of the power gems that all witches have in the palms of her hands and has no power. Until one night she actually catches the lightening. All things start to change with the warlock Drag, a mini unicorn names Simon (he is too cute for words), multiple witches arriving in the area calling her the one stone. There are some unusual happenings, lots of things to learn and Rossi is in the middle of everything. There was something abut the beginning of the book which made me tentative about continuing, nothing specific just a feeling. But I kept on and am glad I did. I am now fully involved in the world and story and will be starting book 2 right away. Turned out to be a very enjoyable book.
This is the story of Rossi— a half witch struggling with wanting to do more for her coven but feeling inadequate to do so effectively. Desperate to help her coven, she’ll do what she can. On a fateful night, a storm gathers. A bolt of lightning changes everything bringing discovery, power, and strangers to her town.
An easy read. I enjoyed the dynamic of Rossi and Drag (the mysterious warlock). The world building is easy to follow. I’m looking forward to reading to next book in this series!
Witch Stone is the first book in this new series by O'Dell. Rossi is the main character. She has felt broken, and like a half witch her life. One night will change her whole perspective and the course of her life. Absolutely love the concept of this book and the characters are well written. It drew me in and I instantly fell in love and wanted to know more. Can't wait for the next installment. I volunteered to read this book.
This was so good! Rossi is a half witch, an outcast from her coven until one night when the lightening hit and then all hell breaks loose. It’s a gripping and exciting read with a totally unpredictable storyline and well developed characters all set in an incredible world designed by our author. Warlocks, witches, trolls, unicorns and monsters as the author weaves their magic and draws you in. I do look forward to reading more!
This story is a little gem. A story of witches and finding one self. For me I wanted more as it very short but there is another book coming and hopefully give us more. Writing was lovely, characters fantastic and Clikeable and even have pets in so a winner for me. Can't wait for the second book which is realised next month.
If you like witches and prophecies related stories then here's a lovely book for you. I definitely recommend anyone to give it a try
Firstly, I would like to say that I did enjoy this book. However, there was almost no character introduction, scene setting etc. so it was hard to invest in. I felt the beginning & middle was missing & the book started at the beginning of the end if that makes sense. It just felt very rushed but if youre looking for a quick, easy read, its a good one.
Witch Stone is a sweet, fun read that moves along rather well. The characters stick with you when you aren’t reading, which means excellent development and worth your time. The beginning is a little uneven while getting the world and its inhabitants sorted, but it evens out into a good ride. Clean, with very little romance.
With Stone was a light, easy read. I enjoyed the characters, Simon cracked me up. Our main character is very sheltered, doesn't have a lot of life experience, and feels self-conscious during the beginning through the middle of the book. It's nice to see her character growth towards the end, and I'm excited for the next book.
Great start to what promises to be a great series. The characters are varied and complex and the storyline has enough suspense and action to keep you interested. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Oh WOW. What a uniquely original story! I loved absolutely everything about it! I can’t wait to read the next story and find out if Drag eliminates Ainsley or if Rossi is going to have to help him. I love Rossi’s familiar and the ‘dratten’! I loved it!
I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the first book of the Witch of Wyvern series, the books should be read in order. I loved this unique YA fantasy story, the world building, the secrets, the different magical beeings. I can't wait to read the next part.
I’m so glad I read this book- I just couldn’t put it down once I started it. It made me laugh out loud as much as bite my nails. SO fun!!!! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Really cool book with a very interesting story line. I love books about fantasy stuff.. especially when they have to do with witches and magic so this was great. Hope to read the rest of this author's books.
Witch Stone is the 1st book in Mandy O’Dell’s the Witch of Wyvern series. It’s a enemies to friends self-discovery witch story with a promise of future romance.
Rossi, a half witch with no magical powers has thought herself to be imperfect all her life for not being able to connect with her element. While all the witches have two witch-stones for collecting energy and manipulating their element, she only has the one. Feeling inadequate and unsure of her purpose and function in her magical coven, she is now searching for her own place. Suddenly, on a stormy night everything changes – out of nowhere she calls for and catches a bolt of lightning finally connecting with her element. A pulse runs through the magical world and all of a sudden magical creatures start to appear. That includes a tiny pocket-sized unicorn, an evil monster that plays tricks of the mind, a flood of witches and Drag, the annoying but mysterious warlock with his own dark secrets, who claims he wants to teach and protect her. Secrets that were buried long ago start to re-emerge and suddenly everything is turned upside down. As the mystery unfolds and Rossi learns just how special and powerful she really is, but can she really trust Drag to help her along the way?
I actually read Witch Stone in one sitting. The story is very easy to get into, the plot is rather quick paced and flows well so there is plenty of action even for a short story. The book features a unique look at magic – the author has done a great job of world building with things I haven't really encountered in other similar books and although it isn’t the main focus, the world building is pretty easy to follow. It is well written and easy to enjoy. It is sort of a self-discovery story in a serious magical world, but at the same time it doesn’t get too serious – the story has a humorous vibe even when dealing with more serious topics. For me, it was really interesting to see all the pieces finally falling together creating a story with several unexpected twists and turns so you were never bored. The main characters were very likable and well written-out – Rossi is insecure and a bit naive, Drag is annoying but kind of swoony and mysterious. The dynamic between Rossi and Drag is great. The side characters are varied and have some jewels amongst them too, like the disgusting-behaving babysitting troll Pitty or Simon, the tiny unicorn with a big personality. What is more, the story keeps you constantly guessing who is on the side of good or bad.
It is an interesting and refreshing book, easy to read and keeps you turning pages. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.