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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
A delightful story. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest A Witchcraft Mystery. Delightful characters and situations. Oscar is a hoot. I will share my review soon.
mogffm3's review
5.0
I have listened to Xe Sands read all 10 books in this series. And I am just so soothed and comforted by her portrayal of the characters. I love the reference to fashion. I love the way she described people and situations.
Sure, the plot and mystery is not a deep, literary masterpiece, yet, these books are so enjoyable. Sometimes I don't want to sit on the edge of my seat in angst or feel conflicted over complex characters. For me, this is just a reader/author/voice actor match!
Xe Sands, i.e. Lily Ivory in her little witchy world soothingly entertains me for hours, which is worthy of 5-stars.
I am sad I have caught up in the series and can't wait to listen to more.
Sure, the plot and mystery is not a deep, literary masterpiece, yet, these books are so enjoyable. Sometimes I don't want to sit on the edge of my seat in angst or feel conflicted over complex characters. For me, this is just a reader/author/voice actor match!
Xe Sands, i.e. Lily Ivory in her little witchy world soothingly entertains me for hours, which is worthy of 5-stars.
I am sad I have caught up in the series and can't wait to listen to more.
alikatson's review against another edition
4.0
This series is really fun and I hope it continues - though I really hope Ivy gets past her insecurities and knows her self worth (she's a super kind badass). I'm glad things worked out
Spoiler
with Sailor but she did forgive him way too easily for keeping things from herpipfromspace's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I accidentally started this series with this book, and it took me a couple of chapters to realises it wasn't the first book in the series but in fact the tenth! I was enjoying it so I decided to stick with it anyway, but probably would have had more emotional impact on me if I had the rest of backstory!
bookish_bree7's review
5.0
I have to start at the end for this one, when Lily realizes it’s Aiden in the sacrificial circle my heart stopped beating. There’s something about a self serving character like Aiden, someone so ambitious and powerful and whose entire life seems to be about self preservation, sacrificing himself for someone he cares about or a cause more important than himself that just destroys me. I thought we were gonna lose him and I’m so glad that we didn’t.
That being said, this was incredible. Blackwell draws inspiration from real Alcatraz escape stories and it makes every moment so much fun. We get so much time with the characters in this book, especially with Maya and Carlos! We take the time to focus on Sailor and Lily’s relationship, Sailors past, Lily’s fears— it really is just a well rounded story all together. I also really appreciated the language around indigenous peoples, especially the focus on west coast natives like the Ohlone and the Mi-Wuk among others, it’s not often you see these tribes being represented even in stories taking place on their occupied land, it was such a breath of fresh air to read. Blackwell has a special sort of understanding when it comes to minority representation and with each passing book I think she becomes more worldly and it shines through the pages.
I can’t wait to read the next one, and I’m absolutely heart broken that the next one is the last released book. I’m ready to start begging for a new book soon
That being said, this was incredible. Blackwell draws inspiration from real Alcatraz escape stories and it makes every moment so much fun. We get so much time with the characters in this book, especially with Maya and Carlos! We take the time to focus on Sailor and Lily’s relationship, Sailors past, Lily’s fears— it really is just a well rounded story all together. I also really appreciated the language around indigenous peoples, especially the focus on west coast natives like the Ohlone and the Mi-Wuk among others, it’s not often you see these tribes being represented even in stories taking place on their occupied land, it was such a breath of fresh air to read. Blackwell has a special sort of understanding when it comes to minority representation and with each passing book I think she becomes more worldly and it shines through the pages.
I can’t wait to read the next one, and I’m absolutely heart broken that the next one is the last released book. I’m ready to start begging for a new book soon
karen62's review
5.0
Wow. This book was really good, like the rest of the series, but toward the end things got REALLY good. The big scene at the end was the best, there was a twist that I was not prepared for. I can't wait for the next in the series, I really hope Oscar finds his mother.
git_r_read's review
5.0
This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors. The series gets better with each book and it started out fabulously. Lily is a natural born witch who was run out of her hometown in Texas a long time ago. She has slowly been coming to terms with it with her travels around the world. Then she settled in San Francisco, has her own small shop she loves with friends she has become attached to. She is also getting stronger in her powers along with her growing self-confidence and growing relationships.
She has a good vs evil battle to prepare for let alone her upcoming nuptials. Sometimes when a character finds love in a book series, it can get in the way of the action or it makes me question how the two are getting along with all of the investigations going on. Lily is her own person and witch. Her intended, Sailor, has his own abilities and supports her. I like gruff Sailor.
The magical preparations for the upcoming battle show the work that must be done. It's not a flick of the wand or wiggle of the nose for Lily. She has to prepare and brew and ready herself. It's an intriguing part of each book.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
She has a good vs evil battle to prepare for let alone her upcoming nuptials. Sometimes when a character finds love in a book series, it can get in the way of the action or it makes me question how the two are getting along with all of the investigations going on. Lily is her own person and witch. Her intended, Sailor, has his own abilities and supports her. I like gruff Sailor.
The magical preparations for the upcoming battle show the work that must be done. It's not a flick of the wand or wiggle of the nose for Lily. She has to prepare and brew and ready herself. It's an intriguing part of each book.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
violetwillow's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Animal death, Torture, Drug abuse, Blood, Addiction, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Suicide, Violence, Death, Confinement, Self harm, and Fire/Fire injury
hstorkel's review against another edition
5.0
This series is always great. Interesting and quirky characters and plots. Certain aspects are starting to get a little repetitive in book 10 but not annoyingly so.
peggyemi's review
4.0
This is one of my favorite paranormal mystery series and this tenth installment was worth the wait, in my opinion. Juliet Blackwell has done a wonderful job of crafting the character of Lily Ivory. Over the course of ten books, the reader has watched Lily grow in both her magic and her relationships. She had gone from solitary witch to building a family and community that supports her and provides her with friendship and love. With this 10th installment, the author continues to develop Lily's magic and her position in the magical community. The mystery element was well done and this book had me hooked from the first chapter. Like every other book in the series, once I crack open the book I just want to devour each page.
I am looking forward to what this author has in store for Lily, Sailor, Oscar and all the other secondary characters as she continues to grow and develop this series. I will definitely be back for more.
I am looking forward to what this author has in store for Lily, Sailor, Oscar and all the other secondary characters as she continues to grow and develop this series. I will definitely be back for more.