Reviews

The Conjurer is the final book in the cozy fantasy Vine Witch series, and the one I enjoyed the least. This installment focuses on the final member of the trio of magical women who were incarcerated together in the first book, the jinni Sidra, accused of murdering her husband.

Smith leans more into mystery and less into romance in this book, continuing the trend established in book two. Unfortunately, Sidra’s character does not exhibit the same charisma that made the Elena and Yvette engaging. This, coupled with the fact that the big reveal was so predicable, meant I had very little interest in the mystery the author sets up. Sidra’s brother-in-law takes the role of villain, set on revenge for her alleged murder of his brother, but his motivations fall flat and his characterization is more like caricature.

There are some additional twists in the last chapter of the story that essentially retcons happenings from earlier books. While this tie-in was doubtlessly planned deliberately, it just seems unnecessary.

The best part of this book is the memories Sidra reflects on of the great war in which she met her husband--a jinni from a rival clan--anonymously on a battlefield. I wish I could have read that story instead.

bchristian541's review

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Luanne G. Smith has done it again. Another great book in the Vine Witch series. It started off a little slow but once it got going, I didn't want to put it down. There were twists and turns everywhere.

ellyrarg's review

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3.0

It was good, as enjoyable as the first two. Nice to bring it full circle.

briggamooz's review against another edition

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4.0

I still think about a line from this book on an almost daily basis, and I read it over a year ago.

"What do you need?"

ALL HAIL THE HAPLESS MORTAL MAN.

Also, this entire book is a delight from start to finish.

angiee7's review

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

erinremen's review

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5.0

Sidra and her mysterious story is finally I'm my hands! Her story was so so good and it is definitely my second favorite in the series! The trio are brought together again by forces unseen to defeat Sidras brother in-law who wants revenge and something she has been hiding for a very long time. Heartbroken without her husband she struggles to find meaning to any of it, but slowly she starts to appreciate the friends she has and treasure the memories of the time she had with him. It was a very satisfying conclusion to this trilogy that was a five star read for me!

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