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kitvaria_sarene's review
5.0
I saw this book on a table at BristolCon, and I simply couldn't resist the cover... I even had the author sign it for me with a firring glittery pink pen, courtesy of the neighbouring author!
I'm so glad I am bad at impulse control, because this was one awesome story! The main character Kit is as contradictory as the grit and pink of this book, and I am here for it.
I'm always, always on the lookout for Urban Fantasy that isn't actually paranormal romance in disguise, and Dyer Street Punk Witches delivered so well on this. Witches, magic, spells and curses, and all of it mixed with a a troubled past, including some gang rivalry.
The characters are all flawed, and there's hidden depths to their past as well as mysteries all around. I really loved the shades of grey instead of an easy good versus evil sort of cast. While I wanted to shake the characters at times, I was also able to understand their motivations, and they felt realistic. I hate having people acting dumb and out of character just to drive the plot - and even the stupid decisions here didn't feel like that. Instead they felt realistic for who they are, and what shaped them.
The background of being a punk, a rebel, a feminist, someone trying to change things for the better - all while not always really being that great a human herself made Kit a fascinating protagonist to follow.
I also enjoyed her friends and enemies, even though they weren't all as fully fleshed out. That didn't take away from my enjoyment, as Kit definitely is the driving force in this book.
This was my first book by the author, and even though it seems this book is part of a series, it was definitely great to read on its own, I didn't feel like I missed anything.
I'm so glad I am bad at impulse control, because this was one awesome story! The main character Kit is as contradictory as the grit and pink of this book, and I am here for it.
I'm always, always on the lookout for Urban Fantasy that isn't actually paranormal romance in disguise, and Dyer Street Punk Witches delivered so well on this. Witches, magic, spells and curses, and all of it mixed with a a troubled past, including some gang rivalry.
The characters are all flawed, and there's hidden depths to their past as well as mysteries all around. I really loved the shades of grey instead of an easy good versus evil sort of cast. While I wanted to shake the characters at times, I was also able to understand their motivations, and they felt realistic. I hate having people acting dumb and out of character just to drive the plot - and even the stupid decisions here didn't feel like that. Instead they felt realistic for who they are, and what shaped them.
The background of being a punk, a rebel, a feminist, someone trying to change things for the better - all while not always really being that great a human herself made Kit a fascinating protagonist to follow.
I also enjoyed her friends and enemies, even though they weren't all as fully fleshed out. That didn't take away from my enjoyment, as Kit definitely is the driving force in this book.
This was my first book by the author, and even though it seems this book is part of a series, it was definitely great to read on its own, I didn't feel like I missed anything.
esop's review
5.0
The latest entry in Phil Williams's rip-roaring Ordshaw universe brings the city's underground punk and gang scene to life.
My favorite part of every Ordshaw Universe book is Williams's details in his characters. Every person on the page feels real and fleshed out, with a whole whopping history behind them that intricately informs every decision they make in the present day narrative. He's not only adept at building up these characters, but also in bringing together clashing personalities and somehow making it make sense that they come together and get along (or don't, in some cases). Every piece of dialogue rings true, informed by the character's upbringing including where they grew up or the experiences they went through. Each character is distinct, and each one is a person who I loved spending time with.
The first character we meet in this book, and who we spend the most time with, is a woman named Kit Fadulous, who is a former witch and former frontwoman for a punk rock band. Both her band and her coven were rounded out by her best friends Mad and Clover, before tragedy struck the group, although I won't get into detail about that. But then there's also Aaron Wise, the anxious and somewhat bumbling young man trying to figure out what his future holds until a chance encounter brings him into Kit's sphere, dragging him into her world of punk journalism and resurfacing witchcraft.
What I appreciated about this book is something I appreciated in the original Ordshaw trilogy, which is how Williams takes an urban fantasy concept I truly have no interest in (fairies in the Sunken City trilogy, witches here) and puts his own spin on them that makes them unique and genuinely compelling. There's a darkness to the magic in Ordshaw, one that Williams perfectly captures with a sense of both wonder and terror. Both times he draws from some classic elements of those fantasy tropes you might expect, before going in completely different directions with them. I love the way Williams has put his stamp on fairies/witches and how he chose to integrate their lore and powers into this shared universe he's created.
It was also interesting how Williams weaved the various themes of the story together. At first glance, it might seem like punk rockers + witches is a strange but fun combination, yet the more you read the more it makes sense why Williams has tied these two cultures together. There's a real thoughtfulness to the subject matter here, not only in regards to punk rock culture but also to marginalized groups in general. I wouldn't say this is a HUGE focus of the narrative, but it's definitely an undercurrent throughout the proceedings, and I thought it added an interesting extra layer to the characters and their predicaments.
Dyer Street Punk Witches is yet another exciting and fun thriller in the Ordshaw universe, full of magic and mayhem (and gangsters with very goofy yet menacing nicknames) that never turns down the volume. It's cranked to 11 all the way through, and that's just how I like it.
My favorite part of every Ordshaw Universe book is Williams's details in his characters. Every person on the page feels real and fleshed out, with a whole whopping history behind them that intricately informs every decision they make in the present day narrative. He's not only adept at building up these characters, but also in bringing together clashing personalities and somehow making it make sense that they come together and get along (or don't, in some cases). Every piece of dialogue rings true, informed by the character's upbringing including where they grew up or the experiences they went through. Each character is distinct, and each one is a person who I loved spending time with.
The first character we meet in this book, and who we spend the most time with, is a woman named Kit Fadulous, who is a former witch and former frontwoman for a punk rock band. Both her band and her coven were rounded out by her best friends Mad and Clover, before tragedy struck the group, although I won't get into detail about that. But then there's also Aaron Wise, the anxious and somewhat bumbling young man trying to figure out what his future holds until a chance encounter brings him into Kit's sphere, dragging him into her world of punk journalism and resurfacing witchcraft.
What I appreciated about this book is something I appreciated in the original Ordshaw trilogy, which is how Williams takes an urban fantasy concept I truly have no interest in (fairies in the Sunken City trilogy, witches here) and puts his own spin on them that makes them unique and genuinely compelling. There's a darkness to the magic in Ordshaw, one that Williams perfectly captures with a sense of both wonder and terror. Both times he draws from some classic elements of those fantasy tropes you might expect, before going in completely different directions with them. I love the way Williams has put his stamp on fairies/witches and how he chose to integrate their lore and powers into this shared universe he's created.
It was also interesting how Williams weaved the various themes of the story together. At first glance, it might seem like punk rockers + witches is a strange but fun combination, yet the more you read the more it makes sense why Williams has tied these two cultures together. There's a real thoughtfulness to the subject matter here, not only in regards to punk rock culture but also to marginalized groups in general. I wouldn't say this is a HUGE focus of the narrative, but it's definitely an undercurrent throughout the proceedings, and I thought it added an interesting extra layer to the characters and their predicaments.
Dyer Street Punk Witches is yet another exciting and fun thriller in the Ordshaw universe, full of magic and mayhem (and gangsters with very goofy yet menacing nicknames) that never turns down the volume. It's cranked to 11 all the way through, and that's just how I like it.
liisp_cvr2cvr's review
5.0
Witches are what? Cool! Punks are what? Cool! Punk witches are simply badass plus badass and you got yourself a… well, an explosion of sorts. If I had even the tiniest amount of the courage and balls that Kit Fadulous sports, I’d be happy. What a main character… Fierce!
Anyway, you know those houses that look small on the outside and once you’re in, you’re like, holy crap, look at all the space in here. Like magic. Yeah, this book is like this. You think, hah, 255 pages, easy-peasy, some fun along the way, witches doing action magic stuff, A to B story. Couldn’t be more wrong. This story is like a whole universe in its own – you open the cover and you step into another world and there’s SO MUCH story. I kept reading and thinking, this is some magic, that. The book should be over like 2 hours ago but there’s 2 hours to go and no complaints from me! Oh, no!
Dyer Street Punk Witches is book #7 in the Ordshaw series but even if you haven’t read the previous books, believe me, you’ll get quite a full experience still. I would know. This is my first venture, as well. And from what I can gather, I best make some time in the future to read the preceding books, too. Phil Williams has a very steady hand when it comes to story progression and diverse set of characters. Unflinching, gritty, wholesome – story and characters alike.
Kit has left her past of magic and witchcraft behind, as well as the punk scene, when her 2 closest friends moved on to a different life. Now, running a magazine to make a difference in society, Kit is keeping busy with a small team of, I mean 2, helpers and haggling over advertisement prices with seedy dudes. But when she notices a young man on the street needing help, and she goes to help him (because it’s the right thing to do), things are set in motion that will make the past come alive and there is no stopping, come hell through the Deep Dark or a shower of bullets, until whoever is behind stirring shit, gets put down.
The story offers plenty of twists and turns and with the abundance of street gang politics, you really don’t know who’s behind it all until the endgame arrives, and even then, I promise you, the story will surprise you.
It’s no lie when author promises you anarchy, witchcraft, gang politics and badass women. Dark past hanging over all of them to varying degree, decisions to push the story to a conclusion are both mature and immature, informed and uninformed. Like in the real world. The bonds that form and break in between gang members, work colleagues, friends and strangers zap at you in this book as if electrified. No time to dwell and worry, Kit Fadulous sets the pace and it ain’t for the slow.
The chapters start with snippets from a witches ‘handbook’ – and I have to commend the author here, very playful and imaginative with some of these ingredients! – as well as snippets from Kit’s and her friends’ past. All of this, tied in with the current events in the book, make a neat little package, and make you feel altogether very involved.
Too violent? Well, no, I wouldn’t say there’s anything overly graphic. A few scuffles here and there.
How about the witchcraft? Interestingly, even this aspect came across as something not unnatural in the book. The magical aspects belong there, even though the pages aren’t soaked in it from start to finish. Witchcraft is used but not too often and not over the top.
All in all, the book kind of feels like an ode to the punk scene with it’s rebellious nature a la Kit Fadulous.
Man, what a woman, I think I’m in love.
Anyway, you know those houses that look small on the outside and once you’re in, you’re like, holy crap, look at all the space in here. Like magic. Yeah, this book is like this. You think, hah, 255 pages, easy-peasy, some fun along the way, witches doing action magic stuff, A to B story. Couldn’t be more wrong. This story is like a whole universe in its own – you open the cover and you step into another world and there’s SO MUCH story. I kept reading and thinking, this is some magic, that. The book should be over like 2 hours ago but there’s 2 hours to go and no complaints from me! Oh, no!
But if a few more people let themselves enjoy fantasies of unicorns and fairies, then a few more people might also start imagining a world where you didn’t just accept that a self-serving society built on centuries of imperialism, patriarchy and nepotism is the best we can do.
Dyer Street Punk Witches is book #7 in the Ordshaw series but even if you haven’t read the previous books, believe me, you’ll get quite a full experience still. I would know. This is my first venture, as well. And from what I can gather, I best make some time in the future to read the preceding books, too. Phil Williams has a very steady hand when it comes to story progression and diverse set of characters. Unflinching, gritty, wholesome – story and characters alike.
She was always reacting too soon. Almost forty years old and Kit was yet to calm down. She didn’t want to calm down. Calm people didn’t get things done.
Kit has left her past of magic and witchcraft behind, as well as the punk scene, when her 2 closest friends moved on to a different life. Now, running a magazine to make a difference in society, Kit is keeping busy with a small team of, I mean 2, helpers and haggling over advertisement prices with seedy dudes. But when she notices a young man on the street needing help, and she goes to help him (because it’s the right thing to do), things are set in motion that will make the past come alive and there is no stopping, come hell through the Deep Dark or a shower of bullets, until whoever is behind stirring shit, gets put down.
The story offers plenty of twists and turns and with the abundance of street gang politics, you really don’t know who’s behind it all until the endgame arrives, and even then, I promise you, the story will surprise you.
It’s no lie when author promises you anarchy, witchcraft, gang politics and badass women. Dark past hanging over all of them to varying degree, decisions to push the story to a conclusion are both mature and immature, informed and uninformed. Like in the real world. The bonds that form and break in between gang members, work colleagues, friends and strangers zap at you in this book as if electrified. No time to dwell and worry, Kit Fadulous sets the pace and it ain’t for the slow.
The chapters start with snippets from a witches ‘handbook’ – and I have to commend the author here, very playful and imaginative with some of these ingredients! – as well as snippets from Kit’s and her friends’ past. All of this, tied in with the current events in the book, make a neat little package, and make you feel altogether very involved.
Too violent? Well, no, I wouldn’t say there’s anything overly graphic. A few scuffles here and there.
How about the witchcraft? Interestingly, even this aspect came across as something not unnatural in the book. The magical aspects belong there, even though the pages aren’t soaked in it from start to finish. Witchcraft is used but not too often and not over the top.
All in all, the book kind of feels like an ode to the punk scene with it’s rebellious nature a la Kit Fadulous.
Man, what a woman, I think I’m in love.
queenterribletimy's review
5.0
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum along with my choice of song and Jen's review.
I received an ecopy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5*
I can’t believe Dyer Street Punk Witches is only my second Phil Williams book. I’ve been meaning to read his books for years now and I only just started on them this year. I should be ashamed. That said, the moment I first saw the cover of Dyer Street Punk Witches, I knew I had to read this one. Not only the title spoke to me, but the cover art too. Yes, I’m that predictable, sue me. Williams kindly offered me an ARC, even though I wasn’t able to deliver a review in time. I’m sorry, but here I am now!
Dyer Street Punk Witches is mostly Kit’s story. Being nearly 40 years old, she left behind her life as a punk and gang witch, but that doesn’t mean she stopped being a rebel. Her magazine, The Incite, does its best to go against injustice and corruption and to bring changes to the poorer parts of Ordshaw – namely St. Alphage’s, Kit’s home. But leaving behind one’s past doesn’t mean that past is content to stay put. Magic is seeping back to Ordshaw and the changes it brings comes knocking on Kit’s door. With friends old and new, she once again has to put herself on the frontline. Hoping it won’t be another bloody business. Hey, a girl can dream.
Although it took a while to get to know Kit, I had an instant liking for her. She is that type of no-nonsense person who gives exactly zero fuck about what’s conventional or what society might think about her. Be it her sense of style (I like to think she’d approve of mine), her opinions, or her manners – she remains true to herself, even if she decided to give parts of herself up at one point or another in her life. Truth be told, I’m kinda jealous of her for that. Although not of the trouble that keeps finding her at every corner…
Besides Kit, this book has a pretty wide cast of characters that play smaller or bigger roles. Big Mad, Ellie, Aaron, and Drew are the most prominent ones. I liked Big Mad, Kit’s best friend, who balances out Kit’s erratic and unpredictable nature, and their banters were a joy to read. I had mixed feelings about Aaron, especially in the beginning. Maybe because he reminded me too much of myself, being paralyzed by anxiety, not belonging anywhere, being unable to put his life together, and just staying put because it’s so much easier. However, it was nice seeing him getting out of his shell slowly, and opening up to Ellie. He certainly grew on me by the end.
The well-developed characters, the tight plot, and the overall reading experience make it clear that Williams is a seasoned writer. There never was a dull moment, nor did the story drag. At times maybe felt rushed a bit and I certainly would have liked a bit more depth to certain parts (like Kit and One-Eyed Goddom) but these are minor things. What I absolutely loved was how Williams did a lot of world-building through the chapter openings. Usually showing us the past, giving us a good idea about Kit’s life and relationships and why things were as they were in the present. It definitely worked out really well and spared the reader of all the infodumps. That alone earned an extra star from me.
This book also made me think of We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix, although there are probably a lot more differences than not. Maybe it’s because of just the general vibe and the fact both have a female ex-musician as the MC. Although Dyer Street Punk Witches is more of a love letter to the 90s’ punk scene than We Sold Our Souls is.
Dyer Street Punk Witches is one of the very good examples of why I love the Urban Fantasy subgenre – without using the usual tropes. It also shows how a good UF/thriller should work. It’s gritty, it’s rough around the edges, it has a touch of supernatural and well-written character dynamics that makes this book unputdownable. This was definitely not the last Phil Williams book I’ve read and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next!
I received an ecopy from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5*
“The first thing to know about witchcraft, one thing I know for sure, is that the spells and charms are built on old anger and outrage, the products of oppressed or marginalised people. It’s not about loaves and fishes; it’s desperate vengeance.”
I can’t believe Dyer Street Punk Witches is only my second Phil Williams book. I’ve been meaning to read his books for years now and I only just started on them this year. I should be ashamed. That said, the moment I first saw the cover of Dyer Street Punk Witches, I knew I had to read this one. Not only the title spoke to me, but the cover art too. Yes, I’m that predictable, sue me. Williams kindly offered me an ARC, even though I wasn’t able to deliver a review in time. I’m sorry, but here I am now!
Dyer Street Punk Witches is mostly Kit’s story. Being nearly 40 years old, she left behind her life as a punk and gang witch, but that doesn’t mean she stopped being a rebel. Her magazine, The Incite, does its best to go against injustice and corruption and to bring changes to the poorer parts of Ordshaw – namely St. Alphage’s, Kit’s home. But leaving behind one’s past doesn’t mean that past is content to stay put. Magic is seeping back to Ordshaw and the changes it brings comes knocking on Kit’s door. With friends old and new, she once again has to put herself on the frontline. Hoping it won’t be another bloody business. Hey, a girl can dream.
Although it took a while to get to know Kit, I had an instant liking for her. She is that type of no-nonsense person who gives exactly zero fuck about what’s conventional or what society might think about her. Be it her sense of style (I like to think she’d approve of mine), her opinions, or her manners – she remains true to herself, even if she decided to give parts of herself up at one point or another in her life. Truth be told, I’m kinda jealous of her for that. Although not of the trouble that keeps finding her at every corner…
“Because a lot of people are gonna try and put us down. That’s eighty per cent of a punk’s work. We fight against the norms. Show them weird’s cool.”
Besides Kit, this book has a pretty wide cast of characters that play smaller or bigger roles. Big Mad, Ellie, Aaron, and Drew are the most prominent ones. I liked Big Mad, Kit’s best friend, who balances out Kit’s erratic and unpredictable nature, and their banters were a joy to read. I had mixed feelings about Aaron, especially in the beginning. Maybe because he reminded me too much of myself, being paralyzed by anxiety, not belonging anywhere, being unable to put his life together, and just staying put because it’s so much easier. However, it was nice seeing him getting out of his shell slowly, and opening up to Ellie. He certainly grew on me by the end.
The well-developed characters, the tight plot, and the overall reading experience make it clear that Williams is a seasoned writer. There never was a dull moment, nor did the story drag. At times maybe felt rushed a bit and I certainly would have liked a bit more depth to certain parts (like Kit and One-Eyed Goddom) but these are minor things. What I absolutely loved was how Williams did a lot of world-building through the chapter openings. Usually showing us the past, giving us a good idea about Kit’s life and relationships and why things were as they were in the present. It definitely worked out really well and spared the reader of all the infodumps. That alone earned an extra star from me.
This book also made me think of We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix, although there are probably a lot more differences than not. Maybe it’s because of just the general vibe and the fact both have a female ex-musician as the MC. Although Dyer Street Punk Witches is more of a love letter to the 90s’ punk scene than We Sold Our Souls is.
“They entered the main club floor, which looked the same as it had twenty years ago, with tall stages, neon-lined bars and scummy purple upholstery. Kit could still picture the stages paced with teenagers in short skirts and collared shirts, but the club was sad and empty now, dirty floors laid bare and bars unmanned. Like seeing a clown nursing a hangover while his makeup ran.”
Dyer Street Punk Witches is one of the very good examples of why I love the Urban Fantasy subgenre – without using the usual tropes. It also shows how a good UF/thriller should work. It’s gritty, it’s rough around the edges, it has a touch of supernatural and well-written character dynamics that makes this book unputdownable. This was definitely not the last Phil Williams book I’ve read and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next!
dinipandareads's review
4.0
Special thanks to the author for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4 badass witchy stars!
TL;DR: This was a refreshingly dark, thrilling and funny contemporary fantasy! Who knew cut-throat gangs, punk culture and anarchy, and witchcraft would not only mesh so well together in a story but be at turns so terrifying and bewitching? Williams balances character development and plot progression so well and writes an engaging story that will have you caring for these misfits and rooting for their success even while cringing at the violence of gang life and the messes they make. There were also a few plot twists that had me gasping because they were so unexpected and I loved it. I hope we get more with this motley coven cos I’d love to see what magic and mischief they get up to in the future!
Check out the full review on my blog!
TL;DR: This was a refreshingly dark, thrilling and funny contemporary fantasy! Who knew cut-throat gangs, punk culture and anarchy, and witchcraft would not only mesh so well together in a story but be at turns so terrifying and bewitching? Williams balances character development and plot progression so well and writes an engaging story that will have you caring for these misfits and rooting for their success even while cringing at the violence of gang life and the messes they make. There were also a few plot twists that had me gasping because they were so unexpected and I loved it. I hope we get more with this motley coven cos I’d love to see what magic and mischief they get up to in the future!
Check out the full review on my blog!
alanadcr's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
What a fantastic return to Ordshaw! Williams brings us back to Ordshaw, Dyer Street specifically, in his latest urban fantasy. Dyer Street Punk Witches is heavy on the crime thriller with plenty of magic of the witchy sort to liven things up.
This story whipped past me. I held on for dear life, much like Aaron, clutching at Kit’s coattails as she storms through life. Kit is well-meaning and passionate but often, it seems, she stumbles into trouble in spite of the good intentions. Dyer Street Punk Witches is a thrilling read that delivers all the nostalgia of punk rock, mosh-pits, witchy goodness, all wrapped up with the politics inherent to mob-activity and boundaries.
I can’t stress enough how much I love Williams’s thorough crafting of his characters. All of them are beautifully flawed, with their own challenges and agendas. Within the first few chapters I felt like I knew Aaron and Kit, though I can’t say I’d want to spend time with them. Much like Mads, I have no time to be wrapped up in nonsense. This also means I am guaranteed to get swept up because this read had me riveted!
I am curious to see where the series goes and to learn more about the big bad darkness that wants to destroy Ordshaw. Hopefully, we aren’t kept in suspense too long! If you haven’t had a chance to read Under Ordshaw I highly recommend it!
**Trigger warnings galore, after all it is a gritty punk proud, gangland sort of setting. Violence, Death, Anxiety/Panic Attacks just to name a few.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story whipped past me. I held on for dear life, much like Aaron, clutching at Kit’s coattails as she storms through life. Kit is well-meaning and passionate but often, it seems, she stumbles into trouble in spite of the good intentions. Dyer Street Punk Witches is a thrilling read that delivers all the nostalgia of punk rock, mosh-pits, witchy goodness, all wrapped up with the politics inherent to mob-activity and boundaries.
I can’t stress enough how much I love Williams’s thorough crafting of his characters. All of them are beautifully flawed, with their own challenges and agendas. Within the first few chapters I felt like I knew Aaron and Kit, though I can’t say I’d want to spend time with them. Much like Mads, I have no time to be wrapped up in nonsense. This also means I am guaranteed to get swept up because this read had me riveted!
I am curious to see where the series goes and to learn more about the big bad darkness that wants to destroy Ordshaw. Hopefully, we aren’t kept in suspense too long! If you haven’t had a chance to read Under Ordshaw I highly recommend it!
**Trigger warnings galore, after all it is a gritty punk proud, gangland sort of setting. Violence, Death, Anxiety/Panic Attacks just to name a few.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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