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drsldn's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first book from my TBR Challenge pile, and because it is light reading I can add it on the first day of 2014!
Picked in the bookstore for a couple of reasons: the protoganist is a witch who run a vintage clothing store and there were pink glittery swirls on the cover. Also, some of the plot was set in Oakland, CA and while I think San Francisco is an Okay Place, I have a real soft spot for the city over the bay.
Its an enjoyable mystery romp, coherently plotted and well-written, incorporating interesting and convincing (within the parameters of the SoD required for tales about modern day magical goings-on!) references beyond the usual Grimm-based Western European eg Aztec mythology, Rom practices, Mexican coming of age celebrations and fire-dancing (which I always - possibly erroneously - associate with Maori culture). There is a strong sense of place, and the characters, whilst no deeper than necessary in a plot-driven novel, are not simply characteristics, but rounded and engaging.
It was a great way to spend a couple of rainy hours, and a fun way to start the new year!
Picked in the bookstore for a couple of reasons: the protoganist is a witch who run a vintage clothing store and there were pink glittery swirls on the cover. Also, some of the plot was set in Oakland, CA and while I think San Francisco is an Okay Place, I have a real soft spot for the city over the bay.
Its an enjoyable mystery romp, coherently plotted and well-written, incorporating interesting and convincing (within the parameters of the SoD required for tales about modern day magical goings-on!) references beyond the usual Grimm-based Western European eg Aztec mythology, Rom practices, Mexican coming of age celebrations and fire-dancing (which I always - possibly erroneously - associate with Maori culture). There is a strong sense of place, and the characters, whilst no deeper than necessary in a plot-driven novel, are not simply characteristics, but rounded and engaging.
It was a great way to spend a couple of rainy hours, and a fun way to start the new year!
heylook's review against another edition
2.0
I mean . . . . it doesn't make me want to vomit, so there's that.
bookish_bree7's review against another edition
5.0
Meeting Lily’s father (FINALLY!) was a really intense moment for me, her desire for him to love and want her mixed with her anger and resentment towards him felt incredibly real.
Oscar’s loyalty to her, Sailor coming back, Aiden being well… Aiden. This was such a good book, I loved how much we revisited from the rest of the series. I’m so excited to crack open the next one! (Even though i know I’m going to be a wreck with Oscar going missing in that one)
These books have really set the bar for me when it comes to cozy mystery’s, if it isn’t Juliet Blackwell why even read them!
Oscar’s loyalty to her, Sailor coming back, Aiden being well… Aiden. This was such a good book, I loved how much we revisited from the rest of the series. I’m so excited to crack open the next one! (Even though i know I’m going to be a wreck with Oscar going missing in that one)
These books have really set the bar for me when it comes to cozy mystery’s, if it isn’t Juliet Blackwell why even read them!
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series! I would love to be friends with Lily, the main character. I've enjoyed reading the series and watching her grow in her character and in her life in San Francisco where she is accepted as a witch. She has friends and owns a popular vintage clothing shop. She also finds herself investigating magical mysteries.
This could be hokey or too precious for words, but it's gritty, funny, suspenseful. Lily is drawn into the mystery in a very believable way, which is key with me. It's a great setting of San Francisco and it feels real to me. The history of the city and of witches and gems moves the story marvelously.
I think my favorite character is Oscar, Lily's familiar. He's a gargoyle who shifts into a potbelly pig when around humans. He's adorably ornery and cares for Lily. They make a good team.
This is the first time I've had a chance to listen to a book in the series. I hope it won't be the last.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
This could be hokey or too precious for words, but it's gritty, funny, suspenseful. Lily is drawn into the mystery in a very believable way, which is key with me. It's a great setting of San Francisco and it feels real to me. The history of the city and of witches and gems moves the story marvelously.
I think my favorite character is Oscar, Lily's familiar. He's a gargoyle who shifts into a potbelly pig when around humans. He's adorably ornery and cares for Lily. They make a good team.
This is the first time I've had a chance to listen to a book in the series. I hope it won't be the last.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
blissofalife's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Not my favorite in the series so far, I felt like I was left with a lot of questions. I felt like this one lacked a clear goal and antagonist. I was happy to see a decent love interest, but none of the questions from the previous book were outright answered about their troubles? Lots of suggested answers, but nothing clear. I do still love these books, and am looking forward to the next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Gore, Grief, Hate crime, Self harm, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexism
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
This series has such a comprehensive overview of the metaphysical and witchcraft, while never seeming like it's too much. The characters are realistic and well-written and the relationships develop at a good pace and very naturally. For a cozy, these can get kind of graphic but it doesn't bother me. I'm glad that lily is being allowed to grow into her powers and her confidence. I'm also pleased that it doesn't seem that the potential love triangle is going to be drawn out as it can be in some series.