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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
When I received my ARC copy of The Demon Familiar, I immediately stopped everything I was doing and dove in. The excitement of returning to this world, of reconnecting with Costi and Layla, was overwhelming. I was so happy to be back with these characters, experiencing all the highs and lows they face together.
Costi and Layla have truly become a force to be reckoned with. Watching Layla’s growth in this book was nothing short of glorious. She’s more confident, more determined, and her quest for a fairer society is inspiring. I loved how she uncovered secrets, pursued justice, and fiercely protected Costi, all while uncovering her own strength. And Costi, he’s cemented himself as one of my all-time favorite MMCs. His intensity, devotion, and primal need to protect Layla are simply unforgettable. Their bond is magnetic, and I was so deeply invested in their journey.
The pace of The Demon Familiar was incredibly fast, but honestly, I think that’s because I was so invested in the story. There was never a dull moment—every page kept me on my toes, and I couldn’t get enough. I never wanted it to end. The perfect mix of action-packed plot and sizzling chemistry between Costi and Layla kept me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t wait to uncover all the twists, secrets, and mysteries this world had to offer. With the next book on the horizon, I’m even more excited to see what Tamsin Hawthorn has in store. She’s truly crafting something spectacular, and I can’t wait to dive in.
As the second book in the Spell Caster’s Familiar trilogy, The Demon Familiar picks up with Layla and Costi navigating their new roles as Spell Caster and Guardian. I especially loved seeing how Layla’s magic progressed, and how she became more confident in her abilities. Watching her relationship with Costi grow was another highlight—their connection is deepening in such a beautiful, natural way, and I loved seeing them evolve together.
The action scenes were another major strength of this book. They were engaging, well-paced, and added so much intensity to the story. I found myself on the edge of my seat during every confrontation, which kept the plot moving forward in the most exciting ways.
If I had to nitpick, there were moments when the dialogue felt a bit awkward or jarring—particularly with some casual phrases like "gonna" or some cursing that didn’t quite fit certain situations. But honestly, that’s a small issue compared to the overall strength of the book, which kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.
I highly recommend The Demon Familiar to anyone who enjoys stories about witches, supernatural beings, and characters fighting against societal norms. If you love slow-burn romance, friends-to-lovers tropes, and a touch of forbidden love, you’ll devour this series. After the emotional rollercoaster that was The Demon Familiar, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rating: 3.5-4 stars
Costi and Layla have truly become a force to be reckoned with. Watching Layla’s growth in this book was nothing short of glorious. She’s more confident, more determined, and her quest for a fairer society is inspiring. I loved how she uncovered secrets, pursued justice, and fiercely protected Costi, all while uncovering her own strength. And Costi, he’s cemented himself as one of my all-time favorite MMCs. His intensity, devotion, and primal need to protect Layla are simply unforgettable. Their bond is magnetic, and I was so deeply invested in their journey.
The pace of The Demon Familiar was incredibly fast, but honestly, I think that’s because I was so invested in the story. There was never a dull moment—every page kept me on my toes, and I couldn’t get enough. I never wanted it to end. The perfect mix of action-packed plot and sizzling chemistry between Costi and Layla kept me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t wait to uncover all the twists, secrets, and mysteries this world had to offer. With the next book on the horizon, I’m even more excited to see what Tamsin Hawthorn has in store. She’s truly crafting something spectacular, and I can’t wait to dive in.
As the second book in the Spell Caster’s Familiar trilogy, The Demon Familiar picks up with Layla and Costi navigating their new roles as Spell Caster and Guardian. I especially loved seeing how Layla’s magic progressed, and how she became more confident in her abilities. Watching her relationship with Costi grow was another highlight—their connection is deepening in such a beautiful, natural way, and I loved seeing them evolve together.
The action scenes were another major strength of this book. They were engaging, well-paced, and added so much intensity to the story. I found myself on the edge of my seat during every confrontation, which kept the plot moving forward in the most exciting ways.
If I had to nitpick, there were moments when the dialogue felt a bit awkward or jarring—particularly with some casual phrases like "gonna" or some cursing that didn’t quite fit certain situations. But honestly, that’s a small issue compared to the overall strength of the book, which kept me fully engaged from beginning to end.
I highly recommend The Demon Familiar to anyone who enjoys stories about witches, supernatural beings, and characters fighting against societal norms. If you love slow-burn romance, friends-to-lovers tropes, and a touch of forbidden love, you’ll devour this series. After the emotional rollercoaster that was The Demon Familiar, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rating: 3.5-4 stars
Book 2 of the Spell Caster’s series picks up right after Costi and Layla who they are to each other so you need to read The Spell Caster to find out what that’s all about.
I waited what felt like a long time for this book and now I have to wait again to find out what happens next!
I waited what felt like a long time for this book and now I have to wait again to find out what happens next!
The moment I got my Demon Familiar ARC copy, I stopped what I was doing and dove straight into reading. I was so happy and excited to be back in this world, back to Costi and Layla, and to experience all the good and bad that accompany them.
If you love stories about witches, fighting against societal hierarchy, deconstructing pre-learned myths and history, intrigue and plot twists, and beings from other worlds, you will love Tamsin Hawthorn's Inperium War series. You will devour this series if you enjoy tropes such as forbidden love, best friends to lovers, and found family.
Honestly, I loved The Spell Caster, Book 1. It has the slowest of slow-burns, but it is so worth it. The friendship and the love growing between the two main characters are so pure and beautiful to witness throughout the book. And honestly, I wasn't sure if it could be topped. Oh, how wrong I was because The Demon Familiar surpassed all my expectations and then some. The Demon Familiar rocked my world with its rollercoaster of emotions and actions. It was everything I wanted and needed and more.
Costi and Layla are a force to be reckoned with. I loved seeing Layla grow and find her inner voice and strength. She was glorious in her quest for a better and fairer society, glorious in her need to uncover secrets and hidden mysteries, and glorious in her need to protect Costi and the feelings they share. And Costi...He was just as glorious. He has cemented himself as one of my favourite MMCs. His drive and fierceness, his love and devotion, and his primal need to protect Layla are just otherworldly.
There was much going on in The Demon Familiar, and I had to force myself to stop reading and start adulting. I never wanted the story to end; I wanted to bask myself in its perfect mixture of action-packed plot and sizzling chemistry between Costi and Layla. I wanted to know all the secrets, learn everything, and uncover everything. I know Tamsin is preparing something truly magnificent in the next book, and I am here for it. The Demon Familiar will be released on February 26th, giving you plenty of time to dive into this fantasy world set in modern times filled with witches, demon familiars, angels, and an exciting and gripping plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you love stories about witches, fighting against societal hierarchy, deconstructing pre-learned myths and history, intrigue and plot twists, and beings from other worlds, you will love Tamsin Hawthorn's Inperium War series. You will devour this series if you enjoy tropes such as forbidden love, best friends to lovers, and found family.
Honestly, I loved The Spell Caster, Book 1. It has the slowest of slow-burns, but it is so worth it. The friendship and the love growing between the two main characters are so pure and beautiful to witness throughout the book. And honestly, I wasn't sure if it could be topped. Oh, how wrong I was because The Demon Familiar surpassed all my expectations and then some. The Demon Familiar rocked my world with its rollercoaster of emotions and actions. It was everything I wanted and needed and more.
Costi and Layla are a force to be reckoned with. I loved seeing Layla grow and find her inner voice and strength. She was glorious in her quest for a better and fairer society, glorious in her need to uncover secrets and hidden mysteries, and glorious in her need to protect Costi and the feelings they share. And Costi...He was just as glorious. He has cemented himself as one of my favourite MMCs. His drive and fierceness, his love and devotion, and his primal need to protect Layla are just otherworldly.
There was much going on in The Demon Familiar, and I had to force myself to stop reading and start adulting. I never wanted the story to end; I wanted to bask myself in its perfect mixture of action-packed plot and sizzling chemistry between Costi and Layla. I wanted to know all the secrets, learn everything, and uncover everything. I know Tamsin is preparing something truly magnificent in the next book, and I am here for it. The Demon Familiar will be released on February 26th, giving you plenty of time to dive into this fantasy world set in modern times filled with witches, demon familiars, angels, and an exciting and gripping plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This book picked up right after where book one left of. The forbidden love and their fight continues.. lots of events unravel in this book but I feel there is much more to come. I was so glad I had the second book to read because after book one ended I don’t know if I would have survived waiting and not knowing what came next and let me tell you, the twists that keep coming along never stop and now after I finished book 2 I really really want book 3
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Amazing! Everyone needs to check this series out! I have been hooked by these books! I loved the slow burn with Costi and Layla! And I just gotta say horns 🥰 I am throughly enjoying reading the Spells Caster’s Familiars books! I am on the edge of my seat with the cliffhanger at the end of this book! I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you thank you thank you to the wonderful author Tamsin Hawthorn for including me in the beta read and providing me with an eARC!
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Torch Lit Ink, Moss & Cypress, and Tamsin Hawthorn for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this title!
Layla and Costi have achieved their childhood dream of being paired together as Spell Caster and Guardian, but at what cost? The secret of Layla's magic leaves more questions than answers, and in staying together as witches, they may be forcing themselves apart as...something more. As the Arcanum Council of Witches continues to fracture and news of attacks on sister communities continues to pour in, Costi and Layla - as well as their friends and neighbors - are forced to realize that the angels (who have mysteriously disappeared, by the way) are not the only enemy they're facing. Can Layla and Costi hold the last line of defense, learn more about Layla's magic and its shocking origins, avoid the eyes of those who would separate them permanently, and hold their friendships and their society together - all while keeping their hands off each other?
Another great installment in the Imperium War/Spell Caster's Familiar series that somehow managed to expand on the first novel while also leaving more questions and an even bigger cliffhanger than the last book! The witch commune vibes that I loved in the first book are still here, but the story definitely starts to take a darker turn as our favorite Spell Caster/Guardian pair are faced with even more realities of war; continued pushback from the adults in charge; the slow horror of realizing your communal society is quietly tuning into a dictatorship run by a deranged, mad fool and his yes-men (anyone living in 2025 America can probably relate); the frustration of a man who can't take "no" for an answer; the importance of friendships and the idea that 'what is right' and 'what is easy' are not necessarily the same thing; and the juicy, juicy, delight of forbidden romance (grab life by the horns, kids!). I hope we continue to delve deeper into the witch/demon/angel lore and I have a feeling based on where we ended (completely criminal to leave readers perched on the edge of their seats, by the way) that we'll learn much more about the angel 'monsters' and the demon world in the next book, which I am really excited about!
Layla and Costi have achieved their childhood dream of being paired together as Spell Caster and Guardian, but at what cost? The secret of Layla's magic leaves more questions than answers, and in staying together as witches, they may be forcing themselves apart as...something more. As the Arcanum Council of Witches continues to fracture and news of attacks on sister communities continues to pour in, Costi and Layla - as well as their friends and neighbors - are forced to realize that the angels (who have mysteriously disappeared, by the way) are not the only enemy they're facing. Can Layla and Costi hold the last line of defense, learn more about Layla's magic and its shocking origins, avoid the eyes of those who would separate them permanently, and hold their friendships and their society together - all while keeping their hands off each other?
Another great installment in the Imperium War/Spell Caster's Familiar series that somehow managed to expand on the first novel while also leaving more questions and an even bigger cliffhanger than the last book! The witch commune vibes that I loved in the first book are still here, but the story definitely starts to take a darker turn as our favorite Spell Caster/Guardian pair are faced with even more realities of war; continued pushback from the adults in charge; the slow horror of realizing your communal society is quietly tuning into a dictatorship run by a deranged, mad fool and his yes-men (anyone living in 2025 America can probably relate); the frustration of a man who can't take "no" for an answer; the importance of friendships and the idea that 'what is right' and 'what is easy' are not necessarily the same thing; and the juicy, juicy, delight of forbidden romance (grab life by the horns, kids!). I hope we continue to delve deeper into the witch/demon/angel lore and I have a feeling based on where we ended (completely criminal to leave readers perched on the edge of their seats, by the way) that we'll learn much more about the angel 'monsters' and the demon world in the next book, which I am really excited about!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This sequel to The SpellCaster picks up where the first book left off, as Layla and Costi come to grips with what they have learnt and try to prepare the witches of the Mountain Circle for the war that is coming. This cannot be read as a standalone.
The world-building continues, as we discover more about where Costi came from and learn some hints about the world of the angels. Costi and Layla's chemistry is explosive and his "touch her and 💀" vibes are top notch!
My only complaint is this book was that it was too short! I can't wait to read the sequel! I'm looking forward to seeing Costi and Layla's relationship develop and finding out more about the wider universe.
Thank you to author Tamsin Hawthorn for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The world-building continues, as we discover more about where Costi came from and learn some hints about the world of the angels. Costi and Layla's chemistry is explosive and his "touch her and 💀" vibes are top notch!
My only complaint is this book was that it was too short! I can't wait to read the sequel! I'm looking forward to seeing Costi and Layla's relationship develop and finding out more about the wider universe.
Thank you to author Tamsin Hawthorn for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If The Spell Caster laid the foundation, The Demon Familiar built a towering structure on top of it. This sequel takes everything that worked in book one, the magic, secrets, and a compelling dynamic between Layla and Costi... and dials it up.
Layla truly comes into her own here. Now officially paired with her guardian (aka her longtime best friend), she’s forced to deal with not only the truth of his identity but also the implications of her own magic. What I loved most about her arc is that she owns her power in this book. She’s more confident, more in control, and it makes the story all the stronger.
Then there’s Costi. If book one hinted at his potential, this one throws him center stage. His journey of self-discovery and his evolving role felt so well earned. Watching him navigate his new reality along with Layla made their dynamic even more compelling. There’s tension, camaraderie, and a real sense that they’re on the edge of something bigger.
The pacing was perfect. Picking up right where the last book left off, it never lets go. There are some intense, nail-biting moments, but also quiet ones that add depth to the world and characters. There’s so much to explore here, and I wouldn’t be mad if we got spin-offs or alternate timeline stories to expand it even further.
Overall, The Demon Familiar is exactly what I wanted from this sequel and more. Stronger character arcs, a richer world, and a story that keeps you hooked. Highly recommend!
Layla truly comes into her own here. Now officially paired with her guardian (aka her longtime best friend), she’s forced to deal with not only the truth of his identity but also the implications of her own magic. What I loved most about her arc is that she owns her power in this book. She’s more confident, more in control, and it makes the story all the stronger.
Then there’s Costi. If book one hinted at his potential, this one throws him center stage. His journey of self-discovery and his evolving role felt so well earned. Watching him navigate his new reality along with Layla made their dynamic even more compelling. There’s tension, camaraderie, and a real sense that they’re on the edge of something bigger.
The pacing was perfect. Picking up right where the last book left off, it never lets go. There are some intense, nail-biting moments, but also quiet ones that add depth to the world and characters. There’s so much to explore here, and I wouldn’t be mad if we got spin-offs or alternate timeline stories to expand it even further.
Overall, The Demon Familiar is exactly what I wanted from this sequel and more. Stronger character arcs, a richer world, and a story that keeps you hooked. Highly recommend!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🌙 Aɾƈ Rҽʋιҽɯ 🌙
Title: The Demon Familiar
Author: @authortamsinhawthorn
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🔥🔥
"𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾."
"𝓕𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽."
"𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓫𝔂 𝓾𝓼, 𝓛𝓪𝔂𝓵𝓪. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽 𝓭𝓲𝓭."
🎉 Happy Release Day, Tamsin! 🎉
Thank you so much for the eArc copy of The Demon Familiar. I was so excited to be back in the world of Layla and Costi!
TDF picks up right where The Spell Caster left off. Tamsin has done it again. 👏🏻 Her stories completely have me addicted and always wanting more.
Layla and Costi's chemistry was absolutely off the charts. I was giddy with excitement reading about their sizzling chemistry. The Angst and tension between those two. *fans face*
The challenges they face are not over and continue in TDF with the Arcaneum, angels, and other witchs/covens. There is so much that happens in this one. It's action-packed and never a dull moment!
That ending gave me goosebumps! I can't wait to see how all of this unfolds in the final book in the Spell Caster's Familar trilogy!
Tɾσρҽʂ:
🌙 Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨️ Secrets
🌙 Magic
✨️ Witches/Demon Familiars/Evil Angels
🌙 Forbidden Romance
✨️ Covins
🌙 Tension/Angst
✨️ War
🌙 Slow Burn
Title: The Demon Familiar
Author: @authortamsinhawthorn
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🔥🔥
"𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾."
"𝓕𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓾𝓽."
"𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓫𝔂 𝓾𝓼, 𝓛𝓪𝔂𝓵𝓪. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽 𝓭𝓲𝓭."
🎉 Happy Release Day, Tamsin! 🎉
Thank you so much for the eArc copy of The Demon Familiar. I was so excited to be back in the world of Layla and Costi!
TDF picks up right where The Spell Caster left off. Tamsin has done it again. 👏🏻 Her stories completely have me addicted and always wanting more.
Layla and Costi's chemistry was absolutely off the charts. I was giddy with excitement reading about their sizzling chemistry. The Angst and tension between those two. *fans face*
The challenges they face are not over and continue in TDF with the Arcaneum, angels, and other witchs/covens. There is so much that happens in this one. It's action-packed and never a dull moment!
That ending gave me goosebumps! I can't wait to see how all of this unfolds in the final book in the Spell Caster's Familar trilogy!
Tɾσρҽʂ:
🌙 Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨️ Secrets
🌙 Magic
✨️ Witches/Demon Familiars/Evil Angels
🌙 Forbidden Romance
✨️ Covins
🌙 Tension/Angst
✨️ War
🌙 Slow Burn