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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
The Demon Familiar picks up a couple of weeks following The Spell Caster, with Lyla (the strongest Spell Caster of her generation) and Costi finding out there is more to their lifelong friendship than meets the eye; that he is her demon familiar. The first half of this book primarily deals with them figuring out this new development in their relationship while also - finally - dealing with the tension between them. The second half of the book picks up with the main plot from the first book - the Angels attacking the Witch Circles and the power struggle Between Calamus Grey/his father and Lyla. With so much division in the Circle, it's unclear how or if they will be able to work together to defeat their enemy or if they will self-destruct from within.
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| The Demon Familiar is a strong second book, and I enjoyed it a little more than the first book. The characters feel more well-rounded, which is largely because the first half of the book focuses on Lyla, and Costi, and their relationship. It was fun seeing them interact with very little interference from the Council or Calamus. I especially loved that they were looking into Costi's past and I hope we get more answers and information about his family and life in the Demon World in book three. Hawthorn also did an amazing job of showing how a government takeover happens. In this world, the Witches believe that they will have failed if Inperium comes into play - a hierarchy. Throughout both books you get little snippets of Councilor Grey laying the groundwork to take more power. It is subtle at first and becomes more and more obvious as the story progresses
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| until you hit the climax of this book and it all becomes very apparent. I love the dialogue Hawthorn included about how this change in government happens and what it means to everyone who is under that government's purview. The dialogue between characters is a little off and is very formal. For characters who are supposed to be in their early 20s and 40s, it just doesn't seem very conversational. This wasn't very noticeable throughout the book, but there was one point where Lyla was talking to a cashier and he was speaking like he was an old English Lord. It's not a big thing but took me out of the story at that moment.
|
| The Demon Familiar is a strong second book, and I enjoyed it a little more than the first book. The characters feel more well-rounded, which is largely because the first half of the book focuses on Lyla, and Costi, and their relationship. It was fun seeing them interact with very little interference from the Council or Calamus. I especially loved that they were looking into Costi's past and I hope we get more answers and information about his family and life in the Demon World in book three. Hawthorn also did an amazing job of showing how a government takeover happens. In this world, the Witches believe that they will have failed if Inperium comes into play - a hierarchy. Throughout both books you get little snippets of Councilor Grey laying the groundwork to take more power. It is subtle at first and becomes more and more obvious as the story progresses
|
| until you hit the climax of this book and it all becomes very apparent. I love the dialogue Hawthorn included about how this change in government happens and what it means to everyone who is under that government's purview. The dialogue between characters is a little off and is very formal. For characters who are supposed to be in their early 20s and 40s, it just doesn't seem very conversational. This wasn't very noticeable throughout the book, but there was one point where Lyla was talking to a cashier and he was speaking like he was an old English Lord. It's not a big thing but took me out of the story at that moment.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
No
I love that this book picks up right where The Spell Caster left off. Being back in this world with Layla and Costi is exactly where I want to be. This continuation of their story is addictive - a web of magic, secrets and forbidden bonds that keep me utterly hooked!
Layla and Costi remain the heart of this series, so vividly written that it’s impossible not to fall into their lives, rooting for them as they navigate their shifting dynamic. With every twist and new revelation, I found myself eagerly chasing the next breadcrumb, desperate to unravel the tangled mysteries surrounding the Circles, the council, the enigmatic Angels, and the dangerous alliances simmering beneath the surface of it all.
Layla's growth as a witch is so powerful and rewarding to witness. Her strength flourishes with the unwavering support of Costi and their close circle of friends. I loved the way Layla and Costi fiercely protect each other, balancing their personal connection and undeniable chemsitry with a shared determination to safeguard their community - all while the council seems hellbent on keeping casters and guardians from developing any sort of relationship beyond their apparent quest to destroy Angel nests, especially in this case, given what Costi truly is.
And speaking of Costi… I am so desperate for book three. The anticipation is seriously building, like... What are he and Layla are capable of, how do they fit into this intricate, magical puzzle, and what deeper truths are waiting to be unearthed?
The plot’s pacing is masterfully done. There is never a dull moment, yet there is time and space for Layla and Costi's relationship to evolve in such a natural, heartfelt way. Every layer of their bond, from their tentative trust to the undeniable intensity simmering between them, is beautifully crafted.
I genuinely can't wait to see how this all unravels in the final book!
Layla and Costi remain the heart of this series, so vividly written that it’s impossible not to fall into their lives, rooting for them as they navigate their shifting dynamic. With every twist and new revelation, I found myself eagerly chasing the next breadcrumb, desperate to unravel the tangled mysteries surrounding the Circles, the council, the enigmatic Angels, and the dangerous alliances simmering beneath the surface of it all.
Layla's growth as a witch is so powerful and rewarding to witness. Her strength flourishes with the unwavering support of Costi and their close circle of friends. I loved the way Layla and Costi fiercely protect each other, balancing their personal connection and undeniable chemsitry with a shared determination to safeguard their community - all while the council seems hellbent on keeping casters and guardians from developing any sort of relationship beyond their apparent quest to destroy Angel nests, especially in this case, given what Costi truly is.
And speaking of Costi… I am so desperate for book three. The anticipation is seriously building, like... What are he and Layla are capable of, how do they fit into this intricate, magical puzzle, and what deeper truths are waiting to be unearthed?
The plot’s pacing is masterfully done. There is never a dull moment, yet there is time and space for Layla and Costi's relationship to evolve in such a natural, heartfelt way. Every layer of their bond, from their tentative trust to the undeniable intensity simmering between them, is beautifully crafted.
I genuinely can't wait to see how this all unravels in the final book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
When I say I devoured this book, I was primed and ready as book 2 picked up where The Spell Caster left off, and I could NOT STOP reading. The ever present danger lurking around every corner kept my shoulders hunched and my mind screaming for more information. Chapter after chapter, I sank into the tension of Layla and Costi’s forbidden love like static charged silk sheets- all smooth delicious energy with an edge. I loved Layla’s character development SO MUCH in this installment. Her emergence from meek and confrontation-avoidance to full-blown rebellious trailblazer was glorious to behold. I knew the last 25% of this book was going to continuously throw me for a loop, and I was NOT WRONG. I felt repeatedly blindsided and like I was being dragged along even as I was hungry for answers. And that ending?! To say I need book 3 is a massive understatement!!!!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
No
✨🔥 5 Star ARC Review: The Demon Familiar by @authortamsinhawthorn 🔥✨
The Spell Caster and her Guardian are finally paired, but oh, the angst, the yearning, the absolute torture of being this close yet so far apart! 😩🔥 Layla and Costi’s bond is intense, electric, and utterly unfair, thanks to a cruel truth—fighting the angels means they can never be more than comrades. But when the war keeps pulling them deeper, is love even a choice anymore?
Meanwhile, the Mountain Circle is crumbling under the weight of secrets, the angels are suspiciously quiet (too quiet 😬), and Layla and Costi are the last defense between all-out destruction and survival. No pressure, right? 😅
This book delivers everything—high-stakes action, slow-burn tension so thick you could slice it with a witch’s athame, and a world that pulls you in like a well-cast spell. 🌙✨ If The Spell Caster hooked me, The Demon Familiar has me in a full-blown magical chokehold. And with that ending? I need book three NOW. 🔥⚡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Witchy, heart-wrenching, and absolutely spellbinding! 🖤🔮
✨💀🕯️✨
#TheDemonFamiliar #SpellCastersFamiliar #TamsinHawthorn #WitchyReads #FriendsToLovers #SlowBurnTorment #FantasyRomance #BookishMagic #ARCReview #Bookstagram
The Spell Caster and her Guardian are finally paired, but oh, the angst, the yearning, the absolute torture of being this close yet so far apart! 😩🔥 Layla and Costi’s bond is intense, electric, and utterly unfair, thanks to a cruel truth—fighting the angels means they can never be more than comrades. But when the war keeps pulling them deeper, is love even a choice anymore?
Meanwhile, the Mountain Circle is crumbling under the weight of secrets, the angels are suspiciously quiet (too quiet 😬), and Layla and Costi are the last defense between all-out destruction and survival. No pressure, right? 😅
This book delivers everything—high-stakes action, slow-burn tension so thick you could slice it with a witch’s athame, and a world that pulls you in like a well-cast spell. 🌙✨ If The Spell Caster hooked me, The Demon Familiar has me in a full-blown magical chokehold. And with that ending? I need book three NOW. 🔥⚡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Witchy, heart-wrenching, and absolutely spellbinding! 🖤🔮
✨💀🕯️✨
#TheDemonFamiliar #SpellCastersFamiliar #TamsinHawthorn #WitchyReads #FriendsToLovers #SlowBurnTorment #FantasyRomance #BookishMagic #ARCReview #Bookstagram
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When you're battling yourself, torn between resisting the urge to fuck your familiar and staying as cool as a cucumber. Costi was way too 🫦—there were moments I barked a laugh and said,'Costi, you're asking for trouble!'
The war between angels and witches rages on while the folks in the circle tear each other apart. There were times I wanted to yank both Greys by the hair and cast a spell to send them straight to hell! The spice was light and fluffy, but the action? Intense.
How cool is Costi's power?! 'Hey, Costi! Do you have a lullaby spell that only works on angels?'
This book was packed with action—I could visualize everything perfectly—and it ends on yet another cliffhanger. I can't wait for Book 3!
Thanks Tamsin for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
The war between angels and witches rages on while the folks in the circle tear each other apart. There were times I wanted to yank both Greys by the hair and cast a spell to send them straight to hell! The spice was light and fluffy, but the action? Intense.
How cool is Costi's power?! 'Hey, Costi! Do you have a lullaby spell that only works on angels?'
This book was packed with action—I could visualize everything perfectly—and it ends on yet another cliffhanger. I can't wait for Book 3!
Thanks Tamsin for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Blood
fast-paced
I just finished The Demon Familiar, and let me tell you, I am hooked. Tamsin Hawthorne has crafted a fantastic sequel to The Spellcaster with this book, taking the magic, tension, and character development to the next level.
Costi and Layla’s slow-burn romance is one of my absolute favorites, and the way their connection deepens throughout the story is so satisfying. The world-building is rich, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t stop reading, and yes, that cliffhanger has me dying for the next book.
A huge thank you to Tamsin for allowing me to be part of her beta reader team—it’s been such a pleasure watching this story come to life. I’m so excited for everyone to read it when it’s released.