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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
If you loved Once Upon a Broken Heart, Potion of Deception will absolutely charm you. It’s a fairytale wrapped in shadows, with a slow-burn romance, cursed masks, and a magical deal between a broody vampire and a potion-making wizardling.
Dante and Violett’s chemistry is addicting—his cocky teasing, her fiery comebacks—it’s the kind of tension you live for. The mystery around Dante’s mask adds emotional depth, and even though some questions remain unanswered, it leaves you wanting more.
That said, I did wish the worldbuilding went deeper. The magical system and gothic aesthetic had so much potential, but sometimes it focused too much on buildings and not enough on the magical creatures or deeper lore. Also, a few chapters dragged for me—it might’ve just been a mood thing, but the pacing didn’t always hit.
One thing that really bugged me? When the truth about Dante’s mask finally comes out, Violett—who’s been poking for answers the whole time—just… says nothing? No questions, no follow-up. That moment needed more emotional reaction, and I felt a little let down.
Still, I had a great time. It’s whimsical, witchy, and full of romantic angst. If you’re into gothic fairytales and masked heartbreakers, this one’s for you.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
Potion Of Deception by Ann Sorstone is a stunning witchy vampire fantasy that has a wonderful blend of visually detailed settings,and a very soft yet gothic aesthetic with Studio Ghibli's Kiki's Delivery Service vibes!💜🖤
The story follows the fmc Violette's journey to save a dear family member while also exploring a beautiful yet dangerous world that holds many secrets that will forever change her future.
The world building is very versatile,and matches the theme of the story perfectly. One minute there's a magical small town,and the next there's a hauntingly mysterious forest.
The magic system especially the different types of ranks are very intriguing. The unique idea for witchling vs witches is very clever. For example, the fmc Violette is a talented witchling potionist,but she never uses dark magic because she uses her magic to help others.
The romantic moments between Violette,and the mmc Dante a mysteriously attractive vampire man definitely has lots of banter. There's also lots of slow burn moments.
The plot twist at the end of the story is giving Beauty & the Beast vibes,and I am still in shock over what Dante did I was like hold on what!?😱 I was definitely not expecting that bittersweet moment at the end,and I hope that Violette's story will continue because I need book two please.😭
Add this beautiful story to your tbr if you love:
1.Witchy Studio Ghibli vibes world with a soft,and gothic aesthetic.
2. Soft fmc that is a talented potionist,and is not afraid to speak her mind.
3. Slow burn romance
4.Morally grey characters
5.Vampire mmc with a mask.
6. Unique magic system with witches,and vampires.
7.Ancient magical artifacts,and spells.
Thank you Mrs.Sorstone for the opportunity to read your stunning debut book. I loved reading Violette's story,and I am definitely going to read book two.💜🖤
The story follows the fmc Violette's journey to save a dear family member while also exploring a beautiful yet dangerous world that holds many secrets that will forever change her future.
The world building is very versatile,and matches the theme of the story perfectly. One minute there's a magical small town,and the next there's a hauntingly mysterious forest.
The magic system especially the different types of ranks are very intriguing. The unique idea for witchling vs witches is very clever. For example, the fmc Violette is a talented witchling potionist,but she never uses dark magic because she uses her magic to help others.
The romantic moments between Violette,and the mmc Dante a mysteriously attractive vampire man definitely has lots of banter. There's also lots of slow burn moments.
The plot twist at the end of the story is giving Beauty & the Beast vibes,and I am still in shock over what Dante did I was like hold on what!?😱 I was definitely not expecting that bittersweet moment at the end,and I hope that Violette's story will continue because I need book two please.😭
Add this beautiful story to your tbr if you love:
1.Witchy Studio Ghibli vibes world with a soft,and gothic aesthetic.
2. Soft fmc that is a talented potionist,and is not afraid to speak her mind.
3. Slow burn romance
4.Morally grey characters
5.Vampire mmc with a mask.
6. Unique magic system with witches,and vampires.
7.Ancient magical artifacts,and spells.
Thank you Mrs.Sorstone for the opportunity to read your stunning debut book. I loved reading Violette's story,and I am definitely going to read book two.💜🖤
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
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
If Jacks and Chaos from Once Upon a Broken Heart had a dangerously charming lovechild, it would be the irresistible, morally grey lead of Potions and Deceptions. This book absolutely slays with its gothic atmosphere and enchanting fairytale world, offering a fresh, seductive take on vampires that feels both haunting and original.
One of my favorite things is the razor-sharp banter and the perfectly agonizing slow burn. The chemistry practically crackles off the page. Just look at this moment:
“Don’t tell me all of it just to drown me.”
“Hm,” he drew thoughtfully, “As much as this idea sounds tempting, I still need you. But remind me about it later for sure.”
Tell me that’s not peak flirtation laced with danger!
The author masterfully blends dark magic, forbidden potions, and crumbling gothic castles with a storyline full of secrets and betrayal. The slow-burn romance had me hanging on every almost-touch and lingering glance.
If you love a brooding, dangerous hero, a headstrong heroine, and a romance that makes you suffer in the best way possible, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended for fans of gothic fantasy, dark fairytales, and that delicious slow descent into chaos and desire.
~Short Blurb~
This story follows a young witch, in a search for a cure for her beloved father, as she ends up in a deal with a mysterious stranger, who promises her the desired remedy if she’ll help him to take the odd mask off his face.
Their ways lay through the magical land The Valley of Enchanted Stories- a birthplace of magic and great tales. But only in the face of danger, Violette realizes that Dante is not an ordinary human but a mythical thing that is believed to be extinct - a vampire. It changes the situation significantly but there's no way back as they sealed their deal with a spell and no matter what, both of them have to keep their promises.
But will Violette succeed in her mission to save her father or instead will be left with the scarred heart.
~Review~
This book had an interesting plot that wanted me to keep reading to see what was going to happen. I really liked how descriptive the book was. I could really imagine where Violette and Dante were, and it made the story very magical. There was a well thought out magic system and past history, it really intertwined with the plot and didn't feel confusing or like you had missed anything. There was a slight inconsistency with the pacing at the start but I feel about half way through it leveled out. I also would have liked the action/fight scenes to have lasted a little longer, as it felt that the fights finished a bit too quickly and then it was on to the next thing. Overall this is a good book if you enjoy whimsical gothic vibes with lots of descriptions, as well as enemies to lovers/forced proximity with a magic system that is fairytale-inspired.
Thank you Ann Sorstone for the ARC for Potion of Deception releasing July 27th! You can pre-order the e-book now.
This story follows a young witch, in a search for a cure for her beloved father, as she ends up in a deal with a mysterious stranger, who promises her the desired remedy if she’ll help him to take the odd mask off his face.
Their ways lay through the magical land The Valley of Enchanted Stories- a birthplace of magic and great tales. But only in the face of danger, Violette realizes that Dante is not an ordinary human but a mythical thing that is believed to be extinct - a vampire. It changes the situation significantly but there's no way back as they sealed their deal with a spell and no matter what, both of them have to keep their promises.
But will Violette succeed in her mission to save her father or instead will be left with the scarred heart.
~Review~
This book had an interesting plot that wanted me to keep reading to see what was going to happen. I really liked how descriptive the book was. I could really imagine where Violette and Dante were, and it made the story very magical. There was a well thought out magic system and past history, it really intertwined with the plot and didn't feel confusing or like you had missed anything. There was a slight inconsistency with the pacing at the start but I feel about half way through it leveled out. I also would have liked the action/fight scenes to have lasted a little longer, as it felt that the fights finished a bit too quickly and then it was on to the next thing. Overall this is a good book if you enjoy whimsical gothic vibes with lots of descriptions, as well as enemies to lovers/forced proximity with a magic system that is fairytale-inspired.
Thank you Ann Sorstone for the ARC for Potion of Deception releasing July 27th! You can pre-order the e-book now.