I haven't read the first book in this series so had a bit of catching up to do. Interesting concept which was quite moving at times. Interesting to see the different powers each member of the family has and how the are developing. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was in at the beginning.

Slow Poison, the second book in The Witch Ways series, picks up shortly after the conclusion of Crooked Daylight, with the sisters still trying to get to grips with their “Strengths,” when the second of their Gamekeeper guests arrives on the doorstep of Cob Cottage. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the sisters a little better in this book, and discovering more about each of their individual gifts.

This book has a darker feel than Crooked Daylight with the arrival of the mysterious Ailith and her severed head, and the sinister Mrs Fyfe to the town of Woodcastle. That said, even as unease and tension drips through the townsfolk, it maintains a distinctly British feel that reminded me of Midsomer Murders (this is a good thing, I LOVE Midsomer!), conjuring up images of picturesque towns with their unique local customs.

Despite the toxic, dark magic taking a hold over the town, there is a wonderful cosiness to Slavin’s writing that draws you in and refuses to let go until you have read the entire book! I think this is largely due to the wonderful Cob Cottage, which has a character all of its own and which, once you are safely tucked away inside will protect you from the evils outside.

I don’t know if Helen Slavin has plans to write more books featuring the Witch Ways, but I for one really hope that she does.

I would like to thank Agora Books and the Netgalley website for this partnership.

I was immediately attracted to the cover. We see the pretty Anna slightly in profile.

We find Anna, Charlie and Emz living in magic, they are a little lost and don't know who to trust and what to do. They struggle to get used to their power and to have a normal life. But with the famous Halloween day approaching, that doesn't help. Especially when a stranger comes to their house.

A second captivating volume full of suspense and twists and turns. Can't wait for this series to be released in complete box set..

'Slow Poison' is the second book in the popular 'Witch Ways Series' by Helen Slavin, and the sequel to 'Crooked Daylight'. Having read her crime novel 'The Stopping Place' and enjoying the writing style, I thought this sounded rather intriguing and nabbed a copy after reading the first book. It's nigh on impossible to find original stories/writers these days, but this is one of those rare occasions. I have to mention the cover art too - I love it, it's very purdy!

We were introduced to the Way sisters in book one, and here they continue to captivate their audience. There is a certain something about them that is vivid and wonderfully portrayed. Anna, Charlie and Emz are finding it difficult to adapt to their newfound magical powers. They are lost, with no idea of what they are supposed to do with said powers. They have inherited their grandmother Hettie Way's responsibility as Gatekeepers of Havoc Wood, but are struggling to come to terms with it. They know how important they are in the grand scheme of things but really want to live simple, normal lives. Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen, and the quicker they understand the magic the better. Halloween is just around the corner, as is a mysterious stranger named Alith who will change everything.

There are so many books and series out there cashing in on the publics newfound affection for witches, but Slavin's series is one that is engaging and interesting in equal measure. This was the perfect time to release such a book, as in the UK it has just turned to Autumn. I think it would have had a lesser affect on me had it been released in the summer months. I always associate witches with Autumn or Winter, so this works very well here. It reminded me a lot of a fairytale, and certainly Mrs Fyfe was pulled straight out of stories of old. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the prose. At the beginning the story is painfully slow and repetitive, but it does pick up as we progress. I also felt some of the dialogue was stilted. That being said, I was intrigued enough to keep going, and the parts about magic and ritual stoked my interest even more. There is something special about this series, I just hope in the next book the issues with the writing are smoothed over.

Many thanks to Agora Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. My apologies for mistakenly thinking i'd downloaded it and only realising I hadn't when I saw it had been archived. As I feel I had committed to providing a review when I requested the book, I bought a copy in order to provide a review.

This book is very slow and repetitive at the beginning but when it starts going it's very good.
I loved the characters and the setting. The plot was engaging and entertaining.
A very engaging paranormal series that makes me feel curious about the next instalments.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Agora Books and Netgalley for this ARC

In this sequel to Slow Poison, sisters Anna, Enzo and Charlie return, still trying to understand their powers and what exactly they are supposed to be doing. They know it’s crucial but they just want to live normal lives. But that won’t happen because Halloween is approaching and so is a stranger who will change everything. In a market flooded with stories about witches, this is an intelligent and engaging series