Like other reviewers, when I requested this ARC from NetGalley I wasn’t aware it was part of a series. However, because of how the story starts — the main character, Callie, has recently given birth and is having some memory trouble — it actually felt natural to be as blind as she was going into this book. There were only a few moments in the book where I really felt like I was missing something because I hadn’t read the previous novels, but in nearly all cases, the author quickly explained some of what I was missing as a first time reader. I do find myself wanting to go back and read those earlier books. I thought the author did a great job of making this a standalone story in a lot of ways. It does end on a cliff-hanger though!

I really enjoyed the cozy, witchy community at the heart of this book, as well as the mystery that unfolds. Callie is a relatable main character, though I do wish I had a bit more back story on some of her friends and love interests, as this book is very focused on Callie’s experience - she doesn’t actually interact with a lot of other characters, outside of her daughter, her golem, and her familiar.

For me, 3 stars is a book I enjoyed and would generally recommend to a friend. The reason I didn’t give it a higher star rating is because it did feel like there wasn’t much going on in the way of plot until about 60% into the book, and then just when things were getting good we hit a cliff hanger. However, as I’ve mentioned, I enjoyed the world-building and the characters I did meet, so I am definitely interested in reading more!

Boring, slow paced, and completely without action of forward movement. It's not being in the middle of the series that makes this book suffer as a solo read- I wouldn't have guessed that this character COULD have had previous books about her, with how little of a person she actually is. Most scenes are discussions about what is true and what someone has to do now, and the narrator explaining this to the audience. Maybe other readers, who are already invested in this world and its characters, would find something of interest, but I don't see it.

Actually Rating 0.5


The Lovers Three by Shannon Page is the third book in a series. Prior to reading the book I was unaware this was the third book in a series. The fact it was third book of the series didn't take away from any enjoyment level with an interesting concept; however, the extreme depictions of sexism, toxic relationships, and gaslighting took me out of the story. It would be different if the author was exploring these issues on a deeper level, but it wasn't touched upon.

This book was alright. I liked the idea just wasn’t big into the romance. Overall, it was a decent read. I just expected a bit more.