Dnf’ed at page 79.

Honestly, 80 pages in and just the story was so slow. Like… Tabitha has just started “investigating”.

I did like the hindsight is 2020 narration style.

Tabatha Zeng is the apprentice to a world renowned prophet--a sorcerer who deals with seeing the future. When he predicts his own death, and warns Tabatha to stick with his youngest son, Callum, Tabatha decides to solve the mystery with Callum's help, of course. But the deeper she looks into Sorcerer Solomon, the truth slowly starts to come out, and Tabatha may just be a target.

I wanted to love this book. I was so excited, but it was very different from what I was expecting (which is partially on me!). This isn't a high fantasy book where sorcerers are common, it's more magical realism, wherein sorcery has always existed but at some point was allowed to become common practice. Tabatha has no sorcery in her family, while the Solomon family is a longstanding pillar of the magic community. There are brief discussions on race and expectations, but like most things in the book, they are barely touched on. I didn't see the ending coming, but it was so rushed that there wasn't time to unpack any of the complexities of why the murderer did what they did.

I was very confused by some of the verbiage used throughout the book. We are told multiple times that this takes place on the East Coast of the United States, but half the time the words sound... British? People were using "bloody" as a curse, and the syntax of certain sentences felt off. As far as I know, northerners don't sound like that, and southerners definitely don't.

The world-building here was quite weak. We're given pieces of information, but very little context. Like being told that a council(?) approved the use of magic beyond those biologically given it, but we learn nothing of why the practice was expanded or what pushback it faced.

Throughout the book, there are weird time jumps where we're told time passes, and yet nothing has happened. Neither within the pages nor off-page. It was hard to keep track of the timeline because we would go weeks within the same chapter, even. It was very muddled and hard to follow.

Speaking of action, there wasn't a lot. There's very little sleuthing, and clues are nearly non-existent. The murderer confesses about when Tabatha figures out who it is. The action to speak of is within the last 15%, if that. Any action throughout the book has very little stakes and is resolved quickly. I slogged through this because there wasn't a lot to grab my attention.

One of my major pet peeves is being spoken to as the reader. There were parts of this where it made sense (the beginning and end), and if it had been left that way, I wouldn't have any complaints. But being addressed throughout the book takes me out of the story. I don't need to be brought into the story, tell yours and let me see through the character's perspective.

I didn't really like this book, but I think it could be good for younger YA readers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

4.25⭐️ Just from the description I knew this was going to be a fun book. It pulled me in with the knives out and the inheritance game vibes that were in this book. This is about a sorcerers apprentice named Tabatha who gets pulled into a murder mystery plot when her boss dies the same way exactly how he predicted in his prophecy. Tabatha is determined to figure out who the killer is while also trying to survive the aftermath of the killing. This book was fun and fast paced with the plot. I loved that this book was a murder mystery with magic and sorcerers but also their was a dash of romance which I love. Nothing is as it seems in this book and the twists in this story got to me and had me second guessing everything I though I knew. I would definitely recommend if you want a quick read that has a lot going on.

This book has vibes of the movies <i>The Sorcerer’s Apprentice</i> and <i>Knives Out</i> as well as the wildly popular series <i>The Inheritance Games</i>. I enjoy all three of those, so I was really excited to read this.

This urban fantasy follows Tabatha, who has been apprenticed to a sorcerer and when he dies she becomes a suspect since she was one of the last people to see him alive. She teams up with one of the sons of the sorcerer to find the killer, thus clearing both their names.

A fantasy with a murder mystery twist sounded awesome to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the book as much as I was expecting to. Right off the bat I had trouble connecting with the writing style. There’s a lot of direct address to the reader which I’m personally not a fan of. There were also a bunch of characters introduced at the same time which made it very difficult to keep track of everyone.

As far as the mystery goes, I found it pretty lacking. I suspected the culprit the moment that character was introduced. And the reason why wasn’t satisfying either. I also found the ending very unsatisfying.

I liked the moments of the sorcerer interacting with Tabatha and I really liked the premise. I just wish I had liked the execution more than I did.

Tabatha, a sorcerer’s apprentice to the most affluent sorcerer ever Solomon, she fights her families wishes and continue her training under him even when she just a mere high school. Solomon has seen a prophecy of his own death by the one he loves the most, but when it occurs the mystery plagues her and his family with finding the killer. As she is the main suspect along with one of his children Callum then go full on detective mode to find the actual murderer.

“These Deadly Prophecies” by Andrea Tang was a very entertaining mystery/fantasy book. It reminded me so much of The Magicians show in the magic systems and vibe. Although the romance was minimal and chaste, I was hoping they could fall for each other and find the murderer. The ending was surprising and not how I thought the book would go. 5 out of 5 stars.

1-2 stars

These Deadly Prophecies has such a great premise and I’m always down to read about dysfunctional families and mysteries. However, by the halfway point I found myself skimming and felt like the book really underutilized its characters. The result is a bland ending and a romance with zero chemistry that bogged down the story.

First of all, the protagonist, Tabatha, wasn’t that interesting. I rooted for her at first but felt wholly uninvested by the 50% mark because I felt as if I knew nothing about her. Her relationship with Sorceror Solomon is the most interesting thing about her as she wants to be part of his legacy but also understands that she’s not his family. I also liked the idea of yearning for the approval of someone who would never truly give it to you, but felt that this tension was set aside in favor of her romance with one of the sons. Another little thing that bothered me about Tabatha’s characterization is that she’s supposedly the best of all of Solomon’s apprentices, with both heart and skill, yet she only has one moment where she’s kind of clever. Otherwise, we just have to take for granted that she is.

Solomon’s family was more interesting to me than Tabatha but they still felt so shallow. They could play off each other in interesting ways, but Tabatha only sees them through the lens of an outsider. I wish we got to know them better as they were before the murder and to see more of their complicated relationship with Solomon and the other family members. This is something that Knives Out, one of the comp titles for the book, does excellently. Because the protagonist in that movie spends time with the family, both before and after the murder, and we also see them together at other times, we get a deeper look into just how dysfunctional they are.

As a result of not spending enough time with other members of the family besides the son Tabatha has a romance with, the ending felt pretty tepid. The reveal was unexpected but I didn’t feel particularly shocked or moved by the murderer or how they murdered Solomon. I would actually say that I became most invested in Tabatha’s mom at the end of the story since it’s interesting how Tabatha’s relationship with her parallels Solomon’s family with him. I also thought she made a couple of pretty good points about Solomon.

Overall, These Deadly Prophecies felt a bit uninspired for me. There’s a lot of potential that was squandered by worldbuilding info dumps, the romance, and the static characterization of the Solomon family.

Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This review will be posted on my blog (clearsummers.wordpress.com) and Goodreads on January 16, 2024.

"These Deadly Prophecies" by Andrea Tang is an enchanting and thrilling young adult murder mystery infused with magic, perfect for fans of "Knives Out" and "The Inheritance Games."

Tabatha Zeng is an apprentice to Sorcerer Solomon, one of the world's most famous sorcerers. However, her life takes a dark turn when her boss, Sorcerer Solomon, predicts his own brutal death, and tragically, this prophecy comes true. Tabatha becomes a prime suspect in the murder, as does Callum Solomon, the deceased's youngest son.

With suspicion and the police closing in on them, Tabatha and Callum join forces to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear their names. As they delve into the case, they face a daunting challenge, especially when the list of suspects comprises wealthy, influential, and magical members of Sorcerer Solomon's family. Tabatha begins to question how much she can trust Callum and is plagued by doubt.

The story is a quick-witted and fantastical murder mystery that keeps readers on their toes. It masterfully blends elements of magic, mystery, and intricate family dynamics. The world-building is captivating, and the characters are multifaceted. The relationship between Tabatha and Callum adds depth to the narrative, creating a balance between romance and intrigue.

Andrea Tang's storytelling is a delightful rollercoaster, offering a thrilling ride that young adult readers will thoroughly enjoy. The blend of fantasy, suspense, and magic in this murder mystery makes "These Deadly Prophecies" an engaging and entertaining read, leaving readers eagerly anticipating each revelation.

Imagine a world where 'Knives Out' collides with 'The Inheritance Games,' but with a magical and spiritual twist – a perfect concoction for fans of entertaining YA fantasy with a dash of romance! Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a whirlwind adventure that you won't want to put down. Get ready for an enchanting supernatural journey!

Meet Tabatha Zeng, a 17-year-old Chinese student who dares to dream differently from her highly ambitious parents' expectations. Rather than following in her mother's footsteps to become a powerful lawyer, she chooses to apprentice under the most formidable sorcerer of her time. Little did she know that this sorcerer would predict his own demise at the hands of someone he cherished, and tragically, the prediction comes true. Tabatha finds herself on the list of suspects, and her master, Julian Solomon, makes her promise to keep his son, Callum, close at hand as they team up to avert a looming catastrophe.

Callum attends the same high school as Tabatha, and to her, he is one of the popular kids, a stark contrast to her eerie, quirky, and loner style. He suspects Tabatha of being involved in his father's murder, just as she suspects him of being the possible perpetrator.

Within the family, everyone is a suspect: Julian's two wives, Angelique (his ex) and Rowena (his new wife with no supernatural powers), his three children, Felix (the golden boy) and his twin sister Circe (the angsty daughter who always lived in her brothers' shadows), Callum, and Tabatha's fellow apprentice, Hester, who captures the master's full attention and stirs up jealousy from the other wives and kids. The question remains, who among them, someone beloved by the sorcerer, would dare to take his life?

Tabatha finds herself on a mission to uncover the murderer before they strike again, even as she grapples with her doubts about Callum and a growing crush on him.

The mystery is expertly woven, and the narration style is both genuine and captivating. This is an incredibly enjoyable, fast-paced, and easy read, perfect for devouring with a bowl of popcorn and your favorite refreshments. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all YA fantasy enthusiasts!

A big thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

This was enjoyable and i could definitely see the comparisons to Knives Out, but unfortunately it fell a little flat to me due to the prose. I felt like I was reading a story that took place in the 1500s but from a modern narrator and it just didn't mesh well. It also took a long time to finish due to the fact that she kept getting confused telling her own story, which I understand and thought was clever, but it made it hard to connect with her. The execution wasn't there. However, despite this, it was a fun mystery filled with magic and I think a lot of people will definitely like it more than me.

I really didn’t like this one. The plot felt really predictable and unoriginal, and the writing was not my favorite at all; it felt very juvenile. The characters were flat and uninteresting. Overall I felt like the story had a lot of potential, but it really let me down. The only good thing was the pacing; it was paced quick so at least it wasn’t a slog to read.

These Deadly Prophecies follows Tabatha Zeng, a teenage sorcerer's apprentice thrown into the mess of her mentor, Sorcerer Solomon's, murder. Tabatha joins Sorcerer Solomon's son, Callum, to unravel the prophecy that led to his death and the truth of who's behind the killing.

These Deadly Prophecies was a quick, fast-paced, and enjoyable read. The world-building is limited, but I didn't mind, as the book focused mainly on the plot and the characters. Tabatha was a relatable and likable main character, and I also found Callum to be very likable. I found them to be realistic, especially in their dialogue, for high school students.

The only issue I had with the book was the ending. I thought the final confessions as the mystery unraveled were a bit stilted and unrealistic. The full explanation for the murders was given very suddenly through a lot of monologues, and it felt somewhat out of place to me.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable fantasy read. The magic system is interesting, the characters are relatable, and the plot moves quickly. I would definitely recommend it to both fantasy and mystery fans, as it had a good balance of both elements.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the arc!


Finally a book that actually resembles Knives Out in some capacity but with magic! I really enjoyed this, the writing was very whimsical and I adored the characters. I really hope there’s more books in this world!

Magical ‘Knives Out’ is a hell of a tagline, and one that this book seems to do well living up to. With parts that feel like a movie and twists that took me by surprise even after I thought I had everything figured out, THESE DEADLY PROPHECIES is a pretty quick and enjoyable read. Its worldbuilding takes the basics of much fantastical magic, gives it a simple clarification within the book’s world and lets that be it. The narrative is a bit irreverent, more confessional than I assumed it would be, and all wrapped in a mystery that can keep you guessing despite the Knives Out comparisons. Somewhat strangely, all of these things seem to work for the book; it’s not particularly groundbreaking but I don’t think it needs to be to be worth the read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and twisty mystery with some definite Nancy Drew vibes.

Tabatha Zeng is a prophet sorcerer-to-be, the apprentice of the most well-known prophet, right up until he’s brutally murdered. With the messy family of any wealthy eccentric, this is a mystery that has no quick solution, and gets even messier with the question of inheritance along the way. This book has a pretty steady through line as it comes to the overall mystery, driving everything along at a pace that keeps any one moment from feeling like it dragged. While I actually enjoyed the short length of the book, I do still feel that there were some elements that didn’t seem to carry as much weight as others (re: the Detective, etc.) But it’s still fun to read nonetheless.

Character wise, Tabatha’s frontal narration is really interesting, and helps weave together various elements of the story when they seem a little distant. She’s certainly a somewhat messy YA protagonist as all teenagers are, but there was a level of both self-awareness and obliviousness that I appreciated, and that made things like the slightly cliché romance more enjoyable than they would have been had Tang written them as straightforward or simply sweet. Every member of the family is interesting, and makes you wish that you knew just a little bit more of how they got where they are.

I think that this book ultimately lives up to what it promises, and makes it worth the read along the way. It’s captivating enough to keep you on the edge of your seat without perhaps requiring as much mental exhaustion as a more in-depth fantasy or mystery. I would definitely recommend it!

These Deadly Prophecies was such a fun read! I really enjoyed how the prose felt conversational, as if the main character were directly speaking to the reader. The pacing was great and I think the magical elements added a little something special to the murder mystery element. It definitely reads as a YA novel, successfully managing to be digestible for a younger audience without taking away from the seriousness of a murder mystery. The “Knives Out/Inheritance Games but with magic” pitch is so spot on, and I’ve got no doubt that fans of either or both will have a blast with this book!

Andrea Tang weaves a spellbinding tale of magic and mystery in "These Deadly Prophecies." With an engaging protagonist, an intriguing murder case, and a touch of the fantastical, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Tabatha Zeng, an apprentice to the renowned sorcerer Sorcerer Solomon, never expected her journey to involve solving crimes. However, when her boss predicts his own brutal death and the prophecy tragically comes true, Tabatha becomes embroiled in a perilous situation. The police have their eyes set on her and Callum Solomon, the youngest son of the murdered sorcerer. Faced with mounting suspicion, Tabatha and Callum join forces to uncover the truth and clear their names.

As they delve into the investigation, they encounter a suspect list populated by the wealthy, influential, and magically gifted members of Sorcerer Solomon's family. Amidst a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Tabatha must grapple with the question of just how much she can trust Callum Solomon, all while trying to navigate a world where nothing is as it seems.

Andrea Tang's writing is quick-witted and immersive, blending elements of magic and mystery seamlessly. The author skillfully crafts a captivating murder mystery, keeping readers guessing and second-guessing as they follow Tabatha and Callum's quest for justice. Tang's world-building is rich, bringing the fantastical elements to life and adding depth to the story's setting.

Tabatha Zeng is a compelling protagonist, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she confronts the challenges and dangers that come her way. Tang deftly explores Tabatha's growth throughout the story, allowing her to evolve from an apprentice sorcerer into a formidable and resourceful investigator.

The dynamic between Tabatha and Callum is a highlight of the book. Their partnership is filled with tension, chemistry, and a constant undercurrent of uncertainty. Tang expertly develops their relationship, gradually peeling back the layers to reveal hidden depths and unexpected connections.

While "These Deadly Prophecies" is an enthralling read, some readers may find that certain plot twists and reveals are somewhat predictable, especially for seasoned mystery enthusiasts. However, the strength of Tang's storytelling and the well-drawn characters compensate for any predictability, ensuring an enjoyable reading experience.

In conclusion, "These Deadly Prophecies" is a gripping blend of magic and mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. Andrea Tang's skillful storytelling, intricate world-building, and well-rounded characters make this book a must-read for those who appreciate quick-witted narratives with a fantastical twist. Prepare to be immersed in a world where secrets lurk around every corner and where solving a murder requires both intellect and a touch of sorcery.

I love me a good murder mystery, and you want to go and add magic ontop of that!? Yes please!!!!! This book was amazing! The twists, the turns, the banter amazing. I can't wait till this is out and I have more people to talk to about this because wow just wow

So it’s June 2023 and I’m reading a February 2024 ARC but it sounded so good! And, spoiler alert, it was so good!

Knives Out + magic is literally the best way I can describe this book and it was a fast paced thrill ride. The romance was sweet and not so abundant that it overshadowed the mystery plot. The world building was interesting and unique but done to the perfect degree where I wasn’t trying to pick apart how it “couldn’t be possible”.

I loved this story and it had some strong messages about finding yourself and believing in yourself which I loved so much.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️