Overall, this was an engaging, fairly fast-paced read! I enjoyed the concept of the story, the introduction to the magic system, the school environment, and the dark romance. That said, it felt VERY insta-love for a supposed enemies to lovers romance, and I would have loved to have a better understanding of the world-building (though this may come in future books!). It was probably closer to a 3-star read for me, but the ending shocked me and definitely bumped it up for me.

Loved the the plot, magic system as well as the witchy elements mixed with vampires. This book is fast paced, with a mix of character and plot driven elements. I loved that Willow was consistent in her hatred and motivation for wanting to bring down the Coven that killed her mother, often we see that element waver in books like this, can’t wait to read book 2. And this SE is stunning beautiful edges people are going to be feral for it!

I stopped after chapter 1 (5%) but the writing is well done, the humor is witty, and I think this will go over well for any reader who enjoys dark, steamy witches. I'd guess easy 3-4 stars with 5 for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

This book started off strong and then seemed a little all over the place. There were things throughout this book that were a little not up my ally, but it had the possibility of keeping you reading. The hardest part was that it just wasn't well written throughout. The world building and such had a good premise, but as a whole this book just wasn't a favorite for me. I'm sure other readers will enjoy it, but this was a little predictable with characters that were mediocre at best. Good cover art which really drew me in, but overall just an ok read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley & Edelweiss for the ARCs.

I hated this book. I read it and hated every second of it. I didn't like the writing style and the worldbuilding just wasn't there. Also I just ddin't like the ending all that much.

I love everything Harper Woods, and this book is no exception. I love that there’s darkness to the story as well as witches with different types of magic and the ultimate darkness (won’t say more so as not to spoil). Willow is a bit of a loner who hasn’t had a lot of control in her life, and then she meets Gray. Whew! The steam is HOT with this man. Watching their careful dance around each other is quite interesting. And the end? It will have you running to read book two!

Willow has been raised as a weapon against the Coven by her father. She would also do anything to keep her brother safe. Because of this, she’s forced to attend Hollow’s Grove University, where the best go to learn their magic. There she butts heads with the infuriating headmaster and Vessel, Alaric Grayson Thorne. If that’s not enough, the university is embroiled with deadly secrets from massacre that forced Hollow’s Grove to close in the past. Now that it’s opened again to the Thirteen, they could change the world if something doesn’t kill them first.

As someone who hasn’t read a lot of dark romances, this was such a fascinating book to read. There were so many great elements this story had going for it: great banter, fascinating magic, an intriguing plot, and solid character building. I especially loved the spooky, gothic vibes and atmosphere The Coven presented. I also really loved the magic presented in The Coven particularly Willow’s affinity with nature magic. There was a beautiful balance and harmony to the give and take nature of her magic. The relationship between the two main characters was interesting to watch develop. They had all the hallmark traits of a hate-lust relationship fueled by great banter, which made the spice all the spicier (I’m a sucker for great banter). Think true enemies to lovers here instead of the watered down version depicted in most stories. The plot itself kept me interested in the story to learn what would happen next, but man oh man, I did not see that ending coming. Be ready for book two, because there is one mega cliffhanger that will leave your jaw dropped. If you love a solid plot coupled with a strong FMC, and an unhinged MMC, I highly recommend you pick this up.

50 years after a deadly massacre, Hollows Grove University will reopen for thirteen witches. But the school is a dangerous place full of temptation, corruption and danger.

Willow, a witch of a powerful bloodline, is forced to attend the school. She must learn to navigate the dangers and one very handsome, Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- FIVE STARS!

What I Loved:
🍄 Witches and demons!
🍄 possessive and beyond morally grey male MC, Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne 😍. What’s better than that?
🍄 Willow is an incredible witch with a true connection to nature and a kind heart that will have you routing for her.
🍄 Great banter between MCs
🍄 As per usual, Woods brings the spice 😏
🍄 Loved the dark academia, gothic manor vibes
🍄 Twists and turns and a murder mystery!

An amazing first book! Woods did an excellent job painting the picture of a spooky, gothic boarding school. This book has a cliffhanger that will leave you picking up book two immediately!

check trigger warning before reading, this is a dark romance with elements that may be difficult for some readers.

📚Available: 08/06/24📚

📖My Thoughts📖

Witches. They’re my jam. Witchy romcoms, witchy fantasy books, witchy cozy mysteries etc. I just love them all and omg this one was definitely up there with one that I absolutely loved! These ones, these are the ones I live for. Bonus points for also including Vampires! Right from the get go it grabbed my attention and I was completely immersed in it! Another one that I could have easily burned through in one day had time been on my side. I loved the forbidden love trope! You could almost physically feel the sexual tension between the two! And the spice? Oh my! I haven’t read a ton of dark academia books, but I can definitely see myself getting more into them after reading this one.
A book that incorporates witches, vampires, magic, dark forbidden romance and spice? Yeah, this one is a total keeper! Definitely one that I recommend. Did I preorder the special edition? You bet your sweet bippy I did! I can’t wait to see it!
Thank you Netgalley, Harper L. Woods and Tor Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Hooked by chapter 3. Obsessed with this book. Love the FMC, Willow. Big fan of Gray too but so complicated by the end. Can’t wait to read the next book to see how it ends.

Did I pick this up because of the cover, and the promise of dark academia mixed with witches? Yea, yes I did. But this one just didn’t work for me. There were definitely parts that made me uncomfortable, and I’ve decided dark romance is definitely not my thing.

I’m sure others will love this though!

This book sucked me in! The trigger warnings had me a little nervous - because dark romance isn’t usually my jam - but the twists of the story were great.

I am obsessed with this book!!

This had me hooked from page one. I couldn’t put it down. It’s been a long time since I was so into a book.

Young witch Willow has been raised as a tool for revenge against the Coven who took her aunt's life and vows to protect her younger brother Ash from suffering the same fate. When she is forced to attend the prestigious magical Hollow's Grove University, she both despises and lusts after the evil headmaster Alaric Greyson Thorne. The school is filled with dark secrets that Willow must discover in order to stay alive and avenge her family.

I'm certain there will be a a large audience for this book, unfortunately that didn't include me. The spicy scenes were done fairly well, and I did like the FMC's magical powers, but the world building was so minimal; the characters were not really developed beyond having instant lust for each other. It just seemed like every popular trope was thrown in without turning it all into a cohesive or interesting story, and then sprinkled with shocking dark romance elements.

Thank you to Tor Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC to review!

Oh goodness me, what a spicy witchy book! I have to say, I was only really invested during the back half of this book, around the 60% mark, but after that? I could not put it down. It was definitely an action-packed urban fantasy with witches, prophecies, murder, and more, but I think it could've been fleshed out a lot more.

I really loved Willow as an FMC; she was strong, resilient, witty, powerful and if the book was entirely in her POV I think I would have enjoyed it more. Knowing the reveal at the end, I do not think it was the right choice to also have Gray's POV in there. It jut feels like his reveal was pulled out of nowhere, and since we did get his perspective, it feels disingenuine for him not to have shown any signs throughout the book (does that make sense? idk).

I loved the reveal at the end, don't get me wrong, I think it was a great way to wend the book, I wish we could've had more substance getting to it. The book is short, and the pacing felt all over the place, slow then fast. I liked the smut, I liked the mythology, and the lore, which is why I wish there were more of it!

Because I'm a nosy son of a bitch and have to know what happens, I will read the second book! I'm hoping the pacing is a lot better!

I definitely think there is an audience for this and I think the world building was a little bit stronger than in other dark fantasies I've read. Unfortunately I couldn't get behind Willow and Ash, but totally support people who want a dark academia.

I liked the premise of this book but I had a hard time with the characters. There wasn't much, to me, that was likable about Willow or Gray. She hate what the coven has become and what she must do for her father's family, yet I never see her do anything to find a workaround to her situation. Gray is this vessel who is hate chasing after Willow and it attracted to her but we never get the why. There has to be some reason either of them is drawn to the other, especially if readers are supposed to believe this couple is who we should be backing.

The twist at the end was unexpected and left me wondering what I had missed in this book to not see this coming.

I have enjoyed other books by this author, but this book/series just wasn't for me.

Characters: ★★☆☆☆

Plot Progression: ★★☆☆☆

Writing Style: ★★☆☆☆

Memorability: ★★★☆☆

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Overall: ★★☆☆☆

Thoughts: Meh

You'll Like This If You're Into:
* Dark fantasy with a twist
* Age gap romance
* Intriguing world-building with witches and vampires
* Fast-paced narratives with a touch of mystery
* Dark academia vibes

You Won't Like This If:
* You prefer slow-burn romance over insta-lust
* Unsettling power dynamics make you uncomfortable
* Inconsistent plot progression and world-building frustrate you
* Lack of depth in characters and magic systems is a deal-breaker
* Questionable practices and themes of manipulation in a school setting disturb you

Review:
Buckle up, fellow bookworms, because "The Coven" takes you on a rollercoaster ride through a world where dark fantasy meets age gaps, witches, and vessels (aka vampires), but unfortunately falls short on execution.

Let's start with the good stuff. The initial setup is intriguing, with the protagonist's connection to the earth and the promise of necromancy adding a twisted layer to the narrative. However, any excitement soon fizzles out as the story plunges into a whirlwind of insta-lust and forced proximity between the main characters, Willow and Gray.
While the spice is well-written, it's one of the few highlights in an otherwise inconsistent tale. The plot jumps erratically from point A to point D, leaving important threads dangling and characters like Willow's brother forgotten along the way. The lack of depth in both characters and magic system adds to the disappointment, making it difficult to stay engaged.

But let's address the ✨elephant✨ in the room: Gray, the headmaster whose behavior borders on predatory. The uncomfortable dynamics between him and Willow, coupled with the school's questionable practices, leave a sour taste that even the most intriguing world-building elements can't wash away.

Despite glimpses of potential, this read ultimately falls short of its promise. While some readers may find enjoyment in its dark academia vibes and murder mystery subplot, others will be left scratching their heads and wondering what went wrong.

The Coven is a mixed bag that may appeal to some but will leave many others feeling underwhelmed and, dare I say it, slightly traumatized. Approach with caution, and don't say I didn't warn you.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a review eCopy.

2.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Coven delves into a world where magic and duty collide, painting a vivid picture of a young, female protagonist caught between her family's legacy and her desire to protect her brother. Set against the backdrop of Hollow's Grove University, a haven for magic practitioners, The Coven of Bones series follows Willow’s journey as she navigates a society fraught with secrets, ancient vendettas, and one very dangerous headmaster.

This book and world had so much potential, but I found myself unable to connect with it. I was looking for a dark academia moment but often found myself forgetting that the characters were at a university. It just sort of fell into the background along with everything else except for the instalove-esque sexual tension between Gray and Willow. Even then, I didn’t feel any real chemistry between them. I really enjoyed the scenes that detail Willow’s earth magic and wish we would have seen more of it. More plot in general would have made a big difference. Not my favorite but might be a good choice for dark romance readers.

Wow, this book was such a journey. It just checked off all my favourite things in a romantasy and throwing in the dark academia just made it even better.

I love absolutely love morally grey characters and Alaric Grayson Thorne was exactly what I needed. He's so broody, powerful, ruthless, and most importantly hot.

The tension between the him and Willow was steamy and the spice was everything. Also, the banter? Top notch.

Willow was a terrific fmc for this book. She was so bad ass and snarky and the strength she has is admirable. She's just a fearless Queen and I'm obsessed with her.

Overall, this was such a fantastic dark romantasy book to read and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book!