4.5/5 🌟

90's queer witchy teen vibes about murder mystery! Such a fun book! Perfect for the spooky season.

The moment I started to read this, I was hooked. Murder, covens, dark fantasy. The cover did catch my eye. But man, the way Nesbit finds their boyfriend in the woods, that was so descriptive and tragic. My only gripe was my arc had a crazy format, so I honestly cannot wait to read it in the proper formatting. It honestly brought back my love of reading Fear Street and Goosebumps, so I know if I had this book when I was younger I would have devoured it. I do not want to spoil this book at all because the moment you start this book it hits the ground running and its great!

at first, I wasn't too intrigued, I feel like the timeline was blurring together from past to present, and I didn't feel too deeply for the characters, but once i hit the 20% mark, I was hooked and couldn't stop reading. the magic of it was amazing, I loved seeing how the characters HAD to work together to achieve the full power of their magic and the mystery of trying to solve the murder was so fun to follow along with. then, once everything was revealed about what Bash had done for his friends, I fell deeply in love with him and at the ending, I grieved right alongside his friends. there was lgbtq+ rep, witchy magic, monsters and murder. I'm so glad I read this when I did because it needs to be on everyones fall tbr!!

Freddie Kolch's "Now, Conjurers" was like a breath of fresh air! it felt so original compared to a lot of other YA horror--especially queer YA horror and I tip my hat. I really enjoyed the story and I look forward to the author's future works!

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

Now, Conjurers, by Freddie Kölsch
★★★★★
448 Pages
1st person, past tense, single character POV

TRIGGERS: mentions of death, grief, violence, closeted teen, coming out, homophobia, sacrifice, cannibalism, blood magic, murder, suicide, hate crimes, gay lynching, bullying, child abuse, parental abuse, mental health issues, drug addiction, drug use, cancer, chemo and remission, possession, jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, death of a parent, causing the death of a sibling, mentions of off-page, non explicit teen sex
REPS: queer teens, FF side couple, MM main couple, bisexual secondary character, vitiligo



Now, Conjurers pays homage to The Craft and the creepiness of Beetlejuice, while managing to be totally unique and captivating.

A whopper of an opening line leads to a mystery that unravels a web of intrigue. I was captivated right from page 1. I'm not normally a fan of 1st person, but this was perfectly written, with the ideal lead character. I devoured it from beginning to end, hating whenever I had to put it down to eat or sleep.

The writing style is emotive, engaging and full of little hindsight snippets, like “remember this, because it'll be important later” which I don't normally enjoy, but that worked perfectly for the POV character and for the overall story. (It also made me focus more of the small details that proved important later) None of the mentions felt like a spoiler, but left me intrigued about how these small details would eventually weave together.

The story takes place in 1999 – and I had to do some math here – when I was only 13. So, I'll admit, some of the music references went past me. I had to look up Cause for Alarm and Victim in Pain, because they were 80's punk, which wasn't my thing then or now. I was deeply rooted in my Hanson/N*Sync phase back then, though the mentions of 90's trivia – Discman, VCR recordings and the unnamed Blockbuster reference – really gave me a hit of nostalgia.

We begin with a 1st person POV of a character who has just lost their boyfriend, who has been found dead. Well, eaten. It's a fantastic opening, with a lot of intrigue that builds as we learn about Nesbit and his now-deceased boyfriend Bastion.
If you take a look at the paperback cover – that gorgeous illustrated masterpiece! – you'll see all the important details of the plot there, though you won't know it until you start reading. I LOVED the detail, the fact that it doesn't really make sense until you're well into the book, but how we know and understand what all the symbols mean by the end of Chapter 1. I also love that Bastion was included on the cover, because he is SUCH a huge part of the story.
Now, let me just say that, while Bastion is dead from page one, he is by far one of the most important characters of the book. He is, in fact, central to the entire plot. Without him, there would be no plot, but he's also a constant ghost lingering in the back of Nesbit – and the rest of the coven's – minds, from start to end. They're so determined to find out who killed him that they'll go to any lengths to get answers.

When it comes to characters, I loved EVERYONE! I mean, I was meant to love Nesbit from the start – he's our protagonist after all, and our only POV – but I really did love him. I loved Bastion, Dove, Drea, Brandy and even Cameron. Every character was unique, well explored and had a complex back story that was nicely explained on page. I felt connected to each and every one of them, at one point or another.
I really liked that we got some flashbacks of Bastion's life, especially the times he shared with Nesbit. He was utterly charming, and I adored his relationship with Nesbit.
Nesbit was, for me, an ideal POV character. He's a bit flawed, a little messy, but basically a normal teenager trying to get through one of the toughest experiences of his life. He's just lost someone he loved, knowing that their last words were an argument.
Brandy was so sweet and lovely. The storyline of how her overbearing, religious mother has been abusing her was heartbreaking, but I loved that she had a support system to fall back on. Her relationship with Drea was equally as adorable. Drea was such a mix of sweet and feisty.
Dove was brilliant: strong, feisty and absolutely gutted by the death of Bastion, her big brother. Her adoration for the super weird Herschel was so adorable and funny. I'd love to see more of them.
Though Cameron was a minor antagonist throughout the story, I loved the hints we got of his own story; how Nesbit saw parts of him that were different to what everyone else saw. He was a nicely complex character, even though he didn't get much on-page time. I would love to see more of him.

~

While the story is listed as YA, I'd definitely say it's more Upper YA, because it does have some adult/mature themes, swearing, discussions about sex and so on. However, it's also a fantastic YA horror, for those who love the genre, and there's nothing explicit on page.

In a lot of YA's I've read recently – looking at you Cemetery Boys – teens with magic, who have a huge problem to solve, almost never ask for help, even from people who would be able to help and could resolve the problem quickly or at least give them information. I am SO happy to say that Now, Conjurers doesn't suffer from that lack of sense. In fact, these kids routinely turn to adults for help, but they're hindered by a lot of magical blockades that mean they can't get the help they need, which is a FAR better way to deal with the situation. I get that asking for help, especially from adults, could resolve the problem too quickly for a book, but it feels stupid and pointless to prevent that just because the kids are too afraid to ask. The plot choices made in this book felt so natural and preceded their realisation that they needed more help, so that when the time came, it was a definite 'Oh Snap!' moment, of realising they couldn't get the help they needed.

The story is heavily influenced by the themes of grief, revenge, the search for answers, and the question of how far you're willing to go to save someone who is already gone. In fact, one of the core concepts of the book is how far you'll go to save the ones you love, and at what cost will you pay for their health and happiness. Because, eventually, every debt needs to be repaid and the price is often more than anyone could ever dream of.

And negatives?
I felt like the ending was rushed, we didn't get an answer about the final question about Bastion's name, and the ending felt like it had been left wide open for another book. Which – don't get me wrong – I'm not complaining about another book in this world or with these characters, but I would have liked a little forewarning or at least confirmation at the end, that there would be another book. The same thing happened when I read the Hollow and the Haunted: I loved it, but there was no warning that it was just part of a series. Thankfully, this one didn't leave me with a huge cliffhanger, so bonus points for that.

~

Overall, I loved every minute, every character, every twist. Easily in line for the best book of 2024! I laughed, I cringed, I cried. It was everything I could have asked for. The ending was satisfying (despite leaving me wanting more, and hoping for another book). The kids were messy, realistic teenagers with a thousand problems that seemed huge to them but were small in hindsight. There was no fairytale ending, no red ribbon to tie everything together, no insta-fix to their problems. The book took the road less travelled by YA fiction – it was realistic! There was no miraculous cure and I really hope there will be more of this coven and these characters in a future book.

~

Favourite Quotes

There were so many quotes I could have included, but I didn't want to share any spoilers, so I went with this one.

“I was going through the motions on a ship that had long since wrecked on the ocean floor and was now populated entirely by ghosts. Of all the phantom crew, carrying out their daily duties, I was the only one aware that we were no longer alive. That we weren't on the water, but miles underneath it. Where there had once been endless stars was only the blackness of the deep-sea trenches, vague monsters lurking in the dark above us.”

This was fantastic. I loved the characters and the representation. And it's set in the 90's which is a total win for me. Definitely purchasing for my collection!

Freddie Kölsch’s “Now, Conjurers” offers a mesmerizing dark queer paranormal romance for young adults. The narrative delves into the tragic romance of its protagonists and hits the nostalgic allure of the 90s classic “The Craft.” Kölsch’s good storytelling from the onset immerses readers in a magical and dangerous realm. The intricately developed characters and their profound emotional arcs make this a really cool read. Combining elements of dark romance and the supernatural, “Now, Conjurers” shines as a excellent new entry in the young adult genre.

The plot follows star-crossed lovers Bastion Attia and Nesbit Nuñez. When Bastion’s body is found at Stepwood Cemetery’s edge, Nesbit and his group of queer outcasts investigate, uncovering eerie local legends about Mr. Nous, a sinister wish-granting entity whose gifts come with dire consequences. As the coven confronts this ancient menace, Kölsch’s lyrical and compelling prose drew me into a world teeming with magic, mystery and love. I really enjoyed this book and the kind of darker side of it.

"Now, Conjurers" is a clever, emotional, and uniquely captivating read. From the first few lines, I was hooked by the strong, conversational narration and consistent pacing that kept me engaged throughout. The setting and backstory were richly developed, and I particularly loved the friend group, especially Bastion. His backstory was heart-wrenching, knowing he was already gone. The exploration of the kids' powers added a fun and intriguing element to the narrative.

Though the book was predictable at times, it wasn't focused on shock twists but rather on deepening our understanding of the characters and their choices. The 90s nostalgia and spine-chilling atmosphere made it reminiscent of my favorite childhood shows. The coming-of-age elements blended well with the small-town setting, and the ending left me with a rollercoaster of emotions. Freddie Kölsch's writing style is pacy and vivid, making "Now, Conjurers" a worthwhile and unforgettable read.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to get with this - but I LOVED it! 90s witchy teen vibes?! Sign me up!

Bastion is found brutally murdered in the woods surrounding the town cemetery, and now it is up to his coven to figure out who or what did it. We follow Nesbit, the newest coven member and boyfriend, Dove, the sister, Drea and Brandy, the friends and couple, as they grapple with grief while solving the murder - quickly finding out things aren’t always what they seem.

The characters were lovable, the plot kept me intrigued and it made me tear up so yeah it was pretty damn good! Also loved the LGBTQ+ rep throughout. Overall this was a fun to read YA horror!

What a stellar debut novel!

Actual rating: 4.5/5

Okay soooo at the start I really didn’t know what the heck was going on, but all I knew was a I loved whatever was happening. The story was kind of flip flopping around the present and past & you’re picking up that things aren’t fully “right” with Bastion but yet you’re falling so in love with this character was you’re only seeing past scenes with him.

Then you have this group of friends who are witches & do magic in a cemetery … but their magic is legit… or is it?

I think having the cast be high schoolers was the right move. You have the angst. You have the tight-knit friend group. You have the silly high school sexual tension when you’re in a relationship. And that one guy you all think is a total asshole.

Then there’s this creepy as hell carnival thing popping up in dreams & sometimes in your reality. And a weird, red-gloved monster with razor-fingernails who lives in the creepy carnival. Oh yeah, then there’s the “weird” homeless dude who knows what is actually happening.

The pacing was perfect & the action scenes had my heart pumping. I fell in love with the characters & had my heart torn out in so many ways.

If you have made it this far, I highly recommend this book!

Clever, funny, emotional, and unique. It hooked me from the start. The story is incredibly atmospheric, with a great backstory and an intriguing group of characters. There are plenty of horror factors to this tale, but it's also a fascinating fantasy and the mix works just so well in this book. Great read--looking forward to what else this author puts out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

💀YA Horror/Thriller
❤️Queer Found Family
💀Murder Mystery
❤️Nostalgic 90s Feel
💀Paranormal/Super Natural

Honestly, when I read this was going to be a witchy 90s-ish thriller horror book I was all for it because I loved the 90s thriller and horror era. it was a little hard for me to follow the way that the characters talked to each other. I had to push myself through the first half of this book just because of that. There was also a lot of characters in this book. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I could’ve followed the way they talked solid 3 1/2 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thriller and horror and also the 90s era. This book gave me the vibes of the craft and the chilling tales of Sabrina the witch. There was dark humor, I loved that. I also think that my review has to do with the fact that I read a lot of witchy paranormal books this month and a lot of them are more fluffier and not as vintage. I do want to do a reread with the audiobook and maybe that would help me out and maybe I’ll review it this review because I do believe this book was good. That ending!

Genuinely shocked at how much I loved this. Witchy teens in the 90s! but they're not just witchy they're actual witches!

After the heart of the group is murdered the coven must work through their grief and figure out who is responsible - before the clocks hit zero and the new millennium begins.

We follow Nesbit, the newest member and boyfriend of the deceased. A thrilling plot, a lovable ensemble and a villain that is just the right amount of camp and creep.

I was going to rate this 3 stars as I have a few critiques, the main one being that it felt a little incomplete, as if we are tuning into a series at book three. But by the end it didn't really matter cos of the sheer fun I was having and the surprisingly emotional impact. More so this feels wasted as a stand-alone, really impressive for a debut.

What to do when you find out your boyfriend has been murdered? Why solve the case with your coven and confront a deadly red-gloved monster! The story takes place in North Dana, Massachusetts, 1999 and follows Nesbit Nuñez, who discovers that their star quarterback boyfriend has been partially devoured. Nesbit is a witch and so was his boyfriend, and now Nesbit and the remaining members of the north Coven will do anything to find out what happened to Bastion. What they never expect is to find out that there is a terrifying entity living beneath the ancient mausoleum in the local cemetery! While this is definitely a mixture of y2k teens with a touch of Sabrina and nods to Neverending story, it was a queer found family story with a gothic touch and touches on grief and love. Despite the fact that it had all of that going for it, I just could not get into the story (shocker), despite the fact that I am a huge horror fan and adore queer romances and stories, this one just felt like a miss for me. I think that this translates better as a tv show or something because as i was reading it I found myself losing interest and just spacing out at times. The story itself was okay but I was really hoping for more and hoping I would be more invested in the characters and their stories. While this one didn't work for me, if you like queer nostalgic horror stories with a touch of found family, give this one a go!

Release Date: June 4,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing | Union Square & Co. for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Now this was a proper horror book!! It was so good!! I loved that there was witchy magic that only the coven could do, and a mystical creature that essentially is the devil. Like don’t make a deal with the devil. But it has an advocate and after the previous one dies (typically from a wish gone too far or a price too steep), he immediately gets a new one. It’s kind of sad, but the coven does uncover what happened to Bastion, why, and the legend of Mr Nous (he kind of gave me Pennywise vibes).
Also I loved the LGBTQIA+ representation in this book amongst several of the main characters. I felt for Bastion and Nesbit 🥲 that’s so rough. The “fancies” and “fares” are intriguing, and how yes Nous is tricking the advocate, but it is possible to trick him back. Also the cover!! It makes so much sense as you read it.
There is so much to this book and I don’t want to say too much to spoil. Just know that it is a very addicting page turner, a good horror novel, and just a good story with a satisfying end.

Thank you TBR and Beyond Tours for having me on the tour!! Be sure to check out their website for the rest of the tour!

I wouldn't have requested a review copy of this title if I'd realized the ARC was available as PDF only, but the retail version was released yesterday and I dipped into it last night and am really enjoying it so far. So here's a four star placeholder review until I finish!

Now, Conjurers is not my normal fare, and yet, I had a hard time turning down the chance for some 90s supernatural horror romp.

Nesbit Nuñez's boyfriend Bastion just died, and the horrific bites taken out of his body suggests that the causes of death were not natural. Nesbit and the other members of the North Coven are determined to find answers, not only for the cause of death, but also for the strange circumstances of Bastion's existence, like why he couldn't cry or say I love you and could only speak when starting a sentence with an N-letter word. And when a week after his death, no one but the coven seem to remember him at all, Nesbit really starts to get desperate.

I'm honestly surprised at how much I liked this. The mystery kept me interested, the characters were easy to root for (or hate, depending), and the emotions felt deep and real. It's a little bit gruesome, a lotta bit creepy, but there aren't jump scares or horrific enough stuff that this wimp reader couldn't handle. I think fans of Stranger Things would like this one, for its blend of teen drama/family drama/horror/and 90s vibes. While the mood of it felt right for summer reading, the book is set entirely in late November, so I'm not totally sure why it's releasing right now. But whether you read it now or in the fall, I think either situation works.

It has been a while since I have read a book that gripped me from page one and did not let me go until I finished it (just kidding, I am still thinking about the book daily).
This is a YA horror, murder mystery, thriller with high schoolers that are witches and perform spells. But one of them is murdered. The week ahead is gut wrenching - the new reality without their brother, their boyfriend and their friend. However, it all changes for the worst when they come to school the next week and they find out that it is actually a week earlier. WHAT? and no one knows Bastion is - he has been erased as if he was never there. however, it does not end there. this murderer is no regular person. it is not even a person. so come along for the ride of 4 teenagers trying to navigate their grief, trying to find justice and unravel all the mysteries that have happened in this town.
oh and it is the perfect read for Pride month! it is gay as fuck and the ending will make you sob like crazy.

Thanks to The Union Square & Co. Team and NerdFam for providing me with an eARC in exchange of an honest opinion.

DNF pg 60

I think I’m the wrong audience for the book, because I’m finding the narrative choices irritating rather than incentivizing the reading process. There’s a lot of breaking the fourth wall almost with Nesbit explicitly mentioning future events as a form of foreshadowing, but it’s not working for me. Maybe if I’d managed to glom Now, Conjurers in a single sitting I would have been able to push past the irritation, but because I took a break I’m not inclined to pick it back up. Definitely a case of narrative choices being the wrong ones for my personal enjoyment.

Now, Conjurers is a story about a group of teenage witches trying to figure out what killed their friend and how to stop it before it kills again. Not only was the head of their coven suddenly found brutally murdered, but now nobody—other than them—seems to remember that he even existed. To put a stop to the madness before more innocent people are harmed, the group will be forced to explore whether their powers are actually strong enough to kill the thing that probably gave it to them in the first place.

It took a while for me to get into this book because it’s got a more gothic-feel than what I normally read. The narration is also written in a way that it feels like Nesbit (the narrator) is talking directly to the reader, which is another thing I’m not used to experiencing. Throughout the book he even gives you specific hints as to what’s about to happen and which characters will pop back up again later. I would say that things picked up for me around the 60% mark as the background story of what exactly happened to Bastion really began to unwind around that point.

This book had very similar vibes to to the darker paranormal/supernatural teenage shows that I’ve watched before (think: Scream, Sabrina, Riverdale), leading me to believe that it would do really well as a series adaptation. I have a hard time narrowing the story down to one specific genre because I think it’s much more involved than a classic YA horror. There is a lot of witty banter, a non-linear timeline, a haunting murder mystery, and the nostalgia that often comes along with moody stories that take place in the 90s.

I would have to say that the best part of this novel was the characters variety and depth. The cast is a mixture of teenagers and adults from various ethnicities, religions, social positions, and sexualities. As the reader, you are told everything through Nesbit’s point of view, but you still learn so much about the people that surround him: their personalities, their relationships, their humor, their strengths/weaknesses, and their motivations. The ending is a bit open, but I’m hoping for the best for every last one of them.