This was a perfect fall read! Fast pace, great plot, perfect characters. Loved the concept of the spellcaster show. I love watching the Voice and the show is just like that but with magic. It ends on a huge cliffhanger and will be impatiently awaiting the second book. 😉

This was way better than I expected, especially given that it had a somewhat shaky start. It really kicks in at about 13%, I think it was.

The beginning of the book didn't really appeal to me as it was all insta style posting and comments. However, that quickly changed when it became more about the actual plot of the book - the zombie attack that wiped out the MC's family and turned her into a zombie. Haylee is desperate for answers and to know who sent zombies to kill her family.

Additionally, she is recruited to be on her favourite reality show for spellcasters. The stakes are higher for Haylee than anyone else as zombies are reviled in society, despite being sentient.

This really isn't a typical zombie book. Haylee is clever and talented and fiercely loyal to her family. She goes from worrying about typical high school drama to trying to track down her family's killers, all whilst competing in a reality TV show where very few people want to see her succeed and many work to undermine her.

Honestly, this was such a good read. It has some very emotional parts and some that are very hopeful as well. I'm seriously looking forward to the next one!

Well that was a crazy ride! And apperantly we are team Z now.
A different, funny and spellcasting YA fantasy with modern elements and supernatural mix up!

Hauler Hutchins is not your ordinary teenager. She's not human, not vampire. But she is determined to win the reward for Season 13 of Spellcaster. A show for paranormals. A fun take on the world we don't see lol. I enjoyed this read. Thanks#Netgalley and #Fabledfiction for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

The POV switches from past to present and all the secrets and Mysteries covered really stood out to me, I could not put the book down.

The more I read, the more I liked it. This is my first time reading such a unique 'paranormal' themed book. The first few chapters are a bit slow, but it makes sense, considering the amount of world-building!

Of all things paranormal, I wouldn't say I like zombies, but wow. This book (and Haylee, really) changed my mind. And, it's not only a 'zombie' book - there are so many wonderful characters from other supernatural species.

The writing is excellent. You can feel Haylee's tornado of emotions and her turmoil at being one of the very few who survived an attack but having turned into a zombie. She is now forever 17 but is also forced to grow up and take matters into her own hands to protect herself and her little cousin from vampires, more zombies, and her abusive uncle, TJ.

There's an element of mystery as the characters try to investigate why the attack happened. We get a bit of romance; and on the main stage (pun intended) - The Spellcaster competition, with a grand winning prize that could change Haylee's life.

I shall be waiting for book two cause I need to know what happened next real bad!!! The plot twist at the 97% mark got me real good. I had to put my Kindle down for a while and walk in circles in my room.

YA, urban fantasy.

WOW. A completely new take on magic and supernatural creatures, all living in the same world navigating hardships together.
Our main FMC, Haylee, is a teen who is big on make-up, fashion and an influencer on what I would dub this world's "Tiktok".
After being obsessed with the show "Spellcaster", she finally gets a shot at auditioning. A huge opportunity after a major event in her life, and the show gives her a sense of purpose once more.

Portraying teenage hardships, bigotry, "racism", teenage love and rejection, this novel is perfect for those who want a compelling story of friendship and finding yourself, along with mystery solving and adventure on the side.

4.5⭐️

First, I am thankful to have gotten the eARC for free from Netgalley and the author so I can leave my voluntary and honest review.

Second, wow! I liked this book so much and I may come back and amend my star rating as I sit with it because I can’t wait to read the second book.

The biggest issue I had with it is I wanted more backstory. I’m going to try to write this without any spoilers which is difficult. The book starts like a typical YA book (yes it’s YA and clearly marked as such except in the end it’s actually a bit more like NA to be honest but more on that after…)
Giving some world building background and then bam a situation happens and everything turns left. Now some of that is for good reason but there is also that it feels like a lot is missing in that world building. Particularly in how different groups of society relate to each other in an in-depth way.

Throughout the book you do get bits here and there about the emotions of the different groups as it relates to one another but not really the “why”. It’s just a given. So in a book that is so descriptive about many aspects it feel like someone took a chunk of the book and deleted it. The other missing part is after this event you don’t get the fall out. There is no insight to how the world dealt with an influencer with 1 million followers going through the event and subsequently making the decisions that she did. It just doesn’t make sense.

Now it’s a lengthy book which I personally would not have minded if it was longer or it couldn’t have easily been split into two volumes from that one book so you could get all that missing information. Also for a book that is so beautifully descriptive where you can easily visualize what is going on, I don’t feel like I know the FMC very well from a character development standpoint. That being said, it doesn’t affect the enjoyment of the book.

I know the above may seem negative but it’s just because the story was so engaging and enjoyable you want to know more and have it reach its full potential. This is where self publishing comes in unfortunately as you don’t have the benefit of the team of people at a publishing house that could have picked up on the holes. Then again there is a freedom of self publishing where it may have ruined the book had it been done elsewhere.

As for it being “YA”. It is because the Female protagonist is 17 but for most of the book she is definitely in a more adult world where you enter more of the NA genre. It really is a book for all ages. I love the reality game show angle. I think you can hate reality TV and the trope and still enjoy this subplot as it’s different from the typical.

This book is so filled with details, sub plots and micro plots (at lowest now) that it can be a series for many many books if the author so chooses and I hope she does. I so look forward to the next book and it’s going to live rent free in my head as I want to know what happens! So far I was able to naturally figure out some of the light twists along the way as well as the major one even though I wasn’t trying to figure them out but it didn’t take away at all and I think it’s a personal thing and not because it’s predictable.

Definitely add this to your TBR for October 1, 2024! Perfect book to get into the Halloween season!

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

This was such a unique take on all things Paranormal.
Though, I’m the beginning, the pacing was a little slow. It made sense because the author needed time to create this fantastic world in order for the story to really progress. And once it did—wow!
I loved watching Haylee deal with everything that happens and how her character was forced to grow, and how she was determined to empower herself.
Definitely a must read for Paranormal lovers who are looking for something entertaining and different from anything else out there!

I was really excited about this book after reading the prologue. I was disappointed until about half way through when it started to pick up. The flow was not great for me as it took a while to get interesting. The writing was good. This is definitely a YA read.

THIS PURPLE COVER? the paranormal magic vibes *swoon*

strap in for spellcaster wild card, i imagine this book will be in fantasy enjoyers top reads for october 24’! patiently awaiting book 2 because the cliffhanger has me craving more. the relationships, society, and occult are so intriguing i could NOT get enough! haylee is a new favorite badass main character of mine and i can’t wait to accompany her on her future adventures. those who love drama, tv shows, the supernatural, and tension will adore spellcaster wild card.

thank you nikki jefford & netgalley for the ARC!

Spellcaster Wild Card by Nikki Jefford
Rating: 4.5/5
Release Date: 1 October 2024

In Nikki Jefford's "Spellcaster Wild Card," readers are plunged into a spellbinding fusion of reality TV glamour and supernatural intrigue that captivates from the first page. At the heart of the story is Haylee Hutchins, a high school student whose passions for beauty tips and discussions about Spellcaster—a show promising eternal fame and life—take a backseat when her family's mission for justice is violently disrupted.

Jefford's narrative prowess shines through in her creation of Haylee, a protagonist who not only navigates the complexities of her own desires and responsibilities but also confronts a world where survival becomes paramount after her family's attack. Haylee's resilience and determination make her a compelling force, drawing readers into her journey of self-discovery and survival.

What struck me most about "Spellcaster Wild Card" is its innovative blend of supernatural elements. From vampires and zombies to witches and werewolves, Jefford seamlessly weaves these diverse beings into the fabric of Haylee's world, enriching the storyline with layers of depth and intrigue. Each supernatural encounter adds a new dimension to the narrative, keeping readers on edge and deeply engaged throughout.

For fans of the supernatural genre, this book is a must-read. Jefford not only introduces a strong female lead in Haylee but also delivers a plot brimming with suspense and unexpected twists. The allure of Spellcaster's mystical realm combined with Haylee's journey of empowerment makes for an enthralling read that promises to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.

"Spellcaster Wild Card" is more than just a novel; it's a captivating exploration of courage, identity, and the enduring allure of the supernatural. Whether you're drawn to the excitement of reality TV or the mysteries of the paranormal, this book guarantees an exhilarating escape into a world where every page brings new revelations and unforgettable adventures.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Fabled Fiction, and the author, Nikki Jefford, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Another 5 star book I found this year! I'm so happy I read it. I recommend everyone to read this book as fast as you can because it's totally worthy it.

Title: Spellcaster Wild Card by Nikki Jefford

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: October 1st 2024

"Spellcaster Wild Card" by Nikki Jefford is an electrifying blend of supernatural intrigue, teen drama, and a reality TV show twist that had me hooked from the first page!

Imagine living in a world where becoming a vampire elite is the ultimate prize on a hit show, and you’ve got the basic premise of this thrilling novel…..

Haylee Hutchins, a high school student and influencer, loves dishing out hair and beauty tips while fangirling over the vampire judge Malachi Rayne from her favorite show, Spellcaster. Her life is perfect until a violent attack on her family changes everything, thrusting her into a world where survival means becoming something she never wanted to be: a contestant on Spellcaster.

Haylee finds herself forced to audition for Season 13, which for the first time is looking to include every species of paranormal beings. Haylee is now a wild card—neither fully human nor fully vampire, but something entirely unique. The stakes are high as contestants and their sponsors are ready to kill for the unimaginable power that comes with winning the show.

What I Loved:

- Unique Concept: The combination of a reality TV show with a supernatural competition is fresh and exciting. The stakes of fame, fortune, and eternal life add a thrilling edge to the story.

- Strong Protagonist: Haylee Hutchins is a force to be reckoned with. Her transformation from a beauty influencer to a fierce competitor in a deadly game is inspiring and engaging. She’s bold, determined, and not afraid to stand up to the intimidating figures around her.

- Supernatural Elements: The novel offers a fascinating mix of vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies. Jefford weaves these elements together seamlessly, creating a rich and vibrant world that’s a joy to dive into.

- Intrigue and Tension: The competition’s high stakes and the dark forces at play keep the tension high throughout the book. You’re constantly on the edge of your seat, wondering who will come out on top and what will happen next.

- Character Dynamics: The interactions between Haylee and the other contestants, especially the hotshot wizard and the intimidating werewolf, are full of sparks and drama. Malachi Rayne, the vampire judge, adds another layer of complexity to Haylee’s journey.


"Spellcaster Wild Card" is a fast-paced, thrilling ride that combines the allure of reality TV with the dark, dangerous world of the supernatural. Nikki Jefford has crafted a unique and captivating story with a protagonist you can’t help but root for.

If you love supernatural dramas, fierce heroines, and a good dose of intrigue, this book is for you. Get ready to be enchanted by Haylee Hutchins and the wild world of Spellcaster. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you to The Publisher Fabled Fiction ,The Author Nikki Jefford & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.