Definitely pumpkin spice and sweaters vibe! I like the small town feeling. I usually read more romantasy than contemporary paranormal romance but this book did it well. The modern day things were there, cell phones, cars, laptops, but they didn’t take away from the witchy elements. This book has a cool mix of magic- celestial, elemental, charms, gray. Different witches perform different types of magic. Cori, the FMC, gets flashes of the past, present, and future which helps us understand her family’s history. I love that the MCs are late 20s/early 30s. Love getting that rep! Mild spice, but the right amount for this story. Also, interesting perspective on how modern day covens could be. I’ll be looking for the next book in this series!

Fav tropes:
Fated mates ❤️
Insta-lovey 🔥
Touch her and ☠️
Astrology ✨
Magic 🔮
Chosen One 📯
Prophecy 📜
Found family 💕
Witches 🧙‍♀️
Covens 🕯️
Sacrifice 🌕
Small town 🖼️
Seaside 🌊
Fall vibes 🍁

Fav quote:
“But you can’t run from the natural orbit of the Earth, or the convergence of the stars.”

Cori is an extremely rare celestial witch who foretold a prophecy as a child that would have major impact on the magical world. It is believed that if you kill the witch who delivered the prophecy, the prophecy will not come to pass. This leads to Cori living a very alienated life of hiding while waiting for the day the prophecy spoke of.

With just over 100 days until the prophecy will come to pass, she arrives in a small coastal town tow work for a former college professor. While there, she meets Adrian and his family.

There is a lot of world building and information dump in part one of the book. This made it difficult to get into at first. Once you get to part two, there is more character development and relationship building.

Cori slowly learns that not everything she thought she knew about the prophecy and the world she lives in true.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

World building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

I received an ARC for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

While there was a few plot points that could of been more deeply developed, I super enjoyed this book. It has tropes that I absolutely adore, witches, found family, small town, and they're done really well. The romance really added to the story instead of either taking over or not being very present at all, which I really appreciated. I'll be reading the next book for sure.

I was immediately attracted by the STUNNING cover art and the genre! I love urban fantasy, and The Gray Prophecy tickled that particular fancy of mine!

I enjoyed reading about the differences in magic in different witches, the setting was quite cozy - give me the sea, give me elemental magic, and I'm happy :D I wasn't a huge fan of Cori at first - especially in the very beginning where we were made aware of her social awkwardness, but the conversations she was having were... normal and appropriate for the situation? - but I warmed up to her as the story went on.

I think I will have to read the book again, though, because I found the excessive use of participle clauses exhausting, I was so distracted by the repetitive sentence structure that I kept re-reading the same parts over and over just to focus on the plot.

Nevertheless, a very cozy magical read, and thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the eARC!

My goodness, I couldn't put this book down. The world you're thrown into is just incredible. I love witchy books, especially those with a great love story. I also love the fated mates trope with dual perspectives. There is something about seeing both sides of the match makes my heart happy.

The tension builds as past and present collide, with twists that make Cori question everything she thought she knew about her family and their role in her exile. Eden has a knack for creating suspense, keeping readers on edge as the Winter Solstice, and the prophecy’s fulfillment, draws near.

The novel's atmosphere is cozy yet charged with the undercurrent of danger, and fans of A Discovery of Witches and Spells for Forgetting will feel right at home in this mystical world. The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and self-discovery are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding emotional depth.

The Gray Prophecy is a beautifully written, enchanting tale that balances magic with personal stakes, leaving readers eagerly turning pages to see how Cori’s prophecy will unfold.

Maria Eden's The Gray Prophecy is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense. The novel follows Cori, a powerful elemental witch marked by a childhood prophecy that foretold the downfall of dark magic. Seeking refuge in the idyllic town of Farley, Maine, Cori meets Adrian Huxley, a local Water Elemental witch. Their connection threatens to expose Cori's secret and put her life in danger. As Cori delves deeper into the mysterious world of Farley, she uncovers a hidden conspiracy and must confront the dark truths about her past. The novel's compelling protagonist, captivating world, thrilling plot, and satisfying romance make it a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and suspense.

"The Gray Prophecy" by Maria A. Eden is a compelling journey into a world where destiny and duty clash with personal desires. Set in a richly imagined fantasy realm, the novel follows a protagonist caught in the web of a prophecy that threatens to unravel both her world and her identity. Eden’s world-building is intricate, offering readers a detailed landscape filled with political intrigue, mystical elements, and deeply personal stakes.

Eden’s storytelling is marked by its emotional depth and the complexity of its characters. The protagonist’s struggle with her role in the prophecy is portrayed with a blend of intensity and introspection, making her journey both captivating and relatable. The book’s pacing is deft, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, character-driven scenes.

Overall, "The Gray Prophecy" stands out for its thoughtful examination of fate and free will, wrapped in an engaging narrative that keeps readers invested from start to finish.

Hold onto your broomsticks, folks, because The Gray Prophecy is an enchanting ride from start to finish! Maria A. Eden crafts a magical world where prophecies, dark secrets, and irresistible romance swirl together like a perfect spell. Cori, our protagonist, is a witch on the run, burdened by a prophecy that could unravel everything she’s worked to protect. The atmospheric town of Farley, Maine, is a character in itself, full of hidden magic and charmingly eccentric locals. Enter Adrian Huxley, a Water Elemental with an irresistible pull and a knack for stirring up trouble—he's the perfect foil to Cori’s cautious demeanor. Their chemistry crackles with tension and tenderness, making every page turn a delight. Eden's writing is both whimsical and poignant, weaving together themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery with a light touch that’s easy to fall for. Fans of witchy tales and magical escapades will find themselves spellbound by this cozy, captivating read! ✨🔮🌙

The Gray Prophecy is book one in The Elemental Realm Series by Maria A. Eden.
This contemporary paranormal romance was a super fun cozy, ethereal story about a witch who must face the dark truths of her past—risking everything she loves and everything she has worked for.
Eden writes well and her story-telling is engaging and so well done.

Thank You NetGalley and Maria Eden Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Well I liked it, I like it a lot. When I first read the description, I was pretty intrigued, it’s right up my alley and I was not disappointed.

Anyway this story grew so much, for example when a situation was explained I was like ok ok sure makes sense to me and left it at that. What I didn’t expect was all the layers that were revealed to add even more depth to the final plot point whilst also being easy to read? Stop I don’t know how that happened. It did leave me wanting a bit more at the end of the book, but I adore extra chapters where you see what the characters had been up to so maybe that’s just a me thing. I did see they’ll be another book so hopefully there’ll be some great cameos!

Cori and Adrian are super cute together, there’s some insta love, fated mates situations with a good dose of tension. Adrian went from super sweet to touch her and die which honestly fair enough. I liked their relationship the most when all the secrets were out in the open and they accepted each other fully. They knew what they were risking but found strength in each other.

This book is probably a bit of you if you like found family, fated mates, touch her and die, small town romance accompanied by elemental magic and cozy fall vibes. I know it sounds like a lot of tropes that you don’t usually see together but trust me, it works!

BOOK: THE GRAY PROPHECY
AUTHOR: MARIA A. EDEN
PUB DATE: AUGUST 2024
🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♂️
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🧙🏻‍♂️🧙🏻‍♀️
This book was very good. I really liked the paranormal aspect because it was explained well. I liked that there are different types of witches. Cori was a Celestial witch, and Adrian was an Elemental(water) witch.
🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♂️
Cori, our FMC, was very, very brave, I couldn't have imagined the life she was going through. She literally separated from her family while she was just leaving for college, aged 17 and for 12 years, she didn't have any contacts with her mom and her brother at all for her safety and theirs. It was hell on earth for her, and I felt how sad she was. I'm glad she found a family in Adrian and his family.
🧙🏻‍♂️🧙🏻‍♀️
But, the book was too fast-paced for me. She was so closed off for more than a decade, then she suddenly started to open up to Adrian. I felt it was too fast because of what she had gone through. But, she told Adrian everything and fell in love with him in less than a month. It was too realistic. Although I understand that she would have wanted to get the burden off of her. And both of them were fated.
🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♂️
Cori stayed hidden because of the prophecy she made. If she dies, the prophecy will not come true. Hence, she had dark witches running after. I enjoyed reading about the prophecy and how it was going to turn out, especially when someone close to Cori was guilty. I liked how it played out, although I would have wanted it to be a little more prolonged and dangerous.
🧙🏻‍♂️🧙🏻‍♀️
I liked the MMC, Adrian, and his warm family. I liked how he loved Cori with all his heart and put his life on line for hers. But, I felt like his part in this book was not finished properly. His family's fishing business was on the rocks, and I'd have loved to know what happened to their business. In addition to this, I don't know the 'after' of both MCs. They fell in love, eradicated the danger, but what's next foe them? Relationship-wise and work-wise?
🧙🏻‍♀️🧙🏻‍♂️
All in all, it was a really nice book, and I liked the author's imagination, I'd definitely read the next book in the series, featuring Cori's brother, Enzo.
🧙🏻‍♂️🧙🏻‍♀️

If you’re into elemental magic, prophecies, and a dash of romance, The Gray Prophecy by Maria Eden is a quick, fun read that might just surprise you! ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

The Gray Prophecy by Maria Eden is an awesome dive into a world where magic, destiny, and adventure come together in a big way. Eden pulls you into this universe, mixing fantasy, mystery, and action.

The story centers around Cori, a rare elemental witch based on celestial magic, whose foresight at a young age foretold their life was tied to an ancient prophecy. As Cori navigates a world full of elemental magic, covens, unexpected enemies, and a life of loneliness, she’s forced to face her fears and navigate tough decisions that could change everything. What she grew up knowing is not necessarily true and the black and white past she thought she knew is influencing the grey decisions she needs to make.

Eden’s writing is vivid, making it easy to visualize the scenes and connect with the characters. While the world-building isn’t as detailed as it could be, there’s still plenty to enjoy. If this had been a series to dive deeper into more details, I think we would’ve seen more depth in the elemental traits and the characters supporting Cori, which could’ve tied up some of the loose ends. That said, the lack of deeper development doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. The pacing is quick, with enough action to keep you engaged, and the sex scenes are tastefully done, not overshadowing the story. Plus, just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a plot twist comes along to keep you on your toes.

What stands out about The Gray Prophecy is how it explores Cori’s past of what she thought was how she was supposed to seclude herself to live her life to protect her family. Eden weaves these themes into the story adding depth without being heavy-handed. As Cori moves to a location to dive into a new job in Maine, she will have to face her magic which she has pushed to stay dormant for years. As someone who is terrified of her prophecy causing a rift in the witch community, she seems to trust a family of water elementals pretty quickly. Is this beautiful man Adrian, who is a water elemental, the love of her life? Will she be able to have the relationship her mother and late father had? It is quite interesting how fast she trusts his family after being so diligent for years to stay hidden and undiscovered. As Cori’s story unfolds, she is thrown into a new discovery that all Grey Elemental Witches may not be as bad as she once thought. New friendships emerge and her past sweeps her off her feet as those try to kill her to end the prophecy.

That said, the book isn’t perfect. It did take a handful of chapters to become interested in the story at the beginning. The first few chapters felt slightly choppy while reading, thus making it hard for me to immediately immerse myself in Cori’s world. The pacing in the book felt fast, but as I said previously it felt like it had to be to finish the story in the length of 1 book. Cori’s and Adiran’s character development could have been better had there been more time. The world-building and character-building for me personally is where I fall in love with a story. But honestly, in the grand scheme of things, the book felt complete at the end. The Gray Prophecy is still a fun read for a quick read, especially if you’re into covens, elemental magic, and fated mates. If you enjoy reading books centering around covens and dark magic, such as C.N. Crawford or Harper L. Woods, this probably is not the book for you. Eden describes a bit of what the evil Gray witches can do, but does not dwell on the darker tendencies.

Overall, The Gray Prophecy is a fantastic 1st read for me and was a great introduction to Maria Eden’s storytelling. Whether you’re here for elemental magic, fated mates, or the thought-provoking themes, this book is definitely worth picking up!

💫✨🌛🌕🌜✨💫

A quick rating of the story (out of 5):
Overall Story: 3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Character Development: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3 Stars (descriptive but not a prude) 🔥🔥🔥


Review has been added to Amazon and GoodReads.
Goodreads review is currently live online - 9/1/24.
Amazon and B&N reviews are waiting for approval. Should be live no later than 9/5/24.

“The Gray Prophecy” by Maria Eden is a fantasy romance and the start of a new series. It’s easy to read and I blew through it. And, you get some pop culture references.

Coi and Adrian have a good dynamic, especially have she told him her truth.

I’m a mood reader and I think this book will be a great fall read, especially during witchy season. Honestly, I’m going to go back and reread this story when I’m in the mood for a witchy read. Maria Eden included a ton of tropes in “The Gray Prophecy”. Coi and Adrian’s story is written in third period with dual point of views.

TROPES:
✦ Small Town/ Coastal Maine Town
✦ Found Family
✦ Fated Mates
✦ Touch Her and Dîe

STORY LIKES
⭐⭐⭐

SPICE
🌶️ —

RECOMMEND
💳 yes*

* This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a simple romantasy where the FMC has a hidden identity is in hiding from people who want to harm her and meets her fated mate.

Thank you, NetGalley and Maria Eden for the opportunity to read “The Gray Prophecy” in advance. I will be rereading this story.

This was a great quick read for me. The chemistry between the two main Characters was amazing. Without a spoiler dad got me. I did how ever find I wasn’t as engaged with it as I would have hoped. Not really something I didn’t like so much as it felt kind of predictable. I definitely didn’t hate it either. I would recommend this to those that love a quick read with twists and turns and a new twist to witch craft and elemental magic use.

“But you can’t run from the natural orbit of the Earth, or the convergence of the stars.”

First off I absolutely loved the different types of witches in this story though I will say that Celestial obviously was the biggest pull for me. Cori’s powers were absolutely fascinating and I loved how the visions introduced a clever way to give background to each of the characters we come across. I didn’t mind the jumps back and forth as they all felt relevant to furthering the story or the understanding of a character.

Special mention to Jordan- his character was an instant like for me. Love his vibe. I think the Huxley family were all just generally cute as well… the family tropes were trope-ing.

I do feel that it was MEANT to feel like high stakes, however everything felt very conveniently resolved. I almost never worried too long because nothing really happened to anyone. Even Ariel’s brush with death lasted pages.

One thing I didn’t love were the modern references. Nothing loses my immersion more than mentions of Gilmore Girls, Elsa and Twilight? (Though I love all of those things) It doesn’t ever sit right in a fictional book for me!

A big dash “small town romance” with a large helping of the paranormal. This is a cosy witchy story, and could be easily read in one sitting!

I did enjoy some aspects of the book and I thought the characters were good. The plot was also decent. The romance didn’t feel built up enough though so I didn’t connect to that aspect as it needed some more development. From the cover photo I also expected it to be more spooky than it was. Overall an enjoyable cute witchy read but unfortunately nothing special.

When i saw this title i knew i wanted to read it. I loved the character and the story line had me hooked.

I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover art and the title piqued my interest. I was not disappointed in the book at all. It was more of a fast-paced book than I have been reading, which is nice for the change. The main character Cori was great, I liked that the author made her more relatable to people. Cori was a character that wanted to do everything and save everything but could see reason that she couldn't do it herself. The relationship that developed between Adrian and Cori was great. Yes, they get together fast, but it makes sense because they are fated. I was happy that Enzo did not end up killing his sister and that he could try to have a relationship with Cori again. I'm excited to learn more about Enzo in the next book. I am someone who is from Maine and have a lot of family that still lives up there. It was a great feeling being able to properly say all the Maine town and know exactly where they were in Maine. I have already ordered a hard copy of this book to keep on my bookshelves.

I absolutely love witches and a good MMC.
This book absolutely delivered. As mentioned in one of my previous reviews, it not normally a cozy fantasy reader however, the Gray Prophecy is 100% an exception. The warmth, and the characters were captivating.

I didn’t love the urban aspect of it however, that should not deter anyone from reading this. I just test to gravitate to other realms and historical settings.

My only gripes would be I wish to have had a longer book. I want to know each character fully and make a deeper connection with each one and that I made difficult with shorter books.

However, even with the length Maria Eden did a wonderful job in capturing my attention and making me feel enamored in the world.