🔮✨ Cori's prophecy marked her for danger: all dark magic witches will lose their power on a future winter solstice. After years of hiding, she moves to Farley, Maine, hoping to stay under the radar. But meeting local Water Elemental witch Adrian Huxley changes everything. As secrets unravel and old threats resurface, Cori must confront the dark truths of her past. ✨🔮

Although it took me a few days to get through, this was a simple and quick read. I've never read a book centered around prophecies, so I was excited to dive in. The magic system is fascinating and cool! While the day-by-day storytelling and sudden time skip were surprising, they kept the plot from dragging. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, with some especially surprising moments.

I loved the whole prophecies plot and found the characters interesting, with genuine friendships and connections. The concept of Celestial witches, the Mother, the Other, and the Giver was intriguing, and I wish there was more about them! Be prepared for a few sexual scenes—they weren't overly spicy, but felt a bit awkward.

For fans of Spells for Forgetting and A Discovery of Witches, this ethereal fantasy romance is a must-read! If you enjoy fated lovers, found families, and prophecies, pick this book up and see how you like it!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

I enjoyed this read, it had an interesting take on magic and who doesn’t like a story with a world changing prophecy? The spice level was good while still maintaining a plot driven story. My only complaints would be that there was some parts that moved a bit oddly; going from day to day onto skipping ahead but still in the same chapter was kind of confusing. There were other instances where the characters would be eating dinner and then suddenly onto desert/wine that didn’t flow very well as a reader. Other than that, it was a nice witchy read and left with closure but opening for the next part of the series which is nice especially if you aren’t one for a cliff hanger.

This is a great read! The Prophecy has defined Cori's life for a decade. Basically trapping her and limiting everything. Enzo's final betray was a shock. I enjoyed this book. It kept my attention and was filled with unexpected moments.

I am enjoying this book so much! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.

This was really good, and it's the first in a new series! I absolutely loved everything about this book! I love good witchey stories.

First, thank you Net Galley & Maria A. Eden for the ARC of The Gray Prophecy!

I really devoured this book! I am not typically a huge fan of urban fantasy books where phones and real world topics are a part of the story, but something about this really pulled me in! It was a great balance of prophecy and history, with a blend of the modern world in it. I loved the romance/fated aspect of the book as well as the found family and I wish it was developed more in the story. But honestly, I am glad it didn’t overshadow the plot and Cori’s journey. The plot is captivating and deserved the spotlight in this story. I didn’t love the pop culture references to Friends and such, but like I said before, I just don’t usually gravitate toward real world type fantasy books in general and it wasn’t overdone so it didn’t bother me much. Overall, it is a great witchy read and I would definitely recommend it! The main criticism of the book is that I just wish there was more.

SPOILERS BELOW

I would have loved a longer book with a deeper dive into her prophecy and that of the celestial witches. Learning more about the Mother, Giver, and the Other as well as the different types of witches that exist in this world. More background on Cori’s past and Calvin’s eventual villain arc. And more development on Cori and Adrian’s romance, of course. But I should have known going into it that it wouldn’t be incredibly detailed because it is a short book! Overall it was a great story and I will definitely be reading the next!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! I had such a good time reading this and I was pleased to find that this will be a series.
Things to expect:
- elemental magic & prophecies
- fated romance/love
- found family
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantasy!

Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I started this book I didn't think I would be so enamored that I couldn't put it down until I was done. I went on an 8 hour journey that make me laugh cry and gasp with suprise because of things I didn't see coming. The world building and how the magic works was really great and the plot kept me hooked and the spice was tame compared to what I usually read. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to get a physical copy so I can share it with my friends.

It’s getting harder to find the exact urban fantasy that’s my favorite, and I was excited that this one almost seemed a 100% fit. I’m glad to say it pretty much did. I felt so sad for Cori, and I’m glad she finally had a “found” family a little way into the book. There were a couple of twists and turns that made me a little confused, but I can’t really say since they are spoilers. However, that was my only real “beef” with the book, and that didn’t really keep me from enjoying this. This is a standalone, but the author’s not at the end says there’s another one coming with a minor character as the major character. I’ll definitely read that. Well—written, intriguing, romantic, and engaging. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

The plot was captivating, blending romance and the paranormal in a way that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue that brought the characters and settings to life. The pacing was perfect, keeping me on the edge of my seat without feeling rushed. A must-read for any fan of contemporary paranormal romance. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait enough for the next book.

This was pretty interesting. I had a good time getting a feel of the FMCs past and the twists that followed

This was an enjoyable read and I really enjoyed the development of the magic system and worldbuilding! I loved the settings the characters found themselves in (I've always wanted to visit a small coast town in Maine hehe) and the characters themselves were engaging and I genuinely cared about what was happening to them!

The Gray Prophecy made me gasp numerous times and shed quite a few tears. But in a good, cathartic way. I loved watching Cori grow as both a character and a witch throughout the book, and I love that we will see Enzo's story in the next book! I can't wait :)

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I READ SO FAR THIS YEAR. THE CHARACTERS ARE SO WELL BUILT THAT SEEMS THAT WE KNOW THOSE CHARACTERS FOR SURE. SUCH A GOOD STORY.

The Gray Prophecy by Maria A. Eden


Title: The Gray Prophecy
Author: Maria A. Eden
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Suspense
Rating: ★★★★☆

As a child, Cori delivered a prophecy that foretold all witches practicing dark magic would lose their power on a future winter solstice. This prophecy marked her for death and set a ticking clock on her fate. After a decade of hiding and suppressing her magic, Cori moves to the picturesque town of Farley, Maine, with one goal: to keep her head down until the prophecy comes to pass.

However, Farley and its residents are not what Cori expected. She finds herself drawn to Adrian Huxley, a local Water Elemental witch, making it increasingly difficult to keep her secret. As she grows closer to Adrian, her suppressed magic begins to resurface. When a figure from her past reappears, Cori is forced to question the true reasons behind her hiding and the loyalty of the family she vowed to protect. The revelation threatens not only her life but also the lives of those she cares about.

What I Loved:

1. Compelling Characters: Cori is a well-developed protagonist with a rich backstory and a relatable struggle. Her journey from a frightened child to a determined young woman is inspiring. Adrian, with his charm and elemental powers, adds depth to the story, and their chemistry is undeniable.
2. Intriguing Plot: The prophecy and its implications create a constant sense of urgency and suspense. The twists and turns keep readers on their toes, making it hard to put the book down.
3. Magical World-Building: Farley, Maine, is vividly described, blending the mundane with the mystical. The portrayal of witchcraft and elemental magic is imaginative and well-integrated into the story.
4. Romantic Tension: The romance between Cori and Adrian is beautifully written, with just the right amount of tension and tenderness. Their relationship adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
5. Themes of Loyalty and Trust: The novel explores important themes such as loyalty, trust, and the complexity of family ties. Cori’s struggle with these issues adds a relatable and human element to the fantasy setting.

"The Gray Prophecy" by Maria A. Eden is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and suspense. With its rich characters, intricate plot, and enchanting world, it offers a spellbinding read that kept me hooked beginning to end.

Whether you're a fan of witchy tales or simply enjoy a good story with a touch of magic, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be enchanted!

Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Maria Eden Books ,The Author Maria A. Eden & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

It’s like this book was made for me because it has everything I love: witches, prophecies, a super lovable found family and a small town!!! That’s perfection. The main character (Cori) was what I loved the most but the setting and the pace also did not disappointed me.

For me, the only flaw is that some things could’ve been better developed BUT I really think that in the next book this will be resolved.