Reviews with content warning for Violence - Soul of a Witch

I love this series with my whole heart, but this was definitely the book I had the hardest time connecting with. I really love the way each novel has a through plot running concurrently (so you’re always piecing together how things intersect to the larger plot), but each very much has its own story in a story with new characters and new motivations. Callum has been my favorite since he was first introduced, but Everly was always more of an enigma to me and I had a really hard time connecting with her. Their pairing is sweet and I loved the change in power dynamics as they both explore and grow through their traumas.

When the plot was going, it was full steam ahead. But there were just large sections of this book I found myself skimming over because they felt repetitive. Training, conversations rehashed many times. This book is much more of an emotional book to me than the previous, so the plot almost takes a back seat.

Overall I still give this series a full 4.5 stars, and the ending of this is a wonderful close to the series. I just didn’t get sucked into this one like I did with the previous books!

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howlinglibraries's review against another edition

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lol I'm so devastated. I've been eagerly awaiting this book's release for ages and was fully prepared to adore every last page, but the majority of the story so far has been:

1) a completely unnecessary recap of books 1 & 2

2) Everly being a one-dimensional character with very annoying inner monologues and a horrible case of Mary Sue-ness (which I do almost never accuse a character of, but every single person she interacts with just goes on and on about how she's the most powerful witch they've ever met, etc.)

Seriously, though, the only redeeming thing about this book is Callum's character, and even he hasn't properly drawn me in. I'm dragging through the story and I no longer care enough about the overarching plot to trudge through it.

✨ Representation: queer (bi/pan) main characters

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annabelle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.25

a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy, but I have some mixed feelings. TBH Everly and Callum were not my favorite couple in the series, but they were very sweet. I loved their devotion to each other and how they helped each other grow. I also loved how they were both switches!! It made their dynamic so much fun. I especially loved Callum and he really made the spicy scenes for me.

The pacing and plot was good overall, but it moved between being gripping and horrifying to being a chore to get through. Parts of the book just left me either bored or wanting more. I think the book struggled to find a good balance between getting the plot where it needed to be and having the magical training and having relationship and character development. I did love the setting of the house with the ghost of Everly's grandma and the forest fae. And we got to see Hell which was exciting.

i just want to know what was the point of the ritual and the special blade if was going to be pointless in the final battle??? The ritual scene was one of my favorites but we could've just done that for fun if the weapon was going to be a moot point.

All in all, there were lots of moments I really loved, I just didn't love it the whole way through.

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kaetheluise_nckl's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to Harley Laroux and JLRC author services for the digital ARC.
This book will release 08/31/2023

If you love The Vampire Diaries, Twilight, and Beautiful Creatures, the setting is for you, and the smut will not disappoint.
I could not put this book down and I am still thinking about it now.
Harley seems to time their releases just right, because Soul of a Witch is perfect for the rainy-spooky season we have coming up. I promise you, you’re going to want to cozy up with a warm drink and binge this book (and its prequels, if you haven’t read those).
It has been a joy to watch Harley grow with their characters in this book, and they continue to set incredibly high standards for fictional men and/or love interests.
This is the book of the season, you’re not going to want to miss it.

I loved to see the different story pieces finally slide together. Even after having read the same story three times through different POVs, Soul of a Witch still manages to add so many unique things to the story, be it through the characters or the world building.
Harley manages to lure the reader in through the setting, and then introduces a big scary wolf of a demon with a heart of gold. Callum could be described as a golden retriever boyfriend, and he lives up to his honorary title of “Daddy Callum” alright.
I loved seeing Everly step into her power — And she really is powerful. I think she will serve as an important character for many people to relate to in different ways, because she will teach readers that abusive situations must not last forever, and that we all have the power to create our own destiny and be the makers of our own happiness.

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