hellohanco's review against another edition
3.0
This was good. Exactly what I expected it to be plot wise. Something High School me would have died for.
shavonnedenisee's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A bit predictable but I thought it was a fun read and I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
moonlit_mystic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cassie_books's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
kenxcole's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
idealthursday's review
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lexywrites1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thought that this book was really good
nikki_mcclaran's review against another edition
2.0
This... was conflicting for me. Mostly because if just basing the rating off of the world-building, I'd rate it a 5. I truly loved the world the author built regarding magic, how it works, and the complications it brings. But then, we get to the characters and the plot.
After the death of her parents, Nadine finds herself living with her grandma where, surprise(!), she learns she's a witch. But not just a witch with a pointy hat and wand, a witch that may have different powers depending on how their goddess deems fit (think a mix of L.J Smith's The Secret Circle with The Hunger Games). As I said, I found the different classifications of powers super interesting and enjoyed the mythology. Nadine as a character though wasn't as interesting, especially when she falls for Lucas.
If I'm to be quite honest, it's Lucas that really ruined this book for me. Lucas is the reaper's apprentice, which practically means he must hear the dying thought of every person who dies in their coven (thus helping them transition). That would naturally make someone depressed, which Lucas is (due to a host of other events as well). And while I'm so glad that depression is getting discussed, I was really disappointed in how it was treated. Rather than deal with problems, Nadine was treated as some anecdote for it. When he was around her, everything literally felt brighter and more okay. I can't be the only one who thinks that's unhealthy, right?
AND THE CLIMAX...
I'll likely give the other books in the "world" a try as I truly loved it. This particular series was just not for me.
After the death of her parents, Nadine finds herself living with her grandma where, surprise(!), she learns she's a witch. But not just a witch with a pointy hat and wand, a witch that may have different powers depending on how their goddess deems fit (think a mix of L.J Smith's The Secret Circle with The Hunger Games). As I said, I found the different classifications of powers super interesting and enjoyed the mythology. Nadine as a character though wasn't as interesting, especially when she falls for Lucas.
If I'm to be quite honest, it's Lucas that really ruined this book for me. Lucas is the reaper's apprentice, which practically means he must hear the dying thought of every person who dies in their coven (thus helping them transition). That would naturally make someone depressed, which Lucas is (due to a host of other events as well). And while I'm so glad that depression is getting discussed, I was really disappointed in how it was treated. Rather than deal with problems, Nadine was treated as some anecdote for it. When he was around her, everything literally felt brighter and more okay. I can't be the only one who thinks that's unhealthy, right?
AND THE CLIMAX...
Spoiler
I know these are 18/19-year-olds, but good lord, the whole "I'm going to sacrifice my eternal life for her because I love her" then "NO! I'm going to sacrifice MY life for him because that's love" trope is just NOT HEALTHY LOVE. Sorry for the caps, this just really irked me. Love shouldn't be demonstrated by acting recklessly with one's life. They should have communicated, or at least talked to each other. Is that too much to ask? And for what it's worth, I usually don't get so upset about toxic-type relationship issues in books (if you need proof, I'll happily admit I consumed After, the book and movie, several times), but this just felt not cuteI'll likely give the other books in the "world" a try as I truly loved it. This particular series was just not for me.
belindaclemons_123's review against another edition
5.0
Alicia has out done her self with The Coven's Secret. It was amazing thrilling harrowing and intriguing all at once. The Twists thrown in this book is just great. I also love that Nadine isn't perfect and has the disability of having Lupus Alicia has wrote those scene with respect and you can tell she did her research. And Lucas is very brooding after he gains his powers of Reaper's Apprentice. I love the tension between Lucas and Nadine and how he tries to stay away from her because of what his position of being a Reaper's Apprentice could bring to her. I love that she doesn't care about that and wants to be with him no matter what. Also their friends are fantastic and funny. The witchcraft mythology of following the coven's goddess Mother Miriam and how the Witches powers came to be because of her having kids with her demon mate. all in all I want more and cant wait for the next book.