Dr. Dr. Emily Rath, WHAT are you trying to do to me?!

I had only read the Pucking Around series (Bookshop.org | Libro.FM) and enjoyed the heck out of every single one. So I was not sure how I would feel about the same author writing magical realism, but definitely wanted to keep an open mind.

Reader, I am so glad I did.

Just LOOK at this cover! LOOK AT IT!

It’s beautiful. It only gets more gorgeous after reading the book and you understand more of what the cover art is representing. Damn you, Dr. Dr. Rath! You have ensnared me into another incomplete series. GAH!

The story follows Birdie (human????), Jasper (witch), and Dáinn (wraith) through the beginnings of an all out turf war on Burr Island over the purported burial site of the Founding Five as they are known to the normie community on the island, and the First Five as they are known to the Coven.

The story unfolds and feels as though it’s being told as though the reader is Birdie, almost. We learn about the intricacies of magic and the island as she does. We freak out as she freaks out, though for different reasons. It’s a brilliant way to build the world for us while simultaneously moving our leading lady through the story.

There are points in the story where I’m not entirely sure that the plot will be thick enough for more than a few books, but I put my trust in the good Dr. Dr. She has not led me astray before. I am looking forward to the next book, but dear gods Dr. Dr. Rath, please do not end the next one on a cliffhanger! I AM DYING OVER HERE AND NOT BECAUSE OF DÁINN.

If you enjoy a lurky Shadow Daddy, Age Gap and Why Choose, this is definitely a book to check out. You can get it at Libro.FM and Bookshop.org, as well as any indie bookstore or major retailer.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon for the opportunity to read the start of this epic tale! NOW PLEASE GET THE NEXT ONE OUT THERE!