By Luanne G. Smith
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
268 Pages
I was so delighted when I got approved for this ARC. I loved the first book in “The Conspiracy of Magic Series,” The Raven Spell (see my review for that one here), and the second book in the series didn’t disappoint.
Here’s the blurb: Life doesn’t get any easier for Edwina Blackwood after the death of her sister. A “secret admirer” has been stalking her and his hex burns down her shop. Forced to flee north with Ian, Edwina depends on the hospitality of Sir Elvanfoot, despite also having to put up with his curiosity at her ability to shapeshift.
As Midsummer Eve draws closer and the veil thins between the mortal and faery world, she begins to have disturbing visions that give weight to the theory that her special abilities have their genesis in the faery realm. Are the answers to her powers found in the land of the fey and will she be able to uncover them before her stalker catches up to her?
After the huge “aha” moment in the first book, this one felt much more tame. There was a definite lessening of tension, despite a madman chasing after Edwina through nearly the entire book. Not to say I wasn’t flipping pages and finishing this book in record time. It was a quick read and I set aside the other book I was working on to finish this one.
What I really loved was the inclusion of the fey throughout the storyline. In addition to Hob, Ian’s house elf, there are several other faery characters who interact with Ian on a regular basis, adding a magical element to this book that seems to be overlooked in most other witchlit. I’m unsure if Ian’s home city was based on Edinburgh or not. I got that feeling at times and found myself wishing it were a real place that could be visited. Definitely a setting that came to life for me.
My assumption is that there will be a third book in the series. I did a little digging and only came up with a tidbit that the author has signed a contract to write a duology set during WWI. If there isn’t a third book, I’m going to have to adjust my rating because while the question of how Edwina got her powers was answered, there’s a lot left for continuation of the story and this one wrapped up a little clumsily. I didn’t feel like anything was unanswered, but it definitely teed up at least part of the plot for another installment.
Final words: an enjoyable read with quick pacing that introduced new characters I’d like to see more of.
3.75/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐+
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing the ARC. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
Until next time, thank you for visiting.
Ann Dudzinski 