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Stories

A Witch in Isenshire

A Witch in Isenshire by Azalea Forrest

A Witch in Isenshire is a bold cup of coffee made with determination, personal growth, and adventure. Magnolia Hanna never thought she’d forgive Basil Olivander, the witch who inadvertently upended so many lives in Lightview. Yet four months after their battle, Basil’s learning to deal with his heartache and make amends. He’s become Maggie’s roommate, her technomancy teacher, and—just maybe—her friend. Now, they’re packing for a trip to visit Maggie’s family in the hidden hamlet of Emelle. Maggie and Basil face their grief together, finding closure at her late uncle’s grave and comfort among her friends and family. If it were up to her, she would stay for a fortnight, but their trip is cut short at the behest of Lightview’s mayor, who sends the two witches on an adventure of a lifetime—to the advanced city of Isenshire, the birthplace of the automaton. To Maggie’s dismay, Isenshire’s witches can only use magic with a permit, and their jobs have been reduced to fortune telling and parlor tricks. Magnolia’s fear of her skills being replaced by tech is reignited tenfold. Are the witches in Isenshire truly happy, or are they complacent to the powers that be? Magnolia’s only wish is to make magic relevant again, but she soon finds that the power of the automaton is too awesome to ignore. Book Two in The Witch of Emelle Series


The Underground

The Underground by Azalea Forrest

In the country of Lornesse, the city Anen harbors more than just high-rises and technology. Deep beneath the architecture, unbeknownst to humans, roam incredible and terrifying creatures. The Underground isn’t the only place these people reside, however. Most humans don’t know that a third of their population are actually blood suckers and moon howlers, changelings and ghosts, disguised and living among them. Ashai is a young vampire of humble origins just trying to bridge the gap between supernaturals and humans with her blood bar. She’s happy to deal with human, vampire, and werewolf alike. When an old vampire is rumored to have come back from the dead to build an army, it bristles the fur of many a werewolf. This sheds new light on the truth of past transgressions and the prejudice between their peoples. Ash is unwittingly caught in the middle and must fight her way to find her own truths.


Witch in the Lighthouse

Witch in the Lighthouse by Azalea Forrest

SFINCS

Witch in the Lighthouse is a warm cup of tea full of magic, hope, friendship, and forgiveness. Moving to Lightview was supposed to be a new beginning for Magnolia Hanna, a piece of closure, a connection to her past. Inheriting her uncle's lighthouse wouldn't make her life easy, but she never expected such hostile neighbors. She was a witch from the hidden mountain hamlet of Emelle, after all, and Lightview hadn't housed a witch in more than a decade. Unfriendly villagers are the least of her problems, however, when a witch named Basil Olivander arrives on her doorstep, weighed down by his own grief. Maggie soon learns why Lightview harbors such disdain for witches — and who is to blame for her troubles in this new town. Book One in The Witch of Emelle Series


A Bitter Drink

A Bitter Drink by Azalea Forrest

SPFBO8

As the center of trade for the four major races, Bisia is the perfect city for a Dahlseid—a young race of plant folk—like Rowan to experience whatever his heart desires, and his position as ambassador for the Dahlsia makes affording those desires easy. But when he overhears a plot of treason against his people, all of that could end. But will it? My people can take care of themselves, Rowan thinks. The humans will give up once they realize the Dahlsia have nothing of value. Because all humans want is gold, right? They’ll be just fine. Full of magic and misadventure, A Bitter Drink tangles Rowan in the vines as he's forced to team up with a pacifist human vagabond, a deadly serious elven spy, and a cheerful dwarf with a strangely calming presence. Together, they're determined to put a stop to the twisting heinous plot that threatens to destroy everything they love. But Rowan’s heart isn’t in it: he’s a coward and he knows it. Joining them would mean risking his life, and to challenge one’s true colors is a bitter drink indeed.


Reviews

Imbued

Imbued by Helyna L. Clove

Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear
Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Balanced
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience
Emotional Response: Engaging
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well

Read my review for IMBUED on my blog :)

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