Review:
First, I would like to thank the author and Book Sirens for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Valeria is the daughter of the High Priestess of her coven, but she lacks the ability to shapeshift into an owl and fly. Doubting herself leads to her position as the High Priestess’s Maiden being given to another witch, Olivia. When her best friend dies as a result of her actions, Valeria runs south to San Diego to her late father’s coven. Still, Los Cazardores track her, seeking access to the Elixir that gives the witches the ability to shapeshift. Valeria must find the power within herself to protect her covens and discover why Los Cazadores have broken the treaty after so many years of peace.
Being from San Diego made this book so much more real for me. It was fun to imagine all of this magic happening in my hometown. Unfortunately, this book, in my opinion, was too predictable. I understand that it has a basis in folklore, but it was very formulaic overall and lacked the spark necessary to make it a standout read. The imagery was great and Valeria’s growth is uplifting, but I failed to connect with the book as a whole.
Audience: adult
Trigger warnings: violence, animal death, death
Recommended for fans of: fantasy, witches, magical realism, folklore
Publisher's Synopsis:
Centuries ago, the First Witch of the Aquelarre Buho coven conjured the ability to transform into an owl. Since then, a faction of hunters known as Los Cazadores has been intent on stealing that magic for their own...
As Valeria hones her craft, her hopes of being granted the power to shape-shift are disrupted by a terrifying vision. A haunting woman appears in the shadows as she did when Valeria was a child, a foreboding omen that culminates in the murder of her best friend, Gwen. Seeking solace, Valeria flees south to reconnect to her roots. Still, her journey turns bittersweet when painful memories of her father’s death resurface and fuel her determination to protect those she loves.
As Valeria delves into darker magic, she discovers her abilities are stronger than anyone knew. But just as her confidence soars, the hunters return intent on stealing the Elixir the witches rely upon for their transformative powers.
Can Valeria invoke the bravery needed to protect her coven’s legacy for future generations of owl witches? Or will Los Cazadores finally take the very thing they’ve spent centuries pursuing?
Source:
Book Sirens
©Quill & Crow Publishing House: October 20, 2024
Edition: Digital ARC
299 pages
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