Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an ARC of the book!

While I did enjoy the book for the most part, I definitely expected more.

1. I was so confused in the beginning of the book on how old the FMC was. I initially thought she was 16 because of the part where the coven said "if she's sixteen she's far too young to begin at hollows grove for another four years" because they assumed when Susannah said that a "new witch has made herself known" that she was 16.
Gray does later say that he knows her to be 20 years of age. But I definitely feel that it could have been made more clear especially with a book with darker themes.

I did think that the magic throughout the book was interesting! The first couple of chapters really did me in but I think it definitely slowed down in the middle. I didn't think that the FMC and MMC had much chemistry but it was much more of an insta lust with minimal character development. She was strong and very capable and I think that could've been leaned on more.

I thought it was odd that there was not more concern for her brother throughout the book but instead it was forgotten about during the middle of the book and then brought back up towards the end. I didn't feel as if she really developed many if any meaningful relationships with anyone else besides the MMC.

After decades of being closed, Hollow’s Grove University is opening its doors once again to bring in thirteen witches hand-picked to receive the prestigious training the secret academy is known for. Willow is personally collected by Gray, the demon headmaster of the school, and naturally their meet cute is a bruising fight where Willow shows off how powerful her magic truly is.
 
Not long after arriving strange things start to happen and Willow realizes her life is at risk. Willow and Gray, witch and demon, should hate each other. Demons feed off witches, after all. He is totally a villain, super hateable, AND YET. Willow can stand on her own, though, and there’s ton of banter and tension between them. As time passes, though, conspiracies start to untangle and another murderer is on the loose. The pair comes to the unfortunate (or is it?) realization they can trust no one except each other.
 
It’s a fantasy romance (aka romantasy) with a murder mystery, conspiracies, and secrets galore. It was AMAZING. Seriously, the ending is *superb* and jaw dropping and the moment I closed the book I was already itching for book 2. I still have a book hangover a few days later.
 
I am picky with romantasy because so many books excel at the romance part but fall flat with the fantasy aspect. I want to fall in love AND be immersed in a world with magic, monsters, creepy forests, and the feeling something lurks around the corner. There was a very good balance of the romance and fantasy in this book.

This is a darker gothic romance so be sure to check out trigger warnings if you have any. The author helpfully includes these in the front of the book.
 
The Coven will be available from Tor’s new Bramble imprint August 2024. Thank you to Net Galley and Tor/Bramble for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I *DEVOURED* this book. This is book 1 in a new paranormal romance series from Harper L. Woods.

I’ve said for a while that I’m looking for a TRUE enemies-to-lovers story and not just one where they mostly just hate each other. This book hit that mark for me. Willow and Gray have opposite, hidden agendas from the start, but the tension, angst and banter between the two will have you rooting for them despite their differences and regardless of the rules.

Gray is alluring, complex, and the right amount of villainous to make me want more of him. Willow is badass, strong-willed and a force to be reckoned with.

I found the magic system and the world of Crystal Hollow interesting and the plot was incredibly captivating. The cliffhanger will have you counting down the days until book 2 comes out in August.

Tropes/Highlights
- Paranormal Romance
- Enemies-to-lovers
- Morally gray (really borderline black) hero AND morally gray heroine
- Forced proximity
- Age gap
- Dark academia
- Witches, demons, magic

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

3.75⭐️
Okay so that ending?! Like WHAT?! I’m a huge fan of romantasy books that take place magical academies so when I heard witches & vampires at a magical coven school I said sign me up! This book has some great aspects to it, I loved the love interest and the last 20% of the book had me gasping. I did find the pacing in this book to be a bit inconsistent at some points, and I think if there had been a bit more world building and like 100 more pages in this book it could have made it a 5⭐️ read! The vibes in this book are definitely like a dark smutty older Sabrina the teenage witch (the Netflix remake not the OG). Overall I did enjoy this, and even if the beginning took a while for me to get into, the action and shock value at the end made up for it!

I DEVOURED this book!
Grey is THE villain in the story, and he’s supposed to be breaking and destroying Willow, except their chemistry is top tier, even though he doesn’t have a heart.

Their character development, chemistry, banter and story line were chefs kiss. I cannot even wait to read The Cursed. That little cliffy at the end had me hanging by a string.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

(3.5) I’m a sucker for a witch story, so I was thrilled to dive into this one especially when I was told it involved a sort of taboo love story. I was i intrigued for a majority of this story and I liked the twist in witches that Woods took. I didn’t love a few of the interactions between our two MCs. The ending is bonkers and I honestly had to sit with it and decide if I liked it or not. In the end, I like the twist it took and I think I will continue the series I just hope the second one is more redeeming!

Thank you for the ARC!

Holy cow!!!! That ending made me so stoked for the next one!!! First green flag for this book is that it’s a romance between a witch and a demon and he calls her “Witchling.” I’m a Dorian girly so I was ALL over that. Honestly, it got a 4 star rating but had 5 star potential. I just needed more- more side character development, more world building, more academia details, just… more. I kinda struggled with picturing the school and I’m still a bit confused on the size of the student population. She could have added another hundred pages to this and I would have ate it up. I’m still a bit confused and think there were a few plot holes, and despite that, it’s still at least a 4 star book. The premise for book 2 is going to be my jam and I am pumped! I love a good spicy, spooky, witchy dark romance.

THE GOTHIC ATMOSPHERE!!!!! MY UNDEAD HEARTTT.

Read this if:
You need something witchy
Love a dark gothic romance
You like dual POV’s

Tropes:
“Touch her and you d!e”
Forbidden romance
Age gap
Enemies to lovers

Just to give you an idea, this is the dedication, “ For all those who love them villainous.” Say less, right?

I highly recommend holding out and reading this for fall for two reasons. First, it is a PERFECT fall read and gives all those vibes. Second, the second book to the series comes out at the end of August so you won’t have to suffer and wait like me. So, SAVE THIS POSTTTT.

“If it is order that you value, then I will bring you nothing but chaos.”

I loved the depth of Willow’s character; she is brave, strong and stubborn. I really enjoyed how the authors depicted her magic. It felt like a beautiful thing that you could tell she respected. The way they used her magic with nature was almost its own character, it defends and cares for her when she needs it.
This story felt beautiful, suspenseful and darkly sultry. Great world building, character development and interesting twists.

I suppose this is like a 3.25, not terrible. I quite enjoyed a large part of this book..

Willow is a witch who will do anything for her brother. That means bargaining to save him from an unknown fate. She agrees to attend the prestigious Hollow’s Grove University, giving her freedom to learn freely without judgment from non magical humans. Her main adversary is the headmaster.

Alaric Grayson Thorne is quite a character… he is a walking red flag and Willow tries to hold him off for a while, but their hatred towards one another quickly shifts to desire. There is a whole story they unbury about the history of the school… there is smut, there is betrayal… we know how this goes.

Honestly though, this was a fun read. I actually enjoyed my time reading it, but there are dome things that I couldn’t get past. I am really looking forward to The Cursed because, for me, book two in almost any series is happens to be my favorite.

Ohhh, that was a ride! If you love Gothic books with witches, demons/ vampires, powerful magic, and blood and bones, then you need to read the Coven. This had slow burn to it and I am so excited for the next book.

"The Coven" by Harper L Woods is a thrilling dive into a world where magic, mystery, and vendettas converge, and it earns every bit of its well-deserved five stars. The story revolves around a young protagonist, raised to be a weapon against the Coven that took away her family's birthright. Her journey leads her to the clandestine town of Crystal Hollow and the enigmatic Hollow’s Grove University, a sanctuary where those with magical abilities learn to harness their powers without human judgment.

The narrative is steeped in intrigue and suspense from the start, as the protagonist faces not only her duty but also the disdain of Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne. The complex relationship between these characters adds a layer of tension to the plot, creating a dynamic that keeps readers hooked.

The dark academia setting enhances the mysterious atmosphere of the story, and the author's vivid descriptions bring the town and university to life. The looming specter of a bloody massacre, shrouded in secrecy, adds an element of horror and foreboding that keeps the reader on edge.

Woods masterfully weaves compelling character developments throughout the narrative, making each scene a puzzle piece in a larger, intricate picture. The characters are multi-dimensional, and their motives are constantly questioned, adding depth and complexity to the storytelling.

The plot is not without its surprises and twists, keeping the reader engaged and eager to unravel the mysteries within Hollow’s Grove. The element of a cliffhanger at the end of the book adds an extra layer of anticipation, leaving readers hungry for the next installment in the Coven of Bones series.

In the crowded genre of paranormal romance, "The Coven" stands out with its action-packed suspense, well-crafted world-building, and characters that defy easy categorization. Harper L Woods has created a gripping narrative that will appeal to fans of dark academia and paranormal romance alike, leaving them eager for more from the Coven of Bones series.

"The Coven" by Harper L. Woods presents a limited first print edition with a special design featuring spray-painted edges and stenciled floral designs, offering readers a unique and visually appealing experience. This edition is only available for a limited time and while supplies last.

The story follows a protagonist raised for revenge against the Coven that took away her father's sister and birthright. Focused on protecting her younger brother from a similar fate, she is duty-bound to navigate the secret town of Crystal Hollow and Hollow's Grove University. This prestigious institution serves as a training ground for individuals with magical abilities, offering a refuge where they can practice their craft without human judgment.

In the halls of Hollow's Grove, the protagonist encounters not only magical training but also conflicts and tensions, particularly with the Headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne. The narrative weaves together elements of high-heat vampire romance, witchy goodness, and dark academia suspense, drawing comparisons to the styles of J.R. Ward, Atlas Six, and The Ninth House.

The plot is intricately layered with secrets, including a past bloody massacre that forced the school to close decades earlier. Now, with the opportunity for thirteen promising students to attend, the story unfolds with the potential for these characters to change the world. However, lurking dangers, including the ghosts of past victims, threaten to disrupt their path.

"The Coven" promises a blend of magic, revenge, and the complexities of a supernatural school setting. If you have read this special edition, feel free to share your thoughts on the story or discuss specific elements that stood out to you!