This book is moody, mysterious, and has just the right amount of magic. It blends dark academia vibes with hidden power, family secrets, and a main character you want to protect, but also shake some sense into them at times.

If you’ve ever wished your life had a little more magic in it you’ll fly through this one.

A delightful homage to Halloween - does it get better than "hedge witch, living in a secluded cottage, foraging herbs from the forest, gardening, and creating tinctures to sell at the apothecary she owns"? Take all my money. The execution is thin, but the read is worth it for the cozy October atmosphere alone.

I thought this would be much less focused on the romance, and that kind of ruined a lot of the great things about this book. Would have been much more satifisying and resonant if the "unraveling a family history" and "coming into her true power" aspects weren't overshadowed by a literal life-and-death commitment to a man she has known collectively for about a week. This book should have been about Kate and her journey, and instead the focus is on the instalove and its resultant effects on the characters and plot. Really weakend what was at first a cozy, witchy vibe that I wished had continued.


***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.***

This story has some very interesting twists. The world building is beautifully done. I love the flow of information and the pace of the story. The characters are very vivid and in your face but in the best way. I really felt for Cate. The plot was beyond insane. So much was put into such a short time. The many levels of plot was a nice touch. I liked the kind of hades and Persephone vibes you get from some parts of the book. A really enjoyable read.

Hecate Goodwin, affectionately called Kate, has been living in the gatekeeper's cottage on her family's estate. A skilled Hedge Witch, she proudly belongs to the Ipswich Coven, part of the Atlantic Key network of covens. Growing up with her two sisters, their mother imparted her knowledge of witchcraft to them, or so they believed. Until Matthew, a necromancer witch from the Pacific Key, arrives and uncovers the more sinister aspects of Hedge Magic that her mother never prepared her for.
This book is brimming with adorable black cats, witch covens, charming small towns in the northeast, herbal remedies, pumpkin carving, Halloween customs, and ancestral mansions that have stood the test of time. I truly enjoyed this read! It was the perfect choice as the weather shifts into fall.
I highly recommend it to all the spooky readers out there!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The cover alone screams cozy spooky, and I need it immediately.

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney is a fantasy novel that gives off STRONG Hades and Persephone vibes. Hecate Goodwin, Kate to her friends, has curated the perfect life as a hedge witch, living in a secluded cottage with only a black cat for company. She spends her days foraging herbs from the Ipswich forest, gardening, and creating tinctures to sell at the apothecary she owns. Most evenings pass without her speaking to another human being, an arrangement she quite prefers. Kate’s solitude is thrown into disarray when her older sister, Miranda, reaches out and asks her to host their coven’s annual Halloween gathering. The day marks the beginning of the new year for witches and is also Kate’s birthday. The pressure from her coven to make the evening memorable mounts as the event draws near. To complicate things further, a handsome man from Kate’s past turns up at her cottage, asking for sanctuary. It is Kate’s duty as a hedge witch to honor this request, much to her dismay. Matthew Cypher is no ordinary lost soul–he’s a practitioner of forbidden magic who’s tricked Kate once before, and her guard is up. As she juggles Matthew’s arrival and the preparations for Halloween, Kate comes across an old tome shrouded in dark magic. She is horrified when she realizes the blood-red inscription is written in familiar handwriting: her recently deceased mother’s. Afraid to even touch the dark magic her mother secretly studied, Kate can turn only to Matthew for help. Her idealized memory of her mother begins to distort, and as she and Matthew grow closer, Kate has to reevaluate whom she can really trust.

It's spooky. It's cozy. It's witchy. What isn't there to love about this book, except that there isn't a sequel written or planned. :(

This was a fantastic read for the fall, especially near Halloween. The lore and magic in this story was unique. There's mystery, romance, and an awesome twist. I really enjoyed the main characters. It was a very well written story and I enjoyed this author's style of storytelling. While I would love for the story to continue, I think the story was told and came to a good end. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

gotta love a good witchy story and this delivered! cozy and charming this was such a comforting read!

I was not able to read this book and review it before its publishing date but now that I read it I have given it 3 stars.

I was immediately drawn to A Dark and Secret Magic because of its premise—a cozy, magical tale with echoes of Hades and Persephone, all wrapped up in the atmospheric magic of autumn. Wallis Kinney does not disappoint, delivering a story that feels both charming and enchanting. As a reader who often gets swept up in the magic of the fall season, this book practically forced me to embrace that cozy vibe, and I loved every minute of it.

From the moment I picked up the book, it transported me into a world of witches, secrets, and a little bit of romance. The protagonist, Hecate, finds herself in the midst of unraveling long-hidden truths about her coven and their ties to a dangerous, enchanted past. While this sounds like it could be heavy and dark, Kinney strikes a perfect balance between the spooky and the cozy. It’s not a fast-paced thriller; instead, it’s a slow burn of discovery and warmth, much like curling up in a sweater with a cup of tea when the first chill of fall hits.

Hecate’s journey is heartwarming and endearing. Her interactions with Matthew, the love interest, and her sisters are all touching and full of that lovely, familial magic you want from a witchy story. Kinney’s witches are varied and complex, which kept things fresh. You never quite knew what to expect from the coven, which was exciting. The pacing allowed for a deep dive into their relationships and magical powers, making the moments of revelation all the more impactful.

The cozy factor in this book is definitely high, but not in a way that ever feels too much. The writing feels like a warm embrace—gentle, inviting, and, yes, a little spooky in the best way. I found myself halfway through the book putting up a few Halloween decorations and filling the room with a pumpkin-scented wax melt. That’s how immersive this story is—it captured the essence of fall and magical vibes so perfectly that I couldn’t resist fully embracing the season.

The book does a fantastic job at balancing cozy and spooky. While some cozy books tend to lose their magic after a while, A Dark and Secret Magic keeps you intrigued with its well-paced revelations and its balance of heartwarming moments with a touch of mystery. It may not be the most high-octane fantasy, but it’s the perfect read for anyone in need of a little magical comfort.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a beautifully written, cozy-yet-spooky tale that captures the spirit of fall and the warmth of family, A Dark and Secret Magic is a delightful read that I recommend wholeheartedly. It's a magical escape into a world that feels both familiar and mysterious—a perfect blend for those who love their magic with a side of cozy romance.

3.5 stars

Love me a good witchy coming-of-age, coming-to-power novel!

I really liked this Persephone and Hades inspired story, especially how thorough and thoughtful the magic system was set up and portrayed. Witches with different specialties and powers were well represented and their interactions with one another flowed effortlessly. There were lots of secrets and plenty of conflicts to keep me on my toes throughout. This is a perfect read for fall, cozy, Halloween vibes, and I'll likely pick it up to read again this fall.

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Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title. These thoughts are my own and this review is voluntary.

I really liked the story line of this book. I think this book had me by the first few pages. Very much worth the read.

In *A Dark and Secret Magic*, the author presents a warm, enchanting tale that weaves together elements of witchcraft, family secrets, and personal growth against the backdrop of the Halloween season. The story follows Hecate “Kate” Goodwin, a hedge witch who has chosen a solitary life filled with foraging and tincture-making. The vivid imagery and rich descriptions of the Ipswich forest create an immersive setting that draws readers into Kate’s world from the very beginning.

Kate's character is relatable and well-developed, embodying the struggles of someone who values independence yet faces the pressures of family and community obligations. The arrival of her sister Miranda and the anticipation of the coven’s annual Halloween gathering introduce an intriguing conflict. The story shines as Kate grapples with her feelings about her past, particularly when her old flame, Matthew, unexpectedly reenters her life. The tension between them adds an exciting dynamic, especially given Matthew’s complex history and secrets of his own.

As the plot unfolds, the discovery of her mother’s old tome adds layers of mystery and suspense, propelling the narrative forward. The author skillfully explores themes of trust, legacy, and the duality of familial love—distinguishing between idealization and reality. Kate’s journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable, especially as she navigates her evolving relationships and the truths about her mother’s past.

While the pacing is generally strong, there are moments where the narrative feels somewhat slow, particularly during the buildup to the Halloween gathering. Additionally, some readers might wish for further exploration of the dynamics within Kate's coven, which could deepen the story's emotional resonance.

Overall, *A Dark and Secret Magic* is a captivating tale that celebrates the spirit of witchcraft and the significance of both love and self-acceptance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories infused with magic and heart, reminiscent of classics like *Practical Magic*. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a charming, atmospheric read that combines the coziness of autumn with the thrill of uncovering life's mysteries.

Ultimately it’s just fine. Flowery writing, decent characters, okay romance. It’s fine.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok I will admit that it took me a little bit to get into this story. It is very magical and atmospheric right from the start and I have to be in the right mood for something like that. I admittedly usually read alot of thrillers so this is a change from my normal killing and slashing. However, once I was 5 chapters in I was hooked. The beautiful descriptions and the overall Fall vibe you get from this story is unmatched. I don't know how to describe the feeling I got when reading this but I felt like I was in Fall. Like it was just Fall everywhere. If you are a fan of the Halloween/Fall/Cozy vibes this book is for you.

This book is equivalent to when the first leaf falls that signals the start of Autumn. 🍂 There is magic in this story, and I honestly think I will read this at the beginning of every future October. I loved the magic system, the way the herbwitch would tend to her garden, the setting of the manor, and was chilled by TKB… 👀 This book deserves all 5 orange golden stars, and it is so evident that Wallis Kinney was meant to write autumnal fairytales for us.

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

This took me so long to read, because I was contemplating dnfing this at the halfway mark. So much of the beginning is establishing Kate's normal state of life. Yes, it is important, but much of that was detailing every single minute of her daily routine. Even when Matt the mystery man shows up, it's still going through her normal day-to-day. After the halfway mark, it thankfully picks up, but it wasn't enough to make up for a very tedious start.

two questions
1. why did this book make me cry in a way that physically hurt??
2. why was there no epilogue?!?!?!?! like six months later!!????!?!! I need more.

This book is a full-on homage to Halloween, and if you love everything about the holiday—the treats, the tricks, the parties, the fun—then you absolutely need to read it. The characters are wonderful, and the setting is just so charming and delightful. Honestly, there isn’t a single thing I would change.

I’ve had a really rough couple of months—my husband passed away suddenly—and this book gave me a much-needed escape from my heartache and grief. It was a comforting distraction, a little slice of magic when I needed it most. I highly recommend it. It’s just lovely and genuinely good.

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!