“A Dark And Secret Magic” blends Halloween, magic, mystery, romance, cottagecore, and witchy elements into a lovely read! If you want to curl up with magic and fall vibes, take this book with your cup of tea and dive in.

“The King Below tests you. Find your mother's book and you'll know why she named you a hedge witch."

"But," my mother says, "a sacrifice is required to feed that power. Otherwise, it would feed on you."

Enchanting, thrilling and witchy. Perfect books to get you ready for the autumn season. An hedge witch, forced to choose this path, that now is haunted by dark spirits and an unknown King Below. A necromancer, who’s also her ex boyfriend who betrayed her and lied to her. Secrets upon secrets first from her own mother and then from her own coven. All of this, right before the celebration for Samhain !!! This book was wonderful !!! I loved it !! And even though I read it during the summer, it made me so so excited for the next season and looking forward to Halloween !!! The perfect witchy books that gives you back all the right vibes with potions and spells and curses and magik books. And a bit of a romance between two people who shouldn’t fall for one another !!! Reading about Hecate was riveting and refreshing and I loved every second of it !!

"Not when it comes to protecting you. Brilliant, amazing, precious, you,"

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was definitely not in my ordinary remit - I was drawn in on NetGalley on the basis of the fantasy elements of this one, however, I don't think it was quite as high fantasy as I was hoping. It was definitely a cosy read, but it wasn't really something that packed too much of a punch. The romance element was perhaps a bit too cutesy, particularly given they were two adults and there was just no real spark between them.

The recipes and concept of coming of age as a witch was good but it just wasn't quite as laden with witchy themes as I would have hoped. There's definitely something to be said for a read that just delights in being sweet, but the stakes were not as high as they could have been. I felt no real sense of menace from the villain, and the twist was very much expected.

This is definitely a perfect read as introductory fantasy, but I do wish that there was a bit more of a punch in the story and the world building. The recipes at the end were adorable, however, so that was a lovely little touch!

I haven't loved a book this hard in years. THANK YOU to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a pre-released copy of this in Exhange for an honest review.

It is so weird to finally like a book enough that I took zero notes during it. ZERO. I read this within a day, I didn't want to put it down. Usually, I read a book & like to share my gripes/questions with myself through little notes as I go along but with this book I just found myself loving every second of it. I do think I have some very minor "complaints", but nothing is ever perfect (though it was pretty darn close to it).

This book was exactly what I've been craving. Dark, Halloween, witches, intricate magic, and a touch of romance. What's not to like? I think what set this apart from a lot of fantasy/romantasy books in the genre was the writing. Typically, I dislike 1st person POVs. However, this one felt perfect. It never bothered me while I was reading like it usually does. I also think it was a very appropriate vocabulary/writing style the author used. There was nothing "YA" or cringy about the language in the book. Our characters were believable (for the most part, Matthew was a little too perfect) and distinct. The vibes were perfect, and it never felt overly predictable. All around a really great story.

I could see a complaint being that the book can be slow at times? Slow to build up their relationship, or slow to build the magic lore. But I personally didn't notice feeling bored or that it was dragging. Usually, I know if a book is being slow if I catch myself skimming a lot. I never really did that with this book. I thought it was very well paced and the moments where things slowed down felt very intentional and appreciated. I liked the slow build to the relationship because it gave our characters real time to fall in love or resolve conflicts.

I really really enjoyed the magic system in this universe. It wasn't anything "new" per say, but was unique enough and complex enough to be believable and ultimately made sense. Sometimes with books like this, the magic rules are a little simple or conflicting, causing me to question the logic the characters use & generally create annoyance in their behavior. I didn't have that at all with this novel. Everything made sense, and the twists/plot points fit in well with the flow of the story. I knew by the 2nd page that this was an author forever on my radar after this.

My one little thing though --

**SPOILER**
as much as I loved the story how it is, I do sort of wish we'd gotten a little bit more of those "Persephonie/Hades" vibes we were promised. I really like how the twist was delivered, and can see how the myth inspires this novel, but my one little thing is.. I wanted her to be whisked away into the underworld & mildly fall for the King or see he's not such a bad guy after all or something. IDK! I wanted a little more combat to the romance LOL! I kept sort of waiting for her to have more interactions with the King face to face, or be put in a position to grow close to him/get to know him. I wanted to get to know him more myself. It feels a little sad we didn't actually get to see him until the very end. How interesting would it be if we had a Phantom of the Opera moment where she has to choose between her Raoul & the Phantom?
**END SPOILER**

But! I loved the way it played out too. I'm happy with the ending and I think it opens it up to a sequel if she wanted which is exciting for me!

5 Stars from me! I will be back for more!!

Parts of this were really warm and fun and even slightly lyrical, but the main character suffered the fatal flaw of believing every single thing she was told while also quietly accepting that the people close to her aren't telling her everything they need to. Further, this is one if those situations when love sprouts up out of proximity rather than, I don't know, conversation, shared experiences, literally anything beyond being in one another's company?

A Dark and Secret Magic
by Wallis Kinney
3.5⭐️

This was such a cute spooky cozy romance! I haven’t had too much luck with witchy arcs recently but this falls on the good side of things! This was a quick and easy read and gets you in the perfect fall mood.

I wish Kate and Matthew’s romance had been developed a bit more because I did get some insta love vibes. They get to know each other for a few days in their early twenties and then don’t see each for 10 years but Matthew fell in love in those 3 days? All that aside, I really liked aspects of their relationship and how committed they were to each other. I think the story as a whole could have been fleshed out a bit more but this was a great witchy palette cleanser. I didn’t know this was a hades x persephone inspired with a witchy twist story but now that I know this it makes so much sense.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this gifted arc!

A fun, cosy witchy read. Loved the magical elements and the different types of witches, my favourite being a book witch. Please can I be a book witch?

A great collection of characters although the main focus is on Kate and Matthew, so the others blend into the background a little. Loved Merlin her cat, too!

Lots of delicious references to food and drink throughout and there was a nice touch of some recipes at the back of the book.

There were some darker elements of the story, but they don't need warnings, it's just a bit gruesome in description sometimes.

I gave it 3.75 as I don't think it is quite 4 stars, but very close.

I would like to start with I never decorate for Halloween. With that said, this book makes me want to carve a pumpkin in July(when I read it.) I want to have apple cider and curl up with a black cat. This book embodies the spirit of the Halloween season in all the best ways without being cliche. I want to watch Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus and the Pumpkin Tree. I want to be a kitchen witch.

Now about the book… I really don’t have anything negative to say. It was cozy, it was witchy, it was just the right amount of whimsy in the kitchen. The romance was just a light peppering of hades/persephone. The concept of east coast witches versus west coast hexans was a great driving underlying rivalry, without being the drive for the plot. I do think the book was predictable but it didn’t matter because I was just too damn cozy to care.

I loved it and will be recommending it for everyone’s October TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC all views expressed are my own.

3.5⭐ rounded down.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #AlcovePress for sending this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What an endearing twist to traditional storytelling about witches. It is filled with the usual fantastical elements of magic, potions and spells, necromancy, and tradition, and not without a dose of romance.

There's a lingering warmth in how the author revives the witch trope, alluding to Hades and Persephone, with a few magic spells, concoction recipes, and sisterhood reminiscent of Alice Hoffman's “Practical Magic.”

I love how the author explores the Faustian bargain and provides a conventional and nuanced portrayal of witches. Despite crafting a subversion of a supposed collective coven of witches, the plot lacked compulsion. Most of the narrative was spent on the mundanity of a hedge witch’s domestic duties. It reads more like a spellbook and a cookbook.

I have no complaints about the romance arc that conventionally employs the star-crossed lovers trope. But it’s not as bewitching as the other romantasy books I've read.

A slow burn, with parts bordering on boredom but still high in anticipation of how the plot will unfold, “A Dark and Secret Magic” still holds enough magic to interest fans of the witch trope.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have seen more and more with books hitting the shelves, and it has been a fun time! I love Greek mythology, so I was particularly excited to read this one. It felt a bit slow in placesbut overall was a unique read!

There are so, so, so many aspects of this book that I absolutely loved. (and I already know I’m going to find myself rereading this in future autumn seasons!) There was just one big gripe I had and for me that dragged the whole rating down so don’t like the 3 star fool you, this was actually a super enjoyable read!

Autumnal vibes? check
Cosy cottage feels? check
Halloween celebrations? Check
Witchiness? check

YES YES YES - this has absolutely everything I would want from an autumnal cosy magic read.

So, you might be wondering - why only give it 3 stars after you’ve waxed on lyrically about how lovely this book is?

The romance. I really liked the love interest and I did enjoy some of the tension that was built here. But I absolutely did not buy their story. You’re telling you met someone a decade ago and as soon as you meet them again you’re basically in love? Nope. I didn’t buy their romance which is such a shame as I did like their characters and I think if the romance had been handled a little differently I would have fallen head over heels for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

As the first hedge witch in nearly a century, Hecate (Kate) Goodwin lives in isolation in her small family cottage trying to figure out her practice. Her recently deceased mother did her best to try and teach her the ways of a hedge witch but without someone around who actually practices, Kate is pretty much on her own.

Fast approaching her 31st birthday when her magic will go through containment to help amplify her hedge witch magic, Kate is visited in her dreams by a local coven elder warning her.
"The veil weakens as Samhain approaches. The King Below tests you."

Pairing with the ominous dream comes the arrival of Matthew, the heir to the Pacific coven. A coven that does not hold it's people back from practicing dark magic, and therefore enemies of Kate's coven. As the local hedge witch, she is obligated to provide him sanctuary. Despite coming from supposed evil, Matthew seems more than willing to help Kate out and together they start to uncover the dark hidden secrets of her own coven.

This book definitely has Practical Magic vibes in the small town, herbal remedies, cozy atmosphere tones. I loved the magical elements of the story in that each witch has their own unique magic specialty. Kate's older sister Miranda is essentially a Siren, while her younger sister is in tune with astrology. While there was dark elements to this story, I felt the stakes were pretty low and was confident the characters weren't really in true danger. Overall, a cozy read that would be perfect for the fall.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Alcove Press for giving me this free E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved the Halloween and cozy vibes of this book; it was all just so calming!! I really loved the author's writing as well; my only problem was that I couldn't really relate to the FMC because of her age. I mostly read YA books (FMC's from ages 16–25), which is why this was a little bit of a change for me, but I did enjoy finally seeing a FMC who isn't so young. However, I do not think I was the targeted audience, and this made me sometimes lose interest in the story.

The characters were all well developed and likeable, or they were good "villains," and they made my blood boil with rage. The best character was, of course, Merlin, who made me smile anytime he was mentioned. He was truly an amazing and cute enrichment of the story. The romance made me giggle and gave me butterflies. I really loved the characters pure love for each other, and I would love to read more about their story and their development in magick.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who's looking for a shorter, cozy novel with cute characters and beautiful romance!

Overall this is an an amazing debut and I can't wait to see more of this author's work!!

What a lovely book. It appears to be just a cosy book but not so, the story gets quite exciting but still is the sort you could snuggle up with in a blanket with a hot chocolate (that's the UK summer folks). I will seek out this interesting authors other books.

It took me a minute to get into this book, but once I did I was immediately hooked. I really enjoyed the writing of the characters and thought they were really well rounded! They felt as if they could be actual people and not just a character written with no real life problems.

I do think this is a great fall time read because it fits the atmosphere. I think had I read this during that time it would’ve been 5 stars. I overall really enjoyed this book and found little that I did not like.

I did find that at parts it was a little slow.

Must-read for all fall girlys!

I've just finished "A Dark and Secret Magic" by Wallis Kinney.

And wow! If you are looking for a cozy witch story with some dark elements for stormy rainy days, you should check out "A Dark and Secret Magic"!

The atmosphere in the book is just perfect! Firstly, we have the cozy atmosphere in the little cottage, which invites you to read and sip tea - and of course to cuddle Merlin! To make the autumnal mood complete, there is also a festival all about magic, pumpkins and many other fall delights!

But Wallis Kinney hasn't just written a cozy witch story. No. She has written an exciting story about hidden secrets, betrayal and a race against time.

The love story between Hecate and Matthew isn't very deep or particularly developed, but you know what? It was still swoony-worthy! Matthew immediately stole his way into my heart with his charm. His need to protect Hacate and his humor won me over. As a Neceomancer, he also has some of the coolest powers as a sorcerer.

Hecate is probably one of the sweetest and gentlest protagonists and an absolute sweetheart. For me, she has something very special about her. Despite her meekness, she has great willpower and I like the way she thinks. My little highlight was Merlin. Hecate's sugar-sweet black tomcat.

The worldbuilding is right up my alley! The town of Ipswich is not only a cute and cozy small town, but also one with various types of magic, witches and other mythical beings.
Also the variety of different types of witches such as the Book Witches, the Time Witches and there are witches who practice kitchen magic like Hecate's mother. I would have loved to have had a deeper and more detailed insight into the world of magic and I really hope that there might be a second volume or a spin-off!

Wallis has managed to create a cozy and at the same time exciting atmosphere that simply draws you into her little world in Ipswich.

For me, "A Dark and Secret Magic" was a highlight and I give it 5 out of 5 stars and a big recommendation to read!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC.

This book has the most perfect vibe - witchy, cosy, perfect for Halloween! I was hooked throughout - the story is fast paced enough to keep you interested, and the characters are likeable and funny.

The story of Kate (Hecate), a hedge witch, and her sisters before the Halloween Gathering which is the new Year and Kate’s birthday. A week before then, Matthew shows up to teach her and help her whether she wants it or not. This is a wonderful book about witches, love and magic that is fun and well written. I loved it!

As a lover of magic and Halloween, this book had me very excited!

My favorite aspects of the book were the witchy feels, the cozy fantasy atmosphere, and the fact that the FMC is older than the typically FMCs of similar books, that was refreshing!

The aspects of the book that I didn’t like as much were the pacing, which seemed a bit slow at certain points, as well as some of the character interactions seeming a bit flat. However, I did enjoy reading this book and I think it’s great for anyone who wants to read a cozy Halloween fantasy.

Do you like witches, magic, love, loss, and all things Halloween? Need a book to get you in the spirit of fall? Pick up A Dark and Secret Magic! First of all the descriptions and scene setting transported me to Ipswich in the crisp October weather as I witnessed the trials and tribulations of our main character, Hecate. I thoroughly enjoyed the love interest, magical food, and Hecate’s caring nature.

Although there was so much going for this book, I do wish the dynamic between Hecate and her sisters and Hecate and her coven developed differently. It left me frustrated at their treatment of Hecate, especially with her kindhearted nature. Don’t let this small critique deter you from reading this enthralling story though.

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney is available October 8, 2024. Check it out!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.