This book is intense. There were many times that I was scared while reading it! The mystery, the suspense, the chemistry between characters 10/10. Of course there were times that I wanted to yell at the main characters, because they are obviously teenagers that shouldn’t be trying to handle something so intense on their own.

Overall, a FANTASTIC read!

This was my first book by the author and it was an interesting experience! The writing is engaging and the storyline moved quickly, which is how I like these types of stories. I really liked the relationship between the three main characters. The magic was interesting, in that sense that it was almost realistic. The way the girls practiced it was very tangible. I basically predicted everything, but it was still interesting to read. I'll definitely be reading more by the author!

It’s all good witchy fun and murder! Nora and Mazzy are two novice witches who crave a good spell until a body turns up after a random spell . Then another then another soon the girls are wrapped up in a murder mystery thriller filled with cults, possessions and some romance. I loved this book, it had humor and horror like elements. I’m curious for what the future holds for Nora and Mazzy.

A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD
By: Nicole Lesperance
Expected: 08//26//2025
YA, Mystery & Thrillers

A spell to wake the dead is a sharp witchy thriller with just enough darkness to keep you hooked. I’m glad I signed up for this ARC because it did not disappoint.

The story follows Mazzy, Norah and their friend Elliott as they embark in a very mysterious series of events because the girls like to dabble in a bit of “witchcraft”. They ended up doing a ritual that led them to find a dead body and in hopes to figure out what happened, they end up going in a very interesting ride filled with kidnapping, killing and even possession.

I liked that the story was enough to keep me wanting to read more, that’s always a good sign. The building of the characters could have used a bit more umph, but for a YA this is very fitting.

The romance I think could have been left out, especially because it wasn’t talked a lot, just longing for one another the entirety of the book, this left a little to be desired in my opinion.

If you like witchy vibes with pretty good mystery, this is one to be read for sure!
I will definitely read what Nicole Lesperance writes next and will be adding this to my library once it releases!

Thank you Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP for allowing me to review this ARC, this is my own opinions and honest review.

This is one that I was very excited to read, I love witches and mysteries so this sounded right up my alley. However, I just couldn’t connect with the characters.

4.5 ⭐️
This book put me in a death grip from the start.
Mazzy and Nora are practicing witchcraft, practicing being the main word. After attempting to clear up acne or ace a test without studying, who would have thought that they end up speaking to the dead?!

Traumatic events unfold after their latest spell and the hits keep coming.

I enjoyed all of the themes in this book
Murder Mystery? Perfect
Paranormal and Occult? Excellent
The author really created a spooky environment and a great read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC

This is the first fantasy book I have read in a while and it did not disappoint!

Three friends, two of which dabble in the occult, stumble across a body and the aftermath sends them on a journey to find out who and what has brought this chaotic aftermath into their lives.

Putting this book down to do other things was so hard, I couldn’t wait to see who or what was involved. I loved the three friends so much and couldn’t wait to discover their fates.

It is more of a young adult book (no spice but a little romance) so fair warning to those who may steer clear of YA; although I feel like this is a book where that is overlookable.

I can’t wait to buy this book when it is released, it is definitely shelf worthy and if the author decides to bring more Massy, Nora and Elliot to the world, I hope to be first in line again.

(4.5/5 stars)
A Spell to Wake the Dead is a gorgeously eerie, magic-laced thriller that sinks its claws in early and never lets go. From the moment Mazzy and Nora discover a mutilated body under the moonlight, the story unfolds like a fever dream—equal parts murder mystery and atmospheric witch tale.

This book nails the blend of teenage curiosity, danger, and the seductive pull of the occult. Mazzy and Nora’s friendship feels raw and real, layered with the kind of emotional complexities that only deepen when the supernatural starts seeping into the real world. Their growing obsession with the mystery—and with the whispers of something darker at work—makes their descent both terrifying and fascinating to watch.

The Cape Cod setting is moody and haunting, the perfect backdrop for a story about ancient secrets and ghostly visions. The way St. James weaves together old spells, ghost lore, and generational silence gives the story a bone-deep chill. You’ll be second-guessing everyone and everything, right up until the final, jaw-dropping twist.

My only slight critique is that some of the magical mechanics could’ve used a little more grounding—but honestly, the dreamy, off-kilter atmosphere kind of works in the book’s favor. This is less about hard logic and more about vibes and dread, and it works.

If you love witchy thrillers with real stakes, toxic secrets, and just the right amount of supernatural horror, this one will absolutely cast a spell on you.

I appreciate the opportunity but unfortunately I will not be finishing this one. Nothing in particular is bad about this, I just don't think it was the story for me. The cover is stunning though!

This YA thriller fantasy follows Mazzy and Nora, two girls that are obsessed with witchcraft, and their friend Eliott. While attempting a spell one night, they discover a dead body. The three friends then go on a journey to find answers as the two girls feel a connection to the dead woman. The more digging they do, and the more spells they cast, the stranger things get.

I really tried to like this book, but I don't think it was for me! I knew going into it that they were in high school, but I didn't think I'd be bothered by it. I felt that these teens were way in over their heads getting involved in things they shouldn't have been getting involved in. I usually love witchy books, but I wasn't really hooked on this book! I did like the element of not knowing what would happen next on their journey to figure out the HoN, but I overall did not feel inclined to find out more about the mystery/plot.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an eARC in return for my honest review.

If you are looking for a fun, spooky, thrilling YA book, this one is for you! Witches, murder, suspense..A Spell to Wake the Dead has it all!

This kept me engaged and entertained, and definitely delivered on the creepy and unsettling element. But I still found myself very..... Confused??? By the ending. I feel like I still have questions. But was a quick, fast-paced read that keeps you guessing.

When I picked up this book, I was excited for big witchy vibes, and it absolutely delivers. Part murder mystery, part ghost haunting, and part uh oh, there’s a cult vibes going on throughout. It reminded me of Kirsten Miller’s The Change, but geared towards a YA audience.

If spooky witches and a Cape Cod murder mystery are your vibes, A Spell to Wake the Dead will be right up your alley.

Three friends, a moonlit beach, and a strange spell of unknown origin - what could possibly go wrong? When Mazzy and Nora bring along their friend to practice witchcraft under a full moon one night, they had no idea of the nightmare they would be unleashing on their small Cape Cod town - or the very real mystery the spell would uncover.

Part ghost story and part murder mystery, A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance is a delightfully spooky story with a fast-moving plot and endearing characters. I was hooked in the first few pages with the tense opening scene, and I devoured the book in just under a day. It's creepy enough to give even adult readers a distinct feeling of unease, and it would make a perfect read for October or a creepy-themed book club. Definitely check it out when it’s released!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC of this delightfully eerie book in exchange for an honest review.

A Spell to Wake the Dead is a dark, lyrical tale that mixes magic, grief, and romance in a beautifully eerie way. Nicole Lesperance builds a world full of secret spells, haunted woods, and forbidden love, all wrapped in a story that feels both timeless and fresh.

The main character’s journey through loss, love, and the consequences of magic is emotional and captivating. It’s the kind of book that gives you cozy gothic vibes with just the right amount of heartbreak and hope.

Rating: 4/5
A haunting fairy tale for fans of atmospheric fantasy and stories that linger after the last page.

3.5 stars. A Spell to Wake the Dead was spookier than I imagined. The author nailed that atmospheric novel aspect. I could easily envision Cape Cod, the spells done, the bodies, etc. This would be a great spooky season read. I was a little jumpy reading alone at night, startling me each time the wind blew the tree branches outside. I don’t know enough about witchcraft to speak to how realistic the magic was, but I liked it regardless. The mystery was intriguing, each twist and turn adding more suspense.

Besides the supernatural spooky element, I will reiterate that this is a young adult novel. The language and relationships were written for a younger reader, so know that going in. I liked the relationship between the friends, although I would have liked to get to know the others a little better before the main mystery began.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group for an advanced copy to review.

The author did an excellent job of describing the area of Cape Cod--its wilderness and towns, weather, and beaches--without being too wordy. The plot was twisty enough to keep me guessing, and the main characters had both depth and interesting flaws.

Most of the remaining characters were a bit two-dimensional, but to be fair you didn't get enough time to know them. It was very focused on the main character and her friends.

I binged the heck out of this. So spooky and eerie. Like actually obsessed with Nicole's writing. She's descriptive in a way that doesn't feel annoying to read. 100% recommend if it sounds like a book you'd be into.

A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance is the kind of book you want to curl up with on a chilly autumn night, wrapped in a blanket with a mug of something warm. It’s atmospheric, eerie in all the right ways, and brimming with gothic vibes that practically scream fall read. If you love witchy stories and a touch of the macabre, A Spell to Wake the Dead is the perfect addition to your fall TBR.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Cape Cod teenage witches cast a spell that causes them to start finding dead bodies. A very twisty mystery as they try to discover why this is happening to them and how to make it stop. This is supposed to be a YA novel but I’m not gonna lie, I was freaked out the entire time as it was pretty spooky (and I read before bed with all the lights off).