Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.

This was a really fun read. Mateo's point of view was fantastic. He was funny, witty, and unapologetic. Topher was so sweet and gentle, I loved how although he was going through a lot, he was so soft in his grief, and never once treated Mateo or Ophelia badly.

The world-building was cool, but I would've liked a bit more detail. There was a lot that felt unexplored, such as witch groups and who they're loyal to. What we got was very unique and interesting, I loved the inclusion of blood magic, and how different people's magic manifested.

The dynamic between Ophelia and Mateo was great. I loved their psuedo-sibling relationship, and I really liked how they were always there for each other, saying what needed to be said.

Topher ended up being my favourite character and I would've liked to maybe see things from his point of view, or even just have him be a bit more present.

Overall, a really fun witchy read!

Rating: 3.75/5 stars.

Thank you yo Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Damn am I conflicted on this on. Through the first third of the book, I really thought it was going to be a 5 star read. There was so much that I loved, but some things that tripped up my brain enough to make my enjoyment stumble here and there.

First off, I adored Mateo's narrative. It was charming and fun and witty. Getting to see just how much he thoroughly loved his best friend was also incredible to witness. Their friendship is everything.

My favorite, though, was Topher. He was my favorite character, and I didn't get nearly enough of him. He was so soft and kind and sincere, but also playful and funny. Nor did I get enough of Topher and Mateo together. In came my first hiccup. I reeaallly don't love the best-friends-having-feelings-for-the-same-person dynamic. It just got in the way too much and left the growing relationship feeling stunted and half baked by the end. As did the other dynamic I didn't like, which was a guy flirting with two people at once. It just added unnecessary halting to a growing bond that was the obvious outcome of the book. This may not be a problem for some, but it really trips me up and pulls me out of a story.

As for the plot, I loved the idea of Mateo's posession and battling that while also battling real life adulthood, while also trying to juggle being a witch for hire and attempting to break a deadly curse on a boy. This was all so fun, while also mixed with dark an desperate undertones to give the whole ordeal complexity. Which all would have been so great. IF the bad guy hadn't been so obvious and I hadn't clocked them from the very first meeting. This already deflated the anticipating for the story a bit. But then the whole ending felt a bit weird and unserious, despite the very serious circumstances, simply because the bad guy and Mateo's handling of them felt so unserious. It was a really odd reading experience.

Take that all how you will. I'm left feeling a bit odd over it all. Knowing there were so many aspects I thoroughly enjoyed, yet all that being shadowed by the negative or disatisfied feelings I'm left with due to those few frustrating things.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this story early for an honest review.

This book was compulsively readable. I picked it up and read it straight through. Mateo was funny, sarcastic, no-nonsense, and spontaneous. It was enjoyable to watch him as he muddled his way through helping Topher and his curse, with Ophelia at his side. Saying too much about the plot will get spoilery and I don’t want to spoil this fresh and engaging story for anyone.

I’m not sure if this is a standalone or the beginning of a series, but I would definitely tune in for the further adventures of Mateo, Ophelia, and Topher.