Review: The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

Series: Darkness Rising, Book #1

Published: April 5th, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

326 pages (hardcover)

Genre: Young adult paranormal/urban fantasy

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

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{Read my review of The Gathering}

Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is -a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

In THE CALLING, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of THE GATHERING clamoring for more.

 

I’ve been a fan of Kelley Armstrong’s books since before I started blogging, and I continue to love her books more and more. The Calling is the second installment in Armstrong’s Darkness Rising trilogy, and it picks up right after where we left off with The Gathering. In the first book, things ended in the midst of a seriously stressful situation, and the tension, fear, and worry are not only carried over into the second book, it feels like the stakes are even higher somehow.

Armstrong has a real knack for pulling you into the story and making you feel like you’re right there. I was able to feel Maya’s apprehension, anger, worry, confusion. I felt like I was right there with her and her friends, trekking through the forest, trying to figure things out, trying to escape, trying to make it to safety. The book was mostly fast-paced, but it did have a lot of Maya’s internal dialogue as she tried to figure things out. While this would usually detract from my overall enjoyment, the story never failed to hold my interest, and I devoured this book, unable to put it down until I found out what was going to happen.

I loved the supernatural aspect of the book, and getting to see the teens’ powers coming to the surface, and how they dealt with them, especially Maya. I also loved how the book was subtly tied into the Darkest Powers trilogy; it makes me even more excited for the final book in the trilogy, because it seems like there’s a lot yet to happen. 

Intense and action-packed, with plenty of suspense as well as twists, turns, and surprises, The Calling is a fantastic middle book in a thrilling trilogy. I have no doubt the final installment in this trilogy, The Rising, is going to be incredible, and I can’t wait to find out what happens to Maya and her friends.

 

  

Have you read The Calling? What did you think? Are you a fan of Kelley Armstrong's books?

 

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Review: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book #2

Published: September 2nd, 2009

Publisher: NAL Trade

357 pages (paperback)

Genre: Adult paranormal/urban fantasy

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

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 {Read my review of Some Girls Bite}

You’d think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we’re enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don’t get me wrong, Joe Public isn’t exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven’t stormed the castle yet.

But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person’s consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn’t make good copy for a first time reporter looking to impress his high society family.

So now my “master,” the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn’t want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge.

I loved Some Girls Bite, the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I thought it was original, funny, and action-packed, and I was eager to see where the series went. I never thought this would be a series that would suffer from second book syndrome, but it was. Friday Night Bites was…meh. It was slow (it took me almost two weeks to read) and lacked so many of the things that made Some Girls Bite so fantastic. I wanted to love this book so badly, but it really fell short.

There wasn’t a whole lot of development in Friday Night Bites. There were some issues with Merit and Mallory’s friendship, and Merit learned a little bit about her vampire side, but it all felt kind of superficial. It could have been fleshed out more and added to the plot, but it felt like it was thrown in halfheartedly, and as a result I was bored and found it hard to get invested in the characters. The romances were also really disappointing. Merit got nowhere with Ethan (who I felt we could have learned a bit more about), and I was beginning to like where things were going with Morgan until he turned into a possessive, jealous, untrusting jerk...mind you, I guess Merit was leading him on, but still. The way he started treating her just didn't sit right with me. At this point I don’t know who Merit should end up with, nor do I particularly care because nothing made me care in this book. 

I found Merit hard to like at times, when I absolutely adored her in Some Girls Bite and thought she was this strong, kickass heroine who was easy to admire and respect. Where did that girl go? I only saw very small glimpses of her in Friday Night Bites.

The plot - what there was of it - was fairly interesting, although similar to the first book. I’m curious to learn more about the Breckinridges, and see how Merit fits back into her family now that she’s a vampire.

Overall, I found Friday Night Bites to be a big disappointment. It lacked in action, romance, and character development, and left me unable to connect with the characters or the story. However, I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Merit and the gang just yet. Because I loved Some Girls Bite so much, I’m hopeful that Friday Night Bites was just a bump in the road and that the series will pick up. I feel like this series has a lot of potential, and I’m looking forward to reading the third book and hopefully falling back in love with the Chicagoland Vampires.

2.5 stars

Have you read Friday Night Bites or any of the other Chicagoland Vampires series? What did you think?

 

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Review: The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark

The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark

Series: Fairwick Chronicles, Book #3

Published: September 3rd, 2013

Publisher: Ballantine Books

288 pages (eARC)

Genre: Paranormal romance

Acquired this book: From the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Warning: May contain spoilers

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{Read my review of The Demon Lover || Read my review of The Water Witch}

For Callie McFay, a half-witch/half-fey professor of folklore and Gothic literature, the fight to save the enchanted town of Fairwick, New York, is far from over. After a hostile takeover by the Grove—a sinister group of witches and their cohorts—many of the local fey have been banished or killed, including Callie’s one true love. And in place of the spirit of tolerance and harmony, the new administration at Fairwick College has fostered an air of danger and distrust.

With her unique magical abilities, Callie is the only one who can rescue her friends from exile and restore order to the school—a task that requires her to find the Angel Stone, a legendary talisman of immense power. Propelled on an extraordinary quest back to seventeenth-century Scotland, Callie risks her life to obtain the stone. Yet when she encounters a sexy incarnation of her lost love, she finds the greater risk is to her heart. As the fate of Fairwick hangs in the balance, Callie must make a wrenching choice: reclaim a chance for eternal passion or save everything she holds dear.

The Angel Stone is the final installment in the Fairwick Chronicles. While I’ve had my issues here and there I have to say that overall I really enjoyed this trilogy and will miss the characters and setting. The Demon Lover was sexy, unique, and compelling; The Water Witch, while I mostly enjoyed it, had the most issues of the trilogy, in my opinion, and was kind of slow paced; and The Angel Stone seemed like more of a return to the first book with a faster pace and engaging story.

Each story brought something new that kept me guessing and wanting more. In The Angel Stone, the new element was time travel. While completely unexpected, it was definitely my favourite part of the book. I thought it was all tied together really well, and Callie’s reasons for going to Scotland in the 1600s fit in with everything the reader already knows from the previous books. Fairwick has changed so much since the door to Faerie closed, and Callie and those who are left behind just want things back to normal, and the only way to fix things is to travel back in time.

In the last book, I found myself getting really irritated with Callie. Not only was she completely oblivious to things that should have been obvious, but she also couldn’t seem to make up her mind about anything, especially her love life. She was so hurt about what happened with Liam but that didn’t stop her from falling in love with Bill and being interested in Duncan. In The Angel Stone, she seemed to finally have her head on straight, and she was focused on doing what had to be done to keep the people and the town she’d come to know and love safe.

Like with the other books in the Fairwick Chronicles, there was a great cast of secondary characters in The Angel Stone. I particularly liked Frank, Mac, Nan, and William. They each taught Callie something, and I loved how well fleshed-out they were. I also really love Ralph. I never thought I'd love a mouse (other than maybe Mickey Mouse) but if I could have a mouse like him, I would!

I often dread the final book in a series or trilogy because sometimes things don’t end well, or there are a lot of loose ends. I thought Dark did a good job of bringing everything together and tying it all up. By the last quarter or so of the book I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough; I was so anxious to find out what would happen and how things would be resolved, and I found myself both laughing and crying. And the romance. *sigh* The romance played a major part in this series, between dreams, reality, and the present and the past, and I thought it all came together beautifully. I couldn't imagine how things would be resolved, and this little romantic *points to self* thought it was perfect.

This trilogy, while it had some issues, had everything I love: romance, great characters, a fascinating setting, every paranormal creature you could think of, time travel, fairytale elements, magic…I could go on. I’d have no hesitation in recommending it to fans of paranormal romance, and I truly am going to miss Callie and the Fairwick gang.

 

Have you read any of the books in the Fairwick Chronicles? Do you enjoy paranormal romance?

 

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Review: The Water Witch by Juliet Dark

The Water Witch by Juliet Dark (aka Carol Goodman)
Series: Fairwick Chronicles, Book #2
Published: February 12th, 2013
Publisher: Ballantine Books
352 pages (ebook)
Genre: Adult paranormal
Acquired this book: From the publisher via NetGalley
Warning: May contain spoilers, especially if you haven’t read The Demon Lover 
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{Read my review of The Demon Lover}

After casting out a dark spirit, Callie McFay, a professor of gothic literature, has at last restored a semblance of calm to her rambling Victorian house. But in the nearby thicket of the Honeysuckle Forest, and in the currents of the rushing Undine River, more trouble is stirring…

The enchanted town of Fairwick’s dazzling mix of mythical creatures has come under siege from the Grove: a sinister group of witches determined to banish the fey back to their ancestral land. With factions turning on one another, all are cruelly forced to take sides. Callie’s grandmother, a prominent Grove member, demands her granddaughter’s compliance, but half-witch/half-fey Callie can hardly betray her friends and colleagues at the college.

To stave off disaster, Callie enlists Duncan Laird, an alluring seductive academic who cultivates her vast magical potential, but to what end? Deeply conflicted, Callie struggles to save her beloved Fairwick, dangerously pushing her extraordinary powers to the limit—risking all, even the needs of her own passionate heart.

 

 

I loved The Demon Lover - I found it enchanting and riveting, and I was eager to return to Fairwick with its many diverse characters, and discover what would happen next. While I won’t say I was disappointed by The Water Witch, I will admit that it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, and I much preferred The Demon Lover.

The story felt a little slow in the beginning, and seemed a bit aimless at times. In The Demon Lover I felt like we were constantly learning something - about the characters, their powers, the history of supernatural creatures, etc., and it was fascinating. The Water Witch just felt very different from the first book. In my review of The Demon Lover, I mentioned how the book felt like erotic romance because there was so much sex, and while there was some sex in this one, it wasn’t exciting and sexy like The Demon Lover. The story lacked the spark of the first one, that special something that made it impossible to put down.

Despite the lack of spark in the plot, the story was still compelling enough that I was anxious to find out what was going to happen. My main issue was with Callie and her fickle nature. She couldn’t decide whether she loved Liam, even though she let him into her home and her bed, and her whole life had basically revolved around him. Yet even while she was trying to make up her mind whether she loved him or not, it didn’t stop her from very quickly developing feelings for not one but two other men and even sleeping with one. I found myself shaking my head at some of her decisions.

However, I was glad to see Callie exploring her powers and taking things into her own hands and becoming more independent. In the first book, I got the sense she was a very independent person, and we get to see that more in The Water Witch. Except for her wishy-washiness over the love interests, she felt stronger in this book, more willing to accept things and learn about her powers and her place in the supernatural community.

Issues aside, this is a series I am very much enjoying. I’m looking forward to the third book and to finding out what happens to Callie and the residents of Fairwick. After just two books, I find myself quite attached to the characters. I hope Callie will really come into her own and become the kickass heroine I know she can be, and I hope her love issues work themselves out. I’m not going to lie - despite the fact Liam is an incubus and has misled Callie more times than she can count, I’m rooting for them and hoping for some kind of loophole that will allow them to be together. 

 

 Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands. I review books with no intention of monetary gain, but rather to share my love of reading.
*Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review*

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 Have you read The Demon Lover or The Water Witch? What did you think?

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Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Series: Fairwick Chronicles, Book #1

Published: December 27th, 2011

Publisher: Ballantine Books

450 pages (ebook)

Genre: Adult urban fantasy/paranormal

Acquired this book: From NetGalley

Warning: May contain spoilers

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Note: This book is not YA

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

 

The Demon Lover was much different than what I expected. It didn’t feel like your typical paranormal book - it was like a mixture of paranormal, fantasy, erotica, and romance. The author builds a fascinating world of supernatural creatures, along with a story that kept me guessing while madly turning the pages to find out what happened next.

In most respects I liked Callie as a main character. She was believably flawed - often so wrapped up in her own dramas that she didn’t see that the people around her were suffering or having problems, and she often missed things that should have been obvious. However, there was something relatable about her that drew me to her and made me accept her, flaws and all. Her voice was very authentic, making it feel like a friend was relating a story to me. 

Even though the plot was slow moving at times (my only complaint about the book is that it was too long), I don’t think the story dragged. I kept wondering where the story was going and found myself thinking ‘I can’t imagine how it goes on for another 200 pages…100 pages…50 pages…’ etc., but there was something compelling about it that made it nearly impossible to stop reading. It was captivating and unique, and while I had a couple things figured out, I was anxious to see how it all played out and figure out the mysteries that eluded me.

One thing I’d like to point out: this story was HOT. If you’re easily offended by graphic sex scenes or don’t enjoy a lot of sex in books, you’re going to want to skip The Demon Lover. The sex scenes start from the very first chapter and get hotter and hotter throughout the book. I’m sure some people will argue there was too much sex, and while it did seem a bit gratuitous at times, at least it was well-written and fun to read! I think I’d rather read a book like this than straight-up erotica because the story itself was so good.

Overall, while The Demon Lover is hard to peg down and even harder to describe, I enjoyed it very much. An interesting cast of characters, great setting, unique spin on supernatural creatures, beautiful yet simple writing, and a romance that leaves you yearning for book 2; I would recommend The Demon Lover to any fan of the paranormal.

 In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands. I review books to share my love of reading, and I'm always completely honest in my reviews, good or bad.

*Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book for review.*

Have you read The Demon Lover? What did you think? What are some of your favourite adult paranormal series?

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Review: Eliza's Shadow by Catherine Wittmack

Eliza’s Shadow by Catherine Wittmack

Published: May 26th, 2012

Publisher: Self-published

332 pages (paperback)

Genre: Young adult paranormal

Acquired this book:

Warning: May contain spoilers

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Eliza Gowan's past has come back to hunt her. Since her mother's mysterious disappearance, Eliza has enjoyed a quiet life under the care of her aunt in the sleepy town of Port Rune. But the moment magnetic Ren Alden appears in her high school classroom, Eliza is thrust into the exciting world of magic and the path of danger. Menaced by an otherworldly enemy, Eliza embarks on a quest to solve the mysteries of her past and end the hunt for good.

The first chapter of Eliza's Shadow was amazing and instantly grabbed my attention. I love books that have a bit of a creepy vibe to them, and I especially love books that have anything to do with witches and witchcraft.

Eliza has a lot to deal with. Her mother mysteriously disappeared when she was young, and after that she was sent to live with her aunt. Her life is pretty normal until Ren appears and Eliza discovers she’s a witch, she’s being hunted, and her powers have been hidden from her. All of this makes for a story full of intrigue and mystery. There’s a lot of tension as you wonder what will happen to Eliza next and if she’ll uncover the secrets that have been plaguing her and her family for years. I liked the little plot twists, and the fact that it kept me guessing.

Eliza is an interesting character. She’s smart, independent, and strong, but flawed - she can be a bit impetuous and her emotions are all over the place, which I suppose is understandable, given the situation she was thrust into. Ren is interesting too, although to be honest the romance - or possibility of romance - between him and Eliza didn’t do anything for me. I’m not really sure why, I just didn’t feel it.

Overall, Eliza’s Shadow was a fun, engrossing read. I’d recommend it to fans of YA paranormal, and to those who enjoy stories with lots of tension and mystery.

Have you read Eliza's Shadow? What are some of your favourite witch-related books?

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Book Review: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman

Audrey’s Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman

Series: Audrey’s Guides Book #1

Published: June 30th, 2012

Publisher: Magic Genie Books

281 pages pages (ebook)

Genre: Young adult paranormal

Acquired this book: From the author in exchange for an honest review

Warning: May contain spoilers

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Falling in Love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer—it’s all in a day’s work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training.

When her mother goes missing and her twenty-one-year-old witchy cousin shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something’s gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it’s up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother’s secret past.

I love books about witches, and there aren’t nearly enough of them, so I was really excited to read Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft. I liked this particular spin on witchcraft, with some familiar elements, and some that were new, along with its uses and misuses, and the secrecy surrounding the Clan and other witches; it was a nice mix. The development of Audrey’s powers was interesting to watch. She went from out of control to slowly learning how to focus her energy and power.

I have to admit I found Audrey a bit annoying at first, but she grew on me. She was extremely insecure, and it was a bit much at times - I realize people are insecure, but it got to the point where I kept thinking ‘just get over it’ and wishing she would move on and not dwell on it so much. Meg, her younger sister, just plain drove me nuts. Sadie, the girls’ ‘cousin’ added interest - her strange and sudden appearance, her magical abilities, and her quirkiness added humour and depth to the story. The villain of the story was great - mysterious, evil, and sadistic - it’s been a long time since I’ve read a book with a villain this detestable and heinous.

The pacing of the book felt a bit slow, but I have to give Ms Gehrman major props for her writing ability. She has a real talent, and I found myself thinking on several occasions how well written the book was. I know that might seem a bit random, but these days it isn’t always easy to find books that are genuinely well written.

Overall, Audrey’s Guide to Witchcraft was an entertaining, enjoyable read with something for everyone. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Audrey and her family next. 

Have you read Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft? What did you think? Do you enjoy books about witches and witchcraft?

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Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Series: The Cahill Witch Chronicles, Book #1

Published: February 7th, 2012

Publisher: Putman Juvenile

330 pages (hardcover)

Genre: Young adult paranormal/historical fiction

Acquired this book: From the library

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Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word...especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other.

I’ve been looking forward to Born Wicked since the moment I laid eyes on the cover and read the synopsis several months ago, and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint.

This book was filled with compelling, realistic characters. Cate Cahill is strong and independent with a fierce spirit under her quiet demeanor. She loves her sisters - feisty Maura, who is desperate for some independence and attention, and sweet Tess who is capable of so much more than anyone imagined - and would do anything to protect them and keep them and their secret safe. Everything Cate did was for them, always keeping their best interests and well-being in mind. I was amazed by her maturity and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness if it meant keeping her sisters happy and safe.

Then there’s Finn. Sweet, kind Finn, with his ginger hair and cinnamon freckles and glasses and bookworminess. *sigh* Finn loves his family as much as Cate loves hers. He accepts her exactly the way she is, and doesn’t expect anything of her the way everyone else does. The forbidden romance between them was so achingly sweet and realistic. I always looked forward to their encounters.

The Brotherhood made me so angry! They were ignorant and hypocritical, and what’s most upsetting of all is that you know these things happened in history. People were accused of witchcraft for the least little thing and were hanged or burned or stoned or sent to insane asylums or prison ships. The way they were portrayed felt spot-on to me - pious, with calm demeanors, but this hidden anger and hatred toward women underneath.  

The story had this underlying sense of danger and suspense throughout. I didn’t know who to trust through the entire book, and found myself guessing and wondering at what would happen next. Would someone betray Cate and the sisters, or turn out to be an ally? Was someone secretly a witch? Would the sisters get caught? It was very exciting, and the tension really propelled the story forward.

Overall, I thought Born Wicked was a fantastic debut that was beautifully written in a quiet, almost understated way. I’m anxious to find out what happens in the next book, Star Cursed - I just wish we didn’t have to wait until next year!

Have you read Born Wicked? What did you think? If you haven’t read it, do you plan to?

2012 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge

The 2012 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge is hosted by Melissa at Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf. I'd been hoping someone would do a witchy reading challenge because I love witches and have quite a few books on my shelves and on my TBR list and wish list. 

Challenge Rules:

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.  I will be posting a place to link up a sign-up post (below), reviews and a wrap-up post. (Note: You do not have to review the books to participate, but only those who link up reviews will be entered for the prize)
2. Grab the reading challenge button (code & button below) and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate- you could track your progress and post reviews on  Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, etc.
3. Any full length book that includes a witch as a main character or major witchcraft elements counts.  They may be fiction or non-fiction.  However, they should not be reference books which are not read cover to cover-I will leave this to your discretion.  
4. Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
5. Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
6. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
7. When you sign up in the linky put the direct link to your post about joining the 2012 Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge.
8. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
9. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year. 
10. Have some Witchy Good Fun !!

As of right now, I'm going to commit to the Maiden level - 6 - 10 Witchy Books. I haven't decided all the books I'm going to read but 2 that are high on my list are The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab and Witch Song by Amber Argyle. I also started the Abby and Ophelia series by Shirley Damsgaard a couple years ago and stopped because my library didn't have the rest, so I'll look into getting those through inter-library loan because that series was really good.

Melissa has a great, extensive list on her sign-up page, but I have a few suggestions for anyone interested in this challenge. If you like lighter, cute, funny reads, I’d recommend the Melody Seabright series by Annette Blair - The Kitchen Witch, My Favorite Witch, and The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I read those a few years ago and LOVED them. She also wrote the Triplet Witch trilogy - Sex and the Psychic Witch, Gone with the Witch, and Never Been Witched, although I’ve only read Gone With the Witch and didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the Melody Seabright series. There’s also the Bewitching Mystery series by Madelyn Alt. I read the first 3 or 4 in those and might continue with them this year.  

Also, Nora Roberts has several books where witches feature prominently. The Three Sisters Island trilogy (Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, and Face the Fire) are about a trio of witches, and the Circle Trilogy (Morrigan's Cross, Dance of the Gods, Valley of Silence) also has a witch, and if I remember correctly, a wizard as well. Both trilogies are excellent.