\\n  I LOVE and HATE this book!\\n



\\"Surely not?\\" I hear you all ask.



Well, this is the third book in the series. It takes a departure from Elena and the werewolves and zeroes in on the witches - Paige and Savannah. Here's the first hitch. If any of you read my review for Stolen, I had a so-so opinion of Savannah and really disliked Paige. One reason was that Paige came across as overly cocky and arrogant without much justification. Another was that I adored the Pack (the main characters in the earlier books). So, when I began reading this book, I was extremely sceptical and quite negative. The book really had to work hard to win me over, and... it kind of did!



Paige: Surprisingly, I had a decent liking for Paige in this book, for the most part. By getting access to her thoughts, you gain a better understanding of her motives and discover that she isn't as cocky as she seemed in the first book. Moreover, the book attempts to make you sympathize with her from the start. How? Well, they make Savannah more of a handful and less likeable, so Paige appears patient, kind, and selfless in comparison. Additionally, she's almost immediately embroiled in a battle to keep Savannah in her custody. You see her fighting for Savannah against the coven (a group of weak-willed, scared, prejudiced witches), lawyers, a half-demon, and her father. And for the first half, you're on Paige's side, and I was actually rooting for her to win! However, a problem with Paige is that she is very prejudiced. For a character who wants to help everyone and see the best in everyone, she hardly ever gives Lucas/Kristoff a chance to present their cases. She's also very judgmental towards Eve and what she'd done before she died, and this kind of attitude is terrible when raising Eve's daughter!



Savannah: Oh my goodness, what a character! On one hand, Savannah was an absolute brat! She was constantly lying, being selfish, and disrespectful, and I don't know why Paige tolerated it! What's worse, she never gets what's coming to her! For example, in the middle of the book, she wants Paige to perform a special ceremony that her mother would have wanted. Instead of being mature, she screams and is just downright vile to Paige when Paige doesn't want to do it. Another example is when social workers come to check on her well-being, and again, she's extremely vile, screaming curses and insults at the top of her lungs. One more example? How about when she curses the crowd, and when Paige and Lucas confront her about it, she's just as vile (still no real punishment!). And she never learns her lesson. Arguably, the worst thing she does (without any comeuppance or punishment) is closer to the end... However, I still felt a bit sorry for her because she loved her mother so much. As much as Paige was trying, she never understood Eve and what she meant to Savannah. She was very quick to point out Eve's (and Savannah's) faults, and I guess it's no wonder Savannah kept losing her temper (still, there are no excuses for her severe tantrums).



Lucas: While Lucas is rather boring, I like the whole Cabal dynamic, especially the rebel son/favorite son aspect. To me, the highlights were when Paige met Lucas and had to build up trust with him, and anything involving Lucas/Kristof in relation to the cabals.



Kristoff: Wow... I can't believe the book ended like that - I'm so angry!!! (Spoilers for this paragraph.) Kristoff is Savannah's father who has been searching for her for years, especially since Eve died. All he wants is to take care of Savannah, his child, and raise her the best way he can with the best that money can buy. Paige never really gives him the chance to do this. Paige never tells Savannah that her father wants her (blaming it on Leah), and therefore, Savannah is never given the opportunity to even consider that the person after her might have good intentions. Okay, okay, Leah and the lawyer go after Savannah in completely the wrong way after Paige makes it clear that she won't do this through the courts (blood checks being a major issue), and I know Paige didn't know that Kristoff didn't put them up to those stunts. My problem with the setup is that Paige never considers that Kristoff might want Savannah because he loves her (is a nice guy), and this stems from her prejudice towards sorcerors. The reason I keep bringing up this prejudice is the fact that the author wants us to think that Paige is fair, kind, and selfless (aka not prejudiced).



What's worse, when Paige sees Kristoff, she's actually described as being jealous of him rather than worried about Savannah. Yes, I know Paige has looked after Savannah for a while now - but he is her father!!! And, oh my goodness, the scene with the employed witches was so forced (as if they needed to make Kristoff seem evil so that they could turn against him/escape and Paige could keep Savannah). I hated this! For one thing, since you see Kristoff in a few books after this one, the author knew he'd be a character that would stick around. Therefore, she makes Paige and Savannah dislike him even more, even though we, the readers, find out (even in this book) that he wasn't the one who set that up and just wanted Savannah. I just don't get the logic? And the end? Savannah accidentally kills him! That should have been a truly shocking and dramatic moment, especially since Armstrong kept telling us/giving us hints before this that he truly loved Savannah. But the book doesn't dwell on this at all! Savannah just kills him, Paige is slightly upset for her that she killed a person, and then the book just focuses on Paige and Savannah's relationship as if this never happened! (As if we should be in awe of the close bond/special moment the girls are sharing next to a father's dead body). And even worse than this? Savannah never shows any remorse, guilt, or regret for this, and there is no comeuppance or consequence for it at all! While Savannah does confront this moment years and years later, there's so little emotion attached to the scene that it's disgusting.



Wow.



Just wow.



I started this review planning to give this a 3.5/5 because I did like the setup for Lucas and the cabals for later books and it did provide more information about Eve (a character I liked in the second book). I even praised Paige a little for being a better character than I thought she'd be in the first couple of chapters in this book! Then it went down to a 3 due to Leah and Savannah and the way they kept bashing Eve as a character. Then, of course, there's the horrible way they treated Kristoff (one of the main characters in the series!). By having to reread the book, I can't rate it highly. That ending is so vile. If they wanted to establish Paige as the mother/guardian figure who is much better than Eve and Kristoff, there were so many better ways to do this (especially if Eve and Kristoff are also main characters and their actions later on in the series go against Paige's prejudiced thoughts about them!!!)



1/5



Gosh!



I should change the title to



I did love but now mostly HATE this book

Dime Store Magic is the third installment in the Women of the Otherworld series, and just like the previous two books, it offers a captivating reading experience.

At the beginning of this book, there is a shift in perspective, and initially, I wasn't certain how I would take to it. In the first two books, I was deeply immersed in the werewolf world, and the anticipation of a change made me a bit hesitant. Although I had enjoyed the introduction to other supernatural elements in Stolen, I wasn't sure where the story would lead. However, I quickly found myself drawn into the narrative.

Paige turned out to be a fascinating character, providing a distinct viewpoint compared to the first two books. The way the story was told from her perspective was engaging and kept me entertained throughout, offering a broader view of the supernatural world. Exploring the witching world was a different kind of story compared to the first two books. There were connections, but at the same time, it was a unique tale.

Personally, the development of the witching world was my favorite part of the story. We only had a brief glimpse of it in the previous book, but in this one, we gained a better understanding. Learning the rules and observing the interactions was great fun, especially as we discovered more about the divide between witches and warlocks.

This leads me to my next point. While the romantic element in this book was somewhat predictable, I still enjoyed watching it unfold. The romance was completely different from that in the previous book, ensuring that the story was as distinct as possible. We have a different main character with a unique personality, a different romance, and a different plotline. Overall, it works well to make this book stand on its own while remaining connected to the main series.

Honestly, this book is very different from the previous two, and I loved this change. It推进 the entire series by introducing us to new aspects of the world, allowing us to see things from another perspective, all while maintaining a unique feel.

I'm really eager to get my hands on the fourth book and continue this wonderful series.

When I initially embarked on reading "Dime Store Magic," I was filled with a profound sense of disappointment.

After all, where on earth was Elena? This story seemed to be solely about witches and wicca. Now, don't misunderstand me. I have a genuine love for witches and magic within the realm of paranormal romance. However, this particular direction was simply not what I had anticipated.

Despite my initial misgivings, I soon found myself drawn to the characters and the underlying darkness of the narrative. Paige's character arc was truly addictive to observe. From the very beginning, I found myself becoming attached to her, eager to see how her story would unfold.

The book was filled with numerous conflicts, a healthy dose of action, and excellent character building. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Now, I eagerly look forward to the next installment. The question that lingers in my mind is whether Armstrong will return to Elena or continue to explore Paige's story.

All in all, I would rate this book 4 stars. It had its flaws, but the engaging characters and exciting plot more than made up for them.

I somehow missed reading this book, which is the 3rd novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. As I loved this series, I decided that I wanted to know more about Paige Winterbourne.

Synopsis: Leader of the American Coven, guardian to the preteen daughter of a black witch … it’s not the lifestyle twenty-three-year-old Paige Winterbourne imagined for herself, and it’s wreaking havoc on her social life.

But she’s up for the challenge. When half-demon Leah O’Donnell returns to fight for custody of Savannah, Paige is ready.

She’s not as prepared for the team of supernaturals Leah brings with her, including a powerful sorcerer who claims to be Savannah’s father. Cut off from her friends, accused of witchcraft, Satanism, necromancy, murder…Paige quickly realizes that keeping Savannah could mean losing everything else. Has she finally found a battle she isn’t willing to fight?

The first two books, Bitten https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... and Stolen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1..., concentrated on Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf in the world. Now we have Paige’s story, whom we met before.

Paige, a young witch, who has inherited the leadership of the American Coven of witches after her mother was murdered, is living a quiet life in a small town and is the guardian of a teenage witch, Savannah.

When dark forces try to take Savannah away from her care, Paige and Savannah will have to fight the supernatural powers that are determined to do anything to get Savannah into their clutches.

The author has created likeable and endearing characters, and it shows in Paige, Savannah, and Lucas, a sorcerer who helps them and is also attracted to Paige. Even though he dislikes witches and struggles to gain Paige’s trust, there’s a strong bond between the two. And the way their relationship was developed was really well done.

This is an exciting, thrilling, and fun read, filled with witch and demon lore, engaging characters, and a fast-paced storyline.

This is such a fascinating world where clairvoyants, demons, humans, witches, necromancers, sorcerers, shamans, vampires, and werewolves live secretly in a modern human world.

I am such a fan of this series.

I was hooked right from the beginning.

This is a truly great, thrilling, and easy read. The writing is extremely vivid and colorful, which makes the story come alive in your mind.

I absolutely loved the heroine Paige. However, at times her self-doubt did get in the way of the story. I found it a bit difficult to fully understand how she could be the Leader of the American Coven yet seem so weak as a witch at certain moments. But then again, it was explained that she inherited the role after her mother's death.

Either way, I really enjoyed reading this book. Kelley Armstrong is quickly ascending the ranks and becoming one of my favorite authors! I simply can't wait to get my hands on the next one and continue this exciting literary journey.

At the beginning, it was really challenging for me to adapt to these characters. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found myself completely captivated and ended up falling in love with this book!

There were certain moments when I felt so deeply connected to the narrative that I had to step away from it for a while. The anticipation of the bad things that I knew were即将到来 was just too overwhelming for me to handle.

Before I knew it, the book had come to an end, and I simply wasn't prepared for it to finish. I wanted more of the story, more of the characters, and more of the emotions that it had evoked within me.

I stopped reading when I realized this is book 3.

It dawned on me that I had skipped ahead and was not following the proper sequence.

After that, I made the decision to go back and pick up BITTEN, which is book 1.

I believe it's essential to start from the beginning to fully understand the story and its characters.

So, for now, I'll focus on reading BITTEN and then move on to book 2.

Once I've completed those two, I'll resume this one, book 3.

I'm looking forward to immersing myself in this series and seeing how the story unfolds from the very start.

It should be an exciting journey of discovery and adventure.

I'm sure that by reading the books in the correct order, I'll gain a deeper appreciation for the author's vision and the overall narrative.

I love witches so goddamn much.

The way they are often portrayed in various forms of media, with their mysterious powers and enchanting allure, has always fascinated me.

This particular story with its slow burn was just masterfully executed.

The build-up of tension and the development of the characters and their relationships were done with such finesse.

It kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The author really knew how to draw the reader in and make them invested in the story.

Every detail was carefully crafted, from the descriptions of the settings to the dialogue between the characters.

It was a truly immersive experience, and I found myself completely lost in the world of witches and magic.

I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us.

Snowflake Book Reviews presents an interesting review on the book titled "Dime Store Magic." The story seems to offer a captivating blend of mystery and magic.

From the review, it appears that the author has crafted a world that draws readers in and keeps them engaged. The characters are likely to be well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motives.

The review also hints at the presence of unexpected twists and turns, which add to the overall excitement of the story. It makes one curious to pick up the book and discover the secrets that lie within its pages.

http://books-in-a-storm.tumblr.com/po... This link provides more details about the review and might offer further insights into the book for those who are interested. Overall, "Dime Store Magic" seems to be a book worth checking out for fans of the mystery and magic genres.

I absolutely adored this book. It was filled with an abundance of twists in the plot, and so many events took place. Paige was truly amazing, and I detested what happened to her. I loathed how Savannah was so eager to utilize her powers for evil, while Paige was striving so hard to assist her. I despised how Paige was unjustly blamed for murder after an evil group embarked on a killing spree. I abhorred how the group was attempting to persuade Savannah to join them, and how willing she was. I loved Paige and the way she coped with everything. It truly deserves a 10-star rating!!!

Another outstanding installment in the Women of the Otherworld series! The first two books centered around werewolf Elena Michaels, and the last one introduced Paige Winterbourne, the protagonist of this captivating story.

Paige is a force to be reckoned with. She's stubborn, intelligent, and determined, qualities that her new ward Savannah should be grateful for. Savannah lost her mother, Eve, in the previous book, and Eve was suspected of practicing black magic. Despite facing no support from her coven, Paige is resolute in keeping Savannah and mentoring her to become a good witch.

Paige's first major test as a guardian comes in the form of a legal custody case from a sorcerer cabal. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when Paige discovers that the custody suit involves the psycho half-demon Leah and a powerful sorcerer who claims to be Savannah's biological father. From there, the situation only continues to escalate, and poor Paige and Savannah find themselves dealing with issues that range from annoying to life-threatening as the book progresses. Fortunately, a sorcerer do-gooder and pro-bono attorney, Lucas, steps in to assist Paige and Savannah.

Yay for Lucas! However, despite his help, things keep spiraling out of control. This book started off slowly but ultimately became a thrilling ride!

So far, every book in this series has been completely distinct, yet I've liked them all. It's difficult to compare them since they're so different, but as of now, I like #2 the best, followed by this one, and #1 is my least favorite (although it's still entertaining). Paige and Elena both know how to handle challenges, although Paige is a bit more naïve and倾向于正义than Elena.

I adored Lucas. He's such a straitlaced guy, but Paige knows how to bring him out of his shell. I'm eager to see where their relationship goes from here. I wanted more from this book, but I'm glad their story will continue in the next one.

Wow, Paige's situation deteriorated rapidly! From the chaos in her town to the firebombing of her house, her abduction, a near escape from murder and rape, and then Savannah losing her mind and summoning some demon king. I was so relieved that crazy Leah finally got what she deserved. I've despised her since the last book; that fake friendly act really grated on my nerves.

Audio note: There was yet another narrator change, and she was fairly decent. It's a bit bothersome to have so many narrators.

Full disclosure, I haven't read the earlier books in the series. However, I am planning on going back to connect the dots.

I truly enjoyed this book. About halfway through, I initially thought it was going to receive a solid 3-star review. It was a decent read, albeit somewhat forgettable. But then, suddenly, the tension, drama, and romance escalated rapidly. I found myself completely engrossed and unable to put the book down.

For anyone who is a fan of urban fantasy, I would highly recommend adding Kelley Armstrong to your reading list. Although she may not be a genre-breaker, this particular book was highly entertaining and enjoyable. It had just the right amount of violence, gore, danger, and sex to make it truly memorable. It kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and I can't wait to explore more of her work.

I would definitely recommend this book to others who are looking for a thrilling and engaging urban fantasy read.