Book: Witch Season by Julia Bianco
Reviewed by Michelles_Cosy_Booknook
Rating: 4/5
Witch Season is a magical urban fantasy full of secrets and half truths.
Katherine is an enforcer based in Los Angeles and connected to the Aestas Coven, of which she is second in command. She seeks out 'unsettled' witches, those whose magic is new and untrained, and who pose a significant risk to others. Under the care and tutelage of the Aestas Coven, they will receive all that is needed to ensure they come to control and understand their newfound abilities.
When the Coven becomes the focus of Silas, the heir to the most powerful Coven in existence, Katherine takes an immediate dislike to him as he is the embodiment of everything she dislikes - the rich, the elite, powerful, and entitled.
However, they are forced to work together when a disaster strikes Los Angeles, which has all the markers of an 'Unsettled's' untrained magic, and of a magnitude the likes of which they have never before witnessed.
Witch Season had me hooked from the first few pages. I particularly enjoyed the character of Katherine, with her feistiness, her loyalty, energy and sass.
Silas is a misunderstood character, presenting as suave and elite, but underneath there is a depth to him that few see. However, what is immediately obvious and true,is that he is ridiculously handsome.
For me, the Aestas Coven and the magical system were the best parts of this book. They both presented something of the forgotten days of magic, where all magic has a price attached and that no magic is finite.
I couldn't buy into the setting though. There was no real connection to it for me. It felt brushed over and would have really benefited the story with a bit more world building.
Also, I would have liked more development of Katherine and Silas's connection. It didn't feel genuine for me and I feel this is due to a lack of growth. It leapt from hostile to the feelings with little in the way of evidential growth, giving it a chaotic and unsettled feel.
I found it easy to buy into Julia Bianco's writing for the most part, as her use of prose was refreshing and flowed very well.
I will absolutely read more by Julia, I just think that Witch Season needed just a little more relationship and world building development to bring it all together.
I would like to thank the author, Netgalley, and Headline for the opportunity to read this book early. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.