The Coven by Harper L. Woods

Title: The Coven

Author: Harper L. Woods

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romantasy

Series: Coven of Bones # 1

Paperback, 304 Pages 

Publication: March 1, 2023

Source: Personal Library
Buy|AMAZON|

Revenge.

Raised to be my father’s weapon against the Coven that took away his sister and his birthright, I would do anything to protect my younger brother from suffering the same fate. My duty forces me to the secret town of Crystal Hollow and the prestigious Hollow’s Grove University―where the best and brightest of my kind learn to practice their magic free from human judgment.

There are no whispered words here. No condemnation for the blood that flows through my veins. The only animosity I face comes from the beautiful and infuriating Headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne, a man who despises me just as much as I loathe him and everything he stands for.

But that doesn’t mean secrets don’t threaten to tear the school in two. No one talks about the bloody massacre that forced it to close decades prior, only the opportunity it can afford to those fortunate enough to attend.

Because for the first time in fifty years, the Coven will open its wards to the Thirteen.

Thirteen promising students destined to change the world.

If the ghosts of Hollow’s Grove’s victims don’t kill them first.

MY THOUGHTS

The Coven has been on my radar for a while now, but I kept putting it off due to all the mixed reviews. However, if there's one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m a sucker for dark academia, any book set in a school and I’m sold!

This is my first book by Woods, and I’m surprised to say I enjoyed it far more than I expected. From the very first page, I was hooked as Headmaster Throne is tasked with bringing in a late enrollee, Willow, to Hollow Grove University. However, Willow isn’t the untrained witch The Covenant thought she was; she’s far more powerful than anyone, Throne included, anticipated.

I really enjoyed the cat-and-mouse chase between Gray and Willow. At first, their budding relationship felt a bit odd, especially since he’s literally the Headmaster of the university. I also thought it was a bit too convenient how he was always in Willow’s orbit—didn’t he have a school to run? Still, I liked Willow for the most part. She talks the talk, walks the walk, and is unapologetically herself.

The ending was unexpected, and now I’m eager to see how this duology wraps up. The Coven was a quick, engaging read, perfect as an in-between book that doesn’t require much mental effort. It’s definitely brain candy, in the best way.