Title: The Coven’s Apprentice
Series: Witches of Evanoir
Author: Jen Davenport
Genre: NA, LGBT+, Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Portal World Publishing
Format: e-Arc
ASIN: B09BW5STFW
Summary: When witch-apprentice Azami Durand discovers a banned book of dark magic that can kill, mixing salves and potions for old ladies becomes the last thing on her mind. Her coven believes the book will eradicate their members, but how is Azami supposed to resist the low hum of dark magic calling to her?
disclaimers
I received an ARC from the author for proofreading, and in exchange for an honest review. This kindness does not affect my opinions of this book, which are wholly my own. This post uses affiliate links, and Bookish Valhalla may receive a small commission for purchases made through them at no cost to you.
My Review
Narrative style: first person | Perspective(s): single (Azami)
Tags: witches, blood magic, animal familiars, F/F romance
First Impressions
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this story over a year ago. So when the author sent me an ARC, I was excited to see how the story evolved.
The first chapter had me immediately sucked in. Davenport weaves an air of mystery and tension that pulls readers into the world of Evanoir.
I also have a love for crows as familiars, not symbols of death, so when Azami’s crow flies into her thoughts, I was eager to follow their journey with Mort d’Evanoir, the book of death.
What I Loved About
The Coven's Apprentice
This story fits beautifully right in that New Adult slot of fiction, giving a nice crossover for both YA and Adult readers.
What I loved though is the book itself, Mort d’Evanoir. Created by magic from a time of desperate witches, the book ties its soul to witches in the town of Evanoir like a spider weaving a web. Its sentience is somewhat ambiguous. Not quite evil but not good either, the book draws power from its witches each time a spell is cast to kill another.
What’s so unique about this book, and the magic system surrounding it, is that it unlocks a lot of questions about why a book of death needs this power. Whether it uses the witches’ power to cause the death, or if there’s another more sinister purpose the book is hoarding power toward.
As for the characters, anyone who knows me KNOWS I’m a sucker for a really good villain. However, this time around I found Tierney’s character the perfect blend of controlling best friend, creeper, and just all around like WTF are you doing, Lady?
You know that person in your life once who kept trying to hit on you, but did it in such a way that it left you creep-freaked to the point that the thought of dating them made you gag? That’s Tierney… and it’s beautifully executed.
One thing I wanted more of
One thing that kept lingering in the back of my mind was: where does law enforcement come in?
I believe this particular Louisiana town uses their witches as law instead of officers, but I would have loved just a teensy bit of clarity on this.
Is Worthy Of Bookish Valhalla?
The Coven’s Apprentice is absolutely fantastic. Not only does it bring a new and unique magic system to life, but it has a deep ambent mood in the narrative that flows to the last page. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Plus, who doesn’t love a story with a talking death book? ^_^
If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out other reviews from the Valkyries at Bookish Valhalla
Reviewer Bio
K. J. Harrowick is a freelance developer, graphic designer, technical coach, and author of the science fantasy novel, Bloodflower. You can find her reviews on Goodreads, Hàlon Chronicles, Bookish Valhalla, and occasionally Amazon and Book Sirens.