📝 Spells8 Book Club XXIII - Readers' Reviews!

Activities
#1

Wishing a very warm welcome to all of the Witchy Readers! :open_book:

The latest reading period for Book Club [Nov 25 - Dec 23] has now ended - thank you to everyone who joined in!

Books & Members This Reading Period:

  • The Awakening - The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1 by Nora Roberts
    @jan_TheGreenWitch

  • Llewellyn’s Little Book of Yule by Jason Mankey
    @Amethyst

  • The Witches of Scotland: The Dream Dancers (Book 1) by Steven P. Aitchison
    @AileyGrey

  • The Witches of Scotland by Eliza Lynn Linton
    @AileyGrey

  • The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch
    @AileyGrey

  • The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer
    @TheTravelWitch_Bry

  • Mastering Magick by Mat Auryn
    @Wysteria_Norn

  • The Temple Of Shamanic Witchcraft By Christopher Penczak
    @Jeannie1

  • Manifesting With Crystals By Judy Hall
    @christina4

Even if you are not listed above but you read a book during this reading period/ you decided to read a different book than listed- you are very welcome to share and discuss here too!

Time to share your thoughts with your coven! :star_struck:

This discussion post will serve as a place to share your thoughts and opinions on the book you chose.

  • :heart_eyes: If you loved your book and think everyone should read it- awesome! Talk about your favorite points or something you learned.
  • :woman_shrugging: If you didn’t connect with the book- consider explaining why it wasn’t for you.
  • :angry: Absolutely hated your book of choice? Warn others to stay away!

This is a great place to share your love for books and find recommendations for new books to read :+1:

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Your book review can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like :writing_hand:

If you’re not sure what to talk about, here is a suggested format you can use. Feel free to write as little or as much as you’d like!

Book Title and Author:

Status? : Finished / Still Reading

My overall rating of the book : ???/10

How does this book relate to my magickal practice?:

My personal thoughts/opinions:

An interesting quote from the book: " "

All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes / No

Remember that your review is uniquely yours- this is a chance to let your opinions and voice be heard :raised_hands:

Please keep in mind that others may have opinions that differ from yours- when responding to the thoughts of others please always show respect! Remember that 100 people will read 1 book and have 100 different experiences. That’s what makes sharing interesting :heart:

What if I didn’t finish my book / joined late? :raised_hand:

No worries!

You are welcome to share your thoughts about the part you have read so far. If you joined the session late and have just started, feel free to talk about your expectations for your book. You can continue reading it into the next reading period.

And whether you read a book or not - you are very welcome to jump in and discuss what others share about their books! :handshake:

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Picture from Pixabay

Deadlines and Dates :spiral_calendar:

You have 5 weeks to share your thoughts and discuss- until the next Readers’ Review Post appears in the forum!

Deadline for Reviews for this Session: Friday, January 27

While you have plenty of time for reviews, know that the next reading period will begin in one week:

The Next Reading Session will Begin: Friday, December 30

On this day a post will appear where you can announce your next book (or continue with your current reading!).

Until then, you can find more info about the club in the Book Club FAQ.

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It can be hard to find the time and motivation to read on your own- hopefully book club helped provide a bit of motivation and that it led to some wonderful new knowledge and discoveries in your Craft :books:

Thanks again for joining in and being a part of Book Club! I am so excited to read your thoughts and learn more about the book you spent time with :blush::open_book:

Blessed be! :sparkles:

:books: :heart: :infinite_roots:

3 Likes
:open_book: Spells8 Book Club XXIV (Dec 30 - Jan 27)
Merry Meet Monday - Magick News of the Week! (Jan 9 - 15) :last_quarter_moon_with_face:
Merry Meet Monday - Magick News of the Week! (Jan 16 - 22) :new_moon:
Merry Meet Monday - Magick News of the Week! (Jan 23 - 29) :first_quarter_moon_with_face:
:open_book: Spells8 Book Club XXV (Feb 3 - Mar 3)
Merry Meet Monday - Magick News of the Week (Dec 26 - Jan 1) :fireworks:
:open_book: Spells8 Book Club XXVI (Mar 10 - Apr 7)
Merry Meet Monday - Magick News for the Week! (Jan 2 - Jan 8) :wolf:
#2

I just want to share some books i have read over the last 2 weeks where however they are not craft related, they are an excellent read. I originally brought the whole series knowing on instinct it would be good since i am into fictional fantasy when i am not reading books on the craft, a hobby which has taken up most of my time lately. This book series has taken my breath away at how closely i relate to it and atm while reading the third book, i have had just had a self-realisation at how similar my situation is in comparison to the book and the main character. I will not go into too much detail as i would say this book has some sensitive content and involves some violence and lets say more harmful topics, however, not to be confused that the book it solely based on these factors but a heads up to our more sensitive readers is in order. I understand how although the main character Auren who is a gold girl with literal gold skin lives in a castle and has everything cannot get past the fact she lives in a cage. It just hit me today and the book has made me question a lot about how i see my situation. I don’t want anyone to feel downed by my review but actually some mini-celebration is in order as i feel i have opened my eyes for the first time and seen my situation in it’s true light thanks to the books.
I too am spoilt to a degree but it does not come without giving up my freedom on everything from small desires to bigger ones so much so that i am left wondering is having everything really worth giving up every ounce of freedom?
Anyways i would like to know if anyone else has read The Plated Prisoner Series By Raven Kennedy.
I can say one true thing right now is that although my freedom is compromised, i am so grateful to be able to read and have had the education i have had, as there is many people out there at the moment who cannot even read and it is not their fault. I am glad i can at least have this freedom however small it may seem, as it gives me an opportunity to escape my own life even if it is just for a few moments a day. Thank the gods and goddesses and most of all i thank my mum and my country for giving me this opportunity.
I RATE THIS BOOK 20/10! If anyone wants to almost transparently read what i am talking about as i speak of an emotional rollercoaster this is a great series to get lost in :blush:

8 Likes
:open_book: Spells8 Book Club XXIII (Nov 25 - Dec 23)
:books: Spells8 Book Club! - Introduction and FAQ
#3

(I hope you don’t mind that rehomed your book recommendations out of the Book Club FAQ page to here in the current book discussion- this way, hopefully more folks will see it! Thanks for sharing it :heart:)

That’s an impressive rating- it sounds like The Plated Prisoner Series was a really great read for you, @TheMuslimWitch :raised_hands: :grinning:

I’m happy you found a book series you connected with- books and stories are really powerful things. I know I have a few books that pulled me out of dark times (or, at the very least, provided a bit of escape to weather some storms). Learning materials are great, of course, but I truly believe we need fantasy too :pray::heart::books:

Thanks again for sharing your recommendation- blessed be! :sparkles:

6 Likes
#4

Mastering Magick

By Mat Auryn

Synopsis: Although this book can be considered a sequel to “Psychic Witch,” it works brilliantly as a stand-alone. Mr. Auryn writes about witchcraft with a reverence for the craft that is undeniable, and yet in an easy-going manner that equally allows for many traditions. His knowledge is impressive and he masters the subtleties of defining and explaining in detail without a hint of lecturing. His books are sought after because, simply, he’s a good writer - ‘his prose flows’.
Pertinence to Craft: In the vein of Waite, Cunningham and Buckland, this book, in my opinion, is a ‘must-read’ for all truly interested in crafting witchcraft. There are others as well, and Mr. Auryn’s work in amongst the best company.
Rating: 10/10
Worthy of Mention: Auryn provides the history of his topics, along with countless worthy spells. There were more than a few points that resonated with me. In particular, his impressions on spell direction and tarot suit meanings, amongst others. Where his practice may differ from others, as is extremely common in the craft, he provides open-minded interpretations that may help many as not all practices work equally for everyone.

Thank you

7 Likes
#5

I didn’t realize his new book was out yet! :astonished: runs to put it on a wishlist

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#6

I’m just about finished with mine, and then I’ll put my review up. LOL! I got distracted this month by broken modems and shiny things.

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#7

I just signed up. And I’m about halfway done with my precious new book!

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#8

Book Title and Author: Llewellyn’s Little Book of Yule by Jason Mankey.

Status: Finished.

My overall rating of this book: 10/10 would read it again!

How does this book relate to my magical practice?: This book is good for people wanting to celebrate Yule.

My personal thoughts and opinions: This is a lovely little book full of information on the meanings behind the traditions of Yule, Saturnalia, and Christmas, and characters like Santa Claus, Krampus, and Belfana. Also, little spells to enhance your holidays right up until New Year’s!

An interesting quote from the book: “More than just a synonym for Christmas, Yule has reclaimed its place at the holiday table as a distinct and valuable religious and spiritual tradition. It’s celebrated by Pagans, Wiccans, and Heathens, and for many secularists and atheists, the Winter Solstice has become a viable alternative to Christmas.”

All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes!

5 Likes
#9

Book Title and Author: Wicca: A guide for the Solitary Practitioner By Scott Cunningham

Status? : Still Reading

My overall rating of the book : Not sure yet just started

How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: It puts in words about my craft which i cannot seem to pin point but reflect myself and my craft exactly

My personal thoughts/opinions:
I love this book so far and have not given a rating as i want to make sure i love it before i do. So far i am loving the way the writer is able to express such meaningful words which i although am able to this of can never put in in words or on paper. This book has been sitting on my shelf since forever and i a day ago it just called out to me out of all my new unread books and thought why not, doesn’t matter how much i think i know i will always learn something new.
An interesting quote from the book: "When a Wicca is outdoors, she or he is actually surrounded by sanctity, much like as is a Christian entering a church or cathedral. "

All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes / No
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6 Likes
#10

Book Title and Author: Wild Witchcraft By Rebecca Beyer

Status? : Unfinished decided to stop reading

My overall rating of the book : 4/10

How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: It relates to my practice as i too incorporate herbs and plants in my practice

My personal thoughts/opinions: I originally was in love with this book and thought “wow this is new and exciting”, however i was soon disappointed as after reading for sometime all i was reading was a herb guideline which didn’t state directly when i picked it out. After flicking through the following pages, i notice at least 80% of the book was about herbs and their correspondences. Don’t get me wrong this is crucial to my craft but i was hoping to learn ways of foraging etc, rather than actually names of herbs which i already own a herb directory for this purpose

All in all, would I recommend this book?: No personally unless a directory is what you are looking for.

5 Likes
#11

Status? : Finished

My overall rating of the book : 6/10

How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: I’ve got a thing going (and have for awhile) with Scotland. I haven’t quite pieced it all together yet, but I am so drawn to this country I’ve never been to and their culture. I don’t even have any Scottish ancestry, but the pull is very much there! I found this book when it just popped up on an audible ad and thought… .well, why not! It’s a work of fiction, but I thought maybe it would be fun!

My personal thoughts/opinions: It was fun, sort of. The writing, in my opinion, is a bit juvenile and sometimes felt forced. As a reader, I really lean towards sophisticated narration and writers, and this was not that. However, the story was fun. It is a series, but I don’t really feel drawn to read the rest.

All in all, would I recommend this book?: Sure, if you just want something light to occupy a cold rainy day! You might enjoy it!

Status: Finished

Overall Rating: 8/10

Thoughts and Opinions: When I found the first Scottish Witchcraft book, I found this one too! Maybe the draw of the first title was supposed to help me find this title. This is a non fiction account of some of the very real Scottish witches, their charges, their court appearances, and their sentences. It’s pretty intense, but I felt very called to read it. I started it around Samhain and went through it slowly, really thinking about and trying to honor each of these people (mostly women, but some accounts of men). This year I have felt very called to honor the witches who have come before me and paved the way for me to practice my own craft.

Would I recommend it to the coven: Yes. though it is dark and shadowy and might take a lot of energy.

Status: Finished. This was a seasonal reread for me!

Overall rating: 9/10

Thoughts and Opinions: I love how so many traditions weave together to create winter magick! This book goes through many of the northern european winter celebrations and explains for bits and pieces work into what we know as Christmas. There are Christmas ghosts, witches like La Befana, elves, trolls, goddesses and winter queens… they all play a part! The book also has recipes and crafts that tie in with the stories.
My favorite part is when it talks about bells. When people went walking through the woods, they would often take bells to ring to keep dangerous animals (and spirits away). This morphed into sleigh bells on Santa’s sleigh.

Would I recommend? 100%. It is a really fun read. I have the audio book and the narrator is lovely (it might be the author, I have too look!). Her research is solid and it is so much fun!

6 Likes
#12

This sounds like a wonderful read- I’m so happy you enjoyed it so much, Wysteria! It’s always appreciated when the author covers a variety of interesting topics and shares information in an open-minded way that resonates with many different types of readers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on Mastering Magick! :heart::pray:

Broken modems and shiny things are indeed very distracting! :laughing: :+1:

Woohooo! I’ve just added you in here as well :blush: You’re on a roll, Christina- I hope you’re enjoying Manifesting with Crystals! :gem::two_hearts:

10/10- hooray! :tada: It sounds like a really solid guide to Yule and the various influences and traditions around the holidays. I think it’s really fun that they explored the various characters too- I see a lot of names this time of year, and it’d be helpful to have them all in one handy place!

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts- I’m so glad you enjoyed the Little Book of Yule! :snowflake: :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

Cunningham is a legend and this book in particular is a classic- I think you’re in for a good read! :blush: I hope you continue to enjoy it and keep picking up fun and helpful new bits of information. Beautiful quote too!

Happy reading! :heart:

Sorry to hear that Wild Witchcraft wasn’t what you were hoping for- I suppose for every book out there that we click with, there will be another one that doesn’t quite fit the bill. Good for you for giving it a try! And thank you for sharing your thoughts on it- it’s very helpful for anyone considering giving it a read :pray::heart:

I’m glad there was something enjoyable in the book for you, Ailey! Sorry it wasn’t quite what you were hoping for. Fingers crossed that going forward you’ll be able to find other authors who can help you connect with your studies of Scotland :scotland: :sparkles:

…Like this one! :grinning: Hahaha I’m glad that The Witches of Scotland was closer to what you had in mind- it honestly sounds like a fascinating book. I often get a little scared about non-fiction witch books as they tend to be… well, just like you said- very intense and dark.

It sounds like a great way to honor the witches who came before though- I’m really glad you enjoyed it! :blush:

Hooray for books we love so much that we read them over and over again! If ever there was a way to tell that a book was worth a read, it’s in how many times it’s been enjoyed. This one sounds like a lot of fun, and all the better if it sparks some seasonal crafting and creativity too! :heart:

Thank you so much for all three of your wonderful reviews, Ailey- I really enjoy reading them! :raised_hands: :two_hearts:

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#13

There were a lot of cute little charms to do for the holidays, some of which I’m going to do next year!

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#14

I may need to order this one soon so I will have it on hand for next year!

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#15

I’m still reading my book, so Ill just do my review for the next book club entry.

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#16

@Amethyst That’s so cute- and I know you love your chants and charms! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: Sounds like something fun to look forward to for the next holiday season! :tada:

@christina4 No worries at all- I’ll look forward to your entry then! Happy reading, Christina! :books::heart:

3 Likes
#17

The Dark Wife Book
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Book Title and Author: The Dark Wife by S.E Diemer

Status? : Finished

My overall rating of the book : 9/10

How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: It’s a very loose tie to magick- while I did learn a bit about some of the deities in the Greek Pantheon, I’ll be honest- this was a pure pleasure read :laughing:

My personal thoughts/opinions: I didn’t think this one would be nearly as enjoyable as it was- it’s not going to win any big awards or anything, and the ending felt a bit rushed, but it’s really cute and charming in its own way. I also got to see a new side of Persephone, Hades, and some of the other deities whose names I encounter often here in the forum and in my magickal studies :open_book:

Big Trigger Warning though (rape and violence), although it’s done in a different way than in many Persephone tales. And Zeus is a real nasty villain in the story, which may not be appreciated by anyone who works with Him.

All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes- if you enjoy fantasy retellings, the Greek Pantheon, LGBT+ stories, and romance books

3 Likes
#18

That looks interesting, Bry. I may have to put it on my wish list!

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#19

If you decide to give it a try, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: :open_book:

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#20

The 22nd session of the Spells8 Book Club and its review period have closed. But no worries! You can visit the Activities Category to find and jump in the current session of Book Club :open_book: