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The Witches of Moonshyne Manor

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I’ll be honest: the story starts slowly. Had I been reading the physical book, I might have given up in the first 40% of the pages. But thanks to the phenomenal narration by Amy Landon, I stayed hooked, and boy, am I glad I did. Landon absolutely breathed life into the story, her voice adding charm and rhythm where, on the page, I might have struggled. But somewhere around the 40–45% mark, something clicked. From there, it transformed into a dazzling, high-stakes ride that had me hooked straight through to the final, heartwarming ending.

From that midpoint, it’s a gripping, all-in ride filled with secrets, betrayals, and magical mayhem that had me glued to my earbuds until the stunning, heartwarming end. Bianca Marais crafts a sisterhood that’s messy, bold, and fiercely lovable. It delivered a magical mix of charm, feminist defiance, and emotional punches that surprised me in the best way. The relationships between the witches were the heartbeat of the book. Their camaraderie, arguments, and absolute loyalty to one another gave the narrative depth beyond potions and spells. I especially appreciated Rose’s gender fluidity arc—a thoughtful, affirming thread that added so much texture to the story. Seeing her accepted without hesitation by the coven was a powerful, beautiful reminder of what unconditional sisterhood and inclusivity should look like.

That said, a few things grated. The word “mule-like” for stubbornness was everywhere—every witch got the label, and it felt repetitive. Also, the sexual innuendos were a bit much; boldness in these older witches didn’t need to lean so hard into risqué vibes, making it a no-go for younger readers. Add this to your TBR for a slow-burn start that delivers a powerful, enchanting finish.

Originally posted at www.viewsshewrites.com.

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10 months ago