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Elemental Witches #2
Witch Blood
Only lust burns hotter than revenge...
A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister—her only friend and emotional anchor—is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and its sacred rede: Harm ye none...
When Isabelle first encounters Thomas Monahan, she's running on pure rage and sorrow, channeling her pain into power—and trying to freeze the life out of a warlock she holds responsible for her sister's death. Together, she and Thomas form an uneasy alliance to hunt and destroy a demon of tremendous power. As head of the Coven, earth witch Thomas must thwart Isabelle's dark impulses, but his very presence stirs deeper desires she never knew she had.
A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister—her only friend and emotional anchor—is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and its sacred rede: Harm ye none...
When Isabelle first encounters Thomas Monahan, she's running on pure rage and sorrow, channeling her pain into power—and trying to freeze the life out of a warlock she holds responsible for her sister's death. Together, she and Thomas form an uneasy alliance to hunt and destroy a demon of tremendous power. As head of the Coven, earth witch Thomas must thwart Isabelle's dark impulses, but his very presence stirs deeper desires she never knew she had.
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 4, 2008
45 people are currently reading
2037 people want to read
About the author
Anya Bast
67 books1,451 followersAnya Bast is the author of numerous works of romantic fiction, mostly all paranormal and mostly all scorching hot. She lives in the country with her husband, daughter, eight cats, a dog, and an odd assortment of rescued animals.
She grew up in Minnesota and still favors the colder climates. After high school she moved to the southeast United States where she attended college. While in graduate school she sold her first book and decide to pursue her lifelong dream of writing instead of a career in psychology.
Somewhat reclusive by nature, she can be drawn out with a good bottle of red wine, classic movies, or good music. When she’s not writing, she can be found trying to grow organic vegetables, shopping in thrift stores for that perfect piece of clothing, or dreaming about travel to some faraway country.
She’s hard at work on a brand new series for Berkley Sensation right now, while winding up her national bestselling Elemental Witches quartet.
She grew up in Minnesota and still favors the colder climates. After high school she moved to the southeast United States where she attended college. While in graduate school she sold her first book and decide to pursue her lifelong dream of writing instead of a career in psychology.
Somewhat reclusive by nature, she can be drawn out with a good bottle of red wine, classic movies, or good music. When she’s not writing, she can be found trying to grow organic vegetables, shopping in thrift stores for that perfect piece of clothing, or dreaming about travel to some faraway country.
She’s hard at work on a brand new series for Berkley Sensation right now, while winding up her national bestselling Elemental Witches quartet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 13, 2017
Very good, especially for a paranormal romance. I skimmed through the too-many sex scenes, especially since they happened too early, but the overlying story and battle was quite interesting.
I had this on the shelf for awhile and didn't want to read it - for some reason I seem to remember hating the first one, although now I'm doubting myself - but when I read it for a themed challenge I kicked myself for not picking it up sooner. It turned out well written and fun, much better than I anticipated.
Isabelle is tough and independent, but she's not obnoxious, so when she has to work with Thomas and others to bring down a demon who dared to kill hr sister and other witches in the coven, she does so with little hesitation. The villain in this one is a main reason the book is so enjoyable - he's surprisingly a little layered, and the demon lore about the hunted becoming fascinated with his hunters intrigued me. It's definitely dark in tone with some twisted deaths, but it's more than that in the end, especially when they get some unforeseen complications in a finale battle.
On the down side, there's too many sex scenes too early and it's kind of annoying. I learned to skim over them mainly for the story-line. That's to be expected with most paranormal romances, but at least this one has an actual story that's more than hormones with a cover.
I like how the author writes too - there's darkness lightened with genuine humor, the characters are strong enough to hold the story, dialogue is workable, and there's no isn't a mean cliffhanger to piss me off with.
I had this on the shelf for awhile and didn't want to read it - for some reason I seem to remember hating the first one, although now I'm doubting myself - but when I read it for a themed challenge I kicked myself for not picking it up sooner. It turned out well written and fun, much better than I anticipated.
Isabelle is tough and independent, but she's not obnoxious, so when she has to work with Thomas and others to bring down a demon who dared to kill hr sister and other witches in the coven, she does so with little hesitation. The villain in this one is a main reason the book is so enjoyable - he's surprisingly a little layered, and the demon lore about the hunted becoming fascinated with his hunters intrigued me. It's definitely dark in tone with some twisted deaths, but it's more than that in the end, especially when they get some unforeseen complications in a finale battle.
On the down side, there's too many sex scenes too early and it's kind of annoying. I learned to skim over them mainly for the story-line. That's to be expected with most paranormal romances, but at least this one has an actual story that's more than hormones with a cover.
I like how the author writes too - there's darkness lightened with genuine humor, the characters are strong enough to hold the story, dialogue is workable, and there's no isn't a mean cliffhanger to piss me off with.
April 24, 2008
Very enjoyable...borderline mainstream/erotica.
Anya Bast is another author who is making the switch from erotica to more mainstream romance. She does a very good job in Witch Blood of bring on the heat.
Isabelle is a water witch out for revenge. She's dedicated her life to tracking and killing the demon who killed her sister. When she's unable to succeed, she goes after the head of the warlocks who called the demon.
Thomas is the head of the witches coven. He meets Isabelle as he captures the warlock she was about to kill. To say Isabelle doesn't appreciate his interference is quite the understatement.
These two join forces to track the demon that's killing witches. As they work together, their attraction grows...as do their feelings for each other.
Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. I'd read some of Ms Bast's erotic novels and actually think I like this one better. The sex is still smokin' and I think her focus on the relationship issues was very well done.
Anya Bast is another author who is making the switch from erotica to more mainstream romance. She does a very good job in Witch Blood of bring on the heat.
Isabelle is a water witch out for revenge. She's dedicated her life to tracking and killing the demon who killed her sister. When she's unable to succeed, she goes after the head of the warlocks who called the demon.
Thomas is the head of the witches coven. He meets Isabelle as he captures the warlock she was about to kill. To say Isabelle doesn't appreciate his interference is quite the understatement.
These two join forces to track the demon that's killing witches. As they work together, their attraction grows...as do their feelings for each other.
Once I started this book, I didn't want to put it down. I'd read some of Ms Bast's erotic novels and actually think I like this one better. The sex is still smokin' and I think her focus on the relationship issues was very well done.
December 12, 2013
Seriously I can't understand why so many love this series. For me it has been one of the worst books I have read in a while. The lack of plot is really a turn off, and it's a shame because the work building was great and original.
At first, I was really attracted to the idea of elemental witches against evil. But the paranormal side of the story is lamely explained. Most of the time you just forget they are witches because they barely use their powers. Also the romance doesn't feel real. It's so sad to see a series with potential not being worked better.
I do agree the characters are good as I was always interested in reading more about them. Mainly though, once the books are over I just feel like many things have not been well explained. I think my problem is with the author's writing style, I don't like at all how she describes the scenes. I just can't feel like I'm inside the story which is how I feel when I read my fav books.
This will be another series I'm giving up on.
At first, I was really attracted to the idea of elemental witches against evil. But the paranormal side of the story is lamely explained. Most of the time you just forget they are witches because they barely use their powers. Also the romance doesn't feel real. It's so sad to see a series with potential not being worked better.
I do agree the characters are good as I was always interested in reading more about them. Mainly though, once the books are over I just feel like many things have not been well explained. I think my problem is with the author's writing style, I don't like at all how she describes the scenes. I just can't feel like I'm inside the story which is how I feel when I read my fav books.
This will be another series I'm giving up on.
March 24, 2010
Witch Blood is the second installment in the Elemental Witches series by Anya Bast. This is my second Bast book and I found I liked this book even more than Wicked Enchantment which is from her Dark Magick series. Although both are good, I found the Elemental Witches has a certain twist I like more.
At the beginning of the book Water Witch Isabella Novak is full of anger and pain. She's set on hunting down her sisters murderer to get revenge. She even changes her hair color and eye color to be more appealing to her enemy. She's a great looking gal, and uses that as a way to get closer to her prey. Isabelle flirts outrageously with Dustkoff Warlock chief Stefan Faucheux until they are alone in his limo. Then Suddenly, she grabs his balls and begins freezing the liquids inside his body as she seeks to kill him since it was his demon killed her half-sister Angela. But things go wrong, and she is stopped mid act by the handsome Thomas, the man wearing the heavy mantle of leadership of his Coven these dangerous times. Thomas has Adam Tyrell and Jack McAllister take Stefan to Gribbon prison where magic does not work so that he can be interrogated. And even thought Isabella is drawn to Thomas, Isabelle repeats disobeying her Thomas.
What's even worse is the demon. He seems to have taken a interest in Isabella, and being in the attention of a demon is never good sign. The demon must kill four witches and rape their power in order to open a portal to the demon realm. He's sick of being in our world and wants to go home. Will making Isabella a interest making her a target for the demon?
I honestly loved this book. It was full of action, passion and mystery. Bast writes a great plot and leaves us with enough surprises and twists to keep us on our toes. I didn't read this series in order, which is also a kick in the butt, but I just bought book 4 not realizing it was book 4.. but I can't wait to get book 3. I'm starting book 4 tonight!
I recommend this book for any paranormal romance/urban fantasy lovers. It has everything to love. Pick this series up!
This time around, we’re focused on Thomas and Isabella as they hunt down a demon that is killing witches.
At the beginning of the book Water Witch Isabella Novak is full of anger and pain. She's set on hunting down her sisters murderer to get revenge. She even changes her hair color and eye color to be more appealing to her enemy. She's a great looking gal, and uses that as a way to get closer to her prey. Isabelle flirts outrageously with Dustkoff Warlock chief Stefan Faucheux until they are alone in his limo. Then Suddenly, she grabs his balls and begins freezing the liquids inside his body as she seeks to kill him since it was his demon killed her half-sister Angela. But things go wrong, and she is stopped mid act by the handsome Thomas, the man wearing the heavy mantle of leadership of his Coven these dangerous times. Thomas has Adam Tyrell and Jack McAllister take Stefan to Gribbon prison where magic does not work so that he can be interrogated. And even thought Isabella is drawn to Thomas, Isabelle repeats disobeying her Thomas.
What's even worse is the demon. He seems to have taken a interest in Isabella, and being in the attention of a demon is never good sign. The demon must kill four witches and rape their power in order to open a portal to the demon realm. He's sick of being in our world and wants to go home. Will making Isabella a interest making her a target for the demon?
I honestly loved this book. It was full of action, passion and mystery. Bast writes a great plot and leaves us with enough surprises and twists to keep us on our toes. I didn't read this series in order, which is also a kick in the butt, but I just bought book 4 not realizing it was book 4.. but I can't wait to get book 3. I'm starting book 4 tonight!
I recommend this book for any paranormal romance/urban fantasy lovers. It has everything to love. Pick this series up!
This time around, we’re focused on Thomas and Isabella as they hunt down a demon that is killing witches.
October 25, 2009
Ever since Isabelle Novak's sister Angela was brutally murdered by a demon called to Earth by the warlocks, she's been out for revenge. When she couldn't track the demon she turned her attention to the leader of the Duskoff Cabal, Stefan. Stefan is a powerful fire witch-turned-warlock, but Isabelle is a very strong water witch with a plan and the need to avenge her sister - the one person she cared about in the world - driving her on.
Her plan had just come to fruition, too, when the leader of the Coven shows up. Thomas Monahan, an earth witch, isn't blinded by personal revenge and knows they need Stefan alive. With Stefan now in the Coven's prison, Thomas and Isabelle turn their attention to the demon who's killing more witches. Things get even more personal, however, when the attraction between Isabelle and Thomas leads from mind-blowing sex to something more long-lasting and deeper - something Isabelle, with her long history of independence and fear, yearns for.
But the demon has his own plan, and Isabelle is an important piece in it. He needs to kill witches of a certain power and at certain times in order to open a doorway between the human realm and the daaeman one: and Isabelle is on his list. His ultimatum seals her fate: go willingly with him to die when it's time, or have another witch sacrificed in her place - and don't tell Thomas, or he'll die first. It's no choice, really, and Isabelle knows it. They're one hope is to destroy the demon first, but how do you destroy something so much more powerful than any earthly witch?
This sequel to Witch Fire was very enjoyable for several reasons. It adds depth to the world of witches and warlocks, revealing their history and how they came to be. It created a very sweet romance that took the time to build the chemistry between Isabelle and Thomas. And it didn't feature one of those annoying hero's who must prove how strong he is by resisting his feelings for the heroine, because love is such a weakening emotion and oh she'll be hurt! I am so sick of those men, who are nothing but cowards really, and rather boring and repetitive - but they've popped up way too many times in romance books. Honestly I don't think they're worth the time the heroines give them. Thomas wasn't like that at all, and it was refreshing.
Isabelle was tough and sarcastic but not too much so, and she had a wealth of vulnerability and paranoia that made her character make sense. We've all known someone who's hidden their insecurities and fears behind an aggressive or bitingly witty demeanour. The nice thing about Isabelle was that she didn't go the way of those annoying heroes either - she wanted what Thomas could give her but her own demise was ticking closer. Every Romance needs an obstacle, and this was a pretty effective one.
The book is short, which I also appreciated - the plot wouldn't have been able to hold up anything longer - and the ending gave it fresh life and new beginnings. The demon doesn't make sense, but then he is alien and doesn't understand them, so in a weird way it makes sense. He was an interesting character, actually - a homesick demon: I could sympathise with that.
Her plan had just come to fruition, too, when the leader of the Coven shows up. Thomas Monahan, an earth witch, isn't blinded by personal revenge and knows they need Stefan alive. With Stefan now in the Coven's prison, Thomas and Isabelle turn their attention to the demon who's killing more witches. Things get even more personal, however, when the attraction between Isabelle and Thomas leads from mind-blowing sex to something more long-lasting and deeper - something Isabelle, with her long history of independence and fear, yearns for.
But the demon has his own plan, and Isabelle is an important piece in it. He needs to kill witches of a certain power and at certain times in order to open a doorway between the human realm and the daaeman one: and Isabelle is on his list. His ultimatum seals her fate: go willingly with him to die when it's time, or have another witch sacrificed in her place - and don't tell Thomas, or he'll die first. It's no choice, really, and Isabelle knows it. They're one hope is to destroy the demon first, but how do you destroy something so much more powerful than any earthly witch?
This sequel to Witch Fire was very enjoyable for several reasons. It adds depth to the world of witches and warlocks, revealing their history and how they came to be. It created a very sweet romance that took the time to build the chemistry between Isabelle and Thomas. And it didn't feature one of those annoying hero's who must prove how strong he is by resisting his feelings for the heroine, because love is such a weakening emotion and oh she'll be hurt! I am so sick of those men, who are nothing but cowards really, and rather boring and repetitive - but they've popped up way too many times in romance books. Honestly I don't think they're worth the time the heroines give them. Thomas wasn't like that at all, and it was refreshing.
Isabelle was tough and sarcastic but not too much so, and she had a wealth of vulnerability and paranoia that made her character make sense. We've all known someone who's hidden their insecurities and fears behind an aggressive or bitingly witty demeanour. The nice thing about Isabelle was that she didn't go the way of those annoying heroes either - she wanted what Thomas could give her but her own demise was ticking closer. Every Romance needs an obstacle, and this was a pretty effective one.
The book is short, which I also appreciated - the plot wouldn't have been able to hold up anything longer - and the ending gave it fresh life and new beginnings. The demon doesn't make sense, but then he is alien and doesn't understand them, so in a weird way it makes sense. He was an interesting character, actually - a homesick demon: I could sympathise with that.
February 11, 2009
Isabelle Novak is a water witch who has decided to channel the grief of losing her sister Angela into making those responsible for her death pay. Angela was killed by a Demon let loose by the warlock-controlled Duskoff Cabal (aka - the bad guys) and since Isabele has had no luck tracking down the demon who actually did the dirty deed she has decided to pin her sites on the head of the Cabal who summoned the demon. BUT.... Just as she is about to kill the evil Stefan the car they are in lurches to a stop and the door opens.
Thomas Monahan, the head of the coven of good witches, stops her from killing Stefan and takes him into custody (witch jail). Isabelle is pissed (of course) but secretly also relieved as she isn't sure she can take a life when it comes right down to it. (awwwww!) So she agrees to work with the Coven to track down the demon who didn't just make a snack of her sister but is gunning down humans and witches alike. Of course that means she will have to work closely with this intruiging leader of the Witch Coven - with his long black hair and controlled manner....
I really had a hard time getting into this book at first, which is surprising to me since I picked it up minutes after finishing the first in this series. It was one of those books that takes a little bit for you to get invested in the characters but once you are you have a hard time walking away from them. Just like in the first book I felt like the foreshadowing was as suttle as a brick to the face - but what happened toward the end surprised me. I didn't expect the direction it went and that is always a nice surprise when you are feeling all smug because you think you know where everything is going.
Thomas Monahan, the head of the coven of good witches, stops her from killing Stefan and takes him into custody (witch jail). Isabelle is pissed (of course) but secretly also relieved as she isn't sure she can take a life when it comes right down to it. (awwwww!) So she agrees to work with the Coven to track down the demon who didn't just make a snack of her sister but is gunning down humans and witches alike. Of course that means she will have to work closely with this intruiging leader of the Witch Coven - with his long black hair and controlled manner....
I really had a hard time getting into this book at first, which is surprising to me since I picked it up minutes after finishing the first in this series. It was one of those books that takes a little bit for you to get invested in the characters but once you are you have a hard time walking away from them. Just like in the first book I felt like the foreshadowing was as suttle as a brick to the face - but what happened toward the end surprised me. I didn't expect the direction it went and that is always a nice surprise when you are feeling all smug because you think you know where everything is going.
July 30, 2012
Maybe it's because I read so much paranormal fiction and have a lot to compare her to, but this series of Bast's, while decent, is definitely not something I would put near the top of a list of authors or series' I'd recommend to friends.
First of all, the ending was disappointing for me. Without giving any spoilers, I felt that Bast just ran out of energy, or couldn't come up with anything else to really wrap up the story in a way that resolved where she had built it up to. One minute there's danger and the next minute everybody's living happily ever after. For me there should have been a more thorough wrap up.
Secondly, it seems like Bast has a serious fascination with dominant/submissive sex as all the female characters we've met so far have been happily accepting the submissive role to the male witches they get involved with. In Witch Fire, that was fine because Mira was in a submissive place having not known she was a witch and having just come out of a bad marriage. However, Isabelle is a very different woman and I chafed a little at how submissive she was with Thomas - it just didn't ring true for me.
That said, the storyline in this book was much more interesting to me than the one in Witch Fire. I really enjoyed learning more about the history between the witches and the demons and the mentions about all the historical information Isabelle was collecting with Micah near the end makes me hope that there will be more about the world they live in in future books.
Like I said, this isn't my favourite paranormal series, but it's a good read with likeable characters and interesting plots, and I will read other books in this series.
First of all, the ending was disappointing for me. Without giving any spoilers, I felt that Bast just ran out of energy, or couldn't come up with anything else to really wrap up the story in a way that resolved where she had built it up to. One minute there's danger and the next minute everybody's living happily ever after. For me there should have been a more thorough wrap up.
Secondly, it seems like Bast has a serious fascination with dominant/submissive sex as all the female characters we've met so far have been happily accepting the submissive role to the male witches they get involved with. In Witch Fire, that was fine because Mira was in a submissive place having not known she was a witch and having just come out of a bad marriage. However, Isabelle is a very different woman and I chafed a little at how submissive she was with Thomas - it just didn't ring true for me.
That said, the storyline in this book was much more interesting to me than the one in Witch Fire. I really enjoyed learning more about the history between the witches and the demons and the mentions about all the historical information Isabelle was collecting with Micah near the end makes me hope that there will be more about the world they live in in future books.
Like I said, this isn't my favourite paranormal series, but it's a good read with likeable characters and interesting plots, and I will read other books in this series.
July 17, 2009
The second in the series of The Elemantal Witches . I really enjoyed this book. The world of Demon Ass kicking warrior witches has pulled me in.
This book carries on from where Witch Fire finished and is the story of Thomas Monahan and Isabelle Novak and their battle against a rogue demon who has been trapped on Earth following a summons from the Duskoff and is killing off witches in an attempt to raise sufficient magic to return to his relm. As all hell breaks loose Thomas and Isabelle are sucked from Earth into the demon relm and whilst Isabelle is returned Thomas is retained by the demons who beleive him to be in league with the rogue demons......
I really enjoyed the world that Anya Bast has created,in this book we get a greater understanding of the witch world, learn more about the demon relm and meet up again with the characters from the first book. Besides this we also have the love story between Thomas and Isabelle, which is hotter than hell :) if you liked the scenes in Witch Fire you'll like these too! Thomas is a strong character and so's Isabelle so they complement each other well.
If you like action, hot sexy scenes and a touch of Paranormal other worldliness then this may well be a book you'd enjoy. I'm now nearly finshed with the third book and thoroughly enjoying every word.
This book carries on from where Witch Fire finished and is the story of Thomas Monahan and Isabelle Novak and their battle against a rogue demon who has been trapped on Earth following a summons from the Duskoff and is killing off witches in an attempt to raise sufficient magic to return to his relm. As all hell breaks loose Thomas and Isabelle are sucked from Earth into the demon relm and whilst Isabelle is returned Thomas is retained by the demons who beleive him to be in league with the rogue demons......
I really enjoyed the world that Anya Bast has created,in this book we get a greater understanding of the witch world, learn more about the demon relm and meet up again with the characters from the first book. Besides this we also have the love story between Thomas and Isabelle, which is hotter than hell :) if you liked the scenes in Witch Fire you'll like these too! Thomas is a strong character and so's Isabelle so they complement each other well.
If you like action, hot sexy scenes and a touch of Paranormal other worldliness then this may well be a book you'd enjoy. I'm now nearly finshed with the third book and thoroughly enjoying every word.
March 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t normally choose Paranormal novels, let alone Romance and I have to say this is probably on my recommended list. The story was so intriguing and pulled me in with each twist and turn. Though as I got closer to the end of the book, the ending felt really rushed and super condensed. I did pick this one up off the shelf of a second hand store thinking it was a stand alone and it really honestly could be read as such.
Over all really good read
Over all really good read
October 22, 2020
Witch Blood
3 Stars
Isabelle Novak is a water witch set on avenging the murder of her sister by freezing the warlock she holds responsible. Caught in the act by the head of the Coven, Thomas Monahan, Isabelle is recruited to assist in the hunt for a demon terrorizing the witch population. Unfortunately, by placing herself in its sights, Isabelle becomes the demon’s next target . . .
As this is erotic PNR, the abundance of sex scenes is to be expected. However, Bast is also skilled at incorporating solid storylines into her writing and the plot revolving around a serial killer demon targeting specific witches to fulfill his agenda is both suspenseful and action packed. That said, the ending is rather anti-climactic and the events detailed in the last few chapters are an obvious lead in to the next book.
The romance is also weak mainly due to the heroine’s inferiority complex. Isabelle has this whole "I'm not good enough and cannot be in a long term relationship" thing going on, which causes her to run hot and cold with Thomas. She also has a couple of TSTL moments in which she keeps important information from her allies that places them and herself in unnecessary danger.
Thomas, in contrast, is a yummy hero albeit not as Alpha male as one would expect from the Coven leader. He has endless patience with Isabelle’s issues, but there are times when this is not a positive personality trait.
In sum, although not as good as the first book, Witch Blood has some exciting scenes and the world building in the series is original and compelling enough to continue.
3 Stars
Isabelle Novak is a water witch set on avenging the murder of her sister by freezing the warlock she holds responsible. Caught in the act by the head of the Coven, Thomas Monahan, Isabelle is recruited to assist in the hunt for a demon terrorizing the witch population. Unfortunately, by placing herself in its sights, Isabelle becomes the demon’s next target . . .
As this is erotic PNR, the abundance of sex scenes is to be expected. However, Bast is also skilled at incorporating solid storylines into her writing and the plot revolving around a serial killer demon targeting specific witches to fulfill his agenda is both suspenseful and action packed. That said, the ending is rather anti-climactic and the events detailed in the last few chapters are an obvious lead in to the next book.
The romance is also weak mainly due to the heroine’s inferiority complex. Isabelle has this whole "I'm not good enough and cannot be in a long term relationship" thing going on, which causes her to run hot and cold with Thomas. She also has a couple of TSTL moments in which she keeps important information from her allies that places them and herself in unnecessary danger.
Thomas, in contrast, is a yummy hero albeit not as Alpha male as one would expect from the Coven leader. He has endless patience with Isabelle’s issues, but there are times when this is not a positive personality trait.
In sum, although not as good as the first book, Witch Blood has some exciting scenes and the world building in the series is original and compelling enough to continue.
May 7, 2008
The second instalment of the Elemental Witches perhaps unintentionally brings up the question of who's more evil: demons, or the warlocks who summon them. Or, if you prefer: guns, or the people who use them. The answer in this novel seems to be demons (guns), which is good news for me, who had a thing for hot French warlock Stefan Faucheux in a previous instalment.
Another perhaps unintentional issue is what's more important: being protected, or being independent? The former prevails in this case, which came as a disappointment because the novel is at its most interesting when water witch Isabelle Novak and earth witch Thomas Monahan are apart.
Witch Blood is a step up from its predecessor (Witch Fire) in terms of stakes and world-building. Be patient, readers, because the action really kicks in with a surprise on page 283. Also stay tuned to the end to catch an excerpt of The Darkest Kiss (which has since been renamed The Chosen Sin), a futuristic romance with what little I've read seems to be intriguing world-building. Anya Bast is doing what all authors should be doing: improving with each novel. I'm really looking forward to reading The Chosen Sin, future Elemental Witches instalments and whatever else the author has in store for us.
Another perhaps unintentional issue is what's more important: being protected, or being independent? The former prevails in this case, which came as a disappointment because the novel is at its most interesting when water witch Isabelle Novak and earth witch Thomas Monahan are apart.
Witch Blood is a step up from its predecessor (Witch Fire) in terms of stakes and world-building. Be patient, readers, because the action really kicks in with a surprise on page 283. Also stay tuned to the end to catch an excerpt of The Darkest Kiss (which has since been renamed The Chosen Sin), a futuristic romance with what little I've read seems to be intriguing world-building. Anya Bast is doing what all authors should be doing: improving with each novel. I'm really looking forward to reading The Chosen Sin, future Elemental Witches instalments and whatever else the author has in store for us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2008
I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first one. It felt disjointed, like random bits of plot were thrown together without much thought for cohesiveness. Unfortunately, the sex scenes felt incidental; in Witch Fire the sex was seamlessly integrated into the plot, but in this one, the developing relationship and accompanying smut between Isabelle and Thomas seemed like it was tossed in just to make the story a romance novel. This is sad, because good lord, Anya Bast can write some hot sex scenes.
The world the witches live in was more fleshed out in this book than in the first, which is nice, and there's the potential for Bast to develop a really cool 'verse for her stories. There's a bit of a problem with expository dumps; information about the 'verse shouldn't be dropped on the audience in a page-long pause in the story, but rather integrated into the plot. The main characters are likable enough, but Isabelle just didn't grab hold of me and make me pay attention to her. I think Thomas is a much more interesting character, but alas, his story is for the most part over.
The world the witches live in was more fleshed out in this book than in the first, which is nice, and there's the potential for Bast to develop a really cool 'verse for her stories. There's a bit of a problem with expository dumps; information about the 'verse shouldn't be dropped on the audience in a page-long pause in the story, but rather integrated into the plot. The main characters are likable enough, but Isabelle just didn't grab hold of me and make me pay attention to her. I think Thomas is a much more interesting character, but alas, his story is for the most part over.
June 13, 2008
The second book in her witch series. It is a paranormal romance. Her sex scenes are repetitive--she likes to use the word tunneling and impaled for a guy entering or doing a woman. Neither one of those words do it for me.
The plot outside of the sex is pretty good, but it took me over a week to finish this book which was under 400 pages. I can usually crank out a book like that in two days or less if I have more time.
Also, maybe it is just me, but I don't like the male characters to be so forceful. I prefer the woman to be as strong or slightly stronger than the man, and I'm not into the pinning her hands above her head thing as his idea. So if you like the male character to be just a little stronger than the woman, then you'll like that aspect.
She does a little world developing and leaves the book open enough that there is room for another in the series.
She wouldn't be my first pick, but I'd probably read her again over someone like Cheyenne McCray.
The plot outside of the sex is pretty good, but it took me over a week to finish this book which was under 400 pages. I can usually crank out a book like that in two days or less if I have more time.
Also, maybe it is just me, but I don't like the male characters to be so forceful. I prefer the woman to be as strong or slightly stronger than the man, and I'm not into the pinning her hands above her head thing as his idea. So if you like the male character to be just a little stronger than the woman, then you'll like that aspect.
She does a little world developing and leaves the book open enough that there is room for another in the series.
She wouldn't be my first pick, but I'd probably read her again over someone like Cheyenne McCray.
January 15, 2025
นี่เป็นหนังสือเล่มสองในชุด Elemental Witches ของแอนย่า แบส ซึ่งเป็นนักเขียนที่เกิดจากการเขียนงานให้กับสนพ.อีลอร่าส เคฟ และเป็นหนึ่งในนักเขียนของอีลอร่าที่แม็กซ์จัดให้อยู่ในระดับที่น่าอ่าน
ดังนั้นเมื่อเธอได้สัญญาเขียนให้กับเบิร์คเลย์ แม็กซ์จึงตามเธอมาอย่างไม่ลังเล และก็ไม่ผิดหวังกับเล่มแรกของชุดซึ่งก็คือ Witch Fire ที่แม้จะไม่ถึงกับสนุกติดดาว แต่ก็ถือว่าใช้ได้ทีเดียว
ในเล่มนี้ พระเอกคือโธมัส โมนาแฮน (ที่แม็กซ์ชอบทั้งชื่อและนามสกุลมาก คิดว่าเป็นชื่อที่มีเสน่ห์ -- หากชื่อจะมีเสน่ห์ได้นะ) เขาเป็นหัวหน้ากลุ่มพ่อมด/แม่มดฝ่ายดี ที่ในเรื่องนี้เรียกรวมกันว่า Witch (ในขณะที่ฝ่ายชั่วร้ายถูกเรียกว่า Warlock --- ที่ต้องอธิบายเพราะว่า ในหนังสือบางเล่ม Witch จะถูกหมายความถึงแม่มด ส่วน Warlock คือพ่อมด แต่ในเล่มนี้เพศไม่เกี่ยวค่ะ แต่เป็นฝ่ายดีและเลว)
ภารกิจในการตามล่าปีศาจที่หลบหนีมายังโลกมนุษย์และเริ่มออกฆ่าบรรดา Wtich ซึ่งหนึ่งในนั้นคือพี่สาวของอิซาเบล ทำให้เส้นทางของโธมัสมาเจอกับอิซาเบลอย่างไม่ตั้งใจ เธอออกตามล่าสเตฟานซึ่งเป็นหัวหน้า Warlock ที่เป็นผู้นำปีศาจตนนั้นมายังโลกเพื่อแก้แค้นให้กับพี่สาว แต่โธมัสต้องขัดขวางการแก้แค้นนั้น เพราะเขาเชื่อว่าสเตฟานจะเป็นกุญแจในการกำจัดปีศาจ เขาไม่อาจปล่อยให้อิซาเบลฆ่าชายคนนั้นได้
แต่เมื่อได้พบกับแม่มดแห่งน้ำที่ทรงพลังอย่างอิซาเบล โธมัสก็รู้ว่า การเป็นมิตรกับเธอเป็นทางเลือกที่ดีกว่าการเป็นศัตรู และนั่นทำให้เขาชักชวนเธอมาเข้าร่วมเพื่อตามล่าปีศาจ ซึ่งต่อมาถูกเรียกว่าบอยล์
หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นแอ็คชั่นมากกว่าเล่มแรก ปัญหาก็คือ ฉากแอ็คชั่นที่มีเป็นฉากที่บรรดาเหล่าวิชสู้ปีศาจไม่ได้เลย นั่นเป็นความไม่สนุกนะที่เห็นฝ่ายพระเอกสู้ผู้ร้ายไม่ค่อยจะได้ แถมนางเอกยังมีพฤติกรรมที่น่ารำคาญ (ขอยืมคำพูดนี้มาใช้แล้วกัน หวังว่าคงไม่ถือว่าเรียนแบบหรอกนะ) เพราะเธอยอมแพ้ต่อโชคชะตา และเตรียมจะสละชีวิตเป็นเหยื่อให้กับปีศาจอย่างสมเป็นนางเอกในนิยายน้ำเน่า (ที่หลายคนอาจจะชอบ) นั่นคือไม่ยอมปริปากบอกใคร ประมาณว่า "ข้าขอรับทุกข์ทุกอย่างไว้เพียงคนเดียว"
แม็กซ์ไม่ชอบคนยอมแพ้ค่ะ
โอเคนะ อิซาเบลไม่ถึงกับยอมตายอย่างไร้ทางสู้ แต่หนทางที่เธอเลือก หากบังเอิญเธอไม่ใช่นางเอก ก็คงตายไปนานแล้วแหละ
อีกเหตุผลนึงที่ทำให้แม็กซ์รู้สึกรำคาญอิซาเบลมาก คงเพราะแม็กซ์ชอบโธมัสมากกกกกกกกกก
เขาเป็นพระเอกชนิดที่แม็กซ์อยากเจอในชีวิตจริง เก่งกาจ (เขาเป็นถึงหัวหน้าเหล่าวิช) เข้มแข็ง อ่อนโยน ช่างปกป้อง และกล้าที่จะบอกรักนางเอกก่อนที่เธอจะรู้ตัวว่ารักเขาเสียอีก เขายังไม่ยอมแพ้ ไม่ว่าอิซาเบลจะผลักเขาออกจากชีวิตมากเพียงไร
แต่แม็กซ์ยกให้แอนย่าคนแต่งนะ แม้อิซาเบลจะมีพฤติกรรมบางอย่างที่แม็กซ์มองว่าง���่เง่าไปสักนิด แต่เธอก็เป็นผู้หญิงที่เหมาะสมกับโธมัสมากที่สุด เธอเป็นด้านตรงข้ามอย่างชัดเจนของเขา เธอแข็งกร้าว เอาแต่ใจ หุนหัน ฟรีสปิริต ไม่ยึดติดหรือเคยมีบ้าน เธอเป็นทุกอย่างที่โธมัสโหยหาแต่ไม่อาจเป็นได้ ความรับผิดชอบในฐานะหัวหน้าแห่งวิชทำให้เขาไม่สามารถเดินทางไปไหนได้เลย เธอเป็นส่วนที่ขาด เป็นส่วนเติมเต็มในชีวิตเขา
คะแนนที่ 77 (ถ้าแค่อิซาเบลมีเหตุผลมากกว่านี้ เล่มนี้น่าจะถึง 80 นะ)
September 7, 2020
The premise and plot of this book were good but unfortunately, the author took away any interest I had by forsaking the plot and making 3/4 of the book all sex and 1/4 (maybe less) about the plot. I don't mind romance but my days of liking to read page after page of constant fairly graphic sex (bodice ripper) are long gone. Those days were in the 1970s when I was a teenager and young adult but not now that I'm a senior citizen who loves ghosts, witches, wizard books but could care less about sex. Romance is fine but I prefer it to be NON-erotica!
The plot of witches vs demons sounded really good and it was as far as it was written about. It's a good thing I picked this book up from my library's "bag sale" and only paid $1.00 for it (and I think I paid too much) cause I would have been upset to buy it new and pay full price for a bait and switch story.
The plot of witches vs demons sounded really good and it was as far as it was written about. It's a good thing I picked this book up from my library's "bag sale" and only paid $1.00 for it (and I think I paid too much) cause I would have been upset to buy it new and pay full price for a bait and switch story.
October 9, 2022
This book was fine, but I was bored for most of it.
I liked Isabelle and Thomas, and their relationship, but the plot seemed to drag. Isabelle and Thomas try to find the demon, but they were never able to and instead the demon always found them first. They couldn’t really harm the demon either, so the whole book is Isabelle and Thomas trying to do something and never being able to do it. I was bored.
Some of the side characters seemed interesting but they were always in the background, and Isabelle and Thomas don’t really interact with anyone.
While Claire seemed interesting, I don’t think that I’m going to continue with this series as I was bored with the things that happened in this book.
I liked Isabelle and Thomas, and their relationship, but the plot seemed to drag. Isabelle and Thomas try to find the demon, but they were never able to and instead the demon always found them first. They couldn’t really harm the demon either, so the whole book is Isabelle and Thomas trying to do something and never being able to do it. I was bored.
Some of the side characters seemed interesting but they were always in the background, and Isabelle and Thomas don’t really interact with anyone.
While Claire seemed interesting, I don’t think that I’m going to continue with this series as I was bored with the things that happened in this book.
January 7, 2020
(Explícito). Estuvo bien, en un principio pensé que iba a ser mucho mejor que el libro anterior pero no lo fue. Puede que aquí se incluyera mucho más al universo de brujos, brujas y demonios, y que hasta se describiera la otra dimensión pero lo único que no me gustó fue algo mínimo: la actitud de Isabelle, a veces me daba la impresión de que sus miedos ganarían la batalla y que dejaría a Thomas pero me gustó que ella fuera consiente de que tenía miedo del amor y de iniciar una relación.
Está narrado en tercera persona y ofrece varios puntos de vista, como de Isabelle y Thomas y creo que de Boyle también.
La verdad es que el inicio del libro me encantó.
Está narrado en tercera persona y ofrece varios puntos de vista, como de Isabelle y Thomas y creo que de Boyle también.
La verdad es que el inicio del libro me encantó.
March 28, 2021
This was an interesting read, witty and well written too for a romance/erotica book. Sure, it had a lot of cliche undertones and some stuff made me laugh in incredulity. Like..."Blacker than black eyes" ... Pfft! And also, they just couldn't get enough of each other! Like seriously!Hahaha! But it's not fair to complain as that was the essence of the book (I'm not, I just found some scenes funny). It served as good entertainment anyway. The author inserted humour, good prose and originality in her story as well and I loved her for that. It dragged abit with angst in the end but overall, I enjoyed it!!! 👍
August 21, 2018
The actual plot of this was rather interesting. However, probably a third or more of the book was fairly explicit sex. Which is fine if that's what you're into, but I wanted a good story and really wasn't in the mood for a book that was probably at least one third sex scenes. I "read" the book skimming/skipping the sex scenes because I was interested in the world the author created and the story. However, I'm not sure I'm interested enough to read the next two books in the series - which I have here ready to go. I think I may just return them.
February 17, 2018
Isabelle is hunting the demon that killed her sister, Thomas is the leader of the witches Coven. She has commitment issues and Thomas finds himself drawn to her wanting to keep her. All this while they try to stop a demon from hunting and killing witches. Lots of push me, pull you in the story. The last 20% took an unexpected turn, it opened up a lot of possibilities I would have liked expanded on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2019
I love Thomas and Isabelle! This book was exciting and action packed for sure!! I really enjoyed the demon world too! I really could do without the step by boring step sex scenes though. That's why I love urban fantasy versus paranormal romance. Lots of action with a bit of sex thrown in, not the other way around.
July 7, 2020
I enjoyed the magical elements to the story. I'm really curious to know - just who was the girl at the end that helped Thomas escape? Would be interesting to see a story from her POV while being in the demon world.
I throughly enjoyed witch blood. It's fast paced. Witty characters and a lot... And I mean a lot of sex scenes.
I throughly enjoyed witch blood. It's fast paced. Witty characters and a lot... And I mean a lot of sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
me gusto bastante, como van investigando quien es el culpable de los asesinatos, también como poco a poco van desarrollando un método para derrotarlo.
La química entre Isabelle y Thomas se nota desde el principio, aunque como ambos dicen quizás es influenciado por sus elementos y como son atraídos entre ellos.
El final estuvo bien, espero que el siguiente libro sea mejor
La química entre Isabelle y Thomas se nota desde el principio, aunque como ambos dicen quizás es influenciado por sus elementos y como son atraídos entre ellos.
El final estuvo bien, espero que el siguiente libro sea mejor
November 15, 2017
Another book I found on my bookshelf that I never marked down as read. It was great and I've got the next book on my to read list.
September 24, 2018
Love love it's all u can say
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
November 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t know it would be somewhat erotic but I enjoyed it. Great story!
December 14, 2020
This is soo good!
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book in the series helping me understand their magical world more and more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews