Harper L Woods has done it again, such a captivating plot all intertwined with a unique take on witches. This book has characters with different motives, spice, forced proximity, plot twists and a great pace. This one is on the dark side so read the trigger warnings if they may affect you before reading.

I loved this book. It was so enticing and made me forgot time was even passing.
The tension and and seduction was so on point. I did feel like mid was the actual plot was being out aside for the romance but it all came together in a way that made sense for that shift which was really satisfying. The cliffhanger had me immediately buying the second. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I cant wait to finish this duology

I seem to be reading more darker romance recently, and this was a decent dark romantasy.

The 4 stars is mostly for the overall vibes, because this wasn't the best in terms of quality of writing. There was minimal world building, very little actual plot, and it was a little repetitive with some things.

But I enjoyed it very much. The Vampire Diaries/witchy vibes were immaculate, I loved the romance, the suspense and intrigue. I liked that it was dual POV too.

Some scenes were amazing, described beautifully, and it just made me wonder if the author created the whole story around them.

It ended on a painful cliffhanger, which definitely makes me want to read the next book.

This was so much fun to read, I adored the spicy scenes and the tension between the characters and the unexpected twists. Still not a massive fan of when this author finishes a book and writes “the end… for now” as I just feel like it diminishes the story down from what it could be.

The writing was really good and I enjoyed the magic system and how each house held a different type of magic. The pacing was perfectly done and the story was highly entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat. Especially that ending!

My favourite parts of the book was seeing Willow access her powers to bring life to the nature around her. I though it was beautifully done and it provided a metaphorical "light" amongst all the darkness. As an FMC, Willow is a strong, sassy and independent young girl, we know that she's been through something horrifying but we don't discover it until the end of the book. I really enjoyed spending time with her, even though I didn't agree with all her actions.

As someone who doesn't read much dark romantasy, this book was darker than I expected it to be. I can't say I enjoyed the dark elements and some of them made me a little uncomfortable. If you're not into dark fantasy, this may be not for you. I did my best not to focus on those elements and actually really enjoyed the book for the spooky witchy vibes.

I'm already itching to jump into book 2!!!

If you like dark romantasy, this is a book for you. The MMC is dark, super dark. Over-protective, possessive and manipulative and absolute perfection. The spice was well written and not over done.

I thought the use of magic in this universe was really well done and I really enjoyed how it was wielded by the FMC.

Also I've seen many reviews commenting on how predictable the ending was but I didn't see it coming and loved it!

I do think the world building could have been done a little better, especially around the Coven itself as I don't think it was explained well. I also felt we rarely saw the background characters and those relationships. The FMC references being close friends with Della and Iban but we've barely seen them interact.

But overall I would definitely recommend this if you like a spicy dark read

This author never fails to disappoint!! The world building, the characters and plot were all great. The way the story builds leaving you hooked and not wanting to put the book down. A well written book with original story. There’s definitely a darker tone to this book which was a refreshing thing from the author. The wanted tropes were certainly there including enemies to lovers. The last few pages left you speechless. Book 2 will be an exciting read

I'm torn... I think it would be a 3,5 for me, but are a few things that worked and didn't work for me :

What didn't work:
- Please please please check trigger warnings before getting into this book. I must say that even knowing, the dubious consent is not something I enjoy, and it made me take distance.
- The explanations in the book are sometimes not making too much sense to me... What are they supposed to do? To what purpose? Wasn't always clear to me, and it seemed not to the main character either, so that might have been on purpose.

What worked :
- the hate/love feeling they have for eachother
- the dark (and I mean DARK!!) academia feeling
- how sassy Willow is
- and mainly THE ENDING!!! I know many say they saw it coming, but I didn't think it would go this way. Again, for most of the book I didn't really get what the goal behind her task was, so that took me by surprise, but I was ALL IN for it, and now I REALLY want to know what happens in book 2, cause I dont see any good ending possible... And it keeps me guessing.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for access to the ebook against an honest review.*

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
4 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in The Coven and relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.

Absolutely love everything and anything harper l. woods and this was yet again another banger.
The ending!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!! I’m not sure if it was just be but I did not see that coming!
I would definitely recommended but please make sure to read Tw before reading!!

Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for a free e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

I have seen this book around for a while and wasn't going to pick it up until i knew it was going to be part of a special edition box- I'm really glad i did as this was really fun. I wouldn't say its the absolute best writing iv read but it was extremely engaging and fast paced and kept my attention easily. Very addictive and i really loved the tension and smut. I went straight into the second book after this one!

Many Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing the digital review copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Ok, I going to annoy so many people here, But……. I cant tell you how many times I have read about when a female loses her virginity and somehow the male encounters her hymen inside her and just ploughs on through. IT DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT!!!!!! (and I will bash anyone around the head with this book that thinks it is) Not only is it anatomically incorrect but it's really harmful to anyone who reads it and thinks that’s how we lose our virginity.
Honestly up until I read this point, I was already rolling my eyes at how much like this story is to every other story just like this I have read, that it offered nothing new. However, I will say that in general, I do like Harper Woods's other works, but this book was just too much for me.

I thought this book was interesting and quite different for the most part and I enjoyed it but I found the last 10% very jarring. It kinda came out of nowhere and felt very chaotic. I think I would read the next book just out of curiosity but this felt a bit too stop start for me

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book

I adored this book so much. From the beginning I thought it was interesting but as soon as I got to 15% I knew it was going to be an unputdownable book that I was going to be obsessed with. I was right, everything about this book was chefs kiss.

It’s not quite a 5 star, I think a 4.75 and book 2 will be a 5 star. I’m going to immediately order both books now! I’m so excited about book 2 and wow. Everyone must read this

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world is brilliant, the plot was great. I loved the tutor/student relationship. The spice was great. And the plot twist at the end was fantastic. Looking forward to reading book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the ARC

A dark academia fantasy filled with witches, vampires, and all sorts of enthralling elements. The narrative and characters were incredibly engaging. The school setting and the brooding ambiance were particularly compelling. It was alluring, zesty, and entertaining. The world-building and character development were exceptionally detailed. Reading it was a delightful experience, and I eagerly anticipate the sequel!

Willow Madizza always knew she had magic flowing through her veins. But keeping that magic a secret was something she knew she had to do to keep her from the attentions of the covenant. When her mother dies, Willow loses the protection provided to keep her secret. When Alaric Grayson Thorne (Grey), the Headmaster of Hollow’s Grove, comes to collect Willow she knows she has no choice but to go with him. At Hollow’s Grove Willow will be expected to perfect her magic and use it for the benefit of the Coven.
But Willow has no intention of letting the Coven control her or her magic, she intends to destroy them just as they destroyed her ancestors.
Although she hates Grey on sight, there is also a strange feeling that she can’t shake whenever she is near him. If Willow is to carry out her plan she needs to hide her feelings from everyone including Grey, that could be easier said than done though as he seems determined to keep her under surveillance.
This is a brilliantly written, well plotted story, full of twists and turns. I was speechless at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers  for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Coven by Harper L. Woods delivers a captivating blend of dark academia and supernatural intrigue. Set in the secretive Hollow’s Grove University, the novel follows Willow Madizza, a witch with a destiny intertwined with a powerful Coven and a dangerous headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne. Their fiery dynamic and forbidden romance add an irresistible edge to the story.

The atmospheric writing and unique magic system are standout features, drawing readers into a world filled with enchantment and tension. However, some found the pacing uneven and the character development lacking depth, which slightly hindered their connection to the story.

Despite these issues, The Coven offers a gripping, magical experience with a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. It’s a thrilling read for fans of dark fantasy and romance.

Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for my ARC of this book.

Really wanted to like this but just couldn't relate to the characters and the writing felt a bit stilted and off

3/5

This book gripped me from the start! The writing was so atmospheric and dark, and the tension hit so right!

The magic system was so interesting, and I really liked how different families had different abilities. My favourite parts of the book are when willow is experimenting with her abilities. Reading about how she connected to the world was beautiful and I could read a whole book about just that!

I really enjoy any books that have a magical academy and even better when there are twists and turns that you don’t even see coming! Grey, the headmaster, was so dark and brooding and I couldn’t help but fall for him. He isn’t morally grey, he is morally black and I hated and loved him in the same breath! Nothing better than a forbidden romance with enemies to lovers entwined 😍

I read this whole book in one sitting, and the last 20% of the book had me hooked. By the time I had finished the book I was an absolute mess! The world building was a lot, but so, so worth it! Nothing better than a witchy book with vampires 🥰

Thankyou so much to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me this arc in return for an honest review.