Thank you to NetGalley and to Maria A. Eden for providing me with an ARC copy of The Grey Prophecy.

I am extremely happy that this was the first ARC that I have been provided.

I loved this book so much that I found myself struggling to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book and the way that witchcraft was portrayed in this book was also amazing.

The plot was so well written that I was always excited to see what was going to happen next.

I absolutely loved The Gray Prophecy and I can't wait for the next book.

Cori was 12 years old when she gave a prophecy that would change the world of witches forever. Other witches put her on their hit list to stop the prophecy from coming true. Fast forward ten years when Cori moves to Farley, Maine. As the date of her prophecy draws near, she is thrust back into the world she spent a decade hiding from – magic, friendship, and family. Cori might also find love in the local Water Elemental witch, Adrien.

I did not realize how much I missed witchy stories until reading “The Gray Prophecy”. This is the first ARC that I couldn’t put down! There was so much to love about “The Gray Prophecy.” The pacing was wonderful in that it wasn’t too slow or too fast. There were a couple of places where there were minor time jumps, but they helped move the story along instead of making readers slog through 100 days of monotony. Already, that makes the book easy to read. Add in the dual POV from Cori and Adrien in shorter chapters, and I just ate up each word. The dual POV was a great way to provide insight into differing perspectives on the same event. I also found that the dual POV helped add more depth to the side characters.

Another thing I loved about the book was Maria Eden’s writing. The story had a great flow that led readers seamlessly between world-building, thoughts, dialogue, and visions. This is a talent that Eden excels at, making “The Gray Prophecy” genuinely enjoyable! She also has a way of connecting traditional lore around witches/witchcraft in a cohesive way that many writers seem to struggle with when creating a paranormal story. Instead of trying to create a whole new world from scratch, Eden takes what most people already know about witches and added her own flair. She then took this traditional lore and explained differences in beliefs within the lore she had created. There was little room for questions due to plot holes. I was surprised at how frequently I found myself saying, “Oh, that makes so much sense,” while reading. The only request I have is more romance, but even that was solid in execution.

Get ready witchy readers! We have a new read that will have you ready for autumn as you dive into the first book in the new Elementals series!

***I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley in return for an honest review.***

Rating: 4.9 stars
WRITING STYLE: 1/1
CHARACTER LIKABILITY: 1/1
ENTERTAINMENT: 1/1
PLOT: 1/1
ROMANCE: 0.9/1

Very good book. Am excited for the next book in series. Would recommend to friends. Best book that I have read in a while. 10 /10!

The Gray Prophecy by Maria A. Eden is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance that kept me hooked from the start. Eden’s world-building is rich and immersive, and her characters are complex and relatable. The plot is filled with intrigue and suspense, and the romantic tension is palpable. Cori, the young witch at the heart of the story, is a strong and determined protagonist whose journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this promising series. Thank you to NetGalley and Maria A. Eden for the opportunity to read this ARC.

4.25/5

I genuinely enjoyed The Gray Prophecy. I felt like it was one of those books you'd read curled up in bed on a rainy day.

While set in our modern world, Farley felt like a real place (I'm sure these places, or at least in some sense, exist). but vivid detail and fleshed-out showing rather than telling brought me into the town. Each side character came to life, however minor. (Honestly, Jordan was my favorite.) I could imagine conversations between everyone with little mannerisms and quirks described with each interaction.

I appreciated Cori's arc. Sometimes we're stronger together rather than alone and that's okay.

I kind of love books with prophecies. They're usually wildcards.
How all of the different witches and their powers worked was interesting to read.

All in all, it was just a laid-back, but compelling read. I *wanted* to know what happened, which is the important part.

My only complaint is: what happened to Turtle? Where. Is. Turtle?

Lastly, I kind of wasn't interested in a continuation of Enzo's story until I read the short piece of the beginning of his book but then based on what I read - I am kind of interested now. I can't wait to read it.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

As a child, Cori a celestial witch, delivered a prophesy that would shake the world of witches. Since coming of age she has been in hiding as many of those witches believe that only in her death will the prophesy cease to exist.
When she arrives in the small costal town in Maine to take up a research position in marine Ecology, Cori encounters another witch, Adrian. With his control of the water element it soon become apparent to both of them that they are not just fated but destined to face the prophesy together.
This was an excellent read. I loved the interaction between the characters and am glad that there will be more books from this world. Good flowing plot that kept me engrossed throughout, such that I read it in one sitting.

I love a good witchy vibe, and this book delivered! I couldn’t put this book down, the plot was entertaining and well paced. The world building was easy to follow and not super complicated. I am always a little unsure how I will feel about a contemporary fantasy, but I loved it! Especially the little Gilmore girl reference (team Jess forever!). Cori was such a likable FMC, and I was quickly rooting for her. I ADORE Adrian, and loved the relationship between him and Cori. Honestly all the Huxley’s are top tier found family goals. I only wish the book was a longer so we could see Cori and Adrian’s relationship grow and some more world building. Can’t wait for book 2!!!

Must read for:
✨fated mates
✨small town
✨found family
✨touch her and die
✨witchy vibes
✨fall aesthetic
✨magic
✨dual pov

2.5 stars. I liked this but around the 50% mark things just got too disjointed to overlook. Likable characters and unique plot. I think it was too steep to write such an (interesting!) but complicated plot and a genuine memorable romance in so few pages.

This was such a fun and immersive read that combined cozy small-town vibes with exciting magical adventures.

Cori is a witch hiding from a prophecy she delivered as a child. Moving to Farley, Maine, she hopes to keep a low profile until the prophecy comes true.

She meets Adrian Huxley, a local Water Elemental witch, making it hard to keep her secret.

Their chemistry is AMAZING, and you'll root for them from the start.

The plot keeps you hooked with its twists and surprises!!

It's a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and magic that will keep you turning the pages.

Thank you NetGalley and Maria Eden for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Adrian and Cori.
Whatever Maria put in this book was like crack to my soul - witches, beautiful prose, compelling story, it had everything.
Cori is a celestial witch running from a prophecy she delivered years ago which spells her death on a future winter solstice. Her San Fran coven believes that Cori's prophecy must come true to ensure those have used dark magic don't lose their magic. She and her family believe that by running and hiding until the date of the prophecy she can outrun her fate. What she doesn't plan on is hiding in a town with other witches who don't buy into the doom of gloom the prophecy supposedly spells. Cori also happens across a boy (as you do) and boy would he burn the world down for his woman.
I loved the world Maria built and enjoyed every second.

This was quite a fun witchy read. I genuinely enjoyed the writing style of the author and the small town vibes of the book as well as the dynamics and relationships between te=he characters. It was well constructed and very dynamic. I was hooked and this book was right up my alley.

I was so grateful to get to read this as an ARC. I absolutely adored this book. It wasn’t perfect, there were a few things that I didn’t fully understand the motivations behind and I kept forgetting that the setting was modern (although that might just be me because this is a branch out from what I’m used to). I also didn’t think the pacing was always perfect. However, I found myself really caring about and rooting for the characters and it has been a while since a book has managed that so I was really pleased. The main characters were likeable and there were enough spicy scenes to keep it entertaining without it feeling like it was overshadowing the plot. I’m really excited to see what is next from this author!

🔮✨ Cori's prophecy marked her for danger: all dark magic witches will lose their power on a future winter solstice. After years of hiding, she moves to Farley, Maine, hoping to stay under the radar. But meeting local Water Elemental witch Adrian Huxley changes everything. As secrets unravel and old threats resurface, Cori must confront the dark truths of her past. ✨🔮

Although it took me a few days to get through, this was a simple and quick read. I've never read a book centered around prophecies, so I was excited to dive in. The magic system is fascinating and cool! While the day-by-day storytelling and sudden time skip were surprising, they kept the plot from dragging. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, with some especially surprising moments.

I loved the whole prophecies plot and found the characters interesting, with genuine friendships and connections. The concept of Celestial witches, the Mother, the Other, and the Giver was intriguing, and I wish there was more about them! Be prepared for a few sexual scenes—they weren't overly spicy, but felt a bit awkward.

For fans of Spells for Forgetting and A Discovery of Witches, this ethereal fantasy romance is a must-read! If you enjoy fated lovers, found families, and prophecies, pick this book up and see how you like it!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

I enjoyed this read, it had an interesting take on magic and who doesn’t like a story with a world changing prophecy? The spice level was good while still maintaining a plot driven story. My only complaints would be that there was some parts that moved a bit oddly; going from day to day onto skipping ahead but still in the same chapter was kind of confusing. There were other instances where the characters would be eating dinner and then suddenly onto desert/wine that didn’t flow very well as a reader. Other than that, it was a nice witchy read and left with closure but opening for the next part of the series which is nice especially if you aren’t one for a cliff hanger.

This is a great read! The Prophecy has defined Cori's life for a decade. Basically trapping her and limiting everything. Enzo's final betray was a shock. I enjoyed this book. It kept my attention and was filled with unexpected moments.

This was really good, and it's the first in a new series! I absolutely loved everything about this book! I love good witchey stories.

First, thank you Net Galley & Maria A. Eden for the ARC of The Gray Prophecy!

I really devoured this book! I am not typically a huge fan of urban fantasy books where phones and real world topics are a part of the story, but something about this really pulled me in! It was a great balance of prophecy and history, with a blend of the modern world in it. I loved the romance/fated aspect of the book as well as the found family and I wish it was developed more in the story. But honestly, I am glad it didn’t overshadow the plot and Cori’s journey. The plot is captivating and deserved the spotlight in this story. I didn’t love the pop culture references to Friends and such, but like I said before, I just don’t usually gravitate toward real world type fantasy books in general and it wasn’t overdone so it didn’t bother me much. Overall, it is a great witchy read and I would definitely recommend it! The main criticism of the book is that I just wish there was more.

SPOILERS BELOW

I would have loved a longer book with a deeper dive into her prophecy and that of the celestial witches. Learning more about the Mother, Giver, and the Other as well as the different types of witches that exist in this world. More background on Cori’s past and Calvin’s eventual villain arc. And more development on Cori and Adrian’s romance, of course. But I should have known going into it that it wouldn’t be incredibly detailed because it is a short book! Overall it was a great story and I will definitely be reading the next!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! I had such a good time reading this and I was pleased to find that this will be a series.
Things to expect:
- elemental magic & prophecies
- fated romance/love
- found family
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantasy!

Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I started this book I didn't think I would be so enamored that I couldn't put it down until I was done. I went on an 8 hour journey that make me laugh cry and gasp with suprise because of things I didn't see coming. The world building and how the magic works was really great and the plot kept me hooked and the spice was tame compared to what I usually read. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to get a physical copy so I can share it with my friends.

It’s getting harder to find the exact urban fantasy that’s my favorite, and I was excited that this one almost seemed a 100% fit. I’m glad to say it pretty much did. I felt so sad for Cori, and I’m glad she finally had a “found” family a little way into the book. There were a couple of twists and turns that made me a little confused, but I can’t really say since they are spoilers. However, that was my only real “beef” with the book, and that didn’t really keep me from enjoying this. This is a standalone, but the author’s not at the end says there’s another one coming with a minor character as the major character. I’ll definitely read that. Well—written, intriguing, romantic, and engaging. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.