#the witchery

[p-redux]

I'm getting alot of Anons and DMs suggesting it was fashion designer Siobahn Mackenzie who was the mystery lady with Sam in this pic at The Witchery last week 👇

She was seen looking verra heart eyes 😍 with Sam at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel event in Edinburgh, where both their companies were featured. 👇

And people are pointing out her fingernails match the one seen in the dinner pic with Sam. 👇

Could be...and it would make sense. They've known each other for awhile, and they knew they'd both be at the event, so maybe they met up the week before to catch up. 🤷‍♀️

What do you guys think? 🤔

[melanielocke]

Book recommendations - Queer POC books

Some more book recommendations, this time I'm focusing on Queer PoC books, all by authors of color. All the books shown in the picture are UK editions. I generally like it when books have a UK paperback edition because they're a lot cheaper than US hardcovers, usually also cheaper than US paperbacks, and release the same week as the US hardcover. I don't think these editions are always available if you live in North America, but to those living in Europe, buying UK editions can save you a lot of money. Other parts of the world I honestly don't know which editions are easiest to come by. Only downside for UK editions is that sometimes there are some with a redesigned cover that is very ugly. Of the books shown here, only the Witchery has a different cover than the US edition but in this case I like both.

Starting with this Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

This is a duology, the second and last book was released last June and so this is a complete series. It is inspired by Greek mythology, and specifically, the myth of Medea, and follows Briseis, who was adopted and inherits an estate from her aunt whom she never met. Briseis has always been able to make plants grow, and is immune to poisonous plants, and at the estate she discovers her birth family had these same gifts, and they keep a garden with some of the most poisonous plants in the world. This book has some great characters, and Briseis was adopted and raised by two sapphic Black mothers, who also play a big role in this series. This series has also served as inspiration for the Lightwood's magic garden in Flowers Bloom

Also by this author: Cinderella is Dead, which I'd also recommend, the Vanquishers, a MG which I did not read

Upcoming books: My Dear Henry, a Jekyll & Hide retelling (3-2023); You're not Supposed to Die Tonight, a slasher horror (6-2023)

Next up is Afterlove by Tanya Byrne

This is a sapphic love story with a MC of Indian decent. At New Years's Eve, just before midnight, Ash is hit by a car and dies instantly. She gets the offer to become a reaper, who guide the city's dead to their afterlife. But Ash can't forget Poppy, her girlfriend, and will do anything to get to see her again.

I haven't seen a lot of people talk about this book, but I really enjoyed it. The main focus is the romance here, and it's more romance with a fantasy aspect to it than fantasy.

Other books by this author: there are several other older books, none of which I've read

Upcoming books: The Mermaid of Black Rock (9-2023), a sapphic book about a girl with no memory found in the sea and a girl who falls in love with her

The Jasmine Throne is the only adult series I put in this list (the rest is YA), and is a fantasy trilogy set in an India inspired world. Book 1 and 2 are out now.

Malini is a princess who is imprisoned in an old temple by her dictator brother, an emperor obsessed with religious ideas revolving women gaining purity and immortality by being burnt alive. Malini refused to burn for his sake.

Priya is a maidservant who travels to the temple every night to clean Malini's chambers. Before her land was conquered by Malini's family, Priya was a temple child, and she had passed through the magical deathless waters once, but all the temple children were murdered except a few who survived and she has to hide her past.

Malini and Priya eventually start working together, with the goal of restoring the throne to Malini's other, oldest brother who'd abandoned the throne to become a priest.

Other books by this author: The Books of Ambha duology, adult fantasy, and What Souls are Made of, a YA Wuthering Heights retelling

Upcoming books: Book 3 of the series, scheduled for 2023, currently no release date known

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas is one of my personal favorites of this year. It's the first book in a YA fantasy duology set in a world inspired by Mexican culture. In this world, the sunbearer trials are held every ten years to replenish the energy of the sol stones and keep the sun alive and evil gods at bay. Ten demigods (called semidioses) are chosen by Sol to compete in a set of trials. The winner becomes the Sunbearer and gets to replenish the sol stones. The loser becomes a human sacrifice that is necessary to replenish said stones.

Semidioses are divided in gold and jade categories, depending on if their parent is a gold or jade god. Gold gods are the most powerful gods, ruling over things like the earth, the seas, fire etc, while jade gods are considered less powerful and their children too. There haven't been any jade competitors in the Sunbearer trials in over a century, but that year, two are chosen.

Teo is the transgender son of Quetzal, the goddess of birds, and he never expected to be chosen for the trials. The other jade is Xio, the son of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck. The other 8 competitors are all gold semidioses, including Teo's best friend Niya, daughter of Tierra, god of the Earth and the twin children of the fire goddess, Aurelio and Auristela. Compared to many of the others, Teo does not have a lot of powers and will have to fight with everything he has to survive.

The fantasy world in this book is modern second world, so while everything is different from this world, there are equivalents of instagram and tiktok for example, and they have trading cards featuring different semidiose heroes.

Other books by the author: Cemetery Boys, Lost in the Never Woods, I've read both and they're very good

Upcoming books: book 2 of the sunbearer trials (expected in 2023), companion/sequel to Cemetery Boys (fall 2024), untitled book pitched as gay titanic in space (2024), Just Max (a contemporary set in college, 2024).

I don't think it's likely there'll be 3 books coming out in 2024 but that's the information I currently have

The last book in the picture is the Witchery by S. Isabelle

This book features four witches and two human boys. Logan only recently found out she's a witch and transferred to a school for witches, and so far she's no good at it. But she's taken under the wing by the Red Three, three Black witches and the most powerful witches at the school. Thalia, a greenwitch, Iris, a deathwitch and Jailah, the most powerful witch at school, want to end the curse that's plaguing their town, and want Logan's help to do it.

Every year, there's a Haunting Season during which wolves come out of the swamp and kill people. The witches can protect people, to some extent, but the Red Three want to end the Haunting Season once and for all.

This book has a total of 6 POV's, which can make it confusing but I think it worked well. All the characters were interesting, but there wasn't enough space to flesh them all out as much as I would have liked. Still, I think the story was great, and would recommend it. There's not much focus on romance, but Jailah is a lesbian which is why I included it on this list.

Other books by this author: The Witchery is her first book

Upcoming books: another book is expected to be released in 2023. I have no idea what this book is about

Let me know if there are specific recommendations you'd like me to cover next time, I think I'll make more posts like these because it's lots of fun. Also, if you've read any of the books I recommend and want to talk about it, let me know, because I don't have a lot of people to talk about my favorite books with

@alastaircarstairsdefenselawyer @life-through-the-eyes-of @astriefer @justanormaldemon @ipromiseiwillwrite @a-dream-dirty-and-bruised @amchara @all-for-the-fanfiction @imsoftforthomastair @ddepressedbookworm @queenlilith43 @wagner-fell @cant-think-of-anything @laylax13s @tessherongraystairs @boredfangirl16 @artist-in-soul @bottomdelioncourt @ikissedsmithparker

[ireadyabooks]

5 Book Recs Based on Your Favorite Nostalgic Halloween Movie!🎃

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite parts of October is watching all the classic spooky season movies I grew up with. It brings back all those fond memories of childhood fall festivities, Halloween costume planning, and the joy of filling up your candy bucket while trick-or-treating (even if you had to fight your mom about wearing a jacket with your costume because it was too cold). If you’re in the middle of your yearly Halloween movie binge or haven’t had time because of the hot new books dropping recently, here are some ghoulish book recommendations based on some of our favorite nostalgic Halloween movies!

If you like Hocus Pocus (1993), then you might like Dead Man’s Float   

While there might not be a big musical number led by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy in the middle of Dead Man’s Float, this story will surely leave you gasping for air. There is no doubt that Hocus Pocus is one of the most classic Halloween movies of all time, as the dubious Max unleashes the iconic Sanderson sisters to enact their revenge on Salem. Shawn Sarles' haunting YA horror novel follows this same hair-raising idea, except this time, a seemingly harmless prank unleashes a ghost with unfinished business and intent on finding its killer. If you’re in the mood for a more frightening version of the classic Hocus Pocus story, I recommend you start reading Dead Man’s Float now!

If you like Halloweentown (1998), then you might like Shadow Coven

Halloweentown is well-known for its inclusion of literally all things Halloween and its empowering story of a young witch who will go to extreme lengths to save her family and the world from an evil power. Similarly, S. Isabelle’s second installment in The Witchery series, Shadow Coven, centers around a group of witches who must defeat magical and mundane threats to save themselves and their coven forever. While there might not be any friendly skeleton cab drivers, Shadow Coven includes some kick-butt witches just like Marnie and her family that will surely have you reaching for the spellbook this Halloween! Start reading now!

If you like Casper (1995), then you might like Sixteen Souls

Casper the Friendly Ghost is a staple nostalgic character during the Halloween season. How could you not love the sweet and cute little ghost who falls for the girl who moves into the very mansion he’s haunting? Fans of the movie Casper will have no problem jumping into the spooky yet swoony YA debut Sixteen Souls by Rosie Talbot. This ghostly tale is about sixteen-year-old Charlie, who gets dragged into hunting down the cause behind the mysterious disappearances of several famous spirits by an irritating yet charming new ghost seer in town. Sixteen Souls is sure to give you chills, all while making your heart melt as Charlie must deal with his growing crush and work to save York’s spirits at the same time. Start reading Sixteen Souls now!

If you like Beetlejuice (1988), then you might like Beholder

Whether you became a fan by watching the 1988 film with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder or the quirky modern-day musical, there is no denying that Beetlejuice has cemented itself as one of the most iconic ghost stories of all time. While Ryan La Sala’s Beholder is much more mysterious and sinister than the joke-filled dark humor of Beetlejuice that we’re used to, both stories explore a world where dark, evil powers must be stopped before they have the chance to take over fully—one just comes in a pin-striped suit with green hair. Start reading BEHOLDER!

If you like Scooby Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost (1999), then you might like At the Speed of Lies

It goes without saying that any Scooby-Doo! film or episode is a year-round classic. But during the Halloween season especially, there is something even more thrilling about watching the gang from Mystery Inc. kick some monster butt. This undefeatable group of friends is no stranger to solving their town’s mysteries; still, Quinn Calvet from Cindy L. Otis��� At the Speed of Lies certainly wasn’t expecting to get swept into the mystifying chaos of her town’s latest disappearances. Fans of Scooby-Doo! will love this modern twist on mystery solving that we’ve all grown to love, thanks to Velma, Daphne, Fred, Shaggy, and Scooby. And while Quinn might be well on her way to becoming the “it girl” of The Whine, her town’s growing social media platform, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to the original it girls–The Hex Girls from Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost. Start reading At the Speed of Lies!

[seasonofthebxtch]

I've always wanted to stay at this hotel in Edinburgh called The Witchery. It's got such cool gothic, Castle Dimitrescu vibes but the prices just aren't for me...🌹

[coupleofdays]

I don't understand this book series.

[sabtastique]

Confirmed for a few more convention dates!

[sapphicbookoftheday]

The Witchery by S. Isabelle

Today's sapphic book of the day is The Witchery by S. Isabelle!

Summary: "A bewitching debut by S. Isabelle, perfect for fans of Maggie Stiefvater, Zoraida Córdova, and Leigh Bardugo!

THE HAUNTING SEASON IS HERE AND THE WOLVES ARE AWAKE.

Haelsford, Florida is a hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a baby witch struggling to control her powers, thinks as she arrives to the witchtown to begin the new school year at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three. Iris is a deathwitch who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Jailah is one of the most powerful witches at the academy but her thirst for power may lead her down a dark path; and Thalia, the talented greenwitch, is on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her.

Fear and prejudice still fuel the uneasy truce between humans and witches who are forced to work together when the Haunting Season begins and Wolves rise from the swamp to feed. With this approaching, two Hammersmitt boys prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection. But as they become involved with the Mesmortes witches’ plan to end the Wolves’ reign of terror once and for all, old dangers lie in wait.

The cost to break the curse may be greater than any witch or human could ever know."

[maximalismdaybyday]

Source

[bewitchinglybold]

For our commitment ceremony me and @parkerpants built and bound a broom together.

A broom can be hung over your home’s front door to prevent gossip, unwanted guests, or curses. They can be used symbolically for protection, but their main use is for clearing away negative energy ahead of, or during a ritual. Marriage is one of the most sacred rituals of all ✨🖤

Our broom is from @thewitcherymarket

[unfocusedcuriosity]

The bond between me, iced coffee (with a straw) and books/writing is unbreakable.

[thewaywardmoon]

So, day three in Edinburgh...

I’m starting the day at Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, which is a medieval church and graveyard with some colorful residents. It’s also the place where the skye terrier, “Bobby” is reputed to have visited his owner’s grave every day for 14 years, and there’s a statue of Bobby nearby

(Greyfriar’s Bobby statue from Must See Scotland)

A little over a year ago, I lost my dog, Cricket, who was my constant companion for 12 years. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that loss, or can even explain what she means to me, but visiting Bobby while in Edinburgh feels like a necessary part of saying goodbye

I will probably be a mess after this, so I’ve given myself some time to sit with my feelings and maybe get something to eat before the next thing I do, which is a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle

(Edinburgh Castle via Trip Advisor)

There are actually two castles in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyrood (which I’ll talk about more later) and this one, dating from the 11th century. The Royal Mile stretches between them, and most of the early city of Edinburgh was built around Edinburgh Castle

After the castle tour, I’m treating myself to dinner at The Witchery, which is just...

(The Witchery via Trip Advisor)

The Witchery is a restaurant and inn at the base of Edinburgh Castle, near the location where witches were executed from the 16th to 18th century. The Witchery is darkly gothic, and sort of pays homage to those who lost their lives. It’s also a popular stop for ghost tours on the Royal Mile

After dining with the ghosts of witches, I head back to my hotel to sleep and get ready for my last full day in Edinburgh

The next morning I’ll be hitting Edinburgh’s other castle, the Palace of Holyrood. This one’s a bit more contemporary than Edinburgh Castle. It was built in the 15th century and was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s also where the current royal family stays when they’re in Edinburgh

(The Palace of Holyrood via Wikipedia)

After the palace, I’m hoping to grab lunch or tea nearby, then spend the rest of the afternoon on the Royal Mile just shopping and sightseeing. Then I’m spending my last night in Edinburgh at The Piper’s Rest, a pub known for its craft beers and nightly live music. Then I wake up stupidly early the next day to catch a train back to London, where’ll be for several more days

I think that’s good for now. I’ll make another post on my London leg of the trip later

[p-redux]

NEW fan pic of Sam Heughan in Edinburgh last week!

This fan posted some pics from her trip to Scotland, including catching Sam out for a meal in Edinburgh. 👇 Here's her post (no, that's not Sam)

Here's the pic she took of Sam 👇

She tagged this place 👇

Looks very cool 👇

She answered that it was last week when she took this pic and she shared she couldn't see WHO Sam was with...or so she says. 🤷‍♀️

Imagine being whoever is sitting across THIS?! I can't even 🔥😍

[booksgaloresworld]

This is my favourite book of 2022. Young Adult, Fantasy, Queer.

Synopsis

THE HAUNTING SEASON IS HERE AND THE WOLVES ARE AWAKE.

Haelsford, Florida is a Hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a baby witch struggling to control her powers, thinks as she arrives to the witchtown to begin the new school year at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three. Iris is a deathwitch who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Jailah is one of the most powerful witches at the academy but her thirst for power may lead her down a dark path; and Thalia, the talented greenwitch, is on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her.

Fear and prejudice still fuel the uneasy truce between humans and witches who are forced to work together when the Haunting Season begins and Wolves rise from the swamp to feed. With this approaching, two Hammersmitt boys prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection. But as they become involved with the Mesmortes witches’ plan to end the Wolves’ reign of terror once and for all, old dangers lie in wait.

The cost to break the curse may be greater than any witch or human could ever know.

[lexalovesbooks]

BEX!!!

[just0nemorepage]

The Witchery || S. Isabelle || 384 pages Top 3 Genres: Fantasy / Young Adult / Witches

Synopsis: Haelsford, Florida is a Hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a baby witch struggling to control her powers, thinks as she arrives to the witchtown to begin the new school year at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three. Iris is a deathwitch who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Jailah is one of the most powerful witches at the academy but her thirst for power may lead her down a dark path; and Thalia, the talented greenwitch, is on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her.

Fear and prejudice still fuel the uneasy truce between humans and witches who are forced to work together when the Haunting Season begins and Wolves rise from the swamp to feed. With this approaching, two Hammersmitt boys prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection. But as they become involved with the Mesmortes witches’ plan to end the Wolves’ reign of terror once and for all, old dangers lie in wait.

The cost to break the curse may be greater than any witch or human could ever know.

Started: January 24th, 2024.