| Title | : | The Book of the Unwinding (Witches of New Orleans #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 300 |
| Publication | : | First published June 26, 2018 |
With their magic diminishing, warring factions of New Orleans witches desperately search for the Book of the Unwinding—a legendary grimoire, hidden by spells, that holds the key to unimaginable powers. As a ruthless struggle erupts in a maelstrom of malevolent magic, psychic Nathalie Boudreau finds her destiny intertwined with that of an exiled witch.
Her name is Alice Marin, a vulnerable young woman trapped in a realm of illusion. Only Nathalie can free her, but first she must come to understand and master her own extraordinary abilities.
Now, in a world where betrayals have become the order of the day, it will fall to two women to restore rightful balance amid terrifying chaos.
The Book of the Unwinding (Witches of New Orleans #2) Reviews
-
The Book of the Unwinding
Witches of New Orleans, Book 2
By: J. D. Horn
Narrated by: Sophie Amoss
I won this ebook from Goodreads giveaway so I spent the extra 1.99 for the audible version, (yes, this author doesn't shaft you with a tremendous amount of money on top of the book for the audible. Very few authors have a decent price still.)
I really enjoyed this dark fantasy with witches, demons, death, another realm, and mysteries. I didn't read book one first which I felt lost at first, I felt I was in a crowd and everyone knew a secret but me. Read book one first! I will have to go back and read it now and I may listen to the audible again, (and break my rule of not re-reading) so I can get the full effect of this book.
The narrator was spot on! Should you get the audible you won't be disappointed. Great performance!
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to letting me read your book, I know the review was voluntary but I feel I owe you that for the book and being decent enough to have low prices on your audible when buying with the book. Thanks again. -
As much as I liked the first book, must I confess that the story in this book was even more captivating. If you have read the first book in the series, then you know about all that happened to Alice, Evangeline, Nathalie and the rest. If you are new, well, there is a nice character list before the story starts, and I advise you to read it carefully to get the gist of where the characters are standing today. Actually, I found the list great too since I needed to refresh my memory.
I've just finished the book so I'm still in the world of witches in New Orleans, and wow I could stay there for a while. Anyhow, if you are looking for a non-YA book about witches, struggle for power and brutal death's then this series is for you. The search for the Book of the Unwinding goes on in this book, and a new foe shows up, or rather an old, new foe one could say. And, poor Alice is trapped in another realm, put there by her own father. And there she is slowly dying, as the realm and the creatures there draw on her powers. Back in New Orleans is faithful Daniel (who has looked after her since she was a child) searching for a way to save her. To bring her back, before it's too late...
There, I've given you all an appetizer! Now, go and find this book and book one, The King of Bones and Ashes, to read!
I want to thank 47North for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! -
I wasn't blown away by the first book in this series, but I was intrigued enough that I wanted to give this one a go. Alas, at 50% this one is just not holding my attention. I hate to be blunt, but watching paint dry might be more exciting. Even the fantastic setting of New Orleans couldn't save it. Oh well, you can't love them all...
-
The second book of The Witches of Orleans series is a really good read. Magic continues to wane and witches are desperate to get their hands on any source of magic that they can. There is danger lurking and witches disappearing. The Book of the Unwinding is being sought and could lead to untold danger.
The Marin family and their coven remain at the centre of things. Witches of power outside the family find themselves drawn into these issues and will become integral to some terrifying events. Without them though all could be lost.
It’s a page turner full of action, magic, danger and unexpected revelations.
I found the ending a bit disappointing but it does lead on well to book three. -
Pretty good for a second installment.
The Book of the Unwinding sort of picked up where the first book left off. In it, you are still trying to figure out what happened between the gang.. and what's going to happen with them as well. I was honestly intrigued in the first quarter of the book because I wanted to know if they could bring Alice back. Also, I was wondering how, when, and where this was going to take place.
Now Alice has a terrible time so far. She's stuck in another realm because of her douche of a dad. Oh, and she just happens to be dying as well. It was like a cherry on top of the sundae kind of terrible moment. So I was really intrigued by her friends trying to figure out a way to get her back to their world.
This book also had it's fair share of ups and downs. I feel like the first half got me excited.. but then the last half just disappointed me. Which sucks ass because I like the characters so freaking much and I'm sort of investing so much time into these books. I really hope that the next book will be a shit ton better. Especially since it will be the last. It just sucks major ass that I have to wait for next year - I hate waiting!! -
I received this copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My review of the first book
The King of Bones and Ashes.
Suffers from second book syndrome. It just doesn’t live up to the first but it’s not a bad read either. In fact, I’m certain I’ll still read book #3 when it comes out.
Four months after the events of book one, we’re given a view of how life has changed for our witches. Some for the better, others not so much and yet others still trying to find themselves in the aftermath.
The focus of the first half of the book is trying to free Alice from the Dreaming Road before she disappears forever. This was an incredibly slow build up with some things that really needed to be explained further. There’s some talk about a certain kind of destiny that isn’t fully examined. Perhaps it’s supposed to be self explanatory, but for someone not into ‘destiny’ talk, it leaves a decent size gap in the world building.
The second half of the book was kind of a cluster fuck of events. How did our new villain become a major player? One minute they were sterile and unable to do anything, the next they’re clearly here to fuck everyone’s shit up. How did this come to be? I’m still not sure. In some instances, the characters go into detailed flashbacks of past events, but current happenings are skipped over completely and almost left to the reader’s imagination of how they transpired.
Despite these complaints, I still love the characters. I’m still interested in what is going to happen to them and where all this drama will lead. Just please J.D. Horn, fill in some gaps for us. -
A slightly different flavor from the first, Horn takes the cast of mostly luckless witches, and those around them, down surprising new paths, twisting from expectation, and keeping the suspense intact.
Listen to my interview with the author here:
https://www.unnervingmagazine.com/sin... -
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review
While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first book I was certainly interested enough to want to continue. In places it was better than the first book, but in other places it certainly wasn’t and so I am left with the same rating.
There is so much potential here and it certainly isn’t the writing style by J.D. Horn that is the problem. The writing is dark and atmospheric. I think it captures well the feeling of New Orleans as its own entity almost. But that isn’t enough to make a book.
Plot wise this second book is lacking. For me it felt like there was no climax nearing the end. It just trudged on in the dragging pace that was set at the start of the book. There weren’t any big revelations. There were a few story lines here and there with Alice’s fate after book one for instance, and Evangeline’s fight. But they weren’t big enough to carry the whole book. There was no true climax to them and in parts (especially considering Evangeline) things were confusing. It just feels like a set up for the next one. The revelation at the end was certainly interesting. However it is hard to care at this point. We also aren’t entirely getting great reasons as to why the magic is diminishing.
Added on to that is that I don’t truly care about any of these characters. There for sure was some character development in this book. There was one that I cared about but not anymore. What happened just makes me want to shout into the void. Alice is just a lost girl really. Nobody but Daniel seems to truly want to protect her which is kind of sad. Nathalie is more present in this book and she is an interesting addition. I just don’t think we’ve delved that deep into her.
Evangeline is a strong woman but I don’t care for her one bit. The more we get to know her, the more I hope she ends up dead at the end of all of this. Lisette is also not a favorite but I think she got dealt the short end of the stick in this one. Her children however seem sweet and I hope that they end up happy. I think following Fleur more would have been interesting. Her mother makes some questionable decisions.
The romance is also questionable to me about soulmates and being meant to be because they had seen in the future with at least two romances. I love that there is some diversity there. Alice and Nathalie are lesbians. I just don’t like how this is being forced on Alice, soulmate wise. I’m glad that she decided to take a few steps back from it.
Having said that all though I can’t turn my back on this series either and I am still interested in reading it. J.D. Horn truly is a great writer. And he can do character developments. But his plots need to be tighter. -
I enjoyed the first book, although I had wished it would stay with fewer characters' perspectives. The second book improved on that. I didn't expect to enjoy it so much and am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
-
The Book of the Unwinding is a chronicle of several families in present-day New Orleans. It’s also the second book in J.D. Horn’s Witches of New Orleans series. It’s creepy and chilling, which is just right as I head into the Halloween reading season.
The Marin Family has three generations in this story, but Horn focuses on the youngest daughter, Fleur, and her daughter Lucy. Nevertheless. Fluer’s parents and siblings play a part too. Thankfully, Horn includes a cast of characters listing, which helps a lot.
The Simeon—Perrault family isn’t as aristocratic as the Marins. They are just as magical, though. That said, part of the plot here is that magic is dying. And if there’s one thing that makes witches crazy, it’s watching their magic fade away. Lissette Simeon Perrault runs her late mother’s famous French Quarter Voodoo supply store, Vèvè. A former doubter, she’s fully on board the magic train these days.
Also key to the plot is Nathalie Boudreau, a chauffeur (or Uber driver) who has a strong sixth sense. She doesn’t mean to get embroiled in all the witchy doings, but keeps landing in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Nathalie and the New Orleans witches are also trying to free one of their own from a realm of illusion. Alice Marin, trapped there at the end of book one, may hold the key to saving their magic.
All of these players (and more) are trying to find the Book of the Unwinding, hoping for solutions to making their magic stronger. Some have more desire for control than others, but they’re all tricky and covert about their goals.
The action moves fast, and the plot scoots around like a witch on her broom. Horn has a way with gruesome twists and cliffhangers.
My conclusions
I listened to the audiobook for this one, partly because I am perennially trying to catch up on ARCs. I wish the audiobook had a cast of characters listing like the book does, although it’d be hard to reference. Sophie Amoss offers a strong narration of this tale.
In the midst of reading other books about heavier subjects, The Book of the Unwinding is a good balance. Although it certainly has plenty of coven politics at its core. I like the way Horn balances his stories—fast plot, plenty of complications, and some macabre details. This is a promising new series!
Acknowledgements
As I mentioned, I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley, 47 North, and the author. Thanks for opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
More reviews at my book blog,
TheBibliophage.com. -
This book has a lot of repetition. The events are also very spotty. It's not completely clear what happened after what, and the story keeps jumping. The weirdest bit is that the story often builds up to a big climax, and then we are not told what happened, and we proceed to "later". And this "later" contains no clues as to what the big reveal was supposed to show us, seemingly forgotten that that bit was even important in the story at all. This made it kind of a chore to read, cause it would get me interested, then cut me off and start telling me about something I don't even care about. And then later on discount the event as if "it happened a while ago and isn't really important anymore". As a means of building suspense and tension, that's a total failure on all counts for me. It wasn't an enjoyable read.
-
I really want to like this book series but its so hard for me to get into these books? I think I liked the first one better but It feels like its been forever since I read it so im not sure, but might as well read the third eventually and again eventually try to read them all, but like closer together. like the characters tho!
-
ARC/Paranormal: I had to read the first book of the New Orleans before I read this one. Good thing I did because there are sooooo many characters.
In the first book, which has no relation to the witches or Savannah because there's no ley lines, is about a group of New Orleans witches that are losing their powers over some time now. I don't want to but can't help but compare this series to J.D. Horn's Savannah series, which is written in first person. This series is a third person narrative in the views of at least four characters. In the first book of the Unwinding, the characters don't seem to really even know each other, until the end with the witch massacre. I was hoping more characters had died because there were too many.
Now to this book, which just came out so no spoilers here. First, I'm glad I read these books back-to-back because I would have remembered nothing. The narrative is going through several characters and with the exception of Natalie, are boring at times and plots interchangeable. Again, I really wish more witches died in the last book and stayed dead; as in the author has to give a list of characters at the beginning of the book. I guess I like Natalie's story the most so I didn't zone out. I wanted to hear more of a story about her, Frank, and the spooky twins. I think one of the problems is that there really isn't any mystery to the murders.
I did finish this book, but I really don't have any desire to read the third book. I will try any other series Horn writes because he is such a good writer and I'm sure he'll write another wonderful character like Jilo in the future. -
So, I'm starting to think that maybe this series just isn't for me. When I picked up the first in the series,
The King of Bones and Ashes, I was looking for a good supernatural read, and I thought this series would definitely meet that requirement. While I wasn't over the moon about the first one, I was intrigued enough to continue onward. I've got to say though, this one definitely didn't deliver.
Overall, this novel lacks in suspense and intrigue. There was no mystical appeal for me. As with the first one, there are so many characters, ones that I might add don't really stand out from one another. There was only one character that I found to be at all a stand-out, and sadly, poof, that character is gone. Not sure if ever to return.
What the heck is up with the second half of this novel? Once Alice has been freed from the Dreaming Road it's like the book was put on fast forward. I wonder if the publisher was pushing Mr. Horn to get the book finished and he just pieced this together to give them a finished product. At least that's how it seems anyway. I have to admit, I started to lose interest at multiple points in this novel because it just doesn't flow well for me.
I'm not sure if I want to move forward with this series... turns out it's not really what I was hoping for, it just doesn't pull me in. I can see how it appeals to others though.
I want to thank NetGalley, 47 North, and J.D. Horn for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review. -
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Book of Unwinding (Witches of New Orleans #2) by J.D. Horn from NetGalley and 47North in order to read and give an honest review.
After reading and reviewing The King of Bones and Ashes (Witches of New Orleans), the first in the series from Author J.D. Horn, I find although I didn't quite enjoy it as much as the first, I still found it to be a fantastic entry in the series.
As I mentioned in my review of book one, J.D. Horn has graced us with such strong, unique and multifaceted characters which you easily connect with, and this book was no exception. I love his ability to depict strong, flawed and resilient characters, especially the way his female characters come across. In this book, as with the last, there are quite a few characters and I appreciated the character list included at the beginning for a handy reference. Those who survived the last book are present and we also see the return of a certain feisty feline.
The story opens months after the massacre that occurs in The King of Bones and Ashes. Magic is still dwindling and the hunt is on for the Book of Unwinding. We learn of Alice's time on Dreaming Road and Daniel's battle to get her back. Natalie is learning more about her abilities and coming into her own. A serial killer is revealed when the author reveals the gruesome details of "The Dollhouse". Fleur holds a dinner party where a secret Manon has been hiding from Lisette is revealed and we get front row seats for the fallout that ensues. We also follow Evangeline as she struggles to cope with what she has become as well as meet a few new characters who will play an important role in the future books I am sure. My only issue in this book is some events seem to be drawn out and often it felt like too much was going on...it often lacked breathing room.
Sacred texts, warring witches, feisty felines, bitchy birds and hidden realms are again rampant in this entry and frankly, I loved it! I can't wait to see where some of the continuing plots lead us. I recommend reading book one before this one, in my opinion, it wouldn't make a great standalone. I recommend this to anyone looking for something that is unique and engrossing. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series. -
I think I must be in the minority but this was painful to finish. For me, the writing and lack of emotion was just sooo blah that not only could I barely keep going I actually fell asleep, like legit. This plot I have no idea what is happening and there is so much extra getting thrown in here and there that its really distracting. I was really holding out hope that in this book we would get past all the confusing mess but it just continued right down to the last page. This series definitely just is not for me.
In this book all of our characters are back, evil still abounds, really not sure who the bad guys and the good guys are because everyone is kind of out for themselves. Alice still trapped in the dream world becomes super involved creating a life like something straight out of Inception. Really still have no clue what is actually happening with magic and there is no plan other than surviving and dealing with each individual's prejudices and failings. The one character I liked isn't around anymore so I'm down to part ways with this. I rarely ever give one star ratings but I just can't with this. -
This was a dark, intriguing, and mysterious tale. I found myself really enjoying reading about Alice in the Dreaming Road and Nathalie with her intimidating new powers. I also enjoyed the integrating of Louisiana history too, such as Hurricane Katrina and Marie Laveau. Plus you get to unravel more of the mystery behind Astrid and Daniel.
Some of the other parts and point of views were a bit drawn out for me and some facts were repeated quite a bit so I had to stop myself from trying to rush through them. I was really grateful for the character list since this series has quite a large cast. I kept getting a lot of the names mixed up and blended together so it helped a lot for when I needed a quick refresher. Overall this was a very intriguing read and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book! -
This book had spinning, but in a good way. Revelations, creepiness and the intriguing storyline had me on pins in needle from chapter one. There’s one gruesome seen so well written I was listening carefully for the scrap, drag, click in my quiet house. Can’t wait until book 3 is out!
-
3.5
-
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
-
While this wasn’t as exciting as the first book I still enjoyed it immensely. One thing that I like about this author books is the locals they are set in; New Orleans has always been associated with magic, witches, voodoo and creatures it makes this an entreating read.
All the people that made it out of the massacre from the first book return in this novel. Nathalie powers are still growing, Alice is stuck on the Dreaming Road and Daniel is trying to save her. While the main focus was saving Alice and getting her back from the Dreaming Road there are other subplots that made this book and entertaining read. I especially like the twist with Fleur and I can’t wait to see if it’s who I think it is in the mirror that the cat went through.
4.2/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine. ** -
Really enjoyed this book. This one suffered the same fault as the first, bad guy explains too much. I enjoy the characters, although in this one some of my favorites became a little muddy and altered from the first book. Like the first, Horn sets a good scene. My favorite bit about the series is the mythology and the setting that he creates. Looking forward to the third book.
-
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
King of Bones and Ashes was more interesting and driven than this next sequel.
The Book of the Unwinding picks up the after events of the killing of witches at the ball. Witches of New Orleans tries to find the way to end Celestin's dangerous plan to acquire magic and to kill all of them.
The plot was so dragging and uninteresting. The story was stretch and I can't find the climax in which I have waited and hoped for because it is called the Witches of New Orleans. I know that magic was scarcity in the book but I can't seem to find that this is a story of witches fighting for supremacy, witches fighting for which clan is powerful but all I read is a family drama.
No pun intended. Character and world building in this book was commendable. Taking parts of the history of New Orleans was so intriguing like Papa Legba, Madame Lalaurie and Marie Laveau. -
A book that surely has its fans but it didn’t work for me which is why I am going to abandon the series. I had such high hopes for the urban fantasy but the author‘s way of conveying information leave me clueless.
The Book of the Unwinding is set right after the first book in the series. Much like
The King of Bones and Ashes the book follows three POVs - three witches to find their place in a world shaped by its dwindling magic.
The story focusses on two witching families: the Marins and the Perraults. Both families are connected via numerous ties and offer interesting characters to the reader. To be honest, compared to book 1 I liked all POVs that were presented - I probably enjoyed reading most about Alice. However, much as in the first book this is a real slow burner. There is so much happening that nothing seems really important. Everyday problems mix with supernatural ones and I was missing the connecting storyline between all those chapters. To be honest, it felt a lot like watching a soap opera. Everything is happening at once and very dramatic but it doesn‘t really matter if you miss some episodes because whatever was important will be repeated over and over again. There is also no real character development from book 1 to the end of book 2 and most of the character‘s actions seem random. At least I couldn‘t follow the story. Sure, nearly all the chapters itself were great to read but I never understood what was happening. This book leaves me with huge gaps in my understanding.
Why 2 stars? I like the writing and the depth of the characters and their story. I would have loved to learn more about New Orleans and the world those witches live in. Taking everything into consideration, I don’t find the strength to read the third book in the series. My curiosity isn‘t big enough to invest this time. A shame because I liked the premise.
I received a free copy from the publisher via Netgalley. -
The Book of the Unwinding is the second book in the series that began with the King of Bones and Ashes. You really need to have read book 1 to enjoy this latest book. Like book 1, the second book in the Witches of New Orleans series has a jammed-packed cast of characters. If you are like me, you will appreciate the character list strategically placed at the beginning of the book.
While there a lot of characters, I found few to sympathize with. For the most part, this is a plotting, scheming group of people that want nothing more than the power represented by the Book of the Unwinding.
Thank heavens for sweet Nathalie Boudreau who doesn't know her own powers but would do anything for anyone. That trait gets her smack dab in the middle of a daring and dangerous spell to bring Alice back from the Dreaming Road. Daniel, Alice and Evangeline, who were my favorite characters from The King of Bones and Ashes, remain in good stead with me in The Book of the Unwinding, but their lives are getting very complicated. I can only hope their goodness will prevail.
There are several story lines going on, with different characters dealing with their own challenges. The characters do overlap between story lines and eventually, I suspect all the story lines will merge into some epic conclusion when the series concludes. The novel is complex and thickly layered with intrigue, horror and a constantly changing path towards the cliffhanger ending.
Yes, like book 1, this book ends in a cliffhanger, but before that point, there will be come ultra-evil wringing of hands by one or more villainous witches. Having read both of these books, I still have absolutely no idea where the tale is headed. And isn't that what we really want in a great story?
Through NetGalley, I received a copy of this book from the publisher so that I could bring you this honest review. -
Welcome back to New Orleans and the witches of the Martin family . Nathalie Boudreau a young psychic is in the middle of a struggle to control the magic erupts . Her destiny lies with Alice Martin who is trapped in the realm illusion. Nathalie is the only one that can save her and set the balance back in place.
The characters in this book have surely grown up . They are well written and you really start to care for some of them . Nathalie is one of the main characters and she is always in the place where she is needed at the right time . She comes into her own and we see her fight really hard to help Alice . Who I really loved in the first book . She is trapped and is slowly being drained of her powers by her father . Who wants to come back into the world . Lissette is finally understanding her family and what is going on . But will it be too late for them . She is a character that you just don't know which way she is going to go . In this book we have also seen that the characters have grown and evolved in their magic or the lack of magic in some cases .
I truly love this authors writing style , he takes us on a journey through magical world and might scare us a bit along the way . The author uses New Orleans as a character all in its own right . He adds a lot of the lore and magic of the city . I got sucked up in all the magic of this book . There were a few parts where it felt a little slow and the characters seemed a little stuck Over all I truly enjoyed this book and loved the characters . This book is gritty and you see that all magic isn't good . You will be on the edge of your seat most of the way through this book . So if you like a more dark fantasy book this is the one for you . This can be read as a stand alone but if you really want to get to know the characters you should read King of Blood and Bones . So check it out for your late summer reading list . -
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The Book of the Unwinding is the second installment in the Witches of New Orleans series which can be described as a dark supernatural fantasy series that includes elements of witchcraft and voodoo. It takes place not long after the events that occurred at the end of the first book, so it's recommended that readers pick up the first one before delving into this one. The characters are rebuilding their lives and trying to deal with the aftermath of the events. This story revolves around two primary female characters (Nathalie and Alice) and takes place in both the real world of New Orleans and magical realm of the Dreaming Road. There was very little storyline or character development in this one. Lots of characters and very little character crossover. It was more like a setup for some bigger story with an epic climax that didn't appear. I felt that the story just dragged and I had a hard time keeping interest. I did appreciate the continued attention paid to the history of New Orleans and voodoo and how this was tied into the book. -
I really wish that I had paid a little more attention to The Witches of New Orleans when I read it last year, but I just really struggled to get into it, despite its setting in my favorite city and it being on one of my absolute favorite topics (I love all things witchy). I feel like it's pretty normal to have to refresh one's memory a bit when reading a sequel a year or more after reading the original, but usually things fall back into place for me after the first chapter or so, but this was not the case with The Book of the Unwinding. I really only remembered two of the characters, which is not a good thing in a series with a totally (IMO) uneccessary amount of characters. The feeling I got while reading this could best be described as having a book that you really think you are going to love but struggling to read it because it's severely water damaged and the ink is kind of smudged. That was me with this book... I wanted to love it so badly, but I just couldn't get into it. I really felt like this sequel was probably much better than the first one, but mpy dislike of the first one prevented me from enjoying this one much either.
-
Generally quite good but not what I thought it would be I thought it would be a Stein summation all the other books tied up with us one I guess I'm still waiting for the final which should be better than all the rest
I chose this reading because I thought it was one of the weaker stories I'm all his witches books vampires included excuse me the others were much stronger I'm looking forward to reading his final one that will be out in late August. I have been looking forward to reading the book of the unwinding by JD Lauren since all the other books in this class of writing have been so well-written honest and holding great character with storytelling. This one was a little disappointing in comparison to the others I'm looking forward to a spinal book within this series to pull it all together!!!
