Resting Witch Face (Journals of Forbidden Witchery #1) by Maya Daniels

Resting Witch Face (Journals of Forbidden Witchery #1) Reviews

• 
  Rowan Creech

  I love books about vampires, witches, and ghosts, and with this book being written by Maya Daniels and about witches I knew I was going to love it. It was a fabulous book and so funny. Maya Daniels just has this knack for writing her characters so you fall instantly in love with them as a reader and mix in an absolutely great story and you have non-stop entertainment. I recommend this book highly.
• 
  Merissa (Archaeolibrarian)

  RESTING WITCH FACE is the first book in the Journals of Forbidden Witchery series and we start a whole new urban fantasy. Hazel is our main character, a witch with no powers, otherwise known as a dud. This doesn't mean she's weak though. She's trained herself, and the enforcers in her coven, and can fight demons without powers. But when her grandmother (who coincidentally runs the coven) starts hiding her from view, Hazel sniffs out a secret. With her best friend Sissily, she needs to figure out what's going on before she is cast out for good.
  
  This was a fantastic start to the series! Hazel is a smart-alec, with a sassy attitude, a short temper, and is fuelled by coffee. There is lots to like about her, especially her grumpiness which hides a lot of things. Sissily is a good friend, who has been there for her throughout but falters a bit at the end. I wasn't too keen on that so I'm hoping she pulls it together. And what would a Maya Daniels book be without a buff hero to fall back on?! River comes with his own secrets and I look forward to learning more about him.
  
  I thought the pacing was perfect in this book. It was fast and full of action but without being frantic. It gave me time to enjoy the story, to immerse myself into it, enjoy Hazel's past, and wonder about her future. Alex and Amber are fantastic supporting characters, and I can't wait to learn more about Shadowborn as I'm sure he's dodgy. No reason, just because! 😉
  
  With secrets aplenty, this is a brilliant start to a series I can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
  
  ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
  
  * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
  
  Merissa
  Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
• 
  Evelyn Dotson

  Hazel is a witch in a coven who has no powers. But she did learn to be the best fighter all around and never let them forget it. Her grandmother rules the coven with an iron hand. When three demons appear out of the blue in one week, Hazel and her best friend know something is wrong~ A new member has also joined her coven, River is his name and he has an effect on her like no one else. He is drawn to her, protective of her. Hazel hears a conversation about herself she is scared to admit to. She goes through a series of events that will make her able to destroy things and put a price on her head! Now, she will have to go into hiding not quite understanding what is happening to her….and she is with shifters! This is just the beginning of the journey…what will happen next?
• 
  Rosalind Bath

  I really enjoyed this book. It promises to be a great series. You will totally love Hazel. The banter with her bestie, will have you laughing out loud and then crying with all the feels.
  Hazel, is a witch without any power.. Or has she? She finds out the depth of the love that her mother and grandmother have for her and the lengths they went through and the promises made , to protect her. Events take place that leave Hazel in the protection of the Shifters, where she hopes to learn control and her 3 protectors, find out more what's going on with Hazel and the power plays in their world.
  As always with this author, you are drawn into a world that captures you, with amazing characters and story line. It's just brilliant!
• 
  Debbie Victorino

  Honestly I have never really enjoyed books about Witches. But I also know never underestimate this author. She has literally changed my mind on a lot of books. As she completely did with this book.
  
  I absolutely loved this book. One minute I'm worried telling Hazel don't do it, get away from that book. Then I'm laughing so hard I choked on my coffee. Hazel is a witch with no powers, or so she thinks. She is sassy, has a mouth that won't stop and she will fight anything and not back down. Her grandmother is the strongest witch there is and she has been trying to protect her granddaughter Hazel.
  
  When things come to light Hazel finds out just how much her mother and grandmother love her. And she also finds out she does have powers but they were locked away to protect her. And the only person who is able to do this and made a deal with her grandmother is none other than Laviathan, who took charge of the demons. He is also the only one who could give Hazel back her powers.
  
  I absolutely loved this book. There are also vampires, demons and shifters. Once you start reading this book you can't put it down. This author is a storyteller, and she grabs you and you can't let go. It is off the charts suspense, laughter, epic plot and also has awesome characters. I highly recommend this book!!!
• 
  Becky

  I love a good witchy tale and this book did not disappoint! Hazel has been told she was a “dud” her whole life, as she didn’t have magic. This is a fast read and all of the characters are entertaining in their own way. Cliffhanger occurs and I’m looking forward to Book 2.
• 
  Debbie Eyre

  This is fantastic! It’s an entertaining read that will have you drawn in and intrigued by it’s addictive storyline and it’s awesomely, sassy and snarky female mc. A witchy read that will grab you and not let go, will have you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns but also laughing out loud. I am so excited to read the next book!
• 
  Marisa

  Firstly, I really enjoyed the FMC, Hazel. She was absolutely hilarious and I loved her strength, determination and overall sass. A great character.
  
  The story started with a great action sequence, right away introducing us to Hazel and her sass. A good chunk of the book was the introduction of characters, world building and setting the tone. The event from the blurb didn’t occur for a while, however it made sense when it did and really set up the events and mystery for the rest of the book. It also left us with a great opening for book 2.
  
  This was a quick read but a lot was packed in. The author did a great job building this world, adding new twists and revelations and I’m sure book 2 will continue this trend.
• 
  Eve Jane

  Some idiot - me - accidentally deleted her review so here it is again.
  
  Woh, I flew through this book! It's so quick to read, with not a boring moment to be seen. The pacing is literally perfect. The action described in the blurb doesn't really happen until 70% in but that didn't bother me at all. I really enjoyed everything that occured beforehand.
  
  I have a feeling that book two is going to be even more exciting now that the scene has been properly set.
  
  Hazel Byrne, our main character, is snarky AF. There is no other way to put it. She has a million and one walls around her heart, and the only person who gets anywhere close to understanding her is her best friend Sissily. In fairness, I'd probably be a bit defensive too if I was treated the way she has been by her coven. I really love her character ... probably because she is snarky ... but the one thing I would ask of her is to PLEASE stop seeing mmm-kay 😂
  
  
  
  I also love River - even his name! He is shaping up to be one of my favourite book boyfriends. I'm really hoping he gets passed Hazel's many walls. We need to see those two trapped in a room together... I know he's probably keeping secrets but frankly, I don't care. I want him 'for her' anyway.
  
  There is some proofreading errors but don't judge the book based on that. It's really, really good. Definitely worth ignoring some spelling mistakes for.
  
  I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and it was seriously addictive. I will definitely be continuing this series and reading more by the author ❤️
• 
  Chloë

  Thanks given to Maya Daniels for the ARC provided in exchange for my honest review.
  
  Resting Witch Face had a lot of promise; the premise of the story is intriguing and exciting, but for me the reality fell a bit flat. Hazel is an extremely prickly character, which seems popular lately, but she is too exaggerated, constantly flaunting and bragging about her own character flaws. I think this could have been better balanced with scenes were we actually witness her being bullied at the hands of her coven, rather than hearing some really short recalls. I really hope she undergoes some character growth in the second instalment.
  
  Hazel aside, I like the mystery surrounding the coven's circumstances and Blondie's presence. I have my own theories and I'm looking forward to finding out what's on the nose and what's way off base. A storm is brewing, it can be felt!
• 
  Jennifer Perry

  Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this book, I quite literally devoured it in a few hours! If you like witches, werewolves, vampires and the such mixed in with modern day life and fantasy at the same time this book is definitely for you! I love the main character Hazel, she has some spitfire in her but also a heart of gold! I will definitely be adding this book to my collection when it comes out and I can’t wait for book 2! Special thanks to Maya Daniels for letting me read the ARC!!! I loved it!
• 
  Bianca

  Oh my goodness!!! I have no idea where to start to just try and explain what I have read in one sitting. Hazel Byrne, a witch with no powers, a complete dud.... yeah no, I don't want to spoil this for you. One hell of an enjoyable read. I absolutely recommend you join Hazel on this journey. Right from the get go you just know that this is going to be a good series. She's a little bit snarky, with a whole lot of attitude and she can back it up with a punch. It's been a while for me to find a book where I fall into it within the first few pages. I've had some laugh-out-loud moments; few cringes (oh dear giiirrrrlll!!) and not to mention fighting along with her. Yes, great series and well worth the read. Highly recommend.
• 
  Penny

  I have never read this author before, and I was really intrigued with the title...yeah, I know; that’s like judging a book by its cover! LOL! However, I’d been wanting to try this author. It didn’t take long before I was completely drawn into the book. Just for a brief second, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Hazel, but between her, Sissily, her grandmother, and Blondie, I was taken with the whole crew. Mayhem ensues, demons are taken down, a library burns down, and secrets are revealed. This was a fun book, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next. Highly recommend!
• 
  Dawn Hix

  I knew within the first two pages that this book was going to be a favorite and I definitely wasn’t disappointed! Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down and now will be waiting impatiently for the second book in the series.
  
  Humor, great storyline, hot guys, witches, fae, werewolves, and vampires were all either in the story or talked about in a way that we’re sure to see them in the next book.
  
  This was my first Maya Daniels book but will definitely be checking out some of her other series.
• 
  Rachel Osborne

  This is the first book in this new witchy series and I absolutely loved it. Hazel is a witch who has no powers yet she's far from boring. She's a fun FMC and I loved how this story explodes off the pages. The plot is wonderfully paced, giving the reader a want to keep reading from chapter to chapter. The world is descriptive and the characters all entertain and amaze. I can't wait for the next book! Any fantasy fan will love this magical story!
• 
  Christine Marie

  Absolutely perfect. Having just recently starting reading more New Adult novels verses Young Adult I’m an in love. Mayas writing was easy to follow. The flow of the book itself is nearly seamless.
  A Strong Female main character with a sassy, sailor mouthed and good looking witch. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
• 
  Spinneretta

  Good
  
  **Warning! Cliffhanger Ending!** not an awful one, but the story is very much up in the air at the end. It’s part of an ongoing series, so don’t expect the whole story yet!
  
  Being the only magic-less witch in her coven, Hazel has learned to deal with her disappointment. So when it turns out that her magic free state, might just be causing problems, she begins to worry.
  And when something happens to change everything, she suddenly finds out that even magic might not solve everything.
  
  A fast read, set in a fascinating world, and populated with very interesting characters. The feisty heroine doesn’t let her inability to do magic hold her back, and makes up for it with a truly sharp tongue… no-one escapes!
  A quick, enjoyable read for the urban fantasy fan.
• 
  melissa

  This book was nothing like I anticipated and I loved every moment of it!
  
  The MC is an arrogant, strong-willed, fierce fighter, with her hands and mouth, she's alluring, funny and loves unconditionally.
  
  The book completely engulfed me into its original supernatural world. Witches, demons, fae, etc all give the allure that makes it an exceptional read. However, the most rewarding component for me was the unconditional love the MC receives back from her bff. I love their bond and can't wait to see what develops in book 2!
• 
  Cassandra Fear

  Maya Daniels has done it again. Hazel is an amazing character full of sass and with a heart of gold. Seriously amazing book that will make you laugh and keep flipping those pages. Amazing book and can’t wait for the next one!
• 
  Lorie Maw

  Another amazing series by Maya Daniels. Hazel is about to discover that getting what you wish for may not always be for the best.
• 
  Maura

  RESTING WITCH FACE is the first book in the "Journals of Forbidden Witchery" and I am so glad the entire trilogy is available on KU. This is one of those series, that if it continues to be as good I will buy the trilogy in paperback for my younger cousin.
  
  The world building in this story is perfect. You just know there is something deeper going on but it isn't revealed until the perfect moment. Character introduction is flawless and in such a way that not too much time is spent on them, but you know exactly(ish) what their role is. I especially liked the BFF. Her unconditional love for her bestie is awesome.
  
  I'm absolutely going to be diving into Book 2 asap and I look forward to seeing how Hazel's story wraps up.
  
  tags: Quirky, KU, Adding series TBR, PNR, Witches, Book 1
• 
  Mary Brannian

  Resting Witch Face... A Great Start!
  
  Resting Witch Face
  
  "Lesson number two: never tempt fate. That bitch bit." - Hazel Bryne
  
  There are rules, and there are lessons... Which ones will Hazel take to heart? What would you do, if you were a witch born with no magic, and yet suddenly...
  
  A fast paced, captivating paranormal tale, with enjoyable characters and lots of twists and turns!
• 
  Philicia Parkin

  When I first started reading this I felt it was a bit slow to get going. But once it got going it didn't stop! Fights, fires, car chases, blowing things up, some accidental magic, and a lot of destruction. I feel like a bomb just went off!
  Hazel is a badass. Instead of sulking in a corner because she is a "dud", she fights! She is sarcastic and snarky. The thing I like best about her though is her care towards others like humans. She didn't give her own well-being a second thought when she fought to save a family.
  However, there are so many questions. Like, why so much power? Why so long? Who is River really? What are "his kind"? What about Hazel's dad? And what is up with Leviathan and how did he go missing? I need answers!!
• 
  Rosie Rizk

  Hazel, the granddaughter of the head of the witch coven, is a magical dud. When her grandmother's rivals threaten to test her coven to ensure all witches meet minimum standards, Hazel and her best friend dig through the library to find some way for Hazel to avoid expulsion. Unfortunately, they find themselves with too much power, and with secrets unburied.
  
  At first, I liked Hazel's snappy tough attitude, but it quickly turned into an over prickly cover for an immature tough teen. She's supposed to be 26, but Hazel and her friend kept acting like teens around a hot guy, like it was their first time interacting with one. Hazel's overall immature attitude kept ruining the book for me. I'd expect such reckless immaturity from a teen. I just couldn't reconcile Hazel's supposed age with her actions.
  
  My next complaint is that it took until about 75% into the book for Hazel to acquire her magical abilities. Since it was mentioned in the book blurb, I assumed that would play a prominent role much earlier in the book. I kept waiting and waiting for it to happen, skimming past all the cheap immature jokes and curse words and tough acts... It just wasn't worth the wait for me.
• 
  Mandi

  Hazel Byrne is a witch ... or is she? Can a witch with no magic be a witch? To make up for not having magic to contribute to her coven, she works hard to become the best fighter in the coven, taking on more than one demon in hand-to-hand combat.
  
  Most of the coven want nothing to do with her, but Sissily is there for her through thick and thin.
  
  When River shows up, everything seems to change. Is he the cause?
  
  Maya does a great job of weaving the story. Her characters are interesting. The plot is thrilling. And the book reminded me of The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning or The Hollows Series by Kim Harrison.
  
  I'm anxious to see what happens next in Hazel's life.