PRE-ORDER: Witch Possessed, The Hour of Witches Book 2

I love the way this new series is developing! Witch Possessed is a gripping story with compelling elements, wonderfully crafted by Krista Walsh's enviable imagination and talent.

I appreciate how residual trauma in the MC's is approached, being gently brought out into the open. No sweeping the hard stuff under the rug by this author. Ms Walsh digs deep to show cause and effect, making sure that the message 'it wasn't your fault' is put front and centre.

The interpretation of magic in this world is fascinating and unique. Alyssa's ability to see it makes it even more interesting, almost as if it were sentient - "Sprinkles of purple poured out of me and tangled with the shimmer of yellow-tinged silver encircling him. The weaves of our magic tangled together, seemingly playing in the air as though they were friends who’d missed each other’s company.". So clever and original!

It is amazing to see the Mooney clan in action - and this isn't even the full complement of cousins etc! The way they work together, supporting each other, is a wonderful example of a strongly connected family unit but then Ms Walsh has always used that trope exceptionally well.

It's not just family connections that are written solidly in this book. I was warmed by the level of friendship between Alyssa, Jet and Maddison. I had mistakenly thought their's was more a business acquaintance but the close friendship shown here was lovely to see and a great example of the strong fmc's always present in this author's books. Simon is shown again to be a mainstay in Lys' life (and doesn't he have some interesting things going on???) - "I always felt better with Simon nearby.".

Alyssa and Trace are appealing to me no end. They continue to go through difficult situations together and these trials by fire are really cementing them into one of my favourite couples. If you want support, concern, growing commitment, the safety to be vulnerable and a reciprocal lack of judgement then you'll find it here.

I finished this book, straight away wanting more! It's an absolute recommendation for fans of urban fantasy who like strong family and friend ties, a slow burn romance with lots of tension and resilient characters.

I’ve really limited my reading mostly to authors I already love, and this is an author that has moved up to my top 20. This is the second book in the series, and the heat is still on. Poor Aly and Trace can’t seem to catch a break as there is a new threat after the souls that Trace has locked in him. This is a high-stakes, non-stop action, thrill ride, and of course well-written as all this author’s books are. I think I actually loved this one a tad more than the first book. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

In this book, we find out Trace has ghosted Alyssa. She knows he's physically in trouble because of all the souls he's holding inside. Is he okay? Is he even alive? If he is, he can kick rocks for not having communication and making her worry!

With that said, we find out Alyssa's grandfather has been kidnapped. What do they want? The amulet of souls. Knowing she will never be able to give them what they want, how is she going to save Gramps?

Dive into this action packed book and find out the struggle Alyssa has to go through in rescuing Gramps, find out what has been happening to Trace, and find out what secrets some of our favorite characters are hiding. You will not be disappointed!

Wow wow wow. Bravo Krista!! I am amazed at how well Krista is weaving this story and pacing it - Witch Possessed was hard to put down. It was action packed from the beginning to the end… I was sitting on the edge of my seat much of the book. I absolutely loved seeing the Mooney family come together and do what they do best… support and have each other’s backs. I love how they embraced Trace as one of their own. The slow burn between Alyssa and Trace is perfection - the action and fast pace of this book allowed for a perfect buildup of anticipation between them…. But I’m anxious for them to finally get more of that time together - you know, when they aren’t busy fighting a coven of witches bent on ripping their souls from their bodies. I cannot wait to read more of Trace & Alyssa and to read any other books and stories that come from this world (I’m looking at you Simon & Reverie)!!

Wow - when I finished reading the ARC version this book I thought back to when Alyssa was introduced in Chapter 5 of GHostMaker One - Obscure - as a Witch of impressive lineage!
In this second book of the series not only do we learn how strong a witch Alyssa is, but also why the Mooney family and coven are the leading coven in Ottawa.

The danger Trace and Alyssa face this time with a coven of witches who harvest spirit magic from other beings at their death. This is the group from Trace’s teenage history.

The story starts with the dark coven taking Grandfather Mooney prisoner as a ploy to access the spirits Trace has been hosting since the end of book one.
There is deadly danger and battles in this book. But there are also moments of tender personal connection between Alyssa and Trace deepening their relationship.
It is good to learn more about Alyssa's family and how they come together first to save Grandfather Mooney, than Trace, and the final show down with the Spirit Harvesters - at least until book 3. Alyssa learns more about who her Grandfather was, and who he is now. The Mooney family comes together for each battle - and both Alyssa and Trace are pushed to their limits and I think discover new depths in their own strengths and in their strength together.

Simon and Reverie have minimal presence in this book I suspect we will see them more in the next book.

I am eager to see what happens in book 3.