Payback is a witchcraft novel that delves into the dark and mysterious world of magic, revenge, and the power of the supernatural. The story follows protagonist, Lily Morgan, a young and aspiring witch who becomes entangled in a web of revenge and deception. As the novel unfolds, Lily discovers the extent of her own magical abilities and is forced to make difficult choices that will shape her destiny. The main idea of Payback is the concept of revenge and the repercussions it can have on both the individual seeking vengeance and those caught in the crossfire. The novel explores the age-old theme of "an eye for an eye" and how it can ultimately lead to a cycle of destruction and suffering. Through Lily's journey, readers witness the dangers of allowing revenge to consume one's life and the potential consequences it can have on personal relationships and the greater world.
Emmy, the descendant of one of the founders (the weakest one, actually), left Thistle Grove almost nine years before when Gareth, also a descendant of a founder, broke her heart. After her father guilted her into it, she now returns to take up the arbiter’s mantle, and a duty she never sees coming.
The author s writing shines in the small moments, particularly in the lush language used to capture the enchanting, autumnal atmosphere of quaint Thistle Grove and its supernatural allure. I wish there had been more of a revenge story and more to the tournament, but it was really nice to get to know the families and Thistle Grove, so I m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Through Lily's journey, readers witness the dangers of allowing revenge to consume one's life and the potential consequences it can have on personal relationships and the greater world. Another significant aspect of Payback is the exploration of witchcraft and the supernatural. The author skillfully weaves elements of magic and spells into the narrative, creating an enchanting and mystical atmosphere.
Payback is a witchcraft novel
COVER DESIGN BY VICKI LESTER
Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one--in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoor, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.
But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden; and get back to her real life in Chicago.
On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov--an all-around badass adept in the arts of divination--who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoor. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden Thorn--unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in?
But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?
“The sexy Sapphic modern Gothic I didn’t know I needed…fresh, sharp, and often frankly hilarious…a perfect winter read, highly recommended for one of the longest nights of the year.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“Payback’s a Witch is the book I’ve been waiting for all my life. A sexy, funny, charming romp of novel that scratches that witchy, autumnal itch just right. I read this story in one breathless, giggling sitting, and at the first fall nip in the air, I know I’ll be reading it again. One of my favorite reads in years.”
— Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read
“Payback's a Witch is like the first Halloween wind through the corn: brisk, breezy, and altogether refreshing. This is a sweet, charming read, absolutely designed to be enjoyed on a crisp fall evening. I want to go to Thistle Grove. My greatest regret about this book is that it isn't a five-season TV show that I can already sit down and just binge.”
— Seanan McGuire, John W. Campbell Award winner & New York Times bestselling author of Middlegame and Every Heart a Doorway
“No tricks, all treat! Lana Harper’s debut Payback's a Witch is a compulsively fun read.”
— Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel’s Legacy series
“A sexy, charming, and completely magical romance full of sparkling dialogue and loveable characters. Emmy’s quest to find out where she belongs is so relatable, with some spells and supernatural elements included to spice things up. And Emmy’s hometown, Thistle Grove, is so enchanting that I found myself wishing I could plan a visit! Reading Payback's a Witch is like curling up with a big mug of cider on a perfect autumn day.”
— Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks and Not Like the Movies
“Harper makes her adult debut with a queer rom-com that bewitches from the very first page. This magical joyride manages to feel both vibrantly current and timelessly mystical while avoiding the typical queer rom-com stereotypes. Combining John Tucker Must Die with a helping of an adult Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and a dash of Charmed, this addictive concoction begs for adaptation.”
—Publishers Weekly, (starred review)
“With a satisfying end to the tournament, and smart, funny characters who support one another, Harper’s series is off to a fantastic start. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal, starred review*
“Harper’s adult debut is gorgeous in every way. It’s hilariously funny, deeply moving, powerfully uplifting and so glue-you-to-the-page engrossing that this reviewer literally did not put it down for the final hundred pages. The love story between Talia and Emmy develops beautifully, but the true romance is with the town and the community. The bonds of both family and friendship shine from start to finish, and Harper balances the different clans and captures how, together, they make Thistle Grove the magical place that it is.”
—BookPage, starred review*
“YA writer Harper’s first adult romance offers an imaginative and intriguing portrayal of magic, and a pansexual romance between Emmy and Talia, and launches the promising Witches of Thistle Grove series.”
—Booklist
“Lana Harper’s adult debut is a charming rom-com that’s the perfect Halloween read.”
—BookBub
“It’s basically John Tucker Must Die meets The Craft, with an extra serving of queer relationships. The book is as fun as it sounds.”
—The Lesbrary
“With relatable characters, a fun storyline, and some angsty romance, Payback’s A Witch will enchant you from the very first page. Charming, sweet, and magical, Payback’s A Witch is the perfect book to enjoy on a cosy autumn night.”
—The Nerd Daily
“ . . .The author’s writing shines in the small moments, particularly in the lush language used to capture the enchanting, autumnal atmosphere of quaint Thistle Grove and its supernatural allure. Readers are sure to fall under the magic spell of Thistle Grove and its inhabitants.”
—Kirkus Reviews
Unfortunately for Emmy, she must return home temporarily to continue her familial duties of being the arbiter for a magical competition that gave me strong Tri-Wizard Tournament vibes. Her first night back, she runs into the beautiful, mysterious, bad-girl Talia Avramov.
Through her encounters with other witches and magical beings, Lily begins to discover her true potential and the depths of her own power. This exploration of witchcraft adds an additional layer of intrigue and excitement to the story, captivating readers and immersing them in this fantastical world. Overall, Payback is a captivating and thrilling novel that explores the themes of revenge, witchcraft, and the consequences of one's actions. Through Lily's journey, readers are taken on a spellbinding adventure that forces them to question the nature of revenge and the power of magic. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and vivid descriptions of the supernatural, Payback is sure to delight fans of witchcraft and supernatural fiction..
Reviews for "Payback and Mysticism: Unraveling Revenge in Witchcraft Novels"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I really didn't enjoy "Payback is a witchcraft novel". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development. I found it hard to connect with any of them or feel invested in their stories. Additionally, the writing style was confusing and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Overall, I was disappointed with this novel and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mike - 2 stars
While I appreciate the premise of "Payback is a witchcraft novel", I found the execution to be lacking. The story felt rushed and the pacing was inconsistent, jumping from one event to another without proper transition. The characters were also one-dimensional and lacked authenticity, their actions and motivations often feeling contrived. The overall writing style was overly descriptive, dragging the story down and making it a chore to read. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I enjoyed this novel and it did not meet my expectations.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Payback is a witchcraft novel" fell short of being a captivating read for me. The plot was intriguing, but I found it to be poorly executed. The narrative was disjointed and confusing, leaving me scratching my head at times. The author's attempt at creating suspense and mystery ended up making the story feel convoluted and messy. Additionally, I felt that the characters lacked depth and their motivations were unclear. Overall, I was left disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid witchcraft novel.