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The Demon Diaries - Origins #1
A Hint of Magic
She's looking for a hint of magic in her world...
Dora Carridine is fed up with her life as a preacher’s daughter and sets out to explore the darker side of life instead. If she can find some magic in the world, then maybe she will find a place she belongs.
When she comes across a coven of witches, she takes on their trials to try and join them. But the witches aren’t all they appear to be, and Dora finds herself slipping into a darker world than she imagined.
She has to make a choice to do the right thing, but Dora’s never been very good at doing anything right…
Dora Carridine is fed up with her life as a preacher’s daughter and sets out to explore the darker side of life instead. If she can find some magic in the world, then maybe she will find a place she belongs.
When she comes across a coven of witches, she takes on their trials to try and join them. But the witches aren’t all they appear to be, and Dora finds herself slipping into a darker world than she imagined.
She has to make a choice to do the right thing, but Dora’s never been very good at doing anything right…
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2013
418 people are currently reading
5065 people want to read
About the author
Claire Chilton
24 books126 followersAfter completing her honors degree in English Literature, Claire Chilton was interviewed to work for MI5. Fortunately, for the sake of the United Kingdom, she did not get the job. Now a web designer and graphic designer with a passion for great stories, she writes about the adventures she'd like to have.
A prolific writer with wide-ranging interests, Claire specializes in romantic and speculative fiction, which includes genres such as mystery, science fiction, fantasy, horror, comedy and romance. Her mystery romance novel, Hustle, won Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write contest in 2013, and her previous books in The Demon Diaries won the Most Read award on Wattpad.
After exploring the world in her misspent youth, traveling across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, she now lives in an ancient Roman city in Yorkshire with a fluffy kitten called Shadow, who is convinced she is a bigger cat than she is.
You can find Claire online at claire-chilton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 1, 2023
Dora is a preacher’s daughter. For some reason that’s not properly explained, she really hates her father so much that she wants to bring some dark magic in her life. She tries to join a local coven of witches, as they promise her she’ll be able to dance with the devil. The witches give her three tasks she has to accomplish to become a proper member of the coven. But when the witches have her putting itching powder in someone’s clothes, she realizes they’re just bored housewives playing dress up. The story spirals out of control from there.
The plot is actually pretty good. And the story is definitely well written. But the characters are lacking quite a bit.
The protagonist isn’t fleshed out well at all, making it hard to care for her. Now, the story is quite short, so that’s understandable and might get resolved later in the series. The protagonist just doesn’t come across as a likeable person. She’s a bit of a potty mouth as she does use quite a few curse words throughout the story. She meets a complete stranger during one of her tasks. Since he’s a cute boy, she immediately trusts him and tells him everything. Because … logic. It also doesn’t help that the protagonist is called Dora, as I was picturing Dora the Explorer every time I read her name. To be fair, this isn’t the book’s fault but my own.
Overall, it’s free, it’s short and it definitely has its moments. That being said, didn’t really enjoy this one to be honest.
The plot is actually pretty good. And the story is definitely well written. But the characters are lacking quite a bit.
The protagonist isn’t fleshed out well at all, making it hard to care for her. Now, the story is quite short, so that’s understandable and might get resolved later in the series. The protagonist just doesn’t come across as a likeable person. She’s a bit of a potty mouth as she does use quite a few curse words throughout the story. She meets a complete stranger during one of her tasks. Since he’s a cute boy, she immediately trusts him and tells him everything. Because … logic. It also doesn’t help that the protagonist is called Dora, as I was picturing Dora the Explorer every time I read her name. To be fair, this isn’t the book’s fault but my own.
Overall, it’s free, it’s short and it definitely has its moments. That being said, didn’t really enjoy this one to be honest.
October 23, 2013
A Hint of Magic is the first book in Claire Chilton’s Demonic Diaries series. In this short story we are given a glimpse into the life of Dora Carradine, the heroine of Demonic Dora. We are introduced to Dora and her family, and some of how Dora fits into (or doesn’t) her community.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I believe some of them are my own misconceptions so those I will leave out, but give some advice so you don’t experience the same misconceptions. I read Demonic Dora before I read A Hint of Magic. If you can read A Hint of Magic first, please do. There are several reasons for this.
One reason is that the reader is given a better idea of who Dora, and tells us about Dora’s first experience with magic and witchcraft. The other reason I think it’s important to read this book first is it has a different feel to it. There are many of the same elements when it comes to character development, which is a good thing, but the overall tone is not as elaborate or crazy action packed as Demonic Dora.
My only other “complaint” is that we are not given enough time in this story to really develop relationships or become invested in the characters. When the title says it’s a HINT of something, that should be your first clue that it is just a hint into the world we are reading about. I should have paid better attention to that hehe. Definite downside of many short stories, in my opinion.
Ok, enough complaining! Let’s talk about the good. I loved that despite the fact the story was fairly short, we are still given enough of Dora’s snarky personality to get an impression of what a smart ass she can be. One of my favorite parts of Dora is her sarcasm. Just when you think to yourself, “gee, it would have been funny if she said…” she says it!
The overall writing of the story was good. Its got a good storyline, good world building, a good twist at the end. It wasn’t overly surprising, but it was a surprise to at least some degree. This is a fun story leading up to the super awesome fun time in Demonic Dora I keep going on about. Be sure to check out my review of Demonic Dora either here on Goodreads, or on my blog, http://fangfreakintasticreviews.com
If I had not already read Demonic Dora, I would have been dying to find out what was going to happen next. You are given clues that something exciting is about to happen, but you won’t know what until you read the next book. I would strongly recommend buying A Hint of Magic AND Demonic Dora at the same time so you don’t have any down time in between and don’t have to wait to find out what happens next!
I have mixed feelings about this book. I believe some of them are my own misconceptions so those I will leave out, but give some advice so you don’t experience the same misconceptions. I read Demonic Dora before I read A Hint of Magic. If you can read A Hint of Magic first, please do. There are several reasons for this.
One reason is that the reader is given a better idea of who Dora, and tells us about Dora’s first experience with magic and witchcraft. The other reason I think it’s important to read this book first is it has a different feel to it. There are many of the same elements when it comes to character development, which is a good thing, but the overall tone is not as elaborate or crazy action packed as Demonic Dora.
My only other “complaint” is that we are not given enough time in this story to really develop relationships or become invested in the characters. When the title says it’s a HINT of something, that should be your first clue that it is just a hint into the world we are reading about. I should have paid better attention to that hehe. Definite downside of many short stories, in my opinion.
Ok, enough complaining! Let’s talk about the good. I loved that despite the fact the story was fairly short, we are still given enough of Dora’s snarky personality to get an impression of what a smart ass she can be. One of my favorite parts of Dora is her sarcasm. Just when you think to yourself, “gee, it would have been funny if she said…” she says it!
The overall writing of the story was good. Its got a good storyline, good world building, a good twist at the end. It wasn’t overly surprising, but it was a surprise to at least some degree. This is a fun story leading up to the super awesome fun time in Demonic Dora I keep going on about. Be sure to check out my review of Demonic Dora either here on Goodreads, or on my blog, http://fangfreakintasticreviews.com
If I had not already read Demonic Dora, I would have been dying to find out what was going to happen next. You are given clues that something exciting is about to happen, but you won’t know what until you read the next book. I would strongly recommend buying A Hint of Magic AND Demonic Dora at the same time so you don’t have any down time in between and don’t have to wait to find out what happens next!
July 8, 2013
I picked up this book as a 99 cent book on Amazon, and it had me laughing outloud throughout the story. It's a novella about a preacher's daughter who likes to break all the rules. She's looking for some mystery in the world and ends up falling in with a group of witches on the wrong side of town. The story is OTT and hilarious. I loved Dora and her crazy life, and the world building was great. The spooky little shopping street at the beginning is enchanting.
One thing to be aware of is that this is not a kids book. There is a fair amount of cussing in it. But as long as that doesn't bother you, it's worth trying out. It's fast-paced and leaves you with a smile on your face.
One thing to be aware of is that this is not a kids book. There is a fair amount of cussing in it. But as long as that doesn't bother you, it's worth trying out. It's fast-paced and leaves you with a smile on your face.
June 29, 2014
This doesn't have a lot to offer.
There is no intrigue. The mystery is not mysterious. You are pretty aware of what is happening with the plot at all times. There are no surprises there.
The problem is that there is nothing supporting the characters and their actions. There is no sense going on here.
Why is Dora looking into demons and hell and witch craft? Why, if she is brought up to be really religious, is she so hell bent on finding evil things to spend her time with? She mentions finding something to believe in, but really, all she looks for is demonic communications. Fine, she wants to be evil, that's great, but why? Where is her character development? She really doesn't have any.
Her parents make no sense at all. The way they behave...it's just sloppy and empty.
This is supposed to be a comedy, or something. It wasn't very entertaining. I won't be reading further, I need more substance in my reads.
I will let it be known that this is the first book I have read in this series. And as this is the first impression, it is really, really lacking.
There is no intrigue. The mystery is not mysterious. You are pretty aware of what is happening with the plot at all times. There are no surprises there.
The problem is that there is nothing supporting the characters and their actions. There is no sense going on here.
Why is Dora looking into demons and hell and witch craft? Why, if she is brought up to be really religious, is she so hell bent on finding evil things to spend her time with? She mentions finding something to believe in, but really, all she looks for is demonic communications. Fine, she wants to be evil, that's great, but why? Where is her character development? She really doesn't have any.
Her parents make no sense at all. The way they behave...it's just sloppy and empty.
This is supposed to be a comedy, or something. It wasn't very entertaining. I won't be reading further, I need more substance in my reads.
I will let it be known that this is the first book I have read in this series. And as this is the first impression, it is really, really lacking.
July 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. The story follows Dora, a goth-girl bad ass with super-religious parents, as she ventures into the darker side of life and discovers witchcraft. Along with the author's hijinks comedy style, there are some great descriptive scenes of the darker side of town, and some wonderfully thrilling elements. But the best bit is the comedy. Every time Janet spoke, I died laughing.
It is on the short side, more of a novella than a novel. But it's free, so I can't complain about that.
A great read that will keep you laughing throughout.
It is on the short side, more of a novella than a novel. But it's free, so I can't complain about that.
A great read that will keep you laughing throughout.
July 8, 2018
I understand where the funny parts where supposed to be, but they weren't that funny...
I didn't really enjoy this, but it wasn't bad. Although, it wasn't good either (hence the 1.5*). It was weirdly written, and the plot was too see-through. Dora was a bit annoying for a main character. She was very naive and thoughtless. I guess to a 10 year old girl, this book might have been appealing, but then again this is a fact that makes me worried since it introduces demonic entities as something a bored kid should play with and use for revenge... Like, WTH?
I didn't really enjoy this, but it wasn't bad. Although, it wasn't good either (hence the 1.5*). It was weirdly written, and the plot was too see-through. Dora was a bit annoying for a main character. She was very naive and thoughtless. I guess to a 10 year old girl, this book might have been appealing, but then again this is a fact that makes me worried since it introduces demonic entities as something a bored kid should play with and use for revenge... Like, WTH?
March 28, 2014
Claire Chilton is a talented, funny author. Her female lead character Dora has some good funny lines. Dora is bored wit her humdrum life, so she wants to spice things up by joining a witches coven or summoning up a demon. This story is short but keeps your interest from beginning to end. A fast read. Entertaining. I plan to read the other books with the Dora character. So far I think there are two full length novels with Dora in the Demon Diaries series.
February 9, 2018
At the beginning of the story you would think everything is rather normal and boring in Dora's live - being the minister's daughter. However, this soon changed and my jaw literally dropped when she and her dad got into their first fight. I was hooked then and I could understand her search for something magic and better than what she had. I must wonder then what happens further in the series when now every man in her live seems to disappoint her.
October 1, 2018
"How far are you willing to go for power? Would you dance with the devil?"
I haven't read any of the Demon Diaries books (I got this one because... yeah, you guessed it, it was free), but this short origin story made me want to read them, so I guess it's good?
I quite enjoyed how the story unfolded and the small twists along the way, even though the end felt a bit abrupt after the pace of the rest of the story. I also liked the writing style, easy to read and funny.
"Well, I dunno. I mean if the Devil asked me to River Dance, it might be a bit of a problem. I don't think my legs move that fast." She tried not to imagine the Devil River Dancing across a stage, but it was too late. The image was already firmly lodged in her mind.
I'm not too sure about the characters though, as I was constantly going from liking Dora to being a bit annoyed by her. I'm guessing reading the main books of the series might help to get to know her better though, so that's what I'm hoping to get from them. ()
I guess I'll see you around in a (hopefully) near future for Demonic Dora.
September 10, 2023
-Didn't feel it was anything new but still it was enjoyable
-a dark vibe combined with a feel-good vibe
- perfect for a middle grade who likes a black-sheep protagonist and dark magic vibe
-the beginning was interesting, the middle was ok, and the end set me in curiosity (a little bit).
-a dark vibe combined with a feel-good vibe
- perfect for a middle grade who likes a black-sheep protagonist and dark magic vibe
-the beginning was interesting, the middle was ok, and the end set me in curiosity (a little bit).
May 4, 2014
Dona’s father, a preacher, constantly tells her that she is Satan Spawn, and he never has a good word for her. This leads to Dora seeking some magic in her life, and she sets out to explore the darker side of life. She came across a coven of witches and had to do 3 trails for them to be accepted into the coven. Loanda the coven’s main witch send Dona to set a trap for Howard so that he could go to jail for embezzlement although Loanda was the one who embezzled from Howard's firm and Dona confronts Loanda with the facts. Loanda tries to kill Dona by setting the store alight. An old book case falls over and an antique book with spells lands in Dona’s lap.
July 9, 2013
I really enjoyed this story, but felt it was a bit short as a novella. It was a free read however, and an enjoyable one, but I wanted more of it than I got. The comedy in the story is very well done and the writing is addictively good. If you're looking for a quick read with witty dark humor, you'll probably enjoy this story.
May 11, 2015
I adored this book for many reasons. Who doesn't adore a snarky, foul mouthed, teenage girl who tries to conjure darkness? Or the fact that her parents are the bane of every goth child's life. Especially her father being a televangelist. I could see this done as an adult oriented cartoon by Netflix or something of the like. Maybe the author should consider pitching it to a web based network.
June 14, 2015
I rather liked this book.One thing I find rather interesting was how despite Dora's parents are the extremely religious sort,Dora is the exact opposite of them.Also,I really did love the coven of witches-Janet was hilarious!
April 22, 2015
wowwwwww i cannot wait too read the rest...i was after something light too read and stumbled across this book :)
June 18, 2019
Anything by Claire Chilton always a good read
April 8, 2019
Another kindle freebee.
I have no relationship to the author from before, and so I didn't know what to expect. I am on a real witch-kick, though, and while having a rather bad day, I thought reading a short, fun, paranormal would be a good idea.
I had multiple problems with this book, though.
Most of them were story and character related. The language was ok, even if I had to go back a time or two to double check a sentence and when being most tired I simply skipped the sentences that confused me. Not ideal, but sometimes one needs to do that - I tried reading one of those sentences 3 times before I gave up.
Regarding the story issue, they were linked to how magic seemed to be tied to demonic powers and religion. While there is magic there, I'm not a fan of books that paints it like cool and edgy. Playing with magic is dangerous, especially this type of magic. There's a reason we have all the fright stories we have for it.
But yeah, all of this just rubbed me the wrong way, then there was the characters. Or mainly the MC. While I can't blame her for acting the way she did - it was actually not a bad description of my sister at that age - I can blame her for being stupid and naive. Considering how she grew up, I would expect her to be smarter. Not to mention how cliche she was.
So yeah. The story was ok, just interesting enough and easy enough for a day like this one, but I know I won't be picking up the rest of the series. This was a prequel and I'm glad I read it before trying something longer. If you like stories with dark magic and demons, this series might be for you.
I have no relationship to the author from before, and so I didn't know what to expect. I am on a real witch-kick, though, and while having a rather bad day, I thought reading a short, fun, paranormal would be a good idea.
I had multiple problems with this book, though.
Most of them were story and character related. The language was ok, even if I had to go back a time or two to double check a sentence and when being most tired I simply skipped the sentences that confused me. Not ideal, but sometimes one needs to do that - I tried reading one of those sentences 3 times before I gave up.
Regarding the story issue, they were linked to how magic seemed to be tied to demonic powers and religion. While there is magic there, I'm not a fan of books that paints it like cool and edgy. Playing with magic is dangerous, especially this type of magic. There's a reason we have all the fright stories we have for it.
But yeah, all of this just rubbed me the wrong way, then there was the characters. Or mainly the MC. While I can't blame her for acting the way she did - it was actually not a bad description of my sister at that age - I can blame her for being stupid and naive. Considering how she grew up, I would expect her to be smarter. Not to mention how cliche she was.
So yeah. The story was ok, just interesting enough and easy enough for a day like this one, but I know I won't be picking up the rest of the series. This was a prequel and I'm glad I read it before trying something longer. If you like stories with dark magic and demons, this series might be for you.
September 15, 2018
I loved this tale of a petulant misfit. A well told tale with plenty of chuckles. The poor girl can't get anything right, but it's great fun to watch her bumble through life. I felt sorry for Dora, but even more for her parents, although they are a pair that would send anyone up the wall. So, sit back for an amusing read and thank god she isn't your kid.
September 20, 2018
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book, but was slightly disappointed that there was not more magical content.
I really liked the main character she's sassy and strong.
The book is well written, this is the first book I have read by Claire Chilton but it won't be the last as I enjoyed the way she wrote this book.
I enjoyed this book, but was slightly disappointed that there was not more magical content.
I really liked the main character she's sassy and strong.
The book is well written, this is the first book I have read by Claire Chilton but it won't be the last as I enjoyed the way she wrote this book.
October 19, 2018
Not Wickedly Funny
This book was cute, as in not serious. But funny it was not. After you read enough of them, this genre, you start to wonder if there is an algorithm and some computer is spitting them out. What's different about it? No real magic but there are demons. It's two hours I'll never get back.
This book was cute, as in not serious. But funny it was not. After you read enough of them, this genre, you start to wonder if there is an algorithm and some computer is spitting them out. What's different about it? No real magic but there are demons. It's two hours I'll never get back.
April 2, 2019
How adorable is Dora, if that's the right way to describe a demon goth child who wants to dance with the devil. Her father is a pastor, she hates religion, her mother a 'dancer'. This was a short read because I couldn't sleep, but this was laugh out loud funny & I'll definitely be looking to read more about the exploits of Dora 😂
December 12, 2016
A quick read about a rebellious preachers daughter. Prequel in the series and happy to say I will not continue the series based on this book. It was an ok story that just did not tickle my fancy to carry on with the series.
November 9, 2019
A strange short story
This is a slightly funny short story about the rebellious daughter of a religious family who decides to experiment with demon worship. The story idea is fine but I didn't enjoy the writing style, didn't flow nicely so kept losing interest in the characters.
This is a slightly funny short story about the rebellious daughter of a religious family who decides to experiment with demon worship. The story idea is fine but I didn't enjoy the writing style, didn't flow nicely so kept losing interest in the characters.
Want to read
June 9, 2017Love this book like wtf this is all nmost like my live
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
good story
December 14, 2017
Cliffhanger series
Short free book from kindle. Stroppy teenage girl wants to dance with the devil to escape her bible bashing parents. Good read for young adults.
Short free book from kindle. Stroppy teenage girl wants to dance with the devil to escape her bible bashing parents. Good read for young adults.
February 14, 2018
not sure what i read to be honest i was expecting something but not this i mean i stepped into the twilight zone talk about an overactive imagination and how naive the main character was
October 4, 2018
ehhhh, not my thing. i felt detached throughout the story like i was waiting for it to be over.
October 11, 2018
Teen book
A short story. I realized it is for teens and tried to rate it as a teen would. It does talk of witchcraft and demon possession.
A short story. I realized it is for teens and tried to rate it as a teen would. It does talk of witchcraft and demon possession.
February 22, 2019
Not bad, not good...just meh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews