This morning, I’m worried I might lose my business and my flat. This afternoon? I’m worried I might be losing my mind...
I’ve been struggling to keep my little bookshop afloat for years, and closure seems inevitable—until a mysterious letter arrives on my doorstep. Apparently, I’ve inherited a crumbling hotel from a grandmother I never even knew, complete with long-term residents who redefine “quirky.” Especially Silas—the brooding, infuriatingly hot recluse who always wears black and never opens the curtains.
In a moment of frustration, I slip on my grandmother’s old mood ring. Pro tip? Maybe don’t try on emotionally reactive magical jewellery while having a meltdown—unless you want your kitchen to catch fire.
That’s when things get properly weird.
Turns out, the hotel is a magical portal. Not just to one world… but many. And someone—or something—is willing to do anything to take it.
Now I’m fighting for my new home, my found family, and a future I never asked for… armed with zero training and a flair for chaos.
A Hidden Witch’s Spell For Making a Tiny Giant Mighty is Book One in a A Broken Hotel for Magical Misfits series that’s custom-made for lovers of strong heroines, quirky magical characters and found family all woven together with heart, humour and action-packed adventure. And that’s to say nothing of the slow-burn romance that spans the series…
It’s been a strange, unbelievable journey to arrive at the point where these books are going to be released into the wild, like rare, near-extinct animals being returned to their natural habitat, already wondering where they’re going to nick cigarettes from on the plains of Africa, the way they used to from the zookeeper’s overalls. C.N. Rowan (“Call me C.N., Mr. Rowan was my father”) came originally from Leicester, England. Somehow escaping its terrible, terrible clutches (only joking, he’s a proud Midlander really), he has wound up living in the South-West of France for his sins. Only, not for his sins. Otherwise, he’d have ended up living somewhere really dreadful. Like Leicester. (Again – joking, he really does love Leicester. He knows Leicester can take a joke. Unlike some of those other cities. Looking at you, Slough.)
With multiple weird strings to his bow, all of which are made of tooth-floss and liable to snap if you tried to use them to do anything as adventurous as shooting an arrow, he’s done all sorts of odd things, from running a hiphop record label (including featuring himself as rapper) to hustling disability living aids on the mean streets of Syston. He’s particularly proud of the work he’s done managing and recording several French hiphop acts, and is currently awaiting confirmation of wild rumours he might get a Gold Disc for a song he recorded and mixed.
My only complaint about this author's books are they finish too quickly Seriously unputdownable If you love fantasy and haven't read any of Mr Rowan's books then you're in for a treat 😁 This is the first in his new series and I can't wait for the next 😜.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Five years after the prequel intro, Bryar is struggling to to make ends meet with her bookshop. A true bibliophile with a serious lack of social skills especially patience, with only the sassy volunteer Tisha to run interference with clients. The mysteries keep deepening. Another inheritance, totally unexpected from a grandmother Liliane whom she didn't know about, turns her life into a magical tumbledrier running at high speed. A magical ring and a house full of unknown magical creatures. I adored the funny and the weird characters who were fast becoming friends. Not to forget about the villains. Bryar has new priorities laid out in her future. This is a sure bet to keep your mind occupied and have a couple of humorous moments. Look forward to their next adventures. Excellently writing. I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you
I’d read the prequel novel to this one, and I was eager to read this, and finally I could. I’m happy to report that this one is as good as if not better than the prequel. We meet Bryar a few years later, and her bookstore isn’t doing so well. When she gets bailed out, she also finds out that she’s inherited something else. I really appreciate this author’s sense of humor, and it really shines in this latest. What also shines is the well-written prose, the fascinating characters, and engaging plot, and I can’t wait to see what Bryar and friends (and of course the author) have in store for us next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Good news: I received an ARC, yay me. Bad news: You only receive my voluntary book recommendation. Good news: It's coming out tomorrow so you can go the book too. Bad news: You might be up way too late reading.
Rowan's Cathar series was a brilliant, imaginative blend of history, snarky humour, and urban fantasy, so I jumped at the chance to read this new undertaking. So far this one is less history and more urban fantasy, but again, it's a fun and imaginative ride and if it's anything like the Cathars I'm expecting a wide variety of interesting characters and side quests that tie in together like a puzzle.
What we have learned so far: Bryar is a financially struggling bookshop owner and when somebody offers her a loan to tide her over the worst it seems like a gift. But it's a trap, for the fine print allows the loan company to get their grimy paws at an inheritance that she's just about to find out about. The inheritance is a house, or a portal, in which she learns to know a number of misfit magical creatures that her late grandmother used to shelter. There's a blind gorgon, a werewolf with alopecia, a talking death mask, a tiny giant with a fear of fish, a bog witch... The struggle Bryar faces is how to pay off the loan company and save the portal. It's locked now, but if they can open the locks the loan sharks might use the portal to pillage a variety of parallel worlds.
There's a certain je ne sait quoi in Chris' books, an edge that's tantalising and captivating, all encompassing and completely, utterly unique!
Socially awkward Bryar is on the brink of losing it, her business, her mind, her very sanity. Her business is sinking, fast, making barely enough money for dry toast, definitely not enough for the rental. When Mr Smoking Hot, yep, that's what Bry's friend calls Simeon, offers her a lifeline, she grabs it, with both hands. And that's where things get complicated, REALLY complicated! A mysterious letter, from an attorney, about another inheritance, kinda sets her mind in a spin, but the location of said attorney's office, well.... not what she expected at all! Nor did she expect what she inherited, nor from whom... yeah, there's a lot of unknowns in Bry's life at the end moment, Simeeeeeon (couldn't resist that 😁) being one. Most though, open up soooo many questions! Like WHO is the dearly departed grandma? Like WHERE was grandma after Bry's mum passed? Why was she was left alone? Like WHAT was mama hiding?
Oh do I love how she reasons with all the "strange" she encounters, finding a "logical" explanation for something that is far from logical. Everything Bry is confronted with is incredible, and credible, in a very incredulous way. Except , she inherited more than just a building, she suddenly starts.... performing...things that are impossible to wrap her head around. She also developed a huge determination, fierceness that she lacked before. I loved that, I love the idea that when she's shoved against a wall, she doesn't collapse in a heap, she kicks out, her anger combustible....😜 Shoo, do the revelations fly! One after the other, like a giant mallet, each blow sinking Bry further and further into the ground, catching and holding her fast.
What a delightful character Bry is, she touched my heart in the prequel and now, yes, she's snuggled up within me. Her character fuller with every page, her financial and emotional status glaringly realistic. Impossible not to feel her, like her. But it doesn't end with her trying to keep herself afloat, suddenly, from total obscurity, Bry is a target, so many want her inheritance and when she finds out why, heck, it all makes sense. I love that she fights back, her spirit indomitable, not forced, I could feel her anger rising through words alone... I am always agog at this author's characters. He's found a recipe that defies the norm and every single one is so amazingly unique and compelling, yes, even Mr Smoking Hot, who REALLY blew my mind! To know why, yes...read the book! But back to the rest of the crew, my goodness, what a motley combo! The strength of unity, of support resonates throughout, from the onset, with Tisha, being the first of many. When Bry discovers the "occupants" of the house she inherited, suspicious is the name of the game but as "things" are brought to light, as Bry learns more and more about herself, her family, amidst the dire circumstances she finds herself in, these same people rally behind her, aid her in achieving an almost impossible task. What an adventure the author took me on, with Bry centre stage, revealing earth shattering truths, fighting monsters, and unearthing Bry's "talents" along the way, I was wholly caught up in the action! I kinda LOVE Silas and Jack and Martin and Jenny....yes, ALL of them! I love it when an author gets me to understand them, I love that they all are flawed, I just love how well rounded they are.
Off beat humour is a CN Rowan trademark, his immersive books, this one included, is the perfect blend of Stephen King meets Terry Pratchett. It's quirky but scary, it's humourous but dangerous, it's simple but complex and it sure as bells is unexpected! Chris has a way with words, his extremely articulate prose sets all my nerve endings tingling from the beauty of reading an excellently written book. I'm "adopting" this quote "mug of brain lubricant" as gospel, because it sure as heck is true, my brain sputters without my morning coffee...the only one with a rife imagination to rival Bry, is this author! We get a host of different characters, all defective in one way or another, and we get to cheer like crazy at friendships forming, a sense of community, a sense of belonging and a support team like no other! Absolutely LOVE this series!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “A Hidden Witch’s Spell for Making a Tiny Giant Mighty” releases June 18, 2025!
Oh no, I fear I adore all of these characters.
Five years ago, Bryar Hawthorne came into an unexpected inheritance, allowing her to find her own place and start her own business. But now, the bookstore is floundering, and Bryar’s about to lose everything. When yet another unexpected inheritance lands in her lap, this time from a grandmother she didn’t know she had, Bryar thinks she might have found another saving grace. Except the inheritance is a house full of unusual people (?), the bookstore’s time is running out, and Bryar’s really starting to feel the heat.
I spent way too much of this book relating to Bryar in all the least sociable ways, but we’re not going to focus on that today; my therapist can handle it later. In the meantime, we *are* going to have to discuss the fact that this book had me howling to the extent of waking up my sleeping husband, who was decidedly less amused about the situation (though still a good sport; we’re a green-flags-only household here).
For better or worse, I’ve come to equate this author’s work with a level of snarky, dry humor that is guaranteed to make any day better just by reading one of his books. While I have no doubt regarding his ability to write basically anything well, the borderline-cynical sass that abounds in his stories is easily my favorite part. My second favorite part is the “literally everything else.”
This book was addictive, pulling me in and refusing to let go until the very last page, and even then I was already eyeballing book 2. The plot takes a minute to fully kick off, but even that buildup was solid; it never once became a chore to get through. And once the plot does start plotting? Buckle in and hang on tight, because it’s one wild ride.
The shining star of the “imPerfect Cathar” series was the characters, and I’m delighted to report the same holds true here. As soon as we start meeting our misfits they just start settling into all the little gaps you didn’t know your soul had. They feel like a warm hug; I adore every single one of them already. It’s the beginning of a weird little family, and it could not have been written any better than this delightful perfection.
Ignoring the prequel (which was a wonderful background in its own right), this was an absolutely insane start to a new series. It brings all the goodies to the table (cozy found family beginnings, magic, humor, just the right amount of realism), wraps them up in a wildly unhinged storyline, and then delivers everything you could ever want and more in one of the most palatable, charming books you could ever hope to find. There’s a reason this author has solidified himself as one of my permanent favorites, and it has everything to do with the magic in these pages.
Sometimes a book feels so good you know it's going to be a phenomenal series and that is exactly what I felt from AHWSFMATGM. There is so much to connect with and need more of that I am already avidly waiting on the next.
Bryar is a charismatic protagonist. I loved her bond to her bookstore and unbending, often fierce when directed at complaining customers, joy found in books. The author has created her so well that she is immediately likeable and incredibly real and believable in all her thoughts and actions. Her desperation to succeed with her business, her friendship with Tisha, her attitude to life, all combine to make her an appealing character who I enjoy spending time with. I think all readers will relate to her - "I just wanted to read every book ever written in peace.".
If the story had continued along the lines of a mystery set within a magic infused bookstore I would have been thrilled, but CN Rowan has always been a master of twists. The series' title shows the exciting way the author spins the narrative when he pivots the setting into a magical hotel! Bryar's a-ha moment when she accepts magic is real is a tipping point for the story. From that moment on the pacing picks up brilliantly, a fascinating array of new characters are introduced and the worldbuilding begins afresh. It's incredibly exciting!
I was captured by the selfless acts of kindness by Bryar's great-grandfather and grandmother as they built then opened their home/hotel to displaced beings from any world in need of refuge - yes, there's a portal to other worlds! That sort of kindness resonates with me and reinforces the message that the world could be a much kinder place if there was more consideration for others.
The inhabitants of the hotel are superb creatures born from the author's singular imagination and nothing less than I would expect from him, having read and loved his previous series. "A nudist werewolf with alopecia." - if that doesn't fire a potential readers interest I don't know what will!
There are also many revelations and explanations about Bryar's past that were hinted at in the prequel. They are fascinating and help build a solid footing for the world and the motivations of some of the MC's, as well as hinting about possibilities for Bryar's future.
I really was impressed by this book. The writing is magnetic, the concept of a refuge for displaced 'rejects' is compelling and moving and it's all tied together by CN Rowan's ability to create a story that, I'm sure, will appeal across the board.
This series begins by following the tried and trusted road beloved by about 90% of Urban Fantasy writers: a young woman with a troubled past opens a shop of some sort (bakery, coffee shop, florist — in this case a bookshop), and then finds out that she is a witch. She has a BFF, who isn’t aware of the magical world, there is a gorgeous hunk and, of course, a snarky animal familiar, inherited from a much loved relative (who was a witch too). However, this story was written by C.N. Rowan (author of the best selling imPerfect Cathar series), so we quickly step off the well-worn road and vanish into the unexpected. Well, yes there is a sweet woman who is almost a BFF, but the “gorgeous hunk” is a man that if Bryar meets again she is more likely to kick him in the balls than swoon into his arms. And, thank all the gods there is no snarky animal to annoy the shit out of everyone! To be honest, at the beginning, I didn’t much like Bryar Hawthorne (our new heroine). I didn’t find her tough, but rather rude, unnecessarily aggressive and as thick as custard. OK, so she was an orphan, shuttled from one foster family to another, but she had never been beaten or abused, so I found her attitude somewhat excessive. But then, she discovers that she has inherited a rather special house, along with its occupants that are, to put it simply, the wonderful creations of the author’s limitless imagination. Thereafter, Bryar not only becomes likable, she turns into a person who will sacrifice almost anything to stand by her newfound friends, and she becomes the true tough woman she only imagined herself to be. The only real gripe I have about this story is that the author used (twice!) a phrase that is totally anathema to me: “big girl pants”; which, if you are reading in English (as opposed to American) means her “big girl knickers”. I truly detest that phrase and I hope that whoever invented it will have their mouth scrubbed out daily in their after-life. As it is, I will have to stick a couple of pins into C.N. Rowan’s therapy doll to calm my nerves! OK. Let’s forget big girl pants; do start on this adventure. It is going to take you somewhere totally magical.
This first full book in this series was such a great read - I loved it! Following on five years after the prequel novella, Bryar Hawthorne has her dream bookstore, but unfortunately her dream hasn't quite worked out the way she had planned! She's not making any money, her rent is now due and she really doesn't want to deal with any customers right now!
When Mr Smokin' Hot, a regular customer asks her out on a date, she goes, feeling very nervous, yet she opens up about her money problems and he very quickly (and suspiciously) helps her to find a solution. However, that solution is a problem all on its own, but not before Bryar receives a strange letter from a lawyer who has an inheritance to give her. What else could her mother have left her? She had nothing to give! But it's not her mother leaving her something this time.
It's someone else she knows nothing about and this time, she receives a magical hotel/sanctuary of sorts. The people she finds there are not what she was expecting and soon enough secrets are revealed and maybe, just maybe, some of Bryar's problems might just go away...or will they? Along with the hotel's residents, Bryar has to do everything she possibly can to save the hotel, the bookstore and herself from those who want to take it all away!
Bryar was a great character - completely oblivious to any sort of magic at first and although she didn't have a lot of control of her powers, working alongside other magic users made her feel more at home. The friendships she developed were touching, even though she had only known the hotel residents for a short time - they definitely made an impact on her!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and see how Bryar and everyone else gets along and how Bryar's powers develop even more. All I kept thinking about though was that necklace she sold in the prequel - I have a feeling that is going to be very important soon!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one! Thank you Chris for another great read! I have a feeling I'm going to love this new series as much as I did the Imperfect Cathar one!
Bryar Hawthorne has been running her bookshop for several years, but just barely. She has past due bills and an unpaid employee Tisha who she considers her friend. As everything is starting to become too much, she is asked on a date by a handsome customer who has been coming around for awhile. After talking during their date, he offers to help her get a loan to ease her financial burden. No sooner than the ink dries, does she learn she has another inheritance. She is now the owner of a large apartment building in London, even if it is a little difficult to find. But now that she has an inheritance, the bank wants their loan back - in full in 7 days! And the tenants of this apartment are a little strange and unfriendly. Can she get the money before her time is up and she loses everything? Bryar Hawthorne is a hilarious and snarky character. She is an introvert who doesn't much care for people, which makes it hard to run a bookshop. Good thing she has Tisha to take over when she cant seem to people well. She’s quirky herself so once she gets past the initial push to keep her away from the apartment, she fits right in. And she won’t let anyone take her inheritance from her. The residents of the apartment are also one of a kind. There’s a hairless werewolf, a big witch, a tiny giant and a vampire to name a few. And they are all outcasts from their home realm who have made their way to Bryar’s late grandmother’s haven for magical beings. They are all interesting, each with their own special talents. There is wonderful world building, as expected from this author. Whether it’s walking through the streets of London or going through a portal to a realm of caves, you feel as if you are there. And some of the descriptions are snort worthy! Picturing a naked mole eat cooking in a kitchen was not on my bingo card for this year, but here we are! Do yourself a favor and start this series! Book one is off to an amazing start and I don’t know how it could better, but I know it will!
It’s been five years since Bryar Hawthorne’s life changed with a letter that informed her of a mysterious inheritance she’d never known existed. Since then, she’s become an independent businesswoman, setting up her own bookshop (you can’t have the precious!!), where she’s found help from her very first and best friend, Tisha Sampson, who’s worked there for free for the past three years. While selling her books has never really been her ideal, keeping a roof over her head and food in her mouth is definitely the optimal configuration, so she’s done so begrudgingly, though admittedly, Tisha’s generated more sales than Bryar ever could. She’s a lot nicer.
As seems to have been the rule in her life, big changes come when mysterious letters arrive, leading her to lawyers’ offices and new information. Upon the arrival of said letter, Bryar finds out that she’s been granted another inheritance, a gigantic house this time. When she gets there, she finds that there are some residents living there, communal-style, and they try to convince her to leave and forget about the old place. Man, that’s weird. And the perfect way to guarantee Bryar Hawthorne will NOT be backing down, thank you very much!
“A Hidden Witch’s Spell for Making a Tiny Giant Mighty” is not just a mouthful of a title but also is the first novel in the brand-new series by celebrated urban fantasy author C. N. Rowan, “A Broken Hotel for Magical Misfits.” This is the first new series solo-written by Rowan since the end of the nine-book epic imPerfect Cathar series, and fans are going to be glad they’ve waited. The writing is entrancing, the characters are instantly endearing (you just want to wrap Bryar up and protect her from all the world’s problems!), and the suspense… breathtaking. This series has already been good on its promise to be a wild ride of magical proportions, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!! I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this ebook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read the prequel, and expected a lot from book 1. I must say it fulfilled my expectations! It was amazing, not that I'd expect less from CN Rowan after his Immortal Cathar series.
Bryar is the most likeable, unlikeable person there is. Mostly because she's grumpy on the outside, but has every right to be, while secretly harboring a heart of gold.
After finding out she has another inheritance, one that might allow her to keep her bookstore running, she's on it. But everything is weird. Really weird.
She has to face that magic is real to believe it, which she does full force. Than she has to make it all work. And there are many obstacles. Many.
See the inheritance might be a fabulous, expensive mansion on coveted and extensive London acreage, but there's no money available because it's being blocked by the predatory bank loan she just made to save her shop right before she found out she had an inheritance.
So, to save it all, she must step into a new reality and find the money, and that's where the rest of the trouble begins!
I must say, Jack the tiny giant was a total delight, as are the rest of the quirky residents in Bryar's new mansion. The series is going to be an utter delight if this book is any measure! I can't wait for the rest! You don't want to miss this series, it's going to rise to the top of the lists!
Bryar is struggling to pay the bills to keep her bookshop open. When an intriguing gentleman offers to help her secure a loan, she figures she has nothing to lose. That is until she inherits her grandmother’s estate which has a secret that a number of people would like to get access to and a large number of residents who need her protection. And then there’s the revelation that magic is real, and Bryar is a witch. Now Bryar must decide whether to embrace her heritage and fight for her grandmother’s legacy or walk away from her powers as her mother did.
A Hidden Witch’s Spell for Making a Tiny Giant Mighty is book 1in C.N. Rowan’s Broken Hotel For Magical Misfits series. Start with an original premise, throw in a troubled heroine and cast of quirky characters, and mix in some danger and slow burn romance and you have a fun and exciting paranormal adventure. Bryar’s anger, confusion, and snarkiness were certainly understandable given her upbringing, and the secrets hidden from her. I definitely related to her awkwardness and love of books. The world building was well done and kept me invested from start to finish. I also loved meeting all the residents and learning their backstories. Definitely a great start to the series and one I will be looking for more of.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I confess. I was a bit worried. I needn't have been, but I was. Shamefully. I forgot to trust the process - Sorry SuperCN, Wordsmith Extraordinaire!
Since I've breached the bridge leading to the second half of my personal century, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to fully connect with a leading character sharing the same age as my grandson. Bryar is young, a bit irresponsible, and not so great with customer service although customers are her bread and butter. Nevertheless, she quickly showed herself as fully desiring to act grown-up and to take on the important challenges of life; unselfishly doing everything she could for her newfound family. As a grandmother, I found myself proud of her overall character developement in this story and cheered her on.
C.N. Rowan, once again, has birthed a brilliant new bunch of fictional lives his readers will want to follow - through this world and the next! He's created another realm of possibilities for the harriest of adventures and decorated it with the most beautiful blossoms of humor and emotion.
This might be a book for young adults, but it's also for the young-at-heart. So don't worry! You'll love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am so very invested in this series. I stopped another series mid-read to delve into this book. I rarely do ARC's because I don't have a lot of time with 4 kids to chase after, but C.N. is such a great storyteller. This new series is no exception. I love the idea of a portal to different worlds, & I love following a new-to-magic heroine's journey to exploring them, especially with a few bumps in the road. Bryar's introduction to the House almost gives me Mrs. Peregrine vibes with the peculiarities around every corner. I think we haven't even scratched the surface of what she might be capable of, or why she is so important to the villian(s). I also love the idea of our myths & legends coming from the beings who have made their way here through these portals. I look forward to exploring more of the House & meeting more interesting, & so far likable, characters. One last thing... as a resident imP, I am going to put in a request: a short story or at least a mention of a trip to a certain snail's planet (Hail the Snail)!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With the money from her mother’s will Bry has opened her own bookstore but she is in dire straights, not enough money left to pay rent or electricity. While stressing about her financial situation, a handsome stranger comes into the store and with the help from Bry’s friend, talks her into going on a date. He seems to be perfect, a classy restaurant, no pressure and after some conversation manages to convince Bry into accepting his help with getting a loan. Too good to be true? Bry then receives another letter from a different lawyer about her grandmothers will. After a very unusual trip to an unusual office, Bry discovers that she is now the owner of a set of apartments. Again, after an unusual trip to her new property, strange things are happening – strange people meet her and try to get her to leave. Then there is more pressure to leave. This is just the beginning of the adventure. There is magic, some action, several different supernaturals including a werewolf with alopecia (in other words a bald werewolf) who also happens to be a nudist. There is a lot of humour, interesting characters and character interactions. Great read.
Don’t judge this book by its long winded title, or perhaps DO judge it by this imaginative and really explanatory title. Either way if you read it you’ll be hooked. Bryar owns an unsuccessful book store mainly because she would rather talk to the books than any of these stupid customers. Her savior in many cases is her friend Tisha who is a customer whisperer even though she doesn’t technically work there. It’s failing fast and she better find some money fast or she is sunk. Luckily she receives a letter from a law firm and has inherited something though she can’t think of from whom. This leads to a hotel inheritance, mystery tenants and a dead grandmother she never knew. The game is afoot and she finds a secret world and more danger than she has ever known. At the same time she has found herself a family and people (loosely of course) to care for and a purpose to her life. Can’t wait for book two in this marvelous new adventure series.
I loved this first full novel in The Broken Hotel for Magical Misfits series, which I had been anticipating since reading the prequel novella. Some years after the events of the prequel Bryar’s life is once again thrown into turmoil by the arrival of a mysterious letter at her bookshop regarding an inheritance. Now she will discover more of her ancestry, the magic in the world, and all the quirky new friends that come with that knowledge. This book has it all, comedy, fantasy, found family, action, adventure and above all an emotional journey. In one word, I found this book phenomenal. I was engaged, enraptured, elated, you get the drift, and then there is Silas… you have to read it to find out more. The first chapters of the second novel at the end were not enough to tide me over, really looking forward to more of Bry’s story and the whole gang!
CN Rowan as an author has a history of witty, sarcastic characters put in wild situations in which they are forced to push themselves beyond their perceived abilities to complete their goals, and this new series only serves to double-down on that scenario. Add to that his heartwarming ability to create family from strangers, and you have a story that grabs hold of you and carries you (not always gently) through the book. The plot takes you on a wild ride that blends the unblendable worlds of mundane London and magic, where mastery of both is needed to solve the real-world problems our protagonists face. I encourage you to get on board of this crazy ride now, and let's see what happens!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent except the MC was a little too easy to accept that magic was real. Sure, there were a few "Oh, wow. What the heck!" moments. But just like that, "Ok, shrug. Yep, magic". And a little too easy for her to use it and become pretty good. Not over the top, but still. Don't you think it makes sense that she should struggle, having never done it before? Oh, and the (thankfully fairly light) romance was just a tad predictable. Still, it's very well written, as always for this author. Excellent world building. Not much "saying", lots of "doing". And, the mark of excellence; I couldn't put it down! I rushed into the next 2 books right away, and if there is a fourth, you can bet it will move to the top of my list.
Firstly, I LOVE this Gorgeous cover!! Bryar {Bry} Hawthorn is orphaned at 13, and escapes foster home realities into fantasy novels. At 17, she inherits a golden necklace, sells it & buys a bookstore, with a home of her own above. Bry realizes that she'd rather read than sell, or even talk to customers! Her sociable friend, Tisha, makes most of the sales and doesn't even get paid. The store is in the red, debts are mounting, & Bry fears she may lose it. When a customer ( 'Mr Smokin Hot' in her mind) takes her on a date & offers to help her get a loan, she is ecstatic! This is where her life spirals into Twilight Zone territory! A strange missive appears in the store, and a little lawyer informs her shes been bequeathed a House/Apartment from her unknown grandmother. Meeting the residents is as mysterious as the House, and she is a witch! Can Bry use the mysterious magic inside her? Will she win over the divergent denizens in the House? Can she keep everything she owns away from the evil intentions of unknown adversaries? Oh, and there IS a Giant!! 5 stars!!
A creative urban fantasy world, much less dark and gritty than CN Rowan's imPerfect Cathar series but still full of his dark and brilliant sense of humour. This series follows a young woman, Bryar Hawthorne, who inherits a mysterious hotel full of strange, other-worldly creatures. This place catches the attention of some nefarious baddies who make trouble for Bryar and her tenants/friends. I wouldn't say this is exactly cozy, but maybe cozy-adjacent. There's found-family vibes I'm sure will grow as the series progresses. I think this could be read as a standalone but I have questions I hope will be answered in future books!
The love of books is like a discovering a portal to new fantastic worlds. But for our spunky protagonist, these worlds bite back. A wonderful story steeped in YA tradition, teetering on NA with real world problems like dating and rent and running a business (possibly into the ground), and ugh, solicitors. The mythical creatures are charming, with each a little odd, and makes the reader consider the actual realties of their existences in our world and theirs, a unique sympathetic touch. Betrayal and an 11th hour save through the power of friendship tee up the next book, hopefully full of more clever wit and cozy found family vibes.
What can I say? I just adored this story which introduced us to Bryar Hawthorne. Bryar has been through the foster system and has come out with a love of books and a need to belong. I adored Bryar, and her cast of supporting characters. A nudist werewolf with alopecia? Just take my money. This book was so brilliant, so fresh, and fun, whilst still being tense and action-packed. It had plenty of humour and plenty of heart. I really couldn't fault it.
I can say that without a shadow of a doubt it is one of my favourite reads of 2025, and I am sure it is going to be a huge success.
If you like Ilona Andrew's 𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, you're going to adore this series.
Can’t wait to see more from Bry and the occupants of the house
Found family, new friends including one special giant are introduced in this new series. Bryar Hawthorne orphaned at 13 had invested her inheritance in a bookshop as books had long since been her safe space but it’s no longer fulfilling and debts are mounting. Along comes notification of a second mysterious inheritance and soon life starts to change at a rather rapid pace and can your phones GPS really walk you through a supermarket to a hidden alley? A delightful read, intriguing characters and enough pace to keep you turning the page and wishing for the next instalment now!
Bryar used the money from the sale of her mom’s necklace to buy a bookstore but it isn’t the dream job she thought it would be. If not for her friend Tisha there would be no sales. Having grown up in foster care Bry has missed having family but things are about to change. I loved the family Bry finds with all their quirks. Not only does she find out about magic but also another inheritance which will change her life. Watching Bry grow while accepting all of the unique abilities of her new friends kept me glued to the pages.
C N Rowan had initially won me over with his IMPerfect series. There is some kind of magic in his writing...... I mean not just his world building/characters etc. His books make you FEEL! Heartbreaking yet heartwarming, humorous yet philosophical, action packed but full of depth, light but deep! All at the same time!! There's some kind of witchcraft in his words
Bryars story is definitely not for the faint hearted, her idea of customer service involves the words "fuck off" & right hooks, which possibly explains why her book shop is in trouble, so when she receives some mail from Tomten & Tummetot lawyers requesting a meeting regarding a recent inheritance. There's oddities, adventures, discoveries, insensitivity & thats just meeting the Lawyer!! What happens after chapter Eleven is mind blowing! & impossible to review without spoilers 🤣🤣 I normally try to pace myself with any ARC books I receive but I literally gobbled this one up in one sitting....Who needs food? Sleep? Uncancelled plans? Nails attached to fingers & not chewed nubs? Am sure this series is going to be a firm favourite of mine. Bry & co sound like my kinda people, so if you want a book with a kickass protagonist, action, adventure, possibly the most bizarre group inside of the M25, humour, heartache, heartwarming scenes, a few reminders that small print & clauses matter, plus a nod to the IMPs of Facebook this is the book of your dreams x
Need more!!! The sneak peek FOUR chapters of book two were brilliant
This new series is a different world and tone from the ImPerfect Cathar series but every bit as entertaining.
This is a thoroughly entertaining story with a fast pace and good humour throughout. Bryar is a young lady who no longer has family and is running a failing bookstore when she receives an unexpected inheritance.
This leads her into one unexpected and wacky situation to another, with some drama, as she learns more about her family history. I enjoyed how the first challenge is settled and look forward to reading the next book.
Imagine owning your own bookshop but are struggling to keep it afloat, well meet Bryar and this is her life right up until she finds out that her grandmother has left her a property, an unusual property and then her world is turned upside down! It’s an incredible start to this new series as we enter this extraordinary world this author has designed for us! Witches, vampires, magic, portals, this is exciting and has you hooked and on the edge of your seat the whole read. Bryar is a strong and fierce character, relatable and extremely likeable and I am thrilled to taking this journey with her.
Wow! This book had me glued to the page! C. N. Rowan writes very exciting (and hilarious), action-packed books, and this is no exception. I REALLY like this protagonist, Bry. She is very well-fleshed-out; and as you begin to meet the other members of her found family, you can feel how real they are, as well. I am very much looking forward to more magic, action, drama, and laughter as this series progresses!