The Coven Book Review - No Spoilers
Yesterday morning, I discovered that Marcus had organized his rock collection into what he called "magical formations" all over the kitchen counter, complete with handwritten labels like "Dragon's Breath Quartz" and "Moon Stone of Protection." When I asked him about it, he explained with complete seriousness that he was practicing witchcraft for a school project. His enthusiasm reminded me why I was so drawn to The Coven by Harper L. Woods—there's something captivating about magic woven into everyday life, even when it comes with danger and dark secrets.
Plot Summary
The Coven by Harper L. Woods is the first book in the Coven of Bones series, following Willow Madizza, a young witch raised to be her father's weapon against the Coven that destroyed her family. Desperate to protect her younger brother Ash, she enters Hollow's Grove University in Crystal Hollow, a prestigious institution known for training witches away from human scrutiny. The atmosphere at Hollow's Grove is shrouded in mystery, as the university had closed long ago after a horrific massacre that no one dares to discuss. When the Coven announces the return of the Thirteen—thirteen selected students meant to reshape the magical landscape—Willow sees her chance for revenge. But her mission becomes complicated when she encounters Alaric Grayson Thorne, the brooding headmaster who embodies everything she despises about the Coven, yet ignites an undeniable attraction. As mysterious deaths start occurring among the Thirteen and the ghosts of Hollow Grove's past begin to haunt her, Willow must navigate dangerous magic, deadly secrets, and a forbidden romance that could destroy everything she's fought to protect.
Why I Love This Book
I absolutely love the dark academia atmosphere that Harper L. Woods creates at Hollow's Grove University. The gothic setting feels so immersive and atmospheric, with secrets lurking in every shadow and a history that's both fascinating and terrifying. The magic system based on nature feels fresh and grounded, emphasizing balance and interconnectedness in ways that make sense within the story world. Willow is such a compelling protagonist—she's fierce, determined, and complex, struggling with her family legacy while trying to protect those she loves. I'm completely captivated by the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Willow and Alaric. Their verbal sparring is electric, and the slow burn tension had me completely hooked from their first contentious meeting. The way their relationship oscillates between heated conflict and simmering passion creates such delicious tension that kept me turning pages. I love how morally gray both characters are—neither is purely good or evil, which makes their connection feel more realistic and compelling. The mystery elements woven throughout kept me guessing, especially with the deaths among the Thirteen and the haunting presence of the university's dark past. Woods balances the romantic tension perfectly with the supernatural thriller aspects, never letting one overshadow the other. The cliffhanger ending left me desperate for the next book, which is both frustrating and a testament to how invested I became in these characters and their story.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love dark academia settings, enemies-to-lovers romance, and witchy paranormal fantasy, this book will be perfect for you. Readers who enjoy morally gray characters and complex relationships with plenty of tension and banter will find themselves completely absorbed. If you're drawn to gothic atmospheres, mysterious universities with dark histories, and magic systems rooted in nature, you'll love the world-building. This is ideal for fans of authors like Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Stephanie Meyer who want something with more mature themes and darker edges. The slow burn romance and intense chemistry make this great for readers who enjoy sexual tension that builds throughout the story.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains dark themes including manipulation, violence, death, and mature sexual content. The relationship dynamics include possessive and controlling behavior. There are references to family trauma and revenge plots. The book deals with murder and supernatural horror elements that some readers may find disturbing.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, dark academia, witches, magic, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, dark romance, gothic romance, vampires, supernatural creatures, university, college, alpha male, possessive hero, kickass heroine, morally gray characters, slow burn, cliffhanger, series, dual pov, broody hero, nature magic, revenge, family secrets, dark fantasy, mature themes, steamy romance, witch academy
Steam Level
The sexual tension builds throughout the story with plenty of steamy scenes and explicit content. The chemistry between Willow and Alaric is intense and the romantic scenes are detailed and passionate, making this definitely adult content.
