Becoming Crone
Author: Lydia M. Hawke
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
#TBRChallenge
- May’s Theme is “Freebie”
- This book has been on my TBR since November 20, 2022.
- It was a free book.
What I’m Talking About:
As Claire turns 60, she reflects on her life. Her husband recently left her for a much younger woman, her overprotective son doesn’t really listen to her, and she avoids conflict with every decision. When Claire is confronted with fact that magick exists and she was chosen to serve the Morrigan as Crone, she can’t decide if she’s senile or the butt of a joke. However, every attempt to return to her “normal” life is met with danger and death. Now Claire must decide if she can embrace her new powers in time to save herself and those she loves.
I love the premise of Becoming Crone! As a woman closer to 60 than 40, I love the idea that something special awaits us as we mature. If Claire ever dreamed that there was a magical world waiting for her, she’d squelched it long ago. Dreams die under the weight of responsibility and the disapproving harping of loved ones.
The author utilizes this first book to introduce Claire, and the reader, to the many concepts of magick, the Morrigan, and witches. It’s a bit complex, and I still am not 100% certain I understand the bits and pieces. Claire is apprehensive and leery, which I understand and enjoy. However, her constant self-doubt clouds the truth that Keven the Gargoyle and Lucan the protective shifter attempt to teach her. The fact that Claire is a regular woman and has trouble accepting her new role is a plus to the plot, while also being distracting in that it went on a little too long, and I needed her to embrace her powers and kick butt.
One negative is that the story felt a bit disjointed as Claire tried to adjust. She’d start learning something or want to do something, and then would have to stop for various reasons, leaving me frustrated. She is isolated in a cabin in the woods with no efficient way to contact anyone or even buy new clothing. The cabin is cool but extremely inconvenient. And I constantly wondered why not send someone to get her a phone, glasses, clothing, etc. I hope that is all fixed in the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed Becoming Crone and have already purchased the second story, A Gathering of Crones.
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
She wanted purpose. She got dark magic and war.
Claire Emerson is adrift. After a lifetime as a wife, mother, and grandma, she never saw divorce or loneliness coming and is desperate for some sense of purpose. But when her sixtieth birthday brings a snarky gargoyle, an annoyingly sexy wolf shifter, and an unknown magical calling, she thinks she’s losing the only thing she has left: her sanity.
Refusing to believe she’s the powerful defender of humankind her so-called protectors claim, Claire attempts a return to her safe life… only to have her powers ignite when she’s attacked by dark supernatural creatures. And without the training she was supposed to have received, she has no idea how she’ll defeat sinister mages plotting her demise.
Can Claire overcome creaky joints and major hot flashes in time to save the world – and her own life?
Release Date: June 17, 2021
Publisher: Michem Publishing (Self-Published)
Series: The Crone Wars #1
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Women’s Fiction
Format(s): paperback (244 pages), e-book
Book Source: freebie
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)