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Mathilda's Book of Shadows #1
Mathilda, SuperWitch
On Hallowe’en night, Mathilda Honeycutt finds out she’s a SuperWitch. Not the modern, hippy kind… the real, wand-wielding, pixie dust kind. After a life devoted to retail and coffee drinks, Mathilda is thrown into the secret world of witches, warlocks, werewolves, vampires, faeries, headless horsemen, you name it, it exists… even whirling dervishes!
As Mathilda discovers her magic, she also discovers she’s prophesied to save the world. Problem is, she’d rather spend her time on online auctions, bidding on cut-rate but fabulous designer shoes. Now, she’s got to save the world, run her coffee house, battle against her co-worker in “The War of the Wooden Spoons” and figure out what’s going on with the silent, watchful (but yummy) Sebastian Wilding, a member of a centuries old Secret Society who has vowed to keep her safe and brainy, sweet (and hot) Dr. Aidan Seymour, a maverick member of The Royal Institute of Psychical Research. Making matters worse, her nemesis is a powerful witch who doesn’t mind fighting dirty.
Will Mathilda be able to save the world while still being perfectly accessorized? And how is she going to pick between Luscious Sebastian and Dreamy Aidan? And will she be able to talk The Witches Council into updating their uniform? And, lastly, will she ever get the hang of riding around on a broom?
As Mathilda discovers her magic, she also discovers she’s prophesied to save the world. Problem is, she’d rather spend her time on online auctions, bidding on cut-rate but fabulous designer shoes. Now, she’s got to save the world, run her coffee house, battle against her co-worker in “The War of the Wooden Spoons” and figure out what’s going on with the silent, watchful (but yummy) Sebastian Wilding, a member of a centuries old Secret Society who has vowed to keep her safe and brainy, sweet (and hot) Dr. Aidan Seymour, a maverick member of The Royal Institute of Psychical Research. Making matters worse, her nemesis is a powerful witch who doesn’t mind fighting dirty.
Will Mathilda be able to save the world while still being perfectly accessorized? And how is she going to pick between Luscious Sebastian and Dreamy Aidan? And will she be able to talk The Witches Council into updating their uniform? And, lastly, will she ever get the hang of riding around on a broom?
331 pages, ebook
First published September 18, 2011
582 people are currently reading
2386 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
133 books39.3k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
May 25, 2016
Okay, so this is actually really good. Really good! Yes, it (mostly) ends in a cliffhanger, and yes the beginning is rough. The journal style storytelling really isn't all that different from any of KA's other 1st person stories, but the entries in the beginning are choppy. It could be poor editing, but could also be Mathilda getting into the swing of SuperWitch journaling....so I'm not sure what to say about that part. I loved both Aiden and Ash, but didn't love the love triangle. I've never been a fan of this (tri)angle, but I know some readers adore it. And, by the end of book 1, this hasn't been resolved - which I didn't like (because again, I don't like triangles), but others will love the added suspense/angst/mystery surrounding who will be Mathilda's happily ever after.
Anywho...I thoroughly enjoyed this and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it! It's funny, exciting, fast paced, and steamy. AND, it must be said that fans of KA's The Three series will probably be fans of this series as well!
Now all we have to do is nag her to continue Mathilda's story!
----
If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our here on 카지노싸이트!
Anywho...I thoroughly enjoyed this and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it! It's funny, exciting, fast paced, and steamy. AND, it must be said that fans of KA's The Three series will probably be fans of this series as well!
Now all we have to do is nag her to continue Mathilda's story!
----
If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our here on 카지노싸이트!
July 19, 2016
Well this was... weird. It took some time to get used to this different style of writing, but it's ok. It's actually a great story, very entertaining, but the ending was just gaaaaah!! I reeealy hope there will be a second book that will finish things, cause it's really hard to have two awsome male characters :S I just don't want her to pick either, she should have both loool maybe a menage would be the perfect solution hahah XD
August 21, 2012
Okay, so I'm a big fan of KA, as you all know. This tale is written in diary style and the first two chapters I was trying to get my head round it, thinking can I actually persevere? Am I liking this? Can I really just read a full story based on someone's afterthoughts with out it irritating the hell out of me? Well, by the time I got to chapter three, BOOM, all those thoughts went out my head!! I became engrossed in what was happening, desperate to find out all the details and as with any Kit tale loving my action and bad assed alphas!!
Now, Mathilda is a materialistic woman in her 30's, she's got a good heart and is slightly nutty....my kind of heroine!! Her two love interests are HAWT but in my opinion Adien needs to back the f**k up, seriously, DO ONE! Ash was there first and he gave the whole YOUR MINE speech, c'mon AND he's magical!!
Matilda's friends and family are fricking brilliant, I just love how KA cultivates these amazing strong women and friendships, with a major dash of humour!
I worked in Harrods for 2 years and usually when reading a KA tale I always read about the American places (and I love it) so it felt really good to hear her describe Harrods and the shopping attitude, made me laugh, I'm Scottish but have spent 16 years in London, I might chat happily in a lift but I'm pure Londoner when navigating streets and shopping!! Also Pattisere Valerie, Oh she is soooo right, their coffee hit and miss but their cakes and pastries HEAVEN!! It was nice to read the same view I had on that place made me feel that bit more connected to the h!!
I would definitely recommend this book in a blink of an eye, if you think on chapter one and two you can't get into this trust me come chapter 3 it's the nuts!!!
Now, Mathilda is a materialistic woman in her 30's, she's got a good heart and is slightly nutty....my kind of heroine!! Her two love interests are HAWT but in my opinion Adien needs to back the f**k up, seriously, DO ONE! Ash was there first and he gave the whole YOUR MINE speech, c'mon AND he's magical!!
Matilda's friends and family are fricking brilliant, I just love how KA cultivates these amazing strong women and friendships, with a major dash of humour!
I worked in Harrods for 2 years and usually when reading a KA tale I always read about the American places (and I love it) so it felt really good to hear her describe Harrods and the shopping attitude, made me laugh, I'm Scottish but have spent 16 years in London, I might chat happily in a lift but I'm pure Londoner when navigating streets and shopping!! Also Pattisere Valerie, Oh she is soooo right, their coffee hit and miss but their cakes and pastries HEAVEN!! It was nice to read the same view I had on that place made me feel that bit more connected to the h!!
I would definitely recommend this book in a blink of an eye, if you think on chapter one and two you can't get into this trust me come chapter 3 it's the nuts!!!
March 30, 2012
So...entertaining, at times humorous, but above all irritating.
The whole book is written diary style. The only thing that would've annoyed me more, is if it had been written in epistolary format.
Also Irritating because there's no real conclusion(and I'm not planning on reading the next book) , the impulsive designer label whore of a heroine irked me, I wasn't too fond of either hero ( mostly cuz we don't really get to know either them all that well) , the world itself I just didn't like. Oh and, finally, there were a lot of on-the-side history lessons...like something big would be happening, but the heroine would stop halfway through and take a couple pages to explain some historical/ cultural point before getting back to the something big.
Having said all that I did finish it. Usually with this style of writing( journal/ diary entries) I don't even make it to the second chapter...So a half a star for that, but even with that, it's only 2.5 stars for this one.
April 29, 2014
Well, I can officially say that I've read everything Kristen Ashley has written thus far now. So, yay.
July 4, 2020
Mathilda, SuperWitch and Mathilda, Superwitch Rise of the Dark Lord (Mathilda's Book of Shadows 1 & 2) by Kristen Ashley
Narrated by Susannah Jones
Fantasy/Paranormal/RomCom Duet.
As a huge Kristen Ashley fan, I always felt bad that I never read . But the reviews were meh, and I knew it ended in a cliffhanger and after 10 years, there was still no sequel. Until this year! Kristen re-released the first Mathilda book with changes and re-recorded the audio with Susannah Jones. Plus, she finally released the long-awaited sequel, . So I was excited to settle in with almost 22 hours of new Kristen Ashley goodness.
Since I didn’t read the old version, I’m not sure how much has changed. The “Book of Shadows” is a journal that witches keep, so the books are told in journal form at the beginnings of each entry, then as the scenes progress it is told normally. Because the journal entry parts are written in sort of a shorthand, (like “Woke up. Brushed teeth.”) I know a lot of people weren’t fans of that. Listening to the audio version, Susannah Jones had such great personality, it was easy to ignore these shortened sentences after I got used to them.
I do think that actually reading these books would have been a much different experience. I actually looked at the kindle version after listening to find my quotes, and felt like that journal format came across better in print. But again, the print version didn’t have Susannah Jones to make Mathilda come to life. So it's give and take.
"That’s when it really began. The Supernatural War. There hadn’t been one since recorded time."
Though Mathilda is about witches and faeries and all kinds of supernaturals, it still has a “this world” feel. Mathilda is a mash-up of all of Kristen Ashley’s heroines. She is in her 30s and just found out that not only is she a witch, but she is THE witch that is prophesied to save the world. But she’s a kind-of-ditsy nut who really needs to be my friend.
“I’m nuts. I’m kookier than kooky. I’m materialistic. I’m a klutz. I make stupid decisions. I have a big ass. I’m a designer-label whore.” I paused. “By the way, that shirt looks good on you.”
He kept staring at me.
I carried on, “I’ve no idea what I’m doing half the time. I know that high heels are going to ruin my back and my knees one day but I keep wearing them. I don’t limit my carbs. I don’t count calories. I don’t go past six weeks before getting my hair retouched. Ever. Some people take vows of chastity or poverty, I take vows of highlights. I once sold my plasma so I could afford to highlight my hair.”
It turns out that in her quest to save the world, Mathilda has two men by her side, one of which she is prophesied to marry, but we don’t know which. The men have been brought up knowing the prophesies and their possible fate, but it’s all new to Mathilda.
As with most of Kristen Ashley’s books, the men are sexy and alpha, and there is a lot of action. While Mathilda kicks ass, her men are right there to help out. I think it was a bit easier for me to get lost sometimes because it was long at 21 hours (for both books) and with one narrator it’s easier to zone out a bit, especially because this is early KA when her descriptions were very vivid. Aidan and Ash were the two heroes and OMG, I confused the hell out of them! Maybe it’s the two As, but honestly, that was my biggest issue with the book, not so much the journal entry format.
“Anyone shoot at you today?” Althea asked as I approached. “Not yet,” I answered. And she cackled. Crazy old coot. “The day is young,” she said. Great. Not something you want to hear from someone who sees the future.
The second book was a straight continuation of the first, and you would never notice that they are written like 11 years apart.
“Do you know what you’re doing?”
I gave my stock answer, “I never know what I’m doing.”
Likes:
•Despite it being a different format and fantasy/paranormal, The Mathilda books very much felt like Kristen Ashley.
•I loved Mathilda and want to be her friend, even when she got on my nerves.
•I love that she was older.
•As someone who grew up with I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched as my favorite shows, I loved the magic stuff.
•I was never quite sure who she would be with during the first book, which was fun, but it was nice that we found out early in the second book.
•It was fun and action-filled.
•So many different creatures! What a great imagination.
•Book two felt a little more like regular KA, but they were really pretty seamless.
Dislikes:
•There was a LOT going on and listening to it made it a little harder to follow.
•Aidan and Ash both being A names had me confusing them all the time. Again, the visual reminders you get when reading vs. listening didn’t help.
•The overuse of words like “Ack! (and “Ackity Ack Ack”), “Yikes”, “Gah”, and “Yay”.
•She was a little too immature for 34, going to her “Princess Fortress”, and even worse, she slut shamed herself.
The Narration:
Susannah Jones is synonymous with Kristen Ashley to me, and I love how she does a Kristen Ashley kooky character. Still, listening to one voice for 21 hours had me zoning out at times.
The Down & Dirty:
If you are a Kristen Ashley fan and have loved her fantasy books, give the Mathilda duet a try. If you liked Fast Lane, you will find Mathilda easy to follow and read because they’re told in a different way as well. I love that Kristen Ashley has told so many different types of stories, in so many different storytelling styles, and they all still have that Rock Chick/Kristen Ashley kooky, fun feel. Mathilda was no exception. I expected less based on things I had heard over the years, and I was very pleasantly surprised by this duet. Maybe it’s because she re-edited it, maybe because part two is finally out, but I enjoyed the Mathilda Book of Shadows duet very much and I’m glad I finally took the time to listen!
Rating: 4 Stars, 3.5 Flame, 4.5 Narration
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March 29, 2016
It was bad enough having to read a book wrote like diary entries, but a love triangle is one if my least favorite troupe. Then lets not forget about the strange non ending. Ack! Oh yes there were too many of those as well.
January 29, 2013
I read this book with quite a bit of trepidation as I had seen other reviews out there, but without anything new from KA to read, I had to give this one a try. 2 stars is REALLY low (especially for anything with Kristen Ashley), but I honestly liked this one less than I liked With Everything I Am (which I gave 3 stars).
As other reviews have stated this book format is different than all of her other books in that it is written in a diary style and follows the sometimes ramblings of Mathilda, The Chosen One. There are two hot alpha males vying for her attention but they are mere shadows of other KA alpha males. This feels like it might have been one of her earlier stories as it isn't as polished as her more recent stories. It certainly has all the wonky characteristics of a KA novel, but it just doesn't quite get the job done. Probably the most frustrating bit of all was the wild twist at the end. It really pulls the story together, but totally leaves you hanging. And, I'm guessing by the low reviews and her mad writing in her other series, we won't see what happens next with Mathilda :(.
If you're desperate like me, give this one a try. In fact, if it's loanable on Kindle, I'm happy to share it with you! But I do think re-reading her other stories might be a better use of your time. Sorry KA!!
As other reviews have stated this book format is different than all of her other books in that it is written in a diary style and follows the sometimes ramblings of Mathilda, The Chosen One. There are two hot alpha males vying for her attention but they are mere shadows of other KA alpha males. This feels like it might have been one of her earlier stories as it isn't as polished as her more recent stories. It certainly has all the wonky characteristics of a KA novel, but it just doesn't quite get the job done. Probably the most frustrating bit of all was the wild twist at the end. It really pulls the story together, but totally leaves you hanging. And, I'm guessing by the low reviews and her mad writing in her other series, we won't see what happens next with Mathilda :(.
If you're desperate like me, give this one a try. In fact, if it's loanable on Kindle, I'm happy to share it with you! But I do think re-reading her other stories might be a better use of your time. Sorry KA!!
May 13, 2020
It is no secret that Kristen Ashley’s writing is my favorite but not only that, she picks great narrators for her audiobooks.
I was apprehensive starting this book because of all the paranormal elements witches are just not my thing. Sometimes I can go with the flow and I knew I had to be in the right mood. Finally I was.
I adored Mathilda she kinda cracks me up. She is a strong character all on her own then you add in her family and well shenanigans ensue. But also throughout this book Mathilda learns about herself and who she is. Not just what she is. But what kind of witch/person she is going to be.
The love triangle is hella hot and a little funny. Sad too at times, I have my favorite but I am holding on to it until I listen to the next book.
And like I said KA or her publishers pick great narrators. Susannah Jones is amazing she gives each character their own voice. It’s refreshing and makes the story more live.
I was apprehensive starting this book because of all the paranormal elements witches are just not my thing. Sometimes I can go with the flow and I knew I had to be in the right mood. Finally I was.
I adored Mathilda she kinda cracks me up. She is a strong character all on her own then you add in her family and well shenanigans ensue. But also throughout this book Mathilda learns about herself and who she is. Not just what she is. But what kind of witch/person she is going to be.
The love triangle is hella hot and a little funny. Sad too at times, I have my favorite but I am holding on to it until I listen to the next book.
And like I said KA or her publishers pick great narrators. Susannah Jones is amazing she gives each character their own voice. It’s refreshing and makes the story more live.
June 20, 2012
It took me awhile to get used to the writing style for this. It's written as if you write in a diary so there's short sentences, they're choppy but once you look past that it turns out to be a funny, enjoyable read.
I wonder who will be Mathilda's choice. Sebastian(yummy!) or Aidan (yummy too!) One is destined to be her husband and give her 3 children and the other is destined to die for her. Hmmmmm?????
I wonder who will be Mathilda's choice. Sebastian(yummy!) or Aidan (yummy too!) One is destined to be her husband and give her 3 children and the other is destined to die for her. Hmmmmm?????
March 20, 2014
WTF?!?!?!?! I am an ardent KA Fan - I mean I LOVE HER!! But if this (horseshit) was the first KA book I picked up, I would have run far and wide to avoid any of her others... I actually cannot believe that this was written by the same woman who brought us the Rock Chicks, or any of her other books.
I feel cheated!
I feel cheated!
August 20, 2012
I liked this story, but it wasn't one of my favorites.
Took awhile to adjust to the writing style and the characters (they both seemed to be scattered all over the place at the beginning).
Guess I'll have to read the next book in the series to see if it'll be on my 'hit' list.
Took awhile to adjust to the writing style and the characters (they both seemed to be scattered all over the place at the beginning).
Guess I'll have to read the next book in the series to see if it'll be on my 'hit' list.
Read
June 25, 2024Note to self: DNFed literally on the 3rd page because the FMC is supposedly 33 years old but sounds like a teenager who is ACTUALLY writing her diary... It was too disconcerting to read.
October 13, 2014
***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT***
2 1/2 Stars
Okay so... Let me start by saying I am a paranormal fan. Love it. It may be my favorite genera. Most of the time the more weird paranormal stuff the better for me so I was thinking even though a lot of KA fans didn't like this book, I thought I would love it. I didn't. The witches, vampires, werewolves and any other cliche paranormal entity was not the problem. I even think the story was a little interesting although confusing at times. The whole Chosen One thing. Reason number one: Mathilda. She is freaking annoying and she is an idiot and she's indecisive and impulsive. Sometimes she is funny and sweet but mostly she is annoying. Number two: there is a FREAKING UNRESOLVED love triangle! Uhhhhhh! I don't like love triangles anymore. I'm sick of that! (In this book's defense, it is a little older.) Not liking the love triangle aside, I don't know why either of these guys like her but the very reason I kept reading this book is to find out if she ends up with Ash or Aiden (I got sucked in) or both because they seem content to let her kiss both of them with no repercussion from either guy. (By the way, their is no sex AT ALL in this book (WHAT!?).) And guess what? Nothing is resolved. It ends in a cliffhanger! And because not very many people liked this book, KA is not in any hurry to write the next one. I don't know if I'll read it anyway. I'm quite annoyed right now. Not happy reading!
2 1/2 Stars
Okay so... Let me start by saying I am a paranormal fan. Love it. It may be my favorite genera. Most of the time the more weird paranormal stuff the better for me so I was thinking even though a lot of KA fans didn't like this book, I thought I would love it. I didn't. The witches, vampires, werewolves and any other cliche paranormal entity was not the problem. I even think the story was a little interesting although confusing at times. The whole Chosen One thing. Reason number one: Mathilda. She is freaking annoying and she is an idiot and she's indecisive and impulsive. Sometimes she is funny and sweet but mostly she is annoying. Number two: there is a FREAKING UNRESOLVED love triangle! Uhhhhhh! I don't like love triangles anymore. I'm sick of that! (In this book's defense, it is a little older.) Not liking the love triangle aside, I don't know why either of these guys like her but the very reason I kept reading this book is to find out if she ends up with Ash or Aiden (I got sucked in) or both because they seem content to let her kiss both of them with no repercussion from either guy. (By the way, their is no sex AT ALL in this book (WHAT!?).) And guess what? Nothing is resolved. It ends in a cliffhanger! And because not very many people liked this book, KA is not in any hurry to write the next one. I don't know if I'll read it anyway. I'm quite annoyed right now. Not happy reading!
December 15, 2012
What? What type of ending what that?!?!? Ugh !!
Ok... So I didn't love it.... But I liked it alot..once you hit chapter 4, that's when stuff hits the fans!!! It had the alpha speak... Lol.. So you know I loved all those parts. Matty, isn't really my type of girl, I did find her a bit annoying but I did like and rooted for her. She just found out that she's a witch, a very special witch infact. her live is upturned and struggles to make it all work : Magic, baking, and Prophesies. The writing style is very different , it being a journal entry and all. I gave it 3.5 stars.
The triangle between Aidan and Ash... Is soo annoying for me.. Why? Well simply, it's because I'm on team Ash. ALL THE WAY !!! But it was kinda cute to watch their situation grow.. And Aiden really is a sweet heart. But Ash just does it for me. He gave me giggles, butterflies and tears.I seriously need an ending and one that I prefer... Would be awesome.. Lol.. Ash ! Ash! Lol
Ok... So I didn't love it.... But I liked it alot..once you hit chapter 4, that's when stuff hits the fans!!! It had the alpha speak... Lol.. So you know I loved all those parts. Matty, isn't really my type of girl, I did find her a bit annoying but I did like and rooted for her. She just found out that she's a witch, a very special witch infact. her live is upturned and struggles to make it all work : Magic, baking, and Prophesies. The writing style is very different , it being a journal entry and all. I gave it 3.5 stars.
The triangle between Aidan and Ash... Is soo annoying for me.. Why? Well simply, it's because I'm on team Ash. ALL THE WAY !!! But it was kinda cute to watch their situation grow.. And Aiden really is a sweet heart. But Ash just does it for me. He gave me giggles, butterflies and tears.I seriously need an ending and one that I prefer... Would be awesome.. Lol.. Ash ! Ash! Lol
August 27, 2015
Didn't like this one as much as her other books. It was a cliffhanger and I hate those. Now I have to wait for the other book or 2 to get written to find out who Mathilda chooses. Another thing she was really ditzy and I hated that. This reminded me of Stephanie Plum and her two guys Ranger and Morretti and not being able to pick one. She was inept just like Stephanie but loved to dress and loved expensive things. You know me I will give it another shot or two if I must because it didn't make me gag but would not go any further than that. Kristen said it started out as a trilogy so I think I can handle that.
December 14, 2012
I only got like, 2 chapters in and the format of this book irritated me to the point I couldn't continue reading it. It's written entirely as a journal, which wouldn't have bothered me much except for the fact that this book, like most people's journals I assume, aren't worried with grammar and such. The way things are written is sometimes almost shorthand, which just grates on my nerves.
I had hoped it would just be the first few chapters like this to get you up to "present day" or some such, but alas, no. I checked reviews here, and it never changes. SIGH.
I had hoped it would just be the first few chapters like this to get you up to "present day" or some such, but alas, no. I checked reviews here, and it never changes. SIGH.
January 1, 2013
I hate to say it, but this one was dreadful. I know this author can do better, but this is 3 hours of my life I can't get back. I hated how the book was set up, journal style and hated the tone of the narrator, Mathilda. She was too flip, too barbie dollish. Both of these factors is a big reason why I was turned off the book. I also didn't think that things were explained very well. And I hated the whole love triangle between Mathilda/Ash/Adian, especially with how things were at the end. If there are more in this series, I won't be reading it.
March 15, 2020
This is a review based on a reread and is complete with a removal of a star.
Three years on and I still see no good reason why a book this long should end with a cliffhanger and an unresolved, ridiculous love triangle.
Updated to add: One star remains. Bless this author's heart for what she generously called an "edit" but it remains a hot mess.
Three years on and I still see no good reason why a book this long should end with a cliffhanger and an unresolved, ridiculous love triangle.
Updated to add: One star remains. Bless this author's heart for what she generously called an "edit" but it remains a hot mess.
October 28, 2018
*3.5 Stars* enjoyed it but wasn’t crazy about the way it was written. The journal entry thing just didn’t really work for me but there was enough KA goodness to keep me reading. Warning, love triangle and cliff hanger.
July 7, 2025
DNF
1 star.
Because I have to rate it something
DNF at page 6.
Omg. Really this is nothing more than a preteens diary written supposedly by a 30 something woman.
Save yourself the pain and misery.
KA has a ton of fantastic books. This is NOT one of them.
1 star.
Because I have to rate it something
DNF at page 6.
Omg. Really this is nothing more than a preteens diary written supposedly by a 30 something woman.
Save yourself the pain and misery.
KA has a ton of fantastic books. This is NOT one of them.
April 6, 2020
3.5 stars
Not a fan of the diary layout, I think it takes away from the context of the story. Its just very weird. I still plan on reading book 2.
Not a fan of the diary layout, I think it takes away from the context of the story. Its just very weird. I still plan on reading book 2.
May 24, 2020
Audiobook update: The diary format is still very difficult for me to get into and connect with the characters, even in audio!
I never finished the original Mathilda book. First, I'm not a fan of journal stories. Second, I'm not a fan of the love triangle trope.
Now, I gave this one another try now that it's been revamped. I do have to say it's MUCH better than I remember it was. Still, not a fan of journal stories or love triangles. I'm used to KA alpha men who will NOT share and not only is this a choice between two men, she's in love with both and seeing both. These two men are sharing... I REALLY don't like that either. Sigh.
Still, it was entertaining, fun read that is totally KA with Matty and her fashion, boy craziness and friends. Just not a lot of romance that isn't small scenes with each guy.
BTW, I'm rooting for Ash.
I never finished the original Mathilda book. First, I'm not a fan of journal stories. Second, I'm not a fan of the love triangle trope.
Now, I gave this one another try now that it's been revamped. I do have to say it's MUCH better than I remember it was. Still, not a fan of journal stories or love triangles. I'm used to KA alpha men who will NOT share and not only is this a choice between two men, she's in love with both and seeing both. These two men are sharing... I REALLY don't like that either. Sigh.
Still, it was entertaining, fun read that is totally KA with Matty and her fashion, boy craziness and friends. Just not a lot of romance that isn't small scenes with each guy.
BTW, I'm rooting for Ash.
March 14, 2020
Awesome Possum
I admit it. I read the other craptastic reviews and avoided this book. I was terribly sad about it, having read all of Kristen Ashley's previous books at least 3 times each (and always jonesing for more). Then the time came when I needed something to put off mind-numbingly boring homework and Mathilda kept poking me in the brain. So I went for it.
Aaaaaannddd.........it was.....AWESOME-SAUCE!!!
Once you get used to diary-style, it becomes a rollicking good ride like only Kristen can do.
So...hijinks, fatteningly delicious descriptions of pastries, gorgeous uber hunks, ridiculous heels, and magic. What more can a girl ask for?
Buy it. Besides, it's wicked cheap. You have little to lose and much awesomeness to gain.
I admit it. I read the other craptastic reviews and avoided this book. I was terribly sad about it, having read all of Kristen Ashley's previous books at least 3 times each (and always jonesing for more). Then the time came when I needed something to put off mind-numbingly boring homework and Mathilda kept poking me in the brain. So I went for it.
Aaaaaannddd.........it was.....AWESOME-SAUCE!!!
Once you get used to diary-style, it becomes a rollicking good ride like only Kristen can do.
So...hijinks, fatteningly delicious descriptions of pastries, gorgeous uber hunks, ridiculous heels, and magic. What more can a girl ask for?
Buy it. Besides, it's wicked cheap. You have little to lose and much awesomeness to gain.
March 20, 2016
My start with this book was medium. I HAAAATED the diary style. Seemed like she was trying way too hard for a Bridget Jones vibe in a way that was just not working. The writing found its footing at some point or I just stopped noticing. The story was fun though! Man KA has a thing for chosen one, prophesy type stuff. That's fine by me bc I like reading about it!
This book is a landmark for me. Finishing this means I've now officially finished all of KA's currently available books! Also makes me wonder if she's going to write another in this series....
This book is a landmark for me. Finishing this means I've now officially finished all of KA's currently available books! Also makes me wonder if she's going to write another in this series....
January 4, 2013
1/5; 1 star; DNF
While Mathilda is supposed to be a 34 year old woman; reading this book (which is her ramblings in her journal), is like listening to a 15 year old go on and on. The format was uncomfortable and there was no character development. Gave up after about 100 pages.
While Mathilda is supposed to be a 34 year old woman; reading this book (which is her ramblings in her journal), is like listening to a 15 year old go on and on. The format was uncomfortable and there was no character development. Gave up after about 100 pages.
March 30, 2020
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job.
April 20, 2020
Funny, exciting and two alphas! A perfect KA story!
May 26, 2020
OMG I’m so happy! I once was a KA Addict! Like I read everything. I was obsessed. As time went on I stopped reading a lot of romance. I also felt like KA’s style changed a bit... we all grow as readers and authors so it is what it is. In the past few years I have struggled to find books that consumed me and though I understand why, I still missed it a bit. I had put off Reading this book because I had heard that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it didn’t appear that book 2 was in the works anytime soon. You have to remember this was many years ago. I found out about a month ago that book 2 had been released and I thought, why not! Being that this was an older KA book it was written in her true KA fashion and it was glorious. It completely consumed me I finished it in three days. I haven’t finished a book in three days in a long time! This was so fun, easy to read and an absolute page turner. It was filled with suspense, excitement, magic, crazy antics and a good old fashion love triangle (I know a lot of people don’t like those but this one was good). There is also a twist I didn’t see coming and I should also add that the cliffhanger is not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I could’ve read this book and waited for book 2. Regardless I don’t have to because I’m going to start book 2 right now!
One more note, the dedication in this book is wonderful and so heartfelt. Ms. Ashley I hope you read your reviews because I’d like you to know I believe you have beautifully honoured your dear friend Lucinda in this book as Lucy. ❤️
One more note, the dedication in this book is wonderful and so heartfelt. Ms. Ashley I hope you read your reviews because I’d like you to know I believe you have beautifully honoured your dear friend Lucinda in this book as Lucy. ❤️
November 11, 2018
The first book in an apparent series, Matilda's Book of Shadows by Kristen Ashley. Matilda Honeycutt goes to England to train as a SuperWitch and open a coffee house. There she meets Sebastian Wilding, or Ash, as Matty calls him, a member of an old Secret Society and her protector. She also meets Dr. Aidan Seymour, a member of The Royal Institute of Psychical Research. So Matty is discovering her powers as a witch and learning that some people don't like her, especially a powerful witch. And she logs her days in her "Book of Shadows".
The book is written in a diary format. So it is the first person point of view of Matilda herself. I did like the story but I didn't love it. I felt I missed so much of the story by only getting Matilda's weird point of view. I don't think I can categorized this as a romance really. Sure there were a few moments but just a few. Matilda is a high maintenance type of gal, running around in brand name heels and such. We have two potential romantic leads and the ending leaves you a bit clueless on that issue. If the second book ever comes out I will read it, more out of curiosity than anything else.
The book is written in a diary format. So it is the first person point of view of Matilda herself. I did like the story but I didn't love it. I felt I missed so much of the story by only getting Matilda's weird point of view. I don't think I can categorized this as a romance really. Sure there were a few moments but just a few. Matilda is a high maintenance type of gal, running around in brand name heels and such. We have two potential romantic leads and the ending leaves you a bit clueless on that issue. If the second book ever comes out I will read it, more out of curiosity than anything else.
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