Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft (YA Paranormal Romance) [Kindle Edition]

Jody Gehrman (Author)

Book Description

From the award-winning author of Babe in Boyland comes a Young Adult paranormal romance about witchcraft, black magic, and the pleasures of paranormal chocolate...

Falling in love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer--it's all in a day's work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training. When her mother goes missing and her mysterious "cousin" shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something's gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it's up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother's secret past.

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is more than just a novel; it's a book of spells, a collection of easy recipes, a charming coming-of-age tale, an enchanting romance, and an action-packed adventure. As Audrey overcomes her insecurities and learns to protect herself against the wicked black magic of her nemesis, she grows into a heroine we can root for--a witch who knows that true power comes from deep within.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This novel was brilliant! It kept my attention, had me laughing...I was thoroughly invested in the sparkling dialogue between Audrey, her friends, and her love interest. I can't wait for the sequel to release." ~Ivy Book Bindings 

"Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is a laugh out loud type novel. I would recommend this novel to fans of the YA supernatural, readers who enjoy humor, and people who want a novel that is full of mystery, secrets, action and romance."
~Chapter by Chapter Reviews

"Since Audrey has a talent for preparing delicious mouth watering desserts, there's also some recipes thrown in that readers may want to try. This is certainly a light and amusing story filled with so many likable characters that I had a hard time putting it down."~Primrose Musings

"Audrey is a believable protagonist...Snarky. Intelligent. Fierce. Funny." ~Unsociable Rabbit's Rants and Reviews

"If you like a fun read involving witches and sort-of zombies, with well rounded characters and a horrific high school enemy, then pick this one up for sure." ~I Am Alive Book Blog

"Overall this one is a must read, must obtain for your high school library. Everything you need to know is in the first sentence of the synopsis: Love + Baking + Fighting = super fun read!" ~Reviews of Young Adult Literature

From the Author

I've always been fascinated by witchcraft. Even as a kid, I sensed a palpable power running through the natural world. Witches have an ability to interact with that power, which is pretty amazing. Living in Northern California, I've been lucky enough to meet people who practice witchcraft, so it isn't that foreign to me. I decided I'd like to try writing about it. I wanted to explore what I knew about real witches but also create a world where their power could be even more mind-blowing. That's part of why I set it in my hometown, Healdsburg; I loved the idea of adding paranormal elements to a place I know so well. I hope you enjoy this spooky tale, and that you'll join Audrey on her future adventures.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 498 KB
• Print Length: 295 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 061565844X
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Magic Genie Books; 1 edition (June 29, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008G7L6TS
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,550 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Audrey has me under her spell! September 5, 2012

By Chapter Chicks

Format:Paperback

When I was asked to review Gehrman's latest title, I was absolutely thrilled. I loved her other Y.A. novel, Babe in Boyland, and figured I would be in for another hilarious ride. I was surprised to find that this novel took a more serious tone, although it did have its humorous moments, but was just as good nonetheless. This really helped me see Jody Gehrman as a more rounded writer and I really appreciate her work.

I am someone who really loves books about witchcraft. I think because it has to do with a very real part of our history, which means it is the most believable mythical being (the YA version, not Wiccans which is a real religion) and means I can hope one day I'll encounter it without feeling so childish. However, this book didn't have as much of it as I would have liked. The witchcraft seemed easy, and I felt like it could have taken a deeper more complicated tone.

The book itself was light, with its serious hues. Which I really enjoyed and is what a lot of people enjoy reading in the summer. It really worked with Audrey's attitude and vulnerablility. The plot started off as simple and became more intricate and complicated as the story went on; while keeping the light fun tone that made it easy to read. What I loved most was the end. So many times in books I feel so confused at the main climax. The author gets so excited, and has so much to say and so much going on at once, that it doesn't come across well. I understood every second of the climax in this book and didn't feel confused at all. I think this will really help when I read the sequel.

All in all, definitely check this book out and see if it is for you, and while I doubt it will be for everyone, it will definitely be for most....

First Line:
"That first Friday in September, barely a week into my junior year, I knew Mom had gone missing."

You'll Like This Book If:
You like light books; You like books about witchcraft; You like books that have a little mystery; You like easy romances without love triangles; You like books with a little humor

[...] Read more ›

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Start to a Magical Series! September 8, 2012

By Stephanie Ward TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

'Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft' is a fun and exciting book that follows the main character, Audrey Oliver, as she deals with teenage life and with being a witch-in-training. Among her daily activities include school, crushing on a cute boy, learning spells, and trying to fight evil.

The first book in a series, this novel is full of excitement and tons of magical energy. The story's heroine, Audrey, is a perfect example of a modern day teenage girl - only with the added benefit of being a young witch on top of everything else. Audrey has to deal with normal teen angst along with normal problems like boys, school, friends, and family; but being a witch brings its own issues. Audrey is a very likeable character and I was able to easily identify with her and root for her throughout the book. The story was very fast paced with lots of magic and adventure - which made it a page turner that I couldn't put down. The narrative had a great flow and was written really well - both of which are needed to make a great book. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and I will definitely be reading the next installment in the series.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So good I couldn't put it down! September 12, 2012

By Krystal Willingham

Format:Kindle Edition

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft has turned out to become one of my favorite books. I am so happy to have finally found a book that knows what it is talking about when it comes to witchcraft. Granted, this book is not full of witchy stuff nor does it go into great detail about witchcraft. What I am talking about is when it does mention something that has to do with witchcraft it tells the truth and the author doesn't make up something that just sounds good. From what I can tell, either the author knew what she was talking about when it came to witchcraft or she really did her homework in order to use facts instead of just made up myths.

Now on to the book! This book is beautifully written and the details the author goes into when describing the characters or the scenes are magnificent. She goes into just the right amount of details that allow you to imagine exactly what is going on in detail and I just loved that about this book. I also love the cute lines, which are strewn though and had me cracking up. A favorite line of mine is "When embarking on a new, potentially dangerous adventure, never hurt to have an overly protective boa constrictor on your team."
Another reason that made me love this book so much is Audrey. She is a strong smart young woman and she has a lot on her plate when her mother goes to help the clan. Sadie (the so called cousin) is also a favorite of mine too because she is so down to earth and funny and you can't help but to connect with the both of them. Audrey really reminds me of myself because there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my family or my friends and she has a level head about her. She sticks up for herself and her friends and does what she believes is right.... I love this character so much and have so much respect for this character and how things go horribly wrong but she is able to not only keep a close relationship with her sister but also start a relationship with hunky Julian while tackling this whole demon zombie thing going on. I mean, that is a lot for one 17 years old to face.

I do know that I can't wait for the next installment of this book. I am so eager to find out what happens next and what happens with her relationship with Julian. I can't wait to see how Audrey grows not only as a witch but also as a person. At the end of the book we learn some things that I kind of saw coming when I started getting farther into the book so those are also some things that I am looking forward to seeing develop and see how they will change Audrey either for the good or the bad.

I have no idea when the second part comes out but I really hope it is soon because I can't wait to pick up where I left off. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun and addicting start to a promising series! September 2, 2012

By Dayla F.M.

Format:Kindle Edition

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, the first in the Audrey's Guides series, by Jody Gehrman is a quick read that offers more than the short synopsis can possibly portray. With its well-written prose and witty dialogue, Gehrman's novel is a fun summer read that will steal your attention for hours.

There are four points to take notice of while reading Gehrman's novel: the dialogue, the prose, the characters, and the speed of the story.

The dialogue served its purpose of drawing me in and evoking different emotions from me. When the characters were humorous, I felt their humour, yet when they were sad, I couldn't help but feel their hurt. Gehrman's success with dialogue is followed by, at times cliched, prose. While her writing is nearly flawless, she does employ the tactic of describing the electric touch between two characters that are attracted to each other--a cliched way of stating that the two characters have a connection.

One important aspect of Gehrman's novel that I particularly like is the connection between the characters. I love that I can simply feel how important each character is to one another without being told by the author. There is obvious chemistry where there needs to be and the romance had me intrigued during my experience. I do have one thing that bothered me, I wish we knew more about Audrey and her love interest, but then again, this is the first in a series. I look forward to seeing how her relationship evolves!

The teeniest flaw this novel has is the pacing. There are moments where the story appears to slow down to a standstill and the reader is left wondering, hm, what now?... Another issue with pacing is how the story builds up to such a huge climax, yet the conclusion happens a lot quicker than expected, not really letting the reader take in what's happening before it is over.

Gehrman's novel is a fun twist on the witch genre. She mixes old myths of what witches can do with new and creative powers and terms. I recommend Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft to those seeking a fun and slightly dark novel about magic, love, and the power of family. Also, if you're looking for fun characters with an edgy twist, then you might want to give this one a look. Read more ›

More About the Author

Jody Gehrman is a pagan at heart. She is a native of Northern California, where real witches thrive, and she has had the pleasure of knowing a few. She is also the author of seven novels and numerous award-winning plays. Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is her most recent Young Adult novel. Her other Young Adult novels include Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love, (Penguin's Dial Books). Babe in Boyland has recently been optioned by the Disney Channel and won the International Reading Association's Teen Choice Award. Her adult novels are Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin (Red Dress Ink). Her plays have been produced in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of English at Mendocino College, where she can be found grading papers when she's not experimenting with !
spells.