The coven’s under investigation. Its future is in peril. And for one troubled young psychic, the coming battle will threaten her newfound freedom—and brings back a dangerous desire . . . Exploited as a child medium, Emily Adams escaped to grow up on the streets—and hit rock-bottom. She took shelter with the prestigious Northern Circle, intent on staying only long enough to get back on her feet. … back on her feet. But the Circle is still reeling from a devastating supernatural attack and betrayal. And vengeful High Council of Witches investigator Gar Remillard is determined to make Em surrender the truth—and disband the Circle forever.
When Em’s psychic ability allows her to see Gar is haunted by a formidable ghost, her attempts to free him challenge Gar’s rugged French Canadian heart and rancorous loup-garou instincts. But even as their new alliance and past connection kindles into raging desire, a malevolent force rises up to destroy them—the Circle and even the High Council.
With all she’s grown to love on the line, Em must draw on her darkest nightmares and alliances with the dead to outwit and out magic a force who can imprison souls with a flick of the fingers and command legions of wraiths with one word. . .
Praise for Pat Esden and her Dark Heart Novels
“A compelling, atmospheric, paranormal that feels fresh.” —Publishers Weekly
“Esden creates a world of incredible atmosphere.” —RT Book Reviews
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Once again, Pat Esden pulls it off. This book is written not about the typical romance heroine, but rather is written about a delicate young woman who has survived significant trauma in her past, and comes through as a strong character taking matters one day at a time. Relationships are important, but I’m not certain they are as much the star of the book as is Em’s grappling with her recovery and her family’s dysfunction. Similarly, there’s a great plot and a solid adventure, but Em’s story takes center stage.
I think this book is like the best layered pastry. Skillfully written and paced, the pay offs of the book happen on many levels. Get it. Read it.
All the s for the Northern Circle Coven Series!
Pat Esden has done it again; she created another amazing character in Emily Adams. An ultimate outsider, Emily is never alone. Her need to keep her secrets close was borne of her survival instincts. So, of course, fate steps in and throws Gar Remillard into her path, and all bets are off. Once you pick up this book, you’ll be like me and you won’t be able to put it down.
I loved the first book of this series (His Dark Magic) and was so happy to see Chloe again. And I am looking forward to the next in the series, not to simply meet the next fantastic character, but to continue to watch the Northern Coven Circle family grow.
Thing’s She’s Seen is suitably named. Our heroine has certainly seen more than her fair share between an abusive aunt and her ability to see ghosts. This story starts with Em returning home from an AA meeting, and off we go. What follows is one bit of excitement after another without much chance to take it all in plus a romance for our two main players. The story is fast-paced, which I always like, but I would’ve liked a bit more on the world-building. As this is the second in the series, I’m assuming that some of that probably happened in the first book. Sadly, I didn’t realize this was the second book until I started reading. Nevertheless, other than the backstory and world-building, this one stands very well on its own. And honestly, the backstory isn’t a dealbreaker. It’s just always nice to know a little more when it comes to a series. The story is well-written, and this author knows her stuff when it comes to pacing. This is my first read from Pat Esden, but it won’t be my last. She is quite talented, and I want to know more about this world.
4.5 actually
In Things She’s Seen we get Em, a recovering alcoholic and child medium (and abuse experiencer) who is trying to turn herself around by attending AA meetings and living with the Northern Circle Coven in Vermont in the meantime.
You might remember her as one of the initiates to the Coven in the first book, along with Chloe, who had minor presence in this book (although plays a pivotal plot role as she gets into trouble with the Big Bad. Always cool to see how different authors handle main characters from prior books, and Chloe felt just fleshed out enough and true to herself in this one. But you could read this and enjoy without reading the first, I would just say you understand deeper backstory and emotional depth if you’ve read the first).
Em comes home from a meeting one night and rescues a bunch of abandoned kittens as well as discovers that the witch Council has sent an investigator– Gar Remillard– to investigate all the murders, flying monkeys, and claims about Merlin’s Shade resulting from the first book. And he seems entirely bent on being suspicious about the Coven because of past bad history.
Despite Gar’s antagonism, there is an undeniable spark between Gar and Em…and despite being in a place of recovery, Em goes for it. Esden has shown in her prior books that she writes fun, teasing couples with no false fabricated (or unbelievable misunderstanding) angst who definitely give off sparks. I think of her as mid-steam level. (not safe for young YA, but not over the top, either. Definitely plot is more important).
For those who love witches, Hecate, spells, and Wicca, this is a fun romp. There’s a lot of neat spells (like a “pick-a-roo” that opens doors) and the Big Bad’s reason for kidnapping high priestesses is pretty unique and disturbing.
I feel like the bad guy didn’t quite get enough time for me to understand, and his name made me roll my eyes every time I came across it (Magus Dux) in a thought sentence from one of the characters, but as I said, his big bad plan was satisfyingly unique so I mostly forgave the bit of hoky -ness surrounding him.
It looks like we get to follow Chandler in the third book, and as I love UF and paranormal romance that includes older women…and a child or children…I’m looking forward to what happens in the next one!
This is the second book in the Northern Circle Coven series so it’s a good idea to read His Dark Magic book one first. There you are introduced to the Coven through Chloe’s eyes. This time we are seeing things through Emily’s thoughts. The Coven is under investigation, and even though Emily has gotten used to doing things on her own, she does everything in her power to help the Coven. This was a great next step in this series. Pat still holds your interest with the story line and suspense the same as she did in book one.
This is the first time in reading this author with for some reason this caught my eye. Even though I knew this was already one in still had to venture in. This one has alot going on with also paranormal involved. Em is a character that many sides to her with her having alot going on. Gar is also in this drama and along with her they have alot on their plate. This does keep your attention with chemistry also hitting the pages. It has what you look for in a paranormal. I probably should of read the first one though.