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The Crone Wars #1
Becoming Crone
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?
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?
260 pages, ebook
First published June 17, 2021
About the author
Lydia M. Hawke
12 books75 followersPen name for author: Linda Poitevin
Lydia M. Hawke is a writer possessed of both a light side and a dark one. On the dark side, she’s the author of the Grigori Legacy, an apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a hard-as-nails cop caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. In her lighter moments, she writes romances (contemporary and suspense) as Linda Poitevin. And when she’s not plotting the world’s downfall or next great love story, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, walker of a Giant Dog, keeper of many pets, and an avid food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens)
Lydia M. Hawke is a writer possessed of both a light side and a dark one. On the dark side, she’s the author of the Grigori Legacy, an apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a hard-as-nails cop caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. In her lighter moments, she writes romances (contemporary and suspense) as Linda Poitevin. And when she’s not plotting the world’s downfall or next great love story, she’s a wife, mom, friend, coffee snob, gardener, walker of a Giant Dog, keeper of many pets, and an avid food preserver (you know, just in case that whole Zombie Apocalypse thing really happens)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
Shelved as 'don-t-count'
March 29, 2024tempted, oh-so-tempted.
Is the magic in the crow's feet (not literally). The cellulite? The 'I can't-be-bothered' attitude?
Or will the author be clever and realize that it's the knowledge that people really aren't that different and don't really change all that much (Miss Marple knew this)? That the secret power is being comfortable in knowing how much you don't know and being okay with that? That relationships are built on more than just sex appeal which is in itself usually a manifestation of our nervous system learnings--and if we haven't done the work, we're going to get hurt?
I have a feeling this is a midlife book (note the reference to hot flashes and divorces) rebranded for the 60s. And since the last midlife book was actually a 30s book rebranded to the 40s, I know better than to fall for that. Because I definitely am not suffering from long-PNR-Covid.
See Amazon? I can say no.
Is the magic in the crow's feet (not literally). The cellulite? The 'I can't-be-bothered' attitude?
Or will the author be clever and realize that it's the knowledge that people really aren't that different and don't really change all that much (Miss Marple knew this)? That the secret power is being comfortable in knowing how much you don't know and being okay with that? That relationships are built on more than just sex appeal which is in itself usually a manifestation of our nervous system learnings--and if we haven't done the work, we're going to get hurt?
I have a feeling this is a midlife book (note the reference to hot flashes and divorces) rebranded for the 60s. And since the last midlife book was actually a 30s book rebranded to the 40s, I know better than to fall for that. Because I definitely am not suffering from long-PNR-Covid.
See Amazon? I can say no.
Read
September 13, 2022This book snagged my attention by being about an older woman (just turned 60) becoming the Crone out of the Maiden/Mother/Crone archetype. It sounded interesting, and then I realised the series was called The Crone Wars and bought it so fast I broke land speed records. Come on, that's sodding epic.
It's as entertaining as it promised. Claire is a rather squashed older woman, used to giving in to her now ex husband's demands and preferences, with a son who treats her with the mild contempt men harbour for women who do things for them, and a daughter-in-law who thinks she's got a foot in the grave, and friends she doesn't like, and the whole paraphernalia of obligation and duty and not taking up space in her own life. This doesn't change immediately when she starts getting to grips with her powers, in part because she's swapping one load of obligation and duty and having to do stuff for another, only the second lot is saving the world. But she does start to assert herself and lean into her power, and seriously, here's to older women realising they don't give a fuck any more.
There's a hot werewolf bodyguard, a gargoyle sidekick, and a gang of witches. Much action and some good banter as Claire gets a slow and partial grip on things. There is also a terrific sequence of attack-by-garden-gnome which really is not something you see every day.
Couple of niggles: The cast is I think exclusively white and the witchery is Celtic (the Morrigan plus Arthurian legend etc) although it's set in Canada, which does raise questions about indigenous witchcraft and how that fits in. Witchery is also identified as female, which is potentially uncomfortable but 'female' hasn't been defined by biology. However, this is book 1 and the heroine barely knows anything about what's going on so I'm open to finding out more about the world as it expands.
Also, book 3 is called Game of Crones. Amazing.
It's as entertaining as it promised. Claire is a rather squashed older woman, used to giving in to her now ex husband's demands and preferences, with a son who treats her with the mild contempt men harbour for women who do things for them, and a daughter-in-law who thinks she's got a foot in the grave, and friends she doesn't like, and the whole paraphernalia of obligation and duty and not taking up space in her own life. This doesn't change immediately when she starts getting to grips with her powers, in part because she's swapping one load of obligation and duty and having to do stuff for another, only the second lot is saving the world. But she does start to assert herself and lean into her power, and seriously, here's to older women realising they don't give a fuck any more.
There's a hot werewolf bodyguard, a gargoyle sidekick, and a gang of witches. Much action and some good banter as Claire gets a slow and partial grip on things. There is also a terrific sequence of attack-by-garden-gnome which really is not something you see every day.
Couple of niggles: The cast is I think exclusively white and the witchery is Celtic (the Morrigan plus Arthurian legend etc) although it's set in Canada, which does raise questions about indigenous witchcraft and how that fits in. Witchery is also identified as female, which is potentially uncomfortable but 'female' hasn't been defined by biology. However, this is book 1 and the heroine barely knows anything about what's going on so I'm open to finding out more about the world as it expands.
Also, book 3 is called Game of Crones. Amazing.
June 18, 2021
This was the first book I've read in one day in at least a year. Honestly, it was more-or-less the perfect balm right now: Claire is a woman turning sixty who is facing a lot of life changes—her husband left her for a woman half her age, menopause seems to have un-paused and gone back to hot flashes, again, her daughter-in-law decided to "host" her 60th birthday party at Claire's house (thanks, now I get to clean up my own birthday party, how thoughtful)—and she's really not feeling it. "It" being "anything" really. Other than sixty. (Her constant reminders to herself that she is—oh, God, how?—sixty reminded me so much of conversations with my older friends I cannot tell you, but the journey Claire takes is all the more joyful for her starting kind of low and frustrated and done.)
Then the crows come. And then a gift from her grandson—a pendant—starts showing her things that aren't there. And then, and then, and then...
I shouldn't have been surprised at how freaking fun and enjoyable this book was. I know Lydia, and I know how fun she is, and the voice of Claire feels like it was channelled out of some everywoman who ever lived a life almost completely in the role of "make no waves, support everyone else, be patient" who then hits the wall of "now it's my space and my time and now what?"
Claire takes some time to really hit that wall, and that feels all the more realistic for it (I couldn't help but laugh out loud multiple times at her inner voices, especially the "arguments" between herself—who doesn't swear out of a habit she made to keep her ex-husband happy—and her dawning realization that, at sixty and divorced, one truly has no fucks left to give). The power of her own dawning awareness coming alongside a supernatural magick based on Claire turning out to be Crone—a powerful wielder of magick—is just all the more pleasing. And hey, bonus hot werewolf guardian with man-bun and six-pack.
I've mostly talked about Claire's character but I don't want to give the impression that everything else in the book isn't solid—it is: the world-building is interesting, and while this definitely sets up as a first in a series, it does so in pieces small enough that I never felt out of the loop. The side characters are just as fun (I laughed out loud again multiple times with Claire's helpers, a werewolf and a gargoyle, who are just the freaking best). The plot itself self-contains while setting up the next book, and was interesting and had me riding along and cheering for Claire throughout.
And, I mean, evil garden gnomes.
Anyway. I loved this. I shouldn't be surprised at how funny and engaging it was, given how funny and engaging Lydia herself is, but it's been a long time since an urban paranormal story pulled me in this much, and I honestly think it was watching Claire run out of fucks that truly did it for me.
Then the crows come. And then a gift from her grandson—a pendant—starts showing her things that aren't there. And then, and then, and then...
I shouldn't have been surprised at how freaking fun and enjoyable this book was. I know Lydia, and I know how fun she is, and the voice of Claire feels like it was channelled out of some everywoman who ever lived a life almost completely in the role of "make no waves, support everyone else, be patient" who then hits the wall of "now it's my space and my time and now what?"
Claire takes some time to really hit that wall, and that feels all the more realistic for it (I couldn't help but laugh out loud multiple times at her inner voices, especially the "arguments" between herself—who doesn't swear out of a habit she made to keep her ex-husband happy—and her dawning realization that, at sixty and divorced, one truly has no fucks left to give). The power of her own dawning awareness coming alongside a supernatural magick based on Claire turning out to be Crone—a powerful wielder of magick—is just all the more pleasing. And hey, bonus hot werewolf guardian with man-bun and six-pack.
I've mostly talked about Claire's character but I don't want to give the impression that everything else in the book isn't solid—it is: the world-building is interesting, and while this definitely sets up as a first in a series, it does so in pieces small enough that I never felt out of the loop. The side characters are just as fun (I laughed out loud again multiple times with Claire's helpers, a werewolf and a gargoyle, who are just the freaking best). The plot itself self-contains while setting up the next book, and was interesting and had me riding along and cheering for Claire throughout.
And, I mean, evil garden gnomes.
Anyway. I loved this. I shouldn't be surprised at how funny and engaging it was, given how funny and engaging Lydia herself is, but it's been a long time since an urban paranormal story pulled me in this much, and I honestly think it was watching Claire run out of fucks that truly did it for me.
October 8, 2022
I love the premise of this book. It's a traditional Urban Fantasy Chosen One story, with the twist that our chosen one is 60 years old.
Every moment of this book felt like it was firmly Doylist with no Watsonian. Doylist = something happens in the story because that's what the author wanted to happen. Watsonian = something happened in the story because the characters made it happen, because the sequence of events made it happen. The scenes never felt like they were happening because of who the characters were. It felt like it was happing because this was the next plot beat on the outline.
Thanks to Netgalley and IBPA for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Every moment of this book felt like it was firmly Doylist with no Watsonian. Doylist = something happens in the story because that's what the author wanted to happen. Watsonian = something happened in the story because the characters made it happen, because the sequence of events made it happen. The scenes never felt like they were happening because of who the characters were. It felt like it was happing because this was the next plot beat on the outline.
Thanks to Netgalley and IBPA for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2023
Ever since Lydia Hawke aka Linda Poitevin first started talking about this book, I've been wanting to read it. In loved the idea of an older woman at the center of the story, as The Chosen One. So often, The Chosen One is a teenager (for example, Buffy). And genre fiction typically doesn't have older main characters; even middle-aged ones can be hard to find. But there's a growing trend of paranormal women's fiction, featuring middle-aged or older female MCs. Claire, the heroine of this book, falls squarely into that camp. I couldn't wait to gobble this book. I pre-ordered it, and then I got a review copy. Now I have two copies. :)
Claire is recently divorced and about to turn sixty. She'as at loose ends and looking for meaning, for purpose. Discovering she has a magikal destiny and magikal powers wasn't what she had in mind. She's slow to accept these changes and has humorous conversations with herself as a coping mechanism. As the action heats up, Claire steps up and meets the challenges.
I particularly enjoyed Claire's journey and growth. At the start of the story, she's finding herself again, starting a new life, pushing the limits of her comfort zone. From learning how to swear to giving no fucks to learning how to use magic, Claire rises, and sometimes stumbles, as she navigates the new world she's in.
Having read several of Ms. Hawke's books, and chatted with her on social media for many years, I found that this story sounded the most like her. Her voice was strong and if I didn't know who had written it, I'd have known just by reading it. "Becoming Crone" has Hawke's wry sense of humor, her quirkiness, and her supreme competence. Add in a modern take on the King Arthur story, mages and witches, gargoyles, magic trees, werewolves, evil garden gnomes, a hint of romance, and lots of action, and "Becoming Crone" was a fantastic story. There's strong world building and strong character development and the pace is brisk. Claire is not always brisk, she has arthritis in her hips (I can relate), but she keeps on going.
"Becoming Crone" was a delightful story with a heroine who has spine, experience, and feels like the neighbor next door. I'd be delighted to have Claire as a friend. I'm ready for book two, which is expected in December or January.
ETA: Excerpt and swag giveaway on the blog Monday June 21st. https://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/202...
Claire is recently divorced and about to turn sixty. She'as at loose ends and looking for meaning, for purpose. Discovering she has a magikal destiny and magikal powers wasn't what she had in mind. She's slow to accept these changes and has humorous conversations with herself as a coping mechanism. As the action heats up, Claire steps up and meets the challenges.
I particularly enjoyed Claire's journey and growth. At the start of the story, she's finding herself again, starting a new life, pushing the limits of her comfort zone. From learning how to swear to giving no fucks to learning how to use magic, Claire rises, and sometimes stumbles, as she navigates the new world she's in.
Having read several of Ms. Hawke's books, and chatted with her on social media for many years, I found that this story sounded the most like her. Her voice was strong and if I didn't know who had written it, I'd have known just by reading it. "Becoming Crone" has Hawke's wry sense of humor, her quirkiness, and her supreme competence. Add in a modern take on the King Arthur story, mages and witches, gargoyles, magic trees, werewolves, evil garden gnomes, a hint of romance, and lots of action, and "Becoming Crone" was a fantastic story. There's strong world building and strong character development and the pace is brisk. Claire is not always brisk, she has arthritis in her hips (I can relate), but she keeps on going.
"Becoming Crone" was a delightful story with a heroine who has spine, experience, and feels like the neighbor next door. I'd be delighted to have Claire as a friend. I'm ready for book two, which is expected in December or January.
ETA: Excerpt and swag giveaway on the blog Monday June 21st. https://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/202...
July 7, 2021
I loved the idea of having a senior citizen, a grandmother being the hero. I found the characters lacked depth and there were some inconsistencies. Her house burns down, a neighbour saves her cat, yet somehow her cat ends up in a pet carrier, which she then uses as a sledgehammer against gnomes. Where did the pet carrier come from, as everyone was standing on the street in shock and gawking at the burnt house? Just little things like that bugged me. The training where Claire is swinging around a stick, swooping and crouching did not seem plausible for a 60 year old, unless she was already athletic etc. Again, because the character development was lacking, it just didn't seem to fit in. A 60 year old turning intuitive warrior, almost ninja-like, during a training session didn't jive. Like I said, I love the idea of have a 60 year old woman being a badass hero, particularly a witch, but I was disappointed with this plot and lack of character development. The Gargoyle and shape-shifting protectors were a nice touch but the stereotypical dynamic between Claire and Lucan was predictable.
This free ARC, was supplied to me from Booksirens. This free review is provided willingly by myself.
This free ARC, was supplied to me from Booksirens. This free review is provided willingly by myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
Pros: interesting older protagonist, fun magical creatures
Cons:
After a year of difficult changes, Claire is gifted a pendent for her 60th birthday that unlocks the gate of a witches hut and even more difficult changes.
This is book 1 of the Crone Wars. It’s unusual to find a female protagonist post-menopause, so reading about Claire’s life was kind of a treat and kind of an uncomfortable look at what’s coming for me. She’s an interesting protagonist who took pains to not rock the boat and now finds the boat has sailed without her. What do you do when your life gets upended at her age? Look for a new purpose.
The use of magick is limited as Claire’s being introduced to that part of the world. The creatures she faces were fun takes on myth. Especially the gnomes.
The book moves quickly and has a satisfying arc.
If you like urban fantasy and want something a little different, this is a good read.
Cons:
After a year of difficult changes, Claire is gifted a pendent for her 60th birthday that unlocks the gate of a witches hut and even more difficult changes.
This is book 1 of the Crone Wars. It’s unusual to find a female protagonist post-menopause, so reading about Claire’s life was kind of a treat and kind of an uncomfortable look at what’s coming for me. She’s an interesting protagonist who took pains to not rock the boat and now finds the boat has sailed without her. What do you do when your life gets upended at her age? Look for a new purpose.
The use of magick is limited as Claire’s being introduced to that part of the world. The creatures she faces were fun takes on myth. Especially the gnomes.
The book moves quickly and has a satisfying arc.
If you like urban fantasy and want something a little different, this is a good read.
August 19, 2021
Ok.
Keven is the most interesting character! And the cat...! I love the idea of how/why Claire becomes Crone, but the human characters are pretty stereotypical. 😞 And while I get that we are suppose to enjoy a main character who is not a teen or twenty-somethng, the way Claire talks about herself is annoying. She might as well have been a self absorbed teen!😖
Try to ignore how annoying the humans are and focus on the story, you will enjoy this story better.
Keven is the most interesting character! And the cat...! I love the idea of how/why Claire becomes Crone, but the human characters are pretty stereotypical. 😞 And while I get that we are suppose to enjoy a main character who is not a teen or twenty-somethng, the way Claire talks about herself is annoying. She might as well have been a self absorbed teen!😖
Try to ignore how annoying the humans are and focus on the story, you will enjoy this story better.
July 2, 2021
The book is well written and edited.
I loved the premise of a 60 year old woman finding out she’s a witch and the storyline was different and original but Claire’s character made me extremely uncomfortable. Her apparent lack of self esteem and ‘doormat’ tendencies, unwillingness to listen to advice or her own instincts and general demeanour had me cringing. Her fixation on her reading glasses and age related health issues (including dementia) was just annoying. So I can see that the story is now set up for Claire to use her new acquaintances to help control her magic and find the other four Crone but sorry I won’t be rushing to read further books in this series.
I received an Arc copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
I loved the premise of a 60 year old woman finding out she’s a witch and the storyline was different and original but Claire’s character made me extremely uncomfortable. Her apparent lack of self esteem and ‘doormat’ tendencies, unwillingness to listen to advice or her own instincts and general demeanour had me cringing. Her fixation on her reading glasses and age related health issues (including dementia) was just annoying. So I can see that the story is now set up for Claire to use her new acquaintances to help control her magic and find the other four Crone but sorry I won’t be rushing to read further books in this series.
I received an Arc copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
July 20, 2021
I'd have rated this 2.5 stars and not 3 if it hadn't been for its unique premise. The protagonist is a sixty-year-old divorced woman, who finds out she's one of Morrigan's Crones. However, this book did have its issues. The story's quite predictable--at least in this installment--as are the dynamics between the protagonist and her potential love interest. So, a good read that could have been a great one.
Read
January 26, 2022Setting this one aside for now as it's not fitting what I want to read at the moment. Book started off kinda slow and just made me sad with how she lived 60 years without actually figuring out what she wanted to do and who she is.
February 1, 2024
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: paranormal
Angst: 😱
Smexy: clean
This book was way outside my normal wheelhouse, but was really good! 60 year old, newly divorced grandma who is going through an identity crisis while battling hotflashes and mages, lmao. The storyline was super interesting and the writing was fantastic. Great dialogue that has some good laugh out loud moments. Tons of action and even a little chemistry between grandma and the super hot shifter who turns out to be her guardian. I think there's 5 books planned (info I didn't have when I started), so I'll probably not continue, but definitely due to my personal preferences and not because of the author's writing capabilities.
Trope: paranormal
Angst: 😱
Smexy: clean
This book was way outside my normal wheelhouse, but was really good! 60 year old, newly divorced grandma who is going through an identity crisis while battling hotflashes and mages, lmao. The storyline was super interesting and the writing was fantastic. Great dialogue that has some good laugh out loud moments. Tons of action and even a little chemistry between grandma and the super hot shifter who turns out to be her guardian. I think there's 5 books planned (info I didn't have when I started), so I'll probably not continue, but definitely due to my personal preferences and not because of the author's writing capabilities.
October 3, 2022
Have you ever really wanted to like a book before you start reading it. That is this one for me. Older heroine who is clueless about magic and comes into her own. Maybe this one called to me as I feel like I'm starting to fit that "older" category and who wouldn't want to learn about magic! Sadly this one didn't work for me. I didn't like how Claire was a doormat with all those around her, how patronizing everyone was to her, like she was ready for her grave and how as she learns about magic, her new sidekicks were berating her for not knowing what was going on and complaining how they were going to have to teach her everything. I made it around 45% and gave up. I was so bored while reading. I know this is the first book of a new series and the world needs to get set up, but it was too much to go through for me at this point, I didn't care if Claire got it together or not. In the end this one wasn't for me.
May 26, 2023
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
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
December 13, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This extraordinarily diverse paranormal fantasy by Ms. Lydia Hawke is marvelously written and quite unique!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This extraordinarily diverse paranormal fantasy by Ms. Lydia Hawke is marvelously written and quite unique!
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 13, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟
📚 - Adult Fantasy / Mythology / Urban Fantasy
📖 - 260 pages
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the writing was funny and witty, and I think the main character is so relatable! And how often do you see MCs that are in their 60s?! You're never too old to figure out who you are and what you want to be.
The writing was clear and easy and this was a fun afternoon read. Will definitely be finishing the series.
Thank you to the publisher, IBPA, for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
📚 - Adult Fantasy / Mythology / Urban Fantasy
📖 - 260 pages
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the writing was funny and witty, and I think the main character is so relatable! And how often do you see MCs that are in their 60s?! You're never too old to figure out who you are and what you want to be.
The writing was clear and easy and this was a fun afternoon read. Will definitely be finishing the series.
Thank you to the publisher, IBPA, for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
May 18, 2024
I wanted it to be good, but it was pretty meh. It is a good idea for a series. Just, Claire is so DUMB. Her inner monologue gets very tiresome and repetitive. She can't believe she has any power, even after she experiences it. And the flow of the story is really bad, as far as how Claire moves from clueless to slightly less clueless about magic, it's just utterly unconvincing.
September 21, 2023
A fun urban fantasy about a woman who discovers she can do magic on her 60th birthday.
January 23, 2022
While I liked this book, in the most general sense, I don't suppose it'll make much sense to say that I love that the is a book about a 60-year-old woman, but wish it was less about a 60-year-old woman. I really wanted Claire to be a badass woman who happened to be 60-years-old. Instead she's a 60-year-old woman who happened to be badass (or was working towards becoming badass...ok, she wasn't badass but has the potential to be in the future). And while that might seem like an impertinent difference, it wasn't for me.
Too much of the book is "Woe is me, I'm 60," "I need my reading glasses, I'm 60," "My hips/ankles/toes/joints hurt, I'm 60," "I haven't had a libido for decades, I'm 60," etc. I want 60-year-old heroines. But this book seemed to make being 60-years-old Claire's whole personality. And that focus felt much more like... maybe tokenizism is the word I want, maybe. It certainly wasn't a full engagement and purposeful subversion of society's tendency to erase older women or truly encompassing and embracing the power of the crone. It 100% wasn't making Claire feel anymore like a true, fleshed out character than the young Chosen Ones we all have read ad nauseam. All of which disappointed me.
I was also simply bored by a lot of this story. Claire doesn't even come to accept her situation until past the 60% mark and all of the action is in the last 10% or so. Having said that, I like the idea of Claire and, if I accept that this first book set the stage and gave her the training and knowledge, I can hope that the next book in the series will be more interesting. The writing and editing is perfectly readable and the overarching plot has me curious. So, I think I'll give book two a shot and see how it goes from there.
Too much of the book is "Woe is me, I'm 60," "I need my reading glasses, I'm 60," "My hips/ankles/toes/joints hurt, I'm 60," "I haven't had a libido for decades, I'm 60," etc. I want 60-year-old heroines. But this book seemed to make being 60-years-old Claire's whole personality. And that focus felt much more like... maybe tokenizism is the word I want, maybe. It certainly wasn't a full engagement and purposeful subversion of society's tendency to erase older women or truly encompassing and embracing the power of the crone. It 100% wasn't making Claire feel anymore like a true, fleshed out character than the young Chosen Ones we all have read ad nauseam. All of which disappointed me.
I was also simply bored by a lot of this story. Claire doesn't even come to accept her situation until past the 60% mark and all of the action is in the last 10% or so. Having said that, I like the idea of Claire and, if I accept that this first book set the stage and gave her the training and knowledge, I can hope that the next book in the series will be more interesting. The writing and editing is perfectly readable and the overarching plot has me curious. So, I think I'll give book two a shot and see how it goes from there.
January 15, 2022
It is truly nice to read a book where the heroine is a mature woman instead of a teen, gorgeous twenty or thirty year old. That is the case with “Becoming Crone.” A heroine, Claire Emerson, is turning sixty and is questioning the purpose of her life after be a devoted mother, former wife until her cheating ex knocked up a young woman and married her. She has made an art of blending into the wall so she wouldn’t be noticed and now what does she have to show for it?
After receiving an beautiful pendant from her grandson, Brayden, Claire begins receiving strange messages in the newspaper. Also her neighbor who sold the pendant to Brayden is trying to get it back from her. After discovering an address of sorts in the paper she decides to investigate. What she will discover will turn her world upside down, put the people she lives at risk and gives her a purpose she could never imagine. You see, Claire is Crone. Not a Crone but Crone and she is about to embark on an incredible journey. Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it!
Initially when I began reading this story I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it because Claire kept whining about being sixty. However, once I got into the read I really enjoyed watching her come into her own. I will say that I wished the author had done a better job of fleshing out the supporting characters of the coven because their introduction was abruptly introduced into a major roles in the story. I am willing to wait and see how this will unfold in the next installment and I’m glad to see an author not take the traditional character route in a storyline.
After receiving an beautiful pendant from her grandson, Brayden, Claire begins receiving strange messages in the newspaper. Also her neighbor who sold the pendant to Brayden is trying to get it back from her. After discovering an address of sorts in the paper she decides to investigate. What she will discover will turn her world upside down, put the people she lives at risk and gives her a purpose she could never imagine. You see, Claire is Crone. Not a Crone but Crone and she is about to embark on an incredible journey. Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it!
Initially when I began reading this story I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it because Claire kept whining about being sixty. However, once I got into the read I really enjoyed watching her come into her own. I will say that I wished the author had done a better job of fleshing out the supporting characters of the coven because their introduction was abruptly introduced into a major roles in the story. I am willing to wait and see how this will unfold in the next installment and I’m glad to see an author not take the traditional character route in a storyline.
February 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Michem Publishing for the chance to read Becoming Crone by Lydia M. Hawke. I was drawn to reading this because the main character was turning 60; and it was wonderful to finally be able read about someone who is basically my age! Claire is a divorced grandmother, who feels like life is just slipping away. On the night of her 60th birthday she is given an antique pendant, which changes her life, and allows her to become Crone. This was a fabulous start to a new urban fantasy series with Wiccan and Arthurian lore. Its a fast, and easy read; with action right from the start.....and some really creepy scenes with garden gnomes! Looking forward to diving in to the 2nd book!!!!
February 2024: When I realized the 5th book in the series was coming out in April, and I hadn't had the chance to read the 4th one I decided to do a re-read because they all end in somewhat of a cliffhanger. Enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.
February 2024: When I realized the 5th book in the series was coming out in April, and I hadn't had the chance to read the 4th one I decided to do a re-read because they all end in somewhat of a cliffhanger. Enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
Meh. The strong premise of an elderly protagonist does not make up for the weak plot. It's.... fine I guess, but I'm not driven to continue on with the series. Which is a shame, because I really do want more protagonists over the age of 40 in my reading. Also, and this is such a petty, personal pet peeve, but I really hate the word 'magick'. ESPECIALLY in urban fantasy. I know why people use it, I know why they want to differentiate between stage magic and 'real' magic, but it makes my teeth itch and I hate it.
September 27, 2022
A perfect fantasy read. Should be required reading for older women.
October 1, 2022
I am always delighted to come across heroines of a certain age who feature in fantasy adventure stories, especially as I’ve now also reached that certain age. That said, I’m allergic to the trope whereby they suddenly have access to an elixir that helps them overcome creaking joints and smooths out the wrinkles. Or find themselves wielding a magic sword with the skill and ease of a thirty-something swordmaster. So my track record with this sub-genre is a tad patchy.
I’m delighted to report that Claire is none of the above. In fact, at the start of the book she is hosting her own sixtieth birthday party with nothing much to celebrate. Her ex-husband has left her for a much younger woman with whom he has started a second family, her son and daughter-in-law are increasingly treating her as an elderly nonentity and she feels as if she’s spent her life putting everyone else first with not much to show for it. The problem is – on the cusp of becoming properly old, she has no idea what she really wants for herself… This could have been a really dismal opening, but for Claire’s wry humour which I found very appealing. The story starts quite slowly, something I didn’t mind as it gave me plenty of opportunity to bond with Claire. This is important, as she narrates the tale in first-person viewpoint.
However, once the action does start rolling it quickly picks up speed. I liked the fact that her transition from the normal everyday to the fantastic isn’t smooth or easy. Her attempts at magick are either non-existent or overwhelming to the point of catastrophic and she’s hopeless in any physical fight. Although she does have a gorgeous werewolf protector and a gargoyle assigned to train her. Hawke writes action vividly with some nicely original touches – I’ll never look at a garden gnome in the same way again – and while the shafts of humour continue, there is also loss and heartbreak.
Claire’s journey throughout the book is well handled, so that I believed in the character throughout. I’m keen to continue reading this series to discover what happens next. And the bonus is that the next two books are already available, so I won’t have to wait to tuck into A Gathering of Crones. Highly recommended for urban fantasy fans who enjoy older protagonists. While I obtained an arc of Becoming Crone from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
I’m delighted to report that Claire is none of the above. In fact, at the start of the book she is hosting her own sixtieth birthday party with nothing much to celebrate. Her ex-husband has left her for a much younger woman with whom he has started a second family, her son and daughter-in-law are increasingly treating her as an elderly nonentity and she feels as if she’s spent her life putting everyone else first with not much to show for it. The problem is – on the cusp of becoming properly old, she has no idea what she really wants for herself… This could have been a really dismal opening, but for Claire’s wry humour which I found very appealing. The story starts quite slowly, something I didn’t mind as it gave me plenty of opportunity to bond with Claire. This is important, as she narrates the tale in first-person viewpoint.
However, once the action does start rolling it quickly picks up speed. I liked the fact that her transition from the normal everyday to the fantastic isn’t smooth or easy. Her attempts at magick are either non-existent or overwhelming to the point of catastrophic and she’s hopeless in any physical fight. Although she does have a gorgeous werewolf protector and a gargoyle assigned to train her. Hawke writes action vividly with some nicely original touches – I’ll never look at a garden gnome in the same way again – and while the shafts of humour continue, there is also loss and heartbreak.
Claire’s journey throughout the book is well handled, so that I believed in the character throughout. I’m keen to continue reading this series to discover what happens next. And the bonus is that the next two books are already available, so I won’t have to wait to tuck into A Gathering of Crones. Highly recommended for urban fantasy fans who enjoy older protagonists. While I obtained an arc of Becoming Crone from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
July 29, 2021
This author captured my heart with her evil ceramic garden gnomes. Okay, really thou....
I haven't read a book (minus my handful of favorite authors) that has captured my love of reading so thoroughly. Everything about this book is enchanting.
The MC is a woman celebrating her 60th birthday. She's lived her whole adult life in the shadow of her husband (who traded her in for a young model). Now she keeps asking herself if this is actually who she is? It's wrecking havock on her comfort zones.
Then she is given a gift that changes her life, her world and shatters everything she's ever known. There is magic, she should already know that....and how to use it!!!
I hate to call this a coming to age story because it's not; but it has something so honest in it's bones. I think once you hit your mid 40's you start feeling mentally/ physically older and the story just screams "nothing is going to stop me" not age, not them and never me.
If all that's not enough temptation, there's a sexy wolf shifter, an awesome gargoyle, Crows, mage's, witches and a Goddess. Lots of action, mountains of destruction and sometimes it's laugh out loud humorous.
Lydia M Hawke is a very gifted writer. This is a book for any fantasy fan and then some. What an awesome read. I'm sorry it's finished!!!
I'd like to thank the author, publisher and BookSirens for giving me this free ARC. The review and opinions are my own.
I haven't read a book (minus my handful of favorite authors) that has captured my love of reading so thoroughly. Everything about this book is enchanting.
The MC is a woman celebrating her 60th birthday. She's lived her whole adult life in the shadow of her husband (who traded her in for a young model). Now she keeps asking herself if this is actually who she is? It's wrecking havock on her comfort zones.
Then she is given a gift that changes her life, her world and shatters everything she's ever known. There is magic, she should already know that....and how to use it!!!
I hate to call this a coming to age story because it's not; but it has something so honest in it's bones. I think once you hit your mid 40's you start feeling mentally/ physically older and the story just screams "nothing is going to stop me" not age, not them and never me.
If all that's not enough temptation, there's a sexy wolf shifter, an awesome gargoyle, Crows, mage's, witches and a Goddess. Lots of action, mountains of destruction and sometimes it's laugh out loud humorous.
Lydia M Hawke is a very gifted writer. This is a book for any fantasy fan and then some. What an awesome read. I'm sorry it's finished!!!
I'd like to thank the author, publisher and BookSirens for giving me this free ARC. The review and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2024
This is a fun premise of a story. An older woman finds out she has a magical ability that she's been suppressing, along with many other parts of her identity, because of the people in her life and her feelings about what is expected of her.
She comes with a pendant given to her by her grandson, and things happen, much to her dismay.
Becoming Crone is a good start to an urban fantasy series, and I enjoyed the read. I liked Claire, who is struggling with a fairly recent divorce and what life might look like now that she does not feel needed and has spent her whole life following the rules set on her by others and society. I thought her thoughts and concerns were very realistic, and I liked readers get to learn all about the magic and legends of her world right alongside her. I also enjoyed having a more mature heroine as the story's main character, but I have to admit it bothered me more than a little when everyone (including Claire herself) kept referring to her as so old. Sixty is older than the typical chosen one we get to read about, but sixty is not decrepit. I am still away from it, but I still think of sixty as older, but not old. Although, that was really my only sticking point with this book. I enjoyed the read and will keep an eye out for the rest of the series.
I did like that the main character seemed to get over herself a bit more with each discovery and occurrence, magical or otherwise. That made me like her more.
I ended up enjoying the book and can recommend it, likely the series and the author.
She comes with a pendant given to her by her grandson, and things happen, much to her dismay.
Becoming Crone is a good start to an urban fantasy series, and I enjoyed the read. I liked Claire, who is struggling with a fairly recent divorce and what life might look like now that she does not feel needed and has spent her whole life following the rules set on her by others and society. I thought her thoughts and concerns were very realistic, and I liked readers get to learn all about the magic and legends of her world right alongside her. I also enjoyed having a more mature heroine as the story's main character, but I have to admit it bothered me more than a little when everyone (including Claire herself) kept referring to her as so old. Sixty is older than the typical chosen one we get to read about, but sixty is not decrepit. I am still away from it, but I still think of sixty as older, but not old. Although, that was really my only sticking point with this book. I enjoyed the read and will keep an eye out for the rest of the series.
I did like that the main character seemed to get over herself a bit more with each discovery and occurrence, magical or otherwise. That made me like her more.
I ended up enjoying the book and can recommend it, likely the series and the author.
June 25, 2021
BECOMING CRONE is the first book in The Crone Wars series and we start off with a low bar. Claire has just hit sixty and her body constantly reminds her. Her husband has left her and she is trying to figure out what to do with her life next. With a gargoyle and a wolf shifter by her side, Claire needs to learn LOTS and in a short amount of time.
This was a great story where the heroine is not some young whippersnapper. That doesn't stop a flare of attraction between her and Lucan though. I did love his attitude! The story is helped along by a great cast of supporting characters that helped keep the pace and move the plot along.
This is the first book so don't expect everything to be resolved. It all takes place over a week's time so be prepared to have plenty of questions left over. It does come to an end, not with a cliffhanger as such, but with a teaser for what's to come.
A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a great story where the heroine is not some young whippersnapper. That doesn't stop a flare of attraction between her and Lucan though. I did love his attitude! The story is helped along by a great cast of supporting characters that helped keep the pace and move the plot along.
This is the first book so don't expect everything to be resolved. It all takes place over a week's time so be prepared to have plenty of questions left over. It does come to an end, not with a cliffhanger as such, but with a teaser for what's to come.
A great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 8, 2021
This was a fascinating read. The lead-in "She wanted purpose. She found dark magick and war." hit so close to home for me. Claire Emerson has spent her entire life trying to be the perfect wife, mother and grandmother, so it was a total shock to her when her husband leaves her all alone in her twilight years. Now at 60 years old, she is left all alone in a house that she has decorated to everyone else's tastes and she yearns for purpose in her life. And boy does she get it!
I really, really enjoyed this book! Oftentimes I felt the heroine doth protest too much about wanting her "old life" back. Because, seriously? I have come to terms with the fact that I am annoyed by the "wishy-washy, this is not my life" trope.
The world building was amazing and I am a sucker for good mythology and liberal use of crows. I can't wait for Claire to find her reading glasses and to delve into more!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really, really enjoyed this book! Oftentimes I felt the heroine doth protest too much about wanting her "old life" back. Because, seriously? I have come to terms with the fact that I am annoyed by the "wishy-washy, this is not my life" trope.
The world building was amazing and I am a sucker for good mythology and liberal use of crows. I can't wait for Claire to find her reading glasses and to delve into more!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2021
Becoming Crone deserves 5 stars for getting me out of reading slump alone, because this year has not been my reading year at all, but this story managed to keep my interest.
Starting with a refreshing concept where the main protagonist is a 60 year-old grandma who suddenly comes into her power as a witch - or, a Crone and continuing with assembling a cast of mismatched, quirky characters (and a cat), it follows Claire through discovery and acceptance of her new reality without a boring moment, from funny to scary and heart-wrenching ones.
I very much appreciated the real, tangible stakes and consequences, from the magic's impact on the real world to inflicted injuries that do not magically disappear.
And with the way it ended and my trust in the author, I one-clicked the sequel pre-order without a second thought.
This review was first published on my book blog, Beyond Strange New Words.
Starting with a refreshing concept where the main protagonist is a 60 year-old grandma who suddenly comes into her power as a witch - or, a Crone and continuing with assembling a cast of mismatched, quirky characters (and a cat), it follows Claire through discovery and acceptance of her new reality without a boring moment, from funny to scary and heart-wrenching ones.
I very much appreciated the real, tangible stakes and consequences, from the magic's impact on the real world to inflicted injuries that do not magically disappear.
And with the way it ended and my trust in the author, I one-clicked the sequel pre-order without a second thought.
This review was first published on my book blog, Beyond Strange New Words.
November 13, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I confess, at first I was annoyed with Claire's self-doubt and constant self-criticism, probably because I recognized myself in a lot of her inner monologues. Watching her discover herself at sixty--and come into her strength--was empowering. I found myself rooting for her with every step she took, and outright cheering in the penultimate scene where she finds her voice as well as her power.
I became invested in the well-being of the supporting characters Edie, Lucan, and Kevin (and Merlin, I mean Mergan, the cat!) as well, and the potential for loss heightened the intensity of the story. I'll be seeking out the rest of the books in the series, that's for sure.
I became invested in the well-being of the supporting characters Edie, Lucan, and Kevin (and Merlin, I mean Mergan, the cat!) as well, and the potential for loss heightened the intensity of the story. I'll be seeking out the rest of the books in the series, that's for sure.
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