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Review: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

The Stonekeeper - Amulet 1 - Kazu Kibuishi

The Stonekeeper (Amulet #1)
Kazu Kibuishi
Graphix
Published September 29, 2015

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Stonekeeper

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot—and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

My Review

I’ve been trying to find graphic novels for my nephews, and I spotted this series at the library. They didn’t have THE STONEKEEPER, so I purchased a copy.

There are a lot of action sequences and intense scenes– which means I read this one very quickly! I really wanted to know how it all turned out. I loved the characters– both Emily and Navin, but also the three mechanical allies they meet along the way. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the characters more. Though we don’t get to go very deeply into their relationships here, there are already some interesting dynamics at play between them. I think it’ll be really cool to see those develop more.

I also really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel. At first, I wasn’t sure I would, since the cover art is different than some of the other graphic novels I’ve read. But as I read the story, I really appreciated the way the author presents each scene. The panels were also really easy to read, which I liked.

All in all, I think this one might be a little too scary for the reader I hoped to give it to, but I might talk to him about it anyway and see what he thinks about it. For myself, I like the series and will probably try to read more from the library. I think fans of ESTRANGED by Ethan Aldridge should check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 to 12.

Representation
Emily and Navin’s dad dies in the opening scene.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Em finds an amulet with magic power. It speaks to her and advises her on what to do.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Monsters with tentacles and sharp teeth attack Emily and Navin. Death of a parent.

In the prologue, Emily and her parents are in a car accident. Her dad is killed when the car slides off a cliff before he can get out.

A tentacled monster consumes Emily’s mom– she’s still alive, just trapped inside it.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.

Review: Sorceline by Sylvia Douyé and Paola Antista

Sorceline (Sorceline #1)
Sylvia Douyé
Illustrated by Paola Antista
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published on May 17, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Sorceline

Welcome to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them. In Book 1 of this riveting new middle grade graphic novel series, a gifted young cryptozoologist-in-training must learn to tame powerful beasts—including her own inner demons.

For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar’s prestigious school of cryptozoology, she’s eager to test her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar’s apprentices.

But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. While she excels in her studies, she quickly clashes with her classmates, revealing her fiery temper.

When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery only deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected . . .

(This book contains the first three volumes of the original series)

My Review

I remember seeing this book when it came out and being completely taken with the illustrations. I love the whimsical feel of them, and all of the forest or nature spreads. The text and illustrations together give a great sense of the relationships between the characters. I love the expressions on the characters’ faces and the comments they make about each other.

At first, the story appears to be about a bunch of students competing for an internship and trying to solve the mystery of what’s causing a gorgon to be ill. (Almost like a middle grade, magical version of the show House. Ha.) As we get deeper into the tale, though, it’s clear someone is accidentally or purposefully sabotaging the students and maybe setting out to harm the magical creatures as well.

This first book in the series ends on quite a cliffhanger, so I’m really glad I’m reading it when I have access to the second book. I’m really interested to see where the story goes from here.

I think readers who enjoyed WINGBEARER by Marjorie Liu or ESTRANGED by Ethan Aldridge will love the detailed illustrations and emotive depictions of the characters in the book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
The main character appears white or white-passing. Some of the other students are people of color.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Some attraction between boys and girls.

Spiritual Content
Some characters use magic. The story also contains magical creatures, references to curses, and omens.

Violent Content
Situations of peril.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of SORCELINE in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon

Of Curses and Kisses (St. Rosetta’s Academy #1)
Sandhya Menon
Simon Pulse
February 18, 2020

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Of Curses and Kisses

The first novel in a series set at an elite international boarding school, that’s a contemporary spin on Beauty and the Beast.

Will the princess save the beast?

For Princess Jaya Rao, nothing is more important than family. When the loathsome Emerson clan steps up their centuries-old feud to target Jaya’s little sister, nothing will keep Jaya from exacting her revenge. Then Jaya finds out she’ll be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, and it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. She knows what she must do: Make Grey fall in love with her and break his heart. But much to Jaya’s annoyance, Grey’s brooding demeanor and lupine blue eyes have drawn her in. There’s simply no way she and her sworn enemy could find their fairy-tale ending…right?

His Lordship Grey Emerson is a misanthrope. Thanks to an ancient curse by a Rao matriarch, Grey knows he’s doomed once he turns eighteen. Sequestered away in the mountains at St. Rosetta’s International Academy, he’s lived an isolated existence—until Jaya Rao bursts into his life, but he can’t shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. Something that might just have to do with the rose-shaped ruby pendant around her neck…

As the stars conspire to keep them apart, Jaya and Grey grapple with questions of love, loyalty, and whether it’s possible to write your own happy ending.

My Review

I think this is one of the books I bought during the early days of the pandemic, but it’s obviously taken me a while to finally read it. After I heard another blogger (can’t remember who it was) name OF CURSES AND KISSES as their favorite YA romance, I moved it up my TBR list. The next time I found myself needing a romance as a pick-me-up after a darker book, I reached for this one.

I’m a huge fan of fairytale retellings, so I immediately loved the Beauty and the Beast storytelling in this book. I liked that there was a little bit of magic through the curse, but that it didn’t dominate the story. Another thing that I seem to generally be in favor of are grouchy boys, so I found Grey lovable right away. Despite his prickliness, I couldn’t wait to see the romance develop between him and Jaya. I think my favorite moment in the whole book, though, was when Jaya imagined telling Kiran off after receiving an email from him. I literally laughed so hard I had to put the book down.

On the whole, I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the swoony elements and the friend group around Jaya and Grey. I think readers who enjoyed BOOKISH AND THE BEAST by Ashley Poston will find similar fun and romance here.

Content Notes for Of Curses and Kisses

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Jaya and her sister are Indian royalty.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
The family lore says Jaya’s family cursed Grey’s family after his ancestor stole a ruby that belonged to the people of India and refused to return it.

Violent Content
A boy has a nightmare about falling off a mountain and a girl stomping on his hand as he tries to hold on.

Drug Content
Teens drink alcohol at parties.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.

14 Underhyped YA Books Worth Reading

14 Underhyped YA Books Worth Reading

I was emailing with an author of one of my favorite books from last year, and I realized it’s been a while since I shared a list of the books that I loved that just didn’t seem to get the hype they deserved. Some of these were published during the early days of Covid, when authors canceled book signings, school visits, and other bookish events. A few of these underhyped YA titles are from the ancient days before the pandemic changed life as we knew it. Others were published more recently– perhaps a victim of Barnes & Noble’s switch to carrying mostly paperbacks? I’m not sure what the deal is, but I am sure these books deserve more attention than they received thus far.

This list includes books that were published at least 90 days ago (usually much more than that) which have fewer than 500 ratings on Goodreads as of April 2023.

Note: This post contains affiliate links which do not cost you anything to use but which help support this blog. Thank you for using them to do your book shopping!

The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: After losing his sister in a car accident, Kermit gets invited to a grief support group of sorts, where he finds love and friendship, until the group faces a crisis that could undo them all. Such great storytelling here.

Published January 17, 2023 | 145 Goodreads ratings


How We Ricochet by Faith Gardner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review to Come

What you need to know: After Betty and her family survive a shooting incident, she wrestles with why it happened. She builds a friendship with the brother of the shooter, trying to learn about the boy who tried to kill her sister and mother. An unforgettable, timely story.

Published May 24, 2022| 144 Goodreads ratings


Shades of Rust and Ruin by A. G. Howard

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: Twin sisters. A family curse. An incredible boy who should be off-limits. Inspired by “Goblin Market” by Christina Rosetti. I am hooked on this one.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | 361 Goodreads ratings


It Looks Like Us by Allison Ames

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A high school team visiting an Antarctic research station. An unknown, shapeshifting infection pursuing them one by one. Scary books aren’t my usual go-to, but I couldn’t put this one down. Ace main character. Also, there’s an obnoxious billionaire named Anton Rusk. This was a spark of joy that I didn’t know I needed.

Release Date: September 13, 2022 | 460 Goodreads ratings


The 9:09 Project by Mark H. Parsons

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A boy grieving the loss of his mother. A project: capturing pictures of ordinary people on the street. As the photos show him a deeper world, he begins to forge connections with new friends and reconnect with his memories of his mother.

Release Date: November 15, 2022 | 143 Goodreads ratings


Belittled Women by Amanda Sellet

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: From Goodreads: “Lit’s about to hit the fan.” (This book had me at that line.) A girl whose mother is obsessed with the Alcott classic navigates her frustration at feeling boxed in by the classic story. This is exactly the rom-com I need in my life.

Release Date: November 29, 2022 | 288 Goodreads ratings


Malcolm and Me by Robin Farmer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set against Watergate and the post-civil rights era. A coming-of-age tale of truth-telling, faith, family, forgiveness, and social activism featuring a 13-year-old Philly native with the soul of a poet.

Available November 17, 2020 | 164 Goodreads ratings


We Made It All Up by Margot Harrison

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A town full of secrets. A love-story fan-fic written by two unlikely friends. A murder: the boy they’ve written about. Twisty and suspenseful. Great characters. I was on the edge of my seat.

Release Date: July 12, 2022 | 259 Goodreads ratings


Don’t Call Me a Hurricane by Ellen Hagan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A novel in verse. From Goodreads: “An affecting and resonant YA novel in verse that explores family, community, the changing ocean tides, and what it means to fall in love with someone who sees the world in a different way.” This book totally delivered on that promise.

Release Date: July 19, 2022 | 187 Goodreads ratings


Before Takeoff by Adi Alsaid

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: This one pretty much had me at “THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR meets JUMANJI.” Unique and entertaining. I loved this one.

Release Date: June 7, 2022 | 244 Goodreads ratings


We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: An alien invasion. Unlikely allies and friendships. A post-pandemic Los Angeles. Eerie and beautifully written.

Release Date: October 5, 2021 | 262 Goodreads ratings


For This Life Only by Stacy Kade

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: Faith and questions about faith in a non-preachy way. A sweet romantic relationship. This one stuck with me even years after I read it.

Release Date: August 30, 2016 | 326 Goodreads ratings


The Splendor by Breeana Shields

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: I couldn’t put this one down. Juliette and Henri are the kind of characters that hit like an arrow to the heart: vulnerable, desperate to save/protect the people they love, wounded, and smart.

Published September 28, 2021 | 426 Goodreads Ratings


Away We Go by Emil Ostrovski

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review

What you need to know: A highly deadly, highly contagious illness affecting teens forces afflicted teens to live in a sort of boarding school. It’s heartbreaking and filled with some of the smartest exploration of love and identity. Still a favorite.

Release Date: April 5, 2016 | 458 Goodreads ratings


What are your favorite underhyped young adult books?

Have you read any of the books on my list? (If so, help out the authors by jumping on over to Goodreads or a retail site to leave a review!)

What are your favorite underhyped young adult books? Leave a comment and let me know what I need to add to my reading list!

21 Underhyped Middle Grade Books Worth Reading

21 Underhyped Middle Grade Books Worth Reading

I recently realized it’s been a while since I shared a list of the books that I loved that just didn’t seem to get the hype they deserved. Some of these middle grade books were published during the early days of Covid, when authors canceled book signings, school visits, and other bookish events. A few of these underhyped middle grade titles are from the ancient days before the pandemic changed life as we knew it. Others were published more recently– perhaps a victim of Barnes & Noble’s switch to carrying mostly paperbacks? I’m not sure what the deal is, but I am sure these books deserve more attention than they received thus far.

In any case, all of these books are ones I absolutely loved and have continued to champion in the months and years since they were published. If you haven’t read them, please use the links to add them to your reading list or shopping cart. If you have read them, please take a moment and leave a rating and/or review to help these authors out!

Note: This post contains affiliate links which don’t cost anything for you to use, but which help support my blog. Thank you for shopping with them!

21 Underhyped Middle Grade Books Worth Reading

The Firebird Song by Arnée Flores

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: One of my favorite books of the year. Unforgettable, hopeful, and beautifully told.

Published June 8, 2021 | 190 Goodreads Ratings


Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini by Betsy Uhrig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A reluctant reader critiques his aunt’s book, testing the stunts, discovering ghosts, and making new friends along the way. Hilarious and heartfelt.

Published September 22, 2020 | 209 Goodreads ratings.


Six Feet Below Zero by Ena Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: OMG. This book is hilarious and so sweet. I can’t say it any better than this clip from Goodreads: A dead body. A missing will. An evil relative. The good news is, Great Grammy has a plan. The bad news is, she’s the dead body.

Published April 20, 2021 | 221 Goodreads ratings.


Glitter Gets Everywhere by Yvette Clark

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: New friends and heartbreaking grief. New York City. Family relationships. I laughed and cried. So good.

Published May 4, 2021 | 397 Goodreads ratings.


The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Lyrical prose. Friendship, grief, and magic. Gorgeous storytelling. I’m so glad I read this one.

Published August 10, 2021 | 109 Goodreads ratings.


The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Quirky, unforgettable characters. Friendship, birds and found family.

Published June 1, 2021 | 86 Goodreads ratings.


Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution by Sherri Winston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A talented violinist with a gorgeous ‘fro she calls “the wooly mammoth” faces discrimination in her music program and finds a way to speak up about it. I loved the music references and relationships in this book.

Published: September 6, 2022 | 119 Goodreads ratings.


The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: The follow-up to THE BAREFOOT DREAMS OF PETRA LUNA. A young Mexican girl building a new life in America in the early 1900s. Beautifully written and engaging.

Release Date: September 6, 2022 | 100 Goodreads ratings.


The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Inspired by BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and THE WATCHMEN. Vampires were supposed to be vanquished decades ago… but it looks like they’re back. Looks fantastic.

Release Date: September 20, 2022 | 279 Goodreads ratings.


Ghostcloud by Michael Mann

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: A kidnapped boy is forced to work in a power plant. Then he discovers a ghost who may be able to help him escape. Looks fresh and fun.

Release Date: September 27, 2022 | 162 Goodreads ratings.


Mary Underwater by Shannon Doleski

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: A hopeful (and at times heartbreaking) story of a young girl who decides to build a submarine and sail it across the Chesapeake Bay.

Published April 7, 2020 | 282 Goodreads ratings.


Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: Three friends. Hundreds of rubber duckies. A town enthralled with its upcoming bratwurst competition. I laughed out loud!

Published April 14, 2020 | 269 Goodreads ratings.


Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: The cover copy calls this one “folksy” and “fresh” and it totally is! I loved the southern feel of the town and characters, and the exploration of identity and magic in this book.

Published August 4, 2020 | 399 Goodreads ratings.


The Prince of Nowhere by Rochelle Hassan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: Anonymous letters lead a girl and a shapeshifting boy/crow on a journey to save their world in a mysterious place called Nowhere. This one totally blew me away. I loved Roda and Ignis so much.

Published: May 3, 2022 | 267 Goodreads ratings


Upstander by James Preller

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: Bullying. Secrets. An older brother’s drug use. A girl’s heartfelt quest to find her voice and speak up. A fierce, moving read that deserves way more than 55 ratings.

Published May 11, 2021 | 55 Goodreads ratings.


The Science of Being Angry by Nicole Melleby

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: Identity issues and mental health challenges. A girl’s desperate quest to understand why she’s so angry all the time and how to be herself safely. Powerful storytelling by an incredible author.

Published May 10, 2022 | 329 Goodreads ratings.


Eleanor, Alice, and the Roosevelt Ghosts by Dianne K. Salerni

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: Roosevelt cousins uncover family secrets in a world in which ghosts exist and can become deadly. A hauntingly perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction. I devoured this one.

Published September 1, 2020 | 178 Goodreads ratings.


Nowhere Better Than Here by Sarah Guillory

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review to Come

What You Need to Know: A girl desperate to save her small Louisiana town torn apart by coastal flooding. Sweet southern fiction blended with bold activism. One of my favorite recent reads.

Published September 20, 2022 | 109 Goodreads ratings.


Flip Turns by Catherine Arguelles

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: A girl dealing with unwanted attention from a boy, an attack against her family’s business, and the pressure of competition on her swim team. Adventurous, family-oriented, and fun.

Published September 13, 2022 | 86 Goodreads ratings.


The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Kassner

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What you need to know: I read this book earlier in the year, and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s got some spooky magic, unforgettable characters, and possibly the best exploration of grief I’ve ever seen in a novel.

Release Date: August 3, 2021 | 237 Goodreads ratings.


Elsie Mae Has Something to Say by Nancy Cavanaugh

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | Review

What You Need to Know: A vibrant deep south setting in the Okefenokee Swamp. A family business in jeopardy. Brilliant summer friendships. One of my all-time favorite middle grade books.

Published September 5, 2017 | 242 Goodreads ratings.


What are your favorite underhyped middle grade books?

Have you read any of the underhyped middle grade books on my list? Are any of these your favorites, too? What are your favorite middle grade books that deserve a lot more hype than they received? Leave a comment and let me know!

If you’ve read any of the books on this list, please take a moment and leave a rating and/or review on Goodreads or Amazon. This really helps authors, especially authors like these, whose books have been out for a bit.

Review: Witchlings by Claribel Ortega

Witchlings (Witchlings #1)
Claribel Ortega
Scholastic Press
Published April 5, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Witchlings

A magical adventure for fans of AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS and NEVERMOOR, about three witchlings who must work together to do the impossible if they have any hope of earning their full powers.

Every year, in the magical town of Ravenskill, Witchlings who participate in the Black Moon Ceremony are placed into covens and come into their powers as full-fledged witches.

And twelve-year-old Seven Salazar can’t wait to be placed in the most powerful coven with her best friend! But on the night of the ceremony, in front of the entire town, Seven isn’t placed in one of the five covens. She’s a Spare!

Spare covens have fewer witches, are less powerful, and are looked down on by everyone. Even worse, when Seven and the other two Spares perform the magic circle to seal their coven and cement themselves as sisters, it doesn’t work! They’re stuck as Witchlings—and will never be able to perform powerful magic.

Seven invokes her only option: the impossible task. The three Spares will be assigned an impossible task: If they work together and succeed at it, their coven will be sealed and they’ll gain their full powers. If they fail… Well, the last coven to make the attempt ended up being turned into toads. Forever.

But maybe friendship can be the most powerful magic of all…

With action-packed adventure, a coven of quirky witchlings, Claribel A. Ortega’s signature humor and girl-power vibes, this middle grade Latine witch story is truly a modern classic.

My Review

It’s funny to me that this book is compared to AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS– the comparison makes perfect sense, it’s just that I read them both at the same time. I definitely see the connection, though they aren’t the same story at all.

WITCHLINGS has been on my reading list for a while. In fact, I have a hard copy of GHOST SQUAD that I still haven’t read yet. I’ve heard so many great things about Claribel Ortega’s books that I have really wanted to catch up. When I saw that Rockstar Book Tours had open spots on their tour for THE GOLDEN FROG GAMES (Witchlings #2), I jumped at the chance to participate… which meant I needed to read this book first!

I loved so many things about this book. It’s got a perfect ramp-up of stakes. It’s got a really fun and intriguing story world. I loved the way that familiar words were just a bit different. For instance, instead of Bingo, characters say, Flingo. There are a lot of things about toads, including a really imaginative and silly toad race. In the midst of all that, Seven and her friends are on a quest to subdue a dangerous monster called a Nightbeast. I felt like the story added new information and increased tension at exactly the right places.

I’m super excited to read the second book in the series. I think fans of AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS by B. B. Alston and SHADOW MAGIC by Joshua Khan will like this series.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Seven is Latine.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Most characters are witches, with magical power. There are magical beasts as well.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Some brief battle scenes.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of WITCHLINGS in exchange for my honest review.