Witches of Ash and Ruin

Dayna cannot wait to become a witch with all the powers that it brings once she identifies with a god. For now, she is trying to appease her father, the Reverend, and avoid classmates as they continue to torment her, since someone outed her as bisexual. Her coven of witches, which includes her best friend, Reagan, is the best thing in her life right now. When Meiner and Cora arrive with their grandmother to help end the Butcher’s serial reign of terror against witches, Dayna is distracted by Meiner and concerned with whispers of dark magic while trying to ascend and become a full witch. As the group of women get closer to the force behind the Butcher’s slayings, their lives will be in danger by a power they fear may only be stopped with a sacrifice they cannot give.

Based on Celtic mythology but using modern witchcraft, the story is dark and violent. Chapters alternate between characters, so readers know the direction of the story and don’t have to wait for secrets to be revealed. While some characters and storylines are not fully fleshed out, the plot moves quickly and makes for good discussion afterward.