The witches of Echo Park

Actor and author Benson (the Calliope Reaper-Jones series) launches another urban fantasy series that deftly mixes magic and the modern world. Lyse MacAllister is summoned to the peaceful Los Angeles neighborhood of Echo Park by her beloved great-aunt, Eleanora. Lyse is shocked to learn that Eleanora is dying of cancer-and that her death will leave a vacancy in the Echo Park coven, which Eleanora wants Lyse to fill. An evil called the Flood is bent on destroying covens around the world to make way for the Devil, and only "the Innocent," predicted by an ancient prophecy, can stop it. Eleanora and the ghosts who advise her believe Lyse is the Innocent, but Eleanora only has three months to live, and Lyse has a great deal to learn. This story of good witches versus cosmic evil makes up for its thin premise with vivid characters and tangled loyalties in a place where nothing comes easily. Agent: Howard Morhaim, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Lyse MacAllister speeds to Los Angeles to be at the side of her dying great-aunt. But she soon discovers shocking secrets and a world of magic that she didn't know existed when she learns that she will inherit not only her great-aunt's estate but her place as leader of the local coven. This position is fraught with peril as the coven prepares to battle an evil that has been growing for generations and that may just destroy them all. Lyse's vulnerability as she becomes more familiar with her heritage is a refreshing change from the tougher-than-nails female leads currently dominating urban fantasy. The ending feels rushed, and as it is the first book in a series, there is a lot of worldbuilding. However, there are intriguing hints of what is to come. Verdict Benson is the author of the Calliope Reaper-Jones series and as an actress played in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. This book will appeal to her current fans, aficionados of urban fantasy, and readers who enjoy stories about bonds of friendship between women.-Tracey Thompson, Midwest City Lib., OK (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Lyse MacAllister speeds to Los Angeles to be at the side of her dying great-aunt. But she soon discovers shocking secrets and a world of magic that she didn't know existed when she learns that she will inherit not only her great-aunt's estate but her place as leader of the local coven. This position is fraught with peril as the coven prepares to battle an evil that has been growing for generations and that may just destroy them all. Lyse's vulnerability as she becomes more familiar with her heritage is a refreshing change from the tougher-than-nails female leads currently dominating urban fantasy. The ending feels rushed, and as it is the first book in a series, there is a lot of worldbuilding. However, there are intriguing hints of what is to come. Verdict Benson is the author of the Calliope Reaper-Jones series and as an actress played in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. This book will appeal to her current fans, aficionados of urban fantasy, and readers who enjoy stories about bonds of friendship between women.—Tracey Thompson, Midwest City Lib., OK (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Actor and author Benson (the Calliope Reaper-Jones series) launches another urban fantasy series that deftly mixes magic and the modern world. Lyse MacAllister is summoned to the peaceful Los Angeles neighborhood of Echo Park by her beloved great-aunt, Eleanora. Lyse is shocked to learn that Eleanora is dying of cancer—and that her death will leave a vacancy in the Echo Park coven, which Eleanora wants Lyse to fill. An evil called the Flood is bent on destroying covens around the world to make way for the Devil, and only "the Innocent," predicted by an ancient prophecy, can stop it. Eleanora and the ghosts who advise her believe Lyse is the Innocent, but Eleanora only has three months to live, and Lyse has a great deal to learn. This story of good witches versus cosmic evil makes up for its thin premise with vivid characters and tangled loyalties in a place where nothing comes easily. Agent: Howard Morhaim, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. (Jan.)