Book Review: ‘The Coven' by Harper L Woods

Okay, so ‘The Coven’ by Harper L Woods is the kind of book that makes you feel like you've fallen face-first into a cauldron full of dark magic, forbidden romance, and supernatural drama, and whether or not that’s a good thing depends on how much you enjoy the “he might kill me but he’s hot” trope.

We follow Willow, who’s been keeping her distance from the magical world—until she’s forced to attend a secretive academy to fulfill a kind of life-long mission. Cue dangerous rituals, shadowy corridors, and a vampire with a god complex. One male lead in particular (you’ll know exactly who) is basically a walking red flag, but the book leans hard into the “fated mates, but make it unhinged” vibe.

The summary reads thusly:

“Willow Madizza never thought she’d accept a place at Hollow’s Grove University, the secret and prestigious institution where the best and brightest of her fellow witches learn to wield their magic.
But Willow has reasons for being at Hollow’s Grove beyond the education it offers. Raised to be a weapon against the Coven that presides over the University, she must find the bones of her ancestors in order to reclaim the magic that is her destiny.
Her only obstacle is Alaric Grayson Thorne, the University’s beautiful and infuriating Headmaster. Gray is ruthless, manipulative, dangerous – he represents everything Willow has been taught to despise. But despite their mutual loathing, Gray understands Willow better than anyone, and he might just be the key to unlocking her full power . . .”

Here’s the thing: ‘The Coven’ knows exactly what kind of book it is. It’s dramatic. It’s indulgent. It’s full of intense stares, magical politics, and the kind of lines you can’t decide whether to highlight because they’re swoony or absolutely feral. Sometimes both.

But, and it’s a big but, it does tread into murky territory. The romance dips into full-blown predatory behavior at times, and it’s not always clear whether we’re supposed to be swooning or squirming. Consent is often a gray area, and the story rarely pauses to interrogate its power dynamics.

That said, I found it wasy to read. It's a page-turner, even if I was just willing it to shock me further. The pacing is tight, the setting is eerie and decadent, and if you love dark fantasy with a side of drama, it delivers. I just wish it had taken a slightly more self-aware approach to its romantic tension.

Written by Sarah