Book Review: Tabitha: Stone Magic Book Two by J New

Synopsis: When Tabitha Stone volunteers to teach music at a children’s summer camp, she has no idea that within days her life, as well as those of her friend Gil, and the children in their care, will be placed in mortal danger. 

Convinced a camp teacher is using questionable methods, they investigate only to discover he is not who he claims, and their snooping ends with Tabitha in the hospital. 

With the help of her sister and partner, Tabitha and Gil delve further into the investigation, only to have their plan derail, when the reliability of Tabitha’s magic is thrown into question, and they discover an old enemy is hot on their trail. 

With danger around every corner, and time running out, will they be captured by the witch hunters? Or against all the odds, will they win this battle, save the children and get out alive? 

Books in the series 

1 Sophia 

2 Tabitha 

Review: In Stone Magic Book One, we were introduced to the first of five sisters, namely Sophia. Now with the second book in the series, we get to know more about Tabitha.

And what a ride it is.

First off, I have to mention the beautiful cover, which is as appealing as Sophia: Stone Magic Book One.

It was always going to be an ambitious feat of storytelling to intricately weave the lives of five sibling witches, but Tabitha: Stone Magic Book Two is certainly a huge step in the right direction.

Despite its breeziness, Sophia tried to introduce too many characters at once. In Tabitha, I believe this has been resolved, there are fewer characters, and this makes the story all the more engaging.

The principal characters are Doctor Reed, Gil, and of course Tabitha. Doctor Reed has more than something of the night about him - could he be the sinister head of the La Divinitas, as mentioned in the first book?

What seems clear is that he is Bad Guy Number One, and he means our Tabitha (who possesses such terrific skills like time travel and dream walking) a lot of harm.

Gil, however, is a good guy who is looking out for her, though he has a questionable past of his own. This is what I mean - the characters are well drawn and clearly defined here. I am still having problems with the character of Fritz, who seems as blank to me as in book one. Perhaps that the author's intention, so that Fritz will play a larger, more significant role as the series powers up.

Another example of the author's clear defining of her main characters is the subtle inclusion of the other sisters, without taking the focus off Tabitha (who I have to say is much cooler than Sophia).

Elissa, for example, appears mainly in a phone conversation with Gil, who is at pains to explain exactly where Tabitha has gone to. It's a funny, clever, subtle scene that makes me want to know more about Elissa. It is really well done.

The key for the story appears to be Tabitha's yearning for growth as a witch whilst not being harmed. She's also feisty, but not in a whiny way - she gives her sisters as good as she gets. There appears to be some needle between Sophia and herself, but a middling respect for Elissa.

Then we will move onto book three - Ophelia. This was a name I used in a book of mine - I totally love this name, and well...we don't know too much about her at this juncture.

One thing is for sure, author J New improves with each book she pens.

I loved this book.

Buy on Amazon

Book Review: Sophia (Magic Stone Book One) by J New

Synopsis: Running away from a tragedy for which she blamed herself, Sophia Stone deliberately chose a quiet and solitary life, where her gift would do no more harm. But all that changes when a stranger rushes into the London centre where she works, and demands that she save the life of his dog. Before long they are both running for their lives against a centuries old organisation, hell bent on eradicating witchcraft. 

As assassins are hired, and friends become enemies, will Sophia and Fritz discover who is calling the shots and learn how to stop them? And will her family, forced into hiding remain safe? As they realise their chance encounter was anything but, and they have more in common than they thought, will they live long enough to act on their mutual desire and begin the process of healing? Or will their future be doomed before it’s even begun? 


Review: Sophia is the first book in the Stone Magic series, and if one thing is for certain, this is going to be a magical tale.

J New is an author that is growing with authority with each and every book she pens. From the horror and twisted tales in Predator or Prey, to the whimsical light mystery An Accident Murder - truthfully, we don't know what she is going to come up with next!

That said, penning a tale about magic and the sisterly witches that practise them, was never going to be easy. Then we learn that this is book one in a five book series!

As with the author's other books, this is an easy to read tale that reveals more layers as you progress through the story.

Obviously the focus in this book is Sophia, but there are a myriad of characters to read through and given the book's relatively short length, it can seem at times like too many characters have been thrust upon you.

Naturally this leads to us thinking, where do Sophia's other sisters and parents fit into the series as a whole. So in considering my review and how to rate this book, I give it a 4 on GoodReads but a 5 on Amazon. I think when the series has been completed as a whole, I may well review my rating upwards.

First and foremost, the cover is immediately eye catching and striking. It's a stunning cover and well done to all those involved in its creation.

In the opening chapter, we get a sense of what Sophia is actually capable of. This is a brilliantly conveyed scene, with the narrative and dialogue in perfect balance.

Later chapters show off the author's great command and use of imagery:

'She saw murders - blood flying onto a bathroom wall, entrails falling like dead snakes onto a pavement....'

This use of language is fantastic and shows that the author treats her readers with respect, in wanting to drag us into the witch's minds.

One of the other sisters, Nadia, says this:

"Magic doesn't care what language you speak, just as long as you understand the words."

As more characters are introduced, slowly but cleverly are inserted their back story. Tabitha (now why wasn't one of my sisters called that?!) was a concert pianist, and the musically inclined amongst us will love these little references.

The book retains the humour in An Accidental Murder.

"My girlfriend used to say she didn't know where everything I ate went. She used to say I had hollow legs."

Of course, the sisterly witches can't be just left to do their thing, and the enemy begins to emerge in the book. I think it is so good, I simply cannot reference it here. But when you see two words beginning with LD, you'll know what I mean.

There is some beautiful language in the book, though the plot is key and in Sophia, it's a killer one.

'People can't tolerate what they don't understand, and fear and ignorance leads to hate and violence.'

So true. When are we going to learn?

Whilst the world tangles and untangles itself, read Sophia. It's a different take on the well worn witch saga.

4.5 very strong stars overall.

Buy on Amazon

Book Review: An Accidental Murder by J New

I find murder mysteries absolutely fascinating, even when say Poirot has got them all in a room, dissects each person's role (or non-role) effectively, before revealing the killer.

Sherlock Holmes is perhaps the most famous of sleuths. I thought An Accidental Murder would run something like these great classic detective tales, but having read Miss New's superlative Predator or Prey story collection, I should have known better.

Miss New has weaved a tale that seems quirky at first. It's hard for me to say exactly what is going on without revealing what I think are key plot points, but it would not be a give away to say that the cat 'Phantom' (he of the cover) is not all he seems to be!

I know they say don't judge a book by its cover, but look at it - don't you want to be on that train to find out what's going on ??

This book is utterly intriguing and I would say it's biggest strength, apart from the elegant story telling, is the beautifully crafted detail the author has put into this book. Everything is so wonderfully described, placing you in the moment.

Things get really claustrophobic as the killer is revealed. Even then, one is not sure how the story is going to end. There are many great characters in the story, of course, our heroine Isabella is a given, but I liked Ginny too (though that could be explained by the fact I loved her namesake in Harry Potter).

Mystery and murder intertwine in a deliciously wicked way that make the reader yearn for more. Not sure how many books will be in this series, but sign me up for the lot.

I rarely read a book in one go, but this totally did it for me.

Get it today.

Buy on Amazon

Book Review: Predator or Prey by J New

Have you ever listened to those late night radio serials? You know the ones...they last for an hour, half an hour, or sometimes, just fifteen minutes.

Often it is the shortest serials that have the biggest shocks. InPredator or Prey (a brilliant title, I have to say), author J. New introduces us to a dark and macabre world.

What is so remarkable is that I believe the author must be aStephen King fan - as are many of us - but she has that rare thing, as he does - the art of turning something normal, into something abnormal, unsettling, and very very disturbing.

Predator or Prey is a collection of wicked and purposely short tales that literally will have you scared to read the last few sentences. It is as if the author enjoys spinning us a story, only to bludgeon us to bits (in a good way!) at each stories conclusion.

There are ten tales in all, and for me, the stand out ones wereApp For Life, (Wo) Man's Best Friend, and A Blessing in Disguise?

I admit to have felt rather disturbed and unclean after reading some of these tales - that is the power of a truly great author.

Keep an eye or two on this talented author. J New is going to be around for a long while, scaring the hell out of us!

If you want a collection of spine-chilling tales, look no further. Predator or Prey is IT.

Buy on AMAZON