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Books I Read in 2025: The Witchstone by Henry H. Neff

"It's not complicated" he said wearily. "We build up people's hopes, then yank the rug out. We seduce them. We drive them to wicked acts. We do this over and over again. It's Demon 101."

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Title: The Witchstone | Author: Henry H. Neff | Publisher: Blackstone Publishing (2024)

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I just finished The Witchstone, by Henry H Neff, and I really enjoyed it! The audiobook narrator was very entertaining, and the story itself was interesting and engaging. The horror parts are pretty grim and disturbing, but it invests you more in the chase, which builds a conclusion that manages to be satisfying while also having a few surprises in store. Some parts are a little overdone, but eh, the overall effect is fun. The lore it builds and the open threads it leaves in the end are perfect for a sequel or universe expansion. And I love suspicious and snippy and deeply depressed and brave and clever and strong Maggie Drakeford very much. 🧡

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The Witchstone, by Henry H. Neff

Absolutely loved this book! Demons. Curses. Tons of humour. Family. Friendship. Adventure. Porridge! And a cool AF cover 😎

Slightly longer review: https://rainbowofcrazy.wordpress.com/2025/01/12/book-review-the-witchstone-by-henry-h-neff

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Genuinely one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read this summer, loved the banter and silliness AND how the plot twists and turns. In many ways a generic adventure novel but in all ways a great read about platonic love. Give it up to The Witchstone by Henry H Neff everyone

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The Witchstone

The Witchstone by Henry H. Neff

this book is such a charmer! fast-paced, funny, emotional without being devastating, and i unwittingly picked it to read while on a family vacay in the Catskills, very near the area where part of the story is set. a really compelling and satisfying read!

as may be clear from my reading history, i always love a charming devil, and the demon Laszlo is a prime example of the species. he's a smooth talker, a gadabout, glowing when he succeeds and hilarious when he fails—and he's got one of those secret soft hearts essential to a good hopeful story. he shares the spotlight with Maggie, the human bearer of the monstrous curse Laszlo is supposed to be in charge of, brilliant and badass in extremely relatable ways, determined and clever and loyal! and little brother Lump, who is just precious, and in my mind looks like a ten-year-old Elton John, rounds out a perfect trio for rollicking adventure.

this story is so well-paced, and so carefully wrought, imo! it's just predictable enough to be intensely compelling and satisfying; it's just touching enough to make me cry a little; there are just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and it ends with much-awaited triumph that really soared. for me it never tips too far over into its tropes, and always takes itself just seriously enough. on reflection i think this is partly because of the excellent character development, but also there were moments in here that truly surprised me, despite the structure of the story being a very familiar one.

truly a hidden gem, and i hope Neff is planning a sequel!

the deets

how i read it: an egalley from NetGalley. i am once again way behind, but i'm determined to catch up this month.

try this if you: enjoy whirlwind magical capers, love a non-romantic lead duo, find demonic bureaucracy deeply entertaining, or just like to see everyone get what's coming to them in good ways and bad!

some bits i really liked: i laughed so much reading this book

"Clarence, have you been crying?" The shark nodded and fumbled in his waistcoat for a handkerchief. As Clarence blew his snout, Laszlo could not help but admire his colleague's wristwatch, a vintage Breguet. ... The demon began to hyperventilate. Laszlo reached out a hand to steady him. "You're a good Keeper, Clarence. I know that. You know that. Most importantly, they know that." Clarence could only nod. Tears were welling up. Laszlo clasped the shark's moist and spongy hands between his own. He patted his colleague's wrist. ... "Meeting?" said Laszlo. "What time?" "Ten minutes ago." He consulted his new watch. "You're joking." "I'm not. And where did you get that?" Laszlo shoved the Breguet in his pocket. "Estate sale."

___

"That was diplomacy," Laszlo said with a sniff. ... "Face it, Your Highness, I'm the MVP of this squad. Without me, you'd be fixing butter churns back in Stinkerball." "Schemerdaal." "Whatever." Laszlo braced for another volley, but none came. Instead, Maggie merely sat quietly beside him and fiddled with her sleeve. "You're right," she finally said. "Without your help, we wouldn't be here, and we wouldn't be any closer to breaking the curse. I was wrong to say you're incompetent. Thank you." Laszlo swallowed the retort he had at the ready and checked his phone instead.

___

A glint appeared in the ageless eyes. "You are loyal." Maggie sighed. "I suppose I am. Sometimes I wish I wasn't." "Loyalty is an admirable quality," said the Signora. She looked at Lump, and her demeanor softened. "Those glasses are fabulous—where did you get them?" Lump cleared his throat. "Milan."

pub date: June 18, 2024! Go get it, it's out!

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