The bestselling series continues, and although you will be at an advantage if you've read Threadneedle, Shadowstitch works as a standalone, too. Anna is a cursed witch, haunted by her dead aunt. She's a character you can't help but root for from the outset as her coven faces exposure from a hysteria outbreak. Striving to break her curse, Anna is strong as she explores the magical underworld with her equally-cursed sister Effie, unsure she can trust her fully. Magic and mayhem abound at St. Olave's School, striking terror into the hearts of pupils and teachers alike. It truly felt like I was a part of the coven as Anna, Effie, Rowan, Manda and Attis practised their magic, desperately seeking to uncover the dark forces at work whilst remaining undetected themselves. Full of wonderful, complex characters and high jinx, Shadowstitch transports you to magical places while bringing every emotion to the fore. It's imagical

Absolutely loving the next instalment of Anna, Effie and their curse!

Though Anna may have survived the attempt to bind and veil her magic, she and her new-found coven aren’t quite out of danger just yet, for forces that have been dormant for decades long to entwine themselves around her and cast doom upon everything Anna holds and loves… Haunted and disturbed by her aunt’s untimely death, constantly living in fear of her curse which feels heavier with each passing second, and fated to love the one man she can surely never have, the last thing Anna needs right now is something feared by those of her lineage for centuries: a witch hunt. And now Anna has little choice but to conceal her magic once more or risk losing everyone and everything but it won’t be easy. When strange news reports and hysteria strike across the capital, and then much closer to home at her school, the coven are left dangerously exposed and outnumbered when the school is taken over by those determined to stop at nothing to hunt down the source of the dark deeds taking place within its walls. Delving deeper into the twisted magical underground of London, Anna and her twin sister Effie must search for a way to work together to not only protect their coven, but to shield the world from the merciless and malevolent forces hell bent on derailing any sort of harmony and balance she is trying to bring. Enchanting, heady with magic, and superb pacing, all make for a sequel that will surely once again have you under a spell you won’t want to break free from.

I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait for the final instalment. It did however have a fair amount of second book syndrome, I do wish that duologies were more prevalent. I loved the Christmas chapters, it was absolutely magical and I love the Wort Cunnings, that’s the essence of witchery for me. I also enjoyed the school elements, with the prefects and the WIP, but some of it felt a little protracted. I think the most fascinating thing is the relationships between characters. Anna has such a strong moral compass, even though she doesn’t trust herself and yet she is so trusting of others. Overall a really good read and I’ll definitely be recommending.

Anna's resilience shines as she navigates a world fraught with danger and haunted by her past. The threat of a witch hunt looms over her, adding layers of tension to her already complex situation. As she grapples with her own magical abilities and the looming danger, Anna must also contend with forbidden love and the bonds of sisterhood. The intricate world-building of magical London draws readers in, with every corner teeming with secrets and power struggles. Effie and Anna's dynamic as twin sisters adds depth to the story, as they must learn to trust each other in the face of escalating danger. Betrayal, familial love, and a deadly curse drive the plot forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. This is a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and the bonds that hold us together even in the darkest of times.