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Book of Sindal #1
Descended from Shadows
For centuries, Phoebe Whelan’s family of witches and mages has guarded the Book of Sindal, a tome filled with spells so evil it could destroy the world. After their parents’ death six years ago, it’s up to Phoebe and her older and younger sisters—Rowan and Celeste—to guard the book with their magic and their supernaturally fortified land. But Celeste’s expression magic is wild and untamed, and without their mother’s calming influence, Celeste is slowly going mad.
When the book—and Celeste—go missing, the Valarian Small Council believes Celeste stole the deadly book of spells. When they assign Captain Brandon Cassidy, the head of the Magical Protective Force and Phoebe’s former high school crush, to look for book, and things get a whole lot more complicated
Soon it becomes apparent a dark force has taken the book, which will only open with the blood of all three Whelans. The Dark Set has the strongest sister, now it needs the blood of the other two. Brandon’s mission quickly changes to include her protection, but Phoebe’s goal has remained the same—find the book and her sister, prove Celeste’s innocence, and let nothing get in her way, including her reawakened feelings for the man at her side.
When the book—and Celeste—go missing, the Valarian Small Council believes Celeste stole the deadly book of spells. When they assign Captain Brandon Cassidy, the head of the Magical Protective Force and Phoebe’s former high school crush, to look for book, and things get a whole lot more complicated
Soon it becomes apparent a dark force has taken the book, which will only open with the blood of all three Whelans. The Dark Set has the strongest sister, now it needs the blood of the other two. Brandon’s mission quickly changes to include her protection, but Phoebe’s goal has remained the same—find the book and her sister, prove Celeste’s innocence, and let nothing get in her way, including her reawakened feelings for the man at her side.
344 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2019
About the author
D.G. Swank
15 books219 followersOfficial page of D.G. Swank, the urban fantasy pen name for Denise Grover Swank.
D.G. Swank is the pen name Denise Grover Swank uses for her urban fantasy and sci fi books.
D.G. Swank is the pen name Denise Grover Swank uses for her urban fantasy and sci fi books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 19, 2019
My first read from this author is a winner! It had magic and suspense and romance and family and love and so many moving parts that I could never be bored. Phoebe and her sisters have been tasked to protect the Book of Sindal, a book of the darkest of spells. It's a task that has been handed down through generations in her family. If the book were to fall into the wrong hands, the Salem Witch Trials would look like a cake walk. When the book is taken, a blast from the past, her high school crush, steps in to investigate. Can Phoebe deal with the rising evil, her blossoming feelings for Brandon and her hopes for a future with him, all while trying to protect her sisters? Read the book to find out!
Do you like feisty witches who battle their urges while not knowing who to trust?
How do you feel about sexy mages who battle between love and duty?
Swank created a world of witches and mages and druids and a secret society of magical wonder. Evil was barely touched upon and yet I feel that the groundwork was paved throughout this story. I got a happy for now ending but it was obvious that there was so much more to come. Evil is rising and the Whelan sisters with hottie Brandon have their work cut out for them. I'm excited to see how it all turns out!
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Do you like feisty witches who battle their urges while not knowing who to trust?
How do you feel about sexy mages who battle between love and duty?
Swank created a world of witches and mages and druids and a secret society of magical wonder. Evil was barely touched upon and yet I feel that the groundwork was paved throughout this story. I got a happy for now ending but it was obvious that there was so much more to come. Evil is rising and the Whelan sisters with hottie Brandon have their work cut out for them. I'm excited to see how it all turns out!
Blog | FB | Twitter | IG | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub
July 5, 2019
Not bad.
It's a good idea and the three witches are great characters. If it was just them I think I would have liked this book more but it went down the paranormal romance path and honestly I've read it before.
Maybe Young Adult and New Adult readers will like this more. It seems to be aimed squarely at them but for me it was OK without being great.
It's a good idea and the three witches are great characters. If it was just them I think I would have liked this book more but it went down the paranormal romance path and honestly I've read it before.
Maybe Young Adult and New Adult readers will like this more. It seems to be aimed squarely at them but for me it was OK without being great.
May 28, 2019
Wow! Talk about a really good book! A page turner you're not able to put it down without a fight.
Great start to a completely new series! What a fantastic one! D.G. Swank and Alessandra Thomas done amazing job co-writing this series! It's completely different from what I've read before not that I could claim I've read everything in this genre, no, but it's new from Denise. Love the new magical world Denise and Alessandra built for us, new magical powers and their sources. I absolutely adore all those new strong characters - three sisters Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste, three witches and a mage Brandon (he is hot).
Great storyline, action packed with twists and revelations, beautifully written you can't tell it's not written by one author which is amazing!
This book and this new series is an absolute must read!!! Can't wait to see what happens next! Thank you ladies!
Great start to a completely new series! What a fantastic one! D.G. Swank and Alessandra Thomas done amazing job co-writing this series! It's completely different from what I've read before not that I could claim I've read everything in this genre, no, but it's new from Denise. Love the new magical world Denise and Alessandra built for us, new magical powers and their sources. I absolutely adore all those new strong characters - three sisters Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste, three witches and a mage Brandon (he is hot).
Great storyline, action packed with twists and revelations, beautifully written you can't tell it's not written by one author which is amazing!
This book and this new series is an absolute must read!!! Can't wait to see what happens next! Thank you ladies!
July 26, 2019
I think it is really cool Phoebe can draw her magic off of her dead ancestors. That Magic seems to come in handy more then you think. I got so upset with how alone the girls are. I would have thought that with the council wanting them to protect the book that they would at least call and check on it. Instead they send the special force to spy on them. Also, Their mom had friends but when she died they could have checked on them. I also think that out of all those dead ancestors someone should have been about to help Celeste to begin with. I am glad Phoebe found Brandon. At first I didn't like him at all. He proved himself as the book went on. I am glad he will be around for awhile.
We went through a lot of stuff in a short amount of time. There was times where I thought Phoebe would have been better off left home. For protection. That she was going to crumble under finding out about the evil Dark Set. As they travel through the mystery of finding her sister and the book. We learn new things that take us by surprise but I think it helped make Phoebe stronger.
So much going on in this book. There is a lot of story going on in the first few chapters. It gave me a slow start. I think it was just trying to get everything in. Once the story got going it really takes you on a road trip. We learn that no matter what Celeste has her family behind her. Even when it seems she has failed them. I am looking forward to learning about Celeste. I think her story is going to be interesting. Learning how her Magic works and what is going on inside her head. I received this ARC for a honest review.
We went through a lot of stuff in a short amount of time. There was times where I thought Phoebe would have been better off left home. For protection. That she was going to crumble under finding out about the evil Dark Set. As they travel through the mystery of finding her sister and the book. We learn new things that take us by surprise but I think it helped make Phoebe stronger.
So much going on in this book. There is a lot of story going on in the first few chapters. It gave me a slow start. I think it was just trying to get everything in. Once the story got going it really takes you on a road trip. We learn that no matter what Celeste has her family behind her. Even when it seems she has failed them. I am looking forward to learning about Celeste. I think her story is going to be interesting. Learning how her Magic works and what is going on inside her head. I received this ARC for a honest review.
May 28, 2019
Such a fantastic story!! You really dig deep into the whole magical world and I absolutely love it. Phoebe is one of three sisters charged with keeping the Book of Sin safe. But when her sister and the book are taken she has to rely on Brandon (I don’t trust him) to get both back. Tons of action. Plus throw in the sexy element and you cannot go wrong!
May 29, 2019
I’m like legit stoked for this new series. Took me long enough to read it because I kept going back and rereading it WHILE I was reading it!! I can’t say enough amazing things about this book! I loved how much history you’ve both put into this story. I love the badass women that are the Whelan Sisters. I love how the different magical talents especially Phoebe’s ancestral magic were explained. The way the magic runs through family lines. This is going to be yet another series that has so much potential beyond a trilogy. I mean, evil never takes a break am I right?! I truly hope this series gets the attention it rightly deserves because I for one definitely want so much more!!!
May 5, 2019
Talk about 'Simply Awestruck'...
Descended from Shadows is a truly magical story in every sense of the word.
Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste, sisters, witches and protectors of the book of Sindall the darkest magical book known to the magical world...
The book is stolen, Celeste is kidnapped what will Phoebe and Rowan do???
In saunters Brandon Cassidy, Magoe, devastatingly handsome and Phoebe's high school crush!!! talk about awkward... but wait there's more but nope... No spoilers.
I seriously fell for this magical world, the descriptive writing brought it all to life in my mind as I read which made the book even better and the characters, are just fantastic I simply can't wait for more.
Descended from Shadows is a MUST Read for any lover of magical, fantasy books.
Descended from Shadows is a truly magical story in every sense of the word.
Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste, sisters, witches and protectors of the book of Sindall the darkest magical book known to the magical world...
The book is stolen, Celeste is kidnapped what will Phoebe and Rowan do???
In saunters Brandon Cassidy, Magoe, devastatingly handsome and Phoebe's high school crush!!! talk about awkward... but wait there's more but nope... No spoilers.
I seriously fell for this magical world, the descriptive writing brought it all to life in my mind as I read which made the book even better and the characters, are just fantastic I simply can't wait for more.
Descended from Shadows is a MUST Read for any lover of magical, fantasy books.
May 29, 2019
This book is O.M.G., unforgettable, and a page turner. You ever come across a book and when you have to put to down you are constantly thinking about it or even dreaming about it? 🙋🏻♀️
This book IS that GOOD! It is phenomenal!!
It has a little bit of everything! Great plot, new awesome characters, and great writing. Revelations were coming left and right, and man was it a nail bitter! So intense. I absolutely loved it! Don’t be hesitant to try this new series. It is out of this world and you will not regret it! It will sink its hooks into you. It is amazing!! Bravo ladies!!
If you enjoy paranormal romance then this series is for you!!
This book IS that GOOD! It is phenomenal!!
It has a little bit of everything! Great plot, new awesome characters, and great writing. Revelations were coming left and right, and man was it a nail bitter! So intense. I absolutely loved it! Don’t be hesitant to try this new series. It is out of this world and you will not regret it! It will sink its hooks into you. It is amazing!! Bravo ladies!!
If you enjoy paranormal romance then this series is for you!!
July 10, 2019
So, I listened to this book with the audible app because I was driving over 24 hours in two days. I really wish book two had been available because after listening to this first book, I can't wait to read the second! So three sisters, who happen to be witches, have to protect a book full of magical secrets passed down for centuries. It sounds a little far fetched but somehow Denise Grover Swank makes it sound perfectly normal. The three sisters live pretty normal lives and only use their magic to hide this book - for the most part. Well, there are a lot of "bad guys" out there who want to get their hands on this book filled with black magic and blood magic potions and information. There is a breakdown in the secret community and the prized book that the sisters thought was so secret and protected is not! Throw in an old high school crush who is now the head of the secret witch society police force and you have some pretty exciting adventures and sexual tension. Pheobe and "Bran" - his nick name from high school- hit the road to find who kidnapped the youngest sister and THE BOOK!
May 30, 2019
This book has everything a reader could ask for in a story.
Magic, mystery, an ancient battle between good and evil, and a steamy romance years in the making. Add in fast paced, hold your breath action scenes, and you have a book you CAN NOT put down!
DG Swank is the master of writing strong-willed, relatable heroines! Phoebe Whelan is no exception. Alessandra Thomas and DG Swank have collaborated to bring us the story of three captivating sisters.
Entrusted with a great responsibility the Whelan sisters have dedicated their lives to protecting the Book of Sindal and when one of the sisters goes missing, along with the book, everything changes.
Even in the face of self-doubt, Phoebe finds the courage to face her fears and finds a strength she didn’t know she possessed. I can’t wait for Rowan’s story in the next installment of this trilogy.
Magic, mystery, an ancient battle between good and evil, and a steamy romance years in the making. Add in fast paced, hold your breath action scenes, and you have a book you CAN NOT put down!
DG Swank is the master of writing strong-willed, relatable heroines! Phoebe Whelan is no exception. Alessandra Thomas and DG Swank have collaborated to bring us the story of three captivating sisters.
Entrusted with a great responsibility the Whelan sisters have dedicated their lives to protecting the Book of Sindal and when one of the sisters goes missing, along with the book, everything changes.
Even in the face of self-doubt, Phoebe finds the courage to face her fears and finds a strength she didn’t know she possessed. I can’t wait for Rowan’s story in the next installment of this trilogy.
May 25, 2019
Wow! Yet another page turner by Swank! I started reading this while nursing a book hangover from another absolutely fabulous Swank book. Major kudos to both Denise and Alessandra for a fabulous first book in a gripping new series. I admit I was unsure about it because paranormal/urban fantasy isn’t my usual genre but holy cow it was good!
I quickly felt immersed in the lives of Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste and the mystery surrounding them and the Book of Sindal. I love how different each of the sisters are from one another. Excellent character development and whoa! So. Much. Action!! And, can we talk Brandon for a minute? Phoebe’s high school crush comes back… he’s hot but do I fully trust him? Hmmm
The book was really hard to put down… I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys mysterious paranormal books and witches. For those on the fence about the genre, give it a try!! I think that you will love it!
I quickly felt immersed in the lives of Phoebe, Rowan and Celeste and the mystery surrounding them and the Book of Sindal. I love how different each of the sisters are from one another. Excellent character development and whoa! So. Much. Action!! And, can we talk Brandon for a minute? Phoebe’s high school crush comes back… he’s hot but do I fully trust him? Hmmm
The book was really hard to put down… I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys mysterious paranormal books and witches. For those on the fence about the genre, give it a try!! I think that you will love it!
June 12, 2019
What a great start to a new series from these two authors! I loved the adventure they take us on. Love Phoebe and her sisters...all spunky in their own ways. We were given just a glimpse into their magical world. Romance, adventure, magic, evil adversaries, mystery, hunky guy....what could go wrong? I got swept up in the story immediately and couldn't believe it was over. The good news is...more installments are coming! I can't wait to dig more into Celeste and Rowan. What an awesome and strong family! Give it a go...you will love it!
May 13, 2019
Talk about a page turner! I was so engrossed in this novel that I forgot to cook dinner and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning reading it!
Seriously, this book is jam packed with action & tension that it keeps you invested in the characters journeys and well being from the very first chapter. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two!
It was so easy to get lost in the magical realm & to relate to the characters that DG Swank and Alessandra Thomas have created in this book, blended artfully into our own modern day world - this is a must-read paranormal romance!
Seriously, this book is jam packed with action & tension that it keeps you invested in the characters journeys and well being from the very first chapter. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two!
It was so easy to get lost in the magical realm & to relate to the characters that DG Swank and Alessandra Thomas have created in this book, blended artfully into our own modern day world - this is a must-read paranormal romance!
May 16, 2019
I received an ARC for this book for my honest review.
I am besides myself at how well written this book is. The idea of a book about witches was never a big thing for me, but after reading this, I want more... so much more!! This book is definitely a page turner, making you wish the book could go on forever. I absolutely love Phoebe, Celeste, and Rowan and I can't forget Brandon (sigh). The sister witches are amazing and strong characters, who don't let anyone get in their way and tell them how to act. Their relationship with each other is like no other. Phoebe has to learn to go with her gut and figure out who to trust. She knows that deep down family comes first along with her job, as protector of the Book of Sindal.
Denise and Alessandra do an amazing job co-writing this book. The story-line is flawless and flows as if it was one author writing the entire book. Thank you both for an amazing start to a great series. I am so excited to see how this series continues.
I am besides myself at how well written this book is. The idea of a book about witches was never a big thing for me, but after reading this, I want more... so much more!! This book is definitely a page turner, making you wish the book could go on forever. I absolutely love Phoebe, Celeste, and Rowan and I can't forget Brandon (sigh). The sister witches are amazing and strong characters, who don't let anyone get in their way and tell them how to act. Their relationship with each other is like no other. Phoebe has to learn to go with her gut and figure out who to trust. She knows that deep down family comes first along with her job, as protector of the Book of Sindal.
Denise and Alessandra do an amazing job co-writing this book. The story-line is flawless and flows as if it was one author writing the entire book. Thank you both for an amazing start to a great series. I am so excited to see how this series continues.
May 25, 2019
Magic, mayhem, secrets, evil, good, all this with three powerful sisters at the helm of it all. Three sisters were given the job to protect the Book of Sindal. A book so powerful if could bring the world to its knees. Problems between each sister rise throughout the years of being together. When one is taken with the book, her sisters will do anything to get her back.
I loved Phoebe's magic. It was powerful as well as a bit unique. Phoebe herself is a strong character who puts family first no matter their differences. While investigating her sister and the books disappearance she is stuck with her high school crush. She soon realizes 10 years haven't dimmed the crush. Brandon is a mystery with many interesting tricks up his sleeve. He's a mage, yet powerful. He has a duty to all of the magic community but soon realizes he needs to put Phoebe above that.
Now this was one of those books that it is fast paced but slow at the same time. Lots of things happen in overdrive. Yet some things make it a bit slow and left me putting the book down for a bit to try and gain my interest back up. The back and forth between Brandon and Phoebe became a bit tiresome. One moment she trusted him and within the next breath she distrusted him. I'm still lost on a few things dealing with the magic. I felt like the magic and the powers weren't explained effectively enough. Overall, I liked it but it didn't jump out at me like I hoped it would.
I loved Phoebe's magic. It was powerful as well as a bit unique. Phoebe herself is a strong character who puts family first no matter their differences. While investigating her sister and the books disappearance she is stuck with her high school crush. She soon realizes 10 years haven't dimmed the crush. Brandon is a mystery with many interesting tricks up his sleeve. He's a mage, yet powerful. He has a duty to all of the magic community but soon realizes he needs to put Phoebe above that.
Now this was one of those books that it is fast paced but slow at the same time. Lots of things happen in overdrive. Yet some things make it a bit slow and left me putting the book down for a bit to try and gain my interest back up. The back and forth between Brandon and Phoebe became a bit tiresome. One moment she trusted him and within the next breath she distrusted him. I'm still lost on a few things dealing with the magic. I felt like the magic and the powers weren't explained effectively enough. Overall, I liked it but it didn't jump out at me like I hoped it would.
January 29, 2020
Well, hells bells! Those last few chapters....... I could not breathe!
It is not my norm to read a paranormal or urban fantasy. And I will be honest with you, I get a little anxious that I may not pick up all that goes on in these books, but rest assure with this author, you will follow along with ease and get swept up in all the goodness.
As the synopsis tells us, we have three witches that are protecting a very special book from all - especially from evil. As they are doing a series of spells to keep it hidden, it goes missing along with the youngest sister, Celeste. It is now up to Phoebe and Rowan to clear their sister's name and get the book back. Easier said than done of course.
There were some plots that I was cognizance of and others I was gasping as I did not see that coming. And one theory which I had a giggle over later because that never eventuated. And that right there is why you need to read this book. It will keep you on your toes, have you thinking and trying to work out who the sisters can trust.
This is the first book of three, and it does not end in a cliff hanger. It does though, set up book 2 for more adventures that the girls with take us on. It is definitely a DGS fan must read, but I also feel this book will be loved by all genre readers. It has a little of everything in it to keep you captivated.
It is not my norm to read a paranormal or urban fantasy. And I will be honest with you, I get a little anxious that I may not pick up all that goes on in these books, but rest assure with this author, you will follow along with ease and get swept up in all the goodness.
As the synopsis tells us, we have three witches that are protecting a very special book from all - especially from evil. As they are doing a series of spells to keep it hidden, it goes missing along with the youngest sister, Celeste. It is now up to Phoebe and Rowan to clear their sister's name and get the book back. Easier said than done of course.
There were some plots that I was cognizance of and others I was gasping as I did not see that coming. And one theory which I had a giggle over later because that never eventuated. And that right there is why you need to read this book. It will keep you on your toes, have you thinking and trying to work out who the sisters can trust.
This is the first book of three, and it does not end in a cliff hanger. It does though, set up book 2 for more adventures that the girls with take us on. It is definitely a DGS fan must read, but I also feel this book will be loved by all genre readers. It has a little of everything in it to keep you captivated.
May 30, 2019
I am a big fan of the writing of D.G. Swank and when I saw that she had a new series coming out I was first in line to read it. If you are like me and enjoy reading stories with family drama then, "Descended from Shadows" just might be the read for you. In this paranormal world, three sisters, Phoebe, Celeste and Rowan live on their ancestral family's farm and are tasked with protecting a magical book entitled The Book of Sindal. In the wrong hands this book could be catatrophic to the world. Like most families, one of the sister's, Celeste feels like the black sheep. It also doesn't help that she has the greatest burden of the sisters in keeping the book cloaked. It is starting to tear her a part at the seam and affecting her mood.
Phoebe and Celeste wake up after their home is attacked and their sister has been kidnapped along with the book. Now they have to report before the magical counsel and report their findings. Unfortunately before they can even arrive at the facility a group of magically cloaked villians run them off the road in an attempt to take them. Phoebe is not about to go willingly and uses her magic to take them out. When they arrive at the counsel, she runs into none other than her high school crush, Brandon Cassidy. She never suspected that he was a mage and unlike most people you are reunited with after many years, Brandon's looks have gotten even hotter than ever.
Brandon works for the magic protectorate and he is assigned to investigate the missing book. He doesn't want Phoebe or Rowan interfering with his investigation but Phoebe is bound and determined to find her missing sister. As they go in search of Celeste, they discover if they are going to be able to accomplish their task they will have to find a way to trust each other but how can Phoebe do this when she knows that Brandon is hiding something from her? The question is will that 'something' lead to her demise?
I really enjoyed learning about the world that Ms. Swank has created. The characters were interesting, the secrets were amazing and the sexual tension was hot. If I had a criticism it would be that I wished there had been a little more action. However, I am sure that will come in future installments because one thing for sure is that the ending set us up for more excitement to come.
Phoebe and Celeste wake up after their home is attacked and their sister has been kidnapped along with the book. Now they have to report before the magical counsel and report their findings. Unfortunately before they can even arrive at the facility a group of magically cloaked villians run them off the road in an attempt to take them. Phoebe is not about to go willingly and uses her magic to take them out. When they arrive at the counsel, she runs into none other than her high school crush, Brandon Cassidy. She never suspected that he was a mage and unlike most people you are reunited with after many years, Brandon's looks have gotten even hotter than ever.
Brandon works for the magic protectorate and he is assigned to investigate the missing book. He doesn't want Phoebe or Rowan interfering with his investigation but Phoebe is bound and determined to find her missing sister. As they go in search of Celeste, they discover if they are going to be able to accomplish their task they will have to find a way to trust each other but how can Phoebe do this when she knows that Brandon is hiding something from her? The question is will that 'something' lead to her demise?
I really enjoyed learning about the world that Ms. Swank has created. The characters were interesting, the secrets were amazing and the sexual tension was hot. If I had a criticism it would be that I wished there had been a little more action. However, I am sure that will come in future installments because one thing for sure is that the ending set us up for more excitement to come.
May 29, 2019
Loving book 1 and can’t wait for more!!
Descended from Shadows is the first book in a brand new series with witches and magic, action and adventure, an amazing sisterly bond, and a complicated relationship with a familiar guy from the main character’s past. I was immediately drawn in to the story and the sisters’ world and didn’t want the book to end. There’s a lot of depth to the story line and there were some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and I loved every second of it. Even the little details, like the types of magic these sisters have are so fantastic that I can’t find one negative thing about the book. You seriously do not want to miss out on this book or this series. Even though this was written by two authors, it flows seamlessly together and you can’t tell what one author wrote or the other. I am absolutely thrilled that this is going to be a series and I cannot wait for the next two books.
Descended from Shadows is the first book in a brand new series with witches and magic, action and adventure, an amazing sisterly bond, and a complicated relationship with a familiar guy from the main character’s past. I was immediately drawn in to the story and the sisters’ world and didn’t want the book to end. There’s a lot of depth to the story line and there were some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and I loved every second of it. Even the little details, like the types of magic these sisters have are so fantastic that I can’t find one negative thing about the book. You seriously do not want to miss out on this book or this series. Even though this was written by two authors, it flows seamlessly together and you can’t tell what one author wrote or the other. I am absolutely thrilled that this is going to be a series and I cannot wait for the next two books.
April 27, 2020
5 Stars
This is the first book in the Book of Sindal series by DG Swank.
Basic premise: Three girls are responsible for the caring of an evil magical tome. They each have their part in conjuring the protection. Celeste has been acting odd lately and when she goes to do her part of the ritual, she disappears and the sisters cannot connection to her via their special bond.
This is the first book in the series so they had a lot of world world building to do. I thought it was all super interesting. The magical elements are a great add on but the story itself is just spot on. This book featured Phoebe Whelan and we get to know a lot more about her power and her connection to a young mage who is now on the Protection Force, Brandon Cassidy. The book pretty much sticks with these two. But there are times when we get glimpses into the story of the other two sisters.
Totally enjoyed this. Definitely finishing the series. I bought this via my Kindle and the book was a reasonable price for such a great series.
If you are looking for a good magical mystery, definitely check this one out.
This is the first book in the Book of Sindal series by DG Swank.
Basic premise: Three girls are responsible for the caring of an evil magical tome. They each have their part in conjuring the protection. Celeste has been acting odd lately and when she goes to do her part of the ritual, she disappears and the sisters cannot connection to her via their special bond.
This is the first book in the series so they had a lot of world world building to do. I thought it was all super interesting. The magical elements are a great add on but the story itself is just spot on. This book featured Phoebe Whelan and we get to know a lot more about her power and her connection to a young mage who is now on the Protection Force, Brandon Cassidy. The book pretty much sticks with these two. But there are times when we get glimpses into the story of the other two sisters.
Totally enjoyed this. Definitely finishing the series. I bought this via my Kindle and the book was a reasonable price for such a great series.
If you are looking for a good magical mystery, definitely check this one out.
May 25, 2019
I absolutely love this book. We have three sisters who come from a long line of witches who are tasked with protecting a dangerous magical book from the world. Each one has unique gifts that help to protect and keep it safe. Of course things happen that they don't expect, namely an old high school crush who is even hotter than ever. Plus an evil group that has only been rumored about trying to get their hands on it.
This book is jam packed with mystery, action and a unique view and different take on magic that will keep you turning the pages.
This book is jam packed with mystery, action and a unique view and different take on magic that will keep you turning the pages.
May 27, 2019
Descended from Shadows is the first book in this series by D.G. Swank and Allessandra Thomas. I have read everything D.G. Swank has written, But I am new to Allessandra Thomas. I loved this book so much. Phoebe , Rowan and Celeste have been guarding the Book of Sindal with their magic. Soon the book and Celeste go missing . It's up to Phoebe and the council to find Celeste and the Book of Sindal.This book was a real page turner, I am excited to read the next book in this series.
February 18, 2022
First read by this author. Great book. I never knew who to trust or what the next step was going to be. I shipped Brandon and Phoebe from the start. Something inside me trusted Brandon. I would have been shocked if he betrayed her. I love the growth of Phoebe and Celeste. I hope in the next books Rowen gets more time and more growth. I hope Brandon and Phoebe are in it for the long haul. I feel like they were meant to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2019
Oh my good, evil, mystical, magic! What a book! I went in thinking it would be a little Charm like; 3 sister, a magic book, etc... It was so so much more! Good thing I waited for an extra day off to finish this book. Denise Grover Swank and Alessandra Thomas don’t disappoint as they throw us into these witches magical world. While I’m nursing my book hangover and waiting for the 2nd book, I’ll have to look into what else these authors are writing.
August 7, 2019
Great book
Loved it!! I wish i could lock myself in a room and read all day, i seriously didn't want to put down this book. Absolutely love all the characters and the story line was good. Both authors did a wonderful job on this book, can't wait to read the next two books in the series.
Loved it!! I wish i could lock myself in a room and read all day, i seriously didn't want to put down this book. Absolutely love all the characters and the story line was good. Both authors did a wonderful job on this book, can't wait to read the next two books in the series.
May 26, 2019
What do you get when two amazing authors come together and write a series of books?
An epic start to what I’m sure will be a new favorite series!
This first book in the series is a fast pace, witchy romance mystery. I enjoyed the adventure more then I thought I would. Even with this story being about witches, it was still super relatable with family drama, love life drama, and a huge self worth lesson.
It isn’t easy being one of three sisters guarding a book that could change the world as we know it, but for the Whelan sisters that is all they have know for the last few years of their lives. The stress is wearing on them and then suddenly their world is turned upside down when the youngest sister disappears one night.
What happened and who to trust becomes the biggest mystery the remaining sisters have to solve.
An epic start to what I’m sure will be a new favorite series!
This first book in the series is a fast pace, witchy romance mystery. I enjoyed the adventure more then I thought I would. Even with this story being about witches, it was still super relatable with family drama, love life drama, and a huge self worth lesson.
It isn’t easy being one of three sisters guarding a book that could change the world as we know it, but for the Whelan sisters that is all they have know for the last few years of their lives. The stress is wearing on them and then suddenly their world is turned upside down when the youngest sister disappears one night.
What happened and who to trust becomes the biggest mystery the remaining sisters have to solve.
November 23, 2019
I loved this book. Not sure who to trust, who is on the Sisters’ side and who is on the Dark side. I was in suspense in trying to find out what their powers could really do. It had me hanging on my seat. These three sisters you just don’t know what will happen, what their fate will be. The last few chapters really have you on edge so make sure you time it right to not be interrupted.
I like how it doesn’t leave you with a big cliff hanger to wait to read the next one. It was very enjoyable and suspenseful.
I like how it doesn’t leave you with a big cliff hanger to wait to read the next one. It was very enjoyable and suspenseful.
May 23, 2019
4.5 stars! I’ve never read anything by Alessandra Thomas, but DGS is one of my absolute faves, so I was really excited to try the new series. Witches, action, and romance? Sign me up! It took me a couple chapters to really get into the characters, but once I was drawn in I couldn’t put the book down! The world building is great and learning about the Book of Sindal was super interesting. Tons of fast-paced, page-turning action and a great amount of mystery and steam. I loved meeting Phoebe, Rowan, and Celeste and enjoyed the sister relationship between them. Although I’m not sure if I trust Brandon, he definitely made me swoon. Definitely looking forward to book 2!
May 17, 2019
What an amazing book!!! I loved every page of Descended From Shadows. Phoebe is a strong and powerful witch. The three sisters love and bond is wonderful and so is the story of Phoebe's journey to find her sister and the Book of Sindal. Brandon is definitely book boyfriend worthy too. Phoebe and Brandon together is full of chemistry. I was so caught up in Phoebe's story and world that I could not put it down. I definitely will be doing another read through to enjoy it all again!! I can't wait until the next 2 books are available.
June 16, 2019
What a fantastic start to this new series! It is an intriguing, action packed story, with a little romance thrown in, that will keep you turning the pages. You are immediately immersed in a magical world of witches, mages and all the facets of that world you would expect and more. I loved how vivid the story seemed to me due to the extremely detailed storytelling. I loved the bond of the three sisters and their fierce love and loyalty to each other. Although it is written by 2 authors, it flows seamlessly. While this book doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, it will continue in the next book which I will impatiently wait for.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
February 17, 2020
This isn’t the worst book I’ve ever read but it was pretty mediocre. I may read the second and possibly subsequent books at some point... but I won’t be in a big hurry to do so. And I’m not even sure why, to be honest. Maybe it’s because I like books with witches?
I have no scientific evidence for this but anecdotally I think a fiction book—maybe especially a YA fiction book—with two authors is not a great sign of quality. As I started the book some things were just kind of eye-roll worthy: Of course she knew the guy from the police force for years and of course she had a crush on him and of course they were going to have to do this together—but could they trust each other? And of course they were going to fall madly in love with one another, seemingly all too soon.
But the biggest problem with this book, and what almost just made me put it down (and to be honest I’m not sure why I didn’t put it down at this point), was when they introduced Salem as part of the history of the Valerian community in general, and the Whelan family history in particular. That they discussed how the witches at Salem were burned at the stake--what?! I don’t consider myself to be an expert on Salem history, although it has been probably the topic that has the most fascinated me since middle school, I have numerous books on the topic, and will watch just about anything produced or listen to any podcast on the subject. But it takes literally almost no effort to learn that there were no witches burned in Salem—Salem’s victims were executed by hanging. Thus it’s unbelievable to me that in a story where it’s well established that magical history is carefully passed down and disseminated to children, and we’re told that the Whelan family in particular has an important tie to Salem history because their ancestor Sarah Good (the actual name of one of the executed victims) was the custodian of this book that will be the ruin of witchkind and make non-magicals subservient, Phoebe did not know that the Salem victims were hanged and not burned. It's just incredibly lazy writing and reflects very poorly on the authors. And you can argue all you like that it's a fiction book... but I'm positive this was not an editorial choice, but rather a careless lack of knowledge on the topic. If it wasn't, there would have been no reason not to use the correct information.
I’m also not sure how I feel about using a real event where mostly women were sent to their death as a plot point in your book by having made them really witches—as though (even in this fictional universe) the victims really did deserve it because they were what the puritans said they were, and thus what they were doing was indeed against puritan law, even if the witch scare was set off for reasons that didn’t make it into the historical record. (And where would spectral evidence would have fit into this fictional account? Ugh, don't get me started.) As I’m writing this review, I feel I must change my rating from a 2-star to 1-star, solely based on the poor research and what is supposed to be one of the central points of this this world in this book (witchcraft and its history in the United States).
There are some weird things with names throughout this book. For starters Brandon said he seems to call Phoebe by her full name more than seems natural. Then after they first have sex, Phoebe starts calling Brandon “Bran”, which is a little weird. But for me the oddest part is when she would use this more familiar, shortened, endearing nickname. It just felt weird in the story when she was not trusting him or when she was mad at him but in her internal dialogue since this is in the first person she was calling him Bran instead of Brandon. It wasn't consistent; if she'd been calling him "Bran" internally when she was feeling attracted to or just positive toward him, while using "Brandon" when she was angry or untrusting, it may not have felt quite as awkward.
“... this could never last. But I knew I’d be OK. What a pretty little lie.“ Why could it never last? Why are you starting this out assuming that it’s going to end? And what pretty little lie did you tell?... Because you did seem to be OK; you ended up in a relationship by the end of the book.
It got pretty exhausting how, especially in the early part of this novel, there was this can-I-or-can’t-I-trust-him thing going on. It seemed constant. There was a point where Phoebe said how she was “so tired of having to constantly evaluate whether I could trust him, and how much." Jesus. That makes two of us.
It devolved into some bad romance novel junk... how she “wanted him”, his eyes were “hooded with lust” (wtf does that mean?). We have this scene, with some descriptions and actions that are not G rated (fingering, oral sex, kissing/tasting after oral sex, intercourse...), but the Phoebe (and the authors) continuously calls her clitoris her “nub”? Oh geez. If you can't say it, you probably shouldn't be writing it. The lovemaking scene was giving me secondhand embarrassment. I would much rather have had the author just describe (a little) before and the snuggly, post-glow after, but the sex scenes were cringe-worthy to me.
I didn’t like how, at it’s core, the plot just really seems to be a brewing fight with a bunch of misogynists who were pissed that magical power is stronger when wielded by women. There are plenty of incels and MRAs running around, and I don’t need to read about them for fun. If it had been about specifically certain kinds of magic that were outlawed by the Valeria, and how those communities were secretly mobilizing, that would have been a better plot. It feels like a cheap, and not very effective, way to bring disdain about matriarchal societies and MRA sympathies to a story about witches. I'm assuming by their names that the authors identify as women, but to be honest there was more than one time when I wasn't sure.
And in the end, very little was resolved. They drove around a lot (if the council has a helicopter, why the cross-country road tripping?) and Phoebe got a boyfriend who we're going to be forced to read too many sex scenes or PDA about (I wish I had a charm to use like her sisters). We don’t know precisely how Celeste got involved, what the council will do, how all these folks knew who was protecting the book, what the pentagram and the accompanying ritual were for, or even what Josie’s power is! How did she know Brandon could read minds, and why didn’t she just tell Phoebe that? I guess perhaps Caroline will be back in another story, because otherwise she was not a ton of use here (it seems that we could have learned the information she provided some other way). Why was Markus murdered? Who was Terrance and what was the scroll for? What more about Gwen and Henry? We got plenty of tropes, an insecure female lead, lots of unanswered questions and loose ends, and a predictable story line. Isn’t it convenient that Phoebe happened to have numerous relatives in Kansas, when though she never lived there, and it’s hammered into us that her family has lived in Ohio for generations in part to protect the book? This book felt like it was written simply to set up the other books, and I don’t think that’s fair to readers. A book should be enjoyable on its own, not simply a set up for when the actual stuff worth reading happens.
I may have changed my mind again. If I can find a detailed summary of the other book(s) in this series, I may just read those instead.
I have no scientific evidence for this but anecdotally I think a fiction book—maybe especially a YA fiction book—with two authors is not a great sign of quality. As I started the book some things were just kind of eye-roll worthy: Of course she knew the guy from the police force for years and of course she had a crush on him and of course they were going to have to do this together—but could they trust each other? And of course they were going to fall madly in love with one another, seemingly all too soon.
But the biggest problem with this book, and what almost just made me put it down (and to be honest I’m not sure why I didn’t put it down at this point), was when they introduced Salem as part of the history of the Valerian community in general, and the Whelan family history in particular. That they discussed how the witches at Salem were burned at the stake--what?! I don’t consider myself to be an expert on Salem history, although it has been probably the topic that has the most fascinated me since middle school, I have numerous books on the topic, and will watch just about anything produced or listen to any podcast on the subject. But it takes literally almost no effort to learn that there were no witches burned in Salem—Salem’s victims were executed by hanging. Thus it’s unbelievable to me that in a story where it’s well established that magical history is carefully passed down and disseminated to children, and we’re told that the Whelan family in particular has an important tie to Salem history because their ancestor Sarah Good (the actual name of one of the executed victims) was the custodian of this book that will be the ruin of witchkind and make non-magicals subservient, Phoebe did not know that the Salem victims were hanged and not burned. It's just incredibly lazy writing and reflects very poorly on the authors. And you can argue all you like that it's a fiction book... but I'm positive this was not an editorial choice, but rather a careless lack of knowledge on the topic. If it wasn't, there would have been no reason not to use the correct information.
I’m also not sure how I feel about using a real event where mostly women were sent to their death as a plot point in your book by having made them really witches—as though (even in this fictional universe) the victims really did deserve it because they were what the puritans said they were, and thus what they were doing was indeed against puritan law, even if the witch scare was set off for reasons that didn’t make it into the historical record. (And where would spectral evidence would have fit into this fictional account? Ugh, don't get me started.) As I’m writing this review, I feel I must change my rating from a 2-star to 1-star, solely based on the poor research and what is supposed to be one of the central points of this this world in this book (witchcraft and its history in the United States).
There are some weird things with names throughout this book. For starters Brandon said he seems to call Phoebe by her full name more than seems natural. Then after they first have sex, Phoebe starts calling Brandon “Bran”, which is a little weird. But for me the oddest part is when she would use this more familiar, shortened, endearing nickname. It just felt weird in the story when she was not trusting him or when she was mad at him but in her internal dialogue since this is in the first person she was calling him Bran instead of Brandon. It wasn't consistent; if she'd been calling him "Bran" internally when she was feeling attracted to or just positive toward him, while using "Brandon" when she was angry or untrusting, it may not have felt quite as awkward.
“... this could never last. But I knew I’d be OK. What a pretty little lie.“ Why could it never last? Why are you starting this out assuming that it’s going to end? And what pretty little lie did you tell?... Because you did seem to be OK; you ended up in a relationship by the end of the book.
It got pretty exhausting how, especially in the early part of this novel, there was this can-I-or-can’t-I-trust-him thing going on. It seemed constant. There was a point where Phoebe said how she was “so tired of having to constantly evaluate whether I could trust him, and how much." Jesus. That makes two of us.
It devolved into some bad romance novel junk... how she “wanted him”, his eyes were “hooded with lust” (wtf does that mean?). We have this scene, with some descriptions and actions that are not G rated (fingering, oral sex, kissing/tasting after oral sex, intercourse...), but the Phoebe (and the authors) continuously calls her clitoris her “nub”? Oh geez. If you can't say it, you probably shouldn't be writing it. The lovemaking scene was giving me secondhand embarrassment. I would much rather have had the author just describe (a little) before and the snuggly, post-glow after, but the sex scenes were cringe-worthy to me.
I didn’t like how, at it’s core, the plot just really seems to be a brewing fight with a bunch of misogynists who were pissed that magical power is stronger when wielded by women. There are plenty of incels and MRAs running around, and I don’t need to read about them for fun. If it had been about specifically certain kinds of magic that were outlawed by the Valeria, and how those communities were secretly mobilizing, that would have been a better plot. It feels like a cheap, and not very effective, way to bring disdain about matriarchal societies and MRA sympathies to a story about witches. I'm assuming by their names that the authors identify as women, but to be honest there was more than one time when I wasn't sure.
And in the end, very little was resolved. They drove around a lot (if the council has a helicopter, why the cross-country road tripping?) and Phoebe got a boyfriend who we're going to be forced to read too many sex scenes or PDA about (I wish I had a charm to use like her sisters). We don’t know precisely how Celeste got involved, what the council will do, how all these folks knew who was protecting the book, what the pentagram and the accompanying ritual were for, or even what Josie’s power is! How did she know Brandon could read minds, and why didn’t she just tell Phoebe that? I guess perhaps Caroline will be back in another story, because otherwise she was not a ton of use here (it seems that we could have learned the information she provided some other way). Why was Markus murdered? Who was Terrance and what was the scroll for? What more about Gwen and Henry? We got plenty of tropes, an insecure female lead, lots of unanswered questions and loose ends, and a predictable story line. Isn’t it convenient that Phoebe happened to have numerous relatives in Kansas, when though she never lived there, and it’s hammered into us that her family has lived in Ohio for generations in part to protect the book? This book felt like it was written simply to set up the other books, and I don’t think that’s fair to readers. A book should be enjoyable on its own, not simply a set up for when the actual stuff worth reading happens.
I may have changed my mind again. If I can find a detailed summary of the other book(s) in this series, I may just read those instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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