Bruja by Aileen Erin
Series: Alpha Girl #4
Published by Ink Monster
Published on: May 12, 2015
Genres: New Adult, Werewolves
Pages: 199
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Claudia De Santos has always looked out for every witch but herself. She fought from the shadows as her coven turned dark, and with a little help from her half witch/half alpha werewolf cousin, Tessa, Claudia is doing everything she can to keep her friends and family in the light.
Now the coven has splintered into two factions: Luciana’s army of witches wielding dark magic, and Claudia’s few stragglers who fight with the wolves. War is coming, and it won’t be much of a battle if Claudia can’t find the spells to counteract Luciana’s demonic power.
The answers lie in ancient magic, and Claudia must journey to Peru to rediscover what the Inca mages knew. Fighting evil will require a pure spirit, but her quest is full of temptations, including a handsome Peruvian guide with secrets of his own.
As she struggles to gain the knowledge her friends will need in the coming battle, conflict rages in Claudia’s heart. Following through with her arranged marriage could bring hope and more allies to the side of good, but at the cost of her own happiness. Should Claudia stay on the same path of duty she’s always walked or risk it all—her life and the futures of all brujos—for a chance at something more?
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The ALPHA GIRL series, and I have had our ups & downs; I was worried that this magic driven installment might feel out of place amidst Aileen Erin’s werewolves, and that postponing Tessa & Dastien’s full moon ceremony (again) in favour of giving a secondary character their HEA was a mistake. BRUJA proved me wrong on both counts. Lucas single-handedly solved my first concern, and Claudia did the rest.
I liked that the author waited a bit before hightailing it to Peru. She set the stage for the why of De Santos’ trip with a brief recap, and some new information which did wonders for my opinion of this book’s protagonist because she didn’t blindly accept Muraco’s wild goose chase of a quest. The story did lack Peruvian authenticity though, so the setting change was barely noticeable unfortunately.
Claudia has been a useful ally in the witches vs. werewolves war, and after three volumes as a sidekick it was time for her to step outside of her comfort zone. I enjoyed witnessing her transformation from one of Luciana’s minions to future leader of the rebel coven. Her internal monologue exhibited the most growth, but by the conclusion of this tale it was apparent that Claudia was no longer a protégé.
There seemed to be a bit of a love triangle emerging until Erin finished painting her ugly picture of Matt, De Santos’ betrothed, after that unpleasantness he was hastily taken off the menu. The heroine’s connection with Mr. July was impossible to miss, as were the not so subtle furry bits. The outcome was easy to predict, although admittedly the shortage of romantic drama only made the plot stronger.
BRUJA was a quaint witch-y dalliance, but I’m ready for more werewolves!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
noe I’m excited because I know I have book 1! I like the switch up of para creatures from wolves to withches. Doesn’t sound messy.
Braine recently posted…Loved It: At The Stars by @ElisabethStaab #NALit
Glad this ended up surprising you and being a great addition to the series!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: A Ring Through Time by Felicity Pulman
I’m glad to hear that despite not being focused on the werewolves, you still liked this one enough to give it 4 stars Carmel. A pity that the Peruvian setting lacked authenticity…
Pili recently posted…Interview with Holly Bodger author of 5 to 1!!!
Does sound interesting to get a view of the witches but hear ya on wanting to get back to weres
When I saw the title I was expecting a total witchy series not a were series. LOL Still, I’m glad you enjoyed this installment. I think sometimes it is good to take a break from the regular paranormals in a series and explore the rest of the world. Can be tricky to do so as well. Glad it was successful for you here!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines
I am going all maaaybe
blodeuedd recently posted…The Autumn Republic – Brian McClellan
Books about witches rarely make an appearance in my bookshelves, so it’s not surprising that this one isn’t familiar. Glad you enjoyed it…enough to continue. I hope you’ll get your werewolves!
JOy // Joyousreads recently posted…On the Night Table [16]: Things in Ashes and Tides of Molecules
Thanks for sharing – hope you get some more werewolves next time. I don’t know this author, but it sounds like a good story.
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Book Expo America: I’m Going, Are You?
I don’t get why authors change the setting if they are not going to use the new setting in an important way. And when they lack authenticity I can’t help but think the author was lazy on the research department.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Early Review: Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
This sounds like a good installment in the series. Lucky the love triangle was sorted out. Great review!
Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Naomi recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday # 140 – Stalker & The Shadow Revolution
I do love an interesting setting but it sounds like the author didn’t use it to full advantage.
Mary recently posted…Author Interview: Darynda Jones (plus giveaway!)