Spells Trouble: Sisters of Salem

Written by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

The first audiobook in the Sisters of Salem trilogy about twin witches from the powerhouse duo P.C. and Kristin Cast!

Double double, twins spell trouble…

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peaceful town.

Now Hunter and Mercy must come together and accept their destiny or risk being separated for good.

A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: May 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781250803214

P. C. Cast

P.C. Cast is the author of the House of Night novels, including Marked, Betrayed, Chosen, and Untamed. Ms. Cast is a #1 New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling author and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. With more than 20 million copies in print in over 40 countries, her novels have been awarded the prestigious Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. Ms. Cast was born in the Midwest and grew up being shuttled back and forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology. After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. She now lives in Oregon surrounded by beloved cats, dogs, horses, and family.

Reviews for Spells Trouble

[Billie · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Spells Trouble
by P.C and Kristin Cast

This is the first book in a new series by these authors, and I will admit that while the premise of the book sounded good, I picked it up because of the authors. I really did enjoy the House of Night series, but sadly I have yet started to read the 'spin off'.

But with that said, I don't know if I will even try to read those books now.

I listened to the audio version through Scribd, and how the narrator portrayed the MCs, (it wasn't the fault of the authors), the valley, snobby pre-teen attitude, even though they were supposed to be 16, it just about made me turn it off. It was awful and if I had another book downloaded, I might have. But I stuck it out and thankfully, the kids, I should say the narrator matured and turned off the snob.

Now for the writing. While this book is aimed at 7-9 grade level, the narrator made it feel as if it is written for younger kids who are trying to be cool. Yes, kids do that, it’s normal, a lot of books are 'dumb-down so it's easier to read, I get that.

But while the writing is for kids, and most of the content is teenage issues, the description of a BJ was uncalled for, especially since one of the authors used to be a high school teacher. I'm sorry when a teacher, even a retired one, takes the time to describe a teenage boy's penis, all I could think was pedophile. Plus its adult content, not teenager. There should be a warning on it!

I don't understand how this got by Amazon let alone the publisher publishing this for kids and school libraries! I could not listen to this, I felt grossed out, a teenager, yuck, so I jumped through the audio, I was not going to listen to that, and also made me want to stop listening, and I did for a few days to debate on what to do. But as soon as I got home, I sent messages to those who I knew had teenage readers in their families to warn them.

I picked the book back up, while to see what happened so I could give an informed review, but to also find out if there was any other questionable content I should warn friends and family about.

While the plot and idea were good, and the writing was also good, it was the content and wrongness of it why I can not give this book a good rating. 

I know kids do these things, kids explore, but as adults, as authors who teenagers look up to, we also need to let them be kids and not encourage behaviors we tell them not to. They see that you think it’s okay to write about, then it’s ok for them to do these things. Maybe I’m old school, but they are kids. Adults, teachers, don’t describe kids like that.

1 star because I have to give it one.

[Sarah Proulx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I fell in love with this mother daughter duo of writers when I first read their Chosen series, and the first book in the Sisters of Salem Series just solidified that feeling.
This book has history, magic, mythology, witchcraft, friendship, sisterly bonds, drama, teen angst and so much more packed between the two covers. I tore this story, and the end made it impossible to stop at book one. It was definitely a cliff hanger with a whole lot of unanswered questions. 4 stars for this one!

[Angel White · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Hmmmm...I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this one. I love the idea of twin teenage witches taking on evil, etc. BUT this read more like a very young middle grade.

On that note...when the sexual intensity and ensuing scene showed up it felt rushed, wrong and unnecessary. Given the immature tone of all the characters that didn't fit well at all. It gave me a sour stomach and I just skipped that part all together.

The story itself overall wasn't terrible. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it. I only started this series as I received Book 3 from the publisher (not knowing it was book 3?). I am unsure what Book 2 will bring and honestly I'm not too excited for it. Here's hoping the tone, pacing and characters improve ?