REVIEW: Witches of Echo Park (Books 2 and 3) by Amber Benson

The Last Dream Keeper is the second book in Benson's Witches of Echo Park trilogy. Lyse MacAllister never anticipated her visit to Echo Park would make her the master of a witches coven. She struggles to form bonds and to embrace her powers just as a dark force rises. The Flood--A group of fanatics intent on bringing about the end of times has invaded the witches Council—but the Council is turning a blind eye to the danger growing in its midst.

Only one witch is prophesied to be able to stop the encroaching darkness, leaving Lyse and her her coven of blood sisters to protect her at any cost.

Highlights for me include the multiple POV chapters and a uniquely intriguing plot. I did feel as if there were some choppy transitions due to these shifting POVs. As a reader, I think I would have connected more if there was more focus on just one narrator and more development of the villain.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

*Thank to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

In this final installment to the trilogy, magic has been loosed upon the world, with the consequences putting those magically inclined in jeopardy as well as the rest of humanity.

Lyse MacAllister used to be like everyone else, blissfully ignorant of magic. However, that was before her Aunt Eleanora died, leaving her to lead the Echo Park coven. Now she finds herself in the middle of a war with The Flood, anti-magic zealots and at odds with her blood sisters.

To save the world, those she loves, and herself, Lyse must come to terms with her magical abilities and figure out a way to regain the trust of her friends and family. 

Overall, I enjoyed this conclusion to the series. The pacing and storytelling were solid and I didn't not feel as if the transitions from chapter to chapter were as choppy as in The Last Dream Keeper.  I particularly enjoyed the ending and its impact on the overall story and character.

Benson continues to surprise and delight me as an author. She's truly talented as a writer and generally a pretty cool person. She was kind enough to Skype with our library book club for the release of The Witches of Echo Park (despite being very ill).  If you have not read this series or her Calliope Reaper-Jones series, I highly recommend them.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars