Lars (Witches of London #1) by Alexandr Voinov

This book was not what I expected. I was expecting – well, hoping really – for some magic and cool powers with witches battling it out in a contemporary London. But instead, this is all about the séances, crystals, incense and “energies”. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, I wouldn’t have picked this up had I known beforehand.

Synopsis: This is a slow-paced and low-key romance between Lars (a “heathen” in the sense that he worships the old Nordic Gods) and Reese (an atheist who recently had to re-evaluate his priorities in life). The story follows Lars, somewhat of a gentle giant, who on the surface seems to live a rather sedate and ordinary life. And he is, apart from the small detail of him having a coven. When he meets Reese they are instantly drawn to each other without it feeling forced at all. It’s all very sweet. But Reese is preparing to die.

I love fantasy and paranormal reads. This story, however, doesn’t have that feel at all. Instead, Lars and his coven engage in all sorts of mumbo jumbo. There are auras, life energies and astrology all mixed up with Lars faith, his gods and something that might or might not be hallucinations. It’s all very unclear.

I think that’s my main objection to the story. That there weren’t actually any indications that what Lars and his witchy colleagues did had any actual effect. They might have been spaced out, delusional hippies. So sadly, no cool fireballs or levitating stuff.

But despite that, I was sucked into this story. It’s slow and low-angst, despite the situation with Reese, and it wasn’t even particularly steamy. And still, it was captivating. No matter how much I dislike cleansing crystals and whatnot. So that says something about the story and writing. Meaning a very unexpected 4-star.