Book Review: Possessing the Witch by Elle James

I pulled this book from the TBR shelf and I'm glad my first read of the year didn't disappoint.elow the city Possessing the Witch by Elle James was a fun read and offered a few different twists to classic tropes.

About the Books

A spirit witch and a recluse must unite to save their city

Gryph Leone keeps a low profile because he considers himself a freak of nature. But when his powerful senses detect a woman in distress, his lion takes over. Before he knows it, he's in a losing battle with a wolf shifter. And then a beautiful woman with bewitching eyes and her own secrets finds him.

Selene Chattox didn't know what—or who—she'd find when she followed her premonition to the river's edge. When she discovers Gryph, the spirit witch brings the injured stranger home, determined to resist the intense desire he evokes in her. But as he heals, they know fate has brought them together as they track a ruthless killer through the tunnels of Chicago. And as their passion ignites, so does the danger…

The story starts with leading lady, Selene, having a terrifying dream. She wakes up and instantly jumps into action to rescue the victim she saw in the dream. After finding help for the first victim Selene is drawn to rescue someone else entirely, the hero, Gryph.

Gryph is a werelion and ends up badly hurt trying to help the victim Selene saw in her dreams. He ends up injured and naked in Selene's bed and instantly sparks start to fly.

The Review

Personally it took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once I did I was hooked. The author creates magic filled world that flows well. While the traditional pack is featured in the story Gryph is far removed from it and his own "pack" below the city. This twist on the pack idea was fun to read. Instead of a pack of weres Gryph's "pack" is a group of misfits just trying to live as normal a life as possible.

Selene is a witch along with her four sisters. The five of them hold the powers of the elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Spirit. The leading lady has the power of spirit which allows her to feel others feelings and thoughts. Selene can also influence the thoughts and feelings of others, which sets up some nice drama on the developing relationship between Selene and Gryph.

Gryph has his own commitment issues that at times seemed a bit much, but didn't take away from the story.

Overall I really loved this story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a city based paranormal romance.



This read counts towards both the Paranormal Reading Challenge and the Witch & Witchcraft Reading Challenge.