Becoming Crone (The Crone Wars Book 1)

Claire's life changes more than she bargains for on her 60th birthday when her grandson gives her a magical pendant. From that moment on, her life is forever changed. Never mind that she's already dealt with a cheating husband and a son and daughter-in-law who worry too much and have definite ideas of what mom should be in this season of life. Now she has discovered she's more than she imagined. A crone. But what is that, exactly? We get to journey with Claire as she delves into her destiny and discovers her purpose. The author takes us on a thrilling magical adventure. I love the characters, the story development, and the world-building. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Becoming Crone was an enthralling coming of old age. Compelled by forces she doesn't understand turning 60 brings Claire a birthday gift and a new awakening. Magick (with a K) is a part of her being Crone, along with her many hidden talents. I totally bought into every part of this story. Unbelievable character development, world building and emotional involvement. Above Highly Recommended.

I am so tired of stories about teens discovering their secret powers. This book turns that theme on its head. As a Crone myself I smiled in recognition at these adventures. I look forward to the rest of the series.

A chosen one who isn’t under 30? Yes please! A 60 year old woman finds she is the hope of the universe. Fresh perspective and I love her characters. Not to mention a house that repairs itself!

The concept of the unknown magic(k) within all of us is relateable on many levels. Claire has lived her whole life trying not to make waves, and what has it gotten her? Her husband leaves her right before her 60th birthday to start a family with a much younger woman. Her son is impatient with her and her daughter-in-law is constantly sending her articles on aging and declining health as if her best years are behind her. On her birthday, her young grandson gives her a gift that turns out to be worth more than the junk dealer who sold it to him expected - and its value lies in more than dollars. The pendant shows her the way to a house, hidden in the forest, guarded by a gargoyle and a shapeshifting wolf. Here, Claire struggles to accept that she's found the purpose in her life that she's been looking for as she is forced to learn how to use the magic(k) inside herself not only for her own protection, but to save her family and to prepare for the threat of a magical war.

As a 60 year old (for a few more days) business owner, mom, grandma, musician, etc... reading has not been high on my priority list for at least a decade. Scrolling through Facebook late one night the description of Claire looking for her reading glasses before she can save the world jumped out and me. I chuckled and scrolled past. Less than five minutes later I was back ordering the book and what a great decision.I devoured the first book and am 2/3 through the second as I write this sipping my Sunday morning coffee before yoga. The struggle now is should I go to yoga or stay home and read?Engaging, fast paced, sarcastic and funny.. they are all there. The voices in Claire's head are so very relatable, be it her own or one of her "friends". World building, majick, fast paced character development are all there too. What a great this read is!

This was a fun book that, at last, didn't have to do with someone under 60. It only took a couple of nights to get through. I do wish it were in Audible, but text-to-speech was still doable.A mature woman whose marriage is over and the offspring has a child of his own finally finds her power, and boy, it's a lot!And her caretaker is a gargoyle. Her name is Kevin!Hopefully, those weren't spoilers.It was such an entertaining book; I now have the second book lined up.

Ever since Lydia Hawke aka Linda Poitevin first started talking about this book, I've been wanting to read it. I loved the idea of an older woman at the center of the story, as The Chosen One. So often, The Chosen One is a teenager (for example, Buffy). And genre fiction typically doesn't have older main characters; even middle-aged ones can be hard to find. But there's a growing trend of paranormal women's fiction, featuring middle-aged or older female MCs. Claire, the heroine of this book, falls squarely into that camp. I couldn't wait to gobble this book. I pre-ordered it, and then I got a review copy. Now I have two copies. :)Claire is recently divorced and about to turn sixty. She'as at loose ends and looking for meaning, for purpose. Discovering she has a magikal destiny and magikal powers wasn't what she had in mind. She's slow to accept these changes and has humorous conversations with herself as a coping mechanism. As the action heats up, Claire steps up and meets the challenges.I particularly enjoyed Claire's journey and growth. At the start of the story, she's finding herself again, starting a new life, pushing the limits of her comfort zone. From learning how to swear to giving no f***s to learning how to use magic, Claire rises, and sometimes stumbles, as she navigates the new world she's in.Having read several of Ms. Hawke's books, and chatted with her on social media for many years, I found that this story sounded the most like her. Her voice was strong and if I didn't know who had written it, I'd have known just by reading it. "Becoming Crone" has Hawke's wry sense of humor, her quirkiness, and her supreme competence. Add in a modern take on the King Arthur story, mages and witches, gargoyles, magic trees, werewolves, evil garden gnomes, a hint of romance, and lots of action, and "Becoming Crone" was a fantastic story. There's strong world building and strong character development and the pace is brisk. Claire is not always brisk, she has arthritis in her hips (I can relate), but she keeps on going."Becoming Crone" was a delightful story with a heroine who has spine, experience, and feels like the neighbor next door. I'd be delighted to have Claire as a friend. I'm ready for book two, which is expected in December or January.

Did you ever wonder why the Chosen One usually is a hormonally challenged teenager without any clue?Wellt, not this one. In The Crone Wars, the heroines just turned 60 when she finds out she is a witch, and destined to save the world.Urban/witch fantasy, witty and funny. I recommend for a light read.

I really enjoyed this book. Claire's constant self doubt and hesitance I felt was true to how most women would feel in her position (even if I did want to shake her out of it like Edie!). Great characters that I look forward to reading about again.

Loved this book, a supernatural heroine with wrinkles. every book in this type of genre that I've picked up is young, nubile and dare I say 'perky'. Not Claire she is 60, has dodgy knees aches and I loved her. At 60 she becomes Crone, something unexpected and unknown, has superpowers, no knowledge of controlling them and pandemonium ensues. Such a treat to enjoy hope there are many more books to come in this series.

Read about this book in a Facebook group, and as a woman about to turn 60 myself, I thought I’d give it a read. It’s the first instalment in a trilogy (?) and suffice to say I can’t wait for the next instalment to be released! (already have it on pre-order)

I don't even know how I came across this book. I enjoyed everything about it. It's easy to read and follow. The plot is interesting, funny and imaginative. It was a perfect escape for the weekend.Bonus that she lives in the Ottawa area. Lydia, I'm surprised we haven't met, yet!Now, I'm on to book 2.