Review: Now, Conjurers by Freddie Kölsch — Readings Books

It’s 1999. In North Dana, Massachusetts, the partially eaten body of Nesbit Nuñez’s secret boyfriend, Bastion Attia, is found. Bastion was the heart of the North Coven, a band of witches including Dove, Drea, Brandy and, of course, Nesbit. The coven vow to find out who murdered Bastion, but what they discover is even more spine-chilling than a simple murder. They must work through their grief while banding together to stop the red-gloved monster who has been tormenting North Dana for decades.

This debut novel is a unique and gut-wrenching story that will chill you to your core. With vibrant prose and vivid world-building, I was utterly captivated from the very first page and throughout the many twists and turns. Freddie Kölsch has created an authentic queer story with a range of LBGTQIA+ representation in her characters.

I often say enemies to lovers is my favourite trope, but found family is my one true love. Kölsch has created a cast of perfectly flawed and loveable misfits that I absolutely adored. I wish I’d had friends like them when I was in high school.

Now, Conjurers includes many classic YA tropes without being tiresome and will also attract non-YA readers with its ’90s nostalgic feel. This is the perfect mix of dark fantasy, horror and mystery — it will have you on the edge of your seat. For fans of V.E. Schwab and the ’90s cult classic, The Craft, and ages 14+.