The Bell Witches: Discover the new FANTASY sensation from SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER (Savannah Red) (Book 1) Paperback – August 5, 2025

I have been a Kelkie since I came across I ❤️ NY many years ago. Even though this is very different to her other books, I couldn't put it down. I was very invested in the story and I can't wait for Part 2.

I've read everything Lindsey Kelk (Queen of Romcoms) has written and this book and series was highly anticipated.While I'm not the target audience for a YA novel, I happily went for the ride (even when I could see where things were leading). I was completely immersed in the setting, being able to picture it clearly from the rich descriptions. I loved the protagonist's character arc and the way magic is depicted, especially as there is a new take from anything I've read/seen before.Such a fun read and looking forward to the next in the series.

Such a breathtakingly good story, like all L. Kelly books, this one didn’t disappoint either. I tried as much as I could read it slowly and enjoy it word by word but at some bits I couldn’t help myself and flick through in anticipation and then I’d come back to it :) it’s that good, highly recommend x

I really wanted to love this book, as witchy stories are some of my favourites but I really don’t think this series is for me.Let me start off by saying the author did a wonderful job with the setting. She made Savannah sound truly magical. Full to the brim with luscious plant life, gorgeous old buildings, and creepy cemeteries. The perfect place to get up to some witchy mischief! 🌿For me the setting is the only bit she got right.The characters felt flat and didnt have much personality especially Wyn and to a lesser extent Emily herself. Lydia and Jackson were fun and had great chemistry with Emily and each other but also Lydia really felt like the black, queer, and quirky best friend stereotypes all rolled into one.Emily was very typical YA heroine, blessed with all the gifts, most beautiful girl in town (but she doesn't know it), tragic past (but it never actually affects her outside pushing the ✨️plot✨️).And then there was Wyn. Wyn had zero personality (except being the hottest ever ever ever) outside of liking ice cream.The romance was pretty direl, insta love has to be my least favourite trope. They meet a total of 3 times before deciding they love each other and can never ever be apart. Its cringe and feels horribly childish.The plot was predictable, we the readers could easily figure out what was going to happen before it did then spent has the book waiting on the characters to catch up. Though honestly the plot wasn't awful it just felt like it was designed for my much younger audience. I think 12 year old me probably would've loved it.One of my biggest issues with this book though was the language. Using words like “unalived” instead of ‘killed’ or ‘murdered’ was incredibly jarring, and took me right out of the story. I know that it is something we use regularly on social media to get around the pesky algorithm but to see it in literature was very off putting. Also language follows trends, give it a few years and no ones going to be saying unalived any more and this book will feel very dated and put of touch.Possibly some much younger readers will like this but for me it was a no.