This book was out there, very mysterious and intriguing. Its not really a romance, but there is some Taylor Swift level Easter egging in here. It seems like you're reading something that seems like everyday things, and then it all comes together in a powerful way. the writing style was good too, unique but not complicated.

I really liked that the FMC/MMC are both in their 30s and have baggage that is rooted in realistic things. like expectations versus reality. This book really had me thinking a lot an I might even give it a second reason because after I finished it and saw where things were going I recalled earlier scenes that made me realize this book is very layered with literary symbolism. I would actually say its more literary and explores the inner world compared to the outer world. It's very psychological.

Its one of the most refreshing and unexpected HEAs I've ever read. This book hit the spot for me because I was just saying on Reddit that I want something that's less generic. This book hits tropes but in unexpected ways. There's an excellent grovel scene that also doesn't go the way you might expect.

This book is a deep and insightful introspection on the stories we tell ourselves or that society tells us, and how that manifests in our lives. It also does a great job build atmosphere.

This one pushed me a little outside my usual romance lane, but I’m really glad I gave it a shot. The vibe is deeply ethereal, almost dreamlike at times (IYKYK), with a strong spiritual and otherworldly thread woven throughout. It feels layered in a way that kept me thinking as I read.

The story follows a woman navigating a space where the mystical and the real blur together with a constant push & pull between fate and choice. As she’s drawn deeper into this world, her relationships, desires, and sense of self all start to shift in ways that feel powerful and at times a little unsettling. The MMC adds an interesting layer to the story. He’s mysterious, intense, and hard to fully read, which keeps things intriguing. Their dynamic plays with temptation, control, and connection, adding to both the tension and the spice.

I especially loved the tarot card illustrations scattered throughout. They added such a beautiful, immersive touch and made the whole reading experience feel more intentional and unique. And just so we’re clear… this is a spicy read. Buckle up.

I also enjoyed how thoughtfully the book explores spiritual and religious perspectives, along with the tension between subconscious and conscious desires. There’s a lot to unpack beneath the surface, which made it feel more layered than I expected going in.

This story is a good reminder that stepping outside our comfort reading zones can be worth it. I appreciate how atmospheric and distinct it is, and it left me with a lot to think about, which always makes a book feel worth the read.

This was honestly an interesting read, and a little bit different from the type of fantasy-erotica than I'm used to. It had quite a unique feel to it writing wise. It caught me off guard, and really enjoyed the read and I think one of the reasons was that I couldn't predict what the outcome was going to be because of the twists and turns, and the haunting elements that were woven into the storyline.

Overall, you can expect a few things - a messenger, a battle between desire and sin, a push and pull between fate and what it means to have free will of choice. This also explores religious elements and at the heart, I'd say what it means to have faith and belief in different things, alongside embracing your spirtuality. It's layered with symbolism in many different ways, so you may find at times that you find yourself re-reading parts - nothing wrong with that at all, given the amount of detail that's been written into this book.

The characters are BOTH in their 30s, and I think that's what makes them both so compelling - both of them have a whole host of their own personal things going on, but somehow find themselves completely gravitating to each other - there's also a reveal in this that I wasn't expecting, so that was a nice twist to the story. Our FMC is the cynical romance type, which I think was quite refreshing, mainly because she's super self aware about it - you won't find out till much later what the reason for this is, but I'd say the reveal was really what kept me reading when we were a quarter from the end. I also really loved our MMC. Tortured, reasonably so. He's mysterious, and intense - a little hard to read but all in all he respects her in ways that I really admired, and also the way he because vulnerable and opened up to her was, and the connection that they developed with each other throughout.

Also that ending! very different type of HEA, and I admired that.

**★★★★☆ | Chaotic, Thought-Provoking, and Completely Unforgettable**

*Serpents & Summons* by Magda McQueen is not a book you simply read—it’s one you experience, question, and then sit with long after you finish.

This story feels like two different worlds stitched together. The first half pulls you in with tension, heat, and sharp, addictive dialogue. It’s intense, magnetic, and full of that push-and-pull energy that keeps you completely hooked.

Then the second half shifts.

It becomes darker, more abstract, and at times almost disorienting—in a way that feels intentional. The story leans heavily into symbolism, weaving together themes of spirituality, identity, power, and perception. You’re not always sure what’s happening, but you *feel* it, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

The characters are layered and complex, especially the FMC, who walks the line between deeply self-aware and potentially unreliable. That ambiguity adds another level to the story, making you question everything as it unfolds.

The world itself feels rich with meaning—tarot, mysticism, and deeper psychological undertones all blend together to create something that feels unique and thought-provoking. It’s not a straightforward fantasy or romance, and it doesn’t try to be.

The pacing is steady overall, though there are moments where clarity or further development could have strengthened the impact. The dialogue-heavy structure can occasionally make it harder to track, and there are a few noticeable ARC errors, but neither takes away from the overall experience.

Overall, *Serpents & Summons* is a bold, immersive read that isn’t afraid to be messy, symbolic, and a little chaotic. It’s the kind of book that leaves you thinking, questioning, and maybe even wanting to reread it just to catch everything you missed the first time.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

I am obsessed with this book. It had me hooked from the moment I started reading it. If you like spice it starts always right away. It can be confusing at first I was lost a few times and then it clears up. I had a great time reading and would love to continue to read works from this author.