Review: Becoming Crone by Lydia M. Hawke

Series: The Crone Wars #1
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Michem Publishing
Source: ARC - the author in exchange for an honest review; final copy - purchased

Release Date: June 16th, 2021

Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | iBooks* | Kobo
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Blurb from author:

Claire Emerson is adrift. After a lifetime as a wife, mother, and grandma, she never saw divorce or loneliness coming and is desperate for some sense of purpose. But when her sixtieth birthday brings a snarky gargoyle, an annoyingly sexy wolf shifter, and an unknown magical calling, she thinks she’s losing the only thing she has left: her sanity.

Refusing to believe she’s the powerful defender of humankind her so-called protectors claim, Claire attempts a return to her safe life… only to have her powers ignite when she’s attacked by dark supernatural creatures. And without the training she was supposed to have received, she has no idea how she’ll defeat sinister mages plotting her demise.

Can Claire overcome creaky joints and major hot flashes in time to save the world – and her own life?

My Thoughts:

Ever since Lydia Hawke aka Linda Poitevin first started talking about this book, I've been wanting to read it. In  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 fucks 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. 

Click here for an excerpt and a swag giveaway.