Bruja

Claudia de Santos has always looked out for every witch but herself. She fought from the shadows as her coven turned dark, and with a little help from her half-witch/half-Alpha werewolf cousin, Teresa McCaide, Claudia is doing everything she can to keeper friends and family in the light. 

Now the coven has splintered into two factions: Luciana’s army of witches wielding dark magic, and Claudia’s few stragglers who fight with the wolves. War is coming, and it won’t be much of a battle if Claudia can’t find the spells to counteract Luciana’s demonic power. But Luciana strikes before they’re prepared, and Claudia’s twin brother pays the price. Suddenly, going to Peru in search of ancient Incan magic doesn’t seem so crazy. 

Fighting evil will require a pure spirit, but her quest is full of temptations, including a handsome Peruvian guide with secrets of his own. Finding love is the last thing on Claudia’s ever-growing to-do list, but sometimes what you need has a way of seeking you out.

My Review

This book follows Claudia, Theresa’s cousin from the earlier books. She’s at the academy dealing with the fallout of her coven turning to dark magic and the looming war between witches and wolves. On top of that she’s trying to avoid an arranged marriage, protect her brother, and basically save everyone. Claudia has a lot on her shoulders and a lot of attitude to match.

I loved her relationship with her twin brother and the small group she surrounds herself with, especially the cheerful fae friend Cozette who balances Claudia’s intensity. Claudia is strong, smart, and determined but also carries guilt about everything that has happened. She envies the wolf shifters’ pack bond and stability while trying to hold her own group together.

The story expands into lore and ancestry as she travels for answers, which adds adventure to the academy setting. The mythology elements and witchcraft feel very prominent here and the worldbuilding deepens as she learns more about her powers and heritage.

Of course relationships complicate things. There’s a love triangle dynamic with Matt and Lucas, and Lucas stands out as the protective, patient one. Claudia is torn between freedom and fated mate bonds, which drives a lot of her decisions. The romance stays clean but still central to the emotional stakes.

The last part of the book ramps up the action and ties together many of the conflicts while setting up future battles. By the end Claudia has grown a lot, found new alliances, and steps into a different future than she expected.

Overall this was a fast moving paranormal adventure with witches, shifters, magic, and plenty of drama. Not perfect, but definitely a whirlwind read.

If you want to read this book it is book 4 in the Alpha Girl Series and does interconnect. You can find Bruja by Aileen Erin on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.

if you like this book you Amy also enjoy books with these tags and categories: Witches, Travel and Interspecies Mating.