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Witches and Warlocks
The Never Witch follows a woman stripped of magic who encounters a dying warlock and finds herself caught in a dangerous web of secrets. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The supernatural aspect of witches has fascinated me from an early age. Their stories have populated my reading list for years, and I’ve always loved that there are as many interpretations of magic as there are authors. In writing The Never Witch, I wanted to put my own stamp on magic. Something new and fresh. I knew I’d found it when I imagined a world where witches and warlocks were separate societies, who drew their power from different, but interconnected, sources. The interdependence of their magical power was the inspiration for the conflict between these two magical societies. But that was just the start. Their political structures, teachings, and prejudices are additional fodder for conflict. And underlying all of it are very human emotions and the messiness of families, poor choices, failure, betrayal, and forgiveness.
As for the main character, I wanted her to have lived through some of life’s challenges so that her resilience and wounds are earned. She’s thirty-something, physically and mentally strong, but still vulnerable. She has the strength to carry the story, while remaining relatable.
How did you handle the magic in this story, and how did it evolve as you were writing?
I wanted to create magic that was as individual as the witch or warlock who wielded it, but also unique to their magical society. So even though witches and warlocks share some magical abilities, like compelling people or conjuring objects, a witch’s magic is tied to the elements of fire, earth, water, and air, whereas a warlock’s magic is tied to runes. Each individual witch or warlock’s ability to use the magic, and the strength of that magic, depends on their bloodlines, the training they undertake, and their innate talent. The magical evolution as I wrote the story was born from my research into runes. When I started, I had in mind Odin’s 24 original runes. But as the story unfolded, I imagined the complex magic that might be achievable if those initial runes were stacked, and not just straight up, but upside down, sideways, and angular. The combinations would be endless, as would the magical possibilities.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Though I’m sure my answer to this question would differ depending on my mood, today I’d say my favourite scene is the one where the main character, a witch named Adeline Thorne, returns home with Luke, her warlock bodyguard, to find her warlock ex-husband, Warrick, has moved in. I love the tension in the scene and how the two warlocks struggle to establish themselves as the more important person in Adeline’s life.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the Thorne Witch series? Where will it take readers?
The next book explores the depths to which witches and warlocks will go to stop Adeline Thorne from wielding warlock power, and why Adeline’s power is such a threat to them.
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Adeline Thorne was a witch in name only. She never inherited the magic that should have been her birthright. But she’s learned to accept it. She’s built a quiet life on the west coast as a talented portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, in an act of desperation, dumped his magic into her. To him, she was only a vessel. He didn’t care that warlock magic was incompatible with her witch’s DNA. He didn’t care that his attack would jeopardize the fragile peace between witches and warlocks. And he didn’t care that his power would tear Adeline’s world apart.
The Never Witch now had magic, an irresistible drug. The only problem? The warlock wants it back.
If you can’t get enough of Rachel Griffin, V.E. Schwab, and Alix E. Harrow, then you’ll love The Never Witch
The Never Witch (A Thorne Witch Novel #1)
JP McLean’s The Never Witch opens with Adeline Thorne, a woman trying to live an ordinary life while being anything but ordinary. She’s the sister of a powerful witch, yet stripped of her own magic and burdened by a complicated past that’s steeped in betrayal, mystery, and supernatural politics. When an encounter with a dying warlock leaves her scarred, physically and otherwise, Adeline becomes caught in a dangerous web of secrets that threaten the fragile peace between witches and warlocks. The story twists between two worlds: the mortal calm of Vancouver and the hidden, charged realm of covens, spells, and old feuds. It’s part mystery, part fantasy, part family drama, and all heart.
The writing is clean and unpretentious, yet it hits hard where it counts. McLean paints vivid scenes with just the right amount of detail, never overdoing it. Her dialogue feels real, sometimes painfully so, and her characters carry their own bruises in ways that stick with you. Adeline is an intriguing character. She’s sarcastic, wounded, stubborn, and somehow still full of grace. I found myself rooting for her even when she tried to push everyone away. The pacing surprised me, too. It starts quietly, but by the second act, it’s hard to look up. Every chapter seems to add a new question or cut a little deeper into the old ones.
What really hooked me though was the emotion running underneath all the fantasy. Sure, there’s magic and danger and political scheming, but it’s the relationships that carry the story. The bond between Adeline and her sister, Sarah, felt honest, messy, protective, and full of old hurts that never quite healed. And then there’s Luke, whose own guilt and duty twist him into something both noble and tragic. The way their lives tangle together feels fated, like watching two storms collide. McLean doesn’t hand you easy answers. She lets you feel the tension, the fear, the hope, and the exhaustion that come with fighting battles you didn’t choose.
By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t just entertained, I was attached. The world McLean built feels layered and believable, and her characters have that rare spark that makes you wonder what they’re doing after the last page ends. The Never Witch is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grounded in emotion and their magic served with a side of grit. If you enjoy stories about found strength, sisterhood, and the kind of courage that comes from surviving what breaks you, this book will hit home.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0FCGK7MWV
Good vs Evil with a Twist
Scorch Mark follows a woman with unique paranormal abilities who, with her friends, seeks to get justice for her murdered parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Dark Dreams series and Jane Walker’s character was inspired by Blind Spot, an NBC show featuring a woman who bears tattoos that cover her body from the neck down, and she has no idea how she got them. In Jane’s case, she learns that her markings protect her. After writing the first two books, I began considering what might happen if the tables were turned and corrupt individuals had the protection of the blood marks instead of good-hearted souls like Jane. Scorch Mark’s story is a take on the classic good vs evil trope, which is always fun to write. Threaded throughout the story is the trial, where Jane hopes to get justice for her murdered parents. But justice through the court system is a complex legal dance, and Jane’s paranormal abilities complicate matters. I enjoyed pitting the legal system against the paranormal elements because, in the courtroom, the truth could condemn Jane faster than the lies she tells to cover up her extraordinary abilities.
Jane is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
Jane grew up in difficult circumstances. She was afflicted with both a physical and a paranormal anomaly that set her apart from others. But the negative experiences she gained while growing up with those anomalies make her perceptive to other people’s struggles. And because she was exposed to the underbelly of a poor and downtrodden population in the city’s core, she’s not one to judge what people have to do to survive on the streets. It’s the combination of her empathy and her nonjudgmental attitude that make her a heroine.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I’m an outliner, so most of the story had been worked out before I began writing. But my outlines aren’t rigid. They inevitably change as the writing gets underway and new twists surface. Some of these twists are simply too juicy not to work into the story.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on a book as yet untitled about witches. It’s set in the present day in an urban setting. The challenge has been finding a new twist on witches and their magic. Right now I’m still at the outlining stage. I’m making progress, but realistically, readers shouldn’t expect it to be out in before the end of 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
But their journey takes a spine-chilling turn when they encounter a gang of men who stare at Jane as if they recognize her. That can only mean one thing: they’ve met her in a dream she has yet to experience. When the gang begins stalking her, Jane realizes she must have witnessed a deadly event. But what could it be? She slips into hiding and waits for the disturbing dream to arrive.
And now her BFF, Sadie Prescott, is dating a cop whose curiosity about Jane leads him to unearth the mysterious deaths that litter her past. When his latest investigation crosses paths with Jane’s stalkers, Jane must intervene and turn the skeptical cop into a believer before he kills himself and causes the deaths of his entire law enforcement team.
Immerse yourself in a supernatural thriller where dreams and reality meet, weaving a web of suspense that will keep you turning the page until the final, heart-stopping revelation.
Scorch Mark (Dark Dreams Book 3)
In Scorch Mark, the third installment by JP. McLean, we delve into the captivating narrative of Joyce, affectionately referred to by those in her orbit as Jane. She departs from the norm with a unique paranormal capability that’s both a gift and a curse. The looming question is, will she navigate the treacherous waters of her extraordinary circumstances?
We also meet Sadie, a determined young woman eager to complete her online studies and transition from her uncomfortably sweltering, confined living space. Yet, as she strides towards her goals, Dylan, with his infectious charisma, becomes a beacon of happiness in her life. The challenge? How does she unveil her clandestine truth to him without driving him away?
Dylan, portrayed as a dedicated law enforcer, is relentlessly drawn to the enigma that is Jane. The narrative is tense as he doggedly works to peel back the layers of her mystery. What secrets will he unearth?
JP. McLean weaves a tapestry of rich and vibrant characters. Jane stands out with her resilient spirit, punctuated by moments of vulnerability, making her a delightful protagonist. Sadie offers a refreshing brightness amidst the dense plot, while Dylan’s juxtaposition of strength and tenderness adds depth to the story. McLean’s pacing is meticulous, ensuring readers remain hooked from start to finish. The courtroom scenes are particularly riveting, with tangible tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just as the plot seems to stabilize, McLean throws in an unexpected twist, a hallmark of an adept storyteller.
While the narrative is gripping, a subplot involving a mysterious bowl felt slightly underdeveloped. A deeper exploration or more revelations regarding this aspect would have augmented the overall impact.
Nevertheless, Scorch Mark stands as a testament to McLean’s literary prowess. The book is a genuine page-turner, replete with action and masterfully crafted prose. It’s a commendable addition to the ‘Dark Dreams series’ – suspenseful, gritty, and utterly engaging. I eagerly anticipate more from this gifted author and wholeheartedly recommend this book for its immersive experience. Kudos to McLean for this compelling read.
Pages 286 | ISBN : 978-1-988125-64-6
Ghost Mark
Jane Walker is a tough yet gentle woman trying to live an everyday life despite her paranormal ability. Ethan Bryce is a bartender with a chip on his shoulder that loves his girlfriend, Jane Walker, and is coming to terms with Jane’s ability. Sadie Prescott is Jane Walker’s best friend and might or might not be missing her former hooker life. Jane runs into an old friend, Dylan O’Brien, but he claims to not know her. Jane is surprised by the brush-off but lets it go. However, it’s not long before Dylan becomes an integral part of Riptide, a club Ethan works at, but Dylan is not the sweet and bright friend Jane remembers.
Ghost Mark by JP McLean is a gripping story many urban fantasy lovers will enjoy. The lead character Jane is tenacious and kind, and her dilemma is fascinating and never boring. Ethan, Jane’s boyfriend, is tough, too, but his kindness and compassion are apparent throughout the story. Sadie, Jane’s friend, has a narrative that is interesting and compelling to read about. The character’s development throughout the story is beautifully crafted and well thought out. The way the characters interact with one another is realistic, allowing readers to be drawn into the world created by JP McLean. This makes for excellent reading.
Ghost Mark by JP McLean is a thrilling occult horror story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The crime constructed throughout the novel is fundamental to the plot and is setup in such a manner that you feel compelled to see where things end up. The action is set at a pace that never lets up. The world-building is expertly done and is commendable. Many moments in the story have you wondering what could possibly happen next, and it delivers at a satisfying pace. The author has provided an intense, riveting, and fast-paced novel.
ASIN : B0B5LK8GZL
Those Dreams Devastate Me
Blood Mark follows a woman who realizes that her nightmares our actually visions of real people being killed and her birthmarks are the only thing protecting her from the killer. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for the set up of Blood Mark comes from dreams, the ones that seem far too real. The ones where, when you wake up—sometimes in a sweat—you experience a brief moment in which you wonder if what just happened was a dream or reality. I’ve had vivid dreams all my life, including some pretty bad nightmares when I was young. The worst dreams are the ones wherein someone I love is killed, or hurt, or leaves me – those dreams devastate me.
Jane Walker is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
There’s always a danger of making a character too perfect, too rich, too beautiful—it makes them unrelatable, which doesn’t work well in books like mine that are set in contemporary times, where the character is living amongst us. In developing Jane Walker, I wanted someone with flaws. As such, Jane has personality traits that make her difficult to live with. She also makes poor choices at times, which we all do, and she has to live with the consequences. It was also important that I made her both strong and vulnerable. Wrapping Jane in the blood mark served both of those ends. And finally, I wanted her to know what it felt like to have nothing—no family, no money, no beauty—so she would appreciate the friends who came into her life, complete with their flaws.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to explore the concept of what is beauty—a theme as old as time. I find it especially interesting in light of tattoos being so popular today; the designs people choose, and where they choose to display them are often topics of judgment. Instead of having a choice in the matter, I thought I’d explore what it might feel like to live with an unflattering birthmark that’s difficult to hide.
I also wanted to explore how beauty plays into assumptions of good vs evil. Our society often puts unearned labels on people because of their perceived attractiveness, wealth, or clothing. But these things are all facades, like the recessed ceiling in the bar Jane frequents, painted black to hide the pipes, wires, and ducting. Jane sees this as “Proof that even the sleekest facade had something ugly to hide.”
I’ve also explored the role of family in the story. Jane and Sadie didn’t have the benefit of a stable, loving home, but developed a keen sense of family, honour, and justice. Rick, who had the benefit of a loving, well-off family, turned out to have a warped sense of justice and to love himself more than anyone else.
And I’ve also played around with the concepts of strength and vulnerability, exploring both from the physical and psychological perspectives. I love that sometimes it’s the person who’s weakest physically, that’s the strongest psychologically. And if the game is psychological, well, sometimes the weakling wins!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a sequel to Blood Mark, possibly two. Though Blood Mark is a stand-alone book, it contains some intriguing storylines that are ripe for exploring. What became of Jane’s friend, Buddy? for example. And where is Maria’s Inca offering bowl? I’d hate to think what might happen if it got into the wrong hands. Does Jane’s roommate, Sadie stay the course she set for herself? How does the court case against Rick and Andrew turn out? I’m excited to see where these possibilities take me. I expect the first sequel to come out late next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
After she meets the first man who isn’t repulsed by her birthmarks, Jane thinks she might finally have a chance at happiness. Her belief seems confirmed as the birthmarks she’s spent her life so ashamed of magically begin to disappear. Yet, the quicker her scarlet marks vanish, the more lucid and disturbing Jane’s nightmares become—until it’s impossible to discern her dreams from reality, and Jane comes to a horrifying realization:
The nightmares that have plagued her since childhood are actually visions of real people being stalked by a deadly killer. And all this time, her birthmarks have been the only things protecting her from becoming his next victim.
Blood Mark
![Blood Mark by [JP McLean]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xb19HhhPL.jpg)
Blood Mark, by J.P. McLean, is set in Vancouver and tells the story of Jane Walker who was abandoned at birth and thrown into the system after a series of tragedies. She meets Sadie, a troubled teen who sticks with her as they make their way in life. Jane’s past is mysterious and this mystery is driven by what she believes are red birthmarks snaking around her body. Jane would do anything to get rid of these unsightly marks and has a stable job at a garden center to earn the money to have them removed. Sadie, who lives with Jane, works as a waitress while still caught up with the seedier side of Vancouver. We learn that Jane also suffers from vivid dreams where, while in a deep sleep, she visits people known to her in the past and sees things happening – often terrible and frightening events. Jane meets Ethan and things start to change when her birthmarks start disappearing and her dreams take a disturbing and deadly turn.
Blood Mark is an action packed thriller and Jane’s character reminded me of Lisbeth from The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. All the characters are gritty and flawed, which I enjoyed because they all felt authentic.
This story has one of the most unique twists to the crime fiction genre I’ve seen this year. Is it a crime thriller or a paranormal romance novel? It is a fantastic blend of both. This is pulled off by the meticulous writing of JP McLean, who has created a detailed backstory to both the protagonists and the world, making them both captivating and alluring.
The story flowed well and the plot developments were easy to follow. This is key to ensuring readers know exactly what is happening in a novel that has wild twists and terrifying nightmares that bleed into reality.
Blood Mark is an enthralling dark fantasy novel with captivating characters that will appeal to anyone looking for a crime thriller with a unique supernatural setup.
Pages: 355 | ASIN: B09649L5DW
LITERARY TITAN 