Book Review: Crone To The Bone (Bonus Edition): Paranormal Women’s Fiction (The Crone Chronicles Book 1)
When I stumbled across Crone To The Bone by Shelley Dorey, I couldn’t resist the title’s cheeky promise: "Sixty is the new sorcery." As someone who reveres the gems of wit and wisdom that come with age, I was drawn to the notion that magic doesn’t dwindle with years—it evolves.
From the very first page, Ginnie Sullivan leaps off the page, a 64-year-old witch who embodies sass and strength. Ginnie, along with her fluffy yet fiercely independent cat, Mabon, navigates life on Silver Island, where age-wise clichés meet deliciously chaotic magical mishaps. This isn’t just a fun fantasy—the book dives deep into family dynamics, the complexities of rediscovery, and the empowerment that midlife can bring.
Dorey’s writing style is both engaging and warm, laced with a sense of humor that makes the story feel like a cozy chat over a cup of herbal tea. The pacing is brisk, which fits perfectly with the whirlwind of events Ginnie faces—her long-lost niece Morgan shows up with a wedding drama so tangled it could give reality TV a run for its money!
What particularly resonated with me was Ginnie’s fierce drive to protect her niece from the manipulative forces at play, including Morgan’s warlock fiancé and Ginnie’s own half-sister, Katherine. Dorey encapsulates the very real emotions around familial responsibility and the generational clashes that can arise, all wrapped in a fantastical package. The unexpected magical challenges that surface add a delightful layer of suspense; I couldn’t put the book down, eager to see how Ginnie would creatively tackle each new problem.
One highlight must be Mabon, Ginnie’s snarky cat, who serves not only as a sidekick but provides comedic relief with his sarcastic commentary. Lines like "Your potion experiments are getting as questionable as your taste in men" had me chuckling out loud more than once!
The bonus edition also includes Midlife Magical Mystery Tour, enhancing the reading experience with a further exploration of Ginnie and her adventures. This added depth is a delightful treat for fans of the first book, and it deepens the connection to the characters we’ve come to love.
As I turned the final page, I felt uplifted—and empowered. Dorey’s celebration of aging redefines what it means to be a "crone." She demonstrates that life doesn’t slow down at sixty; instead, the magic often kicks into high gear. I believe readers who appreciate strong, quirky female protagonists and a sprinkling of magic coupled with humor will find solace in this enchanting tale.
In a world that often dismisses the wisdom of older characters, Crone To The Bone stands as a joyous reminder that our best selves can emerge at any age. For those of us who’ve ever wondered what life still holds in the later chapters, this book offers a magical perspective that’s at once entertaining and affirming. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this charming saga—you might just find your own inner witch waiting to cast her spells!