Beltane Fire

The Hawthorne University Witch Series

By: A.L. Hawke

Narrated by: Alexa Elmy

It was my freshman year when my best friend introduced me to the spring festival in Hawthorne University. I was studying for finals, but she said everyone, absolutely everyone, goes to Beltane. Because Hawthorne is weird.

Men in red paint jumped flames. Ladies in white dresses with lovely flower garlands awaited the May Queen. But none of that interested me—until I decorated a tree with a super cute guy. We danced around the tree and had so much fun.

But then I saw fire. And within the flames were disturbing images. Even with the spark between me and my new stranger, it had to end. I think that was the day my witchcraft began—you know, the fire that burns in my heart and soul.

Cadence Hawthorne returns in this novelette prequel taking place before Broomstick, the first novel in The Hawthorne University Witch Series. This short story first appeared exclusively as a free ebook for subscribers of the author's monthly newsletter and on A.L. Hawke's website.

Content Warning: Beltane Fire is a short story containing profanity, sexual scenes, adult situations, and, of course, witchcraft.

©2022 2022 (P)2023 2023

Excellent story!

Beltane Fire is the prequel to the Hawthorne University Witch series that sets the stage for the campus and private lives of the witches and warlocks that inhabit Hawthorne University. Madison and Cadence are in their freshman year and are doing all the social activities expected of first years. They are also being softly but steadily pushed into a life that awaits them with visions, strong emotions, some violence and powerful spells. Alondra is the High Priestess of the coven as well as a teacher of metaphysical history and Bryce is her TA. The story begins with a ritual around the maypole where each witch makes a wish with hopes that it will come true. Cadence wishes for true love and Bryce leans over and tells her to be careful what she wishes for. What a fascinating beginning and the rest of the prequel is golden!
The narration, by Alexa Elmy, was spot on with a dynamic voice, perfect pace and exceptional intonation for each character's personality and attitude.
Note: I listened to this as a prequel as it introduced the characters who would be central to this story. It also described life in the coven of many acts of witchcraft that will be further explored. I also listened to it after The Hawthorne Witch, and it gave me further enjoyment as the story came full circle. I hope this is not the end!