The Crone of Midnight Embers

Myrtlewood Crones, Book 1

By: Iris Beaglehole

Narrated by: Bethan Dixon Bate

Why don't more 60-something-year-olds get to have fun magical adventures?

Delia Spark is caught in a maelstrom. Her former life as a London theatre director is on the brink of implosion amid a scandalous divorce, a tarnished reputation, and, for reasons she cannot fathom, things keep spontaneously combusting around her. Her sixties were supposed to be peaceful, but now even her grown daughter won't return her calls. Escape is the only option.

In the remote village of Myrtlewood, she seeks solace, not suspecting that in this quaint haven, far stranger adventures await than the urban chaos she left behind. Delia is oblivious to the undercurrent that her arrival stirs. Amid whispers of magic, she finds herself on the precipice of an extraordinary transformation.

As she grapples with these new realities, an ominous shadow lurks—a secret Order steeped in ancient lore is watching, plotting, and scheming. Delia must confront her destiny. Will she surrender to the enchanting pull of Myrtlewood and the ancient prophecies of the elemental crones, or will she claw back her former life from her power-hungry ex?

Welcome to a world where the extraordinary is ordinary, where tranquillity is a veil for the mystical, and where time itself whispers secrets of old served with delicious cakes and cups of tea—or coffee if you insist!

©2023 Iris Beaglehole (P)2024 Podium Audio

Great character voices

Performance of different characters, was quite enjoyable, and it was the right amount of wry humor :] I will want to look into the next installment!

Not what I expected

Slow moving and seemed to assume that the reader had background information. I like fantasy and dystopian fiction. Have read a few in this particular genre but just couldn’t get into the story. I pushed myself to complete it but probably will forgo the other books.

I'm obsessed with iris beaglehole, fun, witty, exciting. just everything!

there is no book out to read next. I don't want to wait to listen to more I want it now!!

Excellent reading

An outstanding reading of the first book in this new series from one of my favorite authors!

Great book!

Got this as a free book, but will be getting the others in the series. Very creative and lots of fun!

I loved the first Myrtlewoid series. This one was okay.

This book did not flow like the other series did. Each chapter was a different person instead of the story flowing. I stopped listening a few times but continued because I liked the other series. It did get better. I am not sure I will continue this series. The reader had a great voice and I actually liked her better than the other reader in the first series because the first one made Rosemary’s voice grating. That wore on me. I think the author has good stories to tell . I just hope they flow more like the first series.

Harry Potter meets the Golden Girls

This is a delightful, engaging and well written story enhanced by the perfect narration. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!

Engaging storyline

The story is focused on main characters who have experienced life and now face new challenges that are usually saved for a younger generation which I greatly enjoyed. Each chapter is centered around a particular character and helps the reader get to know them easily. I'm very much looking forward to getting into the next book.

crone of midnight embers

It feels like a children's story written for older adults. When you just want to relax and not have violence or politics thrown you. I am enjoying it like you would a cup of tea in front of the fireplace.

Characters

Good introductions to basic elementals, hope following books will continue to expand on powers. Nice pacing.