Mabon: The Clandestine Chronicles, Book 1 is a paranormal coming of age novel written by Kellie M. Davies. Birthdays were always a challenge for Lucy. She lived in fear of surprise parties and other unwanted attention, but even worse, she couldn’t help feeling chilled by the fact that her dad had died on the day she was born. This would be a special birthday, however, as Lucy was coming of age in a family of witches. Her mom hadn’t been sure if Lucy would carry the power as her older twin sisters did, but something about the chiming bells Lucy heard as a brightly colored autumnal leaf drifted into her classroom window and landed on her desk signaled to her that she would. Being a DeBane was a big responsibility, one her mom had impressed upon her and her sisters. But no one could have prepared her for the dangers she would face.

Kellie M. Davies’s paranormal coming of age novel, Mabon: The Clandestine Chronicles, Book 1, is a marvelous paranormal novel set in the Montana hill country. I loved following as Lucy and her friend Liberty go out riding and especially enjoyed the suspenseful episodes as Lucy encounters a deadly foe out in the wilderness. Witnessing Lucy’s ceremony was also fascinating. Davies deftly blends the coming of age, paranormal and romance genres in this original and hard-to-put-down tale. Her characters are credible and well crafted, and her plot is riveting. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Mabon: The Clandestine Chronicles, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

In the enticing young adult novel, Mabon (The Clandestine Chronicles Book 1) by Kellie M Davies, magic and mayhem enter a young girl's life on her sixteenth birthday. As her father died on the day she was born, Lucinda DeBane doesn't enjoy her birthdays. However, this year things are even harder for her. For starters, it begins by her hearing non-existent bells chiming and finishes with her initiation rite into the family's magical tradition of witchcraft. Once Lucy accepts her place in the family's ancient heritage, disturbing events begin to unfold. On the day after her birthday, Lucy and her best friend, Liberty, are attacked by a grizzly bear. The two of them become separated while trying to escape. That isn't even the worst of it. When Gil, Liberty's brother, rushes to their rescue, he becomes entangled in a dangerous situation as well. With trouble and danger following her at every turn, Lucy, her mother, and sisters suspect something malevolent is behind the occurrences. Why are Lucy's magical abilities so important that someone wants to harm her? Can Lucy and her sisters uncover the deadly menace and remove it before someone is killed?

Mabon (The Clandestine Chronicles Book 1) by Kellie M Davies is a thrilling young adult novel steeped in danger and magic. Filled with action, magical rites, and drama, the pace of the plot kept me intrigued and captivated from the first chapter until the final page. It is an exciting story with an intriguing plot and enchanting characters. Lucy is a complex and fascinating protagonist who confronts more than the normal teenage angst. This aspect of the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting to see how she copes with the tremendous changes in her life. The pressure builds until the story reaches a fantastic climax, and we find out who and what the antagonist is. It is a brilliant work of fiction that is sure to delight teens or anyone who loves magic combined with suspense and adventure. The story is fascinating, well paced, and fabulously edited. This entrancing story is a magnificent beginning for the series, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel. Well done!

Kellie Davies enchants us with a young witch coming of age story in Mabon: The Clandestine Chronicles Book 1. Lucy DeBane had been looking forward to the day when she turned sixteen, and dreading it. It not only marks the anniversary of her father's death, but she will find out if she is passed over as a witch. There hasn't been a complete family of witches since the 1400s. And as much as she wishes to bond with her mother and twin sisters in this family heritage, she is afraid this would end the budding emotions she has for Gil. Her uncertainly and doubt escalate when she is dangerously sought after, with her friends in the midst of the turmoil thrown at her. All this without a guide or instructions as to how to protect those around her.

I found Mabon to be very well written, making this a most enjoyable read. Kellie Davies begins with a mystery around Lucy's birthday and the significant events that are surrounding her. I enjoyed how the story unfolds as the main character matures in the role she is to play. The emotions she has for Gil are typical for a girl at this age, making this an excellent read for teenagers interested in paranormal romance. This novel will twist at your heartstrings as Lucy loses some of the people in her life. I found the author did an excellent job in implementing the paths all three sisters chose on their initiation night through the answers they gave. This is an outstanding first book and I am looking forward to the next in this series.

Mabon by Kellie M Davies is the first installment in The Clandestine Chronicles series. The story centers around Lucinda (Lucy) DeBane on her sixteenth birthday, which happens to be the same day when she finds out if she's a witch or not like her mother and two older sisters. Meanwhile, she's also grappling with the death of her father (which shares the same anniversary date as her birthday) and the longing of a youthful heart in the first blossom of love with Gil, her best friend Liberty's brother. Ultimately, Lucy makes some desperately hard choices for a girl of sixteen, especially when old family secrets are revealed and more than just Lucy's heart is on the line.

Kelly M. Davies offers a fresh twist on the teen paranormal romance genre with Mabon. The story line is delicious and the romance remains clean, with Lucy living up to the cute and often lost phrase, “Sixteen and never been kissed.” Told in the first-person with a distinctive voice and her point of view as our guide, Lucy is an easy young protagonist to root for in every aspect. It was interesting for me (and definitely fun) to learn some of the finer intricacies of Wicca that Davies weaves into the plot; little bits and bobs here and there that titillate without feeling like gratuitous information dumps. As Lucy grows in her understanding and power, so too does the reader...and this is what makes me excited for book two, Yule.