Like a Curse (Like a Charm 2) by Ellie McNicoll

What worked:

Ramya is a witch-in-training who is trying to unlock her magical abilities. One thing she can do that others cannot is to see through Glamours that camouflage Hidden Folk. She can spot every troll, vampire, or fae she encounters and she’s immune to the hypnotic songs of the sirens. She also has a special connection to water which comes in handy around Loch Ness. Ramya is neurodivergent so her approaches to interacting with others and reacting in sticky situations lack the tactfulness and nuances that may be “normal”. She tends to be impulsive and blunt. The author is also neurodivergent so she can provide insight into Ramya’s ways of speaking and behaving.

I haven’t read the previous book in the series but apparently, Ramya previously defeated a siren named Portia. Portia is back again as the protagonist and she controls the minds of humans in Edinburgh and rounding up Hidden Folk. The conflict centers on Portia’s search for a creature hiding in the depths of Loch Ness that isn’t Nessie. No one knows what the beast might be and many doubt it exists. Coincidentally, or not, Ramya is hiding behind a powerful Glamour near Loch Ness with her aunts and cousin. She’s frustrated and angry that her parents are in Edinburgh and no one will let her help confront Portia.

The cast of minor characters offers an unusual variety of personalities to assist Ramya. Her cousin Marley is human and doesn’t have any special abilities other than his loyalty and faith in her. He believes Ramya whenever she sees things he cannot and he willingly goes along with her rash decisions. They meet a dryad named Alona and are shocked that she can’t transform into a huge oak tree or a single, small leaf. Ramya has a good friend named Freddy who happens to be a siren. Marley questions their relationship since sirens are the bad guys in this book. Ramya learns a stunning truth about Freddy later in the book that should make her suspicious.

What didn’t work as well:

Ramya isn’t close to mastering her powers yet but she’s determined to stop Portia on her own. Her Aunt Opal is the most formidable witch Ramya knows and even Opal knows it’s fool-hardy to face the powerful siren. Ramya’s inner instincts usually come to the rescue when her life is in danger so it often feels like she gets lucky.

The final verdict:

I’m sure the first book has an exciting adventure of its own but this book can be read independently. Ramya may be rash and reckless but she has strong, unwavering feelings for family and friends. Loch Ness holds unexpected surprises and twists for the plot and the climax leaves readers wondering about Portia’s future. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.