Wonderfully Wicked

Baba Yaga Series – Book 2

By Deborah Blake

Synopsis

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Though she looks like a typical California surfer girl, Beka Yancy is in fact a powerful yet inexperienced witch who’s struggling with her duties as a Baba Yaga. Luckily she has her faithful dragon-turned-dog for moral support, especially when faced with her biggest job yet…

A mysterious toxin is driving the Selkie and Mer from their homes deep in the trenches of Monterey Bay. To investigate, Beka buys her way onto the boat of Marcus Dermott, a battle-scarred former U.S. Marine, and his ailing fisherman father.

While diving for clues, Beka drives Marcus crazy with her flaky New Age ideas and dazzling blue eyes. She thinks he’s rigid and cranky (and way too attractive). Meanwhile, a charming Selkie prince has plans that include Beka. Only by trusting her powers can Beka save the underwater races, pick the right man, and choose the path she’ll follow for the rest of her life…

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Tracey’s Review

When the underwater inhabitants of Monterey Bay mysteriously begin getting sick, Beka Yancy is approached by Boudicca, Queen of the Merpeople, and Gwrtheyrn, the Selkie King, with a request that she, as a Baba Yaga, help unravel the mystery. Marcus Dermott, home again in Monterey to help his ailing father on his fishing boat, is concerned. Not only do he and his crusty Irish father not see eye to eye, the fish seem to have disappeared, leaving his livelihood in danger of failing. With a common goal, Marcus and Beka go to work to uncover the secret of the bay.

As a fan of WICKEDLY DANGEROUS, the first book in the Baba Yaga series by Deborah Blake, I was anxious to read WICKEDLY WONDERFUL. Deborah has scored another winner, once again delivering a fresh take on the traditional Baba Yaga stories. Beka, while very different from Barbara (Book 1), is just as engaging in her own way. Her element is the sea, and so she feels compelled to help the Merfolk and Selkies. Even though she’s still somewhat a novice as a Baba, she steps outside of her comfort zone to help solve the mystery. Marcus is a no-nonsense kind of guy, and about as far from what he views as Beka’s New Age flakiness as can be, but finds himself drawn to her nonetheless. Together they make for a fun and entertaining couple. I loved seeing Beka come into her own, and grow as a Baba, and for Marcus to embrace ideas that were foreign and sometimes uncomfortable.

One of the things that I like best about Deborah’s books is that she manages to pair paranormal romance with social issues (in this case, the importance of mindful living, and stewardship of our resources in a way that is neither preachy nor off-putting), while delivering fast-paced plotting and quirky and likeable characters. I look forward to reading more of her unique storytelling in the near future.
Author Bio:

Author of seven non-fiction books from Llewellyn. Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice (2007), Everyday Witch A to Z (2008), The Goddess is in the Details (2009), Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook (2010) Witchcraft on a Shoestring (2010), Everyday Witch Book of Rituals, and The Witch’s Broom. I am also the author of the Baba Yaga series from Berkley Romance, including Wickedly Magical (novella), Wickedly Dangerous, and Wickedly Wonderful.

I live in a 120 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with five cats, and run an artists’ cooperative shop when I’m not writing.

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