The Newly Witch Game

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the corn-hole premise at first. A witchy tournament involving beanbags? Really? But *The Newly Witch Game* disarms skepticism within chapters, mostly because Peterman’s writing is so self-aware it loops back around to charming. The protagonist’s voice—equal parts sarcastic millennial and reluctant magical heir—feels fresh in a genre that often defaults to either broody angst or wide-eyed ingenues. The romance subplot simmers nicely, though I wished for a touch more tension; the love interest’s ‘mysterious past’ trope gets resolved a tad too neatly. Still, the real joy is in the chaos: cursed sports equipment, a banshee referee with a grudge, and a magical council that runs like a dysfunctional HOA. Riggio’s narration is a masterclass in balancing energy without exhausting the listener. She nails the protagonist’s dry humor, but where she *shines* is in the ensemble cast—particularly the elderly witches, whose voices teeter between sweet and sinister without slipping into cartoonish. My only critique? The production’s audio levels occasionally dip during high-energy scenes, forcing me to adjust volume mid-laugh. And while the pacing is generally tight, the final act’s wrap-up feels rushed compared to the leisurely absurdity of the setup. That said, if you’re craving a paranormal rom-com that’s more *Legally Blonde* than *Twilight*, this audiobook delivers—just don’t blame me if you start side-eyeing every corn-hole set you see afterward.