Exile's Reluctant Return

Rebekah Wilde, exiled witch, is forcibly summoned from her hard-won, magic-free life in Sedona back to St. Cyprian, Missouri. The Joywood, the ruling coven, demands her presence after a magical disaster threatens the town. Rebekah's return is fraught with resentment, old wounds, and the ever-present threat of death if she uses magic. She's thrust into a confrontation with her estranged sister Emerson, old friends, and the Joywood, who blame her and Emerson for breaking the rules. The air is thick with unresolved anger, fear, and the sense that the real battle is only beginning. Rebekah's internal struggle between forgiveness and rage sets the emotional tone for her journey home.

The Joywood's Ultimatum

The Joywood, led by the formidable Carol Simon, accuses Rebekah and Emerson of breaking sacred laws and demands they retake the pubertatum, the coming-of-age test for witches. The sisters are given until Litha, the summer solstice, to prepare for an adult version of the test—one far more difficult than the original. The Joywood's true motives are murky, but their intent to humiliate and control is clear. Rebekah, still haunted by her past failure and exile, is forced to confront the possibility that the system is rigged against her. The sisters' friends are also implicated, and the group must navigate Joywood's pettiness and power plays together.

Sisters Reunited, Old Wounds

Rebekah struggles to settle back into Wilde House, haunted by memories of her grandmother and the family she lost. Her reunion with Emerson is bittersweet—filled with love, guilt, and the ache of ten years apart. The sisters' dynamic is complicated by Emerson's relentless optimism and Rebekah's cynicism. Old friends like Ellowyn and Georgie offer comfort, but the wounds of exile and mind-wiping run deep. Rebekah's visions, once a source of power, are now fractured and unreliable, mirroring her emotional state. The sisters' bond is tested as they face the daunting task ahead.

High School, Again

The Joywood's "preparation" for the test is a cruel farce: Rebekah, Emerson, and their friends are forced to relive high school, complete with binders of assignments and mandatory attendance at events like Beltane prom. The pettiness is a calculated attempt to break their spirits and reinforce the Joywood's dominance. The group's camaraderie is both a shield and a source of pain, as old insecurities and rivalries resurface. The specter of their past failures looms, and the sisters realize the Joywood's true fear is not their weakness, but their potential to challenge the status quo.

The Test and the Truth

As the group endures the Joywood's humiliations, Rebekah begins to question the narrative of her and Emerson's failure. The sisters realize they may never have truly failed the pubertatum—the Joywood simply couldn't risk their power. The group's resolve hardens: they must not only pass the test, but expose the Joywood's corruption. The emotional stakes rise as Rebekah's visions remain fractured, hinting at a deeper imbalance in the magical world. The sisters' determination to fight back is fueled by the knowledge that the system is designed to keep them powerless.

Nicholas Frost's Bargain

Nicholas Frost, the enigmatic and immortal witch, is drawn into the sisters' struggle. His history with Rebekah is fraught with betrayal, attraction, and secrets. Nicholas agrees to help prepare them for the test, but his motives are unclear. He challenges Rebekah to confront her own power and the darkness within her. Their interactions are charged with unresolved tension, and Nicholas's presence forces Rebekah to reckon with her past and the possibility of a future she never dared imagine. The lines between ally and adversary blur as the stakes escalate.

Scrying and Scars

Nicholas tests Rebekah's abilities with a scrying ritual, but something goes wrong—her visions are fractured, and she is nearly consumed by pain. The experience leaves her shaken and physically ill, forcing her to confront the limits of her control and the depth of her trauma. The group rallies around her, but the incident exposes the dangers of unchecked power and the scars left by exile and betrayal. Rebekah's relationship with Nicholas deepens, complicated by their shared history and the secrets he keeps.

Aftermath and Uncertainty

Rebekah recovers from the failed ritual with the help of her friends and sister. The group's bonds are tested as they grapple with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Emerson's engagement to Jacob is revealed, offering a glimmer of hope and normalcy. The sisters reaffirm their commitment to each other and to fighting the Joywood's tyranny. Rebekah's visions remain unreliable, but she begins to accept that her power—and her fate—are intertwined with those around her. The emotional landscape is one of tentative healing and renewed determination.

Homecoming and Old Friends

As Rebekah settles back into life in St. Cyprian, she reconnects with old friends and the rhythms of the town. The group's dynamic is both comforting and fraught, as past grievances and present challenges collide. The sisters' relationship deepens, and Rebekah begins to reclaim her sense of belonging. The return of their parents adds another layer of complexity, forcing the sisters to confront the legacy of family expectations and disappointment. The stage is set for a reckoning with both the past and the future.

The Immortal's Challenge

Nicholas continues to push Rebekah to embrace her power and confront her fears. Their relationship becomes increasingly intimate, both emotionally and physically, as they navigate the dangers of the Joywood's machinations. Nicholas's own secrets and burdens come to light, revealing the cost of immortality and the weight of prophecy. The two are drawn together by fate and choice, their bond a source of strength and vulnerability. The looming test becomes a crucible for their love and their destinies.

Revelations and Regrets

The sisters' parents return, bringing with them old wounds and new expectations. Rebekah is forced to confront the truth of her past actions, including the use of dark magic and the pain she caused. The group's unity is tested as secrets are revealed and forgiveness is sought. Rebekah's journey toward self-acceptance and redemption is mirrored by the group's struggle to move beyond the past. The emotional stakes are heightened as the test approaches and the Joywood's true intentions become clearer.

Parental Reckonings

The sisters face their parents in a series of emotionally charged encounters. Elspeth, their mother, surprises them by defending their power and challenging the Joywood's authority. The family's history of disappointment and control is laid bare, but moments of genuine connection and support emerge. The sisters receive new amulets, symbolizing a new beginning and their parents' acceptance of their true selves. The emotional arc is one of reconciliation, growth, and the forging of a new family dynamic.

Forgiveness and Fractures

Rebekah seeks forgiveness from her friends and herself, guided by the wisdom of her grandmother's spirit. The group comes together in a powerful ritual of honesty and support, reaffirming their bonds and their commitment to each other. The process of healing is messy and imperfect, but the group emerges stronger and more united. The emotional landscape is one of hope, vulnerability, and the courage to face the unknown together.

Beltane's Second Chance

The group attends Beltane prom, a symbolic do-over of their past failures. The event is both a celebration and a crucible, as old insecurities and new possibilities collide. Rebekah and Nicholas share a transformative ritual, walking through fire and clarifying her power. The experience is both purifying and illuminating, setting the stage for the final confrontation with the Joywood. The night is filled with magic, love, and the promise of a new beginning.

Carol's Poisoned Games

Carol and the Joywood escalate their campaign of humiliation and control, using public shaming and magical manipulation to undermine the sisters and their friends. Rebekah is forced to confront the consequences of her past actions and the power of forgiveness. The group's unity is tested as the Joywood's tactics become more ruthless and the stakes grow ever higher. The emotional arc is one of resilience, defiance, and the refusal to be broken.

The Ritual of Fire

Rebekah undergoes a powerful Beltane ritual with Nicholas, walking through magical fire to clarify her power and embrace her destiny as a Chaos Diviner. The experience is both painful and liberating, burning away old fears and doubts. The ritual deepens the bond between Rebekah and Nicholas, revealing the true nature of their connection and the role of choice in shaping fate. The emotional landscape is one of transformation, acceptance, and the forging of a new self.

Clarifying the Chaos

Rebekah's clarified power reveals her as a Chaos Diviner, a rare and dangerous designation. The Joywood's fear of her is confirmed, and the stakes of the upcoming test are raised. Nicholas's own secrets and burdens come to the fore, as he reveals the prophecy that Rebekah will be the death of him. The group must grapple with the implications of Rebekah's power and the possibility of sacrifice. The emotional arc is one of fear, hope, and the courage to face the unknown.

The Kiss and the Curse

Rebekah and Nicholas's relationship reaches a new level of intimacy and vulnerability. Their love is both a source of strength and a potential curse, as the prophecy of Nicholas's death looms. The group's unity is tested as the Joywood's manipulations intensify and the threat of war grows. The emotional stakes are heightened as love, power, and destiny collide in a crucible of choice and sacrifice.

Prophecy's Price

Nicholas reveals the true cost of his immortality and the burden of prophecy. Rebekah is forced to confront the possibility that saving him may require a sacrifice of her own. The group's resolve is tested as they prepare for the final confrontation with the Joywood. The emotional landscape is one of grief, hope, and the willingness to risk everything for love and justice.

Facing the Past

Rebekah confronts the truth of her past, seeking forgiveness from her friends and herself. Guided by the wisdom of her grandmother's spirit, she embraces her power and her place in the group. The process of healing is both painful and liberating, setting the stage for the final battle. The emotional arc is one of acceptance, growth, and the courage to face the future.

Learning to Balance

The group intensifies their preparations for the test, focusing on balance, unity, and the power of choice. Nicholas's guidance is both a blessing and a challenge, forcing Rebekah to confront her fears and embrace her destiny. The group's bonds are strengthened through rituals, honesty, and the willingness to fight for each other. The emotional landscape is one of hope, determination, and the forging of a new path.

Grief and Gathering

The death of Aunt Zelda and other witches casts a shadow over the group, but also galvanizes their resolve. The group comes together in grief and solidarity, reaffirming their commitment to each other and to the fight against the Joywood. The emotional arc is one of mourning, resilience, and the power of love to heal and unite.

The Joywood's Trap

The Joywood spring their final trap, poisoning the pubertatum ceremony and framing Rebekah for the deaths of young witches. Nicholas sacrifices his immortality to reveal the truth, nearly dying in the process. The group's unity and love are the only things that can save him—and themselves. The emotional stakes are at their highest, as the cost of justice and freedom becomes clear.

Sacrifice and Survival

Rebekah and her friends perform a powerful ritual to save Nicholas, sacrificing their own power and love to bring him back to life as a mortal. The Joywood's crimes are exposed, and the group's unity is stronger than ever. The emotional arc is one of redemption, hope, and the triumph of love over fear and oppression.

The Power of Love

The group celebrates their survival and the forging of a new coven, the Riverwood. Rebekah and Nicholas embrace their love and the possibilities of a mortal life together. The emotional landscape is one of joy, hope, and the promise of a better future. The group's journey from exile and shame to unity and power is complete, but the fight for justice and freedom continues.

Litha's Reckoning

The group faces the Joywood in the ultimate test, balancing light and dark in a display of power and unity. The Joywood's attempt to rig the outcome is thwarted by the support of the community and the intervention of their ancestors. The group's victory is hard-won, but it marks the beginning of a new era. The emotional arc is one of triumph, healing, and the forging of a new legacy.

The Vote for the Future

The community votes to recognize the sisters' power and reject the Joywood's tyranny. The group's victory is a testament to the power of unity, love, and the willingness to fight for what is right. The emotional landscape is one of hope, renewal, and the promise of a better future for all witches.

The Riverwood Rises

The group forms the Riverwood, a new coven dedicated to justice, unity, and the responsible use of power. The Joywood's reign is challenged, and the stage is set for a new era of magic and possibility. The emotional arc is one of hope, courage, and the forging of a new path.

War and Hope

The Joywood's defeat is only the beginning of a larger struggle for justice and freedom. The group prepares for the coming war, united by love, hope, and the lessons of the past. The emotional landscape is one of determination, resilience, and the belief that a better world is possible.

Home at Last

Rebekah and Nicholas, now mortal, embrace their love and the promise of a new life together. The group celebrates their victory and the forging of a new legacy. The emotional arc is one of healing, hope, and the joy of finally finding home—within themselves, each other, and the magic they share.

Characters

Rebekah Wilde

Rebekah is the heart of the story—a Diviner whose exile from St. Cyprian left her scarred, defensive, and fiercely independent. Her relationship with magic is fraught: it's both a source of power and a trigger for her deepest wounds. Rebekah's journey is one of self-forgiveness, as she confronts the trauma of her past, the shame of her failures, and the fear of her own darkness. Her bond with her sister Emerson is both a lifeline and a source of pain, complicated by years of separation and misunderstanding. Rebekah's romance with Nicholas Frost is a crucible for her growth, forcing her to embrace vulnerability, love, and the possibility of a future she never dared hope for. Her arc is one of redemption, healing, and the reclamation of her power and place in the world.

Emerson Wilde

Emerson is Rebekah's older sister and emotional opposite: where Rebekah is cynical and guarded, Emerson is hopeful and relentless. Her mind-wiping by the Joywood left her with a fractured sense of self, but her core strength and determination remain unshaken. Emerson's journey is one of reclaiming her power, her memories, and her agency. Her leadership and optimism are both a shield and a challenge for those around her, especially Rebekah. Emerson's relationship with Jacob is a source of stability and joy, grounding her in love and partnership. Her arc is one of resilience, growth, and the forging of a new legacy for herself and her family.

Nicholas Frost

Nicholas is the enigmatic, centuries-old Praeceptor whose history is entwined with both the Joywood and the Wilde sisters. His immortality is both a gift and a curse, isolating him from the world and burdening him with secrets and regrets. Nicholas's relationship with Rebekah is a complex dance of attraction, betrayal, and destiny. The prophecy that she will be his death haunts their love, but also gives it a sense of urgency and depth. Nicholas's ultimate sacrifice—giving up his immortality to save Rebekah and expose the Joywood—marks his redemption and the beginning of a new life. His arc is one of atonement, vulnerability, and the embrace of love and mortality.

Ellowyn Good

Ellowyn is Rebekah's best friend and the group's Summoner, cursed to always tell the truth. Her half-human heritage makes her an outsider, but also gives her a unique perspective and strength. Ellowyn's loyalty is unwavering, and her sharp wit and honesty are both a comfort and a challenge to those around her. Her complicated relationship with Zander is a source of tension and growth, as they navigate old wounds and new possibilities. Ellowyn's arc is one of self-acceptance, courage, and the power of chosen family.

Georgie Pendell

Georgie is the group's Historian, a keeper of magical lore and secrets. Her shy demeanor masks a deep well of strength and wisdom. Georgie's role is often that of mediator and researcher, providing the group with the knowledge and rituals they need to survive. Her relationship with Sage is a quiet counterpoint to the drama around her, offering stability and support. Georgie's arc is one of stepping into her power, embracing her voice, and helping to forge a new path for the group.

Zander Rivers

Zander is Rebekah's cousin and the group's Guardian, responsible for the safety of St. Cyprian. His easygoing exterior hides deep pain, especially after the loss of his mother Zelda. Zander's relationship with Ellowyn is fraught with unresolved feelings and old hurts, but also the potential for healing and renewal. His arc is one of resilience, loyalty, and the struggle to balance duty and desire.

Jacob North

Jacob is the group's Healer and Emerson's fiancé, providing both magical and emotional support. His calm, rational presence is a counterbalance to the group's volatility. Jacob's journey is one of learning to let go of control and trust in the strength of those he loves. His relationship with Emerson is a model of partnership and mutual support, grounding the group in love and hope.

Carol Simon

Carol is the head of the Joywood and the primary antagonist, wielding her authority with cruelty and cunning. Her obsession with control and fear of the sisters' power drive the plot's central conflict. Carol's manipulations are both personal and political, targeting the group's weaknesses and exploiting their pasts. Her arc is one of hubris, downfall, and the exposure of the rot at the heart of the magical hierarchy.

Felicia Ipswitch

Felicia is the Joywood's Diviner and Rebekah's lifelong adversary. Her cruelty and pettiness are matched only by her skill at manipulation. Felicia's role is to enforce the Joywood's will and punish those who defy them, often targeting Rebekah and her friends. Her arc is one of escalating malice, ultimately undone by the group's unity and the exposure of her crimes.

Elspeth Wilde

Elspeth is the sisters' mother, whose coldness and control mask a deep well of love and regret. Her journey is one of awakening and transformation, as she moves from enforcer of tradition to defender of her daughters. Elspeth's public challenge to the Joywood marks a turning point in the story, signaling the possibility of change and the power of family.

Plot Devices

The Pubertatum and Adult Test

The pubertatum, a coming-of-age test for witches, serves as the central plot device, symbolizing the struggle for acceptance, power, and self-definition. The adult version of the test is a tool of the Joywood's oppression, designed to humiliate and control. The test's structure—balancing light and dark—mirrors the characters' internal struggles and the broader battle between freedom and tyranny. The manipulation of the test's rules and outcomes exposes the corruption at the heart of the magical hierarchy.

Exile and Mind-Wiping

Exile and mind-wiping are used by the Joywood to enforce conformity and suppress dissent. These punishments create deep psychological wounds, but also serve as catalysts for the characters' growth and rebellion. The experience of isolation and loss shapes the sisters' identities and fuels their determination to challenge the system. The return from exile is both a personal and political act, reclaiming power and agency.

Prophecy and Destiny

Prophecy—especially the prediction that Rebekah will be Nicholas's death—drives much of the emotional and narrative tension. The characters grapple with the meaning of destiny, the possibility of changing fate, and the power of choice. The interplay between prophecy and agency is explored through rituals, visions, and the characters' evolving relationships. The ultimate message is that fate is shaped by the choices we make, not the predictions we inherit.

Rituals and Magic

Rituals—Beltane, Litha, scrying, fire-walking—are used to catalyze character growth, reveal hidden truths, and challenge the status quo. Magic is both a source of power and a metaphor for emotional and psychological transformation. The rituals force characters to confront their fears, embrace their strengths, and forge new bonds. The use of ritual as both plot device and symbol deepens the story's exploration of healing, sacrifice, and unity.

The Joywood's Manipulations

The Joywood's use of humiliation, public shaming, and magical manipulation serves as the primary obstacle to the protagonists' growth and happiness. Their tactics expose the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of resistance. The group's ability to see through and overcome these manipulations is a testament to the power of unity, love, and self-acceptance.

Community and Found Family

The formation of the Riverwood coven and the group's reliance on each other highlight the importance of chosen family and community. The story emphasizes that true power comes from connection, honesty, and mutual support. The group's journey from isolation and shame to unity and empowerment is both a personal and political triumph.

Analysis

Hazel Beck's Big Little Spells is a vibrant, emotionally resonant exploration of power, trauma, and the redemptive force of love and community. At its core, the novel interrogates the ways in which systems of control—embodied by the Joywood—use shame, isolation, and manipulation to maintain their dominance. Through the intertwined journeys of Rebekah and Emerson Wilde, the story examines the long-term effects of exile, mind-wiping, and familial disappointment, while also celebrating the resilience that emerges from vulnerability and connection. The narrative's use of ritual, prophecy, and magical tests serves as both literal and metaphorical crucibles, forcing characters to confront their deepest wounds and embrace their true selves. The romance between Rebekah and Nicholas Frost is both a personal and cosmic struggle, challenging the boundaries of fate, mortality, and agency. Ultimately, the novel's message is one of hope: that healing is possible, that love—both romantic and platonic—can overcome even the most entrenched systems of oppression, and that the future is shaped not by prophecy, but by the choices we make together. The formation of the Riverwood coven and the community's rejection of the Joywood's tyranny signal a new era of justice, unity, and possibility, making Big Little Spells a powerful testament to the magic of forgiveness, courage, and belonging.

Last updated: November 29, 2025