The Witches of Vegas opens with Isis trapped in a neighborhood where those around her—people who should love and protect her—believe she’s a demon. They fear her supernatural abilities, though she’s done nothing to deserve their hatred. As she prepares to face a brutally painful fate, something equally fantastical and unbelievable occurs: she is rescued by a dragon. It’s not a real dragon, of course, but a master illusionist who whisks her away to a new life—one that promises safety, belonging, and family. He introduces her to a world-famous group of magicians known as the Witches of Vegas. But can Isis trust him? Can she believe in the promise of acceptance, love, and safety after all she’s endured? With nothing left to lose, she takes a leap of faith—one that leads her into a life of performing in plain sight, as a witch pretending to be a magician pretending to be a witch.
about the characters
The central characters in The Witches of Vegas are Isis and Zack, two teens from very different worlds who find themselves drawn to each other bound by magic, secrets, and fate.
Isis is first introduced as a nine-year-old girl, isolated and feared by those around her for powers she doesn’t yet understand. The story quickly shifts to her teenage years, where she’s now part of the Witches of Vegas—a found family that has embraced and protected her. As she grows, Isis becomes increasingly curious about life beyond her magical circle. Like many teens, she longs to explore the world, experience new things, and connect with others—especially after a chance encounter with a boy in the audience sparks something new in her. Her powers, however, are deeply tied to her emotions, and learning to control them becomes a central challenge. Her growth is compelling, making her both relatable and aspirational.
Zack is the teenage nephew of Herb Galloway, the last of the “traditional” magicians still performing on the Las Vegas Strip. With business dwindling, Zack is pulled into a desperate plan orchestrated by a manipulative reporter—one that may require him to expose or even harm the Witches of Vegas. Despite the pressure, Zack remains thoughtful, clever, and deeply human. His first encounter with Isis leaves a strong impression, and his sense of right and wrong is what sets him apart. Dealing with grief from the loss of his parents, Zack’s journey is one of personal strength and quiet resilience, making him a natural counterpart to Isis.
Sebastian and Selena, members of the Witches of Vegas coven, take on parental roles for Isis. After rescuing her from an abusive foster home, they offer her the love and stability she has never known. Both are nurturing but firm, especially when it comes to protecting the coven’s secrets. Alongside them are Sasha, Selena’s sister, and Luther, an elder vampire with a protective heart. Together, this group forms a tight-knit, loyal family that readers will quickly grow attached to—both as performers and guardians.
The primary antagonist, Valeria, is a formidable and haunting presence. A vampire witch with a thirst for vengeance, she emerges with one goal: to bring ruin to a world that cast her aside. She is mischievous, cold, and wholly captivating as a villain. Despite her darkness, the author gives her a depth of emotion and backstory that borders on tragic, making her one of the most memorable characters in the novel. Second only to Isis in development, Valeria’s complexity adds gravity to the story’s central conflict, culminating in a clash that feels both inevitable and earned.
standout moments
One of the most profound moments in the story comes at the very end—an emotional culmination that speaks volumes about the strength of the characters and the author’s thoughtful storytelling. Without revealing any spoilers, what stood out most was the way empathy was woven into the final scenes. The characters made choices rooted in compassion, even when they weren’t obligated to. This depth of emotional intelligence elevated the entire narrative.
In particular, Luther’s role in how the world was ultimately saved deserves special mention. As a centuries-old vampire who once loved the antagonist, Luther brings a unique emotional weight to the story’s resolution. His understanding of loneliness and its power to twist the mind into darkness makes his actions all the more meaningful. He’s not just a sharp-tongued elder in the background—he’s a figure of wisdom, sorrow, and unwavering loyalty. His final contributions leave a lasting impact and reflect the emotional maturity that supports this novel’s central themes.
It is about time we met. My name is Valeria. I am your new mistress. The first rule you must learn is that you are never to make demands of me. I am the teacher, you are the student, and I will teach you all you need to know.
Another standout moment unfolds when Valeria captures Isis and tries to draw her into her cause—to rid the world of humans entirely. In a powerful and emotionally charged scene, Valeria forces Isis to relive their most traumatic memories: the ones that shaped them into who they are. The scene is intense and unsettling, yet it also serves as a brilliant example of the novel’s layered world-building, weaving elements of real-world history into its fantasy framework. The anguish and shared strife between these two characters create a haunting sense of kinship, even as they remain firmly on opposing sides. Valeria’s manipulation isn’t mere villainy—it’s a calculated appeal to shared pain, adding emotional nuance to the central conflict and raising the stakes of Isis’s choices.
personal reflection
The Witches of Vegas by Mark Rosendorf is a compelling coming-of-age fantasy that blends supernatural intrigue with emotional authenticity. While firmly rooted in fiction, the story feels grounded through its well-drawn characters—especially Isis and Zack, whose fears, desires, and growth are both believable and relatable. Their emotional journeys help anchor the narrative, offering readers a connection that extends beyond the magic. The concept itself is original and imaginative, placing a coven of real witches in the glitzy, high-stakes world of Las Vegas stage performance. This fusion of illusion and true magic enhances the world-building without overshadowing the heart of the story.
The writing is clean and accessible, with minimal technical errors and a clear narrative voice that invites a wide audience. Rosendorf’s pacing is brisk and well-managed, balancing character development with action and plot progression. The core cast—particularly Isis, Zack, and the antagonist Valeria—is thoughtfully developed, though some secondary characters lack the depth needed to fully support the emotional and narrative stakes. Additionally, a few resolutions feel rushed or too neatly tied up, leaving lingering questions that might have benefited from more exploration.
final thoughts
Overall rating: 3 stars—The novel’s central themes—identity, found family, loneliness, and empathy—resonate throughout. It thoughtfully explores how isolation can shape a person’s worldview, while also highlighting the healing potential of compassion and connection. These emotional undercurrents elevate the story’s impact, particularly for young adult readers navigating their own paths toward belonging and self-discovery.
I received an electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars—a solid and imaginative debut with memorable characters and room to grow, especially if followed by a sequel that deepens the world and its cast.
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