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After the shocking revelations made in the Private prequel, The Book of Spells, Noelle and Reed know they are descendants of the original Billings Girls and their legacy includes a mysterious coven of witches. But it's nothing compared to what happens next.

One by one, Billings Girls go missing from campus.

The entire community bands together to find the lost girls, hoping they are still alive. Reed can't believe tragedy has struck Easton again, and she begins to wonder if the Billings Girls are cursed. But when the first body shows up containing a message just for her, she fears her friends are worse than they're doomed.

The penultimate book in the suspenseful Private series!

212 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2011

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2,726 people want to read

About the author

Kate Brian

63Ìýbooks2,294Ìýfollowers
Kate Brian is the author of the SHADOWLANDS TRILOGY (SHADOWLANDS, HEREAFTER & ENDLESS), as well as the New York Times bestselling PRIVATE and PRIVILEGE series, and the wildly popular MEGAN MEADE'S GUIDE TO THE MCGOWAN BOYS. She also writes teen fiction under the name Kieran Scott.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
Profile Image for Alyssa Thomas.
1,047 reviews102 followers
March 22, 2011
Ominous
By Kate Brian

Pages: 212
Read: once on March 19, 2011
Series: Private, # 13

As always, possible spoilers, so beware.

First Line: I couldn’t move.

If you have not read the Private prequel, The Book of Spells, you will be so lost. So, for the purposes of this review I will assume everyone reading this has read The Book of Spells.

At first I was a little skeptical of magic in this series. Not because I don’t like magic, in fact I love magic. Harry Potter and Charmed are two of my favorite things in the world. I just wasn’t sure I liked it in here. I mean this is Private! Private has survived for four years with its scandals, murders, boarding schools, cute boys, and of course, Reed Brennan. I didn’t understand why in the SECOND TO LAST BOOK Kate Brian brought magic in the mix. That would be like getting a Chanel bag for your birthday only to find out it was from 2003. And while just owning something Chanel would be amazing, it would still be a total let down!

So you can see I was skeptical in the beginning. I thought for sure it would be cheesy and unbearable, but in a way only Kate Brian can do I was actually blown away.

The book opens exactly wear Vanished left often. Reed and Noelle have found The Book of Spells. Noelle immediately thinks it a joke and wants nothing to do with it, but Reed is intrigued. She kind of likes the idea of being a witch. Reed becomes kind of obsessed with the book. She reads it all day and night, always has it with her. Then she has a dream of Elizabeth Williams and of Astrid being kidnapped. She wakes up and lo and behold Astrid is missing! Reed tells Ivy and Josh about her dream and the book and of course they believe her because they are true friends. Noelle still thinks it’s a joke, which I can understand. That’s just Noelle. But I still felt a little hurt and a little bad for Reed because they are sisters and even if Noelle thought the magic was crazy she didn’t have to make fun of Reed.

Reed has a few more dreams of some of the Billings girls going missing so the headmaster calls school off for a while (I still can’t believe Easton is even open considering all the stuff that has gone down) and Reed and Noelle head to Noelle’s house in New York. Reed decides its time she tells the other Billings girls about the Book of Spells. Of course, some people believe her and some people thinks she’s nuts. Reed and the girls do the initiation to make them witches. Meanwhile Reed is trying to figure out the connection between Elizabeth Williams (they look exactly alike!) and herself. She finds out that Noelle is a descendant of Theresa Billings, Ariana is a descendant of Catherine White, and she is a descendant of both Theresa and Elizabeth Williams! So that explains all of her bad luck, haha.

Some stuff goes down on her birthday and we find out the person kidnapping the Billings girls is Mrs. Kane, Cheyenne Martin’s mother who is a descendant of Helen Jennings and who blames Reed for everyone’s trouble. I really enjoyed how Kate Brian weaved the history of the girls in the Book of Spells to the characters we know now. I am very anxious to know how the series will end.

What Happens Next?
Vengeance, the 14th and last novel in the series comes out September 2011

Buy? Rent? Borrow?
Buy! If you don’t like this series you are crazy! (Although I can understand how the magic may have turned some people off)

Cover Appeal :
The covers have been kind of weird for a while, but I really like this one.

Final Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Angelia Fransisca Rusli.
174 reviews
April 13, 2011
Okay. I should admit that every time Kate Brian's adding something about witchcraft stuff here, I started to roll my eyes. Not that it's bad, it's just.. it reminds me a lot of Indonesian soap opera where the heroine was all so powerful, a great descendant of the most powerful clan, was never accused wrong even if she's actually wrong + when the market's response to the products is very good, they'll produce more and more of it, even when some things should just ended there. As a result, the storyline was all messed up.

The way Kate Brian tells the story is.. still pretty much enjoyable, though not as good as the early Private series. However, when you've read the first 12 books of a series and the stories is basically about what might happen in real life: murder, school, boys, etc, and suddenly the next book the main character found out that she's the descendant of a witch, things just get pretty mix up.

Okay, I've previously said in The Book Of Spells that if that's the way Kate Brian wants to add witchcraft thing into Private, that's the way. But things get weird when the ordinary Reed we know was suddenly oh-i'm-a-witch-i-can-do-a-spell. And Mrs Kane being the descendant of Helen? Big DUH.

Though there are some flaws, I still like how the series progress. I like Ivy! How she became all bestie bestie with Reed is kinda weird on the first place, but hey, she prove herself to be trustworthy! And I'm glad Constance & Reed's friendship is no longer ruin.

Ominous, from what I recognize, has a lot of what happened in the past & the characters also made some appearance! From what I've heard, Vengeance is the last book of Private (I hate to say this but with this suddenly witches thing, the sooner it ends, the better)
Profile Image for Anushka.
297 reviews337 followers
March 9, 2013
Sooooo disappointed. All that witchcraft and wizardry plot was just unnecessary and not to forget stupid. I did not expect this series to hit such an all-time low after a roller-coaster ride it had been from book 2nd to 8th. The idea of a being descendants of witches and Billings being a Coven was utterly ridiculous. I was waiting for an explanation that someone was just messing with Reed but it never came up. The ending was filmy too, with Noelle's dad dying while saving Reed from getting stabbed...which was not at all required.
Really disappointed.
Can't believe I'm saying this but I'm glad this ended after next book, I don't think I could have taken anymore of this doltishness like it's happening with Pretty Little Liars series.

I'm halfway through Vengeance and I can say that it is better than Ominous but suddenly the concept of Spell Books and witchery was wiped out. It's mentioned just once and forgotten, no closure to that story or anything. Oh man, what happened to this series? :\
I really wouldn't want to say goodbye to a series which ended badly.
Profile Image for Maddie.
1,176 reviews171 followers
November 21, 2018
13 (and one prequel) down, 1 (and a novella) to go! I've almost made it! Then I can be done with this crazy shit once and for all! The last 2 books have just made this all way too unbelievable and crazy. It started off as such an innocent dramatic series, and now it's swapped genres completely and it's something else altogether. No idea why Brian went down this route, and I really don't like it. But only got technically one more book to go, and I'll be done! Will finish them this month!
Profile Image for Natalie.
3,191 reviews115 followers
April 8, 2019
I had forgotten how intense these last few books are. Well, the whole series is intense, but I didn’t remember much about these last few books. Loads of crazy stuff happening and yet another crazy cliffhanger. How does Kate Brian do it???? I’m sad I only have one book left and my reread of this series will be complete. Then it’s on to Privilege for even more crazy!!!!
Profile Image for PurplyCookie.
942 reviews206 followers
February 28, 2011
In typical Brian fashion the story is a series of unexpected twists and turns before finally ending...only to leave you with more questions.

As much as I have absolutely loved this series, I'm afraid that its changing. The first books were about academics, fashion, and the wonder and mystery behind the fabulous Billings Girls. But now, a prequel featuring "A Book of Spells"? This isn't Harry Potter or any of the fantasy mythologically-based books that I've also been reading! It better not turn into something all about magic and other supernatural elements. What happened to the glamour, to the mystery? I miss that. Kate Brian, I hope you don't disappoint with the last book of one of my favorite series.

I guess what I'm saying is that this book isn't the best book written by Brian but it definitely was gripping. I am not a huge fan that she decided to throw in witchcraft since the series has gone from a murder-mystery thriller to a sci-fi/fantasy, but I am still interested in reading the conclusion to the series, "Vengeance".


More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @:


Book Details:

Title Ominous (Private, Book 13)
Author Kate Brian
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Profile Image for Virginia Mae.
240 reviews4 followers
February 27, 2011
Utterly preposterous, ridiculous, absurd, unbelievable, nonsensical, fabulous, unputdownable, and amazing. Combining the noir suspense and posh girl warfare of a regular Private book with the feel of The Craft crossed bizarrely with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Ominous continues the exceedingly entertaining shark jump that is the introduction of the supernatural into a previously "secular" series.

I love the way this book finally summed up, repeatedly, all of the insane shenanigans that have gone on -- Ariana, Cheyenne, Sabine, etc. -- making me kind of pine for the glory days of each. Interestingly, given that Privilege appears to be set at least one full year ahead of Private, and given how Pure Sin ended, we'll actually know Reed's ultimate fate in the final Privilege novel this June before we know her temporary fate in the final Private novel next September! Will witchcraft cross over at all into Privilege?

Oddly, since this witchy twist is being brought in for the last few books, it makes everything so much more complicated and adds so many more potential twists that it's hard to guess how Kate Brian is going to wrap everything up in one more 208 page Private book. I truly don't see a need for either Private or Privilege to end, ever :)!
Profile Image for emerald.
433 reviews56 followers
August 23, 2016
***Spoiler Free Summary By Emerald BookWorm***

I didn't know a thing about this series going into it. My boyfriend (now husband) would always go to the library to pick up books for me and he stumbled across this series and brought me the first book, thinking I would enjoy it. /// Well he was right lol. /// I was instantly hooked and reserving the next book within 24 hours. /// This series is definitely not realistic and is pretty dramatic lol , but it's lots of fun and it was the first time I'd ever read anything like this before. /// It went places I would of never thought. /// I know it looks super cheesy, and maybe it is to an extent lol, but the story is pretty good actually and kept me interested. /// There are a lot of books in this series but it's so easy to read through and very enjoyable. /// I recommend! Check this series out!

Until Next Time,
Emerald BookWorm
3 reviews
January 10, 2011
Hopefully worth my five stars!!!!!!!!! Usually Kate's writing is good, so I think it will be. And I don't want the series to end!!!!!!! Ms. Brian/Scott, if you are reading this, please don't make this series finish! they are the one things I lean on when life gets hectic!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luv ya frvr!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Amber Kuehler.
458 reviews78 followers
March 7, 2011
Typical YA - following all the Private-esque juicy twists! I don't know what it is about these boarding school princess books but I love them! I love how Kate Brian has tied everything together while continuing to make this series work.
I think these books are little mature and would only recommend them to ages 15 and up.
Profile Image for Malati.
104 reviews
April 9, 2011
Don't like the direction this series has taken. Preppy rich girls was one thing, but preppy rich girls reading studying witchcraft is another.
Profile Image for Jimena Patiño.
AuthorÌý20 books22 followers
January 5, 2020
Lo empece hace tres o cuatro días pero me olvide de agregarlo y realmente fue cualquier cosa stop it la saga venía muy bien hasta lo paranormal. Usualmente soy fan de lo paranormal pero acá me mató la historia
Profile Image for ara.
126 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2025
its so ridiculous it became camp. wdym they are witches. wdym ariana was crazy bc of her ancestor. i think she just has some deep psychological issues.
Profile Image for AtenRa.
615 reviews91 followers
March 21, 2011
Loved loved loved the penultimate installment in the Private series! I can't believe 1. that I actually said "penultimate" and 2. that there's only one book left till the end of the series :( :(

Book Of Spells led the path for Ominous, as it's full of magic, witches, dreams of the future. Ominous went to a totally different direction than the rest of the Private books, because a small, tiny little piece of paranormal was added in it. I know that rubbed some people the wrong way, and it's understandable. After 12 books about frenemies, parties, boys and a lot of mystery, all of a sudden magic has been thrown in and I can see why someone may not care for it.
Personally, I didn't mind. Having already read Book Of Spells I was kind of expecting it, to be honest. Besides, I thought that the magic part was put into much better use in Ominous than BOS, thus resulting into more intrigue and "OMG" moments.

I loved the way this book kinda sums up everything that have happened during this 1+1/2 year of Reeds's stay at Easton. Cheyenne, Sabine, even our beloved Ariana made an "appearance".
Reed's relationships with the other girls didn't change, nor did her relationship with Josh (and it better stay that way till the end, otherwise I'll freak out :) Yeah, I kinda love Josh. And so admire him for his patience, because what he went through(and still is)with Reed? I think he should win a medal for that or something! He is absolutely amazing and I really really hope they stay together until the very end.

As for the ending....priceless!!! Just when you think that OK mystery solved, end of story, close the book, then it goes and surprises you in a way you have to read to believe!

All in all, I absolutely loved Ominous, I read it in one sitting. I am so so so sad that this series is coming to an end (what's next? College? I surely hope so!) but also very excited to read the last book, Vengeance, coming out September 6th, 2011.
Profile Image for Erica Alyson.
830 reviews63 followers
February 26, 2011
I don't want to write about what happens because it is so GREAT! Everyone should read this series.

I loved Reed, Josh, Noelle, Ivy, and Mr. Lange in this book! Reed and Noelle are the best main characters.

This is my favorite series and I don't want the next book to be the last :o(

I thought the witch storyline could be hard to follow this far into the series but it tied together to all events in the series very well!
Profile Image for Ayra.
365 reviews25 followers
September 25, 2014
What. The. Freak.

I wish the novels stopped on the previous. This book is just desperate for attention. Weird, out-the-plot events had happened, and they are excruciatingly trying hard to form another novel which was poorly creative.

I wish that the ending went like this. "Reed we are actually sisters. By blood," Noelle said.

I could live with that cliffhanger. But not with this trash. Ugh.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
6 reviews
March 20, 2011
These books are just getting more and more ridiculous as the series goes on. Honestly they should have ended it at book 9. Books 9-present just show that "Kate Brian" (real name Kieran Scott) has completely run out of ideas and is just writing random crap to add a little drama.
Profile Image for Shelby.
34 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2021
The witchcraft stuff took this series off the rails for me. I liked the rich kid drama and murder mystery stuff in the others.
Profile Image for Rachel.
240 reviews
February 20, 2011
it was better than the last few but not as great as the books before Paradise lost.
Profile Image for Erin.
30 reviews
February 22, 2018
After finding out Reed is half sisters with Noelle by sharing the same father. Noelle's and now Reed's grandmother explains to Reed she took Noelle as a plan to test Reed to see how strong she was to be the one to find the Book of Spells and to lead the new coven of witches. They follow their grandmother's advice and look back into the Billings Literary Society. By locating an area with the key their grandmother gives them they find the Book of Spells. (The first prequel to this series was about the Book of Spells). After they start looking into it girls start to disappear. We have another good suspenseful mystery at our hands. Noelle and Reed kind of think it has to do with one of the original founders but they are not entirely sure why these girls are disappearing until Reeds puts some of the puzzle together. Reed has nightmares and the ghosts of the original founders of the Book of Spells try to warn Reed. From these warnings Reed is able to put the puzzle together. She realizes the girls that are going missing were not supposed to be a part of Billings. They try to warn the other girls after the headmaster closes the doors to Easton. Noelle and Reed go to the family home in New York and their dad heightens security. Noelle and Reed decide to initiate the girls into the circle as witches and try to get them to learn new spells to try to protect themselves. In the end, Reed is abducted at her birthday party. The other girls that are missing are at a place where Reed is taken to. There are original women of the Billings society and they want to do a ritual sacrifice. They believe if they can get rid of the girls the curse would be gone. Joshua and Reed's biological father finds the girls. In the end, Reed's biological father ends up dying by jumping in front of Reed when Cheyenne's mother throws a knife that is meant to hit Reed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pravina.
143 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2020
Tbh, idk how to feel about this book. Wasn’t expecting much as I was already disappointed with the previous books. I felt like the ending was rushed and i’m only going to read the next book because I want to get it done and over it.

Rating: 4/10
Profile Image for Court.
2 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2018
I’m a big fan of this series and this book was horrible and just didn’t fit at all.
Profile Image for Heather.
200 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2020
I think before this book was where I had quit reading last time so I'm excited to finally finish the series!
Profile Image for Vivian.
30 reviews
August 14, 2021
I really loved this series until it took a turn into magic and witchcraft. It's an unnecessary addition to a plot/series that was already so amazing, it kind of ruined the whole series for me.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Rabby | 30.
834 reviews22 followers
February 5, 2022
I didn’t like the turn this series was taking, and yet I still managed to completely enjoy it. On to the last book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews

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