The Minister's Daughter by Julie Hearn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nell is a Merrybegot: a child conceived on May Day. Children like her are sacred to nature, and it's true that Nell leads a charmed life for a time. But then a new Puritan minister comes to town, bringing fire, brimstone, and two sneaky daughters. When Nell refuses to help the oldest daughter, Grace, rid herself of an unwanted child, Grace decides to get even. She and her sister stage demonstrations of possession, whipping the town and their father into a righteous frenzy. A Witch Hunter is called in, and Nell is sentences to hang. But nature takes care of its own, and the Piskies and the Fairies band together in an unusual act of good will to see Nell safe. Her fate is magical, like the world she inhabits, and it is impossible not to love this spunky witch.
I didn't expect this story to be peppered with actual magic: I thought I was getting into another historical novel. The history is there, don't get me wrong, but there's enough magic to please anyone with an addiction to fairy stories and folk lore. Plus, I always like witch trial stories that aren't set in Salem: the UK had a gory history of murdering women long before those girls on the continent got the fits. All in all, this is one of my new favorites.
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Showing posts with label witchcraft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label witchcraft. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Reviews: DISCOVERY OF WITCHES and SHADOW OF NIGHT by Deborah Harkness
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Diana is the last of the Bishop witches, and she's spent her entire life avoiding magic. When she inadvertently unlocks the spell that binds an ancient manuscript, she can't ignore her power any longer. Diana must learn how to manage her magic, and fast, or she'll be an easy target for jealous witches and xenophobic vampires. Breaking the rules that govern magical creatures, Diana marries Matthew, a tall, dark, and broodingly stereotypical vampire. He pulls her into a world of blood feuds and danger, but overlaying it all is his quest to understand the four races: witches, vampires, daemons, and humans. Diana is the key to unlocking the genetic mysteries of the relationship between the creatures, but time is running out. Luckily, a powerful witch and an ancient vampire know how to stretch time to their purposes.
This novel has romance, magic, danger, and betrayal at every turn. Despite the fantastic creatures, the characters are all resonant and real, and it was wonderful to re-read this book. Hurry up, July, so I can see what happens next!
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel continues Diana and Matthew's twisted tale, sending them to Elizabeth's England in an effort to escape the Congregation that hunts them, both for their forbidden love and for Diana's as yet untapped power. But England in the sixteenth century poses a whole new host of problems, and Diana struggles to maintain her focus as she becomes swept into intrigue and daily life in old Europe. With a host of wonderful characters, Harkness explores magic in a fun way as she started to do in Discovery of Witches. While at times I felt like I was reading a witchier version of the Diana Gabaldon series, I enjoyed this sequel and can't wait for the final book in the All Souls trilogy.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Diana is the last of the Bishop witches, and she's spent her entire life avoiding magic. When she inadvertently unlocks the spell that binds an ancient manuscript, she can't ignore her power any longer. Diana must learn how to manage her magic, and fast, or she'll be an easy target for jealous witches and xenophobic vampires. Breaking the rules that govern magical creatures, Diana marries Matthew, a tall, dark, and broodingly stereotypical vampire. He pulls her into a world of blood feuds and danger, but overlaying it all is his quest to understand the four races: witches, vampires, daemons, and humans. Diana is the key to unlocking the genetic mysteries of the relationship between the creatures, but time is running out. Luckily, a powerful witch and an ancient vampire know how to stretch time to their purposes.
This novel has romance, magic, danger, and betrayal at every turn. Despite the fantastic creatures, the characters are all resonant and real, and it was wonderful to re-read this book. Hurry up, July, so I can see what happens next!
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel continues Diana and Matthew's twisted tale, sending them to Elizabeth's England in an effort to escape the Congregation that hunts them, both for their forbidden love and for Diana's as yet untapped power. But England in the sixteenth century poses a whole new host of problems, and Diana struggles to maintain her focus as she becomes swept into intrigue and daily life in old Europe. With a host of wonderful characters, Harkness explores magic in a fun way as she started to do in Discovery of Witches. While at times I felt like I was reading a witchier version of the Diana Gabaldon series, I enjoyed this sequel and can't wait for the final book in the All Souls trilogy.
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Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Review: WITCHES OF EAST END by Melissa de la Cruz
Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Freya (yes, she is exactly who she sounds like) has been bored ever since Salem. When The Council stripped her family of their powers and consigned them to the mortal world, she and her sister and her mother had to learn to blend in. But Freya doesn't blend, and after a few hundred years, she decides to make a love potion. Because, really, what harm could it do? Her sister, Ingrid, and their mother, Joanna, soon fall off the magical wagon as well, but possible repercussions from the council pale in comparison to the nasty grey sludge that is infecting their town. Is it possible that after all this time, Loki has escaped and is pulling the threads that will bring about the end of the world? And if he has, will Freya recognize him in time, or will the trickster jeopardize everything in his gamble for power?
Witches of East End is a great mix of passion, mistakes, and mythology. The setting is fresh and the twisted myths are delightful. Pick this one up if you like stories with a lot of power boiling just beneath the surface.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Freya (yes, she is exactly who she sounds like) has been bored ever since Salem. When The Council stripped her family of their powers and consigned them to the mortal world, she and her sister and her mother had to learn to blend in. But Freya doesn't blend, and after a few hundred years, she decides to make a love potion. Because, really, what harm could it do? Her sister, Ingrid, and their mother, Joanna, soon fall off the magical wagon as well, but possible repercussions from the council pale in comparison to the nasty grey sludge that is infecting their town. Is it possible that after all this time, Loki has escaped and is pulling the threads that will bring about the end of the world? And if he has, will Freya recognize him in time, or will the trickster jeopardize everything in his gamble for power?
Witches of East End is a great mix of passion, mistakes, and mythology. The setting is fresh and the twisted myths are delightful. Pick this one up if you like stories with a lot of power boiling just beneath the surface.
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Friday, November 23, 2012
Review: THE FOREVER GIRL by Rebecca Hamilton
The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey by Rebecca Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sophia has returned to her small Colorado town after college, but she doesn't really want to be there. Her mother's church is openly intolerant to her Wiccan faith, and because she witnessed a murder years ago, the rest of the town doesn't quite trust her. But all of that pales in comparison to the supernatural mess she finds herself in after accompanying her best friend, Ivory, to a paranormal club.
Earth elementals (vampires) begin hunting her, and Sophia must learn the secrets of her soul if she wants to survive. Caught up in a complicated relationship with the magical mixed breed Charles, Sophia doesn't know who to trust. Ultimately, her greatest strength lies within, but will she discover this before it's too late for the mortal world?
This was a fast read reminiscent of Twilight. The world building is intricate, if a bit rushed, and the story never lags. If you are a fan of any urban paranormal, check out this book!
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sophia has returned to her small Colorado town after college, but she doesn't really want to be there. Her mother's church is openly intolerant to her Wiccan faith, and because she witnessed a murder years ago, the rest of the town doesn't quite trust her. But all of that pales in comparison to the supernatural mess she finds herself in after accompanying her best friend, Ivory, to a paranormal club.
Earth elementals (vampires) begin hunting her, and Sophia must learn the secrets of her soul if she wants to survive. Caught up in a complicated relationship with the magical mixed breed Charles, Sophia doesn't know who to trust. Ultimately, her greatest strength lies within, but will she discover this before it's too late for the mortal world?
This was a fast read reminiscent of Twilight. The world building is intricate, if a bit rushed, and the story never lags. If you are a fan of any urban paranormal, check out this book!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Review: THE NEAR WITCH by Victoria Schwab
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lexi lives in Near with her mother and sister. Since her father's death, she has begun to step into his shoes (literally: Lexi wears his old hunting boots when she goes out roaming on the moor outside of Near). One night, a strange wind starts blowing, and a strange boy appears. The next night, children begin to disappear from their beds. Lexi doesn't believe that Cole, the stranger, has anything to do with the disappearances, but the rest of the village quickly gives in to fear of the unknown. Lexi and Cole must work quickly to discover the sinister secret of the Near Witch, a creature who was murdered hundreds of years ago by the villagers. The truth, however, is much more complicated, and the odds seem stacked against Lexi and the mysterious boy. The villagers may not remember the truth of the Near Witch, but that doesn't mean she isn't real.
This excellent story has at its core a very classic tale of wicked witchcraft: it's a ghost story tinged with revenge, and the whole thing reads like a beautiful, familiar fairy tale.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lexi lives in Near with her mother and sister. Since her father's death, she has begun to step into his shoes (literally: Lexi wears his old hunting boots when she goes out roaming on the moor outside of Near). One night, a strange wind starts blowing, and a strange boy appears. The next night, children begin to disappear from their beds. Lexi doesn't believe that Cole, the stranger, has anything to do with the disappearances, but the rest of the village quickly gives in to fear of the unknown. Lexi and Cole must work quickly to discover the sinister secret of the Near Witch, a creature who was murdered hundreds of years ago by the villagers. The truth, however, is much more complicated, and the odds seem stacked against Lexi and the mysterious boy. The villagers may not remember the truth of the Near Witch, but that doesn't mean she isn't real.
This excellent story has at its core a very classic tale of wicked witchcraft: it's a ghost story tinged with revenge, and the whole thing reads like a beautiful, familiar fairy tale.
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Thursday, November 1, 2012
Review: WICKED GIRLS by Stephanie Hemphill
Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although the story of the trials in 1692 is well known, this novel explores the happening in Salem through the POVs of the primary accusers: girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Hemphill plays up the peer pressure aspect, reminding readers that groups of girls can be unspeakably cruel, and that it is hard to give up popularity by making the right choice. The narrative was fresh and quick, and I liked the distinct motivations that each girl brought to her accusations: in this rendering, it was more than just a land grab.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although the story of the trials in 1692 is well known, this novel explores the happening in Salem through the POVs of the primary accusers: girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Hemphill plays up the peer pressure aspect, reminding readers that groups of girls can be unspeakably cruel, and that it is hard to give up popularity by making the right choice. The narrative was fresh and quick, and I liked the distinct motivations that each girl brought to her accusations: in this rendering, it was more than just a land grab.
View all my reviews
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Review: THE IRON WITCH by Karen Mahoney
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been meaning to read the first book in Karen Mahoney’s Ironwood series for some time, and I finally got around to it this week. What a great vacation read!
Donna has been raised by a powerful group of alchemists, the Order of the Dragon. All her life, she’s kept their secrets, but when wood elves begin attacking her within the boundaries of the city, Donna can no longer stay silent. She confides in her best friend, Navin, but the confession only brings trouble into his life. With the help of the mysterious Xan, Donna must embark on a dangerous quest that will test her loyalty to the order and to the memory of her parents. She can make a bargain with the elves who are the Order’s sworn enemies, or she can lose her best friend forever.
With many secrets still buried at the end of this excellent novel, I am hungry for the rest of the series. I’d love to swap writer stories with Karen Mahoney someday: she seems to love twisting myth and fairy tale as much as I do.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been meaning to read the first book in Karen Mahoney’s Ironwood series for some time, and I finally got around to it this week. What a great vacation read!
Donna has been raised by a powerful group of alchemists, the Order of the Dragon. All her life, she’s kept their secrets, but when wood elves begin attacking her within the boundaries of the city, Donna can no longer stay silent. She confides in her best friend, Navin, but the confession only brings trouble into his life. With the help of the mysterious Xan, Donna must embark on a dangerous quest that will test her loyalty to the order and to the memory of her parents. She can make a bargain with the elves who are the Order’s sworn enemies, or she can lose her best friend forever.
With many secrets still buried at the end of this excellent novel, I am hungry for the rest of the series. I’d love to swap writer stories with Karen Mahoney someday: she seems to love twisting myth and fairy tale as much as I do.
View all my reviews
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Review: RED IS FOR REMEMBRANCE by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Red is for Remembrance by Laurie Faria Stolarz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I used to work at Barnes and Noble, I was drawn to this series by Laurie Stolarz. I kept meaning to read it, but somewhere in between work and school, that never happened. I finally picked this one up, and I wish I'd read it sooner! Again, I started at the backwards end of a series (woops), but it was easy to get into the world, and I loved it.
Stacey is in mourning. She delayed her college admittance by a semester, but she still isn't over the death of her first love Jacob. To make matters worse, his body was never found, so Stacy clings to the fragile hope that he is still alive somewhere. But eventually, she'll have to move on, and when she meets with the college president, she learns why she's really there.
Her scholarship is a sham: the president has a young daughter who sees things. Her dreams and visions upset her, but the president has heard about Stacey, and knows that she's in a similar boat. He wants her to help Porsha, his daughter, deal with her own budding telepathy. But Porsha and Stacey may have more in common than he realizes, and together the girls work to prevent a murder from happening. Their quest for justice will lead them far from the campus, to a cult-esque commune in the woods.
I loved everything about this story. It's well-paced, the characters are resonate, and Stacey presents a thoughtful portrayal of a Wiccan protagonist that's hard to find. All in all, this is an excellent read, and I have no doubt the rest of the series would be just as captivating.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I used to work at Barnes and Noble, I was drawn to this series by Laurie Stolarz. I kept meaning to read it, but somewhere in between work and school, that never happened. I finally picked this one up, and I wish I'd read it sooner! Again, I started at the backwards end of a series (woops), but it was easy to get into the world, and I loved it.
Stacey is in mourning. She delayed her college admittance by a semester, but she still isn't over the death of her first love Jacob. To make matters worse, his body was never found, so Stacy clings to the fragile hope that he is still alive somewhere. But eventually, she'll have to move on, and when she meets with the college president, she learns why she's really there.
Her scholarship is a sham: the president has a young daughter who sees things. Her dreams and visions upset her, but the president has heard about Stacey, and knows that she's in a similar boat. He wants her to help Porsha, his daughter, deal with her own budding telepathy. But Porsha and Stacey may have more in common than he realizes, and together the girls work to prevent a murder from happening. Their quest for justice will lead them far from the campus, to a cult-esque commune in the woods.
I loved everything about this story. It's well-paced, the characters are resonate, and Stacey presents a thoughtful portrayal of a Wiccan protagonist that's hard to find. All in all, this is an excellent read, and I have no doubt the rest of the series would be just as captivating.
View all my reviews
Friday, September 28, 2012
Review: BEAUTIFUL DEMONS by Sarra Cannon
Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Harper has been kicked out of her second to last foster home. If she can't make things work at Shadowford, a home for "troubled" girls, her social worker has promised her a quick trip to juvie. Determined to finally make a home and finish a school year in the same place that she starts, Harper is on her best behavior. But her past comes back to haunt her when the head cheerleader meets a grisly death. The issue? The girl was killed by something that very much resembles the power Harper has tried to keep secret. It doesn't help that she may or may not have killed her adoptive father, and Harper is instantly a suspect.
What happens next is bizarre, but not unexpected for paranormal readers. Harper may have found a place where her powers will be valued, or she may have fallen into something more dangerous than she could have imagined: only time will tell.
This is a great book to read during a storm, or in an old, spooky house. Looking forward to more from this author!
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Harper has been kicked out of her second to last foster home. If she can't make things work at Shadowford, a home for "troubled" girls, her social worker has promised her a quick trip to juvie. Determined to finally make a home and finish a school year in the same place that she starts, Harper is on her best behavior. But her past comes back to haunt her when the head cheerleader meets a grisly death. The issue? The girl was killed by something that very much resembles the power Harper has tried to keep secret. It doesn't help that she may or may not have killed her adoptive father, and Harper is instantly a suspect.
What happens next is bizarre, but not unexpected for paranormal readers. Harper may have found a place where her powers will be valued, or she may have fallen into something more dangerous than she could have imagined: only time will tell.
This is a great book to read during a storm, or in an old, spooky house. Looking forward to more from this author!
View all my reviews
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