Tag Archives: Witches

Veiled Magic by Deborah Blake

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Veiled Magic

Title: Veiled Magic
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Veiled Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: InterMix
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Farmingham quavered a little under her suspicious look, but then rallied.

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Synopsis

Since Witches came out of the broom-closet in the early 21st century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world…

Police officer and Witch Donata Santori spends her days interrogating dead witnesses by summoning their spectral forms. Normally the job is little more than taking statements and filing reports. But when she’s called in on the case of a murdered art restorer, she finds herself suddenly in possession of a mystical portrait that both the human and paranormal communities would kill to get their hands on.

Unable to take on the forces hunting her alone, Donata seeks help from two unlikely and attractive allies: a reluctant shape-changer and a half-dragon art forger. But as the three of them hurry to uncover the truth about the powerful painting, Donata realizes that she’s caught in the middle of not one but two wars—one for possession of the painting’s secrets and one for possession of her heart…

Thoughts

I love the magical realism that Blake brings to her work. She manages to take the world of today, Wicca and our daily social struggles and create a world that is entirely her own. It is the most enjoyable and wonderful way to become immersed in a story. Especially when Donata is such a relatable and thrilling character to take you on such a whirlwind adventure.

I’ve had this novel on my ereader for ages, but actually finding the time to sit there and read it has been a whole other story. No matter how many good ebooks I get my hands on, I still love the feeling of a good, hard cover in my hands. So, it did take me forever to actually read this. And now I kind of regret taking so long to read it. Because it was phenomenal, and now I can almost immediately start on the next book in the series, Veiled Menace. Although I won’t, because there are a whole slew of other books that are in my TBR pile and I tend to jump between series.

Other than Blake’s ability to create a beautifully realistic and layered world in which dragons, witches and changelings are part of everyday life, I love her character construction. There is something beautifully relatable about these characters. Donata is the black sheep of her family – the one who doesn’t quite fit in, never measures up to their expectations and has never been able to fit, so are the other two members of the little love triangle that she finds herself in. Yet, unlike many of the black sheep stories that I’ve read, Donata’s is willing to still love her and accept her. Alright, there’s strings attached and maybe they’re not as willing to accept her as the picturesque family would be – but there is still love there.

Unlike the Baba Yaga series, this has a very cops and criminals feel to it. Probably because Donata herself is a cop, but I love the overlay of the supernatural need for a cop as well. It is such a promising beginning of a new series, and I can’t wait to see which other supernatural crimes she is forced to face up to…

<- More Deborah BlakeVeiled Menace ->

Image source: Goodreads

Andersen’s Witch by Jane Yolen

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Andersen’s Witch
Author: Jane Yolen
In: Under my Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: It gives the boy ideas above his station.

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Synopsis

Yolen explores the tale of the Snow Queen and Hans Christian Andersen in this brilliant spin on witches, fairytales and love.

Thoughts

I love Hans Christian Andersen – at least, I love the stories that I can remember. And this is a great take on his life and death, with a bit of a twist to The Ice Queen.

I love stories that take facts, people, history and turn it on its head. Especially when the story actually feels remarkably plausible. Andersen’s Witch gave a plausible and enjoyable look into Andersen’s early life and rise to fame.

Yet, this story is truly about a child’s love and the innocence and purity that they bring to a person’s life. Ultimately, it is this that helps Andersen to beat the Ice Queen and inspires the well-known story that we all know and love.

 <- The Stone Witch Review B is for Bigfoot Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Great-Grandmother in the Cellar by Peter S. Beagle

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Great-Grandmother in the Cellar
Author: Peter S. Beagle
Series: The Innkeeper’s World #1.5
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: And that was all we ever got out of him about Great-Grandmother.

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Synopsis

Da’mas watched as the evil sorcerer with whom his sister fell in love placed the girl in a sleep that mimicked death. He tells Da’mas that she will not awaken unless she sees his face, something that will not happen unless Da’mas and his father agree to allow the wicked mage to marry her. Da’mas’s father is out of town, and he’s not sure how he can help his sister. He decides to go down to the cellar to awaken the great-grandmother he knows still lives there. As it turns out she is nothing but bones and must take over another’s body in order to help. Da’mas volunteers his body, and together, they set out to stop the sorcerer and save his sister from his clutches.

Thoughts

The title of this short story made me want to read it as soon as I saw the table of contents in the beginning of Under My Hat. After all, any story that has a great-grandmother buried in a cellar is bound to be good. Or at least, that’s the way my brain tends to work…

All families have skeletons in the closet – after all, there is no family that doesn’t have its black sheep. But in the case of this family… not so much a black sheep and not so much a closet, but more so a skeleton in the cellar. Plus, it’s a much more terrifying skeleton than any that my family have. Yet, this kind of works out all for the best. After all, it is this terrifying grandmother that ends up saving the day and protecting her family.

Although you know that somehow the boy will save his sister, the journey is still amazing. The way in which it is done is kind of unexpected, and it helped to make the adventure so much more interesting. Now I can’t wait to see how this short story works into The Innkeeper’s World.

 <- B is for Bigfoot Review Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Under My Hat edited by Jonathan Strahan

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Overview
Under My Hat

Title: Under My Hat: Tales from the Cauldron
Author: Jonathan Strahan, Diana Peterfreund, Frances Hardinge, Garth Nix, Holly Black, Charles de Lint, Tanith Lee, Neil Gaiman, Ellen Klages, Ellen Kushner, Delia Sherman, Patricia A. McKillip, Tim Pratt, M. Rickert, Isobelle Carmody, Jane Yolen, Peter S. Beagle, Margo Lanagan
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Short story collections, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Was he?” asked Mari.

Synopsis

Broomsticks.
Black Cats.
Pointy Hats.

They can mean only one thing – somewhere nearby, there must be a witch. From fairy tales to fims to fiction, witches cast their spells and capture our imaginations.

Now the biggest names in fantasy and young adult literature have come together to make a little magic of their own. Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, Diana Peterfreund, Margo Lanagan, Peter S. Beagle, and Garth Nix are just a few of the authors who have toiled over their cauldrons and conjured up bewitching new creations inspired by and celebrating the might and mystery of the witch. Assembled by one of the most well-regarded anthologists in the science fiction/fantasy world, this rich, intelligent collection will enchant readers of all ages.

Thoughts

Short story collections are always good fun. They’re a great way to discover new authors, and the common thread through them can be so unique and different. Sometimes I even struggle to find the common thread! Not with this amazing collection though. It’s simple. Witches.

Strahan did a great job of putting together this fun and cute little collection of witch-y tales and I’m actually kind of disappointed that it’s over. Although I bought it to read B is for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher, the rest of the stories really jumped out at me. It’s actually difficult to pick an absolute favourite – they all had this twisted, fun, unexpected adventure that they took me on. Closing the cover of the book, I feel like I’ve gone on journeys through distant lands (and realms) and come back to land squarely on earth. Which is actually kind of disappointing… time to find my next epic journey of witchcraft and wings…

<- Crow and Caper, Caper and CrowStray Magic ->

Image source: Frances Hardinge

Witch Work by Neil Gaiman

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Under My Hat

Title: Witch Work
Author: Neil Gaiman
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan) & Trigger Warning (Neil Gaiman)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves:  Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Poem
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She sold calm seas to the mariners’ wives; Tied winds with silk cords so the storms could be tied there.

Synopsis

This short poem is about an elderly witch who lives in a room filled with clocks. She would sell storms, sorrows, and calmed the sea. The narrator explains that he bought three sorrows. The first he gave to his enemy’s child, the second was made into a broth by his wife, and the third remains unused. Regardless of this, the witch’s life is in a box which makes her quite sorrowful. We are not told what makes the witch sad, but she always returns to her house full of clocks.

Thoughts

This was an unexpectedly layered poem in the middle of the Under My Hat anthology. And one that I enjoyed immensely. I actually read this three times, each time with a new meaning and nuance. And, like all good poetry, I think that the more chances I get to read this, the more hidden meanings I will find about what a witch’s work entails.

<- FelidisThe Education of a Witch ->

Image source: Frances Hardinge

The Witch in the Wood by Delia Sherman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Under My Hat

Title: The Witch in the Wood
Author: Delia Sherman
In: Under My Hat (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I crashed through the undergrowth that separated us and dug my knife into the moss, cutting out a handful to pack into the hole my arrow had made.

Synopsis

Mildryth is a young witch who, until three years ago, lived in the woods with her mother. Ever since her mother’s death, she’s been alone, never coming into contact with another human being. She possesses great magical powers which her mother taught her how to use but only when necessary. While out hunting one day, she wounds a deer with her arrow, but before she can kill it, the deer turns into a man. She eventually discovers he is named Erdwyn, and that he is running from his destiny in the north country, a place Mildryth’s mother had warned her away from. As she nurses Erdwyn back to health, the pair fall in love, but when his wounds fester, she must risk everything to travel to the north country to find the only cure. While there, Mildryth learns amazing things about herself, but upon her return, she is pursued by the powerful wizard who rules that land and who will not allow her to live happily and peacefully with her true love.

Thoughts

I really like The Witch in the Wood. It was quite a cute and unorthodox little love story. I mean it starts with the first person voice recounting the day that she met the love of her life. Which is about the only predictable aspect of this short story.

Firstly, the history of the witch is completely vague and difficult to understand. She’s completely on her own and sure of her own powers. But it isn’t until the stag enters her life that she really has to test her knowledge and experience. After all, he might bring love into her life, but he also brings danger and threats.

Ultimately, the witch in the woods is a reminder that it is important to care for others and your family. That sticking up for yourself is a power all in its own right.

<- The Threefold WorldWhich Witch ->

Image source: Frances Hardinge

Which Witch by Patricia A. McKillip

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Which Witch
Author: Patricia A. McKillip
In: Under My Hat (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 04.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: That thing at the bar had one hand on Quin’s shoulder and he wasn’t smiling anymore.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Hazel is a witch who is part of a popular band made up of herself and her friends who are witches. She has a familiar, a crow named Cawley. The pair only recently found one another, and are still having trouble speaking each other’s language. Cawley knows an evil creature is following Hazel, putting her and her bandmates in danger, but he can’t seem to make her understand. As Hazel and her friends go on stage to play, the creature comes after them, which leads Hazel to learn something new about herself and one of her friends.

Thoughts

This was a really quick, fun and cute short story. Which means that this is going to be a quick and (hopefully) fun review.

The idea of witches and their familiars is nothing new. But, witches in a rock band, with their slightly unorthodox familiars hanging off of them definitely is. The ability to use music as a power was also a great angle that I didn’t expect. It’s a nice echo of the power that music has over people – literally. A song can change a life, sweep you away in its wings. But McKillip takes it another step.

Although I love the symbolism of music in this story, it’s the bonding between witch Hazel and her familiar Cawley that I found the most engaging. Not only is it sweet, but it’s a reminder that all good relationships take time.

 <- The Witch in the Wood Review The Carved Forest Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

The Threefold World by Ellen Kushner

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: The Threefold World
Author: Ellen Kushner
Series: The World of Riverside #0.1
In: Under My Hat (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Could his friends recite from memory the Latin poems of Virgil?

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Synopsis

Elias Lönnrot is a young scholar with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He loves reading the Latin poetry of Virgil or the Greek classics like The Iliad and The Odyssey. However, he doesn’t give much thought to his own Finnish culture. In fact, he rather scorns it. His school friends try to sway his opinion by telling him about stories of their ancestors who sang spells that could change the world. Elias thinks this is nonsense until he meets an old peddler on the road one day who changes his mind in a dramatic way.

Thoughts

Pride cometh before the fall.

Or something like that. This great short story focuses on the ways in which our pride and ignorance can lead to some dire consequences. Yet, there is a nice, happy ending to this story. Although the main character’s pride almost leads to his death, it is his ability to let go of his pride and embrace his peoples’ history that ultimately saves him and creates a healthy life.

Although this is a story about a witch, it is also a tale about embracing your culture and history. I found it especially relevant in today’s society of globalisation. It is so easy to jump on the bandwagon of “progress” than it is to hold onto your cultural morals and norms.

 <- The Education of a Witch Review The Witch in the Wood Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Payment Due by Frances Hardinge

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Payment Due
Author: Frances Hardinge
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I was inside.

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Synopsis

Fifteen-year-old Caroline comes home from school one day to find that her naïve grandmother has allowed a bailiff into their home. The man has marked most of their worldly possessions as impounded and given them five days to pay their debt. When the ladies are unable to come up with the money, the bailiff returns to haul the items away. Both Caroline and her grandmother are distraught by this turn of events, especially since one of the items the man took was a picture of Caroline’s dead mother. With the help of her animal friends and a little magic, Caroline sets about taking back what’s rightfully theirs.

Thoughts

So many people take advantage of the elderly. I mean, I’ve seen the little dollar signs light up in people’s eyes when they see him coming. It’s horrible, but it happens. However, I have never taken it as far as this granddaughter when seeking to get revenge on how people have wronged him. It’s left me seriously admiring not only her gumption but her care for the lovely elderly lady.

As you can probably already tell, the beginning of this story was a little sad. A little old lady is taken advantage of, and all of her belongings are stolen. She tries to keep a brave face about it all, but it has obviously really upset her. But, that’s where the sadness ends. Quickly, her granddaughter hunts down the bailiff in an attempt to buy back the things that were taken. That doesn’t work, and then matters are taken into her own hands…..

 <- Stray Magic Review A Handful of Ashes Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Little Gods by Holly Black

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Little Gods
Author: Holly Black
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I guess it doesn’t make much sense.

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Synopsis

As a little girl, Ellery attended church with her grandmother and imagined what it would be like if the statues of saints and angels came to life. At sixteen, she joined a Wiccan coven hoping to discover a little real magic. She and the other members of her coven travel to a distant farm where they meet up with other covens to celebrate Beltane. As the festivities get into full swing, she heads to the edge of the woods by herself, feeling disappointed that she hasn’t yet experienced any magic like what she’d dreamed of. But when a mysterious boy stops by to introduce himself, she may get exactly what she’s wanted for so long.

Thoughts

Although I’m not quite Wiccan, I do prescribe to a lot of their beliefs, and I have spent hours upon hours reading up about different covens, rites and practices. Which always makes it fun to read a story that is based around this system of being and existing. I also related ridiculously to the chief protagonist – she believes that there is something more in the world, and that she can almost feel it, it’s just out of reach.

One of my favourite things about this short story is that I thought we were heading for disaster. That the story would end with disillusionment and a return to a more “normal” life. But, luckily for me, it didn’t there was a feeling of total peace and happiness at the conclusion of this, and I was left with a smile lingering across my lips.

 <- A Handful of Ashes Review Barrio Girls Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge