Time Witch

by Jacqueline Corcoran

Within the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, famous Washington D.C. estate and site of many historic diplomatic meetings, lies a portal to another world where competing dynasties of witches battle, as time ticks backward, for control over a magical clock and a winged horse as part of an ancient prophecy. Twelve year old Genevieve’s integral role in the prophecy and the fate of this world -- and her own -- is revealed in the quest to find her missing single-parent mother, assume her own powers as a witch, and return home before time runs down in seven days.

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2011

About the author

Jacqueline Corcoran was born in England, but has lived in the U.S. for most of her life - in Boston, California, Michigan, Texas, and now in the Washington D.C. area with her husband, two children, and three rescue animals. She is a social worker, psychotherapist and professor (at the University of Pennsylvania), as well as an author. Her published work includes 17 textbooks, two non-fiction trade titles, and several novels.

Reviews

[Trisha Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time Witch is my first Middle Grade review. Normally I don’t take requests for MG, but I loved the premise of the novel and wanted to know more. The MC, twelve-year-old Genevieve (love that name BTW) begins her adventure at home, a normal girl, waiting for her mother to return from work. When her mother never makes it home, she becomes desperately worried. I have to admit that the beginning of the novel is a bit slow. I wanted more action right up front to really trust the story forward. But as soon as Genevieve discovers a secret part of her home where she finds a bracelet, and is sucked into another dimension, the story really picks up. When she meets Rowan and Ciera, she decides to join them on their quest for a crest and winged stallion. I love the way the author developed these two characters, especially Ciera. She is so much fun. Although she comes off a little rough around the edges, I truly thought her character was strong and witty. Rowan is a great character as well. Who doesn’t like a dashing boy in medieval clothes? And although they are very mistrusting of their new team member, they soon allow her to join them. Genevieve’s adventure form this point is only beginning. Throughout this magical land, she runs into all kinds of dangers and mystical elements, all the while never forgetting that her mother is the most important thing she must find. The author’s description is fantastic! For MG, it held my attention. Every detail and scene was well constructed and the writing was beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and scenery of this world. Genevieve is a wonderful character. For such a young age she shows tremendous strength and determination. I rooted for her the whole time. I highly recommend this book for readers of MG that want an action-packed read as well as a fun descriptive world, with memorable characters.

[Vicki (The Wolf's Den) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time Witch is a classic fantasy adventure. You have a hero(ine), a quest, a villain, some self-discovery, and friends to help, all contained in a world where magic reigns and the unexpected happens all the time. Genevieve is your typical unpopular, shy, middle school student. When her mother goes missing, she's devastated but still manages to find the courage to take up the search, and ends up wandering into a magical world she thought she'd only imagined. Dropped in the middle of a quest to stop the end of time, she's got to overcome her own insecurities and discover the power she holds in order to defeat evil and save those she loves.

Read my full review at The Wolf's Den

Overall, I'd recommend this for young readers who like, or are interested in exploring fantasy. It's probably a little more aimed toward girls than boys, but there's enough action and adventure that it should entertain either. This fast-paced, twisty plot is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. So what are you waiting for? Time's a-wasting!

Approximate Reading Time: 3 hours

[Jess - The Tales Compendium · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time Witch is the story of 12-year-old Genevieve who, while searching for her mother (who has mysteriously disappeared), discovers that the magical world she made up with her best friend, is actually real. Mistakenly she enters the fantasy realm and comes face to face with flying horses, treasure hunting trolls, the evil witch Duvessa and her terrifying hawk. Here she joins forces with snooty princess Ciera and the dashing prince Rowan to find the three missing pieces of a magical crystal clock and get them to the last remaining rose witch, The Snow Queen, before Witch Duvessa can lay her hands on it and make time disappear forever.

The magical realm that Genevieve creates is based on fairy tales she has read, the sparkling rocks at the Natural History Museum in Washington DC (where she lives), and the classic troll dolls with funky hair. This is the kind of story-world I would have created when I was younger.

Overall it was an enjoyable read and is perfect for ages 9-13 who love fantasy worlds with magic and daring adventures. For fans of The Chronicles of Narnia.

[Reaganstar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts off slowly, as Genevieve waits at home for her mother to arrive. However, don't let this fool you... Once you get past that part the story starts to roll, you meet other character and the story becomes much more enjoyable. Great character relathionships. My favorite would have to be Genevieve's relathionship with her Mother, you don't see it to often in these YA/MG novels these days. She takes lil statements her mother has made and uses them in situations which I think is wonderful.


A short very enjoyable story for those fans of MG and younger YA reads. I would certainly recommend it.

[Lenore Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time Witch by Jacqueline Corcocan, a young adult novel that is her first published novel. As a professor she has published articles and eleven books in her field. This is a story that caught my attention right off. Having an inherent fear of losing my own daughter, when the mother in the story does not return home to her 12 year old daughter, my heart was pumping. In the daughter's search for her mother she enters a magical world. I do not like to give away stories, but this is one that I think most young girls would enjoy. Very good for a first novel. You can find it as an e-book for only $4.99 and $8.99 in print form.