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Fern Capel #3
The Witch Queen
Jan Siegel has created one of the most compelling fantasy series in recent memory. What began with Prospero’s Children and continued with The Dragon Charmer now comes to a dazzling conclusion with The Witch Queen . Magnetically gifted Fern Capel has at last come into her own with her magical powers—and just in time. . . .
It is a fearsome world of witches, dragons, and goblins, where a gnarled tree bears fruit of human heads. Fern Capel believes she has left it all behind. But now that world is seeping into modern day The witch-queen Morgus, who had imprisoned Fern in the ghostly Otherworld, has returned from countless years of exile beneath the gruesome Eternal Tree. Stalking the twenty-first century in her Prada stilettos, Morgus has the mindset of the Dark Ages and vows to rule the ancient kingdom of Logrez, now modern Britain.
Most of all, Morgus wants revenge on Fern Capel. Rejuvenated through sorcery, neither charm nor weapon can harm the witch-queen. She has planted a cutting from the Eternal Tree in the real world and awaits with impatience the ripening of its terrifying bounty. When Fern learns that her enemy cannot be defeated through conventional means, she turns to her best friend, Gaynor, her brother, Will, her old mentor, Ragginbone, and Maldo, the goblin-queen. Together, they track Morgus through London’s high-society parties and seedy, sinister contacts, until they finally draw a magic circle in a Soho basement. Fern Capel knows that survival is not This time she must win. But she does not yet understand how high a price she will have to pay.
In this thrilling final novel of her acclaimed trilogy, Jan Siegel takes advantage of her greatest strengths as a writer—weaving magic into a modern-day world and bringing vivid life to a host of characters that readers will not soon forget.
It is a fearsome world of witches, dragons, and goblins, where a gnarled tree bears fruit of human heads. Fern Capel believes she has left it all behind. But now that world is seeping into modern day The witch-queen Morgus, who had imprisoned Fern in the ghostly Otherworld, has returned from countless years of exile beneath the gruesome Eternal Tree. Stalking the twenty-first century in her Prada stilettos, Morgus has the mindset of the Dark Ages and vows to rule the ancient kingdom of Logrez, now modern Britain.
Most of all, Morgus wants revenge on Fern Capel. Rejuvenated through sorcery, neither charm nor weapon can harm the witch-queen. She has planted a cutting from the Eternal Tree in the real world and awaits with impatience the ripening of its terrifying bounty. When Fern learns that her enemy cannot be defeated through conventional means, she turns to her best friend, Gaynor, her brother, Will, her old mentor, Ragginbone, and Maldo, the goblin-queen. Together, they track Morgus through London’s high-society parties and seedy, sinister contacts, until they finally draw a magic circle in a Soho basement. Fern Capel knows that survival is not This time she must win. But she does not yet understand how high a price she will have to pay.
In this thrilling final novel of her acclaimed trilogy, Jan Siegel takes advantage of her greatest strengths as a writer—weaving magic into a modern-day world and bringing vivid life to a host of characters that readers will not soon forget.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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366 people want to read
About the author
Jan Siegel
14 books69 followersJan Siegel is a pseudonym of Amanda Hemingway. She is a British author of fantasy novels, best known for her Fern Capel and Sangreal trilogies.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 11, 2016
Frick. I had forgotten how sad the ending of this book is. I had forgotten most of the book...I'm ashamed to say that. I remembered the series so fondly. But the ending is so full of hopelessness. It's not quite heartbreaking.
Spoilers/my thoughts on events
I don't think Azmordis will ever be able to keep his end of the deal. I also think that Fern gave up so much good to get rid of so much pain. She never grew up. Her same avoidance methods that got her into the trouble of book two won out in the end of book three. I guess Siegel was true in her characterization; Fern was never a growing, changing person. She was a personification of some ideal, an archetype. It makes me kind of angry because her nonmagical, married "normalcy" would be a complete sham. The wildness that Fern showed, that she was always fighing to restrain--that was the depths of who she actually was--was thrown away by this ending.
Siegel's writing became less detailed over the course of books two and three. For some, that may have made the books more readable. For me, the books lost most of their magical feel.
A fourth book is needed. Period.
Also, I was pretty fed up with how dense Fern was in this book. She had various signs and pieces of information that were put together far, far too late.
Spoilers/my thoughts on events
I don't think Azmordis will ever be able to keep his end of the deal. I also think that Fern gave up so much good to get rid of so much pain. She never grew up. Her same avoidance methods that got her into the trouble of book two won out in the end of book three. I guess Siegel was true in her characterization; Fern was never a growing, changing person. She was a personification of some ideal, an archetype. It makes me kind of angry because her nonmagical, married "normalcy" would be a complete sham. The wildness that Fern showed, that she was always fighing to restrain--that was the depths of who she actually was--was thrown away by this ending.
Siegel's writing became less detailed over the course of books two and three. For some, that may have made the books more readable. For me, the books lost most of their magical feel.
A fourth book is needed. Period.
Also, I was pretty fed up with how dense Fern was in this book. She had various signs and pieces of information that were put together far, far too late.
December 3, 2012
A great, if somewhat bittersweet ending to a solid trilogy. I don’t know why this book series is not more widely read than it is. Though I thought that the initial book in the trilogy had a few issues, the writing got better and better, culminating in the very well written final volume, with solid pacing, great action, fleshed out characters, and a number of surprises.
The pacing issues I had with the middle of _Prospero’s Children_, pretty much tackled in _The Dragon Charmer_, were long, long gone in _The Witch Queen_. The pace was relentless, keeping me up late at night.
Though one of the initial premises of the third book – Fern, by all appearances a modern London socialite to ordinary mortals, but a powerful witch when out of the public eye – could have been used as the driving force behind simply a further adventure sort of novel and that would have been fine with me, it is not. This truly is an ending to the trilogy, addressing issues, plot threads, and characters that appeared in the first two books, with issues ranging from the payment of debts (personal and to supernatural forces), of guilt, lost loves, as well as of course final confrontations with the Big Bads of the series. Though I would have loved to have seen further adventures of Fern and her friends (and enemies) I do respect the author enormously for making _The Witch Queen_ the third and final act in the trilogy. Though the book did leave an opening for future adventures, it seems unlikely that that would ever happen given the events of this novel.
Let’s see, what else; I loved the further development of the goblin race in the third book, with the author adhering more towards traditional fairy tale and folkloric depictions of goblins rather than martial opponents that might amass in huge armies (such as in Tolkien’s works). I have no problem at all with the latter, but it is good to see another treatment of goblins. On the down side of the novel, we didn’t get as much Bradachin, the Capel’s house-goblin, as we got in _The Dragon Charmer_ but on the plus side we did get more of the goblin queen Mabb, who I rather liked.
The handling of the ultimate villain of the series, Azmordis, was interesting to be sure. I can see how some might not like it, but given the tragic experiences faced by Fern, the threats to her and her friends, the ultimate nature of Azmordis, and most of all Fern’s instincts to always be the one to take charge and “act the adult” really made that ending made sense to me. Doesn’t mean I entirely liked it, but that dislike doesn’t mean I thought it was poorly written or that I thought it was illogical.
Going back to my comments that this really was a trilogy as a whole, despite the often different nature of the three books, one thread that the author skillfully followed throughout the series was Fern’s personality and the logical outcomes of such a personality. We first got Fern as a sixteen year old girl, practically running the family household and fending off suitors from her hapless father, acting as if the entire world was on her shoulders and assuming a mantle of responsibility well beyond her years and experience. That personality trait never went away as the series progressed and was then skillfully merged with an exploration of how the presence of the Gift – the power to do magic and deal with supernatural beings – isolates one from mortals, even close friends. I thought that was the best character exploration aspects of the series, Fern coming to terms with both truths, with her final decision showing Fern’s acute awareness of the costs of both elements in her life.
Well done modern fantasy writing, I am glad I read the three books.
The pacing issues I had with the middle of _Prospero’s Children_, pretty much tackled in _The Dragon Charmer_, were long, long gone in _The Witch Queen_. The pace was relentless, keeping me up late at night.
Though one of the initial premises of the third book – Fern, by all appearances a modern London socialite to ordinary mortals, but a powerful witch when out of the public eye – could have been used as the driving force behind simply a further adventure sort of novel and that would have been fine with me, it is not. This truly is an ending to the trilogy, addressing issues, plot threads, and characters that appeared in the first two books, with issues ranging from the payment of debts (personal and to supernatural forces), of guilt, lost loves, as well as of course final confrontations with the Big Bads of the series. Though I would have loved to have seen further adventures of Fern and her friends (and enemies) I do respect the author enormously for making _The Witch Queen_ the third and final act in the trilogy. Though the book did leave an opening for future adventures, it seems unlikely that that would ever happen given the events of this novel.
Let’s see, what else; I loved the further development of the goblin race in the third book, with the author adhering more towards traditional fairy tale and folkloric depictions of goblins rather than martial opponents that might amass in huge armies (such as in Tolkien’s works). I have no problem at all with the latter, but it is good to see another treatment of goblins. On the down side of the novel, we didn’t get as much Bradachin, the Capel’s house-goblin, as we got in _The Dragon Charmer_ but on the plus side we did get more of the goblin queen Mabb, who I rather liked.
The handling of the ultimate villain of the series, Azmordis, was interesting to be sure. I can see how some might not like it, but given the tragic experiences faced by Fern, the threats to her and her friends, the ultimate nature of Azmordis, and most of all Fern’s instincts to always be the one to take charge and “act the adult” really made that ending made sense to me. Doesn’t mean I entirely liked it, but that dislike doesn’t mean I thought it was poorly written or that I thought it was illogical.
Going back to my comments that this really was a trilogy as a whole, despite the often different nature of the three books, one thread that the author skillfully followed throughout the series was Fern’s personality and the logical outcomes of such a personality. We first got Fern as a sixteen year old girl, practically running the family household and fending off suitors from her hapless father, acting as if the entire world was on her shoulders and assuming a mantle of responsibility well beyond her years and experience. That personality trait never went away as the series progressed and was then skillfully merged with an exploration of how the presence of the Gift – the power to do magic and deal with supernatural beings – isolates one from mortals, even close friends. I thought that was the best character exploration aspects of the series, Fern coming to terms with both truths, with her final decision showing Fern’s acute awareness of the costs of both elements in her life.
Well done modern fantasy writing, I am glad I read the three books.
May 9, 2009
Just as good as the other books in the series... however... the only think keeping me from giving it 5 stars, is just because of the ending.
Though I doubt I would have written it differently. Sometimes you just wish things would be happy and wonderful.
Though I doubt I would have written it differently. Sometimes you just wish things would be happy and wonderful.
January 7, 2016
I've been thinking lately about the stories that (re)defined my thoughts and preferences on romance stories, and it's only today that I remembered what might, possibly, be the series that has had the great impact of all. It was my first "writing goals" book for how unbelievably beautiful, and yet easily readable the story was; for vivid myths and legends all mixed up with mundane life. For the archetypical hero(ine) with power, but didn't choose to use it.
For the bittersweet ending and imprinting the importance of being able to move on, forward, and escape trappings that come with power. I read it only once so long ago, but it had such a big impact on me I think it's time for a reread.
For the bittersweet ending and imprinting the importance of being able to move on, forward, and escape trappings that come with power. I read it only once so long ago, but it had such a big impact on me I think it's time for a reread.
September 1, 2025
This was a surprising ending to the series. I know some people have been critical of it but I enjoyed it more than the first two books in the series. This book follows on from the last book where Fern is now accepting of her power as witch but there are enemies from the other two books still haunting her.
Much has been said about the ending - I don't think they could have ended it any other way. It was definitely true to the characters.
All up I thought the series was ok
Much has been said about the ending - I don't think they could have ended it any other way. It was definitely true to the characters.
All up I thought the series was ok
January 6, 2016
I have mixed emotions on how to feel on this book, as you can tell by the three star rating I finally settled on with it. The first book in the series was amazing, the second book was ok, and this third...it was better than the second one but that's about it. So Fern has grown up, she is a great witch at night, good girl by day. You still have this epic battle between good and evil and I understand the many choices that were made and the why behind these choices, but the ending made me sad. I know why Fern chose what she did, but still I fell in love with the magic of the series and now the magic is gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 28, 2011I'm not sure, but I think... I didn't like this book. Just the plot, I don't know. Of course, very well written, as always. But I think I might have been more satisfied if Prospero's Children were a novel by itself, without the two sequels. I don't regret reading the series, it just left me feeling sad and unfulfilled.
June 17, 2023
Very satisfying conclusion to a wonderful fantasy trilogy. I will be re-reading these again, I'm sure.
July 31, 2020
Witch’s Honour is the third book in the Fern Capel trilogy, rounding off the set as Fern, Will and Gaynor bring events to a head that started long ago in Prospero’s Children.
In WH, Fern has definitely come into her own as a witch, and although she's still learning, she's determined to make the best of her skills. WH definitely has more pace to it than the other two, and it’s a shame that it’s the last one – there’s much more structure to the book and it feels a lot livelier. I think this is partially down to the cast that Siegel has built – although Fern remains a little cool and aloof, Will and Gaynor add a bit of humanity to the book. Azmordis, Kal, Morgus, Ragginbone and everyone’s favourite werewolf Lougarry all help to built the set, and although – and other reviewers have noted this – it all ties off a little oddly, it’s a satisfying end to the trilogy.
In WH, Fern has definitely come into her own as a witch, and although she's still learning, she's determined to make the best of her skills. WH definitely has more pace to it than the other two, and it’s a shame that it’s the last one – there’s much more structure to the book and it feels a lot livelier. I think this is partially down to the cast that Siegel has built – although Fern remains a little cool and aloof, Will and Gaynor add a bit of humanity to the book. Azmordis, Kal, Morgus, Ragginbone and everyone’s favourite werewolf Lougarry all help to built the set, and although – and other reviewers have noted this – it all ties off a little oddly, it’s a satisfying end to the trilogy.
September 22, 2019
Finishes the conflict introduced in The Dragon Charmer. It's possible some might see a plot twist coming, but it shocked me pretty viscerally, as it's meant to. There's a nice explicit homage to Tolkien buried in here, so I was right to guess he was one of "Siegel"/Hemingway's inspirations.
July 24, 2017
An excellent trilogy. A fantasy with a very classic feel. Basically set in present time, but it touches the past in many ways (including Atlantis - that will always a suck me in).
October 24, 2017
Still one of the most unique writing styles of any author I have ever read, but the story was a disappointing end to the trilogy.
November 25, 2018
Finished it through, was surprised at one point, hasn't stuck with me.
April 24, 2020
In this third volume in the PROSPERO’S CHILDREN trilogy, Fern battles a resurrected Morgause for humanity’s survival.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
February 25, 2020
Корицата е малко неприятна, но отразява съдържанието. Книгата е магичен свят, който те поглъща. Фантазията на авторката е голяма, но е свързана по-скоро с мрачни същества и светове. Кошмарите, виденията, случките се преплитаха и трудно се разграничаваха. Книгата те всмуква някакси в този свят на вещици, гоблини, призраци и различни същества, родени от най-мрачните глъбини от въображението на авторката.
Сюжетът се върти около битката на две вещици. Едната ще бъде унищожена, но останалата жива вещица трябва да вземе съдбоносни решения за себе си.
Книгата е една мрачна приказна история и все още не мога да определя дали ми харесва или е твърде мрачна за моя вкус. Преводът е превъзходен. Авторката си служи с необичайни изразни средства и диалект, а преводачът се е справил много добре. Това е по-скоро мое усещане, отколкото да го знам със сигурност.
Впечатли ме и изданието, шрифта, а редакторският колектив много добре се е справил, с бележки под линия и речник накрая, няма правописни грешки.
Сюжетът се върти около битката на две вещици. Едната ще бъде унищожена, но останалата жива вещица трябва да вземе съдбоносни решения за себе си.
Книгата е една мрачна приказна история и все още не мога да определя дали ми харесва или е твърде мрачна за моя вкус. Преводът е превъзходен. Авторката си служи с необичайни изразни средства и диалект, а преводачът се е справил много добре. Това е по-скоро мое усещане, отколкото да го знам със сигурност.
Впечатли ме и изданието, шрифта, а редакторският колектив много добре се е справил, с бележки под линия и речник накрая, няма правописни грешки.
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September 6, 2014I enjoyed this trilogy and the Sangreal trilogy, and especially liked the overlapping characters, and references. The Dragon Charmer was my least favorite of the lot, but overall, glad I read them. Just discovered there's a new book out, with another overlapping character; thinking I'll need to read it, partly just to check in on how they're doing, and to find out whether we get to meet Caliburn again. It's a pity we're not likely to see more of Fern and co., but then, Fern's earned her peace and quiet.
January 22, 2013
After reading this third and last book of the trilogy, I personally was not to fond of the ending. Not that I expect happily ever afters, but to me it seems as there was no actual closure to the whole story.
April 19, 2009
a liitle long.
April 1, 2011
1st Altantean trilogy
May 4, 2014
Een mooi einde van deze trilogie en wat een einde! Met een onverwachte draai en een laatste zin die me echt helemaal op het verkeerde been zette. Geen idee wat ik daar van moet denken.
January 31, 2016
A re-read, this is a lovely trilogy, full of myth and magic and atmosphere. Slight echoes of Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising sequence.
October 4, 2022
The whole heads in fruits that grows on trees is extremely interesting. Actually, the whole concept of this trilogy is extremely unique and interesting.
December 31, 2024
Need a 4th book. Hates the current ending
May 10, 2008
Nice conclusion to the trilogy. I had a hard time putting it down.
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February 25, 2009A great final book in the trilogy, though I believe, a tragic ending.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews