November in Salem: The Bargain of Witches

by L.C. Russell

What if you could save those hanged for witchcraft in 1692—but you had to bargain your own soul to do it? In this paranormal fantasy romance, fourteen year-old November Atwood and her twin cousins discover an ancient box buried in the shadows of the old Danvers Asylum. This sets in motion the final elements of a blood bargain signed more than 300 years in the past when Salem was a sleepy village--and witchcraft was a hanging offense. First in a new fantasy romance series, this novel begins November's adventure as The Prediction--the one foretold to put an end to the evil Bargain of Witches, and which sets her on a path to discover the magic of a love that can span time.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Fantasy

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

L.C. Russell writes fiction across genres, from dystopian thrillers to cozy mysteries and supernatural fiction. Her latest novel is Marathon, the first book in The Divided States of America trilogy, a near-future thriller in which the condemned fight for their lives on live television while a divided nation votes on who deserves to survive.
Her earlier work includes the cozy mystery Death by Student Loan (Book One of the Mariah Garrett Mysteries), the supernatural November Series, and the time-travel historical novel Mercy. She teaches English and history, and her background in the past shapes fiction that turns history into a warning and the future into a question. She lives on the Gulf Coast of Texas with her family, both two-legged and four.
She is currently at work on new mysteries, including the Abigail Thistle series, and on the gothic novel SILK.

Reviews

[A Book Vacation]

I am always amazed when authors come up with such intricate, original stories, leaving no stone unturned and answering every possible question a reader could have. That takes talent, and talent is exactly what Russell showcases in her novel, November in Salem! I really enjoyed this novel as November and her friends battle against evil throughout this novel, piecing together the past in order to set free the hundreds of souls trapped by the bargain.

While this novel is fictitious, the use of real places and events in history show Russell’s research and the care she put into her novel as she wrote, an aspect that will please any interested in the history of Salem. Russell’s characterization is also superb as the young tweens begin coming-of-age, and though this novel fits into the YA genre, it easily lends itself to MG and adult—completely appropriate and captivating for all ages. Russell’s writing is immaculate and her prose draws the reader in from the very beginning.

To read my full review (6/20):

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

[Melissa]

Too many unnecessary details. Since, based on the ending, this obviously is planned as a series many of the additional introductions of "species" could have waited until they actually needed to play a part in the story. This is definitely for a young adult audience, and as such, may annoy older readers at times with the responsibilities placed on such young protagonists. I was never really able to pick up on the true backstory that linked the present to the past. It might be that a younger reader or someone with a more vivid imagination might "get" this book better than I, however I will not be reading the next book in the series should it continue.

[Gina]

Review in progress.

[Lisa Howard]

Interesting and captivating. It is supposedd to be for young adults, but I liked it as well.

[Clarke W.]

I met the author today on a flight to Houston. She was a lovely lady who told me all about this book and how she came up with the "LC" in her name. I plan to read this novel soon!