The Witchfinder's Serpent

The Witches of Windsor #1

by Rande Goodwin

Amazon Bestseller
Readers' Choice Book Award Finalist Something wicked this way comes . . . When fifteen-year-old Nate Watson moves to Windsor to live with his mysterious Aunt Celia, the last things on his mind are witches and magick and ancient vendettas. While Nate focuses on building a new life for himself and his younger brother, making new friends and adjusting to a new high school, he can't escape the feeling that something isn't as it seems. Nate's search for answers leads him to a forbidden, locked door in Aunt Celia's mansion. Inside, he finds a witch’s workshop full of mystical artifacts, some dating back to the time of the earliest Puritan settlers. It's no coincidence that Nate is now living in the very same town where, forty-five years before the Salem witch trials, Alse Young was hanged as America's first witch. Could magick be real? Nate remains skeptical until he picks up the witchfinder’s serpent--a powerful, demonic bracelet that wraps itself around his arm and permanently imbeds itself into his flesh. Now Nate must confront the truth about Aunt Celia's unlikely ancestry--as well as his own. And with her help, he must find a way to remove the bracelet before the serpent's previous owner returns--an ancient and powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to get it back.

Genres: Fantasy, Witches, Young Adult, Paranormal, Horror, Mystery, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2023

About the author

Author of The Witchfinder’s Serpent: randegoodwin.com/books
Fan of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Thrillers, Mystery, Star Trek, Star Wars, Walking Dead, Buffy and a whole lot more!

Reviews

[Dea]

I have a mild obsession with the Salem witch trials (and anything witchy, really) so was excited for this book. The author does a wonderful job world building and bringing to life a sleepy little New England town, a spooky mansion, a mysterious witch's workshop. The imagery and descriptions are lush and vivid - I was completely immersed in Nate's world. The dialogue and behavior of our protagonist is age appropriate, and the historical research is sound - the presentation of the history of the Salem witch trials will not overwhelm young readers but is substantial enough to keep adults interested. Overall a lovely read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to Rande Goodwin for a great debut novel! The Witchfinder's Serpent was a fun, paranormal mystery going back and forth from occurrences in the past to present day.

Description:
When fifteen-year-old Nate Watson moves to Windsor to live with his mysterious Aunt Celia, the last things on his mind are witches and magick and ancient vendettas. While Nate focuses on building a new life for himself and his younger brother, making new friends and adjusting to a new high school, he can’t escape the feeling that something isn’t as it seems.

Nate’s search for answers leads him to a forbidden, locked door in Aunt Celia’s mansion. Inside, he finds a witch’s workshop full of mystical artifacts, some dating back to the time of the earliest Puritan settlers. It’s no coincidence that Nate is now living in the very same town where, forty-five years before the Salem witch trials, Alse Young was hanged as America’s first witch.

Could magick be real? Nate remains skeptical until he picks up the witchfinder’s serpent—a powerful, demonic bracelet that wraps itself around his arm and permanently imbeds itself into his flesh. Now Nate must confront the truth about Aunt Celia’s unlikely ancestry—as well as his own. And with her help, he must find a way to remove the bracelet before the serpent’s previous owner returns—an ancient and powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to get it back.

My Thoughts:
I'm always up for a new book about witches, their history, and the fictional imaginings of what one could do. The historical facts woven into the book were well-researched. The characters of Nate and his brother were perfect for the roles in the story. I liked the mystery surrounding Aunt Celia. This would probably make a really good movie, probably for children over 10 up to adults. There's some scary stuff, but kids would really enjoy it. This is the first book in the series, and I look forward to the next. I'll definitely grab it if I can.

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 12, 2023.

[ancientreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for the audiobook, which isn't listed on GR yet.

I did a triple-take at the opening scene, in which an accused witch is being burned at the stake. In the main narrative, set in the present day, the protagonist is 15-year-old Nate, which would probably make the audience for Witchfinder's Serpent late-middle-schoolers; as much as I'm in favor of books for young people addressing difficult/terrible issues, that scene struck me as straight-up nightmare material. Maybe Kids These Days are tougher than I was, but ...

Moving on, though, I kept being distracted by aspects of the narrative that didn't make sense. Nate and his younger brother, Mark, are sent to live with their hitherto unknown aunt Celia after their father dies. Speed Bump #1: their apartment is packed up by some unspecified adult(s) and they are left with only one box of mementoes. (I guess they get to keep their clothes, at least.) They get no say in any of this. Who's staying with them during this in-between time? Goodwin handwaves the legalities and practicalities here, not to mention the basic emotional sense (who on earth discards all of a family's household goods without consulting the tween and adolescent kids?).

I do realize that the target audience for this book is unlikely to pick up on any of that, but in a way it makes matters worse, as if young people don't deserve careful plotting because they don't have the real-world knowledge to spot mistakes. Anyway, Speed Bump #1 heralded any number of successors. Nate and Mark have lived in NYC, apparently all their lives; I promise you they have never thought of the city as the Big Apple, nor will Nate be impressed at finding that Aunt Celia's Connecticut house appears to be over a hundred years old.

And the narrative just kept clunking. The white blonde who's the leader of the Mean Girls at Nate's new high school has two brown acolytes. One of Nate's close friends, Zach (or Zack -- this was the audiobook, so I can't be sure) is of Native American ancestry; after the day's history lesson addresses British settlement in what's now Connecticut, he says something to the effect that his ancestors wouldn't have been welcome. Never mind that this understates the case considerably, it's a weirdly off-kilter take coming from a young person I miiiiiiiiiiight expect to be hip to the idea of settler colonialism.

There's a gang of bullies. The lead bully is stupid and dirty. Because bullies are low-class, of course. Sigh.

There's also a plot problem in screaming neon: why doesn't Celia keep the key to the locked room with her rather than leave it hanging in her bedroom? Do we not all know that saying "You can go anywhere in the house except for this one room which I keep locked and you must not enter under any circumstances!!!!" ensures that your interlocutor will stop at nothing to find out what's behind that door? Come on, Celia, have you never heard of Bluebeard?

I rounded up to 3 stars because I suspect many early-teen readers will find the story absorbing without picking up on the overtones and general ineptnesses. Also, the narrator does a good job. But I'm rounding up with misgivings, because I do think kids deserve better and because I really am troubled by that nightmare material at the start.

[Coffee&Cliffhangers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐Rounded up

The Witchfinder's Serpent by Rande Goodwin is an enchanting story of two young brothers who following a personal tragedy find themselves putting their lives back together with the help of an aunt they never knew existed. Their Aunt Celia generously welcomes them into her home, giving them free reign in the house to do as they pleased except to enter one closed off room.

Nate and His brother attend a new High School, make new friends, and start putting their life back together, But to Nate something just doesn't seem right, and he becomes determined to find out what Aunt Celia is hiding behind that door. When all his digging opens a door to an unexpected room he encounters a magical bracelet that permanently attaches itself to his wrist, endangering them all. Opening the door to the bracelet's previous owner who will stop at nothing to have it returned.

This book is an enchanting story full of magic and the evil that wishes to control it. A fun read geared towards Teens and Young Adult's.

I received the audiobook narrated by Nick Mondelli who delightfully brings this story to life.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tahera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witchfinder's Serpent is set in the town of Windsor, Connecticut --home to Alse Young, the first woman to be hanged on charges of being a witch in USA in 1647--and connects the present day fictitious storyline and characters of the book to her backstory. The book is told in a dual timeline and I liked the seventeenth century timeline more since the characters in this timeline were actual living people like Alse Young, her daughter Allie Young and Matthew Hopkins, who prior to coming to USA, had been responsible for the execution of hundreds of innocent men and women in England on charges of witchcraft between the years 1644-1647. In the present day, Allie is now Aunt Celia and Matthew is the malevolent Malleus Hodge with demonic powers and being the first book in series, the battle is far from over.

I received both an e-Arc and ALC of this book by the publisher Greenleaf Audiobooks/Greenleaf  Book Group Press and author Rande Goodwin via NetGalley but ended up listening more to the audiobook which was narrated by Nick Mondelli.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Nate moves in with his mysterious aunt Celia, the last thing he is thinking about is magic and vendettas. While he is trying to focus on building a new life for him and his younger brother, he can't help but feel like not everything is as it seems. As he searches for answers, he is lead to a locked door in his new home that is forbidden. But once he gets inside, he finds a witch workshop, and it's no coincidence that he is now living in the same town that 45 years before the Salem witch trials, Alse Young hanged as America's first witch.

The Witchfinder's Serpent was not for me. I received this as an audiobook ARC and I had to keep replaying parts to follow along with what was happening. I usually get through an audiobook quickly but this one took me days to complete. It simply didn't hold my attention. I felt like the narrator was fine and they didn't sway me to like or dislike the book, it just wasn't for me. Maybe for the right audience this would be more enjoyable. I hope if you decide to read this that you have better luck than I did. Just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it won't be for you.

Happy reading

[LadyAReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.L. Stine meets Stephen King in #TheWitchfinder’sSerpent debut novel by #RandeGoodwin Dark and creepy.

[Karen Mazzaferri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book as it bounced between now and before the Salem witch trials. Two brothers find themselves meeting an aunt they didn’t know about. Although they like her and she has been nothing but nice to her, they think there is something that isn’t right. She has told them to not ever go into a locked room, but the hidden secrets get the best of them. A snake bracelet attaches itself to Nate and he has to tell his aunt the violated her trust. This is when she tells the history of the witches trials.
As I was listening, I found myself drifting off. The narrator was ok, but the voices melded into one another. I also found myself trying to clear my throat because the narrator had a raspy voice that sounded like he had a frog in it. I would say this is a 3.5/5

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of their father, Nate and his younger brother Marc leave New York City to live with their mysterious aunt in Windsor, CT. Her one rule: under no circumstances are they to enter the locked room on the second floor. Of course, teens being teens, their curiosity gets the better of them and they eventually explore the room, uncovering some pretty creepy stuff, including a serpent bracelet cuff that's magically attached itself to Nate's wrist and refuses to be dislodged. But what else they've unleashed is even creepier, the stuff of nightmares!

The Witchfinder's Serpent is a modern-day young adult fantasy inspired by true historical events. The story spans multiple timelines—the present (2019) and the past (1647), during the time of the earliest Puritan settlers in New England and America's first Witch hanging. I liked that the past timeline directly related to what was happening in the present day, and unlike other books' flashbacks, I did not find myself wishing for the chapter to end and return to the present day. The chapters in the past held my interest just as much, if not more so, than the present.

Being a New England-er myself (transplanted to California 13 years ago), I am intimately familiar with the Salem Witch Trials. I also identify as a Witch, drawing energy and practicing magick with the usual Witches tools. So I related well to this book, and even appreciated how the author spelled "magick" with a K, just as modern Witches do, to distinguish it from stage and illusionist magic.

The book started off a bit slowly, allowing time to develop characters and set the scene, but quickly picked up about 20% in when the story got really intriguing. The writing style was not as elegant as some of the more established writers I've read. I would've liked to have seen less "telling" and more "showing" in several places, but such is the hallmark of a new writer, and honestly after the story picked up, I barely noticed it as much. Some parts of the story were also a bit simplistic and quickly explained away... or even not explained at all such as how Alex could have been Hodge's daughter when he was locked in a bottle for centuries?. But seeing as it's young adult, I suspect the author didn't want to get too bogged down in details that could detract his target audience.

Despite those minor criticisms, the story itself was entertaining and captivating, and definitely hard to put down. I found the author to be very respectful towards his subject, conveying the horror of past times when Puritans unjustly accused and prosecuted anyone perceived as different or sensitive. I also appreciated the way Aunt Celia explained the significance of the pentacle and the beliefs of modern-day witches to her two young wards in a light-hearted but factual way—providing young adult readers with an objective basis for the modern Witchcraft movement. While the story wrapped up nicely, it clearly alluded to much more to come! I'll be looking forward to the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#TheWitchfindersSerpent #NetGalley

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rande Goodwin’s “The Witchfinder’s Serpent” engages elements of historical facts to tell an intriguing mystery of two brothers who are confronted by a dreadful enemy. This hostile force uses horrid magic to get back his valuable magical antique which found an accidental place with the brothers.

Nate Watson and his younger brother, Marc, have been informed of their late father’s will to have Aunt Celia take them with her after his long battle with cancer. Their father’s death has seen them passed from home to home for several weeks as family acquaintances pitched in to put roofs over their heads until permanent arrangements could be made. Exploring Aunt Celia’s huge house is mesmerizing to the duo but a door that she has warned them to never open constantly piques their curiosity. Knowing Celia will stay out late one particular night, Nate leads his brother into the room where the two curious souls find themselves staring at wizardly items, and before they can fully grasp what this means about their aunt, a serpentine object comes to life, wrapping itself around Nate’s right forearm.

Early into this charming read where the sweet combines with the scary for the utmost thrill, Rande Goodwin will awaken your interest with suggestions of what may be lying beyond the forbidden chamber. The special bond between Marc and Nate is very inspiring, and readers will find their backstory to evoke deep empathy for the duo. The sad event leading to their mother’s death when they were very young is disheartening and from it, one can deduce that a gloomy mood has been hanging in their hearts for a long time.

Readers will encounter cryptic details regarding famous witches who were massacred, individuals who made pacts with demons for the attainment of incredible mystical powers, as well as opportunists who sought money and social standing at the expense of others’ well-being. Dark beings will send heartbeats into overdrive, and their horrific growls will elicit a wonder about what else could possibly go wrong.

The town of Windsor, Connecticut, where Rande Goodwin grew up offers a fascinating site for his tale. He says,

As the home of America’s first witch-hanging victim, the setting is perfectly ripe with possibilities.
He is a debuting author who has the utmost respect for Alse Young and her family, whom he believes and maintains were innocent victims of the times. Rande Goodwin’s book, “The Witchfinder’s Serpent” is a beguiling teen and young adult fantasy read whose quick pace sets the mood for an addicting ride!

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story spanning across multiple timelines. At the present time, Nate is warming up to his new life with mysterious aunt Celia. His curiosity about Aunt Celia persuades him to investigate the locked door. The pursuit of seeking the unknown lands him with a witchfinder's Serpent bracelet that wraps itself on his wrist and refuses to budge. The only way forward from here is to confront his aunt and find a way to get rid of this bracelet before the actual evil owner returns to claim what he lost years ago.

Filled with magic, the lives of witches over the years and a plot set up in the city where the Salem witch trials were held, this book was a really good read for autumn. With lives at stake, the zeal for survival is presented to you in varied circumstances. The book did have a slow start, but the patience is rewarded after 50% of the book when the different timelines start knitting together.

Recommended for people who enjoy the above-mentioned themes in a slow plot buildup and a full-swing climax.

Thanks @netgalley @greenleafbookgr for the digital ARC.

Genre: #fantasy #magic #witches
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway last year, and I finally got around to reading it, as I’m trying to work through all the ones I’ve won.

I really enjoyed this YA paranormal fantasy with witches. Set in modern times as well as in the 1600’s right before the Salem witch trials, the author draws on history to write a very compelling book with actual people portrayed in it. Though a fiction book, it was interesting to read the history of some of the players in the witch hunts in England as well as Connecticut prior to the Salem trials. It also really brought to life the atmosphere of those horrific times, when women were executed just because someone saw fit to accuse them of being a witch.

This book was full of action, was highly entertaining and informative and it was a fun read. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 when it comes out in a few months.

[Allyson Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I started this book a few months ago however, not long after I started it my husband and I booked a trip to Boston/Salem (which we just got back from)! I then knew I wanted to put a pause reading this book, so I could read it around the time of our trip & I’m SO glad I did that.

If you know me you know I love all things spooky & love the history of the Salem Witch Trials - this book hit the nail on the head in these aspects. Really excited to grab the second book that continues this story & for the third installment anticipated late 2025!

Thank you GreenLeaf Book Group & Rande Goodwin for sending me this copy to check out!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rande Goodwin delivers a wonderful blend of history and the fantastical in The Witchfinder's Serpent.

I had not heard about the first woman to die for witchcraft in America and Goodwin does a good job of keeping the history true while building a story around it. While it was written for a young adult audience, I found it intriguing as well. Jumping between the past and present helped to keep the story moving.

I'll be looking forward to the next title by Goodwin.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Books for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Cj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley!
Cute fantasy book about magic & history coming after you.
-
Your father dies, and you get whisked away with your younger brother to a mysterious aunt you’ve never heard of. It’s a great time to have a fresh start. New town, new school, new love, and new friends. You have nothing to worry about. Despite this, something doesn’t feel quite right.
Looking for answers, Nate is full of curiosity and goes into the one room he isn’t suppose to. Only to find weird objects, old books, and is full of more questions.
The room looks like a witch’s workshop from the movies. Magic isn’t real. Right? It’s just a coincidence that this town is where they hung the first American witch 45 years ago before the Salem witch trials. Or is it?
After picking up a serpent bracelet it attaches itself onto Nate, and it won’t come off. After trying to hide it, he caves and tells his aunt. Who then tells him their family history. Just in time for an old powerful enemy to make an appearance. He wants the serpent.
Can Nate, his aunt & his friends keep it away or will the old evil take what he will stop at nothing to get?

[Melissa Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book kept reminding me of the Heir Chronicles series, though I couldn’t tell you why. Perhaps it was the ‘young boys suddenly come across magic and it upends their lives, plus a sneaky aunt who isn’t what she seems’.

I happen to like sneaky aunts so I was into it. I did feel that the characters could use a bit more polish, but I still enjoyed myself.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It's well written and creative. The narrator of the audiobook did a fantastic job! I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Rande Goodwin, Greenleaf audiobooks and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a complimentary copy prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiera Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written so easy to read and follow along. I loved the mix of humor, sarcasm, and creepy bits (think Pet Cemetery cat). *shudder*

I enjoyed the relationships of the siblings that get into mischief, the group of friends that try to help, the aunt who is from a line of witches, and a witchfinder out to destroy them all!

A fun ride.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

[Rachel Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
I loved this book and flew through it! I love almost anything to do with witches and the witch trials, so I love that Rande Goodwin used actual names, dates, and events in this book! I would love it if this book had a sequel sometime in the future because I would instantly devour it. I had a couple of the plot twists right, but not all of them, so it was still plenty enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. Very well written for a debut novel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Rande Goodwin for the ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Just Passing Through _x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Greenleaf Group Book Press for providing me with a complimentary digital audiobook of The Witchfinder's Serpent by Rande Goodwin (Pub Date 12 Sep 2023).
Audiobook Narrated by Nick Mondelli. The audiobook is not yet listed on Goodreads, so I am linking this review to the hardcover edition. This is my honest review.

I normally read thrillers or self-help, but sometimes I need a palette cleanser and just something fun to read. Young adult magical adventure usually does the trick. This format, storyline, and narration were on point for this book. I felt like I was transported back to grade school where the teacher reads a novel to the class. Do you love New England? Do you love magical fiction? Do you love to listen to a well-told story? Then this is the book for you! Even the cover is fantastic!

[Kristy aka Brooksie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC audiobook of The Witchfinder's Serpent by Rande Goodwin (Pub Date 12 Sep 2023)
Audiobook Narrated by Nick Mondelli

When fifteen-year-old Nate and his younger brother Mark move to Windsor Connecticut to live with his mysterious Aunt Celia after their father's untimely death and mother who died years before, the last things on Nate's mind are witches, magic, or ancient dissent. They are in awe when they arrive at their aunt's 3-story mansion which is massive compared to the apartment in NYC they used to live in and the area was quiet compared to the bustling city they were used to. She said that the third floor of the house was theirs to live in and they had unlimited freedom and could go wherever they pleased in the mansion and could come and go at their leisure as long as they picked up after themselves. The only rules they were told to abide by while living there were to do well in school, complete a few small chores around the house, and under no circumstances go into the one locked room on the 2nd floor. As Nate gets used to this new life with his brother and to know his aunt they had not only never met but also his father never mentioned, going to a new school, and making new friends, things seem a bit... weird.

After settling into the routines of their new life, he finds old photos in a box that belonged to his father with a few pictures of him when he was younger with a woman who looked exactly like his aunt. But that's impossible because in the photo the woman looked to be the same age as his aunt is now. Surely it is just a strong family resemblance, right? Nate’s little brother can't seem to escape the temptation and mystery beyond that one locked door they are forbidden to enter. Nate too has difficulty staying away as one day he hears his aunt speaking to someone behind that door and it is concerning. When his aunt leaves the room and locks it behind her he notices that there is no light under the door and she comes out alone. So what happened to the man behind the voice he heard her speaking to? Unable to resist any longer, after his aunt leaves the house, Nate and his brother enter the room after his brother locates the key in his Aunt's bedroom. They find numerous objects that seem to be from a witch's lair. Some date back to the early settlers who came to New England to start a new life. Back when the witch trials happened.

Is magic actually real? Nate remains skeptical until he picks up something powerful that latches on to him and he is unable to remove it. Not only did he disobey the one thing he was forbidden to do, but now he is faced with a big problem that could get him into even more trouble with his aunt. He must find a way to remove the object and if he cannot, face his aunt to help him. Something wicked is coming and it involves Nate's family and their history in this old New England town.

Something wicked this way comes

I admit that I have a soft spot for anything witch-related, so this book intrigued me immediately. Growing up in New England myself and not far from Salem Massachusetts, the unfortunate witch trials are known by many. Salem during Autumn for those who love the spooky season will find it to be quite bustling and beautiful with the changing foliage. Having the story dive into that history was familiar and it felt like you got a little taste of the fears surrounding that time period while learning how this story started and how it affects these teens in the present day. It also introduced information I was unaware of until listening to this book on witch trials that happened before the infamous ones that happened in Salem that are known worldwide.

It was an interesting take and I enjoyed this story. I found the pace good and enjoyed the flashbacks in time, although the language used when it did was more common now than what would be used in the 1600s. I assume the characters would also have an English accent sounding from England since the people who pilgrimaged to Massachusetts were from various parts of England and their accents would not suddenly change just because they left to settle in the new colonies.

If you read the book rather than listen to it, the accent will not be an issue, but if you expect old English dialect you will not find it. That may have been a deliberate choice made to avoid turning off readers if they are not fans of that old sing-song flowery language which would be understandable. It was just a bit odd to hear common wording without much change in accent since people who came over from various areas of England would certainly have and not morph into a different sound for a very long time.

I look forward to hearing the next book to see what happens to these boys and their new found friends. Hopefully, I will be able to listen to that one as well through NetGalley before it is officially released to the public.






#TheWitchfindersSerpent #NetGalley

[Tim Telesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTICE: I received an Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had my doubts going into this book, especially since it doesn’t fall under my typical flavor of fantasy. However, it proved a rather pleasant surprise. While the book isn’t perfect (few things are, let alone books), the good outweighs the bad by a significant amount, and it was a book I had fun with from start to finish.

My breakdown of the book is below. Some spoilers ahead, but I don’t think they’re anything too serious. Be warned either way.

THINGS I LIKED:
-The main cast was interesting and fun to be around, both heroes and villains; none of them were samey or flat. Huey and Hodge were both standouts for me; I liked the former’s character development throughout the story and the latter was a simple but enjoyable villain posing a legitimate threat.
-The worldbuilding was quite interesting; I especially liked the historical aspects of it. By extension, I felt like the shifts between the past and the present timeline worked pretty well. Both timelines were roughly equal in narrative stakes and quality, so I never felt bored with a timeline or that I just wanted to get to the parts that held my interest.
-While the plot was relatively simple, it stayed entertaining throughout. The pacing felt relatively consistent; there were few (if any) parts that felt rushed or sluggish compared to the rest of the book. Most of its developments felt logical and earned, and even when twists occurred they were plausible and interesting. (There are a few exceptions, which I cover below, although your mileage may vary.)

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
-I didn’t necessarily dislike the magic system in principle: it had interesting lore and theory behind it and the things it enabled felt appropriately magical. However, I was never sure what anyone was capable of at a given time, which was the biggest problem I had with the story. Even if some of the abilities that magic granted the characters were made clear, enough of it went unexplained that I never felt like understood it very well, which is a constant problem when magic is a major driver of both the plot and the worldbuilding.
-The one plot point that never sat right with me concerns the story’s catalyst, which ties in somewhat to the point above. When a protection spell that can ward off evil from a certain area is outright shown to exist, I find it odd that a fragile, incredibly dangerous magical artifact is guarded by little more than a locked door and completely unsecured. Even setting aside potential magical solutions and/or assuming none exist, I feel like an alarm system should have been warranted for the room it was being stored in, or at least a camera. Furthermore, when it’s established that other things in the room are kept behind glass to make them harder to disturb, I find it odd the artifact at the very least didn’t join them, or even be kept in something like a safe.
-+-While I had a few other issues with the plot, none of them broke my immersion or encompassed large chunks of the story, so I won’t list them here.

Please don’t take this review as me disliking the book: I just have an easier time putting words to the things I liked less about something as opposed to the things I liked. It’s still a solid book that I enjoyed reading myself and would recommend to others. In conclusion, I would give this book a solid 4 stars out of 5. I look forward to the sequel and am more than ready to see where the plot goes from here.

[Robin Goodfellow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

The Witchfinder’s Serpent, by Rande Goodwin, is a young adult fantasy about a young man who strives to defend his friends and family against an entity consumed by its own greed. Nate Watson and his younger brother, Marc, move to live with their Aunt Celia after losing their father. Despite his wariness, Nate gradually finds himself becoming more enamored with his new home, making genuine friends along the way while watching over Marc. That changes when one day, he and Marc sneak into a room their Aunt forbade them to go in. Nate gets attacked by a mysterious serpent that latches onto his arm, and breaks a bottle that releases the soul of a witch hunter hellbent on power. Now Nate, alongside his friends and family, must find a way to trap the Witchfinder before he envelops the town in hysteria and blood.

I liked the dynamic that Nate has with his younger brother and Celia. True, there have been stories that preach about the importance of family and community, but have always had the romance at the centerpiece. So you can imagine how much I enjoyed Nate interacting with his friends, how he stuck up for Douglas even though he didn’t have to, how he even walked Marc to school just because it was out of habit. I liked how protective Nate was of his brother and, eventually, Celia. Moreover, Goodwin’s use of Celia’s point of view was a skillful one. As a little girl, she’s lost so much, I could feel her determination to not lose anymore of her family. A lot of stories about witches are about female empowerment, but they also miss the part about having loved ones to back you up. In this case, the family was the backbone of the story, alongside the community surrounding them; in real life, although a lot of covens try to replicate this, they can’t because they’re too isolated, too wrapped up in their pride. This was illustrated with the relationship Alex had with her dad, though I won’t go into any more detail.

Which brings about another theme; those who hunger for power are the most likely to fall to the hysteria. Although Courtney tried appearing like a good person, her being the Shad Queen made her more susceptible to the madness; I mean, for a lifelong dream, it’s not a good feeling when you get fish in your dress. The bullies were the very much the same way, although I suspect the only reason why they didn’t fall like Courtney did was because Huey was reluctant. Then of course, there was the Witchfinder himself, who was devoured by his need for wealth, fame, and power. Despite everything, I don’t even think it’s occurred to him he’s become the very thing he tried to put down so long ago. It makes me want to know about his story, about what pushed him to kill so many innocents. Then again, ironically enough, as the Bible once said, pride comes before destruction.

For now, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Tanya Mcintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book to read and review.

The Witchfinder's serpent was a young adult, historical/supernatural fiction with witches and witchhunters all melded into one fun read. When Nate Watson and his younger brother lose their father, they move to Connecticut to live with their Aunt Celia. The boys are busy adapting to their new life, school, and making friends, but are still curious about their aunt who they had never heard of until after their father passed. One day when their aunt is out of the house, they search the one room they are forbidden to enter where they find a room full of magical artifacts one of which is a serpent bracelet that wraps around his arm and won't come off.

As the boys try to figure out how to remove the bracelet, they are brought into the fantastical world of magic that their Aunt Celia belongs to. Her story involves events that happened with the the hanging of America's first witch, Alse Young. Will Nate and his brother be able to face what is to come?

The Witchfinder's serpent was a fun, supernatural ride that was perfect for a fall read. The story switches between the historical story of Alse Young, her family, and hanging and back to modern day where the story explores how it relates to the story of Nate. The use of actual people and events from history was fascinating and something I only discovered by listening to the author's notes at the end. I actually wished this information came at the start of the book as I was much more invested after learning the true history behind these people and events. The characters themselves were interesting for a young adult book. Nate and his group of friends are the typical teenagers responsible for saving the world. I did enjoy seeing the group of friends develop. Alex, Nate's love interest, was one character that I didn't really connect with much. However, the end of the book surprised me a little and I found myself appreciating her character more. Aunt Celia and Mr. Black were my favorite characters in the story. I enjoyed their story and relationships. Aunt Celia's secretive nature made so much sense after learning her backstory.

Overall, this was a perfect fall read for those in the mood for a supernatural witchy read with some creepy vibes.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Witchfinder's Serpent" by Rande Goodwin is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of witchcraft, magic, and ancient vendettas. The story revolves around fifteen-year-old Nate Watson, who moves to Windsor to live with his mysterious Aunt Celia, unaware of the magical world that awaits him.

Nate's journey of self-discovery takes center stage as he navigates the challenges of a new life in Windsor, making friends and adjusting to a different high school. However, beneath the surface, there's an underlying sense of mystery and intrigue that keeps readers engaged.

The heart of the story lies behind a forbidden, locked door in Aunt Celia's mansion, where Nate stumbles upon a witch's workshop filled with mystical artifacts. This discovery leads to a series of revelations about the town's history, particularly its connection to the Salem witch trials and the enigmatic Alse Young.

The central plot device, the witchfinder's serpent, adds an element of danger and urgency to the narrative. As Nate becomes intertwined with this powerful, demonic bracelet, he must confront not only Aunt Celia's ancestry but also his own. The book skillfully explores the consequences of wielding such magical artifacts and the potential return of a formidable enemy.

Rande Goodwin creates a vivid and immersive world where magic and reality intertwine. The book's pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within its pages. Nate's character development and his quest for understanding make him a relatable and endearing protagonist.

In "The Witchfinder's Serpent," readers will find a blend of adventure, mystery, and fantasy that appeals to young adult and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Rande Goodwin's storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel an enjoyable and enchanting read for those seeking a tale of magic, destiny, and the battle between good and evil.

If you enjoy young adult fantasy with a touch of the supernatural and a strong sense of mystery, "The Witchfinder's Serpent" is a book that should be on your reading list.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Witchfinder’s Serpent
Author: Rande Goodwin

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“Nate is your typical teenager, which I why I liked him so much. There’s nothing more tempting than a forbidden, locked door! It’s like telling a kid not to press a big, red button! ” Girl, aged 15
“I LOVED this novel. I’m a big ‘magic’ fan, so this was right up my street. There’s lots happening on every page, and the second half is packed full of suspense.” Boy, aged 15
“It’s clever how the author has mixed the witch hunts of yesterday with a suspense-filled adventure set today. The witch hunts in Salem was interesting – but went on a bit long. I preferred the parts with Nate and the bracelet. Cool ending too – unpredictable.” Boy, aged 15
“A story of dark magic and witchcraft with an ‘educational’ element to it. I felt the author got the balance right – I learnt a little but, mostly, I was lost in the adventure of Nate and his brother. I’m glad I wasn’t a smart woman back then as I’d probably be burnt for being a witch!” Girl, aged 14

To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced, YA fantasy adventure packed full of suspense. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Amy Linton · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Witchfinder's Serpent, the notorious witch finder from the 1640s, Matthew Hopkins, is the big bad. After staging his own death in England, Hopkins travels to Windsor, Connecticut Colony, and takes up witch-hunting again, but after seeing a piece of actual magick-working, he wants a piece. Meanwhile, young Alice Youngs witnesses her mother executed for being a witch.

Fast forward to modern day, when two orphans (I will not write "plucky" I will not write "plucky") are taken in by their mysterious aunt Celia. The boys make quick friends at Windsor High school, tumble into trouble with bullies, and –– not the least, accidentally cause the release of dastardly witch-hunter Matthew Hopkins, who has been imprisoned in a bottle by their aunt – who turns out to be Alice Youngs, not so young any more.

There is a LOT of plot here, and a ton of interesting/horrifying historical background of witch hunters. It's in some ways a rather old-fashioned kid's fantasy novel, in the tradition of Nancy Garden's Fours Crossing, and Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising series, with youngsters tasked with saving the world, but having adult supervision most of the time. Though there's some salty language and gruesome gore, the novel feels as if it could adapt into a kid's movie Walt Disney could approve.

It's the first of a series, which might explain why the story felt at times bogged down in exposition-in-narrative. It's what screenwriters might call "info dumping," and I found myself skipping over the pages of lecture-speech.

That being said, it's good information the adult is imparting, but I'd like it better were it a bit more subtle. Thanks NetGalley and Greenleaf Books for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.

[Shaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rande Goodwin for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC audiobook for The Witchfinder’s Serpent coming out September 12, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

15 year-old Nate Watson has to move to Windsor to live with his mysterious Aunt Celia. While Nate focuses on building a new life for himself and his younger brother, making new friends and adjusting to a new high school, he can't escape the feeling that something is off in his new home.

Nate's search for answers leads him to a forbidden, locked door in Aunt Celia's mansion. Inside, he finds a witch’s workshop full of mystical artifacts, some dating back to the time of the earliest Puritan settlers. It's no coincidence that Nate is now living in the very same town where, forty-five years before the Salem witch trials, Alse Young was hanged as America's first witch.

Could magick be real? Nate is skeptical until he picks up the witchfinder’s serpent--a powerful, demonic bracelet that wraps itself around his arm and permanently digs into his flesh. Now Nate must confront the truth about Aunt Celia's unlikely ancestry--as well as his own. And with her help, he must find a way to remove the bracelet before the serpent's previous owner returns--an ancient and powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to get it back.

This is the first book I’ve listened to by this author. I’ve always been fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials, so I was excited to check it out. I thought this was an interesting plot. It was a good YA book. I thought Aunt Celia was an interesting character. Overall, it was fun to listen to, but I think it’s more geared toward a younger demographic.

[DeDe · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the death of his father, Nate Watson and his younger brother move to Windsor, CT to live with a relative they hardly know. Their curiousity is piqued when their Aunt Celia immediately declares a locked room to be off-limits, leading to their discovery of the witchfinder's serpent, which is an old relic with a dark past. Rooted in the premise that Matthew Hopkins (aka Hodge) - the Witchfinder General - lives on as a witch, it packs a nice little punch.

The writing style and narration were excellent as an audiobook. Although the story began with Nate in 2019, it felt primarily like a historical-fiction novella blended with magical realism because many of the modern scenes were centered on the fictionalized history of 1647, which I didn't find necessary with Nate as the main character. Perhaps if Celia had been the main character, the large chunk of the book set in 1647 would have mingled much better.

Overall, I loved the concept but Allie and Hodge were at the heart of both timelines and, while they connected with Nate as backstory to Celia and the serpent, the extent to which the events of 2019 and 1647 were intertwined didn't flow organically. Getting immersed was challenging up until chapter 5 because it alternated back and forth between 2019 and 1647 every other chapter before I really got settled onto Nate as the main character in the beginning.

I addressed this by going back to the beginning, bookmarking chapters 2 and 4, then listening to them after I finished with chapter 7. This flowed much better. In doing this, there was one little jewel that shined bright, which was the description of the fireflies coming to Alse at her low moment. It was so magical that it instantly transported me to that moment in time. More, more, more of that, please!

[nour ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

I received this arc from Netgalley and I’m just going to copy and paste my review from Netgalley on to here. 😭
This book reminded me of the TV shows from the early 2000s where all the cliche story plots were held for the main character: the main character changes towns and schools, his life changes 360 degrees because he gets involved with the supernatural, the main character gets to be the chosen one, he tries to survive high school and its bullies, the main character's best friend is always the smart one who hits the library to research about the supernatural phenomenons and help the main character, and this book even has the iconic "whatever you do, you CANNOT enter this room, you can enter any rooms in this house except for this one. It is off-limits" plotline, and don't get me wrong. I don't hate these cliches but in this story specifically, I felt like the target audience would definitely suit middle-schoolers and maybe even high schoolers rather than adults.
I love reading from the young adults category but this one wasn't entirely for me. You can definitely notice some flaws in the writing and some scenes that younger audiences would brush off or wouldn't notice too well. I feel like I personally would have enjoyed this book more if I read it instead of listening to the audiobook since I wasn't a big fan of this audiobook.
On the other hand, I would like to say that I liked the scene with the grandma and it definitely had me engaged while reading.