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Shadow Chronicles #1
The Winter Witch
Fledgling witch Morgana must defend her love, her home, and her life in this enthralling tale perfect for fans of Discovery of Witches
In her small early nineteenth century Welsh town, there is no one quite like Morgana, who has not spoken since she was a young girl. Her silence is a mystery, as well as her magic. Concerned for her safety, her mother is anxious to see her married, and Cai Jenkins, a widower from the far hills, seems the best choice.
After her wedding, Morgana is heartbroken at leaving her mother, and wary of this man, whom she does not know, and who will take her away to begin a new life. But she soon falls in love with Cai’s farm and the wild mountains that surround it. Cai works to understand the beautiful, half-tamed creature he has chosen for a bride, and slowly, he begins to win Morgana’s affections. It’s not long, however, before her strangeness begins to be remarked upon in her new village. A dark force is at work there—a person who will stop at nothing to turn the townspeople against Morgana. Forced to defend her home, her man, and herself, Morgana must learn to harness her power, or she will lose everything.
In her small early nineteenth century Welsh town, there is no one quite like Morgana, who has not spoken since she was a young girl. Her silence is a mystery, as well as her magic. Concerned for her safety, her mother is anxious to see her married, and Cai Jenkins, a widower from the far hills, seems the best choice.
After her wedding, Morgana is heartbroken at leaving her mother, and wary of this man, whom she does not know, and who will take her away to begin a new life. But she soon falls in love with Cai’s farm and the wild mountains that surround it. Cai works to understand the beautiful, half-tamed creature he has chosen for a bride, and slowly, he begins to win Morgana’s affections. It’s not long, however, before her strangeness begins to be remarked upon in her new village. A dark force is at work there—a person who will stop at nothing to turn the townspeople against Morgana. Forced to defend her home, her man, and herself, Morgana must learn to harness her power, or she will lose everything.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2013
1592 people are currently reading
22668 people want to read
About the author
Paula Brackston
26 books5,266 followersPaula Brackston (aka PJ Brackston)is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter, The Winter Witch, and The Midnight Witch(2014).
Paula has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and is a Visiting Lecturer for the University of Wales, Newport. In 2007 Paula was short listed in the Creme de la Crime search for new writers. In 2010 her book 'Nutters' (writing as PJ Davy) was short listed for the Mind Book Award, and she was selected by the BBC under their New Welsh Writers scheme.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulaBracks...
Paula lives in Wales with her partner and their two children.
Paula has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and is a Visiting Lecturer for the University of Wales, Newport. In 2007 Paula was short listed in the Creme de la Crime search for new writers. In 2010 her book 'Nutters' (writing as PJ Davy) was short listed for the Mind Book Award, and she was selected by the BBC under their New Welsh Writers scheme.
https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulaBracks...
Paula lives in Wales with her partner and their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,491 reviews
February 24, 2013
I am of various minds about this book. The Winter Witch tells the tale of Morgana, a girl who hasn't spoken for years, being married off to Cai, a widower who needs a wife because his job requires he have one. You have a supernatural flair as Morgana is a witch (though magic not something she can control so easily), and a fairly somber tone throughout the entire book as Morgana discovers enemies and circles around Cai warily.
First off, the book is both in first person (through Morgana's POV) and third person (a more omniscient one, though it centers mostly around Cai). I have never ever liked this (I hardly like POV switches, but I particularly dislike switching from third person to first and vice versa). Your mileage may vary, of course, it makes me think the story is messier than it actually is.
While pretty and holding my attention in the beginning, I rapidly lost interest as the story progressed. There is something about doom and gloom and misunderstandings that never seem to lighten that just makes me wander away. You get brief flashes of Cai and Morgana getting along with one another, but that lasts for scarcely a page before BAM, more misunderstandings and hurt feelings and back to both of them angsting over the other. Yeahhhh no.
You get a series of misfortune that just come one after another, and while you think that maybe Morgana can do something about any of it--no, sorry, nothing. At least she's defiant in the face of her enemies, but other than that she doesn't amount to much until the end of the book (and, in my opinion, that still doesn't amount to much, for all that she can do).
The characters themselves weren't too awful, but they brought nothing new to the table. Beyond that, I was rather bored--Morgana and Cai kept doing their push/pull thing, the antagonist was very consistently awful--I just expected a little more and didn't get it.
Maybe I just wanted to read a different sort of book. The ending felt anticlimactic. It had a very distinct and so life goes on and everything is pretty much wrapped in a little bow. I wanted to feel for the characters, but mostly I was thinking that it's a little bit cold in my house and, oh, what should I do tomorrow? In other words, it never grabbed onto my attention, I was never fully sucked into the world (because I can read slow books! Just not boring ones. There is a difference). All in all, 2 stars.
First off, the book is both in first person (through Morgana's POV) and third person (a more omniscient one, though it centers mostly around Cai). I have never ever liked this (I hardly like POV switches, but I particularly dislike switching from third person to first and vice versa). Your mileage may vary, of course, it makes me think the story is messier than it actually is.
While pretty and holding my attention in the beginning, I rapidly lost interest as the story progressed. There is something about doom and gloom and misunderstandings that never seem to lighten that just makes me wander away. You get brief flashes of Cai and Morgana getting along with one another, but that lasts for scarcely a page before BAM, more misunderstandings and hurt feelings and back to both of them angsting over the other. Yeahhhh no.
You get a series of misfortune that just come one after another, and while you think that maybe Morgana can do something about any of it--no, sorry, nothing. At least she's defiant in the face of her enemies, but other than that she doesn't amount to much until the end of the book (and, in my opinion, that still doesn't amount to much, for all that she can do).
The characters themselves weren't too awful, but they brought nothing new to the table. Beyond that, I was rather bored--Morgana and Cai kept doing their push/pull thing, the antagonist was very consistently awful--I just expected a little more and didn't get it.
Maybe I just wanted to read a different sort of book. The ending felt anticlimactic. It had a very distinct and so life goes on and everything is pretty much wrapped in a little bow. I wanted to feel for the characters, but mostly I was thinking that it's a little bit cold in my house and, oh, what should I do tomorrow? In other words, it never grabbed onto my attention, I was never fully sucked into the world (because I can read slow books! Just not boring ones. There is a difference). All in all, 2 stars.
February 6, 2013
Gah. I had hopes for this book given that the Witch's Daughter was tolerably decent, but unless you just like to be depressed, anxious, and, frankly, bored, don't bother with this one. Nothing happened until 98% of the way through. Just injustice heaped upon injustice wrapped in dread and covered with tedium. Her tagline, which appeared frequently toward the end, "It will not do. Really, it will not," would have been far more effective had these words preceded action in any way, shape, or form. Pretty much just glad to be done with this.
December 16, 2013
The Winter Witch is the second witch-themed novel by Paula Brackston (her first was The Witches’ Daughter, published in 2009), but if you’re worried about them being connected, rest assured, they are both standalones. I myself haven’t read The Midnight’s Daughter, but that didn’t stop me from becoming fully immersed in Morgana and Cai’s story. If anything, I was pleased to know that I have more of Brackston’s magic waiting for me in the future, be it The Witch’s Daughter, or her upcoming novel, The Midnight Witch.
Although I read many fabulous books every year, rarely do I come across this level of quality in writing. Paula Blackstone writes boldly and confidently, and she’s done her homework well. Through her choice of words, her sentence structure and the elegance she infused in every sentence, she brought to life the unique setting and our two unforgettable characters. I am inclined to agree with The Guardian: The Winter Witch is worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as the Brontë sisters.
Imagine the mountains of Wales in 1830. Life is fairly simple, people are devout and very supersticious, marriages are arranged and lives are cheap. People get born and die with very little fuss. Try to imagine the wonderful nature, the horses and other animals, rivers and wells. Truth be told, with Paula Brackston, you won’t have to try very hard – she offers it all so easily – all one has to do is relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
When you add to that the audacity it took to write a protagonist who doesn’t speak, you’ll realize that Brackston is an awe-inspiring author. Morgana doesn’t utter a single word in this novel, and yet she communicates so loudly with her new husband and their lovely housekeeper. Cai takes her silence for granted and doesn’t hold it against her, especially once he realizes how it came about, but the rest of his small town isn’t so accepting. Morgana is used to glances of derision from her neighbors, but Cai, unaccustomed to such treatment and fairly idealistic, doesn’t handle it very well.
For all his kindness and mild temper, Cai was frustratingly oblivious at times. I wished to see him fight more bravely for Morgana, even though he never truly turned his back on her. What he did to defend her was endearing, but at times painfully insufficient. Nevertheless, I found their romance extremely believable and Cai a gentle, wonderful character, with mind and heart open and ready to accept the strangeness and wild nature of a witch.
The plot here is fairly straightforward, with the villain clear from the very beginning. It’s not a mystery, but rather a story about the slow building of trust between two people who are essentially strangers, even if they are new spouses. There is something magical about their journey, an unidentifiable quality that makes The Winter Witch a truly outstanding read.
Although I read many fabulous books every year, rarely do I come across this level of quality in writing. Paula Blackstone writes boldly and confidently, and she’s done her homework well. Through her choice of words, her sentence structure and the elegance she infused in every sentence, she brought to life the unique setting and our two unforgettable characters. I am inclined to agree with The Guardian: The Winter Witch is worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as the Brontë sisters.
Imagine the mountains of Wales in 1830. Life is fairly simple, people are devout and very supersticious, marriages are arranged and lives are cheap. People get born and die with very little fuss. Try to imagine the wonderful nature, the horses and other animals, rivers and wells. Truth be told, with Paula Brackston, you won’t have to try very hard – she offers it all so easily – all one has to do is relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
When you add to that the audacity it took to write a protagonist who doesn’t speak, you’ll realize that Brackston is an awe-inspiring author. Morgana doesn’t utter a single word in this novel, and yet she communicates so loudly with her new husband and their lovely housekeeper. Cai takes her silence for granted and doesn’t hold it against her, especially once he realizes how it came about, but the rest of his small town isn’t so accepting. Morgana is used to glances of derision from her neighbors, but Cai, unaccustomed to such treatment and fairly idealistic, doesn’t handle it very well.
For all his kindness and mild temper, Cai was frustratingly oblivious at times. I wished to see him fight more bravely for Morgana, even though he never truly turned his back on her. What he did to defend her was endearing, but at times painfully insufficient. Nevertheless, I found their romance extremely believable and Cai a gentle, wonderful character, with mind and heart open and ready to accept the strangeness and wild nature of a witch.
The plot here is fairly straightforward, with the villain clear from the very beginning. It’s not a mystery, but rather a story about the slow building of trust between two people who are essentially strangers, even if they are new spouses. There is something magical about their journey, an unidentifiable quality that makes The Winter Witch a truly outstanding read.
September 20, 2013
Witches are one of my favourite subjects in books because there are so many different variations of how they are written so I was really looking forward to The Winter Witch.
To start with, The Winter Witch is told from a very strange point of view. Part of the story is told in the first person through Morgana but then also in the third person at times, which is mostly when the story surrounds Cai. I have to be honest and say I absolutely hated this. I found it very confusing for the narrative to change so often and I just couldn’t get on with this way of the story being told. I would have much preferred for either one or the other to have been picked and for the author to have stuck with that throughout.
I really enjoyed the beginning of The Winter Witch. Morgana is a woman with many secrets and she has a great air of mystery surrounding her. She hasn’t spoken a word since she was a child and no one really understands why. She hides away when things bother her and she’s only really got a friend in her mother. But, that all changes when her mother attempts to hide Morgana’s secrets by marrying her off to a stranger called Cai, believing that it is in her best interests. What really intrigued me was what Morgana could have possibly done to make her mother want to send her away.
So not only did I get to learn of Morgana to start with, but also of what the book may bring. As soon as she is married to Cai, Morgana must start a new life in a strange place with a strange man. They know nothing about each other and it’s not as though they can even have a normal conversation. I really enjoyed watching Morgana and Cai’s thoughts about each other change over time but I do wish there had been more in-depth interaction between the two. It appeared that although they didn’t really spend much quality time together, their feelings for each other still deepened. I wanted more between the married couple and to see more of them together.
Unfortunately, after the beginning, I began to lose interest very quickly. The Winter Witch is quite drawn out and there wasn’t a lot to keep my interest. Morgana’s getting to know herself and her magic was a long time coming and by that point, I felt very disconnected from both her and Cai. I do think this was partly due to the plot not giving them enough time together though and this could have been something easily rectified. Obviously, being a story about a witch, I was expecting more magic from the beginning and this wasn’t something I got either. The magic aspect of the book was extremely slow and I wanted to know more instead of being kept guessing for so long.
The Winter Witch had a great load of potential but it just didn’t live up to expectations for me. I got quite bored after the first third or so and found myself not caring at all about what would happen in either the plot, or to the characters.
To start with, The Winter Witch is told from a very strange point of view. Part of the story is told in the first person through Morgana but then also in the third person at times, which is mostly when the story surrounds Cai. I have to be honest and say I absolutely hated this. I found it very confusing for the narrative to change so often and I just couldn’t get on with this way of the story being told. I would have much preferred for either one or the other to have been picked and for the author to have stuck with that throughout.
I really enjoyed the beginning of The Winter Witch. Morgana is a woman with many secrets and she has a great air of mystery surrounding her. She hasn’t spoken a word since she was a child and no one really understands why. She hides away when things bother her and she’s only really got a friend in her mother. But, that all changes when her mother attempts to hide Morgana’s secrets by marrying her off to a stranger called Cai, believing that it is in her best interests. What really intrigued me was what Morgana could have possibly done to make her mother want to send her away.
So not only did I get to learn of Morgana to start with, but also of what the book may bring. As soon as she is married to Cai, Morgana must start a new life in a strange place with a strange man. They know nothing about each other and it’s not as though they can even have a normal conversation. I really enjoyed watching Morgana and Cai’s thoughts about each other change over time but I do wish there had been more in-depth interaction between the two. It appeared that although they didn’t really spend much quality time together, their feelings for each other still deepened. I wanted more between the married couple and to see more of them together.
Unfortunately, after the beginning, I began to lose interest very quickly. The Winter Witch is quite drawn out and there wasn’t a lot to keep my interest. Morgana’s getting to know herself and her magic was a long time coming and by that point, I felt very disconnected from both her and Cai. I do think this was partly due to the plot not giving them enough time together though and this could have been something easily rectified. Obviously, being a story about a witch, I was expecting more magic from the beginning and this wasn’t something I got either. The magic aspect of the book was extremely slow and I wanted to know more instead of being kept guessing for so long.
The Winter Witch had a great load of potential but it just didn’t live up to expectations for me. I got quite bored after the first third or so and found myself not caring at all about what would happen in either the plot, or to the characters.
February 6, 2018
It will not do. Really, it will not.
Well, it certainly didn't do for me because I had to struggle to finish this.
1.5 ⭐ because I stuck to it and didn't DNF
Well, it certainly didn't do for me because I had to struggle to finish this.
1.5 ⭐ because I stuck to it and didn't DNF
July 20, 2018
I enjoyed this. A little predictable, but the Welsh words and descriptions of the country made the day of reading a good one. Wales and witches always put me in mind of Stevie Nicks... A nice combination. I usually do not want a Hollywood ending, that said, I liked Cai and Morgana so much that despite other losses I wanted to see them happy.
I look forward to all the rest of Paula's books... And P.J.'s also.
I look forward to all the rest of Paula's books... And P.J.'s also.
January 29, 2013
In this sensitively written novel, Morgana, a wild girl who went mute upon the disappearance of her gypsy father, must marry a man she hardly knows and learn to fit into the social fabric of his Welsh town. Cai, the man in question, must take a wife in order to become the porthmon, the leader of the yearly drove of cattle to London and the most powerful man in town. But we quickly find that, in spite of his continued love for his previous wife, who passed away in childbirth, Cai harbors a deep affection for Morgana that quickly turns to love.
The chapters alternate, beginning with Morgana's perspective in first person. This is a smart move on the author's part, because Morgana's silence makes observing her from the outside a little too enigmatic without these chapters of insight into why she does what she does. The other perspective is Cai's, in a limited omniscient third person. This way, the reader doesn't sympathize as closely with him as with Morgana, but still fully understands his thinking. I was skeptical about the approach, but Brackston pulls it off, and I now see that the romance would have been one-sided and disappointing without it. Because we now that their love is genuine, we can root for Cai and Morgana as the united front they present.
The story begins slowly, carefully inducting the reader into the unusual world of nineteenth-century Welsh cattle drovers (I know I'd never read about them before) and the beloved landscape the animals and people occupy together. It also plants the seeds that will grow into something of a mystery by the first quarter of the book, and by the middle, the reader knows that all is not what it seems in this town. Heart-wrenching tragedies begin to happen, and the pace picks up significantly during the cattle drove, in which Morgana is more helpful than any civilized wife would be, but also falls victim to witchcraft more powerful than her own and much more evil. The novel ends with a fast-paced epic battle between the two witches that hardly lets up until almost the last page. We can tell when Morgana is about to let her witchiness show because she isn't easily provoked. When she is, she prefaces her drastic actions with the delicious opinion of what her tormentors are doing to her: "It will not do. Really, it will not."
The Winter Witch is a thoroughly enjoyable romantic escapade. The historical context and characters are developed so well that when the fantasy elements appeared, I was convinced that that's the way it must really have happened. Highly recommended.
The chapters alternate, beginning with Morgana's perspective in first person. This is a smart move on the author's part, because Morgana's silence makes observing her from the outside a little too enigmatic without these chapters of insight into why she does what she does. The other perspective is Cai's, in a limited omniscient third person. This way, the reader doesn't sympathize as closely with him as with Morgana, but still fully understands his thinking. I was skeptical about the approach, but Brackston pulls it off, and I now see that the romance would have been one-sided and disappointing without it. Because we now that their love is genuine, we can root for Cai and Morgana as the united front they present.
The story begins slowly, carefully inducting the reader into the unusual world of nineteenth-century Welsh cattle drovers (I know I'd never read about them before) and the beloved landscape the animals and people occupy together. It also plants the seeds that will grow into something of a mystery by the first quarter of the book, and by the middle, the reader knows that all is not what it seems in this town. Heart-wrenching tragedies begin to happen, and the pace picks up significantly during the cattle drove, in which Morgana is more helpful than any civilized wife would be, but also falls victim to witchcraft more powerful than her own and much more evil. The novel ends with a fast-paced epic battle between the two witches that hardly lets up until almost the last page. We can tell when Morgana is about to let her witchiness show because she isn't easily provoked. When she is, she prefaces her drastic actions with the delicious opinion of what her tormentors are doing to her: "It will not do. Really, it will not."
The Winter Witch is a thoroughly enjoyable romantic escapade. The historical context and characters are developed so well that when the fantasy elements appeared, I was convinced that that's the way it must really have happened. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2013
This book is absolutely wonderful. From the moment I picked it up, I could not put it down. The author’s meticulous attention to detail transports you back to 19th century Wales, painting a beautiful, breathtaking picture. She introduces you to Morgana, a mute witch who conveys far more through expression and actions than she ever could in words. After losing her father, Morgana’s mother worries for her, and arranges a marriage between Morgana and Cai, the most powerful man in town. Reluctant at first, Morgana slowly becomes accustomed to her new life, slowly but surely becoming fond of her new home, and of Cai.
As time goes on, Morgana and Cai begin to develop deep feelings for one another. Their romance is even more touching than most, as it proves that words are just words, and even the smallest of gestures can have the power to convey just how much you love and care for someone. The idea for this goes beyond romantic, and was one of my absolute favorite things about this story.
Mixed in with the romance, is a thrilling mystery, as Morgana and Cai find themselves fighting the evils of another witch to save their home, their land, and each other. Exciting, sweet and brilliantly written, this book is one of my favorites of the year so far. I would recommend this to anyone who believes themselves a true romantic at heart.
Reviewed by Marie for Cocktails and Books
As time goes on, Morgana and Cai begin to develop deep feelings for one another. Their romance is even more touching than most, as it proves that words are just words, and even the smallest of gestures can have the power to convey just how much you love and care for someone. The idea for this goes beyond romantic, and was one of my absolute favorite things about this story.
Mixed in with the romance, is a thrilling mystery, as Morgana and Cai find themselves fighting the evils of another witch to save their home, their land, and each other. Exciting, sweet and brilliantly written, this book is one of my favorites of the year so far. I would recommend this to anyone who believes themselves a true romantic at heart.
Reviewed by Marie for Cocktails and Books
May 30, 2014
I read this because of the cover...so lovely! The story had potential, but ehhhhh, not so much. Let me tell you something, if I were a witch with potent powers, you better believe I'd be witching it up every chance I got. I just felt like saying, "Come on girl, use your powers! Save the cows, save your man, kill the witch!" So, it's with great shame that I'll admit I'd skipped to the last three pages and, guess what, I didn't miss a thing.
October 13, 2021
I read this for the witches (it’s October, after all) but I found myself more fascinated by the life of drovers in Wales during the 19th century.
December 2, 2012
Paula Brackston has spun a vivid and absorbing tale that captivated me from start to finish. I loved this book.
This is a novel that encompasses fantasy, romance, and suspense and combines them to create a very absorbing story. The female protagonist, Morgana, is a wonderfully penned character that I felt an immediate attachment to. Her speechlessness means that words do not define her, her actions do, and this was a thought-provoking concept. At times there was much frustration on Morgana's part because of her silence, but at other times the author gave me the distinct impression that Morgana's lack of words actually produced more beneficial results. It made me think that sometimes people speak so many words, when often few or no words would have sufficed.
The romantic aspect of this tale was also cleverly crafted. This is a story of two people who come to love one another with time, as opposed to falling in love at first sight. In many ways this made it all the more substantial when they each began to realise their feelings for one another. Their romance is one I would consider to be more subtle and peaceful in nature, one built upon mutual trust and appreciation, rather than out-and-out lust or desire. The desire came later, and it was portrayed in such a way that it added to the story rather than being written in just for the sake of it.
The descriptions of the Welsh countryside in this book were transcendent. Ms Brackston has a remarkable way with words. She is able to portray the sights and smells of the scenery without having to rely on extensive description. I felt myself become absorbed in the natural world that Morgana loved so well, and because of this it was easier to understand the magic that was inherent within her. Although the genre of this book is fastasy, and shouldn't be picked up by one who doesn't enjoy magical tales, the fantastical side of it isn't so much that you are overwhelmed by it. Rather it is used to spin an enchanting tale set in a world that is ours, but in a time that isn't.
This is a novel that encompasses fantasy, romance, and suspense and combines them to create a very absorbing story. The female protagonist, Morgana, is a wonderfully penned character that I felt an immediate attachment to. Her speechlessness means that words do not define her, her actions do, and this was a thought-provoking concept. At times there was much frustration on Morgana's part because of her silence, but at other times the author gave me the distinct impression that Morgana's lack of words actually produced more beneficial results. It made me think that sometimes people speak so many words, when often few or no words would have sufficed.
The romantic aspect of this tale was also cleverly crafted. This is a story of two people who come to love one another with time, as opposed to falling in love at first sight. In many ways this made it all the more substantial when they each began to realise their feelings for one another. Their romance is one I would consider to be more subtle and peaceful in nature, one built upon mutual trust and appreciation, rather than out-and-out lust or desire. The desire came later, and it was portrayed in such a way that it added to the story rather than being written in just for the sake of it.
The descriptions of the Welsh countryside in this book were transcendent. Ms Brackston has a remarkable way with words. She is able to portray the sights and smells of the scenery without having to rely on extensive description. I felt myself become absorbed in the natural world that Morgana loved so well, and because of this it was easier to understand the magic that was inherent within her. Although the genre of this book is fastasy, and shouldn't be picked up by one who doesn't enjoy magical tales, the fantastical side of it isn't so much that you are overwhelmed by it. Rather it is used to spin an enchanting tale set in a world that is ours, but in a time that isn't.
April 14, 2024
I think I have found another fav author to add to my list.
This being the first book I have read by Paula Brackston I was very pleasantly surprised to be immersed in this moreish story.
This has the feel of a slow burn and I ended up reading this in the evenings as a wind down book. Even though it has some very tense chapters!!
This to me has a small feel of a Welsh sunset song. Beautiful.
The characters are spot on and the main character Morgana is a true strong and independent spirit that I loved to read more about and find her progress.
The details in the setting and world building had me thinking I was there with them, dealing with the elements and the harshness of the surrounding winter.
This kept me intrigued the whole way through and I didn't want it to end. It was calming, suspenseful, and sweet. It's a little rollercoaster of emotions book.
A very heartfelt story which was a pleasure to read.
This being the first book I have read by Paula Brackston I was very pleasantly surprised to be immersed in this moreish story.
This has the feel of a slow burn and I ended up reading this in the evenings as a wind down book. Even though it has some very tense chapters!!
This to me has a small feel of a Welsh sunset song. Beautiful.
The characters are spot on and the main character Morgana is a true strong and independent spirit that I loved to read more about and find her progress.
The details in the setting and world building had me thinking I was there with them, dealing with the elements and the harshness of the surrounding winter.
This kept me intrigued the whole way through and I didn't want it to end. It was calming, suspenseful, and sweet. It's a little rollercoaster of emotions book.
A very heartfelt story which was a pleasure to read.
November 28, 2012
I was under the initial impression that The Winter Witch would be a different sort of novel than the one I read - which is a historical romance novel about a Welsh witch. Nothing wrong with the latter genre, but it's jarring to switch expectations in the midst of reading.
Basically, the plot line of The Winter Witch follows a formula romance with a marriage of convenience, similar to a Western rancher picking a wife for status purposes. However, in this case, the ranch is in Wales. Further, the plot is influenced by his young bride's hidden and untapped powers as a witch and supernatural forces, both good and malevolent, complicating their growing love for one another.
The rancher (or drover) should have suspected his mute (yes, she has no voice but clearly displayed a fiery spirit beneath her fetching exterior) bride's hidden nature because her name is Morgana Rhiannon. Dead giveaway for Welsh witchery and some horsey skills coming into play later on.
Morgana's muteness was puzzling to me as it was never sufficiently explained. It seemed more of a device to complicate the plot because she could never sufficiently communicate or explain herself; although Morgana can read very well, she can barely write. I also had a problem with Morgana's personality. She was described as "the wild one" - free-spirited, independent, proto-feminist. However, her wild temper and seeming lack of common sense cause some of the negativity that surrounds her. I suppose if she had a voice she would get in even more trouble. At times, it was hard to sympathize with her being misunderstood when some of her troubles could have been easily avoided.
The villain in the story is easily spotted and way over the top. [SPOILER] I have no problem with that but one plot hole that I couldn't get over was it was quite obvious that she would do whatever it takes to get what she wanted and seemed to have considerable powers of her own to do so. But why did she wait until the drover got himself a new wife before making her move instead of lying low for 2 years? Never really explained. [END OF SPOILER]
Basically, the plot line of The Winter Witch follows a formula romance with a marriage of convenience, similar to a Western rancher picking a wife for status purposes. However, in this case, the ranch is in Wales. Further, the plot is influenced by his young bride's hidden and untapped powers as a witch and supernatural forces, both good and malevolent, complicating their growing love for one another.
The rancher (or drover) should have suspected his mute (yes, she has no voice but clearly displayed a fiery spirit beneath her fetching exterior) bride's hidden nature because her name is Morgana Rhiannon. Dead giveaway for Welsh witchery and some horsey skills coming into play later on.
Morgana's muteness was puzzling to me as it was never sufficiently explained. It seemed more of a device to complicate the plot because she could never sufficiently communicate or explain herself; although Morgana can read very well, she can barely write. I also had a problem with Morgana's personality. She was described as "the wild one" - free-spirited, independent, proto-feminist. However, her wild temper and seeming lack of common sense cause some of the negativity that surrounds her. I suppose if she had a voice she would get in even more trouble. At times, it was hard to sympathize with her being misunderstood when some of her troubles could have been easily avoided.
The villain in the story is easily spotted and way over the top. [SPOILER] I have no problem with that but one plot hole that I couldn't get over was it was quite obvious that she would do whatever it takes to get what she wanted and seemed to have considerable powers of her own to do so. But why did she wait until the drover got himself a new wife before making her move instead of lying low for 2 years? Never really explained. [END OF SPOILER]
May 12, 2014
"The Winter Witch" is the story of Morgana, a young witch, that has lost her voice. She is married off to Cai, a man who is not really sure what to make of his new wife. She seems fiery and he is a little thrown off by her at first. Eventually they work well together and begin to fall in love with each other. Set in Wales, this is a good historical fiction tale with a bit of magical realism thrown in for good measure.
I enjoyed seeing how Cai and Morgana begin to build a life together. They don't seem to get along at first but eventually they are able to form a really nice relationship together. I loved reading about their life in their small Welsh town.
I loved the aspects of magical realism in this book and how Brackston was able to normalize Morgana's power so that they felt really well. I also loved how the characters were written. This book would be a great pick for anyone who is looking for a good historical fiction with some magical realism thrown in for good measure.
I enjoyed seeing how Cai and Morgana begin to build a life together. They don't seem to get along at first but eventually they are able to form a really nice relationship together. I loved reading about their life in their small Welsh town.
I loved the aspects of magical realism in this book and how Brackston was able to normalize Morgana's power so that they felt really well. I also loved how the characters were written. This book would be a great pick for anyone who is looking for a good historical fiction with some magical realism thrown in for good measure.
April 2, 2013
I love books about witches. I've read a ton.
This has got to the most infuriating book ever. A few spoilers here...we never learn why Morgana chooses not to talk. I suspect it has something to do with her dad, a warlock himself, but it's never clear. There were so many times that Morgana could have gotten the strength to save herself and her husband, but she chooses to "wait". Because she refuses to talk, her husband loses his livestock! Even before we get to her understanding her powers, it's infuriating to hear how she refuses to take care of her husband in the most childish, annoying way. I wanted to like her, but I didn't and kinda blame her for her housekeeper's death. The one person that understood her and could help her! She being a hedge witch herself. Then the author has the nerve to try and wrap everything up in a little bow at the end. I thought that Paula Brackston wanted us to be frustrated to be involved, but I've just never a book with a main character whose every choice or lack of choice was so annoying.
This has got to the most infuriating book ever. A few spoilers here...we never learn why Morgana chooses not to talk. I suspect it has something to do with her dad, a warlock himself, but it's never clear. There were so many times that Morgana could have gotten the strength to save herself and her husband, but she chooses to "wait". Because she refuses to talk, her husband loses his livestock! Even before we get to her understanding her powers, it's infuriating to hear how she refuses to take care of her husband in the most childish, annoying way. I wanted to like her, but I didn't and kinda blame her for her housekeeper's death. The one person that understood her and could help her! She being a hedge witch herself. Then the author has the nerve to try and wrap everything up in a little bow at the end. I thought that Paula Brackston wanted us to be frustrated to be involved, but I've just never a book with a main character whose every choice or lack of choice was so annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2014
3 stars - It was good.
There is a distinct difference between slow books and boring books, namely that I can enjoy a slow story but cannot suffer a boring one. This one was slow, but not boring. I enjoyed the author's way with words and the atmospheric feel of the novel, but it was not what I was expecting. This has a fairytale-esque, Disney for adults feel, which is nice sometimes, but generally is too sweet for my personal tastes.
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Favorite Quote: If you are not able to travel, he told me, the next best thing is to read. Read all you can, girl. And store up that knowledge, for you never know when you will need it.
First Sentence: Does the spider consider herself beautiful?
There is a distinct difference between slow books and boring books, namely that I can enjoy a slow story but cannot suffer a boring one. This one was slow, but not boring. I enjoyed the author's way with words and the atmospheric feel of the novel, but it was not what I was expecting. This has a fairytale-esque, Disney for adults feel, which is nice sometimes, but generally is too sweet for my personal tastes.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: If you are not able to travel, he told me, the next best thing is to read. Read all you can, girl. And store up that knowledge, for you never know when you will need it.
First Sentence: Does the spider consider herself beautiful?
July 3, 2015
I tried to like this book. I really enjoyed The Witch's Daughter by the same author.
This was just SO SLOW and I didn't feel attached to the main characters. Morgana's muteness was frustrating rather than something for her to overcome. Cai's aloofness just made him feel less enjoyable to me as a reader.
And then when the action starts, it just takes off! Many things happen in a short amount of time and I felt like the author and the characters were both just racing to get the book done.
I liked the Welsh words, and I enjoyed the time period, but the magic and the main characters weren't engaging enough for me to really enjoy the book.
This was just SO SLOW and I didn't feel attached to the main characters. Morgana's muteness was frustrating rather than something for her to overcome. Cai's aloofness just made him feel less enjoyable to me as a reader.
And then when the action starts, it just takes off! Many things happen in a short amount of time and I felt like the author and the characters were both just racing to get the book done.
I liked the Welsh words, and I enjoyed the time period, but the magic and the main characters weren't engaging enough for me to really enjoy the book.
May 12, 2015
Wonderfully well-written and beautifully researched, this is a story of witchcraft in 19th century Wales that features a feisty young heroine, (who's also a good witch) an adorable rugged cattle rancher, and the most sinister and seductive evil witch ever!
This was both one of the most satisfying and the most frustrating books I've read in a long time. The things that work are really wonderful. A beautiful love story, beautiful scenery, nature descriptions, fascinating details about Wales and the countryside.
On the other hand, there were a lot of things that just didn't work. Characters are either ridiculously sweet and good, (like Mrs. Jones, or Cai the husband) or over-the-top evil and stupid, like the vicious "bad" witch and the nasty Christian minister.
****
SPOILERS AHEAD
****
The first two thirds of the book are incredibly detailed and realistic. Welsh farming and cattle trading are described in detail. But when the bad witch and the good witch clash towards the end, things get so melodramatic it's downright silly.
We are supposed to believe that witches and their magic have been a part of the Welsh countryside for thousands of years, right? But the BAD witch is able to fool an ENTIRE village for years, just by wearing nice clothes and smiling a lot. The villagers in this book are so dumb that the big climax (complete with torches) is like something out of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
"Wrong house! Wrong house! Go . . . back . . . the . . . other . . . way!" I kept waiting for the constable to say "a riot is an ugly thing, and I think it is time that we HAD ONE!"
So anyway, I loved Isolde the Bad Witch. At first, anyway. If you've ever read THE SILVER CHAIR by C.S. Lewis, it's basically the same character. Only this witch is just so evil, in a really one-dimensional way. She's so bratty and petty and spiteful, and sort of "well, I'm evil because I like it, that's why!" And when she says, "oh, those villagers, so easy to fool, so simple minded," you're like, yeah. A little TOO easy to fool.
So when Morgana and Isolde fight, it's not even a real fight, it's like a cheesy Sam and Dave Soul Review, "put your hands together now, it's EVIL'S GREATEST HITS! Ooh, hit me with the pentagram now, got to have rats everywhere now, let me have some H.P. Lovecraft now, let me hear you say I'm turning into a snake! Ooh, fireballs, now, spotlight on Isolde now . . ." like it's a medley of shock effects from other books.
Then there was the hero, Cai. First he's comically moonstruck (Morgana looks so cute in her night dress! It's so cute when she throws tantrums! She looks so adorable in pants!) and then towards the end he's all, "ooh! I'm bewitched! Oooh! so helpless now! feel so weak now! Just have to lie down now!" This guy is no Alpha male.
And of course Morgana's charming but shiftless dad deserted her when she was young. Because men are, you know, worthless. Subtle, subtle!
So really, it's a good book, at least the first two thirds of it. But I wanted a smarter, sexier lady villain, with some real motivation, and a hero who wasn't a dweeb, and villagers who weren't stolen from YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
This was both one of the most satisfying and the most frustrating books I've read in a long time. The things that work are really wonderful. A beautiful love story, beautiful scenery, nature descriptions, fascinating details about Wales and the countryside.
On the other hand, there were a lot of things that just didn't work. Characters are either ridiculously sweet and good, (like Mrs. Jones, or Cai the husband) or over-the-top evil and stupid, like the vicious "bad" witch and the nasty Christian minister.
****
SPOILERS AHEAD
****
The first two thirds of the book are incredibly detailed and realistic. Welsh farming and cattle trading are described in detail. But when the bad witch and the good witch clash towards the end, things get so melodramatic it's downright silly.
We are supposed to believe that witches and their magic have been a part of the Welsh countryside for thousands of years, right? But the BAD witch is able to fool an ENTIRE village for years, just by wearing nice clothes and smiling a lot. The villagers in this book are so dumb that the big climax (complete with torches) is like something out of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
"Wrong house! Wrong house! Go . . . back . . . the . . . other . . . way!" I kept waiting for the constable to say "a riot is an ugly thing, and I think it is time that we HAD ONE!"
So anyway, I loved Isolde the Bad Witch. At first, anyway. If you've ever read THE SILVER CHAIR by C.S. Lewis, it's basically the same character. Only this witch is just so evil, in a really one-dimensional way. She's so bratty and petty and spiteful, and sort of "well, I'm evil because I like it, that's why!" And when she says, "oh, those villagers, so easy to fool, so simple minded," you're like, yeah. A little TOO easy to fool.
So when Morgana and Isolde fight, it's not even a real fight, it's like a cheesy Sam and Dave Soul Review, "put your hands together now, it's EVIL'S GREATEST HITS! Ooh, hit me with the pentagram now, got to have rats everywhere now, let me have some H.P. Lovecraft now, let me hear you say I'm turning into a snake! Ooh, fireballs, now, spotlight on Isolde now . . ." like it's a medley of shock effects from other books.
Then there was the hero, Cai. First he's comically moonstruck (Morgana looks so cute in her night dress! It's so cute when she throws tantrums! She looks so adorable in pants!) and then towards the end he's all, "ooh! I'm bewitched! Oooh! so helpless now! feel so weak now! Just have to lie down now!" This guy is no Alpha male.
And of course Morgana's charming but shiftless dad deserted her when she was young. Because men are, you know, worthless. Subtle, subtle!
So really, it's a good book, at least the first two thirds of it. But I wanted a smarter, sexier lady villain, with some real motivation, and a hero who wasn't a dweeb, and villagers who weren't stolen from YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
October 25, 2020
Actual rating - 4.5⭐
This was my 3rd book for #tcwitchyoctober20 and it was all I needed right now 😍 it's not only a great witchy, but also a great book for this season.
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The book starts with Morgana, a young girl who's been living with her mother, on her wedding day in the 16th century. She's young, her future husband is 25 and already a widower. They also don't know eachother. Morgana has no wish to be married off, even more so because she can not talk, so how is she supposed to get to know her new husband? But there's no other choice for Morgana than to move far away with her new husband because the people from her village rumor for her to be a witch. Morgana tries to settle in her new home, more adept at handling ponies and stock than running a household - unheard of a woman in those times. She also seems to have an arch enemy in her husband's beautiful best friend.
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This was exactly what I needed - historical fiction with some magic and folklore, a fight for Morgana's new home and her husband, learning how to control and use her magic. There's a love story, and if you know me, you know I'm not a big fan of those. But this one! It was like something from a Bronte novel. Not insta love, but not very alow either - just two people learning to accept each other for what they are and falling in love.
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Morgana is a fierce character, an unstoppable force, despite her inability to talk. She stood her ground every time people mistreated her or threatened those she loved.
There were some very emotional and sad scenes that broke my heart. I wouldn't mind though if the book was some 100 pages longer, some things felt a bit rushed. Like how her husband was furious with Morgana on one page and on the very next he was disgusted with his actions and was overwhelmed by his love for her. This is the only fault I have for this book though. Hghly recommend.
This was my 3rd book for #tcwitchyoctober20 and it was all I needed right now 😍 it's not only a great witchy, but also a great book for this season.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The book starts with Morgana, a young girl who's been living with her mother, on her wedding day in the 16th century. She's young, her future husband is 25 and already a widower. They also don't know eachother. Morgana has no wish to be married off, even more so because she can not talk, so how is she supposed to get to know her new husband? But there's no other choice for Morgana than to move far away with her new husband because the people from her village rumor for her to be a witch. Morgana tries to settle in her new home, more adept at handling ponies and stock than running a household - unheard of a woman in those times. She also seems to have an arch enemy in her husband's beautiful best friend.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This was exactly what I needed - historical fiction with some magic and folklore, a fight for Morgana's new home and her husband, learning how to control and use her magic. There's a love story, and if you know me, you know I'm not a big fan of those. But this one! It was like something from a Bronte novel. Not insta love, but not very alow either - just two people learning to accept each other for what they are and falling in love.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Morgana is a fierce character, an unstoppable force, despite her inability to talk. She stood her ground every time people mistreated her or threatened those she loved.
There were some very emotional and sad scenes that broke my heart. I wouldn't mind though if the book was some 100 pages longer, some things felt a bit rushed. Like how her husband was furious with Morgana on one page and on the very next he was disgusted with his actions and was overwhelmed by his love for her. This is the only fault I have for this book though. Hghly recommend.
December 30, 2021
“If you are not able to travel, he told me, the next best thing is to read. Read all you can, girl. And store up that knowledge, for you never know when you will need it.”
THE WINTER WITCH
I will read anything that Paula Brackston writes. I adore The Witch’s Daughter series and the Found Things series. The Winter Witch is the first book in the Shadow Chronicles. Morgana is regarded as a strange woman in her village. After her father died, she could no longer speak. Cai Jenkins is a drover and is in need of a wife, especially one who can handle being a drover’s wife. He finds himself in luck with Morgana. She has a unique and wild spirit but is surprises him with her connection with animals. Her unique spirit doesn’t go unnoticed by the villagers. Morgana will have to protect her new home and her husband against ignorance and most certain evil.
The first thing that caught my attention is the extraordinary setting–Wales. The descriptions of the hills are magical and therefore the perfect place for a magical story. I knew going into this book what would be in store. I knew that Morgana would suffer in the cruelest ways because ignorance brings about its own evil. The story does have a slow pace but that didn’t bother me, as I loved watching Cai and Morgana’s relationship develop. In most books, a man would struggle with having a wife with a wild spirit. Not Cai, in fact, he does everything in his power to make sure she is safe and protected. He also knows her worth.
I did love to hate the villain. There is a clear theme of good vs. evil and how imperative it is to keep unprecedented power out of the wrong hands. But my favorite character has to belong to Mrs. Jones. She is a force to be reckoned with but almost a mother figure to Morgana. She brought so much joy and yet so much heartbreak. I can’t wait to dive into book two! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
THE WINTER WITCH
I will read anything that Paula Brackston writes. I adore The Witch’s Daughter series and the Found Things series. The Winter Witch is the first book in the Shadow Chronicles. Morgana is regarded as a strange woman in her village. After her father died, she could no longer speak. Cai Jenkins is a drover and is in need of a wife, especially one who can handle being a drover’s wife. He finds himself in luck with Morgana. She has a unique and wild spirit but is surprises him with her connection with animals. Her unique spirit doesn’t go unnoticed by the villagers. Morgana will have to protect her new home and her husband against ignorance and most certain evil.
The first thing that caught my attention is the extraordinary setting–Wales. The descriptions of the hills are magical and therefore the perfect place for a magical story. I knew going into this book what would be in store. I knew that Morgana would suffer in the cruelest ways because ignorance brings about its own evil. The story does have a slow pace but that didn’t bother me, as I loved watching Cai and Morgana’s relationship develop. In most books, a man would struggle with having a wife with a wild spirit. Not Cai, in fact, he does everything in his power to make sure she is safe and protected. He also knows her worth.
I did love to hate the villain. There is a clear theme of good vs. evil and how imperative it is to keep unprecedented power out of the wrong hands. But my favorite character has to belong to Mrs. Jones. She is a force to be reckoned with but almost a mother figure to Morgana. She brought so much joy and yet so much heartbreak. I can’t wait to dive into book two! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
February 15, 2013
There are times the best thing to say is nothing at all
Morgana has been gifted since birth with the ability to say everything without making a sound. Morgana cherishes the small sights another would take for granted but also vindicates herself when ill-treated. Being married to a man she does not know is the last choice she would have made but her mother insisted and Morgana obeyed.
Quickly Morgana discovers that her new husband, Cai Jenkins and his life is a treasure trove of discovery. The animals delight, the land feeds her intense desire for learning, and Cai is patient and understanding. Cai sees Morgana as his partner even though the conversations are always one-sided. When work is to be done and assignments given she is always the first to do more than her fair share. If not for the evil lurking around always bringing one disaster upon another life would be perfect.
What is wrong Morgana cannot completely grasp but there is one person that seems to want what Morgana has and will take it away at any cost. People fear what they do not understand and one word in the right ear can create an avalanche of ill-conceived judgment.
Paula Brackston has written an intriguing, beguiling, and at times frightening story of two people trying to build a life as a couple. The journey is fraught with pitfalls and challenging experiences but Ms. Brackston brilliantly writes how the best us rises to the most difficult of occasions.
Morgana has been gifted since birth with the ability to say everything without making a sound. Morgana cherishes the small sights another would take for granted but also vindicates herself when ill-treated. Being married to a man she does not know is the last choice she would have made but her mother insisted and Morgana obeyed.
Quickly Morgana discovers that her new husband, Cai Jenkins and his life is a treasure trove of discovery. The animals delight, the land feeds her intense desire for learning, and Cai is patient and understanding. Cai sees Morgana as his partner even though the conversations are always one-sided. When work is to be done and assignments given she is always the first to do more than her fair share. If not for the evil lurking around always bringing one disaster upon another life would be perfect.
What is wrong Morgana cannot completely grasp but there is one person that seems to want what Morgana has and will take it away at any cost. People fear what they do not understand and one word in the right ear can create an avalanche of ill-conceived judgment.
Paula Brackston has written an intriguing, beguiling, and at times frightening story of two people trying to build a life as a couple. The journey is fraught with pitfalls and challenging experiences but Ms. Brackston brilliantly writes how the best us rises to the most difficult of occasions.
March 31, 2013
A nice story with some lovely elements. There were bits of brilliant language and vivid images. It was great to read a story about droving which is something that is not greatly explored in historical fiction. There was magic and a struggle of good against evil.
It was told in alternating view points of the heroine and hero. That's fine but I didn't enjoy the tenses it was written in. I don't like first person present POV which the heroine's portion of the story is told. I totally despised that the hero's POV was 3rd person present. It was jarring and odd. I hope this kind of odd tenses are just a phase that author's are going through. I asked one fairly successful author why her newest book was in 1st present and she said because everyone else is doing it and she didn't want to be left behind.
There was a nice bit of romance but I wouldn't really classify it as a romance. Even with the odd tenses it was a fun read. It would have scored higher though if the tenses had matched and were in past tense of any sort.
It was told in alternating view points of the heroine and hero. That's fine but I didn't enjoy the tenses it was written in. I don't like first person present POV which the heroine's portion of the story is told. I totally despised that the hero's POV was 3rd person present. It was jarring and odd. I hope this kind of odd tenses are just a phase that author's are going through. I asked one fairly successful author why her newest book was in 1st present and she said because everyone else is doing it and she didn't want to be left behind.
There was a nice bit of romance but I wouldn't really classify it as a romance. Even with the odd tenses it was a fun read. It would have scored higher though if the tenses had matched and were in past tense of any sort.
April 5, 2015
The Winter Witch wasn't my favorite fantasy/historical fiction book. The historical element and Welsh culture was briefly brushed over.
I had hoped to learn more of Morgana's relationship with her father and her magical background as well as her training with Mrs. Jones (one of the few characters I liked in the story). The cattle drove storyline didn't hold my interest for long despite my interest in stories about animals.
I found myself speed reading through many parts of the story due to boredom. I expect the reason for this was there wasn't a good balance between description and dialogue which is my preference in books.
Most importantly, unlike in The Witch's Daughter, I didn't like the main character, Morgana.
She lacked strength in my opinion when presented with obstacles that could have saved many.
2.5/5 Stars
I had hoped to learn more of Morgana's relationship with her father and her magical background as well as her training with Mrs. Jones (one of the few characters I liked in the story). The cattle drove storyline didn't hold my interest for long despite my interest in stories about animals.
I found myself speed reading through many parts of the story due to boredom. I expect the reason for this was there wasn't a good balance between description and dialogue which is my preference in books.
Most importantly, unlike in The Witch's Daughter, I didn't like the main character, Morgana.
She lacked strength in my opinion when presented with obstacles that could have saved many.
2.5/5 Stars
October 12, 2019
I enjoyed this in the sense that I enjoy fast food. Cheap, trashy, enjoyable, but ultimately fills me with regret.
90% rising action filled with injustice after injustice, with no win for the main characters , before everything being wrapped up in a rapid and dissatisfying fashion for the remaining 10% of the novel. So little time is spent on the final confrontation and the aftermath that I actually feel cheated, like somehow Amazon didn't give me the last chapter of my ebook.
Brackston's prose is honestly quite good, if filled with a few too many repeated phrases. It's just that the plot, being so hackneyed and predictable, has really let this down for me. A shame, considering how much I remember enjoyong Brackston's first novel years ago.
90% rising action filled with injustice after injustice, with no win for the main characters , before everything being wrapped up in a rapid and dissatisfying fashion for the remaining 10% of the novel. So little time is spent on the final confrontation and the aftermath that I actually feel cheated, like somehow Amazon didn't give me the last chapter of my ebook.
Brackston's prose is honestly quite good, if filled with a few too many repeated phrases. It's just that the plot, being so hackneyed and predictable, has really let this down for me. A shame, considering how much I remember enjoyong Brackston's first novel years ago.
April 21, 2018
*Lovely* shade of violet blue on the cover. What's inside is a so-so story of a young witch married off to a promisingly quiet working man in a Welsh mountain village packed with predictably small-minded morons. By the numbers, right down to the Welsh endearments. Bachgen and cariad me away, there's not one darned surprise or original idea hiding anywhere in the book.
April 16, 2020
I found this story a bit boring until the very end. The back and forth of love and anger between Cai and Morgana was tiresome and a bit pointless. It took to long for her to work her magic. It would have made more sense writing about her practicing magic instead of wrangling ponies.
January 21, 2020
Picked this up at the library by happenstance. Quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read. A very easy, yet intriguing read. I don't give spoilers. I am eager to begin Paula's next in line. READ THIS BOOK.
January 16, 2020
Very good
Slow going at first but the characters build in your heart and you won't want to let them go. Great book. Highly recommend.
Slow going at first but the characters build in your heart and you won't want to let them go. Great book. Highly recommend.
March 9, 2021
To keep it short, I really enjoyed this book. When I finished I really expected a higher rating overall and was surprised that it was lower than I would have thought. I considered reading why others thought it deserved less than 4 stars but then decided against it. Why? Because I already read it and enjoyed it. Why bother to read any criticism whether it was deserved or not?
I found the story intense and interesting as the narrative shifts between the 2 MCs Cai and Morgana. What helped was that it doesn't really repeat the story from each side but moves it along instead.
I confess, I got so involved at points that I had to peek towards the end of the book (I know! I know! I just couldn't help it...the worry on how they would resolve it was just too much). So I think it's my fault that at the 90% mark the story suddenly slowed down for me. It was almost like the writer had created such an intense story and rose it to almost a fever pitch of tension and then had a hard time bringing it to a conclusion that wasn't so...over the top and I hate to say it, almost silly. I think it's because I think what people can do is scarier than an outright boogeyman (or evil witch in this case). The way things happened up towards the 90% mark could be explained as the capriciousness of fate (a harsh winter, loss of cattle, illness and a death due to "accident") that it was believable that a town would more easily believe that it was the cause of an outsider basically bringing the bad luck/evil to the town. Hence, the accusations of being a witch. Of course, what we know for certain is that she really is a witch, but a good one! (I swear, I found myself thinking of Monty Python and the Holy Grail where the woman accused of being a witch really is a witch). So while we know she's a witch, we know that she has nothing to do with the bad luck that has befallen the town. This is what made it so suspenseful for me because as we know from history, witch hunts and trials DID happen in the past and honestly, I believe it could easily happen again but in another guise. So it would have been nice to see that the ending continued this theme where although Morgana battles the curse on the town, it was done in such a way that you could say it was the result of the battle between good and evil OR simply the bad luck changing on its own as it does in real life.
If it wasn't for that tiny bit of a let down towards the end where it becomes a battle of good vs evil straight out of a B horror movie, this would totally have been 5 stars. As it is, the battle is short (thank goodness in some ways) and so 4 stars.
I found the story intense and interesting as the narrative shifts between the 2 MCs Cai and Morgana. What helped was that it doesn't really repeat the story from each side but moves it along instead.
I confess, I got so involved at points that I had to peek towards the end of the book (I know! I know! I just couldn't help it...the worry on how they would resolve it was just too much). So I think it's my fault that at the 90% mark the story suddenly slowed down for me. It was almost like the writer had created such an intense story and rose it to almost a fever pitch of tension and then had a hard time bringing it to a conclusion that wasn't so...over the top and I hate to say it, almost silly. I think it's because I think what people can do is scarier than an outright boogeyman (or evil witch in this case). The way things happened up towards the 90% mark could be explained as the capriciousness of fate (a harsh winter, loss of cattle, illness and a death due to "accident") that it was believable that a town would more easily believe that it was the cause of an outsider basically bringing the bad luck/evil to the town. Hence, the accusations of being a witch. Of course, what we know for certain is that she really is a witch, but a good one! (I swear, I found myself thinking of Monty Python and the Holy Grail where the woman accused of being a witch really is a witch). So while we know she's a witch, we know that she has nothing to do with the bad luck that has befallen the town. This is what made it so suspenseful for me because as we know from history, witch hunts and trials DID happen in the past and honestly, I believe it could easily happen again but in another guise. So it would have been nice to see that the ending continued this theme where although Morgana battles the curse on the town, it was done in such a way that you could say it was the result of the battle between good and evil OR simply the bad luck changing on its own as it does in real life.
If it wasn't for that tiny bit of a let down towards the end where it becomes a battle of good vs evil straight out of a B horror movie, this would totally have been 5 stars. As it is, the battle is short (thank goodness in some ways) and so 4 stars.
March 10, 2013
3.5 **spoiler alert**
I liked this story. As I read it, it played out as a movie in my head; almost like a Disney Movie. This book however, was not YA, but read like one. I think I would have enjoyed it more if that was what I was expecting. But instead, I was expecting an adult witch book.
I enjoyed the setting of Wales. I enjoyed the female protagonist's free spirited spunk. Although, I have to say, in the times that they were living I have a hard time believing that she was so spoiled as to be able to frolic in the woods while never having to learn how to cook. Her muteness added to her quirkiness but was at times far fetched. There was only one occasion where she scribbled something on paper, otherwise everyone was to assume they knew what she wanted/said by pointing or making faces?
I enjoyed the unraveling of the other characters as they took their roles in the story. This was definitely a good witch/bad witch story. But if you took away the very small and mild manner that she and her husband finally got 'to know each other', then it felt more like a YA novel. The fighting between the two witches was a yawn. It was just too clean, and reminiscent of the Bad Witch in the Oz in her melting scene. It needed more grit, more fight, more....'witchery'.
Overall, it was kind of a sweet story. I did enjoy it, holes in the story and all.
I liked this story. As I read it, it played out as a movie in my head; almost like a Disney Movie. This book however, was not YA, but read like one. I think I would have enjoyed it more if that was what I was expecting. But instead, I was expecting an adult witch book.
I enjoyed the setting of Wales. I enjoyed the female protagonist's free spirited spunk. Although, I have to say, in the times that they were living I have a hard time believing that she was so spoiled as to be able to frolic in the woods while never having to learn how to cook. Her muteness added to her quirkiness but was at times far fetched. There was only one occasion where she scribbled something on paper, otherwise everyone was to assume they knew what she wanted/said by pointing or making faces?
I enjoyed the unraveling of the other characters as they took their roles in the story. This was definitely a good witch/bad witch story. But if you took away the very small and mild manner that she and her husband finally got 'to know each other', then it felt more like a YA novel. The fighting between the two witches was a yawn. It was just too clean, and reminiscent of the Bad Witch in the Oz in her melting scene. It needed more grit, more fight, more....'witchery'.
Overall, it was kind of a sweet story. I did enjoy it, holes in the story and all.
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