Witchstruck

The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1

by Victoria Lamb

If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned.

If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged.

Meg Lytton has always known she is different; that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne.

With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice.

The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck, the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Witches, Historical, Paranormal, Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2012

About the author

Victoria Lamb lives in a farmhouse on the wild fringes of Bodmin Moor with her husband, five kids, two cats and a crazed Irish Red Setter. She is addicted to social media, and on dark nights has been known to sneak out and howl at the moon.

She also writes as Elizabeth Moss, Beth Good and Jane Holland, all listed on Goodreads.

Chat with Victoria on Twitter: @VictoriaLamb1

Reviews

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 1 out of 5]

The instinct to live is a strong one. Have you ever tried to hold your breath? Inevitably, your lungs will burn, your body will fight with your brain to take that deep gasp of air. Survival instincts are just that---instincts. They override willpower, because the human body wants to live above all else.

Throughout this book, it was made abundantly clear to me that whoever created Meg Lytton forgot to program said survival instinct within her. I don't know when I've encountered a dumber witch throughout my reading experience...and that's saying a lot.

This is Tudor times. This is a period in history when it was very, very easy to have your neck separated from your head, your body drawn and quartered, and if you're very lucky, it will happen in that order. There was a Youtube video that went viral awhile back, entitled Dumb Ways to Die. Well, Meg Lytton would be the star in her very own Tudor version of said music video.

It's a tough time to be a Catholic, because of all the anti-Catholic sentiments in England. It's a tough time to be a Protestant, because there's a certain queen on the throne of England who became known as Bloody Mary. There's the threat of the Spanish Inquisition due to her very Spanish, very Catholic husband, Prince Philip.

Above all else

...the girl’s body twisted and rocked, her legs flailing helplessly as the rope strangled her.

...it has always been a tough time

...she had been found guilty and rolled down a steep hill in a barrel filled with iron spikes.

...to be a witch.

...her wasted body had been engulfed in a white-hot wall of flame. The wind shifted, and now the unmistakable stench of roasting flesh blew across our faces.

It's not exactly a secret what happens to witches. Meg has been there, witness to many deaths of those condemned and accused of witchcraft. Knowing this, Meg, our intrepid heroine, will certainly strive to abandon her witchy ways! To practice discretion at all cost! To not endanger her body, her soul, her family's reputation, the Lady Elizabeth's possible future as Queen of England.

Bitch, please. Meg's a fucking moron. Witchcraft was in her blood and she would willingly risk death rather than to go against her witchy nature. You know what's in my blood? The urge to fling my poor fucking Nook across the room during reading this book, but no, I have some self-restraint, unlike Meg.

She and her aunt go practice their witchery in an old-broken down palace by night. Repeatedly. Despite the many, many close calls of discovery. They scry upon a dead sheep's entrails. They cast magic circles. They strive to foretell the future. Meg does not restrict her use of witchcraft to the noble task of helping Lady Elizabeth foretell her future and what belies her once Queen Mary is with child, she uses her powers capriciously, stupidly, in others' presence.

I would make sure Blanche was a little clumsier than usual, once spilling the bowl of heated water for the princess’s morning ablutions. Another time, Blanche tripped over some invisible obstacle, the clean linen in her arms ending up on the dirty rushes, much to Elizabeth’s annoyance.

She manipulates their mind, she manipulates their thoughts, she manipulates their actions for no higher purpose than her own capricious will, for pranks, for revenge against a spiteful act.

Meg wields her magic irresponsibly, foolishly. It is the equivalent of giving a slingshot to a 5-year old boy and telling him to be careful with it. Sooner or later, someone's going to bleed.

The premise of the book is supposed to be one of suspense, because Meg could be caught and killed for being a witch. It didn't work for me, largely because the gravity of the situation and the suspense was completely gone due to the lightness by which Meg handles her powers. She is completely indiscreet. Meg puts herself, her Lady, and her family in danger more than once. She was caught and nearly killed more than once, and overall, her overwhelming stupidity and lack of caution turned Meg from a character with whom we should sympathize into someone more worthy of mockery.

The plot is relegated into irrelevancy by Meg's foolish tactics and action, plagued with the massive overuse of deus ex machina. Magic seems to be the be-all-end-all solution to getting out of impossible predicaments. It didn't work, the use of magic doesn't necessarily make a plot ridiculous, but the constant, worn out use of it relegates the plot into the land of redundancy. It is a disguise for a poorly-thought out plot.

The dialogue was awkward, it tries to achieve an authentically archaic tone, and only succeeded in sounding stilted and unnatural.

The insta-love was awkward, unbelievable, and even more foolish given what we know. Meg was warned by a prophecy: Beware a traveller who comes over water, over land. Alejandro de Castillo is a Spaniard, newly arrived in England. This is an era where the Spanish are hated and feared---Spain and England are on constant war alert with each other, plus, the Spanish are a devoutly Catholic country...well known for the rough tactics of the Spanish Inquisition. Yet...the moment Alejandro de Castillo meets Meg's eyes...the sparks fly! (And eventually, so does Meg. Discretion? What's that?)

This is my Alejandro de Castillo.



He's 17 years old. He's from a wealthy, well-respected family in Spain. He is a trusted envoy of Spain, despite his age. He is a priest-to be, and yet Meg feels the urge to kiss him anyway. Multiple times. He's also quite comfortable coming into young women's chambers uninvited, despite being a future priest (he's not yet ordained). But wait! He's not just any priest, Alejandro de Castillo is a novice in the Holy Catholic Order of Santiago (try saying that 10 times), whose priests are allowed to marry if they maintain their vows of chastity!

Dafuq?

Anyways, Meg doesn't just fall into insta-love. She runs hot and cold. She's alternately a bitchy, sniping harpy to him, while enlisting his aid, while being offended that he doesn't want to kiss her back. When he does return her attention, she turns him away because she's secretly angry at him over something he doesn't have a fucking clue about. Is there even a point to this romance?

There is not a single likeable character in this book. Everyone is an asshole or an idiot. The villains are one-dimensionally evil, you can see Marcus Dent, the Evil Witchhunter and Inquisitor twilrling his mustache as he threatens to ravish Meg and destroy her family if she doesn't marry him! Meg is so lovely, after all. Her fathering is a cruel, devious trope. Her cousin a manipulative sycophant. Her brother a bumbling, ingratiating fool. The women are no better, besides the sickly, spinster Aunt Jane, the other female characters are either "simple" (mentally retarded), cruel and snippy (Blanche Parry), or a complete bitch (Lady Elizabeth).

I absolutely hated the portrayal of the future Queen Elizabeth in this book. It is true that Elizabeth has always been strong-willed, but in this book, she is portrayed more as a sniping harpy than a regal queen-to-be. She slaps people, she pinches Meg out of spite, she throws fits and tantrums, she yells, she shrieks, the majority of her actions in the book revolve around one emotion: anger. It doesn't feel right, and it is a piss-poor portrayal of such a beloved figure. It's one thing to be realistic in a character portrayal, to make a highly revered character seem more human and relatable, but the way Elizabeth is pictured here makes her seem less a human and more of a bitch.

Not recommended to anyone but those seeking the very lightest of entertainment. The historical setting of this book is but an afterthought.

[summer · Rating 1 out of 5]

EDIT: Lowering my rating to one star because I really could not think of one redeeming quality that this book could possibly possess.



Get ready to have your intelligence insulted, guys.

Just imagine this:

It’s 16th century England. Mary Tudor has just married Philip of Spain, and Protestants are despised by the extremely Catholic rulers.

During this time, a Spanish priest-in-training is assigned to stay with Elizabeth, Mary’s half-sister. He immediately falls for a Protestant witch named Meg. A FREAKING WITCH. AND A CATHOLIC PRIEST FELL IN LOVE WITH HER. AND OFFERED TO MARRY HER.

You're not feeling just a tiny bit of skepticism?

Conclusion: Either the author is trying to write a sappy romance that transcends religious and cultural differences, or she really knows nothing of this era in history.

I don’t care if this is fiction; it still has to be historically accurate. The likelihood of said event occurring during this period in history is tremendously unlikely. I might even say impossible.

I’m sorry, but this inaccuracy bugs me. It hindered my enjoyment of the rest of the novel. Not that the rest of the book was enjoyable in and of itself.

Our main character, Meg, is one of the dumbest, most unintelligent main character I've ever had the misfortune of reading about. Why did she keep doing magic, when she was caught multiple times? I mean, if you're that addicted; you might as well do a better job of hiding it. It’s like she was just asking to get caught.

On top of that, she began to trust Alejandro, the love interest, suspiciously quickly.

Speaking of Alejandro, I refuse to call him a character. He was simply a cardboard cutout with no depth or emotion whatsoever. Again, why the hell would he marry a witch? Never mind that she’s a witch, but weren't Catholic priests supposed to practice celibacy? He threw away his entire life, what he was trained to do since he was born, just to marry that thing. This is so against the mentality of that time period that it’s impossible not to be skeptical.

If you want a very weak plot, this is the book for you. It seemed to go everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I’m purposely being vague because even saying one sentence will probably give the entire book away. The plot twist at the end was so stupid and convenient and random that I get so angry thinking about it. The author didn't bother to expand upon it; apparently we’re supposed to magically know that information.

The entire issue with Meg’s father and cousin made no sense. And the antagonist, Marcus Dent? He’s another issue entirely. He wants to marry Meg, for reasons beyond me, even though he knows she is a witch. I envision him like one of those one-dimensional villains in kids’ movies whose motivations behind being so malevolent are unknown.

What was up with Elizabeth? She is such a weak character that I have very little respect for. Forget being arguably the greatest queen of England, this Elizabeth reminds me of a cranky old lady.

Witchstruck most certainly did not live up to my preconceived expectations; it was neither a historical fiction nor fantasy. It deserves a genre of its own: Senseless Books With No Point to Them Whatsoever.

Please, Victoria Lamb, do your research before writing a freaking historical fiction book.

I would recommend this book for those who love fluffy contemporary and are easily able to put aside their skepticism.

[Jessie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!

Full disclosure: I am GoodReads/Twitter friends with Victoria and she sent me this novel in exchange for a review. However much I like her (and that is very much!), this did not affect my impression of the novel nor my review for it.

Witchstruck is the addicting and fast-paced tale of Meg Lytton, a burgeoning witch of substantial ability during one of the worst times and places to be such a one -- 1554 England, under the super Catholic reign of Queen Mary I. A lively jaunt into an alternate history of Old Blighty, complete with several famous historical characters and cameos (John Dee! Philip of Spain!), this first-in-a-series and detailed read is sure to sate the appetites of Tudorphiles of all ages. Fans looking for a new, fresh spin on a favorite era have no further to look than this "magick" infused offering from Victoria Lamb. Supernatural historical fiction is fast emerging as a favorite genre of mine, and this one particularly will be very memorable long after I've read more.

There's a lot to love in these nearly 370 pages of magick, witchfinders, *really* forbidden love, and betrayal. Protagonist and narrator Meg is one of those things. She is a great main character from the get-go; her presentation is nicely developed and well rounded throughout the duration of the novel. Meg grows, learns, and her characterization is deftly handled. This is a girl who manages to be smart, fallible, realistic, and proactive. Meg may stumble and make (big! calamitous!) mistakes, but one thing you cannot accuse this headstrong witch of being is passive. I love a heroine who can (and like here) does rescue herself, and Meg is frequently the hero of the novel.

I love when historical fiction authors aren't afraid to mix things up and bring new ideas to the fore. Count Victoria Lamb among those not afraid to veer off the beaten path. Not only is there a moderate magic aspect to Witchstruck, other areas are just as unique, and engaging, as well. I've read very few Tudor-set novels that have a non-English (Irish/Scottish don't count!) love interest, but this is one of them! While I do think that Alejandro (a Spanish priest-in-training no less!) and Meg's connection felt a bit premature and rushed the first quarter, each character grows quite naturally into their very forbidden and illicit attraction to one another. I appreciate how sparingly the romance aspect is used in the novel - it's clear plot point between Meg and Alejandro, but it doesn't choke or overwhelm up the real storyline of the novel in unwanted angst and melodrama.

Alejandro, Meg, and especially Elizabeth, the future Queen, in her not-often-enough appearances, all spring to life under Lamb's talented pen. These are well-rendered versions of historical and fictional characters, ones that made me care about them and invest in their story early on. A diverse and distinctive cast are one of the best things about Witchstruck, the fast pacing, the unforeseen twists and turns -- all add up to a very readable and very engrossing novel. I did feel that certain ideas and phrases were a bit repetitive, but Victoria Lamb moves her plot forward quickly, with a dab hand for evoking a realistic, easily-imagined setting for her characters to inhabit.

This was one novel that I wished was even longer! I could've happily kept reading Witchstruck for another 100, 150, 200 pages. It's just so readable - I was done with Meg and her story much faster than I was ready for. What is there is more than enough to satisfy readers - the ending shown felt entirely appropriate and concluded the main plotline of book one in the series, despite the open-ended nature of how things fell out. Cliffhanger or no, I would've NEED book two quite desperately now. The wait for the anticipated sequel is far too long - the touch of foreshadowing (the rat?! MD?!) just added more impetus to my need to see what happens next for Meg and Elizabeth at Court.

I read a lot of Tudor historical fiction - that era/family is one of my long-standing historical passions - and this is a neat and well-handled addition to my "best of" pile. While some books pick sides and favorites (Mary or Elizabeth), this one will continue to stand out among the others for its seamless incorporation of the supernatural, slight as though that may be, and for the strong, active, and well-rounded heroine. Witchstruck is undoubtedly a promising first addition to the series Victoria Lamb is cooking up and I'm eagerly awaiting the events of round two.

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 Words: Magic, history, power, control, danger.

So, I finally got round to reading the first of the Tudor Witch books... And I was slightly disappointed. The second book (which I accidentally read first) absolutely blew me away.

It's not that this book's bad, it's just that it didn't catch my interest. I didn't feel compelled to read on as I had been with the second book.

I like the Tudor Witch world, that slightly messed up Tudor England where things are slightly different from what you'd expect.

I couldn't stand Dent, but I don't think you're supposed to like him - I think you're supposed to loathe him.

I didn't connect with Meg so much in this book, but I'm not sure why. Maybe I wasn't in the mood?

Overall, a good start to the trilogy, and I enjoyed it enough to read it in two sittings.

I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.

[Experiment BL626 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I vacillated between 3-stars and 2-stars for this book.

+ why 3-stars

The book deserves 3-stars because the plot was always in motion and awash with political intrigue. I was pleasantly surprised that the book began in media res where Meg, her witchy aunt, and the imprisoned Elizabeth were conducting haruspex to divine Elizabeth’s future, specifically whether or not she would become queen one day. Right off the bat, readers immediately encounter the first of many conspiracies. I liked that the first few chapters were fast-forward telling of how Meg met and became part of Elizabeth’s inner circle instead of pause-the-present flashbacks. I liked it because it kept the focus on the present and not on the past which would have otherwise sluggish the story.

I liked that part of the suspense was always the fear that Meg would be discovered as a witch because then she would be burned at the stake. I was surprised when it actually happened and that it happened in the middle of the story as opposed to near the end. It was just one of the many examples of how the plot did not dilly dally moving towards important, crossroad scenes. The book never failed to convince me that the stakes were high and that it only takes one oopsy for everything to crash and burn (puns intended).

The book executed the political intrigue very well in the sense that things were in shades of gray, barring the few outright bad guys. I empathized with Elizabeth’s plight but I also empathized with her opponents’. I liked the fact the book kept things neutral, e.g. the Spanish and Catholic were not all invaders/bad guys and the English were not all pitiful oppressed citizens/good guys. The book left readers to decide for themselves. I also liked the fact that even Elizabeth’s family were split on the political issues because it added another level of realism to the book. Suffice to say, the book was no fluffy YA historical with a paranormal twist. The danger was real, the issues presented were serious.

Finally, I liked that there was no real love triangle. The book did flirt with the trope, to the extent that there were 2 love triangles by the end, but it was an obvious plot device to force Meg and Alejandro to face the fact that the dopes love each other and should stop kidding themselves. There was never any serious rival that could throw their burgeoning relationship off track.

+ why 2-stars

While there were many reasons to like the book, there were many other reasons that kept the book a few steps short of the goal. The biggest reason was Meg, who can be frustrating at times. The girl had a tendency to let her emotions get the better of her and make poor decisions. I liked that she’s aware of it, but I didn’t like that she didn’t do anything to prevent it. Admittedly, Meg does try to fix her mistakes but had she simply set aside a couple minutes and think things through she wouldn’t have made the mistakes in the first place. It was not as if Meg was a stupid girl. In fact, she was bright which was why she disappointed me so much. Meg was not a weak heroine, but she was not a particularly strong heroine either. The only thing that managed to somewhat redeem her in my eyes, that stopped me from being indifferent to her, was that she at least accepted help when she sought to fix her mistakes and that she didn’t take long to realize her true feelings for Alejandro.

Speaking of Alejandro, I also had an issue with him. His characterization was slippery. I could never get a firm grasp of Alejandro’s reasons for doing things even though he revealed them at the end. His reasons raised more questions than they answered. He was such an odd character to the extent that he didn’t felt like a character; he felt more like a vehicle of the plot.

I also didn’t care for Meg and Alejandro as a couple. He’s a priest-in-training and Spanish. She’s a witch and English. He’s cursed by a witch. Her blessing as a witch can be a curse. The couple reminded me of Romeo and Juliet; I despise such romance.

Finally, there was a deus ex machina near the end of the plot. Meg almost got killed and but by chance saved herself at the end with her peerless witchy power. However, there were witnesses, of which she made enemies. What did she do to fix things? She cast a wide-area amnesia spell. Now, I wouldn’t have minded the deus ex machina had Meg simply cast the spell a couple chapters ago because then she would have fixed the problems sooner and NOT almost got herself kill and rely on chance to save herself at the last minute. Not to mention saving the people she wanted to save which was why she almost got herself killed. FFS.

In Conclusion

I rate Witchstruck 2-stars for it was okay. It was good book, but here’s the thing — it could have easily been a great book. That said, I still recommend the book because it’s one of the better Young Adult books I have read.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Harlequin TEEN, and Netgalley.)
16-year-old Meg is a maid to Lady Elizabeth – Queen Mary’s sister, who is imprisoned on charges of not being Catholic.
Meg is also a trainee witch though, apprentice to her aunt Jane, and Lady Elizabeth uses Meg and Jane’s abilities to tell her whether she will ever claim the throne.

1554 is a bad time to be a witch though, with so many witch hunters about, and one small mistake proves costly when Meg is accused of witchcraft. With her own life and her aunts life at stake, as well as that of Lady Elizabeth, Meg must try to save those she cares about, without sacrificing herself.
Can Meg save her aunt though? Can she save Elizabeth by retrieving an important letter in time? And could marrying a witch hunter save Meg?


This was a great historical fantasy story, and I loved Meg and her troubles.

Meg was a great character, even if her innocence led her astray at times. She usually did what was right though, and often stuck her neck out to try and help people, even when it landed her in hot water.
Meg’s brother, cousin, and father were not very nice people, and really deserved whatever they got. The only person Meg really had for support was Alejandro, who helped her even though he knew what she was capable of. This was pretty admirable of him, and he became one of my favourite characters.

I liked the storyline in this book, and I really wanted Meg to get away from the witch hunters, and for Elizabeth to reclaim her title of Princess. I liked the combination of historical and paranormal themes, and the tension of what would happen to Meg, her aunt and Elizabeth.
There was also a slight romance in this book, but it was very much a side story, and we didn’t really get much on this until the end. I’m not sure if this book is supposed to be a paranormal romance, but I would suggest that the story focused much more on Meg and the witch-craft than the romance. If you’re looking for a paranormal romance, then I’d look elsewhere.
The ending of this was satisfying, although there was plenty left to build on in a sequel.
Overall; a great historical paranormal story.
7 out of 10.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just didn't resonate with me. I liked everything well enough, it just didn't all come together. The plot was fairly predictable and not entirely believable. Meg's powers seemed to come and go depending on what the plot called for. At times she is able to influence an entire castle to think there is a fire, but when she needs to influence other people she is ineffectual. I also felt that Allejandro's allegiance to Elizabeth and Meg was not authentic. He has been raised during the Spanish Inquisition, and he is ok with helping witches and heretics? That just didn't seem plausible. I really wanted to love this book, and I did like it. It just wasn't the home run I was looking for.

[Anna (Enchanted by YA) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

***I received the eBook free as a review copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review***

Meg is not just a serving girl; with powers not yet at their full potential she’s faced with the constant threat of discovery and its dire consequences. Set with a rich historical background she faces problem after problem just to survive, never mind to help those she loves to survive as well.

Meg was a very easy character to like and understand, but I did have a problem with how she found the wrong people to trust. It wasn’t all her fault I’ll admit and at times you’re just as surprised as she is but it shows depth to a character when they can look past their relationship to someone and see what they’re hiding which Meg lacked.

However she did definitely knew who she was, and wouldn’t change for anyone that’s for sure. It got her in many impossible situations and I can imagine there’s plenty more to come, but she stuck to her beliefs and what she believed of herself as well. This led to a lot of collision with other characters, but not Alejandro. This was perhaps the biggest surprise, and while romance is not the focus of the story is was still present and great to see.

The plot moved at quite a slow pace, there were some scenes here and there that had me at the edge of my seat but more where not much was happening. Even the magical aspect was absent a lot of the time; so much so that I often found my thoughts wandering away from the story and which is part of my reason for the lower rating.

So if you like more of a relaxed read and you love historical fiction I’d definitely recommend Witchstruck.

Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my interview with author Victoria Lamb and win a copy of Witchstruck here

If you’re a historical purist, than Witchstruck may not be the book for you. Lamb has woven together historical figures and events with fictional characters and the supernatural. It’s an unusual combination but one that I really, really enjoyed.

Set in 1554, Witchstruck introduces the story of Meg, servant to the closely guarded Elizabeth, and a practicing witch. It’s not long before a desperate Elizabeth turns to Meg for help, asking her to use her magic to foresee the future. Will she or won’t she be queen?

With growing political unrest, the arrival of a Spanish priest who seems determined to uncover her secrets and a ruthless witch hunter closing in on her, Meg finds herself in increasing danger. It’s not long before her loyalties are tested when she inadvertently becomes mixed up in treasonous plot that could see Elizabeth crowned, or executed, with Meg right alongside her.

I’ve always been drawn to stories about witchcraft, whether they lean towards the supernatural, featuring kick-ass women with actual powers, or focus on a more historical portrayal. Both fascinate me and Witchstruck, to my delight, is a combination of the two. Meg and her Aunt are both witches, a dangerous practice in Tudor England. In order to survive, Meg must hide who she really is, trusting no one, yet she cannot help but find herself drawn to Alejandro, a young priest sent to spy on Elizabeth’s household.

For those of you who know your Tudor history, Witchstruck is set at Woodstock Palace, where Elizabeth was imprisoned from 1554 – 1555 under the watchful eye of Sir Henry Bedingfield, who also appears briefly as a character in the book. Though the novel primarily focuses on Meg, Lamb incorporates historical events, such as Queen Mary’s phantom pregnancy, into the story. Throughout, Lamb manages to maintain a balance between fiction and history and the two flow together almost seamlessly, though I would have loved it if Elizabeth had played a greater part in the story. Lamb captures her renowned haughty and fiery personality perfectly, and I look forward to seeing more of her in the second book.

I also wish Marcus Dent had had a stronger presence, allowing more time for his character to be built up subtly, but this is only a small, niggling complaint. More importantly, Lamb nails Meg and Alejandro’s scenes and it was their relationship that really made this book for me. It’s been a while since an author managed to capture that flirtatious, sexual-tension between two characters that I love to read about and Lamb certainly succeeds with these two. The obstacles these two will have to overcome are nicely put into place in preparation for the next book and, aside from a surprise reveal at the end, are developed more organically than you often see in paranormal YA.

Witchstruck stands out as one of the few young adult novels set in Tudor England. I’ve read a lot of adult books set during this period, but working in fictional characters and the paranormal instead of sticking to pure historical fact, Lamb has given herself the freedom to write a story that is more adventure than political intrigue and I think that will appeal to a lot of readers.

Lamb has certainly impressed me with her debut YA, its one of the most enjoyable historical novels I’ve read in a long time, with a rich period setting, a relatable heroine, a disturbing villain and a slow-burn romance. I do wish we’d seen Meg use her power more, but since I’ve been promised further books I’m content to wait. I’m excited see where this series goes.

[Lizzy Lessard · Rating 2 out of 5]

PJV Quickie: It is quite confusing to have my brain screaming out all the inconsistencies of the story, while my heart yearned to read the next chapter. For pure enjoyment purposes, WITCHSTRUCK is a lovely book about a witch surviving in medieval times. It you can forgo the logic and lack of depth in the characters long enough to read the book, then it’s one I recommend for people who like a bit of magic in their historical settings. Otherwise, there are many better books for this genre.

Review: Having waited quite a bit of time between reading and reviewing, I found myself forced to re-read sections to figure out why I decided not to smack a one-star review on a book my notes hinted that I hated. I think bit by bit, the story was highly entertaining, but the moment I stepped back to look at the big picture of the story, I found that my suspension of belief had to be absurdly high to believe the both the events of the story and the characters’ reactions.
Much of the plot rested on how cruel and inhuman Marcus Dent was. The problem was that there lacked that moment where the reader felt his cruelty. Without being convinced that consenting to marrying Marcus would have put Meg in grave danger, it felt more like she was acting like a spoiled child and her avoidance to marry was a severe over-reaction of her wanting to retain independence.

I also read the book simultaneously with watching the TV series THE WHITE QUEEN and I couldn’t help but feel that WITCHSTRUCK lacked in comparison. I’m not a history buff, yet I do enjoy reading books written in Queen Elizabeth I or II’s era. Ironically, since it had magic-dealing characters, it lacked magic within its pages. The characters felt like shells of the ones portrayed in other novels and movies. Elizabeth, herself, felt like a pawn of the plot than the future queen.

If the book featured fictional characters instead of ones based on real people, I would be much more forgiving. The story is entertaining, although silly in its lack of realism. I can’t help but think that if Meg were a real character like her counterparts, she would have been burnt at the stake midway though the book for her stupidity and the stupidity of her companions. She survived because of Elizabeth’s out of character loyalty for a servant girl and the weird obsession that a priest-in-training had with Meg.

Like Marcus Dent, Alejandro de Castillo did not convince me of the character Meg said he was. Despite being a Catholic priest-in-training, Alejandro de Castillo was extremely accepting of Meg’s witchcraft. I felt like he was one step away from betraying her the entire novel, since his loyalty to her was against his core religious beliefs. Either he will make a very sucky priest in future novels because he can’t refuse the temptation of a pretty women or he will make a very bad Catholic because he tolerates the demon-magic Meg wields. I just can’t fathom someone in that time period who is tolerant of other faiths, without questioning the validity of his own.

This review was previously published at Parajunkee: http://www.parajunkee.com/2014/01/29/...

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exquisite historical fantasy tale with an archaic, sinister feel taking you back in time to ages past

In the Fifteen-hundred’s witchcraft was seen as an act of the devil and those presumed to practice magic were either hanged or burned at the stake. The harsh brutality of the times is brought vividly to life in this wonderfully rich historical novel, targeted towards the younger reader with a teenage main protagonist. Witchcraft was shrouded in unexplained mystery and ambiguity; practiced in secret and under cover of darkness and moonlight. This spinechilling story captures the dangerous fascination with the supernatural, by highlighting its use in practice whilst staying true to the times. Brought to mind where many historical novels that explore Witchcraft and the punishment process, for people were scared (terrified even) and turned to God for guidance.

Meg Lytton is gifted with Magick. Raised as a student by her Aunt Jane, she spends many years perfecting her craft and is summoned to perform rituals to none other than Elizabeth (daughter of Henry VIII). Betrothed to the dangerous Witchfinder Marcus Dent and imprisoned at Woodstock, Meg is constantly threatened by outside forces of evil. With the unexpected arrival of young Spanish priest Alejandro De Castillo, whom she is irresistibly drawn, Meg is torn between her heart and her secret. The constant threat of exposure is never more prominent when Elizabeth is drawn into the web of magick versus God ~ a debate that has been going on for years.

This thrilling tale of deception, danger and desire is simply stunning and contains a perfect balance of young adult/ teen angst within a realistic historical backdrop. The enchanting romance that begins to emerge between Meg and the priest lightens the tone of this otherwise quite serious story, of a time filled with frightening occurrences and ignorance to the unexplained. The main characters innocence is very endearing, even if it does lead her into trouble and the divergence between those of pure heart and the corrupt is very acute. Alejandro is not only Meg’s confidant and friend he also proves how strong he feels, by essentially facing danger head on despite the risks and consequences. With a small cast of distinctive, memorable characters this is a tale that you can easily follow and become entangled within. I am very much looking forward to reading the next installment within this magical series, which I presume will focus more on their relationship as Meg grows up into a young lady rather than just the Witchcraft that this book focuses on more.

Book 1 in the Tudor Witch Trilogy is a fantastic historical paranormal read, and something that I would recommend to fans of Philipa Gregory.

*I won a paperback copy of 'Witchstruck' by Victoria Lamb through a Goodreads, First-Read giveaway*

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit the historian in me cringed a little bit when I first heard about this book. Paranormal romance set in Tudor times? Quite honestly I wasn't sure when I agreed to read it. That feeling stuck with me when I started reading it and I actually disliked the fact that Meg, the main character, was interacting with the future Queen Elizabeth I. I could have got onboard with the story exactly as it was despite my reservations but I felt that element to the book was taking it a bit too far. I hope the finished copy has some kind of author's note / historical note which explains why the author choose to use the character of Elizabeth in this way more for my own curiosity if nothing else.

That said I did actually really enjoy this book especially when things kicked off and Elizabeth left the action. I found the storyline to be really engaging and I enjoyed the paranormal element of witchcraft especially considering the consequence for the main characters if and when she was caught and accused of being a witch in Tudor times. I loved the main character Meg as she is one of those heroines you can really get behind and root for. She is up against it all being both a girl and a witch in Tudor England. The other character that really stood out for me was Marcus Dent, witchfinder and prospective husband for young Meg. I hated the man! I hated seeing how he treated Meg like an object that could be bought and hated him even more for what he did to her once she'd spurned his affections. I think teenagers (and those like me with a brain of a teenager) will also lap up the blossoming love story that is started in this book between Meg and the Young Priest. It isn't fast paced as it is tied by the constraints of the time period in which its set but it is compulsive nonetheless

So all in all in the end this was a book I really enjoyed. Yes the historian was wary of certain parts of it but at the end of the day if books like this can drawn teenagers in and get them excited and engaged in history then it's no bad thing. I'll certainly be interested in seeing where the story goes next.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Linnea - Year 7

This is the story of a witch, Meg, who knows of her dark, powerful gift however if she is caught she will be punished for it. She sneaks out to practise her craft but, will she be spotted? Every night she creeps out of her chamber taking the Lady Elizabeth with her she hurries into the woods to rehearse her magic but when her roommate Joan saw her… Her adventure is set in Victorian times during the reign of Queen Elizabeth or as called in the book lady Elizabeth.
In the book the main character, Meg Lytton has to face a lot of problems, she could be killed for witchcraft. With one wrong move and she’ll be hanging off the noose.
My favourite part of the book is when Joan has followed Meg to the ruins and she is startled by the sight of her roommate performing witchcraft. In shock she hurtles back weeping in fright. Meg arrives moments too late as Joan has already told everyone the story, and only a very realistic lie can slip past them to save her from death. This is my favourite part because of the words that Victoria used to describe the atmosphere and their feelings and she created a sense, a picture of exactly what was happening.
My favourite character in the book was the Lady Elizabeth’s mistress, Blanche Parry because she is very interesting character although she isn’t mentioned that much in the book she is with the Lady Elizabeth everywhere she goes.
What I disliked about the book was that it was quit repetitive when she was going out to practise witchcraft because every time she snuck out the same procedure was described. I disliked this because we already knew what she was doing from the first time so we didn’t need it explained numerous times.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I would defiantly recommend reading it, this book is a fun, exciting, interesting with a climax wanting you to read on.
I would say this book is aimed for a reader around year 7 and 8 so about 11, 12 and 13 year olds.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg Lytton is a witch - a real one - which is a very dangerous secret to have for a young woman in Tudor England in 1554. She has been trained in her craft by her Aunt Jane, and she knows she never wants to give it up. Unfortunately, the cruel witch finder Marcus Dent has taken a liking to Meg and wants to marry her, and he must not discover her secret. For a time, Meg has avoided him, as she has been sent to serve Elizabeth, Henry VIII's daughter, who has been sent by her older sister, Queen Mary, to live at the ruined palace at Woodstock.

Not long after Meg arrives at Woodstock, two Spanish priests arrive, sent by Elizabeth's older sister, who is against the Protestant religion. One of these priests, Alejandro, is young and handsome, and Meg is attracted to him, even though a witch and a priest could never be together. And there is still the problem of Meg's unwanted suitor, Marcus Dent, who she fears will learn her secret - and the punishment for witchcraft is death.

I particularly enjoy books set in Tudor England, so I loved the historical setting for Witchstruck. Meg is a likeable heroine in a very difficult situation. I think this is the first book I have read with a historical setting about a "real" witch facing persecution (rather than a girl wrongly accused of being a witch). I also really liked the inclusion of the young Elizabeth as a side character. I was hoping for a bit more development of the romance between Meg and Alejandro based on the back cover summary, but as this is the first book in a series, I am sure there will be more development of their relationship later on. If you like historical fantasy, or are looking for a paranormal romance that's different than the usual, I think you will really enjoy Witchstruck.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly I quite enjoyed this book. I was apprehensive to read this because I don't usually like Historical fiction, it bores me. However, the politics was easy to follow and the witchcraft made it interesting.

Meg Lytton has been trained to be a witch since she was young by her Aunt who raised her. She moves into Woodstock to be a maid to Princess Elizabeth and they become friendly companions. She puts everything on the line by sneaking Elizabeth out of her prison to assist her claim of the throne. However, when one night Meg is caught using Magic Marcus Dent the witch finder is determined to out Meg for what she really is and burn her at the stake especially because Meg refused to marry him.

Throw in a gorgeous Spanish priest, deceiving relatives and a quest to save Princess Elizabeth and you get a pretty good read.

I really loved Meg as a character, she stuck to her roots and refused to not use magic as it is her heritage. Alejandro was really nice and I like that the romance was very subtle. I do think that he asked a lot of her in the end though. I mean, moving to a new country, being a priests wife AND giving up magic? That seems like a bit much to ask. I think he will be a bit lenient on her in the next book though because it is clear that he loves her.

I don't know much about Elizabeth but in this book she was quite understanding and caring. She had to live in a horrible place but she tried to be nice to everyone despite that. I feel like she really trusted Meg and her other staff and put a lot of responsibility in their hands at the end. It would be interesting to know if she knew Meg influenced Queen Mary's decision in the end.

[Lisa Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and absorbing new series with a believable heroine and a real sense of danger, the publishers are marketing this as Phillipa Gregory crossed with Twilight. Yes it is set in the Tudor era and there are real historical characters included the future Queen Elizabeth and the reigning Queen Mary but this is not Twilight, It is so much better. There is a growing friendship and sexual tension between the lead characters but the paranormal power is all hers and she will not compromise. Meg is a stronger and more realistic heroine than Bella Swan and Victoria Lamb has really done her research the descriptions of the rituals and spells that Meg and her Aunt Jane use are not invented and the story fits into the real historical events of Mary's reign. I cannot wait to read more of this series. It is better than Philippa Gregory.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard one to review. The characters were all likable-but they did not have enough complexity and the author could've done a lot more with them. I liked Alejandro and Meg, but it was a huge slap in the face instalove and it could have been so much better if it was more slow-burn. The stakes got high very fast and there was a lot of tension! I thought every chapter was interesting and fast-paced! The problem was Elizabeth. The author did a terrible execution of her. She did not remind me of a the strong, fierce, and brave queen I know, instead the author made her whiny and worrisome and rude! That was NOT the Elizabeth I learned about! There was a lot of extremely intense scenes that got me on the edge of my seat that made up for the flat characters. It was an overall light and enjoyable read, I just thought there was a lot of missed potential and it could've been a lot better!

[Fred Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. Straight ahead narrative that is well written. I'm looking forward to reading the next two installments.

[Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Harlequin TEEN for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited when I heard about Witchstruck. A historical fiction novel set in Tudor England--with witches--and it's young adult! The cover is gorgeous; I just knew I'd like the story. Looking back I kind of think I was building it up in my head a little too much. Sometimes (being the book obsessed lady I am) my expectations grow and grow and then I realize I'm a little disappointed because, although I liked the book, I didn't love love love it like I thought I would. I'll let you decide if my expectations were unfairly high, or if it was just a good novel (with a few elements short of being great)?

I had a really hard time with the first part of the book. I really struggled with getting to know Meg and who she was as a person and a witch. I felt the initial bonding period that usually occurs in the novel was sort of skimmed. It didn't help that Meg's "boss" Princess Elizabeth (Meg helps the princess while she's at Woodstock as a sort of poor version of a lady-in-waiting) was a stone cold bee-yatch. I actually kind of hated her until about 3/4 of the way through. And I didn't soften up with Meg until about 30% into the story. For me that's a really long time to be pretty much apathetic about the MC. I'm not gonna lie, I almost DNF this book. I had to stop for like 2 whole days and try to convince myself to continue because I just had such high hopes for it and I didn't want to give up! So I had issues with Meg and Elizabeth; and Blanche (Elizabeth's other servant/helper woman) was so hateful and mean to Meg I just didn't like her. That was fine, I don't mind disliking side characters but then wham at the end she turns nice to Meg. Out of nowhere. I need motive, people! WHY are you suddenly nice to Meg when you've been nothing but mean to her the entire book? What changed your mind about Meg? I didn't have a problem with Blanche changing her feelings toward Meg, in fact I liked it, I just needed to know why she changed them.

Now, onto the good. Witchstruck has a lot of good strong points. Most of these occur after the first chunk of story I was referring to where I felt only apathy and confusion. So after the first 1/3 or so, we get hottie Alejandro who strolls into Meg's life at Woodstock. Alejandro is a priest in training, from Spain. He carries a sword, he's hot, and makes Meg feel all tingly and hot and bothered. Oh mama. He's a keeper. Not gonna lie, I picked the book back up solely because I wanted to see what would happen with him (Would he keep Megs secret? Is he a spy)? He was just so charming and chivalrous! *daydreams*

Besides the wonder that was Alejandro, I also really liked the setting and overall feel of the novel. I just love English historical fiction. There's nothing more dramatic or juicy than the Tudor era. The dresses and old buildings and castles all make for lovely setting and I really thought the descriptions were stellar. The fear of being a young woman during those times is really chilling. I felt super scared at the position Meg was in during the novel as a young witch. How terrifying it must've been to live back then!

The ending was pretty satisfying. I am sort of confused as to why it is as complicated as Meg makes it out to be (I think Alejandro is too). But I'm not going to elaborate-- you have to decide for yourself. I sort of feel like it ended that way to perpetuate the conflict of the plot, which sort of is a pet peeve of mine. Lets just say, it was unclear and not proven well WHY Meg decided what she decided (or hesitated, you could say). And because it was unclear, I feel it isn't valid therefore doesn't make sense and *throws hands in air* All I can say is I hope it gets resolved in the sequel!

So overall I enjoyed reading Witchstruck very much. Although I had some problems with the first part of the book, the story redeemed itself. I did eventually grow fond of Meg and Elizabeth, and I look forward to reading the sequel.

[Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witchstruck kinda skates by on the strength of its premise: what if Queen Elizabeth I, while still princess and imprisoned by her sister Queen Mary, had a witch for a maid? If that sounds fascinating, this book doesn't disappoint; even though it's alternate history, there's plenty of real stuff to back things up. But it does require just accepting certain things for the plot to work, and while I had no problems doing it, I'll admit this is probably not a book for everyone.

Anyway, Meg, the witch slash maid, is definitely an interesting character, trying to balance her duties to Elizabeth - who's very curious about magic and figuring out if she'll ever be Queen - and her own magical heritage with the consequences of getting caught. But she's really inconsistent, like she says at one point a thorough search of the palace would turn up her athame and expose her as a witch, then she's surprised when her dagger's found cause she thought she hid it so well. But more importantly, she doesn't have a consistent outlook on being a witch, at times she almost buys the standard belief that she's going to hell for being a witch, other times she thinks her magic is a gift from God that should be used for good. I mean, I get she's a novice witch and unsure of herself, but I really wish her changing beliefs felt like a transformation rather than like she keeps changing her mind. As it is, I know where she stands on witchcraft in the end, but I have only the vaguest idea how she got there. Not the best character development.

Likewise, the other characters are really hard to nail down. Alejandro, the priest in training who Meg at first fears of exposing and condemning her, well he doesn't, and while his reasons are explained, his attitudes toward witchcraft and how they may conflict with his own beliefs, they're not really explained, kinda abandoned for romance. And Marcus Dent the witch hunter and Elizabeth herself, well they're more interested in playing politics, or personal vendettas in Dent's case, than actually finding witches. After all, Meg does some very suspicious things at first, obviously marking her as a witch, and it's only later that there are any real repercussions for her. And the whole thing left me a little suspicious of Elizabeth, how can she tolerate Meg's witchcraft to the extent she eventually does if she lives in constant fear of her sister Mary? If Mary got even a whiff of the witchcraft allegations, from anybody, Elizabeth would've been done for. Strange.

But what distracted me from these issues was how briskly the plot moved along. I'm glad the entire book isn't just Meg hiding in the shadows practicing her craft in constant fear of getting caught, but instead she has to deal with the consequences of being a witch very early on. Along the way, she says a lot about what it means to be accused of witchcraft in sixteenth century England. And while she doesn't really find herself, she does come to terms with her gift and grows as a character along the way. And best of all, the entire story happens with a very interesting time in English history as the backdrop, and a lot of the Elizabeth versus Mary, Protestant versus Catholic, England versus Spain politics of the times shines through, directly affects the story.

I really liked this book, even if there are things about the plot I just had to buy, holes I had to fill in, like Meg being a little too good with magic towards the end and solving all her problems rather conveniently. But Witchstruck offers an interesting glimpse into a fascinating period in English history and I have to say I enjoyed it.

[Christianna Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read this and many other reviews on my YA book blog The White Unicorn!

It has come to my attention that I love alternate history in my books. Witchstruck is yet another shining example of why. Lamb somehow managed to blend historical events in England as well as characters we know with elements like witches who have actual power. Meg is as fictional as they come, while we all know that Elizabeth became the actual Queen of England. The fact is that Lamb writes both of these girls in such a way that they both seem like they were real factual people. It's so well done that you might find yourself looking through history books to see if there was ever any mention of Meg Lytton.

There is a lot going on in the pages of this book. Witches practicing in the secret, dark corners. Conspiracies that could throw England into a huge fire of rebellion. Catholics vs The Protestants and the consequences of being caught practicing anything other than Catholicism. Witch trails and plenty of death to go around. Lamb paints a world where you have to follow the status quo or be continuously checking your back to make sure no one is there to stab a knife into it. Or in this case a broadsword or a dagger. But what is so awesome about this book is it's heart, the heart that shows two girls coming to terms with who they are.

I though Meg was a really strong protagonist. I like a self assured lead, who doubts things just enough that they feel real and Meg is just that. She's trying to discover who to trust out of all the people around her and is practicing the dark arts in secret. Only a few know that she is in fact a witch. The secret is her burden to bear and yet she never really complains about it. She's the type that always does the right thing, even when it feels like the wrong one. Basically she's someone who you would want to be, for the most part.

It was also fun to see the way that Lamb painted Princess Elizabeth. The would be Queen is only 20 in the book and is still coming to terms with everything that her royalty has bestowed upon her. She hasn't had that easy of a life so her human reactions to what is happening around and to her really work in this book. Lamb takes a historical figure and makes her someone that you can relate to. She pulls her out of the history books and turns her into a real person. Who knows if it's 100% accurate, and who cares. I totally dug Elizabeth!

Now, let's talk about Alejandro. Sure every time I read his name the Lady Gaga song would come to mind, but if this is who she was singing about, I now know why. The man is pretty darn amazing. He's close to becoming a Catholic priest and Meg is a witch. Lamb uses these facts to build some of the sweetest, swoon worthy moments that I've read in a long time. I found myself excited every time they interacted and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Big points for a swoony, tension filled romance!

So, to be perfectly corny, I can't help but admit that I was bewitched by Lamb's story of witchcraft and Tutor England. If you're a fan of witches, swoon worthy romance and English monarchy then this book is for you. This book was a wonderful start to what is sure to be a great trilogy. Can I have book two please?

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out Scott Reads It! for reviews, giveaways, & more!

Witchstruck is everything you'd expect from a book about a witch in a Tudor Court. There's secret paramours, court politics, magic, intrigue and tons of historical context. Witchstruck definitely delivers an exciting novel with a historical backdrop. I'm pretty impressed with Lamb's debut for the most part and it's definitely worth reading.

For me, the best comparison I can make regarding Witchstruck is "Grave Mercy meets Anne Rice." Readers will get all of the historical, court politics they loved in Robin LaFevers' YA novel along with the peculiar, magical happenings of Rice's novels. The difference between the two aforementioned authors and Lamb is that I didn't really fall in love with Witchstruck or it's characters. Yes, I enjoyed Witchstruck and it's characters were fairly interesting, but it's just not a book that will stick in my mind.

I really felt like I understood the urgency of being a witch in such a dangerous time. Lamb really conveys well the high-stakes, tense feeling that any moment Meg will be found out and hell will break loose. I really wanted to see more of Meg's magical abilities and I felt that the author really didn't take advantage of the situation. There wasn't nearly enough magic enough in this book and I really could feel its absence. You would a novel about witches wouldn't suffer from this kind of a problem? I understand that Lamb wanted to include historical events and romance, but I just couldn't believe that this book didn't have enough magic to satisfy me. The magic I did end up reading was extremely interesting and that made the absence even more noticeable.

The relationship Meg had with Alejandro de Castillo really mirrored Ismae and Duval's relationship in Grave Mercy. That isn't a bad thing per se, but the whole romance really felt like a deja vu to me and I couldn't shake off this feeling. I know it isn't Lamb's fault at all, but I just couldn't gloat over a relationship when it just felt so eerily similar to another literary couple. The romance in Witchstruck didn't really have as much depth as I would have liked.

I kept waiting for that moment in Witchstruck when Meg would finally surprise me with her strength. Meg is a witch so why does she need Castillo's help so often? I really didn't like how she seemed to rely on Castillo so often especially when the Spanish is supposed to be England's enemy. Why does Meg seem to shake off the idea that Castillo is the enemy so easily? Not to mention the fact that he's training to be a priest, that plot line didn't blend with the romance at all. The whole priest affair seemed to have been disregarded so easily and it never was dealt with in a proper manner.

Witchstruck isn't the best witch novel by any stretch, but it was pretty enjoyable. I'm not sure if I'd like to continue the series at this point, but I am not ruling out the possibility at the moment. Witchstruck really adds nothing new to the paranormal or historical fiction genres, but it's worth reading. For those looking for a quick, light read, Witchstruck will fit your criteria perfectly!

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book couldn't have come at a better time. I know I'm I little late on the uptake, but I finally found out about the show The Tudors. You know, the Showtime series full of super attractive people about the court of Henry the VIII. I've been obsessively watching this show, completely immersing myself in the world of the Tudors. And, lo and behold, I found this book on Netgalley. I know, great timing. After the splendor of the show, Witchstruck had high expectations from me if it was to live up to my perception of the Tudor dynasty. And it totally did. Witchstruck was an amazing YA historical fiction with touches of magic and romance along with the drama of the royal court. I absolutely loved it!

This book had everything going for it. A setting in one of the most famous royal courts, hidden magic that is a danger just for its existence, a handsome Spanish priest, a sweet romance with said handsome Spanish priest, a strong heroine, and a dynamic cast of characters. What's not to love?

As I said, the setting was well done. Most of the book is set while Elizabeth was in captivity at a squalid estate. Later, the characters move to the royal court. Both settings were brilliant. The way the author set it up made me feel as if I were truly there.

Meg was a wonderful heroine. She was very strong and determined to help Elizabeth claim the throne. She was definitely kick ass. You do not want to made this witch mad. I thought she was great. Strong, likable, and a worthy heroine.

Alejandro was so swoon worthy. I have a weakness for hot Spanish guys. Their looks, their accent...sigh. And he was no different. He was very sweet and dedicated to doing the right thing, even when it went against his teachings. He was awesome and adorable and I can't wait to see more of him.

The romance was light, in that Meg and Alejandro did get together in any way until near the end of the book. But, that doesn't mean the romance aspect of the book wasn't there. Whenever these two were together, the romantic tension was off the charts. And, it was obvious that, even as they avoided each other, their feelings were growing. It was a "love at a distance" kind of thing going on and I thought it was brilliantly done. With the ending bringing their relationship to an entirely new level, I'm excited to see how things go for them.

The plot was fast paced. I was hooked and absolutely on the edge of my seat. We have the drama of the Tudor court, the thrills of Meg trying to escape Marcus Dent, a witchfinder determined to capture her, a stunning betrayal that completely took me by surprise, and the constant threat that Meg's powers could be discovered and she would end up executed. It was enough to keep me riveted. And the ending had me anxious to get my hands on the next book.

Witchstruck is a brilliant, top notch YA read. A mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, this book is not to be missed. If you like any of those genres, you definitely have to read this book. I absolutely adored it!

*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for a copy!

[Hannah ⚔️ Jaedia]

My first thought when I’d heard about this book back when Victoria first followed me on Twitter was: Oh god I need this book in my life! I love the Tudor history period, and I love Witchy things. Combine the two and you have a book that is more or less designed for my personal enjoyment. Seconded? Then you perhaps don’t need to read any more before going straight off to your chosen book store to purchase.

Witchstruck follows the first person narrative of a young witch called Meg Lytton as she goes into service as maid to the Princess Elizabeth while she remains imprisoned within the ruined palace of Woodstock. The first thing I noticed in this book was Elizabeth being somehow involved in the witchcraft, not on an active level, but she’s definitely interested which is a dangerous stance for an imprisoned royal to take. It immediately added a sense of impending danger to the novel which makes you want to keep reading. The second thing was the atmosphere Victoria has created. It’s immersive and the only way I can really describe it is kind of like a dark fog creating a sense of mystery and foreboding. I felt as though I was well within my comfort zone reading Witchstruck and I loved that about it.

I have to admit to not enjoying the ending as much as the beginning and I can’t even put my finger on why, it just fell flat for me. It could be because, after all, this is a young adult novel and I usually prefer adult fiction, or maybe because I was only able to read it in small chunks while my dad was visiting and would have read a lot better in one sitting. I don’t really know but it’s worth making your own mind up. I also noticed a couple of inconsistencies throughout though they didn’t affect my enjoyment of Witchstruck at all because at the end of the day it’s a historical fantasy, but I don’t believe Tudor witches would have known who Hecate was with her being an ancient Greek goddess, and “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” wasn’t in the Bible until the 1600′s when the King James Bible came into being.

Even so, there is a lot going on so the novel doesn’t get boring, there’s a lot of foreboding as danger is constantly imminent and Victoria has done a fantastic job of portraying how dark these times were. Not just for accused witches but also for non-Catholics and rebels to the crown. She has encaptured the spirit of this alternate history fantastically and I urge you to give Witchstruck a read.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meg’s journey opens in the ruins of the old palace at Woodstock. A full moon ritual is taking place, led by her Aunt Jane and attended by Elizabeth. A prediction is made and also a warning given.

We find out a little bit about Meg’s background and her leaving her home at Lytton Park to serve Elizabeth.

Alejandro comes onto the scene at a rather inopportune moment for Meg creating a false first impression. His master has been sent to administer religious instruction to Elizabeth in her forced seclusion at Woodstock.

We meet Marcus Dent after a witchcraft accusation is made against Meg by simple servant Joan. Sent to investigate the allegation, he offers Meg marriage in return for his protection. A character that will make your skin crawl …

Alongside the magic and the romance the reader becomes involved in a conspiracy. This is a time in England where religion is in turmoil – Protestants undercover while the Catholics are in power. Meg’s brother William and cousin Malcolm want to involve Meg in a plot and unwittingly she gives them exactly what they want. Betrayed by her father, we go on a tense journey to try and right the wrong.

Meg is a brilliant character. Still finding her way in the world of 1554, at times unsure of herself, naïve at times and wanting to find a place to belong. A lot of teens will identify with her! When she allows the power of her magic full reign she is awesome. My favourite scene is when Marcus Dent is seeking revenge at the village pond. Fabulously written. I had goosebumps!

Alejandro confuses Meg. At times warm and approachable yet at others cold and distant, she never knows what to make of him. Is he her ally or her enemy? I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

With the fear of discovery of Meg’s talent, some harrowing scenes, the conspiracy and anxiety when Elizabeth is finally called back to court, the obsession of witchfinder Marcus Dent and the enigma of Alejandro, Witchstruck has plenty to engage the YA and adult reader alike. I’m looking forward to seeing where life will take Meg in the next volume of the trilogy.

Witchstruck is one of my recent purchases.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step back into sixteenth century England, when the royal Tudor family is embroiled in both political and religious strife and Queen Mary has exiled her sister, Elizabeth. Witches were feared and murdered with great zeal, making this historical trip back in time even more intriguing because Meg, a servant of Elizabeth’s is a young witch filled with powerful, untapped magic that could mean death to them both if Meg’s powers are exposed. Her life may hang in the balance from a spurned suitor and determined witch hunter as well as a young Catholic knight/priest.

Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb will entice history buffs as well as lovers of all things supernatural as she deftly blends brilliant and youthful characters with historical facts and supernatural fantasy in a fast-paced and very well-written tale that held me spellbound to the end! Danger, intrigue, hatred, revenge, magic and love are all part of this enchanting tale as it races to an end that could change history at the stroke of a pen! Fabulous YA reading and a wonderful start to a new trilogy!!

An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Teen in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Tudor Witch Trilogy, Book 1
ISBN: 1448120217
Number of Pages: 363
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: a fabulous novel about a witch who is friends with Elizabeth 1, as unbelievable as this sounds it really makes for a great story! Meg is a wonderful main character, we discover thought the novel that she is a witch as has been sent to Woodstock to serve Elizabeth as she has been exiled here. We also know that she has an aunt who is a witch and a father and brother who might have the ability to betray her. Meg is actually a very strong woman who knows her own mind, when those around her try to trick her or boss he around, she doesn't allow it, she doesn't use her magic very often, but when she does, she makes sure that she gets the maximum benefit from it.

Like all good witch tales, she comes under the suspicion of a witch hunter and it looks like it could all be over for meg. I have the admit,in found myself holding my breath during some of the scenes where she was being hounded or interrogated and there was seven a really low point where I had a little cry because of events going on in this novel!

Of course there is a love interest too, a saucy Spanish priest nonetheless, and even towards the ending of this novel, we never really find out whether meg succumbs to his Spanish seductions or not, I think this is wonderful twist to the story.

The thing that I really enjoyed about this tale is the historical accuracy. Tudors is a favourite period in history for me and so reading about Elizabeth and her relationship with her sister, and indeed the country, was excellent and definitely surpassed my expectations. I was lucky enough to receive the sequel to this fab historical YA fiction Witchfall and I can't wait to get on and get reading that-look out for the review soon. They are definitely something that should be added to your reading list!

[Hayley Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

On hearing the summary of this novel it immediately had me desperate for a copy.
I have always truly loved the Tudors-dating back to my school days I really enjoyed studying it.
So for a series to be based on that time I was in awe.

The imagery and description of 'Witchstruck' has you on the edge of your seat.
It made me feel like a Tudor girl, minus the corset.
It's also made me long for a beautiful dress, that would be so tight I'd hardly breathe.

In meeting Meg I instantly loved her.
She's loveable, yet naïve and she also does the best she can for those she cares about.

The tension between Meg and witchfinder Marcus Dent is intense and hauntingly terrifying.
He's a horrible excuse of a man and poor Meg suffers so much at his hands.
Bereavement, betrayal, near-death and abuse are just a few things she suffers thanks to Dent.

At the beginning I thought Princess Elizabeth was a bit stuck-up.
But as the story went on the bond between her and Meg intensified. Then as a reader I started feeling differently about her.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat.
I nearly missed my stop on the bus and could've overdone my lunch break. You'd be hooked and eager to find out what was next.

The tension between Meg and the young Spanish priest, Alejandro was intense, confusing and lustful.
The sexual tension between the pair is apparent from their very first encounter.

What I truly loved about 'Witchstruck' was how intense and compelling it was.
Such an awesome way to start a thrilling new series, I am eager for more.

If you like my review check out the blog I write on www.dark-readers.com

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through first reads on goodreads so thank you for letting me read this awesome book :D
Right so when I received this book I was going through a very big reading slump nothing seemed to hold my attention for long. Then this book came along and OMG BAM im out of my reading slump reading this very surprisly awesome book non stop for two days.
The cover of this book is very pretty instantly draws you in and the fact that it's about witch craft in the time of elizabeth l very much excited me. The writing it self is very well done and I love the fact that elizabeth l is one of the main characters. Our leading lady meg who is a witch is instantly likeable. The spanish apprentice priest your not sure of his motives at the beginning but he then develops into a very likable funny character also liked the subtle romance between him amd meg it wasn't overally done which was good.
The plot was very good mixing history with witchcraft was very interesting. Of course the history aspects aren't all accurate but hey its historical fiction it doesn't have to be that accurate aslong as it 's good which is was :D
The witch finder makes a very good villian you do want to hate him.
Also what I liked was straight away your put into action no messing about with this book which made it a very fast paced read thank god :)
Overall loved this book if your into witches or stuff along the lines of the crucible mixed in with some tudor history its up your street.

[Kristenj2009 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The pace and tone were perfect although I would have liked more clear visual descriptions of the more important characters in the book. I applaud V.L's descriptions of the landscape though and I could practically see the forests, fields and castle when I closed my eyes. Beautiful.

The plot was intriguing and was one of those books I could not put down until the last page was turned.

The reason why I only gave it 3 out of 5 was because I felt that there were a lot of unexplained things in the book and an ending with no clear conclusion. I mean,seriously, what was up with that ending dude? For example, The human-like rat at the end of the book or the time when she thought she heard someone outside the door or even what happened to Malcolm and Tom and their rebellion. Did she ever see her brother or father again? And, of course the million dollar question, Did she marry Alejandro in the end and give up Witchcraft or not?

I DEMAND a sequel from you Victoria Lamb. Yes! You! It should considered highly illegal to wreck such havoc on our nerves. I mean, COME ON how a I supposed to sleep with that kind of ending of a book?
That ending is one of the biggest what-if's I have ever read.

Victoria, we are expecting a proper, sequel from you. Preferably in the near future.