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The Broken Circle: Yarns of the Knitting Witches
The Broken Circle is the first book in the Potluck Yarn trilogy by Cheryl Potter. Combining Fantasy with fiber, and including patterns to guide young readers in making the magical garments worn by the characters, Potter spins a tale redolent with magic and layered with themes of friendship, loyalty, good vs. evil, the value of natural resources, the meaning and texture of courage, and even mortality. Follow the twelve knitting witches through adventures fraught with mayhem and mischief and knit your way through 21 patters as the Potluck witches seek to save their world. Twenty Years have passed since the fire beneath the great dyepot was lit and the circle was complete. Now, the folk of the Middlelands face a danger worse than any can remember. Darkness and chaos threaten to destroy the delicate balance of the natural world, and the magic of the dye crystals that have always been a way of life and a great source of power for the people has been outlawed. Readers age 11 and up will find themselves engrossed by this fanciful cross-over tale of magic and mayhem.
361 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 25, 2013
The Broken Circle is the first book in the "Yarns of the Knitting Wtiches" series. A young adult series, it explores the magic of knitting, and the women who make wondrous items.
Once upon a time there were twelve. Twelve women who made magical knits with fiber dyed from special crystals. But things have changed in the world. When one of their decided she desired power more, she left the circle and stole some powerful crystals. Now, magic is outlawed and the witches have been tracked down because of their gifts. But with the evil one coming from the South to try to find the famous crystal caves, the world is in need of the knitting witches more than ever.
I have to say that the children act more like adults than the adults do in this book. It's somewhat surreal actually. You have Skye, who is more level-headed than her mother and less flighty and who tries to do the right thing along with her brothers. But then you have some of the other witches who are more concerned with themselves than anything else. I'm actually surprised that only one of them turned rogue since they all don't seem to care much about anything but their own power and influence. It was like reading about a group of toddlers. They were all varied in their personalities though, and it was the strange ones I found myself liking the best. Ratta was prickly, but she had a little sense about her and truly cared for Mamie, the woman she took care of for so many years. And Mae, although mad, probably had the clearest goals of any of the women.
The history of the knitting witches world was varied and interesting. I like the concept of the crystals and dyes. But there was so much of it that I didn't understand what was going on at all times. The story started off slow, it took about a hundred pages to really get moving, and it was filled with a lot of information, but it seemed that there was just so much detail to the world that you never really knew all of it before it started becoming important. Too many irons in the fire it would seem. But it did draw you in and I wondered what would become of these witches and their knitting. After all, there is still a special crystal to be found. And the descriptions of the knitting were probably the best features of this book. You could almost see what the author was describing and I'm glad she referenced where you could find some of the patterns.
Cute pictures, interesting story, just needs to be tied together a little bit better. Three and a half stars for this book. I would read the next book in the series.
**This book was received as a Free Advanced Reader's Copy**
The Broken Circle
Copyright 2013
361 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Once upon a time there were twelve. Twelve women who made magical knits with fiber dyed from special crystals. But things have changed in the world. When one of their decided she desired power more, she left the circle and stole some powerful crystals. Now, magic is outlawed and the witches have been tracked down because of their gifts. But with the evil one coming from the South to try to find the famous crystal caves, the world is in need of the knitting witches more than ever.
I have to say that the children act more like adults than the adults do in this book. It's somewhat surreal actually. You have Skye, who is more level-headed than her mother and less flighty and who tries to do the right thing along with her brothers. But then you have some of the other witches who are more concerned with themselves than anything else. I'm actually surprised that only one of them turned rogue since they all don't seem to care much about anything but their own power and influence. It was like reading about a group of toddlers. They were all varied in their personalities though, and it was the strange ones I found myself liking the best. Ratta was prickly, but she had a little sense about her and truly cared for Mamie, the woman she took care of for so many years. And Mae, although mad, probably had the clearest goals of any of the women.
The history of the knitting witches world was varied and interesting. I like the concept of the crystals and dyes. But there was so much of it that I didn't understand what was going on at all times. The story started off slow, it took about a hundred pages to really get moving, and it was filled with a lot of information, but it seemed that there was just so much detail to the world that you never really knew all of it before it started becoming important. Too many irons in the fire it would seem. But it did draw you in and I wondered what would become of these witches and their knitting. After all, there is still a special crystal to be found. And the descriptions of the knitting were probably the best features of this book. You could almost see what the author was describing and I'm glad she referenced where you could find some of the patterns.
Cute pictures, interesting story, just needs to be tied together a little bit better. Three and a half stars for this book. I would read the next book in the series.
**This book was received as a Free Advanced Reader's Copy**
The Broken Circle
Copyright 2013
361 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2013
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
December 3, 2013
“The Broken Circle: Yarns Of The Knitting Witches” by Cheryl Potter is not the kind of book I normally read. It was recommended to me as a book my daughter might like since she enjoys the “Harry Potter” books and other similar tales. I like to read some of the books she reads so I can see what she is reading and have books to discus with her. So I accepted the offer for a review copy of the book and that is the perspective I come from with this review.
Potter has created a magical world, though not as engaging and active as that found in the “Harry Potter” books. (My daughter thought it was cool that the author has the same last name as Harry.) The magic of knitting was a bit lost on me, since no one in our family knits. However, maybe this will spark and interest for my daughter. With that said, the patterns that are on line didn't have much relevance to us. (Each chapter ends with a description of something you can knit, and if you go to the link on-line you can get the patter to make these items.) I think this is a clever thing to have in the book, and I'm sure those that knit will find it as an added benefit to the story. (There was also some nice illustrations at the beginnings and ends of each chapter an
One thing I like about the book is that it has strong female characters. I like my daughter reading about girls and women who are capable, clever, and strong. I did think the book was a bit slow (and I'm trying to compare it to other books aimed at the younger audience and not just the action adventure novels I enjoy). The second half started to pick up, and then the book ends with a bit of a cliff hanger that you need to read the next book of the series to find out what will eventually happen.
I think knitters will really enjoy this book, for its uniqueness and accompanying patters. Young readers, especially girls, will enjoy the magical world and adventures of the characters. However, I don't see many young boys reading this book. I think Potter did a good job with this first book, and the series has potential to grow and become better with the next installments. I'm glad I read it and will give to my daughter to read next.
Potter has created a magical world, though not as engaging and active as that found in the “Harry Potter” books. (My daughter thought it was cool that the author has the same last name as Harry.) The magic of knitting was a bit lost on me, since no one in our family knits. However, maybe this will spark and interest for my daughter. With that said, the patterns that are on line didn't have much relevance to us. (Each chapter ends with a description of something you can knit, and if you go to the link on-line you can get the patter to make these items.) I think this is a clever thing to have in the book, and I'm sure those that knit will find it as an added benefit to the story. (There was also some nice illustrations at the beginnings and ends of each chapter an
One thing I like about the book is that it has strong female characters. I like my daughter reading about girls and women who are capable, clever, and strong. I did think the book was a bit slow (and I'm trying to compare it to other books aimed at the younger audience and not just the action adventure novels I enjoy). The second half started to pick up, and then the book ends with a bit of a cliff hanger that you need to read the next book of the series to find out what will eventually happen.
I think knitters will really enjoy this book, for its uniqueness and accompanying patters. Young readers, especially girls, will enjoy the magical world and adventures of the characters. However, I don't see many young boys reading this book. I think Potter did a good job with this first book, and the series has potential to grow and become better with the next installments. I'm glad I read it and will give to my daughter to read next.
June 3, 2015
The Broken Circle: Yarns of the knitting witches is Book 1 of the Potluck Yarn Trilogy.
Just the Title of the Book alone lets you know right off the bat, that this is going to be a fascinating read!
I highly recommend this book for young readers and readers of all ages.
The Author Cheryl Potter is Brilliant! She tells an intertwined story of 12 knitting witches and their adventures with a side dish of yarns at the end of each chapter where you can find their patterns online and make the same projects as the witches.
This is a young reader book of Fantasy. The Author has cleverly stitched together a weave of intrigue and brilliance in combining such a fun and entertaining tale.
The illustrations and calligraphy are outstanding! Adds to the story and helps paint a picture in your mind of the creativeness of the Author and the story itself.
Each witch has their own unique skill and brings their story and charm to life.
The story is after 20 years in the Middlelands, where the fire beneath the great dyepot was lit and the circle was complete. The way of life is threatened and a balance of their universe in limbo, they strive to correct the broken circle.
I am looking forwardt to reading Cheryl Potter's Book Two: The Secret of the Crystal Caves.
You can sign up for updates on new books from Cheryl Potter at www.potluck yarn.com
Just the Title of the Book alone lets you know right off the bat, that this is going to be a fascinating read!
I highly recommend this book for young readers and readers of all ages.
The Author Cheryl Potter is Brilliant! She tells an intertwined story of 12 knitting witches and their adventures with a side dish of yarns at the end of each chapter where you can find their patterns online and make the same projects as the witches.
This is a young reader book of Fantasy. The Author has cleverly stitched together a weave of intrigue and brilliance in combining such a fun and entertaining tale.
The illustrations and calligraphy are outstanding! Adds to the story and helps paint a picture in your mind of the creativeness of the Author and the story itself.
Each witch has their own unique skill and brings their story and charm to life.
The story is after 20 years in the Middlelands, where the fire beneath the great dyepot was lit and the circle was complete. The way of life is threatened and a balance of their universe in limbo, they strive to correct the broken circle.
I am looking forwardt to reading Cheryl Potter's Book Two: The Secret of the Crystal Caves.
You can sign up for updates on new books from Cheryl Potter at www.potluck yarn.com
September 17, 2013
‘The Broken Circle’ is a novel about twelve Potluck witches – knitting witches who used crystals, herbs, and magical garments in the practice of their art. When a traitor is discovered in their midst, the circle is broken, magic is outlawed and war is brewing. ‘The Broken Circle’ is the story of the remaining witches making their way back to the Potluck to save their world. After each chapter there are links to knitting patterns for some of the items the characters carry (i.e. cloaks, satchels, etc.). I found Ms. Potter’s world well-developed and the characters interesting, but there was just something about the book which didn’t hold my attention. Unfortunately, ‘The Broken Circle’ was a book I couldn’t finish.
Potluck Yarn Trilogy: The Broken Circle (1), Secrets of the Lost Caves (2)
Potluck Yarn Trilogy: The Broken Circle (1), Secrets of the Lost Caves (2)
September 6, 2016
The book starts out slow with an unedited rough feel. About 1/3 to 1/2 way in the writing feels smoother and more focused. The world building came late but was done fairly well. The characters were fairly well fleshed out and I liked the way knitting was tied into the story but for a book aimed at YA, the characters who handled the issues were older and the issues more mature. None of my kids showed any interest in the book but when mentioned in passing with an older (over 40) friend she was very interested. A free copy was provided by the publicist, Strategies PR, in exchange for an honest unbiased review. Read more reviews, author interviews and enter giveaways on my blog.
January 8, 2015
Book one of the Potluck Yarn Trilogy is a well-developed, descriptive narrative with a lively cast of characters that draw you into their reality. Cheryl Potter has woven a story that is full of vibrant imagery, mystical adventures and accompanying knitting patterns available for knitters of all skill levels. As a self-proclaimed creative with absolutely no previous knitting experience, I have made a personal vow to craft at least one of the knitting projects featured in The Broken Circle and to get busy reading the continuation of the trilogy.
June 15, 2013
Overall, the story of a group of ill-matched people that save the world as they know it, isn’t a new one, but this felt like a fresh young take on the old misfits on a journey story-line
June 17, 2015
A fun yarn for fiber-arts related book clubs and knitters.
February 14, 2021
I started this book not knowing what to expect. Kitting witches? It sounded cool. I love knitting, dyeing and spinning yarn. This book seemed to be written for me.
I found it bogged down with too many characters and not enough back story.
The ending was so predictable. I could see it coming like a bright shiny crystal. Though the kitting patterns are very cute.
I found it bogged down with too many characters and not enough back story.
The ending was so predictable. I could see it coming like a bright shiny crystal. Though the kitting patterns are very cute.
June 13, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! it has lots of fibre arts details and a cliffhanger that makes me want the next one
May 20, 2013
This book was written as a companion piece to a book of knitting patterns, and each chapter is a lead in to a particular garment or accessory. It's an interesting conceit which distracts a bit from the story telling, particularly in the early chapters of the novel.
In the beginning there is no mention of the style of government of the three fantasy nations (well, one of them has a queen, but apparently not a hereditary one), but there is discussion of breeds of sheep, and of what people eat. It comes across as a strangely generic/achronistic 'fantasy with potatoes' world.
However, by the middle of the book we begin to have a much better developed world, one with a history and mythology to it. As I was reading it it seemed that the world was growing around the story, which is a fine way to write a book, but the author would have done well to do a final edit of the early chapters with her fleshed out world- view in mind.
I've heard this described as a YA fantasy novel, but I'm not convinced. True, some of the main characters are teen agers, and there is no 'adult' content (in the sense of graphic violence, sexual overtones or profanity), but the real protagonists are aging women, and they are definitely dealing with issues of mortality, morality, and how to make peace with their own past. There is a fair amount of humor in their characterization, but there are also moments of emptiness and mourning.
I liked this book. I expect to like the sequel more.
In the beginning there is no mention of the style of government of the three fantasy nations (well, one of them has a queen, but apparently not a hereditary one), but there is discussion of breeds of sheep, and of what people eat. It comes across as a strangely generic/achronistic 'fantasy with potatoes' world.
However, by the middle of the book we begin to have a much better developed world, one with a history and mythology to it. As I was reading it it seemed that the world was growing around the story, which is a fine way to write a book, but the author would have done well to do a final edit of the early chapters with her fleshed out world- view in mind.
I've heard this described as a YA fantasy novel, but I'm not convinced. True, some of the main characters are teen agers, and there is no 'adult' content (in the sense of graphic violence, sexual overtones or profanity), but the real protagonists are aging women, and they are definitely dealing with issues of mortality, morality, and how to make peace with their own past. There is a fair amount of humor in their characterization, but there are also moments of emptiness and mourning.
I liked this book. I expect to like the sequel more.
February 17, 2015
Probably only deserves 1.5 stars. I wanted to like it as I love magic and I love knitting and dyeing and I love books. Writing is pretty painfully, but I did finish it, (and in fairness, it slowly got better, but still could have used some good editing) only to realize it ended with a cliff hanger. Come on, you can lead us to the second book, but there should be some closure. I want to know what happened, but not enough to buy the second book.
June 4, 2013
This was quite a fantasy book. Also has a book of patterns to go with it.
November 4, 2013
I'm thoroughly enjoying this novel despite the fact that I rarely read within the fantasy genre.
December 7, 2013
Interesting writing, interesting tale. I love the interweaving of knitting and magic.
Slightly dark tones and dense writing. Not a light read.
Slightly dark tones and dense writing. Not a light read.
August 13, 2016
This was an enjoyable read for me. Fantasy, fibre related stuff, magic, adventure - what's not to like?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews