Wither

Wendy Ward #1

by J.G. Passarella

The college town of Windale, Massachusetts is proud of its colonial heritage -- including the legend of a dark witches' coven dating back three hundred years. No one in Windale actually believes in witches, or imagines that the blood-chilling history of the Salem era could repeat itself. But three people, unknown to one another, are experiencing vivid nightmares of palpable horror. They alone can sense that a dreadful presence is working its way into their waking lives -- and is coming for them. On a crisp autumn night deep in the New England woods, a young woman's harmless channeling ritual unwittingly opens the floodgates to terrifying forces that have, until then, lived only in dreams: a breed of demonic creatures with the power to shatter an unsuspecting town.

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

448 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

"J.G. Passarella" is a pseudonym for the two authors who coauthored Wither. One of these authors, John Passarella, continued the Wendy Ward series, and has written other books, under his own name. The second co-author's name is Joseph Gangemi

Reviews

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/6 - 3.5 stars. A pretty good supernatural thriller, not horror although I think it was trying to be. I don't know if it's my low terrifibility or that this just wasn't as terrifying as Passarella (a pseudonym for John Passarella and Joseph Gangemi) wanted it to be, but I didn't find the plot particularly scary. The only memorably scary moment was when there was an unknown entity (who turned out to be one of the three evil witches from the town's witch trial days) making its way across Abby's roof near the beginning of the book, I had a definite feeling of dread during that scene. Unfortunately, the rest of the scary scenes didn't quite create the same level of dread. Wendy was a very likeable heroine and I liked her interactions with Alex, I wasn't as much of a fan of Frankie whose man-hating attitudes were a bit OTT for me. When I logged on this morning to review Wither I learned that it's the first book in a trilogy. I am quite surprised that there are two more books as I felt that Wither was a complete story in and of itself, no further words necessary. I may or may not read them, mostly depending on whether I can get my hands on them.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the story goes, while browsing online I saw news of an upcoming novel from the author (who has now penned "Wither," "Wither's Rain," and "Wither's Legacy"). In several groups I visit, mention of this novel were made. At this point, I hadn't really heard of the series and of course hadn't read it. After digging in a little further, I found out that this was a trilogy and this the first one.

Thinking this book sounded up my alley, I checked off a mental note in my head to scope out the original ASAP. On the way to work the next morning, lo and behold! On my bed lay a copy of the original "Wither." What can explain this? Well, in all reality, I had made a quick book run at the local goodwill and picked up about two stack fulls. This one was in there and had just happened to be one I threw on my bed before hearing news of the new installment of the series.

I had forgotten I had bought it, so of course it was a pleasant surprise when I picked it up and realized the treasure I had held all along. Quickly finishing off a previous book and then burying myself into this one, I soon found myself unable to get out of the hole I had dug myself in. In one descriptive word, "Wither" is "amazing."

Wither is the first novel in a series of three, telling the story of teenage Wendy Ward, a Wiccan working in the small town Occult shop, pregnant professor Karen Glazer, and 8-year old Abby McNeil, all involuntarily involved in an age old story of witchcraft, possession, and legend.

After a series of haunting dreams and bizarre circumstances, it soon becomes clear to Wendy that the history of the small town is coming alive. Determined to save the town and stop her own possible demise, she and some select friends venture out to discover how they can combat powerful witches from the old days, and win.

The atmosphere is well crafted for this type of novel; not overly dipped in dark and dreary undertones, it still does manage to convince that its horror, and well-done horror at that. The strength lies deeper in its characterization, but the atmosphere compliments it.

Wendy is truly likeable. Besides having the classic teenage fears and worries, she's an independent spirit with strong convictions. Besides that, though, she comes across as a genuine person. From her messy room and run-down car, to her obsessions and hobbies, she was a treat to read about. Karen isn't mentioned quite as much as Wendy, but she's brought up plenty. Through her I went through natural relationship problems, pregnancy scenarios, and common hardships. Abby is mentioned less but as a child, her thoughts are precious and Passarella wrote her well. Everyone's penned nearly perfectly and drive the story forward.

The novel, being a large one, doesn't jump right into the boiling pot at the get-go. Instead it takes a bit of its time to get to the potent stuff, but from the beginning the character development is powerful enough to take me under its spell.

Passarellas' writing style is easily digestible and clear. His suspenseful moments are well written and paced, his slower scenes still stay interesting, and the finale plays off as a worthy finish to a great book.

If you are intrigued by the idea of witches, this one's for you. The whole town has a history of the three hanged crones from long ago; the setting is superb for this type of plot and everything adds together to compliment each other.

Do yourself a favor and pick up your own copy of Wither. Whether it 'supernaturally' ends up on your bed screaming to be read, mysteriously falls out of the sky, or else has to be hunted down at a bookstore, ignore how you got it and just read the damn thing.

[Krodì80 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una storia di streghe moderna, con ingredienti di impianto classico, una cittadina statunitense vicina alla celeberrima Salem, una maledizione secolare, un intreccio adeguato; e poi sentimenti, suspense, azioni coraggiose e sommari riti magici. Paura non molta, ma piacevole intrattenimento. "Wither, L'oscura congrega" può funzionare come storia, ma non come scrittura; le pecche di questo libro emergono proprio in questo: nell'intrigare - non ai massimi livelli - come narrazione, senza però sedurre con l'eleganza e lo spessore della prosa.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA book. Its the first book in a trilogy and let me say, you couldn't put this book down if it was on FIRE!!! This book rocks big time. Its spooky, ghosty, great for a Halloweeen read. Book 3 is very hard to get, Ive had it on my wishlist over at Paper back swap for a long time. This trilogy is awesome, a must read for people who enjoy ghosts and the spook factor. There is not much blood and gore to contend with.

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I've mentioned, this was a reread for me but since I read it over 20 years ago, I only had a slight recollection of it. I remembered really liking the MC, Wendy, and loving the fact that it was about witches - scary, terrifying witches! I was curious to see if this book would stand up to my expectations and recollection of loving it so well and I'm glad to say it did. I also recalled that Wendy used to ride an exercise bike all the time and would map out destinations on a map on her wall and keep track until she got there. I thought that was such a cool concept back in 1999 and will even admit to copying it for a while.

So on to the story. Wendy is the daughter of Windale College's presidence in Windale, Massachusetts. The town is very old and colonial and has seemed to build its survival on a basis of three witches who were once hanged there during the time of the Salem Witch Trials. Wendy herself has always went against the grain and is a practicing Wiccan. Once night she holds a ceremony in the woods but following that, weird things start to happen. Did Wendy unknowingly releases the wrath of these three witches, or is something even more complex at play?

There are several things I really enjoy about this book. The setting is a small college town seeped in history. It makes for a great setting for this ominous tale. I also really like the characters. The book centers on three main individuals. There's Wendy, her pregnant college professor Karen, and then a neglect little 8 year old, Abby. During the tale we get to see what's happening from all three perspectives. The reader is also given flashbacks along the way of the prosecution of the three witches - Wither and the other two in her coven. The whole book flows rather well and it's a near-perfect mix of atmosphere and action. And finally, there are some truly gruesome and terrifying scenes in this novel. Like people falling from the sky, stadium bleachers collapsing and mysterious injuries while sleeping.

I am so glad that I chose this as the first book for our feature. Once again I feel in love with Wendy and the town of Windale. I'm pleased to say there are two more books which were released following Wendy and her town and while reading this, I learned from the author that he is currently working on book 4. You have no idea how thrilled I am. Look for future reviews of the next two in the series because once again, I've become addicted to this witchy world.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendy, Wendy, Wendy. What can I say about this book? To be honest, not a lot since I read it my senior year of high school when it came out. I only offered it to one other person to read and she enjoyed it. (She also still remembers it.)

I think that the biggest thing that sticks out to me is that it read like a movie. I think I remember reading at the time that he was a screenwriter (this was his first novel), and it made total sense.

My favorite little quirk about the main character was that she had an exercise bike in her room that she would ride. Every day she would read the odometer reading and move a stick pin on a map of the United States on her wall to show how far she had ridden. I just thought that would be kinda a fun thing to do as far as exercise goes. I mean...everyone wants to get away from something.

A little edge of your seat. A little Rosemary's Baby (as someone else said). A little possession. A little witchcraft. A little Salem witches back for revenge-ish. A little sexy times.

Not the world's greatest, nor the world's worst book. I added the rest of the Trilogy to my to-read if only out of curiousity. I thought it stood alone perfectly, and had no idea about others in the series until about 3 years ago. *shrug* I'll probably remain happy with my hardback version to re-read on occassion.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Intellectually, I disapprove of everything men stand for."
"Which would be?"
"Aggression. Warfare. Organized sports."
p. 21

"As she gave herself over to grief, it ceased to be an infinite thing, ceased to be the vast and life-smothering blackness she'd feared, and became instead something finite, already lightening at its borders. Something that could be endured. Something that could be survived." - p. 183

"Just look at this guy, he's a total indie cliché, with his Salvation Army bowling shirt and his bad posture and a bleary expression that said he'd only woken up twenty minutes ago on the sofa in the practice place in front of a rerun of Barney Miller. All of his songs were ironic little odes to television and convenience stores and how exhausting it was to work up the strength to kiss a girl, sung through a repressed yawn...

And yet, sweet Jesus was he hot. Okay, so it wasn't her fault--she was genetically programmed to respond to a guy with a guitar. You didn't have to be Desmond Morris to understand that a guitar was just an enormous throbbing electrified penis, wired for sound."
-p. 255

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beginning of sorts you might say, a change from just strictly horror for me, to a somewhat beginning of urban fantasy in a way. I think Passarella had a great idea and great characters to make a fun read like this. He could have been a forerunner to the present day urban fantasy. He created a unique female character, that used magic and a great antagonist to bring his heroine to fruition. And like the heroines of today, created two follow up novels as well. I just wished he would have written a few more stories with Wendy in them, maturing her along the way. the fact that the rights tot he novel were purchaed and optioned for a big scereen movie at the time was understandable. It was only due tothe fact that it would have cost more money to produce it the right way than the studios were prepared to shuck out for. Still, I wouldnt mind see a movie based on this book or series.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The college town of Windale, Massachusetts has a legend about three condemned witches. The legend dates back over three hundred years. Three women, Wither, Rebecca and Sarah were accused of witch craft and were found guilty of this charge. They were to be hung from the gallows until dead. None of the towns people believes in witches and goblins. The residents are getting ready for their Halloween celebration that is centered around the condemned witches. Three women are experiencing horrific nightmares. Eight year old Abbey, who stumbles upon the graves of the three dark witches, Wendy, who is a college student but dabbles in white magic and Karen, a pregnant professor. This Halloween the evil convent plans to drain the life force out of these women, so they may live again. This is the first book in a trilogy. J. G. Passarella, won the Bram Stoker award for best first novel.

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Within a sleepy little college town, a young woman, a pregnant professor and a young girl are caught up in a web of horror that is generations older than themselves.

Wendy Ward is a student at the local college where her father is the President. But Wendy is far for the proverbial typical college kid. She is a practicing witch but only white magic. So when she decides to perform a cleansing ritual, she doesn't see any harm in it. However, there are other forces in the town who are waiting to revel themselves and they only need a small window of opportunity to unleash their terror.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the linking of the characters and also the flashbacks to the Salem witch trials.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a first effort at writing a novel, this is really good. There is a fair amount of scary stuff, a little history of witches in New England, and some of a love interest. The characters, other than the scary witches, are sympathetic and this would probably not be the book to be reading if you are by yourself in a big, gloomy type house, in a snowstorm or thunderstorm, especially if you have a lot of imagination because you might scare yourself silly.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel revolves around the college town of Windale, Massachusetts and the effect that a dark witches' coven has on the town. Now, three people who don't know each other are having the same nightmare of a dark demonic creature intent on breaking into the real world. I really liked this book and give it an A! It's fast-paced and scary.

[Vivienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

It certainly had some good bits but suffered a little from the writer's cramming in scary monsters with the witchcraft. It was a first novel though so perhaps they have improved with later books.

I did like Wendy Ward, the apprentice witch, quite a lot.

[Lisa Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great supernatural read! Scary witches and curses and a heroine you can really root for! :) Worth reading!

[Francesca Ghiribelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Partendo dal presupposto, che non sono un’appassionata di libri di questo genere,devo dire che mi ha colpito come l’autore si destreggia egregiamente fra le storie di diversi e complicati personaggi, unendoli attraverso un denominatore comune,la stregoneria.
Questo romanzo ha vinto il ‘Bram Stoker Award’, ma non ha niente a che vedere con le immortali storie gotiche o romanzi neri riguardanti vampiri o altre figure oscure.
Esso riprende la storia di questa piccola cittadina, Windale, in Massachussets, che oltre ad essere sede universitaria, si porta dietro l’epocale tradizione di una storia raggelante e risalente a secoli prima. Wither, terribile e immortale strega, la quale ogni trecento anni, ha bisogno di impossessarsi di una nuova anima umana per portare avanti il proprio potere.
Tre persone saranno protagoniste di questo romanzo.
L’autore, ovviamente, mette in mezzo alla narrazione altre figure altalenanti che cercheranno di portare il lettore fuori strada, ma questo è soltanto un mezzo per arrivare al straordinario scopo di creare sorpresa e sbalordimento alla fine del romanzo.
I tre personaggi saranno Wendy, una ragazza dalle strane e curiose conoscenze magiche, poi Karen, una docile professoressa in attesa di una bambina e Art, suo cognato.
Wither prenderà proprio di mira la donna perché vuole la figlia che porta in grembo, mentre riuscirà ad incolpare Art nell’aver tentato di molestare Abby, una piccola e possibile occasione in grado di ridare nuova anima alla strega.
Infine, saranno proprio le magiche doti e l’astuzia di Wendy, che riusciranno a seppellire ancora una volta il potere della strega, ma purtroppo la fine di questo libro non dà nessuna certezza.
Sicuramente l’anima di Wither è eterna e forse attenderà ancora trecento anni per riuscire a riprendersi la sua vendetta. Ciò spetta comunque ai due seguiti della saga.
Il passato di una tradizione non deve essere mai dimenticato, ma la sua presenza continuerà prima a tormentarci nei nostri sogni fino a venirci a prendere nella realtà.

Francesca Ghiribelli.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, well-written, packed with vivid details to put you right into the story, and relatable and likeable characters. It wasn't quite as scary as I'd hoped and the threat posed to the characters seemed a bit too vague for most of the book. I'm also not a big fan of books that keep their characters in the dark about dire happenings until just near the end, as this one does. In the end, though, I'm glad I read it and may check out more Wendy Ward novels.

[horror.wh0re · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way this book is written. It has so many characters, but the way it is separated makes it perfect for people that tend to pick up/put down a book continuously. I picked up reading again to keep me from doom scrolling on social media and this book is perfect for that because you can read a few parts and put it down or just keep reading until you’re done! The actual story is very interesting and captivating. I love witchy things and this book is all of that. Would highly recommend. (:

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows an aspiring witch, a pregnant professor, and a young girl. The trio are residents of a sleepy town with a centuries old claim to fame related to the witch hysteria following the Salem witch trials. In a sinister tale that unravels slowly, readers become aware of the history these women are being plagued by. Excellently paced and genuinely creepy. Passarella executes the story beautifully.

[We All · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un romanzo avvincente, a tratti può ricordare un po' uno young adult anche se certe scene sono più adult. Un paesino della provincia americana poco distante da Salem cerca di sfruttare la storia di un processo a tre streghe avvenuto pochi anni dopo quello di Salem, sembra più superstizione o folklore più che altro, peccato che alcune persone che non si conoscono stiano iniziando ad avere gli stessi incubi, ambientati e vissuti attraverso gli occhi delle tre streghe. Da riscoprire

[Greg Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read by J.G. Passarella. I did like the book, but it definitely did not instill a sense of horror while I was reading. I will say that it kept me wondering how all the events were going to come together, and when it happened I was surprised. I would call it a good witches story. Not something you thrown across the room because you're afraid to read another sentence.

[Charlene Burgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this at a used book store and didn't know what to expect, but it looked like it would be a good read. I am happy I took this ride! What a story with many twists and turns stories within stories. Kept my interest from the beginning to the end.

[Donna Clay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pass on this less than bewitching book. What drew me was the past history of witch killings. I know that books can and are imaginative, dream filled, whimsical, all that. This was just "less" and withered away...

[Marylou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frightening!

Reminiscent of Stephen King. A scary read, well-written and intense. Characters are well-rounded and definitely believable, as is the New England setting.

[Melissa Stull · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Halloween read!

[Bob Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 1999. Horror novel about witches and the occult.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying and awesome!

[Nick Chianese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it painfully, laughably cliched?
Yep.

Does that also mean it checks all the boxes for a silly, fun, spooky read that oozes Halloween spirit?
Absolutely.

[Riann3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wither nr. 01

Il punto di forza del romanzo (perchè innovativo nella sua originalità) è anche la fonte della sua debolezza. Le tre streghe di Windale, la congrega di Wither, sono disumane. Non solo nel senso di crudeli o incredibilmente efferate, semplicemente non sono più umane. Il loro ciclo vitale prevede dei periodi di "letargo" intervallati da periodi di veglia sempre più frequenti e lunghi nel mese di ottobre, il mese della loro morte. Il picco dell'anno è proprio il giorno di Halloween. Questa loro natura - incredibilmente affascinante - si svela pian piano nella narrazione, ed è proprio questo il problema: troppo lentamente. Poichè non c'è un piano nelle loro menti, c'è una cesura fra il ritmo serrato delle vicende degli umani (nelle quali le streghe hanno interferito "incarnandosi") e il ritmo blando e soporifero delle tre streghe. La loro natura e la loro storia emergono lentamente. Gli autori sono bravi a creare un ritmo serrato intervallato da svariati colpi di scena, ma la maggior parte di essi non è di natura sovrannaturale o stregonesca. Anche se questo approccio si rivela inizialmente positivo per la bravura nell'inserire in scene "normali" piccoli dettagli macabri che creano un'atmosfera angosciante (specialmente nel caso di Abby o della bambina di Karen), alla fine si crea troppa aspettativa che viene più sgonfiata che risolta dal finale. Positiva l'immagine di Wendy, con il suo carattere alternativo e il suo interesse per la magia bianca. Anche questo elemento - la magia bianca - è ambivalente: da una parte positivo (perchè crea un parallelo alla magia nera delle streghe di Windale), dall'altra però sminuisce il personaggio di Wendy, facendola apparire come una povera ingenua che si fida di carabattole new age e non riesce a riconoscere la "vera" magia all'opera intorno e dentro di lei.

Complessivamente è comunque un buon romanzo, godibile e molto coinvolgente.