All Hallow's Eve

by Wendi Sotis

Since ancient times, every Halloween, the ritual of Sanun is performed, freeing the dead to interact with the living for one night. One Evil Soul discovers a way to hide from the Return, remaining on Earth to meddle with the fates of the living. As the centuries pass, It begins to search for the High Priestess, intending to force her to do its bidding, no matter the cost.

Appearances can be deceiving, even in Regency England. To most, Elizabeth Bennet is simply the second daughter of an insignificant country squire, but in truth, she is High Priestess and leader of an ancient cult secretly co-existing alongside British society. Confusion reigns when she learns that the man she despises, Fitzwilliam Darcy, is her Soul Mate, assigned to protect her from Evil. Can they work together to preserve the future?

Genres: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Halloween, Romance, Historical, Witches

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2012

About the author

Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. Years ago, while searching for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since.

The Marriage Pact, and some of her works-in-progress, have branched away to Regency Romance and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries, but Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Lizzy together again and again in an unusual manner.

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I was born on the night of Samhain, when the barrier between the worlds is whisper-thin and when magic, old magic, sings its heady and sweet song to anyone who cares to hear it.” Carolyn MacCullough, Once a Witch

It’s October and the time for stories of old magic and paranormal activity. Take everything that you have ever known about the Bennet family and throw it out the window. It is all smoke screens and mirrors. They certainly are not who or what we thought they were. In fact, the Bennet family is an old family with a profound heritage that few know of.

Our author did an excellent job in setting up and describing the universe of a secret cult living within the confines of British society. On the one hand, Bennet is an insignificant country squire, but in truth, holds a title within the society of his cult. However, it is his second daughter that holds the highest rank.

Elizabeth Bennet is High Priestess and leader of their cult. Her word is law and she holds an important position at the end of every October, the ritual of Sanun. During this one night, when the boundary between the worlds is thinnest, the souls from the otherworld can, through her ritual, enter the real world and converse with the living. As the guardian to the gateway, she only allows good souls to enter.

It is then the responsibility of the Priestess to perform the Return song that compels those souls to return to the otherworld. There is only one problem. Centuries earlier, one Soul [and an evil one at that], managed to resist the Return song and has remained in the real world ever since. It has possessed the bodies of various people over the centuries and his one goal throughout that time was to find the reigning High Priestess and force her to do his bidding. In his present possession [guess who], he will cause innumerable problems for our Elizabeth and her Soul Mate and protector [guess who].

“The Harvest Moon glows round and bold,
In pumpkin shades outlined in gold,
Illuminating eerie forms,
Unnatural as a candied corn.
Beware what dare crawls up your sleeve,
For ‘tis the night called Hallows Eve.”
Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes

In order to keep the local populace from delving too close to their secret activities, Mrs. Bennet and the younger daughters present a silly demeanor in order to keep people at a distance. When you are silly, no one pays attention to you or takes you seriously. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this plot before. This was really interesting to see what they were like behind the façade. I really liked them.

I also liked this Darcy, our dear Colonel and his brother the Viscount. These guys were so awesome.

Our Villains were the usual suspects.

Caroline Bingley: I must say this lady [used lightly] was beyond the pale. She was horrid and uncontrollable and despicable. Charles Bingley certainly had his hands full with her. She was awful. Now here was where I seriously wanted someone to cast a spell on her or turn her into something horrid.

Wickham: OMG!! I’ve never seen this side of him before. Wow! This puts a new light on his situation. Dang, I wanted to hate him like forever and now… what a different twist. His crew was surprising and the twists and turns with them was certainly different. Didn’t see the reveal on a couple of those guys.

Lady Catherine: OMG!! This was worth the read for sure. She stormed Hertfordshire, looking for Darcy, in order to make her sentiments known. And she certainly did that… just… wow! So, what happened when the termagant from Rosings encountered the High Priestess? Well now, that would be a spoiler and I’m not going there.

Rating: PG-17 due to suggestive discussion of sexual innuendos. Nothing graphic, just licentious behavior and discussions. This story does not reference witches or black magic. However, white magic is still magic even though there were no spells cast on an unsuspecting populace. Herbs were used a lot and many have medicinal properties and they were explained in detail.

There were a few places where I wondered why all the preparation. Somehow, the plot lost me a bit and I wondered at the reasons for a few things. I really enjoyed the story. I liked the epilogue and what happened to everyone. There were a few threads that I wondered about, but overall, a very enjoyable story. I love a good D&E HEA.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

I was drawn to read this story when the author announced a sale on all her books and I checked to see if there were any I had not read. This tale does not reflect canon much at all although the characters are the same, the events and even the behavior of the people we know are different. Thus if you simply think of it as another story to enjoy which just happens to have the names of characters from your favorite or one of your favorite stories then the story cannot help but draw you in and enthrall you.

There are two parallel worlds: life as we know it and the otherworld...the after life. One day each year (Hallow's Eve) deceased souls are allowed to pass through the body of the HIGH Priestess of Sanun and visit on earth for the night. Before this line of Priestesses came up with a way to screen (sieve) bad souls from good souls returning to earth one evil Olc finds a way to remain in this world and has been seeking to identify the High Priestess in order to eliminate her power and take over the world. In doing this the Olc has found a body to inhabit in order to be able to perpetrate evil deeds and "have a little of his own fun" while seeking that Priestess. The body he inhabits will not be a surprise.

One Hallow's Eve Darcy witnesses the Song of the Return and dance the High Priestess has to perform for this event to come to fruition. And he learns that those dreams he had about his parents visiting him were a fact and they now inform him that Elizabeth is his Soul Mate. Elizabeth is informed of the same by her Grandmother's returning spirit and others she trusts. Members of the Bennet family have significant roles in this absorbing story: even Lydia plays her supporting role. But the world only sees what we have read about their behaviors in canon, a farce played to hide their more important roles as members of "The Tribe".

Most of this story is about trying to drawn the Olc into a trap so that he can be sent back permanently to the Otherworld. The story ends at about 85% on the Kindle version. I found this to be a very creative paranormal version of P&P and thoroughly enjoyed it. Another review complained that Caroline's fate was not made plain to us but I do think that what the author wrote allows us to know that Caroline will never again be in the presence of ODC.

There are several pages about future generations and the roles they are assigned in this world.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read this author before and liked her work, I love Pride and Prejudice retellings, and I saw this one had a nice theme for this time of the year so I picked it up off my TBR pile to give it a go. The creativity in making Pride and Prejudice into a paranormal tale was fascinating and I enjoyed the change in dynamics that took place in Darcy and Elizabeth's relationships as a result. Truth be told, the overriding them of this book could have been 'nothing and nobody are as they seem'. It wasn't a faithful following of the P&P story with a little paranormal crammed in here in there, but some of the elements from the original were recognizable.

The story begins after the point where Bingley's party has already been settled at Netherfield and Darcy has already had a chance to alienate Elizabeth, but that is where it trots off on its own parallel story line.

Darcy can't sleep because his mind is a riot of confusing thoughts all dealing with Elizabeth Bennet. He walks out and while walking forms the resolution that he loves her and that he wants to court her. Darcy stumbles across Elizabeth out in a meadow late at night performing a rite as the High Priestess of a secret tribe of people that will allow innocent souls to cross back over into the land of the living for one night-All Hallow's Eve. Darcy's parents are among those who cross and they acquaint him with the existence of these tribes, Elizabeth's role, his family's role and now his new role. Shock soon turns to concern when he hears of the danger coming for Elizabeth. He is pleased beyond imagination to learn that he is her soul mate and meant to be her protector, but then he overhears Elizabeth's true opinion of him and he is crushed. How could he be so blind?

Elizabeth is approached by the ghost of her grandmother and soon learns what role Darcy will play in her future and also discovers that she may have misjudged him entirely. She agrees to give the man who would be her soulmate a chance.

After Darcy shares what he is told by his parents' ghosts to Elizabeth, things for both of them, the rest of her family, Bingley, and Darcy's cousins change fast. Wickham is coming and he is being managed by a wicked soul who wishes to use Elizabeth as a gateway to bring the other wicked souls back to this world. Everyone is in training and preparation for the big confrontation. In the meantime, Darcy and Lizzy enter into a tenuous understanding that slowly, but gradually begins to grow inspite of several misunderstandings and snap-judgments. It's a race to be ready in time for the showdown with so much riding on it.

The plot on this one was quite different from the original so that it was one new discovery after another for me. Yes, the two main characters are in essentials pretty much the same as are the Bingleys and Jane. Everyone else? Well let's just say it was quite change-up and fun.

The pacing of the story dragged in places and got exciting in others. Even though I enjoyed learning the background of everything, the Darcy/Lizzy relationship needed time to grow and it was authentic that the training for their roles would take time, I got pretty antsy for it to just get on with it. About half-way through, the pace switched up and things got more than interesting. Loved it!

The characters were generally an enjoyable part of the piece for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this author's version of Darcy. He was all that was wonderful since there wasn't much evidence of the pride and arrogance that dominated the original story. This Darcy is true hero stuff and a little sensual which was nice.
Now Lizzy on the other hand, I wasn't so caught up in right away. She came across as bratty for the first third of the book. I get that she had to do her 'prejudice' thing and that was fine at first when she misunderstood Darcy, but she lost her temper a few times and just spewed ignorant stuff. I wouldn't have minded so much, but she never owned it. He's a little late to an appointment, she rips him a new one, he gives a reasonable explanation with an apology and she...does nothing. She rages and spews hurtful and hateful things when she makes an assumption why he is marrying her and again, he explains, he gives a beautiful speech with an apology attached, then...she just goes all doe-eyed and pretends she never had that melt down. I was prepared to dislike her for the rest of the story, but as that stuff ended after a time I just let bygones be bygones. She was a superb heroine through the last half of the book and a wonderful version of Elizabeth.

The romance in this one is passionate, but sweet. Speaking of romances, there are a few interesting pairings in this one that was fun to see. Oh and though Mr. Collins is absent, Lady C does make her appearance and it was memorable.

Those who enjoy Austenesque stories that offer a diverse retelling with paranormal elements should try this one. It's perfect for the fall.

[Anna]

All Hallow’s Eve is probably the most unique retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that I’ve read so far. In Wendi Sotis’ version, Elizabeth Bennet is insignificant in the eyes of British society, being the daughter of a country squire, but unbeknownst to the ton, she is the leader of a secret, ancient cult. As the High Priestess of Sanun, Elizabeth performs a ritual every year on Oct. 31 that allows the dead to make contact with the living for a few short hours before they must return to the Otherworld. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley, unwittingly witnesses the strange yet beautiful ritual just before he learns that he is the Soul Mate of the High Priestess.

Centuries ago, an Evil Soul called Cher-nog managed to avoid the Return and has ruined the lives of many people since then, taking over their bodies and making them perform unforgivable acts. Cher-nog is close to uncovering the identity of the High Priestess and is intent on controlling and destroying her. By the time Darcy learns of his role in the Tribes, his attitude toward Elizabeth has changed from believing her to be merely tolerable to believing he can’t live without her. Now he must convince Elizabeth that his feelings for her are sincere…and protect her at all costs.

To be honest, I didn’t expect to like All Hallow’s Eve based on the summary (ancient cult rituals? Soul Mates?), but Sotis truly surprised me. I found myself immersed in the descriptions of the Tribes and the various roles held by each member of the Bennet family, and I wanted to know more about this world. Even when the writing was more telling than showing, I was so caught up in the characters — some of whom are very different from their original incarnations — that I could overlook it.

What I liked best about All Hallow’s Eve is that it’s not as dependent on the original novel as some of the other retellings. Sotis basically takes Austen’s characters and plops them into an entirely different world and situation. This added some mystery and excitement because I had no idea what would happen to the characters as they moved down the path toward the anticipated happily ever after.

All Hallow’s Eve is more than just a fast-paced novel with the love story of Darcy and Elizabeth at its core. Despite the very serious battle between good and evil, Sotis manages to lighten the mood with some jabs at the characters we all love to hate. In fact, I’m not likely to forget a certain scene with Lady Catherine anytime soon. Sotis does a good job balancing two worlds, that of the Tribes and that of British society, emphasizing how the latter depends on the former without even knowing it exists. She also provides some very interesting explanations for the behavior of certain characters, and most importantly, she made me believe them and the world in which they inhabited.

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

I received a free copy of this book for review.

[Abigail Bok]

I had hopes for this book—the combination of Jane Austen and magic often tickles my funny bone—but it didn’t work for me, and when (at 45%) the action headed for the bedroom, I headed for the hills.

It was competently written, save for the occasional misspelled or misused word, but I could not warm to the story. An ancient evil spirit called an Olc has possessed Wickham and is trying to wreak havoc in the lives of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. They and their friends and family must fight the forces of evil to protect British society.

Our dear couple comes to an understanding far earlier than in the original, which turns the action away from comedy and steers it deep into melodrama territory. There was already kissing by the 20% mark in my Kindle copy, which warned me of where we were going. And everyone was deadly serious—hard for those of us to take who turn to Austen because we dearly love a laugh! I was mildly curious about the part Lady Catherine de Bourgh would play, as a plot complication involving her was set up in the opening chapters, but not engaged enough to wait for it. Sorry.

[Ceri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Pride and Prejudice variation which is pretty out-there; Elizabeth is the High Priestess of the tribal world and Darcy comes across her performing ancient rites that allow good spirits to visit the living world on Halloween. He had been struggling with his attraction towards Elizabeth (it's Halloween, so is set not long after he's met Elizabeth and while he's still at Netherfield).

Darcy is told by the spirits of his parents that he is Elizabeth's soul mate and that he will soon have to protect her from terrible danger from an evil spirit that will try to do her harm. Elizabeth is told the same by her grandmother's spirit. She is obviously less pleased than Darcy at this news, but agrees to give him another chance and the story then moves into a planning and training of the people appointed as guardians of the High Priestess to avoid this evil spirit succeeding.

I don't mind stories which are a bit more unusual and I thought this was such an interesting idea for a story. There were also a number of nice touches referring back to Pride and Prejudice events and dialogue. However, there were two things which reduced my enjoyment in the story.

Firstly, there were many instances of words which were either American English, too modern for the period or just felt wrong, for example, the many references to 'British society' when I feel that English people of that period would refer to English society instead, etc. Secondly, and this was the bigger issue for me, I felt that the characters were too accepting of the fantastical circumstances that they find themselves in. It's not just one character, but all go them that are not part of the tribal society just seem to accept it at face value without any kind of struggle or doubt. Everything happens at breakneck speed - relationships are formed, feelings develop really, really quickly and it just didn't seem plausible for me.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed that the Caroline sub-plot never had an ending. What happened to her. Why did she have no consequences? That was disappointing. Also, in several places there were sentences that just had too many words like the author was re-writing the sentence but forgot to delete how it started. I was able to figure out what was meant, but I was not expecting that issue to come up more than 3 times in a published work.

I enjoyed the plot. I felt like this was a bit like Harry Potter. I do think part of the ending was a bit overly dramatic. (really, during the sanum!). But, i went with it. Overall a great story. Low angst in terms of ODC getting together but high adventure and other angst is in the plot. I enjoyed reading this during October to get me in the Halloween spirit.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, on Halloween, the ritual of Sanun is performed by the High Priestess of Sanum to allow the dead to connect with the living, but just for one night. But back in the past one evil spirit escaped returning, the Olc, and now seeks the Priestness. It has finally found the right body to inhabit.
In Regency England the High Priestess is Elizabeth Bennet, and she must be protected. But who is her soul mate, who really are the Bennets. Darcy, Bingley and the Fitzwilliam brothers are recruited by Mr Bennet.
An entertaining re-read of this story. Another enjoyable re-read.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm struggling to rate this... I can't say I was drawn in to the story... but I read it in no time and it was enjoyable but there is just something missing for me. I think another reviewer described this book as Pride and Prejudice meets Harry Potter... it's not quite that good but it is a book about good versus evil, magic and other worldliness.

Elizabeth Bennet is High Priestess... Darcy is her Soul Mate... but she hates him! The story unfolds quite gently. It's a good clean romance. There is an interesting explanation as to why Wickham behaves the way he does. I liked this and also found it a bit sad! There is also an explanation as to the behaviour of the Bennets which is also quite good.

There were a few things I didn't like... Caroline Bingley needed something serious to happen to her. I felt a bit cheated she got away scot free with her activities. Also the Epilogue... then the second Epilogue which seemed more pointless than the first. This is a personal thing... I don't like epilogues!

I read the Gypsy Blessing by this author and really enjoyed it. This one is a bit more difficult to read, unusual terms and complicated relationships make it a bit more of a challenge. I've also read a few 'magical' variations lately and it could just be this is one too many!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting magical variation.

Parts were confusing.

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non tutto è come sembra

E no, non tutto è come sembra. L'apparenza spesso inganna. La ragazza carina e arguta, dagli occhi brillanti ma priva di conoscenze e con una posizione sociale modesta potrebbe essere in segreto un membro importantissimo di una setta druidica, che supera di grado tutti quanti.
In effetti, in questa variation di Pride and Prejudice in versione celtica, Elizabeth Bennet è la Somma Sacerdotessa, unica persona autorizzata a partecipare ai riti di All Hallow's Eve per riportare sulla terra gli spiriti dei defunti.
L'ignaro Mr. Darcy lo scopre quando, durante la notte del 31 ottobre 1811, sente il richiamo di un canto e si ritrova in una radura in cui vede la fanciulla che celebra il rito di Sanum, mentre cioè fa passare le anime dei morti attraverso il portale che lei stessa ha aperto con il canto.
Nessuno potrebbe assistere al rituale, ma i genitori di Darcy, che sono tra le anime dei defunti, avvertono il figlio che lui è l'Anima Gemella della Somma Sacerdotessa, l'unica persona che può assistere al rito (e assistere Elizabeth) senza rischiare la vita.
La sorpresa è grande, tanto più che Darcy ed Elizabeth si sono appena conosciuti e la First Impression non è stata affatto positiva, sebbene Darcy stia già cominciando ad ammirare i begli occhi di Miss Bennet.
Anche Elizabeth, quando scopre che Darcy le è destinato da sempre, sembra piuttosto contrariata, e attende di vedere come si evolverà la situazione prima di convincersi che lui sia davvero la sua Anima Gemella.

Da tempo c'è in giro un'anima cattiva proveniente dall'Ultramondo, un Olc, che è riuscito a passare dal varco e che vuole arrivare alla Somma Sacerdotessa per averla in proprio potere.
Per sconfiggerla e rispedirla nell'Ultramondo, Darcy fa arrivare da Pemberley la spada custodita da sempre dalla sua famiglia, la spada che può essere usata solo dal Soul Mate della Somma Sacerdotessa; convoca inoltre i cugini, Reginald, Visconte di Matlock, e il colonnello Richard Fitzwilliam, per creare una sorta di guardia a difesa di Elizabeth - che, tuttavia, è una guerriera ben addestrata di livello elevatissimo, come tutta la sua famiglia. Darcy, con i cugini e Charles Bingley, inizia l'addestramento sotto la supervisione di un insospettabile Mr. Bennet, utilizzando come "sparring partners" proprio le cinque ragazze Bennet.

A parte che non è chiarissimo il motivo di queste esercitazioni, che sembrano fini a se stesse dato che i nostri eroi devono affrontare uno spirito e non un esercito in carne e ossa, questa parte dell'addestramento richiama terribilmente il prequel di Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Dawn of the Dreadfuls di Steve Hockensmith.
Si scopre che sia Mrs. Bennet che le cinque figlie, in particolare le due più giovani, quando si dedicano culto druidico sono ben diverse da come appaiono nella buona società dell'Hertfordshire; di norma sono cioè costrette a recitare una parte per coprire l'identità della Somma Sacerdotessa. Appunto, non tutto è come sembra!

La storia è piuttosto fantasiosa, ma con qualche pecca, per esempio alcuni termini sbagliati. In effetti si sarebbe dovuto parlare di English Society piuttosto che di British Society, un'ingenuità americana della Sotis, abituata a vedere la Gran Bretagna come un tutt'uno come ai giorni nostri.
Inoltre ci sono dei personaggi che non vengono neanche menzionati, come per esempio Mr. Collins - di cui, tuttavia, non si sente la mancanza. Ma forse, parlando di una religione più antica, la Sotis avrà probabilmente voluto omettere dei riferimenti al clero anglicano, sebbene alla fine compaia il pastore di Meryton.
La trama si tira forse un po' troppo per le lunghe, dilungandosi su figli, figli dei figli, ecc, con ripetuti epiloghi, quando in effetti le vicende principali si concludono almeno quattro capitoli prima del finale.

Interessantissimi invece alcuni personaggi secondari presenti. Lady Catherine, ad esempio, è sempre la stessa, ma la Sotis si diverte a vederla umiliata, ritagliandole un cammeo davvero esilarante, ma un po' improbabile. Anche Caroline Bingley non si smentisce, anzi. Le sue intromissioni doneranno pepe alla storia (nonché il desiderio da parte del lettore di strozzarla... come al solito!)
Gli Hurst vengono invece riscattati, così come altri personaggi che però preferisco non menzionare per non incorrere in spoiler.

Un romanzo gradevole, da leggere magari dopo aver intagliato la zucca di Halloween, ma nulla di soprannaturale, malgrado l'argomento trattato.

Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice was one of the most intriguing and memorable of the hundreds of variations I've read over the last few years, and the reason is the theme of paranormal/fantasy that weaves its way into the romance of Darcy and Elizabeth. There is a very different plot here than Austen's original, and it goes back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Elizabeth is the Druidic High Priestess and Darcy finds that the family sword over the main fireplace at Pemberley is meant for the High Priestess' protection. Thus, he is to be the Soul Mate of the High Priestess.

Each All Hallow's Eve, the High Priestess admits the spirits of those passed to eternity a visit with their descendants. But hundreds of years ago, an evil spirit managed to stay behind when the spirits are gathered to return, and its presence may wreak havoc upon earth. And it is up to the High Priestess and her Soul Mate to stop his wicked plans.

This book was nearly unputdownable. (Yeah, yeah, it's not a word, but it describes this book's compelling qualities perfectly.) Especially if one enjoys paranormal suspense, this variation of Pride and Prejudice will be a page-turner!

I rarely give "5" scores to books that are not classics, but this variation was simply outstanding. Extraordinary. I was up until 3:00 AM, trying to finish it. It's really, truly, seriously *that* good.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful Holloween book to read!! It was a little paranormal with a lot of Jane Austen thrown in. I loved how Elizabeth and her family were playing a front as to who they really were. Having said this I found it intriguing that all is not as it seems. Elizabeth and Darcy still have to over come some prejudices and some hasty thoughts but it was a wonderful journey. Oh and loved Wickham and you will too in more ways than one!! definite must read

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable paranormal P&P variation. This was a very unique and original story that held my attention as the Bennet family lead a secret double life as various family members hold important leadership positions in the mortal/immortal world alliance. The Darcy/Fitzwilliam/Bingley famililes all play a part as well. The plot is more about the unseen activities and plots of a wicked spirit trying to infiltrate the human world permanently and make it possible for other unsavory spirits to follow. The Bennets have to keep up appearances in the normal societal structure of the time while also preparing for their important battle with the unseen. I thought this was a well thought out and fun good story. I was unsatisfied with the way Caroline was dealt with or rather not dealt with. I also always deduct a star when there is a pairing between Colonel Fitzwilliam and any of the three younger Bennet sisters or Charlotte Lucas. Sorry, I realize this is a personal preference for me, but I will never understand why so many Austen authors can't find a better more suitable and deserving match for such a loveable character as the good Colonel. It always detracts from my enjoyment because he deserves a character equal to an Ellizabeth or Jane in my opinion and while I do like Charlotte and can tolerate Mary, neither is good enough for CF.

[Wendy DeWachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think ancient Driuds

I do not normally read fantastical books like this one. I got it on Halloween 2022. I have to admit it was well written, the story kept me interested and I finished the book. As far as ancient rituals and ghosts go it was believable, if that makes sense. Far more so than the P&P variation I read last year where an alien being showed up wreaking havoc in everyone's lives. Though that book was funny and fun.

[Lisa E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be tighter

I enjoyed the story. I like a redeemable Wickham and Bennets. Aunt Catherine is dealt with harshly but I think Caroline got off too easily: maybe because things of Britain are less important than things of Tribe? We experience Caroline's crimes but not Aunt Cathetine's, as far as I remember, so I feel slightly dissatisfied. And what happened to the money?

[Chris Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastical

If you're into P&P with some soul mates, mystical rituals (pagan) then this tale is right up your alley. Evil entities, antagonist and a team of heroes thrown in makes for a great read. Just imagine the Fitzwilliam brothers, Bingley and Darcy as an honor guard. Oh and Mr. Bennett training them. Personally, I enjoyed it.

[Gratia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I listened/read this story on the occasion of All Hallow's eve, and couldn't put it down. Very engrossing fantasy that kept with the canon characters' behaviour. I miss the mention of Richard and Mary in the epilogue, as well as hoping that Caroline Bingley got what she deserved. I think I might start an annual tradition of reading this tale.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, spirits return

Oh my, the spirits return, and give messages. Only supposed to allow good ones, but.....
A bit scary, bit action, lots of friendships and !ove.
Wonderful twist to our favorite characters, and wonderful outcome.

[CharlotteReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The glowing description of beings of light touches my heart, much more than the heavy handed proselytizing evangelical variants of P&P which feel like they are pushing an agenda.

It is truly a relief to find something written about a different tribe and point of view.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

I read an excerpt of this book years ago, and I finally got around to reading it. It was everything that I hoped for and more. I have read all of the author 's books.

[Terri Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a departure for Wendy but I really enjoy this story. Interesting take on otherworldly things.

[Kasia Burlakoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite

[Jess Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une riche idée d'introduire les croyances antiques à l'Angleterre de Jane Austen: le principal intérêt est bien entendu qu'ainsi l'auteur peut justifier tous ses manquements à l'étiquette... Tout le monde est embarqué dans l'histoire, Darcy ( l'âme soeur, le fils du Gardien de l'épée, et dont la soeur est aussi une prêtresse... pratique non ?) Bingley (on sait pas trop pourquoi), et les cousins de Darcy (soyons fous) Mr Bennet est un maitre d'armes (oui je sais c'est difficile à faire cadrer avec le roman de Jane Austen), Mrs Bennet et Jane des guérisseuses, Mary parle aux morts dans ses rêves.... Lydia et Kitty sont des guerrières ... (oui je sais. Bien entendu il nous faut un "méchant", une âme possédée par le démon... est-il nécessaire de vous révéler son identité ? Les usages sont rapidement oubliés dans des combats en corps à corps haletants... Elizabeth et Darcy se fiancent en un claquement de doigts (après tout Elizabeth occupe le plus haut rang dans le monde celtique mdrrr) ...Lady Catherine s'adonne elle aussi aux anciens rites (mmmm elle danse à demi nue à la pleine lune ?) Bref on nous apprend que les Bennet sont des gens très distingués qui font semblant d'être mal élevés pour donner le change et qu'on ne devine pas que Lizzy est grand prêtresse. Soit. Une fois toutes ces informations digérées, j'ai fait le deuil de tout ce que je préfère dans Pride & Prejudice... Exit la tension entre Darcy et Lizzy ( même si l'auteur fait d'honnêtes tentatives pour l'instaurer), les dialogues teintés d'ironie et la détestation de Darcy causée par la rupture de Jane et Bingley ( qui de fait ne rompent pas...) Du coup nos tourtereaux se tombent dans les bras l'un de l'autre le livre à peine commencé... Donc il nous reste les combats et le plan. Ma foi le reste est assez bien mené, j'ai particulièrement apprécié le regard que l'auteur pose sur Wickham ! Caroline Bingley quand à elle est fidèle à elle-même (en fait j'ai apprécié de voir les personnages non impliqués dans les anciennes croyances). Et j'ai bien aimé le passage avec Lady Catherine. La fin est archi convenue en dépit de ses efforts pour essayer d'être originale...

Ce que j'ai aimé : Le renvoi aux croyances celtes, la manière dont le personnage de Wickham est appréhendé, Lady de Bourgh. Le fait qu'on sente que l'auteur a creusé les croyances celtiques

Ce que j'ai moins aimé : Un couple Lizzy /Darcy formé trop vite. Le côté imbuvable limite " je me la pète, je suis la grande prêtresse d'Elizabeth". Les combats pas toujours convaincants, des longueurs... Le fait qu'au final, aucune scène "croustillante" ne soit détaillée ! Une écriture et un scénario qui choisissent souvent la facilité et des rebondissements attendus. Beaucoup de temps et d'encre dépensés pour quelque chose qui aurait pu être résumé en trois chapitres :(

En bref : Un roman plaisant dès l'instant où le lecteur est capable "d'acheter" le côté légende celtique, autre monde, autres usages. Pour les amoureux de Darcy et Lizzy, je pense que la trame est trop simpliste... Finalement la tension n'existe que durant les premières pages... Mais une interprétation originale et intéressante de Wickham qui rattrape à mes yeux la relation "baclée" Darcy/Lizzy même si la fin archi classique et attendue est une déception....

Ma note : 5/10

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pride and Prejudice and Druids oh my. This is a clean and enjoyable Pride and Prejudice paranormal variation. You have to approach this work with an open mind about the history of the Tribes in England and mystical occurrences. There are a lot of odd terms and details that are necessary for the book but time consuming.

It works in a good explanation as to why Mrs. Bennet, Kitty & Lydia are so silly as well as why Wickham is so bad. If you have issues with non-Christian religions it probably isn't a good book, but if you've read the Mists of Avalon or Harry Potter it's good.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only Austen fanfiction I've read in which I actually like Mrs. Bennett.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was different that I thought it would be while enjoyable to read it was a little difficult to follow. I've seen many great reviews for the book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.