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Fire Witch: Book One of The Frontier Witches
Fire Witch is a spellbinding tale set in the tumultuous post-Civil War era, chronicling the journey of Mary Maguire, a witch seeking her place in a world that both fears and condemns her kind. Faced with societal scorn and familial strife, Mary embarks on a perilous path to find freedom and purpose. As she navigates through a world marked by prejudice and danger, Mary's story becomes a powerful narrative about defiance, self-discovery, and the unyielding quest for autonomy. Her journey is fraught with challenges, testing her strength and resolve as she grapples with her magical heritage, personal demons, and the harsh realities of a society unprepared for her kind. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles of a woman determined to forge her own destiny, defying the restrictive norms of her time.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Annette Grantham
10 books12 followersAnnette Grantham takes readers on riveting journeys through captivating worlds of historical witch fantasy.
Annette Grantham’s life reads like one of her richly imagined fantasy novels—filled with journeys, discovery, and the pursuit of passions. Hailing from the bustling streets of New York, Annette’s early years were a nomadic odyssey from the historic Northeast to the expansive heart of Texas. Her adventurous spirit found a home in the military, where she served with dedication and honor, before she embarked on a tech odyssey as a software engineer. However, beneath the code and uniform, a storyteller’s heart beat with fervent imagination.
Annette’s pen has always been mightier than a sword, and her lifelong dream to weave tales has come to fruition in her writing. She now crafts enthralling fantasy novels that stitch together her fascination with bygone eras and the mystical. Her acclaimed five-book series, “The Frontier Witches,” is where the grit of “Deadwood” meets the enchanting allure of “Practical Magic.” Here, readers find themselves alongside bold and spirited heroines—witches who don’t just navigate but flourish in the untamed frontiers of the Old West.
Nestled in a snug cabin, where the wild whispers of nature are but a window away, Annette lives with her high school sweetheart, a lovably eccentric dog, and under the watchful eyes of a lively squirrel congregation. Her home is not just a retreat but a wellspring of inspiration where she conjures her next spellbinding adventure. Join her, and be spirited away to worlds where history’s shadow dances closely with the flicker of magical reality.
Annette Grantham’s life reads like one of her richly imagined fantasy novels—filled with journeys, discovery, and the pursuit of passions. Hailing from the bustling streets of New York, Annette’s early years were a nomadic odyssey from the historic Northeast to the expansive heart of Texas. Her adventurous spirit found a home in the military, where she served with dedication and honor, before she embarked on a tech odyssey as a software engineer. However, beneath the code and uniform, a storyteller’s heart beat with fervent imagination.
Annette’s pen has always been mightier than a sword, and her lifelong dream to weave tales has come to fruition in her writing. She now crafts enthralling fantasy novels that stitch together her fascination with bygone eras and the mystical. Her acclaimed five-book series, “The Frontier Witches,” is where the grit of “Deadwood” meets the enchanting allure of “Practical Magic.” Here, readers find themselves alongside bold and spirited heroines—witches who don’t just navigate but flourish in the untamed frontiers of the Old West.
Nestled in a snug cabin, where the wild whispers of nature are but a window away, Annette lives with her high school sweetheart, a lovably eccentric dog, and under the watchful eyes of a lively squirrel congregation. Her home is not just a retreat but a wellspring of inspiration where she conjures her next spellbinding adventure. Join her, and be spirited away to worlds where history’s shadow dances closely with the flicker of magical reality.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 6, 2024
I'm glad I read all the way to the end because the last section of the book is the best part. The writing was better, character thoughts were more complex, descriptions had me picturing the scene. The actions felt supported by motive and I could see the three-fold rule falling into place.
The first eighty percent wasn't like this. The main character undergoes so little growth, behaves so unreasonably, that she seems somehow out of place in her own story. She magically roofies the man she loved for sex, but doesn't want to be married, so she drugs his hated brother into marrying her so she can join a super religious wagon train. She watched her mother burn at the stake and often laments the fact she can't use her magic for fear of these people turning on her. So, she uses it constantly and openly, telling fortunes, mending iron wheels with fire magic, doling out healing potions, and starting every fire with a whisper. When a man she's into comes along to take her away to the life she always wanted, she chooses to stay with the man who she hates because she got a letter telling her to take care of him.
The book was edited well enough for grammar and spelling, though the writing itself is a little light on description. The sex and violence was kept down at a PG level, except for a scene of murder and misogynistic violence against a dead body.
The first eighty percent wasn't like this. The main character undergoes so little growth, behaves so unreasonably, that she seems somehow out of place in her own story. She magically roofies the man she loved for sex, but doesn't want to be married, so she drugs his hated brother into marrying her so she can join a super religious wagon train. She watched her mother burn at the stake and often laments the fact she can't use her magic for fear of these people turning on her. So, she uses it constantly and openly, telling fortunes, mending iron wheels with fire magic, doling out healing potions, and starting every fire with a whisper. When a man she's into comes along to take her away to the life she always wanted, she chooses to stay with the man who she hates because she got a letter telling her to take care of him.
The book was edited well enough for grammar and spelling, though the writing itself is a little light on description. The sex and violence was kept down at a PG level, except for a scene of murder and misogynistic violence against a dead body.
August 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a woman's journey westward. The Oregon Trail's prominence in this novel was a big plus for me. When a witch marries a lazy skunk of a man so that she may be allowed to travel the trail, being able to conjure fire and lift heavy objects comes in mighty handy. I've just got to have more of this world, so now I'm going to check out the prequel novella.
January 26, 2024
4.5 *
Oh Mary, Mary, quite contrary.... seems to be a phrase which runs through my mind over and over reading this well written historical fantasy. She's a barrel of contradictions - single-mindedly conniving to forge her own path, regardless of the consequences to anyone else. In this, she is a formidable force, a powerful woman (even if she doesn't have complete control over said magical powers!), up against the adversities of nature, society and her personal foes.
The Fire Witch is a gripping and pacy read, as we follow Mary discard her love (the very proper Henry - and she doesn't seem quite deserving of him anyway!) and set off towards what she perceives to be freedom. It's almost a mythical place, and quite in keeping with the western frontier setting, where she thinks she will be able to live out her life, practising her magic whenever and however suits her, not her stait-laced sister Stella. It is quite the journey - both physically and of self-discovery!
My only quibble is that the main character is SO uncaring of those around her it's hard to sympathise with her at first, but stick with it. As her sister laments, Silly Girl, and at times, you find yourself questioning what on earth Mary thinks she's playing at if she really expects the outcomes she is so motivated to get. If you love complex characters, gritty settings, some love-to-hate moments (George! Grrrr. What a ****), then this is a good start to what promises to be a great series.
Oh Mary, Mary, quite contrary.... seems to be a phrase which runs through my mind over and over reading this well written historical fantasy. She's a barrel of contradictions - single-mindedly conniving to forge her own path, regardless of the consequences to anyone else. In this, she is a formidable force, a powerful woman (even if she doesn't have complete control over said magical powers!), up against the adversities of nature, society and her personal foes.
The Fire Witch is a gripping and pacy read, as we follow Mary discard her love (the very proper Henry - and she doesn't seem quite deserving of him anyway!) and set off towards what she perceives to be freedom. It's almost a mythical place, and quite in keeping with the western frontier setting, where she thinks she will be able to live out her life, practising her magic whenever and however suits her, not her stait-laced sister Stella. It is quite the journey - both physically and of self-discovery!
My only quibble is that the main character is SO uncaring of those around her it's hard to sympathise with her at first, but stick with it. As her sister laments, Silly Girl, and at times, you find yourself questioning what on earth Mary thinks she's playing at if she really expects the outcomes she is so motivated to get. If you love complex characters, gritty settings, some love-to-hate moments (George! Grrrr. What a ****), then this is a good start to what promises to be a great series.
February 1, 2024
The first chapter of the “Fire Witch” grabbed my attention, and I soon found myself in Mary, the main character. Surprisingly, the idea of being a witch was not at all strange or scary, but believable, even inviting. Watching Mary grow up and become a responsible caring woman was fascinating. But, as she grew so did her witching skills. I found she wasn’t perfect, and didn’t always do the right thing. Who can’t identify with that?
The author painted wonderful scenes of the countryside as Mary traveled across the country, just enough to not distract from the story but to add to it. With witchery woven in, she made wagon train travel and pioneer life come to life in a new way.
The “Fire Witch” is full of tension and drama, yet, delightful—a page turner. I can’t wait to read it’s sequel.
Margie Keck Smith, author of “Frayed Edges” and “Do the Right Thing”
The author painted wonderful scenes of the countryside as Mary traveled across the country, just enough to not distract from the story but to add to it. With witchery woven in, she made wagon train travel and pioneer life come to life in a new way.
The “Fire Witch” is full of tension and drama, yet, delightful—a page turner. I can’t wait to read it’s sequel.
Margie Keck Smith, author of “Frayed Edges” and “Do the Right Thing”
October 1, 2025
I was really enjoying this story right up until towards the end where it got a tad confusing. Isobel was united with her real father and aunt but not in the way I thought it would happen, nor in the person I expected to do so. There was too much left unsaid with regards to George and especially concerning Isobel's journey.
There is a succinct lesson here. Be mindful of your actions lest they come back and bite you. Sometimes, in fact more oft than not, it is the innocent ones who are left to suffer.
There is a succinct lesson here. Be mindful of your actions lest they come back and bite you. Sometimes, in fact more oft than not, it is the innocent ones who are left to suffer.
January 27, 2024
What an amazingly captivating read! I was in awe of the protagonist, Mary, and absolute disgust with George. So much so I had to spend half an hour talking to my girlfriend about how much I hated George and why. I felt this book, and it’s been so long that a book transcends the pages in to my reality to the point that at times that I put the book down I felt exhilarated, disdain, exitement, or a sense of calm. The second book can’t come soon enough!!! Five stars, highly recommended!
February 19, 2024
Mary and her family are witches. For the most part, per family tradition, she sticks to healing and helping people. But she's restless and impulsive, longing for adventure. Her sometimes poorly thought out decisions, plus her temper, tend to get her in trouble, and sometimes lure her to the dark side.
Mary really tries to control herself, to make up for the wrong things she has done. She does her best to help others, both as a penance and because she really cares. She's intelligent and a hard worker. I see this story as a tragedy, about a woman's inability to overcome her inner nature, no matter how hard she tries. I did care about her enough to hope she would get out of her ill-advised abusive marriage and find some measure of happiness.
This is a page-turner, as Mary continually leaps out of the frying pan and into the fire. The ending is a little abrupt, leaving various loose ends forever untied, and some outcomes unexplained. Perhaps a sequel will address the details?
Mary really tries to control herself, to make up for the wrong things she has done. She does her best to help others, both as a penance and because she really cares. She's intelligent and a hard worker. I see this story as a tragedy, about a woman's inability to overcome her inner nature, no matter how hard she tries. I did care about her enough to hope she would get out of her ill-advised abusive marriage and find some measure of happiness.
This is a page-turner, as Mary continually leaps out of the frying pan and into the fire. The ending is a little abrupt, leaving various loose ends forever untied, and some outcomes unexplained. Perhaps a sequel will address the details?
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews