A Witch Without Magic

by Larisa Walk, Kristen Kennedy (Illustrator)

When her neighbors accuse Belladonna of Satanism and making them age years to days, she must find who is behind it or face a modern day witch hunt. Her mysterious enemy knows where to strike to cause the most damage: Belladonna's only friend is losing his life-force; the garden that feeds her is dying; and her house ghost goes poltergeist. To save her neighbors and friends and prove her innocence, she must travel to the Otherworld where butterflies have razor wings and where her worst fears will come to life.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2012

About the author

Larisa Walk writes paranormal fiction. Several of her short stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. See her latest short story, "The blue dahlia", in the Expanded Horizons online magazine: http://expandedhorizons.net/magazine/...
She has more short stories coming to e-book stores and is currently working on an urban fantasy novel about an agoraphobic, ex-prison inmate witch that must fight an evil sorceress whose power comes from a datura plant nymph she enslaved.

Reviews

[Bookish Satty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.

Firstly I would like to thank Larisa Walk, author of A Witch Without Magic, for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.

The title of the story caught my attention and the blurb really interested me so I signed up for it and let me tell you that I didn't get disappointed at all by the story.

A witch from whom her magic has been stolen through a curse, this concept really interested me after all we get to see witches with their magic and the use of it but here we get to see a witch who lost her powers and is now trying to cope up with her life as a ordinary girl. On the other hand tragic incidents are taking place and all are blaming her for it. This story describes the quest which Belladonna takes to prove her innocence and for that she travels to the scary other world.

I liked the story a lot and adored Belladonna's character as well. The great twists and turns that the author introduced here and there really stunned me and I was shocked to see the secrets reveal which shocked me as well.

The writing style of the author is really rich and descriptive and it helped me to create a visual image of the entire story and enjoy it to the full extent.

The suspense is really well kept till the end and I became anxious to know the end so I skipped the pages at first then returned again to those pages and finished them later, I know it's cheating but I had to know the end as fast as I could.

All in all a great and must read for ya all for a fresh splash.

Thanks to Lovers of Paranormal group and to Carrie (moderator of LoP) as well for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

[Kathryn Brink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the Author and Lovers of Paranormal at Goodreads.com for an honest review.
This was a great, interesting read with an unexpected turn at the end. The story line was one I haven't read before so that was fantastic. I did however battle to feel a connection with Belladonna. I would have preferred it if more background to who she was and where she was from was given at the beginning of the book. I really felt for Lana and sympathized with her plight- her story was believable and like they say, Hell hath no fury liked a woman scorned!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Witch without Magic by Larisa Walk
A book, filled with wonder, charm and a little whimsy. It is a well crafted story with a plot that moves along at a good pace. The host of crazy and wonderful characters will keep you entertained, although I found that 'Evil' characters are far better defined than the 'good' characters who are a bit insipid and petulant. I did find myself drawn to Lana more than Belladonna because of this. Despite this I found this book to be an entertaining read.

[Angela Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book; I couldn't put it down and finished it in one afternoon and the first word that comes to mind was charmed. Not the old TV show which I didn't like much, more like Grimm which I do, but I like this book better and it would make an even better TV series. I can see it, that is because it is a visual book due to the deft descriptions. The characters were recognisable, there was compassion and kindness in the most unexpected places and there were the dark elements from other worlds causing chaos and it was all handled so brilliantly, I could see every element.
I read the other reviews; one interested me, the reviewer didn't see the mix of Christianity and Pagan Witchcraft as being possible; perhaps they didn't grow up in Europe as I did. Here the past and present mix comfortably, the Neolithic and even older monuments still inspire, along with great churches, and we still look for their meanings. The stories about fairies have very curiously morphed with angels, which fascinates me as they have little in common. And the old books like the Nibelungenlied, Beowulf, are still read and studied. The old superstitions still live comfortably alongside Christianity in many countries. We can add to that African and South American hybrids too, so for me it made perfect sense.

[Juan Galindo Zuñiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rinat

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good witchy tale and one that adds insane nymphs, stolen magic, ghosts, guardian spirits, and twenty-one cats how could you not expect some fun entertainment? A Witch Without Magic delivered all that was promised and I was certainly not disappointed. I will admit to feeling a bit lost on starting the read. The first chapter felt like the beginning of book two in a series, which on further research is not the case; however, as the story progresses all of the questions that were present at the beginning are answered. This turned out to be a unique and interesting progression that defined all the motivations for the actions of the "baddies" and Belladona. So hang in there and keep going for all to be revealed and a real treat of a tale. I enjoyed the world building and loved the characters, who are all colorful and very well portrayed. There was plenty of tongue 'n cheek humor with moments of anger, anxiety, adventure, and yes some tears all wrapped up with a very satisfying ending. I am really excited to learn that this is to be book one with book two in the works, and I cannot wait to find out what Belladonna and the gang are getting up to next. When I saw this book offered for read and review I jumped at the chance to read it and received it from the author with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.

[Erik Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great plot device for books or films is when characters or secondary characters misunderstand the main character because when that happens, it creates more benefits for the certain genre that the story represents. If it's a comedy, the misunderstanding creates more comedy. If it's a drama, it creates more drama. If it's a horror, it creates more horrific scenes. Larisa Walk's story centers around Belladonna, who is known around her town as the outsider because according to the town legend, she is a witch. Although her "powers" are actually limited or don't exist at all. So whenever havoc erupts in the town, everyone blames her. Right in the beginning of the book, she is accused of starting a riot in her neighborhood. When her neighbors start to age rapidly, fingers are pointed at her. She then must travel to the Otherworld in order to save her neighbors including herself in order to stop the real cause of all the madness. Like I said before, misunderstandings are great plot devices and Larisa Walk knew how to use them to tell her story.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favourite line. *Your speach annoys me, human female.*

(Sorry Luz Elena)

I thought this was a fun read, I was ready for a witchy tale and this one didn't disappoint me. The whole plot was interesting, and I loved the fantastical creatures that were involved. No offense to Belladonna or Lana, but I think the Queen was my favourite character! I must have a thing for twisted and creepy. Fitting that she said my fav line also ;p

I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review (LoP)
Thanks Larisa for the chance to read =D

[Sara Bunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. It was so hard to get through. The description made it sounds really good and interesting, but I had to force myself to read it.

I was given a free copy via Lovers of Paranormal R2R for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into this one. Hard to define exactly but I did not enjoy or like it. Though it may be perfectly great to someone else.