The Witch of Whispervale

The Buccaneers #2

by R.A. Salvatore

From the legendary author and creator of Drizzt Do’Urden comes the next installment in the New York Times bestselling DemonWars fantasy series, about the traitorous invasion by the Xoconai of the eastern realms of Corona. However, the heroes of the last war against their demon god may be forgotten, but they are not powerless.

Treaties are discarded as the full invasion of the Xoncai has begun and war returns to Corona. Consolidating resistance on land in Behren and within the abbeys as a last stand against the golden warriors is the catalyst for the return of the most powerful gem-wielding witch the world has ever known.

Yet, as the rumor of a witch of gemstone magic reaches the Xoconai they send a hunter, so brutal he is known as the Coyote, to find her in this novel set at the beginning of a new war in R. A. Salvatore’s bestselling world of heroic fantasy.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Audiobook

480 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

As one of the fantasy genre’s most successful authors, R.A. Salvatore enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times best-seller lists and have sold more than 10,000,000 copies. Salvatore’s original hardcover, The Two Swords, Book III of The Hunter’s Blade Trilogy (October 2004) debuted at # 1 on The Wall Street Journal best-seller list and at # 4 on The New York Times best-seller list. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Czech, and French.

Salvatore’s first published novel, The Crystal Shard from TSR in 1988, became the first volume of the acclaimed Icewind Dale Trilogy and introduced an enormously popular character, the dark elf Drizzt Do’Urden. Since that time, Salvatore has published numerous novels for each of his signature multi-volume series including The Dark Elf Trilogy, Paths of Darkness, The Hunter’s Blades Trilogy, and The Cleric Quintet.

His love affair with fantasy, and with literature in general, began during his sophomore year of college when he was given a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as a Christmas gift. He promptly changed his major from computerscience to journalism. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Fitchburg State College in 1981, then returned for the degree he always cherished, the Bachelor of Arts in English. He began writing seriously in 1982, penning the manuscript that would become Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Salvatore held many jobs during those first years as a writer, finally settling in (much to our delight) to write full time in 1990.

The R.A. Salvatore Collection has been established at his alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. He is in good company, as The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.

Salvatore is an active member of his community and is on the board of trustees at the local library in Leominster, Massachusetts. He has participated in several American Library Association regional conferences, giving talks on themes including “Adventure fantasy” and “Why young adults read fantasy.” Salvatore himself enjoys a broad range of literary writers including James Joyce, Mark Twain, Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Sartre. He counts among his favorite genre literary influences Ian Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Fritz Leiber, and of course, J.R.R. Tolkien.

Born in 1959, Salvatore is a native of Massachusetts and resides there with his wife Diane, and their three children, Bryan, Geno, and Caitlin. The family pets include three Japanese Chins, Oliver, Artemis and Ivan, and four cats including Guenhwyvar.

When he isn't writing, Salvatore chases after his three Japanese Chins, takes long walks, hits the gym, and coaches/plays on a fun-league softball team that includes most of his family. His gaming group still meets on Sundays to play.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/rasalv...

Reviews

[Sean Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst I was disappointed that it took until the end of the book to get the Pinquickle crew back into the mix, it’s still Bob Salvatore, and that’s always a great thing in my book. Or, really, his book, in this case, at least.

[Viking Jam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review: This installment went off the rails from Pinqwickles Folly which was a novel built on strong characters derived from a quest built story line. Whispervale was a slog through pages and pages of emotive drivel. There were so many confusing place/person names with a coupling of forced evil / good interactions that dragging your bleeding eyes from page to page became an exercise in page flipping to ease the pain.

We have genres for a reason. You like this and I like that. Easy? Nope. The granted ability to parse genres and focus our interests saves us a lot of time and subsequent frustration. This should have been labeled LBGTQETC. The wittle kids were all cutesy and sweet and skip around amidst the horror perpetrated against them. The boys are wiser than their years and stalwart in presentation. Yawn. Another big fail was Aoelyn and her constant self-pity parade and reluctant hero shtick.

The first novel was fantastic so I think perhaps the author tried too hard after the initial success. Every interaction seemed contrived and forced. The emotive embellishments were not needed as actions can speak volumes. The ending moves back towards the original story line of Pinquickles Folly which was good. I forced myself through this long-winded shjt show but it was not easy.

I received this ARC for an honest review

2.4/5

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR: Darker and more tense than the first book, but with a great payoff.
Source: Netgalley and a purchase for myself! Thank you to Saga and Me!

Plot: This one circles back to Keri, and her seeking life over death.
Characters: Many of these were characters we met in the original Demonwars books but with new aspects and scars.
Setting: Primarily in a small hamlet so this almost felt cozy before we returned to the sea.
Fantasy: I love R.A. Salvatore’s fantasy. It’s the quintessential fantasy to me.

Thoughts:

The Witch of Whispervale is the sequel to Pinquickle’s Folly from last year. This series follows some 30 years after the events of the DemonWars Saga. The world is looking for peace after the wars, and a treaties have been tentatively holding that peace in place. Unfortunately as we find in Folly, the treaties are quickly being forgotten and ignored. Witch of Whispervale follows yet another character, a returning one from the DemonWars books, as she tries her hardest to find and make a peaceful life for herself.

This book was heavy and darker than the first. Keri is our primary character as she works hard to find and make a home where she can leave her old identity behind, along with the death and war she has known for so long. Unfortunately the golden tide of the Xoconai soon comes to her small village and breaks her family she’s made apart. I appreciated this for so much. The mental health struggles of Keri are clear, and we also see old friends step up to try to help her with those struggles. We see her become not just an angry and powerful woman, but a woman who wants peace and a mother who wants revenge.

This one is darker, I actually had to put it down on several occasions because a few scenes got me. But it’s also ramping up what is clearly going to be the huge conflict and it’s not going to be peaceful. Salvatore has a great way with magic and building tension and it’s clear here (even if the side characters aren’t perfect). I loved this though it took me forever. I really recommend continuing if you enjoyed Pinquickle’s Folly - but be prepared!

[Michael Hames · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this book for the first third and probably would have rated it three stars based on the beginning but it was quite a better for the last two thirds of the book and ultimately was worth the read.

[Dale Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Advanced Review. The publisher provided a free electronic copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Introduction

"The Witch of Whispervale" by R. A. Salvatore is not just a novel; it's an immersive journey into the depths of an enchanting, yet perilous world. Known for his epic storytelling and intricate world-building, Salvatore delivers another masterpiece with this addition to his bibliography. As a fan of one of my favorite authors, Brandon Sanderson, known for his complex cosmere, I can confidently say that Salvatore's new creation, Corona, rivals even the most detailed fantasy settings. Sanderson, Salvatore, and Abercrombie operate on a level distinctly above other fantasy authors.

Epic World-Building

R. A. Salvatore has long been celebrated for his ability to craft universes that feel both vast and intimately detailed. With "The Witch of Whispervale," he introduces us to Corona, a realm where magic and mystery intertwine with the everyday lives of its inhabitants. The world of Corona is a tapestry of diverse cultures, each with its own history, legends, and magic systems.

Geography:

Corona is described with breathtaking landscapes from the icy Whispervale to the fiery mountains of Draconia. Each locale not only serves as a backdrop but actively influences the plot and character development.
Magic and Myth: Magic in Corona isn't just a tool; it's a living force with its own rules and consequences. The witch of the title, Elara, navigates this world where magic can be as much a curse as a blessing, showcasing Salvatore's knack for creating nuanced magical systems.
Culture and Politics: The societies within Corona are rich with conflict and alliances, where political intrigue plays as significant a role as the battles fought with swords or spells. This complexity adds layers to the narrative, making every decision and alliance fraught with tension.

Characters and Plot

The story follows Elara, the titular witch, who is not only a figure of awe but also of deep vulnerability. Salvatore's character development here is exemplary, giving us a protagonist whose journey through personal and magical trials is compelling. The supporting cast, from the wise old mage Faren to the brash warrior Kael, each brings a unique perspective and depth to the narrative, enhancing the epic feel of the tale.

The plot weaves through themes of power, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Salvatore's narrative style keeps you on the edge, with twists that are both surprising and yet, in hindsight, inevitable given the rich setup of his world.

Ratings Breakdown

World-Building: 5/5 - Salvatore's Corona is as detailed and engaging as any world he has created, with its own mythology and magical lore that captivates from the first page.
Characters: 5/5 - Deep, flawed, and relatable, the characters drive the narrative with their personal journeys and interactions, much like the heroes in Brandon Sanderson's novels.
Plot: 5/5 - The storyline is intricate with a satisfying pace that balances action, introspection, and political maneuvering.
Writing Style: 5/5 - Salvatore's prose is both grand in scale and intimate in detail, making every scene vivid and every emotion palpable.
Originality: 5/5 - While drawing from traditional fantasy elements, Salvatore adds enough unique twists to make Corona feel fresh and exciting.

Conclusion

"The Witch of Whispervale" is not just another entry in R. A. Salvatore's prolific career; it's a testament to his mastery over the fantasy genre. Fans of epic tales, those who revel in the works of authors like Brandon Sanderson, will find much to love in this novel. Corona is a world of wonders, dangers, and deep stories, making this book a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast. Salvatore has once again proven why he is celebrated as one of the greats in fantasy literature, delivering a narrative that is both a thrilling adventure and a profound exploration of its characters and their world.

[Daniel Whitman · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book and this series, I just couldn't.
After reading it, I left thinking that nothing had even happened, and that it was all just a mushy setup for the third and final installment of this series to get our main characters all together on a boat.

The main character, Aeolyn, felt stagnant and like she wasn't driving the plot. After reading "The Coven" series, where she was nigh untouchable with her magical powers, seeing her live a life in a small town for half the book because she doesn't want to kill anymore seems like such a letdown. I understand that it is how she is coping with grief from the original trilogy, but it also feels like, as a character, she wouldn't be the one to just sit around and farm all day. In this book, stuff just happened to her, and she barely did anything to resist.

Of course, other things happened in the book, but it is stuff that was already established in "Pinquickle's Folly" and "The Coven" series. We already know that the Xonocai (how do you even say that?) leaders are evil, that some of the Xonocai are good, that gem magic is frowned upon and forbidden by the other religions, etc., so what new idea was discovered in this book?

Overall, I feel that this has been one of Salvatore's weakest series to date.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially, I was frustrated. I'd gotten attached to the characters from Pinquickle's Folly, and expected to pick up with them again here. We don't get to see those characters until the very very end of this book. You have to go through character backstories, world building, and very little felt connected from book 1. RA Salvatore takes his time setting up thie books, and they always feel like a 3 star until the last third or so, where I become 110% invested with the story. I love the strong, badass FMC characters, the interesting types of magic, and the adventure type of fantasy we get. I will be continuing this series, and I think I'll enjoy the next book the most because I'll know where to set my expectations.

Thank you to Saga Press for the arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!

For fans of:

[Christopher Roblodowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Saga Press for a digital copy of this novel via NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to RA Salvatore's Pinquickle's Folly, a story set at sea and part of the DemonWars universe. We meet Aoleyn, a powerful witch who eventually goes into hiding under a new persona as Keri of Whispervale. She is being pursued by Coyote, who is sent by the Xoconai to eliminate the witch. What ensues is a cat and mouse game that plays out from the perspective of both the hunted and hunter. Keri's main drive is to be reunited with her children. I enjoyed this detail. Keri possesses powers aided by her jewelry. Yet at the core, she is just a mother looking out for the wellbeing of her children. There was also a nice moment when Keri faces off against thieves, while still showing compassion for their situation. There is a final confrontation at the book's close. While satisfying, it sets up the conclusion, which I can't wait to read.

[Edward Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free e-copy in exchange for a fair an honest review. I've been a big RA Salvatore fan for years, and have enjoyed this world, which is different from his Drizzt/DnD series, quite a bit. The books set in this world tend to have a bit more adult themes, will include more sex, though not be obscene, and spends time delving into what I think really intrigues the author and sets the author's work apart from others in the genre, where you get a sense of characters being introspective. There are big bad antagonists and conflict to drive the plot and the story was thrilling as always. I don't think this is best book with which to enter this world, though the first in the series could serve that purpose. Fans of the genre, Delilah Dawson fans, Paolini fans etc, will all like this series

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch of Whispervale is well written and the characters relatable. I felt a big disconnect but as I’ve read other reviews this is book two in a series that has fairly large crossover in other books within this works so I really feel finding a reading order and sticking to that to get the most enjoyment out of this book and the series in general. As I said I snatched up this book thinking I’d only missed book one and felt I could blend right into the storyline. And you can but it would be a little less confusing up front not to do what I did lol. Setting all that aside it has an exciting world, original magic system and well developed characters.definitely worth the read and I do recommend it!

[Dee Furey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch of Whispervale by R.A. Salvatore is set in the Demon Wars world and it is book II in the Buccaneers Trilogy. This book starts out slowly and steadily in building this world and developing the characters. You come to really care about Keridven or Keri and Ataquixt and Connie and the life Keri and Connie are building with their sons. That life is upended when the boys are in their teens and the Xoconai make a push to root out all of the magic that exists in the land, and Keri is a witch. That is the first half of the book. The second half is a race to the finish as Keri must find a way to find her family and save them from the Coyote and save herself. The character work is top notch. I do wish there was a more even pace to the book overall, but it is a good story and I give this book 3.85 stars. I want to thank Saga Press for my ARC. I enjoyed this read.

[Jennalee Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was SUCH a ride! I wasn't sure if I was going to love it as much as the first one, but I totally did! The world building was more established and the character development seemed to flow in a way that made it seem like each character was growing and coming into their own self. The action was done so well. And while I am not necessarily someone who loves action in such an intense way, it was very appropriate for the story. I really enjoyed this story and haven't read anything quite like it before.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that this slowed down the action, but I don't mind that. While the pirates' daily life is filled with action and fighting scenes, this second book has a lot of politics, discussions, and the characters making sense of things. It makes the difference between peoples wider because they look down on others or see magic as a perversion. It has a more feminine, emotional, maternal feeling, Wiccan, too, with women dancing and powerful stones. I still think it's a series to be enjoyed as physical instead of audiobook; too many names to memorize and distinguish.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I miss Drizzt, I love this series! Aoleyn and her compatriots and enemies are some of the most awesome characters R.A. Salvatore has created. The action may start a little slowly for some, but by the time you get to the end, you are hanging on the edge of your seat! I can't say it enough. I love love love this book!

[Clayton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received a copy as part of a GoodReads giveaway.
Much of the story sees the main character racked with guilt and despair over past actions or seeking solely to flee outside the range of any possible conflict. Enjoyed some of the earlier novels set in the same realm better.

[AJAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid storyline. Hard to keep up with all the characters at some times.

[Shan Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, set in the world of Corona! I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment, in order to continue with these characters on the next part of their journey.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished The Witch of Whispervale (the sequel to Pinquickle's Folly and book 2 in a trilogy) this weekend. The first book was focused on pirates, but this one focuses mostly on new characters in the quiet village of Whispervale and the perilous political atmosphere. (We do get back to buccaneering in the last quarter of the book, however! 🏴‍☠️)

Both books have had a slower start with lots of world building and getting to know the characters, and then the second half of the book is filled with action. For me, this pacing worked well because I really got to know and be invested in the characters. I really like how important themes are worked into the book--they feel really woven into the stories of the characters.

If you need a break from romantasy and are looking for a fun fantasy read with pirates, politics, and witches, this is it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!