What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mist-Torn Witches #2
Witches in Red
Céline and Amelie Fawe can see into anyone’s past and future simply by touching him. They have used their powers to secure sanctuary—and a fine apothecary’s shop—in the village around Castle Sèone. But their continued safety has a price....
Far to the north, the men of an isolated silver mining community are turning into vicious “beasts” that slaughter anyone in sight. The mines belong to the noble family of Prince Anton—ruler of Castle Sèone and Céline and Amelie’s patron—and Anton’s tyrannical father has ordered his son to solve the mystery as a test of his leadership. He has no choice but to send the witches into the perilous north to use their abilities to discover the cause of the transformations. Given how much they owe the prince, the sisters have no choice but to go.
Together with the overprotective Lieutenant Jaromir, Célene and Amelie enter the dark world of a far-off mining camp tainted by fear, mistrust, and enslavement—and haunted by men turning into massive mad wolves without warning. Now the two must draw upon strength and cunning they never thought they possessed not only to solve the mystery, but to survive....
Far to the north, the men of an isolated silver mining community are turning into vicious “beasts” that slaughter anyone in sight. The mines belong to the noble family of Prince Anton—ruler of Castle Sèone and Céline and Amelie’s patron—and Anton’s tyrannical father has ordered his son to solve the mystery as a test of his leadership. He has no choice but to send the witches into the perilous north to use their abilities to discover the cause of the transformations. Given how much they owe the prince, the sisters have no choice but to go.
Together with the overprotective Lieutenant Jaromir, Célene and Amelie enter the dark world of a far-off mining camp tainted by fear, mistrust, and enslavement—and haunted by men turning into massive mad wolves without warning. Now the two must draw upon strength and cunning they never thought they possessed not only to solve the mystery, but to survive....
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
25 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Barb Hendee
70 books1,162 followers[See barbhendee.org]
Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.
Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.
We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.
J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.
Recently, I've begun writing romance/suspense novels, beginning with: Alone with a Soldier. I am so glad my books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 26, 2015
*Source* Library Loan
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Witches in Red is the second installment in the Mist-Torn Witches series by author Barb Hendee. Sisters Céline and Amelie Fawe can see into anyone’s past and future simply by touching them. They have used their powers to secure sanctuary and an apothecary’s shop in the village surrounding Castle Sèone. If you haven't read the first book, The Mist-Torn Witches, I do believe that it is OK to proceed in reading this book since Hendee does a fine job of summarizing previous events, and how the sisters ended being saved from their home of Shetana thanks to Prince Anton and Lieutenant Jaromir.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 09/26/2015
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published: May 6th 2014 by Roc
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Witches in Red is the second installment in the Mist-Torn Witches series by author Barb Hendee. Sisters Céline and Amelie Fawe can see into anyone’s past and future simply by touching them. They have used their powers to secure sanctuary and an apothecary’s shop in the village surrounding Castle Sèone. If you haven't read the first book, The Mist-Torn Witches, I do believe that it is OK to proceed in reading this book since Hendee does a fine job of summarizing previous events, and how the sisters ended being saved from their home of Shetana thanks to Prince Anton and Lieutenant Jaromir.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 09/26/2015
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Published: May 6th 2014 by Roc
August 24, 2024
Good action but wished she had gotten to the point a little faster with a couple plot reveals.
April 26, 2015
I enjoy the series but we need more character development on our main characters. We learn more about the gypsies we meet in this story, than we know about Amelie and Céline. Again, we are derailed during the climactic ending while Amelie is dragged into the killer's past.
In the second story of the series, Prince Anton's father has heard how Céline and Amelie caught the killer attacking young girls in Anton's kingdom. He has send a letter requesting the help of Anton's seers. His silvermines up north have stopped producing. Something is happening and his guards are turning into beasts and killing the miners.
Anton has no choice but to help his father and he sends the sisters with a small battalion of soldiers. The reference to the Witches in Red is the red cloaks the sisters wear sort of like medics in a war zone wear a red cross. This is to protect them from attack on the road.
Jaromir accompanies them and hand picks some of the guards for protections. Only Jaromir and one other guard will accompany them into the miner's camp so that Anton's men aren't considered a threat to his father's guards already camped there. Even though they come to help and leave their battalion behind, the Captain of the camp is wary of the sisters and since he outranks Jaromir who is a Lieutenant, they have an uphill battle to solve this mystery.
Among the miners are a family of gypsies who will teach the sisters a little more about their family heritage and also gives us another possible love interest for Céline.
Once again the momentum of the climax of the story is thrown off by Amelie giving us a look back in the killer's past to see why he/she is responsible and how they are carrying out the dastardly deed.
THOUGHTS:
It was a very interesting story. We are trying to figure out how the men are being changing into beasts. We are trying to figure out who will be next, and we are trying to figure out who is behind it. But once again we get to the climax of the story and Amelie touches the killer and drags us into the past, jerking the momentum to a halt. I will say this one is more important a back story than in book 1 or in book 3, and provides us with information we will need for book 3, but it still draws you out of the excitement at the end.
Romancewise, Anton can't leave the castle so there is little Anton/Céline interaction. This leaves an opening for the young guard who has shown an interest in Céline and who is getting a bit aggressive about it. I am sure this will become more of a problem in future stories. Since it is Jaromir who accompanies the girls, we get more Jaromir/Amelie time and even get a passionate kiss between the two. It is Jaromir who puts the breaks on this since he won't take Amelie as his mistress but is not willing to offer her more. We'll see how long that will last since he doesn't seem to have any interest in women other than Amelie.
There are several things about this series that I like but it needs more in character development and something needs to be done about the flashbacks. If I could figure how to do it better, I would be the writer and not just a woman with a book blog. I just hate that it always throws off the excitement of the ending.
I only received review copies of books 1 and 3 so I was interested enough to purchase my own copy of book 2. I just can't give it more than 3 stars.
In the second story of the series, Prince Anton's father has heard how Céline and Amelie caught the killer attacking young girls in Anton's kingdom. He has send a letter requesting the help of Anton's seers. His silvermines up north have stopped producing. Something is happening and his guards are turning into beasts and killing the miners.
Anton has no choice but to help his father and he sends the sisters with a small battalion of soldiers. The reference to the Witches in Red is the red cloaks the sisters wear sort of like medics in a war zone wear a red cross. This is to protect them from attack on the road.
Jaromir accompanies them and hand picks some of the guards for protections. Only Jaromir and one other guard will accompany them into the miner's camp so that Anton's men aren't considered a threat to his father's guards already camped there. Even though they come to help and leave their battalion behind, the Captain of the camp is wary of the sisters and since he outranks Jaromir who is a Lieutenant, they have an uphill battle to solve this mystery.
Among the miners are a family of gypsies who will teach the sisters a little more about their family heritage and also gives us another possible love interest for Céline.
Once again the momentum of the climax of the story is thrown off by Amelie giving us a look back in the killer's past to see why he/she is responsible and how they are carrying out the dastardly deed.
THOUGHTS:
It was a very interesting story. We are trying to figure out how the men are being changing into beasts. We are trying to figure out who will be next, and we are trying to figure out who is behind it. But once again we get to the climax of the story and Amelie touches the killer and drags us into the past, jerking the momentum to a halt. I will say this one is more important a back story than in book 1 or in book 3, and provides us with information we will need for book 3, but it still draws you out of the excitement at the end.
Romancewise, Anton can't leave the castle so there is little Anton/Céline interaction. This leaves an opening for the young guard who has shown an interest in Céline and who is getting a bit aggressive about it. I am sure this will become more of a problem in future stories. Since it is Jaromir who accompanies the girls, we get more Jaromir/Amelie time and even get a passionate kiss between the two. It is Jaromir who puts the breaks on this since he won't take Amelie as his mistress but is not willing to offer her more. We'll see how long that will last since he doesn't seem to have any interest in women other than Amelie.
There are several things about this series that I like but it needs more in character development and something needs to be done about the flashbacks. If I could figure how to do it better, I would be the writer and not just a woman with a book blog. I just hate that it always throws off the excitement of the ending.
I only received review copies of books 1 and 3 so I was interested enough to purchase my own copy of book 2. I just can't give it more than 3 stars.
May 5, 2014
Witches in Red is the second book in The Mist-Torn Witches series. In addition, it takes place in the same world as The Noble Dead series, which I haven't yet read. I do like that it's the same world though so as I read the different series I will be more and more familiar with it. I do know that this series is absolutely fantastic and I definitely plan to read The Noble Dead books very soon!
Characters~ Sisters Amelie and Celine are fantastic. Celine felt a bit more in the forefront, but that might be my imagination. They were both the main characters though and their personalities came out even more in this book. They are both unique and stand apart from each other. It's easy to know which is which and not confuse them even when the narration is switching between them (third person narration). Celene is the healer and has a soft and gentle nature. Amelie is the protector and more rough. She dresses in pants and keeps her hair shorter. They both have abilities and while Celene is more comfortable with hers, Amelie is learning to be more comfortable with hers.
Romance~ The romance in the series is so far really on the light side. We see that there are feelings between characters but as yet it's still developing slowly and hasn't yet become an actual romance. I like the slow developing romances, and I'm okay with this. It's clear that there are feelings between characters and I'll be anxiously awaiting the day it becomes more.
Plot~ In this book Celene and Amelie are taken to a miners camp where the soldiers guarding it are turning into beasts. Amelie and Celene are there to help figure out who, or what, is responsible. It's a dangerous job but Celene and Amelie will do anything to save others. An added bonus is that some of their own people are miners there so they learn more about their people and find more people that they want to help. They uncover more bad things happening and just have to find a way to put everything right.
World~ I can't review a fantasy without talking about the world. It's a pretty easy fantasy world to understand. Since this is the second book I feel like I understand it pretty good, but there's always more to see. I found myself picturing things like it was the middle ages. I could picture the castles and the clothing and everything else really well. I also liked that it wasn't done with a ton of description. Somehow it was blended in perfectly cause the story never dragged due to world building or descriptions. I'm anxious to get back to it because it's all so wonderful!
Negatives~ None. Seriously, I'm having trouble thinking of any.
I really, really loved this book. These are fast reads that actually don't require a lot of time to get through. For fantasy they are pretty uncomplicated. They also each have a mystery, which helps speed of the pace because we are eager to unravel it. I really couldn't recommend this book any more highly, it's fantastic!
Characters~ Sisters Amelie and Celine are fantastic. Celine felt a bit more in the forefront, but that might be my imagination. They were both the main characters though and their personalities came out even more in this book. They are both unique and stand apart from each other. It's easy to know which is which and not confuse them even when the narration is switching between them (third person narration). Celene is the healer and has a soft and gentle nature. Amelie is the protector and more rough. She dresses in pants and keeps her hair shorter. They both have abilities and while Celene is more comfortable with hers, Amelie is learning to be more comfortable with hers.
Romance~ The romance in the series is so far really on the light side. We see that there are feelings between characters but as yet it's still developing slowly and hasn't yet become an actual romance. I like the slow developing romances, and I'm okay with this. It's clear that there are feelings between characters and I'll be anxiously awaiting the day it becomes more.
Plot~ In this book Celene and Amelie are taken to a miners camp where the soldiers guarding it are turning into beasts. Amelie and Celene are there to help figure out who, or what, is responsible. It's a dangerous job but Celene and Amelie will do anything to save others. An added bonus is that some of their own people are miners there so they learn more about their people and find more people that they want to help. They uncover more bad things happening and just have to find a way to put everything right.
World~ I can't review a fantasy without talking about the world. It's a pretty easy fantasy world to understand. Since this is the second book I feel like I understand it pretty good, but there's always more to see. I found myself picturing things like it was the middle ages. I could picture the castles and the clothing and everything else really well. I also liked that it wasn't done with a ton of description. Somehow it was blended in perfectly cause the story never dragged due to world building or descriptions. I'm anxious to get back to it because it's all so wonderful!
Negatives~ None. Seriously, I'm having trouble thinking of any.
I really, really loved this book. These are fast reads that actually don't require a lot of time to get through. For fantasy they are pretty uncomplicated. They also each have a mystery, which helps speed of the pace because we are eager to unravel it. I really couldn't recommend this book any more highly, it's fantastic!
May 7, 2014
Witches in Red begins not long after the ending of book one. Celine and Amelie are recuperating and adjusting to their new life in the apothecary shop located in the village around Castle Seone under the protection of their patron Prince Anton. Meanwhile in the north at a small mining community there is chaos with men turning into beasts and ravaging those around them and having to be killed. All work has stopped at the mines and income from the mines halted with the workers too fearful to enter the mines. Prince Anton is ordered by his father to resolve this mystery as a test of his leadership abilities and in turn Prince Anton once again calls upon Celine and Amelie to accompany his most trusted Lieutenant to travel to this area and get to the bottom of the problem. The unraveling of this mystery reveals treachery, barbaric behaviors by those in power, unexpected twists and turns, as well as thought provoking revelations, and heartbreak.
The story is well written and kept this reader turning the pages with glee as the mystery unfolded. The characters were believable, likable, and a joy to get to know with the scale of emotions I experienced all over the charts hooking me right in. Having not read book one there was some world building missed and although the tale stood alone, I would recommend reading book one as there is obviously much that has gone on prior to this telling. The story ends well and leaves the reader eager for more and does not leave you hanging. While Witches in Red takes place in a time of high fantasy novels, it is a lighter less complicated read from the traditional tales and I would recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy a good mystery with a little paranormal twist. I am looking forward to reading book one and then continuing the adventure with the third installment. I received this book from NetGalley.
The story is well written and kept this reader turning the pages with glee as the mystery unfolded. The characters were believable, likable, and a joy to get to know with the scale of emotions I experienced all over the charts hooking me right in. Having not read book one there was some world building missed and although the tale stood alone, I would recommend reading book one as there is obviously much that has gone on prior to this telling. The story ends well and leaves the reader eager for more and does not leave you hanging. While Witches in Red takes place in a time of high fantasy novels, it is a lighter less complicated read from the traditional tales and I would recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy a good mystery with a little paranormal twist. I am looking forward to reading book one and then continuing the adventure with the third installment. I received this book from NetGalley.
March 12, 2023
Barb Hendee is one of my favorite fantasy authors writing today. Having completed the Noble Dead saga that she co-wrote with her husband author J.C. Hendee, I've now turned my attention to her own solo series The Mist Torn Witches. Throughout all of her substantial series Ms. Hendee has always demonstrated a keen ability for describing scenes and settings that pull you into her woven worlds with ease. She also infuses her characters with believable wants and desires and seems to never strike a false note in her character's motivations and actions. Her fantasy writing celebrates both squalor and luxury, and her plots are always strong. In Witches in Red she follows two sister seers - one who can see a person's past and the other who can see a person's future- on another expedition in which they travel on behalf of the King to use their special gifts among a motley and sordid crew of soldiers and their wards in a cruel and treacherous mining site deep within the mountains. Beset by a vicious beast night after night, the guards and workers alike are terrified and desperate for someone to find the monster and help them kill it. In Witches in Red, Ms. Hendee has (as usual) struck gold again!
July 24, 2017
I was hoping that things would improve after the first novel but I was disappointed. The writing in this book is even worse than the first. The author again and again repeats the same phrases to describe things (I'm so tired of hearing how Celine's gown is snug at the waist with a full skirt... ughhhh). the author even cut and pasted a set of descriptive sentences from the first book into this one several times. Along with the repetition that happens just within this book.
Seriously though, it's very annoying. Plus, there is very little emotion in the writing and I often feel like I'm just skimming through the events, bc there is so little *real* description of anything beyond the basic who what where and when. I don't want to just hear that Jaromir commands respect from the soldiers I want to see it. I don't want to just hear that he flirts with and is attracted to Amelie, I want to see it. There is way too much bland description in this book without much showing.
By a third of the way into this book, continuing to read was a chore, but I did it just to find out who was turning the soldiers into werewolves.
I wish I could go back and not ever start reading the book.
Seriously though, it's very annoying. Plus, there is very little emotion in the writing and I often feel like I'm just skimming through the events, bc there is so little *real* description of anything beyond the basic who what where and when. I don't want to just hear that Jaromir commands respect from the soldiers I want to see it. I don't want to just hear that he flirts with and is attracted to Amelie, I want to see it. There is way too much bland description in this book without much showing.
By a third of the way into this book, continuing to read was a chore, but I did it just to find out who was turning the soldiers into werewolves.
I wish I could go back and not ever start reading the book.
August 27, 2017
Céline and Amelie Fawe can see into anyone’s past and future simply by touching them. They have used their powers to secure sanctuary—and a fine apothecary’s shop—in the village around Castle Sèone. Anton has decided that they are going to find out why the men are turning into wolves at the Silvermine where his father's own's the place. So they go to this barren place and basically piece together what is happening to the Soldiers and why they are turning into wolves. This book is extremely hard to put down because the author is extremely good with weaving the tale and you want to know what is going to happen to Celine and Amelie.
December 28, 2017
I read the first book awhile back and then got busy. Something made me go looking for the second, and I'm glad I did. I like the way the sisters work together. I'm glad Amalie is growing into her own. I like that the secondary characters all have histories.
I did not figure out who was doing it, but I don't think the clues were there at first. I was surprised, but not an "Aha" kind of surprised, more a "Huh?"
I liked this book enough that I immediately bought the third.
I did not figure out who was doing it, but I don't think the clues were there at first. I was surprised, but not an "Aha" kind of surprised, more a "Huh?"
I liked this book enough that I immediately bought the third.
October 30, 2020
I like the story, premise, characters, etc... I wish it was written better. Where the hell is this author's editor? A good edit would make this 4 stars easily. Better character development could bump it up to 5.
October 27, 2022
A murder mystery in a fantasy setting. With about 3 pages of romance, largely building on what was started in book 1.
June 22, 2017
More of the same, but actual depth. Nice sequel.
November 24, 2017
Barb Hendee's Witches in Red is an action packed adventure for two Mist-Torn witches who work to figure out the source of the killings at a mining camp. It's an enjoyable read for fantasy audiences.
Read
August 1, 2019I like it. Alot of good caracters
April 26, 2022
A delightful and entertaining story.
March 30, 2024
Excellent characterizations making the two main characters feel real.
Interesting plot except for the too long digression into a 5 year old past.
Interesting plot except for the too long digression into a 5 year old past.
April 30, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/wi...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jesse J.
witches-in-red-mist-torn-witches-barb-hendeeCeline and Amelie are as different as they can be. One is blonde while the other is brunette; one is an introvert and the other an extrovert. Best off all, one can see into the past while the other sees the future.
While living under the safety of Prince Anton a problem has arisen in one of the Kings Gypsy mining camps. The soldiers are mysteriously becoming terrifying beasts, murdering anyone in sight. Due to living in fear, accompanied with other conditions, the Gypsies are unable to work. Silver production has stopped which is unacceptable. The King gives the task of solving his problem to Anton, who cannot disappoint his father. The King hesitantly sends Celine and Amelie to use their powers to end this terrifying nightmare.
Although this was a mystery, there was some romance as well. Anton and Celine seemed to have some kind of underlying relationship. I am excited to read the next book and see if they fall in love. Throughout the story Amelie and Jaromir, Anton’s friend and warrior, also have a hidden tension between them. There were some stolen kisses and a need to please. The whole book I was expecting some large gesture of love, but Hendee stayed on point.
I enjoyed the author’s use of everyone in the story; Hendee fully developed each character, most to my liking, yet somehow made more than one suspect. Usually it is somewhat obvious who the culprit is, in this case, I didn’t find out until it was blatantly stated. I was surprised, but it still made sense. I also really liked that the author had a skeptic, Keegan, in the story. Even though this takes place in a different time, our society’s norms kick in while reading. It was refreshing to see Hendee own up to the idea of a “fortune teller”.
I found Witches In Red to be a great page turner, it was very well written. The book has a great plot. As I said earlier, the sisters are extremely different, but I could relate to each. Celine likes to entertain and mingle much like myself. Amelie is very protective and independent, which is how I like to view myself.
Throughout reading the book, I kept thinking to myself, which power would I like more? To see into the past or what was to come? For the most part, Celine uses her power to see the future more than Amelie uses her gift. While it would be nice to have any sort of ability, Hendee changed my mind by introducing the more unpleasant aspects of such gifts. Seeing things from someone’s’ past would horrify any human being. Knowing you cannot alter it can easily drive you crazy. On the other hand, the pressure of seeing into the future in which you can only try to alter the outcome, is difficult as well.
This brings us to my least favorite part of the story: a young beautiful Gyspy woman name Mariah. It was the climax that also really made the book quite interesting by introducing vengeance. I would love to say more but don’t want to spoil it! I would, and actually already have, recommended this book to a friend.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jesse J.
witches-in-red-mist-torn-witches-barb-hendeeCeline and Amelie are as different as they can be. One is blonde while the other is brunette; one is an introvert and the other an extrovert. Best off all, one can see into the past while the other sees the future.
While living under the safety of Prince Anton a problem has arisen in one of the Kings Gypsy mining camps. The soldiers are mysteriously becoming terrifying beasts, murdering anyone in sight. Due to living in fear, accompanied with other conditions, the Gypsies are unable to work. Silver production has stopped which is unacceptable. The King gives the task of solving his problem to Anton, who cannot disappoint his father. The King hesitantly sends Celine and Amelie to use their powers to end this terrifying nightmare.
Although this was a mystery, there was some romance as well. Anton and Celine seemed to have some kind of underlying relationship. I am excited to read the next book and see if they fall in love. Throughout the story Amelie and Jaromir, Anton’s friend and warrior, also have a hidden tension between them. There were some stolen kisses and a need to please. The whole book I was expecting some large gesture of love, but Hendee stayed on point.
I enjoyed the author’s use of everyone in the story; Hendee fully developed each character, most to my liking, yet somehow made more than one suspect. Usually it is somewhat obvious who the culprit is, in this case, I didn’t find out until it was blatantly stated. I was surprised, but it still made sense. I also really liked that the author had a skeptic, Keegan, in the story. Even though this takes place in a different time, our society’s norms kick in while reading. It was refreshing to see Hendee own up to the idea of a “fortune teller”.
I found Witches In Red to be a great page turner, it was very well written. The book has a great plot. As I said earlier, the sisters are extremely different, but I could relate to each. Celine likes to entertain and mingle much like myself. Amelie is very protective and independent, which is how I like to view myself.
Throughout reading the book, I kept thinking to myself, which power would I like more? To see into the past or what was to come? For the most part, Celine uses her power to see the future more than Amelie uses her gift. While it would be nice to have any sort of ability, Hendee changed my mind by introducing the more unpleasant aspects of such gifts. Seeing things from someone’s’ past would horrify any human being. Knowing you cannot alter it can easily drive you crazy. On the other hand, the pressure of seeing into the future in which you can only try to alter the outcome, is difficult as well.
This brings us to my least favorite part of the story: a young beautiful Gyspy woman name Mariah. It was the climax that also really made the book quite interesting by introducing vengeance. I would love to say more but don’t want to spoil it! I would, and actually already have, recommended this book to a friend.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Read
June 2, 2014I don't use star ratings, so please read my review!
(Description nicked from B&N.com.)
“Far to the north, the men of an isolated silver mining community are turning into vicious “beasts” that slaughter anyone in sight. The mines belong to the noble family of Prince Anton—ruler of Castle Sèone and Céline and Amelie’s patron—and Anton’s tyrannical father has ordered his son to solve the mystery as a test of his leadership. He has no choice but to send the witches into the perilous north to use their abilities to discover the cause of the transformations. Given how much they owe the prince, the sisters have no choice but to go.
Together with the overprotective Lieutenant Jaromir, Céline and Amelie enter the dark world of a far-off mining camp tainted by fear, mistrust, and enslavement—and haunted by men turning into massive mad wolves without warning. Now the two must draw upon strength and cunning they never thought they possessed not only to solve the mystery, but to survive....”
I have to compliment Hendee on her character creation. Celine and Amelie are both feminine and tough. Here, feminine doesn’t mean fragile and waifish, and tough doesn’t mean just mentally strong. Amelie is the more physical of the two sisters, but even dressed in a fighter’s clothes and wielding a weapon, I think she’s still a lovely lady. Celine exudes beauty and caring, but no one could ever accuse her of being a maiden in distress. The two complement each other well, quite aside from their opposing powers.
In many ways, this series reminds me of another of my favorite re-reads, the Dubric Byerly books by Tamara Siler Jones. Although the setting is a fantasy universe and magic plays key roles in the plot, there’s a definite overtone of real sleuthing techniques. Magic isn’t the cure-all in this series, either; as often as not, neither reading the past nor the future helps with the deduction. It might give the sisters a nudge in the right direction, but they do a lot of regular investigating as well.
There are a few undertones of romance running through this story, but it’s not in the forefront by any means. That’s actually refreshing, as a good chunk of the novels available these days include romance as an obligatory element. The focus is firmly on the sisters and their work uncovering the secret of the transforming soldiers.
This book is a fun read with plenty of diverse elements—fantasy, mystery, action, adventure—to whet the appetite of just about any reader. I think this would also be a good series to give to those interested in the fantasy genre but not sure where to dive in. Witches in Red is one of those books that you can revisit again and again and never get bored.
This review originally appeared on Owlcat Mountain on May 29, 2014.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
(Description nicked from B&N.com.)
“Far to the north, the men of an isolated silver mining community are turning into vicious “beasts” that slaughter anyone in sight. The mines belong to the noble family of Prince Anton—ruler of Castle Sèone and Céline and Amelie’s patron—and Anton’s tyrannical father has ordered his son to solve the mystery as a test of his leadership. He has no choice but to send the witches into the perilous north to use their abilities to discover the cause of the transformations. Given how much they owe the prince, the sisters have no choice but to go.
Together with the overprotective Lieutenant Jaromir, Céline and Amelie enter the dark world of a far-off mining camp tainted by fear, mistrust, and enslavement—and haunted by men turning into massive mad wolves without warning. Now the two must draw upon strength and cunning they never thought they possessed not only to solve the mystery, but to survive....”
I have to compliment Hendee on her character creation. Celine and Amelie are both feminine and tough. Here, feminine doesn’t mean fragile and waifish, and tough doesn’t mean just mentally strong. Amelie is the more physical of the two sisters, but even dressed in a fighter’s clothes and wielding a weapon, I think she’s still a lovely lady. Celine exudes beauty and caring, but no one could ever accuse her of being a maiden in distress. The two complement each other well, quite aside from their opposing powers.
In many ways, this series reminds me of another of my favorite re-reads, the Dubric Byerly books by Tamara Siler Jones. Although the setting is a fantasy universe and magic plays key roles in the plot, there’s a definite overtone of real sleuthing techniques. Magic isn’t the cure-all in this series, either; as often as not, neither reading the past nor the future helps with the deduction. It might give the sisters a nudge in the right direction, but they do a lot of regular investigating as well.
There are a few undertones of romance running through this story, but it’s not in the forefront by any means. That’s actually refreshing, as a good chunk of the novels available these days include romance as an obligatory element. The focus is firmly on the sisters and their work uncovering the secret of the transforming soldiers.
This book is a fun read with plenty of diverse elements—fantasy, mystery, action, adventure—to whet the appetite of just about any reader. I think this would also be a good series to give to those interested in the fantasy genre but not sure where to dive in. Witches in Red is one of those books that you can revisit again and again and never get bored.
This review originally appeared on Owlcat Mountain on May 29, 2014.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
May 24, 2015
The second in the series. This time, the Prince needs his son to solve a seemingly unsolvable problem at his silver mines. His soldiers are turning into fearsome beasts and killing the workers. So the two sisters, Celine and Amelie, are sent with Jaromir to see what they can discover. Along with the mysterious killings, several people have other secrets that they want to keep hidden which just makes the mystery harder to solve.
If you have read the first book in the series, then you won't be surprised by this book too much. The set-up is almost the same in every aspect. There is a lot of potential suspects but only a few actual possible suspects. This is due to the fact that very few characters are introduced, As the sisters use their powers to read the past and the future, they uncover several other secrets which also eliminates even more suspects. I guessed the villain fairly early and it was pretty much confirmed by the two-thirds mark (all other possible suspects had been shown to be innocent by that point) even though the villain wasn't caught until almost the end of the book. The sisters, especially Celine, still has a problem seeing the world in black and white. This is especially true for male characters. At best, every man is a bully or womanizer to at worst a murderer and rapist in their eyes. (It also seems to be the leanings of the author by this point.) This attitude is despite any good actions of the men before the point they "show their true nature" or the fact that the men just might be justified in their action because of things the sisters did. (The men are supposed to instantly forgive anything the sisters do.)
Like the first book, there were some strangeness in regards to prepositions. Some were missing, some were obviously not needed, and some common phrases like midnight were changed to mid of night. A couple other glitches slipped into the book. One time a Sub-prince was called Prince and a tent became a wagon in the other.
I did enjoy the fact that the reader got to discover a little more of the world and the magic system. The new characters were well developed and interesting.
Overall, I did enjoy the story despite the fact that the story read as the same as the first with just a change of setting and characters. I would like to see the stories that come to be a little different from these first two. I would also like to see the sisters to be able to accept the fact that all men aren't bad with a thin covering of niceness and that if they make someone mad, than that person just might say something to them about it. I will still give the third book in the series a read. I am giving this story a 3.6 star rating mainly because it felt like a retread of the first book.
If you have read the first book in the series, then you won't be surprised by this book too much. The set-up is almost the same in every aspect. There is a lot of potential suspects but only a few actual possible suspects. This is due to the fact that very few characters are introduced, As the sisters use their powers to read the past and the future, they uncover several other secrets which also eliminates even more suspects. I guessed the villain fairly early and it was pretty much confirmed by the two-thirds mark (all other possible suspects had been shown to be innocent by that point) even though the villain wasn't caught until almost the end of the book. The sisters, especially Celine, still has a problem seeing the world in black and white. This is especially true for male characters. At best, every man is a bully or womanizer to at worst a murderer and rapist in their eyes. (It also seems to be the leanings of the author by this point.) This attitude is despite any good actions of the men before the point they "show their true nature" or the fact that the men just might be justified in their action because of things the sisters did. (The men are supposed to instantly forgive anything the sisters do.)
Like the first book, there were some strangeness in regards to prepositions. Some were missing, some were obviously not needed, and some common phrases like midnight were changed to mid of night. A couple other glitches slipped into the book. One time a Sub-prince was called Prince and a tent became a wagon in the other.
I did enjoy the fact that the reader got to discover a little more of the world and the magic system. The new characters were well developed and interesting.
Overall, I did enjoy the story despite the fact that the story read as the same as the first with just a change of setting and characters. I would like to see the stories that come to be a little different from these first two. I would also like to see the sisters to be able to accept the fact that all men aren't bad with a thin covering of niceness and that if they make someone mad, than that person just might say something to them about it. I will still give the third book in the series a read. I am giving this story a 3.6 star rating mainly because it felt like a retread of the first book.
May 8, 2015
"Witches in Red" Mist-Torn Witches Book 2
By: Barb Hendee
Shifters and Silver!
The first book had me hooked on Celine and Analene with their bravery and ability to survive on their own. In addition, the romantic undertones between Celine and Prince Anton and Analie and Lieutenant Jaromir is building slowly across this series and you must keep reading hoping that their budding feelings will eventually be acknowledged.
The author's prologue gives us a glimpse of the frightening situation that will become the mystery Celine and her sister must help solve with the help of Lt. Jaromir and some of his men. Lives are lost and the situation gets worse before it is finally resolved. (Isn't that they way it always goes?!).
As "seers" of Prince Anton's court the sisters are finding themselves embroiled in a plot by Prince Anton's evil brother Prince Damek to sabotage a silver mine owned and operated by their father Prince Lieven. Someone or something is causing the soldiers to mutate into killer "wolves". Not the normal shifter wolves....viscous killing machines that are rampaging through the mining village and soldier's encampment. Needless to say, moral is low and everyone is on pins and needles waiting to see who will be next to suffer from this mysterious malady! Book me on the next flight out of there Scotty!
Will Celine, who can see the future, and Amelie, who can see the past, be able to seek out and identify the culprit before the entire camp is eradicated? Must Prince Anton tell his father that he was unable to put a stop to the mayhem? Will Prince Damek rush in and try to "save the day" to prove to his father that he is the wiser and stronger son? As we see the sisters as two sides of a coin (past and future), we see the brothers as two sides of a coin also...good and evil! As in every fairytale.....GO...good guys!
This adventure, although a great storyline, seemed a little longer to resolve and a lot more "seeing" visions described in detail. I think it might have been abbreviated a little to make the story keep the fast pace but with that being said, the author keeps your attention and has a very fluid writing style. Barb Hendee spins quite the tale. She is a master of character and event descriptions and draws you into her story!
I am hoping the next book brings another great adventure for the sisters and I am really looking forward to some romances to evolve for more flavor. Don't give up......I am sure this episode was just a little more foreplay to build the suspense in the adventures of Celine and Amelie....
Jeanie G.
4 "heart-strung"sheep
By: Barb Hendee
Shifters and Silver!
The first book had me hooked on Celine and Analene with their bravery and ability to survive on their own. In addition, the romantic undertones between Celine and Prince Anton and Analie and Lieutenant Jaromir is building slowly across this series and you must keep reading hoping that their budding feelings will eventually be acknowledged.
The author's prologue gives us a glimpse of the frightening situation that will become the mystery Celine and her sister must help solve with the help of Lt. Jaromir and some of his men. Lives are lost and the situation gets worse before it is finally resolved. (Isn't that they way it always goes?!).
As "seers" of Prince Anton's court the sisters are finding themselves embroiled in a plot by Prince Anton's evil brother Prince Damek to sabotage a silver mine owned and operated by their father Prince Lieven. Someone or something is causing the soldiers to mutate into killer "wolves". Not the normal shifter wolves....viscous killing machines that are rampaging through the mining village and soldier's encampment. Needless to say, moral is low and everyone is on pins and needles waiting to see who will be next to suffer from this mysterious malady! Book me on the next flight out of there Scotty!
Will Celine, who can see the future, and Amelie, who can see the past, be able to seek out and identify the culprit before the entire camp is eradicated? Must Prince Anton tell his father that he was unable to put a stop to the mayhem? Will Prince Damek rush in and try to "save the day" to prove to his father that he is the wiser and stronger son? As we see the sisters as two sides of a coin (past and future), we see the brothers as two sides of a coin also...good and evil! As in every fairytale.....GO...good guys!
This adventure, although a great storyline, seemed a little longer to resolve and a lot more "seeing" visions described in detail. I think it might have been abbreviated a little to make the story keep the fast pace but with that being said, the author keeps your attention and has a very fluid writing style. Barb Hendee spins quite the tale. She is a master of character and event descriptions and draws you into her story!
I am hoping the next book brings another great adventure for the sisters and I am really looking forward to some romances to evolve for more flavor. Don't give up......I am sure this episode was just a little more foreplay to build the suspense in the adventures of Celine and Amelie....
Jeanie G.
4 "heart-strung"sheep
March 6, 2020
This is book two in the "Mist-Torn Witches" series. At this time there are four books in the series.
This second book finds Celine and Amelie learning how to use their talents seeing into the past and seeing into the future. Celine can do one and Amelie can do the other. It also finds them settling into their new home and opening an apothecary shop.
Prince Anton knows the two women who sought sanctuary in the village near his castle have some type of magical powers so when word reaches him that men in a mining camp some distance away but still in his jurisdiction are turning into blood-crazed animals, he sends the girls out to investigate. Though they are reluctant to leave their now comfortable home, they agree because they feel they owe the Prince a debt for allowing them to settle in the village near his castle (and for allowing him to open their apothecary shop).
Once at the mining camp with their Prince appointed bodyguard (Lieutenant Jaromir) the real fun begins. Not only do the two girls have to continue learning about their talents and adjusting to their new roles in life but they now have a mystery that if not solved may cost Prince Anton his royal privileges.
The character development of Celine and Amelie is progressing nicely, not too fast and not too slow. Their knowledge of their talents and how and when to use them is also progressing nicely.
This series is a very welcome change from the author's "Noble Dead" series as she is not writing one character or sister to the detriment of the other characters/sister. It's very clear that the two sisters need each other in order for their talent to allow them to do good and make a difference in the world.
This second book finds Celine and Amelie learning how to use their talents seeing into the past and seeing into the future. Celine can do one and Amelie can do the other. It also finds them settling into their new home and opening an apothecary shop.
Prince Anton knows the two women who sought sanctuary in the village near his castle have some type of magical powers so when word reaches him that men in a mining camp some distance away but still in his jurisdiction are turning into blood-crazed animals, he sends the girls out to investigate. Though they are reluctant to leave their now comfortable home, they agree because they feel they owe the Prince a debt for allowing them to settle in the village near his castle (and for allowing him to open their apothecary shop).
Once at the mining camp with their Prince appointed bodyguard (Lieutenant Jaromir) the real fun begins. Not only do the two girls have to continue learning about their talents and adjusting to their new roles in life but they now have a mystery that if not solved may cost Prince Anton his royal privileges.
The character development of Celine and Amelie is progressing nicely, not too fast and not too slow. Their knowledge of their talents and how and when to use them is also progressing nicely.
This series is a very welcome change from the author's "Noble Dead" series as she is not writing one character or sister to the detriment of the other characters/sister. It's very clear that the two sisters need each other in order for their talent to allow them to do good and make a difference in the world.
December 15, 2014
Goodness, Barb Hendee can tell a good story. Straight up, I loved this book. I’m a sucker for that romanticised medieval period, like the Merlin television series, where it’s not at all obvious just how awful life had been even for the rich, let alone the poor. That was my trail of thought through the first couple of scenes, but it quickly became apparent that the beginning of the book was perhaps the one truly happy and safe moment in Celine’s and Amelie’s lives. These girls are tough, each in her own distinct way.
The book’s written in third person where the perspective switches largely between the two sisters and sometimes to the Lieutenant Jaromir, and all three of these characters are wonderfully fleshed out. No cardboard cut-outs here. The supporting cast is also wonderful and by the end of the book I really got a sense of the world around them being fuller and more interesting, with some very interesting characters expected to become main cast members for the sequels. Again, I read this book before the first one in the series (which was The Mist-Torn Witches) and I had no trouble engaging with the characters and the plot. I will be definitely going back to read the first book.
Upon looking up the author on the internet I found that the book is actually set in a fantasy world already established in The Noble Dead Saga, which Barb Hendee wrote with her husband, J. C. Hendee. The first book in that series is Dhampir, so I’ll definitely be giving that a look too.
In conclusion, I found a new author to love! I give this book my heart rating <3
The book’s written in third person where the perspective switches largely between the two sisters and sometimes to the Lieutenant Jaromir, and all three of these characters are wonderfully fleshed out. No cardboard cut-outs here. The supporting cast is also wonderful and by the end of the book I really got a sense of the world around them being fuller and more interesting, with some very interesting characters expected to become main cast members for the sequels. Again, I read this book before the first one in the series (which was The Mist-Torn Witches) and I had no trouble engaging with the characters and the plot. I will be definitely going back to read the first book.
Upon looking up the author on the internet I found that the book is actually set in a fantasy world already established in The Noble Dead Saga, which Barb Hendee wrote with her husband, J. C. Hendee. The first book in that series is Dhampir, so I’ll definitely be giving that a look too.
In conclusion, I found a new author to love! I give this book my heart rating <3
October 14, 2021
The second book in the Mist-Torn Witches series was a very quick read. Immediately after finishing the first book, I hopped right into the second, and I didn't slow down until I finished it. Oh, the days when I could read for hours in one sitting and not feel my mind wandering at a thousand miles a minute! And well before I discovered video games... Anyway, I digress.
Unlike my love for the Noble Dead Saga, these books were fun and enjoyable, but clearly not all that memorable, because I couldn't tell you what I liked or disliked about this book (given the four star rating, rather than my usual five for the Hendee novels). I think I was expecting the beginnings of some really intense plot, the same way we were introduced to one in the Noble Dead books. I won't say it's unfortunate, because a closed-ended book can be an enjoyable one, but I was kind of surprised when the book DIDN'T end on a cliffhanger and DIDN'T hint at any major overarching plot that could cover the span of several books. I knew (because the series was already finished at this time) that there would only be four books. So I guess what with the backstory being completed in the first book, we would've gotten an inkling of something more in this one.
And don't get me wrong. I love a good stand alone book. Especially when they're part of a series with the same characters in each one. But I guess I was just expecting something...more. It felt like this book was lacking something. Maybe that's what it was lacking.
Unlike my love for the Noble Dead Saga, these books were fun and enjoyable, but clearly not all that memorable, because I couldn't tell you what I liked or disliked about this book (given the four star rating, rather than my usual five for the Hendee novels). I think I was expecting the beginnings of some really intense plot, the same way we were introduced to one in the Noble Dead books. I won't say it's unfortunate, because a closed-ended book can be an enjoyable one, but I was kind of surprised when the book DIDN'T end on a cliffhanger and DIDN'T hint at any major overarching plot that could cover the span of several books. I knew (because the series was already finished at this time) that there would only be four books. So I guess what with the backstory being completed in the first book, we would've gotten an inkling of something more in this one.
And don't get me wrong. I love a good stand alone book. Especially when they're part of a series with the same characters in each one. But I guess I was just expecting something...more. It felt like this book was lacking something. Maybe that's what it was lacking.
Read
June 15, 2015In an isolated mining community, men are turning into some kind of vicious and murdering beasts terrorizing the soldiers and workers alike. Prince Anton’s father has demanded his youngest son solve this mystery as another test of his leadership and fitness to be named heir. The Fawe sisters, Céline and Amelie, under Prince Anton’s protection and possessing the gifts of pre-and retro-cognition respectively are sent along with a contingent of soldiers to discover what is causing the beastly transformations at the mines. However, the answers they find may not bring salvation. WITCHES IN RED is the second book in the Mist-Torn Witches series and it picks up a little while after the events in the first book, THE MIST-TORN WITCHES. Céline and Amelie have settled in nicely in Castle Sèone’s surrounding village, finding peace running the apothecary’s shop. However, when Prince Anton calls on them to assist in a mission they’re unable to refuse. I loved WITCHES IN RED and the further development of the familiar characters, plus the introduction of fascinating new characters. All of the characters are well-developed, the setting is deliciously spooky and forbidding, and the mystery complex and intriguing. WITCHES IN RED continues the superb writing from THE MIST-TORN WITCHES and grabs you from the very beginning. If you’re going to read WITCHES IN RED, please pick up THE MIST-TORN WITCHES in order to get the full backstory of Céline and Amelie. You won’t be disappointed!
May 1, 2015
This book takes place soon after the events in book 1. Céline and Amelie are settling into their new lives when they are summoned to the castle by their Prince. A series of murders has been going on at his father's silver mine. Murders committed by men that become giant wolf-like beasts.
This is another supernatural-based murder mystery, but in addition to learning the who we need to learn the how. In this book in particular we see Hendee's deft skill and weaving a mystery plot, but also doing so with wry sense of humor. While this could have ended up as a fairly unimaginative pastiche of werewolf lore and "Little Red Riding Hood", it didn't. Not so much that it didn't do it is how well it didn't do it. Again we see some great character development here. Unlike the last book where the sisters were in survival mode, here they have a feeling of belonging that makes them want to help the Prince. It is a maturity. We learn more about the Prince's Lieutenant, Jaromir and he turns out to be just as interesting as I hoped.
As before the girls use their extraordinary sight to find the who is behind the killing, but that only gets them so far. Detective work and intelligence has to get them to their goal.
There is more world building here as well. We learn more about the world-travelling Móndyalítko, the gypsy-like "children of the world" and Céline and Amelie's bloodline.
I am reviewing both the Kindle ebook and the Audible audio-book.
This is another supernatural-based murder mystery, but in addition to learning the who we need to learn the how. In this book in particular we see Hendee's deft skill and weaving a mystery plot, but also doing so with wry sense of humor. While this could have ended up as a fairly unimaginative pastiche of werewolf lore and "Little Red Riding Hood", it didn't. Not so much that it didn't do it is how well it didn't do it. Again we see some great character development here. Unlike the last book where the sisters were in survival mode, here they have a feeling of belonging that makes them want to help the Prince. It is a maturity. We learn more about the Prince's Lieutenant, Jaromir and he turns out to be just as interesting as I hoped.
As before the girls use their extraordinary sight to find the who is behind the killing, but that only gets them so far. Detective work and intelligence has to get them to their goal.
There is more world building here as well. We learn more about the world-travelling Móndyalítko, the gypsy-like "children of the world" and Céline and Amelie's bloodline.
I am reviewing both the Kindle ebook and the Audible audio-book.
August 27, 2016
Before I get too far into this review, let me warn you that I have read a lot of books by Barb Hendee, so I am very familiar with her writing style and sometimes can predict her plot twists.
This being the second book in the series, the main characters were already established. New characters were introduced AND introduced very well. I never have an issue with her character development and growth. They feel real to me. I must say, I kind of love some of the new characters. It takes an already exciting group and makes it even more so.
The plot was SOMEWHAT predictable, but like I said above, I've read a lot of her books. This definitely gives me an advantage to figuring out who the "bad guy" is in the mystery. Even knowing who he was did not detract one iota from the storyline. With all that I have been through in real life this week, I still could not wait to pick the book up again and see what was going to happen next.
In summation, this book hit all of the high points for me. I can't complain a bit, other than three minor grammatical errors. With some publishing companies, this is almost a feat! I have no idea where they are getting their proofreaders from, but they need to hire better ones.
I can not wait for the next book in the series. These sisters intrigue me in a way few characters do.
This being the second book in the series, the main characters were already established. New characters were introduced AND introduced very well. I never have an issue with her character development and growth. They feel real to me. I must say, I kind of love some of the new characters. It takes an already exciting group and makes it even more so.
The plot was SOMEWHAT predictable, but like I said above, I've read a lot of her books. This definitely gives me an advantage to figuring out who the "bad guy" is in the mystery. Even knowing who he was did not detract one iota from the storyline. With all that I have been through in real life this week, I still could not wait to pick the book up again and see what was going to happen next.
In summation, this book hit all of the high points for me. I can't complain a bit, other than three minor grammatical errors. With some publishing companies, this is almost a feat! I have no idea where they are getting their proofreaders from, but they need to hire better ones.
I can not wait for the next book in the series. These sisters intrigue me in a way few characters do.
December 13, 2016
I loved the second in the Mist Torn Witches series just as much as the first book!
This series has everything a reader could ask for: strong writing, a well-conceived plot, textured, complex but likable characters, and world-building that will draw you in and keep you in the story all the way through.
I really love both Amelie and Celine. They are as different as two women, even sisters, could possibly be, but they both have qualities that make me like them, cheer for them, and want them to succeed. Going along with them on their adventures as they serve Prince Anton is a wild but entertaining ride. Both women are smart, strong and independent, but in very different ways, and it is fun to see how many flavours of a strong female character are possible under the hand of a talented author.
The world-building is plausible and offers plenty of opportunity for new adventures. The battle between two princes to convince their father the King which one should be made heir is a very rich source of possible stories for the author to come up with. I hope she plans more books in this series because I will absolutely read others starring these characters. Even the supporting characters are interesting and add to the overall story and excitement in this world.
This series has everything a reader could ask for: strong writing, a well-conceived plot, textured, complex but likable characters, and world-building that will draw you in and keep you in the story all the way through.
I really love both Amelie and Celine. They are as different as two women, even sisters, could possibly be, but they both have qualities that make me like them, cheer for them, and want them to succeed. Going along with them on their adventures as they serve Prince Anton is a wild but entertaining ride. Both women are smart, strong and independent, but in very different ways, and it is fun to see how many flavours of a strong female character are possible under the hand of a talented author.
The world-building is plausible and offers plenty of opportunity for new adventures. The battle between two princes to convince their father the King which one should be made heir is a very rich source of possible stories for the author to come up with. I hope she plans more books in this series because I will absolutely read others starring these characters. Even the supporting characters are interesting and add to the overall story and excitement in this world.
April 23, 2014
Barb Hendee
I won a contest offered by the publishers to receive an early copy of Barb Hendee's latest Mist-Torn Witches novel. I read it in only two sittings (very fast for me) - staying up 'til 5am one morning because I just couldn't put it down.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first entry in this new series - The Mist-Torn Witches, so I have really been looking forward to this second installment. It does not disappoint.
Mrs. Hendee continues adding depth and complexity to both her primary and secondary characters, while introducing rich, new ones I find myself hoping will show up in future stories (hint, hint, Mrs. Hendee :)). She also seamlessly moves forward several on-going sub-plots deliberately left open from the first novel (and that hopefully will continue into future books), while providing a very interesting setting and stand-alone mystery/adventure in "Witches in Red."
VERY highly recommended.
I won a contest offered by the publishers to receive an early copy of Barb Hendee's latest Mist-Torn Witches novel. I read it in only two sittings (very fast for me) - staying up 'til 5am one morning because I just couldn't put it down.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first entry in this new series - The Mist-Torn Witches, so I have really been looking forward to this second installment. It does not disappoint.
Mrs. Hendee continues adding depth and complexity to both her primary and secondary characters, while introducing rich, new ones I find myself hoping will show up in future stories (hint, hint, Mrs. Hendee :)). She also seamlessly moves forward several on-going sub-plots deliberately left open from the first novel (and that hopefully will continue into future books), while providing a very interesting setting and stand-alone mystery/adventure in "Witches in Red."
VERY highly recommended.
September 10, 2014
I think I liked this one even more than the first one! It followed a similar pattern, which I would say is a small, tiny drawback. But! I thought the mystery was just as good (I was guessing until almost the end, not quite but almost!) Also, the story premise was pretty good. The characters were still just as interesting, and I liked the side characters as well. In these books, it seems like they spend at least a chapter completely on a non-main character and in the first person. I thought when I read the first book that it was a bit jarring, but I was used to it by this book and the cut-aways the author does really are very interesting. I would say that character development and relationship development in these books is extremely slow, but that is not to be confused with the characters being flat; that is absolutely not the case. They just don't make unwarranted leaps and bounds in their development and I think that's a good thing; it's more believable, at least.
December 16, 2015
I enjoyed this second book more than the first, and look forward to finishing the next. I liked learning more about the main characters' people, the Mondyalitko, and also liked the slow progression in the potential romances. I'm glad they aren't the main focus of the books, but they add depth and something to look forward to...
The only part I disliked was that the author used the same exact language as in the first to fill in certain background info (for those who didn't read the first, presumably), and I know she also uses the same language in the third book, which I have started reading. I understand the need to fill in people who may be starting mid-series, but perhaps a little more variance in the descriptions for those of us who have read them before? Still, a minor quibble. I am enjoying this series overall.
The only part I disliked was that the author used the same exact language as in the first to fill in certain background info (for those who didn't read the first, presumably), and I know she also uses the same language in the third book, which I have started reading. I understand the need to fill in people who may be starting mid-series, but perhaps a little more variance in the descriptions for those of us who have read them before? Still, a minor quibble. I am enjoying this series overall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews