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A Modern Witch #5
A Different Witch
Witch Central welcomes everyone. Or does it?
Twenty months ago, Jamie and Lauren crashed a coven meeting in Chicago - a visit they barely remember. For Beth Landler, it was the moment that fractured her circle and awakened her need for an entirely different kind of magic.
The kind only found in Witch Central. If she can dig up the courage to go.
A Different Witch is book five of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.
Twenty months ago, Jamie and Lauren crashed a coven meeting in Chicago - a visit they barely remember. For Beth Landler, it was the moment that fractured her circle and awakened her need for an entirely different kind of magic.
The kind only found in Witch Central. If she can dig up the courage to go.
A Different Witch is book five of the top-rated A Modern Witch series. Light contemporary fantasy with a good dose of humor, a little romance, and characters you won't want to leave.
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First published December 20, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
February 20, 2013
I love this series, and this installment underlines why I love it so much. Geary has such gentle, loving, thoughtful insight into people that she can present what would be in other hands a snarling conflict between Good and Bad as a hopeful opportunity for personal growth between well meaning people who don't always see eye to eye. You don't pick a team and root for a side in a Geary conflict, instead you consider all sides of the issue and look for the insight that leads to true communication, resolution and growth. Reading her books brings insight & uplift as well as relaxation & fun. The one downside to Geary's witchy world is that it needs to be read in order, publication order would be my suggestion, and I don't think the first couple of books are quite as good as what comes after. The first book especially relies on a few cliched set pieces, and in this book we come back to revisit the day a homesick Jamie and brand-new-witch Lauren tore through Beth's coven, making it quite clear that they thought it wasn't up to their standards. Nowhere near as good as their beloved Witch Central. Two years later another accident brings them into contact with Beth - they haven't thought of her since, indeed they hardly remember the incident but they caused true upheaval in her life and now it is time for them to face the consequences.
Beth is very different from the Witch Central norm. For a start she doesn't eat much sugar, because it's hard for her body chemistry to process it safely: she has a high functioning form of autism that makes it very difficult for her to be in a community with others. She has formed her own family & her own community but it's hard for her to adjust to the Witch Central way of life - can Witch Central adjust to hers? Nell especially has a hard struggle with this and I love the way Geary shows us all the different sides of this conflict. It's so refreshing and it did my heart good.
Beth is very different from the Witch Central norm. For a start she doesn't eat much sugar, because it's hard for her body chemistry to process it safely: she has a high functioning form of autism that makes it very difficult for her to be in a community with others. She has formed her own family & her own community but it's hard for her to adjust to the Witch Central way of life - can Witch Central adjust to hers? Nell especially has a hard struggle with this and I love the way Geary shows us all the different sides of this conflict. It's so refreshing and it did my heart good.
May 24, 2013
This book is definitely the strongest entry in the series, to my mind. It shows that not even Witch Central has all the answers, and that it takes a lot of time to address the wrong being done someone they had no care for, especially when that person just doesn't see the world like Nell & Co. do.
Especially fascinating by basically turning Nell & Jamie into antagonists for the main character here (AND the first gay main character at that, AND the first differently abled one! - I'm not sure if her depiction of Autism is spot-on, but from what I gather there are different versions of that in any case: MSW's LJ posts about raising her son who has Asperger's read quite differently from Beth).
I adore the fact that Beth gets her training ON HER TERMS and that she's quite pleased with the life she has otherwise and has no plans of joining Witch Central or even hanging out a lot on the internet in Realm, but at the end she's fine with having visitors occasionally ^^. And Nell accepts that her version of witchery isn't for everyone.
Especially fascinating by basically turning Nell & Jamie into antagonists for the main character here (AND the first gay main character at that, AND the first differently abled one! - I'm not sure if her depiction of Autism is spot-on, but from what I gather there are different versions of that in any case: MSW's LJ posts about raising her son who has Asperger's read quite differently from Beth).
I adore the fact that Beth gets her training ON HER TERMS and that she's quite pleased with the life she has otherwise and has no plans of joining Witch Central or even hanging out a lot on the internet in Realm, but at the end she's fine with having visitors occasionally ^^. And Nell accepts that her version of witchery isn't for everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2013
Another wonderful example of Deborah Geary's sharing love with each and every reader. This book is special for showing how even talented witches may not understand the special needs when training someone with Asperger's. Further, even a really strong warrior witch and experienced trainer can fail and compound errors if she doesn't understand the nature of the challenges someone with Asperger's must overcome. Yes, this story teaches multiple lessons to both Beth (from Chicago) and Berkley's bevy of witches. This time, those witches who seem most capable are the most challenged and those who seem most marginal are able to demonstrate their special understanding. Lauren and Lizzard (of new red boots fame) both lend support in especially precarious times while Nat and her brother Jamie are both stymied by their refusal to be flexible and accepting of difference, misinterpreting a different process as lack of understanding or intelligence. As always, cookies and sweets come together to almost save the day. Unfortunately, Beth is allergic to both chocolate and too much sugar (practically a cardinal sin at witches central in Berkley). Moria was visiting from Nova Scotia and used her special understanding of people and flowers to sooth the stress and promote understanding between some Berkley and Chicago factions. The interaction undertaken in love expressed in a totally satisfying growth for both groups and likely new understanding by the readers. As always, I'm surprised at how often I have to remove my glasses and wipe tears from my eyes so I can continue to read the story. I think I just love the expression of love between all ages and the special effort they all take to insure everyone is treated as equals, especially those least likely to be able to defend themselves. Another source of smiles is the eagerness that the young help and contribute and how highly their help is appreciated and rewarded. Truly stories to benefit the human condition. I just love Debora Geary's stories!
December 23, 2012
Beth lives in a world of isolation - one where human touch is something painful rather than something to yearn for, where eye contact is uncomfortable and not a clue to emotions, where every encounter with others is an onslaught of information that she has difficulty processing. With a mind twisted by aspergers's syndrome, Beth finds even the most benign of social situations lonely and frightening and can't help but feel uncomfortably different from everyone around her. Love, caring, connection: they're all foreign concepts that have taken a lifetime to even slightly understand. Imagine her immense terror, then, when she's thrown into the colorful, exuberant world of Witch Central. Overwhelmed by the community but longing to learn more about its powerful magic, Beth finds herself torn between her needs as a woman and her needs as a witch. Will she be able to navigate the delicate balance between the two and find a place where they finally merge within her soul?
Witch Central is a safe haven, despite its boisterous nature, and its members find it hard to understand Beth's fear and resistance to their welcome. The mama bear overseeing them all, Nell struggles the most with trying to accept this new witch and her completely foreign way of seeing the world and living in it. Will she, and the rest of the Witch Central family, be able to live up to their motto of whole hearted acceptance and love? Or will their differences be a barrier that causes them to hurt this new, strange young woman? Not surprisingly, the key to understanding may rest in the palms of the youngest - and sometimes wisest - members of their clan.
Characters that feel as very real as my own family, dialogue that brims with compassion and warmth and a plot that touches on controversial issues in a delicate and understanding way…Debora has done it again, creating a beautifully crafted book that pulls at heartstrings and makes you feel as if you've come home. This book stands out above the rest for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman with Aspergers' and a little boy with autism. Geary paints a realistic picture of these diseases and their effects on both the sufferer and those who try to help them. It's a difficult subject to discuss and describe, but she does a wonderful job. It's so hard for even non-autistic people to deal with feeling different and alone every once in a while; Debora shows us how those with the disorder battle that feeling every minute of the day. The story provides an excellent introduction to the disease and insight into how difficult it can be to help those who must battle it. It certainly corrected a lot of my own misunderstanding. With a deft combination of laughter and tears, Geary gives us yet another book resounding with love and light (and lots of cookies, pasta and pink glitter too!)
One of my favorite quotes was wisdom from the mouth of a babe: "It's kind of hard to try to be like everyone else all the time. It's okay to just be you sometimes."
Witch Central is a safe haven, despite its boisterous nature, and its members find it hard to understand Beth's fear and resistance to their welcome. The mama bear overseeing them all, Nell struggles the most with trying to accept this new witch and her completely foreign way of seeing the world and living in it. Will she, and the rest of the Witch Central family, be able to live up to their motto of whole hearted acceptance and love? Or will their differences be a barrier that causes them to hurt this new, strange young woman? Not surprisingly, the key to understanding may rest in the palms of the youngest - and sometimes wisest - members of their clan.
Characters that feel as very real as my own family, dialogue that brims with compassion and warmth and a plot that touches on controversial issues in a delicate and understanding way…Debora has done it again, creating a beautifully crafted book that pulls at heartstrings and makes you feel as if you've come home. This book stands out above the rest for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman with Aspergers' and a little boy with autism. Geary paints a realistic picture of these diseases and their effects on both the sufferer and those who try to help them. It's a difficult subject to discuss and describe, but she does a wonderful job. It's so hard for even non-autistic people to deal with feeling different and alone every once in a while; Debora shows us how those with the disorder battle that feeling every minute of the day. The story provides an excellent introduction to the disease and insight into how difficult it can be to help those who must battle it. It certainly corrected a lot of my own misunderstanding. With a deft combination of laughter and tears, Geary gives us yet another book resounding with love and light (and lots of cookies, pasta and pink glitter too!)
One of my favorite quotes was wisdom from the mouth of a babe: "It's kind of hard to try to be like everyone else all the time. It's okay to just be you sometimes."
December 27, 2012
Once in a while, I learn something about a book as I'm writing the review. That's what happened here. Read on to see what I mean...
Fans of Debora Geary got an extra treat for Christmas: A Different Witch, the latest book in the "Modern Witch" series.
I'm always excited to see a new Modern Witch book coming out, and you'll know from my previous reviews of the series that what I love most is the Witch Central community.
In A Different Witch, Beth Landler, a minor character we met in A Modern Witch, reaches out to the Witch Central community for help in tapping more deeply into her powers. But Beth is different, and the usual training methods- and trainers- just don't work with her. Despite best efforts, Witch Central and Beth feel a sense of failure and frustration. I don't want to be too spolier-y here, so suffice it to say that sometimes, the people we least expect are the ones who point us in the right direction and help us connect with others.
I found myself really identifying with Nell in this book. She has a strange trepidation about Beth, something she can't quite place, and something that keeps her from connecting with Beth. Similarly, I had a hard time connecting with the book at the beginning. I'm not sure why, because we're always welcoming new characters to Witch Central, and it's usually very easy to dive into their stories. But the more I think about it (and again, without trying to be too spoiler-y), that sense of disconnection could well have been the point.
Beth doesn't interact with people the same way many of us do. Thinking back on it, I think the sense of disconnect added to the story: you want to connect with this character, and as the reader, we have the inside details on Beth that our beloved characters don't have, but like most of the characters, the connection didn't come easily to me. As I'm writing this review, I realize that intentional or not, that sense of being slightly out of synch added to the story. I've just related to Nell, Lauren, Jamie, and Beth now in ways I didn't when I first read the book. And now it makes me want to go back and re-read the book with this new perspective.
We get to see previously minor characters really shine in this latest installment of the Modern Witch world, and we're revisited by many of our favorites from previous books. Reading any of the Modern Witch books is like a reunion with wonderful friends and family, and I'm glad to say that once again, the Witch Central community comes together to embrace with open, welcoming arms, someone who needs them. We also get to see more of something else I love about Debora Geary's books: the people who make up Witch Central are diverse, and strong. The girls are as awesome as the boys at coding and other geeky things; the guys know how to cook; everyone has a sense of adventure; everyone has their own strength that benefits the community; and they all love and respect each other. It's how we should be in real life.
Fans of Debora Geary got an extra treat for Christmas: A Different Witch, the latest book in the "Modern Witch" series.
I'm always excited to see a new Modern Witch book coming out, and you'll know from my previous reviews of the series that what I love most is the Witch Central community.
In A Different Witch, Beth Landler, a minor character we met in A Modern Witch, reaches out to the Witch Central community for help in tapping more deeply into her powers. But Beth is different, and the usual training methods- and trainers- just don't work with her. Despite best efforts, Witch Central and Beth feel a sense of failure and frustration. I don't want to be too spolier-y here, so suffice it to say that sometimes, the people we least expect are the ones who point us in the right direction and help us connect with others.
I found myself really identifying with Nell in this book. She has a strange trepidation about Beth, something she can't quite place, and something that keeps her from connecting with Beth. Similarly, I had a hard time connecting with the book at the beginning. I'm not sure why, because we're always welcoming new characters to Witch Central, and it's usually very easy to dive into their stories. But the more I think about it (and again, without trying to be too spoiler-y), that sense of disconnection could well have been the point.
Beth doesn't interact with people the same way many of us do. Thinking back on it, I think the sense of disconnect added to the story: you want to connect with this character, and as the reader, we have the inside details on Beth that our beloved characters don't have, but like most of the characters, the connection didn't come easily to me. As I'm writing this review, I realize that intentional or not, that sense of being slightly out of synch added to the story. I've just related to Nell, Lauren, Jamie, and Beth now in ways I didn't when I first read the book. And now it makes me want to go back and re-read the book with this new perspective.
We get to see previously minor characters really shine in this latest installment of the Modern Witch world, and we're revisited by many of our favorites from previous books. Reading any of the Modern Witch books is like a reunion with wonderful friends and family, and I'm glad to say that once again, the Witch Central community comes together to embrace with open, welcoming arms, someone who needs them. We also get to see more of something else I love about Debora Geary's books: the people who make up Witch Central are diverse, and strong. The girls are as awesome as the boys at coding and other geeky things; the guys know how to cook; everyone has a sense of adventure; everyone has their own strength that benefits the community; and they all love and respect each other. It's how we should be in real life.
January 5, 2016
This is a another good entry of witch central with a group of witches who have a community that tries to bring other witches in who may not have anyone to take care of them. The characters are all well defined and complete as individuals so they make you feel like you know them. The dialogue is perfect for the characters and helps to keep you involved in their lives and world.
Almost two years ago Jamie went to Chicago to evaluate Lauren when she was fetched by their program that identifies witches. He and Lauren ended up crashing a coven meeting and totally destroying what they had by telling them they were doing it wrong. While he left and forgot about what he had done, Beth Lander, the leader of the coven could not forget and felt abandoned after his show of arrogance. While thinking about Jamie and preparing to go online she is accidentally teleported to Witch Central with no warning. Things do not get much better after that. This is a very different witch than any of them have ever dealt with and it is going to bring some bad feeling to light.
This is basically a light urban fantasy with plenty of humor, a touch of romance, and some characters that are unforgettable. If you want something that can be enjoyed without a lot of thought or fuss then this is perfect. I recommend this series to everyone!
Almost two years ago Jamie went to Chicago to evaluate Lauren when she was fetched by their program that identifies witches. He and Lauren ended up crashing a coven meeting and totally destroying what they had by telling them they were doing it wrong. While he left and forgot about what he had done, Beth Lander, the leader of the coven could not forget and felt abandoned after his show of arrogance. While thinking about Jamie and preparing to go online she is accidentally teleported to Witch Central with no warning. Things do not get much better after that. This is a very different witch than any of them have ever dealt with and it is going to bring some bad feeling to light.
This is basically a light urban fantasy with plenty of humor, a touch of romance, and some characters that are unforgettable. If you want something that can be enjoyed without a lot of thought or fuss then this is perfect. I recommend this series to everyone!
December 23, 2015
This book was not what I expected when I started reading it...the current witch who was the focus, was actually autistic and after years of mostly solitary practice, was seeking guidance from the very large and boisterous Witch Central. As always, when reading or watching portrayals of autism, I look for authenticity and especially try to see how it would be viewed by someone who has no connection with autism. It's super important to me that what the general public sees is what I see when I look at my son (minus the blinding love of course) and not some horrible representation that causes people to view him disparagingly.
I was really happy with how this book handled autism. It was certainly not all rainbows and unicorns, but the issues were handled maturely and with much thought. In addition, there was growth on both sides. It wasn't just a matter of the neurotypical witches learning to accept and relate, it was also on the main character to learn and adapt. Which is what I have always expected from both my son and the community. All in all, I believe this book explained and handled autism very well and I would certainly recommend it!
I was really happy with how this book handled autism. It was certainly not all rainbows and unicorns, but the issues were handled maturely and with much thought. In addition, there was growth on both sides. It wasn't just a matter of the neurotypical witches learning to accept and relate, it was also on the main character to learn and adapt. Which is what I have always expected from both my son and the community. All in all, I believe this book explained and handled autism very well and I would certainly recommend it!
June 26, 2015
These stories are so good. This one is a bit tougher to read, because Nell really struggles with accepting Beth, and in the process, Nell isn't very likeable and eventually even accepts that she hasn't been. But Beth keeps on standing up for herself, and teaches the Berkeley group a lot about people on the autism spectrum. She's a very good character.
From audiobook listening, 6/26/15 - I found that the narration really helped to understand Nell better, and make her struggle to accept Beth and her Asperger's issues more sympathetic.
From audiobook listening, 6/26/15 - I found that the narration really helped to understand Nell better, and make her struggle to accept Beth and her Asperger's issues more sympathetic.
November 17, 2016
I love this series. The books are wonderful, light, caring, stories and are perfect when I need something that lacks violence (physical and emotional). This book follows up on an early book in the series and has a heroine with Asperger's Syndrome, which becomes a challenge to her magical training. I enjoyed it as the powerful of Witch Central find themselves struggling to figure out what to do. Moira is contemplating her mortality. And we get to see a bit of Lizard from the first Witches on Parole book.
May 10, 2014
I've been reading the Modern Witch series for warm fuzzies and feel-goods. This installment was angst-ridden and uncomfortable, and the protagonist wasn't as likable as most of the primary characters. There was no subplot of burgeoning romance, wedding, or birthing babies to supplement the story of an autistic witch and her difficult dealings with the beloved witches of California.
January 24, 2023
I really like Beth and how everyone tried to help her but I really didn't like Nell at all in this.
November 20, 2020
A Different Witch is the fifth installment into the A Modern Witch series by Debora Geary.
Beth was both a difficult and easy woman to connect with. For the majority of the book it’s hard to understand her. She mostly comes off as selfish and stubborn and judgmental. And while I still believe she didn’t give Witch Central any credit from the start, I did believe in her a little more at the end. She knows her own mind, her own needs, and it’s not simply that this is her preferred method it’s that her steps are what help her function. It was required of her to find her own strict path and it’s required of those around her to compromise and shift with her. I was very proud of what she accomplished and overcame. While bumpy, I think it was of much necessity for her to face this challenge so she could find new growth.
Having an entirely new and different witch presented at this point in the journey was of great necessity for Witch Central as well. While they have faced many wide and varied types of witches, at their core they have been very similar. I think they were in fact in need of some humbling. A new shifting in their minds, somewhat similar in incorporating a new type of magic I suppose.
Other than Beth, Moira and Nell benefited the most in these pages. Moira had to find her new path, a slower and more sedate path to settle with her new capabilities. Nell had to face a new kind of fear, and have her solid ground shaken a little. They both experienced a great deal of growth and change and were made the better for it.
Beth was both a difficult and easy woman to connect with. For the majority of the book it’s hard to understand her. She mostly comes off as selfish and stubborn and judgmental. And while I still believe she didn’t give Witch Central any credit from the start, I did believe in her a little more at the end. She knows her own mind, her own needs, and it’s not simply that this is her preferred method it’s that her steps are what help her function. It was required of her to find her own strict path and it’s required of those around her to compromise and shift with her. I was very proud of what she accomplished and overcame. While bumpy, I think it was of much necessity for her to face this challenge so she could find new growth.
Having an entirely new and different witch presented at this point in the journey was of great necessity for Witch Central as well. While they have faced many wide and varied types of witches, at their core they have been very similar. I think they were in fact in need of some humbling. A new shifting in their minds, somewhat similar in incorporating a new type of magic I suppose.
Other than Beth, Moira and Nell benefited the most in these pages. Moira had to find her new path, a slower and more sedate path to settle with her new capabilities. Nell had to face a new kind of fear, and have her solid ground shaken a little. They both experienced a great deal of growth and change and were made the better for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2020
Beth leads a coven in Chicago and is a fire witch of modest power, or so she believes. We first met her briefly in the first in the series, learning little of her. The fetching spell once again is at work bringing to the Witches Lounge a witch with power who has not fully accessed that power. However, there is both a complication to this, which is also a reason for it: Beth has Aspergers, and successfully managing an independent successful life requires control and structure that is the opposite of what is needed to unleash her full magic. Beth’s journey is bumpy, but so is that of the extended Sullivan and Walker families as they try to train her in her magic. In this one, many of the family members with no magic are given center stage, reminding us of just how broad ‘magic’ is.
March 12, 2019
Not my favorite of the series...
Modern Witch
Modern Witch (Modern Witch #1) - February through March 18th-ish
Hidden Witch (Modern Witch #2) - “summer” - must be June
Witches on Parole (WitchLight #1) - end of June/beginning of July, but when did Aunt Moira have her heart attack (July)
Witches Under Way (WitchLight #2) - continues from July/August
Witches in Flight (WitchLight #3) - August
Reckless Witch (Modern Witch #3) - December 10th +
A Witch Central Wedding (short story) - spring equinox
Nomadic Witch ((Modern Witch #4) - spring (sounds like end of May or early June)
A Different Witch (Modern Witch # 5) - mid-December
A Celtic Witch (Modern Witch #6) - early March - April (2013)
Sword fights & Lullabies (#6.5) - June 17, 2013 ...
A Lost Witch (#7)
Witch Central books 1-4
If you still need a Witch Fix from this "world":
To Love a Witch (A Novel Nibbles title)
To Have and to Code - Nell and Daniel's love story (back to 1997)
Modern Witch
Modern Witch (Modern Witch #1) - February through March 18th-ish
Hidden Witch (Modern Witch #2) - “summer” - must be June
Witches on Parole (WitchLight #1) - end of June/beginning of July, but when did Aunt Moira have her heart attack (July)
Witches Under Way (WitchLight #2) - continues from July/August
Witches in Flight (WitchLight #3) - August
Reckless Witch (Modern Witch #3) - December 10th +
A Witch Central Wedding (short story) - spring equinox
Nomadic Witch ((Modern Witch #4) - spring (sounds like end of May or early June)
A Different Witch (Modern Witch # 5) - mid-December
A Celtic Witch (Modern Witch #6) - early March - April (2013)
Sword fights & Lullabies (#6.5) - June 17, 2013 ...
A Lost Witch (#7)
Witch Central books 1-4
If you still need a Witch Fix from this "world":
To Love a Witch (A Novel Nibbles title)
To Have and to Code - Nell and Daniel's love story (back to 1997)
January 4, 2023
I love these books!
I've read all the books in the Modern Witch series and I purchased all but volume 8. I know the books bring unhappy memories for the author but I truly wish she would release these books again. I also have the books written as Audrey Faye. I look forward to each new book no matter what the story line is.
I've read all the books in the Modern Witch series and I purchased all but volume 8. I know the books bring unhappy memories for the author but I truly wish she would release these books again. I also have the books written as Audrey Faye. I look forward to each new book no matter what the story line is.
February 22, 2019
Oh the heartstrings this pulls! Good look at acceptance on both sides of someone with Asberger's. Looking at your own truths and understanding the fear behind something can be full of upheaval. Debora Geary doesn't pull any punches either. She expertly writes emotional scenes. Brava!
July 8, 2017
Sweet as always. Listened on Audio, always fun to visit A Modern Witch and Witch Central.
March 24, 2019
A gentle insight into Asperger's and autism in an easily accessible format. Great to see characters being developed that span a greater distance across the spectrum of humanity.
Read
February 8, 2022this was a more difficult but happy story
December 7, 2024
Kolejna bardzo pokrzepiająca pozycja w tej serii. Tym razem z bardzo fajnym przesłaniem, że odmienność nie jest zła i wszyscy możemy się dogadać, jeśli tylko chcemy.
May 17, 2019
This one felt a bit weird - established characters - especially Moira - seemed slightly off with regard to their representation in earlier books.
June 5, 2013
I'm really getting hooked on this series, and there are two more in the Modern Witch series, one still not published but due out this month. Debora Geary promises at the end of the book to keep writing about the Witch Central characters in future series. I'm so glad because she has rapidly become a favorite author. Now this book a different witch is superior to all the others so far. Geary introduces the witch Beth who was briefly seen in book 1, but Beth is different because she has Aspberger's syndrome, a kind of autism. Geary gives us really good insight into Beth and what it is like to live with autism and to be different and to SEE and EXPERIENCE the world in a very different way. We can see how Beth thinks and copes. While I don't know what autism is really like, I think that Geary must have a real world experience and has brought it light in this book.
When I first started reading, I was not "caught" like the other books, and put it aside for a few days. I came back fresh and tore through it. The character of Liri who loves Beth is also a really amazing character to read about and how long she took to nurture their relationship and bring understanding into their lives. I also admire Lauren for being open and trying to understand Beth. The most amazing thing is Nell though -- who is suspicious of and fearful of this different witch and the strong emotional conflict and prejudices that she goes through. You don't feel there is a bad guy or bad way of thinking here, but you can see how Nell's judgment and lack of acceptance of Beth is a real barrier to both of them. Also Geary does not give Nell an easy out or Beth an easy out. The process of acceptance (or not) is dealt with a realistic manner, how people REALLY process it and either do or don't accept or tolerate.
In this way, I think it is one of Geary's best books for character development and thematic development. It also is still the strong story of witch traditions, modern witch practices, and how they wield magic. I find the magic of the youngest ones pretty amazing too. And Nat's quiet wisdom is probably the strongest in this book. And their baby who wields such magic -- well that is also a delight.
So the book delivers on everything the other Modern Witch stories have with the world of modern witches, though REALM takes a backseat to the real world of witching, and Dan finally makes a strong appearance again. It is also strong in the new aspects Geary brings in with theme, message, and character development without really hit-you-in-the-face, preachy style message. The world of non-witches is not so simple, and neither is the world of the witches. And this book also gives us some insight in how the non-witches share in the magic. Everyone learns something including the reader. You can't read this book out of order without some confusion over Nell, Moira, Lauren, the two powerful baby witches, and the significance of Shay, the quiet triplet coming into her own, will be lost if you have not already seen so much of Ginia. I await the third triplet to blossom in a future book. So, back to my point, if you had to read ONE out of sequence, this one would probably be the most doable, but you would still be missing a lot.
When I first started reading, I was not "caught" like the other books, and put it aside for a few days. I came back fresh and tore through it. The character of Liri who loves Beth is also a really amazing character to read about and how long she took to nurture their relationship and bring understanding into their lives. I also admire Lauren for being open and trying to understand Beth. The most amazing thing is Nell though -- who is suspicious of and fearful of this different witch and the strong emotional conflict and prejudices that she goes through. You don't feel there is a bad guy or bad way of thinking here, but you can see how Nell's judgment and lack of acceptance of Beth is a real barrier to both of them. Also Geary does not give Nell an easy out or Beth an easy out. The process of acceptance (or not) is dealt with a realistic manner, how people REALLY process it and either do or don't accept or tolerate.
In this way, I think it is one of Geary's best books for character development and thematic development. It also is still the strong story of witch traditions, modern witch practices, and how they wield magic. I find the magic of the youngest ones pretty amazing too. And Nat's quiet wisdom is probably the strongest in this book. And their baby who wields such magic -- well that is also a delight.
So the book delivers on everything the other Modern Witch stories have with the world of modern witches, though REALM takes a backseat to the real world of witching, and Dan finally makes a strong appearance again. It is also strong in the new aspects Geary brings in with theme, message, and character development without really hit-you-in-the-face, preachy style message. The world of non-witches is not so simple, and neither is the world of the witches. And this book also gives us some insight in how the non-witches share in the magic. Everyone learns something including the reader. You can't read this book out of order without some confusion over Nell, Moira, Lauren, the two powerful baby witches, and the significance of Shay, the quiet triplet coming into her own, will be lost if you have not already seen so much of Ginia. I await the third triplet to blossom in a future book. So, back to my point, if you had to read ONE out of sequence, this one would probably be the most doable, but you would still be missing a lot.
January 6, 2013
Yea Different Witch is here
A Different Witch (A Modern Witch Series: Book 5) by Debora Geary
5 stars
I wait for this book and check a few times this month and its finally out. Now I have read it and the wait for the next book begins.
I love the characters in the A Modern Witch series. It is such a joy to read and visit with old friends. If you have not tried a Modern Witch pick up book one of the series.
Each book builds on the previous book. A Different Witch could be read alone but would be a much better book if you start at book 1 and read them in order.
For those that have enjoyed Debora's work this is a little different but the same.
A few semi new characters are here to learn from Witch Central and Witch Central to learn from them. Old familar characters are back and have grown and changed in a year. Especially Kenna first year it will be her birthday soon & Aervyn enjoying not being the youngest one around anymore.
Beth lives in Chicago and leads her coven's circle. They were doing pretty well she thought till one day almost 2 years ago Jamie & Lauren came to thier circle and showed what real power was. Then they left not knowing the damage they had left behind.
Beth was thinking of going to California and learning more about magic Jamie had shown them. When a fetching and transporting spell got tangled together and took to Witch's lounge. Beth is on overload when Lauren takes her back home.
Beth has a different mind a form of Autism. She can function it just takes more strength to do everything and does it her way. Step by Step.
Everyone gets to learn and love Beth in thier own way and time too. This novel has made me see a little how a friends child might see. It is okay to be different and we all are different and the same too.
The love and trying to understand each character comes across so well that I just want to go and visit them in thier world. The sense of community along with the wonders of make believe world of magic in everyday life jells so well together that I can't wait to visit and learn what all are new friends are doing in thier life next.
It would be fun to travel by computer, a lot faster and cheaper than planes.
Come join in the fun and read all about my friends in A Modern Witch series.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it.
Publisher: Fireweed Publishing (December 20, 2012)ASIN: B00AR6ZB60 File Size: 473 KB
A Different Witch (A Modern Witch Series: Book 5) by Debora Geary
5 stars
I wait for this book and check a few times this month and its finally out. Now I have read it and the wait for the next book begins.
I love the characters in the A Modern Witch series. It is such a joy to read and visit with old friends. If you have not tried a Modern Witch pick up book one of the series.
Each book builds on the previous book. A Different Witch could be read alone but would be a much better book if you start at book 1 and read them in order.
For those that have enjoyed Debora's work this is a little different but the same.
A few semi new characters are here to learn from Witch Central and Witch Central to learn from them. Old familar characters are back and have grown and changed in a year. Especially Kenna first year it will be her birthday soon & Aervyn enjoying not being the youngest one around anymore.
Beth lives in Chicago and leads her coven's circle. They were doing pretty well she thought till one day almost 2 years ago Jamie & Lauren came to thier circle and showed what real power was. Then they left not knowing the damage they had left behind.
Beth was thinking of going to California and learning more about magic Jamie had shown them. When a fetching and transporting spell got tangled together and took to Witch's lounge. Beth is on overload when Lauren takes her back home.
Beth has a different mind a form of Autism. She can function it just takes more strength to do everything and does it her way. Step by Step.
Everyone gets to learn and love Beth in thier own way and time too. This novel has made me see a little how a friends child might see. It is okay to be different and we all are different and the same too.
The love and trying to understand each character comes across so well that I just want to go and visit them in thier world. The sense of community along with the wonders of make believe world of magic in everyday life jells so well together that I can't wait to visit and learn what all are new friends are doing in thier life next.
It would be fun to travel by computer, a lot faster and cheaper than planes.
Come join in the fun and read all about my friends in A Modern Witch series.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it.
Publisher: Fireweed Publishing (December 20, 2012)ASIN: B00AR6ZB60 File Size: 473 KB
January 27, 2014
This book was wonderful! Trust....
Nell has alwas been the warrior and center of Witch Central and everyone knows there is no stronger or more capable person than her. Until now.....
She finds herself faced with something she never would have thought probable, the inability to accept a new witch into their community and teach her how to use her power..... because she is different. Not just different, after all, there are many kinds of different.
She can't seem to find her way in dealing with Beth who was accidentally transported into Witch Central by a strange fluke that never should have happened. Maybe it was because she was thinking of Jamie, Nell's brother when the transport happened? Jamie and Lauren (who was a newbie witch at that time) had unknowingly caused a ripple of trouble. They join were invited to join her coven circle in Chicago and Jamie had blasted their mistakes and then left with no further thought...on his part. Beth had been thinking about them for the past 20 months. How dare they throw around careless words and amazing power and make them feel foolish!
Beth has Asperger's, a type of Autism that causes her to deal differently with life and needs extreme coping mechanisms to get through what others deem natural. This is what has Nell dealing with her lack of knowledge and understanding and it all started because Beth didn't immediately take to her twin girls, in fact it seemed she disliked them. If only she could understand how hermind worked.
This book delves deep into how they learn to deal with this difference and try to make her feel like she is one of them. Is it possible? Since she has strong ties at home in Chicago that she will never leave, inlcuding her partner of 11 years Liri, and a business they share and their own important circle of witches. Home = safety and comfort for her and leaving is not an option.. so how does she expect to get the help she needs with her magic.
I applaud Ms. Geary for taking on the modern telling of these witches while including important life-true matters such as Autism, Asperger's and Lesbian/Gay relationships as well as love, hope, fear and disapointment.
Nell has alwas been the warrior and center of Witch Central and everyone knows there is no stronger or more capable person than her. Until now.....
She finds herself faced with something she never would have thought probable, the inability to accept a new witch into their community and teach her how to use her power..... because she is different. Not just different, after all, there are many kinds of different.
She can't seem to find her way in dealing with Beth who was accidentally transported into Witch Central by a strange fluke that never should have happened. Maybe it was because she was thinking of Jamie, Nell's brother when the transport happened? Jamie and Lauren (who was a newbie witch at that time) had unknowingly caused a ripple of trouble. They join were invited to join her coven circle in Chicago and Jamie had blasted their mistakes and then left with no further thought...on his part. Beth had been thinking about them for the past 20 months. How dare they throw around careless words and amazing power and make them feel foolish!
Beth has Asperger's, a type of Autism that causes her to deal differently with life and needs extreme coping mechanisms to get through what others deem natural. This is what has Nell dealing with her lack of knowledge and understanding and it all started because Beth didn't immediately take to her twin girls, in fact it seemed she disliked them. If only she could understand how hermind worked.
This book delves deep into how they learn to deal with this difference and try to make her feel like she is one of them. Is it possible? Since she has strong ties at home in Chicago that she will never leave, inlcuding her partner of 11 years Liri, and a business they share and their own important circle of witches. Home = safety and comfort for her and leaving is not an option.. so how does she expect to get the help she needs with her magic.
I applaud Ms. Geary for taking on the modern telling of these witches while including important life-true matters such as Autism, Asperger's and Lesbian/Gay relationships as well as love, hope, fear and disapointment.
January 4, 2013
This is yet another of Deborah Geary's delightful books that deal with the concept of witchcraft and witches as people first - men as well as women - and very nice people at that. "Witch Central" is Berkeley where two families, the Sullivans and the Walkers, raise families and hold down "regular" jobs while also practicing witchcraft. This is a series that needs to be read from the first book, "A Modern Witch" forward because the newer books build somewhat on the happenings in prior books. However, each book comes to a nice conclusion, which is something I personally like. I have grown very tired of books in trilogies or longer series that just stop in the author's and publisher's apparent hope that the reader will feel compelled to read the next book in the series. Ms. Geary, to her credit and to this reader's appreciation, does not do that. A recurring theme in these books is that love is the most powerful kind of magic. These books are sweet without becoming overly sugary. They follow something of a formula in that through a computer program that the two most central witches, Nell Sullivan and her brother Jamie, have developed. It's a commercial game called Realm that anyone can buy and play but there is a special upper level for witches only. Through this game, new witches are "called" and the folks of Witch Central and/or their kinfolks in Nova Scotia assist them in becoming more adept, skillful, careful witches and along the way helping them with personal problems that always appear to come up. It's one of those things in which even though you're pretty sure of the destination, the journey is well worth the time. In this newest book in the series, the new witch's "difference" is that she has Asperger's. As a special education teacher, I can vouch that while I did spot some inaccuracies and stereotypes, I felt that Ms. Geary found a positive, successful way in dealing with this subject. If you like positive, uplifting stories with lots of love and a bit of magic, check out this lovely little book.
May 26, 2013
This is yet another of Deborah Geary's delightful books that deal with the concept of witchcraft and witches as people first - men as well as women - and very nice people at that. "Witch Central" is Berkeley where two families, the Sullivans and the Walkers, raise families and hold down "regular" jobs while also practicing witchcraft. This is a series that needs to be read from the first book, "A Modern Witch" forward because the newer books build somewhat on the happenings in prior books. However, each book comes to a nice conclusion, which is something I personally like. I have grown very tired of books in trilogies or longer series that just stop in the author's and publisher's apparent hope that the reader will feel compelled to read the next book in the series. Ms. Geary, to her credit and to this reader's appreciation, does not do that. A recurring theme in these books is that love is the most powerful kind of magic. These books are sweet without becoming overly sugary. They follow something of a formula in that through a computer program that the two most central witches, Nell Sullivan and her brother Jamie, have developed. It's a commercial game called Realm that anyone can buy and play but there is a special upper level for witches only. Through this game, new witches are "called" and the folks of Witch Central and/or their kinfolks in Nova Scotia assist them in becoming more adept, skillful, careful witches and along the way helping them with personal problems that always appear to come up. It's one of those things in which even though you're pretty sure of the destination, the journey is well worth the time. In this newest book in the series, the new witch's "difference" is that she has Asperger's. As a special education teacher, I can vouch that while I did spot some inaccuracies and stereotypes, I felt that Ms. Geary found a positive, successful way in dealing with this subject. If you like positive, uplifting stories with lots of love and a bit of magic, check out this lovely little book.
May 13, 2015
Not only was A DIFFERENT WITCH a tad different from what Ms. Geary has penned before in her Modern Witch Series but her protagonist Beth Landler is a witch who is unlike most others. In this amazing addition to her series, Ms. Geary brings us the reality of how an adult with Asperger’s deals with life in both the real world and Witch Central.
In this portion of the series, Beth is not a complete stranger. In a past book we discovered Beth and her small coven when Jamie, and Lauren had crashed their circle back in Chicago. In retrospect, Beth had discerned that visit as rather upsetting; they had come in, and arrogantly exposed some of the lesser magically inclined members, then left never to contact her again leaving Beth raw and exposed. But leaving Beth with a desire to learn more from the much more powerful witches at Witch Central.
In reading/listening to this audio Ms. Geary handled a very real and little known condition of living with Asperger’s (high functioning autism) . I confess that I had headroom Asperger’s before but truly did not understand it. After reading A DIFFERENT WITCH, I am better equipped to comprehend how difficult it is for someone to deal with this. How important it was for Beth to have that safe place when life and surroundings would overwhelm her and the importance of having that one special person to love and support her.
With a DIFFERENT WITCH - Ms. Geary penned a splendid story that while it didn’t have as many of the humorous moments I usually find in this series, it was even more emotional with the younger witches at Witch Central as well as Moira, the matriarch showing such care in treating Beth with the kindness and care which she needed.
Bottom line: Love this series and especially A DIFFERENT WITCH showing that a book can be both enjoyable and educational.
Marilyn Rondeau
In this portion of the series, Beth is not a complete stranger. In a past book we discovered Beth and her small coven when Jamie, and Lauren had crashed their circle back in Chicago. In retrospect, Beth had discerned that visit as rather upsetting; they had come in, and arrogantly exposed some of the lesser magically inclined members, then left never to contact her again leaving Beth raw and exposed. But leaving Beth with a desire to learn more from the much more powerful witches at Witch Central.
In reading/listening to this audio Ms. Geary handled a very real and little known condition of living with Asperger’s (high functioning autism) . I confess that I had headroom Asperger’s before but truly did not understand it. After reading A DIFFERENT WITCH, I am better equipped to comprehend how difficult it is for someone to deal with this. How important it was for Beth to have that safe place when life and surroundings would overwhelm her and the importance of having that one special person to love and support her.
With a DIFFERENT WITCH - Ms. Geary penned a splendid story that while it didn’t have as many of the humorous moments I usually find in this series, it was even more emotional with the younger witches at Witch Central as well as Moira, the matriarch showing such care in treating Beth with the kindness and care which she needed.
Bottom line: Love this series and especially A DIFFERENT WITCH showing that a book can be both enjoyable and educational.
Marilyn Rondeau
January 22, 2013
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
I agree with Debora's note, that's why I included it. You really should start with book 1, which I have also reviewed. Oh I have reviewed them all! They fall under paranormal, but not really romance. Plus they are light and fun, big problems that are still light compared to man-eating werewolves. I guess I'm saying, it's low on the violence and gore scale.
This is the 5th book in the Modern Witch series. There are a whole bunch of characters that we've been learning more about along the way, and new ones in each book that don't seem to go away quietly. The witches of Witch Central, what they call themselves in Berkley, CA...and a little bit from Nova Scotia. Having fully figured out how to transport through the Witch Central game, travel is no longer an issue.
I love how Debora can keep it fresh, in what is really the 8th book she's written about some of these people. And this was unique in that the new witch has Aspergers and was taken without warning. A cross between the fetching spell and the travel spell and Beth found herself way outside her comfort zone. Beth came through, though with less scaring than poor Nell. See, Nell is a fighter and she just doesn't know how to get through to Beth without succumbing to her own frustrations.
All in all, it was another fantastic story in a long line of them. These really are quite easy to take. Not a lot of violence or even sex, I would let my teens read them without pause.
Additional note - if you have a Nook instead of a Kindle, you can purchase the Kindle version and send your receipt to Debora. She will then get you an ePub copy for your Nook.
I agree with Debora's note, that's why I included it. You really should start with book 1, which I have also reviewed. Oh I have reviewed them all! They fall under paranormal, but not really romance. Plus they are light and fun, big problems that are still light compared to man-eating werewolves. I guess I'm saying, it's low on the violence and gore scale.
This is the 5th book in the Modern Witch series. There are a whole bunch of characters that we've been learning more about along the way, and new ones in each book that don't seem to go away quietly. The witches of Witch Central, what they call themselves in Berkley, CA...and a little bit from Nova Scotia. Having fully figured out how to transport through the Witch Central game, travel is no longer an issue.
I love how Debora can keep it fresh, in what is really the 8th book she's written about some of these people. And this was unique in that the new witch has Aspergers and was taken without warning. A cross between the fetching spell and the travel spell and Beth found herself way outside her comfort zone. Beth came through, though with less scaring than poor Nell. See, Nell is a fighter and she just doesn't know how to get through to Beth without succumbing to her own frustrations.
All in all, it was another fantastic story in a long line of them. These really are quite easy to take. Not a lot of violence or even sex, I would let my teens read them without pause.
Additional note - if you have a Nook instead of a Kindle, you can purchase the Kindle version and send your receipt to Debora. She will then get you an ePub copy for your Nook.
December 22, 2012
I've loved all these books in this series. All of the witches and everyone in it seems so nice and welcoming. So when I read this one and one of the main characters, Nell wasn't that person it threw me for a loop. Beth is different. She has Aspergers and that makes her mind and her magic work differently, but Nell wants nothing to do with that. She doesn't even want to try to find a way to connect with Beth. Seeing that Beth was literally pulled in to witch central by a spell gone awry, not asking to be apart of their magic, the antagonism that Nell feels toward her was a bit abrasive.
Beth wants her magic to grow and ever since Jamie and Lauren swooped in to their meeting 20 months ago her want of change has grown more and more. Her aspergers causes her to be quiet and wary of new people and change. She doesn't handle being forced to move fast or do magic fast. My heart felt for Beth and the challenges she faced. The way she is brought in to witch central and then the way the witches there don't feel like they need to take a different approach toward her. I felt protective of Beth and wanted to fight everyone that was being what I thought was mean to her.
I think if you've read the other books in this series you will like this different witch. I love that the story wasn't the same formula from all the others. Beth and her partner Liri are witches all their own and they love fiercely and protectively. It's beautiful and I can't wait to see where this series goes in the next book!
Beth wants her magic to grow and ever since Jamie and Lauren swooped in to their meeting 20 months ago her want of change has grown more and more. Her aspergers causes her to be quiet and wary of new people and change. She doesn't handle being forced to move fast or do magic fast. My heart felt for Beth and the challenges she faced. The way she is brought in to witch central and then the way the witches there don't feel like they need to take a different approach toward her. I felt protective of Beth and wanted to fight everyone that was being what I thought was mean to her.
I think if you've read the other books in this series you will like this different witch. I love that the story wasn't the same formula from all the others. Beth and her partner Liri are witches all their own and they love fiercely and protectively. It's beautiful and I can't wait to see where this series goes in the next book!
May 2, 2013
The Witch Central stories are my favourite series at the moment. The world that Debora Geary has created is the sort of place that you really want to not be fiction. A place where you wish you could visit and socialise with the characters. And her characters have flaws, and make mistakes like anybody else, magical powers do not make them perfect. Way back in the first book of the series, A Modern Witch, Jamie gate crashed a witches circle in Chicago led by a young and inexperienced fire witch called Beth. Without being aware of his impact Jamie ran roughshod over the witches and devastated Beth and her coven. Jamie told her that if she ever wanted to do real magic to come to Witches central and learn. So she does. However Beth is very different, Beth has Asperger’s and her brain is wired very differently, so magic spells don’t come as easy for her. Asperger's is high functioning autism – something my oldest grandson has just been diagnosed with – so the plot was very personal for me. Witch Central now has to learn how to train the young witch so that she can learn, and there is some real attitude adjustment needed for some of the main characters. So A DIFFERENT WITCH is about love, tolerance, seeing what people’s strengths are, and learning to understand one’s own weaknesses – a hard lesson for one witch in particular who is to being in control and reliable. I have the next book in the series ready to go (A Celtic Witch) and a little novelette on pre-order (Swordfights & Lullabies) which will keep me nicely occupied until book 7 (A Lost Witch) comes out in June.
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