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Land of Enchantment Trilogy #1
Reincarnation of the Black Rose: The Witch Narratives #1
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249 pages, Kindle Edition
About the author
Belinda Vasquez Garcia
30 books98 followersI am the author of the award-winning RETURN OF THE BONES which won Best Historical Fiction for the New Mexico / Arizona Book Awards.
It was too hard juggling three author names. Some of my books, including Return of the Bones, have been moved to my author name of Belinda Austin: https://www.goodreads.com/belindaAustin.
I, also, write Science Fiction and Fantasy under the name B. Austin: https://www.goodreads.com/b-austin
To quote a line from RETURN OF THE BONES: Love never dies, nor does hope, faith, nor magic.
I was born in the Los Angeles area. I invite you to read my memoirs, which can be found at both B. Austin and Belinda Austin. I thank you for any interest in my books.
It was too hard juggling three author names. Some of my books, including Return of the Bones, have been moved to my author name of Belinda Austin: https://www.goodreads.com/belindaAustin.
I, also, write Science Fiction and Fantasy under the name B. Austin: https://www.goodreads.com/b-austin
To quote a line from RETURN OF THE BONES: Love never dies, nor does hope, faith, nor magic.
I was born in the Los Angeles area. I invite you to read my memoirs, which can be found at both B. Austin and Belinda Austin. I thank you for any interest in my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 26, 2014
☆☆☆3.5 WITCHY STARS!☆☆☆
Okay so first of all,witches are my least favorite paranormal creatures,so I am not basing this whole review in my thoughts on witches because if I did,I would have rated this so much lower.I will discuss the quality of the book,the writing style and the characters and all.
Reincarnation of the Black Rose: The Witch Narratives is a paranormal witchy fantasy,filled with exciting and thrilling moments.It is very dark,not like every other YA which contains witches out there.
The beginning is a little boring.Especially the first 2 or 3 chapters,I did not like them at all,everything was messed up,but the novel clearly improved while turning pages.The ending was the best part.
The characters are very unique,but I happen to like one more than the other.Actually I did not like Salia at all.She just didn't seem smart and worthy of a main character,but in the other hand Marcelina was way a better character.I admire her determination and the connection between the girls is quite natural.
The story follows 2 girls,Salia and Marcelina who have become friends friends,but they both have gone through a lot in their lives.Now that they are all grown up they have to face something bigger,something unexpected and definitely not nice.
I recommend this book to every reader who likes fantasy,especially witches.It's a great read and actually gives a lot of positive messages about love and friendship.So pick it up!
April 27, 2013
When I finished this novel, I was left with a "WHOA!" feeling and exhaled the large breath I was holding. This novel is a serious page-turner!
I'll be honest; when I picked up this book and read the first few pages, I almost stopped and deleted it off my Kindle. It seemed like the writer was all over the place with the story and it didn't appeal to me at all. But I have a rule that I have to read a couple of chapters before I give up on a book. I'm so glad I hung in there with this one! When the story got going, I couldn't stop reading it. I was up late into the night trying to finish it. I really didn't want to sleep until I read the last page.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure how I felt about Marcelina. I really don't think she was developed very well. I couldn't tell you what's wrong with it, though. Perhaps I just didn't feel in tune with her character. Despite that, the first part of the novel got me hooked, and I felt a kinship with Salia. The second part of the book is about Salia, and her character development was phenomenal! I loved her! I could not stop reading at all at this point. I actually found myself speed reading through it while sitting on the edge of my seat, eager for what happened next. It was that good! I am definitely buying the second book!
Get this book. Read it. Don't give up on the start of the novel. You will not regret it!
I'll be honest; when I picked up this book and read the first few pages, I almost stopped and deleted it off my Kindle. It seemed like the writer was all over the place with the story and it didn't appeal to me at all. But I have a rule that I have to read a couple of chapters before I give up on a book. I'm so glad I hung in there with this one! When the story got going, I couldn't stop reading it. I was up late into the night trying to finish it. I really didn't want to sleep until I read the last page.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure how I felt about Marcelina. I really don't think she was developed very well. I couldn't tell you what's wrong with it, though. Perhaps I just didn't feel in tune with her character. Despite that, the first part of the novel got me hooked, and I felt a kinship with Salia. The second part of the book is about Salia, and her character development was phenomenal! I loved her! I could not stop reading at all at this point. I actually found myself speed reading through it while sitting on the edge of my seat, eager for what happened next. It was that good! I am definitely buying the second book!
Get this book. Read it. Don't give up on the start of the novel. You will not regret it!
January 24, 2018
I never reach for books of this genre...but I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Thanks
February 1, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Where do I begin? Um this book was amazing and more, it scared me, made me angry, sad,and happy all at once!!!!!!!!!!! And thank you Belinda Vasquez Garcia for signing it and personalizing it with my name :) it makes it even more special. This is a book about the friendship of two girls from very different worlds and their lives and where it leads them. There were times I was screaming at both of them haha even though I knew they couldn't hear me, they were both different yet the same too,both were very bullheaded and stuck in their own ways. Having Native ancestry myself(my grandpa was Oglala) I can imagine the way Salia felt about accepting both her cultures and never letting anyone make her feel any less of herself because of it. I am always drawn to stories of witches and this one didn't let me down and I also enjoyed reading about the culture of New Mexico in the 1930s. Plus there was that one character we just all loved to hate, Pacheco,a nasty, little, and vile man, he's like the Lord Voldermort of New Mexico but with no magical powers of his own haha.A man that would kill anyone in his way or anyone who didn't agree with his religous views, I hated him more than Salia's mother and grandmother combined!!! I am so looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in this series to see what happens next, I am so wanting what happened to Salia at the end to be avenged!!!!!!
Where do I begin? Um this book was amazing and more, it scared me, made me angry, sad,and happy all at once!!!!!!!!!!! And thank you Belinda Vasquez Garcia for signing it and personalizing it with my name :) it makes it even more special. This is a book about the friendship of two girls from very different worlds and their lives and where it leads them. There were times I was screaming at both of them haha even though I knew they couldn't hear me, they were both different yet the same too,both were very bullheaded and stuck in their own ways. Having Native ancestry myself(my grandpa was Oglala) I can imagine the way Salia felt about accepting both her cultures and never letting anyone make her feel any less of herself because of it. I am always drawn to stories of witches and this one didn't let me down and I also enjoyed reading about the culture of New Mexico in the 1930s. Plus there was that one character we just all loved to hate, Pacheco,a nasty, little, and vile man, he's like the Lord Voldermort of New Mexico but with no magical powers of his own haha.A man that would kill anyone in his way or anyone who didn't agree with his religous views, I hated him more than Salia's mother and grandmother combined!!! I am so looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in this series to see what happens next, I am so wanting what happened to Salia at the end to be avenged!!!!!!
July 29, 2013
Its nothing short of Amazing!!!
If you're tired of love struck vampires and other supernatural concoctions targeted at 13 year olds this book is definitely for you.
Set in the early 1900's it beautifully captures man's efforts at breaking the shackles of religion and supernatural. But closing your eyes to the existence of something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Witches in Madrid are as bad as they come. The Esperanza family witches inspire dread and terror in the small mining town of Madrid.
However, the heiress to the title of Esperanza wants to be everything other than a witch. Don't make the mistake of comparing her with Sabrina as she is barely into her teens before she commits her first murder. Its the tale of Salia Esperanza and her struggle with her dreams, her legacy, love and religious fanatics hell bent on resurrecting the Spanish inquisition.
This is a superbly crafted tale that has characters in all shades of black and none in white.
If you're tired of love struck vampires and other supernatural concoctions targeted at 13 year olds this book is definitely for you.
Set in the early 1900's it beautifully captures man's efforts at breaking the shackles of religion and supernatural. But closing your eyes to the existence of something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Witches in Madrid are as bad as they come. The Esperanza family witches inspire dread and terror in the small mining town of Madrid.
However, the heiress to the title of Esperanza wants to be everything other than a witch. Don't make the mistake of comparing her with Sabrina as she is barely into her teens before she commits her first murder. Its the tale of Salia Esperanza and her struggle with her dreams, her legacy, love and religious fanatics hell bent on resurrecting the Spanish inquisition.
This is a superbly crafted tale that has characters in all shades of black and none in white.
September 6, 2012
This book delves into the very essence of the characters. The author showed their good sides and their inner demons, their lowest moments and their triumphs. That combined with the rich folklore made the story come alive. Many stories show good against evil, but this story shows how, in reality, we all carry both within ourselves.
June 17, 2021
Dropped this like a hot potato in record time for me. I see another felt similarly and made it through and found it fantastic, but I just couldn’t, there are way too many other books I already own. And it’s been a crappy year for my reading challenges so I’m cheating and taking credit for my effort.
August 19, 2012
Wow! If you haven't read it, just pick it up. Wow again.
October 9, 2012
“You are like the wind, blowing hot and cold. One day you are my friend and accept my fruit. The next day, you twist a knife in my heart.”
“I fear nothing. Neither you nor any of your kind can hurt me. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but humanity will never break me.”
This was one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Maybe ever!
It deals with dark issues such as: death, molestation, and incest.
But more importantly, it deals with friendship, loyalty, and the depth of love.
It all starts with La Llorona arriving at Marcelina's house.
If you're not scared yet, you clearly have no idea who La Llorona (The Weeping Woman) is.
[image error]
That's her. Only she's a million times scarier. She makes Freddy Kruger and Jason Vorhees look like Justin Bieber. Well, at least to us hispanics.
The story mainly revolves around 2 girls. Marcelina Rodriguez and Salia Esperanza.
They are both growing up in Madrid during the 1900s.
We get to watch them, and everyone around them, grow. Those two go from troubled 11-year-old's to even more troubled women in their 20's.
They become friends even though they are completely different.
Marcelina lives with her parents and her younger brother, Diego. At a young age, she lost someone close to her and things just keep getting worse from there. Marcelina wishes to someday be married and have children. She's pretty normal.
Salia never even had a chance at being normal. She lives with her mother, Felicita Esperanza and her Grandmother. Everyone believes them to be witches. And as if that's not bad enough, she is a coyote, meaning half-breed. She's half-Spanish and half-Indian. Her mother controls everything she does. Salia says she never wants to be married or have children. She will never let anyone else think they own her. “I shall never belong to any boy. My heart is my own, and no man will ever own it.”
If only they knew all the evil that would befall them when they grew older.
We watch as they become friends over the years, then, slowly but surely, watch them grow apart.
It was heartbreaking to see that. They both had very traumatizing childhoods and needed each other but the evil that lived in Madrid wouldn't stop trying to separate them.
Well, I have come to the conclusion that I love anything that has to do with witches.
I've read and seen plenty of shows about witches and have loved them all deeply. Every single one of them.
Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Secret Circle, even Supernatural has witches.
I have yet to be disappointed by one. Books about witches can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes.
Man, I wish I were a witch.
Nothing I say can do this book justice. Everyone has to read this. It is obvious the author did a lot of research. The least people can do is take the time to read this. It doesn't disappoint. I'm glad I read this. It was so, so good. I love it.
I will now try to force everyone I know to read this book. I will be jamming this down their throats like there's no tomorrow!
Highly recommended.
This book is way too good to pass up.
“I fear nothing. Neither you nor any of your kind can hurt me. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but humanity will never break me.”
This was one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Maybe ever!
It deals with dark issues such as: death, molestation, and incest.
But more importantly, it deals with friendship, loyalty, and the depth of love.
It all starts with La Llorona arriving at Marcelina's house.
If you're not scared yet, you clearly have no idea who La Llorona (The Weeping Woman) is.
[image error]
That's her. Only she's a million times scarier. She makes Freddy Kruger and Jason Vorhees look like Justin Bieber. Well, at least to us hispanics.
The story mainly revolves around 2 girls. Marcelina Rodriguez and Salia Esperanza.
They are both growing up in Madrid during the 1900s.
We get to watch them, and everyone around them, grow. Those two go from troubled 11-year-old's to even more troubled women in their 20's.
They become friends even though they are completely different.
Marcelina lives with her parents and her younger brother, Diego. At a young age, she lost someone close to her and things just keep getting worse from there. Marcelina wishes to someday be married and have children. She's pretty normal.
Salia never even had a chance at being normal. She lives with her mother, Felicita Esperanza and her Grandmother. Everyone believes them to be witches. And as if that's not bad enough, she is a coyote, meaning half-breed. She's half-Spanish and half-Indian. Her mother controls everything she does. Salia says she never wants to be married or have children. She will never let anyone else think they own her. “I shall never belong to any boy. My heart is my own, and no man will ever own it.”
If only they knew all the evil that would befall them when they grew older.
We watch as they become friends over the years, then, slowly but surely, watch them grow apart.
It was heartbreaking to see that. They both had very traumatizing childhoods and needed each other but the evil that lived in Madrid wouldn't stop trying to separate them.
Well, I have come to the conclusion that I love anything that has to do with witches.
I've read and seen plenty of shows about witches and have loved them all deeply. Every single one of them.
Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Secret Circle, even Supernatural has witches.
I have yet to be disappointed by one. Books about witches can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes.
Man, I wish I were a witch.
Nothing I say can do this book justice. Everyone has to read this. It is obvious the author did a lot of research. The least people can do is take the time to read this. It doesn't disappoint. I'm glad I read this. It was so, so good. I love it.
I will now try to force everyone I know to read this book. I will be jamming this down their throats like there's no tomorrow!
Highly recommended.
This book is way too good to pass up.
August 1, 2013
This book is a great read! It has friendship, witches, horror, history, and love all rolled into one story. The plot is full of very descriptive writing, that weaves a enchanting tale. The beginning is a little slow, and hard to follow but keep reading it is well worth it! It does delve into witchcraft, incest and a little gore, so if these are not for you, you probably won't like this book.
The story is about Salia, a half-breed witch and her friendship with a devout Catholic girl named Marcelina. It is set in New Mexico, during the roaring 20's and goes into the Great Depression era. I can't wait to read part 2!
I received this book in the Goodreads Read It program, group Shut Up and Read, for an honest review.
The story is about Salia, a half-breed witch and her friendship with a devout Catholic girl named Marcelina. It is set in New Mexico, during the roaring 20's and goes into the Great Depression era. I can't wait to read part 2!
I received this book in the Goodreads Read It program, group Shut Up and Read, for an honest review.
July 24, 2013
I had somewhat of hard time getting into this book. It took me longer to get a grip on the style and topic. Parts of it really lagged for me and I wished for more to happen, quicker.
The writing style also took adjustment, since I typically read straight fantasy (or paranormal/urban fantasy) and this felt more like a blend of non-fiction with hints of mystery to it. The characters didn't feel deep to me. It was slow reading...
If you have closer ties to this culture, I think it would be more impactful. Maybe?
The writing style also took adjustment, since I typically read straight fantasy (or paranormal/urban fantasy) and this felt more like a blend of non-fiction with hints of mystery to it. The characters didn't feel deep to me. It was slow reading...
If you have closer ties to this culture, I think it would be more impactful. Maybe?
April 17, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. The writing reminds me a bit of Stephen King.
April 20, 2013
The beginning took off a little slow, took a minute to get into it but about 35% threw it picked up!! So I give it a 7 but definitely have to read book 2!
April 20, 2013
Can't finish this one. Weird; disjointed, nightmarish. Descriptions are very graphic...Not my cup of tea.
August 2, 2013
It took me forever to get into this one. Then it ended on a cliffhanger. I hate that.
March 20, 2018
DNF--Unfortunately this did not hold my attention at all.
March 25, 2019
Not for me
I had a really hard time getting through this book. It just seemed to go so slowly. I was hoping i would like it but it's not for me.
I had a really hard time getting through this book. It just seemed to go so slowly. I was hoping i would like it but it's not for me.
January 21, 2021
Witches
This is supposed to be the story of two girls who become friends despite that forces pulling them apart. Except the girls never really come off as friends. More like the enemy of my enemy at times. I have no idea what I just CV read.
This is supposed to be the story of two girls who become friends despite that forces pulling them apart. Except the girls never really come off as friends. More like the enemy of my enemy at times. I have no idea what I just CV read.
August 27, 2013
I received this book through the r&r program via shut up and read on goodreads in exchange for a honest review.
when I began the book I wasn't sure where it was going or why it was heading towards these two little girls lives the way it was. The further I got into the book, the more engrossed I became.
salia and marcelina were thrown together by circumstance, one envious of the other for different reasons. Scalia because Marcelina was a normal girl raised in sad circumstances but a normal girl, the other because she was beautiful. the jealousy eats at both of them and tears them apart for awhile. too sad for they saved each other.
as they grow their lives change but they are still wracked with jealousy and insecurities. Marcelina is denying her true nature and turns more towards religion. Salia turns to her nature to become famous but does fall in love. What gets me is she sees the future of her love and yet continues her actions, she defined his future without giving him a chance.
Pacheco is evil wrapped in the guise of religious fervor which makes him dangerous. This has allowed him to kill and create a witch hunt without being brought to justice.
this book is of friendship,love, jealousy and shows what can happen when you can't yourself who you are. a nice read but ends in tragedy and sadness.
when I began the book I wasn't sure where it was going or why it was heading towards these two little girls lives the way it was. The further I got into the book, the more engrossed I became.
salia and marcelina were thrown together by circumstance, one envious of the other for different reasons. Scalia because Marcelina was a normal girl raised in sad circumstances but a normal girl, the other because she was beautiful. the jealousy eats at both of them and tears them apart for awhile. too sad for they saved each other.
as they grow their lives change but they are still wracked with jealousy and insecurities. Marcelina is denying her true nature and turns more towards religion. Salia turns to her nature to become famous but does fall in love. What gets me is she sees the future of her love and yet continues her actions, she defined his future without giving him a chance.
Pacheco is evil wrapped in the guise of religious fervor which makes him dangerous. This has allowed him to kill and create a witch hunt without being brought to justice.
this book is of friendship,love, jealousy and shows what can happen when you can't yourself who you are. a nice read but ends in tragedy and sadness.
July 27, 2013
Salia Esperanzas and Marcelina Rodriguez formed an unlikely friendship that spanned many years even thru an estrangement. Neither girl forgot the other no matter what occurred in their lives. They each swore oaths of friendship on The Bible and Shrouds of Veils. Salia was abused mentally and emotionally by her mother, her grandmother, and townspeople of Madrid, New Mexico. Salia really didn't care what townspeople thought of her so long as they left her alone. Salia valued her friendship with Marcelina. Marcelina remembers the day that La Llorona wanted her to be apart of Black Rose Sisterhood. Marcelina always feared her dreams of La Llorona and Tezcatlipoca promising her whatever her heart desires. Storm Chaser is a medicine man and grandfather to Salia. Will Salia find love? Will Marcelina have her prayers answered? Will La Llorona and Tezcatlipoca finally get Marcelina? Will Storm Chaser honor Salia's last request? Your answers await you in The Witch Narratives:Reincarnation.
I liked that the story followed both Salia and Marcelina thru the years. I also found at times that the story lagged or moved too quickly in spots otherwise a good story. I thought the author's use of culture was really well done. I'm curious to see what happens in the next book.
I liked that the story followed both Salia and Marcelina thru the years. I also found at times that the story lagged or moved too quickly in spots otherwise a good story. I thought the author's use of culture was really well done. I'm curious to see what happens in the next book.
July 24, 2013
Where do I begin. This book definitely wasn't bad, it was informative. But, I didn't quite enjoy the whole thing. At first, it took me forever to get anywhere while reading it and only felt like giving it two stars. But as the story progesses and I reached that half way mark, I became more captivated by the story. Salia and Samuel are made of total opposites yet, there they were, full of love for each other.
When I first started this book, I was rather confused. I didn't understand what was going on in the story, but when I did finally catch on to one part, I was instantly thrown by another. It took a little getting used to. But there came a point where the book just made sense, and from there I became a little more involved with the story.
However, it wasn't until Salia was all grown up, without the burdon of her nasty mother or grandmother, that I began to actually ejoy this read.
It's one of those books where, you don't really know what to think of it. If its worth completing or is it enthralling enough to read tell the end. In the end, I read the story with mixed emotions. Moments when I wanted to cry or shout for joy.
When I first started this book, I was rather confused. I didn't understand what was going on in the story, but when I did finally catch on to one part, I was instantly thrown by another. It took a little getting used to. But there came a point where the book just made sense, and from there I became a little more involved with the story.
However, it wasn't until Salia was all grown up, without the burdon of her nasty mother or grandmother, that I began to actually ejoy this read.
It's one of those books where, you don't really know what to think of it. If its worth completing or is it enthralling enough to read tell the end. In the end, I read the story with mixed emotions. Moments when I wanted to cry or shout for joy.
July 23, 2013
The Witch Narratives Reincarnation is a very unique and intriguing read. It is not a light read, but rather is very dark and brutal and chronicles and era and culture that was completely new to me. The writing is beautiful, but the storyline is anything but. The story takes place in the 1920's in the southwest and explores a culture that was completely new to me and I enjoyed the education. The world building was absolutely wonderful, as were the characterizations. I cannot say I liked any of the characters, the story was too dark to afford that for me, but they were intriguing. My only complaint with the read was it seemed very long and at times dragged out to the point where I would put it down and read something a bit lighter and then return to the story. I was intrigued enough to continue on with book two, which I requested for read and review. I purchased this book from Amazon some time ago, although a copy of it was provided with book two with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
November 10, 2012
I'm unsure how to review this book. It started poorly in my opinion but then improved dramatically, however there were still parts of it where I was wondering why I was still reading it. Yet it was addictive and overall I really did enjoy it.
It is very strange though and there are huge plot gaps of years that annoyed slightly. The ending was a little disappointing but perhaps there is a sequel to follow. I'm not sure if I will bother to read it...
Not really a 4 star review now that I look back on it! But I will stick with it. The well written bits were very, very good.
It is very strange though and there are huge plot gaps of years that annoyed slightly. The ending was a little disappointing but perhaps there is a sequel to follow. I'm not sure if I will bother to read it...
Not really a 4 star review now that I look back on it! But I will stick with it. The well written bits were very, very good.
Read
September 14, 2013The Witch Narratives Reincarnation was a wonderfully written book, full of a poignance, that not all authors are able to capture. This book is a fine example of the human nature, love and friendship and relationships. It was well written and a story that touches your heart.It's replete with the witch culture and detailed. It talks about jealousy and pain and love and friendship. A book well written and one that touches your heart.
September 2, 2013
I received a copy of this novel through the read it and reap program in exchange for an honest review.
First off, LOOOOOVED this ! The cover, the plot, writing style. Everything. It wasn't an easy read because I had to really pay attention to details. Wasn't sure I'd like it but I'm glad I stuck it out. Can't stand the nightmarish type of books but this is a fave.
First off, LOOOOOVED this ! The cover, the plot, writing style. Everything. It wasn't an easy read because I had to really pay attention to details. Wasn't sure I'd like it but I'm glad I stuck it out. Can't stand the nightmarish type of books but this is a fave.
September 3, 2013
This book is a very dark look into the lives of two young girls who, although they have completely opposite lives, are very much alike, and form a lifelong bond. The writing of this story is great, full of detailed descriptions and complex characters. I loved the plot, totally original, with amazing world building. I received this book for free for my honest review.
January 14, 2020
Fantasy is not genuinely my kind of genre, so this was totally out of my comfort zone to read. But surprisingly, interesting. Scary abit but with a good feeling.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC copy
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC copy
June 1, 2013
Very dark, bizarre book. I will not read the sequels. it is beautifully written, but the story is disturbing.
October 3, 2013
entertaining, enjoyable, easy read
especially enjoyed the Albuquerque & Madrid setting
especially enjoyed the Albuquerque & Madrid setting
December 18, 2015
The storyline I was okay but the imagery was too hard to follow. I don't know if I'll decide to read the second book in the series. I doubt it at this point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews