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The Witch Within
After she has been charged with witchcraft, sixteen-year-old Talitha escapes to the abandoned Cursed Lands and seeks the ancient cave of her ancestors. In the deep woods, she starts to remember her ancestral lore of healing and magical symbolism and receives guidance on how to survive from the local spirits.
But soon she’s captured by two men, who were sent to take her to the local justice. One is a brute, but the other one is fatally attracted to her. After Talitha manages to escape them, she finds her ancestral cave, but also another one at the highest peak of the forest where a group of refugee women have established a camp. By facing both the dark and bright side of her kin, Talitha learns that what she thought was her curse, may yet become her gift.
This book is for those who enjoy metaphysical visionary stories.
But soon she’s captured by two men, who were sent to take her to the local justice. One is a brute, but the other one is fatally attracted to her. After Talitha manages to escape them, she finds her ancestral cave, but also another one at the highest peak of the forest where a group of refugee women have established a camp. By facing both the dark and bright side of her kin, Talitha learns that what she thought was her curse, may yet become her gift.
This book is for those who enjoy metaphysical visionary stories.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2014
6 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Iva Kenaz
24 books126 followersIva Kenaz is an award-winning author, publisher, and speaker whose books are significantly influenced by metaphysics and nature magic. She studied Screenwriting at the Prague Film Academy and holds an MA in Creative Writing. She's also an avid researcher of ancient wisdom and teachings, especially those of the magic symbols, sacred geometry, runes. She also writes about her visits to parallel worlds and dimensions, particularly the elven or fairy realms and the afterlife.
Iva's many visionary books include The Witch Within, The Goddess Within, The Merkaba Mystery, Alchemist Awakening: An Alchemical Journey Through the Zodiac, Manifested, Francois Villon, Runes: Magical Codes of Nature, Tree Magic, Sacred Geometry and Magical Symbols, Sacred Geometry Symbols, and many more.
For more information please visit her website: www.ivakenaz.com
Iva's many visionary books include The Witch Within, The Goddess Within, The Merkaba Mystery, Alchemist Awakening: An Alchemical Journey Through the Zodiac, Manifested, Francois Villon, Runes: Magical Codes of Nature, Tree Magic, Sacred Geometry and Magical Symbols, Sacred Geometry Symbols, and many more.
For more information please visit her website: www.ivakenaz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 23, 2015
This was interesting. One thing that I really liked was the setting - 16th Century Bohemia, in the "cursed," or forbidden lands. Historically, it was a time when women in that part of Europe were persecuted for "witchcraft," and the author built on that history to paint a mysterious picture where maybe, just maybe, something supernatural really was going on.
What follows is a gripping adventure told through the eyes of one such woman, who must escape her persecutors by journeying into the wilderness. The mystery continues to build as the story marches towards its climax, and it kept me guessing the whole time. Along the way, there are a lot of interesting clues, numbers, and symbols. I think I got a lot of it, but would like to read it again at some point for things I may have missed the first time. There is a lot going on beneath the surface here, so I would recommend reading slow, especially since this is a relatively short novel anyway.
"Witchcraft" is portrayed almost as an alternative religion, which stands on at least equal grounds to other, more predominant religions, and draws its power from love and connection with nature and spirituality, rather than spells and fantasy. This is not a story with flying cars and people getting turned into animals and things like that. Instead, it was a more "realistic" witch story, if that makes any sense. In other words, I felt like I was really there in 16th Century Bohemia, and as if these were things that really could happen in our world. And that's what I liked most about it.
What follows is a gripping adventure told through the eyes of one such woman, who must escape her persecutors by journeying into the wilderness. The mystery continues to build as the story marches towards its climax, and it kept me guessing the whole time. Along the way, there are a lot of interesting clues, numbers, and symbols. I think I got a lot of it, but would like to read it again at some point for things I may have missed the first time. There is a lot going on beneath the surface here, so I would recommend reading slow, especially since this is a relatively short novel anyway.
"Witchcraft" is portrayed almost as an alternative religion, which stands on at least equal grounds to other, more predominant religions, and draws its power from love and connection with nature and spirituality, rather than spells and fantasy. This is not a story with flying cars and people getting turned into animals and things like that. Instead, it was a more "realistic" witch story, if that makes any sense. In other words, I felt like I was really there in 16th Century Bohemia, and as if these were things that really could happen in our world. And that's what I liked most about it.
April 2, 2016
Insightful, Mystical, Heartfelt, Dark, Poetic & Magical! A Pleasant Surprise Read! I Loved It!
August 10, 2014
Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com
'The Witch Within' is an excellent first novel by Iva Kenaz. Talitha is a perfect main character and her thoughts made this novel even more interesting. The author certainly have a great imagination and I'll be looking forward to her next novel!
Thanks to Iva Kenaz for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
'The Witch Within' is an excellent first novel by Iva Kenaz. Talitha is a perfect main character and her thoughts made this novel even more interesting. The author certainly have a great imagination and I'll be looking forward to her next novel!
Thanks to Iva Kenaz for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2014
I read this book in one breath. It has a lot of tension, which makes you want to read on, but it also makes you think. It was more philosophical and mysterious than I expected it to be. I instantly immersed in the character’s psyche as the writing style is in the first-person present tense narrative. Though the novel was shorter than most fantasy novels I have read before, it didn’t bother me, because it works perfectly on the whole. In fact, sometimes it felt as if I was reading one long poem, because the composure of the text is so poetic. Also, I felt that every line was thought-out carefully and had it’s meaning.
The main plot is about a young girl, Talitha, who escapes home after being charged with witchcraft and enters the mysterious cursed forests. She hopes to find her grandmother and their ancestral cave because that’s the only place where she could survive the up-coming winter. However, on a deeper level, it’s about a girl growing up. Talitha falls in love for the first love and goes through her first sexual experiences, but also struggles with her dark side, mainly throughout the ending. Moreover, the themes are convoluted in the world of magical realism, spirituality and mythology. The unique atmosphere of the story stays with me and makes me also want to go and seek the Witch Within.
The main plot is about a young girl, Talitha, who escapes home after being charged with witchcraft and enters the mysterious cursed forests. She hopes to find her grandmother and their ancestral cave because that’s the only place where she could survive the up-coming winter. However, on a deeper level, it’s about a girl growing up. Talitha falls in love for the first love and goes through her first sexual experiences, but also struggles with her dark side, mainly throughout the ending. Moreover, the themes are convoluted in the world of magical realism, spirituality and mythology. The unique atmosphere of the story stays with me and makes me also want to go and seek the Witch Within.
November 7, 2014
What a great novel!
I was very impressed with Iva Kenaz’s first novel. Her style is fresh and colourful, one easily loses himself in the graceful game of words. The story is very interesting, captivating and touching. She switches a lot between realism or even naturalism and romanticism, but I actually enjoyed that some parts very romanticized, it suits the overall mood.
The main character, Talitha is very strong and I felt with her strongly since the beginning. Being a man, I enjoyed paging through the labyrinth of a woman’s soul. I could tell that the author has a good knowledge of the medieval period and the witch-hunts, because the atmosphere was both mystical and terrifyingly real. I can imagine that many women suffered similar lot to Talitha’s.
The witch-hunter, Nathaniel, is also a well-build character, one never knows what to expect of him.
Also, taking in account my life-long interest in esotericism and alchemy, I found the issues of lifting curses and ancestral shadows very interesting. I felt as if the story itself actually is a wise guide to lifting curses, shadows, spells and fears. Very enjoyable read indeed!
I was very impressed with Iva Kenaz’s first novel. Her style is fresh and colourful, one easily loses himself in the graceful game of words. The story is very interesting, captivating and touching. She switches a lot between realism or even naturalism and romanticism, but I actually enjoyed that some parts very romanticized, it suits the overall mood.
The main character, Talitha is very strong and I felt with her strongly since the beginning. Being a man, I enjoyed paging through the labyrinth of a woman’s soul. I could tell that the author has a good knowledge of the medieval period and the witch-hunts, because the atmosphere was both mystical and terrifyingly real. I can imagine that many women suffered similar lot to Talitha’s.
The witch-hunter, Nathaniel, is also a well-build character, one never knows what to expect of him.
Also, taking in account my life-long interest in esotericism and alchemy, I found the issues of lifting curses and ancestral shadows very interesting. I felt as if the story itself actually is a wise guide to lifting curses, shadows, spells and fears. Very enjoyable read indeed!
June 28, 2014
As an avid reader of many genres I must say that the ‘Witch Within’ came as a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but once I started reading it I couldn’t stop until I was finished.
The story begins immediately with the protagonist Talitha escaping her own execution into a damned forest or the ‘damned Bohemian Lands’ where most of the story takes place. The whole narrative is told through the first person account of the main character and the inner fear and guilt that she struggles with are dealt with in a very realistic way and doesn’t overpower the flow of the action.
In fact the clarity of the writing felt so effortless that it seemed like I was watching an epic movie and it wouldn’t surprise me if it would be adapted into a movie someday. The mood lures you in and adds to the constantly intensifying plot as the character moves deeper into the forest where she encounters the witch hunters, spirits, wild beasts and other witches.
I especially liked Talitha’s struggle with the natural elements and spirits as I found it believable. SPOILER ALERT! Once she arrives at the cave of her ancestors the story takes a different turn and becomes more of a fantasy, which I enjoyed. The symbol of the cave is very strong and how it reflects to the characters journey into the darkness of her own psyche. It also develops further as she meets her shadow counterpart in the dark witch Edana and the Talitha’s inner battle between light and darkness becomes more externalized.
Furthermore I enjoyed the growing romantic tension between Talitha and her captor Nathaniel which came as an interesting twist and added a warmth to the bleak situation of the main character. It was very touching. END OF SPOILERS!
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was that I wanted to read more once it was done. Hopefully the author will write a follow-up one day.
The style of the book is mostly realistic and at times it becomes poetic which seems to fit the period (16th Century) and only enriches some of the metaphysical and spiritual themes of the story that deals with natural magic and curses. It’s an enthralling adventure about the battle between light and darkness, which at times is frightening, funny and surprisingly erotic. On the whole the book was a joy to read and I would recommend to anyone who likes a riveting and thought-provoking story.
The story begins immediately with the protagonist Talitha escaping her own execution into a damned forest or the ‘damned Bohemian Lands’ where most of the story takes place. The whole narrative is told through the first person account of the main character and the inner fear and guilt that she struggles with are dealt with in a very realistic way and doesn’t overpower the flow of the action.
In fact the clarity of the writing felt so effortless that it seemed like I was watching an epic movie and it wouldn’t surprise me if it would be adapted into a movie someday. The mood lures you in and adds to the constantly intensifying plot as the character moves deeper into the forest where she encounters the witch hunters, spirits, wild beasts and other witches.
I especially liked Talitha’s struggle with the natural elements and spirits as I found it believable. SPOILER ALERT! Once she arrives at the cave of her ancestors the story takes a different turn and becomes more of a fantasy, which I enjoyed. The symbol of the cave is very strong and how it reflects to the characters journey into the darkness of her own psyche. It also develops further as she meets her shadow counterpart in the dark witch Edana and the Talitha’s inner battle between light and darkness becomes more externalized.
Furthermore I enjoyed the growing romantic tension between Talitha and her captor Nathaniel which came as an interesting twist and added a warmth to the bleak situation of the main character. It was very touching. END OF SPOILERS!
The only thing I didn’t like about the book was that I wanted to read more once it was done. Hopefully the author will write a follow-up one day.
The style of the book is mostly realistic and at times it becomes poetic which seems to fit the period (16th Century) and only enriches some of the metaphysical and spiritual themes of the story that deals with natural magic and curses. It’s an enthralling adventure about the battle between light and darkness, which at times is frightening, funny and surprisingly erotic. On the whole the book was a joy to read and I would recommend to anyone who likes a riveting and thought-provoking story.
November 7, 2015
When 16 year old, Talitha was accused of being a witch by the villagers; she didn’t have an option but to run for her life. Still grieving for her brother’s death, Talitha wandered across the deep forest trying to seek her identity. Then she encounters the cave, the shelter of late her grandmother and next the ancient temple, a refuge of other banished women.
The story takes you to the time when witchcraft was considered a prominent evil and the women were banished for practising it. The 16th century Bohemian setting is perfect. The POV of Talitha makes the story telling very effective. Readers not only can easily connect with the character, but also can imagine how it feels to be blamed and treated lowly in the eyes of others. It’s a deep character study of the girl too young and innocent to understand who a sorceress exactly is.
But the best part is author’s eloquent writing style. It’s not easy to portray a lonely character roaming in wild and living mostly in her thoughts, but everything comes dazzling right in front of readers eyes. The scenes where Talitha is in the cave with the spirit of her grandmother and when she tries to heal a wounded wolf knowing that it can attack her are just magical.
The story ends on a sweet note, and I believe it has an interesting message as well- Curse or gift, are subjective and it depends on how a person looks at it.
Iva Kenaz is a wonderful writer, and I can’t wait to read her next books.
The story takes you to the time when witchcraft was considered a prominent evil and the women were banished for practising it. The 16th century Bohemian setting is perfect. The POV of Talitha makes the story telling very effective. Readers not only can easily connect with the character, but also can imagine how it feels to be blamed and treated lowly in the eyes of others. It’s a deep character study of the girl too young and innocent to understand who a sorceress exactly is.
But the best part is author’s eloquent writing style. It’s not easy to portray a lonely character roaming in wild and living mostly in her thoughts, but everything comes dazzling right in front of readers eyes. The scenes where Talitha is in the cave with the spirit of her grandmother and when she tries to heal a wounded wolf knowing that it can attack her are just magical.
The story ends on a sweet note, and I believe it has an interesting message as well- Curse or gift, are subjective and it depends on how a person looks at it.
Iva Kenaz is a wonderful writer, and I can’t wait to read her next books.
March 21, 2015
I got The Witch Within while it was free on Amazon, and I'm glad I did. It's a good novel. Not flawless, but a good first novel, where the strength of it is in the story, and the main characters.
The main character gets herself into trouble because of her attempts to help her brother using herbal medicine. She is called a witch, and has to run away to save herself. Once out in the wilderness she has to rely on her own ingenuity, and slowly starts to get in touch with her inner witch. There is also a bit of romance, and she has to come to terms with newfound feelings. I thought the story was very interesting, and it turned out to be a quick read for me. A book that drew me forwards until the end.
The downside of this novel is the use of language which is occasionally unusual, and it has unnecessary words that could have been pruned to make the style stronger. It didn't bother me that much, but I noticed it every now, and then.
The characters are rather well drawn, and heroine is likable. I think The Witch Within is an interesting story from the Dark Ages where people could get burnt alive for something like trying to help others if it wasn't done according to the church teachings. On the whole I enjoyed reading this novel. In fact I would like to hear more of that story, what happened to the witch after that end, but I don't know if there is going to be a sequel.
The main character gets herself into trouble because of her attempts to help her brother using herbal medicine. She is called a witch, and has to run away to save herself. Once out in the wilderness she has to rely on her own ingenuity, and slowly starts to get in touch with her inner witch. There is also a bit of romance, and she has to come to terms with newfound feelings. I thought the story was very interesting, and it turned out to be a quick read for me. A book that drew me forwards until the end.
The downside of this novel is the use of language which is occasionally unusual, and it has unnecessary words that could have been pruned to make the style stronger. It didn't bother me that much, but I noticed it every now, and then.
The characters are rather well drawn, and heroine is likable. I think The Witch Within is an interesting story from the Dark Ages where people could get burnt alive for something like trying to help others if it wasn't done according to the church teachings. On the whole I enjoyed reading this novel. In fact I would like to hear more of that story, what happened to the witch after that end, but I don't know if there is going to be a sequel.
June 28, 2014
I have enjoyed getting lost in The Witch Within. Not only because I found the writing style fresh and expressive, but mainly because the plot was so captivating. It certainly is a page-turner. Although at first the novel seems to be a historical fiction, addressing the issues of a woman’s sense of belonging in the medieval society or the survival in the wild, there are very interesting fantasy elements and insightful spiritual thoughts, mainly throughout the second half of the book. Anyone who is interested in Wicca and Runes will surely enjoy it. The romance reminded me of the Beauty and the Beast or the Cupid and Psyche archetype, as the witch-hunter who romances the main character gradually unravels his brighter side. I wonder how the relationship develops in the sequel. I felt that the story has a significant pagan feel to it, there’s some esotericism and also eroticism as it’s essentially about a girl discovering the power of her womanhood. On the whole the topic reminded me of Women Who Run With the Wolfs and so I think that women who liked that book will definitely relate to this one.
I found no significant flaw in the text, perhaps only that I wanted to continue reading so I look forward to the second part!
I found no significant flaw in the text, perhaps only that I wanted to continue reading so I look forward to the second part!
October 3, 2014
I have enjoyed getting lost in The Witch Within. Not only because I found the writing style fresh and expressive, but mainly because the plot was so captivating. It certainly is a page-turner. Although at first the novel seems to be a historical fiction, addressing the issues of a woman’s sense of belonging in the medieval society or the survival in the wild, there are very interesting fantasy elements and insightful spiritual thoughts, mainly throughout the second half of the book. Anyone who is interested in Wicca and Runes will surely enjoy it. The romance reminded me of the Beauty and the Beast or the Cupid and Psyche archetype, as the witch-hunter who romances the main character gradually unravels his brighter side. I wonder how the relationship develops in the sequel. I felt that the story has a significant pagan feel to it, there’s some esotericism and also eroticism as it’s essentially about a girl discovering the power of her womanhood. On the whole the topic reminded me of Women Who Run With the Wolfs and so I think that women who liked that book will definitely relate to this one.
I found no significant flaw in the text, perhaps only that I wanted to continue reading so I look forward to the second part!
I found no significant flaw in the text, perhaps only that I wanted to continue reading so I look forward to the second part!
July 22, 2014
The Witch Within
Set in medieval Bohemia, a young peasant girl is accused of witchcraft when she attempts to save her brother. Talitha is not the first in her matriarchal line to be suspected of it and the fear of being accused is ever present in her family.
Of interest is her grandmother who keeps true to the Old Ways, and does not seek to suppress her nature, juxtaposed with her mother, who so effectively subsumes all in order to appease her husband and society. There is a strong element of fear in her mother’s relationship with her father, not entirely unfounded as he fails to protect either Talitha’s grandmother or Talitha herself.
Talitha is given no choice: she must flee into the forest seeking out others like herself if she is to evade torture and death.
What follows is a mesmerising tale of awakening, courage, acceptance of who one is and using what gifts have been granted to you, if you so choose.
It is beautifully written and evocative. One wishes one could read it on a balmy spring day under a canopy of trees in a forest listening to the sound of a brook. It would be easy to believe oneself under a spell of enchantment in such a setting and might even induce one to go in search of the flora and fauna mentioned.
The author has brought to life the humble witchcraft lore of Bohemia—that is, the practices of the village women instead of the grand Lords and Ladies that are usually written about. As someone who is an ardent supporter of reinstating the lost feminine principle, learning the lives of ‘ordinary’ women is fascinating.
Is a remarkable debut novel and I have no doubt the sequel will be just as good, if not phenomonal. It is one of the rare books I have read and thought, “That will make a good movie”
Set in medieval Bohemia, a young peasant girl is accused of witchcraft when she attempts to save her brother. Talitha is not the first in her matriarchal line to be suspected of it and the fear of being accused is ever present in her family.
Of interest is her grandmother who keeps true to the Old Ways, and does not seek to suppress her nature, juxtaposed with her mother, who so effectively subsumes all in order to appease her husband and society. There is a strong element of fear in her mother’s relationship with her father, not entirely unfounded as he fails to protect either Talitha’s grandmother or Talitha herself.
Talitha is given no choice: she must flee into the forest seeking out others like herself if she is to evade torture and death.
What follows is a mesmerising tale of awakening, courage, acceptance of who one is and using what gifts have been granted to you, if you so choose.
It is beautifully written and evocative. One wishes one could read it on a balmy spring day under a canopy of trees in a forest listening to the sound of a brook. It would be easy to believe oneself under a spell of enchantment in such a setting and might even induce one to go in search of the flora and fauna mentioned.
The author has brought to life the humble witchcraft lore of Bohemia—that is, the practices of the village women instead of the grand Lords and Ladies that are usually written about. As someone who is an ardent supporter of reinstating the lost feminine principle, learning the lives of ‘ordinary’ women is fascinating.
Is a remarkable debut novel and I have no doubt the sequel will be just as good, if not phenomonal. It is one of the rare books I have read and thought, “That will make a good movie”
July 8, 2014
I absolutely love this book
Sixteen year old Talitha runs for her life after being accused of witchcraft. With bounty hunters on her trail she flees into the wilderness of medieval Europe, surviving on her herbal medicine skills in a cursed, forsaken forest.
She soon is temporarily captured by the bounty hunters but manages to escape after flirting with one of them (Nathaniel). Has the cursed forest played tricks on her mind or has Talitha fallen in love with Nathaniel, her soon to be executioner?
Soon enough Talitha discovers the myths and the secrets of the forest, including a group of outcast women/witches who live life in solitude without any men, and plot thickens.
The story setting starts out in realism but soon is interwoven with elements of mythology, mystery and sexual tension. In a way it is a coming of age story of a girl who is developing into a woman and potentially a true medieval witch!
I only realized after purchasing the book it was intended for Young Adults. No matter, I am 40 and by page two I was hooked. The story firmly holds it’s fast phase and suspense through out to the end. The main character is sympathetic and full of inner conflicts. I found the story to have surprisingly many layers, wrapped up in a dark fairy tail like world of medieval times. It is wonderfully written and gripping.
I recommend this book, not only to the younger readers of magic, mysteries, and myths, but to all avid book readers.
Sixteen year old Talitha runs for her life after being accused of witchcraft. With bounty hunters on her trail she flees into the wilderness of medieval Europe, surviving on her herbal medicine skills in a cursed, forsaken forest.
She soon is temporarily captured by the bounty hunters but manages to escape after flirting with one of them (Nathaniel). Has the cursed forest played tricks on her mind or has Talitha fallen in love with Nathaniel, her soon to be executioner?
Soon enough Talitha discovers the myths and the secrets of the forest, including a group of outcast women/witches who live life in solitude without any men, and plot thickens.
The story setting starts out in realism but soon is interwoven with elements of mythology, mystery and sexual tension. In a way it is a coming of age story of a girl who is developing into a woman and potentially a true medieval witch!
I only realized after purchasing the book it was intended for Young Adults. No matter, I am 40 and by page two I was hooked. The story firmly holds it’s fast phase and suspense through out to the end. The main character is sympathetic and full of inner conflicts. I found the story to have surprisingly many layers, wrapped up in a dark fairy tail like world of medieval times. It is wonderfully written and gripping.
I recommend this book, not only to the younger readers of magic, mysteries, and myths, but to all avid book readers.
September 18, 2014
The book was a surprise. It started as a "usual" totally beleviable story of a runaway girl/woman accused of practicing magic in the dark era of fanatic Christianism. Than she meets THE guy. Ok. BUT than she runs away from him and things start to happen. The story at this point started to be less realistic and more mystic and . It made me a little confused and annoyed but few pages later I thought: what the hell and I enjoyed the ride to the depths of woman's soul. That was the philosophical part. And then, came the inter-action final part. I enjoyed that one the most because I like it when there are interesting people, stories are being told and things happen. And things really happened. At the end I was reading breathless thinking this was one of my beloved Barbara Erskine novels. Great!
In my eyes the main character realy made her way to the depths of her soul and transformed in front of my eyes. Where was she insecure, aggrieved and precautious at the beginning she became strong, courageous and self confident at the end because she learned how to trust her inner voice. And if I thought she was timid or a little prude, she surprised me with her very opend mind in questions of freedom and sexuality.
From my part - RECOMENDED. And not only for women!
In my eyes the main character realy made her way to the depths of her soul and transformed in front of my eyes. Where was she insecure, aggrieved and precautious at the beginning she became strong, courageous and self confident at the end because she learned how to trust her inner voice. And if I thought she was timid or a little prude, she surprised me with her very opend mind in questions of freedom and sexuality.
From my part - RECOMENDED. And not only for women!
February 17, 2015
Yes, "The Witch Within" by Iva Kenaz is poetic, philosophical, even ethereal but, this story is truly about family, about heritage, the persecution of a family line and the persecution within that family line. "The Cursed Lands" are symbolic of how the family's persecution has been a curse on their bloodline for centuries and has forced Talitha and her beloved grandmother into alienation not just by the community but, by their own family members. The main character Talitha, tries to escape this cursed persecution. This reminds me of the era of the Spanish Inqusition, also of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown" and the "House of Seven Gables." A rumor can be forged into a tale that is traditionally told throughout the ages until it forms into a belief, sometimes even into a type of theology or religion which is startling, sobering, and disturbing. Kenaz (the author) is a visionary.
May 21, 2017
Very interesting piece of work. I'm a big fan of fantasy novels and love it when there's a supernatural twist in the story. The book starts in the action and keeps the action rolling until the end, concluding all the different issues very well together. The atmosphere is so visual and Talitha's (the main hero's) thoughts and inner world so strong and captivating that it stays with you. She is so vulnerable at the beginning, so innocent and misunderstood, but she manages to grow into a confident strong woman, who in a way transcends her everyday life and becomes more or less a witch or a sorceress or even a goddess of the woods. She makes such connection with the nature that it almost seemed impossible for me to see her going back to the civilisation. That is why - SPOILER! - I hope she decided to stay in the wild in the end, though there was another option for her.
September 14, 2014
I enjoyed reading this story. It was the perfect length and I loved the symbolism of the way the sun shines on the moon and without the sun, the moon would have no light and then later it suggests that God could be the sun shining on us. I am intrigued by the alphabetic symbol in the story and would like to know more and see if I could also see these letters in nature around me. A well told story, which kept me interested and has made suggestions which I will ponder over long after reading it.
October 6, 2014
I found this to be a great debut novel by Iva Kenaz. There was so much drama and anticipation I was flying through the pages to read what happened next. The protagonist, Talitha, is masterfully developed and Iva Kenaz does a wonderful job painting the environment with her words. On many occasions I found myself alongside Talitha in her mysterious and magical adventures. I look forward to the sequel to see where the story goes next!
September 6, 2014
Right away the first chapter pulled me in. Quick paced story line with an interesting take on Witches and I was pleasantly entertained. I look forward to reading the next book to see what happens next.
January 3, 2015
I've been reading a lot of non-fiction with heavy topics and was looking for a light read and thought this sounded intriguing. Plus, I liked the cover. Also impressed by the high rating and raving five star reviews. Abandoned. Amateurish storytelling. Just not for me.
January 26, 2015
Honest and original writing. Reads as a poem and has true depth. A journey of one strong girl who through many difficulties learns to appreciate herself for who she really is - a witch, different from others but unique in her own ways.
May 21, 2017
The Witch Within is a nice story, but the plot and language need some polishing.
July 28, 2015
Stockholm Syndrome. Just looked it up and didn't want to forget it. I'll get back to it later.
I want to thank A.S. Johnson for her many book recommendations. She rarely leads me wrong. I certainly loved Ms. Iva Kenaz's other book My Melancholy Diary, also one of Ms. Johnson's recommendations. So it didn't surprise me that I loved this book, too, even though these two books had very little in common.
Both books were strong quick reads. Both books had strong young women as their main characters. And though I didn't catch it (I actually read it in another review) both books are centered in Prague, the Czech Republic where the author is from. I will have to re-read this book to see where Talitha, (MC, The Witch Within) resides.
Now I have to pull away from the review a bit to let you all know what happened as I attempted to read this book. My Text-to-Speech didn't track with the book. It would read ahead a few pages, but the pages didn't turn so I was stuck reading the one page while TTS read future pages. I couldn't manually flip the page or the TTS would turn off. That made the read less exciting than I believe it could have been. I will have to call Amazon to see if I can do anything about that. TTS was the whole reason I bought this Fire. Anyway, I didn't call them while reading the book because I was still engrossed in Talitha's life and didn't want the real world to interrupt the read. Hopefully, this TTS didn't mess up my experience of the book. I do plan to re-read it so I may raise the rating then. As it was, with the TTS problem, I had to read some pages two or three times each just so I didn't miss anything. It only ruined the mood a little.
I would love my Wiccan friends to read this and let me know how accurate the chants and alphabet bits were. Seemed real enough for fiction. And due to reading another review I know the Cursed Areas do exist. So much of the story played out nicely. I was caught up in Talitha's plight and then getting kidnapped. And though I hate stories that include the hatred directed to witches, or the 'lesbian?' people in the book it was during that historic time. Still I felt the main character could have been more forgiving of the skyclad dancers and their passions.
My biggest problem was how Talitha fell in love with her captor. Yes, he was the nicer of the guys but all I could think was this was a historic case of Stockholm Syndrome. And though it didn't leave us on a real cliffhanger, much is left for a future book, I'm sure. Oh, and I was often struck at how adult Talitha was even though she was merely 14 or 15. But maybe back then people matured faster. So I didn't let it stop the story. So with so many elements messed up for me in this read, I think I want to rate this a 4.5 rather than a full 5 stars. But I will read it again to make sure.
I want to thank A.S. Johnson for her many book recommendations. She rarely leads me wrong. I certainly loved Ms. Iva Kenaz's other book My Melancholy Diary, also one of Ms. Johnson's recommendations. So it didn't surprise me that I loved this book, too, even though these two books had very little in common.
Both books were strong quick reads. Both books had strong young women as their main characters. And though I didn't catch it (I actually read it in another review) both books are centered in Prague, the Czech Republic where the author is from. I will have to re-read this book to see where Talitha, (MC, The Witch Within) resides.
Now I have to pull away from the review a bit to let you all know what happened as I attempted to read this book. My Text-to-Speech didn't track with the book. It would read ahead a few pages, but the pages didn't turn so I was stuck reading the one page while TTS read future pages. I couldn't manually flip the page or the TTS would turn off. That made the read less exciting than I believe it could have been. I will have to call Amazon to see if I can do anything about that. TTS was the whole reason I bought this Fire. Anyway, I didn't call them while reading the book because I was still engrossed in Talitha's life and didn't want the real world to interrupt the read. Hopefully, this TTS didn't mess up my experience of the book. I do plan to re-read it so I may raise the rating then. As it was, with the TTS problem, I had to read some pages two or three times each just so I didn't miss anything. It only ruined the mood a little.
I would love my Wiccan friends to read this and let me know how accurate the chants and alphabet bits were. Seemed real enough for fiction. And due to reading another review I know the Cursed Areas do exist. So much of the story played out nicely. I was caught up in Talitha's plight and then getting kidnapped. And though I hate stories that include the hatred directed to witches, or the 'lesbian?' people in the book it was during that historic time. Still I felt the main character could have been more forgiving of the skyclad dancers and their passions.
My biggest problem was how Talitha fell in love with her captor. Yes, he was the nicer of the guys but all I could think was this was a historic case of Stockholm Syndrome. And though it didn't leave us on a real cliffhanger, much is left for a future book, I'm sure. Oh, and I was often struck at how adult Talitha was even though she was merely 14 or 15. But maybe back then people matured faster. So I didn't let it stop the story. So with so many elements messed up for me in this read, I think I want to rate this a 4.5 rather than a full 5 stars. But I will read it again to make sure.
August 25, 2014
If you’re the kind of person who has a problem getting into slow starts, this story jumps right in as we follow Talitha, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been accused of witchcraft in medieval Bohemia after attempting to save her younger brother’s life from a wolf attack. When we start reading, she is running into the cursed lands to escape would-be captors. Abandoned by her family, she is led by what appears to be the essence or magic of her grandmother, who some years before was also driven from the village under accusations of witchcraft.
As she makes her journey to find her grandmother, words and thoughts pertaining to the earth, healing and magic seemingly come unbidden to her as she seems to know things she doesn’t remember having ever learned before. It’s not long, however, until she is captured by two men who plan to take her back to the village. While one man beats her and threatens all sorts of vileness, the other seems to have a soft spot and a mote of integrity within his being, one which Talitha responds to in kind. There is a romantic thread here, one which is light and second to the overall plot, but helps feed the story along. Once she frees herself, she finds her ancestral cave where she truly begins to uncover the keys to her ancestry and heritage.
This book reads like historical fiction, literary fiction, and fantasy all in one. It’s well-written in flowing prose and delves into an earth-based, ancestral spiritualism that centers around the feminine mystique. I’ve long been fascinated with the witch trials, both in the U.S. and Europe, and found this book met my interest on the topic, as well as my love of fantasy. Kenaz integrates Bohemian myth and lore with the fantastical and seamlessly merges them. Talitha is also a well-written character, as her thoughts, fears and desires are communicated fully along the journey. What I liked best about it was that Talitha really does have magic, but it’s something she has to learn how to embrace and come to terms with. She is confronted with both sides of the coin, and she must decide for herself which is the way of light and who is good and who is evil along her journey. Almost like a fairy tale quest, except the hag isn’t so easy to spot right off the bat.
This quick, captivating read merges history, botany and magic into a book that will appeal to lovers of fantasy as well as historical fiction.
As she makes her journey to find her grandmother, words and thoughts pertaining to the earth, healing and magic seemingly come unbidden to her as she seems to know things she doesn’t remember having ever learned before. It’s not long, however, until she is captured by two men who plan to take her back to the village. While one man beats her and threatens all sorts of vileness, the other seems to have a soft spot and a mote of integrity within his being, one which Talitha responds to in kind. There is a romantic thread here, one which is light and second to the overall plot, but helps feed the story along. Once she frees herself, she finds her ancestral cave where she truly begins to uncover the keys to her ancestry and heritage.
This book reads like historical fiction, literary fiction, and fantasy all in one. It’s well-written in flowing prose and delves into an earth-based, ancestral spiritualism that centers around the feminine mystique. I’ve long been fascinated with the witch trials, both in the U.S. and Europe, and found this book met my interest on the topic, as well as my love of fantasy. Kenaz integrates Bohemian myth and lore with the fantastical and seamlessly merges them. Talitha is also a well-written character, as her thoughts, fears and desires are communicated fully along the journey. What I liked best about it was that Talitha really does have magic, but it’s something she has to learn how to embrace and come to terms with. She is confronted with both sides of the coin, and she must decide for herself which is the way of light and who is good and who is evil along her journey. Almost like a fairy tale quest, except the hag isn’t so easy to spot right off the bat.
This quick, captivating read merges history, botany and magic into a book that will appeal to lovers of fantasy as well as historical fiction.
February 11, 2015
‘The Witch Within’ is a powerful and fast-paced tale that throws you into a dark and unsettling landscape set in 16th century Southern Bohemia. Sixteen-year-old Talitha is accused of being a witch after attempting to heal her younger brother in an unconventional way. Faced with death by stoning or fire and renounced by her family, she must escape. Her only choice is to flee to the Cursed Lands, where desperate souls like her grandmother have escaped in similar circumstances over the years. These lands are patrolled by the church and are regarded as thresholds to the worlds of fairies, spirits and the dead.
Talitha is haunted by voices, visions and symbolic creatures that overlap with the real world of hunting wolves, foul humans, tangled thickets and mysterious caves. While you seethe at the injustice and loneliness Talitha endures in the wild lands, she doesn’t wallow in self-pity. Talitha is a beautifully developed character making it easy for readers to empathise with her and admire her courage, resourcefulness and compassion. Iva Kenaz has a gift for getting inside the skin of her characters, so you can vividly observe their world and feel their emotions.
The Cursed Lands with their ancient caves, wild vegetation and unsavoury inhabitants are fascinating. As Talitha explores them, she discovers she is spiritually attuned to nature and elemental forces but must contend with and challenge evil in various forms to survive and begin to appreciate her true nature.
‘The Witch Within’ is a terrific book. It’s a unique coming of age story and a paranormal and psychological thriller that will leave you with the need to know more about Talitha and her dark world.
Talitha is haunted by voices, visions and symbolic creatures that overlap with the real world of hunting wolves, foul humans, tangled thickets and mysterious caves. While you seethe at the injustice and loneliness Talitha endures in the wild lands, she doesn’t wallow in self-pity. Talitha is a beautifully developed character making it easy for readers to empathise with her and admire her courage, resourcefulness and compassion. Iva Kenaz has a gift for getting inside the skin of her characters, so you can vividly observe their world and feel their emotions.
The Cursed Lands with their ancient caves, wild vegetation and unsavoury inhabitants are fascinating. As Talitha explores them, she discovers she is spiritually attuned to nature and elemental forces but must contend with and challenge evil in various forms to survive and begin to appreciate her true nature.
‘The Witch Within’ is a terrific book. It’s a unique coming of age story and a paranormal and psychological thriller that will leave you with the need to know more about Talitha and her dark world.
January 29, 2015
From the opening scene in this story I found myself caught up in the young heroine’s plight as she races toward a forbidden forest in Bohemia in the 16th century. Talitha has been accused of being a witch for trying to safe her young brother’s life. She is leaving behind her family and village for they have turned against her and she fears being arrested and tortured or killed for being a witch.
She is hunted by two townsmen and must survive in the wilderness, while trying to find a cave her grandmother brought her to as a child.
But the story isn’t all action, much of it takes place in the cave where she has visions and dreams and talks to her grandmother’s spirit. Instead of being defeated by her circumstances, it becomes a sacred time of learning much like a Native American going on a vision quest or a monk going to a cave to meditate.
Talitha has special abilities and is guided by a deer and talks to plants to learn their healing properties. Her abilities are good, but there are other women in the wood who have turned to the dark side of power and become deadly witches.
In the climax of the book Talitha is tested to see if what she learned in the cave can help her against evils in the world.
If you like mystical novels you’ll enjoy the spiritual ideas Iva Kenza shares in this story.
She is hunted by two townsmen and must survive in the wilderness, while trying to find a cave her grandmother brought her to as a child.
But the story isn’t all action, much of it takes place in the cave where she has visions and dreams and talks to her grandmother’s spirit. Instead of being defeated by her circumstances, it becomes a sacred time of learning much like a Native American going on a vision quest or a monk going to a cave to meditate.
Talitha has special abilities and is guided by a deer and talks to plants to learn their healing properties. Her abilities are good, but there are other women in the wood who have turned to the dark side of power and become deadly witches.
In the climax of the book Talitha is tested to see if what she learned in the cave can help her against evils in the world.
If you like mystical novels you’ll enjoy the spiritual ideas Iva Kenza shares in this story.
October 28, 2014
The Witch Within is Iva Kenaz’s debut novel and is also my first venture into reading this genre. I needed to read a witch story for a Halloween challenge and the synopsis for The Witch Within had me interested.
I had no idea what to expect from a novel like this but I was pleasantly surprised. The story drew me in from the first page. The story is told in the first person by Talitha. We come to know how she struggles with who she is, fighting against herself and the feelings she has overtaking her. Talitha is a very likeable protagonist. This coming of age novel sees Talitha grow from a frightened young girl, not knowing how she can go on, to a mature woman knowing her own mind and accepting what she must do.
Finally knowing who she is!
Recommended for anyone that would like to try this genre as it is not too dark or foreboding and has a touch of romance.
I had no idea what to expect from a novel like this but I was pleasantly surprised. The story drew me in from the first page. The story is told in the first person by Talitha. We come to know how she struggles with who she is, fighting against herself and the feelings she has overtaking her. Talitha is a very likeable protagonist. This coming of age novel sees Talitha grow from a frightened young girl, not knowing how she can go on, to a mature woman knowing her own mind and accepting what she must do.
Finally knowing who she is!
Recommended for anyone that would like to try this genre as it is not too dark or foreboding and has a touch of romance.
January 11, 2015
I enjoyed delving into this novel. It's different from what I usually read but I found it fast paced and it just kept drawing you to keep reading so you could find out what was going on. It's an inner journey of a young girl endangered by her own burgeoning sense of self. Rejected by her people and society, she must learn to survive on her own or die. Understanding and embracing her inner knowledge is a steady process throughout the story. If she rejects the chance for growth she may end up in even more dire circumstances, possibly die. If she embraces the woman she is yet to become, she may well triumph over those who would use her for their own purpose. A very interesting read about the inner journey we all may face at one time or another, good over evil...
September 21, 2014
The Witch Within is about a young woman in medieval Bohemia accused of being a witch. The author has written in first person through the eyes of the girl. This gives the reader the chance to see the thoughts of those innocent women who suffered because of fear and ignorance. However there is also a mystical element as ancient myths are remembered and the girl discovers a deeper connection to the past than she is prepared to face. A very entertaining read, with real feelings and reactions. Iva has used a real historical setting and added some magic. If you like mysticism, magic, love and real life stories, then you will enjoy this book.
November 28, 2015
An unusual coming of age novel that will especially appeal to readers interested in the Wiccan way of life and/or feel a great infinity with nature.
Talitha is accused of witchcraft and flees to the forest to find sanctity and her grandmother who had been banished from the village many years earlier. Under the watchful eye of a red deer she learns of her grandmother's death and encounters two men charged with capturing and returning her for trial and also twelve similarly accused women who have formed a sisterhood.
The book is full of symbolism and ritual, and the power to heal or seek revenge but central is the sexual awakening of the sixteen year old Talitha.
An interesting read.
Talitha is accused of witchcraft and flees to the forest to find sanctity and her grandmother who had been banished from the village many years earlier. Under the watchful eye of a red deer she learns of her grandmother's death and encounters two men charged with capturing and returning her for trial and also twelve similarly accused women who have formed a sisterhood.
The book is full of symbolism and ritual, and the power to heal or seek revenge but central is the sexual awakening of the sixteen year old Talitha.
An interesting read.
March 24, 2015
THE WITCH WITHIN, Novel by Iva Kenaz, is a tragedy of a little girl who is supposed to follow a destiny of her grandmother-witch.
Its a thought-provoking book revealing a conflict between the beauty of internal world full of harmony, peace and love and cruelty of the real life with its hatred and brutality.
Beautifully writing novel is a great read for anyone who is fan of magic, mystery, nature and sacred knowledge.
Its a thought-provoking book revealing a conflict between the beauty of internal world full of harmony, peace and love and cruelty of the real life with its hatred and brutality.
Beautifully writing novel is a great read for anyone who is fan of magic, mystery, nature and sacred knowledge.
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