Evelyn "Evie" Woodville is an ordinary teenager about to start her freshman year of college. Or so she thought... As a child her father was murdered and Evie is about to discover that there was far more to it than she ever imagined. Soon Evie is whisked into a world she never knew existed. A powerful group of people who live amongst us are locked into a civil war, and Evie and her family are key components. With a new found power and the alluring Landon Burke guiding her way, Evie must find the strength to help fulfill a centuries-old prophecy. The world and her life depend on it.
This new fantasy series features Celtic lore and magical elements that fans of Harry Potter and stories alike will enjoy! See a new spin on the Salem Witch Trials. Also, includes a special sneak peek of book two "Before The Storm"!
Shannon first found a talent and love for writing at the tender age of six. It would continue to be one of the greatest passions of her life. She graduated from Salem State University with a BA in communications. In 2011 Shannon wrote her debut screenplay Mark of the Dog Rose, which premiered in 2013. An avid reader, she is very fond of fantasy and historical fiction. The Heir of Tara is her first novel. When Shannon is not writing she is working with her film company Astropiano Films, that she co-owns with her college friend Jessica Cook. She enjoys acting, cooking, traveling, and most of all playing with her adorable cat Boo. Shannon resides in Massachusetts and is hard at work on the next Heir of Tara book.
A wonderful novel that I read in one sitting. Combining Celtic mythology with the story of the Salem Witch Trials this is the start of a series sure to be popular. When Evie e rolls as a freshman at Salem State College, she is returning to the place where her father was murdered. Although her mom tried to dissuade her, Evie feels drawn to this place. She and her father shared an interest in the history of the Salem Witch Trials. But soon after her arrival, she is chased by the same strange men who had murdered her father. Her rescuers introduce her to the hidden world that her family is a part of. It is a world of mythical Celtic beings, magical powers and a prophecy that must be protected. Caught up in this world of danger, Evie is drawn to her handsome protector, zlanfon. Full of history, mythology, adventure and romance this is a title that I highly recommend. A great start to a new YA series that has me eagerly awaiting the next book!
Now first, let me explain: I only bought this book because I happened to stop by a sad used bookstore that I'd never been to before, and the owner kind of guilted me into buying a lot of books. And don't get me wrong - I was excited about this. The author is local, and the story takes place in Salem. Awesome, right? I was mistaken. Obviously.
What I liked about the book:
Witches, bro. I also enjoyed how many of the places were places that I'd been to many times.
What I didn't like:
- the writing definitely needs improvement. There's this thing called 'punctuation'. I recommend it. Also, fragmented sentences galore!
- Evie isn't a character; she's a piece of clay that the author is moving around. Also, Evie's whole "it's Evie!" thing is infuriating, especially since in the first chapter she says she likes her full name. Also, the whole 'ur so beautiful!!!!1' thing was maddening as well. The rest of the characters are also like this. In other words, I've seen better characterization in Drake songs.
- the info dump in the first few chapters is unnecessary, especially because they are getting tracked down by the bad guys. Wouldn't your first priority be to make sure the princess is safe rather than letting the enemy surround you?
- plotting? Who needs that?
I think that sums it up for now. All in all, I won't be continuing the series.
This is a Young Adult book, very well written by a young, local author. I saw her on Danvers Community Access Television, with Veronica Andrews on OFF THE SHELF, and was intrigued by the description of this, which is the first of a series, and includes Celtic Mythology, the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and current day life and times in the Greater Boston Area, including Salem and Danvers. Of COURSE I had to read it! And I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and read it in two sittings..... I am looking forward to the next installment, THE WITCH OF LOCKE.
This was truly a fun and delightful adventure from start to finish! Young adults, older children and all ages for that matter whom are fantasy junkies like myself with eat this up. I Can't wait for the second in the series (I've actually already read the first chapter of the second book which the author thankfully published with the re-release of this book ) so excited!
It was suggested by a friend that I read this. I was hesitant, as I am picky about fantasy and it looked a little too "girly", but was pleasantly surprised. Intrigued to see where the series goes...
This review was originally published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
Evelyn Woodville, “Evie,” is beginning her freshman year at Salem State University. Between studies, she is anxious to explore the historic town of Salem, Massachusetts, site of the infamous Salem Witch trials. Her interest in this period of American history is something she inherited from her father. Her father was murdered in Salem when she was young. Her plans unravel when she is catapulted into a world of magic powers, with powerful creatures locked in a civil war. One inescapable fact comes crashing down on her; she is not the ordinary girl she thought she was. She possesses power over water and is instrumental to a centuries-old prophecy being fulfilled.
Review:
Sharron Carter has written a classic urban fantasy. The story is set in modern Salem, Massachusetts. A young girl who goes by the name Evie must come-of-age more rapidly than she expected to survive her trials. The story has strange creatures from Irish myth and legend. It is set in the modern world, using mobile phones, driving cars, and listening to rock music. Throw in a handsome young man, a mystery, and fast paced action, and you have the makings of a page turner.
The Heir of Tara is full of adventure. Evie Woodville thinks she is about to start college in Salem, however her adventure is about to begin as well. She lost her father when she was very young and she and her mother have traveled around, living in various places since that time. Evie discovers she has a life she had no idea she had.
I also like that the author included several chapters of the second book at the end of this book. It acquainted the reader with a few new characters and caught the reader up in that storyline as well.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
As a huge fangirl of fantasy, this was a delicious read and I was spoiled rotten! Evie is a strong, fierce role model who is also vulnerable, human, hugely relatable. I am super excited for book two of the series and I will definitely be ordering that pre-sale!