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Vengeance Trilogy #2
Salem's Fury
Sarah Kelly fears a father’s sins are revisited upon the children.
Her sister believes different. Adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness, Rebecca shares no such concerns. For her, memories of their early life and of Hecate’s attack remain dim.
But history condemns those who neglect the past.
When a war party brings news of a neighboring tribe attacked for harboring white folk, they demand the Miamiak aid in avenging their fallen brothers. With rumors the culprits were held in sway to a fearless witch on the rampage, Rebecca must decide whether to guard those she holds dear or seek vengeance upon a forgotten shade of Salem.
Her sister believes different. Adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness, Rebecca shares no such concerns. For her, memories of their early life and of Hecate’s attack remain dim.
But history condemns those who neglect the past.
When a war party brings news of a neighboring tribe attacked for harboring white folk, they demand the Miamiak aid in avenging their fallen brothers. With rumors the culprits were held in sway to a fearless witch on the rampage, Rebecca must decide whether to guard those she holds dear or seek vengeance upon a forgotten shade of Salem.
260 pages, ebook
First published April 6, 2015
26 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Galvin
53 books118 followersAaron Galvin learned that he could get away with making up stories at age five and has continued telling them ever since. He is a conflicted Slytherin/Gryffindor, a known rascal, and sometime ne’er-do-well.
Also, he writes. Daily, sometimes, but mostly nightly.
He currently lives in Southern California with his two lovely daughters and an adoring wife, who continues to put up with his antics even though he doesn’t write the kissy-kissy, ‘everyone lived happily ever after’ books of which she much prefers.
Drop him a line ➜ aaron@aarongalvin.com
Visit his website ➜ aarongalvin.com
Send a tweet ➜ @aarongalvin5
Instagram➜ /galvinaaron/
Like the Aaron Galvin Facebook page ➜ facebook.com/aarongalvinauthor/
Also, he writes. Daily, sometimes, but mostly nightly.
He currently lives in Southern California with his two lovely daughters and an adoring wife, who continues to put up with his antics even though he doesn’t write the kissy-kissy, ‘everyone lived happily ever after’ books of which she much prefers.
Drop him a line ➜ aaron@aarongalvin.com
Visit his website ➜ aarongalvin.com
Send a tweet ➜ @aarongalvin5
Instagram➜ /galvinaaron/
Like the Aaron Galvin Facebook page ➜ facebook.com/aarongalvinauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 17, 2015
Put down your copy of The Crucible and forget everything you thought you knew
about the Salem Witch Trials. Aaron Galvin wants to take you down a path that
wanders far from the one trod by the noble John Proctor. If you like your history lessons with a side of bloodshed and just a dash of hallucinogens I say high thee hence to a seller of books post haste!
Second books are delicate things. At their worst they’re placeholders for the
grand finale or they’re merely bigger, louder, flashier versions of everything you liked in the first book. It takes tremendous skill to keep the reader’s interest while staying true to the story they love. You have to simultaneously raise the stakes but never forget where you started.
Mr. Galvin began his reimagining of the well-known and much written about
trials a bit like Mr. Arthur Miller; with a dance in the moonlight.
It was the early 1700’s and Sarah Kelly, the daughter of a respected farmer in the wild Carolina territories, only wanted a night to forget the hard, unforgiving life of a pioneer. Everything changed when innocent child’s play opened the door to
the wrath of those who also once sought solace in the promise of a frolic under the cover of night. Young women from the infamous town of Salem who cried “Witchcraft!” and laughed as their words sentenced twenty innocent people to death had come to join Sarah and her friends and they were after more than just a dance around the fire. They’d come for Sarah.
Salem’s Vengeance chronicled Sarah’s struggle, both emotional and physical,
with the truth of her family’s origins, their role in the barbarity at Salem and her battle with those seeking vengeance for it. She forges a connection with the mysterious young Priest who along with his cantankerous companion Bishop are instrumental in Sarah’s survival, though with motivations of their own. With a ragtag group of family and friends the child with a blind faith in God and family emerged a savior and survivor, but at tremendous cost.
In one book Galvin managed to combine methodical historical research (he
makes excellent use of a somewhat obscure theory posited by historians that the girls of Salem were suffering from the effects of consuming tainted grain) with an uncanny knack for early American dialogue and such a firm grip on the
personality of a teenage Puritan girl that he had me convinced he either owned a time machine or actually was a teenage Puritan girl in a past life.
Salem’s Fury picks up fifteen years after the violent end of Vengeance. To my
great relief and extreme pleasure it delivers on all of the promise of Vengeance with another dark, riveting story that ups the ante but stays true to its roots.
The survivors of the first book have found solace and even happiness with the
Miamiak, a Native American tribe. The narrator’s voice changes to Rebecca,
Sarah’s sister, who has grown to womanhood with the Miamiak and has only the
dimmest memories of her life before. She calls Priest “father” and remembers her real father only as a cowardly opportunist responsible for the death and
destruction of most of his family. Rebecca has been raised as a warrior and is
anxious to take her place as a defender of the tribe. When visitors bring word of savage attacks on other villages that bear a striking resemblance to the one that nearly destroyed her family all those years ago she sees her chance. But, who is leading the attacks this time and what do they want?
Where Sarah was shame and reluctance Rebecca is all fire and ferocity, a startling but not unwelcome change to her older sister who came to her courage
reluctantly and then only out of necessity. Rebecca’s internal struggle with the child she was and the woman she’s becoming is ever present though never overt. She rails mightily against the Christian god Sarah believes is punishing their family and against the memories of a father who committed terrible crimes yet loved her unconditionally.
As he did in Vengeance Galvin once again creates a heroine who stands on her
own two feet without the need for male validation. I offer nothing short of a
standing ovation to Galvin for this compelling and much needed female
perspective on a time in history normally dominated entirely by men. Rebecca is unhampered by the typical messy relationship nonsense that so often muddies the waters of YA novels like this. This is not a woman defined by any man. Her
imperfections also set her apart from the usual crop of heroines who are not only strong but are also beautiful and beloved by everyone they encounter. Rebecca is sometimes down right hard to like and while this reader sympathized with her I just as frequently wanted to shake some sense into her, tell her to slow down and think before running headlong into danger.
Cause there’s plenty of danger here. This is not a series for the faint of heart. Galvin doesn’t hold back in his outright gut churning descriptions of the horrific violence that was part and parcel of life on the frontier. But he deals in death and destruction with the same poetic hand that lets us into the minds of Sarah and Rebecca.
It's fascinating to read a work of fiction that so closely examines the role of women in this period of our history. Galvin’s attention to detail is superb but his intricate descriptions never feel like a history text book. You might as well be treading a wooded path with Rebecca straining to hear the approach of the enemy, smelling death on the wind.
If gripping historical fiction is your thing then look no further. If you want a read that will have your toes curling as you wait on tenterhooks to see how a chapter ends, here’s your book. Or, if you just like a good, epic story of heroism, blood, guts and the evil that men do, quit reading this review and go find a copy of Salem’s Vengeance and Salem’s Fury.
about the Salem Witch Trials. Aaron Galvin wants to take you down a path that
wanders far from the one trod by the noble John Proctor. If you like your history lessons with a side of bloodshed and just a dash of hallucinogens I say high thee hence to a seller of books post haste!
Second books are delicate things. At their worst they’re placeholders for the
grand finale or they’re merely bigger, louder, flashier versions of everything you liked in the first book. It takes tremendous skill to keep the reader’s interest while staying true to the story they love. You have to simultaneously raise the stakes but never forget where you started.
Mr. Galvin began his reimagining of the well-known and much written about
trials a bit like Mr. Arthur Miller; with a dance in the moonlight.
It was the early 1700’s and Sarah Kelly, the daughter of a respected farmer in the wild Carolina territories, only wanted a night to forget the hard, unforgiving life of a pioneer. Everything changed when innocent child’s play opened the door to
the wrath of those who also once sought solace in the promise of a frolic under the cover of night. Young women from the infamous town of Salem who cried “Witchcraft!” and laughed as their words sentenced twenty innocent people to death had come to join Sarah and her friends and they were after more than just a dance around the fire. They’d come for Sarah.
Salem’s Vengeance chronicled Sarah’s struggle, both emotional and physical,
with the truth of her family’s origins, their role in the barbarity at Salem and her battle with those seeking vengeance for it. She forges a connection with the mysterious young Priest who along with his cantankerous companion Bishop are instrumental in Sarah’s survival, though with motivations of their own. With a ragtag group of family and friends the child with a blind faith in God and family emerged a savior and survivor, but at tremendous cost.
In one book Galvin managed to combine methodical historical research (he
makes excellent use of a somewhat obscure theory posited by historians that the girls of Salem were suffering from the effects of consuming tainted grain) with an uncanny knack for early American dialogue and such a firm grip on the
personality of a teenage Puritan girl that he had me convinced he either owned a time machine or actually was a teenage Puritan girl in a past life.
Salem’s Fury picks up fifteen years after the violent end of Vengeance. To my
great relief and extreme pleasure it delivers on all of the promise of Vengeance with another dark, riveting story that ups the ante but stays true to its roots.
The survivors of the first book have found solace and even happiness with the
Miamiak, a Native American tribe. The narrator’s voice changes to Rebecca,
Sarah’s sister, who has grown to womanhood with the Miamiak and has only the
dimmest memories of her life before. She calls Priest “father” and remembers her real father only as a cowardly opportunist responsible for the death and
destruction of most of his family. Rebecca has been raised as a warrior and is
anxious to take her place as a defender of the tribe. When visitors bring word of savage attacks on other villages that bear a striking resemblance to the one that nearly destroyed her family all those years ago she sees her chance. But, who is leading the attacks this time and what do they want?
Where Sarah was shame and reluctance Rebecca is all fire and ferocity, a startling but not unwelcome change to her older sister who came to her courage
reluctantly and then only out of necessity. Rebecca’s internal struggle with the child she was and the woman she’s becoming is ever present though never overt. She rails mightily against the Christian god Sarah believes is punishing their family and against the memories of a father who committed terrible crimes yet loved her unconditionally.
As he did in Vengeance Galvin once again creates a heroine who stands on her
own two feet without the need for male validation. I offer nothing short of a
standing ovation to Galvin for this compelling and much needed female
perspective on a time in history normally dominated entirely by men. Rebecca is unhampered by the typical messy relationship nonsense that so often muddies the waters of YA novels like this. This is not a woman defined by any man. Her
imperfections also set her apart from the usual crop of heroines who are not only strong but are also beautiful and beloved by everyone they encounter. Rebecca is sometimes down right hard to like and while this reader sympathized with her I just as frequently wanted to shake some sense into her, tell her to slow down and think before running headlong into danger.
Cause there’s plenty of danger here. This is not a series for the faint of heart. Galvin doesn’t hold back in his outright gut churning descriptions of the horrific violence that was part and parcel of life on the frontier. But he deals in death and destruction with the same poetic hand that lets us into the minds of Sarah and Rebecca.
It's fascinating to read a work of fiction that so closely examines the role of women in this period of our history. Galvin’s attention to detail is superb but his intricate descriptions never feel like a history text book. You might as well be treading a wooded path with Rebecca straining to hear the approach of the enemy, smelling death on the wind.
If gripping historical fiction is your thing then look no further. If you want a read that will have your toes curling as you wait on tenterhooks to see how a chapter ends, here’s your book. Or, if you just like a good, epic story of heroism, blood, guts and the evil that men do, quit reading this review and go find a copy of Salem’s Vengeance and Salem’s Fury.
August 6, 2015
was gifted a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. i made no guarantee of a favorable review.
In Salem's Fury we are transported 15 years after the event's of Salem's Vengeance. Here we find Sarah married to Priest and Rebecca as a young adult. They have been living with the Miamiak tribe. Things may finally seem like they have fallen into place, at least for Rebecca and Priest. As for Sarah, she seems to be miserable and it's not only due to the fact that now she is a cripple. Unfortunately, circumstances out of their control will change everything and we will all learn that those we trust most, are the first to turn on you as things and people are not what they appear to be.
This book was even better than the first and the author's creative abilities and the way he crafts a well written story, continues to pull the reader in. I was so caught up in the story that I couldn't believe I had reached the end. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3.
In Salem's Fury we are transported 15 years after the event's of Salem's Vengeance. Here we find Sarah married to Priest and Rebecca as a young adult. They have been living with the Miamiak tribe. Things may finally seem like they have fallen into place, at least for Rebecca and Priest. As for Sarah, she seems to be miserable and it's not only due to the fact that now she is a cripple. Unfortunately, circumstances out of their control will change everything and we will all learn that those we trust most, are the first to turn on you as things and people are not what they appear to be.
This book was even better than the first and the author's creative abilities and the way he crafts a well written story, continues to pull the reader in. I was so caught up in the story that I couldn't believe I had reached the end. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 3.
July 11, 2015
Salem's Fury (Vengeance Trilogy: Book 2) by Aaron Galvin
Sarah Kelly her sister Rebecca are adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness. Rebecca does not remember too much of her past and of Hecate's (the evil Witch) attack.
A war with another tribe starts because of harboring white people, they demand the Miamiak help them. Rumors they were held by a fearless Witch on the rampage now Rebecca must decide whether to help those she loves or seek vengeance upon a the evils of Salem.
I loved the blending of Native American Tribes, along with Witches and witch craft. Masterfully blended to make a fascinating, captivating, page turning story.
The characters are well developed, the plot is very original and the writing is excellent. Aaron Galvin knows how to grab the readers attention and pull you into the story. I highly recommend Salem's Fury to those who love a fantastic (original) Witch story. Great as a stand-alone, but I strongly suggest reading book one in the series Salem's Vengeance.
Sarah Kelly her sister Rebecca are adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness. Rebecca does not remember too much of her past and of Hecate's (the evil Witch) attack.
A war with another tribe starts because of harboring white people, they demand the Miamiak help them. Rumors they were held by a fearless Witch on the rampage now Rebecca must decide whether to help those she loves or seek vengeance upon a the evils of Salem.
I loved the blending of Native American Tribes, along with Witches and witch craft. Masterfully blended to make a fascinating, captivating, page turning story.
The characters are well developed, the plot is very original and the writing is excellent. Aaron Galvin knows how to grab the readers attention and pull you into the story. I highly recommend Salem's Fury to those who love a fantastic (original) Witch story. Great as a stand-alone, but I strongly suggest reading book one in the series Salem's Vengeance.
December 7, 2015
So many changes: set 15 years in the future, Rebecca as the narrator, Sarah as a completely different and weak person, and so many deaths.
November 23, 2022
After enjoying the first book of this series, Salem’s Vengeance, I was very excited to find out what happened to the characters in this instalment. Although I thought this book had a somewhat different feel than its predecessor it is every bit as good as the previous one. We rejoin Rebecca, the youngest of the girls from the ill-fated Kelly family, and find her older now having lived much of her life as a native. She had become a fierce and capable warrior just waiting for the moment to prove herself to her people. Without giving away any spoilers Aaron Galvin gives her that chance. This is a really engrossing tale, beautifully written with the characters' many threads all woven together. Each character adds to the story, some frustratingly so, and the setting comes alive for the reader. The story itself can be quite dark, and violent, covering the most primal of instincts humans can feel such as vengeance. I feel I should point out it’s not a story of violence for the sake of violence. It is a story about family and love and fighting to keep those important to us safe. I am excited to see where the author takes this series in the final book Salem’s Legacy.
September 10, 2019
This second book of the Vengeance Trilogy is definitely as good (maybe better) than the first. Sarah, who is the main protagonist in the first book, is now haunted by her father's deeds and the witches curse and doesn't fare well in this book. However, her younger sister, Rebecca, who is now a grown woman, has joined the Indian tribe of her adopted father, Priest, and becomes the family's protector and savior. Now a warrior, Rebecca does not share her older sister's guilt in deeds past, but embraces her new people's heritage and fights for her honorable place in their world. I found the blending of the Indian culture with the Salem witches an interesting take on what might have actually happened back in that time of our history. After losing almost everything when the witches return to avenge their lost sisters, Rebecca and her brother, George, survive and vow to fight back against future persecution from the evil witches. I found this book was very entertaining and informative, and I look forward to starting on the third installment.
December 1, 2017
Wonderful storytelling
The 2nd book is just as good, if not better, than the first! Story is fast paced, clearly defined, full of well fleshed out characters and a wonderful story. I can hardly wait to start the 3rd....
The 2nd book is just as good, if not better, than the first! Story is fast paced, clearly defined, full of well fleshed out characters and a wonderful story. I can hardly wait to start the 3rd....
May 13, 2018
Book two was a s good if not better than the 1st, let’s hope the third will follow suit.
I have really enjoyed reading these books,and will be reading the other series by this author once I finish the last book.
I have really enjoyed reading these books,and will be reading the other series by this author once I finish the last book.
August 18, 2017
This second book was like the first, slow, but then
it took off. It is a good series so far. On to the
final book.
it took off. It is a good series so far. On to the
final book.
January 9, 2018
I enjoyed this book even more than the first. The Native American aspect and the continued history made for a great read!
December 1, 2015
[ Beware Of Spoilers in this review ]
Where the last book in this series only received four stars from me, this one gets five! The only fault I could find in the book is how weak Sarah was made out to be. It was so strange after having such a strong, brave and courageous protagonist in Salem's Vengeance to see her as a weak and quivering wreck. But that is the only problem I had with this book.
I absolutely loved the change of protagonist to Sarah's younger sister Rebbecca. It kept the story fresh and exciting and her voice was so different from Sarah's that you wouldn't even think they were written by the same person. There will be more on Rebbecca later as I feel like completely fan-girling over her.
This book had so many twists and turns I think I went through a whole box of tissues reading this. Once again as always with Aaron Galvin the book is different. Different in a good way. Where most YA books are full of romance, Aaron's books put romance on hold or let it burn slowly. He lets the story take over the book and become the main talking point. And what a talking point it is!
The last book finished with a battle against the witches with a lot of the characters dying in the process. This one ended with a battle with the witches against some rogue braves. So that in it's own was a change of pace. But as always, the witches are the main villains of the story so we were not left wanting for a battle against them.
Talking about characters dying though... Oh My God... *MAJOR SPOILER ALERT* Galvin has killed off so many characters in this book I was near enough left blabbering like a baby! Galvin killed off two major characters and if he isn't careful he will start getting a reputation like George R.R Martin! He killed off two of the main characters like it was nothing and in the case of one of the characters in one of the most cruel ways! I still can't get over those deaths and now I am going to have to read a soppy romance just to recover.
On a more happy and positive note, I loved the Native American culture that was woven into this book. Where the last one was more about the American settlers, this was about the natives. I have always been fascinated by their culture anyway so that is one of the reasons that I have given this book five stars. Reading this book felt like actually living in that era as did the last book. The language Galvin uses in the novel only makes it more realistic.
One new character I really enjoyed reading about was Native American Brave in training Ciquenackqua (Don't ask me to try and spell that again). I really shipped him with Rebbecca but as I said earlier, romance takes a back seat in Galvin's novels so we will have to see in the future. He was such a good character because he was the one who held the native American culture to the plot. We learnt about the culture through his eyes and along with Rebbecca they tied the culture to the plot lines of the previous book in the absence of Priest (more on that later).
Priest was very absent from this book, and as my favourite character from the previous novel, I missed him and worried for him at nearly every moment. So I guess that is another negative point. I need more priest in my life!
Rebbecca more than made up for his absence though and is also a stunning character in her own right. I am totally allowed to fan-girl over her now, right?
She is brave, strong and the kind of warrior that every girl wants to be at heart. She started in the last book as a cute child who hides her toys all over the barn as her important task in the battle.
In this book she is strong and courageous and takes the place of Priest in ranging the Forrest instead.
I loved how she was a brave at heart, more so than most of the male braves, even though she was born as a settler. throughout the book she always struggled with her identity slightly when other tribes didn't accept her as a brave and when her past returned to haunt her. But through it all you could just tell that it was the wild that settled in her heart and that was proved at the end when she was finally made a true brave with a name and a manitous and when she went on to lead her tribe to form alliances with others. She is now one of my favourite 'bad ass' female leads.
In conclusion I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the final book in the series (Salem's Legacy) which is released in September, and I have no clue what is in store for that book as each one of this series is so excitingly different and I can't wait to find out.
Read the full review below:
http://thereadingrose.blogspot.co.uk/...
Where the last book in this series only received four stars from me, this one gets five! The only fault I could find in the book is how weak Sarah was made out to be. It was so strange after having such a strong, brave and courageous protagonist in Salem's Vengeance to see her as a weak and quivering wreck. But that is the only problem I had with this book.
I absolutely loved the change of protagonist to Sarah's younger sister Rebbecca. It kept the story fresh and exciting and her voice was so different from Sarah's that you wouldn't even think they were written by the same person. There will be more on Rebbecca later as I feel like completely fan-girling over her.
This book had so many twists and turns I think I went through a whole box of tissues reading this. Once again as always with Aaron Galvin the book is different. Different in a good way. Where most YA books are full of romance, Aaron's books put romance on hold or let it burn slowly. He lets the story take over the book and become the main talking point. And what a talking point it is!
The last book finished with a battle against the witches with a lot of the characters dying in the process. This one ended with a battle with the witches against some rogue braves. So that in it's own was a change of pace. But as always, the witches are the main villains of the story so we were not left wanting for a battle against them.
Talking about characters dying though... Oh My God... *MAJOR SPOILER ALERT* Galvin has killed off so many characters in this book I was near enough left blabbering like a baby! Galvin killed off two major characters and if he isn't careful he will start getting a reputation like George R.R Martin! He killed off two of the main characters like it was nothing and in the case of one of the characters in one of the most cruel ways! I still can't get over those deaths and now I am going to have to read a soppy romance just to recover.
On a more happy and positive note, I loved the Native American culture that was woven into this book. Where the last one was more about the American settlers, this was about the natives. I have always been fascinated by their culture anyway so that is one of the reasons that I have given this book five stars. Reading this book felt like actually living in that era as did the last book. The language Galvin uses in the novel only makes it more realistic.
One new character I really enjoyed reading about was Native American Brave in training Ciquenackqua (Don't ask me to try and spell that again). I really shipped him with Rebbecca but as I said earlier, romance takes a back seat in Galvin's novels so we will have to see in the future. He was such a good character because he was the one who held the native American culture to the plot. We learnt about the culture through his eyes and along with Rebbecca they tied the culture to the plot lines of the previous book in the absence of Priest (more on that later).
Priest was very absent from this book, and as my favourite character from the previous novel, I missed him and worried for him at nearly every moment. So I guess that is another negative point. I need more priest in my life!
Rebbecca more than made up for his absence though and is also a stunning character in her own right. I am totally allowed to fan-girl over her now, right?
She is brave, strong and the kind of warrior that every girl wants to be at heart. She started in the last book as a cute child who hides her toys all over the barn as her important task in the battle.
In this book she is strong and courageous and takes the place of Priest in ranging the Forrest instead.
I loved how she was a brave at heart, more so than most of the male braves, even though she was born as a settler. throughout the book she always struggled with her identity slightly when other tribes didn't accept her as a brave and when her past returned to haunt her. But through it all you could just tell that it was the wild that settled in her heart and that was proved at the end when she was finally made a true brave with a name and a manitous and when she went on to lead her tribe to form alliances with others. She is now one of my favourite 'bad ass' female leads.
In conclusion I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the final book in the series (Salem's Legacy) which is released in September, and I have no clue what is in store for that book as each one of this series is so excitingly different and I can't wait to find out.
Read the full review below:
http://thereadingrose.blogspot.co.uk/...
April 18, 2015
The tale that started with Salem’s Vengeance is continued in book two, Salem’s Fury. The first book was terrifying imagination of the fallout from the Salem witch trials. If you haven’t read the first book, you need to. There’s very little back story given in book 2, and without it, you’ll miss out on events critical to the plot.
Salem’s Fury picks up fifteen years later. The remaining members of the Kelly family live on the fringe of civilization. George and his wife run a fur-trading outpost and care for Bishop, now quite elderly. Priest and Sarah married and live among the Miamiak tribe. Rebecca, now a young woman, considers Priest her father, as she has little memory of Paul Kelly.
Rebecca grew up tutored by her adopted father, and considers herself more Miamiak than white. Though she loves her brother and sister, she sees her future with the tribe, and not the white world. Like Sarah in book one, Rebecca is on the cusp of adulthood and the choices she makes will set her path in life. If she has her way, she’d choose the rivers and trails of the forest.
Word comes to the Kelly family that the Salem witches are hunting them, leaving behind their skull daggers as a warning. The witches are back, and hunting them down. Rebecca’s path isn’t clear, but she knows she has to protect her family and her tribe.
You’ll find many good things in this story. With only a few exceptions, the characters are richly explored. Priest, who was something of a cipher in the first novel, is revealed to be a man of fierce loyalty and silent, decisive action. Sarah’s sorrow and isolation is gut-wrenching. Rebecca’s love for her family, both blood and adopted, drive her toward a path that leads away from the life she loves. New characters like Creek Jumper and Ciquenackqua, and Numees round out Rebecca’s adopted family.
Like his first book, Aaron Galvin’s story sent me off to do a little historical digging. I’m a Great Basin kinda girl, and I’d never heard of the Miamiak tribe. Also known as the Miami, (not Florida) they lived in the Great Lakes area. Historically, they were known to have a clan chiefs who were women, and they were generally friendly to the first French immigrants. At first, I bristled at the use of “squaw” to describe Indian women. It’s now a derogatory term, but again, my research revealed that the word is originally Algonquin, and would have been perfectly appropriate within their culture. My hackles were soothed, and I kept reading.
While the first novel held shades of black magic and sorcery, Salem’s Fury shows us the spiritualism of the Miamiak people. The witches in this tale aren’t Hecate’s brood, drunk on Satan’s power and looking for converts. Instead, they are bloodthirsty killers out to avenge their dead sisters. I admit I missed the touches of horror in this book, but the intense action kept me glued to the pages..
When the fighting starts, the author doesn’t hold back. I could hear every war-cry and scream, almost felt the heat of fires and the scent of black powder. The battles are fierce, a realistic jumble of chaos, fear, and tunnel-vision. You’ll find yourself lost in the thick of it. Good people die and their loss stays with you as the survivors move on. This is war, and the author is not shy about the brutality inherent in killing another human.
I had a few stumbling blocks that bear mentioning. Most of them centered around the villain, Mercy. I just didn’t connect to her. Her case for revenge is weak, and she seems like an errand-girl sent to do someone else’s bidding. Her exchanges with Rebecca were far too verbose–not quite monologuing, but close. I caught myself skipping pages of posturing arguments that seemed to be going nowhere. Without spoilers, I hope the third novel redeems my love for a truly evil villain.
Overall, Salem’s Fury is a solid second novel in a series I’d recommend for older teen readers, and adult readers who enjoy historical fiction and action. It continues the theme of strong family ties and the determination to never give up on the people you love. The last paragraphs of the novel are brutal, and set the stage for the conclusion yet to come.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review originally appeared at www.bookie-monster.com
Salem’s Fury picks up fifteen years later. The remaining members of the Kelly family live on the fringe of civilization. George and his wife run a fur-trading outpost and care for Bishop, now quite elderly. Priest and Sarah married and live among the Miamiak tribe. Rebecca, now a young woman, considers Priest her father, as she has little memory of Paul Kelly.
Rebecca grew up tutored by her adopted father, and considers herself more Miamiak than white. Though she loves her brother and sister, she sees her future with the tribe, and not the white world. Like Sarah in book one, Rebecca is on the cusp of adulthood and the choices she makes will set her path in life. If she has her way, she’d choose the rivers and trails of the forest.
Word comes to the Kelly family that the Salem witches are hunting them, leaving behind their skull daggers as a warning. The witches are back, and hunting them down. Rebecca’s path isn’t clear, but she knows she has to protect her family and her tribe.
You’ll find many good things in this story. With only a few exceptions, the characters are richly explored. Priest, who was something of a cipher in the first novel, is revealed to be a man of fierce loyalty and silent, decisive action. Sarah’s sorrow and isolation is gut-wrenching. Rebecca’s love for her family, both blood and adopted, drive her toward a path that leads away from the life she loves. New characters like Creek Jumper and Ciquenackqua, and Numees round out Rebecca’s adopted family.
Like his first book, Aaron Galvin’s story sent me off to do a little historical digging. I’m a Great Basin kinda girl, and I’d never heard of the Miamiak tribe. Also known as the Miami, (not Florida) they lived in the Great Lakes area. Historically, they were known to have a clan chiefs who were women, and they were generally friendly to the first French immigrants. At first, I bristled at the use of “squaw” to describe Indian women. It’s now a derogatory term, but again, my research revealed that the word is originally Algonquin, and would have been perfectly appropriate within their culture. My hackles were soothed, and I kept reading.
While the first novel held shades of black magic and sorcery, Salem’s Fury shows us the spiritualism of the Miamiak people. The witches in this tale aren’t Hecate’s brood, drunk on Satan’s power and looking for converts. Instead, they are bloodthirsty killers out to avenge their dead sisters. I admit I missed the touches of horror in this book, but the intense action kept me glued to the pages..
When the fighting starts, the author doesn’t hold back. I could hear every war-cry and scream, almost felt the heat of fires and the scent of black powder. The battles are fierce, a realistic jumble of chaos, fear, and tunnel-vision. You’ll find yourself lost in the thick of it. Good people die and their loss stays with you as the survivors move on. This is war, and the author is not shy about the brutality inherent in killing another human.
I had a few stumbling blocks that bear mentioning. Most of them centered around the villain, Mercy. I just didn’t connect to her. Her case for revenge is weak, and she seems like an errand-girl sent to do someone else’s bidding. Her exchanges with Rebecca were far too verbose–not quite monologuing, but close. I caught myself skipping pages of posturing arguments that seemed to be going nowhere. Without spoilers, I hope the third novel redeems my love for a truly evil villain.
Overall, Salem’s Fury is a solid second novel in a series I’d recommend for older teen readers, and adult readers who enjoy historical fiction and action. It continues the theme of strong family ties and the determination to never give up on the people you love. The last paragraphs of the novel are brutal, and set the stage for the conclusion yet to come.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review originally appeared at www.bookie-monster.com
April 15, 2015
Received in exchange for a honest review.
Aaron galvin has done it again. First and foremost this is not a standalone. The history of the characters is not known and is alluded to so Salem’s vengeance is needed to understand this book. The prose is excellent and this takes a new path in the story. The first book was about the vengeance of the witches against Sarah and her family. Here her family or what is left has gone two ways. Her brother and wife run a fur trade where bishop and andrew is. Andrew is haunted by what happened in the first book and he inadvertently placed danger to those he holds precious because of his demons. Sarah and her sister Rebecca join the Miamiak tribe. Sarah is married to Priest who is a free spirit with his own secrets and demons. And his secrets are jaw dropping and there are many we haven’t been privy to yet. Rebecca who doesn’t remember the vengeance the witches took on her family took and she considers Priest her father. The story here is about getting retribution and having the sins of the father and Priest be paid for through the children and in Priest’s case himself. Have some held accountable. War is bloody and so is the road to getting the characters to the journey of Salem to stand up for the actions done in the past.
The story is told from Rebecca’s POV which is refreshing. Here we are fifteen years removed from the witches first act of vengeance. Rebecca considers herself part of the tribe and has removed herself from being considered the white man. She at times comes off as unkind. Her separation from her sister is sad after all Sarah did to protect her. Sarah is sad and despondent but in the end protects her sister once again with a fierceness only seen from love. Priest has this as well for Rebecca and it is evidenced throughout the book with the little things he does.
Here we see the evolution of Rebecca into the witches tale as she navigates her path in life. The witches come back with triibal men that betray their kind. If you are attached to any character that does not bode well for you because this book has some realistic and bloody scenes as the witches come for what is theirs-Priest and the descendents of Paul Kelly. They are to pay for the sins of their fathers and self. Priest keeps his demons to himself but it is spilled a little by the witch Mercy (which she is not) This is one ruthless cunning and conniving witch. A chameleon of sorts who wants retribution.
This book is both character and plot driven. The characters are what create the situations for the plot and bring forth the actions that occur. The emotions that elicit will be strong. Rebecca has evolved into a warrior but also she is callous towards some. I see a connection to some of the new characters and she shows growth in learning, loving and accepting. A new character that I believe will have a role in her life is Ciquenackqua. He evolves as well as we first see him as a little arrogant but as he is placed in battle he is humbled. He is a match for Rebecca. Each new character brought a fresh perspective and aided Rebecca in her journey path. We are set up to see that Rebecca is to play a big role in the next book and also for Priest as well. Priest is the character I still love even with the jaw dropping revelations. He is a quiet strength. We learn through Rebecca why he is so quiet in this book. He loves fiercely and is loyal to a fault. I am wonder his fate though so I ask for him not be killed off for he is a favorite and I believe we can learn so much from him. We see history intertwining with fiction in a intriguing addictive and action packed fast reading tale that will have your jaw drop in spots and definitely have you wanting more especially with the ending. Wow did not expect that or Priest’s reveal.
Aaron galvin has done it again. First and foremost this is not a standalone. The history of the characters is not known and is alluded to so Salem’s vengeance is needed to understand this book. The prose is excellent and this takes a new path in the story. The first book was about the vengeance of the witches against Sarah and her family. Here her family or what is left has gone two ways. Her brother and wife run a fur trade where bishop and andrew is. Andrew is haunted by what happened in the first book and he inadvertently placed danger to those he holds precious because of his demons. Sarah and her sister Rebecca join the Miamiak tribe. Sarah is married to Priest who is a free spirit with his own secrets and demons. And his secrets are jaw dropping and there are many we haven’t been privy to yet. Rebecca who doesn’t remember the vengeance the witches took on her family took and she considers Priest her father. The story here is about getting retribution and having the sins of the father and Priest be paid for through the children and in Priest’s case himself. Have some held accountable. War is bloody and so is the road to getting the characters to the journey of Salem to stand up for the actions done in the past.
The story is told from Rebecca’s POV which is refreshing. Here we are fifteen years removed from the witches first act of vengeance. Rebecca considers herself part of the tribe and has removed herself from being considered the white man. She at times comes off as unkind. Her separation from her sister is sad after all Sarah did to protect her. Sarah is sad and despondent but in the end protects her sister once again with a fierceness only seen from love. Priest has this as well for Rebecca and it is evidenced throughout the book with the little things he does.
Here we see the evolution of Rebecca into the witches tale as she navigates her path in life. The witches come back with triibal men that betray their kind. If you are attached to any character that does not bode well for you because this book has some realistic and bloody scenes as the witches come for what is theirs-Priest and the descendents of Paul Kelly. They are to pay for the sins of their fathers and self. Priest keeps his demons to himself but it is spilled a little by the witch Mercy (which she is not) This is one ruthless cunning and conniving witch. A chameleon of sorts who wants retribution.
This book is both character and plot driven. The characters are what create the situations for the plot and bring forth the actions that occur. The emotions that elicit will be strong. Rebecca has evolved into a warrior but also she is callous towards some. I see a connection to some of the new characters and she shows growth in learning, loving and accepting. A new character that I believe will have a role in her life is Ciquenackqua. He evolves as well as we first see him as a little arrogant but as he is placed in battle he is humbled. He is a match for Rebecca. Each new character brought a fresh perspective and aided Rebecca in her journey path. We are set up to see that Rebecca is to play a big role in the next book and also for Priest as well. Priest is the character I still love even with the jaw dropping revelations. He is a quiet strength. We learn through Rebecca why he is so quiet in this book. He loves fiercely and is loyal to a fault. I am wonder his fate though so I ask for him not be killed off for he is a favorite and I believe we can learn so much from him. We see history intertwining with fiction in a intriguing addictive and action packed fast reading tale that will have your jaw drop in spots and definitely have you wanting more especially with the ending. Wow did not expect that or Priest’s reveal.
September 21, 2015
Check out this and other reviews at https://maginibooks.wordpress.com/201...
Here comes the review of the second part of Vengeance trilogy. If you haven’t read the first book… What were you thinking? Haven’t I wrote it was worth it? Come on now!
But let’s ne serious (for a little while). This time story moves few years forward. Instead of Sarah, we’ll be following her little sister – Rebecca. You though Salem’s witches given up on the chase after the Kelly family? Well, you’re wrong.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
After all that happened to Kelly family and their friends in the “Salem’s Vengeance” story, they were supposed to move on, maybe even visit Bishops home country. It seems they haven’t gone that far. Instead, they choose to stay with the Miamiak tribe.
This time story focuses on Rebecca – Sarah’s younger sister, now 17-year-old Brave of the tribe. Trained by Priest, whom she treats like father, she grew up to be one of the best warriors. She’s not haunted by the past, the only life she remembers well is with the Miamiak in the wilderness.
But the witches are resilient. Or at least one is – Mercy comes for Sarah with revenge and she’ll do everything to achieve it. Rebecca will have to do everything she can to save herself and everyone she cares for.
Yes, this indeed is another great book in this series. I felt it was a bit slower paced than the first one, somewhat of a release from all the tension, although there were a lot of things happening here too. Rebecca had very little time to recover from everything, she had to keep on going. For such a young girl, she kept her nerves, used all skills she had learned from her father and she did it well.
It seemed to me this book followed similar schematics as the first one. It’s a good one, but I kind of hope the last book in the series will have a bit more diversity to offer.
Yet again the author presents us with some great language skills and fitting naming convention. I really enjoy this in the trilogy. It really helps to get into the mood of the story, find yourself in the middle of the action. And what action it can be. Be warned, there are few moments not fitted to the faint of heart.
And the ending… How could there be such a cliffhanger?! When I got to the last page I wanted to scream: “How could you do this to me!”. But it’s OK… I’ve got the last book waiting :).
If you haven’t read the series yet – Go for it!
For the review of the first book in series go here: https://maginibooks.wordpress.com/201...
Here comes the review of the second part of Vengeance trilogy. If you haven’t read the first book… What were you thinking? Haven’t I wrote it was worth it? Come on now!
But let’s ne serious (for a little while). This time story moves few years forward. Instead of Sarah, we’ll be following her little sister – Rebecca. You though Salem’s witches given up on the chase after the Kelly family? Well, you’re wrong.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
After all that happened to Kelly family and their friends in the “Salem’s Vengeance” story, they were supposed to move on, maybe even visit Bishops home country. It seems they haven’t gone that far. Instead, they choose to stay with the Miamiak tribe.
This time story focuses on Rebecca – Sarah’s younger sister, now 17-year-old Brave of the tribe. Trained by Priest, whom she treats like father, she grew up to be one of the best warriors. She’s not haunted by the past, the only life she remembers well is with the Miamiak in the wilderness.
But the witches are resilient. Or at least one is – Mercy comes for Sarah with revenge and she’ll do everything to achieve it. Rebecca will have to do everything she can to save herself and everyone she cares for.
Yes, this indeed is another great book in this series. I felt it was a bit slower paced than the first one, somewhat of a release from all the tension, although there were a lot of things happening here too. Rebecca had very little time to recover from everything, she had to keep on going. For such a young girl, she kept her nerves, used all skills she had learned from her father and she did it well.
It seemed to me this book followed similar schematics as the first one. It’s a good one, but I kind of hope the last book in the series will have a bit more diversity to offer.
Yet again the author presents us with some great language skills and fitting naming convention. I really enjoy this in the trilogy. It really helps to get into the mood of the story, find yourself in the middle of the action. And what action it can be. Be warned, there are few moments not fitted to the faint of heart.
And the ending… How could there be such a cliffhanger?! When I got to the last page I wanted to scream: “How could you do this to me!”. But it’s OK… I’ve got the last book waiting :).
If you haven’t read the series yet – Go for it!
For the review of the first book in series go here: https://maginibooks.wordpress.com/201...
June 16, 2016
Sarah Kelly is back in this book and she has been living in the wilderness with the Miamiak. But she still fears her father's sins and that those sins will eventually be revisited upon his children, meaning her and her little sister, Rebecca and brother. However, Rebecca thinks differently; she has been adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness so she shares no concerns to her previous father's sins. Previous father, because to Rebecca her father is Sarah's husband, Priest. He has been the one to teach her everything that she knows and she doesn't even remember what her real father looks like, forget about what his sins was, but Sarah is always there to remind Rebecca of it.
But history always comes back to haunt and condemn those who neglect the past and it happens one night when a war party comes to the Miamiak and demand their aid in avenging their fallen brothers against the white folk who attack a neighboring tribe. The Miamiak offer their aid and together with the other tribe go to war. And the story takes off from here.
Ah, I really don't want to spoil the story but, OMG be prepared for Aaron Galvin to tear your heart out again and again. How, as always no character is save and from the beginning of the book you will see as one of the main characters, or at least that's what you think, dies and more death happens throughout the book. When you thought that finally a character had found happiness and will probably be left behind, happy and everything but nope, no one and I mean this, NO ONE is save.
Besides never knowing what is going to happen to who in the story, another favorite thing that I loved about this book is our main girl, Rebecca and what Aaron did to her and her story. I loved that it didn't focus on a romance, it focused on her and her family and what they had to do to stop the curse that was upon them. Sometimes you just need a book that isn't about romance at all and that focus on family first and what they are fighting for and this book does just that.
And of course, the history, I really enjoyed how Aaron Galvin grabbed that part of Salem's history and made his own. That was so well done. And to finish it off, loved the writing too, so easy to read, once I was reading, I didn't want to put it down and those are the kind of writings that I like.
Let's end this review with my rating, 5 out of 5 stars. Once I was done reading this book I was sooo ready to jump into book 3 and that was exactly what I did.
But history always comes back to haunt and condemn those who neglect the past and it happens one night when a war party comes to the Miamiak and demand their aid in avenging their fallen brothers against the white folk who attack a neighboring tribe. The Miamiak offer their aid and together with the other tribe go to war. And the story takes off from here.
Ah, I really don't want to spoil the story but, OMG be prepared for Aaron Galvin to tear your heart out again and again. How, as always no character is save and from the beginning of the book you will see as one of the main characters, or at least that's what you think, dies and more death happens throughout the book. When you thought that finally a character had found happiness and will probably be left behind, happy and everything but nope, no one and I mean this, NO ONE is save.
Besides never knowing what is going to happen to who in the story, another favorite thing that I loved about this book is our main girl, Rebecca and what Aaron did to her and her story. I loved that it didn't focus on a romance, it focused on her and her family and what they had to do to stop the curse that was upon them. Sometimes you just need a book that isn't about romance at all and that focus on family first and what they are fighting for and this book does just that.
And of course, the history, I really enjoyed how Aaron Galvin grabbed that part of Salem's history and made his own. That was so well done. And to finish it off, loved the writing too, so easy to read, once I was reading, I didn't want to put it down and those are the kind of writings that I like.
Let's end this review with my rating, 5 out of 5 stars. Once I was done reading this book I was sooo ready to jump into book 3 and that was exactly what I did.
April 13, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the previous book in this series, I was somewhat thrown when I started this one, since I didn't recognise the narrator in this book... which turned out to be the fact that it was a different narrator, which made more sense.
It was interesting to view Rebecca's memories (or lack thereof) of the events of the previous book and how her views of the other characters had changed. I like the more chosen/adopted family, so I thought it was pretty cool how Rebecca viewed Priest as her father... though the rift between her and her sister made me sad. The previous book had ended on a more hopeful note, but this one showed that enough time had passed to make Sarah quite a tragic figure. In many ways, I could understand and empathise with how she felt... but I didn't agree with the way she responded to things.
I was also intrigued by the contrast between Rebecca, who had embraced the tribe and life she and her sister lived, and Sarah, who refused to try and make the best of a situation. In many ways, I felt there were parts of this book that would make for good discussion for a reading group.
I would have liked to see more interactions between Rebecca and Priest. It was good to see how other people viewed their relationship (even though some of those views came across as wrong), but it would have been nice to see more of them actually interacting together. I also liked seeing Bishop in this book and how Rebecca viewed him in relation to her.
I felt it gave me an insight into Rebecca's character and motivations to have the book written from her point of view. It was good to see her reasoning behind what she did and her motivations in her dealings with the other characters.
Since The Crucible is still fresh in my mind, I recognised a couple of the historical figures in this. There was quite a lot of action in this book from the start and there were parts of it that kept me tense throughout.
I would suggest reading Salem's Vengeance first and then this book, but it could probably work as a standalone, even though there are events from the first book referenced here. There were some really sad parts in this, but a few hopeful notes, too. The book was well-written and entertaining, with interesting characters and a narrator unique to this particular book, at least in my opinion.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the previous book in this series, I was somewhat thrown when I started this one, since I didn't recognise the narrator in this book... which turned out to be the fact that it was a different narrator, which made more sense.
It was interesting to view Rebecca's memories (or lack thereof) of the events of the previous book and how her views of the other characters had changed. I like the more chosen/adopted family, so I thought it was pretty cool how Rebecca viewed Priest as her father... though the rift between her and her sister made me sad. The previous book had ended on a more hopeful note, but this one showed that enough time had passed to make Sarah quite a tragic figure. In many ways, I could understand and empathise with how she felt... but I didn't agree with the way she responded to things.
I was also intrigued by the contrast between Rebecca, who had embraced the tribe and life she and her sister lived, and Sarah, who refused to try and make the best of a situation. In many ways, I felt there were parts of this book that would make for good discussion for a reading group.
I would have liked to see more interactions between Rebecca and Priest. It was good to see how other people viewed their relationship (even though some of those views came across as wrong), but it would have been nice to see more of them actually interacting together. I also liked seeing Bishop in this book and how Rebecca viewed him in relation to her.
I felt it gave me an insight into Rebecca's character and motivations to have the book written from her point of view. It was good to see her reasoning behind what she did and her motivations in her dealings with the other characters.
Since The Crucible is still fresh in my mind, I recognised a couple of the historical figures in this. There was quite a lot of action in this book from the start and there were parts of it that kept me tense throughout.
I would suggest reading Salem's Vengeance first and then this book, but it could probably work as a standalone, even though there are events from the first book referenced here. There were some really sad parts in this, but a few hopeful notes, too. The book was well-written and entertaining, with interesting characters and a narrator unique to this particular book, at least in my opinion.
August 9, 2015
There was a lot I enjoyed with the first book in the Vengeance Trilogy, but that feels overcast by how much I loved this wonderful follow up. Aaron Galvin takes us back into the world of the Salem Witch Trials, but this time, we see through the eyes of the Miamiak.
Rebecca is a formidable spirit, with a wild nature that is easy to embrace and adore. While Sarah could sometimes be passive, Rebecca is anything but. I love when books have a strong female lead, but especially one that feels believable like this. Rebecca was skilled, but not unbeatable. She was brave, but not without fault. There is something very human and very complex about her personality that made her feel like a kindred soul.
I think Aaron did a good job of linking back to the first novel; it was done in a way readers who jump straight from book 1 to 2 don't get that "when we last left our heroes!" rush, but also left enough clues people who maybe took some space between the books (like me) could easily get back into it. While sometimes I dislike time jumps, this one felt satisfying. I liked seeing this startling growth in Rebecca, and liked seeing a new story taking place within an existing world. The old problems still exist, but it's someone else's turn to solve them. And not to knock Sarah, but I think Rebecca is much better equipped to handle it all.
This book had plenty of twists and turns, and I won't lie, there were tears in my eyes at a few points. It had some of the dark spookiness from the previous books, but it felt very real. Personally, I like stories like this, where the dangers were things that honestly existed at the times. Yeah, there are terrible things happening here. But sometimes, life gets a little grim.
Overall, this may be my favorite of Aaron Galvin's work. I just really relate to Rebecca, and like to think maybe there is a piece of her in me. That's the best sort of feeling you can come away from a story with, in my opinion. But how can you not like her?
I guess my philosophy is something like this: some female characters are helpless, some are fighters, and some are phoenix; when you try to take down a phoenix, they just set the world ablaze. I'd put my bets on Rebecca. She's got her own spark, and I'm excited to see what it does next.
Rebecca is a formidable spirit, with a wild nature that is easy to embrace and adore. While Sarah could sometimes be passive, Rebecca is anything but. I love when books have a strong female lead, but especially one that feels believable like this. Rebecca was skilled, but not unbeatable. She was brave, but not without fault. There is something very human and very complex about her personality that made her feel like a kindred soul.
I think Aaron did a good job of linking back to the first novel; it was done in a way readers who jump straight from book 1 to 2 don't get that "when we last left our heroes!" rush, but also left enough clues people who maybe took some space between the books (like me) could easily get back into it. While sometimes I dislike time jumps, this one felt satisfying. I liked seeing this startling growth in Rebecca, and liked seeing a new story taking place within an existing world. The old problems still exist, but it's someone else's turn to solve them. And not to knock Sarah, but I think Rebecca is much better equipped to handle it all.
This book had plenty of twists and turns, and I won't lie, there were tears in my eyes at a few points. It had some of the dark spookiness from the previous books, but it felt very real. Personally, I like stories like this, where the dangers were things that honestly existed at the times. Yeah, there are terrible things happening here. But sometimes, life gets a little grim.
Overall, this may be my favorite of Aaron Galvin's work. I just really relate to Rebecca, and like to think maybe there is a piece of her in me. That's the best sort of feeling you can come away from a story with, in my opinion. But how can you not like her?
I guess my philosophy is something like this: some female characters are helpless, some are fighters, and some are phoenix; when you try to take down a phoenix, they just set the world ablaze. I'd put my bets on Rebecca. She's got her own spark, and I'm excited to see what it does next.
August 3, 2015
** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
This book's POV is Rebecca Kelly, whereas in Salem's Vengeance it's POV is Sarah Kelly; Rebecca's eldest sibling and only sister. So overall I got a different feel for the book than I did in the first. The story also took place 15 years after the events in Salem's Vengeance. I still loved all the characters, but I also felt that this story had a lot more action and sorrow in it then the first.
Now for the storyline. I believe this one to be a little better than Salem's Vengeance. It kept me going and no parts were a slow read for me. Throughout the book it had jumped settings to a lot of different scenery and it was a nice change. I do have to admit that this book should come with a prepackaged box of tissues though. There were a lot of deaths and some of those death were even quite shocking and unexpected. This book definitely achieved the status of "Emotional Rollarcoaster".
Now for the characters. In my review of Salem's Vengeance I had said that the characters were my favourite part of the novel, however in Salem's Fury I would have to say the storyline was. It's not that the characters weren't great becuase let me tell you, Galvin did an awesome job at writing them; it was more for the idea that a lot of them ended up being killed. Which at the time was quite upsetting, but I did understand why deaths had to happen. So it was kind of like I didn't want to get to attached to some because they may end up dying. Though Priest and Bishop still remained to be my favourite characters. Overall the characters were written well, it was just the way some of them came to an end and the total of how many actually died, that was shocking.
In conclusion, this novel was just as brilliantly written like the first, and I can't wait to get my hands on the third and final installment of this series. I do recommend this to those who liked the first, along to those who are intrigued about the Salem witch trials.
This book's POV is Rebecca Kelly, whereas in Salem's Vengeance it's POV is Sarah Kelly; Rebecca's eldest sibling and only sister. So overall I got a different feel for the book than I did in the first. The story also took place 15 years after the events in Salem's Vengeance. I still loved all the characters, but I also felt that this story had a lot more action and sorrow in it then the first.
Now for the storyline. I believe this one to be a little better than Salem's Vengeance. It kept me going and no parts were a slow read for me. Throughout the book it had jumped settings to a lot of different scenery and it was a nice change. I do have to admit that this book should come with a prepackaged box of tissues though. There were a lot of deaths and some of those death were even quite shocking and unexpected. This book definitely achieved the status of "Emotional Rollarcoaster".
Now for the characters. In my review of Salem's Vengeance I had said that the characters were my favourite part of the novel, however in Salem's Fury I would have to say the storyline was. It's not that the characters weren't great becuase let me tell you, Galvin did an awesome job at writing them; it was more for the idea that a lot of them ended up being killed. Which at the time was quite upsetting, but I did understand why deaths had to happen. So it was kind of like I didn't want to get to attached to some because they may end up dying. Though Priest and Bishop still remained to be my favourite characters. Overall the characters were written well, it was just the way some of them came to an end and the total of how many actually died, that was shocking.
In conclusion, this novel was just as brilliantly written like the first, and I can't wait to get my hands on the third and final installment of this series. I do recommend this to those who liked the first, along to those who are intrigued about the Salem witch trials.
November 4, 2015
Sarah & Rebecca Kelly survived Hecate and her coven of witches. Adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness, Rebecca has become a fierce warrior ready for battle. For her, memories of her old life and of Hecate’s attack are dim. But their past comes back to haunt them. When a war party arrives with news of a neighbouring tribe attacked for harbouring white folk, they demand the Miamiak to aid them in avenging their fallen brothers. With rumours the culprits are followers of a wicked witch, Rebecca must decide whether to guard the ones she loves or to seek vengeance upon a forgotten shade of Salem.
A couple of months ago I’ve read the first instalment in this series SALEM’S VENGEANCE. After leaving a review, Aaron Galvin was kind enough to provide me with a copy of SALEM’S FURY.
This time, I had no trouble whatsoever getting into the story. From the get go it gripped my attention and didn’t let go until there were no more words left for me to read. I found myself reading this book every time I had a couple of minutes to spare, being mostly annoyed with myself for not having enough time in a day to be able to read this in one go.
I absolutely loved Rebecca’s storyline. She went from a little girl in book 1, to a fierce warrior who wants nothing more than to protect the ones she loves and to fight in the war. I was kind of sad to see that Bishop only plays a small part in this story, because I thought he was great in the first book. But alas, everyone has to get old at some point. The overall story was really good, solid. The book contained loads of elements I praised in the first book: weapons are omnipresent and actually used, blood flows, people die. But also some new elements like the native tribes, with their very own rituals and beliefs. Because of this, the satanic rituals are not as prominent, and even though witches are still a big part of the story, the actual witchcraft isn’t. It’s all about vengeance and it’s all very thrilling. Very curious to see where the next book will take me.
I received this book for from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A couple of months ago I’ve read the first instalment in this series SALEM’S VENGEANCE. After leaving a review, Aaron Galvin was kind enough to provide me with a copy of SALEM’S FURY.
This time, I had no trouble whatsoever getting into the story. From the get go it gripped my attention and didn’t let go until there were no more words left for me to read. I found myself reading this book every time I had a couple of minutes to spare, being mostly annoyed with myself for not having enough time in a day to be able to read this in one go.
I absolutely loved Rebecca’s storyline. She went from a little girl in book 1, to a fierce warrior who wants nothing more than to protect the ones she loves and to fight in the war. I was kind of sad to see that Bishop only plays a small part in this story, because I thought he was great in the first book. But alas, everyone has to get old at some point. The overall story was really good, solid. The book contained loads of elements I praised in the first book: weapons are omnipresent and actually used, blood flows, people die. But also some new elements like the native tribes, with their very own rituals and beliefs. Because of this, the satanic rituals are not as prominent, and even though witches are still a big part of the story, the actual witchcraft isn’t. It’s all about vengeance and it’s all very thrilling. Very curious to see where the next book will take me.
I received this book for from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2017
3.5*
Fifteen years have passed since the night that changed the life of the Kelly children. For fifteen years they lived in peace, away from Salem - at least physically, as that night scared them for life. But their freedom was once again disturbed by Salem's Vengeance...
Aaron Galvin did it again! He created once again a dark world full of mysteries and twists with attention to the detail. The historical research is clearly present as it was in Salem's Vengeance, but this time it is given an inside look of the native-American communities. Once again, historical figures are mentioned which always brings authenticity to the story. It makes you wonder if the events in Salem's Fury haven't really happened...
I confess I wasn't fond of Rebecca in the first book. I know she was just a child, but she came across spoiled. Perhaps it was because the story was in Sarah's point-of-view... But in Salem's Fury, she grew from a spoiled child to a strong and independent woman. Her wild spirit and the love for the Miamiak made her such a great character. Who knew that little girl had such strength in her?
Now, I can't wait for the final book. I must know more about Priest´s past - who is the child? Where is it? And I hope Andrew finds redemption (I felt really bad for him; I hope he can deal with his demons and survive - strong emphases in survive).
I received this book from the author Aaron Galvin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Fifteen years have passed since the night that changed the life of the Kelly children. For fifteen years they lived in peace, away from Salem - at least physically, as that night scared them for life. But their freedom was once again disturbed by Salem's Vengeance...
Aaron Galvin did it again! He created once again a dark world full of mysteries and twists with attention to the detail. The historical research is clearly present as it was in Salem's Vengeance, but this time it is given an inside look of the native-American communities. Once again, historical figures are mentioned which always brings authenticity to the story. It makes you wonder if the events in Salem's Fury haven't really happened...
I confess I wasn't fond of Rebecca in the first book. I know she was just a child, but she came across spoiled. Perhaps it was because the story was in Sarah's point-of-view... But in Salem's Fury, she grew from a spoiled child to a strong and independent woman. Her wild spirit and the love for the Miamiak made her such a great character. Who knew that little girl had such strength in her?
Now, I can't wait for the final book. I must know more about Priest´s past - who is the child? Where is it? And I hope Andrew finds redemption (I felt really bad for him; I hope he can deal with his demons and survive - strong emphases in survive).
I received this book from the author Aaron Galvin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
January 7, 2016
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this sequel only slightly less than the original book. I was a little sad when I realsied this wasn't a sequel with Sarah as our main character becasue I really enjoyed her as a protagonist. Hvaing said that, I was quickly conveninced of Rebecca as a narrator, I also really enjoyed reading from her prospective.
I really enjoyed that Galvin didn't show Sarah living a happy little existence amongst the Miamik, he showed how difficult things had been (and were) for her and while I was sad for her I thought this was probably a realistic reflection of what life would have been like for her under the circumstances.
Rebecca is a great main character, she is interesting, strong willed, wild and fiece. That's not to say that I liked everything she did or all her decisions but I sure had a good time being along for the ride with her.
I really enjoyed Galvin's take on this time period and 'withcraft'. I really love the concept of the hallucinogen powder and the part it played.
Warning: this is NOT a happy little story. If you have problems with violence - steer clear!
If you enjoyed Salem's Vengeance then this is a must read!!
I enjoyed this sequel only slightly less than the original book. I was a little sad when I realsied this wasn't a sequel with Sarah as our main character becasue I really enjoyed her as a protagonist. Hvaing said that, I was quickly conveninced of Rebecca as a narrator, I also really enjoyed reading from her prospective.
I really enjoyed that Galvin didn't show Sarah living a happy little existence amongst the Miamik, he showed how difficult things had been (and were) for her and while I was sad for her I thought this was probably a realistic reflection of what life would have been like for her under the circumstances.
Rebecca is a great main character, she is interesting, strong willed, wild and fiece. That's not to say that I liked everything she did or all her decisions but I sure had a good time being along for the ride with her.
I really enjoyed Galvin's take on this time period and 'withcraft'. I really love the concept of the hallucinogen powder and the part it played.
Warning: this is NOT a happy little story. If you have problems with violence - steer clear!
If you enjoyed Salem's Vengeance then this is a must read!!
April 11, 2015
This book is more of a 3.5 ish review. I had such a hard time trying to come up with a star rating for this book. I really loved the writing, as I had with the first book in the trilogy, but I wasn't a huge fan of some of the changes in this book. I didn't really know where Aaron would go with the story line in this book, but this was definitely not what I was expecting.
This book is told 15 years after Vengeance's story line and also told from Rebecca's pov. I thought that this gap of time was just too long. The characters changed so much in those years that there was just a disconnect from the characters. It felt like I didn't really know the characters anymore. And because of this, I didn't really like Sarah too much in the book, but I loved her in Vengeance.
Overall, I had mixed feelings about the book. It was a great book and an entertaining read, but I felt like I was reading a different series than the one that I started.
This book is told 15 years after Vengeance's story line and also told from Rebecca's pov. I thought that this gap of time was just too long. The characters changed so much in those years that there was just a disconnect from the characters. It felt like I didn't really know the characters anymore. And because of this, I didn't really like Sarah too much in the book, but I loved her in Vengeance.
Overall, I had mixed feelings about the book. It was a great book and an entertaining read, but I felt like I was reading a different series than the one that I started.
April 5, 2015
An excellent follow-up to Salem's Vengeance. Salem's Fury didn't disappoint. Galvin does a wonderful job portraying the character's feelings and emotion. Also, the dialogue and setting stay true to the time period. Salem's Fury can be interpreted as a girl fighting to find her true identity, buried both in the pain of her past and future. Once again Galvin has presented us with a brilliant story that sucks you in.
April 15, 2015
Sarah and her siblings are now grown up and trying to put their horrible pasts behind them. They have been accepted into a local tribe as family and are all doing well until the past catches up with them. Can they survive tge witches fury this time or will they lose everything and everyone they love.
Even though it has a few references to the past you do not have to read book one to read this one. I really enjoyed the book and found it very hard to put it down.
Even though it has a few references to the past you do not have to read book one to read this one. I really enjoyed the book and found it very hard to put it down.
April 7, 2015
The witches are back, and they aren't the only ones seeking vengeance. In this second book of the Vengeance Trilogy, readers be warned: don't get attached to anyone, evil or good, because the body count is high! Full review on my blog http://kristinehallways.blogspot.com/...
December 22, 2016
The character building in this is terrific and catapults the quality of this series, as well as enhancing some okay moments in the first book to give hem greater worth as part of a larger story. I am jumping right into the third book and can't wait to see how this trilogy wraps up.
September 29, 2015
you can find my review on www.readinglark.blogspot.com after Sept. 30, 2015
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