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The Mist-Torn Witches #4
To Kill a Kettle Witch
National bestselling author Barb Hendee returns to the world of the Mist-Torn witches, as two sisters who can see the secrets of the past and the mysteries of the future begin a quest to save the family they never knew existed.…
Powerful prince Malcolm is facing ruin in the wake of a curse that has destroyed his harvest. He blames the band nomadic Móndyalítko who summer in the meadow below his castle—and he is determined to root out the people who caused the blight by any means necessary.
When Céline and Amelie Fawe, descended from the Móndyalítko, learn that their mother’s people are under suspicion of sabotage and treason, they set out to use their magical gifts to save their estranged relatives and learn about their own origins.
Now it’s up to the sisters—along with their motley escort, including a prince’s lieutenant, a shape-shifter, and an old woman with a murky past—to discover the source of the curse to restore life to the ravaged land and protect the innocent from unfair vengeance.
Powerful prince Malcolm is facing ruin in the wake of a curse that has destroyed his harvest. He blames the band nomadic Móndyalítko who summer in the meadow below his castle—and he is determined to root out the people who caused the blight by any means necessary.
When Céline and Amelie Fawe, descended from the Móndyalítko, learn that their mother’s people are under suspicion of sabotage and treason, they set out to use their magical gifts to save their estranged relatives and learn about their own origins.
Now it’s up to the sisters—along with their motley escort, including a prince’s lieutenant, a shape-shifter, and an old woman with a murky past—to discover the source of the curse to restore life to the ravaged land and protect the innocent from unfair vengeance.
328 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2016
9 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Barb Hendee
70 books1,162 followers[See barbhendee.org]
Like most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.
Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.
We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.
J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.
Recently, I've begun writing romance/suspense novels, beginning with: Alone with a Soldier. I am so glad my books have found an audience because I love to write fiction more than anything else in the world... and I'm not really good at anything else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 6, 2016
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy, Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
To Kill A Kettle Witch, is the fourth installment in The Mist-Torn Witches by author Barb Hendee. This is a series that is set in the world of the Noble Dead Saga. Does that mean you have had to read the Noble Dead first? Nope. It just means that similarities can be found. Especially since most of this series has been set in what is the country of Droevinka. In has been a year since Sisters Céline and Amelie Fawe found a new home under Prince Anton.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 05/04/2016*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* May 3, 2016 by Roc
*Genre* Fantasy, Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
To Kill A Kettle Witch, is the fourth installment in The Mist-Torn Witches by author Barb Hendee. This is a series that is set in the world of the Noble Dead Saga. Does that mean you have had to read the Noble Dead first? Nope. It just means that similarities can be found. Especially since most of this series has been set in what is the country of Droevinka. In has been a year since Sisters Céline and Amelie Fawe found a new home under Prince Anton.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 05/04/2016*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* May 3, 2016 by Roc
September 22, 2018
While I loved the storyline, and the chance to learn more about the Mondyalitko. I did not love the ending. For the last book in the series, it left many loose endings. I committed to 4 books, and was hoping for more of an ending. We never discover if Anton becomes the grand prince, what happens with Celine and anton? I wish there was one more book with more of an ending.
June 30, 2017
For the most part a pretty pleasant read. The characters at this point are fairly well known, though it was nice to see a back-story on Helga. The few lengthy stories within the story were a little intrusive and felt a tiny bit clumsy. Overall the book had kind of a retelling a fairy-tale quality to it, but it was far from a direct translation. The whole thing came across as kind of simple - definitely not the thick detailed long fantasy you find elsewhere. Basically nice. 3.5 of 5.
June 11, 2017
I continue to read this series because I enjoy following the story of two strong heroines and although I quite enjoyed this book I do have some concerns. I thought the book started well and was pleased when Céline confronted Prince Anton right at the start of the story when he tried to forbid them journeying to help the Móndyalítko, I like my heroines to have some backbone. However, things went downhill after that.
Warning some Spoilers
The first problem came when Amelie was furious with Jaromir for not telling her his plans, he then confronts her and tells her she should just put up with it and do what she is told. How does the independently minded Amelie react to this? She falls into bed with him! This might be how readers of Historical Romances want their Heroines to behave, but I expected better.
Also I’m afraid I like my stories to end with the main culprit suffering some sort of retribution, but in this case he got away with having his fun and everybody else suffering the consequences. Plus our two Heroines seemed happy to accept this without any problems. To add to this they also uncovered two murderers during their investigation but did nothing about it, again I’m beginning to lose faith in our two heroines.
Warning some Spoilers
The first problem came when Amelie was furious with Jaromir for not telling her his plans, he then confronts her and tells her she should just put up with it and do what she is told. How does the independently minded Amelie react to this? She falls into bed with him! This might be how readers of Historical Romances want their Heroines to behave, but I expected better.
Also I’m afraid I like my stories to end with the main culprit suffering some sort of retribution, but in this case he got away with having his fun and everybody else suffering the consequences. Plus our two Heroines seemed happy to accept this without any problems. To add to this they also uncovered two murderers during their investigation but did nothing about it, again I’m beginning to lose faith in our two heroines.
February 4, 2017
To Kill a Kettle Witch: The Mist-Torn Witches 4
Reading in chronological is best but not necessary.
In A Nutshell: A well-written fantasy that draws you in and holds you till the end. There is an exciting array of fantasy characters.
The Protagonist: Céline and Amelie Fawe are descendants of the Móndyalítko (traveling people). The sisters have the gift of foresight and hindsight. Set in a feudal period that makes them valuable allies or assets. Céline is the healer and Amelie the tomboy and fighter.
The Plot:Prince Malcolm accuses the Móndyalítko of blighting the apple crops. That spells ruin for him and the Princedom. Until the Móndyalítko confesses and undoes the curse, Prince Malcolm is holding them prisoner. Food is running low, and tempers are running high. Céline and Amelie Fawe are asked to use their sight and find the culprit and free their mother's people.
The sisters travel to Yegor with just lieutenant Jaromir, Marcus the shapeshifter and Helga the Móndyalítko, kettle witch. The tension within the small party is palpable as is the desire between Jaromir and Amelie. At least that reaches an overdue satisfactory conclusion. Marcus and others, however, are short-changed. Prince Malcolm is a disgusting man but alas he does not get his comeuppance. In that regard, the book is too realistic. Be prepared for a flashback scene that is so long, it should have been a stand-alone book.
It was pleasing to see the girls united at last with their late mother's family whom they had never met. To Kill a Kettle Witch is an enjoyable page-turner with a few red herrings thrown in.
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Book Rating
Sexual Content: 15
Language: U
Violent: 12
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
Reading in chronological is best but not necessary.
In A Nutshell: A well-written fantasy that draws you in and holds you till the end. There is an exciting array of fantasy characters.
The Protagonist: Céline and Amelie Fawe are descendants of the Móndyalítko (traveling people). The sisters have the gift of foresight and hindsight. Set in a feudal period that makes them valuable allies or assets. Céline is the healer and Amelie the tomboy and fighter.
The Plot:Prince Malcolm accuses the Móndyalítko of blighting the apple crops. That spells ruin for him and the Princedom. Until the Móndyalítko confesses and undoes the curse, Prince Malcolm is holding them prisoner. Food is running low, and tempers are running high. Céline and Amelie Fawe are asked to use their sight and find the culprit and free their mother's people.
The sisters travel to Yegor with just lieutenant Jaromir, Marcus the shapeshifter and Helga the Móndyalítko, kettle witch. The tension within the small party is palpable as is the desire between Jaromir and Amelie. At least that reaches an overdue satisfactory conclusion. Marcus and others, however, are short-changed. Prince Malcolm is a disgusting man but alas he does not get his comeuppance. In that regard, the book is too realistic. Be prepared for a flashback scene that is so long, it should have been a stand-alone book.
It was pleasing to see the girls united at last with their late mother's family whom they had never met. To Kill a Kettle Witch is an enjoyable page-turner with a few red herrings thrown in.
Connect with me on Twitter
Follow my blog on Bloglovin’
Book Rating
Sexual Content: 15
Language: U
Violent: 12
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
January 2, 2018
A five.
Yes, a five.
I sat down and started and every time I had to stop to cook dinner or clean, I was annoyed because I wanted to finish. The story drew me in that much. Thus, a five.
I'm still loving the characterization. Hendee's strength is characterization and world building. I like how the heroines travel and how each new setting comes alive. Secondardy characters are so unique that they almost deserve their own story.
This one worked quite well. I didn't guess the bad guy until right before the unveil and I like how the bad guy wasn't a bad guy - not really. I thought the bad guy's redemption was spot on.
Not so for Lilah and Malcolm. I almost rated this a four because of Lilah not getting her just due.
So, where is book five?
Yes, a five.
I sat down and started and every time I had to stop to cook dinner or clean, I was annoyed because I wanted to finish. The story drew me in that much. Thus, a five.
I'm still loving the characterization. Hendee's strength is characterization and world building. I like how the heroines travel and how each new setting comes alive. Secondardy characters are so unique that they almost deserve their own story.
This one worked quite well. I didn't guess the bad guy until right before the unveil and I like how the bad guy wasn't a bad guy - not really. I thought the bad guy's redemption was spot on.
Not so for Lilah and Malcolm. I almost rated this a four because of Lilah not getting her just due.
So, where is book five?
November 27, 2019
For having not read the previous books recently (it's been at least 2 years), this book still made quite a lot of sense. I enjoyed it. Some parts weren't my favorite but overall it was a solid story and I'm reminded of how much I missed this world.
June 22, 2017
I like the story well enough, but I found the ending a bit too pat and it left me feeling like it was missing things.
July 6, 2017
Ok I loved the book but was deeply disturbed that neither Malcolm nor Lilah suffered any distress or consequence for their appalling behavior. That cost a star in my rating.
August 16, 2017
I love the this author. She has multiple characters in this fantasy setting which began with Dhampir. This is the third book in the series, and I cannot wait to read the next episode.
November 24, 2017
Barb Hendee's To Kill a Kettle Witch is filled with suspense. An enjoyable read for fantasy audiences.
Read
February 2, 2020It was a good trilogie. I enjoy it.
July 8, 2020
3.5 RATING
I wonder if there will be more Mist-Torn books?
I wonder if there will be more Mist-Torn books?
May 4, 2016
To Kill a Kettle Witch by Barb Hendee is the 4th book in her Mist Torn Witches series. I have enjoyed every book in this series, and Hendee continues the trend with another wonderful story. Celine and Amelie Fawe, two sisters that are Mist-Torn witches, who are seers. Just by holding a person’s hand, Celine can see the future and Amelie can see the past. They live in Seone, under the protection of Prince Anton. In the previous books, both of them helped solve mysteries in dangerous situations. In To Kill a Kettle Witch, they are asked to help their deceased mother’s family, who have been accused of destroying Prince Malcolm’s land and harvest. No one is allowed to leave Malcom’s land until the person behind the destruction is found.
Despite Prince Anton’s disapproval, Celine and Amelie are determined to go help the family they have never met; with Helga, Jaromir and Marcus making the trip with them. When they arrive on Prince Malcom’s territory, they are welcomed by the Fawe family, which includes their mother’s sister. Jaromir meets with Prince Malcom to explain that they are there to help him find the Kettle Witch who is destroying his land. What follows is an interesting and exciting story that will have both Amelie and Celine stumped almost to the end, as to who is behind the curse. During their attempt to find the culprit, there is a villain who is after Celine, who will endanger them all. Celine will also be caught in the middle of Marcus’s attempt to woo her, but she only cares about Anton. We hope one day Celine & Anton will find a way to be together despite her being a commoner and him being the Prince. I do love Celine and Anton, who really had a small part in this book. Marcus was a good guy, who also protected Celine during this trip.
The last 1/3 of the book was exciting, and had a few twists, which were very surprising. This was unexpected, but we suspected the truth once we went into Amelie’s flashback on one person. I also loved the progression of Amelie and Jaromir’s relationship, and hope these two will also find a way to make this work. Barb Hendee has given us another wonderful story revolving around Celine and Amelie and their ability to see the future or past. I love this series, and I want to see more, especially the romances for both ladies. I totally recommend you read this series, and suggest you start with the first book, in order to learn this world and the budding relationships evolving.
The Reading Cafe
Despite Prince Anton’s disapproval, Celine and Amelie are determined to go help the family they have never met; with Helga, Jaromir and Marcus making the trip with them. When they arrive on Prince Malcom’s territory, they are welcomed by the Fawe family, which includes their mother’s sister. Jaromir meets with Prince Malcom to explain that they are there to help him find the Kettle Witch who is destroying his land. What follows is an interesting and exciting story that will have both Amelie and Celine stumped almost to the end, as to who is behind the curse. During their attempt to find the culprit, there is a villain who is after Celine, who will endanger them all. Celine will also be caught in the middle of Marcus’s attempt to woo her, but she only cares about Anton. We hope one day Celine & Anton will find a way to be together despite her being a commoner and him being the Prince. I do love Celine and Anton, who really had a small part in this book. Marcus was a good guy, who also protected Celine during this trip.
The last 1/3 of the book was exciting, and had a few twists, which were very surprising. This was unexpected, but we suspected the truth once we went into Amelie’s flashback on one person. I also loved the progression of Amelie and Jaromir’s relationship, and hope these two will also find a way to make this work. Barb Hendee has given us another wonderful story revolving around Celine and Amelie and their ability to see the future or past. I love this series, and I want to see more, especially the romances for both ladies. I totally recommend you read this series, and suggest you start with the first book, in order to learn this world and the budding relationships evolving.
The Reading Cafe
May 5, 2016
Review at the Book Nympho:
http://thebooknympho.com/2016/05/to-k...
It was a pleasure to read To Kill a Kettle Witch and it did move things along with the characters and their lives. I continue to be surprised by how much I enjoy this when typically I haven’t been big on historical fantasy.
This is the fourth book in the Mist-Torn Witches series. You do need to read them all in order or some of my review will be a spoiler of sorts. Finally, there is more about Mist-Torn witches, their history and the family of Celine and Amelie. It’s exciting to get some answers here. Our girls go to another kingdom to help in a time of troubles.
Jaromir goes on the journey with them, so he and Amelie have time together to further their relationship. However, since Prince Anton is back in Seone, he spends little time with Celine. The Fawe sisters run this investigation mostly on their own with some help from Jaromir or their newfound family ties. Mostly, the people are not really bad or really good, but there are some very selfish and hurtful things happening. The trouble is so stupid really but it is human nature.
This seemed such a quick read in a separate location, so it feels like a step away from the questions I had after the last book. It has character / relationship growth and a mystery. BUT. I want to know more about Prince Anton and his plans. There is a big political story with the elections of the Grand Prince coming up in the next year and that is bypassed here. It’s a wait and see as to whether the new friends the sisters have made will connect in with the overall story in the series.
Book 1 – The Mist-Torn Witches
Book 2 – Witches in Red
Book 3 – Witches with the Enemy
http://thebooknympho.com/2016/05/to-k...
It was a pleasure to read To Kill a Kettle Witch and it did move things along with the characters and their lives. I continue to be surprised by how much I enjoy this when typically I haven’t been big on historical fantasy.
This is the fourth book in the Mist-Torn Witches series. You do need to read them all in order or some of my review will be a spoiler of sorts. Finally, there is more about Mist-Torn witches, their history and the family of Celine and Amelie. It’s exciting to get some answers here. Our girls go to another kingdom to help in a time of troubles.
Jaromir goes on the journey with them, so he and Amelie have time together to further their relationship. However, since Prince Anton is back in Seone, he spends little time with Celine. The Fawe sisters run this investigation mostly on their own with some help from Jaromir or their newfound family ties. Mostly, the people are not really bad or really good, but there are some very selfish and hurtful things happening. The trouble is so stupid really but it is human nature.
This seemed such a quick read in a separate location, so it feels like a step away from the questions I had after the last book. It has character / relationship growth and a mystery. BUT. I want to know more about Prince Anton and his plans. There is a big political story with the elections of the Grand Prince coming up in the next year and that is bypassed here. It’s a wait and see as to whether the new friends the sisters have made will connect in with the overall story in the series.
Book 1 – The Mist-Torn Witches
Book 2 – Witches in Red
Book 3 – Witches with the Enemy
June 14, 2016
Another enjoyable entry in this series. It wasn't quite as gripping as the last one, but I still finished it in a day! I was glad to see some movement on the romance front for one of the main characters, and learn more about the sisters' mysterious backgrounds, as they actually get to meet some family.
The one tiny thing that gets old about this series is the recap that always occurs in the first chapter. I know there's always the chance someone will pick up book 4 by accident (I can't imagine actually reading it after learning that it's book 4, but I'm kind of particular about wanting to read things in order!), but I would love it if the recap came in the form of a prologue that up-to-date readers could skip. Or perhaps knit into the story as the information is naturally needed? It is currently an info-dump taking several pages, and I'm impatient to get on to the new story!!
Still, I have grown quite fond of these characters, and I look forward to further installments. I find the world to have enough differences from other fantasy worlds to hold my interest. I also enjoy the unique and yet limited magical abilities of the sisters - I like that their abilities don't automatically solve all their problems, but do help them in their work.
The one tiny thing that gets old about this series is the recap that always occurs in the first chapter. I know there's always the chance someone will pick up book 4 by accident (I can't imagine actually reading it after learning that it's book 4, but I'm kind of particular about wanting to read things in order!), but I would love it if the recap came in the form of a prologue that up-to-date readers could skip. Or perhaps knit into the story as the information is naturally needed? It is currently an info-dump taking several pages, and I'm impatient to get on to the new story!!
Still, I have grown quite fond of these characters, and I look forward to further installments. I find the world to have enough differences from other fantasy worlds to hold my interest. I also enjoy the unique and yet limited magical abilities of the sisters - I like that their abilities don't automatically solve all their problems, but do help them in their work.
May 5, 2016
I was looking forward to this one despite some hesitations I've had with the story in the past. This one did nothing to help with that. It was oddly detailed in certain parts that could have been more general and totally vague in areas that needed more detail (I would have certainly appreciated it in character interactions, which felt stilted at times). The plot is very simplistic and the resolution too simple and unsatisfying. I will likely continue with the next, but this just seemed too much like it was phoned in. I hope the main characters are a little more fleshed out in the future.
April 1, 2017
First of all, this is the 4th book in the series. Reading the back cover, it sounded like the novels were loosely connected and about different characters, but nope.
Second, the author does so much TELLING. And not nearly enough showing. The writing is immature--you meet a new character and immediately get a thumbnail sketch of them. And people tend to overreact, so what you think is going to be DRAMA is resolved two sentences later.
The best and most interesting part of the book was Amelie sharing Lady Anna's memories, mostly due to the complexities of Anna and Malcolm's character.
Second, the author does so much TELLING. And not nearly enough showing. The writing is immature--you meet a new character and immediately get a thumbnail sketch of them. And people tend to overreact, so what you think is going to be DRAMA is resolved two sentences later.
The best and most interesting part of the book was Amelie sharing Lady Anna's memories, mostly due to the complexities of Anna and Malcolm's character.
April 23, 2017
Another amazing installation of the Mist-Torn Witches series. It is kind of funny to me- these books fly, and I am always left wanting more from the series because they are so good and easy to read. The last series I read by Barb (and her husband) was her Dhampir series, which dragged on and on with books that were too long. I like this change of pace and change of scene. Keep Celine and Amelie coming!
July 31, 2016
I enjoy the Mist-Torn series and this book followed nicely. The story filled in more of the back story of not only Amelie and Céline but also Helga who has been a very supportive character but had more involvement in this tale. I love that, finally, Jaromir and Amelie moved their relationship forward. It was fun watching Jaromir go "undercover" and step out of his normal routine, you got to see another side of him. All in all, a fine addition to the series and I look forward to the next.
May 10, 2016
Was definitely a good book. I finished it in about 3 hours, which is about as long as the other 3 books in the series so far took me. I love the glimpses into Helga's past, it definitely makes everything make a bit more sense. And FINALLY something between Amelie and Jaromir. Definitely looking forward to seeing where the next book will go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2016
Good story, although getting a little formulaic. Loved the revelations about Helga and the progression on some of the relationships, but this book avoided a lot of development of those same characters. Probably more 3.5 stars for me. Enjoyable, but I hope the next book offers more challenges for the characters and doesn't waffle off into mystery with magic.
June 29, 2016
Oh my gosh...I hung on every word
I am a big fan of Barb Hendee and this book is the prime example as to why. The story flowed magically as love was sprouting here and love was dying there, but the love a family was true all the way to the end. I absolutely loved it!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful stories with us. Lorrie Smith
I am a big fan of Barb Hendee and this book is the prime example as to why. The story flowed magically as love was sprouting here and love was dying there, but the love a family was true all the way to the end. I absolutely loved it!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful stories with us. Lorrie Smith
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July 26, 2016I love reading Barb Hendee books, always fun and easy to read. This book had a very well developed story but unfortunatly the ending was very abrupt and one or two storylines that had a small affect on the overall plot were left unresolved. The ending left me with an unsatisfied feeling but up til that point I really enjoyed the book.
August 31, 2016
I find this series very enjoyable. They're nice, quick reads with some meat to them. I've enjoyed getting to know the characters -- even if some of the regulars can get annoying sometimes. Probably my favorite thing about the series is that it has a different, but well-developed, flavor than most of what is out there.
May 24, 2016
Great Story
I love these people and their stories, this book covers some of their past in a excellent storyline. I can't wait for the next book. Barbara Hendee is one of the best, I could not put down the book once I started it.
I love these people and their stories, this book covers some of their past in a excellent storyline. I can't wait for the next book. Barbara Hendee is one of the best, I could not put down the book once I started it.
June 12, 2016
This series continues to impress. Another great story that expands Celine and Amelie's world beyond their lives in Seone.
May 6, 2016
Good book
As always this book didn't disappoint. Can't wait for the next in the series. All of her books are entertaining.
As always this book didn't disappoint. Can't wait for the next in the series. All of her books are entertaining.
May 11, 2016
A great move forward in the development of character relationships. Much was revealed, and as a result I have a great affection for Helga.
Another solid entry in the series.
Another solid entry in the series.
May 11, 2016
An excellent tale
This is an absorbing read with interesting characters. I really like the world. There are some slight issues, but easily overlooked.
This is an absorbing read with interesting characters. I really like the world. There are some slight issues, but easily overlooked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews