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Suffer a Witch
Early readers Suffer a Witch is "awesome" and "addicting." They call her "Em." Em is for Martha. Em for "Emogene Peres," the name she received in Boston less than a day after she'd been hanged in Salem Village in September 1692. In the hours after death, Em and most of those hanged as Salem Witches were transformed into immortal witches. Three hundred and twenty-two years later, they live, work, and love in modern day Boston, where Em runs a spiritual store called the Mystic Divine, just off the Boston Commons. On the anniversary of the first hanging, June 10, 2014, Em learns that a young man and a team of ghost hunters have dedicated themselves to finding the crevice where the Salem Twenty's bodies were stuffed after hanging. The problem is that Em and the rest of the Salem Twenty are making full use of their skeletons. What starts with a young man with big ideas brings the Salem Witches face to face with their toughest challenge -- their own demons. In Suffer a Witch, you will meet the Salem Witches as you've never seen them. Through their eyes, you get a sense of what happened all those years ago. Their stories will move you to tears and make you laugh out loud. Join them as they face a battle they have prepared for their entire lives. Suffer a Witch is filled with all the things you've come to expect from Claudia Hall Christian — great characters, heart pounding love, and more than a dash of fast-paced adventure.
527 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
7 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 13, 2016
This was great paranormal read, involving witches. That in itself was a nice change to the usual paranormal I have been reading.
It is very clear that the author has really done her homework regarding the Salem Witch Trials which is evident throughout the book and she has done a fantastic job a bringing the Salem Twenty into the modern day era.
I loved the take that the witches from Salem aren't dead, and that the investigators who are searching for the remains are unaware that they walk among them.
The characters are well delveloped and after reading this it will make you want to delve into the history about the trials even more.
4 stars
It is very clear that the author has really done her homework regarding the Salem Witch Trials which is evident throughout the book and she has done a fantastic job a bringing the Salem Twenty into the modern day era.
I loved the take that the witches from Salem aren't dead, and that the investigators who are searching for the remains are unaware that they walk among them.
The characters are well delveloped and after reading this it will make you want to delve into the history about the trials even more.
4 stars
January 15, 2023
This story gave me Man in the High Castle vibes, but it’s with the Salem Twenty, the men & women hung as witches, in Boston September 1692. This is a superb telling of how these people are living and surviving in the current year of 2014. Working together, loving together (or not), they have made lives for themselves, and now an undercurrent of evil is hunting them all. Em, our MC, is a witch of unknown origins, it’s her power that was able to awaken her group of friends after they were hung. It's Em that will have to figure out what is going on. Back and forth through the era’s we learn about all of the witches, all of the hiding they’ve had to do, and what’s going on now.
“…what happened in Salem in 1692 affected the very creation of this country and continues to affect Western civilization today.” The author is able to wrap history around her storytelling that keeps us engaged and within its words long after we finish reading. I really like the storytelling of this author, and have to thank the friend that recommended this new story to me. I’m always up for a good “witchy” story, and this one pulled me into it’s chapters like liquid honey. Sinking deep into the lore that the author has given me to ponder, the moments of fear & happiness I felt throughout, and the superb ending and wrap up helped this story move so fast. At a little over 500+ pages I have accomplished one of my goals of reading longer stories.
“…what happened in Salem in 1692 affected the very creation of this country and continues to affect Western civilization today.” The author is able to wrap history around her storytelling that keeps us engaged and within its words long after we finish reading. I really like the storytelling of this author, and have to thank the friend that recommended this new story to me. I’m always up for a good “witchy” story, and this one pulled me into it’s chapters like liquid honey. Sinking deep into the lore that the author has given me to ponder, the moments of fear & happiness I felt throughout, and the superb ending and wrap up helped this story move so fast. At a little over 500+ pages I have accomplished one of my goals of reading longer stories.
February 11, 2016
I forced myself to finish this book. While I found the premise to be really interesting, I couldn't enjoy this read.
Right off the bat, the author goes into random very specific details. The specific cars the characters use, the very specific type of beehives, and a few others that just felt forced and put in to just SHOW she knew what she was talking about. However, it just didn't fit, the beehives are barely referenced so the calling out Italian whatever had no bearing on the story, I'm not a beekeeper, so it didn't help my ability to envision the scene. These very specific details are also not continually throughout the book, so it's very noticeable when they happen.
Many times chapters end in the middle of a scene and the next chapter picks up immediately afterwards. It seemed pointless. There are also huge gaps in time and a few times I found myself turning back pages to see if I missed something because the characters were talking about something very seriously and someone's reaction and I didn't seem to get that before. It became confusing.
I also found it be in incredibly poor taste to include the Boston Marathon bombing references. Those and the Superbowl/Patriots references I'm sure were there for a time comparison and to allow readers to see it as modern and relatable, however they came off as forced. Much like the oddly specific detailing, it was very distracting.
Most of the characters had individual voices, and I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Sometimes, the same flashback story was told to multiple characters in the book. I felt like I was rereading things I had already read earlier.
I'm glad others enjoyed this book, as a good book is a joy, but I don't believe I will be picking up anything else from this author.
Right off the bat, the author goes into random very specific details. The specific cars the characters use, the very specific type of beehives, and a few others that just felt forced and put in to just SHOW she knew what she was talking about. However, it just didn't fit, the beehives are barely referenced so the calling out Italian whatever had no bearing on the story, I'm not a beekeeper, so it didn't help my ability to envision the scene. These very specific details are also not continually throughout the book, so it's very noticeable when they happen.
Many times chapters end in the middle of a scene and the next chapter picks up immediately afterwards. It seemed pointless. There are also huge gaps in time and a few times I found myself turning back pages to see if I missed something because the characters were talking about something very seriously and someone's reaction and I didn't seem to get that before. It became confusing.
I also found it be in incredibly poor taste to include the Boston Marathon bombing references. Those and the Superbowl/Patriots references I'm sure were there for a time comparison and to allow readers to see it as modern and relatable, however they came off as forced. Much like the oddly specific detailing, it was very distracting.
Most of the characters had individual voices, and I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Sometimes, the same flashback story was told to multiple characters in the book. I felt like I was rereading things I had already read earlier.
I'm glad others enjoyed this book, as a good book is a joy, but I don't believe I will be picking up anything else from this author.
January 8, 2016
I was extremely impressed with the storyline. Some of the most famous witches killed during the Salem Witch trials were brought back to life by one of the other witches, “Em.” There is a great story to be found amidst the pages, wonderful characters, and a lot of history. This was my kind of story, paranormal with quite a bit of action. Witches, including Giles Corey, the elderly man who was pressed to death are all represented. “Em” it turns out was an immortal. With her touch, those that wanted to, came back to life afterwards. Fast forward to the present day and they are spread out throughout the Eastern Seaboard, but most still reside in Boston. They have celebrated their hanging days every year and now their secret is being threatened by a demon who is inhabiting the body of a young man. Em must finally confront her past, and figure out how to deal with the demon or the entire world faced annihilation. The story was good, great twists, turns, and of course magic abounds. The ending is great. I couldn’t predict the ending, which I love. I have studied the Salem Witch Trials intensely and it was like reading about old friends. Great job making them more than names in history books.
My problem was the technical side. There were sections where it seemed like a page might be missing or a paragraph taken out and there’s a gap in the storyline. Or, something was changed and stuck right back in next to the old page. There were also some misspellings and times when the wrong word was used. Very easy fix…
Reviewed By Cryssy
My problem was the technical side. There were sections where it seemed like a page might be missing or a paragraph taken out and there’s a gap in the storyline. Or, something was changed and stuck right back in next to the old page. There were also some misspellings and times when the wrong word was used. Very easy fix…
Reviewed By Cryssy
January 26, 2016
Em is one of the Salem 20, convicted and hanged in 1692 as part of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. But Em is much more than the immortal witch that she thinks she and the others who returned after their death became, much more. Will she discover the truth about her true purpose in the world in time to save it?
The story expertly weaves the history of the Salem Witch Trials, and the lives of those who were convicted and murdered with mythological and biblical history, into a modern day setting. The paranormal aspects of the story take a secondary place next to the normal trials and tribulations of humanity, in a very believable way. Once I got to know the characters, I found the story compelled me to keep turning pages to find out what would happen next. The love between the main character, Em and her long-time lover, George was not the central part of the story, but a wonderful side conflict to Em's battle with malevolent forces. It was good vs. evil, man vs. self, man vs. nature, and a bit of coming of age (although the character was well over 300 years old), all rolled into one fascinating, and satisfying story. I highly recommend SUFFER A WITCH to fans of Deborah Harkness and Paula Brackston. You won't be disappointed.
The story expertly weaves the history of the Salem Witch Trials, and the lives of those who were convicted and murdered with mythological and biblical history, into a modern day setting. The paranormal aspects of the story take a secondary place next to the normal trials and tribulations of humanity, in a very believable way. Once I got to know the characters, I found the story compelled me to keep turning pages to find out what would happen next. The love between the main character, Em and her long-time lover, George was not the central part of the story, but a wonderful side conflict to Em's battle with malevolent forces. It was good vs. evil, man vs. self, man vs. nature, and a bit of coming of age (although the character was well over 300 years old), all rolled into one fascinating, and satisfying story. I highly recommend SUFFER A WITCH to fans of Deborah Harkness and Paula Brackston. You won't be disappointed.
June 3, 2016
Emogene "Em" Peres is an immortal witch and the owner of Mystic Devine, a shop that many of her fellow witches work at. She was hanged at the Salem Witch Trials and mysteriously awoke, and brought others back to life with her.
Yet now over 300 years later, questions are being asked once again about their existence and similarities to those hanged back then. And now Em and the other witches face their greatest challenge when they are faced with a demon and Em must discover what it wants and how she can protect the others.
I enjoyed this book and the author definitely did her research into the Salem Witch Trials. That being said at times I thought the book was dragging a little and slow moving. There were a couple of times when I had to go back and recheck what I read to make sure I didn't miss anything as something would happen and I wasn't sure why.
The book was definitely enjoyable and I liked reading about the other witches and the relationships they all had with each other and how they all managed to survive as a unit through the 300 plus years that they have been "alive". I definitely learned a lot about the trials and I will definitely read the author again.
Yet now over 300 years later, questions are being asked once again about their existence and similarities to those hanged back then. And now Em and the other witches face their greatest challenge when they are faced with a demon and Em must discover what it wants and how she can protect the others.
I enjoyed this book and the author definitely did her research into the Salem Witch Trials. That being said at times I thought the book was dragging a little and slow moving. There were a couple of times when I had to go back and recheck what I read to make sure I didn't miss anything as something would happen and I wasn't sure why.
The book was definitely enjoyable and I liked reading about the other witches and the relationships they all had with each other and how they all managed to survive as a unit through the 300 plus years that they have been "alive". I definitely learned a lot about the trials and I will definitely read the author again.
January 8, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for the read and a fair, unbiased review-here it is. This is not your average Salem Witch Trial story. While it does recount the atrocities committed to those who were witches, they have been deemed immortal and the story takes place with the immortal witches living among us in modern times. I don't like giving up spoilers, but there are so many great things to say about this book. "Em" the main character is a hoot. You will laugh at times, certainly be intrigued, it might even move you to tears; it's a book that can thoroughly be enjoyed by anyone. Again, it's not your typical Salem Witch Trials story, there is so much depth to this book, bringing the characters into today's day and age. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal read that provokes so many emotions, yet thoroughly enjoyable. I will probably end up reading this again, I enjoyed it so much. Bravo Claudia Hall Christian for a very refreshing take on the Salem Witch Trials and how you intermingled it with today's mindset. Awesome!!
January 10, 2016
A lot of suspense that will make you want to keep Reading
I've received this book for an Honest review.
I have never read a supernatural book where witches was involved, non the less i enjoyed the book a lot.
I was hooked literally from the first page and my interest was piqued until the end. After a few chapters i wanted more info about this "Salem Witch Trials" that i had to go and Google it, and WOW The Author did her homework well .
The Author created an interesting story about the "Salem Twenty" in today's Modern Age and their relationships between each other with lots of twists and turns. All The Characters are well written with each a different personality, she has given each Character dept and made them so much more that what Google has to offer.
I would recommend this book to all Supernatural Lovers. Well Done Claudia Hall Christian, you've just gained a new Fan.
I've received this book for an Honest review.
I have never read a supernatural book where witches was involved, non the less i enjoyed the book a lot.
I was hooked literally from the first page and my interest was piqued until the end. After a few chapters i wanted more info about this "Salem Witch Trials" that i had to go and Google it, and WOW The Author did her homework well .
The Author created an interesting story about the "Salem Twenty" in today's Modern Age and their relationships between each other with lots of twists and turns. All The Characters are well written with each a different personality, she has given each Character dept and made them so much more that what Google has to offer.
I would recommend this book to all Supernatural Lovers. Well Done Claudia Hall Christian, you've just gained a new Fan.
November 22, 2020
This was not at all the kind of book I was expecting it to be.
My interest in history made me study to become a history teacher, but there are a lot of interesting events in history - especially international history - that are hardly ever discussed. Despite my degree, I am not a history teacher, but I do still love reading books that delve into a part of the world's history that interests me.
Witches and the Witch Trials are one of those subjects.
In that context, this book was recommended to me. "Suffer A Witch" shows a lot of research into the accused witches of the Salem Witch Trials, and the history of that town. The amount of paranormal aspects was unexpected. It wasn't bad, but it did take a turn into a direction I wholly didn't see coming.
It is a rather lengthy and at times hard-to-wrestle through book, but worth it.
My interest in history made me study to become a history teacher, but there are a lot of interesting events in history - especially international history - that are hardly ever discussed. Despite my degree, I am not a history teacher, but I do still love reading books that delve into a part of the world's history that interests me.
Witches and the Witch Trials are one of those subjects.
In that context, this book was recommended to me. "Suffer A Witch" shows a lot of research into the accused witches of the Salem Witch Trials, and the history of that town. The amount of paranormal aspects was unexpected. It wasn't bad, but it did take a turn into a direction I wholly didn't see coming.
It is a rather lengthy and at times hard-to-wrestle through book, but worth it.
December 1, 2015
Just "wow"
I haven't enjoyed or read a book as fast as I did this one in a very long time. Well written and with plenty of suspense to keep you interested and engaged.
The main characters were fully developed with personality and quirkiness to make them realistic and believable.
I would love to see a continuation of this story. I highly recommend this read to all the paranormal readers out there.
I haven't enjoyed or read a book as fast as I did this one in a very long time. Well written and with plenty of suspense to keep you interested and engaged.
The main characters were fully developed with personality and quirkiness to make them realistic and believable.
I would love to see a continuation of this story. I highly recommend this read to all the paranormal readers out there.
November 10, 2017
Not just a fantastic story about a crucial moment in our young country's history, but a labor of love! This journey will take you on an amazing twists and turns of Salem Witch Trials.
November 30, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's clear that the author has done her homework on the Salem witch trials, and she took real information and applied it to fictional settings in a really interesting way.
That said, there were some issues that detracted a bit from my enjoyment. I wonder if its original publication in serial form made it a little less effective as a full novel. It jumped around a few times, to the point where I flipped back, wondering if a section was missing from the Kindle file. Perhaps I wouldn't have noticed if I'd read it as a serial?
Also, there were a handful of typos and missing words. As an editor, that just really bugs me.
However, the characters' voices were clear, and overall it was a good story. I'm interested in reading more from this author.
That said, there were some issues that detracted a bit from my enjoyment. I wonder if its original publication in serial form made it a little less effective as a full novel. It jumped around a few times, to the point where I flipped back, wondering if a section was missing from the Kindle file. Perhaps I wouldn't have noticed if I'd read it as a serial?
Also, there were a handful of typos and missing words. As an editor, that just really bugs me.
However, the characters' voices were clear, and overall it was a good story. I'm interested in reading more from this author.
January 19, 2016
so this is part of the Magic of Books Promotion and given in exchange for an honest review .
so what happens when 17 people are hanged in 1692 who were not witches who wake to become the very thing they were accused of being and why are demons after a special woman who brought 16 people with her from the grave and must face demons or have the world to cease to exist . find this and much more if they win or lose the battle and war to save each other and the world and beyond . i technically like to twist about Salem Witch Trials and how what if even though they were not witches but came back as wishes due to an immortal who once dies can live but can bring others with her on her journey .
so what happens when 17 people are hanged in 1692 who were not witches who wake to become the very thing they were accused of being and why are demons after a special woman who brought 16 people with her from the grave and must face demons or have the world to cease to exist . find this and much more if they win or lose the battle and war to save each other and the world and beyond . i technically like to twist about Salem Witch Trials and how what if even though they were not witches but came back as wishes due to an immortal who once dies can live but can bring others with her on her journey .
October 5, 2015
Well worth the wait!
Since I am not a fan of serials, I waited patiently (somewhat) for Suffer a Witch to come out in book form and it was well worth the wait! Claudia has again scored big! It is apparent that she researched he whole subject of the Salem Witch Trials and knew her history surrounding this era. Claudia expertly blended historical fact and fiction to make an exciting novel that held more surprises than were expected on a subject I personally thought I knew. As a fan, I hope somewhere down the line, with all ther other projects, that Claudia writes a sequel.
Since I am not a fan of serials, I waited patiently (somewhat) for Suffer a Witch to come out in book form and it was well worth the wait! Claudia has again scored big! It is apparent that she researched he whole subject of the Salem Witch Trials and knew her history surrounding this era. Claudia expertly blended historical fact and fiction to make an exciting novel that held more surprises than were expected on a subject I personally thought I knew. As a fan, I hope somewhere down the line, with all ther other projects, that Claudia writes a sequel.
July 27, 2016
Em is a witch, who was hanged in the Salem witch trials, but through a loop-hole managed to stay alive. In the present day, she and her family must battle the darkness and evil that has been haunting her family for over 300 years. Determined to rid themselves of this evil, Em and her friends sacrifice themselves to save humanity, but will it be enough or is there more required of them?
A new take on the witches and what happened to them during the Salem trials. An enjoyable read.
A new take on the witches and what happened to them during the Salem trials. An enjoyable read.
July 15, 2016
I wasn't expecting to like this book. But, much to my surprise I loved it. It was well researched, well written and the characters are very well developed. I thought the plot line involving the The tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and The tree of life was an interesting plot twist. One I hadn't come across previously in fiction.
Will have to look for some more books by this author
Will have to look for some more books by this author
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January 8, 2016Review to come.
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