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Morwitch: Breaking the Rules
Ellie Fiora is just another normal teenager finishing school and pondering her future until a shock family reunion uncovers her heritage as half witch, half mortal.
Jayce Rawthorn is a dragon shifter, living in the mortal world to finish school and learn its ways, and questioning his desire to fulfil his pre-ordained role in the Dragon Realm.
A chance meeting sparks an irresistible attraction between the two, and they unknowingly ignite the age-old bond between a witch and her familiar.
In a cruel twist of fate, they discover their bonding is forbidden in the magical realms. Together they are forced to flee their homes in search of a sanctuary, and must survive the penalty for their unwitting actions – death.
Hunted by their own kind, they learn of a threat to destroy the mortal world, the only place that will accept their union.
Ellie and Jayce, the Morwitch and her Dragon, must risk everything in a race against time to save their home and any possible chance of a life together.
Jayce Rawthorn is a dragon shifter, living in the mortal world to finish school and learn its ways, and questioning his desire to fulfil his pre-ordained role in the Dragon Realm.
A chance meeting sparks an irresistible attraction between the two, and they unknowingly ignite the age-old bond between a witch and her familiar.
In a cruel twist of fate, they discover their bonding is forbidden in the magical realms. Together they are forced to flee their homes in search of a sanctuary, and must survive the penalty for their unwitting actions – death.
Hunted by their own kind, they learn of a threat to destroy the mortal world, the only place that will accept their union.
Ellie and Jayce, the Morwitch and her Dragon, must risk everything in a race against time to save their home and any possible chance of a life together.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2015
148 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Redmile
11 books20 followersSo many people, at some stage in their lives, decide they should/could/will write a book. Great idea…why not? How hard can it be, right? WRONG!
Hmmm...I remember thinking all those things too. Although I did have one advantage a lot of other writers don’t have when they first start writing…my husband agreed that I should stop working fulltime and just concentrate on writing for a while. At 53 I figured better late than never, I dived in boots and all. Knowing how lucky I was to be in that position, I dived headlong into learning everything I could about writing fiction. Hundreds of hours later, after downloading and reading everything I could find on the internet (and hardly scratching the surface of the information available) I realized that writing a book was one of those things you needed to just start doing and learn as you go.
Anyway, I could go on forever about the highs and lows I experienced during the actual writing process. Needless to say, I got there…all the blood sweat and tears finally behind me as I blithely typed “The End”. WRONG AGAIN!
Hmmm...I remember thinking all those things too. Although I did have one advantage a lot of other writers don’t have when they first start writing…my husband agreed that I should stop working fulltime and just concentrate on writing for a while. At 53 I figured better late than never, I dived in boots and all. Knowing how lucky I was to be in that position, I dived headlong into learning everything I could about writing fiction. Hundreds of hours later, after downloading and reading everything I could find on the internet (and hardly scratching the surface of the information available) I realized that writing a book was one of those things you needed to just start doing and learn as you go.
Anyway, I could go on forever about the highs and lows I experienced during the actual writing process. Needless to say, I got there…all the blood sweat and tears finally behind me as I blithely typed “The End”. WRONG AGAIN!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2015
The Morwitch and the Dragon features Ellie, a teenage girl who lives with her aunts after her parents died when she was a toddler. As she approaches her eighteenth birthday she learns that her mother is not actually dead and that she is a witch.
Jayce is a dragon who has been sent to the mortal world to complete his training before he joins the Dragon Council. He is having doubts about his future. Ellie and Jayce meet and fall for each other, but unfortunately they aren't allowed to be together. The two go on the run as they try to find a way to stay together.
This was a great read. It was easy to get into and dived straight into the action. It was refreshing to read about Dragons rather than vampires for example. I would recommend this book.
Jayce is a dragon who has been sent to the mortal world to complete his training before he joins the Dragon Council. He is having doubts about his future. Ellie and Jayce meet and fall for each other, but unfortunately they aren't allowed to be together. The two go on the run as they try to find a way to stay together.
This was a great read. It was easy to get into and dived straight into the action. It was refreshing to read about Dragons rather than vampires for example. I would recommend this book.
October 17, 2015
The best books, in my opinion, are ones that make me feel. The story can be outstanding, but if I can’t feel my way into a book, then I’m not interested. The Morwitch and the Dragon had me chuckling, my heart racing, my blood boiling, and at times feeling a warm glow of joy. A great story, and one readers of all ages will enjoy.
November 7, 2017
What a wonderful ya novel! I was thoroughly pleased to find this little gem and the adorable love story between a witch and her familiar. Don't be fooled by that description as this novel was unique, fun, romantic, and suspenseful from start to finish. I loved Jayce and Ellie's chemistry that leapt off the pages. Their budding romance was fun and endearing as their relationship grew.
As a dragon shifter, Jayce was all that a young hero should be and I loved his loyal and steadfast heart. Ellie has just come into her power and I can't wait to see how magical abilities progress. Their journey is one of danger and intrigue, where enemies lurk to tear them apart around every corner. I loved the story and devoured the book in one sitting. A phenomenal read.
This is my first novel by this author but it won't be my last. I've already bought the sequel!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 4.5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
August 14, 2017
I adore reading anything witches and I also have a soft spot for dragons. I pretty much love anything magic. YA is not a genre I read in very often, so I can’t say how this stacks up in that genre. I can say it is a beautiful story, with magic, coming of age, and romance.
The characters were engaging and I enjoyed seeing multiple perspective changes. The story feels real, even in a realm outside of earth. I think it was interesting to see that even magical creatures, powerful magical creatures, still have family issues, some of those very intense, and growing pains. I enjoyed the strong romantic element a lot. The setting was easy to see with enough detail to give you a visual and yet not coming off as heavy handed.
I feel like I’ve made new friends and I look forward to the next part.
The characters were engaging and I enjoyed seeing multiple perspective changes. The story feels real, even in a realm outside of earth. I think it was interesting to see that even magical creatures, powerful magical creatures, still have family issues, some of those very intense, and growing pains. I enjoyed the strong romantic element a lot. The setting was easy to see with enough detail to give you a visual and yet not coming off as heavy handed.
I feel like I’ve made new friends and I look forward to the next part.
November 17, 2024
The concept had great potential however it was more about two horny, lusty teenagers with a lot of snipping at each other and appologizing etc. Very little actual adventure and actual story. The concept of the witch and her dragon familiar could have been amazing if it actually had more story and depth to it.
July 12, 2017
Well, well well, what can I Say?? Jennifer Redmile you have blown me away once again!! An absolute page Turner that I started a few hours ago and refused to put down until I just finished it!! I was a bit dubious about this one after just finishing another fantasy but there was definitely no reason to be. A modern fantasy story about a bond between a witch and a "dragon" rammed with adventure, love, action and betrayal with a cracking cliff hanger that has made me decide I.will be starting book 2 first thing tomorrow!! LOVED the characters, the descriptions and the storyline.. keep up the amazing work. A must read for fans of fantasy, witch, dystopia, young adults and adventure!!
JUST 99P ON AMAZON
JUST 99P ON AMAZON
January 20, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I need to start this by saying I’m not generally a fan of the whole insta love thing. I do not believe in love at first sight, it’s a concept that seems ridiculous to me. Sure there are instances where if it is well done I can get on board with it. Unfortunately, I did not think this was the case here.
Ellie Fiora is a teenager, when a week before her 18th birthday she discovers her heritage as a witch.
Jayce Rawthorn is a dragon shifter, living in the mortal world when a week before his 18th birthday he discovers Ellie.
A chance meeting between them, wherein in Ellie is overly judgemental of a total stranger and is rude to him, while Jayce (said stranger) thinks she’s spunky and their mutual attraction cause them to fall in love with each other.
What follows is a lot of running around to hide from the Dragon and Witch Councils which I thought was what the story was going to be about when in fact it has more to do with the Tree of Life dying.
The story lacked direction for me. There was inadequate world building and it was far too over clichéd for my liking.
However the writing was engaging enough to hold my interest and with stronger characterization and story line this would have been a lot easier to plough through.
1.5 star read for me.
I need to start this by saying I’m not generally a fan of the whole insta love thing. I do not believe in love at first sight, it’s a concept that seems ridiculous to me. Sure there are instances where if it is well done I can get on board with it. Unfortunately, I did not think this was the case here.
Ellie Fiora is a teenager, when a week before her 18th birthday she discovers her heritage as a witch.
Jayce Rawthorn is a dragon shifter, living in the mortal world when a week before his 18th birthday he discovers Ellie.
A chance meeting between them, wherein in Ellie is overly judgemental of a total stranger and is rude to him, while Jayce (said stranger) thinks she’s spunky and their mutual attraction cause them to fall in love with each other.
What follows is a lot of running around to hide from the Dragon and Witch Councils which I thought was what the story was going to be about when in fact it has more to do with the Tree of Life dying.
The story lacked direction for me. There was inadequate world building and it was far too over clichéd for my liking.
However the writing was engaging enough to hold my interest and with stronger characterization and story line this would have been a lot easier to plough through.
1.5 star read for me.
July 6, 2023
I saw a dragon on the cover and was immediately interested. Then I found out there was also witches!
Morwitch starts off with our FMC Ellie, a teenage girl who simply lives with her aunts after her parents died when she was a toddler. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, everything she knows is turned upside down. She learns that her mother is not actually dead and that she is a witch. While our other perspective is Jayce, a dragon in disguise. Different realms, which means.. we also have some forbidden love.
Unfortunately for me, I think the writing and characters were a bit too juvenile. I’m used to reading adult at this point, so going back to YA is a bit jarring, so that one is on me. The book starts with the action and intrigue immediately, like in the first chapter. I do think it would have been nice to have some backstory beforehand, I would have liked to know more about the world. Lastly, the characters do need a bit more developing. I often felt that we were being told, rather than shown.
Final thoughts: I’m sure this would be great for a more YA or Middle-Grade audience. It’s engaging for new readers, easy to understand, and action packed. I just don’t think I’m that audience.
Morwitch starts off with our FMC Ellie, a teenage girl who simply lives with her aunts after her parents died when she was a toddler. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, everything she knows is turned upside down. She learns that her mother is not actually dead and that she is a witch. While our other perspective is Jayce, a dragon in disguise. Different realms, which means.. we also have some forbidden love.
Unfortunately for me, I think the writing and characters were a bit too juvenile. I’m used to reading adult at this point, so going back to YA is a bit jarring, so that one is on me. The book starts with the action and intrigue immediately, like in the first chapter. I do think it would have been nice to have some backstory beforehand, I would have liked to know more about the world. Lastly, the characters do need a bit more developing. I often felt that we were being told, rather than shown.
Final thoughts: I’m sure this would be great for a more YA or Middle-Grade audience. It’s engaging for new readers, easy to understand, and action packed. I just don’t think I’m that audience.
June 22, 2017
Love this story and can't wait for the next one to come out. On the brink of her 18th birthday, Ellie meets the mother she thought was dead. Finding out she's a morwich causes her powers to break through and in a short amount of time she meets Jayce Rawthorn, a dragon shifter. Unknowingly breaking the rules just by meeting each other, they must now run for their lives as both the dragon and witch community place bounties on their heads. The councils have always ruled their kingdoms, but have become corrupt with time, can this unusual combination of witch and dragon bring people back to their senses before the world is changed forever?
A well written YA story with twists and believable circumstances that keep the pages turning until the end.
A well written YA story with twists and believable circumstances that keep the pages turning until the end.
July 4, 2023
3.5*
So it took me awhile to get into this. I know it’s a YA read but the writing and characters seemed a little juvenile at first. Once I’d settled in it was fine so I’m left wondering if it actually was the writing or just me.
Anyway once I’d settled I enjoyed this. It’s an easy read. Ellie is the short tempered witch. And Jayce is the hot headed dragon. Together they form an unbreakable pair.
It’s an enjoyable read. There’s no surprises, everything goes as expected but I enjoyed the ride and will probably read the next one.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
So it took me awhile to get into this. I know it’s a YA read but the writing and characters seemed a little juvenile at first. Once I’d settled in it was fine so I’m left wondering if it actually was the writing or just me.
Anyway once I’d settled I enjoyed this. It’s an easy read. Ellie is the short tempered witch. And Jayce is the hot headed dragon. Together they form an unbreakable pair.
It’s an enjoyable read. There’s no surprises, everything goes as expected but I enjoyed the ride and will probably read the next one.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 6, 2018
This is a great YA fantasy! Ellie is about to turn 18 and finds out she is actually a witch. Jayce is also about to turn 18, and is a dragon in disguise. When they meet, sparks fly and they discover that their destinies are entwined. Together they must save the Tree of Life and mend the discord that has arisen between witches and dragons.
There are some great characters in this book, a good narrative voice and the story is well-written. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series!
There are some great characters in this book, a good narrative voice and the story is well-written. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series!
June 16, 2017
I don't normally read YA novels and I usually avoid anything to do with fantasy but seeing as this book has the title Morwitch: Breaking The Rules, I decided to do just that.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced tale and didn't find the witch and dragon theme too off-putting nor the teen romance angle. The story is action-packed and deftly written with accurate dialogue and believable characters.
Read it!
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced tale and didn't find the witch and dragon theme too off-putting nor the teen romance angle. The story is action-packed and deftly written with accurate dialogue and believable characters.
Read it!
August 13, 2023
This is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet... where Romeo is a dragon and Juliet is not a lady in distress; well, she is, but she is also a witch in training so she can defend herself. And they are stronger when they are together and not apart.
And not like Romeo and Juliet, this book actually has a good plot. I would love to read the next one right away... because I need answers.
And not like Romeo and Juliet, this book actually has a good plot. I would love to read the next one right away... because I need answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
This is a fun series. Super easy read and for the vibes. It’s a series I would recommend if you just read something super heavy and need a reset. Jayce’s and Ellie relationship is a fun little love story. They’re adventures of how to work together and overcome their background is something I enjoyed.
June 6, 2018
We are proud to announce that MORWITCH: Breaking the Rules by Jennifer Redmile is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 22, 2023
Spoiler Free Review
Less than 5-word critique: Romantic, fun, adorable, and compelling
Wow. I didn't expect this to be such a delightful and romantic read! One of my favourite romantasy reads of 2023 so far.
We follow two teens: a half mortal half witch and a dragon shifter who become magically bonded after a first meeting. They fall deeply in love with each other while also trying to find a way to stay together despite obstacles that threaten to keep them apart. Along the way, they must also find the cure to heal an entity that serves as the balance of the magical and human realm.
I can't wait for the sequel.
TW: Parental Abuse
Recommended to those who enjoy:
🧡Forbidden romance
🧡Dragon + Witch
🧡Bonded by ancient magic
🧡Family bonds
🧡Race against time situations
🧡A couple to root for
🧡Feuding clans (Witches vs. Dragons)
🧡Romantasy
Less than 5-word critique: Romantic, fun, adorable, and compelling
Wow. I didn't expect this to be such a delightful and romantic read! One of my favourite romantasy reads of 2023 so far.
We follow two teens: a half mortal half witch and a dragon shifter who become magically bonded after a first meeting. They fall deeply in love with each other while also trying to find a way to stay together despite obstacles that threaten to keep them apart. Along the way, they must also find the cure to heal an entity that serves as the balance of the magical and human realm.
I can't wait for the sequel.
TW: Parental Abuse
Recommended to those who enjoy:
🧡Forbidden romance
🧡Dragon + Witch
🧡Bonded by ancient magic
🧡Family bonds
🧡Race against time situations
🧡A couple to root for
🧡Feuding clans (Witches vs. Dragons)
🧡Romantasy
December 8, 2015
A fast-paced romp told in a sparse style that concentrates on action and plot, The Morwitch and the Dragon takes us into a clash of alternate worlds and cultures. Entry to and life in each world - those of witches and dragons - is strictly controlled and they use Earth as their stomping ground and as space for cast-offs. Before they are 18 witches and dragons live in the mortal realm but are kept separate, for if they should meet, the results could prove to be explosive - and they are!
Ellie does not know her heritage when she meets handsome Jayce Raythawn just before their 18th birthdays, which happen to fall on the same day, and when they do meet the sparks fly. Matters quickly come to a head as they are hunted by the secret police from both realms - their liaison is being forbidden. Cut to a chase across Australia to a safe haven where the plot takes a high-speed swerve and they take off on a short, intense quest to find and save the Tree of Life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale even though it's told in this minimally descriptive, never-let-up-the-action style that I don't usually take to. There's a few quibbles about - we have a big info-dump at the beginning of the tale about Ellie's developing powers and every other word seems to need 'quotes' and 'more quotes' ... but that quickly gives way as the storytelling gathers pace and never lets up. For any who may be concerned about the witchery, that's kept very light and non-occultish. The action and romance is breathless at times leaving the reader a bit punch-drunk, but hopefully a sequel will help us delve more into the detail and history of this fascinating confluence of worlds.
All in all a shot of expresso as a tale, plenty of romance and action, and a quick read. Highly recommended!
Ellie does not know her heritage when she meets handsome Jayce Raythawn just before their 18th birthdays, which happen to fall on the same day, and when they do meet the sparks fly. Matters quickly come to a head as they are hunted by the secret police from both realms - their liaison is being forbidden. Cut to a chase across Australia to a safe haven where the plot takes a high-speed swerve and they take off on a short, intense quest to find and save the Tree of Life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale even though it's told in this minimally descriptive, never-let-up-the-action style that I don't usually take to. There's a few quibbles about - we have a big info-dump at the beginning of the tale about Ellie's developing powers and every other word seems to need 'quotes' and 'more quotes' ... but that quickly gives way as the storytelling gathers pace and never lets up. For any who may be concerned about the witchery, that's kept very light and non-occultish. The action and romance is breathless at times leaving the reader a bit punch-drunk, but hopefully a sequel will help us delve more into the detail and history of this fascinating confluence of worlds.
All in all a shot of expresso as a tale, plenty of romance and action, and a quick read. Highly recommended!
November 18, 2015
Loved it! This story was fantastic! It kept me absolutely hooked from the moment I started reading it. I just LOVED the characters and the story felt real even though the world was so creative and different than reality. As a connoisseur of all sorts of fantasy and science fiction, I just adored this story.
I think this books is best for a mature audience as it does have sex in it. It's the kiss, kiss fade to black kind of sex, not explicit but it's not something I'd want my young teen reading. A couple of things bothered my conscience a little bit but taken as 'this is a deferent place not our real world' I could go along with it. One of the things that bothered me was the use of the witch's "familiar". The only other times I have heard that term is with very bad dark magic kind of stuff/stories that I totally avoid. It wasn't used in that way in this story but had a different kind of meaning, which you'll see if you read the story.
This was a brilliant tale, well-told. I loved the ending. I'd read more books in this series.
I think this books is best for a mature audience as it does have sex in it. It's the kiss, kiss fade to black kind of sex, not explicit but it's not something I'd want my young teen reading. A couple of things bothered my conscience a little bit but taken as 'this is a deferent place not our real world' I could go along with it. One of the things that bothered me was the use of the witch's "familiar". The only other times I have heard that term is with very bad dark magic kind of stuff/stories that I totally avoid. It wasn't used in that way in this story but had a different kind of meaning, which you'll see if you read the story.
This was a brilliant tale, well-told. I loved the ending. I'd read more books in this series.
November 16, 2015
A fast-paced, action-packed fantasy thriller, The Morwitch and the Dragon is sure to appeal to the YA audience. It opens excellently well, with immediate character engagement, and the action doesn't let up throughout the book.
I would have liked to see the characters a little more developed and a bit more dramatic tension - if I had one criticism of the book it was that the solutions to the many problems faced by the intrepid hero and heroine always seemed to fall a little pat; at no time is the reader in any real doubt of their eventual success, and I thought a bit more uncertainty at times would have enhanced the story. But a very creditable beginning to a series which I feel sure will enjoy great success.
I would have liked to see the characters a little more developed and a bit more dramatic tension - if I had one criticism of the book it was that the solutions to the many problems faced by the intrepid hero and heroine always seemed to fall a little pat; at no time is the reader in any real doubt of their eventual success, and I thought a bit more uncertainty at times would have enhanced the story. But a very creditable beginning to a series which I feel sure will enjoy great success.
January 21, 2016
Way to leave me hanging!
Just so you know. This book ends in a major cliff-hanger leaving the reader begging for the next book! What a fun fantasy. This novel has it all-dragons, witches, mortals-all mixed-up in some fantastic relationships.
Ellie has no idea she is a morwitch (half mortal, half witch) until something strange and electrifying happens to her on the eve of her eighteenth birthday.
I'm not one too rehash the plot of a novel in my reviews, so I will say that this book is beautifully written and has just the right mix of danger, romance, and strong familial bonds.
A great story for any avid reader, super bonus if you're a lover of fantasy!
Brava, Ms. Redmile!
Just so you know. This book ends in a major cliff-hanger leaving the reader begging for the next book! What a fun fantasy. This novel has it all-dragons, witches, mortals-all mixed-up in some fantastic relationships.
Ellie has no idea she is a morwitch (half mortal, half witch) until something strange and electrifying happens to her on the eve of her eighteenth birthday.
I'm not one too rehash the plot of a novel in my reviews, so I will say that this book is beautifully written and has just the right mix of danger, romance, and strong familial bonds.
A great story for any avid reader, super bonus if you're a lover of fantasy!
Brava, Ms. Redmile!
September 17, 2016
Ok I don't say this stuff often and this is not a normal phrase for me but....this is YA gold! Mind you YA is not my genre of choice and I felt the common themes present in the popular YA novels of the day but put in a new environment with a fun new twist. I was never bored and found myself more intrigued and invested in this book than I have in many other YA books I have read. The world is well built and gives the reader plenty to work with in terms of visualization. YA fans rejoice you have a new book to love :) Give us more!
December 7, 2015
If you loved Narnia, and Avatar and Lord of the Rings, you will love this. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my only issue Is that Book 2 isn't ready yet as I'd love to keep reading!! 5 stars for its genre without question.
January 12, 2016
Great YA love story featuring witches and dragons. Imaginative and fast paced, go read it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews