Witch

Doppelganger #2

by Marie Brennan

When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. Until now...

Created by the merging of witch and doppelganger, Mirei is a unique being. Her extraordinary magic makes her the most poweful witch alive—and a notorious social outcast. While Satomi, the leader of the witches’ ruling Primes, hails Mirei as a miracle, rival Primes proclaim that Mirei is an evil abomination... and that those who champion her must be destroyed.

Now the different witch factions engage in a bloody war with magic, treachery, and murder. But both sides may be fighting for nothing. For the power that the rebel Primes fear, the magic that Mirei alone possesses, is killing her.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Witches, Paranormal, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Adult

419 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Marie Brennan a.k.a. M.A. Carrick

Marie Brennan is a former anthropologist and folklorist who shamelessly pillages her academic fields for material. She recently misapplied her professors' hard work to Turning Darkness Into Light, a sequel to the Hugo Award-nominated series The Memoirs of Lady Trent. As half of M.A. Carrick, she is also the author of The Mask of Mirrors, first in the Rook and Rose trilogy. For more information, visit swantower.com, Twitter @swan_tower, or her Patreon.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second and final installment of the Doppelganger was a little more polished than the first, and the denouement was quite fitting. From the first book, we know that the two doppelgangers merged and became one-- Mirei. She was the first 'complete' witch, having the powers of the four elements from the witch side, and the warrior from the 'void'. Her exciting return to Starfall, the witch's home base ended the first volume, and this one begins with the witches torn into factions.

One side fell in alongside Mirei, deciding that uniting the doppelgangers was correct in spite of tradition; the other side viewed Mirei's mere existence as an abomination, against all tradition and dogma. The 'rebel' witches leave Starfall and you know they are up to no good. Meanwhile, Mirage's buddy Eclipse, is captured by the rebel witches and forced to swear a blood oath to kill Mirage (aka Mirei).

A lot of this volume deals with the politics of the rebellion and Brennan digs a little deeper into the witch lore. Nonetheless, this is really a plot-driven novel and the characters and world building suffer somewhat as a result. I think Brennan decided that enough action and plotting would suffice for a good story and sacrificed deeper characters/world building as a result. In a way, the novel works, albeit at more of a 'popcorn' level than something you will think about after the novel is over. I like good popcorn works to clean the palate before something deeper and this series fits the bill. Would I recommend it? Perhaps is you are looking for the same. I was little vested in the characters, but Brennan gives us enough action and adventure to keep the pages turning without having to think too much. Solid 3 stars!

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a real fan of a premise that throws up unintended consequences. Given the first book finished in quite an unexpected place, I didn’t leave it too long before diving into this one – and once more Brennan quickly threw in a couple of curved balls I didn’t see coming. I love it when that happens… Interestingly, Mirei, who was the focus of the first book is slightly pushed to one side as the consequences of what happened to her ripples through the layers of the magical community and the group of assassins, both of whom have been directly affected. As you can imagine, when a number of powerful people within both these groups become a tad fed up, the consequences are dire.

Due to the fast paced, twisting nature of the plot and the fact that I am allergic to spoilers, I can’t really comment in any detail about the events that unfold. However, Brennan manages to provide a solid, believable world without resorting to pages of description, which is important in such a tightly constructed, pacey read. Desperate to find out what would happen next, I burned through this one, staying up far later than I should to discover what happens next. While her Memoirs of Lady Trent series is very well known, this duology is far less so – and it deserves to be far more widely read. Highly recommended for fans of Marie Brennan and page-turning fantasy adventures with twisty plots.
9/10

[Mikel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading these. I love them! I'm on this new kick where I'm out looking for new authors that haven't got overly popular yet. So I picked these and they were the best I have read in a while. I loved the first one, the second was also really good but I wish the ending was a little longer and a little more in depth. It left a few questions unanswered but it was still really good!

[Severind Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've shown the Goodreads community just how much I adored Warrior, it's time to show the Goodreads community just how much I adored Witch. This should come as no surprise.

Admittedly, I loved Warrior more, in part because of Mirage. But that made this no less enjoyable. After all, while Miryo and Mirage no longer exist as separate entities, they live on together as one in the same body now. I was a little worried at how this might be done at first, mainly because Miryo and Mirage felt so distinct from one another that I couldn't fathom what it'd be like to see them like THAT. But it was executed wonderfully, which I find many authors who tackle such a unique concept are unable to do. It was actually pretty cool watching them - or her - figure out what they were capable of together. But while they've achieved the impossible and have incredible power, conflict still manages to follow.

This book is fairly short compared to other fantasy books, and it's the final book in the duology. I'd never read a duology until this series, so I wasn't aware at the time that a lot of duologies struggle to keep up the pace without cramming too much in to both books. The Doppelganger duology seemed to have no trouble keeping up with the two-book format. And while I'd have loved to see a third book, it's not because I felt like we were missing something, or because there were too many loose ends (of which I can't recall there being any, and if there were, they weren't significant). It's because I loved it so much that I NEEDED more. To sustain the obsession!

This book fulfilled all my expectations. I jumped right in to Witch as soon as I finished Warrior. That very same day. And fortunately, I wasn't let down. This book accomplished everything I hoped it would, including a passionate kiss between two particular characters after what I thought was one of their deaths. My heart SUNG, because I didn't think it would happen. Mind you, this is coming from someone who usually detests when books put characters together. Especially considering the male was one of the only males in the whole book. I think what made me like it though is it wasn't a subplot. It just...developed naturally. With no absurd drama on the side.

Side note: I can't remember if it was Warrior or Witch (though I'm thinking it was Witch), but one of them I remember taking with me to my freshman orientation for college. I knew I'd have no time to read it, but I brought it anyway because WHAT IF I GOT THE CHANCE? As far as I can recall, I didn't actually have the chance. But I did get to show it to my friend just before orientation got started. I dumped all of my love for the series on her, and even though she never read it herself, I think I piqued her interest. At least enough that she asked questions about it and thought it was cool. So I count that as a success. But man, it was so satisfying when I got home, because after that, I could finally READ. And I loved every minute of it.

Read it.

[Karissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Doppleganer (also published as Warrior). It was a well done fantasy and does a pretty good job of tying up all the loose ends from Doppelganger. I would recommend to those who enjoy traditional fantasy with a lot of magic and politics.

Mirage and Miryo have merged back into one soul known as Mirei. As a result of Mirei’s revelation the laws governing Starfall have been changed; no witch is allowed to murder a witch child’s doppleganger...instead both children are to be raised and trained and then rejoined. Unfortunately there’s a faction of witches that disagrees with the overturning of tradition and they have left Starfall and started hunting down any surviving doppleganger children. Mirei is sent on a quest to find these warrior doppelgangers and bring them to Starfall to keep them safe.

However there is another matter of concern that is close to Mirei’s heart; her long time partner Eclipse has gone missing and is assumed kidnapped by the witches. Can Mirei save both the doppleganger children and Eclipse before it is too late?

I really enjoyed the idea behind this story but I thought that this book was a lot more wandering than the first book. The story is told from a number of different POVs and I really don’t think it needed to be; all these POVs just slowed down the story a lot.

I enjoy Mirei and Eclipse as characters but didn’t enjoy the surrounding characters as much. Unfortunately we hear from the surrounding characters a lot more in this book than we did in the first book. The story wanders quite a bit and at times it feels like Brennan isn’t quite sure where the story is going.

In the end everything is wrapped up pretty well. I did enjoy the idea of the dopplegangers and thought what we saw of the world was interesting. I think Brennan has potential has a fantasy writer, but that this story could have been tightened up quite a bit.

Overall a decent conclusion to this series. The story wanders some and feels very long at times. The multiple POV’s serve to draw the story out longer rather than add more interest. Still I did enjoy the main characters and I thought the concept was interesting. The story is very traditional fantasy and I enjoyed the writing style. I do have the first book in Brennan’s Onyx Court series, so I will probably check out that series and see how I like it as well.

[Kat_merle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witch
by Marie Brennan
Sequel to Warrior

I ready Warrior yesterday and really enjoyed it so of course the only logical book for me to pick up today was the sequel. I must admit some disappointment in this book though. The plot is still great and the characters are riveting however I feel Brennan stretches herself too thin. In Warrior there are 2 main characters and the perspective flip flops between the two. A few supporting characters stand out in Warrior as well but in Witch it seems more of those supporting characters have been elevated to main character status and the perspective tries to show points of view from too many different characters. In order to expand on one area of the plot others lie forgotten only to be loosely tied up near the end of the book. I feel Brennan would have been better served choosing to focus on one or two characters again and finding another way to show us what is going on in the rest of the world. Additionally, I found myself feeling frustrated that though the perspective changes from one character to another the voice remains the same. One character seems to think the same way the other characters do so there is not enough character definition. Overall I enjoyed this book but I don't think I will be reading Brennan's third book that is out now.

[A. E. S. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pros: Mirage and Miryo are now aware of each other as well as the fact that only one of them can live. There’s presently one problem…neither Mirage or Miryo are willing to kill each other. One cannot live while the other survives, as Rowling would have it, as the longer they both live the stronger their magic will get and then the magic will be too strong for Miryo or Mirage to control. Mirage decides to take a gamble and try something with her and Miryo. What happens next will change for everyone involved. Also it seems that Mirage was not the only one to have a doppelganger; as time passes more and more doppelgangers start appearing.

I was glad to see that Mirage and Miryo were developing a really close relationship with each other as well as individual personalities. The journey that began in Warrior has really progressed with much more excitement in Witch. What took place between the pages of Witch kept me captivated till the very end.


Cons: The story was interesting, but I had some issues. First of all, it annoyed me when characters didn't ask some obvious questions of their advisors or the people they worked for. As one example, why didn't Miryo ask her advisors why she had to kill the doppelganger herself? She had no travel or fighting experience and the witches had the resources to hire others to do this sort of job. At first I thought this was a plot hole and was surprised at what seemed like a graduate student's lack of logic. But, later this question was answered logically and reasonably, but I still wondered why Miryo didn't think to ask it at the beginning.

One other thing that I felt needed improvement was the description of the major characters. I had been assuming, based on the cover of the book, that Mirage had long hair, but I was surprised to find out half way through that she had "cropped" hair. Also, Eclipse was never well-described which disappointed me because, as the only "good" male character in the novel, I would have liked to have been able to visualize him, and now I do find his treatment in this book misandry. The villains (Ice, the bad witches, Wraith) could have been deeper and more impressive characters with a bit more description of their looks and mannerisms. Those resisting the new changes were so cardboard cutout, I couldn't tell one character from the next.

Miryo and Mirage overcame their mistrust too fast. I would have liked to have seen them hunt each other for a while (or at least distrust each other more), but nearly as soon as they met they decided to work things out. That was a bit anti-climatic. And though I did like the ending, it all seemed a bit too easy. Last but not least, why is Mirei's new illness suddenly gone? I don't understand why the sequel was dragged out as long as it was, and something keeps taking me out of the book the entire time I was reading, which is why it's taken me so long to review. There are no words to describe how bored I became, plus I don't understand why the emphasis on background political upheaval, if this is a two-novel series only.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

About a third of the way through this book, I wasn't sure how I was going to like it. It felt like there were about six books' worth of plot left to deal with and I couldn't imagine them ending in a satisfying way. However, I ended up enjoying the second half of the book more than I anticipated and liked how the author wrapped up the main threads of the story without tying everything else into a neat bow. I rated the first book with a three and this with four - I figure they average out to about a 3.5.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into it. And I couldn't finish it. Maybe it was the screaming baby behind me on the plane or maybe it was all the meaningless characters and convoluted plot. I don’t know. I’ll keep it and try again later. Much later.

[Mercadeez · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished the first I drove as fast as I could to Borders to buy the next! The sequel is equal to the first.

[StarMan · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA/JUVIE VERDICT: 3 to 4 spells.
ADULT VERDICT: 2.5 spells.

[Jason Hallmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, I read the book Doppleganger, by Marie Brennan. It was an entertaining story, well written, and very engaging. I was pleased when I was recently at my local used book store and came across this book, a sequel to the one that I had enjoyed so thoroughly.

Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The book was, again, very well written, fluid in the pacing of the plot, with just the right mix of action, drama, and backstory. Could this book have been developed into a broader and deeper literary universe? Sure... but as it stands, this was very well done for its scope.

I’d recommend this book for any fan of the fantasy genre.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally got around to listening to the second in this series by Marie Brennan, whom I know and love from the Lady Trent dragon books.

This is the sequel to Warrior, and carries on pretty much straight from the end of the first book, with the newly formed protagonist trying to find her place in the world, amidst a fracturing witch society. It's a very interesting continuation from the previous book, with a lot more exploration of what happens when the basic tenets of a society/organisation are challenged and proved false.

I like the characters, the world is fascinating, and there's an exciting plot that gallops along at quite a pace. This was a great conclusion to this duology.

[Bek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great follow up to the first book with a new enemy and set of allies. I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, considering how much world building was involved in the first book, I was still given a whole slew of history and philosphy as well as new magic that wasn't present in the first novel.

A bit of a rushed ending and some loose ends are tied up a little too easily in 20 pages, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this series and wish to read more of this author's works.

[H. T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been several years since I read the first in this series but I remember liking it quite a bit and I’m glad that I finally got around to reading this novel. I love this world of Witches and Hunters. The religion created for these books, and especially how Witches receive their power, is brilliant. I wish there were more books in this series, especially now that the entire system of the Witches has been overturned and a rebellion quelled.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good strong read with mostly female characters. There are males, but either bully-boys or minor characters, with the exception of Mirage's friend Eclipse. Even with him though, he is not the main character nor is he the pivotal character, although his role is very important, as a reader will quickly discover in this tale where Mirage/Miryo have merged to become a better being as their two halves become whole. One of the beauties of this story is that the two did not keep all the best parts of either. Miryo is still a singing witch, and Mirage is still a deadly fighter, but Miryo is no longer as strong, and Mirage is no longer as fast. Perhaps therein lies the trouble that follows them through this tale as they try to encourage or persuade other witches to understand that the rejoining was always their goddess' purpose .

[Kyliegh ReadsnRambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was pretty good, I don't like how it ended though because there's still so much that you want to read and find out what happened to everyone after the battle was over but there's no more in the series, which is fine but pretty heartbreakening. I would love to know what happens to Mirie and the rest of the dopplegangers.. Overall, very good book/ series though.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining fantasy novel with strong women characters. The world is not fully fleshed out. A lot of the conflict is done off page. The villains are one dimensional and how the politics between countries work is barely explained. The magic of the witches is the most interesting and unique things.

[Danica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a lot harder to get through than the first. It seemed at times that Brennan was drawing it out just to have a longer sequel. I liked how it wrapped up loose ends and there were some unexpected plot twists but could have been a lot shorter and just as good, if not better.

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuation of the first book. A good conclusion, though I would be interested in either the first witches story, or jumping ten twenty years forward and finding out how the world has changed.

[Amari Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish. I read this series a while ago and again, can't get through the second book. LOVED the first, but the second shouldn't exist. There's no need for it. The writing and story line is obviously forced. I will definitely recommend the first book, but stay away from the second.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

#52bookclub prompt 23: alliterative title

Good sequel to Doppelgänger! I enjoyed the journey. I only wish there was more to it. There’s so many things in the world that is left in the balance, not to mention Merei and Eclipse’s relationship.

[Dion Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story.

It was a beautiful creation and felt like it should be more.

I understand the author doesn't want t write a book for the cheque... but I would be interested in what happens next.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Deb O rah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. more plot driven than the character driven story of the first in the series. this world would make a good rpg.

[Stephanie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really awesome duelology. Wished there was more.

[ReclusiveChooti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong sequel to Warrior.

[Volpot · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed part two of this story.

[Sarah Giffen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world in this series is so involved that I wish there were more books based in it, like side stories or something. Mirei's story is finished so more on her would be unnecessary, but I wish there were ways I could explore this world more. I'd absolutely read this series again.