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Spellworker Cronicles #1
Beltane
When Zoe Rose stays at Anam Cara - a guest house in Glastonbury, a town steeped in magic and myth - she dreams of a handsome stranger. The next day she meets him.
Tall with untidy brown hair and grey eyes, Finn is funny and intelligent but doesn’t open up easily. Instantly drawn to him, Zoe doesn’t initially recognise him as the man from her dream. When Finn finds out where Zoe is staying he warns her not to trust Maeve, the healer who owns Anam Cara.
His enigmatic comments fuel Zoe’s growing unease about what’s happening at Anam Cara. What power does Maeve have over the minds of the other guests? Is it coincidence that they become ill after she’s given them healing? Why does the stone table in the garden provoke memories of blood and terror? And how did the Green Man, carved on a tree in the garden, disappear during a thunderstorm?
Finn’s torn between wanting to protect Zoe from his world and a strong desire to be with her. And the more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets from her. As they uncover the dark, supernatural secrets of Anam Cara, they grow closer and Zoe’s forced to accept that her dreams reveal the future and Finn is not all he seems.
For Finn is a druid, connected by magic to the earth, and the old scores between Finn and Maeve are about to put Zoe’s life in danger.
If you love Deborah Harkness or the Stonewylde books you'll love this gripping fantasy romance.
“You will be hooked until the very end as the witchcraft and sorcery unfold in this gripping urban fantasy. A very well told novel; thoroughly enjoyable” – Rosie Amber’s Book Blog
“Alys West certainly knows how to tell a story” – Alison Williams, author of The Black Hours
“Opening with a terrific prologue which grabbed my interest immediately, Beltane has a lot of factors I love in a book – including a handsome druid, magic and Glastonbury” – Between the Lines Book Blog
Tall with untidy brown hair and grey eyes, Finn is funny and intelligent but doesn’t open up easily. Instantly drawn to him, Zoe doesn’t initially recognise him as the man from her dream. When Finn finds out where Zoe is staying he warns her not to trust Maeve, the healer who owns Anam Cara.
His enigmatic comments fuel Zoe’s growing unease about what’s happening at Anam Cara. What power does Maeve have over the minds of the other guests? Is it coincidence that they become ill after she’s given them healing? Why does the stone table in the garden provoke memories of blood and terror? And how did the Green Man, carved on a tree in the garden, disappear during a thunderstorm?
Finn’s torn between wanting to protect Zoe from his world and a strong desire to be with her. And the more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets from her. As they uncover the dark, supernatural secrets of Anam Cara, they grow closer and Zoe’s forced to accept that her dreams reveal the future and Finn is not all he seems.
For Finn is a druid, connected by magic to the earth, and the old scores between Finn and Maeve are about to put Zoe’s life in danger.
If you love Deborah Harkness or the Stonewylde books you'll love this gripping fantasy romance.
“You will be hooked until the very end as the witchcraft and sorcery unfold in this gripping urban fantasy. A very well told novel; thoroughly enjoyable” – Rosie Amber’s Book Blog
“Alys West certainly knows how to tell a story” – Alison Williams, author of The Black Hours
“Opening with a terrific prologue which grabbed my interest immediately, Beltane has a lot of factors I love in a book – including a handsome druid, magic and Glastonbury” – Between the Lines Book Blog
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2015
167 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 25, 2016
Opening with a terrific prologue which grabbed my interest immediately, Beltane has a lot of factors I love in a book – including a handsome druid, magic and Glastonbury, a place I know well and enjoy visiting, so being able to clearly picture the setting was a bonus. The story is set almost entirely in Glastonbury, encompassing the Abbey ruins, beautiful Chalice Well Gardens and the Tor, all atmospheric and mystical places. The flavour of the area is evident throughout and it’s obvious Alys West knows the locale extremely well.
Druid Finn McCloud makes a deadly enemy of spellworker, Maeve Blackwell when he rescues his sister from her clutches. He pays dearly for his mistake and is trapped by Maeve’s power until Zoe Rose arrives at Anam Cara, Maeve’s healing retreat. Zoe is there at the recommendation of her friend, Anna, trying to find inspiration for her work as an illustrator. Zoe can only feel unease and immediate dislike on meeting Maeve, despite Anna’s enthusiasm and praise for the healer.
The characterisation is so good, Finn and Zoe make great protagonists, very appealing and I liked them immediately. They’re realistic, well-rounded and in Finn’s case, gorgeous. Zoe is intrigued by, and attracted to, a carving of the Green Man on a tree in the garden at Anam Cara although other aspects of the retreat unnerve her. Her reactions to the situation she finds herself in, along with the shocking revelations she finds out about herself and Finn, are convincing and unforced.
Maeve, on the other hand, is completely evil, scheming and ruthless. Her karmic wave healing sessions don’t seem to have the effect expected by her guests. Maeve has an agenda and will do whatever it takes. She an excellent antagonist. Winston is a fascinating character as well, and hopefully he will feature a little more in future books.
Alys West has created a wonderfully visual and gripping, fast paced story, with a strong plot full of mystery, magical forces and tension. I love all the threads of the well written storyline and how they’re woven together. I’m looking forward to the next book, finding out what’s in store and how the characters develop.
Druid Finn McCloud makes a deadly enemy of spellworker, Maeve Blackwell when he rescues his sister from her clutches. He pays dearly for his mistake and is trapped by Maeve’s power until Zoe Rose arrives at Anam Cara, Maeve’s healing retreat. Zoe is there at the recommendation of her friend, Anna, trying to find inspiration for her work as an illustrator. Zoe can only feel unease and immediate dislike on meeting Maeve, despite Anna’s enthusiasm and praise for the healer.
The characterisation is so good, Finn and Zoe make great protagonists, very appealing and I liked them immediately. They’re realistic, well-rounded and in Finn’s case, gorgeous. Zoe is intrigued by, and attracted to, a carving of the Green Man on a tree in the garden at Anam Cara although other aspects of the retreat unnerve her. Her reactions to the situation she finds herself in, along with the shocking revelations she finds out about herself and Finn, are convincing and unforced.
Maeve, on the other hand, is completely evil, scheming and ruthless. Her karmic wave healing sessions don’t seem to have the effect expected by her guests. Maeve has an agenda and will do whatever it takes. She an excellent antagonist. Winston is a fascinating character as well, and hopefully he will feature a little more in future books.
Alys West has created a wonderfully visual and gripping, fast paced story, with a strong plot full of mystery, magical forces and tension. I love all the threads of the well written storyline and how they’re woven together. I’m looking forward to the next book, finding out what’s in store and how the characters develop.
February 2, 2016
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received an ARC of Beltane in exchange for an honest review via Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
One of my favourite places to visit here in the UK is Glastonbury in Somerset. This stunning place is full of unique characters, beautiful scenery and mystical stories that greet you at every turn. When I first saw the blurb for Beltane and read that it was set in my favourite place I had to grab a copy – I wasn’t disappointed.
Beltane begins in the thick of the action when a Druid named Finn falls foul of a spellworker. The prologue sets you up for a novel that rushes along at a frantic pace. West does a fabulous job of keeping up the tension as she unfolds her story.
Zoe Rose is an illustrator who is struggling with her creativity. At her friend's recommendation, she books into Anam Cara, a healing retreat in Glastonbury, to try and help her clear the blockages in her imagination and complete a commission for a book about King Arthur.
Unfortunately, Zoe isn’t as enamoured with the healing center’s hostess as the other guests and takes an instant dislike to Maeve. Within the grounds of Anam Cara, Zoe finds an old tree with a carving of The Green Man, unknowingly she releases a spell which unravels a string of events leading to Finn’s return, and the revelation that Zoe isn’t what she seems.
West paints the perfect picture of a healing retreat and clearly knows her stuff when it comes to the finer points of how the establishments are run and the background into alternative therapies. The setting is magical, and West takes us on a visual trip through the winding streets of Glastonbury, Wells and to the wilds of Dartmoor. Even if you have never visited these places, you will be able to feel the magic.
Finn and Zoe are likeable characters, and I look forward to their story evolving in future books. I did like Winston, and I hope he has a rich story just waiting to be unearthed. West creates a complex antagonist in Maeve, who bends the laws of good to meet her evil needs.
You will be hooked until the very end as the witchcraft and sorcery unfold in this gripping urban fantasy. A very well told novel; thoroughly enjoyable.
I received an ARC of Beltane in exchange for an honest review via Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT
One of my favourite places to visit here in the UK is Glastonbury in Somerset. This stunning place is full of unique characters, beautiful scenery and mystical stories that greet you at every turn. When I first saw the blurb for Beltane and read that it was set in my favourite place I had to grab a copy – I wasn’t disappointed.
Beltane begins in the thick of the action when a Druid named Finn falls foul of a spellworker. The prologue sets you up for a novel that rushes along at a frantic pace. West does a fabulous job of keeping up the tension as she unfolds her story.
Zoe Rose is an illustrator who is struggling with her creativity. At her friend's recommendation, she books into Anam Cara, a healing retreat in Glastonbury, to try and help her clear the blockages in her imagination and complete a commission for a book about King Arthur.
Unfortunately, Zoe isn’t as enamoured with the healing center’s hostess as the other guests and takes an instant dislike to Maeve. Within the grounds of Anam Cara, Zoe finds an old tree with a carving of The Green Man, unknowingly she releases a spell which unravels a string of events leading to Finn’s return, and the revelation that Zoe isn’t what she seems.
West paints the perfect picture of a healing retreat and clearly knows her stuff when it comes to the finer points of how the establishments are run and the background into alternative therapies. The setting is magical, and West takes us on a visual trip through the winding streets of Glastonbury, Wells and to the wilds of Dartmoor. Even if you have never visited these places, you will be able to feel the magic.
Finn and Zoe are likeable characters, and I look forward to their story evolving in future books. I did like Winston, and I hope he has a rich story just waiting to be unearthed. West creates a complex antagonist in Maeve, who bends the laws of good to meet her evil needs.
You will be hooked until the very end as the witchcraft and sorcery unfold in this gripping urban fantasy. A very well told novel; thoroughly enjoyable.
March 8, 2021
Zoe seeks inspiration for her illustrations of King Arthur. After some advice from a friend, Zoe moves to Glastonbury. Lulled into a sense of security by this mythical setting, Zoe rents a room in Maeve's house... and starts having dreams. As with all things, some people can be trusted and others can't. Zoe is rescued by Finn, a character who is woven into the story with magic and romance.
April 28, 2020
Enjoyable fluffy read; I enjoyed the pacing of the storyline and the magical elements. I sometimes thought the character Zoe was a bit dense at times (not making some of the connections right until the end was a bit unbelievable) but other than this, not much to complain about. I think this was a Kindle freebie as well, so worth a read.
August 3, 2023
Zoe goes to Glastonbury to help her draw for work but what happens is far more than she expected
January 28, 2017
Beltane is a wonderful supernatural love story that I just adored. I loved everything about this book. It was pure escapism. So I'll try and explain why I loved it so much.
Let's begin with the prologue, as this instantly grabbed my attention. I just thought, wow! What just happened? I couldn't wait to find out how the story would unfold. It really does set the tone for the entire book.
Beltane is set in Glastonbury, where Zoe, a young artist, has travelled in order to work on a commission for a book about King Arthur. She is extremely talented but lacks confidence, and believes that the rural countryside and ancient wonders of Glastonbury will help to inspire her artistic talents. The author beautifully creates this magical setting and I could both smell and hear everything. I too, like Zoe, was unsure about the healing retreat and in particular, its owner, Maeve. As a reader, we are told things about Maeve, that Zoe has to learn for herself, and I found myself shouting at her, warning her to be careful. But of course, she did not listen!
Zoe, for me, was an interesting and incredibly likeable character. I warmed to her instantly. By the end of the book she felt like a good friend, and I was sad to say goodbye to her. Not many characters have that impact upon me. I particularly enjoyed her conversations and growing relationship with the mysterious Finn McCloud, now here is a romantic hero that everyone will love, as I sure did. Tall, dark and handsome, but with a generosity of spirit and grounded sense of morality, he is indeed the perfect man.
The supernatural aspects of this book are divine and incredibly well written, in so much that you actually believe that they could happen. This is no mean feat. I particularly liked the aspect of Zoe dreaming about Finn and the scene where she meets him for the first time is a moment to savour. These two characters worked so well together, with their on page chemistry that was so palpable,
This book is a supernatural love story, so you do have to let your imagination run wild and let go of 'normal' stereotypes, remembering that you are reading about characters with special powers and abilities, but once you do, it such a joyous book to read. Completely uplifting and one which restored my faith in humanity. I will just reiterate though that it is not all focussed upon the growing relationship between Finn and Zoe, although this is at the very core of the book. It is primarily a love story, but we also have issues surrounding good versus evil, friendship and loyalty. This is very much a love story with depth... and a hugely enjoyable one it is too.
If you are looking for a romantic read that is a little bit different, with the supernatural thrown into the mix and wickedly entertaining characters who will stay with you long after you have finished the book, then Beltane is the book for you. You won't be disappointed.
Let's begin with the prologue, as this instantly grabbed my attention. I just thought, wow! What just happened? I couldn't wait to find out how the story would unfold. It really does set the tone for the entire book.
Beltane is set in Glastonbury, where Zoe, a young artist, has travelled in order to work on a commission for a book about King Arthur. She is extremely talented but lacks confidence, and believes that the rural countryside and ancient wonders of Glastonbury will help to inspire her artistic talents. The author beautifully creates this magical setting and I could both smell and hear everything. I too, like Zoe, was unsure about the healing retreat and in particular, its owner, Maeve. As a reader, we are told things about Maeve, that Zoe has to learn for herself, and I found myself shouting at her, warning her to be careful. But of course, she did not listen!
Zoe, for me, was an interesting and incredibly likeable character. I warmed to her instantly. By the end of the book she felt like a good friend, and I was sad to say goodbye to her. Not many characters have that impact upon me. I particularly enjoyed her conversations and growing relationship with the mysterious Finn McCloud, now here is a romantic hero that everyone will love, as I sure did. Tall, dark and handsome, but with a generosity of spirit and grounded sense of morality, he is indeed the perfect man.
The supernatural aspects of this book are divine and incredibly well written, in so much that you actually believe that they could happen. This is no mean feat. I particularly liked the aspect of Zoe dreaming about Finn and the scene where she meets him for the first time is a moment to savour. These two characters worked so well together, with their on page chemistry that was so palpable,
This book is a supernatural love story, so you do have to let your imagination run wild and let go of 'normal' stereotypes, remembering that you are reading about characters with special powers and abilities, but once you do, it such a joyous book to read. Completely uplifting and one which restored my faith in humanity. I will just reiterate though that it is not all focussed upon the growing relationship between Finn and Zoe, although this is at the very core of the book. It is primarily a love story, but we also have issues surrounding good versus evil, friendship and loyalty. This is very much a love story with depth... and a hugely enjoyable one it is too.
If you are looking for a romantic read that is a little bit different, with the supernatural thrown into the mix and wickedly entertaining characters who will stay with you long after you have finished the book, then Beltane is the book for you. You won't be disappointed.
October 11, 2016
‘Beltane’ is the work of British author Alys West who sets her tale in the small Somerset town of Glastonbury over the period of a week leading up to Beltane, a Celtic festival held on May Day.
We witness much of the action through the eyes of West’s main protagonist, Zoe, who goes on retreat at the behest of her friend Anna, to find inspiration for her illustrating assignment. We join Zoe on her arrival at a guesthouse in Glastonbury, famed for unusual healing techniques administered by its eccentric owner, Mauve. It was helpful to see some events through Mauve’s eyes as we quickly realise that she is multi-layered and sinister.
We are also invited into the mind-set of Finn, to whom Zoe is immediately attracted. In the first half of the book he hints at a secret and I would have found this more intriguing we hadn’t been told in the synopsis that he was a druid.
Both Mauve and Finn are excellent foils for Zoe and the plot is carried along by the strength of these characters. The exciting start boded well for the tale to come and the momentum was maintained throughout the book, culminating in a dramatic climax.
West uses alliteration, similes and metaphors to her advantage. The theme of good versus evil was played out to the full as the tension was ratchetted up. A strong feeling of menace was present from the start and I feared for Zoe as soon as she herself, felt uneasy.
I must confess to being a bit of a fan of ‘Urban Fantasy’ which, contrary to my former belief, isn’t monsters rampaging through cities, it’s the bizarre against a backdrop of the contemporary mundane. If it’s badly written it’s rather embarrassing to read but if it’s done well, as in this case, it’s gripping.
I couldn’t put this novel down and commend the author for her imagination as well as the structure of her plot and strength of her writing style. I am delighted to be able to award ‘Beltane’ a full five stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
We witness much of the action through the eyes of West’s main protagonist, Zoe, who goes on retreat at the behest of her friend Anna, to find inspiration for her illustrating assignment. We join Zoe on her arrival at a guesthouse in Glastonbury, famed for unusual healing techniques administered by its eccentric owner, Mauve. It was helpful to see some events through Mauve’s eyes as we quickly realise that she is multi-layered and sinister.
We are also invited into the mind-set of Finn, to whom Zoe is immediately attracted. In the first half of the book he hints at a secret and I would have found this more intriguing we hadn’t been told in the synopsis that he was a druid.
Both Mauve and Finn are excellent foils for Zoe and the plot is carried along by the strength of these characters. The exciting start boded well for the tale to come and the momentum was maintained throughout the book, culminating in a dramatic climax.
West uses alliteration, similes and metaphors to her advantage. The theme of good versus evil was played out to the full as the tension was ratchetted up. A strong feeling of menace was present from the start and I feared for Zoe as soon as she herself, felt uneasy.
I must confess to being a bit of a fan of ‘Urban Fantasy’ which, contrary to my former belief, isn’t monsters rampaging through cities, it’s the bizarre against a backdrop of the contemporary mundane. If it’s badly written it’s rather embarrassing to read but if it’s done well, as in this case, it’s gripping.
I couldn’t put this novel down and commend the author for her imagination as well as the structure of her plot and strength of her writing style. I am delighted to be able to award ‘Beltane’ a full five stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
October 8, 2021
I really wanted to like this book, having lived in Glastonbury!
The premise is more interesting than the writing and some of the narrative frustratingly obvious and long winded, but I was willing to overlook that until I stumbled over some thoughtless virtue signalling.
Yoruba is the name of one of the largest tribes in the former British colony that is still named Nigeria! Every Englishwoman /man should know this. Or at the very least an author should research/google the names of goddesses of various cultures.
OSHUN is the goddess i'm assuming you were angling for, as opposed to randomly selecting the name of a tribe. It's like calling a goddess English. This may seem minor to native English people but it really is a disappointing and distracting mistake. The novel deserves better as do the readers!
The premise is more interesting than the writing and some of the narrative frustratingly obvious and long winded, but I was willing to overlook that until I stumbled over some thoughtless virtue signalling.
Yoruba is the name of one of the largest tribes in the former British colony that is still named Nigeria! Every Englishwoman /man should know this. Or at the very least an author should research/google the names of goddesses of various cultures.
OSHUN is the goddess i'm assuming you were angling for, as opposed to randomly selecting the name of a tribe. It's like calling a goddess English. This may seem minor to native English people but it really is a disappointing and distracting mistake. The novel deserves better as do the readers!
January 23, 2016
Struck down with artist's block, Zoe takes her best friend's advice to stay at Anam Cara in Glastonbury. Her friend raves about the owner, Maeve, and all the guests seem to think she's amazing too. But Zoe's not so sure. In fact, there are a lot of things at Anam Cara that Zoe's not so sure about, like who is Finn and what was he doing in the garden in the middle of a storm?
I loved this book. From the unexpected, shocking start, I was gripped. Great characters (and an especially evil villain), brilliant setting, and perfect pace. There's excitement and suspense and a particularly delicious hero. Thoroughly recommended, even if you're not normally a reader of the fantasy genre. Looking forward to the next chronicle
I loved this book. From the unexpected, shocking start, I was gripped. Great characters (and an especially evil villain), brilliant setting, and perfect pace. There's excitement and suspense and a particularly delicious hero. Thoroughly recommended, even if you're not normally a reader of the fantasy genre. Looking forward to the next chronicle
March 3, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of this. It was interesting and well thought out, the characters were great and the magic was interesting.
My issues with this are the reason this book wasn't a 4*, and they are as follows:
- Zoe says multiple times she doesn't feel comfortable at Anam Cara and then proceeds to decide NOT to leave - she was soooo indecisive the entire book
- the romance is put in with a shoe horn. After a whole 4 days, the couple are declaring their love for each other and would die for the other. I genuinely think I would have preferred this book without the romance, as the FMC and MMC had really good interactions that didn't require romance to be the basis of their interactions
- maybe a bit spoiler-y, but it's established early on Zoe may be drawing the future. She has a vision near the end of the book, which lets you know how the book is about to end. One dream, and ending spoiled. Also, the vision sounded much cooler than the event that occurred, so not only was the final fight not a surprise, but it was even that interesting.
I may read the second book, as the story was fantastic and well written, but I know there's going to be a big romance factor that will take away from my enjoyment of it. The blurb for book 2 says it's about Winston though, and he was a great character (plus it's set in Scotland which will be great)
My issues with this are the reason this book wasn't a 4*, and they are as follows:
- Zoe says multiple times she doesn't feel comfortable at Anam Cara and then proceeds to decide NOT to leave - she was soooo indecisive the entire book
- the romance is put in with a shoe horn. After a whole 4 days, the couple are declaring their love for each other and would die for the other. I genuinely think I would have preferred this book without the romance, as the FMC and MMC had really good interactions that didn't require romance to be the basis of their interactions
- maybe a bit spoiler-y, but it's established early on Zoe may be drawing the future. She has a vision near the end of the book, which lets you know how the book is about to end. One dream, and ending spoiled. Also, the vision sounded much cooler than the event that occurred, so not only was the final fight not a surprise, but it was even that interesting.
I may read the second book, as the story was fantastic and well written, but I know there's going to be a big romance factor that will take away from my enjoyment of it. The blurb for book 2 says it's about Winston though, and he was a great character (plus it's set in Scotland which will be great)
August 20, 2022
What first caught my eye about this book was the fact it was set in Glastonbury. I love it there, spent many summer holidays there some years ago. Just like in the book, Glastonbury is a great place full of mystery, close to the Tor and Abbey. Abound with legends of King Arthur etc.
The book plays on all this and is a great read.
One of the last true Druids left rescues his sister from an evil Spellworker who then binds him into a a tree in her garden with the intent to use him later at Beltane.
Meantime the Spellworker plays the part of kindly, guest house owner offering a range of new age trreatments (amongst other things), she manipulates her Australian assistant, who strangely becomes weaker and weaker.
However when Zoe, an artist turns up needing rest and a place to gather her thoughts to help her illustrate a book about King Arthur and Camelot, things start to get strange.
Well worth a read
The book plays on all this and is a great read.
One of the last true Druids left rescues his sister from an evil Spellworker who then binds him into a a tree in her garden with the intent to use him later at Beltane.
Meantime the Spellworker plays the part of kindly, guest house owner offering a range of new age trreatments (amongst other things), she manipulates her Australian assistant, who strangely becomes weaker and weaker.
However when Zoe, an artist turns up needing rest and a place to gather her thoughts to help her illustrate a book about King Arthur and Camelot, things start to get strange.
Well worth a read
September 30, 2021
I finished this book because I had invested so much time into the first half which was very interesting. (My wife gave up after 30 pages but I persevered.) It’s a pity, but the writing style with extensive conversation but little plot movement meant that I ended up skipping whole tranches of text. The book is too long because of the slightly meaningful but not essential wordy character conversations. The ultimate battle is devoid of any tension as it’s a done deal but just a matter of how. Unfortunately the how is not well done. No twists or turns. Signposts throughout the story. Pity. Promising idea and I originally planned to read both volumes but not now. It’s a romance in a whimsical setting which is ok, to a point. This is beyond.
January 27, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable
I’m always a little hesitant about reading books with druids and magic in them. This one certainly has more magical action than I’ve ever seen but the storyline is gripping, the characters strongly drawn, and the plot a page-turner. I couldn’t read it all in one sitting as I have to work, but went to my Kindle app to get my fix of Zoe and Finn at every opportunity - even waiting for the kettle to boil. Very much enjoyed and highly recommended even for real druids, as long as they are able to suspend disbelief on the more fantastical magical aspects.
I’m always a little hesitant about reading books with druids and magic in them. This one certainly has more magical action than I’ve ever seen but the storyline is gripping, the characters strongly drawn, and the plot a page-turner. I couldn’t read it all in one sitting as I have to work, but went to my Kindle app to get my fix of Zoe and Finn at every opportunity - even waiting for the kettle to boil. Very much enjoyed and highly recommended even for real druids, as long as they are able to suspend disbelief on the more fantastical magical aspects.
February 18, 2019
Spellbound
This book was totally absorbing - I was desperate to see what happened but didn't want it to end. The writing style is appealing, the characters and dialogue are believable, and the unfolding mystery and storyline kept me glued to this book. I loved it and will be looking for more by this author (but not when I'm supposed to be doing anything I shouldn't get distracted from!)
This book was totally absorbing - I was desperate to see what happened but didn't want it to end. The writing style is appealing, the characters and dialogue are believable, and the unfolding mystery and storyline kept me glued to this book. I loved it and will be looking for more by this author (but not when I'm supposed to be doing anything I shouldn't get distracted from!)
March 4, 2021
Finally read this and am pleased I have.
This book has been on my to read list for some time, it just never seemed the right time, two days ago it decided it needed to jump to first in the line, I am glad it did. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. I don't ever give the story away in reviews, read it yourself and enjoy it, a couple of hours sleep a night is fine if the book keeps you awake and I can now catch up with my knitting.
This book has been on my to read list for some time, it just never seemed the right time, two days ago it decided it needed to jump to first in the line, I am glad it did. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. I don't ever give the story away in reviews, read it yourself and enjoy it, a couple of hours sleep a night is fine if the book keeps you awake and I can now catch up with my knitting.
October 30, 2021
A very pleasant surprise
Being a lover of all things spiritual I took a chance on this book.
As a first novel I was very impressed and it made for great holiday reading although we are almost at Samhain not Beltane.
1 suggestion is that there was a lot of opportunities to flesh out the characters both good and evil.
Am looking forward to reading the 2nd book to watch this writer’s progress.
Being a lover of all things spiritual I took a chance on this book.
As a first novel I was very impressed and it made for great holiday reading although we are almost at Samhain not Beltane.
1 suggestion is that there was a lot of opportunities to flesh out the characters both good and evil.
Am looking forward to reading the 2nd book to watch this writer’s progress.
March 15, 2025
Beltane was a great read for this time of year! Set in the run up to Beltane (probably guessable from the title lol), Glastonbury is a perfect location for this story of druids and witchcraft. It was an enjoyable and easy to read story with two likeable lead characters, but I occasionally found myself wishing the FMC, Zoe, would piece things together a bit sooner!
Beltane is currently available on Kindle Unlimited so if you fancy a modern supernatural story, it's available for 'free' there!
Beltane is currently available on Kindle Unlimited so if you fancy a modern supernatural story, it's available for 'free' there!
September 13, 2020
Beltane
Zoe travels to Glastonbury to stay in a guest house so she can work on the illustrations for a book. But soon she starts having dreams which she draws. Dreams that come true and involve Finn a man she has just met.
Alys West has written a brilliant first book in the Spellworker Chronicles series. The story is exciting and the characters very real.
Highly recommended.
Zoe travels to Glastonbury to stay in a guest house so she can work on the illustrations for a book. But soon she starts having dreams which she draws. Dreams that come true and involve Finn a man she has just met.
Alys West has written a brilliant first book in the Spellworker Chronicles series. The story is exciting and the characters very real.
Highly recommended.
March 7, 2021
Recommended for a younger Reader
I started reading and thought immediately that the book was for a younger age group of fiction readers than me at 55 lol, but I did really enjoy the story, how it is written and references to real places. It draws you in and leaves you wondering what happens to Zoe and Fynn next... I will read the sequel.
I started reading and thought immediately that the book was for a younger age group of fiction readers than me at 55 lol, but I did really enjoy the story, how it is written and references to real places. It draws you in and leaves you wondering what happens to Zoe and Fynn next... I will read the sequel.
March 7, 2021
If you can get past the first 150 pages then it picks up quite nicely. I think the author’s problem is that she’s started with the denouement and worked backwards. The closer she gets to the beginning the clunkier the prose and plot. Thank heavens for cheap Kindle offers. I’ll probably dip into the sequel when the price drops to a couple of quid.
July 31, 2022
I desperately wanted to complete it as DNF books annoy me - however my interest waned about 1/3 in, premise was somewhat promising but poorly written, with a forced love story running throughout that it could have done without. Lack of character development made it difficult to resonate with any of them. Glad I finished it but wouldn't read any more by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2018
This was great. I was half-expecting something a lot fluffier and less dark and was actually pleasantly surprised. The characters, themes and plot are revealed layer by chilling layer, building to a dramatic and magical climax. A brilliant debut novel.
April 24, 2019
Wonderful!
I read this in one day, I just couldn't put it down, was hooked from the start! Great characters and extremely well written. First book I've read by Alys West but definitely not my last. Highly recommended.
I read this in one day, I just couldn't put it down, was hooked from the start! Great characters and extremely well written. First book I've read by Alys West but definitely not my last. Highly recommended.
February 4, 2021
Do read!
Glastonbury, leylines, Druids, Witches. Who could in fact learn so much during Lockdown in one single book? And in fact you will learn more. A wonderful book and so beautifully written.
Glastonbury, leylines, Druids, Witches. Who could in fact learn so much during Lockdown in one single book? And in fact you will learn more. A wonderful book and so beautifully written.
February 7, 2021
Another book I've pretty much read in a single sitting. Ancient magic, but with a modern setting. Works as a thriller, a romance novel...just good on multiple levels. And who doesn't love some old fashioned good vs evil?
March 5, 2021
I feel bad for giving one star as I should really have read more about it before starting - I assumed it would be more Mists of Avalon than fluff romance - this would I am sure be a fun read for some but not for me - made it about 8% in before canning it.
February 6, 2022
excellent
I really enjoyed this story, the subject was a step away down my normal reading but portrayes in a way that made it accessible and understandable. Can’t wait to read more.
I really enjoyed this story, the subject was a step away down my normal reading but portrayes in a way that made it accessible and understandable. Can’t wait to read more.
October 5, 2024
A fantastic book, what pulled me to it was its setting in Glastonbury. A place where you can feel the power of the lay lines. The book reinforced my love of druids, King Arthur and witchcraft. The main characters portrayed the feelings most people stumble upon when they first go to Glastonbury
October 7, 2018
Loved this book
Could not stop reading it,loved the development of the characters . The setting around Glastonbury was fascinating and fell in love with Finn.
Could not stop reading it,loved the development of the characters . The setting around Glastonbury was fascinating and fell in love with Finn.
May 13, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, the romance wasn't over powering or sickly and while there could have been more horror I feel it was set very well for the target audience.
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