What do you think?
Rate this book
Devil's Playground
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Winters may be a witch, but she doesn't know the first thing about magic--unless you count accidental bouts of spontaneous combustion. Elizabeth's father, a wizard himself, has forbidden the use of her powers for her own protection, but when accusations of witchcraft start flying through Salem Village, she wishes she was more prepared.
Despite her lack of magical knowledge, Elizabeth appoints herself to save innocent women from the demise the village has in store for them. Elizabeth finds, however, that she is not the hero Salem needs her to be.
She meant to save them. She cursed them instead.
Despite her lack of magical knowledge, Elizabeth appoints herself to save innocent women from the demise the village has in store for them. Elizabeth finds, however, that she is not the hero Salem needs her to be.
She meant to save them. She cursed them instead.
230 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2016
3 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Heather Eagar
5 books40 followers I currently reside in Logan, Utah where I strive to balance my love of writing with raising a husband and two kids.
My short story, The Quake, was published in the Wells Street Journal, a publication distributed by the University of Westminster. I am currently working on the next book in the Devil's Playground series.
I am also a book reviewer and you can find reviews for Middle-grade fiction through Adult novels on my website.
My short story, The Quake, was published in the Wells Street Journal, a publication distributed by the University of Westminster. I am currently working on the next book in the Devil's Playground series.
I am also a book reviewer and you can find reviews for Middle-grade fiction through Adult novels on my website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 12, 2016
Salem, home of the infamous witch trials. Innocent people were hung, burned or bludgeoned. That’s the world Elizabeth grew up in, where one accusation could be deadly, and she had reason to fear, she was born a witch, but she knew nothing about magic or controlling it, and it could be her downfall in spite of her wanting to be the advocate for the falsely accused and to save their lives any way possible. What Elizabeth discovers is she is no heroine, her lack of control over her powers, her lack of training, is bringing more harm than good to Salem, her family and herself. Will she figure a way out of the nightmare she has secretly caused or will she be betrayed by the one boy she thought really cared about her?
Devil’s Playground recounts the horrors of life during the Salem Witch Trials, where friend would turn on friend in order to save their own souls from the devil. Religious brainwashing by a zealot pastor with less than holy ideals and actions, the horrors of the times are relived in every word author Heather Eagar writes while keeping the gore to a minimum for young adult readers.
Extremely well crafted, with scenes that bring the past to life from the sights to the smells, Ms. Eagar takes her readers to a an era of ugliness while giving us breathing characters, including one teen who wants desperately to save the world with her personal crusade, only to find it is far beyond what she is capable of and that even the best intentions can be deadly in untrained hands.
Heather Eagar has a riveting tale to share that will enchant readers of all ages.
I received this copy from Heather Eagar in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Clean Reads (January 11, 2016)
Publication Date: January 11, 2016
Genre: YA/Teen Fantasy
Print Length: 205 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Devil’s Playground recounts the horrors of life during the Salem Witch Trials, where friend would turn on friend in order to save their own souls from the devil. Religious brainwashing by a zealot pastor with less than holy ideals and actions, the horrors of the times are relived in every word author Heather Eagar writes while keeping the gore to a minimum for young adult readers.
Extremely well crafted, with scenes that bring the past to life from the sights to the smells, Ms. Eagar takes her readers to a an era of ugliness while giving us breathing characters, including one teen who wants desperately to save the world with her personal crusade, only to find it is far beyond what she is capable of and that even the best intentions can be deadly in untrained hands.
Heather Eagar has a riveting tale to share that will enchant readers of all ages.
I received this copy from Heather Eagar in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Clean Reads (January 11, 2016)
Publication Date: January 11, 2016
Genre: YA/Teen Fantasy
Print Length: 205 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 19, 2016
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me on my journey to publishing Devil's Playground. I may be biased, but this is a really fun read and I am so excited to finally share it with everyone!
January 3, 2016
This was a fresh read during the salem witch trials about a young girl who actually is one and how she tries to help the innocently accused. It is fresh because none of the characters are perfect, they are just trying to do their best. It is witty and action packed while slowing down enough to feel the characters and what they are going through.
January 12, 2016
If you liked THE CRUCIBLE, you'll love this YA re-imagining of the Salem Witch Trials.
Elizabeth is sixteen, and she and her family have been hiding the fact that she's a witch her entire life. There's a good reason: they live in Salem, and it's the late 1600's. Theocracy rules, and any citizen who stands out seems not only peculiar but suspicious. The town is religiously extreme, isolated, and one false accusation of witchcraft away from mass hysteria, which is where DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND opens.
Ever wonder what would've happened during the Salem Witch Trials if there actually WERE a witch in town? I know I did. DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND serves up some well-imagined supernatural justice without destroying the emotionally unsettling mob-mentality phenomenon in 17th century Salem Village. With all of the historically accurate figures playing their role, Eagar injects into the town an actual witch, whose most "supernatural" facet at times is ironically, her reason.
With a touch of romance, plenty of action, and more than one heart-rending betrayal, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is a great supernatural YA read that had me glued to the pages.
For me, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND fixed something emotional that THE CRUCIBLE had broken. 5 stars.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth is sixteen, and she and her family have been hiding the fact that she's a witch her entire life. There's a good reason: they live in Salem, and it's the late 1600's. Theocracy rules, and any citizen who stands out seems not only peculiar but suspicious. The town is religiously extreme, isolated, and one false accusation of witchcraft away from mass hysteria, which is where DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND opens.
Ever wonder what would've happened during the Salem Witch Trials if there actually WERE a witch in town? I know I did. DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND serves up some well-imagined supernatural justice without destroying the emotionally unsettling mob-mentality phenomenon in 17th century Salem Village. With all of the historically accurate figures playing their role, Eagar injects into the town an actual witch, whose most "supernatural" facet at times is ironically, her reason.
With a touch of romance, plenty of action, and more than one heart-rending betrayal, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is a great supernatural YA read that had me glued to the pages.
For me, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND fixed something emotional that THE CRUCIBLE had broken. 5 stars.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2016
I sometimes find it difficult to read historical fiction because my brain has trouble forgetting the history of an event and losing myself in the fiction part. It can be especially hard with something like Salem when you know that people were hung and crushed to death and now it is part of a book you are supposed to enjoy reading.
All that said I did actually enjoy this book a lot. Elizabeth is a hot mess. She's 16 and has hormones and magic and no control over either. After she accidentally sets a church pew on fire her father finally agrees to try and help her learn control. Unfortunately, she might not ever actually learn it, and until she does everyone she loves is in jeopardy.
Elizabeth makes a lot of mistakes but always has a good heart. She is bumbling through, but trying to do her best to make sure that every one is taken care of, even if they might not deserve to be. I don't know how you can not love Elizabeth. Her journey is well worth the read and written well enough I forgot to be horrified that it is historical fiction and not just a fun jaunt.
*I received this book through Clean Reads in exchange for an honest review.
All that said I did actually enjoy this book a lot. Elizabeth is a hot mess. She's 16 and has hormones and magic and no control over either. After she accidentally sets a church pew on fire her father finally agrees to try and help her learn control. Unfortunately, she might not ever actually learn it, and until she does everyone she loves is in jeopardy.
Elizabeth makes a lot of mistakes but always has a good heart. She is bumbling through, but trying to do her best to make sure that every one is taken care of, even if they might not deserve to be. I don't know how you can not love Elizabeth. Her journey is well worth the read and written well enough I forgot to be horrified that it is historical fiction and not just a fun jaunt.
*I received this book through Clean Reads in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2016
Wow, an exciting ride that was! I literally read the book on pretty much one sitting! It has enough twists, turns and suspense to keep readers flippin' thru the pages! Imagine this...you are a young witch without formal training during a time when others violently killed all they ignorantly didn't understand. Then while you are trying to do the right thing, bad things keep happening and you can't stop it. The survival of all that you love is at stake and you might be the very thing that ends them...well, now you gotta go read the book and get the rest of the details yourself!!This is a sometimes gripping, terrifying and creative spin of one little witch trying to survive the Salem Witch Trials...with interesting characters which make you love and hate all at the same time...It is a read I would recommend absolutely!
January 14, 2016
Amazing!!!!!!
This is one of the best books about the witch madness of Salem I have read in a long long time. I had a flood of emotions as I was kept on the edge of my seat. Told through the eyes of a true 16 year old witch, the Witch Hunt of Salem takes on a new life and perspective. I want more by this author!!!! Give me more please!!!!
This is one of the best books about the witch madness of Salem I have read in a long long time. I had a flood of emotions as I was kept on the edge of my seat. Told through the eyes of a true 16 year old witch, the Witch Hunt of Salem takes on a new life and perspective. I want more by this author!!!! Give me more please!!!!
May 6, 2016
"Devil's Playground" is a YA tale of witchcraft and young love.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 30, 2016
I would like to thank Clean Reads Publishing & Heather Eagar for an e-book copy of this book to review. Though I received this e-book for free, that has no impact upon the honesty of my review.
Goodreads Teaser: "Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Winters may be a witch, but she doesn't know the first thing about magic.
Her father, a wizard himself, has forbidden the use of her powers for her own protection. But when accusations of witchcraft start flying through Salem Village, Elizabeth wishes she was more prepared.
Despite her lack of magical knowledge, Elizabeth appoints herself to save the innocent women from the untimely demise the village has in store for them. Elizabeth finds, however, that she is not the hero Salem needs her to be. When Elizabeth is betrayed by someone she trusts, she loses control of her emotions and unintentionally curses the village with the ten plagues of Egypt. Now, Elizabeth must figure out how to break the curse before the morning of the tenth plague—the plague of death.
If she fails, Salem will cease to exist."
Let's see, how to best review this book. I wish I could rave about it, but it fell pretty flat for me. Part of the problem I have with the story was my own fault, first for not anticipating that the author would pretty faithfully recreate the cause of the Salem witch trials, and second for not accurately recalling the ten plagues of Egypt. Had I remembered them I might not have felt so betrayed by what's written in the book teaser and in the book itself, for they are two different things. I suppose it could be argued that's it's simply a matter of degree, but that's not how it felt to me.
But before we get to that, I'd like to talk about Elizabeth and some of the other characters. As protagonists go Elizabeth is alright, but she never quite reached me. I found that no matter how much I wanted to, I simply couldn't connect with her or get behind her emotionally. I may not have grown up in Salem during the height of the witch trials as a witch, but I certainly went through those awkward periods of not knowing how to control my own emotions, not understanding them. So I expected to have had more of a connection to her than I did.
Anna, Elizabeth's younger sister, was entertaining. I actually found her to be a more sympathetic character in many ways. Her desire to be like her sister, that feeling of exclusion when she was barred from learning the same secret materials from their father - those emotions felt strong for me. They made her much more relatable, even though growing up I was the younger sibling and I had a brother rather than a sister.
The Winters family was a shining point in the story, they way they hung tough in the face of danger and strife. Few other families came through the who witch trials ordeal as unscathed, and by that I don't mean physically but instead being true to who they were as a family. They never wavered from their convictions, and stayed faithful to each other and their beliefs. Only a few others could say the same by the end.
The overall message of the story is a good one, and shared in an unusual and entertaining way. Though I missed some important connections with certain characters that doesn't mean other readers will. I felt that this was written more for middle grade readers than for older teens and young adults. That certainly doesn't mean they wouldn't enjoy it, just that it may hit the right notes with the slightly younger set. It's an easy read and would make for a good summer book if you're given a reading requirement to fulfill between grades. The historical aspect surely won't hurt, and may even gain you credit with your teacher!
Goodreads Teaser: "Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Winters may be a witch, but she doesn't know the first thing about magic.
Her father, a wizard himself, has forbidden the use of her powers for her own protection. But when accusations of witchcraft start flying through Salem Village, Elizabeth wishes she was more prepared.
Despite her lack of magical knowledge, Elizabeth appoints herself to save the innocent women from the untimely demise the village has in store for them. Elizabeth finds, however, that she is not the hero Salem needs her to be. When Elizabeth is betrayed by someone she trusts, she loses control of her emotions and unintentionally curses the village with the ten plagues of Egypt. Now, Elizabeth must figure out how to break the curse before the morning of the tenth plague—the plague of death.
If she fails, Salem will cease to exist."
Let's see, how to best review this book. I wish I could rave about it, but it fell pretty flat for me. Part of the problem I have with the story was my own fault, first for not anticipating that the author would pretty faithfully recreate the cause of the Salem witch trials, and second for not accurately recalling the ten plagues of Egypt. Had I remembered them I might not have felt so betrayed by what's written in the book teaser and in the book itself, for they are two different things. I suppose it could be argued that's it's simply a matter of degree, but that's not how it felt to me.
But before we get to that, I'd like to talk about Elizabeth and some of the other characters. As protagonists go Elizabeth is alright, but she never quite reached me. I found that no matter how much I wanted to, I simply couldn't connect with her or get behind her emotionally. I may not have grown up in Salem during the height of the witch trials as a witch, but I certainly went through those awkward periods of not knowing how to control my own emotions, not understanding them. So I expected to have had more of a connection to her than I did.
Anna, Elizabeth's younger sister, was entertaining. I actually found her to be a more sympathetic character in many ways. Her desire to be like her sister, that feeling of exclusion when she was barred from learning the same secret materials from their father - those emotions felt strong for me. They made her much more relatable, even though growing up I was the younger sibling and I had a brother rather than a sister.
The Winters family was a shining point in the story, they way they hung tough in the face of danger and strife. Few other families came through the who witch trials ordeal as unscathed, and by that I don't mean physically but instead being true to who they were as a family. They never wavered from their convictions, and stayed faithful to each other and their beliefs. Only a few others could say the same by the end.
The overall message of the story is a good one, and shared in an unusual and entertaining way. Though I missed some important connections with certain characters that doesn't mean other readers will. I felt that this was written more for middle grade readers than for older teens and young adults. That certainly doesn't mean they wouldn't enjoy it, just that it may hit the right notes with the slightly younger set. It's an easy read and would make for a good summer book if you're given a reading requirement to fulfill between grades. The historical aspect surely won't hurt, and may even gain you credit with your teacher!
May 25, 2016
***I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review, which was first posted on my book blog Will Read for Feels.
I’ve been interested in the supernatural and society’s attitude toward it since I was a child, and I remember studying witch hunts in Europe and the Salem witch trials in junior high and being greatly disturbed by them, not just because of the persecution and torture that went on but also because superstition turned supposedly good people into monsters so quickly. I was remembering this when I read Heather Eagar’s Devil’s Playground, in which the main character is not only a young girl during 17th century Salem, but an actual natural-born witch herself.
Elizabeth Winters knows she’s a witch, but has been forbidden to share her secret or practice witchcraft by her father, a wizard who escaped persecution in Europe and who fears what might happen if others knew what his daughter can do. To be honest, I disliked Elizabeth intensely in the first part of the book. She was willful and defiant and didn’t even try to understand where her father was coming from. I remember thinking, “She’s going to get people killed with her determination to exercise her right to be a special snowflake.”
Then her sister and her friends experience epileptic-like fits and subsequently accuse three women of witchcraft, and everything goes to hell in a hand basket. She tries to help, and she only succeeds in making the situation even worse. Elizabeth starts exhibiting a little more fear and a little less bluster, and in doing so begins to earn my respect as a character, where before, all I wanted to do was make her sit in the corner and take a time out for an indefinite period. By the end of the book (and following the twist that reveals a villain who seemingly came out of left field), I wanted her to succeed in her efforts in making amends.
The book contains quite a bit of edge-of-your-seat tension, but for me the main story was all about a girl learning four things: what she was capable of, that the road to hell really was paved with good intentions, that actions have consequences, and that being sorry means making amends. Eagar portrays this quite successfully.
One disappointment of mine was that there seemed to be some poetic license taken with the events as I learned them in history class, ones that seemed rather unnecessary to the telling of the story. For me, a supernatural retelling of history is done best when recorded events align with what the general public might be familiar with, so that the supernatural aspect seems more plausible (Seth Grahame-Smith’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Alice Borchardt’s Legends of the Wolves series are great examples of this, in my opinion).
Don’t get me wrong; the story holds up, especially if you don’t go into nerd mode like I did. Any author who has me hating so hard on a character only to be cheering her on by the end definitely has some chops, and Eagar weaves Elizabeth’s story in a sweet way that nevertheless doesn’t scrimp on letting nasty stuff hit the fan. I especially liked and respected the way she concluded the story, which was with only a semi-happy ending.
I’ve been interested in the supernatural and society’s attitude toward it since I was a child, and I remember studying witch hunts in Europe and the Salem witch trials in junior high and being greatly disturbed by them, not just because of the persecution and torture that went on but also because superstition turned supposedly good people into monsters so quickly. I was remembering this when I read Heather Eagar’s Devil’s Playground, in which the main character is not only a young girl during 17th century Salem, but an actual natural-born witch herself.
Elizabeth Winters knows she’s a witch, but has been forbidden to share her secret or practice witchcraft by her father, a wizard who escaped persecution in Europe and who fears what might happen if others knew what his daughter can do. To be honest, I disliked Elizabeth intensely in the first part of the book. She was willful and defiant and didn’t even try to understand where her father was coming from. I remember thinking, “She’s going to get people killed with her determination to exercise her right to be a special snowflake.”
Then her sister and her friends experience epileptic-like fits and subsequently accuse three women of witchcraft, and everything goes to hell in a hand basket. She tries to help, and she only succeeds in making the situation even worse. Elizabeth starts exhibiting a little more fear and a little less bluster, and in doing so begins to earn my respect as a character, where before, all I wanted to do was make her sit in the corner and take a time out for an indefinite period. By the end of the book (and following the twist that reveals a villain who seemingly came out of left field), I wanted her to succeed in her efforts in making amends.
The book contains quite a bit of edge-of-your-seat tension, but for me the main story was all about a girl learning four things: what she was capable of, that the road to hell really was paved with good intentions, that actions have consequences, and that being sorry means making amends. Eagar portrays this quite successfully.
One disappointment of mine was that there seemed to be some poetic license taken with the events as I learned them in history class, ones that seemed rather unnecessary to the telling of the story. For me, a supernatural retelling of history is done best when recorded events align with what the general public might be familiar with, so that the supernatural aspect seems more plausible (Seth Grahame-Smith’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Alice Borchardt’s Legends of the Wolves series are great examples of this, in my opinion).
Don’t get me wrong; the story holds up, especially if you don’t go into nerd mode like I did. Any author who has me hating so hard on a character only to be cheering her on by the end definitely has some chops, and Eagar weaves Elizabeth’s story in a sweet way that nevertheless doesn’t scrimp on letting nasty stuff hit the fan. I especially liked and respected the way she concluded the story, which was with only a semi-happy ending.
April 5, 2016
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Winters lives in Salem Village in Massachusetts Bay Colony in the year 1692, the year
of the infamous Salem Witch Trials during which twenty-four people were slaughtered in the
Puritan community on suspicion of, and fear of, witchcraft. Elizabeth is a witch, who, at sixteen
years of age hasn’t a clue about her powers. What she knows is that her father is a wizard in
hiding from persecution endured in Europe and that her family members are refugees living
among the Puritans in Salem Village.
Be that as it may, Elizabeth is curious about her powers and experiments with them even when it
seems her only magical talent is starting fires accidentally. Faced with Elizabeth’s curiosity, her
father begins to teach her how to control her magic by controlling her emotions. However, she is
young, with strong uncontrollable emotions, and has a jealous younger sister named Anna who
wants magical powers but does not have them. When another mysterious witch stirs fear of witch
craft in Salem causing innocent people to be killed, Elizabeth is outraged. She protests loudly
and directly and engages in a contest of wills with Reverend Parris, the Village Pastor and Judge
Hathorne who has been commissioned to rid Salem of witches. Unfortunately, her knowledge of
her powers and her ability to control her emotions are no match for her anger and zeal to protect
the innocent. What follows forces Elizabeth to face her fears and her immaturity as she
confronts Parris and Hathorne, and more importantly, confronts a stronger witch who is causing
the problems; a person that in her wildest dreams she would never have recognized as a witch.
This is an awesome story about a teenage girl growing up and taking on responsibility for her
family and her community. It highlights the ignorance and paranoia common in that community
in that age, but it has implications in any place or time in which young people must grow into
responsible adults and face down ignorance and persecution of others. The characters are
believable each with their private thoughts and motivations, fears and envy, and each knowing
they put those emotions aside for the greater good.
This story should appeal to a wide range of readers from fantasy enthusiasts to every school girl
struggling to deal with real world realities.
5-stars Clabe Polk
Elizabeth Winters lives in Salem Village in Massachusetts Bay Colony in the year 1692, the year
of the infamous Salem Witch Trials during which twenty-four people were slaughtered in the
Puritan community on suspicion of, and fear of, witchcraft. Elizabeth is a witch, who, at sixteen
years of age hasn’t a clue about her powers. What she knows is that her father is a wizard in
hiding from persecution endured in Europe and that her family members are refugees living
among the Puritans in Salem Village.
Be that as it may, Elizabeth is curious about her powers and experiments with them even when it
seems her only magical talent is starting fires accidentally. Faced with Elizabeth’s curiosity, her
father begins to teach her how to control her magic by controlling her emotions. However, she is
young, with strong uncontrollable emotions, and has a jealous younger sister named Anna who
wants magical powers but does not have them. When another mysterious witch stirs fear of witch
craft in Salem causing innocent people to be killed, Elizabeth is outraged. She protests loudly
and directly and engages in a contest of wills with Reverend Parris, the Village Pastor and Judge
Hathorne who has been commissioned to rid Salem of witches. Unfortunately, her knowledge of
her powers and her ability to control her emotions are no match for her anger and zeal to protect
the innocent. What follows forces Elizabeth to face her fears and her immaturity as she
confronts Parris and Hathorne, and more importantly, confronts a stronger witch who is causing
the problems; a person that in her wildest dreams she would never have recognized as a witch.
This is an awesome story about a teenage girl growing up and taking on responsibility for her
family and her community. It highlights the ignorance and paranoia common in that community
in that age, but it has implications in any place or time in which young people must grow into
responsible adults and face down ignorance and persecution of others. The characters are
believable each with their private thoughts and motivations, fears and envy, and each knowing
they put those emotions aside for the greater good.
This story should appeal to a wide range of readers from fantasy enthusiasts to every school girl
struggling to deal with real world realities.
5-stars Clabe Polk
September 26, 2016
Kat Mandu says...
Travel back in time with Devil’s Playground - to Salem, Massachusetts during a very bad period. When Elizabeth and her family are caught up in the witch-hunting spree, she’s got to figure out a way to protect the ones she loves and also save Salem before it burns to the ground.
Elizabeth is your typical teenager – sometimes moody, most of the time acting like she’s old enough to know everything, and yet young enough to get herself stuck in some nasty situations. She is very caring though, and yearns to do what she can to protect her family, especially her younger sister, Anna. Sometimes though, she trusts the wrong people, and that’s often what lands her in the position we find her in.
The town of Salem is plagued by the “witch” craze, led by Reverrend Parish and Judge Hathorne, who are so bent on blaming others (by accusing them of witchcraft and then executing them) for their problems, they have no issues sentencing innocent people to death. Elizabeth and her family enter the fray when Anna begins to have nightmares and “fits” – just like several other girls in the town. When a lot of accusations are thrown around, Elizabeth loses control of her powers a lot, and lands herself the attention of a boy she likes – the same boy who turns her into the judge because she won’t heal his father. When she’s held prisoner against her will, she accidentally casts a dark spell upon the town, causing the ten biblical plagues of Egypt to come destroy everything she’s ever known. Now she’s got to figure out how to reverse the spell before it’s too late – and all first born sons and daughters (which includes her witch father) she cares about perish.
This is a nice retelling of a historical period. The Salem Witch trials were my specialty in college history, so I’ve read a lot about this particular issue.
The story was inaccurate, yes, but that’s why we call it fiction. Personally, I liked this book a lot. It had a smooth flow, though repetitive at times, but everything is sharp, enabling you to visualize what’s happening very clearly. It’s a nice addition to the Salem fiction, though if I had to knock it down for everything, I’d have to critique it on the language and names. Though the writing was elegant and crisp, some of the dialogue was too…modern. I expected there to be a lot more formal, old-English tones. The name Levi also threw me off because it would have been incredibly rare to name a child that back then.
Travel back in time with Devil’s Playground - to Salem, Massachusetts during a very bad period. When Elizabeth and her family are caught up in the witch-hunting spree, she’s got to figure out a way to protect the ones she loves and also save Salem before it burns to the ground.
Elizabeth is your typical teenager – sometimes moody, most of the time acting like she’s old enough to know everything, and yet young enough to get herself stuck in some nasty situations. She is very caring though, and yearns to do what she can to protect her family, especially her younger sister, Anna. Sometimes though, she trusts the wrong people, and that’s often what lands her in the position we find her in.
The town of Salem is plagued by the “witch” craze, led by Reverrend Parish and Judge Hathorne, who are so bent on blaming others (by accusing them of witchcraft and then executing them) for their problems, they have no issues sentencing innocent people to death. Elizabeth and her family enter the fray when Anna begins to have nightmares and “fits” – just like several other girls in the town. When a lot of accusations are thrown around, Elizabeth loses control of her powers a lot, and lands herself the attention of a boy she likes – the same boy who turns her into the judge because she won’t heal his father. When she’s held prisoner against her will, she accidentally casts a dark spell upon the town, causing the ten biblical plagues of Egypt to come destroy everything she’s ever known. Now she’s got to figure out how to reverse the spell before it’s too late – and all first born sons and daughters (which includes her witch father) she cares about perish.
This is a nice retelling of a historical period. The Salem Witch trials were my specialty in college history, so I’ve read a lot about this particular issue.
The story was inaccurate, yes, but that’s why we call it fiction. Personally, I liked this book a lot. It had a smooth flow, though repetitive at times, but everything is sharp, enabling you to visualize what’s happening very clearly. It’s a nice addition to the Salem fiction, though if I had to knock it down for everything, I’d have to critique it on the language and names. Though the writing was elegant and crisp, some of the dialogue was too…modern. I expected there to be a lot more formal, old-English tones. The name Levi also threw me off because it would have been incredibly rare to name a child that back then.
September 30, 2016
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my review.
What I liked: I have always been partial to witches and to Salem. I find them fascinating for some reason. Having personally studied a little on the subject matter I love how, in the beginning, the author blends the fiction with the hysteria that many scholars believe sparked the witch hunts. While there are a few places where readers can easily guess what is coming next, there are still plenty of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more. But my favorite part of this book was the character Elizabeth herself. She is a hot mess! She is constantly trying to do good but, often ends up making situations worse through her lack of control in her magic. She is fiercely loyal to her family and the people of Salem themselves.
What I didn’t like: I try not to give too may spoilers away when I give my reviews so forgive me for this but Sebastian’s betrayal was one twist I was not happy about! Afterward, even though Elizabeth treats him coldly at first, I feel like she forgave him a little too quickly and bounced back to have a crush on the boy. I also didn’t like that the story didn’t quite match up with what most people have learned about the witch trails. At first it tows the line between the historical and the fiction, but then it crosses way over into fiction.
I give this 4 broomsticks.
What I liked: I have always been partial to witches and to Salem. I find them fascinating for some reason. Having personally studied a little on the subject matter I love how, in the beginning, the author blends the fiction with the hysteria that many scholars believe sparked the witch hunts. While there are a few places where readers can easily guess what is coming next, there are still plenty of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more. But my favorite part of this book was the character Elizabeth herself. She is a hot mess! She is constantly trying to do good but, often ends up making situations worse through her lack of control in her magic. She is fiercely loyal to her family and the people of Salem themselves.
What I didn’t like: I try not to give too may spoilers away when I give my reviews so forgive me for this but Sebastian’s betrayal was one twist I was not happy about! Afterward, even though Elizabeth treats him coldly at first, I feel like she forgave him a little too quickly and bounced back to have a crush on the boy. I also didn’t like that the story didn’t quite match up with what most people have learned about the witch trails. At first it tows the line between the historical and the fiction, but then it crosses way over into fiction.
I give this 4 broomsticks.
February 11, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by the author.
The author takes you on an unexpected, and very realistic journey filled with magic, danger, and survival. Free up your time, because this one will keep you up all night. This book was impossible to put down!
I loved this book thoroughly. This book had me from page one. This read was so compelling, and I found myself so addicted to the book that I lost track of time. It was one of those books where you sink in, and don't come out of it till 5:00 am.
I am amazed with this authors work already. This debut author has literally made my night/day. I am stunned by how realistic all the magic was, and everything else as well. Everything I went through in this book was nothing but pure awesome sauce.
Survival, family, magic, and some really unexpected moments that left me baffled, yet totally in sync with the book. In the end it gracefully pulled itself together. Not only was this book beautifully written, but also worth way more than 5 stars easy. If I could rate it 10 stars I would.
You will also find my review on barnesandnoble.com and at the following blogs.
Blog: http://paranormalbookwormsunite.tumbl...
Blog http://dystopianbookloversunite.tumbl...
The author takes you on an unexpected, and very realistic journey filled with magic, danger, and survival. Free up your time, because this one will keep you up all night. This book was impossible to put down!
I loved this book thoroughly. This book had me from page one. This read was so compelling, and I found myself so addicted to the book that I lost track of time. It was one of those books where you sink in, and don't come out of it till 5:00 am.
I am amazed with this authors work already. This debut author has literally made my night/day. I am stunned by how realistic all the magic was, and everything else as well. Everything I went through in this book was nothing but pure awesome sauce.
Survival, family, magic, and some really unexpected moments that left me baffled, yet totally in sync with the book. In the end it gracefully pulled itself together. Not only was this book beautifully written, but also worth way more than 5 stars easy. If I could rate it 10 stars I would.
You will also find my review on barnesandnoble.com and at the following blogs.
Blog: http://paranormalbookwormsunite.tumbl...
Blog http://dystopianbookloversunite.tumbl...
April 8, 2016
I could literally feel the magic in the air. The words on the pages gave an aura of realism in each phrase. I felt line I was back in the Salem Witch Trials. I took my time reading this one but it still was not slow enough. I was done and it was all over. I eagerly await more. This was a very good YA Fantasy read. I have had the pleasure of greatly enjoying this debut offering from Heather Eagar.
Elizabeth was in no way your typical sixteen-year-old. She was a witch. Not allowed to practice her craft. She was living in a time when witches were feared, misunderstood. She finds a way around the father's decree of no magic use. With the rampid accusations flying around Salem, Elizabeth found that she needed to do something. But was her something the thing that was needed by the town. Jump in to this magical read of a brave sixteen-year-old girl and her attempts to make a difference in her community.
This was not your typical read that you could predict 90% of what was coming around the corner for you. You will enjoy this journey you will share with Elizabeth, her family, and the community of Salem.
**This ARC was provided from Heather Eagar in exchange for an honest review.**
Elizabeth was in no way your typical sixteen-year-old. She was a witch. Not allowed to practice her craft. She was living in a time when witches were feared, misunderstood. She finds a way around the father's decree of no magic use. With the rampid accusations flying around Salem, Elizabeth found that she needed to do something. But was her something the thing that was needed by the town. Jump in to this magical read of a brave sixteen-year-old girl and her attempts to make a difference in her community.
This was not your typical read that you could predict 90% of what was coming around the corner for you. You will enjoy this journey you will share with Elizabeth, her family, and the community of Salem.
**This ARC was provided from Heather Eagar in exchange for an honest review.**
February 29, 2016
Non-Spoiler Review - Devil’s Playground revolves around sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Winters who even though may be a witch, but doesn’t know the first thing about magic. Her father, a wizard himself, has forbidden the use of her powers for her own protection. But when accusations of witchcraft start flying through their Salem Village Elizabeth attempts to save the innocent women from the horrible demise the village has in store.
I found Devil’s Playground by Heather Eagar wonderfully written. The Salem Witch trials were a dark time in American history. During this “Witch Hysteria” people feared that the Devil was trying to find ways to infiltrate and destroy Christians and their communities. The storyline was well plotted and what made it all the more scary was that it came across as quite realistic. Whether you love them or absolutely hate them, Heather Eagar’s intricate characters completely draw you in. Thank you for giving me an outstanding story with characters that have stayed with me long after the end of the book. If Devil’s Playground was meant to capture the struggle of what we view as TRUE good and evil then the author has very much succeeded.
I found Devil’s Playground by Heather Eagar wonderfully written. The Salem Witch trials were a dark time in American history. During this “Witch Hysteria” people feared that the Devil was trying to find ways to infiltrate and destroy Christians and their communities. The storyline was well plotted and what made it all the more scary was that it came across as quite realistic. Whether you love them or absolutely hate them, Heather Eagar’s intricate characters completely draw you in. Thank you for giving me an outstanding story with characters that have stayed with me long after the end of the book. If Devil’s Playground was meant to capture the struggle of what we view as TRUE good and evil then the author has very much succeeded.
April 20, 2016
First I have to say this I have never read a historical fiction book that was true to the events as this book is. I loved every minute of this book and I want no I need more. I have to say that Heather got the Salem Witch Trials down to a tee. I could not get enough of this story and not only did she use the Salem witch trials but she used the ten plagues of egypt.
Elizabeth is a 16 year old witch. Her father is a wizard and she lives in Salem. She knows she must keep her family's secret because they would be persecuted by the village. It is that reason she is concerned when rumors fly in her village that there are witches in it. As people are rounded up and accused of witchcraft she wants to help the accused get free.
As she tries to clear the names of the accused she is betrayed by someone close to her. She gets upset and curses the village. She soon realises she has made a huge mistake because she has cursed the village with the ten plagues of egypt. She knows she must stop the curse before the last plague comes to the village.
Will she be able to stop the plagues in time to save her village or will the last plague come to the village and destroy it.
Elizabeth is a 16 year old witch. Her father is a wizard and she lives in Salem. She knows she must keep her family's secret because they would be persecuted by the village. It is that reason she is concerned when rumors fly in her village that there are witches in it. As people are rounded up and accused of witchcraft she wants to help the accused get free.
As she tries to clear the names of the accused she is betrayed by someone close to her. She gets upset and curses the village. She soon realises she has made a huge mistake because she has cursed the village with the ten plagues of egypt. She knows she must stop the curse before the last plague comes to the village.
Will she be able to stop the plagues in time to save her village or will the last plague come to the village and destroy it.
May 13, 2016
I guess I should have expected it more, but when I went into this read I was expecting more fantasy aspects and less religious overtones. While I should have expected that to be a theme considering it was the town of Salem, I wasn’t expecting the frequent reflections and some allegories you’d have to be blind to miss.
I loved Elizabeth’s sister, but I found Elizabeth herself fell a little flat to me. She is constantly making terrible decisions and her naivety consistently results in other people having to come to her rescue. I know in the end she made her own choices, but I was expecting a little more fight. I can see how this read would appeal quite a bit to younger or more devout audiences, but just wasn’t my cup of tea!
Warning: Contains some violence in reference to hangings.
Who should read it? Folks looking for a squeaky clean read for middle grade to younger young adults.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of the author.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
I loved Elizabeth’s sister, but I found Elizabeth herself fell a little flat to me. She is constantly making terrible decisions and her naivety consistently results in other people having to come to her rescue. I know in the end she made her own choices, but I was expecting a little more fight. I can see how this read would appeal quite a bit to younger or more devout audiences, but just wasn’t my cup of tea!
Warning: Contains some violence in reference to hangings.
Who should read it? Folks looking for a squeaky clean read for middle grade to younger young adults.
Please note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review courtesy of the author.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
June 23, 2016
Set during the time of the Salem Witch Trials, this story follows 16 year old Elizabeth Winters and her family. I absolutely loved this story, written with a blend of fiction and actual characters and events from that ghastly time in US history. Elizabeth is a witch, a true witch. Only she can’t control her magic, she hasn’t been taught yet. Elizabeth’s family emigrated from Germany because her dad is a witch, they have settled in Salem Village. Elizabeth has not been able to control her powers and accidentally sets a fire in church. As the events unfold and people are being accused of witchcraft, Elizabeth’s sister is one of the teen accusers. Trying to protect the innocent people who are now condemned, Elizabeth does what she can to save the innocent. With her powers out of control, she inadvertently curses the village with the 10 plagues of Egypt.
Can Elizabeth get the help she needs in time to stop them all? You really need to 1 click this book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from this author. What a great job!!
Can Elizabeth get the help she needs in time to stop them all? You really need to 1 click this book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from this author. What a great job!!
June 24, 2016
Set during the time of the Salem Witch Trials, this story follows 16 year old Elizabeth Winters and her family. I absolutely loved this story, written with a blend of fiction and actual characters and events from that ghastly time in US history. Elizabeth is a witch, a true witch. Only she can’t control her magic, she hasn’t been taught yet. Elizabeth’s family emigrated from Germany because her dad is a witch, they have settled in Salem Village. Elizabeth has not been able to control her powers and accidentally sets a fire in church. As the events unfold and people are being accused of witchcraft, Elizabeth’s sister is one of the teen accusers. Trying to protect the innocent people who are now condemned, Elizabeth does what she can to save the innocent. With her powers out of control, she inadvertently curses the village with the 10 plagues of Egypt.
Can Elizabeth get the help she needs in time to stop them all? You really need to 1 click this book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from this author. What a great job!!
Read by Cryssy
Can Elizabeth get the help she needs in time to stop them all? You really need to 1 click this book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from this author. What a great job!!
Read by Cryssy
July 29, 2016
Elizabeth, a teenage witch during the Salem witch trials. I like the point of view of an actual witch. I enjoyed the whimsical voice used to portray terrifying things in a way that was not heavy handed or preachy. I like the drama with her sister Anna and the romance with Sebastian.
You know the witch trials are coming so there is underlying tension to this book.
A fantasy novel based on historical events is a different sort of beast. Normally in a fantasy novel when characters act this way your editor complains that it is not realistic, but Devil's playground is loosely following the actual events. These people did act in a monstrous way even though they claimed to be god fearing people.
I give it five stars.
You know the witch trials are coming so there is underlying tension to this book.
A fantasy novel based on historical events is a different sort of beast. Normally in a fantasy novel when characters act this way your editor complains that it is not realistic, but Devil's playground is loosely following the actual events. These people did act in a monstrous way even though they claimed to be god fearing people.
I give it five stars.
August 17, 2016
The story reads like historical fiction with a paranormal twist. This time we know for sure that witches exist, which adds a whole new level to the fear and accusations. When people are falsely accused, the rage and sense of injustice is amped to the extreme. You’ll want to shake those lying girls and make them see the reality-that their lies have deadly consequences. The mass manipulation and powerful belief system is like a heavy shadow constantly following and haunting every inhabitant.
Read more here:
https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...
Read more here:
https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...
October 5, 2016
I was lucky enough to visit Salem recently, and find this whole episode in history intriguing. But what if it wasn't hysteria? What if there really were witches in Salem?
This book takes a decent story premise and adds a smattering of truth - just enough for a hint of realism to add a hard edge to the story; a degree of realism. And the resultant story is an easy read. Quick to get into, characters with whom a connection was created, and good pacing. And whilst the ending might not be the one you will find in history books, this fictionalised retelling of the Salem story made for a satisfying read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes a decent story premise and adds a smattering of truth - just enough for a hint of realism to add a hard edge to the story; a degree of realism. And the resultant story is an easy read. Quick to get into, characters with whom a connection was created, and good pacing. And whilst the ending might not be the one you will find in history books, this fictionalised retelling of the Salem story made for a satisfying read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2016
The Author gave me a free PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was amazing, and I wished there was more of it! I hope there is a sequel. I just enjoyed the writing style and the characters. The Salem Witch trials are one of my favorite pieces of history, so of course I adored this book.
I have to say I didn't like Elizabeth's attitude towards her father's lessons, I understand her need to learn, but I thought she was being reckless. I loved the Egyptian Curse she cast near the end of the story, it reminded me of a movie I saw last year.
This book was amazing, and I wished there was more of it! I hope there is a sequel. I just enjoyed the writing style and the characters. The Salem Witch trials are one of my favorite pieces of history, so of course I adored this book.
I have to say I didn't like Elizabeth's attitude towards her father's lessons, I understand her need to learn, but I thought she was being reckless. I loved the Egyptian Curse she cast near the end of the story, it reminded me of a movie I saw last year.
February 22, 2016
This is not my normal genre but the characters were so life like I was impressed. This was a very good read. The Salem witch trials through the eyes of a 16 year old girl. We think the girls have today have it rough but back then it was live or die if you were thought to be a witch. There is danger, surprise and experiences galore! This was a great read for a YA book. Make sure you put aside some time to enjoy this new author who is going to be writing for a long time to come.
February 18, 2016
Astounding!
I cannot think of a better word for this awesome book! I loved everything the characters are all so unique Elizabeth winters is born with gifts and while just learning ended up cursing her village and is on a quest to fix what's been broken she goes through crazy ups and downs on her quest. Its very interesting and a twist on the actual Salem witch trials!
Must read five star quality!!!
I cannot think of a better word for this awesome book! I loved everything the characters are all so unique Elizabeth winters is born with gifts and while just learning ended up cursing her village and is on a quest to fix what's been broken she goes through crazy ups and downs on her quest. Its very interesting and a twist on the actual Salem witch trials!
Must read five star quality!!!
September 10, 2016
This is an AMAZING book, especially for people who love fantasy, adventure, or history! Heather Eager weaves an amazing story. She has great talent. I have read this book over and over again. I highly recommend it to those fantasy, adventure, and history lovers out there. Devils playground has a few sad parts, but other than that, this is one of the best books I've ever read. I wish I could give it 10 stars.
December 29, 2016
A man with a vendetta wreaks havoc on the people of Salem in his quest to rid the town of evil. It doesn't take long for it to get personal for Elizabeth and her family. This story has cool premise with some intense moments! I think this author does very well setting the scene. It's all very intriguing. Some slow moments where the family was trying to decide what to do next, but overall it kept a good pace. I'll be interested to see what happens in book 2!
February 22, 2016
This is one of the best books about the witch madness of Salem I have read in a long long time. I had a flood of emotions as I was kept on the edge of my seat. Told through the eyes of a true 16 year old witch, the Witch Hunt of Salem takes on a new life and perspective. I want more by this author!!!! Give me more please!!!!
February 10, 2016
If you love the reading about Salem witch trials and the book the crucible, then this is the book for you. This book was amazingly well written, and I love the characters. While the characters are flawed and have issues, the fit with the story and setting really well. This story kept me on the edge and kept ms turning pages the entire Time. I loved it.
Highly recommend to everyone
Highly recommend to everyone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews