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Northern Witch #1
Winter Trials
With Midwinter just around the corner, Mark's Nanna decides that it is time he learnt more about his family heritage. Learning witchcraft shouldn't be too difficult, right?
Balancing school, magic, and the distractions of the gorgeous new guy, should make this a very interesting winter.
Balancing school, magic, and the distractions of the gorgeous new guy, should make this a very interesting winter.
ebook
First published November 16, 2016
208 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
K.S. Marsden
21 books741 followersKelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life - books and horses.
She went on to author the best-selling Urban Fantasy series - "The Northern Witch" and "Witch-Hunter".
Kelly is currently working in animal nutrition, and she never outgrew her obsession with horses.
Visit her blog for book reviews and inanity:
The Northern Witch's Book Blog
She went on to author the best-selling Urban Fantasy series - "The Northern Witch" and "Witch-Hunter".
Kelly is currently working in animal nutrition, and she never outgrew her obsession with horses.
Visit her blog for book reviews and inanity:
The Northern Witch's Book Blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 4, 2026
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#1 Winter Trials - ★★★★
#2 Awaken - ★★★
#3 The Breaking - ★★★
A winter tale about two men finding themselves and each other. A short beginning of what I believe will be a long-lasting relationship, in a book filled with warmth, bravery and magic.
I was lucky enough to be approached by the author – K.S. Marsden, and I was so excited to read both her books from the Northern Witch Series.
Winter Trials is the first instalment, and it is a perfect short introduction to the environment and the character. The story is about Mark, a 16-year-old boy, who decides to start practising magic, just like his grandmother.
And when a new guy comes in school, Mark is instantly attracted to him. But Mark’s magic, and Damien’s troublesome past will suddenly find each other, and a huge danger is near…
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it was a shame that it was so short. I loved Mark’s character and especially cheered for the grandma witch – she was the star of the show, with her sassy comments!
There wasn’t too much in-depth character features, and character development, but I would assume this is an introduction to a world that is to come.
Mark is a typical high-school teenager, with normal things hanging around his head, and some of the thoughts and discussions were refreshing, rather than when you read some usual cliches in other books.
I loved the bonfire night gathering, and the magic scenes were breathtaking.
The love story between Mark and Demian developed a bit too fast, and that is my only little disappointment, but apart from that – I enjoyed reading it, and can’t wait to dive into book two.
If you love LGBT romance, YA and a bit of magic and witches – grab this book, and read this series!
Thank you to the author, for sending me a hard copy of this book. All the opinions stated in this review are entirely my own
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#1 Winter Trials - ★★★★
#2 Awaken - ★★★
#3 The Breaking - ★★★
A winter tale about two men finding themselves and each other. A short beginning of what I believe will be a long-lasting relationship, in a book filled with warmth, bravery and magic.
I was lucky enough to be approached by the author – K.S. Marsden, and I was so excited to read both her books from the Northern Witch Series.
Winter Trials is the first instalment, and it is a perfect short introduction to the environment and the character. The story is about Mark, a 16-year-old boy, who decides to start practising magic, just like his grandmother.
And when a new guy comes in school, Mark is instantly attracted to him. But Mark’s magic, and Damien’s troublesome past will suddenly find each other, and a huge danger is near…
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it was a shame that it was so short. I loved Mark’s character and especially cheered for the grandma witch – she was the star of the show, with her sassy comments!
There wasn’t too much in-depth character features, and character development, but I would assume this is an introduction to a world that is to come.
Mark is a typical high-school teenager, with normal things hanging around his head, and some of the thoughts and discussions were refreshing, rather than when you read some usual cliches in other books.
I loved the bonfire night gathering, and the magic scenes were breathtaking.
The love story between Mark and Demian developed a bit too fast, and that is my only little disappointment, but apart from that – I enjoyed reading it, and can’t wait to dive into book two.
If you love LGBT romance, YA and a bit of magic and witches – grab this book, and read this series!
Thank you to the author, for sending me a hard copy of this book. All the opinions stated in this review are entirely my own
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January 28, 2019
copy provided by author in exchange for honest review
This was an enjoyable short story - cute, Wintry and with some supernatural elements thrown in!
Mark lives in Yorkshire, in the UK. His Nana is a known witch, and is keen to start teaching him all she knows. Mark is one of two openly gay students in his school, and when a new guy arrives who happens to be insanely hot - Mark thinks things might be looking up.
As he begins practicing spells and magic, he discovers someone is in serious danger while off school for a snow day. I won't give away the story line but what follows is an exciting rescue, and a lot of supernatural activity afterwards. A short read (around 80 pages) K.S Marsden did a great job with this novella and I can't wait to read another of her books.
This was an enjoyable short story - cute, Wintry and with some supernatural elements thrown in!
Mark lives in Yorkshire, in the UK. His Nana is a known witch, and is keen to start teaching him all she knows. Mark is one of two openly gay students in his school, and when a new guy arrives who happens to be insanely hot - Mark thinks things might be looking up.
As he begins practicing spells and magic, he discovers someone is in serious danger while off school for a snow day. I won't give away the story line but what follows is an exciting rescue, and a lot of supernatural activity afterwards. A short read (around 80 pages) K.S Marsden did a great job with this novella and I can't wait to read another of her books.
June 26, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this short story... it is sweet, spooky and fun. I especially liked Mark... and Damian is like a lost puppy that you just wanna cuddle and protect. Loved this story so much I just preordered book two which will be published in August.
March 13, 2017
This is a short story and a quick read. The beginning was mostly about the everyday highschool life of Mark and his friends. The characters were all strong, and I liked them immediately. (My favorite was Nanna, the witch.)
When the author asked me to read one of her books she said it had her odd sense of humor. Mine must be odd too then, because I liked it!
Once Mark starts magic lessons, the book picks up. The author did a good job of making the magic feel real. I liked the mystery of Damien, the new guy at school. There's also a cute little romance. (The main character is gay.)
Minor Negatives:
This book is set in England, and some of the British slang I hadn't heard before. It still made sense though. (Mostly.)
This felt like book one of a series, not a standalone. (No cliffhanger, but the story is obviously not over yet.) Where is the next one?
Will I read another book by this author? Yes. I enjoyed the author's voice and by the end of the second chapter I'd decided to try her novel.
When the author asked me to read one of her books she said it had her odd sense of humor. Mine must be odd too then, because I liked it!
Once Mark starts magic lessons, the book picks up. The author did a good job of making the magic feel real. I liked the mystery of Damien, the new guy at school. There's also a cute little romance. (The main character is gay.)
Minor Negatives:
This book is set in England, and some of the British slang I hadn't heard before. It still made sense though. (Mostly.)
This felt like book one of a series, not a standalone. (No cliffhanger, but the story is obviously not over yet.) Where is the next one?
Will I read another book by this author? Yes. I enjoyed the author's voice and by the end of the second chapter I'd decided to try her novel.
January 22, 2021
A lovely winter tale with all the good feels. Perfect to cuddle up with on a cold winter night in a cozy armchair in front of a good fire and with a nice bowl of popcorn close by.
"Planning to battle demons always calls for popcorn" if you ask me, provided the battle is good. And this one here is. :)
Next to being a normal high school teenager, Mark is also a witch. Not just a regular witch at that, but one who comes from a long line of powerful witches. He's eager to learn the craft and his Nanna is the best teacher anyone could ever wish for. It should all be a piece of cake with Nanna's help. But balancing school, magic, and the distractions of a gorgeous new guy may prove a teensy bit too difficult for Mark to manage.
Fun, fast-paced and full of feeling, The Winter Trials is a short little read full of warmth that is bound to make you smile. Great magic rituals, and a totally awesome granny witch will have you spellbound while the friendship and family relationships will make you get all warm and fuzzy inside.
“Hey, maybe you could invite the new guy to your party." Sarah suggested.
Mark rolled his eyes. "Sure, I'll just ask the good-looking stranger if he wants to come round to my Nanna'a and dance naked around a fire." Mark was suddenly aware of the engulfing silence.
"Who'll be naked doing what now?”
Talk about embarrassing moments! :D But I really loved this one here.
The characters are not quite well fleshed out and yet I couldn't help rooting for them because of their dynamic. That being said, this is also a pretty short read and the first installment in a series, which leaves a lot of room for growth in the next books.
I absolutely loved the magic rituals, as well as the friendship and family the author pictures here. That and Nanna, the totally awesome granny witch.
What I'll grumble about is the short page count and the very open end that had me going 'What?! That's it?!'
That being said, if you're on the lookout for a good clean YA LGBTQ read grab this one here and you won't be disappointed. But make sure you have the sequel at hand too.
"Planning to battle demons always calls for popcorn" if you ask me, provided the battle is good. And this one here is. :)
Next to being a normal high school teenager, Mark is also a witch. Not just a regular witch at that, but one who comes from a long line of powerful witches. He's eager to learn the craft and his Nanna is the best teacher anyone could ever wish for. It should all be a piece of cake with Nanna's help. But balancing school, magic, and the distractions of a gorgeous new guy may prove a teensy bit too difficult for Mark to manage.
Fun, fast-paced and full of feeling, The Winter Trials is a short little read full of warmth that is bound to make you smile. Great magic rituals, and a totally awesome granny witch will have you spellbound while the friendship and family relationships will make you get all warm and fuzzy inside.
“Hey, maybe you could invite the new guy to your party." Sarah suggested.
Mark rolled his eyes. "Sure, I'll just ask the good-looking stranger if he wants to come round to my Nanna'a and dance naked around a fire." Mark was suddenly aware of the engulfing silence.
"Who'll be naked doing what now?”
Talk about embarrassing moments! :D But I really loved this one here.
The characters are not quite well fleshed out and yet I couldn't help rooting for them because of their dynamic. That being said, this is also a pretty short read and the first installment in a series, which leaves a lot of room for growth in the next books.
I absolutely loved the magic rituals, as well as the friendship and family the author pictures here. That and Nanna, the totally awesome granny witch.
What I'll grumble about is the short page count and the very open end that had me going 'What?! That's it?!'
That being said, if you're on the lookout for a good clean YA LGBTQ read grab this one here and you won't be disappointed. But make sure you have the sequel at hand too.
December 17, 2018
This was a fun winter story with lovely setting and likeable characters. The plot was interesting, but I feel that there was not enough development between Mark and Damian and everything happened too fast.
April 22, 2019
Short sweet boy meets boy with a paranormal twist
Mark has decided to take up the mantle of his family's witchly heritage. His Nonna is the strongest witch in the county and has started teaching him to develop his power and skill. Mark is one of two gay boys in the small village school and is lonely and isolated. Then a cute boy transfers in from the city. ...
The story is a well written introduction to a new series.
Mark has decided to take up the mantle of his family's witchly heritage. His Nonna is the strongest witch in the county and has started teaching him to develop his power and skill. Mark is one of two gay boys in the small village school and is lonely and isolated. Then a cute boy transfers in from the city. ...
The story is a well written introduction to a new series.
September 29, 2022
Jump to England, add a group of 16-year-old teenagers, love thrills and a bit of drama. Sprinkle them with a dash of magic and a charming granny witch. Dynamically shuffle until you find a stubborn demon and read in one sitting.
Thus began my adventure in the world of the Northern Witch. I want to point out that the first book is short, extremely easy to read and enjoyable. I rather felt it as a Prelude - a background story that introduces us to this magical world and introduces us to the characters.
The action developed extremely dynamically and developed too quickly. But I expected that, considering the book is about 80 pages.
Here, the typical teenage dramas were interwoven with snowy adventures, magical experiences, lots of action and a charming celebration of the Winter Solstice with the gathering around the fire.
To me, Mark was the typical teenager who has to fight the school jungle. I have to admit it got interesting when I found out that his grandmother was a witch and he himself has ancient roots. I loved how loyal he was to his friends and how fate brought him together with Damian.
And while I like Mark, Damian is the one who won my heart. Maybe I fall for a character with a dark past who faces a lot of hardships. Or I just liked the chemistry they had from the beginning. I don't know, but I sure want to see how it develops in the next books.
NANA is a true QUEEN! This woman charmed me from her very first appearance with her bold comments. It definitely stands out not only with its behavior, but also with its style. That everyone knows she's a witch is an added bonus in her field.
What I was missing was that:
- There were no detailed character descriptions.
- There were unsaid things that I wanted to see and that the action did not bypass them. For example, the scene where Mark's grandmother stayed to talk to his parents was a particularly pivotal moment.
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thus began my adventure in the world of the Northern Witch. I want to point out that the first book is short, extremely easy to read and enjoyable. I rather felt it as a Prelude - a background story that introduces us to this magical world and introduces us to the characters.
The action developed extremely dynamically and developed too quickly. But I expected that, considering the book is about 80 pages.
Here, the typical teenage dramas were interwoven with snowy adventures, magical experiences, lots of action and a charming celebration of the Winter Solstice with the gathering around the fire.
To me, Mark was the typical teenager who has to fight the school jungle. I have to admit it got interesting when I found out that his grandmother was a witch and he himself has ancient roots. I loved how loyal he was to his friends and how fate brought him together with Damian.
And while I like Mark, Damian is the one who won my heart. Maybe I fall for a character with a dark past who faces a lot of hardships. Or I just liked the chemistry they had from the beginning. I don't know, but I sure want to see how it develops in the next books.
NANA is a true QUEEN! This woman charmed me from her very first appearance with her bold comments. It definitely stands out not only with its behavior, but also with its style. That everyone knows she's a witch is an added bonus in her field.
What I was missing was that:
- There were no detailed character descriptions.
- There were unsaid things that I wanted to see and that the action did not bypass them. For example, the scene where Mark's grandmother stayed to talk to his parents was a particularly pivotal moment.
*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2021
I had a chuckle in parts
March 1, 2024
Well, this was way shorter than I thought it was going to be.
Usually when indie(and sometimes not so indie, I'm looking at you Darren Shan) authors want you to read their newest saga they release a short story in which they explain the setting of that new saga and what’s going to be about. This differs from first-book-in-the-series because they’re generally shorter, cheaper and fast paced. All of that without anything of major importance taking place on those few pages. I suppose this is the case of Winter Trials.
The story is just getting started, and the characters are kinda there but it isn’t an actual development nor climax resolution.
Why, then, a three stars rating? Because I actually enjoyed it. The narrative is light and fast paced, in every chapter there is something happening and the two main characters seem to have a lot to say, to live, and to experiment. It does feel like the author was in a hurry to make progress on the story, and it is clear that she wanted to make the prelude as short and as intense as she could.
That’s not precisely bad, and younger readers would probably enjoy it that way. Me, as an adult reader, find it rushed and somehow out of focus.
And yes, this might be a YA book, but many YA books are enjoyed by adults as well. So that’s not and excuse, you just have to take a look to this one: El Sobrino del Mago
The Best: I can see the potential on this story, and I really want to read the second book to see if I'm correct about that feeling.
The Worst: There’s a lot of substance and detail missing.
I received this for free via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
Usually when indie
The story is just getting started, and the characters are kinda there but it isn’t an actual development nor climax resolution.
Why, then, a three stars rating? Because I actually enjoyed it. The narrative is light and fast paced, in every chapter there is something happening and the two main characters seem to have a lot to say, to live, and to experiment. It does feel like the author was in a hurry to make progress on the story, and it is clear that she wanted to make the prelude as short and as intense as she could.
That’s not precisely bad, and younger readers would probably enjoy it that way. Me, as an adult reader, find it rushed and somehow out of focus.
And yes, this might be a YA book, but many YA books are enjoyed by adults as well. So that’s not and excuse, you just have to take a look to this one: El Sobrino del Mago
The Best: I can see the potential on this story, and I really want to read the second book to see if I'm correct about that feeling.
The Worst: There’s a lot of substance and detail missing.
I received this for free via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2019
This is a lot of fun. It's probably predictable, or is it? But that never stopped books being fun.
May 7, 2018
This most certainly had its charm and the potential to be something of a paranormal cozy mystery. Just with a YA twist. This pretty much had all the elements I hold near and dear. The characters were indeed very likable. Especially Nana!
There's just a few problems with this. First being with the pacing. Everything kinda happened too fast. There was a lack of character description, which gave me some trouble to become fully immersed in this.
Though didn't get me wrong. The charm really holds this story together well. I've especially really enjoyed the humor. I just would've liked to have seen more character development. Especially between Damian and Mark to make it more believable. It is still a promising start to a book series. I would like to see more and hope the author doesn't give up on this.
There's just a few problems with this. First being with the pacing. Everything kinda happened too fast. There was a lack of character description, which gave me some trouble to become fully immersed in this.
Though didn't get me wrong. The charm really holds this story together well. I've especially really enjoyed the humor. I just would've liked to have seen more character development. Especially between Damian and Mark to make it more believable. It is still a promising start to a book series. I would like to see more and hope the author doesn't give up on this.
October 14, 2022
This book was ok for a Ya story, but it’s only part of the book. You should be made aware that if you want to know what happens to Mark and Damien you have to buy the next book. I’ll never know because I don’t care enough to spend $4 for the next part of the story.
August 25, 2018
Winter Trials is an entertaining quick read, and a great start to the series. It's a sweet and spooky short story, with a lot of content - action, danger, and romance!
The book is well written and the author breathes life into the characters.
We get to know Mark (and his friends), as he begins learning witchcraft from his Nanna, the head of a coven, and meets Damien, the gorgeous new boy at school.
With the support of his best friends, Harry and Sarah, and his nanna's coven, Mark tries to help Damien overthrow the demon which wants to possess him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and moved straight on to book 2, Awaken.
The book is well written and the author breathes life into the characters.
We get to know Mark (and his friends), as he begins learning witchcraft from his Nanna, the head of a coven, and meets Damien, the gorgeous new boy at school.
With the support of his best friends, Harry and Sarah, and his nanna's coven, Mark tries to help Damien overthrow the demon which wants to possess him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and moved straight on to book 2, Awaken.
December 26, 2018
Book 53 of my Goodreads Challenge Second Reading
I re-read this story in preparation for reading Book 2 Awaken
Awaken
WOW This book had me hooked from the start, only a short story but packs so much in.
Mark is a Year 11 student one of the few pupils openly gay, and to top it all his Nanna is a witch. With the Winter solstice fast approaching she will be teaching him about his heritage. Mark has a very loyal friend in Harry but he now has Sarah with whom he is very much in love. Mark dreams of having someone to love for himself.
Suddenly in walks Damian new boy golden haired from London, sadly he has lost both his parents and has come to live with his aunt in Yorkshire. All the school are swooning over him including Mark. But there is a darkness that surrounds him will Mark get to find out what that is. I urge you to read this book for yourself.
Very Highly Recommended and I for one definitely want to read more.
I re-read this story in preparation for reading Book 2 Awaken
Awaken
WOW This book had me hooked from the start, only a short story but packs so much in.
Mark is a Year 11 student one of the few pupils openly gay, and to top it all his Nanna is a witch. With the Winter solstice fast approaching she will be teaching him about his heritage. Mark has a very loyal friend in Harry but he now has Sarah with whom he is very much in love. Mark dreams of having someone to love for himself.
Suddenly in walks Damian new boy golden haired from London, sadly he has lost both his parents and has come to live with his aunt in Yorkshire. All the school are swooning over him including Mark. But there is a darkness that surrounds him will Mark get to find out what that is. I urge you to read this book for yourself.
Very Highly Recommended and I for one definitely want to read more.
July 2, 2018
I loved this short, sweet teen romance with a paranormal flair. Mark is a young witch and one of only two gay guys in his high school. He is immediately drawn to the attractive new guy in school. Damian has recently experienced great loss in his life and fears he is to blame. The story was intriguing, and I loved Mark's Nanna. There is action, danger, and a blossoming romance. I hope there is more to come in this story. I want to know where Mark, Damian, and their friends go from here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2018
At the beginning of the book I thought that this was going to be a book for very young teenagers because the characters in the story are just sixteen year old and still in school, however I must admit I really enjoyed the story and the way it unfolded! Loved the Nanna who is the head of a coven of witches and the fact that young Mark decided he wanted to learn how to be a witch too. The story takes a turn on the dark side and we get to meet a demon who is possessing a friend. There is a bit of romance blooming on the horizon too and solidarity shown by friends who give support on solstice night! All in all it is a great first book even though it is rather a short story but I really look forward to reading book 2 in the series the Northern Witch.
June 10, 2019
Winter Trials (Northern Witch #1) by K.S. Marsden is a wonderful short read.
The book follows Mark who is wondering whether or not to follow in his grandmother’s footsteps and become a witch. In the midst of this decision he meets Damian, the very attractive new lad at school who has come down to Yorkshire from London following the deaths of his mother and father to stay with his aunt.
I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say Damian is having a hard time and has a lot of fears going on in his mind which he feels he is all alone in handling. So enter Mark (And Mark’s grandmother, mother, father, best friend and best friend’s girlfriend along with Damian’s aunt plus half the established witches in the county thanks to Mark’s grandmother’s contacts) and suddenly he ain’t as alone with his problems as he once thought he was. Again not giving too much away but there is a rescue and all the suspense and drama that goes with that and a meeting of the witches just prior to Christmas. The author packed a lot into a short book here so kudos to her on that as that is not an easy job.
This book deals with an important issue in mental health, depression and suicide. Often in a lot of fiction this is older people going through these issues so I think it was important to show that this is something which affects younger people too and to show to younger people that suicide isn’t the answer and that life can improve.
There is a great variety of characters present in this book. Mark and Damian are both very interesting and compliment each other perfectly as a couple. But they are very different. Mark is a nerd in many ways while Damian is a bit cooler but their personalities seem to meet in the middle somewhere and they get each other and where the other is coming from. Mark’s grandmother is in my mind a hippie and she doesn’t really care less about appearances or what people think of her. She has dedicated her life to witchcraft because it makes her happy and hasn’t cared one iota about what others may say. She doesn’t care less about how she is supposed to act for her age and that is refreshing to see for an older person in fiction. I actually think minus the witchcraft I can see into my future and see myself when I’m older in Mark’s grandmother. Other characters who play a big role in this story are Mark’s best friend Harry and his girlfriend Sarah. I think they help add very much to the non-magical side of Mark’s life as characters who have no connection to magic or anything connected to it. Their support to Mark and Damian in the trials they face throughout the book are very sweet. And like Mark and Damian, they seem very well suited to each other. Mark was my favourite character but I loved the other characters too. Each character added something to the plot that would have been missing if they wasn’t there.
There is perfect balance between Mark’s magic world and his school/non-magic world. Readers get a good understanding of both sides of his life and how sometimes they cross over such as when he is practicing aura reading in the middle of Religion class. The dialogue in this book is great. Very natural. Very everyday. Which is completely the type of dialogue I love to read in books. There is also superb humour which you miss in some books as well-written as they might be. But here you get great writing with great wit mixed together and I loved that about the novel. It was very off-the-cuff humour, natural and down-to-earth.
The book ended on a cliffhanger as you would expect from a series. But the reader does get the impression that Mark and Damian will have a long-lasting or maybe even a forever love story with bumps on the road sure but you feel they will get past these bumps in the road together and also with the help of those who care about them.
It’s a brilliant book. I loved it.
The book follows Mark who is wondering whether or not to follow in his grandmother’s footsteps and become a witch. In the midst of this decision he meets Damian, the very attractive new lad at school who has come down to Yorkshire from London following the deaths of his mother and father to stay with his aunt.
I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say Damian is having a hard time and has a lot of fears going on in his mind which he feels he is all alone in handling. So enter Mark (And Mark’s grandmother, mother, father, best friend and best friend’s girlfriend along with Damian’s aunt plus half the established witches in the county thanks to Mark’s grandmother’s contacts) and suddenly he ain’t as alone with his problems as he once thought he was. Again not giving too much away but there is a rescue and all the suspense and drama that goes with that and a meeting of the witches just prior to Christmas. The author packed a lot into a short book here so kudos to her on that as that is not an easy job.
This book deals with an important issue in mental health, depression and suicide. Often in a lot of fiction this is older people going through these issues so I think it was important to show that this is something which affects younger people too and to show to younger people that suicide isn’t the answer and that life can improve.
There is a great variety of characters present in this book. Mark and Damian are both very interesting and compliment each other perfectly as a couple. But they are very different. Mark is a nerd in many ways while Damian is a bit cooler but their personalities seem to meet in the middle somewhere and they get each other and where the other is coming from. Mark’s grandmother is in my mind a hippie and she doesn’t really care less about appearances or what people think of her. She has dedicated her life to witchcraft because it makes her happy and hasn’t cared one iota about what others may say. She doesn’t care less about how she is supposed to act for her age and that is refreshing to see for an older person in fiction. I actually think minus the witchcraft I can see into my future and see myself when I’m older in Mark’s grandmother. Other characters who play a big role in this story are Mark’s best friend Harry and his girlfriend Sarah. I think they help add very much to the non-magical side of Mark’s life as characters who have no connection to magic or anything connected to it. Their support to Mark and Damian in the trials they face throughout the book are very sweet. And like Mark and Damian, they seem very well suited to each other. Mark was my favourite character but I loved the other characters too. Each character added something to the plot that would have been missing if they wasn’t there.
There is perfect balance between Mark’s magic world and his school/non-magic world. Readers get a good understanding of both sides of his life and how sometimes they cross over such as when he is practicing aura reading in the middle of Religion class. The dialogue in this book is great. Very natural. Very everyday. Which is completely the type of dialogue I love to read in books. There is also superb humour which you miss in some books as well-written as they might be. But here you get great writing with great wit mixed together and I loved that about the novel. It was very off-the-cuff humour, natural and down-to-earth.
The book ended on a cliffhanger as you would expect from a series. But the reader does get the impression that Mark and Damian will have a long-lasting or maybe even a forever love story with bumps on the road sure but you feel they will get past these bumps in the road together and also with the help of those who care about them.
It’s a brilliant book. I loved it.
January 7, 2021
Most kids face changes as their time in school approaches an end, but the changes Mark faces are more than most people have to deal with. But with good friends and a loving family, he might just find the right path for himself.
I first decided to read this story because some bigot had posted a bad review since the two main characters are gay. Despite the fact that this story is clearly marked as LBGT fiction. But I found myself really being drawn into the story. It's a novella, but the characters are all well-developed and interesting. I also appreciate the fact that the author used British spelling and slang for a story set in the UK. Bucking the trend to "Americanize" British stories for marketability's sake helps make everything seem more "real" and increases the fun for the reader. At least, for this reader. Overall, five stars, and I'll be reading the rest of the series as well.
I first decided to read this story because some bigot had posted a bad review since the two main characters are gay. Despite the fact that this story is clearly marked as LBGT fiction. But I found myself really being drawn into the story. It's a novella, but the characters are all well-developed and interesting. I also appreciate the fact that the author used British spelling and slang for a story set in the UK. Bucking the trend to "Americanize" British stories for marketability's sake helps make everything seem more "real" and increases the fun for the reader. At least, for this reader. Overall, five stars, and I'll be reading the rest of the series as well.
September 17, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was struggling reading a M/M book for the past couple of years but I feel like I was expecting the right one.
And found it.
The "Winter Trials" is a bright gem of fast book.
The plot is fast but solid, the characters well made and easy to bond with.
Loved the fuzzy feelings, the awkwardness, the slow burn love.
It lost my one start from the way it ended.
It was biased and I strongly believe that the writer could have written it better.
Perfect book for a quick read.
I totally recommend it.
I was struggling reading a M/M book for the past couple of years but I feel like I was expecting the right one.
And found it.
The "Winter Trials" is a bright gem of fast book.
The plot is fast but solid, the characters well made and easy to bond with.
Loved the fuzzy feelings, the awkwardness, the slow burn love.
It lost my one start from the way it ended.
It was biased and I strongly believe that the writer could have written it better.
Perfect book for a quick read.
I totally recommend it.
September 11, 2017
Fantastic read!
This story is amazingly written. Characters come to life and I felt a connection to them. Nanna is every bit the eccentric Gran I'd hoped she'd be. It's not easy to write stories of magic without sounding cliché but Marsden has accomplished it perfectly. Well done!
This story is amazingly written. Characters come to life and I felt a connection to them. Nanna is every bit the eccentric Gran I'd hoped she'd be. It's not easy to write stories of magic without sounding cliché but Marsden has accomplished it perfectly. Well done!
August 9, 2019
As Mark embarks on a journey to learn magic from his Nanna, can he acquire the ability quickly enough to help his newest school chum Damian, who’s desperately in need of some aid. It seems Damian’s brought something more than just spiffy clothes with him from London. This is a well written, entertaining quick read with interesting and likeable characters, some humour, magic and teenage drama. I’m curious to see how the discovery at the Winter Solstice impacts everyone’s lives moving forward.
my-friends-said-no
January 2, 2024Technically, I DNF-ed this at 15%. The writing is too immature. I do read YA if well written, but this is just not enjoyable.
I don't want to open the new year with a DNF and 1 star rating, so I am simply shelfing it as "not my cup of book".
I don't want to open the new year with a DNF and 1 star rating, so I am simply shelfing it as "not my cup of book".
August 20, 2018
A good start
I nice short read and a great series starter. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what the fallout will be.
I nice short read and a great series starter. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what the fallout will be.
February 25, 2020
Sweet and enjoyable. Well written characters who show love, loyalty and bravery. The author sets up a wonderful YA environment and delightful introduction to the series, which I plan to enjoy.
May 27, 2018
This is a great quick and well written journey of fantasy and adventure. A personal journey as well as a group journey of friends. I Loved IT!!!!! Get it today right now it will bless your life!
August 17, 2018
When I started this I just wanted to read it before book 2 but then I fell in love with Mark and his story.
Why good people always have problems.
I recommend this and book 2 to everyone who likes witches! and demons, but who likes them?
Why good people always have problems.
I recommend this and book 2 to everyone who likes witches! and demons, but who likes them?
June 27, 2018
Very cute read about learning a new family trait and helping out a new friend in the process. Shorter than I originally expected, but enough to grab my attention and make me want to read more.
January 30, 2018
Was hooked immediately. Mark is in high school and just turned 16 and his Nanna, who is a witch, decides to teach him her ways. After learning some basic witch skills, he gets more than he bargained for. Throw in a handsome new student that catches Mark’s eye and it just rolls from there. Loved it! Only disappointed that book 2 is not out yet. Waiting.....
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