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The Black Witch Chronicles #0.5
Wandfasted
Magic, romance and adventure collide in WANDFASTED, the irresistible ebook prequel to THE BLACK WITCH
Twenty years before Elloren Gardner enrolled at the illustrious Verpax University, Erthia was rent asunder during the devastating Realm War. When Tessla Harrow is driven from her home by the fighting, she discovers a depth of power she never knew she had...and an irresistible draw towards Vale Gardner, the son of the most powerful mage her people have ever known – the Black Witch.
Twenty years before Elloren Gardner enrolled at the illustrious Verpax University, Erthia was rent asunder during the devastating Realm War. When Tessla Harrow is driven from her home by the fighting, she discovers a depth of power she never knew she had...and an irresistible draw towards Vale Gardner, the son of the most powerful mage her people have ever known – the Black Witch.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
744 people are currently reading
11559 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Forest
22 books4,283 followersLaurie Forest is a New York Times, USA Today & Internationally Bestselling Author who lives deep in the backwoods of Vermont where she sits in front of a wood stove drinking strong tea and dreaming up tales full of dryads, dragons and wands. She has penned THE BLACK WITCH CHRONICLES including - THE BLACK WITCH, THE REBEL MAGES (a compilation of the prequel novels WANDFASTED & LIGHT MAGE), THE SHADOW WAND, THE DEMON TIDE & THE DRYAD STORM. She is currently working on her first standalone adult romantasy - SILVERLING.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews
September 2, 2016
I had an absolute blast writing this introduction to my world (prequel to The Black Witch). I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed envisioning it and writing it ;)
July 7, 2017
See this review and more like it on www.bookbastion.net
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The Black Witch: ★★★★★
Laurie Forest returns in this prequel novella to her stunning debut YA Fantasy novel, The Black Witch. Fans of the complex world-building and layered politics and relationships between the various cultures in this world are sure to love this simply for what it adds to the reader's understanding of the world and certain characters in it. That being said, I do wish that I had gone into this with a better idea of what this story was actually about, because I think not knowing exactly what I was getting into sort of impacted my enjoyment of it until I figured out exactly what I was reading, and what sort of story this novella was trying to tell.
When I go into a novel or the supplemental material in a series, I try and remain as unspoiled as I can for personal enjoyment's sake. With this particular novella, I only chose to read the summary listed here on Goodreads, which is quite short. I beg of you, if you're like me and do this too, adjust your expectations accordingly because this isn't a story directly about the fabled Black Witch herself, (Elloren's deceased Grandmother that she is constantly compared to in the first book) like the summary would lead you to believe.
Instead, the story focuses on another young woman thrust into events unfolding well outside of her control and the connection she develops with another member of the Gardner family. It is through these two characters and their dynamic with each other that the historical events mentioned in the first book are given context. There was less focus on the Black Witch herself than I expected there would be, and because of this I kept wondering when the plot was going to circle back around to her. Non-spoiler warning: it doesn't, really. She remains an ancillary character as Forest explores romance in her world and how relationships between couples function within a culture that thrusts young people together, often against their will.
By re-orienting myself to the fact that this is fantasy romance, rather than the standard and wide-reaching fantasy fare you see in the first book, I was able to sort of relax and enjoy it a bit more. The romance between the two main characters is quite compelling. For once, there's a relationship between a man and woman in YA that isn't based on authors expecting us to find abusive male leads sexy, and it's so appreciated here. And to be frank, I was quite surprised by how well written some of the more steamy moments are. There's nothing vulgar, but the story also doesn't shy away from the topic of sex either, which I think is important because a lot of YA tends to just pretend it doesn't exist at all, which isn't exactly healthy either.
Set years before the events in her debut novel, Forest turns back the hands of time to tell the story of the generations that lived when the world was stepped in civil war. Make no mistake about it, as romantic as the later parts of this book are, the earlier parts are definitely filled with more of that dark fantasy I had come to expect from The Black Witch. Some tough topics are confronted here as well, but considering the ire the first book drew, I would be remiss if I didn't state for the record that I found nothing of offense in this book either.
The use of dark thematic content in fantasy is a tale as old as time, and if you have a problem with reading about things that may trigger you, you'd be better suited to a contemporary anyway.
If you're looking for steamy romance set in a vibrant fantasy world, you've come to the right place my friends! I'm giving it 3.5 stars solely because my enjoyment levels were all over the place, and because romance is typically my least favorite genre to read. That being said, I still enjoyed the journey with these characters and fully expect others who love romance and fantasy to love this book! Make no mistake about it, Laurie Forest is building a great fantasy world here and I look forward to seeing where it goes next.
★★★✯ = 3.5/5 stars
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The Black Witch: ★★★★★
Laurie Forest returns in this prequel novella to her stunning debut YA Fantasy novel, The Black Witch. Fans of the complex world-building and layered politics and relationships between the various cultures in this world are sure to love this simply for what it adds to the reader's understanding of the world and certain characters in it. That being said, I do wish that I had gone into this with a better idea of what this story was actually about, because I think not knowing exactly what I was getting into sort of impacted my enjoyment of it until I figured out exactly what I was reading, and what sort of story this novella was trying to tell.
When I go into a novel or the supplemental material in a series, I try and remain as unspoiled as I can for personal enjoyment's sake. With this particular novella, I only chose to read the summary listed here on Goodreads, which is quite short. I beg of you, if you're like me and do this too, adjust your expectations accordingly because this isn't a story directly about the fabled Black Witch herself, (Elloren's deceased Grandmother that she is constantly compared to in the first book) like the summary would lead you to believe.
Instead, the story focuses on another young woman thrust into events unfolding well outside of her control and the connection she develops with another member of the Gardner family. It is through these two characters and their dynamic with each other that the historical events mentioned in the first book are given context. There was less focus on the Black Witch herself than I expected there would be, and because of this I kept wondering when the plot was going to circle back around to her. Non-spoiler warning: it doesn't, really. She remains an ancillary character as Forest explores romance in her world and how relationships between couples function within a culture that thrusts young people together, often against their will.
By re-orienting myself to the fact that this is fantasy romance, rather than the standard and wide-reaching fantasy fare you see in the first book, I was able to sort of relax and enjoy it a bit more. The romance between the two main characters is quite compelling. For once, there's a relationship between a man and woman in YA that isn't based on authors expecting us to find abusive male leads sexy, and it's so appreciated here. And to be frank, I was quite surprised by how well written some of the more steamy moments are. There's nothing vulgar, but the story also doesn't shy away from the topic of sex either, which I think is important because a lot of YA tends to just pretend it doesn't exist at all, which isn't exactly healthy either.
Set years before the events in her debut novel, Forest turns back the hands of time to tell the story of the generations that lived when the world was stepped in civil war. Make no mistake about it, as romantic as the later parts of this book are, the earlier parts are definitely filled with more of that dark fantasy I had come to expect from The Black Witch. Some tough topics are confronted here as well, but considering the ire the first book drew, I would be remiss if I didn't state for the record that I found nothing of offense in this book either.
The use of dark thematic content in fantasy is a tale as old as time, and if you have a problem with reading about things that may trigger you, you'd be better suited to a contemporary anyway.
If you're looking for steamy romance set in a vibrant fantasy world, you've come to the right place my friends! I'm giving it 3.5 stars solely because my enjoyment levels were all over the place, and because romance is typically my least favorite genre to read. That being said, I still enjoyed the journey with these characters and fully expect others who love romance and fantasy to love this book! Make no mistake about it, Laurie Forest is building a great fantasy world here and I look forward to seeing where it goes next.
★★★✯ = 3.5/5 stars
March 24, 2022
I had fun reading this and I ended up staying up all night to finish it. I have a nostalgic soft spot for a certain type of YA fantasy book. I do think there were a lot of things about this that might feel cliched and that it employs certain tropes I've heard people complain about many times. I wouldn't pick it up if you're looking for something new or unique but I think it serves as a decent light read and can be good enough entertainment wise.
March 25, 2022
Second time read & review.
Even though it has been a few years since I've read Wandfasted, I still enjoyed it. I'll admit that I got a bit more annoyed with all the prejudice and stuff but that's because it also annoyed me in the first book of this series. I just don't get the whole tit for tat thing and how anyone thinks they are more superior to anyone else. It just rubs me the wrong way.
The one thing I did enjoy was getting to know Tessla once again. She's a very strong and independent character. She doesn't want to bow down to every rule or person. Plus, the whole being forced to fast with someone is pretty dumb in my eyes. So, when she starts to think the same thing? Well, I just knew that I was going to like the girl.
Then there's the romance between her and Vale which was just really freaking cute. I adored them and it just sucks with what they went through. Ugh. Still not happy about it but I did enjoy their little adventure together. Bittersweet AF though.
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I LOVED THIS NOVELLA!
Well, I think I love this series in general and I'm so freaking pumped to dive into the next book of this series.
Wandfasted made a super boring day at work a heck of a lot better. In it you will meet Tessla and her family. You'll also get to know about the whole wandfasting a bit more as well.
Okay, I loved Tessla. I loved Vale. Heck, I loved all of the characters in this book - except for Tessla's grandfather, who magically became an asshole at the end of this book. I most definitely fell in love with the whole romance part of this book. The little smut scenes we got, and that book - which led to more books, were amazing as well.
Other than that, I loved the magic and the drama in this book. I hated how people were treating Tessla in the beginning. Then when we met other characters in this book and seeing how some people looked down upon them - it just broke my heart. I think that's why I just loved getting my scenes about Tessla and Vale.
This novella was way too short, in my opinion. Then again, I feel like that's the truth for all novellas. I'm still super pumped for the next book in my queue though.
Even though it has been a few years since I've read Wandfasted, I still enjoyed it. I'll admit that I got a bit more annoyed with all the prejudice and stuff but that's because it also annoyed me in the first book of this series. I just don't get the whole tit for tat thing and how anyone thinks they are more superior to anyone else. It just rubs me the wrong way.
The one thing I did enjoy was getting to know Tessla once again. She's a very strong and independent character. She doesn't want to bow down to every rule or person. Plus, the whole being forced to fast with someone is pretty dumb in my eyes. So, when she starts to think the same thing? Well, I just knew that I was going to like the girl.
Then there's the romance between her and Vale which was just really freaking cute. I adored them and it just sucks with what they went through. Ugh. Still not happy about it but I did enjoy their little adventure together. Bittersweet AF though.
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I LOVED THIS NOVELLA!
Well, I think I love this series in general and I'm so freaking pumped to dive into the next book of this series.
Wandfasted made a super boring day at work a heck of a lot better. In it you will meet Tessla and her family. You'll also get to know about the whole wandfasting a bit more as well.
Okay, I loved Tessla. I loved Vale. Heck, I loved all of the characters in this book - except for Tessla's grandfather, who magically became an asshole at the end of this book. I most definitely fell in love with the whole romance part of this book. The little smut scenes we got, and that book - which led to more books, were amazing as well.
Other than that, I loved the magic and the drama in this book. I hated how people were treating Tessla in the beginning. Then when we met other characters in this book and seeing how some people looked down upon them - it just broke my heart. I think that's why I just loved getting my scenes about Tessla and Vale.
This novella was way too short, in my opinion. Then again, I feel like that's the truth for all novellas. I'm still super pumped for the next book in my queue though.
January 18, 2019
I love this world! It is so magical and just extremely intriguing series. This is a prequel to the Black Witch, but it is a novella that is the size of a smaller, normal sized novel so you actually get this really good story that does not come off short or even that rushed. I actually was mildly surprised at how engaging this novella was, because it is marketed as a short story, but it comes off with a complete story feel. It was great to get the backstory of some of the characters lineage and the relationships of the adult characters mentioned in the plot of the Black Witch and Iron Flower. It gives a better understanding of this world and a quick fix for the series third book coming out in March.
My quick and simple overall: fantastic novella that reads a lot like a normal novel!
My quick and simple overall: fantastic novella that reads a lot like a normal novel!
September 2, 2018
This author just has a way of making me fly through her books. Engaging writing like that make for the best kinds of books. This was more of a romance then I was expecting and a bit cheesy, but I totally fell for it. I loved the main character and how she stood up for herself. It was interesting to see the oppression from the Black Witch flipped on its head. We get to see a bit of the past and how things became the way they are. Im excited to continue on with the rest of the series.
July 20, 2016
A thrilling and harrowing tale, Wandfasted kept me up at night following the story of Tessla, a strong heroine with a little magic and a lot of heart. Through the insurmountable odds of prejudice and war, she fights back against enemy troops, hoping to save her sick brother, elderly grandfather and innocent friends. As enemy soldiers raze her village, they harass and threaten Tessla, but she finds immense power inside herself, power she wasn’t trained to use, power that almost kills her. Can her own people save her? Will they? She’s a lower class river girl--the most powerful of her own kind look down upon her as well. Is her strong heart enough to win against friends and foes alike?
July 11, 2017
Wandfasted does not fill it the blanks. It only left me with more questions and answers.
Laurie Forest continue to shows us the dark side of Erithia history. This time we see the horrible treatment of Gardnerians under Keltic rule and how Gardnerians vows to fight back under their legendary Black Witch. An important lesson to learn, if we continue to bring up old feuds and constantly using the past oppression as a tool to justify our revenge instead of learning how to live peacefully with each other, we are doomed to be stuck in this endless cycle of oppression
How much this mirrors our society yeah. Both Gardnerians and Kelts are no better. They keeps killing one another.
When I first started this book, I find it so boring that I actually put it on hold. Our protagonist Tessla is a Gardnerian that actually have magic unlike Elloren so I am stuck reading about Tessla's magic how her power flow through her bla bla. But once I get past that, it gets interesting and I actually flew through the rest of it
Ok now I will go ahead and talk about the spoiler stuff
Laurie Forest continue to shows us the dark side of Erithia history. This time we see the horrible treatment of Gardnerians under Keltic rule and how Gardnerians vows to fight back under their legendary Black Witch. An important lesson to learn, if we continue to bring up old feuds and constantly using the past oppression as a tool to justify our revenge instead of learning how to live peacefully with each other, we are doomed to be stuck in this endless cycle of oppression
How much this mirrors our society yeah. Both Gardnerians and Kelts are no better. They keeps killing one another.
When I first started this book, I find it so boring that I actually put it on hold. Our protagonist Tessla is a Gardnerian that actually have magic unlike Elloren so I am stuck reading about Tessla's magic how her power flow through her bla bla. But once I get past that, it gets interesting and I actually flew through the rest of it
Ok now I will go ahead and talk about the spoiler stuff
December 5, 2017
Writng: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 3 stars
3.5 stars overall.
---
I didn't love this as much as Black Witch . Not because it was a bad book, but I wasn't a fan of it being focused on the romance.
I did know it was gonna be about Elloren's parents going in yes, but I never felt fully connected to it all. This is just a me thing, I'm not big on romances 90% of the time.
Why did I read it then? I was curious, and eager to see the world as it was when Tessla and Vale were a part of everything going on.
As before, I wanted to smack some people senseless and others I wanted to whisk them away and protect them (Wren, Fain). Another was a surprise but made sense when I thought on it more.
In one case of a character I thought "The apple doesn't fall from the tree."
It was interesting to get a glimpse of Carnissa *backs away slowly*
With what you know happens in Black Witch it makes you wonder a few things
This answers a few queastions but leave many more.. perhaps some will be answered in book two?
Would still recommend, a nice installment to the series.
Side note: Pictured Sebasatian Stan as Fain
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 3 stars
3.5 stars overall.
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I didn't love this as much as Black Witch . Not because it was a bad book, but I wasn't a fan of it being focused on the romance.
I did know it was gonna be about Elloren's parents going in yes, but I never felt fully connected to it all. This is just a me thing, I'm not big on romances 90% of the time.
Why did I read it then? I was curious, and eager to see the world as it was when Tessla and Vale were a part of everything going on.
As before, I wanted to smack some people senseless and others I wanted to whisk them away and protect them (Wren, Fain). Another was a surprise but made sense when I thought on it more.
In one case of a character I thought "The apple doesn't fall from the tree."
It was interesting to get a glimpse of Carnissa *backs away slowly*
With what you know happens in Black Witch it makes you wonder a few things
This answers a few queastions but leave many more.. perhaps some will be answered in book two?
Would still recommend, a nice installment to the series.
Side note: Pictured Sebasatian Stan as Fain
June 4, 2018
Holy crap! How is Forest a newbie author?! I DEVOURED this book in a little under 5 hours and will definitely now be re-reading The Black Witch. Forest is an instant buy for me now.
This book starts out with a bang...like dragons fighting a witch trying to stop a genocide type bang! It eventually dies down but I didn't ever feel or notice a lul in the pace. There is always something happening and I understood that everything being brought up was either a comment on an issue we have in our society and/or was a mirroring of events and the world/time in The Black Witch.
While the characters and plots are not unique (there's some good fluff romance), Forest does an amazing job of showing how we tend to repeat history by using hate to guide our actions. They also bring up so many modern issues: homophobia, access to healthcare, sexism, gender roles and racism.
READ IT!
UPDATE FROM REREAD:
Omg I am such a moron ROFL
I didn't connect this Gareth or Vivianne or Tesla's brother to them in The Black Witch the first time I read it! So many dots connected!
This book starts out with a bang...like dragons fighting a witch trying to stop a genocide type bang! It eventually dies down but I didn't ever feel or notice a lul in the pace. There is always something happening and I understood that everything being brought up was either a comment on an issue we have in our society and/or was a mirroring of events and the world/time in The Black Witch.
While the characters and plots are not unique (there's some good fluff romance), Forest does an amazing job of showing how we tend to repeat history by using hate to guide our actions. They also bring up so many modern issues: homophobia, access to healthcare, sexism, gender roles and racism.
READ IT!
UPDATE FROM REREAD:
Omg I am such a moron ROFL
I didn't connect this Gareth or Vivianne or Tesla's brother to them in The Black Witch the first time I read it! So many dots connected!
August 12, 2016
Loved this book! Forest is a splendid storyteller, bringing Tessa's world into focus with rich detail and energy. Specially love the chapters with her fast mate - how they navigate the world of falling in love. Real emotions, true to teens, and yet heightened to bring this fantasy world into reality. So many twists and turns. Unpredictable. I look forward to her 4 books!
January 1, 2019
I never read novellas, but I loved this one! So swoon-worthy!
June 27, 2017
A thrilling and passionate adventure!
April 17, 2019
I won’t be able to write a review for this book because I will end up sounding defensive and justify why I was in just the right mood for this, just as my 16 year old self would have been! #don’tjudgeme
Want to read
January 16, 2017GIMME GIMME GIMME
February 10, 2018
This book is a lot like The Black Witch, the author pushing the same messages and still people think this story is hurting people when in fact, it's not. It's preaching love and inclusion and things SJWs claim they want so seeing them one star a book they've never read... it makes me roll my eyes. At least I get a good laugh from their actions.
This story shows when the Kelts were the ones in change and how they ruled harshly. It just goes to show that the author has captured human emotions/actions much better than we thought. Sadly, there will always be those people that think others are below them and want to rule over them and damn if she doesn't nail in in this one and her first book.
Now, that being said, this is more of love story and for that, being the romantic that I am, I liked this one even more than The Black Witch, which is saying something as I enjoyed The Black Witch so freaking much! I loved seeing the love. I felt this was a pretty good read for around Valentine's Day. Now even though this says 'novella' it's more like a full length novel. Which is really nice because it's more than worth your money. My only complaint, I want it as a hardcover/paperback! I went this beauty to sit on my shelves while I admire it from the comfort of my bed.
This story shows when the Kelts were the ones in change and how they ruled harshly. It just goes to show that the author has captured human emotions/actions much better than we thought. Sadly, there will always be those people that think others are below them and want to rule over them and damn if she doesn't nail in in this one and her first book.
Now, that being said, this is more of love story and for that, being the romantic that I am, I liked this one even more than The Black Witch, which is saying something as I enjoyed The Black Witch so freaking much! I loved seeing the love. I felt this was a pretty good read for around Valentine's Day. Now even though this says 'novella' it's more like a full length novel. Which is really nice because it's more than worth your money. My only complaint, I want it as a hardcover/paperback! I went this beauty to sit on my shelves while I admire it from the comfort of my bed.
December 16, 2021
4.5 stars.
I love this. The Black Witch Chronicles are so good and they keep getting better.
This is book 0.5 in the series. It’s set in the time the black witch comes to power, but it doesn’t focus on her. It’s essentially the story of how Elloren’s parents, Vale and Tessla, meet and get together. There is loads of tension, conflict and hot romance. There are glimpses of characters we meet later, a younger Jules and Vyvian, which provides more depth to both of these characters. We also meet a younger Edwin.
The additional character insight made me want to reread books 1 and 2, but I’ll hold off until book 3 is out.
I love this. The Black Witch Chronicles are so good and they keep getting better.
This is book 0.5 in the series. It’s set in the time the black witch comes to power, but it doesn’t focus on her. It’s essentially the story of how Elloren’s parents, Vale and Tessla, meet and get together. There is loads of tension, conflict and hot romance. There are glimpses of characters we meet later, a younger Jules and Vyvian, which provides more depth to both of these characters. We also meet a younger Edwin.
The additional character insight made me want to reread books 1 and 2, but I’ll hold off until book 3 is out.
August 12, 2017
This was such a sweet peek into the first generation of what im gonna assume were a merry band of misfit freedom fighters. I have so many theories now having seen book one and being able to line up their parents and the kids we see some 20 years later. While I can't say it added anything directly to the story of book one I have a strong feeling that we will have kickbacks to this in later installments.
Also 250+ pages not so much a novella as a full book dude lol but I'm not complaining one bit.
Also 250+ pages not so much a novella as a full book dude lol but I'm not complaining one bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
Reread in progress for last 2 books in the series 2025 1/2/25
2020 review—Edit : update... This is the story of the main character in the series parents( so Elloren’s Mother and Father), which explains a lot like why she grew up the way she did and who raised her and a lot. Even how she inherited her dark legacy.
I might go back and read this one after I’m done with book three. This is a great way to tie it all together. Recommended. If you are just beginning definitely read it before !
So awesome ! I love this dark fantasy series !
2020 review—Edit : update... This is the story of the main character in the series parents( so Elloren’s Mother and Father), which explains a lot like why she grew up the way she did and who raised her and a lot. Even how she inherited her dark legacy.
I might go back and read this one after I’m done with book three. This is a great way to tie it all together. Recommended. If you are just beginning definitely read it before !
So awesome ! I love this dark fantasy series !
October 31, 2020
A cute, very quick story on her parents meeting - it was maybe a little too fast 😂.
My favorite is Fain - everyone needs that kind of best friend.
My favorite is Fain - everyone needs that kind of best friend.
October 1, 2019
I want more Vale and Tessla! An intriguing glimpse into the past. Well played, Laurie Forest, well played!
June 22, 2018
***** 5 Stars *****
Wandfasted is like the gateway book to romance novels. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I still have chills thinking about it. The chemistry between Elloren's parents is off the charts. There are no sex scenes in detail, but if you are a reader with a creative imagination, it can easily turn into an adult movie.
My favorite part of this book is all the magic involved. There are a lot of spells casted and many skills are explained. We also see some other characters from the series and discover what kind of lives they had in the past.
I recommend reading this after The Black Witch because book #1 sets the scene better and the reader understands what rolls certain characters played. As this book leans heavily on the romance side, reading the other books first will create a stronger attachment to the characters involved.
All in all, THIS IS AN AMAZING READ! I wish the other books were out!
Wandfasted is like the gateway book to romance novels. I LOVE THIS BOOK! I still have chills thinking about it. The chemistry between Elloren's parents is off the charts. There are no sex scenes in detail, but if you are a reader with a creative imagination, it can easily turn into an adult movie.
My favorite part of this book is all the magic involved. There are a lot of spells casted and many skills are explained. We also see some other characters from the series and discover what kind of lives they had in the past.
I recommend reading this after The Black Witch because book #1 sets the scene better and the reader understands what rolls certain characters played. As this book leans heavily on the romance side, reading the other books first will create a stronger attachment to the characters involved.
All in all, THIS IS AN AMAZING READ! I wish the other books were out!
November 6, 2020
wow, what an amazing book! Tessla & Vale are such a beautiful couple! i went in thinking they couldn’t possibly be as good as Yvan & Elloren, but how wrong I was.
it was nice to see Carnissa Gardner & Aunt Vyvian, though i can’t say i like them at all. also, i think it’s really unfair that women’s fastmarks burn when they cheat on their fastmate but it doesn’t burn when the man cheats. not that i’m saying women should cheat on their husbands, but it’s not really fair that men can do whatever they want.
however, this book did leave me with some questions that i hope are answered in the third book or at least, the upcoming books in the series.
in TBW, Jules once mentioned to Elloren that she reminded him of her father, Vale, but he also said that he’d never met him, just heard things about him. butt,,, in this book, Vale mentions that he & Jules went to university together & were friends. so,,, why did Jules lie?
overall, i loved this prequel & def recommend it for fans of TBW.
it was nice to see Carnissa Gardner & Aunt Vyvian, though i can’t say i like them at all. also, i think it’s really unfair that women’s fastmarks burn when they cheat on their fastmate but it doesn’t burn when the man cheats. not that i’m saying women should cheat on their husbands, but it’s not really fair that men can do whatever they want.
however, this book did leave me with some questions that i hope are answered in the third book or at least, the upcoming books in the series.
in TBW, Jules once mentioned to Elloren that she reminded him of her father, Vale, but he also said that he’d never met him, just heard things about him. butt,,, in this book, Vale mentions that he & Jules went to university together & were friends. so,,, why did Jules lie?
overall, i loved this prequel & def recommend it for fans of TBW.
Want to read
June 25, 2017LOL at the ppl 1 starring this already..y'all petty as fuck. Go read a my little pony book aight? 😂😂😂 lotsa snowflakes and rainbows and shit there..
🌈 ❄️ ❣️🎈☀️👙
🌈 ❄️ ❣️🎈☀️👙
November 15, 2018
Legit. How am I such trash for this series?!
April 21, 2020
Takes place before The Black Witch. The narrator is Elloren's mother Tessla, and follows her brief capture by the Kelts and meeting Vale, Elloren's dad. While the two hates each other at first, they find themselves wildly attracted to each other. When Elloren is about to be fasted to Malkyn Bane, a really cruel man, Vale steps forward to become her fastmate to save her from Malkyn. But it turns out the two have a lot in common and their magical affinities are a perfect match, and pretty soon they fall in love with each other.
It's a very sweet story and gives us an inside to her parent's lives. For some reason, I feel like maybe her parents are still alive... Well I can't wait for Forest's next book to come out: Light Mage and The Iron Flower!
It's a very sweet story and gives us an inside to her parent's lives. For some reason, I feel like maybe her parents are still alive... Well I can't wait for Forest's next book to come out: Light Mage and The Iron Flower!
July 19, 2017
And I think I need to re-read The Black Witch now. I love this series.
June 28, 2018
I want to rate this book 4 stars, because I did like some parts and I love the writing style. But some things I just couldn't overlook.
First of all: WHAT KIND OF NAME IS TESSLA?????
Second: INSTA LOVE. Although.... it is kinda justified. I still don't like instaloves, but I am willing to close my eyes when there is some sort of an explanation to it. I think insta loves are stupid, in this book it's also stupid, but at least there is aweak reason for insta love.
Third: Sometimes it felt like a fanfiction. I couldn't stop but think of Sarah J. Maas with her love for smut and weird book pace. It just felt too much like a fanfic at times. Some scenes were very weird and the pace was awful at times. Characters discuss genocide and murder of children, the very next second they are all over each other, playing "who gets wet first" game. And this happened MULTIPLE times throughout the book. The whole selkie plot, and how characters talked there and in other places... I dunno, just felt like a fanfic.
The story seems pointless. What is the point of this book, anyway? To show that the parents of Elloren disliked genocide too? That doesn't really matter, we don't need to know that. How her parents met? Emmm.... also doesn't really matter. We really didn't get much of useful information for the main story.
What happened to Vyvian’s fastmate? What happened in her life? What about Edwin? These things would be more relevant to the main story.
Characters were pretty black and white again. Bane family is evil and has always been evil. No redeeming qualities in whatsoever. Fallon Bane is an absolute evil. Her father, Malkyn Bane, is evil and a sadist. Aunt Vyvian is also evil.
In addition: Book doesn't have the best editing. I think I noticed a few typos? There was definitely a typo with a character saying "tomorrow morn" (I guess he meant "tomorrow morning"). I think I saw another 1 or 2 typos, but I didn't highlight it, and I don't want to spread false info.
First of all: WHAT KIND OF NAME IS TESSLA?????
Second: INSTA LOVE. Although.... it is kinda justified. I still don't like instaloves, but I am willing to close my eyes when there is some sort of an explanation to it. I think insta loves are stupid, in this book it's also stupid, but at least there is a
Third: Sometimes it felt like a fanfiction. I couldn't stop but think of Sarah J. Maas with her love for smut and weird book pace. It just felt too much like a fanfic at times. Some scenes were very weird and the pace was awful at times. Characters discuss genocide and murder of children, the very next second they are all over each other, playing "who gets wet first" game. And this happened MULTIPLE times throughout the book. The whole selkie plot, and how characters talked there and in other places... I dunno, just felt like a fanfic.
The story seems pointless. What is the point of this book, anyway? To show that the parents of Elloren disliked genocide too? That doesn't really matter, we don't need to know that. How her parents met? Emmm.... also doesn't really matter. We really didn't get much of useful information for the main story.
What happened to Vyvian’s fastmate? What happened in her life? What about Edwin? These things would be more relevant to the main story.
Characters were pretty black and white again. Bane family is evil and has always been evil. No redeeming qualities in whatsoever. Fallon Bane is an absolute evil. Her father, Malkyn Bane, is evil and a sadist. Aunt Vyvian is also evil.
In addition: Book doesn't have the best editing. I think I noticed a few typos? There was definitely a typo with a character saying "tomorrow morn" (I guess he meant "tomorrow morning"). I think I saw another 1 or 2 typos, but I didn't highlight it, and I don't want to spread false info.
July 25, 2017
Although not as good as 'The Black Witch', still THOROUGHLY enjoyable and I really have to congratulate Forest for her writing. She's improving, and with how much better this read than 'The Black Witch', and it gives me a lot of hope for the rest of this series.
Now, first and foremost, Forest knows how to write a story, and her primary storyline of challenging stereotype and prejudice is admirable and done in a way I don't see often in YA that isn't ham fisted. She really tackles these issues, and populates her stories with people who want change. I loved the characters of Vale and Fain, and how Tess changed her views after being fasted (and for the reasons why she was fasted) as the novella progressed.
Story
The story was not NEARLY so epic as 'The Black Witch', and at times it seems rather shallow, but once you get down into it... it's not just a bit of filler. It shows why the Gardnerians have as much hatred at the other races as they do, and it shows why the others have that hatred of them. It is a real demonstration of the whole wheel of power, and how it circulates, and really is concerning to what they're planning for the future. It also further shows how conservative and obsessed the Gardnerian culture and society is with purity and the like. It made my skin crawl more than once.
Characters
I LOVED THEM. I loved Vale, I loved Fain, I really grew to love Tess, and the supporting cast was so lovely. Beck kinda came out of nowhere, at the end there, but GARETH'S DAD GUYS. AND BB GARETH.
I just loved them.
I wish we would see more of them... *sads*
Final Thoughts
A wonderful, wonderful addition to Forest's world, and I'm so excited for more. Totally recommend the download, well worth it!
Now, first and foremost, Forest knows how to write a story, and her primary storyline of challenging stereotype and prejudice is admirable and done in a way I don't see often in YA that isn't ham fisted. She really tackles these issues, and populates her stories with people who want change. I loved the characters of Vale and Fain, and how Tess changed her views after being fasted (and for the reasons why she was fasted) as the novella progressed.
Story
The story was not NEARLY so epic as 'The Black Witch', and at times it seems rather shallow, but once you get down into it... it's not just a bit of filler. It shows why the Gardnerians have as much hatred at the other races as they do, and it shows why the others have that hatred of them. It is a real demonstration of the whole wheel of power, and how it circulates, and really is concerning to what they're planning for the future. It also further shows how conservative and obsessed the Gardnerian culture and society is with purity and the like. It made my skin crawl more than once.
Characters
I LOVED THEM. I loved Vale, I loved Fain, I really grew to love Tess, and the supporting cast was so lovely. Beck kinda came out of nowhere, at the end there, but GARETH'S DAD GUYS. AND BB GARETH.
I just loved them.
I wish we would see more of them... *sads*
Final Thoughts
A wonderful, wonderful addition to Forest's world, and I'm so excited for more. Totally recommend the download, well worth it!
March 22, 2022
This is great insight into the world of The Black Witch and how things came about.
Tessla is a great character, she's sympathetic and strong and just trying to help people. It's terrible that first she was shunned by the Celts for her magic, then by the Gardnerians for daring to befriend a Celt and not wanting to be fasted to a stranger. Vale first comes off a little high and mighty, but once you see who he truly is, you realize he's a great guy.
The romance was very cute and Tessla and Vale make a great couple. They have so much love for one another and I think if they'd made it into The Black Witch, Elloren would have been less prejudiced and more empowered.
The world this is set in makes me furious, the racism and sexism is out of control and I would never want to live in it. It gives me hope to see characters like this that fight back and rise above the hate.
Tessla is a great character, she's sympathetic and strong and just trying to help people. It's terrible that first she was shunned by the Celts for her magic, then by the Gardnerians for daring to befriend a Celt and not wanting to be fasted to a stranger. Vale first comes off a little high and mighty, but once you see who he truly is, you realize he's a great guy.
The romance was very cute and Tessla and Vale make a great couple. They have so much love for one another and I think if they'd made it into The Black Witch, Elloren would have been less prejudiced and more empowered.
The world this is set in makes me furious, the racism and sexism is out of control and I would never want to live in it. It gives me hope to see characters like this that fight back and rise above the hate.
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