What do you think?
Rate this book
Witchborn
It's 1577. Queen Elizabeth I has imprisoned scheming Mary Queen of Scots, and Alyce's mother is burned at the stake for witchcraft. Alyce kills the witchfinder and flees to London - but the chase isn't over yet. As she discovers her own dark magic, powerful political forces are on her trail. She can't help but wonder: why is she so important? Soon she finds herself deep in a secret battle between rival queens, the fate of England resting on her shoulders...
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2017
213 people are currently reading
8369 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Bowling
8 books63 followersNicholas Bowling is an author, stand-up comic, musician, and Latin teacher from London. He graduated from Oxford University in 2007 with a BA in Classics and English, and again in 2010 with a Masters in Greek and Latin Language and Literature, before moving to his first teaching job at Trinity School, Croydon. While writing Witchborn, he also performed a solo show at the Edinburgh festival, and has co-written, recorded and released an album and two EPs with soul-folk singer Mary Erskine, Me For Queen. Witchborn is his debut novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 680 reviews
August 14, 2021
An alternative history YA, the only thing Witchborn gets right is its cover. The story behind artist Erica Williams' work doesn’t have much in the way of a plot, tension, or understanding of women.
Set in England, 1577, all this book seems to be about is the fact that witches exist. That's it. Sure, there's a main character - bland, unoriginal and red-headed - and there's a love-interest - pale and boring -, and it does have a climax and a plot twist if you define both "climax" and "plot twist" as loosely as humanly possible, but other than that, the book isn't really about anything. It almost seems to build up to some exciting conspiracy or important historical event, but after page 270 it becomes clear that it has simply been rambling on about protagonist Alyce until the rather boring truth comes out in one of the most unsatisfying developments in bookdom: nothing happens. Nothing matters. Nothing is of any consequence whatever.
Most annoyingly, the narrative has a tendency to skip what could have been exciting parts of character development in favour of off-page events and after-the-fact reminiscing about those events. As a result, Alyce and Solomon receive little to no character development and remain bland throughout a story that's similarly flavourless. Even those characters that received slightly better treatment in their presentation, such as villain Hopkins, ultimately feel like cardboard cut-outs with no real life to them. The dialogue is often unnatural or even contradicts the narrative, character thoughts, or preceding dialogue. Convenient happenstances and predictable twists are everywhere.
The historical figures that dot the pages can't save the plot of Witchborn, which peters out after a few half-hearted attempts at presenting a clever and intricate intrigue, leaving this reader more than unsatisfied; almost deceived. It's the Crimson Peak of YA: I wanted it to be gripping and shadowy, but I was simply bored.
Set in England, 1577, all this book seems to be about is the fact that witches exist. That's it. Sure, there's a main character - bland, unoriginal and red-headed - and there's a love-interest - pale and boring -, and it does have a climax and a plot twist if you define both "climax" and "plot twist" as loosely as humanly possible, but other than that, the book isn't really about anything. It almost seems to build up to some exciting conspiracy or important historical event, but after page 270 it becomes clear that it has simply been rambling on about protagonist Alyce until the rather boring truth comes out in one of the most unsatisfying developments in bookdom: nothing happens. Nothing matters. Nothing is of any consequence whatever.
Most annoyingly, the narrative has a tendency to skip what could have been exciting parts of character development in favour of off-page events and after-the-fact reminiscing about those events. As a result, Alyce and Solomon receive little to no character development and remain bland throughout a story that's similarly flavourless. Even those characters that received slightly better treatment in their presentation, such as villain Hopkins, ultimately feel like cardboard cut-outs with no real life to them. The dialogue is often unnatural or even contradicts the narrative, character thoughts, or preceding dialogue. Convenient happenstances and predictable twists are everywhere.
The historical figures that dot the pages can't save the plot of Witchborn, which peters out after a few half-hearted attempts at presenting a clever and intricate intrigue, leaving this reader more than unsatisfied; almost deceived. It's the Crimson Peak of YA: I wanted it to be gripping and shadowy, but I was simply bored.
October 2, 2017
I like my books to match my mood and my surroundings. And my autumnal aesthetic is darker-themed fiction, with hints of the fantastical, and full of atmospheric settings. So, it felt like the gods were answering my prayers when 'Witchborn' by Nicholas Bowling arrived on my doorstep.
This historical fantasy is set in London 1577. Britain is divided under two queens, segregated by two warring religions and the females of the country are being outed as witches and slain in fear. But the hidden truth is that there is actually some fact behind this female persecution.
Enter Alyce. She arrived to this sprawling metropolis with no idea of the political war raging around her, and no concept of the central role she would come to play in it. Witnessing her mother's brutal murder and becoming wrongly incarcerated in the notorious Bedlam asylum was only the beginning of her bleak story. And the twisted hands of fate had far worse and unimaginable plans to follow...
The writing style pulled me into this story by creating a rich and absorbing environ in which the story was played out upon. I truly felt myself wandering the historic streets of London and exploring a place so familiar yet so far removed from all I know. I also immediately fell in love with every one of the characters in this tale. Each was as fully-fleshed as Alyce herself and all had their own unique part to play, as the story unfolded.
I thankfully found this entire story as engaging and intricate as the artwork adorning the cover. Despite not exactly spooky, the darker themes and supernatural elements made this the perfect Autumnal read and truly evoked the essence of my favourite season. I found the plot was accessible yet innovative, the world recognisable yet deftly made the author's own, and the characters felt real yet originative. This was the perfect blend of euphoric escapism and exciting engagement.
This historical fantasy is set in London 1577. Britain is divided under two queens, segregated by two warring religions and the females of the country are being outed as witches and slain in fear. But the hidden truth is that there is actually some fact behind this female persecution.
Enter Alyce. She arrived to this sprawling metropolis with no idea of the political war raging around her, and no concept of the central role she would come to play in it. Witnessing her mother's brutal murder and becoming wrongly incarcerated in the notorious Bedlam asylum was only the beginning of her bleak story. And the twisted hands of fate had far worse and unimaginable plans to follow...
The writing style pulled me into this story by creating a rich and absorbing environ in which the story was played out upon. I truly felt myself wandering the historic streets of London and exploring a place so familiar yet so far removed from all I know. I also immediately fell in love with every one of the characters in this tale. Each was as fully-fleshed as Alyce herself and all had their own unique part to play, as the story unfolded.
I thankfully found this entire story as engaging and intricate as the artwork adorning the cover. Despite not exactly spooky, the darker themes and supernatural elements made this the perfect Autumnal read and truly evoked the essence of my favourite season. I found the plot was accessible yet innovative, the world recognisable yet deftly made the author's own, and the characters felt real yet originative. This was the perfect blend of euphoric escapism and exciting engagement.
May 7, 2021
Entretenido y poco más. Es un libro de fantasía juvenil correcto, pero que no tiene nada que lo destaque. Se lee bien, pero ni el argumento, ni los personajes, ni la narrativa son especialmente llamativos. Por el contrario, la lectura es bastante plana y superficial, sin tensión ni emoción. El autor utiliza personajes históricos para, asumo, darle un cariz más atractivo, pero la verdad no aportan; perfectamente podrían haber sido personajes ficticios.
No sé qué más decir; sin ser una mala novela, me ha dejado bastante fría. He leído otras muchísimo mejores en el género, por lo que recomiendo no perder el tiempo con esta.
Reto #40 PopSugar 2021: Un libro de tu categoría favorita de los anteriores PopSugar Reading Challenge (Reto #39 2015: Un libro con magia)
No sé qué más decir; sin ser una mala novela, me ha dejado bastante fría. He leído otras muchísimo mejores en el género, por lo que recomiendo no perder el tiempo con esta.
Reto #40 PopSugar 2021: Un libro de tu categoría favorita de los anteriores PopSugar Reading Challenge (Reto #39 2015: Un libro con magia)
June 20, 2018
3,5
"Hogueras en los bosques. Plegarias a la luna. Largas y oscuras noches hablando con los muertos..."
Este libro me dio una vibra muy Salem durante los juicios de brujería, y es exactamente lo que estaba buscando: algo ligero que me remitiera a ese periodo oscuro en la historia. Disfruté mucho esta novela de principio a fin, sentí que tuvo un estilo similar al de los cuentos de hadas. Si bien es un libro de fantasía, tiene situaciones bastante oscuras donde el uso incorrecto de la magia se torna siniestro y desencadena el peor desenlace posible. Hay violencia, víctimas agónicas de la brujería, cazadores de brujas y nigromancia, entre otras cosas mórbidas. Sin embargo, el libro no va a funcionar para quienes estén buscando terror, o para quienes estén buscando una reconstrucción histórica fidedigna de los juicios de Salem. Pronto hablaré de esta novela más a fondo en mi canal ♥ https://www.youtube.com/coosburton
"Hogueras en los bosques. Plegarias a la luna. Largas y oscuras noches hablando con los muertos..."
Este libro me dio una vibra muy Salem durante los juicios de brujería, y es exactamente lo que estaba buscando: algo ligero que me remitiera a ese periodo oscuro en la historia. Disfruté mucho esta novela de principio a fin, sentí que tuvo un estilo similar al de los cuentos de hadas. Si bien es un libro de fantasía, tiene situaciones bastante oscuras donde el uso incorrecto de la magia se torna siniestro y desencadena el peor desenlace posible. Hay violencia, víctimas agónicas de la brujería, cazadores de brujas y nigromancia, entre otras cosas mórbidas. Sin embargo, el libro no va a funcionar para quienes estén buscando terror, o para quienes estén buscando una reconstrucción histórica fidedigna de los juicios de Salem. Pronto hablaré de esta novela más a fondo en mi canal ♥ https://www.youtube.com/coosburton
December 14, 2017
Witchborn was a really fun historical fantasy with a realistic setting and plenty of added mystery and magic. Set in 1577 with Queen Elizabeth I on the throne and Mary Queen of Scots locked in the Tower of London for treason this is a story about an ongoing, bitter rivalry between the two queens and a young girl who gets caught in the crossfire.
Alyce's life is turned upside down when her mother is burned at the stake for witchcraft. Alyce manages to escape and heads to London, determined to deliver a secret letter to a man her mother said would be able to help her, but with the witch finders hot on her heels, and her growing powers becoming increasingly difficult to hide, it's not going to be easy.
I don't want to say much more about the plot because it's better to let you unravel events for yourself but I really liked Alyce as a character and enjoyed the journey she goes on. She meets a few allies along the way but it's very difficult to decide who can be trusted and certain things definitely aren't what they originally seem. The book is creepy and quite dark in places but I mean that in the best way possible and Nicholas Bowling really brings historical London to life with all the sights, sounds and smells you'd come across if you took a step back through time. I believe this is a stand alone story, and it definitely works as one, but I'd be very happy to read more stories about these characters and I'll be watching out for more from this author.
Alyce's life is turned upside down when her mother is burned at the stake for witchcraft. Alyce manages to escape and heads to London, determined to deliver a secret letter to a man her mother said would be able to help her, but with the witch finders hot on her heels, and her growing powers becoming increasingly difficult to hide, it's not going to be easy.
I don't want to say much more about the plot because it's better to let you unravel events for yourself but I really liked Alyce as a character and enjoyed the journey she goes on. She meets a few allies along the way but it's very difficult to decide who can be trusted and certain things definitely aren't what they originally seem. The book is creepy and quite dark in places but I mean that in the best way possible and Nicholas Bowling really brings historical London to life with all the sights, sounds and smells you'd come across if you took a step back through time. I believe this is a stand alone story, and it definitely works as one, but I'd be very happy to read more stories about these characters and I'll be watching out for more from this author.
November 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much. I wasn't expecting the historical aspects surrounding the book which was a nice surprise. The characters were good but I wasn't fully engaged with them. There wasn't any I loved or wanted to know more about. I liked the story and the mystery surrounding everything. And the twist was particularly good. I have to admit I didn't see it coming. All in all a good read.
June 20, 2018
Leí algunas reseñas que describen a este libro como una ficción histórica con elementos de fantasía, pero es una exageración. Más bien es ficción juvenil con un marco histórico, con el que el autor se toma muchas licencias debo decir. Pero es entretenido y se lee rápido, me entretuvo, que es más de lo que puedo decir de muchos de los libros que leí este año, por lo tanto me gustó.
❧
El libro comienza con un tono algo oscuro, que luego se torna más ligero, así que si se asustan fácilmente no tienen de qué preocuparse, no es una historia de terror.
Huyendo de los cazadores de brujas, Alyce llega a Londres con la esperanza de encontrar refugio. Aquí conoce por casualidad a Solomon (sí, algo de romance debía haber), quien la ayuda cuando ya estaba perdiendo toda esperanza.
❧
Una vez en Londres se ve envuelta en una red de intriga y conspiraciones que involucran a las reinas Elizabeth y María Estuardo, al misterioso consejero de la primera, el Doctor Dee, e incluso a la madre de Solomon, quién es más de lo que parece. Los cazadores de brujas no le darán tregua tampoco, así que Alyce debe decidir en quién confiar en esta guerra oculta, antes de quedar aplastada en medio.
❧
El final fue satisfactorio, si bien algo apresurado. Creo que la idea principal de la novela daba para mucho más, una fantasía adulta oscura y repleta de magia, pero al ser juvenil, no le puedo reprochar al autor el no profundizar demasiado en la historia. Al fin y al cabo, fue una buena lectura, ¡para leer de una sentada!
❧
El libro comienza con un tono algo oscuro, que luego se torna más ligero, así que si se asustan fácilmente no tienen de qué preocuparse, no es una historia de terror.
Huyendo de los cazadores de brujas, Alyce llega a Londres con la esperanza de encontrar refugio. Aquí conoce por casualidad a Solomon (sí, algo de romance debía haber), quien la ayuda cuando ya estaba perdiendo toda esperanza.
❧
Una vez en Londres se ve envuelta en una red de intriga y conspiraciones que involucran a las reinas Elizabeth y María Estuardo, al misterioso consejero de la primera, el Doctor Dee, e incluso a la madre de Solomon, quién es más de lo que parece. Los cazadores de brujas no le darán tregua tampoco, así que Alyce debe decidir en quién confiar en esta guerra oculta, antes de quedar aplastada en medio.
❧
El final fue satisfactorio, si bien algo apresurado. Creo que la idea principal de la novela daba para mucho más, una fantasía adulta oscura y repleta de magia, pero al ser juvenil, no le puedo reprochar al autor el no profundizar demasiado en la historia. Al fin y al cabo, fue una buena lectura, ¡para leer de una sentada!
August 27, 2018
2,5 Sterne. Ein guter Einstieg, aber dann immer mehr Langweile und unausgereiftes. Und es sind noch viel zu viele Fragen offen.
May 23, 2021
Con buen potencial de entrada, se desaprovecha mucho la historia. Aun así entretiene y se deja leer.
Ni fú ni fá
2,5
Ni fú ni fá
2,5
November 3, 2019
3,5-4 w skali YA/ Middle grade
August 22, 2020
Scriitură pentru copii, copii mici, deși subiectul tinde să se ducă spre horror. Pentru un adolescent care vrea o lectură ușoară cred că merge.
,,Nu poți stăpâni moartea, spuse Elisabeta. Nimeni nu poate. Moartea te va stăpâni pe tine, dacă nu cumva a făcut-o deja. De fiecare dată când chemi morții, aduci lumile noastre mai aproape una de cealaltă, când scopul nostru ar trebui să fie să le ținem despărțite. Fiecare dintre vrăjile tale negre face o gaură în vălul care le desparte. Acum, imaginează-ți regatul tău glorios: sute sau mii de vrăjitoare care se ocupă cu necromanția pe care de-abia o înțeleg și aduc moartea în lume la fiecare toană de-a lor, în fiecare zi, în fiecare oră. Chiar crezi că toate pot controla spiritele pe care le cheamă? Crezi că le pot trimite înapoi de unde au venit? Crezi că tu poți să faci asta? Ce se va-ntâmpla cu legiunile tale de morți după ce nu vei mai avea nevoie de ei? Maria, știi ce e de Partea Cealaltă. Nu sunt doar spiritele morților. Există spirite mai vechi și mai puternice acolo. Ele te vor folosi. Vei deschide porțile morții și le vei invita să ne devoreze."
,,Moartea e cu noi din clipa în care ne naștem, oricine am fi. Marea Umbră e tot timpul acolo. Dar trebuie să hotărâm dacă tratăm umbra ca pe un dușman care ne urmărește sau ca pe un prieten care ne însoțește. Dacă alegi prima variantă, atunci o să-ți petreci toată viața încercând să fugi de ea sau s-o înfrângi - și nu vei reuși asta niciodată."
,,Și ține minte să asculți marele puls al lumii, răsăritul și apusul, vara și iarna, tot ce trăiește și moare, întotdeauna și pe vecie."
,,Nu poți stăpâni moartea, spuse Elisabeta. Nimeni nu poate. Moartea te va stăpâni pe tine, dacă nu cumva a făcut-o deja. De fiecare dată când chemi morții, aduci lumile noastre mai aproape una de cealaltă, când scopul nostru ar trebui să fie să le ținem despărțite. Fiecare dintre vrăjile tale negre face o gaură în vălul care le desparte. Acum, imaginează-ți regatul tău glorios: sute sau mii de vrăjitoare care se ocupă cu necromanția pe care de-abia o înțeleg și aduc moartea în lume la fiecare toană de-a lor, în fiecare zi, în fiecare oră. Chiar crezi că toate pot controla spiritele pe care le cheamă? Crezi că le pot trimite înapoi de unde au venit? Crezi că tu poți să faci asta? Ce se va-ntâmpla cu legiunile tale de morți după ce nu vei mai avea nevoie de ei? Maria, știi ce e de Partea Cealaltă. Nu sunt doar spiritele morților. Există spirite mai vechi și mai puternice acolo. Ele te vor folosi. Vei deschide porțile morții și le vei invita să ne devoreze."
,,Moartea e cu noi din clipa în care ne naștem, oricine am fi. Marea Umbră e tot timpul acolo. Dar trebuie să hotărâm dacă tratăm umbra ca pe un dușman care ne urmărește sau ca pe un prieten care ne însoțește. Dacă alegi prima variantă, atunci o să-ți petreci toată viața încercând să fugi de ea sau s-o înfrângi - și nu vei reuși asta niciodată."
,,Și ține minte să asculți marele puls al lumii, răsăritul și apusul, vara și iarna, tot ce trăiește și moare, întotdeauna și pe vecie."
October 3, 2018
This particular book, Witchborn by Nicholas Bowling, had been sat on my shelf for approximately a year, and I thought it was about time I picked it up. I was particularly drawn to it due to the season, the cover of this book just screams Autumn to me, and that season is upon us. Then of course, ‘Witchborn’ would suggest witches, and Halloween is on its way too. Then there’s the bird on the over, and we all know I have a weakness for that - so I finally read it.
Witchborn follows a young lady by the name of Alyce in 1580’s London, her mother was accused of witchcraft and burnt at the stake, and Alyce risks the same fate if the witchfinders get their hands on her. So our story begins, with Alyce in Bedlam Asylum, mad they say…
Typically I don’t enjoy a historical fiction, usually ‘1582’ would put me right off, but something about this story made me stick with it, and it paid off. The plot was enthralling, I was so eager to learn about Alyce’s past and potentially her future, as well as the fate of the country in these evidently dark and twisted times. I adored how witchcraft was woven into this story, I loved the uncertainty of it all, the characters who believed there’s ‘no such thing’ as witches, and those who were hunting them down to kill, those who believed smart women were just smart women, and those who believed smart women should be burnt. Despite all this uncertainty thought, I could feel the presence of witchcraft, I knew there was something real happening in this story, and I was entranced by this, the execution was divine.
I must say however, the small budding romance we witness seems unnecessary to me, and we could have done without it. Our main character was a strong young lady, and I think it would have been better off without that budding romance and leaving the two of them as friends… in fact, I think leaving them as friends would have strengthened her character, but here we are. Can’t win them all.
The characters in this book really are not what this rating is based on, honestly, writing this review a little while after reading the book leaves me struggling to remember what roles a lot of the characters played. Alyce, however, isn’t too foggy, our lovely little protagonist. Alyce is clearly damaged, and is working on bringing herself back out of her shell for a little while at the start of the book, as one would who has just witnessed a murder and been locked away in an asylum. She’s tender, but her development was strong, she came out with some great sarcastic comments, and was a perfect example of a strong young lady who likely would be accused of witchcraft. She was a bit hasty at times, jumping into action with no real plan, and a little naive in other instances, but remembering she’s just a child who recently lost her mother, these characteristics would be excusable. I liked Alyce - as a character she was by no means outstanding, but she was likable, that’s for sure.
It’s no secret that the atmosphere of a book is the most important thing to me, whether I can feel the mood and be immersed in the setting is a big deal for this here reader. The atmosphere of Witchborn was delightfully creepy, and perfect for this time of year, I fell right into the setting and into this story, the darkness was captivating and the uncertainty was gripping. The atmosphere is certainly what bumped this rating up so high. I could feel the groggy setting of a wet grey London, emphasised by the violence and mistreatment of our poor Alyce, I could sense the fear and caution bubbling. For a witchy read, the atmosphere delivered 100% for me.
The writing style of this wasn’t particularly notable, for neither positive nor negative reasons. It was easy enough to read, flowed nicely and was simple to follow. My only negative point for this, although no fault of the author (this would have been a publishing decision), was the weird font that ‘Hopkins’ chapters were printed in, the font itself just wasn’t as easy to read and I found it distracting… the content was still enjoyable though, so no points deducted for that - just a note.
This book took me by surprise, not that I was hoping to not like it, but Historical Fiction typically is not my thing, so enjoying this as much as I did was a surprise. I think it might be quite obvious that the atmosphere this read gave off was what sold it for me, I loved the creepy vibes and the witchcraft.
Upon reflection, this may have been more of a 3.5* read, but I’m not one for half stars, and I usually go with my gut enjoyment instinct when it comes to ratings (I read for the enjoyment you know), so I’ll stick with the 4*. I liked it a fair bit!
Witchborn follows a young lady by the name of Alyce in 1580’s London, her mother was accused of witchcraft and burnt at the stake, and Alyce risks the same fate if the witchfinders get their hands on her. So our story begins, with Alyce in Bedlam Asylum, mad they say…
Typically I don’t enjoy a historical fiction, usually ‘1582’ would put me right off, but something about this story made me stick with it, and it paid off. The plot was enthralling, I was so eager to learn about Alyce’s past and potentially her future, as well as the fate of the country in these evidently dark and twisted times. I adored how witchcraft was woven into this story, I loved the uncertainty of it all, the characters who believed there’s ‘no such thing’ as witches, and those who were hunting them down to kill, those who believed smart women were just smart women, and those who believed smart women should be burnt. Despite all this uncertainty thought, I could feel the presence of witchcraft, I knew there was something real happening in this story, and I was entranced by this, the execution was divine.
I must say however, the small budding romance we witness seems unnecessary to me, and we could have done without it. Our main character was a strong young lady, and I think it would have been better off without that budding romance and leaving the two of them as friends… in fact, I think leaving them as friends would have strengthened her character, but here we are. Can’t win them all.
The characters in this book really are not what this rating is based on, honestly, writing this review a little while after reading the book leaves me struggling to remember what roles a lot of the characters played. Alyce, however, isn’t too foggy, our lovely little protagonist. Alyce is clearly damaged, and is working on bringing herself back out of her shell for a little while at the start of the book, as one would who has just witnessed a murder and been locked away in an asylum. She’s tender, but her development was strong, she came out with some great sarcastic comments, and was a perfect example of a strong young lady who likely would be accused of witchcraft. She was a bit hasty at times, jumping into action with no real plan, and a little naive in other instances, but remembering she’s just a child who recently lost her mother, these characteristics would be excusable. I liked Alyce - as a character she was by no means outstanding, but she was likable, that’s for sure.
It’s no secret that the atmosphere of a book is the most important thing to me, whether I can feel the mood and be immersed in the setting is a big deal for this here reader. The atmosphere of Witchborn was delightfully creepy, and perfect for this time of year, I fell right into the setting and into this story, the darkness was captivating and the uncertainty was gripping. The atmosphere is certainly what bumped this rating up so high. I could feel the groggy setting of a wet grey London, emphasised by the violence and mistreatment of our poor Alyce, I could sense the fear and caution bubbling. For a witchy read, the atmosphere delivered 100% for me.
The writing style of this wasn’t particularly notable, for neither positive nor negative reasons. It was easy enough to read, flowed nicely and was simple to follow. My only negative point for this, although no fault of the author (this would have been a publishing decision), was the weird font that ‘Hopkins’ chapters were printed in, the font itself just wasn’t as easy to read and I found it distracting… the content was still enjoyable though, so no points deducted for that - just a note.
This book took me by surprise, not that I was hoping to not like it, but Historical Fiction typically is not my thing, so enjoying this as much as I did was a surprise. I think it might be quite obvious that the atmosphere this read gave off was what sold it for me, I loved the creepy vibes and the witchcraft.
Upon reflection, this may have been more of a 3.5* read, but I’m not one for half stars, and I usually go with my gut enjoyment instinct when it comes to ratings (I read for the enjoyment you know), so I’ll stick with the 4*. I liked it a fair bit!
July 7, 2020
I was actually pretty excited to read this because:
1. Witches.
2. Tudor era.
3. Conspiracies.
So, it had the premise of an amazing historical fiction book that would bring me on a truly amazing adventure where Alyce, the main protagonist, is at the center of.
It started pretty promising and dark with witch hunters and Alyce on the run from them trying to get to London. After that, it became kind of a mess of Alyce is there and does that and lo and behold she is a witch, but she cannot control her powers. Also, Queen Elizabeth and Mary Stuart want her and also, the hunters and also, almost everyone in the pages of this book?
It was kind of a jumble for me and to be honest I was left with nothing. Honestly, it was like the first episode of a very good TV show - like The Pilot episode.
It's always so-so but it gets you curious and you give it a chance. So, finally I got to the bit where it was a little interesting and information finally comes to light, and then the book ended and I was like...wait, what? That was it?
I still don't know what to think about it, I really still love the idea and the premise. it had so much potential and it didn't go anywhere. It had moments that gave me hope and immediately after they were squashed. Nothing historical whatsoever, in my opinion.
There characters were so-so, kind of bland and a little bit stupid. The only character that made me feel something was John Hopkins. Also, what was it with that ending? I was so mad, it fell so flat and left me underwhelmed.
As a side note, I actually got this book translated so that's another issue I had with it but this does not influence my rating of this book (I really do not understand why it is so hard to translate a book from English into something correct and coherent, I can't even with publishing houses sometimes).
1. Witches.
2. Tudor era.
3. Conspiracies.
So, it had the premise of an amazing historical fiction book that would bring me on a truly amazing adventure where Alyce, the main protagonist, is at the center of.
It started pretty promising and dark with witch hunters and Alyce on the run from them trying to get to London. After that, it became kind of a mess of Alyce is there and does that and lo and behold she is a witch, but she cannot control her powers. Also, Queen Elizabeth and Mary Stuart want her and also, the hunters and also, almost everyone in the pages of this book?
It was kind of a jumble for me and to be honest I was left with nothing. Honestly, it was like the first episode of a very good TV show - like The Pilot episode.
It's always so-so but it gets you curious and you give it a chance. So, finally I got to the bit where it was a little interesting and information finally comes to light, and then the book ended and I was like...wait, what? That was it?
I still don't know what to think about it, I really still love the idea and the premise. it had so much potential and it didn't go anywhere. It had moments that gave me hope and immediately after they were squashed. Nothing historical whatsoever, in my opinion.
There characters were so-so, kind of bland and a little bit stupid. The only character that made me feel something was John Hopkins. Also, what was it with that ending? I was so mad, it fell so flat and left me underwhelmed.
As a side note, I actually got this book translated so that's another issue I had with it but this does not influence my rating of this book (I really do not understand why it is so hard to translate a book from English into something correct and coherent, I can't even with publishing houses sometimes).
February 4, 2018
Firstly this book for me was a cover buy - as the cover is absolutely gorgeous! The book itself was okay but in parts I found it a bit underwhelming, and I feel that Bowling could have made more out of certain events! Although the book had a couple of plot twists, neither of these were completely unexpected and I found the added historical drama between Queen Elizabeth and Mary Stuart unrealistic and a bit repetitive.
I would have liked their to have been much more to Alyce and her magic, as although she was a Witch it wasn’t the biggest focus! I feel like this book had all the components for a great story but bland writing in places left it lacking.
It wasn’t terrible, and it’s a very quick read but don’t think your going to feel amazed by the end of it!
I would have liked their to have been much more to Alyce and her magic, as although she was a Witch it wasn’t the biggest focus! I feel like this book had all the components for a great story but bland writing in places left it lacking.
It wasn’t terrible, and it’s a very quick read but don’t think your going to feel amazed by the end of it!
May 10, 2018
2/5
Una gran decepción. Ni la historia ni los personajes me han dicho nada.
Reseña completa
-Wordpress:https://suenosentreletras.wordpress.c...
-Blogger: http://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.co...
Una gran decepción. Ni la historia ni los personajes me han dicho nada.
Reseña completa
-Wordpress:https://suenosentreletras.wordpress.c...
-Blogger: http://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.co...
January 27, 2022
miałam dlugi zastoj juz na poczatku ksiazki, ale ogolnie cala fabula jest ciekawa. zwykle nie czytam ksiazek w tym stylu wiec ta zrobila na mnie wrazenie. oprocz tej calej złożonej akcji byl tez fajnie prowadzony wątek milosny. ogolnie akcja byla troche ścisnieta i mysle ze spokojnie mozna by bylo rozlozyc to na kilka tomow, z bardziej wyjasniającą koncowka
4⭐
4⭐
July 4, 2018
Wertung: 3,5 Sterne
Ich liebe Hexen. Habe ich schon immer, werde ich wohl immer. Früher, wollte ich immer eine sein, habe sie immer beneidet um ihre übernatürlichen Fähigkeiten und hätte wohl alles dafür gegeben, eine der drei Schwestern von Charmed zu sein. Umso mehr habe ich mich über die Zusendung dieses Rezensionsexemplares gefreut. Es war schon viel zu lange her, seit ich das letzte Mal ein Buch von/mit Hexen gelesen hatte und habe mich mithin direkt an dieses Buch begeben.
POSITIV
Gleich zu Beginn an werden wir in die Geschichte hineingeworfen und der Autor beschreibt schonungslos, was es mit der Hexenjagd damals auf sich hatte und wie das Ganze abgelaufen ist. Obwohl die Geschichte mithin abrupt beginnt, ist mir der Einstieg wirklich sehr leicht gefallen. Die Tatsache, dass die ganze Geschichte einen tatsächlich wahren geschichtlichen Hintergrund hat (es gab wirklich eine Fehde zwischen Königin Elizabeth I. und Maria Stuart und auch Doktor Dee war damals tatsächlich Berater von Königin Elizabeth) hat mich nur noch neugieriger gemacht. Ich finde es großartig, wenn Geschichten auf einem wahren Kern aufbauen und diese dann soweit ausgeschmückt werden, wie es eben von Nöten ist um eine fesselnde, spannende und interessante Fantasygeschichte zu erschaffen.
Erzählt wird die Geschichte aus zwei Perspektiven, einmal aus der Sicht unserer Protagonistin Alyce, und einmal aus der Sicht der Hexenjäger. Die Handlungsstränge wechseln mithin immer mal wieder, was einen guten Einblick schafft in die Gesamtsituation, die gerade in der Geschichte herrscht. Außerdem erzeugt dies einiges an Spannung, da man die Möglichkeit hat, die Geschichte aus zwei verschiedenen Blickwinkeln zu betrachten.
Insbesondere zur Mitte/zum Ende hin wurde es dann richtig spannend. Eine Wendung jagte die Nächste und man hatte das Gefühl, mitten drin zu stecken in der Geschichte und selbst Teil dieser Hexenjagd zu sein. Es gab einige Überraschungen, mit denen ich nicht gerechnet hatte, was mich wiederum sehr begeitern konnte, da ich es absolut liebe, wenn mich ein Buch auf diese Weise überraschen kann.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig, das Buch lässt sich unglaublich schnell lesen. Die Seiten flogen nur so dahin und ich hatte während des Lesens wirklich richtig Spaß.
Das Ende macht auf jeden Fall Lust auf mehr. Ich weiß nicht, ob es sich um eine Reihe handelt oder doch um ein Einzelband. Dieses Ende jedoch schreit förmlich nach einem zweiten Teil und ich würde mich wirklich nicht dagegen wehren, noch mehr zu erfahren über Alyce. Das Buch hat mich mit vielen neugierigen Fragen zurückgelassen, die hoffentlich in einem zweiten Band aufgeklärt werden.
NEGATIV
Das Buch spielt im 16. Jahrhundert, was mir im Prinzip wirklich sehr gut gefallen hat. Allerdings empfand ich die Geschichte gerade deshalb nicht wirklich als authentisch. Die Sprache war mir zu "modern", insbesondere die Dialoge und auch war mir die ganze Atmosphäre einfach nicht düster genug. Obwohl die Geschichte genau das verspricht, hat mir eben genau das gefehlt.
Auch wenn mir der Einstieg wirklich leicht gefallen ist, kommt die Geschichte nur langsam in Fahrt und gerade der Anfang zieht sich etwas. Den Beschreibungen über das was ist und das was war wird sehr viel Raum beigemessen, was hier und da mal zu ein wenig Langeweile zwischen den Seiten führte.
Während das Hauptaugenmerk offenbar auf der Fehde zwischen Königin Elizabeth I. und Maria Stewart lag, hätte ich mir viel mehr Einblicke in das Hexendasein gewünscht; mehr Informationen über das Hexenwerk selbst. Da dies mit unter Hauptgrund war, weshalb ich mich so auf das Buch gefreut hatte, ließ mich die Tatsache, dass all das ein wenig zu kurz kam, doch ein wenig enttäuscht zurück.
Ebenfalls als schade empfand ich, dass man als Leser die Charaktere leider nur sehr oberflächlich kennenlernt. Sie sind sehr eindimensional beschrieben und leider bleibt dies auch so. Man erfährt kaum etwas über sie, was unglaublich schade ist, denn gerade hier hätte man so viel aus den Figuren rausholen können.
LOHNT SICH DAS BUCH?
Alles in allem hat mir das Buch wirklich sehr gut gefallen und es konnte mich ausgesprochen gut unterhalten. Ich habe diese Düsternis absolut gemocht. Dennoch fehlte mir das gewisse Etwas; dieser eine Funke, der das Buch zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht hätte. Für Fantasyliebhaber, gerade solche, die Hexengeschichten mögen, ist dieses Buch genau das Richtige. Mich jedenfalls konnte es begeistern und ich hoffe, dass es irgendwann noch eine Fortsetzung geben wird.
Ich liebe Hexen. Habe ich schon immer, werde ich wohl immer. Früher, wollte ich immer eine sein, habe sie immer beneidet um ihre übernatürlichen Fähigkeiten und hätte wohl alles dafür gegeben, eine der drei Schwestern von Charmed zu sein. Umso mehr habe ich mich über die Zusendung dieses Rezensionsexemplares gefreut. Es war schon viel zu lange her, seit ich das letzte Mal ein Buch von/mit Hexen gelesen hatte und habe mich mithin direkt an dieses Buch begeben.
POSITIV
Gleich zu Beginn an werden wir in die Geschichte hineingeworfen und der Autor beschreibt schonungslos, was es mit der Hexenjagd damals auf sich hatte und wie das Ganze abgelaufen ist. Obwohl die Geschichte mithin abrupt beginnt, ist mir der Einstieg wirklich sehr leicht gefallen. Die Tatsache, dass die ganze Geschichte einen tatsächlich wahren geschichtlichen Hintergrund hat (es gab wirklich eine Fehde zwischen Königin Elizabeth I. und Maria Stuart und auch Doktor Dee war damals tatsächlich Berater von Königin Elizabeth) hat mich nur noch neugieriger gemacht. Ich finde es großartig, wenn Geschichten auf einem wahren Kern aufbauen und diese dann soweit ausgeschmückt werden, wie es eben von Nöten ist um eine fesselnde, spannende und interessante Fantasygeschichte zu erschaffen.
Erzählt wird die Geschichte aus zwei Perspektiven, einmal aus der Sicht unserer Protagonistin Alyce, und einmal aus der Sicht der Hexenjäger. Die Handlungsstränge wechseln mithin immer mal wieder, was einen guten Einblick schafft in die Gesamtsituation, die gerade in der Geschichte herrscht. Außerdem erzeugt dies einiges an Spannung, da man die Möglichkeit hat, die Geschichte aus zwei verschiedenen Blickwinkeln zu betrachten.
Insbesondere zur Mitte/zum Ende hin wurde es dann richtig spannend. Eine Wendung jagte die Nächste und man hatte das Gefühl, mitten drin zu stecken in der Geschichte und selbst Teil dieser Hexenjagd zu sein. Es gab einige Überraschungen, mit denen ich nicht gerechnet hatte, was mich wiederum sehr begeitern konnte, da ich es absolut liebe, wenn mich ein Buch auf diese Weise überraschen kann.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm flüssig, das Buch lässt sich unglaublich schnell lesen. Die Seiten flogen nur so dahin und ich hatte während des Lesens wirklich richtig Spaß.
Das Ende macht auf jeden Fall Lust auf mehr. Ich weiß nicht, ob es sich um eine Reihe handelt oder doch um ein Einzelband. Dieses Ende jedoch schreit förmlich nach einem zweiten Teil und ich würde mich wirklich nicht dagegen wehren, noch mehr zu erfahren über Alyce. Das Buch hat mich mit vielen neugierigen Fragen zurückgelassen, die hoffentlich in einem zweiten Band aufgeklärt werden.
NEGATIV
Das Buch spielt im 16. Jahrhundert, was mir im Prinzip wirklich sehr gut gefallen hat. Allerdings empfand ich die Geschichte gerade deshalb nicht wirklich als authentisch. Die Sprache war mir zu "modern", insbesondere die Dialoge und auch war mir die ganze Atmosphäre einfach nicht düster genug. Obwohl die Geschichte genau das verspricht, hat mir eben genau das gefehlt.
Auch wenn mir der Einstieg wirklich leicht gefallen ist, kommt die Geschichte nur langsam in Fahrt und gerade der Anfang zieht sich etwas. Den Beschreibungen über das was ist und das was war wird sehr viel Raum beigemessen, was hier und da mal zu ein wenig Langeweile zwischen den Seiten führte.
Während das Hauptaugenmerk offenbar auf der Fehde zwischen Königin Elizabeth I. und Maria Stewart lag, hätte ich mir viel mehr Einblicke in das Hexendasein gewünscht; mehr Informationen über das Hexenwerk selbst. Da dies mit unter Hauptgrund war, weshalb ich mich so auf das Buch gefreut hatte, ließ mich die Tatsache, dass all das ein wenig zu kurz kam, doch ein wenig enttäuscht zurück.
Ebenfalls als schade empfand ich, dass man als Leser die Charaktere leider nur sehr oberflächlich kennenlernt. Sie sind sehr eindimensional beschrieben und leider bleibt dies auch so. Man erfährt kaum etwas über sie, was unglaublich schade ist, denn gerade hier hätte man so viel aus den Figuren rausholen können.
LOHNT SICH DAS BUCH?
Alles in allem hat mir das Buch wirklich sehr gut gefallen und es konnte mich ausgesprochen gut unterhalten. Ich habe diese Düsternis absolut gemocht. Dennoch fehlte mir das gewisse Etwas; dieser eine Funke, der das Buch zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht hätte. Für Fantasyliebhaber, gerade solche, die Hexengeschichten mögen, ist dieses Buch genau das Richtige. Mich jedenfalls konnte es begeistern und ich hoffe, dass es irgendwann noch eine Fortsetzung geben wird.
January 5, 2022
2,5 ⭐️
Ta książka nie wzbudziła we mnie żadnych emocji. Czytałam ją bez większego zaciekawienia, a szkoda, bo temat był dla mnie interesujący i uważam, że dało się go lepiej rozwinąć.
Ta książka nie wzbudziła we mnie żadnych emocji. Czytałam ją bez większego zaciekawienia, a szkoda, bo temat był dla mnie interesujący i uważam, że dało się go lepiej rozwinąć.
April 30, 2018
i picked witchborn up thinking that it might be a book somewhere in conversation with sally gardner's i, coriander or frances hardinge's skinful of shadows, using magic as a way of thinking through gendered power and the differing ways in which young women come to know themselves and are identified; i thought that it might place pressure on the ways in which elizabeth i and mary stuart were perceived, and the ways in which 'unnatural' identity always seems to manifest when women gain, or aspire to, social power. the book i read was not that book.
that may have been my own fault, projecting onto the book something it never intended to be, but it was still disappointing, because what i got instead lacked dimension & soul. i don't think it's necessary for a writer to write only what they know, and i think reaching for perspectives beyond those that come most naturally to you can be a valuable exercise in empathy & understanding, but i also feel that what was lacking in witchborn were the elements that i loved most in books written by women about the experience of girlhood and magic in historical moments at which these two qualities were intimately connected, both threatened and threatening. and maybe that has to do with the fact that i was very aware of alyce, the novel's main character, as the construct of a male author, and not a voice or perspective that i felt able to connect to, or even - at points - be interested in. it's late & i'm not sure this is entirely coherent, but essentially, the premise of this novel drew me in but the execution - slightly flat characters, a lack of energy/urgency, a plot constructed around reveals that were relatively predictable and not sustained by investment in the characters or narrative time spent on their implications - left me wanting.
that may have been my own fault, projecting onto the book something it never intended to be, but it was still disappointing, because what i got instead lacked dimension & soul. i don't think it's necessary for a writer to write only what they know, and i think reaching for perspectives beyond those that come most naturally to you can be a valuable exercise in empathy & understanding, but i also feel that what was lacking in witchborn were the elements that i loved most in books written by women about the experience of girlhood and magic in historical moments at which these two qualities were intimately connected, both threatened and threatening. and maybe that has to do with the fact that i was very aware of alyce, the novel's main character, as the construct of a male author, and not a voice or perspective that i felt able to connect to, or even - at points - be interested in. it's late & i'm not sure this is entirely coherent, but essentially, the premise of this novel drew me in but the execution - slightly flat characters, a lack of energy/urgency, a plot constructed around reveals that were relatively predictable and not sustained by investment in the characters or narrative time spent on their implications - left me wanting.
August 13, 2022
Kompletnie nieinteresująca.
September 20, 2018
Una piacevole lettura!
Ho apprezzato moltissimo il contesto storico, poiché il romanzo è ambientato durante il periodo della caccia alle streghe e di conseguenza anche in quello dei continui scontri tra Mary Stuart e Elizabeth I.
Che ve lo dico a fare, da fan di Reign, non potevo non apprezzare!
Inoltre, avendo studiato Shakespeare in letteratura inglese lo scorso semestre, mi è piaciuto che abbiano mantenuto l'importanza che il teatro ricopriva all'epoca. Nonostante il drammaturgo non compaia, per una questione di date. Però, l'autore ha compreso l'essenza del teatro elisabettiano: era un mezzo per rappresentare la società dell'epoca.
A livello narrativo, mi ha affascinata leggere la storia sia dal punto di vista di una strega (Alyce, la nostra protagonista) che di un cacciatore di streghe (Hopkins).
Tuttavia, mi sento di dare 3 stelline al libro perché essendo uno standalone, il finale è molto frettoloso e soprattutto mi sarebbe piaciuto approfondire ulteriormente i poteri di Alyce e la stregoneria in generale.
Comunque, è un romanzo che mi sento di consigliare per il periodo di Halloween!
Il livello della lingua è medio-basso, nonostante sia un fantasy storico.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo il contesto storico, poiché il romanzo è ambientato durante il periodo della caccia alle streghe e di conseguenza anche in quello dei continui scontri tra Mary Stuart e Elizabeth I.
Che ve lo dico a fare, da fan di Reign, non potevo non apprezzare!
Inoltre, avendo studiato Shakespeare in letteratura inglese lo scorso semestre, mi è piaciuto che abbiano mantenuto l'importanza che il teatro ricopriva all'epoca. Nonostante il drammaturgo non compaia, per una questione di date. Però, l'autore ha compreso l'essenza del teatro elisabettiano: era un mezzo per rappresentare la società dell'epoca.
A livello narrativo, mi ha affascinata leggere la storia sia dal punto di vista di una strega (Alyce, la nostra protagonista) che di un cacciatore di streghe (Hopkins).
Tuttavia, mi sento di dare 3 stelline al libro perché essendo uno standalone, il finale è molto frettoloso e soprattutto mi sarebbe piaciuto approfondire ulteriormente i poteri di Alyce e la stregoneria in generale.
Comunque, è un romanzo che mi sento di consigliare per il periodo di Halloween!
Il livello della lingua è medio-basso, nonostante sia un fantasy storico.
April 25, 2022
Tenía un inicio prometedor pero luego se me fue haciendo más y más complicado de leer.
September 14, 2021
Nie spodziewałam się, że ta książka aż tak mi się spodoba! Po pierwsze- nie od dziś wiadomo, że uwielbiam klimat XVI-wiecznego Londynu, a w tej książce był on świetnie oddany! Dodatkowo bardzo polubiłam bohaterów- to jak zostali wykreowani i jak dojrzałe jest zachowanie głównej bohaterki. Książka sama w sobie jest prosta, dosyć przewidywalna i nie jest bardzo wyróżniająca się na tle innych tego typu, ale jest bardzo przyjemnie napisana i czytało się ją fantastycznie!
December 7, 2024
Rating: 2.75 (rounded to 3) / 5 Stars
I thought Nicholas Bowling's Witchborn had the potential to be a really engaging historical fantasy, but I felt it fell short in execution. The idea and setting were interesting, but I felt the overall experience was lacking in depth and answers. The story was well-written and the concept of witchcraft was engaging, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Elizabethan era and the political intrigue between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot was fast-paced, which made it an easy and quick read, but this speed also made it feel a bit rushed in other ways.
The writing itself could have done with more vividness and spark to bring such a rich world to life. It often felt a bit dull, and I struggled to feel truly immersed in the narrative. The quick pace didn't leave enough room to explore the world or its characters in any meaningful way. The magical system, the politics of witchcraft, and the characters' backstories all felt a bit shallow. I would have liked to spend more time with Alyce and other key characters, but the story didn't allow for that.
Witchborn had some promising moments but felt rushed and unpolished overall. It's a decent read for fans of historical fantasy who enjoy fast-paced stories, but it raises more questions than it answers. The plot and setting were engaging, but the lack of depth and resolution held it back.
I thought Nicholas Bowling's Witchborn had the potential to be a really engaging historical fantasy, but I felt it fell short in execution. The idea and setting were interesting, but I felt the overall experience was lacking in depth and answers. The story was well-written and the concept of witchcraft was engaging, set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Elizabethan era and the political intrigue between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot was fast-paced, which made it an easy and quick read, but this speed also made it feel a bit rushed in other ways.
The writing itself could have done with more vividness and spark to bring such a rich world to life. It often felt a bit dull, and I struggled to feel truly immersed in the narrative. The quick pace didn't leave enough room to explore the world or its characters in any meaningful way. The magical system, the politics of witchcraft, and the characters' backstories all felt a bit shallow. I would have liked to spend more time with Alyce and other key characters, but the story didn't allow for that.
Witchborn had some promising moments but felt rushed and unpolished overall. It's a decent read for fans of historical fantasy who enjoy fast-paced stories, but it raises more questions than it answers. The plot and setting were engaging, but the lack of depth and resolution held it back.
May 15, 2021
Esta es la historia Alyce, una niña que es bruja al igual que su madre Ellen, pero cuando los aldeanos llevan cazadores de brujas a su hogar, su madre la esconde y la queman y lo único que le deja es una carta. Para entregar la carta Alyce deberá pasar por muchas dificultades ya que la persiguen a ella y se ve envuelta entre la rivalidad de la Reina Isabel de Inglaterra y María Reina de los escoceses porque ambas la quieren de su lado.
Me imaginaba una novela llenas de fantasía, aventura y pintaba bien por la brujas cazadores de brujas y demás, pero no fue lo que esperaba, le faltó más a la trama y no me convenció mucho el final ni tampoco tenía nada de ficción histórica más que el nombre de las reinas.
Me imaginaba una novela llenas de fantasía, aventura y pintaba bien por la brujas cazadores de brujas y demás, pero no fue lo que esperaba, le faltó más a la trama y no me convenció mucho el final ni tampoco tenía nada de ficción histórica más que el nombre de las reinas.
June 6, 2019
I loved the first half of this book; it had witches, it was set in Tudor times and the main character was intriguing. However, soon for me in descended into rambling chaos. We had Mary Queen of Scots appearing as a ghost thing and bringing people back from the dead. Queen Elizabeth was also a witch who had a secret witch room. It was just a bit weird. I love a bit of history twisting in the historical fiction genre, but to me this just felt silly. Especially as the setting of the book seemed so accurate and amazingly detailed historically.
Just as a side note the front cover of this book is gorgeous, the picture on here doesn't do it justice!
Just as a side note the front cover of this book is gorgeous, the picture on here doesn't do it justice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 680 reviews