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Midwest Magic Chronicles #1
The Midwest Witch
Welcome to the Midwest, America's Heartland, home to a hidden community of witches and wizards.
When Maria Apple receives a strange music box for her nineteenth birthday, everything changes.
She begins to showcase odd magical abilities, glowing blue, seeing ghosts, and talking to creatures that shouldn't be able to talk, all while trying to juggle the task of being a typical teenaged girl.
Now, not only does Maria learn she is a witch, but her grandfather Ignatius reveals he was once a famous warrior from a planet named Oriceran.
Throw in a world in between the two worlds, a ghost bringing Maria an ominous warning, a race of giant spiders determined to claim the music box for their own, and Maria Apple realizes she'll never be a typical teenaged girl again.
After all, it's just another day in the Midwest, where magic is real and the stakes never stop rising.
Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran.
A magical world tied to Earth, and nothing like it.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2017
473 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Flint Maxwell
58 books297 followersFlint Maxwell was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and still lives there today with his beautiful wife and daughter, and their four furry best friends.
He primarily writes horror fiction, but has been known to dabble in many different genres.
He primarily writes horror fiction, but has been known to dabble in many different genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 2, 2018
Terrific story!
The Midwest Witch book 1 is a book I won from Amazon Giveaways. This is an amazing supernatural book that is well developed, wonderful plot, great characters, lots of action, and sprinkled with humor! An enjoyable read that I never got tired of.
The Midwest Witch book 1 is a book I won from Amazon Giveaways. This is an amazing supernatural book that is well developed, wonderful plot, great characters, lots of action, and sprinkled with humor! An enjoyable read that I never got tired of.
October 8, 2018
Wueeeeeeeeeeeee
Lol. To get the reference you have to read the book. It is a fantastic story that mixes several genres to a wonderful conclusion. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The only down side to this book was that out moved a little slow for my taste.
Lol. To get the reference you have to read the book. It is a fantastic story that mixes several genres to a wonderful conclusion. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The only down side to this book was that out moved a little slow for my taste.
August 10, 2020
DNF 20%
semi-interested in the main character but not hooked enough to the story. seemed a little similar to some fantasy/witch/super power movies. some narration instead of dialogue.
the "beings who have never lived on earth" sure talk a lot like beings who have lived on earth. beings who have never lived on earth have a completely different perspective and mindset and interest. cuz like they've never lived on earth.
semi-interested in the main character but not hooked enough to the story. seemed a little similar to some fantasy/witch/super power movies. some narration instead of dialogue.
the "beings who have never lived on earth" sure talk a lot like beings who have lived on earth. beings who have never lived on earth have a completely different perspective and mindset and interest. cuz like they've never lived on earth.
August 21, 2022
3 Let The Cars And Power Lines Do The Dirty Work For You Stars
The Midwest Witch is the first book in the Midwest Magic Chronicles by Flint Maxwell, Martha Carr, and Michael Anderle.
This book is definitely an interesting twist on the Oriceran Universe I've seen so far. I could not have imagined an evil race of Arachnids out to capture the power of the world in between. That there is an entire village inside its timeless domain, waiting to be saved and returned to their is concerning and yet fills me with hope.
Maria and her grandfather Ignatius are intriguing characters. I'm sure I will come to admire the broad span of her coming powers. That of medium, able to commute with ghosts from that dreadful world of purgatory. The ability to communicate with her lifelong pupper Sherlock. I wonder if she's able to converse with more animals like The Gardener, or if it's just her connection to her dog that makes it possible? Then there's the magic running through her veins, signifying her Witch heritage. It seems far stronger than the witches of this universe from the Leira Chronicles were capable of?
Even given all of that, and the comedic genius of the telepathic communications with her dog, the plot fell a little flat. It fits nicely, making the first book solely about the changes coming to her life given her gaining power, and being hunted by an undead Arachnid traitor. Put the gravitas just was equivalent to my expectations. I feel there should have been more oomph to the story. Hopefully, their starting journey on Oriceran will amp up the entertainment level.
I'm wondering how her friends Claire and Tabby will cope being humans on a clearly magical world? Will they come to possess the spark of humanity? Will they be capable of more than their simple beginnings accredit them with? Let's find out.
The Midwest Witch is the first book in the Midwest Magic Chronicles by Flint Maxwell, Martha Carr, and Michael Anderle.
This book is definitely an interesting twist on the Oriceran Universe I've seen so far. I could not have imagined an evil race of Arachnids out to capture the power of the world in between. That there is an entire village inside its timeless domain, waiting to be saved and returned to their is concerning and yet fills me with hope.
Maria and her grandfather Ignatius are intriguing characters. I'm sure I will come to admire the broad span of her coming powers. That of medium, able to commute with ghosts from that dreadful world of purgatory. The ability to communicate with her lifelong pupper Sherlock. I wonder if she's able to converse with more animals like The Gardener, or if it's just her connection to her dog that makes it possible? Then there's the magic running through her veins, signifying her Witch heritage. It seems far stronger than the witches of this universe from the Leira Chronicles were capable of?
Even given all of that, and the comedic genius of the telepathic communications with her dog, the plot fell a little flat. It fits nicely, making the first book solely about the changes coming to her life given her gaining power, and being hunted by an undead Arachnid traitor. Put the gravitas just was equivalent to my expectations. I feel there should have been more oomph to the story. Hopefully, their starting journey on Oriceran will amp up the entertainment level.
I'm wondering how her friends Claire and Tabby will cope being humans on a clearly magical world? Will they come to possess the spark of humanity? Will they be capable of more than their simple beginnings accredit them with? Let's find out.
November 1, 2023
I was very taken by this first book of the series.
The humour spread throughout this story, gave a great leveaner to the dark deeds done, by the undead Arachnid, Malakai - now THERE was more than enough horror for me! Lol
I really enjoyed the characters of Maria, and her Grandfather, Ignatius Apple. The fact that she found out that he was a Wizard, and she a Witch, on her nineteenth birthday, is only the beginning of her story, of course.
This first book set the scene nicely for the tasks that Maria needs to complete, along with just who will be traveling with her, as she goes to Oriceran, for the first time since she was a baby.
I really love the relationship she has with her Bloodhound dog, Sherlock, too, and it just makes everything even better, that the ability to hear him, telepathically, is just one of the gifts that she inherited.
Their conversations, throughout the book, had me laughing so much, and made me wish we could all have that privilege - though, thinking about it, as the slave to a cat, it's already bad enough that she's trained me to her ways - having her give me orders in my head, would drive me batty! Lol
All in all, this was a great start to this series, and I'm looking forward to seeing what book two: 'The Midwest Wanderer' will have in store for me.
So, as I'm ready to go on and read it now, I'll do so, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what happened next with this story!
The humour spread throughout this story, gave a great leveaner to the dark deeds done, by the undead Arachnid, Malakai - now THERE was more than enough horror for me! Lol
I really enjoyed the characters of Maria, and her Grandfather, Ignatius Apple. The fact that she found out that he was a Wizard, and she a Witch, on her nineteenth birthday, is only the beginning of her story, of course.
This first book set the scene nicely for the tasks that Maria needs to complete, along with just who will be traveling with her, as she goes to Oriceran, for the first time since she was a baby.
I really love the relationship she has with her Bloodhound dog, Sherlock, too, and it just makes everything even better, that the ability to hear him, telepathically, is just one of the gifts that she inherited.
Their conversations, throughout the book, had me laughing so much, and made me wish we could all have that privilege - though, thinking about it, as the slave to a cat, it's already bad enough that she's trained me to her ways - having her give me orders in my head, would drive me batty! Lol
All in all, this was a great start to this series, and I'm looking forward to seeing what book two: 'The Midwest Wanderer' will have in store for me.
So, as I'm ready to go on and read it now, I'll do so, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what happened next with this story!
October 8, 2018
I really did not like this book, and I'm a big fan of YA Fantasy.
All of the characters felt very flat, and that every single interaction between characters was a battle of sarcasm and sass was wearing-bordering-aggravating instead of humorous. The insights into characters that we do get are really just there for shock value...
It was worse than any horror movie, worse than her worst nightmare, worse than everything bad she'd ever seen—and Claire had seen her grandmother's dried out organs, when the platform that her casket rested upon during viewing hours had collapsed and spilled her body.
I mean, what?
The main character, Maria, really doesn't seem to take the situations she finds herself in all too seriously and I had a hard time believing she was 19. She isn't even the edgy sort of irreverent; she comes across as wholly incompetent and even when the author(s) try to convince the reader that Maria really does care... it falls flat amidst all of the sarcasm and repeated sentiments of, "omg, my grandpa is so weird, my life is so weird, all of this is just TOO WEIRD and SCHIZO."
Maybe I'm too old for this or I'm missing something completely, but I'm honestly shocked that this book is so highly rated. Glad I borrowed it from Amazon instead of dropping money on it!
All of the characters felt very flat, and that every single interaction between characters was a battle of sarcasm and sass was wearing-bordering-aggravating instead of humorous. The insights into characters that we do get are really just there for shock value...
It was worse than any horror movie, worse than her worst nightmare, worse than everything bad she'd ever seen—and Claire had seen her grandmother's dried out organs, when the platform that her casket rested upon during viewing hours had collapsed and spilled her body.
I mean, what?
The main character, Maria, really doesn't seem to take the situations she finds herself in all too seriously and I had a hard time believing she was 19. She isn't even the edgy sort of irreverent; she comes across as wholly incompetent and even when the author(s) try to convince the reader that Maria really does care... it falls flat amidst all of the sarcasm and repeated sentiments of, "omg, my grandpa is so weird, my life is so weird, all of this is just TOO WEIRD and SCHIZO."
Maybe I'm too old for this or I'm missing something completely, but I'm honestly shocked that this book is so highly rated. Glad I borrowed it from Amazon instead of dropping money on it!
August 22, 2018
Completely and thoroughly underwhelming
This is a story about what would happen if the most unlikely, unworthy, and unqualified person you know were suddenly given a magic sword, a magic destiny and an honorable quest. Sounds interesting, right? Only, the author didn't make me believe that it would or should result in anything resembling success.
The writing is competent yet simplistic, consistent with all Anderle-esq books. The main character, however, is not consistently described. One moment she's a tough as nails kick-boxing phenomenon, while another moment she's an underachieving, under-educated, incompetent, sad, and uninspiring teenage girl who swoons over her "crush", while yet another moment she's a snarky, obnoxious rebel without a car. She's almost entirely useless throughout most of the book. Additionally, the plot and dialog are cliche, sappy, corny and juvenile all wrapped up in an unhealthy miasma of absurdity.
With this book, I did something I rarely ever do. I stopped at 93% complete. I just couldn't force myself to read the painfully corny conclusion. The Anderle/Kurtherian/Orniceran publishing juggernaut is losing a great deal of quality in its rush for quantity and speed to market.
This is a story about what would happen if the most unlikely, unworthy, and unqualified person you know were suddenly given a magic sword, a magic destiny and an honorable quest. Sounds interesting, right? Only, the author didn't make me believe that it would or should result in anything resembling success.
The writing is competent yet simplistic, consistent with all Anderle-esq books. The main character, however, is not consistently described. One moment she's a tough as nails kick-boxing phenomenon, while another moment she's an underachieving, under-educated, incompetent, sad, and uninspiring teenage girl who swoons over her "crush", while yet another moment she's a snarky, obnoxious rebel without a car. She's almost entirely useless throughout most of the book. Additionally, the plot and dialog are cliche, sappy, corny and juvenile all wrapped up in an unhealthy miasma of absurdity.
With this book, I did something I rarely ever do. I stopped at 93% complete. I just couldn't force myself to read the painfully corny conclusion. The Anderle/Kurtherian/Orniceran publishing juggernaut is losing a great deal of quality in its rush for quantity and speed to market.
February 26, 2022
A great story although.....
I loved this story, it was great especially from the point of view of a early 20s girl. As a guy in his early 50s I remember being in my early 29s it sms like yesterday. I would have had the much of the same reactions to magic in my world as Maria. Although I might have had more holy sh****! involved. Just sayin'
Here is my caveat to the story though it doesn't take a away from the 5star rating. I would have liked the story stretched out more. Maybe that's just my want of more story.*shrugs* I wanted this bit vs Malakai to stretch out of a couple books. Again just my want for more. That there are only 4 more in this series has me dreading the end.
#feedthetroll!
I loved this story, it was great especially from the point of view of a early 20s girl. As a guy in his early 50s I remember being in my early 29s it sms like yesterday. I would have had the much of the same reactions to magic in my world as Maria. Although I might have had more holy sh****! involved. Just sayin'
Here is my caveat to the story though it doesn't take a away from the 5star rating. I would have liked the story stretched out more. Maybe that's just my want of more story.*shrugs* I wanted this bit vs Malakai to stretch out of a couple books. Again just my want for more. That there are only 4 more in this series has me dreading the end.
#feedthetroll!
August 6, 2022
Fantastic Start to the Series
Wueee!! Oriceran gets more and more interesting with Maria Apple just learning she is a witch and only she can help her lost tribe that are trapped in The World In Between. However, she has only just come into her powers and already, evil finds its way to her to stop her. With her trusty talking sidekick dog Sherlock, her quirky grandfather and friends, she bravely steps forward to battle.
Fantastic start to the series, hooked me from the first paragraph. Bring on book two!!
Wueee!! Oriceran gets more and more interesting with Maria Apple just learning she is a witch and only she can help her lost tribe that are trapped in The World In Between. However, she has only just come into her powers and already, evil finds its way to her to stop her. With her trusty talking sidekick dog Sherlock, her quirky grandfather and friends, she bravely steps forward to battle.
Fantastic start to the series, hooked me from the first paragraph. Bring on book two!!
January 15, 2025
I loved this story, but then any story that mentions Oriceran is guaranteed to be a great story, even if this one was staged entirely on Earth. I am an arachniphobe so this story was especially gruesome for me. The characters are full of life, magic, and determination. The plot is easily followed, and the premise for now is taking the "key" to the "between worlds and saving the village of people and taking them back to Oriceran. The latter hasn't happened, yet, but I have faith it will. I most definitely recommend this book.
October 5, 2017
Wueeee!
It would be a shock for any 19 year old to have their entire world turned upside down but Maria takes it all surprisingly well. I liked maria, her grandfather and Sherlock, though her friends not so much. The story is the good kind of absurd, with everything explained well and plenty going on to keep me reading.
It has piqued my interest in the world of Oriceran and the other books that are already out by different authors.
It would be a shock for any 19 year old to have their entire world turned upside down but Maria takes it all surprisingly well. I liked maria, her grandfather and Sherlock, though her friends not so much. The story is the good kind of absurd, with everything explained well and plenty going on to keep me reading.
It has piqued my interest in the world of Oriceran and the other books that are already out by different authors.
November 7, 2017
I laughed all the way through! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with ALL the characters. Each one of those depicted remind me of family and close friends. (Don't let them know I said that, they want to keep their identities a secret.) Well done Flint, well done. All you need now is a sassy cat chasing Sherlock around and you'd have my family. Did I mention, I laughed all the way through?
December 27, 2017
Sherlock Rocks lol
I was very pleasantly surprised by the way the Humour worked into the plot and storyline. I was also grateful for the Character building and background in the First book. I know there will be more to come, but it was really nice to get a feel for most of not all the Character's. I'm really looking forward to Reading more about Maria, Sherlock(who I Love his smartass ways) and the rest of the Gang.
I was very pleasantly surprised by the way the Humour worked into the plot and storyline. I was also grateful for the Character building and background in the First book. I know there will be more to come, but it was really nice to get a feel for most of not all the Character's. I'm really looking forward to Reading more about Maria, Sherlock(who I Love his smartass ways) and the rest of the Gang.
September 6, 2019
I. Loved. This. Book!
First off, welcome Flint. First book of yours I have read, but will not be the last. Martha has anyone fed yumfuck TT? When I read it start a series i usually go for the Amazon free read. If I like the book I then will purchase the whole series to date. When I get this review done, I'm buying the whole series to date. That said, I have some buying to do. Peace!
First off, welcome Flint. First book of yours I have read, but will not be the last. Martha has anyone fed yumfuck TT? When I read it start a series i usually go for the Amazon free read. If I like the book I then will purchase the whole series to date. When I get this review done, I'm buying the whole series to date. That said, I have some buying to do. Peace!
August 16, 2024
Very enjoyable read.
I love all things Oriceran, having read many books about this universe, mainly by the incredible Martha Carr and Michael Anderle st al. However, this is the first book I've read jointly written by Flint Maxwell, and I must say, I'm very impressed.
Great storyline, and wonderful characters, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Midwest Magic Chronicles series.
I love all things Oriceran, having read many books about this universe, mainly by the incredible Martha Carr and Michael Anderle st al. However, this is the first book I've read jointly written by Flint Maxwell, and I must say, I'm very impressed.
Great storyline, and wonderful characters, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Midwest Magic Chronicles series.
October 6, 2017
Apple of their ....?
A young woman on her 19th birthday,after receiving a magic music box finds out she's a alien with a mission.She has a oddball grandad,a bloodhound named Sherlock,that she can hear his thoughts(usually about food).she has two girl friends.She's being pursued by a arachnoid type creature....
A young woman on her 19th birthday,after receiving a magic music box finds out she's a alien with a mission.She has a oddball grandad,a bloodhound named Sherlock,that she can hear his thoughts(usually about food).she has two girl friends.She's being pursued by a arachnoid type creature....
August 1, 2018
A great start to the series
If u haven't read any of the Oreceiren (or however it's spelled lol) You need to read something in it...thus is a good start!!
So I finished the Leira chronicles and decided to start this series.....so glad I did!! Another young female Bada#!!!! I can't wait to get on to the next book!!
If u haven't read any of the Oreceiren (or however it's spelled lol) You need to read something in it...thus is a good start!!
So I finished the Leira chronicles and decided to start this series.....so glad I did!! Another young female Bada#!!!! I can't wait to get on to the next book!!
October 8, 2018
Great book
Gosh full of action and adventure. Sherlock, the blood hound , was fantastic. Maria is a tough, magical witch who isn't afraid of anything and her grandfather, a bit whimsical and odd brings this story together. I can't wait to read the next installment and see what awaits Maria and her friends. Worth the read..
Gosh full of action and adventure. Sherlock, the blood hound , was fantastic. Maria is a tough, magical witch who isn't afraid of anything and her grandfather, a bit whimsical and odd brings this story together. I can't wait to read the next installment and see what awaits Maria and her friends. Worth the read..
November 9, 2018
Another great Oriceran saga
Once again, down the rabbit hole I go, into the wonderful Oriceran Universe. Different people, different mission, same underlying theme. I love the bond between the characters, the inherent goodness of the hero/heroine that keeps me reaching for the next volume. Thank you
Once again, down the rabbit hole I go, into the wonderful Oriceran Universe. Different people, different mission, same underlying theme. I love the bond between the characters, the inherent goodness of the hero/heroine that keeps me reaching for the next volume. Thank you
November 13, 2017
Love it, love it!!
I love the new addition to this wonderful crazy universe!! Can you imagine finding out that you are not only a witch but from a totally different place!! Can’t wait to read more!!
I love the new addition to this wonderful crazy universe!! Can you imagine finding out that you are not only a witch but from a totally different place!! Can’t wait to read more!!
December 30, 2017
Thanks for another spin on Oriceran!
Good spiders! We have another winner! The Midwest Witch is a great saga with that biting humor we are coming to love. Keep up this great tale and let Sher!rock be more badass, please
Good spiders! We have another winner! The Midwest Witch is a great saga with that biting humor we are coming to love. Keep up this great tale and let Sher!rock be more badass, please
January 1, 2018
Enter a new world
When she turns 19, strange things start to happen to Maria. Along with her talking dog, Grandpa and her two best friends, life turns topsey turvey and giant spiders are a real thing!
When she turns 19, strange things start to happen to Maria. Along with her talking dog, Grandpa and her two best friends, life turns topsey turvey and giant spiders are a real thing!
June 24, 2018
Wueeeee!!!
A new (to me) author + a new series within a mega-series = awesomeness! Another strong, female lead character discovering she is more than she ever realised. There are loveable friends, heinous villains, love, violence, and funny as moments.
A new (to me) author + a new series within a mega-series = awesomeness! Another strong, female lead character discovering she is more than she ever realised. There are loveable friends, heinous villains, love, violence, and funny as moments.
July 29, 2018
Fun and entertaining read of a new series.
I liked the characters and especially the talking bloodhound. The humor and sense of family is key as well as good verses evil in this tale.
I liked the characters and especially the talking bloodhound. The humor and sense of family is key as well as good verses evil in this tale.
October 3, 2018
Average
Not my cup of tea as magic stories go. All the flashbacks did do to for me, r the descriptions were not descriptive enough, and the characters not well enough developed for me. And the mag I didn't make a lot of sense to me either.
Not my cup of tea as magic stories go. All the flashbacks did do to for me, r the descriptions were not descriptive enough, and the characters not well enough developed for me. And the mag I didn't make a lot of sense to me either.
October 24, 2019
Lost interest 60 recent of the way in. It has promise and I like the protagonist, but there is a lot of fluff that could be cut. The dialogue and descriptions start to feel unimportant and skimmable after awhile and it took me out of the story.
May 27, 2020
Fun read.
Loved how the story flew along and I just wanted to keep reading . A great book for all ages from teenagers to 60+ like me. I now have all my daughters reading the Oriceran books.
Loved how the story flew along and I just wanted to keep reading . A great book for all ages from teenagers to 60+ like me. I now have all my daughters reading the Oriceran books.
August 6, 2023
OK, but not great
This definitely wasn't my favorite of the Oriceran books. I felt like there was something wrong with the pacing, maybe too much dialog, I'm not sure. It was just hard for me to get through. That being said, I'll keep reading the series.
This definitely wasn't my favorite of the Oriceran books. I felt like there was something wrong with the pacing, maybe too much dialog, I'm not sure. It was just hard for me to get through. That being said, I'll keep reading the series.
October 4, 2017
Wonderful story
I really enjoyed it. A really nice young lady slowly coming into her own with her friends and family. Lots of interesting things happening.
I really enjoyed it. A really nice young lady slowly coming into her own with her friends and family. Lots of interesting things happening.
October 5, 2017
Wonderful time
This addition to the Oriceran universe is a very nice addition to the group. Maria's journeys look like they are going to be fun. 😎
This addition to the Oriceran universe is a very nice addition to the group. Maria's journeys look like they are going to be fun. 😎
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews