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Nature of the Witch

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Many years ago, magic prevailed in Britain. It was a time when women were chosen by Mother Nature herself; a time of witchcraft, of the brotherhood of the Gwithiaz and of the terrifying Creatures. It has become a piece of forgotten history. Now, magic has returned and Kiera is the first witch the world has seen in centuries. Jack has been chosen to learn the ways of the Gwithiaz. Together they must master their crafts and overcome their differences if they are to survive the dark enemy lurking in the shadows. In the rugged Cornish landscape where it all began, with the help of their eccentric mentor, Kitto, they have face the dreaded an ancient evil that has awoken and is thirsty for the taste of witch's blood. ★★★★★ - "A well-rounded novel, set against a backdrop of the beautiful Cornish landscape." ★★★★★ - "Fabulous book, written in a way that you can't help but admire." ★★★★★ - "Kudos to Norwood for enticing a new fan of the fantasy world! I'm a sucker for anything with witches, but this took it to a whole new level."

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2017

36 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Helen T. Norwood

4 books8 followers
Helen lives in the UK with her husband, two children and one diva-like cat called Tiger. Helen, like many others, was captivated in her childhood by books from the likes of Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton and any books which took her to new worlds and showed her places of magic and mystery. She has enjoyed writing and creating her own magical worlds from a young age. She is currently writing the third book in the 'Nature of the Witch' trilogy which will be out soon.

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,393 followers
August 1, 2022
Plot almost always comes first for me when I choose a new book. I don't often venture into the fantasy and/or science fiction genres, but occasionally the story just calls to me. When I read a description of Nature of the Witch by Helen T. Norwood, I was intrigued. I love a true battle between good and evil, especially when the lines between which is which (no pun intended) falls into a murky oblivion of where to place your trust. Norwood's novel is a prime example of why it's good to chance something new!

There are witches -- sometimes they're good, sometimes they're not so good. They are protected by a secret society of strong men, the Gwithiaz -- sometimes they're good, sometimes they're not. {Side note: the questions come up with the characters whether witches can be men and the protectors can be women -- I do love a good analytical discussion!} But then there are the Creatures who hunt the witches. From the beginning, I know enough to be afraid from the earliest descriptions of the wrath that they bring to any encounter. But who sent them? And why do they hate the witches? Lots of questions... yet the physical battle between all involved is carefully avoided until the very end of this book.

The story is told from the perspective of a new witch and a new Gwithiaz, each being taught by what are supposedly the last of each's own kind. But everyone knows what we're told in fairy tales and fables is never the final or complete story. And that's certainly the case here... Norwood weaves a spiderweb of deceit and confusion all throughout the first 90% of the book. It's unclear who is telling the truth, but it forcibly pulls you into the story on the edge of your seat siding with each of the groups. Beyond the primary story evolves a growing relationship between the two newly anointed souls responsible for carrying forth the destiny of the witches. It could be friendship, love or just a pure family connection. Both lost their parents at a young age and have been searching for that unconditional love to no avail.

Until now. Yet that's where it all comes crashing together in the end. I hadn't know this was going to be a series until I read the last chapter and thought... wait, I need more... and then I turned the page to find a note from the author who was working on Book 2. WOW, she got me! I'm very excited to see what happens in this series. Between the vibrant descriptions, fantastic world-building and complex sense of loyalties, it's a drama to the fullest extent. It reminds me of tv shows I've watched like Grimm and Sleepy Hollow, not to mention countless short stories and books about witches and battles - I felt like it was Hansel & Gretel seeking out evil! {Reference to a movie in case you're confused about what little children from a forest have to do with the Creatures!}

Kudos to Norwood for enticing a new fan of the fantasy world! I'm a sucker for anything with witches, but this took it to a whole new level!
Profile Image for Phil Price.
Author 34 books222 followers
March 24, 2018
I picked up this book after being intrigued by the blurb. It tells the story of Kiera, a young girl who discovers that she is no ordinary human. She is a witch - the last of her kind. Or so she thought. A young man called Jack, who has lost everything is assigned to protect her against the dark forces that are gathering around her.

I loved how the story was set, around the breath-taking North Cornish coast. The author does a fabulous job of weaving a supernatural tale from normal people. The story jumps backwards and forward, never confusing the reader. With each page, you are sucked into their world. I loved how a young woman can suddenly embrace who she is, becoming something that she'd never dreamed existed.

There are twists a-plenty, especially at the end, where I was thrown from pillar to post, wondering just who was good and who was evil.

The ending looked like there will be more to come from Kiera and Jack. I cannot wait.

Fabulous book, written in a way that you can't help but admire.
Profile Image for Sarah Maleficent .
246 reviews17 followers
February 23, 2018
It’s been a while since i’ve read anything fantastical, involving witches/wizards and the like. So i was extremely excited when this one showed up in my inbox for a blog tour. Of course i was going to say yes! The cover alone caught my eye ( i do love a bit of purple!)

So, where do we start? The book is set in Cornwall. A lot around Tintagel, and i’ve never been to either. However, it didn’t take much to imagine the beautiful beaches, lush grass and sparkling seas by the time this author had finished. Excellent descriptions transport you there.

We start off approx 20 years before the main story takes place, where we meet Jack and Kitto. The last of the Gwithiaz. A race that died out centuries before when their services were no longer needed. And their service i hear you ask? The Gwithiaz were protectors of the Witches. Specifically a coven known as The Daughters of the Earth. The last true coven. They were to protect their wards from the Kasadow, the only thing known to be able to kill them and the most horrific of ways. So if the Witches, Kasadow & Gwithiaz died out, why are they here now? Why have they been brought back? This is where, 20 years later, we meet Keira.

Keira is a twenty something year old woman. Recently moved to Cornwall to fulfil her last promise to her beloved Dad before his death. Taking a walk around Tintagel castle on her birthday, she has a strange and bizarre experience. Little does she know the real reason for it, and boy, is she in for a shock when she finds out what it all means. Meet Mags, a little old lady who comes to her door and, after a brief visit, they both end up leaving together as thanks to Keira, neither she nor her neighbours have anywhere to live. There will be more mistakes and mishaps along the way, but this is a real doozey!

The story revolves around these four main characters. Keira learning to control her new powers, whilst coming to terms with what she’s discovered about herself. As well as dealing with her fathers death and contemplating her life in a then and now way.

After a while Keira is introduced to Jack, her own Gwithiaz. It’s fair to say it’s not love at first sight. But they each are resolved to get along for the sake of their mentors. Their relationship is explored and developed as the story goes on. And as their fates become more intertwined so do their complications and feelings. Jack is a strong character, steady and sure and definitely someone whom i would want looking after me. Kitto is lovely! I really did like the image portrayed by Helen here. A slightly eccentric elderly uncle who loves life. Keira is a lonely figure. Orphaned, alone, no friends since her move. She appears quite reserved when we first meet her. Fixated on the past and more importantly, her father. She finds the transition into her new life a welcome distraction, but it doesn’t quell her desires altogether.

I thought the book had a great pace. An extremely interesting storyline, and a unique take on the whole witch story. something different. I don’t know how many of you have seen or watched a tv show called Once upon a time… but if you have, this is without a doubt THE book for you! It just reminded me of that whilst i was reading. It’s fun, quirky, good story. well paced and has characters that come alive. I particularly love the idea of tree sprites. I so want them to be real…. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of fantasy fiction, witches, guardians & magic. A great story that has been well executed and i cannot wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for Erica.
120 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2018
REVIEW IS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AT MY BLOG: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...

*** Received an e-arc for blog tour and reviewing purposes

The Nature of the Witch is a young adult, fantasy read by Helen T. Norwood. I am proud to say that this is my first time to host a blog tour and I’m so excited for this!

The book not only talks about witches but the Gwithiaz as well. The Gwithiaz are mostly male who are in charge of protecting a witch. It’s basically 1:1 wherein a witch will have her own protector. This book also introduces other mythical creatures like the faeries and the tree spirits. It very well described the origins and roles of a witch.

Kiera, is the first witch after a long time. She is a daughter of the Earth. She just lost her father and just moved into Cornwall. After discovering her powers, she starts training in order for her to follow her destined path. But as she learns more, she begins to have the obsession in resurrecting her father back from the dead which is a little disturbing at times. Like, hello? Although it’s a little understandable since it’s her father and I know that we’ll all feel the same way. Although, I grew to love Kiera. She’s a grown up yet you’ll still see the little girl inside her. Not in a childish way, though. It was lowkey adorable.

Jack, Kiera’s gwithiaz is still haunted by his mother’s death. His mother was killed trying to save him when he was a child. Many years passed and he still haven’t gotten it out of his mind. However, things changed when he discovered his destiny. I actually think him and Kiera really suit each other. They both have this issue regarding their family and Jack’s always there to make Kiera feel safe.

Personally, I think that whenever a Gwithiaz is assigned to a Witch, it isn’t just a duty. I think the two are soulmates because well, they get to be immortal and would spend the rest of their lives together.

Regarding the story, it was very well written. It is told in third person point of view and switches between Jack and Kiera’s perspective. It’s a very easy read. And what I mean very easy is there’s the “chill” feel although you’ll still feel the action and everything. There are numerous plot twists and revelations that will surely keep its readers’ mouths hanging open. It was all really unexpected and I’m so excited for others to read this!

I recommend The Nature of the Witch by Helen T. Norwood to all fans of urban fantasy! Overall, I rate Nature of the Witch 4 out of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Chasing Dreams.
27 reviews
April 2, 2018
Nature of the Witch began with a prologue, which read a lot like a history lesson with some make-believe elements thrown it. It was a bit disconcerting, and I remember wondering if I was going to be able to enjoy the novel if that was the start of it.

And then the real story began in 1994, from the perspective of Jack, who learns he is a member of the Gwithiaz in a rather alarming manner.

Crazy old mentor? Check! Discovering he’s a member of a supernatural group of immortals? Check! Deciding he’s crazier than the old man for believing him? You betcha!

With both Jack and Kiera, Norwood kept their skepticism drawn out for as long as she possibly could, until they were presented with undeniable proof of who they really were.

In Jack’s case, it took twenty-odd years, but I really appreciated the fact that he didn’t suddenly become a magical warrior with instant downloads of warrior skills. He was found by his mentor twenty years before Kiera came into her abilities, and he spent that time training every day with Kitto.

As for Kiera, by the end of the book, she still hadn’t mastered all her powers, which again, was actually a pleasant change from the usual “instant perfection” normally encountered in tales like this.

I was mildly irritated by Kiera’s attitude at points through the story; she sometimes struck me as a spoilt brat, who really needed a wake-up call that the world didn’t revolve around her and her “woe is me, my daddy died and my life sucks” moments.

At least, it irritated me until I realised it was because I saw myself in her, and recognised the process of grief she was going through and how much it literally does suck and make it so hard to function.

Another win for Norwood: things weren’t suddenly made right when Kiera came into her abilities. If anything, it complicated them and there were times during the story when I was actually talking out loud to Kiera. Okay, so I was yelling at her for being an idiot.

There were little things that bothered me throughout, but I’m an extremely nitpicky reader, so I’m not even going to bring them up as relevant to anyone except me.

The ending! There’s an epilogue. It’s awesome. I want more.

Basically, for a fantasy novel that deals with witches and Kasadow and Gwithiaz in the modern world, Nature of the Witch blew my mind. I am so looking forward to the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Heather Partlow.
13 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2018
This book is incredibly gripping and I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get into it. Definite read. More please Helen!!
Profile Image for Cheryl M-M.
1,879 reviews54 followers
February 26, 2018
The epilogue introduces a fairly complex premise of witches, the brotherhood of the Gwithiaz and bloodthirsty Creatures. The Gwithiaz are sworn to protect the witches, who are selected by Mother Nature as her daughters on earth and given powers to boot. The Creatures are set on destroying, actually more or less eating, every single witch.

Fast forward many centuries and the last Gwithiaz is tasked with waiting for and finding the last witch, and everything is love, peace and harmony. Oh wait, maybe not because it turns out there are still a few Creatures running around looking for some crunchy delicious witches to snack on.

Nature of the Witch is about trust, friendship and learning to control your own power. Mother Nature and the natural ability we all have within us, and the way we can use it.

The premise allows for more books to follow in this story. The reader will want to know where Kiera goes from here. Are there any more of her kind out there? Will she learn to control and use her powers? Are the Gwithiaz completely trustworthy and do they really have a fatal Achilles heel?

Norwood presents an initially intricate epilogue and then eases into a story that is undemanding and yet intriguing, which is an interesting contrast and one that equates to more readers. A small cast of characters puts the focus on dialogue and the storyline. It’s a read with a lot of potential.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.*
Profile Image for Emma Mitchell.
Author 2 books129 followers
March 10, 2018
I have to admit that this book isn't my usual genre but the blurb really intrigued me and I'm glad that I gave it a go.
Jack is a bit of a loner. Growing up in care means he has no family ties and is more than content being alone and working for himself. A bit of a recluse, until one night, he meets a man who knows more about him than he should.
His life is turned upside down overnight and the ensuing plot is well-thought-out and gripping.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cornwall, Nature of the Witch brings back the witches and wizards of legends and as two young strangers are brought together under the most bizarre circumstances, they must learn to deal with a whole host of things they could only dream of before. And they must do this before evil prevails. I really took to these characters; even though they are completely different, they worked so well together and I can see a bright future for the pairing.
Witty, smart, and intelligent, Nature of the Witch had me devouring the pages and I was impressed with the author's yarn spinning ability – I wasn't expecting the twists and turns she threw in along the way! Brilliant!
All in all a cracking read and hopefully the start of a series I can really get stuck in to.
Profile Image for Stewart Bint.
Author 28 books36 followers
February 4, 2018
Helen T Norwood’s gripping tale is extremely well-written for a debut novel.
Readers are quickly sucked into the fantasy tale of witches and magic returning to Cornwall centuries after being wiped out.
The story progresses with powerful, believable characters, intermingled with the occasional early shot of action. But the important aspect of the opening portion of the book is how well the characters are developed, ready for the ensuing nail-biting times ahead.
As the action picks up, so does the pace. And then comes the twist which I never saw coming. And then, as you’re catching your breath from that, a second twist hits home. But hold hard…the third and biggest twist of all is reserved for the penultimate chapter. Very skilful writing and plotting indeed.
All in all, a well-rounded novel, set against a backdrop of the beautiful Cornish landscape.
Profile Image for Lisa.
82 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2018

I haven't read a book like Nature of the witch in such a long time. The fantasy genre used to be my favourite genre. I read so many that I finally seemed to run out. So when Rachel sent out the details of this blog tour I grabbed the chance and hoped that this could be a magic read. I so wasn't disappointed!
Nature of the witch was everything I hoped for and more.
Set in present times it builds up slowly, laying the foundations of the story.
I was compelled to keep reading and found myself reading an odd page whenever I had 2 minutes to spare, and even when I didn't!
The characters slowly blossom as the story progresses, there are unexpected twists and turns along the way and you never quite know what's round the corner.
Nature of the witch is a magical, exciting and well written book, I'm now eagerly awaiting the second in the series!
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
February 23, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

Every now and again I indulge myself reading a fantasy or paranormal book so as soon as I read the blurb for this one I knew it would tick the boxes for me and I was keen to get stuck in.

This is aimed at the young adult genre but as an adult I can say that I loved it and if you like reading this kind of book like me, definitely give this one a go! The plot was great and you could tell such a lot of thought and planning had gone in to it to make it a story that captivated you and took you away from the day to day.

It really fascinates me how authors come up with these ideas! This was a really enjoyable story - 4 stars from me - highly recommended!!
6 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2022
Juvenile Writing

I'm sorry to report that this read was not enjoyable. I won't be following any others as nothing captured my interest. Witchcraft can be so interesting and I've read many excellent books on it. The best so far is A Discovery of Witches. Keep trying and maybe your style will mature with age.
1 review
January 1, 2020
Excellent story which will keep you involved from beginning to end. More please.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel and a gripping story. I would like more.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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