Salem Burning

The Lives of Lilly Parris #1

by Daniel Sugar

In 1692, a disreputable young man named Kyle Edwards breaks his engagement by accusing his fiancee, Lilly Parris, of witchcraft. Kyle is a liar; he does not believe in witchcraft, he is simply trying to get rid of Lilly. But Kyle is in for a shock because, as it turns out, Lilly really is a witch. "Salem Burning" is a fast-paced, brand-new take on the Salem witch trials.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Witches, Paranormal, Fiction

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2018

About the author

Daniel Sugar has written for a number of celebrities, and several TV shows, including "The Tonight Show". He is the author of "The Lives of Lilly Parris" time travel series.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Salem Burning by Daniel Sugar is fast-paced reimagining of the Salem, Massachusetts witch trials. Although there is a prologue set in 1550 in Scotland and an Epilogue set in 1702 in Paris, France, the rest of the novel takes place in 1692 in Salem Village, The Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Eighteen-year-old Lilly Parris lives with Grandmother Rose. She is engaged to Kyle Edwards, the son of the only doctor in the village. When he sees a beautiful woman arrive, he breaks his engagement by accusing Lilly of witchcraft. Of course, Kyle is an accomplished liar who has been and continues to use lies to get his way. However, Kyle gets more than he bargained for with his accusation since Lilly really is a witch.

The characterization in this story is rather superficial and the prose is simplistic. Themes include murder, witchcraft, corruption, greed, lies, torture, and much more.

While the retelling is interesting, it only rose to the level of okay. Overall, this book has a great concept that did not live up to its potential.

I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Discussion Group Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

[Jenny Whetzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to rate this one. I liked the story line but the characters did not have much depth to them. Or maybe that was the way the author wanted it? And I ask that because this is a very fast read. There is no filler, it gets right to the main points and that's it. So as a short story, it works!

[Ronald Keeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a provocative cover and an interesting title, Salem Burning by Daniel Sugar presents the continuing story of a witch as she passes through interesting times from the 1500s to the 1700s. From the beginning of the story, the reader assumes this will be a story of witchcraft but only after several pages does the author develop the “witchery.” It develops slowly with the administration of a poison to Kyle while he sleeps. The poison does not kill but seduces Kyle into believing he is in love with the plain-looking Lilly. Sugar entices the reader with the promise of secrets to be soon revealed.

Kyle is blind to the fact of how plain-looking Lilly is by the drug administered. All might have been well if the stunningly beautiful Catherine had not appeared as a new immigrant to Salem. Kyle immediately begins to court Catherine although he is already betrothed to Lilly. Kyle has no problem dividing his attention between the ladies because their actions toward him are different. Catherine is shy, hesitant, and inexperienced. Kyle is adventuresome and wants to experiment but needs Lilly’s help. This is the first secret that Sugar reveals but I won’t reveal it here; it would be a spoiler.

Catherine eventually succumbs to suggestions from Kyle. Lilly, of course, knows about their relationship and, while not really accepting it, allows it. Why not? After all, Lilly’s wedding to Kyle is still on. Had Kyle broken off his relationship to Lilly before their wedding day, he might have gotten away with it. Announcing his new-found love for Catherine on his wedding day from an altar that should have hosted the wedding of Kyle and Lilly was too much for Lilly.

Making Lilly angry was not good. When Kyle tried to kill Lily through the corruption of legal procedures that would end in her death, Lilly’s opinion of Kyle decreased dramatically. Resolving this situation would take extraordinary powers. Luckily, Grandmother Rose was present to guide novice Lilly about the limitations of her powers.

This interesting tale with three or four surprises is hurt by a simplistic, almost high-school level of writing. I quote only one example to give a reader an idea of the writing style. “Finally, it was over, the screams died away and the wooden fort was no more. Magistrate Smythe smiled knowing that he had killed a large group of Wampanoag. He had killed their wives and children. He had burned their food and their clothing. He had completely eliminated them from the earth. He had done good work. God’s work.” (Kindle Locations 885-888).

There are positive sides to this style of writing. First, this is an entertaining and interesting story for those English language learners seeking stories in English that are not complicated in vocabulary or complex in the plot. Second, although there are descriptions of sexual behavior, the scenes are bland and chaste. I gave the story three Amazon stars because the surprises were well-paced and interesting. I felt the writing style was 10th-grade high school level.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salem Burning earns 5/5 Herbal Potions…Entertaining & Clever!

I have always been fascinated by the witch trails throughout history seeking nonfictional and fictional perspectives, and Daniel Sugar’s “Salem Burning” has an entertaining premise for his series The Lives of Lilly Parris. Immediately my attention was grabbed by the book’s prologue, set in 1550 Scotland, with eight-year-old Sarah’s escape from a horrific massacre of her family and friends; the who-s and whys of it and a surprise discovery are provided later. Leaping forward to 1692 Salem, Lilly Parris, apprenticing with her Grandmother Rose, is quite skilled with the medicinal uses of plants and herbs, but she goes too far ensnaring the emotions of the local heartthrob Kyle Edwards which leads to a public engagement. But, his bad boy, “can’t be trusted” persona and her desire to please him results in indisputable evidence that supports his accusation of “witchcraft.” Add a break out of the pox and deaths of many young children, and you have widespread hysteria, a trial led by a trio of self-serving and evil magistrates, and death by fire! The conclusion which reveals the true nature of many, furnishes karmic justice and offers a more hopeful future making this book an engaging page-turner. Sugar’s writing was organized in small, easily read chapters, a favorite element of mine, but his style seemed to lack a level of finesse and smooth transition, at times, between scenes or the passage of time. Despite some adult themes, it read more like a story best suited for late teens and young adults. However, this didn’t effect my enjoyment in the least, since as a teacher and avid reader, I read various levels of books. I am eager to read the next book, “The Witch and the Guillotine,” set in Louis XVI court, a favorite era and locale, continuing my journey through the lives of Lilly Parris.

[ꕥ☮︎♊︎☿☼✶☾K☽✶☼☿♊︎☮︎ꕥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

Salem Burning is fast-paced and easy to get through. It is so fast-paced, though, that there’s not a lot of character development. The brief “romance” between Lilly and Kyle wasn’t believable, and everything that occurred because of that felt rushed.

It was still a pretty enjoyable read in the end.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway, and was so excited for a story about a witch getting her revenge on the town of villagers that wronged her… but sadly that didn’t happen. The description of this book led me to believe that the bulk of the book would have to do with witchcraft and the main character’s revenge, but that is not the case. In fact, the book is 60% complete by the time the reader and Lilly learn that she is a witch. The book starts with a few different perspectives before we follow Lilly, who is an outcast in the village of Salem. She encounters Kyle Edwards, her childhood bully and the two share words that makes it seem as if they detest one another. The next day Lily helps heal Kyle with a poultice, and he falls madly in love with her. Despite their long history of hatred, Lilly reciprocates his affections and they complete some out of wedlock actions that I didn’t think was very common for the time period (complete with some really awkward dialogue). After encountering a new beautiful woman, Kyle decides he no longer desires Lilly, and accuses her and her friend of witchcraft. Eventually we get to the revenge part, but it happens so quickly that it doesn’t end up being satisfying.
Overall this story was a quick read and had some interesting moments, but overall it was not very exciting. Most of the dialogue in this book makes it seem as if the author has never had a conversation with another human being. I understand they may be trying to match the formal speech of the time period, but the speech is so awkward it detracts from the story. Sadly it didn’t live up to my expectations of a paranormal revenge story.

[Linda Johns · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst historical books I have tried to read.

I am 74, a history and trivial buff, I only read about a chapter and a half. I could not read anymore than that. Why? Like I said, I am a history and trivial buff. Within that chapter and a half there were so many historical mistakes it was not funny. Kilts did not exist till hundreds of years later, and that was just for starters. After that there was mistake after mistake. In today's age of computers there is no reason for so many historical mistakes. At my age I have read thousands of books, a
nd at my age I will not waste my time reading anything by a writer, not an author. I will say if anyone reads these books (it is a series) do not take anything written in them as historical fact. This is the worst book review I have ever given in my life, I wish it could have been better.

[Joshua Hair · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway win. I'd like to thank Daniel Sugar for the opportunity to read this.

Salem Burning enticed me with its cover and promise of witchcraft horror and, while it somewhat delivered, the writing felt a bit amateur and off. Period pieces have a tendency to get bogged down (in my opinion) by stilted dialogue; I definitely saw that here. I think in Daniel Sugar's attempt to make the writing seem authentic things became a bit wonky. Lines such as "Fine. I will do as you ask and leave you now but I will see you tomorrow night at the Town Hall social and make no mistake, you will dance with me, Lilly Parris. Yes, you will." come off less Wuthering Heights and more a clumsy attempt at emulation.

Overall, the story just wasn't quite for me. Others, I'm sure, may enjoy it. Personally, the stilted dialogue kept breaking my immersion. That said, this is a quick read at only a few hundred pages and I believe Daniel Sugar has multiple books out for those interested further in Lilly Parris.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story of a young girl who cannot understand why she feels different from other girls. Always looked over due to homeliness she spends much time in the church praying for answers to her life's questions. Here Grandmother Rose and her grow a wonderful herb garden that has all the necessary to heal many ailments. When Lilly brews a concoction to save the cutest boy from dying she also adds a charm spell. But when a new girl moves to town, Lilly's well laid plans go haywire when her betrothed accuses her of being a witch who he has seen laying with another women and had also cast a love spell on him. Will she be hanged, burned alive? Can witches really be killed?

Since my visit to Salem on a class trip many years ago I have always been interested in the history of that era, how the people reacted to superstitions and again used their religious beliefs to condemn those accused to death. Salem witches are a popular topic and I think the author did justice to the history surrounding these tragic deaths of innocent fellow human beings.

[Michel McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this e-book yesterday after dinner, got about 50% through by bedtime, and I finished just before lunch today. I absolutely could not stop reading. I understood everything that was happening, and I say this because I have trouble reading with my dyslexia and I also blame my ADD because I have trouble paying attention, but I was absolutely entranced in this book. Dare I say I was bewitched? I absolutely cannot wait to start reading the next one, "The Witch and the Guillotine."

Honestly, I don't know how to review a book without giving anything away. All I can say is if you like witches or anything to do with the supernatural world, read this series as I am doing. You will love it.

[Leslie Zak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read

Can not call this great literature or historically correct but it was a quick enjoyable story. Lilly is a plain looking young lady wishing for marriage and a family but despaired of it happening. She is an orphan living with Grandma Rose in 17th century Salem. She saves the life of , handsome young man who ends up courting her and then betraying her. In order to get rid of her when he lusts after a more beautiful woman, he accused her of witchcraft. Turns out she really is a witch and while she is burned at the stake, her soul, her very essence survives. Revenge is had and it isn't pretty. I am definitely reading the entire series as I want to follow this witch through time.

[Keith Bornmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, bad hero

The hero of this story is Lily, a witch. This version of witches portrays them as a different kind of being whose spirit can continue to live after their body dies. Another witch can call their spirit into another body.

The writer did a good job of keeping the story interesting. She portrays the witch as benevolent, however, killing the bad humans seems to be done with little or no remorse.

The author portrays sex outside of marriage as normal and acceptable between Lily and a boy. Later, Lily begins practicing homosexuality.

I don't recommend this book for anyone.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy

I finished this book because I wanted to see where it would go, but I feel no need to read the rest of the books.

Excluding the fact that no one was actually burned in Salem, the actions of the townsfolk are too unrealistic. There would not have been the dances or the parties. The language used is too modern and has too much slang.

The story feels rushed and undeveloped. The female lead is both a Mary Sue and unlikable. (Her actions at the end are very much out of character for the way she is portrayed until then.)

I feel like this is a first draft that needs an editor. Not because of grammatical errors, but because the book is just not well put together.

[Deishima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the Goodreads giveaway gift. This book was exciting! For those who enjoy books about witches not the goody witches but the witches you do not dare cross, this is your cup of brew. 😊 Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. A beautiful young woman to wed a young man then chance encounter of a new woman in town changes everything. The young man breaks his promise and accuses the young woman of witchcraft along with her servant. Of course these are colonial days in Salem so they are burned at the stack but Grandma Rose and friends plan revenge. Be sure to read to find out what happens.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twist on the Salem Witch Story

A very entertaining story. Such a shameful, sad time and this book is based on that history, but just as the foundation. Mr Sugar's imagination is the simple but beautiful house built on top. So then the characters would be the furnishings; some like the worn recliner you throw a quilt over because it's simply too comfortable to part with. And others precious keepsakes and favorite books. And the garden at the house that Daniel built: that would be the sweet revenge! If only history had turned out so well. Alas!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Won this book on Goodreads). Story about a girl to trusts the wrong person to fall in love with and is faced with her being taken advantage of. Unfortunately, while trying to confront the issue she is accused of being a witch. She tries to clear her name and help her friend, however, her Grandmother comes to the rescue. Really good read and enjoyed the fast paced story. The characters were easy to identify with and you felt the anger when things go wrong. I would love to read the next book.

[Charlie Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was quite nicely paced and an interesting one (I finished it in less than a day). The main frustration I had was that the brevity of the whole thing - sentences, chapters, indeed the book itself - added to the fast - paced quality, but seemed a little childish. Perhaps, as one review described it, that makes it a great book for someone relatively new to reading English, but for me it detracted from the experience of reading.

[Teresa Quint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read.

I like the book for a few reasons. One was the historical aspect of Salem and Paris. It was however, very sad it talked about Notre Dame and it has recently burned. I was planning see it this year but now it may never happen. I also like the detail about how the witches could come back after their death. It was a fun, light read. I will read the rest of the series because I hate to not know what happens next.

[John Alvord · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did finish this book. I almost never not finish a book. But I considered it with this one. I found the plot simplistic, and the characters to be more caricatures than characters. And it's filled with impossibilities. Sure it's fiction, but things should make sense for the story and timeline at least.

I'm really surprised it averages as high a rating as it does.

See my highlights and comments for more.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the storyline, but this is definitely a rough draft of what could be a good book. The characters were superficial and underdeveloped and the story was lacking any real substance. It hardly went into detail and any descriptions of characters seemed to be in the initial stages of writing. The story was stilted, jumping back and forth between different characters without any fluidity to the writing.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I read the blurb: "...he accused her of witchcraft but didn't realize she really was a witch." I was excited to read the book. This is gonna be great, I thought. Wrong. I struggled to read the poorly written English. "he had a fever and was not aware of her. He ignored her..."
I finally gave up half way through.

[October · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is so heavy and depressing, and has very few moments of joy or lightness. The treatment of the POC characters bothered me a lot, as they seemed to just be in the story to be tortured and killed. If you're going to rewrite an historical moment to be more just and satisfying, then why keep the horrific mistreatment of Black folks as it was?

[Dayna Vanover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooray for the witches.

I read this book thinking it wouldn't be good but I was real surprised. I really enjoyed the book from start to finish. Wish it was a little longer, but I would recommend this book.

[Fatimah Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ!!!

This book was well thought out and creatively put together. I was totally engrossed in the story so much that it was over before I knew it! Can't wait for the next book.

[Tonya Nardi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The basic premise of the book was interesting but this is clearly an early effort for the author. The dialogue is stilted, which is a pet peeve of mine. The characters aren’t well fleshed out and their motivations aren’t particularly clear

[Ramonita Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read!

I loved this story. It captured my interest since the first page! I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends alike! Can't wait to get the second book!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick enjoyable read

I truly enjoyed reading this book. The only sad part was the ending and having to wait for the next book! I can't wait to read about the next chapter of Lily's life.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch trial!

Lilly is a witch. She doesn't realize what she can do is witchcraft. Not does she know her Grandma Rose is also a witch. Full of action and twists, with a great plot and characters. Great read!!!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accusations

Lilly Parris is a young woman living in 1692 Salem. Kyle, her fiance, wanted to end their engagement so he uses his skill with lying to accuse Lilly of witchcraft. He has no idea what he has done. Great story. Fast paced.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Moved very fast and had no filler or wasted pages but had some very weird prose. some of the dialogue can be attributed to the time period it played out in but the structure was strange. some typos in the kindle edition. Still, a fun read the had a very satisfying conclusion