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The Serpent and the Sorcerer #1
The White Witch
One thousand years after Merlin's death, Avalon stands divided by an enchanted forest. But the magic is weakening. When the last spell breaks, Merlin's descendants will be faced with an old enemy. War is inevitable, and it will awaken something far greater than anyone could imagine. The age of rulers and kingdoms is almost at an end. The White Witch is coming...
- GenresFantasy
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2018
9 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 28, 2018
J. J. Morrison was kind enough to send me a copy of her debut novel, The White Witch, and if you’re a fan of anything Arthurian, this one is for you. “One thousand years after Merlin's death, Avalon stands divided by an enchanted forest. But the magic is weakening. When the last spell breaks, Merlin's descendants will be faced with an old enemy. War is inevitable, and it will awaken something far greater than anyone could imagine. The age of rulers and kingdoms is almost at an end. The White Witch is coming…”—Goodreads synopsis.
My favorite aspect of this story was the world-building. While the characters and the plot were equally intriguing, it was the depictions of a medieval village lost in a dark woodland setting that truly hooked me. Morrison’s writing style is very easy to become attuned with—the chapters flowed well and the pace, while perhaps a bit slow at first, picks up about midway. At first, there is a lot of information being thrown your way, but like I said before, you are likely to be drawn in by the folklore and suddenly you don’t even notice how deeply engrossed in the various subplots you’ve become. Which, for readers who are perhaps not well accustomed to the fantasy genre, is a great thing!
I found the characters to be relatable, which in turns makes them likable. While we may not live in the medieval era, it isn’t too far off to imagine yourself in the struggles of theses characters. I think this also ties back to Morrison’s knack for crafty storytelling. And with this being the first in a trilogy called The Serpent and the Sorcerer, I look forward to reading what else occurs later on!
Because I enjoyed this book so much, I asked the author if she’d partake in a quick Q&A. Below you can find a spoiler-free interview with J. J. Morrison!
READ ON MY BLOG HERE.xxxxx
—What inspired you to write The White Witch? Why Merlin and Avalon?
I’ve always had an interest in Arthurian Legend. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that my sister, aunt, cousin, grandma and two great grandmothers are/were all called Merlyn (the girl version of Merlin), so I felt in some way connected to the legend. The first play I wrote in primary school was about King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. My friends and I performed it in assembly and it went down so well we were asked to visit several classrooms to perform it again. It was such a fun experience and a happy childhood memory of mine. Ever since then, revisiting the legend makes me feel all warm and nostalgic.
—Which character would you say reminds you of yourself?
That’s a tough one. I think I might be an amalgamation of Iris and William. Like Iris, I can be stubborn and a tad impulsive at times, which, as we see in the book, can lead to all kinds of trouble! But I do have a cautious side to me as well, a touch of the sensible William. It really depends on the day and situation. Ultimately, though, all of our hearts are in the right place.
—Did you listen to a certain playlist or music genre while writing the book?
I like to listen to epic instrumental music at the beginning and end of the writing day – it helps me to visualise a scene; sometimes, I come up with an entirely new scene based on what I’m listening to. I’m a big fan of Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, Trevor Jones (who composed the beautiful score for the 1998 Merlin miniseries, which I loved), John Williams and Ramin Djawadi. They’re all such fantastic composers.
—What was the most challenging scene to write?
I found the fight scenes particularly tricky. Everything is moving quickly and there are so many things going on at once but you still need to pack in description to give readers a clear idea of what is happening. My concern was that it was going to be confusing and difficult to follow. That’s going to be an ongoing challenge for me because there are a lot of fights to come in the next two books.
—Any news about the second novel in the trilogy?
The second novel is going to be released later this year. I have finally decided on a name, which I will be revealing on my Instagram in the next couple of weeks. While I don’t want to give too much away, I will say we are going to be visiting a few new places in this book, including Camelot, and meeting some familiar characters from Arthurian Legend along the way. There will also be flashbacks to the days of young Merlin.
My favorite aspect of this story was the world-building. While the characters and the plot were equally intriguing, it was the depictions of a medieval village lost in a dark woodland setting that truly hooked me. Morrison’s writing style is very easy to become attuned with—the chapters flowed well and the pace, while perhaps a bit slow at first, picks up about midway. At first, there is a lot of information being thrown your way, but like I said before, you are likely to be drawn in by the folklore and suddenly you don’t even notice how deeply engrossed in the various subplots you’ve become. Which, for readers who are perhaps not well accustomed to the fantasy genre, is a great thing!
I found the characters to be relatable, which in turns makes them likable. While we may not live in the medieval era, it isn’t too far off to imagine yourself in the struggles of theses characters. I think this also ties back to Morrison’s knack for crafty storytelling. And with this being the first in a trilogy called The Serpent and the Sorcerer, I look forward to reading what else occurs later on!
Because I enjoyed this book so much, I asked the author if she’d partake in a quick Q&A. Below you can find a spoiler-free interview with J. J. Morrison!
READ ON MY BLOG HERE.xxxxx
—What inspired you to write The White Witch? Why Merlin and Avalon?
I’ve always had an interest in Arthurian Legend. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that my sister, aunt, cousin, grandma and two great grandmothers are/were all called Merlyn (the girl version of Merlin), so I felt in some way connected to the legend. The first play I wrote in primary school was about King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. My friends and I performed it in assembly and it went down so well we were asked to visit several classrooms to perform it again. It was such a fun experience and a happy childhood memory of mine. Ever since then, revisiting the legend makes me feel all warm and nostalgic.
—Which character would you say reminds you of yourself?
That’s a tough one. I think I might be an amalgamation of Iris and William. Like Iris, I can be stubborn and a tad impulsive at times, which, as we see in the book, can lead to all kinds of trouble! But I do have a cautious side to me as well, a touch of the sensible William. It really depends on the day and situation. Ultimately, though, all of our hearts are in the right place.
—Did you listen to a certain playlist or music genre while writing the book?
I like to listen to epic instrumental music at the beginning and end of the writing day – it helps me to visualise a scene; sometimes, I come up with an entirely new scene based on what I’m listening to. I’m a big fan of Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, Trevor Jones (who composed the beautiful score for the 1998 Merlin miniseries, which I loved), John Williams and Ramin Djawadi. They’re all such fantastic composers.
—What was the most challenging scene to write?
I found the fight scenes particularly tricky. Everything is moving quickly and there are so many things going on at once but you still need to pack in description to give readers a clear idea of what is happening. My concern was that it was going to be confusing and difficult to follow. That’s going to be an ongoing challenge for me because there are a lot of fights to come in the next two books.
—Any news about the second novel in the trilogy?
The second novel is going to be released later this year. I have finally decided on a name, which I will be revealing on my Instagram in the next couple of weeks. While I don’t want to give too much away, I will say we are going to be visiting a few new places in this book, including Camelot, and meeting some familiar characters from Arthurian Legend along the way. There will also be flashbacks to the days of young Merlin.
March 23, 2018
Well let me tell you this. Try not to get attached to too many characters because there is so many battles and fighting and swords and magic that no one is safe!
I was sent a proof copy of this book and I really liked it!
Although the story seems to move very fast, a lot happens in a small amount of time and I feel like it needs fleshing out a bit, it is easy to follow and I really love the world and the idea behind the story.
It’s brimming with action and emotion and draws you in and I am left wanting the next book so I will be eagerly awaiting the release of book two of The Serpent and The Sorcerer Trilogy!
I was sent a proof copy of this book and I really liked it!
Although the story seems to move very fast, a lot happens in a small amount of time and I feel like it needs fleshing out a bit, it is easy to follow and I really love the world and the idea behind the story.
It’s brimming with action and emotion and draws you in and I am left wanting the next book so I will be eagerly awaiting the release of book two of The Serpent and The Sorcerer Trilogy!
March 31, 2019
3.75
*sigh* okay.
So I loved the world and the story but I had a couple of problems with the book that really got to me. The pacing in the book was so off that I had little to no attachment to the characters what so ever. Everything felt so rushed and forced that I got a little irritated and disappointed. I was shocked when some of the characters got killed off, but I wish the author developed them more so that when they were killed off it would affect me more.
I also feel like the first half of the book could have been stretched to possibly an entire book. Maybe that’s what the author wanted to avoid, but I think it would’ve helped with the story and the lack of character development. Another thing, insta love. I’ve never liked insta love and the way it played out made me cringe so much. I get that they were kids, but come on.
Furthermore, I liked the ending of the story but I felt like the story was building up so much that I got disappointed with what happened the end. I will continue with the series (if the author does release them) just because of the story. I hope I grow to love what will now be the mc and enjoy the upcoming books as well.
*sigh* okay.
So I loved the world and the story but I had a couple of problems with the book that really got to me. The pacing in the book was so off that I had little to no attachment to the characters what so ever. Everything felt so rushed and forced that I got a little irritated and disappointed. I was shocked when some of the characters got killed off, but I wish the author developed them more so that when they were killed off it would affect me more.
I also feel like the first half of the book could have been stretched to possibly an entire book. Maybe that’s what the author wanted to avoid, but I think it would’ve helped with the story and the lack of character development. Another thing, insta love. I’ve never liked insta love and the way it played out made me cringe so much. I get that they were kids, but come on.
Furthermore, I liked the ending of the story but I felt like the story was building up so much that I got disappointed with what happened the end. I will continue with the series (if the author does release them) just because of the story. I hope I grow to love what will now be the mc and enjoy the upcoming books as well.
May 2, 2018
Merlin? Forests? Bloody wars? All three are staples in my alleyway of book interests.
When Jenny asked if I'd like to read her book it was such an easy 'yes'! Morrison is undoubtedly a good, solid writer and the premise of this book is SO fascinating.
Two families deeply rooted in a blood feud, each the despised rival to the other, are set to battle 1000 years after the death of Merlin. Separated by a dark forest, one family lives in the light with magic and power and the other is banished to the forest, living in shambles. But, their lives are suddenly intertwined in the most basic but important way.
The White Witch is completely overflowing with storylines and characters and each of them are tangled up with the other and revolving around Merlin. While I enjoyed the writing, the gorgeous world, and the extensively creative set up, I wanted some areas fleshed out further. The book seemed to be constantly rushing towards a destination and for me, it moved too quickly. However there is already SO much in the novel that the result would have been a 600+ page book. And I know what you're thinking, that's too much, but honestly, it sounds perfect to me!
Morrison sets the tone amazingly and I love that she is stretching her wings out with this story. She has truly captured this setting so well with her writing, I just wish there was more bulk given to the characters/backstory. The White Witch is the first in the trilogy so I have high hopes the second one will give me more of the wonderful voice of J. J. Morrison and this amazing world she has created.
When Jenny asked if I'd like to read her book it was such an easy 'yes'! Morrison is undoubtedly a good, solid writer and the premise of this book is SO fascinating.
Two families deeply rooted in a blood feud, each the despised rival to the other, are set to battle 1000 years after the death of Merlin. Separated by a dark forest, one family lives in the light with magic and power and the other is banished to the forest, living in shambles. But, their lives are suddenly intertwined in the most basic but important way.
The White Witch is completely overflowing with storylines and characters and each of them are tangled up with the other and revolving around Merlin. While I enjoyed the writing, the gorgeous world, and the extensively creative set up, I wanted some areas fleshed out further. The book seemed to be constantly rushing towards a destination and for me, it moved too quickly. However there is already SO much in the novel that the result would have been a 600+ page book. And I know what you're thinking, that's too much, but honestly, it sounds perfect to me!
Morrison sets the tone amazingly and I love that she is stretching her wings out with this story. She has truly captured this setting so well with her writing, I just wish there was more bulk given to the characters/backstory. The White Witch is the first in the trilogy so I have high hopes the second one will give me more of the wonderful voice of J. J. Morrison and this amazing world she has created.
July 13, 2018
This book had the dreaded cliche «trope» I hate. Two teenagers meet and on second meeting they are basically deeply in love with each other and jumping into bed together. It’s just realistic to me at all. Teenagers do know how to control themselves. Not everyone immediately jumps into bed with each or fall in love instantly.
I was not particularly interested in. The plot either. Frankly, I wonder how I managed to finish this book and not book #2 in The Diviners series, because that one was better than this one.
Maybe it was because this one was so short and written quite simple so it was a fast read? I don’t know.
Either way, this was NOT the book for me. Others may enjoy it though :)
I was not particularly interested in. The plot either. Frankly, I wonder how I managed to finish this book and not book #2 in The Diviners series, because that one was better than this one.
Maybe it was because this one was so short and written quite simple so it was a fast read? I don’t know.
Either way, this was NOT the book for me. Others may enjoy it though :)
May 21, 2018
Ohhhh my gosh I need the next book right away! I love J.J. Morrison’s writing style so much and her characters are perfection! I was hooked from the beginning to the end and literally couldn’t predict a thing which is SO refreshing! I can’t wait to see where Morrison takes this beautiful, fantastical, legend of a story! If you love Arthurian Legend, or medieval fantasies, you can not go past this book! I would even say that this has been my favourite read of 2018!
April 12, 2018
I found this book really easy to get into both due to the storyline and the author’s writing style. The storyline was fast paced but I wish there was a tad more bulk to some of the characters background/personal story. A very unexpected ending and cliffhanger which has certainly left me wanting (and needing) more! Definitely looking forward to Volume 2.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews