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Tales of the Blackbone Witches #1
A Curse of Ash and Embers
A dead witch. A bitter curse. A battle of magic.
Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.
But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it's Elodie's job to clean up the mess.
When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.
Gyssha's final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie's help, whether she likes it or not.
And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it's still better than going back home.
Praise for Winter Be My Shield:
'Unlikely heroes, villains you will cheer for, and cold that eats your bones. "Winter Be My Shield" will take you to an unforgiving place, but you won't want to leave it.' Robin Hobb
Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.
But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it's Elodie's job to clean up the mess.
When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.
Gyssha's final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie's help, whether she likes it or not.
And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it's still better than going back home.
Praise for Winter Be My Shield:
'Unlikely heroes, villains you will cheer for, and cold that eats your bones. "Winter Be My Shield" will take you to an unforgiving place, but you won't want to leave it.' Robin Hobb
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2018
209 people are currently reading
6359 people want to read
About the author
Jo Spurrier
6 books220 followersJo was born in 1980 and has a Bachelor of Science, but turned to writing because people tend to get upset when scientists make things up.
Her hobbies include knitting, spinning, cooking and research. She lives in Adelaide with her husband and spends a lot of time daydreaming about snow.
Her hobbies include knitting, spinning, cooking and research. She lives in Adelaide with her husband and spends a lot of time daydreaming about snow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
July 19, 2021
This is unique, hooking, fast pacing, folklore dances with feminist vibes kind of entertaining fantasy with powerful, likable heroines and detailed, outstanding world building. Finally I found a great beginning of new installments: a fresh, breath taking, moving fantasy series.
Glyssha Blackbone, cutthroat bitch is finally dead but the monsters she’d created are out there, moving around, threatening the peace of woods.
Aleida left behind, scared of warlock threatening her to pay the debt she owes and the monstrous tree lurking in the orchard is another ominous sign that she cannot lose any second: things are about to get worse and she needs urgent help.
Her path crosses with Elodie, our main character, living isolated life at a ramshackle homestead, still grieving with the loss of her father, mentally and verbally abused by her stepfather, neglected by her own mother. But when a job opportunity appears out of nowhere by a strange correspondence which forces her team up with a farmer, the farmer’s daughter and a magician to start a journey headed to Black Oak Cottage close to Lilsfield community, she sees this as an escape route from her miserable life.
Of course she has no idea what kind of dangerous and important task waiting for her and she has no idea she will work for a witch and team up with strick, harsh mistress Aleida.
Overall: I enjoyed the world building and competitiveness of Aleida and Eloide who seemed like opposite characters but they are both manipulated by harmful characters throughout their lives who prevent them see their own powers and strengths. This fact brings two characters closer and creates a loyal bounding.
Lack of romantic elements fit well with this story. In my opinion sometimes unnecessary romantic involvements affect the pace and credibility of the story.
I’m giving my four solid stars and I’m looking forward to read upcoming journeys of Aleida and Eloide.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers/ Voyager-AU for sharing this unique ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
Glyssha Blackbone, cutthroat bitch is finally dead but the monsters she’d created are out there, moving around, threatening the peace of woods.
Aleida left behind, scared of warlock threatening her to pay the debt she owes and the monstrous tree lurking in the orchard is another ominous sign that she cannot lose any second: things are about to get worse and she needs urgent help.
Her path crosses with Elodie, our main character, living isolated life at a ramshackle homestead, still grieving with the loss of her father, mentally and verbally abused by her stepfather, neglected by her own mother. But when a job opportunity appears out of nowhere by a strange correspondence which forces her team up with a farmer, the farmer’s daughter and a magician to start a journey headed to Black Oak Cottage close to Lilsfield community, she sees this as an escape route from her miserable life.
Of course she has no idea what kind of dangerous and important task waiting for her and she has no idea she will work for a witch and team up with strick, harsh mistress Aleida.
Overall: I enjoyed the world building and competitiveness of Aleida and Eloide who seemed like opposite characters but they are both manipulated by harmful characters throughout their lives who prevent them see their own powers and strengths. This fact brings two characters closer and creates a loyal bounding.
Lack of romantic elements fit well with this story. In my opinion sometimes unnecessary romantic involvements affect the pace and credibility of the story.
I’m giving my four solid stars and I’m looking forward to read upcoming journeys of Aleida and Eloide.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers/ Voyager-AU for sharing this unique ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
Want to read
August 29, 2020I see we've gone back to the "[BLANK] of [BLANK] and [BLANK]" way of titling YA novels
August 22, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Australia and Jo Spurrier for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
"The things we deal with day and night will eat us alive if they see that we fear them."
4 stars.
Ohh what a true pleasure this was to read! It was exactly what I was in the mood for. This story isn't full on, fast paced, that's not to say there weren't scenes that had action, because there were a few of those. But this is more a comfort read that you want to sink into and just let it wash over you and absorb into your body and mind. It was the right amount of magic, witch's, spells, mystery, love and friendship aswell as being set in a historical time period, that made this book equal the perfect equation. The characters were interesting and the story was captivating. It was a pure pleasure read and I can not wait to grab my hands on the sequel as I still want to know the answer to that question that has not yet been told. You know the one I mean if you have read this.
There is also a bit of a twist in this that is revealed at the end. It's not something that I had expected and took me by surprise. But now that I know, it makes sense even though I am bummed out by it. I do want to say more but my lips are sealed.
As I said, this is, at least it is for me, a comfort read. You know those kind of books that you aren't in a rush to get through, that you want to take your time with. That has a slower storyline than most but which doesn't impact it negatively, and gives you that warm feeling. The ones that are perfect for a rainy day. This is one of those and I love it for that. It doesn't get boring. I didn't lose interest. I'm going to buy a copy of this so I can have a physical copy to add to my book shelves. Highly recommended if you are in the right mood.
"The things we deal with day and night will eat us alive if they see that we fear them."
4 stars.
Ohh what a true pleasure this was to read! It was exactly what I was in the mood for. This story isn't full on, fast paced, that's not to say there weren't scenes that had action, because there were a few of those. But this is more a comfort read that you want to sink into and just let it wash over you and absorb into your body and mind. It was the right amount of magic, witch's, spells, mystery, love and friendship aswell as being set in a historical time period, that made this book equal the perfect equation. The characters were interesting and the story was captivating. It was a pure pleasure read and I can not wait to grab my hands on the sequel as I still want to know the answer to that question that has not yet been told. You know the one I mean if you have read this.
There is also a bit of a twist in this that is revealed at the end. It's not something that I had expected and took me by surprise. But now that I know, it makes sense even though I am bummed out by it. I do want to say more but my lips are sealed.
As I said, this is, at least it is for me, a comfort read. You know those kind of books that you aren't in a rush to get through, that you want to take your time with. That has a slower storyline than most but which doesn't impact it negatively, and gives you that warm feeling. The ones that are perfect for a rainy day. This is one of those and I love it for that. It doesn't get boring. I didn't lose interest. I'm going to buy a copy of this so I can have a physical copy to add to my book shelves. Highly recommended if you are in the right mood.
July 22, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If I didn't have to sleep at night, or at all, then I would've finished this in one setting. Unfortunately, with days filled with endless appointments - my eyes were pretty tired once I got the half way mark of A Curse of Ash and Embers. Luckily for me, I got to dive back into once I woke up and I was extremely excited to see how everything was going to play out.
Not going to lie.. but I was pretty dead on with my guesses about a certain character throughout this book. So when we go to the ending and some secrets came out - yeah, wasn't surprised one bit. 10 points for me bitches! Other than that, you do get to meet Elodie. She is just a girl looking for a place to belong to. It certainly isn't at home with her mom and douche of a stepfather.
God, did they annoy the crap out of me. The whole.. well you aren't his kid and that's why he doesn't treat you as such is complete bullshit. I sure as hell hope step parents don't act like that in real life. I'm only saying that because I have no step parents.. so yeah, not real familiar with them.
Other than that, the whole magic and witch stuff was pretty cool. I'm glad Elodie, aka Dee, got a better life outside of her family. Even if she now works for the towns witch and has become a Blackbone. I absolutely adored Aleida and I can't wait for them to both grow in the next book.
I also really want to know who sent the damn letter. Please tell me I find out in the next book?
If I didn't have to sleep at night, or at all, then I would've finished this in one setting. Unfortunately, with days filled with endless appointments - my eyes were pretty tired once I got the half way mark of A Curse of Ash and Embers. Luckily for me, I got to dive back into once I woke up and I was extremely excited to see how everything was going to play out.
Not going to lie.. but I was pretty dead on with my guesses about a certain character throughout this book. So when we go to the ending and some secrets came out - yeah, wasn't surprised one bit. 10 points for me bitches! Other than that, you do get to meet Elodie. She is just a girl looking for a place to belong to. It certainly isn't at home with her mom and douche of a stepfather.
God, did they annoy the crap out of me. The whole.. well you aren't his kid and that's why he doesn't treat you as such is complete bullshit. I sure as hell hope step parents don't act like that in real life. I'm only saying that because I have no step parents.. so yeah, not real familiar with them.
Other than that, the whole magic and witch stuff was pretty cool. I'm glad Elodie, aka Dee, got a better life outside of her family. Even if she now works for the towns witch and has become a Blackbone. I absolutely adored Aleida and I can't wait for them to both grow in the next book.
I also really want to know who sent the damn letter. Please tell me I find out in the next book?
January 14, 2025
I have not seen a single negative review for this book, so I don't know what it is, but this book just wasn't working for me.
I was bored for most of the book and was counting down the pages for it to be over.
The setting was quite narrow which may have contributed. Most of the novel is set at the witch's house, and they don't do a lot of travelling.
But I think the main thing was that I just didn't get the characters. There was nothing wrong with any of them, they just all fell flat to me and I didn't care about any of them.
But the ending was good! It had a good amount of action and a decent resolution.
Overall I don't know what it was, but I just found this book boring. Hope that everyone else likes it more!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
I was bored for most of the book and was counting down the pages for it to be over.
The setting was quite narrow which may have contributed. Most of the novel is set at the witch's house, and they don't do a lot of travelling.
But I think the main thing was that I just didn't get the characters. There was nothing wrong with any of them, they just all fell flat to me and I didn't care about any of them.
But the ending was good! It had a good amount of action and a decent resolution.
Overall I don't know what it was, but I just found this book boring. Hope that everyone else likes it more!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
Want to read
July 8, 2020$ .99 on Kindle US today 7/7/2020!
December 18, 2020
I want to thank Edelweiss+ & HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is a comfortable read in many ways, I enjoyed it a lot, I expected a little more impact and I had it, but only at the ending. I think it largely feels like a short story, cause not only it's a short book, but it also doesn't have too much depth to the plot itself. Even so, I enjoyed the characters, the magical and atmospheric vibe, and especially the background of feminine power that's felt when reading it.
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
You can find more reviews & fun content on my blog A Book. A Thought.
I think I can summarize the book in just one paragraph that belongs to the synopsis: "When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep. " because I think the focus is on these two characters and their relationship, but also terrifying creatures that now live in the forests.
Reading this book felt like listening to a Taylor Swift song, I know it sounds weird, but there's so much folklore in this story and it's so nice to read, but also kind of creepy and mysterious that gives me that vibe. I liked it a lot, I read it a little slow because I've been busy, but the story itself is made to be enjoyed in one sitting despite its slow-paced style, which I think goes very well with the construction of it. It can be a bit confusing at first, I wasn't sure halfway where the author wanted to go with all this, and even when I was enjoying the characters and the plot, I was lost, unable to know what would happen. And although this is sometimes a good complement to a story, in this case, it can be daunting and may lead the reader to want to give it up, which I would not recommend doing because the ending is fire, and now I'm super intrigued to know what will happen.
I don't feel this book is much more than it promises, let me explain, I love stories about witches and even more so when there's a bit of mystery around and such a beautiful atmosphere, but at the same time, I feel that the author hasn't decided to go beyond that. This is not her mistake, but rather a personal perspective, since I'd have liked to know more and have a greater development in aspects such as the world above all. The fact that most of the time takes place in the same place doesn't matter to me because I don't like it when the characters are constantly moving, and also I think it gives the reader some comfort, anyway I wanted to mention it since I know can be too static for certain readers.
The fact that it feels like a short story confuses me a bit, there's so much more the author could have explored about the characters and the world, besides I'd have loved to know more since what we really have is quite interesting and awesome. I LOVE the magic aspects, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of that in the next book. The characters are very solid, and I love that almost all of them are female, even so, I would have like to know them in more depth and I think that some of their actions don't make much sense or lacks a more logical basis, but are there with the purpose of moving the story and unfortunately that shows a little. Even so, I want to emphasize that the personal stories of the characters are very hard-hitting and hard to read, since they involve violence so I recommend discretion in this regard, but on the other hand, it's quite well written and it was interesting to learn more about them to get a better idea of their personalities. Basically, a good cast of characters, but needs work to come to life.
I loved the author's style, no doubt my favorite thing in the book, her way of portraying things is very good and I liked the dialogues as well as the transition of the scenes. But the best comes at the ending when you notice much more how brilliant she is, I'm excited to read more by her in the future & also, I loved the ending, I think the revelation is super solid and we also have at the end some dynamism due to all that action, which brings a lot and makes you feel super excited to know what will happen next. Such a great ending, I really liked it!
...I'm feeling "restricted" about this review because I think that any kind of detailed information could be a possible spoiler and I don't want to ruin it for you, so that's why I opted for a shorter and more superficial review, I still hope all my points are understood. Basically, I feel that the idea of the book is wonderful and I love how the author has achieved the magical and atmospheric vibe, on the other hand, needs more work of depth in the characters as well as more impact in some scenes. I enjoyed the pace although it's kind of slow, I think it goes very well with the story, and I really liked the ending! I hope that with the sequel the author can give us a little more world construction and character development, as well as a little more information in general and perhaps also a clearer direction, although I recognize that with that ending I think the sequel will take a turn. super intriguing, and I'm excited to find out. I highly recommend this one if you want a reading about witches and monsters, which also gives you a delicious atmosphere. Besides, I'll recommend if you don't mind that it's mostly superficial because I think that even so with everything and its flaws, it's super enjoyable.
First Thoughts 12/18/20
This was a very sweet and easy to read book for me & I love that it's kind of slow-paced because it fits perfectly for this type of plot. The characters are good and although I feel that in some aspects it deserves more depth, it's extremely enjoyable and has a great ending!
November 2, 2020
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Warning: This review is going to be somewhat of a rant.
Also, there is a small trigger warning for suicide for this book. The suicide doesn’t play a large role in the story, but it is in there.
You know when you read a book and either it was because of the synopsis or cover, but you feel like you were click baited? Yeah, that’s what happened with this book. The cover of this book is gorgeous and the synopsis caught my attention, but in reality, this book felt like a waste of time for me. There was nothing even slightly interesting until the last 20% of the book, but by the time that I got to that part, I was so annoyed with the book as a whole that it didn’t make the story better for me.
The pacing is the number one issue I had for this book. It was so slow and uninteresting that I had troubles feeling motivated to read this book. This is part of the reason why it took me over four months to finish this book. A lot of the book was filled with useless tasks and chores that Elodie was doing for the witch. The epic adventures and fights that I expect in a fantasy book were missing until the very end of the book. The plot was also a thrown together mess and I think that’s part of why the interesting parts were shoved to the end of the book. I feel like in most books there is a major conflict with mini conflicts leading up to the major conflict. However, this book felt like there was just small and mostly unimportant scenes shoved into the book until the major conflict was finally addressed. And the “major conflict?” It switched toward the end of the book to be a different conflict and what I thought was going to be the major conflict ended up being a really confusing scene.
The characters were also extremely lack luster and I had a hard time caring for them. I expected more out of the main characters, but instead I got a girl who for some reason decides to stay at a crappy home to help a witch and a “powerful” witch who needs help with the simple tasks of taking care of herself.
The plot twist was also extremely predictable. I normally can’t guess plots twists, but I guessed the major plot twist really early on in this book.
The disability comparisons also irked me. There was only three comparisons, but they felt wrong. Things like shivering or shaking don’t need to be compared to palsies. Maybe this is a common saying in some parts of the world and maybe palsies has some other definition than what the medical one is, but comparing any action to palsies just didn’t sit right with me.
The final issues I had with this book was the exclamations of oh lord and lady. I hope I never hear that exclamation again because with the amount of times that it was used in this book, I got completely sick of it.
I’m sure that the author is a great person and my review makes no commentary on the author, but as a whole, this book was one of the most disappointing reads I’ve had this year. You can honestly skip this one. It’s not worth reading.
Warning: This review is going to be somewhat of a rant.
Also, there is a small trigger warning for suicide for this book. The suicide doesn’t play a large role in the story, but it is in there.
You know when you read a book and either it was because of the synopsis or cover, but you feel like you were click baited? Yeah, that’s what happened with this book. The cover of this book is gorgeous and the synopsis caught my attention, but in reality, this book felt like a waste of time for me. There was nothing even slightly interesting until the last 20% of the book, but by the time that I got to that part, I was so annoyed with the book as a whole that it didn’t make the story better for me.
The pacing is the number one issue I had for this book. It was so slow and uninteresting that I had troubles feeling motivated to read this book. This is part of the reason why it took me over four months to finish this book. A lot of the book was filled with useless tasks and chores that Elodie was doing for the witch. The epic adventures and fights that I expect in a fantasy book were missing until the very end of the book. The plot was also a thrown together mess and I think that’s part of why the interesting parts were shoved to the end of the book. I feel like in most books there is a major conflict with mini conflicts leading up to the major conflict. However, this book felt like there was just small and mostly unimportant scenes shoved into the book until the major conflict was finally addressed. And the “major conflict?” It switched toward the end of the book to be a different conflict and what I thought was going to be the major conflict ended up being a really confusing scene.
The characters were also extremely lack luster and I had a hard time caring for them. I expected more out of the main characters, but instead I got a girl who for some reason decides to stay at a crappy home to help a witch and a “powerful” witch who needs help with the simple tasks of taking care of herself.
The plot twist was also extremely predictable. I normally can’t guess plots twists, but I guessed the major plot twist really early on in this book.
The disability comparisons also irked me. There was only three comparisons, but they felt wrong. Things like shivering or shaking don’t need to be compared to palsies. Maybe this is a common saying in some parts of the world and maybe palsies has some other definition than what the medical one is, but comparing any action to palsies just didn’t sit right with me.
The final issues I had with this book was the exclamations of oh lord and lady. I hope I never hear that exclamation again because with the amount of times that it was used in this book, I got completely sick of it.
I’m sure that the author is a great person and my review makes no commentary on the author, but as a whole, this book was one of the most disappointing reads I’ve had this year. You can honestly skip this one. It’s not worth reading.
November 22, 2018
Elodie Foster is forsaken. Isolated to the family cottage, Elodie maintains the small, ramshackle homestead, illiterate and denied an education. Elodie is verbally and emotionally abused by her stepfather, her mother remains passively apathetic, accusing her daughter of antagonism and initiating conflict. A mysterious correspondence arrives providing salvation, an opportunity for employment in the small pastoral community of Lilsfield, migrating to the infamous Black Oak Cottage, escorted by a local farmer, his daughter and a destitute magician on her journey.
All The Women Who Are Independent... Throw Your Hands Up At Me
Elodie is an intelligent young woman, despite denied an education. As a young lady, her biological father passed away, survived by his daughter and destitute young widow. Elodie is isolated from her community and although is forsaken by her abusive stepfather, reluctantly accepts the position of servitude. An ancient sorceress befelled by her young apprentice, monstrous creations arisen from the land and a small community encompassed in folklore.
Returning to the small ramshackle cottage, Aleida Blackbone tenaciously liberated the Lilsfield community from the subordination of Gyssha, a malevolent crone pleasured by consuming the small town. Fiercely independent, the confrontation has diminished the once apprentice to an ailing woman needing assistance to endure the forthcoming catastrophe. The apparitional cavalrymen.
Elodie and Aleida are contrasting characters. Aleida is assured, confident and perceptive. An apprentice to Gyssha as a young woman, exploiting her humanity to ensure her compliance. Elodie and Aleida have experienced a callous manipulation, remarkably similar as they find solace within their tentative companionship.
I Don't Want No Scrubs
Although Elodie is enchanted by local huntsman Kian, neither Elodie or Aleida are interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. On occasion entrusting neighbour Attwater for assistance. Aleida is independent, inspiring Elodie to discover her own bravery and heroism, becoming Aleida's caregiver during her recovery. A Curse of Ash and Embers reiterates that female characters are individuals and independent, unreliant on male characters or masculinity to further their own narrative.
On her journey, Elodie encounters a young magician. Although charming and eccentric, he abandons his travelling companions rather peculiarly, perplexing why his character was introduced within the narrative.
Legends And Folklore
The Lilsfield folklore is captivating. The monstrous automatons created from the fertile earth, Laurel the dryad and her companion Attwater, the apparitional warlocks and the Blackbone legacy. The atmospheric Black Oak Cottage creates a foreboding whimsicality, enchanting and captivating throughout the narrative of sixteen year old Elodie.
A Curse of Ash and Embers is a charismatic narrative of enchantment and folklore, of independent women and shared experiences. Wonderfully characterised, beautifully illustrated and emphatically captivating.
All The Women Who Are Independent... Throw Your Hands Up At Me
Elodie is an intelligent young woman, despite denied an education. As a young lady, her biological father passed away, survived by his daughter and destitute young widow. Elodie is isolated from her community and although is forsaken by her abusive stepfather, reluctantly accepts the position of servitude. An ancient sorceress befelled by her young apprentice, monstrous creations arisen from the land and a small community encompassed in folklore.
Returning to the small ramshackle cottage, Aleida Blackbone tenaciously liberated the Lilsfield community from the subordination of Gyssha, a malevolent crone pleasured by consuming the small town. Fiercely independent, the confrontation has diminished the once apprentice to an ailing woman needing assistance to endure the forthcoming catastrophe. The apparitional cavalrymen.
Elodie and Aleida are contrasting characters. Aleida is assured, confident and perceptive. An apprentice to Gyssha as a young woman, exploiting her humanity to ensure her compliance. Elodie and Aleida have experienced a callous manipulation, remarkably similar as they find solace within their tentative companionship.
I Don't Want No Scrubs
Although Elodie is enchanted by local huntsman Kian, neither Elodie or Aleida are interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. On occasion entrusting neighbour Attwater for assistance. Aleida is independent, inspiring Elodie to discover her own bravery and heroism, becoming Aleida's caregiver during her recovery. A Curse of Ash and Embers reiterates that female characters are individuals and independent, unreliant on male characters or masculinity to further their own narrative.
On her journey, Elodie encounters a young magician. Although charming and eccentric, he abandons his travelling companions rather peculiarly, perplexing why his character was introduced within the narrative.
Legends And Folklore
The Lilsfield folklore is captivating. The monstrous automatons created from the fertile earth, Laurel the dryad and her companion Attwater, the apparitional warlocks and the Blackbone legacy. The atmospheric Black Oak Cottage creates a foreboding whimsicality, enchanting and captivating throughout the narrative of sixteen year old Elodie.
We are the eye of the storm. We are the darkness behind the stars. We are the glare of the sun, and nothing touches us unless we let it.
A Curse of Ash and Embers is a charismatic narrative of enchantment and folklore, of independent women and shared experiences. Wonderfully characterised, beautifully illustrated and emphatically captivating.
February 20, 2021
4.5 stars
This book was so good! I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. This had great characters and an action-packed story about two witches trying to clean up the messes made by a dead (and evil) witch who's not quite done yet...
After receiving a letter offering her a job to be a housemaid, Elodie (or Dee), leaves her mother, her mean step-father and her siblings to go and earn her way. She didn't have the best childhood and was never taught how to read but that doesn't stop her from going after what she wants and that's freedom.
When she arrives to the cottage where she's supposed to work, she finds out it's actually a witch's cottage. Aleida is not in the best shape and needs some help from Dee even though she wasn't the one who sent for her. No one knows who sent for her and why and that's a mystery I really want to know the answers to. The best part in this book was watching Aleida and Dee growing closer and helping each other. I loved them both.
I've read a review saying that they didn't really know where this book was trying to be and honestly, at the beginning, I was asking myself the same question. But then, I read the synopsis and I started enjoying the story more, knowing where this was going to go. Other than that, I don't really have any complaint. This book was pretty good and I really want to read the sequel.
This book was so good! I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. This had great characters and an action-packed story about two witches trying to clean up the messes made by a dead (and evil) witch who's not quite done yet...
After receiving a letter offering her a job to be a housemaid, Elodie (or Dee), leaves her mother, her mean step-father and her siblings to go and earn her way. She didn't have the best childhood and was never taught how to read but that doesn't stop her from going after what she wants and that's freedom.
When she arrives to the cottage where she's supposed to work, she finds out it's actually a witch's cottage. Aleida is not in the best shape and needs some help from Dee even though she wasn't the one who sent for her. No one knows who sent for her and why and that's a mystery I really want to know the answers to. The best part in this book was watching Aleida and Dee growing closer and helping each other. I loved them both.
I've read a review saying that they didn't really know where this book was trying to be and honestly, at the beginning, I was asking myself the same question. But then, I read the synopsis and I started enjoying the story more, knowing where this was going to go. Other than that, I don't really have any complaint. This book was pretty good and I really want to read the sequel.
October 26, 2024
I don’t remember how or when this book joined my overwhelming physical TBR, but I am glad it finally found its way to the top. I thought this was one a fun fantasy, and while the basis of the story felt familiar and the twists weren’t super twisty it was still entertaining. I loved the main characters and can’t wait to read about their continued growth in the next book. Elodie expected to spend her entire life on her family’s farm taking care of her siblings and then parents. So she is shocked when a letter hiring her comes and no one can quite explain how she was applied for the job. She’s eager to be rid of her stepfather but she is sad to leave her siblings and mother. When she gets to the location she surprises the occupant Aleida, the Blackbone Witch, who didn’t hire a servant. But Elodie is determined to never return to her stepfather so she sticks with the job even though it is for a witch. The story was fun and I liked the world building a lot.
October 8, 2020
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
4/5 stars: ★★★★☆
"The things we deal with day and night will eat us alive if they see that we fear them.
When Elodie receives a mysterious letter offering her a job far away from her family and cruel stepfather, she accepts the position in hopes that it will offer her freedom. But when she arrives at Blackbone Cottage, Elodie discovers that she is to be employed by a witch. Rather than go home, however, Elodie commits to seeing the job through and embracing this new chance to find her own way in the world. Modest and hard-working, Elodie takes her employment by Aleida Blackbone, and all its monsters, spells, evil warlocks, and secrets in stride, and is rewarded by a life that might show her just how valuable she actually is.
I had no idea what to expect from this book, which I believe has been published previously as an ebook but will be released in print for the first time in late 2020. The writing style started out a bit clunky, and it took me a little while to get used to the prose and the world. However, once the plot got started, I couldn't put this down! A Curse of Ash and Embers (let's just ignore the cliche title, shall we?) was an unsuspectingly-fun little book about what would happen if a clever country girl got dropped into a feud between two powerful witches and a whole world of magic that she'd had no idea even existed.
Overall, this is a very fun book with diverse female MCs, magic, adventure, plenty of twists and excitement, and a little splash of romance, all without taking itself too seriously or trying to hard to be anything more than it is. Elodie is an endearing character who, unlike many "poor, innocent girls dropped into a world of magic who suddenly become super powerful etc etc," Elodie does little to no magic in this book and usually gets out of trouble by swinging heavy things at her enemies, which seems pretty reasonable, and "realistic," to me. She's really quite refreshing as an MC in her position, as were most of the other characters who are rarely what they seem but actually feel like real, believable people at the same time.
I highly recommend this to anyone in the mood for a witchy little tale for Fall, or whenever, that won't leave you tired from heavy topics (there are none!) or scratching your head and having to try to hard to keep track of what's happening. So good!!!
4/5 stars: ★★★★☆
"The things we deal with day and night will eat us alive if they see that we fear them.
When Elodie receives a mysterious letter offering her a job far away from her family and cruel stepfather, she accepts the position in hopes that it will offer her freedom. But when she arrives at Blackbone Cottage, Elodie discovers that she is to be employed by a witch. Rather than go home, however, Elodie commits to seeing the job through and embracing this new chance to find her own way in the world. Modest and hard-working, Elodie takes her employment by Aleida Blackbone, and all its monsters, spells, evil warlocks, and secrets in stride, and is rewarded by a life that might show her just how valuable she actually is.
I had no idea what to expect from this book, which I believe has been published previously as an ebook but will be released in print for the first time in late 2020. The writing style started out a bit clunky, and it took me a little while to get used to the prose and the world. However, once the plot got started, I couldn't put this down! A Curse of Ash and Embers (let's just ignore the cliche title, shall we?) was an unsuspectingly-fun little book about what would happen if a clever country girl got dropped into a feud between two powerful witches and a whole world of magic that she'd had no idea even existed.
Overall, this is a very fun book with diverse female MCs, magic, adventure, plenty of twists and excitement, and a little splash of romance, all without taking itself too seriously or trying to hard to be anything more than it is. Elodie is an endearing character who, unlike many "poor, innocent girls dropped into a world of magic who suddenly become super powerful etc etc," Elodie does little to no magic in this book and usually gets out of trouble by swinging heavy things at her enemies, which seems pretty reasonable, and "realistic," to me. She's really quite refreshing as an MC in her position, as were most of the other characters who are rarely what they seem but actually feel like real, believable people at the same time.
I highly recommend this to anyone in the mood for a witchy little tale for Fall, or whenever, that won't leave you tired from heavy topics (there are none!) or scratching your head and having to try to hard to keep track of what's happening. So good!!!
June 30, 2020
Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing me with a digital review copy of this book!🙂
First of all,I was immediately thrilled by the premise.Country girl sent to work for a witch~with magic and mystery in tow.
The story itself was great with tons of twists and turns.The most mysterious fact was that Elodie is sent to work for a witch (which she doesn't believe) and witch hadn't asked for any servant (so she doesn't believe her either.)
But then,both of them are put in an impossible situation and both are inclined to help each other.
Another fact that I found interesting was that even the supporting characters were portrayed and handled very well.
This book is going to be the one that I will surely recommend to others.
This book has many spooky elements to it which have been described very well.
I really really liked it and it kept me wanting for more.Looking out for the sequel.
Amazing writing by Jo Spurrier!
👍🤩
First of all,I was immediately thrilled by the premise.Country girl sent to work for a witch~with magic and mystery in tow.
The story itself was great with tons of twists and turns.The most mysterious fact was that Elodie is sent to work for a witch (which she doesn't believe) and witch hadn't asked for any servant (so she doesn't believe her either.)
But then,both of them are put in an impossible situation and both are inclined to help each other.
Another fact that I found interesting was that even the supporting characters were portrayed and handled very well.
This book is going to be the one that I will surely recommend to others.
This book has many spooky elements to it which have been described very well.
I really really liked it and it kept me wanting for more.Looking out for the sequel.
Amazing writing by Jo Spurrier!
👍🤩
July 6, 2020
I read this all in one sitting, it just read so quickly and sucked me in!
Sometimes fantasy books take a bit to get into and have too much world building, but this drops you right into the story. Ellodie is a good character to follow, she's smart and resourceful and she asks a lot of questions that the reader wants to know. Even though she doesn't want to leave her home, she does what she needs to and tries to make the best of it. She gives Aleida her respect and doesn't judge her for being a witch. She's fierce and even when she's scared she carries on.
The world is easy to understand and the magic makes sense. The author has a good balance of showing and telling, so it's not information overload but I also didn't have too many unresolved questions. The ending wraps up well with room for the sequel without leaving us on a cliffhanger.
Fun story and I really enjoyed the characters!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes fantasy books take a bit to get into and have too much world building, but this drops you right into the story. Ellodie is a good character to follow, she's smart and resourceful and she asks a lot of questions that the reader wants to know. Even though she doesn't want to leave her home, she does what she needs to and tries to make the best of it. She gives Aleida her respect and doesn't judge her for being a witch. She's fierce and even when she's scared she carries on.
The world is easy to understand and the magic makes sense. The author has a good balance of showing and telling, so it's not information overload but I also didn't have too many unresolved questions. The ending wraps up well with room for the sequel without leaving us on a cliffhanger.
Fun story and I really enjoyed the characters!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2020
Glad I gave this one a second chance, now I know aesthetics are not enough with this book.
It's not bad, it's just too slow.
It's not bad, it's just too slow.
February 5, 2021
Oh, I loved this! By the time I was 100 pages in, I'd already ordered Book 2, and I was SO RELIEVED to have that handy the moment that I finished Book 1, because although the ending was amazing (seriously - I let out a loud and heartfelt Good Book Sigh and actually patted the book with real affection when it was done!), I couldn't wait to read more about Elodie and Aleida.
I think the title of this one doesn't serve it well, because it sounds like so many other titles of books that are far more epic and dramatic. This is essentially a beautifully cozy fantasy (albeit with some creepy ingredients) that's all centered around the developing (and wonderfully empowering) friendship/mentorship between two young women who've survived difficult pasts and are becoming stronger together. I've already started Book 2 and am loving it even MORE so far. I hope there will be a Book 3 very soon! I'm pushing this one on ALL of my friends. :)
I think the title of this one doesn't serve it well, because it sounds like so many other titles of books that are far more epic and dramatic. This is essentially a beautifully cozy fantasy (albeit with some creepy ingredients) that's all centered around the developing (and wonderfully empowering) friendship/mentorship between two young women who've survived difficult pasts and are becoming stronger together. I've already started Book 2 and am loving it even MORE so far. I hope there will be a Book 3 very soon! I'm pushing this one on ALL of my friends. :)
March 26, 2024
This is the main character that I didn’t know that I was desperate for. Elodie is SENSIBLE. She’s also not a princess, possessed of once in a lifetime mystical power, in the midst of a love triangle, or in anyway The Chosen One. She doesn’t even fall into insta-love with a mysterious stranger. I mean, she does meet a cute boy, but she’s not an idiot. Do you have any idea how refreshing this is? Seriously?
Elodie is just a young girl, who has had a bit of a crap time of it, but is persevering because she’s smart, stubborn, and sensible. Even when her new employer, who is supposed to get her away from her jerk of a step-father at home, turns out to be a sarcastic, quick-tempered, Witch, well..... even witches need feeding, and their dishes washed. Elodie reminds me of that friend who is going to remind you to hydrate, check if you’re hangry, and help you out when you’re in an anxiety spiral. SHE’S WONDERFUL.
Characters are allowed to have pasts, which I love. The world building is clever and thorough, WITHOUT needing 20 pages of exposition before you even get started on the story. There are real life “things” that may make some people push the age range up a little, but I think from 12 would be suitable. I’d recommend it to anyone who loved Patricia C. Wrede, or Tamora Pierce’s Kel. Perhaps for Sharon Shinn fans. There is a similar brevity to the writing that allows the reader to kind of rest inside the story, rather than be outside it. 4+ stars, and I will definitely be back for the next book
Elodie is just a young girl, who has had a bit of a crap time of it, but is persevering because she’s smart, stubborn, and sensible. Even when her new employer, who is supposed to get her away from her jerk of a step-father at home, turns out to be a sarcastic, quick-tempered, Witch, well..... even witches need feeding, and their dishes washed. Elodie reminds me of that friend who is going to remind you to hydrate, check if you’re hangry, and help you out when you’re in an anxiety spiral. SHE’S WONDERFUL.
Characters are allowed to have pasts, which I love. The world building is clever and thorough, WITHOUT needing 20 pages of exposition before you even get started on the story. There are real life “things” that may make some people push the age range up a little, but I think from 12 would be suitable. I’d recommend it to anyone who loved Patricia C. Wrede, or Tamora Pierce’s Kel. Perhaps for Sharon Shinn fans. There is a similar brevity to the writing that allows the reader to kind of rest inside the story, rather than be outside it. 4+ stars, and I will definitely be back for the next book
October 8, 2018
This was the kind of book you just don't want to end, so you try and read it slowly to suck it all in. It was definitely one of my favorite reads this year, and surprisingly enough I hadn't heard any buzz about it until I saw it for sale. It sounded like something I'd like regardless, but my book buying budget has been severely strained this year as we're in the process of buying a house, and I almost didn't buy it. Thank god I did!
This isn't over the top action and adventure, but rather a slow tale of magic and discovery. The closest thing I can think of to compare it to would be Howl's Moving Castle, minus the romance. Elodie is a fantastic character btw; she just gets stuck in and does the job. Sometimes she's scared and almost whiny in her fear, but let's face it, how many of us would be the perfect hero/heroine put in her shoes?
I really loved this one, and I can't wait to read the sequel. If this catches your eye, I highly recommend trying this book! Five stars!
This isn't over the top action and adventure, but rather a slow tale of magic and discovery. The closest thing I can think of to compare it to would be Howl's Moving Castle, minus the romance. Elodie is a fantastic character btw; she just gets stuck in and does the job. Sometimes she's scared and almost whiny in her fear, but let's face it, how many of us would be the perfect hero/heroine put in her shoes?
I really loved this one, and I can't wait to read the sequel. If this catches your eye, I highly recommend trying this book! Five stars!
January 7, 2021
Elodie receives a letter from a mysterious sender offering her work as a housemaid and when she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, she had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch—Aleida—who was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep. Amidst her employment, no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it's still better than going back to her abusive home even if it means dealing with the consequences of a dead witch—Gyssha Blackbone, who made monsters—, a bitter curse and a battle of magic. Somehow, someway it's Elodie's job to clean up the mess the old dead witch made which lead readers on a otherworldly journey filled with magic, monsters, witches and more.
… and based on the reviews, ‘A Curse of Ash and Embers’ was not as terrible as I thought it would be. I actually quite enjoyed myself. From the relationship between Elodie and Aleida, the cause the death of Gyssha and her resurrection, Dee’s upbringing, outstanding world-building, and the characters themselves had me hooked from the get-go.
The likable characters, refreshing and unique premise, and lack of romance really brought this story together. Though this could really end as a standalone, I am really excited to continue the ‘Tales of the Blackbone Witches’ series to see how Dee and Aleida grow and evolve.
April 23, 2018
This is a great YA fantasy crossover, perfect for maybe around 13+ teens and older (it gets quite dark!). Jo Spurrier is a really confident writer, and from the first page you know you are in good hands as she weaves a completely new world around you and lays out the mystery of the plot. This is a tale of witches and coming-of-age, of a young girl escaping her past and finding herself, sometimes reluctantly, on a completely new path. There are some solid plot points later on the book that really upped the stakes in a very satisfying manner. Highly recommend for fantasy fans looking for a little bit of (dark) magic.
Want to read
June 13, 2020Thank you Edelweiss and Voyager for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 25, 2021
A Curse of Ash and Embers, the first book in the Tales of the Blackbone Witches series, follows Elodie as she leaves home to work as a servant for people she doesn’t know. Weirdly, no one remembers when or how she was hired. Leaving the abusive and confined life with her family, Elodie journeys to Oak Cottage determined to make the best of a mysterious and confusing situation.
Elodie finds Oak Cottage in shambles, a victim of an epic battle between Gyssha and Aleida, the Blackbone witches. Aleida, the victor of the battle, is now cursed and full of regret for her past malicious actions. As Elodie and Aleida begin to repair the cottage, they must also address the malicious monsters that Gyssha left behind. Aleida also has to face the evil warlock who has come to collect. Will Elodie stay with Aleida and help her handle the supernatural upheaval, or will she return to the home and family that she so desperately misses?
When the story begins, Elodie is very unsure of herself. This isn’t surprising considering how terribly her step-father treated her and how sequestered she was from the outside world. As the eldest daughter, she was treated more as a servant than a child. Her parents didn’t allow her to go to school, go to town, or have friends. So, Oak Cottage is the first semblance of freedom she’s had in years.
As Elodie adjusts to her new, unusual, and supernatural surroundings, she becomes more self-assured and confident in her abilities. Much of this can be attributed to her growing friendship with Aleida, which is one of my favorite parts of the novel.
Aleida is smart and sarcastic and brave. Though most everyone sees Aleida as a villain, Elodie sees past her dastardly deeds. Conversely, Aleida sees Elodie as more than an uneducated servant. I think their friendship helps both of these women heal and grow, and, though they are very different, they complement each other well.
Elodie is a dynamically developed character whose experience is full of new friendships, unexpected surprises, and unique supernatural elements. Monsters, magical creatures and elements of nature, warlocks, witches, curses, spells, and more create a fascinating world for Elodie to explore. Unfortunately, it also comes with danger around every corner, and Elodie and Aleida usually find it.
This is a unique coming-of-age novel with excellent supernatural elements and a strong female friendship. I enjoyed Elodie’s story and look forward to many more of her and Aleida’s adventures. Thanks so much to Netgalley and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Elodie finds Oak Cottage in shambles, a victim of an epic battle between Gyssha and Aleida, the Blackbone witches. Aleida, the victor of the battle, is now cursed and full of regret for her past malicious actions. As Elodie and Aleida begin to repair the cottage, they must also address the malicious monsters that Gyssha left behind. Aleida also has to face the evil warlock who has come to collect. Will Elodie stay with Aleida and help her handle the supernatural upheaval, or will she return to the home and family that she so desperately misses?
When the story begins, Elodie is very unsure of herself. This isn’t surprising considering how terribly her step-father treated her and how sequestered she was from the outside world. As the eldest daughter, she was treated more as a servant than a child. Her parents didn’t allow her to go to school, go to town, or have friends. So, Oak Cottage is the first semblance of freedom she’s had in years.
As Elodie adjusts to her new, unusual, and supernatural surroundings, she becomes more self-assured and confident in her abilities. Much of this can be attributed to her growing friendship with Aleida, which is one of my favorite parts of the novel.
Aleida is smart and sarcastic and brave. Though most everyone sees Aleida as a villain, Elodie sees past her dastardly deeds. Conversely, Aleida sees Elodie as more than an uneducated servant. I think their friendship helps both of these women heal and grow, and, though they are very different, they complement each other well.
Elodie is a dynamically developed character whose experience is full of new friendships, unexpected surprises, and unique supernatural elements. Monsters, magical creatures and elements of nature, warlocks, witches, curses, spells, and more create a fascinating world for Elodie to explore. Unfortunately, it also comes with danger around every corner, and Elodie and Aleida usually find it.
This is a unique coming-of-age novel with excellent supernatural elements and a strong female friendship. I enjoyed Elodie’s story and look forward to many more of her and Aleida’s adventures. Thanks so much to Netgalley and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2018
A Curse of Ash & Embers is a fun fairytale/fantasy read. The story has a familiar feel, but also maintains an air of originality. The pacing is good, and there is plenty of action. Meanwhile, Elodie is a well-crafted and interesting character with whom I felt an immediate connection. Two of the things I like most about this work are the slightly darker storyline and the fact that romance, though loosely present, doesn't become the principal focus of the piece. For me this is a solid 4.5 stars, and I recommend it to YA fantasy fans looking for something a little different that will take them away from the standard tropes while still feeling like a familiar friend. I am certainly keen to read on in the series and find out what will happen to Elodie and Aleida next.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
October 24, 2018
This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.
This was a nice change of pace! I love this story and in a way it sort of made me feel nostalgic. A witch living in a run-down house in the country using wands, potions and cauldrons. It is reminiscent of a dark fairytale. It was so good to have some traditional style magic and not someone who was blessed with “powers” of some kind. Not that I don’t enjoy those books but they do feel a bit repetitive.
The detail in this book in terms of the plot twists and intricacies of the magic were unexpected. It felt like I was seeing the story instead of reading it. That is exactly where I want a book to take me. I read the excerpt of the first chapter of next book and it has certainly left me hanging, I need more.
This was a nice change of pace! I love this story and in a way it sort of made me feel nostalgic. A witch living in a run-down house in the country using wands, potions and cauldrons. It is reminiscent of a dark fairytale. It was so good to have some traditional style magic and not someone who was blessed with “powers” of some kind. Not that I don’t enjoy those books but they do feel a bit repetitive.
The detail in this book in terms of the plot twists and intricacies of the magic were unexpected. It felt like I was seeing the story instead of reading it. That is exactly where I want a book to take me. I read the excerpt of the first chapter of next book and it has certainly left me hanging, I need more.
June 7, 2018
Writing that draws you in, excellent worldbuilding, and a smart and practical heroine with an overwhelming determination to just get the job done. Whether that's cleaning a house or dealing with a witch.
Elodie is one of the most inspiring main characters I've read in a long time (smart, a little sassy, down-to-earth but with a hint of vulnerability) and Aleida has some hidden depths that I look forward to delving into in Jo's next book! Gyssha is as ruthless as she promises to be, and the side-characters could easily carry a series by themselves.
This is one of those books that you can read and read again, and love it a little bit more every time.
Elodie is one of the most inspiring main characters I've read in a long time (smart, a little sassy, down-to-earth but with a hint of vulnerability) and Aleida has some hidden depths that I look forward to delving into in Jo's next book! Gyssha is as ruthless as she promises to be, and the side-characters could easily carry a series by themselves.
This is one of those books that you can read and read again, and love it a little bit more every time.
September 29, 2019
This was a super fun atmospheric book to read! The main character was incredibly relatable and wonderfully pragmatic (a trait I truly adore in a female protagonist), and I found myself rooting for her at every turn.
However the character that truly stole my heart was Aleida, the grumpiest witch around who has absolutely no fucks left to give until our illustrious heroine pops up. Aleida is a BOSSS and I can't wait to see what these two accomplish together in the next book!
However the character that truly stole my heart was Aleida, the grumpiest witch around who has absolutely no fucks left to give until our illustrious heroine pops up. Aleida is a BOSSS and I can't wait to see what these two accomplish together in the next book!
August 17, 2018
I don't often give five stars to books, but this was just so damned good, it has such a great story line, great strong female characters and magic.
It was a bit different to any thing else I have read, which is something I am always looking for.
This book and The Rift by Rachel Craw are so far my favourite books for 2018.
It was a bit different to any thing else I have read, which is something I am always looking for.
This book and The Rift by Rachel Craw are so far my favourite books for 2018.
October 6, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’d been seeing this book around, and WITCHES so of course I had to request it on NetGalley, because, why not? I think that this book was good, and I am struggling to put my thoughts into words in regards to how I felt about the book. I definitely liked parts of it, and then there were parts I wasn’t as wild about. When it worked, it really worked, but then it fell flat at other times. I really struggled with how to rate this book because I am still unsure of what the rating should be. So I did a good middle rating of a three. I feel it encapsulates much of my feelings on the matter.
First off, Elodie. I liked her from the beginning. I think that she was crafted to be a nuanced character, but at times that fell short. It felt as if she was supposed to be the underdog you were cheering for, and she was, but at times I struggled to care about some of the things that happened after she left home. I did care to a point, but what happened I think is that parts of the book dragged out too much, or didn’t flesh her out enough that I was left in this weird state of…caring but not caring.
Aleida was a good character, and I found her balance to Elodie wonderful. I think that had it just been about one of them individually I would not have enjoyed the story at all. I like that she was somewhat a foil to Elodie. But unfortunately, much of what I liked about this book wasn’t expounded upon. There were also characters thrown in that you kind of wondered why? And when it was revealed it was a bit of an “oh!” moment. So I liked how that was interwoven with the book.
My biggest gripe is definitely the combination of the pacing and the plot. Both felt very disjointed to me, and at times I was wondering when the end of the book was. This is not a good thing – you should not be wondering when the end of the book is coming up. It should not be a race to finish it. And yet, at points during this book, I felt it was far too long and drawn out. There were certainly parts I really liked.
I enjoyed parts of the magic system…but overall I just didn’t feel like the book flowed to me, or worked for me. There was nothing bad about the writing, in fact it was easy to read, but I wasn’t invested in the story the way I would like to be.
As I like to say, I didn’t click with it as much as I wanted to.
I’d been seeing this book around, and WITCHES so of course I had to request it on NetGalley, because, why not? I think that this book was good, and I am struggling to put my thoughts into words in regards to how I felt about the book. I definitely liked parts of it, and then there were parts I wasn’t as wild about. When it worked, it really worked, but then it fell flat at other times. I really struggled with how to rate this book because I am still unsure of what the rating should be. So I did a good middle rating of a three. I feel it encapsulates much of my feelings on the matter.
First off, Elodie. I liked her from the beginning. I think that she was crafted to be a nuanced character, but at times that fell short. It felt as if she was supposed to be the underdog you were cheering for, and she was, but at times I struggled to care about some of the things that happened after she left home. I did care to a point, but what happened I think is that parts of the book dragged out too much, or didn’t flesh her out enough that I was left in this weird state of…caring but not caring.
Aleida was a good character, and I found her balance to Elodie wonderful. I think that had it just been about one of them individually I would not have enjoyed the story at all. I like that she was somewhat a foil to Elodie. But unfortunately, much of what I liked about this book wasn’t expounded upon. There were also characters thrown in that you kind of wondered why? And when it was revealed it was a bit of an “oh!” moment. So I liked how that was interwoven with the book.
My biggest gripe is definitely the combination of the pacing and the plot. Both felt very disjointed to me, and at times I was wondering when the end of the book was. This is not a good thing – you should not be wondering when the end of the book is coming up. It should not be a race to finish it. And yet, at points during this book, I felt it was far too long and drawn out. There were certainly parts I really liked.
I enjoyed parts of the magic system…but overall I just didn’t feel like the book flowed to me, or worked for me. There was nothing bad about the writing, in fact it was easy to read, but I wasn’t invested in the story the way I would like to be.
As I like to say, I didn’t click with it as much as I wanted to.
October 1, 2020
This is a book set in a secondary world pre-industrial revolution world with witches and warlocks. The more magical people seem to inhabit the mountains and hills and most of the “normal” folks on the plains do not believe in magic. The primary protagonist, Elodie or “Dee”, is sent to a rural mountain town to become a lady’s maid. While suspicious of how she got this job, Dee nonetheless sets off for sights unknown. With a wretched family life at home, this isn’t a hard decision. Dee very quickly realizes this will not be a normal position.
While I did enjoy parts of this book I also found myself more than a little bored at times, unsure if I wanted to finish reading the book. There were moments of excitement, mostly in the last 20% of the book.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
While I did enjoy parts of this book I also found myself more than a little bored at times, unsure if I wanted to finish reading the book. There were moments of excitement, mostly in the last 20% of the book.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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