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Bold Women of the 17th Century #1
The Firefly Witch
The Great Marsh is a magical place of spells, visions, and an ancient people. It is also a place of supernatural peril, and Circe Swinburne, the daughter of Puritans, is drawn to its shadowy mystery. From her birth, Circe has been haunted by pagan dreams and they intensify when fireflies begin to haunt her, flooding her with riddles. The tiny creatures guide her to a group living in secret, practicing the ancient ways of the Celts in the backwoods of the colony. She escapes to live in peace with them until one day a mysterious man appears with an unusual map. Circe is increasingly drawn to this dark and enigmatic Spaniard, and together they fight against the malicious Puritan witch hunters who are determined to execute her new family and destroy her way of life forever.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2018
499 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 11, 2021
I've had The Firefly Witch on my bookshelf since it was published a few years ago and I finally had a chance to read it - and I'm glad I did. Set in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1662, we meet Circe: a red-haired girl with an amazing skill for weaving. Despite her talents, she doesn't fit in well with her Puritan family and community (for reasons that are quickly made clear). Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book, though they were largely positive. I was pulled in immediately by the strong opening, became fully immersed in this imagined world that the author created (and, yes, I did put my 17th-century historian's hat away and just went along for the ride). Although I appreciated that the book was set in the 17th century, it was more fantasy than realistic—which is totally fine because it made for a much-needed 'fun' read for me after so many nonfiction books to read for work—there were some elements that jarred with me. I thought she did a great job of making a menacing Matthew Hopkins-type witchfinder and incorporating some of the mindset from the time. The male lead/love interest, however, came in around the halfway point and I never really warmed to him — which I lamented because up until around that area I was absolutely in love with the story. I'm a native Spanish speaker, so I was jolted out of the story every time the male lead called Circe 'pequeño'- which is only used for males - and it should have been 'pequeña' as she is female (maybe this is why I found his character a little irritating). Other than that, I really enjoyed everyone else but I was particularly interested in the character of Bullfrog - what a thoroughly unique individual. I almost wished (many, many times) that he was the romantic lead - but maybe that's just me! And Ruith was another character who quickly endeared herself to me. Although this can be a standalone book, it paves the way for further works and it is indeed the first in The Bold Women of the 17th Century series. I'd probably enjoy going back into the world Hughes created for some escapism.
January 13, 2024
Omg! I absolutely loved it! I couldn’t put the book down for a while lol..
All these characters are just fascinating and true storytelling…I love how they would travel from the different places so cool!
Looking forward to read more book series soon…
All these characters are just fascinating and true storytelling…I love how they would travel from the different places so cool!
Looking forward to read more book series soon…
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September 30, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/30/2020)! 🎁
April 27, 2018
Circe is watching the light over the Great Marsh thinking it must be fire from the fairies. The light turns out to be the image of a beautiful woman with red eyes. She demands that Circe give her the exquisite robe that she is carrying. She then roars and turns Circe into a spider. But she awakes and is once again a girl. This nightmare plagues Circe. Ah, but she is not Circe. She is Azubah Craft, daughter of Josiah and Abigail Craft, Puritan millers of Ipswich and members of the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Azubah is 12-years-old with red hair and freckles and people say her name does not fit her happy personality. Instead, she should be dutiful and virtuous. But her grandfather calls her his firefly because of her red hair and her elusive firefly personality. Azubah works all day creating perfect and beautiful fabrics and her embroidery is exquisite. Her talent surpasses all others in the area. She wants so much to create fabrics with lovely, bright colors, but the Puritan Community frowns upon that type of frivolity. Near her is the family’s waterwheel used for grinding corn for the farmers. The sound of the waterfall is comforting to Azubah. She also possesses a talent for finding water sources for wells using a divining stick.
Azubah has a friend named Bullfrog who lives in the Marsh. He has features that resemble a bullfrog, thus his name. His family was killed by the Indians but he survived. He lives alone in the trees. While many would refute it, some believe that help in the form of food and other sustenance comes from those called The Hooded Ones.
One day, after a village was attacked by Indians, Azubah tries to flee using a skiff in the marsh water. Hit with an arrow, she wakes up in the home of one of The Hooded Ones. It is her real father and she then becomes Circe Swinbaine. Her father is part of the Derwydds of the Celtic people. They, like the Puritan sect, had fled the British Isles to avoid religious persecution. They are happy people where Circe learns much is very content.
The story follows Circe’s involvement in trying to help others being persecuted find safety and a happy life. Although it puts her own life in danger, she is a brave young woman willing to do all she can to help others.
This is a rather different genre of book from the usual ones I read, but I found it fascinating. The descriptions of places and events that the author has created are so clear that the reader can truly see them. There is what could be called fantasy in the book but it is so well-written and exactly what the people of that time period believed. I enjoyed reading this adventure and know other readers will as well.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Azubah is 12-years-old with red hair and freckles and people say her name does not fit her happy personality. Instead, she should be dutiful and virtuous. But her grandfather calls her his firefly because of her red hair and her elusive firefly personality. Azubah works all day creating perfect and beautiful fabrics and her embroidery is exquisite. Her talent surpasses all others in the area. She wants so much to create fabrics with lovely, bright colors, but the Puritan Community frowns upon that type of frivolity. Near her is the family’s waterwheel used for grinding corn for the farmers. The sound of the waterfall is comforting to Azubah. She also possesses a talent for finding water sources for wells using a divining stick.
Azubah has a friend named Bullfrog who lives in the Marsh. He has features that resemble a bullfrog, thus his name. His family was killed by the Indians but he survived. He lives alone in the trees. While many would refute it, some believe that help in the form of food and other sustenance comes from those called The Hooded Ones.
One day, after a village was attacked by Indians, Azubah tries to flee using a skiff in the marsh water. Hit with an arrow, she wakes up in the home of one of The Hooded Ones. It is her real father and she then becomes Circe Swinbaine. Her father is part of the Derwydds of the Celtic people. They, like the Puritan sect, had fled the British Isles to avoid religious persecution. They are happy people where Circe learns much is very content.
The story follows Circe’s involvement in trying to help others being persecuted find safety and a happy life. Although it puts her own life in danger, she is a brave young woman willing to do all she can to help others.
This is a rather different genre of book from the usual ones I read, but I found it fascinating. The descriptions of places and events that the author has created are so clear that the reader can truly see them. There is what could be called fantasy in the book but it is so well-written and exactly what the people of that time period believed. I enjoyed reading this adventure and know other readers will as well.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
August 25, 2019
Azubah Craft, 12-year-old daughter of millers in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, has very strange dreams and disembodied messages delivered to her ears as well as apparitions, but she is careful not to share. She is part of a strict Puritan family that fled the UK to avoid religious persecution. In 1662 as a Puritan, she should be serious, pious, and obedient. She has an extraordinary well-known gift--she can weave gorgeous fabrics and her eye for embroidery is unmatched.
Life in the colony is a day to day struggle against weather, disease, and Indians. During an attack by Indians, Azubah flees into the marshes but is hit by an arrow. She wakes in the home of her biological father, part of The Hooded Ones, who has been watching her for some time. Azubah becomes Circe Swinbaine, part of the Derwydds--Celtic people who also fled persecution. The author is careful to include background and fascinating information, much of whose worship is dominated by a goddess and a totally different (and joyous) lifestyle.
Circe works with the village weaver as apprentice and time passes. Conflict and turmoil begin to increase, however, with the news of a witch hunter who has steadily been working his way through the colonies causing panic and forcing a plan of action. She will be sent to Boston to help conduct Celtic arrivals safely into seclusion. In the turbulence that follows, Circe will get to know the man who'll steal her heart.
I love that the author creates such an authentic and unique storyline, putting you in the century with period names, costumes, language, food, and customs. Dialogue seems so faithful to the time and the well-plotted storyline lends an atmosphere of insecure tension.
I was given a copy of this ebook download by the author in exchange for a read and review. These are my unbiased opinions. Recommended to any who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, stories of the Celts, the flight from religious persecution, and magical manifestations. 4.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
Life in the colony is a day to day struggle against weather, disease, and Indians. During an attack by Indians, Azubah flees into the marshes but is hit by an arrow. She wakes in the home of her biological father, part of The Hooded Ones, who has been watching her for some time. Azubah becomes Circe Swinbaine, part of the Derwydds--Celtic people who also fled persecution. The author is careful to include background and fascinating information, much of whose worship is dominated by a goddess and a totally different (and joyous) lifestyle.
Circe works with the village weaver as apprentice and time passes. Conflict and turmoil begin to increase, however, with the news of a witch hunter who has steadily been working his way through the colonies causing panic and forcing a plan of action. She will be sent to Boston to help conduct Celtic arrivals safely into seclusion. In the turbulence that follows, Circe will get to know the man who'll steal her heart.
I love that the author creates such an authentic and unique storyline, putting you in the century with period names, costumes, language, food, and customs. Dialogue seems so faithful to the time and the well-plotted storyline lends an atmosphere of insecure tension.
I was given a copy of this ebook download by the author in exchange for a read and review. These are my unbiased opinions. Recommended to any who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, stories of the Celts, the flight from religious persecution, and magical manifestations. 4.5/5
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
January 16, 2021
This was an excellent book - not quite fantasy, not quite historical fiction, not quite romance, but some of all of those things. The first 20% or so slogged a bit, in my mind, but the transition from Puritan to Celt to undercover operative, so to speak, was well done. The reader isn't hit over the head with explanation, yet has no trouble following the story.
The protagonist is a strong woman with a sense of when to speak and when not to speak, and the characters are sufficiently developed to fulfill their roles in the story. I hope future books in the series are as good.
The protagonist is a strong woman with a sense of when to speak and when not to speak, and the characters are sufficiently developed to fulfill their roles in the story. I hope future books in the series are as good.
April 11, 2021
This book started out a bit slowly, but it was necessary to properly build the setting and world of this story. However, the climax of the story was SO rushed. The last twenty pages of the book could have and probably should have been more like 50 or 80 pages. After a while book of building up to these events, they were so rushed that all the stakes melted away. I loved the characters, but the second half of the book felt like the author was over it and just trying to get it finished. The writing and pacing in the first half was vastly superior.
July 1, 2021
This book has a lot of missed potential. If you take it as parts, I enjoyed quite a few of them. I liked the small stories that were told of the main characters early life, youth and then adulthood. But when combined into a novel, it was too disjointed. There were connections between the stories but they felt forced. The ending was very rushed and unsatisfactory in how many things were just tied off with no real closure. I loved the setting, the characters, and the idea; just not the execution.
February 20, 2021
Unusual historical fantasy
An enjoyable, engaging tale. Without overwhelming the story, the descriptions put me right there with the main character and her friends. The pace moves right along without being too fast. There are few copy editing errors; and this is a stand alone book, which is a relief in this time of so many stories that could be single books dragged out over a series.
An enjoyable, engaging tale. Without overwhelming the story, the descriptions put me right there with the main character and her friends. The pace moves right along without being too fast. There are few copy editing errors; and this is a stand alone book, which is a relief in this time of so many stories that could be single books dragged out over a series.
August 23, 2023
This is for sure an unusual story line. There are many conflicts throughout the book between people, customs and religious beliefs. There's magic intertwined with love, strong family ties and steadfast friendships. It's a very interesting tale. I think anyone who likes historical books would love this one.
This is my first book by Amanda Hughes and I wasn't disappointed. Look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
This is my first book by Amanda Hughes and I wasn't disappointed. Look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
January 12, 2021
Different story
This was not what I expected and I almost quit reading it. But because it was about the witch hunts which I always thought was wrong and led by evil people I decided to finish it. Also my ancestors were from Pennsylvania and reading about the area and how they survived interested me.
This was not what I expected and I almost quit reading it. But because it was about the witch hunts which I always thought was wrong and led by evil people I decided to finish it. Also my ancestors were from Pennsylvania and reading about the area and how they survived interested me.
February 10, 2021
this was not a bad read for me -- entertaining...but defnielty not a five. I thought a lot of time was spent on Circe's time with her father: more than necessary.. the ending seemed a bit rushed for me. But i did like the premise of the story and while it wasn't necessarily historical fiction , it did smack of the goings on of that time period . A decent beach read
July 9, 2019
Really quite a good book about a topic I didn’t see coming. I was expecting a Salem Witch-hunt story but this was a really different slant on the subject. This was Amanda Hughes at her most interesting!
January 24, 2021
Great story
It COULD have happened! This story is more like a true recounting if history than a work of fiction. Azubah/Circe is real and her personality so vibrant and vivid, I could not stop reading. The whole tale and all the well drawn characters is worth reading about.
It COULD have happened! This story is more like a true recounting if history than a work of fiction. Azubah/Circe is real and her personality so vibrant and vivid, I could not stop reading. The whole tale and all the well drawn characters is worth reading about.
February 15, 2021
Interesting
This is a strange book, I almost stopped reading towards the middle, but am glad I finished it. A little bit historical fiction, a little romance, and a little coming of age it centers on the life and hardships that face a girl in the new world not yet America..
This is a strange book, I almost stopped reading towards the middle, but am glad I finished it. A little bit historical fiction, a little romance, and a little coming of age it centers on the life and hardships that face a girl in the new world not yet America..
July 21, 2021
Historical Fiction and More
Author Amanda Hughes weaves a fantastical tale with wonderful and horrible characters. A well written story about faith and family. Packed with love, hate, happiness and even sadness this story is hard to put down.
Author Amanda Hughes weaves a fantastical tale with wonderful and horrible characters. A well written story about faith and family. Packed with love, hate, happiness and even sadness this story is hard to put down.
November 7, 2021
A bit of magic and a bit of history. A little romance as well.
Story is located in the New World. Believers of the old faith are hunted by the church. I didn't checked the facts, but overall I liked the book.
Story is located in the New World. Believers of the old faith are hunted by the church. I didn't checked the facts, but overall I liked the book.
May 30, 2018
Another fun read from one of my favorite authors. As usual it is an interesting story, full of 3 dimensional characters, with some very fascinating history thrown in. A great summer read.
Want to read
January 6, 2021Free on Kindle
January 11, 2021
Enjoyable
A tale of a secretive Celt settlement near the Massachusetts Puritans in the 1600s. The main character comes from both cultures but has a strong talent for weaving.
A tale of a secretive Celt settlement near the Massachusetts Puritans in the 1600s. The main character comes from both cultures but has a strong talent for weaving.
January 11, 2021
Characters were fun to collow
Story was fascinating. Glad she did as standalone-too man-made into series and you wind up being bored at the end.
Story was fascinating. Glad she did as standalone-too man-made into series and you wind up being bored at the end.
January 13, 2021
The Firefly Witch
I enjoyed reading this book even though there were parts that moved a little slow. The book, characters and the plot were great!
I enjoyed reading this book even though there were parts that moved a little slow. The book, characters and the plot were great!
January 14, 2021
This book was just OK for me. I found it to be somewhat predictable, and it read more like young adult fiction as well.
January 15, 2021
Very Good!
I loved this book! Looking for the sequel! The weaving kept my interest because I sew. Circle was very believable!
I loved this book! Looking for the sequel! The weaving kept my interest because I sew. Circle was very believable!
January 20, 2021
Fun read. Couldn't put it down. The characters were interesting and the storyline kept me entertained.
January 23, 2021
An intriguing mix of Celtic lore and Puritan “witch hunting”
Is Circe and Dante’s fate determined by fate and the occult and the Goddess? What a tortured path they must follow.
Is Circe and Dante’s fate determined by fate and the occult and the Goddess? What a tortured path they must follow.
January 24, 2021
Historical fantasy
A pleasant, easy read. I like historical fiction, or as the author calls it, historical fantasy. But not too fantastical.
A pleasant, easy read. I like historical fiction, or as the author calls it, historical fantasy. But not too fantastical.
February 10, 2021
Fantasy legend
A mixture of fantasy, legends and Celtic immigration to avoid witch hunts. Hard to understand how religion can birth such violence and yet it has repeatedly.
A mixture of fantasy, legends and Celtic immigration to avoid witch hunts. Hard to understand how religion can birth such violence and yet it has repeatedly.
February 19, 2021
Historical Fantasy
This novel has everything Needed to make it great. History, Celts, weaving and herbal medicine. Great characters carrying a wonderful story. Enjoy , as I did.
This novel has everything Needed to make it great. History, Celts, weaving and herbal medicine. Great characters carrying a wonderful story. Enjoy , as I did.
April 15, 2021
This is the second book I have read by this author. She has a way of bringing the past to life even when it is pure fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews