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Wicce #1
Namesakes: A Wicce Novel
Cursed with a face so ugly it's lethal, there's only one place seventeen-year-old Medusa can turn in hope of a counterspell: Her best friend's coven.
Wicca offers the solace Medusa longs for; its peaceful rites and heady power drawing her into a life of magick where high-school students have midnight gatherings, faery heritage, and high UAI scores.
As rampant cyber-bullying and a string of untraceable curses leave police stumped, it falls to Medusa and her new friends to stop their rival coven's attacks before any more lives are shattered, or lost.
Wicca offers the solace Medusa longs for; its peaceful rites and heady power drawing her into a life of magick where high-school students have midnight gatherings, faery heritage, and high UAI scores.
As rampant cyber-bullying and a string of untraceable curses leave police stumped, it falls to Medusa and her new friends to stop their rival coven's attacks before any more lives are shattered, or lost.
266 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 1, 2024
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion or the integrity of my review.
Namesakes was a roller coaster for me. When I originally heard about the book, I thought it sounded like it had amazing potential. The summary instantly caught my attention, and the combination of a modern retelling and Medusa made me super excited to read this. The story didn’t grab my interest until halfway through, but it continued being enjoyable the rest of the way to the end.
Medusa and her friends are vegans not only for health reasons but also for moral reasons, and weren’t very happy with people who ate meat. I have no issues with vegan diets, but I don’t like people who push it for moral reasons. The preaching was fairly minimal though.
I loved the idea of Medusa hiding her snakes behind a hijab or niqab. It’s a very clever idea to me. However, she never once shows an interest in learning any beliefs other than wicca, so don’t come into this book expecting something different. She makes a muslim friend because of her headcovering, but declines the chance to learn anything about the religion, which I found disappointing. I had hoped to learn more myself from her religious explorations, but she was immediately set on becoming a Wiccan over anything else.
The Wiccan part is well fleshed out and interesting without bogging down the story. The magic was near, and I liked seeing Medusa discover her powers.
My main problems with the book involved the bullying from non-villain related sources, which wasn’t resolved, just forgotten or ignored. I also felt like all of Medusa’s personality bled away during these scenes and left her very passive and frightened, which didn’t merge with her character’s bravery and resourcefulness at other times. (Although there is a terrific scene where she saves another bullying victim.)
The ending was nice and conclusive, but while some of it had a good long buildup, other elements popped out of nowhere. A brand new (and apparently important) character was introduced, and a few other characters either turned their personalities around or suddenly became one dimensional. However, Medusa’s best friend, Morrigan, stayed awesome and consistent throughout the entire book. 🎉 Her friendships with the other coven members were also fun to read.
The friendship between Medusa and Morrigan (aka Morr) was fantastic, and really made this book memorable. Morr is always there for Medusa, even when all of Medusa’s other friends betray her, and Medusa trusts Morr completely. It’s wonderful.
Poe (one of the other coven members) had a particularly strong characterization, and I wish she’d had even more page time. She was cool.
Overall, the book had interesting magic and a great best friendship. The beginning almost lost me, but the rest of the story pulled through and kept me both entertained and happy. I’d recommend this to interested readers of younger YA.
Namesakes was a roller coaster for me. When I originally heard about the book, I thought it sounded like it had amazing potential. The summary instantly caught my attention, and the combination of a modern retelling and Medusa made me super excited to read this. The story didn’t grab my interest until halfway through, but it continued being enjoyable the rest of the way to the end.
Medusa and her friends are vegans not only for health reasons but also for moral reasons, and weren’t very happy with people who ate meat. I have no issues with vegan diets, but I don’t like people who push it for moral reasons. The preaching was fairly minimal though.
I loved the idea of Medusa hiding her snakes behind a hijab or niqab. It’s a very clever idea to me. However, she never once shows an interest in learning any beliefs other than wicca, so don’t come into this book expecting something different. She makes a muslim friend because of her headcovering, but declines the chance to learn anything about the religion, which I found disappointing. I had hoped to learn more myself from her religious explorations, but she was immediately set on becoming a Wiccan over anything else.
The Wiccan part is well fleshed out and interesting without bogging down the story. The magic was near, and I liked seeing Medusa discover her powers.
My main problems with the book involved the bullying from non-villain related sources, which wasn’t resolved, just forgotten or ignored. I also felt like all of Medusa’s personality bled away during these scenes and left her very passive and frightened, which didn’t merge with her character’s bravery and resourcefulness at other times. (Although there is a terrific scene where she saves another bullying victim.)
The ending was nice and conclusive, but while some of it had a good long buildup, other elements popped out of nowhere. A brand new (and apparently important) character was introduced, and a few other characters either turned their personalities around or suddenly became one dimensional. However, Medusa’s best friend, Morrigan, stayed awesome and consistent throughout the entire book. 🎉 Her friendships with the other coven members were also fun to read.
The friendship between Medusa and Morrigan (aka Morr) was fantastic, and really made this book memorable. Morr is always there for Medusa, even when all of Medusa’s other friends betray her, and Medusa trusts Morr completely. It’s wonderful.
Poe (one of the other coven members) had a particularly strong characterization, and I wish she’d had even more page time. She was cool.
Overall, the book had interesting magic and a great best friendship. The beginning almost lost me, but the rest of the story pulled through and kept me both entertained and happy. I’d recommend this to interested readers of younger YA.
October 1, 2018
“You're going to be the first witch to have a planner as a Book of Shadows, I can just see it!”
-Miriam Cumming, Namesakes
Thoughts: “Namesakes” by Miriam Cumming draws you into a unique and fantastical, yet relatable, world. Cumming draws on enough traditional mythology that there is a fond feeling of nostalgia as you read, but also a feeling of suspense, as you can not be 100% sure how the story will deviate from those traditional tropes and stray into more modern elements.
As soon as the word androgynous was used (within the first sentence, no less), I was sold. It is refreshing to see such diversity represented within the main characters - both the protagonist and supporting characters. A queer, Greek protagonist, a non-binary coven member, and Aboriginal Australian coven members, make up just some of this diversity. “Namesakes” also includes characters with disabilities, other ethnic backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. It feels like I’m reading a real representation of my high school experience in the city, versus the regular white-washed version I normally encounter.
Something to note, is that this story is definitely written with a YA audience in mind, both with some of the themes and settings (high school, and cyber bullying as examples), and also in terms of the writing style. However, whilst this made it harder initially to get into the story (lately I have been reading more classic texts), I found as I got more into the story the writing style made the story seem more genuine, as if Medusa (the teenaged, high-school, protagonist) was speaking directly to me, using her own words.
Final Rating: 3.5/5
Unfortunately, the novel did lose some points, which I discuss at the end of my accompanying blog post (which you can find here: https://ladyplansalot.wordpress.com/2...). However, be aware that if you don’t want any spoilers I would not read that review until after you have completed the novel. All I will say here is that I do not think that the negatives detract from the positives - I would still highly recommend this book, and I can only hope that there is a sequel coming soon.
-Miriam Cumming, Namesakes
Thoughts: “Namesakes” by Miriam Cumming draws you into a unique and fantastical, yet relatable, world. Cumming draws on enough traditional mythology that there is a fond feeling of nostalgia as you read, but also a feeling of suspense, as you can not be 100% sure how the story will deviate from those traditional tropes and stray into more modern elements.
As soon as the word androgynous was used (within the first sentence, no less), I was sold. It is refreshing to see such diversity represented within the main characters - both the protagonist and supporting characters. A queer, Greek protagonist, a non-binary coven member, and Aboriginal Australian coven members, make up just some of this diversity. “Namesakes” also includes characters with disabilities, other ethnic backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. It feels like I’m reading a real representation of my high school experience in the city, versus the regular white-washed version I normally encounter.
Something to note, is that this story is definitely written with a YA audience in mind, both with some of the themes and settings (high school, and cyber bullying as examples), and also in terms of the writing style. However, whilst this made it harder initially to get into the story (lately I have been reading more classic texts), I found as I got more into the story the writing style made the story seem more genuine, as if Medusa (the teenaged, high-school, protagonist) was speaking directly to me, using her own words.
Final Rating: 3.5/5
Unfortunately, the novel did lose some points, which I discuss at the end of my accompanying blog post (which you can find here: https://ladyplansalot.wordpress.com/2...). However, be aware that if you don’t want any spoilers I would not read that review until after you have completed the novel. All I will say here is that I do not think that the negatives detract from the positives - I would still highly recommend this book, and I can only hope that there is a sequel coming soon.
October 1, 2018
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Miriam Cumming’s debut novel has so many things that drew me to it. Magic, mythology and a diverse cast that comes across naturally and honestly.
The main character, Medusa, is the perfect character to guide the reader into this magical world of wicca. The author explains the wiccan elements simply and without burdening the reader with exposition - a true accomplishment for a novel as short as this one.
Medusa is an open and relatable heroine that you can't help rooting for. Her compassion is compelling and I happily followed her into her religious exploration. The cast is diverse and distinct and I really loved the inclusion of Aboriginal characters. It doesn't feel like the author is checking off boxes and it felt naturally inclusive.
The plot centres around hexes and cyberbullying and while this is handled with the care and gravity it requires, it could be potentially distressing to some readers. The same goes for the Islamophobia covered in this novel. It was refreshing to see the issues of my country tackled in a respectful yet brutally honest fashion. My only criticism of this would be how the author went about tackling this issue. That said, it isn't something that would discourage me from recommending this book - which I do wholeheartedly.
While I found the ending to feel rushed and left me a little unsatisfied, I am eager to read any potential sequels. I look forward to seeing what these characters do next.
Miriam Cumming’s debut novel has so many things that drew me to it. Magic, mythology and a diverse cast that comes across naturally and honestly.
The main character, Medusa, is the perfect character to guide the reader into this magical world of wicca. The author explains the wiccan elements simply and without burdening the reader with exposition - a true accomplishment for a novel as short as this one.
Medusa is an open and relatable heroine that you can't help rooting for. Her compassion is compelling and I happily followed her into her religious exploration. The cast is diverse and distinct and I really loved the inclusion of Aboriginal characters. It doesn't feel like the author is checking off boxes and it felt naturally inclusive.
The plot centres around hexes and cyberbullying and while this is handled with the care and gravity it requires, it could be potentially distressing to some readers. The same goes for the Islamophobia covered in this novel. It was refreshing to see the issues of my country tackled in a respectful yet brutally honest fashion. My only criticism of this would be how the author went about tackling this issue. That said, it isn't something that would discourage me from recommending this book - which I do wholeheartedly.
While I found the ending to feel rushed and left me a little unsatisfied, I am eager to read any potential sequels. I look forward to seeing what these characters do next.
November 18, 2018
This book is unique. And when I say unique I mean it. It doesn't take place in US or UK like in most YA books, and we don't deal with vampires, or the most popular high school girls.
We learn more about Wicca, some things about Australia in general, and the consequences of wishing bad things for others.
It is a diverse book where we meet all kinds of people. A young mother, Vegan characters, disabled characters and true friendship.
Another thing that I like in this book is that the adults aren't dead. In most YA books, the parents disappear or are killed, but here they support their kids or if they don't, they don't get ignored.
Give it a try, you will not regret!
We learn more about Wicca, some things about Australia in general, and the consequences of wishing bad things for others.
It is a diverse book where we meet all kinds of people. A young mother, Vegan characters, disabled characters and true friendship.
Another thing that I like in this book is that the adults aren't dead. In most YA books, the parents disappear or are killed, but here they support their kids or if they don't, they don't get ignored.
Give it a try, you will not regret!
October 14, 2019
I don’t give 5 stars generally I prefer to save the last star for the exceptional but it feels right in this case. This is the first book I have read that approaches so many current topics of world discontent without feeling preachy or boring. I was drawn into the characters right away and held to the end. I didn’t feel at all preached at but rather exposed to the lifestyles expressed through the writing. I am glad to see there is another in the series and I will definitely be giving it a read as well.
The story is an engaging mixture of old and new and I found myself loving every minute of the read.
The story is an engaging mixture of old and new and I found myself loving every minute of the read.
April 6, 2019
The start of this book grabbed me really quickly, the date in the park, the way Medusa gets to know a love interest, was all very captivating. However as the story progressed, I felt more rushed through what was happening, and more importantly that the events in the story didn't have natural reactions, some of it felt quite stilted. Even so, Medusa is a strong character, who's not afraid to do what it takes to do the right thing, even if she ends up hurting herself. The lengths she'll go to are inspiring, and she doesn't let the changes that have overcome her stop her.
August 14, 2019
This book was an excellent example of young adult fiction. The author perfectly captures the voice and perspective of a young woman navigating through the trials of high school and the difficulty of being different. This rich and inclusive book celebrates all kinds of youths and shows that when they support each other, magick can happen.
November 20, 2022
I loved taking the journey along with these characters. So unique and captivating. Very authentic feelings.
February 15, 2024
This novel has been a refreshing treat! Medusa and her friends are so approachable that I qas immersed very quickly into their world, never mind me being a 35yo mom in the USA who knows nothing of Wicca or Australian highschools! The narrative takes you through many social and societal issues, some of which are universal; but never seems like it is forcing an opinion as the only one available.
The friendship and bond displayed through the many adventures/trials of Meddy and Morr rocks! Morr is the friend I hope to be.
..Some spoilers ahead, stop reading if you havent read the book yet..
I personally did not see any offense in the fact that Medusa wears a hijab but does not explore Islam as a religion. She was in need of a head covering solution that us readily available, and hijabs are easy to find; she was not looking to explore any new faith. Her spiritual quest with Wicca is a natural consequence of what she is experiencing.
I loved Eliss as a character. Zir ambiguity, the romantic interest, the raw feelings and rejection that entails, all of it made it more real for me.
Can't wait to read their next adventures!
The friendship and bond displayed through the many adventures/trials of Meddy and Morr rocks! Morr is the friend I hope to be.
..Some spoilers ahead, stop reading if you havent read the book yet..
I personally did not see any offense in the fact that Medusa wears a hijab but does not explore Islam as a religion. She was in need of a head covering solution that us readily available, and hijabs are easy to find; she was not looking to explore any new faith. Her spiritual quest with Wicca is a natural consequence of what she is experiencing.
I loved Eliss as a character. Zir ambiguity, the romantic interest, the raw feelings and rejection that entails, all of it made it more real for me.
Can't wait to read their next adventures!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews