Maze Witch

Questing Witch #3

by Shannon Mayer

My name is Pamela, and I am the most powerful witch the world has ever seen. Only my magic is completely bound away from me, rendering me next to useless.

I’m about to face a witch who makes me look like a child fighting a seasoned general in battle. A witch whose strength lies within the dead, and whose magic I unleashed during my part of destroying the world.

Now she wants me to bow to her, to give her my strength and my magic.

I’ve been stripped of my familiars. Stripped of my magic. And I must face all that lies ahead of me with only the blackest parts of my soul to keep me alive.

If I manage to survive, will I still know who I am, or will I have finally succumbed to the darkness growing inside me?

My name is Pamela, and I’m about to find out that nothing in this broken world is as it seems.

Including my magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches, Magic, Fiction, Audiobook

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2019

About the author

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.

I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)

Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.

I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)

As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.

Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.

Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.

Reviews

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I have just finished this and well I find that I have no words, I am sitting here stunned! This third book is absolutely fantastic as is the rest of this series but this one literally grabbed me, heart and soul! I've gasped, I've cried, I've sighed in relief, I've cried again and I've felt wrung out as if I have been beside Pamela and done the trials that she has had to face, with her all from my sofa!! I just, well, I don't know really, just that I couldn't recommend this series or any by this author enough and I cannot wait to see what the next book holds!

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

We find our little young witch, Pamela, stuck in a maze by the First Witch. She first believes that the other young Witch, her doppelganger and the Warlock put her there, but soon enough learns the truth of that matter. Darkness so black surrounds her. Enveloping her. Without her link to her elements, she can't even call fire to her for a tiny bit of light, yet she knows that giving up is not an option. Then she gets a special visitor, I can't tell you who it is, but when I read it, I cheered out loud. And she finds herself surrounded by what she calls "meat bags". And this is the first "creature" she must fight off. Every twist in the Maze brings her face to face with other creatures, worse than the ones before.

Another brilliant novel and series by the AMAZING Shannon Mayer!! Every twist, every turn, brings you closer to the edge of your seat, until you end up on the floor (figuratively). There is laughter and tears. There's joy and anger too. Shannon Mayer does it all

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this third book in the Questing Witch series, I have to admit I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it very much. Not because of the writing or characters, but because I’m not fond of the “all alone trying to get out of a situation” type of plot. I should have known to trust the author. I was immediately drawn into the story, waiting with bated breath to see how Pam was going to get out of the maze she was in. Along the way, she learned more about her past, her abilities, and herself. There was much growth in the character with this book. However, towards the end, everything came crashing down. What happened? Well, I can’t really say as I don’t want to spoil the book. What I will say is that I did enjoy every second of this book, and I am heartbroken, sad, elated, and very much looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book and series and was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloodyhell!!
Just go ahead and one-click this entire series. I promise you will love it. Freakin fantastic!!
Shannon, I’m not sure how you do it but you continue to tell these fantastic stories and come up with stuff so vividly that I’m imagining it. Imagining something that doesn’t even exist. Ha!
I absolutely love Pam and looking forward to Elemental Witch. Hanging on by a thread!

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yup, still enjoying the series.

She starts relying more on the people around her, you see her growing and developing and, with her, the people around her as well.

Maybe it's not that fast-paced or as fun as other series, but this one goes a bit deeper than just surface feelings.

Plus, it is really fun! Worth reading!

[Sandra Kaye]

Freaking loved it

I have been in love with Shannon's writing since I first read Tyler's story. I enjoy the journey her characters take to self discovery. She writes strong kick*#s women we all want to be or know. Someone strong, sassy and not always perfect

[Anna Wick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painful but satisfying

What a ride. I don't want to write spoilers so cryptic it shall be. The adventure continues, with new and friends. Some things have to change, some let go.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 for the first half, 5 for the 2nd!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!!

I love this series! Just cannot get enough! Very fast paced. Not one dull moment. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this is where the story deviates a bit for some major plot developments. You can see why Shannon split the narration between Pamela and Alex since they become separated for most of the story. It allows the reader to get a more well-rounded view of the world as a whole, while building suspense during tense moments by switching between the two perspectives. For the first half of the book, I didn’t enjoy it much because it just took too weird of a turn for me. As you start to see the pieces fall together though, it starts to make sense, and more palatable.

The book is just SOOOO DARK. There are moments of pure torture for many of the main characters, and it started to really wear on me. And Pamela has been through sooo much already, yet it’s one of the main ways for an author to develop and advance their characters. This book was very hard for me to rate in the series because I’m still hooked and need to know what will happen in the final book, but there was a lot that didn’t sit well with me. Some of the new advancements are a step above crazy, and nothing I ever would have thought of. Finally, the ending is a MASSIVE cliffhanger. Like obnoxiously massive. So much so that I practically jumped to buy the next book immediately so I could find out what would come next. In the end, although most of the book was frustrating for me, as I step back and re-evaluate Mayer’s choices, I can somewhat grudgingly applaud her for the advancements she has made in the plot of this story in her world.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Mayer returns with book 3 in her Questing Witch series – Maze Witch. This story picks up where book 2 left off. Pam is in an alternate dimension, sent there by the young witch who looks so much like her. Mac is there with her, but they’ve been separated. The one who holds her there…the witch who craves Pam’s powers has decided to put her through trials. If Pam survives…she intends to possess her and to gain the freedom that she craves. The breaking of the world released her from her bonds, but what she wants…what she craves is much more. Pam must find her strength if she is to survive what is waiting for her in this vast maze. She’s cut off from everything – her familiars, her powers, and those she cares for. Now she must fight and never stop or this will be the place she falls.
Maze Witch is an engaging novel from beginning to end. The author has nothing but surprise after surprise after surprise for the reader. There are more twists and turns in this book than what Pam has to go through where she’s at. I have to say that the author really puts Pam through the wringer with everything that she has to go through, but I love how each thing that Pam goes through makes her stronger. The author literally tests Pam’s mettle and shows the reader how everything she is going through is meant to shape and mold her. I will say that the author really throws me for a loop a couple of times and one of them comes with Pam’s dark magic.
There isn’t much that I can’t say that I don’t like about this book. The author does break my heart a couple of times though. I hoped against hope, but it was not meant to be and I CRIED! So just get ready!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is packed with so much action, tension, drama, and pain but prepared for that ending. It will knock the wind out of you before ending on one HECK of a cliffhanger. The author confirms some suspicions/guesses that readers have concerning certain characters. So if you’ve read the first two books and enjoyed them then I HIGHLY recommend that you grab this book and dive in! But strap in because this book is going to be one intense and emotional journey for Pam, her friends and you!

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have to be the hardest review I've had to write without giving spoilers because I am a sobbing mess after finishing Maze Witch and I just want to share it all with everyone it was just that good.

Now if you have not read any of Shannon's books yet 'where have you bee?' now head back out and start with Rylee's series but for now, let's review Maze Witch without spoilers and without swearing 2 very hard tasks.

Pamela the most powerful witch the world has ever known along with Oka, Mac, and Alex her familiars are off on another adventure but this will be the hardest test so far for Pamela which is freaking massive with what she has already survived, but here we are testing Pamelas strength and heart again and because I am a believer I know she will come out stronger no matter what happens.

This was my first thought upon finishing the Maze Witch.
'The most powerful journies we endure in this world are the ones we face alone, where we can come out the other side stronger or give in to our fears and stop believing in ourselves.'

I can't pick a favorite part because the entire story was just amazing but I can say I shed a few tears, ok, ok by the end I was a sobbing mess, I'll admit it, I also fist pumped the air and cheered a few times one moment in particular when karma bit someone really nicely like I had been hoping, I laughed a couple of times you know a good gigglesnort always helps in a highly charged emotional story and by the end I was curled up in a ball wishing I had the next book to go on with, now really you just can not ask for more than all of that in one story.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting closer to the end I think

First, let me be honest and say that while I loved the Rylee books and really loved Alex, Pam was never a favorite of mine. However, I have enjoyed these books even though I feel like Mayer keeps teasing us with possible run-ins with Rylee and Liam only to be denied once again.

A lot happens in this book with Pam, Alex, and Mac. I guess we kind of always saw it coming and I won’t spoil it except to tell you, be prepared.

Pam, a bit broken and wary much like this new world, is put to a test in this book which will require her to dig deeper than ever before. She’ll need to learn how to trust herself and those around her. Trust hasn’t always been her strength so this will prove to be even more challenging than any of the monsters she’s faced in this new world. Some great world building employed in this story, a particular strength of Mayer.

The book kind of ends on a cliffhanger but not too much of one. I generally hate cliffhangers and this one didn’t cause any rage so if you’re the same you need not worry.

Oh and there better be a payoff on the Rylee teases at some point! That’s driving me batty.

All in all, good book. Four stars.

[Mella · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You understand then, that you are the cause of your own suffering? That the fear feeds the anger, and the anger keeps you from the love that would heal you and this world,” Fay-ella said.

Mayer, Shannon. Maze Witch (The Questing Witch Series Book 3) (Kindle Locations 2088-2089). Hijinks Ink Publishing. Kindle Edition.

She's also the cause of my suffering. I don't know. It got better just over half way through. The first half was filled with Pamela doubting herself, Alex all over the place about Jasmine and and oddly - Alex's dad. Yeah that bit got real twisted. The second half moved past the romance which has all but lost the plot and got to some action. Pamela finally comes to an accord with her magic. I didn't love the ending - the romance still just sucks. I'm about done with Alex in general. And Mac is a bloody joke. I would've preferred he be left as the black magic hater than what he became. The first half was hard to read but I managed. The second half I may not have liked it but I sure as hell flew through the pages. Shannon Mayer knows how to write. Even if I don't like where the story is going.

[Cricket · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Loved it! The plot is well thought out and the characters are well developed, the scenes make you feel like you are standing right there beside the character. This one will have you laughing, cringing, crying and shouting for joy. Seriously this book plays with your emotions like the other ones in this series.
Pam is so strong, but she also has her weaknesses one being her heart. She loves deeply and when Mac is injured and in trouble Pam will do anything to help him. Pam also has Alex and Oka on her mind and when she can no longer feel her familiars she becomes a little panicked.
This book is so full of plot twists and unexpected events that you will keep turning the pages just to find out what happens next.
The ending will have you turning the page and cursing the author. I cursed her because Wow! Now I have to wait to find out what happens next to Pam, Oka, Alex and everyone else.
If you love action, fantasy and a really great story then this book is the one for you.

[MEXICANCUTIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story. This whole series! I cannot recommend it enough!
Pam’s path in life is not strewn with flowers and sunny days. For much of this story she is battling inner demons and literal demons. It’s a lot of darkness and grit, an emotional rollercoaster. But what really stands out in this book for me is her strength and also her love for her familiars and family and those precious few who she could maybe call friends.
And that ending!! #@*!!! It explains a lot but to say I’m shocked is an understatement!
Shannon’s writing tore my heart and soul to shreds. This is nothing new but thankfully, mercifully, she usually puts them back together.
So I will wait with bated breath on book four and hope that the amazing characters that I have become so attached to will find their happy endings.

Fingers crossed.

Truly a fantastic series from such a talented author. Just go read her books…ALL of her books!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING

This is 3rd book in the Questing Witch Series. Shannon delivers another wonderful story, the characters are easy to fall in love with or dispise, there is action a plenty and a great journey unfolding with every book.

Pamela continues to draw trouble to herself and in this book is discovering that she is more than an elemental witch. Her journey begins with all her powers and familiars being stripped from her.

Pam is a fighter and needs to discover that there is more to her than anger and fear. She faces trials that see her remember other facets of herself and make some huge discoveries along the way.

Maze Witch is fast paced, full of action and many twists that you don’t see coming!! I loved the book but Shannon Mayer has gutted me with the ending.

I can’t wait for the next book and I know if you read Maze Witch and the other books in the series you won’t be disappointed.

[Norma's Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart does this story have it all! Challenges are in every turn of the page. Hope and despair are constant companions in the 3rd book on the Questing Witch Series. Pamela has a lot of growing to do and not one bit of it is easy or fair. She takes it with the strength of character that connects all of Shannon Mayer's heroes, but does she ever suffer! My love for Oka, Mac, and Alex constantly grows as the band of companions continue to show their loyalty, depth, and love for each other. Only by accepting the truth about themselves and the world of magic do they have a chance to right so many wrongs that have come about since the breaking. But it will take enormous courage and power to do what needs to be done. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but Elemental Witch wint be far behind. Maze Witch is fast paced and exciting. It's everything I want in my adventures!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure where to start. This book picks up where the last one ended. Pamela has been dropped into a maze and finds herself alone. Not sure where her familiar Mac is she has to try and find her way through the maze, without dying, and find him. Meanwhile out in the world Alex and Oka have taken the food recovered in the last book back to the caravan before they can head back out to look for Pam. This book will take you on an emotional ride. Pamela will face many challenges along the way, and there are a lot of twists and turns and surprises. Shannon Mayer never fails to keep the reader on our toes and she knows how to yank our emotions around and yet make us eager for more. I loved this book even though I felt like I'd been through the wringer after reading it. The plot wraps up but she leaves a big hook that leaves us needing more.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow!

After reading the Rylee Adamson series followed immediately by the Elemental series, I had to take a break from Mayer’s world. I got the notice that Aimless Witch would soon be dropped from Kindle Unlimited so I thought, “I’ll switch back, read it right quick, then go back to my current series”. Didn’t happen. I could not stop after the first book and read through unto the end of this book in 24 hours! I loved seeing old friends fro. The previous series and how the story line wove around again. Pamela’s journey has all of the elements of a grand quest of discovery of self. I highly recommend anyone who wants to read this book at least read the first two in order. But to get the best of the overall story, go back to the beginning. All the books are on Kindle Unlimited so take advantage. Happy Reading!

[Sondra Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well hell!

If you've read Lark, Riley and all the epilogues, you are vested in this universe and watched our Witch grow up. We've watched her grieve, throw tantrums and grow, saw heartbreak and loss. She grows so much in this book, more like a coming of age, when we all realize everything is not just black and white, more like areas of both and grey. We see some familiar ghosts of the past (yes I screamed out loud when a special familiar showed up). We have changes to our favorite werewolf too. Things broken can be mended and sometimes our part of the fight isn't the fight. Love and family are what makes us more than what we are and family isn't just blood. Cannot wait for the final book (bittersweet as it may be).

[DEBORAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannon Mayer’s mind must be a combination of a maze, a kaleidoscope and a supernova. Besides being extraordinarily complicated, her stories and characters feel familiar and real. Maze Witch is the third of a four book series. The series should be read in order to make the greatest impact. Pamela is set adrift from her friends and familiars and is forced to grow in ways she would like to avoid. Despite a few questionable decisions, Pamela’s growth is sometimes tortuous, but is continuous. By the end of this book she is more than ready to tackle the next wrinkle set out by Shannon. Alex is forced to deal with a comrade/foe in a very unusual way, leading us to further anticipate book 4. We are also treated to reflections of and visits from prior Mayer characters.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maze Witch is the 3 book in the Questing Witch series and a Branch off or a continuation of the Rylee Adamson series.. This is Pamela's story.
Pamela is the worlds youngest and strongest witches.. because Pamela is an Elemental Witch meaning she has all of the powers of Elemental and she is a witch.. Her father is Raven an Elemental and her mother is a full dark magic witch ..
Pamela must face the maze head on and save the ones that she loves. we also hear from Alex, Mac the Shifter Polar Bear that Pamela loves.. the fun Loving Oka .. Pamela's familiar..
This book is full of lots of action, lots of worry from Alex and Oka, and love for all characters..
If you want to know what happens you will need to get the book and read..

[Barb Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think Shannon could not possibly make me cry in another book.... she does it.

Pam is on a journey that is not for the faint of heart. It’s a struggle to do what’s right and to not let the darkness inside of her take over.. with her familiars separates from her, with Alex not close she is all alone to take on the maze, which is one test after another.

It’s heartbreaking to watch her struggle yet, as you read along you know this is something that has to be done. She has to defeat the maze in order to discover the secret she carries inside of her.

There is soooo much that happens during this book that my heart was all over the place. I’m so anxious for the next book. I really do love this series and the characters.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Shannon Mayer is one of my ‘auto-buy’ authors,despite the breadth of her catalog. She also just happens to be an almost auto-5 on the rate scale, though this on gained a 4.5 due to some confusion. Still, I loved it, I love Pam and this book made me cry.
A solid UF with a bit of a romantic bend.

Pros:
- Characters, characters, characters
- World building... or breaking?
- Old characters mentioned or returned
- Climax is satisfying

Cons:
- Some confusion as to what is happening
- MUST read others (I would suggest reading Rylee’s and Lark’s tales as well, for true understanding)
- It’ll hurt.... seriously.

[Vicki Poll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve cried. Big, ugly, heaving sobs, complete with snot.
I’ve laughed so hard that a little wee actually came out - who wouldn’t at the mere thought of Oka peeing in the drinking water just to get at Jasmine?! I’ve been rooted to my seat, ignoring my family and have been frequently heard shouting through the house ‘wait a minute - I need to finish this chapter first’ and all in the name of a book you can’t put down. And I tried, really i did! But I failed.
Awesome read. Plain and simple. No spoilers here and by god would I struggle to write any more without dropping some! So trust me, pick up the book.
P.S Shannon - that ending was mean! But I loved it!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read! Shannon is nothing short of an amazing writer who completely emurses you in her books. When you enter Pamela's world you're not only rooting for the strongest witch the world has seen but also for her familiars and pack. Maze Witch has Pamela cut off from nearly everything and everyone except the one she fears the most, the darkness inside her. She must learn to work with the darkness in order to survive this maze and get back to those she loves. And of course just when you think it's over...BOOM bombshell dropped! Cannot wait until the next installment in this magical world we have come to love.

[Melodie Custer-luckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE everything Shannon Mayer writes, I especially love this world of Rylee, Lark, Alex and Pamela..... I have been with them a long time, and although I know the end of Pam's story is coming soon.... I wouldn't change a thing....

These character are like family.... They have all come a long way.... they have all been through a lot, and this book put Pamela through Hell....

However, with each trial, a lesson is to be learned.... and Pammy is learning them one at a time....

This book had some major emotional parts.... bring the tissues....

It's well worth the ride....

Bring on the conclusion Shannon Mayer.... I'm ready.... (I think)

[Lindsey McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela is stuck in a maze, but it’s not just a maze. Facing tricks and trials she must navigate her way through this new place in order to find Mac and get free to help the people she left behind, but her captor is not letting her go without a fight. Things are not what they seem in the maze, and it seems every challenge is meant to break Pamela so that she will surrender to the one who holds her hostage, but true to herself Pamela is not going to give up that easy. Trusting herself, her magic, and those trying to guide her is not an easy task when anything and everything could be a trap, but she must find a way because it’s not just her life that hangs in the balance!

[Mirinda Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic!!

Action packed on every page. Loved the flow of Maze Witch. The work up of Pam hanging back in the caravan to the most essential person in the group. Was such a stunning ebb and flow within the storyline. The inner struggle of her magic between the light and dark was so fascinating and extremely exciting to read. The end had me sobbing not just for the character but for Pam as well. The cliffhanger was FANTASTIC!!! I giggled yes actually giggled because I knew it!! Oh so fun!! The elementals should be quaking in the proverbial boots!! She is coming for you!!