What do you think?
The Witches of Tanglewood #1
Manufactured Witches
In a time when hardship and famine rule the country, one boy finds an oasis of magic and the strength to fight for it.
The Dust Bowl uprooted a lot of families and orphaned even more children. No one knows this better than Nat, a teenager who rides the rails from town to town looking for work. After helping a girl accused of witchcraft, Nat stumbles upon a home for wayward children run by a vibrant woman named Camille. She takes in children who have been thrown away and teaches them how to use their untapped potential to do extraordinary things...like magic.
In this crazy new place, there are wonders he's never imagined possible. People who can paint portraits of ghosts, walk through walls, and hide windmills in thin air. But in a time of starvation and fear, Camille's magical home comes under attack from people who fear and discriminate against her. It is up to Nat and the other children to rally behind Camille to save their oasis in the dust from utter ruin.
The Dust Bowl uprooted a lot of families and orphaned even more children. No one knows this better than Nat, a teenager who rides the rails from town to town looking for work. After helping a girl accused of witchcraft, Nat stumbles upon a home for wayward children run by a vibrant woman named Camille. She takes in children who have been thrown away and teaches them how to use their untapped potential to do extraordinary things...like magic.
In this crazy new place, there are wonders he's never imagined possible. People who can paint portraits of ghosts, walk through walls, and hide windmills in thin air. But in a time of starvation and fear, Camille's magical home comes under attack from people who fear and discriminate against her. It is up to Nat and the other children to rally behind Camille to save their oasis in the dust from utter ruin.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2019
About the author
Michelle Rene
11 books60 followersMichelle Rene is a creative advocate and the author of a number of published works of historical fiction and speculative fiction.
She has won multiple indie awards. Her novel, Hour Glass, won Chanticleer Review’s “Best Book of the Year” award in 2018. Her experimental novella, Tattoo, was a Foreword Review’s Indies finalist for fantasy. The Dodo Knight, a historical novella, placed as a finalist with the Next Gen Indie Book Awards. Her YA historical fantasy, Manufactured Witches, won the OZMA award for fantasy, the Discovery Award from the Writer's League of Texas, and was honored by the Indie Author Project as Texas’s best YA novel in 2019.
When not writing, she is a professional artist, museum lover, belly dancer, and autism mom. She lives as the only female with her husband, son, and ungrateful cat in Dallas, Texas.
To learn more about her, check out her website http://www.michellereneauthor.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 29, 2019
This was quite a touching story about kindness and belonging, with a fine dose of magic thrown into the mix. It would have been at least a 4-star book, if not for the excessive spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors, especially during the second half of the story. And don't even get me started on the incomplete sentences. This book either needed an editor or for the current editor to be fired. I'm hoping the next book by the author reads a little smoother. Her storylines and characters are fun to delve into.
June 1, 2019
This one was just okay for me. The storyline was interesting but it didn't really stand out to me and make me love it.
March 22, 2019
This is a very well planned story, full of welcoming magic that has slowly nested a perfect home around my inner child. Warm, beautiful reading full of rooms and books in the middle of a very hostile place.
February 27, 2019
I ordered this book for one reason and one reason only. I have been accepted by the same publisher and I wanted to see what their print books look like. So it was a pleasant surprise when I turned out to actually love the book. The first-person voice was fantastic, authentic, and enjoyable. Putting a fantasy story in 1930s Texas during the Dust Bowl was genius. The descriptions are immersive without being overdone. I wasn’t ever bored, and there were a few times I burst out laughing. (Buck and Nan’s shouted exchange, for example.)
The characters were so uniquely weird and likable, and even Polly had defining characteristics before she ever spoke a word. Michelle Rene is an experienced, award-winning author and it shows. This does not read anything like an amateur book. I highly recommend it.
April 21, 2019
I received this book as an early review copy and there were many typos. But I really liked this book so much more than I expected to. When I started it I had no idea what it was going to be about. But when Polly and nat were brought to Camille’s house and we learned how wondrous it was I was instantly hooked. I wanted to learn more just like nat and I wanted to know what great things would come while they were there. It sort of reminded me of miss peregrines home for peculiar children but less creepy and sci fi. I really like this world. Of course it ended on a cliff hanger so I guess there will be a sequel? Need to get my hands on that.
February 28, 2020
It’s been a while since I read a book that transported me fully into a story. Let's start with the vibrant cover; oh my, it’s even better in person and so eye-catching that I could just sit and stare at that but luckily, I opened the cover, and the richness that unfolded with each page brought me reading bliss.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story but there are twists and turns that surprised and delighted me. If I could give 6 stars – I would. This is storytelling at it’s best. I think you’ll love it whether you are 12 or 92.
I don’t want to give away too much of the story but there are twists and turns that surprised and delighted me. If I could give 6 stars – I would. This is storytelling at it’s best. I think you’ll love it whether you are 12 or 92.
September 19, 2026
I'm not huge on historical fiction, but apparently historical fantasy is just fine. Set in Texas during the Dust Bowl era, this is a book about found family, acceptance, and wonder. And it had quite a few strengths... which just makes its weaknesses all the more frustrating.
Nat is an orphan riding the boxcars, trying to find work. When he ends up in the town of Tanglewood, all he wants is the chance to earn his keep... but when he finds a girl chained to a hitching post, accused of witchcraft, he can't help but step in. In doing so he makes a powerful enemy in the girl's fundamentalist father... but also an ally in Camille, who runs a home for wayward children that also happens to teach said children how to do magic. And as Nat witnesses extraordinary things, he longs for the ability to learn magic... and is determined to defend Camille's sanctuary however possible.
For the most part I enjoyed this story. It melds fantasy and historical elements nicely together, and gives us a cast of vibrant and real characters. It does deal with some of the harsh realities of the time, such as the financial ruin of the Dust Bowl and the racism against Blacks and Native people, but without detracting from the wonder of its magical elements. The story was nicely paced as well.
On the flip side... this story needed a better editor. I found quite a few grammatical goofs as I read, and the author seems to really like sentence fragments. I also felt like some promising elements were introduced but then dropped -- quite a bit never gets explained by the end of the book. I understand saving a few things for a sequel, but still, I was left confused by certain things that never get addressed.
The final twist at the end... I have no problem with the revelation that Nat is trans, and I feel that this could have been a fascinating element to explore IF it had been introduced earlier. As it is, the twist that Nat was assigned female at birth feels tacked on at the very end of the book, with little to no effort to foreshadow it or plant any clues along the way. I understand this was set during a time period where trans people were deeply in hiding, but I still wish some effort had been made to establish Nat's identity earlier, instead of dropping it as a last-minute twist in the final pages.
Overall, this was a decent read, just flawed.
Nat is an orphan riding the boxcars, trying to find work. When he ends up in the town of Tanglewood, all he wants is the chance to earn his keep... but when he finds a girl chained to a hitching post, accused of witchcraft, he can't help but step in. In doing so he makes a powerful enemy in the girl's fundamentalist father... but also an ally in Camille, who runs a home for wayward children that also happens to teach said children how to do magic. And as Nat witnesses extraordinary things, he longs for the ability to learn magic... and is determined to defend Camille's sanctuary however possible.
For the most part I enjoyed this story. It melds fantasy and historical elements nicely together, and gives us a cast of vibrant and real characters. It does deal with some of the harsh realities of the time, such as the financial ruin of the Dust Bowl and the racism against Blacks and Native people, but without detracting from the wonder of its magical elements. The story was nicely paced as well.
On the flip side... this story needed a better editor. I found quite a few grammatical goofs as I read, and the author seems to really like sentence fragments. I also felt like some promising elements were introduced but then dropped -- quite a bit never gets explained by the end of the book. I understand saving a few things for a sequel, but still, I was left confused by certain things that never get addressed.
The final twist at the end... I have no problem with the revelation that Nat is trans, and I feel that this could have been a fascinating element to explore IF it had been introduced earlier. As it is, the twist that Nat was assigned female at birth feels tacked on at the very end of the book, with little to no effort to foreshadow it or plant any clues along the way. I understand this was set during a time period where trans people were deeply in hiding, but I still wish some effort had been made to establish Nat's identity earlier, instead of dropping it as a last-minute twist in the final pages.
Overall, this was a decent read, just flawed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
3 and 1/2 stars
July 9, 2020
This book has more typoes then my revewe and a twist at the edn that added nothiing to the story and was clearlly just their to appier "woke". Didnt engoy the book and the endng was evn wurse.
July 7, 2021
Such a fun story
This was such a fun story to read, I loved the characters and getting to know them thru the author. This book should touch your heart and mind as you get involved with it.
This was such a fun story to read, I loved the characters and getting to know them thru the author. This book should touch your heart and mind as you get involved with it.
March 29, 2019
I received a copy early to review. When I read the description, I knew it was a book that I would be interested in. I was very excited when I was selected and given a copy. That feeling did not last. I was quickly turned off by the spelling mistakes (maybe because it was an early edition?) and the rushed dialogue/story. I didn't feel for the characters, the back stories were poorly described and was lacking in content. The main character was very inquisitive and none of his questions were ever really answered. Why ask the question if you're not able to explain it? It just left me with questions I may not have asked in the first place. It had a lot of great ideas, but in the end it was not a well-rounded story. I want to say more but I don't want to give any spoilers, but the ending- I was just thinking WHAT??? Not in a good way. It was not a plot twist and it added no value. Why wasn't, what was revealed about Nat, more of a theme throughout the book? Caused more internal struggle or something that was hinted or linked to an issue? It could have given Nat more character development; instead it was thrown in at the end for no purpose. It felt like an after thought that was just added in to be relevant with today's society. To get some award or to be thought of as progressive. Was I supposed to be shocked? Was it because it was in the 30s? If it was, then it should have been added throughout the story to add to it. That could have been a great theme throughout, but nope, just plunked in at the end.
I felt like I was reading a high school students creative writing story. There were elements that were great, maybe a longer story would have helped, instead of always saying, "don't try to fit everything into a box" or "it's not my story to tell" or "you'll figure it out as you go." So much was left without explanation.
I felt like I was reading a high school students creative writing story. There were elements that were great, maybe a longer story would have helped, instead of always saying, "don't try to fit everything into a box" or "it's not my story to tell" or "you'll figure it out as you go." So much was left without explanation.
June 30, 2021
Well written and thoroughly enjoyed!
Loved the story as it unfolded!! Mystical and charming characters, and surprises in the plot line. Glad I read it and wish it was longer and had a sequel. Not your everyday book.
Loved the story as it unfolded!! Mystical and charming characters, and surprises in the plot line. Glad I read it and wish it was longer and had a sequel. Not your everyday book.
May 23, 2019
Finding Magic and Identity in the Dust Bowl
In Manufactured Witches by Michelle Rene, the rough, often desperate existence of Dust Bowl America is juxtaposed artfully with acts of sacrifice that are magical on so many levels. On the most basic level, many of the characters possess skills with magic, but the willingness of use and alternately refrain from that magic for a higher purpose makes this novel enchanting.
Coming off the freight cars and hopping onto a ride into the town of Tanglewood, teenage Nat encounters teenage Polly chained to a post. From that point on, we witness the strong moral compass Nat possesses and his fierce loyalty to those who have been mistreated and to those who have come to the aid of wayward children. Miss Camille takes Polly and Nat into her home. Rumored to be a witch, Camille is a fascinating, compelling character. Enigmatic and witty, Camille is an African-American who must face the disapproval of many in Tanglewood. Her combination of magic and street smarts allows her to protect numerous individuals – young and old – who must come to terms with their burgeoning powers.
Through the actions and recounting of the house occupants, the novel presents many intriguing storylines, including Polly’s emerging skills in teleportation, Crow’s heartbreaking experiences in his Navajo past, and Nan’s mythological legacy. Without giving away too much, these elements come together wonderfully in two successive climatic scenes: one at a circus, the other at the wayward home. Those scenes feature the whispering, incredibly persuasive Jack, who serves as a peculiarly vile villain,
Nat’s first person narrative really elevates Manufactured Witches. As much as the novel is an exciting and thoughtful tale about protecting individuals and larger legacies, Manufactured Witches centers on Nat’s insecurity about his self worth: “In the end, maybe that was my only power, blending into things as though I was cellophane.” His own journey toward apotheosis is as thrilling as anything else in this smart, magical novel.
In Manufactured Witches by Michelle Rene, the rough, often desperate existence of Dust Bowl America is juxtaposed artfully with acts of sacrifice that are magical on so many levels. On the most basic level, many of the characters possess skills with magic, but the willingness of use and alternately refrain from that magic for a higher purpose makes this novel enchanting.
Coming off the freight cars and hopping onto a ride into the town of Tanglewood, teenage Nat encounters teenage Polly chained to a post. From that point on, we witness the strong moral compass Nat possesses and his fierce loyalty to those who have been mistreated and to those who have come to the aid of wayward children. Miss Camille takes Polly and Nat into her home. Rumored to be a witch, Camille is a fascinating, compelling character. Enigmatic and witty, Camille is an African-American who must face the disapproval of many in Tanglewood. Her combination of magic and street smarts allows her to protect numerous individuals – young and old – who must come to terms with their burgeoning powers.
Through the actions and recounting of the house occupants, the novel presents many intriguing storylines, including Polly’s emerging skills in teleportation, Crow’s heartbreaking experiences in his Navajo past, and Nan’s mythological legacy. Without giving away too much, these elements come together wonderfully in two successive climatic scenes: one at a circus, the other at the wayward home. Those scenes feature the whispering, incredibly persuasive Jack, who serves as a peculiarly vile villain,
Nat’s first person narrative really elevates Manufactured Witches. As much as the novel is an exciting and thoughtful tale about protecting individuals and larger legacies, Manufactured Witches centers on Nat’s insecurity about his self worth: “In the end, maybe that was my only power, blending into things as though I was cellophane.” His own journey toward apotheosis is as thrilling as anything else in this smart, magical novel.
October 2, 2023
I loved the magic, the characters and everything about this story. Except the bad guys...lol
April 26, 2019
This was a fun and easy to read story that kept me entertained throughout. I liked the characters and the setting: a home for wayward children with special abilities in 1930s dust bowl Texas. That kind of grabs your attention. The magical elements were interesting, though maybe a bit too mysterious.
The ending caught me off guard. I don't know why you would reveal that at the very end of the story. It didn't add anything to the experience for me because the experience was over.
So besides the random ending, this book was basically what I expected it to be: a fun little adventure/fantasy book.
The ending caught me off guard. I don't know why you would reveal that at the very end of the story. It didn't add anything to the experience for me because the experience was over.
So besides the random ending, this book was basically what I expected it to be: a fun little adventure/fantasy book.
January 8, 2021
Beautiful little tale
This was a beautiful story with some not so beautiful parts. It is set during the dust bowl era when poverty and starvation were common instead of the exception. Views on race were different. Were children and women were often seen as property. In other words, a really messed up time. But there is a haven in this story. A place where differences are celebrated and magic is allowed to happen. A place of hope. And that is what makes it so beautiful.
The only criticism that I can say is a very tiny one. There are several instances of minor editing slips. Like leaving out a word or putting an extra one into a sentence.
This was a beautiful story with some not so beautiful parts. It is set during the dust bowl era when poverty and starvation were common instead of the exception. Views on race were different. Were children and women were often seen as property. In other words, a really messed up time. But there is a haven in this story. A place where differences are celebrated and magic is allowed to happen. A place of hope. And that is what makes it so beautiful.
The only criticism that I can say is a very tiny one. There are several instances of minor editing slips. Like leaving out a word or putting an extra one into a sentence.
June 5, 2019
Holy Cow
What a wonderful story. This tight, well formed plot, with believable characters, lots of supernatural things happening, and totally full of suspense just became one of my all time favorite books. I wasn't too sure about it in the beginning. It seems to be set sometime in the 30's. Just make sure you keep reading. You won't regret spending the time it takes to complete it. And just maybe, you'll find out what your magic is.
What a wonderful story. This tight, well formed plot, with believable characters, lots of supernatural things happening, and totally full of suspense just became one of my all time favorite books. I wasn't too sure about it in the beginning. It seems to be set sometime in the 30's. Just make sure you keep reading. You won't regret spending the time it takes to complete it. And just maybe, you'll find out what your magic is.
August 3, 2019
A really interested exploration of magic in what appears to be early 20th century Texas. The characters come alive as they deal with magic and the negative reactions of the people around. How do you care for the others around you and for yourself in the face of poverty, bigotry and racism.
Nate, our hero also has to cope with the fact that he is not as magical as the others in the little sanctuary run by the colourful Miss Camille.
Nate, our hero also has to cope with the fact that he is not as magical as the others in the little sanctuary run by the colourful Miss Camille.
December 14, 2020
This is one of those books that invites us along to bear witness to the world as we are not used to seeing it. It reminds us that the extraordinary is part of the mundane and, if one simply looks a little harder, it wants to be found. Prepare yourself for delightful world-building, characters with all the flaws that make them worth knowing, and a yearning to explore the wonders that await in Camille's magical home and mind.
December 15, 2020
Interesting book.
This book was a great read, bringing into focus the cruelty that man can create toward his fellow men.
A woman who cares for the children that need help, regardless of colour. A house that fulfils their needs and teaches them to believe in the magic that they can create.
Can recommend.
This book was a great read, bringing into focus the cruelty that man can create toward his fellow men.
A woman who cares for the children that need help, regardless of colour. A house that fulfils their needs and teaches them to believe in the magic that they can create.
Can recommend.
January 4, 2021
Manufactured Witches
This isn't a perfect book. There are many types and errors. Despite that, this is a Grade A story. I could easily see myself reading it repeatedly in the years to come. There is a beauty here that is hard to explain. It surpasses editing issues or any other problem that might cause me frustration when reading other books. I love it.
This isn't a perfect book. There are many types and errors. Despite that, this is a Grade A story. I could easily see myself reading it repeatedly in the years to come. There is a beauty here that is hard to explain. It surpasses editing issues or any other problem that might cause me frustration when reading other books. I love it.
February 25, 2021
Such an original theme!
Truly original, fantastical and beyond what you might imagine! The feel of the intended time seems spot on, the emotions and events lead you to an unexpected ending.
I rarely write reviews but highly recommend this clean, full novel that will leave you wanting more.
Truly original, fantastical and beyond what you might imagine! The feel of the intended time seems spot on, the emotions and events lead you to an unexpected ending.
I rarely write reviews but highly recommend this clean, full novel that will leave you wanting more.
August 16, 2019
Different
You know when you're reading a really good story and want to stop because you just know something tragic is going to happen but you can't? This was one of those. Twists and turns, unexpected plots. LOVED IT ❤️.
You know when you're reading a really good story and want to stop because you just know something tragic is going to happen but you can't? This was one of those. Twists and turns, unexpected plots. LOVED IT ❤️.
April 12, 2020
Enjoyable read
I ‘m not fond of historical fiction, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by it. The plot was full of action and kept me reading one chapter after another. Good strong characters, too, and I didn’t see the surprise ending coming.
I ‘m not fond of historical fiction, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by it. The plot was full of action and kept me reading one chapter after another. Good strong characters, too, and I didn’t see the surprise ending coming.
June 15, 2020
Very Unique
I've read many witch books. It's such a new & creative take on the supernatural that I got sucked right in. The characters are all unique & the story flows right along. Its a nice fast read that will warm your heart
I've read many witch books. It's such a new & creative take on the supernatural that I got sucked right in. The characters are all unique & the story flows right along. Its a nice fast read that will warm your heart
December 11, 2020
Simply Enchanting
What a wonderful magical story. I look forward to reading the second. Characters are strong and feel realistic. A great amount of magic and realism combined. Thoroughly enjoyable. I very interconnect this book for a really good read.
What a wonderful magical story. I look forward to reading the second. Characters are strong and feel realistic. A great amount of magic and realism combined. Thoroughly enjoyable. I very interconnect this book for a really good read.
February 26, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed
This book was an enjoyable trip to a fantastical place where magic lives. I wish I could visit it someday!
This book was an enjoyable trip to a fantastical place where magic lives. I wish I could visit it someday!
March 10, 2019
Well written
Detailed and in depth characters. And I just love surprise endings. Creative and thought provoking at the same time. Kudos to the the author
Detailed and in depth characters. And I just love surprise endings. Creative and thought provoking at the same time. Kudos to the the author
March 19, 2019
This book was fantastic! I had my doubts at first but I was pleasantly surprised.
April 3, 2019
Very good book; an enjoyable read. Needs some minor editing, but very good storyline. First author in awhile to flesh out and complete a story this concisely. I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews