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Annabel Horton And The Black Witch of Pau
Annabel’s husband, who has been missing for years, is finally discovered among the bowels of White Chapel England during the horror of Jack the Ripper. His discovery brings Annabel and her family to the turn of nineteenth-century England hoping to rescue Michele from the Black Witch’s cage. What they discover is that the Black Witch has been forced into an insidious pact with the devil and the devil, with malicious intent, is luring them all into a web of death. Can they escape his grasp?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
6700 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Hardy Ray
9 books49 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes as Vera Jane Cook
Olivia Hardy Ray is the pen name for Vera Jane Cook. The Author has published Three fantasy novels as Olivia Hardy Ray and five women’s fiction titles as Vera Jane Cook. The Author is writing a sequel to Pharaoh’s Star called Fox Hollow Road. The author’s women fiction title, Kismet, is due out this winter.
Olivia Hardy Ray is the pen name for Vera Jane Cook. The Author has published Three fantasy novels as Olivia Hardy Ray and five women’s fiction titles as Vera Jane Cook. The Author is writing a sequel to Pharaoh’s Star called Fox Hollow Road. The author’s women fiction title, Kismet, is due out this winter.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 19, 2019
In recent years, I have become a big fan of historical fiction. I love how it can immerse you in a world so completely different from your own. 'Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau' by Olivia Hardy Ray certainly took me to another time, to the murky streets of London, crippled by fear during the killing spree of Jack the Ripper. Annabel has a lot more to fear than the infamous serial killer. Her husband has found himself in the clutches of the Black Witch and will have to battle with the Devil himself if she wants to set him free.
I really enjoyed the 'Black Witch of Pau' it blended some many great genres, being a beautiful hybrid of historical fiction, sci-fi, supernatural fiction, and horror. It was well written, and a great take on the classic good vs. evil storyline. When I read this I didn't realise it was part of a series, but the other books are definitely on my ever-growing 'to read' list.
I really enjoyed the 'Black Witch of Pau' it blended some many great genres, being a beautiful hybrid of historical fiction, sci-fi, supernatural fiction, and horror. It was well written, and a great take on the classic good vs. evil storyline. When I read this I didn't realise it was part of a series, but the other books are definitely on my ever-growing 'to read' list.
December 13, 2019
Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau is the second book in the series and it is just as compelling as the first, by one of my new favourite authors. This book kept me wrapped up in Hardy’s world when I was reading and also when I was not, which for me is a sign of a well-written story. This book is a perfect read for those who love experimental genre hybrid pieces. I already recommended this to bookworm friends and will look out for others by Hardy in the future. 5 stars
November 24, 2019
A fascinating mystery!
New York author Vera Jane Cook writes suspense filled sci-fi novels – PHAROAH’S STAR and ANNABEL HORTON, LOST WITCH OF SALEM and now ANNABEL HORTON AND THE BLACK WITCH OF PAU using the moniker ‘Olivia Hardy Ray,’ while maintaining her true name she has authored a number of prize winning women’s fiction novels – DANCING BACKWARD IN PARADISE, THE STORY OF SASSY SWEETWATER, PLEASANT DAY, WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW, and LIES A RIVER DEEP. Her sci-fi novels luxuriate in a historical milieu while her women’s fiction novels are very much in the contemporary vein.
Having read a novel in each of this talented author’s two realms, it is comfortable to report that she/’they’ are fine story spinners. The quality of prose is as enchanting as the stories she weaves.
A taste of her gifts is evident in this winning tale, set in 1888 in London, as she welcomes us into her world – ‘The moon floated past my window like a round, celestial ship; it seemed detached from the sky as it beckoned me, this segregated, white, globular light. Clouds that looked like smoke nearly covered it, but it was still bright and full. I stood in the shadow it threw across my floor and whispered the incantations of conquest as I stared at it. Only when the moon is full could I do this. It kept me potent, this incantation. I have been whispering it for many years, mostly for others, but tonight, it was for me…’ And so we meet the Black Witch of Pau and this story is launched.
This is Book 2 of her Annabel Horton series, and as a reflection, from the Salem Witch trials through the Nineteenth Century and beyond, Annabel Horton was pursued by the devil’s disciple, Urban Grandier, the demonic priest from the incident at Loudon. Now for the continuing saga, the plot is quickly summarized – ‘Annabel’s husband, who has been missing for years, is finally discovered among the bowels of White Chapel England during the horror of Jack the Ripper. His discovery brings Annabel and her family to the turn of nineteenth-century England hoping to rescue Michele from the Black Witch’s cage. What they discover is that the Black Witch has been forced into an insidious pact with the devil and the devil, with malicious intent, is luring them all into a web of death. Can they escape his grasp?’
This is a fine visit to old England, witches, and mythology, and in ‘Olivia’s” hands the tale has both suspense and dark flavors that make is a successful read. Just the tale for a dark winter’s night. Recommended.
New York author Vera Jane Cook writes suspense filled sci-fi novels – PHAROAH’S STAR and ANNABEL HORTON, LOST WITCH OF SALEM and now ANNABEL HORTON AND THE BLACK WITCH OF PAU using the moniker ‘Olivia Hardy Ray,’ while maintaining her true name she has authored a number of prize winning women’s fiction novels – DANCING BACKWARD IN PARADISE, THE STORY OF SASSY SWEETWATER, PLEASANT DAY, WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW, and LIES A RIVER DEEP. Her sci-fi novels luxuriate in a historical milieu while her women’s fiction novels are very much in the contemporary vein.
Having read a novel in each of this talented author’s two realms, it is comfortable to report that she/’they’ are fine story spinners. The quality of prose is as enchanting as the stories she weaves.
A taste of her gifts is evident in this winning tale, set in 1888 in London, as she welcomes us into her world – ‘The moon floated past my window like a round, celestial ship; it seemed detached from the sky as it beckoned me, this segregated, white, globular light. Clouds that looked like smoke nearly covered it, but it was still bright and full. I stood in the shadow it threw across my floor and whispered the incantations of conquest as I stared at it. Only when the moon is full could I do this. It kept me potent, this incantation. I have been whispering it for many years, mostly for others, but tonight, it was for me…’ And so we meet the Black Witch of Pau and this story is launched.
This is Book 2 of her Annabel Horton series, and as a reflection, from the Salem Witch trials through the Nineteenth Century and beyond, Annabel Horton was pursued by the devil’s disciple, Urban Grandier, the demonic priest from the incident at Loudon. Now for the continuing saga, the plot is quickly summarized – ‘Annabel’s husband, who has been missing for years, is finally discovered among the bowels of White Chapel England during the horror of Jack the Ripper. His discovery brings Annabel and her family to the turn of nineteenth-century England hoping to rescue Michele from the Black Witch’s cage. What they discover is that the Black Witch has been forced into an insidious pact with the devil and the devil, with malicious intent, is luring them all into a web of death. Can they escape his grasp?’
This is a fine visit to old England, witches, and mythology, and in ‘Olivia’s” hands the tale has both suspense and dark flavors that make is a successful read. Just the tale for a dark winter’s night. Recommended.
November 25, 2019
Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau is the second book in a series by Olivia Hardy Ray. The book is a piece of paranormal historical fiction that does an excellent job of blending the two genres. Olivia Hardy Ray takes us back in time thanks to her beautiful descriptions and her excellent attention to detail.
The characters in the book are all excellent characters to spend time with and before you know it you are drawn into the thrilling battle of good vs evil which is the lynchpin of the narrative. The book doesn’t paint things so simply though and Olivia Hardy Ray manages to be a narrative that is both complex and highly enjoyable.
Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau is the perfect book for those who love bold, experimental genre hybrid pieces.
The characters in the book are all excellent characters to spend time with and before you know it you are drawn into the thrilling battle of good vs evil which is the lynchpin of the narrative. The book doesn’t paint things so simply though and Olivia Hardy Ray manages to be a narrative that is both complex and highly enjoyable.
Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau is the perfect book for those who love bold, experimental genre hybrid pieces.
November 1, 2019
The second book of the series brings another historical paranormal fantasy with strong characters and an intriguing story line. It's brought to life with the authors descriptive writing and vividly painted scenes. It's a fast paced read that had me glued to the pages right to the end. I'm looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 10, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I found it well written and kept me wanting to read more. My interest was kept throughout and I recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2019
This book hooked me from the beginning. I just couldn’t put it down. I fell for these characters and goodness, what a story just a perfect.
November 3, 2019
Annabel Horton And The Black Witch of Pau is the second book in the series, I want to read the next book. A historical paranormal fantasy a story of suspense, evil, drama, danger, the Devil, and time travel. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2019
Annabel Horton And The Black Witch of Pau is the second book in the series written by Olivia Hardy Ray. A historical paranormal fantasy that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ray as created a world that is mysterious and alluring that is so vivid you will feel as if you are a character in the story. I could not turn the pages fast enough and read this in one sitting. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. *I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*
November 3, 2019
The holiday season is the best time of the year. This author is new to me. The story pulls you in. The cover art is amazing. The characters are wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2019
Annabel Horton And The Black Witch of Pau is the second book in the series written by Olivia Hardy Ray. A historical paranormal fantasy that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ray as created a world that is mysterious and alluring that is so vivid you will feel as if you are a character in the story. I could not turn the pages fast enough and read this in one sitting. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. *I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*
December 24, 2019
Those four M’s sum up this interesting wintry read for me. It takes place in the 1800s in England around the time of the murderous Jack the Ripper. It is the tale of two magical women: Genevieve Tetu (the Black Witch of Pau) and Annabel Horton (the White witch of the Salem Trials in the Americas) both uniting because of how Genevieve has imprisoned Annabel’s husband Michele for her devious spells. The story, to me, has a great plotline but the way it is written is kind of all over the place. There is a huge cast of characters but the main ones are Annabel and Genevieve, and the devil who has a name (Urbaine) and a priest by the name of Julian. The great thing about this book is its blend of cultures: Black and White. The element of this book that I found to be quite challenging was the devil worship and the gory details of some of the happenings in it. It was a rude awakening for me one time when Annabel was mistaken for a wife by a dangerously horrific doctor with the last name of Williams. His home was the haven for animals he has captured off the streets for him to use their organs for his experiments…(shudders).
The mystery part of this novel comes around the final sections of the book where Genevieve Tetu’s true story was revealed by an Urbaine-look alike that Annabel meets at the home of a well-to-do couple that hired her husband Michele to tutor their girls. Aside from all those, Genevieve at one point had a very interesting conversation with God and He (yes He is male in here) told her this which caused goosebumps on my skin: “How to know God, you ask, Genevieve? To know God is to fall in love, in love with the sun as it sets in lime greens and yellows. To know God is to be in love with somber skies the color of ash and shadows. To know God is to be in love with the roar of thunder like a mighty burst of gunfire that might still your heart. To know God is to fall on the deep green emerald grass held in nature’s arms, for God is the call of birds and the white of snow. God is the black of ebony skies filled with the light of stars. We are all God, Genevieve. We are all one, never less than one, and we are always everything there is. “
I recommend this book to progressive readers. Their acceptance of everything about science and magic and God and race will find this book to be entertaining and forthcoming. I think this book holds some very interesting ideas and thoughts on the future of mankind and on the mystery of magic, God, the devil and time travel. I also recommend this book to those who love horror stories for there is a lot of that in this book. It is a mixture of sci-fi, horror, and mystery. I lastly think this is a great read for this winter season. It will make a fine reading item during the cold months coming up where you are in the comfort of your home, on the way to work on a bus/train, or at the library, you will find this book to be very unique.
The mystery part of this novel comes around the final sections of the book where Genevieve Tetu’s true story was revealed by an Urbaine-look alike that Annabel meets at the home of a well-to-do couple that hired her husband Michele to tutor their girls. Aside from all those, Genevieve at one point had a very interesting conversation with God and He (yes He is male in here) told her this which caused goosebumps on my skin: “How to know God, you ask, Genevieve? To know God is to fall in love, in love with the sun as it sets in lime greens and yellows. To know God is to be in love with somber skies the color of ash and shadows. To know God is to be in love with the roar of thunder like a mighty burst of gunfire that might still your heart. To know God is to fall on the deep green emerald grass held in nature’s arms, for God is the call of birds and the white of snow. God is the black of ebony skies filled with the light of stars. We are all God, Genevieve. We are all one, never less than one, and we are always everything there is. “
I recommend this book to progressive readers. Their acceptance of everything about science and magic and God and race will find this book to be entertaining and forthcoming. I think this book holds some very interesting ideas and thoughts on the future of mankind and on the mystery of magic, God, the devil and time travel. I also recommend this book to those who love horror stories for there is a lot of that in this book. It is a mixture of sci-fi, horror, and mystery. I lastly think this is a great read for this winter season. It will make a fine reading item during the cold months coming up where you are in the comfort of your home, on the way to work on a bus/train, or at the library, you will find this book to be very unique.
January 2, 2020
Annabel Horton And The Black Witch of Pau is the second book in the series, however, I read it as a standalone and it worked just fine. My first read by Olivia Hardy Ray was wonderful and I very much enjoyed the ride she took me on.The world is beautifully crafted, the writing is concise and addiction, and the characters are very vivid.
This is a historical, paranormal, fantasy novel. The world is mysterious and so well-written that I felt as if I was transported into the story and I got to be a character there. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want the novel to come to an end.
Olivia Hardy Ray’s writing is wonderful. I enjoyed the pace and the characters. I feel like I’m missing out by not reading the first in the series (though, like I said, this is fine as a standalone), so I think I will go back and read the first before the next book comes out. I enjoyed this and recommend checking it out!
*Complimentary copy received from RABT Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
This is a historical, paranormal, fantasy novel. The world is mysterious and so well-written that I felt as if I was transported into the story and I got to be a character there. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t want the novel to come to an end.
Olivia Hardy Ray’s writing is wonderful. I enjoyed the pace and the characters. I feel like I’m missing out by not reading the first in the series (though, like I said, this is fine as a standalone), so I think I will go back and read the first before the next book comes out. I enjoyed this and recommend checking it out!
*Complimentary copy received from RABT Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
December 11, 2020
𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹 - 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝘂
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 - 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘆
Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau is the second book in an arrangement by Olivia Hardy Ray. The book is a bit of paranormal recorded fiction that works admirably of mixing the two classifications. Olivia Hardy Ray takes us back in time on account of her lovely depictions and her magnificent meticulousness.
This book surely set aside me to another effort, to the cloudy roads of London, disabled by dread during the executing binge of Jack the Ripper. Annabel has significantly more to fear than the scandalous chronic executioner. Her better half has ended up in the grasp of the Black Witch and should fight with the Devil himself on the off chance that she needs to liberate him.
There is a colossal cast of characters yet the principal ones are Annabel and Genevieve, and the fallen angel who has a name (Urbaine), and a cleric by the name of Julian. The incredible thing about this book is its mix of societies: Black and White. The component of this book that I discovered to be very testing was the fallen angel love and the shocking subtleties of a portion of the happenings in it.
This piece kept me enveloped with Hardy's reality when I was pursuing and furthermore when I was not, which for me is an indication of an elegantly composed story. This book is an ideal perused for individuals who love trial classification crossover pieces. Grab a copy today!
𝘼𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣.
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 - 𝗢𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘆
Annabel Horton and the Black Witch of Pau is the second book in an arrangement by Olivia Hardy Ray. The book is a bit of paranormal recorded fiction that works admirably of mixing the two classifications. Olivia Hardy Ray takes us back in time on account of her lovely depictions and her magnificent meticulousness.
This book surely set aside me to another effort, to the cloudy roads of London, disabled by dread during the executing binge of Jack the Ripper. Annabel has significantly more to fear than the scandalous chronic executioner. Her better half has ended up in the grasp of the Black Witch and should fight with the Devil himself on the off chance that she needs to liberate him.
There is a colossal cast of characters yet the principal ones are Annabel and Genevieve, and the fallen angel who has a name (Urbaine), and a cleric by the name of Julian. The incredible thing about this book is its mix of societies: Black and White. The component of this book that I discovered to be very testing was the fallen angel love and the shocking subtleties of a portion of the happenings in it.
This piece kept me enveloped with Hardy's reality when I was pursuing and furthermore when I was not, which for me is an indication of an elegantly composed story. This book is an ideal perused for individuals who love trial classification crossover pieces. Grab a copy today!
𝘼𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣.
December 13, 2022
𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Set in 1888 London, Annabel Horton, pursued by the devil's disciple, Urban Harinder, finds her husband, who has been missing for years among the bowels of White Chapel England.
The story is about witchcraft, mythology, black magic and Annabel's quest to rescue Michele from the Black witch's web.
This is a perfect book for cold and mysterious winter nights , specifically to the readers who are open for an unique hybrid read.
Thankyou so much to the author for an e-opy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
If you haven't checked it out yet, you can find it on Amazon .
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Set in 1888 London, Annabel Horton, pursued by the devil's disciple, Urban Harinder, finds her husband, who has been missing for years among the bowels of White Chapel England.
The story is about witchcraft, mythology, black magic and Annabel's quest to rescue Michele from the Black witch's web.
This is a perfect book for cold and mysterious winter nights , specifically to the readers who are open for an unique hybrid read.
Thankyou so much to the author for an e-opy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
If you haven't checked it out yet, you can find it on Amazon .
October 15, 2021
I actually got maybe few chapters in but found the story wasn't quite to my tastes at this time. I will keep it on a backlist and maybe read it at later date.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews