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Spellworker Cronicles #2
Storm Witch
Although not a witch herself, magic had always been part of Jenna’s life, guiding and nurturing her childhood. Her mother, Nina was a member of The Order of Spellworkers and Druids, enforcing the laws of the magical community. But six winter solstices ago Nina was murdered. Six winter solstices ago the other members of The Order died or disappeared. And six winter solstices ago Jenna banished magic from her life, fleeing back home to Orkney.
Jenna thought she had re-built a calmer world for herself until her ex Hal returns, and someone starts to practice dangerous magic on the islands. When water, sea and sky elements are being manipulated to destroy, maim and kill, how can she deny handsome druid, Winston’s plea for help?
As seer, Zoe Rose foretells of a catastrophic storm which will engulf Orkney, Jenna and her friends must race against the elements to stop the storm witch. Only through chaos will Jenna find the answers she’s been searching for. Only through chaos can her heart decide who is the right man for her. And only through chaos will she finally discover who killed her mother.
Jenna thought she had re-built a calmer world for herself until her ex Hal returns, and someone starts to practice dangerous magic on the islands. When water, sea and sky elements are being manipulated to destroy, maim and kill, how can she deny handsome druid, Winston’s plea for help?
As seer, Zoe Rose foretells of a catastrophic storm which will engulf Orkney, Jenna and her friends must race against the elements to stop the storm witch. Only through chaos will Jenna find the answers she’s been searching for. Only through chaos can her heart decide who is the right man for her. And only through chaos will she finally discover who killed her mother.
- GenresFantasy
609 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
59 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 2, 2020
Jenna Henderson, duty manager in charge of tourism at Maeshowe burial chamber, one of the Neolithic wonders of Orkney, was about to have a meeting with Dr Winston Grant, an archeologist working on a dig on the island…and, initially unbeknownst to her, also a druid. Jenna was distraught when evidence of a magic ritual was discovered in the burial chamber along with pages from a book written by her late mother Nina, that went missing the day she was found drowned.
After her mother’s death, and that of the members of The Order of Spellworkers and Druids six years ago, Jenna vowed to have nothing more to do with magic in any capacity. She returned to Orkney and thought she had built as tranquil and normal a life as possible under the circumstances, until she found the evidence in the burial chamber. It was obvious to Jenna by what remained that someone untrained was practicing dangerous magic rituals. Winston is sure what happened at the burial chamber and Nina’s death are connected and he needs her help. And just to add more confusion to the mix, ex-boyfriend Hal returns to the island.
Rachel Sinclair found it almost impossible to control the manifestations of heightened emotion and, as she read the notice of marriage in the paper, the result was extraordinary.
Rachel wondered if whatever she had unleashed at Maeshowe had removed her tenuous ability to control her power. Nina had helped her enormously but without her influence things were getting way out of hand and Rachel was scared. Even more so when something unprecedented occured at the church on the day of the wedding.
Storm Witch follows on from Beltane, focusing this time on Winston who was previously more of a secondary character. Both books conclude the main plot but the characters stories, development and the underlying story arc are continuous. Finn McCloud, also a druid and Winston’s good friend, along with Zoe Rose, his partner, who is a seer, join forces with Winston and Jenna after Zoe’s dreams forewarn of terrible events on Orkney.
Once again, Alys West has created a well written, compelling and visual story, full of magic as the theme of good versus evil plays out with a menacing atmosphere. It’s suspenseful and imaginative with wonderful, well fleshed out characters, set in a stunning location. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded, revealing more layers and surprising twists, not to mention the fact there is definitely scope for another book.
I chose to read and review Storm Witch based on a digital copy kindly supplied by the author.
After her mother’s death, and that of the members of The Order of Spellworkers and Druids six years ago, Jenna vowed to have nothing more to do with magic in any capacity. She returned to Orkney and thought she had built as tranquil and normal a life as possible under the circumstances, until she found the evidence in the burial chamber. It was obvious to Jenna by what remained that someone untrained was practicing dangerous magic rituals. Winston is sure what happened at the burial chamber and Nina’s death are connected and he needs her help. And just to add more confusion to the mix, ex-boyfriend Hal returns to the island.
Rachel Sinclair found it almost impossible to control the manifestations of heightened emotion and, as she read the notice of marriage in the paper, the result was extraordinary.
Rachel wondered if whatever she had unleashed at Maeshowe had removed her tenuous ability to control her power. Nina had helped her enormously but without her influence things were getting way out of hand and Rachel was scared. Even more so when something unprecedented occured at the church on the day of the wedding.
Storm Witch follows on from Beltane, focusing this time on Winston who was previously more of a secondary character. Both books conclude the main plot but the characters stories, development and the underlying story arc are continuous. Finn McCloud, also a druid and Winston’s good friend, along with Zoe Rose, his partner, who is a seer, join forces with Winston and Jenna after Zoe’s dreams forewarn of terrible events on Orkney.
Once again, Alys West has created a well written, compelling and visual story, full of magic as the theme of good versus evil plays out with a menacing atmosphere. It’s suspenseful and imaginative with wonderful, well fleshed out characters, set in a stunning location. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded, revealing more layers and surprising twists, not to mention the fact there is definitely scope for another book.
I chose to read and review Storm Witch based on a digital copy kindly supplied by the author.
September 14, 2022
Such a great read. I loved the first one and was really excited to get stuck into this. I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
June 19, 2020
Fantastic tense ride of romance and magic
Having read and loved the first book, Beltane, I was a little nervous that maybe the second book wouldn’t be as good. I had no need to worry, not only is Storm Witch as good as Beltane, it’s even better!
From the very first page, I was drawn in and hooked. The pace is tense and the plot action packed which makes this a real page turner. I loved the characters, especially Winston and laughed out loud at a lot of the comedy.
Without any spoilers, I also cried my eyes out at one point.
All the characters are well developed and believable, I was routing for Jenna all the way through. Having already got to know Zoe and Finn in Beltane, and then getting to know more about Winston in Storm Witch, I just know that this is going to be a fantastic series. I can’t wait for the next book and beyond.
Finally, Hal is a muppet and I’m #teamwinston all the way
Having read and loved the first book, Beltane, I was a little nervous that maybe the second book wouldn’t be as good. I had no need to worry, not only is Storm Witch as good as Beltane, it’s even better!
From the very first page, I was drawn in and hooked. The pace is tense and the plot action packed which makes this a real page turner. I loved the characters, especially Winston and laughed out loud at a lot of the comedy.
Without any spoilers, I also cried my eyes out at one point.
All the characters are well developed and believable, I was routing for Jenna all the way through. Having already got to know Zoe and Finn in Beltane, and then getting to know more about Winston in Storm Witch, I just know that this is going to be a fantastic series. I can’t wait for the next book and beyond.
Finally, Hal is a muppet and I’m #teamwinston all the way
June 18, 2020
When annoying, arrogant archeologist Winston turns up during a crisis at the heritage site where she works, the last thing Jenna expects them to find is the remains of what looks like a spell…..and when she recognises the handwriting on the paper left behind, she must look into the past she has been trying to forget…….
And to make things even more complicated, her ex Hal is back in town and has recently split from his girlfriend. Still harbouring feelings for him, Jenna has to figure out how she feels. But with Winston hanging around, trying to help her uncover the mystery of the spell worker in town, she sees a different side to the arrogant man she first met, which confuses her even more.
When she attends a wedding and a huge flash storm rolls in causing chaos, Winston and Jenna realise the urgency of finding their storm witch………before more people get hurt. And with Zoe foreseeing other disasters heading their way, Jenna and her friends must do what they can before it’s too late……
Wow! I was absolutely blown away by this. Hooked from chapter one, I honestly didn’t want to put this down. Sadly I had a migraine right in the middle of reading this so had to take a day off reading and it was the worst…..I just wanted to get back to it!!
Storm Witch is full of spell working, Druidry, murder, deceit, coercion, power, love and loss. Set on Orkney, West writes in a fantastically descriptive way which enables the readers to bring the magic and scenery to life. I could literally see the storm rolling in, the rain, the hail and all the drama playing out in my mind, and it was brilliant.
The plot is exciting and thrilling, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride as Jenna and Winston try to find their storm witch, and discover the truth behind Nina’s murder.
Having read book 1, Beltane, I was already familiar with Winston, Finn and Zoe and was over the moon to be back with them. In this we definitely get to see a different side to Winston that I wouldn’t have imagined before! But we also meet some new important characters – Jenna, Hal, Rachel and Grace. I adore Jenna – she’s been through some rough times, and they don’t get any easier for her in this, poor love! As she battles with herself to figure out her feelings, you will make up your own mind as to whether you are #TeamWinston or #TeamHal. (I’m definitely #TeamWinston – even if he is an arse some of the time!!).
Grace is a new and brilliant character – supportive and an experienced spell worker she’s key to helping the team, and I feel like she’ll have an important role in the rest of the series to come. Rachel is more powerful than she realises, and again I think she’s going to be super important! And Hal….well I liked him at times but some of his behaviour rattled me!
I thoroughly enjoyed all the magic and spellworking that happens in this – hag stones, witch bottles, rituals, working with the elements – if you’ve ever looked into the craft, these will all be very real and familiar to you. And I love the Druidry aspect in these books and the connection to nature that Winston and Finn have.
Overall, this is another absolutely fantastic book. I knew from reading Beltane, that this would turn into a favourite series of mine, and Storm Witch just cemented that fact. I honestly can’t recommend this enough – just check it out for yourself and I promise you won’t be disappointed! You can read this as a standalone, but I would also read Beltane if I were you. Why? ~ because it is also brilliant!! Highly highly recommended by me!! I can’t wait to buy this in paperback and add it to my shelf!
And to make things even more complicated, her ex Hal is back in town and has recently split from his girlfriend. Still harbouring feelings for him, Jenna has to figure out how she feels. But with Winston hanging around, trying to help her uncover the mystery of the spell worker in town, she sees a different side to the arrogant man she first met, which confuses her even more.
When she attends a wedding and a huge flash storm rolls in causing chaos, Winston and Jenna realise the urgency of finding their storm witch………before more people get hurt. And with Zoe foreseeing other disasters heading their way, Jenna and her friends must do what they can before it’s too late……
Wow! I was absolutely blown away by this. Hooked from chapter one, I honestly didn’t want to put this down. Sadly I had a migraine right in the middle of reading this so had to take a day off reading and it was the worst…..I just wanted to get back to it!!
Storm Witch is full of spell working, Druidry, murder, deceit, coercion, power, love and loss. Set on Orkney, West writes in a fantastically descriptive way which enables the readers to bring the magic and scenery to life. I could literally see the storm rolling in, the rain, the hail and all the drama playing out in my mind, and it was brilliant.
The plot is exciting and thrilling, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride as Jenna and Winston try to find their storm witch, and discover the truth behind Nina’s murder.
Having read book 1, Beltane, I was already familiar with Winston, Finn and Zoe and was over the moon to be back with them. In this we definitely get to see a different side to Winston that I wouldn’t have imagined before! But we also meet some new important characters – Jenna, Hal, Rachel and Grace. I adore Jenna – she’s been through some rough times, and they don’t get any easier for her in this, poor love! As she battles with herself to figure out her feelings, you will make up your own mind as to whether you are #TeamWinston or #TeamHal. (I’m definitely #TeamWinston – even if he is an arse some of the time!!).
Grace is a new and brilliant character – supportive and an experienced spell worker she’s key to helping the team, and I feel like she’ll have an important role in the rest of the series to come. Rachel is more powerful than she realises, and again I think she’s going to be super important! And Hal….well I liked him at times but some of his behaviour rattled me!
I thoroughly enjoyed all the magic and spellworking that happens in this – hag stones, witch bottles, rituals, working with the elements – if you’ve ever looked into the craft, these will all be very real and familiar to you. And I love the Druidry aspect in these books and the connection to nature that Winston and Finn have.
Overall, this is another absolutely fantastic book. I knew from reading Beltane, that this would turn into a favourite series of mine, and Storm Witch just cemented that fact. I honestly can’t recommend this enough – just check it out for yourself and I promise you won’t be disappointed! You can read this as a standalone, but I would also read Beltane if I were you. Why? ~ because it is also brilliant!! Highly highly recommended by me!! I can’t wait to buy this in paperback and add it to my shelf!
August 29, 2022
The second book in this series that I have read and I have to say I found it even more exciting and better than the first one which was really very good.
This one kept me up very late for 2 nights reading it as I didn't want to put it down.
Once again all the characters I enjoyed from the last books were there with the addition of a few more, some of which were really nasty some more loveable but all well written.
The plot of the book was excellent too, set on the Orkey Isles in Scotland with a untrained and dangerous Storm Witch on the loose creating all sorts of problems, also an evil spellcaster who arranged the death of a local campainger and seer.
Well worth a read and I can't wait for the next book in this series
This one kept me up very late for 2 nights reading it as I didn't want to put it down.
Once again all the characters I enjoyed from the last books were there with the addition of a few more, some of which were really nasty some more loveable but all well written.
The plot of the book was excellent too, set on the Orkey Isles in Scotland with a untrained and dangerous Storm Witch on the loose creating all sorts of problems, also an evil spellcaster who arranged the death of a local campainger and seer.
Well worth a read and I can't wait for the next book in this series
November 20, 2020
Great Stories
I enjoyed both of the spellworker chronicles books. Especially as they're based on places I'm familiar with both in England and Scotland. Great stories that are based in the modern day world which makes it more believable than full-on fantasy stories (which I also love). I'm looking forward to seeing what else Finn and Winston manage to get themselves tangled up in and how Zoe manages to get control over her gift. I'm pretty sure it'll involve the mysterious Sarah Parry. If you like modern day magic tales then I'm sure you'll enjoy the Spellworker Chronicles
I enjoyed both of the spellworker chronicles books. Especially as they're based on places I'm familiar with both in England and Scotland. Great stories that are based in the modern day world which makes it more believable than full-on fantasy stories (which I also love). I'm looking forward to seeing what else Finn and Winston manage to get themselves tangled up in and how Zoe manages to get control over her gift. I'm pretty sure it'll involve the mysterious Sarah Parry. If you like modern day magic tales then I'm sure you'll enjoy the Spellworker Chronicles
November 25, 2020
Storm Witch
Winston is on Orkney for a dig when he meets Jenna, whose late mother Nina was a member of The Order. Soon it becomes apparent there is a Storm Witch on the island, but what neither realise is she isn't the only threat.
Oh I so loved this book. Set a short while after Beltane Winston, Finn and Zoe return along with new characters Grace and Rachel.
The story is gripping and thoroughly enjoyable.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Highly recommended.
Winston is on Orkney for a dig when he meets Jenna, whose late mother Nina was a member of The Order. Soon it becomes apparent there is a Storm Witch on the island, but what neither realise is she isn't the only threat.
Oh I so loved this book. Set a short while after Beltane Winston, Finn and Zoe return along with new characters Grace and Rachel.
The story is gripping and thoroughly enjoyable.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Highly recommended.
October 20, 2021
Another Absolutely Amazing Read
Having read Beltane, I was absolutely delighted to find Storm Witch. With fantastic attention to detail this is another of Alys' novels which will have you immersed into a world where magic lives in plain sight. Full of humour, sadness, strong female characters and two dashing druids to boot, what's not to like?
I'd recommend you read Beltane first for context, the first in this wonderful set of chronicles. Enjoy!
Having read Beltane, I was absolutely delighted to find Storm Witch. With fantastic attention to detail this is another of Alys' novels which will have you immersed into a world where magic lives in plain sight. Full of humour, sadness, strong female characters and two dashing druids to boot, what's not to like?
I'd recommend you read Beltane first for context, the first in this wonderful set of chronicles. Enjoy!
August 30, 2024
Having enjoyed Beltane I immediately went on to read this, the second in the series. I loved it. The setting (in Orkney) is perfectly atmospheric for this exciting tale of witches and druids. I do struggle to like some of the characters, particularly Winston (I get that there’s a reason for his behaviour but I still can’t get behind him). But it only minimally detracts from my enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading more in this series!
January 18, 2021
Storm Witch
A really great read. I couldn't put it down. Finn, Winston, Zoe and Henna make a really good team. The story leads on from the first book in the series and is an exciting read.
Grace and Rachel, the newbies bring yet another element to the series. Can't wait for the next book in the series
A really great read. I couldn't put it down. Finn, Winston, Zoe and Henna make a really good team. The story leads on from the first book in the series and is an exciting read.
Grace and Rachel, the newbies bring yet another element to the series. Can't wait for the next book in the series
May 31, 2021
Excellent
Before many pages are turned, you will find yourself engrossed in Island life and reading more and more avidly as the plot unfolds. The author very cleverly weaves the tale so that the ending is not what you would expect. Really enjoyed this 2nd book, it’s as good as the first for detail and talent.
Before many pages are turned, you will find yourself engrossed in Island life and reading more and more avidly as the plot unfolds. The author very cleverly weaves the tale so that the ending is not what you would expect. Really enjoyed this 2nd book, it’s as good as the first for detail and talent.
July 31, 2022
Excellent storyline
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m hoping there’ll be a third. I need to know if they form the New Order and find out the answers to the million questions I have. The characters are amazing and work so well together. Although I’ve never been to the Orkneys the description of them takes you there and you see the stark beauty of them.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m hoping there’ll be a third. I need to know if they form the New Order and find out the answers to the million questions I have. The characters are amazing and work so well together. Although I’ve never been to the Orkneys the description of them takes you there and you see the stark beauty of them.
November 2, 2024
Brilliant
I've read both Beltane and then Storm Witch this week and couldn't put either down.
Storm Witch had so many twists and turns and a few red herrings thrown in. I absolutely love the druids and they are brilliant characters and fit so well with the other characters. I especially loved the "birds".
Cannot wait to read more
I've read both Beltane and then Storm Witch this week and couldn't put either down.
Storm Witch had so many twists and turns and a few red herrings thrown in. I absolutely love the druids and they are brilliant characters and fit so well with the other characters. I especially loved the "birds".
Cannot wait to read more
October 27, 2020
Even better than the first one
It was really interesting seeing the characters develop. And great to see Winston more and discover his less than perfect character! Keen to read more and find out the wider plot!
It was really interesting seeing the characters develop. And great to see Winston more and discover his less than perfect character! Keen to read more and find out the wider plot!
April 5, 2021
Storm Witch is a compelling story about Jenna - her mother was a witch and died in unusual circumstances and Winston the druid. They end up hunting the Storm Witch, is it the person who summoned a powerful storm that ruined a wedding? Jenna carries several threads of romance and family her life is like a cloud that needs to burst and clear the air.
October 31, 2021
Wow! What a story! Absolutely loved it, especially the way Jenna and Winston reacted with each and how Zoe and Finn became involved. Hope Alys writes more books like this. A most read, but read Beltane first then it will make more sense.
September 5, 2025
druids and magic and romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I hope there are more coming in this series! I need to see more of these characters and know what really happened to the order.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I hope there are more coming in this series! I need to see more of these characters and know what really happened to the order.
July 29, 2020
Fantastic!
Very well written story, the characters are really well developed and engaging, I can't wait to read the next in the series
Very well written story, the characters are really well developed and engaging, I can't wait to read the next in the series
September 3, 2020
Brilliant book
A mix of magic and romance. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Will now look for others by Alys. Would recommend to anyone.
A mix of magic and romance. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Will now look for others by Alys. Would recommend to anyone.
December 31, 2020
Loved this book and particularly enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Winston. I cannot wait for the third book to come out!
January 22, 2021
Loved the story cant wait for more
Loved this book just as much if not more than the first. Cant wait to read the next one if there is going to be one....
Loved this book just as much if not more than the first. Cant wait to read the next one if there is going to be one....
Read
July 22, 2021Well worth a read
Brilliant read couldn't put the book down .Now I've read both books I can't wait for the next one hope I haven't got long to wait .
Brilliant read couldn't put the book down .Now I've read both books I can't wait for the next one hope I haven't got long to wait .
April 12, 2022
Lovely escapism
Truly lovely, a good read and a great story. I would absolutely recommend it. If you want a book to dive into, this is the one
Truly lovely, a good read and a great story. I would absolutely recommend it. If you want a book to dive into, this is the one
June 6, 2022
As I so enjoyed Beltane I bought this sequel and read it in two and a half days. Exciting, fast moving with good characters, some being carried over from Beltane. More please!!!
July 31, 2022
Good book, took me a bit longer to get into than Beltane but once engrossed it kept me there.
January 18, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable and atmospheric. Can't wait for the next volume...
June 28, 2024
Brilliant.
Excellent read. Love all the characters. Brilliant descriptive verse brings them to life. Can't wait to read the next instalment.
Excellent read. Love all the characters. Brilliant descriptive verse brings them to life. Can't wait to read the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews