This story was quite interesting. This is my second dive into the world of Rowland Bercy. I first read Unbortion which I really enjoyed, while that story was an excellent fast paced read I found his second book to show clear signs of growth. In part that may also have to do with this book being a little longer than his first, giving him time to show more of what he’s capable of.
The characters were robust and offered many hues and dimensions and the story had some very cool concepts which I refuse to spoil here. I’ve always been a fan of creepy witch stories, the magic of them being that the author can really go wherever their mind takes them. He really uses that to his advantage in this tale and offers some savage violence, grotesque repercussions, and sinister spells that should appeal to a wide audience.
In closing, this is the kind of book that everyone should be able to enjoy. There is at least one element that should appeal to most horror lovers. Dare I say this book can be enjoyed by even those who aren’t strictly horror hounds. The plot keeps you wondering and the characters are developed with a clever grace through a series of sickening events.
This is an author to keep a watch out for. The lack of boundaries in his storytelling is refreshing, but the boundaries aren’t pushed unnecessarily. They are pushed with reason that ties into the tale, which is the way it should be.
Note: I went with the paperback version but heard great things about the audible book. I had a free one left so I cashed it in and did a throwback read along (I felt like a kid again!). The audible is excellent, complete with relaxing narration with great range in the character voices and well timed sound effects that are sprinkled in to perfection. Do either or both if you want to get that story time vibe that we all felt as kids.
This story was quite interesting. This is my second dive into the world of Rowland Bercy. I first read Unbortion which I really enjoyed, while that story was an excellent fast paced read I found his second book to show clear signs of growth. In part that may also have to do with this book being a little longer than his first, giving him time to show more of what he’s capable of.
The characters were robust and offered many hues and dimensions and the story had some very cool concepts which I refuse to spoil here. I’ve always been a fan of creepy witch stories, the magic of them being that the author can really go wherever their mind takes them. He really uses that to his advantage in this tale and offers some savage violence, grotesque repercussions, and sinister spells that should appeal to a wide audience.
In closing, this is the kind of book that everyone should be able to enjoy. There is at least one element that should appeal to most horror lovers. Dare I say this book can be enjoyed by even those who aren’t strictly horror hounds. The plot keeps you wondering and the characters are developed with a clever grace through a series of sickening events.
This is an author to keep a watch out for. The lack of boundaries in his storytelling is refreshing, but the boundaries are pushed unnecessarily. They are pushed with reason that ties into the tale, which is the way it should be.
Note: I went with the paperback version but heard great things about the audible book. I had a free one left so I cashed it in and did a throwback read along (I felt like a kid again!). The audible is excellent, complete with relaxing narration with great range in the character voices and well timed sound effects that are sprinkled in to perfection. Do either or both if you want to get that story time vibe that we all felt as kids.
I listened to this on audible and it was great. The production was professional, well done and the narrator was excellent. He was able to do multiple male and female voices, making each their own.
The story itself was great. It was a pretty straightforward revenge story, which is clearly indicated by the title. It had a "I spit on your grave" feel to it. The author clearly did some research into witchcraft and it was evident. The spells were well thought out and pretty cool. I really liked the kill scenes (don't we all) and the way they were written. These weren't your basic torture scenes, no, these were creative and graphic.
Overall this was a good read for a short novel. I look forward to reading more from the author.
Who doesn't love a good revenge story!?! This was definitely one of them. Great ideas in the payback scenes. Had me cringing in parts, which always makes for a good book in my opinion. And I loved the ending!! Awesome! 🖤
Awesome fast paced read with lots of action, spells and witches. Great revenge story with a supernatural twist at the end. I would like to be able to go back and explore this other world with these "bad witches" in another story.... Maybe a sequel is in order
“A MAGICALLY FUELLED NOVELLA OF EXTREME HORROR PROVING THAT HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A WICCAN WOMAN SCORNED”
TW: sexual violence/assault (SPOILERS AHEAD)
This was absolutely fantastic. I love a good revenge novel - when its this gruesome, it’s even better.
A gang of five men get whats coming to them after attacking Raven on her way home. Not understanding that no means no, Gwendolyn uses magic to save her daughter. Soon, the men start dying one by one, in the most gruesome and painful ways. Oh well. I love stories like this - remember, karma’s a bitch!
Absolutely loved this read! I mean who doesn’t love kick ass witches. Magic. Gore. All the great stuff! Pretty much a revenge tale. Sleaze bags get what they deserve, in increasingly creative ways. Who can’t get into that? So far anything this author has put out I have loved!!
Hell hath no fury like a witch scorned! This was another fantastic read from Rowland. Fun, fast paced and just enough extreme violence. A perfect read for when those nights start to get a bit chilly.
Payback is a Witch by Rowland Bercy Jr. is a quick, but succinct horror romp in the bayou. I haven’t read much witchcraft horror, but I enjoyed Bercy’s portrayal of actual fleshed out witches. I mean, who knew how creatively homicidal a scorned witch could be? If he wants to write more about this pair, I would definitely read more! Not necessarily extreme but very grotesquely detailed descriptions of the plentiful “paybacks.” Rowland has a new fan, looking forward to see what else he has out there.
Overall this was a fun romp with witches and Wiccan activities. Late one night a group of guys attack a witch. From there the mother of the witch that was attacked leads her daughter on a tour for revenge.
Horror ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing ⭐⭐⭐ Plot ⭐⭐⭐ Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What I liked
- The brutal and descriptive ways the group of gentlemen were dealt with.
- the wiccan details. I am not familiar with witchcraft in any way and it was kind of a fresh take on witches as a subgenre of Horror. I felt the author portrayed them in a realistic way.
- the setting was pretty awesome. It had that Creole flavor 🍤
What I didn't like
Honestly there's not much, I would say it has the typical extreme horror tropes that if you are not into extreme horror you may not care for this read.
Overall 3.5 ⭐ I am looking forward to Reading more from this author in the future.
3.5 rating rounded up - I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review. The thing I liked most about this audio was the background sound. I think a lot of times it comes off cheesy sounding. I know a lot of old Stephen King audios literally drive me crazy with the tinny sounds that often compete with the narrator. Sound effects were executed well in this story and in a manner that made it seem more authentic.
I didn't feel as though the narrator had enough variance between his voices and the prose sections feel flat for me. I felt the voices should have more variance between characters. The accents were good enough and the listener can easily tell if it is a witch or boy talking but not which one. I wasn't impressed with him but he was adequate. I am really selective when it comes to narrators so if you aren't picky then take that with a grain of salt.
I loved the title and the concept of the story. It was a novella so it couldn't really have as much character development as I would have liked. I did like the beginning of the story and it grabbed my attention. The revenge was very descriptive and relatable to each character I even found myself rating the five from most to least enjoyable. I cannot quite pinpoint what but I felt the ending needed something. I even backed up and listened to it again. It just seemed abrupt. Maybe it is just again that I wanted more story of the witches and it being a novella was an impractical wish.
I never regurgitate the story because I feel like the reader/listener should have already read the synopsis. Overall, the story was entertaining, It was written well and flowed nicely. I think that I would have enjoyed it more had I read it instead of listening. I will try more from this author but I'll be reading rather than listening.
CW: Sexual Assault, Torture, Gore, Violence, Gun violence
This is my favorite story by Rowland Bercy Jr. thus far, it was fantastic! We follow a woman named Raven, who gets assaulted by a group of men one night. She comes home to her mother, and they swear to get their revenge. Unfortunately for our attackers, these women are wiccans, and they plan on getting vengeance in brutal ways. This was so compelling. I loved our lead characters as they enact revenge on these horrible people. It's gross, shocking, and an utter delight. I highly recommend this to anyone who's a fan of a good comeuppance.
Short, fun and gruesome read about revenge, that really hits the ground running. Without trying to spoil anything, there are several aspects of this book, that I hope the author might elaborate on in a future story. But the things you did elaborate on in this book, were fantastic! It was a difficult book to put down.
If you ever needed a piece of advice, take this one: never, EVER fuck with a witch. That’s all. Nuff said. Just don’t. BUT, if you need a reason behind this advice, read this book. It’s a short story of, well, someone fucking with witches, Enjoy.
Payback is a Witch is my second book I have read written by Rowland Bercy Jr. I listened to the audiobook, and Clinton Herigstad did a fantastic job narrating! This story is a lot of fun, and has a lot of crafty kills. No pun intended.
Payback is a Witch is a story about a mother and daughter who happen to be witches. When Raven is assaulted by some boys on the bayou her mother Gwendolyn decides to help Raven get some payback. As the mother and daughter duo set out in order to punish the young men are up against a foe that they may have underestimated. Will they find a way to thwart the scorned witches anger? Will they be able to survive? Or are they simply doomed?
Payback is a Witch is a fun and exciting read. It is also a book that is hard to put down, and easily devoured. I can see Rowland’s growth in his writing style with this book, and he uses his skills to weave an intriguing and creepily fun story. His descriptiveness is nicely done on all fronts, and although the page length is short it hits a home run in my book! You definitely feel like you have devoured more. I hope to see more of Raven and Gwendolyn’s antics.
Overall I have to give Payback is a Witch by Rowland Bercy Jr. five totems out of five skillfully cast spells! I absolutely loved this story, and I have to say it is the best book about witches I have read. Now, I haven’t read very many witch books, but these witches are brutal! Absolutely superb! You need to grab a copy today. Until next time, my friends.
I listened to #paybackisawitch by #RolandBercyJr on Audible early last week. The narrator did such a phenomenal job! The way he did the variation of voices so fluidly.
I've always loved stories driven by magic and this story did NOT disappoint. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The payback spells were done extremely well. Roland Bercy Jr. has quite the imagination; his stories are all so unique and original.
Although I listened to this on Audible, I insisted on having the paperback in my physical collection, which I plan on "reading" again when it arrives.
This short book was a super fun read and left me hoping for sequels! The story focuses on a mother/daughter Witch duo. The two crafty ladies have a run in with some local thugs and chaos ensues. Certain violent acts weren't carried out as far as they could have been and I feel that worked in the book's favor as it kept it from going into gratuitous territory. Everything seemed to have a poetic meaning and purpose. I really like this one and I think that if you enjoy supernatural horror and revenge stories, you just might enjoy it too! :)
Rowland Bercy takes the payback story and add a very fun element - a mother, daughter kick ass team of witches. A daughter wronged, a mother’s vengeance - those who harm must pay. The second death was definitely my favourite. I really enjoyed this story. This is my second, after Unbortion, also a fantastic read. Bercy is now on my authors to be watched. Love him on the Written in Red podcast!
What more do you need???? This short little novella pulls you in immediately! I listened to the audible version and the narrator and sound effects, once again, were stellar! When the women would cast spells, the narration was literally chilling!!! ☠️☠️
Quick synopsis: A reclusive witch and her beautiful daughter live deep in the bayou, away from prying eyes. People travel from all over for their spells and potions. One day while gathering supplies in the village, they are spotted, harassed and stalked by a group of men. After an evil and unforgettable encounter in the woods, both women vow revenge with no mercy. What follows is a tale of what happens when you piss off two powerful witches who have the elements at their fingertips! 🔥 💨 💦 🌎 With the use of their natural surroundings and some clever and creative accessories, each man is individually hunted, watched and made to see the error of their ways!
Sometimes gross, but oh so satisfying, this story will leave you feeling vindication for these women! Not only do you cheer for the witches, but you feel a sense of satisfaction in giving these men what they earned. Over-the-top scenes will have you gasping, giggling and gagging all at once!!
The ending.... unexpected and perfect! This is MORE gruesome goodness from the depths of Rowland’s twisted imagination, and I freaking loved it!!!!
Rowland’s writing continues to get stronger and I was exceedingly impressed with the flow and wording. Use of foreshadowing and imagery were on point!!!! Also, he’s clearly done extensive research to bring witchcraft to life for his reader, and the attention to detail is much appreciated!
I had been planning to read this book for a while, especially because of the cover. I finally took the time to do it and it was great! Badass but not overpowered witches, original, satisfying, and gory revenge, and even a some cosmic abominations! I definitely recommend this book. Also, I've been craving lavender mint tea since I finished it.
Long overdue, my apologies to Rowland Bercy, a new friend and fellow author. I had been planning to read this book for quite a while now and was finally able to get to it, by listening to it on audible, which was an incredible experience. If you have not yet listened to this audiobook, get it. I promise you will not be sorry. I’m sure reading it is great, but the audiobook is fully produced with a bit of music and some truly creepy effects that really set off the story. The narrator was perfect, his delivery, his tone, everything about the delivery of this tale was on point.
I’ll just start by saying I fully loved this story, every detail, every moment, kept me invested in the events that were unfolding. This story follows a high priestess Wiccan that lives deep in the New Orleans bayous with her daughter. Both women are extremely powerful witches, the mother much more so than the daughter, as the younger woman is still being trained by her mother. Nevertheless, she is already quite powerful in her own right, as well as athletic and feisty.
The ladies are also beautiful creatures of the night and nature and one day, five thugs decide the young girl is just beautiful enough to satisfy their carnal needs. As she returns to the bayou from a supply trip to town, the young thugs stalk her through the swamp, not realizing that her mother is waiting nearby for her return. Hearing her daughter's screams, the priestess gathers her powers and sends aid as quickly as she can, but not before some unfortunate events take place.
As the spell is cast and the daughter escapes, she swears vengeance upon the young men that disrobed and groped her so offensively. She returns to her mother where the pair begin to plan how to extract their revenge. Each thug meets a most vile and despicable end, properly befitting of their foul natures.
I found myself holding my breath in some parts, laughing a bit at others and fully gleefully cackling along as each spell was cast on those that sought to harm the witch's daughter. This book was well-planned, well-written and fully researched with regards to spell-casting, wiccan practices and medical knowledge. Rowland Bercy is quickly becoming an expert at his craft and I cannot wait for more of his tales to hit the bookshelves. Five stars for a super fun and immersive experience.
Payback is a Witch by the incredible Rowland Bercy Jr. is a brutal but fun story about … well … payback and witches (or wiccans, as the terms are blended in this story). This story has a classic theme yet is a fresh read (because it’s Rowland).
Written in the Extreme Horror subgenre style, this combination supernatural horror/revenge horror tale rides the line of Splatterpunk. It presents the persisting issue of stereotypical sexism and entitlement but also slaps the stereotypes of female characters and folklore, both things done with some uncomfortable realism.
Payback is a Witch has some truly disturbing and impactful content (as one expects from Rowland), but it’s written with a fun, simple pace and dark, clever humor (also as one expects from Rowland). Overall, it’s like a dark, adult modern fairytale.
Extreme Horror fans don’t want to miss this fun and brutal tale of magic and retribution.
This was a great little read,capturing you into the wonderful world of spells and witches. Raven and her mother Gwendolyn are great characters. I loved the bond and connection they had together. Not unwilling to withhold information from each other, everything done together food each other. This including protecting each other no matter what. Loved how creative they were in their endeavours to cause as much discomfort to those whom dates to bring or attempt them harm. Some gruesome spells causing great afflictions. Imaginative and innovative. Definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed everything I've read from this author. Rowland writes awesome novellas with clever titles and covers. This was a gory novella about revenge. It was very unique.
Payback is a Witch by the incredible Rowland Bercy Jr. is a brutal but fun story about … well … payback and witches (or wiccans, as the terms are blended in this story). This story has a classic theme yet is a fresh read (because it’s Rowland).
Written in the Extreme Horror subgenre style, this combination supernatural horror/revenge horror tale rides the line of Splatterpunk. It presents the persisting issue of stereotypical sexism and entitlement but also slaps the stereotypes of female characters and folklore, both things done with some uncomfortable realism.
Payback is a Witch has some truly disturbing and impactful content (as one expects from Rowland), but it’s written with a fun, simple pace and dark, clever humor (also as one expects from Rowland). Overall, it’s like a dark, adult modern fairytale.
Extreme Horror fans don’t want to miss this fun and brutal tale of magic and retribution.