Elspeth

by Sue Mydliak

Early 18th century, Loth, Scotland. A time fraught with fear, as witch trials subdued for years return.

In Elspeth's community, women were often the target of these accusations. Now twelve, Elspeth learns that she is a witch - like her mother - and with it comes a life that will bring them great loss.

Journeying to the Highlands, they follow an omen through a path of dark visions and danger. Soon, Elspeth will need to prove her worth in battles both internal and external.

But in a world dictated by fear, can she win the biggest conflict she has ever faced, and take back what she thought was lost forever?

Genres: Fantasy

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2020

About the author

Sue Mydliak has lived in Illinois for well over 30 years. She currently works as a Special Education Paraprofessional for District 204 and has been with them for 3 years. In her spare time she dabbles in photography and illustrates children's books.

She started writing ten years ago with fan fiction then when she found how much people enjoyed her writing she tried her hand at writing a novel, Birthright. was finally published.

Since then she has has two of her short stories published through AngelicKnight Press, “The Mattel Nightmare” and “The Unknown Soldiers”.

Sue currently finished her latest novel, Elspeth, a historical fiction and is now writing its second book in this new series.

Reviews

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent tale of the last known witch of Scotland. Elspeth is still a child when we first meet her, but she knows she is a witch like her mother. She is full of daydreams and sometimes ignores her mother’s teachings and warnings. She has but three friends, two of which we meet. Unfortunately, her mother’s warning against story telling come true and her friends withdraw. One even accuses her of being a witch. Elspeth loves her Da and his whisker rubs. She knows how much her father cares for her. She helps her mother heal a neighbor and the whispers of them being witches increases. She also realizes the crow that returns every year is her familiar. When Elspeth is in her teens, her mother insists they visit a more powerful witch so the Elspeth can learn even more spells. They both feel that Elspeth father might be in danger, but the Mother is insistent that they must go. On their way the mother is wounded and it tales Elspeth about three days to heal her enough to travel onward. She also is shown a way to escape by her familiar who takes the shape of a handsome young man. They finally arrive at the house of the powerful witch. Elspeth is surprised by how plain it looks. The witch is short and elderly, and her English speech is so different. It takes several days for Elspeth to learn all that she needs and they return to their home. On the way, her mother develops memory problems. When they arrive home, it is dark and deserted. Both know that Da has been killed and her mother’s mind and spirit escape into a different reality. Elspeth ex-friend leads a delegation from town that accuses them both of being witches and they are arrested, thrown, in prison, and condemned. Elspeth realizes her mother cannot be saved, and uses her magic to escape.

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read

This was unusual and very enjoyable but it ended abruptly without too much actually happening that we understood. It left me wanting more and I will definitely look out for the next book to check it out.

[Duanne Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished! I've been following this story even before it was published. Sue is a member of my writer's group and we've given her feedback and comments on this and her other works. This is the first time I've read the full finished story and it's good! Full of wonderful warmth but sad at the end. But there's more to come and that's good. What happens to Elsbeth? I want to know!

[Trana Mathews · Rating 3 out of 5]

White Witch

Interesting story with good characterization. I found the Scottish dialect overdone. Using the word "arena" to stand for "are not" brought me right out of the story.

[Archie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read, especially if you enjoy witchcraft and understand a bit about it. The main character was fiery but sweet and especially fun to read when she was younger in the story.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait for read other book from this great writer! Amazing job! definitely a must read!. 5/5 A fantastic story that has it all!