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Saint Dorian and the Witch
The rumors borne across the empire by pilgrims are full of wild talk about Dorian, a boy with a flute reputed to have come from somewhere beyond the world in order to combat great evil. His followers are already calling him Saint Dorian. When word of the boy with the flute spreads as far as the remote mountain monastery where the young monk Bartholomew serves in the honored position of librarian, he astonishes his fellow monks by placing his faith in vague, contradictory rumors and declaring himself a follower of Dorian. Before the winter snows cut off the monastery from the rest of the empire, he makes a clandestine departure from the only home he has ever known in order to devote himself to the child saint.
Even while others around him continue to deny that Dorian is a saint, Bartholomew can sense the boy with the flute guiding his journey, summoning him to play his destined role in a vast pattern that will give a purpose to the puzzling events of his past life and of his journey:
His ill-fated childhood act of charity towards the wandering heretical storyteller Valentine
The warning spoken to him by one of the greatest men in the empire, the legendary hero and subtly brilliant monk Father Zero
His bargain with a wild witch girl named Ruth, who agrees to keep him safe on his journey in exchange for obscure facts of natural science and philosophy that only a librarian could know
The powerful new spells that Ruth is creating based on this knowledge, spells that Bartholomew believes will be of service in combating the great evil against which Dorian is said to be waging a righteous war
Yet when he and Ruth arrive at their journey’s end, and Bartholomew is about to fulfill his destined role in Dorian’s plans, it suddenly seems to him that his proper place is not among Dorian’s followers but on the other side, as an ally to the child saint’s enemies and a rebel against heaven.
Even while others around him continue to deny that Dorian is a saint, Bartholomew can sense the boy with the flute guiding his journey, summoning him to play his destined role in a vast pattern that will give a purpose to the puzzling events of his past life and of his journey:
His ill-fated childhood act of charity towards the wandering heretical storyteller Valentine
The warning spoken to him by one of the greatest men in the empire, the legendary hero and subtly brilliant monk Father Zero
His bargain with a wild witch girl named Ruth, who agrees to keep him safe on his journey in exchange for obscure facts of natural science and philosophy that only a librarian could know
The powerful new spells that Ruth is creating based on this knowledge, spells that Bartholomew believes will be of service in combating the great evil against which Dorian is said to be waging a righteous war
Yet when he and Ruth arrive at their journey’s end, and Bartholomew is about to fulfill his destined role in Dorian’s plans, it suddenly seems to him that his proper place is not among Dorian’s followers but on the other side, as an ally to the child saint’s enemies and a rebel against heaven.
- GenresEbooks
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2021
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Michael Raship
3 books8 followersMichael Raship was born in 1960 in New York City and grew up in the Long Island suburbs. He studied mathematics at university, but since graduation he has been working overseas as a teacher of English as a foreign language, living for many years in Thailand and then in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 29, 2024
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I was interested to read this book because I haven’t read much classic fantasy lately, and while I love urban fantasy/paranormal romance, it can get a bit stale at times. I was not disappointed. Saint Dorian and the Witch is filled with classic fantasy plot elements and themes given new life, and I enjoyed the twists on classic scenarios that this book included.
Bartholomew reads as a bit older than seventeen, but given his childhood, vocation and the technological state of the world, this is to be expected. I love books that include fairy tale elements, and this book takes it a step further and includes a whole host of fables to explore throughout the book. I enjoyed learning more about the religious and political structure of the world as the book progressed, and thought Bartholomew made sense as a stepping stone to that world.
Characters were a real strong point in this novel, Valentine, Ruth, Father Zero, Tam, Lady Indigo or Wild Ruth alone could shoulder the plot alone. I wish we learnt more about all of them, but given the constraints of the book, I understand why we couldn’t. I do wish the female characters in this book got a little more page time though. I should also mention that I never like when two characters fall in love without any warning, and I wasn’t a huge fan of it in this book, but it was written well at least, and explained to an extent after the fact.
This book was incredibly detailed, and the plot wraps up nicely. While I usually read long series, I appreciate an elegant stand-alone, and Saint Dorian and the Witch truly is that. I liked the way the book didn’t shy away from issues of inequality, prejudice, religion or morality, and while it tied up quite quickly, I do think it was well-foreshadowed and didn’t seem trite or forced.
Overall, I think Saint Dorian and the Witch is a well-written, incredibly detailed fantasy novel that will appeal to anyone who enjoys complex plots and unexpected developments. I’d recommend it to fans of Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra, the Theatre Illuminata series by Lisa Mantchev, or Raymond E Feist’s Midkemia Cycle.
I was interested to read this book because I haven’t read much classic fantasy lately, and while I love urban fantasy/paranormal romance, it can get a bit stale at times. I was not disappointed. Saint Dorian and the Witch is filled with classic fantasy plot elements and themes given new life, and I enjoyed the twists on classic scenarios that this book included.
Bartholomew reads as a bit older than seventeen, but given his childhood, vocation and the technological state of the world, this is to be expected. I love books that include fairy tale elements, and this book takes it a step further and includes a whole host of fables to explore throughout the book. I enjoyed learning more about the religious and political structure of the world as the book progressed, and thought Bartholomew made sense as a stepping stone to that world.
Characters were a real strong point in this novel, Valentine, Ruth, Father Zero, Tam, Lady Indigo or Wild Ruth alone could shoulder the plot alone. I wish we learnt more about all of them, but given the constraints of the book, I understand why we couldn’t. I do wish the female characters in this book got a little more page time though. I should also mention that I never like when two characters fall in love without any warning, and I wasn’t a huge fan of it in this book, but it was written well at least, and explained to an extent after the fact.
This book was incredibly detailed, and the plot wraps up nicely. While I usually read long series, I appreciate an elegant stand-alone, and Saint Dorian and the Witch truly is that. I liked the way the book didn’t shy away from issues of inequality, prejudice, religion or morality, and while it tied up quite quickly, I do think it was well-foreshadowed and didn’t seem trite or forced.
Overall, I think Saint Dorian and the Witch is a well-written, incredibly detailed fantasy novel that will appeal to anyone who enjoys complex plots and unexpected developments. I’d recommend it to fans of Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra, the Theatre Illuminata series by Lisa Mantchev, or Raymond E Feist’s Midkemia Cycle.
July 4, 2021
Love The Story
This book is great fun. Delighted that I bought a couple extra to give as gifts. If you enjoy fantasy well told give this book a read.
This book is great fun. Delighted that I bought a couple extra to give as gifts. If you enjoy fantasy well told give this book a read.
May 21, 2023
This took longer because it felt like it should have been a series of shorter books, which is how I read it.
The story of a librarian monk, Bartholomew who leaves his secluded life in pursuit of a Saint. Along he way he meets a witch named Ruth, only to discover his dreams of the Saint are the work of the deity, Ael. Who wishes to killed all witches and worshippers of Ariel.
This book was very confusing in that times, but also very gripping to the point it made me want to continue and finish the book. My overall thoughts: It was okay, I didn't love it but it was interesting.
The story of a librarian monk, Bartholomew who leaves his secluded life in pursuit of a Saint. Along he way he meets a witch named Ruth, only to discover his dreams of the Saint are the work of the deity, Ael. Who wishes to killed all witches and worshippers of Ariel.
This book was very confusing in that times, but also very gripping to the point it made me want to continue and finish the book. My overall thoughts: It was okay, I didn't love it but it was interesting.
July 14, 2022
Michael Raship has created a fantastic , magical book that is sure to delight readers . I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, very detailed, complex story that had me engaged from the start. It was great to see how Bartholomew evolved throughout the narrative and a joy to share his journey.
February 5, 2023
I expected this book to be like most fantasy novels, but it's not. You need to take your time to read this and consider what the author is trying to impart.
Although it is written like the author's second language is English it gives insight into what another world and/or culture could be like. It's a fantasy, but it encompasses a different take on this world, humanity, and spirituality which will hopefully make you ponder why you believe the things you do. It's ending was also very different to what I had imagined it would be. Incredibly apt!
I was given a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only and this is my unbiased review.
Although it is written like the author's second language is English it gives insight into what another world and/or culture could be like. It's a fantasy, but it encompasses a different take on this world, humanity, and spirituality which will hopefully make you ponder why you believe the things you do. It's ending was also very different to what I had imagined it would be. Incredibly apt!
I was given a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only and this is my unbiased review.
February 1, 2023
This book took me a while to get into, but learning all the characters and backstory, really helps you imagine the world the author has created. It helps understand the characters in the right way.
Everyone else who reviewed this book says it's a fantasy, but I read it as a comedy...
I thought it was a comedy/fantasy most if the time I was reading it it had so many parts that made me laugh, or it made me think from a new perspective.
Looking back now it was a fantasy story, but I guess books can come across a whole new way when you read them in the right head space.
I don't usually like books where one if the big reveals is that "women are people too", but within the context of this universe, it's understandable.
I would recommend this book to anyone, I enjoyed it, but it was not a fast read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
Everyone else who reviewed this book says it's a fantasy, but I read it as a comedy...
I thought it was a comedy/fantasy most if the time I was reading it it had so many parts that made me laugh, or it made me think from a new perspective.
Looking back now it was a fantasy story, but I guess books can come across a whole new way when you read them in the right head space.
I don't usually like books where one if the big reveals is that "women are people too", but within the context of this universe, it's understandable.
I would recommend this book to anyone, I enjoyed it, but it was not a fast read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
July 5, 2021
Actual rating 4.5 stars!!
The best thing about this book was definitely the world-building. Raship put so much detail into so many different aspects of this fictional world. The main religion had an incredible amount of care put into its history, its rules, and its stories. But so did the ideas and stories of the smaller, “heretical” religion Bartholomew finds himself joining.
Obviously, since most of the plot centered around these two belief systems, having that kind of detail was really important. And Raship definitely delivered!
Additionally, Bartholomew was the perfect character for this. Sometimes, when authors try to give readers information about a fictional world through the thoughts and words of the characters, it can feel forced. But because Bartholomew was a librarian, his extensive knowledge of the world made sense. In short, it felt very natural. And that definitely increased my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
Moving on from world-building, though, the plot of this book was excellent. It had so many different surprising twists and turns, and I was entranced the entire time. I loved how Bartholomew’s character arc was tied in with the events of the plot; he was a great character, in general, but his change over the course of the story was great. It was fascinating to watch how his perspective changed throughout his journey.
Though, to be fair, I just generally loved Raship’s presentation of different perspectives all throughout the novel. I love that Bartholomew didn’t start out as a rebel, but became one because of his experiences. Obviously, there are plenty of other books that show that same progression in their characters, but I feel that Raship did a particularly good job of writing about that change.
All things considered, I recommend reading this one! With the backdrop of a stunning world that’ll take your breath away and genuinely brilliantly written characters, Saint Dorian and the Witch is an excellent book. Honestly, I have so much more I want to say about it, but I didn’t want to make the review too long and bore you!
The best thing about this book was definitely the world-building. Raship put so much detail into so many different aspects of this fictional world. The main religion had an incredible amount of care put into its history, its rules, and its stories. But so did the ideas and stories of the smaller, “heretical” religion Bartholomew finds himself joining.
Obviously, since most of the plot centered around these two belief systems, having that kind of detail was really important. And Raship definitely delivered!
Additionally, Bartholomew was the perfect character for this. Sometimes, when authors try to give readers information about a fictional world through the thoughts and words of the characters, it can feel forced. But because Bartholomew was a librarian, his extensive knowledge of the world made sense. In short, it felt very natural. And that definitely increased my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
Moving on from world-building, though, the plot of this book was excellent. It had so many different surprising twists and turns, and I was entranced the entire time. I loved how Bartholomew’s character arc was tied in with the events of the plot; he was a great character, in general, but his change over the course of the story was great. It was fascinating to watch how his perspective changed throughout his journey.
Though, to be fair, I just generally loved Raship’s presentation of different perspectives all throughout the novel. I love that Bartholomew didn’t start out as a rebel, but became one because of his experiences. Obviously, there are plenty of other books that show that same progression in their characters, but I feel that Raship did a particularly good job of writing about that change.
All things considered, I recommend reading this one! With the backdrop of a stunning world that’ll take your breath away and genuinely brilliantly written characters, Saint Dorian and the Witch is an excellent book. Honestly, I have so much more I want to say about it, but I didn’t want to make the review too long and bore you!
February 22, 2021
On the surface, the book is an adventure of a young librarian who, enchanted by rumours of a possible new saint, leaves his home and befriends an ambitious witch. But in reality, it’s a brilliantly constructed and comprehensible philosophical exploration of the complex relationship between order and chaos and how hostile both can be to the human spirit if taken in their extremes. The book has everything a fantasy reader might be looking for: an exotic setting, magic, fantastical creatures and exciting battles. The book has plenty in store for fans of other kinds of stories as well: beautiful language, romance, time travel, astute social commentary and jaw-dropping plot twists. Being mostly a stranger to the fantasy genre, I approached the book with a lot of caution but soon found myself completely engrossed in it. “St.Dorian and the Witch” is a thought-provoking, brilliant book. Treat yourself and read it.
March 30, 2021
A brilliant and creative novel that kept me turning pages as fast as I could. My only disappointment was that it ended. If you want a book that will make you think, entertain you, and stretch your imagination to its limit, you have found it in Saint Dorian and The Witch.
March 9, 2023
I was given a free copy of this book through voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. It was beautifully written and the world building was excellent. Bartholomew’s character arc was very satisfying and I felt like it was done in a fairly realistic way.
The subject was really interesting. While the ‘quest’ plot line worked to keep the pacing, the discussions about belief and religion worked really well and kept me engaged.
My only criticism would be that the pacing felt a little slow, particularly when there was time jumping to past events, but it was still a lovely book to read.
I really enjoyed this story. It was beautifully written and the world building was excellent. Bartholomew’s character arc was very satisfying and I felt like it was done in a fairly realistic way.
The subject was really interesting. While the ‘quest’ plot line worked to keep the pacing, the discussions about belief and religion worked really well and kept me engaged.
My only criticism would be that the pacing felt a little slow, particularly when there was time jumping to past events, but it was still a lovely book to read.
December 21, 2022
A philosophical and fantasy read, not ideal as a casual read since the book is thought-provoking and not visual. The story is written well, following Bartholomew the Librarian on a journey alongside Wild Ruth.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO and author.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews