The Witches' Prison

by Maria Melo

After revenge magic has tragic consequences for Petra's parents, she gives up magic and stays away from it even when her boyfriend steals and publishes her manuscript about the witch trials in Scotland. But, when Petra is given the chance to attend a week-long writers’ retreat on the site of a former witches’ prison to write a new book, she starts to use magic again to summon women who were imprisoned there. Clodagh, a fellow guest, is also seeing visions – but unwelcome ones of her ghost doppelgänger. Terrified, and facing a life-or-death decision, she disappears from the retreat. Petra is blamed, and sets out on a search for Clodagh, taking her back to places from her troubled childhood - where the urge for vengeance is strong. Can she resist dark magic to save Clodagh, and redeem herself?

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2021

About the author

I lived in majestic, brooding Scotland for many years and now call beautiful, charming Portugal home. I love reading and writing stories about strong women. The Witches' Prison was inspired by true accounts of women accused of witchcraft in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. Petra, the main character, takes up the identity of 'witch' in an attempt to gain power over those who are cruel to her, in sharp contrast to the women in the past who had wild accusations levelled at them. I hope that this book plays some part in our reflections and conversations about women and power, across time and place.

I worked as an academic in the field of children's literature and am now a creator of books; I make tiny books (hard on the eyes and back, but very rewarding) and write fiction, fulfilling a life-long dream.

Reviews

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pagan Scotland

This book is both a haunting tribute to innocent women who were executed as witches in Scotland and an account of the troubled lives of two young women and their eventual self awareness and redemption, all set against the background of a witches prison in Scotland and the rituals like Beltane that were held in homage and supplication of nature to continue its cycles and its life-giving bounty.

[Stephanie Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended
Loved the story & characters & the use of historical events in the storyline
Brilliantly done

[Lisa Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the concept of this story but some ideas are not developed fully and there is a lack of continuity between some of the chapters. I easily identified with the Petra character as a child who was different and had no friends myself, loved the idea of her writing the stories of the women at the witches prison (and would have liked more of those stories rather than the abrupt jump to the cottage and the sudden change of lead to Clodagh's story) The writing was interesting enough to keep me reading until the end but recommend working on bridging rather than jumping to entirely new scenes without explanation. (Such as why Petra is in the car and leaving the retreat) Perhaps could have added to the story if the girls were descended from the women who died in the witches prison and would explain them having the same bloodtypes and the possibility of matching tissues if they were related back then. I think it would have worked better if Petra found out some of the information from Ruth or the brother rather than swapping who is telling the story so late into the book and also explaining more of Petra's motives for wanting to offer her kidney, as things stand it did not really make sense as to why she thought she could be a donor, still needs some fleshing out but good effort. Would rate this a B+ I recieved this as a freebie from voracious readers

[Nell B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning - powerful and haunting. On the surface this seems to be a novel about two strong, troubled women, Petra and Clodagh. Petra's efforts to develop and, later, suppress her magical leanings are at the heart of the first part of the book. She goes on a writing retreat to follow her dream of writing about the witch hunts in Scotland, and at this point the layers of stories, fairy tales and folklore become so delicately intertwined and connected that I had to read some sections a few times to make the connections.

The story follows Clodagh in part two after she disappears from the retreat. Although Clodagh does not use magic or think of herself as a witch, subtle lines are drawn between the women in the past who were accused of witchcraft and Clodagh's life, as depicted when she (*spoiler*) escapes to an isolated cottage. It's so cleverly crafted that the main characters' modern-day struggles make the historical persecutions much more real and tangible.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a compelling story that I read it in one sitting. The plot clips along at a good pace, the setting is very atmospheric and is so full of detail that made me feel like I was in Scotland, and I cared about the main characters so much that I had to know what happened to them. Most of the book is set in the present, but there are some historical sections, about the Scottish witch hunts, trials and executions, and these were excellent, too. There was so much in it - it's a bit like being at a storytelling festival - that I can't wait to read it again.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked where this book was going with Petras story and the witches prison and then suddenly it diverted to Clodagh. It felt like I had finished One book and started another. I think I had fallen so deeply into Petras story that this sudden change felt even more abrupt but it was really the same storyline over two different characters finally accepting who they were and what had led them to that point. Usually authors would switch characters point of view between chapters but this book split halfway through. However the characters needed each other to make sense of themselves in the end.
I enjoyed the history of the witches and Scotland’s scenery. I would have liked Petras decision around the surgery to have been explained a bit more as I didn’t understand why she did that. And redemption doesnt seem to match. Interesting read.
Received a complimentary copy of the book from Voracious Readers Only

[Cate Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book, from start to finish. Petra is a thoroughly compelling character, whose childhood and adolescence is plagued by those who see her as different. Her mother is seen that way, too, and is given the label of "witch". It is Petra, though, who becomes the witch, albeit a not-very-skilled one. At least not at first.

I was transported to the misty shores of Scotland when reading this book, atmospheric as it is, and loved the contemporary and historical settings. One of my favourite aspects of this book is its portrayal of the power of female friendships. It is refreshing to read about strong female characters, whose vulnerabilities are portrayed in all their complexity. As someone who has experienced anxiety for most of my life, I found the characterisation of Clodagh to be spot-on, and very true to what it is like to face the seemingly insurmountable challenges of each day. The Witches' Prison is both very real, as a place where women accused of witchcraft used to be taken, and as a space in one's own mind, when faced with self-doubt, anxiety and fear of the unknown.

I cannot recommend this book more highly. I loved it. Even though it is dark, it is illuminating, and it will stay with me for a long time to come.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to read.
I really found this book interesting it was so unique and different. That is what I like most about fantasy, paranormal stories the author can just let their ideas go wild in this case it showed what a brilliant mind the author has. It is a dark tale but I do highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Ann Katzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, which at its heart is about how being different, and ostracised, feeds a young person's anger and shame. Trying to gain some power Petra, the main character, learns magic under the guidance of mentor Isobel, but struggles to stay true to her teaching. The question about whether she is or is not a witch (because of her failings) is echoed in the historical sections about witch hunts in Scotland. It's a fast-paced, thought-provoking and moving book.

[Red Ink Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witches’ Prison – Maria Melo



I was provided a copy of this story from the author in order to provide an honest review.



Maria Melo is a British author who enjoys writing fiction and creating miniature books. Residing in Scotland and Portugal. This story is her debut novel.



“The Witches’ Prison” follows the stories of two young women Petra and Clodagh.



Petra lost her mother in a tragic accident when she was younger, her father took to alcohol and as a result she was sent to live with her Aunt, who was very cold and distant towards her. So, Petra emersed herself in the only refuge she had, witchcraft, the way her mother taught her. Not dark summoning and spells but merely being in tune with nature and the natural balance of things.

Petra spent many lonely years through school until she got to university. While researching and writing her dissertation paper on witchcraft she met a friend, or at least someone who she thought was a friend. The betrayal she suffers at their hand pushes Petra into a dark and lonely place where she stays until her Aunt, pushes her to go to a writer's retreat. Here she meets Clodagh.

Clodagh is a young woman who writes and illustrates her stories. She has grown up having a hard and strained relationship with her parents, specifically her mother. Now she is being asked to sacrifice something for her mother’s wellbeing. But can she bring herself to do it?

Clodagh’s brother takes her in for a while and helps her through this period in her life. It was his suggestion to attend the writer’s retreat. But once there she starts to really go downhill. Having hallucinations brought on by the sorrow seeped into the many mysterious sites near the retreat; places seeped in mystery and death.

Then Clodagh vanishes without a trace, did she run away or was she murdered? Secrets are being kept, secrets that people are struggling to deal with and is slowly pushing them to the brink.



“The Witches’ Prison” is a mysterious and thrilling tale that definitely has its dark sides. It’s an amazing look at the many misconceptions people have surrounding witchcraft in modern times and the sad events of the past. It also shows the dark side to mental health and family relationships; showing how important it is to communicate and be open about how you feel but also to listen and hear what you are being told. Hearing the sad stories in the past regarding the persecution of witches is something that has always fascinated me, how some people can hate so vehemently something that they have do understanding of and refuse to even try to understand.

[Kelly Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received my copy free from Voracious Readers Only

I was torn about just how to rate this book. I was looking forward to reading it after I saw the description. It had the potential to be a very good book. The execution of it however, is a major turn off. A disorganized plot and amateur writing left me very disappointed. I settled on three stars fir a few reasons: first I felt the possibility the book had is worth five stars. Second, the actual writing made me feel like I was reading something that was written by a child in middle school. Third, I recently discovered that rating books only 1 or 2 stars will make me ineligible to receive other book offers. So, three stars it is.

The book started off focusing on one character, Petra, and her back story. About halfway through it changes completely and becomes about an up-til-then secondary character Clodagh and her back story. The changeover left me wondering why all the stuff in the beginning about Petra? Is the book supposed to be about Petra or Clodagh?

I hardly understand many of the actions taken by multiple characters throughout. Not just main ones either. If this was a first draft I would advise the author to sit down decide what story they are actually telling. To create a plot flow chart and really decide where the story is going and how it will get there. I like that there are multiple view points but it doesn't seem like the story really has set goal start to finish. If the author would make some tweaks here and there this could be a damn good book. Otherwise, I dont think I would recommend it to anyone.

[Shelley Macgregor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm at a loss here. The book began with a longpassage on the main character's (or I thought she was) past - all telling instead of showing. Then it moved into storytelling, and cruised right along, as the protagonisr attended a writing workshop, made a friend, contacted the spirits of women who had been held in the witches' prison, and set down their stories. Then... the protagonist's friend disappeared, and everyone became suspects, though no one had a motive for wanting her out of the way. next thing you know, the missing woman is now the main character for the rest of the book, and again there is a bunch of backstory to slog through. The book barely clicked for me before it unclicked. It had moments with interesting characters, but then it fell apart.

[AC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. I really liked the concept, but the execution really lacked for me. This was like two separate books merged into one. Normally I like multiple POV's but these stories didn't meld at all. There was so much momentum built up from Petra's story and it came to a crashing stop when it switched to Clodagh's perspective.

Clodagh's story was all just back story that had nothing to do with anything that was built up from Petra's story. Clodagh also had A LOT going on, and I'm not sure if it was all necessary? It was multiple plot lines that I didn't feel meshed together.

I received a free copy of this book for leaving an honest review from Voracious Readers Only