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Skadegemutc: Ghost Witch
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 17, 2021
Intertwined with Native American lore Isabella Steel (whose name sounds like a romance novel writer.) weaves a seducing chilling tale that tells the story of the Skadegamutc or Ghost Witch. Steel grabs you at the first page as she sets us up in 16th century Maine, Onata Village. We are given a tale of a bewitching beautiful Maidan seen by the lake by four sisters under the moonlight. When the Maiden request that they bring newborn twins that are to be born soon in their tribe in exchange for beauty, their tribe becomes alerted, and the Evil is discovered. The Evil is banished but not destroyed; cursing it will return.
Here is our setup for Ghost Witch as Steel takes you from past to present to past to tell this horrifying curse tale of the Ghost Witch. The time jump confused me a bit, but Steel corrects it with her fantastic writing.
Steel's writing is clean, fresh, and straightforward forward, making gobble up every syllable she writes. Steel ultimately keeps you engaged with every word.
I love Native American lore, and of course, there have been books and movies based on Native American ghost stories. Steel does it ABSOLUTELY right!
Here is our setup for Ghost Witch as Steel takes you from past to present to past to tell this horrifying curse tale of the Ghost Witch. The time jump confused me a bit, but Steel corrects it with her fantastic writing.
Steel's writing is clean, fresh, and straightforward forward, making gobble up every syllable she writes. Steel ultimately keeps you engaged with every word.
I love Native American lore, and of course, there have been books and movies based on Native American ghost stories. Steel does it ABSOLUTELY right!
November 3, 2021
Author Isabella Steel weaves an intriguing story in Skadegemutc: Ghost Witch. An early theme that intrigued me was the lies we tell ourselves to justify our actions. While subtly presented in her writing, this is an important reality and I applaud Ms. Steel for shining a light on it.
The second theme that I appreciated was that of the things a tribe (or family) never speaks of, the secrets they hold. I was hooked from the first paragraph because I wanted to know more.
Ms. Steel did a wonderful job of worldbuilding, bringing the reader into this strange, demonic place that was close enough to society today that it gave me the creeps. And I love both books and movies that do that! Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl
The second theme that I appreciated was that of the things a tribe (or family) never speaks of, the secrets they hold. I was hooked from the first paragraph because I wanted to know more.
Ms. Steel did a wonderful job of worldbuilding, bringing the reader into this strange, demonic place that was close enough to society today that it gave me the creeps. And I love both books and movies that do that! Pat Spencer, author of Story of a Stolen Girl
November 25, 2021
Spoilers: Skadegamutc Ghost Witch by Isabella Steele is like one of those ghost stories that you read in Haunted Places collections or hear about in an urban legend. It tells of an old evil spirit with a fascinating backstory that intrudes upon the present day to enact some sort of vengeance or malicious intent on subsequent generations. A story like this might be familiar, but Steele gives it enough atmosphere to send chills down your spine.
A mysterious creature called The Skadegamutc or Ghost Witch has been haunting the Pequabuck Lake in Nollesemic Village, Maine. Many people since the 16th century have been missing and some have drowned despite varying degrees of swimming ability. In 2005, disappearances are quite high particularly because Carlyle Allen, a wealthy developer, wants to build new property in the area leading to more people and more victims to fall prey to the Ghost Witch's clutches.
What is known about the Ghost Witch is that it sometimes takes the form of a beautiful maiden that lures its prey. It appears to have a fondness for twins since many of its victims either are twins or are parts of families that have them. It also seems to have a vendetta against the Two Spears and Four Claws Families, two local clans who have been sworn enemies of the creature for 500 years.
The Ghost Witch is an actual figure from Wabanaki folklore. In Steele's book, it is given a chilling backstory and modus operandi that gives this old narrative a modern scare.
One of the best chapters in the entire book is the first where the Reader is first introduced to this enigmatic spectre in the 16th century. It takes the form of a Maiden that captivates four young women who consider themselves homely as compared to this otherworldly beauty swimming in the lake. As they swim, the girls not only find that they have become beautiful, but are drawn to this mysterious maiden. The Ghost Witch gives an alluring almost erotic presence as it draws the young mortal woman only to take their lives. A story with variations that are repeated so often that it has become hoary and even cliche is transformed into a moment of seduction and terror thanks to Steele's engaging writing.
That seduction and terror continues for centuries as people are drawn to and appalled by the Ghost Witch and its actions. It seems to get off on people's most negative emotions like insecurity and greed. Perhaps the Ghost Witch is a metaphor for unbridled and extreme desires and what happens when those desires overpower and take control. They draw someone towards them to a dark and disturbing end.
What is compelling about the Ghost Witch is that it harbors no distinction between who it attacks (except that it has a fondness for twins). Male or female, white or Native American. It's all the same to it. While there is a subplot about redevelopment and the potential destruction of the land and environment, it's clear that the Ghost Witch is not there as a symbol of Mother Nature's rage. In fact, since it uses the most negative emotions to draw prey inside, maybe it's hoping for more greed from the developers and rage and hopelessness from the residents. More negative emotions means more humans to play with and snack on. However, The Ghost Witch doesn't care who it hurts. It will destroy anyone that is unfortunate enough to cross its path.
In fact, its worst enemies are from the Two Spears and Four Claws families. While the Ghost Witch attacks in the present, we are also given the back story of how this creature came to be and why the families are united in their drive to destroy it. For spoiler's sake, I won't go into it in this review but it is compelling and makes the characters more understandable.
The history gives more dimensions to this inhuman character and its enemies to remind us that it once was actually human, came from somewhere, and fell in the worst way possible. The backstory also reveals why the Two Spears and Four Claws families are so determined to destroy the Ghost Witch and why the current generation feel that it's their responsibility to end this evil once and for all.
Skadegamutc Ghost Witch is a construction and restructuring of an ancient folk tale. By giving us its origins, motives, and means, Steele shows that this is not simply some unstoppable demon. Instead it was once human and like all humans is prey to weakness. If understood, it can be defeated.
A mysterious creature called The Skadegamutc or Ghost Witch has been haunting the Pequabuck Lake in Nollesemic Village, Maine. Many people since the 16th century have been missing and some have drowned despite varying degrees of swimming ability. In 2005, disappearances are quite high particularly because Carlyle Allen, a wealthy developer, wants to build new property in the area leading to more people and more victims to fall prey to the Ghost Witch's clutches.
What is known about the Ghost Witch is that it sometimes takes the form of a beautiful maiden that lures its prey. It appears to have a fondness for twins since many of its victims either are twins or are parts of families that have them. It also seems to have a vendetta against the Two Spears and Four Claws Families, two local clans who have been sworn enemies of the creature for 500 years.
The Ghost Witch is an actual figure from Wabanaki folklore. In Steele's book, it is given a chilling backstory and modus operandi that gives this old narrative a modern scare.
One of the best chapters in the entire book is the first where the Reader is first introduced to this enigmatic spectre in the 16th century. It takes the form of a Maiden that captivates four young women who consider themselves homely as compared to this otherworldly beauty swimming in the lake. As they swim, the girls not only find that they have become beautiful, but are drawn to this mysterious maiden. The Ghost Witch gives an alluring almost erotic presence as it draws the young mortal woman only to take their lives. A story with variations that are repeated so often that it has become hoary and even cliche is transformed into a moment of seduction and terror thanks to Steele's engaging writing.
That seduction and terror continues for centuries as people are drawn to and appalled by the Ghost Witch and its actions. It seems to get off on people's most negative emotions like insecurity and greed. Perhaps the Ghost Witch is a metaphor for unbridled and extreme desires and what happens when those desires overpower and take control. They draw someone towards them to a dark and disturbing end.
What is compelling about the Ghost Witch is that it harbors no distinction between who it attacks (except that it has a fondness for twins). Male or female, white or Native American. It's all the same to it. While there is a subplot about redevelopment and the potential destruction of the land and environment, it's clear that the Ghost Witch is not there as a symbol of Mother Nature's rage. In fact, since it uses the most negative emotions to draw prey inside, maybe it's hoping for more greed from the developers and rage and hopelessness from the residents. More negative emotions means more humans to play with and snack on. However, The Ghost Witch doesn't care who it hurts. It will destroy anyone that is unfortunate enough to cross its path.
In fact, its worst enemies are from the Two Spears and Four Claws families. While the Ghost Witch attacks in the present, we are also given the back story of how this creature came to be and why the families are united in their drive to destroy it. For spoiler's sake, I won't go into it in this review but it is compelling and makes the characters more understandable.
The history gives more dimensions to this inhuman character and its enemies to remind us that it once was actually human, came from somewhere, and fell in the worst way possible. The backstory also reveals why the Two Spears and Four Claws families are so determined to destroy the Ghost Witch and why the current generation feel that it's their responsibility to end this evil once and for all.
Skadegamutc Ghost Witch is a construction and restructuring of an ancient folk tale. By giving us its origins, motives, and means, Steele shows that this is not simply some unstoppable demon. Instead it was once human and like all humans is prey to weakness. If understood, it can be defeated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
The story of "Skadegemutc: Ghost Witch" takes place in a town where an evil spirit has been haunting Native American clans for many generations. The spirit takes the form of a maiden and takes the lives of twins. The events in the novel take place among three different timelines. In the present timeline, a couple with twins moves into the town and encounters the haunted place which the locals call Haunted Gap, despite the subtle warnings given to them by the townspeople.
The first scene of the book itself had an aura of mystery and darkness mixed with sensuality. It is also the scene in which the evil spirit is introduced and it left an impression that made me intrigued to continue with the book. Almost every chapter is narrated from a different perspective which kept the story interesting.
I really enjoyed the world-building and fantastical elements in the novel. It is fast-paced and a lot of dangerous events start to happen one after the other. I was interested to read what destruction would take place next as a result of the haunted place and how the lives of the different characters would be affected. The element of suspense is strong in this book. There were a lot of gruesome scenes that enhanced its horror overtone.
Not all the narratives in the different timelines were equally interesting. Also, I felt that there were too many characters and therefore, not many stood out.
The book is short and keeps the reader on edge in true thriller fashion. It ends with an exciting twist that I did not see coming. If you are a fan of thriller stories based on legends and folklore, I would highly recommend this book.
The first scene of the book itself had an aura of mystery and darkness mixed with sensuality. It is also the scene in which the evil spirit is introduced and it left an impression that made me intrigued to continue with the book. Almost every chapter is narrated from a different perspective which kept the story interesting.
I really enjoyed the world-building and fantastical elements in the novel. It is fast-paced and a lot of dangerous events start to happen one after the other. I was interested to read what destruction would take place next as a result of the haunted place and how the lives of the different characters would be affected. The element of suspense is strong in this book. There were a lot of gruesome scenes that enhanced its horror overtone.
Not all the narratives in the different timelines were equally interesting. Also, I felt that there were too many characters and therefore, not many stood out.
The book is short and keeps the reader on edge in true thriller fashion. It ends with an exciting twist that I did not see coming. If you are a fan of thriller stories based on legends and folklore, I would highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2022
Scary-good tale woven with Native American Folklore
Skadegemutc: Ghost Witch is a tale seeped in Native American folklore and ties the past to the present into a scary-good story. Starting in 16th Century Maine in the Onata Village, where a beautiful Maiden is seen in a lake by four sisters and requests they bring newborn twins in exchange for beauty. The evil is discovered by the tribe and they are quickly alerted. The evil is temporarily banished, but not fully destroyed, setting us on a journey spanning generations from the past to the present and the past again.
As a mother, I identified with the story's theme of tribal community and family with the need to protect you and yours. Isabella Steel is phenomenal in combining folklore with real elements that educated me on Passamaquoddy. The message of family secrets and how we justify keeping them will sneak up on you and give you pause to think. You will be bewitched by Isabella Steel's ability to create such a unique piece that will stay with you long after you have closed the book.
I recommend this book for horror fanatics, historians, and people interested in folklore. This book is haunting and horrifying keeping you engaged all the way to the shocking end. I suggest reading this book on a dark and stormy night with the crackle of the fireplace keeping you warm and possibly banishing the Ghost Witch, at least for a while.
Skadegemutc: Ghost Witch is a tale seeped in Native American folklore and ties the past to the present into a scary-good story. Starting in 16th Century Maine in the Onata Village, where a beautiful Maiden is seen in a lake by four sisters and requests they bring newborn twins in exchange for beauty. The evil is discovered by the tribe and they are quickly alerted. The evil is temporarily banished, but not fully destroyed, setting us on a journey spanning generations from the past to the present and the past again.
As a mother, I identified with the story's theme of tribal community and family with the need to protect you and yours. Isabella Steel is phenomenal in combining folklore with real elements that educated me on Passamaquoddy. The message of family secrets and how we justify keeping them will sneak up on you and give you pause to think. You will be bewitched by Isabella Steel's ability to create such a unique piece that will stay with you long after you have closed the book.
I recommend this book for horror fanatics, historians, and people interested in folklore. This book is haunting and horrifying keeping you engaged all the way to the shocking end. I suggest reading this book on a dark and stormy night with the crackle of the fireplace keeping you warm and possibly banishing the Ghost Witch, at least for a while.
December 7, 2021
Can a plot of land be cursed? Down to the actual soil. If so, Haunted gap aka Holts Pointe is. Even the trees and vegetation will not grow here. Animals and insects avoid it. Due to events that happened many, many centuries ago. The local townspeople, the two Native American Tribes included, go above and beyond trying to keep people away. Doing everything to prevent a recurrence of events destined to go down like clockwork with every generation. This book tells the current and past generations' fight. Will the current generation be able to conquer the evil with the help of a few townsfolk that believe? You will have to read for yourself and see! I love that this story kept me hanging in there to find out that age-old “what happens next” question. This is a horror story, so if you are into legends, witches, guts, and gore, this will be right up your alley. My favorite part had to be the shocking ending, bravo to the writer! It left me wanting more of the story. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars, only because there were a few typos, but that could have just been the format I read it on. The writer gave us a suspenseful story that spans many generations and did an excellent job of telling each generations' fight with the Ghost Witch. Side note: I totally want to visit Elizabeth Pointe and it's real!
December 10, 2021
Isabella Steel has taken a Native American legend and created the most intense story of ghosts and horror and things that go bump in the night. I am an old hand at reviewing, it's hard to scare me now. I read this one with the lights on.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews