The White Witch's Daughter

by J.C. Wade

--England 1296--
Losing her mother to the witch’s noose -and her father to those who placed her there- Lady Edyth DeVries flees for her life into the wilds of Scotland. With all her hopes pinned upon reuniting with the only family left to her, Edyth is tormented as a keeper of a dangerous secret -one that she is only just beginning to unravel.
As King Edward I of England dismantles loyalties and spills innocent blood, Edyth traverses the deadly landscape with little hope of success. On all sides bitter conflict looms yet help comes from an unlikely source. But can Edyth trust Ewan, the heroic, young Scots knight with her secret -or with her heart?

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2022

Reviews

[Amanda Bryk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written story set it a war torn countryside. If you enjoy historical romance, add this book to your TBR. I’ve not read the other titles by this author, but I would imagine they are equally as impressive.

[Melissa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a rollercoaster ride. I absolutely love it! It kept me up late at night wanting to read just one more chapter 😂

[Krista Albers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest review for a free copy. I will be fully honest: the book kept a good pace, but when faced with what seemed a sure rape, I was going to put the book down. I am not delusional but also don't enjoy reading about all details. But when saved from the English soldiers, I wanted to know more. To go through the challenges, the struggles, the highs and lows of the storyline were all worth it. Very well written, and I enjoyed listening.

[TaniaRina · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVE the Scottish accents!

While this book did not have the character travel back in time, the author whisks the reader back to the Great Cause. Hoping to avoid civil war, King Edward I of England was requested to arbitrate the succession of his late brother-in-law (King Alexander III of Scotland) after the latter’s childless heiress died. Edward then demanded his feudal suzerainty over Scotland, which had been his contingency. Disputes over this led to a different reason for the Scottish ruling families to fight amongst themselves and eventually led to the Wars of Independence.

Enter our heroine, who is travelling to a relative’s home in Scotland. She’s not only alone, female, and unmarried – she’s also of the English ruling class (read: one of the “bad guys”). Oh, and with a malicious man in a powerful position at her heels. What doesn’t scream damsel in distress? You’ve got to read this book to find out if Edyth can hold her own in this misogynistic world!

This book also reflects the prejudices that the common English and Scottish peoples had about each other. Sadly, our world hasn’t changed much even with accessibility of cultural information.

[Tifany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Edyth sets off for Scotland, alone, after her parents are murdered. With a crude idea of how to reach family up north, she has a lot of land to cover and a lot of potential dangers on her trek. But it’s 1296, and Edyth’s presence as an English woman in Scotland does her no favors. Will she reach her relatives before harm comes her way?

This is an intriguing story that kept me turning the pages into the early morning hours. Lady Edyth is a strong-willed, confident MC that is capable of engaging in ‘un-ladylike’ activities. (My favorite type of MC, if I’m being honest!)

If you’re looking for a fast-paced historical fiction novel with magical elements, a strong-willed female MC, and want to become so immersed you lose track of time, then The White Witch’s Daughter is a great addition to your TBR.

Special thanks to StoryOrigin and the author for a free ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Emily Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medieval England and Scotland have never felt so close! Ms. Wade does a masterful job of evoking the landscape and people through rich sensory description and vivid, believable interactions and characters. I'll admit I was hesitant to read it due to the romance tag as I'm not always a fan, but while the love story is central to the piece it's not overwhelming or forced. I felt drawn into all of the characters' life stories as I met them and found myself cheering for their continued success.

You will like this book if:
* You enjoy historical fiction and low fantasy
* You like well-written books with minimal errors and well-written prose
* Character-centric pieces are your style

You will not like this book if:
* You are expecting spicy romance
* You enjoy high fantasy and lots of magic (it's there, just as subtle references and everyday mentions of "wise women")
* Morally gray characters are your style

Overall it was a fun, quick read, and I'm looking forward to more from this author.

[Patricia Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start, Wade immediately captures the reader’s attention. This action-packed superbly written page-turner is a story of one brave woman’s fight for survival. During a brutal time in Britain’s history, this 13th century tale is rich in detail, description, and political upheavals, both on and off the battlefield. Being the only bearer of an evil secret and the victim of vicious lies made by a powerful man, Edyth has no choice but to run for her life and leave her homeland of England. Traversing the raw and rustic lands of Scotland, she struggles to survive on her own, but when she crosses paths with a man that her exiled countrymen had called enemy, can she trust his offer for help, or do all powerful men lie?
As an author myself, I appreciate good writing. I could tell from the first few pages that this was going to be a book I would appreciate, and I was not disappointed. Well done, JC, well done!

[Elizabeth Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit that it took me more time than usual to get through this book, but that’s more due to the fact that I usually don’t read/cant get into historical fiction. That being said, J.C. Wade hooked me with her debut novel! The characters were developed very well and felt like real people, the dialogue didn’t feel forced, and the story was paced appropriately so it didn’t drag. The story felt fleshed out and didn’t leave any loose ends or unanswered questions. I’ve seen some reviewers say the question of whether or not Lady Edyth was actually a witch or not should have been addressed, not simply implied, but I disagree. I think leaving that aspect of the story open-ended and ambiguous lends itself to the other books in the series without leaving the reader hanging on a cliffhanger about an important event.

If you’re a historical fiction fanatic, this book will be perfect for you!

[eiei · Rating 4 out of 5]

In England, 1296, Lady Edyth DeVries flees for her life into the wilds of Scotland after losing her mother to the witch’s noose and her father to those who placed her there. As King Edward I of England dismantles loyalties and spills innocent blood, Edyth traverses the deadly landscape with little hope of success. Amid bitter conflict, help comes from an unlikely source: Ewan, the heroic young Scots knight. But can Edyth trust him with her dangerous secret or with her heart?

This historical fantasy weaves a captivating tale of secrets, loyalty, and unexpected alliances. Wade’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in the renaissance setting, making it a delightful read. If you enjoy strong heroines and medieval intrigue, give this book a try.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first page. The descriptions of the land and the paranormal background added so much to the intrigue of the story line. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an intriguing story line that kept you turning the pages. You won’t be able to put it down. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. An excellent read. A story of grit, sorrow, and hope. I received book from StoryOrigin. This is my true and honest review.

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 3 out of 5]

i was gifted this audio in exchange for review,
i liked it even tho its not 100% something i think id normally listen too!
narrator did a great job on the male highlander accent but it did confuse me that the fmc is meant to be english but the i narrator is 100% scottish. I feel like this is ok because most of the story is set in scotland but as i said still a little confusing.

3 star listen
there is a hea and i feel like the story is completed.
i would say this is a historical fantasy however i am left wondering if the fmc is actually a witch as i feel like it was only ever 'implied'

definitely an interesting book.

[Patty Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a really good read and I was able to know this when I got this book I was able to read it from the beginning to the end and loved it in my opinion. I thought the character built up was so well thought out and interweaved throughout the story it made it so much better in my opinion. I thought the story line was so good and thought out that every thing came together very well in my opinion. I received this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.

[Terri McClean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sat down on the edge of my bed to read for 20 mins.whilst my living room floors dried. 2 hours later I looked up to remember that I had been going to do laundry. The book grabbed you and took you back to England and Scotland during Scotlands fight for independence. There are some oddly hyphenated words in the writing that at first bothered me, but then the story took hold and I hardly noticed them. I was reading on my phone , using ReadEra so I'm not sure if that was causing them or not. If you are looking for a novel to sweep you away for a few hours, this is it.

[Jerry Harkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Edyth falls on very hard times after her mother is hanged as a witch and her father murdered for association. As the villagers come for her, 2 of her friends are killed covering her escape. Things don't get any better from there until she is rescued by Ewan, a leader of one of the Scot clans. Naturally, unnatural attraction ensues. This first book ends in a cliff-hanger of a dilemma for Edyth. Although accurate in historical background, the semi-paranormal and romance are a bit lacking.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a hard time getting into it in the beginning but definitely got hooked on the characters and storyline! Grateful for author's descriptive words and imagery so I could better understand the context of the era and the conflicts taking place at that time. Edyth, the main character, is so strong! Loved reading about her development!

[J.L. Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and I loved following the characters journey. I really enjoy stories about witches, and this one didn't disappoint. If Edyth hadn't fled her home she never would have met Ewan, the Scottish night and the things she learned about herself along the way. Highly recommend. I will definitely be reading the other books in the series.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The Author does a wonderful job taking you on a journey back in time, and to do in a way that is historically accurate is an impressive feet. The FMC is wonderful she is strong while still fitting the standards of her time so it doesn't seem to make believe. I will definitely be reading and listening to more books by J.C. Wade.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a great job with this book. The story was interesting and I enjoyed it. The world building was good. I received this book with a promo code and this is my honest review. I would recommend this book.

[Emma Cloward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book so much. I love Edyth and Ewan’s character’s, how the author sets each scene, and you can tell the research was very thorough. The love story is so sweet. I can’t say enough good things about The White Witch’s Daughter!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. From the detailed world building to the imaginative plot, I couldn't put this one down. On top of all the great stuff in the book, the cover is eye catching with a beautiful cover.

[Marcus Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story and felt the narrator did an excellent job bringing the story to life. I also listened to the audiobook while I was in Scotland, so that may have helped. ;) The story is entertaining and well written. I plan on reading the rest of the series, which is high praise indeed.

[Christina Hendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed this book. I happened upon the author at a signing at a book store and decided to buy her books and so happy I did!

[Tk Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. Page 128 broke me it was that good!