November in Salem: The Bargain of Witches

by L.C. Russell

WHAT IF YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD SPARE THE SOULS OF THOSE HANGED FOR WITCHCRAFT IN 1692, BUT YOU HAD TO BARGAIN YOUR OWN SOUL TO DO IT?
First in a new fantasy romance series, this paranormal young adult novel introduces teens November Atwood and her twin cousins--athletic Jeff and wheelchair-bound Hawk.  On their way home from school, the trio discover an ancient box buried in the shadows of the abandoned Danvers Asylum for the Insane. This sets in motion the final elements of a blood bargain signed more than 300 years ago when Salem, Massachusetts was a sleepy village--and witchcraft was a hanging offense. Cryptic clues and a curious gold coin prompt the trio to venture into the tunnels beneath the asylum where Jeff is struck by "elf-shot," then abducted and replaced by a changeling. To rescue him, the two remaining cousins must journey deeper into the tunnels, to The Room of Rings , a giant portal into the past, whose keeper tells November she is "...the one they have awaited for 300 years "--she is " The Prediction ." Together, November and Hawk enter the Rings and are transported back to Salem Village in the year 1701. There, November will meet the minister's son, Thomas Parris, and discover a love that can transcend time. But first, The Prediction must wager her soul to bring about an end to THE BARGAIN OF WITCHES.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Fantasy

260 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

L.C. Russell is the author of NOVEMBER IN SALEM:The Bargain of Witches and DEATH BY STUDENT LOAN. She lives on a tiny island off the coast of Texas with her husband and daughter and Gus-the-Newfoundland dog. She is hard at work on her next novel "SILK" due to be released Fall 2011.

Reviews

[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always amazed when authors come up with such intricate, original stories, leaving no stone unturned and answering every possible question a reader could have. That takes talent, and talent is exactly what Russell showcases in her novel, November in Salem! I really enjoyed this novel as November and her friends battle against evil throughout this novel, piecing together the past in order to set free the hundreds of souls trapped by the bargain.

While this novel is fictitious, the use of real places and events in history show Russell’s research and the care she put into her novel as she wrote, an aspect that will please any interested in the history of Salem. Russell’s characterization is also superb as the young tweens begin coming-of-age, and though this novel fits into the YA genre, it easily lends itself to MG and adult—completely appropriate and captivating for all ages. Russell’s writing is immaculate and her prose draws the reader in from the very beginning.

To read my full review (6/20):

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many unnecessary details. Since, based on the ending, this obviously is planned as a series many of the additional introductions of "species" could have waited until they actually needed to play a part in the story. This is definitely for a young adult audience, and as such, may annoy older readers at times with the responsibilities placed on such young protagonists. I was never really able to pick up on the true backstory that linked the present to the past. It might be that a younger reader or someone with a more vivid imagination might "get" this book better than I, however I will not be reading the next book in the series should it continue.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review in progress.

[Lisa Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and captivating. It is supposedd to be for young adults, but I liked it as well.

[Clarke W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author today on a flight to Houston. She was a lovely lady who told me all about this book and how she came up with the "LC" in her name. I plan to read this novel soon!