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The Black Act: Witch Twins #1-6
The Black Act
The history of a curse is fraught with bloody battles, bitter hatred, and dark secrets. Through five generations, ghosts of war haunt the Wise Women. When the Rebellion of Glenna ends, their curse sleeps bound in the Tunnels of the Dead, waiting for its chance to re-awaken the battle between the Wood People and Dalthwein Clans. Claire, a distraught yourng Wise Woman born in the sacred valey of the fae, unwittingly helps it escape imprisonment. While her twin sister, Anna, receives psychic glimpses of ancient secrets she must unravel. With her scribe teacher, Rosalind, she also struggles to uncover the reasons behind Claire's strange behavior, ever escalating since the death of their Guild Mother, Grianne. The Age of the Wise Women will cease, if the curse does not end with Anna and Claire. Perhaps inheriting the mistakes of their ancestors, and learning the truths of their identities, will bring great suffering for these witch twins?
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2009
1 person is currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Louise Bohmer
40 books54 followersLouise Bohmer has over eight years experience in editing and publishing. She edits for Permuted Press, and has edited for many publishers and authors in a variety of genres including general interest, romance, erotica, mystery, horror, and speculative. Her writing experience extends across fiction, ghost writing, ad copy, web content, SEO copy, and press releases. Her latest release is the Anti-Heroes serial written with K.H. Koehler (Anti-Heroes Press) and you can read her short fiction in Detritus (Omnium Gatherum), The Red Penny Papers, and Old School. Plus her debut novel, The Black Act, is now available once again in serial form. She offers freelance services in editing, book cover design, ghost writing, and ebook as well as print formatting. She loves to hear from her readers via email and reviews. Her home base is New Brunswick, Canada, where she lives with a tattooed giant. You can pay her a visit at http://www.louisebohmer.com or email her at blackfaery76@yahoo.ca
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 5, 2010
So 10 hours ago I picked this book up. I figured this would be a great leisurely fantasy read, you know, some fae, some evil, some good, nice long weekend reading. I got pulled away a few times to do Life Things (you know, eating, store runs, etc.), and came straight back to it. And yeah, I totally just finished it.
10. Hours.
Which is to say that I think it was awesome. It's one of those books that gives the intensity and long-term involvement of a family epic, but does the unthinkable: it combines it with a kind of intimacy and immediacy that grabbed me by the throat. It starts with several stories at different times and braids them together so deftly, and with such satisfying results, that I just kept turning the pages to see what the hell was going to happen next. All this in a richly created, but very manageable world that any love of the fae, Celtic legends, and/or magic of any kind will fully appreciate.
And if you don't dig that stuff, maybe you will after this. It has some serious cross-genre appeal.
The writing is lovely, truly. The images range from the surreally gentle and beautiful to the violent and horrific--but hell, even those are beautiful in their way, as she creates them.
So in closing, I must say that I think Guillermo del Toro should direct this film. That is all.
10. Hours.
Which is to say that I think it was awesome. It's one of those books that gives the intensity and long-term involvement of a family epic, but does the unthinkable: it combines it with a kind of intimacy and immediacy that grabbed me by the throat. It starts with several stories at different times and braids them together so deftly, and with such satisfying results, that I just kept turning the pages to see what the hell was going to happen next. All this in a richly created, but very manageable world that any love of the fae, Celtic legends, and/or magic of any kind will fully appreciate.
And if you don't dig that stuff, maybe you will after this. It has some serious cross-genre appeal.
The writing is lovely, truly. The images range from the surreally gentle and beautiful to the violent and horrific--but hell, even those are beautiful in their way, as she creates them.
So in closing, I must say that I think Guillermo del Toro should direct this film. That is all.
January 18, 2011
The Black Act is a dark fantasy story set in a world filled with witches and fae. The vividly described world is plagued by a curse sprouting from a long-lived prejudice toward the fae by a single family who won’t give up their hatred even in death. The story begins with Anna and Claire, half-breed sisters who discover their family’s relationship to the curse as the story unfolds. It then follows various family members as the curse works it dark magic on them. The characters are well-drawn and we sympathize with them as their loyalties are torn between two worlds. Because the story spans such a great deal of time and introduces so many characters from different generations I did at times forget the genealogy, but the threat to the characters was always high. Often the effects of the curse were gruesomely described. I would recommend The Black Act to readers who enjoy epic fantasy. I’m looking forward to the next book from this author.
September 9, 2010
Fairies and other mythical creatures have been given the Disney treatment for too long. That's why I find it refreshing when an author takes those characters back to their roots. Bohmer's debut novel does just that, wound about a tale of two sister witches and their longstanding curse in a fantastical land. While it feels at times like an epic fantasy--albeit a dark one--the book is remarkably short. That suits me fine, though the shifting between characters so often became a little bit disorienting in such a brief tale. It's a solid debut from Bohmer and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.
August 28, 2010
THE BLACK ACT is one of those rare books that transports the reader- mind and body- into a world like no other. Populated by a list of characters so unique and original, peppered with folklore and rivalry and a plot that is quite simply addicting-(one must read it to fully appreciate the many layers of storytelling)- by the time one finishes THE BLACK ACT- the reader wishes to turn back to page one and remain in the wonderous world created by the brilliant Louise Bohmer!!
Rick
Founder- THE JAMES MASON CLASSIC BRITISH BOOK CLUB
Rick
Founder- THE JAMES MASON CLASSIC BRITISH BOOK CLUB
June 10, 2010
Where can I start with the story of The Black Act?
Going to give this a go.
A guild of wise women, witches, live in a village in the forest, and are at peace with the fae, an ancient race of woodfolk. The two races have always learned from and respected each other through various teachings and rituals. A long time ago, there was a man called Corrigan, who, when you cut down to it, is just abhorrently racist towards the fae and tries to initiate a war. Corrigan, having been refused teachings of magic, creates his own in the form of a book of shadows, The Book of Black Acts. Corrigan is defeated, and this sad part of history is put to rest in the Guild's histories.
Only vengeful spirits refuse to rest.
Corrigan finds an ally down his bloodline in the fiery Goddard. His daughter breaks a cardinal rule by witnessing the fae feast at Samhain and is sentenced to live among the fae. During the trial, she enters into an affair with one of the woodsman. Goddard, who shares his ancestors hatred for the fae, is obviously appalled and places a curse on his daughter, learned from the spirit of Corrigan. The bloodline shall all have this affinity for woodsmen and shall bear children, who will be halflings and bring about the fall of the Guild.
Louise, apologies if I haven't got it quite right. You see, there's a hell of a lot going on in TBA. Bohmer doesn't give us the strife of just one family unit, but five generations! The book doesn't shy away from complexity, with the timelines jumping back and forth in flashbacks and such. At times this can be a little confusing, especially when you've been away from the book for a few days. While the book provides a map of the forest and surrounding regions, I perhaps wondered that it might have been more useful to have a family tree? (no pun intended).
The pace is far from break-neck, but Bohmer controls it with a careful, steady hand. The slower pace is in fitting with the plot and works. Saying this, when the action unfolds the reader is in for some great scenes. When one of the apprentices does something she shouldn't have in the Guild Hall, we have a very memorable chase scene through the crumbling building. The violence increases in the last quarter of the book, which in my opinion is the strongest part. The latest in the bloodline is a very interesting character indeed...
My problems with this book are not to be taken against it or the author. I just think it wasn't quite my cup of tea. The romance and fantasy element are heavy, and I tend to avoid these genres. While there are instances of horror nestled in there, I wouldn't class this as a horror novel.
But then it depends on your POV. I might be in for some flack here, but I felt this was a very feminine book. The slower pace and sensitively handled subject, as well as the majority of characters being women, might be more relatable to female readers than male. Yes, yes, I'm sorry. I'm generaling. Different strokes and all that. Just like I wouldn't recommend a book about a guy that builds hot rods and goes to strip clubs on a Friday night to a woman. Yes, there are women that like that kind of thing, and the guys should enjoy TBA too...but I just feel (and I'm 100% honest in my reviews as you know) that this will relate more to female readers.
Still reading? (Wipes sweat from his brow).
Although TBA wasn't quite for me, readers, especially fans of romance and the mythos of say Tolkien should get a kick out of this. Bohmer has the writing skills and the confidence. This shows it in spades.
Going to give this a go.
A guild of wise women, witches, live in a village in the forest, and are at peace with the fae, an ancient race of woodfolk. The two races have always learned from and respected each other through various teachings and rituals. A long time ago, there was a man called Corrigan, who, when you cut down to it, is just abhorrently racist towards the fae and tries to initiate a war. Corrigan, having been refused teachings of magic, creates his own in the form of a book of shadows, The Book of Black Acts. Corrigan is defeated, and this sad part of history is put to rest in the Guild's histories.
Only vengeful spirits refuse to rest.
Corrigan finds an ally down his bloodline in the fiery Goddard. His daughter breaks a cardinal rule by witnessing the fae feast at Samhain and is sentenced to live among the fae. During the trial, she enters into an affair with one of the woodsman. Goddard, who shares his ancestors hatred for the fae, is obviously appalled and places a curse on his daughter, learned from the spirit of Corrigan. The bloodline shall all have this affinity for woodsmen and shall bear children, who will be halflings and bring about the fall of the Guild.
Louise, apologies if I haven't got it quite right. You see, there's a hell of a lot going on in TBA. Bohmer doesn't give us the strife of just one family unit, but five generations! The book doesn't shy away from complexity, with the timelines jumping back and forth in flashbacks and such. At times this can be a little confusing, especially when you've been away from the book for a few days. While the book provides a map of the forest and surrounding regions, I perhaps wondered that it might have been more useful to have a family tree? (no pun intended).
The pace is far from break-neck, but Bohmer controls it with a careful, steady hand. The slower pace is in fitting with the plot and works. Saying this, when the action unfolds the reader is in for some great scenes. When one of the apprentices does something she shouldn't have in the Guild Hall, we have a very memorable chase scene through the crumbling building. The violence increases in the last quarter of the book, which in my opinion is the strongest part. The latest in the bloodline is a very interesting character indeed...
My problems with this book are not to be taken against it or the author. I just think it wasn't quite my cup of tea. The romance and fantasy element are heavy, and I tend to avoid these genres. While there are instances of horror nestled in there, I wouldn't class this as a horror novel.
But then it depends on your POV. I might be in for some flack here, but I felt this was a very feminine book. The slower pace and sensitively handled subject, as well as the majority of characters being women, might be more relatable to female readers than male. Yes, yes, I'm sorry. I'm generaling. Different strokes and all that. Just like I wouldn't recommend a book about a guy that builds hot rods and goes to strip clubs on a Friday night to a woman. Yes, there are women that like that kind of thing, and the guys should enjoy TBA too...but I just feel (and I'm 100% honest in my reviews as you know) that this will relate more to female readers.
Still reading? (Wipes sweat from his brow).
Although TBA wasn't quite for me, readers, especially fans of romance and the mythos of say Tolkien should get a kick out of this. Bohmer has the writing skills and the confidence. This shows it in spades.
June 15, 2009
The Black Act is set in a richly detailed fantasy world and tells of the adventures of the fifth generation of Wise Women. The book centers on twin sisters, Claire and Anna. At the beginning of the book, Claire witnesses her Guild Mother's death while Anna is out. Before Anna discovers that Claire learned the truth from their Guild Mother before her passing, Claire runs off, seeking more information to go along with what she has learned. Anna tries to uncover the secrets from her own scribe teacher, Rosalind, and also find her sister. In the meantime, Claire's methods of discovery have reawakened a curse as well as a battle between the Wood People and the Dalthwein Clans. Anna and Claire must find the truths they need to know about their pasts in time to figure out a solution to end the present battle.
The Black Act is a very creative story that keeps the reader wanting to know how things are going to turn out. Bohmer describes the world and all of the various groups of people in vivid detail. You can really picture them in your mind, especially the Wood People as she detailed them to every root! Throughout the book there are a lot of flashbacks, which tend to get a little confusing. Still, The Black Act flows well and is very enjoyable. Horror fans, especially those that like a lot of fantasy mixed within will really enjoy this new author. I highly recommend that libraries get a copy to introduce readers to Bohmer's writing style.
Contains: Sexual Situations, Violence
(Review also posted on MonsterLibrarian.Com)
The Black Act is a very creative story that keeps the reader wanting to know how things are going to turn out. Bohmer describes the world and all of the various groups of people in vivid detail. You can really picture them in your mind, especially the Wood People as she detailed them to every root! Throughout the book there are a lot of flashbacks, which tend to get a little confusing. Still, The Black Act flows well and is very enjoyable. Horror fans, especially those that like a lot of fantasy mixed within will really enjoy this new author. I highly recommend that libraries get a copy to introduce readers to Bohmer's writing style.
Contains: Sexual Situations, Violence
(Review also posted on MonsterLibrarian.Com)
February 24, 2010
The Black Act is a story of animosity between two races that leads to a curse intended to destroy the Wood People. This is the story of the line of twins cursed and haunted who unwittingly serve as tools for those whose hate has murdered their reason. It's a story of lies and deception, of protection and innocence, and of human error and the kindness of others.
Once I got into the meat of the story, I really enjoyed it. Louise did a wonderful job weaving a character driven tale. Despite being all over the place in time and history, in and out of visions, and constantly changing POV, I managed to follow--and even get pulled into--the different scenes. Unfortunately, I couldn't really connect with any particular character enough to care when they met their fates, but the story itself held my attention and I wanted to know more.
Overall it was a decent read and if asked if I would recommend it, I'd have to say yes.
Once I got into the meat of the story, I really enjoyed it. Louise did a wonderful job weaving a character driven tale. Despite being all over the place in time and history, in and out of visions, and constantly changing POV, I managed to follow--and even get pulled into--the different scenes. Unfortunately, I couldn't really connect with any particular character enough to care when they met their fates, but the story itself held my attention and I wanted to know more.
Overall it was a decent read and if asked if I would recommend it, I'd have to say yes.
July 26, 2011
I had this book for a long time before I cracked it open. The idea of a fairy tale novel didn't appeal to me. Boy was I wrong!
The Black Act is fantasy story that blends horror and magical realism as well as Reese's mix PB & chocolate. The characters are interesting and well portrayed. The overall landscape of the novel is--dare I say--epic.
I CAN NOT wait to see more of Louise Bohmer.
The Black Act is fantasy story that blends horror and magical realism as well as Reese's mix PB & chocolate. The characters are interesting and well portrayed. The overall landscape of the novel is--dare I say--epic.
I CAN NOT wait to see more of Louise Bohmer.
Read
February 28, 2009"The Black Act is a beautiful tale, beautifully written. Louise Bohmer places her pot squarely on the fire and begins cooking immediately. The aromas in her kitchen are familiar—a hint of J. R. R. Tolkien, a trace of George R. R. Martin, and a whiff of Ursula K. Le Guin—ah, but when you taste this delicious stew, you’ll find it’s a fresh recipe with plenty of meat and potatoes. There's a new Chef in town, and I’ll be the first in line for seconds!" — Michael Knost
www.michaelknost.com
* * * *
“The Black Act blew me away. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I have to tell you, this far exceeded anything that was nestling in the cobwebbed recesses of my cranial dungeon. It was so magically charged, lyrical, and filled with such stark imagery. There were times when my breath was literally taken away. You’ve built a rich and beautiful world filled with wonder, excitement, and a darkness that is as visceral as darkness can be. Your depiction of the Fae was nothing short of brilliant, culminating in a dark and terrible feeling of loss and hopelessness that feeds the story so well. This is, in a very real sense, your coming out party.”
Bob Freeman ~ Shadows Over Somerset, Keepers of the Dead
authorbobfreeman.wordpress.com
www.michaelknost.com
* * * *
“The Black Act blew me away. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I have to tell you, this far exceeded anything that was nestling in the cobwebbed recesses of my cranial dungeon. It was so magically charged, lyrical, and filled with such stark imagery. There were times when my breath was literally taken away. You’ve built a rich and beautiful world filled with wonder, excitement, and a darkness that is as visceral as darkness can be. Your depiction of the Fae was nothing short of brilliant, culminating in a dark and terrible feeling of loss and hopelessness that feeds the story so well. This is, in a very real sense, your coming out party.”
Bob Freeman ~ Shadows Over Somerset, Keepers of the Dead
authorbobfreeman.wordpress.com
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews