The Shadow Witch

by Gertrude Crownfield

Gertrude Crownfield (1877-1945) was the American author of: The little Tailor of the Winding Way (1917), The Shadow Witch (1922), The Blue Swordsman (1924), Alison Blair (1927), Joscelyn of the Forts (1929), Freedom's Daughter (1930), Katherine Gordon: Patriot (1932), Where Glory Waits (1934), Conquering Kitty (1935), The Decree (1937), King's Pardon (1937), Strong Hearts and Bold (1938), Cristina of Old New York (1939), Lone Star Rising (1940) and Angelique (1941).

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Witches, Classics, Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

1867-1945

Reviews

[Elysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.3 stars

So simple. So sweet. So lovely.
Crownfield's style could make such a boring action sound so elegant. This story was not life-changing, yet it holds a special place in my heart. A classic adventure-romance fairytale that not many know about. I would strongly recommend it for those who are interested in a light read.

[Laura Bang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing fairy tale-ish thing (set in a fireplace land! which is kind of cute), but not a lot of substance and the dangers to be overcome get a bit repetitive.

[Shandril · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story that takes place inside a fireplace. Fanciful and descriptive, with a happy ending, but it did not catch me up. Still, nice to read a story with an older writing style.

[Emily Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review can be found here: https://youtu.be/Kj7tkbn30RI?si=S6YOj...

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to read a really old work after reading so many modern ones. This book was charmingly straightforward, both in plot and in romance, but somehow didn't disappoint in either. There was something timeless about it, something that reminded me of classic fairytales, but it stood in defiance of them by making the protagonist a woman who contained both power and mischief. It was unique and I really enjoyed it.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my mix of reading I try and include older titles that I would never had even been aware of if not finding such titles available at Mobileread Forums. This short but delightful tale is one of these. Here is a taste (the prologue) that gives a good feel for the book:

Come, sit with me beside the broad hearthstone and gaze into the depths of the fire when it burns low, for not among the leaping flames alone are there to be seen marvelous things.
Deep hidden from your eyes at first, but plainly visible as you look closer, are countless forms of brightness and of beauty. You will find them among the shining coals that glimmer in scarlet and gold before you when the embers lie clear and warm upon the hearth. You will behold them among the shadows that flit across the embers with delicate grace and changeful hues.
Here, spread wide open, is a part of the magical Land of Fire, the wonderland of the good and peaceful Ember Fairies. A golden gate gives entrance to it. Shining pathways lead through its bright gardens. Its skies are warm and glowing. Here, decked with flaming banners, stands the home of the good Prince Ember—his fairy Palace of Good Cheer. Here moves the beautiful Shadow Princess, in trailing garments of rose and amethyst. Here she may be seen in her dance of joy and ecstasy followed by her faithful band of Shadows.

Long ago, in the Land of Shadows, lived the Shadow Witch, the one beautiful and loving creature in all that dim and darksome land that lies away from the Land of Fire, and between it and the Chimney Back. Close to her domain is the great Plain of Ash, where the giant, Curling Smoke, rises, where the crafty Ash Goblin lurks, where the boisterous Wind in the Chimney swoops down from out the Chimney Mouth. Near by, also, in his Cave of Darkness, her brother the Wizard works his enchantments.

If you will but hearken, I will tell you how the Shadow Witch came to leave that grim land with its evil fairies, and why it is that she now dances with happiness amid the good fairies of the Fire, in the Land of Glowing Embers. You shall hear, also, of the noble Prince Ember, and of the quest upon which he once set out. What speed he had in his high adventure, and whether or no he brought it to a happy and fortunate close, this tale will make known to you.

[Rebecca Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairey fun

Loved it brought me back in time to place of magic dust in the pockets of my jacket to be used in times of trouble

[Tell Tale Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise! My partner with Tell Tale suggested it for us. I said okay, but when I looked into it I found that it was a children’s fantasy. I was expecting something extremely simple along the lines of Wizard of Oz. While The Shadow Witch is definitely a children’s book and is kept simple, I didn’t find it to be overly so. I was able to enjoy it even as an adult. This is a terrific simple fantasy, but has a lot of imagination and an unexpected sophistication. The Shadow Witch is not a wimpy virgin dependent on the hero for everything. She is a witch with powers and she joins in some of the battles. She also is not perfect—she has plenty of enemies. The villains and magic powers are very imaginative and the description is more detailed than The Wizard of Oz. Why has this not been better known and made into a movie? If you love fairy-tale fantasies along the lines of Oz or Cinderella or Snow White, but want a book that is a bit longer and more developed—without losing the wonder of a children’s story, then this is the book for you!
-Gregory Kerkman & Emily Schmidt

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminds me of children stories, elf, witches, good and evil. And the prince who have to go and save the shadow witch from her evil brother.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting mainly for it's old style of writing, but really a dull story. On the upside it is a quick read.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good fast read. enjoyed it. written well