The Witch Awakening

by Karen Nilsen

Book 1 of the Landers Saga
The odor of burning flesh and the screams of those condemned to the flames disturb the dreams of young Safire of Long Marsh. Safire struggles to keep the curse of her psychic abilities secret, lest she be burned at the stake as a witch in her native land Cormalen. Forced to keep her talents hidden instead of learning how to use them, Safire is ill-prepared to face the evil that awaits her. When she meets the rebellious Merius of Landers, a nobleman determined to escape his overbearing father's influence, she finally finds someone who accepts her. But their romance interferes with court plots and family duty and ultimately leads Safire to confront the dark secrets of the House of Landers alone. What she finds there proves to be a test of her unusual gifts, a test that could free the soul of a haunted man--or end in her death.

Excerpt from Chapter 20 of The Witch

Instantly, Safire was up and across the chamber. She rested her hand on my arm, her touch cool. "Shh, it's all right."

I snatched my arm from her grasp. "How dare you touch me?"

She grabbed my other arm with both hands. "Damn witch!" I swore and raised my palm to slap her away, but then I froze, my hand in midair. A strange sensation was running up my arm from her hands, a tingling warmth that moved through the veins to my heart and then to the rest of my body. All my muscles loosened, as if I'd just had several shots of the best whiskey, and the shaking stopped. "What the hell?" I muttered. "What in God's good name was that?"

"Shh. It's all right." She looked up at me, her grip on my arm slackening. Her eyes were clear and bright as green glass, her voice low and soothing. I found myself staring down at her as if in a trance. What sort of pact had Merius made with the devil for this creature?

"You've cursed me," I said flatly, though the words seemed to be another's, not mine.

"No, sir. I can no more curse anyone than you can, though I wish I could sometimes."

"What was that, then? That warmth?"

"Certainly not a curse. Do you feel better?"

I nodded slowly. "I'll not send you to the stake just yet."

"Oh, Safire," Dagmar breathed. She staggered backwards against the side table, gripped it with white-knuckled fingers. "Safire, what have you done now? They're going to burn you this time for certain . . ."

Safire ignored her. "It must be well nigh impossible, to be forced to believe in something after believing in nothing for so long."

"Save the platitudes for the priests." I took a step back, crossed my arms. "They mean nothing to me."

She shrugged. "Platitude or not, it would be a shock for anyone, what you heard and saw in the courtyard tonight."

I bent down, picked up the poker, stirred the fire before I threw more kindling on the flames. Sparks shot up the chimney, and I straightened, rested my hands on the mantel. "I joined the king's guard when I was sixteen. I've killed men in every country marked on our maps, seen depravities you couldn't even begin to comprehend. I'm well accustomed to shocks."

"In other words, you think me presumptuous?" She moved to the corner of the hearth and into my field of vision.

"Yes." I glared at her. Her tangled curls burned in the firelight, and her skin had a faint shimmery sheen to it, pale as a pearl. There was something not quite human about her. "Changeling," I spat. "I should by all rights cast you out, let the magistrate burn you.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Witches, Magic

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2010

About the author

As a child, Karen suffered frequent bouts of insomnia. The only way she could settle into sleep many nights was to imagine stories that played out like movies on the dark ceiling over her bed. Since her mean parents refused to replace the TV after the cat blew it up by peeing on the cord, all Karen had left to entertain herself in the lone wilds of the Minnesota wilderness were books and her own stories.

As Karen grew, the stories grew with her. One day when she was fourteen, she told her mother one of these stories for probably the hundredth time. Her mother, who knew Karen very well, turned to her and said, “You know, Karen, you keep talking about these stories, but you never write them down. You keep saying you’re going to write a novel, but I don’t believe that you will.” This comment infuriated Karen so much that she started writing her stories down and hasn’t stopped since.

A magpie in her writing, Karen enjoys weaving elements from genres such as historical fantasy, paranormal romance, and family saga into an eclectic nest. She completed the Landers Saga in 2012, her first series about the House of Landers.

Kiss the flame . . . Love defies family, king, religion, even death itself in a skewed Renaissance world of witch burnings, swordfights, and court intrigue. Safire, a psychic artist whose unusual abilities condemn her as a witch in her superstitious society, struggles to survive in a labyrinth of unforgiving rules and political plots. She plunges headlong into a passionate affair with a highborn man, little imagining the far-reaching consequences of this entanglement for her, her family, and her world.

Karen's completed works include:

Fledgling Witch: A Novella (A Prequel to the Landers Saga)
The Witch Awakening (Book One of the Landers Saga)
Tapestry Lion (Book Two of the Landers Saga)
Phoenix Ashes (Book Three of the Landers Saga)
The Curious Fear of High and Lonely Places (Book Four of the Landers Saga)

The Bird Children (Book One of the Phoenix Realm)
Across the Summer Sea (Book Two of the Phoenix Realm)
The In-Between Place (Book Three of the Phoenix Realm)
How Winter Came to Eden (Book Four of the Phoenix Realm)

The Dream Garden
The Siren and the Selkie

Persephone's Tears: A Romance in the Seventh Dimension

A Nest of Thorns

The Time Shop: Collected Poetry

Reviews

[Beary Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I took a short break from fantasy because I was struggling with staying interested in the stories. I'm not sure if it was just my mood or the books I was picking up. This fantasy is one that had me hooked from the start and I think that's all having to do with the main character Safire. I am a sucker for a strong female character! I love rooting for them and watching their character grow and change. This is my first time reading this author and I enjoyed their writing style. The plot was easy to follow and while there is a lot going on I was never once confused. The pacing was on point and build up will make you want to continue reading this series. Overall, I would highly recommend it!

[Misty Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was first sent “The Witch Awakening” by Karen Nilsen I groaned a little inside, (there’s no point in not being honest,) while the synopsis sounded interesting it also sounded predictable. “Here is another Paranormal Romance…oh goody” I thought without really giving it a chance. My love for paranormal novels is known fact, (one of which I speak of very publicly and with much gusto,) but the need for them to be original and otherwise outstanding is starting to burden me a little. It takes a lot for me to REALLY like them, and with so many (very well known and fantastic) samples out there for us to read I tend to be overly critical of this particular genre. (Which then spawns angry emails and pissed off authors.) So first, before I really even get down to the business of tearing the book apart, let me apologize to Ms. Nilsen for being a book grouch before even cracking my Kindle’s cover.

“The Witch Awakening” was not just a paranormal romance, it was this oddly pieced together mixture of historical fiction, romance, fantasy and action lit, which…regardless of how overwhelming all of those sound (clumped into one piece of literature) worked together like the pieces of a well oiled machine.

Safire is independent in a time that it’s expected for women to be seen and not heard. As a daughter of a falling house, her father makes arrangements to marry her off in exchange for the “wiping clean of his debts,” but Safire is less than thrilled by the idea of being sold to a man who is as dirty as his money. After being sent to court to “become a proper lady” with her prudish sister, Safire does the unthinkable…she falls in love with a Nobel man named Merius. The only problem with this match made in heaven is Merius’ evil plotting father, and his mission to hide the truth and end their love… by any means necessary. It’s not until Safire truly excepts who she is that things really start to happen, but will revealing who she is (regardless of her intentions) help her or eventually kill her?

The most interesting thing about this novel was the way in which it was told. A story like this could have very easily been told from only 1 or even 2 perspectives, but the sheer fact that Nilsen told the story through the “eyes” of the “enemy” made it even more captivating. In the first few chapters I was less than impressed with the characters as a whole, they seemed horribly rushed in some places and holey in others, but thankfully once the initial choppiness of getting the story started was out of the way, the much needed details started to pop up, and the story transformed from Swiss cheese to wonderful solid block of cheddar (don’t mock me for the food reference… I’m hungry and it worked.) Eventually all of the characters (both the heroes and the nemesis) read as if they are real…solid…people that house the same traits you could see walking down the street, which… made the read (even though flawed in a few places…mostly editing errors) enjoyable. The plot was filled with details both Renissancey (is that a word?) and Fantastical, and left just enough to the imagination that it didn’t become overbearing (even though is was well over 400 pages long.)

All in all, I was much more impressed than I originally expected, and the story (in its completeness) had way more action then I ever expected (which I LOVED… seeing as how I’m addicted to a good ‘ole exchanging of fist.) If you can force yourself to sit down and take on such a daunting sized read (keep this in mind… it took me several days and I read faster than most) then I think it’s worth the money and time. It is truly marveling meshing of several beloved genres.

Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Society sets standards…we are put on this earth to break them.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch Awakening by Karen Nilsen, is a tale of courtly intrigue, true love and old world adventure with a paranormal twist. I wasn't sure what to expect as I started to read, but was pleasantly surprised to find a fantastic tale that follows young Safire and Merius. The two tempt fate and turn their backs on society and what is proper to follow their hearts. Their relationship is threatened by separation, war and the manipulative plotting of Merius's father Mordric. And if this is not enough, Safire faces an evil that threatens her very life.


The story is told from three different characters point of view; Safire, Merius and Mordric. This gives the reader a very interesting perspective and added insight to each of the characters and motives behind their actions. In most novels the reader never gets to see "into" the mind of the villain. In this case we get to see what drives Mordirc to do what he does we discover a very tortured soul. I found all the characters to have depth and believability. The supporting characters were strong and played a very vital role in moving the story along.


I want to give kudos to the author for her ability to bring things to life. The battle scenes were written in such vivid detail that I found myself fighting along side the characters. Her attention to detail with regards to weaponry and their descriptions were spot on. Her vivid imagery of the evil that lurks the halls of the Landers' household is one of nightmares. With each encounter I found my self wondering what lurks my halls. You will want to leave a light on after reading the scary bits.


The plot moved along in a very natural way as events unfolded. The main characters never lost sight of their goal; to be together even when situations threatened to tear them apart. I thoroughly enjoyed the love story in this book. Karen Nilsen did a superb job of blending many different genres into one story without it feeling forced but flowing naturally. The book is extremely well written and I could find nothing lacking. I was fully satisfied when I finished, except that I did not have the next book " Tapestry Lion ( Volume Two)" in hand to continue reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Paranormal Romance with substance and depth. The Witch Awakening is a robust story that will leave you wanting more. I give it a worthy 5 stars!

Review written for DarkissReads. www.darkissreads.com

[Shannon Mawhiney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short review: If something like the movie Everafter combined with ghosts and magic sounds like your cup of tea, then I would definitely recommend Witch Awakening to you. (Note: This is not, however, a clone of Everafter; just similar in setting and in parts of the story.)

The long review: Karen Nilsen has a real talent for description, and for building a complete, believable world. Many times I came to the end of a chapter and had to keep reading to see what came next. I wouldn't say that the story is entirely action-packed, but Nilsen clearly knows her created world very well and describes it flowingly and with ease; and that is what kept me reading.

I don't really understand the reviews that describe this as soft-core porn. It gets a little descriptive in a couple of scenes, but they're certainly not the majority of the story. My complaint, though, is in the characterization of the main character, Safire. In the beginning, she's independent, strong, and sarcastic, and I liked her. But then she spends probably the last half of the book crying and vulnerable, and I found myself angry with Safire, wondering what had happened. I hope this isn't the case, but it seemed like after Safire had her man, she became a stereotypically weak woman. It bothered me, and is why I couldn't quite rate the book a 4.

That being said though, I would like to read the next book. The author did an excellent job of ending the book but leaving enough suspense to keep the reader wanting more. I especially want to see where Safire goes with her witchiness and what all she's capable of.

[Raelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Nilsen is a new author for me. I won an autographed copy of her book The Witch Awakening, The Landers Saga Begins, and I am very glad. I am can't wait to read the next one she is currently working on, Phoenix Ashes. Be sure and check her out at www.karennisen.com.

I loved this book!! The main character, Safire, is a very feisty young witch who goes against everything acceptable in the times of Kings and Courts.

She is a character I could identify with as I always was a hoyden myself, never falling in line with what was expected of a young lady. She is an artist, she constantly disappears, sneaking off to market on her own, to sell her drawings under the guise they were drawn by her brother. She is from poorer royalty and falls in love with an only son,Merius of Mordric. Mordric is heavily involved in the politics of court, controlling the king and the merchants. The story follows Merius and Safire, their love, trials and tribulations they face as a result of Mordric's machinations as he attempts to mold Merius into the courtesan he wants Merius to be as a Landers, and only heir.

I loved the "About the Author", as she seems feisty herself. As a young girl she suffered from insomnia so as she stared at the ceiling at night she would make up stories in her head. She would tell these stories to her mother. Her Mother goaded her by saying "you always say your going to write a novel, but I don't believe you will" this infuriated Karen so much that she started writing her stories down. Yeah for bad parenting!!

I gave it 5 stars, it is a very easy read, I guarantee you will love it!

[Ceri Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch Awakening is a blend of historical, fantasy and the paranormal. From the beginning you fall in love with the heroine, Safire. She is aptly named with fire in her belly and the ability to stick to her guns and not bow down to pressure.

The only niggle I would say is (and it is only a small thing) is that Safire's character seems to change half-way through. She beomes a bit, well soppy.You just want to give her a bit of a shake and tell her to pull herself together. I say it is a small niggle because apart from my slight annoyance, the story still works. It is a will they, won't they get together scenario and I can see why it was done.

Still, this is book is full of court intrigue, romance, action and great psychic abilities.

I definitely recommend this book and I would have given it five stars but for the wimpyness of the heroine near the end.

This book will not disappoint but I would say devote some time to it, it deserves it. This is a well crafted story which will keep you reading until the end.

This book was the June 2011 choice in the Fantasy Book Club for under $3 on Amazon Discussions.

[Rachel Smalter Hall]

This book was written by my amazing and talented cousin, and I loved getting a chance to finally read it! Her writer's voice is clear and witty, and her main heroine, Saffire, is fiery and willful -- my favorite kind of lady.

As I was reading, I was really struck by how awesome and surprising it is to read a book by someone you've known for a long time. I had this incredible, intimate glimpse into my cousin's mind, which made me ponder and admire the bravery required to allow both friends and strangers alike to have that rare and special view.

[Lori Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently wrote to the author, Karen Nilsen twice. Here's what I said:
After meeting you at the "Local Authors' Day," though I enjoyed talking with you, I hesitated to buy one of your books as witches and fantasy aren’t usually what I tend to enjoy reading. You suggested I try Fledgling Witch. I had to leave the gathering around noon but received a call later that I’d won the door prize, a basket filled with books from many of the authors present! Delighted, I sorted through and began reading one after the other. True to form, the Landers Saga ended up at the end of the list. But I finally got there and began to read. Well, I couldn’t put your book down! Clearly, I’d saved the best for last! And now, since you donated The Witch Awakening, I’m able to keep reading this terrific tale. What a great writer you are! I love these books and will continue to enjoy the rest of the saga and everything else you’ve written. (I’ve signed up on your website to be notified when you have a new book out.) I have friends who love to read, so I’ll pass on the word!
Several days later:
I am truly enjoying book 1 and can't wait to read the rest. Even though I'm thoroughly engrossed in the story, being a long-time critique group member, my mind is also aware of plotting, character development, description, etc. and every once in a while, I catch myself whispering, "Wow!" because of a particular passage or description or scene that you wrote so skillfully. It takes my breath away and I smile with enjoyment at your facility with language and storytelling. I know the hard work that goes into writing, and I take my hat off to you! Few people write so well.
I'm reading book 3 now, enjoying every minute.
Don't miss this series!!!

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Book Review: *The Witch Awakening* (The Landers Saga Book 1) by Karen Nilsen**

*The Witch Awakening* by Karen Nilsen is a gripping start to *The Landers Saga*, blending dark fantasy with themes of magic, romance, and political intrigue. The story follows Safire of Long Marsh, a young woman cursed with psychic abilities in a land where such powers could mean death by fire. Nilsen masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and fear as Safire struggles to conceal her gifts in a world filled with suspicion and danger.

Safire’s encounter with Merius of Landers, a rebellious nobleman, brings a touch of romance to the narrative, but this is far from a typical love story. Their connection leads Safire into a web of courtly intrigue, family conflicts, and dark secrets. Nilsen’s skillful world-building brings to life the land of Cormalen, where danger lurks around every corner, and no one is truly safe.

Safire’s journey is both a personal and supernatural awakening, as she must confront not only her own hidden powers but also the haunting truths within the House of Landers. The tension builds steadily as Safire faces a test of her abilities, one that could save a tortured soul or spell her doom.

With vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and an atmosphere thick with dread, *The Witch Awakening* is a captivating read for fans of dark fantasy and magic. Safire's inner strength and courage make her a protagonist worth rooting for, and Nilsen’s rich storytelling will leave readers eager for the next installment in the series.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

once I saw the cover of The Witch Awakening by @karen_nilsen_fantasy_author, I just had to read it! I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous.

The author’s writing style has been captivating. The way she has told the story through 3 points of view - one of which is through enemy eyes - felt unique and quite different. The plot has also been perfectly paced and the story never felt slow or boring.

The characters felt relatable and I adored Safire. Her character is a great mix of strength and vulnerability. There is some character growth throughout the story and the side characters also played quite a strong role.

If you enjoy a good paranormal romance mixed with fantasy, historical fiction, and a bit of spice, you should definitely pick up The Witch Awakening.

[Colline Vinay Kook-Chun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told in a 3POV, the reader is able to grasp the intricacies of characters - characters that have the potential to grow in this series. My attention was captured and held until the last pages - pages that promise a resolution in the next book.

My favourite character was Safire, the red-headed witch. I wanted more growth in the male characters and hope that this is what I would see in the next book. I finish the book wishing to know what would become of Safire the witch - my favourite character.

[Anne G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, it kept me involved, and wanting to see what was going to happen next. I do have one minor complaint though, some of the chapters were very long and I am someone who likes to stop at the end of the chapter, so it meant I had to stay up a bit longer than I wanted to at times :)

[Ana Mardoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch Awakening / 978-1-45151-969-3

I really thought I was past the age of recklessly staying up all night to finish a book, but today I find myself sleepy-but-satisfied, having stayed up far to late to finish "The Witch Awakening".

When author Nilsen first sent me a copy of her book to review, I had expected from the title that the book would fall into the "witch fiction" genre, not unlike several others in my collection, most recently "Daughters of the Witching Hill". I was surprised, however, and delighted to find that "The Witch Awakening" is a rare genre-defying masterpiece, combining the best elements of "witch fiction", historical romance, fantasy, and - delightfully out of left field - a touch of suspense and intrigue.

It's an unusual book that so beautifully blends so many separate elements of genre fiction into a masterful whole such as this, with the end result being an epic novel that brings something to the table for every reader. The romance angle - an element that I usually avoid in fiction - is pulled off perfectly, with both the heroine and hero being superbly likable and satisfyingly "Genre Savvy", to the point that they never descend into stupidity to advance the plot. The historical fiction and fantasy elements are carefully blended to provide a setting that somewhat resembles a European court romance, but with enough of a fantastical setting to make the entire backdrop fresh and new (and to allow the historians to relax and not fret over any small "inaccuracies" in court decorum). Of the "witch fiction" elements and the magical suspense elements, "The Witch Awakening" stands out from the crowd with a heroine who doesn't fear to use her talents (and doesn't angst constantly over her gift/curse), and yet doesn't go the other direction and become absurdly over-powerful in the process - if anything, the "talents" on display here seem very much like what a 'real' witch would be able to do as a supernaturally talented and yet still very human woman.

More than anything else, "The Witch Awakening" is truly delightful for the masterful writing employed here. The prose is perfect - detailed and meaningful without ever getting bogged down or tiresome, and with dialogue that is truly delightful to read. The characters are superbly realistic and three-dimensional - each and every 'villain' has a deeper side to their story, and every hero or supporting character has satisfying shades of gray to their persona. The plot is paced beautifully, with each new event unfolding naturally as a consequence of the characterization, and never do the events feel forced or awkward. And to my delight and relief, the main couple never once in the narrative lose sight of what is truly important in their relationship and their lives, a wise decision on the part of the author that completely cemented my adoration for this novel.

If I had to compare "The Witch Awakening" to something, I would compare it to Philippa Gregory's "The Wise Woman", but as I would the flip side to a coin. Whereas "The Wise Woman" combined fantastical genre elements with historical fiction in order to show the darkest possible side of the humanity, "The Witch Awakening" combines those same elements and deep characterization to show the very best sides of humanity. And where Gregory was able to set up deeply disturbed and well-characterized people and events and allow them to destroy one another in a deconstructive conclusion, Nilsen goes one step further and provides her characters with the means to redeem each other in a truly cathartic and redemptive conclusion that no reader will be able to forget.

NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through the author.

~ Ana Mardoll

[Juushika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safire is the youngest daughter of a low-ranking noble house, and she harbors magical powers condemned by her nation's church. When she meet Merius, a rebellious young nobleman, she finally finds someone to love and accept her—but their fiery romance is complicated by Merius's overbearing father and a vengeful spirit who challenges Safire's latent powers. The Witch Awakening suffers some as a self-published first novel, but its handful of weaknesses fail to distract from its heart: an enduring protagonist and an engaging story which, while they never rise to become remarkable, make for an enjoyable and satisfying book.

It's the little things that plague the novel. CreateSpace produces a solidly-bound book, but self-publishing makes for messy formatting and one or two typos. More importantly, some aspects of the book feel a little raw—the curse, perhaps, of a first novel or a missing editor. Transparent dialog tends towards unrealistic and edges uncomfortably close to minor infodumps, and it strips much of the intrigue from the plot. The Witch Awakening straddles a number of genres, but its inclination towards paranormal romance makes the passion between Safire and Merius grow a bit stale and trite through repetition and lack of conflict—which is all the more disappointing given that the characters have a brilliant, convincing spark between them.

Such weaknesses are small within themselves, but taken together they grow bothersome. Never, though, do they sufficiently distract from the novel's joy. The Witch Awakening may not be art, but it is solid and rewarding entertainment. Safire is a gem of a protagonist—she's authentically willful and feisty, but whenever she draws too close to an idealized caricature Nilsen scales her back with realistic, compelling weaknesses. Safire alone would make for an engaging, memorable novel, but she's accompanied by an entire cast of realistic characters and the prose and plot also pull their weight: Nilsen writes a pretty sentence without ever growing flowery, and the plot is a motley and engrossing mix of romance and supernatural, intrigue and family issues. Some aspects are never fully explored and the pacing grows weak near the end of the book, leaving it light in climax and quick in resolution, and these aspects may be (more than a want of editing) what prevents the book from realizing its full potential. But a book need not be faultless to be enjoyable, engaging, and satisfying—and The Witch Awakening is all these things. Self-publishing comes with risks, but don't let that turn you away: readers in search of an engaging fantasy novel with just enough originality to make it stick in the mind would do well to pick up this book. I recommend it.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witch Awakening was an okay book. The beginning started off slow until about page 150. Afffter that, the book got better. I liked most of the characters. Arelia confused me a little bit. Sometimes Mordic could see her and other times he had to touch Safire to see her. My favorite character was Safire. I liked her personality and her fiery attitude. She didn't take any crap from anyone. At first, I really liked Merius, but towards the end of the book he started acting like a jerk. Dagmar gave a few hints that Merius had a horrible temper and that Safire shouldn't be with him. Due to that, I'm not entirely sure if I trust Merius anymore. The ending wasn't really a cliffhanger. Although the book is the beginning of a series, you could read it as a stand alone novel. The plot taught me about politics in the past. I recommend this book to fans of supernatural stories.

[justablondemoment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safire's father is determined to wed his daughter. High-spirited Safire has other plans. As her father continues to seek a marriage for her Safire meets and falls in love with someone above her in station, whose father is definitely not happy about their romance and goes all out to stop it.

It took me awhile to be able to read this book. Once I did finally begin it, I could NOT put it down. Wonderful story...very lovable characters. I am eagerly looking forward to more. I received this book through member give-away, and although I think it's a nice thing read and then pass on to someone else this is a keeper in my house and has earned a place on my favorite's shelf.

(Won through LibraryThing Early Review program)

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was ready for a series again. Not anything heavy, just something to enjoy on a light reading level. I believe I found it with this one. The Witch Awakening is the first of a trilogy(so far) involving the House of Landers, in a mythical setting.
There is romance,ghosts, knights and court intrigues, and a crusade of sorts. But mostly the first book revolves around the adventures and love life of Safire, a headstrong young woman of a minor noble house, who seems always headed straight for disaster.
I liked this book.

[Lisa Buie-Collard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this novel, the first in the series, to be not only entertaining, but well written, well paced and full of unanticipated plot twists! The author has a fresh voice and I would recommend this to fantasy/romance readers. I'm on the second in the series now! The Witch Awakening

[Anne Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, sweet book. I loved the chemistry between the two, and the fact that it was an imaginary location (unless my geography is REALLY bad) without being too fantasy-ish...The book read like a historical paranormal romance, and wasn't at all what I expected, it was better. I am looking forward to more from this author.

[Terrie Stamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch Awakening-Very good read!

This witch is good all the way through. The story of her life and the people around her is fascinating. You watch as she grows into the witch she is supposed to be. You learn about her family and her lovers family and how she falls in love. Life takes a turn for the bad for a time, then rights itself. A wonderful story and worth the read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book. The First two chapters seemed a little slow to me but by the third chapter I was hooked. Like most stories it is predictable at parts. But it is a great book. The ending leaves you wanting more. I can't wait until the next one in the series is out.

[Christopher Howland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of or read anything by this author, so I didn't have a lot of expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. The switch between the 3 points of view is a little awkward at first but it works. I will be reading the rest of the books in this series.

[J.E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more...