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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. 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 ni The Witch Awakening is a blend of historical, fantasy and the paranormal.
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 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 str This book was written by my amazing and talented cousin, and I loved getting a chance to finally read it! 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. Jul 31, Lori Norman rated it it was amazing. I recently wrote to the author, Karen Nilsen twice. Here's what I said: You suggested I try Fledgling Witch.
Delighted, I sorted through and began reading o I recently wrote to the author, Karen Nilsen twice. 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. What a great writer you are! 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.
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!!!
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. 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. 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. This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through the author.
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 herbut 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: 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. Transparent dialog tends towards unrealistic and edges uncomfortably close to minor infodumps, and it strips much of the intrigue from the plot.
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 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. Self-publishing comes with risks, but don't let that turn you away: The Witch Awakening was an okay book. The beginning started off slow until about page 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 The Witch Awakening was an okay book. 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. 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. I am eagerly looking forward to more. I received this book throu Safire's father is determined to wed his daughter. 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 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 disaste I was ready for a series again. 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. 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!
I'm on the second in the series now! 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. 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. 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. Not my usual type of book. The First two chapters seemed a little slow to me but by the third chapter I was hooked. Then you get to meet her, go to a new school, find out that you're a witch even if that's malarkey , Do your fingers spark?
Then you get to meet her, go to a new school, find out that you're a witch even if that's malarkey , make new friends, get noticed by two cute guys, tryout spells, get attacked, and solve a murder. I really want to know! A good high school witchy story Evie or Evelynn is a witch. This book she spends it trying to figure out if she actually is one. Her story starts with a fire at her private school in which she is expelled because eye-witnesses claim they saw her hands spark. She learns she has a grandmother.
Her best friend Bree and her neighbor comes long for her crazy witchy ride. She casts spells, makes potions, and all believing it's not real. She has several love interest, but only one her grandmother approve A good high school witchy story Evie or Evelynn is a witch. She has several love interest, but only one her grandmother approves. I am not a witch At 15 Evie finds out she has a grandmother who believes she is a witch!
And that Evie is also. Evie has just been thrown out of the only school she has attended all of her life and must start a new school. How can she convince grandma witches don't exist, make new friends, and just be herself? Not to mention the murder across town and two boys who are suddenly treating her as someone special? Oct 31, Hope rated it it was amazing. Fun teen novel with a young girl just finding out that she is a witch. Great best friend drama, not too much boy drama, and a wonderful plot where she solves a murder mystery. Good proportions of each- I get sick of teen romances with good plots that aren't focused on.
Definitely going to read the rest of the series even if I can't get them from the library. Sep 08, Whitney rated it it was amazing.
She didn't take any crap from anyone. Alan Jacobs, an English professor at Wheaton College, asserts that Lucy is the most admirable of the human characters and that generally the girls come off better than the boys throughout the series Jacobs, Now, seventeen years later, she spends most of her time at boarding school in Manhattan, where she can at least pretend to be normal. So, I kept going. Soon Tony will journey to the threshold of manhood.
I have been provided with a copy of Witch Ways by the author for an impartial review. For a teen crowd This book was definitely geared at a teen or even preteen reader. While it was enjoyable, there was t a a lot of depth and the end came rather abruptly without a lot of explaining of how it came about. To witch or not to witch. Evelyn is 15, and she'd just set the school science lab on fire. She had no idea how, but wondered about the blue sparkles that had emitted from her fingers just before the fire started.
Enter into a world where magic is real and your uncle is now dating the neighbor lady who had supplied them with baked goods over the years. Life is just too weird. This book was very well written, and I couldn't seem to put it down. I read it, I believe, in two days. The only reason I only have 4 stars is the fact that there were several references to sex. In my opinion, that should limit the audience it could've otherwise reached. I thought it was going to be a typical teen goes to an academy with angst book.
But it had some interesting twist and turns along with a murder mystery for the fun of it. Looking forward to the next book. Nov 03, Hendrix Eva rated it really liked it. Tempted to read the next. You don't get to shh me! Who wouldn't want to be a witch? This is a lovely story about a young girl struggling to become her future self. The characters are realistic and the struggles are typical. The story is engaging and I enjoyed reading it; so much in fact that I bought the next book in the series. It was to fast of an ending. She could've written a hundred more pages before the ending.
There were so many things left unanswered. This is a good book if your looking for a quick easy read for your Reading Challenge. Refreshing and fun Great character development and witty lines kept this story moving forward and the reader engaged. This was just the change of pace I needed and now I must read the rest of the series. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I might look into reading the rest. And can I just say that I love Josh?
Jan 09, Daisy rated it it was amazing. Witch Ways is the first book in the Witch Ways series and it was really enjoyable.
Oct 31, Chryssy rated it did not like it. Intriguing Read I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I even bought the second one, which I rarely do. The love triangle, the mystery, the supernatural, it has it all. This is book 1. I really enjoyed this book.
Evie finds herself in some inexplicable situations that keep the story moving, with laugh out loud moments. My favorite of the 3 books. Nov 07, Jennifer Reese Rohr rated it really liked it. Can't wait to readnext one. Dec 03, Ashley rated it it was amazing.
Twist , turns and love. Unfortunately I am struggling to find the 2nd book on any of my ebook sites. Suffers from a huge lack of direction and action. Was Evelynn a witch or not. From the beginning of the book, you get a lot of mixed signals from what her grandmother's telling of what she is to her uncle's scientific explanations but never concrete proof that she wields magic. Aside from that, I found the book interesting. Evie is a teen with teen problems and a kickass best friend that is unruffled by the notion that she might have Originally posted on Under the Moonlight Book Blog I really liked the premises of this story but I got confused.
Evie is a teen with teen problems and a kickass best friend that is unruffled by the notion that she might have powers. I liked how the mystery involving Lauren's death was developed and I have to say I did not see that one coming. As for the "romance" aspect of the book, I am so annoyed! Why do all these flipping books have to have a love triangle? I was not on board with this Dylan dude from the beginning and I hope she ends up with the other guy.
He is so into her and she into him, but like always they are so clueless! Anyways, I will be reading the next book to see what happens next and see if it unfolds how I'm hoping. Witchy Denial Evie is a 15 year old girl with problems. She is accused of burning down the science lab. She didn't mean to but her witchy powers may have acted on her frustration. Other schools are afraid to take her so she enters Despaign Academy as set up by a Grandmother she didn't know about.
Does she love Josh or does she love Dylan? I look forward to the next book. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Seuss was my first love. My mom hated the good doctor and refused to checkout his books. He was my secret, guilty pleasure. When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her b Dr.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention.