Review: Witchfall

This series is awesome - I love it! Princess Elizabeth + witches = happy reader. This is why I love this series: the magical element with a touch of historical fiction.

And that book cover?! That is a cover that would make me pick this book up in a bookstore or library.

Title: ‘Witchfall’

Author: Victoria Lamb

Pages: 336

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Available: NOW at your local library/book store

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Her darkest dreams are coming true.

In Tudor England, 1555, Meg Lytton has learned how powerful her magick gift can be. But danger surrounds her and her mistress, the outcast Princess Elizabeth. Nowhere is safe in the court of Elizabeth's fanatical sister, Queen Mary. And as the Spanish Inquisition's merciless priests slowly tighten their grip on the court, Meg's very dreams are disturbed by the ever-vengeful witchfinder Marcus Dent.

Even as Meg tries to use her powers to find guidance, something evil arises, impervious to Meg's spells and hungry to control England's fate. As Meg desperately tries to keep her secret betrothed, the Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, out of harm's way, caution wars with their forbidden desire. And with her most powerful enemy poised to strike, Meg's only chance is a heartbreaking sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

Lamb does not disappoint in this sequel. I was even more invested in Meg than ever—and my heart pumped harder in this novel than in the first.

We are thrust back into Tudor England when Mary is still on the throne and Princess Elizabeth is still her prisoner. Throughout the novel, I waited for the death of Mary. And waited. And waited. Because I knew that the solving of all of Meg’s troubles would happen with the crowning of Elizabeth.

But, there couldn’t be a third book if Lamb gave it to Elizabeth in this novel. So, I still wait. But be on notice Lamb: I except Elizabeth to be crowned in book 3. I might cry if she is not.

After all, Queen Mary’s England is dangerous. And it gives me the heebes. And really, I love Queen Elizabeth. Give it to her already.

Okay, back to the sequel.

Meg is at court with Princess Elizabeth, but all eyes are on them. One misstep and all is lost. Meg has to mind her Ps and Qs and plays her role well, but is that enough?

When Princess Elizabeth takes ill, and accusations of witchcraft land in her rooms, the plot takes a scary shift. The last think Elizabeth needs is this to happen—and she needs to convince her sister to stop the silliness.

But now Queen Mary has taken to her chambers, awaiting the arrival of her little prince. An arrival that will not happen as Queen Mary is not pregnant but sick with cancer. Again Lamb, where is this woman’s death?!

So Elizabeth has another plan, get to the King. He can stop the accusations. But, does it work? After all, people will talk when they see him conversing with a woman that many in England feel should be put to her death. How will Queen Mary feel about her sister taking time out of her day to spend time with The King? And can the witch craze begin to step away from Princess Elizabeth’s household, and off the back of Meg. Or is there a traitor among them, waiting to oust Meg at the first chance?

And how does Marcus Dent play into all of this? After all, Meg “banished” him in the last book. Or did she?

One thing I really enjoyed was the growth of Meg’s character. She continues to build into her power, while trying to conceal who she really is, and the bond she shares with Princess Elizabeth seems unshakeable.

I also enjoyed how Lamb built the plot’s tension throughout; sometimes making my heart beat a little faster because I was so afraid for Meg. The pacing is spot on, giving readers a story and characters they can invest in. And I do feel invested in Meg. While Meg is the star of this series, there are other characters that enhance the story (besides Princess Elizabeth) that bring fear, love, jealousy, horror, and more to the page.

Twists, turns, surprises, and more wait on the pages of this delightful read. It is one of my favorite reads of this year. I love all things historical fiction that deals with Tudor England, especially when witches are a part of it. And this is fastly becoming a favorite series of mine.

Do I recommend this book?

I enthusiastically do! Especially of readers of historical fiction (with a touch of magic), this book series needs to find itself into your life.

Let’s talk about books—what’s the best historical fiction novel you’ve read lately?

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Witchstruck

When I saw this in the Netgalley catalog, I knew I had to read it—Elizabethan England AND witches?

I. Am. In. 

love this cover

Title: ‘Witchstruck’

Author: Victoria Lamb

Pages: 320 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Available: NOW at your local bookstore and library

Source: requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged.

Meg Lytton has always known she is different; that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practice witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. With witch finder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck, the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. From the moment Meg appears on the page until the very end, Lamb had me hooked.

Elizabeth isn’t yet queen. She is under house arrest by order of her sister, and she has a witch living under her roof. A dangerous combination, especially since Lady Elizabeth is aware of Meg’s special “talent.” But can Elizabeth’s pull save Meg from the hands of witch finder Dent, a man who wants Meg for his wife?

The novel does contain an element of romance, sans Dent, but it is not the focus of the story. The focus is on friendship and how to stay true to one’s self when there are others who believe that witches should not live. This is not just a story of witch hunting, it is also a story of understanding the world Meg is living in, pre-Elizabethan England.

Meg is a fantastic character, even if being a “witch” is a death sentence. She has a good head on her shoulders, wanting to please those around her, especially Lady Elizabeth, but also wanting to be able to practice her craft without fear. She is young, eager, and ready to take on the world. This includes witch finder Marcus Dent, whose agenda seems to extend beyond simply wanting to find “witches.” He wants Meg for his wife, and she is not having it. This is brave because in this time, females did not object to marriage. They did as they were instructed, period. Lamb does not give readers a sparkplug with Meg but a firecracker who is looking to live her life—on her terms.

While Lady Elizabeth is in the novel, she is not the star. Nor does she steal the spotlight. It is held strong by Meg. What Elizabeth does bring to the story is suspense. It is dangerous for her to have Meg in her service. An accusation of witchcraft could lead Elizabeth to her death, but she stands tall and strong, and loyal.

I loved Meg and Elizabeth on the page. The two took quite a few chances with Meg’s fortune telling, but their on-page chemistry went beyond Lady and maid. It was a blooming friendship filled with trust, an allegiance of the ultimate kind. Lady Elizabeth needs as many people in her corner as she can, and so does Meg.

As a whole, I loved the plot and pacing of the novel. The plot is carefully maneuvered with political intrigue mixed with a bit of magic and a sprinkling of romance, giving the novel a smooth feel while reading. Does that make sense? It did not feel choppy and overly historical (which can happen in historical fiction) but was more of a tale of friendship, fear, and loyalty.

I think what I really enjoyed was that the book combined two elements that I really enjoy reading: Lady Elizabeth and witchcraft—both were treacherous for the time for very different reasons. Lamb weaved the two together seamlessly.

I recommend this novel to readers of historical fiction, witchy reads, and all things Queen Elizabeth I.

What historical novel have you read and enjoyed lately?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Philippa Gregory for Teens

I love history, especially the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. When I saw this novel at B&N, I decided to give it a try. After all, who doesn't enjoy a love story every now and again?

Book jacket summary

Ellie—Lady Eleanor Rodriguez, Countess of San Jaime—possesses a worthless title, but her feisty spirit captivates the elite of the Queen's court—especially the dashing new Earl of Dorset.

William Lacey, Earl of Dorset, has inherited his father's title—and his financial ruin. Now Will must seek a wealthy bride and restore his family's fortune. If only he hadn't fallen for the beautiful but penniless Ellie . . .

Sparks fly whenever Ellie and Will are together, but circumstances—and the conniving interference of others—threaten to keep them apart.

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. While it took me a few days to read, it was worth the time. The characters were likable, the plot was intriguing, and the time period was well-researched.

The one thing I enjoyed the most in this novel was the presentation of Elizabethan England. While many novels from this time period revolve around the Queen herself (or her ladies), this one does not. Instead, readers are treated to an intriguing story of forbidden love.

Ellie was a delightful character. Throughout the novel I felt her character's spirit was a direct link to the Queen. The way she presented herself, her scholarship, her tenacity all channel that of the Queen's. I believe that had Ellie's circumstances been a bit different, she and the Queen would have been best friends.

The Earl of Dorset, however, does not gain the same type of affection from me (nor from Ellie) at the novel's start. Destitute and trying to make amends for the loss of his family's fortune, Dorset sets his sights and punishment on the wrong lots, casting Ellie and her father out like dogs in the night. To say that the change in his character four years later was much needed is an understatement. The author took care to show the maturity of this character and his handling of his duties.

The love story between Ellie and Dorset develops nicely, but there are many other matters at play that affect them both. For me, it is the supporting characters and their sub plots that kept this novel as a page-turner. In addition to the love story, the novel deals with courtly love, political intrigue, religious difference, the lowly status of women, etc. 

All of these dealings are wrapped up in a nice package labeled "The Lacey Chronicles." I am anxious to continue this series to see what is in store next...

Who knew Jenny Cooper was this interesting?!

I am a Jane Austen fan, but not because of Pride and Prejudice. No, I introduced myself to Austen through the likes of one Gwyneth Paltrow. She was so charming in Emma, and who can resist the coupling of Emma and Mr. Knightly? So, I read the book. And to this day, it is my favorite Austen novel. I find myself attracted to Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy as well...but not like my love for Mr. Knightly. And yet, I am always looking for books about Jane, not just by her. I do not like reading those who try to imitate her style; it just does not work. But I do love when authors are able to take this remarkable woman and create story-telling about her through her surroundings.

This leads me to this wonderful shelf find. Yes, I found this simply by browsing the shelf at B&N and knew instantly I must read it. I had high hopes for this novel, after all, can you imagine Jane Austen at 15?! After all, she is Jane Austen.

The premise of this YA novel is simple: Jenny Cooper and Jane Austen are cousins. Ages are changed to accommodate the plot (the author divulges this at the end), and the two are at boarding school together. Jane falls ill and it is not the Head Mistress that is her savior but Jenny! Jenny risks everything, but more importantly her reputation, to send a letter to Jane's mother at the fear that Jane will not survive this illness.

And thus we are thrown into the world of Jane Austen, but through the eyes (and diary entries) of Jenny Cooper, cousin-extraordinaire. The two are rescued by Mama and Papa Austen and taken back to Jane's home; they spend a splendid year together - balls, walks, talks, and of course men. But there is one man who has caught Jenny's eye, and she has caught his. BUT, he is the keeper of a very important secret...will he "spill the beans" and reveal all, completely ruining Jenny's reputation and any prospects of marriage? Or, will he take her in his arms and promise to devote himself to her as his husband? After all, even though the story is from Jenny's point of view, this is an Austen novel.

I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend will not disappoint, whether you are a fan of Austen's or not. If you've never read an Austen novel, well, what are you waiting for?! No, this novel is a nice introduction into the fifteen-year-old destined to be immortalized through the guise of books forever.  It is well-researched and presents the Austen family in a realistic light. They are a struggling family who love one another deeply, but ultimately they must all marry money...just like Miss Jenny Cooper.

I give this novel an enthusiastic two thumbs up!!!