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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
After finishing the book I read a few reviews and noticed that people either liked it ... or not. The reviews are all pretty mixed but mostly positive from what I saw. I went into this without knowing too much and I'm really glad about that! Usually I'm not a fan of books about witches and magic but this one intrigued me! I fell in love with the cover and knew I had to read this, no matter what.
I was surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it! Sure, there were some minor things that disturbed me - I wanted more action scenes, for example - but Virginia balanced it out with her great characters that were all very loveable and awesome. Each one of them actually. Well, except for the "bad" ones but yeah.
At first I thought Elizabeth would be a typical YA heroine ... good at everything she does, too perfect or maybe the complete opposite. I was still curious and hoped for the best. I must admit that I really, really liked her because the author made her seem perfect/good at what she does but proved us early on that she isn't. Not anymore at least. However, the changes she went through during her time with Nicholas and the others were very interesting to read!
"You're awfully short," I say.
"Short? Not me! Maybe you're the short one. Ever think of that?"
I consider it. "My God, you're right. You must be very clever."
Geroge cracks a laugh. "If only everyone was this easy to convince."
And speaking of the others ... I liked everyone! At first we met George and well, I thought he'd be a love interest for Elizabeth but gladly that didn't happen. Them being friends and bantering all day long was so much more enjoyable! They're both sarcastic and I had a lot of fun reading their scenes! Fifer is another one I wasn't sure about at first ... she seemed like a real bitch but in the end I loved her as much as everyone else. Her boyfriend Schuyler is someone I'd even want to read more about - he intrigued me and I was hoping to find out more about him ... maybe in the next book!
And then there's John. Oh my dear. He's a healer with such a big and loving heart and I knew I'd like him A LOT. Well, guess what ... I was right. He's amazing, seriously, and I can't wait to read more about him and Elizabeth! ♥ *sigh*
Like I mentioned above I wouldn't have minded a few more action scenes ... don't get me wrong, it was still amazing and thrilling and the end was pure action but throughout the book there could've happened a lot more. The setting/world Virginia created is great, though! I enjoyed the information about magic and seeing/reading how it's used but also wanted more. In the next book I definitely expect more of EVERYTHING - that would be best, haha.
"Nicholas says that magic isn't inherently good or bad, it's what people do with it that makes it that way. It took me a long time to understand that. Once I did, I realized it isn't magic that separates us from them, or you from me. It's misunderstanding."
My overall conclusion is: Get the book and read it! It's easy to say I liked it but everyone has a different taste ... if it intrigued you don't hesitate too much and just read it! In my opinion, it's totally worth it and who knows, in the future I might even give some other magic/witch books a try (recommendations anyone?)!
www.aworldbetweenfoldedpages.blogspot.com
This review was originally posted on Books and Ladders!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from Hachette Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read Graceling (yet), but I have read and seen and thrive on everything A Song of Ice and Fire so I was excited that this synopsis had promise of political unrest because I thrive on that. But it wasn't there. Honestly, even the magic wasn't really there. There was mentions of magic, but there was not enough actual magic being produced for me to really enjoy it.
It also felt very rushed. I knew it was a serious, so when everything was happening all at once, I was a little confused. I liked that the beginning started with action and that Elizabeth had a secret, but then it felt plot wise slow to me after that. Even her secret wasn't that interesting or even relevant to the storyline, except that it allowed her to know where the party would take place rather than what the party invitation said.
I thought that there would be more about her relationship with Caleb since he seemed to be written as so important to the story. But he only had a limited amount of scenes in the novel. The first ten percent of the novel that included him gave us limited insight into the world and, while I understand that women were persecuted for being witches for taking herbs that would help them not conceive, I feel as though it was too easy of a solution to move the story into where the actual plot begins.
Elizabeth was honestly nothing special. She didn't know how to see when things would occur even if they were literally told to her and it made it very frustrating. I also thought it was too convenient that she said she didn't understand any part of the prophecy but then magically knew exactly where to look for the item she was seeking. Also, considering she was the "best witch hunter" why had she never done more questioning about why and what the witches had done and why the witch hunters were using magic to help themselves. It was strange that she never thought about it more, in my opinion.
I thought maybe since George and Peter were introduced so early into the story they would have more screentime, but they were lacking that. Also, if George was the king's fool, why was he barely around the king after he found Elizabeth? Wouldn't that have been cause for suspicion by both the king and Blackwell? And Peter had such good potential, so hopefully there is more about him and his dynamic with John in the next novel. John was only okay for me. I didn't understand the semi-instalove that he and Elizabeth had but maybe it will get more developed in the next novel? Fifer was only okay to me. She is still the typical "I am a nasty bitch" girl who sneaks off with someone that her friends/family don't really approve of just for attention. She had a "tragic" back story so I guess that is supposed to make me like her, but I'm not sure if I do yet.
I do feel like this plot has been semi done before. As I was reading, I thought about Half Bad, The Mortal Instruments Series, Flicker, etc. I think a lot of these young adult fantasy series follow a lot of the same patterns and don't do it quite as well as some of the other series. The Witch Hunter was somewhere in the middle for me. There wasn't a cliffhanger so I don't have to know what happens next, but I will finish off the series. Maybe there will be some actual political elements to it other than angry mobs and a plot to overthrow the king (that was literally it).
Overall: 3/5 stars for an interesting concept that I feel has been done multiple times and better by some but worse by others.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from Hachette Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read Graceling (yet), but I have read and seen and thrive on everything A Song of Ice and Fire so I was excited that this synopsis had promise of political unrest because I thrive on that. But it wasn't there. Honestly, even the magic wasn't really there. There was mentions of magic, but there was not enough actual magic being produced for me to really enjoy it.
It also felt very rushed. I knew it was a serious, so when everything was happening all at once, I was a little confused. I liked that the beginning started with action and that Elizabeth had a secret, but then it felt plot wise slow to me after that. Even her secret wasn't that interesting or even relevant to the storyline, except that it allowed her to know where the party would take place rather than what the party invitation said.
I thought that there would be more about her relationship with Caleb since he seemed to be written as so important to the story. But he only had a limited amount of scenes in the novel. The first ten percent of the novel that included him gave us limited insight into the world and, while I understand that women were persecuted for being witches for taking herbs that would help them not conceive, I feel as though it was too easy of a solution to move the story into where the actual plot begins.
Elizabeth was honestly nothing special. She didn't know how to see when things would occur even if they were literally told to her and it made it very frustrating. I also thought it was too convenient that she said she didn't understand any part of the prophecy but then magically knew exactly where to look for the item she was seeking. Also, considering she was the "best witch hunter" why had she never done more questioning about why and what the witches had done and why the witch hunters were using magic to help themselves. It was strange that she never thought about it more, in my opinion.
I thought maybe since George and Peter were introduced so early into the story they would have more screentime, but they were lacking that. Also, if George was the king's fool, why was he barely around the king after he found Elizabeth? Wouldn't that have been cause for suspicion by both the king and Blackwell? And Peter had such good potential, so hopefully there is more about him and his dynamic with John in the next novel. John was only okay for me. I didn't understand the semi-instalove that he and Elizabeth had but maybe it will get more developed in the next novel? Fifer was only okay to me. She is still the typical "I am a nasty bitch" girl who sneaks off with someone that her friends/family don't really approve of just for attention. She had a "tragic" back story so I guess that is supposed to make me like her, but I'm not sure if I do yet.
I do feel like this plot has been semi done before. As I was reading, I thought about Half Bad, The Mortal Instruments Series, Flicker, etc. I think a lot of these young adult fantasy series follow a lot of the same patterns and don't do it quite as well as some of the other series. The Witch Hunter was somewhere in the middle for me. There wasn't a cliffhanger so I don't have to know what happens next, but I will finish off the series. Maybe there will be some actual political elements to it other than angry mobs and a plot to overthrow the king (that was literally it).
Overall: 3/5 stars for an interesting concept that I feel has been done multiple times and better by some but worse by others.
A solid new fantasy series that's good but doesn't break new ground.
Wir schreiben das Jahr 1855 und die Hexenjagd ist in vollem Gange. Hexen werden gesucht, gefangen und danach auf dem Scheiterhaufen verbrannt.
Einer dieser Hexenjäger ist die 16 jährige Elizabeth Grey. Sie und ihr bester Freund Caleb sind die best ausgebildeten Jäger des Landes und haben ein Ziel: Nicholas fangen. Den Anführer der Reformisten und der mächtigste Zauberer ihrer Zeit.
Als Elizabeth nur zufällig einige Kräuter dabei hatte - die als Hexenkräuter gelten - und direkt im Gefängnis landet um einige tage später verbrannt zu werden wird sie von einem Zauberer besucht der sie retten will. Wird sie mit ihm gehen und Hochverrat begehen oder wird sie sich dagegen wehren?
Das Buch kriegt volle 5 Sterne von mir! Ich mag Elizabeth so gerne, Fifer, George und vor allem John auch <3
Update 21/08/2020: Es ist immer noch soooo gut! Muss mir unbedingt den nächsten Band kaufen!
Einer dieser Hexenjäger ist die 16 jährige Elizabeth Grey. Sie und ihr bester Freund Caleb sind die best ausgebildeten Jäger des Landes und haben ein Ziel: Nicholas fangen. Den Anführer der Reformisten und der mächtigste Zauberer ihrer Zeit.
Als Elizabeth nur zufällig einige Kräuter dabei hatte - die als Hexenkräuter gelten - und direkt im Gefängnis landet um einige tage später verbrannt zu werden wird sie von einem Zauberer besucht der sie retten will. Wird sie mit ihm gehen und Hochverrat begehen oder wird sie sich dagegen wehren?
Das Buch kriegt volle 5 Sterne von mir! Ich mag Elizabeth so gerne, Fifer, George und vor allem John auch <3
Update 21/08/2020: Es ist immer noch soooo gut! Muss mir unbedingt den nächsten Band kaufen!
Received advanced reader copy from library book supplier Baker & Taylor
She was one of the king’s best witch hunters, successfully capturing many of the witches and wizards that resided in Anglia. But then, Elizabeth finds herself accused of witchcraft and sentenced to die at the same stake where many of her own prisoners have died. While she awaits the fulfillment of her death sentence, she is rescued by the kingdom’s most powerful wizard. He offers her a deal but is it a deal she can live with?
Magic and swordfights. Wizardry and friendship. Witchcraft and morals. The sorcery weaves through many of the other plot elements that kept me whipping through the pages of this ARC. I waved away dinner as I burned through the last pages so fast that I had to go back later and re-read them! Part of me thinks I need to go back and re-read the entire book because I fear I missed so much as I read so fast.
While Elizabeth has irked other reviewers, I found her endearing. She wanted to be the fiercest of witch hunters but there was a softness in her that was begging to come out. I found the secondary characters so intriguing I found myself hoping for e-novella back-stories on them; yes, I got some of their story in the book, just enough to tease me into wanting to know much more. And the action? It simmers below the surface and rises with a vengeance.
Rumors abound that there is a sequel in the works but this stands alone quite solidly.
She was one of the king’s best witch hunters, successfully capturing many of the witches and wizards that resided in Anglia. But then, Elizabeth finds herself accused of witchcraft and sentenced to die at the same stake where many of her own prisoners have died. While she awaits the fulfillment of her death sentence, she is rescued by the kingdom’s most powerful wizard. He offers her a deal but is it a deal she can live with?
Magic and swordfights. Wizardry and friendship. Witchcraft and morals. The sorcery weaves through many of the other plot elements that kept me whipping through the pages of this ARC. I waved away dinner as I burned through the last pages so fast that I had to go back later and re-read them! Part of me thinks I need to go back and re-read the entire book because I fear I missed so much as I read so fast.
While Elizabeth has irked other reviewers, I found her endearing. She wanted to be the fiercest of witch hunters but there was a softness in her that was begging to come out. I found the secondary characters so intriguing I found myself hoping for e-novella back-stories on them; yes, I got some of their story in the book, just enough to tease me into wanting to know much more. And the action? It simmers below the surface and rises with a vengeance.
Rumors abound that there is a sequel in the works but this stands alone quite solidly.
Elizabeth ha dedicado toda su vida para ser una de las mejores cazadoras de brujas que existen. Junto a su compañero y mejor amigo Caleb, se encuentra en una misión para pararle los pies a un grupo de nigromantes y enviarlos a la hoguera. Sin embargo, no todo va como ella esperaba y termina acusada de brujería en una situación peliaguda de la que quizá no escape con vida.
Lectura amena y ligera que se lee en un suspiro por lo dinámico y entretenido que es. También eso es todo lo que encontré, un libro entretenido y poco más. La verdad que esperaba más sobre los cazadores de brujas, su funcionamiento interno, ver más del propio entrenamiento y más cazas, por algo se llama Caza de brujas ¿no?
Los personajes se me han quedado un poquitín planos. Había momentos en que no sabía distinguir entre uno y otro y en general me habría gustado conocerlos más en profundidad, aunque John sí me ha gustado. También ha habido un par de conflictos entre personajes que no me ha terminado de convencer su resolución porque parece que está hecho de la nada.
La trama, como digo, es entretenida. Desde el principio te sumerge en la acción y se mantiene con bastante dinamismo. Sin embargo me ha parecido bastante predecible y en ocasiones, sobre todo al final, bastante precipitada. La verdad que no sé si seguiré con el siguiente libro o lo dejaré aquí, pero de momento no entra en mis planes continuar.
Lectura amena y ligera que se lee en un suspiro por lo dinámico y entretenido que es. También eso es todo lo que encontré, un libro entretenido y poco más. La verdad que esperaba más sobre los cazadores de brujas, su funcionamiento interno, ver más del propio entrenamiento y más cazas, por algo se llama Caza de brujas ¿no?
Los personajes se me han quedado un poquitín planos. Había momentos en que no sabía distinguir entre uno y otro y en general me habría gustado conocerlos más en profundidad, aunque John sí me ha gustado. También ha habido un par de conflictos entre personajes que no me ha terminado de convencer su resolución porque parece que está hecho de la nada.
La trama, como digo, es entretenida. Desde el principio te sumerge en la acción y se mantiene con bastante dinamismo. Sin embargo me ha parecido bastante predecible y en ocasiones, sobre todo al final, bastante precipitada. La verdad que no sé si seguiré con el siguiente libro o lo dejaré aquí, pero de momento no entra en mis planes continuar.
Elizabeth ha dedicado toda su vida para ser una de las mejores cazadoras de brujas que existen. Junto a su compañero y mejor amigo Caleb, se encuentra en una misión para pararle los pies a un grupo de nigromantes y enviarlos a la hoguera. Sin embargo, no todo va como ella esperaba y termina acusada de brujería en una situación peliaguda de la que quizá no escape con vida.
Lectura amena y ligera que se lee en un suspiro por lo dinámico y entretenido que es. También eso es todo lo que encontré, un libro entretenido y poco más. La verdad que esperaba más sobre los cazadores de brujas, su funcionamiento interno, ver más del propio entrenamiento y más cazas, por algo se llama Caza de brujas ¿no?
Los personajes se me han quedado un poquitín planos. Había momentos en que no sabía distinguir entre uno y otro y en general me habría gustado conocerlos más en profundidad, aunque John sí me ha gustado. También ha habido un par de conflictos entre personajes que no me ha terminado de convencer su resolución porque parece que está hecho de la nada.
La trama, como digo, es entretenida. Desde el principio te sumerge en la acción y se mantiene con bastante dinamismo. Sin embargo me ha parecido bastante predecible y en ocasiones, sobre todo al final, bastante precipitada. La verdad que no sé si seguiré con el siguiente libro o lo dejaré aquí, pero de momento no entra en mis planes continuar.
Lectura amena y ligera que se lee en un suspiro por lo dinámico y entretenido que es. También eso es todo lo que encontré, un libro entretenido y poco más. La verdad que esperaba más sobre los cazadores de brujas, su funcionamiento interno, ver más del propio entrenamiento y más cazas, por algo se llama Caza de brujas ¿no?
Los personajes se me han quedado un poquitín planos. Había momentos en que no sabía distinguir entre uno y otro y en general me habría gustado conocerlos más en profundidad, aunque John sí me ha gustado. También ha habido un par de conflictos entre personajes que no me ha terminado de convencer su resolución porque parece que está hecho de la nada.
La trama, como digo, es entretenida. Desde el principio te sumerge en la acción y se mantiene con bastante dinamismo. Sin embargo me ha parecido bastante predecible y en ocasiones, sobre todo al final, bastante precipitada. La verdad que no sé si seguiré con el siguiente libro o lo dejaré aquí, pero de momento no entra en mis planes continuar.
Thoughts:
Virginia Boecker did a great job with her characters as their personality comes through very well. The story is written in the first person, present tense narrative and thus we are able to experience things as they happen to Elizabeth. I thought this was refreshing because her inner thoughts are brought to light and even though she is portrayed as a ruthless witch hunter we can see how vulnerable she really is. I felt really sorry for her because what she had to go through was awful and she was unnecessarily victimised. To be honest, I did not like her character as much as I liked some of the supporting characters. I thought that they had their own spotlight throughout the story which was well deserved and added so much more to the book.
I was surprised from the beginning because it was pretty clear that this book was not going to be like the average young adult book I read. I was absolutely intrigued about where the plot was heading and I think Boecker did a good job on steering it in the direction she did. It was evident that trusting people was going to be a huge issue in the plot because no one knew who Elizabeth really was and she realized later that her being a witch hunter could jeopardize everything. Her loyalties are tested as she forms distrusting alliances which turns to friendships. Furthermore, I loved the slow burning romance in the book because it had a very sweet and natural pace and it was comforting to read. I initially thought that I was going to read another book with a love triangle but I could not have been more wrong.
I have to say that I was disappointed with the climax because I found it lacking and I was expecting for more things to happen. In hindsight, I think the writing style should have been different as well because the wording is so very contemporary when it is a book set in the past. Despite this I read the book because it had a certain charm and coming from a debut author, it was definitely worth the read. I am looking forward to reading the next book as well as the novellas.
http://bookishreviewsandramblings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-witch-hunter-by-virginia-boecker.html
Virginia Boecker did a great job with her characters as their personality comes through very well. The story is written in the first person, present tense narrative and thus we are able to experience things as they happen to Elizabeth. I thought this was refreshing because her inner thoughts are brought to light and even though she is portrayed as a ruthless witch hunter we can see how vulnerable she really is. I felt really sorry for her because what she had to go through was awful and she was unnecessarily victimised. To be honest, I did not like her character as much as I liked some of the supporting characters. I thought that they had their own spotlight throughout the story which was well deserved and added so much more to the book.
I was surprised from the beginning because it was pretty clear that this book was not going to be like the average young adult book I read. I was absolutely intrigued about where the plot was heading and I think Boecker did a good job on steering it in the direction she did. It was evident that trusting people was going to be a huge issue in the plot because no one knew who Elizabeth really was and she realized later that her being a witch hunter could jeopardize everything. Her loyalties are tested as she forms distrusting alliances which turns to friendships. Furthermore, I loved the slow burning romance in the book because it had a very sweet and natural pace and it was comforting to read. I initially thought that I was going to read another book with a love triangle but I could not have been more wrong.
I have to say that I was disappointed with the climax because I found it lacking and I was expecting for more things to happen. In hindsight, I think the writing style should have been different as well because the wording is so very contemporary when it is a book set in the past. Despite this I read the book because it had a certain charm and coming from a debut author, it was definitely worth the read. I am looking forward to reading the next book as well as the novellas.
http://bookishreviewsandramblings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-witch-hunter-by-virginia-boecker.html
I actually really liked this! It wasn't all that special, but I wasn't expecting to like this so that's nice. I found the book at the dollar tree actually lol
It's a fantasy, but it is also a historical fiction because of the time period it's in. It is kind of like Clockwork angel by Cassandra Clare in that way or The glittering court series. These books are really entertaining honestly, because it has the fun fantasy part of the book while also giving you a historical vibe. I'll probably read the sequel eventually.
It's a fantasy, but it is also a historical fiction because of the time period it's in. It is kind of like Clockwork angel by Cassandra Clare in that way or The glittering court series. These books are really entertaining honestly, because it has the fun fantasy part of the book while also giving you a historical vibe. I'll probably read the sequel eventually.