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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
It's been a year since Tilda's husband suddenly died, and she has decided to move into the house that was meant to be their home together. It's secluded in a Welsh forest, and Tilda believes the serenity of the area will be exactly what she needs to refocus and find a way to move forward. While Tilda's visions and nightmares of her husband's death do start to become less common, they are replaced by new visions and feelings that leave Tilda both confused and a bit frightened. There's a new power in her, and she's not entirely sure what it is. And when her paths cross with Seren, a shaman who lived in the area centuries before, she quickly learns that her quaint cottage isn't the safe getaway she imagined it would be...and there's a danger lurking nearer to her than she could ever have imagined.
The concept here is actually quite interesting. The connection between these two women over hundreds of years and the awakening of old magic provide for an interesting backdrop to the story. The challenge I had, personally, is that there are many little things throughout the book that struck me as irrelevant. It wasn't so much that it completely detracted from the story, but the plot could have been shored up just a bit to keep it even more engaging and focused on the action. That said, I did enjoy this title, and I think it would be of interest to fantasy fans...especially those more interested in the modern or urban fantasy idea.
The concept here is actually quite interesting. The connection between these two women over hundreds of years and the awakening of old magic provide for an interesting backdrop to the story. The challenge I had, personally, is that there are many little things throughout the book that struck me as irrelevant. It wasn't so much that it completely detracted from the story, but the plot could have been shored up just a bit to keep it even more engaging and focused on the action. That said, I did enjoy this title, and I think it would be of interest to fantasy fans...especially those more interested in the modern or urban fantasy idea.
I really wanted to love this one. I read it with book club. It was an okay book. I’m obviously very strict in my ratings these days. 2.5 is my thoughts so I rounded up but, to me, it was a decent read but not something that will stick with me much and that I probably wouldn’t recommend. Here’s why…
It had so much potential, but I felt it fell short. I love historical fiction, England’s history and loved the references to Queen Aethelflaed and King Alfred, but it was very subtle. I also liked the old mythical Celtic beliefs and the afanc, but felt that the modern day account of Tilda had missing pieces. Like, why didn’t she ask her parents? If it runs in her family, maybe they know something? Also, the story was slow. I didn’t quite understand how her magic worked with electricity. It seemed very different from Seren’s practices. Also that bracelet seemed like such a big piece of the puzzle but I still don’t get it. I was pleasantly surprised by who was in the grave and who they were after, because that was unexpected, but we still don’t exactly know who his ancestor was. I just wanted it to be a completely immersive story and world…it could have been…but it wasn’t. There are still so many unanswered questions about Tilda. I do realize it is a series and I read it out of order, but they all seemed to be standalone books so I don’t think that’s it. I will say, the references to her albinism were very interesting! I liked the connection to albino rabbits and Seren. I also loved how she threw out the contacts and embraced herself. I’m all for learning to love oneself in a culture that seems to have strict beauty standards that are almost impossible to attain.
It had so much potential, but I felt it fell short. I love historical fiction, England’s history and loved the references to Queen Aethelflaed and King Alfred, but it was very subtle. I also liked the old mythical Celtic beliefs and the afanc, but felt that the modern day account of Tilda had missing pieces. Like, why didn’t she ask her parents? If it runs in her family, maybe they know something? Also, the story was slow. I didn’t quite understand how her magic worked with electricity. It seemed very different from Seren’s practices. Also that bracelet seemed like such a big piece of the puzzle but I still don’t get it. I was pleasantly surprised by who was in the grave and who they were after, because that was unexpected, but we still don’t exactly know who his ancestor was. I just wanted it to be a completely immersive story and world…it could have been…but it wasn’t. There are still so many unanswered questions about Tilda. I do realize it is a series and I read it out of order, but they all seemed to be standalone books so I don’t think that’s it. I will say, the references to her albinism were very interesting! I liked the connection to albino rabbits and Seren. I also loved how she threw out the contacts and embraced herself. I’m all for learning to love oneself in a culture that seems to have strict beauty standards that are almost impossible to attain.
This was a great read for a rainy day. It was full of history, romance and a ghost story that kept me turning the pages. It was an enchanting story of love, loss, and magic.
The book has a very slow beginning the first 50 pages is especially rough but sticking through it definitely made me connect to Tilda and feel invested in her. I loved the duality of the storyline between Tilda and Seren. I felt Mat and his death were unnecessary to the storyline and often forgotten unless needed to give Tilda a reason to question what she was doing. Overall the story would be mostly unchanged without the newly widowed aspect. Other than that the characters were very likable and easy to get invested in especially Tilda. And even Seren who is cold and hard to attach to at first I very much cared about by the end.
3.5*
Paula Brackston is an author that I have wanted to read for a long time - since I started blogging really! When I was offered the opportunity to review her latest book, The Silver Witch I happily accepted. There was something so lovely and cozy about this book, but at the same time it was thrilling and intriguing. I felt like I connected with it purely because it's set not too far from where I grew up in Wales. I felt that reading the few Welsh words that were scattered through the book made me feel like I was back at home again and definitely gave me a case of the warm fuzzies.
The Silver Witch explores a Celtic era, something that I have never really read before. It was so immersive and interesting. The reason for my 3.5* rating is that I would have preferred to have read the entire story from the point of view of the Celtic characters rather than Tilda's. I was so fascinated by it and was eagerly flicking through the pages to try and figure out what was going on. Although this book had plenty of warm and fuzzy moments, it is also equally as thrilling. There's a decent amount of violence, superstition and plot twists to keep you turning the pages.
Paula Brackston is definitely an author that I will be visiting again. I love reading books which feature magic and intrigue and this book was packed with it - would definitely recommend!
Paula Brackston is an author that I have wanted to read for a long time - since I started blogging really! When I was offered the opportunity to review her latest book, The Silver Witch I happily accepted. There was something so lovely and cozy about this book, but at the same time it was thrilling and intriguing. I felt like I connected with it purely because it's set not too far from where I grew up in Wales. I felt that reading the few Welsh words that were scattered through the book made me feel like I was back at home again and definitely gave me a case of the warm fuzzies.
The Silver Witch explores a Celtic era, something that I have never really read before. It was so immersive and interesting. The reason for my 3.5* rating is that I would have preferred to have read the entire story from the point of view of the Celtic characters rather than Tilda's. I was so fascinated by it and was eagerly flicking through the pages to try and figure out what was going on. Although this book had plenty of warm and fuzzy moments, it is also equally as thrilling. There's a decent amount of violence, superstition and plot twists to keep you turning the pages.
Paula Brackston is definitely an author that I will be visiting again. I love reading books which feature magic and intrigue and this book was packed with it - would definitely recommend!
A bit slow to start but interesting enough to hold my attention as it progressed and the end was fitting and satisfying in its conclusion. There was a character that ended up a bit superfluous, and I don’t know if this person was meant to be a red herring or what, but I didn’t feel like they contributed much to the story. But overall, an enjoyable listen.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wanted to love this. It was well written and had a great setting and an interesting plot. And I liked it well enough, but I didn't love it. Somehow it just didn't grab me.
But it was good enough I'll try another book by the author to see if maybe the characters capture my affection next time.
But it was good enough I'll try another book by the author to see if maybe the characters capture my affection next time.
3.5 stars. It starts real slow but picks up at the ending.
This is not the kind of book I would normally pick up, but I'm glad I did. I was intrigued by the promise of Celtic myth and a modern day heroine. Tilda was pretty badass, but not in a "strong woman" stereotypical way, where she wouldn't be allowed any faults. I love that she always saves herself (and her love interest) through her own strength and supernatural gifts. I wish there had been a little more time spent on the history aspect (I loved Seren's storyline for the most part, except that she seemed too good for dopey Prince Brynach). I thought I knew who the ghost was near the end, but I didn't guess correctly who she murders. I liked Dylan well enough, but I don't think he and Tilda's relationship was the most interesting romance plot I've ever read. It did take me a while to get into this book (slow start), but I would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read with a little bit of history and magic. Just be warned that the pacing is... Not the best. It starts slow but finishes very quickly.