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joann3's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
skwiecien's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lauralovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
“Aye, they have convinced themselves of it, bach. So much so, that they have given her a name. I’ve heard it whispered, though most are careful what they say in my presence.” She pauses, but forces herself to continue, “They do call her the Winter Witch."
Being that it's the month of October, I really wanted a book that had witches involved, so I knew where to look to find what I was looking for, and that's when I discovered The Winter Witch. Paula Brackston delivered a story that was so wonderful!
In The Winter Witch, we are introduced to Morgana, a young woman who has been mute since she was a child. No one knows the mystery that caused her to be this way, but widower Cai Jenkins is happy to take on this beautiful and mysterious new bride.
It doesn't take long for the newlywed couple to have their challenges, but Cai is ever patient with his young bride, and isn't bothered by the fact that Morgana isn't able to speak. With a task of driving cattle and other livestock many miles to sell, we see a love grow between the two that can't be broken.
Being that it's the month of October, I really wanted a book that had witches involved, so I knew where to look to find what I was looking for, and that's when I discovered The Winter Witch. Paula Brackston delivered a story that was so wonderful!
In The Winter Witch, we are introduced to Morgana, a young woman who has been mute since she was a child. No one knows the mystery that caused her to be this way, but widower Cai Jenkins is happy to take on this beautiful and mysterious new bride.
It doesn't take long for the newlywed couple to have their challenges, but Cai is ever patient with his young bride, and isn't bothered by the fact that Morgana isn't able to speak. With a task of driving cattle and other livestock many miles to sell, we see a love grow between the two that can't be broken.
giftsintogold's review against another edition
5.0
A fun and engaging read. I loved the magic and the Welsh culture woven throughout the story.
kriff08's review against another edition
4.0
Although the second in a series this book completely stands on its own; similarities to the first book include witches and historical settings but otherwise depart from there. This story does set itself in one time period and focuses on the relationship of Morgana and Cai as well as Morgana’s exploration of her powers. Overall a good read with some romance, witchcraft and suspense.
goldenas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lecrockett's review against another edition
5.0
Morgana hasn’t spoken a word, not a single sound, ever since her father disappeared. Her mother, ailing and worried for Morgana, encourages her to marry Cai Jenkins, a drover and widower from a far town. As Morgana and Cai try to adjust to their awkward situation, the town and its inhabitants are suspicious of Morgana and her strange, otherworldliness. But Morgana is determined to prove herself, to make her new husband proud, and to protect the town with her powers before an evil destroys them all.
The stunning cover grabbed my attention, followed by the 1830s Welsh setting and the raw magic the heroine possesses. Morgana is a witch, and people have their suspicions of it, but she is not one that brews potions or shouts incantations (or shouts in general) or waves a stick in the air. She is a “wild” one, a woman bonded with the earth and all its creatures, with the ability to control her surroundings, the elements, and animals’ emotions. Cai senses this in his new wife, but is never fearful of her. He sees no harm in what she does; he finds her abilities merely a way for her to express herself without words.
The landscape, the lush language, the interaction with animals and townspeople, the dangers of farm life and drovers’ work, and the horrible Reverend Cadwaladr and Mrs Isolda Bowen all build upon one another to create a fantastic story. It’s as if I was reading a Bronte novel, with the wild landscape, the high winds, the juxtaposition of peace and danger in seclusion. Brackston’s language was so perfect, I truly felt like I was helping Morgana, Cai, and his drovers with the livestock; that I was there with them in the kitchen attempting to cook something before Mrs Jones lost all hope and took over the task; that I could smell the evil emanating from the town’s most respected people.
Brackston also uses two engaging perspectives that pushes the reader to keep reading till the end. Cai’s portions were written in third person, outside of his head to allow for the best possible view of his surroundings, his opinions, and his observance of Morgana. Morgana’s portions were written in first person, to best allow for the reader to join her on her witchwalks, to feel her pain and sorrow, to understand her joy. These perspectives alternate within chapters, and I grew to love each one. But once a big event happens in one perspective, I became anxious to see the other’s take on the event, and scrambled to finish one portion so I could move to the next. Such an interesting style, and one that certainly propels the reader forward.
Ultimately, the three vastly different witches in this novel, coupled with Welsh farm life and the dazzling hills, and the sweet, budding romance between Cai and Morgana, will keep the reader craving more till the whole book is completely devoured. An absolutely stunning book.
The stunning cover grabbed my attention, followed by the 1830s Welsh setting and the raw magic the heroine possesses. Morgana is a witch, and people have their suspicions of it, but she is not one that brews potions or shouts incantations (or shouts in general) or waves a stick in the air. She is a “wild” one, a woman bonded with the earth and all its creatures, with the ability to control her surroundings, the elements, and animals’ emotions. Cai senses this in his new wife, but is never fearful of her. He sees no harm in what she does; he finds her abilities merely a way for her to express herself without words.
The landscape, the lush language, the interaction with animals and townspeople, the dangers of farm life and drovers’ work, and the horrible Reverend Cadwaladr and Mrs Isolda Bowen all build upon one another to create a fantastic story. It’s as if I was reading a Bronte novel, with the wild landscape, the high winds, the juxtaposition of peace and danger in seclusion. Brackston’s language was so perfect, I truly felt like I was helping Morgana, Cai, and his drovers with the livestock; that I was there with them in the kitchen attempting to cook something before Mrs Jones lost all hope and took over the task; that I could smell the evil emanating from the town’s most respected people.
Brackston also uses two engaging perspectives that pushes the reader to keep reading till the end. Cai’s portions were written in third person, outside of his head to allow for the best possible view of his surroundings, his opinions, and his observance of Morgana. Morgana’s portions were written in first person, to best allow for the reader to join her on her witchwalks, to feel her pain and sorrow, to understand her joy. These perspectives alternate within chapters, and I grew to love each one. But once a big event happens in one perspective, I became anxious to see the other’s take on the event, and scrambled to finish one portion so I could move to the next. Such an interesting style, and one that certainly propels the reader forward.
Ultimately, the three vastly different witches in this novel, coupled with Welsh farm life and the dazzling hills, and the sweet, budding romance between Cai and Morgana, will keep the reader craving more till the whole book is completely devoured. An absolutely stunning book.
garnetmoon21's review against another edition
1.0
Not worth it
Lots of animal deaths which was hard to read. I ended up skipping a lot of passages either because of the dying animals, or how long it took her to describe something. The characters are poorly developed. This is the second book of hers I have read, and both disappointed me.
Lots of animal deaths which was hard to read. I ended up skipping a lot of passages either because of the dying animals, or how long it took her to describe something. The characters are poorly developed. This is the second book of hers I have read, and both disappointed me.