The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher

 The Orphan Witch

Book Summary

A deeper magic. A stronger curse. A family lost...and found.

Persephone May has been alone her entire life. Abandoned as an infant and dragged through the foster care system, she wants nothing more than to belong somewhere. To someone. However, Persephone is as strange as she is lonely. Unexplainable things happen when she’s around—changes in weather, inanimate objects taking flight—and those who seek to bring her into their family quickly cast her out. To cope, she never gets attached, never makes friends. And she certainly never dates. Working odd jobs and always keeping her suitcases half-packed, Persephone is used to moving around, leaving one town for another when curiosity over her eccentric behavior inevitably draws unwanted attention.

After an accidental and very public display of power, Persephone knows it’s time to move on once again. It’s lucky, then, when she receives an email from the one friend she’s managed to keep, inviting her to the elusive Wile Isle. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, upon arrival, Persephone quickly discovers that Wile is no ordinary island. In fact, it just might hold the very things she’s been searching for her entire life.

Answers. Family. Home.

And some things she did not want. Like 100-year-old curses and an even older family feud. With the clock running out, love might be the magic that saves them all. (less)

My Thoughts

The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher has Persephone May searching for where she belongs.  She has always felt lost.  When her one friend invites her Wile Isle, North Carolina, Persephone accepts the invitation.  She can tell right away that Wile Isle is different.  Persephone can feel the power on the island.  This may be the place Persephone has been searching for, but all is not as it seems.  The description of The Orphan Witch captured my attention, and I was eager to read it.  I began the book and I found myself reading long, drawn out chapters.  The writing felt awkward, and the pacing is slow.  The first couple of chapters felt like an information dump as we are told Persephone’s history.  I had a hard time wading through this story because of the writing.  The multiple point-of-views did not help matters and there was little action.  I also found certain elements to be confusing. I wish I could have connected with the characters and become invested in this tale.  This paranormal novel was just not the right fit for me.  The Orphan Witch is a story about family curses, spells, witches, and Persephone finding her where she belongs.  

The Orphan Witch is available from Amazon*.  You can get a sample of The Orphan Witch to see if this book suits you.  That is the beauty of books.  We all have different reading tastes and there are so options available for us.  Paige Crutcher's other novel is The Odyssey of Falling.  Thank you for stopping by today.  On Monday I am featuring Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off by Darci Hannah.  It is the 2nd A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours this cozy mystery.  I hope that you have welcoming day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan

Happy Saturday!  Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper will be published on November 1.  It is the first book in A Southern Eclectic Novel series.  I have added it to my "wish list" on Amazon.  

A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan is a historical novel that starts in 1838 at Orchard Farm.  The Orchierres families magic seemed to wither with the death of Grandmere Ursule.  Her descendants keep following the practices she established that have been handed down from mother to daughter.  They have Ursule’s magic crystal and grimoire.  Some of them can do simple spells, simples and charms.  Nanette, Ursule’s granddaughter, is the first one to blossom with real power.  Magic, though, always comes at a price.  Follow the magic through the generations to see what happens to the Orchierres line of witches.

A Secret History of Witches was a slow-paced novel that I found lacking in magic.  The story had potential, but it was never achieved.  Each generation seemed to make the same mistake (it seemed like the same story repeated over for each generation—the author just changed the clothes or words to fit the time period).  I thought it would be a story about strong, female witches (instead we have women that grow up, get pregnant, pass on family history and repeat for the next generation).  Unfortunately, the only strong person was Gradmere Ursule (and she was dead).  The woman and men were stuck in their gender roles and they were conventional.  The magic elements were uninspiring.  For a book about witches and magic, it was deficient.  The characters lacked development (they were flat).  Some sections were more complete than others.  I was disappointed in the ending (it was unsatisfying and felt unfinished).  I did not understand why the author did not bring the book into modern times and bring the witches full circle.  She could have shown them back in full power in modern times.  The book needed some oomph.   My rating for A Secret History of Witches is 2 out of 5 pumpkins.  There is some good writing and the author did her research for the historical periods featured.  My favorite section the World War II with Veronica Selwyn.  If you are looking for a magical novel, check out Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy (vampires too)!

I appreciate you reading my latest review.  I will be sharing my evaluation of Yuletide Homicide by Jennifer David Hesse next time.  I hope that you have a very special and happy day!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader