Monday, October 14, 2013

Book Review: Witchstruck, by Victoria Lamb

I love stories about the Tudors. And when you add a little witchcraft, that can only make things better. Witchstruck adhered to the basic story of Elizabeth, the exiled princess,  and her sister, Queen Mary, but added a supernatural element by making Elizabeth's friend and confidant a witch.

Meg is our first person narrator, and she's been asked to help assist Elizabeth during her imprisonment (by Queen Mary) in Woodstock Castle. Elizabeth has been accused of treason. She knows of Meg's special powers, and also uses Elizabeth's Aunt Jane to assist her to see the future and influence it if possible. Jane has been like a mother to Meg, and has also helped train her to use her powers.

A Spanish priest and his assistant, Alejandro, arrive at Woodstock to see that Elizabeth has changed her Protestant ways and is being a good Catholic. Queen Mary is going to marry a Spanish prince, thus making England a Catholic nation. Alejandro takes a special interest in Meg, and a very subtle, slow burning romance seems to be kindling.

Meg gets herself in trouble and is accused of being a witch because she refuses to marry Marcus Dent, who is a witch finder. Dent vows to have Meg tried and executed for being a witch.

There's a lot going on. I found Witchstruck to be constantly entertaining. There was always something new happening, and even though we know some of the historical story, it was just so much fun seeing things unfold paired with the witchcraft and the romance. There is danger too, but I never felt much tension. The atmosphere always seemed more light, maybe because I knew the witchcraft could always save the day.

Anyone who likes a good witch story should enjoy Witchstruck. And if you like your Tudors to include some magic, then Witchstruck is perfect. I'll be happy to point some of my teens to this story and the series. The second title, Witchfall will be available in March and it's going on my list for sure.

Published by Harlequin Teen, September 24, 2013
eARC obtained from Netgalley
320 pages

Rating: 4/5





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2 comments:

  1. I was weary of the witches thrown in with the history in this book which made me reluctant to pick it up. I'm glad that everything flowed well. I might look this series up and add it to my library's collection. Thank for the review!

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  2. Like you, I also enjoy the Tudors and witches, and am definitely looking forward to this one! It's great that this one always had something going on to keep you interested in the story, I tend not to have a lot of patience for slow stories.

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