Book Review: Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb
Title: Witchstruck
Series: The Tudor Witch Trilogy #1
By: Victoria Lamb
Author Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre Type: Paranormal, Witches, Magic
Publication Date: Sept 24th 2013
Pages: 320 pages
Format: eGalley
Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Summary:
If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged.
Meg
Lytton has always known she is different;that she bears a dark and
powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to
the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous
to practice witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully
from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her
companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of
Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. With witchfinder Marcus
Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family
conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg
can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de
Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns
against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. The Secret Circle meets The Other Boleyn Girl in Witchstruck ,the first book of the magical Tudor Witch trilogy. Add to Goodreads.
Conjuring up images of dark magic, forbidden romance, and political intrigue, Witchstruck is a wonderful Witchy read. With Victoria Lamb’s spellbinding writing, she captures the historical feel and setting of Tudor era, as well as the dangerous atmosphere of early 15th century Witch Hunting.
Get ready to be plunged into Victoria Lamb's fascinating tale of Tudor court intrigue and deadly witch-hunts. The year is 1554, Princess Elizabeth has just been imprisoned by her half-sister, Queen Mary, and sent to Woodstock as punishment. Sent to Woodstock to serve Princess Elizabeth, Meg Lytton's dark and powerful magical abilities are revealed to the outcast princess, who wants to use Meg's gifts to gain the Tudor throne. Meg’s world becomes even more dangerous when two very different gentlemen arrive at Woodstock and threaten her very existence.
Marcus Dent is a ruthless witchfinder who wants more from Meg than she is willing to give, and threatens all she hold dear including the very lives of her family.
The young and handsome Alejandro de Castillo, a mysterious Spanish priest, secretly attracts Meg even though their beliefs are worlds apart. Both are fascinated by Meg, and both know her dark secret and could threaten her very existence.
One of the most surprising aspects of the story was the gritty and realistic portrayal of the practice of magic and witchcraft. There’s no cute Hocus-Pocus here, but dark and dangerous spells, including gruesome acts such as reading animal's entrails and the casting of bones for divination.
The actual setting took place mostly in Woodstock, and the feeling was one of dark forest and hidden corners among the historical manor's enchanting gatehouse and vast grounds. The mysterious atmosphere lent perfectly to Meg's ability to practice magic and kept the suspense high as you held your breath wondering if she would get caught.
The Romance-Alejandro and Meg. There is definitely a fascination and even attraction between these two vastly different characters that I would never have thought possible, but Amanda pulled it off. First off, you need to know that Alejandro is not your typical priest, but a novice in training for the Order of Santiago, an elite christian military order who are trained like knights and are able to marry. Reminiscent of the Knights Templar.
The attraction was made believable because both had characteristics that the other found intriguing. Alejandro admired Meg's passionate nature and willfulness, and at the same time wanted to protect her from the dangers her magical abilities put her in. Meg admired his strength and intelligence, and the fact that he liked Meg for herself, and not what he magic could do for him.
Witchstruck is recommended for readers who like the descriptive and detailed writing of a historical, and who enjoy the darker elements found in a paranormal. Amanda Lamb did a great job with her research, the historical setting felt authentic and the characters were fascinating. Witchstruck delivers and deliciously enchanting and suspenseful read.
My Rating: 4 Stars. I really liked it.
