The Witch's Daughter

By: Paula Brackston

Narrated by: Marisa Calin

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is 384 years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins.…

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn’t know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories - and demons - long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Listeners will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

©2010 Paula Brackston (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Witches Daughter

Witch Bess is a wonderful story about a good witch. She did good things and healed people who needed help. She was cursed and her creator followed her around for centuries trying to take over her mind and body. There was a song that when she heard it she knew he was nearby. I will let you find out what it is. She wins in the end but you have to read the whole story or listen to it like I did. Great job done by Audible!!

Always love a good witch story

Great way to tell the story of Elizabeth! I enjoyed the time jumps and the way it went from one story to the other.
I would have given this book a 5 star rating but the 2nd past story was honestly dull. But the rest of the book was fantastic!
All the characters were well written and I can’t wait to move on to the next book to learn more about them.

Great ending

3.5 stars overall, but I gave it 4 because of the ending. It kept me entertained just enough to read the next book.

lovely story to get lost in

looking forward to the next book,enchanting voice. the jumping to different times as the story was told was great fun.

loved it

Loved this book could not, did not want to put down. Narrator was awesome. its a must read.

Good narrator, but rather weak story

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not, as it lost my interest about three-quarters of the way through. Although the narrator performed well and the concept held great interest to me, the plot felt weak and full of holes. Also, the main character was so dim-witted that I eventually couldn't put up with listening to any more of it.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something with more complex characters and a tighter plot.

What does Marisa Calin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Marisa Calin does lovely voice-acting. I felt that she did an excellent job distinguishing the different characters and bringing life to them.

Was The Witch's Daughter worth the listening time?

Not really-- again, the concept was interesting but the execution was poor.

I kinda zoned out

I got bored at the end. No fault to the author. I just got tired of the narrators voice. It was alright. Basic plot. Basic ending. That being said I will listen to the next one. I do like a good romance lol.

Captivating!

I loved it! So intriguing! I cannot wait to see what else Paula Brackston has written!

What a journey!

I find the subject of witches interesting. I've had my eye on this book for a while and I am so glad that I finally set out to read it. It was a little slow at first with lots of tedious details but not too far in, the plot starts to pick up pace. What an amazing book!

The beginning of the story is kind of "Tarantinoed". Bess is escaping from somebody or something and she has 2 options to take. She decides to jump off a cliff and then we land in present-day (2000s). She's on the run from someone and has found a safe haven in the form of a little cottage in the woods. She keeps to herself mostly until a young girl named Teagan starts persistently visiting her. Slowly a friendship grows among them and she lets Teagan into her world bit-by-bit. She gradually begins unfolding stories of her lives and how she came to be what she is. Unfortunately, her pursuer has found her and Bess has to decide if she is going to flee or take a stand!

The narrator has phenomenal story-telling skills! Her accents were impressive and helped draw me into the characters.

Magic

Wonderful story of magic! Narrator does a great job of distinguishing between characters and feelings.