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.
©2011 Paula Brackston (P)2012 Macmillan Audio
"It was promising"
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and found the execution lacking. The foundation of the book was solid and was developed well but when I was finished I found myself wondering if I would have continued to read it if I was reading it instead of listening to it and I don't believe I would have. The narrator does a great job but there really isn't a lot of actual action. I really wanted to like it more than I did and I kept waiting for the payoff. I didn't hate it but I also won't be getting the sequel
Fan of fantasy, historical fiction, and anything magical or psychologically compelling.
"Lots of potential..."
For the most part, yes. I felt myself wanting the book to continue in more detail at certain points, yet other parts seemed very drawn out. It could have been much better if the storyline had not meandered quite like it did. It felt a bit rushed, and I wonder if it wouldn't have been better as several books- one for each era of Bess' life.
The fact that there was actually some hard-core Satanic worshipping going on was a bit shocking...most books about witches make it a point to avoid that subject. Bess' upbringing was probably the most interesting storyline to follow throughout the saga. The way the villain shows up eventually in every era became very redundant, and I would say that is the biggest flaw of this book.
I HATED the voice the narrator used for any male character. It was a terrible, drab, creepy sort of voice that didn't suit the author's intentions for some of the character's, I felt. It took away from Gideon's character a great deal, I felt. If I'd been reading the book to myself, he would have had a much more sultry, seductive voice, which would have made me understand his allure and power over Bess.
"Slow Start"
The history
The Discovery of Witches
the accents
When she finds Gideon betraying her. When the telegram is sent to Archie's Mother.
This books starts out really slow, but stay with it, because it gets really good.
Tell us about yourself!
"Marisa Calin (the Narrator is AMAZING)."
The "meat" of this story seems to be retold 3 times with 3 different names. I wish there would have been more to the different stories told about Elizabeth's life. Different endings. It annoyed me that the word Bess was used so many times. I don't know if the book had a different narrator if i would have finished it or not. It was like, she falls in love, he turns out to be Gideon, something bad happens... over and over.
Marisa Calin did excellent voices. She switched between man, woman and young teen with ease. Marisa's accents were fabulous. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and she is definetely in my top 4 favorite readers.
I love the narrator and cover of the book. I never had that feeling like I couldn't wait to listen to the book again. Although, my mother read it and she enjoyed it. To each their own!
"Cover photo more compelling than the book"
I enjoyed the theme of the book about a witch who strives to rise above her creation. The story just fell flat for me and was not compelling. I had hoped for more detail, more examples of her historical experiences. I wanted to learn more about her and why she led her life the way she did.
No surprise - it was as expected.
Possibly. I found the narration interesting in that she brought vocal changes to the characters that made them unique to the ear.
Maybe a short mini series but they'd have to really flesh out some more detail. I did not identify the characters with any particular actors.
It wasn't a bad read/listen, just not nearly as good as some that I've enjoyed lately. I wasn't driven to finish this story, just hate to leave one unread.
"Disappointment"
No - at this point I think that will end my experience with either. I found myself zooming out several times during the read, but still it wasn't hard to follow - very repetitious.
If the story line is going to be as teenagy as this, then yes. It failed to describe a believable universe and personalities. Lots of other fantasy books covering the craft and other mythology seems to work better on so many other levels.
The audio was easily understood - good voice. But it was almost made child-like at times, making the voice change for each character may work at times - but not this time.
No.
"I loved this!"
Not sure why this book enveloped me so, but I really enjoyed the story and the narrator.
"Fun and fascinating reading."
I loved the relationship between Elizabeth and Teagan and the jumps back in time and back to the present were done very well.
Towards the end. How Elizabeth took care of Gideon.
Elizabeth, in all of her incarnations.
I can't remember the name of the doctor she studied under, but his demise made me rather sad.