Witchy Eye

Witchy Eye Series, Book 1

By: D. J. Butler

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson

Length: 22 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

A brilliant Americana flintlock fantasy novel set in a world of Appalachian magic that works.

Sarah Calhoun is the 15-year-old daughter of the Elector Andrew Calhoun, one of Appalachee's military heroes and one of the electors who gets to decide who will next ascend as the Emperor of the New World. None of that matters to Sarah. She has a natural talent for hexing and one bad eye, and all she wants is to be left alone - especially by outsiders.

But Sarah's world gets turned on its head at the Nashville Tobacco Fair when a Yankee wizard-priest tries to kidnap her. Sarah fights back with the aid of a mysterious monk named Thalanes, who is one of the not-quite-human Firstborn, the Moundbuilders of the Ohio. It is Thalanes who reveals to Sarah a secret heritage she never dreamed could be hers.

Now on a desperate quest with Thalanes to claim this heritage, she is hunted by the Emperor's bodyguard of elite dragoons, as well as by darker things - shapeshifting Mockers and undead Lazars, and behind them a power more sinister still. If Sarah cannot claim her heritage, it may mean the end to her, her family - and to the world where she is just beginning to find her place.

©2017 D. J. Butler (P)2020 Tantor

A fantastic re-imagining of Colonial America

"The Lord loves a man as can write a review for a book he enjoys."

Witchy Eye is the first epic tale I've read that falls in the subgenre of Flintlock Fantasy, and I have to admit I wish I'd read other entries first. I say that because I fear I've read the best first, and that's going to set a very high bar for any other stories out there.

D.J. Butler knows how to spin quite a yarn. He introduces us to the main point-of-view cast very early on, and each of their stories is unique and engaging, especially as the fate draws them closer and closer together. The protagonist, Sarah Calhoun, is a teenage girl with the power to cast hexes and marked by a swollen eye others refer to as "witchy." This book is her coming of age story, as she learns the truth about her powers, her heritage, and her destiny. As the story progresses and Sarah encounters allies, enemies, and those who've yet to reveal their true motive, the pace quickens and the stakes only grow. I will spoil nothing of the ending, only to say that those who enjoy the so-called "Mexican stand-off" common in westerns and thrillers will be pleased, though their fingernails may be a bit chewed up by the end.

Courtney Patterson does an amazing job as narrator for this story. Not only is her narrative style pleasant to the ear, but she brings every character to life with a unique voice and accent. From the political and religious leaders of French New Orleans to Sarah and Calvin's twang to Sir William's deep drawl, she manages to fully engage the imagination. There were times I forgot I was listening to a single narrator and not a cast. This was the first book I've listened to by her, and I look forward to more of her work.

Fantastic story.

I hesitated to get Witchy Eye, because there were no reviews, but the premise sounded interesting. I'm a few hours in to the story and it's more than interesting. It's an alternate history of America, where it remained separate territories, principalities, duchies and kingdoms with myriad religions as well as supernatural elements and native mythologies. The writing is excellent, the story vivid and engaging and Courtney Patterson does a superb job bringing the wide array of characters populating this fascinating tale to life. I feel like I've found a hidden gem of a listen. Well worth the credit.

excellent narration fabulously complex story

this author combines history, legend and fantasy as easily as tying his shoes. its masterful and entertaining.

A delightfully wild ride

What a fabulous book. By the end, I loved every character, even the villains. The main characters were utterly outmatched, and it was a delight to see them persevere again and again. A true underdog story.

The narrator was fantastic. I've never heard anybody narrate so many accents as she did in this book.

If you love magic, history, or stories of someone learning they are secretly the heir to a throne, you'll love this book.

Too many characters

Wonderful narration and interesting story but too many characters to keep track of on an audible book. Despite that I can recommend it just for the quality narration.

Refreshingly Unique & Entirely Enthralling

This story vs others is like the difference between Miyazaki and Disney. Unlike many examples of this sub-genre (Flintlock Fantasy/Alternate History) this story is not based around any cheesy or predictable plot lines such as star crossed lovers or conflicted ingenues yo-yoing back and forth between love and hate. Nor does it contain the “leveling up” nonsense plot line of young dumb dumb progressing to master adept with the usual cast of helpmates. Sure, there’s some of that, but it’s much less ham fisted than most and there’s plenty of other side stories of equal interest. Basically, more than one character is interesting and worth caring about. This story is full of unique individuals with fascinating backgrounds who must adventure through a mythical America that has the perfect balance of real and fantastical characters. There was never a point where the story risked losing the reader in some over the top descriptive world building or boring fictional mythology. The author made it seem effortless to show and not tell the various peoples, their respective cultures and religions and managed not denigrate or condemn any particular group in favor of any other when using historically accurate religious or mythological backgrounds. As a consequence this story feels more grounded in reality while also being entirely fantastical and engaging. I look forward to the next few books. Go ahead and spend that credit! The narration is very good as well.

Very Unique

This is a unique, well-conceived, and well-presented story. The narrator expertly rounds out the experience.

It was ok not one I would spend a credit on book 2

It was ok, I could not really get into the story until the end.

Fantastic narration and story

I’ve lived in Appalachia, and the narrator nailed the accents. The story is really interesting and flows well. I look forward to reading more.

tonally odd but fun

this book is tonally odd but fun it takes real history skews it adds magic and beast men associated with the areas mentioned u enjoyed it a lot but it was hard to get past the odd tone

a story for YA but suitable for adults

story is rather predictable. however the world building makes up for that. like me, i suggest you give it a go.