Dragonwitch

All right, well I have not actually read any of the books in this series (although I do plan to), but I am a sucker for Fantasy. I am used to reading out of order, so I did not think it would end up being a huge deal. For the most part, it was not, but there are places and times where I felt lost.

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I am only assuming that is due to not following from the beginning. I’ll also admit that I didn’t realize it was Young Adult (I was told, however, the sign-up and actual tour date spanned months), but I read plenty of YA, and enjoy the genre. However, you can’t pull that from the blurb alone. It just shocked me a bit in the first chapter, the scene with the scholar because up until then, I could not really gauge the age of the character.

Anytime I review a series, I try to keep spoilers to a minimum. With fantasy what draws me in above all else are the worlds authors create. From the creatures, to general life, and how things work, I cannot get enough. There were no holes found within the world itself, but names were a bit tough to wrap my head around. It is probably nowhere near correct the way I’m saying it, but it’s laughable to see Mr. J and I fight over it. Overall, we enjoyed the world and the various creatures.

Plot. This is where I started to get lost and Mr. J struggled a bit too. There are multiple storylines, which is normal for fantasy, but some readers who aren’t used to this style might find themselves lost or having to slow down their pace. I can typically knock out fantasy novels in one or two days, but this one took me longer. Again, I think that I should have started at book one (and most readers probably have), at the very least you ease into the world slower and you get to learn the writing style at the same time. Still, I think it's a keeper and the story held my interest.

I’m not familiar with Christian Fantasy, or what that entails, but this book is recommended for those who enjoy fantasy and definitely for those who have followed the series.

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Although Dragonwitch didn’t grab me at first, it became increasingly interesting as I read. I began to relate to and admire the characters at the forefront of the story. The mythological and magical beings also came to life quite vividly. The biblical parallels were obvious from the start, and

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though they were well done, I wished for more subtlety. The unexpected alliances, romances and friendships felt authentic and unforced. Sometimes the narrative was uneven as it bounced between worlds and time, but the author managed not to lose the reader and the story remained engaging. Although Dragonwitch is part of a series, it easily stood alone. The epic battle between good and evil was knuckle-whitening and also stood apart for not being so easily black and white. Even in their darkest hour, the forces of evil were given a choice. The forces for good also had to choose and trust if they were to be victorious. The flaws enriched the characters and the story. Most surprising perhaps was the humor. It was much needed as relief between life and death struggles and quite fun. I highly recommend this book for fans of Christian Fantasy.

“The Wood would turn a person round and flip him inside out if given half a chance. This the cat knew for certain. But as long as one walked a path – a known, safe path belonging to a known, safe master – there was little the Wood could do to interfere” (p.54).

“Etanun approached, his sword in hand, and when I looked, I saw that Akilun drew close behind, and he held the lantern Asha. When I saw its light, delicate and white, I found my heart rising. For the first time since the fall of my mighty parents, I began to hope” (p.137).

“A known enemy could be fought. An imagined one, however, carried every advantage” (p.167).

In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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