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The Midnight Witch Hardcover – March 25, 2014
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for The Winter Witch
“A sensitive, beautifully written account… If the Brontë sisters had penned magical realism, this would have been the result.” –The Guardian (London)
“There’s a whiff of Harry Potter in the witchy conflict—a battle between undeveloped young magical talent and old malevolence—at the heart of this sprightly tale of spells and romance, the second novel from British writer Brackston (The Witch’s Daughter, 2011)…. Love of landscape and lyrical writing lend charm, but it’s Brackston’s full-blooded storytelling that will hook the reader.” --Kirkus
“Brackston delivers an intimate paranormal romance that grounds its fantasy in the reality of a 19th century Welsh farm.” –Publishers Weekly
“Brackston's imaginative story is fascinating, polished and intriguing.” –CurledUp.com
“Paula Brackston’s Winter Witch is a whimsical and mystical tale that’s part romance part mystery part fantasy and all extraordinary. Her beautiful narrative moves flawlessly throughout the story… This unique novel will appeal to fans of a multitude of genres from historical to fantasy and will engage fans of all ages as well.” -- www.thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/
Praise for The Witch’s Daughter
“Lushly written with a fascinating premise and an enthralling heroine, The Witch’s Daughter will linger long in memory after the last page has been savored. Highly recommended.” -- Sara Poole, author of The Borgia Betrayal
"A beautifully written, brilliantly crafted page-turner that completely invests you in the lives and loves of the witch's daughter. A true reading event." --Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess' Cooking School
“A lyrical and spell-binding time travel fantasy featuring an immortal witch who must summon all her powers to defeat the evil hounding her through the centuries.” –Mary Sharratt, author of Daughters of the Witching Hill
“With her first novel, author Paula Brackston conjures up a riveting tale of sorcery and time travel. By mixing feminine heroism with masculine might, Brackston successfully captivates readers with characters Bess, an immortal witch, and sinister dark lord, Gideon…. It's almost impossible not to root for the underdog in this magical twist on the classic David vs. Goliath tale. Plus, the skill with which Brackston weaves her characters through time makes this book a fascinating take on global history.” –Marie Claire
"Brackston’s first novel offers well-crafted characters in an absorbing plot and an altogether delicious blend of historical fiction and fantasy." --Booklist
"This pleasantly romantic historical fantasy debut flips lightly between the past experiences of ageless witch Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith and her present-day life in Matravers, England... Bess's adventures are fascinating." --Publishers Weekly
“Stretching her tale over several centuries, British-based Brackston brings energy as well as commercial savvy to her saga of innocence and the dark arts…. History, time travel and fantasy combine in a solidly readable entertainment.” --Kirkus
"An engaging, well-written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike." --Portland Book Review
"Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak of immortality to stay true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love." --NightOwlReviews.com
"The Witch’s Daughter is a wonderful combination of historical fiction and paranormal. Brackston’s story alternates between past and present as she mixes tales of Elizabeth’s early life with the present day, tying in historical events including Jack the Ripper and the horrors of WWI... Overall, a really enjoyable read." --BookBitch.com
"Readers who enjoy historical fantasy built around an epic struggle between good and evil should enjoy this original take on the theme." --HistoricalNovels.info
"An enjoyable read." --Genre Go Round Reviews
"This tale spans centuries and walks the line between good and the darker side of magic. Magic and those who possess it have been feared and persecuted throughout most of human history. Find out what it is like to live for hundreds of years, mostly in solitude, and have to struggle with having the power to help people, but being afraid to use that power." --Affaire de Coeur
“Women will certainly love the independent, feisty female characters, but the narrative is wonderfully imaginative and the plot fast-moving and filled with action. This novel is highly recommended for witches and warlocks alike.” –Historical Novel Society
"The combination of stories from the past and the present meld nicely, and the author adds some clever twists so the reader never knows exactly from whom the next Gideon apparition will arise. Perhaps the best twist is the ending--leaving an opening for another book, but at the same time furnishing the reader with quite a satisfactory ending." --The National Examiner (UK)
"Ambitious and thought-provoking, this book will lure you into vivid, visceral worlds where evil lurks at every turn. The beautifully crafted BOOK OF SHADOWS will be etched on my mind for a long time. What an action-packed, emotionally powerful film it would make too." Sally Spedding, author of STRANGERS WAITING
"An unforgettable story by a highly original new writer." --Rebecca Tope, author of the Cotswold crime series
About the Author
PAULA BRACKSTON is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch’s Daughter and The Winter Witch. She has a master’s degree in creative writing from Lancaster University in the UK. She lives in Wales with her family.
More About the Author
Paula Brackston lives in a wild, mountainous part of Wales. She has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and is a Visiting Lecturer for the University of Wales, Newport. Before becoming a writer, Paula tried her hand at various career paths, with mixed success. These included working as a groom on a racing yard, a travel agent, a secretary, an English teacher, and a goat herd. Everyone involved (particularly the goats) is very relieved that she has now found a job she is actually able to do properly.
When not hunched over her keyboard in her tiny office under the stairs, Paula is dragged outside by her children to play Swedish tennis on the vertiginous slopes which surround them. She also enjoys being walked by the dog, hacking through weeds in the vegetable patch, or sitting by the pond with a glass of wine. Most of the inspiration for her writing comes from stomping about on the mountains being serenaded by skylarks and buzzards.
In 2007 Paula was shortlisted in the Creme de la Crime search for new writers. In 2010 her book 'Nutters' (writing as PJ Davy) was shortlisted for the Mind Book Award. Last year she was selected by the BBC under their New Welsh Writers scheme.
When not hunched over her keyboard in her tiny office under the stairs, Paula is dragged outside by her children to play Swedish tennis on the vertiginous slopes which surround them. She also enjoys being walked by the dog, hacking through weeds in the vegetable patch, or sitting by the pond with a glass of wine. Most of the inspiration for her writing comes from stomping about on the mountains being serenaded by skylarks and buzzards.
In 2007 Paula was shortlisted in the Creme de la Crime search for new writers. In 2010 her book 'Nutters' (writing as PJ Davy) was shortlisted for the Mind Book Award. Last year she was selected by the BBC under their New Welsh Writers scheme.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By
Diana F. Von Behren
TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on February 26, 2014
Format: Hardcover
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As a reader of Paula Brackston's other novels--I would not say that I was exactly a fan, I found her newest offering, "The Midnight Witch" extremely disappointing. While Brackston's other "witch" books, specifically "The Witch's Daughter," and "The Winter Witch" engaged the reader from the very first page, "Midnight Witch" fails to compel the reader to even get passed the first page.
Brackston's work tends to be a bit predictable--in Winter Witch, the nemesis is guessed from pretty much the start--in Witch's Daughter, the story repeats itself as the witch in question constantly reinvents herself and creates a new life as the centuries march forward--forever keeping an eye on her very personal villain who trails her throughout the ages. Rather than fashion characters that envelop you intimately within their story, in Midnight Witch, Brackston decides to go for a "Downton Abbey" effect--capitalizing on the series popularity and trying too hard to play the manners game of the Victorian/Edwardian Era to recreate a London of appearances rather than dramatic substance.
Partly, the problem Brackston faces is presenting the motivation that keeps the reader turning the pages, rather than trying to figure out what exactly is going on based on the strict rules of her scenario. As the Lazarus Coven of witches--a high-bred society-influencing group has just "buried" their head, the former leader's daughter Lilith must take the reigns of control for which she has been bred. Of course, she is challenged--an enemy within the clandestine organization works against her.Read more ›
Brackston's work tends to be a bit predictable--in Winter Witch, the nemesis is guessed from pretty much the start--in Witch's Daughter, the story repeats itself as the witch in question constantly reinvents herself and creates a new life as the centuries march forward--forever keeping an eye on her very personal villain who trails her throughout the ages. Rather than fashion characters that envelop you intimately within their story, in Midnight Witch, Brackston decides to go for a "Downton Abbey" effect--capitalizing on the series popularity and trying too hard to play the manners game of the Victorian/Edwardian Era to recreate a London of appearances rather than dramatic substance.
Partly, the problem Brackston faces is presenting the motivation that keeps the reader turning the pages, rather than trying to figure out what exactly is going on based on the strict rules of her scenario. As the Lazarus Coven of witches--a high-bred society-influencing group has just "buried" their head, the former leader's daughter Lilith must take the reigns of control for which she has been bred. Of course, she is challenged--an enemy within the clandestine organization works against her.Read more ›
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By
Anne
on February 28, 2014
Format: Hardcover
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I've read the authors previous two novels, enjoyed them and very much and put her on my list of authors to watch for new releases because of this, but this latest work is a disappointment. All the reason that I did not enjoy this as I did the previous two have already been listed by my fellow Vine reviewer Diana F. Von Behren's and like another Vine reviewer, S. Beck, I too fought to finish this novel. The writing style makes it confusing, there are too many voices and for me it failed to convey the era in which the story is set.
In many cases, readers are disappointed in a new writer's sophomore work before they recover with their third offering. I know that this author can put out novels that I enjoy. I will await her next novel to see if she returns to the format that has worked well for her or one that is better than this.
2 STARS: ** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are mine**.
In many cases, readers are disappointed in a new writer's sophomore work before they recover with their third offering. I know that this author can put out novels that I enjoy. I will await her next novel to see if she returns to the format that has worked well for her or one that is better than this.
2 STARS: ** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are mine**.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By
S. Dargin
VINE VOICE on February 18, 2014
Format: Hardcover
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Strong women, witches, magic, communing with the dead, and Downtown Abby - if this mixture is appealing, you’ll love this book. Lilith is a young witch and a Lady with a lady’s maid, servants, and a devoted father. Destiny’s role for her is to become a leader in her coven and in society. Personal tragedies and WWI create a tumultuous time for society and Lilith. The old ways are no longer working and she has an ancient enemy to deal with. Hemlines and titles are on the move. Lilith must create her own destiny and make choices that are not approved by all. Love is her guidepost. The time period is from 1913 to post WWI.
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13 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By
Leeanna Chetsko
VINE VOICE on March 1, 2014
Format: Hardcover
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I was looking forward to reading THE MIDNIGHT WITCH. I’m always on the hunt for a good witch book and the summary sounded like I would get exactly that.
I gave the book 110 pages (to Chapter 9) before I gave up. I usually try to finish every book I start, but THE MIDNIGHT WITCH was just not the book for me. Here are the reasons why:
--In 110 pages, almost nothing happened. I was a third of the way through the book and still didn’t know when the story hinted at the summary would show up.
--The book switches between first and third person perspectives. Lilith’s passages are in first person, and then the parts from Bram and Stricklend are in third person. At the start of the book, Lilith is attending her father’s funeral, and we’re privy to her thoughts on the burdens she’s about to take up, as well as her grief. But within pages we’re introduced to Bram and Stricklend, and I had no clue why they were showing up so early.
--Along with perspective switching, the book is just too detailed for me. Now, I’m usually a reader who likes a ton of detail. I like to really imagine the world and characters I’m reading about. But when there are long paragraphs describing the exterior of an opium den or the dilapidated interior of an artist’s house, my eyes glaze over. I felt like the author was focusing on too much unimportant stuff, which is part of why I reached Chapter 9 without anything important happening.
--I also couldn’t get into the writing style. I felt like I was fighting my way through each page, wading through surplus details and lengthy inner monologues, trying to decide what was important. I can’t quote because I received an advance copy of the book, but I’d recommend reading an excerpt or sample of it first.
I tried to finish THE MIDNIGHT WITCH, I really did. I don’t like to give up on books, but when a book doesn’t hold my interest, well, there are lots of other books out there.
I gave the book 110 pages (to Chapter 9) before I gave up. I usually try to finish every book I start, but THE MIDNIGHT WITCH was just not the book for me. Here are the reasons why:
--In 110 pages, almost nothing happened. I was a third of the way through the book and still didn’t know when the story hinted at the summary would show up.
--The book switches between first and third person perspectives. Lilith’s passages are in first person, and then the parts from Bram and Stricklend are in third person. At the start of the book, Lilith is attending her father’s funeral, and we’re privy to her thoughts on the burdens she’s about to take up, as well as her grief. But within pages we’re introduced to Bram and Stricklend, and I had no clue why they were showing up so early.
--Along with perspective switching, the book is just too detailed for me. Now, I’m usually a reader who likes a ton of detail. I like to really imagine the world and characters I’m reading about. But when there are long paragraphs describing the exterior of an opium den or the dilapidated interior of an artist’s house, my eyes glaze over. I felt like the author was focusing on too much unimportant stuff, which is part of why I reached Chapter 9 without anything important happening.
--I also couldn’t get into the writing style. I felt like I was fighting my way through each page, wading through surplus details and lengthy inner monologues, trying to decide what was important. I can’t quote because I received an advance copy of the book, but I’d recommend reading an excerpt or sample of it first.
I tried to finish THE MIDNIGHT WITCH, I really did. I don’t like to give up on books, but when a book doesn’t hold my interest, well, there are lots of other books out there.
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