Review #437
So I think there could’ve been a better title of the name of the book but overall I LOVED this book. Strong 4.8/5 stars.
Chapter 1 starts in 1591 in Fritzi’s perspective. I already care about her early in the story and feel like I’m there, experiencing her situation first hand. There are a lot of terms that are new to me in the world building to keep track of. Apparently a good witch is a green witch but Fritzi has been hearing voices in her head for years. There are too many memories laced with the current timeline in the first chapter that jumps me out of the urgency of the scene.
And was saved by her mother, an elder, moments before hunters murdered her entire coven, leaving her as the sole survivor.
If the plot is all about revenge, it may not be the plot type for me…
Chapter two is Otto’s point of view.
He’s only 19 and already second ij command. It reminds me of Serpent and Dove so far but I wish there was less holy, God, sacred talk. When I write my similar story (called A Crimson Oath) about a witch and a witch hunter, I’m planning not to have any religious based theme involved.
It’s hard to be invested in Fritzi now because she has already lost everything so what does she have to fight for? And she has nothing left to lose.
Sidenote- I love that the chapters are short and fast. And that it’s written in first person narrative.
At the end of chapter 4 I’m confused whether this is planned or he’s truly turning her in. If so, why now?
I love how much agency Fritz’s has. She’s awesome with her desperate goal to save her cousin, the only survivor of their village.
Why can’t she use the darker magic? What would the consequences be?
At page 122, it feels too soon for his intense protective feelings towards her already.
Chapter 16 bothered me for 3 different reasons.
1. If they only have 2 days, they don’t have the time they’re spending
2. The mix between the fiction and real world places like Venice keeps throwing me it of the story
3. I’m bored every time real religious history is brought up and explained.
Page 156- did they kiss or not?
I hate that Liesel is only 10. That makes this worst.
At the halfway mark the plot is definitely intense. I like how she could rely on him and they’re helping each other.
“My hand doesn’t leave his as I pull him back into the castle, into the permeating warmth of this small haven we’ve carved out in our world of stalking danger and flames.”
It’s awesome that Fritzi is questioning her Three Goddesses now that she realizes they haven’t given any answers or support.
What type of warrior does Otto need to be? Why? From whom?
This book was awesome! 4.8/5 stars! Witches, with hunters, and a very exciting climatic scene!
The sequel comes out in a few months but because who I am as a reader, I’ll probably be frustrated once I start it because I’ll have forgotten all of this one.