4 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2020/10/01/witch-by-finbar-hawkins/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Beautiful, brutal, tale of revenge

Witch is an unusual story set in a particularly frightening period of history when women and children were taken from their homes and brutalised on the most flimsy of pretexts.

I will start this review just by mentioning that there will be triggers for some readers amongst these pages, the opening chapters in fact contain the murder of Evey and Dill’s mother and being set in a time of civil war definitely gives this book a feeling of things being on a knife edge, like bloody violence is a real possibility that could erupt with almost any turn of the page. This isn’t a sweet, or Disney style take on witches so be aware.

As the story begins, as mentioned, Dill and Evey witness (from afar) the murder of their mother at the hands of men accusing her of witchcraft. The two girls run and hide and their mother makes Evey promise to take her little sister to their aunt for safety’s sake. Evey is hellbent on revenge, consumed by the need for it in fact and this is the fuel for the majority of the story.

In terms of plot, well this really is as simple as I’ve mentioned above. This is a tale of one girl’s determination to avenge her dead mother. Of course there are ups and downs, mistakes and mishaps along the way, usually driven by Evey’s lack of planning or impulsive and often times reckless behaviour.

The characters. Evey is an angry young woman. She’s angry about her mother’s death, she’s angry at her newfound responsibility, she’s angry that her mother seemed to favour Dill to such an extent that she left her scrying stone to Dill instead of her. There’s a complexity of emotions running amok, anger, jealousy, resentment, sorrow, and this makes Evey a difficult and complex character. I liked that she could be sometimes annoying, it lends her the cloak of reality. Dill is the sweet younger sister. She’s much more measured and self assured. She has an affinity with animals and seems to be more like her mother than Evey. We have another character called Anne, daughter to a nobleman Anne carried a lot of sorrow which makes her desire to help Evey a littler easier to understand. There is perhaps an element of ‘insta-friendship’ going on here but I went with it given the element of sadness that both characters shared.

Without doubt, for me, the winning element of this book is also maybe the element that will put some readers off – the style of writing. It’s beautiful, lyrical, haunting, atmospheric and simple. It seems to capture the time and voice of the period and I loved reading it. It’s also a strange counterbalance to the violence it depicts, it’s as though I was enjoying the author’s style so much that it sometimes belied the events unfolding on the page. It feels old fashioned and yet accessible. I think it maybe took me a few pages to get into the style but then I was pretty much swept away and I read the book in one sitting, unable to put it down.

In terms of criticisms. Nothing major. The fantasy elements only really come into play during the last few chapters, up to that point this could be a historical novel depicting a period where women were persecuted for being strong or resourceful. I think the plot is very simple, but, again, I didn’t find this a problem as I was enjoying the way in which the story is told more than the drama of what was taking place.

In conclusion, I enjoyed Witch. I would say that it was quite different from what I was expecting – and I’m not sure why that is, perhaps the cover (which I love by the way) maybe led me to think this would be a much lighter take on witches when the reality is quite the opposite. A beautifully grim depiction of harsh times and the strength found in friendship and sisterhood.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

I am a sucker for any book which has witches and so had to read this one.

This book is a darker book and deals with the darker side of humans and how witches were treated back on the 17th century.

The sisters relationship is deep and meaningful and as someone how has a sister I felt alot of the MC feelings in my own relationship with my sister

A huge thank to netgalley and Head of Zeus for this arc!

Witch, for lack of better words was a lovely book and I say that as it didn’t quite reach beautiful for me but was nowhere near a bad book! I really wish this was a book I had found about 10 years ago because there was this real nostalgia to when I found my first fantasy books.

There’s great concept in this revenge tale set upon these foundations of family and magic; it’s a unique, quiet gem that I think is in a small minority of books because it’s something on its own.

The writing was a bit bizarre, it couldn’t decide if it was good or basic, not bad, but as I perceived it like that it took me in and out of the story.

Witch is a short, autumnal read, with some great illustrations within that add to the chill in the air feel; all I will say is it’s not a top of the list book but worth a read to help a slump maybe? Fill a hole where you can’t pick something to read.

I think the truthful conclusion to this book is that it’s cover is the strength in getting people curious. I’ve given it 3 stars because it leans just that little bit but I’d say my actual review is about 2.5.

This is a magical debut full of strong women, magic and fast action. The chases involving the witch hunters are dramatic and keep you holding your breath until the very end. The writing is beautiful and the character of Evey is described in intimate detail as we learn her torment and anguish following her mother's death. This is balanced well with the characters of Dill and Anne, who see the good in Evey and help her with her quest.

I was first drawn in by the beautiful cover, and hoped it would be the perfect book for autumn. However, I really struggled with this book, both the way it was written, and the characters and plot.
I found the writing style and language used really hard to get into, although the dialogue may have been how they spoke at the time, it was jarring to read, and I didn’t enjoy it. There were also times when I wasn’t really sure what was going on due to the choppy writing style. I also felt like the plot had no flow, it was just short scenes in lots of different places, with no world-building.

I don’t think it helped that I didn’t like any of the characters either. Evey and Dill’s relationship was unbelievably frustrating, and this meant that I wasn’t as invested in their fate as I should have been. Other characters were quickly introduced but lacked any characterisation so also fell a bit flat. I think a big issue is that the story moves at such a fast pace that very little time is then left to flesh out characters and their motivations.

Overall an interesting premise, but the writing really let it down. There was very little characterisation to anyone, plus the plot felt so rushed that it lacked the vivid descriptions I was hoping for. Disappointing since the cover is so beautiful.

I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was immediately drawn to this beautiful cover and even more intrigued when I read the blurb but sadly this book just wasn’t for me.

At the start of story, we see Evey and her younger sister Dill witness the murder of their mother by a group of witch hunters. Evey swears to avenge her death and we see her set off to seek that vengeance.

Witch should have been a quick, easy read for me but unfortunately I didn’t like the writing style or language used, the story didn’t grip me like I expected it to (which made it drag) and I didn’t particularly like any of the characters which meant I just wasn’t interested in the outcome.

1.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for a honest review

To begin with I was not a fan of this book, but it grew on me.
I liked the overall story that it told though the way in which it was written was confusing at times and a little off-putting though the style of writing was historically correct for the time period in which the story was based.
Overall this book was an easy, quick read and I cannot fault the author as it must've taken a lot of time and research to have the characters speak in the way they did.

Evey and Dill are the daughter of a healer and watch as their Mother is brutally murdered by witch hunters. They must now save themselves. They must run.

Evey vows to seek revenge on the men who killed their Mother. Evey and Dill set off on their journey. So far into the journey they meet their Aunt Grey and Evey feels it safest for Dill to stay with her.

Evey embarks on her quest for revenge. Along the way she meets some enemies and also Anna who becomes her closest friend. When Evey realises that her sister Dill has been captured by the witch hunters and is to stand trial her quest becomes even more urgent.

The darkness rises in Evey. She must keep it at bay but can she rescue her sister and the other innocents from the gallows before it's too late.

This book bought me great deal of nostalgia. It reminded me of the magic I felt as a child when I would sit down and watch The Chronicles of Narnia. I was hooked from the first page.

I really felt close to the sisters on their journeys and it reminded me of the bond I have with my own sister. My heart broke for them and I gasped at certain scenes.

It is beautifully written story that will pull you under to a dark, magical and mystical world.

I was drawn by the cover on this I’ll admit it and sadly the book didn’t match the gorgeous cover, I just wasn’t drawn or interested by the story, I found it dull and hard to keep interested at all. The writing style wasn’t for me and it just didn’t flow at all.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Thank you to Netgalley and Zephyr publishing for e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Hawkins has created a dark atmospheric book which is a perfect short read. However; this is not a fluffy autumn book and contains some distressing scenes. I would advise readers to find a full list of Trigger Warnings.

Witch follows the tale of young Evey and her journey to avenge her mother, who was brutally murdered for being a Witch. Evey and her sister, Dill, must find the coven for safety, and avoid the witch hunters.

I found this book to be unique in its writing style; quite short lines that read like verse. It could sometimes be hard to get into and follow, but for the most part, worked like a charm in the bleak world that Hawkins created.

Although the world is bleak and full of despair, there are heartwarming moments of light, in the form of friendship and family.

I found the premise of the book to be interesting and I was gripped in the beginning but something felt off about the book to me and I can't pinpoint exactly what it was. I feel like I wanted more depth to the characters and how they felt. There seemed to be a very basic and surface level motives backing the characters and I just wanted more. Wasn't a bad novel, it was quick and easy but I prefer for the novels I read to give more insight into people.

“Good apple, bad apple. Good witch, bad witch.”
A spell bounding tale full of revenge, regret and most importantly, witchcraft; Witch is the perfect historical fantasy for the autumn season. It’s beautifully atmospheric and a heart wrenching tale full of family and fierce female friendships.
I think it is important to note that this book deals with some upsetting and potentially triggering topics such as loss of a parent and torture so I would recommend finding a full list of trigger warnings if you are sensitive to certain topics.
Witch follows Avey who is forced to flee her home with her younger sister Dill when witch hunters torture and kill her mother. Full of anger and desperate for revenge she goes on a journey to settle her debts but begins to find herself, and the powers within herself, along the way.
The writing style was pretty unique in my opinion and really paired well with the story to provide a rich atmosphere, that I wasn’t expecting. I read a lot of this story outside and it did definitely conjure up images of magic and the wild forces of nature. It is easy to believe the 17th century setting and yet I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why, it just seems effortless. It made it so easy to get sucked into the story.
In a similar way the pacing was really well done. The chapters were pretty short without feeling rushed which I enjoyed and I sped through the book as a whole. That being said the plot itself is very simple and doesn’t have layers to it really so if you are looking for something more intricately crafted in that respect then this might not be for you.
As much as I enjoyed our main character, she is not particularly special and could be interchanged with many other protagonists. In no way is she badly written, it is just clear that she is more a vessel to allow the story and its messages to unfold more than anything else. That being said I did find her interactions with some of the side characters very charming and pleasant. There isn’t much depth but at the end of the day this is a relatively short standalone.
The messages in this book were so beautifully intertwined with the narrative in a way that they felt solely organic and in no way forced. Loss, family, guilt and anger where such vital parts of the story yet by the end it still seemed hopeful and overall good, fair and just.
As a debut novel Witch excites me and I cannot wait to see what is coming next from this author.
Rated: 4 Stars

I so wanted to love this book, but I really struggled with the writing style and language.

That being said, I loved the overall premise of this book and the elements of mystery and magic worked into it.

I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and premise of the book, however I could just not get involved with the story line. The beginning started off strong with two young siblings getting away after their mother is murdered for being a witch and then the aftermath for revenge, but I think it was the style of the writing and dialogue that made me not enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

Evey sees her mother murdered because she was a witch and that results in a promise and a mission. The promise to keep her sister safe and the mission: revenge on her mother's killers.

With short but so full of meaning sentences, almost like it's in verse, Hawkins has a very unique style of writing, certainly poetic, absolutely gripping. The narrative is seemingly soft, quiet but powerful, the language indicative of the era but easy to read. Full of sharp and creative descriptions. I love how birds are a constant in this story, helping our protagonist any way they can.

Dealing with the pain, anger and melancholy of grief, the growing pains of realization. How we can be much stronger than we ever imagined. The complexity and dilemma of avenging the wrongs done to you: To revenge or not to revenge? Or is it justice?

Danger, suspense and a terrible betrayal that changes the course of the story. A testament to faith, in yourself and others, to finding compassion and hope in the midst of even absolute despair. This book was achingly beautiful, soul-whispering and maybe it imprinted a little on my heart.

REVIEW: ‘Witch’ by Finbar Hawkins didn’t meet my high expectations

The tale doesn’t quite pack the punch I’d hoped for.

Although the premise of Witch was exciting, I felt the novel’s execution was somewhat lacking.

The concept of Witch is an exciting one. Set in the seventeenth century, Finbar Hawkins delves into history to bring this story of witches and witch-hunters to life. While I can appreciate the knowledge and research that has gone into the story, the delivery of the tale left me wanting.

Primarily, the pacing felt off. The story moved very quickly, and while some readers may find that aids the plot, it put me off-kilter. There was very little time dedicated to fleshing out the characters or setting. Instead, the action was front-and-centre, which left it falling flat.

Evey is a strong-willed and fierce teenager. Her need to avenge her mother is understandable, and helps to create an emotional atmosphere that, at times, really makes you feel for her and Dill. However, Dill is written in a very similar vein. She is also strong-willed and fierce, and although she arguably has more goodness inside her, she differs little from her older sister.

I was rushed through the novel without getting a proper sense of the girls as individuals, and with each voice sounding the same it made for a somewhat boring cast. Despite the age difference between the sisters, their speech made this nearly impossible to notice; Evey’s actions were particularly discordant with her adolescence.

I think the writing really let Witch down. Where the concept was promising, the lack of detail when it came to creating rounded characters meant I never fully connected with the story. Furthermore, its fast pace and lacking descriptions meant I was often confused about how or why certain events took place

Overall, Witch didn’t really provide anything new. Although the look into the witch trials of the UK was a promising topic, the writing didn’t deliver. The tale was very straightforward without any surprises to keep readers on their toes.

2.9 stars.

The book started out well with the two sisters escaping after their mother was murdered for being a witch and then the revenge. The words did not flow, however, and I found it difficult to read for this reason. I think the sentences and structure should have been shorter and edited To flow. The dialogue was also difficult.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the plot of this one, finding it quick and easy to read, but I do think that certain character elements could have been more fleshed out.

The opening to this book was a little difficult to read, in two senses of the word. The writing feels a little unusual when you first come to it, the dialect particularly, so that takes some getting used to, but also the graphic nature of the opening scenes makes them emotionally hard to read.

I really wanted to love this one; the historical period and the exploration of witches (and the perception and treatment of witches at that time) should be right up my street, but how little I connected with the MC meant I wasn't fully invested in her quest for revenge, or what happened to her.

This was a good book, but not a great one. A slightly disappointing 3 stars from me.

The voice in this book is incredible. It's screams an authentic, historical British accent - I want to say rural West Country, but my ability to pin down dialects isn't always reliable! I could really hear the accent as I read, thanks in parts to the "non-standard", that helps to bring it alive

Part of the way the voice is built is through atypical prose structure. It is written in prose, but the sentences are much shorter than normally found in fiction, and a lot of them are sentence fragments. It might take a bit of time for a reader to get used to it, as it is a very different structure than "typical" prose, but it brings the cadence of the words out.

WITCH is a historical fantasy the slowly leans into the fantasy as the book goes on. At first, it feels more like a historical fiction novel, where claims of witchery is a weapon used against independent women by those with a grudge. However, as the novel goes on, fantastical elements are slowly introduced as Evey sinks deeper into her anger - until the magic-stuffed finale. By this point, there is no denying that it is a fantasy novel. The gradual alteration works so well as a mirror to her emotional state.

I also really liked that the historical setting is never explicitly referenced in book. You can tell from the descriptions that it is Rural England, and from the world building slipped into conversations, it is possible to infer what is happening. This is England around the Civil War, but Finbar Hawkins trusts the reader to understand that because it's only backdrop - not a crucial element of the story.

Witch is an incredibly powerful and deeply emotional story that held me enthralled from the opening pages.

Evey and her younger sister Dill witness the brutal murder of their mother by the local witchfinder and his men. Evey makes a promise to avenge her mother’s death by killing the men. Leaving her nine-year-old sister with their Aunt, she seeks vengeance alone. However, she soon finds herself with a new friend, the local Lord’s daughter, Anne and together they embark on a dangerous mission, a mission which will see them forging unbreakable bonds and taking courageous risks to seek vengeance.

This is a heartfelt story about the strength, courage and determination it takes to right wrongs, to re-dress the balance of nature. A story of delving deep into your inner psyche and finding yourself, of self-belief and finding a transformative power within … a story of fury, of healing, of magick.

It is also a story of friendship, family, betrayal and fear encapsulated in a deep-rooted magick which is at the heart of the story. Those in positions of power seek to use and control the women who can channel the magick for political gain, but they also fear, and are suspicious of, these women so seek to destroy.

The raw grief, pain and anger which is tearing the sisters apart is heartbreakingly portrayed. I found the complicated relationship between Evey and Dill a real strength of the narrative. There is deep love, but also jealousy and brutal honesty caught up in their relationship with magick, their mother and each other. They both have admirable inner strength and incredible reserves of courage. They suffer, they endure, but they rise above their persecution. The other main female in the story, Anne, has also suffered great loss at the hands of men, and is empathetic, kind-hearted and courageous. I really enjoyed the friendship between her and Evey.

Overall, this is a deeply atmospheric, rich and emotive story which is both heart-breaking and uplifting.