"The House Witch" book is a captivating and informative guide that offers practical tips and advice on transforming your home into a sanctuary of positive energy and harmony. Written by Arin Murphy-Hiscock, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in incorporating magical practices into their everyday life. The book begins by introducing the concept of a house witch, explaining that it is not necessarily a witch who practices magic spells, but rather someone who uses everyday tasks and rituals to create a sacred and welcoming space. It explores the importance of creating a harmonious environment in your home and how it can positively impact your well-being. One of the main focuses of the book is on cleansing and purifying your home. It provides various methods, such as smudging with herbs like sage or burning incense, to rid your space of negative and stagnant energy.
At the time of writing this novel I am already the majority of the way done with book 2. I highly recommend this book for a nice cozy humourous fantasy with a hint of romance and a little mystery.
Finlay Ashowan has just been hired as the new Royal Cook, but while he might be exceedingly skilled in the kitchen, his social graces are a nightmare. While he might be slow to open up, given his unique abilities, he finds himself making friends where he least expects it when they realize he just wants everyone to be respectful and caring.
It provides various methods, such as smudging with herbs like sage or burning incense, to rid your space of negative and stagnant energy. The author also highlights the significance of creating a personal altar, where you can display meaningful objects and symbols that inspire and connect you to your spiritual practice. In "The House Witch," Arin Murphy-Hiscock also delves into the magical properties of different household items, such as herbs, crystals, and essential oils.
The Captain’s Log – the house witch (Delemhach)
Ahoy there me mateys! I read this for free on Amazon because it was featured as a cozy fantasy. This was a very, very uneven read for me.
- The main character, Fin. He is the house witch. His magic involves making people feel happy and safe through food. I also enjoy his snarkiness and his wanting to be alone. I enjoyed how his magic works.
- Found family. I love found family stories. I love how Fin comes to rely on and accept friends and help. Hannah was a particular favorite.
- The beginning. It held such promise and I enjoyed the set-up.
- The length. At over 470 pages, this could be trimmed A LOT and been better for it.
- The angst. Fin has a bad background. Fine. How his issues were handled. Overwrought and angsty.
- The romance. Oh the angst of a commoner being in love with a noble. Blech. Too much angst and lack of communication here for me to be cheering for the relationship. There is no chemistry between them.
- The love interest. Worst spy ever. Just saying.
- The cat. I love me some kittens but the chapters from the point of view of the cat familiar were awkward and didn’t make sense.
- The humor. The humor was slapstick and extremely crude at times. Lame jokes about sex, drunkenness, being gay, and consent. Lots of big dumb brutes with hateful behavior that “learn” and so are quickly forgiven. The author was trying to make homophobia and misogony unexceptable but it just seemed childishly dealt with.
- The world building. Pretty much non-existent.
- The big bad. The main bad guy is a caricature. His war leader even more so. The conflict of the looming war is badly done.
- The cliff hanger ending and the resolution of nothing.
This book should really walk the plank but there were ideas in here that I enjoyed and just wish the execution had been better. The book need an editor and the removal of all of the immature jokes that did not fit into the rest of the book. And some plot help. I will not be reading more of this series. Arrr!
Goodreads’ website has this to say about the novel:
When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.
But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs. As his powers are gradually discovered by the court, Fin finds himself involved in a slew of intrigues: going head-to-head with knights with less-than-chivalrous intentions, helping to protect the pregnant queen, fending off the ire of the royal mage, and uncovering a spy in the castle. And that’s only the beginning—because Fin’s past is catching up with him just as his love life is getting complicated . . .
To visit the author’s Amazon page go to:
Delemhach – Author
When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.
She explains how to incorporate these elements into your daily routines, from cooking with intention to creating personalized rituals for relaxation or healing. Additionally, the book explores the importance of organizing and decluttering your home, emphasizing the notion that a cluttered space can lead to mental and emotional clutter. It offers practical tips on how to create a sense of order and balance in your living environment. What sets "The House Witch" apart is its emphasis on the practical application of magical practices. The author provides step-by-step instructions for various rituals and spells, catering to both beginners and experienced practitioners alike. From creating an herbal sachet to brewing a potion for protection, the book offers a wealth of simple yet powerful techniques. Overall, "The House Witch" is a comprehensive guide that combines magical practices with practical advice to help readers create a harmonious and enchanting home. Whether you are looking to bring positive energy into your living space, deepen your spiritual practice, or simply create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, this book will provide you with inspiration and guidance..
Reviews for "The Joy of Cooking: Why Spending Time in the Kitchen is Good for the Soul"
1. Jessica - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The House Witch Book". I was expecting a comprehensive guide to incorporating witchcraft and magic into my home, but what I got was a shallow and surface-level overview. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any practical advice or detailed instructions. It felt like the author was just scratching the surface without delving into the real essence of house witchcraft. Overall, the book left me feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed.
2. Tyler - 1/5 - I found "The House Witch Book" to be extremely lacking in substance. It felt more like a compilation of random thoughts and anecdotes rather than a well-structured guide. The author's writing style was also quite confusing, with disjointed paragraphs and jumbled ideas. Additionally, the book lacked clear organization and failed to provide a coherent flow of information. Overall, I regretted purchasing this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Samantha - 3/5 - While "The House Witch Book" had some interesting concepts, it ultimately fell short of my expectations. The author touched on several intriguing ideas, but didn't go into enough detail to truly make it a practical guide for house witchcraft. I found myself wanting more explanations and step-by-step instructions, rather than vague descriptions and general advice. However, the book did introduce me to some new perspectives and inspired me to explore further in my practice, so it wasn't a complete waste.
4. Benjamin - 2/5 - "The House Witch Book" was a letdown for me. I was seeking a comprehensive resource that would help me infuse my home with magical energy and create a sacred space, but the book only offered superficial suggestions. The lack of practical tips and concrete guidance left me feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. Additionally, the author's tone came across as condescending and judgmental, which made it difficult for me to connect with the material. Overall, I would not recommend this book to serious practitioners looking for a deep dive into house witchcraft.