Once upon a time in a small village, there lived a witch named Selena and a vampire named Lucas. In this village, mystical creatures were known to exist alongside humans, but they kept their true identities hidden from the townsfolk. Selena, the witch, had lived in the village for centuries. She possessed magical powers and used them to help people whenever she could. Despite her mischievous nature, Selena had a heart of gold and was highly respected within the magical community. Lucas, on the other hand, was a vampire.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe it s just me, but I felt their personalities and voices often blended together, and the girls lacked the depth needed to truly resonate as fully developed characters. The shorter format allows readers to revisit some movies that already have their own novel-length treatments The Little Mermaid , Mulan , Hercules , The Princess and the Frog as well as others that often get less attention Robin Hood , Treasure Planet , Bambi , which is refreshing.
Lucas, on the other hand, was a vampire. He had a mysterious aura surrounding him, and his pale white skin and sharp fangs frightened many in the village. However, he was not like the vampires portrayed in stories.
THE WITCH AND THE VAMPIRE
Once best friends but now natural enemies, a witch and a vampire fight their way through a dangerous forest together as their romantic feelings rekindle.
Ava was turned into a vampire two years ago and has been locked in the attic of their towering home by her mother and stepfather ever since. She retained her Root witch powers, which her mother has been siphoning to hide the fact that she too is a vampire. Flame witch Kaye believes Ava, her former friend, is responsible for her mother’s death, and Kaye wants revenge. When Ava finally manages to escape and flee into the forest in search of the vampire queen, Kaye goes after her. The pair make an uneasy pact to travel together to a village deep in the forest, although Kaye secretly plans on betraying Ava. They soon learn the forest is even more threatening than expected, and they grow closer once more as they protect each other. This tale attempts a mashup of “Rapunzel,” paranormal creatures, queer romance, and a fantasy world. It falls flat, though, due to its repetitive writing and underdeveloped worldbuilding. Alternating first-person chapters give insight into the leads, but other characters are one-dimensional. There is a lot of infodumping and yet also too much that isn’t explained, which makes the reading experience more frustrating than exciting. Kaye has light beige skin, and Ava’s is tawny.
An ambitious premise let down by poor execution. (Fantasy. 12-18)
Pub Date: March 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-22051-6
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Francesca Flores
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Lucas had vowed to live peacefully, never harming humans or other creatures, much to the surprise of the townspeople. Though they came from different worlds, Selena and Lucas had forged an unlikely friendship over time. They often met in secret, away from prying eyes. In their hidden meetings, they would share stories, discuss their supernatural powers, and talk about the challenges they faced living among humans. As time passed, the pair noticed a growing discontent among the villagers. Rumors spread like wildfire, blaming magical creatures for misfortunes and strange occurrences. The villagers began to fear and resent those different from them, and this worried the witch and the vampire. Selena and Lucas knew they had to act to restore peace and understanding. Together, they devised a plan to reveal their true selves to the villagers, hoping it would eliminate the fear and prejudice that had taken hold. They hoped that through their friendship, they could bridge the gap between humans and magical creatures. On a moonlit night, Selena and Lucas stood before the entire village, revealing their magical abilities and true identities. Some villagers gasped in fear, while others watched in awe. Amidst the chaos, Selena and Lucas spoke of their intentions, explaining that they had never intended harm and were only there to help. To their surprise, some magical creatures living in the village started to come forward, standing alongside Selena and Lucas. This act of unity inspired a few brave souls among the villagers, who realized that not all magical beings were evil. Over time, the relationships between humans and magical creatures began to change. Selena and Lucas became ambassadors, helping to foster understanding and cooperation between the two worlds. They organized events, shared stories, and helped resolve conflicts. Gradually, fear and prejudice gave way to acceptance and respect. Selena and Lucas had successfully altered the villagers' perception, showing them that friendship and compassion were universal values that transcended differences in appearances or abilities. Their friendship proved that magical creatures and humans could live side by side in harmony, setting an example for future generations. And so, the tale of the witch and the vampire became a legend in the village, reminding everyone that understanding and kindness would always triumph over fear and prejudice..
Reviews for "The Witch's Secret: Unveiling the Vampire's Past"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "The Witch and the Vampire" to be extremely disappointing. The story lacked depth and originality, and I felt like I was reading a cliché vampire romance novel. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The plot was predictable and formulaic, with no surprises or twists. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and imaginative story.
2. John - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to reading "The Witch and the Vampire," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was mediocre, with excessive use of clichés and awkward dialogue. The romance between the witch and the vampire felt forced and lacked chemistry. The pacing was slow, and the story didn't seem to go anywhere. I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied by the end.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars
I had high hopes for "The Witch and the Vampire," but it didn't deliver. The world-building was weak, and the magical elements felt underdeveloped. The romance between the two main characters felt forced, and their relationship lacked depth. The plot twists were predictable, and the ending felt rushed. Overall, the book had potential, but it failed to live up to it. I wouldn't recommend it to fans of supernatural romance novels, as there are much better options out there.