"Sea Witch" is a fantasy novel written by author Sarah Henning. The book was published in 2018 and is the first installment in the "Sea Witch" series. Set in the kingdom of Havnestad, the story revolves around the infamous Sea Witch from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid." Henning's novel offers a fresh perspective on the Sea Witch character, diving deep into her backstory and motivations. The narrative follows the lives of four friends—Evie, Annemette, Nik, and Iker—whose lives intertwine amidst political unrest and dark magic. Evie, the main protagonist, is haunted by the past and harbors secrets of her own.
When one thinks of Hoodoo or Voodoo, there certainly is a reference to the power and use of hair. One common superstition is that one should always take great care in the disposal of both hair and nails in order to prevent any negative spells or conjurations placed upon them. Take for example, the use of the Voodoo doll, particularly dolls created for love matters. Using human hair and/or the finger nails of the intended love interest aids in the creation of a powerful love spell. With such objects voodoo dolls can be created to help one fall in love with another. In Hoodoo jar spells, there is another popular example where one might include the hair of an intended victim mixed with a number of other objects such as vinegar or sulfur or Oshun Oil which then is buried upon the intended victim's property in order to create sickness or misfortune.
In this case, hair and or a piece of fabric that has touched the intended victims skin is put into a handkerchief with some other eroding ingredients. Another powerful example of the use of hair in Voodooism is one of the more powerful and negative curses to cause serious harm or death of an intended victim.
Evie, the main protagonist, is haunted by the past and harbors secrets of her own. She is desperate to escape her binding fate as the Sea Witch and will go to great lengths to reclaim her lost power. Annemette, on the other hand, is a mermaid who yearns to experience life on land and dreams of love.
Powder Recipes
Blue talc. Lavender (peace and purification); sandalwood (protection and spirituality);angelica (protection and visions); orange peel (love); frankincense (protection and spirituality). Holy water or spring water for spraying.
This powder brings forth the essence of the angels, protects from evil spirits, and overcomes curses. Sprinkle about the altar, the threshold of any portal, door, or window. Burn in a thurible for general good luck and waft about the room with a feather. Load into a candle for invoking love and spiritual aid. Use the powder with a pink candle to attract friendship. Use in conjunction with a silver candle for angelic messages. Best day to make: Sunday in the hours of the sun, moon, Venus or Mercury.
Nik, a prince, bears a striking resemblance to someone from Evie's past, sparking memories and unraveling mysteries. Meanwhile, Iker, a childhood friend of the group, is thrust into a web of deceit and treachery as he tries to protect his loved ones. Henning expertly weaves in elements of romance, magic, and suspense as the characters navigate their personal journeys. The book explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions. It also poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of power and the complexity of human emotions. The author's writing style captivates readers, drawing them into the enchanting world of Havnestad. The vivid descriptions and atmospheric settings paint a vivid picture of the kingdom, its underwater realms, and the dangers lurking beneath the surface. "Sea Witch" is a captivating tale that breathes new life into a classic story. With its intriguing characters, rich world-building, and unexpected twists, the book keeps readers hooked until the final page. It is a must-read for fans of fairy tales, fantasy, and retellings. Overall, "Sea Witch" offers a fresh and compelling take on the Sea Witch character, providing a fascinating origin story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series..
Reviews for "The Sea Witch Book: A Comparison with Other Fantasy Novels"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Sea Witch". The story lacked originality and seemed to be a mash-up of other popular fantasy novels. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The pacing was also off, with the plot dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I felt like this book didn't live up to the hype and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "Sea Witch" fell flat for me. The writing style was uninspiring and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The world-building was weak, leaving me with little understanding of the magic system and how it worked. Additionally, the romance was poorly developed and the love triangle felt cliché. I wanted to like this book, but it just didn't capture my interest or attention.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Sea Witch" based on the concept, but the execution left much to be desired. The plot was predictable and lacked depth, with very little surprises or twists. The character development was also lacking, as I found it difficult to care about any of the protagonists. The pacing was inconsistent, making it hard to stay invested in the story. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its potential and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. David - 1 star - "Sea Witch" was a major letdown. The narrative was confusing and hard to follow, with scenes jumping from one perspective to another without clear transitions. The writing was mediocre at best, lacking descriptive language and failing to evoke any emotion. The lack of originality was also apparent, as the story felt like a rehash of other popular young adult fantasy novels. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and do not understand the positive reviews it has received.