The cat-like burglar and the magical gallery unblocked 76 Once upon a time, in a small town known for its mysterious happenings, there lived a cat-like burglar named Felix. He was known for his nimble and sneaky nature, always able to get into the most secure places without leaving a trace. Felix had a special talent for stealing valuable artifacts, particularly those with a touch of magic. In the heart of the town, there stood a grand and enigmatic gallery. The gallery was housed in an old building that had been passed down through generations. It was said that the gallery contained magical artifacts from all over the world, each with its own unique powers and secrets.
This stunningly evocative novel set on the remote Norwegian island of Vardø in the 1600s was inspired by the real Vardø storm and the subsequent witch hunt. When a catastrophic storm wipes out almost the entirety of the male population of the island, the women who are left, still grieving for their men, are forced to fend for themselves. Eighteen months later, the sinister new commissioner, Absolom Cornet, arrives with his young wife Ursa. Ursa sees independent women for the first time in her life, and she is drawn to Maren, the young woman who helps her navigate life in this harsh new world. But Absolom is convinced that the women’s behaviour is ungodly and he must bring them to heel by any means necessary.
While autumn is generally affiliated with the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, the comfortable return of oversized sweaters, and the iconic taste of pumpkin spice everything, the season is often associated with one other thing witches. As she was drawn into the world of witchcraft, Jeanne found herself believed to be able to lift curses and began to fear that she herself might have been bewitched.
It was said that the gallery contained magical artifacts from all over the world, each with its own unique powers and secrets. Many had tried to steal from the gallery, but none had succeeded. Its security was impenetrable, with layers of alarms, lasers, and locked doors.
Historically based witchcraft books
Witches are, in the perhaps unfortunate words of Grazia magazine, ‘hot right now’, both on screen and in books. Stacey Halls’ The Familiars is spending its third week in The Times bestselling fiction list, Laura Bates’ YA debut, The Burning, is making waves, and A Discovery of Witches is now an international bestseller and a TV series.
Several other recent novels feature witchcraft including Caroline Lea’s superb The Glass Girl (set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Icelandic witch trials) and E.C. Fremantle’s brilliant thriller The Poison Bed. “‘Witch,” says one of her characters. “That’s what happens to women who don’t do as they’re told.” Each novel uses witchcraft to highlight the misogyny and fear of women’s sexuality that remain relevant today, together with the terrible power of false accusations. As Willow Winsham says in her fascinating book Accused: British Witches Throughout History, ‘if anyone could be a witch, then literally everyone was suspect.’
A coven of other witch books are due out in the coming months including Katie Lowe’s haunting debut, The Furies, Carla by Laura Legge, Her Kind by Niamh Boyce, Remember Tomorrow by Amanda Saint and Witchery by Juliet Diaz, which will explain ‘how to connect with the power of your inner witch’. There is, it seems, something potent in the air.
Here, in no particular order, I list ten of my favourite witch-based historical novels, followed by several others that have been strongly recommended.
1. Corrag, Susan Fletcher
It is 1692 and Corrag, a wild young girl from the mountains of Scotland, has been condemned to death for her role in the Glencoe Masscare, accused of witchcraft and murder. In her filthy cell she is visited by Charles Leslie, a young Irishman with his own motives for questioning her.
As Corrag begins to tell her story, an unlikely friendship develops between them that will change both their lives. Compelling, atmospheric and exquisitely written.
2. The Witchfinder's Sister, Beth Underdown
Beth Underdown’s clever debut is a historical thriller based on the life of the 1640’s witchfinder Matthew Hopkins. Alice, Matthew’s fictional sister, is forced to return to her childhood town of Manningtree where she becomes entangled in her brother’s crazed pursuit of what he believes to be justice. Underdown brilliantly weaves fact with fiction to illustrate the disturbing paranoia and obsession behind the Essex witch hunts.
3. The King's Witch, Tracy Borman
Historian Tracy Borman’s debut novel tells the fascinating story of Frances Gorges, a healer who is dragged to the court of James I, a man who has already condemned many for treason and witchcraft. There she becomes enmeshed in a world of intrigue and betrayal - and at great risk from the twisted machinations of Lord Cecil, the King's first minister.
The follow-up, The Devil’s Slave, is out June.
4. The Vanishing Witch, Karen Maitland
In Lincoln during the reign of Richard II, Caitlin, a dark-haired widow arrives in John of Gaunt's city with her two beautiful children. At first, Caitlin is considered a godsend, helping merchant Robert of Bassingham care for his sick wife. But when Robert's wife, and then others, die seemingly unnatural deaths, the accusations of witchcraft commence. Masterful storytelling.
5. The Familiars – Stacey Halls
17-year-old Fleetwood Shuttleworth, desperate to survive her latest pregnancy, crosses paths with Alice Gray, a mysterious young woman who agrees to become her midwife. When Alice is accused as part of the Lancashire witch trials, Fleetwood takes huge risks to try to save her – and her own unborn baby. But is Alice all that she seems?
Fast-faced, twisty and immense fun.
6. The Witch of Blackbird Pond – Elizabeth George Speare
In 1687 orphan Kit Tyler arrives as a stranger in colonial Connecticut and feels entirely out of place. When she forms a friendship with a Quaker woman called Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, Kit is forced to choose between love and a sense of duty. Old, but gold.
7. Circe, Madeline Miller
In this epic and magnificently written novel, Miller retells the story of the mythological witch Circe. Increasingly isolated by her immortal family, Circe turns to humans for friendship, leading her to discover a power forbidden to the gods: witchcraft.
We follow Circe from the halls of Helios to exile on the remote island of Aiaia, where she learns to harness her power.
8. Witch Child, Celia Rees
In 1659, after 14-year-old Mary sees her healer grandmother hanged for witchcraft, she escapes to Massachusetts Bay Colony with the help of an unknown woman. Through Mary's journal, we learn of how, though Mary hopes to make a new life among the pilgrims, she, like her grandmother, quickly finds herself the victim of ignorance and prejudice, and once more she faces important choices to ensure her survival. A powerful read for all ages.
9. The Glass Girl, Caroline Lea
The Glass Girl is an atmospheric and beautifully written debut set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Icelandic witch trials and sagas. Rósa is sent to join her new husband in the remote village of Stykkishólmur, where the villagers are deeply wary of outsiders.
As she grows increasingly isolated, Rósa's suspicions grow. Her husband buried his first wife alone in the dead of night. Is her own life in danger?
10. The Poison Bed, E.C. Fremantle
In 1615 Lady Frances Carr, considered by many to be a witch, is accused of murder and imprisoned, together with her newborn baby and a wet-nurse. As Frances tells the story of her life with her first husband and manipulative uncle, and of a society full of superstition and lies, a picture begins to form. But her husband Robert Carr has his own story. Which one will save its teller? A twisty, perfectly paced thriller.
Witchy 'To be Read' Pile
A host of other witch and witchcraft-related books have been recommended to me and I set out here a few of those which are going on my towering ‘to be read’ pile:
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. In 1666 villagers turn to sorcery, herb lore, and witch-hunting.
The Daylight Gate, in which Jeanette Winterson creates another view of the Pendle Witch Trials.
Lolly Willowes, Sylvia Townsend-Warner’s first novel about a young woman who believes she has sold her soul to the devil in return for freedom from her tiresome family (fair enough).
Widdershins by Helen Steadman, based on events from the Newcastle Witch Trials of 1650.
The Magpie Tree by Katherine Stansfield, exploring the relationship between witchcraft and foreigners in 1840s Cornwall.
Witches Trinity by Erika Mailman, set in Germany in 1507 when a visiting friar suggests that witchcraft is to blame for the failing crops and famine.
The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth, a historical fantasy trilogy in which the young Isabeau leads a horde of persecuted witches.
The Witches of New York by Ami McKay, a mystery set in Manhattan in 1880.
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent, set in Salem in 1692.
The Boy Who Drew The Future, by Rhian Ivory. Set in present day and 1863, when the last witch in the UK was swum in Sible Hedingham, Essex. You can read more about it here.
Anna Mazzola is a writer of historical crime and Gothic fiction. Her second novel, The Story Keeper, is a tale of superstition, dark folklore and missing girls on the Isle of Skye.
The startling, witty, highly anticipated second novel from the critically acclaimed author of Atmospheric Disturbances.
One fateful night, Felix couldn't resist the allure of the magical gallery any longer. He decided to put his skills to the test and attempted the greatest heist of his career. Armed with a bag of advanced gadgets and his feline reflexes, he ventured into the gallery. As Felix entered the main hall, he marveled at the breathtaking display of magical artifacts. There were ancient amulets, glowing crystals, and enchanted paintings that seemed to come to life. The air was thick with the aura of magic, making Felix feel both excited and nervous. He cautiously moved through the gallery, dodging lasers and bypassing security systems effortlessly. With each step, he felt a surge of adrenaline, knowing that he was one step closer to fulfilling his ultimate goal. Finally, he reached the center of the gallery, where a pedestal stood, holding the most valuable artifact of all - the "Eye of Eternity." Legend had it that the Eye of Eternity had the power to grant immortality to its possessor. It was said to be the key to unlocking unimaginable wisdom and knowledge. Felix knew that this artifact would make him the most powerful being in the world, and he couldn't resist the temptation. With a steady hand, he reached out to snatch the Eye of Eternity from its pedestal. But just as he touched it, a blinding light engulfed the room. Suddenly, Felix found himself trapped within a magical forcefield that had been hiding in plain sight. He was caught, and his heist had come to an abrupt end. The magical gallery had anticipated Felix's arrival all along. It had sensed his intentions and had set up a trap to ensure that no one could misuse the artifacts within. As Felix sat in the forcefield, contemplating his failure, he realized the true power and importance of the artifacts. They were not meant to be stolen or used for personal gain but rather guarded and cherished, for their magic was meant to bring harmony and balance to the world. And so, the town's cat-like burglar learned a valuable lesson that night - that true power lies not in theft or greed but in using magic for the greater good. From that day forward, Felix vowed to protect the magical artifacts and use his skills to prevent others from misusing them. Felix became a guardian of the magical gallery, ensuring that its treasures remained safe and its powers harnessed responsibly. His cat-like abilities and understanding of the artifacts' magic made him an ideal protector. Together, Felix and the magical gallery became a symbol of hope and wonder for the town, reminding everyone of the value and beauty of the unseen world of magic..
Reviews for "The Thrills and Dangers of Level 76 in the Magical Gallery"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Cat like burglar and the magical gallery unblocked 76". The gameplay was repetitive and the levels felt uninspired. The graphics were also lacking, with blurry textures and pixelated character models. Additionally, the controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to navigate through the game. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster and subpar experience that I wouldn't recommend to others.
2. John - 1 star - "Cat like burglar and the magical gallery unblocked 76" was a complete waste of time. The storyline was cliché and uninteresting, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The puzzles were overly simplistic and lacked creativity, making the gameplay boring and predictable. Furthermore, the sound design was irritating, with repetitive and annoying background music that added nothing to the overall experience. I regretted spending my money on this game and regret even more the time I wasted playing it.
3. Emma - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Cat like burglar and the magical gallery unblocked 76", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The game mechanics felt clunky and unrefined, and I encountered several glitches and bugs throughout my playthrough. The levels were also poorly designed, with confusing layouts and lack of clear objectives. I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with the overall experience. I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone looking for a polished and entertaining gaming experience.