Lammad is a pagan holiday that is celebrated on February 2nd, which falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a festival that marks the beginning of the agricultural year and is associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid. Lammad is also known as Imbolc in the Gaelic tradition. During Lammad, people would light bonfires to symbolize the returning warmth and light of the sun. This is connected to the belief that the days are getting longer and the earth is awakening from its winter slumber. It is a time of purification and renewal, both for the land and for individuals.
Series: The Witch Walker Trilogy # 1
Format: E-Galley, 439 pages
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Publisher: City Owl Press
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fantasy
I followed Raina and Alexus on their dangerous journey through a world filled with magical creatures and powerful forces as they fought to rescue Raina s sister and save Winterhold. As they work together to save the Frost King and his kingdom, Raina must face the challenges of trust, loyalty, and what she s willing to give up for the ones she loves.
It is a time of purification and renewal, both for the land and for individuals. Brigid, the goddess of fire, poetry, and healing, is honored during Lammad. People would make offerings to her in the form of food, drink, and small gifts.
The Witch Collector (The Witch Walker Trilogy #1) by Charissa Weaks #BookReview #Fantasy #Romance #TheWitchCollector @VE_NetGalley @NetGalley
There was a reason why I had decided to wait for the entire series to be readily available before I begin reading it. Patience has never been my forte and after having struggled with waiting for Harry Potter books, I had made my decision and stuck to it, but lately, with Net Galley and the alluring cover images, my decision has gone for a toss and here I am in turmoil having begun another trilogy for which I cannot wait another single day for the next book.
Charissa Weaks’s The Witch Collector is a world beyond imagination. Having a protagonist unable to speak but whose magic is waiting to burst is sure to leave you enthralled. There are many characters in the fantasy tale each with their own background story that is waiting to be explored. But The Prince of the East is one of those antagonists that is gonna stay with you for a long time. His mere presence and the entire spectrum of evil shadows oozing out of him gave me goosebumps.
I was totally smitten by Alexus, his morally greyish shade adding an extra appeal to his gentle and caring love towards Raina. But Raina is a protagonist that I absolutely loved, the sign language that counter her muteness, her courage in dealing with the truths that open up in front of her eyes, the loyalty towards her sister and showing mettle every time a crisis looms forth and finding ways to escape the dangers without any help, each segment of the story was entirely captivating. The enemies to lovers romance is always a favorite trope of mine and this story had that in abundance. The mystery elements especially the past that unfolds about Alexus keep the reader glued to the pages.
Charissa Weaks creates stunning imagery, the word building so beautiful that traveling thru the magick enclosed woods felt like eons with the biting icy cold. In fact, the parts in the Winter road and Winterhold enclose the reader in a bubble of enchantment. The story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, the crux of the plot is cleared up but a major plot development about Alexus is kept in the dark, and therein lies my problem about waiting to grab the next one in the series.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Victory NetGalley Co-Op and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
“If you like your fantasy with complex magic, an intriguing protagonist, a powerful romance, and a great cast of supporting characters, I highly recommend The Witch Collector. Charissa Weaks’s high-stakes storytelling will leave you waiting eagerly for the next installment.” — Juliet Marillier, award-winning author of the Warrior Bards series
Every harvest moon, the Witch Collector rides into our valley and leads one of us to the home of the immortal Frost King, to remain forever.
Today is that day—Collecting Day.
But he will not come for me. I, Raina Bloodgood, have lived in this village for twenty-four years, and for twenty-four years he has passed me by.
His mistake.
Raina Bloodgood has one desire: kill the Frost King and the Witch Collector who stole her sister. On Collecting Day, she means to exact murderous revenge, but a more sinister threat sets fire to her world. Rising from the ashes is the Collector, Alexus Thibault, the man she vowed to slay and the only person who can help save her sister.
Thrust into an age-old story of ice, fire, and ancient gods, Raina must abandon vengeance and aid the Witch Collector in saving the Frost King or let their empire—and her sister—fall into enemy hands. But the lines between good and evil blur, and Raina has more to lose than she imagined. What is she to do when the Witch Collector is no longer the villain who stole her sister, but the hero who’s stealing her heart?
The Witch Collector is book one in a thrilling romantic fantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Sarah J. Maas, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
“The Witch Collector is a magical, enchanting, fantasy romance whose pages are filled with threads of love, loss, and healing. Highly, highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy romance, fantasy with strong female leads, unique magic systems, and beautiful writing.” ~ Alexia Chantel/AC Anderson, Goodreads Author of The Mars Strain
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“If you like your fantasy with complex magic, an intriguing protagonist, a powerful romance, and a great cast of supporting characters, I highly recommend The Witch Collector. Charissa Weaks’s high-stakes storytelling will leave you waiting eagerly for the next installment.” — Juliet Marillier, award-winning author of the Warrior Bards series
Brigid is seen as a protector of hearth and home, and her blessings are sought for the upcoming year. Lammad is also associated with lactating sheep and their milk. In some traditions, the first milk of the season would be used to make a special dairy dish, such as butter or cheese. This is seen as a symbol of abundance and fertility. In modern times, Lammad is still celebrated by some pagans and those interested in Celtic traditions. Rituals may include lighting candles or bonfires, making homemade crafts, and performing rituals of purification and renewal. It is a time to reflect on the upcoming spring and to connect with the natural cycles of the earth. Overall, Lammad is a celebration of the returning light and the beginning of the agricultural year. It is a time to honor Brigid and to prepare for the growth and abundance of the coming season..
Reviews for "Symbols of Growth and Fertility: Incorporating Greenery into Lammad Decorations"
1. Jack - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Lammad pagan holliday". The plot was all over the place and it felt like the filmmakers were trying too hard to be edgy. The acting was also subpar, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Overall, it was a messy and confusing film that left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Emily - 1 star - "Lammad pagan holliday" was a complete waste of time. The storyline was vague and muddled, making it difficult to follow along. The dialogue was cheesy and forced, and the acting was cringe-worthy. I found myself constantly checking the time, waiting for the movie to be over. I would not recommend this film to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Lammad pagan holliday" but it ended up being a letdown. The pacing was slow, and the film seemed to drag on unnecessarily. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their journey. The visuals were also uninspiring, and the cinematography felt amateurish. Overall, it was a forgettable film that failed to make any impact.
4. Mark - 3 stars - "Lammad pagan holliday" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The narrative was convoluted, and I struggled to understand the motivations of the characters. The acting was decent, but the script lacked depth and emotion. The film had potential, but it fell short in execution. I wouldn't actively discourage others from watching it, but I don't think it's worth seeking out either.