The mystical witch of Brittany In the region of Brittany, France, there is a long-standing legend that speaks of a mystical witch with extraordinary powers. This enchanting figure is said to have the ability to commune with spirits, cast potent spells, and shape-shift into various forms. The mystical witch of Brittany is believed to have resided in an ancient forest, hidden away from prying eyes. Her knowledge of herbal medicine and potions was renowned, and many sought her wisdom and remedies for various ailments. It was said that she possessed the gift of foresight, able to predict the future and offer guidance to those who sought her counsel. Legends of the mystical witch of Brittany have been passed down through generations, captivating the imagination of the people.
Guided by an ancient grimoire and the whispers of her ancestors, Ursule is destined to walk the same path as the great witches of old. But first, the Orchière magical lineage must survive. And danger hovers over her, whether it’s the bloodlust of the mob or the flames of the pyre.
Return to the world of A Secret History of Witches with the bewitching tale of Ursule Orchière and her discovery of magical abilities that will not only change the course of her life but every generation that comes after her. The author lets us know at the start of the book that she was inspired to write Ursule s story after people who read Secret History wrote asking about this character and her story, which I think is really nice.
Legends of the mystical witch of Brittany have been passed down through generations, captivating the imagination of the people. Her stories have inspired countless works of art, literature, and even modern-day retellings. However, like many mythical figures, the mystical witch of Brittany is also feared by some.
The Great Witch of Brittany – by Louisa Morgan – independent book review – Historical Fiction (France)
Author Louisa Morgan has written a series of historical novels about witches, but this is the first I’ve read. I generously gave it four stars on Goodreads.
It takes place in France between the years 1762-1820, spanning both the French Revolution and Reign of Terror— though neither plays a huge role. It’s MOSTLY an action-packed story (that I enjoyed reading), following the life of Ursule Orchière. Born into a Romani family, Ursule soon shows herself to possess much more “magic” than her theatrical, fortune-telling mother Agnes. Ursule actually HAS the gift of sight.
But society at this time is not kind to outliers. Circumstances (no spoilers, promise) eventually force Agnes and Ursule to leave their wandering community and settle permanently on a modest farm in the remote countryside, run by a big-hearted farmer named Remy and his bitter wife Madeleine. Conflicts with Madeleine ebb and flow over the years as Ursule’s family expands and as she gains mastery over her powers and skills. All the while navigating the dual threats posed by widespread prejudice against Romani AND religiously-fueled witch-hunting.
Ursule’s story offers plenty of drama — attempted rape, love affairs, witch burnings, jealousies, personal and social rejection, marriages, and frequent childbearing. Ursule uses her talent to ease suffering and ensure the safety for those she loves. So, this is NOT a novel about the Devil and evil witchcraft. Because while Ursule DOES have SOME ability to see into the future, most of her “spells” come from documented knowledge in the family Grimoire she inherited about ways to apply herbs and plants to commonplace situations.
Louisa MorganPhoto from her Website
THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY is a plot-driven historical novel. The writing is certainly serviceable. It carries the reader along, but isn’t anything special. In fact, there were quite a few times when I felt the pace was rather uneven and the plot wandering. But, overall, I enjoyed what turned out to be a story about extended family, as much as it is about witches.
More about the author, Louisa Morgan, aka Louisa Marley.
It takes place in France between the years 1762-1820, spanning both the French Revolution and Reign of Terror— though neither plays a huge role. It’s MOSTLY an action-packed story (that I enjoyed reading), following the life of Ursule Orchière. Born into a Romani family, Ursule soon shows herself to possess much more “magic” than her theatrical, fortune-telling mother Agnes. Ursule actually HAS the gift of sight.
Her powers are said to be both a blessing and a curse, capable of bringing great fortune or unleashing dark forces. Some caution against crossing her path or seeking her assistance, as it is believed that her magic can have unintended consequences. Nevertheless, the allure of the mystical witch of Brittany continues to captivate the hearts and minds of the people. She represents a connection to ancient traditions and a reminder of the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding. Whether seen as a protector, a guide, or a harbinger of chaos, the mythical witch of Brittany remains an enduring figure in the collective imagination..
Reviews for "From Legend to Legend: The Brittany Witch Throughout History"
1. Emily - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "The Mystical Witch of Brittany." The plot was confusing and poorly developed, and the characters felt very one-dimensional. I struggled to connect with any of them, which made it difficult to care about what was happening in the story. Additionally, there were several plot holes and inconsistencies that further detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others.
2. Jason - 1/5
"The Mystical Witch of Brittany" was an absolute bore. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it felt like nothing of significance happened until the last few chapters. Even then, the climax was underwhelming and anticlimactic. The writing style was also lackluster, with overly descriptive passages that did nothing to add to the story. The book had potential with its supernatural elements, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver an engaging or captivating narrative.
3. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Mystical Witch of Brittany," but it fell flat for me. The prose was overly flowery and pretentious, making it difficult to follow the story or connect with the characters. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, and the constant use of metaphors and symbolism was distracting rather than enhancing. The overall execution of the book left much to be desired, and I found myself struggling to finish it.
4. Daniel - 2.5/5
While "The Mystical Witch of Brittany" had an intriguing premise, it failed to deliver on its potential. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of mundane details and sudden bursts of action that felt disjointed. The world-building was also lacking, and I never fully understood the rules or logic of the magical elements in the story. Despite some interesting ideas, the execution fell short, leading to a disappointing reading experience.