In the depths of the ancient woods, where darkness loomed and enchantment whispered through the air, there lived a nameless witch. No one knew her true name, for it was said to be a secret that only the moon and the stars would share. She was a solitary figure, shrouded in mystery and filled with an ethereal beauty that seemed to defy time itself. The villagers spoke of the nameless witch with a mixture of fear and reverence. Some believed her to be a harbinger of doom, a bringer of curses and misfortune. Others saw her as a guardian of the woods, a protector of nature and its hidden wonders.
But this runaway doesn’t want to be Nameless, she wants to choose for herself. The Winter Pack understands better than other wolves what that feels like, and they pledge to help her. Too bad the terrible power of the Nameless Witch has already marked the runaway, and Riley and her pack have no time before their new friend will turn, steal their magic and bones, and possibly even destroy all of Clawroot.
Nicknamed the Winter Pack because of when they turned, they ve got a unique bond thanks to how different they are as a prime, and some of the other pups think they get special treatment. The short story Penelope and the Willful Blade is set after the events of the novel, where Penelope the Living Broom helps undo the evil machinations of a warlord, was published in the 2013 anthology book Robots versus Slime Monsters.
Others saw her as a guardian of the woods, a protector of nature and its hidden wonders. No matter the tale, there was no denying the power that radiated from her very being. Her cottage, hidden deep within the heart of the forest, was a place of enchanted wonders.
Literature / A Nameless Witch
Once upon a time, in a far off kingdom, lived an accursed girl, doomed to be "a wretched creature that dwells only in darkness," as declared by a bodiless head who cursed her family line. Things didn't quite work out that way. The protagonist, the titular witch, is instead cursed with eternal youth and beauty, which is a bit of a disadvantage in her line of work, as witches are generally expected to be ugly old hags.
After the murder of her mentor, the protagonist, along with her familiar, a duck named Newt, go on an quest to discover and avenge themselves on the perpetrator. Along the way, they add to their party a Troll, a White Knight, and an animate broom.
This book by A. Lee Martinez, described as a tale of "magic, true love, and cannibalism," lives up to that, being a satirical look at fairytale clichés, and how hard it is to find true happiness and love when living as a cursed creature with an appetite for human flesh.
The short story "Penelope and the Willful Blade" is set after the events of the novel, where Penelope the Living Broom helps undo the evil machinations of a warlord, was published in the 2013 anthology book Robots versus Slime Monsters.
Books filled with ancient spells lined the walls, their pages filled with intricate symbols and hidden knowledge. Jars filled with dried herbs and exotic potions cluttered the shelves, emitting a sweet, intoxicating aroma that drew curious animals from their hiding places. The nameless witch moved through her cottage with a grace that belied her years. Her long, flowing robes trailed behind her, whispering ancient incantations as she walked. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, reflecting the pale light of the moon, while her eyes, the color of midnight, held a depth that seemed to peer into one’s very soul. There were those who sought her out, brave or foolish enough to seek her wisdom or her magic. The nameless witch, with her infinite knowledge and immense power, would assist them in their quests, sometimes offering advice, and other times granting their deepest desires. But she always warned them of the consequences that came with tampering with the forces of the supernatural. Though her true name remained a mystery, the nameless witch had been given many titles throughout the centuries. Some called her the Sorceress of the Shadows, others referred to her as the Keeper of Secrets. But perhaps the most fitting name she had been given was simply the Witch of the Woods, for it was within the ancient forest that she found solace and purpose. As the seasons changed and the years passed by, the nameless witch continued her timeless existence, a guardian of the woods, a weaver of spells, and a mysteries to all who dared to wander into her domain. She was a living enigma, a figure of fascination and fear, and her tale would be whispered through the generations, known to all but understood by only a select few..
Reviews for "The Nameless Witch and the Magical Creatures"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Nameless Witch". The story was incredibly slow-paced and lacked any real excitement or suspense. The characters felt shallow and one-dimensional, and I struggled to connect with any of them. The writing style was also quite dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious and unenjoyable read.
2. Sarah - 1 star
"The Nameless Witch" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with numerous inconsistencies and unanswered questions. The author attempted to create a dark and mysterious atmosphere, but it just came across as forced and pretentious. The main character was supposed to be intriguing, but I found her to be utterly unrelatable and unsympathetic. I struggled to finish this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. David - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Nameless Witch", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story had potential, but it quickly became repetitive and predictable. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of unnecessary details followed by rushed and haphazard plot developments. The author also relied heavily on clichés and stereotypes, which made the reading experience quite mundane. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best and was left feeling unsatisfied.