"The Silver Witch" is a captivating novel written by Paula Brackston, renowned for her talent in blending historical fiction with elements of magic and romance. Set in both present-day Wales and medieval Brittany, the book intertwines the stories of two extraordinary women, nearly eight centuries apart. Tilda Fordwells, the modern-day protagonist, seeks solace in the stunning Welsh countryside following the tragic loss of her husband. Drawn to the enchanting ruins of a once-mighty castle, Tilda is captivated by its mystical ambiance and becomes immersed in the secrets of its past. Her discovery of an ancient waterlogged diary unveils the compelling tale of Seren, the silver witch who once resided within the castle's walls. Seren, a gifted healer, skillfully wields her powers in the service of her people.
Seren, a gifted healer, skillfully wields her powers in the service of her people. However, her idyllic existence is shattered when she becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with a Norman knight. As politics and power struggles grip the region, Seren finds herself accused of witchcraft, forcing her to flee for her life.
The Silver Witch
A year after her husband’s sudden death, ceramic artist Tilda Fordwells finally moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. She hopes that the tranquil surroundings will help ease her grief, and lessen her disturbing visions of Mat’s death. Instead, the lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her – a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she’s near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boatful of ancient people approaching her across the water.
On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own. Prince Brynach both loved and revered her, but could not believe someone close to him wished him harm, even as the danger grew.
In her own time, Tilda’s grief begins to fade beside her newfound powers and a fresh love. When she explores the lake’s ancient magic and her own she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. Their two lives strangely mirror each others, suggesting a strong connection between the women. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren’s prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster are not to shatter her life once more.
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Genres FantasyHistorical FictionFictionWitchesParanormalMagicRomance
The parallel narratives of Tilda and Seren seamlessly intertwine as Tilda's own life starts to mirror that of the silver witch. Struggling with her grief, Tilda becomes aware of her own latent powers and her connection to Seren. With the help of a charismatic historian named Dylan, Tilda embarks on an extraordinary journey to unravel the mysteries of Seren's fate and find her own path to healing. Brackston expertly weaves historical accuracy with fantastical elements, creating a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, and resilience. Both Tilda and Seren are strong and compelling heroines, overcoming adversity in their respective time periods. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the lush Welsh landscape and the magical atmosphere of medieval Brittany, immersing them in a world of ancient legends and mystical powers. "The Silver Witch" is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the interplay between past and present, the natural world, and the supernatural realm. Brackston masterfully brings together elements of fantasy, romance, and historical fiction, creating a captivating read that will enchant fans of her previous works and newcomers alike..
Reviews for "The Silver Witch: A New Classic in the Witchcraft Genre"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Silver Witch" as I'm a fan of gothic novels, but unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations. The plot felt forced and the characters lacked depth. The romance between the main characters felt rushed and unrealistic. The supposedly supernatural elements were underdeveloped and didn't add much to the story. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read.
2. Michael - 1 star
I really struggled to finish "The Silver Witch". The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story dragged on without much happening. The writing style was overly descriptive, with unnecessary details that didn't contribute to the plot or character development. I found myself bored and disengaged throughout most of the book. The ending was predictable, and I didn't feel satisfied with the resolution. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and well-crafted story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"The Silver Witch" had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The story felt disjointed, and I had a hard time following the multiple timelines and points of view. The protagonist lacked agency and was overshadowed by the male lead. The romance bordered on insta-love and didn't feel authentic. The supernatural elements were underwhelming and could have been explored in more depth. Overall, I found the book to be a missed opportunity and struggled to connect with it.
4. Thomas - 2 stars
I was disappointed with "The Silver Witch". The characters felt one-dimensional, and I couldn't invest in their struggles or motivations. The writing style was overly flowery and distracted from the story. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and abrupt plot developments. The historical aspects weren't well-researched and felt superficial. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and unsatisfying read.