"The Witch Collector" "The Witch Collector" is a thrilling novel written by C.J. Talbot that explores the world of magic and witchcraft. The story follows the adventures of Amelia, a young witch who discovers her unique ability to collect the powers of other witches. Amelia lives in a world where witches are both feared and revered. They possess various magical abilities, which are often sought after by dark forces.
Otherwise it was written well. The descriptions were pretty, and the vibe was very much wintry. The mc was interesting. She doesn’t speak and uses sign language. But to me the plot was slow— too slow for such a common trope. They were mostly just in the woods the whole time. No witty banter, no real enemies to lovers, no teasing. Mostly just insta-lust due to close proximity.
I also don t like in books where the main heroines get to say and do mean things to other characters but it gets looked over because that s just her personality or just because she is the main character or a woman. The other girl is supposedly talented, but she also has no experience or true soldier training, so idk how that would be enough to take on war-hardened soldiers.
They possess various magical abilities, which are often sought after by dark forces. As a witch collector, Amelia has a rare and coveted power that allows her to absorb the magic of other witches. This ability makes her a target for those seeking to seize her powers for their malicious purposes.
Book Review: The Witch Collector (The Witch Walker Trilogy #1) (ARC)
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 the first installment in the Witch Walker Trilogy. It begins in the town of Silver Hollow where Raina Bloodgood, in her early twenties, is recollecting when the Witch Collector took her sister, Nephele, eight years ago to serve the Frost King. The opening pages illustrate the determination Raina has to get her sister back by first defeating the Witch Collector. It sets the stage for a thrilling read where Raina must reunite with her sister. She is an excellent strong heroine who happens to be mute. She communicates by signing with her hands using a translated version of Elikesh, the language of the Ancient Ones. The Witch Collector has overlooked her previously as she lacks the witch markings, but she is determined to make this the year he chooses her.
This is initially a duel perspective story as both Raina and the Witch Collector, Alexus Thibault, are featured. (Also, a chapter later on features a third character that plays a key role in the story.) There is a central enemy, the Eastlanders led by the Prince of the East, that affects Raina’s initial plan to kill Alexus. Instead, she finds herself aligning with him in order for her to survive. Through both perspectives, the reader gains an insight into the dangers that exist around the characters. Alexus has a great attraction to Raina at first sight. While Raina acknowledges that Alexus is handsome, her attraction is not as initially apparent. The two characters get to know each other through their perilous journey through the woods.
There are side characters that play a smaller role, but could be featured in the big picture, such as Helena, Raina’s friend and sister to Raina’s best friend (and past love), Finn. The Frost King himself also play a role in the story and I loved getting to know his backstory a little more. There are a lot of politics and Ancient Gods that come into play within this trilogy that is mixed together with the romance storyline. As Alexus and Raina spend a lot of time together and their connection begins to grow, there is a lot of focus on building their relationship. While I would have preferred a little more exploration of the Gods and politics, I enjoyed the foundation that has been created for Alexus and Raina. For me, I connected with their relationship and I will have to see how the other two novels in the trilogy tie everything together.
Overall, there are many twists in this story that were very unexpected. The villain in the story is very well done, as he is unapologetically sinister. If this was a standalone, the pacing might have been a little slow in some places; however, it was well done as part of a trilogy. There are some lulls for the characters to develop and connect with each other and multiple places where action takes place. If you are a reader that enjoys romance mixed into your adventure, this is a great story for you. For me, it worked very well with my reading style and I cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, City Owl Press, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, City Owl Press, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Amelia's journey begins when she accidentally discovers her collecting abilities during a forest excursion. Unsure of how to control her powers, she seeks guidance from her mentor, Agnes, a wise and powerful witch. Agnes helps her understand her ability and teaches her how to use it responsibly. The novel takes readers through a series of intense and action-packed encounters as Amelia encounters other witches, both good and evil. Along the way, she learns to harness her powers and uses them to protect herself and others from harm. She becomes a formidable force in the magical world, gaining allies and facing formidable enemies. Amelia's character development is a significant aspect of the story. Initially unsure and hesitant, she grows into a confident and skilled witch who accepts her unique power and embraces her role as a witch collector. Throughout her journey, she learns important life lessons about loyalty, friendship, and the importance of using her powers for good. "The Witch Collector" offers readers a gripping tale filled with magical adventures, suspense, and a fair share of twists and turns. It delves into themes of power, morality, and self-discovery, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and witchcraft. The novel concludes with a climactic showdown between Amelia and a powerful dark witch who seeks to harness her collecting abilities. This final battle tests Amelia's newfound strength and determination, leading to a fitting and satisfying resolution. Overall, "The Witch Collector" provides an enthralling and imaginative story filled with magic, bravery, and self-discovery. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys tales of witches and the supernatural..
Reviews for "The Witch Collector: An Exploration of Gender Roles in Witch-Hunting Societies"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Witch Collector" as I'm a fan of fantasy novels. However, I found the plot to be incredibly predictable and lacking any real depth. The characters felt one-dimensional and the dialogue was lackluster. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - "The Witch Collector" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was incredibly dull and lacked any sort of flair or creativity. The plot was riddled with cliches and the characters were uninteresting and forgettable. I couldn't connect with any aspect of this book and found it to be a waste of time. Avoid it if you're looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy novel.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Witch Collector" but it fell flat for me. The story was poorly executed and the pacing felt all over the place. The world-building was weak and I had a hard time visualizing the settings and magic system. The ending was rushed and left me with more questions than answers. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-developed fantasy read.
4. Alex - 1 star - "The Witch Collector" was a complete disappointment. The characters were unlikable and lacked any depth or growth throughout the story. The dialogue was forced and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the narrative. The plot felt disjointed and unravelled in a messy manner. I was hoping for a thrilling fantasy novel but ended up with a lackluster and forgettable read.