Saturday, January 4, 2014

Review: Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Trilogy, #1)Series: The Tudor Witch #1
Release date: September 24th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:
If she sink, she be no witch and shall be drowned. 

If she float, she be a witch and must be hanged. 

Meg Lytton has always known she is different—that she bears a dark and powerful gift. But in 1554 England, in service at Woodstock Palace to the banished Tudor princess Elizabeth, it has never been more dangerous to practise witchcraft. Meg knows she must guard her secret carefully from the many suspicious eyes watching over the princess and her companions. One wrong move could mean her life, and the life of Elizabeth, rightful heir to the English throne. 

With witchfinder Marcus Dent determined to have Meg's hand in marriage, and Meg's own family conspiring against the English queen, there isn't a single person Meg can trust. Certainly not the enigmatic young Spanish priest Alejandro de Castillo, despite her undeniable feelings. But when all the world turns against her, Meg must open her heart to a dangerous choice. 


*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.






I love historical fiction and any twist embedded in the mix, whether it be paranormal or some good nail biting mystery. While this story had both historical and fantasy-like features, unfortunately I was mostly disappointed. In fact, to be honest I'm only giving it 3 stars because the writing was really good. I also liked the overall setting and time period, and how the author tied it all together. The characters and pace of the story, I couldn't warm up to. 

The story seemed somewhat draggy and the protagonist got on my nerves a lot. She has a gift, pretty much abominable in that particular period, yet she couldn't resist using it when uncalled for. Meg was kind of naive and impulsive as well. She often placed herself in danger. There were moments where I was like, "why are you doing that?" because she would do something just plain silly.

Alejandro was a likable character. I just didn't believe the feelings between him and Meg. Their relationship didn't pull me in and I felt it a bit awkward rather than realistic. Aside from him, I wasn't quite feeling the other characters. Not even Queen Elizabeth. But like I said, the historical rudiments were great aspects and I like the Tudor concept. It just wasn't as spectacular as I'd hoped.

Witchstruck isn't a terrible book, it just didn't make me feel things, and sadly I don't feel compelled to continue the series.



9 comments:

  1. I really like historical fiction too, especially with some fantasy or steampunk thrown in - it's too bad you didn't like this one. Characters are one of the biggest reasons I stop reading a book or series, so I can see why you don't want to continue.

    - Kritika @ Snowflakes & Spider Silk

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  2. sounds very interestingly sad. if you like historical fiction, I have just read Killing Pythagoras by Marcos Chicot. The author did a lot of research before writing the book, although it is not magical like this one, the mystery is a good one..
    or you can always try lauren kate

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    1. Thanks for the recommendations. I'll give those a try :)

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  3. I haven't read this one yet but knowing it's Historical is definitely not an incentive to read. I'm just not a fan. But Victoria Schwab is such an admirable writer though.

    Sorry this didn't work out great for you.

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Indeed, she's a great writer. But this just didn't give me fireworks.

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  4. I actually ended up liking this book a lot more than I thought I would, but I agree about the romantic chemistry

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  5. Totally agree with this review! I felt exactly the same, I had such high hopes for this series but I have no interest in continuing it now...

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