Witch Born

July 1, 2018

Gr 6-10-The year is 1577, and Alyce has just seen her mother burned at the stake as a witch. She makes her way to the streets of London and meets some supportive friends, especially Solomon who is a part of an acting troupe. Alyce begins drawing on her own powers, and it slowly becomes clear that she is wanted by some very important people. Why are Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots so interested in Alyce's whereabouts? After multiple encounters with some very creepy witch hunters, all becomes clear, and the mystery of Alyce's identify is resolved; no one who understands the significance of Alyce's red hair will be surprised by the ending. However, young American readers may not have encountered the historical figures represented, which could make the conclusion less significant for them. While the dialogue leans heavily on more modern language construction, this will assist readers in comprehension. Bowling offers up a fun read for those looking for something a little on the scary side. VERDICT Rich in detail and setting, this is a solid choice for fans of darker fantasy, like Joseph Delaney's The Revenge of the Witch and its sequels.-Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR

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July 15, 2018
They found them, the witchfinders...In 16th-century England, Alyce's mother is dead, burned at the stake. In her rush to escape a similar fate and follow the only clue her mother left her, Alyce finds herself on a path that will take her through London's seedy underbelly, all the way to Whitehall itself. Alyce Greenliefe looks like any other prisoner in Bedlam, but looks can be deceiving. Holding on to a secret too dangerous to even speak aloud, her only hope is to escape and find the mysterious John Dee, the hangman, and pray he knows why her mother sent her to him. With a bit of luck and help from gangly young Solomon, an unlikely new companion, Alyce finds herself free but quickly ends up in the middle of a treasonous plot to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and release dark magic into the world. Can she stand up to Queen Mary and do what is right even when Mary promises her the thing she wants most in the world? This is an enjoyable tale with well-researched historical elements that will inspire curiosity about actual events. All characters are white.An intriguing story full of exciting, creepy, dark magic, just enough action, and endearing characters readers will root for. (historical note) (Historical fantasy. 12-18)

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