Review: Witchrise by Victoria Lamb

Title: Witchrise (Tudor Witch Trilogy #3) 

Author: Victoria Lamb 

Synopsis: Only one witch can rise above the coming storm ... When Tudor witch Meg Lytton receives an unexpected legacy - her mother's magical wand, ring and spellbook - she has no idea her future happiness is in danger. For the witchfinder Marcus Dent is back in her dreams, and he will use any weapon to gain her newfound powers for himself. Now Meg must discover the secret of Invictus, her mother's magical ring. Summoned back to Hatfield, she knows a battle is coming. But Meg is no longer alone in her struggle against Dent. Surrounded by her friends, she faces her greatest challenge head-on: losing Alejandro, her beloved. For it seems the Spanish novice has been keeping secrets from them all. Powers clash and hearts break in the spellbinding third book of The Tudor Witch Trilogy.

Amazon

My Review:

I really loved the first two books in this series and I was almost completely sure that I would enjoy Witchrise as much as Witchstuck and Witchfall, and Victoria didn´t let me down, I loved the book!

I was really eager to start reading it because Witchfall ended in a point where I really needed to know what was about to happen. The only thing that was a little bit weaker was the first part of the book because the narrative was kind of slow and wasn´t happening any memorable thing though a big period of time passed. Though she totally made up for that on the second part, from that point onwards the book was full of twists, adventures and mysteries. I didn´t have a dull moment while reading it, it was surprise after surprise!

Witchrise is the more action packed book of the series you won´t have time to recover from a surprise that you will have a new blow coming straight for you. The dynamic of Alejandro and Meg changes in this book, their relationship grows, they became more mature and realize what is really at stakes. The secondary characters play a big role in the development of the story. There are old and new characters that will grip your attention through the whole story.

Ending a series in a good way and one that satisfies the characters is really difficult but Victoria Lamb manage to do that and more! I really loved the ending, it gave clousure to the series while at the same time gives space for the reader to imagine the future of the characters. I was very satisfied with the ending though since I love this series so much I wouldn´t mind reading a novella about the characters cause they have a special part in my bookish heart.

Victoria Lamb

Victoria Lamb is a novelist with two historical series from Random House set in the Tudor era, one for adults (Bantam) and one for Young Adult readers (Corgi).

She also writes poetry and literary fiction as Jane Holland, and adult romance asElizabeth Moss.

Born in Essex in the mid-sixties, Victoria is the middle daughter of bestselling novelist Charlotte Lamb and the classical biographer Richard Holland. When the family later moved to the peaceful Isle of Man, Victoria was brought up in rural surroundings in a home full of books.

She returned to England for her education as an adult, and married there. While living in Warwickshire, affectionately known as Shakespeare Country, she began writing The Queen's Secret, a novel set at nearby Kenilworth Castle during an epic visit by Queen Elizabeth I in 1575.

Victoria now lives in Cornwall with her husband, four of her five children, and a highly energetic Irish Red Setter. In her leisure time, she has been known to write poetry and go for long walks across the moors. She writes other kinds of fiction under various names, and as a former Warwick Poet Laureate, her poetry is published under the name Jane Holland. (From: http://www.victorialambbooks.com/p/biog.html)

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I started reading the Tudor Witch Series through Netgalley and I loved them. Victoria is a very talented author and she is very fond of her fans, she always answer the tweets or the messages. I helped her with the Spanish for Witchrise ( Tudor Witch Series #3) and she has mentioned me in the Acknowledgements of the US version of Witchfall!! Don´t you think it is awesome??

I would really recommend her series to the lovers of the History of the United Kingdom. You can check my 5 stars review of Witchstruck and Witchfall.

Tudor Witch Series:

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 practice 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.

London, 1554. At the court of Mary Tudor, life is safe for no one. The jealous, embittered queen sees enemies all around her, and the infamous Spanish Inquisition holds the court in its merciless grip. But Meg Lytton has more reason to be afraid than most - for Meg is a witch, and exposure would mean certain death. Even more perilous, Meg is secretly betrothed to the young priest Alejandro de Castillo; a relationship which they must hide at all costs. In the service of the queen's sister, Princess Elizabeth, Meg tries to use her powers to foretell her mistress's future. But when a spell goes terribly wrong, and Meg begins to have horrifying dreams, she fears she has released a dark spirit into the world, intent on harming her and those around her.

Lucy Morgan Trilogy:

Elizabeth I, Queen of England, arrives at Kenilworth Castle amid pomp, fanfare and a wealth of lavish festivities, laid on by the Earl of Leicester. The hopeful Earl knows this is his very last chance to persuade the Queen to marry him. But despite his attachment to the Queen and his driving ambition to be her King, Leicester is unable to resist the seductive wiles of Lettice, wife of the Earl of Essex. And soon whispers of their relationship start spreading through the court. Enraged by the adulterous lovers growing intimacy, Elizabeth employs Lucy Morgan, a young black singer and court entertainer, to spy on the couple. But Lucy, who was raised by a spy in London, uncovers far more than she bargains for. For someone at Kenilworth that summer is plotting to kill the queen. No longer able to tell friend from foe, it is soon not only the queen who is in mortal danger - but Lucy herself

London, 1583. When young, aspiring playwright William Shakespeare encounters Lucy Morgan, one of Queen Elizabeth I's ladies-in-waiting, the two fall passionately in love. He declares Lucy the inspiration for his work, but what secret is Will hiding from his muse? Meanwhile, Lucy has her own secret - and one that could destroy her world if exposed.

PURCHASE:

REVIEW: Witchfall

London, 1554. At the court of Mary Tudor, life is safe for no one. The jealous, embittered queen sees enemies all around her, and the infamous Spanish Inquisition holds the court in its merciless grip. But Meg Lytton has more reason to be afraid than most - for Meg is a witch, and exposure would mean certain death. Even more perilous, Meg is secretly betrothed to the young priest Alejandro de Castillo; a relationship which they must hide at all costs. In the service of the queen's sister, Princess Elizabeth, Meg tries to use her powers to foretell her mistress's future. But when a spell goes terribly wrong, and Meg begins to have horrifying dreams, she fears she has released a dark spirit into the world, intent on harming her and those around her.

I was eager to start reading Witchfall but I had to wait till my exams were over. But I´m really glad I waited because I was even more excited than when I started reading Witchstruck.

I enjoyed Witchfall way more than Witchstruck mainly because there weren´t  language mistakes in Spanish, which in Witchstruck was an edition mistake because I can assure you that Victoria Lamb writes in an almost perfect English, there were just two errors that are really common in the use of determinants (Madre di Dios= Madre de Dios, and a sentence I believe Victoria has already corrected for Witchrise, mainly because I pointed it when she asked me)

The beginning is really easy to follow because the story starts where the 1^st book ends. The writing style of Victoria is easy to understand and at the same time the reader can appreciate traits of the 16^th century style. I would dare to say that her style is even poetic, it makes the story to flow naturally. In any moment I felt that the story was getting struck or too fast. The plot evolved in the same natural way, though there are twists and turns strategically placed that make the reader aware of the dangers of those times, when at the least mistake you were tortured by The Inquisition.

I loved the role The Spanish Inquisition played in Witchfall since it was one of the things I missed in Witchstuck. The scenes of torture and judges were really well written though I would have liked to see more pain (I don´t like to watch people being tortured, but I´ve been in a lot of torture museums here in Spain and I thought they were a bit weak with their prisoners) though I was glad the character didn´t get any harm I was hoping to see more things, I don´t know if I am explaining myself.

In a future I would love to read more things about Spain or Alejandro´s family. I needed more Alejandro and Meg scenes, though I must say that the ones that were in the book were really intense ,heart touching and  full of desire.

Londres, 1554. En la corte de María Tudor, la vida no es segura para nadie. La celosa y amargada reina ve enemigos a su alrededor, y la infame Inquisición española mantiene sin piedad a la corte en sus garras. Pero Meg Lytton tiene más razones para temerlos que la mayoría, Meg es una bruja, y que la descubran significaría la muerte segura. Aún más peligroso que eso es que Meg está comprometida en secreto con el joven sacerdote Alejandro del Castillo, una relación que deben ocultar a toda costa. Al servicio de la hermana de la reina, la princesa Elizabeth, Meg intentará usar sus poderes para predecir el futuro de su amante. Pero cuando un hechizo va terriblemente mal, y Meg comienza a tener sueños horribles, teme que ha liberado a un espíritu oscuro en el mundo, que tiene la intención de dañarle a ella y los que la rodean.

Estaba ansiosa por empezar a leer Witchfall  pero tuve que esperar hasta terminar los exámenes. Pero estoy muy contenta de haber esperado porque estaba más emocionada que cuando empecé a leer Witchstruck .

Disfruté de Witchfall mucho más que con Witchstruck principalmente porque no había errores de  español , y es que en Witchstruck era un error de edición  porque os puedo asegurar que Victoria Lamb escribe en un español casi perfecto , había sólo dos errores que son muy comunes en el uso de determinantes ( Madre di Dios = Madre de Dios , y una frase que creo Victoria ya se ha corregido en Witchrise , sobre todo porque se lo indique cuando me preguntó )

El principio es muy fácil de seguir , porque la historia comienza donde termina el primer libro. El estilo de escritura de Victoria es fácil de entender y, al mismo tiempo, el lector puede apreciar rasgos de estilo del siglo XVI . Me atrevería a decir que su estilo es incluso poético, que hace que la historia fluya naturalmente. En ningún momento sentí que la historia era lenta o demasiado rápida . La trama se desarrolló de la misma manera natural, aunque hay giros y vueltas estratégicamente ubicados que hacen al lector consciente de los peligros de aquellos tiempos , cuando por el mínimo error eras torturado por la Inquisición.

Me encantó el papel que la Inquisición española jugó en Witchfall ya que era una de las cosas que me faltaron en Witchstuck . Las escenas de tortura y de juicios estaban muy bien escritas, aunque me hubiera gustado ver más dolor (no me gusta ver a la gente sufrir pero he estado en muchos museos de  tortura en España y pensé que era un poco débil con sus prisioneros) aunque estaba contenta de que el personaje no sufrió ningún daño, tenía la esperanza de ver más cosas, no sé si me estoy explicando.

En un futuro me gustaría leer más cosas acerca de España o de la familia de Alejandro . Necesitaba más escenas Alejandro y Meg , aunque hay que decir que las que aparecen en el libro son muy intensas, conmovedoras y llenas de deseo.

When I was reading Witchfall I was listening to this song and I think it fits perfectly. What do you think?


Have you read Witchstruck or Witchfall? Leave your comments =)

REVIEW: Witchstruck

Título: Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Triology #1)

Autor: Victoria Lamb

Editorial: Harlequin Teen

Fecha de publicación: 24/09/2013

Sinopsis: Si se hunde, no será una bruja y se ahogará.

Si flota, ella será una bruja y debe ser ahorcada.

Meg Lytton siempre ha sabido que es diferente, que tiene un don oscuro y poderoso. Pero en la Inglaterra de 1554, al servicio de la desterrada princesa Elizabeth Tudor en el Palacio de Woodstock, nunca ha sido más peligroso ejercer la brujería. Meg sabe que debe proteger su secreto cuidadosamente de las muchas miradas sospechosas que velan por la princesa y sus compañeros. Un movimiento en falso podría significar su vida, y la vida de Elizabeth, heredera legítima al trono Inglés.

Con el cazador de brujas Marcus Dent determinado a conseguir la mano de Meg en matrimonio, y la propia familia de Meg conspirando contra la reina inglesa, no hay una sola persona en la que Meg pueda confiar. Ciertamente no el enigmático joven sacerdote español Alejandro del Castillo, a pesar de sus sentimientos innegables. Pero cuando todo el mundo se vuelve contra ella, Meg debe abrir su corazón a una opción peligrosa.

Opinión: Solicité el libro a través de Netgalley porque la portada me pareció muy bonita y porque siempre me ha interesado la brujería y la época de los Tudor, así que no pude resistirme a leer las 2 cosas juntas.

El libro está narrado desde el punto de vista de Meg, la protagonista de la historia. Meg me gustó como protagonista, pero me faltó saber un poco más de ella.

El ritmo narrativo es un poco lento y creo que a la autora le faltó hacer un poco más de investigación histórica. Porque yo sabía en que época estaba la historia, las fechas exacta porque he tenido que estudiar la época de los Tudor pero para cualquier otro lector la información proporcionada es muy poca. Una vez que comienza la acción el libro pasa muy rápido.

Me gustó mucho que incorporara personajes españoles, que fue una de las razones por las que solicité el libro.

Me encantó que la autora diera un nuevo giro a la época de los Tudor y que se centrará en Elizabeth en vez de en Henry VIII, fue algo totalmente refrescante de leer. Y es que cuando estaba estudiando los Tudor hace un par de años, todo se centraba alrededor de cuantas mujeres había tenido Henry VIII. Una de las cosas que más me gustó del libro fueron las interacciones entre Meg y Alejandro y es que me encanta ver por una vez que un español puede ser educado y romántico, y es que los españoles siempre aparecemos como los malos. Me encantaría haber leído algo de la Inquisición española ya que es algo que marcó la historia.La religión juega un papel muy importante y me faltó un poco de introducción histórica sobre porqué estaban en “guerra” los católicos y protestantes.

Estoy deseando ver cómo será la vida en la corte, un sitio lleno de peligros y misterios para Meg. Y saber que pasa con Marcus Dent. Me encanta leer libros que se centran en temas innovadores y no en los clásicos juveniles. Si queréis leer algo refrescante con toques de misterio y amor definitivamente tenéis que leer Witchstruck. Estoy deseando el leer  Witchfall, el segundo libro de esta trilogía y saber algo más de Meg y Alejandro.

Puntuación: 5/5

Title: Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Triology #1)

Author: Victoria Lamb

Editorial: Harlequin Teen

Release Date in U.S.A: September 24^th 2013

Synopsis: 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.

Opinion: I requested the book through Netgalley because the cover seemed very nice and because I've always been interested in witchcraft and  the Tudor times, so I could not resist reading both things together.

The book is narrated from Meg´s point of view, the protagonist of the story. I liked Meg as a protagonist, but I would have liked to know a little more about her.

The narrative pace is a bit slow and I think the author needed to do a little historical research. Because I knew that history period and  the exact dates because I had to study the Tudor but for any other reader that is very little information. Once the action begins the book moves very fast.

I liked that it incorporates Spanish characters, which was one of the reasons why I requested the book.

I loved that the author gave a new air to the Tudor history and for her to focus on Elizabeth  instead on Henry VIII, it was totally refreshing to read a new perspective. Because when I was studying the Tudors a couple of years ago, everything was centered around how many women  Henry VIII had. One of the things I liked about the book weere the interactions between Meg and Alejandro and I loved to see for once a Spanish being portrayed as an educated and romantic man, because is  Spanish usually appear as the bad boys. I would love to have read something about  the Spanish Inquisition as it is something that marked the history.Religion plays a very important role and it lacked a bit of historical introduction about why they were at "war" Catholics and Protestants.

I'm excited to see what life will be in court because it´s a place full of dangers and mysteries for Meg. And know what will  happen with Marcus Dent. I love reading books that focus on innovative topics instead  of the cliché young adults. So if you want to read something refreshing with hints of mystery and love you should definitely have to read Witchstruck.

I look forward to reading Witchfall, the second book in this trilogy and know more about Meg and Alejandro.

Punctuation: 5/5

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

Waiting On Wedenesday es un evento semanal, organizado por Breaking the Spine, dedicado a los próximos lanzamientos que estamos esperando leer.

El libro que estoy esperando leer es:

Titulo: Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Triology)

Autor: Victoria Lamb

Editorial: Harlequin Teen

Fecha de publicación en U.S.A: 24/11/2013

Sinopsis: Si se hunde, no será una bruja y se ahogará.

Si flota, es una bruja y debe ser ahorcada.

Meg Lytton siempre ha sabido que es diferente,que tiene un don oscuro y poderoso. Pero en  la Inglaterra de 1554, al servicio de la desterrada princesa Elizabeth Tudor en el Palacio Woodstock, nunca ha sido más peligroso para ejercer la brujería. Meg sabe que debe proteger su secreto cuidadosamente de las muchas miradas sospechosas que velan por la princesa y sus compañeros. Un movimiento en falso podría significar su vida, y la vida de Elizabeth, heredera legítima al trono Inglés.

Con Marcus Dent, cazador de brujas, determinado a pedir la mano de Meg en matrimonio, y la propia familia de Meg conspirando contra la reina inglesa, no hay una sola persona en la que Meg pueda confiar. Ciertamente no el enigmático y joven sacerdote español Alejandro del Castillo, a pesar de sus sentimientos innegables. Pero cuando todo el mundo se vuelve contra ella, Meg debe abrir su corazón a una opción peligrosa.

-Esta es la segunda publicación del libro con una tapa nueva, ya que en 2012 ya había sido publicado. Tengo muchas ganas de leerlo porque me encanta la época de los Tudor y que aparezca un personaje español.

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating.

The book that I am waiting is :

 

Title: Witchstruck (The Tudor Witch Triology)

Author: Victoria Lamb

Editorial:Harlequin Teen

Release date in U.S.A:September 24th 2013

Synopsis: 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 practice 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.

-This is the second publication of the book with a new cover, since in 2012 it was already published. I really want to read it because I love the Tudor and a Spanish character appears.