-
Witch Song (Paperback)
$13.99 - Free shipping worldwide (to United States and
all these other countries) Usually dispatched within 24 hours | |Short Description for Witch SongThe world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fades, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succee
Full description- Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing
- Published: 01 February 2012
- Format: Paperback 320 pages
- See: Full bibliographic data
- Categories: Fantasy | Science Fiction
- ISBN 13: 9781936850167 ISBN 10: 1936850168
- Sales rank: 109,208
Reviews for Witch Song
Magical
I loved this book. It was beautiful, and not just the cover art. Original and well-written it's worth reading. by Laura
From Sandy @ Scribing Shadows
For the most part Witch Song was what I expected it to be - an adventure filled, coming of age, high fantasy, that pits good against the all-powerful evil, and for the most part I enjoyed this story very much up until the climax or what I thought to be the climax. It turns out that everything that was building in Witch Song, the main thing the characters were striving to defeat wasn't the main thing they should have been focusing on and when I found that out well I was disappointed. I suppose it, and I can't say what it is because it would be a major spoiler, was supposed to be a twist (and I love a good twist) but honestly I just felt underwhelmed at the revelation. It felt like the story was moving up this hill and when it reached the top there was another hill hidden behind it that we had to quickly climb again when there should have been a nice quick descent to finish the story. However, before you decide that maybe I didn't like this story after all let me talk about before that point in the arc and tell you what I did enjoy about Witch Song.
Brusenna or Senna is our sheltered main character who has lived alone with her mother in almost seclusion her entire life outside a village where mostly all of the inhabitants are prejudice against her kind, her kind being witches. She is both immature in her magic and socially - the latter isn't a surprise when we see the cruel way the villagers treat her in the first chapter. If I were treated that way just for what I was and was that outnumbered I would be afraid of people too and as for being immature in her magic that is Brusenna's mother's fault because I never understand it but in most stories parents always decide the best way to protect their children is to leave them in the dark. FYI fictional parents this plan never works because something bad always happens and the children are left defenseless! The bad is that an evil witch is taking power from all the witches and is using witch song for her own selfish ways. She is basically screwing up the climate which of course is not only affecting people but all living creatures.
Thus a quest begins because well Brusenna's mother is gone and lack of parental supervision means the kid is on her own. I like quest tales, there are little pockets of adventure sprinkled throughout the book while underneath there is still our main story - Brusenna, an untrained young witch is the last hope to save the world, and in Witch Song she comes across both friends and enemies, a hodgepodge of quirky characters who I either loved or despised while she trains for her battle against this big baddie. It was Brusenna's different interactions with new people and places that I enjoyed the most, it added a certain charm to the story but there wasn't enough of it for me to become fully immersed into the world of Witch Song. Still, the parts of the world and people I did read about were my favourites and if it wasn't for them I can't say I would have liked this story all that much. There were moments where I was laughing and moments where I actually loved genuinely loved the story I was reading but stepping back and looking at is as a whole Witch Song is a story that had great potential but didn't quite meet it.
So in conclusion, although I didn't fully love this story I am happy that I got to read Amber Argyle's writing, she obviously has a wonderful imagination and knows how to create characters so I will most definitely be checking out what she comes up with next. by SandyWitch Song
In a word, Witch Song is a fantastic read! It is exciting, unique and exquisitely written. Amber Argyle creates a world where Witches control nature and the changing of the seasons through their songs. The Dark Witch, a Witch who has turned her back on The Creators and nature, captures all of the remaining Keepers and wrecks havoc on the world. It is then up to Brusenna, who has never been trained, to learn a lifetime of Witch Songs and defeat the Dark Witch before the world is permanently altered and all of all of the remaining Keepers of Witch Song are killed.
Amber's writing was so vivid and her descriptions so strong that I was pulled into this world completely. This was a book that I just could not put down once I started reading it. The author made Witch Craft more than spells, and hocus pocus, it was deeply rooted in nature and had an organic and peaceful feel to it. I loved the connection that the Witches had to nature and found everything from their songs, to their use of the seeds to be utterly incredible. I didn't expect to find a fantasy world where plants could be called upon to bind and hold predators, or for the Witches to have seeds that could be used to fight and dual others. The use of Song was also incredibly unique; a Witch's strength is correlated to the strength of her voice. The more powerful, clear and beautiful her singing, the more powerful her spells. I have never read anything like this and I give the author kudos for her originality.
The characters were also well crafted and believable. Brusenna's character started off a little shaky for me and felt rather weak and whiney. She had a very difficult time letting anyone in to help her, and was frustratingly blind to the adoration and love that other's felt towards her - but given what was shown of her childhood and experiences with anyone other than her mother this didn't surprise me. In fact it made her character easier to relate to. I loved how as she discovered her power in Song she also discovered a strength and determination that she hadn't known existed before. She was strong but vulnerable, brave but not without her doubts and eventually confident enough in herself to let others in to help her.
Witch Song was an exhilarating read and I found myself tearing through the pages. The action sequences were exciting while still holding true to the Witches connection to nature and there was always a surprise in store for the reader. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and YA.
I received a E-ARC of Witch Song from the Publisher (thank you!!!) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. by Bonnie Speers-Bauman- Top review
Amazing debut - a MUST read!
In a scintillating debut, Amber Argyle creates an impressively detailed world for her characters to live in. As impressive as this debut is, I'm sure we have years of wonderful stories to look forward to from this writer.
Brusenna (also called Senna in the story) and her mother Sacra are Witches (or, as they prefer to be called, Keepers). They control their powers through song. In their small town of Gonstower, they are feared and reviled, especially so since a three-year drought has left many villagers on the edge of devastation. Brusenna is in the town trying to buy supplies when she is accused of theft and nearly put into the stocks before a strange, beautiful and obviously powerful woman saves her, then tells Senna she wishes to consult Senna's mother. This turns out to be another Keeper, called Coyel, who has come to tell Sacra that she is one of only eight full-fledged Keepers that remain and is needed to come and fight against the Dark Witch, Espen.
Left alone, Brusenna is attacked by a witch hunter and discovers that her mother, Coyel, and the rest of the Keepers have been taken by Espen and that she - untrained, untried - is the only witch left free. She determines to go and try to save the rest of the Keepers, accompanied by her wolfhound, Bruke, and using a letter and journal that Sacra left for her, in case of this situation. She discovers a whole world that has been kept from her in Sacra's vain attempts to keep her safe from Espen. Along the way she meets many enemies, as well as unexpected friends.
I literally could not put "Witch Song" down once I started it, and remained glued to the pages for the entire time it took to read it. While there were some minor issues that momentarily took me out of the story (like the fact that Brusenna worried about not really knowing how to ride, but took off on a horse and apparently managed to not only ride, but handle the tack by herself with no problem), usually a comment further on in the story either cleared up the issue or clarified the situation to the extent that I was satisfied with things.
Richly imagined, with strong characters, "Witch Song" is a fantasy story to whet the appetites of any reader. Give it a read! by Katy S Great read
This story did have a bit of a slow start when compared to the rest of the novel. However, when it got started a ton of things seemed to happen right after each other. That's all very well, but there was no balance in that respect for me. There was no time in the story where things were just left to settle and characters were able to reflect or interact - it doesn't seem right when characters are going through a moment of reflection whilst being fired at or dealing with being in the middle of a battle or whatever, no matter how relevant the said moment of reflection is to the story.
Now that the criticism is out of the way, other than that I really loved this story. It was really new and original and had great characters.
The protagonist of the story, Brusenna, was flawed in that she saw everything as up to her and that she was alone, with her being the last witch. I love that in characters. Especially when surrounding characters are there to point it out and try and help. Brusenna developed a lot throughout Witch Song and even though everything seemed to be up to her, when everybody else got involved and maybe didn't seem to be so grateful to her, she didn't react like a spoilt little brat. She took it in her stride and kept her mouth shut when she should have and spoke out when the opportunity arose. My point is, it just goes to show that not every successful heroine has to be loudmouthed just to get her opinions heard or refuse to accept a man's help for fear of being seen as inferior. Brusenna was none of that and as a result she was probably the most realistic heroine ever!
Other than the characters the plot was really original. Witches who's power lies in their voice? So cool to read about!
I really recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of YA or otherwise. Pick it up, you won't regret it! by Maryam HAmazing Book
Witch Song caught me from the beginning and I didn't want to stop reading. The story line was unique and refreshing-Senna's magic comes from song, not "normal" magic. I also enjoyed the romance within the story, and the way their love developed. It looks like the story hasn't ended and I will be waiting to read more! Witch Song is an amazing story. by Cathy
Witch Song by Amber Argyle
My Opinion:
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I mean I really,really,really loved it! This book is perfect for YA!
The story is about a young girl that has to save pretty much her entire world where a witch's voice is their weapon. She is left alone by her mother who has gone to fight the evil witch Espen. She knows her mother has failed and needs to figure out how to defeat Espen and save her mother and all the other witches that went against Espen. Along the way she develops beautifully into a heroine anyone one could look up to. She is honest and caring and she has to figure out things for herself since her mother protected her from everything and everyone her whole life. It is a wonderful story about courage and determination. Along the way,Brusenna meets Joshen,who she picks to help her and be her guardian during her journey. I loved Joshen's loyalty and good hearted nature. Brusenna grows so much in the story it makes you want more. The saddest part about this book is that it had to end.
This story had me engrossed from start to finish. Amber Argyle is a terrific writer. Not once in the story did I feel that the story elements did not fit. The plot details all worked and blended together so well. Not only is the story well written and carried out,the cover of the book is amazing. I loved that it gave me a feel for Brusenna. It had me at her eyes. I would recommend this to go on your reading list as it is truly worth while reading. I can't wait for more from Amber Argyle. I can honestly say she is one of my favorite authors. I liked the book so much I am re-reading it.
I give Amber Argyles Witch Song 5 of 5 stars! by Mary ReissWinning Cover! Awesome Story!
I've got to admit, when I first started the book, I wasn't overly excited about the storyline. A young girl is raised by her mother and doesn't know a lot about her real history. (Been there, done that, several times) Very quickly though, the story takes off and I was thoroughly entrenched in Senna's adventure to find and release her mother and the other captive witches. At this point, I read non-stop till I finished this marvelous tale.
Her Guardian, Joshen helps her in her quest and adds a romantic interest that I enjoyed. I love the idea of magic being generated by song. Seeing the songs work with nature to both protect and defend the witches was totally fascinating. The strength of a small seed was overwhelming. The growth of Senna from basically an innocent untrained child of 14 to a determined young lady, was well done and very believable. It was wonderful to see her take on the responsibilities and grow knowledgeable of the witching world. This book won't be released until September and I'm already chafing to see what happens next.
Normally, I don't get overly excited about a cover, but the author definitely got a winner on this cover. The eyes were such an awesome color and draw you in. by Lisa Richards
share
tweet
