Review: Witch Hunt - Ruth Warburton

Witch Hunt by Ruth Warburton, published by Hodder on 5th June 2014

Goodreads synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Witch Hunter Luke Lexton has failed his initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum - the secretive brotherhood devoted to hunting witches. Instead of killing the witch he picked from the Book of Witches, he has committed the worst possible crime: he has fallen for her. Sixteen-year-old witch girl Rosa Greenwood has failed to secure her struggling family's future by marrying the handsome, cruel, rich and powerful Sebastian Knyvet. Instead she has set fire to his factory and has brought disgrace on her family.

Now together they are on the run - from Rosa's ex-fiance and from Luke's former brothers in the Malleus. As they flee across England, and with the danger of their past catching up to them ...can they overcome their differences? Can a witch hunter ever find love with a witch girl?

Review:
‘Witch Hunt’ picks up the story of Luke and Rosa where ‘Witch Finder’ left off. The couple are now on the run from not only Rosa’s ex-fiancé Sebastian, but also the Brotherhood, who want to kill Luke for betraying them. The first half of the book features an exciting chase as Luke and Rosa try to stay one step ahead but know that danger is on their trail. They have to try to cover their tracks as they desperately fight for their lives and their forbidden future together.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book but I didn’t feel that there was a huge amount of progression in the story, or at least not until the very end of the book when suddenly lots of secrets and revelations came to the fore. Instead, the focus was on the relationship between Luke and Rosa who grow closer together and begin to learn more about each other. This was reflected in the split person narrative, which gives the reader a unique insight into the characters’ feelings and emotions. It became obvious that they cared greatly about each other and were willing to give up a lot for the other person. It was nice to see the way in which the romance between the two of them progressed, even though they were on the run. I think the romantic relationships in Ruth Warburton’s books are always written tremendously well and I really found myself rooting for them to get their happy ending.
  
I love the fact that Ruth Warburton threw in some really shocking twists in the book which changed the perspective of some of the characters. I hadn’t guessed what was going to be revealed either which made it even more of a big surprise. The ending of ‘Witch Hunt’ almost broke my heart and talk about ending on a cliff hanger! I really hope that there is another instalment still to come in this series.

Ruth Warburton is one of my favourite British authors and I would read anything by her. I’d recommend getting your hands on these books if you’ve previously enjoyed her Winter trilogy. You’re in for a real treat!  

Review: Witch Finder - Ruth Warburton

Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton, published by Hodder Children's Books on 2nd January 2014

Goodreads synopsis:
London. 1880. In the slums of Spitalfields apprentice blacksmith Luke is facing initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum, the fearsome brotherhood dedicated to hunting and killing witches.

Luke’s final test is to pick a name at random from the Book of Witches, a name he must track down and kill within a month, or face death himself. Luke knows that tonight will change his life forever. But when he picks out sixteen-year-old Rosa Greenwood, Luke has no idea that his task will be harder than he could ever imagine.

Review:
Sticking to a winning formula of witches and magic, 'Witch Finder', the first book in Ruth Warburton's new trilogy, was a wonderful read which quite literally swept me away.  I finished it in one evening because it was impossible to put down.  I loved the Winter series and so I enjoyed getting to see events unfold through the eyes of not only Rosa, a young witch, but also Luke, a witch finder who has sworn to kill her and become part of the Maleus Maleficarum.

What makes the story really interesting and gives it an unusual twist is that although Luke sets out with the intention of killing Rosa and finding the witch that murdered his parents, when he eventually meets her, he realises that she may have magic but she's also a person in her own right.  She's kind and compassionate and beautiful and so all his strongly held convictions are shaken to the core.  This doesn't mean that he immediately strays from his chosen path and he still attempts to take Rosa's life on numerous occasions but his feelings for her grow stronger as he begins to understand who she is.  He has to struggle with his morals as he's torn between which course of action to take.

Unlike her previous books, Ruth Warburton has set 'Witch Finder' in 1880 which lends a historical slant to the story.  We get to see how men have most of the power over women and how Rosa is caught between saving her family and marrying a man she doesn't love.  I enjoyed seeing how people lived during this period and how different classes struggled with many of the problems that we still face today.

I loved this story which flowed so well that I quickly became immersed in the characters' lives.  There are some unusual twists in the plot and I never found it predictable or slow.  I kept getting to the end of each chapter and then wanted to keep on reading to find out what would happen next.  I'm now extremely eager to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy, 'Witch Hunt' which is out later this year. 

Review: A Witch Alone - Ruth Warburton

A Witch Alone by Ruth Warburton, published by Hodder on 7th February 2013

Goodreads synopsis:
Where do you go when your heart has been ripped out?

For Anna there is only one answer; into her past, where the truth about her mother, her power, and her real identity lie hidden.

But as Anna delves deeper into her history, she begins to fear that the truth about what set her mother running may be darker than she ever suspected. With the witches of the world on the brink of war, Seth gone, and her friend Abe wanting more from her than she can possibly give, Anna is in crisis.

As the clouds around her gather, Anna is torn between friends, family and rival tribes of witches and – at the last – between love and magic.

Review:
'A Witch Alone' is the third and concluding part of Ruth Warburton's trilogy about Anna Winterson, a teenage witch.  I have read a lot of young-adult series and I have to say, hand on heart, that this is one of my favourite.  I have adored each instalment and will definitely be picking them off my shelves to read again and again. 

After the ending of 'A Witch in Love', Anna wants to find out what really happened to her mother.  She is also desperately trying to work out her own place and where she belongs.  She thought she belonged with Seth but now she's struggling to make sense of her life without him.  I adore Anna and Seth as a couple but they have always had hanging over them the love spell that Anna originally cast over him.  This book finally puts that to rest in the most spectacular way.  If you're a fan of these two characters then you will not be disappointed.  I must admit that I wasn't too happy about the direction that things seemed to be taking in the previous book, with the introduction of Abe as a potential love rival.  I needn't have worried about this though because Ruth Warburton deals with it perfectly and this is most definitely not your typical ya love triangle.

If I had to be picky about anything, it would probably be that I wished there was more Seth in the book.  Although he does feature quite prominently in the second-half, he doesn't make much of an appearance at the start and I missed him!  This was however necessary to the plot so I guess I can't complain too much.  Readers are also treated to a fantastic chapter between him and Anna (if you've read the book then you'll know which one I mean and if you haven't then I won't spoil it for you) which was one of my all-time favourite moments. 

The ending was incredible and had me glued to the pages.  I actually had to stay up half the night to finish it because I was so engrossed.  There are elements which will appeal to everyone and I loved the fact that it doesn't necessarily tie everything up with a neat bow.  It's much more realistic but also remains true to the characters and the story. 

Full of action, excitement, magic and romance, this was the perfect end to the series.  I'm so sad that it's all over but also excited because I cannot wait to see what Ruth Warburton will write next.  I shall be the first in the queue to get my hands on a copy.  A wonderful British author and a five star series.  These books are definitely not to be missed!

My favourite reads of 2012

2012 has been a fantastic year for young-adult books with some incredible titles storming onto bookshelves around the world.  I've put together my top ten list of favourite books I've read (although not necessarily published) this year.  These are in no particular order because I loved them all equally!

1. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

 

Stephanie Perkins is one of my favourite YA writers.  Her writing style is fresh and original and I've adored both of her books so far.  I simply can't wait for 'Isla and the Happily Ever After' which will finally be published in 2013.  I loved the characters in 'Lola and the Boy Next Door' and I fell hook, line and sinker for the adorable Cricket Bell.

 

2. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

 

This is the second book in the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand which is a contender for one of my all-time favourite series of YA books.  The story was gripping and engrossing and I loved reading about Clara and the two boys in her life, Tucker and Christian.  I'm on tenterhooks waiting to find out which boy she'll eventually choose (I'm secretly hoping for Tucker!).  

 

 

 

3. Everneath by Brodi Ashton

 

One of the best debuts of 2012.  This was a five star read which blew me away.

 

 

 

4. Legend by Marie Lu

 

An incredible debut by Marie Lu loosely based on the plot of Les Miserables.  In my review I described it as a book which 'delivers the goods in spades'.  Dystopian fiction is one of my favourite genres and 'Legend' is one of the most thrilling stories I've ever come across.      

 

 

 

5. The Demon Trappers: Foretold by Jana Oliver

 

I had high hopes for the last book in The Demon Trappers series and Jana Oliver did not disappoint.  A truly fitting end to what has been an incredible ride. 

 

 

 

6. We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

 

Yet another marvellous end to a series.  Readers finally got to find out if Belly would choose Conrad or Jeremiah, a question everyone has been pondering over since the series started.  I adored this book which gave me everything I wanted and more! 

 

 

 

7. Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

 

I'm a huge Robin Hood fan so I thought this retelling from the point of view of Scarlet was fantastic.  I'm looking forward immensely to more from this extremely talented author.

 

 

 

8. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

 

There have been so many incredible debut novels in 2012 and this is another of the best.  Ten years in the making, 'Throne of Glass' is an epic fantasy adventure with wonderful characters and a fast paced and innovative plot. 

 

 

 

9. A Witch in Love by Ruth Warburton

 

Second books in a series can sometimes be a let down but not 'A Witch in Love'.  I described it as 'combining excitement, sadness, sorrow and hope' and it's one which left me begging for more.  The final book entitled 'A Witch Alone' is due out in 2013.

 

 

 

10. Revived by Cat Patrick

 

I count Cat Patrick among my favourite authors and her debut novel 'Forgotten' was one of my top reads of last year.  She's done it again with 'Revived' which yet again ticks all my boxes.  Gripping, engrossing and exciting, I absolutely loved it.

 

Review: A Witch in Love - Ruth Warburton

A Witch in Love by Ruth Warburton, published by Hodder Children's Books on 5th July 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Anna still finds it hard to believe that Seth loves her and has vowed to suppress her powers, no matter what.

But magic – like love – is uncontrollable. It spills out with terrible consequences, and soon, Anna is being hunted.

Review:
*There may be spoilers from the previous book in the series

This is the sequel to ‘A Witch in Winter’ which was one of my favourite books of last year. I’ve been looking forward to catching-up with all the characters ever since. I’ve no idea how Ruth Warburton has done it, but I have to say that ‘A Witch in Love’ is even more brilliant and even more compulsive reading than the first in the series. I picked this one up on Sunday afternoon, planning to just read a few chapters but then decided that there was no way I was going to be able to sleep that night until I’d finished it. So I was glued for the rest of the day!

At the beginning of the book we see Anna and Seth together, happy and in love. Their relationship seems to have grown stronger since we saw them last and from the outside they look like the perfect couple. Seth is kind and affectionate and isn’t afraid to show his love for Anna, who it is quite clear he adores. Anna however, still worries about the spell she cast on him and can’t shake the fear that his love for her may not be truly real. This is the crux of the problem which threatens to tear them apart. I really loved the scenes between the two of them in this book. The focus of the story is much more on the romantic side which meant lots of heart-thumping, tingly moments. There’s also a potential love triangle set-up for the end of the trilogy but I’m hoping against hope that Warburton doesn’t invest too much in this because surely Anna and Seth are perfect for each other.

Anna is determined to suppress her magic after warnings from the Ealdwitan in the first book. She can’t however deny who she is which leads to lots of problems with magical leaks. It was interesting to see her having to struggle with her true nature. After so many years of not knowing who she really was and what she could do, you would almost think it would be easy to return to that but having tasted magic, she finds it hard not to use it. There’s also a new threat this time around which leads to danger for Anna.

Another interesting aspect of the story was Anna’s determination to find out more about her mother and her mother’s family. There are plenty of secrets which have been kept hidden and these all threaten to come spilling out.

The latter part of the book threw in lots of surprises that I didn’t see coming. I literally couldn’t read fast enough! It was an explosive end and it was brilliantly written, combining excitement, sadness, sorrow and hope. I don’t know how I’m possibly going to be able to wait for the final instalment, which is entitled ‘A Witch Alone’. Fingers crossed that the publication date isn’t too far away.