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High Witch #1
High Witch
Brayden dreams for thirty nights, tortured by the vision of a beautiful woman. When Ariel Williams walks into his inn, he sees that she's the one he's been obsessed with in his night time journeys. But Ariel is fleeing an arranged marriage and keeps shyly to herself, until the worst happens and by mistake she casts a spell on a guest. Brayden works with Ariel to help her control her magic but discovers she's a High Witch - one of only three witches in the world with a rare kind of power.
Immediately the two must flee; evil warlock Julius wants to enslave Ariel - mind, heart and body. Julius and his lover the High Witch Nadia will stop at nothing to capture Ariel, and the danger threatens to tear Ariel apart from Brayden. Ariel's only hope is that her love for Brayden and her newly-discovered powers are strong enough to save them.
This is a NOVELLA of approximately 25,000 words.
Immediately the two must flee; evil warlock Julius wants to enslave Ariel - mind, heart and body. Julius and his lover the High Witch Nadia will stop at nothing to capture Ariel, and the danger threatens to tear Ariel apart from Brayden. Ariel's only hope is that her love for Brayden and her newly-discovered powers are strong enough to save them.
This is a NOVELLA of approximately 25,000 words.
98 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2012
About the author
Mona Hanna
14 books381 followersMona Hanna is an author of fantasy/romance books and Christian non-fiction. She is the author of the Prentor and High Witch fantasy series. Her fantasy books do not contain Christian themes—she leaves that for the devotional writing. Mona enjoys reading, movies, chocolate, and adores cats.
https://monahanna.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
June 24, 2016
3 Stars
Mixed feelings. I really loved the premise of this novella but I was expecting something different. I thought it would be more on the fantasy and supernatural side than romance.
High Witch, the first installment of High Witch series, was actually short (87 pages). It's about a guy named Brayden who has been dreaming about a mysterious girl for a very long time. He fell in love with that girl even though he only saw her in his dreams. When he unexpectedly met her in flesh one day, he eventually learned that her name's Ariel and she's in fact, a High Witch, a powerful sort of witch. He was not really that dumbstrucked upon learning Ariel's true nature because he came from a long generation of witches. He soon learned that Ariel is hunted by an evil warlock named Julius who wanted her powers in order for him to enjoy unending youth.
At first I found myself getting lost in the story so easily. The plot was promising. Although the writing was not that perfect, I had high hopes that the author can still pull it off. But when I got into the part where the romance was introduced, and not just simple romance but over-the-top, I-will-die-for-you romance, I found it quite off. The romantic development came a little too quickly. I love it when there's romance in a fantasy book but I also wish it wasn't the main focus of the story.
Despite my issues, though, I still found this novella quite promising. It had lots of potentials and the characters were likeable and very independent. The writing may need a little polishing and some improvements but I'm impressed 'coz the author was able to think of a concept that will draw fantasy-lovers in. If you want a quick read with witches as main characters, then I recommend this novella! :)
P.S. Really loving the cover of this book. So pretty!
(Thank you to the author Mona Hanna for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!)
Mixed feelings. I really loved the premise of this novella but I was expecting something different. I thought it would be more on the fantasy and supernatural side than romance.
High Witch, the first installment of High Witch series, was actually short (87 pages). It's about a guy named Brayden who has been dreaming about a mysterious girl for a very long time. He fell in love with that girl even though he only saw her in his dreams. When he unexpectedly met her in flesh one day, he eventually learned that her name's Ariel and she's in fact, a High Witch, a powerful sort of witch. He was not really that dumbstrucked upon learning Ariel's true nature because he came from a long generation of witches. He soon learned that Ariel is hunted by an evil warlock named Julius who wanted her powers in order for him to enjoy unending youth.
At first I found myself getting lost in the story so easily. The plot was promising. Although the writing was not that perfect, I had high hopes that the author can still pull it off. But when I got into the part where the romance was introduced, and not just simple romance but over-the-top, I-will-die-for-you romance, I found it quite off. The romantic development came a little too quickly. I love it when there's romance in a fantasy book but I also wish it wasn't the main focus of the story.
Despite my issues, though, I still found this novella quite promising. It had lots of potentials and the characters were likeable and very independent. The writing may need a little polishing and some improvements but I'm impressed 'coz the author was able to think of a concept that will draw fantasy-lovers in. If you want a quick read with witches as main characters, then I recommend this novella! :)
P.S. Really loving the cover of this book. So pretty!
(Thank you to the author Mona Hanna for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!)
November 1, 2020
2.5★
This was a very sweet story, with some very odd phrasing at the start. Storyline didn't seem very original
Not holding my attention, so I'm moving on.
DNF at 41%.
This was a very sweet story, with some very odd phrasing at the start. Storyline didn't seem very original
Not holding my attention, so I'm moving on.
DNF at 41%.
January 20, 2016
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the writer and the publisher for the opportunity to read this.*
High Witch was okay, but I don't recommend it. I feel like there are better stories out there that can fit the bill if you're in the mood for a good fantasy romance read.
Oh, shit. That was kind of harsh, I know. But before you call me a cold-hearted harpy, you should know that I really, really, really wanted to like this book. I've always had a soft spot for indie writers; whenever they approach me to review their works, I always try to drop everything to accommodate them. That's why, when I got this through NetGalley, I abandoned what I was reading (Level Up) to start this one.
But... there were so many issues with this story that prevented me from liking it.
First, the world-building was greatly lacking. You see, my favourite fantasy writer, Grace Draven, excels at this; she sucks you in her world, and you wouldn't even notice it. But here, I kept grasping at straws to get a feel of how this world worked, whatthis world was like, and whatnot. The first few chapters were a messy mixture of information that didn't add up to a coherent whole.
Second, the characters were not likeable in the least. I couldn't get a feel of Ariel, the heroine, at all. She absolutely just faded into the background. Holy fuck. She was so damn passive, I wanted to scream at her. And what's worse? She just went ahead with whatever Brayden came up with! This is basically their "relationship":
And then there was Brayden, our hero. I think the writer wanted to him to be adorkable and cute, but he just came off as manipulative, bland and boring. I guess the fact that he was paired with Ariel the Doormat contributed to that negative image of him.
Moreover, the romance sucked. Big time. No proper development, at all, man. By , and they barely knew each other!
Overall, this was just meh. Sorry, but that's how I honestly feel.
High Witch was okay, but I don't recommend it. I feel like there are better stories out there that can fit the bill if you're in the mood for a good fantasy romance read.
Oh, shit. That was kind of harsh, I know. But before you call me a cold-hearted harpy, you should know that I really, really, really wanted to like this book. I've always had a soft spot for indie writers; whenever they approach me to review their works, I always try to drop everything to accommodate them. That's why, when I got this through NetGalley, I abandoned what I was reading (Level Up) to start this one.
But... there were so many issues with this story that prevented me from liking it.
First, the world-building was greatly lacking. You see, my favourite fantasy writer, Grace Draven, excels at this; she sucks you in her world, and you wouldn't even notice it. But here, I kept grasping at straws to get a feel of how this world worked, whatthis world was like, and whatnot. The first few chapters were a messy mixture of information that didn't add up to a coherent whole.
Second, the characters were not likeable in the least. I couldn't get a feel of Ariel, the heroine, at all. She absolutely just faded into the background. Holy fuck. She was so damn passive, I wanted to scream at her. And what's worse? She just went ahead with whatever Brayden came up with! This is basically their "relationship":
Brayden: Let's kiss.
Ariel (in her "quiet voice"): O-okay.
Brayden: Let's have sex.
Ariel (in her "quiet voice" again *gags*): O-okay.
And then there was Brayden, our hero. I think the writer wanted to him to be adorkable and cute, but he just came off as manipulative, bland and boring. I guess the fact that he was paired with Ariel the Doormat contributed to that negative image of him.
Moreover, the romance sucked. Big time. No proper development, at all, man. By , and they barely knew each other!
Overall, this was just meh. Sorry, but that's how I honestly feel.
January 6, 2016
Brayden has been having dreams of a girl that he knows he's in love with for a month straight. When Ariel checks into the inn that Brayden works in he is sure that she is the girl from his dreams. Brayden soon finds that Ariel is a witch but she doesn't know anything about using her powers. Brayden offers to help since his mother is a witch too but when Ariel tries to practice Brayden discovers she's what is known as a high witch in which only three exist in the world at any one time and are the most powerful out there. Knowing that Ariel will be coveted for her powers the two go on the run together.
I have to say I thought I would like this little novella a lot more than I did when I read the description. I found myself actually getting quite bored and not wanting to pick it back up though. It seemed like there was about 75% to 85% of professing their dying love, having sex and then maybe practice a bit of magic. I would almost wonder if it wasn't meant to be some form of tame erotica but I actually enjoy the occasional erotic read and this one really didn't fit that either.
Brayden and Ariel are a classic case of insta-love, which doesn't even bother me most of the time but in this case it just felt there was hardly any reasoning. We don't really get much information on the whole world of witches or much world building at all in the story either. I took a wild guess that this must take place in the past at some point since there was talk of carriages and riding horses etc.
For lack of a better way to describe my disappointment I'd say it just completely lacked creativity. There could have been so much done in the world of magic and with Ariel's powers but it seemed like the fantasy part of the novella was forgotten about rather quickly. I also noticed a few times even the text just seemed to repeat for whatever reason. For example "It'll be alright," she said. "It'll be alright somehow." Two paragraphs later.. "Love will win. Somehow, love will win." Not exactly engaging conversation. The writing wasn't too bad otherwise, just not very imaginative.
Overall, a pass on this one from me. Some may like it but I was just left wanting more.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
I have to say I thought I would like this little novella a lot more than I did when I read the description. I found myself actually getting quite bored and not wanting to pick it back up though. It seemed like there was about 75% to 85% of professing their dying love, having sex and then maybe practice a bit of magic. I would almost wonder if it wasn't meant to be some form of tame erotica but I actually enjoy the occasional erotic read and this one really didn't fit that either.
Brayden and Ariel are a classic case of insta-love, which doesn't even bother me most of the time but in this case it just felt there was hardly any reasoning. We don't really get much information on the whole world of witches or much world building at all in the story either. I took a wild guess that this must take place in the past at some point since there was talk of carriages and riding horses etc.
For lack of a better way to describe my disappointment I'd say it just completely lacked creativity. There could have been so much done in the world of magic and with Ariel's powers but it seemed like the fantasy part of the novella was forgotten about rather quickly. I also noticed a few times even the text just seemed to repeat for whatever reason. For example "It'll be alright," she said. "It'll be alright somehow." Two paragraphs later.. "Love will win. Somehow, love will win." Not exactly engaging conversation. The writing wasn't too bad otherwise, just not very imaginative.
Overall, a pass on this one from me. Some may like it but I was just left wanting more.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 19, 2015
Rating: 5/5
I haven't read too many books with witches but I am quite interested in reading some of them. I had High Witch by Mona Hanna on my wishlist and, after reading it, I can only say that it was different from what I've expected it to be but I really liked it!
Tseddy also wanted to inspect this book so I had to please him by also including him in a picture! Nosy Tseddy! This copy of High Witch also has the autograph of the author whom I thank again very much!! It is really awesome!
The story follows Brayden, a young man who keeps having the same dream in the past month. When a young woman comes to the inn he works at, the man starts to have a strange feeling. When he discovers the link between the woman and his dream, his life changes and everything can be a threat. But nothing is hard for Brayden when he has the one he loves by his side.
Hanna created a world in which witches are categorised in two: the normal witches and also high witches (I won't tell you what the difference between them is).
I liked how the story progressed and I found the connection between Brayden and Ariel a special and lovely one. I really liked Brayden's determination to protect Ariel and also the description of her, seen through his eyes.
The book also includes some scenes that might not be appropriate for those too young of age but not to worry, because their are not explicit. The book does not focus on these but on the strong bond that is created between the main characters.
The sacrifices that have to be made by Brayden and Ariel come to an extreme, especially in the last part of the story. They proove the strong love that both characters have for one another and also keep the reader in tension.
I loved the ending of the book and I really was happy for the evolution of the characters. The shop they managed to open in order to help people was a really wonderful idea that the author planned for them.
Given the fact that this is a short novella, I am happy that I got to enjoy it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I recommend the book to those who like a short read filled with fantasy and paranormal elements, strewn with a lovely romance.
Quotes:
I haven't read too many books with witches but I am quite interested in reading some of them. I had High Witch by Mona Hanna on my wishlist and, after reading it, I can only say that it was different from what I've expected it to be but I really liked it!
Tseddy also wanted to inspect this book so I had to please him by also including him in a picture! Nosy Tseddy! This copy of High Witch also has the autograph of the author whom I thank again very much!! It is really awesome!
The story follows Brayden, a young man who keeps having the same dream in the past month. When a young woman comes to the inn he works at, the man starts to have a strange feeling. When he discovers the link between the woman and his dream, his life changes and everything can be a threat. But nothing is hard for Brayden when he has the one he loves by his side.
Hanna created a world in which witches are categorised in two: the normal witches and also high witches (I won't tell you what the difference between them is).
I liked how the story progressed and I found the connection between Brayden and Ariel a special and lovely one. I really liked Brayden's determination to protect Ariel and also the description of her, seen through his eyes.
The book also includes some scenes that might not be appropriate for those too young of age but not to worry, because their are not explicit. The book does not focus on these but on the strong bond that is created between the main characters.
The sacrifices that have to be made by Brayden and Ariel come to an extreme, especially in the last part of the story. They proove the strong love that both characters have for one another and also keep the reader in tension.
I loved the ending of the book and I really was happy for the evolution of the characters. The shop they managed to open in order to help people was a really wonderful idea that the author planned for them.
Given the fact that this is a short novella, I am happy that I got to enjoy it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
I recommend the book to those who like a short read filled with fantasy and paranormal elements, strewn with a lovely romance.
Quotes:
"They appeared in a small street filled with buildings, in a nearby village. Brayden breathed raggedly, unable to contain his shock. Ariel finally lost consciousness, and tears began to run down his face. He screamed for help."
"He held onto her. They lay in each other's arms all night. Brayden fell asleep listening to her heartbeat. He dreamed of standing with her in a field, her in a white dress, getting married to him. He dreamed of love winning. He dreamed of love winning."
January 6, 2016
High Witch!!! First things first: I received this book through NetGalley.
Oh man, I wanted to love this book so much. Cause it's fantasy, it has witches and it's super short but no, it didn't do anything for me. I didn't hate it, though.
Overall I really loved the idea of the book. That there are these high witches who are the most powerful. I also really loved the idea behind the bad guy, cause powerful things always need a big bad guy, who wants to use it for himself, to make himself better. So I was totally on board with the story.
But. The love. The romance was just too much for me. I mean it's a short book, so if you want it to have romance in it you need to speed things up. I get that. But it's just not for me. I'm so not a big fan of the 'Hey I just met you and this is crazy...but I have this undying love for you and I will die if I lose you'. Maybe I'm just too cynical for that?! I don't know.
I personally would have loved it more if the story had focused more on the training part. Ariel always suppressed her powers, she didn't know what she could do. Brayden on the other hand, knew a lot about these things and he taught her how to control it. That feel a bit short and I just would have loved to see more of that.
As characters. Ariel and Brayden didn't really touch me, I couldn't connect with them at all. There was only a little bit of backstory for these two and no character building. Same goes for the world they live in. I couldn't imagine it, cause there was no world building at all.
So overall, I loved the idea behind the book but I think there was much more room to really build this story. But, I'm totally gonna read the second book, just to see if maybe things get better and develope more.
Oh man, I wanted to love this book so much. Cause it's fantasy, it has witches and it's super short but no, it didn't do anything for me. I didn't hate it, though.
Overall I really loved the idea of the book. That there are these high witches who are the most powerful. I also really loved the idea behind the bad guy, cause powerful things always need a big bad guy, who wants to use it for himself, to make himself better. So I was totally on board with the story.
But. The love. The romance was just too much for me. I mean it's a short book, so if you want it to have romance in it you need to speed things up. I get that. But it's just not for me. I'm so not a big fan of the 'Hey I just met you and this is crazy...but I have this undying love for you and I will die if I lose you'. Maybe I'm just too cynical for that?! I don't know.
I personally would have loved it more if the story had focused more on the training part. Ariel always suppressed her powers, she didn't know what she could do. Brayden on the other hand, knew a lot about these things and he taught her how to control it. That feel a bit short and I just would have loved to see more of that.
As characters. Ariel and Brayden didn't really touch me, I couldn't connect with them at all. There was only a little bit of backstory for these two and no character building. Same goes for the world they live in. I couldn't imagine it, cause there was no world building at all.
So overall, I loved the idea behind the book but I think there was much more room to really build this story. But, I'm totally gonna read the second book, just to see if maybe things get better and develope more.
April 23, 2019
By the time I got a couple of Kindle pages in, I worked out that I'd walked into a YA Romance, but the writing was reasonably good so I persevered. Then a line of internal dialogue gave me a hint that there was something original about it and my interest increased. Also it's from the boy's point of view, which is less common.
It's a fairly simple story with a few clichés, most notably the boy protecting the girl when she's an all-powerful witch. It's a sweet story, but at times too sweet. I imagine it would be good for romantically dreaming young girls. The world building shows promise and the writing is good, but the plotting and internal thoughts of the main character are definitely too young for me. If it weren't for the sex, I'd say pre-teen level. The sex is mostly off-camera, but still more than I want to read about.
My only real complaint is the lack of free will involved. Surely a High Witch, according to the rules of magic established in the story, is too powerful to be compelled? But the author sets the rules so it is as it is. Not my cuppa, but the author shows potential.
It's a fairly simple story with a few clichés, most notably the boy protecting the girl when she's an all-powerful witch. It's a sweet story, but at times too sweet. I imagine it would be good for romantically dreaming young girls. The world building shows promise and the writing is good, but the plotting and internal thoughts of the main character are definitely too young for me. If it weren't for the sex, I'd say pre-teen level. The sex is mostly off-camera, but still more than I want to read about.
My only real complaint is the lack of free will involved. Surely a High Witch, according to the rules of magic established in the story, is too powerful to be compelled? But the author sets the rules so it is as it is. Not my cuppa, but the author shows potential.
January 10, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly 'High Witch' was not really my cup of tea. It had an interesting premise; foreboding dreams, fated love and new powers. However despite this being a novella, and even predicting that this would be a case of insta-love; everything felt too rushed. Ariel learnt her new powers in a matter of days, going from completely incapable to super heroine within a few pages.
After the initial meeting where Ariel - not exactly as 'shy' as the blurb suggests - meets Brayden and escapes with him, the main section of the book is very similar. It consists of fleeing to a new inn, making out, casting a spell or two, fleeing, making out, casting a spell, etc etc. As another reviewer pointed out it did feel like every chapter consisted of a sex scene.
While I did appreciate the grand fantasy feel of the story, some of the dialogue and action was overly dramatic or awkward as shown in the threat below...
"You do that again and I’ll come back from the dead and cut you up. You’ll never touch me again.”
Similar exchanges, coupled with lots of sighs and frantic head-holdings, this book, (particularly the concluding section) was a little too cliched for my current reading mood.
Sadly 'High Witch' was not really my cup of tea. It had an interesting premise; foreboding dreams, fated love and new powers. However despite this being a novella, and even predicting that this would be a case of insta-love; everything felt too rushed. Ariel learnt her new powers in a matter of days, going from completely incapable to super heroine within a few pages.
After the initial meeting where Ariel - not exactly as 'shy' as the blurb suggests - meets Brayden and escapes with him, the main section of the book is very similar. It consists of fleeing to a new inn, making out, casting a spell or two, fleeing, making out, casting a spell, etc etc. As another reviewer pointed out it did feel like every chapter consisted of a sex scene.
While I did appreciate the grand fantasy feel of the story, some of the dialogue and action was overly dramatic or awkward as shown in the threat below...
"You do that again and I’ll come back from the dead and cut you up. You’ll never touch me again.”
Similar exchanges, coupled with lots of sighs and frantic head-holdings, this book, (particularly the concluding section) was a little too cliched for my current reading mood.
January 18, 2021
Considering how quickly explained and to the point everything is, the kissing scenes are oddly descriptive and detailed. And excessive. I mean, the book isn't even 100 pages long, so I can deal with insta-love, insta-plot, insta (or non-existent) character growth but... did we need so many similar makeout scenes? I would've preferred to dive deeper into other aspects of the novel rather than this one.
July 25, 2022
BAD.
BORING.
PLOTLESS.
This book was so bad they would name a character and I would ask who is that.
There was a villain who had no reason for existing, but honestly neither did the main character. 🤷🏽♀️
Just bad.
Thank you, goodnight.
BORING.
PLOTLESS.
This book was so bad they would name a character and I would ask who is that.
There was a villain who had no reason for existing, but honestly neither did the main character. 🤷🏽♀️
Just bad.
Thank you, goodnight.
December 3, 2012
Originally posted on Confessions of an Opinionated Book Geek
2.5 Stars
I don’t usually read novellas. I find them to be too short and they usually don’t have the meat I search for in a story. When I read the official synopsis for Mona Hanna’s “High Witch,” I decided to make an exception. I’m glad I did. The story follows Ariel and Brayden, two people in their twenties, who meet and fall in love. Unlike many love stories, falling in love is the easy part for this couple. Ariel is a High Witch, making her one of the most powerful witches in the world. It also makes her the most hunted. There are people out there who would use her power and her body for selfish gains.
The magical world of “High Witch,” is the best part of this book. Dealing with the supernatural is one of the hardest things for an author to do well. There are hundreds and hundreds of stories, different take son legends and different interpretations of lore. Mona Hanna has come up with an interesting take on witchcraft.
I was absorbed by the world the author created. I found myself legitimately surprised at the first mention of magic and witchcraft. It’s so simply done and immediately caught my attention. I enjoyed learning about Ariel’s magic and discovering the many ways that a High Witch’s power can manifest. Still, I wish this book were longer. There just isn’t enough time to fully develop or grow attached to the characters. I wanted a lot more information and a lot more time with the world of “High Witch.”
The book relies a little too much on telling and not showing. Brayden seems to know and figure out everything and tells Ariel through conversation. I would have liked to experience it, to read in detail what was happening. To have twists and turns revealed through descriptions and have the story unravel before the eyes of my imagination. I also would have loved a bit more foreshadowing. There wasn’t enough of a dark cloud over Ariel and Brayden until the enemy is revealed a quarter into the book.
I would have loved more information about Ariel and Brayden. They fall in love and I don’t feel as if I experienced it. It just sort of happens quickly and without any personal conflict between the two characters. I wish we had more time to get to know them. I would have liked to know their family situations earlier on in the book. For example, I was surprised to discover that Brayden had family. From the set up of his character and the depiction of his fear of being fired I assumed he was orphan and would be homeless if he lost his position.
The story has very interesting and simple world building. It is also is a quick and entertaining read.
I recommend this book for lovers of magic, fans of witchcraft stories and anyone looking for an entertaining, but short book.
2.5 Stars
I don’t usually read novellas. I find them to be too short and they usually don’t have the meat I search for in a story. When I read the official synopsis for Mona Hanna’s “High Witch,” I decided to make an exception. I’m glad I did. The story follows Ariel and Brayden, two people in their twenties, who meet and fall in love. Unlike many love stories, falling in love is the easy part for this couple. Ariel is a High Witch, making her one of the most powerful witches in the world. It also makes her the most hunted. There are people out there who would use her power and her body for selfish gains.
The magical world of “High Witch,” is the best part of this book. Dealing with the supernatural is one of the hardest things for an author to do well. There are hundreds and hundreds of stories, different take son legends and different interpretations of lore. Mona Hanna has come up with an interesting take on witchcraft.
I was absorbed by the world the author created. I found myself legitimately surprised at the first mention of magic and witchcraft. It’s so simply done and immediately caught my attention. I enjoyed learning about Ariel’s magic and discovering the many ways that a High Witch’s power can manifest. Still, I wish this book were longer. There just isn’t enough time to fully develop or grow attached to the characters. I wanted a lot more information and a lot more time with the world of “High Witch.”
The book relies a little too much on telling and not showing. Brayden seems to know and figure out everything and tells Ariel through conversation. I would have liked to experience it, to read in detail what was happening. To have twists and turns revealed through descriptions and have the story unravel before the eyes of my imagination. I also would have loved a bit more foreshadowing. There wasn’t enough of a dark cloud over Ariel and Brayden until the enemy is revealed a quarter into the book.
I would have loved more information about Ariel and Brayden. They fall in love and I don’t feel as if I experienced it. It just sort of happens quickly and without any personal conflict between the two characters. I wish we had more time to get to know them. I would have liked to know their family situations earlier on in the book. For example, I was surprised to discover that Brayden had family. From the set up of his character and the depiction of his fear of being fired I assumed he was orphan and would be homeless if he lost his position.
The story has very interesting and simple world building. It is also is a quick and entertaining read.
I recommend this book for lovers of magic, fans of witchcraft stories and anyone looking for an entertaining, but short book.
July 3, 2013
I was given a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Brayden works at an inn and has been having dreams about a young woman. He has been having these dreams every single night for the last thirty days. For the last thirty nights he has woken up during the middle of the night because of the dreams. In his dreams he is kissing this woman and she keeps telling him to find her. The human body can only take so much from stress and from waking up every night before it starts to have an effect. Brayden is starting to have problems doing his job at the inn and he can't afford to lose his job.
Ariel shows up at the inn one day, she checks in and stays in her room. She is very shy and afraid to be around other people. She is afraid of the bad things that might happen. Brayden sees Ariel and all he wants to do is keep her safe. He doesn't realize at first that Ariel is the girl in his dreams. Brayden starts falling in love with her before he realizes who she is. Brayden takes food to Ariel in her room when he finds out that she is not coming down to the dining room to eat. He sees Ariel using her magic one day and knows right away that she is a High Witch. A High Witch has the strongest powers in the world. Ariel didn't know that she was a High Witch until Brayden told her himself. Brayden knew the moment he saw her use her powers what she was. Ariel doesn't know much about her powers or how to use them. But Brayden knows a little because his mother is a witch also. Brayden and Ariel fall in love while he is trying to help her control her powers and help her figure out how to use them properly.
Brayden and Ariel have to go on the run because of what Ariel is and because they have fallen in love with each other. They have to hide from this warlock who wants Ariel for his own. Both of their lives depend on this warlock not catching them. They both believe that because of their love for each other that they will survive and they will defeat this warlock.
Warning: while reading the High Witch it is very possible that you may need a couple of tissues or a box. My advice is grab a box and a glass of ice tea or your favorite drink before beginning the High Witch because you will probably need both. You are more than likely going to fall in love with Brayden and Ariel yourself and feel for both of them. You are probably going to be feeling what they are feeling. Now that is what I call a good book when you feel what the characters feel.
Brayden works at an inn and has been having dreams about a young woman. He has been having these dreams every single night for the last thirty days. For the last thirty nights he has woken up during the middle of the night because of the dreams. In his dreams he is kissing this woman and she keeps telling him to find her. The human body can only take so much from stress and from waking up every night before it starts to have an effect. Brayden is starting to have problems doing his job at the inn and he can't afford to lose his job.
Ariel shows up at the inn one day, she checks in and stays in her room. She is very shy and afraid to be around other people. She is afraid of the bad things that might happen. Brayden sees Ariel and all he wants to do is keep her safe. He doesn't realize at first that Ariel is the girl in his dreams. Brayden starts falling in love with her before he realizes who she is. Brayden takes food to Ariel in her room when he finds out that she is not coming down to the dining room to eat. He sees Ariel using her magic one day and knows right away that she is a High Witch. A High Witch has the strongest powers in the world. Ariel didn't know that she was a High Witch until Brayden told her himself. Brayden knew the moment he saw her use her powers what she was. Ariel doesn't know much about her powers or how to use them. But Brayden knows a little because his mother is a witch also. Brayden and Ariel fall in love while he is trying to help her control her powers and help her figure out how to use them properly.
Brayden and Ariel have to go on the run because of what Ariel is and because they have fallen in love with each other. They have to hide from this warlock who wants Ariel for his own. Both of their lives depend on this warlock not catching them. They both believe that because of their love for each other that they will survive and they will defeat this warlock.
Warning: while reading the High Witch it is very possible that you may need a couple of tissues or a box. My advice is grab a box and a glass of ice tea or your favorite drink before beginning the High Witch because you will probably need both. You are more than likely going to fall in love with Brayden and Ariel yourself and feel for both of them. You are probably going to be feeling what they are feeling. Now that is what I call a good book when you feel what the characters feel.
January 29, 2013
3-3.5 Stars
This was quite the quixotic love story.
I won this book through LibraryThing's member giveaways. Yay for free books!
It was a very short read as I finished it in about two hours (if that).
Overview:
High Witch is a story about a young couple who first find each other through mysterious circumstances and love at first sight ensues.
Brayden, a young man who works at the local INN, has been having a recurring dream for the past 30 days. A beautiful young woman is kissing him and telling him to find her, so of course he must. On the 30th day, a strange girl arrives at the INN in need of help, and there is something strangely familiar about her.
Fast forward a bit and the two are running away from all that they know in order to save their lives and to save each other. But what are they running for? Or from whom are they running?
My 2 cents:
The story was very engaging and intriguing. The idea behind the world was very interesting, I just wish that there had been more written about it. Maybe more information to build up how the magic worked or even to learn the history of the Villain.
The character development was also a little weak for my tastes. However I am one of those people who like verbose descriptions of everything. I want a picture painted for me so I can imagine what the author sees in their mind. This story unfortunately didn't have that. There were several places in particular which would have benefited from more explanation or description but it doesn't really take too much away from the story itself.
Overall I really enjoyed the story! I just wish there had been more detail so I could get to know the characters better. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
This was quite the quixotic love story.
I won this book through LibraryThing's member giveaways. Yay for free books!
It was a very short read as I finished it in about two hours (if that).
Overview:
High Witch is a story about a young couple who first find each other through mysterious circumstances and love at first sight ensues.
Brayden, a young man who works at the local INN, has been having a recurring dream for the past 30 days. A beautiful young woman is kissing him and telling him to find her, so of course he must. On the 30th day, a strange girl arrives at the INN in need of help, and there is something strangely familiar about her.
Fast forward a bit and the two are running away from all that they know in order to save their lives and to save each other. But what are they running for? Or from whom are they running?
My 2 cents:
The story was very engaging and intriguing. The idea behind the world was very interesting, I just wish that there had been more written about it. Maybe more information to build up how the magic worked or even to learn the history of the Villain.
The character development was also a little weak for my tastes. However I am one of those people who like verbose descriptions of everything. I want a picture painted for me so I can imagine what the author sees in their mind. This story unfortunately didn't have that. There were several places in particular which would have benefited from more explanation or description but it doesn't really take too much away from the story itself.
Overall I really enjoyed the story! I just wish there had been more detail so I could get to know the characters better. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
July 7, 2013
3.5 stars from me!
This book had its good aspects, but it also had its bad. While I didn’t completely love this story, I think that the story line was a very good idea. I just think that it could have been expended upon better. There wasn’t that much that changed in the different character’s aspects.
The characters didn’t seem to be completely developed to me, and that lead for it to be a hard read. I couldn’t seem to connect with them. While I felt bad for Ariel’s character at times, to be having such a burden placed on her and her not understanding what was going on with her. There was something about Brayden’s character, he seemed to know a lot of what was going on, but it didn’t make sense as to why.
There were some parts of this book that kept my interest, her learning to use her powers, the story behind being a High Witch. That was very interesting to read and I enjoyed those parts completely.
Overall though, I thought that this book was very interesting, and if you enjoy the Witch side of paranormal, than this is the book for you.
Review Provided by Crystal's Many Reviews
This book had its good aspects, but it also had its bad. While I didn’t completely love this story, I think that the story line was a very good idea. I just think that it could have been expended upon better. There wasn’t that much that changed in the different character’s aspects.
The characters didn’t seem to be completely developed to me, and that lead for it to be a hard read. I couldn’t seem to connect with them. While I felt bad for Ariel’s character at times, to be having such a burden placed on her and her not understanding what was going on with her. There was something about Brayden’s character, he seemed to know a lot of what was going on, but it didn’t make sense as to why.
There were some parts of this book that kept my interest, her learning to use her powers, the story behind being a High Witch. That was very interesting to read and I enjoyed those parts completely.
Overall though, I thought that this book was very interesting, and if you enjoy the Witch side of paranormal, than this is the book for you.
Review Provided by Crystal's Many Reviews
September 16, 2014
I was highly disappointed with this book. The storyline could have been great (the only reason it's not a 1 star review) but it felt like it was written by a high school student. And not the Christopher Paolini kind! The reader was dropped into the middle of the story, background information was almost an afterthought, the same phrases were used over and over and over, there wasn't much "feeling" between the two characters (believable feelings anyway)...
I can sum up just about the whole book in a few sentences. Boy dreams of girl. Boy meets girl. Boy fall in love (an into bed) with girl. Tries to convince her it's not a spell even though their meeting was due to magical intervention. Run from bad guy. Get caught by bad guy. Yada, yada, yada. Love conquers all. I don't know what I expected from a story less than 100 pages but this could easily have been beefed up to make more sense and flow more smoothly.
Unless it's free and you're really, really curious... I'd pass it up. Other readers say the 2nd is better and it may be but I'm not in any hurry to put myself through that mind numbing torture again any time soon.
I can sum up just about the whole book in a few sentences. Boy dreams of girl. Boy meets girl. Boy fall in love (an into bed) with girl. Tries to convince her it's not a spell even though their meeting was due to magical intervention. Run from bad guy. Get caught by bad guy. Yada, yada, yada. Love conquers all. I don't know what I expected from a story less than 100 pages but this could easily have been beefed up to make more sense and flow more smoothly.
Unless it's free and you're really, really curious... I'd pass it up. Other readers say the 2nd is better and it may be but I'm not in any hurry to put myself through that mind numbing torture again any time soon.
March 10, 2013
Hanna employs very vivid descriptions, while still maintaining an extremely realistic feel to her work. She is very good at laying out the concepts behind and within the story without breaking the flow of the action, and this novella does have a fair bit of that. As a whole, her writing style draws you in very easily. You find yourself wandering along with the characters without even realising it was happening.
The main characters have been developed enough to carry the storyline. The minor characters have been given enough detail that they are able to support the hero and heroine throughout the novella. I really appreciate the fact that, regardless of the brevity of the story, none of the characters are simply names. They all have enough development to make them human.
This was a very bittersweet novella. It was also quite unique. I still astounded at how detailed yet fluent this novella was.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters have been developed enough to carry the storyline. The minor characters have been given enough detail that they are able to support the hero and heroine throughout the novella. I really appreciate the fact that, regardless of the brevity of the story, none of the characters are simply names. They all have enough development to make them human.
This was a very bittersweet novella. It was also quite unique. I still astounded at how detailed yet fluent this novella was.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2014
Not at all what I expected.
I thought this would be a story all about a High Witch, and it was, but it was mostly a romance novel.
The relationship and romance between Ariel and Brayden is sweet. Keep in mind Ariel is the High Witch, so it also has its' share of adventure along the way too.
I really liked the unpredictable ending. Not at all what I anticipated, but that was good.
Lots fo paranormal romance fans will think this is a solid read. It is good, just not great.
Maybe with the second book, Witch Emerging, it will be a little more exciting. I look forward to finding out.
I thought this would be a story all about a High Witch, and it was, but it was mostly a romance novel.
The relationship and romance between Ariel and Brayden is sweet. Keep in mind Ariel is the High Witch, so it also has its' share of adventure along the way too.
I really liked the unpredictable ending. Not at all what I anticipated, but that was good.
Lots fo paranormal romance fans will think this is a solid read. It is good, just not great.
Maybe with the second book, Witch Emerging, it will be a little more exciting. I look forward to finding out.
October 21, 2024
Cute Little Witchy Read
The High Witch is a charming, light fantasy that’s perfect for a quick escape. The magic is simple but enjoyable, and the story has a sweet, fairy-tale feel. While the characters and plot aren’t overly complex, it’s a cozy, easy read that delivers a feel-good vibe. Great for fans of light-hearted magical tales!
Not as much depth as I’d like and there was so much repetition. Nearly 2 ⭐️ but I thought for a cozy little novella I’ll give the extra ⭐️
Xx
The High Witch is a charming, light fantasy that’s perfect for a quick escape. The magic is simple but enjoyable, and the story has a sweet, fairy-tale feel. While the characters and plot aren’t overly complex, it’s a cozy, easy read that delivers a feel-good vibe. Great for fans of light-hearted magical tales!
Not as much depth as I’d like and there was so much repetition. Nearly 2 ⭐️ but I thought for a cozy little novella I’ll give the extra ⭐️
Xx
January 13, 2014
this book is really good, i'm glad i won the second one in a giveaway because i do want to read it.
i think i could have read it faster then i did, because it's really tiny.
there was a little to much kissing for me, but the magic part was good.
so was the story it self.
recommended for all those how love story's about magic.
i think i could have read it faster then i did, because it's really tiny.
there was a little to much kissing for me, but the magic part was good.
so was the story it self.
recommended for all those how love story's about magic.
January 3, 2016
it was a sweet and cute story about witches and what true love can accomplish - but nothing more. So I must say I am a little disappointed but either way it was a cute story but there was no background really so I missed that .. but I really enjoyed this book: it was perfect for an inbetween story :)
June 11, 2016
Unfortunately this really was not for me. I was looking forward to reading a bit of fantasy but this book completely misses the mark.
The story doesn't go anywhere and the characters are extremely bland and unrealistic.
This is a forgettable book for me and I won't be reading the other books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
The story doesn't go anywhere and the characters are extremely bland and unrealistic.
This is a forgettable book for me and I won't be reading the other books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 8, 2020
High Witch Review
Interesting premise but it was very repetitive and felt rushed. And I had a hard time connecting with the characters because of how fast everything happened.
Interesting premise but it was very repetitive and felt rushed. And I had a hard time connecting with the characters because of how fast everything happened.
January 31, 2017
Brayden finds his dreams being overtaken by a girl who feels so real to him that he's distracted and sleep deprived obsessing over her. Then, the very girl from his dreams steps into the inn he works in. He discovers that not only is she special, but she is a High Witch! Can they keep her from having to take the test that most High Witches fail or is she doomed to the same fate as all the High Witches before her?
This book was intensely magical. I adored it. Due to my busy schedule, it took me a few days to read it. I would have read it all in one sitting if I could. I actually did read most of it in one sitting. All in all, it was a cute and easy read. I LOVE the idea and concept behind it. The characters were also really easy to connect with.
Even though I loved this book, I did have some flaws with it. I felt that some of the parts in this book were very hastily written over. It was like they were rushed through. I didn't like that. I feel that they should have been drawn out a bit more. I feel this book could have been much better if it was written out longer to increase the suspense and terror factors. I also didn't really care for the fact that the mother is merely referenced and hardly has an actual role in the story. Even when she's actually in it.
I really did love this book. I'll be looking for more work from this author. It may have its flaws, but at the end, it's a great story concept. I love the imagination and creativity behind it. I fully recommend this book to anybody who loves fantasy books as much as I do! Last I checked, it's free too. not sure if it still is, but it's worth checking!
This book was intensely magical. I adored it. Due to my busy schedule, it took me a few days to read it. I would have read it all in one sitting if I could. I actually did read most of it in one sitting. All in all, it was a cute and easy read. I LOVE the idea and concept behind it. The characters were also really easy to connect with.
Even though I loved this book, I did have some flaws with it. I felt that some of the parts in this book were very hastily written over. It was like they were rushed through. I didn't like that. I feel that they should have been drawn out a bit more. I feel this book could have been much better if it was written out longer to increase the suspense and terror factors. I also didn't really care for the fact that the mother is merely referenced and hardly has an actual role in the story. Even when she's actually in it.
I really did love this book. I'll be looking for more work from this author. It may have its flaws, but at the end, it's a great story concept. I love the imagination and creativity behind it. I fully recommend this book to anybody who loves fantasy books as much as I do! Last I checked, it's free too. not sure if it still is, but it's worth checking!
November 28, 2017
Written with a softly beautiful descriptive quality, at first we sense we have not waken up from Braden's dreams. Yet once Ariel arrives upon the scene her fidgiting can be felt each time we encounter her. Set in a time of magic, yet a time when it is not universally accepted, Braden can't get this girl out of his head and will do anything to be by her side, if only to help her learn how to control her magic. Can he resist falling in love?
Ariel is young and naive, with a gentle sweetness about her.
Braden is idealistic with hopes that love can conquer all, but when things go darker he becomes realistic. Overall I think we see more change in his character than in Ariel's.
While I know a lot has to happen quickly within the confines of a novella, I felt this might have benefitted from a longer timeline, more chase before the final showdown.
I find myself agreeing with some other reviewers that there was too much emphasis on the romance and too many details in that direction.
Ariel is young and naive, with a gentle sweetness about her.
Braden is idealistic with hopes that love can conquer all, but when things go darker he becomes realistic. Overall I think we see more change in his character than in Ariel's.
While I know a lot has to happen quickly within the confines of a novella, I felt this might have benefitted from a longer timeline, more chase before the final showdown.
I find myself agreeing with some other reviewers that there was too much emphasis on the romance and too many details in that direction.
November 19, 2018
Sweet Little Read
A quick story to top up your kindle with. Enchanting characters lure you into a magical world. You are transported to a realm where a magical battle ensues. Who will be the victor? This story will keep you hooked until the last page.
A quick story to top up your kindle with. Enchanting characters lure you into a magical world. You are transported to a realm where a magical battle ensues. Who will be the victor? This story will keep you hooked until the last page.
August 11, 2020
The struggle for power
A young woman that knows she's a witch but doesn't know how to control her power. A crazy evil warlock who does know how to control her power and wants it for his own. Throw in some love and romance and you have a nice story
A young woman that knows she's a witch but doesn't know how to control her power. A crazy evil warlock who does know how to control her power and wants it for his own. Throw in some love and romance and you have a nice story
July 27, 2017
3,5 stars
August 15, 2017
I liked the magic parts. The explicit sex was a bit over the top.
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