Kelley Armstrong is a renowned Canadian author known for her supernatural fiction novels. One of her notable works is "Waking the Witch," which is part of the Women of the Otherworld series. This book follows the story of Savannah Levine, a young witch learning to navigate the complexities of her magical abilities, and it serves as a standalone novel within the series. In "Waking the Witch," Savannah finds herself at a crossroads in her life. She is no longer a child and is striving to prove herself as a capable witch and investigator. When a young girl goes missing, Savannah takes on the case, using her supernatural powers to help solve the mystery.
Compact Disc - 978-1-101-14762-7
I am not a big fan of the detective novel, although I have enjoyed a few in the past like Nekropolis and of course Dirk Gently but I really did bond with this book and although the pace is somewhat sedate, it s one of the books real strengths. Savannah is a young, powerful witch who can t resist a chance to throw her magical weight around with her first chance at a real investigation involving a triple murder.
When a young girl goes missing, Savannah takes on the case, using her supernatural powers to help solve the mystery. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a trail of dark secrets and deceit that threaten her own safety. Throughout the novel, Armstrong expertly weaves together elements of witchcraft, mystery, and suspense.
Waking the Witch
Waking the Witch is an urban fantasy novel by Kelley Armstrong.
Savannah is a young, powerful witch who can't resist a chance to throw her magical weight around with her first chance at a real investigation involving a triple murder. At 21 she also knows it's her first chance to prove to her guardians and bosses in the supernatural detective agency that she is mature enough to handle a case on her own.
In the quiet, run down town of Columbus three young women have been murdered over the course of a year and in mysterious circumstances. It isn't long however before Savannah is in way over he head, run off the road, stalked and haunted by a mysterious stranger and in the midst of the still very active murderer, she finds herself pitted against shamans, demons, a voodoo-inflected cult and garden-variety goons. The most difficult aspect of the investigation though is admitting that she needs help.
Waking the Witch is a great title and I am very tempted to make a joke involving the wife but best not if I want to stay in one piece. This is the first book I've read by Kelley Armstrong and I must admit to being impressed, an Urban fantasy murder mystery novel within the modern day, 21st century setting complete with Iphone using witches. It's the eleventh novel in the Women of the Otherworld series that contain stories about both Savannah and her Witch mother / Cabal Sorcerer father (both now deceased).
The plot is fairly standard detective stuff but with a very impressive cast of characters, brought vividly to life and full of the imperfections that make them all the more real. The fantasy elements are very much underplayed and it works really well, having that almost standard fiction but with a fantasy twist really gives the book an edge. I am not a big fan of the detective novel, although I have enjoyed a few in the past like Nekropolis and of course Dirk Gently but I really did bond with this book and although the pace is somewhat sedate, it's one of the books real strengths. It's like the difference between running and strolling, running gets you there really fast and is (allegedly) very good for you but a gentle walk in the country allows you to take in natures glorious vista and notice all the little details. Kelley Armstrong manages to weave an impressive back story to the town and it's people so much so you almost feel like one of the neighbours.
Savannah herself is a very likeable character - a confident and capable witch who is tempered by a very human vunerability and sensitivity, she doesn't try too hard or pretend to be someone she's not and doesn't need to masculinize herself in order to take charge of a situation. The relationship with Adam is also very touching and you really get a sense of how much they mean to each other.
Waking the Witch is an accomplished urban fantasy detective tale that focuses on the plot-driven story and characters without the need to over utilise fantasy elements or dive into slushy romance and is one of books you just can't put down. Highly reccomended.
Open Ebook - 320 pages - 978-1-101-43553-3
She showcases her talent for creating multifaceted and relatable characters. Savannah is a strong, intelligent protagonist who experiences personal growth and grapples with the challenges of her unique abilities. The supporting characters, including Savannah's friend and fellow supernatural investigator, Adam Vasic, add depth and complexity to the story. "Waking the Witch" showcases Armstrong's ability to balance action-packed scenes with a compelling and intricate plot. The pacing is fluid, keeping readers engaged and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Armstrong also delves into the complex dynamics of family and explores the theme of trust. The book is set in a contemporary world where humans coexist with various supernatural beings, adding an intriguing dimension to the story. Armstrong's detailed world-building creates a vivid and immersive setting that enhances the reader's experience. In "Waking the Witch," Kelley Armstrong delivers an enthralling and thrilling supernatural mystery. Her ability to craft engaging characters, build suspense, and create an immersive world makes this novel a must-read for fans of the Women of the Otherworld series. "Waking the Witch" exemplifies Armstrong's skill as a writer and solidifies her reputation as a master of supernatural fiction..
Reviews for "The Importance of Friendship and Loyalty in Kelley Armstrong's 'Waking the Witch"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Kelley Armstrong Waking the Witch". I had heard great things about this series and was excited to dive in. However, I found the main character, Savannah, to be unlikeable and the plot to be convoluted. The book started off promising, but quickly lost momentum and became a chore to get through. The supernatural elements felt forced and unnecessary, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and won't be continuing with the series.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I have to say, "Kelley Armstrong Waking the Witch" was not my cup of tea at all. The storyline dragged on and on, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The characters lacked depth and development, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I was hoping for a thrilling supernatural mystery, but this book failed to deliver. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities and was left feeling incredibly disappointed.
3. Laura - 2/5 - I really wanted to like "Kelley Armstrong Waking the Witch", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the plot felt disjointed and confusing. The main character, Savannah, was supposed to be a strong and powerful witch, but I found her to be whiny and annoying. The relationships and interactions between the characters were underdeveloped, and I didn't feel invested in any of them. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointing read, and I won't be continuing with the series.