In the realm of magic and sorcery, there exists a mystical being known as the witch magician. This enigmatic figure possesses the powers of both a witch and a magician, harnessing the energies of both worlds to perform incredible feats and spells. The witch magician is often depicted as a solitary creature, dwelling in hidden forests or secluded caves, immersed in their studies and the mastery of their craft. Unlike traditional witches or magicians, the witch magician does not categorize themselves as either good or evil. They embrace the balance of light and dark, understanding that true power lies in harmony. This unique perspective allows them to explore and utilize a wide range of magical energies and spellwork, without being constrained by the limitations that come with rigid labels.
Desirée (meaning "desired one") Johansson is the ironically named daughter of Ella Johansson—ironic because Ella abandoned her at birth. In the Swedish welfare state of the 1950s, Desirée's birth defects (cerebral palsy, epilepsy and physical deformation) meant a life in institutions. Now nearing 50, she is increasingly wracked by pain and seizures, and the only person she ever loved, her doctor, Hubertsson, is dying. But she is an April witch—a weak body with a strong mind—and when Hubertsson informs her of her mother's later foster children, she employs her paranormal powers of omniscience to learn about Ella, her "betrayer," and her three foster sisters, the "thieves" of the life that should have been hers. Though unable to walk or speak, Desirée follows their movements, and it is their stories that make up the bulk of this suspenseful, insightful novel. Margareta had been abandoned, while Christina and Birgitta's real mothers were abusive, and appeared irregularly in their childhoods with terrible results. The girls were separated as teens after Ella's stroke, for which difficult Birgitta is blamed: Christina and Margareta believe Ella discovered that Birgitta was the town slut, and that it nearly killed her. While Margareta has become a physicist and Christina a doctor, and Birgitta has evolved through drug addiction to alcoholism, none of them know about their other sister—yet. Journalist Axelsson caused quite a stir with this novel in her native Sweden, ripping into Scandinavian conformity like a latter day Ibsen, while Americans might see some resemblance to the spirit of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest . Readers who made Peter Hoeg a bestseller should certainly find a place in their hearts for Axelsson. (Apr.)
Margareta had been abandoned, while Christina and Birgitta s real mothers were abusive, and appeared irregularly in their childhoods with terrible results. Prior to decimilisation 1968-1971 , UK books were priced in shillings, or shillings and pence, where 20 shillings equals one pound and 12 old pence equals one shilling.
This unique perspective allows them to explore and utilize a wide range of magical energies and spellwork, without being constrained by the limitations that come with rigid labels. The witch magician is a master of rituals and incantations, seamlessly blending ancient witchcraft practices with intricate magical illusions. They are capable of casting spells that can alter reality, shape-shifting, and manipulating the elements at will.
Bradbury Daily: “The April Witch”
If I’m not mistaken, this is the first supernatural story since the the “vampire” ones at the start of the collection. You might remember them, way back in February? “Homecoming,” “Uncle Einar,” and “The Traveler.” And I actually didn’t even realize at first, but the story is about Cecy, one of the characters from those earlier stories.
Why it wasn’t put in the collection with those ones, rather than separated by quite a few stories is beyond me, but I’m not in the business of organizing short story collections, I’m in the business of writing about them, so what do I know?
The story is… kind of creepy. Cecy wants to be in love, but can’t marry a mortal because apparently that would make her lose her powers. How that works, I don’t know. It’s supernatural and magic, there doesn’t have to be an explanation. A wizard did it (I know, technically that’s for continuity snarls, but it works here too).
Anyway, if you remember from “Homecoming” and “The Traveler,” Cecy has the ability to possess… well, anything, really, from an amoeba to a frog to a human. Anything living. Possibly some things that aren’t alive, too, I’m not totally sure about that one. Oh, and plants, she’s used plants as hosts too (including falling leaves, before you get on my case because plants are alive). So she decides to go out and go inside the body of a young girl.
What takes place is kind of morally questionable at best. She forces the poor girl to go on a date with a guy she hates, just so she can experience it. Honestly I’m not totally sure if Bradbury wants us to sympathize with Cecy or with Ann, the girl she possesses, but I definitely lean towards Ann.
Though to be fair, Bradbury is a good enough writer that I did feel my sympathies vacillating back and forth between the two at times.
Honestly some of the descriptions go on a little too long for my taste. Like, they dip into purple prose territory at times. Between that and just how creepy the story is, and not in a good way, I can definitely say that this is not one of my favorites. I mean, all of the stories about these characters are a little odd, but the parts involving Cecy are just downright creepy. I guess it’s got to do with the lack of control and such. The idea of someone else being in control of your body and actions is just a really uncomfortable thought.
pb ? Paperback. Typically 7" by 4.25" (18 cm by 11 cm) or smaller, though trimming errors can cause them to sometimes be slightly (less than 1/4 extra inch) taller or wider/deeper.
With their deep connection to nature, they can commune with animals and plants, channeling their energy for healing and guidance. One of the most intriguing aspects of the witch magician is their ability to tap into the ethereal realms and communicate with spirits and supernatural beings. They possess the knowledge and skill to summon and banish entities, making them formidable protectors or formidable adversaries, depending on their intentions. Just as the witch magician holds immense power, they also bear great responsibility. They understand the delicate balance of the universe and the consequences of their actions. With their abilities, they can bring about great change and transformation, but they must tread carefully to avoid disrupting the natural order of things. The witch magician is a symbol of the limitless potential of the human spirit. They embody both the darkness and light within, reminding us that true power comes from embracing all aspects of ourselves. They teach us that magic and sorcery are not mere tricks or illusions, but a profound connection to the energies that surround us. In literature and folklore, the witch magician is often portrayed as a wise and mysterious figure, guiding heroes and heroines on their quests. They are the keepers of ancient knowledge and secrets, the guardians of forgotten wisdom. Whether feared or revered, the witch magician stands as a symbol of the boundless possibilities of the human imagination and the wonders that lie just beyond our understanding..
Reviews for "Awakening the Inner Witch Magician: Discovering Your Hidden Potential"
1. Alex - 1 star
"The Witch Magician was a complete disappointment for me. The storyline was weak and poorly developed, leaving me confused and uninterested throughout the entire book. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy novel."
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high expectations for The Witch Magician, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The plot felt predictable and lacked originality, following the usual tropes and clichés of the genre. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused about the rules and limitations. Additionally, the pacing was slow, and the climax felt rushed and unsatisfying. While the book had potential, the execution left much to be desired. I was left feeling underwhelmed and wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy readers.
3. John - 2 stars
The Witch Magician was a letdown for me. The characters were uninteresting and lacked development, making it hard for me to care about their fates. The writing style was also dull, lacking the spark and creativity I usually enjoy in fantasy novels. The world-building felt incomplete, with insufficient descriptions and a lack of depth. Overall, this book failed to engage me and felt like a wasted opportunity. I would advise readers to look for better fantasy options rather than investing their time in The Witch Magician.