ARC Review: The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston ♥

The Silver Witch
Paula Brackston

• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books;
•  First Edition (April 21, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-1250028792
• Genre: Fantasy, Literary Fiction
• Pre-order: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles
• Source: Giveaway Prize via Shelf Awareness and Thomas Dunne Books. Thank you Angelique.
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• Synopsis: A year after her husband's sudden death, ceramic artist Tilda Fordwells finally moves into the secluded Welsh cottage that was to be their new home. She hopes that the tranquil surroundings will help ease her grief, and lessen her disturbing visions of Mat's death. Instead, the lake in the valley below her cottage seems to spark something dormant in her - a sensitivity, and a power of some sort. Animals are drawn to her, electricity shorts out when she's near, and strangest of all, she sees a new vision; a boatful of ancient people approaching her across the water. On this same lake in Celtic times lived Seren, a witch and shaman. She was respected but feared, kept separate from the community for her strange looks. When a vision came to her of the Prince amid a nest of vipers she warned of betrayal from one of his own. Prince Brynach both loved and revered her, but could not believe someone close to him wished him harm, even as the danger grew. In her own time, Tilda's grief begins to fade beside her newfound powers and a fresh love. When she explores the lake's ancient magic and her own she discovers Seren, the woman in her vision of the boat. Their two lives strangely mirror each other's, suggesting a strong connection between the women. As Tilda comes under threat from a dark power, one reminiscent of Seren's prophecy, she must rely on Seren and ancient magic if death and disaster are not to shatter her life once more.
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• Tilda is a widow and a witch, she moves to a cottage after her husband Mat's death. Soon, she comes across a lake that brings out her powers more, she sees visions a lot more now. Previously, on the same lake a witch by the name of Seren lived - she was the prince's adviser and lover. Soon, Tilda discovers she shares a bond with Seren, they're connected in some way - she must rely on Seren's prophecy and magic to overcome the disaster that is approaching her..

• How STUNNING is that cover though?! I love the hairstyle, and I really love the woman's silver-blonde hair. The cover was the first thing I noticed, the title being the second. I believed I showed the cover to my sister about five times who was annoyed that I kept disturbing her. The title is pretty catchy too, silver hair so The Silver Witch? I was really into reading books about witchcraft in high school, but then I left fantasy behind and read more into literary fiction. I still like reading fantasy, it's one of my favorite genres. It took me about two chapters to get into the book.. I read the first chapter, and I closed it because I was in a reading slump. I picked up this book later on the week and I tried once more to read it because the premise sounded exciting, I'm glad I did because I did like this book.

• Tilda and Seren are both witches, yet they're somehow connected.. Tilda is a woman from modern times, and Seren is from the 900 's Celetic A.D. The Silver Witch is told from two point-of-views through third person. It ranges from past and present. Both of the women are albino hence their extremely light hair, pale blue eyes, and lack of pigmentation skin. However, they're witches though. The aspect of albinism was quite unique, I actually haven't heard of that in novels before. I liked Tilda's character more because she had more human characteristics about her. She was kind and merciful to animals. Seren is more fearless, her character is more intriguing though - she's Prince Brynach's adviser and later his lover. I believe I like Seren less because she had an affair with a married man, she was the "other woman" in his life - I can't connect with that despite whatever feelings she might have for the Prince Brynach. Their romance was more interesting to indulge in though. Although, the dialogue was a bit cheesy and eye rolling. Tilda has her fair share of romance as well, but it wasn't as memorable for me. It wasn't as developed as I would have liked it to be. His name was Dylan, and I never really connected with his character. 

•  I loved how the author used imagery and her writing is addicting. The world-building plot was great, although, it didn't blow me away. However, it is appealing and I did like it. The fantasy element of the novel was great as well. The pace in the beginning does lag a lot and it was boring, but it began to pick up it's pace about 30% into the novel, it did begin to move forward once it reached the actual plot. The ending to Tilda's story was a bit confusing sometimes, I'm not sure I understood it correctly because too much was happening at the same time. That could be mainly because I'm a slow case with fantasy actually, it's hard for me to imagine the details for something that doesn't exist in reality. Seren's ending to her story was spectacular though. Although, Tilda has more role in this novel - it's clearly Seren's story. The novel does have plenty of potential, so I would rate The Silver Witch 3.5 butterflies. 

Recommended for fans of The Witch's Daughter.

• Shukran for reading this! Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & follow :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures.. 
  
  
  “Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness.” —George R.R. Martin 
  
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