The Story

The unnamed witch was kept chained in her parents basement until she was eighteen, when an older witch (Ghastly Edna) came to take her on as an apprentice. Her family had been cursed generations ago, that the sixth child of every generation would always be an abomination – this particular girl was curse with unnatural beautiful and a hunger for raw meat (specifically human flesh).

When Ghastly Edna is murdered, the unnamed witch goes on a quest for vengeance, accompanied by her demonic duck and an enchanted broom. Along the way they meet up with a troll (Gwurm) and a White Knight (Wyst of the West) who join them on their quest.

They are faced with four trials on their way to find and defeat the evil sorcerer who murdered Ghastly Edna, but can the unnamed witch keep her hunger for Wyst’s flesh at bay long enough to get revenge?

The Review

Martinez wrote a believable female main character – not a kick-ass female, but a believable one. This isn’t something that every male author can pull off as well, so I was definitely impressed in that respect. There was something about her that was undeniably female, and as everything was narrated in first person, we got to hear all of the unnamed witch’s thoughts. I was actually surprised when I realized, afterwards, that the author was male.

Wyst of the West, the White Knight, was rather boring, rather one-dimensional… but the other main characters (Newt, the witch’s familiar, and Gwurm, a friendly troll) were a lot of fun. Especially Newt – an demonic duck who can talk but has forgotten how to fly? As far as Wyst goes, I think it was because he was so pure – even though he was struggling with his attraction to the unnamed witch, it still feels like there’s no depth to him, nothing of substance that he really wrestles with.

The plot itself was okay – but slightly predictable. The highlight of the book was the humour. It was an amusing book, and that’s what drove me to keep reading the book. Specifically in relation to Newt, who was by far my favourite character in the book:

Newt had a particular way of walking. His bowlegged swagger seemed more ridiculous than a traditional waddle. I’d told him once, and he’d told me to mind my own business. So I did. Even if he did walk like a bird with a rash between his legs.

The Bottom Line

I would be willing to read more of Martinez’s books, but this one overall was only okay. I won’t be keeping it, but I’m happy that I have been introduced to Martinez’s works.

Other Reviews

Here, There and Everywhere. Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Let me know and I’ll add your link.

So the book I’m currently reading (The Book of Lost Things) and the last book I finished (A Nameless Witch, which I haven’t blogged about yet) both have trolls in them. And that got me to thinking about other books that have trolls in them – and you know, they don’t seem to be nearly as popular in novels as other elements from folklore and fairy tales. Which makes it a strange coincidence that the book I’m reading and the one I just finished both have trolls in it. Maybe I’m mistaken on that account, maybe there are more, but I just haven’t come across them nearly as much. On that note, though, in my reading I have stumbled across a few novels where trolls are involved:

1. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. Originally Published 2006. (LT)
2. Valiant by Holly Black. Originally Published 2005. (LT)
3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Originally Published 1937. (LT)
4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. Originally Published 1997. (LT)
5. The 10th Kingdom by Kathryn Wesley. Originally Published 2000. (LT)
6. A Nameless Witch by A. Lee Martinez. Originally Published 2007. (LT)
7. Nightlife by Rob Thurman. Originally Published 2006. (LT)
8. The Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett. (LT)
9. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Originally Published 2001. (LT)
10. Wings by Aprilynne Pike. Originally Published 2009. (LT)

Do you like this feature? You should also check out Librarian’s Book Reviews’ Listless Monday and A Bookshelf Monstrosity’s Books By A Theme.

There are five million different Austen adaptations and new regency novels out there these days – there were a few years when I read stacks upon stacks of them, but as there are always new ones out there, it’s impossible to stay on top of everything. I haven’t read too many lately, but I’m always keeping my eyes open for new regency young adults novels, especially based on Austen’s books. Here’s a list of ten young adults novels that are regency novels and/or (modern-day/period) Austen adaptations.

1. Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. Originally Published 1988. LT
2. Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland. Originally Published 2009. LT
3. Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman. Originally Published 2006. LT
4. Love, Lies and Lizzie by Rosie Rushton. Originally Published 2009. LT
5. Dashwood Sisters’ Secrets of Love by Rosie Rushton. Originally Published 2005. LT
6. First Impressions by Marilyn Sachs. Originally Published 2006. LT
7. The 25 Pains of Kennedy Baines by Dede Crane. Originally Published 2006. LT
8. Cassandra’s Sister by Veronica Bennett. Originally Published 2006. LT
9. Le Petite Four by Regina Scott. Originally Published 2008. LT
10. I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend: A Secret Diary by Cora Harrison. Originally Published 2010. LT

What do you think of Austen adaptations and regency novels for young adults? Are there any ones that you’ve particularly liked, or ones that you want to read?

Do you like this feature? You should also check out Librarian’s Book Reviews’ Listless Monday and A Bookshelf Monstrosity’s Books By A Theme.