Title: The Midnight Witch
Author: Paula Brackston
First published March 25, 2014
341 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250006080 (ISBN10: 1250006082)
Rating: 3.51
Overview
Lilith has always known that the dead have a lot to say, but it takes the right person to listen. As the daughter of the sixth Duke of Radnor, Lilith is not only one of the most beautiful women in London, but she’s also a witch.
After her father’s death, Lilith inherits the title of Head Witch of the Lazarus Coven, a role that comes with great responsibility. But when a powerful group of sorcerers, known as the Sentinels, threatens the coven’s guardianship of the Elixir, Lilith must use all of her necromancy skills to protect her family’s legacy.
While Lilith has always followed the Lazarus creed of secrecy and silence, she finds herself falling for Bram, a talented artist who is not a witch nor a member of her class. But to reveal her life as a witch to Bram would mean risking everything.
Set against the backdrop of Edwardian London and the dark days of World War I, The Midnight Witch is a captivating novel by bestselling author Paula Brackston that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Paula Brackston, a talented author known for her captivating novels such as The Witch’s Daughter, The Winter Witch, and The Midnight Witch, all of which have made it to the New York Times bestseller list. Paula holds an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Wales in Newport.
Her writing skills were recognized in 2007 when she was shortlisted in the Creme de la Crime search for new writers. In 2010, her book ‘Nutters’ (under the pen name PJ Davy) was shortlisted for the Mind Book Award.
Additionally, she was chosen by the BBC under their New Welsh Writers scheme.
When Paula is not writing or teaching, she spends her time in Wales with her partner and their two children.
Editoral Review
The Midnight Witch by Paula Brackston is an intriguing novel that blends elements of historical fiction and fantasy to tell the story of a young woman struggling to balance her duty to her family and the expectations of society with her burgeoning magical powers. Brackston is a British author and prolific writer of historical fantasy novels.
She has written many best-selling books, including The Witch’s Daughter and The Little Shop of Found Things.
The Midnight Witch takes place in the late 1800s in London and centers around Lady Lilith Montgomery, a young widow who has inherited the title of Head Witch of the Lazarus Coven after the sudden death of her father. Lilith is torn between her responsibilities to her family and her desire to explore her magical abilities.
As she begins to learn more about her powers, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous power struggle between the coven and a rival group of witches. Along the way, she also finds herself falling in love with a scientist who is studying the effects of electricity on the human body.
Brackston’s writing style is vivid and descriptive, transporting the reader to the bustling streets of Victorian London. She does an excellent job of creating a world that is both magical and believable.
The plot is well-paced and full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The characters are well-developed, particularly Lilith, who is a complex and relatable protagonist.
One of the strengths of The Midnight Witch is the way it explores the theme of female empowerment. Lilith is a strong and capable woman who struggles against the constraints of her society and her family.
She is determined to find her own path in life, even if it means defying tradition and risking everything she holds dear. Brackston also touches on issues of class and social inequality, showing how the rigid hierarchy of Victorian society affects even those with magical powers.
Despite its strengths, The Midnight Witch is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the plot predictable or the romance between Lilith and her love interest a bit contrived.
Additionally, the book could have benefitted from more in-depth world-building and exploration of the magical system.
Overall, The Midnight Witch is a well-crafted and enjoyable novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and fantasy. It is a compelling exploration of female empowerment and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
While it may not be perfect, it is certainly worth a read for those who enjoy a good magical adventure.
Rating: 3.5/5
