Intrigued by The Black Witch

 

Audiobook on Audible

This was the 2nd book I bought from audible for the 2 for 1 credit deal. I really went back and forth debating about whether or not to purchase this book because of the reviews. The reviews made it seems less than stellar but the description had me intrigued. I also could not resist reading about a character with the last name Gardner....same as mine. 

Julia Whelan is the narrator for the audible version of this book. She does a nice job with both the male and female characters. At times I forget there is just one person reading. 

First of all, if you like fantasy, paranormal, and mystery this is a great pick! You end up getting a little of everything in this novel. A world of witches, fae, elves and so much more. Some are dreamy and others are what nightmares are made of. 

So back to the title....The Black Witch. Well the original Black Witch is the grandmother to our main character Mage Gardner. While she was always under the impression it was a honor to be in the line of the Black Witch within her race/species, that is not how others view it. When she heads off to the University she is plunged into a world that is very different that what she had ever imagined. 

A level 5 mage is the highest level of power while a level 1 means you have no power. Even though she is the granddaughter of The Black Witch, she is a level 1. There is a prophecy about the next Black Witch coming to power and while she looks just like her grandmother, it's not her. 

A level 5 mage by the name of Lucas is very interested in her. At times when they kiss she sees images and he can feel that she is powerful, although all testing proves otherwise. He is high in the ranks of their military and her Aunt would like nothing more than for her to fast to Lucas. What is fasting? It's not going without food in this book. Instead, it means to promise to marry but you are marked with this promise and it is binded with magic. 

This fasting situation bring in the horrible level 5 female mage believed to be the next Black Witch. She wants to fast with Lucas and everything seems to be headed in that direction until Mage Gardner arrives at the University. This girl is ice cold, and I mean she can control ice and proceeds to torture Gardner at every turn. 

Soon she realizes that everything she has ever been told was a lie. She's learning the hard way but she is learning. Deep down she has a good heart and only wants to help others. 

I know that previous reviews were talking about how much tension and issues are issues with this book. Personally, I do not see it in any negative light. I did not even realize until I got to the end that there are more books in this series. I am rather excited to see where this journey takes her next.