Award-winning author Victoria Lamb blends magic, adventure, intrigue and romance in Witchstruck, the first book in her mesmerising Tudor Witch trilogy.Sixteenth century England is a dangerous place to be a witch – and nobody knows this better than young sorceress Meg Lytton. Having grown up practicing magic in secret, Meg knows that the only way she can stay alive is to keep her gift to herself and not risk suspicion or exposure. However, trouble seems to be following the young witch around. In service to the banished Princess Elizabeth at Woodstock Palace, Meg’s beauty draws the eye of notorious witchfinder Marcus Dent, a man intent on expunging England of practitioners of the dark arts. Caught up in a maelstrom of terror, turmoil and jeopardy, Meg vows to give Marcus as wide a berth as possible. However, little does Meg realise that manipulative forces are at play and that her freedom and her virtue are at stake…With enemies round every corner and nobody she can trust, Meg knows that one false move could get her – and the Princess – killed in one fell swoop. The last thing the young witch needs is distraction. If she wants to stay alive, she must keep all her wits about her and not let anything – or anyone – distract her. However, when the handsome Spanish priest, Alejandro de Castillo turns up at Woodstock Palace, Meg is surprised when she finds herself drawn to the charismatic young man who has begun to intrude upon her thoughts and haunt her dreams. Yet, she knows that her love is destined to remain unrequited for she daren’t risk telling Alejandro the truth about her gift…No sooner had Alejandro set foot in Woodstock Palace that he found himself intrigued by the beautiful Meg Lytton. Yet, the pretty girl in service to Princess Elizabeth seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. What dark secrets is Meg hiding? Are these whispers he has been hearing that she is a witch true? And will their burgeoning feelings for one another be jeopardised by Marcus Dent’s obsession with her? With so many obstacles standing in their way, Meg and Alejandro must put their fears to one side and put their trust in one another if they are to triumph against the overwhelming adversity intent on destroying their happiness.But with the odds stacked against them, do Meg and Alejandro stand a chance against all this opposition? Or is their love destined to remain forbidden?Victoria Lamb has penned an exciting and enjoyable historical tale that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. A heart-pounding Tudor novel full of strong characters, rich period detail, powerful secrets, nail-biting suspense and tender romance, Witchstruck plunges readers into a colourful world of dazzling peril, wicked conspiracies and pulse-racing emotion they will never want to leave.Meg and Alejandro are well-written and wonderfully nuanced characters that leap off the pages and come instantly to live. I thought Meg was a terrific heroine who was strong, spirited and resourceful and who always stuck to her guns and was true to herself whereas Alejandro was a wonderfully honourable and dashing hero readers will not be able to resist.An outstanding historical read that will keep readers up way past their bedtime, Witchstruck is the first book in what promises to be a first-rate trilogy from the talented pen of Victoria Lamb.This review was originally published on Single Titles This book just didn't resonate with me. I liked everything well enough, it just didn't all come together. The plot was fairly predictable and not entirely believable. Meg's powers seemed to come and go depending on what the plot called for. At times she is able to influence an entire castle to think there is a fire, but when she needs to influence other people she is ineffectual. I also felt that Allejandro's allegiance to Elizabeth and Meg was not authentic. He has been raised during the Spanish Inquisition, and he is ok with helping witches and heretics? That just didn't seem plausible. I really wanted to love this book, and I did like it. It just wasn't the home run I was looking for.
What do You think about Witchstruck (2013)?
Fantastic read.. Loved this book, looking forward reading Witchfall, 2nd in this series.
—Anurag
