Book Review / The Silver Witch by Paula Brackston

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 others, 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.

Published:      21st April 2015
Publisher:  Thomas Dunne Books
Author Website:  Click here
Goodreads :  Click here 
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Review Copy from Publisher

I really enjoyed this story but have to be honest and say that it wasn't the first time I tried to read it.   About two or three weeks ago I started to read this and just wasn't feeling that connection.  The story and the character just weren't connecting with me and I just couldn't get into the story.  So, I put it down but I knew that I really liked the sound of the story.  The reason I put it down the first time I put it down to just the mood I was in on that particular day; I probably just wasn't in the mood to read that type of story.  I did read a good 50 or 60 pages before I put it down.  So, knowing that I really liked the idea of the story I decided to give it another try.  I never like to give up on a book that I am interested in unless I have a really bad reaction to it.  I am so glad that I gave this another try.  I really enjoyed following Tilda.  She is such a headstrong person just forced into a world that I thought she was not ready for.  The ending for me was the best part.  Although I pretty much guessed what was going to happen I still enjoyed taking that journey (the second time around that is!).

What I liked the most was the 'oldy worldy' feel of the world.  The writing was so well done that I could just imagine myself in that world and at that time.  Although I am not sure of the era this is set but I got the impression that its more old world like mixed with a bit of magic.

(From Goodreads)  Paula Brackston (aka PJ Brackston)is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter, The Winter Witch, and The Midnight Witch(2014).

Paula has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and is a Visiting Lecturer for the University of Wales, Newport. In 2007 Paula was short listed in the Creme de la Crime search for new writers. In 2010 her book 'Nutters' (writing as PJ Davy) was short listed for the Mind Book Award, and she was selected by the BBC under their New Welsh Writers scheme.

Paula lives in Wales with her partner and their two children.