Amber Argyle

Witch Song (Witch Song #1) by Amber Argyle is such a deep and exciting book, I was taken by surprise at how wonderful it was. Looking at the cover I thought it might be a nice cozy witch story, oh no it is not! It is a strong story with powerful witches, a twisting and rich plot, lots of colorful characters, mysteries, adventure, action, magic, strange creatures, a touch of romance, and so much more. I had to stay up all night to finish it! Lots of twist, turns, shape shifting, good vs evil, show more suspense, and awesome fantasy. I KNOW better than judge a book by the cover, I am not a young kid, and this book is proof, this is a book of power, magic, mayhem, and wonder. What a great job! I have got to read book 2 now! (When I can afford to lose more sleep, lol) show less

My review: I truly loved Winter Queen, the first in the Fairy Queens trilogy. I am a big fan of all of Amber Argyle's work (author of the Witch Song series) and this just might be my favorite thus far. I love the author's writing style and the rich worlds and characters that she creates. She is phenomenal at drawing readers into her world and making it feel real. Despite the otherworldly elements to the book, it felt possible. Seeing things through Ilyenna's eyes was like seeing them for show more myself. I love a book that I can lose myself in and this was one of those books!

Ilyenna is a fascinating character, truly more layered than the average woman of her time and social status. I love the fact that, as a person, Ilyenna seems real. She isn't portrayed as a strong, perfect heroine from the beginning, but one with uncertainty and fear and a lack of self-confidence. What was beautiful about her was watching her find her strength. Darrien, while clearly NOT a character a reader is going to feel for, is one that still draws the reader in. He is that character that we all just have to hate but one that is still more than just the bad guy. Rone was also a wonderful character, and one we the readers could root for, although I wish there had been more of him.

The author's worlds are amazing. They are layered with the kind of details that are not overpowering but that give the world a sense of realism. There are some Viking elements recognizable in the descriptions of the environment, as well. The creation of the culture was seamlessly done, making it feel is if we were just being reminded of things we already know instead of feeling like a lecture to learn a new culture for the new world. That made reading much more engaging. I also loved the use of the theme of Balance in the book, that the Universe must have balance in all aspects of life.

This is not an average "fairy tale," not as light as I expected based on the cover alone. There was darkness and brutality and angst along with all of the adventure, mystery, and intrigue. It was not overdone, but it is definitely a part of the story. Even though the story was much darker at times than I expected, there was no shortage of romance and hope and love, which I truly enjoyed.

Things to love about Winter Queen...

--Ilyenna. She was created to be real, despite all of the fantasy elements. She was flawed and often unsure and that made her character very three-dimensional.

--The world. The author creates amazing worlds, combining elements that we can recognize from reality with new world elements. Everything about this world is vivid and graphically imaginable.

Things I wanted more of...

--Darrien. Even though his character was not at all likeable, I think it would have explained a lot about him if we had known more about his relationship with his brother.

--Rone. I loved him and I wanted to know more of his story, apart from Ilyenna.

--The fairies. I thought they would play a more prominent role in the story. They were important, but they were able to play their roles from a more detached distance from the main story.

My recommendation: Even if fairy tales aren't your thing, I would recommend this book. There is brutality and violence, as well as some sexual content. The violence is mild in that it is not overly described and the sexual content is even less detailed but alluded to. An excellent read! show less

Reviewed by Shyla
Review copy provided by Amber Argyle
I’m not even going to wait until the end of this review to recommend Witch Song. From the moment I read the first page I was swept into a new world filled to the brim with adventure, danger, magic and a touch of romance. The picture Ms. Argyle paints is vivid and all consuming. I felt like I had stepped back into the time of Merlin. I connected with the heroine Brusenna immediately and rooted for her as she went through her trials, both show more emotional and physical. This is a fantastic story that managed to capture the growth of child to a woman amidst the most extraordinary circumstances.

Our hero Brusenna and her mother Sacra have been shunned their entire lives by the people in their village for being witches. Witches aren’t looked upon kindly here, and the two women are blamed for the dying crops. Brusenna is only fifteen, but in many aspects she’s been forced to grow up before her time. She is the one who’s felt the sharp sting of disapproval, and prejudice when she ventures into town for the food and supplies she and her mother need to survive. My heart ached for the outcast woman child, and I was left wondering why her mother would place such a heavy load on young shoulders.

When a merchant accuses her of stealing and moves to do her bodily harm I found myself wishing for a medieval version of Child Protective Services. I was relieved when a stranger steps forward and stills the merchants temper with her sharp tongue, and coins. The beautiful woman, named Coyle, dazzles Brusenna with her kind words and the truth she reveals about her Mother. Brusenna’s mother Sacra has a hidden past. She’s a Keeper. Keepers are powerful witches able to sing a witches song. Yes it’s exactly what it sounds like. Think Harry Potter magic without the wands or the Latin language.

Sacra ran after she lost her husband and older child to the wicked witch Espen, determined the witch would not take anything else she loved. Over the years Espens’ powers have continued to grow as she kidnaps the Keepers one by one, and bends them to her will. Espen’s unnatural magic has upset the balance of the world, and nature has begun to rebel against her rule. Crops are dying, the ocean is still, and innocent people suffer. Sacra has no choice but to leave with Coyle in hopes of defeating the evil witch. Sacra is forced to leave Brusenna behind with a letter to be opened should she fail to return, a book of spells, and a promise to answer all her questions.

I couldn’t help but feel for this wayward teen. She’s discovered a legacy she never knew she had, and found her whole way of life was a lie. When her Mother fails to return the weight of the world rests on Brusenna’s slim shoulders. This is where her adventure begins, and we met our hero Joshen. Joshen is the son of a Guardian, a person who dedicates their lives to aiding witches. Strong, wise, and gentle Joshen is the perfect companion on Brusenna’s journey. They travel on land, on sea, encounter mythical creatures, powerful foes, and form a bond that proved to be unbreakable.

If you like magic, fantasy, historical and adventure , this is the one for you. show less

Amber Argyle's Witch Song sings a beautiful coming-of-age tale.

Alone, except with dog and her mother's journal, fifteen-year-old Brusenna escapes from a Witch Hunter and flees toward Haven for protection. With her mother and fellow Keepers captured by the Dark Witch, she is their last hope. Reluctantly accepting help, Brusenna travels to battle the Dark Witch. If she doesn't succeed, no one will.

Witch Song held me captive under its carefully sung spell. Argyle's prose is beautiful and vivid, show more creating stunning scenes and heart-wrenching emotions on the page. The type of magic in this novel will appeal to those familiar with L.E. Modesitt Jr.'s Spellsong Cycle. Witch Song's world is epic, and Argyle yanks the reader along for the journey. The complexity in the characters populates her world. Brusenna's strength and character to carry on and do what is right instead of what is easy is powerful. Like the seeds she sings to life, Brusenna blooms throughout the novel. At times, Witch Song reminded also me of what I loved about Rowling's Harry Potter series. I didn't want to stop reading it!

Adventure, romance, and magic intertwine in this young adult fantasy novel. I have a feeling that Amber Argyle's Witch Song will become much loved and remembered. show less