On the one hand I enjoyed WITCH SONG. In many ways I feel as if I was a tad too old to enjoy this book properly. Its not that it was childish or dumbed down, but a lot of what annoyed me about Brusenna or her actions seemed to stem from the fact she was relatively young and reacting in a believable fashion for someone her age.

Take for example her constant agonizing over how if something bad happened it was her fault. This wasn't always the case, in fact it was less the case then you'd think given her role in the story, but her constant apologizing and belief that everyone would be better if they weren't around her grew tedious. Not to mention she'd often change her mind in the course of a chapter from 'You should just get away from me!' to 'Why is everyone leaving me?'

Later, when Brusenna starts to take things seriously (actual seriously, not using it as a convenient way to angst), I felt a better connection to her. I understood her motivations and her overall reactions just felt more firmly rooted in practical concerns, not in dramatic ones.

The book covers a couple of years in length, pretty much all of Brusenna's training and preparation to fight against the Big Bad. And since this is one book, not a series, that meant some time skipping to fit all the important bits of her training into the one book. I'm not adverse to such things, but Argyle's approach felt haphazard and disjointed, with no clear indication when the time skip happened. Brusenna, or Joshen or another character would remark about the passage of time and we're left to pretty much believe nothing of import occurred during those times.

There is also little by way of actual fighting. Even the Final Battle was less of a fight and more of a talent show off. I thought Argyle may have cheated a bit in that--if a person is willing to destroy an entire world, why would they NOT bring the big guns to a fight against the Hero?

Overall I think Argyle has written an enjoyable if sometimes dry fantasy. It doesn't quite live up to the momentum it builds, and may have benefited from being split into two books even, but worth checking out from fans of Tamora Pierce or Mercedes Lackey. ( )

Cute. The ending was satisfying and the characters were interesting. I thought the battle scene between the main character and the evil witch near the end was a little bit of a cop out. Good story for the most part though; like it but I probably won't read it again. ( )

It is a beautiful cover and the beginning is strong. I thought the story-line was beautiful and loved the concept.

Witch Song is an eBook I purchased through Amazon quite some time ago. It appealed to me. The title and the cover all beautiful and alluring. As I began reading, I was thinking “wow, I really like this”.

It is not uncommon for the subject matter to deal with witchcraft as an earth religion focusing on nature. None of that is new. What was really different about this story is the use of song and the elements are presented a little differently.

I was enjoying the dialogue and there was some energy between the characters. By chapter two, I was fully engrossed and intrigued about what was happening. There was a real thrill and suspense building. Quickly, characters were introduced and names were given of those I became anxious to meet.

Then, by chapter 14, I lost my connection with the story. It might just be me. I am really not sure why but I became not interested anymore.

At times things happened and I could not understand why and there never seemed to be answers to those questions. When the female is the lead character, I want her to be strong. Though, that aspect alone does not determine a good story or not, it is my preference and important to me. I read Young-Adult a lot and have enjoyed that genre. This book though, seemed really young and too immature for me.

I am giving this book 3 stars. It is not a terrible book. If someone is looking for a fantasy with witches and magic, this might be the book to try. I do recommend giving it a look for yourself. ( )

Not only does it have a hauntingly beautiful cover, Witch song is also a hauntingly beautiful story.

Amber Argyle has a way with words.

Witch Song is set in a world where the power of a witch is in her voice. Brusenna lives with her mother, Sacra, away from the villagers who taunt her whenever they see her - witchcraft is different, so it is hated.

The first thing I noticed about the narrative is the descriptive way Amber Argyle writes. The world that Brusenna lives in, though similar to ours, is not quite the same. The descriptive way the story was told helped to flesh out Brusenna’s world but still allowed for imagination.

The next thing I noticed was that magic was different in Brusenna’s world - not the mainstream idea of magic. I thought the world building and magic complimented each other well.

I especially loved Joshen as a character. Brusenna was your usual heroine - unsure yet headstrong, focused and driven, consumed by the task at hand - but Joshen, her Guardian, surprised me from time to time. He was loyal and steadfast, but also caring in a refreshingly, non-creepy way. I enjoyed his character so much that I wanted to invite him over for tea and a chat (in a non-creepy way).

The story was engrossing from the beginning. It was fast-paced and the characters that were introduced were well developed and unique in their own way, thus memorable. I was extremely cautious while reading this book because I had some high expectations going in; Amber delivered on those expectations and then some. I look forward to reading more of her stories. ( )

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, 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) ( )