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talkingchicle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What would you do if someone told you the legends were real? Would you believe them? For Ari (Ariadne) that's exactly what happened. Returning to Brittany, France, where her Fiancee drowned, she meets Raphael. A man who claims his family is cursed, specifically that he is cursed. From this, all Ari wants to do is find a way to break it. Turning her into believer like her Fiancee, who spent his life and resources, researching and looking for clues to find the lost city of Ys.
This had loads of things I loved in a book. It was steeped in tales, folklore, legend, magic and a curse! It had mystery, some romance a legendary WItch. I was intrigued from the beginning. I also enjoyed the tension surrounding the diving crew on their quest to find clues, I loved the twists and turns throughout the story too!
The author built this story really well. She's managed to intricatey weave elements of the past into the present as the story unfolds. Thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from Jessica Thorne.
What would you do if someone told you the legends were real? Would you believe them? For Ari (Ariadne) that's exactly what happened. Returning to Brittany, France, where her Fiancee drowned, she meets Raphael. A man who claims his family is cursed, specifically that he is cursed. From this, all Ari wants to do is find a way to break it. Turning her into believer like her Fiancee, who spent his life and resources, researching and looking for clues to find the lost city of Ys.
This had loads of things I loved in a book. It was steeped in tales, folklore, legend, magic and a curse! It had mystery, some romance a legendary WItch. I was intrigued from the beginning. I also enjoyed the tension surrounding the diving crew on their quest to find clues, I loved the twists and turns throughout the story too!
The author built this story really well. She's managed to intricatey weave elements of the past into the present as the story unfolds. Thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from Jessica Thorne.
lp061902's review against another edition
5.0
i came across this randomly and i am so glad i ended up reading it because i absolutely adored this book from the fantasy and lore of it all to the underlying romances and characters. i feel like it had just the right amount of mystery and the entire plot line to me made sense.
i highly highly highly recommend reading this if you are a big fan of like . indiana jones atlantis archeology mystery (dare i say night at the museum) type plots
i would’ve liked a little more depth on laure to be honest but i still really liked everything else about the book <3
also nico is so me! fruity and likes to bake! yeah!
i highly highly highly recommend reading this if you are a big fan of like . indiana jones atlantis archeology mystery (dare i say night at the museum) type plots
i would’ve liked a little more depth on laure to be honest but i still really liked everything else about the book <3
also nico is so me! fruity and likes to bake! yeah!
gdesousa's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Thorne for this eArc.
The Water Witch by Jessica Throne is a very interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but, I disagree with the “fantasy romance” tagline. To me, this book leans more towards adventure treasure hunting than fantasy with some supernatural aspects. Additionally, I did not find this book to be romantic. There are undeniably some romantic moments that occur, but the relationships that leaned more towards romance were used to explore grief and trust issues. Once I let the “fantasy romance” description of this book go, I was very pleasantly surprised.
The start of the book is somewhat confusing, especially for me as someone who knows nothing about Brittany, but the author does a fantastic job of worldbuilding and using location as a deeper theme of the story. The way Thorne describes the weather, atmosphere, and location added so much and made this book very unique – a true highlight. I also enjoyed all of the characters as they all had very real issues that they were working through and you could experience them grow throughout the book. I appreciated the “fantasy” part of the book, but I do not think that it was necessary to the storyline. Given how realistic everything else felt about the book, I did not feel that the curse added a necessary layer. I think that the same book could be written as just a treasure hunting mystery and the message, feelings, and outcome could be the same. However, this is simply a personal preference.
Overall, if you are into well-researched, visual, worldbuilding-focused books then this is for you. I believe that if you start this book without thinking it will be a “fantasy romance”, you have an enjoyable read awaiting you.
The Water Witch by Jessica Throne is a very interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but, I disagree with the “fantasy romance” tagline. To me, this book leans more towards adventure treasure hunting than fantasy with some supernatural aspects. Additionally, I did not find this book to be romantic. There are undeniably some romantic moments that occur, but the relationships that leaned more towards romance were used to explore grief and trust issues. Once I let the “fantasy romance” description of this book go, I was very pleasantly surprised.
The start of the book is somewhat confusing, especially for me as someone who knows nothing about Brittany, but the author does a fantastic job of worldbuilding and using location as a deeper theme of the story. The way Thorne describes the weather, atmosphere, and location added so much and made this book very unique – a true highlight. I also enjoyed all of the characters as they all had very real issues that they were working through and you could experience them grow throughout the book. I appreciated the “fantasy” part of the book, but I do not think that it was necessary to the storyline. Given how realistic everything else felt about the book, I did not feel that the curse added a necessary layer. I think that the same book could be written as just a treasure hunting mystery and the message, feelings, and outcome could be the same. However, this is simply a personal preference.
Overall, if you are into well-researched, visual, worldbuilding-focused books then this is for you. I believe that if you start this book without thinking it will be a “fantasy romance”, you have an enjoyable read awaiting you.
aeola's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Mysterious Blend of History, Myth, and Romance
The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne offers a captivating blend of history, myth, and modern mysteries that will enchant readers from the very beginning. Thorne's writing style is truly wonderful, with attention to detail and vivid descriptions that paint vibrant images in the reader's mind. The subtle and delicate approach to the growing passion between the hero and the heroine is elegantly portrayed, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
As the plot unfolds, the introduction of mystical elements adds a new dimension to the narrative. While this shift may feel somewhat sudden and overwhelming, the story soon finds its footing with a more practical detective approach, reigniting the reader's interest. The relatable characters, particularly the heroine, are a strong anchor for the story, although her occasional plot-driven actions may detract from the overall experience.
Thorne's incorporation of French and Breton names adds an authentic touch to the setting; however, it may pose a challenge for some readers, disrupting the flow of the story. Additionally, the abundance of characters and unique place names could benefit from more detailed introductions and descriptions to aid reader comprehension.
The development of the main characters is commendable, although a more balanced focus on external descriptions could have further enriched the reading experience. The buildup of romantic tension between the characters is palpable, but the briefness of the subsequent intimate scene may leave readers longing for a more immersive portrayal of their connection.
Despite these considerations, The Water Witch receives a glowing 5/5 rating from me, reflecting the book's captivating plot, engaging mystique, compelling characters, and enchanting writing style. While the romance aspect could have been further developed, the overall reading experience is highly commendable.
In conclusion, The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne offers a captivating and mysterious journey, blending history, myth, and romance in a way that will leave readers yearning for more.
The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne offers a captivating blend of history, myth, and modern mysteries that will enchant readers from the very beginning. Thorne's writing style is truly wonderful, with attention to detail and vivid descriptions that paint vibrant images in the reader's mind. The subtle and delicate approach to the growing passion between the hero and the heroine is elegantly portrayed, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
As the plot unfolds, the introduction of mystical elements adds a new dimension to the narrative. While this shift may feel somewhat sudden and overwhelming, the story soon finds its footing with a more practical detective approach, reigniting the reader's interest. The relatable characters, particularly the heroine, are a strong anchor for the story, although her occasional plot-driven actions may detract from the overall experience.
Thorne's incorporation of French and Breton names adds an authentic touch to the setting; however, it may pose a challenge for some readers, disrupting the flow of the story. Additionally, the abundance of characters and unique place names could benefit from more detailed introductions and descriptions to aid reader comprehension.
The development of the main characters is commendable, although a more balanced focus on external descriptions could have further enriched the reading experience. The buildup of romantic tension between the characters is palpable, but the briefness of the subsequent intimate scene may leave readers longing for a more immersive portrayal of their connection.
Despite these considerations, The Water Witch receives a glowing 5/5 rating from me, reflecting the book's captivating plot, engaging mystique, compelling characters, and enchanting writing style. While the romance aspect could have been further developed, the overall reading experience is highly commendable.
In conclusion, The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne offers a captivating and mysterious journey, blending history, myth, and romance in a way that will leave readers yearning for more.
pages_with_a_preoccupied_prin's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alliesrecentreads's review against another edition
5.0
Full of suspense, folklore and magic, The Water Witch is not a book you'll want to miss. I absolutely adored this story from page one. It is beautifully written and gripping in a way that made it impossible to put down. I read the entire thing in one evening.
Ariadne begrudgingly returns to Brittany, France to assist her brother with his quest to uncover the lost underwater city of Ys. Ari swore she'd never return after she lost her fiancé to the sea as part of the very same expedition but when her brother called and begged, she couldn't resist.
Rafael has found himself back home to care for his aunt, who holds onto the stories about Ys with a passion. He does not know how to handle his aunt's insistence that Ys be found because the stories cannot possibly be real - or can they?
Ari was a well written character with whom I really connected. I found her to be relatable and felt each and every one of her emotions right along with her as she confronted her part and tried to figure out how to move forward. Her brother and his best friend, Jason and Nico were great supporting characters who truly added to the story. Rafael, too, was well-written and full of unexpected depth. I found myself loving him a bit more with each and every layer that was peeled back to reveal his deepest desires and character.
Check out the Water Witch if you are a fan of any of the following:
- Vengeful witches
- Magical realism
- Love after loss
- Found family
- Costal French towns
- Lyrical prose full of lore
- Treasure hunting
- Light academia
- Lost cities
- Family drama
- Suspense-filled stories
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ariadne begrudgingly returns to Brittany, France to assist her brother with his quest to uncover the lost underwater city of Ys. Ari swore she'd never return after she lost her fiancé to the sea as part of the very same expedition but when her brother called and begged, she couldn't resist.
Rafael has found himself back home to care for his aunt, who holds onto the stories about Ys with a passion. He does not know how to handle his aunt's insistence that Ys be found because the stories cannot possibly be real - or can they?
Ari was a well written character with whom I really connected. I found her to be relatable and felt each and every one of her emotions right along with her as she confronted her part and tried to figure out how to move forward. Her brother and his best friend, Jason and Nico were great supporting characters who truly added to the story. Rafael, too, was well-written and full of unexpected depth. I found myself loving him a bit more with each and every layer that was peeled back to reveal his deepest desires and character.
Check out the Water Witch if you are a fan of any of the following:
- Vengeful witches
- Magical realism
- Love after loss
- Found family
- Costal French towns
- Lyrical prose full of lore
- Treasure hunting
- Light academia
- Lost cities
- Family drama
- Suspense-filled stories
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
readergurl59's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
oneanjana's review against another edition
4.0
Devoured this in just two days. It’s fast-paced, utterly enchanting and unputdownable. The Water Witch is a book that has many elements inside, and the fusion is working perfectly. The book explores themes of treasure hunt to find a lost city with many spices as cursed family stories, folklore, romance, and historical mystery.
First of all, hands down, for the melancholy French coastal setting and also the folklore/mythology part! It’s beautifully described, and they have many historical landmarks with magical-sounding names. The best part about the folklore part is: most of them inspired by real folklore. Such as Ankou, the servant of death, is a Breton, Cornish, Welsh and Norman French folklore. Some place mentioned such as Ile Tristan is also real.
The story told from 2 POVs, Ariadne (Ari) and Rafael. I love Ariadne the most. She is smart, sassy, and works in details. Every scene when Ari immersed with her work and investigation was fascinating to read. Like Jason (Ari’s brother) said about her: “She follow the breadcrumbs left in place names and stories.” It's not that I didn't love Rafael, but there are times when his personality can be contradicted. Yet, I can’t lie that I enjoy their chemistry and their character development.
Although I enjoyed Ari and Rafael's chemistry, I'm not a fan of the romantic part. Ari is mostly in her sad state, grieving for the dead fiancée. Often their relationship feels stagnant, I can't see whether their romance will go well or not. But then, at some point, suddenly it escalated quickly. Another downside, at least for me, is the identity of The Witch herself can be guessed easily from the start. In other words, a less revealing surprise. Some description of Rafael’s family tree was also quite difficult to understand.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommended if you like reading folklore/mythology, treasure hunt, and French coastal waves.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First of all, hands down, for the melancholy French coastal setting and also the folklore/mythology part! It’s beautifully described, and they have many historical landmarks with magical-sounding names. The best part about the folklore part is: most of them inspired by real folklore. Such as Ankou, the servant of death, is a Breton, Cornish, Welsh and Norman French folklore. Some place mentioned such as Ile Tristan is also real.
The story told from 2 POVs, Ariadne (Ari) and Rafael. I love Ariadne the most. She is smart, sassy, and works in details. Every scene when Ari immersed with her work and investigation was fascinating to read. Like Jason (Ari’s brother) said about her: “She follow the breadcrumbs left in place names and stories.” It's not that I didn't love Rafael, but there are times when his personality can be contradicted. Yet, I can’t lie that I enjoy their chemistry and their character development.
Although I enjoyed Ari and Rafael's chemistry, I'm not a fan of the romantic part. Ari is mostly in her sad state, grieving for the dead fiancée. Often their relationship feels stagnant, I can't see whether their romance will go well or not. But then, at some point, suddenly it escalated quickly. Another downside, at least for me, is the identity of The Witch herself can be guessed easily from the start. In other words, a less revealing surprise. Some description of Rafael’s family tree was also quite difficult to understand.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommended if you like reading folklore/mythology, treasure hunt, and French coastal waves.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.