A review by inwonderland49
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith

4.0

This review was originally posted on In Wonderland

My Thoughts

I was thoroughly surprised about this book. I'm not going to lie, I initially picked this up because the cover is gorgeous and the title intrigued me. And then I read the first sentence in the synopsis and I was like, okay sounds good! So, by the time that I ended this book, which is refreshingly short within the fantasy genre, I was pleasantly pleased with how much I enjoyed this one. I'm not sure if it was the magic or the fact that it took place in a vineyard and I do love my wines. ;)

I'm still somewhat new to the fantasy genre, at least in the Adult Fantasy that is, but this was so well-written and it's such a unique setting for a fantasy. The atmosphere that Luanne G. Smith creates within this novel is just spectacular. I wanted to savor every drop of this story like I would my glass of Malbec. I simply adored this this book and by the time it was over, I just wanted more. I actually wished that this book was one of the longer fantasy novels. I wanted more of the atmosphere, more of the characterization, more development within the romance between Elena and Jean-Paul.

I was a little surprised at the ending with who ended up being the one who cursed Elena. But only a little surprised. And, the pacing of the book from the climax to the ending, seemed a little rushed, but all-in-all, I am really happy with this book. I think it's a great cozy read.

I am really looking forward to the second book The Glamourist which is coming out this upcoming June. If you're a big wine-o, love magic and witches, and books with a great atmosphere, you should really give this one a try!