The Famine Witch

By: Stephen Black

Narrated by: Danni Deguire

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Belfast, 1847. They would come to call it Black ‘47. A town on the brink, ravaged by the Great Hunger sweeping across the island of Ireland. A town living in fear as a crazed killer stalks the streets at night, butchering young women. They call him Bloody Hands.

Amidst the chaos, nineteen-year-old Maggie Malone and her young brother, Jinks, fight to survive each day. But there is worse to come when a mysterious ship limps into port, having miraculously emerged from a savage storm. A ship carrying death itself, summoned by a malevolent force that has haunted the mountain overlooking Belfast for centuries, hellbent on devastation and ruin. They call her The Black Lady.

Maggie and Jinks become unwitting pawns as Bloody Hands and The Black Lady take their ancient feud to new levels of barbarism, threatening the future of Belfast and its hapless population. Can Maggie unlock the dormant power within her and save Belfast from toppling into the abyss? Can she transform into the savior that the people so desperately need? Can she become The Famine Witch?

©2024 Quill & Crow Publishing House (P)2024 Quill & Crow Publishing House

A Captivating Tale Set in Famine-Ridden Belfast

Danni Deguire's narration was beautifully done, sometimes reminding me of Mary Jane Wells, which is a huge compliment as I’ve enjoyed many books narrated by Wells. I would gladly listen to Danni Deguire again. However, I did notice that the audiobook's editing could use some refining. There were a few hiccups and repeats, but nothing that significantly disrupted the story. It’s a minor note, but worth mentioning.

As for the book itself, it held my attention from start to finish. I didn’t drift off, lose interest, or feel the urge to switch books. I looked forward to each listening session. The characters were vividly written, and I could easily visualize the story unfolding in my mind.

Set in disease-ridden Belfast during a famine crisis, the story follows Maggie Malone, a teenage girl and the sole caregiver for her 8-year-old brother. In a time when resources are scarce and nobody is looking out for them, the book paints a grim picture of their environment. The witches added a mystical element to the already intense storyline. The ending left me with mixed feelings, as the author crafted it in such a way that everything seems to happen for the greater good, yet I still felt a lingering sadness. Bravo to Stephen Black for eliciting such a complex emotional response. He did a great job.

Although this is not my typical read—I generally prefer light-hearted mysteries—it managed to captivate me. Stephen Black is clearly a gifted writer, and I would happily listen to another of his novels, despite it being outside my usual genre.