The Witch's Daughter

By: Paula Brackston

Narrated by: Marisa Calin

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is 384 years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins.…

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows. Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn’t know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories - and demons - long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch’s Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Listeners will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

©2010 Paula Brackston (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

magic, fantasy, witches and excitement

while this book may have been slightly predictable, i found it to be just what i was looking for right now. it was an easy read, full of fun and magic and my favorite supernatural, witches. it had the perfect mix of romance (if you can call it romance), magic and story. and it didn't take itself too seriously or drone on for too long. it was the perfect length novel with the perfect amount of drama and buildup.

bess was a great narrator, i loved the intertwining of her past and present story. the historic fiction element that was brought into the story in her unveiling her long life was smart...kept me interested in both her modern day story and her past.

would definitely read another witch tale from this author

Wanted to love it, but lacking something.

Firstly, the narrator is really great, you can tell the difference between each character. Except her Scottish accent is so terrible it sounds like a Transylvanian accent.
As for the story I really enjoyed some of the elements, especially the witchy stuff, but when they threw in satanism I was angry. Witches do not believe in Satan. Also the author kept bringing up Wicca wasn’t introduced until the 20th century. I would have liked to have read more about Bess’s life journey too, the author kept mentioning her fellow witches, but we never meet any of them until the end. I’m on the fence about the next book in the series, I might try it in hopes it is better than this one.

Not impressed.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I'm about 1/2 way through this story right now. It sounded great when I read about it, but listening to it is pretty boring; it's at the very least a slow start. I'm hoping it picks up, otherwise I would really like to find out how to return it. :/

Has The Witch's Daughter turned you off from other books in this genre?

I love this genre, but this story didn't live up to my expectations.

Simple book, easy listen.

The story was interesting but dragged some in the middle. However the ending was a pleasant surprise.

I can’t wait for the next book!

This book was so good! I was hooked from the first sentence. It was slightly darker than I thought it would be but I loved every second. The narrator is what really sold me on the story. She was fantastic to listen to. Her voices and accents were incredible and I enjoyed that she could distinguish the characters voices so well. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series to find out more about these wonderful characters.

Witches Daughter

Witch Bess is a wonderful story about a good witch. She did good things and healed people who needed help. She was cursed and her creator followed her around for centuries trying to take over her mind and body. There was a song that when she heard it she knew he was nearby. I will let you find out what it is. She wins in the end but you have to read the whole story or listen to it like I did. Great job done by Audible!!

Always love a good witch story

Great way to tell the story of Elizabeth! I enjoyed the time jumps and the way it went from one story to the other.
I would have given this book a 5 star rating but the 2nd past story was honestly dull. But the rest of the book was fantastic!
All the characters were well written and I can’t wait to move on to the next book to learn more about them.

Great ending

3.5 stars overall, but I gave it 4 because of the ending. It kept me entertained just enough to read the next book.

lovely story to get lost in

looking forward to the next book,enchanting voice. the jumping to different times as the story was told was great fun.

loved it

Loved this book could not, did not want to put down. Narrator was awesome. its a must read.