The Wolf & the Witch: A Medieval Scottish First-in-Series Romance

THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is the first instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult, historical, BLOOD BROTHERS medieval romance series. This is mercenary Maximilian de Vries aka the Silver Wolf, and Alys Armstrong’s story line. Told from several third person perspectives including Maximilian and Alys, THE WOLF AND THE WITCH follows in the aftermath of the demise of Jean le Beau, Maximilian De Vries’ father, a wicked man whose death was grieved by no one including his long-suffering wife and numerous illegitimate children. Denied his rightful claim to the family estate and titles, Maximilian, along with his two half-brothers Rafael and Amaury, and a large contingent of former employees and friends, head out to rebuild the ruins of Scotland’s Kilderrick castle, and in doing so, Maximilian discovers the rightful heir to Kilderrick is alive and claiming to be a witch. Enter Alys Armstrong, and the woman with whom Maximilian will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and embattled relationship between Maximilian and Alys, and the potential fall out as the past returns seeking revenge against our story line couple. There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters many of whom find safety and solace with Maximilian’s band of travelling forgotten. We are introduced to Maximilian’s estranged half brothers Rafael and Amaury, as well as Alys’ fellow ‘witches’ Elizabeth, Ceara and Nyssa, three woman seeking refuge from painful pasts and forced servitude. The requisite evil has many faces. THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and loss. A tale of hope and forgiveness, secrets and lies, love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and edgy; the romance is intimate and passionate; the characters are spirited, strong and inspiring.

This was a great way to start a series. The characters and story line were well written and the book kept my attention from start to finish. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Claire Delacroix is a master storyteller and “The Wolf and the Witch” is an excellent start to her new “Blood Brothers” series set in the 1300’s Scotland and France. Maximilian de Vries Is cruelly denied his rightful inheritance. After his uncle’s funeral he, his half brothers and entourage, set out to claim an abandoned, and all but destroyed keep that was promised to him. When he arrives he finds that the keep and the surrounding area has been kept by women who claim to be witches in an effort to scare them away. Alys Armstrong, is the orphan of a man he feels responsible for killing so he decides he must marry her, thereby staking an irrefutable claim to the keep. The author has created evocative characters that are well developed and defined. Our hero and heroine are both strong willed characters. The dialogue is well written and intriguing. The details provide the vision which serves to heighten the drama. This of course impacts the characters, who have great chemistry, through each step of the story. I appreciate the authors imagery and her descriptions which allow you to visualize each scene and feel the characters emotions. The author gives us a fantastic story as the mores of time dictate. I loved that she gives you the characters points of view. We are able to see their backstories and developing personalities. She weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, mystery and treachery as a web is spun that will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Max and Alys. From the first sentence to the last, I could not put it down. Thank you so much Ms. Delacroix for this wonderful story of finding love and common desires where least expected. Fantastic start to a new series! I can’t wait for the next book!