The Orphan Witch: A Novel

The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher has Persephone May searching for where she belongs. She has always felt lost. When her one friend invites her Wile Isle, North Carolina, Persephone accepts the invitation. She can tell right away that Wile Isle is different. Persephone can feel the power on the island. This may be the place Persephone has been searching for, but all is not as it seems. The description of The Orphan Witch captured my attention, and I was eager to read it. I began the book and I found myself reading long, drawn out chapters. The writing felt awkward, and the pacing is slow. The first couple of chapters felt like an information dump as we are told Persephone’s history. I had a hard time wading through this story because of the writing. The multiple point-of-views did not help matters and there was little action. I also found certain elements to be confusing. I wish I could have connected with the characters and become invested in this tale. This paranormal novel was just not the right fit for me. The Orphan Witch is a story about family curses, spells, witches, and Persephone finding her where she belongs.

The Orphan Witch is a paranormal novel with a tiny bit of romance by Paige Crutcher. Ms. Crutcher has created a well-written story that will entertain and keep readers guessing what happens next. I love the characters in this book even though a time or two I wanted to give one a shake. Persephone is an orphan and doesn't know why things happen when someone stares into her eyes. Arriving on Wile Isle she learns she has family and magic. I enjoyed reading The Orphan Witch. It did have a bit of repetition that I thought useless but overall, it's a great read. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought this book was very intriguing and I really liked it. The complex blend of fantasy elements, deep emotions, drama, suspense, twists, mystery, heart and grittiness made a potent mixture that I found incredibly enticing. Persephone was lovable, smart and sympathetic. She is a character that you can't help becoming fiercely invested in and avidly rooting for. This is a great read that sweeps you up and into the story, makes you form a strong emotional connection, hits you with the feels and leaves you quite happy that it has. This is my candid review that I am posting of my own accord.