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She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.
She was wrong.
Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands.
Some things can't be saved.
A new threat merges with the old as the Witches' dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything.
Including her life.
Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Witch Born is the second book in the Witch Song series and it was easily as good, if not better than the first book! I truly love this series. They are so engrossing and beautifully written that I know I am going to be reading for hours, completely incapable of putting it down once I have started!
Much like the first book, there is so much to love about it! I love that the author uses song as the medium for spellcasting, rather than traditional chanting. The spell songs Argyle created for her characters and often hauntingly beautiful, even those used in magical combat. Although this series is about a group of witches with extraordinary lives and powers, they are still very "human" as characters. They have failings and doubts and imperfections that combine to make them easy to relate to as a reader. I love that because it allows me to live their stories and think their thoughts and feel their feelings. I love the refreshing take on magic and history that Argyle created, the "how's" and "why's" of how the witches got their power. The story is deeper in this book, more insights and back stories into the history of how everything came to be as it is. I love the romance between Brusenna and Joshen as well, sweetly normal in a world of magic and chaos. It also isn't made out to be unattainable, "fairy tale" perfect, but fraught with the occasional argument or issue.
I know they say not to judge a book by it's cover, but it clearly okay in this instance. The gorgeous covers are perfect for this series! This is a series I will be reading again and again.
Anonymous
Posted September 11, 2012
I began reading this book thinking that it would be very similar to the first one. However, it seems to have a slightly different tone and I found it harder to identify with the protagonist this time in several points of this book. Certainly every relationship has ups and downs, but this witch didn't seem to know when to call it quits on her engagement. Perhaps it's just my personality, but I don't think I would have put up with several of the incidents that happened. Not trying to give too much away, but I felt like there were incidents to show that there was such a lack of trust and respect between the protagonist and her fiance (especially him going to another witch's house and being drugged there after he pretty much lied to his fiancee and said he wouldn't be talking to her anymore; not to mention the control issues that he seemed to have). That bothered me the whole time I was reading this book because what is love without trust? I think I might have had a different outlook if they had already been married because I do think that means something and one should try to work it out if they are married. However, no one has to put up with that before they are totally committed to someone. Their relationship seemed to be slightly improving by the end of the book (after he realized the controlling behavior wasn't getting him anywhere and he gave up), but at that point I was already on the other guy's team. I know a lot of people will probably totally disagree with me, but I really wish the book had ended totally differently.
That being said, it was a very good story and a difficult one to put down. Also, she kind of seemed to just be developing more self esteem for the main character as the book went on. I identified with this part of the book much more. I would certainly recommend it to anyone, especially anyone who has read the first one. Also, I am not a singer but I do find it great that Amber went with that being the weapon of choice instead of just going with the obvious overused items in most books like a magic wand or sword. Her books are not the average books you read about witches. She is a very talented writer and I hope she continues to write these great stories for us. I am already ready to read the next installment.
In book two, Brusenna is a witch apprentice and is residing in Haven with her mother. She has much to learn much to learn. Yet her Witch Song is stronger than any of the others in Haven.
Senna keeps sensing change and hears singing no one else hears. She is in danger, someone is wanting to abduct her and one attempt left her with a knot on her head and her hand cut badly enough to need stitches. A man she did not even know was now dead by her hands while defending herself. This does not sit well with Senna.
Her Mother is always upset with her about something. Some of the other witches do not have much patience with Senna either. She is a difficult student.
Their Haven has been put in danger. If she were in charge she would change many things for Haven. One very important change would be to combine their strengths with that of the Guardians. As things were now men were not allowed in Haven unless ordered or by invitation from the Head witch. If she were Head things would definitely be different.
Senna has many worries and questions:
Who was trying to abduct her?
Why is there so much hatred towards the witches of Haven?
Does she really belong in Haven?
Is there a traitor among the witches in Haven?
Who can she trust other than Joshen, the man she loves?
She isn't even sure if she could trust her mother. She had to figure out what was going on within Haven.
This was a high action book for me a little out of my genre. The author has a great skill for writing and keeping the reader guessing and on edge. So created so many interesting characters in the Witch Born.
At times it was difficult to keep up with who was who, names, rank and gift of the characters. But that is what made for a very good read.
I was worried that since I was so anxious for book two to be released that I might be let down. Not!
It was well worth all the anxiety of waiting.
I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure
I received a free arc digital copy of this book from the author. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.
GettingYourReadOn
Posted September 5, 2012
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to be able to read this book. (think happy dance, happy.) I really enjoyed the first book, Witch Song, and I've been waiting for this second book.
As much as I enjoyed Witch Song, this book, Witch Born completely blew me out of the water. I LOVED it. Honest to goodness, love. The writing is beautiful and it put all kinds of gorgeous pictures in my mind. The cover of this book is just perfect for one of the best most beautiful scenes in the book. Well, at least I thought it was. :) If I had a list for "cover love" this book would be on it.
Brusenna (Senna) is a character I admire and genuinely like. She has strength of character and she tries to do good with the power and talents that have been entrusted to her. Senna just keeps trying no matter who tries to tell her otherwise. It's that resiliency that I just love. And Joshen? Yeah. He's a hero. There were so many great characters in this book. I always love a book with strong cords of loyalty in the midst of deceit. This one really pulled that off.
I got so worked up over this book. Seriously, I was all tense and turning pages like a madwoman. The last third of the book left me exhausted. :) I was getting really worried there for awhile but I'm happy to say that I made it. To the end. And I am happy.
I just love Amber Argyle's writing style. I hope she is madly writing at this very moment because I'll need something new from her very soon.
Love, love, love this book. LOVE.
Shlan
Posted September 4, 2012
I was afraid this second book would be a disappointment, but I really enjoyed entering this world yet again. Although there were some similarities and the characters travel to some of the same places as in the first book, I felt that this was a second step in a journey for Brusenna to “become.” She is trying so hard to figure out what is going on, what her role is and should be, and how to put all of the pieces together (and hopefully live through it all). Although she is treated as an awe-inspiring person by some, others feel extremely threatened by her powers. I love how she feels so certain of what is right and wrong and does her best to carry on in improving the world and trying to understand, even when others are adamantly against her. She is ultimately just trying to do what is right and good and is unsure who can assist her in doing so and who she can and cannot trust. This was an easy and quick read, but I really enjoyed it. I look forward to more books from Amber Argyle!!
I received a free Advanced Review Copy of this book for review.
WBurr
Posted August 31, 2012
I first read Witch Song not long after it was released last year. I immediately wished I could pick up the sequel and continue with the story. Amber Argyle created a rich, vibrant world that I immersed myself into, and I wanted more!
After anxiously awaiting the second book, Witch Born, I sped through it much faster than I normally read books. I just couldn't get enough!
The second book picks up where it left off, with Brusenna, or Senna, as she likes to be called, reintegrating herself into the society she has longed for, and searched out to save. After all she did, she still can't find her place among the Witches. They either fear her or mistrust her - or both. The politics of their society are full of games and intrigue and Senna doesn't know how to survive in that kind of atmosphere.
Her relationship with Joshen, her Guardian and true love, is strained by these intrigues, which brings a whole new level of depth to the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Senna sees some of her ugliest moments during this time, and struggles with jealousy, feelings of inadequacy, and social ineptitude. These are things most people can relate to, which really sucks you into the story. As I read, I felt the injustices as if they were my own, I felt the jealousy with Senna, and I longed for her to find her place.
As the plot thickens, Argyle takes us on a journey that is completely unexpected at the onset. Most books have a beginning, a middle, and an end. These two books are winding, rocky roads, filled with switchbacks and unexpected turns. The journey is beautiful, and there is something new and exciting around every corner. Never a dull moment!
I ended more than one chapter with my jaw dropped, and read straight through the next before I could close my mouth again. I also cried more than once. Senna's character was so relatable, I felt like she was my close friend, and the relationships that bloom are so natural and imperfect and frustratingly lifelike, they draw you in and hold you there, right up until the very last word of the very last chapter.
I will read these books time and time again, which is something I don't do often. I highly recommend them. I sincerely hope Amber Argyle is the next big thing!
Amber Argyle’s WITCH BORN brightens the fantasy scene with fresh
characters in a rich world. Brusenna is changing since she defeated the
Dark Witch and became Creator-touched. The witches either fear her or
don’t understand her. Her Guardian and love will do anything to protect
her, even go against her wishes. She needs Haven to be her safety, but
it is anything but. Then, Brusenna learns there are more witches out
there, and she’s the only one who can stop them from destroying
everything she’s trying to save. WITCH BORN hooked me within ten
percent of the novel and hasn’t really let me go since I finished
reading it. Argyle took her world from WITCH SONG and expanded upon it
tenfold. The details and writing are lush and beautiful. The plot is
fast-paced, and the characters are well-developed. Brusenna, the main
character, comes to life with her choices. This novel excels at being
realistic in emotions and actions amongst a fantasy landscape with
magic. I believed every word. I didn’t want to leave the world from
WITCH BORN by Amber Argyle. If I still role-played, I’d be all over
creating one from WITCH BORN or writing fan fiction based in Argyle’s world.
Overview
She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.
She was wrong.
Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through...