The Midnight Witch: A Novel
The Midnight Witch: A Novel book cover

The Midnight Witch: A Novel

Hardcover – March 25, 2014

by
Price
$32.85
Format
Hardcover
Pages
352
Publisher
Thomas Dunne Books
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1250006080
Dimensions
6.42 x 1.29 x 9.32 inches
Weight
1.17 pounds

Description

“Brackston neatly balances a vivid portrayal of 1913 London on the brink of war with fantastical necromantic set-pieces...The Midnight Witch is a compelling read.” ― The Guardian (London) “A sensitive, beautifully written account… If the Brontë sisters had penned magical realism, this would have been the result.” ― The Guardian (London) on The Winter Witch “There's a whiff of Harry Potter in the witchy conflict--a battle between undeveloped young magical talent and old malevolence--at the heart of this sprightly tale of spells and romance, the second novel from British writer Brackston (The Witch's Daughter, 2011)…. Love of landscape and lyrical writing lend charm, but it's Brackston's full-blooded storytelling that will hook the reader.” ― Kirkus on The Winter Witch “Brackston delivers an intimate paranormal romance that grounds its fantasy in the reality of a 19th century Welsh farm.” ― Publishers Weekly on The Winter Witch “Brackston's imaginative story is fascinating, polished and intriguing.” ― CurledUp.com on The Winter Witch “Paula Brackston's Winter Witch is a whimsical and mystical tale that's part romance part mystery part fantasy and all extraordinary. Her beautiful narrative moves flawlessly throughout the story… This unique novel will appeal to fans of a multitude of genres from historical to fantasy and will engage fans of all ages as well.” ― www.thereadingfrenzy.blogspot.com/ on The Winter Witch “Lushly written with a fascinating premise and an enthralling heroine, The Witch's Daughter will linger long in memory after the last page has been savored. Highly recommended.” ― Sara Poole, author of The Borgia Betrayal “A beautifully written, brilliantly crafted page-turner that completely invests you in the lives and loves of the witch's daughter. A true reading event.” ―Melissa Senate, author of The Love Goddess' Cooking School, on The Witch's Daughter “A lyrical and spell-binding time travel fantasy featuring an immortal witch who must summon all her powers to defeat the evil hounding her through the centuries.” ―Mary Sharratt, author of Daughters of the Witching Hill, on The Witch's Daughter “With her first novel, author Paula Brackston conjures up a riveting tale of sorcery and time travel. By mixing feminine heroism with masculine might, Brackston successfully captivates readers with characters Bess, an immortal witch, and sinister dark lord, Gideon…. It's almost impossible not to root for the underdog in this magical twist on the classic David vs. Goliath tale. Plus, the skill with which Brackston weaves her characters through time makes this book a fascinating take on global history.” ― Marie Claire on The Witch's Daughter “Brackston's first novel offers well-crafted characters in an absorbing plot and an altogether delicious blend of historical fiction and fantasy.” ― Booklist on The Witch's Daughter “This pleasantly romantic historical fantasy debut flips lightly between the past experiences of ageless witch Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith and her present-day life in Matravers, England... Bess's adventures are fascinating.” ― Publishers Weekly on The Witch's Daughter “Stretching her tale over several centuries, British-based Brackston brings energy as well as commercial savvy to her saga of innocence and the dark arts…. History, time travel and fantasy combine in a solidly readable entertainment.” ― Kirkus on The Witch's Daughter “An engaging, well-written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike.” ― Portland Book Review on The Witch's Daughter “Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch's Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of witches. Readers will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak of immortality to stay true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.” ― NightOwlReviews.com “The Witch's Daughter is a wonderful combination of historical fiction and paranormal. Brackston's story alternates between past and present as she mixes tales of Elizabeth's early life with the present day, tying in historical events including Jack the Ripper and the horrors of WWI... Overall, a really enjoyable read.” ― BookBitch.com “Readers who enjoy historical fantasy built around an epic struggle between good and evil should enjoy this original take on the theme.” ― HistoricalNovels.info on The Witch's Daughter “An enjoyable read.” ― Genre Go Round Reviews on The Witch's Daughter “This tale spans centuries and walks the line between good and the darker side of magic. Magic and those who possess it have been feared and persecuted throughout most of human history. Find out what it is like to live for hundreds of years, mostly in solitude, and have to struggle with having the power to help people, but being afraid to use that power.” ― Affaire de Coeur on The Witch's Daughter “Women will certainly love the independent, feisty female characters, but the narrative is wonderfully imaginative and the plot fast-moving and filled with action. This novel is highly recommended for witches and warlocks alike.” ― Historical Novel Society on The Witch's Daughter “The combination of stories from the past and the present meld nicely, and the author adds some clever twists so the reader never knows exactly from whom the next Gideon apparition will arise. Perhaps the best twist is the ending--leaving an opening for another book, but at the same time furnishing the reader with quite a satisfactory ending.” ― The National Examiner (UK) on The Witch's Daughter “Ambitious and thought-provoking, this book will lure you into vivid, visceral worlds where evil lurks at every turn. The beautifully crafted BOOK OF SHADOWS will be etched on my mind for a long time. What an action-packed, emotionally powerful film it would make too.” ―Sally Spedding, author of STRANGERS WAITING, on The Witch's Daughter “An unforgettable story by a highly original new writer.” ―Rebecca Tope, author of the Cotswold crime series, on The Witch's Daughter “ The Witch's Daughter is a must read for anyone who loves magic set in the real world, who craves a well-written novel with historical elements along with romance and witchcraft tied into a tension-filled plot and vivid imagery, and, of course, who seeks an escape from their own lives if only for a moment.” ― Huffington Post “...compelling and beautiful...a book to be savored. I look forward to reading more from this wonderful writer who always manages to take my breath away.” ― SF Site on Book of Shadows (The Witch's Daughter) PAULA BRACKSTON is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter and The Winter Witch. She has a master's degree in creative writing from Lancaster University in the UK. She lives in Wales with her family.

Features & Highlights

  • Midnight is the most bewitching hour of them all…
  • From Paula Brackston, the New York Times bestselling author of
  • The Witch's Daughter
  • and
  • The Winter Witch
  • , comes a magical tale that is as dark as it is enchanting. Set in high society Edwardian England,
  • The Midnight Witch
  • is the story of a young witch who faces the choice between love and loyalty to her coven…
  • "The dead are seldom silent. All that is required for them to be heard is that someone be willing to listen. I have been listening to the dead all my life."
  • Lady Lilith Montgomery is the daughter of the sixth Duke of Radnor. She is one of the most beautiful young women in London and engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. She is also a witch.When her father dies, her hapless brother Freddie takes on his title. But it is Lilith, instructed in the art of necromancy, who inherits their father's role as Head Witch of the Lazarus Coven. And it is Lilith who must face the threat of the Sentinels, a powerful group of sorcerers intent on reclaiming the Elixir from the coven's guardianship for their own dark purposes. Lilith knows the Lazarus creed: secrecy and silence. To abandon either would put both the coven and all she holds dear in grave danger. She has spent her life honoring it, right down to her engagement to her childhood friend and fellow witch, Viscount Louis Harcourt.
  • Until the day she meets Bram, a talented artist who is neither a witch nor a member of her class. With him, she must not be secret and silent. Despite her loyalty to the coven and duty to her family, Lilith cannot keep her life as a witch hidden from the man she loves. To tell him will risk everything.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(532)
★★★★
25%
(443)
★★★
15%
(266)
★★
7%
(124)
★
23%
(408)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

Uncompelling and Unlike Author's Other Work

As a reader of Paula Brackston's other novels--I would not say that I was exactly a fan, I found her newest offering, "The Midnight Witch" extremely disappointing. While Brackston's other "witch" books, specifically "[[ASIN:125000408X The Witch's Daughter]]," and "[[ASIN:1250042704 The Winter Witch]]" engaged the reader from the very first page, "Midnight Witch" fails to compel the reader to even get passed the first page.

Brackston's work tends to be a bit predictable--in Winter Witch, the nemesis is guessed from pretty much the start--in Witch's Daughter, the story repeats itself as the witch in question constantly reinvents herself and creates a new life as the centuries march forward--forever keeping an eye on her very personal villain who trails her throughout the ages. Rather than fashion characters that envelop you intimately within their story, in Midnight Witch, Brackston decides to go for a "Downton Abbey" effect--capitalizing on the series popularity and trying too hard to play the manners game of the Victorian/Edwardian Era to recreate a London of appearances rather than dramatic substance.

Partly, the problem Brackston faces is presenting the motivation that keeps the reader turning the pages, rather than trying to figure out what exactly is going on based on the strict rules of her scenario. As the Lazarus Coven of witches--a high-bred society-influencing group has just "buried" their head, the former leader's daughter Lilith must take the reigns of control for which she has been bred. Of course, she is challenged--an enemy within the clandestine organization works against her. Nonetheless, she has what it takes even though she must keep in check her opium-smoking brother, battle demons and pass the tests of the other witches to prove her readiness.

Her romantic interest comes in the form of unassuming artist, Bram--who really doesn't know what he's in for as Lilith's specialty in the witch world is necromancy--she can talk to the dead--communing often with the shade of her deceased father.

All this sounds like the stuff of magic when it comes to plotline. The potential is there, but unfortunately it is all bogged down with glaring technical errors that actually make it a trial for the reader to get from one page to the next. Sadly, each chapter is not told from the perspective of one character--there can be many voices giving their third person impression of the timeline and the plot incidents. Not only is this disconcerting, but it punctuates the novel's failure to draw the reader in--opting instead for the stifling effect of standing apart--moving characters about on a veritable chessboard rather than allowing an instant affiliation and loyalty to grow between the reader and the main protagonist. The overall result is akin to a corset worn too tightly; as a reader, this reviewer did not have enough room to breath and comfortably acknowledge these fictional beings as likeable creatures. Even after reading over 100 pages, I still did not know what the main thrust of the novel was, and had absolutely no reason to find out. As a result, I did not feel compelled to finish this book and did not.

Brackston's former style of allowing the witch in question to act as the main focal point works much better; her other two novels, while not perfect are, indeed, far more readable.

Bottom line? Paula Brackston's "The Midnight Witch" gets lost in its own desire to recreate the turn of the twentieth century mindset as, perhaps, depicted by the mores and dialogue of Downton Abbey. Unfortunately, Brackston's stories of magic and self-discovery while battling nemesis forces and societal limitiationss have more success with a more intimate telling. Her frequent change of perspective within chapters adds to the sense of not knowing where the novel is going. Not recommended.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc"
23 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

The Midnight Witch

I was looking forward to reading THE MIDNIGHT WITCH. I’m always on the hunt for a good witch book and the summary sounded like I would get exactly that.

I gave the book 110 pages (to Chapter 9) before I gave up. I usually try to finish every book I start, but THE MIDNIGHT WITCH was just not the book for me. Here are the reasons why:

--In 110 pages, almost nothing happened. I was a third of the way through the book and still didn’t know when the story hinted at the summary would show up.

--The book switches between first and third person perspectives. Lilith’s passages are in first person, and then the parts from Bram and Stricklend are in third person. At the start of the book, Lilith is attending her father’s funeral, and we’re privy to her thoughts on the burdens she’s about to take up, as well as her grief. But within pages we’re introduced to Bram and Stricklend, and I had no clue why they were showing up so early.

--Along with perspective switching, the book is just too detailed for me. Now, I’m usually a reader who likes a ton of detail. I like to really imagine the world and characters I’m reading about. But when there are long paragraphs describing the exterior of an opium den or the dilapidated interior of an artist’s house, my eyes glaze over. I felt like the author was focusing on too much unimportant stuff, which is part of why I reached Chapter 9 without anything important happening.

--I also couldn’t get into the writing style. I felt like I was fighting my way through each page, wading through surplus details and lengthy inner monologues, trying to decide what was important. I can’t quote because I received an advance copy of the book, but I’d recommend reading an excerpt or sample of it first.

I tried to finish THE MIDNIGHT WITCH, I really did. I don’t like to give up on books, but when a book doesn’t hold my interest, well, there are lots of other books out there.
22 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

DISAPPOINTED (2-STARS)

I've read the authors previous two novels, enjoyed them and very much and put her on my list of authors to watch for new releases because of this, but this latest work is a disappointment. All the reason that I did not enjoy this as I did the previous two have already been listed by my fellow Vine reviewer Diana F. Von Behren's and like another Vine reviewer, S. Beck, I too fought to finish this novel. The writing style makes it confusing, there are too many voices and for me it failed to convey the era in which the story is set.

In many cases, readers are disappointed in a new writer's sophomore work before they recover with their third offering. I know that this author can put out novels that I enjoy. I will await her next novel to see if she returns to the format that has worked well for her or one that is better than this.

2 STARS: ** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are mine**.
8 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

Still working my way through it...

This is my first book read by Paula Brackston. I requested this item as a Vine product and was very excited to have the chance to read this book prior to it's being released. If you read the description alone, the book sounds very engaging and unique. Stories involving witches have been extremely enjoyable to me as I get older. I also enjoy the size of the book (352 pages, a decent read) and the cover is very attractive.

What I liked about this book: The opening scene and her immediate description of the characters instantly engaged me and did strike up my curiosity about how this book was going to be played out. As I've continued to read the book, I also feel like the author is doing a decent job of combing a historical romance with a modern fantasy, as promised.

With that said---I am an avid and efficient reader (I understand big words...lol). Yet, I find myself having a hard time getting sucked into this book. I have officially had the book for 27 days and every time I start reading it....I find myself having to pause, go back and re-read sections because there are often times I think to myself...."wait, what did I just miss? What the heck did she just say"? I don't know....it just doesn't "flow" as easy as other books and I've found myself not finished with the book after 30 days. This usually does not happen because I know that I have to provide a review.

However, I will come back and update this review because I am enjoying the book enough to finish it and I want to give it a fair shake. I also am interested enough at this point to read her other books that have high reviews to see how they compare to this story line and flow.
4 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

Downton Era with Lady Witches

Strong women, witches, magic, communing with the dead, and Downtown Abby - if this mixture is appealing, you’ll love this book. Lilith is a young witch and a Lady with a lady’s maid, servants, and a devoted father. Destiny’s role for her is to become a leader in her coven and in society. Personal tragedies and WWI create a tumultuous time for society and Lilith. The old ways are no longer working and she has an ancient enemy to deal with. Hemlines and titles are on the move. Lilith must create her own destiny and make choices that are not approved by all. Love is her guidepost. The time period is from 1913 to post WWI.
4 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

The Midnight Witch: Another Great Tale by Paula Brackston

Lilith’s father, the Duke of Radnor, has just died, and she is to take his place as the head witch of the Lazarus coven. Although fluent in the art of necromancy, she is young for such a huge responsibility. In addition, some unknown distracting spirit keeps coming to her unbidden, confronting her with her inadequacies. Even at her own inauguration, a member of her own coven challenges her. She cannot believe that there is unrest within her own coven. To make matters worse, although she is betrothed to wealthy, eligible Viscount Louis Harcourt, she finds she is very much attracted to a simple, poor artist, a man who is of neither her class, nor a witch.

I had read and thoroughly enjoyed two Brackston novels before reading the Midnight Witch, so I had very high expectations of this book. I am happy to say that this book is just as enjoyable and unforgettable as the others are! Brackston has an amazing way of telling a story, and a wonderfully exciting story to tell, too! Her characters are wonderfully developed and realistic, and her plots, although pretty far-fetched, are made to seem very real by her convincing way of writing. I could not stop reading this book. This is another magnificent success by Paula Brackston!
3 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

Very dull and boring.

I found this book boring. The character's are completely unbelievable and trite. The storyline is dull and way too slow. Plus, the descriptions go on and on and on.... I also found the alternating POVs distracting, rather than helpful to the book.

I really did try to finish the book, but usually fell asleep every time I tried.

I have read this author's previous work (The Winter Witch and The Witch's Daughter) and I really enjoyed both. I could not believe this book was from the same author.
2 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

disappointed

I haven't read anything from the author previously and was hoping to find a new author I could enjoy. I read approximately half of this book before I had to give up. Brackston's writing style was confusing. I'm assuming she was trying to sound more like the famous and well read fantasy authors of our time, but she lacks the finesse and skill that a truly talented writer does. She moved between two characters and from first person to third person and after reading half the novel, still had not developed her conflict, nor began leading the character to any form of a climax. This lagging writing behavior made the story boring and difficult to continue. (Why waste our time?)

Lilith's father died making her the head witch of a coven. She's engaged to a fellow witch in he same coven who seems to be perfect, but she only feels friendship towards, although a "loving" friendship. A strange voice is in her head is criticizing her and distracting her. Lilith's brother, the new Duke is an opium addict. All of this is introduced immediately, but then goes no-where. I REALLY mean NO WHERE. The reader is left floundering, waiting for something to develop or for the story to flow in some direction, but it doesn't. I rarely give up on a book, but could not continue with this one knowing that I have so many others with much more potential waiting. I would not recommend it, nor do I plan to read anything else by this author.
2 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

This Story Will Haunt You Long After You Finish

Like anyone who has had to keep a huge secret her entire life, Lilith is a bit standoffish, not daring to get too close to anyone who might uncover her secret. Nevertheless, this doesn’t prevent her from falling in love with Bram, a talented but starving artist, who sees their class differences and Lilith’s fiancé as the only obstacles to their love at first. When he finds that she is also a witch, their love seems impossible. And, indeed, Lilith ends their relationship for several years when she realizes the futility of their situation. But true love can’t be stopped, and Lilith and Bram invite danger into their lives once again when they rekindle their relationship. This book is filled with atmosphere, particularly when the dark magic that always lurks in the shadows begins to intrude on Lilith’s life. It threatens her family, her fellow witches, and her love, and could upset the whole balance of life even as World War I creeps closer and erupts. I was already a fan of Paula Brackston before picking up this book, having loved both "The Witch’s Daughter" and "The Winter Witch." And, if possible, I think that Brackston’s writing has gotten even better with this book. "The Midnight Witch" is highly recommended for fans of paranormal and/or historical fiction. It will haunt you long after you close the book.
2 people found this helpful
✓ Verified Purchase

A great read!

This book was even better than I thought it would be (which is saying something since I assumed it was going to be a great book in the first place). The suspense of the story was perfect and carried on through the whole book, making me want to read it all in one sitting.

The characters each had their own personalities and I found myself falling in love with them (except of course for the not so lovable ones). The characters felt so real I almost had to remind myself they were fictional, and this made the story feel more real too which was a refreshing change from a lot of books I read.

I loved the mystery involved. I never knew who was good and who was bad usually until Lilith found out. Who was the man who challenged her? Who was the Dark Spirit and what did it want? It felt like I was solving every problem alongside her because I only ever knew as much as she did and discovered answers once she discovered them.

Something else I enjoyed was the differences in perspectives. At some points we were seeing things from Lilith's point of view and at other points it was from Bram's or Stricklend's. I've noticed some people are irritated with the switch between first and third person but I actually found it interesting, and it also made it easy to automatically tell who's perspective I was reading from.

As you can tell I really loved this book. It had a perfect mix of everything - mystery, suspense, magic, romance, etc. and formed a very enjoyable story that I highly recommend to literally everyone (well anyone who can read that is).

My only suggestion? Make this into a movie!
1 people found this helpful

Related Books