#BookReview: A Curse of Ash and Embers (Tales of the Blackbone Witches #1) by Jo Spurrier

Synopsis: A dead witch. A bitter curse. A battle of magic.

Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.

But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it's Elodie's job to clean up the mess.

When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.

Gyssha's final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie's help, whether she likes it or not.

And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it's still better than going back home.

Praise for Winter Be My Shield:
'Unlikely heroes, villains you will cheer for, and cold that eats your bones. "Winter Be My Shield" will take you to an unforgiving place, but you won't want to leave it.' Robin Hobb



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: "A Curse of Ash and Embers" by Jo Spurrier is a solid entry into the realm of fantasy literature, presenting an engaging story with intriguing characters and a well-constructed magical world. The novel follows Elodie, a young girl who escapes her harsh life by taking a job at a remote cottage, only to discover that her new employer, Aleida, is a witch battling dark forces.

One of the book's strengths lies in its atmospheric setting. The isolated cottage and surrounding wilderness are vividly described, creating a sense of both wonder and foreboding. Spurrier's writing effectively draws readers into this world, making it easy to visualize the scenes and feel the tension.

Elodie is a relatable protagonist whose journey from naivety to courage is satisfying to follow. Her character development is gradual and believable, making her a sympathetic and engaging lead. Aleida, the enigmatic witch, adds a layer of complexity to the story with her mysterious past and moral ambiguity.

However, the pacing of the novel is inconsistent. While the beginning effectively sets the stage and the climax is thrilling, the middle sections can be slow and meandering. Some plot points feel repetitive, and certain scenes could have been tightened to maintain momentum.

The magic system, though interesting, lacks detailed explanation, leaving some aspects feeling underdeveloped. Additionally, the secondary characters, while colorful, could have benefited from more depth and backstory to enhance their roles in the narrative.

Overall, "A Curse of Ash and Embers" is a good read for fans of fantasy looking for a character-driven story with a strong atmospheric presence. Despite its pacing issues and occasional lack of depth, it offers an enjoyable adventure with a touch of dark magic.

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Posted in: 3 Stars, Edelweiss, Harper Voyager, LarkP., Review, Young Adult