During the witch trials in the 17th century, society was gripped with fear and paranoia, leading to a widespread belief in the existence of witches and the practice of witchcraft. The trials were conducted across Europe and the American colonies, with thousands of people, mostly women, accused of being witches and subsequently executed. These trials were characterized by a lack of due process and evidence, often relying on spectral evidence or the testimony of accusers. Many innocent individuals fell victim to these trials, as the accusations were often based on personal vendettas or unresolved conflicts. The trials were fueled by religious fervor and a desire to rid society of perceived evil, leading to a moral panic that consumed communities. The accused were subjected to cruel and inhumane methods of interrogation, such as the infamous dunking chair or the use of the notorious witch prickers.
The accused were subjected to cruel and inhumane methods of interrogation, such as the infamous dunking chair or the use of the notorious witch prickers. Those who survived the trials were often left traumatized and stigmatized for the rest of their lives. The witch trials serve as a dark chapter in human history, highlighting the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of upholding justice and the rights of the accused.
The Witch Hunt (The Witch Haven #2) by Sasha Peyton Smith #bookreview #YA #fantasy
The lush and pulse-pounding sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Witch Haven follows Frances and her fellow witches to the streets of Paris where family secrets, lost loves, and dangerous magic await.
Months after the devastating battle between the Sons of St. Druon and the witches of Haxahaven, Frances has built a quiet, safe life for herself, teaching young witches and tending the garden within the walls of Haxahaven Academy. But one thing nags; her magic has begun to act strangely. When an opportunity to visit Paris arises, Frances jumps at the chance to go, longing for adventure and seeking answers about her own power.
Once she and her classmates Maxine and Lena reach the vibrant streets of France, Frances learns that the spell she used to speak to her dead brother has had terrible consequences—the veil between the living and the dead has been torn by her recklessness, and a group of magicians are using the rift for their own gain at a horrifying cost.
To right this wrong, and save lives and her own magical powers, Frances must hunt down answers in the parlors of Parisian secret societies, the halls of the Louvre, and the tunnels of the catacombs. Her only choice is to team up with the person she swore she’d never trust again, risking further betrayal and her own life in the process.
It’s not often that I like a sequel better than the first book, but it happened with The Witch Hunt.
I wasn’t crazy about main character Frances in The Witch Haven. She seemed to have no problem asking others to take risks without considering the consequences for them. In this followup, months have passed, Frances has matured, and now she’s worried more about her friends than herself. When her magic begins acting strangely, Frances is naturally very concerned – especially since she teaches at a school for witches. When an opportunity to visit Paris presents itself, she jumps at the chance. Besides finding a solution to the problems with her powers, she has a more personal reason for the journey.
The strong friendship between Frances, Lena, and Maxine was one of my favorite things about the first novel, and it continues to top the list with this sequel. Maxine stole my heart with her snarky comments. Oliver, Frances’s boyfriend, has been attending school in Paris, so she’s also excited to be reunited with him. And he’s such a sweetie – totally supportive of Frances in every way.
It’s no secret that Finn is reintroduced. He betrayed Frances in a horrible way, but still believes they’ll be together and he can persuade her to forgive him. Honestly, he had some pretty good moments, and it wouldn’t be the first time a “villain” redeems himself. Turns out the spell Finn and Frances cast to talk to her dead brother in the prior book had some serious repercussions. The veil between the living and the dead is open, strange things are afoot, and power-hungry people are taking advantage of it. Someone has to close the veil, and it’s not going to be easy – or accomplished without a few dead bodies along the way.
I really enjoyed the 1913 Paris setting – I love this time period, and the high stakes kept me flipping the pages. Although some reviewers aren’t happy with the ending, it felt right to me. But I admit to thinking about it a couple days before I decided.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Reviews for "Cries of Innocence: Testimonies from the Witch Trials"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Present at the Witch Trials" as a fan of historical fiction, but I was ultimately disappointed by the plot and character development. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the narrative. Additionally, I found the characters to be one-dimensional and lacking depth, which made it hard for me to feel invested in their journey. Overall, "Present at the Witch Trials" fell short of my expectations and I would not recommend it to fellow historical fiction enthusiasts.
2. John - 3 stars - While "Present at the Witch Trials" had an interesting premise and started off promisingly, I found myself losing interest as the story progressed. The pacing felt uneven and the narrative became repetitive, with little development or resolution. The book also lacked a strong emotional connection, which made it difficult for me to fully invest in the characters' struggles. Despite its potential, "Present at the Witch Trials" failed to capture my attention and leave a lasting impact.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - I found "Present at the Witch Trials" to be a disappointing read due to its lackluster writing and shallow characterization. The prose felt clunky and at times forced, making it hard for me to stay engaged with the story. The characters were poorly developed, their motivations and actions often feeling arbitrary and inconsistent. Furthermore, the ending felt rushed and unresolved, leaving me with a sense of dissatisfaction. Overall, I was not impressed with "Present at the Witch Trials" and would not recommend it to others seeking a captivating historical fiction novel.