This dwelling is occupied by a witch and her apparitions. The moment you step inside this mysterious house, a feeling of unease settles upon you. The air is heavy with a mix of secrecy and magic. Every corner whispers stories of a bewitching presence that looms over this abode. It is said that a powerful witch has made this place her sanctuary. Her presence can be felt in every creaking floorboard, every flickering candle, and every chilling gust of wind.
Her voices rings with finality, and I open my mouth to—what? Argue, beg, rage at her? I don’t know, but the words die in my throat and a moment later my mother leaves, her heels tapping against the wood floor in a determined stride. The door closes behind her, and she tugs on the handle twice to make sure it’s locked. The other side isn’t silver, so this causes her no pain.
All that sounds incredibly traumatizing, especially since Ava makes the brave decision to run away and rescue herself from this life; however, Flores treatment of this storyline is flippant. Once best friends but now natural enemies, a witch and a vampire fight their way through a dangerous forest together as their romantic feelings rekindle.
Her presence can be felt in every creaking floorboard, every flickering candle, and every chilling gust of wind. She is a master of enchantments, capable of bringing forth apparitions that inhabit the rooms of this dwelling. The apparitions are transient beings, ethereal in nature.
THE WITCH AND THE VAMPIRE
Once best friends but now natural enemies, a witch and a vampire fight their way through a dangerous forest together as their romantic feelings rekindle.
Ava was turned into a vampire two years ago and has been locked in the attic of their towering home by her mother and stepfather ever since. She retained her Root witch powers, which her mother has been siphoning to hide the fact that she too is a vampire. Flame witch Kaye believes Ava, her former friend, is responsible for her mother’s death, and Kaye wants revenge. When Ava finally manages to escape and flee into the forest in search of the vampire queen, Kaye goes after her. The pair make an uneasy pact to travel together to a village deep in the forest, although Kaye secretly plans on betraying Ava. They soon learn the forest is even more threatening than expected, and they grow closer once more as they protect each other. This tale attempts a mashup of “Rapunzel,” paranormal creatures, queer romance, and a fantasy world. It falls flat, though, due to its repetitive writing and underdeveloped worldbuilding. Alternating first-person chapters give insight into the leads, but other characters are one-dimensional. There is a lot of infodumping and yet also too much that isn’t explained, which makes the reading experience more frustrating than exciting. Kaye has light beige skin, and Ava’s is tawny.
An ambitious premise let down by poor execution. (Fantasy. 12-18)
Pub Date: March 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-22051-6
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Francesca Flores
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They drift along the halls, leaving traces of their haunting presence. Their whispers echo through the walls as they recount tales of the witch's power and majesty. Some say they are lost souls, trapped in this realm by the witch's magic. Others believe they are beings summoned by the witch to serve her bidding. The witch herself remains a mystery. Few have caught glimpses of her, a fleeting figure cloaked in darkness. Her eyes seem to hold the secrets of the universe, an inferno of knowledge and power. It is said that she delves into ancient texts, deciphering forgotten spells and rituals. Her potions are said to bring both blessings and curses, depending on her whim. It is not a dwelling for the faint of heart. Visitors who dare to enter must prepare themselves for encounters with the unknown. Shadows dance in the corners of your vision, and whispers echo through empty rooms. The witch and her apparitions weave webs of intrigue and mystique, casting a spell upon anyone who dares to venture into their midst. In this dwelling, the witch and her apparitions reign supreme, a captivating blend of darkness and magic. This is a place where reality and the supernatural intertwine, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Enter at your own risk, for you may become entangled in the enchantments that abound within the walls of this dwelling..
Reviews for "From Brooms to Beyond: Exploring a Witch's Domain with Apparitions"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I really had high hopes for this book, as I love spooky and mysterious stories. However, "This dwelling is occupied by a witch and her apparitions" fell short of my expectations. The plot seemed promising at first, with the idea of a haunted house and a witch's presence. But as I delved deeper into the story, it became increasingly confusing and disjointed. The characters lacked depth, and their motivations were unclear. Overall, the story had potential, but it failed to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish "This dwelling is occupied by a witch and her apparitions". The writing was incredibly amateurish, with choppy sentences and numerous grammatical errors. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it impossible to connect with the characters. The plot was unoriginal and predictable, and the so-called apparitions lacked any real sense of fear or intrigue. I'm disappointed that I wasted my time on this book, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written story.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "This dwelling is occupied by a witch and her apparitions" had an interesting premise, but it failed to live up to its potential. The pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches of mundane and unnecessary details. The descriptive language was excessive and often repetitive, making the story drag on. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions seemed inconsistent and implausible. The book had a few spooky moments, but overall, it lacked the atmosphere and suspense that I was hoping for. Unfortunately, I found myself struggling to finish it.