loved the story engaging characters

thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters, I found the ideas novel and intriguing. thanks to the author

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More than a beautiful love story

If only there was more..

At first I found the narration droll but the voice was so unusual I kept listening. I am so grateful I did. The narrator was the perfect fit; emotion creeping ever so gently as the bond between characters grew.

Mystical with an aged historical element, I loved truly this book. Thank you .

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WITCHES

ok I'll be honest. I struggled to start because I realised I had the same narrator from a previous book and his continuous tone never seemed to change. The tone suited to the dramatic parts but not for the more mundane. Story was interesting, a bit slow developing, but again, I nearly gave it away because of the voice. He is clear and well enunciated but the content tone that never seemed to change irritated me immensely. it might just be me but that is how I felt.

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6 people found this helpful

Good Plot, Lacklustre Performance, Dull Characters

I'll be honest, I only persevered through this because I knew it would be a short one. The narrators constant monotone and almost nonexistent voice-acting made the story not only difficult to be drawn into, but hard to follow (there were moments of dialogue exchange between the main male characters that was impossible to follow because both of them sounded the same - and they obviously talk a lot to each other!).

The story line was interesting enough but I felt like so many things were left unexplored, which is almost expected with such a short novel, but considering the rich world was one of the only highlights of the book, it probably deserved a bit more attention.

The characters were frustrating and I felt a bit one-dimensional. While I really wanted to get behind the main romance - it just really lacked any depth, mostly because the characters involved did. Observing the story unfold from Miles' eyes would hopefully give him a bit more substance, but unfortunately he too is a bit of a wet blanket. The story starts with the intriguing premise of him 'running away from his past' and once he begins to be inevitably drawn back and you learn what he ran from, well. He doesn't really put up much of a fight about it. It's a wonder anything got done by the main trio between the disfunction and distrust between Miles and Grace (No redeeming qualities about that sibling relationship in my eyes), and the complete lack of chemistry in the romance. (If I had to give a star for characters it would be one, and that would be solely because of Robin. Any and all the personality and admirable qualities went to her.)

Three stars goes towards the world-building - which I only wish was built more. A beautiful magical historical setting. I think my favourite scenes would be those of Miles cycling around, or doing idle rounds in the hospital. The mundane little fillers really made this world.

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Great book.

Could have used a few sex scenes.

Excellent mystery of the lost souls.

Looking forward to more.

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brilliant magical story

Witchmark by C.L. Polk, narrated by Samuel Roukin

I have very little experience in the "for the greater good" genre but thanks to KD Rill's The Tame Ones, I've discovered I like a storyline where I have to grapple with empowered individuals and groups subjugating and persecuting minorities, who rally and fight back. David and Goliath stuff.

CL Polk's Witchmark is just that! I've never heard of this author so finding this book was sheer good luck but as soon as I finished book 1, I bought the rest of the trilogy.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator's UK accent and tone of voice. It was like wrapping myself in a soft blanket on a cold night. He used subtle variations to differentiate between characters, which I found more than fine. There weren't great emotional tirades (they are British, after all!) but plenty of shading and some strong scenes, and he narrated those very well.

The worldbuilding was incredibly well done, complex but easy to feel a part of. The parallel to our own WW1 period made for believability and offered a setting not often seen in fantasy. I liked the descriptions of bicycle travel - travelling in groups, amateurs v's dedicated regular riders, the jargon used in the groups. A strange thing to notice maybe, but verisimilitude for the win!

The characters were so solid. I loved some, hated others. The MC (Miles Singer) was such an empathetic person. I really like medico MC's and Miles' job in the medical field made for fascinating reading, as viewed through the safely distanced filter of 90 years of advancements. Royalty as a peripheral character was fun too. The family dynamics were jaw dropping (see previous comment about hating some!).

The love interest was intriguing and an entirely new paranormal being for me. The lore surrounding their species and them as a person, watching them walk a fine line to fit into the period and their duties to home world rulers - it was all riveting! The threat of retribution against humans for the mistreatment of lower classes gave me Anne Bishop's The Others vibes, where we are not at the top of the food chain. This is a MM couple with not quite closed door romance.

There is much more I could rave about but I'm getting carried away as it is! This book = great!

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Interesting but could have been better

It took a while for me to get in to it. Tristan and Miles were great characters and I liked the setting but something was lacking.

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different read. really enjoyed it

I really enjoyed this book it was different and made a new world to find out about. I would love to learn more about this world if a second book was written ill get it. great read.

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Decent read

I rather enjoyed this book, the storyline was interesting, but the performance was a little lackluster at times.

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engaging story

the themes of capitalism and economic value is woven into a thrilling tale. definitely enjoyed the story.

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