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  • The Witch's Daughter

  • Shadow Chronicles, Book 1
  • By: Paula Brackston
  • Narrated by: Marisa Calin
  • Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,480 ratings)
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The Witch's Daughter cover art

The Witch's Daughter

By: Paula Brackston
Narrated by: Marisa Calin
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Summary

My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, and my age is 384 years. Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins…

In the spring of 1628, the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true Witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate at the hands of the panicked mob: the Warlock Gideon Masters, and his Book of Shadows.

Secluded at his cottage in the woods, Gideon instructs Bess in the Craft, awakening formidable powers she didn't know she had and making her immortal. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.

In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life for herself, tending her garden and selling herbs and oils at the local farmers' market. But her solitude abruptly ends when a teenage girl called Tegan starts hanging around. Against her better judgment, Elizabeth begins teaching Tegan the ways of the Hedge Witch, in the process awakening memories - and demons - long thought forgotten.

Part historical romance, part modern fantasy, The Witch's Daughter is a fresh, compelling take on the magical, yet dangerous world of Witches. Listeners will long remember the fiercely independent heroine who survives plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality to remain true to herself, and protect the protégé she comes to love.

©2010 Paula Brackston (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Featured article: Witches in fiction: 12 historical fiction books to listen to this Halloween


Throughout history, women have been branded as witches by people scared of their power, confidence and independence. In days past, accusations of being a witch – thrown at women for everything from being talented at working with herbs to being in the vicinity of a death – could result in banishment or even death. These 12 audiobooks, perfect for the longer nights, colder weather and the Halloween season, tell the stories of women through history, from goddesses to regular women, through a mix of horror, fantasy and historical fiction.

What listeners say about The Witch's Daughter

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

predictable and unimaginative

The storyline was very predictable and not particularly enthralling. I kept listening out of a sense of "maybe it'll get better... There must be a twist coming?" but I was disappointed. I found the protagonist irritating and a bit shallow and the prose wasn't very well written at all. If you're looking for more imaginative magic, try the Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss or the Lies of Lock Lamora series. For a period novel set around the time of witch hunts in Europe, try Witch Child by Celia Rees instead.

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58 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Transported to another dimension!

I became so engrossed in the story that I was there living and breathing it. The narrator is excellent and she brings the story to life.

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33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow

Would you listen to The Witch's Daughter again? Why?

yes i would definitely listen to this book again, due to the complexity of the story and the wonderful narration.

What did you like best about this story?

the rich tone of the narrator allowed me to lose myself within the the text.

What does Marisa Calin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

her use of accents individualised each character, allowing me to disappear within the story , to be a fly on the wall as the characters lived their lives.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, if it was physically possible to have 14 hours undisturbed by family and work

Any additional comments?

the ending had an unexpected twist, and i hope to listen to many more of Paula's tales.

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Don't be put off by the poor reviews on the narrat

I really enjoyed this book. not my usual type of thing but was enthralled as soon as started listening right to the end. can't understand the poor reviews on the narrator. she is very clear and easy to listen to. if your like me and nearly didn't down load because of the reviews I would say down load and ENJOY

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

5 Star read

Would you listen to The Witch's Daughter again? Why?

I would happily listen to this book another 10 times over! I can't remember the last time I was so engrossed in a fictional novel and captured by the storyline. Cleverly written with an unputdownable edge form the very start.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Liza/Bess/Nurse

Which character – as performed by Marisa Calin – was your favourite?

Hawksmith or Teagan

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did not listen in one sitting but provided I had the time to do so I would gladly have done so.

Any additional comments?

Read this book. Very rarely do I have so many great things to say about a single read. Historical, captivating, Brackstone places you where she wants you, enthralling and spell bindingly fun to read.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Repetitive Story Line & Lack of Depth

I stuck with this, determined to see how the characters evolved. Unfortunately there are ill thought out plot lines and not enough character development until the very end. A relatively weak female lead who blindly stumbles through centuries without sufficient internal growth, just purity of heart to carry her forward. It is also quite dark and gritty without enough light and insight to balance it out.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good story - poor narrator

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I am still in the middle of listening to this - and enjoying it, so yes would recommend the story but would say that I find the narrator very irritating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Witch's Daughter?

When I get to the end of the story - I will let you know. But interested in how the Gideon Masters character comes into play.

Was The Witch's Daughter worth the listening time?

As in my comment above, I find the narrator very irritating. Not a strong reader, and her voices didn't change much when doing other characters - thought she was going to burst into tears! I have been spoilt by the wonderful narrator Davina Porter who I think is brilliant.

I will be checking further audibles with this narrator and make a point of not downloading them, although I have downloaded the second book in this series - so I will have to suffer the narration.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Completely Wrapped in this story! Loved it

What did you like most about The Witch's Daughter?

It was very addictive..... couldn't stop listening to it.

What other book might you compare The Witch's Daughter to, and why?

The Winter Witch.... same author

Any additional comments?

I wish there were more books like this.... is my favourite book by far.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book spellbinding listening

Where does The Witch's Daughter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10

Who was your favorite character and why?

Anna - bess' mother strong dignified and fair

Have you listened to any of Marisa Calin’s other performances? How does this one compare?

She is a great narrator - will look out for her in the future

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Be strong and survive

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Really enjoyed listening

Would you listen to The Witch's Daughter again? Why?

Very interesting book and held my thoughts

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bess is my favourite character she is very strong in character

What about Marisa Calin’s performance did you like?

I thought the narrator did a very good job and held the listeners attention

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have listened to it all in one sitting but time does not allow for that so it was something to look forward to hearing

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4 people found this helpful