The Holly King cover art

The Holly King

The Witches of Woodville 4

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The Holly King

By: Mark Stay
Narrated by: Candida Gubbins
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About this listen

'Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely moving' Michelle Paver

'Full of magic and delight' Rowan Coleman

‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell

The Holly King is coming, and you’re on his list . . .

It's December 1940, and Christmas has come to Woodville. Faye Bright is looking forward to a good old knees-up after a year of supernatural mayhem and Luftwaffe air raids, but it seems glad tidings are in short supply.

Already contending with food rationing and sky-high beer prices, the village is upended by the arrival of the Holly King, an ancient power bent on reclaiming his woodland domain. No mortal magic can stand in his way.

As the winter solstice draws in and the villagers fall under the Holly King’s spell, Faye, Bertie and the witches race to prevent his sinister Feast of Fools from reaching its deadly conclusion. But when terrible truths threaten to tear them apart, can they confront the mistakes of the past to save the village from destruction?

Or has Woodville seen its last Christmas?

For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the fourth novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . .

©2023 Mark Stay (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, UK Action & Adventure Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Magic Village Winter Magic Users Witchcraft

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All stars
Most relevant
The series gets better with every book, a great mix of humour and spookiness. This one is straight on my list of re-listens!

Brilliant series, incredibly performed

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Funny & Magical
A little bit of Pratchett’s Wintersmith & a smidgeon of Dad’s Army all wrapped up in a holly wreath if fun!

Another Amazing Instalment

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Have loved each book so far and this one is no exception. Can't wait for the next book.

I love this series

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A series that is crammed with charm, comedy, cuteness, and characters with charisma. This latest in this wonderful series not only delivers, even surpassing the other great books. Whilst this book could be read on its own, it is all the better for those that have read the previous adventures. The Witches of Woodville has kept building, expanding on both the past of the characters and their current events, plus a great ending that promises much more. Faye’s flying powers increase, so does Mark Stay’s!
Another wonderfully evocative performance by Candida Gubbins.

Crammed with charm, comedy, cuteness

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As Faye would say, “Wot a corker!” Great story incorporating nature, mythology, magic and great characters. Candida Gubbins is a wonderful narrator.
My thoughts strayed to Ben Aaronovitch’s character Thomas Nightingale during this story and just wondered what would happen if he ever met the Witches of Woodville, sigh

As brilliant as ever!

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