Sue Reviews: Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Title: Witch Song Series: Witch Song #1 Author: Amber Argyle Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing Format: Mass market, 325 pages Published: December 20, 2011 ISBN #: 9781936850167 / 1936850168 Genre: Young Adult My Copy: purchased Rating: Buy: The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can’t stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn’t, there won’t be anything left to save.

Witch Song has been in my to be read pile since the beginning of this year. When the author graciously provided me with the eARC for her second installment, I immediately picked up this first one, in order to have it read in preparation of the second book. I’m so glad I did.

Firstly, I have to gush over that cover! Just look at it! Definitely my most loved YA cover of 2011/12, it’s absolutely beautiful. The cover really invokes what the book is all about. It’s earthy, mysterious and beautiful.

We are introduced to our protagonist / heroine Senna, (who starts out as Brusenna). The first chapter solidifies her as an intimidated and sheltered child. It is obvious that she hasn’t a clue as to what kind of power she is actually capable of. I was intrigued from the beginning. Argyle positions Senna’s character as one that the reader can empathize with immediately. She is the only witch who hasn’t been abducted. This is her task: find and free the witches or they will cease to exist. It is a classic story of good versus evil (I’ve simplified this for the sake of spoilers.)

Argyle’s writing captivated me from the very beginning. She tells a tightly woven and seamless story. The world building is believable and complete. The momentum and the back story builds smoothly throughout this book. Argyle’s descriptions are magical (pun intended!). The lush green forests, dramatic and dark sea villages, wind-whipped mountain tops – this story really has it all! I was pleasantly enthralled with this book.

The beauty of the Witch Song magic, that Senna and her kind are gifted with, translated perfectly from the paper to my imagination. The idea and lore of witch magic, directly related to nature, is not a new one. Argyle still manages to develop it and keep it fresh for the reader. Her description of the melodic beauty of the witch songs, had me wishing I could really hear something this wonderful.

The character arch for Senna is definitely one of growth and maturity. When I found out the protagonist was only 15 years old, I thought this might end up being a little too “YA” for me, if you know what I mean. I enjoy YA, but I need a mature protagonist to lead the way. I’m happy to report that this book spans over a couple of years, giving the reader insight to the transformation that Senna must go through. This passing of time did not feel rushed to me. This is a difficult to accomplish in a single book. Senna does some questionable things throughout the book, but they are consistent with her vulnerabilities and her growth. She discovers along the way that there is a guardianship set in place; a select few who aid the witches and protect them. One of those selected to guard is Joshen, who follows in the family tradition of witch guardianship.

Their relationship completely works. They meet and there is a nice buildup to their complicated relationship. Several reasons arise as to why they should and shouldn’t be together. Nothing ever felt forced during their interaction together. Joshen as a character is smart, strong, and completely devoted. There are some poignant conversations between Senna and Joshen that advance their relationship and their motives nicely. They are loyal not only to each other, but demonstrate their pure intentions over and over again, throughout the story.

Action abounds in Witch Song. If it’s not a battle, or a harried escape, it will be a Witch Song invoking sea animals that will have you glued to this book. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal YA. I look forward to starting the second book.

Books in this series:

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