Official Review: The Witch and the Christian

[Raluca_Mihaila]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Witch and the Christian" by M. Benjamin Woodall.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Clarity Putnam is soon to be 16, a crucial moment for a girl because she must choose a husband. Don't be shocked because the story takes place in 1687, in Salem Village, a small and patriarchal community of Christians. Outside the hamlet, a coven of wicked Witches hides in the woods. The Puritans hate the Witches, but there is a precarious truce between the two factions. Miss Putnam must choose between Jacob, his father's favorite, and Victor, a Witch boy with amber eyes. Things become more complicated, and our protagonist finds herself in the middle of a three-sided war. What will she choose, love or duty?

The writer did a fine job recreating the setting from the Early Modern Period. The language is antiquated, and the behavior of the characters is authentic. The Christians are religious bigots, suspicious and fearful of the things they do not understand. Clarity is the exception because she is curious and open-minded. Also, the girl asks questions and demands explanations. Her character development is admirable, and the reader can follow her evolution because she is the narrator.

I appreciated the authenticity of the story that sets the premises for the famous Salem witch trials. The educative lessons are very suitable for the young adult audience. The teens will learn that following your heart and doing what you feel might be a tough choice. It might anger your family and friends, but the decisions regarding your life are yours to take.

The book was enjoyable, but I felt that the plot was predictable and lacking originality in many aspects. The novel contained many classical scenarios with a little twist, so I found it a bit disappointing.

I recommend the book to any teen or adult who likes to read about first love and forbidden love. Sadly, bullying is another theme shown in the book, and that fact proves that bullies were always present in history. The reader that prefers topics involving supernatural, magic, and witches will be pleased. The language is free of profanities, and the author finds magical ways of expressing frustration or anger without swearing.

The Witch and the Christian by M. Benjamin Woodall gets a rating of three out of four stars. It was a pleasant and easy read, but I had to remove a star because of the plot issues. I discovered that the story is the first book of the Archives of the Witch series, so I am curious to read the second novel.

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The Witch and the Christian
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[Sushan Ekanayake]

Seemingly it is a plot with a great potential, but due to the details that the author might have taken from somewhere else, it has lost its value. Thanks for the descriptive and honest review

[Harty Muli]

This sounds like a story I would want to read. First going back into time through the story appears like the deal. Thanks for the great review.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Seemingly it is a plot with a great potential, but due to the details that the author might have taken from somewhere else, it has lost its value. Thanks for the descriptive and honest review

Thank you for your time and comment!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

This sounds like a story I would want to read. First going back into time through the story appears like the deal. Thanks for the great review.

I am glad you find it interesting! Thank you for your visit!

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a solid read for those interested in witches and supernatural, like you mentioned Authenticity is a big plus, of course. Thanks for a great review!

[Mtibza eM]

Thank you for sharing such an honest review.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Sounds like a solid read for those interested in witches and supernatural, like you mentioned Authenticity is a big plus, of course. Thanks for a great review!

I appreciate your feedback and your comment! Thank you!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Thank you for sharing such an honest review.

Thank you for stopping by!

[nikechi]

I like how Clarity is depicted as a strong female who would ask questions. This is despite the story being set in the 1600s when society was a lot more patriarchal than now.
Thanks for such an awesome review

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I like how Clarity is depicted as a strong female who would ask questions. This is despite the story being set in the 1600s when society was a lot more patriarchal than now.
Thanks for such an awesome review

She is a real pioneer in women empowerment! Thank you for your kind comment!

[Saint Bruno]

Love and its ways.....It has been causing trouble since 1687. I would love to know her decision in the end. Thanks for this awesome review.

[Raluca_Mihaila]

Love and its ways.....It has been causing trouble since 1687. I would love to know her decision in the end. Thanks for this awesome review.

A never ending story . Thank you for the awesome comment!

[kandscreeley]

Even without originality, this sounds interesting. I love that it takes place so long ago and includes witches. Thanks.

[kdstrack]

The author has done a good job of setting the scene for the rest of the series. I enjoyed the way you described the historical setting. You have intrigued readers about this series. Great writing!