3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The Witch of Endor: Vampires, written by R.K. Wheeler, is a dark and exotic adventure. The story weaves Greek mythological and Biblical characters together seamlessly. Despite the characters' supernatural status, the amorous tale makes the reader contemplate their capability of love, pain, and susceptibility.
Lilith, born with the ability to speak to the dead, matures to master this ability and become well known for her craft. In the city of Endor, King Saul requests Lilith to raise the spirit of Samuel, the prophet, and inform him of the results of his impending battle with a Philistine army. The information is not in King Saul’s favor and, although the king promised Lilith’s safety, she does not trust him and flees. Going into hiding, Lilith opens a magic shop where she eventually meets Lamech.
Lamech, interested in Lilith's abilities, approaches her in her shop. Lamech, the great-great-great-grandson of Cain, is the world’s first vampire, having turned after unknowingly murdering the cursed Cain. Lamech and Lilith become enamored with one another, and it is progressively arduous for him to keep his true nature from her. Their love finds Lilith in Greece, facing incomparable misfortunes. Every passing occurrence pressures her to make choices that will alter her life and question her desire to go on.
I received this as an audiobook and it was quite the experience. I enjoyed the way the author took a risk and melded these unmistakable names together. As a fan of Greek mythology, I loved hearing familiar characters in The Witch of Endor: Vampires. I am not too familiar with all the Biblical names, but it’s clear quite a few characters from Greek mythology and the Bible make an appearance. Wheeler takes creative liberties and gives these characters very different lives compared to the widely known or believed tales.
Fans of romance and fantasy will like this young adult novel, but those who are strict with history or have strong Christian beliefs may find problems with it. The only issue I had was the use of a male narrator chronicling Lilith’s life. Other than that, the narration was clear and descriptive. The back story of each protagonist is impressive. The persisting aftermath of the curse of Cain is a major theme. Wheeler provides evil an origin, one character at a time, while wrapping the story in a blanket of romance.
I give Wheeler's book 3 out of 4 stars. I was hesitant to give The Witch of Endor: Vampires a try as it has been quite some time since I listened to an audiobook. Luckily, it was a great experience and a quick read, being just a little over five hours. As I said before, it was strange to listen to a male narrator tell the story of Lilith’s life. When he spoke for her, I kept imagining her as an elderly woman and constantly reminded myself she was not. This entirely my opinion. The next listener may have no problem with the narrator. Also, I expected to learn more of one of the main characters, but he disappears from the story and isn't reintroduced. Seeing as this is the first in a series, I expect he'll return then. Regardless, the story kept me engaged until the end, which I’m sure will be the same for other readers, and I look forward to the next installment.
******
The Witch of Endor: Vampires
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Nanig83006's review? Post a comment saying so!