BLOG TOUR: Witch Born by Amber Argyle

Brusenna thought it was finished.

She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.

She was wrong.

Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands.

Some things can't be saved.

A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything.

Including her life.

Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

“Joshen’s arms tightened around her. Senna wet her lips. Dare she tell him the next part? “Something’s happening to me, Joshen. It’s not just that my song’s getting stronger. My senses are, too. I truly hear the pain of the Four Sisters in Tarten. It haunts me.”

With the tip of his thumb, he traced the tattoo on her stomach—his touch unerringly accurate. “What can I do to make it better?”

By the Creators, she’d missed the smell of him—horses and the sea. “Make me forget, for just a little while.”

He tipped her chin up and kissed her. He was always soft and gentle, but today she felt an undeniable hunger somewhere deep inside him. He was trying to suppress it. But she didn’t want that. She wanted him to banish the lingering foulness of the curse and the fear that had never released her from its sweaty grasp, replacing all of that with the sweet taste of his mouth.

Gripping fistfuls of his dark hair, she pulled him down and deepened the kiss. His lips crushed against hers, Joshen responded, kissing her like he’d never kissed her before. The stubble along his jaw was rough against her chin. She felt herself melting, going soft inside.

Breathless, she pulled away before things grew more heated. “Mother will call out the Heads if I’m not home for supper.”

Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical. 

Website:

http://amberargyle.com

Blog:

http://amberargyle.blogspot.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/amberargylesmith

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/amberargyle

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4629065.Amber_Argyle

    

Before we get started with my review, I have a couple of special thank yous to disperse: To Jean Vallesteros for having us as part of Amber's Witch Born tour, and of course to Amber Argyle, for providing me with this enchanting story to share with all of you.

I thoroughly enjoyed Witch Song, which is the first book in the Witch Song series. I thought Amber's world building was wonderful and painted a clear picture in my mind where I was being taken, the characters captivating, the storyline strong, and Amber's version of magic unique. Set in an old world where people travel by horse and sailing ships, shop in street markets, and most of all fear and despise witches. Though the magic here is not your typical hocus-pocus, it's nonetheless powerful and ever-changing.
The writing is melodic and easy to lose yourself in. The story itself is about faith, trust and finding one's true calling. It's not an easy story, our heroine endures pain and suffering, plenty of loss and heartache, and has to make gut wrenching and not just life changing decisions, but those that could change the entire world- the fate of earth. The romance is sweet- the kind you can't get enough of. A slow and steady burn. Fresh, bright, new, and confusing. I devoured every word and couldn't wait to begin Witch Born.
So I'm here soaking it all in. Reveling in the beauty of it, in awe of Amber's creativity and her ability to weave life lessons into such a fantastical tale, and hoping I can do this story some level of justice.
Witch Born begins where Witch Song left off. Senna is alone, some months after a Witch War, disconcerted and unsure of what will come next. I won't go into what happens in the story, I want you to discover it all for yourself. It's a difficult and beautiful tale.
Senna had to grow up quickly in the previous book. And she proved to be amazing. She, Joshen, and her witches went through and overcame so much, and yet it was nothing compared to what they endure in this installment.
I was again immersed in the lyrical  rhythm of the story. I briefly mentioned world building. So, I have to revert back and explain to you why this, for me, is a big part of what makes this story so special. It's simply perfection. It's based on seventeenth century England, and reflects the events of the Salem Witch Trials, but Amber makes it all her own. She created an entire world: earth; water; and sky. Across many lands and beyond. Complete and fully realized civilizations that reach across continents, and mirror our very nature. The many encounters and relationships are complicated and diverse. There are messages hidden not so subtly within these lyrical passages. Lessons in humanity. It shows us how, even when given the knowledge and tools to create real change, we, as a whole, often ignore what has been presented to us and allow history to repeat itself.
What Senna learns is the power of her Song. The strength within. And to never give up on her beliefs.
This is a story full of colorful and clever people, amazing creatures and places we only see in our dreams.
A story any lover of witch tales would enjoy. The perfect blend of magic, mystery, suspense and adventure.
I recommend it anyone and everyone looking for a different take on the world of magic and witches. I'm confident you'll become as enthralled-perhaps even bespelled.

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