Overview
In the seventeenth century, witchfinders rule and paranoia thrives in a chilling novel about unrequited love, persecution, and betrayal by the bestselling author of The Road Beyond Ruin and Broken Angels.
In 1625, the Franconian village of Eisbach has been plagued by disease, famine, heinous crimes, and a merciless winter. Katarin Jaspers is the maidservant to the enigmatic Reverend Zacharias Engel, appointed by Rome to cure the village of suspected diabolism and save every God-fearing soul.
Zacharias soon finds his first witch, and the public burning of a local man could spell the end of misfortune. As a sense of peace settles over the village, Katarin finds herself increasingly infatuated with Zacharias, who is a disruption to her predictable existence and a balm for her cruel past. But peace for Katarin is short-lived. Margaretha Katz—the new midwife—is seen as a rival for the reverend’s attention. Fear and recrimination reach a fever pitch when a great tragedy sets the town fully on edge.
With the walls of winter closing in around Eisbach once again, rumours flourish and villagers turn on each other. Now, no one is safe from the pyre.
Review
In 1625, the Franconian village of Eisbach has been plagued by disease, famine, heinous crimes, and a merciless winter. Katarin Jaspers is the maidservant to the enigmatic Reverend Zacharias Engel, appointed by Rome to cure the village of suspected diabolism and save every God-fearing soul.
The Reverend Zacharias Engel is on a mission and no one is safe. He is determined to flush this village of the heretics and witches. Katarin, his maidservant, is on her best behavior. But will it be enough to keep her protected! Everyone in this village is turning against each other and no one knows whom to trust.
This is a 3.5 stars rounded up. There are quite a few minor characters to keep up with. Plus, the ending sort of went off the rails and did not fit. But, there is some great history and it has some dark elements which make it very intriguing in places.
This is narrated by Sarah Naughton and Alex Wyndham. I love a tag team of narrators but, for some reason, I was not a big fan of Alex. I just completely lost my focus during his part.
Need a tale of witch hunt for a change of pace…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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