There are six points of view that are well defined and have a unique voice. Take all the above, and it is not only within the plot but often it provides a depth to characters you normally don’t find in more plot driven stories. Otherwise everything is brilliantly done. Yet it most certainly could-should-be? And yet I don’t believe that it is? There is something way off in that regard. I’m not sure of what to make about a lot of questions left unanswered and what may or may not have happened to a couple of characters? This isn’t set-up (in the blurb or publisher given description) as a series. Without spoiling the ending, I will say this. Sometimes because of a couple of boneheaded decisions by the characters. There were somethings I could see coming, it was almost like Latimer set them up as false sense of security so that I would be doubly blindsided by those things I definitely DID NOT see coming.

Doing what was stigmatized as wrong, deemed evil by the majority- could it sometimes be the only way to do what ultimately had to be done? It wasn’t always so simple- black magic being evil. Latimer had her own spin on how their magic worked and provided an explanation The lines that separated black magic was especially well thought out and gave readers something to reflect on. The magic system wasn’t just …like… here… witches. Never does the heaviness of these themes take away from a book boasting the thrill of witches, gods, black magic and witch hunters. She explores them without fear, but with thoughtfulness and honesty. Latimer doesn’t just bring important themes to the table. Latimer has delivered a plot driven story filled with all the fun stuff! Ancient gods? YES! Family secrets? YES! Black magic? YES! And all rooted in Irish Mythology. If Witches of Ash and Ruin is any sign? It looks like it will be a very good year, indeed.Į. They are back! This year is promising all the witchery and bitey.

Witches of Ash and Ruin by E. Latimer