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Book Review of Bitter Night (Horngate Witches, Bk 1)

Bitter Night (Horngate Witches, Bk 1)
NonExistence avatar reviewed on + 239 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5


It seems I have been reading a few end of the world books lately. This one has been on the shelf for a while now and
was in need of some attention. I love the idea of the Shadowblades and the Sunspears. Also the concept behind what
fuels their powers holds a bit of logic that is often not seen in supernatural books. Overall I think it led to
enough of a tie to the natural to make it seem even more feasible. Not that I have a problem with the suspension of
disbelief, mind you.

Bitter Night is the first book in a new series called the Horngate Witches. In the beginning I was confused as
to why Max was so eager for revenge, but reading further on in the book gave me the full picture. While her character
is an awesome warrior, and clearly has no problem getting a date if she so dares, she's not perfect. She definitely has
anger issues, and she knows how to hold a grudge. In my honest opinion, I think this has only made her stronger in the
long run, despite the not always great outcome.

In addition to the quality of the writing and the story, Max and her fellow soldiers can kick some serious ass. If you
are into bad-ass super-soldiers and like the tough as nails woman that would put the likes of Buffy the Vampire
Slayer to shame, then Max is your lady! She is strong, focused and used to things that would put down a normal
Shadowblade. And your normal Shadowblade is used to things that would put down a normal human by far.

The plot itself was a strong one with enough turns and reveals in it to let you know that this book is only the
beginning. It also sets up the seeds for several plot points in the coming sequels. It also shows the promise of
evolution for the characters in those entries as well. Add this plot to the cliffhanger hooks throughout and the
emotional attachment to the characters and you have a real page turner.

I'm elated to find a new UF that fulfills everything on my wish-list, and my only regret is that Diana Pharaoh Francis
is still writing book two, so I must curb my impatience.