HEXMISTRESS'S APPRENTICE

From the first page, it’s clear that this is no conventional fantasy novel. This tale owes no allegiances to either JRR Tolkien or JK Rowling, being quite different to any fantasy that this reviewer, at least, has ever encountered.

The action is set largely in 1999 in an alternative ‘Victorian’ London in which Humans live alongside gnomen, elfts and boggards (known collectively as Litluns). Magic is widespread and the religion is Christianity mixed with large helpings of Paganism. Humans and Litluns battle constantly against the Varmints, evil creatures intent on taking over the world.

Against this backdrop is told the story of a teenage girl coming to terms with her developing psychic powers, among them telepathy, healing, precognition and communication with the dead. There’s also a deeper, more Spiritual, plot element but even to suggest what that’s about would be to give too much of the game away.

Unlike so much in this genre that’s wooden and hackneyed, the dialogue sparkles, with characters that are well-drawn and engaging. I particularly liked Jack, a mischievous young boggard and Alma, a feisty half-elft druidess.

Hexmistress’s Apprentice is classified as Young Adult but it would seem this is more to do with the age of the heroine than the writing style. As a complement to such a beautifully told tale, the book is lovingly illustrated throughout with pen/water colour drawings by Robert Bryan.

For something truly different in the way of fantasy fiction, why not give Hexmistress’s Apprentice a try?

~ Paul Pirate

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hexmistress’s Apprentice by David Van Doorn is a delightful and skillfully woven tale of Lily, a sixteen-year-old girl who is studying to become a hexmistress. A hexmistress is a type of witch who uses spells to protect her village and the villagers within it. Lily does not know her own psychic strength, and part of the mystery of the book is in discovering what she is capable of doing. Likewise, the antagonist is learning his capabilities, readying for the age-old battle of good versus evil. I loved the tone of the book, a cross between The Hobbit’s Tale and The Golden Compass. The vision of an alternate England with its mix of witchcraft and Christianity was rich and engaging. However, toward the end of the book, the narrative switched to entries in a diary interspersed with action. This method of telling not showing took me right out of the story, diluting all suspense by relaying in retrospect what had happened. Despite this, Hexmistress’s Apprentice was an enjoyable read. I recommend the book to adult and young adults alike.

~ Roxanne Smolen Author of The Colonial Scouts Adventures www.roxannesmolen.com