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There are currently 29 reader reviews for The Witches at the End of the World
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Jackie R. (Clark, NJ)
A Great Debut
The bond of sisters with a touch of magic can never be underestimated.
The evolution of both characters was enjoyable to read.
Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO)
The Witches at the End of the World by Chelsea Iversen
An interesting coming of age story of two sisters who experience death, love and heartache and learn to persevere and accept their inherent nature of witching. Kaija leaves to find a life in the village where her mother was killed and learns that she really belongs with her sister. Minna, left in the forest and feeling abandoned, sends out a spell that does as much damage to herself as to others. Minna learns that sending out negativity will eventually come back to harm her, as nature turns against her ability to live comfortably. Eventually Kaija leaves the village and, understanding where she belongs in the
…more world, returns to her sister.
I found the story plot appealing, and the writing well done. However, I really got tired of the chapters moving back and forth from Kaija to Minna. I no sooner became interested in one story line when the next chapter moved to the other story line. I like having two or three chapters focus on one story then move to the other. (less)Chelsea Iversen has created a captivating world in which sisters deal with a traumatic childhood and the ways it continues to impact their adulthoods. Her world was so compelling that at times I forgot I was reading, as the images and moods she was able to create put my mind in a cinematic space. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Iversen's work. 4.5 stars
Elizabeth L. (Salem, OR)
Witchcraft in Norway
Enjoyed this book and the differing perspectives of Kaija and Minna. I thought Tante Tilda was fantastic and would love a book about her. Other characters were a bit one dimensional. My main quibble is the ending. I felt that the story was tied up in a rushed manner and not consistent with the actions and motivations of Kaija and Minna. I could see how they got there but a stronger connection was needed.
Judy G. (Carmel, IN)
Witch Sisters
I found this book very readable and I enjoyed it. Living in a forest descriptions sparked my imagination of what that could really be like. The village living descriptions evoked what it's like to live in a small community where certain people take it upon themselves to judge and punish others in accordance with their personal beliefs. Yes, magic was involved but the storyline still mirrors real life. Good first novel!
Janet T. (Westford, MA)
The Witches at the End of the World
Very captivating read with vividly presented characters. This was an unusual premise which included magic but the magic was really secondary to the relationship of the characters and their evolution as woman. Two sisters with vastly different visions of what the future should be like and who should be include to fulfill life. The process that each woman experienced to reach a resolution between them was very engaging. This is a recommended read, which I didn't expect because of the magic.
Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
Beautiful writing/lackluster plot
The atmospheric descriptions of places and people provided a beautiful setting for The Witches at the End of the World set in rural Norway. I've been entranced by witches since I first met The Mayfair Witches By Anne Rice decades ago. So, my expectations were high. The two sisters at the center of the book, Minna and Kaija, didn't cause me to want to know them better. There also could have been more insight into why the villagers believed witchcraft was the cause of their tragedy, their suspicions of strangers -particularly when one of the critical moments felt so contrived. The dots didn't always connect for me.
…more I did love Tante Tilde. (less)This debut novel is a tale of witches set in 1677 Norway. Sisters Minna and Kaija have seem their mother burn and must escape their village and flee to live in isolation in the middle of the woods. They learn to be self-sufficient, but Kaija yearns to return to a life surrounded by people. The novel does a good job of making real how superstitious the people of the area are. Any sickness or misfortune is attributed to a curse. Anyone different or without strong social ties is assumed to be a witch. Very reminiscent of the events surrounding other persecution of those assumed to be witches. The main characters
…more are witches. The novel made real the fear the characters lived with, and how they had to be secretive. (less)
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