Genres: NA Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fantasy | Release Date: 10 October 2023 | Series: Unmarked | Series Book: #2.5 | Pages: 181 | Indie Author | Review
“Everyone wore a mask; some were just better at the camouflage.”
Miranda Lyn
Overview:
I’ve been *very* spoiled, receiving an ARC of The Unblessed Witch by indie author Miranda Lyn! This mesmerising novella follows on from The Unmarked Witch duology and you *will* need to read those books before diving into this one! But that’s not a bad thing, because they’re absolutely amazing (seriously, check out my review for the first tale)! But let’s focus on giving you an overview for this one now, shall we?
Marley is a witch with many powers, but there’s a certain gift which is uniquely hers. A Heart Seeker, every Winter Solstice Marley is burdened with the presence of the three Spirits: Past, Present, and Future. During the festive season, she must seek out shattered hearts and offer them a chance of redemption, or risk the displeasure of the goddess. When her magic leads her to Atlas, the former shifter now turned witch, Marley soon finds out that their paths are irrevocably intertwined. They must stay together until the Spirits have completed their task, even though Atlas is on a royal mission. As they travel together, can Marley help save the broken heart of Atlas? Is she even safe from her own past? And what happens when Future has the final say in their redemption?
Happiness Boost:
The Unblessed Witch is such a unique retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and I’m completely smitten! Seriously, if Miranda could just write retellings of all of the other classic stories with this witchy perspective? I would like to place my order right now! The Spirits are capricious, delighting in shattered hearts and the pain of grief and guilt. And I’m calling it: this spooky NA fantasy (in my humble opinion) completely elevates the classic story we all know and love!
I’ve long been a fan of Atlas, but my heart was aching for him in this novella. I didn’t realise just how broken he felt, and throughout this story I just wanted to reach into the story and hug him! But you know what I love about Miranda’s writing (aside from just saying ‘everything’)? These broken souls and shattered hearts are an opportunity for an inner strength to shine through. People like Atlas and even Marley have become a mosaic of colours and emotions, and they are a testament to how grief can show us the tiny flame burning within. Do they still hurt? Of course! But they keep trying. And I’m so grateful for this.
Although you need to read The Unmarked Witch duology before you read The Unblessed Witch, this novella is still just as well crafted with the world building. We venture into different covens’ territories and there’s never a moment when you wonder how you can possibly tell them apart. Miranda is such a gifted storyteller, and opening this book felt like I was being welcomed home. That is a *very* special gift.
Downside:
I have no downside!
Final Thoughts:
The Unblessed Witch by indie author Miranda Lyn is such an incredible NA fantasy romance retelling of A Christmas Carol. I could sit here and write so much more about this beautiful novella, but I really don’t want to give away spoilers. Just trust me when I say you *need* this if you love witches, the festive season, and a chance at redemption. So if you like the sound of this tale from my review? Just click on any of the links below to pre-order a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order The Unblessed Witch via these links:
Amazon | Blackwell’s | Booktopia | Fishpond
