The witch who came in from the cold, Book 1
Synopsis: Through a haze of cigarettes and vodka there lies a version of Prague in the heart of the Cold War, where spies practice sorcery in their games of intrigue. While the political lines may be as clear as the Iron Curtain, the battles of magic seldom stay clean and the combating forces of Ice and Flame dance across boarders and loyalties.
Tanya Morozova is a KGB officer and the latest in a long line of Ice witches and sorcerers; Gabe Pritchard is a CIA officer and reluctant Ice recruit. Enemies at one turn, but forced into alliances at the next, their relationship is as explosive as the Cold War itself.
Review: I’m not necessarily a fan of serials and it’s true that I prefer to avoid them as much as possible. It’s not that the formats are bad, but I do not necessarily have a good memory and I find it difficult to keep in mind the events of one week to the next. I often prefer when the serial is finished to thereby read all at once. But it is true that by reading the summary of this new story, I was quite intrigued. How not to be? A novel in the heart of Prague with a different atmosphere, the Cold War, the KGB, all that with witches and clans clash. Yes, I was curious to see how all that was going to be!
I enjoyed the novels by Max Glastone I had read before, and even though I do not really know his sidekick, I was curious to discover this new writing. The first thing that struck me is the complexity of the created universe and it is true that with this first episode, it is quite difficult to understand exactly where it falls and what happens because we are ultimately a little lost. I think this is intensified by the fact that the characters aren’t really presented and we can quite quickly see two POVs put forward, including two that are not necessarily linked yet. Aside from that, I found interesting ideas of the authors with the warring factions, the witches of different clans or the period during which all this happens. After, I think that the sequel will probably enlighten us on the different fuzzy points found here. Yes because even if we find a story written on a few pages, it is something dense that is offered and like a series, it does not actually end, but we wait for the following story.
In any case, it was interesting to see these two characters, and the people working with them and although I am still full of questions, all is well done enough. I’ll be curious to discover what will happen next. A very intriguing and different introduction from what we can usually find.
blodeuedd
The cover feels messy
Emma @ Never a Judge a Book
It’s annoying isn’t it when the book itself intrigues you but you want to wait till the end of the series. I’m like that and then I have to wait ages for the next book. Lol. Great review.
Melliane
lol yes, that’s why serials are complicated
Lekeisha
I don’t particularly like serials, but there are some that have caught my eye. It is best to wait until all the pieces have been laid out. I like the cover and synopsis, so it’s definitely got me curious.
Melliane
Yes I agree, I prefer it to be complete
Braine
I prefer to binge read serials too although it’s convenient when I’m on a slump. The setting is interesting, Prague? I don’t think I’ve read a book set in that country yet
Melliane
right? I was really curious
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
Serials are tough for me too Melliane, unless they’re only a week apart instead of months. I have a tough time remembering events as well, so I spend all my time trying to recall the previous installment:) Seems like this was pretty solid though, and hopfully the next one is even better!
Melliane
I’m curious about that
Tracy Terry
This definitely sounds like something different, I love the premise.
On a self imposed ban as far as the beginning any more series goes unless I am sent them by the author/publisher. Way too many new authors out there to discover without getting bogged down in a series and especially when so many can go on and on and on, easily amounting to ten + books.
Melliane
yes it’s somplicated in that way
LilyElement
I prefer serials to be fully finished before I read them since I’ll forget to grab the rest or I’ll want to know more ASAP lol. Hope you find out what happens next soon 🙂
Melliane
lol I can understand
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
I’m still not on board with serials but that set up is a curious one. Haven’t read anything like that that I can remember. Glad you enjoyed it!
Melliane
right? It looked different
Heidi
I am not the biggest fan of serials all the dramatic cliffhangers and the wait. I am glad that this one ended up entertaining you despite its flaws.
Melliane
yes it was interesting
kimbacaffeinate
The only serials I will read are those that charge one flat price and deliver an episode each week for free.
Melliane
I don’t read any I confess
kindlemom1
I hope all your unanswered questions will be revealed in the next read!
Melliane
me too
Melissa (Books and Things)
Depends on how the serial was written to me. If they are truly short novellas then I don’t mind, if they are just short chapters, part of a whole… then I wait for it all to come out. Glad you enjoyed this one. I need to read Gladstone.
Melliane
it’s the second one there
Brandi Breathes Books
Good to hear it was a different kind of read, I like the cover and sound of the characters
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I’ve been reading some serials from Serial Box and I’ve learned something about myself – I am not good at keeping up! I think I’ll grab all the episodes once they’re all out and binge read. That said, I definitely need to read this one – some awesome authors there!
Melliane
Lol I wouldn’t be either. I’ll surely do that if I read more.
Carole Rae
The cover is messy, but I really like it. 😀