Book Review: Witch’s Sorrow: Alice Skye Series, Book 1 by Taylor Aston White
As a lifelong fan of urban fantasy, I’m always on the hunt for that next gripping read that combines magic, mystery, and a sprinkle of the darker side of life. When I came across Witch’s Sorrow, the first installment in the Alice Skye series by Taylor Aston White, I felt an instant pull. The book hinted at not just a captivating storyline, but an intriguing protagonist—an amateur witch with a past shrouded in secrets. How could I resist?
Right from the start, Alice Skye grabbed my attention. A Paladin Agent grappling with her identity as a witch while navigating a world inhabited by vampires, daemons, and shifters, Alice is both relatable and refreshing. The author does an excellent job creating a portrait of a flawed yet fierce heroine. One of the most compelling aspects of her character is her struggle between self-doubt and determination—she’s in over her head yet pushes forward with grit and instinct. White captures this duality beautifully, making readers root for Alice as she confronts both external dangers and her own haunted past.
The plot kicks off with Alice’s assignment to locate a missing wolf for Rexley Wild, the Alpha of a major shifter pack. While the premise sounds relatively straightforward, it quickly evolves into a multi-layered narrative packed with unexpected twists and dark secrets. As Alice delves deeper into her investigation, she unearths connections that exacerbate her own traumatic history, raising the stakes and testing her abilities as a witch and a Paladin.
What truly sets Witch’s Sorrow apart is its ability to intertwine genuine tension with character development. Alice’s journey is peppered with chilling revelations that not only propel the narrative forward but also paint a vivid backdrop of a world where magic and the mundane coexist. It’s a fast-paced reading experience, yet the moments of introspection allow us to digest Alice’s complex emotions, making her quite the engaging lead.
While the writing style has drawn mixed reviews—some readers find it wonderfully immersive, while others mention some quirks in spelling due to the British English usage—I personally found it to enhance the book’s charm. It felt like a perfect fit for the atmospheric London setting, enriching the overall tone of the story.
Amidst the gripping action, there are moments of levity, underlined by Alice’s snarky personality. One reviewer perfectly captured this blend of humor and darkness by stating, “Witches, vampires, shifters… this makes for an atmospheric feel.” This modernization of classic urban fantasy tropes coupled with Alice’s witty remarks made for an entertaining read that kept me smiling even during the darker moments.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Witch’s Sorrow to fans of urban fantasy yearning for a novel that features a strong, relatable female lead navigating a tumultuous world. It’s perfect for anyone who loves suspense, a touch of the gothic, and complexity wrapped in action. Taylor Aston White has crafted a compelling beginning to the Alice Skye series, leaving readers eager to uncover what lies ahead. I, for one, cannot wait to join Alice on her next adventure!
You can find Witch’s Sorrow: Alice Skye Series, Book 1 here >>