Reviewed by Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading on
Bianca Marais may have been a new author for me, but after reading the blurb for The Witches of Moonshyne Manor, I jumped at the opportunity to read and review. After all, lead characters in their eighties are not a usual occurrence in the book world. The idea of octogenarian Witches banding together to save their home intrigued me. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I hoped.
The story began in an interesting tone, and soon I found myself eager to discover how it would all unfold. However, it took a 360-degree turn and was not for the best. With its slowing pacing and lack of excitement expected, the story became a struggle to get through. The Witches are supposed to be working on saving their home, but more focus was placed on reunions, events from the past and acquainting themselves with the teenager who offered to assist them in protecting their home.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It definitely did not work for me. I kept listening, hoping it would get better, but it never did. I felt disconnected from the characters and the story. The most interesting aspects of the story were
1. the Narration
2. the past events regarding the heist, which ultimately revealed reasons for Ruby’s incarceration.
Amy Landon narrated and her narration gave what otherwise a dull story some life. Her voices aptly portrayed each of the characters. She brought them to life by adding the right emotion to her reading. I had no issues Listening to her narration, which was the main reason I stuck with the story to the bitter end.
Now I know I am in the minority where liking this story is concerned as I have seen several readers giving rave reviews. It didn’t deliver the desired effect for me, but don’t let my views deter you from picking it up if you think it would interest you. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 4 September, 2022: Finished reading
- 4 September, 2022: Reviewed