There have been countless stories, legends, and myths surrounding witches throughout history. These enchanting figures have captivated the imagination of people for centuries, often depicted as powerful beings who possess supernatural abilities. While witches are traditionally depicted as living entities, there are tales that tell the story of the dead witch walking among the living. The concept of a dead witch walking is intriguing and chilling. It evokes a sense of mystery and foreboding, as one may wonder how a deceased witch could still roam the earth. In folklore, it is believed that some witches have the ability to transcend death and continue their existence in a ghostly form.
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Taking a resolute breath, I pulled a few strands of my shoulder-length curls from my topknot, took a moment to arrange it artfully to fall about my face, and finally spit out my gum. Spurred on by the knowledge gathered overhearing Trent s business dealings and the harsh nature with which he deals with his adversaries, Rachel is even more set to take down Kalamack, but even she realizes her need for greater tools, considering black magic.
In folklore, it is believed that some witches have the ability to transcend death and continue their existence in a ghostly form. There are various explanations for the existence of a dead witch walking. Some legends suggest that powerful witches, who have engaged in dark magic or made pacts with otherworldly forces, are granted the ability to cheat death.
Dead Witch Walking – Kim Harrison (Review)
It took me a long time to get round to reading Dead Witch Walking. The book gets a lot of praise, but it was first mentioned to me as “urban fantasy about killer tomatoes,” and that description did nothing for me. It sounded like comic fantasy, and the list of authors who can manage to do that well is extremely short.
Dead Witch Walking is not comic fantasy, and killer tomatoes don’t really feature. Instead, a weaponised virus used tomatoes as a carrier, eventually wiping out a significant proportion of the human population. In the aftermath of this tragedy, vampires/witches/et cetera revealed themselves to humanity. The book takes place long after this, in a post-masquerade world where monsters are feared but accepted as part of reality.
Rachel Morgan is tired of dealing with bad assignments and unreasonable orders. For years, she’s been an employee of Inderland Security, tasked with solving supernatural problems – rogue vampires, black magic, that sort of thing. Now she’s ready to strike out on her own.
Life outside the I.S. isn’t easy though. With only a pixie and a vampire as backup, Rachel has to find steady work and stay alive, all the while dealing with demons, drug lords, and an agency that really doesn’t like people breaking their contracts.
I think the main thing that impressed me about Dead Witch Walking was how well the exposition was handled. There’s an awful lot of world-building and set-up to get through in order for the plot to make sense, and the opening of the book really doesn’t drag at all. The book has an original and complex setting – a twist and an evolution on standard urban fantasy ideas – yet within a few chapters you have a good handle on what’s happening and why it’s important.
There’s a strong plot, with a lot of twists and threads. I felt that, given the amount of background required in the book, that a simpler plot might have worked a little better. Towards the end of the book, there’s almost too much going on. Dead Witch Walking is the first book in a series, and a slower introduction – perhaps with one of the subplots shifted into prominence and the main plot pushed back into a second volume – might have worked well.
Unlike a lot of urban fantasy with a female protagonist, this book is not simply a fantasy veneer over a romance plot. There is a romance between the protagonist and a side-character, but it’s not the focus at all. In fact, throughout the book, I was hoping for a difference romance. The love interest is fine, I guess, but the character who Rachel really has chemistry with is Ivy, her vampire colleague/housemate.
The characterisation of those two and the detail of their relationship is done really well, and while there are hints at a confusing and complex romance, those plot threads just fade away. I’m not saying that the romance has to happen, but the relationship between the two of them is something that deserves more focus and exploration, whether it goes in that direction or not.
Overall, Dead Witch Walking is a strong start to a series. It’s a book that does a lot of work setting up its world, but manages to create interesting characters with compelling problems. It’s definitely worth reading, and I’ll look out for the sequels.
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"All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party. and to feed.
Through their knowledge of ancient rituals, these witches are said to have found a way to preserve their essence and continue their existence beyond the grave. In some tales, it is believed that a dead witch walking may seek revenge or carry out unfinished business. Perhaps they were wronged in their lifetime, or they have unfinished spells or curses that they are determined to complete. These vengeful spirits may haunt specific locations or individuals, causing fear and chaos wherever they go. Encounters with a dead witch walking are said to be terrifying. Witnesses describe seeing a spectral figure, often clad in tattered robes or carrying a broomstick, appearing suddenly and disappearing just as quickly. Some claim to have witnessed objects moving on their own, strange voices, or abrupt changes in temperature that are associated with the presence of supernatural beings. In some cases, individuals have reported being cursed or plagued by a dead witch walking. These unfortunate souls may suffer from unexplained illnesses, misfortune, or constant nightmares. It is believed that the dead witch, with her inherent magical powers, inflicts these afflictions upon those who cross her path. The lore of the dead witch walking serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the power and consequences of dabbling in the occult. It reminds us to be mindful of the potential dark forces that can exist beyond our realm of understanding, and to tread carefully when it comes to magic. While the existence of a dead witch walking remains purely in the realm of folklore and mythology, the story continues to capture the imagination of many. Whether it is a tale to frighten children before bedtime or a cautionary tale of the dangers of witchcraft, the concept of a dead witch walking remains a captivating and chilling part of our collective consciousness..
Reviews for "From Witch to Ghost: The Haunting Transformation of Dead Witches"
1. Sarah - ☆☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Dead Witch Walking." The main character, Rachel, was incredibly annoying and made so many stupid decisions throughout the book. The plot seemed promising at first, but it quickly became predictable and lacked depth. The world-building fell flat for me too, as I didn't feel fully immersed in the supernatural aspects of the story. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and don't plan on continuing with the series.
2. Ethan - ☆☆
I couldn't get into "Dead Witch Walking" at all. The writing style was choppy and confusing, making it hard for me to follow along with the storyline. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked development, and the dialogue between them was often cringe-worthy. Additionally, I found the pacing to be incredibly slow, with not much happening until the last few chapters. This book just wasn't for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Jessica - ☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Dead Witch Walking," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The concept of a world where supernatural creatures coexist with humans sounded intriguing, but the execution was lackluster. The writing felt disjointed and the plot was convoluted, making it difficult to stay engaged. I also found Rachel's constant self-pity and whining to be grating. While there were a few interesting moments, they weren't enough to redeem the overall book for me. I'll be giving the rest of the series a pass.