Yesterday, while browsing through a delightful little store called Cracker Barrel, my eyes were immediately drawn to a mesmerizing item: an old fashioned witch lantern. Its enchanting design and intriguing backstory captured my imagination, making it impossible for me to resist purchasing it. The witch lantern, crafted in the style of a vintage piece, exuded an air of mystery and charm. Made from sturdy metal and glass, it featured intricate details that brought the character of a witch to life. The lantern had a tall, slender frame, resembling an old-fashioned street lamp, with a large glass sphere at the top, encasing a flickering candle placeholder. As I held the lantern in my hands, I couldn't help but wonder about the history behind it.
"Great, in-depth, unusual world-building coupled with funny, down-to-earth writing. Just call me Joshua Khan's number one fan."-Sarah Rees Brennan
A sudden death brings them together, inspires them to break the rules, and leads them to soar to new heights in this fantasy with all the sparkle and luster of a starry night sky. Here is a fantasy world you will lose yourself in -- with Six Great Families of magic, the nicest princess of darkness you ve ever met, a peasant boy with skills to rival Robin Hood, and a supporting cast of zombies, paladins, ghost puppies, executioners, minstrels, murderers, and a giant hero bat.
As I held the lantern in my hands, I couldn't help but wonder about the history behind it. Was it inspired by ancient witchcraft practices, or was it simply a whimsical creation? The salesperson, sensing my curiosity, shared that the lantern was designed as a homage to the folklore surrounding witches and their use of lanterns to ward off evil spirits during their nocturnal escapades. The lantern's aesthetic provided a delightful contrast between old and new.
Shadow Magic
Thorn, an outlaw's son, wasn't supposed to be a slave. He's been sold to Tyburn, an executioner, and they're headed to Castle Gloom in Gehenna, the land of undead, where Thorn will probably be fed to a vampire. Lilith Shadow wasn't supposed to be ruler of Gehenna. But following the murder of her family, young Lily became the last surviving member of House Shadow, a long line of dark sorcerers. Her country is surrounded by enemies and the only way she can save it is by embracing her heritage and practicing the magic of the undead. But how can she when, as a girl, magic is forbidden to her?
Just when it looks like Lily will have to leave her home forever, Thorn arrives at Castle Gloom. A sudden death brings them together, inspires them to break the rules, and leads them to soar to new heights in this fantasy with all the sparkle and luster of a starry night sky. Book 1 of a three book series.
Advance Praise:"If you are pining for that thrill you felt when you first discovered Harry Potter, let me recommend Shadow Magic. Here is a fantasy world you will lose yourself in -- with Six Great Families of magic, the nicest princess of darkness you've ever met, a peasant boy with skills to rival Robin Hood, and a supporting cast of zombies, paladins, ghost puppies, executioners, minstrels, murderers, and a giant hero bat. I defy you not to love this story." -- Rick Riordan
"Zestful, dynamic and addictive, Shadow Magic is storytelling at its most exuberant. Joshua Khan sweeps you up on the very first page and never lets you go. Close shaves, high adventure, wild fantasy, and giant bats -- this book has it all. I haven't had this much fun in ages. Sit back and enjoy the ride!" --Jonathan Stroud
"Great, in-depth, unusual world-building coupled with funny, down-to-earth writing. Just call me Joshua Khan's number one fan."-Sarah Rees Brennan
"There's plenty of magic to be found in Shadow Magic -- necromancy, giant bats, ghosts! -- but the real enchantment is the spell it weaves around the reader. I'd battle a whole army of the dead just to get to spend more time in Castle Gloom and the world Joshua Khan has created." -- Rachel Hawkins
"An executioner's apprentice, an embattled queen of shadows, and a royal hostage join forces toward a common goal-survival in a treacherous world of monsters and magic. Shadow Magic is like the best of haunted house adventures-a dark and twisty thrill ride with just the right amount of creepy humor." -- Cinda Williams Chima
"Working together but never losing sight of their individual objectives, Thorn and Lily uncover surprising truths about their families. Despite the gloomy setting, this book vibrates with hope. Short chapters filled with action, appealing characters, and cliff-hanger endings make this fantasy the kind of book readers will find hard to put down. Recommended for all middle grade collections." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
Genre: Children's Fiction
"I defy you not to love this story." - Rick Riordan
"Zestful, dynamic and addictive, Shadow Magic is storytelling at its most exuberant. Joshua Khan sweeps you up on the very first page and never lets you go. Close shaves, high adventure, wild fantasy, and giant bats -- this book has it all. I haven't had this much fun in ages. Sit back and enjoy the ride!" --Jonathan Stroud
While it paid homage to the witchcraft folklore of the past, the metal frame and glass detailing gave it a contemporary touch. The lantern was not only a beautiful decorative piece but also a functional one. By placing a candle inside, the lantern would emit a warm and comforting glow, creating an ambiance reminiscent of the nostalgia-filled era it aimed to capture. In my mind, the lantern represented more than just a tasteful home decor item; it symbolized the allure of the past and the enduring fascination with witchcraft and mysticism. It served as a reminder that even in our modern world, there are still echoes of ancient traditions and beliefs that continue to captivate us. As I left the store with the witch lantern in hand, I couldn't wait to find the perfect spot in my home to showcase its bewitching allure. It was not just a lantern; it was a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a vessel for the imagination. And so, with every flickering candlelit glow, the old fashioned witch lantern from Cracker Barrel would continue to cast its spell on all who dared to gaze upon it..
Reviews for "Finding Inspiration in the Old Fashioned Witch Lantern from a Cracker Barrel"
1. John Doe - 1 star
I recently purchased the old fashioned witch lantern from a cracker barrel and I was extremely disappointed with the quality. The lantern looked nothing like the picture and was made of cheap, flimsy materials. The paint was chipping off and there were scratches all over. It was evident that this product was not well-made and would not last long. I would not recommend this lantern to anyone looking for a good quality Halloween decoration.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars
I was excited to receive the old fashioned witch lantern from a cracker barrel, but my excitement quickly turned into disappointment when I opened the package. The lantern was smaller than I expected and the colors were dull and faded. The design itself was not impressive and looked nothing like the vintage, charming lantern I was expecting. Overall, I found the product to be overpriced and underwhelming. I would advise against purchasing it if you're looking for a unique and visually appealing Halloween decoration.