The Witch's Fleet

by John F. Corrigan, Abigail Weech

In 1807, a young, Philadelphia woman of special gifts is accused by the religious authorities of practicing the black arts. Although the investigators can find no evidence that she has ever used her talents to harm anyone, they proceed to attempt to apprehend her to stand trial. She anticipates them - which is her way - and flees to the frontier which, in 1807, is the sleepy fishing village of Erie, Pennsylvania. It is now five years later. 1812. The sleepy fishing village of 400 souls finds itself on the front lines of a war against the British Empire. Among them walks a young woman of special gifts. The Brits have no idea what they are up against!

404 pages, Hardcover

Published July 26, 2022

Reviews

[Elena Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch’s Fleet combines early American history with supernatural intrigue and wartime adventure. Set in 1807, the story introduces a young Philadelphia woman with special gifts who is accused by religious authorities of practicing the black arts. Although investigators find no evidence that she has used her abilities to harm anyone, they attempt to bring her to trial, prompting her escape to Erie, Pennsylvania.

The narrative then moves forward five years to 1812, when Erie—a small fishing village—is drawn into the conflict between the United States and the British Empire. The heroine’s presence creates an intriguing contrast between the vulnerability of a frontier settlement and the extraordinary abilities of a woman who has already learned to anticipate danger. This setup brings together themes of persecution, personal freedom, courage, and resistance against formidable opponents.

At 461 pages, the Kindle Edition offers readers an extended historical adventure. The book may appeal particularly to fans of historical fantasy, supernatural fiction, early American history, and stories featuring capable heroines navigating dangerous circumstances.

Overall, The Witch’s Fleet offers an imaginative premise that places supernatural abilities within a recognizable historical conflict. Its combination of religious persecution, frontier life, and the War of 1812 gives the story a distinctive identity for readers seeking historical fiction with an extraordinary twist.

[Susan Laun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the book, and I think the author's intent to present history wrapped in an interesting story was met. I did learn things about the Battle of Lake Erie. However, the writing style wasn't as polished as I had hoped, and there were times when it dipped dangerously close to "Harlequin Romance," which I found unnecessary to the story and rather a detriment. The author could use a better proofreader: Some phrases were repeated within the same paragraph, and the dog's gender bounced back and forth between male and female.

[Melissa Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good does prevail!

Read it cover to cover and enjoyed it because I went to college there in1968 and know all the streets and have seen The Niagara preserved in the bay!

[Lisa Varo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the cover!!! Loved the erie history.