There’s an ill wind blowing in Santa Fe, and it’s touching every witch Adriel knows, including White Feather, who is far more important to Adriel than just any warlock. In search of answers, she delves into ancient magic, a family secret and dangerous religious rituals. Whoever is manipulating the elements appears to be after the ultimate forbidden power over life and death. Adriel will go to the ends of the earth to keep those she loves safe, but if she lures the enemy away, will she be able to save herself? Her only hope is to use earth magic to hide from the very air she breathes as she hunts down an unseen and untenable evil.
“Under Witch Aura” is a tremendously exciting story, the sequel to “Under Witch Moon.” Even deeper in characterization and intensity of plotting (if that could be possible), “Under Witch Aura,” like its predecessor, kept me riveted. Author Maria E. Schneider packs a lifetime of worthwhile reading into each of these novels, which are definitely multiple rereaders.
Santa Fe area Hispanic witch Adriel is at an apparent standstill in her blooming relationship with White Feather; an inexplicable frost has, not withered the bloom, but put it on standstill. She discovers her own troubles only commencing when a nocturnal visit to her home of the ghost of a reclusive hermit witch sets terrifying events in motion. Meanwhile, warlock White Feather is sticking to home because something magically ugly has attached itself to him, and he is trying to track it while simultaneiously keeping it apart from his young sister and from Adriel.
You don’t have to love magic to love this series; but if you love magic, these are don’t miss novels. Romance, unfolding characterization, continuing characters who actually mature and evolve (or devolve, in the cases of the villains), plotting that will make your hair curl, and much much more make these books winners for sure.
I received this book as part of the first-read program on goodreads. Below is my review...
Another great and unique book in this supernatural series. I've honestly never read anything that quite feels like this, and I've read a lot of supernatural books. Maria manages to weave a story and world that is both familiar and totally unique. It could possibly be because I've never been out west, but her setting makes the supernatural seem even more natural. The way she talks about the desert, the Navajo people, and incorporates the beliefs of the native people is fascinating.
Her characters Adriel and White feather take a small step forward in their relationship in this book, but I like how slow they're moving. It feels like a more natural pace then some other books, like they're going to be building something lasting. Both characters histories and families are also revealed a lot more, which lets you glimpse the greater hierarchy of magic in the area. It was interesting that this book has built so much more onto the characters then the last one. I never noticed how little was actually revealed in the last book, until reading the details in this one. Her characters are also very likeable, they seem like the kind of people you would like to have over for a BBQ and beer. They aren't full of themselves, selfish, weak, or spiteful like you often find in books like this. They're down to earth honest people who help make this book even more realistic.
Overall a very good read, and a series I'm looking forward to keeping up with. I would definitely suggest this to any of my friends who like to read this sort of genre of books. Especially if they're getting tired of the overly emphasized romances of the YA paranormal books, and overly sexual women that can be typical in the adult ones. Not that I don't like those things, but sometimes a pace that seems more natural is nice, and of course more believable. And yes, I just said believable, because Maria has made the impossible seem possible in her Moon Shadow series.
Note: This review was originally published at Red Adept Reviews on January 13, 2012.
Overall: 5 stars
Plot/Storyline: 5 stars
Having read Under Witch Moon, the first book in the author's Moon Shadow series, I was looking forward to the second book--Under Witch Aura. Both books could be read as standalones, but reading them in order gave a sense of continuity in the characters' introduction and development.
Under Witch Aura grabbed my attention on the first page, when the ghost of Sarah, a witch who was recently killed in a fire, terrorized Adriel, the earth witch who was introduced in the first book. The incident made no sense to Adriel, since the two witches barely knew each other in life. But Adriel and her warlock friend Jason--who went by the name White Feather--had little time to worry about that, since an even more malevolent force began attacking them with incredibly powerful winds that could destroy any structure and kill any living beings.
Adriel's and White Feather's magic was virtually powerless against the ill winds that threatened them. Ultimately, Adriel was forced to delve deeper into her past and to use ancient magic practices that could easily turn against her and kill her.
The story built up the tension and the suspense as Adriel and White Feather sought to stay alive long enough to solve the mystery of the evil force that was threatening them, and to find a means of defeating it.
The climax was a cataclysmic display of hellfire and damnation, as a small band of witches used all their knowledge and magic in a desperate attempt to send the evil spirits back where they came from.
Note: a key element of the story was an Indian sand painting. Sand paintings played an important role in the life of Indians in the southwestern U.S. I found it helpful to Google "sand painting" to learn more and to see pictures.
Character Development: 5 stars
Adriel and White Feather met in the first book, where a budding romance was sparked. The romance heated up in this book, as Adriel and White Feather were forced to work together in order to survive. Lynx, Adriel's shapeshifter associate and part-time employee was back, too. Lynx could be devious, but he always came through when Adriel needed him the most.
New characters included Adriel's mom and dad; White Feather's sister, Tara; Matilda, who owned the magic shop in town; and Granny Ruth, the most experienced witch in Santa Fe. Tara was mentioned in the first book, but this was her first appearance. She was a typical teenager, headstrong, moody, and prone to get into trouble, and she drove White Feather nuts. Matilda ("Mat") would sell you any kind of magic spell you wanted in her magic shop, but if a witch needed to acquire serious knowledge and power, they went to Granny Ruth, who had a renowned library of grimoires (magic books). To protect her library, Granny Ruth had a remarkably low-tech security system that even witches feared.
Writing style: 5 stars
The story was narrated in the first person by Adriel. The writing was polished and professional. Dialogues were believable, within the context of a fantasy story about supernatural events. The suspense was gradually ratcheted up as Adriel worked feverishly to solve the mystery of who or what was behind the attacks on her and White Feather. Descriptions were quite vivid, especially the climactic scene where Adriel and White Feather confronted the evil spirits that threatened them.
Under Witch Aura is a novel with 5,296 Kindle locations (about 300 pages in print). Lending and text-to-speech are enabled.
What can I possibly say about this fantastic series? Lets see, these words come to mind: beautifully written, fun, entertaining, exceptional, creative, original, mysterious, captivating, will suck you in and refuse to let go. Okay, okay, that last one was more than one word but, you get the point.
I adore this series. Maria is so utterly talented. Her writing just flows so nicely and is so descriptive that you feel like you become a part of the story. It makes me long to be in New Mexico and be a part of Adriel's world.
I am so thankful that I was able to read this book. I loved Maria's first book in the series, Under Witch Moon. I fell in love with the characters White Feather, Linx, and Adriel. And was so excited when I learned another book was on the way. I jumped at the chance to read it and be immersed in their world again.
This sequel did not disappoint me at all, in fact, as hard as it was to imagine, this book was even better than the first and that is just something that doesn't always happen with second books in a series.
This book had even more mystery and intrigue and romance (huge YAY on this one!!), even more great characters and adventure. Better bad guys and well, you get the idea.
And did I mention Martin. Oh. My. Gosh. Martin. I have to say I fell in love with Martin. I couldn't help but laugh out load at the scenes with him in it. He was so disgusting and funny and just loveable in a weird sort of scary uncle kind of way. Seriously, one of the best secondary characters ever. I loved snarky sarcastic, chip on her shoulder Tara, crazy loveable and fun Mat, Adriel's sweet loving mom and yes, I even loved (gasp for your benefit Maria) the vampire.
This book had even more magic than the first, which I love reading about. I love how Maria uses so many Earth elements and herbs in her stories that I feel like I actually know what she is talking about and I smell them and see them right along with Adriel and White Feather.
Truly I could go on and on about this book but really, you just need to buy it and read it. You will NOT be disappointed. It is worth so much more than you will pay for it.
Maria is truly a talented writer and knows her stuff.
The second installment in the Moon Shadow Series by Maria E Schneider, this book is very satisfying. I’ve read several of this author’s books, and this has to be my favorite thus far. First and foremost, I loved the character development, and I think this is an area where this author excels. I felt I really got to know the characters in this book, and it really added to my enjoyment. As Adriel and White Feather’s relationship deepened and we got a better picture of their histories and ther families, I felt like I got to know them so much better. Overall, I felt all the characters were well developed and interesting, and I could relate to each on them on some level (whether they reminded me of my drunken cousin at a party or a snotty sister). I even saw some of myself in a few of them. Don’t ask, though, I’m not sharing which ones….
The plot was interesting and definitely kept my attention. I’ve commented before in reviews of this author’s other work that I found some transitions to be sudden and confusing, but I’m very pleased to say I didn’t have that issue in this story. The characters did make some “logical” jumps I didn’t quite follow (they must be way smarter than I am), and some of the most exciting scenes required serious attention in order to keep up, but the plot is generally strong and flows nicely along. I didn’t have to do a double take or look back at the previous chapter to keep up with the plot. As before, I love the way this author integrates such interesting details about this magical world in with the plot in such a natural way. I really appreciate the way there is adequate detail, but I’m also left to make some connections on my own.
As mentioned, this is my favorite of Maria E. Schneider’s books so far. This story flows so easily along and really kept my interest throughout. I love the characters she has created, and I really appreciated getting to know them more in this installment of the series. I hope this series has at least a few more books lying in wait!
I'm at a 4.75-5 here, so rounding up to 5 stars. First thoughts: Damn good book.
I enjoyed book 1 in this series a lot. I thought that the characters were interesting, the magic rules were good, and I was really looking forward to how the characters grew in the next one.
With this one, I was expecting another fun story with interesting magicical logic, and a deepening of the relationships. I did get that, but the story was also more. The whole story, characters, magic, felt more grounded (something I hope for in a book 2 but don't always get). I've been trying to pay more attention to the tiny details - often I remember the big fight scene, a funny line, or a conversation long after I've finished the book, but those small details that fill in the spaces and show you the world and characters organically, without extra "talky" exposition, those are the things that help keep me glued to my seat and reading for hours. Lots os those small gems here.
I like the magic in this world. It is very logical and scientific. It reminds me of a thought I've been seeing more and more lately, that magic is just science we haven't figured out yet. Adriel's lab can concoct fantastical things, but there is a natural method to it (and you don't have to be a science major to get it). We get to see more how other witches work their magic too (for good or ill). We also get to meet members of Adriel and White Feather's families. Lynx is here again, and he is growing too - one of my favorite sidekicks.
The action was good, fast-paced, and the romance heated up too, although it's not the wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am variety - this romance has built from book 1. There are some dark points and violence, and no shortage of the creepy crawlies, but there was balance to it.
The main problem is solved, and there are no cliffhangers, but there is definitely more room to explore in this world.
What I have found while reading Maria Schneider's books is that she has an incredible talent for casting a spell over her readers. Like the characters in her book I imagine her pacing the aisles of her local Witches Shop picking bottles full of different storylines to sprinkle over the reader. In Under Witch Aura, it is apparent that she took the essence of strong character's, suspenseful story arcs, and mysterious happenings, and mixed them into a brew to reap one potently exceptional book.
Wielding the author's magical voice is a powerful, yet responsible, main character named Adriel. Young, beautiful, and at times a no-nonsense wielder of ancient magic, it is Adriel who is tasked with solving the death of a fellow witch. Joining her in her quest for answers is another powerful force in the form of man named White Feather. White Feather is no doubt a true friend to Adriel, but there is a possibility that what he has to offer Adriel goes far beyond friendship. Aided by other equally bold and compelling characters, the author's vision begins to mold into a suspenseful portrayal of loyalty and love. Wrapped in a lighthearted and entertaining story, Maria E. Schneider presents a wonderful gift to both loyal fans and newcomers alike.
Under Witch Aura proves that gems can be found within lesser known authors, and with books like this, written by author's like Maria Schneider, there can be no doubt that she has earned herself a lifelong, loyal fan of her work. Now, when I'm laying out in the sun, feeling the cool breeze lick the surface of the pool's cool water I know that if I'm in the mood for a compelling and fun read I need not look any further than a Moon Shadow novel.
If you have liked a lot the first book in a series, it's complicated that the next one fulfills your expectations. This book has done it and more. Not your traditional fantasy, but a "normal" world with magic around, you find real characters who have some additional layers. No big fires and fights (at least in fireworks), but some hard ones. The fears that the author describes are common ones (insects!), but you feel then.
Not your book if you like your heroines "super", or too quirky, but if you like real characters, I think you can like it.
If you have liked a lot the first book in a series, it's complicated that the next one fulfills your expectations. This book has done it and more. Not your traditional fantasy, but a "normal" world with magic around, you find real characters who have some additional layers. No big fires and fights (at least in fireworks), but some hard ones. The fears that the author describes are common ones (insects!), but you feel then.
Not your book if you like your heroines "super", or too quirky, but if you like real characters, I think you can like it.
I must say from the top, that Under Witch Aura has become one of my favorite reads of 2011. This book has it all - mystery, suspense, steamy romance, humor, great characters. Other reviewers here have already given accurate synopses of the story, so just let me add my accolades to Maria Schneider's writing style and ability to weave a plot rich with magical elements while keeping the pace tight. I was never bored and found myself scraping minutes together in my day to get back to this book. I truly hope she writes another in this series soon! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Under Witch Aura built very well on the first book. The magic system is well designed and I loved the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
When Adriel, a witch whose magic is grounded in earth power, crosses paths with the ghost of a murdered woman, she turns to the uber-hot warlock, White Feather, to help put the spirit to rest. What she doesn't count on is that White Feather is being haunted by his own peculiar demon.
One of the things I admire about this author is that she writes urban fantasy that is different from the ho-hum world of vamps and weres. To be sure, there is plenty of magic, but the fantasy element is unique from most other stories I've read. Also, this book contains a mix of Native American and Hispanic characters, traditions, and mythology. And the setting - Santa Fe, NM - is wonderfully described (be prepared to crave Mexican food!)
The characters are interesting and unique without being over-the-top crazy. This actually became a problem for me when I wanted to read more about a particular woman in the book (I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers).
"Under Witch Aura" is an eerie mystery with a great deal of suspense and an oh-so-sweet romance.