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Burn Mark #2
Witch Fire
Lucas and Glory are hard at work in WICA (Witchkind Intelligence and Covert Affairs). As part of their training, they learn more about the witch-terrorist organization Endor. It is believed that Endor has infiltrated a boarding school for young witches in Switzerland, so WICA sends their two youngest agents—Lucas and Glory—to the school undercover. There, they learn more about an experimental brain implant that blocks the power of the fae. It’s a dangerous procedure . . . more so than they could ever have imagined.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2013
About the author
Laura Powell
19 books82 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Laura Powell grew up in rural Wales and now lives in West London. She wrote her first book while studying Classics at Oxford and worked in publishing for five years before leaving to concentrate on her writing.
Laura Powell grew up in rural Wales and now lives in West London. She wrote her first book while studying Classics at Oxford and worked in publishing for five years before leaving to concentrate on her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 8, 2017
My review for the prequel: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I think the story doesn't show me as much emotional tension and depth as with the first book, but it's always welcoming to see more of this alternative world with magic outside of just London. I think the characters are really the strong points of this story; with adults behave like adults, agents from the secret forces and gangsters act like they know how to do their jobs seriously and teenagers act believably like teenagers, what more can I ask for?
I am almost certain there should be a sequel and I'm looking forward for it.
I think the story doesn't show me as much emotional tension and depth as with the first book, but it's always welcoming to see more of this alternative world with magic outside of just London. I think the characters are really the strong points of this story; with adults behave like adults, agents from the secret forces and gangsters act like they know how to do their jobs seriously and teenagers act believably like teenagers, what more can I ask for?
I am almost certain there should be a sequel and I'm looking forward for it.
August 27, 2016
Just finished this. Even better than Burn Mark. Great character development and wonderful world building once again. Love Laura Powell's writing
May 21, 2017
-SPOILERS INCLUDED-
I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars
Witch Fire is the second installment in the Burn Mark series by Laura Powell.
This book follows Glory and Lucas as they deal with the challenges that are in front of them.
Both Glory and Lucas are in training for WICA, a goverment approved program for practising witches.
Lucas finds out more information about Glory's mother from the inquisition and both of them have been sent on another potentially dangerous undercover mission which involves enrolling at an elite boarding school for witches in Switzerland.
The second half of the book primarily takes place at the boarding school, following Glory and Lucas through social experiences, therapy sessions and many other lessons that they have to take part in within the boarding school.
After finding information based around a brain surgery that can remove witchcraft linked to someone that they know, they go looking around for awnsers.
After Glory finds out crucial information that Lucas was hiding from her, she leaves the boarding school.
The third half of the book shows Glory going away and Lucas being dragged back to London, the relationship between both is still strained.
Lucas decides to go after Glory to try and find her, Glory gets a job in a bar while living with her cousin.
Lucas tries to get her out of the bar and reason with her, but it doesn't work.
After she gets kidnapped, Lucas has no choice but to rescue her.
Glory and Lucas finally get together properly after all this time!!
Glory and her mother finally reunite!
This book is a lot better in comparison to the first, there was a lot more action and a lot more going on along with a lot of character development.
I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars
Witch Fire is the second installment in the Burn Mark series by Laura Powell.
This book follows Glory and Lucas as they deal with the challenges that are in front of them.
Both Glory and Lucas are in training for WICA, a goverment approved program for practising witches.
Lucas finds out more information about Glory's mother from the inquisition and both of them have been sent on another potentially dangerous undercover mission which involves enrolling at an elite boarding school for witches in Switzerland.
The second half of the book primarily takes place at the boarding school, following Glory and Lucas through social experiences, therapy sessions and many other lessons that they have to take part in within the boarding school.
After finding information based around a brain surgery that can remove witchcraft linked to someone that they know, they go looking around for awnsers.
After Glory finds out crucial information that Lucas was hiding from her, she leaves the boarding school.
The third half of the book shows Glory going away and Lucas being dragged back to London, the relationship between both is still strained.
Lucas decides to go after Glory to try and find her, Glory gets a job in a bar while living with her cousin.
Lucas tries to get her out of the bar and reason with her, but it doesn't work.
After she gets kidnapped, Lucas has no choice but to rescue her.
Glory and Lucas finally get together properly after all this time!!
Glory and her mother finally reunite!
This book is a lot better in comparison to the first, there was a lot more action and a lot more going on along with a lot of character development.
June 30, 2020
I’m going to try to keep this review short because I have a feeling that if I ranted the way I want to about how much I didn’t like this book then we would be here all day. No one’s got time for that. I think the biggest thing that I had a problem with when it comes to this book is the fact that I was told the two main characters would be acting as spies at a boarding school for young witches and they were only there for “a month” which meant maybe 50 pages of this book. I didn’t mind them prepping for their first real undercover mission together and I didn’t mind what happened while they were there. However, I hate that this was a huge bait and switch.
I found this one to be just as unreadable as the first one. Maybe not unreadable just very difficult to read. I had to really force it. The way the author cannot seem to keep track of the dialect she’s trying to force upon her main female character trips me up every time. The writing style itself is also challenging when it comes to the narrative. When it’s depicting the action of the female main character then the author uses bigger words which doesn’t really fit in with the way she’s trying to depict her as uneducated.
The leaps in logic don’t make sense and the world building is so bad that as you’re watching an event unfold you a) aren’t attached to the character it’s happening to or b) don’t understand what’s happening. In reality, with a good writer, these two books could have been lengthened into at least three. But with the writer who did the duology, let’s just be glad it ended there.
I found this one to be just as unreadable as the first one. Maybe not unreadable just very difficult to read. I had to really force it. The way the author cannot seem to keep track of the dialect she’s trying to force upon her main female character trips me up every time. The writing style itself is also challenging when it comes to the narrative. When it’s depicting the action of the female main character then the author uses bigger words which doesn’t really fit in with the way she’s trying to depict her as uneducated.
The leaps in logic don’t make sense and the world building is so bad that as you’re watching an event unfold you a) aren’t attached to the character it’s happening to or b) don’t understand what’s happening. In reality, with a good writer, these two books could have been lengthened into at least three. But with the writer who did the duology, let’s just be glad it ended there.
August 31, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
May 9, 2013
Witch Fire continues the adventures of Glory Starling and Lucas Sterne, that began in Burn Mark. It’s not necessary to have read Burn Mark; Powell does an excellent job of providing enough back story to fill in new readers and not annoy fans who have already read the previous book.
Powell continues her unique blend of espionage, adventure and witchcraft. The gritty, understated “British-ness” I found in Burn Mark remains and further endears me to the series. The fact that it’s YA might turn off some readers, but I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if that’s the reason why you’d make a pass on it. In Witch Fire actions have consequences, characters die – the descriptions might not be gratuitous, but often I find that implication throws a stronger punch. I found myself every bit as much on the edge of my seat as I would be with Quintin Jardine novel.
Glory and Lucas have been recruited and trained by WICA (Witchkind Intelligence and Covert Affairs) but its all hush-hush because of their ages. They are beginning to get tired of the endless training when they are offered their first assignment – to go undercover at a special school for troubled witchkind teens with rich parents.
It sees them both leave England for the first time and the reader begins to get a wider understanding of the alternate reality that Powell presents. In the background is the ominous threat of an Inquisition that neither of them can quite trust and the shadowy terrorist group known as Endor.
Burn Mark impressed me with the goal driven characters and a generally well balanced take on gender roles. Witch Fire continues in the same vein. While there’s a budding attraction between the two main characters, this plot thread is left alone for most of the book. Lucas and Glory can be as incompetent as each other (they are teens) and are adept at coming to each others rescue. The secondary characters are also competent (they are intelligence operatives) and gender diverse.
I did feel that the make up of the nationalities at the school was a little “cookie cutter” stereotypical i.e. a Chinese witch who is really quiet and plays the piano expertly, an American cheerleader, a sleazy Latin-American playboy and the sister of an Indian Bollywood star. It was the only hiccup in what was a very smooth read.
Witch Fire picked up the threads that were left hanging at the end of Burn Mark and wove them into a compelling and expanding story, major character goals were realized, villains encountered justice and yet it does not feel as though the story arc is anywhere near finished. I don’t think “issues” should be the focus of every book written for teens but I think Powell gives us a great story, well realized characters and a world that can be examined for its prejudices from a safe distance.
I’ll repeat my concluding comments from the review of Burn Mark.
If you’re a fan of British crime or espionage drama I think you’ll enjoy this read.
This review copy was provided by the publisher at no cost
Powell continues her unique blend of espionage, adventure and witchcraft. The gritty, understated “British-ness” I found in Burn Mark remains and further endears me to the series. The fact that it’s YA might turn off some readers, but I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if that’s the reason why you’d make a pass on it. In Witch Fire actions have consequences, characters die – the descriptions might not be gratuitous, but often I find that implication throws a stronger punch. I found myself every bit as much on the edge of my seat as I would be with Quintin Jardine novel.
Glory and Lucas have been recruited and trained by WICA (Witchkind Intelligence and Covert Affairs) but its all hush-hush because of their ages. They are beginning to get tired of the endless training when they are offered their first assignment – to go undercover at a special school for troubled witchkind teens with rich parents.
It sees them both leave England for the first time and the reader begins to get a wider understanding of the alternate reality that Powell presents. In the background is the ominous threat of an Inquisition that neither of them can quite trust and the shadowy terrorist group known as Endor.
Burn Mark impressed me with the goal driven characters and a generally well balanced take on gender roles. Witch Fire continues in the same vein. While there’s a budding attraction between the two main characters, this plot thread is left alone for most of the book. Lucas and Glory can be as incompetent as each other (they are teens) and are adept at coming to each others rescue. The secondary characters are also competent (they are intelligence operatives) and gender diverse.
I did feel that the make up of the nationalities at the school was a little “cookie cutter” stereotypical i.e. a Chinese witch who is really quiet and plays the piano expertly, an American cheerleader, a sleazy Latin-American playboy and the sister of an Indian Bollywood star. It was the only hiccup in what was a very smooth read.
Witch Fire picked up the threads that were left hanging at the end of Burn Mark and wove them into a compelling and expanding story, major character goals were realized, villains encountered justice and yet it does not feel as though the story arc is anywhere near finished. I don’t think “issues” should be the focus of every book written for teens but I think Powell gives us a great story, well realized characters and a world that can be examined for its prejudices from a safe distance.
I’ll repeat my concluding comments from the review of Burn Mark.
If you’re a fan of British crime or espionage drama I think you’ll enjoy this read.
This review copy was provided by the publisher at no cost
April 11, 2013
Just as good, if not better than the first. Yay for romance! And action! And all things WICA!
April 24, 2019
Well, this one screwed my reading plans for the week.
I got the first in this series (100 word review to follow in monthly round up) when I saw this one on NetGalley, and finally got round to reading it the other day. I immediately had to pick up the next instalment, which tells you something about the quality of the series. Out of the window went my carefully constructed book review spreadsheet. Witch Fire was immediately bumped to the top.
The world Powell creates is both fascinating and unlike any other in the YA Urban Fantasy genre that I've read. And I've read a lot. The idea of an alternate universe where witchcraft is a real thing is a fascinating one, and it's cleverly brought to life - with the criminally minded Covens, the do-gooder witches of WICA trying to fight the bad image their kind has, and the terrifying Inquisition each representing a different aspect of the world and the attitudes of its people.
The juxtaposition of Glory and Lucas' characters works deliciously as well, especially as they sneak closer to the romantic entanglement that you know is inevitable, even as they do their best to push each other away. Watching it all unfold is just another pleasure.
The plot remains as twisting and engaging as the first book, with plenty of unexpected turns and action to keep the pace roaring along. Definitely no case of second book syndrome here, and I'm actually quite disappointed (though grateful, at least, that I'll have a chance to catch up on my other reading commitments) that I don't have a third instalment to fall into. Really great read!
I got the first in this series (100 word review to follow in monthly round up) when I saw this one on NetGalley, and finally got round to reading it the other day. I immediately had to pick up the next instalment, which tells you something about the quality of the series. Out of the window went my carefully constructed book review spreadsheet. Witch Fire was immediately bumped to the top.
The world Powell creates is both fascinating and unlike any other in the YA Urban Fantasy genre that I've read. And I've read a lot. The idea of an alternate universe where witchcraft is a real thing is a fascinating one, and it's cleverly brought to life - with the criminally minded Covens, the do-gooder witches of WICA trying to fight the bad image their kind has, and the terrifying Inquisition each representing a different aspect of the world and the attitudes of its people.
The juxtaposition of Glory and Lucas' characters works deliciously as well, especially as they sneak closer to the romantic entanglement that you know is inevitable, even as they do their best to push each other away. Watching it all unfold is just another pleasure.
The plot remains as twisting and engaging as the first book, with plenty of unexpected turns and action to keep the pace roaring along. Definitely no case of second book syndrome here, and I'm actually quite disappointed (though grateful, at least, that I'll have a chance to catch up on my other reading commitments) that I don't have a third instalment to fall into. Really great read!
May 10, 2017
Good and Interesting :)
September 30, 2018
I liked this first book just a touch more then this one, but both stories were quite good. I hope there are more to come.
July 21, 2020
Loose ends were finished. I feel satisfied with the way the series ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 16, 2020The premise is interesting; I enjoyed the first book. But there's a lot of info dumping, which made it difficult to connect with the characters.
March 19, 2013
For more reviews and giveaways go to George's bookz and bitz
***This is book 2 in the series, do not read this review if you have yet to read Burn Mark, there WILL be spoilers***
Wow. Breathe. Breathe some more. Blimey, Witch Fire is a definite roller-coaster.
It picks up a few months after Burn Mark with Glory and Lucas now working for WICA, their identities and fae still being kept secret from the world. Lucas’ father has resigned but got another job high up in witch/human politics, and Glory and her father have left the Cooper St Coven and have been set up in a nice flat by WICA. But Lucas and Glory are bored, they expected to have mission after mission at WICA, but instead, to Glory’s horror, they are in school. Glory struggles to fit in, she’s seen as a wildcard and although she’s proved her loyalty, its still doubted, but she’s only there to find out more about her mother, and so she keeps going. But what Glory doesn’t know is that Lucas is about to be told the truth, her mother was an agent, but only because her family was threatened if she didn’t help, by Lucas’ father no less, she completed her mission, but then went back into Endor, apparently to find out more, but she was not seen again and so presumed to have turned.
Lucas is sworn to secrecy, there is no telling what Glory might do if she finds out her mother was forced to work for the agency, and besides, there is no time, the teens are sent off to a prestigious boarding school for teen witches, where endor have been recruiting. Working under cover Lucas and Glory find out a lot more than they were bargaining for, and they set off on a journey that separates them, risks their friendship, and involves more than one face from the past.
Like I said. A roller-coaster. It really doesn’t stop, the scene setting from the first book is gone, we know what its about so it launches straight into it, with a little recap for those who’ve not read the prequel the day before (like me!). But there is SO much, its two books really, all mushed into one.
Everything I liked about book one, is here, the character development is great, and Powell has stayed true to Glory, kept her roughness and her edges, which is great. Lucas is also struggling with everything, I like the fact that Powell's not suddenly made him a super witch who has no issues anymore. His relationship with his father is still one of my favorite parts, as I said in the review for book one, its nice to read a healthy, normal, teen-parent relationship. His father doesn’t understand, but tries to, and tries to support Lucas, even when he doesn’t think he’s right.
There is so much to talk about, but I can’t without putting in major spoilers, as the good bits are all tangled up in the plot. The return of a few past characters is handled well, and the new additions are interesting, adding new aspects to the story, and I hope to see more of them in future books. Overall a good read, only 4 rather than 4.5 stars because there is so much in there, I did feel like I might blink and miss something, the book could of done with being split into two (one half in the school, the other half for everything else), or made longer so we could have some rest between the excitement. Not a major moan, there is nothing there to moan about, had Burn Mark not existed then this would probably be a 4.5 or 5 star, but Powell has shot herself in the foot by writing such a great series opener.
ARC/Egalley kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 17, 2017
This review is also on Living for the Books
3.5 stars
Definitely better than the first book. From what I remember Burn Mark was a bit slow and hard to follow because there were just so many characters, but Witch Fire starts off with plenty of action and it was much easier to understand.
The best part about the book was the witchwork. Most of the books that involve witches have them casting spells and waving magic wands, but not this book. The witchwork requires a little more work than that and I think that's what made the story stand out. The Devil's Kiss, the Inquisition, and the superstitions really added a whole level to the story.
The characters were pretty interesting as well. Lucas still doesn't know how he feels about being a witch and he struggles with what he thinks is the right thing to do. Should he blindly follow WICA or listen to Glory? Glory is still my favorite character. She's brave and strong-willed unlike other YA heroines, but she isn't completely invincible.
I thought the other characters were kind of boring. The government agents all seemed the same and I wasn't a fan of many of the side characters simply because I found them annoying. They just seemed to be there when it was convenient. Lucas and Glory's parents were barely there and Lucas' father lets him go across the world to find Glory. That right there is not something that should have happened if his father was actually being a father. I'm pretty sure most parent's wouldn't let their children go to the capitol of witch crime.
There was a bit of romance between Lucas and Glory and I really enjoyed it. I knew that eventually it would happen and it didn't take away from the story. Their relationship really developed over the first and second books and I felt that it was the only way their relationship could have gone.
The ending actually surprised me. I had guessed about something, but it wasn't even close to what actually happened. Now that I think back, there were very subtle hints about the twist and it just made the story that much more enjoyable.
* I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Definitely better than the first book. From what I remember Burn Mark was a bit slow and hard to follow because there were just so many characters, but Witch Fire starts off with plenty of action and it was much easier to understand.
The best part about the book was the witchwork. Most of the books that involve witches have them casting spells and waving magic wands, but not this book. The witchwork requires a little more work than that and I think that's what made the story stand out. The Devil's Kiss, the Inquisition, and the superstitions really added a whole level to the story.
The characters were pretty interesting as well. Lucas still doesn't know how he feels about being a witch and he struggles with what he thinks is the right thing to do. Should he blindly follow WICA or listen to Glory? Glory is still my favorite character. She's brave and strong-willed unlike other YA heroines, but she isn't completely invincible.
I thought the other characters were kind of boring. The government agents all seemed the same and I wasn't a fan of many of the side characters simply because I found them annoying. They just seemed to be there when it was convenient. Lucas and Glory's parents were barely there and Lucas' father lets him go across the world to find Glory. That right there is not something that should have happened if his father was actually being a father. I'm pretty sure most parent's wouldn't let their children go to the capitol of witch crime.
There was a bit of romance between Lucas and Glory and I really enjoyed it. I knew that eventually it would happen and it didn't take away from the story. Their relationship really developed over the first and second books and I felt that it was the only way their relationship could have gone.
The ending actually surprised me. I had guessed about something, but it wasn't even close to what actually happened. Now that I think back, there were very subtle hints about the twist and it just made the story that much more enjoyable.
* I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2013
What if the witches of the 1600s persecutions were real and they had proliferated and became part of our society? That is what this novel's premise is based on. And this proliferation isn't just in the United States near Salem, but all over the world. Although it is accepted that there are witches in the world, registration is demanded and required by government. Some protest against this bias and go rogue to fight back. Some in protest resort to minor but strong and well-formed criminal groups. When these criminal witches are caught and prosecuted, their punishment, at the worst, is to be burned alive. Although "numbed" from the pain, they are conscious and aware of their flesh burning. *shudders*
Glory and Lucas, both born witches, have joined WICA. Sent undercover to the school in Switzerland, Glory learns the truth about her mom's involvement in what they had said she did, and her disappearance after the accusations. Glory's only memories of her mom consist of an old photograph of her mother and a short note she left to her husband, Glory's father, Patrick, that said it is better if she is gone and that she is sorry. That was all Glory knew about her mom until the moment of discovery at this school for the well-to-do families with witch children. The kids are sent to this school to be hidden away from the public at large, really. Since Lucas's conversion, his father, one of the heads of the Inquisition Office, had to resign from his post and yet still is involved, although from a more subtle position/post. He's still powerful though. He's not a bad man though; he just strongly believes in the law and justice. Events lead these two to Cordova in South America and that's where everything comes to light. Mysteries answered, unknowns made known, and both the good and the bad revealed.
It was an enjoyable alternate history story to what happened in American culture before the USA was the USA we now know. It incorporates some of the ugliest events of our past as well as events into the present day and gives the reader a different and interesting take on the witch hunting. Well envisioned, I enjoy this tale and could see parallels and correlations to politics and prejudices of our society to here.
Glory and Lucas, both born witches, have joined WICA. Sent undercover to the school in Switzerland, Glory learns the truth about her mom's involvement in what they had said she did, and her disappearance after the accusations. Glory's only memories of her mom consist of an old photograph of her mother and a short note she left to her husband, Glory's father, Patrick, that said it is better if she is gone and that she is sorry. That was all Glory knew about her mom until the moment of discovery at this school for the well-to-do families with witch children. The kids are sent to this school to be hidden away from the public at large, really. Since Lucas's conversion, his father, one of the heads of the Inquisition Office, had to resign from his post and yet still is involved, although from a more subtle position/post. He's still powerful though. He's not a bad man though; he just strongly believes in the law and justice. Events lead these two to Cordova in South America and that's where everything comes to light. Mysteries answered, unknowns made known, and both the good and the bad revealed.
It was an enjoyable alternate history story to what happened in American culture before the USA was the USA we now know. It incorporates some of the ugliest events of our past as well as events into the present day and gives the reader a different and interesting take on the witch hunting. Well envisioned, I enjoy this tale and could see parallels and correlations to politics and prejudices of our society to here.
June 11, 2013
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Last year, I read Burn Mark, a tale of witchcraft set in an alternate version of our own contemporary world. In that book, posh Lucas and chavvy Glory discover their abilities and set out to negotiate what those changes mean for their lives in addition to battling a larger plot against witchkind. Some of the things I liked most about that book were both main characters, which seems to be rarely the case; its clever incorporation of magic into our world; and its London setting. I wasn't sure what to expect in this sequel but I knew I wanted to read it.
Both Lucas and Glory are struggling with exactly what their powers at their young age means. Lucas' father's ambitions are diverted while Glory's coven is in disarray with witch terrorism continuing. A lead from a posh school in Switzerland sends them off to South America to discover if it's possible to remove the witch from a person and to prevent more violence and chaos.
My favorite part by far was the section at the school. It's a school for (rich) young people whose powers have manifested but have so far escaped official notice from the government. They can hide out here and be safe from prying eyes. I am pretty obsessed with boarding school settings as well as just schools in general so it's probably not too surprising that this was the part I loved the most. Not that I didn't like the other parts, just this one seemed tailor made for me.
I felt like this book really deepened the characters of Glory and Lucas, the latter who is especially conflicted about his magical abilities whereas Glory is struggling with her legacy and her long gone mother. These characters are also still deeply sympathetic and fun-I still like both of them just about equally. They're teenagers who sometimes act above their years but at other times, fall prey to their emotions and vulnerabilities. They seem very realistic for living in such a fantastical world.
Overall, I think this is a very well-done series with excellent characters. I do hope there will be a third book to build a trilogy.
Cover: Got to love how it matches the first book!
Last year, I read Burn Mark, a tale of witchcraft set in an alternate version of our own contemporary world. In that book, posh Lucas and chavvy Glory discover their abilities and set out to negotiate what those changes mean for their lives in addition to battling a larger plot against witchkind. Some of the things I liked most about that book were both main characters, which seems to be rarely the case; its clever incorporation of magic into our world; and its London setting. I wasn't sure what to expect in this sequel but I knew I wanted to read it.
Both Lucas and Glory are struggling with exactly what their powers at their young age means. Lucas' father's ambitions are diverted while Glory's coven is in disarray with witch terrorism continuing. A lead from a posh school in Switzerland sends them off to South America to discover if it's possible to remove the witch from a person and to prevent more violence and chaos.
My favorite part by far was the section at the school. It's a school for (rich) young people whose powers have manifested but have so far escaped official notice from the government. They can hide out here and be safe from prying eyes. I am pretty obsessed with boarding school settings as well as just schools in general so it's probably not too surprising that this was the part I loved the most. Not that I didn't like the other parts, just this one seemed tailor made for me.
I felt like this book really deepened the characters of Glory and Lucas, the latter who is especially conflicted about his magical abilities whereas Glory is struggling with her legacy and her long gone mother. These characters are also still deeply sympathetic and fun-I still like both of them just about equally. They're teenagers who sometimes act above their years but at other times, fall prey to their emotions and vulnerabilities. They seem very realistic for living in such a fantastical world.
Overall, I think this is a very well-done series with excellent characters. I do hope there will be a third book to build a trilogy.
Cover: Got to love how it matches the first book!
December 31, 2016
I loved this book. It was amazing. So many feelings!!
December 21, 2013
I didn't expect much from the sequel of Burn Mark. In fact, I wasn't expecting much of anything because of the low standards Burn Mark set.
But Witch Fire totally blew me away. I was amazed by how much the book improved. I loved it so much I reread it, savoring most of the pages. There's a lot of reasons why this book is the new and improved. (I'm going to do this by list, because I'm into listopias at this moment).
1) The romance. I love it. The pairing that we had always been waiting for happened! Finally, we see these two lovebirds come together. It's so cute that they are doubting each other, confused and lost. I can't wait for them to appear in the next book.
2) The plot. Now everything is so much clearer. Everything makes sense. Everything opens to reveal new beginnings, new expectations, and new possibilities for the sequel. And yes, there's a great chance that there will be a sequel. I'm definitely going to read the next book when it's, or if it will ever come out. Oh yeah, btw, the book goes a bit faster than last time.
3) The characters. They act and react to one another so well. I love how Lucas knows Glory very much. (Notice I said knows, not like. Cause some of you guys love to mistakenly misread words). Lucas plays the part of a smart, intelligent, and handsome young man while Glory plays a girl who doesn't care about anything in life. But put those guys together in the bushes and you get a full out war, especially if they are undercover on an assignment.
4) Laura Powell's writing significantly improved. It's very attractive and gives Witch Fire the appearance of a well-written book.
With all these new standards and expectations, the sequel to Witch Fire needs to be even better than Witch Fire and Burn Mark. I really hope Powell doesn't screw up on the next book.
Rating: Four out of Five
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But Witch Fire totally blew me away. I was amazed by how much the book improved. I loved it so much I reread it, savoring most of the pages. There's a lot of reasons why this book is the new and improved. (I'm going to do this by list, because I'm into listopias at this moment).
1) The romance. I love it. The pairing that we had always been waiting for happened! Finally, we see these two lovebirds come together. It's so cute that they are doubting each other, confused and lost. I can't wait for them to appear in the next book.
2) The plot. Now everything is so much clearer. Everything makes sense. Everything opens to reveal new beginnings, new expectations, and new possibilities for the sequel. And yes, there's a great chance that there will be a sequel. I'm definitely going to read the next book when it's, or if it will ever come out. Oh yeah, btw, the book goes a bit faster than last time.
3) The characters. They act and react to one another so well. I love how Lucas knows Glory very much. (Notice I said knows, not like. Cause some of you guys love to mistakenly misread words). Lucas plays the part of a smart, intelligent, and handsome young man while Glory plays a girl who doesn't care about anything in life. But put those guys together in the bushes and you get a full out war, especially if they are undercover on an assignment.
4) Laura Powell's writing significantly improved. It's very attractive and gives Witch Fire the appearance of a well-written book.
With all these new standards and expectations, the sequel to Witch Fire needs to be even better than Witch Fire and Burn Mark. I really hope Powell doesn't screw up on the next book.
Rating: Four out of Five
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June 11, 2015After taking about three years to get around to reading Burn Mark, I amazed myself by reading its sequel just a few months later. With a good foundation to work off, Witch Fire steps things up a notch with a fast pace and gripping plot.
My main complaint about Burn Mark was the sluggish introduction, although I really love the world and rich social history Powell has created in both books. With that strong base, Witch Fire moved at a consistently swifter pace, jumping into the action with only a snippet of reflection of the happenings of the first book. That’s the way I like things in a sequel. Having focused more on Lucas and Glory’s discover of their Fae in Burn Mark, I really enjoyed the shift to an international espionage mission and witch terrorism in Witch Fire.
Although Witch Fire is certainly more driven by a compelling mystery than book one, Powell has not sacrificed Lucas and Glory’s character development for the sake of the plot. Witch Fire saw their relationship develop more, something I loved as their partnership was one of my favourite elements of Burn Mark. Above all, my favourite thing about the way Powell has developed Lucas and Glory’s relationship is the hint of romance lingering with them doesn’t take away from the storyline.
As I mentioned in my review of Burn Mark, I’m not a huge reader of paranormal novels. But this pair of books have been a fun romp into an unfamiliar genre for me. I found both Burn Mark and Witch Fire to be quite compelling novels. Powell has created a rich and genuinely interesting alternate world. While for me Witch Fire is the better of the two, there’s no denying it couldn’t be so without the solid foundation set in Burn Mark.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
My main complaint about Burn Mark was the sluggish introduction, although I really love the world and rich social history Powell has created in both books. With that strong base, Witch Fire moved at a consistently swifter pace, jumping into the action with only a snippet of reflection of the happenings of the first book. That’s the way I like things in a sequel. Having focused more on Lucas and Glory’s discover of their Fae in Burn Mark, I really enjoyed the shift to an international espionage mission and witch terrorism in Witch Fire.
Although Witch Fire is certainly more driven by a compelling mystery than book one, Powell has not sacrificed Lucas and Glory’s character development for the sake of the plot. Witch Fire saw their relationship develop more, something I loved as their partnership was one of my favourite elements of Burn Mark. Above all, my favourite thing about the way Powell has developed Lucas and Glory’s relationship is the hint of romance lingering with them doesn’t take away from the storyline.
As I mentioned in my review of Burn Mark, I’m not a huge reader of paranormal novels. But this pair of books have been a fun romp into an unfamiliar genre for me. I found both Burn Mark and Witch Fire to be quite compelling novels. Powell has created a rich and genuinely interesting alternate world. While for me Witch Fire is the better of the two, there’s no denying it couldn’t be so without the solid foundation set in Burn Mark.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
April 4, 2013
Witch Fire picks up with Glory and Lucas, they have joined WICA, Witchkind Intelligence and Covert Affairs, being registered witches and allowed to practise witch work as part of their job, including sky leaping. Soon they are faced with their first mission and are being sent undercover to Wildings School to investigate Endor's interest in it's pupils.
While there they find out more about an operation that can remove the Devils Kiss mark and the magic within that person, however this operation is all hush hush and only a select few know of it. Those that partake in the operation don't always come back the same, if they come back at all. With their cover compromised Lucas and Glory go their separate ways, Lucas is sent home, and Glory goes to Candice's place in Cordoba where she finds out
I read Burn Mark last year and I have been looking forward to finding out what will happen with Glory and Lucas. I found the beginning of Witch Fire started great and soon the action started, however I felt that the rest of the plot coasted along with the occasional bump to grab you attention before settling back down again. While I enjoyed Witch Fire, it wasn't what I expected it to be. Yes there was magic, hints of romance, mysteries and secrets but there was just something that was missing, I wanted to be dragged into the pages and feel like I was part of the adventure too rather than looking in from the outside.
It took me a while to read Witch Fire as there was only just enough to keep me wanting to know more but not enough for me to demolish the book in one sitting. If you have read Burn Mark then Witch Fire tells you more about what this duo is up to now and what they are capable of.
While there they find out more about an operation that can remove the Devils Kiss mark and the magic within that person, however this operation is all hush hush and only a select few know of it. Those that partake in the operation don't always come back the same, if they come back at all. With their cover compromised Lucas and Glory go their separate ways, Lucas is sent home, and Glory goes to Candice's place in Cordoba where she finds out
I read Burn Mark last year and I have been looking forward to finding out what will happen with Glory and Lucas. I found the beginning of Witch Fire started great and soon the action started, however I felt that the rest of the plot coasted along with the occasional bump to grab you attention before settling back down again. While I enjoyed Witch Fire, it wasn't what I expected it to be. Yes there was magic, hints of romance, mysteries and secrets but there was just something that was missing, I wanted to be dragged into the pages and feel like I was part of the adventure too rather than looking in from the outside.
It took me a while to read Witch Fire as there was only just enough to keep me wanting to know more but not enough for me to demolish the book in one sitting. If you have read Burn Mark then Witch Fire tells you more about what this duo is up to now and what they are capable of.
November 26, 2014
Just as good as the first one, with a few parts being far better. The story gets going much faster, without spending 70+ pages talking about the characters' personal lives. Lucas and Glory both get far more character development, and it's great in both cases (with a small exception I'll get to in a moment). And there are a few expertly-crafted twists that tie into the story perfectly.
It's hard to get into detail about the plot without spoilers. So suffice to say, it's a bigger conflict than it initially seems, with the governments of entire countries being put on the chopping block.
Here come the negatives. They aren't too bad, just enough to cost it a 5 stars.
The conflict is big, but they don't spend nearly enough time drilling that in. The book sort of glazes over the fact that this terrorist plot threatens the well-being of millions of people. Instead, it deigns to make the Witches seem overall sympathetic, which makes it seem like things wouldn't be too bad if they were able to run around free. But at the same time, it tries to say that people live in constant fear of them. Sorry, Powell, you can't have your cake and eat it too.
The slightly bigger problem with the story is
Definitely worth reading if you like:
-Crime/Mystery Novels
-Non-clichéd Urban Fantasy
-Main characters who are intelligent enough to handle themselves
-A thick plot that covers a lot of ground
It's hard to get into detail about the plot without spoilers. So suffice to say, it's a bigger conflict than it initially seems, with the governments of entire countries being put on the chopping block.
Here come the negatives. They aren't too bad, just enough to cost it a 5 stars.
The conflict is big, but they don't spend nearly enough time drilling that in. The book sort of glazes over the fact that this terrorist plot threatens the well-being of millions of people. Instead, it deigns to make the Witches seem overall sympathetic, which makes it seem like things wouldn't be too bad if they were able to run around free. But at the same time, it tries to say that people live in constant fear of them. Sorry, Powell, you can't have your cake and eat it too.
The slightly bigger problem with the story is
Definitely worth reading if you like:
-Crime/Mystery Novels
-Non-clichéd Urban Fantasy
-Main characters who are intelligent enough to handle themselves
-A thick plot that covers a lot of ground
April 1, 2013
This is quite a clever little book.
It is set in a dystopian world of humans and witches, who are feared and rejected for their power, which is called their fae.
The author has the witch hunters or anti-witch brigades going back to the use of barbaric, archaic and medieval methods of witch torture and exposure. Using methods like witch dunking to get the alleged witch to admit to their crime or witchdom.
That's right you read that correctly, the good old dunkeroo game. If you swim you're a witch and if you don't you...well at least you don't burn. The ultimate punishment being burnt at the stake of course. Just like in the good old days.
As shocking or even as clichéd as this return to the times of the Inqusition may sound I actually found it quite fascinating.
Even in an dystopian setting the natural inclination of humans is to destroy that which they can neither understood nor control.
Each country boasts a native Inquistion agency. Like the FBI but with flame accelerants. Witches have special passports and need permission to travel. Errm hint of genocide anyone?
So although this story starts out a little awkward it picks up in no time and is a really interesting combination of past history and a possible new age.
The age range is younger teen and despite the methods I mentioned above it does not contain any violence or unsuitable content for younger readers.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.
It is set in a dystopian world of humans and witches, who are feared and rejected for their power, which is called their fae.
The author has the witch hunters or anti-witch brigades going back to the use of barbaric, archaic and medieval methods of witch torture and exposure. Using methods like witch dunking to get the alleged witch to admit to their crime or witchdom.
That's right you read that correctly, the good old dunkeroo game. If you swim you're a witch and if you don't you...well at least you don't burn. The ultimate punishment being burnt at the stake of course. Just like in the good old days.
As shocking or even as clichéd as this return to the times of the Inqusition may sound I actually found it quite fascinating.
Even in an dystopian setting the natural inclination of humans is to destroy that which they can neither understood nor control.
Each country boasts a native Inquistion agency. Like the FBI but with flame accelerants. Witches have special passports and need permission to travel. Errm hint of genocide anyone?
So although this story starts out a little awkward it picks up in no time and is a really interesting combination of past history and a possible new age.
The age range is younger teen and despite the methods I mentioned above it does not contain any violence or unsuitable content for younger readers.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 9, 2017
Witch Fire has been one of the best books I’ve read this year. It was great from the start and it just kept getting better and better. I will admit that it didn’t have as much tension or suspension as the first book; however, I still loved the book. The author, Laura Powell, proceeds to write a magnificent and different world with witchcraft and government agencies. She does a wonderful job allowing us to come back into the world with Lucas Stearne and Glory Sterling. The book is about two teenage witches who were born in opposite homes. They are recruited by a government witch agency that assigns them to go on a mission. Glory and Lucas suffer through lots of witches’ and criminals’ acts before finally arriving at their destination. One thing that I’ll say that I didn’t like was that the author kept referring back to the first book to allow the readers some background knowledge. It started off really well and just kept getting better. This book keeps you hooked from the moment you start reading to the end. The beginning rushes a bit but I loved every moment. I truly enjoyed how creative and full of imagination the book was filled with. The way Laura Powell wrote this intricate story made me want to skip my homework and go straight to the story. Powell mixes in a little bit of romance, loyalty, treachery, and bravery. I recommend this book who anyone who is looking for a book to read and to those who have finished the first book. The sequel doesn’t disappoint.
April 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this sequel to Burn Mark. I love the connection between Lucas and Glory and how Laura Powell has crafted the world they live in and the characters around them. I can see Lucas' father struggling to accept the changes in his son, he genuinely loves his son and is proud of him but it seems that the Fae is still a big unacknowledged barrier between them.
Glory is still clinging to a lot of prejudices that are still getting between her and Lucas but I have hope that the events in this book will put a lot into perspective for her and hopefully put an end to a lot of her prejudices.
I loved the new characters in this book as well, they were fun (espeacially Raffi!) and we found out what exactly happened to Rose which makes me think there's a good chance that there will be another book as I think their adventure isn't totally done.
I hope to see more progress between them as well cause I think they're good influences on each other and are a great team. Glory gets Lucas to loosen up and question more now and she's helped him accept his Fae. Lucas is encouraging Glory to not settle for coven life and to push herself to acheive more as well as showing her a different POV and that not everything is the way she's been led to believe by the coven. They're both freer since they got their Fae and met! Love this series and really hope a third book is on the way!
Glory is still clinging to a lot of prejudices that are still getting between her and Lucas but I have hope that the events in this book will put a lot into perspective for her and hopefully put an end to a lot of her prejudices.
I loved the new characters in this book as well, they were fun (espeacially Raffi!) and we found out what exactly happened to Rose which makes me think there's a good chance that there will be another book as I think their adventure isn't totally done.
I hope to see more progress between them as well cause I think they're good influences on each other and are a great team. Glory gets Lucas to loosen up and question more now and she's helped him accept his Fae. Lucas is encouraging Glory to not settle for coven life and to push herself to acheive more as well as showing her a different POV and that not everything is the way she's been led to believe by the coven. They're both freer since they got their Fae and met! Love this series and really hope a third book is on the way!
July 24, 2013
When a book is as good as BURN MARK, I'm always skeptical about the second book (if its a series). Its very hard to find a second book that is as good as the first. In rare instances where the second book actually is in danger of beating the first book in awesomeness? Absolutely brilliant! WITCH FIRE was a thrill to read. It was fast pace and unexpected, keeping readers on edge (I would burst out randomly with omg! Blahblahblah happened! Scaring the people in the room). I loved that the main characters developed more in this book. They explored their ingrained seventh sense, their purpose,and also their feelings more as the plot got thicker. Also the fact that a more formidable enemy was introduced was brilliant, as it will Pave the way perfectly for the next book. BURN MARK initially caught my attention because of it being unconventional. The opposite of our typical witches, this book combines the olden days witch theories (burning at the stake) with modern days inquisition. The witchcraft is more blood and grit and very well thought out. The world building, or in this case description of plot and surroundings was also very good.(it being in London was also a bonus);)
I will be waiting anxiously for the next book...hoping the characters remain the same and that Laura Powell can do to the next book what she achieved with the second, and make it even better!!!
I will be waiting anxiously for the next book...hoping the characters remain the same and that Laura Powell can do to the next book what she achieved with the second, and make it even better!!!
December 15, 2013
I told myself I would read this novel, just to see if it was better than the first because IMO the first really sucked. The second was about the same. I don't see how people think this series is great. They must not have much taste in literary talent if they loved this novel. I dislike it for the most part.
The main female character is made to look like an uneducated redneck tool, it's as if the author thinks that people who don't go to school would talk like that.. it just screams ignorance to me.
The main male character is an idiot, who betrays the main female more times than I can count and thinks it's alright to hide things.
and when we finally run into the main female characters mother, well she's a real work of art too... NOT!
The story behind it was unique and could of been shit loads better, *IF* the story was written better and was made more interesting. Instead between the language and the disarray of characters, with no strong lead of where to go, the novel just seemingly falls apart.
I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone and if another novel comes out, I certainly wouldn't be caught dead reading it. This novel and the one before if was a complete waste of time, time that I won't get back.
The main female character is made to look like an uneducated redneck tool, it's as if the author thinks that people who don't go to school would talk like that.. it just screams ignorance to me.
The main male character is an idiot, who betrays the main female more times than I can count and thinks it's alright to hide things.
and when we finally run into the main female characters mother, well she's a real work of art too... NOT!
The story behind it was unique and could of been shit loads better, *IF* the story was written better and was made more interesting. Instead between the language and the disarray of characters, with no strong lead of where to go, the novel just seemingly falls apart.
I wouldn't recommend this series to anyone and if another novel comes out, I certainly wouldn't be caught dead reading it. This novel and the one before if was a complete waste of time, time that I won't get back.
January 27, 2015
I got really excited when I finally got a copy of this book as I loved the first one in the series and actually found time to reread book one in preparedness.
This instalment is just as good as the first and whilst very different in its feel it had all the elements I loved about the first book and added to it. The story picks up shortly after book one ends with Lucas and Glory training to prepare for a mission for WICA the organisation they have recently been recruited to. I really love the two of them as characters and I loved following them in this instalment as they go undercover at a boarding school for teens who are witches.
I won't tell you too much about what happens in this book for fearing of spoiling it but to say I really enjoyed it. It was pacey and exciting throughout and added to the world set up in the first book without having that second in a series feel to it. I loved getting to know the characters that little bit more and the revelations were brilliant and left me really excited for the last book without that being felt hanging.
A fab story and brilliant read which I enjoyed thoroughly.
This instalment is just as good as the first and whilst very different in its feel it had all the elements I loved about the first book and added to it. The story picks up shortly after book one ends with Lucas and Glory training to prepare for a mission for WICA the organisation they have recently been recruited to. I really love the two of them as characters and I loved following them in this instalment as they go undercover at a boarding school for teens who are witches.
I won't tell you too much about what happens in this book for fearing of spoiling it but to say I really enjoyed it. It was pacey and exciting throughout and added to the world set up in the first book without having that second in a series feel to it. I loved getting to know the characters that little bit more and the revelations were brilliant and left me really excited for the last book without that being felt hanging.
A fab story and brilliant read which I enjoyed thoroughly.
June 22, 2013
Witch Fire is the second novel in Laura Powell's Burn Mark series, the first of which I read and reviewed last year. This second installment picks soon nafter where Burn Mark left off with Glory and Lucas working for WICA (Witchkind Intelligence and Covert Affairs). The pair are tasked to investigate an exclusive boarding school in Switzerland where the WICA suspects Endor is recruiting the witchkind sons and daughters of high profile and wealthy citizens.
Witch Fire combines espionage, politics and adventure with the paranormal and moves between England, Switzerland and South America at a good pace. Powell's world is detailed and interesting and she continues to build on it's unique elements. Glory and Lucas are settling well into their partnership until secrets are revealed that threaten to pit them against one another.
Though skewed towards a young adult audience, Witch Fire will appeal to older fans of the genre. A solid, entertaining story , I think reading Burn Mark first will enhance the enjoyment of Witch Fire though it can be read as a stand alone.
Witch Fire combines espionage, politics and adventure with the paranormal and moves between England, Switzerland and South America at a good pace. Powell's world is detailed and interesting and she continues to build on it's unique elements. Glory and Lucas are settling well into their partnership until secrets are revealed that threaten to pit them against one another.
Though skewed towards a young adult audience, Witch Fire will appeal to older fans of the genre. A solid, entertaining story , I think reading Burn Mark first will enhance the enjoyment of Witch Fire though it can be read as a stand alone.
August 8, 2015
The adventure that Lucas and Glory started in Burn Mark continues in Witch Fire. They are both working for WICA. They are sent to a private boarding school to investigate reports that Endor is working on some plan through the students there.
Along the way, they find Rose, a student that they knew from home. She had gone through a surgery to remover her fae. The last time Glory had seen her, Rose had been in an unresponsive state. Glory finds her well in the town in Switzerland where the boarding school is located. Upon contacting her, she finds that maybe all is not "well" with Rose. She seems to have mood swings and times when she blanks out. Does this have to do with the surgery that she had? What does she have to do with the terrorist organization that they have been sent to investigate? Can Glory and Lucas trust her? These questions and more are answered as they go.
I'm waiting now for the third and final installment of this trilogy.
Along the way, they find Rose, a student that they knew from home. She had gone through a surgery to remover her fae. The last time Glory had seen her, Rose had been in an unresponsive state. Glory finds her well in the town in Switzerland where the boarding school is located. Upon contacting her, she finds that maybe all is not "well" with Rose. She seems to have mood swings and times when she blanks out. Does this have to do with the surgery that she had? What does she have to do with the terrorist organization that they have been sent to investigate? Can Glory and Lucas trust her? These questions and more are answered as they go.
I'm waiting now for the third and final installment of this trilogy.
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