Salem's Vengeance

Vengeance Trilogy #1

by Aaron Galvin

Sixteen-year-old Sarah Kelly never expected to meet the Devil’s daughter. She only sought innocent dancing in the moonlight, not a coven entranced by their dark priestess. When her friends partake of a powder meant to conjure spirits - and the results go horribly awry - Sarah is forced to make a choice. To keep their secret risks her own damnation, but to condemn them may invoke the accusing remnants of Salem to rise again.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Witches, Horror, Fantasy, Historical

ebook

First published July 22, 2014

About the author

Aaron Galvin learned that he could get away with making up stories at age five and has continued telling them ever since. He is a conflicted Slytherin/Gryffindor, a known rascal, and sometime ne’er-do-well.

Also, he writes. Daily, sometimes, but mostly nightly.

He currently lives in Southern California with his two lovely daughters and an adoring wife, who continues to put up with his antics even though he doesn’t write the kissy-kissy, ‘everyone lived happily ever after’ books of which she much prefers.

Drop him a line ➜ aaron@aarongalvin.com
Visit his website ➜ aarongalvin.com
Send a tweet ➜ @aarongalvin5
Instagram➜ /galvinaaron/
Like the Aaron Galvin Facebook page ➜ facebook.com/aarongalvinauthor/

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Salem Witch Trials, though an extremely dark part of American history, was equally an incredibly fascinating time…well, if you're a history buff like me. This story flowed evenly with well developed characters, but with new twists on how our ancestor's paranoia and misjudgments came about at the time. A way of life so foreign to our modern way of thinking.

Truthfully, I really enjoyed this story but I will say-- when I had to put it down for a day (or two) I needed to go back and read the prior page to remember where I left off. (Which also took more time than I would have liked.)

Nonetheless, this is a well written historical novel (the first of three) and I was not only impressed with it's 17th century language throughout, but also the feeling of the story's authenticity--I actually felt as if I were there. Galvin did his research, that's for sure.

A worth while read, especially if you enjoy this particular era of time and I congratulate Mr. Galvin for a job well done!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidding a teen from joining in on things her friends are doing without a “good” reason was just as volatile of a situation in Salem MA in the 1600s as it is today. Sarah wanted to dance, have innocent fun with her friends, but what she found was a witches’ coven, dark magic and a priestess who claimed to be the Devil’s daughter. What started out as a simple act of defiance by sneaking out of her home grows into a nightmarish bloodbath, filled with strange substances, sacrifice and the horrors that Salem’s witches were long accused of.
The priestess’ name was Hecate and she wanted Sarah, body, mind and soul, but why? And so begins another frightening tale of the witches from Salem and how the Salem Witch Trials became an ugly scar of the face of American history. Mysterious strangers, Satanic rituals, brutal murders and well-planned political machinations made the accusations of witchcraft fodder for hysteria and mob rule. Are there more secrets hiding in the words of a man now dead? Who is the man known as the Priest? Will Hecate use bait to draw Sarah out?

Salem’s Vengeance by Aaron Galvin is more than a dark tale of horror and superstition, it is a journey into the hearts, minds and souls of this dark era as the evil of supernatural faces off against the innocence of one girl. Aaron Galvin has spared nothing in bringing history to life in all of its ugly glory. He allows us to be part of the story, as if we are standing alongside the characters, feeling the fear of the unknown, smelling the stench of unwashed bodies, and wanting to do anything to help Sarah. After a brilliant and mesmerizing tale, Mr. Galvin wraps it all up in an ending that shines! Ever wonder about the Salem Witch Trials? This is the perfect way to feel like you’ve fallen back in time where heroes rise and fall and magic can become a twisted weapon!

I received this copy from Aaron Galvin in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Vengeance Trilogy - Book 1
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Publisher: Aames & Abernathy
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Print Length: 264 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Carla D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Opinião em português no blog Pepita Mágica: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2015/...

I received a digital arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Salem Trials are one of the few things about American History that actually interest me. For that reason, when I saw “Salem’s Vengeance” and read its synopsis I felt like I needed to read it. And when it tries to “explain” what happened through science/facts/logic that makes me even more interested! But I have to admit that my knowledge about it is almost insignificant, although I'm always curious about stuff evolving magic, witches, warlocks, mythology and stuff.

“Salem’s Vengeance” has two stories that are intimately tangled. We follow the story through Sarah’s eyes – once it is written in the first person – while she tells us what is happening in the “present” (1712 – after Salem trials), but that's not the only story. Sarah is a young girl, who is drawn by the moon to go to dance gatherings with her friends. One night, they meet Hecate and everything changes. Sarah senses something is wrong and backs away, not being able to take her friends with her. At that moment, Hecate secretly gives Sarah a diary and its through it that we read about what happened in 1692/1693, during the Salem trials.

I don't know what I was expecting about this story; I don't know if I was rooting for the magic to really exist or rooting for a logical and factual tale. “Salem’s Vengeance” is well written and actually gets a story in a good path, I have to admit that, but I could not feel anything about what was happening nor its characters. Well, except one, Priest, because I got intrigued by him. Sarah, Emma, Andrew, Wesley, (you name it) were totally indifferent to me. I could never care for them. The first 50% of the book is boring, slow paced and nothing remotely interesting happens. After the 50% mark, it gets slightly better: its pace gets faster, there is some action, angst and a small love triangle (too forced, to be honest).

I feel a bit disappointed. It never got near my expectations. I don't even know if I want to keep track of this trilogy.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review can be found at :


http://fortheloveofbooksreviews.blogs...


I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley.

In this historical fiction novel, Sarah lives with her sister, mother, and father. She discovers a group of people who dance to hypnotic music in the moonlight and who wish for her and her friends to join them. She receives a mysterious journal and reads about Thomas Putnam's experiences in Salem during the Salem Witch Trials.

When her friend Ruth becomes afflicted after coming into contact with a mysterious powder, things take a deadly turn. What appeared to be an innocent yet unusual past time turns out to be the work of a vengeful woman who goes by the name of Hecate. She leads a large group of witches out for revenge, and she herself seeks revenge against Sarah's own father.

With the help of Bishop and the mysterious Priest, she hopes to defeat these bloodthirsty witches once and for all. But will she, and those around her, live to tell the tale?

I haven't read a book quite like this one before. Historical fiction isn't a genre I read often, but when I saw this on Netgalley I thought I'd give it a try.

First of all, I was impressed with the writing style. Most of my experiences with historical fiction have included rather dry writing, but the author of Salem's Vengeance surprised me with detailed descriptions that were perfectly balanced. They weren't too extensive but provided enough information to form a clear picture of the settings and specifics of the situations which arose.

I also appreciated that I was able to connect with Sarah, the main character and narrator. I found myself understanding her decisions and feelings, and I was rooting for her survival throughout the whole book. As for Bishop, I found him an asset to the story as he brought humor to the more serious events and was an overall entertaining character. Priest was a juxtaposition of Bishop: unlike Bishop, Priest was quiet and reserved, and much more secretive. I thought this was a great way to balance the humor and mystery in the story as depending on which character was the focus, the mood shifted.

This novel also contained a lot of violence. There were attacks, sacrifices, murders, ambushes, and more. This didn't bother me personally, however I feel it is important to mention this because some readers may be offended by such content. So if you are easily upset when it comes to violence, you may want to steer clear of this book.

In conclusion, it was overall an interesting read with lots of action and a likeable main character and narrator.

I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, those who like stories with action and violence, and to readers interested in books based on the superstitions surrounding the time of The Salem Witch Trials.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher.

an intriguing new look at the historic Salem witch hunts. Set 19 years after the events at Salem, the “witches” are back! And with them comes the horrific (fictional) truth about what took place all those years ago, and who still continues to play puppet master.

Along the way, young Sarah learns some very close to home truths, leaving her entire world in pieces, but that’s nothing compared to what she’s about to face. With the two strangers (now friends... no, make that family) by her side, she learns who she really is, fights the battle of her life, and embarks on a new future she’d never dreamed of.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

So the idea of this novel really intrigued me and got me hooked. I have always been fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials, as the first execution in Salem of June 10th is my birthday.

However, this novel has given me mixed feelings. There is not witch craft in this novel. Yes, it explains why, however I was hoping for actual spooky and paranormal witchness. Instead we are left with drug addicts, that are kept compliant to keep the drugs; lest the withdraw occurs.

The action towards the second half of the novel was fast paced and really exciting. Sarah reading the journal of Thomas Putnam was exciting. However, the only real characters that I was engaged and wanted to see more of was Priest and Bishop. A lot of the relationships I did not believe could be true, Sarah and her friends, Wesley, or her mother and father was too far stretch for me.

[Clare Stracke · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my full review on www.stacksandshelves.wordpress.com :)

My Review
The Salem Witch Trials have always fascinated me and as a lover of all things paranormal and occult, I was really excited to start this book. As a History major, I was happy that the author included the modern-day perspective on what likely caused the accusers to experience fits of mania and other “cursed” behaviors. Galvin framed his story around the scientific explanation of ergot poisoning instead of using actual paranormal elements, which I thought was refreshing. While the story is based on true events of history along with science, he still wove in his own fictionalized tale of conspiracy and betrayal.

That being said, the story was just…ok. I mean I liked it, it wasn’t bad. However, I kept putting it down to do other things and I wasn’t crazy about needing to get back to reading it. I also read several other books in between that held my attention more. The language used was a problem for me. Galvin wrote the story entirely in the vocabulary style of the day. Unfortunately, I felt that the way it was executed was overdone. Other novels have used the language of history to their advantage, such as A Great and Terrible Beauty. I felt the author was trying too hard, just throwing in “nigh” and “ere” haphazardly. The root in history was what drove me to continue reading.

My main fault lies in the characters. I really did not like Sarah. Sarah is the protagonist. That is an issue. I found her to be extremely annoying. She is a naïve girl who cannot think for herself and is constantly “oh, woe is me, whatever can I do?” She is also entirely submissive to the males in the story, particularly her father. I realize this is set in a historical period where that was the norm. However, Sarah seems completely content with her “place,” rarely mentioning any feelings of resentment of her submission as a fair female. Towards the end of Salem’s Vengeance, there was some development of her character, but I felt it was only because of the dire situation rather than any true development. There was also a bad case of insta-love between Sarah and a character who legitimately says no words. He is portrayed as the strong silent type with secrets in his past and she falls for him hard. They barely exchange 3 sentences and t hat is within the last chapters of the book! Irritating.

At times, I felt like I was rooting more for Hecate, the “Devil’s Daughter.” Yes, she is an evil woman who takes pleasure in making others suffer. However, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Hecate was wronged by those close to Sarah and it makes her quest for vengeance seem almost justified. Still, she turns two of Sarah’s best friends against her with the evil “powder” where they are basically on drugs. I didn’t feel that bad for them, which says something about their characters.

The one character I did like was Bishop, the crass Irishman with an aversion to attachments. I felt his use of language was more believable and I loved how he didn’t care what any one of the righteous idiots thought. He was on a mission, he had a purpose. This is in direct contrast to the rest of the characters who were skittering around terrified and only acting reactionary. I did enjoy the ending of the novel, but it just took so long to get there. The showdown with the “witches” definitely had the action and story I was craving, I just wish the same could be said of the whole novel.


In Summary

The Good

Rooted the story in history and science
Added an interesting plot of betrayal and conspiracy
Crass Irishman

The Not So Good

Irritating and passive main characters
Pacing issues, took forever to get to the end which did not quite redeem the rest
Overuse of “historical” vocabulary that hindered the story telling rather than enhancing
Insta-love

Recommendation

If you are not as bothered by constant use of historical vocabulary that doesn’t really enhance the story and can deal with an irritating main character, then by all means! The historical story woven with conspiracy did keep my attention. I would recommend this as a book to read in between others when you want something quick.

[Wendy Labrado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I appreciate a good book about witches and the Salem Witch Trials.

I enjoyed how the history was tied with the story and I genuinely did not expect all the twists and turns. The writing seems accurate to the 1700s and it is fast-paced with no dull parts.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5
(I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher, Aames & Abernathy, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
***Minor spoilers***

Salem's Vengeance, set only a few years after the notorious Salem Witch Trials shows a life where everyone still believes in witchcraft. If a person was accused of witchcraft, they would be condemned and it was believed they were consorting with the devil. Sarah is nearly a woman, and she and her friends like to sneak out at night and "dance." One night, they sneak out and find other people where they usually meet. The leader of this dance calls herself Hecate, the Devil's Daughter. She succeeds in making two of Sarah's friends snort powder. When they don't get more, they are subject to convulsions, inhumane strength, and delusions - the same symptoms of someone who was "afflicted by witchcraft."

I've always been interested in learning about the Salem Witch Trials. They sounded intriguing to me but for some reason, I never got around to researching them. While this book doesn't take place during the Salem Witch Trials, it does provide some background on it, and it was also interesting to learn what life was like after.

I felt that the setting and the language was very authentic of the 1700's which I really enjoyed. I love reading historical fictions set over 100 years ago because I love learning about how different the society and expectations were back then. I don't believe I've ever read a book set in the 1700's and I really enjoyed this one.

I did find the first bit of the story to be a bit dull, but since I read this book in fragments between other books, it didn't seem as bad because I wasn't reading it back to back. While it was perhaps dull in some places, I found it fairly easy to understand, which I was thankful for. Sometimes I find it difficult to understand some things in books set a long time ago since things were so different, but in this one I had no problems following along.

I enjoyed how there was a tiny bit of romance in this book, but only a hint. It wasn't enough to take away from the story itself, but it did provide something light as a way to cheer me up from how dark the rest of the story is. I really liked how it wasn't insta-love, but it was gradual attraction and it actually seemed realistic to me.

Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I would've rated it higher if the first bit was more exciting, but I still didn't find the first part too boring. If you have an interest in the Salem Witch Trials or witchcraft in general (not real witchcraft, of course) or you're simple looking for an interesting quick read set in the 1700's, definitely pick up this book.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. The Salem Witch trials has always fascinated me and was an intriguing thing to read about. I hadn't really found a retelling or a novel that had the premise of the witch trials that I really loved until I read this book.

I believe a thing to note about this book would be the characters. Each had brought a different yet great aspect to the book in every way. There were the obvious antagonists, and then there were also surprises among the protagonists too. I found the main character, Sarah Kelly to have all the right traits a female heroine needs for a story to be complete. She also made such strong and brave sacrifices for a girl her age. Then there was Bishop, he seemed to say the funniest things, even in the times that there shouldn't have been laughing involved. I believe he added a little extra to the story. Then there was Priest, I can truly say that I have found yet another character to add to my favorites list. He was the only character that had me in a crying fit... twice. He barely spoke, however when he did, it was deep and full of emotion and I just wanted to keep reading. Well done to Aaron Galvin for writing such brilliant characters.

The story itself was also very well written. The only thing I found wrong with it was the slow start. I actually had some troubles to really get into the novel. I started getting more intrigued after I was already 35-40% done the book. That was unfortunate, however the rest of the 60% of the novel impressed me. The ending was also very nice. I know that this is a trilogy so I was worried that the author would end it on a cliff hanger, however that wasn't the case. The book ended nicely, I mean things that had happened before the ending were quite tragic, but the ending was nice.

In Conclusion this book was very well written, and I believe the reading audience can be for anyone really. It had mystery, along with some romance. It also included humor. I do highly recommend this book, especially though for those who are looking for a good book the pertains around the Salem Witch Trials.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salem's Vengeance (Vengeance Trilogy Book 1) by Aaron Galvin

While innocently dancing in the moonlight, sixteen ear old Sarah Kelly becomes entranced by a coven Dark Priestess. She doesn't expect to come face to face with the Devil's daughter either. Sarah an her friends (innocently) conjure up spirits and things turn bad quickly. Soon Sarah is faced with a tough choice, or Salem's horrible past may rise again, with a vengeance.

A well written story set in the late 1600's, during the Salem witch trials. The characters are very well developed, the dialog is precise for that era, and the events of the witch trials are chilling to the bone. Sarah is very likable. She finds herself in a dangerous situation. As one young girl decides to go against her parents, she soon learns the dire consequences she must face. It was intense watching this original story unfold.

The brutality of the witch trials, the satanic rituals, the bloodshed and danger is edge-of-your-seat intense. The accuracy of what did actually in Salem at that time mixed with fiction made a fascinating, compelling all night (intense) dramatic read. I strongly recommend Salem's Vengeance to those who love a great witch story, you won't be disappointed.

[Slytherin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Fantasy/ Historical Fiction
Author: Aaron Galvin
Book: Salem’s Vengeance (Vengeance Trilogy #1)
My Star Rating: 5
Will I read I read it again? Yes
Intro: Sixteen-year-old Sarah Kelly never expected to meet the Devil’s daughter. She only sought innocent dancing in the moonlight, not a coven entranced by their dark priestess.
When her friends partake of a powder meant to conjure spirits - and the results go horribly awry - Sarah is forced to make a choice. To keep their secret risks her own damnation, but to condemn them may invoke the accusing remnants of Salem to rise again.

I really enjoyed this book. The witch trials with a new twist. The author did a wonderful job by keeping the 17th century language throughout the book. I found the characters to be really complex.
It was sad to see a few die in this book. Some say it was graphic but I didn’t seem to mind it at all, I think it flowed really well with the writing style of the book where I didn’t think it was all bloody and kill, kill, kill book.
I think the mom really sucked and she was very selfish. Don’t get me started on the father. I can’t wait to get started on book 2.



I received this book for an honest review.

[Christy]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

A fresh apporach to a well know American story. SALEM witchcraft. This book is slow on the pick up but draws you in still wiht the insights intot he character and keeps you guessing. Once the action starts is pretty much dosen't stop aslo. I am looking forward to read more in this series. And to see what direction she takes the characters in. this is a period set story and i appericate that she kept the characters true to how they would have behaviored back then.

I would reccommand this book for 14 plus. There is some sexual content

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise. As soon as I started reading, I was hooked. Told from sixteen-year old Sarah Kelly's perspective, the story grabs you by the throat. Good, creepy, historical fiction. These witches are not for the faint of heart. Grab your copy and see if you'll be able to sleep at night.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on seriestracker.wordpress.com

Dupped again by the synopsis! When, oh when, will I ever learn? Since I got Salem's Vengeance by Aaron Galvin from Netgalley, I will post the description that made me do the downloading:

"Sixteen-year-old Sarah Kelly never expected to meet the Devil’s daughter. She only sought innocent dancing in the moonlight, not a coven entranced by their dark priestess. When her friends partake of a powder meant to conjure spirits - and the results go horribly awry - Sarah is forced to make a choice. To keep their secret risks her own damnation, but to condemn them may invoke the accusing remnants of Salem to rise again."

The expectations that I had from reading that - let's just say it didn't match up. This isn't a knock on the book. Because I really liked it. But, boy, I wish I had been better prepared. I expected actual supernatural (you know, the reference to the devil's daughter sort of set that expectation) and found myself facing down another historical.

Well researched, fast paced, and intriguing, Salem's Vengeance is the story of both what really happened during the Salem Witch Trials and the aftermath of all that lunacy. It's not non-fiction but in many ways it feels that way. Upon laying my eyes on the words on the pages of this book, I was transported from my 21st century setting with an e-reader in my lap and a cell phone in my pocket to a time of candles and horse-drawn carriages. Filled with mystery and intrigue, as to who the characters really were, I knew there were surprises coming, and I knew characters weren't who they professed to be but I was surprised at every turn as to the exact identities of almost of them, as they were revealed in time.

Know going into this that the language takes a little getting used to. Written in an old English style, similar I would guess to the writings of the time, I did at first find that the reading was slower. The pace of the story wasn't impacted by it, as that moved fairly quickly. But my ability to read the story was slowed slightly in the beginning by the exact turn of phrase used by the author. Narrated from the perspective of Sarah, out teenage protagonist, her thoughts (and the journal she reads) must have taken considerable time to craft in the language of he 17th century. It was quite impressive.

Maybe I am reading too much in to the story, but it felt a little like a commentary on society and society's ability to work itself into a paranoid frenzy without having all the facts (or perhaps precisely because of that fact). And, I am reminded on a great quote from the ever wonderful Agent Kay: " A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it". And that is what is described here - not once, but twice as we see the events of Sarah's present day and the events of Salem through a journal Sarah is reading. It is well done too. The author gets just the right amount of facts in front of the characters in each parallel event and the mob mentality takes over, without any logic or reasons peeping it head up for even a quick look around. Instead, both have their heads buried firmly and far into the ground and events spiral out of control until lots of people are dead. I would like to say that in the world we live in today that could never happen, but it happens more often today with the ability for anyone to push information, on a mass scale, regardless of the truth of it. So, it was interesting to see the parallels between the Trials and what Sarah faces and what society is facing on a near daily basis, across so many aspects of society. I won't name any so as to keep this review apolitical, but I conjured the analogies in my mind as I read this book. But, there are a number of excellent lessons here in history repeating itself as well as society's inability to think rationally at certain times. Even the title, to me, seems to represent multiple things: Hecate's vengeance, Bishop's vengeance, Sarah's once her father is killed. But... oh well... again, maybe I was just reading too much into things.

The funny thing about my expectations not being met is not that I was disappointed. Far from it, in fact. I truly enjoyed this - from start to finish. Even with the need to chart out a few of the characters (especially those in the journal as we read the events of the Salem Trials unfolding) to keep them all straight, I am hard pressed to point to any criticism. The characters were well thought out and obviously the author did significant research. I am sure that added to the genuine, historical feel to the book.

One other thing to know - and this is not a criticism either - it is fairly dark. The entire tone of the book (and this too might be in part based on the speech patterns used to tell the story) is dark and creepy. The notion of witches and the devil's daughter, even without any of it working out to be paranormal in any way, is moody and brooding. It is a revenge story after-all; the telling of horrendous crimes against those in Salem and a fitting (from Hecate's point of view) fate for those who inflicted the damage upon Salem. It is also the telling of a vicious and evil plan to hunt down and kill others. Darkness is required to pull that off without it seeming comical or melodramatic. I could picture the creepy woods and the tiny little colonial town. The ability to conjure those images with the right amount of sinister-ness was something the author excelled at. I found it easy to form the mental pictures of the forest and the witches dancing around their priestess. And I didn't feel like the images were from some horror spoof. The author found the perfect balance - I was fearful for the fate of Sarah and her siblings but wasn't creeped out or rolling my eyes that it was overdone. Again, it was near perfect.

This is how a book should read. The plot was more straightforward that it seems at first. And it was clear that the details of the plot were calculated and planned. There weren't the haphazard moments where I had to wonder where did that come from or doesn't that contradict what I read earlier. Instead, it was near perfect. I was engrossed in the story and had to see how it ended. That's the way it should be for me. Those are my favorites. And, it was nice to see that this was merely the first in a trilogy. I can't wait to see what happens to the characters next!

I just wish synopsis writers could have been as close to perfect with what they wrote as Salem's Vengeance is!

[Seanean · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://librarytalker.blogspot.com/20...

It's been 20 years since the Salem Witch Trials and people are still haunted by what happened. Most people still keep a close lookout for witches in their area and try not to do anything that might lead to suspicion coming down on their heads.

Sarah Kelly is the eldest child in her home and is diligent about following the word of God and obeying her strict father.

Except when the call to dance in the moonlight comes.

On those nights, she and her friends meet up in the forest and dance until near dawn, enjoying the freedom that comes with those nights.

But one night, things go too far. Sarah's friends are caught up in something new and different by a woman who is new, strange, and powerful. Before Sarah leaves, the woman hands her a journal, which will begin Sarah's education into what really happened in Salem.

What Sarah doesn't understand immediately is how key her role is in the vengeance that is about to come down on one of the key players from 20 years before.

Final thoughts: Very slow paced at the start and then racing at the end, like a snowball starting at the top of the mountain, only to become an avalanche at the bottom. Sarah's story is interesting on its own, but it becomes horrific and grisly towards the end. While some of the information within is historically accurate, this cannot be said to be a historical fiction novel. There's just too much horror here for that. Ok, but not great. Don't need to read the rest of the series.

Rating: 3/5 (more like 2.5)

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

[Lucile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book to follow up after reading, for Book Club, a non-fiction work on the Salem witch trials. Galvin has done his research, and the historical background is evident. Although this is a fiction it helped me to continue our discussion of the question "What was at the root of the witch hunt in Salem." Several theories are out there, none have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sarah and her friends sneak out at night, meeting in a clearing, to dance under the moon. Remember dancing, like many other things, was not permitted Puritan communities. As their meeting continue a group of witches from outside their community begin indoctrinating the girls into their practices. Sarah is given a diary written during 1692 by one of the key players at that time--the father of Anne Putnam.

As the witchcraft and possessions escalate Sarah learns things she does not want to believe about her own father's association with Salem. She also must learn who can be trusted and who should be feared. Eventually, she learns hard lessons but grows in strength and courage.

This well-written story includes many themes including, truth, retribution, fear, and knowing who can be trusted. It helped me, at least, to see one possible reason for the accusations of witchcraft in Salem.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salem's Vengeance
Vengeance Trilogy: Book 1
By Aaron Galvin

Evil dwells just beyond the cornfield hidden from prying eyes. Young Sarah a puritan girl living in the wilds of the new America with her family comes in direct contact with those who were involved a mere nineteen years prior too the bloodiest witch trials of Salem, Massachuttes and they seek vengeance. At present most individuals have heard of the Salem Witch Trails in their reading and have now been bombarded with several theories as to the mysterious behavior of the children and their parents. Did the parents willingly instruct their children to point the finger at those in their community whom in the past had wronged them or owed them some debt? What did those labeled as "Witch" own that others cherished? Moreover, was the ergot bacteria or some other drug to blame for their psychotic manifestations? In this thrilling fictional look back at a historical blood-soaked time in history, we are again reminded of the evils that dwell within the heart of even the most pious religious believers.

http://www.aarongalvin.com/
Salem's Fury
Vengeance Trilogy: Book 2
Salem's Legacy
Vengeance Trilogy - Book 3

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this story isn’t set in Salem, site of the infamous witch trials, it does rely heavily on that time. I’m not well versed in the events of the Salem Witch Trials but that didn’t stop me enjoying this excellent book. Also, I have found myself wanting to know more about what actually happened and that period in time generally. I know the author did a lot of research into the subject before writing his story so how much of what he included was based on reality? Every character in the book is compelling, not least Sarah Kelly herself who is the main focus, and each adds to the tale. This is an addictive read that is written extremely well combining history and fiction to compelling effect. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started reading but it didn't take too long before I had to force myself to stop (a girl's gotta have her sleep). The Author paints such a vivid picture with his written word that you feel you are an actual participant rather than a bystander. This is the first book from Aaron Galvin that I have had the pleasure of reading and it definitely won't be my last as there are two more books in the Revenge Trilogy I have yet to read. Happy Reading. Annemarie

I received a free copy of this book through Prolific Works and have chosen to leave a review.

[Paula Galvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good adventure with lots of action. It was a little hard to get used to the old English language that it's written in but after I got the hang of it, it added authenticity to the story. Sarah Campbell is hunted by witches seeking revenge for her father's sins at the Salem Witch trials, but with the help of a few brave men and her brother, she survives. I can't wait to see what happens in the next two books in the series.

[Wendy Tavares · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating story. The piece of story on what may have been behind the Salem witch trials is unique without being ridiculous. The main characters are believable, finding inner strengths in the face of adversity but not suddenly developing magical powers that solve all their problems. It was a fun read. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

[Maggie Shackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ere means before

The consistent use of ere was distracting. It wasn't long before my brain automatically substituted the more familiar word. Great book, I've already got the next two.

[Penny Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise inside...

I was pleasantly surprised by the history tied into this story. The writing is well done, fast paced and keeps pulling you through the story. So glad glad I have 2 more to go...well worth my time spent reading it.

[Derith Rolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

I read this quickly, needing to get to the end. An excellent start to what looks like a trilogy. Strong and fast, no wasted words and laborious descriptions. Captivating characters I willedto succeed.

[vicky anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Love , love, love....The Salem Witch trials has been an all time favorite of mine also. I did my thesis in college over it. I can’t wait to start the second book Salem’s Fury!

[Toni L.]

When I started this book, I thought OH NO not
another dull one but when it took off;
was I wrong. It was really good. On to number 2.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read, but great read. Thoroughly enjoyed the history laces into the story.

[Sally Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story, a whole new twist on Salem and it’s witches, this book held me from beginning to end, I hope the next two do the same.

[kaila · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

the only reason i finished this book is because the plot had me hooked early on. i should've dnf'ed it as it would have saved a lot of time and energy.