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Witch Kin Chronicles #1
An Ignorant Witch
There are no quick fixes to errors in magic...
With the right training, Dara Martin could be a powerful witch, but instead she finds herself checking out the local trades college.
There’s not much magic in plumbing.
An illegitimate half-blood witch, her birth father pays her to stay under the radar. She has to hide her abilities because the aristocratic Witch Kin have a monopoly on all things magic, and they’re prepared to kill to keep it that way.
But Hugh’s arrival changes everything, because he’s not bound by the strict rules of the local Kin. Dara doesn’t care if he’s a rogue witch or not, because he shows her a thing or two about using magic.
Unfortunately, she’s an impatient student and finds out the hard way that sometimes a little knowledge is more dangerous than none at all.
With the right training, Dara Martin could be a powerful witch, but instead she finds herself checking out the local trades college.
There’s not much magic in plumbing.
An illegitimate half-blood witch, her birth father pays her to stay under the radar. She has to hide her abilities because the aristocratic Witch Kin have a monopoly on all things magic, and they’re prepared to kill to keep it that way.
But Hugh’s arrival changes everything, because he’s not bound by the strict rules of the local Kin. Dara doesn’t care if he’s a rogue witch or not, because he shows her a thing or two about using magic.
Unfortunately, she’s an impatient student and finds out the hard way that sometimes a little knowledge is more dangerous than none at all.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2019
880 people are currently reading
1504 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 6, 2019
Also posted on my blog!
Audience
I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be. Dara is 20 but immature, the book occasionally uses curse words, and the writing is straight forward and mostly easy to read. It makes it difficult to recommend because it sounds New YA based on story/ages but it reads like a young YA book. It's the same issue I had with The New Keeper. It really could have been written to strongly suit one specific audience.
Setting
The book has a strong setting on Granby Island, Newfoundland. Graham does a fantastic job describing Newfoundland's landscapes, people, and berry pail quirks. I've never been there so I can't confirm, but Dara lists off the directions she's taking by naming streets and local points-of-interest, along with the names of various hills and describes the terrain. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of her aunt's cozy kitchen/home and Dara's step-mother's home. I know Dara points it out, but I still enjoy how the sterility of their home is not "witchy" but Edna's home has more of said qualities.
I don't remember there being any Newfoundland dogs, but there should be. They are good bois. Missed opportunity.
Writing
The book does a lot of telling rather than showing. The beginning pages of the book goes into her appearance, her house, her family drama - Dara just tells the reader. She legitimately talks to the reader and that drives me bananas. All this information could have been explored naturally such as: she gets a glimpse of herself in the mirror, brushes her unruly hair, comes home to her aunt's house so she can describe it, a slow dribble her family history to the reader to keep interest and mystery. Dumping it on the reader was jarring, but if you can take the dumps of information and run with the story, I think you can have a fun time.
Final Verdict
If you're looking for a new book of witches who aren't instantly over-powered and who make mistakes, and even a book set in Newfoundland, this book may strike your fancy. The core story is what kept me reading. This author has a lot of potential and I sincerely hope they continue writing. As for this book, I hope this is Dara's introduction to the Witch Kin in terms of magic and politics that will follow in book 2.
Audience
I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be. Dara is 20 but immature, the book occasionally uses curse words, and the writing is straight forward and mostly easy to read. It makes it difficult to recommend because it sounds New YA based on story/ages but it reads like a young YA book. It's the same issue I had with The New Keeper. It really could have been written to strongly suit one specific audience.
Setting
The book has a strong setting on Granby Island, Newfoundland. Graham does a fantastic job describing Newfoundland's landscapes, people, and berry pail quirks. I've never been there so I can't confirm, but Dara lists off the directions she's taking by naming streets and local points-of-interest, along with the names of various hills and describes the terrain. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of her aunt's cozy kitchen/home and Dara's step-mother's home. I know Dara points it out, but I still enjoy how the sterility of their home is not "witchy" but Edna's home has more of said qualities.
I don't remember there being any Newfoundland dogs, but there should be. They are good bois. Missed opportunity.
Writing
The book does a lot of telling rather than showing. The beginning pages of the book goes into her appearance, her house, her family drama - Dara just tells the reader. She legitimately talks to the reader and that drives me bananas. All this information could have been explored naturally such as: she gets a glimpse of herself in the mirror, brushes her unruly hair, comes home to her aunt's house so she can describe it, a slow dribble her family history to the reader to keep interest and mystery. Dumping it on the reader was jarring, but if you can take the dumps of information and run with the story, I think you can have a fun time.
Final Verdict
If you're looking for a new book of witches who aren't instantly over-powered and who make mistakes, and even a book set in Newfoundland, this book may strike your fancy. The core story is what kept me reading. This author has a lot of potential and I sincerely hope they continue writing. As for this book, I hope this is Dara's introduction to the Witch Kin in terms of magic and politics that will follow in book 2.
October 5, 2021
This small book took me a week to read because I could not get into it and ended up having to skim the last half to finish it. The characters are totally flat and noncompelling. Dara, the main character, talks to the reader to explain everything that is going on. The other characters are poorly developed and some of them (like Hugh, a witch from Scotland) are randomly thrown in the story. The dialogue between them feels stilted and unnatural. The overall plot and world building are confusing and juvenile. If Dara pointed out one more time that she was not formally educated in witchcraft because her mother was a “Normal” I would probably have screamed. At least every couple of pages some reference was made to her being… “an ignorant witch.” There are also some things said in the book that are just unacceptable. For example, Dara tells the reader that she has noticed her sister losing weight and would be worried but “she’s just an anorexic bitch.” Maybe if you’re not a critical reader and just want a short book to pass the time this would be fine, but I got this for free on Apple Books and now I know why it was available for no charge.
October 29, 2019
An Ignorant witch was quite a thrilling and compelling story about Dara, a half-blood witch who is trying to find her place in the world. Dara is witty and keeps the reader gripped to the plot. The details and descriptions are clear and precise which gives the reader a vivid imagery of this world. The modern day elements blend well with the supernatural rudiments.
The style of the writing really captures and enchants the reader, which makes you want to read more. There was enough plot twists to keep the plot interesting. Characters developed well and each had a unique voice.
We enjoyed the way the novel turned out to be and we are excited to follow Dara in her journey as a witch.
The style of the writing really captures and enchants the reader, which makes you want to read more. There was enough plot twists to keep the plot interesting. Characters developed well and each had a unique voice.
We enjoyed the way the novel turned out to be and we are excited to follow Dara in her journey as a witch.
October 28, 2022
I'm very conflicted on everything about this book. Was it easy to read? Very much so. Was there some really interesting themes and points? Yeah. Was half of the story insufferable? Yeah.
Dara, the main character, is incredibly immature and impulsive. She can't hear the word no and won't let anyone explain something if it isn't happening right this second even to everyone's determent. The story is written in first person, with Dara explaining the events as if it's a voice over. This can be done very well but it wasn't smooth here for me at all. I think she's meant to be 20 or so, but she comes across much younger.
There was not a lot of depth or character development from anyone. The most was Dara's dad but even then that wasn't a whole lot.
I can see where the story could have gone, and how it could have been much better.
Dara, the main character, is incredibly immature and impulsive. She can't hear the word no and won't let anyone explain something if it isn't happening right this second even to everyone's determent. The story is written in first person, with Dara explaining the events as if it's a voice over. This can be done very well but it wasn't smooth here for me at all. I think she's meant to be 20 or so, but she comes across much younger.
There was not a lot of depth or character development from anyone. The most was Dara's dad but even then that wasn't a whole lot.
I can see where the story could have gone, and how it could have been much better.
June 1, 2021
Totally unexpected
Prepare to be educated about witches' fairies dwarfs and all the other creatures of legend they are not what the stories portray, fairies aren't nice, witches are self-serving and half breeds are despised. Well written with a somewhat different storyline great characters spring to life on the page, rather darker than the usual witchy reads, well worth a look, Baz
Prepare to be educated about witches' fairies dwarfs and all the other creatures of legend they are not what the stories portray, fairies aren't nice, witches are self-serving and half breeds are despised. Well written with a somewhat different storyline great characters spring to life on the page, rather darker than the usual witchy reads, well worth a look, Baz
August 22, 2019
This book took me too long to read. Normally kindle books take me a couple days; a week at the most but not this one. I went into this thinking I would enjoy it or it would be a nice change from what I normally read but I don’t feel like I can give this book anything higher than 3 stars.
I didn’t really relate to any of the characters and I didn’t really like most of them honestly. Dara wasn’t bad but Hugh wasn’t my favorite sometimes and there relationship wasn’t like I thought it would be. Also some of these characters were in the book for most of the time and then all of a sudden something happens with one specific character so then you don’t hear about the rest of the characters until the end. I appreciated the ending because it really left no questions but I’m not really sure if I’m going to read the second one.
I personally just wanted to finish this story. I can’t really DNF books for some reason but I came close with this one because I was just kinda bored and it was not keeping my attention.
I didn’t really relate to any of the characters and I didn’t really like most of them honestly. Dara wasn’t bad but Hugh wasn’t my favorite sometimes and there relationship wasn’t like I thought it would be. Also some of these characters were in the book for most of the time and then all of a sudden something happens with one specific character so then you don’t hear about the rest of the characters until the end. I appreciated the ending because it really left no questions but I’m not really sure if I’m going to read the second one.
I personally just wanted to finish this story. I can’t really DNF books for some reason but I came close with this one because I was just kinda bored and it was not keeping my attention.
April 20, 2021
Who would have thought there is so much preternatural life going on in Newfoundland? Dara Martin hangs between the two worlds of the Alt where her witch father rules their clan and the "real" world where she does not fit. Crises cause her to call on her witch blood and try to sort her way through both worlds and the terrors they possess.
June 20, 2021
I am right in the midst of reading this book - and I am having a great time! While it is a easy read - perhaps geared for YA it is no less entertaining. The character are well developed and the storyline strong. The story is filled with witches, half bloods elves, dwarfs and who else I am not quite sure yet. But honestly I am having a fun time with this read. This is the first book in a series and itI can't wait to see what happens to the young witch as she discovers her powers.
June 2, 2021
Pretty good read !
I enjoyed this one. It has potential as a series. I will be looking forward to the next one !
I enjoyed this one. It has potential as a series. I will be looking forward to the next one !
June 7, 2021
Witches!
Whether you believe in witches or not, it must be really hard to be a half witch with no training and to have a father that doesn't claim you and doesn't even want you anywhere around him!. But even without family helping and training , things are happening to you magically. Because of not knowing how to use your gift, terrible things go wrong. Will anyone help?
Whether you believe in witches or not, it must be really hard to be a half witch with no training and to have a father that doesn't claim you and doesn't even want you anywhere around him!. But even without family helping and training , things are happening to you magically. Because of not knowing how to use your gift, terrible things go wrong. Will anyone help?
June 6, 2021
An enjoyable story of witch hierarchy and prejudices with some inter dimensional trips into the Alt and a few elves and fairies thrown in for good measure. More training needed and some awareness of the politics between factions would have saved Dara a bit of time.
June 28, 2021
Did a nice job of creating the setting for these stories. I like the different factions. The writing isn’t bad , not terribly funny or clever but interesting. I liked it enough to want to read more , but wish a bit more had been fleshed out in this book
January 21, 2024
It really didn’t have any resolution.
June 12, 2021
A must read
I liked everything about this book. Its fast moving, full of adventure and excitement. It's differant from the usual cosy mysteries. A must read.
I liked everything about this book. Its fast moving, full of adventure and excitement. It's differant from the usual cosy mysteries. A must read.
July 9, 2021
Half blood witchery
Dara has spent her early years being told to deny her half witch parentage. Circumstances encourage her to use her hidden powers and she discovers how powerful she might become. Good witches and bad compete in the world which embraces Normals, elves, dwarves and Alt Town. I don't often read supernatural but I enjoyed this and will read the next one
Dara has spent her early years being told to deny her half witch parentage. Circumstances encourage her to use her hidden powers and she discovers how powerful she might become. Good witches and bad compete in the world which embraces Normals, elves, dwarves and Alt Town. I don't often read supernatural but I enjoyed this and will read the next one
June 2, 2021
The Canadian setting was interesting. It was also a fresh take on witchcraft. Suitable for a wide range of readers.
October 17, 2021
Down Home Witches
I bought this on a whim, sucker for witch series that i am, and was pleasantly rewarded as i realized it is set in St. John's Nfld. Great characters and a sense of Newfoundland without getting bogged down in patois. Fun start to a series i am now looking forward to getting into.
I bought this on a whim, sucker for witch series that i am, and was pleasantly rewarded as i realized it is set in St. John's Nfld. Great characters and a sense of Newfoundland without getting bogged down in patois. Fun start to a series i am now looking forward to getting into.
October 5, 2021
I really loved this book! This is the story of Dara, a young, untrained half-witch who lives in a very diverse supernatural community. She is bullied and looked down on by the full blood witches including her own half-siblings. She has no real idea how powerful she is until she meets Hugh, a witch from another community who shows her. She gets into trouble trying to help a friend and has to have help fixing it and saving her friend.
This has given me the fantasy fix I've been craving and I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
This has given me the fantasy fix I've been craving and I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
November 22, 2019
Wonderfully written the book captures the reader from the beginning and never lets you go until you have come to the end. St.John's will never look or be the same for me from now on I love how the story entwines the familiar with the unknown.
August 28, 2019
An Ignorant witch is about the halfblood witch Dara, who tries to help her best friend with the ghost in her house and her lost brother. As nobody taught her how to use her magic properly she gets herself and her best friend in more trouble than she tried to solve.
It's a funny and suspenseful book I couldn't put down. I loved the style it's written and how Liz Graham introduced new characters throughout the book. The mythical creatures are described detailed and with complex characteristics. Just like they would be right before your eyes.
All in all I can recommend this book to every witch book and fantasy book fan in general.
I'm very excited for the other books in the Witch Kin Chronicles.
It's a funny and suspenseful book I couldn't put down. I loved the style it's written and how Liz Graham introduced new characters throughout the book. The mythical creatures are described detailed and with complex characteristics. Just like they would be right before your eyes.
All in all I can recommend this book to every witch book and fantasy book fan in general.
I'm very excited for the other books in the Witch Kin Chronicles.
January 4, 2022
Dara is a young half-blood witch dealing with community prejudice and family abandonment issues. Her mother is missing, probably dead, and her father wants nothing to do with her. Despite being ordered not to delve in magic and having had no training in it, her natural abilities keep getting her in trouble with the supernatural. It's a strong and intriguing premise that carries the reader through the book. I would have given this book a higher rating but for the numerous typos and one big plot issue.
Spoiler alert: The plot hole is that Dara keeps worrying about her best friend Alice not returning her calls. Perfectly reasonable except that she herself has her friend's phone and it's not like she forgot that fact. So what phone was she calling? Did I miss something?
Spoiler alert: The plot hole is that Dara keeps worrying about her best friend Alice not returning her calls. Perfectly reasonable except that she herself has her friend's phone and it's not like she forgot that fact. So what phone was she calling? Did I miss something?
June 13, 2021
Witches and elves and vampires and ghosts and fairies, oh my!
An entertaining supernatural tale full of all sorts of other worldly characters, some good and some evil. The main character, a half blood witch, is a bit of an air head who causes more problems than she solves but everything seems to come out okay in the end. This is the first book in a series and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for this young witch in future books.
An entertaining supernatural tale full of all sorts of other worldly characters, some good and some evil. The main character, a half blood witch, is a bit of an air head who causes more problems than she solves but everything seems to come out okay in the end. This is the first book in a series and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for this young witch in future books.
August 2, 2019
4 Stars. Good book.
What I Liked:
-Beautiful Cover
-Has magic, witches & fairies
-Good World-building
-Original twist on the concept & execution of fairies
-Has a good mix of mystery & humor
-Easy to Read
What Needs Improvement/Wasn't the biggest fan of:
-Likeable MC Dara
-Didn't get emotionally attached to any of the characters (more of a me problem)
-There's a certain level of predictability to the plot; Plot wasn't super gripping for me
I'll make sure to look out for the author's future books.
*Rating & review is subject to change*
What I Liked:
-Beautiful Cover
-Has magic, witches & fairies
-Good World-building
-Original twist on the concept & execution of fairies
-Has a good mix of mystery & humor
-Easy to Read
What Needs Improvement/Wasn't the biggest fan of:
-Likeable MC Dara
-Didn't get emotionally attached to any of the characters (more of a me problem)
-There's a certain level of predictability to the plot; Plot wasn't super gripping for me
I'll make sure to look out for the author's future books.
*Rating & review is subject to change*
January 2, 2020
Fun Romp
It was really nice to read a book about supernatural powers based in Canada. It seems we are always looking to the older lands for that, when in truth it exists all around us—even right here in Canada.
A couple of editing errors that tend to drive me crazy, but if overlooked, still well-written and fun.
I definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick, mindless, but fun read.
It was really nice to read a book about supernatural powers based in Canada. It seems we are always looking to the older lands for that, when in truth it exists all around us—even right here in Canada.
A couple of editing errors that tend to drive me crazy, but if overlooked, still well-written and fun.
I definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick, mindless, but fun read.
September 21, 2023
I ended up reading this in essentially one day, I couldn’t get enough! The author brought this story to life & gave me the ability to escape the real world for a bit (much like the alt- just a little less.. dark) 10/10, I already bought the second book and I can’t wait to start it!
Huge thank you to my friend for turning me on to the series!
Huge thank you to my friend for turning me on to the series!
May 12, 2025
4 out of 5 stars – Magical and Relatable
An Ignorant Witch by E.M. Graham is a charming and clever start to a magical series. Dara’s journey from clueless newcomer to budding witch is engaging, funny, and full of heart. While the pacing lags a bit early on, the world-building and relatable characters more than make up for it. A great pick for fans of cozy fantasy with a coming-of-age twist.
An Ignorant Witch by E.M. Graham is a charming and clever start to a magical series. Dara’s journey from clueless newcomer to budding witch is engaging, funny, and full of heart. While the pacing lags a bit early on, the world-building and relatable characters more than make up for it. A great pick for fans of cozy fantasy with a coming-of-age twist.
Read
August 18, 2019Enjoyed the book! It started strong, with some description about her family that was interesting and I wanted to find out more about the witch kin, which is a new concept, rather than just “coven”.
August 29, 2019
This is a great read! Well written with a unique twist on fairies in an interesting and intriguing world that the author has built, I just could not put this down! A great storyline with some interesting characters , mystery and humour along this a fab read.
June 10, 2021
A witch in training.
Dara is a half blood. A mortal with some power, but no idea how to use it or cope with the consequences. Yet, she has an innate sense, that she has more to offer than she has been told.
Dara is a half blood. A mortal with some power, but no idea how to use it or cope with the consequences. Yet, she has an innate sense, that she has more to offer than she has been told.
January 22, 2022
Really enjoyed this book! It didn't go your typical way of the hero comes from nowhere and saves the day. It had a different angle to it and one that worked really well.
I can't wait to find the next books in the series and read the whole lot!
I can't wait to find the next books in the series and read the whole lot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews