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Crone #1

Butcher of Banshees: A Gothic Fantasy Tale

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"Bodana is a young woman beaten down to nothing.

Yet soon, she rises from her sorrow; for it is the only way to silence the voices in her head. Dark souls exist in this world, this she learns firsthand. Those that are responsible for much of her grief.

It soon becomes her life's mission to seek out these crones, these monster’s that prey on the innocent. Her only salvation is to be a glimmer of hope to those in need.

She’s a dark angel who sings her song in the moonlight!"

245 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2021

1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read

About the author

Michael W. Huard

74 books252 followers
Fantasy author from rural Maine. It's just me and my writing partner, Sammy a French bulldog!

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5 stars
20 (66%)
4 stars
6 (20%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
1 star
3 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for tasya ☾.
415 reviews201 followers
October 4, 2022
“I might have fallen, but what I have become on my way down carries me now. I will not give up. Never will I give up.”

i really liked this book. bodana has been through a lot from the beginning of the story, and i am pretty invested in seeing what awaits for her and how will things work out for her. i loved seeing bodana's character growth. she is a completely different version of herself by the end of this book. she is not weak and frail anymore. i understand where she comes from as a character, and she didn't get to properly deal with the grief and pain of losing her father, and her lover, Henry. she's also dealing with her own issues of self worth and self defense which got explored more heavily in the second half of the story.

i had no idea how bodana would deal with everything going on in the story, but there were some pretty exciting scenes where bodana went on a journey and found herself meeting some new friends who help her along the way. other than that, all the characters are interesting. i also very much enjoyed the presence of awesome, he's a great companion for bodana.

next, i liked the banshee storyline. the creatures in this book are very strange and unusual which make them fascinating. i also enjoyed the plot and the variety of the characters in this story. butcher of banshees is for all of you that are looking for a depressingly dark gothic fantasy with a badass female main character, unusual creatures, and vengeance. it's dark, creepy, and cultish! many thanks to michael w. huard for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Gartman.
192 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2021
Impressive and very entertaining read! Bo is one hell of a woman. She's suffered greatly and still managed to push forward and become a kickass woman. There's so much going on throughout her journey. Lots of action and so many great and colorful characters. Each character is unique and full of personality. I very much enjoyed the imaginative writing skills and world created within the pages. Butcher of Banshees is without a doubt my favorite book by this author. I look forward for more in this series. I very highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,855 reviews112 followers
March 31, 2021
Wow, this was amazing. This book needs to be read, there is no doubts at all about that. It moves along at a speed which is neither too fast nor too slow. It has characters that will grab your interest and you cannot help but fall in love with them. You want to know more about them. The story grabs you and keeps your interest from beginning to end and when you get to the end you ware wanting more. This is a must read book and needs to be on your TBR list, you will not be sorry that you did.
Profile Image for Brandee Call.
20 reviews
April 5, 2021
Loved this story. Love how you get drawn in and can't put the book down. You want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Wish there was more back story on the banshees but am excited that the ending is left with a possibility of continuation. It was an easy fun read and one I would let me teenager read also. Once again was captivated by Michael Huard.
Profile Image for Cathy Healy.
16 reviews6 followers
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book, the story is moving and compelling. It's a nice, not too long read.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
156 reviews16 followers
April 27, 2021
What an amazing read.
Bodana aka Bo is the Butchers daughter, after Bo goes through and endures such pain she goes on a journey. What happens to her during this journey leads her to unexpected close relationships of the most unusual kind. Together they fight, but please, “Beware” as this is a story that will leave you craving for more!
Profile Image for Anna Braley.
95 reviews21 followers
March 28, 2021
Easy,Fast read! Page Turner from beginning to end. Bo loosing her mother than father. Finds love with Henry.Henry is then taken from her.She longs to find the thing responsible. She meets friends who offer words of advice and wisdom to help her on her journey. Her adventure along the way is fascinating!! Finds revenge in the end.Im looking forward to "Bane of Banshees "
Profile Image for candence mars.
15 reviews
May 25, 2021
Wow! What a story! It had me at the beginning and didn’t let go. This writer has a great way of pulling you into the story and keeping you along for the ride!!
Profile Image for Mrs Sarah Smith.
4 reviews
May 20, 2021
A real adventure!

This is not only a fantasy story although it does have all the ingredients of one. It is also a story of transformation and growth. Bodana or Bo begins as a beloved butchers daughter, being brought up by her father after the death of her mother. A chain of events unfold that transform this young girl into a woman, a warrior; this is not by choice, it’s down to a need to survive, to overcome hardship and tragedy of which there is plenty.

We see Bo drawn into a world of witchcraft and horror, where things are not always as they seem. The characters are colourful and imaginative, the story is fast paced and easy to read, keeping the reader interested and drawn to Bo and those she encounters on her journey. I look forward to seeing what awaits Bo in the next instalment of this series.


Profile Image for Patty.
190 reviews
September 8, 2021
so this is a new author to me, i normally enjoy reading new authors and if i enjoy their works i spread the word. this however, was the absolute WORST BOOK I'VE EVER READ! i wish i could ask for my time and money back, honestly, all these rave reviews - did you people actually read this or are you just friends of the author. the poor grammar, abysmal spelling, lack of proof reading, confusing tone and language of the story makes it obvious there's no one editing this garbage. the cover artwork is the best thing about this book. as a huge fan of fantasy, please try writing children's books where they won't have their intelligence insulted page after page. gah!
and if you believe this review is harsh, just ask me - i'd be glad to point out the many horrendous - wait, just pick a page yourself and good luck not finding anything wrong with it as i can't bear to look at it anymore.
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
May 6, 2021
Butcher of Banshees by Michael W. Huard is Book 1 in the Crones series. This is an awesome read. The world building and character development are phenomenal. The pace is just right keeping you turning pages. The MFC, Bodana, has experienced a great deal of loss and she wants to find why and who caused it. On her journey for revenge she has a number of close relationships with some very unusual characters. The writing is excellent and draws you into the story and leaves you wanting more at the end. This is definitely a must read which I highly recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Stacy Meyer.
3 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2021
A harrowing adventure full of loss and learning how to deal with those heavy losses and find happiness in life. A great main character who is strong, fierce, and powerful yet relatable and with her own flaws. A great story of vengeance with interesting characters.
5 reviews
May 21, 2021
Mr. Huard, you have done it again! Without giving anything up, I can honestly say that you took me on wild ride with your characters. Bo and Awesome were, well, Awesome! Ha ha! I love your imagination and cannot wait to read the rest of this collection.
1 review
May 25, 2021
This book was totally intriguing from start to finish! Keeps your interest the entire story..and it's a great story. Life's lessons..amazing! Very original and easy to get lost in! Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Tonya Paul.
27 reviews
March 21, 2022
Was not a fan

The writing was awkward, and the dialogue was very stiff. The story has potential, but it really was a struggle to get through the writing. I will not be reading the next book.
33 reviews
February 17, 2023
Poor

I can't believe I suffered thru 15% of this book. When I state it is juvenile, I mean that it reads like it has been written by a juvenile. I couldn't have finished this book even when I was a juvenile.
5 reviews
May 20, 2021
Amazing story start to finish.. Michael Huard is an amazing writer.. Never disappoints.. Characters are amazing.. Bo u rocks!!!
Profile Image for Debby Hill.
9 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2021
Very good read with characters you care about especially the heroine. I highly recommend it. First in a series. Can't wait for the rest.
Profile Image for Alexis.
837 reviews63 followers
June 18, 2021
Loved this book I Couldn't put it down. kept me pulled into it Cover fits into What the book is about. I do recommend this book plan on rereading it later on this year.
2 reviews
September 7, 2021
One of my favorite books. It's an awesome read. I highly recommend this book for anyone. Edge of your seat holds your attention
Profile Image for Tracy Baker.
40 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. The journey Bo and her fabulous horse takes in not only finding herself but overcoming the pain she has of losing her dad, Henry , and her son. fighting the dreadful hags and her goonies. Enhancing her skills to fight the dark souls in the world
You want to keep reading and find out what happens next
Sure hope there’s more to come
Profile Image for Sarah Hays.
Author 11 books9 followers
May 31, 2021
Excellent novel!

As an extension of the Count Rothschild and Tatijana novels, the true story of Bodana is revealed. She seeks out the banshees that are creating chaos and brings safety and solace to those in need. Great read!
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
March 10, 2020
Thrilling, creepy, exciting and very suspenseful
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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