Witch on the Water chronicles the continuing adventures of twelve-year-old Cullen and his friends, Maddy and April. Cullen thought he had enough trouble surviving school, dealing with his miserable home life, and being possessed by Rowan, a 1400-year-old wizard. But when Rowan’s wife, the sadistic vampire Fiana, comes back seeking revenge, Cullen and his band of misfits must do what they can to stop her. This time Cullen’s favorite teacher is Fiana’s first target. Imaginative and poignant, the adventure of Rowan and Cullen thoroughly enchants the reader and is a great series for readers of fantasy, young and old. Witch on the Water is the second book in the award-winning Rowan of the Wood fantasy series.
Amazon bestselling author of the critically-acclaimed survival memoir One Reason to Live and the award-winning Rowan of the Wood YA fantasy series. Needs copious amounts of dark chocolate, frothy mochas, and silent solitude.
All her books, including the new memoir One Reason to Live, are available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zuoh8E
Between 2010 and 2014, also wrote romance and horror, mostly Steampunk, under the name O. M. Grey.
Cullen is sick. Sick with a cold. Sick of what has happened. Sick of his “family”. And sick of Rowan and Rowan’s excuses for Fiana. If he could forget what has happened would he want to? If he could get rid of Rowan, would he?
Fiana made a sacrifice to find her love, Rowan. But has that sacrifice that she made so many centuries ago taken the last of her humanity? She will do whatever it takes to get her husband back! Even if it means killing everyone who he now holds dear.
Cullen and his friends have faced danger and possible death. They have managed to get away from Fiana once, but will they be able to do it again? When this sadistic vampire comes to seek her revenge and to try to reclaim her husband from so long ago will the children be able to beat her back again? Or will she have tricks up her sleeve that they will not expect?
Christine and Ethan Rose have done it yet again! Witch on the Water is filled with action, suspense, and intense emotions. Easily a tale that you can share with your children, the details entrance and the action more than keeps your attention. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale! I loved getting more of a back story on Fiana. The Indian section was absolutely great! And I loved hearing of what the Otherworld looked like. It was all very easy to imagine with the beautiful descriptions. Definitely a great follow up to Rowan of the Wood! And one intense read! I cannot wait for the third installment!
I think I liked this one just as much as the first. It seemed a little rushed in parts and still needed some editing, but those are my only complaints.
I know for some that the climax will be too short, but I was glad of that. The best part of a book for me is getting to know the characters and following them around in their everyday lives, so I was not disappointed. Regardless, I thought that the story moved along quickly and that there was plenty of action and back story. I had a hard time putting it down. Christine and Ethan write from their hearts and from the hearts of their characters.
I could tell that I really liked this series when I noticed how excited I was to see how the characters were doing and what they were up to after the first book. I was so glad that the first book wasn't the end of their adventures! I loved the ending of this book - some great surprises there. And to me, the way the major battle was resolved was unique and funny. I would have liked to see this in a movie.
A couple more tidbits - The way the Samuels family is painted just really tickles me. I'm glad that we didn't see the last of them in the first book (although, not good for Cullen's sake). One of my favorite parts of the book was the way Cullen (positively) reacted to trading his PBJ sandwich for a tofu and sprouts sandwich. Little quirks like that really endear me to a book.
Wow, what a good book. I think for an independent book it was pretty good. Some Indie books are not all that great but I haven't tried to write and publish my own books, hard work. This is a nice series and I just found out there are FIVE books and I only own three. It would make a nice movie I think. Cullen is a character I love, so much like me in the reading department. The bits of Celtic history is great. It's the basic storytelling that makes it a good read for fantasy lovers and I love how their nerdy math teacher gets involved and he has all this Star Wars stuff, and yes I'm a fangirl of that world too. I will be reading the third book soon since they introduced another character I'm eager to see how she will play out.
Once again, Christine & Ethan Rose have weaved a thrilling tale of magic and adventure in “Witch on the Water”. Like its predecessor, “Rowan of the Wood”, this is an enchanting page-turner that has it all. It is filled not only with the wizards, vampires and heroes from the first novel, but new enigmatic characters are introduced to take this story by the reins and alter the course of events for our courageous heroes and vicious villains. The numerous plot lines come together so very well and are each in their own right interesting stories that could stand alone as their own novels; especially the journey of the magic wand, which we learn more about in this story. Something very evident in “Witch on the Water” is the tone…it is much darker and dangerous. Sweet, innocent Cullen finally begins to fight all the forces that are against him. Dark, destructive secrets are revealed. The cruel vampire Fiana is more ruthless than ever. From the characters to the intermingling plot lines and transitions, everything is described so descriptively and simplistically that I can’t help but think how well this would render on the big screen. There were times while reading this that I could actually picture in my mind how a director would create the scene. I cannot wait for the veil to the Otherworld to open again next Samhain so I can find out what happens next!
Witch on the Water is the sequel to Rowan of the Wood. I enjoyed the first book quite a bit, although I don’t think it’s suitable for the younger audience it’s intended for. The second book doesn’t have the sexual innuendo so is more suitable for that particular audience.
However, this book wasn’t as strong as the first. It was good, but not as riveting and the pace was much slower. There were some really interesting scenes and topics covered, but generally speaking the characters felt uncommitted to the storyline and this affected the overall reading experience for me. I especially found Cullen’s moodiness irritating.
The biggest letdown was the climax, which sort of fizzled out and felt like a carbon copy of the first book. It should have been much bigger, stronger, getting the adrenaline going and leaving the reader eager for the next book, but that’s not what happened.
In truth, I have little else to say, which is unusual for me. I don’t think I’ll bother with any more books in this series.
I enjoyed the second book of this fantasy series, following ROWAN OF THE WOOD. I was fortunate to have read the first book last year.
This time Cullen isn't as noble as he was in the first book. He is tired of having a wizard living in his brain. The Rowan is also tired of life now and wants out. He is depressed and is having a hard time dealing with what his wife has become.
A new character has emerged in this book. It is the math teacher who has a thing for Max, Cullen's favorite teacher. It is good because he turns out to be something of a hero. All of the characters are well fleshed out and are believable.
This time they try to send the Rowan to the otherworld while saving Cullen. It backfires and they instead have to save Max from Fiana's clutches. I can't say much more because I will give too much away.
If you like fantasy, PLEASE check these books out. I promise you won't be sorry!
Witch on the Water is the sequel to the novel, Rowan of the Woods. The novel follows the continuing adventures of Cullen, Maddy, and April. All in all, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this novel and its predecessor. Witch on the Water is action packed and filled with some very suspenseful moments. This is a book that I think readers of all ages could enjoy.
One aspect that I really enjoyed was that the characters came into their own in this book. While they did grow a lot in the first novel, I was able to see a lot more of their potential. Sadly, the plot still leaves me wondering a few details, but I am hopeful that these will be addressed in the third novel. Take a rainy afternoon and try out this series, I do not think you will be disappointed.
As of yet I still have not read the first book, but after reading this engrossing book I am excited to do so soon. I do recommend reading Rowan of the Wood first since I was sort of confused until I read a synapsis of that book. These characters are lovable and endearing. You will quickly find yourself on the edge of your seat in regards to Rowan's, Cullen's, and friends' adventures.
I received an advance copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads and after enjoying this book I did go out and find Rowan of the Wood which I enjoyed as well.
The second book continues with Cullen having trouble in school, but finds himself surrounded by unusual friends who form a band of irregulars who help him and his possessed wizard combat the evil vampire witch when she attacks Cullen's favorite teacher. Did not like it as well as the first, but it is a nice continuation of the characters and the story.
This is the second book following "Rowan of the Wood," and it was fun; although, not as much fun as the first in the series. I'm looking forward to the third in the set.
Not as good as the first but still an enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to continueing the series and reading more about Cullen, Maddy and the rest of the gang and getting to know Aiden.