Karen McCullough Reviews

Added July 22, 2003

Witch's Journey

Author: Karen McCullough
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
Available At: www.imajinnbooks.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Paranormal/Witch
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $10.40
ISBN: 1-893896-90-0
Author Email/Website: www.kmccullough.com
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

In the land of Lendiil, magic and witchcraft are considered evil. Those caught practicing it are condemned to death. Jinissa feels compelled to use her magic, even though she knows death will result. Why? A little boy is in a dangerous predicament, and should he fall, it would be to his death. Risking her life to save the little boy is worth it to Jinissa.

Jinny has also been accused of spying. Her sentence is execution by hanging, to be proceeded by flogging. As the townspeople are preparing to punish and then execute Jinny, the sudden appearance of Lord Stephan, a delegate from the king, stops the proceedings. Lord Stephan announces that he is to bring the witch to the king.

What ensues is a long, arduous trip through the mountains as Stephan and Jinny travel to the king. The trip is especially difficult for Jinny - one reason is that Stephan's pure hatred for Jinny and her people cause him to force her to walk for the first couple of days of the journey.

How do the townspeople capture Jinny, and how is Stephan able to force her to complete such a long journey? Through the use of things like witchbane and sigil, a circle of metal they place around Jinny's neck, rendering her powers nil. During the traveling, Jinny contemplates her life and her decisions. Could she have done anything differently? If she tells Lord Stephan of her parentage, will the king let her live?

After a few days travel, Jinny begins to have conflicting feelings towards Stephan. Why are the looks passing between the two of them changing? This is extremely confusing to Jinny, as she is strongly attracted to Stephan, but at times still sees hatred in his eyes. Even so, she cannot help but find him intriguing.

Stephan hates Jinny's people, the Calavrians. Why? Furthermore, it peeves Stephan as he experiences a gamut of emotions towards Jinny - ranging from hatred, anger, indifference, regret and lust. Why can't he control his feelings?

Due to the brutality of the mountains they are traveling, and the weather, Stephan and Jinny are forced to depend on each other, plus show a huge measure of trust. What happens from here on in is an intriguing, action-filled drama, with light touches of humor.

Stephan is a man whose sense of duty and honor begins to conflict with his feelings for Jinny. Witch's Journey is a gripping tale of loyalty - on the part of both Stephan and Jinny. Jinny's faith, patience, kindness and love help increase the sensitivity of the story, and her plight. As you get further into Witch's Journey, your emotions will take quite a beating. Will duty and honor win over love and affection? What will happen when Jinny reaches the king? Intriguing questions to be answered in a book you'll not to want to miss!

Witch's Journey has a touching conclusion. I am quite pleased with Karen McCullough's way of pulling everything together - all the while allowing everyone to remain true to themselves.

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